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September 18, 2014

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Month XX, 2012 PALMERSTOWN • CELBRIDGE • LEIXLIP • ADAMSTOWN • DODSBORO • LIFFEY VALLEY • BALLYOWEN

PROPERTY: Check out our guide to the hottest homes on the market P24-25

Rugby:

Garda RFC celebrate 50 glorious years Page 32

Hurling:

Lucan through to quarters of Dublin SHC Page 31

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 BRIDE&GROOM .............17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27

PERFECT DAY: A very special wedding to remember for Helena and James Pages 8-9

Health centre lease is signed  IAN BEGLEY

THE HSE recently signed a lease for a brand-new, state-of-the-art primary care centre in Ballyowen, Lucan.

The Balloyowen primary care centre will have GPs, physios, counsellors and other medical professionals available to serve the needs of the Lucan community.

The centre will be located beside The Penny Hill pub, close to the

Ben Dunne gym, and it is hoped that the planning will commence in two months, with construction to begin in mid-2015.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Robert Dowds (Lab) said: “This new health centre will make a big difference in people’s lives in Lucan and I think the Lucan community deserves nothing less than the very best health-care facilities that can be provided.”

Full Story on Page 2

Shake on it: Nothing stilted about Lucan village festival THE SIXTH annual Lucan festivalwas jam-packed with fun for the whole family recently as locals enjoyed food, drink and good weather in beautiful surroundings. The festival proved a big hit with both young and old alike,

with a host of events and performances throughout the day.

There were food stalls, face painting, bouncy castles and vintage cars, as well as stilt walkers to keep the crowd entertained and laughing throughout the day.

2 LUCAN Gazette 18 September 2014

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www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette 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.

A site by The Penny Hill pub, and close to the Ben Dunne gym, has been selected by the HSE for a new primary care centre. Picture: Googke Earth

HSE signs lease for new primary health centre

The HSE has recently signed a lease for a brand new, state-of-theart primary care centre in Ballyowen, Lucan.

In a Gazette exclusive, the lease which was signed by the HSE, will allow work to proceed on the new health centre for the community, which will have GPs, physios, counsellors, and other medical professionals available to serve the needs of the Lucan community.

The centre will be located beside the Penny Hill pub, close to the Ben Dunne gym and will be built under an operational lease agreement between the HSE and the landlord involved.

It is hoped that planning will commence in two months and construction for the health

 ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

centre is expected to begin in mid-2015.

It will be serving a population of about 30,000.

Welcoming the news, local TD Robert Dowds (LAB) told The Gazette: “I very much welcome the news that the HSE has signed a lease for a brand new health centre for Ballyowen.

“Drawings have been agreed by the HSE and the developer; this lease agreement is a ver y important first step on the way to this important facility for the community.

“The new Ballyowen Primary Care Centre is part of the nationwide Primary Care Centre network which Labour is delivering in government.

“Like all other Primar y Care Centres, the Ballyowen Primary Care Centre will have GPs, counsellors, physios and other community health services and will be a fantastic facility for everyone living in Lucan, particularly families with young children.

Momentum

“I hope very much that we keep up the momentum on this project and that this centre opens its doors to the community as soon as possible.

“I am determined that this health centre opens as soon as possible as

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‘I am determined that this health centre opens as soon as possible as this is an important project for the people of Lucan’

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this is an important project for the people of Lucan.

“This new health centre will make a big difference in people’s lives in Lucan and I think the Lucan community deserves nothing less than the very best health care facilities that can be provided.”

D e p u t y M ay o r o f South Dublin County Council and Lucan C l l r L i o n a O ’ To o l e (Ind) also welcomed the news, telling The Gazette: “I certainly welcome the announcement of a new Primary

Health Care centre for Lucan, however I would think any provision of a distinct health service like this would need to be integrated into the existing services.

“It’s not clear if this is going to be a public service or if it’s going to be [used for] private practices.

“I will also be seeking full consultation with other medical centres and GPs in the Lucan area to ensure that we have an integrated Primary Health Care service system throughout all of Lucan.”

18 September 2014 LUCAN Gazette 3

courses

groups: ‘significant improvements’ in communities congratulated

Pick up those pens!

Tidy Towns scores are on the increase  ian begley

Lucan and Clondalkin Tidy Towns both did exceedingly well in this year’s SuperValu National Tidy Towns competition, scoring significantly better compared to recent years.

Griffeen Tidy Towns were highly impressive with their point’s increase of 20, while Newcastle was warmly welcomed back to the competition following a 15-year absence, and achieved an impressive 224 points.

In Palmerstown, the local group increased their points from 202 to 219, while in Lucan, which was praised by Tidy Towns for its high level of local volunteers, a gain of

seven was reached, from 283 to 290.

Clondalkin Tidy Towns increased their points by 21 to 233 points this year, while North Clondalkin in their second year operating also rose from 180 to 198.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald hailed the Tidy Towns organisations in Dublin MidWest for their “significant improvements in this year’s national adjudication, which is a credit to all concerned and gives a lift to both the visual amenities and quality of life in our area”.

“In May of this year, I welcomed the meeting hosted by South Dublin Council to provide ideas for Tidy Towns, in

the belief that this gave local groups the tools to have their best year yet in 2014,” she said.

“The work carried out

by Tidy Towns groups is so vital, not only in terms of beautifying our neighbourhoods – it actually improves the quality of life of local residents. I will continue to support these wonderful groups in any way I can,” Minister Fitzgerald added.

Lucan’s Cllr William Lavelle (FG) also congratulated the local Tidy Town groups in their success this year, saying: “Our local Tidy Towns volunteers are true local heroes and we are blessed to have such active groups doing such great work in our community.”

Playtime: Children in Lucan sing along at the opening of The Playhouse Cafe Daniel carroll takes to the microphone and sings a song

with entertainer Geniemackers at the grand opening of The Playhouse Cafe in Lucan. The Playhouse is a play cafe designed to offer a stimulating and exciting environment for babies and children under the age of 5 as well as a relaxing and cozy one for adults. The event included face painting, a disco, a puppet show and a sing along. Over 70 children and parents took part in the fun festivities throughout the day.

Lucan Community School is offering a 10-week adult evening course in creative writing starting this September 23. The course, which runs on Tuesdays, promises its participants will find an exciting and fun way to learn the craft of writing hands on.

Tutor Ross Campbell said: “The class is very relaxed and informal.

Participants are gently encouraged and the emphasis is on building on the skills and abilities of the participants rather than criticism. It takes a lot of courage to submit work to a writers’ group.”

For further information or to book, contact Lucan Community School, on (01)6282077 or Ross Campbell on 085 1395 320.

4 LUCAN Gazette 18 September 2014

challenge

funding Warfield hopes for fair share

Let’s hear it for the runners!

Sinn Fein mayor calls for 240 social housing units

Activity: Lucan locals launch sports hub lucan sarsfields and Dublin GAA footballer Paul Casey along with Deputy Mayor Liona O’Toole and Billy Coleman at the launch of the Lucan Sports Hub. It will be an online portal which will centralise all sporting news and achievements in the area, with the aim of promoting awareness amongst clubs and uniting the sporting community for the greater good of sports in Lucan and is backed by Dublin South County Council.

Speaking ahead of a vote on a motion submitted for the September South Dublin County Council meeting, Mayor Fintan Warfield (SF) said that he hopes to see south Dublin left in the best possible position when funding becomes available for the building of social homes.

Cllr Warfield is tabling a motion calling on council management to bring forward eight proposals for the development of another 240 social housing units, bringing to 500 the number of ready to build social homes.

He said: “With almost 8,000 families and individuals across our county on the housing waiting list, we are in the midst of the worst housing crisis in

Mayor Fintan Warfield

modern history.

“Local government must be able to meet people’s housing need. We need to have the money to build and buy more social homes. Although at this point in time central Government have turned a blind eye to the crisis, I want to continue the council’s positive record in this area.

“Our council must continue to deliver the fastest turnaround and lowest number of vacant homes of any local authority in the state. But we also need to plan ahead and position South Dublin well when central Exchequer funding does become available.

“It is my hope that immediate results will be seen following the passing of this highly achievable motion and to continue the increase of ready to build social homes.

“I have a responsibility to ensure the council are in the best possible position to build housing when central Exchequer funding becomes available,” said Mayor Warfield.

The deficiency of social homes within the coun-

cil was put into perspective in May when it was revealed that 37 families seeking accommodation were being housed by the council in emergency accommodation in local hotels. The council also disclosed that they allocated accommodation to 42 people on its homeless list in the first quarter of 2014.

In a bid to tackle the housing crisis, almost €3.5m had been allocated to the council for the development of 15 houses in Lucan and Tallaght earlier this year. The allocation of €3,406,774, which was announced by Minister for Housing Jan O’Sullivan, forms part of a two-year €68m local authority home-building initiative.

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Fingal County Council’s chief executive Paul Reid has congratulated the brave and enthusiastic athletes who joined him in an 8km run in grounds of St Catherine’s Park, Lucan recently.

The Fingal Super Legends race held to celebrate 20 years of Fingal County Council.

The challenging course helped raise money for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre and the Fingal Helping Hand Fund.

The 120 participants who took part faced two 4km laps and various course challenges.

Chief executive Reid said: “I want to particularly thank and say well done to our councillors and staff who took part.”

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18 September 2014 LUCAN Gazette 5

Contract Oxigen to clean paths as autumn approaches

Bagged leaves not collected by council  ian begley

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has decided not to collect bagged leaves from residents tidying up their area this autumn.

The council has instead contracted Oxigen Environmental to sweep leaves from paths and roads between September and Januar y, which they believe will be more beneficial to residents.

A council spokesperson said: “Last year a huge amount of residents agreed to sweep up leaves and put them in bags for collection and this was very much

appreciated. This year we’ve decided to make a change with leaf collections that will be more beneficial to residents and the council.

“Their [Oxigen Environmental] schedule will be based on reports received, so if you think your road or area needs to be swept please contact the Public Realm Section at 01 4149000 as soon as possible and they will inform Oxigen who will schedule the leaf sweeping in your area.

“If you are completing a community clean up and want to sweep up the leaves, please sweep them to an area away from drains/gullies

on the path or road and contact the Social Credits Section at 01 4149000 [ext 2791] and we will arrange for Oxigen Environmental to call out.

Beneficial

“A n o t h e r o p t i o n , which is great for gardeners and the environment, is to create your own leaf mould. This highly beneficial compost can be used in your garden, window boxes, vegetable plots, container plants, community planting areas or community gardens.

“The Social Credits Section will supply residents with hessian bags (recycled coffee bags) if

they wish to make their own leaf mould. Leaves can also be put into your composter or your brown bin,” said the spokesperson.

Cllr Paul Gogar ty (Ind) told The Gazette that he thinks that this new move is going to discourage residents from collecting green waste.

He said: “It doesn’t take that much to have people [council workers] on hand to take leaves off residents. I think residents enhance the [clean-up of green waste] because those Oxigen trucks can only go in certain places – they’re not particularly good for footpaths.

The council has contracted Oxigen Environmental to sweep leaves from paths and roads. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland

“I know the council have done a few footpaths here and there, but there are incidental places around estates that residents would [collect leaves] and leave out for the council. Anything that would discourage residents to actually

do their civic duty isn’t going to help,” he said.

Clondalkin Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) said he is sceptical of the transfer, but believes that time will only tell whether Oxigen’s new contract will be beneficial to South County Dublin.

“The whole idea of the council collecting bags of leaves from residents is that residents don’t have to put out their own brown bin, but I can see both sides here and we have to see whether the new contract will benefit local residents.”

6 LUCAN Gazette 18 September 2014

donations €10k needed to get McCormacks back on track

Family makes an appeal for medical debt aid

 Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

A family who are in severe financial debt due to a series of tragic accidents are trying to raise €10,000 to help them get their lives back on track.

Barr y and Cher yl McCormack, who are currently living in New York, are in thousands of dollars of medical debt and are struggling daily to support their family of five.

Barry, who is from Lucan, hit international headlines in 2010 after he was seriously assaulted in the Bronx leaving him with critical brain injuries.

His wife, who is American, was also declared permanently disabled and unable to ever work again due to an accident that occurred in 2006.

In an open letter to the public, Cheryl said: “In July 2010, we had a date night and met some friends in our old neighbourhood. This became the worst day of our lives.

Assaulted

“Barry was assaulted by a man who was extremely intoxicated.

He hit Barry in the temple which caused him to fall head first onto the concrete and become unconscious.

“He was put into

a medically induced coma and remained in the hospital for another month. Once Barr y came out of the coma, he endured four months of intensive rehabilitation.

“It was very difficult for all of us and was a long journey to get him back to his old self.

“Luckily, with lots of prayers and great doctors, he learned how to walk, talk, and remember all of us.

“It is now 2014 and we were blessed with another child who just turned a year old. After two back surgeries of my own and a third one coming up as well as a neck surgery, I remain

disabled.

“Due to residual deficits in motor skills and thought processes, Barry has had a very difficult time getting a job.

Seizures

“He also continues to suffer from occasional seizures. The only thing I have financially to provide for my family is my social security disability cheque that I get once a month.

“Since Barry is originally from Ireland and has not earned enough work credits in this country, he is not eligible for social security disability.

“It is a daily struggle

trying to provide financially for a family of five.

The man who attacked my husband and almost killed him got away on probation and didn’t serve so much as a day in jail.

“I am grateful that Barry is with us today and God gave us a second chance at life together, however, we are tired of struggling.

“We thank anyone a n d e ve r y o n e w h o would like to donate even a single dollar to help our family get back on our feet and get our life back,” she said.

To d o n a t e t o t h e McCormack family visit www.gofundme.com/ eibk6o.

18 September 2014 LUCAN Gazette 7

council Survey has identified a need for more safety devices

Waterside locations set to get ring buoys  Ian Begley

South Dublin County Council is to install 66 new ring buoys at 36 waterside locations around the county.

The waterside locations around the county include various places in Lucan such as: Lucan Weir, St Catherine’s Park and Griffeen Valley Park.

This announcement follows on from a group of transition year students from St Joseph’s College in Lucan who had conducted a Think Before You Splash water safety campaign earlier this year.

A report from council managers in advance of next week’s county council meeting, highlighted this issue, which stated: “A survey of the water bodies in the county was undertaken during the summer months by the council’s

health and safety advisor.

“As a result of that survey, a need was identified for the provision of an initial 66 ring buoys at 36 locations around the county.

“The cost of providing a ring buoy and associated fixtures and fittings is approximately €250 per unit. Provision has been made in the revised estimates to enable this work to proceed.”

Of the 66 new ring

tion ponds and Griffeen River) and at Waterstown Park and Mill Lane in Palmerstown.

Lucan Cllr William Lavelle (FG), who lobbied on behalf the transition year students, welcomed the council’s announcement and passed on his congratulations to the students involved and to their teacher Catherine Bligh.

Cllr Lavelle said: “This ring buoy installation

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

‘I am delighted that my lobbying, inspired by the students’ campaign, has now resulted in this positive announcement’ --------------------------------------------------------

buoys, eight will be installed in the Lucan/ P a l m e r s t ow n a r e a , including at Lucan Weir, St Catherine’s Park, Griffeen Valley Park (attenua-

programme follows as a direct consequence of the Think Before You Splash campaign by a group of transition year students from St Joseph’s College.

South Dublin County Council is to install 66 new ring buoys like this one at 36 waterside locations around the county. Picture: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

“I met these students last May where we discussed their campaign which formed part of a Young Social Innovators project. The students had identified the need for more water safety measures at locations such as Lucan Weir and I had promised, as their local councillor, to pursue this with the council.

“I am delighted that my lobbying, inspired by the students’ campaign, has now resulted in this positive announcement.”

exams Results a thrill for college The staff at Lucan Community College are “thrilled” with the excellent standard of results that students achieved this year in the Junior Certificate with 15% of students achieving four As or more at higher level.

Diane Birnie (principal) and Andrew Purcell (deputy principal) said they were thrilled with the results.

Particular mention goes to Aoife Greally who achieved nine As in higher level subjects and also to Catherine Carron, Laura Flynn, Evan Lombard, Luke Murphy, Dean GahanConnolly, Sarah SmithL’Estrange and Maissalream Jassim who all achieved at least six As in their exams.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 September 2014

BLISS

‘My wedding day was a dream come true and I

ry Skelly Moya and Ro

Helena Lacken, Tina Russell and Carol De ighan putting their thumb print on the tree

A perfect day to  LAURA WEBB

WALKING up the aisle to meet her true love brought tears to the eyes of Helena Skelly as she realised her dream wedding was becoming a reality, and lasting memories were being made for her family and friends.

Helena married James Beatty in Lucan Spa Hotel on Friday, September 5, after the hotel donated a €10,000 wedding to her.

At 14 -weeks pregnant, Helena was dev-

astated when found she had breast cancer.

Just six weeks later she had a mastectomy and six weeks after that she started chemotherapy.

Fortunately, her daughter, Emelia, was born healthy earlier this year.

After a rollercoaster year she received more devastating news: the cancer had spread and she is now terminally ill.

Earlier this summer, Helena’s friend Deborah Murphy entered her into a wedding competition run by The Dublin

Bride and groom Helena and James with their parents James and Mary Beatty and Sandra and Des Skelly. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Gazette Newspapers and Lucan Spa Hotel and told her friend’s harrowing story.

K nowing this was more than just a dream for her, the hotel donated a wedding to Helena and continued the wedding competition giving her and James, and another happy couple their dream weddings.

Fantastic

Speaking to The Gazette about her day, Helena said it couldn’t have gone any better. “It

was a brilliant day. It was absolutely fantastic from start to finish, everything was gorgeous.”

Helena and James’s wedding service took place in the hotel before 100 guests made up of family and friends.

Helena’s dress, donated by Bridal Heaven in Swords, was more than she could have ever dreamed of. “The dress was amazing. I felt like a princess in it. I had a few fittings beforehand and I picked it up on the Tuesday before the wedding.”

The morning leading up to the wedding she was pampered and preened in preparation for the big day. “The girls doing my make-up said it was the calmest house they had ever seen for a bride getting married. Everything was just real peaceful.”

Her sister Darlene, friend Rhoda and daughter Rebecca were bridesmaids, while her youngest daughter, Emilia, was a flower girl.

The weather can be touch-and-go for many weddings, but thankfully

for Helena this was not a problem as the sun shone down on her special day.

“It was a beautiful day, a nice calm day which was great. The owner of the hotel, Frank Colgan, even came out to wish us well.”

Stepping out of the Bentley, provided to her

by Celtic Limos, arm-inarm with her father, Des, it was on to the ceremony were she would walk up the aisle to meet her future husband, James.

“I was grand just before I went into the ceremony. I started fill-

ing up, and I started crying then. I saw Claire, one of the girls from the hotel that has helped us throughout this, she started crying and one look at her, then I start filling up. I start walking and I was just shaking with happiness.

“The first dance was Savage Garden’s Truly, Madly, Deeply. T he band, Vertigo, were brilliant as well. The hotel got the band as part of the wedding, it was a great night.”

A wedding day can be

18 September 2014 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

was glad I was able to spend it with my family and friends’

Alan Beatty, groom James Beatty, Evan Kelly, David Beatty and Michael Kelly

Claire Casey, Darlene Brennan, bride Helena Skelly, Rhoda Flannagan, Helena’s daughters Rebecca and Emilia and flower girl Moya Skelly

say ‘I do’

a very tiring experience for some and for Helena this was something she knew she would have to contend with. “I started getting tired when the pictures were being taken but Pat the photographer was great. He started going through it quicker because he knew I was tired, I was in excruciating pain all day, my legs were killing me. I had to sit down for most of the day but it didn’t stop me having a great time.”

It wasn’t just a one day event for Helena and her new hubby, who ended up staying at the hotel until Monday. “It was a little mini-honeymoon for us. Our family stayed with us on the second night and we stayed just the two of us on the Sunday night. It was lovely.

“Having everyone celebrating it is just amazing, it’s a day to remember. We have built memories for everyone and we have amazing

photographs to look back on.”

Praising the hotel for making her day happen and making it one to remember, she said: “I couldn’t fault the hotel for anything.

The meal, everything, was amazing and the staff were absolutely fantastic. They were on top of everything from start to finish.”

Asked if things have changed now that she is married, she said that is one question she has been getting asked a lot over the past week. “Everyone is asking me that, I just say ‘no’,” she laughs.

“But really, it is a really nice feeling to say ‘Oh, I am married now, I have a husband.’

“I really just want to thank everyone who made this possible, like Jackie Flowers in Lucan, Bridal Heaven in Swords, Vertigo, Celtic Limos,

The happy couple: Jam es and Helena

who organised the Bentley, and of course the Lucan Spa Hotel because this day would not have been possible without them.”

Helena started chemo again this week and said, at this stage, the treatment is prolonging her life which she is grateful

for but one day she may have to stop.

“One day I might have to say I have had enough, if the chemo gets too much. But I am so glad I got to marry James. It was a dream come true and I am just so happy that I got to spend it with my family and friends.”

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 September 2014

GAZETTEGALLERIES

Rasmi Rnadh, Gursharan Singh, Taj Mohiuddim and Guneesh Kaur from Eurasia supermarket

Sophie, Max and Katie Meleady

Ann Begley in her 1951 Mark6 Bentley

Tracy, Aoibh and Ciara Cooney. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Catherine Honniball and Veronica Thompson

Donal Walshe

Mia and Ewan Donohue

18 September 2014 LUCAN gazette 11

Lee Comerford in the car with the Grace, Robyn, Anna and Isobelle Donohoe

service dog, Kenny Karl Brabazon, Courtney O’Mahoney and Cllr Kenneth Egan. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

LUCAN: LOCAL BOXING CLUB KNOCKED OUT BY DONATION

A

LOCAL transition year student has donated €500 to Lucan Boxing Club following a “Punchathon” that she organised for charity. Courtney Mahoney of Adamstown Community College raised €1,000 in order to travel to South Africa next April to work with charities as part of a school incentive. Courtney punched a boxing bag for a day straight along with her friend Gwen Hammond and cousin Luke Gerathy. Their efforts added up to over 100,000 punches between them. Having raised double the amount that she expected, Courtney decided to give back to the community by donating a chunk of her earnings to the Lucan Boxing Club. The money raised will go towards an activity day and outing for all of the children involved with the club.

Zoey Pollard

Liam McDonagh Rollo

Odhran Donohue

George Clarke

lucan festival: Taking to the streets for family fun

Celebrating music, food and culture L

ucan enjoyed plenty of family fun recently as it held its sixth annual Lucan festival.

The event featured a whole host of activities including international dance and singing, food stalls from around the world, a historical exhibition and a duck race. Local groups and organi-

sations were there to show what they contribute to the community. Bouncy castles and slides were available for the children to enjoy. Pony rides were available down on the weir promenade. There was also a display of vintage cars for motor enthusiasts.

The Gleeson family Roisin, Maeve, Conor and Aine get a photo with Cllr Kenneth Egan

Lucan Boxing Club’s local kids put up their dukes Alva Trehy, Adam Brady, and Cian and Ciara Trehy

12 LUCAN gazette 18 September 2014

gazetteGALLERY

Tv and radio presenter Ryan Tubridy joins in the celebration of the 75th anniversary release of The Wizard of Oz in Imax 3d at a special sceening in Cineworld at The Parnell Centre, Dublin. Also pictured are Kieve O’Brien, Gary Reynolds, Keelin O’Reilly, Anna Culleton and Alissa Karpick Pictures: Brian McEvoy

dublin: CINEMA GOERS HIT THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Daisy and Noah Reid are full of smiles

75 years of wizardry

18 September 2014 Gazette 13

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

escape the mayhem P15

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

A DAY IN THE LIFE: Three-time Olympian Derval O’Rourke talks to the gazette

what’son

Running high on the good life in Cork  ian begley

Former World and European sprint hurdle athlete as well as threetime Olympian, Derval O’Rourke spends most of her days staying fit, preparing healthy meals, and writing her celebrated column.

T his week, T he Gazette caught up with O’Rourke to find out what a day in her life is like.

Announcing her retirement from athletics in June this year, the 33-year-old from Cork said that she now normally starts her day around 8am and then prepares her must-have breakfast.

“When I get up I turn on my computer and as

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‘It’s a big transition but for me my quality of life is better down here’

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it’s starting up I’ll make my breakfast. It would be just a non-option not to have breakfast for me, along with a lovely cup of coffee.

“My schedule changes all the time because I work on a lot of different things. It used to be very structured when I was a full-time athlete but now it honestly just depends on the day that’s in it.

“I write a column for the Irish Examiner so I might be researching a particular topic for half the day and spend the other half kind of doing admin stuff like online banking, replying to emails and that sort of thing.”

Although retired from her professional athletic career O’Rourke still continues to remain active throughout her day.

“I always try and find an hour to do loads of fitness work. I live right by the beach so I generally jog from my house down to the back of the beach with my dogs and let them go crazy.

“I was living in Dublin for 14 years but only moved back to Cork in



Gazette

diary P14

Heroes set to make a return :

Derval O’Rourke recently launched her new cookbook Food for the Fast Lane which is in shops now

June. It’s a big transition but for me my quality of life is better down here.

I have a big network of friends and I get to live by the sea which is all quite good. “ My d ay r e vo l ve s quite a lot around eating. I cook most evenings and make pretty much everything from scratch. I prepare really simple stuff a lot of the

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time and often make big pots of stew, a lot of fish because I live right beside the sea and soup – my husband and I are always really well-fed.

“Often in the evenings if my dogs haven’t had enough exercise I would take them somewhere where they can be very active.

“At night I love to get into bed and read.

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“I’ve just finished reading a really excellent book by Irish author Liz Nugent called Unravelling Oliver. I’m then generally in bed by 10pm and asleep by 11pm.

D e r v a l O ’ R o u r ke recently launched her new cookbook Food for the Fast Lane which is in shops now, and costs at €19.99.

Local

Matters

Hard Working Class Heroes, the music festival with a difference, returns to Dublin this year from October 2 to 4. The festival will be held at numerous venues throughout the city centre including: the Workman’s Club, the Button Factory, Twisted Pepper, Meeting House Square and the Mercantile. This year will see such great acts as Voids, Florence Olivier, the Late David Turpin, Dear Desert and Carriages.

Hosting the shows at numerous venues means there are no porta-loos, no leaky tents and no trying to watch your favourite band through a sheet of bone-chilling rain. With the inclusion of the HWCH Digital initiative to the festival, last year Digital ticket holders were able to avail of convention panels and creative technology sessions adding a bonus element to the already jam-packed festival. If you take pleasure from boasting about seeing an act “before they were famous,” then this is the festival for you.

For further information visit www. hwch.net.

14 Gazette 18 September 2014

Gazette

dublinlife Hunt is on for best young chef diary: gastronomic adventures in the kitchen

THE search has officially begun to find EuroToques Young Chef of the Year 2014.

T he most coveted culinary title in Ireland will this year focus on the theme, No Chef is an Island, and asks young chefs to embrace all the influences associated with their gastronomic adventures in the kitchen.

The overall winner will receive an all-expenses paid stay at the world-renowned The Square Restaurant, in Mayfair, London, where she/he will work under the direction of two star

Michelin chef Philip Howard – this year’s guest judge.

Successful candidates will be involved in a number of competition stages and events between now and the end of November.

Their efforts will be judged by some of Ireland’s most respected chefs. Young professional chefs aged 18 to 26, from any background, can enter online at www.youngchef.ie.

Entries must be submitted by September 30.

Those who qualifty for the next stage will be notified.

Identity crises work both ways THE British habit of staking claim to all things Irish is nothing new, with Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Jonathan Swift all being claimed by our near neighbours. The legend of King Arthur (allegedly borrowed from Fionn Mac Cumhaill) and most recently Katie Taylor have also found favour with those across the ditch.

We’re well used to it, but they’ve taken it a step further this time, by claiming our capital city.

The website BANDSIN-

TOWN.COM, where you can look up the musical acts that are playing in your city, based on your IP location, lists Dublin as being in the UK! It seems our neighbours have annexed a number of venues in our capital including the Button Factory, 3Arena, and even Vicar Street.

This little blunder has caused quite a bit of backlash online, with numerous angry and abusive tweets.

Ah well, we can’t really talk, now can we, what with Tony Cascarino, Ray Houghton and Kevin Kilbane all having been

signed up to our team.

Enda wants leo to say ‘yes we can’ THINGS are not at all rosy in the Fine Gael camp, with Minister for Health Leo Varadkar being put in the hot seat over the health system.

Cynical remarks made by Enda Kenny in response to Leo’s statements about free GP care for children under six, were akin to a teacher dressing down a student who claimed the dog ate their homework.

Enda said he was “amused” at how easy it

Last years winner of Young Chef of the Year, Mark Moriarty

was for Leo to produce: “endless, endless volumes of [recommendations] telling me why things can’t be done”.

He said he was “more

interested in hearing how you set about achieving what the Government’s targets are.”

He reiterated this at a private meeting with Fine Gael ministers. Leo apologised and promised not to do it again.

Meanwhile, former health minister James Reilly has played Pontius Pilate, regarding reforms set up during his tenancy saying: “It is up to Minister Varadkar to determine the pace of change.”

Spirited end to festival season AFTER a busy summer of festivals, Spirit of Folk, which takes place from September 19 to 21, is designed to see the season out with something a little different.

On the grounds of Dunderry Park, County Meath, the festival has two stages for live music from the folk, trad and bluegrass genres. It will also offer battle reenactments, falconry, midnight shadow puppet shows, talks, workshops, and tours.

Folk act Tupelo and Dan Walsh are among the 40 acts in the festival’s lineup.Weekend tickets are €70 and day tickets cost €40. For more information visit www.spiritoffolk.com.

18 September 2014 Gazette 15

Gazette

features

Radio presenters Dermot & Dave pictured with Sam and Daisy at the launch of Where would you be without your best friend? Dogs Trust’s free microchipping campaign. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

escape the mayhem: radio presenters Dermot and Dave

Clearing the clutter with yoga and music  laura webb

When they are not sitting in the studio making the nation laugh, Dermot and Dave have some very different ways to take time out, as The Gazette found out this week.

The broadcasting duo hung up their radio earphones earlier this week to launch National Chipping Month, Dogs Tr ust Ireland’s free microchipping campaign.

Speaking to Dermot Whelan about how he gets away from the madness (and Dave!) he said it’s hot yoga that helps ease his mind.

“I try and go twice a week. I find it helps me relax and take my mind off all the clutter that is going on, plus you sweat out all the evils that may be still lurking from the previous weekend. You feel great after it. “ I a l s o d o k i c kboxing to release the

aggressions I might have towards Dave,” he laughs. “It is a great way to release stress. I would do that twice a week too. “ I wo u l d t r y a n d do something a few times a week and flick between yoga and boxing, depending on my mood.”

M e a nw h i l e , D ave Moore has a slightly different way to get away from it all.

“I find music is really mentally therapeutic for me. I have an exceptionally large collection of guitars and I would come home and plug in a guitar.

“My poor wife, who is pregnant with twins and looks after our other two kids, would go to bed pretty early so it is just me and the guitar plugged into the amp and I would play for two to three hours not even realising how long it’s been. That is one thing I would do.

“I meditate as well.

There is an app called Headspace that I would use. It is really good. I am only new to it but it is a really good introduction to meditation for someone like me who has persistently been a cynic all his life.”

Asked what made him take up meditation he said: “I suppose just to do what it says it provides, I was literally looking for some headspace, looking to get the mind to switch off.

“In this job, and I am sure everyone has it in their own job or with different stresses in their life, you tend to be, and I hate that word, on all the time.

“Even when you are not on the radio you’re thinking about what you could do for the show… so this helps switch off.”

S e e w w w. n c m . i e for more information about National Chipping Month.

Gazette

16 Gazette 18 September 2014

dublinlife

Q&A

business Office move for commercial surveyors  ian begley

MALCOLM Hollis, the UK and Ireland’s leading commercial building surveying specialist has relocated its Dublin office as it continues its growth in the region.

The move comes shortly after the expansion of its team, as the firm bolsters its business in light of the increasing optimism in the Irish commercial property market.

Tony Grant, the partner who leads the firm’s team in Dublin, said: “This

move comes at an exciting time for commercial property in Ireland.

“The market is picking up and there is no doubt that business is starting to boom. As a company, Malcolm Hollis has firmly established itself in the Irish market and

as demand increases, we are constantly looking to grow our team and these new offices will allow us to do so.”

Malcolm Hollis specialises in 17 service areas including dilapidations, building surveys and project management.

Brian Flanagan, Browns Barn Bar

Raising the bar to keep business booming Managing director of Browns Barn Bar and Kitchen in Citywest, Brian Flanagan, was born and raised in Kildare Town. During his teen years he worked weekends in the family business at the Silken Thomas bar and restaurant in Kildare. This exposed Brian to every aspect of the

hospitality business. Brian worked from the bottom up. On finishing secondary school in Newbridge College, Brian spent four years in Shannon College of Hotel Management which gave him massive insight into both the operational side of the business, and more importantly the financial side.

How long have you been in business?

trend whereby Irish consumers are drinking more at home which has impacted on drink sales. This meant that bars had to look for alternative revenue streams. We decided to really concentrate on our food offering and thankfully this approach has paid off.

Well technically I have been working in the hospitality industry for over 22 years. I have been involved full time in the family business since 2003. Last year the Silken Thomas celebrated 40 years in business.

Browns Barn will be celebrating its fourth birthday this December.

What makes your business successful?

We believe in delivering a service that offers customers value for money. We appreciate that people’s lives are very busy and also that there is so much choice so customer service is extremely important to us.

We want to ensure when a customer eats at one of our establishments that they receive good food at a good price delivered with a smile.

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

Our key focus is to ensure the customer leaves happy. How we deliver this is by offering quality food at a fair price. Being in business for over 40 years has enabled us to develop strong relationships with our suppliers. We have negotiated great prices and we pass this on to our customers.

How has the recession affected your business?

The recession has certainly impacted on drink sales. Years ago the pub was the key place to meet up and catch up with friends. In recent years we have seen an increasing

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

A crippling factor for the publican business is the below cost selling of alcohol by large supermarket chains.

The implications of this go beyond reduced drinks sales for pubs. There is a health and safety issue also. Publicans have seen a rise in customers arriving late at pubs or nightclubs and in an excessively drunk state which creates its own problems.

What is your ambition for the business?

Our key focus continues to be to grow the sales across all three businesses. We hope to achieve this by continuing to introduce new products.

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

We love seeing our regular customers. There are some great characters and over the years you develop great relationships with them. With the Silken Thomas being in business for over 40 years we have seen mothers, daughters, sons and fathers work with us. So it’s a family business in every sense of the word.

All self-assessed income, including rental income, must be declared to Revenue by October 31

taxing issues: help is at hand from taxback.com

Beat the deadline for self-assessed return ALL Irish taxpayers who fall into the selfassessed tax-return category are obliged to file a tax return before the October 31 deadline.

I t m ay s e e m l i ke there is plenty of time but global tax specialists Taxback.com are encouraging taxpayers to file now to avoid a last minute panic next month.

Many people may not realise they are obliged to file a tax return and think it is only self-employed people or contractors who need to do this.

However, those in receipt of any addi-

tional income, including rental or investment income, are also obliged to report this to the Revenue Commissioners in the form of a self-assessed tax return.

Colm Murray, the Irish marketing manager with Taxback.com, explained: “The deadline is in October but you can file your tax return any time.

“We encourage people to start thinking about their tax returns now.

“Sometimes the preparation of a tax return can be a bit more complicated than people think so it’s worth get-

ting it organised in good time.

“We have a team of tax specialists who can put together your tax return and make sure your tax liability is minimised.”

T h e Ta x b a c k . c o m Irish tax return service offers a tax-filing service to people who may want help with their tax situation but are not in a position to pay an accountant.

Murray continued: “A lot of traditional accountancy firms charge by the clock.

“If you’re r unning your own business and perhaps are a one-per-

son operation, the last thing you want is to be shelling out big money to an accountant.

“We have a flat fee structure and will give a free quote at the outset so you know exactly what you’re paying.”

To reward early bird customers, Taxback. com is offering a 10% discount on their tax return filing service for people who get their returns in before the end of September.

To get a no-obligation quote, call 056 779 7345 or visit www.taxback. com/en/ireland/selfassessed-tax-return for more details.

Bride Groom PART 2 • September 18

The Gazette will help make your wedding day extra special and ensure you can enjoy happy memories with friends and family for years to come

î ´

Gazette

18 September 2014 Gazette 17

Venues:

More ideal locations for a magical day Pages 18

Invitations: Custom designs from Karen Madsen Page 21

Style A wedding

wish list See Page 20

Gifts:

More ideas that any bride and groom would love Page19

Gazette

18 Gazette 18 September 2014

Bride Groom

| lots of choice to choose a wonderful setting |

Perfect venues  laura webb

In a continuation of last week’s Wedding Venue feature, The Gazette takes a look at some more popular destinations for soonto-be newlyweds.

Druids Glen, located in Newmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, is located just 30 minutes from Dublin. This luxurious hotel’s stunning scenery provides a perfect backdrop, ideal for an exclusive wedding venue or private civil ceremony.

On October 5, it hosts its own wedding showcase and bridal fashion show from 2 to 6pm.

Guests will arrive in style to delicious canapes

and bubbles and experience the resort as a venue for that special day.

View the chandelierlit ballroom and civil ceremony/partnership set ups, see the newly refurbished guest rooms and suites and meet our executive head chef, who will be happy to discuss menu options.

Their wedding co-ordinator and team will be on hand to answer any queries and also, to share their tips and advice.

The Bridal Fashion Show is hosted by fashion stylist Brendan Courtney who promises an afternoon of style and fun.

Visit w w w.dr uidsglenresort.com for more

details.

Embrace the iconic romance of a Dublin Wedding with The Lucan Spa Hotel as a wedding venue to remember. This hotel is on a stunning setting and provides the peerless backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime.

The classic Georgian Hotel has been totally transformed over the last few years with the introduction of the stunning new reception area known as The Boyne Suite. Exclusively private for the bride and groom, and their guests, the Boyne Suite features its own private drinks reception area, private

balcony and a banqueting area of unique beauty and appeal.

The surroundings of the hotel offer a stylish backdrop for a wedding day.

Catering for one wedding a day, the hotel makes sure their attention is on the newlyweds and their guests.

The hotel also caters for civil ceremonies and civil partnership ceremonies.

The hotel prides itself on the flexibility of its packages and service.

For further details see: www.lucanspahotel.ie One of the Midland’s leading hotels, Abbeyleix Manor Hotel offers a

Druids Glen, in Newmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, has stunning scenery that provides a perfect backdrop for a wedding venue or civil partnership ceremony

restful retreat and an ideal base to explore the hidden beauties of County Laois and central Ireland.

The family run hotel near Portlaoise is a perfect setting for a wedding offering stylish and comfortable guestrooms and the ideal setting for those memorable pictures.

The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel is within easy

walking distance of the charming town of Abbeyleix, just 8km from Portlaoise town centre and within easy distance of Dublin and Cork making them the ideal choice for any memorable occasion.

With 44 stylish and spacious en suite guestrooms are designed to ensure wedding guests can relax

and unwind during their stay.

This autumn, Abbeyleix Manor Hotel is offering a special wedding rate with wedding’s from €25 per person, based on a minimum of 80 guests.

Terms and conditions apply with this package.

For information, contact Barbara@abbeyleix manorhotel.com.

18 September 2014 Gazette 19

Waterford Crystal Mixology Tumbler Set of 4, €260 Crystal has long been a wedding gift tradition but why not give a contemporary twist with the fabulously stylish Mixology range by Waterford Crystal!

| The Kilkenny Shop |

Genesis Love Life ‘Love a Lot’, €34.95 Another gift handmade in Ireland, this fabulous Genesis sculpture is designed to symbolise love and unity.

Waterford Crystal Fleurology Tina Cylinder Bud Vase, €135 Waterford’s new Fleurology collection is colourful and contemporary with a range of fabulous designs to choose from.

La De Da Mr& Mrs Vintage Cake Forks, €29.95

Rebeka Kahn New Beginnings Small, €125 Mark the start of a new chapter in the couple’s life with a piece of fabulous unique ceramic wall art by Rebeka Kahn! The process involved in the making of this ceramic wall art means that no two designs are ever exactly the same, making for a truly unique wedding gift.

This adorable hand-stamped, silver-plated vintage set is a great value keepsake gift for any couple!

Special wedding gifts to remember Bod Buddies Bride & Groom, €59.95

The Kilkenny Shop is a one-stop-shop where you can find everything from fashion to gifts for the big day.

With locations in Nassau Street, Swords and Stillorgan, as well as 10 other nationwide locations, there is always a Kilkenny Shop close by and or even shop online from the comfort of your own home at kilkennyshop.com. For the guests, Kilkenny has a vast variety of special wedding gifts to remember with fantastic Irish gifts available in store or online. Check the selection of top 10 wedding gifts to mark this special occasion, from classic crystal to some quirky contemporary Irish craft!

If you fancy something a little different, try the Bog Buddies range!

Carved from real peat, this framed Bride & Groom design offers an authentic Irish gift with a quirky twist!

Wild Goose Gra, €48.95 Handmade in Ireland, Wild Goose keep things simple with their cast iron engraved framed art. This Love (Grá) frame will serve a simple reminder of their special day.

Gazette

20 Gazette 18 September 2014

Bride Groom Silver contrast cufflinks at Stonechat Jewellers €150

Marthu Black Roses bow tie at the Design House €40

Hammond & Co by Patrick Grant tie at Debenhams €30

Palladium Gents Wedding Rings at John Brereton Jewellers from €550

Armani Code Ice €57 (50ml); €69.50 (75ml) and €83 (125ml)

Gagliardi navy three-piece suit at Arnotts, price on request

Fossil gents chrome black dial watch at Kilkenny Stores €139

Groomed Well

 laura webb

to be checked off the list.

A wedding is just as important for the groom and get-

shaving will help the groom look as smooth as a peach

ting kitted out to look as dapper as you can is high on

on the big day.

Looking after your skin before, during and after

This week, The Gazette showcases some of the suits

the agenda for most men.

Picking the right suit for you is as important as pick-

ing the right best man so make it a good one. Not only

available that will put smiles on the face of person walking up the aisle.

do men need to think about the suit, the shoes, the cufflinks but the aftershave is also something that needs

Nivea Men Sensitive Face Wash €6.09

kurt Geiger men’s lace-up brown dress shoe at Arnotts €140

18 September 2014 GAZETTE 21

| CREATIVE DESIGNS |

The perfect invitation KAREN Madsen has been a graphic designer for the past 20 years, setting up her own company, Madsen Creative, in the 1990s.

Although her work includes a variety of graphic work, her passion lies with designing quality designs for the big day.

“I make a mixture of everything, there would be contemporary styles, vintage styles, rustic styles and fun designs,” said Madsen. “The fun designs would involve a lot of illustration and I have a professional illustrator who creates a lot of those designs for me.”

Madsen also designs custom invitations for

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people who like their weddings to look and feel slightly alternative.

“The last one I did was a customer who was getting married at Halloween and she wanted a fancy dress theme for her reception,” said Madsen.

“Although she wanted it to look ordinary, she still wanted to show Halloween. So we went with a gate fold design, so when you first get the card it looks like gates – wrought iron gates – so you open the gates and all the information is on the inside.”

Madsen’s designs come in different colours and different sizes. Nothing is off the table. She has

created a beautifully rustic invitation, cast in wool to make it look like something out of Harry Potter.

In another example, two love hearts are covered in the banner “true love never dies” as the details of the lucky couple are below. In another example, the invitation looks like a postcard, sent from some exotic foreign city.

It’s all a part of Madsen’s dedication to her custom designs and her customers.

Despite this, Madsen says that for this wedding season people are still sticking to basic designs.

“This year the most popular would be rustic style with floral patterns,

country cottage, and country house florals,” said Madsen. “There’s a lot of handmade stuff as opposed to the digitally printed stuff.”

Madsen also elaborated on what’s in for next season.

“Next year is looking quite similar, they are still very much going for the floral and lace design, because a lot of brides would go with whatever is on their dress,” she said.

Prices start at €1.50 per card. All designs are priced individually and vary from card stock.

For more information you can email Karen at madsen.karen@gmail. com

Madsen’s designs vary from contemporary, vintage, rustic and fun designs

22 Gazette 18 September 2014

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT Something stinks on Cheesebridge streets

cinema: Imagine Roald Dahl’s take on Dickens’s London

THERE is a certain magical quality that is unique to stop-motion films, undoubtedly connected to the tactile, timeconsuming and subtle manipulation that goes into bringing the characters and their world to life. US studio Laika has taken the process to new levels through features like Coraline (2009) and Paranorman (2012).

Its latest production The Boxtrolls carries on the tradition, using the studio’s funereal aesthetic to spin out a fantastical story that has a lot going on underneath.

Adapted from Alan Snow’s novel Here be Monsters!, The Boxtrolls takes place on, and under, the spindly streets of Cheesebridge – imagine Roald Dahl’s take on Dickens’ London and you’ll be somewhere close to the visual and cul-

 Dave phillips

tural vibe. Cheesebridge is ruled by the White Hats, a bourgeoisie elite led by Lord Portley-Rind (Jared Harris), who spends more time sampling rare cheeses than dealing with municipal matters.

Down on the cobbles, there is a widespread fear of Boxtrolls, who come up through the sewers at night to rummage through the rubbish, collecting sprockets, springs, and other bits of metal to tinker together some steampunk creations for their underground world.

Led by the lure of being awarded a White

Hat, Archibald Snatcher (Ben Kingsley), sets out to destroy the Boxtrolls.

Eggs (Isaac Hempstead Wright), a boy raised by Boxtrolls, must stop him.

The Boxtrolls is brimming with little details; the sets underground are densely populated by whirring trinkets, and beautiful makeshift instruments.

Despite what the humans above might think, the Boxtrolls live a peaceful, egalitarian existence. They are named after the boxes they wear (alongside Eggs, we have Fish, Sweets, etc) and fulfil roles that serve the greater community.

By night they scavenge materials and food, and by day sleep stacked up in a perfect example of cosy, cardboard communism.

In contrast, the streets above are overflowing

with the travails of modern society – cramped houses that threaten to topple over, populated by people living life blinkered to anything other than the fulfilment of their own desires.

Humans in The Boxtrolls are repulsive in the best possible way.

An homage to the visceral and belchy-style of Dahl, there is enough slurping, bug-eating, and nose-picking to make adults wince and kids laugh.

Snatcher, all pot belly and gangly limbs, has no doubt secured a spot with Cruella de Vil and Lord Voldemort in the pantheon of creepy childhood villains.

What is refreshing about The Boxtrolls is, while delivering a straightforward narrative, it never feels like it relies on stock characters; in

many ways Snatcher is the typical evildoer, but we get enough information to understand his motivations. While the show stealer for laughs is Winnie (Elle Fanning), every character has idiosyncrasies that prevent the story devolving into tried-andtested territories.

The unconventional style of The Boxtrolls will immediately appeal to some, but those on the fence should be encouraged to take the leap. If children’s films can be read as a measure of a cultural zeitgeist, this one deserves to be seen.

It asks us to question what defines family, individual identity, and one’s place in society. Stay with the existential musings through the credits to get an incredible glimpse behind the scenes.

Verdict: 9/10

At night Boxtrolls like to rummage through the rubbish, collecting sprockets, springs, and other bits of metal to tinker together some creations

motors: SsangYong’s new seven-seater

Rodius is a whole lotta car  cormac curtis

The SsangYong Rodius is priced at €39,995 and has plenty of room for family fun

There are some cars that you just don’t notice that much.

We all want to drive something attractive, something desirable, but on occasion the most useful and practical vehicles live their lives under the radar until you get a chance to experience them for yourself.

For me, one such vehicle came in the shape of the SsangYong Rodius.

SsangYong is one of the more recent additions to the Irish market, and they seem to have a reputation for making robust, commercial

vehicles – but the truth is far more interesting than that.

Simply put, the Rodius is a sevenseater with a person and load carrying capacity that is unlike anything else you are likely to find.

To put it in a little perspective, the Rodius is available as an 11-seater in certain Asian territories – it’s surprising you are allowed to drive this thing without a HGV licence.

When it comes to my family holidays, I am usually left with a regular sized saloon and a pile of equipment to pack that includes but not limited to - bags of wetsuits, lifejackets, scooters, helmets, horse riding gear, a kayak, a windsurfer, a

toolbox, a camera bag, laptop case, the contents of the fridge and/or pantry, and usually a few cases of beer and/or wine.

Usually I don’t get everything in – but this time it was different. The windsurfer was able to fit right into the car – so no roofrack or whistling wind noises for five hours on the road to Cork.

And not only was I able to get most of the contents of my home into this behemoth of a vehicle… I was even able to pick up a passenger and his baggage on the way.

Don’t get me wrong, raw space isn’t everything, but SsangYong have given Rodius owners some

18 September 2014 Gazette 23

Gazette

food: the humble cuppa may never be the same again

Eilles leaves tea lovers spoiled for choice  ian begley

with a whole lotta space! serious flexibility in terms of seating arrangements. All the rear seats live on rails that allow them a great deal of forward and backward movement. With a little fiddling, the two rear sets of seats can be set to face each other for a more sociable passenger experience.

My only real quibble was that seat backs couldn’t be folded forward – which made it more awkward getting in and out of the back.

All this room is incredibly useful, but for moving people around, climate is an important factor.

Not only is this a car with very

The Rodius can seat 7 passengers

flexible and comfortable seating, the environmental controls are well designed to keep people in different zones as comfortable as possible.

I’m a big believer in the old adage that you can live without the necessities as long as you have the luxuries… and the Rodius has pretty much all the

luxuries you need.

We already know that the seating and climate are all well taken care of – but the equipment level here leaves nothing to chance.

The outside rear view mirrors are heated and they fold away, the front seats are heated, there are rear parking sensors (essential in something this size), and the doors can be opened when the keys are in your pocket.

The price is €39,995, and for a car that can carry 3,146 litres of load space with two adults up front – there’s a lot of car for your money.

TEA lovers will be excited to know that the JJ Darboven Coffee House in Dun Laoghaire has opened the Eilles Tea Emporium, which will leave customers spoiled for choice with the many brands of tea on offer.

The emporium allows visitors to browse many premium tea varieties, which are available to buy and take home. Discuss your tea requirements and tastes with the dedicated Eilles consultant and find a tea that is just right for you.

There is also Eilles “tea to go”, where you can choose from eight different varieties of loose teas, to sip on the go.

The tea emporium, offers 39 tea varieties to choose from, including black tea, green tea, flavoured black teas, flavoured green teas, fruit teas and herbal teas.

Get a different take on Ceylon taste with the

The JJ Darboven Coffee House in Dun Laoghaire.

Picture: Paul Sherwood

Eilles Ceylon Orange Pekoe – a highland tea from Sri Lanka, with a fresh and slightly sour flavour.

Or for green tea fans, try the fragrant China Fortune, with lotus – a green tea from handbound leaf tips with a red lotus bud, a unique rarity. Or for a refreshing summer drink, try Eilles Summer Berry – a rich fruity tea that can be served hot or cold.

Eilles tea is sourced

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from regions in China, Japan, India and Africa, which are all known for their tea traditions and quality. In 1873, Josephy Eilles opened his first specialist establishment for the finest coffees, teas, wines and confectionary in Munich.

Find Eilles in the JJ Darboven Coffee House at 64 Lower George’s Street, from 8.30am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8.30am to 6pm on Saturday.

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24 gazette 18 September 2014

OUT&ABOUT

Jamie Douglas of Hunter Estate Agents

analysis: house SALES

Lack of supply boosts market THERE has been a lot of hasty talk recently about a property bubble and a return to the market conditions of the Celtic Tiger years.

There have been some market developments which are reminiscent of bygone days, but economists are insisting that this is not the case.

T his week the Gazette spoke with Jamie Douglas from Hunter Estate Agents about the current climate in the Dublin property market.

In regards to a return to the market condition of the boom years, he said: “It’s really been rising for the last two – two and a half years, but it’s really all about lack of supply at the moment. [Supply] levels are still pretty low, which is keeping demand very high.

We don’t really have a properly functioning market yet. So it’s difficult to say if we’re back to boom times.”

He went on to say that as NAMA, and the various other receivers are releasing properties “in an orderly, timed manner”, it is unlikely that a large block of properties will suddenly appear on the market and bring the prices down.

“You can’t have a bubble without credit,

and the credit is still limited, so it’s really all about supply at the moment, and until supply is normalised we won’t know where we’re at really.”

One feature of the boom years which is back is the tactic of gazumping, where a deal will be made for a certain price, but when the buyer goes to close the deal they will be told that the price has gone up. According to Douglas: “It’s not that it happens every day, but it is a huge problem. For estate agents it’s the worst thing that can happen, because we get blamed for it.

But it’s down to greed on the part of the vender. In the spirit of a sale, when a sale is agreed, that should be it. But by law that’s not the case.”

He said South County Dublin is one of the most sought after areas; not just the Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown area, but also the inner suburbs. “Dublin 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 16, and 18 are all busy, but also Clontarf is blooming, (so are) Portmarnock, and Howth. Glasnevin is starting to get busy as well.

“My gut feeling is that we’ll see strong increases to Christmas and then we’ll see things slowing down.”

Windgate at Howth Head peninsula offers a breathtaking view of the Irish Sea

howth: DISTINGUISHED FAMiLY RESIDENCE ON PENINSULA

Breathtaking scenery

FAMILIES with refined taste in search of a home need look no further than the spacious, elegant Windgate on the spectacular Howth Head peninsula.

Windgate is a distinguished 1.4 acre / 0.56 hectare detached art deco family residence situated in a privileged Howth setting nested on Windgate Road. Perched aloft the peninsula of Howth Head below the Ben of Howth, it is only 2 km to Howth Village and 15 km to Dublin City Centre.

The property is south facing to maximise the views from each room. Most rooms enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Irish Sea,

stretching from the Baily Lighthouse to Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey, ending in a mountainous back drop to a most serene city skyline. It boasts four reception rooms, seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and external balcony terrace areas. There is a one bedroom chalet, a children’s Wendy house and a large timber deck off the kitchen/dining area which is elevated above the gardens with spectacular sea views.

It features beautifully presented large outdoor areas and landscaped gardens, which include lawns, shrubs, semi-mature palm trees, pines, oak trees and

a host of beautiful flowers. It has a sweeping driveway with dual entrance gate, and with its large balcony, terraces, and generous accommodation inside and out it is perfect for entertaining.

Originally built in 1935, this magnificent home is based on 1930s German art deco architectural styles, with the site carefully selected for its panoramic sea views. A separate two-bedroom house was built onto the main house in 1984, which can be used separately or connected back to the main house.

Howth Head is located in a protected special area of con-

servation. Most of the headland is hilly with peaks including the Black Linn, Ben of Howth, Shielmartin Hill, Carrickbrack and Dunhill. There are beautiful walking routes, cliff walks and beaches close by.

A great recreational spot, it is a minute’s walk from Howth Summit, and local amenities include a tennis club, Howth Golf Club, Howth Yacht Club, shops, restaurants and bars. There are also convenient means of transport, with regular rail and bus services to Dublin City Centre. It is an ideal place for families, with excellent schools in the locality.

clongriffin: LOW MAINTENANCE

New homes

The next phase of Parkedge, Clongriffin, are expected to be released from plans in October

GANNON Homes Ltd is expecting to release the next phase of Parkedge, Clongriffin, from plans in October, and selling agent Knight Frank is registering names of interested parties.

Parkedge boats modern A rated energy efficient family homes with solar panels and low maintenance render exteriors.

Most of the houses are three-storey 135 sq m, and start from €275,000.

The development overlooks Father Collins Park; a superb 22 hectare facility designed by Argentinian Architects, Abelleyro

and Romero, combining a mixture of landscaping, art, architecture and water features. The park offers playing pitches, a children’s playground, a skateboard park, and a running track. The iconic wind turbines running north to south are a feature of the promenade.

The Dart at Clongriffin is within a quick and easy few minutes’ stroll.

Clongriffin is Ireland’s largest residential development built around a new town centre and Dart station. It is a town with a heart where residents can dine, shop, work, social-

ise and relax. The houses themselves offer the added benefit of an extra reception room – ideal to use as a playroom, home office, study, den or dining room. Another modern design feature is the first floor living room that is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the great parkland views.

All homes have provision made for private offstreet parking to the front.

The showhouse is now open for registrations. For enquiries contact Knight Frank on (01) 634 2466 or enquiries@ie.knightfrank. com.

18 September 2014 gazette 25

blackrock: EDWARDIAN STYLE TROPHY HOME

Bright and roomy AN ideal family home at Grove Paddock in Blackrock is now on the market courtesy of Hunters Estate Agents.

Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Blackrock, 8 Grove Paddock is a detached Edwardian style property built in the late 90s of a type often referred to as a trophy home.

The property is well proportioned and bright with a balance that is more difficult to find in newer properties.

The rooms boast good proportions with excellent light due to its east-west orientation.

Currently set out as a five-bedroom property with an attic room, sev-

eral of the other properties have been converted to add another floor to accommodate more bedrooms.

There are two ensuites and two further bathrooms, not including a guest WC. Outside to the rear is a well laid out garden, and there is side access to both sides.

This enclave is one of the largest plots in

features  Attic

room light  Off-street parking  Side access  Two en-suites  Excellent

the small development of 13 houses, and the property has the benefit of off-street car parking and a green to the front ideal for running down the batteries of energetic children.

The property takes its name from the paddock that once belonged to a neighbouring period house located off Grove Road.

The area is well serviced in terms of public transportation with a Dart station from which you can reach the city centre in about 15 minutes. Dublin Bus also ser ves the area with multiple bus routes and Aircoach services to Dublin Airport from Dalkey and Greystones

call at Blackrock en route to the airport.

There are numerous places of interest in the area also, including Blackrock Park, which features the Williamstown Martello Tower and the Rock Road.

The area is a hub for education, with numerous primary, secondary and third level institutes.

The property is being marketed by new kids on the block who have enjoyed much recent success in the area and is being handled by their Dalkey office.

Those interested in the proper ty should contact Hunters Estate Agents Dalkey office at 01 275 1640.

This property in Grove Paddock, Blackrock, is built in the trophy home style

Business: ICONIC DUBLIN VENUES TO BE SOLD

Potential in pubs

The Cat and Cage and Quinn’s of Drumcondra are set to come on the market soon

TWO of Dublin’s most famous pubs - Quinn’s of Drumcondra and the Cat and Cage are about to come on the market courtesy of CBRE. The two properties are being sold on behalf of Quinn International Property Management Ltd, and both offer an excellent opportunity to prospective buyers.

Quinn’s of Drumcondra is synonymous with big match days at Croke Park, and is an institution across the legion of GAA supporters who regularly flock to the area during the hurling and football championship seasons.

The property occupies a high profile trading position at the intersection of Drumcondra Road and Clonliffe Road.

The three-storey-

over-basement property extends to 642 sq m of accommodation, and comprises a ground floor public bar with an extensive lounge and smoking area to the rear. The first floor boasts a function room and smoking area with additional storage areas on the second floor.

According to John Ryan of CBRE, the sale of Quinn’s of Drumcondra is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an iconic licensed premises with a strong association with Croke Park.

The property is know n across the length and breadth of Ireland to thousands of GAA fans. As a result, the property enjoys a substantial and lucrative level of turnover and the sale represents

an excellent opportunity to acquire a popular and long established licensed premises with significant business potential.

Offers over €1.6m are being sought for this property.

Also coming to the market is the Cat and Cage at 76 Upper Drumcondra Road.

This is a long established licensed premises immortalised by writers such as Sean O’Casey.

Located in a densely populated area, the Cat and Cage occupies a prominent trading position on a busy main thoroughfare linking the city centre to Dublin International Airport.

It is in a prime position to capture the student market as it is situated directly oppo-

site St Patrick’s teacher training college while Dublin City University is close by.

The accommodation in the two-storey premises comprises the ground floor public bar, lounge bar and stores, while overhead there is a function room and catering kitchen.

According to John Ryan, the sale of the Cat and Cage offers a superb opportunity to acquire an easily managed and well-known licensed premises.

At present, a satisfactory level of food and drink turnover is generated in the premises, but the sale offers the opportunity to acquire a premises with great potential.

Offers over €650,000 are being sought for this property.

Gazette

property

26 GAZETTE 18 September 2014

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

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Gazette

hockey P28

FastSport island golfer pipped to title:

Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip, with Jack McGrath, Tadgh Furlong and Kevin McLoughlin and Special Olympics athletes Stephen Lynch, Joey Dowdall and Aaron Mockler at the announcement of the charity partners for the current season. Picture: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE

charity: province announces its beneficiaries for the new season

Lauralynn, Special Olympics partner with Leinster Rugby L e inst e r R u g b y l a s t w e e k announced two new charity partners for the season ahead with LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and Special Olympics the beneficiaries of the selection process held this summer.

At the announcement, special guests from LauraLynn and Special Olympics Leinster met Leinster Rugby players and coaches and they also got a unique behind the scenes tour of the Leinster Rugby facilities.

Leinster Rugby chief executive Mick Dawson said: “We are very

happy that both LauraLynn and Special Olympics Leinster are on board for the season ahead. We believe that both charities will be able to benefit from this association and that the Leinster supporters and wider family will embrace these organisations and will support them in whatever way possible.”

Speaking on behalf of LauraLynn, Sharon Morrow said, “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Leinster Rugby for selecting LauraLynn as their charity for the 2014-2015

season. It is an amazing opportunity for LauraLynn to reach the Leinster Rugby community. Leinster Rugby and their supporters will be helping provide critical care and support to Ireland’s most vulnerable children and their families, making the most of short and precious lives.”

Annette Codd, regional director, Special Olympics Leinster, said: “Special Olympics Leinster is delighted to have been selected as one of Leinster Rugby’s charity partners for the coming season.

“We are looking forward to developing and strengthening our relationships with Leinster Rugby staff, players and clubs. This is a fantastic opportunity for our organisation and athletes as it provides us with a forum to increase our recognition and visibility within the sporting, public and corporate worlds.”

Further information on the charity partners, in addition to how your charity can apply for support from Leinster Rugby can be found at www. leinsterrugby.ie/charitypartners

FINLAND’S Minna Kaarnalahti defeated defending champion Gertie McMullen, from The Island GC, to win her third Irish Senior Women’s Open strokeplay title in four years after a six-hole play-off victory after both finished on 227 after 54 holes at Dundalk last Friday.

Kaarnalahti closed the three-shot gap on overnight leader McMullen after a oneover par 74 in breezy conditions. The lead see-sawed between the two past champions throughout until McMullen forced extra-time following an impressive regulation par on the 18th.

The first and 18th were shared twice before Kaarnalahti seized the initiative with a closing bogey at the sixth extra hole to claim her third title in four years.

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

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

Gazette

28 Gazette 18 September 2014

SPORT

FastSport roche’s goal gives ireland world cup hope: An injury time goal from former Peamount United star Stephanie Roche gave the Republic of Ireland women’s national team victory over Slovakia in their penultimate World Cup qualifier in Senec.

Substitute Roche was slipped through in the second minute of injury time and she drilled a low shot to the far corner to secure the points, after the Irish women had dominated proceedings without hitting the back of the net, creating 20 chances during the game and hit the crossbar three times through Julie Ann Russell twice and Denise O’Sullivan.

This win, coupled with Germany’s 4-1 victory over Russia, means that Ireland go into Wednesday’s final qualifier away to the Germans with a chance of taking second place in Group 1. The side have also extended their unbeaten run to four games and have now gone 407 minutes without conceding a goal.

hockey: corinthians and ymca lead leinster after two rounds

Fresh faces at the top of Division 1  sport@dublingazette.com

C OR I NT H I AN a n d YMCA are the surprise names at the head of

the embyronic Leinster men’s hockey division one table as the two sides with six points from two outings.

YMCA’s Jaco Fourie celebrates a goal

For Trevor Dagg’s Corinthian side, it is a hugely impressive performance having lost nine players – including four South Africans – in the off-season.

The return of sweeper Conor Motyer, though, is huge for the Whitechurch club and he put in an imperious performance on Saturday in his side’s 4-2 win over UCD. Ian Stewart’s pair of goals bookended the reds building a four-goal lead with Rob McKenna and Andrew Sutton also on the mark.

Shane Madeley pulled two back in the last 10 minutes on debut and looks to be a big addition, scoring three goals in two days for the students.

The third came in a 3-1 loss to YMCA who

Pembroke’s Nick Burns tackled by Three Rock’s David Kane. Pictures: Adrian Boehm

won twice over the weekend, adding that success to a 3-0 win over Rathgar.

Their southern hemisphere contingent made a big impact on the match, with South African Jaco Fourie netting once in each game, crucially breaking the deadlock against Rathgar after a scoreless first half.

Australian Thom Ritchie scored the first

goal for YM in Sunday’s win just six minutes while Jacques Odendaal, another South Africa, whipped home a dragflick as they built a 3-0 lead.

T hree Rock came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Pembroke as Jonathan Roberts’ first goal for the club’s first team earned a share of the spoils.

Nick Burns and Maurice Elliott had

Pembroke in front in a scrappy tie, pockmarked with a series of yellow cards.

But Michael Maguire got one back before R o b e r t s ’ m i d - c i r cl e intervention.

Monkstow n gave newly promoted Avoca a lesson with a 6-2 win in the borough derby with Richard Sykes scoring a pair of drag-flicks while Jazze Henry also scored twice.

Tallaght to host Ireland’s home European matches  sport@dublingazette.com

Action from Ireland against Australia in the world cup in Thomond Park last year

International rugby is set to make a return to Ireland next month when the national team take part in the European championships in a series of matches against France, Scotland and Wales in Tallaght.

For the first time in 14 years two senior international games will take place on home soil with Tallaght Stadium the host of Ireland’s two home games in the championships, when France and Scotland will be the visitors in 2014 with fixtures on October

18 and 25 respectively.

The match against Wales will be played in Wrexham on November 2.

This will become the second time the south Dublin stadium has hosted international rugby league following the 2010 fixture between Ireland and Scotland being played there.

The west Dublin suburb is the unofficial home of rugby league in Ireland as a development project in the 1990s led to the creation of the Tallaght Tigers who were in existence from 1997 until 2013.

Ireland head coach Mark Aston said: “We had a tough World Cup last year which we knew we would have given the group we were drawn in. From that we have a good base of players to choose from for this year.”

Also taking place in the 6,000 seat multi-purpose stadium will be Ireland’s first ever Under-19s fixture when Ireland takes on Scotland on the 25th of October.

Ticket prices are set at €5 per game, and for more information about the upcoming series, log on to www.rli.ie.

18 September 2014 Gazette 29

Gazette

Another great show of unity in soccer

FastSport

The annual SARI Soccerfest saw its 18th celebration of multiculturalism in Phoenix Park last weekend in fine weather and fine spirits on and off the field of play

Cricket world cup makes a grand tour of Dublin

In perfect conditions for soccer, and with the sunshine and lots of spectators coming out to enjoy both the football and family entertainment on offer, the 2014 SARI Soccerfest proved once again to be a huge success.

Europe’s largest intercultural seven-a-side tournament in the Phoenix Park was held over two days, with 64 teams making up the participants in the three competitions - 40 men’s teams, eight women’s teams, eight Under–15 teams and eight Under-13 teams from across Ireland gathering for the 18th iteration of the competition which promotes cultural integration and social development.

Teams representing Ireland’s immigrant, multi-faith and Traveller communities and eight teams from direct provision centres battled for the SARI Soccerfest title, and SARI director and former Ireland manager Brian Kerr said: “This is the 18th year

of Soccerfest – one of the most important events in the SARI calendar and this year we have more competitors than ever.

“SARI’s greatest strength and experience is in organising and delivering inter-cultural sports events that allow people to learn about their simi-

Brooks of Republic of Gingerbread was named player of the tournament.

SARI Soccer fest Women’s Cup winners were Shelbourne FC, who overcame their close rivals St Patrick’s Athletic with a brace from Emma Boyle in between goals from Erica Cahill and Eve

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

‘People learn about their similarities rather than their differences through playing sport’ - Brian Kerr

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

larities rather than call out the differences and playing sport is one of the best ways to break down boundaries and promote inclusion.”

The competition itself saw a fine two days of sport, and in the main event, Dun Laoghaire Guards beat Republic of Gingerbread 3-2 on penalties following extra time to claim the SARI Soccerfest Cup after the game finished 0-0. Fionn

Farrelly, who finished the tournament as top scorer, to win 4-0 in the women’s tournament.

Pavee Point retained the Under-13 Cup on Saturday thanks to two fine strikes from Martin Collins to get the better of Sworda Celtic in a highly entertaining final in front of a big crowd, and in the inaugural Under-15 tournament it was South Dublin’s Granada FC who kept their nerve in

The victorious SARI All-Stars team before the celebrity match

Amy McLoughlin and Lisa Nolan from St Catherine’s LFC, Dublin. Picture Jason Clarke Photography

their penalty shoot out 3-2 win over Lifford FC of Ennis, Co Clare. Granada’s Liam Ryan scored the all important penalty after their keeper Steve Bilevich saved Lifford’s second penalty.

The weekend also saw a star-studded celebrity match that pitted the SARI All-Stars against cast and crew members of Love/Hate.

The Love/Hate team included stars such as Aidan Gillen (John Boy), Peter Coonan (Fran), Laurence Kinlan (Elmo), Barry Keoghan (Wayne), Johnny Ward, James Flynn and Ian Lloyd Anderson with writer Stuart Carolan managing from the side lines, while the SARI All Stars was made up of sports personalities such as Ireland Under-21 manager Noel King, Irish women’s rugby internationals Marie Louise Reilly and Jenny Murphy. Also taking part were

former League of Ireland players Stuart Byrne and Ian Cawley alongside members of the media such as RTE presenters Aidan Power, John Kenny and James O’Toole, and Eoin McDevitt from the Second Captains managing.

It proved the firepower of former Dublin GAA player Jason Sherlock to break the deadlock, his second half strike sealing a 2-1 win over Love Hate All Stars after Coonan gave Love/Hate the lead with an excellent strike midway through the first half.

As well as the soccer, there was a wide variety of entertainment with face painting, clowns, juggling and drumming workshops, as well as the Soccerfest Skills Challenge highlighting the Millennium Development Goals. For more information about their activities, log on to www.sari.ie.

THE ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy travelled around Ireland last week as part of its round the world trip, taking in the sights of Dublin.

The trophy made a surprise visit to the enthusiastic and cricket-mad pupils of St Andrew’s School where the children were delighted to get a close up glimpse of the trophy before it jets off to Afghanistan for its next visit.

Next stop was Malahide, where the trophy was on show at Ireland’s training session before their second ODI against Scotland and Malahide Castle, where John Mooney and Andrew Balbirnie displayed the prize that Ireland will be battling for in Australia and New Zealand in February.

George Dockrell, Max Sorensen and bowling hero Craig Young got a helping hand from Molly Malone and her wheelbarrow at the world renowned sculpture, while passers-by at the famous Ha’Penny Bridge were delighted to stop and get a picture with the iconic trophy.

Run In The Dark 2014 announced for November The fourth annual Life Style Sports Run in the Dark series was officially launched last week by adventurer and motivational speaker Mark Pollock, joined by Leinster’s Sean O’Brien and Rosanna Davidson.

The race will take place on Wednesday, November 12 at 8pm, with 5km and 10km fundraising runs set to

be held across 30 cities worldwide. There are five official locations – Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London and Manchester. Additional pop-up events will take place from Sydney to San Francisco and this year Life Style Sports will champion pop-up events in both Limerick and Galway.

To sign up for either the 5km or 10km runs log on to www.runinthedark.org. For further information, check out @theruninthedark or facebook.com/runinthedarkofficial.

Gazette

30 LUCAN gazette 18 September 2014

SPORT

FastSport

snooker: fine showing in shanghai masters for potter

Veteran sprint success for Arcane/Adamstown THE Arcane/Adamstown cycling team placed two riders on the podium at the veteran national track sprint championships at Sundrive Velodrome last weekend.

Defending champion Brendan Whelan set the fastest qualifying time but lost out on the gold 2-1 to Northern Ireland’s Jason Henry after a tough route to the final.

Liam Collins won his bronze medal ride off 2-0 to join his team mate on the final podium.

Elsewhere, in the A3 Leinster road race, ACT’s Daniel Balassi made a great attempt at defending his A3 Leinster road race title with a hard fought bronze medal in Newbridge on Saturday.

The Hungarian national had won the event in 2013 in Blessington, and had targeted another title in 2014 after a training crash had wiped out most of his early season.

Harriers women reach another milestone LUCAN Harriers’ Fit 4 Life ladies headed to the Phoenix Park recently to take part in the Great Pink Run. Having joined Lucan Harriers Fit 4 Life in January, these ladies had an initial goal of running their first 5km at the Lucan Harriers 5km race in May and, having accomplished this, they went on to the 10km distance.

First home for Lucan was the coach Claire Kavanagh in a time of 48.37, Clare

McGlynn was next in 52.27 with Caroline Connelly behind her in 55.25 with only a second to spare over Susan Dempsey.

Bridget Dempsey was next in 55.42 followed by Mary Burke, Edel Smyth, Lorraine Mullally, Briget Kenny, Trish Byrne and Moureen Fitzharris.

Elsewhere, Anne McGrane took part in a half Ironman in Kenmare, a 1,900m swim, 90km bike and 21km run. It was an exceptionally hilly course and was the national middle distance championships. McGrane came third in her age group.

Lucan’s Fergal O’Brien has been in fine form in recent world snooker championship events

Fergal flying in world class  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

FERGAL O’Brien credited an aeroplane upgrade as playing a key role after he reached the last eight of snooker’s Shanghai Masters as he continued his fine start to the world season.

In the past month, the Lucan man reached the last 16 of the Australian Open and then got to round seven of the Paul Hunter Classic before flying out for the event in China.

There, he picked up some good scalps beat Robert Milkins 5-1 and home favourite Zhao Xintong before bowing

out to world number one Mark Selby.

It broke a chain of mixed results in China for O’Brien, and he was thankful for getting the perk to aid his preparation.

“It’s my first time reaching the quarters over there,” he told GazetteSport. “Obviously, there’s now so many tournaments and my record had been pretty poor, but I changed a couple of things.

“This time, I got an upgrade to business class.

Normally, no matter how tired I am, at most I would get half an hour’s sleep being in economy.

When you arrive, straight

super legends Fingal athletes take part in charity race 120 participants took part in the Fingal

Super Legends race which took part at St Catherine’s Park recently, in aid of the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre and the Fingal Helping Hand Fund. The race incorporated two 4km laps and course challenges faced included crossing the river Liffey, a 25m rock climb and a 400m bog section. The winning time was just over 43 minutes, with almost half of the participants completing the course in under an hour.

off the bat, you are like a zombie for a day or two and be wrecked for your first round game.

“Because of the rest, I felt much fresher and get over the biggest obstacle and was on a much better sleeping pattern.”

It is putting O’Brien in a good position to push on in the world rankings. Currently 29th, he admits he had a poor season two years ago, but the upshot of that is he has fewer points to defend than his rivals in his area of those rankings which could work to his advantage.

With five tournaments now set in China, it is snooker’s rapidly

emerging second home outside of the British Isles and O’Brien has been amazed by the way they are approaching the sport.

“The day before the tournament, we had a press conference and opening ceremony with a red carpet. On the Monday, I went to a school in Shanghai where there were 28 snooker tables.

When I was a kid, being good at snooker was a sign of misspent youth, a lack of education.

“They have it as one of their sports on their curriculum; in the same way they use a maths and English book, they had a snooker book. Like PE

over here, from Wednesday from 2 to 4pm, they might play snooker. It was a fee-paying school so it is a middle class sport whereas in Ireland, it probably still has a working class tag.”

He adds that the Chinese mentality is also conducive to progressing in the game.

“In team sports, China doesn’t tend to excel like in individual sports.

The main attributes of snooker of patience, concentration and discipline tend to suit the eastern mentality. I might have to be bunking off to get extra hours in, while in China it is actively encouraged.”

18 September 2014 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

St Pat’s survive threat of drop from SHC  sport@dublingazette.com

ST PAT’S Palmerstown produced an excellent second-half performance to maintain their place in the top tier of the Dublin senior hurling championship as they saw off St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh 3-10 to 0-16 last weekend.

They trailed 0-8 to 0-6

at half-time in their final group game, moving ahead early in the second half and holding on down the closing stretch to see them avoid the bottom rung of the table.

Both sides’ chances of progressing to the quarter-finals had been dashed by losses earlier in the round-robin phase when recent county

champions Kilmacud Crokes and Ballyboden St Enda’s got the better of both sides.

The first half was nip and tuck with Plunkett’s shading matters after Pat’s had levelled at 0-4 each after 15 minutes before slipping two points back at half-time.

But two goals in the first 11 minutes of the sec-

ond half put Pat’s in the box-seat, building a 2-8 to 0-10 lead.

Plunkett’s got back within a score with four minutes of normal time remaining but Pat’s added a third goal in the last minute to give them some breathing room, landing third in the group and avoiding the relegation play-offs.

hurling: o’Toole’s the opponents in next round

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields Glenside will provide the entertainment in the club on the eve of the football final.

Our family fun day is on Saturday, September 27, the day of the hurl-

in the championship last 16.

Cupla Focal Club will start Monday, September 29 at 8pm for eight weeks. Fif ty new words and 20 phrases per night.

ing final replay. Donations of bot-

We are currently seeking vol-

tles, bags, books and boots grate-

unteers to assist in covering the

fully accepted.

shifts in the bar.

The day is a great opportunity for

Training will be provided. Vol-

you to purge the house. There will

unteers must be over 18 and fully

also be a jewellery stall this year.

paid-up members of the club. If you

Collection bins in the club every

are interested, call Tom on 087-246

evening. Arthur will provide the

1920.

entertainment on the night following the All-Ireland hurling replay.

Set dancing returns every Wednesday at 9pm all welcome.

Congratulations to senior hurl-

The club shop is open on Satur-

ers on securing a championship

days from 12 noon and Thursday

q u a r t e r -f in a l p l a ce . E xce ll e n t

evening from 7.30pm. The online

championship wins this weekend

version is open 24/7.

for U-15A/B, minor A/B footballers and junior hurlers.

Best of luck to senior footballers

Our Lucan District Credit Union Academy is on every Saturday at 1.30pm at the clubhouse.

st pat’s palmerstown

Lucan Sarsfields managed to progress to the next phase of the senior hurling championships against St Jude’s

Draw sees Lucan go through to quarters dublin shc a Lucan Sarsfields 0-17 St Jude’s 0-17  sport@dublingazette.com

LATE points from Tom Devlin and Jesse Kennedy denied Lucan Sarsfields victory in their Dublin SHC A Group 4 clash at Parnell Park with highflying St Jude’s, but they did enough to advance to the quarter-finals of the senior championships.

There, they will play O’Toole’s who impressed by topping group three of the competition by virtue of a 1-27 to 2-15 win over Na Fianna.

The accuracy of

Tommy Somers’ frees was vital for Lucan as he converted seven attempts, while points from John Bellew, Trevor Lee, Chris Crummey and Matthew McCaffrey helped their side to a 0-13 to 0-9 interval lead.

Somers started the ball rolling with his first free before Danny Sutcliffe showed his danger in the early phases with a fine score – the first of three he would land.

The sides traded scores from there with Fionn O Riain Broin pointing a couple of times while Peter Kelly landed a superb score.

Lucan finished the half much the stronger, however, to forge that four point half-time lead as a Somers’ free with efforts from Matthew McCaffrey and Alan Whyte all clearing the bar.

However, points from Sutcliffe, O Riain Broin, Tom Devlin and Paul Maguire ensured Jude’s were always in contact.

Aidan Roche extended Lucan’s lead soon after the restart with a brace of points in the minutes after half-time.

It kept their four-point lead in place but, from there, the scores dried up considerably with only

two more coming in the closing 25 minutes.

Jude’s, meanwhile, little by little tagged on their scores to chip away at the lead. David Quinn was called on to make the second of two brilliant saves in the tie to deny Jude’s a goal that could have blown things wide open, knocking Rob Hardy’s shot away to safety.

O’Riain Broin did land the first of three successive Jude’s points from a 65 before Devlin levelled with 10 minutes to go.

Somers and Crummey edged Lucan back in front but Jude’s struck late to tie things up.

St Pat’s junior hurlers completed a

The senior hurlers defeated St

great week on the field with an easy

Oliver Plunkett’s by three points in

win in Glenaulin. Well done to all our

Blakestown in a good week on the

players.

field. .

Well done to our U-15s on a great

Lotto: There was one winner of

championship debut: St Pat’s 2-11,

the first draw for €10,000. Numbers

Erin Go Bragh 3-7.

drawn were 7, 11, 19 and 26.

The senior camogie team beat the

There was no winner of the second

St Peregrine’s girls in championship

draw for €8,000. Numbers drawn

last Thursday.

were 8, 11, 16 and 118.

The U-14 footballers had a good

Next draw will take place on Sun-

second-half turn-around from five

day, September 21 at 10pm in the

points down to beat Mearnog by

Palmerstown House.

five points.

The U-13s beat Crumlin in a hardfought game.

St Pat’s will hold a Strictly fundraising night on November 8. Tickets will be €25 each.

The U-16s had a tough f ixture

For more information, e-mail the

against Good Counsel and ran out

organisers on strictlypalmers-

the winners.

town@yahoo.com.

westmanstown/garda Well done to George Kyne and his

at 086 813 0951. The Gaels nursery

10th anniversary team that ran the

continues every Saturday from 10

event over the weekend and made it

to 11.30am at the Westmanstown

a day to remember.

Sports and Conference Centre. All

Many thanks to everyone who

new members welcome.

attended including Ministers Var-

Meanwhile, it’s back to champi-

adkar and Fitzgerard, Derek Keat-

onship action next weekend for the

ing TD, local representatives and

Intermediates with a home fixture

media.

against Ballyboughal on Saturday

Visit www.westmanstowngaels. ie to view comments and images of the day.

evening at Westmanstown with a 5.15pm throw in.

The juniors hope to continue push

The next da y out is Thursda y,

for play-offs in the eague with home

September 25. The club is running

fixture as well against Ballyfermot

a golf classic. Visit www.westman-

De La Salle on Sunday morning with

stowngaels.ie for all details of the

a 10.30am start.

event. For all sponsorship enquiries, please contact David Hanley

Please come out and support all our teams.

GazetteSPORT all of your lucan sports coverage from page 27-31

fergal on target: Lucan snooker ace O’Brien making huge strides in world standings P30

september 18, 2014

heads up for sari: Annual Soccerfest proves a huge success P29

Garda RFC president Eamon O’Grady addresses the assembled guests at the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Picture: Ronan O’Sullivan

50 just the start for Garda Half-century anniversary celebrations at Westmanstown for rugby club marks next phase of their life as part of sporting community  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

GARDA RFC president Eamon O’Grady is looking forward to a new era at the Westmanstown club as they celebrated their 50th anniversary in style last Sunday.

The club was vibrant with a family fun day with bouncing castles for the children, a lunch in the Acorn Suite while there were challenge matches on the pitch for the Under-18 girls, senior women and a golden oldies side lining out with the Trenier Cup on the line.

For O’Grady, it marks not just a milestone in the club’s history but it is also a stepping stone for big developments in the club.

In recent times, the club has vastly grown the youth section under the Westmanstown

name as well as introducing the Westmanstown Taggers special needs team – under the patronage of Leinster star Isaac Boss – which is going from strength to strength.

“The club started as the Garda rugby team in 1964-65, very humble beginnings,” O’Grady told GazetteSport. “Initially, they didn’t have a ground nor kit. A lot of the players were Gaelic footballers who converted.

“Now, the club has moved beyond just being a Garda rugby club. It’s now Garda/Westmanstown. We have the Westmanstown youths and the Taggers, our special needs team; men’s and women’s rugby and underage rugby for all. We are very much part of the community since moving to Westmanstown 25 years ago.”

The club now has over 200 boys and girls playing rugby every Saturday and Sunday

morning with 40 special needs players taking part in the sport in addition to the men’s and women’s teams.

Indeed, one of the club’s most celebrated players Sharon Lynch was among those in attendance who started her playing career with the club “She started with the ladies’ team seven years ago and is now a full international. It can happen and that’s why I would encourage people to come and join us. Coaching is provided and we would love to see new players give it a try.”

And O’Grady is keen to say that the club has developed far beyond its original remit as a social club only for gardai.

“These are our home grounds and we are very proud of them; grounds used by the All

Blacks, Wales, South Africa and Ireland for training. We had Toulon last year before the Heineken Cup final.

“We are proud of what we have and the message we want to send out today is, not only are we marking 50 years of Garda rugby, but we are marking the start of something new in the community. People think because it is the Garda grounds, we are exclusively limited to guards. I can’t emphasise enough it is an open club and part of the community.

“This is an event to mark the first 50 years but equally to look forward to the next 50 years. There’s a huge land mass between Barnhall and Coolmine to the nearest clubs. The club is well situated for players from Lucan to Dunboyne, even parts of Clonsilla and Castleknock.”