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Month XX, 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE • BLACKROCK • CORNELSCOURT • DEANSGRANGE • DALKEY • GLASTHULE • MONKSTOWN • GLENAGEARY

INSIDE: Let The Gazette make your Yule cool with our great party and venue guide P19

THE WRITE STUFF: Local author wins short story competition – and €1,000 See Page 4

An on-the-ball read: Exploring Dalkey AFC’s past JOHN Delaney, chief executive, Foot-

Football:

Cuala’s cracking run comes to end in Kildare Page 31

Interview:

Dublin boss Jim Gavin speaks to The Gazette Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES......................6 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27

ball Association of Ireland, joined Frank Mullen, honorary life president and founder member of Dalkey United AFC, and Martin O’Hanlon, general secretary, Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland, for the launch of “Dalkey United – The First 60 Years” at a reception in Benito’s Restaurant, Dalkey recently. The book is an excellent read, following the history and fortunes of the club since its founding.

Group move to revoke Dalkey drilling licence Objectors indicate plan to seek judicial review of foreshore exploratory works

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A RECENT debate at the Killiney Castle Hotel, attended by almost 600 objectors to the proposed drilling off Dalkey Island, indicated that a judicial review to have the

licence overturned will be sought. The debate, organised by Dublin Bay Concern, was called following the granting of a foreshore licence for a single exploratory well to be drilled in Dublin Bay, last month.

Dublin Bay Concern wants an environmental impact assessment to be undertaken before any drilling is allowed, and for the Government to reconsider the proximity to the Dublin coastline of any exploratory drilling.

The group’s Stephen Vard objected to Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan’s granting of a foreshore licence to Irishlisted oil and gas exploration company Providence Resources last month.

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 22 November 2012

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planning Hundreds met to object to plan

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Dublin Bay Concern wants an environmental impact assessment to be undertaken before any drilling is allowed

Dublin Bay Concern to seek drill licence review A RECENT debate at the Killiney Castle Hotel, attended by almost 600 objectors to the proposed drilling off Dalkey Island, indicated that a judicial review to have the licence overturned will be sought.

The debate, organised

by Dublin Bay Concern, was called following the granting of a foreshore licence for a single exploratory well to be drilled in Dublin Bay, last month.

Dublin Bay Concern wants an environmental impact assessment to be undertaken before any drilling is allowed, and for the Government to reconsider the proximity to the Dublin coastline of any exploratory drilling.

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

Dublin Bay Concern’s Stephen Vard objected to Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan’s granting of a foreshore licence to Providence Resources last month.

“The Government’s approach to the whole thing was like Keystone Cops. The whole plan-

ning process had to go through four different departments, and ended on the desk of one person – Jan O’Sullivan,” said Vard, when he spoke to The Gazette this week.

A judicial review enables public decisions made by administrative bodies to be revisited by the High Court to ascertain if the process to arrive at the decision was lawful and fair.

The applicant must first identify the point where an administrative act or decision was outside the power of the relevant body or minister.

Then they can apply to the High Court for leave to bring a judicial review forward.

According to Dublin Bay Concern, drilling will cause environmental damage which could spread all along the coast of Dublin, contaminating shellfish and devastating that export industry.

Local Dalkey fisherman Peter Ryan said: “The drilling will affect us majorly. We may as well pack up and go away.”

Minister O’Sullivan said an environmental impact assessment may occur in the future.

She said: “In the event there is an application in the future for commercial exploitation, it would be the subject of further formal applications for consents from the Minister for Com-

munications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Commission for Energy Regulation, the EPA, An Bord Pleanala, and a full lease or licence under the Foreshore Acts, all of which will require an environmental impact assessment.”

A spokesperson for Providence Resources said: “We have had a number of groups and individuals meet with us for positive and constructive discussions and we continue to encourage anyone with any concerns to come and talk to us directly.

“Rigorous environmental and health and safety standards form a vital part of our ethos.”

Local pharmacist wins an excellence award  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

GREG O’Lubhlai from Maxwell’s Pharmacy in Dalkey has won an Actavis Excellence in Community Practice Award at the Helix Health Pharmacist

award ceremony at the Mansion House last week.

The Helix Health Pharmacist Awards were established to recognise the important role that pharmacists play in communities all across the country.

Howard Beggs, chief execu-

tive, Helix Health said: “Over the past number of years, the role of the pharmacist has grown exponentially in communities all over Ireland, as customers rely on the expertise of their pharmacist for an increasing array of services, in addition to their valued advice as

healthcare professionals.

“Helix Health is delighted to support this important event in the pharmacy calendar, recognising the work that each of these pharmacists does, and I congratulate each of the winners and nominees.”

22 November 2012 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3

bray

litter: national initiative aims to tackle the problem of gum waste

Fair to repair old toys

Stamping down on a sticky problem  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A NEW litter initiative especially targeting chewing gum waste has been launched by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as part of the national Bin It Your Way campaign.

The new programme to target gum litter is called the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) and is being run by local authorities all across Ireland.

This week, the task force will be going to various local schools, including St Kilian’s Deutsche Schule and Queen of Angels School, to heighten awareness of gum litter.

Paul Kelly, taskforce

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

‘The campaign aims to reduce the amount of gum litter’

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

chairman, discussed the theme of the campaign.

“We’ve engaged with a team of professional dancers who have come up with a series of moves [to illustrate the idea of Bin It Your Way]. The dance crew has travelled to all 23 local authority areas which are taking part in the campaign.”

The national litter awareness campaign aims to reduce the amount of gum litter in the easiest way possible – by discouraging littering which

is the root cause of the problem.

“This year’s campaign is fun and engaging. I’ve seen young people perform all sorts of cool moves to bin their gum. There’s an incredible level of imagination, momentum and creativity brought to this year’s campaign,” said Kelly.

Dean Eaton, assistant environmental awareness officer with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “I’m really impressed and will continue to spread the word to family, friends and colleagues.

“It’s in all our interests, and I’d ask everyone to please ‘Bin It Your Way’, too. It’s the responsible and the right thing to do.”

 hiromi mooney

Dry run: Katherine’s working hard to represent Ireland in Special Olympics FOLLOWING on from last week’s nod at a local Special Olympics skiier taking part in the World Summer Games in PyeongChang, South Korea from January 26 to February 6 next year, The Gazette is delighted to mention Dalkey woman Katherine Daly – another of the six athletes set to represent Ireland in Alpine Skiing.

Katherine has been a member of Kilternan Karvers Special Olympics Clubs for the past five years, with Austria her favourite ski location. The upcoming Games are not her first time to represent Ireland, as, in 2009, she was a member of Team Ireland at the World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, where she won a bronze medal. Katherine is training hard for success at next year’s Games.

DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire.

We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving licence and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential.

Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates.

If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

THE Toys of Yesterday toy and model collector’s fair will take place at the Bray Wheelers Club House on Sunday, November 25, from 10am to 3pm.

The fair, which is run

by The Collector’s Association, will have dealers selling model soldiers, tin toys, railways, dolls’ houses, kits and books, and there will also be some paint and model repairs.

Admission to the fair costs €1, and proceeds will go towards Respect, the charity responsible for fundraising projects for people with intellectual disabilities.

For further information, contact Des Cooney at 01 285 1308, or email coo@indigo.ie.

4 DUN laoghaire Gazette 22 November 2012

FastNews

arts A very good story indeed nets €1,000 cabinteely: park plan submitted

Exhibition examines aspects of everyday German life

Rope activity course mooted

A NEW exhibition set up by the Goethe Institute, entitled Germany For Beginners, was launched this week in the Concourse in County Hall, Dun Laoghaire.

The exhibition takes the viewer on a voyage through the history of Germany throughout the years. The show brings German history to life by incorporating many everyday objects and personal mementos.

Germany For Beginners was compiled by the Goethe Institute of Ireland, which has been in Ireland for 50 years as a German-Irish cultural exchange institute.

The exhibition runs until December 18 at Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Concourse, and admission is free.

Welcome for political panel A LOCAL politician has welcomed the formation of a Constitutional Convention to discuss and advise the Government on issues relating to possible changes in the Constitution.

On the convention’s immediate agenda will be the possibility of reducing the length of the Irish Presidential term of office, and reducing the voting age.

Councillor Richard Humphreys (Lab) said: “I am supportive of the idea of reducing the Presidential term to five years and synchronising it with

the local elections.

“I would also support the idea of reducing the voting age to 17, and I believe that the local elections would be a good place to start with this initiative.”

Designer shows his new wares LOCAL Dun Laoghaire fashion designer and bespoke tailor, Tomas Wolfangel, recently held an exclusive fashion show for clients at his salon on Mellifont Avenue, featuring a selection of Irish tweed coats and suits, flannel gabardine for business suits, and French lace and printed silk for cocktail and evening wear.

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

Loughlinstown mother of four Veronica Casey is the winner of the 2012 Munch Time Ireland story-writing competition, with a prize that includes a one-to-one writing tutorial with children’s author Sarah Webb

Local woman has all the write stuff  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A LOUGHLINSTOWN mother of four has been announced as the winner of the 2012 Munch Time Ireland story-writing competition.

Veronica Casey’s winning story, A Very Good Name Indeed, was selected from a huge number of entries to scoop the top prize of a one-to-one writing tutorial with children’s author Sarah Webb and €1,000 in cash.

The Gazette spoke to Veronica about the competition, and what her success means to her.

She said: “I wrote the

story for the competition. I teach creative writing and reading skills as part of an evening communications course, and one of my students brought in the competition details to me and suggested that I enter. I’m thrilled and shocked that I won, because I really wasn’t expecting it.”

Veronica works every day in a pre-school in Killiney, and found this experience with children to be of invaluable benefit when it came to her own writing.

“I read for the children every day in the pre-school, so I’ve got to know the patterns of how children respond to

stories. Things like repetition are important to get a message across to them, and I know which levels to write at for certain age groups.

“The winning story, A Very Good Name Indeed, is aimed at three- to fouryear-olds.”

Veronica did not only learn how to construct a good children’s story from reading for the children in her school, but already had a good grounding from her own four children.

“I always wrote poetry and stories for my own children, and loved it.

Because of that, you realise what children get out

of certain stories.”

As part of her prize, Veronica will get to do a writing tutorial with successful Dun Laoghaire author Sarah Webb.

“My daughter loves Sarah Webb. During the tutorial, I want to ask her advice on how to proceed from here as a children’s writer, as I’d like to stay in that area.”

Veronica’s story, A Very Good Name Indeed, was selected as the winner from the huge volume of entries by the judging panel, which consisted of author, Sarah Webb and Dr Gerry Shiel, from the Reading Association of Ireland.

A NEW high-rope adventure course and an extension to the car park are being proposed by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for Cabinteely Park.

The proposed development will see the construction of the adventure course in the southwest corner of the park, as well as the provision of 65 additional car parking places.

Proposals Local Fine Gael councillor Neale Richmond welcomed the proposals, and added: “I hope that it will be a sound investment that will soon pay for itself.

“I am also calling on residents to view the plans and feed their opinions back into the council.”

Plans will remain on display until January 14 at the Planning Department, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, and at the Council Offices, Dundrum Office Park, Dundrum.

Submissions or observations may be made in writing before 5pm on January 28.

Musicians strike the right note at awards  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THREE young south Dublin musicians reached the finals of the 2012 Fr Frank Maher Music Awards, which were held in Castleknock College last week.

The competition, which was sponsored by Top Security, is Ireland’s largest scholarship for secondary schools.

The three south Dublin finalists are cellist Rory White, from Wesley College in Ballinteer; violinist Martin Moriarty from Rockbrook Park School, Rathfarnham; and Devin O’Shea Farren, from Gonzaga College, Ranelagh.

The winner – cellist Sinead O’Halloran from Cork – scooped the top prize of a €2,000 scholarship fund to further her musical

career. The other finalists each received a cheque for €150.

The Fr Frank Maher Music Awards were open to sixth-year post-primary students of string, woodwind, brass and piano.

A classical programme could be entered into, and the aim was to showcase outstanding young musical talent in Ireland.

Emmet O’Rafferty, chairman of award sponsors Top Security

and former second-row forward for Leinster, said: “Fr Frank Maher was an inspirational teacher at my old school, Castleknock College, and his love of music inspired me to set up this scholarship in his memory 10 years ago.

“I know that he would be very pleased and proud at the very high standard set by the scholarship over the years.”

22 November 2012 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

education New students are invited to sign up at Prospect House premises

International School of Dublin moves to Blackrock  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE International School of Dublin, which offers a Baccalaureate programme for primary students, has moved its premises from Ballsbridge to Blackrock.

The new location of the school is at Prospect House on Temple Road, formerly the home of Rosemount Secondary School, which has also moved to a new campus in Sandyford.

Sarah Pepper, head of school, spoke to The Gazette

about the benefits of the move.

“It was a very busy summer, but lots of parents helped out with the move, so now we’re very happily settled.

“There is much more space here and it is safe and secure for the children.”

The International School of Dublin currently has 50 children enrolled, ranging in age from three to 12 years and representing 16 different nationalities.

The school, which is co-educational and non-denominational, is private and does not

receive any funding from the Department of Education.

It is now accepting new students at its new premises, and applications are welcome throughout the year.

Headquartered in Geneva, the International Baccalaureate Organisation works with

3,484 schools in 144 countries to offer curricula to more than one million students, aged from three to 19.

Prospective students, parents and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Sarah Pepper at 087 329 1417.

Local Boots stores prepare for 400 seasonal jobs drive  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

BOOTS stores in Dun Laoghaire, Dundrum and Nutgrove are among those involved in a Christmas recruitment drive which will see 400 additional staff hired nationally over the festive season.

Boots Ireland is to create the 400 seasonal jobs six weeks before Christmas to deal with the expected rush. The temporary roles will last throughout Christmas, which is the busiest time of the year for

the chain, and some will be full-time and others part-time positions.

Carmel O’Brien, HR director, Boots Ireland, said: “These additional 400 temporary positions will help us to deliver on our ambition to be the leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, through the delivery of an excellent product range, coupled with superior customer service.”

If you are interested in applying for a Christmas job in Boots, see the application form at www.boots.jobs/ireland.

Art lovers and locals browse the wares at the Piergroup Independent Artists exhibition

art: exhibition of artists’ work is a hit

Collective brush up on creative selling  Bairbre Ni

Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A NEW collective of local artists from Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire have got together to cut out the middle-men and exhibit their art to the public directly.

Piergroup Independent Artists launched their first exhibition in the Old Tramyard in Dalkey last week.

There was a big turnout for the event, with local Fine Gael Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor in atten-

dance.

Denise French, founder of the Dalkey Art Studio in the Tramyard, said: “The launch was a huge success, with approximately 300 people attending.

“The feedback has been excellent with regard to the quality and standard of the work on display, and the space was very busy on Sunday as well with quite a few sales.

“We hope to tap into the Christmas market, and have emphasised to people that they are buying quality art at

affordable prices, thereby directly supporting the artists.”

She went on to outline the advantages of such co-operation in straitened economic times for artists and how artists are responding to the economic downturn.

“At this difficult time, I strongly feel that it is up to artists to find innovative ways in which to bring their work to the public and to find alternative and inexpensive ways and venues in which to do so.”

However, there was

a blip on their horizon this week when the cafe at the gallery was closed down by the fire officer.

French told The Gazette: “[He] was not happy so he closed down the cafe. The exhibition warehouse was allowed to remain open.

“But, without the cafe, there will be no footfall, so I don’t know if we’ll be able to re-open in the short term.

“I still hope we’ll be open for Christmas, as there was such a great response to the venture and the opening was such a success.”

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Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240

6 Dun laoghaire Gazette 22 November 2012

gazetteGALLERIES

Simon Hoe, Cathy White, Melanie Hand, Rebeka Kahn, Tara Hammond and Shirley Copperwhite

Shirley Copperwhite, Cathy White, Melanie Hand, Rebekah Kahn, Ali Nash, Christina Sanne, Avril Crampton, Laragh McMonagle, Tara Hammond, Eva Dorney, Kate Betts and Simon Hoe

SEAsonal shopping: SUPPORT LOCAL CRAFTWORK Laragh McMonagle, Avril Crampton, Christina Sanne and Rebeka Kahn

Design Corner’s Christmas market T

HE Design Corner Christmas shop will be home to 16 designers from the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown region between December 1 and Christmas Eve. The pop-up shop at Upper George’s Street opposite the People’s Park will feature many products which are all locally

designed and made. There will be everything from jewellery to hats, toys to cards, tableware to gifts for sale.

The shop offers customers the opportunity to buy local and support local makers.

For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/thedesigncorner.

Got a Picture?

Call our news team on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

22 November 2012 dun laoghaire Gazette 7

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Laragh McMonagle

Christina Sanne and Red Refus

Shirley Copperwhite, Cathy White, Laragh McMonagle, Kate Betts, Eva Dorney and Ali Nash

Christina Sanne

Simon Hoe

8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 22 November 2012

crafts Pop-up shop to feature a wide range of wonderful wares for Christmas

Designers set out to corner seasonal shoppers with craft  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

SIXTEEN of Dublin’s top designers are pooling their talents and turning Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown into the Design Corner of Dublin, in time for Christmas.

This year, designers chosen for the Christmas shop

hail from Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock, Glenagear y, Leopardstown, Monkstown and Dundrum.

The pop-up shop will be on Upper George’s Street, and will feature everything from jewellery to hats, toys to cards and tableware – all of which have been locally designed and made.

Among the designers and their wares are jewellers Ali Nash and Rebeka Kahn, milliner Kate Betts, Tara Hammond’s Slated line of gifts, Christina Sanne’s Red Rufus Sock Dogs, and Cathy White’s Vintage Bags.

The initiative is being organised by Dun LaoghaireRathdown Enterprise Board,

Enterprisenews

Energy: Seeking an idea

Re-focus your Business for the coming year...

HOLY Child Secondary

November 27th 2012, Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire The Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board is running this inspirational seminar aimed at assisting the small business to re-focus their energy and achieve business success in 2013.

The high profile panel of speakers include: Sean McNulty, Innovator ‘Innovate your business model to engage customers and create more sales’ Sean has 30 years’ experience in innovation management and implementation of creativity tools & techniques, strategic business planning and R&D implementation.

Barbara Moynihan, On Your Feet ‘Communicate to Stimulate - Create the right impression for your business’ Barbara is a leading learning and development facilitator with a speciality in the whole area of face to face communication, in particular the 60 Second Pitch and Presentation Skills.

Pearce Flannery ‘Attitude Defines Altitude – How to develop a winning business outlook’ An award winning entrepreneur and best-selling author Pearce Flannery is renowned as one of the world’s leading motivational speakers and training facilitators.

The seminar will be facilitated by Orlaith Carmody, broadcaster, professional speaker, media commentator and Managing Director of Mediatraining.ie who has run training and management programmes for many years for the top names in Irish Business. Join us for this for this half day event which is taking place from 12.30pm – 5.30pm on Tuesday 27th November 2012 in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. The cost is only €25 per person and to find out more about this event or to book your place, please visit www.dlrceb.ie.

in conjunction with the Crafts Council of Ireland, to support the local craft and design industry.

The Design Corner’s coordinator, Suzanne May, said: “The Design Corner features everything from Christmas cards to gifts and affordable accessories that will cheer up any Christmas

outfit.”

Georgina Sweetnam, assistant chief executive of the enterprise board, said: “This initiative is just one part of our wider supports for these enterprises. We provide each of them with ongoing promotional, sales and marketing opportunities right throughout the year.

“It also ties in with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s initiative to boost retail trade in the area.”

The Design Corner is open from 10am to 6pm, from Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 6pm on Sunday, until December 24, and will open on Christmas Eve from 10am to 2.30 pm.

School, Killiney students Emily Daly and Sally Hanrahan put out a (tree) trunk call to post-primary students to get involved in the One Good Idea project, which aims to improve awareness levels of climate change and energy efficiency in Ireland.

Just one good idea could make a lasting contribution.

For further information, or to enter, see the website at www. seai.ie/onegoodidea.

tidy towns: local victories in prestigious contest

Delight as area cleans up at national awards  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL towns in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region were celebrating after winning medals and awards in this year’s SuperValu Tidy Towns competition, run in conjunction with Failte Ireland, at a recent ceremony in the Discover Ireland Centre on Suffolk Street.

T he event, which rewarded local communities across the Dublin region, saw Dalkey and Shankill win silver and bronze National Awards, while Dalkey was also

declared the winner of the Dublin region county award.

Shankill received a highly-commended certification in the Dublin Region County Awards, while Sandycove received a commendation.

Foxrock was rewarded with an Endeavour award, in recognition of those towns that achieved the greatest improvement in score in 2012.

Interest in the Tidy Towns competition has been stronger than ever in recent years. For a second year, communities were encouraged to Get

Your Hands Dirty forTidy Towns in a promotional campaign by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and SuperValu.

After the award ceremony presentations, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity today to acknowledge the efforts of Tidy Towns groups across this region, and to pay tribute to the very many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who get involved in this

competition year on year.

“The unselfish effort and the generosity displayed by these volunteers really makes a difference to our communities.”

Speaking of the recent win, Sandycove Tidy Towns Committee chairperson, Margaret Brown, said: “Congratulations are due to everyone involved in the Sandycove Tidy Towns and Coastcare Group, who made a special effort during the summer months to keep the area tidy and looking well.

“There are 10 dedicated volunteers in the

Sandycove Tidy Towns.

We go out twice a week to pick up litter, weeds, clean graffiti and keep the place looking lovely.

“It all started with the Joyce centenary in 1982, when everyone got involved and had the place looking very nice, so we entered it in the Tidy Towns.

“Sometimes, when people come in on the Dart with bags of drink and leave a trail of litter all the way up to The Forty Foot, we have to go out every day, and it’s not very nice, but we have to stay vigilant.”

22 November 2012 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9

charge: tanaiste reminded of promise

FastNews

Coffee morning to help Retrace Shackleton’s steps – on an ice slide support guide dogs THE Dun Laoghaire branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) will host a coffee morning in Our Lady’s Hall in Dalkey next Saturday, November 24.

The coffee morning will take place from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be IGDB Christmas cards and calendars for sale on the day, which are in aid of both IGDB and the RNLI For further information, contact IGDB’s Bernadette Healy at 1850 506 300.

Although he wasn’t at his office when students protested outside, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore was “there” – at least in the form of some of the students’ t-shirts

Student fee demo targets Gilmore  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

MORE than 500 students from UCD, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) marched on Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore’s constituency office in Dun Laoghaire last week, protesting over the proposed increase in the student contribution charge and challenging the Tanaiste on his pre-election promise not to raise fees.

The Tanaiste was not at his constituency office when the march culminated in a rally outside.

The march was part of UCD Students Union’s “Gilmore’s €250” campaign, which aims to halt the €250 increase to the student contribution charge that has been threatened by the Labour Party ahead of Budget

2013. The annual student contribution – formerly entitled the student services charge – is also known as a registration fee, and it covers the cost of student services and examinations.

The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has said that college fees will increase by €250 every year until 2015, when they will stand at €3,000 – €1,000 more than when Gilmore’s Labour Party took office.

Those marching called on the Tanaiste to keep the promise he made to students before the last General Election, and not to raise the student contribution charge and cut the basic grant.

Micheal Gallagher, welfare officer of UCD Students’ Union, said: “Students who cannot afford to go to college next year due to the cuts and increase in charges

[spoke out at the rally], as did student welfare officers who are dealing with emergency welfare fund applications. “[The Tanaiste] made a pre-election pledge in 2011 that he wouldn’t raise the student contribution charge by a single cent, nor raise any thirdlevel fees.

“We handed over this pre-budget pledge to his Labour colleagues at his constituency offices, as well as the USI’s pre-budget submissions.”

Following the demonstration, a statement from Tanaiste Gilmore to The Gazette said: “I welcome the fact that the wellorganised demonstration on Monday passed off peacefully.

“I have always respected the right of people to protest, and I will certainly bring the students’ concerns to the Minister for Education.”

Fun exercise for families  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A NEW health initiative designed by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Leisure Services to get families to be more active was launched this week.

ActOvation is a pilot scheme that has been formulated by DLR Leisure Services, in conjunction with the HSE and DLR Sports Partnership.

The new programme is aimed at families who feel they are not active enough and would like to partake in regular exer-

cise. The families may also have health concerns relating to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

The specially-tailored programme aims at providing a family with all the facilities, instruction, support and opportunity they will need to get active safely.

All the new exercise a family does on the programme will be carefully monitored by professionals to ensure that health requirements are factored in.

If you are interested in applying for the programme, or have any questions, see www.dlrleisureaservices.ie.

A GIANT ice slide will arrive in Dun Laoghaire this Christmas as part of a spectacular polarthemed festival based on Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to Antarctica.

The 6,000 sq ft Santa’s Arctic Kingdom will open in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre on December 1. Children will follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton when they embark on a special adventure from the South Pole to the North Pole, where they will be able to meet Santa.

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 22 November 2012

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Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Royston Newbridge Club recently attended the IABA 2012 Awards Night at the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Out of the ring, into the spotlight

T

HE Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) recently held their Annual Awards Night at the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin.

Sports pundit Jimmy Magee was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The awards honoured the Irish London 2012 Olympic team, and Olympic, World and European champion Katie Taylor scooped the

Boxer of the Year Award.

Belfast light flyweight Paddy Barnes received the Outstanding Achievement Award and Joe Ward took home the Best Elite Boxer Award.

The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all, as the boxers all look forward to another successful year ahead.

Oliver McCarthy and Olympic medallist John Joe Nevin

Claire Grace

Danielle McCarthy, Amy Brien and Jamie Rose Ennis

22 November 2012 Gazette 11

Schools P15

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

asdfsdaf Business P27 P16

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Gazette

diary P12

ikea: fundraising drive launched by star

Soft toy campaign set to help children’s education UNICEF Ireland ambassador and Irish rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan has officially launched the Ikea Soft Toy fundraising campaign at the Ikea store in Ballymun.

For every Ikea soft toy, children’s book or kid’s meal purchased from now until December 23, Ikea will donate €1 to education programmes worldwide supported by UNICEF Ireland.

This year’s campaign aims to provide quality education to children living in poverty in developing countries.

Since the campaign started in 2003, donations from the annual Ikea Soft Toy Campaign have totalled €47.5m, helping eight million children in more than 40 countries enjoy their right to a quality education.

New to the Ikea soft toy family this year are forest friends including a hedgehog, a bear and an owl hand puppet that encourage curiosity and caring about nature and the environment. They appear on different Vandring textiles, designed

by Ann-Cathrine Sigrid Stahlberg.

Peter Power, executive director of UNICEF Ireland, said the initia-

tive raised vital funds for needy children.

“Last month world leaders rallied together in a final push to meet the global commitment to ensure access to primary education for all children.

“IKEA, the co-workers and customers who have supported the soft toys campaign are helping to make this important goal a reality.”

UNICEF Ireland Ambassador and rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan officially launched the soft toy fundraising campaign with Aoife Quigley (3) from Raheny

Gazette

12 Gazette 22 November 2012

dublinlife

Ethan Manby from Dun Laoghaire, Rossa McSwiney from Sandymount and Lily Dunne Fleming from Dalkey brushed up on their artistic skills for the launch of the 2012 Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards

diary

Sightsavers urge young artists to unleash talents T WO-time Academy Award nominee, and co-founder of Brown Bag Films, Darragh O’Connell, is calling on students to embrace their artistic side and enter the 2012 Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards.

The annual painting competition invites primary school students from Dublin to unleash their talents.

The Sightsavers Junior Painter awards also gives youngsters the opportunity to engage with the value of their sight, and to learn about those children who live without it in the developing world.

The winning student will win a host of prizes from the Art & Hobby

store. In addition, for the first time, the winning student’s school will also win a cash prize.

The closing date for entry is Friday, November 30. Parents and children can get involved by speaking to their school teacher, or by visiting www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter, or seeing the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/SightsaversIreland.

xmas jumpers sought for a world record IT MAY be the cheesiest world record attempt ever – but Geansai Nollaig 2012 might also be the most fun.

Dublinatchristmas.

ie is calling on people to gather on O’Connell Street at 4pm on November 25 to try to set a new world record for the highest number of Christmas jumpers in one place. Last year’s attempt secured a record number of 583 wonderful Christmas geansais, and, this year, organisers hope to smash that record.

This year’s record attempt will be in aid of Foroige, the youth organisation in Ireland, which works with approximately 64,000 young people aged 10 to 18 every year through volunteer-led clubs and staff-led youth projects, dealing with issues such

as poverty, achievement at school, school leaving, youth crime, substance abuse and family difficulties.

If you’ve got a (possibly not-so) rare Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer jumper, pull it on, head for O’Connell Street and join in the festive fun.

transform lives with an oxfam gift OXFAM Ireland has launched its Christmas Gifts campaign, which helps to transform lives.

Oxfam Unwrapped 2012 promises that every gift that is bought will go to help those in need.

The campaign supports a range of Oxfam’s work – from emergency responses to advocacy projects. Every year they work out what people need the most, and it is then featured in the gift catalogue.

Gifts include a clutch of chicks or a pair of baby ducks (€27), drought-resistant seeds (€7), piglets (€35), a goat (€38) and a donkey (€47).

Since Oxfam launched the range 10 years ago, Irish people have given more than 140,000 lifechanging gifts and, at the same time, helped to improve the lives of more than 500,000 people in need in countries such as Tanzania and Malawi.

Unwrapped gifts can be purchased online, or in your local Oxfam shop.

For further information, see www.oxfamireland. org/unwrapped.

22 November 2012 Gazette 13

Gazette

feature travel

Get on board for a cruise

Gareth Carberry, head chef at Hilton Dublin, won gold at this year’s Hilton Worldwide European Culinary Challenge

Cooking up a storm  Laura Webb

At the tender age of 16, a young man walked into a part-time job at a hotel unaware that cooking would end up being his dream job, and which would see him cook award-winning dishes and travel the world with his skills.

Some 17 years later, Malahide resident Gareth Carberry has won gold at this year’s H i l t o n Wo r l d w i d e European Culinary Challenge, showcasing his culinary skills, while helping boost Dublin’s international reputation for fine food.

Currently working as head chef at Hilton Dublin in Charlemont Place, he was there just six months before he

won gold at the contest in Britain last month.

After being away from Ireland for five years, Gareth thought it was time to come home.

“I was in Dubai for three years and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia for two years. The Middle East was great, Dubai was amazing and Riyadh taught me a lot, but I felt five years was long enough to be away so I decided I would come home.

“I knew the recession had hit here, just like in the Middle East. Some people told me don’t come home, there is nothing at home, but again my family are here so their life is here.

When you live in the Middle East the life is great, but I don’t know if it is a life to raise chil-

dren in so I made a decision to come home,” he told the Gazette.

Luckily for Gareth, it didn’t take him long to land on his feet. He arrived back in Dublin on a Friday, went on to a job-seekers website and found an advert for an executive sous, had an interview the following Wednesday and secured the job by the Saturday.

“I was only a week back. It just proved it was time for me to come home,” he said.

On his recent win at the Hilton Worldwide European Culinary Challenge, he said it is a “great start” to his new role.

“I am absolutely thrilled. The competition was in partnership

with Nestle, who have brought out a new product called Chef Lamb Flakes. The Hilton was asked to put it out to chefs with some guidelines like using lamb shoulder and what way we can use the lamb flakes.

“I entered and I was very lucky to get into the final and we went to England to the Nestle headquarters and I won gold – which was wonderful,” he said.

The winning dish was a braised lamb shoulder fillet with a stuffed savoy cabbage, romanesco puree and some heirloom baby vegetables.

“I hope to have it on the menu at Hilton Dublin’s restaurant, Uisce. The romanesco is

a very seasonal product so I have to try and get something that is more sustainable all year round, but also complements the lamb, so I am just working on that.

“I have just changed the Uisce menu concept so basically it is to focus on Irish produce and use them in innovative ways.

“It has broke away from the normal starter, main and dessert so instead it will be in sections like – nibbles, seafood, meats, poultry – so it gives you the choice to have two or three courses, four courses, because we made portions that little bit smaller to give people a chance to eat more on the menu.”

According to Gareth it is very important to

him to use local Irish produce.

“We have wonderful produce in this country and we should be using more of them,” he said.

Gareth also worked in Bang Cafe and Shanahans on the Green before his move to Dubai where he worked at Grand Hyatt and later joined Rosewoods Hotel and Resort in Riyadh.

He now overlooks all food aspects of the Hilton Dublin Hotel in the city centre, overlooking the Grand Canal.

Here he looks after four outlets from the Irish-themed restaurant Uisce, Still Bar, room service and banquet which can old up to 280 people.

With the really cold weather reputed to be just around the corner, the prospect of chilling out on a cruise is a fairly appealing one.

To help you to “sale” into 2013 and brighter waters, Thomas Cook Cr uise are offering cruise packages for under €1,000, including flights until November 26.

Until that date, there is a special sale on cruises to a variety of destinations in 2013, including a five-night Western Mediterranean fly/ cruise from €979 per person in April 2 013 , w i t h $ 5 0 onboard spend.

A l t e r n a t i ve l y, there is an eightnight Norway Fly/ Cruise from €1,479 per person in May 2013, or a sevennight Dubai f ly/ cruise from €1,262 in February 2013.

Both include $100 onboard spend per room, as does the offer of a seven-night France and Spain fly/cruise onboard from €1,309 per person in May 2013.

All offers include an upgrade from an oceanview room to a balcony stateroom.

For more information, call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in Dublin on 01 514 0336, visit your local travel agent or log on to www.thomascookcruise.ie.

Gazette

14 Gazette 22 November 2012

dublinlife

The juniors from Plunket College who played at DCU Sports Ground put on a spirited display of sportsmanship in a tag rugby competition

sport: school’s juniors battle it out in a rugby contest

Trying to tag a victory  curtis Delaney Plunket College, Whitehall

ON FRIDAY, November 9, a select few of our juniors in Plunket College went to DCU Sports Ground to participate in a tag rugby competition.

The team set off in the early morning, accompanied by two of their teachers, Mr Lynch and Mr McHugh.

Despite heavy rain, the team got on with the task at hand. There were teams from schools all around the city, with both male and female

players.

Plunket were drawn in a group of four teams, and managed to come out on top. We had outstanding performances from some of our key players.

The whole team performed at their peak; however, Daniel Lynch managed to stand out from the crowd – the leader of the pack.

At full-time, the teams were invited into the club for some food, and the banter between the lads continued over a nutritious lunch.

The organisers made

Facing into some spirited competition

an announcement, giving prizes to the school that made the best effort. Unfortunately, we didn’t win this prize; however, our players

were invited to have pictures taken with the Heineken Cup. It was a well-organised event, with extra incentives thrown in for

the participants. Each student left the games with a gift pack but, more importantly, with a renewed love of the game.

open night: warm welcome for prospective students

School opens up for questions  jason nesbitt

Riversdale Community College

LAST month, Riversdale Community College hosted an open evening to give prospective students and their parents an opportunity to experience the school’s facilities.

On the night, 150 parents took a tour of the school to ensure that it was the right one for their children.

Upon arrival, parents were greeted by members of the Student Council, and were given a welcome pack.

After enjoying a per-

formance from the school’s band and choir in the assembly hall, parents were directed to the school’s library, where they met the school principal, Tony Barry, and had an opportunity to ask any questions.

Parents and incoming students enjoyed the

various exhibitions of students’ work, which included live science experiments in the labs, as well as art, metalwork and woodwork projects undertaken by the students.

Other exhibitors on the night included NUI Maynooth, Bank of Ireland,

Blanchardstown Youth Service, Junior Achievement Awards and Gaisce, the President’s Award.

Prospective students have until the end of next January to enrol.

Further information is available on the school website, at www.riversdalecc.com.

22 November 2012 Gazette 15

class acts: plenty of events

schoolLife

Pink Day success in a happening place  Behshta Bakhshi

Blakestown Community School

STUDENTS at Blakestown had a busy week in the run-up to mid-term.

Every year, the school runs various events to reward the students, and provides an opportunity to express their talents.

Throughout October, we had three big events take place.

Firstly, the sixth-year L CA B r o s n a n cl a s s organised Blakestown’s Got Talent, as part of an assignment they were working on with Ms Kinsella.

The audience of firstand second-year students were treated to fantastic performances from a wide variety of acts, including rappers, singers and dancers.

Secondly, Blakestown were delighted to have [the initiative] Show Racism The Red Card, and FAI representatives in attendance, to film their new education pack.

As All-Ireland winners from 2011, Blakestown

SCHOOl

Matters p ro m ote your e v ents

CONTACT US WITH YOUR NEWS

6010240

Of course, staff, too, including principal Eileen O’Connor joined in the school’s events in the run-up to mid-term, such as the Show Racism the Red Card initiative

was selected to feature in the new DVD being filmed by the production team, Maxfilms.

During the filming, a group of second-year students were treated to some coaching in the gym with class teacher Ms Byrne and FAI coaches Paul Keogh, Michael Ryan and Des Tomlinson.

The final scenes were filmed in the boardroom, where the school’s commitee of students and Ms Quinn discussed scenarios and examples of racism and how it impacts children’s lives.

Thirdly, the final event that took place was Pink Day, which was organised by Ms McCullagh and Fiona Dunne to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

This was the second year running that the school had got involved; l a s t y e a r, i t r a i s e d €1,238.

The event was a huge success, where students were allowed to have a non-uniform day and wear something pink to raise funds.

Students and teachers were very creative in their pink choices, with fluttering pink eyelashes to superhero pink masks being worn to mark the event.

Ever ybody seemed to get a great buzz out of wearing the bright colour, and it certainly brightened up the last day of term in style.

Gazette

schools Get involved with our new schools pages

These Blakestown students joined in the fun of Pink Day at the school, which was held to fundraise for breast cancer, and which saw students dressing or accessorising in pink to help support the great cause

We are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For further details, contact me at rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or telephone 01 601 0240.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 22 November 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

IAN DOWNES, FRANGOS WORLD CUISINE

Serving up a great way to keep Dundrum happy IAN Downes is a catering industry expert, with more than 20 years’ experience.

Having started at the age of 15 as a waiter, Ian has worked his way up and is now the general manager of Frangos World Cuisine in Dundrum Town Centre.

Frangos is Ireland’s largest family restaurant, serving thousands of cus-

tomers every week.

Occupying most of the third level in Dundrum Town Centre, Frangos is renowned for providing fresh food, produced on-site, and is great value for money, says Ian. He has also taken the position of general manager at The Jack Nicklaus Room in Killeen Castle Golf Club, Dunsany, Co Meath

How long have you been in business?

I believe that the recession has made us stronger as a business.

We have an amazing team of staff who, along with management, have understood that our success depends on turning each new customer into a regular customer, and we have many great customers who are supporting us through this recession.

I have been involved in catering for over 20 years. I was 15 when I got my first job as a waiter, working with my mam and aunty in the Hotel Kilkenny. I have been with Frangos World Cuisine for almost six years, and have been general manager for the past three years.

What makes your business successful?

We are based in the award-winning Dundrum Town Centre, which is one of Europe’s top shopping and restaurant destinations. This gives us a great platform to work from. We have established a reputation as a great place for families and shoppers to eat, and we pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

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

We cook our food freshly every day, using fresh local produce. We are Ireland’s largest family restaurant and provide a wide range of options, including a deli, pizzeria, steak bar, carvery, wok bar and bakery. A lot of our dishes are cooked to order, right in front of our customers, and I believe this is unique for a restaurant as big as ours. We look for the best dishes from around the world, and offer a menu that will appeal to all tastes and budgets.

How has the recession impacted your business?

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

I’ll leave the laws to the lawmakers.

What is the best business advice you ever received?

Hire the right person and let them do their job.

What is your ambition for the business?

I would love to see a Frangos in every town in Ireland, but for now I’m happy to develop the brand and continue providing an excellent place for people to come and eat with family and friends. Eating out is a social occasion, and I love seeing families dining together and talking. Sometimes, we have three generations of a family sitting together and eating – that really makes my day.

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

I love working in Dundrum. The customers and staff in the centre are great. It is like working in a village, where everyone kind of knows everyone else.

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Pensions made simple THERE are currently more than 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8 million citizens over this age – 767,300 by 2026, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement.

In 2010, for every person who retired, there were six workers. In 2051, for every retired person, there will only be two.

If you are happy to live on the current State pension of €230.30 each week, or whatever it will be when you retire, then do nothing. But, you cannot discount the notion that, by the time you retire, there may not be enough money in the kitty to pay your weekly pension.

Even if you are only on the lower rate of tax (20%), it still makes sense to invest in a pension. For example: 1. For every €100 invested, it is only costing you €80 – meaning that the fund would have to drop by 20% before you actually start losing money. On the higher rate of tax, it makes even more sense and, though there are signs of the relief being reduced over the coming years, even at the 20% rate it makes sense.

2. All growth in the fund is tax-free.

3. When you retire, 25% of this fund can be taken by way of a-tax free lump sum, up to a maximum of €200,000. You can still take the full 25% of the fund, but if that is more than €200,000, you will have to pay taxes on the excess.

All companies are now obliged to both nominate

an insurance company for pension contributions, and have a facility to make deductions for such contributions directly from your salary. There is a €15,000 potential fine if they haven’t.

Current Government thinking may see employers being forced into making a minimum 4% contribution to employee pensions, and employees forced into 2% contributions for an initial minimum period.

This is a far cry from the permitted age thresholds: 1) Up to 29 years of age – 15% of net relevant earnings; 2) 30 – 39 years – 20% of net relevant earnings; 3) 40 – 49 years – 25% of net relevant earnings; 4) 50 years-plus – 30% of net relevant earnings; 5) 55 years-plus – 35% of net relevant earnings; 6) Over 60-years – 40% of net relevant earnings.

You have the nuts and bolts of pension parameters – in Part 2, next week, I shall tell you what you should consider when choosing a pension plan.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

PORTLAOISE: NATIONAL BID TO UTILISE SKILLS, IDEAS

Business workshop seeks over-50s entrepreneurs

DUBLIN City Enterprise Board and Senior Enterprise are looking to introduce people aged over 50 to the world of entrepreneurship, and help bring their business ideas to fruition at a national twoday residential workshop to be held on November 26 and 27 in Portlaoise.

With more than 4,000 people aged over 50 starting new businesses in Ireland last year, the organisers hope that that number can be doubled with these types of event.

The aim of the workshop is to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop a business plan to help them establish their new business.

It is suitable for those who have an idea for a business venture and who would like assistance in taking it from concept to commercial reality.

Greg Swif t, chief executive, Dublin City Enterprise Board, said: “Entrepreneurs make a substantial impact on the Irish economy in terms of job creation, innovation and productivity.

“Our brief is to encourage entrepreneurship at a local level, and we believe that there is untapped entrepreneurial potential in the over-50s population.”

Senior Enterprise is recognised in Europe for its innovative approach to nurturing a greater engagement of those aged

Launching the two-day workshop were Hugh Reilly, chief executive, Meath County Enterprise Board; John Brophy, entrepreneur and owner of Carrig Solutions; John Byrne, director, Senior Enterprise and Aine Cuddihy, entrepreneur and owner of The Minicake Company

50-plus with business.

Its director, John Byrne, said: “Many individuals now have an opportunity to realise an idea or business concept they believe in.”

The cost is €75 for the two-day workshop, which includes all training mate-

rial, food and accommodation (single occupancy) in the hotel.

To apply, contact your local County Enterprise Board; to find the board nearest to you, see http:// www.enterpriseboards. ie/find_your_enterprise_ board.aspx.

22 November 2012 Gazette 17

R1

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P25

MOTORS P24

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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style P18

Pets can you give alaska a home?

Greg Proops returns to Dublin for the second Smartest Man In The World podcast of the year on November 29 at Whelan’s. Picture: Sreang Hok/Oregon Daily Emerald

interview: whose line star returns to Dublin for special online show

Laughing in the Proople reign  rob heigh

It’s not very often that we get to talk to a certified genius, but this week, we got to talk to The Smartest Man In The World.

That man is Greg Proops, stand-up comedian and improviser extraordinaire, who will be back in Dublin next week to take to the stage at Whelan’s to present his podcast, The Smartest Man...

This is the second time this year Greg has been in town to host the show, which is a blend of his unique and hilarious musings on politics, culture, literature, baseball, and everything in between.

What started as a backroom enterprise has grown into a hugely popular live experience, with the crowd invited to join in and query Greg on literally any subject as part of the show.

When Out & About caught up with

Greg, he was making plans for his return to Ireland, and started by asking him what was bringing him back from Hollywood so soon.

“I love Dublin - the vibe, the kebabs and the craic,” said Greg. “The audience is so smart and with it. I can read poetry and no one thinks it is unusual. A town filled with bookstores, music stores, great cheese and seafood? Bring it on.

“And I love performing in Ireland, the crowds are so sincere.”

Greg is probably best known for his appearances on the improvisational comedy show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? on Channel 4 in the 80s and 90s. What people here probably don’t know is that his career on the show continued in the US for a further eight seasons when ABC picked up the format for American audiences.

He has also appeared on stand-up

stages across the world, and occasionally in film – although you may not have recognised him in the Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace, when he played one half of pod-race announcer, Fode.

With such a range of creative careers, we naturally asked him which his favourite was.

“Whose Line has been vital to my life.

It allowed me to work with all the great people I still work with, like the Comedy Store Players and Ryan Stiles in the USA. Stand-up is my armour. Acting is fun when I can get a gig, but I am bloody awful at showbiz.

“Podcasting has been a profound turn for me. I can be myself and rant and rave and sing and drink and it goes directly to the audience without any corporate filter. People love that it is from the heart.

I love that people have been so positive about it. No TV network, no meetings,

no advertisers, no nonsense. Just our own nonsense.”

Proops is one of a vanguard of comedians – including Marc Maron, Jay Mohr, and Aisha Tyler – who have created an outlet for their talents via the podcast medium. How did Greg get the podcast bug?

“The producers, Matt and Ryan, asked me. I knew I couldn’t do the interview format as it was being done so well by so many [Maron, Mohr and Tyler’s shows all take the form of extended interviews].

So, the big moment came when we did the first one live. All the podcasts are now in front of a live crowd, and all are improvised to notes. The show organically evolved into the diatribe that it is now - I love riffing [on] the podcast and seeing how far I can go.”

Continued on Page 23

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Alaska, a two-year-old husky. This beautiful lady was born with a congenital deformity in her leg. She was still trying to put weight on it which was really uncomfortable for her, so it had to be amputated. She received loads and loads of TLC in Dogs Trust, is like a new dog and loving life on three legs.

She is extremely sweet and affectionate and would need to go to a forever home with big kids (12+) and no other doggies. If you think you can give this gorgeous girl all the cuddles and love she so deserves, contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000.

Further information about their work can be found on their website at www. dogstrust.ie.

All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

BEAUTY news Have a good hair day and be happier inside and out!

Marks & Spencer €135

Pennies €19

 LAURA WEBB

IT seems that waking up to a bad hair day can affect how we view ourselves and how others see us, with recent research by Pantene showing the state of our hair can alter our mood.

Commonly people do judge each other within seconds of meeting so having great hair can make a great first impression.

Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek has launched the world’s first hair care regime entirely formulated for different hair structures to create healthy-looking locks for every hair-type, so every day is a Good Hair Day. In a recent study, women judged others based on their hair condition. Dr Bernhard Fink from the University of Goettingen revealed: “Women with smooth hair were judged to be more attractive and healthier and were considered to be calmer, more in control, and less stressed than those with frizzy hair.”

The research also revealed that hair doesn’t just affect our perception of others, but also our own mood. Women with smooth hair felt more attractive, healthier and younger than women with frizzy hair. Dr Fink explains: “Women thought they would feel calmer, more balanced, more determined, and stronger on a ‘good hair’ day, whereas they associated feelings like stress, loss of control, nervousness and irritability with a ‘bad hair’ day.”

Pa r t y G l a mH!I C S G R E AT G R A P

astic par ty e ball with fant th of le el b e u are th r €65 Make sure yo from Awear fo ne o is th e lik dress

Debenhams €85 Awear €65

Next €114

To help achieve a ‘good hair day’ Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek has three simple steps to adhere to: Step 1: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek Shampoo: helps your hair behave as healthy hair should by increasing each strand’s barrier function, like a moisturiser does to the skin, calming frizz into silky smooth hair.

Fran & Jane €249

Step 2: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek Conditioner: contains a mix of ingredients similar to your hair’s natural lipid surface layer, to provide extra moisturisation and smoothness.

Dunnes €60

Next €87

Step 3: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek 2min Masques: are super concentrated to lock out humidity to help prevent frizz, moisturising hair to leave it silky smooth. Use a masque once a week for a deep smoothing care.

So take care of your hair and be a happier, more relaxed!

22 November 2012 Gazette 19

 CHRISTMAS GUIDE

party locations

Season’s greetings from Dublin Gazette Newspapers! Let us make your Yule cool with our guide to festive event venues and party planning across the city

You’ll be spoiled for choice at The Courtyard Hotel where parties can enjoy entertainment and a delicious dinner, from just €48 per person.

Entertainment in the RiverBank includes local bands The Harley’s and Hush, and returning once again this year will be renowned magician, Rodrigo Furtado.

With festive buffet menus from just €38, and options to upgrade to sit-down meals, those who are planning parties will be spoiled for choice.

Included in each pack-

age is also the Court Yard House Band followed by a live DJ. The RiverBank Restaurant at the hotel offers a great value three-course festive Early Bird menu for just €22.50, from Monday to Thursday, as well as a new “Wine & Dine” package for €59, treating couples to a fourcourse meal, to include a bottle of wine. This package is available until 7pm on Friday and Saturday.

For casual diners, the hotel is pleased to

announce the Sunday lunch menu will continue as usual throughout the Christmas period, while a new family-style dining option has also been added.

Arthur’s Live, the newly-refurbished venue, is also taking bookings for finger food and canapes for more informal occasions. For a full list of the live entertainment lineup, see www.courtyard.ie For more information, call 01 629 5100, or e-mail sales@courtyard.ie.

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party attire

partytime ENJOY the magic and sparkle of Christmas at the Court Yard Hotel, Leixlip, where it will be brimming with party fun and Christmas cheer.

With something for everyone, the Court Yard Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate with family, friends and corporate parties, and caters for parties of all sizes, from two to 100 people.

The RiverBank Restaurant, Grill and Wine Bar has re-introduced their Christmas Party Nights,

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The facilities at the Court Yard Hotel are second to none

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20 Gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

Get on track for a Christmas hamper As one of Dublin’s most popular public transport systems, Luas will be making sure commuters get home safe this Christmas.

And to celebrate the festive season, Luas will be offering its customers a chance to win a Christmas dinner every day until December 9.

The ready-to-cook Christmas dinner hamper is ideal for a family of six to eight people, taking the hard work out of the Christmas preparations and giving you more time to meet up with friends, get your shopping done and really get into the festive spirit. This competition proved highly successful last year with a very significant uptake.

A total of 28 lucky winners will receive a hamper, which will be delivered on December 22 complete with full instructions on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner for you and your guests.

The hamper includes Burren Smokehouse Salmon, a 16lb free range turkey, a fillet of pale ham, vegetables as well as all the Christmas trimmings.

Amongst the other goodies are a Christmas pudding and a selection of artisan Tipperary Cheese. In order to enter, grab your Luas ticket, leapcard or travel pass and click on the Luas Facebook page at www. facebook.com/luas and follow the instructions.

Get everything right With the festive season looming closely on the horizon, talk of the company Christmas party has no doubt begun and, for those presented with the role of organising it, the task can be a daunting prospect.

With many hotels and venues offering special Christmas party packages, often the hassle is taken out of your hands, but we have a range of recommendations available to help you organise a memorable celebration for you and your colleagues.

Choosing the location for your Christmas party can be crucial

Set the Date With Christmas being a busy period, diaries get pencilled in fast.

Send potential dates around the office and make sure you find a preferred date as early as possible. Not every date chosen

will suit everybody so remember, majority rules. Choose a date and finalise numbers to help you begin your planning.

Set the Budget The size of your company’s Christmas party will ultimately depend on the size of the budget you are allocated.

Discuss with the powers that be the budget you are allowed to spend and decide how best to dispense that budget between your venue and the food and drink it will provide.

The Christmas party is ultimately a way of saying “thank you” to the company staff, so it will need to be organised with their best interests in mind.

Type of Christmas Party Choosing the type of Christmas party your company will

22 November 2012 Gazette 21

 CHRISTMAS GUIDE

for your party night have will depend on both your budget and the amount of people attending.

Decide whether you will be hosting a day event, an evening event or both.

Do you have a budget that will accommodate husbands, wives and partners or will it be a celebration for employees only?

While more always means merrier, if a budget doesn’t allow for extras, ensure you don’t compromise the quality of your party.

Location, Location, Location With Christmas parties often taking place at the end of a work day, choosing the location can be a crucial element to the success of the party.

See what is available in your

area, choose a local pub, restaurant or venue, or look for something a little different, such as team building classes or group activities.

Some venues will also host a pre-packaged Christmas party, where a coordinator will provide a function room, entertainment and a menu, taking

the most difficult part of the planning out of your hands.

The earlier you book the venue, the better, as good venues can get snapped up quickly.

Post-Party The Christmas Party will no doubt be a success, but finding

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out what your guests enjoyed about the event and what they didn’t can help you put on an even better show next year.

During the post-Christmas party recuperations, send out an email requesting feedback from the party goers and any recommendations they may have for next year’s festivities.

Right Royal rumpus Unique cabaret night at Marine

Some venues host pre-packaged Christmas parties with decorated function rooms

the royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is holding a Christmas Cabaret in early December to get the festive season under way early.

On the bill are old favourites like Sonny Knowles, Paddy Cole, Noel V Ginnity, George Hunter and Galaxy. The cabaret will take place on Tuesday, December 4 in the Royal Marine Hotel. For more details on the event, contact the hotel on 01 230 0030 or log on to www.royalmarine.ie.

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22 Gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT 

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Funk up your Christmas

The Fair Isle Jumper and cardigan range

With the vogue for pop-up shops adding extra fun to Christmas party events in inventive ways, Funky Christmas Jumpers have brought those two ideas together and have opened a Funky Christmas Jumpers pop-up boutique at 60 South William Street in Dublin’s city centre.

The Irish-owned company, providers of fun, high quality Christmas jumpers, are extending their collection this year, with a range of 13 adult jumpers, three jumper designs for children and even Funky Christmas socks, so that festive enthusiasts can stand out and make

a statement this Christmas and light up and add extra cheer to their Christmas events.

Funky Christmas Jumpers has become the go-to fun Christmas jumper destination for Irish and international celebrities in recent years, and their designs have been spotted on everyone from Jedward to rugby legends Brian O’Driscoll and Cian Healy, as well as former Miss World, Rosanna Davison, TV presenting duo Ant and Dec and T V presenter and DJ Vernon Kay. For the last two years, Ryan Tubridy has also worn Funky Christmas Jumpers when presenting the Late Late Toy Show, with his jumper s e l e c t i o n p r ov i d i n g much intrigue in the

days and weeks leading up to the perennially popular show.

Funkychristmasjumpers.com was

McSharry.

The business has gone from strength to strength and the enthusiasm and networking

Ryan Tubridy has worn this Rudolph The Ryandeer jumper on the Late Late Toy Show

started five years ago and is now run by duo Fabio Molle and Donal

ability of these Dubliners will ensure the continued success of Funky Christmas Jumpers in

the future.

“We are so excited to be opening our funky pop-up boutique in such a fantastic location.

“The website is thriving with orders coming in from all over the world, so we are really looking forward to welcoming customers to our Funky Christmas Jumpers boutique to see and try on the full collection,” said McSharry and Molle.

You can find out more about Funky Christmas Jumpers on Facebook (Facebook. com/FunkyChristmasJumpers), on Twitter at @XmasJumpers, and online at FunkyChristmasJumpers.com.

The company have also created an iPhone app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

Festive Arch Christmas fare at popular venue CHRISTMAS is coming soon to the Arch

Bistro and the Glenside Pub in Churchtown, and they are pulling out all the stops to help organise Chrismas parties down to a tee. As well as the lunch and dinners on offer, The Arch will reserve a special area in the pub for your party to enjoy the live music, and special taxi rates can be organised. Menus are available at www.thearchbistro.com, or call 01 296 6340.

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22 November 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 23

OUT&ABOUT

Interview

CINEMA

Greg Proops from p17

The Sapphires get to grips with the big stage

cinema: Ireland’s own chris o’dowd makes waves down under

A sparkling gem  paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

IT must be pretty good to be Chris O’Dowd right about now.

He starred in one of last year’s most popular comedies (Bridesmaids), had a hit on Sky TV (Moone Boy) and recently married an impossibly good looking woman (Dawn Porter).

For his next trick, O’Dowd will elevate an Australian period comedy to the point of genuinely endearing.

Of course, O’Dowd isn’t the only good thing about The Sapphires, but he is definitely the best thing.

Based on the 2004 play of the same name, The Sapphires tells the

semi-true story of an Aboriginal all-girl group who travel to Vietnam in 1968.

Vietnam in 1968 is of course, a war zone and the girls are committed to perform for the US troops.

No mention is made of the Australian military, which allows the girls to be used as a parallel with the Civil Rights movement back in the States.

Of course, the 60’s was a time of civil rights movements across the world and by 1968, the Aboriginal people in Australia had endured over a decade of near slavery and displacement.

Normally, films that tackle the civil rights era either dip their toes in the subject or have white people as the heroes (Mississippi Burning, The Help etc.)

In T he Sapphires, O’Dowd’s Dave Love-

Film of the Week: The Sapphires h h h h (12A) 103mins Director: Wayne Blair Starring: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell

OUR VERDICT: A VERY sweet, uplifting and warm comedy that has the bravery to take on a weightier subject, The Sapphires is a film that, much like its protagonists, refuses to be defined by any perceived boundaries. The star of the show is undoubtedly O’Dowd, who makes every scene he’s in sparkle, but huge credit must go to Deborah Mailman, who anchors the story beautifully.

lace is clueless to the plight of Australia’s indigenous people as well as being just plain clueless.

W h e n h i s d o p e y, soul-obsessed manager meets three singing sisters, all of their worlds are changed, as they head to Vietnam.

The introduction of the girl’s cousin Kay, whose r unning conflict with eldest sister Gail sets the context for much of the racial discussion, is a clever touch.

The girls roles are clearly defined, which

helps the film settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Gail, played by Deborah Mailman, is the rock of the family and her narky running battle with Dave gives the film some of its best interactions.

M i r a n d a Ta p s e l l ’s Cy nthia is man and fame hungry, Shari Sebbens Kay is the goodlooking one and Jessica Mauboy’s Julie is the lead singer.

The youngest of the girls, Julie has a child back home and is desperate to become famous to provide a

better life for her son.

All told, the characters conform to handy archety pes, but are played with a depth and warmth that really papers over that, which is a recurring theme throughout the film.

O’Dowd’s trademark charm is utilised time and again to rescue the film from some particularly clunky dialogue and the musical interludes are leaned on to get the film to its 103 minute running time.

That is not to say, however that the film is reliable just on those two things.

The acting throughout is strong and Mailman puts in a stellar performance and the bravery and likeability is enough to cover the film’s flaws.

With O’Dowd on top form playing almost against type, this is a film that for the most part sparkles.

Greg has podcasted from all around the world, away from the show’s home in West Hollywood, from places as far afield as a cruise ship in the Caribbean, the Edinburgh Festival and our very own Whelan’s. Given the very political and cultural nature of the show, and the fact that it always seems that he is ridiculously well versed in local matters, how much research does he do before a show?

“I read the papers and go out drinking! I’ve discovered that people overseas are even more involved in the subjects they find important - music, art, politics, literature. I learn so much from the people I play with, everywhere I go.”

The blend of intelligent analysis of current and cultural affairs and comedy is reminiscent of stand-up legends Bill Hicks and George Carlin. How much of an influence were comics like these on Greg’s career?

“Huge. Carlin is my favorite comedian and I listen to Hicks for inspiration. They were warrior poets in the classic mode.”

Finally, what lessons has Greg learned from podcasting? “The future is a pretty open field. Jump right in, is what I’ve learned.”

Greg Proops performs upstairs at Whelan’s on November 29, tickets are €14 and are available at www. wavtickets.ie. You can find Greg’s podcast at www. gregproops.com or on iTunes.

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24 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

MOTORS

New showroom is Audi’s biggest in Ireland If they haven’t been there already, Audi fans in Dublin should make their way to the newly-opened state-of-the-art showroom at Audi North Dublin.

Just off Exit 5 M50 in North Park, North Road, Dublin 11, the dealership is now the largest Audi showroom, sales and service centre in Ireland. The €10m investment will see the creation of up to 30 jobs over the next two years and forms part of an overall strategic plan which sees Audi Ireland invest

€80m over the next 18 months, creating in the region of 260 jobs. Group chief executive at Audi North Dublin, Gavin Hydes, commented: “The opening of our new Audi North Dublin terminal is a significant statement of intent. The new showroom will superbly showcase the exciting 2013 Audi model range and provide an unparalleled customer experience together with premium parts and aftersales services.”

The CX-5 offers class-leading space in the boot, with space for four full-sized suitcases

An exceptionally complete Mazda

 cormac curtis

There’s a joke among motoring journalists that if a company launches a car in an exotic location with dancing girls, it’s not because they’re proud of the new arrival, it’s because they’re hoping to distract you.

Earlier this year Mazda released their new compact SUV, the CX-5, in Vienna, and as beautiful as Vienna is, the city couldn’t compete with the stunning new offering.

It’s always nice to be one of the first to test drive a new car, but it’s always more reassuring to get behind the wheel on your own turf, as I did with the CX-5 last month.

Starting with the allimportant looks, we are talking about something that is unmistakably Mazda, but with an allnew excitement and edge to it.

We’re told that the inspiration for the front end of the car is the cheetah, and, even if you never see the resemblance, the look does evoke a slight sense of menace.

You can follow the

chrome line that surrounds the grille right through into the headlights, an absolutely gorgeous design touch in my books.

The headlight clusters themselves sit at a very nice angle that follows the contours of the body, while at the same time bulging out to sit proud of the bodywork.

The power comes from a choice of engines, and those available in the Irish market are a 2-litre petrol with 165bhp, a 2.2litre diesel with 150bhp and a 2.3-litre diesel with 170bhp.

It may not be something you will need to use all that often, but the sat nav system in the car is of the TomTom variety – one of my personal favourites.

The interior of the car offers some very useful cargo space, with a threeway split for the seats, all folding down with ease to cater for a variety of load options.

With the seats up, the CX-5 actually offers classleading space in the boot, with space for four fullsized suitcases, beating both the VW Tiguan (2-3 cases) and the Ford Kuga

(3 cases).

For those moments of musical indulgence, there is a terrific Bose sound system with nine high-performance speakers and background noise compensation technology.

On the safety front, Mazda’s smart City Brake support feature is also included – offering automatic emergency braking at a 6-metre distance when travelling between 4 and 30 km/h.

Other safety features are a rear vehicle monitoring system, that lights up an LED in your rearview mirror when another vehicle is passing, as well as a lane departure warning system, where the steering wheel vibrates if you stray too far from the centre of your lane.

There are some visibility issues as the body work around the C pillar is somewhat intrusive, and the more powerful of the diesel engines might be considered a touch on the noisy side.

But, with prices starting at €25,195 for the petrol version, this is a car that will appeal to an awful lot of people.

22 November 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

CORK: CONTEMPORARY COMFORTS AT A 200-YEAR-OLD HOTEL

Enjoy an Imperial, relaxing getaway  NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com

WHILE Cork is famed for its traditional villages and historical landmarks, and celebrated for its scenic countryside, its city has never been one to be deprived of recognition.

Playing host to Queen Elizabeth in recent years, and ranked as one of Lonely Planet’s top-10 cities, Cork city has a host of acclamations to be proud of.

Situated on the picturesque River Lee, the city has a clear dedication to the arts, entertaining numerous festivals throughout the year.

It celebrates the Cork Jazz festival in October and is set to see A Cork Christmas arrive this December.

The city is also a clear mecca for foodies, which seemed fitting when we arrived at our hotel destination, the Cork Imperial hotel.

The four-star accommodation is located on the doorstep to the city’s finest fish and meat markets, a stone’s throw from the popular English Market, and just a brief stroll to some of the city’s best dining destinations.

The aptly-named relaxation suite at the Cork Imperial Hotel presents a wonderfully calming environment

Taking my mum on a girly break to the fourstar Cork Imperial saw us arrive at one of the city’s most central havens.

The hotel prides itself on possessing a “contemporary luxury” – a detail immediately evident upon arrival.

The high ceilings, lowhanging chandeliers and meandering hallways were a gentle reminder of the building’s 1812 origins.

After settling into our third-f loor bedroom, and admiring the folded bath robe and chocolates presented on each bed, we made our way to the hotel’s main dining room,

the Pembroke Grill.

As one of the city’s top restaurants, the chefs at the Pembroke Grill make the most of their surroundings, using fresh local produce to complement the varied menu.

Dinner brought with it a warm goat’s cheese and fennel tartlet, West Cork smoked salmon and an indulgent dessert of Malteser cheesecake with fruit coulis, before we enjoyed some after-dinner drinks in the cosy alcoves of South’s Bar – a haven, it seemed, for both guests and Cork locals alike.

Since a girly break away wouldn’t be complete without some self-indul-

gence, we treated ourselves to some down-time the following morning, at the aptly-named Escape Spa, located on the lower floor of the hotel.

The boutique-style spa embraces the use of the popular Aveda brand in their treatments, as well as a vitality suite, an aroma salt grotto, an Evian hydrotherapy pool, a relaxation suite and friendly staff members.

My treatment was a personalised elemental nature facial – a 60-minute facial that used a customised masque, personallychosen aroma oils and some extremely relaxing facial techniques.

With Michael Collins and Charles Dickens named proudly as former guests of the historic hotel, you can see why the Cork Imperial still manages to attract such a huge influx of guests.

The lobby is busy with visitors coming and going, but the restaurant and bar have a steady stream of peaceful company, with the city streets failing to impact on the tranquil interiors of what must be one of Cork City’s most cherished retreats.

For further details on the packages available at the Cork Imperial, see www.flynnhotels.com, or telephone 021 427 4040.

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planning Notice dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council I Aideen allen intend to apply for retention permission for development at 46 Churchtown Road Lower, Dublin 14. The development will consist of the retention of a 1m wide portion of the first floor and roof along with the relevant portions of the southern and eastern elevations of the exempted development at the rear of the existing dwelling house. This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin during its public opening hours of Monday to Friday from 10.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. (Bank Holidays and Public Holidays excepted). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20 within 5 weeks of receipt of the application by the Planning Authority and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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jim gavin interview P29

asdfsdaf P27 soccer P28

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community

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gaelic games P31

FastSport METS unable to end DCU Run:

Setanta hurling club members Liam O’Brien, Breandain O’Geargain, Martin O’Shea and Theresa O’Brien at the launch of There is an ‘F’ in Hurling

publication: ‘nitty gritty’ history of fledgling wild geese released

Lenihan launches There Is An ‘F’ in Hurling in Croke Park CHARTING the highs and lows of the fledgling Wild Geese hurling section, Aidan Lenihan says his new book – There Is An ‘F’ in Hurling – is one of the only GAA books to cover the “nitty-gritty of the grass roots of the vast majority of players” of the games.

Lenihan was central to introducing the small ball to the Oldtown club in 2008, a football stronghold which dates back all the way to 1888.

He and a few other like-minded individuals brought together football players from St Margaret’s, Fingal Ravens, Garristown, Starlights, Clann Mhuire, Bal-

lyboughal, Man O War and Colmcilles.

And the past four seasons have seen the team from north-west Fingal, playing primarily in the junior E championship, enjoy the highs of winning AHL9 but also endure their share of tough times to keep the show on the road.

All is documented in the book which was launched last week at GAA headquarters, an event which Lenihan was delighted with 250 people turned out with Liam O’Neill launching the book “There’s not too many junior hurling teams who get into Croke Park on merit,” he told GazetteSport.

The event acted as a reunion of sorts for the 86 players who have donned the Geese jersey in the past four years but Lenihan added that the economic situation of the country has impacted on the side.

“The reality is most of the time, we are still struggling. We’ve played about 160 matches and have never given a walkover but there’s been many games where we’ve just had the games required.

“We won the league in 2009. Ed Sweetman, one of the guys involved from the start, said this could be a poisoned chalice. It was wonderful to win it

but it did potentially make it harder as a lot of lads decided that it wasn’t going to get any better than that and stopped.

Such struggles make for a unique book in the sport’s literature “Other than club histories, there is a serious lack of literature about junior clubs. It charts Ireland, too. When we started, Ireland was sitting on top of the world and now a lot of our lads are struggling for work and to make ends meet.”

Proceeds from the book go to the club’s juvenile hurling section and it is available in Eason’s and on kennys.ie.

METEORS fell to DCU Mercy 66-58 in the women’s SuperLeague as the north Dublin club maintained their perfect start to the season despite 15 points from Beth Meany and 15 from Rebecca Nagle.

Despite the win, head coach Mark Ingle found plenty for his squad to improve upon as they prepare for an away match-up with Singleton SuperValu Brunell next weekend.

“We had a big height advantage but never used it fully. We were a bit undisciplined in that aspect because whenever we did get the ball inside we really hurt them. That said, it was a good win, it was in their home gym and they hit some incredible shots to keep it close.”

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

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28 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 22 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport O’Brien makes fourth round of PTC: FERGAL O’Brien proved an indirect beneficiary of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s sabbatical from the world snooker tour as the Lucan man received a walkover last week in the Player’s Tour Championship round four event in Gloucester.

The pair were due to meet in the third round of the competition but O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw from the tour left the way open for O’Brien to advance.

He subsequently played out a cracking tie with Gerard Greene but ultimately fell 4-3 in round four.

It followed O’Brien’s recent run to the last 32 of the International Championship in which he overcame a qualifier against Mark King and then progressed through the wildcard round, beating Chen Feilong 6-3 before becoming undone by the red-hot form of Judd Trump.

soccer: lucan student nets injury-time penalty to snatch title

Leinster win back Interpros  sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER snatched the FAI schoolgirl’s U-15 interprovincial title last week from Connacht in dramatic fashion in Athlone Town with St Finian’s CC’s Jamie Finn, St Joseph’s College, Lucan’s Eleanor Ryan Boyle and Niamh Farrelly, Lucan CC’s Danie Murray and Balbriggan CC’s Erica Byrne all playing their part.

Connacht had the slight advantage heading into the final game as the two sides were level on points with the western province just edging it on goal difference meaning Connacht needed just a draw to annex the title for the first time in their history.

And they looked on course for this until injury time when Leinster were awarded a penalty which Ryan Boyle confidently converted to see her team bask in the glory.

It improved the province’s record to seven wins in 14 years, their last victory coming in 2009 when they put a stop to Munster’s four in a row ambitions.

Connacht deserved something more from the game as they came close on a number of occasions. The team impressed throughout.

Their intensity and hunger for the game was evident through the 60 minutes of football with the standard of play from all four provinces

immense over the six game test Earlier in the competition, Leinster had beaten Ulster 2010 2-0 in their tournament opener as two well-worked second half goals proved the difference with Farrelly impressing.

They followed up with a 2-1 win over Munster in which Ryan Boyle went close early on as Jenny Nagle cleared the ball off the line in dramatic fashion to keep the stalemate.

Lauren O’Callaghan hit the crossbar moments later as Howard’s squad advanced.

But Leinster were not to be denied too much longer as Ryan Boyle smashed the ball to the roof of the net for a splendid goal.

St Finian’s CC’s Jamie Finn captained the Leinster side at the interpros

Munster went on to equalise following the restart but the blues responded, Murray going close with goalkeeper Christine Coffey but the net minder pulled off an exceptional save to deny the young Lucan student.

With only 15 minutes remaining the Leinster dynamo and captain Jamie Finn struck a fabulous ball from over 20 yards out to leave the keeper stranded. A wonderful finish for a promising star leaving

Leinster with the upper hand.

It sent the tournament to the wire with that penalty conversion from last year’s schools internationals Ryan Boyle insuring the riches to Leinster this year with a high end finale to the game.

Following the tournament, newly appointed schools international manager Richelle O’Neill will be charged with putting together a provisional squad ahead of the Bob Docherty Cup

which will take place on April 1 to 4, 2013 in Northern Ireland.

O’Neill will be accompanied by Lorraine Counihan (Colaiste Mhuire, Buttevant) who has been drafted in as assistant manager this season. Jason Carey (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue) has been appointed coach for the upcoming campaign.

Carey was part of the management set up for the last two years alongside O’Neill.

Balbriggan’s Nulty receives top LCU honour  sport@gazettegroup.com

Cian Nulty, left, receives advice from Max Sorenson

BALBRIGGAN’S Cian Nulty was selected by Ireland international fast bowler Max Sorensen as this year’s winner of Leinster cricket’s Find A Fast Bowler competition.

Sorenson, who recently returned from the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, selected Nulty after attending several under-age provincial sessions paying particular attention to the most promising quick bowlers.

Speaking about the award,

he said: “Cian is a worthy winner of the Leinster Cricket Union’s ‘Find a Fast Bowler’ talent identification pro gramme for this season.

“He possesses a fine bowling action and generates good pace for a 12-year-old. We worked on a few small technical areas including his grip and release position that should see him improve even further in the coming year.

“What particularly impressed me was the late swing he gets and his ability to bowl a very useful yorker. I

look forward to following his progress at Balbriggan over the coming years”.

Nulty started playing with the Fingal club at the age of six and comes from a strong cricketing family with his grandfather playing the game for nearly 60 years.

He has gone on to play for North Leinster U-11s for the past three years and also represented Leinster on tour in Wales against Eryi District.

His best bowling came against YMCA with a spell of 5-12 from four overs while he

also likes to play hurling and Gaelic football with O’Dwyer’s and rugby with Balbriggan.

Nulty cites hard-hitting Kevin O’Brien as his favourite current Irish player while Australian one-day master Shane Watson is among his idols from around the world, both shot-making all-rounders.

He follows in the footsteps of the likes of North County’s Andrew Sheridan, Clontarf’s David Delany, Phoenix’s Rory Anders and Pembroke’s Josh Little as recipients of this award.

22 November 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 29

Gazette

Gavin outlines secret ingredients to success New manager believes the ethos he witnessed over a lengthy association with An Garda can be a key tenet in his role with the Dublin senior footballers in 2013 THE watchwords of “respect, self-sacrifice, commitment, perseverance and hard work” abounded from Jim Gavin, the newly installed Dublin senior football manager, ethics he witnessed during his time with the Garda GAA club will be pivotal to his new role.

He was speaking at the launch of the most ambitious fundraiser the Westmanstown Gaels and Garda GAA clubs have run in tandem. They are endeavouring to sell upwards of 800 tickets to their Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire? event that will take place on Saturday, December 8, aiming to pack out the Acorn Suite at Westmanstown.

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

Gavin, a former manager and coach with Garda’s intermediate side for three years, was on hand at the launch and espoused the virtues of the club that has been a second home after his native Round Tower, a place which helped him cut his teeth with adult players.

It remains his sole club management job in tandem with a glittering career with the Dublin U-21s, winning the All-

Ireland in 2003 as well as 2010 and 2012 off the back of which he became the standout candidate for the county’s top job.

Fond memories of his links to the Westmanstown outfit remain: “I worked in the Garda air support unit a number of years back so I would have known quite a number of the guards, especially playing against them with the Defence Forces.

“Jim Murphy asked me would I coach and manage their team and it was a privilege to do it. We did well with intermediate sides and I learned an awful lot working with those guys,” he told GazetteSport.

“For me, the attraction

Jim Gavin speaking in Westmanstown last week. Picture: confettismiles.ie

was the values and the culture of the club, something that Westmanstown Gaels are now associated with. It’s something I’ve always believed in, something I’ve preached to the players at U-21 level – selfsacrifice, commitment, respect, perseverance and

a lot of talent outside it.

Over the next couple of months, we’ll be patrolling the county looking for players and hopefully in the New Year, in the O’Byrne Cup, National League and championship, we’ll get consistent performances and then

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

‘Self-sacrifice, commitment, respect, perseverance and hard work. These are things I’ve always believed in’ - Jim Gavin

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hard work.”

Since then, he has been a key observer of the development of the club, attending the opening of their all-weather facility in 2008 and noting the maiden girl’s Feile football success in 2011.

And he believes that if the club’s young charges can focus on the basics, placing an emphasis on becoming “balanced” players, there is little in the way of forging their way into more honours in the future.

The ethos is one he is very keen to imbue in the county’s senior footballers when collective training gets under way in the second week of December, “Taking on the Dublin task is an onerous one but one I look forward to and I relish.

“There is lots of talent in the current squad and

the results will follow.

“Most of the time is spent scouting at the moment. We’ve been out at the senior and intermediate club championships and also the U-21s and minors. We’ve a network of scouts profiling players, trying to identify talent and it is out there in abundance and then we try and distil the numbers down.”

To this end, he has also sought advice from predecessor Pat Gilroy, who led the sky-blues to the 2011 All-Ireland: “Pat was there for four years so I’ve spoken to him on his views about the players.

“But it is a clean slate and any new management team that comes in has fresh ideas. There’s been a hell of a lot of good work done over the past few years and, for me, it’s building on that.”

FastSport

Irish cycling show set for Citywest in March THE second Irish cycling show will take place on March 9 and 10, 2013 at the Citywest Exhibition venue, Dublin.

The inaugural show in May 2012 attracted 4,000 visitors in a very successful two days with over 90 companies exhibiting at the event.

New for 2013 will be free car parking, lower entrance prices and Sprocket Rocket for kids with a host of new exhibitors showcasing their cycling products.

Animal Bike Tour will be the star Stunt Show attraction for 2013 while freestyle BMX rider Keelan Philips will again demonstrate his skills.

The cycle test track will be featuring again for 2013. Other special guests will be announced over the coming months.

Speaking about the event, Hugh Bonner of organisers Mara Media said: “We are so happy to be involved in running the cycling exhibition again in Dublin at a time when cycling of all sorts is booming and we look forward to working with the cycling industry and public as we build on the success of the first show.”

Lucan and DSD enjoy fine runs THREE Lucan Harriers athletes took part in the BHAA/Bank of Ireland 5.5km race on Dollymount Beach last week.

Representing the women was Bernie Stapleton, who was home in an excellent time of 28.47.

For the men we had Gerry Martin coming in first in 26.31 followed by Jim Dwyer in 32.11 For the juveniles, Ciaran Cooney ran in the U-13 Dublin crosscountry 2.5km in

Marlay Park finishing in a brilliant fifth position and also qualified to run on the Dublin team as a result.

At U-19 level, Dundrum South Dublin claimed the team event with Killian Mooney finishing first with Rick Nally third and Andrew Cullen in fifth place.

On the girls’ side, Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner led home DSD in the U-19 competition with club members finishing in each of the first four positions as well as sixth place on their home turf to claim the team title in style.

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 22 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: coleman strikes late to deny broadford

Blackrock hosts record entry list for school race A RECORD number turned out for the East Leinster Schools’ Cross-Country Invitation, held in perfect conditions at Blackrock College.

A clear winner of the senior boys’ race was Cillian O Maonaigh of Colaiste Eoin who last Sunday had taken the Dublin U-19 crown. A fighting second and leading Blackrock to team victory was Andrew Cullen.

Finishing a close third was Adam Crowley of Ard Scoil Ris, with Liam Ashton of St Aidan’s Whitehall fourth in a high quality race.

Nicole Kenny of Rathdown, pictured centre above, won the senior girls’ race comfortably, with Richeal Ni Laoghaire in second place leading the Colaiste Iosagain squad to its third team victory of the day.

Finishing third was Jenny Hughes of Rathdown.

Other Dublin champions in action were Liam Mac Giolla Phadraig of Colaiste Eoin and Rathdown’s Isabelle Odlum. Mac Giolla Phadraig beat Kevin Woods of CUS and Blackrock’s Luke McCann in the boy’s inter race, while Odlum, a newcomer to athletics, led from the start of the girls’ inter race beating Regan McGlynn of Loreto Stephen’s Green and Saibh McCarrick of Muckross.

In the junior races, Hannah Ni Dhea of Colaiste Iosagain was another who took an early lead, finishing ahead of Alexandra’s Ruby Barlow in the girls’ race, while of the junior boys, Oisin O Gibne from Drogheda Grammar beat Joseph Hession and Kevin McKenna, both St Aidan’s. With only three to count, it meant St Aidan’s were decisive winners of the team title.

Starting the days’ programme were two packed minor races, with 130 in the girls race alone. Jody McCann of Rathdown was first home of the girls and Willow Park’s Conor Halpin best of the boys.

Dominating the girls’ races were the girls of Colaiste Iosagain who won three of the four girls’ team titles. The exception came in the inter race, where Muckross came home ahead of Alexandra College and Sion Hill.

Next on the schools’ calendar is the annual CSB Schools Cross- Country Invitation at the ALSAA, Dublin Airport on Wednesday November 28.

Leicester Celtic’s LSL Saturday Division Three side got the better of near neighbours Broadford Rovers

Leicester’s derby delight lsl saturday division 3 Broadford Rovers Leicester Celtic  peter carroll

1 2

sport@gazettegroup.com

BARRY Coleman’s last second goal condemned Broadford Rovers to a fifth successive loss, propelling Leicester Celtic up to fifth in the LSL Saturday division three last weekend in the Nutgrove derby.

He fired though a crowded penalty area to hand Leicester their third win on the trot and keep alive hopes of catching the runaway leaders Castle Park,

AIB and Cloghertown United.

Leicester took the early lead in the game after winning a corner in the opening five minutes. Paul Egan swung the ball invitingly into the danger area for John Behan who rose above all challengers to nod the ball home.

At 1-0, the momentum of the game swung back and forth between the two sides whose clubs are based only a couple of hundred metres apart, and the score remained the same at the interval.

It wasn’t until added

national awards DSDAC land top award at Athletics Ireland event After an incredible 2012, Dundrum

South Dublin AC won the performance club of the year award at the National Athletics Awards, in Association with Woodie’s DIY and Tipperary Crystal, Clyde Court Hotel, Ballsbridge.

Members of the club are pictured with with chief executive of Woodies DIY, Ray Colman, after the Dublin 14 club enjoyed an exceptional run of success in cross country, road running and track competition.

time that the next goal was scored, and this time it was Rovers who fired home, after an aggressive break down the right hand side saw their wide man spray the ball across the goalmouth before one of their attackers slid in to regain parity.

With the goal coming so late, most were sure that the rivals would leave with an equal share of the points.

However, in the dying embers, Conor Basquille ran 30 yards after catching a loose long ball in the centre of defence, before feeding the ball

to Behan whose effort was blocked by the Rovers keeper before Barry Coleman got on the end of it to finish the scoring in the 94th minute.

Manager Declan Ellison spoke after the game about how his team, now sitting second, have made promotion their target for the season.

“T here is a good sporting relationship between both clubs,” said Ellison. “But, it’s always nice to get the win and it came as quite a surprise so late on in the game.

“This team is used mostly to bleed the

U-18 players into the senior game and we are all really happy with how the lads are coming on at the club; they’ve certainly settled down well and they’re starting to play some great football.

“We want to push for promotion, that was our target at the start of the year and the more the team play together, the more they are working as a unit and putting points on the board.

“A win against our local rivals is sure to spur them on for the remainder of the season,” he finished.

22 November 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

Olaf’s promotion bid comes to an end  sport@gazettegroup.com

NAOMH Olaf fell at the hands of St Pat’s Donabate last Sunday 0-7 to 0-5 to end their hopes of a return back up to AFL2 at the playoff semi-final stage.

The first half was a tense, nervous affair with both teams missing chances but Naomh

Olaf went in at half time leading by 0–4 to 0–2 with Eoin Kinsella, Feargal McCann, Brian Begley and David Byrne clearing the bar.

But they could not maintain the advantage as St Patrick’s made the better start to the second half and were on level terms after 10 minutes. Olaf’s had several

attacks cleared and were twice denied goals by the St Patrick’s goalkeeper.

With four minutes to play the home side held a three point lead and while Naomh Olaf scored the final point their only effort of the second half - this was not enough to save the day.

It ends a lengthy sea-

son for the Sandyford club whose campaign started way back in late February.

They ended the regular season in fourth place with 10 wins from their 15 games to reach the playoffs but missed out on a final date for the one remaining promotion spot against Na Fianna.

football: dalkey side bow out of leinster

Club Noticeboard Foxrock cabinteely THE annual club dinner dance took

King spoke eloquently about the suc-

place last Friday night in the Stillorgan

cesses of the club this year.

Park Hotel.

We have a total of 13 girls currently

The function was organised by

taking part in the Dublin U-16 and

Diarmuid Byrne with the help of Denise

minor Dublin trials. We wish them the

Connor. There was a packed house as

best of luck in their endeavours.

the ladies senior team were honoured

Well done to Rachel Mahon, Sarah

for their historic first Dublin senior

Currivan and Eanna Fitzgerald who

championship victory.

represented the club, playing for Dub-

Also honoured was captain, Sinead

lin U-13s at the Leinster blitz in Car-

Goldrick for picking up her first all-

low. Both Rachel and Eanna were on

star at the recent LGFA awards night.

the winning Dublin Feile team, Rachel

Guest of honour, chairperson of the

playing at corner-forward and Eanna

Dublin Ladies county board, Maureen

at corner-back.

naomh olaf COMMISERATIONS to our Intermedi-

everyone to buy tickets from the

ate footballers who lost to St Pat’s

bar and mentors in advance, and

of Donabate in the league playoff.

to come up on the 15th when there

Our Under-21 footballers are due to

will be live music to keep every-

play Craobh Chiarain on Saturday

one entertained and special spot

afternoon away.

prizes.

A very successful poker clas-

Treasured Memories, a 30-year

sic was held on November 17 in the

history of Naomh Olaf GAA club,

clubhouse with some 100 players

compiled by Brendan McGlynn,

participating. Congratulations to

makes an ideal Christmas gift.

the team who organised the event.

Books still available from the

Special thanks to Eoin Kinsella and

club bar or contact Brendan on 01

the many others who helped make

The Cuala intermediate football team prior to their Leinster semi-final date with Monasterevan

Epic Cuala season comes to an end leinster ifc semi final

Cuala 0-10 Monasterevan 1-12  sport@gazettegroup.com

CUALA’S epic season came to an end last Sunday in Newbridge as their Leinster club intermediate football campaign came to an end at the hands of Monasterevan at the semi-final stage.

On a grim overcast day, the Dalkey side could not counter the Kildare champions’ scoring form, prevailed by 1-14 to 0-10.

They were stung pregames by the absence of

Dublin senior star Mick Fitzsimons and they never fully got into top gear having previously accounted for opposition from Wicklow and Longford.

Wayne Fitzpatrick, a member of this year’s Kildare minor football team, kicked three first half points for Monasterevan as they opened up an early 0-6 to 0-2 advantage.

Cuala, however, battled back with Paul Schutte and John Sheanon to the fore, helping to bring the game level with seven minutes to go in the

first half.

But the game turned the way of the K ildare men with David Maher’s goal before the interval and Monasterevan never looked back from that point as they built a 1-8 to 0-6 lead at the break.

Sheanon and Luke Keating did add a couple of scores but they never built the full momentum needed to threaten to overhaul the scoreboard.

Fitzpatrick added another couple of frees to augment the scoreline and leave the Dalkey club with too

much to do.

It brought to a close a season in which Derek Dunne’s side stormed to the Dublin intermediate championship title, exorcising many of the demons that had marked two prior final defeats and won back senior status for the club.

Elsewhere, Cuala’s U-14A hurlers did enjoy some success as they came from behind to beat Lucan Sarsfields and secure promotion to Division 1 next season in a classic encounter in Thomastown on Saturday afternoon.

2956139.

the event to successful. This year’s

There was no winner of the lotto.

Christmas draw will take place on

Numbers drawn were 20, 24 and

December 15 and the club invites

32.

stars of erin OUR Under-10s played a good game

a Thousandaire? on March 16, 2013.

against St Mark’s in Glencullen on

All sponsors are welcome.

Saturday.

Players wanted for the 2013 season for adults and juveniles.

Contact any committee member club.

We are holding a Who Wants To Be

This week’s lotto was not won.

Numbers drawn were 3, 4 and 24; €20 winners were Colleen Donnelly, Tom Nolan and Jay Gill.

Nex t week’s jackpot is € 1600.

Thanks for all your support

ballyboden st enda’s WELL done to the U-21 hurlers on

A coach education workshop will

reaching the county final and the

be held next Friday night, delivered

U-15B hurlers (Mick Garry, Colm

by former Dublin All-Ireland winner

O’Connor) on winning the shield.

Paul Clarke.

Hard luck to the U-16A camogie team on league final loss.

This course will be very beneficial to juvenile and adult coaches

Deadline for the Christmas issue

of not only football/ladies football,

of The Boden News is November 30.

but also hurling/camogie coaches

Sincere sympathy to juvenile

as most games can be adapted to

hurling mentor Tom McGrath and family on the death his mother in Limerick.

work in all codes.

We would encourage as many as possible to attend on the night and

Section general meetings: camogie

you can register online at http://

section on Wednesday, December 5

education.gaa.ie. Bingo on Tuesday

at 8pm; hurling section on Sunday,

night.

November 25 at 5pm; football on Tuesday, December 11 at 9pm.

Ladies football section race night on Friday at 8pm.

Lotto week seven numbers 19, 15, 23 and 20 The jackpot of € 4,000 was not won.

GazetteSPORT all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 27-31

end of an epic: Cuala’s championship journey comes to low-key end at hands of Monasterevan P31

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Exclusive jim gavin interview: New Dublin senior football boss speaks to GazetteSport P29

Blackrock Flyers founders honoured  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

COLM and Shelagh Leech have received one of the 2012 National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport on the back of the fantastic work they have done in disability sports and in particular, the Special Olympics.

The Leeches have been volunteers with Special Olympics for over 15 years during which time they have taken on a variety of different roles working at national, regional and local club levels. Their daughter, Tara, is a participant in the Special Olympics in gymnastics, basketball, athletics and golf.

In 1989 the couple were among a group of parents to establish a Special Olympics Club in Bray.

This was one of the first community based clubs and they went on to found a further club in Blackrock.

As strong advocates and shining examples of the role family members can play in such an organisation, Shelagh and Colm have been leaders in the family programme for Special Olympics since its earliest days.

Experts in event management, the Blackrock couple have helped out many of their peers in ensuring that events both looked well and ran properly. They were also heavily involved in the develop-

ment of a Special Olympics town, a themed fun centre at the National Games. It was no surprise when Shelagh was asked to take on the overall management of the Special Olympics town for the 2003 Special Olympics World Games in Dublin.

She recalled the fantastic day the couple enjoyed and reflected on the “wonderful life” they have enjoyed in their roles.

“At the ceremony Des Cahill, who was the MC on the night and who has been very involved himself through the years, listed off many of the things we have done over the last 22 years and honestly we had forgotten so many.

“We were reminded of the fantastic work that’s happened over the years with our club, Blackrock Flyers, and are so happy with how our daughter’s life has panned out, from athlete to being a teacher now.

We’re just very thankful.

“Blackrock Flyers now have over 115 members competing over four sports and we can’t imagine ourselves doing anything else but working with the club.

“The evening was fantastic and the Aviva Stadium was a fantastic location. It really was very nice and I even got to meet some of my heroes from when I was competing.

It was a fantastic honour and we will remember it for a long time.”

Colm and Shelagh Leech were honoured for their superb volunteer work