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January 16, 2014

Palmerstown • Celbridge • Leixlip • Adamstown • Dodsboro • Liffey Valley • ballyowen

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St Ed’s owners downplay works  ian begley

Martial Arts: McGregor helps open new SBG gym at Naas Rd Page 32

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Epic comeback for Barnhall in home match Page 30

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A SERIES of complaints have been made regarding the treatment of lands at St Edmundsbury, which were recently bought

by John Magnier and JP McManus, the owners of Luttrellstown Castle.

Denis McCarthy, a local resident of Beech Park, told The Gazette that extensive damage has been done to the land’s woodlands, hedgerows and ditches.

He said: “Irreplaceable wildlife habitats have been destroyed, with little sensitivity being shown to the environment by the owners.”

The results of the works at St Ed’s which, the owners say, is part of a cleaning-up process, rather than the destruction of the site’s habitat

However, Colm Hannon, chief executive of Luttrellstown Castle and Country Club, said that the ongoing work is due to a tidy-up process currently going on at St Ed’s.

He said that people who pass through the lands are seeing a cleaning-up process taking place, and not the destruction of habitat.

Cllr William Lavelle

(FG) also alleviated environmental concerns, saying the lands are protected from residential development, but agricultural activity is allowed.

Full Story on Page 6

2 LUCAN Gazette 16 January 2014

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

Looney rejects Labour request to quit post

Former Labour councillor Dermot Looney says he will not step down as mayor after eight of his former party members asked him to do so due to his resignation from the Labour Party.

Members of the Labour Group at South Dublin County Council have announced their disappointment over the resignation of Looney from the party, and are now asking him to step down as mayor.

In a statement issued by group leader Cllr Eamon Tuffy (Lab) and on behalf of Labour councillors Chris Bond, Breeda Bonner, Marie Corr, Paddy Cosgrave, Mick Duff, Caitriona Jones and Pamela Kearns, he outlined that Looney did not discuss his decision to resign with him until the day of his announcement on January 7.

In the statement it said: “In 2009 Dermot Looney was selected by his fellow members of the Labour Party in Tallaght Central to contest the 2009 local elections. Like all Labour candidates Dermot signed a pledge to the effect that if he resigned from the Labour Party he would resign his council seat.

“Dermot has not

 ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

resigned his seat; like Patrick Nulty, Colm Keaveney and other former Labour public representatives, Dermot has not honoured his pledge, but has stayed in a paid public representative position to which he was elected as a candidate of the Labour Party.

“He has broken the pledge he gave to his party colleagues in the constituency in 2009 and the many loyal Labour Par ty members who worked hard to have him elected.”

The statement went on to say that Looney is the Mayor of South Dublin because of the “loyalty of the eight Labour councillors to him, including those councillors who had supported another Labour councillor in the contest to select the Labour Group’s nominee.”

“To say the least, we are puzzled that if Dermot thought so highly of us he never even discussed with us the possibility of his res-

Dermot Looney will contest May’s local elections as an independent candidate.

Cllr Eamon Tuffy (inset) issued a statement outlining that Looney did not discuss his decision to resign with him until the day of his announcement

ignation from the Labour Party and the group, until he met with the group leader Cllr Eamon Tuffy for about 40 minutes last Tuesday (January 7) afternoon.”

In response to The Labour Group’s statement, Looney said that no one from the group had spoken to him personally on this issue and that he will not be stepping down as mayor.

Speaking to the

Gazette, he said: “I spoke with six of the eight Labour councillors last week and all were civil and understanding of my decision.

“A statement like this is to be expected, particularly given the pressure on the remaining Labour councillors from the party leadership to be seen to take a stand.

“It is part of the predictable dance of elected politics which is far removed

from people’s daily lives.

“The position of mayor is outside of party politics and there is no benefit to anybody in me standing down as mayor for the four months remaining.

“Through my mayor’s fund initiative, my cooperative and effective chairing of the council and my attendance at over 150 events, I believe my first six-and-a-half months as mayor have been very successful.

“I will not be standing down as mayor and will be continuing my work in representing and chairing the council for the remainder of my term.

“I have been overwhelmed with the support for my decision over the past week from local voters and from friends and colleagues.

“I am looking forward to standing as an independent in May’s election on the basis of my track record as a hard-working, principled councillor,” said Looney.

16 January 2014 LUCAN Gazette 3

education

school: building work planned after roof damage in bad weather

10-week creative writing course

Colaiste Cois Life open for business  Ian Begley

Despite the damage to its roof caused by the harsh weather conditions in the early hours of December 27, Colaiste Cois Life was open for business as usual on Monday, January 6.

The school credited County Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (ETB) on their fast turnaround between the time of the damage and the school being ready to open using its temporary accommodation onsite.

With the alarm raised by the security company, the ETB and members of Colaiste Cois Life’s senior management team met onsite at lunchtime on

December 27 to inspect the damage and to devise a plan of action.

A large section of the roof measuring 30ft by 60ft had been ripped away by the wind, leaving the upstairs classrooms exposed to the elements and the downstairs classrooms filled with the rainwater that poured down.

Members of the school’s teaching staff were called on to pack away the contents of the upstairs classrooms as everything had to be moved out. The school caretaker Seamus O Murchu was recognised in freely providing assistance onsite.

In a statement released by the school, it said that it is “envisaged that building work will commence in

approximately six weeks’ time and that we should be able to move back into the main building around Easter time.

“In the meantime, students and staff are enjoying the extra fresh air they’re getting commuting the short distance to and from the prefabs every day. It should also be pointed out that the school has received many kind offers of help from local tradesmen – some of whom are not affiliated to the school in any way – and we are truly grateful for the offers which, at present, we are not in a position to avail of.

“We are also grateful to the parents who offered help and who donated gifts to the school.”

Flying high: Search and rescue helicopter to help save lives

a new S92 search and rescue helicopter for the Irish Coast Guard in the Dublin region has been launched by Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism Leo Varadkar at Weston Airport on Monday, January 13. This is the fourth Sikorsky S92 helicopter base to come into operation for the Coast Guard. Speaking at the launch, Minister Varadkar said: “[The S92] has an extended range of 270 nautical miles, is faster and safer, can carry more casualties, and can fly at higher altitude and in much worse weather… A well-equipped and well-resourced Coast Guard can represent the difference between life and death for anyone in trouble at sea or on land.”

Lucan Community School is holding an adult evening course in creative writing that begins in the last week of January.

The course runs for 10 weeks, on Wednesdays, one evening a week with tutor Ross Campbell promising that participants will find an exciting and fun way to learn the craft of writing hands on.

For further information or to book a place on the course contact Lucan Community School, adult education office on (01) 01 6282077 or phone Ross on 085 1395 320 or email: ros1_@hotmail. com

4 LUCAN Gazette 16 January 2014

event show Local resident to be a leader on Operation Transformation Meeting on mental health

‘Great turnout’ for RTE event

People Before Profit is holding a public meeting on the issue of mental health on Tuesday, January 21, at 8pm in the Waterside Lounge, Ninth Lough Road, Clondalkin.

Dr Peader O’Grady from Doctors For Choice Ireland will be the speaker at the event and will discuss various topics on Marx, Freud and the “mental health crisis”.

C l l r G i n o K e n ny (PBP) who is chairing the event said: “There is a mental health crisis in Ireland. Years of austerity, unemployment and a badly funded health service has led to a rise in suicide and depression.”

All are welcome to attend.

 Ian Begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

The Lucan version of Operation Transformation (OT) was “overwhelming”, according to organiser and Independent local election candidate Liona O’Toole.

Over 160 people interested in taking part met at the Weston Hockey Club on January 13, where they registered their names and weighed themselves.

After the registration, two walks were held around Lucan, one that took over an hour to complete and another that took approximately 45 minutes.

Speaking to the Gazette O’Toole said: “We had a great turnout.

The car park and clubhouse was full, and we

are expecting additional people to come next week.”

O’Toole said that many participants chose to weigh themselves on the night with the intention of comparing their initial weight to what they will weigh six weeks down the line.

The biggest loser of the six weeks will be given the prize of an overnight stay at Finnstown Country House Hotel.

Superquinn also showed their support to Lucan OT by providing refreshments to the participants on the night, and Boots in Liffey Valley were also there to encourage and advise attendees on healthy living.

O’Toole said that some people who signed up had no intention of los-

ing weight, but just wanted to get involved in the community led event.

R T E ’s O p e r a t i o n Transformation is mustering widespread attention in south Dublin as Clondalkin resident Siobhan McKillen is one of the participants in the challenge.

Siobhan is one of the six leaders who will be under the RTE’s microscope over the next seven weeks.

Cllr Emer Higgins (FG) wished Siobhan the best of luck, saying: “There will be a lot more interest locally in this year’s Operation Transformation programme, given that Clondalkin is represented by Siobhan McKillen as one of the leaders of the show.

“Last year our local Sports Partnership put

Louise Kavanagh with leader Liona O’Toole. Picture: Cathy Weatherston

on a series of training events in Corkagh Park that culminated in a 5k run at the end of the Operation Transformation programme.

“These community events will be even more important this year, now

that we have our own local OT Leader.”

South Dublin County Council’s Sports Partnership this year rolled out a special programme training people to become OT walk leaders, encouraging them

to lead morning walks for parents after school drop-off times.

The first event of the season will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 11am in Corkagh Park at the St John’s entrance to the park.

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16 January 2014 LUCAN Gazette 5

castletown OPW move to restrict access causes concern

Group to protest to keep right of way  ian begley

A protest planned by the Castletown Right of Way Group who have grievances with the Office of Public Works (OPW) over their proposal to restrict nightly access to the grounds of Castletown in Celbridge is due to take place on January 19.

T he Castletow n Right of Way Group have said that they are “committed” to keeping the 24-hour right of way through Castletown demesne from the Celbridge Main Street gates to the Batty Langley Lodge – leading to the Leixlip Road.

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“We want to keep that right of way: if it’s lost, we won’t get it back,” said the group in a statement.

“A right of way, like any road, should be open 24 hours a day.

“The OPW also want to put a fence around or across the demesne further restricting access to local people. A fence would cost up to a million to erect and maintain.

“We do not accept a right of way through publicly owned land being extinguished by a public body – the OPW,” said the group.

The OPW have stated that their intention to

close the grounds at night was to reduce the anti-social behaviour in the area.

Brendan Young, an Independent local election candidate for Celbridge, said that he doesn’t believe the closure of the grounds at night will stop antisocial behaviour.

Speaking to the Gazette he said: “There have been people drinking a few cans in the woods and there have been incidents of trees being set on fire, but they’re actually minimal, and a fence won’t stop incidents like that from happening.

“It would cost up to

a million to put a fence around the grounds and then the fence would have to be maintained and the area controlled.

If such money is available it should go towards facilities for young people in the area.

“We know that athletics and runners go running around the path on the river at night and the early morning before work and it’s the only time they have. I know that people walk through the area at night and take short cuts through the pathway between Celbridge and Leixlip.”

A petition was recently put together by the

The Castletown Right of Way Group during a previous protest. Inset: A sign promoting the next protest on January 19.

Castletow n Action Group and managed to collect 2,100 submissions which were sent to the Kildare County Council to retain the right of way in Castletown.

A protest was held

for the same reason on December 26 and organised by the Community Solidarity Group, and between 150 and 200 people took part in that.

Young, who is also a member of the Castle-

tow n R ight of Way group, said he expects around 200 people to show up on the day of the protest – January 19.

The OPW had not responded at the time of going to press.

6 LUCAN Gazette 16 January 2014

st ed’s Complaints are made over treatment of lands

‘Irreplaceable habitats destroyed’  Ian Begley

A series of complaints have been made regarding the treatment of lands at St Edmundsbury, which were recently bought

by John Magnier and JP McManus, the owners of Luttrellstown Castle.

Denis McCarthy, a local resident of Beechpark, told the Gazette that extensive decimation has been done to the land’s woodlands, hedgerows and ditches.

He said: “Irreplaceable wildlife habitats have been destroyed, with little sensitivity being shown to the environment by the new owners.

“This is a terrible loss to us all and particularly so as our politicians assured us that this Liffey Valley Green Belt lands

are protected.

“Are we next to lose our wonderful riverside walk amenity?” said McCarthy.

The pictures taken by the Beechpark resident show hedgerows and trees cut down, separating the fields on the land.

However, chief executive of Luttrellstown Castle and Country Club Colm Hannon said that the ongoing work is due to a tidy up process currently going on at St Ed’s.

“There has been no widespread cutting of trees – just bushes and weeds,” he said.

McCarthy went on to say said that the land, especially along the river walk of St Edmundsbury now looks “post nuclear”, saying: “What can be done? The destruction

Some of the hedgerows and trees which have been cut down at St Edmundsbury

has taken place. There was such a battle to preserve the land, and I suppose the battle was won, but the war has been lost.

“Really why I did [take the pictures] is because I don’t think people know

the extent of the damage that’s being done there.”

“You can see from the photographs that it’s really bad. The ditches separating the individual fields have been cut to nothing and a lot of them

have been filled in.”

Lucan Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said that he has been contacted by numerous residents regarding concerns over works to hedgerows and ditches on the St Ed’s

lands.

Speaking to the Gazette, he said: “These lands are absolutely protected from residential development, but agricultural activity is allowed.

“I have asked the council’s heritage and conservation officer to examine if the current works are in compliance with the protections afforded to these lands by way of the land zoning and special area amenity order currently in place.”

Speaking to the Gazette in December, Colm Hannon said that the land bought by John Magnier and JP McManus would be used for farming.

He also said that the owners had discussed the maintenance of the land with South Dublin

County Council and local councillors, and denied any widespread cutting of trees.

“We’ve had extensive meetings with Cllr William Lavelle and the council on maintaining the land.

“There has been no widespread cutting of trees – just bushes and weeds.”

Hannon said that people who pass through the lands are seeing the cleaning up process taking place, and not the destruction or the total decimation of the land’s woodlands, hedgerows and ditches.

“In conjunction with the council, we respect woodlands and the environment, and Lutrellstown is a testament to that,” said Hannon.

16 January 2014 LUCAN Gazette 7

good job: St Joseph’s commended

FastNews

Council commits to fixing damaged car park South Dublin County Council are currently making arrangements to address the damaged car park at Lucan Leisure Centre.

A member of the Community Services Department from the council said: “I am pleased to advise that arrangements are currently in hand to address the immediate health and safety issues and improve the car park surface for those availing of it to access various amenities.

“The council is committed to the completion of the necessary works which will be commissioned and completed by end of March at the latest.

“The council will keep under review a more permanent solution subject to the required financial resources becoming available.”

One individual who contacted the Gazette said that there are numerous potholes in the parking lot that are “both damaging to motor vehicles as well as physically dangerous to individuals.”

The source said: “On a number of occasions, I have physically fallen victim to these craters, but thankfully no serious injury has taken place, yet. I have also witnessed a number of other park users falling to the same fate as I have done.”

LocalMatters Young scientists Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab) with students Nikki Maria Shaji, Ell Hershey Gamas

and Maria Farooq Aslam from St Joseph’s College

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

harvest great praise in the RDS  ian begley

Budding scientists from St Joseph’s College, Lucan, have been highly commended in this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at the RDS. The students exhibited their project on the use of bio-mimicry and speed of run-off water to determine harvesting time of Irish grown brassica oleracea a type of plant including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and kale.

Those involved in the science project were Nikki Maria Shaji, Ell Hershey Gamas, Maria Farooq Aslam, along with the help of their teacher Michelle Dunne.

Speaking to the Gazette, Ms Dunne said she was very proud of her students and described the journey of their project.

“Our aim was to advice Teagasc [The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority] to increase the amount of

trichomes, which are nano structures present in underside of the cabbage leaf as that will decrease the amount of bacteria and pesticides.”

The students went to Trinity College to measure the contact angle of the water droplet on the four different cabbage leaves from Dublin and Kildare farms with the help of Trevor Woods from Trinity’s physics department.

“We tested soil samples from a Dublin farm and a Kildare farm.

“We got two different soil samples from Kildare farm as the two cabbages; York and white, got from there were grown on two different fields. We found the amount of water in each soil sample by baking 20g of each soil for 30 minutes.

“The highest level of conductivity is from Kildare York cabbage soil so we suspected that they use fertilisers as it’s above the required number of good conductivity. The

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Dublin [variety] got the lowest level of conductivity which means there are not enough nutrients in the soil.

“We also took the pH of the soil samples. The York cabbage soil got pH of 6.7 because of fertiliser and leaching of the important nutrient in the soils. The soil was slightly acidic which was good as when it’s below the pH 6 it can get club root diseases.”

Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab) visited the Young Scientist Exhibition at the RDS to view the projects of students from three local schools - Adamstown Community College, Colaiste Phadraig, and St Joseph’s College.

Speaking to the Gazette she said: “I asked some of the local students to tell me about their projects and they each did a very good job of explaining their projects to me and describing how they went about putting their projects together,” said Tuffy.

We would love WHAT HAS IT to hear it!

HAVE YOU WHO DISCOVERED? CHANGED WHAT YOUR DID YOU LIFE? INSPIRED FIND? YOU?

A d v e r t i s e w i t h t h e G a z e t t e c a ll 6 0 1 0 2 4 0

8 lucan gazette 16 January 2014

gazetteGALLERIES

Large sandbags helped reduced flooding but collected a large amount of litter along the Clontarf Road

A man looks on from behind a wall of sandbags at the rising sea level in Clontarf. Pictures: Photocall Ireland

The sea front in Bray closed due to flooding

Pedestrians pause to look in amazement at the high water level of the Liffey River under O’Connell Bridge

16 January 2014 lucan gazette 9

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

High waves bursting their way into Bray during the bad weather

FLOODING: EAST COAST BATTERED BY SEVERE WEATHER

Christine storms through Leinster S

UPERSTORM Christine made sure she did not go unnoticed, as she caused major flooding and damage along the coastal towns nationwide.

On the east coast, Bray in County Wicklow saw cars partly submerged in water as

the high tides came in further than usual, while in Dublin City Centre the River Liffey rose extremely high.

Meanwhile, in Clontarf sandbags were used to keep out most of the sea water from travelling inland.

10 gazette 16 January 2014

16 January 2014 Gazette 11

a day in the life P14

asdfsdaf businessP27 P16

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

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diary P12

what’son Celebrate all things aussie this month:

These two young players from St Agnes / Scoil Colm Primary School Orchestra had a hunger for music at a previous festival

concert: young players ready to impress at an upcoming festival

Orchestrating a life long interest in music  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

FEBRUARY sees the 19th Festival of Youth Orchestras concert at the National Concert Hall, with mini-musicians from Dublin, Wexford, Tipperary and Donegal taking part.

The festival will host more than 500 talented young players, who will perform original works and arrangements from a wide range of repertoires, including classical, musical shows, film scores and pop music.

The Gazette spoke to Allin Gray, the

director of the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, about the organisation and the annual pilgrimage to the concert hall.

He said: “It all started 20 years ago this year by a number of members from the Galway, Dublin and Cork Youth Orchestras, who got together to form one association for young orchestras.

“One of the first things they decided was that there should be a national festival, so the first one was held in the National Concert Hall in 1996.

“The festival causes the musicians to

reach new heights of performance, and they practise very hard for it. Once they reach this new height, there is no going back and a new performance expectation is created,” he said.

“Our orchestras include some very young members, at seven- or eight-yearsold, but only occasionally, and the cutoff age for the third-level orchestras is 24.

“We have around 5,000 young musicians in the association, and we’re funded by the Arts Council. We don’t run the individual youth orchestras but are

an organisation for all of them to link together and network,” said Gray.

“The aim of the association and the festival in the National Concert Hall is not to create professional musicians, but to give young players an experience of music that will stay with them always and engender an entitlement about their opinions of music.”

The Festival of Youth Orchestras will be held in the National Concert Hall on Saturday, February 8 from 3pm to 8pm.

Ticket prices are €15, and can be purchased from www.nch.ie.

Celebrate all things Aussie this month with the return of the Australian Day Ball, organised by the Ireland Australia Association.

Whether you are an Australian in Ireland or have fond memories of time spent in Australia or simply want to dress up and attend a fancy ball, then this ball is for you.

This year, the ball will take place at the Conrad Hotel, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 on January 25. It will begin with a drinks reception on arrival at 6.30pm, with music provided by a string quartet. It is then followed by a three course Australianthemed meal, the evening’s entertainment, including comedian Damo Clark and the Late Late Show band the Camembert Quartet.

An address will also be given by Australian ambassador to Ireland Dr Ruth Adler.

Details are available on the website at www.irelandaustralia. org where you can also purchase tickets which cost between €75 to €85.

12 Gazette 16 January 2014

Gazette

dublinlife Get suck in to help out with an WITH the New Year comes a new resolution, so why not make it volunteering and start by helping out on Lollipop Day? The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is looking for volunteers this February for its 13th annual Lollipop Day on Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1.

The day helps to raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer and involves thousands of people selling lollipops, priced €2.

Without the generosity and support from volunteers, the OCF would not be able to provide the vital role it does in terms of awareness, research and better outcomes for patients and their families

with this cancer in Ireland.

Noelle Ryan, chairperson, OCF, said: “We are very fortunate to have an ever-increasing number of dedicated volunteers, all of whom make Lollipop Day possible and a success every year.

“But we still need more volunteers, so if anyone or any group is interested in helping out, please contact us at www.lollipopday.ie.”

For further information on Lollipop Day; or to volunteer or make a donation, see www.lollipopday.ie.

To volunteer in Dublin call Noelle Ryan at 01 289 7457.

You can also see its

Facebook page at www. facebook.com/lollipopday, or on Twitter, see @ LollipopDayIE, with the hashtag #LollipopDay.

competition to hot up for great bake-off OVEN gloves and spatulas at the ready, budding bakers should take note as the deadline for applications for the second series of The Great Irish Bake-Off is here.

Following on from its success of the first series on TV3, filming for the next series will begin in April, and amateur bakers have until Friday, January 17 to enter.

Former Big Brother contestant Anna Nolan is

Katelyn Rose Downey was happy to help launch the Oesophageal Cancer Funds’ annual lollipop day, which takes place on Friday, February 22 and Saturday 23

back to present the show, with judges including renowned cookery writer and forager Biddy White

Lennon and awardwinning executive pastry chef, from The Merrion Hotel, Paul Kelly.

The Great Irish BakeOff is the ultimate baking battle, where passionate amateur bakers compete

to be crowned Ireland’s Best Amateur Baker.

So, if you think you have what it takes to become

16 January 2014 Gazette 13

Gazette

diary

annual lollipop day the next big thing in baking, this is your chance.

To enter TV3’s The Great Irish Bake Off series 2, see www.tv3. ie/bakeoff, and click the Apply Now button, before Friday, January 17.

noteworthy news for music fans on rte FEAR not, talent show lovers, The Voice of Ireland is back on our small screens to fill the X-Factor void.

It’s been a few weeks since the winner of the X-Factor was announced, and those who love, or just love to hate, this kind of talent show will more than likely be watching The Voice of Ireland –

well, The Gazette Diary will be, anyway!

There was one noticeable change to the show this year, and that was Sharon Corr’s pixie haircut, or so we thought, until we realised it wasn’t her at all, as she was replaced

by The Cranberries’ front woman, Dolores O’Riordan.

In the first round of “blind” auditions, Dolores made her mark and was the favoured judge by contestants with her securing acts on the first day, while formerWestlife singer and king of the (I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here) jungle Kian Egan got two acts, and singer/songwriters Bressie and Jamelia both got one.

The blind auditions will continue over the coming weeks, until each judge has 12 contestants. The Voice of Ireland is on Sundays at 6.30pm on RTE One.

call for texaco art entries THE search is on again to find the winner of Texaco Children’s Art Competition for 2014.

Organisers have sent out the call to all budding young artists in Dublin to get involved by getting creative.

The Texaco competition has been running for 60 years and is acknowledged as Ireland’s longest-running arts sponsorship.

Former winners of the competition represent a varied mix of celebrities, including the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, artists Dorothy Cross, Graham Knuttel and Robert Ballagh, fashion designer Paul Costello, broadcasters Thelma Mansfield and Terry Prone, ICTU general secretary David Begg, actress Jean Anne Crowley and musician Ethna Tinney.

The competition has become an established part of the annual educational landscape in which some 30,000 students compete for the top prizes in seven age categories, including one exclusively devoted to special needs students.

Young students who want to enter this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition are urged to hop to it as the closing deadline approaches. This colourful frog was just one of a number of great entries that impressed in last year’s search.

The closing date for this year’s competition is Friday, February 28. Each entry should be signed by a parent, teacher or guardian, confirming that the

entry is an original and unaided work, and any source imagery must be noted.

Judging will take place in March and winners

will be announced in midApril, with prizegiving to follow in mid-May. For further competition details, see www.texacochildrensart.com.

Gazette

14 Gazette 16 January 2014

dublinlife

FEATURE

a day in the life: Maire Begley, city centre busker

Sound of music still fresh after 30 years  ian begley

The charismatic rhythm of an Irish trad musician often be heard amidst the city’s bustling environment.

Some of these old melodies that enliven Dublin with culture are played by Maire Begley, an accordion busker who has been playing traditional Irish music at the corner of Johnson’s Court for nearly 30 years.

Originally from the Gaeltacht area in west Kerry, Maire first came to

Dublin in 1985 where she decided to share her musical talent with the city and hasn’t stopped since.

Maire starts her day around 11am by taking a seat at her regular spot in Johnson’s Court, and begins to gradually break into a tune on her accordion.

Speaking to the Gazette about a day in her life, she said: “I’ve been doing this for a long time and this is my favourite spot.

“You’ve got to have the umbrella, plastic bags to

cover stuff with, and you have to keep warm.

“There’s only so many hours I can play because it’s intense on the fingers, and the conversations [with people] are hard because when you’re in the middle of a tune and somebody starts asking you questions you have to shut down part of your brain.”

During the interview, an elderly gentleman interrupted: “Maire, my dear lady – I’ll definitely give you a contribution.

The Irish harp, it speaks

sometimes… Happy New Year.”

When asked if this type of encounter happen much, Maire said: “Loads, there are a lot of people that I know who just want to have a chat.”

She says she has to work longer hours and more days now because of increased competition.

Although she doesn’t make as much money busking now as she used to, she says she still manages to get by, thanks to generous donations given

Maire Begley, accordion busker, plays traditional Irish music at the corner of Johnson’s Court

to her by the public.

Playing in the middle of the city life, there is many an experience Maire could retell.

Naming one of the many experiences that Maire had busking over the years; she recalled a very memorable time when a Spanish man

who had been listening to her play suddenly started to cry.

“Music is all about the emotions, especially trad music because a lot of it is very sad like [Turlough] O’Carolan’s songs that go back over 300 years.”

When Maire finishes up at around 4pm she

packs away her Italian accordion and returns to her home north of the River Liffey where she unwinds after another vigorous day of busking.

“I unpack everything and put all the stuff away, sit down, have a cup of tea and stick on Radio na Gaeltachta.”

16 January 2014 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 16 January 2014

dublinlife

BUSINESS

money: putting supervalu claims to the test

Save up to 30% with own-brands  mimi murray

WITH the SuperValu Switch and Save campaign well under way, I thought I’d test SuperValu’s promise that up to a third of savings could be made by switching to their home brands.

Aside from the savings, I was also curious if the cheaper, own-brand products would taste much the same.

I faced this challenge at SuperValu Churchtown – one of the chain’s largest

stores, with an extensive range with almost 2,000 own-brand products.

With SuperValu telling me the range was, on average, 33% cheaper than branded equivalents, with savings of up to €4,000 a year to be made, I was eager to see for myself.

I picked up branded products as I went, while a SuperValu companion chose own-brand equivalents. All products were the same sizes or weight, so I could see like-for-like

the savings that could potentially be made.

I started with the basics: branded milk, priced €1.99, versus the chain’s own-brand, priced €1.49.

My beloved butter costs €2.95, while the ownbrand costs €2.19.

I was shocked to discover the difference between teas. The branded product costs €3.49, while the SuperValue-branded teabags costs €1.49 – a huge saving.

I was also taken aback by the difference in cof-

fee, with the branded choice costing €4.55, while SuperValu equivalent cost €1.75.

There are some areas where the savings aren’t immense, but for the most part, it is evident that great savings can be made.

Also, the cheesecake was delicious, and better than the branded product. The blue, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses were all good; the branded parmesan costs €4.49, while SuperValu’s cheese costs €2.99.

Receipts show the possible savings from buying like-for-like items at SuperValu when choosing between its own-brand products (left) versus branded ones

SuperValu say by shopping across their range of products, and by replacing their usual brand choice with one of their own-brand equivalents, consumers can save €79.63 off the family weekly shop that would normally cost €151.74; €58.27 on a couple’s weekly shop that would

normally cost €110.93; €39.02 on a weekend top-up shop that would normally cost €81.40, and €15.60 on a daily essentials shop that would normally cost €27.97.

At the checkout, SuperValu’s promise stood up.

The branded shop came to €322, while theirs came to €212, giving an

approximate saving of just over 30%, in this case.

T here are cer tain branded products we are never going to give up, and in my opinion, there is a taste difference between some of the products.

But, in today’s cashstrapped society, savings of 30% is something I’m all for.

16 January 2014 Gazette 17

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

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PETS

help dear draco find his loving new home

One of the many highlights of 2013 for Dublin Zoo was the birth of a southern white rhinoceros calf

families: 2013 sees much-loved facility celebrate milestone figure

Another million visit zoo  LAURA WEBB

IT’S been a place of interest for children and adults alike for decades, and has often been the best school day out, so it’s no wonder that Dublin Zoo has welcomed more than one million visitors again.

For the third consecutive year, the popular tourist attraction has seen record numbers pass through the golden gates of the zoo, which is located in the Phoenix Park.

Dublin Zoo was only too happy to announce that 2013 was yet another bumper year, with footfall figures exceeding one million visitors.

The final footfall figure for 2013 was 1,026,611 visitors, confirming once again Dublin Zoo’s status as Ireland’s most

popular family attraction.

Leo Oosterweghel, director of Dublin Zoo, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Dublin Zoo exceeded one million visitors for a third year running.

“We would like to thank all friends, sponsors and supporters, old and new, who helped us to acthieve such amazing figures. Reaching and exceeding one million visitors in 2011 and 2012 was fantastic, but to do it for a third year is phenomenal.

“We are extremely proud to be in a position to say that after a decade of continuous investment and development, Dublin Zoo is amongst the best zoos in the world.”

Since the beginning of the year, the zoo has introduced a number of high-profile additions to the zoo, which includes the

arrival of okapi, an Amur tiger, two snow leopards and an Asian lion.

2013 also saw lots of new births, which include a southern white rhinoceros calf, a white-faced saki, white-crowned mangabeys and a pair of red panda twins.

The new Play Forest also opened in 2013, which is an all-weather playground for children to enjoy.

Last year was also a landmark year for Dublin Zoo’s Facebook page, which reached a milestone figure of 100,000 fans in October, and now has a community of more than 108,540 supporters.

2014 will be a very exciting year for the zoo with the highly-anticipated elephant births and the return of the extremely popular TV show, The Zoo, which will air on RTE One in spring.

Oosterweghel continued: “High footfall is the most important source of revenue to ensure the zoo can continue to evolve and support infrastructural development.

“Dublin Zoo has transformed into a world-class centre of learning about wildlife and conservation. It is also an integral part of more and more European breeding programmes for endangered species.

“Irish people are proud of their zoo, and families are looking for fun, educational activities to do together, and we are delighted to be able to provide a world-class experience for families to visit and explore.”

For further information on Dublin Zoo, see www.facebook.com/dublinzoo or www.dublinzoo.ie.

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

Draco was in a pretty bad state when he came to Dogs Trust – in fact, he was practically bald, due to a horrific case of mange.

Our dedicated vet team and wonderful carers have showered him with lots of tender, loving care and he is now more than ready to find a loving home.

Draco is super friendly and will form a strong bond with his new family. He gets on great with other dogs, and really enjoys getting out to play.

If you think you can offer Draco a home, please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50, and directions can be found on www.dogstrust.ie You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE

Gazette

18 Gazette 16 January 2014

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Robert Redford battles to save his yacht – and thus, his life – in the striking All is Lost, which shows the beauty, and merciless power of the sea to great effect

all is lost: you’ll find redford in fine fettle as an ancient mariner in peril at sea

No sinking feeling with this fine film FILMMAKING is a bit of mystery. There is no map to success, and it is difficult to predict how well a project will make the transition from paper to screen.

Sometimes it is better to follow the rules, but other times, they need to be bent or broken. All is Lost, a film with one actor, no backstory, and practically no dialogue, lacks many of the traditional tools relied upon to tell a story, yet manages to wordlessly capture something incredible.

The opening minutes see Robert Redford’s unnamed character alone aboard a yacht in the Indian Ocean as it collides with a stray shipping container. The crash destroys his radio and navigational tools, leaving him adrift and struggling to survive.

We essentially know nothing about Redford’s character other than what we see. A ring on his left hand suggests he may be married. A fleeting opening voiceover hints that he might have a family.

But nothing is fact, everything is there to be interpreted by the audi-

 Dave phillips

ence – this is the “show, don’t tell” rule followed literally, and taken to new heights. In other circumstances, such levels of anonymity and ambiguity in the main character can be a fatal weakness.

Ridley Scott’s The Counsellor suffered massively because it attempted to construct a story around an unnamed protagonist hovering without reason on the outskirts of a very vague drug deal.

However, despite the lack of information we have about Redford’s character, All is Lost works because we understand that his clear and simple goal is to survive.

Writer and director JC Chandor may still be a relative newcomer, but he is clearly unafraid to break new ground (this second feature film is a world apart from his 2011 debut, Margin

Call, which was a dense, wordy Wall Street drama) Both thematically, and in its stripped-down story, there’s an obvious comparison to Gravity, but there’s a distinct move away from the tension and frantic pace of Cuaron’s film.

Redford’s character weathers many storms that will have you on the edge of your seat, but it is the long, reflective interludes of sea, sky, and stillness that give the film Lost such a unique and mesmerising flavour.

Redford’s performance is all the more remarkable for the lack of dialogue. We witness a transition from cool-headed competence to doubt and desperation through movement, action, and reaction.

There are m a n y overt ways that t h e

story progresses – violent storms must be dealt with, a distant shipping lane provides hope – but the story really unfolds in the small and subtle details that are left to the audience to notice.

All is Lost can ultimately be read as a meditation on life and death, and in particular of the will of the individual to survive despite insurmountable odds.

It is an exquisitely shot, wonderfully scored film that does something different.

It grants the audience the opportunity to actively engage with the story, to interpret and seek meaning rather than to sit back and passively ingest a narrative.

On paper, the concept was dubious, but in its finished form, the film is something very special.

While it understandably won’t be for everyone, those who dare to venture into uncharted waters have the chance of finding a very rare treasure.

Verdict: 9/10 Redford impresses, as usual

16 January 2014 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 Gazette 16 January 2014

OUT&ABOUT 39 €2

€199

€259

€249

€139

Fran-tastic news for followers of stylish, elegant Irish design  Laura Webb

FRAN & JANE has been an iconic Irish brand since it was first established in 1974, and 40 years later it remains true to its fashion statement – to represent stylish, elegant and feminine fashion.

This week, Gazette Style takes a look at some of the key pieces in their spring/summer 2014 collection.

Aqua blue and coral pinks are infused in Jacquard-patterned jackets and dresses, while navy, with a pop of sky blue trim at the neckline of a peplum top, makes a stylish appearance in this collection.

The new collection will be available in-store from January 31.

Fran & Jane is available in Arnotts Department Store, Brown Thomas, BT2 Blanchardstown and Blackrock, and Dundrum Town Centre.

16 January 2014 Gazette 21

Gazette

STYLE

Melt away the winter blues with a massage  laura webb

Winter has well and truly hit and our skin is feeling the bite but help is on hand to melt away any doom and gloom with an ultra-relaxing VOYA Seaweed Hot Stone Massage.

The Voya massage combines all the benefits of organic hand-harvested seaweed, aromatic essential oils, with skilful hands and stone work to give an invigorating massage.

This massage helps to relieve tight and stressed muscles, while stimulating the body right down to the toes, leaving you soothed and calm, just what one needs after a hectic Christmas.

The one-and-a-half hour treatment targets

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key trouble spots on the back, neck and shoulders by using VOYA’s organic seaweed oil. The treatment does not end there, this is followed by a deep massage of the lower legs, focusing on relaxing tight muscles, and then a head massage to ease the mind.

This massage is ideal for deep tissue treatment.

Aromatic organic essential oils are combined with leaves of seaweed and placed on the body; heated stones are then placed over the leaves. The heat of the stones soothes the muscles while releasing the powerful seaweed extracts into the body to detoxify skin.

Some of the many benefits of seaweed according to VOYA include:

Anti-aging: it improves suppleness and elasticity of the skin by promoting tissue regeneration. It stimulates the renewal of damaged skin cells resulting in brighter younger fresher looking skin.

Tightens and firms the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps prevent premature aging.

Anti-oxidant protection: It is nature’s most powerful anti-oxidant from the vegetal world – fights against harmful environmental aggressors, thus slowing down the signs of aging. Strengthens the immune system and helps with prevention of acute illnesses. Deeply detoxifies, hydrates and nourishes.

Re-mineralising: Sea-

weed contains almost all vitamins, minerals etc that the body needs. High mineral and vitamin content helps to strengthen skin and bones, optimising the body’s functions. Packed with fluorine, magnesium and calcium – helping to restore a radiant skin complexion. Minerals in seaweed help to maintain the skins natural moisture balance leaving the skin neither too dry nor too oily Helps skin conditions: Seaweed has been used as an effective treatment for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and acne. Seaweed is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as therapeutic properties in treatment of sensitive and allergy prone skin.

The Voya Seaweed Hot Stone Massage soothes and calms

VOYA s p a t r e a tments are available in a number of locations including: Four Seasons

Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin, Rochestown Lodge, Killiney, Co Dublin and The Royal Marine, Dun

Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

VOYA products can also be purchased online at www.voya.ie.

Gazette

22 Gazette 16 January 2014

OUT&ABOUT

food: Rogan Josh, an ideal Sunday dinner

An aromatic dish for you to enjoy!

Operation Transformation’s Dr Eva has helped thousands of people lose weight through her weightloss clinics and her no-nonsense approach on the show.

Now, her great diet plans and low-calorie recipes have been put together in a new cookbook. Those looking to shed a few pounds a little quicker can choose The Fast Way to lose 10lbs in three weeks, or there is The Slow Way, which involves losing the same about over 12 weeks, which is a great way to kick start a long-term lifestyle change without working too hard.

This cookbook is packed with 100 low-calories recipes, and easy-to-follow plans, motivation tips and exercises. Offering readers a taste of what you can expect from this book, Dr Eva Orsmond shares her recipe for rogan josh.

Indian food can be very healthy and tasty

People have a preconception that Indian food is calorific and fatty, since that is what we often get with our typical takeaway. But Indian food can be very healthy and it is thought that the spices used in Indian cooking might have additional health benefits.

We now know that turmeric, for example, not only gives food that lovely yellow colour but it also has strong antioxidant and anti-cancer characteristics. My rogan josh includes lots of vegetable fibre and it is an ideal Sunday dinner.

While it’s in the oven, you can do your daily exercise routine or go for a brisk walk. When you return, there is a piping hot and aromatic dish waiting for you to enjoy.

Serves 4 For the spice mix 6cm cinnamon stick 6–10 black peppercorns 2 black cardamom pods 4 green cardamom pods 2 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp salt 4 tbsp rapeseed oil 600g lamb, cut into 3cm pieces (ideally leg of lamb) 2 onions, finely sliced 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp red chilli powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp turmeric 1 celeriac, peeled and diced 400g baby spinach 1 red pepper, finely chopped 1 yellow pepper, finely chopped 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes 3 tbsp ginger garlic paste

2 tbsp soured cream or natural yoghurt, to serve 4 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander, to serve Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/gas 3.

For the spice mix, grind the cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom, fennel and salt with a pestle and mortar. Set aside.

Heat the rapeseed oil in a large casserole over a medium heat and fry the lamb until browned on all sides (you may need to do this in batches). Remove with a slotted spoon and set side. Add the onions and fry for 3–5 minutes, until softened.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside with the lamb. Add the spice mix to the pan and stir well. Then add the coriander, cumin, chilli pow-

der, garam masala and turmeric. Cook over a low heat for a few minutes, stirring all the time, until the spices have a rich aromatic flavour. Return the lamb and onions to the pan and mix well to coat everything with the spices. Add the celeriac, spinach, peppers, tomatoes and ginger garlic paste and stir well.

Cover the casserole and place in the oven for 45 minutes, then remove the lid and cook uncovered for a further 45 minutes (90 minutes in total).

Ladle the rogan josh into warmed serving bowls and top each one with some soured cream and fresh coriander.

Approximately 548 Kcal, 8.9g fibre and 32.6g protein per serving.

Food industry to show off at event Food & Bev Live is a one-day extravaganza featuring the best the food service industry has to offer. The event brings together a mix of national food skills, demonstrations, a gala dinner, new product launches, and a unique networking oppor-

tunity for all involved in the food sector.

Hosted by IFSA (The Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance) Food & Bev Live was launched in 2012 and gives professional foodies and industry experts an opportunity to see each other’s

products and check out the latest innovations in technology.

IFSA is inviting all involved in the sector to participate in this event and showcase their new products and services.

Sales director of Bunzl, sponsor of Food & Bev

Live said: “These events have the effect of lifting us all and help build a more positive landscape for our Industry.”

Food & Bev Live will be held on February 11at Citywest Conference and Exhibition Centre from 10am until 5pm.

16 January 2014 GAZETTE 23

BOOK REVIEW: TAPPING INTO FRENCH WOMEN’S STYLE AND A CERTAIN NATURAL JE NE SAIS QUOI

Keep your sex appeal - without having surgery  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

MIREILLE Guiliano has made a fortune out of being French. She is the author of several books on women’s health, lifestyle and fashion, giving advice and letting women around the world in on some of the inscrutable style secrets which French women seem born with.

Guiliano’s new book, French Women Don’t Get Facelifts, published

by Bantam Press, continues the French Women Don’t series and this time the emphasis is on ageing beautifully.

Guiliano is tapping into a female admiration of French women’s style know-how and their je ne sais quoi which is pervasive throughout the world.

She is forthright in showing the world that this comes not from any superficial creams, clothes or surgery but from a way of life, a comfort in one’s own skin and above all, an attitude.

Unlike the rest of the world and especially America, older women are seen as desirable in France.

They exude a seductiveness which continues to grow with time. They expect to be desired and act and look accordingly.

It’s all about attitude.

Guiliano delves into this

mind over matter theory in some detail and cites various examples of the placebo effect which have positive results.

Positivity is of huge importance in looking and feeling beautiful and elegant as we age, according to Guiliano.

And along with good diet, exercise and meditation, this can keep a woman happy and desirable well into her 80s.

Positivity about ageing is lacking in modern life, especially among women who often feel sub-human as their appearance alters to a more mature image of what they were. Guiliano is correct when she says that French women have made an art of seduction and that the sensuality they exude is full of feminine power.

Revered Actresses in France who are revered and still working include the great Catherine Deneuve, who is now in her 70s. Even the younger French actresses such as Marion Cotillard have a seductive maturity about them, have a mystique and this is what sex appeal is all about.

A catchphrase of G u i l i a n o ’s a n d a l l French women is “coquetterie’”which comes from being comfortable in your skin, being desirable and taking care

of yourself both internally and externally.

The most important thing about being chic is to be individual and never to dress younger than you are.

Several times in the book Guiliano advises women to look in the mirror regularly and decide what suits them, what extra care or changes need to be made as they age and meet those challenges in dress, diet and skin regime.

At a certain point, cleavage is a no-no, skirts over the knee should be abandoned after 50 and comfort should accompany style. She is a great believer in keeping a simple palette of dress colours with one main colour accompanied by a splash of interest in the form of an unusual belt or brooch, sunglasses and a vintage scarf.

Guiliano exclaims to women all over the world that they should start to see ageing as an empowering and positive experience rather than constantly drone on about all the shortcomings it offers.

Changes to your routines should be “peu a peu” rather than drastic.

She thinks American women are caught up in the idea that youth is the only kind of sexiness possible and are very extreme in their reactions to this

idea. They either go to seed completely or go under the knife regularly.

She tells an amusing story of one American woman she knows who had a car crash and phoned her plastic surgeon on the way to the hospital so she could exploit the period of facial bruising and bandages to get a facelift too.

America leads the way as the country where most plastic surgery is performed. This is followed

by China and then Brazil.

French women avoid the knife as it is so contrary to nature.

Alternatives Instead of facelifts, Guiliano gives plenty of natural alternatives as well as cosmetic beauty treatments including chemical peels, microdermabraision and photorerjuvenation.

Facelifts and botox are becoming so popular, says Guiliano, that there will come a time when the absence of any lines or wrinkles on a face will be the hallmark of old age.

Knowing thyself is one of the most important factors in ageing beautifully and Guiliano suggests it is the seat of your individual style and health.

French Women Don’t Get Facelifts is out now in all good bookstores for €16.99 (hardback).

Author Mireille Guiliano, and the cover of her new book, French Women Don’t Get Facelifts (right)

GAZETTE

ARTS

Gazette

24 gazette 16 January 2014

OUT&ABOUT

MOTORING

road

NOISE New Peugeot 308 SW estate is revealed Peugeot has revealed the first photos of its allnew Peugeot 308 SW estate, in a week that sees the first of the new Peugeot 308 hatchbacks being delivered to eager Irish customers. The new estate has been restyled, giving it a higher standard of finish and features Peugeot’s new iCockpit interior.

Scheduled for unveiling at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Peugeot 308 SW will go on sale in Ireland in July. The new 308 is built on Peugeot’s new efficient modular platform (EMP2), which promises increased efficiency and build quality. As a result, the 308 is 140kg lighter than the previous model, which leads to reduced fuel consumption and low-CO2 emissions.

The new Peugeot 308 SW estate

ford tops commercial vehicle sales: Ford has made it 24 from 25 by topping the commercial vehicle sales charts, as issued by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). Commercial vehicle sales figures for 2013 show that Ford sold 2,541 units, ahead of VW (2,079 units) and Renault (1,286 units). A key part of Ford’s van sales success is the iconic Transit which has been a top-seller in Ireland since it first arrived in 1965. In 2013, Transit was again the top-selling model in Ireland with 1,402 units sold, comfortably ahead of the second placed VW Caddy (1,328). Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director, Ford Ireland, said: “Irish van drivers and

fleet operators love our vans and it is heartening to see that we have secured the top spot again in the 2013 sales chart. “The commercial vehicle market managed to achieve modest growth of 4.6 per cent in 2013. It has long been accepted that this market is a good indicator of the general state of the economy, so on that basis, these figures tally with some commentators who have said the economy is due to improve during 2014,” he said.

Ford’s line up of commercial vehicles will be expanded during 2014, with the arrival of the new Transit Connect; the new Transit 2 tonne arriving in April; and the compact new Ford Transit Courier van which arrives in May.

Christian Gussen, managing director, Audi Ireland. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

top accolade: ‘We are delighted to have won this award’

Audi takes home exec car of the year award  cormac curtis

It’s a title that all manufacturers strive to achieve, the elusive Executive Car of the Year award, and this year Audi is taking home another gong.

Their A6 has been awarded the title at the recent InBusiness Editors Choice Awards 2013.

The Audi A6 currently offers a compelling proposition to the luxury executive segment in Ireland.

Its combination of technical innovation, excellent

standard equipment, high value customer packages and strong residual values has kept the A6 as a firm favourite among both private and corporate fleet purchasers.

The InBusiness Editors Choice Awards celebrate innovation and inspiration in Irish business and are run in association with Chambers Ireland.

Winners are chosen by the editorial team of InBusiness on the broad criteria of company growth, profile of busi-

ness, range of services offered and business to customer relationships.

Combining high-end engineering with stylish design and exceptional luxury, the seventh generation of the Audi A6 has been hugely popular in Ireland since its launch in April 2011, reaffirming itself as a serious competitor within the luxury executive segment.

The A6 was awarded the top accolade as the judges felt it offered excellent value for money,

impressive engine choices, low CO2 emissions and an understated and appealing design.

Commenting on the award, Christian Gussen, managing director, Audi Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have won this award which recognises excellence in the field of executive motoring.

“The Audi A6 has been a huge success story for us to date and we are confident that we can continue to build on that success for next year. ”

Speaking at the awards, Ian Talbot, chief executive, Chambers Ireland, stated: “I’d like to congratulate Audi Ireland on being named Executive Car of the Year.

“These awards celebrate all that is good about doing business in Ireland and Audi certainly exemplify this.

“Their continued success in the Irish market through recent tough times is to be commended and I wish them all the best for 2014.”

10,000-trip milestone reached for GoCar It would appear that Dubliners are warming to the idea of a well-run car share initiative, as GoCar has announced significant membership growth figures as well as a surge in GoCar trips.

The car club, which currently operates in both Dublin and Cork, now has a total

of 2,000 Irish members, 20% of which are corporate members. GoCar now has some 54 GoBases and is supported by a fleet of 62 GoCar vehicles.

A total of 10,000 trips has been clocked up in 2013, greatly exceeding expectations and doubling the initial target of 5,000 trips.

Membership growth can be largely attributed to the licence granted by Dublin City Council in July 2013 to operate onstreet from their 30,000 payand-display parking spaces.

This licence enabled GoCar to place 50 vehicles from 31 pay-and-display locations in highly-visible and convenient

locations in the capital, such as Barrow St, Stoneybatter, Arran Quay, the Docklands, Drumcondra, Rathgar, IFSC, Clontarf and Donnybrook.

GoCar is hoping to exceed 20,000 trips and add more bases across Dublin, including St Stephens Green, UCD and Merrion Square in 2014.

16 January 2014 GAZETTE 25

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GUTTERS PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

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We Mark Gleeson and Claire Rogister are applying for planning permission for â—?a single storey extension to the side and rear of existing dwelling â—?first floor dormer extension to the rear roofslope, â—?alterations to existing entrance to form vehicular opening 3.5M wide, â—?and all associated siteworks at No. 13 Robin Villas, Palmerstown, Dublin 120.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (₏20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

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19905

26 gazette 16 January 2014

16 January 2014 Gazette 27

gaelic connection P29

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

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



Gazette

soccer P28

FastSport RUGBY LEAGUE GETS BIG BOOST:

Ireland’s women captain Fiona Coghlan and former international racing driver Rosemary Smith were honoured at the Sportswoman of the Year 2013 awards

award: captain of ireland’s women crowned alongside motor racing legend

Grand slam for Fiona with sportswoman of the year Clontarf resident and Lucan Community College teacher Fiona Coghlan was named as the The Irish Times / Irish Sports Council Sportswoman of the Month for 2013 at last month’s gala presentation at the Shelbourne Hotel.

Coghlan, the captain of Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning rugby team, was at the helm for the season that saw Ireland claim the Six Nations championship for the first time as well as the competition’s grand slam of victories as well as Ireland’s first ever win over the auld enemy, England.

The loose-head prop was presented with her award at a gala event in Dublin where 76-year-old former racing driver Rosemary Smith was honoured with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of her place as a pioneer in Irish sport.

Speaking earlier in 2013, Coghlan said: “Rugby has given me so many brilliant opportunities, so many wonderful experiences, I’d love more people to get that chance – if our success, and the exposure we’re getting now, leads to more girls getting involved in the game, that would

be the best thing of all.”

Irish Times editor Kevin O’Sullivan said: “Fiona’s win is a great boost for women’s rugby and participation in a game that up to a few years ago had to fight for any profile. The Irish team sealed the Grand Slam with as much bravery and resilience as you are likely to witness.”

Kieran Mulvey of the Irish Sports Council paid tribute to Rosemary Smith who won titles throughout the world during her racing career. She was also controversially among 10 racers disqualified

from the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally while leading the Coupe des Dammes.

“Rosemary was one of the few Irish people of her time to get to the very top of her sport at international level. Her achievements are all the more remarkable considering she operated in a male-dominated sport at a time when a woman displaying ambition and individuality was generally frowned upon.”

The event at the Shelbourne Hotel, hosted by RTE’s Des Cahill, was attended by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring.

Rugby League is the latest sport to be recognised by the Irish Sports Council following the approval of Rugby League Ireland as a national governing body.

This recognition will now allow RLI to further develop the sport of rugby league throughout Ireland and will also allow the organisation to apply for funding from the Sports Council.

RLI originally applied to the Sports Council in 2011 and began a two-year probation period on October 31 of that year. News of the recognition comes just two months after Ireland took part in the Rugby League World Cup to date where they took on Fiji, England and eventual winners, Australia.

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

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6230 or 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 Gazette 16 January 2014

SPORT

FastSport goal THANK MILERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS: CHIEF executive of international aid charity, GOAL, Barry Andrews has thanked local residents who turned out in significant numbers over Christmas to take part in the 31st annual GOAL Mile at locations all over the city.

Among the 114 miles held across the country this year, the Dublin events saw participants taking to the roads and tracks at Kilbogget Park, Killiney/Ballybrack; Tallaght Athletic Club; the Phoenix Park; Wheatfield Prison, Clondalkin; Porterstown Park; Wildgeese GAA Club, Oldtown; Morton Stadium, Santry; St Anne’s Park, Raheny; Sutton Promenade; Lucan Harriers AC; Eamonn Ceannt Park; Irishtown Stadium; Cloverhill Prison; Corkagh Park, Clondalkin; Training Unit Prison, Glengarriff Parade NCR; Malahide Castle; Rathcoole Park; Blackrock RFC; Arbour Hill Prison and Skerries Rugby Club.

soccer: dublin star joins ranks seeking UEFA qualifications

Keane on coaching journey  sport@gazettegroup.com

Republic of Ireland and LA Galaxy player and Dublin native Robbie Keane last week started his route toward becoming a football manager in coming

years when he took part in the first stages of a combined UEFA A and B Diploma course with the FAI. Keane took part in this course, which the FAI has been developing aimed at current

Robbie Keane in the classroom

and former international players interested in developing coaching skills since Euro 2012, after he missed out on the course run by the FAI in May 2013 due to commitments with LA Galaxy.

The course has also featured the participation of the likes of Alan Quinn, John O’Shea, Andy Keogh, Keith Andrews, Gary Kelly, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Glenn Whelan and Kevin Foley who have commenced their studies towards becoming qualified coaches.

The course will involve 60 hours of theory and practical sessions during the week and has been specially

Robbie Keane during an FAI / UEFA A Coaching License Course in Carlow

tailored for elite players by the FAI’s coach education department using all of the latest reality based coach education principals heralded by UEFA. Greig Paterson, FAI coach education manager said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to have Robbie involved with us undertaking his coaching education qualifications.”

Keane could not attend the course in May due to his playing commitments in the MLS at the time, but was instr umental in helping to set it up, and has always maintained a keen interest in catching up with the group. “ To g e t h e r, w e ’ r e working hard to ensure

that we introduce him to the necessary skills and competencies of the modern day coach,” said Paterson, “so that he can work on furthering his coaching experience and honing his coaching style and methodolog y before joining up with the rest of the group later this year.”

The association now has four full time coaching tutors educating our elite coaches and runs more coach education courses than were ever delivered at any time in the past.

Former players like Alan Kelly (A Licence), Jason McAteer, Steve McManaman, Michel Salgado, Colin Healy (B Licence) have all com-

pleted courses delivered by the FAI in recent years.

Last December the FAI delivered a UEFA B licence course specifically for 17 PFAI members and current players while 8 other PFAI members and current players including Stephen Rice, Ger O’Brien, John Russell and Gary Dempsey have recently started their UEFA A licence course through the FAI. A coaches association with its own dedicated website for educational materials has been established to cater for more than 30,000 qualified coaches at clubs throughout Ireland. For more information, see http://coaching.fai.ie

Buckley crowns 2013 with Airtricity/SWAI award  sport@gazettegroup.com

St Pat’s Athletic’s manager Liam Buckley with Ireland managers Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane at the Airtricity/SWAI awards. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

St Pat’s Athletic manager Liam Buckley capped a hugely successful season in 2013 when he was presented with the Personality of the Year award at the Airtricity/ SWAI Personality of the Year awards at The Conrad Hotel last week.

Buckley, who guided St Pat’s to their first Airtricity Premier Division title since 1999, had preciously scooped the accolade

four years ago when he managed Sporting Fingal to their impressive 2008 season which saw them gain promotion to the Premier Division in the promotion-relegation play-off against Bray Wanderers as well as winnin the FAI Cup against Sligo Rovers.

Now in his second spell with the Saints, Buckley enjoyed a fantastic year in 2012 but was determined to improve on that last season and his

team delivered in style, winning the title for the second time under his watch.

He beat off competition from Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny and former Athlone Town manager Roddy Collins, alongside Dundalk midfielder Richie Towell and St Patrick’s Athletic’s players Killian Brennan and Anthony Flood.

Buckley’s fellow St Patrick’s Athletic star, Brendan Clarke, was

named goalkeeper of the year.

Speaking at the presentation of the awards, Stephen Wheeler, managing director of Airtricity said: “It’s fitting that the Personality of the Year Award should go to Liam Buckley, whose achievement in guiding St Pat’s to their first league title since 1999 is made all the more special when you consider his 1996 league title success as a player with the same club.”

16 January 2014 Gazette 29

Gazette

Sticking to it as cultures come together in sport

FastSport

Two teams separated by a small sea came together at Russell Park last week when the University of Edinburgh shinty club met St Brigid’s GAA club on very common Gaelic ground University of Edinburgh Shinty club were welcomed to Russell Park last Saturday afternoon when they arrived to play St Brigid’s in two hurling / shinty and camogie exhibition matches.

Basked in a glorious low lying winter sun, a large crowd turned out to view both games of a very Gaelic tradition that are separated by the Irish Sea. The rules were varied to suit the players of both sides, with a simple rule that players could not make contact with the sliotar with their hands or feet - something that proved difficult initially for the Irish side.

However, it didn’t take the Brigid’s ladies long to adapt, and they soon led three goals to no score after goals from Clodagh Rodgers and Niamh Adams.

The visitors responded

well and had reduced the margin to two goals at the half time interval, their fine long-range ground striking a sight to behold for the onlooking crowd.

Once again, the Irish side responded and, despite not having any competitive camogie since October, St Brigid’s pulled clear in the final 10 minutes to claim an 8-4 to 3-1 win.

The men’s game followed soon after and, as with the ladies game, it was the local side that began brightest, with Daire Plunkett and Cathal Doyle adapting to the shinty rules with ease.

An early Ciaran O’Reilly goal was soon followed by three Karl Rogers points and goals from Dave Smyth and Conor Morris, as Brigid’s dominated the opening period. However, the

St Brigid’s get used to the new equipment

Scottish side awoke from their slumber in the second period and scored four goals of their own, the pick of which came from a 25m free which was hammered to the roof of the net by Hamish Marshall.

Despite the late Scottish revival, Brigid’s stood firm to run out 6-10 to 4 -1 winners.

The large crowd then proceeded to the clubhouse in Russell Park where food, entertainment and craic flowed late into the evening. St Brigid’s director of hurling Tim O’Mahony and chairman Billy Quane thanked Edinburgh for their visit and the two wonderful exhibition games and said the club would love to take up the invitation of a return visit to Edinburgh in the near future to keep the strong Gaelic link between both countries alive.

Stillorgan Leisureplex to host Irish bowling Open

Action from the camogie/shinty meeting

The Irish Open tenpin bowling championships are set to begin this week at the Leisureplex in Stillorgan and run throughout the weekend.

Starting on January 16, more than 190 bowlers from ten countries will converge to take part in the event, which is sponsored by Storm Bowling, which sees a prize fund on offer of €17,500.

With play commencing around 8am every day until the finals on Sunday, spectators are invited to attend the various rounds and matchplay sections to see who will proceed to contest the final, which will be played over a three-game match, the best of three games deciding the winner of the Irish Open.

Further information is available from Sean Kennedy on 086 824 8222 or Leisureplex Stillorgan 01 288 1656.

Dublin GAA 2013 yearbook is on sale now The Edinburgh ladies cheerlead at Russell Park

The Edinburgh and St Brigid’s teams gather after the matches Pictures: Michael Gillvary

The end of the 2013 season has seen the annual publication of the Dublin GAA Yearbook, with 250 pages commemorating what has been another exceptional year in the capital for Gaelic Games.

The book comprehensively covers the senior footballers’ journey to the All-Ireland title for the second time in three years, and the senior hurlers defeating both of last year’s All-Ireland SHC finalists, Kilkenny and Galway, on the way to

being crowned Leinster champions for the first time since 1961.

In the yearbook, both senior managers, Jim Gavin and Anthony Daly, reflect on the year in interviews with Cian Murphy and Sean McGoldrick, as well as a host of player interviews with the likes of Lucan Sarsfields’ Johnny McCaffrey, Ballyboden’s Michael Darragh Macauley and Castleknock’s Ciaran Kilkenny among others.

The publication also features ladies’ football, camogie, handball, Cumann na mBunscol and club features telling the story of 2013 in the capital.

Gazette

30 LUCAN Gazette 16 January 2014

SPORT

FastSport

rugby: table-top battle set for bulls and their rivals

Autumn opens 2014 with impressive ride Adamstown cyclist Autumn Collins kicked off her 2014 season in spectacular fashion when she represented Team Sky in round three of the Revolution series in Manchester last week.

Having been previously selected for round one, Collins was delighted to get a recall for round three. In front of a sell-out crowd of 6,000 spectators, the 16-year-old teenager was a member of a strong Team Sky, led by Isle of Man pro cyclist Peter Kennaugh.

Competing in three events with team mate Grace Garner, who is a member of the British Olympic Development Team, Collins finished ahead of some of the rising stars of British cycling.

At the end of the night’s racing, Team Sky had moved into second position in the overall team standings in the Future Stars series.

Leixlip LTC raises funds for UNICEF appeal Leixlip Tennis Club has announced that is has raised the total of €400 in aid of UNICEF Syria Children’s Appeal after it held an open competition at the end of December 2013.

The event was open to members and non-members aged 14 and upward of all levels and experience, and the players competed in good spirits amid a spell of good weather in an array of doubles and mixed doubles matches.

Everybody who entered the competition was given a raf-

fle ticket and prizes were handed out at a ceremony which took place after the day’s tennis.

Leixlip Tennis Club chairman Brian Donohoe said: “Once again, we are delighted to be in a position to support another worthwhile charity and I would like to thank everyone who came out to participate in the competition and donate much-needed funds for this very worthwhile cause.

“Considering we are a relatively small club, the amount raised is a great testament to the generosity of our members and it will go a long way to support UNICEF in their efforts.”

Captain Barry Dunne carried the ball into the fray for Barnhall against Banbridge at Parsonstown last weekend

Barnhall’s battling comeback UBL division 2a Barnhall Banbridge  sport@gazettegroup.com

37 30

NUIM Barnhall prod u c e d a n e xc e l l e n t c o m e b a c k f r o m 14 points down to stun Banbridge and keep their promotion aspirations firmly flying with a bonus point win in Parsonstown last Saturday.

It keeps them in fifth place and five points off top spot but just a point off second place in what looks set to be a great battle in the second phase of the season

with Queens, City of Derry and Ballymena all in the mix.

The blue bulls got off to a great start as Simon Gillespie kicked two penalties early on, the second off the back of a great driving scrum, for a 6-0 lead.

But Bann replied in kind with the next 20 points to put Barnhall firmly on the back foot.

Ian Porter’s penalty got them on the board and an intercept try from full back Gregg Taylor saw them advance into a 10-6 lead.

Porter landed another penalty as Banbridge

inter into final Basketball team’s shock win puts them in decider dublin inter, the side formerly known as Ballon who played out of Palmerstown Community School, registered the result of the tournament last weekend when they defeated Neptune of Cork away from home in the semi-final of the National Men’s Cup. A determined performance saw them take their place in the final against Demons, which will take place on January 24 at the National Basketball Arena.

continued to force the tempo as Taylor once more profited when he, again, intercepted and raced over for a second try. With Porter landing his fourth successful kick, they had a 20-6 lead but Barnhall got themselves back into range before the halftime break.

Brian Hennebry crossed for a try which Gillespie converted to put seven in the difference at half-time, starting a run of 21 answered points for the hosts.

Second rower Conor McDermott drove over soon after the interval

to make it 18-20 and his side took the lead when Gillespie landed his third penalty.

He slotted another couple of three-pointers to stretch the lead out to 27-20 before Porter ended the run of Barnhall scores with a penalty of his own.

Skipper Barry Dunne, though, put them on the brink of a bonus point with a superb try. And, despite a sin-binning, the four th tr y came in wonderful fashion when Robbie McGrath broke from his own 22, making it 37-23.

Any notions of any

easy ride dow n the closing stretch, however, were dashed when Chris Leathem got a late Banbridge try and Porter kicked the conversion to pick up a losing bonus point.

It was Barnhall’s fifth win in succession and sees them unbeaten since October, heightening their chances of rising up to Division 1B. Next on the agenda is a trip north to face Rainey OB as they bid to keep their winning run on January 25 before hosting Bective a week later.

16 January 2014 LUCAN Gazette 31

Gazette

football: dublin out of pre-season tournament

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields Great to see all the teams back

hran, Cian Gaire on guitar, Diarmuid

training this week; best of luck to

Reynolds on fiddle and Eoghain Rey-

everyone in upcoming friendly and

nolds on banjo representing Dublin

cup matches.

in instrumental music at the Lein-

Strictly Come Dancing is coming to Lucan. Our events commmittee

Our Lucan Sarsfields Last Man

and experts to help stage the show.

Standing competition kicks of f

Please contact Josephine Donoghue,

on February 1. Entry envelopes

Mary Reynolds or Mary Flannery.

are available at the bar and Mick

awards presentation night is on Saturday, January 25 in the clubhouse. Team managers are asked

Objectives achieved for Gavin despite O’Byrne Cup exit o’bryne cup group d DCU 3-8 Dublin 0-16  sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN’S O’By rne Cup campaign came to an end last Sunday as a late spate of cards opened the door for DCU to fight back for a single-point win in Parnell Park.

It meant DCU topped the group with three wins from three outings with an experimental Dublin outfit second in the four-team Group D with two wins to their name.

Speaking about the tie, Dublin boss Jim Gavin was disappointed with the loss but said it was a good test of potential squad members for the 2014 season.

“In terms of a workout it was excellent.

DCU are a very wellconditioned team, very well coached,” said Gavin.

“Both teams will have learned a lot from it. We gave guys opportunities there the last few weekends. It’s about playing a pre-season tournament and getting a good physical workout as well, so to that end, all objectives were achieved.”

A host of local talent contributed as Dublin built a clear six-point lead with just 11 minutes remaining against DCU, as Paul Hudson continued his good form while Cormac Costello weighed in with a 0-5 salvo for the Metropolitans.

But when Rory O’Carroll was blackcarded and Paul Flynn received a straight red with three minutes left, it opened the door for DCU to snatch the win.

St Sylvester’s man M i c h a e l M c C a r t hy popped up with a goal for the students to reduce the deficit to a single point.

Gary Kelly levelled and another Dub, Ballymun Kickhams’ Davy Byrne, cleared the bar for the ultimate winning score.

Earlier in the tie, the sides were locked at 1-3 to 0-6 at half-time thanks to Cormac McGraynor’s goal and Byrne notched the other major in the second period.

But points from Fanning, Shane Car thy, Hudson and Costello built a healthy lead, only for Dublin to succumb to DCU’s grandstand finish.

Louth win The previous Wednesday evening, Dublin braved the elements and toughed out the tie to take the group points against Louth at a sodden Parnell Park.

In the rain, Jim Gavin’s charges were grateful to St Anne’s Daniel Watson who sprang from the bench to score the two vital

goals that turned around a sluggish match in dire conditions.

With only one point scored in the opening 32 minutes, the measure of the match up to that point came from Ballymun’s Jason Whelan, played through by St Jude’s Kevin McManamon.

Louth started to stake their case with three unanswered points before the turn, and went further ahead before Carthy and Hudson found their range for Dublin to tie up the match.

Watson then lit up the encounter with a goal and a point in short succession to put Dublin 1-6 to 0-5 ahead in the second half.

T h e We e C o u n t y brought the scores back to the minimum again before Watson thanked his sheer luck to collect a crossfield pass and guide the ball into the net for the win.

day 18th in Erin’s Isle GAA Club.

are looking for dancers, volunteers

Adult awards night: The 2013 adult

Jim Gavin, pictured here at Dublin’s opener at Westmeath, has said he is happy with the pre-season workout

ster final of Scor na nOg on Satur-

Roche can be contacted for further details.

Set dancing classes resume this week.

to retrieve the perpetual Player of

Our nurseries continue every

the Year trophies from last year’s

Saturday from 1.30pm at the club-

winners and return them to the

house.

club bar.

There was no winner of Sunday

Condolences to the Heffernan,

night’s €3,000 Lotto. The unlucky

Donohue and Feeney families on

numbers were 4, 5, 20 and 28. This

their recent losses. Our thoughts

week’s lotto is for a jackpot of

are with you all at this time.

€3,500 and John Ryan Accountant

Good luck to Aisling O’Grady on concertina, Cathal Dooley on bod-

will be our sponsor with Seamus Clandillon’s Team in charge.

westmanstown/garda The intermediates and juniors made

Membership is still open for all

a start last Saturday with a good

teams, male and female; Contact

workout at Westmanstown.

Eugene O’Sullivan on 086 379 1359 if

It seems everybody had a good Christmas and much hard work lies ahead.

you are interested.

The ladies resume training on January 20 and we will be fielding

Training for all starts in earnest

both intermediate and junior teams

in the coming week on Tuesday and

in the coming season, again all new

Thursday at 7pm in Westmanstown.

members are welcome.

Welcome to all the new members who joined us during the close season and we hope you have a great year.

Membership is open to all (not just serving gardai).

The Juvenile AGM is scheduled for Thursday, January 30 at 8pm.

round tower, clondalkin Membership subscriptions are now

the three €100 winners. There was

due and can be paid via our website,

no Match 3 + Bonus Ball winner. This

www.roundtower.ie, using debit

week’s jackpot is €7,700.

(ie Laser) or credit cards. Cash or

The GAA is inviting responses to a

cheques are still accepted behind the

survey as part of the process of for-

bar or to any member of the execu-

mulating their strategy for 2014-2017.

tive committee. Renewal forms avail-

The survey can be accessed at: www.

able on the club website or in the clu-

gaa.ie/gaafuture.

brooms.

RT Jigs and Reels 2014 will take

Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a draw to win

place in Red Cow Moran Hotel on Fri-

two tickets to an All-Ireland final of

day, January 31, from 8pm. Tickets

their choice in 2014.

are available for €10 and can be pur-

The club shop is open in the club

chased from behind the bar or you

every Monday night from 7.30 to

can contact Damien Murray at 086

8.30pm. Please call Betty Ward or

884 5676 or Matt McCormack at 087

Catherine Moran direct if you have

683 6737.

any particular enquiries on 087 675

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 5, 22

2238 or 086 830 3207 respectively.

and 28; Bonus Ball 20. There was no

The clubrooms are available for

winner of the jackpot of €7,600. Con-

rental for parties, anniversaries, etc.

gratulations to Billy O’Connor, Rory

Please contact Jimmy behind the bar

O’Connor and Gerry Brady who were

or on 01 459 2960.

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

january 16, 2014

banbridge battle: Barnhall bounce back at home to turn over 17-point deficit in Parsonstown P30

a stick of A different shape: Hurling and camogie get a taste of Shinty at Brigid’s P29

McGregor returns to open SBG gym  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

“The Notorious” Conor McGregor returned to Ireland last weekend and was instrumental in helping to launch celebrated Dublin MMA coach John Kavanagh’s new facility for the internationally acclaimed Straight Blast Gym at the Naas Road.

Conor appeared on Ireland AM last week with Kavanagh and explained his connection with the acclaimed martial arts coach, and the reason for his appearance at the new gym over the weekend, where droves of fans queued up to meet McGregor, who had no problem

meeting his adoring public, staying in the gym’s Octagon for several hours, shaking hands and taking pictures.

“There are so many amateur, local shows around Ireland. John used to promote local shows, and there were 50 people coming along to GAA halls to see us fight. I will forever be repaying John. He put his faith in me when no-one else would. He helped guide me.”

Beginners in the sport will get the opportunity to train alongside champions McGregor and Cathal Pendred in what is Europe’s largest MMA facility.

Speaking to Gazette Sport last weekend at the official open-

ing of the new facility, Kavanagh explained how he had been thinking about the move for a long time and why he felt the time was right for the change.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind,” said Kavanagh. “Where I live, if I walk out the front entrance it leaves me on the Long Mile Road and if I walk out the back way it leaves me at the Naas Road.

“For a long time, I was walking around day dreaming about getting one of them, and we’re now the third occupant in that row.”

With the UFC announcing that they are coming back to the O2 in September, the growth of the sport is tangible, and Kavanagh puts that

down to McGregor’s progress.

“It’s crazy to see but I read a lot of books and these types of things aren’t uncommon,” said Kavanagh on McGregor’s stardom.

“When Brian O’Driscoll first emerged he proved that guys didn’t have to go to the southern hemisphere to make it and it inspired a group of guys to get into the game.

If you didn’t have O’Driscoll, you wouldn’t have guys like Cian Healy.

“Ireland was never a country known for producing world class players, and it took one person to change that. That’s what Conor is doing for mixed martial arts in Ireland now.”

SBG boss John Kavanagh and Conor McGregor at the SBG gym at Naas Road