Dun laoghaire

Gazette DUN LAOGHAIRE

PLUS:

February 6, 2014

FREE

BLACKROCK • CORNELSCOURT • DEANSGRANGE • DALKEY • GLASTHULE • MONKSTOWN • GLENAGEARY

INSIDE: The essential guide to making this Valentine’s Day especially sweet P19

Rugby:

Blackrock star set for World Series challenge Page 32

Hockey:

St Andrew’s girls take the Leinster title Page 30

Find us on

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................25 SPORT ...........................27

OPINION: Ruairi Quinn on ending the ‘competition’ for school places Page 6

Levy plan divides business owners  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

COMMERCIAL rate payers in Dun Laoghaire are at loggerheads over a plebiscite on a proposal to make the town a business improvement district (BID).

Disagreement arose among business owners over the inclusion of a levy in the BID proposal, which will fund projects that could increase trade.

A meeting chaired by broadcaster

Vincent Browne in the Royal Marine Hotel was set up recently to discuss concerns around voting for or against BID in the plebiscite – the deadline for which is February 12.

BID advocate Don McManus said 80% of businesses in the town would pay a €200 levy per year if the plebiscite passes, whereas Peter Kerrigan of Celtic Invoice Discounting said: “Why should we pay more when we’re already paying in rates?”

Full Story on Page 2

Picture perfect: Ballybrack pupil dreams big in his painting A BALLYBRACK pupil has been shortlisted as one of the 15 best young artists in Ireland at the Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards.

Seven-year-old Rian O Dhalaigh from Gaelscoil Phadraig entered his painting I Would Love To See a Two-Sided Monster, as the com-

petition’s theme was I Would Love To See ... He is pictured above with Sightsavers representative Roisin Cronin and his teacher, Doireann De Burca. The overall winner and runners-up will be announced later this month at a special awards ceremony.

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 6 February 2014

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N

LEVY Vote on strategy hangs in balance

Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes six weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Hiromi Mooney picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Group Advertising Manager: Conor Mahon cmahon@gazettegroup.com Direct Ad Sales Manager: Tatum Rooney trooney@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com

FIND US ON

www.gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

The Royal Marine Hotel was the venue for a meeting chaired by broadcaster Vincent Browne (inset), at which the pros and cons of setting up a business improvement district for Dun Laoghaire were discussed. Vincent Browne picture: Photocall Ireland

Business community divided on district plan

A PLEBISCITE to decide whether or not to make Dun Laoghaire a business improvement district (BID) has divided the business community in the town and brewed up a storm over how Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council spends money.

A BID is a defined area where businesses pay a membership fee to fund projects to encourage and help business within the area’s boundaries.

A meeting chaired by broadcaster Vincent Browne to discuss the current plebiscite was attended by around 100 people in the Royal Marine Hotel on February 3.

The Gazette spoke to the organiser of the meeting, Dun Laoghaire Business Association chairman Don

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

McManus.

He said: “It was a healthy debate and Vincent Browne was taking no prisoners from either side. Some people didn’t agree with BID and put their cases forward very eloquently, and a lot of misconceptions were cleared up.

“There is a lack of cohesion between business and the local authority. Business is not represented as a body, and that’s a fundamental problem.

“If adopted, businesses would pay a levy based on the amount of

money they pay in rates; 80% of the businesses in Dun Laoghaire will be paying less than €200 a year, which is tax-deductible.

“There would be a board set-up and a town manager [would be] employed who wouldn’t be on the board.

“We’d have our own waste collection and hold on to the recyclable gear to sell on and therefore have a revenue stream.

“We want the same [for Dun Laoghaire businesses] as the anti [-BID] campaign,” said McManus.

However, Peter Kerrigan, of Celtic Invoice Discounting, who is against the BID plan, and is part of the Fair Rates for Dun Laoghaire campaign, told The Gazette: “Why should we pay more

when we’re already paying in rates?

“BID is a measure of desperation, and I understand it but it’s not a resolution.”

He said: “I wasn’t at the [hotel] meeting, as the chairman, Vincent Browne, will be working with the council for the Joyce Tower project, so we didn’t feel he was neutral.”

Kerrigan is also claiming that the council is wasting money by spending between €35m and €60m on a library; that the council needs to be reorganised in how it does its business and that its spending needs to be monitored.

However, the council said the estimated cost of the new Central Library is €36.6m, and that the €60m figure is unfounded.

A council spokesperson said: “Should the BID company be established, the businesses within the BID area will then be asked to pay a levy which will be collected by the council on behalf of the BID company, and all monies collected will be transferred by the council to the BID company.

“The monies collected are not council income – the income belongs to the BID company.

“The BID company can only use this income to fund activities/services not provided by the council,” said the spokesperson.

Businesses have until February 12 to vote in the BID plebiscite, at which point the result of the vote will go forward to a council meeting on March 10.

6 February 2014 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3

children

animal business: novel way to look after pets while away on holidays

A sea of artistic talent

Caring for dogs without using cages or kennels  bairbre ni bhraonain

A new company in Dun Laoghaire has come up with a novel way to mind dogs while owners are away, without using cages or kennels.

HouseMyDog links up dog owners who are going abroad or need their dog taken care of for any reason, with minders willing to take them into their homes for the duration.

The firm has 50 minders on its online service ready to offer safe, kennelfree care for dogs in their own homes.

Launched in January, HouseMyDog, founded

by Timothy McElroy and based in Dun Laoghaire Enterprise Centre, is supported by the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

County Council.

According to Timothy McElroy, the service is simple, and aims to revolutionise dog-boarding by bringing together a passionate online community of dog owners and minders.

The idea is that dog owners create a free online profile which enables them to browse the vetted minders to find the perfect match for their dog and preferred location.

Customers then book directly online to set up their minder. An added benefit is that the service provides emergency vet care and even gives photo updates of their dog’s stay with the minder.

“We believe that all dogs deserve the best of care by real minders in

real homes.

“If you hate the idea of your dog staying in a kennel while you’re away then HouseMyDog is the right choice for you and your dog.”

“The beauty of the service is that dog owners can also become minders; giving them the opportunity to make money doing something that they love. The service will be rapidly expanding over the coming months to include dog walking, grooming, training and other pet services in addition to dog boarding.

“This is so minders can offer comprehensive packages or simply daily services without having to mind a dog in their home over night,” said McElroy.

Imagine that! A big competition for little story-makers is launched rte presenter Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, playwright and author Maeve Ingoldsby and publishers’ agent Conor Hackett helped launch Imaginosity’s What’s the Story? A Big Competition for Little Story-Makers recently at the children’s museum in Sandyford, where they were joined by senior infant pupils of Queen of Angels National School.

The competition is calling on children aged between three and eight years old to use a lot of imagination and create their own fun, adventure story through a written story, painting, drawing, poem, script or a comic strip. The competition is open until Friday, February 28. For further information, see www.imaginosity.ie.

Children with artistic talent in Dun LaoghaireRathdown can show off their skills in an art competition being run by The National Maritime Museum on Haigh Terrace in Dun Laoghaire this month.

In keeping with the Maritime Museum’s nautical ethos, the theme for this year’s competition is ‘Ships and Boats and Things that Float’.

Entries can be posted to the museum or dropped in the front desk. Participants must include their name, age and a contact number or email address.

Winners will be announced on March 3.

They will receive prizes sponsored by Easons in Dun Laoghaire and their artwork will be displayed in the Maritime museum.

4 DUN laoghaire Gazette 6 February 2014

Local

opinion Minister on admissions policy

Matters S u pp o r t l o c a l b u s i n e ss

Advertise with US

60 10 240

Enterprisenews Ruairi Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills: “The first-come, first-served system is not fair to all”

Hi-Start Programme Get your Business Investor Ready How can Hi-Start progress my business in 2014?

THE Hi-Start Management Development Programme assists ambitious early stage growth focused companies to identify and build the foundations required to secure investment and scale the business in international markets.

Hi-Start has been developed and part-funded by the Dublin & Wicklow Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland.

Now in its 7th year and with a new focus on investor readiness the programme will run from March to October 2014 in Dublin.

What is involved?

The seven half day workshops are designed to each contribute a key component to the development of the investor ready business plan. A related mentoring session will follow each training module to assist the participant with the specific outcomes required.

The programme will be delivered by the highly acclaimed world-class business development consultant John McMahon, Forum 21 Ltd.

Am I eligible?

Participation is limited to 10 companies. Applicants must meet the criteria below: •Have established customer need and demand for the products/service •Demonstrate the potential to scale business to the international market •Be established no more than 2 years •Based in Dublin or Wicklow region

How to apply?

Participation Fee €500 (includes all training and mentoring costs) To apply contact angela@dlrceb. ie Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Enterprise Board (01) 4948400

Bill aims to end school places ‘competition’ WE ALL want the best education possible for our children. Often, as parents, this involves us trying to decide what is the “best” school in our area and applying to that primary or secondary school for our child. .

For the vast majority of children and parents, enrolling in schools is a simple and straightforward process.

But, with one in five schools over-subscribed, for some parents getting your child admitted to school can be a frustrating or anxious time.

Most schools in Ireland are inclusive and welcome all children, but I believe that parents are entitled to feel confident that there is consistency in the way schools admit pupils and that it is a fair, open and transparent process.

That is why I am introducing a new admissions or enrolment law for all schools, which will level the playing field in terms of applications for school places and make sure that all parents know exactly what criteria a school uses in those 20% of

cases where there is oversubscription.

I hope that the Admission to Schools Bill will be made law before the summer. It will pave the way for a more transparent, parent-friendly school admissions process across all of our 4,000 primary and post-primary schools.

In a sense, the new legislation introduces good house-keeping measures that will apply to all schools everywhere. For example, schools will no longer be allowed to charge parents simply to apply for a place in a school.

There will be no more open-ended waiting lists.

While on the face of it, a first-come, first served system (where children’s names are put down for school places – in some cases, from the day they were born), may seem fair, it actually is not.

For example, what about families who have had to move from one part of Dublin to another?

Or those who have moved from other counties to the capital? Or those who are returning from overseas with young families? Or

for the “new Irish”, who have decided to make Ireland their home?

The first-come, firstserved system is not fair to all.

The new legislation means that schools can only accept applications for admission from October 1 of the year before a child is due to start school. There will be no more waiting lists in oversubscribed schools.

The new measures also mean that schools will not be able to conduct interviews with parents and children ahead of enrolment, or to make 12-year-old children sit “admissions” exams or competence tests.

Appeals The draft Bill also introduces a simpler appeals process, ending what can be lengthy and often costly legal disputes between parents and schools.

Appeals will now be dealt with at a local level.

This new legislation will require that all schools state clearly in their admission policies that they are welcoming of all students, whatever their ability or background.

This will help put an end to the “soft barriers” which are sometimes used to discourage applications from parents of children with special needs and other minority groupings.

Many of us will have heard stories about how a school might have told a parent that their child “would be better off” in the school down the road – that will not be tolerated any more.

Teachers, school management bodies, patrons and parents have all been consulted in the drawing up of this legislation.

I expect a report shortly from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection, who have held public discussions on the legislation. This will then pave the way for the drafting of the legislation.

On a related matter, I know that in certain pockets of heavily populated Dublin – for example, in Dublin 2, 4 and 6 – where demand for primary school places is high, parents face an anxious time when waiting to see what school their child will get a place in.

The Department of Education and Skills is working hard to find solutions to problems of oversubscription in such areas, including examining if we can increase the capacity of existing schools or if new schools are needed.

I want to assure parents that there will be a school place for their child this September. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that it will be in their “first choice” of school.

Again, the new Admissions to Schools Bill will ensure that parents in such circumstances can be assured that the enrolment process in all schools will be fair and transparent.

As I mentioned at the beginning, most of our schools already operate a welcoming policy providing for smooth enrolments of children and young people.

These schools have nothing to fear from the Bill, while parents and their children have much to gain from the new law.  ruairi quinn Minister for Education & Skills

6 February 2014 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

music Complete repertoire of masses at concerts

Get ready for a noteworthy Mozart show  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE complete repertoire of Mozart’s masses is to be performed over the next 16 months by Dun Laoghaire Choral Society.

T he Mozar t Mass project was launched last week in the Mansion House with a special performance by the society.

The project will chart the entire repertoire from the first masses written by the composer when he was 13 up to his last, and most famous, Requiem, composed just before he died at 35.

At the launch, music director David Brophy, former principal conductor of the RTE

Concert Orchestra, said that performing the full repertoire of Mozart’s masses consecutively was “like eavesdropping on the young Mozart as he played with different styles” and changed key often; almost as though he was bored by his own innovation.

Bernard Murphy, secretary of the society, said: “I am very delighted to be part of one of the most exciting projects that [we] have undertaken, to date.

“It is the first time that an amateur choir in Ireland has decided to perform all 17 Mozart masses over five concerts.

“A c c o m p a n i e d b y superb soloists and orchestra, and conducted

by the well-known Dublin conductor David Brophy, the first concert will take place in St Ann’s Church in Dawson Street on Saturday, February 22.”

The highly ambitious series has never been undertaken before by an amateur Irish choir, and the choir will combine with the newly-formed Fishamble Sinfonia, an ensemble of music students, as well as four young soloists who auditioned from Ireland’s leading third-level schools of music.

The soloists selected for the first concert are soprano Jean Wallace, alto Chris Murphy, tenor Richard Bridge and bass David Howes.

children Rian’s art shortlisted  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Some of the members of Dun Laoghaire Choral Society line up at the east pier for a preview of their upcoming Mozart mass concerts

Further auditions will take place for the other four performances, thus allowing a large number of student singers to gain experience of singing with orchestra and choir under

Brophy’s direction.

The Dun Laoghaire Choral Society was established 32 years ago and has performed in many prestigious arenas, with recent years seeing the

choir collaborate with the likes of Katherine Jenkins and Andrea Bocelli.

For further information on the upcoming Mozart mass project, see www. dlcs.ie.

A PUPIL from Gaelscoil Phadraig in Ballybrack has been shortlisted for a top prize in the Sightsavers Junior Painter awards.

Seven-year-old Rian O’Dhalaigh is one of 15 regional finalists, and his painting – I would Love to See a Two-Sided Monster – was chosen from among 5,000 entries by Oscar-nominated animator Tomm Moore, and artist Padraig Naughton.

Rian will now have his artwork displayed at the awards ceremony, which is to be held in the Science Gallery in Trinity College on February 25.

6 DUN laoghaire Gazette 6 February 2014

council ‘Guidance will come as a relief to many’ FastNews

Report aims to reduce risk of local flooding  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE threat of flooding in Dun LaoghaireRathdown could be significantly reduced in the future following a report compiled by council engineers recommending improvements to combat flooding in areas most prone to it.

The Progress Report on Current Flood Alleviation Projects, which came out on January 27, was undertaken to provide guidance on floodrisk management under the auspices of the Office of Public Work.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) welcomed the report, saying the flood projects outlined would come as a relief to many people in the county.

He said: “Real progress had been made by council engineers in identifying the complex issues that contributed to the flooding of many homes over the past few years.

“I commend our staff for systematically indentifying solutions and implementing alleviation measures. This progress report is very welcome.”

The research identifies and map the areas of sig-

nificant flood risk, with a plan of prioritised measures to manage that risk.

The council said that its primary role concerning fluvial flooding is to maintain the water courses, remove any obstacles that have the potential to cause flooding and keep the culvert/bridge screens free of debris.

In 2011, 124mm in rainfall was recorded at the recording station in Marlay Park and Sandyford in a 32-hour period.

This intense rainfall resulted in drainage systems being overwhelmed in the county.

Shankill man is all set to sing for Bressie

In common with the rest of the country, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown has faced heavy rainfall issues in recent weeks, with a new report by council engineers detailing areas and specific works to help tackle the risk of flooding

The subsequent report to monitor and assess the needs of potential flooding areas found that the Stradbrook stream in Alma Park in Monkstown needs a culvert upgrade.

The culvert at Monkstown Parish Centre was found to require a screen upgrade, due to current

blockage due to debris.

A design was completed by Punch Consulting Engineers, and the replacement screen is currently nearing completion.

At Monkstown Cheshire Home, another culvert upgrade was recommended in the report to “increase the capacity of

the culvert and/or divert high flows overland to downstream sections of the stream”.

Other areas highlighted for flood relief measures include Clonkeen Park, Little Meadow (Deansgrange stream) and bank stabilisation measures around St Helier’s Copse in Blackrock.

A SHANKILL man has been chosen as part of Bressie’s team on this year’s Voice of Ireland contest.

Caoin Fitzpatrick is currently studying in the Rock School in Ballyfermot and when he is not at his studies, he gigs around Dublin with his band.

He caught Bressie’s ear enough to make the picky judge swivel his chair around with an impressive performance of Made of Stone

by Matt Corby.

Singing since he was five years old, Caoin also plays guitar and has amassed six guitars, to date; all of which he has named.

Stay tuned to find out how Caoin fares in the coming weeks on the Voice of Ireland on RTE 1 on Sundays at 6.30pm.

Fine Gael name local candidate FINE Gael have selected Ellen O’Connor to run as a local election candidate for Dun Laoghaire.

O’Connor, a secondyear history student in Trinity College Dublin, welcomed the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn’s announcement recently that politics and society will be introduced as an optional Leaving Certificate subject.

She said: “I believe that giving students a greater understanding about how our political system works will result in increased youth participation in politics, which is urgently needed.

“My age group has been unfairly labelled as apathetic towards politics. Most young people have a strong opinion on political issues, such as employment and education.”

6 February 2014 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7

Community No plan for Kill O’The Grange Garda station – OPW

Methadone clinic fears downplayed  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE former Kill O’The Grange Garda station has not yet been offered to any State body, including the HSE, hence no decision has been taken on any possible future use for it.

This is according to the Office of Public Works (OPW), in response to comments made by Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) to The Gazette this week.

Cllr Boyhan said: “Residents have contacted my office in recent weeks expressing serious concern about rumours circulating locally that the former Garda station

OUR READERS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE

To advertise

IN YOUR LOCAL PAPER call 60 10 240 OR E M AIL NEWS@ G A Z E T T E G RO U P. CO M

has been identified for a methadone clinic.

“This location is totally unsuitable for such a project and will be strongly opposed to by the local community.”

He has written to Brian Hayes, Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the OPW, asking for a confirmation or denial of the rumours.

Writing to Minister Hayes, Cllr Boyhan said: “In recent weeks, rumours have started to circulate that the HSE is considering the former Garda station as a methadone centre. This suggestion has caused wide concern amongst the residential

community in the area.

“The general view is the old station should be made available for community use. Indeed, I made representations to your office on behalf of the scouts and, to date, they have not had a favourable response.

“I would be grateful if you would confirm what is your Department’s intention in relation to this former station.”

Speaking about the local concerns about a methadone clinic, Cllr Denis O’Callaghan (Lab) said: “I haven’t heard any rumours to this effect; neither have I heard from the HSE Dublin-Mid

Leinster [section] that they have any plans [for the station].”

A spokesperson from the OPW said: “The stated policy for closed Garda stations is to identify if other State bodies, including Government Departments and the wider public sector, has a use for the property.

“If no State requirement is identified, or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW will consider community involvement, subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case that would indicate that the community/voluntary

The former Kill O’The Grange Garda station has not been offered to any State body for use, say the Office of Public Works

group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property.

“The property in question is actively being considered for suitability for disposal on the open market.”

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) said: “I can state categorically

that there has never been a proposal for the purposes of putting a methadone clinic at Kill O’The Grange or any other [Garda] station.

“There has been no request made for a methadone clinic ever from anyone, including the HSE.” In relation to a use for

the former Garda station in Stepaside that was closed last year despite local opposition, Cllr Neale Richmond (FG) said: “The station is owned by the OPW, and its future use is under review.

“I am hopeful that it will be made available for use by the community.”

8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 6 February 2014

gazetteGALLERIES

Philip Bond was one of the many audience members who posed questions or commented during the meeting at the RDS

POLITICS: hundreds attend rds for reform alliance meeting

T

HE eyes of the country were bent upon the RDS recently for a general meeting held on behalf of the Reform Alliance – the broad collective of politicians, prominent public figures and individuals looking to hold discourse on current political systems in Ireland.

Hundreds of people from across the country gathered to hear from key figures of the alliance, which included Lucinda Creighton, Peter Mathews, Billy Timmons and Fidelma Healy Eames, with the to-and-fro conversation with the audience creating plenty of food for thought for the attendees and panel alike.

Stuart McLaughlin, chief executive, Business2Arts and Dr Aoibheann Gibbons, UCD. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

ENTERPRISE: local luminaries attend arts forum

Ways to harness the cultural sector

Deputy Lucinda Creighton (FG) and husband Paul Bradford

A

Cllr Richie Molloy and Mattie McGrath (both Ind)

Deputy Peter Mathews (Ind)

NUMBER of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown businesses and political figures attended the inaugural Chamber of Arts, Heritage and Culture (Ireland) forum held recently in Dublin Castle, which focused on the topic, Harnessing the Cultural Sector as an Economic Resource – An Unparalleled Opportunity and Project of its Time.

The Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, was guest of honour and keynote speaker at the prestigious event, which was moderated by top economist David McWilliams, and which was also supported by several ambassadors and senior figures from national and international bodies. Given the area’s rich and diverse range of cultural bodies and treasures, there was great interest from the region’s representatives at the forum, who paid great attention to the many talking points.

Reform Alliance volunteers Denise Kelly, Louise O’Brien, Jamie Costelloe, Daniel O’Connell and Ruth Eames. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Economist David McWilliams emphasised his point to brand designer Cllr Marie Baker (FG)

Shirley Copperwhite

6 February 2014 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

His Excellency Loyola Hearn, Canadian ambassador to Ireland; Audrey McKenna, initiator, founder and chief executive of the Chamber of Arts, Heritage and Culture; Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Neil Keenan, chairman, the Chamber of Arts, Heritage and Culture

Edward and Primrose Wilson of Heritage Ireland

Chris Corlett, Department of Arts and Heritage, with Michael Starrett, chief executive, Heritage Council

Gemma Duke of the National College of

Stuart Dwyer, charge d’affaires, United

Art and Design, with Rosemary Ryan

States embassy

Jessica O’Brien and Agrese Lubova

10 DUN laoghaire Gazette 6 February 2014

gazetteGALLERY

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

The assembled protestors outside Irish Water’s headquarters at Talbot Street. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Citizens protest at Irish Water charges

A

SMALL but highly vocal protest was staged outside the city centre headquarters of Irish Water recently, in which a number of protesters made their opposition to the upcoming charge clear.

With Irish Water very much in

the public and political spotlight in recent weeks, the protesters drew upon a number of issues to make their point, now that the company is engaged in the national roll-out of its meters.

Engaging in conversation with pas-

sers-by, the loud but peaceful protest passed off without incident, with the protesters, under the umbrella banner of the Anti Austerity Alliance, happy to have exercised their right to make their opposition known and to raise awareness regarding the State project.

The colourful banner drew attention to the protest

Colm Halpin was among the protesters, who carried placards to get their message across and inform passing citizens of why they were demonstrating

6 February 2014 Gazette 11

feature P15

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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



Gazette

diary P12

what’son celebrations for the year of the horse

Neil Delamere and his panel guests will do their best to, err ... guesstimate what the coming week’s news will be in the comedian’s new show, Next Week’s News

comedy: neil delamere’s panel ponders what might be ahead

New TV show brings you tomorrow’s news, today  laura webb

WOULDN’T it be great to know the news before it happened? Well, Neil Delamere is testing this out with a new show that takes a comedic look at what could happen next week.

Next Week’s News is a new panel show headed by comedian Bernard O’Shea with Neil and PJ Gallagher as head panellists. Although the show is headed by Bernard, it is the brainchild of Neil and a friend.

So, why not headline the show, The

Gazette asked Neil.

He said: “I like to be the playful and unruly schoolboy rather than the headmaster. There is much more freedom being the person on the side.

“It is a slightly different way of looking at the news. Obviously, you can’t predict what is going to happen, so it really looks at this week’s news and is kind of – nominally – throwing us forward to see what could happen next week.

“It allows us talk about this week and kind of come up with some hare-brained theories of what might happen,” he said.

“We have three different regulars on it who know each other reasonably well, but who haven’t worked together before in this sort of environment.

“So, there is a nice bit of chemistry beginning to develop now over the last few episodes.

“The good thing about a panel show is that if you have two regulars, there are two chairs open to bring people through and introduce people to it. I would really hope that we would develop some Irish comics; a platform to develop young talent like that would be great.

“You get to work with a lot of people that you normally wouldn’t [in this kind of show],” he said.

If he is not in the studio predicting the news, Delamere is touring the country with his latest stand-up show Smartbomb. “It is busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Smartbomb’s tour will land at Vicar Street on March 21 and 22.

For further tour details, see www. neildelamere.com. Next Week’s News airs on RTE Two on Monday nights at 9.30pm.

THE Dublin Chinese New Year Festival started in style in the capital when the Lord Mayor, Oisin Quinn (Lab), helped launch the festival on January 30, with the Chinese New Year ushering in the Year of the Horse on February 1, deposing last year’s snake.

The Dublin Chinese New Year Festival features a great selection of events around Dublin throughout February.

The Westbury Hotel are playing host to an evening of conversation on the role of the horse in Irish culture, on February 11, featuring Tracy Piggott and other equestrian experts, while storytellers will regale children with Chinese tales of dragons until February 9 in Chester Beatty Library at Dublin Castle.

For full details of these and many other Chinese New Year celebrations, see www.cny.ie.

12 Gazette 6 February 2014

dublinlife

FEATURE

Gazette

Gazette

6 February 2014 Gazette 13

people: top musical star talks to the gazette

Rebecca’s ready to storm the stage ...  ian begley

OVER the past 30 years Rebecca Storm has established herself as one of the most popular leading ladies in musical theatre, playing some of the most demanding roles there are.

She has graced theatres around the world portraying such characters as Eva Peron in Evita, Fantine in Les Miserables, Florence in Chess, Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers and, most recently, Miss Hannigan in Annie.

O n F e b r u a r y 16 , Rebecca will be appearing once again at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for a one-night-only performance.

Speaking to The Gazette, Rebecca said she has a lot of new songs and surprises in store for the night, along with a mixture of her distinguished tunes that so many people have grown to love.

She said: “We had such a great time the last time we performed there two years ago. It’s such an important place for

me, and I just want [the night] to be a bit different for the people that are sweet enough to see me sing.

“I do quite a bit of rehearsing. My husband – who is the director – and I spend quite a bit of time arranging how we’re going to do the songs.

“We have a studio at home and I usually record them and literally practise them over and over again just to make sure I don’t forget the words!”

Even though Rebecca has been involved in the

world of musical theatre for more than 30 years, she still admits that she gets nervous before she goes on stage.

She said: “I think I get more nervous as I get older. You just want it to go well because you’re standing there in front of 2,000 people and if you do something bad, you just feel embarrassed.

“Two years ago, when I opened with the song, Defining Gravity for [the musical] Wicked, the nerves just hit me.

“I walked out to all these people and I sang

From Blood Brothers to Wicked, Rebecca Storm has been delighting audiences around the world with her singing for more than 30 years

the wrong words, but I got through it and nobody in the audience actually noticed.”

Although Rebecca is very charismatic on both stage and in public, she said that she is actually quite a shy person.

She said: “I’m very shy at home and I’m actually a very basic person.

I pretty much like doing what everyone else likes doing.

“I have a husband and a dog, and a beautiful home. We have a place out in Kildare, but we’re sort of backwards and forwards from here and the UK.” W hen asked what the future may hold for

Rebecca, she said she will continue to carry on singing “as long as people will listen”.

She said: “I’m going to carry on touring as much as I possibly can, because it’s great fun seeing the rest of the world.

“I’m just very grateful that I’m still here.”

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 6 February 2014

DUBLINLIFE

The (graffiti) writing’s on the wall Keating. Graffiti has appeared in front of the bus stop in the heart of Lucan village.

expression: ‘I am blown away’ with the range of research.”

Perhaps the TD is now attracting a younger, cooler following around his home town? Or could he be attempting a bit of guerrilla marketing?

One thing’s for sure – Enda won’t be breaking a sweat any time soon!

LIGHTS! CAMERA! APPLICATION! IF YOU fancy being the next Kathryn Thomas, now might be the perfect time to get practising.

The Irish Academy’s TV Presenter course is set to start once again this month, with a two-day course starting on February 15 in the Photography Studio, Harold’s

Cross.

The popular course has seen its graduates working in national and online TV stations, and course tutors include TV3’s Olive Geoghegan and Paul Harney, who works with IrishTV. Each course is small in size and big on interaction.

Students will also receive advice about make-up and suitable wardrobe choices before recording their own highquality show-reels Whether their heart is set on presenting on MTV or the nightly news, the reel highlights each student’s talents.

The cost of the weekend course is €495. For further information or to book a place, see www.

i r i s h a c a d e m y. c o m / TVCourse, or call 01 278 0802.

STUDENTS URGED TO COMPETE FOR INTERNET AWARD EIRCOM has officially launched the 2014 Junior Spider Awards, which are open to entries from primary and post-primary schools across Ireland.

Now in their fifth year, the awards were established to highlight how such students embrace the internet and to mark the innovative ways they use it both in school and in their daily lives.

The awards are divided into three categories – the Mega Spiders (primary level) and the Giga and Tera Spiders (post-

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

SHOP LOCALLY



An endoresement “4” Fine Gael deputy Derek

THE writing is on the wall for Fine Gael’s Derek Keating – or at least, on the gable wall of a charity shop in Lucan village.

Commuters alighting from Dublin buses last week were met with a tantalising piece of grafitti – Derek Keating 4 Taoiseach.

The message mysteriously appeared overnight last week, and it is not known who the artist (or culprit) was.

When Deputy Keating, who is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills, attended the BT Young Scientists’ Exhibition in January, he got down with the kids by saying: “To use a young person’s

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

6 February 2014 Gazette 15

primary level).

The Giga Spiders are open to first- to third-year students, and the Tera Spiders are for fourth- to sixth-year students. Each award category has a Grand Prix award.

For further information and details on how to enter the 2014 Junior Spider Awards, see www. juniorspiders.ie. The closing date for entries is Friday, March 7.

well-being course for all PE OPL E a r e b e i n g encouraged to take better care of their well-being with a series of free talks and workshops this February run by Dublin City Libraries.

T h e M i n d Yo u r-

self programme was designed to help us take time for ourselves, perhaps try something new and achieve a deeper sense of self.

Topics covered include mindfulness, meditation, nutrition, health, massage and yoga and all events, while free of charge, must be booked at the relevant library.

During the programme, libraries will be highlighting books from their stock which encourage well-being.

A talk by John Doherty will be given on The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle.

Paticipating libraries include the Central Library in the ILAC Centre, libraries in Finglas,

Rathmines, Terenure and more. Mind Yourself was launched on January 27 and continues until February 12.

For further information, see www.dublinc i t y. i e / R e c r e a t i o n andCulture/libraries/ library.

colin’s days as a country king (linedancing) WITH Dublin going mad for all things country – due to the upcoming Garth Brooks concerts this summer – The Gazette dug up a little treat for all of our readers.

Castleknock native Colin Farrell may be more inclined to wear Hugo Boss these days,

but back in the 1990s he sported a Stetson and cowboy boots – and who knew Colin had a few country moves under his belt?

Before the days of Miami Vice, Colin was donning cut-off denim shorts, wide-buckled belts and Garth Brooks’ cast-off hats while linedancing his way around the country.

He spent a brief stint as a line-dancing instructor before hitting the big time in Hollywood.

Luckily, he had some friends in low places to help him up the fame ladder, and we can’t really hold this picture against him – we’ve all had a few cringeworthy moments in our time!

Colin Farrell – line dancer extraordinaire, back in the day

Gazette

for Derek Keating

features

Gazette

16 Gazette 6 February 2014

dublinlife

business How long have you been in business?

Q&A

The Pier Health Club and Sansana Spa have been in Operation since 2007 when the hotel was reopened after extensive renovations.

What makes your business successful?

OLGA KUBACKA, sansana spa manager

A master of relaxation

OLGA Kubacka, health club and Sansana Spa manager in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, was born in Poznan, Poland.

Her passions have always been travel and swimming and, as a result, she chose to study for a masters degree in sports and hospitality management.

On graduating in 2009, Olga moved to Ireland to pursue a career in hospitality, with roles including as a fitness instructor (and eventual leisure centre manager) in the Dunraven Arms Hotel and Leisure Centre in Adare, Co Limerick, and as club manager of the Merrill Leisure Club at the Royal Hotel, Bray, Co Wicklow.

We feel our success is born out of the holistic experience we offer to all our visitors, as we pride ourselves on being a daily retreat for both body and mind in a busy world.

The Sansana Spa, with its highly-trained and professional staff, offers an extensive range of luxurious spa treatments and products, such as the awardwinning organic range of Voya skincare products, and full body massages to loosen up and refresh tired muscles.

The health club and its motivated fitness instructors are ready to tailor any programme to client needs, and offers a fully equipped gym, pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi to give every visitor the option to reinvigorate both body and mind.

How do you use social media, such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn etc, to help your business?

It is our belief that social media

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

‘Here at the Sansana Spa, we pride ourselves on being a daily retreat for both body and mind in a busy world’ ------------------------------------

is a key component in our customer engagement and interaction plan. Our Facebook page provides our customers with up-to-date information, along with the latest offers and expert health and beauty tips.

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

Sansana Spa is renowned as one of the best in Ireland. It was recently accredited the title of Dublin’s Comprehensive Spa by Failte Ireland, and acknowledged as a runner-up for the Best Body Treatment at the Irish Tatler Spa Awards.

We offer the latest in spa treatment facilities, such as a thermal suite, dry flotation, mud chamber, water bed relaxation, rock sauna and an aroma room.

Finally, we also offer the Sansana Spa signature treatment,

Shirodhara – an amazingly relaxing therapy that gently removes stress and tension from the mind and body.

Our health club offers a fully equipped modern gym, with access to full pool facilities along with pilates, yoga and kettle-bell classes, allowing our guests and members to re-energise both body and mind under one roof.

What is your ambition for the business?

It is our aim to continue to develop the business while maintaining the current standards of excellence by putting in place a strategic plan to drive the business forward.

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

Hard work is your single biggest competitive advantage.

What living person do you most admire?

My parents, for being the driving force behind my family and for nurturing my love of travel from a young age.

What is your most treasured possession?

My photo albums with pictures of all my family and friends, documenting our greatest moments together.

6 February 2014 Gazette 17

18 Gazette 6 February 2014

Valentine’s Day

l RO M ANTI C G E TAWAYS l

Make your Valentine melt with Lindt chocolate VALENTINE’S Day and chocolate easily go hand in hand and once again the chocolatiers at Lindt have managed to create something to tend to every type of craving this February.

For the season of love, the popular chocolate makers have created a special collection of treats to help you spoil your loved one. Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate is inspired by a secret recipe and is filled with smooth, melting milk choco late, each wrapped in red foil wrapping, but for chocolate with a

A little bit of luxury: Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan and (inset) a spacious bedroom at Barberstown Castle in Co Kildare

A perfect place to get all loved up  NATALIE BURKE WHETHER it’s a candlelit dinner in a romantic castle, or a glass of champagne in a country house, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to whisking your better half away this Valentine’s Day. For a romantic weekend with a difference, visit Kilkenny’s only luxury fourstar boutique hotel, the Pembroke Hotel, which has launched a special Cupid Concierge service to celebrate the month of love. Couples who choose the Pembroke Hotel will be assigned their own Cupid Concierge who will be on hand to order flowers, arrange romantic surprises and cater to all whims.

Couples can get loved up on a two-night getaway which includes chocolates and champagne on arrival, a room adorned

with rose petals, breakfast on both mornings and dinner on the evening of their choice. If that’s not enough, lovebirds can also enjoy a post dinner his and hers cocktail.

Prices start from €155 per person. Visit www. pembrokekilkenny.com or call 056 7783500.

Collection

Alternatively, Ireland’s Blue Book features a collection of Irish country house hotels, manor houses and castles, many of which have put out all the stops to ensure you have a romantic break this year.

So if your idea of romance is relaxing at an old manor house, visit Dunbrody House in Co Wexford and make the most of their Love Is Valentine’s special. A midweek visit throughout the month of February in

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

6 February 2014 GAZETTE 19

one of Dunbrody’s luxury rooms or suites, including a five-course dinner, pre-dinner canapes and cocktails, costs just €165 per person sharing. The Valentine’s package also includes a romantic Serail mud/steam treatment for two and breakfast the following morning.

For more information, visit www.irelandsbluebook.com or contact Dunbrody directly on 051 389600.

Or why not enjoy a candlelit Valentine’s dinner and a glass of bubbly at Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan. The Roses & Romance package includes two nights’ accommodation, with dinner on an evening of your choice, as well as a full Irish breakfast served each morning. The Valentine’s special also includes chocolates and a single red rose awaiting your

arrival in your room and costs from just €209 per person.

For more information, visit www.irelandsbluebook.com or contact Castle Leslie directly on 047 88100.

Closer to Dublin, whisk your loved one away for a romantic castle break in Barberstown Castle in Co Kildare. Enjoy one night’s accommodation at the castle including a full Irish breakfast and dinner in the Barton Room Restaurant.

As a little Valentine’s extra, guests will have a half bottle of champagne and chocolates delivered to their room. The Special Memories package is available for just €134 per person sharing.

For more information, visit www.irelandsbluebook.com or contact Barberstown directly on 01-6288157.

little twist, the chocolatiers have created limited edition strawberries and cream truffles, combining Lindt’s white chocolate and strawberries. For a special Valentine’s gift, pick up a Lindt Heart Box filled with heart-shaped Lindor truffles, ideal for all the hopeless romantics waiting to spoil their valentines.

See selected retailers nationwide.

Gazette

20 Gazette 6 February 2014

Valentine’s Day

l pa m per i n g l

Plump up, smooth out, party all night

VALENTINE’S DAY is just around the corner ladies and McCabes pharmacy, one of Ireland’s own healthcare and wellbeing stores, has just what you need to make your special day memorable.

Its new gift guide of beauty products and offers will be just the thing to get you ready for your Valentine’s Day plans – whether you’re hitting the clubs, eating out or staying in.

Dining over a candlelit dinner? Smooth away those workday under-eye

bags, circles and wrinkles with Freezeframe Revital EYES. At €49 looking flawless has never been easier.

Plump up those power pouts with the Freezeframe Lip Injection €45.50 – a nifty little product that is clinically proven to puff out those smiles and stretch out those wrinkles. Freezeframe is one of the best needle-free innovations on the market.

And what about those luscious locks you’ve been dying to try? Tame your hair with follicle-

friendly Babyliss ProPerfect Curl for €159.00.

This hassle free curling iron will leave your longlasting curls bouncing all night when you hit the dancefloor with your beau on the day.

And if that’s not all – McCabes has branched out in the cosmetics world and now sells professional make-up brand Make-Up Studio. Glam yourself up with BlusherIn-A-Box at €14.95. Add a dash of colour to your lips with 18-hour ColourProof Durable Lip Colour at €19.95.

So take the stress out of your Valentine’s Day and shop local – buy for yourself or buy for your friends. Make shopping a little more fun with treats and products to suit

No! No! Hair Kit €237

Make-up Studio Pink Blush-in-aBox €14.95

Babyliss Pro Perfect Curl Secret €159.99

Make-up Studio Pink 18-hour ColourProof Durable Lip Colour €14.95

Freezeframe Lip Injection €45.50

6 February 2014 GAZETTE 21

C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

local beauty&Make up

Valentine’s Day is only a week away and as the dinner dates get booked and singletons get ready to hit the town with friends, nailing down the perfect make-up look is high on the to-do list.

The Makeup Crew Pro team are on hand with insider tips on getting it right VALENTINE’S Day is only a week away and as the dinner dates get booked and singletons get ready to hit the town with friends, nailing down the perfect makeup look is high on the to-do list.

To help with perfecting this year’s Valentine’s look The Makeup Crew Pro team are on hand with insider tips

ensuring a good base for foundation.

Exfoliate lightly and gently on the skin so as not to aggravated or cause redness the lighter the touch the better.

Exfoliates can range from some homemade olive oil and brown sugar made into a little paste to a brands own range to a Clairsonic (a hand held devise avail-

flaky on the skin thereby rejuvenating the top layers of your skin making it more glowy, healthy and radiant.

Next apply your chosen foundation. Favourite foundations by the team are MUD Foundation Compacts available from the Makeup Crew or FLAIR Supplies, then use a duo fibre brush with the Makeup Crew

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

‘Perfecting your skin is the first step to acquiring a perfect makeup look, ensuring a good base for foundationperfecting your skin is the first step to acquiring a perfect makeup look, ensuring a good base for foundation.’

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

on getting it right.

According to Annie Keogh Pro, Artist with The Makeup Crew, perfecting your skin is the first step to acquiring a perfect makeup look,

able from Lancome) on the more expensive end of the scale all.

They all work towards the same goal of removing any surface dead skin cells that can look

r e c o m m e n d i n g a ny MAC DuoFibre.

This is a brush that has both natural and synthetic hair and can be used on liquids and powders alike. Annie

recommends the 130 or Real Techniques by the team’s favourite bloggers PIXIWOO. These are available from Boots or a standard foundation brush will work just as good as opposed to your fingers as we can sometimes be a little too rough with ourselves and rub the product completely off instead of on.

Using a powder to absorb any excess oils that are on the skin will lock in moisture sealing your foundation keeping it staying put until the wee hours just in case you have a late night.

For more information and to book an appointment for that special occasion please contact THE MAKE UP CREW www.themakeupcrew.ie 32-36 Wolfetonw Street, Dublin 1 Alternatively Ph. 086 8178213 or 085 7359222

But what is Valentines without the perfect lip colour so here is Annie’s top tips for red lips- to get the perfect pout!

•Start out with a nude base use a foundation or concealers to dull out your natural lip line •Use a red lip liner our favourite is a Cherry or Brick red to line the lips and fill in the whole lips then after doing the outline this will ensure a base for the following product to adhere to keeping the colour locked in!

•Use a lip brush before you apply any following lip product to blend and smooth in the liner first, this will allow for a more polished lip – applying bright/deep/more noticeable lip colours should always have a sharp crisp edge as they look much better and this will reduce the risk of the colour bleeding out.

•Apply your chosen colour the ultimate in the red family is defiantly Russian Red by MAC, a blue undertone red that will also make your teeth look whiter.

Using a concealer or powder with an angled brush to sharpen around the edges and tallyho your good to go!

Valentine’s Day

upid Dang

le Charm

€55

Lovely

Pandora C

Gazette

22 Gazette 6 February 2014

gifts

Pan d

ora

Hea r

t Ch

arm

€49 Pandora Silver Pave Ring €119

ntown in Klein Dow Boots Calv 50ml €58 um Eau de Parf , ays alw As sn item o ot t le... sca

39 rm €

ha Day C ine’s alent ra V

o Pand

Coast Bishop Ring €15

6 February 2014 Gazette 23

Coas t Rac

hel rin

g €2 3

Coas t Tha

lia Br acele t

ixey

tV as

ar col

€38

0

€5

Co

H&M Knitted jumper €19.95

Coast M uriel clut ch bag €

55

for her WHETHER you’re dropping hints about a special gift you “might” like to get for St Valentine’s Day, or are clear as mud about what you might like to buy – don’t worry, as Liffey Valley Shopping Centre has some luvverly gifts (that won’t leave your wallet broken-hearted).

While Coast and Pandora are both perfect places to pick up a great gift, there are lots of other terrific stores at the popular centre to check out, making you sure to fall in love with the retail hub!

Coast J oplin clutc

h bag €4

t Coas

ure Creat

Ring

€26

5

Gazette

The essential guide to finding that extra special something for that special someone

Gazette

24 gazette 6 February 2014

Valentine’s Day

Chocolate inspired weekend for your sweetie Looking to feast on luxurious chocolate with your other half this Valentine’s Day? Four-star Brooks Hotel is creating a lover’s dream with its Chocolate Desires Valentine’s Day package.

The hotel, located in the center of Dublin city, is pulling out all the stops when it comes to celebrating the most romantic night of the year. Marking the occasion, the team at Brooks Hotel has devised a delightful chocolate inspired package which includes a fourcourse meal, a screening of Johnny Depp’s Chocolat and an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s deluxe boutique styled rooms.

Romantic couples across Ireland can wine and dine on the hotel’s special Valentine’s menu, which has a

host of chocolate inspired dishes. Try the traditional pumpkin seed salad with a twist; its seeds are coated with chilli chocolate for the adventurous of couples.

Menu

Main courses include roast loin of venison with butternut squash and chilli mole with, you guessed it, bitter chocolate. Indulge in luxurious desserts by ordering the white chocolate and woodruff panacotta or the hot bittersweet chocolate mousse – either one is the perfect way to end a meal.

Then consider the ambient Jasmine Bar where you can order an intoxicating chocolate martini. These features and more make Brooks Hotel a magnificent Valentine’s Day break away.

The hotel’s award-winning Francesca’s Restaurant is run by top chef Pat McLarnon, who has recently been called “a chef who cares” by a prominent food critic of the Irish Times, and judging by his full gluten-free menu it’s true.

So if you’re looking to get away this Valentine’s Day think no further than this oasis in the heart of the city. Sign up for the package, pack your bags and put your feet up with a complimentary glass of prosecco.

Dine on this luxurious special menu and package on February 14-15 at €260.

It also includes a full Irish breakfast and a late checkout time. If you fancy only dining out this Valentine’s Day Brooks Hotel’s Wild About Chocolate menu is just €39.95 per person.

Enjoy a screening of Johnny Depp’s Chocolat and an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s deluxe boutique styled rooms

6 February 2014 GAZETTE 25

DUN LAOGHAIRECLASSIFIEDS CLEANING

ROOFING

HOLIDAYS

SERVICES

+0)/ '&5)&3450/ "41)"-5 300'*/( -5% t "TQIBMU 5PSDI PO 'FMU t 4MBUJOH 5JMJOH t 4JOHMF 1MZ ĂśCFSHMBTT 4ZTUFNT t 'VMMZ *OTVSFE t 5BY DMFBSBODF DFSU t t ZFBS HVBSBOUFF PO BMM /FX 3PPGT t *OTVSBODF t (SBOU XPSL .PC &NBJM GFUIFSTUPOSPPĂśOH!HNBJM DPN

ď ŹExtensions Renovations ď ŹAttic Conversions

Sun Rooms ď ŹAll General Construction ď ŹFully Registered ď ŹTax Clearance Certificate ď ŹFully Insured

SERVICES

UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS ‘A RATED’ All Work Guaranteed • Established 20 Years Palmerstown, Dublin 20 • Email@ ofc@eircom.net

Tel: 01 626 6656 / 087 250 1446 Specialists in Disabled Persons Bathrooms & Bedrooms

www.bathrooms4disabled.ie

HOUSEHOLD

WANTED

)064&)0-% ."*/5&/"/$&

SERVING 6 THRIVING COMMUNITIES OF SUBURBAN DUBLIN. F O R U P T O D A T E N E W S V I S I T: W W W. FAC E B O O K .C O M / DUBLING AZET TENE WSPAPERS DVD’S

MOTORING

DVD TRANSFERS CINEFILMS PHOTOS SLIDES

all transfered to DVD with music and titles added.

Tel: 01-2807838 Mobile: 087 9132265 Email:alleventsvideo@eircom.net

LOCAL

MATTERS

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 6010240

DRIVEWAYS

NORTHSIDE DRIVEWAYS Specialise in all types of Driveways, Patios Cobblelock, Slabbing & Gravelling Paving & Landcaping We also specialize in Imprint Concrete Walling & fencing

50% discount when you ask for miles All work fully garennteed for 7 years Prices for all budgets. All areas covered

"MM UZQFT PG HVUUFST SPPGT SFQBJSFE BOE SFQMBDFE 7FMVY BOE VQWD XJOEPXT 8BSESPCFT 8PPEFO øPPST 1BJOUJOH %FDPSBUJOH "MM +PCT $PWFSFE "MM +PCT 1I & IPVTFIPMENBJOUFOBODF !HNBJM DPN

PL ANNING AND LEGAL CARRY LEGAL/PLANNING NOTICES FOR ALL FOUR DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCILS FROM FEB 27TH TO PLACE A PLANNING OR LEGAL NOTICE CALL NICOLA ON 60 10 255 OR EMAIL N F E E H A N @ G A Z E T T E G R O U P. C O M ROOFING

SPECIALISING IN CAR/DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL REENTRY/ LOCK REPLACEMENT/CAR KEY CUTTING

SERVICES

AMPTECH

ELECTRICAL & ALARMS

Installations - Repairs -Service

SPECIAL OFFERS

Trition Electric Showers

from â‚Ź15 a week

Alarm Systems from only â‚Ź499 Finance Option Available Weekly/monthly payment plan Alarm Upgrades Security Lighting Home CCTV

Call Robert on 01 6155980 or 086 2490807 rob@amptech.ie www.amptech.ie

HOMEOWNER

10% DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION OUR AD IN THE DUBLIN GAZETTE

Contact by 0868884888 or 0868885086 email info@lsb,ie locks stock and barrels @locksstockb PLANNING NOTICE DĂšN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

F O R U P TO DAT E NEWS FOLLOW US: @DUBLINGAZETTE

I, Rex Robinson intend to seek Planning Retention for a side and rear extension with garage conversion and front porch(total 39sqm) plus various frontal modifications at 54 Glencairn Crescent, The Gallops, Leopardstown, Dublin 18.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its Public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of â‚Ź20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the Planning Authority.

20084

26 gazette 6 February 2014

6 February 2014 Gazette 27

camogie P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

dublinsport



Gazette

skiing P28

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2014 dublin sports awards january winners

H STARof the MONTH

martin moore

Former Munster and Ireland rugby star Alan Quinlan said: “Supporting our local rugby clubs is crucial for the development of Irish rugby”

rugby: funding initiative enters fourth year for clubs

FORMER Barnhall and Castleknock College rugby star Martin Moore was looking forward last month to potentially making his Irish international debut in this year’s 6 Nations campaign, and made his first appearance against Scotland from the bench.

Quinlan gives backing to Ulster TEAMof the MONTH H Bank RugbyForce competition Ulster Bank RugbyForce, an initiative which provides rugby clubs with the opportunity to win support packages to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities, is now open for entries. The 2013-2014 rugby season marks the fourth year of the initiative, which will see over €30,000 being awarded to clubs across Ireland.

One rugby club will receive a top prize of €10,000, as well as a special training session with an IRFU coach and two Irish rugby stars. Four additional rugby

clubs, one from each province, will each receive €5,000. All entrants will receive merchandise for their clubs to the value of €100.

Since its inception in 2010, the initiative has provided over €100,000 in funding to over 160 rugby clubs around the country.

Speaking about the initiative, Alan Quinlan, former Ireland rugby star and Ulster Bank rugby ambassador, said: “Supporting our local rugby clubs is crucial for the development of Irish rugby. Every week, tal-

ented young stars are lining out for their clubs – stars which have the potential to progress to the professional game.

“We saw that recently with Craig Ronaldson moving from Lansdowne FC to Connacht and Darragh Fanning being plucked

by Leinster from St Mary’s.

“Ulster Bank RugbyForce is about aiding development and providing clubs with the necessary resources to grow.”

Last year, Ulster Bank RugbyForce received entries from over 135 clubs across the country.

Four rugby clubs – Birr RFC in Offaly, Midleton RFC in Cork, Westport RFC in Mayo and Newry RFC in Down – were selected as winners of €5,000 each. A fifth club, Richmond RFC in Limerick, was also awarded €5,000 after 16 entries were shortlisted and put to a public vote.

All rugby clubs are invited to enter the initiative via Ulster Bank’s dedicated rugby website, www.ulsterbank.com/rugby.

The closing date for registrations is Friday, April 11.

castleknock CC basketball Castleknock Community College the winners of the Under-19 B Girls’ All-Ireland Cup when they beat Cross & Passion of Kilcullen at the National Basketball Arena this month with an impressive team performance that showed their prowess on court.

Gazette

28 Gazette 6 February 2014

SPORT

FastSport applications for basketball camp now open: Applications are being welcomed for the 2014 Macron Kits Basketball Ireland National Camp at Gormanston which will take place over two weeks from July 6.

The camp is the longest-running basketball camp in Ireland and has seen some of the country’s best ever players come through its ranks.

Campers also get the opportunity to work with players from the men and women’s premier leagues and receive coaching from national and international coaches.

This coming summer will mark its 42nd year with the best coaches from home and abroad attending to divulge their knowledge to hundreds of young hoopsters.

The first 50 campers to submit a completed application form along with their deposit get a GM Molten Basketball free.

Log on to www. basketballireland.ie to download an application form.

skiing: olympic hopeful trains in the gym in rathgar before games

Lyne sets his sights on Sochi  sport@gazettegroup.com

Ahead of flying out to Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, 20-year-old Conor Lyne, who will compete for Ireland in the grand slalom event, took time out to train at The Gym

in Rathgar and work on his strength and conditioning.

The young skier, who will take to the slopes against the best in the world in the coming weeks, took time out of his training programme to speak to Gazette

Sport, and began by explaining his life in the sport to date.

“My family moved to the US when I was young, and we moved to Utah, which is a big skiing area.

“As a family, we went skiing at the weekend,

Conor Lyne signs the flag of champions at The Gym which features the signatures of Olympians and world championship athletes who have trained there

Olympic hopeful Conor Lyne with The Gym manager Colin Gaffney last week

which was a big thing to do in the area. Then I started to graduate up and joined the racing club at age 11, when I realised that I wanted to race,” said Lyne.

“I continued down that route, and then applied to represent Ireland, and since then, my main goal has been to compete at the Olympics.”

Lyne has spent the last two years training in Europe where the best and most varied alpine conditions exist for those taking part in the winter sport at the highest level.

He has competed in both of the most recent world championships

in Schladming, Austria in 2013 and Garmisch in Germany in 2011.

“2011 in Germany that was really about learning what life was like on the international stage.

“I discovered I had to work even harder to bring my level up.

“In 2013 I qualified for the second run, I had enough to be part of the top 60 [racers] who got to run again. I got 52nd overall, which was great for me.”

With the challenge of Sochi on the horizon, Lyne worked hard to attain the Olympic qualif ying standard, and is expecting to use the Games as a measure

of his progress in the sport.

“I will just give my best and see what the result is afterward. I’m looking forward to the experience and matching myself against the best in the world.”

He also says that the future for the sport in Ireland is bright, in spite of the nation not exactly being the natural home for alpine competitors.

“There are a lot of young lads coming up, a lot of whom are from Dublin, who are aspiring to the same level, and in the next couple of years, we will have a much stronger team than we do now.”

Minors panel features array of local football talent  sport@gazettegroup.com

Dublin’s minor ladies footballers narrowly missed out on All-Ireland glory last year

Dublin minor manager Conor Barry and his fellow selectors have confirmed their panel for the forthcoming Leinster championship campaign and it features players from a total of 11 Gazette country sides.

Eighteen clubs have representatives in the 29-name panel with reigning Dublin club minor championship winners Kilmacud Crokes, leading the way with seven players - Aisling Whitely, Aoife Kane, Eabha Rutledge, Holly Greer, Kim Garth, Lauren

Magee and Orla McDonald.

The southside is further represented by Doireann Mullany and Katie Murphy from Ballyboden St Enda’s, Hannah Hegarty and Katie Mahon from St Jude’s and Ciara Crotty of Foxrock Cabinteely.

Dublin 15 celebrate the inclusion of Ann-Marie Troy, Katie Nyhan and Niamh O’Neill from St Brigid’s, and Leah Mullins from Castleknock.

The north county sees Rachael Brogan from Fingallians, Emma Colgan and Muireann Ni Scanaill from St Margaret’s and

Louise Ryan from St Sylvester’s in the 29, while west Dublin see Amy Conroy from Round Tower and Rebecca McDonnell from Westmanstown take their places for 2014.

Barry has chosen an experienced panel with all players bar two having previously represented Dublin previously at intercounty level.

The panel also includes 11 members of last year’s minor squad who endured injury-time heartbreak at the hands of Galway in the All-Ireland minor final replay.

Barry has also included 10 members of last year’s Under-16 Leinster championship winning panel.

Dublin’s Leinster championship campaign commences on February 15 with a home tie against Offaly, followed by a second home fixture on February 22 versus near neighbours, Wicklow.

Dublin will travel to face Kildare on March 8, with the Leinster semi-finals pencilled in for the weekend of April 12 and 13, followed by the provincial decider on May 5.

6 February 2014 Gazette 29

Gazette

Draw no distraction for camogie starlet A daunting group for Dublin’s ladies’ code holds no fear for Lucan Sarsfields player Ali Twomey, who is relishing the challenge of the 2014 national league LUCAN Sarsfields’ Ali Twomey is hopeful the underdog tag will serve Dublin well in the National Camogie League in 2014 after the county was given a particularly daunting draw.

They have been placed in an initial group with 2013 All-Ireland winners Galway, 2012 champs Wexford along with Cork who have won the league for the past two years.

Draws do not come much tougher but the Lucan Sarsfields’ starlet is anticipating that this offers a real test of character that will stand to the Sky Blues. Speaking at Dublin sponsors AIG’s launch of the 2014 league campaigns across the codes,

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

Twomey told GazetteSport that while they can feel hard done by, there is plenty that can be learned from this draw.

“Obviously, people will look at it and think we aren’t going to do well because they are three of the top teams in the country and we haven’t won many matches in the last two years. But it is sometimes good to be the underdog and they won’t be expecting us. We will

just train hard, that’s all we can do.

“It will be a good test of character for us and will drive us on. Playing them in the league, we will know the standard we have to work to be at for the championship.”

Twomey is one of Lucan Sarsfields’ 2008 vintage that claimed the club’s first of two All-Ireland Feile titles in quick succession as part of a glittering underage career.

Indeed, she says that 2013 was the first in her playing days that she did take home a club title – something she says “won’t happen again”.

Her involvement with the Dublin senior team meant she was precluded

Camogie star Ali Twomey and ladies footballer Sinead Goldrick at the launch of Dublin’s 2014 GAA season in Parnell Park

from playing for the club in their groundbreaking Leinster League success in December.

The development of their youth system at the 12th Lock is quickly beginning to pay dividends at adult level, something that Twomey hopes can be replicated

pushed off the ball. That’s one of the things we worked on all winter - and getting our strength up.

“Experience as well would be a big thing because the oldest player in the side would be 27; next after that is 22 and then there are all the players like me who are 19 or

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

‘Sometimes it is good to be the underdog - they won’t be expecting us and it will be a good test’ - Ali Twomey --------------------------------------------------------

at county level.

“Liam Ryan was the main man, starting the teams and would have been working with our age in the Feile teams in 2007 and 2008 and we just kept on going. It carried on into the younger teams as well and they have now won loads of championships and four minor titles in-a-row.

“We went down to see the Leinster league final and we were thinking ‘we are going to be lucky to get our places back in that team’. The younger girls coming up are so good and we don’t know where we will fit back in.”

The skill level is all apparent but getting the physical aspect is one that needs to be negotiated to formally make the next step, firstly at club level.

“One of our problems last year was the team was so small and we would get

18 down to 16. That’s the main chunk of the team.”

It is something that can be replicated at Dublin level in her eyes once they are eased into the expanded training panel.

“The younger Dublin teams have had quite a bit of success at underage level, the Under-16s winning the All-Ireland and the minors winning in Leinster. There is a great bunch of younger players coming up and hopefully they will strengthen the team.

“Some might be afraid, thinking they are not good enough to step up. But they don’t realise they are.

If minor players are introduced into a few training sessions, to get to realise and see that it’s not that scary. When I was going up, I remember saying ‘I’m too scared’. If we can train with those minors, it will be good for them.”

FastSport

Local villages to host start and end of Ras 2014 Dunboyne and Skerries will see the start and finish of the 2014 An Post Ras this year when the 2104 edition of the all-Ireland cycling tour begins on Sunday, May 18 this year.

The race, launched last week at the GPO, will feature a balance between flat fast roads, undulating sections and tough climbs, with a total of five category one mountains and five category two ascents set to shake up the peloton.

Race organiser Tony Campbell believes a good balance has been struck and that one group of riders will not be favoured over another.

“There are climbs, but there are also a lot of fast roads where plenty of aggressive racing will be done,” said Campbell. “I think it is more or less one for a good, hard strong rider, a guy who can push up over the hills and who is also good when the speed is on.”

As a bonus for the county riders, An Post is running a C-Factor competition, looking for the cyclist who best exemplifies the spirit of the An Post Ras between today’s launch and the final day of the race on May 25.

The winner will earn the “chapeau”, or respect, of his fellow riders and Ras watchers through his performance in this year’s event. He will be marked as one to watch for the future, not just through his An Post Ras results but also through his use of media and social media in particular.

County riders must use the hashtag #ras2014 @ anpostras, with further details on how to participate on www.anpostras.ie.

Roche to remain in training camp to fix injury Nicolas Roche will remain at the TinkoffSaxo team’s training camp in Gran Canaria in order to fully rehabilitate from a knee injury.

The Dundrum cyclist has been

forced to stay off his bike by the injury and there had been fears that he would be sidelined for a longer time.

However, he says that the knee is now “almost 100%” and will recuperate in the Canaries until he returns to the saddle competitively for the Tour of Oman from February 18 to 22.

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 6 February 2014

SPORT

FastSport

Monkstown boxers represent Dublin MONKSTOWN boxing club were well represented as part of a Dublin schoolboys team that made a trip across the Irish Sea last week to take on the Tyne, Tees and Wearside Schoolboys champions in Newcastle.

The 23-man Dublin team was made up of boys aged 11 to 14 years from various clubs affiliated to the Dublin County Boxing Board, and they boxed against their English counterparts at the Rainton Meadows Arena in the Houghton-Le-Spring district in Newcastle.

There were 20 bouts in all, with three Dublin boys unfortunately being unmatched.

The Dublin team ran out 12-8 winners at the end, but every bout was contested with skill and determination by the fighters.

Dublin team manager and two-time Olympian Philip Sutcliffe from Crumlin BC said: “The standard of boxing from both teams on show today was exceptional, the trip has been very beneficial to both regions, we have been well looked after by the Tyne, Tees and Wearside County Board. We look forward to the return match in Dublin at the end of May.” Local club Monkstown BC was well represented with four boys boxing for Dublin in Jake Rapple (age 11), Matthew Tyndall (age 11), Dylan Doyle (age 13) and Eoin Larkin (age 13) while JP Kinsella was one of the four Dublin coaches who made the trip.

Two-time Irish senior champion Kinsella said: “This is my second time being involved in this trip, we started with a pool of over 50 boxers, we had plenty of headaches making team selections to bring the team down to 23.

“That is a great testament to Dublin clubs and the Dublin County Board. I’ve no doubt we will see most of these boys in the All-Irelands this year, and boxing in an atmosphere like this will only do them good.

“We were very proud of the way the boys boxed and conducted themselves on this trip.”

hockey: dominant performance nets leinster crown

St Andrew’s Rachel O’Brien produced a brilliant performance to help her school claim the Senior Schoolgirls Premier League title

Andrew’s deliver Premier title premier league final St Andrew’s College 3 Rathdown School 0  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

Rachel O’Brien provided a tour de force to power St Andrew’s to their third Leinster Senior Schoolgirls Premier League title with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Rathdown at Grange Road.

She was at the heart of her side’s first two goals before nipping in for the third to crown a superb performance. That followed close-range efforts from Tatiana Temperley and Serena Brooks, as

Andrew’s bossed proceedings from start to finish.

They were on top from the start, with Ellen Beirne and Temperley drawing top saves from Tanna Tan inside the first two minutes.

Tan also kept out a couple of penalty corners but she was unable to deny Temperley in the sixth minute after O’Brien took a quick left-wing free-in.

The Andrew’s player’s quick feet allowed her to cut into the circle before picking out the striker who was able to nudge in at the right post.

It was no less than they deserved but they were unable to build further on

a smashing prospect Morrissey makes his Ireland David Cup debut blackrock man John Morrissey made

his Davis Cup debut last weekend in Minsk as part of the Irish team that fell 4-1 to Belarus in the Olympic Tennis Centre.

Morrissey, a scholar at Stanford University, fell on Friday in straight sets to Egor Gerasimov in the weekend’s second rubber before being handed a walkover in Sunday’s return singles when Dzimitry Zhyrmont withdrew.

that initial strike as Rachel Bourke and Rebecca Andrews made a string of interventions to avert further danger.

They helped keep out four first half corners with Sally Campbell seeing a couple of drag-flicks squirm just off course. It took Rathdown, seeking their first Premier League title, about 20 minutes to settle as Lauren O’Leary led the line well.

She found Megan Carroll, however, marshalling the St Andrew’s back line particularly well and they retained their lead until half time. The second half started in similar manner to the first, Campbell

picking a brilliant pass through to O’Brien but Tan anticipated the danger superbly, racing off her line to smother the one-on-one chance.

And the Saints did give themselves some breathing room seven minutes after the interval following a brilliant five-player move. Campbell’s interception of halfway started the run, feeding O’Brien whose pace saw her skip past her defender, creating a four on two. She found Beirne mid-circle who shipped the ball on to Brooks to clip home from close range.

Rathdow n almos t replied soon after but Lisa

Balfe missed out with her side’s best chance, her shot spinning away off Aoife Daly’s pads.

But any lingering doubts about the title destination were quashed as O’Brien subsequently closed out the tie when she nicked in ahead of Tan to deflect home Sarah McCready’s booming cross, capping her player of the match performance.

O’Leary almost got a consolation goal two minutes from time but Phoebe Moore – who swapped with Daly between the posts with six minutes left – booted away the shot, retaining her side’s clean sheet.

6 February 2014 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

football: local players help cause in croker win

Club Noticeboard cuala Registration of all players and

Well done also to our U-14 foot-

club members is now overdue. A

ballers who emerged successfully

new system is in place this year

from Cork having won the B tour-

to make it easy to register across

nament final against St Vincent’s

families and different groups.

as part of the annual Nemo Rangers

Details are available on the website or contact individual group

Cuala members are reminded

istered as a member of the club and

that the hall and social centre/bar

entitled to play.

are available to hire for family cele-

and the U-16 hurling mentors for

Dubs’ subs make all the difference nfl round 1

Dublin 2-8 Kerry 1-10  sport@gazettegroup.com

KILMACUD Crokes’ Paul Mannion and Kevin Nolan emerged from the bench to good effect as the Dubs struck late to start their campaign with a narrow win over Kerry on Saturday night in Croke Park in their National Football League opener.

They were part of a strong local contingent involved with Cuala’s Mick Fitzsimons starting in the full-back line with Crokes’ Cian O’Sullivan also in from the start.

Jack McCaffrey came off the bench, too, to score the late winning point when he latched onto

a clever crossfield pass from Ciaran Kilkenny to slot the winner.

Dublin’s subs bench played a key role in this victory as the Dubs finished the game with 14 men after Sean George was red-carded 10 minutes into the second half.

Alan Brogan also made a very welcome return to the jersey having missed out entirely in 2013 and he improved as the game went on and will get a huge lift out of the 70 minutes.

In the opening half Kerry played most of the better football with James O’Donoghue in very dangerous form, including a superb 17th minute goal.

However, Dublin struck for two goals through Kevin McManamon and

The footballers displayed their strength in depth

Eoghan O’Gara to leave the minimum in it at the interval, 1-7 to 2-3.

McManamon’s goal arrived in the ninth minute when league debutant Cormac Costello brilliantly turned his marker before accelerating through on goal and unselfishly off-loading to the St Jude’s man to apply the finish.

Costello went on to have a very promising opening night as he was fouled on several occasions for pointed frees which helped the Dubs over the line.

O’Gara’s 20th minute goal pushed Dublin 2-3 to 1-5 in front when Kilkenny won a Kerry kickout before and long ball from Ciaran Reddin was won

by O’Gara whose angled shot found the net.

It was a trick he almost repeated just before the break, but this time the ball went just outside Brendan Kealy’s righthand post.

Points from O’Donoghue and Stephen O’Brien opened Kerry’s account to the second half before Costello converted

a free after the Whitehall Colmcille’s man had been fouled.

Then came one of the talking and turning points for the game — George’s red card — after which Dublin really upped their game and, combined with the introduction of the subs helped them to snatch victory, with McCaffrey’s point the last word.

Elsewhere, Cuala’s Mark Schutte clipped 0-5 but was ultimately unable to turn the Walsh Cup final Dublin’s way as they fell 0-24 to 1-17 in the first part of the Croke Park double-header.

In a strong start for the Dubs, he clipped two good points early on, however Kilkenny immediately came to life and bossed the best part of the opening half as they reeled off seven points without reply. Paul Ryan’s goal, created by Schutte, did give Dublin a lifeline but they could not keep up the pace.

Schutte was joined in the line-up by club mates Cian O’Callaghan and Colm Cronin.

for the Feile.

mentors to make sure you are reg-

Well done to Finbarr Murphy

Dublin came from behind to register a debut win in the National Football League against Kerry

gathering for teams getting ready

brations, birthdays and corporate functions.

organising a great All-Weather

For bigger functions, the Cuala

Sevens tournament that took place

hall can be hired. There is an online

through the winter months. It con-

booking facility to make it easier.

cluded yesterday with the presen-

Gum-shields are mandatory for

tation of the Mick Holden Memorial

all ages up to and including senior

Cup to the players of Fingallians.

players. Custom made gumshields

Thanks and well done to all those

offer far better protection for

who took part.

your teeth from injury than “off the

Well done to five of our senior

shelf” varieties.

hurlers Cian O’Callaghan, Colm

Cuala have teamed up with the

C r o n i n , B a r r y C o n n o l l y, M a r k

Dalkey Dental Clinic to offer Cuala

Schutte and Simon Timlin who rep-

members a great deal on individ-

resented Dublin at Croke Park on

ual custom made gum-shields and

Sunda y against Kilkenny and to

members can avail of the offer by

Mick Fitzsimons who was a key part

attending the Dalkey Dental Clinic

of the winning Dublin football team

and asking for the Cuala members

against Kerry.

offer.

shankill Our juvenile academy has now

Mhuire when no match is sched-

started back and continues to be

uled.

a huge success. Every Saturday

For more information please con-

from 12 noon to 1pm in Scoil Mhuire

tact team manager Gabriel on 085

catering for children aged four to

725 4897 or any committee member

seven years old, at only €2 per ses-

– see our website for more details

sion, covering Gaelic football, hurl-

www.shankill.gaa.ie.

ing and camogie; it’s a great hour’s

We now have Shankill GAA Club

fun for everyone involved. New

children t-shir ts for sale. Chil-

members always welcome.

dren’s t-shir ts are available to

U-11 football teams, boys and

purchase off the rail (sizes 4-5, 6-7

girls: Due to the huge success of our

and 8-9) at our juvenile academy

mixed U-10 team last year, we will

each week for €15.

register both an U-11 boys and an U-11 girls football team this year.

Our Chase the Ace jackpot at Brady’s of Shankill is now a MAS-

If your child is aged between

SIVE €1,750. With tickets only €2

eight and 11 and would be interest-

each, don’t miss out on your chance

ed in playing for either team, then

to win. Just purchase a ticket at

join now. Training takes place every

Brady’s of Shankill or from any

Wednesday evening from 7 to 8pm

committee member. Pick the Ace to

indoors in Scoil Mhuire and every

win. Good Luck!

Saturda y from 11am to 12 noon (please note time change) at Scoil

Join us on Facebook & Follow us on Twitter.

ballinteer st john’s THERE was no winner of Thursday,

come for a great night’s entertain-

January 30 lotto draw for €11,000.

ment.

There was also no winner of the second

Please book that special function

jackpot of €4,800. Tickets are available

in 2014 in your clubhouse now to avoid

online at www.ballinteerstjohns.com

disappointment.

or from the usual outlets.

Bingo every Monday night in the clubhouse – starts at 8pm and all wel-

Sympathies to the Desmond family on the passing of Diarmuid’s brother Patrick.

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

saints march in: St Andrew’s claim the Leinster Senior Schoolgirls Premier League title P30

february 6, 2014

the camogie challenge: Twomey hails Dubs spirit ahead of league campaign P29

Blackrock College’s Shannon Houston, seen here in action for her team side, will take on England, New Zealand and the Netherlands in the women’s rugby World Sevens Series event

Houston on a mission

Blackrock rugby star lines out with Women’s Rugby Sevens panel set to travel to Atlanta for the next phase of World Series event  stephen findlater

sport@gazettegroup.com

BLACKROCK College’s Shannon Houston is set to embark on a new adventure in Irish women’s rugby as she captains the country’s Sevens team take part in their first World Series event in Atlanta next week.

With the advent of Ireland’s entry in the series, it means a new outlook for the Sevens game in Ireland with a focussed side taking part in several events the world over, taking in Brazil, China, Hong Kong, the Netherlands and France too.

It follows an eight-year career with the 15-a-side team, earning 32 caps. She was

part of the Irish extended panel that won the Grand Slam last year but, on the comeback trail from injury, missed out on playing in the game.

She is now looking forward to the new challenge, taking part in a version of rugby that she describes as “addictive”.

“Initially, I got into it as something different,” she told GazetteSport. “With the World Series, I get to potentially travel to places you couldn’t really with 15. A bunch of us gave it a try and it became kind of addictive once we started and it is another way to challenge myself.”

It is a strain of rugby that the IRFU has made a serious commitment to, especially

now that it has been included as an Olympic sport. To this end, the IRFU have engaged in a talent identification programme that has seen a number of athletes convert from other sports to take up rugby.

As such, there has been an adaptation process and the World Series will play a key role in seeing how far Ireland can go as they currently have little match experience under their belt with the current crop of players.

For Houston, adapting from the 15-side format is still a work in process.

“A lot of the skills are the same but the strategy is very different. I’ve been involved for the last couple of years but I am still learning every single training session and

still adapting. There’s a few new girls who are maybe not from a rugby background so we are all trying to get on the same page.

“With the likes of Aisling Naughton [a former Irish Under-21 hockey international], she is a really good athlete already; great fitness, really good feet and a knowledge of games in general. Because of that, it is just about teaching them the skills, game sense and game-knowledge.

“A lot of that may not come until we play lots of games because that is where you learn most of it. Obviously, it is challenging but the players have come on a huge amount in terms of rugby in a short space of time. Now, it’s about getting game time.”