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

INSIDE: Actress Amy Huberman is calling on students to get involved in annual drama awards See P14

Soccer:

Rivervalley produced night to remember Page 30

Basketball:

Thunder make big additions for new season Page 32

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

what’s the craic, mack? Theatre legend Michael Ball returning to Dublin Page 16

Metro North is coming – in 2027  keith bellew

METRO North was put back on the table this week as it was included in the Government’s €27b Capital Plan, but commuters shouldn’t be jumping for joy just yet – it won’t be constructed until 2027.

The project, which will cost €2.4bn, will commence in 2021.

The optimised version will be a 16.5km light rail link connecting St Stephen’s Green to Swords,

via Dublin Airport. There will be 14 stations between Swords and St Stephen’s Green, and almost 8.5km of the route will run in a tunnel from St Stephen’s Green to Griffith Avenue, and under the airport.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the announcement, while Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said he’s not going to get too excited as he sees it as an election promise.

Full Story on Page 9

A roaring success: McCabes Pharmacy prescribes lots of fun MODEL and social columnist Holly Carpenter officially opened McCabes Pharmacy, Malahide’s new-look branch at Malahide Shopping Centre recently, with help from local children Rayane and Yasmine Ibnovzahir during the special opening day of family-fun,

hosted by Carpenter.

The pharmacy has undergone a major transformation and is the first of the chain’s branches to be refurbished to reflect McCabes Pharmacy’s newly-created: “You’re Amazing. Let’s keep you that way!” brand. Picture: Andres Poveda

2 SWORDS Gazette 1 October 2015

fashion: balbriggan design at national show

health ‘Services same as everywhere’

Girl’s dress showcased

A DRESS made by Loreto, Balbriggan student, Kateryna Kalcheva was recently exhibited at the Wedding Journal Show in Belfast.

Kateryna originally made the dress, entiled Dendroderma, for the national competition, Junk Kouture.

While researching unusual dresses to exhibit at the Wedding Journal show, the team came across Kateryna’s creation. The dress was one of only three dresses selected nationwide to be displayed at the show.

The Balbriggan student’s dress is made from unusual and recycled materials. Using an old black fitted lace-up bodice, Kateryna attached bark to the dress from a dead tree found near her home.

The bottom skirt section of the dress was cre-

ated after experimenting with different manipulations of plastic bags.

Wedding Journal magazine editor Tara Craig said the Wedding Journal show is known for showcasing well-known fashion designers’ dresses, and the team wanted to provide a platform for students to showcase their designs, too.

“A f ter researching unusual wedding dresses to display at the Wedding Journal Show, we chose only three dresses – one of which was Kateryna’s. Dendroderma is a real showstopper, and we loved the fact it was made entirely from recycled material so it’s environmentally-friendly also,” said Craig.

The dress was worn by professional models at the show’s press launch, and took pride of place at the entrance for the course of the show.

A statement by Senator Darragh O’Brien said that north County Dublin, with a population of around 300,000 people, has been left without any HSE ambulance and the situation could continue for another two months

Minister Varadkar rejects ambulance crisis claims Health Minister Leo Varadkar has rejected claims that there is an ambulance crisis in north County Dublin, saying ambulance services in the area are the same as they are ever ywere.

This follows a statement by Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) that north County Dublin, with a population of around 300,000 people, has been left without any HSE ambulance and the situation could continue for another two months.

He said the opening of a new ambulance facility at Lissenhall had been delayed and that this has left one Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance to deal with all emergencies in the region.

“It is completely unacceptable that coming into the winter months, a large geographical

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

area with a population of 300,000 people would be left with no HSE ambulance base. It means that local emergencies must be handled by the one Fire Brigade ambulance serving the region and ambulances will have to be called over from St James’s Hospital on the other side of the city to respond to emergencies,” he said.

He described this as “a gaping hole in a key frontline emergency service” which is putting lives at risk in north County Dublin.

“It will be impossible

to maintain safe emergency response times without any local HSE ambulance. I am calling for urgent action from Minister Varadkar before lives are lost,” he said.

Cllr Adrian Henchy, Fianna Fail member of the HSE Regional For um, said he has warned of this for months, and questioned the head of the HSE’s ambulance service at a meeting in July and was told that the new ambulance base at Lissenhall would be ready within two months.

“We are now past the date by which I was told the ambulance base would be ready. The HSE has moved the date out by a further two months.

Despite several warnings and despite me raising the issue with HSE management on a number of

occasions, we are now in a situation where the base is unusable.

“This was entirely avoidable. We need to hear from health management at the highest level about how this emergency will be resolved,” said Cllr Henchy.

Minister Varadkar responded saying that Senator O’Brien was correct to say the new facility was not open, as it needed to be kitted out fully.

But he was wrong to suggest there had been any reduction in ambulance services in the area.

He said it was served from Swords by two ambulances, one fire brigade ambulance and one HSE, along with services from Drogheda, Meath and Finglas.

“What happens now, and this has been the case for quite some time,

is it’s not necessarily the ambulance from a particular base that comes, it’s the one that’s nearest by. That’s called dynamic fleet deployment. There was a dispute about the temporary facility in Lissenhall, but they’re using that again I’m told, and everything is being done to open the shiny new facility in Lissenhall and it’s hoped that will be done by the end of the month,” he said.

He went on to say that Senator O’Brien was using the ambulance issue for political gain.

“What he is doing, which he does on so many issues, including things like vaccines, which is really appalling, is scaremongering. That’s just not good politics, or acceptable politics in my view when it comes to healthcare,” he said.

1 October 2015 SWORDS Gazette 3

charity

community: strong showing for region’s towns in annual contest

Artists whip up €2,800

Fingal dominates Tidy Towns scores  keith bellew

FINGAL dominated the awards in the Midlands and East region of this year’s Tidy Towns competition, with Skerries winning gold and announced as the overall winner in the Midlands and East region with a score of 321 marks.

Former national champions Malahide weren’t far behind, winning gold with 303 marks, and Lusk performed very well, winning bronze with a score of 293.

With a score of 282, Swords just missed out, despite all of the refurbishments carried out this year and the ongoing work of the local Tidy Towns team.

Balscadden, Balbriggan

and Ballyboughal scored well with 276, 267 and 266 points respectively.

Elsewhere in the county, there was little to separate the towns of Rush (261 points), Donabate (259 points) and Howth (258 points).

Ongar, the sole Tidy Towns team in all of Dublin 15, scored 213 points, while back in the north county, Portmarnock scored 207 points.

Paul Reid, chief executive of Fingal County Council, said the competition continues to be an important link in enhancing the local authority’s relationship with residents and businesses in the county.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said the awards

are a testament to the hard work of all of those involved in the local Tidy Towns organisations.

He said: “Their commitment to keeping the local area tidy not only enhances the appearance of the local community, but also increases the tourism potential of our local towns and villages.

“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the Tidy Towns volunteers in Balbriggan, Donabate, Rush, Swords and Portamarnock.

“With the commitment of all of those involved in Tidy Towns across Fingal, I am sure our local towns and villages will continue to excel in the competition in the coming years,” he said.

Tee-time: Golfers help to raise a cool €8,000 for Snowflakes autism support DEREK McNamara, Peter Wisely, Shay Leatham and Declan Graham

were among those teeing off in the recent inaugural Snowflakes Scramble, at Donabate Golf Club. Held in aid of Snowflakes autism support, more than 80 golfers took part, raising more than €8,000 in the process. The funds will help Snowflakes to subsidise speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and play therapy for some of their members for the next 12 months. The competition was eventually won by the four-ball of Shay Leatham (Forrest Little), Peter Wisely (The Island), Derek McNamara (The Island) and Declan Graham (Corballis).

CATHERINE Lawlor School of Art, Malahide recently raised €2,800 for the Irish Osteoporosis Society through its 13th annual art exhibition.

Proprietor Lawlor said the exhibition was a great success and the school was delighted to have raised €2,800 for the charity.

She thanked all those who attended and supported the exhibition, along with ever yone who contributed to the exhibition, including artist John Kirwan, who launched the event.

She also thanked those who donated raffle prizes, all the students who exhibited their paintings and the committee members and helpers who organised the event.

4 SWORDS Gazette 1 October 2015

business Swords centre included in joint NAMA offer

Pavilions included in €1.85bn bid UK PROPERTY group Hammerson and Germany’s Allianz Real Estate have acquired the NAMA loans for the Project Jewel deal, which includes 50% stakes in both the Ilac Shopping Centre and the Pavilions in Swords.

The joint bid of €1.85bn was granted by NAMA for the project which

also includes loans associated with Dundrum Town Centre and a site on O’Connell Street and Moore Street.

The project is connected with Irish property developer Joe O’Reilly and his company, Chartered Land, which is one of NAMA’s biggest debtors.

The companies will

have a 25% stake each in both the Pavilions and the Ilac centres. The remaining 50% of the Pavilions is split between Irish Life and IPUT investments, which own 25% respectively.

The remaining 50% of the Ilac is also owned by Irish Life. The transaction is expected to complete

by the end of October.

David Atkins, Hammerson chief executive, said the project “provides a unique opportunity to increase our exposure to Europe’s fastest-growing economy, creating a platform for significant investment and employment opportunities”.

However, neither Ham-

merson or Allianz Real Estate have made their intentions known in terms of their plans for these properties, though Hammerson has announced plans to open an office in Dublin, which may indicate plans for sustained development as opposed to a quick flip of the properties for a profit.

don’sdublin By endurance, a man called Shackleton conquered the world If ever a man lived up to his family motto then Ernest Shackleton is most definitely that man. The words

By Endurance We Conquer were borne out to the maximum as he led all his men to safety during the Antarctic expedition of 1914-17. It is a tale of unbelievable skill, bravery and determination that is considered one of the greatest achievements in exploration and well presented in the Endurance Exhibition in Dun Laoghaire.

Shackleton was born on February 15, 1874 in Kilkea, near Athy in County Kildare. His father, Henry, decided to study medicine in Trinity College and moved his family into 35 Marlborough Road, Ranelagh for four years from 1880-84. After graduation the family moved to Sydenham, south London where he practised medicine for more than 30 years.

Ernest went to school in Dulwich College, and joined the merchant navy when he was 16. He progressed quickly and in 1901 was invited by Captain Scott to travel aboard the Discovery to the Antarctic.

They failed to reach the South Pole, as did his own 1907-09 Nimrod expedition that got to within 97 miles of its goal.

On his return he received much public adulation and was knighted by Edward VII. He returned to Dublin and gave lectures in Earlsfort Terrace (now the National Concert Hall) and the Gresham Hotel.

For the 1914 expedition to cross the Antarctic, the team sailed in the Endurance on the day Germany declared war. As the ship approached the Antarctic it became frozen in the ice and was eventually crushed and lost. The team headed in three small boats to Elephant Island, and from there Shackleton and five others made the 800-mile journey in horrendous weather to South Georgia. The 17-day journey in an open 20-foot boat, the James Caird, and the safe return of the crew, was heroic and bordering on the miraculous. Endurance, indeed.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Ernest Shackleton: His Antarctic expedition of 1914-17 is a thrilling tale of unbelievable skill, bravery and determination

1 October 2015 SWORDS Gazette 5

housing ‘Incorporate play facilities in 50-unit schemes’

Calls for developers to build playgrounds  keith bellew

FINGAL County Council has said that all developments in excess of 50 units are required to incorporate children’s play facilities into their planning application.

This follows calls from Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) for more smallscale local playgrounds to be provided.

He made these calls in the context of the public consultation for the Fingal County Council Open Space Strategy, which has just ended.

This strategy relates to the provision of facilities in the various open pieces of land throughout the

county.

He said: “While the council currently maintains some excellent playgrounds in its large regional parks such as the Millennium Park or St Catherine’s, most of these require that parents put their kids in a car and drive them there.

“There needs to be greater facilities for parents to have their kids on swings/slides for half an hour at a location that is within reasonable walking distance of their home.”

While the council’s stated policy requires developers to provide these facilities, Cllr O’Gorman said that

developers are able to buy their way out of these conditions by providing funds or land for larger projects, and he believes there should be more emphasis on small local facilities.

In Swords, the need for local playgrounds was so great that an independent group called Swords Needs Playgrounds was established to fundraise and lobby the council for more playground facilities. This initiative proved successful, with the provision of three new playgrounds for the area.

Cllr Justin Sinnott (Ind) said he fully agrees with and supports Cllr O’Gorman’s assertion

that small, localised playgrounds should be a prerequisite for planning permission.

He said that Swords Needs playgrounds was established as a result of the need created by the lack of facilities provided by developers.

Cllr Sinnott said: “Unless you put in a requirement that the developer build a playground, the developer is probably not going to do that. There are examples where they have, for example Boroimhe.

“There was a nice playground built there by the developer and it’s maintained by Fingal [County Council] and used by the

Boroimhe playground is one example of a facility installed by a developer – a move that councillors and locals wish to see repeated as policy. Picture: Foursquare

community. I completely support the idea that when we give planning permission there needs to be a community dividend,” he said.

He said that this prevents a situation where in privately managed estates, the council cannot provide facilities

because it has no authority to do so, and in public estates it may not be able to do so due to a lack of funding.

A spokesperson for the council said around half of the public playgrounds provided in Fingal have been developed through planning conditions

placed on developers.

“Where specific gaps in provision are identified, the council is available to meet with residents or community groups with a view to addressing any deficiencies in the provision of appropriate play facilities,” said the spokesperson.

6 SWORDS Gazette 1 October 2015

parking Strategies for town in spotlight Parking strategies for Swords will be considered in the context of the County Development Plan review, Fingal County Council has confirmed.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) asked that Fingal chief executive Paul Reid investigate town parking structures in place in Westport, County Mayo and other large towns to see if such “proven successful strategies” could be applied to the town.

“We need to do all that we can to assist Swords Main Street businesses in this regard,” he said.

The council said Swords was an old town which had grown in recent decades.

This is one reason why such structures are not currently in place, but they would be explored as part of the development plan.

winner Swords excels in four categories to win

Dynamic

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

Swords has claimed a Purple Flag in recognition of its night life and promotion of safety and wellbeing for all

Swords has been awarded a Purple Flag in acknowledgement of its vibrant night life and the promotion of safety and wellbeing for visitors and local residents.

Purple Flag is a town and city centre award – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 6pm and 5am. Towns awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a dynamic mix of entertainment while ensuring that all visitors and residents are safe.

Since 2007, 65 towns and cities in Ireland and the UK have achieved

Purple Flag status. Purple Flag accredited towns have all reported a consistent increase in footfall and a decrease in crime within the evening and night-time economy.

Mayor of Fingal David O’Connor (Ind) said the award was a great achievement for Swords which would bring significant benefits to the town.”

Delighted

The Swords Purple Flag Working Group has is delighted with the award.

It is particularly proud that the town performed strongly in all four categories of assessment.

Under Wellbeing, Swords has been assessed as welcoming, clean and safe. Under Movement,

1 October 2015 SWORDS Gazette 7

Purple Flag seal of approval for vibrant nightlife

exercise FitLine to motivate over-55s

it demonstrated a secure pattern of arrival, circulation and departure.

In the area of Broad Appeal, it was able to show that it is a town that is a vibrant choice and has a rich mix of appeal to customers visiting at night. Under the category of Place, Swords demonstrated it was a stimulating destination and a vital place.

T h e d e ve l o p m e n t of the “cultural quarter” was another factor which contributed to the awarding of Purple Flag status which assessors described as a welcome and exciting prospect for the town.

The assessors also said that Swords’s greatest asset was its location and increasing population.

The fact that Swords

FITLINE, the Age and Opportunity helpline to encourage older people to be more physically active, wants volunteer mentors in Balbriggan. These roles will be based in Balbriggan Library where volunteers will use phones to support and motivate older people to get active.

Go for Life FitLine is a free service available on 01-8057733. The mentors have local knowledge of events and sports programmes suited to the over-55s and will encourage and support service users to find out about clubs, groups and facilities in their areas.

Those interested are encouraged to contact Caitriona Geraghty in Fingal Sports Office on 01-890 6247 for more information.

town is the place to party is home to Ireland’s largest entertainment venue, The Wright Venue was another deciding factor with assessors saying it is an example of “best in class”. The assessors said that from the very visible customer care, health and safety policies, comprehensive standard operating procedures and immediate updating of information via a bespoke mobile app, the senior staff and team leaders in this venue were most impressive.

Tony Lambert of the Fingal Dublin Chamber said: “We are delighted that all the hard work that took place to make the application for the Purple Flag has paid off.

Swords is a great town to visit and we hope that Swords follows in

Pictured at County Hall are County Mayor David O’Connor with some of the local politicians and Purple Flag assessors awaiting the assessment

the steps of other towns and will soon report an increase in footfall and a decrease in crime.”

Toni Hogan, Purple Flag co-ordinator from Fingal County Council, said the local collaboration was the keystone

of the Purple Flag process and all the partners in this initiative worked extremely hard to achieve Purple Flag status.

Chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid echoed Hogan’s remarks saying: “Every-

one has played their part in achieving the Purple Flag for Swords including the businesses, the local media, the chamber, and the elected members and staff of Fingal County Council.”

Philip Kolvin, chairman of the Purple Flag Board, said the award was a testament to what can be achieved when local organisations work in partnership with the public.

“The sustained growth of the Purple Flag initiative is highlighting the important challenge of creating a balanced, safe and vibrant night-time offering. It is inspiring to witness the ongoing diversity of efforts from all accredited towns; old and new alike,” he said.

Cllr Darragh Butler

(FF) paid tribute to the Purple Flag Working Group and thanked them for all the hard work they had put in.

“This is great news for Swords. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for all of your hard work. People have been coming up to me all summer saying that they have never seen Swords look better and huge credit goes to Fingal County Council, Swords Tidy Towns, Dublin Fingal Chamber of Commerce, the local businesses and all involved in achieving this. Fantastic news for Swords,” he said.

Swords will officially receive the Purple Flag accreditation at an awards ceremony on November 3 in Guildford, Surrey, UK.

8 SWORDS Gazette 1 October 2015

opinion Let’s change behaviours

Paul Kelly: “The GLT campaign is an excellent example of how the Government and the private sector can work together in partnership”

Industry steps up battle against gum

LocalMatters S u p p o r t l o c a l b u s i n e ss

Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240

By now you will have likely seen the blanket of advertising on the sides of buses, on billboards nationwide, at the train station or on the TV asking you to Bin Your Gum When You’re Done. You may well be asking who is behind it.

The answer is it is part of a wider campaign by the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT); a body funded by the chewing gum industry and established within Ibec whose objective is changing people’s behaviour and attitude towards how they bin their gum.

Earlier this year the GLT e s t a b l i s h e d a renewed agreement with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government which will see industry fund a national gum litter awareness programme from 2015 to 2017.

It represents a multimillion euro commitment by industry to

tackle the issue. Bin Your Gum When You’re Done was then launched this month in a bid to encourage people to dispose of their gum in a responsible way in towns and cities throughout the country.

It is the latest in a series of campaigns which have been running since 2007.

It is proven to work as well. The campaigns have seen significant results over a period of time with a drop in gum as a percentage of national litter from 26.37% in 2007 to 15.3% in 2014, according to the national litter pollution monitoring system.

According to research carried out by Millward Brown on behalf of the campaign, we’ve seen a continuation of the incremental year-on-year increase in the percentage of people who viewed dropped chewing gum as litter. The figure is now at an all-time high of 93%.

The results show the effectiveness of the cam-

paign in changing consumer behaviour and encouraging people to dispose of their gum responsibly. The results also demonstrate that education and awareness are a sustainable longterm means of tackling the issue.

Beyond the advertising elements of the campaign, the GLT also promotes a civic partnership element, including sponsorship of TidyTowns competition and An Taisce – Green Schools and National Spring Clean programmes.

A “Bin it!” educational workshop (aimed at 11- to 13-year-olds) has also been running for a number of years, with the addition this year of Bin it! Buddies which extends the reach of the programme to 14- to 16-year-old students.

This includes an actorled workshop tour which takes place in schools each autumn and is sup-

ported by learning materials for teachers so they can integrate it into the school curriculum. We have reached more than 30,000 students since we started.

This isn’t an initiative just rolled out in the bigger cities, by working in partnership with local authorities throughout Ireland; we’re seeing the message go nationwide and achieving higher levels of engagement with the public.

The GLT campaign is an excellent example of how the Government and the private sector can work together in partnership. It’s hoped that the campaign over the next three years will continue to change people’s attitudes for the better and result in cleaner, gumfree cities and counties around nationwide.

Paul Kelly Gum Litter Taskforce

1 October 2015 SWORDS Gazette 9

transport Plan for €2.4bn North Dublin to be complete by 2027 council Barriers not due at junction

Mixed reaction to new Metro  keith bellew

AFTER decades of waiting and numerous disappointments, Swords will get its long-awaited Metro North – albeit an optimised version.

The precursor to Metro North was first proposed

by An Foras Forbartha in 1972.

Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe announced that as part of the transport Capital Plan, an optimised Metro project worth €2.4bn would commence in 2021, with completion expected around 202627.

The project will be a 16.5km light rail line connecting St Stephen’s Green to Swords, via Dublin Airport.

There will be 14 stations between Swords

and St Stephen’s Green, and almost 8.5km of the route will run in a tunnel from St Stephen’s Green to Griffith Avenue, and under the airport.

The route will travel through Drumcondra, the Mater Hospital, DCU and Ballymun, before going on to Dublin Airport and Swords, offering a journey time of 19 minutes from O’Connell Street to the airport, and 31 minutes from O’Connell Street to Swords Estuary.

The project is coming in cheaper than originally envisioned as a result of a number of design changes, one of which is that it will not be a tunnel all the way – there is some overground around the Ballymun Road and there are some savings because there are fewer stations.

Other main cost reduction elements of the new Metro North are a reduced length of elevated structure by surface running in Swords; one less city centre station, by replacing O’Connell Bridge and Parnell Square stations with a single station at O’Connell Street; and smaller stations with shorter platforms, matching the reduced-length vehicles.

According to the N a t i o n a l Tr a n s p o r t Agency, the project delivers the highest benefit to cost-ratio of all of the options assessed.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) has said the announcement is great news for the north county.

He said: “I am delighted that New Metro North has been chosen as the

The latest iteration of the long-running Metro plan for the city has been announced, with works to begin in 2021, says Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe

transport option to serve the transport needs of Swords, Dublin Airport, and the surrounding areas in the long-term.

“Finally, we have certainty in relation to the future of public transport to serve the north county.”

Cllr Darragh Butler

(FF) was more sceptical, saying that while he welcomed the announcement, he won’t get overly excited as he believes this to be nothing more than an election promise.

Dublin Airport Authority chief executive Kevin Toland said: “A rail link to the city centre is an

essential element of Dublin Airport’s longterm growth plans, and we welcome the fact that the new Metro service will be underground at the airport, as this will allow an efficient transfer of passengers from the Metro to the terminals, and vice-versa.”

FINGAL County Council has said that there is existing pedestrian crossing warning signage at the entrance to the shopping area at Blackthorn Lane Boroimhe, and it is not recommended to install safety barriers there due to the layout of the junction.

This follows calls from councillors for safety measures to be implemented, in light of the centre’s proximity to a creche.

Barriers are in place at the two main pedestrian exits of the shopping centre: at Forest Road and Boroimhe Road.

The council said the footpath will be examined to determine if a safe uncontrolled crossing can be located between the entrance to the shopping area and Boroimhe Blackthorn.

10 swords Gazette 1 October 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Andy Taylor of Thornleigh Educate Together

Uilleann piper Nollaig Mac Carthaigh and Antaine O Farachain play as Tura Arutura gives an uplifting performance at the sean nos dancing workshop which was part of a culture night in Swords Library. The audience had the chance to take part in the song and dance.

Toes got tapping and a great time was had by all. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Cuileann McHugh showcases her excellent Irish Dancing

Sean nos dancer Tura Aruatura teaching the group to tap

1 October 2015 swords Gazette 11

Denis O’Keeffe, Jimmy Hammond, Scott Brennan and Derek Hammond

project: st finian’s planning for a future all-weather pitch

S

t Finian’s GAA Club has launched a new project aimed at developing an all-weather pitch in the grounds of Loreto College Rivervalley. At the event, club chairman Barry Shelly set out this exciting vision for the future of the club to a gathering of members and friends of the club. The Dublin GAA County Board vice chairman Mick Seavers also addressed the gathering and encouraged all of the community to get behind making this important project a success.

Kristen McGarry with her new friend

culture night: SEAN NOS DANCING WORKSHOP

Toes tapping at Swords Library

the group

Donal O’Hagan and daughter Roisin

Mick Seavers, GAA County Board vice chairman

PJ and Grace Murray. Pictures: Donal O’Hagan

Sean McHugh shares a song with Maighread Medbh

Imelda John and David Lennon with Eva Kellegher

Mary McGarry

12 Gazette 1 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Sinead Burke

Alex and Teodora Coptil. Pictures: Ruth Medjber

A simple message of Hope to carry around

T

HE launch of jewellery designer Margaret O’Rourke’s special fundraising pendant in aid of Pieta House was a lovely success at MoMuse in the Powerscourt Centre, Dublin 2 recently, where her design was greatly praised.

Retailing for €65, with 100% of

Ingrid Hoey

proceeds going to Pieta House, the self-harm and suicide support service, the Hope pendant is inscribed wth the same word – a key message that underpins the work of Pieta House.

The hand-finished pendants are accompanied by a keepsake card, providing an elegant reminder to its

Jenny McGinn and Rosemary McCabe

bearer or gift-giver of the importance of persevering, of reaching out, of providing or seeking support for those in need.

With such an admirable cause to support, there was a steady stream of supporters willing to help support the pendant and Pieta House.

Melanie Morris

Margaret O’Rourke and Brian Higgins, chief executive, Pieta House

Cara Doyle

1 October 2015 Gazette 13

feature P15

asdfsdaf theatre P27 P16

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: xpose presenter, glendA gilson on her busy routine

what’son

A hectic but sparkling life chasing stars  aisling kennedy

XPOSE presenter Glenda Gilson rarely has two days that are the same, as she is constantly on the move covering all types of fashion, showbiz, and entertainment news.

Having just returned from a week reporting as the fashion correspondent for Xpose at London Fashion Week, she took time out to give The Gazette an insight into a day in her life with Xpose.

“Tomorrow, I will get up at 4.30am as I have to fly to London to interview Jessica Chastain, who is starring in the movie The Martian, which is out this week.

“When I get up at that time, it’s way too early to have breakfast so I’ll have a coffee. I’ll wait until I get over to London, get to the Dorchester Hotel where I have to meet Jessica, and then I’ll sit down and have something to eat while I read over my questions.”

Gilson said that as she reads over her questions, she will also put on her makeup before she heads up to a suite where she will interview the Hollywood star.

“The interview will be a standard press junket, so it’s a two-camera set up with each reporter taking turns sitting down to interview her. I’ve met Jessica before,

get ready for speks appeal HAVING played to full houses all across Ireland, the inimitable Speks will bring their unique blend of traditional music and nursery rhymes to The Mill Theatre in Dundrum on Sunday, October 4 at 2pm.

Comprising six members, the Speks are said to hail from a mysterious island off the coast of County Clare called Glasses Island, where everybody wears glasses.

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‘I don’t usually get changed for the red carpet, because all you see is my head and shoulders’

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Glenda Gilson

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and she’s a gorgeous girl; she always has a smile on her face every time you meet her.”

Gilson said that once the interview is over, she then has to make her way over to the film premiere at Leicester Square to meet the rest of the cast of The Martian, which includes stars such as Matt Damon and Kate Mara.

She is then sectioned into the media “pin”, where they place all media on lockdown as they all vie to get an interview with the stars.

“That’s about two hours of being on my tippy-toes with my arm outstretched to get questions to all the stars that walk past me. I don’t usually get changed for the red carpet, because all you see is my head and shoulders.

“I used to wear heels and a dress for

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“I usually don’t get home to my house until about 12.30am, so I try to unwind for about an hour, get some sleep, and do it all again the next day,” says Glenda

these events, but now I just throw on flats and get over there and do what I can in those couple of hours.”

Gilson then runs to catch a taxi at about 7.30pm when the red carpet event is over, and she catches the Heathrow Express from Paddington to get to her flight.

“I make sure I get there on time now, because I’ve missed so many flights!

I’ll grab a beer and a bite to eat at the airport, because I’m usually hyper after coming from the red carpet.

“I usually don’t get home to my house until about 12.30am, so I try to unwind for about an hour, get some sleep, and then get up to do it all again the next day.”

Catch Glenda Gilson on Xpose every week day on TV3.

Favourites Their 45-minute show comprises all-time favourite nursery rhymes such as Humpty Dumpty, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Incy Wincy Spider and many more family favourites, set to acoustic Irish traditional music.

Band leader Quince said: “We are so looking forward to playing in Dublin; we’ve been so close, in Kildare and Wicklow, but have never made it to the city, and what a treat for us, and for the children! We’ll have them singing and clapping to their hearts’ content.”

To purchase tickets for the event, see www.thespeks.com.

14 Gazette 1 October 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Hit the trail to help find a cure for sight loss

Fighting Blindness has launched its sixth annual Glendalough Trail, which is open to all levels of fitness with 15.5km run and 10km jog/walk options.

Taking place on Saturday, October 31, at 11am, the event last year saw over 300 people take the challenge raising €17,000

to support research into finding cures and treatments for sight loss.

Fighting Blindness is calling on walkers, runners and joggers to join in this off-road experience, and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the green forest trails of County Wicklow.

Tony Ward, head of

fundraising with Fighting Blindness, said: “The Glendalough Trail is unique, with a carefully planned route through the beautiful valley and a great variety of underfoot terrain. We welcome all supporters to come and join us this year for what promises to be a great day out.”

The entry fee is €20, with a further €50 minimum fundraising target, with all proceeds going to Fighting Blindness.

For more information please visit www.FightingBlindness.ie.

daly does her bit for Childline Cheerios Childline Breakfast week which runs from October 5 to 11 was launched by TV3 presenter Anna Daly at a special series of children’s events in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre last weekend.

Speaking to The Gazette, Daly said: “700,000 calls per annum go into childline from children who have the courage to pick up the phone and look for help.

“When you think about that it’s just so sad. Before I had children I would have thought that was very sad, now that I have them it makes me want to ball crying,” she said.

She went on to say that the funds raised through this initiative enable more staff to staff the phones 24/7 as, if a child calls at 3am and nobody is there to take the call, childline may miss its one opportunity to help that child.

For more information on hosting a Cheerios Childline Breakfast visit www.childlinebreakfast. ie.

lectures to mark 25th anniversary As part of the Carmichael Centre’s 25th anniversary,

diary

Actress and writer Amy Huberman who was on hand to officially launch the Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards

celebrations are due to take place with a series of six public lectures over the winter/spring period.

The Carmichael Centre is home to 47 charities and provides shared services and targeted supports in-house to over 30,000 people from all over Ireland every year.

The lectures will take place in Carmichael House on Brunswick Street from 7 to 9pm and will be on the theme “Irish Civic Society 100 years on from the Proclamation of the Irish Republic”.

Some of the speakers who will contribute include: Sister Stan Kennedy (founder of Focus Ireland) on October 22, John Lonergan (former governor of Mountjoy Prison) on November 19, Fintan O’Toole (Irish Times journalist) on December 3, Sean Healy (director and co-founder of Social Justice) on January 21, Alice Leahy (director and co-founder of Social Justice Ireland) on February 18, and Pat Carey (former Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and chairperson of the Irish Red Cross) on March 10.

The lectures are free for the public to attend and

light refreshments will be served. For information, email ken@carmichaelcentre.ie.

call to take part in theatre awards Bord Gais Energy is calling on students in Dublin to take part in this year’s Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards.

Irish actress Amy Huberman officially launched the annual awards that celebrate drama in schools around Ireland. The actress, and mum of two, will also be joining the judging panel for this year’s awards with additional judges due to be announced later in the year. This year marks the third year the awards have taken place.

Last year there were over 3,300 entries from schools across Ireland culminating in an awards ceremony at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre with 2,000 students representing 57 schools in attendance.

The Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards, which has 12 categories, is open to primary school students from third to sixth class and all secondary school students.

The deadline for entries to the competition is 5pm,

Friday, January 29.

For more information log onto www.bgesta.ie

entries sought for music awards Dublin teens can now tune up for the €3,000 top prize as the Fr Frank Maher Classical Music Awards is seeking entries for 2015.

With a €3,000 prize for the winner and €250 for the finalists, it is Ireland’s largest classical music competition for secondary schools.

The top prize bursary will be used by the winner to attend a recognised place of tuition, a course of study in Ireland or abroad or on a purchase necessary for the development of their talent.

Welcoming the launch of the 2015 Awards, RTE NSO leader Helena Wood said: “As players, we are conscious of the enormous financial and personal investment required for young musicians. This prize money will provide some talented young person with valuable additional financial help in fulfilling their musical ambitions.”

Closing date for entries is October 15. For more information, visit www. topsecurity.ie.

1 October 2015 Gazette 15

FEATURE escape the mayhem: alison comyn, utv ireland

UTV host switches off with beach life

 ian begley

KEEPING up-to-date with the news, alongside having the busy occupation as co-anchor of UTV’s Ireland Live programme, can certainly lead to a lot of stress.

According to TV presenter and mother of two Alison Comyn, working in a very pressurised and competitive environment can take its toll, but finding a healthy balance between work and play is key to keeping the stress levels at bay.

This week, The Gazette caught up with Comyn to see what she does to escape the mayhem of her

day-to-day life.

Aged 44, Comyn lives in Drogheda with her husband, Malachy, and their two children, Holly and Luke.

She said: “At times I find it very difficult to unwind and relax even though I’m aware of how important it is. I’m always running about the place, but for me, I find the best way to switch off is to head to the beach nearby my home.

“I go to the beach whenever I get the chance and my children also like to come with me, along with my two dogs, Izzy and Zach.

“It’s great seeing my

children run loose and get out and about in the fresh air, but for me I find that it’s a fantastic way to get a bit of exercise without even knowing it.

“I also used to run a lot to get fit and to clear my head. I probably should do it a lot more because I find it very beneficial.”

Comyn went onto say that another way she likes to unwind and distress herself is to travel.

“I love to escape abroad whenever I get the time and experience all the different sights and cultures.

“I recently came back from France, and I’ll be going to Prague around Christmas time. Prague is

Bid for Dublin as Capital of Culture gathers pace  Keith Bellew

Around 500 people crowded into the Mansion House recently for a showcase of Dublin’s talents and a series of talks organised by the Dublin 2020 team and centred around the bid for Dublin to be crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2020.

The Gazette spoke with Dublin 2020 director Ray Yeates about how the bid came about, its most popular initiatives and the plans for the last few weeks before judges arrive for the inter view on November 12.

He said that the idea had been tossed around

by Dublin City Council as far back as 2012, but never crystallised.

“Last September is when the serious conversations began.

“It has come together very quickly in comparison to other cities who’ve been a couple of years building their teams. But we’ve caught up very quickly. We got going late last year, so this year has been very high paced,” he said.

T h e r e h ave b e e n numerous initiatives launched throughout the campaign and Yeates says the most popular of these is the Tea and Chat series which sees prominent people, such as Cllr Christy Burke a n d S e n a t o r D av i d Norris speaking about Dublin.

He said that there were two big events planned over the next

few weeks as a final push for the bid.

It is hoped that there will be a huge street party on November 12 to coincide with the Christmas lights being turned on.

This would serve as a finale for the entire bid as November 12 is the day that judges from the Capital of Culture will interview the Dublin 2020 team.

“We’d love to get a big street event with about 5,000 people just around the time of the interview.

“Dublin Town were telling me that they’ll be switching on the Christmas lights on November 12 which is the day of the interview, so we might be able to turn it into a big bid event,” he said.

such a beautiful city, and the Christmas markets they have over there are just incredible.

“I don’t read as much as I should, but I’ve always found it to be a great way to unwind. Actually, when I was away on holidays, I read seven books on my Kindle. I’m really getting into the old classics, such as Ernest Hemingway,” she said.

Alison Comyn has been the co-anchor of UTV Ireland’s weekday news programmes Ireland Live and Ireland Live at 10 since January, and was recently asked to present an IFTA at the upcoming award ceremony.

TV presenter Alison Comyn, who heads to a nearby beach to relax with her children

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16 Gazette 1 October 2015

dublinlife

features

Michael looking forward to having a ball in Dublin  ian begley

Michael Ball : “The craic here is just amazing and you always get the best welcome”. Picture: Manuel Harlan

Theatre legend Michael Ball is coming to Ireland to showcase the classic Broadway musical Mack & Mabel and has told The Gazette that he plans to hit his favourite nightlife hotspots while in Dublin.

Ball who plays Mack Sennett, the great comedy director of the silent screen, stars alongside Rebecca LaChance who depicts the real-life story of actress Mabel Normand.

The show tells the tale of a group of pioneering filmmakers who changed

the world surrounded by the great fun of the silent screen.

Speaking to The Gazette, Ball said that he has been to Ireland many times before and always loves coming back.

“I’ll make sure to drop

by Lillies Bordello while I’m here and will do all the good things that I can’t remember from the last time I was here.

“I don’t understand how you guys do it. The craic here is just amazing and you always get the best welcome that can’t be compared to anywhere else.”

Ball went onto say that Mack & Mabel exceeded all of his expectations – he thinks it’s one of the most successful shows he’s ever been in.

“There’s a phenomenal cast and the energy of the dance numbers, choreography and slap stick humour gels together perfectly.”

Asked if he thinks he would survive in the era of silent movies, Ball joked: “Not a chance!

“Rebecca, who is playing Mabel, would be perfect because when you see the close-ups of her and compare them to the original close-ups of Mabel Normand, you can tell that she has the same ability to captivate an audience.

“To be quite frank my character Mack was a bastard.

“He was completely driven and obsessed with this new technology of film and would make people laugh at whatever cost, which is ultimately the downfall of their rela-

tionship.

“Mack is an Irish Canadian and is referred to throughout the show as that ‘Irish Bum’.

“I considered doing an Irish-Canadian accent for the show, but it didn’t go so well.

“Playing alongside Rebecca has been a joy from start to finish.

“When we were auditioning in the UK I literally took one look at Rebecca and knew that she was meant to play Mabel.

“I’ve come across many talented Irish actors and up-and-coming performers from Ireland over the years.

“I recently saw Ronan Keating in Once and really thought he was terrific. I’ve seen it three times already and it’s one of my favourite shows.

“Killian Donnelly, who was in the Commitments, is in Kinky Boots.

“I really believe he’s going to be a big West End star, but the doors

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‘Mack is an Irish Canadian and is referred to throughout the show as that Irish Bum. I considered doing an Irish-Canadian accent for the show, but it didn’t go so well’ --------------------------------------------------------

“We narrowed it down to six finalists and I think what did it for her was that she was so calm and natural.”

LaChance also spoke to The Gazette, saying she was really looking forward to performing in Ireland and had no idea that she would be offered the role of Mabel in the first place.

“I was really convinced that I didn’t get the part after I went for the audition and was so surprised when they called me the following day giving me the good news.

“It’s such an exciting experience and I’m delighted to be playing such a big role.”

Asked if there are many Irish people trying to get their big break in the West End, Ball said:

are always open to great talent no matter where they’re from.”

Ball went onto say that nothing was more important than getting experience if you are an aspiring actor.

“Nothing is more important than experience which can come from visiting shows, getting involved in amateur productions and learning and working in the field.

A major new production of the classic Broadway musical Mack & Mabel starring double Olivier award-winning Ball is coming to Bord Gais Energy Theatre from October 27 to November 7.

For more information, visit bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

1 October 2015 Gazette 17

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asdfsdaf P27 cinema P22

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

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Pets a fun-loving Lurcher

Mary Murray, Cara Kelly and Catherine Cusack in Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel. Picture: Ros Kavanagh

Festival: 28 productions spanning 22 different stages across Dublin

Theatrical treats aplenty  Keith Bellew

The Dublin Theatre Festival 2015 kicked off at venues around the city last week, and theatre buffs can avail of all the theatrical treats on offer until October 11.

This year’s programme boasts 28 productions, spanning 22 different stages across Dublin. Eleven new Irish works will premiere over 18 days alongside acclaimed productions from France, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, the UK and Denmark.

The festival was officially opened at the Gaiety Theatre with the Irish premiere of The Night Alive by Conor McPherson, at the Gaiety Theatre in a new co-production from Dublin Theatre Festival and the Lyric Thea-

tre, Belfast.

This week the Gazette caught up with artistic director Willie White about the highlight’s of this year’s programme.

He said the various plays in the programme are like his children and it is very hard to pick a favourite, but one he believes to be among the main highlights is The Night Alive.

“Conor McPherson is from the northside of Dublin and premiered this play in London in 2013. I thought that was a great show and I was determined that we would have it as part of the festival.

It’s important to get a mix of shows which are high quality, but also reach a wider audience.

“We have people who are fantastic actors but also well known, like Laurence Kinlan who was Elmo in Love

/Hate, Ian Loyd Anderson was Dean, and then Adrian Dunbar, who is a very well-known film, television and stage actor who has performed in the festival before,” he said.

One of the most eye-catching events in the programme is the Gate Theatre’s production of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, directed by Joe Dowling.

This new production has been put together to honour America’s most renowned playwright on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

White says Dowling has just finished up 20 years leading the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis Minnesota where he had an association with Miller’s work.

“He has directed world premieres of some of Miller’s plays as far as I recall,

and I have seen [a production of] All My Sons that he did at the Abbey. It has opened already and is running throughout the festival and it’s a very strong production. As you would expect it is a red-blooded play of jealousy, loyalty, community and revenge,” he said.

Another anniversary production at this year’s festival is the Lyric Theatre Belfast’s production of Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa, at the Gaiety Theatre. The award-winning Annabelle Comyn directs this 25th anniversary production which opens on October 6.

White described Dancing at Lughnasa as a masterpiece and said the festival provides a platform for a whole new generation to see it.

For more information visit www. dublintheatrefestival.com.

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

Our Dog of the Week this week is Kim, a stunning six-year-old female lurcher. She arrived into Dogs Trust pregnant last year and went on to have a litter of beautiful puppies who have all since found wonderful homes. Kim is quite shy but has a goofy, fun loving and quirky personality that she shows to those who spend time with her.

If you think you could offer Kim a home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook. com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Don’t forget that you can also support Dogs Trust by checking out their online shop www.dogstrustshop. ie

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 1 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

Time for a toccata at Weir & Sons WATCH aficionados, form an orderly queue – the limited edition toccata by Raymond Weil, in association with violinist Nicola Benedetti, is now available at Weir & Sons.

Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil recently announced its partnership with internationally renowned classical violinist Nicola Benedetti (above) to present the new 34mm ladies watch, the toccata (right).

Now available at Weir & Sons, and with just 300 pieces created, this signature toccata watch features a 34mm rose gold case with chocolate-brown ionised dial, decorated with 11 diamond markers and 80 diamonds set around the bezel.

Also featuring a date window at 3 o’clock, the look is completed by a luxurious chocolate brown satin strap, with the toccata retailing for €2,150.

Benedetti joins Raymond Weil’s impressive roster of musical ambassadors, which includes Labrinth, Milos Karadaglic and 2Cellos.

The arrival of the new toccata at Weir & Sons is perfectly timed as Benedetti took to the stage at the National Concert Hall on September 30.

Artisan lace trim shift dress €87; Fur clutch €31

Denim popper dress €60; Leather trench €375; Brown ankle boot €85

Lumberjacket coat €137; Leather skirt €40; Cable knit jumper €45; Black tassle boots €85

Jacquard pants €53; Sparkle crop tank top €35; Jacquard jacket €75

Boucle scarf €25; Artisan tuft jumper €56; Check marley mini €47

Oasis style for autumn  MIMI MURRAY

CHANNEL your inner 70s goddess with these stylish pieces from Oasis.

From washed denim to Prince of Wales and Donegal check, these are looks

that will take nostalgia to another level.

Clean, lean cuts are layered for effortless effect while pattern is replaced by embellishment including detailed embroidery, full fringing

and opulent jacquard for both day and night.

Check out this beautiful Oasis shoot styled

by Dublin stylist, Judy Gilroy, and shot by Dublin photographer, Kenny Whittle.

White Victoriana dress €75; Black boots €85; Floppy hat €31

Denim popper dress €60; Brown ankle boot €85

1 October 2015 Gazette 19

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20 Gazette 1 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Some of the best places to stay in Carcassonne LOOKING for luxury?

Try the four-star Hotel Donjon (Best Western – this is where I stayed very happily), or the five-star Hotel De La Cite, both of which operate within the walled city.

They run shuttles to and from the airport – all you have to do is ask. Friendly staff are on hand to help with any information you need.

Accessible Breakfast includes a bit of a fry – if you must! Newspapers are easily accessible if you’re that way inclined.

The hotels have gourmet restaurants attached, so you can eat, drink, then roll home within minutes without a care in the world.

Otherwise, for those on a tighter budget, from November 1 until March 30, there’s a special offer. Bon Weekend a Carcassonne promises the canny traveller two nights for the price of one, as well as B&B at weekends.

To find out which hotels are participating, see http://www. tourism-carcassonne. co.uk/news/exceptional-offer-bon-weekendcarcassonne, and start planning your holiday.  therese caherty

The Hotel Donjon

Glimpses of philosopher Michel Foucault’s home afford a vision of timeless canalside relaxation

The 240km Canal Du Midi has as much charm today as when it was built in 1666 as a crucial waterway

Carcassonne’s wonderful, ancient walls and heritage sites are quite a sight to behold

Carcassonne: a leisurely break in france’s Languedoc-Rousillon region

A medieval treasure that’s great for a relaxing escape  therese caherty

SUMMER was leaving, and so was I. After a minor delay on the runway, the Ryanair craft rose in the early morning fog, direction: southwest France.

Carcassonne, in the Languedoc-Rousillon region, was basking in the early 20s, and shortly so was I, as I was ferried to the golden ramparts of the medieval city.

La Cite Carcassonne The history of this citadel – a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997 – is overwhelmingly broad, deep and fascinating. The long story short is this ...

Situated on a hill between the Atlantic and

the Mediterranean, the Romans instantly recognised the area’s strategic value and built a fortress.

So, around 100BC, Carcassonne found itself on the military map where it sat for a very long time.

Its interior walls, with their stonework variations, tell a story of constant transition. The fortification’s circular design comprises two outer walls, 53 towers (one still known as the Inquisition Tower), barbicans (castle defences), a drawbridge and ditch. Stepping into it is like stepping into a Game of Thrones hologram.

Over the centuries, its authority waned and the city went into terrible decline, to such an extent

that the French government wanted it razed.

Enter architect Eugene Viollet Le Duc in 1849, charged with a restoration which began in 1853. The fruits of his labour didn’t quite create a war, but he took some flak for imposing his own vision on the city – and for outsourcing materials.

However, Viollet Le Duc triumphed. We stood in awe amid the ruins he retrieved. What if the walls could speak? I touched the ramparts that have heard the shouts of Roman generals, the roars of Charlemagne, the wails of Cathars, the mutterings of Viollet Le Duc and today the oohs and ahs of tourists.

They have witnessed

so much victory, defeat, needless bloodshed and misery, and what has been learned? History just goes on repeating itself ...

Back on the winding streets, the force of tourism is a jolt. Everywhere, shops of all hues jostle for your cash – reader, keep your eyes on the architecture and pass by.

Basilica SaintNazaire My afternoon tour ended in the nearby Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, also restored by Violletle-Duc. Its cool mix of Romanesque nave and later Gothic choir held a pleasant surprise: a Russian quartet singing acapella amid the stained glass windows, each car-

How Carcassonne got its name AFTER a five-year siege, Queen Carcas realised food was running out and brains, not brawn, were needed to deliver her city. The artful Saracen took the last remaining pig, fed it the last remaining wheat, and flung it over the ramparts.

Believing the city had food enough to waste on pigs, warlord Charlemagne withdrew.

A jubilant Carcas rang the city bells, causing one of Charlemagne’s soldiers to exclaim: “Carcas sonne!” (“Carcas is ringing!”) The rest is history ... See Dame Carcas on a column near the Narbonne Gate – a modern interpretation! rying its own story.

But should you tire of flickering candles and immaculate conceptions, nip outside for a long, satisfying gaze at the gargoyles.

Whenever I’ve spent too long in a medieval church, my spirit soars at the glorious sight of them snarling at the congregation below, urging us to “feck off out of here”!

1 October 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

TRAVEL

OUIBITES

Miles of vines stretch out at the Vignobles Sarrail in Cazilhac A simple but sublime dessert at L’Artichaut

Tuck in to a dizzying selection of eateries Canal Du Midi The Canal Du Midi – another UNESCO heritage site – is an experience of a different stripe. Built in 1666 during the reign of Louis XIV, this 240km waterway from Toulouse to Sete links the Med with the Atlantic, hence its other name: Canal Des Deux Mers (canal of the two seas).

An original superhighway, it is an impressive example of human ingenuity. Given the area’s scarcity of water, enterprising engineer and canal builder Pierre-Paul Riquet (Baron de Bonrepos, to you) set about taking water from the nearby Black Mountains.

He constructed a 6m cubic metre lake, the Bassin de St Ferreol, which filched water from the hills, then filled his canal.

Back in 2015, these nuggets of prime information were in danger of drifting off forever as we moved along Riquet’s creation for several hours, shaded by great plane trees.

The gates opened slowly, the locks filled with a rush of warm dank water, our barge slid on.

I heard someone say

we were passing the home of philosopher Michel Foucault and, yes, there it was, gliding away to my right ...

“You can’t hurry on the Canal Du Midi,” our capitaine intoned. “There’s just no point.” Firm Bateau le Cocagne’s tour with multilingual guide is to be recommended and is easily accessible outside the Hotel Bristol opposite the train station.

The Bastide de Saint Louis Back on terra firma, a stroll around the Bastide de Saint Louis returned me to my land legs. Built during the time of Saint Louis in 1260, it lies on the left bank of the River Aude. Basically a rectangular grid, it’s laid out around a central square, now the Place Carnot.

While its boundaries are determined these days by the boulevards laid out in the 18th and 19th centuries on the site of the old moats, the Bastide’s grid-like streetscape has survived.

You always knowwhere you are and no matter where you wander, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.

The Canal Du Midi is an inviting 240km Part of Basilica of Saint-Nazaire

stretch of waterway

Gargoyles adorn much of the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, glaring out at the world today with the same distinctive fashion as they have done for centuries

For my part, I stumbled on the Musee des Beauxarts’ Raoul Dufy exhibition, the French Fauvist painter who claimed “my eyes exist to erase ugliness”.

Several rooms filled to bursting with his vivid work, including their transposition to ceramic and textile design, were stunning.

Vignobles Sarrail And so, on to the obligatory wine-tasting in

the Vignobles Sarrail in nearby Cazilhac. If you’re curious to know how your wine gets into the bottle, look no further.

As we gazed over miles of vines, Pauline Greefhorst, of Domaine Sarrail, reassured me that machines do the harvesting, not humans. In the production area we saw great vats where grapes are offloaded, the oak tanks where wine ages to perfection, and thence to the public outlet, where

customers – or visitors like me – sample their wares.

Technically, you’re supposed to gargle and spit into the spittoons which stood as high as my shoulder. But I’ve spent a lifetime refraining so instead I swallowed! It seemed wasteful to do otherwise.

Abrupt as ever, the short break ended and I was scudding home. If you’re an ABB (anything but the beach) person, then Carcassonne awaits.

A bientot!

INSIDE (and outside) Carcassonne’s ramparts you’ll find the restaurant choice dizzying – so let me help!

For lunch, t h e r e g i o n ’s traditional cassoulet is a must.

This rich, slowcooked casserole includes pork sausages, goose, duck, sometimes mutton, pork skin (couennes) and haricots blancs – white beans, to you and me.

Reliable sources led me to Le Saint Jean restaurant, Place St Jean.

Our food arrived in cassoles: deep, round, earthenware pots with slanting sides.

Complete with a glass of fine local red, the dish (above, right) was a winner. I’m now officially a fan of cassoulet!

If you’re vegetarian and in the Bastide, L’Artichaut, on the main square – Place Carnot – is the place to go. It delivers a tasty aubergine lasagne, a baked camembert salad and plenty else besides.

The cafe dessert was to drool for –rich chocolate cake, a helping of panna cotta, and a dollop of icecream, all topped off with an espresso. My sinuses

were screaming but what the heck, it was worth it.

For a more gastronomic experience, treat yourself to dinner at the Comte Roger, Rue St Louis, again within the ramparts.

Here I met the chef, Pierre Mesa, who, noting my wheat-free status, delivered one of the best meals of my life. Roast cannette (duckling) arrived and was melt in the mouth. The daintily arranged veg were deliciously al dente.

Dessert, with its lavender theme, was a work of art. And the local wines, recommended by staff, were very more-ish.

The Hotel De La Cite with its one-star Michelin restaurant, La Barbacane, offers a similar gourmet experience.

So, go for it, and bon appetit!  therese caherty

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22 Gazette 1 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

the scorch trials Running for the top

THE sequel to last year’s The Maze Runners – Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (Cert 12A, 131 mins) – sees a group of young people running for their lives (again). Having escaped from a deadly, ever-shifting giant maze and its horrors in the first film, the young leads discover that the outside, ruined world is even worse. Some decent set-pieces help to elevate it into a solidly diverting tale.

walk in the woods Wandering and wondering TWO elderly pals rekindle an old friendship by setting off to hike the 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail in A Walk in The Woods (Cert 15A, 104 mins).

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte make an amiable pair, with their grumbling as they go providing light entertainment, despite some contrived sequences.

Still, it has all the bare essentials for a road trip – via the impressive woods.

inside out

Another pretty Pixar FOR the few people who haven’t seen it yet, Inside Out (Cert G, 102 mins) remains one of Pixar’s best films for years, and has a surprising amount of emotional depths for adults, too. Following the emotions of a small family – with each personified by a different character – and their daughter, it’s a bright, breezy and super colourful family films that takes bold steps into the psyche, too.

In their pairing as an unlikely mentor and student, bored retiree Ben (Robert De Niro) delivers some great life lessons to his new boss, Jules (Anne Hathaway)

the intern: an unusual friendship creates the heart of de niro’s latest

Some fresh lessons on life THE Intern popped up on a lot of people’s radars last week when its co-star, Robert De Niro, took umbrage with the tone of questions being levelled at him during a promotional interview and stormed out.

While the subsequent palaver seems to be more significant than the actual exchange, this skimpy hint of De Niro’s ire stands out as a lone mark on an otherwise spotless (and sometimes infamously mundane) track record of dealing with the press.

After decades of playing tough guys on screen, it is oddly fitting that De Niro should begin to crack during this promotional tour, as his character in The Intern is quite possibly the sweetest character you’ll see in film this year.

Displaying the kind of protestant work ethic

 Dave phillips

that would put the founding fathers to shame, Ben Whittaker is a 70-year-old widower who is quickly realising that there is no substitute for a day at the office.

When a locally-based online fashion company opens its doors to senior interns, he makes sure he is first in line, and he is reluctantly accepted into the fold by the boss, Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway).

Confident and precocious, Jules’s intimacy with every level of her business has her so stretched for time she has taken to cycling around the office, with her coffee

in a handlebar holder and a small army of notaries in tow scheduling in every spare moment.

While it’s a role reversal for Hathaway, you should not expect a reiteration of The Devil Wears Prada – as a character, Jules is more gently moronic than wilfully demonic.

I n s t e a d , we h ave another fine example of what writer and director Nancy Meyers does best.

Meyers has a slew of feelgood romantic comedy successes under her belt, including 2003’s Something’s Gotta Give, and 2009’s It’s Complicated, and her latest film almost fits neatly beside them.

The Intern feels like a romantic comedy – just without the romance.

Like in a traditional love story, the characters gravitate to one another because they need one

another.

Jules is capable but overwhelmed in her position, her inability to trust anyone else to do the job is leading to an insurmountable volume of work that is affecting her family and social life.

Meanwhile, Ben requires an order and structure that is lacking in retirement – it is not just the regimen of getting up and going to the office: Ben needs meaning in his life, and that comes through solving other people’s problems.

It is a trial by fire that provides much of the merriment, but the platonic relationship that develops between the two leads is beauti-

ful to watch.

Hathaway in particular is on top form here, bringing great complexity to what could have been an otherwise straightforward role.

De Niro’s character is a little more linear, but he plays it well and provides the fodder for some very well-written fish-out-ofwater comedy.

It is the classic oddcouple pairing, but while things may look light and airy from the outside, there is a hidd e n l e ve l of depth a t p l ay throughout the film.

Despite the simplicity of the set-up, The Intern still manages to go beyond its comedy roots and unfold in some unexpected ways.

Meyers has seemingly mastered the art of tickling you with one hand and tugging on your heartstrings with the other, while every now and then kneeing you hard in the gut just for good measure.

Here we have two hours of great comedy, wonderful dialogue, engaging story, lovable characters and captivating performances – there’s no good reason not to see this.

Verdict: 8/10

Writer and director Nancy Meyers has delivered another feel-good film that may not reach the heights of Something’s Gotta Give, but is still worthy of a look

1 October 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

MUSIC music video: Cry Monster Cry

Rethinking the bond between music and film

Dublin folk duo Cry Monster Cry have recorded a music video for their track Starling which will feature on Around the World in 80 Music Videos, a global series on music videos, which seeks to rethink the relationship between music and filmmaking, throughout the world.

Created by Brazilian filmmakers Diana Boccara and Leo Longo, all music videos are shot in one take and are presented along with an episode of Behind

the Trip, the web series of the couple, with the making of the videos.

Starling, from the band’s debut album, Rhythm of Dawn, is the 25th in the series and premiered recently on YouTube.

Inspire

Because of the references to certain birds in the lyrics (mocking bird and starling, animals that have the ability to mimic sounds) the music video aims to tell the story of the relationship and exchange

that mankind and nature have, and how they inspire each other, in this case, through music.

The concept of the video also plays with the idea of birdwatchers being watched by the birds, as one inspires the other.

The music video was shot in the Dublin Mountains, in Massey’s Woods, with the presence of friends and family of the band together with friends of Boccara and Longo.

Throughout the

video they don different masks and appear as the creatures of the forest.

The Delorentos also recorded a music video and The Coronas will record a video for their song Get Loose on October 5 as the final Irish contribution to the series.

Boccara and Longo are then moving on to Africa, to shoot music videos there.

Cr y Monster Cr y’s Starling: can be viewed at https://youtu.be/ii5PCo-w3sE?list=PLDB-

Cry Monster Cry’s video was shot high in the Dublin Mountains and was done in one single shot

gLJKGCz4HeSuIjV87rFOdbC20JSBl For more information on Around the World in

80 Music Videos visit: w w w.facebook.com/ atw80musicvideos, https://www.youtube.

com/aroundtheworldin80musicvideos or instagram.com/ atw80musicvideos/

24 Gazette 1 October 2015

Gazette

1 October 2015 Gazette 25

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

technology: dedicated handheld hardware could soon be a thing of the past

Ready for portable gaming’s evolution?

 shane dillon

WITH the inexorable rise of mobile gaming into mass culture, you might expect to see dedicated handheld consoles enjoying a resurgent popularity, following in the notable footsteps left by the likes of Nintendo’s 3DS, or Sony’s PlayStation Vita.

However, the opposite now seems to be true – the ever-increasing rise in mobile gaming makes

it increasingly less likely that new gaming handhelds will appear. Why, you may ask?

Speaking in Birmingham at the just concluded EGX 2015 – the UK’s biggest gaming event – Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, was asked about developing a sequel platform to the Vita.

He said: “People have mobile phones and it’s

so easy to play games on smartphones. And many games on smartphones are free, or free to start.

“I myself am a huge fan of PlayStation Vita and we worked really hard on designing every aspect.

Touch-based games are fun – there are many games with really good design. But having sticks and buttons make things totally different.

“So I hope, like many of you, that this culture

of playing portable games continues, but the climate [for dedicated handheld platforms] is not healthy for now because of the huge dominance of mobile gaming.”

In other words: “Sure, mobile gaming is going through the roof, but the problem is that everyone’s playing games on their phones or tablets, rather than on a dedicated console. As such, the era of walking into a

Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios

games shop to pick up a game for a handheld console – or the consoles – is as dead as a dodo.”

The only thing that seems likely is that, from 2016 onwards, a dedicated handheld that’s specifically controlled and curated by a single corporation simply won’t happen.

The major studios and publishers alike are being forced to evolve, facing an evolutionary battle that has already seen a number of gaming giants toppled in 2015, unable to keep pace with smaller and more agile developers nipping about their heels.

To echo Yoshida: “It’s

so easy to play games on smartphones.” This pragmatic statement is almost certain to see itself implemented by the gaming gods porting their biggest names and franchises into the new all-digital frontier, rather than clinging to traditional mobile gaming hardware models.

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 October 2015

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28 gazette 1 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport hockey: dublin clubs endure mixed fortunes on opening day irish soccer international Dunne dies: FORMER Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Pat Dunne passed away this week after a short illness, aged 72.

A former Stella Maris schoolboy player, Dunne signed for Everton before returning to Ireland and playing for Shamrock Rovers from 1962 to 1964. He was part of the Shamrock Rovers team which won the League of Ireland, FAI Cup, Shield, Leinster Senior Cup and Dublin City Cup in the 1963-64 season.

Dunne then joined Manchester United and won the English League First Division title in his first season and won Player of the Year at Plymouth Argyle in 1968.

He made 45 appearances for Manchester United and 152 for Plymouth Argyle before returning to Shamrock Rovers in 1970.

Dunne also won five caps for Ireland and played in the World Cup play-off against Spain in Paris in 1965.

National league’s new era  sport@dublingazette.com

G A R E T H Wa t k i n s ’ late double saw reigning national champions Monkstown snatch a 2-1 win over Railway Union to raise a dramatic curtain on the men’s EY Hockey

League, the first full season national league for the sport.

His side looked to be in a perilous position after Mateusz Nowakowski’s second quarter deflection had given Railway an early lead.

But Watkins held his nerve from a penalty stroke with eight minutes to go before touching home Jonny Bruton’s pass for the victory.

It was one of a series of high octane opening ties.

Lisnagarvey picked up an

Pembroke’s Alan Sothern lines up a shot

Railway Union’s Niamh Carey, right, on the attack. Picture: Adrian Boehm

important 3-2 win over Ballsbridge side Pembroke in a match laden with international talent.

Timmy Cockram, James Lorimer and debutant Neal Glassey built a 3-1 lead for the Hillsborough side, rendering Alan Sothern’s double ultimately fruitless, his second coming with mere seconds remaining.

Rathfarnham’s Three Rock Rovers, meanwhile, had a similarly comprehensive victory over Tallaght’s Glenanne as Peter Blakeney’s first half brace was augmented by goals from Ross Canning and Daragh Walsh.

On the women’s side, Anna O’Flanagan’s hat trick earned Hermes a 3-2 win against her former club UCD, coming from a

goal behind on two occasions to nick the result in the last play of the game.

Sara Twomey and Elaine Carey’s close range efforts put the students in front at 1-0 and 2-1 but O’Flanagan struck back twice for the Booterstown club before she eventually won the tie following a series of last-ditch penalty corners.

Ulster Elks came from a goal down to beat Pembroke 3-1. Sarah Clarke’s corner strike had the Dubliners 1-0 up at halftime but Shirley McCay turned the tide with a pair of goals before Jessica McMaster completed the victory.

Sandymount’s Railway Union were comfortable 2-0 winners against Cork Harlequins as Emer Lucey

and Niamh Carey scored in the first half to put new coach Colm Blennerhassett and his troops on course for victory.

UCC were the big winners on day one, coming away from Galway with a 4-0 success against Greenfields with Alex O’Grady, Antonia McGrath, Niamh O’Leary and Nicola Kerr among the goals.

Two final quarter goals from Sara Alexander saw Ards produce a famous comeback against Ulster rivals Pegasus.

Their 3-3 draw was one of the highlights of the first day. Pegasus had led 3-0 but Ards captain Caroline Adams gave them a lifeline from a corner before Alexander netted twice in the closing phases to grab a point.

Clontarf maintain winning run in UBL Division 1A  sport@dublingazette.com

Clontarf’s Matt D’Arcy

A SECOND half hat-trick from Mick McGrath saw Clontarf come from behind to beat Ballynahinch 38-17 and maintain their winning start to the Ulster Bank League Division 1A campaign.

Adding to his brace from the opening night against UCD, Mick McGrath turned this game on its head as Ballynahinch’s 10-0 interval lead was erased by the Leinster winger’s trio of scores, with the middle one set up by a Matt D’Arcy

interception.

McGrath’s brother Rob and Ulster prospect Conor Joyce swapped further tries before Michael Brown’s late effort - converted by Joey Carbery completed the table toppers’ third victory on the trot.

Leinster recruit Mick Kearney made a welcome return from injury in the Clontarf second row.

After losing to leaders Clontarf last time out, Old Belvedere got back to winning ways with a 24-12 defeat of a resilient Galwegians side at Anglesea Road.

Ed O’Keeffe’s second league try had ’Wegians just 11-7 behind at half-time and turning with the wind behind them, Matt Brown’s men went on to dominate the third quarter.

However, they could not convert pressure into points and ultimately paid the price.

A Gavin Tynan try had them back in front at 12-11, but Belvo were clinical in the final quarter with their Leinster-capped centre Steve Crosbie scoring a penalty and a converted try.

Yellow cards for ’Wegians locks Aly Muldowney and

Marty Cummins proved costly, and a closing penalty from Shane McDonald wrapped up the home win.

Fourth-placed UCD remain just three points off top spot following a superb nine-try 56-22 dismissal of Young Munster at a sun-splashed Belfield Bowl.

Ireland Under-20 international Billy Dardis helped himself to a hat-trick and Brian Cawley, Mark McGroarty, Adam Byrne, James Tracy, Jeremy Loughman and Jamie Glynn also touched down for the Noel McNamaracoached students.

1 October 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Olympic marathon hopes move closer Dublin-based Sergiu Ciobanu and Mick Clohisey moved right into contention for a place at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil thanks to their efforts in Berlin last weekend, writes NATHAN KELLY TWO LOCAL runners were among the top three Irish finishers at the Berlin Marathon last weekend as five home-grown athletes ran Olympic qualifying times.

Sergiu Ciobanu of Clonliffe Harriers and Mick Clohisey from Raheny Shamrock finished second and third in a 10-man and onewoman Irish contingent.

Olympic qualification time is 2.17.00 for men and 2.42.00 for women and Kevin Seaward from St Malachy’s in Belfast was the first across the line for the Irish with a time of 2.14.52. Lizzie Lee of Leevale AC in Cork was the leading

Irish woman with a time of 2.32.51 Ciobanu wasn’t too long after Seaward as he crossed the line after 2.15.14 while Clohisey soon followed in 2.15.35.

Speaking straight after the marathon, Ciobanu was naturally delighted with his performance.

“I’m delighted to finish as second Irishman,” he said.

The Harriers man, who finished 24th overall in Berlin, spoke with relief of what this result does for him over the next few months.

“Now I don’t have to worry too much about running another marathon in the spring. I can hopefully prove my form

with a half marathon at the world half marathon in March,” he said.

“My plan was to come and improve my personal best,” he added. “ Yo u c a n ’t k n ow exactly how the marathon is going to be. I just thought about starting it and see how I got on. We had a group over here and we worked together.

“I started to struggle a bit on the last 10km to 12km but in my mind I said I must not go slower than 3.20 per km. Up to that my pace was about 3.10 per km so I knew if I finished strong I could do well.”

Clohisey, meanwhile, finished just 21 seconds

Mick Clohisey, Kevin Seaward and Sergiu Ciobanu who all beat the Olympic marathon qualifying standard last weekend

after Ciobanu after initially leading the Irish charge from the start, and the Raheny Shamrocks man admitted to underestimating the distance in Berlin.

“The first half there was a good group of us and I was at the front of it all the way,” he said.

“I thought I’d r un around 2.15,” said the St Malachy’s man. “I didn’t think I could go inside it so it’s a pleasant surprise. I’m absolutely delighted. The first 5km felt really fast but as the race went on it settled and everything felt good from there.”

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

‘You can’t know exactly how the marathon is going to be.

I just thought about starting it and seeing how I got on’ Sergiu Ciobanu

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

“I had a 67.30 half-way pace, well it was either 67 or 67.30 I was looking at, there was a group of us. I thought that was perfect and I was feeling fine up until then.

“Just then in the second half you start to feel it, I actually thought I might be able to pick it up in the second half but in the last few miles I slowed a bit; I underestimated the distance.

“But I hung in there and I have to be a happy with 2.15.32, it’s a twominute personal best, I have to be happy,” added Clohisey who finished 29th overall.

The leading Irishman on the day, Kevin Seaward, also spoke after his 2.14.52 finish and revealed a bit of surprise at his time.

The leading Irish woman, Lizzie Lee, spoke emotionally after her 2.32.51 finish smashed the Olympic standard and her own personal best (2.38.09) from Berlin two years ago.

“I’m absolutely blown out of the park,” she said.

“The last two miles were the hardest thing I’ve ever done; my goal was 2.33.00. Fingers crossed now for selection for Rio.” The other Dublin runners among the leading Irish results were Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham WSAF) in 2.17.48, Mark Kirwan (Raheny Shamrock) in 2.19.30, Gary Murray (Clonliffe Harriers) in 2.21.09 and Tomas Fitzpatrick (Tallaght) in 2.22.18.

FastSport

Four-day turnarounds and injury issues abound 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.

THE battle is over; the war is only starting. This week, the big talking points were the lack of recovery time for the tier two nations like Japan and Fiji with four-day turnarounds between big games.

Last week, we had Japan upsetting South Africa, we could not see the same thing happening again.

The smaller nations just can’t cope with the intensity and it proved so with both teams going down in the last 20 minutes of their second games and it proved a rough comedown after their immaculate opening.

The next big issue is injuries. How many worldclass players are missing from the biggest tournament in rugby already?

Most teams are already calling for the re-enforcements and need to add to their squads after only two games played Nowhere was this more evident than the big game on Saturday night between the host nation England against a Welsh side who were already reeling from the loss of their two star players in the warm up games, Rees Webb and Leigh Halfpenny.

It looked certain to be a tough game but one that England could not lose. A full strength England took a decisive lead before half time and looked like coming out second half to finish off a Welsh team hanging on 16-9 at half time and England in control.

The next 40 minutes of rugby were pure drama nails bitten to the bone. This was unreal stuff. At one stage, there were bodies left lying all over the pitch like a scene from Saving Private Ryan Wales lost three more players to the World Cup and it looked all over for them.

But with steely resolve and pure bloody guts and no little skill they clawed their way back from the edge With five minutes left on the clock they took the lead and never let it go. England defeated at home: an unreal moment as the chariot’s wheels came off.

Lastly, a mention for Ireland; they are building nicely and I think they can keep going all the way to the final; lets see what we get next weekend!

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 1 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: nine man rivervalley produce incredible comeback

Portrane Hockey Club host successful launch PORTRANE enjoyed a spectacular opening to their long-awaited water-based pitch in the Donabate-Portrane Community Centre last Sunday with a special match between the Irish senior men’s hockey team and a Leinster President’s XI, selected by the club’s own Paschal Henchy.

The pitch was originally due to open three years ago only for flood damage to halt the release of the pitch for use when its opening was imminent. Since then, club development officer Adrian Henchy has been instrumental in making sure the much needed facility never went off the agenda with the local council and was finally formally opened last weekend.

It was the first outing for the Irish senior men since they won the bronze medal at August’s European Championships in London, the first time Ireland have ever medaled at that level.

With two goals from Jonny Bruton and one each from Matthew Bell, Timmy Cockram, Michael Robson and Neal Glassey saw the Irish side win 6-3 with Simon Wolfe scoring twice for Leinster with Stephen Dowds also on the mark.

Both teams also featured a Portrane player in their respective line-ups with Cameron Shoebridge playing for the Irish side while Chris Neville represented the club in the Leinster team.

At half-time, over 50 of the club’s youngest members took part in a half-time blitz of small-sided games while there were plenty of high profile faces in the crowd including former Dublin senior footballer and GAA pundit Ciaran Whelan.

The Rivervalley Ranger Premier B side that produced one of the comebacks of the season

Rangers’ Night in the AUL fai junior cup Glasnevin FC Rivervalley Rangers  Nathan Kelly

2 3

sport@dublingazette.com

IT’S not such a new thing to see a team make a big cup game as difficult as possible for themselves before overcoming the adversity and securing a result.

We’ve seen it over the years on the grandest scale with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, and as of last Friday, Rivervalley Rangers have their own “that night in the AUL” moment.

It came in their FAI

Junior Cup clash against nor th Dublin rivals Glasnevin last Friday night. Ste Doran’s side went into this one in decent cup form having won in the Leinster Junior Cup the week before but the Premier B boys went two behind here in the opening half.

Sloppy goals in the 25th and 30th minute leaving you too behind is bad enough, but at this stage, Rangers never looked like coming back, as their usual passing game had deserted them. Doran made three changes at the break but within 30 seconds of the restart,

pga cup success Kearney leaves it late in GB&I success in US niall Kearney, left, sealed a memorable

day of singles for Jon Bevan’s GB&I team at CordeValle by negotiating a tricky up and down to post the decisive point which earned a first ever win for GB&I on American soil.

He is hoping his last-hole heroics in California to win the PGA Cup for Great Britain & Ireland at the weekend can stand him in good stead for future success on tour.

The Royal Dublin pro plays in next month’s British Masters at Woburn.

the Swords outfit were reduced to 10 men when Mark O’Brien was dismissed.

It seemed to take that much to really wake them up as they then began to produce and pulled one back on the hour mark when captain Ciaran Lattin fired in a lovely volley after being teed up well by Paul Currivan.

With their tails up, and playing their football, you would have put money on Valley equalising soon enough.

Doran’s men seemed intent on making this one as difficult as possible, however, and

were reduced to nine men with 15 minutes to go. Collie O’Brien must have been out to avenge his brother ’s earlier dismissal and he soon joined him back in the changing rooms.

Many would have given up at this stage, or even tried and failed due to the task at hand, but not this Rivervalley side.

Daniel Murphy has made a habit of scoring off the bench this season as he builds his fitness and this game was no different.

His cool and calm penalty in the 82nd minute levelled the tie

here.

Extra-time seemed the likely outcome, both teams looked tired. But maybe the thought of playing another halfhour with two fewer men was too much for Rivervalley and they bombed forward through David Gaul, his cross was a beauty and Murphy, cool once again, side footed into the net.

Rangers saw out the remaining five minutes to book their place in the next round on the road to the Aviva, but more immediately, they’re up against Willow Park in the Leinster Junior Cup this Friday.

1 October 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

ladies football: dublin denied by two points

Club Noticeboard FINGALLIANS HARD luck to the Dublin ladies who

club. If you are interested in joining

were defeated by two points in the

up, please contact Mark on ecotax-

All-Ireland final in Croke Park on

isdublin@gmail.com or 086 8431200.

Sunday afternoon. It was a unique

The club’s Irish language group

day for the club with four repre-

meets each Wednesday at 9pm in

sentatives on the Dublin panel and

the club bar. New participants are

our Gaelic 4 Mothers playing at half

sought. Failte mor to all, regardless

time.

of standard.

Four teams and 140 kids from

The club will celebrate our very

Skerries, Vincent’s, Mearnog and

own Oktoberfest on the weekend of

Fins provided great skill and per-

October 3 and 4. Saturday will have

formances at the U-9 hurling blitz in

Superstar Tradesmen and Sunday

Balheary. A mobile phone was found

will have the Dumb Amigos in the

so if lost please contact Fingallians@

bar.

Double draw tickets will cost €10

gmail.com.

St Sylvester’s Niamh McEvoy on the attack. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile

Cork grind out yet another All-Ireland

all-ireland final Cork 0-12 Dublin 0-10  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

A BRAVE Dublin side failed to break Cork’s All-Ireland Ladies dominance, as the final on Sunday saw the rebels take their tenth title in 11 years.

Gregory McGonigle’s side featured a series of local players with Fingallians’ Sinead Finnegan and Fiona Hudson and St Sylvester’s Niamh McEvoy from the start.

A fluid but niggly opening 15 minutes saw the two sides charge at each other, yet points were notched largely through frees.

Carla Rowe set a trend, knocking over three early points with Valerie Mulcahy firing back for Cork at the other end, as the girls settled into their sizeable environs. The two were to prove by far the dominant scorers on the day.

Fouls broke up the game, though, and the best chance of the half came from a wide looping point attempt that beat

Dublin goalkeeper Chiara Trant before clanging off the crossbar.

The resulting goalmouth scramble saw the keeper caught way out of position, but a tame Cork shot was picked off by covering defenders, leaving a bitty halftime stalemate at 0-5 points each.

In the second half, Cork made the early running, hitting four unanswered points as Dublin conceded critical frees.

Dublin weren’t converting possession in and around the Cork box, and the match was starting to

look a tall order.

While Dublin made many of the slicker second half moves, Cork retreated into their half and broke at pace, finishing chances efficiently and holding the Girls in Blue 30m from goal.

When Dublin closed to within a point with 10 minutes left on the clock, Dubs possession was matched only by Cork’s solidity.

Rowe landed a crucial pair of frees either side of a Sarah McCaffrey point but a Mulcahy point put two in the difference with

the clock ticking down.

Dublin found themselves forced to go for goal from a long-range free with seconds on the clock. Possession in the area didn’t prove quite enough for the Jackies, as five or six Cork defenders got behind the ball, and time expired with Cork ahead by 0-12 to 0-10.

A crowd of 31,083 was the largest for a women’s sporting contest in Europe this year, but it’ll be little consolation to a Jackies side who always looked a pass short of their elite opponents.

Retired hurling helmet appeal: We

each and will entitle you entry on

are looking for retired helmets and

both Saturday and Sunday to the

hurleys to be donated to the club

club for a night of live entertainment

academy, ideally 26” or smaller if

and raffle.

available. Please drop them down to

The club will host a number of

the academy next Saturday morning

craft beer suppliers. This is an over

if possible.

18s event. Tickets are available from

Our U-12 camogie beat Raheny in

all mentors and bar staff. Please

the league but our U-13 girls were

contact tonygordon68@yahoo.ie for

beaten by St Maur’s in the champi-

further information.

The lotto numbers last week were

onship.

Every Friday from 8pm an expe-

12, 14, 27, 33 and 35. We had one win-

rienced group of social footballers

ner – Ann Marry. The jackpot this

play on the new astro pitch at the

week will be €1,906.

FINGAL Ravens CLUB lotto numbers drawn were 4, 13, 14 and 28. There was no winner. There were two match three winners; €125 each to Paddy Cassidy and Tom Daly.

Our boys’ U-16s lost to a strong St Pat’s in the league on Saturday.

Well done to our minors who had a great win over O’Toole’s in their cham-

Our lotto jackpot is now capped at

pionship on Sunday morning. Congrat-

€17,000. The lotto jackpot will remain at

ulations all and good luck in your next

€17,000 until it is won. We have started

game.

a ghost jackpot in the background

Well done to our U-14 girls who

which will be funded each week and

played a blinder last Wednesday away

will then be available as the new jack-

in St Anne’s Park in their cup game

pot once the current jackpot has been

against Clontarf: final score - Clon-

won.

tarf 1-8 , Fingal Ravens 7-1. Fantastic

Congratulations to our U-15 boys

result girls.

on their fantastic win over Ballyboden

Upcoming adult fixtures: Our Divi-

St Enda’s on Sunday morning in their

sion 6 team play Civil Service football

championship replay. Ravens were

away at 11am on Sunday in the league.

one point up at half-time but came out

We are hosting a poker classic on

strong in the second half to score an

Friday, October 9 at 8.30pm in Kettle’s

impressive 6-3. The game finished 7-12

Country House (snug bar); €50 per

to 3-5. Well done to Pat, Mick, Paul and

ticket with 50% payout. To reserve

the lads and best of luck in the next

your place, please contact Ann Fox on

round.

086 1771027. All support appreciated.



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Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Dublin’s Sinead Goldrick attempts to get away from Annie Walsh. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile

or email sport@dublingazette.com

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

that night at the aul: Rivervalley produce a performance for the ages in the FAI Junior Cup P30

October 1-7, 2015

Marathon magic: Glut of Dubliners go under Olympic qualifying time P29

Swords make big additions for new term  sport@dublingazette.com

GCD SWORDS Thunder have added a wealth of new players as they bid to win the men’s basketball Premier League title for the first time having finished second in their debut season last time around.

Indeed, the ALSAA side were trophy contenders across all competitions last season and head coach Dave Baker has brought in players from the US, Romania, Ukraine, Great Britain and the Men’s Division One in a bid to go one step closer to silverware.

Kaylim Noel arrives from

Alabama State University, Alex Dolenko from BC Polvtechnica Galvchina in Ukraine); Sergi Guardia from the Reading Rockets in England, Iulian Corneanu from Stiinta Bucharest in Romania), Juan Ferrarles from Barry University, Florida, Dan Nelms in from Davidson College, North Carolina and Davy O’Leary from Ocean County College while Paul Caffrey makes the shorter trip up the M1 from Tolka Rovers.

They will all be vying for places in the Thunder panel for their opening game at newly promoted Eanna BC on Saturday evening at 5pm in the

opening game of this season’s Premier League.

Last term, Thunder finished in second place behind C&S UCC Demons with 15 points in the difference and will hope to run them closer this time around.

Swords enter the season off the back of an impressive preseason, winning silverware at a tournament in Belfast which featured three other Premier League teams while they also enjoyed an outing against a visiting Belmont Bruins side from the US. The club was also boosted during the week by the news

that Swords man Kevin Lacey has been named in the first Hibernia Basketball squad of 16 for the FIBA Europe Cup, contesting European club basketball for the first time in over 20 years.

The combined club side will compete in the group stages of the FIBA Europe Cup this autumn with eight players returning from the Men’s Premier League Select squad who played at the Sino-European Championships in China.

Lacey is one of those players to back in the fold from that crew as he continues to show impressive form.

Swords Thunder’s Kevin Lacey