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Lack of social houses blasted  KEITH BELLEW

LOCAL representatives have lashed out at the Government amid revelations that there are no plans to build any social houses in Dublin 15 in 2015.

The council intends to build 38 houses in 2015, nine in Balrothery, Balbriggan, 14 in Cappagh and 15 in St Cronan’s, Swords.

Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) believes that the Government is not provid-

ing enough funding for local authorities to build homes, and Deputy Ruth Coppinger (AAA) challenged Tanaiste Joan Burton to “put a bandage on the haemorrhage of homelessness”.

The Tanaiste responded, saying: “We have set out an additional €2.2bn in 2015 and the next three years to roll out one of the largest and most radical social housing programmes in decades.”

Full Story on Page 6

Unsung hero: Alison awarded for going the extra mile ALISON Donnelly from Clonsilla (right) was among 100 workers honoured for their dedication in the 2015 GEM Awards (Going the Extra Mile) presented recently by ISS, a major provider of outworker business services.

A member of the winning Irish

Women’s Rugby Team, Nora Stapleton (left), introduced this year’s GEM Awards. Alison manages three cleaning clients for ISS and impressed the judges with her “can do” attitude and for being a key contributor to the team.

2 BLANCH Gazette 29 January 2015

campaign ‘I call on residents to join the local day of action’

Anti-water meter protest planned The We Won’t Pay campaign in Dublin 15 will hold a protest at Fingal County Council Civic Offices at Grove Road in Blanchardstown this Saturday, January 31, at 1pm.

Deputy Ruth Coppinger (AAA), who is organising the protest, said: “I call on residents to join the local day of action this Saturday, including a protest at

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

Fingal Civic Offices at 1pm in Blanchardstown Centre.

“The We Won’t Pay campaign is also hold-

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

ing a public meeting in the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wednesday February 4 at 8pm to begin the organising of mass non-payment of the water bills in Dublin 15.

“If the Government continues not to listen, then the most effective way of pressuring to get water charges abolished is a very high level of non-payment.

“That would make it impossible for any future Government to continue with the hated water charges.

“And the penalties for not paying don’t even begin until July 2016.

She went on to say that the Government’s €100 Water Conservation Grant is “obviously unviable and a temporar y measure granted in panic at the mass movement against water charges.

“It will be gone in no time if the charges get established - just like the bin waivers.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Social Protection responded, saying: “The Department of Social Protection will be administering the water conservation grant on behalf of the Department of the Environ-

Members of The We Won’t Pay campaign at a previous march

ment, Community and Local Government.

“The €100 water conservation grant will be paid to every registered household.

“It will result in a net bill for a single-adult household of €60 per year, while households

with two or more adults will pay a net bill of €160 per year.

“The grant will be paid annually, with the first payment to be paid in September 2015 and each subsequent year up to and including 2018.”

A spokesperson from Irish Water said: “Irish Water fully respects the right to peaceful protest, which it endeavours to facilitate, while maintaining the health and safety of the general public and our staff as a priority.”

29 January 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3

Phoenix FM

castleknock: first junior applied maths table quiz held in Ratoath

Life and times of a local legend

It’s a close call as college wins contest  Keith Bellew

Castleknock College won the first junior applied maths table quiz, which was held in Ratoath College recently. The competition is a problem-solving contest for students in third and fourth year. It is organised nationwide by the Irish Applied Maths Teachers’ Association to encourage students to become good at problem solving.

In a closely-contested competition, the Castleknock College fourth year team won by two points.

Another Castleknock College team from third year came second and won the prize for the best third year team.

The contest was held

in seven other centres around Ireland. The winners of each will meet in March for the title of All-Ireland champions at problem solving.

One of the fourth year team winners, Ben Healy, along with fellow student Jake Killeen was also honoured at the BT Young Scientist exhibition with a highly commended award. They created a biodegradable golf tee made from seaweed which fertilises the earth. The tees were created using moulds and syringes, and lathe techniques.

Healy said the project was completed in a very short space of time: “It was slow up until Christmas, and then we realised, we’re not going to get this

done on time. There was quite a bit of rushing over Christmas and lots of stress. Eventually we got it done just in time.

It worked out perfectly because the tee itself actually outperforms the wooden tee by at least 400 per cent. When we were trying the tee we ran out of golf balls.”

Killeen said: “The competition went great we got a lot of interest and there was a good buzz around the actual event. We got some interest from people who offered us help if we want to take it further.”

He went on to say that they plan to enter an entrepreneurial competition in February, which will allow them to take their project further.

Strike gold: Castleknock student wins award in business achievement castleknock student Conor Browne of Belvedere College has been awarded a gold medal for achieving first place in the country in the 2014 Leaving Certificate accounting exam. Conor received his medal at the Business Studies Teachers’ Association of Ireland (BSTAI) Business Studies Achievement Awards ceremony, hosted by Banking and Payments Federation Ireland at their offices in Nassau Street, Dublin. The awards recognise the achievements of students in accounting, economics and business at Leaving Certificate level and business studies at Junior Certificate level. Pictured are Cathriona Hallahan, Microsoft Ireland; Leaving Cert accounting winner Conor Browne and Mary O’Connor, former president, BSTAI.

J e n n y P owe l l t h e f a m o u s D u b l i n 15 character often spotted around Blanchardstown shopping centre and known for her love of animals is the subject of a radio documentary made by Phoenix FM. The documentary My Name Is Jenny, sees 81-year-old Powell tell the story of her life. Having lived in the area for many decades, Powell has seen Dublin 15 grow from a rural area with several small villages to the modern sprawling series of towns it has become.

The documentary airs on Monday, February 2 and again on Tuesday, February 10 at 10am.

4 BLANCH Gazette 29 January 2014

facility €100k for growing services demand

Minister Leo Varadkar with award recipient Denise Pimley and chief executive Pauline McKeown

Funding boost for treatment service  Keith Bellew

The HSE recently decided to allocate an extra €100,000 to the Coolmine Therapeutic Community.

The extra funding will be used to increase frontline services at the Mother and Child Residential Treatment Service in Ashleigh House.

The facility provides residential and community treatment and rehabilitation services for people dealing with addiction, and this latest allocation brings the total amount of funding allocated in recent times to over €1m.

The Mother and Child Residential Treatment Service allows mothers to keep their children with

them during residential treatment.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for clients who have recently completed the 12-month recovery programme, Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar said: “Your stories provide hope and inspiration to other drug users. You have shown that dr ug addiction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. As graduates of the Coolmine Therapeutic Recovery Programme, you are champions for others.

“This extra funding of €100,000 will help Coolmine to meet the growing demand for services at Ashleigh House. The development of indi-

vidualised care plans for its clients, including both mothers and children, gives us a real opportunity to break the cycle of addiction in families.

“It also gives people the chance to move away from illicit drug use and experience a healthier lifestyle.

“I recently approved a grant of €40,000 under the National Lottery Scheme towards the cost of constructing a room with changing and sleeping areas, which I hope will improve the facilities available to mothers and children staying in Ashleigh House.”

Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) welcomed the funding saying: “I am absolute-

ly thrilled for them. I have visited Ashleigh House on a number of occasions and it is such a pleasure to see the work that goes on there and the friendly atmosphere around the programme.

“I do know that they were hoping to turn the admin block into some extra units for the clients and so were therefore looking for an additional premises or even section of a premises/room from where the admin people would work.

“It is the only mother and child unit in the country and should be supported.

“I wish them all the best with the funding and the work they do.”

New quit smoking initiative Women in Blanchardstown who want to stop smoking are invited to join We Can Quit, a free 12-week programme, which will begin on February 4.

This initiative is being run by the Irish Cancer Society in partnership with the Blanchardstown Area Partnership, Blanchardstown Primary Care Team, HSE and Touchstone Pharmacy.

As well as weekly group sessions and one-to-one support, women who sign up to the programme will be offered 12 weeks nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to the value of €450, free of charge.

Terry McCabe, deputy chief executive of Blanchardstown Area Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this

initiative.

“We feel that by providing this support to women in their community to stop smoking it will impact not only on their health but on their family and children’s health in the long term.”

Further information is available by phoning 01 820 1745, 01 811 5936 or by registering online at www.cancer.ie/register-wequit.

29 January 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5

6 BLANCH Gazette 29 January 2015

housing Government slammed for lack of social homes

‘No council homes planned in Dublin 15’  Keith Bellew

Local representatives have lashed out at the Government amid revelations that there are no plans to build any social houses in Dublin 15 in 2015. The council intends to build 38 houses in 2015, nine in Balrothery, Balbriggan, 14 in Cappagh and 15 in St Cronan’s, Swords.

Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) believes that the Government is not providing enough funding for local authorities to build homes. He said: “Fingal County Council don’t have enough of a budget to build any more than what they are proposing

to build.

“Every week, myself and my colleagues are inundated with people coming to our constituency office who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless as landlords massively increase rents as leases expire. According to the housing rights advocacy group, Threshold, [Dublin 15] is the area with the most inquiries from tenants at risk of homelessness.”

Addressing Tanaiste Joan Burton, Deputy Ruth Coppinger (AAA) said: “In Fingal, your own local authority, a staggering 38 new builds are planned. Not one

single new council home is planned in Dublin 15.

Will you at least agree to put a bandage on the haemorrhage of homelessness?

“Will you reverse the rent supplement cuts and revise the limits, particularly in Dublin where the crisis is worst, introduce the rent controls so obviously needed and called for by every single housing charity? Will the Government direct banks to stop repossessions which result in eviction and to instead agree to accept rental on those homes?”

Minister Burton r e s p o n d e d , s ay i n g : “Social housing is a key priority for this Govern-

ment. We have set out an additional €2.2bn in 2015 and the next three years to roll out one of the largest and most radical social housing programmes in decades.

“For it to be successful, however, parties must persuade their representatives on local authorities to be positive in allowing social housing to be constructed. In this regard, Deputy Coppinger might explain why people associated with her party on Fingal County Council voted against a social housing development in Fingal, at an area committee meeting last month.

“The newly-appointed

Deputy Ruth Coppinger (inset) criticised the lack of social housing plans

Fingal county manager has brought forward an extremely ambitious housing programme, starting with the identification of the sites and areas in Swords, Blanchardstown and the wider Dublin 15 area where new social hous-

ing can be built.”

A spokesperson from Fingal County Council said: “In the last three years the council has delivered 500 units of social housing in Dublin 15. We are working closely with the other Dublin local authori-

ties through the Dublin Social Housing Delivery Task Force to address the need for social housing in Fingal. We will do this through all options open to us including construction, leasing, purchasing and filling of any casual vacancies that arise.”

29 January 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7

O’Sullivan: strike ‘disproportionate’

Teachers to meet Minister for talks  Keith Bellew

A spokesperson from the Department of Education has confirmed that Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan and the teachers unions are to enter further talks on Thursday, January 29.

This follows on from a day of strikes by second level teachers in D15 and around the country on Thursday, January 22 in protest at concerns over what they described as: “significant elements of the proposed new Junior Cycle”.

Over 27,000 secondlevel teachers around the country took part in the strikes following on from a previous strike on Tuesday, December 2.

Teachers rejected proposals from Minister O’Sullivan that teachers would assess 40% of their own students work at Junior Cert level. Teachers at Riversdale Community College in Corduff picketed from 8:30am to 4pm.

According to Teachers Union of Ireland member Cllr David McGuinness (FF), the atmosphere at the strike in Riversdale was positive and the teachers were “upbeat about the day”.

Speaking about the wider issues of the dispute he said: “Minister Quinn was known for his autocratic style of developing and implementing policies. Nobody expected the new Minister for Education to continue her predecessor’s disas-

trous policies without question. Teachers care about the quality of education that their students receive and the impartiality of examinations that the students sit.

“It is harder for young teachers to earn a wage since changes to supervision and substitution were implemented. Young teachers rely on supervising and correcting State exams in June and July to get them through an otherwise unpaid summer.

Our education sector is being eroded and I urge the Minister to reconsider her proposals and avoid more, unnecessary, school closures.”

Minister Jan O’Sullivan, TD, said that the strike was “disproportionate and unnecessary”.

FastNews

Security guard Sigitas Gardai investigating serious assault on man goes the extra mile Gardai in Blanchardstown are investigating a serious assault on a man in the Latchford area of D15 on Thursday, January 22. At approximately 2:45am, a male aged in his 30s was discovered with a number of apparent stab wounds at Littlepace Road. He was removed by Ambulance to Connolly Hospital where his condition stabilised. During a follow up search by investigating gardai, a 32-yearold male was arrested and later released without charge. Investigations are ongoing.

A Tyrrelstown resident was among 100 workers honoured for their dedication at the 2015 GEM Awards (Going the Extra Mile). Security guard at St Patrick’s Hospital, Sigitas Gadliauskas, originally from Lithuania, received the award along with a co-worker for apprehending a man who was breaking into cars on the grounds. GEM Awards recognise the valuable contribution of employees involved in business supports such as cleaning, catering, security, and property services.

8 BLANCH Gazette 29 January 2015

ask the politician A weekly Q&A with local representatives looking This week The Gazette asks the politicians: A postcode system is set to come in next year at a cost of €27m, is such a system needed and is spendingthis amount of money warranted?

Dublin North West TD: Dessie Ellis (SF)

There are serious issues regarding the Eircode plan The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has projected a cost to the State of the project will be in the region of €27m, though others have projected an even higher cost.

Normally when a project with a technical specification is being carried out, it is an attempt to fix a clear problem that has been identified.

There has been much murmuring from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources about the lack of a postcode system in Ireland but there has

yet to be a definitive answer as to what problem Eircode is addressing.

We are told that Ireland is the only OECD country without a postcode system but is addressing this issue a vanity project for the Government or does it provide a specific function?

If it is a vanity project, it is a very expensive one and we could not support this. There is already a postcode system in Ireland in place called Loc8.

This system is used by the SatNav company Garmin and by the HSE.

This system was offered to the Government free of charge in 2013 but was never availed of.

The expected cost on consultation is projected to be in the region of €1.8m according to the Department.

Questions remain to be answered as to what level individuals or companies who advised the department at various stages are now involved in the ongoing project management.

There have been serious issues raised by a number of bodies regarding the Eircode system.

The freight industry and the Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association have pointed out a number of problems such as that it is only linked to postal addresses and does not identify small local areas.

Eircode will not be on street signs and will therefore most likely only be known to the person living at the specific address.

These are major problems which make Eircode seem less necessary than might first appear. Both of these groups say they were not properly consulted.

Dublin-Rathdown politician and Senator: Mary White (FF)

National postcode system is a vital step forward Whilst I do support the establishment of a national postcode system, I am concerned at the Government’s proposed model which seems to undermine data protection and has been severely criticised by the Freight Transport Association of Ireland and those involved in the emergency services.

With Ireland being one of the few developed countries without postcodes, the introduction of a national postcode system is a vital step forward.

It will make it easier for consumers to shop online, and will be of great benefit to the high number of businesses now embracing online trade.

Without a national post-

code system, there is a real danger that postal operators, consumers, businesses and public services will be at a disadvantage compared to our EU partners.

N e ve r t h e l e s s , m o n t h s from its launch and nearly a full decade since it was first proposed, Eircode is already shrouded in controversy before a single postcode has been issued.

The new Eircode system will not be sequential, meaning the codes will be completely random in nature and will bear no relation to neighbouring locations.

The emergency services and the Freight Transport Association of Ireland have said that this will cause mass

confusion and could be “catastrophic” in terms of sending emergency services to the wrong location.

Neither body’s concerns

appear to have been listened to.

Additionally, the Data Protection Commissioner has repeatedly warned that a code that identifies unique addresses instead of wider areas would pose data protection problems, a statement that should ring alarm bells at Government level.

I would hope that the Government has learnt from the Irish Water debacle and that it will immediately engage with the relevant bodies to address these issues.

A postcode system is vital to a developed economy but we cannot face the embarrassing situation of spending millions on a system that is going nowhere.

29 January 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9

at topics that are concentrating minds across the city and county

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County: Cllr Neale Richmond (FG)

Fingal County Council: Cllr Joe Newman (Ind)

South Dublin County Council: Gino Kenny (PBP)

I question such exorbitant This will make the postal costs just to reinvent the wheel service more operational A locational code system, such as the one envisaged, will unlock the potential across Government Departments for use of this spatial data for policy planning.

Businesses will find many benefits from the introduction of Eircode, including improved logistics and distribution planning.

Will the new system save money for the average person?

I doubt it. However the system will facilitate the automatic detection of your property, as each property will have a unique ID. Although sending a letter to A65 B2CD does not conjure up the same pleasant image that an address called Buttercup Cottage does, it looks like the system will help improve efficiency and the regular post will arrive at your home or business a little quicker.

One of the welcome benefits of the postal

code is that it will allow emergency services locate dwellings a lot faster.

What are the costs and who will foot the bill? Who really knows, but the figure of €27m plus has been mentioned and the taxpayer will be paying as usual. Why the huge cost when there are a number of systems already in existence? I question why we should have such exorbitant costs just reinventing the wheel.

Is it fair to land this cost on the taxpayer? Definitely not. Let the businesses that reap the financial rewards put up the money for the costs.

What about data protection? Minister Alex White says new legislation may need to be introduced to protect the personal data of individuals.

Who does he think he is kidding, the days of privacy are well gone.

There’s always going to be a downside to this. My friend who is a postman told me that the reason for the new system is to ultimately gather information for specific areas and houses.

In Britain, where the public have a postal code, the information can tell you exactly where a specific house is. So overall, it’s for efficiency purposes that will make the postal service more operational.

You also have to look at the postal service in Ireland and the danger of it becoming a private body, which I would be completely against.

I would obviously support a public service such as An Post staying public rather than being open to competition.

Obviously when it comes to public money

there is more important things that our taxes can go towards at the moment (such as funding for social homes), but running an efficient postal service is still important.

The whole idea of it is to gather information on households and there is concern that the information and data collected will be used or sold to other companies – I think that’s the reason behind it.

This postal code will identify the exact house and the postal service is now open to competition across Europe. Ultimately, I believe a State service should stay a State service.

10 BLANCH Gazette 29 January 2015

29 January 2015 BLANCH Gazette 11

12 gazette 29 January 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Eduardo Sastani and Simon Patton

Xpose presenter Lisa Cannon and (below) Fortitude star, actor Richard Dormer. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Jessica Meehan and Amanda Scales

Stars of the new Sky Atlantic drama Fortitude, Christopher Eccleston and Luke Treadaway. The show, which premiered at the Mansion House, is set around the town of Fortitude in the Arctic Circle, which is the safest town in the world until something awful happens.

drama in The House: Sky Atlantic previews latest offering

Stars show fortitude at a glitzy premiere

Mark and Marie Prenderville

29 January 2015 Gazette 13

escape the mayhem p15

dublinlife

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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



Gazette

diary p14

what’son fundraising volunteers wanted : The

Hotelier and TV personality Francis Brennan: “I’m not a television watcher at all, I listen to the radio.” Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

a day in the life: celebrity hotelier on hating his chicken sandwich lunch

Brennan serves up the secrets of a regular day  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Known for his witty banter, keen eye and high standards, Francis Brennan is becoming something of a national treasure.

The Gazette spoke to the hotelier, author and TV personality recently as he walked us through a day in his life.

“I’m out of the bed at 7.15am. While I travel I have time to think and watch the beautiful Kenmare Bay which I pass by.

I come into the hotel at around 8.30am or thereabouts and the first thing I do is go to reception and say hello to them all in there. Then I say hello to my breakfast chef and have a little chat with her

because she’s there on her own working hard. Then I say hello to the wash-up boys because nobody ever remembers them.

“I’ll go and meet guests coming and going and probably an hour later I have a bit of breakfast which consists of porridge, fresh fruit and a yoghurt. No bread or no wheat. One day a week I would have a fry as a treat; a full-Irish as they call it. Then I always help people with routing on where exactly they might be going, like the Ring of Kerry or the Skelligs.

“As reservations are arriving I find out if you want a certain pillow or have a wooden leg and can’t do the stairs

properly. Lunch can be anywhere from 12.30pm until 4pm every day and it’s always the same thing though I hate it and should change it but I don’t. It’s a chicken sandwich on white bread (which it shouldn’t be on) and a pot of tea.

“At tea-time I have a meal prepared by the chef which can be anything from veal to chicken to pork which is served in the office on a tray.

“My porter comes on at 10.30pm and I hand over to him and from then on I can go home. I do that seven days a week for nine months of the year until January comes and you’ve nothing to do. In the off-season I do all the TV work.

“I go home then and when I get into

the house I always read the newspaper cover to cover except for sport. I sit at the kitchen table at an Aga and have a cup of tea. I also make loads of phone calls to America. I’m desperate; I go to bed at 2am. I’m not a television watcher at all, I listen to the radio. I wouldn’t have seen 50% of the At Your Services over the years. I was at home recently and watched television for two nights and thought this is an inane existence.

“I said, no forget that now. Before the third night I’d be jumping off a bridge,” he jokes.

Brennan is currently championing Bord Bia’s Quality Assured Irish Pork campaign.

Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is calling for volunteers in Dublin on February 27 and 28 to take part in the 14th annual Lollipop Day to help raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer.

Lollipop Day sees thousands of people selling lollipops (€2) nationwide, in an effort to raise awareness and vital funds for oesophageal cancer research. The OCF is asking anyone who has a few hours to spare over February 27 to 28 to get involved and help to raise funds for a good cause.

Noelle Ryan, OCF chairperson said: “We are very fortunate to have an ever increasing number of dedicated volunteers, all of whom make Lollipop Day possible and a success every year.

“But we still need more volunteers so if anyone or any group is interested in helping out, please contact us on www. lollipopday.ie.”

For more information on Lollipop Day; to volunteer or to make a donation, go to www.lollipopday.ie.

14 gazette 29 January 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Padraig gets into the swing of things A lt h o u g h w e l l used to the pressure that comes with taking part in some of the world’s biggest golf tournaments, this week celebrated Irish golfer P a d rai g Harri ngton was feeling stress of a different kind as he took to the Gaiety stage to regale the crowd with tales of his golfing

career.

He said when he last did a similar charity event, it took a toll on his nervous system from which it took him six weeks to recover.

He said it is not nerves he suffers from when he appears on stage but an excitement so massive it takes him ages to return to his usual cool equi-

librium.

There was a packed house on January 20 for the Evening with Pa dra ig Ha rrington and all proceeds from the charity night went towards the ISPCC and the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation.

Harrington, golf club in hand, also demonstrated how to achieve

DIARY

the perfect swing and afterwards engaged in a Q&A session with members of the audience.

Colin Farrell backs same-sex marriage A recent interview on gay marriage by Castleknock native Collin Farrell on RTE’s Claire Byrne Live reached a wider audience than expected as US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres tweeted the interview to her 38m followers.

Farrell was interviewed

by Byrne from Los Angeles about the upcoming gay marriage referendum in May. He discussed homophobia in Ireland and told of how his brother was bullied and beaten up in school for being gay.

Along with the link to the interview, DeGeneres, who is married to actress Portia DeRossi, tweeted: “Colin Farrell explains his support for marriage equality in a beautiful way. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

Also in America, the Huffington Post ran an article about Farrell’s interview saying: “We love Colin Farrell!”

tea lovers for barry’s advert being sought A r ec r u i t me n t drive for tea lovers to be included in Barry’s Tea Real Character advert is heating up on Instragram.

Ireland’s iconic tea company is searching for tea lovers from around Ireland to feature in an ongoing campaign that celebrates the character of its tea and the people who enjoy it.

Golfer Padraig Harrington at the Gaiety Theatre for An Evening with Padraig Harrington. Picture: Arthur Carron

Following its launch, Instragram has been bubbling over with wannabe characters posting their pictures of a tea moment. It can be themselves with their favourite mug, on a walk with a thermos-cup or sharing a pot of tea with friends – any tea moment can be captured.

The response so far has seen people having a tea moment on their own, with friends, family, kids and even pets are getting involved.

For a chance to feature in the nationwide campaign, fans of Barry’s are being asked to upload a photo of a tea moment to Instagram, tagging it #BarrysCharacter Find out more about the campaign by visiting

w w w.facebook.com/ barrystea.

Councillor apologises for page 3 tweet How th councillor Keith Redmond (FG) landed himself in hot water recently over a Tweet he made about the rumours of the Sun newspaper’s decision to discontinue its trademark topless page three model photos.

The councillor tweeted: “Good work feminazis, you just made lots of fellow women unemployed because their work offended you.”

He later apologised and deleted the tweet after people such as Mar y McAuliffe — a UCD lecturer in women’s studies and presi-

dent of the Women’s History Association of Ireland responded to it saying: “To my sister feminazis - congrats on the big win here. Obviously we are always out to destroy female careers!”

She also prodded Cllr Redmond saying: “A lesson in how a tweet can seriously damage a political career, well done.”

In response to a tweet from fellow Cllr Justin Sinnott (Ind) asking if he was “on a wind up”, Cllr Redmond said: “I can’t stand the sanctimonious.”

He eventually apologised saying: “Re earlier tweet. Apologies. Deleted.” But as we all know, this one won’t be deleted from people’s memories!

29 January 2015 Gazette 15

escape the mayhem: novelist’s break

Amanda’s happy to be ‘in danger’  keith bellew

N OV E L I S T, e v e n t host and TV personality Amanda Brunker is currently starring in her own reality show on TV3, Danger – Amanda at Work (right), which sees her rolling up her sleeves and working in some of the toughest, most physically demanding professions there are.

This week, The Gazette spoke with Amanda about what she does to escape the mayhem of her busy career. She said that her favourite means of escape

is her writing: “On a dayto-day basis, I can think of nothing better than sitting down and writing, and that’s all I actually want to do but life keeps getting in the way.”

“My ‘happy place’ is literally just being at my computer and just having the time [to write], because then I get to be in a fantasy world.

“As a fiction writer, you get to have affairs, you can be as naughty as you like, you never get into trouble with anybody because, at the end of the day, it’s just imagining stuff and creat-

ing stuff in your head and none of it is real.”

Going out for walks with her dog is another way in which she gets away from it all. She said: “I rescued [rehoused] a greyhound recently, and I live beside UCD, which is quite lucky so I get to walk [the grounds of] UCD almost every day.

Me and the dog just head off into the distance, and I get away from the kids, the phone, dirty dishes and all the rest of it.”

Danger – Amanda at Work airs on TV3 on Thursdays at 9pm.

Gazette

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM

Gazette

16 Gazette 29 January 2015

dublinlife

Hayley Purtill-Quin, educogym

Trainer’s holistic approach gives clients support for better result AS A senior trainer in Educogym in Dundrum, Hayley Purtill-Quin has been with the company for almost three years and has a strong client base.

She offers personally-tailored training and nutrition programmes. Purtill-Quin is in her third year studying nutritional therapy and thoroughly enjoyed bringing the holistic approach to the health and fitness industry.

Educogym has five branches: Dundrum, DockHow long have you been in business?

We have been open in Dundrum since July, 2009, so we are in our sixth year of business.

We have just finished a record year for the business and are excited to recreate that success for 2015. We also have gyms in Blackrock, Docklands, Naas and the K-Club.

What makes your business successful?

We take a unique holistic approach with our clients and pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service to every client who walks through the door.

We are completely focused on results and our sole purpose is to help people realise and

achieve their goals.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

A vital factor in the results achieved is the role of the mind. It was found that when a person has a clear mental blueprint in their mind of their ideal physique, they trained with greater intensity.

At Educogym, our clients are trained in this unique mental approach to produce amazing results, using a holistic approach that ties together our expertise in training, nutrition and mindset.

What is the best piece of business advice you have received?

Surround yourself

business

Q&A

lands, Blackrock, Naas and the K-Club.

Purtill-Quin can be contacted at Educogym Dundrum at 01 275 2000, ext 2. For further information on Educogym, see www.educogym.com, or Facebook.com/myeducogym. with like-minded people. I think applying this philosophy can really help business progression and success.

How do you use social media to help your business?

We use Facebook to showcase the great results we get with our clients, using before and after pictures. On our kickstart 12-day programme, the average result is 7lbs of fat loss and 3lbs of muscle gain, and we like to use social media to inspire others.

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

Dundrum is such a diverse area, and I get to help so many different people achieve results.

My client list ranges

from Leaving Cert students to the over-60s.

What is your ambition for the business?

We are so happy with the growth of the business over the past six years and we would like Educogym to be regarded as the premier place to go for anybody looking to achieve health and fitness goals.

What living person do you admire most?

I do not admire just one person, but a lot of the people around me.

Every day, I admire my clients with their focus and dedication that they show.

Taking the first step towards making a change in your life is not easy and it is an admirable trait.

€1.55bn invested in real estate in Q4 A TOTAL of €1.55bn was invested in Irish real estate in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2014, recent research by Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL, a financial and professional services firm that specialises in commercial real estate services and investment) has revealed.

Q4 was the strongest quarter of the year, and total year-end volumes were €4.54bn, which is a 25% increase on the previous peak in 2006 (€3.63bn).

In total, there were 295 retail property transactions nationally in 2014, compared to 145 in 2013 and 121 in 2006. There were 15 transactions greater than €100m

in 2014, compared to three in 2013.

The study also shows that Dublin remains the dominant region, accounting for 72% of volumes in 2014. However, with the 2013 figure totalling 87%, it is evident that activity has broadened outside of Dublin.

Retail is expected to be the strongest-performing asset class in 2015, as there has been a number of large-scale provincial shopping centre sales in the past six months.

Speaking at the end of 2014, Hannah Dwyer, head of research, JLL Dublin, said: “2014 has been

a very active year for the property market.

“The turnaround for investments has been remarkable, with an uplift in the supply of assets coming onto the market, strong demand from investors and increases in values and returns.

“Essentially, we have seen a pent-up surge of workout activity with willing sellers and buyers in the market.

“We do not expect activity to be at the same record levels we saw in 2014, but investment volumes are likely to achieve €3bn. This is still significantly ahead of the 10-year average of €1.4bn,” she said.

Bride Groom JANUARY 29, 2015

Let The Gazette help make your wedding day extra special and guarantee you have happy memories to share with friends and family in the years to come

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GAZETTE

29 January 2015 GAZETTE 17

WHAT TO WEAR:

Divine gowns and accessories to suit the most stylish guest Page 18

VENUES:

Find the perfect place to say ‘ I do’ Pages 22-24

TRULY GIFTED:

Thoughtful presents that will be cherished Pages 25-26

Lovely!

Isn’t she

The style radar is on Hollywood glamour with Johanna Johnson’s timeless, enchanting dresses SEE PAGE 20

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Gazette

18 Gazette 29 January 2015

Bride Groom

| dressed to the nines |

How to be a most stylish guest

 laura webb

wear it once because the next wedding you are at involved the same wedding

DRESSING for a wedding is just as hard

guests? Judging by our Gazette office

for the guest as it is for the bride but

hands - it’s one too many.

with stores like Covet, where you can

Renting a dress is a perfect alterna-

rent a gown, this task can be made that

tive if you want to go all out without

little bit easier.

having to spend the cash. Here are just

Hands up who has been to a wedding, spent a fortune on a dress only to

some of the dresses available to rent at Covet, Powerscourt.

Pistachio Rachel Gilbert Adrianna dress, €165 to borrow for three days at Covet

Blush jersey Badgley Mischka dress, €165 to borrow for three days at Covet

Pearl and yellow gold earrings at John Brereton Jewellers €125

Pale pink chiffon slingback with embellishment

by Menbur at Fabucci.ie €129

Navy cap sleeve Badgley Mischka dress, €165 to borrow for three days at Covet

Making your day BIG with original favours Some people won’t want to

Wedding favours are a great way

favours, as a sure way to deplete

for the bride and groom to show

the budget especially if a large

deviate from the old tradition of

their appreciation to their guests

gathering is expected. One way to

confectionery, but rather than

for helping to celebrate their big

cut costs and give a wedding an

buying countless boxes of luxury

day. The main things to consider

extra personal touch is to provide

chocolates, or sugared almonds

when deciding on wedding favours

homemade wedding favours.

baking your own cookies, or cup-

are: budget, the number of guests

Edible favours are quite popu-

cakes etc will enable you to save

lar: chocolates, sugared almonds

money and give you the opportu-

Many people choose to give

and other varieties of confec-

nity of personalising them with

small tote bags with little trinket

tionery have been a standard

the theme of your wedding.

type gifts such as wedding

since Victorian times (among the

themed key-rings. Some people

wealthy at least). But nowadays

favours, which will allow you to

like to give toiletries such as

in our health conscious age, fruit

thank your guests and support a

scented heart-shaped soaps,

wedding favours are popular.

worthy cause at the same time is

and mini perfume or aftershave

Many couples provide oranges,

to make a donation in their name

bottles.

apples, peaches, or pears for

to a charitable organisation.

and the shelf life of the item.

Modern weddings are often

each guest. Dried fruit and nut

Another option for wedding

Many charities have a system

about adding a bit of originality

mixes are also quite popular and

set up for this and will provide

and personality to the big day,

also more practical as they last

you with tent cards for all the

and wedding favours can be a

longer. This option also allows

tables at your wedding recep-

great way to reflect the taste of

for more originality by providing

tion informing your guests

the couple.

them in little personalised couple

about your donation on their

themed bags or boxes.

behalf.

Many people view wedding

29 January 2015 Gazette 19

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 29 January 2015

Bride Groom

| FINDING YOUR BRIDAL STYLE |

Johanna Johnson

Dress The

JOHANNA Johnson is the latest designer to launch her collection at the Knightsbridge Boutique, Powerscourt Townhouse Dublin. Specialising in inspirational bridal and couture gowns, Johnson is known for her sophisticated Hollywood glamour and timeless appeal. Johnson will join a range of other internationally renowned designers at Knightsbridge including, Jenny Packham, Lulu Frost, Lele Sadoughi, Alex Monroe, and Jennifer Behr.

See www. knightsbridge boutique.com ON THE COVER: The Johanna Johnson Garland Crown

YOU have the ring, the venue and, of course, the

husband-to-be so the next big thing on the list is none other than the wedding dress. Dress budgets range for each individual and it’s usually the first thing you’ll be asked when taking to bridal stores to choose “the one”.

But don’t worry, with various price tags and offers you’ll find a dream dress within your price range. Try different styles, although you may have one dress in mind, chances are you try on something completely different and end up falling in love all over again. Enjoy dress shopping with those close to you and be prepared for some happy tears when that dress is finally found.

Barnardos Bridal Room

Brides-to-be can cut costs and choose from a stunning selection of brand new dresses at a fraction of their high street cost at the Bridal Rooms in Dun Laoghaire and Wexford. All profits go to support Barnardos’ vital work with children and families in Ireland. See www.barnardos.ie/bridal for more information.

29 January 2015 Gazette 21

Let them eat cake – but only the best with delicious Crannah Crannah Cakes in

with an idea she

North Dublin is whip-

will take it and run

ping up a storm with its

with it.

delicious cakes for all occasions thanks to its founder, Jo Murphy.

Regent Tuxedo Hire €80 Buy €295 at Aston Formal Hire

Since a young age, Jo

extra effort into

sionate about cakes.

making sure each

It all started when an

cake is memorable. caters for all occa-

and only her - because

sions including

of her flair for baking.

weddings, birthand confirmations.

perfected many recipes

Whatever style,

by finding the right ingredients, as

shape or design it will be crafted by

well as finding ways for the ingredi-

Murphy who will incorporate her own

ents to complement each other.

ideas along the way. and with many different flavour

through her creations.

combinations, Murphy guarantees to

her two god children, Hannah and Caragh.

The Loft ‘Lynn Millar’ ivory satin beret with veiling and hand-beaded Swarovski pearl butterfly €155

| accessories | Nude court shoes at Cinders Shoe Heaven €139.95

Triple-strand pearl bracelet with Swarovski crystal at theparisianbride.ie €76

Cushion cut stud earrings from CM Weldon at the Powerscourt Centre

Taste is also high on the cake list

at Sugarcraft, skills that are shining Crannah cakes was named after

Petrol blue double-breasted waistcoat €40 at River Island

days, communions

phy has developed and

She has recently become skilled

Bond Brothers 3839 double-breasted, silver Prestige waistcoat RRP €85 Rental €35

Crannah Cakes

was passed onto her -

Over the years Mur-

| well groomed |

what each customer needs and puts

Murphy has been pas-

old family baking recipe

Bond Brothers 3780 Wilvorst prestige navy lounge jacket with matching trousers

Murphy spends time finding out

satisfy any tastebuds.

Crannah Cakes is based in north County Dublin, close to the airport.

According to Murphy, copying

For more information see its Face-

other designs is not something she

book page at Facebook.com/Cran-

practises so if someone comes to her

nahCakes or phone 086 160 0880.

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 29 January 2015

Bride Groom The perfect | SELECTING THE VENUE |

Want to leave the city behind and take in country charms? No problem! A wide range of stunning hotels offers plenty of choice.

For that glorious wedding or an intimate civil ceremony, you’ll say: ‘I do ... want to celebrate my Big Day there ...’

Dunboyne Castle Hotel

Add more than a dash of luxury to your big day by hosting your wedding at idyllic Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa

IF YOU are thinking of having your wedding in a more rural and natural setting, away from the hustle of the city, then Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa offers just such an idyllic retreat close to Dublin.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel is situated in the heartland of Meath, famous for its rich green countryside, while still on Dublin’s doorstep.

The venue offers acres of stunning landscaped grounds, a luxurious spa, spacious bedrooms and boasts a fine reputation for quality food and service.

The grounds feature magnificent landscaped gardens, and an impressive, sweeping tree-lined approach complete with historic architecture to guarantee an elegant backdrop for your special day.

The manicured gardens also have a charming oldworld gazebo which is perfect for wedding photographs.

The hotel’s dedicated

staff pride themselves on offering unobtrusive yet uncompromising service and the wherewithal to facilitate your every wish on the big day.

For the reception, the hotel’s stunning Tara Suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows, will set a tone of glamourous luxury to the top table.

It is also a fully air-conditioned ballroom with its own bar and has been specially designed to suit any wedding party’s colour scheme.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa features 141 oversized modern guest rooms and four suites, including a gorgeous bridal suite. The hotel is also an ideal venue not only for marriages but also for civil ceremonies.

For more information on Dunboyne Castle Hotel, you can attend their wedding fair on February 22, 1pm to 5pm, contact them at 01 801 3500, or email events@ dunboynecastlehotel. com.

You can also see their website at www.dunboynecastle-hotel.com.

Trim Castle Hotel provides an elegant mix of modern and antique charms

Trim Castle Hotel THE Trim Castle Hotel wedding fair will take place on Sunday, February 22 , 2pm to 5pm, giving couples an opportunity to view the facilities and see what’s on offer.

The Great Hall banqueting suite will be fully set for a wedding on the day and there will be an array of suppliers in attendance.

Trim Castle Hotel, in the Boyne Valley Region, nestles in pleasant, tranquil surroundings and is an excellent venue in

which to tie the knot.

It is a registered venue for civil ceremonies as well.

The hotel overlooks the ancient Trim Castle and the adjoining lawns of St Patrick’s Church, the picturesque views and the heritage of the area add an extra charm to the venue.

The combination of the ancient castle with contemporary standards of food and decor gives a wedding a mixed aura of a modern and antique air.

29 January 2015 Gazette 23

place for saying ‘I do’ The floor-to-ceiling windows of the Great Hall banqueting suite and pre-function area allow a great view of the castle and church lawns.

The roof-top garden on the third floor provides an excellent backdrop for wedding photography, with views over the grounds of Trim Castle and the surrounding area.

At Trim Castle Hotel, the wedding team commits to personal and professional attention in the planning and preparation of your special celebration.

All wedding packages

including seasonal and mid-week packages, offer complimentary consultancy and planning with experienced wedding coordinators, red carpet and champagne reception for the bridal party on arrival, and tea, coffee and homemade biscuits for all wedding guests in the Castle View suite.

Other perks include: floral centrepieces for all tables, wedding cake stand and silver cake knife for use on the day, and a complimentary stay for the bride and groom in one of the deluxe rooms with a champagne breakfast the following

morning, For further information see www.trimcastlehotel. com.

Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel R adisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel in Blackrock will host a wedding open evening on Sunday, February 7, at which visitors can tour the 18th century mansion and private garden, 4pm to 8pm.

Visitors will be greeted with a warm welcome including a glass of complimentary bubbly on arrival and can also sample some of the executive chef’s choice of wedding

menus.

These menus feature the finest and freshest of local produce while drawing on the expert culinary secrets of some of the best master chefs available.

St Helen’s boasts the highest standards of cuisine and those who wish to have their wedding there can choose from a variety of dining options.

Each private room will be set up as it could appear on the big day, giving visitors the opportunity to picture their very own wedding reception.

The wedding team will be on hand to field questions as will the wedding

Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel is also a beautiful venue for civil ceremonies

coordinator, who will offer professional and friendly advice.

Those who wish to make an appointment in advance can contact

Zuzana Hasler at 01 218 6054 or email Zuzana. hasler@radissonblu.com Those who book their wedding date at the wedding open evening will

receive a free guest prosecco reception and toast.

For more information on Radisson Blu St Helens see www.radissonblu. ie/sthelenshotel-dublin.

GAZETTE

24 GAZETTE 29 January 2015

Bride Groom

| SELECTING THE VENUE |

Taking vows in must-have spot Continued from Page 23

Headfort Arms Hotel THE secret is out – the award-winning Headfort Arms in Kells is fast becoming the must-have venue for a dream wedding.

In the expert hands of the next generation of the Duff family, there has been a big surge in the number of people embracing civil and humanist wedding ceremonies there.

The civil ceremonies

are hosted in the surrounds of the beautiful mature gardens at the Headfort. The gardens are so much in demand that the hotel has launched a new garden entrance for 2015 for weddings as well as a barbecue area.

Fully inclusive packages start at €39.95pp, or intending couples can choose the fully-inclusive package at €9,990 for 150 persons, which includes everything they could dream of.

Still embracing tradi-

tion, there are wonderful two-day weekend packages available, which include a garden party with pig-on-the spit, or a garden barbecue for the following day.

This year there will also be a launch of the hotel’s Kells Belles luxury package, or the Festive Frills package specially tailored for Christmas and New Year’s winter weddings The promise of one wedding per day is still something the Duff family pride themselves

on, so wedding parties have exclusive use of the Georgian-style ballroom and facilities, beautiful gardens, private car-park, bespoke accommodation and freshly-carved food from local suppliers prepared in front of guests, which forms part of the hotel’s Guaranteed Irish charter.

Most of all, the Headfort is all about its people, its warm Irish welcome, and the family feeling it offers, as it has been looking after families for generations.

This hotel can cater for weddings suitable for 50 to 300 guests.

For further information, call 046 924 0063, or see www.headfortarms.ie

Waterside House Hotel BRIDES- and grooms-tobe with a love of the sea can set their own romantic wedding against the backdrop of the north County Dublin coastline in the Waterside House Hotel.

This idyllic location offers spectacular views of the Irish Sea, with Lambay Island, Howth Head and Ireland’s Eye in the background.

The Waterside House Hotel is the most romantic spot for the bride, groom and guests to drink in the beauty of the Dublin coastline and is ideal for photographs to ensure a stunning wedding album.

The hotel prides itself on ensuring all of the happy couple’s highest expectations are met on the day, so that the memory of their wedding will last for decades to come.

The Waterside Hotel is located right on Donabate Beach and has 35 bed-

Waterside House Hotel has a wonderful setting by the north County Dublin coastline, with Donabate beach adding to the hotel’s ample charms

rooms.

The atmosphere in the hotel is warm and intimate, while also suiting any sized wedding party from 10 guests to 240 guests. There is also a beautiful sea view terrace overlooking the beach, which is ideal for hosting either the wedding ceremony itself or pre-reception wedding celebrations.

For the reception, the Martello Ballroom is elegance itself, with hand-made chandeliers, a private bar and a fairy lights-lit backdrop.

For information on The Waterside House Hotel’s wedding packages, you can email weddings@ watersidehousehotel.ie, or call Jessica at 01 8436153.

Avon Ri Wedding Resort AVON Ri Wedding Resort in Wicklow provides the perfect ambience for couples and their guests for their big day.

Situated in the spectacular Wicklow countryside, and perched on the shores of Blessington

Lake, the resort commands some of the most beautiful views in Ireland, and provides a stunning scenic backdrop for the perfect wedding venue.

Avon Ri offers its guests luxury townhouse selfcatering accommodation, a lake-view bar with a rooftop terrace and a lake-view restaurant, along with a highly reputable adventure centre, which offers an extensive range of outdoor activities and leisure facilities including a swimming pool and gym, which is situated in a breathtaking lakeshore setting spread across nine acres of land.

The Wicklow resort prides itself on the personal touch and its wedding co-ordinator will be there every step of the way to ensure that a couple’s special day is planned to perfection so that they know they can relax.

Some of the compliments Avon Ri will offer the bride and groom during their stay include prewedding menu tasting; champagne on arrival;

complimentary overnight accommodation; a champagne breakfast, and a red carpet display on arrival.

There will also be special accommodation rates for their guests, landscaped gardens for photographs, complimentary hire of the wedding venue suite, flowers and candles on tables, souvenir menu cards, a silver cake stand and knife, and ample car parking.

As an added bonus, the Avon Ri Wedding Resort package includes a strict one wedding per day policy, a complimentary dinner in the resort’s lake-view restaurant on the couple’s first wedding anniversary, and a professional team on hand to help the intending couples every step of the way.

Avon Ri is a four-star resort and welcomes civil ceremonies, celebrations and blessings.

For further information, contact Laura, the resort’s wedding co-ordinator, at 045 900 670, or email lstopforth@avonri. com.

29 January 2015 Gazette 25

| presents for big day|

Personal touch can make gifts extra special When attending the

one must remember that

wedding of a close friend,

practicality is the key to a

you are inevitably faced

great wedding gift.

with the age-old question:

A mix of the two is an

What gift should you give?

ideal way of demonstrat-

There are, of course,

thought into it while still

as kettles, coffee makers,

giving something that the

china sets, furniture and

couple will find useful.

linen, but chances are

this is by giving a person-

more of these than they

alised version of some-

can use, so liaising with

thing practical. Many

other wedding guests

shops provide this option

to find out who’s getting

but there are also numer-

what is always advisable.

ous niche shops where

Most people will want to give something original

that the award-winning Headfort Arms Hotel offers

but, at the same time,

Moss.ie Guest thumbprint tree €14.95

One way of achieving

that couples will receive

Couples-to-be are invited to Kells, to discover all

Littlewoods Ireland Personalised love cushion €20

ing that you put some

the old standards such

you can find the ideal gift.

Continued on Page 26

Rua Dublin Mr and Mrs egg cups €5.95

Gazette

26 Gazette 29 January 2015

Bride Groom

Square Cheeseboard at Slated €35

Amanda Murphy Ceramics at the Design and Crafts Council – Ripple bowl €150 Rose heart-shaped mirror €95 at Littlewoods Ireland

Gift guide for the

Continued from Page 25

Personalised items engraved with “Mr & Mrs Whoever” are a good choice. Some good ideas for this include practical household items like: coffee mugs, photo frames / albums, crockery, sofa cushions, welcome mats and wedding memory boxes.

Some of these items engraved with personalised phrases that reflect the relationship or personalities of the couple is another way to go.

happy couple

Some people might prefer to give basic, useful gifts in a less domestic vein.

A voucher can work well for this kind of gift.

Vouchers for a romantic restaurant or activity can be ideal.

If the newlyweds are a bit strapped for cash and can’t afford an exotic honeymoon, a voucher for a weekend trip or hotel stay is a great gift. Pooling together with other friends of the couple to pay for a short getaway is a very thoughtful way of treating them.

Give the gift of a relaxing getaway at Wineport Lodge in Athlone. See www.irelands-blue-book.ie for voucher details.

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

29 January 2015 Gazette 27

collins barracks: untold stories of WW1 unfold

Anu takes us back in time to Gallipoli  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A new site-specific play by Anu Productions, which brings the experience of Irish soldiers in World War 1 to life before your very eyes in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, begins a run this February.

Pals - The Irish at Gallipoli is a site-specific performance that relates the untold stories of the 7th Battalion of Royal Irish

Fusiliers at Gallipoli during World War 1.

The Gazette spoke to Catriona Crowe director of special projects at the National Archives, about the Pals project.

“Anu brings people into buildings where things happened, like a tenement house in Henrietta Street and, to some extent, recreates what may have happened there many years ago. World War 1 is now a gigantic matter of interest to the

people of Ireland. Everyone has suddenly discovered their ancestors from World War 1 having forgotten about them for a good 78 years because it wasn’t fashionable or politically correct.

“It’s important that we deal with that need properly, accurately, historically and authentically and they’re the things Anu does properly. “[Visitors] will get an understanding of what it was like to be a soldier-in-

training in World War 1 in 1915. They were largely Redmondite nationalists heeding Redmond’s call to fight for small nations.

The ones we’re focusing on mostly in this are called the PALS where people came together through sporting or occupational interests and join companies together and in this case the interest was rugby.

“A lot of the members of D Company of the 7th Battalion, the 10th divi-

Pals will give audiences a vivid glimpse into the life and death of a brotherhood of players who were wiped out in the devastating trenches

sion, were people who played rugby together in various schools in Leinster, the Brian O’Driscolls of their day.”

Lar Joyce, curator and military historian at Collins Barracks, said: “We have a huge number of exhibitions dealing with

the history of Irish soldiery and this takes it to the next level by bringing the emotion into it.”

Running from February 3 to April 30 at the National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks, admission is

€5 and weekly performances run on the hour from 11am to 4pm with a break for lunch. Weekend performances are at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

For more information and tickets, you can go to www.pals-theirishatgallipoli.com

Gazette

28 Gazette 29 January 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Men’s t-shirt €10

Women’s performance vest €15

Heaton’s Azzurri range (Men’s) Mesh trainer €22.50, jacket €20, Shorts €10

Women’s two-tone trainer €20

 laura webb

take fashion in your stride

Men’s gilet €22.50

Women’s performance long sleeve top €15

Women’s leggings €18

THE keep-fit regime is in full swing this January, but it doesn’t mean we have to stop there and, thankfully, Heaton’s is helping to keep us fit as well as slimming down the credit card bill.

Buying sports gear isn’t high on the fashion shopping list, but it’s something that needs to be done now and again. If you look the part, you are going to feel the part, so get sporty!

This year, Heaton’s welcomes its new Performance Azzurri range for men and women, available in store and online now.

Exclusive to Heaton’s, this range has always been strong on price but this year’s

Azzurri range is even stronger, with antiwicking, quick drying and breathable materials available in exciting designs and really vibrant colours.

Prices start from €10 for men’s shorts, and T-shirts.

The new Azzurri range offers female fitness lovers cuttingedge performance spor tswear with strong colours, durability and comfort.

Extra support is needed for the hardcore fitness fanatic, and the sports bra (€10) will give you that. Embrace the cold weather with the gilet (€22.50), sure to keep the walkers warm this January, while the two-tone trainers (€20) complete your workout wardrobe.

This week, Gazette Style takes a look at this sporty range.

29 January 2015 Gazette 29

Infinity Sterling silver, zirconia white, dark blue ring €198

ZigZag Sterling silver blackened, zirconia black, Onyx ring €239

Sublime Sabo sparkles THOMAS Sabo’s Irish brand ambassador, Aoibhinn McGinnity, was on hand to showcase the new collection for spring/ summer 2015 at the Marker Hotel recently.

The actress was in high spirits and sparkled just as brightly as the jewellery itself at the launch.

The new collection combines feminine elegance with graphic preci-

sion and oriental inspiration. Minimalist shapes, ultra-feminine statement pieces and dreamy gemstones in white, blue and pink each feature in the new Thomas Sabo, Glam & Soul collection.

Speaking about her favourite ranges, McGinnity said: “The Karma collection from Thomas Sabo has really expanded this year. I love the Karma

collection as it allows you to create your own personal style – each bead has a meaning, which means my jewellery is very personal.

“I have always loved the Rebel at Heart collection, too. It’s quite ‘rocker’ and rebellious, and I love that look. The new Katmandu range combines this rebel look with elegance and, in particu-

lar, I love the rings and earrings,“ she said.

The Kathmandu series is inspired by a variety of shapes with striking and unusual elements taken from Buddhist culture to create a new, expressive look. The unique designs in the B line are equally stunning.

Other lines include The Purity of Lotos, featuring lotos pendants, and the

Purity of Lotos Sterling silver, zirconia white, milky quartz pendant €498

Maharani Sterling silver, 18k rose gold plating, rose quartz, milky quartz, zirconia white ring €498

Karma beads range from €19 to €149 each

Gazette

STYLE

Actress Aoibhinn McGinnity, Thomas Sabo’s Irish brand ambassador, who launched and praised its new spring/summer 2015 collection

Indian royal palace-influenced line, the Maharani, that create unique and majestic jewellery statements.

The new collection for spring/summer 2015 is available now at Thomas Sabo shops and shopin-shops, independent

jewellers, online at www. thomassabo.com, and Thomas Sabo counters at Arnotts and House of Fraser Dundrum.

Gazette

30 Gazette 29 January 2015

OUT&ABOUT

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TRAVEL Get away for summer

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29 January 2015 GAZETTE 31

THE TEMPORARY GENTLEMAN: A TALE OF INTENSE, IRRATIONAL LOVE

A hard read, but worth it

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE third novel by author Sebastian Barry, The Temporary Gentleman is a slow-burner (like The Secret Scripture), and it is not until almost the halfway mark that the story really ignites.

The second half of the novel packs in plenty of adventure and drama, set in deepest Africa, rural Sligo and Dublin.

Barry is a good storyteller with a penchant for poetic phrase which is sometimes quite beautiful and at other times simply odd.

His prose can be unclear at times before

he settles into his narrative groove. An example of his poetic description is when he calls the stars above the open sea “the sombre philosophical lights of God above”.

The Temporary Gentleman is a fascinating read once it gets going. Jack Nulty is a UN observer, who also serves in both World Wars as an officer and is a civil engineer.

He spends the majority of the novel in Accra in Ghana, building bridges and roads and back home in Sligo doing the same for the Land Commission.

He falls in love with and marries Mai Kirwan – a clever and unique girl

from a very good Galway family, whom he meets at university.

To say Jack is uxurious is to really understate it – he is obsessed with his wife to such a degree that she is constantly under his eye and he places her on such a high pedestal that he cannot see who she really is.

The relationship is a doomed and tragic love affair full of massive highs and subterranean lows.

The couple persists in staying together, despite all evidence that Mai and Jack are no good for each other. They end up caught in an eternal cycle of alcohol, physical abuse and

recrimination.

It is a hard read at times, because just when it seems that there might be a fresh start and some way forward for the couple, they end up back at square one.

Yet, Barry is very good at describing relationships and his insights smack of personal experience. He defines love, for instance, as “like holding an opinion that all the world seeks to refute”, which also betrays the stubbornness of their continued union.

Barry also has a wonderful knack of embedding a character’s identity into the world around

him.

Jack is a tailor’s son, and his voice narrates the story. When Mai’s father dies, Barry uses Jack’s paternal background to create an excellent image of his mother-in-law’s grief.

She is “silent as if grief had sewn her mouth with a cruel stitch”.

The Temporary Gentleman is an original, tragic and beautiful work which will leave readers fully satisfied and grateful to have known Jack and Mai. Published by Faber & Faber, The Temporary Gentleman is on the shelves now, priced €8.47.

Sebastian Barry’s third novel, The Temporary Gentleman (above), is a demanding but ultimately rewarding read

GAZETTE

ARTS

Gazette

32 Gazette 29 January 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

into the woods A Grimm experience

Taken 3

3nough is enough, Liam!

THE first Taken film turned Liam Neeson into an unlikely action star – however, Taken 3 (Cert 12A, 103 mins) sees the series reach its nadir, with a particularly unlikely plot that sees Bryan Mills (Neeson) on the run in a desperate, increasingly violent bid to save his daughter ... again.

It’s a suitable addition to the Taken franchise but, much like the recent Hobbit films, three is just too much ...

IT’S been a reasonable hit, as Into The Woods (Cert PG, 124 mins) sees a wide cast of A-listers and lesser-known actors take to the woods to sing their cotton socks off in this bigscreen adaptation of a hit Broadway musical based on classic fairytales. However, while the likes of Meryl and Depp gamely do their best, the songs aren’t especially memorable, making it one you could skip right past.

whiplash

Drumming up a hit DRUMS – the bane of a thousand neighbourhoods – are at the heart of this film, but Whiplash (Cert 15A, 106 mins) bashes out an intense, engrossing story that rat-atat-tats along, building to a masterful clilmax. Cruelty, determination and raw power combine to create a pitch-perfect tale of pure musical talent, with veteran actor JK Simmons colliding with Miles Teller to create a terrific title.

The unlikely friendship between teenage genius Hiro and his inflatable robot pal, Baymax, drives the action at the heart of this Oscar-nominated film, helped by its creative marrying of Japanese and American culture

big hero 6: disney delivers a visual stunner

A waddling wonder

DISNEY’S latest film, Big Hero 6, is a loud and colourful story that draws very loosely from the pages of one of Marvel’s lesser-known comics.

The action unfolds in the vibrant and teeming futuristic city of San Fransokyo – think Blade Runner with a dose of perennially ferocious sunshine – where we first meet the aptly named protagonist, Hiro, a precocious robotics genius who shuns the laid-back lifestyle of his teenage peers in favour of constructing machines to take part in back alley robot battles.

It’s a lucrative but illegal pastime, and it is the only thing that poses a smidgen of a challenge for Hiro’s gargantuan grey matter. When his older brother, Tadashi, finally convinces Hiro to apply for a university course, his interest is piqued.

University promises a whole new world, full of like-minded geeks working on outlandish projects in high-tech labs. Hiro just needs to develop a project good enough to warrant entry ...

 Dave phillips

So far, so straightforward – but there’s enough novelty and flavour in the gorgeous world created on screen to keep kids and adults engaged.

Hiro develops a new kind of nano-robot: tiny programmable nodes that can connect together to form any shape or structure, promising a new wave in the field of robotics. But things inevitably don’t go to plan, and Hiro finds himself trying to hunt down whoever has stolen his new technology.

Tag-teaming with Hiro is his brothers’ class project (and the real star of the show), Baymax.

As a robot designed to diagnose injuries and nurse

humans to health, Baymax is a lumbering, lovable, inflatable giant that might just be the most enigmatic animated character we’ll see on screen all year.

Reminiscent of Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Baymax’s matter-of-fact logic often clashes with the complexities of human interaction and provides practically all of the comedy throughout this film.

We’re not on the same level of The Lego Movie here, but we do have a script that manages to convey a solid story with plenty of laughs.

Visually, Big Hero 6 is a huge treat. The colour palette is alive and bombastic – when Hiro decides the only way to go is to “suit up” using r o b o t-

ic enhancements, the already cartoonish cast of characters (below) become revved-up versions of themselves, bedecked in the kind of neon clobber we last saw on the SNES console.

It’s stunning to watch, especially when contrasted against the creepy masked villain that the gang end up pursuing.

Ultimately a story of loss and revenge, Big Hero 6 manages to lightly touch on some weighty themes, but this is a lowdepth exploration.

Big Hero 6 is formulaic, warm-hearted, and eventually forgettable – it plays out like a high-voltage version of a Scooby Doo episode, but manages to avoid mediocrity and feel fresh thanks to a wellcrafted script that will keep the adults in the audience entertained.

Go see it, and you’re almost guaranteed to leave the screen a little more hopeful than you entered.

Verdict: 7/10

29 January 2015 Gazette 33

HEALTH Systematic kinesiology: balancing the body

A unique, holistic approach to a more healthy you  suzanne sheehy

Like most of us, I tend to put up with health problems. This is either because I’m not bad enough to go to the doctor or I’ve looked for help and got no relief.

And then I heard of systematic kinesiology.

If you’ve tried everything but never heard of this, welcome to the right place! I found kinesiology during a time when I was just feeling “unwell” or “below par”. I train regularly and was learning to accept this fatigue as a fact of my hectic lifestlye.

Systematic kinesiology showed me, however, that it need not be this way.

So, what is it? Systematic kinesiology is a truly holistic therapy where all elements of the person are assessed and balanced during a treatment.

The treatment is unique as it involves the whole person approach.

This means engaging the mind and emotions; the body’s physical structure (bones/muscles/ rest/sleep); chemical balance and nutrition including food/drugs /chemicals/pollution/ radiation and, finally, energy, particularly the acupuncture meridians.

It works to correct imbalances using techniques such as massage of acupuncture points; nutritional supplements; emotional stress release; food intolerance testing and gentle structural corrections.

If you suffer from headaches or migraine, painful periods, low energy; learning difficulties; back pain/knee/hip problems; anxiety/stress; hamstring problems; neck/shoulder problems; waking up tired; being irritable, moody or sad; have sinus problems or feeling bloated with other digestive problems – then maybe you could do worse than visit a kinesiologist.

What follows outlines my treatment sessions with practitioner Deborah Cunningham: I had a few health issues – none serious enough for a trip to the doctor but I took action because I wanted to avoid the drug route further down the line.

However, it is important to always consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health.

As kinesiology is about finding the cause of health issues often the first session is about investigation and identifying a client’s imbalances.

Cunningham’s initial muscle balance test failed to highlight any weaknesses as often happens with a generally healthy person.

I was then tested for wheat against my digestive muscle which weakened it. Cunningham said: “It’s helpful to be specific about a food that needs to be avoided. In our experience it may be wheat or dairy are the culprits when health imbalances occur. These foods could have been causing toxicity

within the gut for years.”

I was also tested on various acupuncture points on the body. Each one represents the biological systems that naturally occur within our bodies, so we can tell if hormones/neurotransmitters are too high or low causing an imbalance.

At this stage Cunningham could advise that I needed magnesium phosphate and B12 (adenosylcobalamin). Throughout my session she had

After three kinesiology sessions and a few supplements (such as B3, B12, iodide, magnesium which are all easily taken with water) I can say my experience of kinesiology has been positive.

I have a level of health and well-being that was absent for a long time. I now know I wasn’t living to my full potential. I have noticed a massive increase in my general health plus I have lots more energy and no leg cramps.

a great ability to make things clear in a relaxed environment.

“If these deficiencies can be found early enough health problems can be prevented. Due to modern convenience foods and less cooking ‘from scratch’ people have become deficient in nutrients and the absorption of them,” says Cunningham.

She told me that her various techniques could correct gut issues and she also detected a mild thyroid imbalance which correlated to my symptoms. This, she added, would be an underlying problem that might not show up in blood tests until the thyroid got much more sluggish.

Omitting wheat from my diet means no more digestive problems. I feel like a new woman and have no hesitation in recommending Deborah Cunningham’s kinesiology treatment, which is genuine, kind and compassionate. Last word?

I’m sold on kinesiology and will be attending for regular check ups to ensure I am on track and growing and developing as a whole and happy human being. So my advice is: go on, try it!

To book an appointment contact: Deborah Cunningham, Visage Salon, 68b Malahide Road, Marino, Dublin 3 Ph: 01 8332955 Mobile : 086 1774815.

Imbalances are corrected using techniques such as massage of acupuncture points. Inset: The Association of Systematic Kinesiology logo

34 blanch gazette 29 January 2015

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29 January 2015 Gazette 35

sports awards P29

gaelic games P27 P31 asdfsdaf

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

cricket P28

gaelic games: new organisation set to support and represent players in the women’s codes

Players’ power extended through ladies association  stephen findlater

sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN stars Noelle Healy and Ali Twomey have warmly welcomed the introduction of the Women’s Gaelic Players Association which was launched in Smock Alley this week.

The aim of the WGPA is to “represent, listen to, and support ladies footballers and camogie players who represent their county at the highest level in their sport” with a view to improving the playing, personal and professional lives of their members.

At the launch, Cork camogie captain Anna Geary, who is an executive member of the new association, said that establishing minimum standards of player experience was a key aim, adding: “We want an equal playing experience for camogie players and ladies footballers to our

male counterparts.”

To this end, St Brigid’s woman Healy – who also lines out for Dublin’s ladies footballers and UCD in college competition – said that there is a huge need for the WGPA when you see their initial findings.

“Looking at the results of the survey, some of it was quite shocking,” she told GazetteSport.

“Things like players not having access to hot water after training, the distance players were travelling to play, how many times they were training each year.

“It was even down to players not having access to food at times. It just shows that player welfare wasn’t in place.”

Recent debate has arisen from Joe Brolly’s comments about the joy being taken out of the game for male intercounty stars.

And Healy says that many of the issues raised are the same for her

female counterparts.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the men being ‘indentured slaves’ but the women train just as many times a week. We put our lives on hold but we don’t have anyone to stand up and make these points for us. I think it is brilliant these players are taking responsibility for this and it can only mean good things. I admire they have the drive to set this up.”

For Twomey, she says that the level of commitment has gone up exponentially and so getting representation to make sure it does not go over the top is hugely important.

From her own perspective, the Lucan woman plays county, college with DIT and club while also studying and attempting to work part-time.

She says the work-play balance is always likely to leave tough decisions to fulfil each commitment.

Indeed, in February the first round of National League matches comes just eight days after the colleges season.

“Playing for your county is not like what it used to be, just training and then playing your match at the weekend. It’s full time. It’s all about your diet, your lifestyle, going to bed early, your strength and conditioning when you are not with the team.

“It’s nearly an everyday thing. The girls have set up something to support the players and hopefully it will be as recognised as the boys [GPA].

“I find it really hard.

At the moment, I train with Dublin while the colleges championship is coming up in February the week before the National league starts.

You also don’t want to neglect the club; there’s only seven days in the week and you are trying to fit everything in.”

St Brigid’s Noelle Healy, who was part of the launch of the new GAA season and the continuing sponsorship of Dublin codes by AIG alongside Cian O’Sullivan, Ali Twomey and David O’Callaghan, expressed her support for the new WGPA

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6230

Gazette

36 Gazette 29 January 2015

SPORT

KEN’SDiary

World in motion for O’Brien and Ireland The national cricket side are set for another trip to the top tournament on the calendar, and GazetteSport speaks to team talisman Kevin O’Brien before their Antipodean journey

Learning in the saddle but all for a good cause Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurel’s Charity Crew Cycle from Galway to Dublin on April 19. In the run-up to the event, Egan has partnered with Gazette Sport to document his preparation for the big day, and here is his first report from the road.

Having got my first taste of the cycling world last week, I knew what was in store for me this time around and, let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty.

We again departed from the usual spot at the Laurels pub in Clondalkin, and from the nine bodies we had for the first cycle, we had a massive increase in numbers - up into the region of 16 diehards taking part.

We left Clondalkin and headed for the new road and down towards Ballyfermot. Pushing through Ballyer, we proceeded to head down towards Chapelizod and then out to Phoenix Park.

I got into the park and it was wonderful to see many people training and doing various boot camps and fitness programs - it really is a hub of fitness and well-being down there.

We pushed on through the park and came out and continued on towards Celbridge, and out as far as Straffan where someone thankfully decided we needed a well-earned tea break.

I was speaking to one of the regular cyclists in the coffee shop, and I told him my woes due to not having padded shorts yet, me being the typical rookie... He said he would nearly rather go out on these cycles without a helmet than without padded shorts, and when I got off at the end of the spin, I could see where he was coming from.

I pushed on after tea on towards Newcastle and on home to Clondalkin, and although I am in a world of hurt, it is all for Our Lady’s Hospital, a very worthwhile cause. With 65km covered and more time on the saddle in the bank, I am making the right moves... I hope!

For more information about the event, log on to www.facebook.com/laurelscharitycrew, and come back next week for the latest instalment of Ken’s cycling diary.

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

KEVIN O’Brien says that despite the evergrowing spread of cricket tournaments around the world, the 50-over World Cup is still very much “the pinnacle” for Irish cricket.

The competition has been the catalyst for a series of golden moments for Ireland in their two previous participations, stunning Pakistan on St Patrick’s Day in 2007 while O’Brien broke the record for the fastest World Cup century in 2011 against England.

Ireland fly out on January 30 for their third shot at the competition

which begins on February 16 hopeful they can make some waves once again at the tournament which is being played in Australia and New Zealand.

And the Sandymount man is raring to go for the competition: “I’m as excited as I was in 2007; I can’t wait to get on the plane and touch down in Australia and get going.”

Ireland are in a seventeam group with the top four sides going through to the quarter-finals.

O’Brien’s side are the sixth-ranked side on the world list and so need to cause a couple of surprises if they are to finish in the top four and

advance to the quarterfinals.

B u t I r e l a n d h ave defied the odds in the two previous World Cups and O’Brien says his side are confident they can do so once again.

“You are looking at three wins minimum to get out of the group so we have identified the games against UAE and Zimbabwe as must-win to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. From there, we look to beat maybe West Indies or Pakistan and that could be enough.

“We start with a massive game against the West Indies. If we can

Ed Joyce, Kevin O’Brien and Craig Young at the announcement of Tourism Ireland’s sponsorship of the Ireland cricket team for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. Picture: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

get a victory there, it sets us up brilliantly for the rest of the campaign. We would be very confident for our second game with the UAE.” There are, however, two heav y hitters in with world number two, India, and three, South Africa, also in the mix.

Since then, media interest has grown markedly in tandem with the financial support – the side announced a sponsorship deal with Irish Tourism this week – and preparation tours stepping up to a higher level.

But while those things

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

‘I can’t wait to get on the plane, touch down in Australia and get going’ - Kevin O’Brien

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

The latter feature AB de Villiers who recently smashed the record for the quickest one-day century in a warm-up game against the West Indies.

“India and South Africa are great games to play in, two of the best in the world. But we are certainly not going into them to make up the numbers. They are two very difficult games and we have seen South Africa are playing great cricket at the moment.

“India are a mixed bag outside the subcontinent so there is no reason we can’t go out and play two very good games and come away with a victory.”

When Ireland embarked on their first World Cup journey eight years ago, they were given precious little preparation for the level of attention they would subsequently garner.

have changed, O’Brien says it is an exciting time: “Certainly for the players that have been before, we know what to expect and being dragged from one place to another. But it certainly doesn’t get old!

“The pinnacle of our spor t is the 50-over World Cup. The T20 comes around more often – we have played in four of those – and, from a player’s point of view, this is the one you want to play in.

“It gives you that 10% or 15% more of an impetus than a regular game; you are playing against the best teams and the best players in the world.

It’s a great chance to put your name on the map and show world cricket what you can do.

“As a team, we want to play the best cricket we can play. If we do that, we will get at least two or three victories.”

29 January 2015 Gazette 37

Gazette

hockey: battle for top four in leinster rages on

Glenanne and Railway Union push IHL hopes  sport@dublingazette.com

A PAIR of 2-1 wins served to bolster Railway Union and Glenanne’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Irish Hockey League, putting a major dent in YMCA and Corinthian’s chances, respectively, of that same goal.

All four are looking to push for a place in the top four of the Leinster league in what is proving a hugely close-run battle.

The Glens had to soak up huge amounts of

pressure on home turf against the Y in Tallaght, especially in the second half, before Richie Shaw scored a crucial goal for a second week running.

Eddie O’Malley put the Glens in front when he intercepted, exchanged passes with Enda Tucker before O’Malley picked up a rebound for 1-0.

They just about held that lead until the break but YM were back on terms when their top scorer Jamie Tobin grabbed his 11th of the season with a

sweetly taken reverse.

But Shaw won it when Rowland Rixon-Fuller picked him out and he coolly rolled home for the killer goal. It keeps Glenanne in a share of third place while YM drop back to four points off the automatic IHL places.

Railway moved back into fifth place with their 2-1 win over Corinthian with Mark English claiming the winner inside the last five minutes of the tie.

Glenanne’s Stephen Brownlow attempts to tackle YMCA’s Jaco Fourie

FastSport

Ryan and Irvine set to lead big Irish line-up Glenanne celebrate Richie Shaw’s winning goal

The first half was even enough but saw Phil Baron’s goal separate the teams when he slid home from Fergal Keaveney’s through ball while Corinthian hit the post from a neat dink over Simon Thornton.

The second half opened up more and Gordon Elliott fired home a backhand shot after capitalising from a defensive error with eight minutes left. Both teams struggled from their corners on the day with plenty going a begging which could have changed things.

Railway, though, won it when Donal O’Mearain played in English who shot, despite a very narrow angle, and it went in the far corner with Rob Abbott on hand to make

sure if necessary.

At the top it is pretty much as you were.

Monkstown cruised to a 6-2 win over UCD, which could have been more but for an excellent performance from Conor Quinn.

The sky-blues built a 4-1 lead inside 25 minutes with Gareth Watkins banging a hat trick and Andrew Ward also picked out the top corner. Jeremy Duncan got one back – making a strong impact since his return from six weeks in Australia.

Richard Sykes and Davy Carson stretched the lead to 6-1 before Duncan got his second of the day.

Monkstown remain four points clear at the top of the division.

GARDA cycling club’s Caroline Ryan and Skerries resident Martyn Irvine will lead Ireland’s eight-strong team for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, at the Velodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, from the February 18 to 22.

It is the largest team Ireland has ever sent and comes at the end of a tough track cycling season, which included the European Championships and three World Cups.

In order to compete in the World Championships the Irish team had to place in the top rankings across the target disciplines in these events, and in doing so qualified Ireland’s biggest team ever to attend the Track World Championships.

Ireland’s newly formed Women’s Team Pursuit has improved consistently throughout the season, finishing in 11th place at the last World Cup in Cali, which ranked them as the eighth European nation ahead of the World Championships in Paris.

This is the first time that Ireland has qualified a team pursuit at the World Championships.

Ryan and Irvine qualified in the Omnium events, having both had a mixed season of racing so far. Irvine’s qualification is especially sweet considering he broke his shoulder bone in the Omnium at the first World Cup of the season, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Gazette

38 BLANCH gazette 29 January 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: porterstown club progress to inter last eight

Castleknock golfer named head of ILGU Castleknock native Valerie Hassett has been named as the next president of the Irish Ladies Golf Union.

Hassett has competed around the world over the course of a long career in the sport and captured the British Seniors title in 1996, as well as finishing runner-up at the US Seniors in 1998.

Since her very first outing at Skerries in 1963, she has been captivated by the game. “My mother dragged me out,” Hassett recalls. “She thought I was studying too hard.”

A member of Ennis, as well as Lahinch, Hassett played with Munster for 25 years and made her Irish seniors debut in 2003.

With Ennis, she won an Irish Senior Cup in 2007, while her administrative career began in earnest when she became junior convenor in 1997.

Hassett takes over the presidency from Donabate’s Mary McKenna, who was appointed to the role in January 2013.

Lawrie on road to results after Qatar workout PETER Lawrie finished in a share of 46th place at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters last Sunday, his best finish in nine tournaments.

It netted the Castleknock GC man €10,173 as he finished the event on four under par. He opened with a two under par 70 on day one before moving up to a share of 10th place at the end of the day with a four

under par 68, with six birdies.

But his challenge for a top ten finish dissipated in the next two days with back to back rounds of 73. Nonetheless, his form will be confidence booster as he aims to win back his European Tour card, which he lost just before the turn of the year.

It was his first time to finish in the money since early September when he ended in 40th place in the Omega European Masters, subsequently missing the cut at the next eight competitions.

The St Mochta’s side prior to the FAI intermediate cup tie against Cockhill Celtic

Mochta’s march forward  derek nulty sport@dublingazette.com

ST MO C H TA’ S advanced to the quarter-finals of the FAI intermediate cup with a narrow 2-1 win over Cockhill Celtic, the second successive season they have eliminated the Buncrana-based side.

In a tight battle between two very even sides, Saints manager Brian McCarthy hailed his side’s performance to nab the victory.

“I’m so proud of all the players,” he said. “It was a tight game and a magical goal by Jordan [Lancaster] won it, over-

all I think we deserved the win. It’s a great result for the club.”

L a n c a s t e r ’s 5 0 t h minute winner came from 30 yards, flying into the top corner and was a goal worthy of winning any game of football.

It capped a pulsating cup tie played in front of a packed Porterstown Road with a sizeable number having made the long journey from Donegal. The Saints had the better of the opening exchanges playing some nice confident football.

The visitors fired an early warning when Kieran McLaughlin rattled the Saints crossbar

Peter’s pip setanta Dunboyne school take All-Ireland U-16C title ST peter’s Dunboyne came from behind to claim the Under-16c Boys’ All Ireland Schools cup against near neighbours Colaiste Pobail Setanta. A 14-0 run in the third quarter swung the game back in their favour after CPS closed the first half just ahead. The contributions of Matthew O’Meara, Finn Hughes and an MVP showing by Daragh Gilmartin saw them over the line on a final score of 39-33.

Picture: David Maher / SPORTSFILE

from 25 yards with a powerful drive. One minute later David Somers was denied by a good save by the Cockhill goalkeeper and the game was end to end with both sides attacking.

The Saints broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when David Somers pounced to finish off Martin O’ Neill’s header and score his 17th goal of the season.

O’Neill’s header looked to be going in, Somers made sure and he won’t score an easier goal this season.

The Saints dominated after the goal with Lan-

caster and David Somers both denied by good saves.

But Cockhill equalised against the run of play when Garbhan Friel equalised in the 35th minute with a beautiful volley that nestled in the corner of the net. The equaliser lifted the away side and they finished the half the stronger.

Five minutes after the break Lancaster struck to score a goal that will long in the memory.

Saints goalkeeper Warren Fee made a good save in the 77th minute diving to his right. David Somers was close to adding the third

three minutes later but he was denied by a good block. Cockhill threw everything at the Saints but it was mostly long hopeful balls and desperation.

Fee was disappointed to concede the earlier goal but he did very well in the latter stages as the visitors launched balls into the penalty area in search of an equaliser and a replay.

The Saints defended heroically with Harrison, Sheridan, Brown all excellent, left back Brian Fitzpatrick was outstanding under pressure with Cockhill playing five up top.

29 January 2015 BLANCH gazette 39

Gazette

dublin 15 united EGB and Westmanstown U-16 join forces for 2015

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s Congratulations to our minor foot-

erin go Bragh and Westmanstown have

joined forces at Under-16 and minor level for the 2015 season with the amalgamation called St Catherine’s.The Under-16s played their first game together as a team last weekend, getting off to a winning start with a 2-10 to 2-4 success against Castleknock having been together as a group for just two weeks. Pat Murphy and Alan Conefrey are managing the side.

The club lotto jackpot remains a huge

ship title following a 3-7 to 1-8 win over

€15,000. Our next draw will take place

Clontarf. That’s a minor hurling and

this Thursday, January 29 in The Vine-

football double in 2014.

yard. Make sure you have your tickets

2015 club membership is now due and can be paid online. All details are on the club website.

Texas Hold Em poker tournament takes place in the club this Friday,

football: delayed final sees clontarf defeated

more information.

ballers who claimed the champion-

available online or from usual sellers.

HPC is closed on Monday evenings from 6 to 8pm until the end of January.

Members are asked to use the gym outside this two-hour period.

January 30 from 8pm. Tickets are

Sky Sports has returned to the club

€25, available from 087 633 9238, info@

bar, which is open from 7.45pm Mon-

stbrigidsgaa.com or at the door.

day to Friday, from 6pm on Saturday

Drinks promotions also available on

and from 12 noon on Sundays.

the night.

Our club nursery has resumed as

Updated TWIST timetable now online.

normal from 9.30 to 11am every Sat-

A club Mass in memory of our

urday morning. We welcome all four-

deceased members and friends will

to seven-year-olds in the Castleknock

take place next Monday, February 2 at

and Blanchardstown area, and new

8pm in Russell Park. All are welcome.

members and families are especially

Congrats to Philly Ryan, Alan McCar-

welcome. Contact Paul on 087 915 4748

rick and the Dublin senior footballers

or email info@stbrigidsgaa.com for

on their O’Byrne Cup win vs Kildare.

st peregrine’s Congratulations to the Dubs on win-

This is the last course and it is essen-

ning the O’Byrne Cup on Sunday and to

tial that all mentors have it complet-

Stuart on his performances through-

ed. Please contact John Lowndes to

out the campaign.

reserve a place.

Also congratulations to our ladies

Senior hurlers are running a table

footballers and camogie players who

quiz this Thursday at 8.30pm in the

played through some awful condi-

lounge. The cost is €20 for a team of

tions in the Dublin trials over the past

four and good craic is guaranteed.

month or so. Best of luck in the coming St Brigid’s captain Liam Campbell receives the minor football championship trophy at Russell Park

Minors secure Brigid’s a dual code double Minor b FC final St Brigid’s Clontarf  sport@dublingazette.com

3-7 1-8

ST BRIGID’S minors s e c u r e d a r e m a r kable hurling and football championship double when their footballers claimed B championship glory on a score line of 3-7 to 1-8 against Clontarf in the delayed 2014 final in Chanel.

T he Russell Park men led for almost the entire game after Johnny McGuirk’s eighth minute goal set them on their way as they faced a strong breeze in the first half.

A second goal soon followed and was the score of the game. A 40-yard cross-field pass from centre forward Kevin Callaghan set Donal Timoney free and the young wing forward made no mistake slotting the ball past the Clontarf goalkeeper.

However, Brigid’s would not have it all their own way and a quick-fire 1-2 from Clontarf just before half time saw the sides separated by only three points, 2-3 to 1-3.

As in the first half, however, it was Brigid’s who got their scores at the crucial times. Early points from Timoney, Liam

Campbell, McGuirk and a goal from full forward Michael Courtney pushed Anto Holly’s men clear with 10 minutes to play.

Once again, Clontarf responded and had reduced the deficit to five points as the game entered its final stages.

However, in Alex Holmes, St Brigid’s have themselves a quality young goalkeeper as his two late saves prevented any late Clontarf revival.

Indeed, the Brigid’s backline had some superb performers on the day with David Fraine, Jack Mullins and Conor Browne par ticularly

impressive.

The win sees Brigid’s minors claim an historic hurling and football double after their hurlers claimed their championship title in November.

It completes a fine campaign for the Dublin 15 side, emerging from a group with Fingallians, Skerries Harps and Whitehall Colmcilles as well as Clontarf who they beat by five points in the first meeting of the sides before Christmas.

And they carried that momentum through to the New Year in some style for another famous day for the club.

season.

Well done to our teams playing in

This is the last week to enter the senior footballers’ Last Man Standing. See the club Facebook page for details.

the Gormanstown tournaments at

The club will be holding a white col-

the moment. Some fine individual and

lar boxing night in the hall on April 18.

team performances on view each Sun-

There will be six weeks training before

day.

the night with a professional boxing

The final code of ethics course with

coach. Anybody interested should

Niall Cooper will be on February 18 in

contact John Boland for further

downstairs meeting room at 7.15pm.

details.

castleknock The Adult awards night has been

at 10am. All new families and mem-

scheduled for January 31 in the

bers are welcome, and as always the

Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club, where

club shop will also be there.

we will celebrate all of the club’s

The club is seeking a new pitch

achievements over the past year.

coordinator for the new year. Please

See the website for full details.

contact club secretary Lisa Kiernan

GMT is back up and running, meet-

at secretary@castleknock.net or

ing in the Carpenter car park every

086 102 2296 if you are interested or

Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm.

have further questions.

Training for the second annual club

Please continue to send in all tax

cycle has commenced, which will be

donation and bond scheme forms

on Easter Saturday. Full details on

for the clubhouse fund, as we look to

the website; cyclists of all ages and

push on with the project in 2015.

experience welcome.

Membership for the New Year is due, please continue to hand in all forms and fees. Forms can be downloaded from the website.

The nursery is on every Saturday

There was no winner of the lotto jackpot , which now s t and s at €7,600.

If you would like to send in any photos, news or match reports, please send them all to info@castleknock.

GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 35-39

minor miracles: St Brigid’s footballers’ success in championship brings double at age level P39

jan 29 - feb 4, 2015

no boundaries: O’Brien and Ireland set for World Cup down under P36

Healy hails Jackies’ new generation  stephen findlater

sport@dublingazette.com

NOELLE Healy says that the unavailability of talismanic forward Sinead Aherne could open the door for the next generation of Dublin ladies footballers as they start their 2015 season in earnest next Sunday.

They take on Monaghan in round one of the National League Division 1 in DCU next Sunday, looking to begin the journey to go one better than 2014 when they were ousted in the final by Cork.

For the first time in a dozen years, four-time All-Star Aherne is not likely to feature due to being

on her travels. St Brigid’s Healy has dove-tailed particularly well with her in recent years and while she says Aherne will be missed, she believes that there is always the potential for a new star to rise.

“Sinead [Aherne] will be a big loss,” she told GazetteSport. “She is a fantastic player and has played 12 years straight with Dublin. But last year, we never relied on one player; it is always whoever is in the right position, you give them the ball.

“She is a really intelligent player and knows the right thing to say to be a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room. As such, peo-

ple will need to step up but there are a lot of young players who will see the opportunity to have a bigger say and that can be a really good thing.”

“All three forwards play a very quick game, give and go, passing the ball so we will probably play a similar running game that we like to play. Nicole Owens and Eabha Rutledge – who has come up from minor – has done really well in the games and training. So even though Sinead has gone, there is still competition. It will give them a big chance.”

As for the league itself, Healy says a number of sides will be gunning for glory this year with

Armagh and Cavan ones to watch out for as well as the traditional powerhouses.

Cork denied Dublin in both the league and the All-Ireland final but Healy adds that they cannot just focus on trying to get one over on their arch-rivals.

“You can’t just keep an eye on Cork because something else will come and trip you up. Armagh have a new management and will be trying to impress, and other teams are similar so you really just have to go one game at a time and, hopefully, we will do as well as we did last year in the league; then we focus on the Leinster championship and so on.”

Noelle Healy says the absence of Sinead Aherne opens the door for new players