Dundrum

Gazette DUNDRUM

INSIDE: Peter Andre doesn’t dance around when praising a certain Donegal crooner See Page 20

Star Wars: The Force Awakens delivers an explosive but expertly handled addition to the series Page 23

Gallery: Wine buffs give three cheers for Yellow Tail launch of new range Page 12

DEC 27, 2015 - JAN 6, 2016

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MR AND Mrs Claus were delighted to meet Adam and Grace Gorman recently, with the children part of a group who gathered at the ALSAA sports club for a family day to learn about living well with arthritis. Arthritis Ireland National Family Day 2015 involved lots of games, karate demonstrations and a teddy bear hospital, as well as educational workshops for parents, children and siblings about juvenile arthritis. There are 1,200 children living with arthritis in Ireland, and this collaboration between families, health professionals and Arthritis Ireland mentors offered a unique insight into common experiences. The mentors are young adults who have grown up with arthritis.

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

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2015 Review: Highlights of an epic year of achievement Page 32

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Break-ins intensify calls to reopen station

Madigan adds to pressure on Minister to reverse closure of Stepaside Garda facility

 emma nolan

A SERIES of break-ins occurred in the Dundrum area on the night of December 20, according to Aileen Eglington, chair, Kilternan Glenamuck Residents’Association.

She said on the Kilternan Facebook page: “A dreadful night locally last night. So many break-ins. So many upset people this morning.

The nights are dark, we have many elderly people in our community.”

Following this, Cllr

Josepha Madigan (FG) joined the campaign to reopen Stepaside Garda Station. She has written to Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald calling for the station to be reopened.

This move has been welcomed by Deputy Shane Ross (Ind), a long-time campaigner for the reopening of Stepaside Garda Station. He told The Gazette: “I welcome Cllr Madigan’s conversion to the cause.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUNDRUM Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

crime | further calls to reopen garda station

Spate of break-ins puts area on alert  emma nolan

There have been further calls to reopen Stepaside Garda Station following a number of alleged break-ins across the area on December 20

A SERIES of break-ins occurred in the Dundrum area on the night of December 20, according to Aileen Eglington, chair, Kilternan Glenamuck Residents’ Association.

The association made a statement on the Kilternan Dublin Facebook page the following morning, urging residents to ensure they are taking the necessary security precautions.

She wrote: “A dreadful night locally last night.

So many break-ins. So many upset people this morning. The nights are dark, we have many elderly people in our community.”

Following this, Cllr Josepha Madigan (FG) joined the campaign to reopen Stepaside Garda Station. She has written to Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald calling for the station to be reopened.

This move has been welcomed by Deputy Shane Ross (Ind). He told The Gazette: “I welcome Cllr Madigan’s conversion to the cause.”

Cllr Madigan said: “CSO figures for the first half of 2015 show a 68% rise in burglaries in the Dundrum area, which now covers Stepaside, on the same period in 2014.

“The figures show that in 2013, the area was 13th highest in the country for burglaries, whereas in 2014 it was third, and in the first six months of this year it was the second-

worst.

“The local crime rate has increased steadily, with the nearest Garda station being Dundrum, and after that, Cabinteely and Shankill. There are serious concerns in relation to the response time from these stations.”

However, a spokesperson from the Department of Justice responded to Cllr Madigan’s comments and told The Gazette: “There is no statistical correlation between station closures and increases in burglaries.

“The latest CSO statistics published last week show that burglaries are down 6.8% for the third quarter of 2015, compared to the same period last year.”

Regarding the closure of Stepaside Garda Station, they said: “We want gardai to be mobile and visible in the community, not stuck behind desks in stations.”

They said more than 720 new vehicles came on stream since the start of 2015 and will continue to be put into circulation.

“This will ensure that communities, such as those in south Dublin, will benefit from mobile, responsive policing.”

Eglington said that she totally disagreed with the comments made by the Department of Justice.

She said: “In the semirural environment of the area, there is not enough Garda visibility and people are vulnerable.”

Gardai could not comment on the number of break-ins reported.

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

don’s dublin Watercolourist Turner lights up January at the National Gallery January is often viewed as a comedown after the excitement of Christmas has finally died away, but not for those who are fans of the watercolours of JMW Turner. The annual display of his work lasts for the month of January, and it is one of the National Gallery of Ireland’s (NGI) most popular attractions.

In 1900, the National Gallery was bequeathed 31 watercolours by Henry Vaughan, with a stipulation that they should only be displayed in January when the light was weak. This was to protect the delicate drawings, and although modern measures can adequately do the job the National Gallery adheres to Vaughan’s request. This adds to the display and allows the viewer to see Turner’s magical work as Vaughan or the artist would have enjoyed them.

Henry Vaughan was born in Southwark, south London, in April 1809 and his father, George, owned a very successful hat-making business.

In 1829 when his father died, Henry inherited the business and was an extremely wealthy young man. He had been privately educated and his wealth allowed him to travel widely in Europe and begin his collection. This included many works and sketches by Michelangelo and Rembrandt and paintings by Reynolds, Flaxman and Constable. In fact, he presented Constable’s famous work the Hay Wain to the National Gallery (London) in 1886.

By then he had become a friend of Turner’s and bought a considerable number of his works that would constitute a large part of the Vaughan Bequest. The works that the NGI acquired have since been added to and now there are 36 watercolours to enjoy. They show Turner’s mastery of light, and his skill in catching the fleeting moment that so impressed generations of aspiring artists. Two hundred years later they still have the power to move the viewer. It will be a great way to start the new year - check it out.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

JMW Turner (self portrait) whose mastery of light can still move viewers 200 years later

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

networking

council | access to database network

EU partnership to help companies go global  emma nolan

Client companies in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will now have access to Europe’s largest database with up to 10,000 new business and technology opportunities in the EU and many other major global markets through Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

This comes as the 31 LEOs around the country announced a new partnership with Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the world’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).

The network helps Irish companies make the most of business and technology opportunities in the EU and other major

global markets, with close to 600 business support organisations in up to 60 countries including China, USA, Japan, India, Russia, Brazil and Canada.

In Ireland it is a joint partnership between the 31 LEOs, Enterprise Ireland, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Cork Chamber of Commerce.

Launched in January, the network is cofinanced under COSME, the EU funding programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs. The services are tailored for SMEs, but are also available to all other businesses, universities and research centres.

Speaking about the partnership, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Saul (FG), said: “As the first-

stop shop for enterprise, the network of LEOs role is to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship in Ireland. In partnership with the EEN, LEOs across the country can now support SMEs in becoming more knowledgeable and competitive in global markets, leading to greater international business opportunities.”

Echoing Saul’s thoughts, Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) said: “The benefits of teaming up with EEN is international customised support and potential exposure to world markets.

“The network’s sector groups combine international business expertise with local knowledge.

They can help SMEs and businesses grow through tailored support and new partnerships.”

County’s tourism to the fore  emma nolan

panto pair ready for fun

EVIL villain Stinky McCrinky has returned to The Mill Theatre in Dundrum, and that can only mean one thing – trouble! Luckily, Jack and Jill (played by Kevin Shackleton and Amy O’Dwyer, above) are on hand to put a halt to his bold shenanigans. Jill, the heroine of the show, wishes for adventure and excitement and finds it along with secret agent Jack in this original show, tailor-made for Mill Productions. See the song and dance extravaganza with Dame Dolly Mount and other hilarious characters until December 31 Picture: Geraldine Woods

THE Local Enterprise Office for Dun LaoghaireRathdow n hosted December’s Tourism Providers Networking event at Airfield Estate in Dundrum last week.

The event was aimed at encouraging cross-promotion and networking opportunities for tourism providers from throughout the county.

An Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Barry Saul, launched the proceedings.

Cllr Saul (FG) said: “This is a fantastic event which showcases the vast tourism offering for all ages that can be found throughout the county; it brings together local tourism and hospitality providers.”

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

arts | show at the mill

Explore a shady but comic town  emma nolan JANUARY will see a special performance of a new dark comedy, The Poor Little Boy With No Arms, at the Mill Theatre, Dundrum.

One Duck productions, a new company established by seven graduates of The Lir Academy to produce ambitious and entertaining new Irish plays, presents a national tour of the new play devised by the company and acclaimed Irish actor, Mikel Murfi of Ballyturk, The Walworth Farce, and The Man in the Woman’s Shoes fame.

Premiering at the Project Arts Centre in January, a large cast will explore the themes of secrecy, control and

the Irish psyche in this fast-paced and physical comedy-drama.

The play tells the story of Ruby, who arrives in Skibberceannaigh, “The World’s Most Liveable Community”, to a warm we l c o m e f r o m t h e friendly townsfolk.

However, life in this rural idyll seems too good to be true and one night, Ruby comes across a mysterious man with no arms.

He tells her that the t ow n d i s c r i m i n a t e s against him and sets him arduous tasks to do in the dark of night, and Ruby soon discovers that this shocking treatment of her new friend is just one of the town’s many dark secrets ...

Tickets to the show in the Mill Theatre on January 28 are priced €16.

Prof Eoin Casey and Dr Eoin Syron, co-founders, OxyMem – an innovative spin-off enterprise at UCD. Picture: Nick Bradshaw

enterprise | award for company

Innovation win for UCD researchers  emma nolan TWO UCD researchers were honoured with the NovaUCD 2015 Innovation award for their company, OxyMem. The award was presented to Prof Eoin Casey and Dr Eoin Syron, both researchers in the UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, by UCD president Prof Andrew J Deeks during an event held at NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs.

The company is set to triple manufacturing production and create 15 jobs in 2016.

The award was presented to them in recognition of the success and impact which OxyMem, a UCD spin-out, has achieved to

date in the international, multi-billion euro wastewater treatment industry.

The NovaUCD Innovation Award was established in 2004 to highlight UCD’s commitment to innovation. The award is presented annually to an individual, company or organisation or group in recognition of excellence in innovation or of success achieved in the commercialisation of UCD research or other intellectual activity.

OxyMem’s membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) technology is disrupting the global wastewater treatment sector, estimated to be worth €30bn, by servicing a market demand for energy-efficient wastewater treatment without increasing the cost of

capital equipment.

Prof Deeks said: “The NovaUCD 2015 Innovation award was presented to Prof Casey and Dr Syron in recognition of the successes they have achieved, to date, through the quality and impact of their research and through the impact of OxyMem in the global wastewater treatment industry.

“OxyMem, established to commercialise worldclass UCD research outputs, is an excellent example of the quality of companies now emerging from the university.

“While only established in 2013, OxyMem has already grown significantly, employing more than 40 people and already securing international clients.”

T he technological breakthrough made at UCD by Prof Casey and Dr Syron, developed and refined with funding provided by Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, does not rely on a bubble to transfer oxygen. This results in substantially lower energy, chemical and staffing costs for wastewater operators.

On receiving the award, Prof Casey said: “On behalf of Dr Syron and myself, we are delighted to receive this prestigious UCD award.

“The award not only recognises the success of OxyMem over the past few years, but also recognises the 10 years of research and development activities at UCD on which OxyMem is built.”

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 5

6 DUNDRUM Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

people | parliament votes for jailed irishman to be freed from prison

EU backs call to release Halawa  emma nolan

THE case of Ibrahim Halawa came before the European Parliament last week following the postponement of his trial in Egypt for an 11th time.

Halawa (20), who is the son of the Imam of Clonskeagh mosque, was arrested for taking part in a banned protest against the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi in July, 2013 when he was 17 years old.

He has been held awaiting trial with 420 others, who have been accused of a number of crimes including murder.

Their trial has now been postponed 10 times.

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a resolution that calls for his immediate and unconditional release that was put forward by seven Irish MEPs, and states that Halawa could face the death penalty in Egypt. The resolution passed by 566 votes to 11.

The European Parliament stated that Egypt “is bound by undisputable international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child as they apply to Mr Halawa”, who was 17 when arrested, so is demanding that the Egyptian authorities “categorically rule out the threat of the death penalty if Ibrahim Halawa is con-

victed, given that he was arrested as a juvenile”.

Halawa’s sister, Somaia, who has been campaigning tirelessly for her brother’s release, spoke to The Gazette about the latest developments.

She said: “To see the EU countries coming together passing a motion calling for Ibrahim’s unconditional release is a huge and positive step, not just for the family but for the whole campaign.”

The latest trial date was due to take place on December 19, but has been rescheduled to January 9 – a delay which Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan described as a “farce”.

Boylan has said under a

presidential decree, Ibrahim should have already been released. She said: “We keep hearing about waiting until after he is sentenced, but his trial has been postponed for the tenth time, so this could go on indefinitely.

“So what we are calling on in this resolution is that he be released immediately under this decree, and not have to wait to be sentenced.”

Speaking last Friday, she said: “Ibrahim cannot testify in his defence – he’s being tried with 490 other defendants. He’s met with his lawyer once in the two and a half years, so he’s never been able to put forward even a case of

South Dublin man Ibrahim Halawa, who recently turned 20 in a Cairo jail after being held for more than two years by Egyptian authorities

defence, and they’re all in breach of any standards internationally about getting a fair trial.”

Now, the release of Halawa is up to the Egyptian authorities, but Boylan and Halawa’s family and two sisters, who were present during the vote, hope that the Eurpoean Parliament resolution will

send a strong message to Egypt and motivate the Irish Government into action.

Somaia said: “Now that the European Parliament have come together on this, I think it’s time for the Irish Government to call for Ibrahim’s release.

“The fact that Ireland has a good relationship

with Egypt has been raised so many times, so I just don’t understand why their citizen still remains imprisoned there two years and four months later.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs had not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to print.

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 7

planning | council approves extension to existing facility

Sallynoggin to get new senior citizen centre  emma nolan

THE construction of a multifunctional senior centre on the site of the recently removed senior citizen centre in Sallynoggin has been approved by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The new centre will be an extension of the existing Sallynoggin Youth and Community Facility and will cater for the community’s needs, with prioritisation for senior citizens.

There were two council proposals to build on a

number of sites, including Park Close Glenageary and at the Sallynoggin Park area, for 10 and four housing units respectively, and also to extend the Sallynoggin Youth and Community Centre.

The social housing development will include four one-bedroomed units at the site adjacent to 49 Sallynoggin Park, and the 10 units at Park Close near the church, offering highquality accommodation in well-designed modern apartments, which would be ideal for council tenants seeking to downsize

from two- or three-bedroomed houses.

Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) has been actively involved in the development of the project.

He told The Gazette: “Effectively, there were 14 units approved in Sallynoggin last week. They are one-bed units that are quite spacious and larger than the normal one-beds that are built, and they have the ability to accommodate an additional person temporarily, like a carer.

“Ten of those units are going to be located in

Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) welcomed news of the new centre, saying: “They are onebed units that are quite spacious and larger than the normal one-beds”

Park Close Glenageary, and the other four are going to be in Sallynoggin Park as an extension to the community centre which is predominantly for the elderly.”

The extension to the existing youth and community centre is going to be primarily aimed at the elderly within the area

and Sallynoggin, as it has a large number of elderly citizens. On the new units, Cllr Devlin said: “They are going to be offered to tenants in larger accommodation who might want to downsize.”

Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) praised the council’s architect’s department for what he calls “the very

imaginative design for the new senior centre to be built as an extension to the existing youth and community centre at Park Close, Sallynoggin”.

He said: “The people of the area, especially the very active community of senior citizens, have been waiting a long time for this facility.”

stillorgan Grooming service set to open MEN’S Grooming Ireland is opening a new branch in Stillorgan in early 2016, creating seven jobs.

T h e “ e l i t e ” m e n ’s grooming service offers a premium range of mobile male grooming services and present a highly-skilled team who are experts in the field of male grooming, barbering and hair styling.

Six of the new jobs will be for barbers, and barber courses will be starting on the premises in February.

C r e a t i ve d i r e c t o r Andrew Kozlov’s clients include many highprofile names from the worlds of politics, sports, business, the arts, and members of the British royal family and royal household.

8 DUNDRUM Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

business

National award for TaxAssist Dundrum office  emma nolan

DUNDRUM franchise TaxAssist Accountants won a national award at the company’s annual conference last week.

Collecting top honours and the prestigious Franchisee of the Year award for the strong growth of the business, the awards recognise excellence and reward the outstanding achievements of individuals within the TaxAssist network.

Owner Gary O’Rourke is a chartered accountant based in Dundrum with more than 18 years’ experience in accounting and tax.

Speaking about the win, O’Rourke said: “I am delighted with the win and so are my team. We’ve had a really busy year and we’re looking forward to an even busier 2016 servicing local businesses in Dublin south.”

Branches An accountancy and tax advice service for small businesses and taxpayers, TaxAssist Accountants has gone from strength to strength across the country over the past five years, opening 27 branches and creating jobs for more than 100 people.

Located on the main street of Dundrum, the Dublin south branch of TaxAssist Accountants has been one of the strongestperforming locations across the country from the start.

TaxAssist brings something new to the market – small- to medium-sized companies or sole traders can simply drop into a TaxAssist Accountants store, where they can avail of a range of services including tax returns, payroll, end-of-year accounts and book-keeping on a fixed-fee basis.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has seven unfinished housing developments in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area – a significant drop from 60 identified in 2012

report | seven builds left to fix in dun laoghaire-rathdown

Major drop in unfinished housing estates since 2012  emma nolan

UNFINISHED housing projects in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown constituency have reduced considerably since 2012.

The improvement was highlighted in the fourth annual progress report of unfinished housing developments, published

by Minister for Housing, Planning and Co-ordination of Construction Paudie Coffey.

A national survey in 2012 identified 60 unfinished housing developments in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area; this figure has now been reduced to seven.

However, figures from the Department of the Environment show that there are still families liv-

ing in almost 500 unfinished estates in Ireland.

A spokesperson from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council told The Gazette: “We are pleased to have contributed to the very significant progress made by all local authorities in attempting to resolve this issue.”

The seven unfinished housing developments in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area are Carrickmines Green and Carrickmines Manor on the Glenamuck Road, Grand Central, South Central (Rockbrook) in Sandyford, Aberdour on the Stillorgan Road, Sandy ford’s Beacon South Quarter, Camberly Demesne on the Churchtown Road, and Goldiwill on the Church Road

in Killiney.

While they were unable to comment on the current status of the unfinished developments, the council said: “We look forward to continuing that progress, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, to finally resolve the issue.”

The report also revealed that nationwide there was a “75% drop in the unfinished developments since 2010, from nearly 3,000 to 668, and 324 developments resolved in 2015 alone”.

Speaking at the launch of the report on December 16, Minister Coffey outlined some of the key findings of this year’s survey. He also said that the visible reactivation

of sites is now evident throughout the country.

The report also includes the results from the 2015 National Housing Development Survey, which tracks progress on unfinished housing developments since 2010.

It found that, of the 668

The department also intends to engage with the relevant local authorities and stakeholders to explore options on the future viability of unoccupied unfinished developments where it would appear that there is little potential of them being

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‘There still remain seven estates [in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown] to be finished and taken in charge’

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Cllr Neal Richmond (FG)

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unfinished developments identified in the 2015 survey, Minister Coffey indicated that his objective is to resolve as many more developments as possible, with a particular focus on the 492 of these developments with residents.

reactivated and becoming economically viable.

Cllr Neal Richmond (FG) said: “This is a huge achievement and follows on great work from the council, developers and other agencies.

“There still remain

seven estates to be finished and taken in charge, and I hope these can be sorted as soon as possible, as it is of major concerns to the homeowners and residents affected.”

While Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic (SF) commended the work done by the council so far, she said: “Local authorities have had their funding cut repeatedly and have struggled to maintain existing housing under this government.

“Instead of providing supports to these councils where housing is needed, they have implemented a property tax on council houses, a levy on undeveloped council lands, and gutted Part V legislation, which will only encourage councils to sell off to private developers.”

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 9

concern | estate residents unhappy at visibility created by leds

Locals take a dim view of new lights A ROW has erupted between residents of the Llewellyn Estate in Rathfarnham and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council over public lighting which they claim has turned the estate into a “black hole” at night.

The residents are protesting at the poor visibility in the area since the council changed the light fittings to LED (light-emitting diode) lights last June in an effort to be more energy efficient.

However, the tenants claim the new lighting poses a “serious security

hazard due to the complete lack of sufficient visibility”.

Local resident John Dillon, who lives on Llewellyn Grove, told The Gazette: “There has been a spike in burglaries in south Dublin recently and the lack of sufficient visibility caused by this lighting has left residents, particularly older residents, incredibly fearful.

“They have ruined the natural spirit of the estate, where people could [previously] walk through it freely at night.

“When you’re walking home on a winter’s evening, it’s totally dark

– you don’t know who’s standing behind you or behind the next hedge.”

He said: “I agree with being environmentallyfriendly. I’m an electrician and I work with LEDs and I know where they are suitable, but the ones in our estate are not good enough for a public estate; they don’t give enough light.”

Dillon, who has been working with Senator Mary White (FF) in an effort to find a solution, said that there were more suitable LED fittings on the market, but that the council had downgraded the standard of light fittings and now he cannot see the house directly

opposite at night.

Dillon said there was no consultation between the council and the residents on the lighting change, and said that they failed to survey the estate adequately, having missed out “on the most important light in the estate – at a pedestrian entrance from the main road, right beside the river”.

Residents claim that the council resorted to cutting down trees in order to extend the new lighting’s visibility, and cut down a “beautiful cherry blossom”.

However, the council denies any involvement in this matter and says it

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Residents at the Llewellyn Estate are unimpressed with new LED public lighting

has have not been able to establish who was responsible.

In response to the residents’ complaints, a spokesperson from the council told The Gazette that the installation of the “modern LED white

lights meet the current street lighting standards”.

They added: “The new LED street lights used are energy efficient and have the ability to concentrate light on the streets and the footpaths,

which minimises light pollution into adjacent areas and the sky.

“The council will continue to work to allay the concerns of the residents with a view to a satisfactory outcome for all concerned.”

10 DUNDRUM Gazette 27 Dec 2015 - 6 Jan 2016

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dundrumGazettegallery | great turnout for rnli’fundraiser

Susan

Roe

and her son, Jake Clarke

Reindeer run for it in the park

Ben and Khalli Donlon share a thumbs-up with Rookie the Reindeer. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

Stephan and Lois Declan and Leah

Roche

McGrath

Paul Malone, Megan Daley, Stephan Reeves and Rachel Ensor

P

OPULAR TV3 presenter and keep-fit enthusiast Teena Gates was on hand to help get the annual RNLI fundraising run off to a great start at Marlay Park recently. The Reindeer Run once again saw people of all ages don reindeer antlers to set off on one of a number of races, with seasoned runners setting off on the 10km stretch while most casual runners and walkers enjoyed the 5km route. Children were catered for, with a 1km leg providing plenty of challenge for the youngest “reindeers” at the park. RNLI volunteers were also on hand to cheer on everyone, with the fundraising event providing vital revenues to help support the lifesaving service provided by the RNLI all along the coast.

Aaaaand they’re off ... the 5km section generated great enthusiasm – particularly at the starting line!

R1

27 Dec 2015 - 6 Jan 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 11

12 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

city Gazettegallery | a splash of colour across the capital

Olwyn and Sarah McIntyre

Jill Mayberry and Kiri Fisher

Celebrate the season in style

Sarah Drew and Grace Larkin. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

A

Hannah Popham and Lisa McLoughlin

Natalie O’Brien and Claire Moore

Melissa Dooley

ustralian wine Yellow Tail teamed up with the nail experts at Tropical Popical to unleash a splash of colour across the capital recently. Kicking off the Christmas season in style, guests enjoyed an evening of pampering, received a complimentary funky manicure, delicious canapes and a selection of Yellow Tail wines.

Hannah Popham and Jess Worsdale

Sandra and Linda Newman

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 13

14 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

the big interview P20

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P23

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

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Pets beautiful belle needs a new home

Eoghan McDermott, Aine Stapleton, Chris Donoghue and Camille Ross will be well known faces at the First Fortnight festival. Picture: Conor McCabe

festival: banish the blues with first fortnight’s range of activities

Raise your new year spirit FIRST Fortnight – a festival aimed at promoting positive mental health in that gloomy, post-Christmas season when people are most susceptible to mental health difficulties – takes place in Dublin during the first two weeks of January.

Now in its seventh year, First Fortnight 2016 involves live music, film, theatre, discussion and arts events staged to create open discussion and understanding of mental health problems, and challenge prejudice and discrimination.

The events taking place across Dublin and selected venues nationwide include Proclamation – a unique evening of talk and music on New Year’s Day at Christ Church Cathedral, in partnership with Mental Health Ireland.

The evening will feature a number

of well-known Irish faces, including Diarmuid Gavin, Mary McEvoy, Chris Donoghue and Eoghan McDermott. It is being staged in association with New Year’s Festival Dublin.

If Elected – a discussion on what the political parties will do for mental health in this coming election year – will take place in Dublin on January 13, in partnership with Mental Health Reform.

The debate will involve representatives from all the major political parties going head-to-head in a public debate chaired by RTE broadcaster John Bowman.

Love and Mercy – the acclaimed biopic of Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson – will be screened in the Pavilion theatre, Dun Laoghaire and UCD Student Cinema on January 11, in asso-

ciation with See Change, the National Mental Health Stigma Reduction Partnership.

This year, First Fortnight will once again return to St Patrick’s Hospital for a series of unique events, in association with St Patrick’s Mental Health Services. This will include It Made You – a live performance featuring songwriters of the St Pat’s services and Sean Miller, Gavin Glass, and Kevin Nolan on Saturday, January 9.

Other musicians who will feature throughout the festival include Jennifer Evans, We Cut Corners, Saint Sister, State Lights, and the Focus Ireland High Hopes Choir.

First Fortnight co-founder and project manager JP Swaine said the festival had become synonymous with fresh, creative and innovative ways to

spark the national conversation on mental health.

He said: “Each festival that passes seems to encourage a new crop of artists to work creatively in response to mental health as an issue in Irish society, and it has been hugely encouraging to meet artists who have been developing their work with the express purpose of contributing to First Fortnight.”

He said changing attitudes to mental health in Ireland had grown into a movement.

“First Fortnight and its mental health partners proclaim that considerable work remains to be done to make Ireland a more tolerant, compassionate and empathic place for those living with the experience of mental ill health.”

For further information, see www. firstfortnight.ie.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Belle is a five-year old female pit-bull cross who arrived to Dogs Trust heavily pregnant.

She was a fantastic mum to her seven puppies who have all been adopted and now it is Belle’s turn. She is a very friendly girl who adores attention, gives buckets of affection and is a firm favourite among all of the staff. She will make a very lucky adopter a really amazing addition to their home.

If you think you can offer Belle a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Dogs Trust are asking members of the public to visit www.puppypromise. com and make the puppy promise.

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT

It’s true – we’re the givers who keep on giving EBay Ireland has released the findings of a global survey showing that Irish people are the most generous gift givers in Europe at Christmas time.

T he average Irish person will buy 14 gifts this Christmas with the European average at just 11.

Meanwhile, the British will spend on average €289 this year coming in at a close second to Irish shoppers who will spend an average of €296 for Christmas 2015.

According to 73% of Irish people, passing off an unwanted gift to someone else is a complete no-no; however, women are more likely to cheekily do this.

Irish people have r e n ow n e d m a n n e r s meaning that 83% of those of us who receive an unwanted gift will grin and bear it, so as not to hurt the feelings of the gift giver.

look out for each other in new year, says pieta house Suicide and self-harm charity Pieta House is calling on people to look out for each other after Christmas as we make the sometimes difficult transition from Christmas into January and the New Year.

This comes as the charity reports a massive increase in calls for its services in January every year.

“Christmas is a very happy time for most when friends and fami-

lies get together and people are in good form,” said Cindy O’Connor, chief clinical officer of Pieta House.

“At this time of year people make that extra effort to be kinder to each other and we receive fewer calls for our services during this period.

“However, once January arrives and Christmas is over we see a dramatic increase in calls and people looking for support.

“This year, we’re asking people to continue to be mindful of one another and to reach out to those who may be struggling.”

Pieta House has helped over 5,000 people this year in its nine locations across Ireland and close to 18,000 people since it first opened its doors in 2006.

ISPCC keeps eye on 1,500 children without homes The ISPCC has launched a new Childline service to provide emotional support to more than 1,500 homeless children in Ireland who are worried that Santa won’t be able to find them this Christmas.

The text support service, in association with Focus Ireland, and DePaul, is also for children who are worried about homelessness and aims to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that homelessness can cause for children.

The free of charge service which was launched

by Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh (SF), will provide non-directive listening to complement child and family support services provided by other agencies and is not an alternative to one-toone support, which will remain a key requirement for families living in temporary accommodation.

Text Home to 50101 from 10am to 4am.

get with the programme and recycle batteries WEEE Ireland are asking people to be mindful of their waste batteries during the festive season.

New figures released

by WEEE Ireland have revealed that over 20 million waste AA batteries are expected to be found lying around Irish homes on Christmas Day. Members of the public will now be able to obtain their own My Battery Box from their local Aldi store in a bid to make battery recycling more achievable.

Each battery collected will go towards a monetary donation to LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

Special ambassador Bosco said: “I am delighted to leave my box once again this Christmas to get on the road to spread the importance of recycling batteries, not just for our environment but for the children in LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

“All the children there are my friends and I really hope Ireland can pull together over Christmas

and collect waste batteries in the new blue battery boxes.”

To find out more, visit www.weeeireland.ie

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 15

DIARY feature

Elsa Uibh Eachach is pictured with Bosco at Aldi in Terenue for the launch of WEEE Ireland’s My Battery Box campaign. Picture: Shane O’Neill Photography

16 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN, 2016

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN, 2016 Gazette 17

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STYLE

River Island Bandeau prom dress €87

OUT&ABOUT

skirt M&S Limited edition

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Look from River Is

A sparkling New Year  mimi murray

The biggest party night of the year is almost upon us and what better time to glitz it up, sartorial wise, than New Year’s Eve. Sparkles, crystals and sequins are the order of the day and here at Gazette Style we are big fans of a bit of shimmer and shine, for the party season anyway.

Here we have picked some winning looks that won’t break the bank and some colours that you really won’t get away with at any other time of the year.

So pop on those diamante earrings, a glimmering heel and a sparkly frock, and get ready for the ball to drop!

River Is bodyco land open b n €55 ack

Gazette

18 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

Penn eys b roca clutch de €19

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Ca litt rvela lew a oo vail ds ab ire le lan fro d.c m om €9 2

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27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

OUT&ABOUT

the big interview

Peter andre: strictly insightful insights

Taking all the right steps for a great family Christmas  emma nolan

FOLLOWING a successful stint on Strictly Come Dancing, singer and reality star Peter Andre talked to The Gazette about dancing, Daniel O’Donnell, his upcoming tour and spending Christmas with

his family.

The father of three has had a whirlwind of a year following his wedding to Emily MacDonagh in July and, with the birth of his daughter, Amelia, in January 2014, and a new TV show in the works, it’s all go for the Mysterious Girl singer.

“I’m doing so much at the moment – TV, endorsements – and I’ve got the tour next year.”

His Come Swing With Me tour starts at the end of February next year, and he is currently acting as promotional ambassador for food retailer Iceland.

As for including an Irish date in the tour, he said: “You never know – me and Daniel [O’Donnell] might be doing something together!” He joked about Irish country singer and fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant, O’Donnell, who he became great friends with after appearing on the show together.

“I love Daniel – he’s a gent and a kind man. I noticed a big gap in the show when he left.”

Nerves Speaking of his experience on the show, Andre said he was very happy to have been a part of it, despite his nerves: “The nerves killed me on that show.”

Andre and O’Donnell helped each other with the pressure. “He said something to me that really resonated with me – he said in all the years he’s been performing, he never felt as nervous as he did on the show, and I understand – I was the same.”

After making it through 10 weeks on the show, he said that he felt “absolutely no shame” when he was eventually eliminated and was delighted to reach a few milestones, including getting to Blackpool which was “just incredible”, he said.

“I had the first 10 [score] of the series, the first 10 from [head judge]

Peter Andre speaks warmly of time spent with Donegal crooner Daniel O’Donnell on Strictly Come Dancing, saying: “I noticed a big gap in the show when he left.”

Len Goodman and he gave me a standing ovation – they’re moments I will always remember.”

Andre said the dancing skills he learned on the show with dance partner Janette Manrara were invaluable for his tour.

Tradition As for Christmas, he’s spending it in the West Country with Emily’s family, which has been their tradition for the past few years.

“Her mum is an incredible cook,” he said, “We end up being like a scene out of Home Alone – it’s just madness! I’m going to have the kids with me;

it’s going to be wonderful.”

As it’s his youngest daughter, Amelia’s, second Christmas, he said she’s getting excited by all the lights but doesn’t know what’s going on just yet, but his older children, Junior (10), and Princess (8), are very excited, and looking forward to it “big time”.

Andre told The Gazette that he and Emily are excited to have more children in the future. He joked: “Every time I ask her, she nods her head in agreement.”

He added: “I’m from a big family. There are six of us; my dad was one of

12; we’re both from big families and I like big families – we live for our kids.”

This Christmas, Andre is determined that he and the family will put down their phones while enjoying their quality time together. As food retailer Iceland ambassador, he is in full agreement of its campaign urging people to put the phones down this Christmas to maximise family time.

He said: “I know that’s a hard thing for us to do, but with everyone’s head stuck in their phones, it would be really nice this Christmas for us to just put them away.”

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Lake Como is famous for its wonderful gardens and dramatic scenery

A wealth of magical gardens to enjoy If you’re already dreaming of sunshine and gardens in full bloom, then Travel Department’s range of overseas garden tours are a great antidote to the winter blues.

These garden tours takes in visits to some of the most well-known and iconic gardens in the world, as well as private gardens that can often be inaccessible when travelling independently.

For five nights you can visit the gardens of Lake Como in Milan at the four-star Grand Hotel Cadenabbia with flights departing on May 11 for €979pp.

Lake Como is famous for its wonderful gardens and dramatic scenery with the lake as the beautiful focal point.

From your relaxing lakeside base, you will explore the lake’s enchanting gardens and picturesque villages.

Bask in the beauty of Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, where the gardens attached to both of these magnificent villas date back to the 16th century, showcasing geometrical sche-

ma, stairs and terraces, statues and fountains.

If you want a garden holiday that will surely surpass all of your expectations then why not take a journey to Japan and explore its magnificent and tranquil nature sights.

Departing in November 2016, Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, will escort you from the ancient city of Kyoto with its superb gardens and temples, then on the renewed city of Hiroshima with its iconic reminder of the atomic bomb now surrounded by a beautiful peace park for a total of 13 nights.

You will then journey though wonderful mountain scenery for an overnight stay near Mount Fuji, before moving on to the seaside town of Kamakura to view gardens and the Great Buddha before visiting the bustling high rise metropolis of Tokyo with its secret gardens, parks and temples.

To see a full list of garden holiday on offer, visit www.traveldepartment.ie

TRAVEL

america: New York is a perfect sequel to a stay in las vegas

Celebrate the New Year in cities that never sleep

 Ian Begley

ers.

If you fancy rolling into the New Year with style, then Las Vegas is the city for you.

Famous around the globe for its world-class entertainment and casinos, there’s a lot more to this vibrant city than meets the eye.

American Holidays has compiled a list of the most exciting activities and excursions to ensure you have an amazing trip.

The Mob Museum Find out all there is to know about America’s most famous criminals, such as Al Capone, and learn about the origins of the FBI at the interactive Mob Museum.

The museum provides a world-class, interactive journey through true stories. From the birth of the mob, to today’s headlines.

Whether you like it or not, this is American history.

Bellagio Fountains Water shoots 460ft into the air, perfectly choreographed to the tunes of Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly.

The fountains are destined to romance your senses. Take in a complimentary Las Vegas show of water, music and light thoughtfully interwoven to mesmerise its admir-

The Grand Canyon Be wowed by the breathtaking canyon which stretches as far as the eye can see.

Enjoy the scenery of all the rims of the canyon where you can see the Colorado river, lush forests of the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the high deserts of the West Rim.

The Hoover Dam This tour offers a unique way to see, learn and appreciate what Hoover Dam is all about. Built in 1931, the excursion offers guided exploration into lesser known parts of the dam.

Cirque du Soleil Former Olympic gymnasts throw themselves around the stage purely for your entertainment.

Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec-based company recognised all over the world for high-quality, artistic entertainment.

Since its dawn in 1984, it has constantly sought to evoke the imagination, invoke the senses and provoke the emotions of people around the world.

Adventuredome A m e r i c a ’s l a r g e s t indoor theme park. You’ll be left gasping for breath

after the thrilling Canyon Blaster and El Loco rides.

The colossal carnival-like atmosphere is more than five acres of thrills, chills and a crazy amount of fun for everyone.

Stratosphere Tower Enjoy panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley from the Stratosphere Tower which stands at 1,149ft and is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.

A unique fixture in the Vegas skyline, the tower is one of the most exciting attractions among Las Vegas resorts. With the vast quantity of things to do in Las Vegas, you can spend five nights in the Excalibur Hotel and Casino from €769pp in February.

For those who want two holidays in one, what about spending your four

nights in the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas and another three nights in the Hotel Edison in New York this January/February from €835pp?

New York is a place that can be something different to every individual visitor.

If culture and art are your thing then the Museum of Natural History, the Met and the Guggemheim are just three museums in a city stuffed with them. If entertainment is more your bag then take a trip down Broadway or visit Times Square.

There is also the architecture, parks, music and people, the nightlife and daytime hustle and bustle, the subway and a yellow cab ride through skyscraper-created canyons.

For more information on these deals, visit www. americanholidays.com.

Experience the iconic vistas of the Grand Canyon and explore the Hoover Dam before letting the Statue of Liberty welcome you to a city like no other, New York

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA ReelReviews

Man versus enraged super beast ... Ship: 0, Whale: 1, in this latest retelling of the Moby Dick tale

in the heart of the sea: maritime disaster

Barely keeps its head above the water  Dave phillips

After the underwhelming prequels from some years ago, disgruntled Star Wars fans had been waiting – and waiting, and waiting – for films worthy of the excitement, spirit and energy of the original trilogy. Thankfully, The Force Awakens delivers a terrific, invigorating sequel.

star wars: the force is very strong in this one

The next generation  Shannon Maile

So unless you’ve removed yourself to a remote island off the coast of Finland you’ll know that the world is currently undergoing a severe bout of Star Wars hysteria.

It’s taken the human population by force (ha, get it?), and whether you’re a die-hard fan or completely oblivious to any of the previous Star Wars franchise, nobody can escape from it simply because it’s all over your Facebook feed.

So why the big fuss?

It’s been 10 years since the last instalment of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith so it was no doubt that we were all somewhat excited to have a new addition to the collection, but the question on our lips is, was it worth the wait?

This time around we

have a brand new director by the name of JJ Abrams who expertly takes the reins from George Lucas and a shiny new set of characters for us to explore which gives the film a bit of a boost and a softer approach for new coming fans.

The “good guys” are none other than Rey, our heroine of the film but previously a female scavenger living on a dismal desert planet, Fin, who was a Stormtrooper for the vicious First Order but now wants an escape from his past, and of course a brand new droid called BB-8 for us to go “aww” at.

Oh but that’s not all, BB-8, like all sneaky droids, has crucial information on the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker for the Resistance, which leads our heroes into a spot of bother with the new and improved Sith

order which is controlled by a villainous blackmasked fiend, does that ring a bell for anyone?

Without giving too much of the plot away, the film itself wonderfully caters for all ages and interests.

F o r those

who live on the nostalgic side of life, we have the rebirth of some of our most beloved and notorious characters such as Han Solo and Chewbacca (who are still, unsurprisingly, up to no good) and

Princess Leia.

Without completely copying the plot for A New Hope, we do have a similar structure in place, Step 1: Kill Sith lord of your choice; Step 2: Blow up the new Death Star.

It also wouldn’t be complete without some father-son issues in homage to Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker and of course for the more sof t-hear ted viewers out there we have a bit of romance to spice things up every now and again but we also have enough action and spaceship chases and/or fights to entertain the most manliest of men who dare not stray from their action-loving ways.

This film could have easily died a painfully embarrassing death if left in the wrong hands but luckily it has outdone itself and will live another

day.

With the prospect of more Star Wars films in the pipeline it’s safe to say that the excitement will never cease but it may not reach the same heights as this production.

If I had to pinpoint any disappointing aspects of the film, it would be the slight lack of originality with the plot but nevertheless it’s still a gem.

Prepare yourselves for a lot of shocks, a few laughs, and if you’re anything like my mother who still lives in her 1970s childhood nostalgia, there will be a lot of tear-jerking moments also.

All in all it’s a brilliant piece of film history which is already being proved by its success in the box office and a mustsee for everyone regardless of whether you’re a sci-fi diehard or not.

Verdict: 9/10

A staple in the literary canon, Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby-Dick tells the story of Captain Ahab’s fatally obsessive crusade to hunt the titular white whale.

Subsequent decades have seen Melville’s tale of power, revenge, and glory rise to become the preeminent representation of the American ideal.

In The Heart of the Sea sees veteran director Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon) trace these core themes to the gruesome incident that inspired Melville – the sinking of the Essex, a Nantucket whaling ship that was wrecked by its quarry in the South Pacific in 1820.

It’s a story within a story, as a young Melville (Ben Whishaw) implores one of the sole survivors of the wreck, Tom Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson) to drunkenly recount the disaster some decades later.

Bearing the bulk of the narrative, Nickerson’s account revolves around two men – the officious

and green around the gills Captain Pollard (Benjamin Walker) and the sea-savvy superhero Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth).

Cue the inevitable mano-el-mano posturing as we sink into that age-old dynamic of rank versus experience.

Despite a rollicking trailer, In The Heart of The Sea plays out slowly, with a handful of big action sequences keeping things afloat.

The level of talent is saturating – Cillian Murphy also appears alongside Tom Holland and Michelle Fairly – and one wonders whether Howard had the space in two hours to contain the enormity of the tale he tries so earnestly to tell.

There are solid performances, some beautiful shots and CG work and equally well-constructed and tangible sets that all cry out for recognition.

But the story sacrifices character development in pursuit of a heavy-handed attempt to make its themes relevant (ah, they did it all for oil!). We never get to the heart of the sea, we only skim the surface.

Chris Hemsworth as sea-savvy Owen Chase

Gazette

24 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

WEEBYTES 5 The late Satoru Iwata,

1

Nintendo chief executive

Some of the gaming lows from 2015 DESPITE the release of many great games and cool tech developments, 2015 also saw more than its fair share of bad news, too.

As the lowest point of the year, gamers and the industry alike were shocked in July when Nintendo’s chief executive, 55-year-old Satoru Iwata, suddenly passed away.

As a key driver of Nintendo’s successes, and as a widely respected and liked figure in the business, Iwata’s unexpected death marked the lowest point in a year that also saw a lot of job losses, studio closures, and troubled titles getting canned.

There was no shortage of business fallings out and controversies, this year, with the international gaming media – and, increasingly, the mainstream business press – seemingly unable to turn around without bumping into another gaming-related argument, spat or bad-news story from one month to the next.

However, looking ahead to 2016, we can still expect the sector to log some record financial figures, the delivery of a number of long-awaited flagship titles, and the continuing growth, diversity and maturity of the industry as a whole.

3 6

2

4

7

Many of this year’s best games delivered particularly creative, beautiful or complex settings. Flowing from the top left, and in no particular order: 1) Her Story, 2) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 3) Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, 4) Batman: Arkham Knight, 5) Xenoblade Chronicles X, 6) Splatoon, 7) Bloodborne, 8) Metal Gear Solid V (inset below).

best of 2015: A round-up of several of the year’s greatest games

Some beauties to behold

A NERVOUS young woman walks into a police station to report her husband missing. So began one of the best games of the year – a title that’s as good as any to start this best-of-2015 list.

Starting off – and in no particular order – and critics loved the narrative-driven Her Story (1, IOS; for mature gamers).

Presented as hopelessly mixed-up video snippets of a few police interviews recorded and then jumbled up in the mid 1990s, players used a police computer to review up to five snippets of clips at a time, based on any common keyword they entered.

After that, it was up to them to work out what part of the story to unlock next, based on their keywords, with the missing person report soon turning into a complex tale.

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

Moving on, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2, PC, PS4, XBO; Cert 18) was undoubtedly the game of the year for many critics and gamers alike.

Set in a truly vast open world dotted with villages, towns, ruins and a seemingly endless amount of quests – not to mention a lot of Northern Irishvoiced characters – its chief protagonist could explore a massive game world that was rich with detail and very, very pretty vistas – as well as occasional lashings of uber-violence and ear-blistering profanities across its darkly beautiful world.

Indeed, with the newer,

powerful consoles hitting their stride, many of 2015’s game worlds were particularly wondrous to behold, as developers began to get to grips with their power.

Whether exploring a quintessentially English village immediately after the apocalypse has wiped away everybody, everywhere in Everybody’s

Gone to The Rapture ( 3 , PS4; Cert 16), or

swooping through the definitive version of a rain-and neon-soaked Gotham city in Batman: Arhkam Knight (4, PC, PS4, XBO; Cert

18), 2015’s game worlds enticed, entertained and unnerved players with particular skill.

Indeed, several of these best-of titles had mature themes running throughout, and often subtly so – themes of love, loss and philosophical points about the meaning of self

and identity lay as rich seams beneath the pretty surface in a number of these engaging titles.

However, older consoles still had the power to surprise in 2015, with the aging Wii U packing quite a punch with Xenoblade Chronicles X (5, Cert 12) – as vast, engaging and beautiful a world as anything the newer consoles could muster.

In common with other large open worlds to explore, Chronicles featured a complex story laden with a huge amount of side quests and diversions – but not so with another critically-lauded Wii U title, Splatoon (6, Cert 7+) – a fun and fastpaced shooter game that charmed many.

Its bright and simple graphics masked a fastmoving title that was fun to play, but had much more depth than its cheerful graphics sug-

gested, proving yet again that Nintendo’s consoles often have the most directly fun games.

Critics also lauded c r e e py B l o o d b o r n e (7, PS4; Cert 18); a toughas-nails action game soaked in Gothic, Lovecraftian imagery and lore, and bristling with just-one-more-go appeal for those who like a challenge (to put it mildly).

8

And, lastly – and almost certainly very finally – the long-awaited Metal Gear Solid V (8, PS3, PS4, XB360, XBO, PC; Cert 18) made quite an impact with its open world setting, dense plot, and a seemingly final adventure for an iconic games character (see inset), with everything from child soldiers in Africa to psychic pyromaniacs to contend with, all in the name of an antiwar message.

Ultimately, 2015 delivered more of the same, with few truly new experiences or genres making their impact felt.

However, there were subtle iterations to established genres, and despite the usual raft of studio closures and industrywide issues, 2015 saw several outstanding games live up to their promise.

2016 has quite a challenge to live up to ...

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 25

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Gazette

HEALTH advice: get focused and put seasonal excesses behind you

Five steps to beat ‘Christmas bloat’ Christmas has come and gone, and you’re left to deal with the aftermath of all that less-thanhealthy eating.

Your body is puffy and bloated. Your joints are achy. Your clothes feel tight. Maybe you are feeling this way right now?

Below are the five steps you’ll need to quickly and seamlessly get back on the fitness fast track ...

Step one: Get focused.

The holidays happened.

You ate things from your “never eat these” list; you drank more than you should have – but now it’s over. Draw a line in the sand.

The bad eating stops here. Don’t beat yourself up for falling off the fitness

wagon this time; simply get back up, dust yourself off and get re-focused.

Leave the past – and your slip-ups – in the past.

Step Two: Get hydrated. While bad eating can take on many forms, the end result is most often dehydration and water retention. The only way to restore balance is to get hydrated.

Your first priority in getting back on track is to drink plenty of water throughout your day.

Start with a tall glass of water in the morning, and carry a water bottle with you. Don’t add artificial sweeteners or any cordial to your water – these will work against your hydration efforts.

Stay focused throughout Christmas and you will be ready for the New Year

To add flavour, slice fresh fruit such as lime or lemon, herbs like mint, or vegetables such as cucumber to place in your water, just like at the spa.

Step three: Get picky.

For the next few days you

need to be extra picky about what you eat. Stick with only whole, real foods like fruits, vegetables and some lean meat.

Whole, real foods will quickly help to restore balance. Don’t eat pack-

aged foods for the next few days – this means saying no to snack foods, processed meat slices, dairy, baked goods and alcohol.

Step four: Get juicing.

Making your own juice

can be beneficial when recovering from a weekend of bad eating.

The key is to use ingredients that will hydrate and nourish your body, and to avoid ingredients that are high in sugar.

These ingredients create a fantastic recovery juice: fresh ginger, spinach, cucumber, kale, green apple, lemon and celery.

The following ingredients should be used sparingly, due to high sugar content: carrots, oranges, red apples, melons or pineapple.

Step five: Get moving. So you’ve put an end to the eating madness, you’ve hydrated, you’ve eaten only whole foods and you’ve enjoyed a

recovery juice – now it’s time to sweat it out.

Lace up your runners and put on your favourite gym clothes. When you start your workout, ease in slowly. Take the time to warm up and stretch your muscles before powering up to a solid 30-minute exercise routine.

Start with a fast-paced walk each morning before your breakfast and do this every day for seven days.

You’ll feel amazing and you’ll get control back over your body.  Greg Marsh Fat loss expert, personal trainer and owner of Synergise Personal Training in Stepaside.

For further information, see www.synergise.ie.

26 dundrum gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN, 2016

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25771

planning Notice DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

BUSINESS

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Phone: Edward on 01 6230308 OR 087 2659931 www.concreteandpaving.com

ssified the cla cess. in g ertisin at suc at adv be a gre er & the h t d n o p t ve fou zette the pa d lots of We ha of the Ga ulation of te lso, enera n irc sectio the wide c s, it has g t areas. A d r n e o e v t r co to ea iffer Due reas it in many d pick it up e local a y n ma r us ople at th so pe ess fo oking ! lo busin er is free e r o eref for us ap the p cal news th ally works lo h re their g whic in is t r e adv ins e Coll Lorrain or Direct

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I, Gillian Henderson wish to apply for Full Planning Permission for development at this site No. 102 Wyattville Park, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 . The development will consist of : Demolition of existing adjoining domestic garage, The addition of a two storey side extension, the same height as existing ridge, a single storey lean to extension across the front elevation and a single storey extension to the rear, part flat and pitched in design with roof lights. Demolition & re-organisation of first floor and on ground floor to facilitate the new layout, making the attic space habitable with dormer windows to rear and roof light to front with minor alteration to roof design. Changing of fenestration on all elevations and front door to allow for new layout, connection to existing soil water and surface water and all ancillary site works.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding a reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, during its public opening. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning Authority.

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We The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, C/o Daniel Keane, RIAI (Arch Tech) 26 Jessop St., Portlaoise, Co. Laois, intend to apply for Permission for development at 19 Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.

The development will consist of new bin bay storage unit, first floor storage room, retaining wall bank treatment at existing stream and all associated site works.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours.

A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the Planning Authority.

25773

Gazette

28 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

SPORT2015

review of the year

looking back: january to june

Dublin toast New Year with a host of epic wins

January

“SURE, what better way to start a New Year than a game of hurling?”

Ger Cunningham enjoyed his first taste of life as the new Dublin senior hurling boss at the annual Dubs Stars on New Year’s Day. He was one of a series of people making their first tentative steps into the new season in new roles.

Castleknock appointed Antoin O’Cleirigh to take over the reins as the club’s hurling manager to take on AHL Division 2 for the very first time.

Skerries Harps Lyndsey Davey was announced as the captain of the Dublin senior football team, instantly saying the focus for 2015 was very clearly on making amends for last year’s All-Ireland championship final defeat to Cork.

Clondalkin rugby’s second team made up for the cancellation of their firsts’ Hosie Cup final, with a convincing defeat of the Athy outfit in the Lalor Cup final on home soil over the winter break.

February SHANE

Jennings

announced he would call time on a glittering career with Leinster and professional rugby at the end of the 2014-15 season, one that saw him land three Heineken Cups, three Celtic Leagues and an Amlin Cup. In the wake of the announcement, he duly went on to captain Leinster on the occasion of his 204th Leinster cap to a bonus point win over Zebre in front of his home crowd at the RDS. Arcane/Adamstown Cycling Team’s Darragh Zaidan began his year in style with two major achievements, landing an impressive solo win at the Trader’s Cup in Dundalk a week before riding in his first professional road race in Morocco.

After three years of frustration, sports clubs and schools in the Donabate– Portrane area were given a huge boost with the news that the Donabate all-weather pitch is due to reopen in just three weeks’ time.

The facility, which was closed before a ball was kicked or struck in late November 2011 due to flooding, forced local sports clubs to travel across Dublin to hold

training sessions and host matches.

Lucan United added another marquee name to their LSL Sunday Senior 1B panel with the signing of former Republic of Ireland international Mark Kinsella.

Manager John Doyle says he “twisted his arm”to line out in their 6-0 win over Rathcoole Boys, a result which lifted them to the top of their division.

Clonliffe Harriers’ Brian Gregan and Declan Murray produced superb runs as part of Ireland’s distance medley relay at the Armory Invitational meet as the team went under world record time.

They were denied the overall title by a dominant USA team who ran a superb 9.19.93 with Ireland finishing in 9.25.37, what now stands as the second best time ever, The relay sees teams of four compete over mixed distances over 1,200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m.

March THERE was a wealth of local winners at the annual FAI awards event.

Swords’ Jamie Finn took home the Under-16 Wom-

Dublin footballer Rory O’Carroll with Scoil Aine’s Ellie McGrath, Roisin Mythen and Lucy Harrington. Picture: Ramsey Cardy

Clondalkin claimed the Lalor Cup in a succesful start to their 2015. Picture:

Feile gold for Plunkett’s. Picture: Peter Hockey/

Sharon Flanagan

GAAPics.com

The DDSL celebrate

Robbie Keane brought his LA Galaxy team to Gannon Park for a training session with

Tough going at the

the Irish Special Olympics side. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

ships in Swords last

en’s International Player of the Year prize.

Former Lakelands schoolboy Danny Kane was named FAI Under17 International Player of the Year while Liverpool hot prospect and former Lucan United star Conor Masterson picked up the FAI Under-16 International Player of the Year award last weekend.

On the hockey front, Aisling Naughton’s thirdminute goal saw Hermes claim the second leg of a potential quadruple as they won their ninth Jacqui Potter Leinster Senior Cup hockey title at Grange Road on St

Patrick’s Day. She got on the end of Sarah Patton’s superb run and cross to snatch her 23rd goal of the season, helping the Booterstown club add this title to the Leinster league they won a fortnight earlier.

Castleknock GA A took another big step forward with club members approving plans to start work on a new clubhouse during the summer.

Old Wesley RFC, meanwhile, achieved promotion despite losing their perfect record in the league against Naas at Forenaught. The losing bonus point proved

enough to assure them a move up to Division 1B.

April THIS month marked 25 years of Esker Celtic providing football in Hermitage Park. The club celebrated the milestone with a massive gala event in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley with FAI chief executive John Delaney in attendance.

A penalty corner brace from Richard Sykes saw Monkstown win their third successive Irish Hockey League title, inflicting Banbridge’s first defeat in all competitions

over the season at Grange Road.

Having had one hand on the AUL Sunday Senior Division title for almost the entire season, Rivervalley Rangers senior footballers finally got two hands on it in April in Ridgewood Park.

The league was captured in fine style too, with an 8-0 win over the helpless McKelvey Celtic leaving the Valley on 42 points, with 14 wins from 14 games.

Dublin retained the EirGrid Leinster Under-21 Leinster Football Championship at Pairc Tailteann in sterling fashion.

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 29

Gazette

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES

“My Mam still worries about me. I have to remind her: ‘I have just run around the world’ ”

Castleknock freestyle kayaker Tom Dunphy creating

“It takes getting used to. You have to learn to relish the contact and learn to love it to be successful.”

with the FAI Umbro Youth Inter League Cup after a final win over the NDSL. Picture: Pat Murphy/Sportsfile

Eye for the camera: Clontarf in action in the UBL Division 1A against Terenure. Picture: Deryck Vincent

Irish National Cyclocross champion-

High School ecstatic after their first Leinster hockey Senior Premier

January. Picture: Sean Rowe

League success. Picture: Adrian Boehm

All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Cliodhna O’Connor announced her retirement from club and inter-county football last week after a hugely successful playing career.

Indeed, the Naomh Mearnog woman featured for the Dubs in five finals, eventually winning one at the fourth attempt.

May TROPHIES abounded on the soccer front with Lucan United adding the Gilligan Cup to promotion to the LSL Senior 1A Division.

What looked a certain-

ty for so long became reality for St Mochta’s who beat local rivals Verona 5-2 midweek to build an unassailable lead at the top of the LSL Sunday Senior 1.

It ensures their entry top tier football in the LSL for the very first time as comprehensive league champions, getting over the line with four games remaining and the minimum of fuss.

On one epic weekend, St Joseph’s Boys won a stunning four trophies.

Those included a rare double All-Ireland, with the wins coming at Under15 and Under-13 level.

Twenty-year-old Gavin Moynihan led through all but one round of the 2015 Irish Amateur Golf Championship, to take his second title in comprehensive fashion.

The Island GC man’s stunning third round 65 proved the difference, meaning 2012’s unlikely winner went into the final round level with young club mate Kevin LeBlanc before emerging with the title.

Salmon Leap canoe club’s Jenny Egan became the first Irish athlete to win a Senior European Sprint Championship canoe medal last weekend

- Ultra-runner Tony Mangan in the wake of his epic 55,000km run over four years

a splash in Canada

in Racice, Czech Republic. Egan’s bronze medal came in the Senior Women’s K1 5,000m event.

Colaiste Iosagain’s Ruth Iuallain and Kim NiFhearain

June

celebrate All-Ireland junior glory. Picture: Oliver McVeigh

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic ended its season with an impressive seven league titles with a number of runners-up positions with the DDSL Under-14 Major side making it an incredible four promotions in succession.

Bluebell United finally secured a long-awaited Leinster Senior League title, their first since 1987, having led the Sunday Senior’s top tier of Lein-

ster intermediate football almost from start to finish.

The free scoring Leinster Senior Division side hit 51 goals in 24 league games this season, and wrapped up the trophy to end their 28-year wait for this success.

Another to end a long wait was Maria McCambridge who finally broke her women’s VHI minimarathon duck as she

claimed the title in a time of 34 minutes and three seconds.

She led home a field of over 37,000 entrants for the annual event, the largest female-only event of its kind in the world.

Ireland’s first ever all artificial clay tennis club was opened last Saturday as De Vesci Lawn Tennis Club, Monkstown, unveiled their switch from hard-court to clay.

- Irish rugby star Hannah Tyrrell on her successful transition from Gaelic football

“Living in the jungle with all the monkeys in the trees; it’s only place in the world you can train without having to worry about money.”

- Castleknock man Tom Dunphy on why he moved to a camp site in the African jungle to pursue his dreams as a freestyle kayaker.

Gazette

30 Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016

SPORT2015

review of the year

look back: july to december

Chasing the national and international sports dream July FINGALLIANS opened their long-awaited new all-weather pitch with GAA president Aogan O’Fearghail doing the honours at Lawless Park.

The pitch will go a long way to improving the facilities for the sizeable and fast-growing Swords club, which hosts a substantial 67 teams vying for time across the facilities.

Club PRO Paul Gormley said: “The new turf, with the requisite lining and new posts, will provide a superb facility for the club’s ever-growing reach while also providing a facility for the several national schools in the area.”

Hermitage GC’s Rowan Lester helped Leinster produce a phenomenal display on the final day at Rosapenna GC, Donegal, to reclaim t h e I n t e r p r ov i n c i a l Championship for the first time in seven years.

Portmarnock Swim Club member Fiona Doyle booked her ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics, won a bronze medal, and smashed a self-held Irish record within the space of two days at the World University Games in Gwangiu, South Korea.

T h e Vo l v o D u n Laoghaire Regatta, meanwhile, produced four days of enthralling racing in Dublin Bay with over 400 boats and almost 3,000 sailors competing.

The biennial regatta was hailed an enormous success, both afloat and ashore, for a combined fleet of 415 boats, the biggest on the Irish Sea. Over 250 races on five different courses were staged in a range of light to very heavy conditions.

August FOXROCK Cabinteely hammered St Brigid’s 3-10 to 2-1 in the final in Parnell Park to claim the Dublin ladies football senior championship title.

“We’re particularly proud of how we won the game. It was probably our best performance of the year,” said manager Pat Rice.

Former Republic of Ireland international, St Patrick’s Athletic legend Keith Fahey announced his retirement from the professional game due to a long-standing knee and hip injuries.

But, while one former ROI international hung up his Rovers jersey for

good, another started a new life for the Hoops as Damien Duff made his debut for Fenlon’s side as a late substitute in their 3-0 win over Cork City in Tallaght.

The LSL Sunday Senior season got under way with newcomers Glenville and St Mochta’s winning their first ever game at this level on the first day of the season.

Salmon Leap’s Jenny Egan added to a superb year with success at the annual Liffey Descent

Conor McGregor became the UFC Leinster rugby star Kevin McLaughlin

featherweight champion in brilliant

at a summer camp; he was forced to

fashion in Las Vegas with a 13-second win

retire in September. Picture: Daire Brennan

over Jose Aldo. Picture: Ramsey Cardy

The Dublin senior football

September AFTER guiding Dublin to a third All-Ireland title in five years and his second as Dublin manager, Jim Gavin heaped praise on the structure of Gaelic Games in the capital.

The Round Tower’s man led Dublin to a 0-12 to 0-9 over reigning champions Kerry in the final and he mentioned those involved in the sport at every level the morning after the win.

“The fabric of the team is made up of all parts of the county,” Gavin said in the aftermath. “As intercounty manager, I’m just privileged to work with players who have come from great clubs.

In Dublin we have a great Cumann na mBunscol structure, we’ve a great coaching system, we’ve got some great teachers

The Irish women’s cross-country Fingallians at the Gaelic4Mothers and Others blitz with huge

team who won gold at the Europeans in

numbers participating. Picture: GAAPics.com

France.

doing some great work in the primary schools, some great coaches in the clubs.”

The Dublin ladies footballers, however, were undone in their final by a hugely impressive Cork side.

Both Fingallians and Round Tower, Lusk were contesting the junior B and A finals and both left Parnell Park with titles as Fingallians beat Bank of Ireland 2-17 to 3-8 and Round Tower ran out 4-10 to 1-12 winners against Raheny.

St Brigid’s junior hurlers savoured the sweet taste of championship glory after a pulsating junior B final against

O’Toole’s 1-13 to 0-15.

The South Dublin Swans, based in Bushy Park in Terenure, won the 2015 Australian Rules Football League of Ireland (ARFLI) Grand Final after a nail-biting final against last year’s champions, the Belfast Redbacks, in Belfast.

MU Barnhall began the Ulster Bank League Division 2B’s at Parsonstown with a number of major changes to their set-up both on the field and off it.

Maynooth University, the college which the Blue Bulls have a strategic alliance with, have rebranded from NUIM to MU which meant the

club changed along with it.

October R ATHFARNHAM WSAF’s Sean Hehir was the first Irish man home in the Dublin City Marathon, claiming the national title in 2.17.48.

Clontarf cruised into the last four of the Dublin senior football championship thanks to a convincing 0-19 to 0-7 win over St Anne’s, the first time they had reached that stage since 1991.

Handball hero Eoin Kennedy landed his fifth All-Ireland doubles title to add to his absolute mountain of medals and

titles over the years.

The St Brigid’s man paired up with Carl Browne for the first time in a doubles final and the Dublin duo beat Kilkenny duo Ciaran Neary and Michael “Ducksy” Walsh after a dramatic three games in the 60x30 softball final Abbeylara.

A 1-1 draw in Tallaght Stadium against Shamrock Rovers was enough for Dundalk FC to retain their SSE Airtricity Premier Division crown and it was no surprise that a Richie Towell goal clinched the title.

As well as Towell, the Dundalk squad was packed with players who learned their trade in west

27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016 Gazette 31

Gazette

‘‘

QUOTES OF

THE YEAR “Precision beats power and timing beats speed and that is what you saw there.”

- Mixed Martial Irish Senior women’s close cup winner Gertie McMullen (The Island) receives a kiss from husband and caddy Frazer after victory at Castletroy. Picture: Pat Cashman

Arts hero CONOR McGREGOR in the aftermath of his incredible UFC title-fight victory over Jose Aldo

“My sport is a little insane and athletes competing need to have a certain personality type.

You have to be a little bit crazy!”

side celebrate winning their third All-Ireland title in the past five years in Croke Park. Picture: Stephen McCarthy

- Skeleton Olympic

NAC’s James Scully before

Pearl Slattery leads out Shelbourne for the women’s

Phoenix Park was thronged for the national triathlon championships in August.

competing in the IPC World

FAI Senior Cup final against Wexford. They ultimately

Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

Championships.

were denied the title on penalties. Picture: David Maher

round of action, drawing a rousing reception from the home supporters.

St Peregrine’s Under-14 camogie stars wrapped up a remarkable treble winning season by clinching their league title. A 4-9 to 1-4 win over St Pat’s meant Peregrine’s added the Division 3 title to their championship and Feile crowns from earlier this year.

K insella has been involved in the sport for 25 years, and represented Ireland at the world and European championships before moving into coaching, founding the Monkstown Boxing Club from scratch 12 year ago.

Ballyboden St Enda’s manager Andy McEntee said: “it mightn’t have been pretty” but his club was unlikely to care too much as they won their first ever Leinster title in O’Connor Park.

The Firhouse Road outfit defeated Portlaoise in a thrilling AIB Leinster SFC Club final by a single point and McEntee.

Lucan Sarsfields’ senior footballers return

Dublin.

Palmerstown local Andy Boyle grew up playing alongside Towell in a prominent Crumlin schoolboy team.

Chris Shields was on the books of Clondalkin club St Francis for a number of years while Meenan (St Joseph’s), Sean Gannon (St Kevin’s), and Kurtis Byrne (Cherry Orchard) also got a footballing education in the city, along with several other members of the Lilywhites squad.

The Irish men’s hockey team, featuring several players from Dublin clubs like Monkstown, Pembroke and Three Rock Rovers moved a step clos-

er to the Olympic dream as the national team had their place confirmed for Rio 2016.

November LINDSAY PEAT - an All-Ireland winning footballer and former cocaptain of the Irish international basketball team - added international rugby to her considerable sporting CV. Peat was called up to the Ireland Women’s squad to face England at Harlequin’s London ground, The Stoop, coming off the bench as the women played their first autumn international.

The good times kept on

rolling for Cuala’s senior hurlers as they booked their place in the Leinster SHC final, adding to the Dublin title, with superb 3-12 to 0-17 win over Clara of Kilkenny. They would eventually come a cropper to Wexford side Oulart-the-Ballagh.

NAC-based diver Oliver Dingley won his first event as an Irish competitor when beating multiple world champion Tom Daley at the Irish Open in the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin.

He won the 1m men’s final in dramatic fashion, seeing off the sport’s most famous face by 1.05 points with final forward 2½ somersaults in the last

December MONKSTOWN Boxing Club head coach Paul Kinsella was awarded the highest honour of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association: a lifetime achievement award.

to the big time of AFL1 was a feat well and truly deserved after two years of serious graft on and off the field, according to selector Ed O’Brien.

Colaiste Phadraig’s Lucan Under-16 basketball team won the school’s fourth major basketball trophy in the past three years with a 52-41 victory over Malahide CS in the Eastern League A final held in the Oblate Hall in Inchicore.

Corduff FC’s Francky Haba who was named best player on the park for the NDSL Academy Under-15s beat the Republic of Ireland Under-15s in a charity challenge game last Sunday.

hopeful BRENDAN DOYLE explains one of the components it takes to succeed in his chosen discipline

“It would be amazing to go from watching the Europa League to actually playing in it.”

- Shamrock Rovers man MARTY WATER reflects on his pair of goals against Norway’s Odds Ballklub as they moved within touching distance of the competition’s group stage.

Waters watched on in 2011 as a fan.

32 DUNDRUM Gazette 27 DEC 2015 – 6 JAN 2016