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Change our drug laws – Timmins  Ian Begley

All drugs should be decriminalised, says Francis Timmons. The independent councillor told The Gazette that those found with drugs for personal use should be given a warning, a fine or be directed to drug awareness classes for treatment – but should not be criminalised.

In cases of selling or importing drugs, theft, assault, intimidation, smuggling, trafficking or dealing,

prosecutions under the criminal justice system should apply.

While Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) said he did not know the consequences of decriminalising drugs he nevertheless believed Government should legalise cannabis. Tony Duffin of the Ana Liffey Drug Project says decriminalisation, based on the Portuguese model, should be implemented in Ireland, but more discussion on the matter was needed.

Full Story on Page 2

Karate kids: Getting a kick out of inaugural championship basketball got the chop at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght recently as players, officials and spectators from across Ireland, Britain and Europe dropped in for the first AMA Ireland International Karate Champi-

onship. The event was the first international karate open tournament organised by WADO Martial Arts Ireland. Pictured are Ricky Broderick and Tina Gallagher with sons Daniel and Ryan.

Picture: Rossiter Photography

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3 September 2015

TIMMONS ‘Warning, fine for possession’

Cllr Francis Timmons (inset) belives all drugs should be decriminalised and people found with drugs for personal use should be free from criminal conviction

Call for all drugs to be decriminalised

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ALL drugs should be decriminalised, according to a Clondalkin politician, and people found with drugs for personal use should be free from criminal conviction.

Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) told The Gazette that those found with drugs for personal use should be given a warning, a fine or be directed to drug awareness classes for treatment.

He added: “In cases where a person is found to be selling or importing drugs, or engaged in theft, assault, intimidation, smuggling, trafficking or dealing they should still be prosecuted under the criminal

 IAN BEGLEY ibegley@dublingazette.com

justice system. “ We s h o u l d c o n sider decriminalisation because it would reduce criminal justice costs and [the money saved] could be redirected towards tackling organised crime.”

Although Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) said he did not know the consequences of decriminalising drugs he nevertheless believed Gov-

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

ernment should legalise cannabis.

He said: “The Government should definitely decriminalise cannabis because [it can be used for] medicinal purposes.

The question of decriminalising all drugs however is a very nuanced and loaded argument.

“I think it would have a yin and yang effect.

Legalising all dr ugs would take the crime out of it, but I don’t think Ireland is ready yet,” said Cllr Kenny.

In July, Junior Minister for the national dr ugs strateg y Aodhan O’Riordan (Lab) hosted a “think tank” on the drug problem at the Mansion House in Dublin.

There was wide consensus at the event that drugs across the board should be decriminalised. Minister O’Riordan said the issue would be considered in both the

drugs strategy, currently under review, and the country’s foundation legislation on narcotics, the Misuse of Drugs Act, which he hopes to update by the end of the year.

Tony Duffin, director of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, attended the meeting. He told The Gazette that he believed decriminalisation, based on the Portuguese model, should be implemented in Ireland, but agreed more discussion on the matter was needed.

He said: “Portugal decriminalised drugs in the early 2000s and since then they had a number of significant outcomes in terms of success. People in Ireland are looking at that model and saying that maybe we can have similar successes.

“T he principal of decriminalisation is

to move people away from the justice system and move them towards treatment and rehabilitation. The Ana Liffey Dr ug Project would be open to the ideas of decriminalisation based on this model, but I would like to see the discussion being carried on,” said Duffin.

People in Clondalkin with drug or alcohol problems are encouraged to seek help from the Clondalkin Local Drugs Task Force. Its overall aim is to significantly reduce the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concentrated focus on curbing supply and using prevention, treatment and research to tackle the problem.

Phone 01-4579445 or visit www.clondalkindrugstaskforce.ie for more information on this service.

3 September 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

gardai

banned: Murphy accuses gardai of acting in ‘overtly political manner’

Permit denied for money collection

Body found by vacant house

DEPUTY Paul Murphy (AAA) has allegedly been banned from holding street and door-to-door collections for the Socialist Party in Dublin SouthWest.

The TD stated on social media that he was denied a permit needed to collect money for his party from the chief superintendent of the Dublin Metropolitan Region South.

The letter, which was uploaded by Murphy on Facebook, stated: “A chief superintendent shall not grant a collection permit for any collection in respect of which he is of opinion that the proceeds of the collection or any portion thereof would be used in such a manner as to encourage, either

A man has been found dead at the rear of a vacant house in Station Grove, Clondalkin.

Gardai received calls from local residents near Station Grove at around 9.30pm on August 31.

The man has been identified and a post mortem was carried out in Tallaght Hospital by the State pathologist. No foul play is suspected.

Gardai say that they are operating on the basis that the man may have fallen from the roof of the house. The ground floor of the premises had been boarded up.

Clondalkin Gardai station are continuing to appeal for witnesses of this incident to contact them on 01-6667600.

directly or indirectly, the commission of an unlawful act.”

Following this, Deputy Murphy has accused gardai of acting in an “overtly political manner”. He said: “This is an incredible decision by the gardai and has to be taken in the context of the attacks by the State on the AAA and the antiwater charges movement in general.

“For a whole number of years the Socialist Party have held national collections and been granted permits in Dublin South West without a problem.

“The AAA and the Socialist Party do not accept money from big business. Instead we rely on donations and support

from people in working class communities who we represent and fight alongside against austerity. We have been granted permits in other areas of the country, as presumably have other political parties.

“This decision on the permit is an attempt on the one hand to handicap our election campaign, but also gardai deciding that they can dictate what political parties can advocate. It is a serious attack on democracy,” he said.

A Garda spokesman said the force did not comment on individual cases but added that under legislation, applicants refused permits have the right to appeal the decision.

A colourful capture: Lucky snapper catches a rare moment on walk this fantastic shot taken over the ruins of the 12th century medi-

eval church on the St John’s site was taken recently on a Heritage Week Walk around Clondalkin. The walk was a great success with over 40 people in attendance, including two American visitors Bill and Gail Malone from the state of Georgia.

The St John’s church site was closed in 1649, it reopened circa 1729 and continued in use until it was demolished to allow for the building of the present church in 1770.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3 September 2015

charity Students have made ‘life-changing’ contributions

Fundraising efforts praised by Trocaire  Ian Begley

Trocaire has thanked thousands of children across Lucan and Clondalkin who have raised much-needed funds for the charity.

Altogether, Dublin schools have raised more than €6.7m in recent years for Trocaire and primary schools in Dublin Mid-West have played a big part in this.

T he schools from Clondalkin are Our Lady Queen of Apostles National School, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain, Neilstow n National School and Scoil Aine.

The teachers in Clonburris National

School are also regular participants in Trocaire’s Better World Award. This is an award that acknowledges the work carried out by students when exploring Trocaire’s education resources. They have also submitted entries to Trocaire’s poster competition on the theme of water and climate change.

The students of St Thomas Junior National School in Lucan have also participated in active learning development education workshops facilitated by Trocaire’s education officer. They explored global justice issues as part of the

school’s intercultural week.

Tr o c a i r e r e c e n t l y worked with Colaiste Bride Presentation Secondary School in Clondalkin to hold a Development Education workshop on climate justice with Irish students and students from a Presentation school in India.

Jennifer Brennan of Trocaire’s schools team said: “I would like to thank schools from Dublin for so kindly and enthusiastically supporting our work with poor communities overseas.

“The creativity of students, guidance of teachers and support from parents and families is hugely

appreciated and has made a massive difference to the life-changing projects that Trocaire funds.

“In the past year alone, schools have baked, cycled, written poetry and even rapped to support Trocaire’s work.”

She added: “One of the most inspiring parts of our work is meeting young people in schools who are learning about global justice issues and who care deeply about what is happening in the world.

“Generous donations from the fundraising efforts of Dublin’s young people are having a global reach.

“For example, during 2014 and 2015, 110,000

Pupils from Our Lady Queen of Apostles National School Clondalkin fundraising for Trocaire

people in Somalia were supported with health, nutrition and education; 288,811 people in Sudan were reached through a Trocaire-supported hospital and 47,050 people in Sierra Leone were provided with support during the ebola outbreak.

“Trocaire is sincerely

grateful to schools in Dublin, for making these critically needed projects possible. Dublin students are making their mark on the world and should be proud of their efforts to build a more just and equal global community.”

Trocaire’s schools team runs a comprehensive

education programme that engages young people and educators to make connections between their own lives and social justice issues, and to be empowered to make a positive difference.

Visit trocaire.org/education for further information.

3 September 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

environment Waste company fined over handling of recyclables

Ballymount blaze costs Oxigen €18,000  Ian Begley

Waste company Oxigen has been fined €18,000 following a huge blaze at its recycling depot in Ballymount last year.

T he company was prosecuted over its handling of cardboard, paper and other recyclables at its facility on the Merrywell Industrial Estate in Ballymount in the run-up to the fiveday fire in January 2014.

Within minutes flames had swept through the entire complex as emer-

gency services arrived at the scene. Explosions were also heard as the fire spread and up to 14 units of the Dublin Fire Brigade tried to bring the blaze under control. Residents in Ballymount were urged to close their windows and doors as gardai warned that the fumes could be toxic. The Oxigen premises and three refuse trucks were completely destroyed. However 120 workers were uninjured.

In a report on air quality in Ireland, the

Environmental Pro tection Agency (EPA) announced the €18,000 fine, adding that the fire was the only incident it deemed serious last year.

The report stated: “Overall the results of the air quality monitoring indicated that the air quality impact of the fire was localised and transient, and there was no significant potential for any long-term health impacts as a result of this incident.”

The EPA added that the €18,000 fine was

A member of the Dublin Fire Brigade battling the fire at the Oxigen recycling plant in Ballymount in 2014

taken against Oxigen for holding waste in a manner likely to endanger human health or harm the environment by risk of fire, surface water contamination and nuisance through odour before the fire.

The company was also prosecuted by the EPA last year over foul smells

from its depot. Its Coes Road plant in Louth also faced a €9,000 bill following complaints of bad smells.

The agency stated the issues at the incinerator involved high levels of carbon monoxide being released, one of which was caused by a power failure, but none posed

a threat to the environment.

Earlier this year Oxigen had a record fine of €740,000 reduced on appeal to €50,000 for persistent odour problems from a landfill at Corranure in Cavan.

Oxigen declined to comment when contacted by the Gazette.

Cruagh Families urged to walk in the wood As part of South County Dublin’s Health and Wellbeing Week, families are being encouraged to take part in a 5km family mountain walk in Cruagh Wood on September 13.

T here will be two guided walks on the day, one 5km walk in Cruagh Wood at 10am and another 1.5km walk in Massy’s Estate at 2pm.

Both walks promise plenty of fun along the way and will be a great way to get families out and about.

Pre-booking for this event is essential as spaces are limited.

To book, call Alison on 0868516669 or 01-4149270.

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3 September 2015

partnership: service given to kids aged four to six

tHuggery Gang known to local residents

Pilot scheme extends nursing care  Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

A C londal k in mother whose daughter has a severe development condition is taking part in a new pilot scheme aimed to extend nursing care for four- to six-year-olds.

Lisa Cawley’s daughter Erika has Dravet syndrome and suffers from progressive seizures which cause severe development delays.

Partnership The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation has now announced a new partnership with KBC Bank which will support a pilot scheme in 2016 for the charity to extend its home nursing care service to children aged four to six.

The nursing team is working out the details of the new pilot scheme which will include a small sample of families, including Crawley and her daughter, for a

six-month period next year, from which Jack & Jill will collate feedback and results of the new pilot scheme as part of proposals for HSE support for a fully-fledged ser vice for this age group in Ireland.

Funding Up until now, Jack & Jill has traditionally provided home respite and nursing care services for the families of children with brain damage up to age four and it currently supports 300 children nationwide by funding and providing their families.

Welcoming the new partnership, Jonathan Irwin, chief executive of the Jack & Jill Child r e n ’s F o u n d a t i o n , said: “This partnership with KBC Bank means a huge amount to the families under our wing and it could not come at a better time in terms of making the case for extending our service to children right the way up to six years of age.”

The individuals responsible for wrecking the flower boxes on the Neilstown Road are well known to local residents, it is believed

Flower box vandalism dismays Harelawn  Ian Begley

FLOWER boxes built by the members of North Clondalkin Tidy Towns have been destroyed in an act of “mindless destruction” by a gang of youths from the area, it is thought.

According to Brian Dunne of North Clondalkin Tidy Towns, the individuals responsible for wrecking the f lower boxes on the Neilstown Road are well known to local residents and are also accountable for the surge in anti-social activity in the nearby Harelawn estate.

Speaking to The Gazette, he said: “There’s only a handful of us trying to improve north Clondalkin and this is just a major block that’ll slow us down and take us further away

from our vision for [the area].

“These youths are nothing but thugs and are causing mindless destruction in our area.

“They smashed up one of our big flower boxes and also four other of our smaller ones – it’s unbelievable.

“These people seem to have free reign to do whatever they want. It’s sad because there are some very nice people in Harelawn and the minority of these thugs give everyone a bad reputation.

“We reported it to the gardai and they said they are aware of the incident, but we don’t think there is much they can do.

“These individuals are only about 15 and 16 and there is a whole gang of them rampaging around in Harelawn.”

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

‘There would be a rise in antisocial activity around the area, but it is mainly down to the one gang of youths’

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

Clondalkin Cllr Jonathan Graham (SF) told The Gazette that he was also aware of the same group of young people causing a lot of the antisocial activity in Harelawn.

He said: “There would be a rise in anti-social activity around the area, but it is mainly down to the one gang of youths.

“The Garda response has been pretty poor, but I will soon be meeting with some of the youth groups and members of the council and the Garda youth officer to try and come up with an approach to deal with

all of this.”

Cllr Graham added that recent radio shows reporting on the antisocial events in Harelawn are mainly sensationalising the incidents. “ T h e r e a s o n w hy these radio shows are doing this is to make something bigger than it actually is.

“Harelawn is not half as bad as what it is made out to be,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Garda press officer said they were aware of these incidents and advised anyone who witnessed anti-social behaviour to report it

to their local Garda station.

“Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences.

“Community policing is a central feature and core value of our policing policy and current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences and antisocial behaviour,” said the spokesperson.

Ronanstown gardai are investigating the matter of the broken f lower pots and are appealing to the public with information to call them on (01) 666 7700.

The North Clondalkin Tidy Towns Facebook page is also looking for more volunteers.

Contact the Facebook page for more information.

3 September 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

don’sdublin Dublin Castle – part of Irish life since the time of the Vikings It has played a part in Irish life for centuries and Dublin Castle had its origins back in Viking times.

It was originally settled on the high ground close to the Poddle and Liffey rivers and provided an excellent defence.

With the Norman invasion in 1169, however, the old structure was demolished and a more permanent building was erected. King Henry II implemented this phase, which was completed in 1230 and was the beginning of the castle as we know it today.

The Poddle was diverted underground and its water used to fill the moat that surrounded the fortress. Typical of Norman design, there was a tower at each corner and the Record Tower (1228) is the only surviving one.

Over time many other buildings were added, especially in the Georgian period. The Treasury Building in the lower yard, the first purpose-built office space in Dublin, was completed in 1714. In the upper yard, the Bedford Tower, named for the Duke of Bedford who was then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was constructed in the 1750s.

And it was from here in July 1907 that one of the most infamous events in the Castle’s history took place when the Irish crown jewels were stolen on the eve of the visit of King Edward VII. They have never been recovered.

As the centre of British power, it was often challenged with it coming under attack during Robert Emmet’s short-lived rising in 1803 and Easter 1916.

British power ceased on the January 16, 1922 when Michael Collins took possession on behalf of the new Irish Free State.

In the upper yard are the State Rooms originally constructed for the Lord Lieutenant’s personal accommodation and entertainment.

Nowadays, these lavishly furnished rooms – St Patrick’s Hall, Throne Room, State Drawing Room and State Corridor – are used for Government engagements including the inauguration of presidents and State visit ceremonies.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin. wordpress.com

Dublin Castle originated back in Viking times and was originally settled on the high ground close to the Poddle and Liffey rivers

Balgaddy Focusing on replacing textbooks with iPads

School’s top in technology teaching  Ian Begley

A Balgaddy primary school is setting the standard for the future of education by replacing textbooks with iPads and focusing on a more technology-based way of teaching.

Having first opened two years ago, Scoil

Oscair established itself as a unique digital primary school, powered by a vision where technology would be integrated throughout every aspect of the curriculum. Children were immersed in the fundamental learning methods around the three Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic), but through

an e-learning platform.

Every child at Scoil Oscair is equipped with an iPad and parents can remotely check-in on their children’s schoolwork or follow their class online as they work collaboratively on classwork. The children do basic programming, coding and robotics where they engage in

critical thinking around concepts involving engineering, electronics and construction.

Additionally, parents are participating in coding classes once a month within the school. However, it’s not always taught by the class teacher, but often by their own children, who have developed

new skills essential to a digital future.

Principal Nichol Spokes said that the technology-based curriculum is a big success so far.

She said: “We believe that we are giving our students a big head start in regards to how they use and understand technology.”

8 clondalkin Gazette 3 September 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Belinda Rogers and Nathan Rogers

Brothers Mathew, John, Rory and Michael Broderick pictured at a recent fundraiser for the camogie section at Round Tower’s GAA Club.

The Dublin Senior 7 Camogie Championship winners 2014 need to get jerseys for this year’s championship which kicks off on September 8.

The event was a great success with guests enjoying a disco and karaoke. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter

Round Tower’s GAA Club: disco and karaoke go down a treat

Get-together to get jerseys for seniors

Pamela and Barry Quinlan with son Conor who was Nadine Salingerand Ann Marie Maher

celebrating his eighth birthday

Trish Egan and Michael Courtney

3 September 2015 clondalkin Gazette 9

Martina McCabe and Angie McNamara

Leah Ellis and Eimear Fallon

Patricia Whelan

Ellie Hughes, Joe Bradley and Corina Stefan

Val Kelly, Caroline Fallon, Ciara Devaney and Joanne Moore

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3 September 2015

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30 clondalkin gazette 3 September 2015

SPORT

FastSport

canoeing: salmon leap star records best ever irish finish

Rooney’s Ireland call-up PALMERSTOWN’S Adam Rooney is aiming to continue his quick rise in the Republic of Ireland ranks. He linked up with Martin O’Neill’s squad earlier this week for the first time and said he was being welcomed in with few issues ahead of two big European qualification games against Gibraltar on Friday evening before Georgia on Monday night in Dublin.

“It’s nice and easy for the lads today. It’s nice to get to know the lads. I know most of them from playing through Under-21s and stuff. So enjoyable!

“Obviously we need two big wins now. Obviously we’re going into two big games, they’re going to be difficult games, but we have to make sure we get the points on the board. That’s the main thing, and hopefully things go for us in the other games.”

Glenville pegged back by fellow LSL new boys TEN-MAN St Mochta’s hit back for an unlikely draw against fellow LSL Senior Sunday Division new boys Glenville, hitting an 95th minute leveller to make it two points from two games in their new division.

Glenville looked hot favourites when – with 10 minutes remaining – Bobby Cullen hit his third goal in the opening two games of the season to give Glenville a 2-1 lead. It was a double whammy for Mochta’s, with Cullen’s penalty award also seeing Mochta’s keeper Murphy shown a red card for dragging down an opposition striker.

Cullen found the top

corner with an impressive penalty to seemingly put Glenville in charge.

Ian Croft had other ideas, however, and chipped an advancing Glenville keeping in the dying seconds to rescue a point for Porterstown club Mochta’s, who now sit in sixth place early in the new season.

Earlier, David Somers had opened the scoring for Mochta’s, tapping in from a square ball from O’Connor, who had beaten the offside trap.

The lead wasn’t to last long, with Glenville pulling the visitors back with a Stephen Klinch goal shortly after the opener.

The home side felt slightly aggrieved at the result, however, having claimed an unawarded penalty, and had a goal disallowed.

Jenny Egan became the highest ranked Irish canoeist ever at a senior sprint World Championships. Picture: Sportsfile

Egan makes waves in Milan  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

JENNY Egan finished a career and national best sixth place in the K1 5,000m at the ICF Canoe World Sprint Championships at Lake Idrascalo Milan last week, missing out on a medal by just two seconds as she closed on third place towards the line.

In the K1 5,000m, which consists of one extended 2,000m circuit and four shorter 750m loops, Egan faced a field of 29, and got into a strong position from the start.

“I was in the lead group going in the first turn, where there was a

minor collision,” Egan told GazetteSport. “I sat at the back of the lead group for much of the race, before the athletes from Belarus, the UK and Canada broke away.

“The Canadian athlete dropped off the lead group towards the end, and we were closing in on her coming up to the line. I finished two seconds off a bronze medal, and 11.04 off gold. The sixth place is my highest ever finish at a world championship, but I’m hoping for more next year.”

T he Salmon Leap Canoe Club athlete also topped her personal best in the K1 500m event.

Having drawn a tough

autograph session Golden moment for young Ireland fans robbie Keane was on hand to sign autographs to participants during the FAI Golden Camp, a summer camp run by the FAI for season ticket holders who participated in the Sports World Summer Soccer Schools Programme.

The Tallaght man is back in Dublin this week as preparations build for two crucial European qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia over the wweekend.

Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

field for the semi-final, she came in sixth, clocking an Irish national record time of 1.52.410.

The time would have been enough to qualify for the B-final from two of the four semis, but only the C-final from Egan’s.

The event was the first round of Olympic qualification in the 500m event, with the second and final round coming next May in Duisburg, Germany, where two more athletes will book their tickets to Rio through the European Sprint Qualifier.

Elsewhere, Egan’s Salmon Leap teammate Barry Watkins came 15th in the world in the men’s

K1 500m, while Jenny’s brother Peter Egan finished 26th in the men’s K1 5,000m event. Peter also reached the semifinal of K2 200m event with Simas Dobrovolskis while Tom Brennan did likewise in the K1 200m event.

Para canoeist Patrick O’ Leary finished ninth in the K1 A final and Andrzej Jerierski finished second in the C1 C final.

The event saw 1,200 athletes from 101 countries taking part in the biggest entr y in the World Championships in the history of this event.

Jenny Egan will be focusing on the K1-500 event over the win-

ter, putting in a strong endurance base ahead of the 2016 season, which will not feature a World Championship event due to the Olympics.

First, she’ll compete in Gyro, Hungary on September 12, taking on the surprisingly sprint-heavy 26km marathon event.

The marathon features sections of running with the boat as well as canoeing, and Egan describes it as “quite an intense race”.

Following that, she’ll be knuckling down for winter. For 2016, those tough-to-get last Olympic qualification spots for the K1 500 and European Championships are key goals.

3 September 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

hurling: tower’s through to county semi-final

Club Noticeboard Round tower, clondalkin A SENIOR B championship f inal

5. It will take place 10am to 11.30am

awaits our senior hurlers follow-

and children aged four to seven are

ing victory over Naomh Barrog on

very welcome.

Saturday evening.

Date for your diary: Round Tower

Well done lads.

Family Fun Day will take place Sun-

Commiserations to our junior

day, September 13.

hurlers who were defeated at semifinal stage of their championship against Ballinteer St John’s.

Well done to our Under-12 hurlers who participated in Camaint over

All welcome, with lots planned for kids and adults.

The fun begins at 1pm and will run to 5pm. Please spread the word.

Round Tower Lotto, August 24: jackpot €9,000. Numbers drawn-

the weekend.

Congratulations to our very own Jenny Byrne who has been appoint-

were 2, 3, 21 and 22; the bonus ball was 10.

ed referee for the All Ireland inter-

There was no overall winner;

mediate camogie final that will be

three €100 winners: Carmel Doher-

played on Sunday, September 13 in

ty, Frank Sherwin, Gerry Banks.

Thanks to all for suppor ting

Croke Park.

The nursery returns to Monastery Road on Saturday, September

the lotto and play online at www. roundtower.ie.

The Round Tower senior B hurlers

Barrog dimissed to set up historic date

senior b hurling Round Tower 3-12 Naomh Barrog 1-8  sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND TOWER senior B hurlers have pulled off one of the most important wins in the club’s history, beating Naomh Barrog by a score of 3-12 to 1-8 in their first ever senior county quarter final at Monastery Road last Saturday.

Tower took control from early in the game, taking a commanding lead after 20 minutes when an Owen Moran goal from a Naomh Barrog clearance gave the Clondalkin side 1-4 to 0-2 lead.

The margin was quickly extended, with Eric Flynn turning in a swift and decisive second to make it 2-4 to 0-2 as half time approached, adding to a consistent string of frees from the influential Paidi Stapleton.

Tower’s performance owed a lot to the defence, though, with their domi-

nance in the air at the back against a Barrog team noted for their goalscoring exploits a key tactical aspect that kept the Barrog side quiet.

By half time, Tower’s had secured a 2-7 to 0-3 lead, before Barrog were offered a glimmer of hope by an early second half goal.

It was to prove insignificant, though, with Tower lashing in a third off the back of Eric Finn’s powerful midfield charge to effectively put the game to bed.

The last 10 or 15 minutes saw the game peter out, with the teams exchanging points as Tower sat comfortably on a senior semi-final place that represents a new world of success to the club “We’re traditionally an intermediate level kind of hurling side,” PRO Michael McGlynn told GazetteSport. “Winning the high ball in defence and dropping the extra player into our backline –

the result of our scouting – worked really well for us, it’s a big win.”

“The semi-final will be a huge game for us, but we’ll be aiming to be at this level consistently from now on. It’s our first championship knock out, but we don’t think it will be our last.”

Tower – traditionally highly competitive at the intermediate level of Dublin hurling, finished runners up in the 2009

and 2012 championship will now go on to face the club’s first county senior semi-final. That game will be played against an as yet unconfirmed opponent over the weekend of September 12 and 13.

Jenny Byrne, also of Round Tower, has been appointed referee for the All Ireland intermediate camogie final, which will be played Sunday, September 13 in Croke Park.

ST pat’s palmerstown UNFORTUNATELY, due to weather

To enter a team or to sponsor a

conditions we had to cancel our

hole for €50 (also includes a free

fun day on Saturday until further

ad on our website), please contact

notice.

Robbie on 087 169 8166 or Paul on

Brilliant win for our senior hurl-

087 661 3104 or email secretary.

ers who took on Crumlin in the sen-

stpatrickspalmerstown.dublin@

ior hurling championship in Parnell

gaa.ie.

Park; great comeback in the sec-

Entry to our Decades Disco in the

ond half and came out on top with

Palmerstown to non-golfers is €10;

a score of 3-12 to 0-17.

this includes disco and barbecue.

The U-12 footballer s took on Round Tower in a challenge game and had a good win.

There will also be a raffle on the night.

This is a ticket only event so to

The U-15 footballers beat St Vin-

purchase a ticket contact Suzy

cent’s in Glenaulin this week in the

on 086 079 7438 or any member of

last league game of the season.

the executive or email secretary.

Super win for the minor footballers

stpatrickspalmerstown.dublin@

this week against G P Moran.

gaa.ie.

Fantastic win for our U-15 cam-

Should be a great night so don’t

ogie team awa y to Skerries, it

mis s ou t and get your ticket s

ended St Pat’s 2-8 Skerries 3-2 in

early.

their opening championship game.

The lotto numbers for this week

Our golf classic is on September

were 6, 19, 21 and 22; there was no

12 in Slade Valley Golf Club; €240 for

winner so next week’s jackpot will

a team of four.

be €3,800.

This includes dinner in Slade

The draw takes place in the Palm-

Valley and entry to Decades Disco

erstown House every Sunday night

in the Palmerstown House with a

at 10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank

barbecue and presentation for the

you to all our sellers and to all that

winners.

support our lotto every week.



Got a story? we want to know!

Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Jenny Byrne will referee the All-Ireland inter final

or email sport@dublingazette.com

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

towering success: Clondalkin club reach semi final of the senior championship for first time P31

september 3 - 9, 2015

noonan’s all-ireland call: Londoner’s one time deal to land title with Dublin P29

Gavin confident of righting Mayo wrongs  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

JIM Gavin is confident the Dublin senior footballers will come back strong, after Mayo overcame a seven-point deficit in the final 10 minutes to draw at Croke Park last Sunday, August 30.

Despite the comeback and being down to 14 men, the Dubs had a 74th minute chance to put the semi-final to bed, with Stephen Cluxton missing a makeable free with what was almost the last kick of the match. Gavin feels the big game experience – which has been

sorely lacking for Dublin since the championship got under way – will stand to the Boys in Blue in the replay.

“Mayo played well and came at us hard,” Gavin said. “They got a couple of frees and scores.

It was an exciting game.

“Technically there were a lot of errors in it. For our part that game will do us the world of good. We haven’t experienced that intensity all season, it was four weeks since our last game and we will be the better team for it the next day.”

Gavin also commented on Mayo’s comeback, giving the Connacht side credit despite

the metropolitan’s disappointing finish.

“Yeah, I think it would have been 10, 12 minutes to go [that Dublin had a seven-point lead], with the added time which you factor in for championship games. We were delighted to have been in that position for the last quarter, but Mayo are one of the top teams in the country and they came back well.

“We were a man down [due to Diarmuid Connolly’s red card]; I thought we rallied hard, showed good composure and took some great scoring opportunities.

“We had some frees, didn’t take them – that’s the nature of the game, I think we only had one from frees in the end. That’s one area to work on.”

On that last minute miss from Cluxton, Gavin was also magnanimous.

“It is well within his range,” said Gavin. “It’s just one of those things. He’ll be back.

“He is a very strong man mentally and if the opportunity arises I am sure he will take it the next day.”

Dublin and Mayo will face off again this Saturday, September 5, with kick off in Croke Park at 5pm.

Dublin manager Jim Gavin

10 Gazette 3 September 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Claire Moran and Jasmine O’Brien

Well-known faces from the world of entertainment helping Lidl to celebrate its very own Oktoberfest. The celebration, held at Meeting House Square in Dublin, launched the Alpengut range of food in Lidl stores. Guests on the night included UTV news anchor Alison Comyn, Gia Elllis

Harry Cullen

RTE weather anchor Nuala Carey, TV3’s Peter O’Riordan with wife, Stephanie, Siobhan O’Connor and Sonya Mohlich. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Prost! A LIDL CELEBRATION FOR NEW FOOD RANGE

Dublin takes on Oktoberfest Sarah Tomry and RTE’s Nuala Carey

Niamh Devereux, Victoria Stone and Clodagh Daly

Kevin Haverty and Ryan McDonnell

3 September 2015 Gazette 11

world record P15

asdfsdaf musical P27 P16

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



Gazette

diary P12

what’son Console conference:

John Wyer at work in the kitchen. He usually gets up at about 6.30am, cycles 10 minutes to work and is at Forest Avenue by 7am.

a day in the life: owner and head chef at Forest Avenue John Wyer

It boils down to hard work  aisling kennedy

John Wyer, owner and head chef at Forest Avenue in Dublin, is one of the hardest working men in the food industry. Running a restaurant is no easy task and Wyer works 14- and 15-hour days to ensure his restaurant serves the highest quality food to its customers.

He took time out recently to talk to the Gazette about a day in his life.

Wyer explains that he usually gets up at about 6.30am, cycles 10 minutes to work and is at Forest Avenue by 7am.

He said: “I don’t have anything to eat in the morning, I just have a glass of water. My wife, Sandy who runs the restaurant with me, usually arrives at about 10am and she always brings me breakfast.

“She usually picks something up on her way in like scrambled eggs and orange juice and we have our breakfast together.”

Wyer explains that once he gets into the kitchen in the morning he starts making the breads for lunch service and he also starts to prepare stocks for the day by roasting bones.

“The food deliveries start coming in at about 7.30am which I always check, and then the rest of the team will start to arrive at 8am.”

At 11am the front of house staff make coffee’s for everyone and Wyer then heads upstairs to take care of the admin side of things by ringing suppliers, making sure everything has arrived for lunch, and planning the dinner menu for that night.

“That’s my down time, it’s just time I need away from the kitchen where I can focus on creating and organising,” he explains.

Wyer then heads back downstairs to prepare for lunch which begins at 12 o’clock and is usually a very busy service with between 20 to 30 people served daily.

Once lunch is over, Wyer then cycles home for a well-earned break at about 3.30pm.

Despite being a culinary genius, Wyer tends to make himself sandwiches and salads for lunch and he explains that once he finishes eating he has a power nap.

“That’s my new thing now. I set my alarm for 20 minutes and I doze off. That little sleep revitalises me and I’ll take a

nice shower when I wake and I’m very much ready to go again by 4.45pm.”

Wyer then cycles back to the restaurant where he makes sure everything is set up for the evening dinner service and he cooks from 6pm to 10pm.

As the last part of the day, Wyer then calls his local suppliers to order in produce for the next day.

“I’m usually home by about 11.30pm/12am and I’ll have some food, a glass of wine and I’ll sit on the couch and have a chat about the day with my wife. The main thing is that we both unwind after the day so we usually just watch some TV and then head to bed.”

Forest Avenue is on Sussex Road, Dublin 4. For more information log onto www.forestavenuerestaurant.ie

Music and TV star Niall “Bressie” Breslin will share the stage with some of the world’s most influential minds and thought leaders on suicide at Console’s upcoming annual conference.

The Console World Suicide Prevention Day Conference 2015 takes place on Thursday, September 10, at the Aviva Stadium Conference Centre.

The conference is of benefit to anyone working in a caregiving role or with a more general interest in suicide prevention and postvention.

Bressie’s contributions to the national debate on mental health, anxiety, depression and suicide, have helped address the stigma which remains in Ireland today.

He believes that opening up about mental health is the first stage to recovery, and the fruits of that were seen in recent figures released by Console which showed a rise in the number of young men contacting the organisation.

Console offers free counselling services and 24-hour helpline (Freephone 1800 201 890 or text 51444).

12 Gazette 3 September 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Banking on the bible at inquiry It recently emerged that the Oireachtas Banking Inquiry set up to investigate that irresponsible era leading to the economic crash of 2008, has spent €3.5m conducting its business, including €56 for bibles for interviewees to swear on.

Other expenses included €3,938 on tea and coffee, €1,100 on newspapers and €12.70 on copies of the Constitution.

Quite ironic really!

However, if HBO has

shown us anything, it’s that top quality entertainment requires a budget. And have there been moments of top quality entertainment during this inquiry!

Notably when Bertie returned to give a political master class laced with little jibes at Fine Gael.

At one point during his interrogation, in response to Deputy Eoghan Murphy’s (FG) questions about budgetary spending before the 2007 election, he

quipped that he wasn’t worried about not being returned to the office of Taoiseach so spending wasn’t an issue.

bee sure to check out new musical Theatre company WillFredd and children’s cultural centre The Ark have teamed up to create an exciting new musical for audiences ages 6+, their families and friends.

BEES! by Mark Doherty and directed by Sophie Motley will premiere as part of the Family Season

in Dublin Theatre Festival 2015.

The production is a musical filled with fun and songs, dancing and jiving, flying and hiving and absolutely no boring stuff.

You will also learn lots of facts about bees along the way.

For more information and to book tickets for the show, visit www.dublintheatrefestival.com/ Online/BEES or www. dublintheatrefestival. com.

Dublin Theatre Festival 2015 runs from September 24 to 11, with 28 worldclass productions spanning 22 different stages across Dublin city and suburbs. The programme will offer both spectacular, large-scale presentations and intimate performances which will entertain seasoned theatre-goers and first-time audiences alike.

christmas is early at brown thomas As summer draws to a close, Christmas bells are ringing at Brown Thomas which reminds us of the onset of the festive season with the launch of its Christmas Market.

A dedicated space in the Dublin store has been transformed into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas trees, seasonal decorations and festive food.

The themes of this year’s Christmas Market at Brown Thomas include, Ice Palace, Venetian Winter, I Love Candy and Santa’s Journey.

The Christmas Market at Brown Thomas is now open for anyone who wishes to indulge themselves in the festive spirit.

diary

Rachel and Laura Scott at the Christmas Market at Brown Thomas

3 September 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 3 September 2015

dublinlife

advice : Competition & Consumer Protection commission sets out questions you need to ask

Thinking of buying a car?

According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, almost 30% of queries to the helpline relate to buying a car.

To help you make the right decisions, here are a few questions to consider 1. What’s your budget?

Think about what you can afford to spend. If you are a first-time buyer it is easier to estimate as you do not have a tradein.

If you are trading-in, you need to consider the

cost of changing - subtract the value of your trade-in from the price of a new car. Also think about the associated running costs.

2. How are you going to pay for the car?

Saving up for a car is the cheapest option as you do not have to pay interest on a loan.

If taking out a personal loan from your bank or credit union, work out what you will be repaying each month.

You can compare savings accounts and personal loan rates from the

different providers on www.consumerhelp.ie.

A good rule of thumb is if you require finance for more than three years to pay for a car, it may be too expensive for you.

3. Personal Loans v Hire Purchase/Personal Contract Plan (PCP)?

A garage may offer a hire purchase agreement or PCP as a way of paying for your car.

The main difference between a personal loan and a PCP is that with a loan you borrow the money, pay for your car, and own it immediately.

With a PCP, you don’t own the car, you are hiring it for a period of time, typically 3-5 years.

You only own it when you make the final payment.

T his is impor tant because if you were to run into financial difficulty during your PCP, unlike a loan, you cannot sell the car to pay off your debt.

4. Do you know your rights if you buy from a trader compared to a private seller?

If you buy from a dealer you have the option of car finance, a warranty, and you have some protection under consumer law.

For instance, it is an offence for a dealer to sell a car that is not roadworthy or provide you with misleading information about the car such as any repair work needed etc.

If you are dealing with a trader ask if they are part of a trade association, for example the Society of Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

This requires them to follow certain business standards.

If you buy from a dealer you have the option of car finance, a warranty, and you have some protection under consumer law

Visit www.consumerhelp.ie for more information on what to look out for before you buy a car, including a car purchase checklist.

If you buy privately, you do not have the same consumer rights because the person selling the car is not acting as a business.

5. Have you checked the condition of the car?

Always check the mileage on the odometer, if it seems low compared

to the condition of the car investigate. You can find out more about car clocking on www.consumerhelp.ie.

6. Have you investigated the car’s history?

You can check the history of the car on websites such as www.cartell. ie, www.motorcheck.ie or www.mywheels.ie for a small fee.

All Society of Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) dealers have access to a car history check service.

Also, make sure you check that the car is not under any existing finance agreement.

Hire Purchase Inform a t i o n L t d ke e p s records of cars subject to hire purchase agreements, so check if they have details of the car on file.

For more advice when buying a car check out www.consumerhelp.ie fergal o’leary Director of Communications and Consumer Help

Sheds’ Strollers take a walk for charity A group of casual walkers called the Sheds’ Strollers will do a special walk for charity next week in aid of St Michael’s House.

The Sheds’ Strollers meet every week in Connolly’s The Sheds pub in Clontarf.

The charity walk, which takes place on September 6, 2015, at 11am, is a historical walk of

Clontarf under the direction of well-known tour guide and historian Pat Liddy of Walking Tours Dublin.

The walk will start at the Alfie Byrne Chair, at the Fairview end of the promenade near Clontarf Dart Station, and it will then proceed along the promenade to Clontarf Village (Vernon Ave-

nue).

Pat Liddy will regale walkers with stories about the many historical points of this ancient part of Dublin city.

To register for the walk, contact Michael Coyne on 0872843448.

Registration is €10 per person with a special family rate of €20 for two people or more.

3 September 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

features A spookily wise woman visits National Leprechaun Museum The Cailleach, the ancient hag of wisdom in Irish Folklore, is set to return to The National Leprechaun Museum for the season of Samhain.

This Halloween Dubliners are invited to visit the witch in her lair underneath the museum; the original site of the Jervis Street Morgue.

The Cailleach will be available for adult-only visits every Friday and Saturday night after 6.30pm in September and October with under-18

Maura Twomey (59) broke the world record for the oldest Irish person to swim the English Channel

world record: Walkinstown woman swims for niece

Maura crosses Channel and smashes record

 Aisling Kennedy

A Walk instown woman broke the world record for the oldest Irish person to swim the English Channel recently and she did it in aid of the charity, Build4Life Cystic Fibrosis.

Maura Twomey (59), who now lives in Boston, USA decided to swim the Channel after a discussion she had with her sister-inlaw about her nephew who has the condition.

Twomey explained: “My sister-in-law told me about my niece and her son who had cystic fibrosis and how hard it was for them.

“It took longer than it should have for him to be diagnosed and she told me that they were raising money for Build4Life and Cork University Hospital.

That was the moment when I said maybe I could swim the Channel for them if I worked hard enough.”

Twomey then set about getting advice on how she would go about swimming the English Channel as even though she was an avid swimmer since her teens she knew that it would be a massive undertaking.

“I asked a swimming coach I knew in Cork and she gave me a lot of advice on how I should go about training for the swim.”

Twomey began swimming 30-40 km per week, took up yoga classes and completed Crossfit training.

She then attended the Sandycove Island Swim Club camp last July where she completed an intensive course of swims daily

and since then she has continued to increase her endurance and training throughout the year.

On July 10 this year, Twomey entered the water and swam from Samphire Hoe beach in Dover to Petite Blanc Nez on the French coast.

She completed the swim in 16 hours and 23 minutes.

She drank mostly liquid herbs mixed with blackcurrant juice, orange juice and half warm water to counteract the cold water.

She also ate half a banana every so often.

She never stopped swimming once because if she stopped kicking her legs it would not be counted as a full swim.

Twomey explains: “I was very lucky to get sunny conditions for my

swim. The water could’ve been choppy and messy but thank God none of that happened.

“I was so deeply happy when I finished the swim.

I just stood there like a stunned person, I was just dumbstruck that I did it.

Sometimes I think about it and say ‘Did I really do that?’

“I’m proud that I did it and my family were so supportive of me. I wasn’t going out to prove I could do it, I just wanted to do it for the charity and I’m delighted that it all went so well.”

So far Twomey has raised over €27,000 for Build4Life.

If you would like to donate to the Build4Life Cystic Fibrosis charity log onto http://www. mycharity.ie/event/maurasenglishchannelswim

visits from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, November 1 before 6.30pm.

Youngsters who can’t wait until then, can venture into the witch’s lair on Culture Night, Friday, September, 18.

The festival of Samhain, summer’s end, celebrates life, death, and life beyond death. The Cailleach Bhearra is the divine hag of Ireland she appears across the island from the Beara peninsula in Cork to Slieve Gullion in Armagh, the cliffs

of Moher in Clare and Loughcrew in Meath.

According to the Leprechaun Museum: “The Cailleach is the ancient mother of all Ireland. She is referred to often from medieval times, but her presence stretches back to a much earlier time, a time before books and writing. Across the land rocks and cairns, tombs and graves are her seats, her beds and her homes.”

For more information visit: www.leprechaunmuseum.ie/

Gazette

16 Gazette 3 September 2015

dublinlife

magical musical: Love me tender takes to the stage

Shaun’s shook up delivering the King’s hits  Ian Begley

After a 10-year gig as Barry in EastEnders, unforgettable appearances in Ricky Gervais’s Extras and leading roles in a ton of West End shows, Shaun Williamson is back and starring

in Bord Gais Energy T heatre’s upcoming production, Love Me Tender.

The musical, inspired by the music of Elvis Presley, features 25 of his best-loved songs including The Devil in Disguise, Hound Dog,

Blue Suede Shoes and All Shook Up. Williamson plays Jim, a widower and resident of “heartbreak hotel”, who might just have one last chance at love.

Speaking to The Gazette, Williamson said he was very much

looking for ward to coming to Dublin to mark the last week of the show’s tour.

“I’d never worked in a theatre in Dublin before, but I’ve been there quite a few times for a number of TV appearances.

“I think the most important thing to note about the show is that Elvis isn’t even in it. It’s simply a feel good musical based on the songs of the rock-and-roll legend.

“It’s set in the most depressed town ever in midwest America where nobody’s happy. One day a stranger turns up in a leather jacket and a motorbike – an Elvis personality by the name of Chad, and once he turns up a lot of crazy stuff starts happening.

“In total, I’m involved in about eight songs, including a few duets with Chad himself.

Luckily, we’ve got about 10 very fit dancers on stage which means that I don’t have to move about so much.”

This production is a million miles away from his role in EastEnders which, Williamson admits, he doesn’t really miss.

“It’s been 11 years since I’ve been in EastEnders which is crazy and I don’t really miss it because I did it for 10 years.

“I went into drama school very late at the

Actor Shaun Williamson is starring in Bord Gais Energy Theatre’s upcoming production, Love Me Tender. Picture: Johan Persson

age of 27 and once I finished I got a part in the show.

“Once my time came to an end on the show at 40 I hadn’t had much acting experience elsewhere so I was determined to do some work on stage. I have been very lucky since then and have done about 25 shows over the past 11 years.”

Asked if he gets a lot of people still seeing him solely as “Barry” – the same way his character was on Ricky Gervais’s hit sitcom Extras, Williamson said that it

happens regularly but does not affect him.

“Extras was a very funny show. On one level it carried on the stereotype of me being Barry, but to be honest I don’t mind it and never regret doing it.

“It was great fun working with R icky Gervais and Steve Merchant so I owe them a lot.

“EastEnders is a terrific show, but Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant are comedy legends so to get a chance working with them was really great.”

He says he doesn’t keep in touch with the comedic pair: “Not really. We don’t go out for drinks or anything like that because they’re just so busy. Ricky is a workaholic and hops from one project to another and Steve is now in the West End himself.”

Love me Tender takes place at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from September 21 to 26 with tickets costing €25 to €50.

See bordgaisenergytheatre.ie for more information.

3 September 2015 Gazette 17

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

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Pets extra love for extra lovable Spencer

The Moscow State Circus show has been garnering a huge amount of praise in the UK – and it’s coming to Ireland. Catch it while you can...

families: moscow state circus set to delight with its return to the rds

You’ll go Russian to a show  keith bellew

THE world-renowned Moscow State Circus comes to the RDS with its latest offering from September 4 to 13.

Unlike US-style circuses with animals jumping through flaming hoops to the crack of a whip, the Moscow State Circus is an artistic show performed to a theme or storyline.

The latest show, which is billed as their best, to date, is based on the Russian folklore story of Cvetik-Semicvetik, or “The flower with seven colours”,

by Valentin Petrovich Katayev, where each colour represents a wish.

Speaking to The Gazette, circus director Paul Archer discussed the storyline of the show.

“It’s a brand-new show that we’re bringing to Dublin since we were last in town two years ago.

“The story revolves around a girl who is granted these wishes during the course of the performance and uses these wishes for personal gain and personal desires. She wants the biggest popcorn in the world, for example,” he said.

Other frivolous selfish wishes granted to the girl include a hula-hoop and a gingerbread man. However, she goes on to redeem herself with her final wish.

“Finally, it gets to the end of the show, and she’s got one wish left and she really sees the light and wants to make a sick boy be able to walk again.

“He’s on crutches at the start of the show and he’s hobbling around.

She not only makes him better, but he performs one of the acts to finish the show off,” said Archer.

He added that the show has a good moral behind it, namely, it’s not what you have, but who you are, what you can do, and what you can give to people that counts.

Impressive Archer went on to outline some of the amazing acts to be seen at the show, one of the most impressive of which is Eliza Khachutryan, who performs amazing feats on the highwire.

“We’ve got a high-wire act this year

with a girl doing the whole act in ballerina points, and she does amazing tricks.

“We’ve got the Russian bar, the springboard, the amazing roller skating act, the clowns, the trapeze people and lots of other things; it’s a full twohour live show for the audience and it’s suitable for all ages.

“Because of the training that they have undergone, they are the creme de la creme of circus acts anywhere in the world,” he said, adding that the show has been met with a huge amount of praise so far in the UK. The Moscow State Circus will perform at the RDS for one week from September 4. For further information, see www.moscowstatecircus.com/.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Spencer, a two-year-old pit bull/shar pei cross.

Spencer was in a really bad way when he arrived at Dogs Trust from the pound. He had bad mange and was really malnourished.

We have been doing our very best to feed Spencer an enriched diet to build up his strength, as well as regular medicated baths to help his skin.

Even though he has had a terrible start to life, Spencer is an absolute sweetheart, and we really would love to find him the most loving home.

If you think you could offer Spencer a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 3 September 2015

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ered dress €375

are set to become a huge trend this season.

This sophisticated trend would be perfectly paired with Newbridge Silverware’s timeless Lily Of The Valley Necklace (€60). This silverplated, glass beaded necklace would add an extra touch of class to any uber-elegant outfit.

The full 2015 Newbridge Silverware range can be viewed and purchased in selected stockists nationwide, at the Newbridge Silverware Showrooms, County Kildare, or online at www.newbridgesilverware.com.

For more information, call 045 431 301, and like Newbridge Silverware on Facebook at www. facebook.com/newbridgesilverware for news on upcoming events.

roid Leather emb

FOUR clear trends have emerged for A/W 15 from the world’s biggest designers: glitter and sequins, ladylike tweed, the return of bold colour and Victorian frills.

Be both on trend and have some fun this autumn/winter with Newbridge Silverware’s Floral Collection.

This beautiful, silverplated floral-inspired range includes pendants, bangles, bracelets and earrings.

In particular, the floral pendant with clear stone (€40) and matching floral bangle with clear stone (€45) feature a unique etching design, resembling glitterwhen it catches the late evening sun.

At Paris Fashion Week, ladylike tweed skirt suits sashayed down the catwalk and

Leather pointed boots €97

THE season continues its retrograde path as the Seventies obsession continues its reign.

Working with a strong palette of black and deep navy, punctuated with caramel, ochre and hints of wine, texture is key to Warehouse’s A/W15 collection.

Toni Morden, head of design at Warehouse, says: “The collection was inspired by the streets of New York in the 1970s; from the uptown girls of Madison to the Harlem hustlers.

“The style channels the attitude of the Seventies’ most irreverent music heroines, including Kate Bush, Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks.”

The clothing range is available in store through to October.

3 September 2015 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE

Nuxe is a knockout!

(L) Rib dress €88; (R) Zip front dress €72

 MIMI MURRAY

I RECENTLY started using the new Splendieuse Serum from Nuxe, and I am loving this product!

It’s from the Radiance Activating Anti Dark Spot Skincare Range, which promises to give even, luminous skin with no dark spots.

Apparently, 100% of women who tested it want to continue using it – and I can see why ... It’s available now, priced €38.

Be on track for the latest in fashion with ‘the GlamTram’

Ribbed lurex polo €52

Stripe dress €47

Unlined leather and suede panel shopper €50

DUBLINTOWN has teamed up with Luas to announce an exciting element to this year’s Dublin Fashion Festival – the Dublin Fashion Festival Luas #GlamTram.

On Friday, September 11, from 1 to 3pm, Luas will host a very glam event as part of the fashion festival. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of free mini makeovers, courtesy of Boots No 7 and Tony and Guy, along with delicious canapes and mocktails, thanks to Mao and TGI Fridays.

In addition to the Dublin Fashion Festival #GlamTram, Luas will be on the lookout for the most fashionably-dressed passengers throughout the week of the festival, with its Style Spotter competition offering lots of prizes.

Cara Moloney, marketing manager of Transport Infrastructure Ireland said: “Luas is delighted to support this year’s Dublin Fashion

Festival, Ireland’s biggest fashion event. Luas is a key part of the city’s infrastructure and will transport festival attendees to the many events in the city centre over the week-long festival.”

Clyde Carroll, director of marketing for DublinTown, and festival director, said: “Each year, the festival gets bigger and more exciting than the last and we are delighted to be celebrating the first ever week-long festival with an exciting activity such as the Luas #GlamTram, proving Dublin’s style stature amidst the ranks of the world’s fashion capitals.”

For the latest festival news, including fashion shows, in-store events and booking information, see Dublin Fashion Festival’s website at www.dff.ie, or follow it on Facebook (at http:// www.facebook.com/ DublinFashionFestival), Twitter (@DublinFashion), or Instagram (@DublinFashion).

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 3 September 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

DUBLIN: CASTLEKNOCK HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB

Celebrating 10 years of stylish accommodation  JESSICA MAILE

THESE days having a business thrive for 10 years is definitely something worth celebrating and Castleknock Hotel and Country Club invited me to help them do just that.

This oasis just outside of Dublin city ticks all the right boxes for business and for pleasure.

The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club has modern conference rooms, a relaxing spa, spacious rooms, fine dining and, of course, a great place to play a round of golf.

I had the chance to explore the facility’s new state-of-the-art meeting room, The Thinking Factory.

This colourful room is the perfect environment for a team-building session or a bit of brainstorming and is just filled with modern technology.

The Tonic Health and Day Spa was next on the menu and it offers a range of soothing therapies to help you relax. There is even a double room so you and your partner can relax together as you both enjoy your treatment.

Afterwards, a dip in the

The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club is celebrating its 10th anniversary

18m swimming pool and jacuzzi was a must while trying to decide whether to continue relaxation mode in the sauna or steam room.

A s e ve n i n g approached, the Lime Tree Bar spilled its secrets with a hands-on class in the art of making the perfect cocktail and there is many a tasty tipple to be found here.

This is the residents’ bar and can also be used for private receptions.

Finally, it was time to enter the Park Restaurant and enjoy the range of food on offer from this AA Rosette awardwinning restaurant.

The four-course meal was splendid starting with pulled ham terrine, starter of goat’s cheese mousse, main course of trio of duck and a delightful dessert sampler that certainly satisfied my sweet tooth.

After an exhausting day of a deep neck and back massage, swimming and relaxing in the spa, I was happy to retreat to my bedroom and sink into my large, cosy bed.

For more information on the Castleknock Hotel and Countr y Club’s 10th Birthday packages, see w w w. castleknockhotel.com.

Iceland boasts numerous natural wonders and stunning scenery, as well as capital city Reykjavik (pictured)

LAND OF FIRE AND ICE: WOW PROVIDING LOW-COST DIRECT FLIGHTS

Now is the time to explore Iceland’s untamed beauty  IAN BEGLEY ibegley@dublingazette.com

THERE could not be a better time for Irish tourists travelling to Iceland, as direct flights to Reykjavik are now as little as €79 each way.

This June, Icelandic airline WOW started p r ov i d i n g l ow- c o s t direct flights from Dublin to Reykjavik, saving hundreds of euros for those wishing to explore this vast and beautiful country.

Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, there are not many places in the world which have such contrasting dramatic landscapes as Iceland with the city of Reykjavik, as well as numerous

natural wonders and stunning scenery.

From the Blue Lagoon to spouting geysers, glaciers and fjords, it is a mesmerising country just waiting to be explored.

Iceland is one of few places in the world where it is possible to see the amazing Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights - a natural light phenomenon.

The country’s unusual and versatile landscape with its black volcanic beaches, waterfalls, bird cliffs, volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs is sure to excite even the most seasoned tourist.

One of the must-do activities in Iceland is to explore the inside of

a real volcano.

This tour will let you travel down deep inside the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano through an opening just wide enough for a window cleaner’s pulley lift, to get people in and out.

The Inside the Volcano Iceland day tour from €256pp is a great mix of nature, history and adventure.

It features a hike across the moonscape of the ragged lava field, and great views across Reykjavik, From €59pp you can take a dip in the world’s favourite volcanic spa, the Blue Lagoon, and soak all your stresses away.

The Blue Lagoon

water contains a unique cocktail of natural mineral ingredients which help you relax and unwind while the Blue Lagoon white silica mud gently cleanses and exfoliates your skin.

For €146, you can visit a real-life glacier and experience raw nature in a winter wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses.

You’ll take off eastwards out of Reykjavik where you’ll see the unforgettable Eyjafjallajokull glacier after about two hours on the road.

You may remember that name because of the 2010 eruption which shut down air travel in all of Europe.

To make the most out of your trip to Iceland, the Northern Lights tour is without a doubt a must-do.

T h i s t o u r, f r o m €49pp, will take you aw ay f r o m t h e c i t y lights so that you can observe the sky without light pollution.

Visit wowair.ie for more information on direct f lights to Iceland.

Irish travel companies Travel Department and Click and Go are also providing holiday package deals to Iceland in some of the country’s top hotels.

For more information, visit www.traveldepartment.ie or www.clickandgo.ie.

3 September 2015 Gazette 21

Base (Terenure) Fresh mozzarella, Italian cherry tomatoes, pecorino romano, prosciutto di parma, fresh basil, drizzled with garlic oil €10.50 for the 9.5”; €14.50 for the 13”

Paulies Pizza at Juniors (Bath Avenue, Ballsbridge) Butternut squash puree, pancetta, parmesan, mozzarella, rocket, black pepper and grated goat’s cheese €15

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

Some of the wonderful wines that Aldi have selected to complement late summer gatherings

Take5

Say ‘oui, oui’ to Aldi’s French wine selection DiFontanes (22 Parliament St, Dublin 2) The Little Italy: Sausage, peppers and onion 20inch €22 (Slices from €3)

 mimi murray

KIDS and adults alike love it. It goes great with an ice cold beer, a glass of vino or a Coke.

There’s no greater comfort food than pizza! No wonder there are so many pizza joints in any city you go to in the world.

This week, The Gazette checked out five of the best pizzas in Dublin. From deep pan (not a favourite of mine) to thin and crispy, we have it covered.

From a classic margherita to more unusual toppings such as pulled pork and bechamel sauce, we’ve seen it all placed on top of a pizza, and here are five of our favourites.

Have we missed anywhere? Let us know on the Gazette Newspaper’s Facebook page, or on Twitter at @DublinGazette.

Next month, we will be unveiling the best fish and chips in the city.

Credo (19 Montague St, Dublin 2) Goat’s cheese, caramelised red onion, black olives, crushed walnuts, tomato sauce, mozzarella, finished with extra virgin olive oil; vegetarian; nuts €15.50 12”

Manifesto (Rathmines) The Manifesto €16

THE Aldi French Wine Sale is now in full swing, bringing customers 13 expertly picked wines that represent the best variety across six of France’s most notable wine producing regions: Alsace, Burgundy, Loire, Bordeaux, Languedoc and the Rhone.

From robust reds to wonderfully crisp whites priced from €6.99, there is a French wine for everyone and suiting deep to shallow pockets.

From the “incredibly clean” Alsace Riesling (€9.49) to the “rich and spicy” Exquisite Collection Crozes-Hermitage (€12.99), the selection is ideal for this time of the year.

Some of the wines selected for Aldi French Wine Sale include the following ...

Alsace Riesling (Alsace) 2014, €9.49: This Riesling (one of Alsace’s “noble” grapes) has aromas dominated by lime.

On the palate, it is incredibly clean and has an edginess to it that reflects the grapes’ acidity. It is delicious on its own or with seafood dishes.

Domaine du Roure de Paulin Pouilly-Fuisse 2014 (Burgundy), €15.99: Made from chardonnay, this wine has subtle acacia flower and vanilla notes, crisp citrusy lemon, quince-spice and stone fruits. It is delicious when served with poultry or rich fish dishes.

Cotes de Beaune Villages (Burgundy), €14.99: Using only the pinot noir grape, this wine is typically light in colour with bright red berry fruits, some subtle meaty-savoury notes, and a hint of spice on the finish. Perfect served with roast lamb.

Chateau de Nety, Beaujolais-Villages (Burgundy), €8.99: Chateau de Nety produces a typically fruity and vivacious style wine. Perfect when served slightly chilled with cold meats, roast chicken or tuna dishes.

Chateau Pindefleurs, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011 (Bordeaux), €18.99: An extremely elegant wine which, after 12 months spent in French oak, becomes increasingly apparent on the midpalate and helps achieve a long and complex finish. Serve at room temperature with red meats.

Gazette

22 Gazette 3 September 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

sinister 2

Spookily effective fare BUILDING on the lore of its predecessor, Sinister 2 (Cert 16, 97 mins) takes a fairly standard horror trope – sinister spirit and cohorts terrorise a normal family – and delivers, well, nothing new, really.

However, despite a few curious points (such as a comparatively amiable leading man), Sinister 2 delivers a reasonably entertaining spookfest that could deliver a fine sequel.

hitman: agent 47 Misses the target

BASED on the popular series of computer games, Hitman: Agent 47 (Cert 15A, 96 mins) has just about as much depth as the hit franchise it’s based on, but lacks some of its mischief. Rupert Friend does just fine as everyone’s favourite bald-headed assassin, but the muddled plot, some dodgy CGI and an underwhelming premise just don’t do the source material justice. Sorry, 47.

inside out

Practically perfect Pixar AUDIENCES are still flocking to Inside Out (Cert G, 102 mins), Pixar’s latest charming film for all ages. Following a young girl’s inner emotional life – expressed through some archetypical characters found in everybody’s head, such as Joy, Anger, Sadness – this charming film has some surprising depths, providing real food for thought behind the vibrant visuals.

Director John Erick Dowdle’s action thriller stars Owen Wilson and Lake Bell

action: American tourists fight for their lives during a violent uprising

No escaping the controversy Relentless action m ov i e N o E s c a p e tells the stor y of an American family who move to somewhere in South East Asia, only to become the quarry in a nerve-jangling game of cat and mouse.

Jack (Owen Wilson), Annie (Lake Bell), and their two girls move to start work on a water purification project but their toothy smiles and perennial optimism are dulled momentarily when they become caught up in the midst of a violent coup.

Trapped inside their hotel, and with a crowd baying for their blood, the family must find a way to safety – while the audience faces more of a moral dilemma.

Written and directed

 Dave phillips

by the Dowdle brothers (who brought us some enjoyable found footage horror in Quarantine, and As Above So Below) No Escape brings along a lot of the trappings of the horror genre: the action is violent and visceral, the tension is at times palpable, and the casting is highly questionable.

Bell (who was perfectly cast earlier this year in rom-com Man Up) unfor tunately doesn’t bring much to the meagre role.

It’s hard to fault Bell

in fairness, as Annie’s range of actions – running, jumping, worrying – seem to be interjected at random into the screenplay. Pierce Brosnan also gets thrown into the mix, channelling David Bowie after decades of substance abuse, Brosnan’s Hammond is a repeat visitor to South East Asia whose dodgy underwo r l d c o n n e c t i o n s come in handy when things start to go awry.

And f or a Ta kenstyled thriller, Owen Wilson seems out of place among the incessant violence.

For future reference, Owen Wilson is made for poignantly wandering around colourful Wes Anderson films, hamming it up on the

catwalks of Zoolander, or quietly mourning pets.

And while the character of Jack is a softly-softly kind of guy who just wants the best for his family, it does starts to become farcical once they are all in the thick of it.

“Don’t worry, nobody is going to die” he – Wilson – whispers to Bell at one point towards the end of the movie, when they have both watched, oh, at least 50 or 60 people perish before their very eyes.

Of course, he meant “none of us nice Americans are going to die” – which brings us to the audience’s dilemma.

On one hand, you can watch No Escape as an exciting and brainless action movie with a high body count.

But on the other hand, you can watch No Escape as a film that depicts South East Asia as a hostile and savage place, with every possible stereotype included on screen within the opening 15 minutes: “Welcome to the Third World,” says Jack sardonically when they check into their hotel room and find that none of the appliances works properly, “more like Fourth World” replies Annie.

While it was shot in Thailand, No Escape never explicitly states what country the story is set in, though there are implications that it is set in Cambodia – where the film is currently banned.

Devoid of the contro-

versy surrounding it, No Escape is a competent throwback to action movie days of yore, but it is impossible to separate the film and its place in history.

The problem is that No Escape not only falls short in a moral sense, it is also falls short when set beside the great action movies of the last decade like Taken, The Raid, or Mad Max. Unw i t t i n g l y, N o Escape has prompted a discussion about how race and location should be represented on screen, and aside from 100 minutes of distraction, perhaps that is the best thing it has to offer.

Verdict: 4/10

3 September 2015 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

HEALTH Still plenty of running left in the season

Psychological skills have been shown to be as important as physical prowess in sporting achievement

TIPS: WORKING WITH THE MENTAL ASPECTS OF SPORTING SKILL

Training mind as well as the body hones that edge HOW often do we hear spor ting disappointments explained by reference to an athlete’s frame of mind, rather than fitness, ability or talent? “His nerves got to him on the day”; “she didn’t believe she could do it”; “he was psyched out by the competition”.

The discipline of sports psychology has evolved in response to the need for a professional approach to working with the mental and emotional aspects of sporting skill. It provides tips for harnessing the mind’s power mind for optimal performance.

The following are a few of those tips.

Develop confidence with SMART goals

Belief in oneself is crucial to success. Setting and achieving goals builds a foundation of confidence over time.

SMART goals are specif-

ic (for example running three times a week for half an hour each time), measurable (so you can chart your progress), attainable (so that you have a sense of achievement), relevant (so they are meaningful to you) and timed (set within a realistic timeframe).

Recognise and counteract negative thinking

At some point, everyone will in their sporting life experience anxiety, loss of confidence, demoralisation and the feeling of wanting to give up. What singles out the winners is the ability to transform these debilitating feelings into ones that motivate and inspire. Be aware of selfcriticism (“I didn’t train hard enough”), excuses (“I’m tired today”), catastrophising (“I haven’t a hope”) and self-handicapping (“I’m just not as

fit as everyone else”).

These thoughts must be banished as soon as they appear. “Thought stopping” means acknowledging a negative thought and then leaving it behind. When running, this can be reinforced by brushing the thought away just as sweat is brushed off your brow and then visualising it lying behind you on the road or track.

Develop positive self-talk

Once the negative thought has been cast aside, it needs to be replaced with a positive, motivating one, such as “I know I can do it!” or “Here we go!”. These affirm your belief in yourself and your ability to achieve. Phrases need to be convincing – different ones work for different people – and practised regularly so they can be called on to eliminate

Maeve Halpin

self doubt and negativity instantly.

Know how “fired up” you need to be

Being overan xious before an event will detract from performance, but being too relaxed can also be detrimental. Research shows that performance is best at a moderate level of arousal or activation.

Again, this varies from person to person. To raise your arousal level, listen to up-tempo music

or have a high-intensity warm-up to stimulate your hear t rate and blood flow. Alternatively, to calm anxious nerves, listen to calming music and practise slow, deep breathing. Engage in activities that take your mind off the upcoming challenge. Being able to moderate your arousal level as required brings a sense of control and selfreliance.

Psychological skills have been shown to be as important as physical prowess in sporting achievement. Training the mind as well as the body can give you the edge over your competitors on the big day.

IT may be almost over but summer still has some worthwhile events to sign up to. If you have been training consistently through the season, undoubtedly you’re still planning on getting a few more races under your belt. Two of the most recent that I took part in occurred over the same weekend. The Frank Duffy 10-mile road race in Phoenix Park, August 25 was the third event in the Airtricity Dublin Marathon Series. A Sub-70 (one hour and 10 minutes) was my plan for the run. With my Garmin watch fully charged, I checked regularly that I was on target, thus ensuring a sub-seven minute mile. You really don’t want to go off like a rocket and ruin your chances of a personal best, but it is tempting when the gun goes. I’m guilty of it too. So having a Garmin watch (Forerunner 310XT for me, see below) helps you control your pace. It has all I need to help plan, store, and analyse detailed training data. It is also durable and waterproof – great for multisports. The day was humid. Civil Defence volunteers hosed people down en route – how welcome was that! I may have struggled on the last strait but I finished the 10 miles with a PB of 1:06:22. Over 4,000 runners took part so there were lots of personal bests – always good to hear.

Hopefully, there will be many more Frank Duffy 2015 races to come. For all of you aiming for the Dublin half marathon, good luck!

Downpour does little to dampen triathlon spirits A FAVOURITE race on the Triathlon Ireland calendar was the Dublin City Triathlon which took place on August 26. The Olympic distance race consists of a 1.5km swim – 40km bike – 10km run. The Super Sprint distance race includes a 500m swim – 16km bike – 4km run. I’ve completed this a number of times and every year it is superbly organised. The goodie bags, the marshalls, the competitors, the food and after-race atmosphere – incomparable.

Unfortunately the weather was an unmitigated downpour which I guess is perfect weather for a swim but made it difficult for the cycle. No matter. Cold and wet as we were, the ice cream van serving a free soft scoop at finishing line was a welcome surprise because we had earned it! Dublin City Triathlon – see you in 2016!

 Maeve Halpin is a

registered counselling psychologist and editor / co-author of How to be Happy and Healthy, the Seven Natural Elements of Mental Health, published by Ashfield Press

DCT, Phoenix Park — Photo by Europcar

GAZETTE

24 GAZETTE 3 September 2015

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

DUBLIN DATE: PROMOTING NEW ALBUM

Well up for a show at The Workman’s Club  KEITH BELLEW

AUGUST Wells will perform live at The Workman’s Club on Sunday, September 13, as part of a tour to promote their first album: A Living and a Dying Game.

This week The Gazette spoke with band member Ken Griffin who first gained notoriety for his role in New York band Rollerskate Skinny.

Although a native Dubliner, Griffin has spent many years in the Big Apple, immersing himself in the music scene there.

He said this latest endeavour had a different sound to that which fans of his previous work will be used to.

“For me it’s like a continual tweaking and trying to get better at what I do. The original band I was with was Rollerskate Skinny and we were very experimental and noise based, with a huge wall of sound kind of thing. This is more intricate and intimate I think,” he said.

There are no drums on the album, he says, so when you listen to it you really have to just surrender yourself to it.

While there are no drums, one very interesting instrument that features on the album is the ominous French horn, played by Louis Schwadron.

“Louis’s a good friend of mine, who’s played with tons of people like Radiohead, Polyphonic Spree, people like that.

“It’s kind of a strange instrument it takes up a lot of room, I call it a landscape instrument.

“We used trumpet and saxophone in places, to try to take advantage of the fact that there’s so many amazing musicians in New York,” he said.

Speaking about the production of the album, Griffin said: “It’s eight songs. We home recorded it last year and mixed it in a big studio in New York, so that kind of gave us room to experiment with different musicians and overdubs and stuff. We recorded the vocals, guitar and piano live.”

The latest single from A Living and a Dying Game, Come On In Out of That Night, will be released on September 4.

For more information on August Wells at The Workman’s visit: theworkmansclub.com

August Wells will perform live at The Workman’s Club on Sunday, September 13

For their latest offering, What Went Down, Foals retreated to the south of France to record in a rural 19th-century mill. Picture: Neil Krug

FOALS: MELANCHOLY ALBUM FOUR DOESN’T DISAPPOINT

Beautiful pops songs add to band’s arsenal  COLM MURRAY

FOR album four, What We n t D ow n , F o a l s teamed up with producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Florence and The Machine, Jessie Ware, Mumford and Sons) and retreated to the south of France to record in a rural 19th-century mill.

The result is a primal, sometimes harrowing album of extremes – touching the depths of madness while creating some of the most beautiful pop songs the band have ever written.

Lyrically, lead singer Yannis Philippakis deals with themes of cultural identity, generational anxiety, cynicism, pessimism and heartbreak; “I wanted to tap into my inner madman and feel like I was channelling some sort of fevered creature.”

Famously provocative, Philippakis is quick-

witted with a razor-sharp tongue.

Every record has been an affirmation of the band’s big time potential and they have only taken steps in the right direction. 2013’s Holy Fire was a fire-breathing monster, but it was mostly defined by the big tunes within – Inhaler and My Number.

Two songs raising the bar to new heights. But as it turns out these are not one trick ponies. What Went Down thinks bigger and hits harder than its predecessors – and the ambience of the studio certainly lends to the finished work.

And it does sound huge. What Went Down is a festival headliners’ album: 10 songs tailored for massive crowds, massive speakers and the kind of magical collective euphoria that sparks when everyone’s tanked up, loved up and covered in mud. Close your eyes

and you can see last summer’s Electric Picnic epic light show.

A monster of a track, What Went Down is a statement of intent and should cement Foals’ position as one of Britain’s most illustrious bands.

What Went Down is the most visceral song from Foals to date – it signals the return of a band who made their name in 2006 playing at house parties, and who, six years later, in 2013, morphed into festival headliners.

Mountain at My Gates follows with a slight shift in gears but no less intensity from vocalist Philippakis. The production qualities really shine through here and neat signature guitar melodies dovetailing nicely into the chorus – a real master in song writing.

There are no bouncy pop hits like My Number to keep things brisk (Night Swimmers comes

closest). Instead it’s all sound and fury – enough to make anyone a bit nostalgic for the old Foals.

Remember the perky riffs? The songs about mathletics? The tennis shorts? Instead, Philippakis exercises his demons on the rough and searing Albatross but just falling short of what could have been the album’s finest moment. Not unexpectedly, Foals go for the big finish with A Knife in the Ocean (nearly seven minutes). The track has a more settled feel. If What Went down is madness then this is acceptance, a track to lose yourself in.

Yet again Foals deliver a sumptuous album of beautifully crafted songs against a backdrop of melancholy and deathly juggernauts.

If they didn’t already have enough songs in their arsenal to top festival bills, they’ve just added 10 more.

3 September 2015 GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING

WEEBYTES

These teenagers won $6m playing DOTA2

Evil Geniuses win $6m for killing dragon KILLING a virtual dragon had a very real result for five teenagers recently, who scooped the top prize of $6.63m about €5.9m) at a global esports final.

The Pakistani members of Evil Geniuses defeated China in DOTA 2, a hugely popular (and potentially lucrative) game.

Millions of people watched their every move online as the teams battled it out, with a particularly tough dragon as their ultimate target. The prize fund exceeds the value of contests like the Tour de France.

 SHANE DILLON

THE Chinese Room’s PlayStation 4 exclusive, Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture (EGTTR), was

released recently to international critical acclaim – and a little derision, too.

Set in the mid-1980s in a small English village, birds sing in the trees, the sun shines brightly, flowers nod in the wind – and everybody, every-

where is gone, not just from Yaughton, but from the entire world, it seems.

Criticised by a few detractors as a glorified “walk-em-up”, you wander around deserted Yaughton, exploring its homes and businesses, and seeing signs of abruptly stopped human activity – but nobody is left to tell you what happened.

Well, almost nobody.

As you explore, mysterious darting golden balls and spirals of light occasionally lead you to key places and moments in the village’s recent past, briefly giving glimpses of the missing locals, several of whom you come to know well as you eavesdrop on snatches of their conversation from their final hours.

By hearing and observ-

ing these ordinary people facing increasingly extraordinary events, the game slowly draws the gamer into a world full of all kinds of emotion and reactions as you piece together what happened.

Here, you can see a little of Yaughton’s preserved prettiness, with the village representing one of the best-looking locales in all of gaming.

CREATING MUSIC FOR THE END OF THE WORLD WHILE many games still have pretty derivative soundtracks, there are several highly-lauded composers working in the medium, as is the case with EGTTR’s composer, Jessica Curry.

The Bafta-nominated British composer has an impressive track record, and for this game she faced a challenge of creating a soundtrack that was quintessentially English, yet also eerie and timeless.

As if that wasn’t enough of a chal-

lenge, she had to create a score that could be organically chopped up and blended together, to suit each player’s unpredictable journey around Yaughton and its environs.

Happily, the final work was another striking success for Curry, as she has created a highly pastoral work that blends a classical-sounding score with beautiful choral work.

In fact, her soundtrack created an unexpected controversy – it was

briefly ranked number eight in the British classical artist album charts – no mean feat for “just” a game soundtrack – before the powers that be reclassified her work, significantly altering its positioning.

For those looking to give their ears a treat, the soundtrack is available to buy as a digital download, or on CD, from Amazon and other music providers, and can also be listened to on several social media sites.

Angry Birds staff layoffs ALTHOUGH Rovio has a big budget Angry Birds animated movie coming out in 2016, the developer has just announced significant redundancies.

The developer has announced 260 job losses – some 38% of its remaining workforce – following 110 redundancies just before last Christmas.

Studio boss Pekka Rantala said: “Fundamental changes are needed to ensure Rovio succeeds in its global ambitions to be the leading entertainment company with mobile games at its heart.”

Gazette

28 gazette 3 September 2015

SPORT Transition seamless for Shels

FastSport

soccer: north dublin clubs join forces as new wnl campaign nears

home farm old boy ian harte retires:

FORMER Home Farm schoolboy and Republic of Ireland international Ian Harte announced his retirement from professional football last week.

Home Farm was to be Harte’s last club in Ireland before the Drogheda native joined Leeds United for what turned out to be personally a highly successful decade or so at Elland Road.

Nominated in the PFA Team of the Year for the 1999/2000 season, other notable moments of Harte’s time at Leeds were reaching the semifinals of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup, scoring a number of major goals along the way.

The dead-ball specialist played 63 times for Ireland, scoring 12 goals and was part of the 2002 World Cup squad. The nephew of Ireland team-mate Gary Kelly, he most recently helped Bournemouth reach the Premier League for the first time.

 NATHAN KELLy sport@dublingazette.com

the name and crest of his team may have changed in recent months, but Casey McQuillan’s focus remains the same as ever as another Women’s National League is set to kick off this month.

The amalgamation of Raheny United women’s side and Shelbourne FC’s underage girls into Shelbourne Ladies FC has been a rather smooth one. And now that the WNL is just days away from returning, attention can return action on the pitch rather than off it.

Speaking to GazetteSport in the week leading up to his side’s trip to face Galway in the first ever fixture of the newly formed WNL Shield, the Shelbourne head coach was excited to get under way.

“It was always an exciting time in the week lead-

The entrants for this season’s Women’s National League at the press launch

Shelbourne will aim to have as much success as they had in Raheny colours

ing up to the new season,” he said. “We’ve had a good break and now look forward to kicking off and being competitive again.

In terms of the amalgamation, it’s just something that made perfect sense.

Raheny were one of the biggest senior women’s teams and Shelbourne were one of the biggest underage clubs, so it just made sense to merge that into one.

“Obviously politics can cause some problems in football but the people who arranged this did a fine job. I suppose there had already been an unofficial link with Jamie Finn and Amanda McQuillan making the move last year,” the coach added.

Previewing his side’s trip to Galway for their

first competitive game of the season, McQuillan believes this newly formed Shield which splits the leagues into two regional groups, is a good idea. “As a coach I think your main focus is always the league, and this competition will provide some competitive games right up until the league begins in October,” he said.

“It also gives you the chance to try a couple of things ahead of the season against good opposition, who if you phoned up and asked for a preseason friendly would probably turn it down so as to not give anything away,” he added.

In between that trip to Galway and hosting Castlebar in the Shield, who they will also begin

their season against, Shels will play Peamount in a Dublin Derby in Tolka Park on Sunday, September 13.

That league curtainraiser in Castlebar comes on October 10 and while speaking to us, the Shelbourne manager offered his thought on how he thinks the race for the title will play out this season.

“I think the gap between the top teams and the rest of the league is getting smaller each year,” he said. “I think Wexford, UCD Waves and ourselves would be the bookies’ favourites but Galway have been improving every year, as have Castlebar so it should be competitive, I’m looking forward to a good season.”

Symmons enters European hockey’s Hall of Fame  sport@dublingazette.com

Irish hockey star Nikki Symmons. Picture: Adrian Boehm

DUBLINER Nikki Symmons became the latest addition to the European Hockey Federation Hall of Fame following her immaculate career.

The former Wesley College student and Loreto player was honoured as a record-breaker in Irish hockey, becoming the first player to pass the 200-cap mark and an inspiration for the sport in her country.

Reflecting on an international career that has spanned 13 years and 208 caps – including six

European championships – the Dubliner said: “Every time I put on the Irish shirt gave me great memories, not always good, but the bad also served as good memories to make me who I am today.

“I guess I gave my life to hockey for the love of the sport. There were many sacrifices I had to make and I think I inspired people by the way I went about giving it all I had on the pitch, especially near the end of my career. I was always striving to be the best I could be and to be a role model.”

And the 33-year-old is continu-

ing to help inspire new hockey fans through her work with the International Hockey Federation as a digital co-ordinator, promoting the sport to a whole new generation.

She won her first cap in 2001 against Wales and played all the way up until the 2013 European Championships in Belgium, taking in three Olympic qualification campaigns and three World Cup campaigns.

Since finishing her player, she has been nominated for the SportsAccord Sports Hero award, “an honour bestowed

upon an individual connected to sports who has inspired youths through his/hers achievements, actions or words”.

“I am extremely honoured to be inducted into the EuroHockey Hall of Fame. It is very exciting news for not only myself but my family, friends and Irish hockey.

“While I am still in a transition stage from being an athlete this has given me a huge boost and confidence as I further my career into the business side of sport.”

She becomes one of just five players to have been included in the Hall of Fame.

3 September 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

English blood, All Ireland dreams

Despite precious little Irish heritage to speak of, Hannah Noonan tells JAMES HENDICOTT she is now just a couple of games away from All-Ireland glory with Dublin’s footballers WHEN the Dublin ladies senior football side line up for their All-Ireland semifinal against Armagh on Saturday, September 5, there will be an unlikely face in the midst of the girls in blue.

Now established at Foxrock Cabinteely, Hannah Noonan is not only in her first year playing for an Irish club side, she’s come into the GAA county fray almost entirely through the relatively modest English system, and has no Irish heritage to speak of whatsoever.

In fact, speaking to Noonan in advance of the semi-final, it seems much of her past year has been dedicated to optimising her leftfield footballing career.

Having taken an AllIreland junior title with London in 2008 before arriving at Dublin, Noonan initially came to

GAA in Britain through the family of an Irish player on her rugby team, who suggested the sport might suit her at just 10 years old.

She only relocated to Dublin for a year’s sabbatical from a teaching job back in November, and came to manager Gregory McGonigle’s attention as a result of a seven-a-side tournament early this year, as well as word filtering back from London.

Having featured regularly throughout the campaign, she faces the unusual scenario of playing the coming semi-final knowing it’s likely to be both her first and last.

Unsurprisingly, her determination and focus come across as intense: “We’re confident” Noonan tells GazetteSport. “The girls are working extremely hard, and there’s a good buzz in the camp. We’re

very focused. There’s a lot of work being done by management and the girls, in our own time as well as on the training pitch “Our attitude is that if we can go out there and prepare ourselves the best we possibly can, we’ll get there.

“We’re not really worried about the other team. We’re aware of what Armagh are doing, of certain ways they play, and of their kick outs, but we’re just going to try and go out and put in a performance.

“If we play our best we’ll come out with a win. Our game plan is to go out and hit them as hard as we can from the off.”

It’s the route that’s bought Noonan to this point that showcases her determination, though, and she admits it’s been a leap in quality joining

Hannah Noonan attempts to escape a tackle in the quarter-final victory over Monaghan last week

Dublin, if one she’s able to deal with.

“Moving from London to Dublin is a huge step,” she says of her new role.

“It’s a very professional set up here. I’ve learnt a lot from the girls and the management. I was thrown in the deep end, but the girls have been

“Whether we’re starting or not, the panel is there to make an impact. We might make four or five changes, and they’ll do a job. I don’t think it’s worth even looking at [awaiting finalists] Cork yet.

“We’re 60 minutes away from that final, but Armagh are an out-

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‘For me, I’ve got one shot and I will be leaving everything on the pitch and Dublin to go all the way’ - Hannah Noonan --------------------------------------------------------

very supportive.

“People check you understand what’s going on. There’s been a lot of advice in terms of nutrition, and recovery between training sessions. It’s tough mentally and physically. But it’s a step I’m so glad I took.”

At this level, though, nothing can be taken for granted, and while the bookies might have Dublin as favourites, the Girls in Blue are counting no chickens.

“Obviously Armagh are a strong outfit,” Noonan says. “We’re not really listening to anything anyone says about us outside the camp. Inside the camp, players are players, and the management let us do our thing. We’ve got a few more training sessions, then we’ll learn the team.”

standing team, and we’ll take each minute as it comes.”

An All-Ireland semi-final is an opportunity and a pressure point for everyone involved: one game away from a shot at glory.

For Noonan, though, this game and the one that could follow are the only ones that matter. Next year is earmarked for travel; it’ll happen now, or not at all.

“I’m fully aware that All-Ireland semi finals don’t come around easily,” she says, “and that some of these girls have been working for years to get to this position.

“It’s not about me, but for me it’s probably going to be a one-year thing.

For me I’ve got one shot.

I’ll be leaving everything on the pitch. I just want to see Dublin go all the way.”

FastSport

O’Donoghue on double as hockey team make history TEMPLEOGUE native Shane O’Donoghue, pictured with Kyle Good, fired home two set piece goals for the Irish men’s hockey team as they made history, winning the bronze medal the EuroHockey Championships.

It was the first time Ireland have won an elite level medal of any description, doing so by beating England 4-2 in London in breathless style last Saturday, finishing third in a competition that featured four of the world’s top five nations.

Previously, Ireland had eliminated world number five side Belgium and France in the group stages before falling 1-0 to number two ranked the Netherlands. The Dutch would later go on to win the final 6-1 against Germany.

Speaking afterwards, coach Craig Fulton’s belief that his team would win was unshakeable before the tie. So much so, he conducted an interview with himself before the 4-2 win over England in London, practising what he would say when, not if, his side got the better of the world number five side.

“Before the game, we were really confident.

I came into the interview room and talked through an interview with myself as if we had won the game. This is how we played and how we won. I said we had scored two out of three corners. Today we scored three!

“It’s just reward for the performances from the guys,” Fulton added. “It’s no flash in the pan.”

In the third place playoff, England led twice but goals from O’Donoghue and Alan Sothern, another Dubliner, made it 2-2 at half-time.

Eugene Magee then rifled into the top corner early in the second half to allow Ireland a glimpse of glory.

On a knife-edge until the final seconds, Ireland survived plenty of drama before O’Donoghue added an extra gloss three seconds from time from the penalty spot when Iain Lewers hauled down Kirk Shimmins for a penalty stroke.

It confirmed the medal and concluded the playing side of things for Ireland’s best ever year.

They now wait on October 25 when they will find out if they qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1908.