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Month XX, 2012 malahide • Balbriggan • Applewood • boroimhe • Airside • Portmarnock • Kinsealy • clarehall
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€40.7m marked for Fingal housing Keith Bellew
MORE than €40.7m will be spent over the next three years on buying and building new homes for those on the housing list, according to Fingal County Council. Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “Fingal will provide almost 50% of new homes in Dublin in the years ahead. “Our capital programme plans for spending €40.7m over the next
three years to buy and build new homes for those on our housing list.” Local Government Minister Alan Kelly confirmed an additional €4m for the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive to provide homeless services for the four Dublin local authorities in 2014. Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind) said that of the 7,000 houses to be built, “most will be social houses”. Full Story on Page 5
What an ice surprise: Little Liam meets Santa at the Pavilions santa Claus gave three-year-old Liam Ryan a firm handshake when they met at the Swords Pavilions shopping centre recently, following Mr Claus’s grand arrival last weekend. The man in red arrived at the shopping centre
with elves and festive characters, and was met by local shoppers and children as they paraded through to his special grotto, ready to meet boys and girls ahead of his busiest night of the year. See Gallery on Page 10-11
2 swords gazette 20 November 2014
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Call for more school places to be provided
A LOCAL representative is calling for the allocation of additional school accommodation to be prioritised in Malahide and Swords as economic conditions continue to improve. According to Deputy Alan Farrell (FG), there was “currently a capacity issue” facing many schools across Fingal. “This issue must be resolved as a matter of priority in order to prevent the situation worsening in the coming years. Many schools in Fingal have been successful in their applications for investment over the past three years and the Department of Education and Skills has given the green light to a number of new projects. However, I believe it is of the utmost importance that action now be taken to ensure there is adequate
keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com
infrastructure in place to cater for the increased demand which schools in the constituency will undoubtedly face in the not-so-distant future. “It is particularly evident that, in parts of Malahide and Swords, the resources of many secondary schools will be placed under increased strain as the number of students in primary level schools, who will be progressing to secondary school in the coming years, is greater than the capacity currently available. “It is clear that the current school infrastructure
in place in Malahide and Swords is not sufficient. With such a young and fast-growing population, the requirements for school accommodation in the north county will only increase over the next number of years. I will continue to engage with the Department to ensure the concerns of parents are heard and the necessary resources are provided to make sure our children receive a high-quality education in an environment which is conducive to their learning, particularly in east Swords and surrounding areas in Malahide.” A spokesperson for Holy Family Senior National School in Swords confirmed that there was huge pressure on local schools to provide places for the rapidly growing population. Meanwhile, Cllr Jus-
tin Sinnott (Ind) said: “I welcome the fact that the Department is saying that it will provide more school places. However, why it is taking until 2015 is difficult to understand. The fact is Swords grew massively during the boom years, yet vital infrastructure like school places did not keep up. Take River Valley for example; it was a densely populated area already but the developments at Ridgewood and Boroimhe increased the number of families substantially and to the point where local schools could not cope. I have met parents who have had to separate their children between schools because of this. This is not right nor acceptable. “What is vital now is for the Department to not just look at current demographic data and
project from that but to take into account that house building in the Swords area and indeed throughout Fingal is projected to increase substantially over the next decade. Plans for new schools and more places need to refer to future development plans and the fact that Fingal has been earmarked by Government as an area for substantial growth. “What we need now is joined-up thinking across local authorities and government departments and its relevant agencies.” When contacted by The Gazette, a spokesperson from the Department of Education confirmed that it was “currently analysing demographic data to determine where additional school accommodation will be required from 2015 onwards”.
20 November 2014 swords gazette 3
delegation
awards: fingal-led online tool provides building management
Chinese officials visit area
Praise for council IT control system keith bellew
FINGAL County Council recently received recognition for its building control management system project at the annual Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards. These accolades showcase best practice in local government and highlight some of the projects local authorities are undertaking. In place since 2004, the awards are adjudicated by a panel of expert judges working in the field of local government. The building control management system project initiated and led by Fingal is an online information technologybased building control
administration system that allows councils to electronically manage the administration and regulation of construction oversight. Fingal’s chief executive Paul Reid said: “We’re very proud of the work Fingal has led to develop this system. In practical terms, this system helps us to manage our role as a building control authority much more comprehensively. We can provide for the health and safety of people in or about buildings, ensure access for all, as well as conservation of fuel and energy. “Above all we can oversee the construction of sound, well-built homes, amenities and commercial buildings,
and provide a public electronic register of what is being built where and by whom.” Reid joined the Mayor of Fingal, Mags Murray (FF), other councillors and a team from several council departments who were shortlisted in six categories. In the supporting tourism category, Fingal was shortlisted for the hugely successful Ireland versus England cricket match in September 2013. The other categories in which it was shortlisted were supporting active communities, best practice in citizen engagement, smarter travel, best library service and joint local authority initiative.
Making a difference: Cheryl to help young people with skin condition North Dublin woman Cheryl Gunning is set to make a World
of Difference when she takes up her place on Vodafone Ireland Foundation’s World of Difference programme 2014-2015. Cheryl, from Portmarnock, will work with Debra Ireland, a charity that works to support families living with the debilitating skin condition epidermolysis bullosa. Over 12 months Cheryl hopes to give young sufferers of the condition a voice, and to create ways to fundraise through social media to help their families.
Picture: Naoise Culhane
FOUR officials from Chengdu in the People’s Republic of China paid Fingal a visit recently. The delegation had come to view facilities available to new Chinese businesses considering entering the European market, which may take up office space in Fingal. Fingal’s Mayor Mags Murray (FF) and local authority chief executive Paul Reid welcomed the delegation. The day’s itinerar y included a visit to Fingal’s Drinan Enterprise Centre in Swords and a tour of the premises of Sam Dennigan & Compa ny. T he compa ny based in Palmerstown, Oldtown, is involved in sourcing fresh produce for Irish, UK and European customers.
4 swords gazette 20 November 2014
mobility: Council set to send engineer to assess scale of need
Council to send engineeers to assess if any work needs to be undertaken to make it easier for wheelchair users in Balbriggan to get around. Picture: Sam Boal
Area audit for wheelchair users on cards Keith bellew
AN engineer will be dispatched to several areas around Balbriggan to assess the necessity of works to increase ease of mobility for wheelchair users, according to Fingal County Council. At a recent meeting of the Swords /Balbriggan area committee, Cllr Tony Murphy (Ind) said he accompanied a woman who uses a motorised wheelchair on her daily route and noted a number of places where mobility was very difficult. “I had representation from a young lady who uses a motorised chair, and she identified a number of hazards as she travels on her journey every day around Balbriggan. “I took it upon myself to go out with her on one
day just to go through, and try to experience the difficulties that she experiences. “I appreciate that Fingal County Council and the operations department are acutely aware of the issues, and are working with Prosper Fingal, but it’s not until you actually go out on this type of a journey with someone who has to use a motorised chair that you can really experience the difficulties that they face every day.” He pointed out several places where the young woman in question had had difficulties along her route. These included: the Milestone Pub at Drogheda Street, where the footpath is quite high and the wheelchair bay at Balbriggan Cinema which is not close enough to the point
where wheelchair users alight from their car. Cllr JP Browne (FG) said: “I also received a letter from a wheelchair user living in the Balbriggan area and she gave me a list of approximately 12 to 15 sites where she found it very difficult to use her wheelchair. “The operations depar tment have informed me that they are sending out an engineer to investigate all of these areas so hopefully we will see some recourse in the near future.” A council official said: “We will make whatever arrangements we consider to be possible to improve the access for mobility [of wheelchair users]. “We endeavour to do our best to make improvements in the footpaths [which impair mobility].”
20 November 2014 swords gazette 5
housing 70% of demand is for homes for three or fewer people
Council in €40.7m plan to build keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com
MORE than €40.7m will be spent over the next three years on buying and building new homes for those on the housing list, according to Fingal County Council. The announcement was made at a recent halfday seminar and debate on the area’s accommodation needs. Fingal Mayor Mags Murray (FF) and chief executive Paul Reid joined Local Government Minister Alan Kelly at the seminar. The meeting was hosted by the chair of the local authority’s housing strategic policy committee, Cllr Ken Farrell (Lab). Reid said: “Fingal will provide almost 50% of
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new homes in Dublin in the years ahead. “Fingal also has a huge task to deliver social housing and this need is more urgent as the rental market continues to be under pressure and homelessness is a real issue. “Fingal County Council’s revenue budget for 2015 plans for spending of €43m, an increase in €3m on 2014, on housing and building. “Our capital pro gramme plans for spending €40.7m over the next three years to buy and build new homes for those on our housing list.” Minister Kelly confirmed an additional €4m for the Dublin R e g i o n a l Ho m e l e s s Executive to provide homeless services for
the four Dublin local authorities in 2014. Reid said: “Solving a housing crisis is not a simple task. “Our integrated plan to deliver housing for the future in Fingal focuses on real investment, proper planning, developing future-proofed infrastructure, close collaboration with stakeholders, policy innovation and maximising existing resources. “We will need to deliver on all of these things if we are to provide good quality affordable homes for those who can buy them and those who will rent them in future in Fingal.” Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind) welcomed the allocation. She said: “Fingal is the area with the most zoned
Fingal will provide 50% of new homes in the future. Picture: Photocall
land, the best infrastructure and it’s all ready to go. “Seven thousand houses are to be built and most will be social houses.” She said these would not be the standard coun-
cil developments seen in the past. “Of all the housing needed, over 70% is for three people or fewer. “The biggest group on the housing list is family groups of three
people or fewer, which means the type of unit we will be providing is not three-bed, terraced or semi-detached houses with front and back gardens; there will be multiple units.”
footpaths Safer walk to school planned FINGAL County Council has confirmed that two new sections of footpath will soon be constructed in Castleview, Swords, to provide safe routes to the local schools. Members of the Castleview Residents’ Association met the council to discuss the construction of footpaths in the estate. Following the meeting two areas were identified, funds were earmarked and a contractor appointed. According to the council, the contractor has a number of other jobs in the county to complete that the recent wet weather has delayed. When these works have been completed, the paths in Castleview will be installed.
6 swords gazette 20 November 2014
junctions Decision partly based on disruption to flow of quality bus corridor
No traffic signals at busy Malahide Rd junction keith bellew
WHILE traffic lights will not be installed at the junction of Chapel and Malahide roads, they will be installed at the Back Road junction with Dublin Road at Streamstown, Fingal County Council has
confirmed. The council said Malahide Road was an extremely busy traffic corridor, operating at, or close to, capacity during peak times. As a result, there were significant delays and queuing on minor roads, such as at the junctions of Chapel Road and
Baskin Lane. “This junction has been examined by the traffic section, together with the Baskin Lane junction, and the decision was taken not to signalise it. Signalisation would result in significant delays on the Malahide Road, which is a quality bus corridor. There
North Dublin users in line for faster broadband Keith bellew
EIRCOM customers in north County Dublin should be able to avail of an upgrade to their broadband speed in the next year. Swords, Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Portmarnock and Malahide have been included in the planned oneGB rollout. With this upgraded broadband connection, consumers can download a high-definition film in less than a minute. With the upgrade, business users will have bandwidth capacity to transfer applications and large data files at rates previously only available to large enterprises. Richard Moat, acting chief execu-
tive of Eircom, said: “Building on our existing network design, end-to-end fibre connectivity supporting speeds of one GB, is the natural next step in the evolution of our network capability.” Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) welcomed the announcement, but stressed the importance of including some of Fingal’s rural areas in the rollout as they have very weak broadband strength. He said: “While this is very welcome news for Swords and north Dublin, it is not clear if Rolestown and St Margaret’s are included as part of this. “Schools, businesses, people attempting to work from home and families in [these places] are badly in need of decent broadband skills.”
are currently no proposals to install full traffic signals at this location at this time.” “If traffic lights were not feasible, alternative measures should be put in place, according to Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG). He said: “I have raised this
junction on a number of occasions myself, so I sympathise with the people of Kinsealy and Portmarnock who use this junction. If traffic lights are not feasible then measures like preventing right turns from Chapel Road onto the Dublin Road at busy times
might offer some relief.” Cllr Lavin was “heartened” that the council had agreed to a motion he had tabled at a recent Howth-Malahide area committee meeting to install traffic lights at the Back Road junction with the Dublin Road at Streamstown Malahide.
sport: Council met most of the €1.3m cost
New pitch set to open in January Keith bellew
WORK is almost finished on the new all-weather pitch at Bremore, Balbriggan. It is expected that this eagerly awaited stateof-the-art development in north County Dublin will be available for rent early in the New Year. The pitch will be a full sized floodlit playing surface for soccer or GAA games, with the option to divide the surface into several smaller playing areas. The sod was turned at the site in May and it is expected that from early January 2015 it will be available for rent to clubs.
The full pitch can be rented, or be divided in half so that more than one club can use the facility at the same time. The total cost of the pitch was €1.3m, with most funding provided by Fingal County Council along with a grant of €120,000 from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the Sports Capital Scheme. During normal school hours the pitch will be available to local schools and will be a valuable additional resource. Outside of school hours the pitch can be rented by any club or
The all-weather pitch is due to be ready in January
group throughout the county. I n a n i n n ov a t i ve move, a new model company to be set up
jointly by O’Dw yers GA A Club and Balbriggan Football Club will operate the facility for the council under a management licence. The site lies within convenient walking distance of the grounds of both clubs. Cllr Malachy Quinn ( S F ) we l c o m e d t h e announcement.He said: “That’s fantastic news. It’s a very valuable facility that’s badly needed in Balbriggan. “It can be utilised by many clubs in the town, so I’m delighted to hear that and am looking forward to it. It’s a good opportunity for two of the biggest, if not the biggest clubs in the town; O’Dwyers GAA Club and Balbriggan Football Club to use the facilities.”
20 November 2014 swords gazette 7
benefits: special needs drama Malahide makes a song and dance about talent
Group wins Auditions to find best in village award for services keith bellew
MALAHIDE’S Got Talent is about to make a welcome return, according to the village’s musical and dramatic society. Now in its fourth year, the competition has become increasingly popular, and talented residents are encouraged
keith bellew
REMEMBER US Balbriggan has been honoured with the Not-for-Profit Organisation Excellence Award at the recent Fingal Dublin Business Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. The community group, which provides an integrated social outlet for young people and adults with special needs, received the award in recognition of its hard work, commitment and achievement, and its success in changing the way people live. The judges said: “The winner of this award provides a remarkable and vital service which has such wide-ranging benefits for the many individual young people of all ages and their families for whom they provide social activities. “Their commitment and achievements are remarkable, and their contribution to their community is quite beyond value.” More than 400 people
Jean Fitzpatrick and Nora Roban accept the award. Picture: Fintan Clarke
from the Fingal region celebrated business excellence and corporate responsibility at the gala awards evening in the Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood recently. The guests included Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly and Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid. Siobhan K insella, president of Fingal Dublin Chamber, said: “We celebrate tenacity and excellence in our business community and I congratulate every one of the companies for their success in reaching the gala awards presentation evening.”
to audition to take part. Organiser Amy O’Loughlin said: “Malahide’s Got Talent is returning and we are looking for some talented nine- to 15-year-olds to take part. “So if you can sing, dance, play a musical instrument, tell jokes, juggle, make balloon ani-
mals or have any special talents you want to share then email malahidemusicalsociety@gmail.com. “We are into our fourth year of holding this event and every year we are blown away by the talent of all the contestants.” The grand final takes place in the ballroom of the Grand Hotel, Mala-
hide, on February 1, 2015. To cater for the everincreasing number of participants, two days have been set aside for auditions. Those dates are Saturday, November 29 and Saturday, December 6, and the auditions take place in Malahide Com-
munity School. For further information, or to register for a slot, email malahidesgottalent@gmail.com. Auditions are open to anybody aged nine to 15. There is a nonrefundable fee of €5 to audition and a €10 qualification fee for the grand final. Registration closes November 27.
8 swords gazette 20 November 2014
ask the politician A weekly Q&A with local representatives looks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a reminder that latest figures show one in five people killed on our roads were not wearing a seat belt. This week The Gazette asks local politicians: What more can be done to prevent road fatalaties? South Dublin County Council: CLLR Vicki Casserly (FG)
Our driving always has lasting consequences THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) puts a lot into its campaigns to promote awareness on road safety, so I guess it’s really important and essential that people become more aware of the consequences of deaths that occur on our roads. Road collisions and deaths have a lasting impact on those affected, including their families, and I think that the Wall of Remembrance that the RSA put up on its Facebook page, gives a visual impact of how many people’s lives have been lost. It really makes you focus back in on what can be done. People should be aware and sensible when driving. If you’re tired, don’t drive. If there’s a weather warning, don’t take risks you don’t have to take. And, if you get into your car without wearing your seat belt, think again. I would advise everyone to engage with the RSA – it’s ver y good at updating its campaigns and utilising social media to its full potential.
I would say the use of mobile phones is also a big factor when it comes to road deaths and collisions. Is any phone call important enough to put yourself and others’ lives at risk when the consequences are so extreme? I agree with the ad campaigns that give a stark example of individuals who are careless on the road. When you have a visual of the impact of what can happen, it makes you
think twice about getting into the car under the influence, overtired or without a seatbelt. My advice for anyone who chooses to ignore these adverts and the RSA’s recommendations is to bear in mind the reality of what can happen. The consequences of their actions can last forever and nobody wants to bear the burden of being responsible for a fatal roadrelated accident.
fingal county council: Cllr Jack Chambers (FF)
With 24,000 road deaths since records began, these fatalities remain a massive issue to address THERE are a few factors on this issue. First, is that the level of scrutiny and oversight has reduced with fewer gardai on the roads and that has had an impact. There have also been cutbacks to the trafficcalming [measures] and road safety budget, which is adversely affecting safety measures and also on certain roads there has been no improvement. I think the overall thing is that people s h o u l d s l ow d ow n because speeding is a massive issue on the roads. O b v i o u s l y, r o a d safety campaigns are important, but the punishment for not wearing a seat belt, with the number of penalty points and a conviction, is important. However, I think the oversight needs to be improved and it’s just like crime in the community. When there is less oversight, humans by nature engage in adverse behaviour, and I think it is important that there are more traffic police on the roads to actually
implement things like seatbelt laws and other road safety measures. When the presence isn’t there, people think they can get away with it. They won’t comply with the law. The same thing applies to people using their phones. There have been quite progressive
and positive changes to road safety in the last number of years, by the last Government and the current Government, in fairness. And I think it is about implementing those positive safety measures [that sees such changes]. I think the number of road deaths was
reduced, but there has been a worrying increase in the last number of years and this year. I think the figure is that over 24,000 people have died on our roads since records began, and it just shows the massive issue that road safety is.
20 November 2014 swords gazette 9
at topics that are concentrating minds across the city and county Dublin City Council: Cllr Jonathan Dowdall (SF)
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown: Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind)
It’s shocking that so many Hopefully, speed limit changes can are still dying on the roads make the area safer for everyone TO BE honest, I find it totally shocking that in 2014 so many deaths were due to not wearing a seat belt. One in five deaths due to no seat belts is just not acceptable. I would never agree with increasing penalty points but, in the case of non-compliance, I feel we should increase penalty points for those who refuse to wear their safety belts. We should lead on this issue and remember these tragic deaths and the huge loss they leave with loved ones and families. We should start in secondary schools and build on what’s already in place to educate the drivers of tomorrow. We should also target real black-spot
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areas for speeding rather than the “shooting fish in a barrel” policy implemented on the many roads persistently targeted for speeding, [such as] roads which drop from 80kph to 60kph via an invisible line. These sort of speed traps don’t save lives – we need to target the real culprits of excessive speeding.
I feel a TV campaign from the Road Safety Authority to really highlight the use of safety belts would be of great benefit and really hammer home the importance of standard safety practices. I also strongly feel that if a passenger is not wearing their safety belt, and they hold a driving permit they should get points [added] to their own permit [if caught without a belt]. Similarly, if passengers won’t wear a belt, they shouldn’t get a lift: no belt, no lift. We, as a country, cannot stand by while people are dying on our roads for not taking basic safety steps and wearing their safety belts.
WO R L D D a y o f Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is probably one of the saddest commemorative days of all because most, if not all, deaths on our roads are avoidable. Speed, fatigue, carelessness, intoxication or simply inexperience are at the root of most of our road fatalities and it seems that road safety campaigns are simply not enough. The message is not getting through. In the hope of making the central areas of Dun Laoghaire safer for both pedestrians and vehicles, I tabled a motion at the Dun Laoghaire Area Committee [meeting] to examine the possibil-
ity of creating a special speed-restricted area for the central business and residential district of Dun Laoghaire town. This covers the area bounded by York Road and Clarence Street; Tivoli Road and Corrig Road; Glenageary Road Lower and Park Road, and by Crofton
Road and Queens Road, for the general reduction of the speed limit to 30km/h in the interests of public safety. The aim was to implement this reduction on a pilot basis. The idea emanated from the nationwide road safety campaign, Jake’s Legacy. This aims to have a 30km/h speed limit imposed in residential areas to protect cyclists and pedestrians, especially children at play. In reply, [the council’s] senior engineer Anne Devine said the council was “committed to road safety and welcomed the recent departmental cir-
cular regarding a review of speed limits, and, in particular, the increased use of 30km/hr speed limit in housing estates [residential areas] as a measure to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, especially children”. Thankfully, the council has a dedicated team focused on the delivery of road safety through both engineering and education. There will be a public consultation process with a view to changing the speed limit byelaws. Hopefully, this will deliver Jake’s Legacy for Dun Laoghaire.
10 swords gazette 20 November 2014
gazetteGALLERIES
The band entertain the shoppers with Christmas songs
Santa greets the local boys and girls. Pictures: Niall Griffin
20 November 2014 swords gazette 11
Stephen and Katie Morgan, and Emma Weldon
Santa meets Lily-Mae and Conleth McMacken
Kayla and Nathan Gallager Redmond meet a large Rolestown Panto dressed up as characters in Cinderlla and formed part of Santa’s entrance parade
swords pavilions: SANTA CLAUS ARRIVES IN STYLE
Yule shall enjoy this Christmas S
ANTA Claus has arrived in style at the Swords Pavilions, with the Rolestown Panto members, a musical band and festive characters leading him in a parade through the shopping centre. He is taking up residence in his grotto
Nerea Palop
until Christmas Eve to hear the children’s wish list and to give them a small gift in advance of the big day. Local shoppers and children were only too delighted to see him again as “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”.
Jennifer and Luke Stafford meet some festive characters
snowman
12 SWORDS Gazette 20 November 2014
gazetteGALLERY
Sean Arkins of The Original Rudeboys
A tall snow queen greets the Ernie and Koko Hendy
crowds
Grafton St lights up for Christmas
D
The crowd cheered as they were covered in confetti. Pictures: Aishling Phelan
UBLINERS turned out in large numbers across the capital recently as the Christmas lights were officially turned on across the city. These pictures show the moment that the
festive lights were turned on at Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. The Original Rudeboys joined in the celebrations as Love/Hate actor Laurence Kinlan switched on the lights.
20 November 2014 Gazette 13
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what’son november date at national concert hall
Love/Hate actor Johnny Ward’s character recently met his untimely demise in Ireland’s favourite crime drama
a day in the life: Actor Johnny Ward set to take centre stage as Peter Pan
Loads of love for the gym
ian begley
It’s business as usual for Love/Hate actor Johnny Ward (AKA Paulie) after his character recently met his untimely demise in Ireland’s favourite crime drama. This week The Gazette spoke to Ward to find out what a day in his life is like after his short-lived but unforgettable role in Love/Hate. “Generally, I get up nice and early at 8am and head to the gym. I like getting up early and making the most of my day as opposed to wasting my life sleeping. “If you’re preparing for a role sometimes they’d ask you not to go to the gym. I haven’t set foot in the gym for
about a month now and recently I’ve been eating whatever I like, which is great.” Ward, who is now preparing to play Peter Pan in this year’s much anticipated Gaiety Christmas Panto, said that he starts rehearsals at 10am and doesn’t finish until about seven in the evening. “I come back from rehearsals absolutely shattered and when I get home I have to go over my lines. There’s so much stuff that we have to get done sing, act and dance. “The past couple of weeks have been crazy. I’m going to be sent over to England soon to do flying lessons and I’m also playing a part in an upcoming film called Mammal; and on Saturdays, I teach in a performing arts school with
my sister.” Asked what type of reaction he’s getting from the general public regarding his role on Love/Hate, Ward said: “I can’t go anywhere without people stopping and talking to me. The amount of private messages I’m getting from people who want to put bets on what’s going to happen in the next series. “They’re expecting me to turn around and tell a spoiler, but the truth is that I don’t even know.” After a long day of rehearsals, Ward said that he likes to unwind in the evenings at home with his girlfriend. “I don’t really watch a lot of TV, but what I really like to watch is Come Dine With Me with the girlfriend and all the Celtic matches.
“My girlfriend is actually coming over tonight from the UK so we’ll probably open a bottle of wine, order a chinese and watch Come Dine With Me. It’s my guilty pleasure and we haven’t missed an episode. “To be honest, I don’t get to bed until quite late at night. At the moment I’m having these mad, weird dreams. The other night I had a dream about Siobhan pushing Paulie off the balcony and halfway before hitting the deck Paulie transformed into Peter Pan who then arranged that Captain Hook chop her head off,” he laughed. Johnny Ward is playing Peter Pan in this year’s Gaiety Christmas Panto from December 1 to January 11. See www.gaietytheatre.ie for booking details.
GABBY Young and Other Animals, who will release a new single Fear Of Flying, later this month, are playing in the National Concert Hall on Monday, November 24. The single comes from critically acclaimed album One Foot In Front of the Other, released earlier this year. Fear of Flying is a personal favourite, says Young: “It’s about being so fiercely independent I refused to let people get involved in my career and life, but I am so thankful I got over that and let people in. “Those people have made my life so much better. They help me conquer my fears, which I have too many of – including the fear that I might be scared of flying, which is crazy.” Fear of Flying is one of the album’s more simple songs. However, armed with a beautiful melody and Gabby’s delicate vocals, the song slowly builds with the help of some clever percussion into a soaring torch song, becoming perhaps one the finest moments of her career so far. Young returns to Ireland in November.
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dublinlife
Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan is calling on everyone to Sponsor a Star to help Focus Ireland support people who are homeless
DIARY
Miriam wishing on a star for Focus Ireland Presenter Miriam O’Callaghan has stars in her eyes this week after teaming up with Focus Ireland to launch its annual Sponsor a Star campaign. This year the campaign hopes to raise €250,000 through businesses sponsoring a star on the Focus Ireland Christmas tree at the top of Grafton Street, which is dedicated to people who are homeless. Businesses are being asked to sponsor a star in lieu of sending Christmas cards and corporate gifts to clients and customers. Miriam said she decid-
ed to lend her support to Focus Ireland’s campaign after she recently met some of the families who are homeless during filming a special report. She said: “As a mother I have to say I found it heart-breaking that in this day and age more in the region of 20 children have lost their family home every week so far this year. I am appealing to the business community to dig deep this year.” Contact Aideen at Focus Ireland on 01-881 5900 or by e-mailing arafferty@focusireland.ie for further information.
running to raise vital funds Every year over 2,000 people take part in the Aware Christmas Run to raise vital funds for depression support, education and information services during what most people suffering from depression find their most vulnerable season. Organisers are now calling on people throughout Dublin to get involved this year, raise money for this worthy cause and also have great fun in the Aware Christmas Run on Saturday, December 13 in the Phoenix Park.
The run is a great way to raise money for Aware through participation, sponsoring runners or by giving online donations. Runners can use the opportunity to gather friends, colleagues or family to do the run together and meet up before Christmas. The Aware Christmas Run is on December 13 in the Phoenix Park. The run starts at 10am and ends at noon. For further information on this run and information on registration, email christmasrun@aware.ie or call 01 2374925.
sober slash gets stout gift Slash was in town to do a much anticipated gig and in true self-appointed mayoral style Bono and the other members of U2 decided to send an original gift of hospitality in the shape of a case of Guinness to the chronic ex-alcoholic and ex-heroin guitar maestro. In a gaffe of monumental scale, U2 sent the booze to the rock legend who once stated that for him, giving up alcohol had been a much more difficult challenge than giving up heroin. He has spoken about being at death’s door with weeks to live over his chronic alcoholism and that he grew up in an alcoholic atmosphere as his father was a heavy drinker. U2, for some reason, must not have known about Slash’s drink demons when they sent the case of Guinness and Slash took to twitter to express his sobriety: “Many thanks to @U2 for the “Welcome to Dublin” case of Guinness! The only thing I miss about being sober. iiii]; )’”
20 November 2014 Gazette 15
Gazette
ESCAPE THE MAYHEM escape the mayhem: TV presenter Brian Dowling tells us how he enjoys relaxing
The sofa and socialising set all right Keith Bellew
Former Big Brother winner turned presenter, Brian Dowling returned to screens this month on the new TV3 game show Sitting on a Fortune. This week the Gazette spoke with Dowling about what he does to Escape the Mayhem of his TV career. He said: “One thing that I enjoy to get away from everything is to sit on the sofa, eat crisps and watch television. I’ve got loads of shows on my series link so I let them all accumulate and then I watch a whole season in about two days.”
Apart from getting some relaxing “me time” in front of the sofa he also likes to escape the stress of his career by socialising with friends. “I think you have got to socialise. I like hanging out with friends, talking to friends, going to the cinema. “You definitely need to spend time with your friends, because everyone always thinks ‘my life is harder than yours’, then when you spend time with your friends you kind of go: ‘actually, my life is a walk in the park compared to other people. “It’s nice to go out and get a little p***ed! But the older you get the
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‘You can get really carried away with the job and television. I try and remember not to take it seriously and find a balance’
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harder it is to recover. When I was in my 20s I could do three, four, five nights in a row. “Now if I do one night in two weeks it kills me! I’m old. I live in London, not too far from Soho and party central. “The older I get I find it’s more [a case of] dinner and drinks. Whereas before it would be drinks, then dinner, more drinks, then dancing. My club-
bing days are a little bit behind me. “It’s always nice to get away from the job and do normal things that are not related to the job you do at all. “I think it makes you realise at the end of the day that you’re no different from anybody else. Just to hang out with normal people and do normal things. “You can get really
carried away with the job and television. I try and remember not to take it seriously and find a balance. “I have six sisters and I like to come home to Kildare where no one really cares who you are and what you do. It’s quite nice to come where you are no one [home] and you are the same as everyone, I quite like that, it’s quite grounding.” TV3’s new Saturday night enter tainment show, Sitting on A Fortune, will air every Saturday this November and return in January 2015 following the Christmas break.
Brian Dowling: “I like to come home to Kildare where no one really cares who you are and what you do”
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dublinlife
Help Me Choose opens window on Velux range BUILDERS providers TJ O’Mahony, Dublin, has launched a new display from Velux designed to help customers select the right type of Velux roof window for their property. The Help Me Choose display gives builders and homeowners the chance to view the full product range from Velux, talk to the experts, and be better informed when deciding on their windows. David Gallagher from Velux said:“Our customers are increasingly discerning and want to be able to see our products in action as well as be able to ask for advice so that they
can make the best decision for their homes. Thanks to the experts at TJ O’Mahony and the innovative interactive features of the display, Help Me Choose is the perfect solution. It is an ideal destination for architects, builders and installers to send prospective customers to experience the Velux product range ahead of detailed planning.” T J O’Mahony said it was possible to “try before you buy” which was “vitally important” for those investing in their homes and properties. For more information visit www.velux. co.uk or visit www. tjomahony.ie
business
trade: Minister’s 24th trip abroad
Jobs central to IDA tour of US firms
the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is currently in the United States, taking part in an intensive IDA Ireland programme. The trip will involve 22 meetings and events with 41 multinationals that are considering job creation projects in Ireland. This is Minister Bruton’s 24th major investment/trade mission since his appointment more than three years ago. It follows on from a recent trip to the east coast of United States. According to the Min-
ister’s Department, this is part of the Government’s strategy to support increased exports and jobs. According to the Department, Mr Bruton has more than doubled trade missions since taking office. Before his departure on this trip to the US, Minister Bruton said: “Foreign direct investment is at the heart of our jobs plan.
Employment “Since we took office, multinationals have added more than 18,000
direct jobs in Ireland, with major knock-on employment across the country. “Our aim is to deepen and broaden that impact even further. “On this investment mission to the USA we will discuss specific job-creation projects in Ireland with 41 leading global companies, from fast-growing start-ups to some of the most established global corporate brands. “I am confident the discussions will lead to jobs being created in the near future in cities
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton
and towns right across the country.” During the IDA Ireland mission, the Minister will take in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Chicago and attend 22 meetings and events across the area. These will include 14 one-on-one meetings with target and client
companies along with 41 multinationals considering investing in Ireland. This mission forms part of a programme of engagement by the Government with multinational companies on Ireland’s offering, including talent, technology and low corporation tax.
20 November 2014 Gazette 17
asdfsdaf P23 P27 motoring
ARTS 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
Gazette
style P19
Pets a finn-tastic dog we know you’ll love
A familiar face to Dublin musical fans, Joanna Ampil is returning to tread the boards at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre with her upcoming show, West End Ladies
Bord Gais Energy Theatre: star Joanna Ampil on her upcoming show
The ultimate ladies night
Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
Musical theatre star Joanna Ampil this month comes to Bord Gais Energy Theatre along with fellow leading ladies Kerry Ellis and Ria Jones, for a show called West End Ladies. The Gazette spoke to Ampil about her upcoming show in Dublin and her career to date. “Unfortunately we’ve only one performance in Dublin, much as we’d like to do more. I lived in Dublin for six months, for the first three months of which I was in Miss Saigon at the Point Theatre [Three Arena] and for the other three months I was here for a panto at the Gaiety Theatre. I absolutely love Dublin.”
The Gazette asked Ampil if there was a strong musical theatre tradition in her native Philippines. “Well there is now and it’s really thriving, mainly because of Miss Saigon which has paved the way for a lot of musicals. Now, we’re building a lot of theatres and really want The Philippines to become the Broadway of Asia.” So what is life on the road like? “I’m living out of a suitcase but I absolutely love it and really it’s getting paid to do my hobby. “Of course there are sacrifices and I don’t get to see my family as much as I’d like to but they’re used to it and I make sure that I see them once or twice a year.
“My Mum and Dad live in LA so I travel there. At the moment my base is in Manila but I love going around and not staying in the one place. I even enjoy packing; I catch myself smiling while I’m packing. “I fall in love with each role I play. You have to, to be able to play it well. You have to have the passion for it and love music.
Training “I’ve worked with so many amazing directors and that’s where I got my acting training from. “Miss Saigon was a role of a lifetime because [the main character] Kim gets to kill someone, fall in love, have a baby and she gets to die. In terms of
drama it really was the ultimate part for me. “One of the highlights of West End Women is our trio version of I Dreamed A Dream [with Ria Jones and Kerry Ellis] and it’s my favourite number. I don’t think it’s ever been done before as a trio, so it’ll be a first.” When The Gazette pointed out to her that there seemed to be only a vogue for three tenors, never three sopranos, she said: “That’s true. Maybe we should start it off.” West End Women is on at Bord Gais Energy Theatre on November 25. Tickets, available at www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie, cost €28, €33 and €37.
the Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is handsome crossbreed Finn, who we think is about five years old. Finn arrived here at Dogs Trust quite recently and is quite overwhelmed after being in a loving home all of his life. He absolutely adores his food, and has a really sharp brain, so he would love to be engaged in training with tasty treats to help keep him focused. Finn loves company, and would love a home where he is the only dog. If you think you could offer Finn a loving home, please call Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 or pop into the centre. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook. com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Treats and toys are always welcome!
Gazette
18 Gazette 20 November 2014
OUT&ABOUT Goddess fitted pink dress €59.95
Goddess floral lace purple dress €59.95
Goddess bow red dress €69.95
Vittoria Crocetta lace black dress €79.95
Make a
statement laura webb
FINDING a dress that fits like a glove and makes you feel a million dollars on a night out will put a smile on anyone’s face. This week, we look at some dresses from Irish fashion retailer Carraig Donn and some statement jewellery that is going to lift any dress or top you might have in the wardrobe.
Since it was established in the early 1960s, Carraig Donn has been one of Ireland’s premier retailers of fashion. Not only does it hand-pick key trends in fashion, it is also a supplier of highend jewellery, gifts and homewards. Carraig Donn Soul Jewellery collection is bold in colour and oversized for that extra glitz and glam that will transform a plain tee or jersey dress, completing any look.
Winter doesn’t mean dresses have to be dark and dreary – brighten up any winter wardrobe with some of these classic look dresses in bright colours. So, give every outfit the attention it deserves with Carraig Donn and, with more than 32 stores nationwide, every look and trend is achievable. For more information on the chain, see www.carraigdonn.com.
2 x Soul blue earrings €24.95
Soul flower pearl necklace €50
Soul blue chunky necklace €69.95
Soul gold necklace €45
20 November 2014 GAZETTE 19
LAUNCH: JENNIFER ROTHWELL OPENS IN DUBLIN 2
A vibrant flagship
LAURA WEBB
SHE’S an award-winning designer, so there was no surprise when Jennifer Rothwell (far right) opened her flagship store in Powerscourt Townhouse as well as an online boutique packed full of her luxurious designs. There is nothing like going into a store to buy party looks, but when life is speeding by the use of online boutiques do help make life that bit easier, so Rothwell’s move online to www.jrothwell. net is going to ease some Christmas shopping. This move allows customers to browse and
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buy her latest collection from the comfort of their own home (or work, if you have a little shopping time). Both the JRothwell flagship store and e-boutique showcase Rothwell’s autumn/winter 2014 collection. Prints, jersey pieces and exquisite evening dresses feature along with the iconic White collection, which features seven show-stopping vintage-inspired dresses in silk, lace and organza. Her hands-on approach is evident at JRothwell, where she offers design consulta-
tions and a made to measure bespoke tailoring service. The flagship store also stocks pieces from some of Ireland’s other leading designers, including milliner Martha Lynn, accessory designer Susannagh Grogan and jeweller Eily O’Connell, bringing together some of the best of Irish design talent under the one roof. Rothwell said: “I’m passionate about Irish design and committed to supporting jobs in the industry in Ireland. “JRothwell promotes emerging Irish talent by providing a platform to sell direct to the public.
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For our customers, this means that they can access a carefully selected edit of Irish design, all in the one store while receiving an unmatched personal service.” Rothwell has found a firm following since her label was launched in 2006. Her designs have become well known, as has her colourful prints and use of luxurious fabrics. Her collection is described as being for women who want their clothes to be unique and different, but also elegant and timeless. All of Rothwell’s pieces are produced locally at her
LOCAL
MATTERS
Designer Jennifer Rothwell (right) has opened a flagship outlet at Powerscourt Townhouse, where one may find this Cowl Neck Jersey Dress, €245
studio in Dublin. JRothwell is located on the second floor of the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin 2, and is open Monday to Satur-
day, from 10am to 6pm, with late opening until 8pm on Thursday. You can also shop online at www.jrothwell. net.
GAZETTE
STYLE
Gazette
20 Gazette 20 November 2014
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK
BITESIZEDNEWS
Table Six
European restaurant
Templeogue With its European fare over to, thanks to some
Just some of Lir’s delicious chocolate treats for Christmas that are now available at M&S stores
Lose yourself in Lir’s chocolate lines at M&S WHAT would Christmas be without chocolate? White, dark, milk … Award-winning chocolatier Lir has come up with a sumptuous line of choccie delights for the season that’s in it. Lir first developed one line for M&S back in 2006, and now supplies 20 lines over its seasonal and all-year-round business to all 17 M&S stores in the Republic of Ireland, as well as to the chain’s 700-plus outlets in the UK. Lir has eight “hero” products for M&S this Christmas. for starters, The Magic & Sparkle Sequin Tree (€22.50) gold-beaded tree offers a mix of truffles, praline, torte and dulce. Next, the goldbeaded Sequin Garland (above, €22.50) will tickle tastebuds with its mix of truffles, praline, torte and dulce. Likewise, the Very Merry Chocolate Selection Milk, with dark and white chocolate selection – with poppy candy, spiced caramel, hazelnut praline, clementine and gingerbread-flavour centres – is a must for any Christmas tree. Meanwhile, Glitter Star (€30) is filled with milk, dark and white chocolate truffles, while Decadent Caramels (€5.99) does what it says on the tin. Lir’s Luxury Dark Chocolate Collection is for chocoholics who love the intensity of dark chocolates, made with the finest ingredients. Gastronomic Minis (€7.49) are leading-edge confections with innovative flavours for delicious taste sensations, while Collections Crackers (€8.99) contain six crackers, each filled with two dulce de leche chocolates. All M&S lines are developed by the M&S team and Lir team exclusively for M&S.
TABLE SIX , a recent addition to Templeogue village, specialises in European food with Middle-Eastern influences. A bite there recently was the perfect way to warm up a miserable Thursday evening. This restaurant is run by the same people who manage Umi Falafel on Dame Street – so we were expecting good things. It was quiet on the night we dined, but the owners said that was because it was bucketing down outside. So, a miserable evening to venture out, but still, the vibe was relaxed and warm with pleasant background m u s i c p l ay i n g a t a respectable volume. Nothing irks me more than blaring restaurant music. (Even worse: when there is nothing going on in the background and you have to whisper in hushed tones.) Smooth jazz was conducive to a
and a healthy dash of Middle-Eastern influences, Templeogue’s Table Six is well worth venturing perfectly judged dishes, and an atmosphere that’s just right for dining out and catching up
The Picky Eater good chat. I started with smoked chicken wings, in a mango habanero sauce (€6.50) . T his was a really spicy dish and the wings were perfectly cooked and came in a dense fog of smoke, covered in a glass dome. A little bit of theatre is always appreciated, as long as the food stands up to the theatrics. This dish did. My husband’s scallops (€8.50) came with salsa verde mayo, mini broccoli and cauliflower, crispy pancetta and micro leaves and were nicely cooked, although he thought the dish could have been a little warmer. For the main course, I went for the 8oz fillet steak (€27), chargrilled. It also came with sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus and sweet potato chips. It was perfectly cooked to my specification – medium rare. My husband’s Guin-
ness-braised short r i b s ( € 16 . 5 0 ) c a m e with green beans and crushed sweet potato. Slow-cooked served on the bone, with a subtle hint of Dublin’s most famous export, the ribs were tender, succulent and fell off the bone with the merest effort. An outer layer of crispy fat only added to what was a very full flavour, which pleased his inner carnivore! For dessert, a lemon posset hit the right note, and was light after a fairly filling meal. A glass of house white and red were fine, but I prefer a little more choice than the ubiquitous pinot grigio or merlot and, these days, restaurants who line up a good selection of wines by the glass get my vote. This place has the makings of a great neighbourhood bistro, but is also worth the journey if you live outside Dublin 6W.
While the wines were a little underwhelming, the dishes were not – they really hit the spot with ease
Conclusion THE miserable weather couldn’t dampen our enthusiasm for Table Six (at 4 Templeogue Road, Templeogue Village, Dublin 6W; tel 01 490 5628), which served up some delicious dishes that didn’t disappoint, while the ambience was also appreciated.
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22 Gazette 20 November 2014
OUT&ABOUT
Waltons A new venture for Waltons as it reaches out to even more Dublin musicians
Part three in our history of Walton’s Music
Last week in our series on the history of Waltons Music Store, the death of the founder, Martin Walton, in 1981 meant his family would have to continue to make the store a success and keep his legend going. His grandson Niall had already been making his mark within the business by building up the manufacturing and publishing aspects. His brother Martin also played an important role in the company as manager of the North Fredrick Street Shop. In 1988 Niall was appointed managing director, and in the following years, along with his brother David as assistant managing director. In 1992 the shop in Dun Laoghaire was closed and a new shop in South Great George’s was launched, followed in 1994 by Waltons New School of Music. In 1997 Waltons’ head office, distribution and manufacturing divisions were moved to Blanchardstown. The first store on North Fredrick Street was also moved to a superstore in Blanchardstown in 2013 where it continues to attract musicians from all walks of life. It was a new venture for Walton’s in 1994, when Niall invited his sister Aideen and brother-in-law John Mardirosian to move from New York City to start a music school over the Waltons music shop on South Great George’s Street. Aideen had studied in the College of Music (now the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama) and the Royal Irish Academy of Music and also had a BA in music from UCD. John was an accomplished viola player who also came from a musical background. Aideen and John’s concept was to create a learning centre that embraced all music styles and genres and that would teach a comprehensive range of instruments to students of all ages and skill levels. Waltons New School of Music has grown and developed over the past 20 years provides tuition in the broadest range of instruments and styles of any music school in Ireland. For further information on the school see: www.newschool.ie With their store and music school, Walton’s continues to nurture and grow the Irish music industry by providing budding and established musicians with the instruments and musical accessories needed to fuel their love of music.
ARTS
The Peacock: Writer Shaun Dunne’s debut definitely delivers
Drama won’t be a waste of your time
Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@dublingazette.com
A new play by young Dublin play w right Shaun Dunne is currently enjoying a long run at the Abbey’s little sister, The Peacock. The Waste Ground Party continues in the current dramatic vogue of depicting working class people dealing with working class problems in Dublin. The fashion for such “gritty” drama, from Love/Hate on T V to Mark O’Rowe plays on stage is currently at its height in Ireland, almost 60 years after the kitchen sink trend which swept English film and theatre and spearheaded by John Osbourne in the 50s and 60s. The Waste Ground Party focuses on a young Dublin lad home from college who is torn between his loyalty to his friend and identification with home and breaking away from his roots to pursue a career. Gary does not want to go back to college and though he tells his best friend Martin this, he
keeps it a secret from his mother. We never find out why he has chosen not to go back to college and what emerges as the main theme in the play is his conflicting sense of his own identity. Gary’s friend Martin represents everything Gary’s mother wants her son to escape. Martin is unemployed and stuck living with his own mother in an inner city home where neighbours spy on each other and bin tags feature as hugely important issues. Gary’s mother Bernie is desperate to see her son advance in life and shake the dust of his narrow birthplace. S h e , l i ke m a ny a mother before her, sees his friend Martin as the biggest adversary to her ambitions for her son and unjustly demonises him as a bad influence on him. The truth, however, is that Martin is a much more moral character than Gary and is loyal to the detriment of his own reputation. The dialogue is quite realistic apart from the
Ger Ryan and Louise Lewis on Abbey Theatre’s Peacock stage. Picture: Ros Kavanagh
odd literary reference which seems very awkward and contrived inserted into domestic Dublin vernacular. The main character, Gary, is played by Alan Mahon and to my mind, he hasn’t fully found his
feet as an actor. The acting by the two main women in the play, Ger Ryan (Bernie) and Louise Lewis (Denise) is solid, and Lloyd Cooney who plays Martin, though inexperienced, seems promising.
Directed by Gerard Stembridge, The Waste Ground Party by Shaun Dunne, runs until November 22 at the Peacock and tickets, from €18 to €25, are available from www.abbeytheatre. ie.
20 November 2014 Gazette 23
Gazette
MOTORS road
NOISE
Reducing the cost of car servicing
The Renault Zoe is an attractive, well-built, nimble city car that never needs petrol
renault: cormac curtis tests the zoe ze
More power to a great electric car
cormac curtis
If I am being completely honest, I would have to say that the Renault Zoe ZE wasn’t a car that I was expecting to love. Don’t get me wrong, I am a big supporter of electric vehicles – there is even a charging point installed outside my house so I can road test electric cars… all of which have been given good reviews on these pages. But for whatever reason, I wasn’t in the mood for the Zoe. How wrong could I have been. Within minutes of setting off in the little electric Renault I was smitten. This car is just pure class. Here is a car that has been given a proper, grown-up, attractive design and look. It’s a serious little car and it’s built to last. The cabin is just so original – everything is bright, giving it a lovely
sense of space, and there is terrific visibility. It is cheerful and feels just right. There are no halfmeasures when it comes to the points of contact – a proper steering wheel that gives the right amount of feedback from the road, and an automatic gear selector that looks and feels like it’s there to do a real job, not something that has been lifted from a golf buggy. The Zoe will get into some pretty tight spaces, and the parking sensors give added piece of mind that you won’t damage any of its elegant exterior when manoeuvring around concrete pillars in a multi-storey car park. Perhaps what is most pleasing about the car is that it drives as easily as anything I can think of, but it moves properly and gives the driver a very reassuring feel. This is a small car and I am big guy, but I was
completely comfortable, and there was more than enough room for me and my family – two adults and two kids. When talking about electric cars, the range is always an important aspect to cover. In the last few years there seems to have been a bit of a plateau reached in terms of how far the cars can go, and in the case of the Zoe ZE it sits around the 100km mark in winter and 150 in summer, at least that’s what Renault claim. My experience was that the range indicator on the car was pretty spot on and intelligently accounts for how much the other systems in the
The Renault Zoe ZE is €19,290
car sap the power as well as how much charge is generated from braking force. All-in-all the Renault Zoe fits the bill perfectly. It is an attractive, well-built, nimble city car that never needs petrol! The price of the model I drove is €19,290 including VRT Relief and SEAI Grant – and carries a €120 annual motor tax bill (about €80 cheaper than an equivalent petrol car). If you don’t have long distances to cover, Renault have produced a car that really does impress and certainly ticks all the boxes I could think of.
Launched earlier this year, the Ford Motorcraft Service offer has already helped to reduce the cost of servicing for motorists with Ford cars five-yearsold or more. Ford has extended its offer of a free €20 fuel voucher with every Motorcraft service up to the end of the year, a move the company says will encourage drivers to get much-needed servicing work carried out. Ford Ireland’s director of customer service, Dave Pimlott, said: “Motorists are still very much counting the pennies and even something as important as getting the car serviced can some-
times be put off or delayed while other expenses are taken care of. Car maintenance is absolutely essential to the safety of every road user, especially as we move into the winter months.” With a price-point of €129 for any model, the Ford Motorcraft Service offering includes a number of key benefits and features oil and oil filter change, air or cabin filter replacement, whichever requires priority fitment, a free electronic vehicle health check, a check for any outstanding service enhancements or software updates from Ford and a complimentary car wash.
24 Gazette 20 November 2014
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26 GAZETTE 20 November 2014
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20 November 2014 Gazette 27
photography P29
asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31
dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community
Gazette
rugby P28
FastSport dublin schools reach last four of golf event:
Irelans’ women’s cricket team will be looking to replicate their success in the 2014 T20 European championships
cricket: southern stars team will play three t20 matches next august
Ireland’s women face Aussie stars in lead-up to world cup DUBLIN will host three women’s cricket international T20 matches in August next year. The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will visit Dublin to play Ireland’s Women from August 18 to 22 – the venues and exact dates for these matches will be confirmed in due course. The games will form part of Australia’s preparations to play England in their own T20 International Series, while for Ireland the visit gives the home team the chance to test themselves against world class opposition prior to the ICC World T20 Qualifiers to be held in Thailand
later in the year. Richard Holdsworth, Performance Director at Cricket Ireland, was pleased Australia had agreed to visit, believing Ireland’s encouraging performances at this year’s ICC World T20 played a role in their decision to come. “We are grateful to Cricket Australia for agreeing to these matches and supporting the Ireland women’s team programme. The squad were competitive at this year’s World Twenty20 and had some close contests. “It is important we play as many countries as possible in the top 10 as this is
the way we will improve and gain experience, so these three matches will serve as great preparation ahead of the World Twenty20 Qualifier in late 2015.” The Southern Stars aren’t the only Australian team that will visit Irish shores in August, with their male counterparts coming to take on the Boys in Green at Stormont on Thursday, August 27. Meanwhile Cricket Ireland has confirmed that Ireland women’s consultant coach and former England head coach Mark Lane will head up the senior coach role until the New Year.
Richard Holdsworth commented: “We undertook an extensive recruitment process for the new role of national women’s head coach and performance pathway manager, but did not find a suitable candidate. Therefore, we shall readvertise the position shortly and hope to fill the vacancy in the New Year. “Mark has worked with our women’s performance squad for the last 12 months at various times and knows the squad very well. He is an outstanding coach and will continue to add great value to their winter programme which starts next week.”
NEAR neighbours Blackrock College and St Andrew’s College both advanced to the final four of the Irish schools senior golf championship last week as they prevailed at Woodenbridge GC. Blackrock narrowly saw off Gaelcolaiste Cheatharlach in their quarter-final, 3-2 while, at the same venue, St Andrew’s from Booterstown were more comfortable with a 4-1 win over Wexford’s Colaiste Eamonn Ris. They will be Dublin’s two representatives in the semi-finals after St Vincent’s College Castleknock and Donabate Community College bowed out. Dunshaughlin Community College saw off the former side with a 3.5 to 1.5 victory at Westmanstown GC. Clane’s Scoil Mhuire CS beat Donabate 3-2 to advance.
c o n ta c t s For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205
Gazette
28 Gazette 20 November 2014
SPORT
FastSport mental health in sport seminar at UCD: Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership and UCD Sport are hosting a free seminar on November 25 from 6.15pm at Astra Hall, UCD Student Centre in Belfield, that will examine mental health awareness for club coaches, volunteers and parents. Sports bodies, through education and training, have become important vehicles to get the conversation started and to rid Ireland of the stigma associated with mental health. There will be expert speakers from organisations including SpunOut. ie, HeadsUp, St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services and the GAA who will set out to examine issues and answer questions that many sport clubs have. Attendance is free, but must be booked in advance by registering at http:// mentalhealthawarenessinsport.eventbrite.ie.
rugby: leinster launch long-term investment in sport development
Donnybrook opens for all-weather sport@dublingazette.com
LEINSTER rugby formally opened the new Donnybrook all-weather pitches last week with Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring overseeing the formalities. After much consultation, Leinster elected to change the pitch surfac-
es in Donnybrook after researching the successful introduction of synthetic grass into rugby and other sports, particularly in the last number of years. A special one-off grant of €750,000 with matching funding from Leinster Rugby of a further €250,000 was secured and the two pitches have already hosted a number
of local club games, schools’ games and the recent Leinster ‘A’ win over Jersey in the British and Irish Cup. Girls from St MacDara’s Templeogue, Loreto Bray and St Dominic’s Ballyfermot played mini games on the main pitch, at the launch. “I was delighted that my Department was able
President of Leinster Rugby John Glackin and Minister Michael Ring at Donnybrook Stadium
Minister of State Michael Ring with members of Leinster Rugby and representatives of local schools officially open the new pitches at Donnybrook
to support these wonderful facilities with a special grant allocation of €750,000,” Minister Ring said. “It is wonderful to see the two state-of-the-art all-weather pitches completed and able to cater for such a large contingent. The Government continues to support the grass roots and, in Budget 2015, I announced a third Sport Capital Programme, which will benefit sports clubs all over the country. These facilitates will cater for a range of players from young to old and that is what we strive to support” Representing Leinster Rugby at the announcement, president John Glackin added: “This is a huge step for the domes-
tic game in Leinster. We cater for over 38,000 players across the province in 75 clubs and just short of 500 primary and secondary schools. Everyone dreams of running out at Donnybrook and that dream is enhanced by this development. “These superb pitches will allow us to facilitate far more games meaning that ultimately far more boys and girls from across the whole 12 counties of Leinster will benefit. “We are extremely grateful to the Government and the Department of Sport for their support and to Minister Ring for his attendance today. This could not have been done without their considerable support.” The Donnybrook instal-
lation of two all-weather pitches, will greatly support more rugby for the two clubs based in Donnybrook - Old Wesley and Bective Rangers but also schools, youths, women’s and community programmes and usage. Speaking about the installation of the new surface, David Ross, executive services manager at Leinster Rugby outlined that the investment was for the future. “These pitches last between eight to ten years while the padding beneath the ‘grass’ above lasts close to thirty years so it is money very well spent. We can now also guarantee up to 40 hours of rugby a week on both pitches. Such numbers were not feasible on the old grass surface.”
Dublin All Stars crowned winners in Galway Masters sport@dublingazette.com
The victorious Dublin All Stars ladies’ Over-40s team who claimed victory for the second year at the Galway Masters
The 2014 Galway Masters basketball took place recently and the Dublin ladies’ All Stars team were crowned the winners of the ladies’ Over-40s competition for the second year in a row. This year saw 25 teams from Italy, Malta, USA, England, Scotland and Ireland competing in three competitions, ladies’ Over40, men’s Over- 40 and men’s Over-50.
The venues were the N U IG K i n g f i s h e r a n d the Jes secondary school where over 80 games were played over the weekend. The tournament started with a welcoming party in O’Connors in Salthill on the Friday evening where all the teams met socially before the real games commenced the following morning. The games commenced on Saturday morning and continued throughout the day until 6pm with the
results from the day’s play determining the Sunday schedule. The Galway Bay Hotel was to be the venue for the gala dinner Saturday evening where over 300 attended to raise funds for the nominated charity, Console. Console works with suicide awareness nationally and do great work in an area which affects many people in Ireland today. The annual lifetime achievement award was
this year awarded to Gerry Nihill for his contribution to Galway and Irish basketball over the last 40 years. Sunday’s games commenced at 9am with the semi-finals of the various competitions and many of the games going right down to the wire, with only a few points separating the teams. Dublin All Stars ladies’ team and Kerry Trailblazers men’s team emerged winners for a second year in a row.
20 November 2014 SWORDS Gazette 29
Gazette
Perfect pictures sum up the season past This week sees the release of A Season Of Sundays, the annual collection of some of the best images from the GAA year, and we talk to one of the contributors about its history This year sees the 18th annual publication of the best images in from the last year in GAA, A Season Of Sundays, illustrating the complete range of emotions and environments that the national sport is played in. The book itself has become an institution in the GAA calendar, showcasing the magical and thrilling moments that help define the GAA season from start to finish, at all levels and in all codes. The book’s creator, Ray McManus, from Sportsfile said: “Each GAA season is completely unique and this year has seen plenty of new talent emerge and new storylines unfold throughout the Championship. The team at Sportsfile have done another great job in telling these stories
through the lens.” Part of that team is veteran photographer Brendan Moran, who spoke to GazetteSport last week about the history and evolution of the annual publication. “I’ve been working for sportsfile for 20 years, and 1997 was the first year that we brought the book out. The first cover picture was a picture of mine, and this year’s is as well, so I am kind of bookending things. “The books over the years have captured how GAA has changed, how the volume of matches has increased, even the style of clothing and match preparations, the fact that the players back then were not as finely tuned and professional in their approach as they are now. It was very much you played
for your parish and your county, whereas now, the dieticians and the weight training and the specific exercise they do is phenomenal, professional in all but name.” It is not just the sport that has changed in that time, it is the process of photography itself Moran explained that when he took pictures at his first All-Ireland, the team came back with 20 rolls of film with 36 shots on each - around 700 pictures in all. Sportsfile estimated that at the Donegal-Dublin football final this year, between all the sources, there were around 40,000 pictures taken. “If we get a good shot, it would be considered - the coincidences are good to see as well as the planned ones and it falls into place. There is
Alan Brogan and his son Jamie show their disappointment following the Donegal reversal. Picture: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
a great part of spontenaety, and that is the beauty of sport - there is no way of predicting what will happen. We have gone to All Irelands for years, and we just don’t know what the best shot will be - but everything falls into place.” Among all of those
tographs that, although they maybe were not used at the time, sum up the sense of occasion, history and passion for the sport among spectators and players alike. “Life is getting so fast now, it takes a step back to appreciate it. When people look at photo-
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‘Sometimes you need to sit back and remember all the things that happened, enjoy the moment’: Brendan Moran --------------------------------------------------------
pictures, Moran spoke about one of his favourites from this year when asked to pick out his personal best images. “Lots of photographs are special, and lots of snappers say your best picture is your next one. But I do have my favourites. The picture of Alan Brogan with his son, Jamie, from this year’s All Ireland, the humanity that is in the picture makes it special. I just think there is great empathy, his dad is crying and Jamie is crying with him. It’s a father and son together, it could be anywhere, but it’s in a sporting context, and it’s one of my favourites.” Moran is also clear when he describes the value of the book, and books like it, when he says that it affords people the opportunity to look back on the pho-
graphs, it brings back memories of where they were and who they were with, they come back with a smile. Over the years, as the book has developed, as we did it as a labour of love to show what we were interested in, the way people reacted to it was overwhelmingly positive. “While we don’t realise the effect it has on people, it has an amazing effect on people. It’s a good reflection of the year, the highs and lows. It’s a reflection of the GAA season, and sometimes you need to sit back and remember all the things that happened, enjoy the moment.” A Season of Sundays 2014, sponsored by Carroll’s, is now available at bookstores nationwide and online at www. sportsfile.com.
FastSport
L einster panels named for interprovincial tests GARETH Borland and Niall Denham announced their respective finalised Leinster schoolboys Under-18 and 16 panels last week for the upcoming interprovincial series that will take place in Grange Road, Rathfarnham next weekend. The Leinster Under-18s are going for a fourth successive title and have a side with a decent amount of experience to hand. Midfielder Daragh Walsh was part of the Irish U-21 European championships panel while Freddie Morris, David Nolan, Keith O’Hare, Ziggy de Boe Agnew and John Mullins all played some part in the national U-18 training panels last summer. They all bring a smattering of first team experience while Mateusz Nowakowski has been lining out for Railway Union since arriving in Ireland. It is a side that draws heavily from the St Andrew’s All-Ireland schools winning side with nine players from the school included. Three players move up straight from the Under-16s to Under-18s – Ben Bradley, Conor Empey and John Guilfoyle as part of a strong side. Ulster, though, are probably tournament favourites having won the competition two years ago at Under-16 level. They have six players who played for Wallace HS in the All-Ireland schoolboy’s final recently while Banbridge Academy have a number of players named in the panel for what looks like a high quality team, set to be led by Sean Murray. The younger age group looks much harder to predict. A quartet of players are back for a second year with Denham’s Leinster Under16s, Wesley’s Jack O’Grady and St Andrew’s trio Josh Little, Mateo Romoli and Ben Walker. Captain Guy Sarratt missed last year’s competition due to a late injury but returns and is a big boon for the panel. He was one of the Irish Under-16s top performers during the summer. The panel has eight players from Three Rock Rovers – making their total across the two teams 13 – while Monkstown tally 14 players in the two panels.
Gazette
30 SWORDS gazette 20 November 2014
SPORT
FastSport
basketball: Belfast side ahead in national cup tie
St Andrew’s bowls club announce new sponsor St Andrew’s Malahide Indoor Bowls Club announced last week that they will be sponsored by Sutton-based firm Donal MacNally Hearing. McNally Hearing directors Leona and David Kane attended the important Miller Trophy Bowls four-man team event on Wednesday, November 12 between St Andrew’s and the South Dublin Whitechurch team. Before the match, Leona Kane announced that the sponsorship of the bowls team came about as a result of their contribution to the Malahide community during the last 38 years and also because of the benefit that participating in this activity provides in developing friendships for all those in the community who play bowls.
Fingal defeated again in Division 2 encounter FINGAL fell to a third successive defeat in Leinster hockey’s men’s division two as they fell 2-1 to last year’s champions Pembroke II. It undoes their fine start to the campaign after they had dropped down a tier in the summer. They started off with three straight wins but have since fallen to top three Three Rock Rovers, Monkstown and now Pembroke. Last Saturday at ALSAA, Shane Dempsey continued his fine goalscoring
start to the season, making it eight goals in seven games since the start of the campaign. But Scott Furlong netted twice for Pembroke who featured former Fingal man Andrew Shekleton. The hosts were also without key men like David Bane and his younger brother Eamon, their defensive lynch-pin. It leaves them in mid-table in fifth place heading into their home tie with an improving Kilkenny side next weekend. They have improved since former Fingal man Tom Manning returned to their fray following hurling commitments.
Swords Thunder will be looking to reverse the 10-point deficit against Belfast Star at home in the second leg of their Men’s National Cup tie
Star steal Thunder in cup national cup round 1 Belfast Star Swords Thunder sport@dublingazette.com
83 73
BELFAST Star put up their biggest score of the season to date to gain an edge on Travelodge Swords Thunder in their Men’s National Cup Round One clash last weekend, giving the ALSA A men a tough tally to overcome in the return leg in three week’s time. It was something of a surprise after Swords’ strong start to the season, winning three of their f our Na tiona l
League games since moving up to the Premier division. Belfast, meanwhile, had just won once to date this season in the league. I t f i n i s h e d 8 3 -73 for the first leg in the Methody Gym and though the win counts for little over two legs, Danny Fulton is happy to claim it. For Star, it was the performance that may prove a turning point for the season. Losing bonus points are valuable but when your team picks up four of them in five weeks, it suggests a bigger problem.
castle supports Clontarf announce Castle Hotels as new sponsor Clontarf Rugby Club announced last
week that Clontarf Castle Hotels would be its sponsor. David Hennessy, the recently appointed general manager at Clontarf Castle Hotel and pictured centre, joined members of the team to mark the occasion. The announcement of the sponsorship agreement comes after a frustrating weekend on the field, with the All Ireland League team pipped at the death by Cork Constitution in their Ulster Bank Division 1A encounter.
On this occasion, Belfast Star were a point down after 30 minutes of basketball but won the final quarter by 30 points to 19. It also put Star through the 80 mark for the first time this season. “When you’re 1-6 in the league, it certainly feels like a win,” said the club stalwart who is temporary stand in for head coach Neal McCotter. “If you’re going to compete at this level, you’ve got to be scoring over 80 points a game. Unless you’re supreme defensively you’re not
giving yourself a chance otherwise”. R i c k y Tay l o r h a s played his part since the move to Ulster. The ‘Minister of Basketball’ has been averaging 21 points but was joined in the twenties on this occasion by Conor Quinn. Quinn is a noted perimeter shooter but was happy to take it to the zone anytime it made for an easier basket. For Swords, Isaac Westbrooks had to work very hard to run the show. Any time he distributed the ball, Belfast
Star had a game plan to not let him get it back. He managed 18 points despite a constant presence in his face and his inf luence faded late in the game – if Belfast Star couldn’t stop him, they were going to exhaust him. Kevin Lacey avoided enough attention to drain a couple of three pointers while for Star, Keelan Cairns had four big blocks to go with his 11 point tally. Belfast Star deserved their 10-point advantage, but they’ll need it all in three weeks’ time at the ALSAA.
20 November 2014 SWORDS gazette 31
Gazette
Fingallians lose play-off and drop to Div 2 sport@dublingazette.com
FINGALLIANS were relegated from AFL2 following their 4-7 to 1-12 defeat to Erin’s Isle last weekend at DCU’s new all-weather pitch, losing out in their relegation playoff. It compounds a rough year for the Swords club who lost out in the inter-
mediate championship final for the third successive year. Fins had escaped the playoff in 2013 by virtue of a last gasp run of form to push near neighbours St Finian’s and Fingal Ravens into the playoff with the former going down to AFL3. But there was no escaping this year as
they played catch-up for the majority of their tie against Isles. The Finglas side netted inside the first five minutes to build a 1-2 to 0-1 lead and their second goal in the runup to half-time put them 2-4 to 0-5 ahead and in decent control. A run of points early in the second half only for a third Isles’ goal with
a quarter of an hour left restoring the five-point gap. The Swords men were right back in the mix with seven minutes left when they found the goal, reducing the deficit to one at 3-6 to 1-11 but a fourth goal two minutes later for Isles killed off any chance of completing the comeback.
football: second-half comeback dashes hopes
Club Noticeboard fingallians It was a disappointing Sunday after-
for Christmas is Saturday, December
noon as our footballers as they were
6. We will forward information next
relegated to Division 3 following a
week on shop opening times.
defeat to Erin’s Isle at DCU. Rebuild-
There will be an in-house code of
ing for 2015 has started already with
best practice and foundation course
our minors going from strength to
run over the next couple of weeks.
strength. Our new targets will include
The code of practice will be this side of
the intermediate championship and
Christmas and the foundation course
promotion back to Division 2.
will be early next year.
Our AGM was deferred last week. It
The 2015 Feile girls’ team are host-
will take place this Thursday, Novem-
ing a monster novelty bingo event, in
ber 20 at 9pm in the club hall.
the main hall, on Sunday, November 30
This Friday, November 21, the club will host a thank-you event, in honour
from 2.30 to 5pm. Kids and adults are both welcome.
of all those who helped and took part
2015 diary: There will be a hurling
in the very successful Cycle to Clifden
workshop on January 23 and there will
last May.
be a running mechanics in GAA course,
A big thank-you to all the boys and
on February 21.
girls that have entered our art com-
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2, 5, 24,
petition/comortas ealaiona. The win-
28 and 33. There was one winner, Lou-
ners will be announced next weekend.
ise Callaghan. The jackpot this week
The last day for ordering club gear
will be €1,648.
st finian’s The lotto jackpot was €8,400 this
the good attendance enjoying a cuppa
week and the numbers drawn were
and a chat. The menu will be slightly
7, 16, 20 and 24. There was no jackpot
more extensive next week as a result
winner. The €50 winners were Sean
of customer feedback.
O’Neill and Mark J Ryan. Next week’s
The GAA National Draw will take place
jackpot will be €8,500. Don’t forget you
early in 2015, with the tickets going on
can pick up a lotto ticket through our
sale this week. The club uses 100% of
website, www.stfinians.com.
the funds raised through this draw
The Christmas fair will be held on
for development of club facilities, with
St Maur’s senior footballers battled to their place in the AFL 1 final but could not match Na Fianna in the decider
Saturday, December 13 in the club-
all the excellent prizes being supplied
Maur’s miss out on AFL title in close final
house.
by the GAA. Tickets (€10) are available
afl div 1 final Na Fianna 0-11 Naomh Maur 0-7 sport@dublingazette.com
ST MAUR’S missed out on the chance to claim the Dublin AFL Division 1 championship last Friday night after they were defeated by a strong second half performance from Na Fianna that overturned a one-point deficit and landed the Glasnevin side the title for the second time in three years. It completed a fine 2014 season for Na Fianna, who claimed two big wins in the past fortnight
to land the title. They made it into the playoffs as fourth seed but duly picked off an excellent 3-18 to 3-16 win over St Brigid’s, who topped the regular season standings in their semi-final tie. And they duly carried that momentum into the final at the same venue that saw them reach the decider, succeeding in the pouring rain at the artificial turf in Russell Park. Na Fianna trailed the Rush side 0-4 to 0-3 at half-time at Russell Park but a scoring flurry before the midpoint
of the second half with points from Adam Caffrey, Conor McHugh and Senan Coughlan put the St Mobhi Road outfit firmly in the driving seat in this well-contested final. Late on a Jack McCaffrey free and point from play from sub Odhran O’Maoileidigh secured the title for Na Fianna. In an opening half that was played at a frenetic pace Maur’s had the greater amount of possession but some wayward shooting ensured they could not open up any sort of a lead. A V i n ny W h e l a n
40-metre free opened Maur’s account and two points from Conor McGuire (one free) had his side 0-3 to 0-0 early on. However, Na Fianna reeled off three points in succession themselves to draw level by the 26th minute after David McGrath, David Quinn and McHugh all found their range. Just before the interval Chris Carthy’s point gave Maur’s a 0-4 to 0-3 halftime lead. But they could not see it home, denying them a first ever top tier league title after a fine season.
The Coffee Stop re-opened last Saturday and it proved very popular, with
from team mentors and committee members.
fingal ravens Could anyone who is interested in
best of luck and thank you to all outgo-
attending our Fairyhouse Raceday
ing and incoming position holders.
Fundraiser on November 29 please
There was no winner of this week’s
contact Alan Manning 087 065 1219 or
lotto. Numbers drawn were 1, 13, 15
Joe Kettle 086 816 4861 as soon as pos-
and 27. €250 to Greg Kidd for matching
sible. Anyone who has ordered tickets
three numbers correctly. Next week’s
will need to pay a deposit or payment in
jackpot is €11,988.
full before the end of the month. Please
The club sends its deepest sympa-
support this fundraiser, all profits go
thies to the Kiernan, Hickey and Han-
towards our new all-weather astro
nigan families. The U-21s play in the championship
pitch. Thanks to all members who attended our AGM on Wednesday evening and
against Thomas Davis at 2.30pm on Saturday. All support is welcome.
Got a story? we want to know!
Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3
or email sport@dublingazette.com
GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 27-31
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
cup draw: Templeogue play out thrilling draw to set picture perfect: The photos that capture a up second leg in men’s basketball National Cup P30 season in all its glory P29
Fagan calls time on boxing oddessy stephen findlater
sport@dublingazette.com
PORTMARNOCK man Oisin Fagan called time on a colourful boxing career last Saturday night in the wake of his second round defeat to Englishman Kofi Yates in the 3Arena. The 40-year-old succumbed to the stoppage against the opponent 18 years his junior, currently with a record eight wins from nine outings, following a barrage on the ropes 1.23 minutes into the second round. In his typical, come-forward style, Fagan took the fight to the younger man and pinned Yates
back on a couple of occasions but was picked off on the counter a couple of times, taking a cut above his left eye in round one. He was duly felled after a powerful right and while he came straight forward, Yates proved too strong to claim the opening bout of the Return of the Mack card. In the aftermath, Fagan stated: “I just got beaten by a 22-year-old. I guess it’s a young man’s game. I think it is time for this old man to retire.” It brings down the curtain on a hugely entertaining professional career, travelling a route much less worn. It started in Oklahoma after a soccer scholarship was cut short
due to injury with Fagan turning his hand to boxing and ultimately taking on fights to help him financially. As such, with minimal amateur pedigree, he debuted at the age of 29, notching up four wins from his first five outings in quick succession. Fagan famously never shirked a fight and took on the soon to be hugely decorated Julio Chavez Junior in the MGM Grand just a year into his pro career in front of “a room full of screaming Mexicans”. He lost on points but gained plenty of kudos. It led him to the Oklahoma state lightweight title in
2004 and he landed the Irish welterweight strap in 2006. His all-action, aggressive style set him up for a marquee bout with Paul Spadafora for the IBF lightweight belt, only missing out on a split decision, the same manner in which he was denied the USBA lightweight strap by Verquan Kimbrough. Indeed, the first time he was put down was against Amir Khan in 2008 when it transpired he had broken his leg in the first round. A couple of wars followed against Eddie Hyland and Andy Murray before his career wound down but he still maintained his interest in ending on a high.
Oisin Fagan announced his retirement from boxing after defeat against Kofi Yates