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Month XX, 2012 malahide • Balbriggan • Applewood • boroimhe • Airside • Portmarnock • Kinsealy • clarehall

INSIDE: I, Keano’s Gary Cooke impresses on us how he escapes the mayhem of a busy life P15

the shamrock set: Who’s going where to represent Ireland on March 17? Page 4

Hair we go ...

Toni shaves her head for charity Tennis:

Swords ace set to represent Ireland team Page 32

Soccer:

Swords Celtic march forth on national stage Page 30

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE................... 13 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

TONI Griffin (centre) had a hair-

raising moment at St Sylvester’s GAA club in Malahide recently, when Liz Howard and Laura Pierce, both from Malahide salon My Hair, shaved off her locks.

Toni was fundraising for the Ross Nugent Foundation and for Irish Cancer Society. She decided a “shave or dye” event would be a great way to do so. Giveaway prizes, such as a pair of signed Katie Taylor boxing gloves, added to the upbeat mood. Picture: David O’Shea

Calls for Main Street boost fall on deaf ears Plans to revamp town centre part of Swords Castle regeneration

 keith bellew

FINGAL County Council has no short-term plans for the regeneration of Swords’s Main Street and town centre.

All plans for the regen-

eration of the area are longterm and will be done as part of the regeneration of Swords Castle.

However, a number of councillors have said they would like to see something done in the short term.

Cllr Justin Sinnott (Ind) said: “The castle [development] is moving on, but the north of the street has to be dealt with as well.”

In response, the council said the Swords Castle master plan “will over time

regenerate Swords Castle and its environs. The study area for this project includes the northern part of Main Street”. It added that it has no plans for other civic works in 2015.

Full Story on Page 2

2 swords gazette 26 February 2015

main street Scheme will be part of regeneration of castle

No short-term plan to revitalise Swords Fingal County Council has no short-term plans for the regeneration of Swords main street and town centre. All plans for the regeneration of the area are long-term and will be done as part of the regeneration of Swords Castle.

However, a number of councillors have said they would like to see something done in the short-term.

Cllr Justin Sinnott (Ind)

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

recently brought up a number of issues with the main street in relation to encouraging new businesses to locate in the town, traffic management and parking, the upgrad-

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

ing of paving and road surfaces and tree management.

He said: “The funding has been allocated for Swords Castle for the next three years and that’s moving on apace. I just want to keep the issues in terms of the main street in Swords to the front of the agenda. The castle is an issue we’re moving on, but the north of the street has to be dealt with as well.”

Cllr Duncan Smith (Lab) said “What needs to be done with main street isn’t just the castle, we need to get the [unoccupied] housing units filled as well.

“Anything that’s boarded up is a dereliction, be

it a house, a business or anything else.”

The initial phase of the redevelopment of Swords Castle was begun recently with the engagement of consultants to draw up a master plan for the project. This will take three years and cost €3m. However the entire project will take many years.

In response to these queries from councillors about short-term measures to regenerate the main street and town centre, the council said the Swords Castle Master Plan “will over time regenerate Swords Castle and its environs. The study area for this project

All plans for the regeneration of main street are long-term

includes the northern part of main street. The council has no immediate proposals to undertake other civic works within Swords town centre during 2015”.

Meanwhile in response to queries about disused

storefronts on main street the council has said that the owners of these premises can apply to its business promotion grant scheme to fund refurbishment.

The scheme can provide grants of €20,000

each to 10 businesses throughout Fingal.

Full details of the scheme and an application form are available at www.fingal.ie or by contacting Rachel Lindsay,rachel.lindsay@ fingal.ie.

26 February 2015 swords gazette 3

council

transport: concerns raised over traffic delays by estate

Progress slows on link road

Boroimhe bus stop raises safety fears  keith bellew

DUBLIN Bus is unaware of any traffic and safety issues caused by the position of the 41C bus stop outside Boroimhe Estate – that’s according to a spokesperson for the company.

This comes on the back of requests from councillors for the bus stop to be moved due to traffic and safety issues brought about by its position on a narrow part of the road.

Following these requests, Fingal County Council agreed to liaise with Dublin Bus and Swords Express with a view to having the bus stop moved.

Councillors wish to have the stop moved

about 50m to where the road is wider. Due to the narrowness of its current position, cars cannot safely overtake the buses and end up stuck behind them. They believe there is also a safety issue due to the close proximity of a pedestrian crossing.

Cllr Eugene Coppinger (AAA) raised the issue at a recent area committee meeting, saying: “In the morning, particularly during rush hour, traffic builds up behind the bus stop when Swords Express pulls in or when Dublin Bus pulls in.

“Traffic could be there for one or two minutes building up. It leads to a lot of frustration and motorists are almost compelled to break the

law by overtaking on the pedestrian crossing.

“Even at non rush hour times, I have seen it happen where cars will overtake the bus when it pulls in right on top of the zebra crossing; it’s an accident waiting to happen.”

A council official said: “This is an issue where we would have to meet with the operators themselves, Swords Express and Dublin Bus. There would be costs involved as well, so it’s something we’ll have to discuss with both companies.”

A spokesperson for Dublin Bus said the company was unaware of the issues but would be happy to meet with the council.

 keith bellew

Creating a buzz: Nationwide initiative to help fund three extra Bumbleances SWORDS boy Alex Stimpson was happy to help the Hickey’s Pharmacies group get behind Bumbleance, the children’s ambulance service, with plans to increase its fleet from two to five units. The three-yearold was joined by the chain’s managing director, Paddy Hickey, and Bumbleance founder, Tony Heffernan, who spoke of their shared enthusiasm for the fundraising initiative, which Hickey’s Pharmacies is undertaking as part of celebrations of its 20th year in business. The Bumbleance vehicles are child-friendly ambulances that are designed especially to help entertain children, and reduce their stresses, as they travel to or from treatment centres.

PROGRESS in the construction of the Castlemill Link Road in Balbriggan has been slowed down due to route issues.

The alignment of the new link road crosses land currently in the ownership of Malincross Ltd. Once ongoing discussions between the council and Malincross conclude, these lands will be transferred to the council.

Discussions are also under way with the Department of Education regarding the acquisition of a portion of grounds at Balbriggan Educate Together.

A council spokesperson said that as soon as these issues have been resolved the tendering process for the new road will begin.

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 February 2015

ST PATRICK’S Politicians jet off to drown the shamrock worldwide

Don’t break the bank, Minister!  MIMI MURRAY

IT’S ALMOST that time of year when the entire Dail pack their bags, and head off to an array of glamorous destinations in an effort to impress with a flash of the emerald.

This St Patrick’s day, no one is being

left behind – well, almost no one. Minister for Finance Michael Noonan will be home on the day but a plethora of Junior Ministers – and their seniors – will hop on Aer Lingus flights to far flung places in order to teach the world – again – how to drown the shamrock.

The Gazette believes this is an ideal

NEW ZEALAND

Communications Minister and DublinRathdown TD Alex White is taking a trip down under  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

ALL sitting Ministers in the current Cabinet bar one will be going on international trade trips this year to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Ministers Richard Bruton and Charlie Flanagan(FG) launched Enterprise Ire-

opportunity for our Government Ministers to present the country in a positive light and, with the luck of the Irish, arrive back with a trove of inward investment in the bag.

But The Gazette doesn’t want to hear of Leo Varadkar staying in the equivalent of the Merrion Hotel or Richard Bruton

USA

Tanaiste and Dublin Mid West TD Joan Burton visits Boston, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia

land’s 2015 plan for trade missions and international activities – St Patrick’s Day Promote Ireland programme – took place this week at Ding* headquarters, the world’s largest top-up provider based on Shelbourne Road.

Dublin-based Ministers who lined up to travel this

March 17 include Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Dublin North Central deputy Richard Bruton, who takes in Paris, France.

Minister for Justice and Dublin Mid West TD Frances Fitzgerald travels to Indonesia and Singapore.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Dublin Central TD Paschal Donohoe heads for San Francisco, Silicon Valley and San Jose in the USA. Communications Minister and Dublin-Rathdown TD Alex White is off to New Zealand while his colleague Minister for Health and Dublin West TD Leo Varadkar is en route to Mexico.

Tanaiste and Dublin Mid West TD Joan Burton takes in Boston, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia on her US trip.

Fifteen Junior Ministers are also on the move and will represent Ireland this St Patrick’s Day with only

living it up in Ritz Paris and we don’t think the people of Ireland want that either.

We’re not suggesting our leaders stay in ramshackle hotels on the side of the M50 either. But let sense prevail and let our politicians show restraint in the accommodation they choose this La Fheile Phadraig.

FRANCE

INDONESIA SINGAPORE

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Dublin North Central TD Richard Bruton sets out for Paris

Minister for Justice and Dublin Mid West TD Frances Fitzgerald heads for Indonesia and Singapore

Minister Noonan scheduled to stay on the oul sod for the day that’s in it.

According to Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan, the trade missions represent good value to the taxpayer and will not exceed €300,000 in total cost, which is the same outlay for St Patrick’s Day trips last year.

“These are very, very good value. Last year, for example, as an immediate consequence of our ministerial visits €5m was gained at a cost of €300,000 for the entire event.

“This year, each department pays for its own ministerial engagements.

I’m quite satisfied that this is money really well spent and every Minister and Minister of State will report directly back to the Taoiseach in terms of the number of meetings, type of meetings, who they met and follow-up engagements.

“This is a real opportu-

nity and no other country has an opportunity like St Patrick’s Day. “Only last week, Minister Donohoe and I announced the greening of iconic buildings throughout the world, from Oslo to Auckland, from San Francisco right around the globe to Toronto.

“No other country has this opportunity, in fact it’s fair to say that there are many jurisdictions and many governments, many businesses that are envious of Ireland and what we have in terms of our St Patrick’s Day. “These are real and serious engagements with Ministers working for and on behalf of the people of Ireland…

It’s unlikely the cost for the entire programme will cost any more than last year which was €300,000.”

Minister Richard Bruton said: “Enterprise Ireland puts a huge amount of work into selecting

the countries that participate.

“This is very much enterprise-led where a company seeks to identify opportunities in particular markets and you’ll see from the markets, we are going after new areas like China, India and so on but are also look-

ing to consolidate in our European markets which are the core for many of our sectors as well as the USA. “So, it’s all those companies who are ready for that market whom we engage in these opportunities. It’s their needs that drive this work.”

26 February 2015 swords gazette 5

malahide Roads, footpaths, public lights also to gain don’sdublin Paying tribute to Village green to get €150k revamp two of Dublin City’s best-loved ‘ladies’  keith bellew

FINDING a permanent place to stay in Dublin these days is not easy, and two of its most famous women can attest to that.

Both of them appeared in 1988 as part of the Dublin Millennium celebrations, and although they have left their original abodes, they are integral to the city’s fabric.

Anna Livia and Molly Malone may have been “girls on tour”, but that situation will be corrected in the future with the completion of the Luas extension around College Green.

The former, Anna Livia – the bronze monument created by Eamonn O’Doherty – was commissioned by Michael Smurfit in memory of his father, Jefferson, and presented to the city. It was situated at O’Connell Street, at the site where the Spire now stands, and soon became known as “the floozie in the jacuzzi”. It was removed in 2001 to make way for the Spire, and now resides in the Croppies Memorial Park (close to the Liffey, at Wolfe Tone Quay); a quieter site more suited to her calm image.

Molly Malone is still “on tour”, having moved from Grafton Street to Suffolk Street in 2014 (right), and she will be there until 2017 when the Luas track is finished.

Probably the city’s most famous woman, she is based on a fictional 17th century fishmonger who plied her trade on the streets of Dublin, and died young.

The statue, designed by Jeanne Rynhart, was presented to the city by Jury’s Hotel Group.

Unveiled by the Lord Mayor, Ben Briscoe, on June 13, 1988 – Molly Malone Day – she has since become one of the most photographed statues in the city.

Typically, Dubliners have christened her “the tart with the cart”, “the trollop with the scallop” and other more profane names.

Her new “temporary” home outside the Dublin Tourist Office has brought her more attention, and although she no longer pushes her wheelbarrow about, in the minds of Dubliners she is very much “Alive, alive, oh!”

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Anna Livia rests in a quiet park, on Wolfe Tone Quay, close to the calm river

A SUM of €150,000 has been allocated for improvement works to Malahide Village Green by the council.

A master plan is being prepared and consultations will be taking place over the coming months.

In addition to this,

€91,000 is being allocated for footpath improvements in the 2015 council works programme.

Some of the areas to avail of these improvements are Coast Road, Ard na Mara, Chalfont, The Moorings, Strand Street and Bath Avenue.

Some €40,000 has been approved for a pedestrian

crossing in the vicinity of Malahide Tennis Club and The Rise. €15,000 has been earmarked for traffic-calming measures and €20,000 for bus stop improvement works at Estuary Road, Seabury.

Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) welcomed the funding, saying: “I am delighted to advise that Fingal

County Council has allocated a total of €150,000 for improvement works to Malahide Village Green.”

He said he is “particularly happy that €25,000 is being allocated for tree works and the restoration of the lawn area at the Casino”, and €10,000 for flexi pave (a porous pavement material made from

recycled tyres) around the base of trees in the village centre.

He also welcomed a commitment from the council to provide public lights on Sea Road between John Paul II National School and the estuary, and that work will start on upgrading public lights in Inbhir Ide estate.

6 swords gazette 26 February 2015

business

Students hope for awards HUNDREDS of enterprising students from primary and secondary schools across Fingal are making final preparations for the annual Fingal Student Enterprise Awards, taking place on Thursday, March 12.

Organised by the Fingal Local Enterprise Office, the programme is the biggest of its kind in the country with more than 2,000 students from 31 primary and secondary schools taking part since last September.

Representatives from these schools will now compete in March’s county final at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, for a share of the €15,000 prize fund. The national final will be held in Croke Park in April.

council ‘No resources to staff such a proposal’

Graffiti task force plan gets the brush off  keith bellew

CALLS for a graffiti task force to be established were shot down recently

by Fingal County Council, on the grounds that it has insufficient resources to staff one.

Cllr Joe Newman (Ind) tabled a motion calling for a task force for graffiti removal to be established in order to tackle the graffiti problem in Swords, which has escalated in recent months.

The motion was widely supported by other coun-

cillors. Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind) also believes a task force is needed. She said that in the next budget, she wants the council to assign funding for a task force and have a Fingal van going around and removing graffiti so that people can see that it’s being done.

She said: “You must keep removing graffiti. If you allow them [graffiti tags], they will grow and multiply. If you remove them, they [graffiti artists] will go and put their tag someplace else where

perhaps it will last a little bit longer.”

However, the council said that it will continue to employ the methods currently in use to tackle the problem, namely providing the necessary equipment for graffiti removal to the Probation Services which, in turn, carries out the work.

Council official Paul Smyth said: “I am a little bit nervous when I hear words like ‘task force’.

What we have got at the moment, I think, is a very good, workable solution.

Despite councillors’ interest in a task force to tackle the rise in graffiti in Swords, the council rejected the motion on the basis of a lack of resources

“We have a good working system in place at the moment, and I hear what Cllr Devitt and various other councillors are saying.

“However, we are all aware that there has been an employment embargo in place for the

past seven to eight years, so effectively we’re utilising the crews we have at the moment and prioritising the work that they are doing.”

He went on to say that using the Probation Service to carry out graffiti removal allows the

council to free up staff for other departments, such as road maintenance and grass cutting.

He said that due to the recruitment embargo, if a task force was set up it would be necessary to redeploy staff from these departments to staff it.

26 February 2015 swords gazette 7

8 swords gazette 26 February 2015

ask the politician A weekly Q&A with local representatives looks This week The Gazette asks the politicians: New legislation is in the offing making it illegal to sell or advertise alcohol below retail cost - we ask if this is the best way to moderate drinking habits or are we becoming too much of a nanny state? fingal county council: Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind)

Binge drinking a major factor in high rate of suicide among young adults

psychiatrist Dr Patrick Devitt has done research on this and he says there is conclusive evidence that the price of drink, and the consumption of drink are related and we already know that excess consumption of alcohol is a massive contributing factor to suicide.

According to his research, the one thing that would be effective in reducing the amount of suicide, particularly among young males is to increase the price of alcohol. He is unequivocal about it.

I love my cheap bottle of wine myself, but if you are considering the health of the nation, if you

want to reduce the rate of suicide in young adults, you increase the price of alcohol. As much as I don’t want to live in a nanny state, like anybody, I like being able to get my nice bottle of wine at an affordable price, but I cannot argue with the evidence that says “when you have control over the price of alcohol, you can reduce the level of binge drinking and you thereby will reduce the risk of suicide among young adults”.

As you get over 25 and you get more sensible, education might work, but the evidence is again that young men don’t recognise

danger until after the age of 24 and that’s to do with the development of the brain, and that’s why they can send young men to war. I don’t think education works.

There is a lot of health education about drugs and that doesn’t stop young people if they have access to drugs. When drugs become cheaper, they will consume more of them. So I think it might be a popular thing to say that educating people is the way, but as somebody who has worked in education, I think the blinds are down and the ears are closed as to the damage that alcohol can do.

dun laoghaire-rathdown county council: Cllr Josepha Madigan (FG

We need to educate our youth that less is more, moderation can be fun The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 contains progressive measures to address the widespread problem of alcohol misuse in this country.

In my view, minimum unit pricing is a key component in the Government’s strategy to deal with this alcohol misuse.

Hopefully, this measure will have an immediate and effective difference in tackling alcohol abuse. The minimum unit price will be set at a level which, according to the evidence, will reduce

the burden of harm from alcohol.

This legislation addresses alcohol as a public health measure.

It deals with all of the important issues that must be addressed including availability, price, information and marketing. Statistics show that alcohol is taking the lives of three people per week.

There are almost 2.5 million people in Ireland who drink alcohol. We are told that 1.24 million of these drink excessively and harmfully. This is a sad statistic and a direct reflection on our

national relationship with alcohol. Ireland and its people have unfortunately always relied heavily on alcohol as a crutch in social occasions.

We need to educate our young people that less is more and that they can actually have fun without it or at least drink in moderation.

If this legislation can help to reduce even one death per week, it will have gone a long way to helping those mired in addiction, misuse, abuse or dependence. We must support this bill fully.

26 February 2015 swords gazette 9

at topics that are concentrating minds across the city and county dublin city council: Cllr David Costello (FF)

south dublin county council: cllr danny O’Brien (SF)

I’m all for a deal, but not at New Bill does not go far enough to the cost of our nation’s health tackle problem of alcohol misuse I cautiously welcome the Government’s decision to introduce minimum prices for alcohol. The Cabinet has signed off on a long-delayed Bill designed to tackle alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse affects every community in this country and I welcome the fact that the Government is finally taking steps to address the issue.

It has taken almost four years in office for the Government to undertake concrete measures to tackle the problem.

Fianna Fail has been a strong advocate of minimum pricing structures. There is no doubt that aggressive, low-cost offers employed by some retailers have fuelled excessive alcohol consumption in the home, but hopefully the measures agreed by Cabinet will go some way to curbing that problem.

From a health perspective, I also welcome

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the proposed inclusion of health warnings and calorie counts which will feature on drinks containers.

People need to be aware of the consequences excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to and the fact that alcoholism, while the main driver for this legislation, is not the only health effect. Obesity is more widespread.

You only have to walk into the supermarket to see people walking by a traditional six-pack and opting to buy 24 bottles of branded beer for less than €20. I’m all for a deal, but not at the cost of our nation’s health.

The Government must now ensure that these measures are implemented in a timely manner, and are not allowed to gather dust.

It is imperative that these pricing structures are applied without delay.

I would support any news that purports to genuinely tackle the ever present existence of alcohol misuse that has, to the misery of many families, long been an endemic part of Irish society.

With legislation now being drafted for the new Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, I welcome the fact that the controversial below cost selling of alcohol is to be finally addressed.

However, I don’t believe that the proposals within this new bill go anywhere near far enough, in terms of what we can begin to describe as a meaningful solution to alcohol misuse.

The minister describes the range of measures as “the most far reaching” to date in curbing the problem.

However, it stops one very big fundamental step from making disconnect with sponsorship of sports events by the drinks companies themselves, much as in the same way the Intoxicating Liquor Act, which brought in restrictions to off licence sales after 10pm back in 2008 was an exercise in window dressing.

Analysis into sales that seem to have been ignored, at that particular time, showed that

sales after 10pm were predominantly made up of single bottles of wine, dispelling any notion of tackling the wider problem of binge and underage drinking.

Until such time as this cosy relationship shared by the powerful drinks industry and those in Government is broken, creating an approach that acts to legislate in an honest and caring way, that seeks to protect another generation of the nation’s children from this culture, I think we need to continue to focus on education.

10 swords Gazette 26 February 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Orla Mulligan, Pedro Farrell and Martina O’Sullivan

oliver: consider yourself entertained at malahide show

M

ALAHIDE Musical and Dramatic Society once again had another hit on their hands with their recent highly accomplished production of the Lionel Barts’s musical, Oliver.

The beloved musical and well-known book were brought to life at Malahide Community School, where the boys, girls and adults both on the stage and behind the scenes put on a particularly great show, even by the society’s high standards. With some star turns to note, the audiences were delighted by another show to remember from the Malahide players.

Louise O’Loughlin, Karen Kelly, Georgina Clarke and Kelly-Anne Brouder. Pictures: David O’Shea

cinema: women throng to film’s premiere

A mood that was anything but grey

Margaret Carney and Marissa Magner

T

Doireann Wylde and Conor McDonnell

HERE was a great atmosphere at the VIP party for the premiere of 50 Shades of Grey at the Swords Pavilions recently. The controversial adult film attracted a predominantly female gathering for the premiere, while a few males were also spotted in attendance. Making the film’s launch even more of a party, cocktails and nibbles, and goodie bags with 50 Shades-related material, kept the mood going. Then it was on to see the film, where there were occasional giggles but an upbeat atmosphere as the film whipped along.

Moira Dunne and Kiera Fox

The Orphans left the audience wanting more. Pictures: David O’Shea

Anne Marie Gavin and Julia McKeon

Amy Fitzsimons and Aisling Ryan

26 February 2015 swords Gazette 11

Ian Hunter, centre director, Swords Pavilions with blogger Suzanne Jackson; Deirdre King, marketing manager, Swords Pavilions, and Grace Mongey

Avril Carter, Laura Doherty and Aoife Meade

Siobhan O’Donnell and Tony Keely

Helen O’Connell and Tracey Jackson

Vilma Bucailaite and Ausra Ignatoviene

12 gazette 26 February 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Daniel O’Connor and Elaine Sexton

Philip Grant, Don Cameron and Brendan Hayes at Alan Hanna’s Bookshop in Rathmines where Cameron’s debut novel Marked Off was recently launched. Cameron began to write in the mid-1990s and since then has had over 40 short stories published and broadcast. He writes a weekly column for The Gazette called Don’s Dublin. Pictures: James Martin

rathmines: Hanna’s Bookshop is the place to be

Don makes his mark with debut novel

Terry and Patrick Dowling

Sally Donoghoe and Paul and Joan O’Loughlin

Don Egremont and Millie Grant

Jean Farrell and Liz Weston

26 February 2015 Gazette 13

mayhem P15

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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

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diary P14

what’son wellbeing festival comes to the rds:

Even with her own show on one of Ireland’s top radio stations, columnist and a mum of one Alison Curtis still makes time for her family

a day in the life: radio presenter Alison Curtis speaks to the gazette

Balancing baby and work  laura webb

She’s her own show on one of Ireland’s top radio stations and is now offering her creative flair to mummypages.ie as a regular columnist, so a day in the life of Alison Curtis must be somewhat hectic.

Mum-of-one Curtis divides her day between mammy duties and work but being self-employed with a daughter who isn’t much of an early riser means getting a little lie-in is usually how they start their day.

“My daughter and I get up kind of when we like,” she giggles.

“It is usually between 7.30am and 8.30am and we get to have quite a leisurely breakfast, which I really appre-

ciate every day. I can start my working week after I drop her off to creche but before that we would usually read stories and make breakfast together, just goof around really.

“I have gotten crazy into making my own granola. It is so easy and so tasty. I make that and always have: fruit, yogurt and coffee,” she told the Gazette.

Once home after dropping Joan off to creche, it’s time to start the working day.

“I am mostly on the laptop. I research my own show, produce my show – so it would be setting up guests and looking for content. I really like doing that because, me more than anyone, would have an understand-

ing of what I think will fit the show.

“I would spend time researching things that are happening in Ireland and different start-up businesses, different things to do with young families – liaise with those people so it is a good chunk of work to get it to air.

“I am really bad for breaking for lunches… I do need a better lunch routine going. I am great with breakfast and dinner not so much with lunches,” she admits.

Once work has died down, it’s time to get in touch with her inner domestic goddess and get spritzing on the housework.

Then, it’s back to the creche to pick up her daughter and spend some quality time with her family.

“My husband works early so he tends to get home earlier around 4pm. Whoever makes dinner the other stays with her and plays, reads a book, we try not to have the TV until later.

“I am getting into cooking now at the moment. So we have dinner, have a bit of play time and maybe a movie night.”

Bedtime for the little one can be anywhere between 7pm to 9pm and it’s not long after that that Curtis is curled up to recharge the batteries for another day ahead.

Catch Alison Curtis on Today FM, Saturday mornings 8 to 11am and follow her blog on parenting site www. mummypages.ie

Ireland’s biggest wellbeing event, the Mind, Body, Spirit and Yoga Festival, is set to take place at the RDS this March.

Some 45 experts in the fields of positive psychology and personal development will host over 75 talks and workshops at the festival on a range of topics.

Along with the many fascinating lectures, the festival which has been running for over 20 years, features 150 stands offering the chance to discover everything from Reiki and reflexology, to massage, meditation, bio-energy healing, angels, aromatherapy, crystals, chakra tools, Tibetan bowls, yoga therapy and more.

The live stage will be buzzing with free entertainment as a lively mix of performances including music, dance, drumming and yoga demonstrations, take place over the event.

Festival organiser Louis O’Sullivan said: “The amazing spectrum of holistic and complementary practitioners at the event makes for a truly stimulating, vibrant and potentially life-changing experience.” For more information log onto www. mindbodyspirit.ie

14 Gazette 26 February 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Croker? No, Garth drama hits Gaiety The Gar th Brooks/ Croke Park drama is to become just that as Fiona Looney is to put the story of how Dublin lost the chance to have the singer perform five gigs last year.

C a l l e d , A r e Yo u There Garth? It’s Me Margaret, the play will retell the story on the Gaiety stage later in

the year and will star comic actress Deirdre O’Kane.

Before coming to Dublin, it will first tour Ireland visiting theatres in Cork, Limerick and Galway.

O’Kane will play the part of country music fanatic, Margaret, which is far from the truth in real life.

She said she is not a fan of Garth Brooks and does not even know his music.

However, she loved Looney’s script as it tells the story behind the Garth Brooks fiasco, from the perspective of a mad fan in love with Brooks, whose hopes are all tied up in the red tape of bureaucracy.

DIARY

junior minister schools Twitter in sarcasm Junior Justice Minister Aodhan O’Riordain was obliged to give Twitter users a lesson in irony recently.

The lesson was prompted by the righteously indignant backlash that followed an ironic tweet he posted about the actions of racist Chelsea fans in Paris.

Chelsea fans had prevented a black man from boarding a train while chanting: “We’re racist and that’s the way we like it.”

Pointing out the ridiculousness of fans of a team whose squad includes numerous black players discriminating against a black man, O’Riordain tweeted: “To satisfy/ punish their fans, Chelsea should play out the rest of the season with only white English players. (Do they have 11 of them?)”

This was followed by a series of angry tweets which included: “Great idea Aodhan, punish the black players in the squad for this incident by means of segregation.”

O’Riordain responded by tweeting a definition of the word irony.

Maybe there should be a literary entrance exam for Twitter users.

stars on the menu – wishes in the air A host of celebrities will take over Ouzos Restaurant in Blackrock on March 9 when they manage the well-known eatery in aid of Make-A-Wish foundation.

Around 15 stars from the world of TV, radio, sport, comedy and

Annie, one of the children recently helped by Make-A-Wish, was a vet for a day

music will come together to serve and entertain 150 diners to raise €25,000 for this worthy cause.

Celebrities confirmed include Gerald Kean, Brent Pope, Linda Martin, Leah Egan, Jenny Dickson, Alan Short, Cathy Kelly and David McWilliams.

They will work in a variety of roles, from cooking in the kitchen to serving food and drink to the customers.

There will also be entertainment and music from some very special guests on the night.

The funds raised on the night will help to grant some truly magical wish-

es for children living with life threatening medical conditions around the country.

Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from €75 to €150 for a four course meal.

Contact Make-A-Wish on 01 2052012 or email rachel@makeawish.ie for more information.

26 February 2015 GAZETTE 15

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OVER 200,000* READERS EACH WEEK *Publishers statement

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Gary doing an impression of David McWilliams

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM: GARY COOKE

‘Men and women like kicking or hitting things ...’  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

I, Keano, the hit comedy musical is back by popular demand at the Olympia Theatre from March 25 until April 12.

Ahead of the latest run of I, Keano, The Gazette talks to Gary Cooke, quintessential Eamon Dunphy impersonator and all round comedic actor, about how he escapes the mayhem of his busy life.

Cooke says: “I suppose it’s a combination of most of the Irish vices: alcohol, watching Netflix and I go to the gym quite a bit and play a lot of tennis. That’s one of my interests.

“I read; not hugely but I do read quite a bit.

The genre that I read most is autobiographies of mainly boring people, like all the tennis people:

John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. But what’s the most satisfying for me is literary fiction. I like Ian McEwan, a modern writer, Martin Amis and Christopher Hitchens.

“Playing tennis turns me into a rageful arsehole. No, it’s obviously got the exercise aspect of it, the competition aspect of it but what does sport really get in touch with?

“What’s the satisfaction we get out of sport?

I don’t know…the reality is, blokes and women, human beings like either kicking things or hitting things.

“So, I like hitting things.

The problem with tennis is, you’ve got to really enjoy hitting the f***k out of the ball. I do require a degree of technique to put enough top-spin on it

because top-spin actually brings the ball down… when that works it’s very satisfying.

“There are indoor courts in my club in Sutton, but they’re mainly outdoor. Outdoor is really where all the competitions are had. With a tennis bubble which I have in my club in Sutton, you kind of get bubble tennis; there’s no wind or rain, none of the Irish things that make tennis hard.”

The Gazette asked Cooke what his favourite tipple is when out drinking with friends.

He said: “Red wine, really as a general rule but after a game of tennis you always want a beer which is not very good, really.”

Tickets to I, Keano are now available from MCD at www.mcd.ie for €25.

GAZETTE

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM

Gazette

16 Gazette 26 February 2015

dublinlife

Q&A

business Finding your nearest garage in seconds WITH the click of a button, car owners in search of their nearest garage can now find one in seconds with the latest comprehensive directory, Autoservicing.com.

Users can access a wide range of garages in

their locality by entering their car registration.

The system immediately finds their car and provides a list of offers from garages in their local area with details of prices and different service offerings from each garage.

Ser vices are then booked online, details of which are then sent to the user via email and text.

All of the garage offerings are listed in a comprehensive way, allowing users to search and compare with all of

the information they need.

The service is also impartial, as Autoservicing.com has no affiliation with any of the garages listed on site.

For further information, see www.autoservicing.com.

eoin flanagan, owner, siam thai group

Serving up a successful chain of restaurants SIAM Thai celebrates its 21st year this year, with owner Eoin Flanagan’s father Peter having founded the first restaurant in 1993 in the village of Malahide.

Flanagan was 14 at the time and, when not in school, he spent most of his time in his father’s restaurant, watching and learning how to be a restaurateur.

After finishing college as an engineer, Flanagan’s first move was to approach his father with a business proposal to expand the Siam brand.

In 2002, with his sister Julie, and with the support of their father, Flanagan How long have you been in business?

I’ve been involved since Siam Thai’s debut in 1993 and I became a director in 2002.

What makes your business successful?

Quality! It was instilled in me from a very young age that the quality of our food is indicative of the Siam Thai brand. We have therefore never been prepared to compromise on the quality, which is why we feel that we can celebrate our success over the past 21 years.

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

To reiterate my previous answer, I strongly feel that the quality of our food makes us stand out from our competitors.

Especially now with the addition of the Candlelight bar in the venues, we offer a full cocktail list, live music and comfortable surroundings.

How has the recession affected your business?

Customers nowadays are very financially aware, and disposable income is generally reduced as a result of the recession.

While footfall remained high, spend per head decreased.

started opening Siam Thai restaurants around Dublin. The largest premises is in Dundrum Town Centre and, with the success of the restaurant and the size of the venue, the siblings felt they could offer more to their customers.

The Candlelight bar was then created in 2014, upstairs above Siam Dundum. The bar offers award-winning cocktails and live music at the weekends. A Candlelight bar is due to open next month in the Siam Malahide venue. For further information, see www.siamthai.ie.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

It has always been important to us to strive to keep our prices competitive and still provide a high-quality product.

The impact of the recession is a key factor that drove us to convert some of our restaurant space into the Candlelight bars.

With fewer customers wanting to indulge in a full meal, we felt the Candlelight bar would offer an alternative.

Also, with a fantastic loyal customer base that we wanted to recognise and show appreciation for, we launched a loyalty card scheme three years ago.

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

Never compromise on the quality of your product – from my father, Peter Flanagan.

What is your ambition for your business?

My main ambition for the business is to stay true to the Siam brand and what it stood for, over the past 21 years.

In addition, I want to drive the Candlelight bar and create a brand in its own right.

Seda cofounder Tiago Mascarenhas: “The biggest difficulty was beating off the competition and establishing a good reputation.”

education: insight from english language facility

Building a reputation alongside the college  keith bellew

SEDA College, based on Capel Street, offers English language courses to international students.

Founded in 2009, the college has grown steadily and is attended by students from all over the world. This year, the college welcomed pupils from 41 different nationalities, including Brazil, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea, Malawi, Japan, Taiwan and South Africa.

Brazilian-born cofounder Tiago Mascarenhas said having so many different nationalities attending the college makes for a very interesting classroom environ-

ment. He said that they are constantly working towards attracting students of different nationalities.

According to Mascarenhas, Seda College focuses on vocational courses for students who are learning English, such as English for business, and English for IT, among others.

He said: “We have the [standard] English course and English courses for a specific purpose, that is for preparation for Cambridge or the IELTS [International English Language Teaching System].

“We have vocational programmes that are level four and level five; mainly

vocational certificates like diplomas in business and also IT.” Mascarenhas said the nature of the service the college provides meant that the difficult economic climate in which it was founded did not affect it much. He said the biggest difficulty was beating off the competition from other international destinations like the UK, and Canada, and establishing a good reputation.

He added: “The hardest part other than the competition was the reputation. You need to develop a reputation and once you have a strong name, it starts to get easier.

“We managed step by step without over com-

mitting ourselves with big loans or personal loans. We tried to go step by step, focusing on one thing then moving to the next thing and the next.”

Seda College welcomed 200 students when it first opened. This number has grown rapidly over the years and it now has an annual enrolment of about 2,000 students. It recently entered a partnership with the National College of Ireland (NCI) which will allow students transition to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at NCI, and can also avail of a scholarship worth €1,000.

For further information on Seda College, see www.sedacollege.com.

26 February 2015 Gazette 17

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Pets golden oldie could steal your heart

Steady … Irish film director Jim Sheridan carefully snips a roll of film to declare Bow Street Academy for Screen Acting in Smithfield officially open, as directors Paul O’Connor, Shimmy Marcus and Maureen Hughes look on. Picture: Photocall Ireland

bow street: curtains rise on acting academy’s latest incarnation

Great theatre at opening

 keith bellew

BOW Street Academy for Screen Acting in Smithfield was officially opened and launched recently by renowned Irish film director Jim Sheridan.

Instead of the traditional ribbon cutting for the ceremony, Sheridan cut a roll of film. He said: “I’m delighted to see The Factory evolve into Bow Street Academy for Screen Acting. I’ve seen first-hand the extraordinary calibre of actors coming through its programme for screen acting – both in class and on set. This building and this dream needs to be supported by us all.”

Originally set up as The Factory by filmmakers John Carney (Once) Kirsten Sheridan (Disco Pigs) and Lance Daly (Kisses), Bow Street is now run by cast-

ing director Maureen Hughes (Love/ Hate, Charlie), filmmaker Shimmy Marcus (Soulboy) and general manager Paul O’Connor.

Bow Street has trained more than 120 actors including recent Sundance Festival winner Jack Reynor, Peter Coonan, Seana Kerslake, Brian Gleeson and many more. The academy is now seen to the forefront of training for the next generation of film and TV actors.

Acting coach Gerry Grennell, who has worked with some of the biggest names in film including Marlon Brando, Tom Cruise, Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep to name but a few, is aligned to Bow Street. His concepts on screen acting form the foundation of all its training methods.

To add to the cinematic experience

of the event, a cart of Haagen Dazs icecream was set up in the screen room and the nearby Jameson Distillery welcomed their new neighbours by hosting a cocktail bar.

Speaking at the event, Grennell said: “What Shimmy, Paul and Maureen are doing here at Bow Street is like no other acting academy in Europe. I am thrilled to be part of something right from the start.”

Two major new partnerships with Screen Training Ireland and Spotlight UK were announced by Bow Street directors at the ceremony.

The collaboration with Screen Training Ireland will cement the academy’s reputation as the main training body for screen acting in Ireland, whilst aligning itself with Spotlight UK, which is often

referred to as the “home of casting” with more than 60,000 members worldwide.

It is expected that this will open doors for Irish actors to avail of thousands of new acting roles worldwide.

Maureen Hughes said the launch was a very important occasion for Bow Street.

She said: “We are thrilled to have had so many well known faces here to celebrate with us.

“As well as the full time year-long screen acting course, we are announcing tonight three exciting new acting courses – the advanced programme for screen acting, the beginners’ programme for screen acting and the young filmmakers’ academy for teenagers.”

For further information on Bow Street, see www.Bowstreet.ie.

the Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week this week is gorgeous golden oldie Copper.

She is an eight-yearold husky cross, and she arrived at Dogs Trust back in 2011 and was soon adopted. Sadly, after three years in her home, her sight began to deteriorate and her family could no longer care for her.

Copper is upset and confused as she has had to adapt to losing her sight, and now she’s trying to adapt to strange surroundings. She is a wonderful, loving dog who needs stability in her life.

Copper would do best in an adult-only home, possibly with another dog.

If you think you can offer Copper the home she deserves, then please call Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 or pop into the centre. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 26 February 2015

OUT&ABOUT

BITESIZEDNEWS

FOOD&DRINK Dillinger’s (Ranelagh) Classic Dillinger’s Burger €15

Blue Bar (Skerries) Nude Burger €12.50

Turn to Flora for a great lemon drizzle cake recipe

Some drizzle that you’ll be glad to see WITH Pancake Tuesday having just passed by, many of us still have a craving for a dish with a dash of lemon – so how better to satisfy that craving than whipping up a delicious Lemon Drizzle Cake?

You can find this tasty recipe, and many others, under www.flora.com/funguide, where you can bake a wide range of cakes, buns and other yummy fare with a little help from Flora.

Ingredients Main Cake 175 g (6oz) self-raising flour 1 level tsp baking powder 175 g (6oz) Flora Cuisine or Buttery 175 g (6oz) caster sugar 3 medium eggs 2 tbsp semi-skimmed milk Finely grated rind of 2 lemons Lemon syrup Juice of 2 lemons, strained 115 g (4oz) caster sugar Preparation • Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl, add the remaining cake ingredients and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.

• Spoon the mixture into a greased and base-lined 1kg (2lb) loaf tin.

• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C, 160°C fan, gas mark 4 for one hour or until cooked.

• Turn out onto a wire tray.

• Put the lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved.

• Whilst cake is warm, drizzle the syrup over so that it soaks into the cake.

• Serve and enjoy!

Jo’Burger (City centre) Argentinianstyle chorizo and chimichurri €11.95

Take5 EACH month, The Gazette will choose ‘five of the best’ foods in Dublin – everything from cocktails to coffees, steaks to sambos, and falafel to fajitas.

This week, we look at the best in burgers. Sometimes, there is nothing else for it but a whopping great burger, stacked with all the favourites, including melted cheese, lashings of bacon, crisp lettuce and the requisite mayo and ketchup.

These days, other toppings are muscling their way in, but sometimes the oldies are goldies.

So, this week, check out our top five burgers. Next month: cocktails – and you can send suggestions for five of the best to Gazette Newspapers’ Facebook page, or on Twitter @DublinGazette.

Elephant and Castle (Temple Bar) Char-grilled burger €10.25

Bunsen (Wexford Street) Cheeseburger €7.45

26 February 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

ARTS theatre: pinter’s the caretaker at the gate

Sweeps you along  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE Gate Theatre is continuing its strong relationship with playwright Harold Pinter and is now showing The Caretaker, the play which shot Pinter to great success in 1960.

In The Caretaker, Pinter’s grand themes take in the relationship between the cardinal virtues and the deadly sins.

It is said that no good deed goes unpunished, and actor Marty Rea’s character, Aston, soon learns this when the helping hand he offers a tramp is metaphorically bitten off - and sharply.

T h e t r a m p , D avies (played by Michael Feast), although a terrible racist and sponger, is at first a witty and congenial companion for the innocent Aston, who brings him home to live with him in a rambling old house which is done up as flats.

Instead of accepting the job as caretaker, Davies dodges doing any real work and soon resents Aston for being his benefactor.

The character of Davies is the most vocal and, as the eponymous caretaker, he rightly takes centre-stage in all the onstage action.

Feast does a fine job as the mercurial, self-serving chancer who pushes his luck way too far and reveals the brutality of his character despite himself.

He is much more akin to Aston’s older brother, Mick (played by Garrett Lombard), who is himself quite a geezer and not afraid to use his fists.

The two brothers, though diametrically opposed in terms of character, share a very strong filial bond that, despite Davies’ best efforts, cannot be broken.

Before Davies switches his favour to Mick, he and Aston appear to be

getting on beautifully, finishing each other’s sentences and rubbing along as well as two mutually suppor tive misfits can. They become like a Cockney Vladimir and Estragon.

Davies’ ego soon tires of such lowly companionship, however, and he sets his sights on trying to foster the friendship of Mick instead.

He woos Mick with his storytelling and humour and is full of tall tales and bluff about his past; the kind of thing the canny tramp knows will appeal to a flash hard man.

In contrast, Aston is a true misfit who opens his

Davies (Michael Feast) and Mick (Garrett Lombard). Picture: Patrick Redmond

heart to Davies, sharing his most painful recollections of time spent in a mental institution where he received electric shock treatment.

Rea plays Aston with a slow sadness and poetic, even visionary quality.

The climax of this role is reached when Aston is

betrayed by Davies, who, having failed to ally himself to Mick, crawls back begging to be let back into Aston’s affections.

Aston simply refuses with a resolve which is pure and absolute. It put me in mind of a quote from Milton’s Paradise Lost when Lucifer, made

to feel ashamed before the Archangel Gabriel, feels the full weight of “how awful goodness is”.

The Caretaker plays at The Gate until March 21. Tickets, priced from €25 to €35, are available through www.gatetheatre.ie or 01 874 4045.

Gazette

20 Gazette 26 February 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

TRAVEL NEWS

A suite at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

A refreshing break at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel  ian begley

I RECENTLY enjoyed a one-night stay at the remarkable and striking Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel (below), in the seaside town of Killiney.

Our room was very spacious and its style and layout were traditional, with contemporary elements here and there. As an added bonus, we had a magnificent view of the seaside from our balcony.

After we indulged in some tea and cakes at the hotel’s Library Bar, we headed to Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre for a guided tour around its grounds.

We were led by a number of medieval actors, who brought us back to the 15th century, providing us with some very interesting and entertaining facts about the castle and how people lived back then.

We then took a trip to Biddy’s Cottage in Dalkey, where we were treated to some oat cookies, topped with some fascinating tales from the magical world of folklore and old Ireland by Brighid McLaughlin.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed some pre-dinner cocktails at the Winter Garden, hosted by the hotel’s owner, Eithne Scott-Lennon Fitzpatrick, which was followed by dinner at the elegant PJ’s restaurant.

To start, I had Dublin Bay prawns, topped with fan-tailed avocado and herb mayonnaise, and for my main I enjoyed a succulent rack of lamb which was served with an array of fresh vegetables. My companion had the halibut fillet, which he enjoyed just as much. Overall, it was a really delicious meal, which everyone seemed to enjoy thoroughly.

The hotel’s Dungeon Bar was our next stop, and again the place was full of good cheer and its ambience was very relaxed.

The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is currently offering a range of St Patrick’s Day promotions, starting from €169. For further information on this package and other special offers, see fitzpatrickcastle.com.

Farnham Estate in Cavan offers world class health spa facilities

Mum’s the word: say thank you with a luxury pampering break

Make your mother’s day  ian begley

Make Mother’s Day extra special this year and say thank you to your mammy by taking her to one of the many luxurious overnight stays in Ireland’s most sought after hotels and resorts.

Slip away to Fota Island Spa in Cork this Mother’s Day and let the unwinding begin as you choose between a relaxing harmony facial or full body massage. Spend the evening savouring a sumptuous meal in Fota Restaurant for two before retiring to the bar for a drink or two or head straight off to bed and rise bright and early to make the most of the full Irish breakfast served fresh the following morning.

This package is available until March 30 from €358 for two people sharing. The price includes an overnight stay with truffles and sparkling wine on arrival, breakfast, an evening meal for two in Fota Restaurant and a spa treatment each.

Indulge in pure luxury at the luxurious Shelbourne Hotel and treat your mother to an overnight stay in this five-star hotel in a room with a view to impress.

This package at the Shelbourne is available from €349 per room and is valid until March 15. It includes the overnight stay with chocolate strawberries on arrival, an evening meal for two, use of the spa facilities and a full Irish the next morning.

Why not whisk your mother away for a relaxing countryside break at Farnham Estate, Cavan.

Spend time in the world class health spa facilities with unlimited access of the indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, water mint thermal suite, relaxation rooms and gym.

This deal includes an overnight stay, your buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and unlimited access to the spa facilities.

Say thank you to your mother with the gift of a relaxing pampering

experience at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Meath. Just 18km from Dublin city centre, it is the perfect place to escape the city for some pampering at Seoid Spa, without having to travel too far.

Spend a glorious day relaxing in the hydrotherapy pool and thermal spa along with a gorgeous range of blissful treatments. Afterwards, curl up in a cosy armchair in the terrace lounge to enjoy freshly baked hot scones served with tea and coffee.

The Mum’s the Word package is available from €89 per person, combined with an overnight stay and breakfast with a sumptuous three-course set evening meal in the award-winning restaurant from €159 for two people sharing.

With Ireland’s Blue Book, treat your mother to a night away at Wineport Lodge, Westmeath, and take some time to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. This package, which is valid from

Dunboyne Castle Hotel is the perfect place to escape the city for some pampering

March 15 to16, includes tea, coffee and scones on arrival in the lakeshore garden room and a relaxing back massage each in their treatment suite in the afternoon from €141pp Alternatively, pamper your mother with an overnight stay at Rathmullan House, Donegal, for €200pp from March 13 to 15.

This package includes a 45-minute massage or reflexology treatment with the in-house therapist, along with a special “wellness” afternoon on Saturday, March 14, which

will consist of a two-hour wellness workshop with Patricia Swann, a lecturer in holistic health.

You can also upgrade to a superior room with garden views for an additional €15pp per night.

Guests who do not wish to avail of the treatment and wellness package will receive a €40 credit to be used at their discretion in the hotel.

For more information on these offers, visit www. irelandsbluebook.com, www.hostandcompany.ie or contact any other these hotels or resorts directly.

26 February 2015 Gazette 21

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THE days are starting to get longer – yay! That can only mean one thing: spring is almost upon us, and fashion is about to get colourful. Floral prints, flowing monochrome, feet-freeing sandals and statement accessories are all making their way to fashion rails and wardrobes.

This week, Gazette Style takes a look at some styles set to cover the high street catwalk, from stores such as Heatons, Laura Ashley, New Look and Next. All these stores can be found at Westend Shopping Park, Blanchardstown, which is home to a variety of best-loved fashion and lifestyle retailers.

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THIS March, Max Factor is launching a three-in-one mascara that will have eyelashes oozing with glamour.

For Max Factor, the more slender the wand, the better it is for the lash by delivering a hit of volume and length to the lashes as well as offering precision application for a glam finish. The brand’s new Masterpiece Glamour Extensions 3-In-1 mascara aims to excel at delivering extra impact lashes by displacing more formula on the lashes in comparison to larger wands.

Max Factor make-up artist Caroline Barnes offers tips for achieving two looks.

For fanned-out lashes, she advises: “Use the wand through the lashes in stages. First, pull the inner lashes towards the interior of the nose, then pull the central lashes upwards and the outer lashes towards the temples.”

For intense volume, she advises: “Use the wand to wiggle at the base of the lash and then pull through.

That way, you can get enough mascara on the lash to create a volumised look without looking clumpy and overloaded.”

The new Max Factor Masterpiece Glamour Extensions 3-In-1 mascara is available nationwide this March, with a RRP of €13.99.

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Gazette

22 Gazette 26 February 2015

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26 February 2015 GAZETTE 23

o t e m a A.reDmember

Dame Zandra Rhodes in her office, and (right) green kaftan (€119) and scarf (€49), and black and white kimono (€129) and scarf (€49), both sets from the Zandra Rhodes for Colebrooke by Windsmoor spring/summer 2015 collection

 LAURA WEBB

IT’S not often you get to meet a great dame, and, my goodness, I was not disappointed with fashion legend Dame Zandra Rhodes (right).

In Dublin to reveal her capsule collection for Colebrooke by Windsmoor, which is debuting in Arnotts, Rhodes has been there, done that and worn the t-shirt when it comes to all things fashion and design.

In the industry for more than 50 years, she has styled many a celebrity but yet still manages to be humble in her work.

Sitting down with her on a glorious morning at The Morrison Hotel, Rhodes – who by the way is 74 – has an infectious character that brightens up your day, just like the vibrant clothes and hair she is renowned for.

You would think that after five decades in the industry, launching a new collection would be second nature and that

nerves wouldn’t come into it, but for Rhodes, that’s part of the package.

“I am still excited about bringing out a new collection but if I think about it too much I do get nervous, but it’s best not to think,” she laughed.

“I am very proud of the collection. I have had a great reception to it and it’s been great looking at different people wearing different parts, different ways, it’s been really fun,” she told The Gazette.

Like many designers, what can look fantastic on paper may not look so great in real life and this is something Rhodes is familiar with, saying she has had such designs and had to “cut them out” and move on.

“If it doesn’t work, you have to hope that you are strong enough to spot it and realise that it has to change. You don’t always know if it is going to work or not,” she said.

Asked what her secret to success in the fashion industry is, she said it’s the passion for the work that has kept her going.

“The fact [is] I love it – I like wearing clothes, I like designing prints, so I suppose it is all that. I can’t imagine myself not working in this industry.

When people ask what else would I do, I just don’t know what I would be suitable for except designing – I don’t have another job.”

Not many 74-year-olds can pull off neon pink hair, and this look has been with her since 1980.

“I am a textile designer, so early in the 70s I said to myself: ‘I don’t want to be blonde, my hair is only sort of black; why don’t I dye it a different colour?’ “ I worked with Leonard [her hair stylist] and

we perfected dying streaks in my hair. We did green, we did blue – because in those days you couldn’t buy those colours. So we dyed my hair green, then I had it blue, then purple, so I tried different things “Then in 1979 I went on a trip to China. I came back and did a lovely Chinese collection which I did in lovely jade green, and gorgeous burnt reds, and I said: ‘Red China, dye your hair pink’, so from that day on I have been pink.

“It is so easy to keep. I have it bleached every six weeks. I love it,” she said.

Just recently, Rhodes, who received a CBE in 1997, was honoured in her home country, when she was made a Dame.

“It is wonderful. I feel very honoured. When I first heard, I just felt very honoured. I received it on Friday the 13th” – not an unlucky day for Rhodes, so.

See her capsule collection for Colesbrooke by Windsmoor in Arnotts.

GAZETTE

STYLE

Gazette

24 gazette 26 February 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

big hero 6

Packs quite a punch DISNEY are on to a winner with Big Hero 6 (Cert PG, 114 mins), which has taken an obscure Marvel comic and created a colourful and thoughtful family-friendly hit.

Set in Japanese-inspired San Fransokyo, a teenage genius, his big brother, their friends – and Baymax, an inflatable medical robot – create one of the most energetic animated films in recent years, all set in a striking cityscape.

project almanac It’s about time

A GROUP of teenagers stumble across a time machine design in Project Almanac (Cert 12A, 106 mins), and decide to complete it. What could possibly go wrong? Well, plenty, as it turns out, as things soon spiral out of control in unexpected and serious ways as they jump about their lives. It’s clear that drastic action may be needed to undo the damage they’ve done ...

kingsman

Royally entertaining COLIN Firth yet again plays a suave Englishman, in this case required to be an unlikely but incredible spy in Kingsman (Cert 16, 129 mins). While the film doesn’t quite live up to the full-on trailers (in fairness, few films ever do), Kingsman still adds something a little different, and occasionally zany, to the superspy/supervillain genre, with Samuel L Jackson hamming it up.

The story of con artists Nicky (Will Smith) and Jess (Margot Robbie) may be a bit unfocused, but there’s undeniable on-screen chemistry between the pair

focus: crooks and romance don’t mix particularly well here

Con job needs sharpening up

GLENN Ficarra and John Requa, the writing and directing team behind I Love You Phillip Morris, and Crazy, Stupid, Love, reunite to take us on a bit of a rollicking heist movie (Focus) that has more twists and turns than Will Smith’s career – and funnily enough, also stars Will Smith.

Smith plays Nicky, a very slick and successful con artist who possesses an almost supernatural level of pickpocketing tricks, sleight-of-hand mastery, and other associated swindling skills.

Nicky may be top dog in the underworld, but the incessant urge to swipe everything from everybody means he isn’t too popular.

We meet Nicky eating alone in a restaurant where he watches a would-be con artist, Jess

 Dave phillips

(Margot Robbie) try to scam him.

He strings her along, and ends up taking her in under his wing – inducting her into his band of thieves.

So begins a rather elongated game of cat and mouse, as we follow the pair around the country on a mission to loot as much as possible, though we are never sure who is really playing who.

There’s a marked difference in tone to the earlier offerings by Ficarra and Requa, partly due to the cartoonish nature of the characters in Focus, but also partly due to the

casting.

Smith is never quite convincing as the conman who almost has it all, and while he does pull off the on-the-job pzazz, he seems oddly out of place when it comes to some of the grittier human elements that try, but fail, to break through to the story.

Thankfully, in Jess we have an instantly more accessible character, who manages to capture a more even picture of the highs and the lows of skulduggery.

Following on from a great performance in The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie works wonder-

fully here. She is versatile enough to breeze through the lighter scenes and strong enough to carry the bulk of responsibility when things get a little more serious.

It is the great on-screen chemistry between Robbie and Smith that keeps Focus rolling at the times it lets up. Because yes – obviously – they fall in love and that just complicates everything.

While there is the inevitable big job (the job that will mean “we can retire and never work again in this filthy busi-

ness again” level of job) brewing, the real focus of the film is on the relationship between Jess and Nicky.

Nicky is honest about being dishonest, and there’s a constant letting out and reeling in process in play with Jess.

We’re never quite sure whether Nicky is being genuine in his affection, or whether he is using Jess, or if Jess is using him. After things go a little sour, we join the gang three years on, and the mystery is deepened.

There are moments where this enjoyable tension is dragged out to the point of tedium in the middle, and

farce towards the end, but it doesn’t spoil the overall effect.

The problem with Focus is that it has a slight personality crisis – on the one hand, we have a light, funny, action movie.

On the other, there’s the serious, heavier side, full of scheming and highdrama.

They both can work okay, but the transition between them is turbulent and distracting. Think of Focus as a colourful romp across the criminal underbelly, and you’ll get by just fine.

Try to follow it as a serious heist movie, however, and you’ll end up just like one of the victims: you’ll be left feeling spun-out and confused, grumbling that your wallet is feeling lighter.

Verdict: 6/10

26 February 2015 gazette 25

Forza Challenge: weight loss supplement

Commitment helps to shift the pounds  suzanne sheehy

If you want to see results you have to be committed and have the will to succeed.

With weight loss it can be as simple as “eating less and moving more”.

Making some lifestyle changes and finding what works for you will make it a more realistic goal.

GazetteHealth recently met up with Lucy Kennedy who found what worked for her.

As expected she was her humorous self, and very honest as she spoke about her weight gain as a result of being a food lover and “the girl next door mum of two”.

“I work on an [evening] show so there’s food there all day, every day, the chefs come in and make two dishes. I don’t eat when I’m stressed, I eat when I see food, if it’s here, I’ll eat it.”

Post Christmas was the turning point for Kennedy.

“I decided after Christmas having eating selection boxes, going to parties, drinking wine, I easily put on a half stone. So I thought right January, I’m going to set myself a realistic target, which I did and which has worked” Kennedy took on the Forza challenge (a weight loss supplement) where she started a programme of two supplements, garcinia cambogia and raspberry K2.

This was along with a very healthy diet and exercise plan created by her personal trainer Olena Polyakova.

“Lucy was ver y determined and this is the biggest success to achieving good results.

So the first tips would be ‘you can do it, if you really put your mind to it,’ added Polyakova.

So why the Forza challenge?

“The Forza K2 appealed to me because it’s natural, and I wanted a supplement with a proven track record.

I also found the garcinia really helped me lose my cravings and made me feel full,” says Kennedy Kennedy lost 10% of her body weight in under a month. As with taking any supplement, making a major dietary change or starting an exercise programme, or if you are on medication, you should always consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional beforehand.

It is evident that a tailored workout routine for individual preferences, having a good nutrition plan along with the use of supplements to control cravings at the beginning are all contributing factors in Kennedy’s weight loss.

Personal trainer Polyakova offers this

advice when embarking on a weight loss challenge.

“In my personal opinion and years of experience, for successful weight loss, I would recommend to focus 70% on nutrition and 30% on exercises.”

Polyakova concludes by saying: “For people who’d like to make big changes I would suggest to start with achievable goals, weigh and measure yourself twice a week, everyday walk 10, 20 or 30 minutes, do 10, 15, 20 repetitions of squats or press ups, or abdominal exercises and do these exercises during advertisements, when you watch TV. What can be more simple?”

For more information you can check out Olena’s website at www. fitnessbyolena.com Forza supplements are available in Lloyds Pharmacies, Boots and Holland & Barrett for €27 each nationwide.

Lymphatic drainage massage  suzanne sheehy

Always on the lookout for what’s new in the city, I recently attended Studio Figura Dundrum and tried out a roll shaper machine.

This is a personal lymphatic massage programme used to massage the whole body.

The massage itself is like a work out with different levels of intensity.

You follow 18 easy steps and it lasts for 60 minutes. I never book myself in for massages, however the concept of the roll

shaper intrigued me.

Speaking to the therapist Inga Captari she explained the various health benefits including weight loss; cellulite reduction; improvement of skin tone, improvement of muscle tone, boosting energy and vitality.

I was guided through each step and helped find a comfortable position for each stage. Following the session my muscles did feel achy with slight fatigue. I was assured this was perfectly normal, as my

The roll shaper machine massages the whole body

body was getting rid of toxins that accumulated in the fatty tissues over the time.

Although a little unusual and not your typical massage it was a

good first time experience. Along with your session you are also given a personal nutrition plan and support using “in house” diet supplements.

Lucy Kennedy unveils her new figure after losing 10% of her body weight

Gazette

HEALTH

26 swords gazette 26 February 2015

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28 Gazette 26 February 2015

SPORT

FastSport Cluskey named in Davis Cup squad: SWORDS man James Cluskey will form part of Ireland’s Davis Cup team against Belarus in the BNP Paribas Euro/ Africa Zone Group II first round tie.

Sam Barry will lead the Irish team with Daniel Glancy as number two and they will be joined by doubles specialists Cluskey and David O’Hare for the tie which takes place at Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club from March 6-8.

Castleknock’s James McGee declared himself unavailable for the tie as he intends to travel to Indian Wells in the US to participate in the qualifying draw which commences on the Monday after the tie.

New Irish Davis Cup Captain Conor Niland said “We have a good side with plenty of experience and a team that is really looking forward to this home tie. “We are hoping to see the Irish tennis fans getting behind the players in what promises to be an exciting weekend in Castleknock.”

rugby: irish rugby star tells gazettesport of his home club

Jones’s roots in Seapoint  rob heigh

sport@dublingazette.com

HORSE-RIDING could have proven Felix Jones’s calling were it not for the welcome he received at Seapoint RFC during his formative years.

The current Irish international could have followed in the path of his three sisters who were all keen on the former sport but, from the moment Jones took to rugby, it was the only option for him.

“As soon as I went

Jones back in his Leinster academy days

down, I just loved it,” he told GazetteSport, wiping away any chance of an equestrian life.

While the former St Andrew’s College student has gone on to forge a successful career with Munster and Ireland, recently captaining the Irish Wolfhounds and being part of the matchday squad for the last two 6 Nations games, Seapoint remains very close to his heart.

“It’s very community based with a lot of families so generally if you speak to someone there, they will have a brother or sister also involved which makes for a great feeling.

“Having said that, they are very open to new guys coming in from local areas or from ‘rival areas’ like Blackrock who are

Felix Jones, second from left, on home turf with members of Seapoint

more than welcome to come down!

“The place has got so much going for it and is massively based on that community membership – the people who give up their Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings in the middle of the winter for no payment is the beauty of the club.”

As the club’s most famous son, Jones is an ambassador for the club’s Dragons, their special needs team, which he says is always his “first port of call” when he is in Dublin.

For now, though, home is very much in Limerick since his 2009 switch from Leinster to Munster, two years after he helped Seapoint to the All-Ireland Junior Cup.

He continued to play with the club until his professional career and while admitting it was something or a wrench to move from Seapoint, the pursuit of his dream was always an overriding factor.

“I wanted a career in professional sport. I wanted to kick on with my career with Munster and Ireland. That was the thought process. In terms of moving, I probably left my club career behind me in my mind at that stage and that I was going on to be a professional.”

And while he says living in Limerick is very different to life in south Dublin, Jones very much considers the Treaty City home.

“The Limerick people are very witty compared

to what I might have been used to at St Andrew’s.

What would constitute as craic there is completely different.

“Anyone that passes you in the street is willing to cut you down at any time, always in a quite jovial way. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing.

“Overall, there’s a lot of good people and I would probably call it home now.”

It has been the new base from which his career has launched and, after a number of injury-stricken years, he is keen to make the most of it with the Irish international team.

“Every rugby when they are a kid dreams of representing their country and go to a World Cup. I cherish every cap I can get.”

Bulls trample on Terenure as Lansdowne lose to UCD  sport@dublingazette.com

Clontarf at ruck time Picture: Deryck Vincent

REIGNING champions Clontarf put a huge dent in Terenure College’s bid to top the Ulster Bank League division 1A regular season table when they won 16-11 at Castle Avenue last Saturday.

It meant that, in spite of losing 38-31 to UCD, Lansdowne extended their lead at the top of the table courtesy of their two bonus points.

At Clontarf, USA international Liam Og Murphy’s disputed try proved the difference against

Terenure. They felt there had been a knock-on before flanker Murphy crossed the whitewash in the 54th minute, but referee Kieran Barry awarded it and David Joyce converted to add to his three first half penalties.

Nure’s hopes of hitting back were not helped by the subsequent sin-binning of replacement Kevin O’Dwyer, adding to earlier yellow cards for out-half Mark O’Neill and Clonarf’s Leinster winger Mick McGrath.

There was very little between the teams throughout, although Terenure would have been the

happier at half-time, trailing 9-8 despite playing into a stiff breeze.

An O’Neill penalty was followed by flanker Robert Duke’s 20thminute penalty, with Joyce replying off the kicking tee for the hosts.

During O’Neill’s sin-bin period, replacement James Thornton booted James Blaney’s charges back in front early in the second half. However, thanks to Murphy’s close range effort, the north Dubliners took the spoils to close within four points of Nure in the table.

Lansdowne’s loss to UCD

proved a hugely entertaining encounter that produced 10 tries in all - six for the students, including a brace for current Ireland Under-20 international Joey Carbery.

Carber y was a Leinster Schools Senior Cup winner with Blackrock College last year and won his first Ireland Under-20 caps recently against Italy and France.

Carbery, who plays at full-back or out-half, needed game-time and took on the impact sub role with aplomb once again, scoring two decisive second half tries.

26 February 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Tony’s 50,000km worldwide odyssey Tony Mangan recently returned to Dublin after four years running around the world; he tells EOGHAN McNEILL about his epic adventure, all in aid of charity Aware “THE IRONY of this is that there were people who questioned my own sanity doing this run,” says Tony Mangan (57) Outsider Magazine’s 2014 Outsider of the Year.

“Some of them still do,” he adds.

In October of last year, the Liberties man crossed the finish line of the Dublin Marathon in Merrion Square, completing the final leg of a four-year, 50,000km, round the world run in aid of mental health organisation Aware.

Having got the idea of running around the globe and not being quite able to shake it, Mangan took voluntary redundancy from his construction job in 2010 and began planning.

Aw a r e s e e m e d a strong choice of charity: “I would listen to a lot of talk radio, and was aware of the mental health issues people seemed to

have.

“It wasn’t being picked up, and I felt the charity needed a dig-out.”

Although at times he has questioned whether he “could have done more” for the organisation, he talks of people who have reached out to him thanks to his work: “One of my close friends – a real cool dude – sent me a private mail, telling me he suffered with depression. That shocked me,” he says.

A year and half into his run, Mangan had just crossed Bolivia into Argentina when he got the news that his mother was sick. She had cancer.

She was given two years to live; his run was expected to take three and a half.

“She knew this was my dream. I wanted to shorten the run, but she wouldn’t let me,” he said.

With the support of his

mother and the feeling he had “a duty” to complete his journey, Mangan continued, not relying on, but pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers along his way: “It was five days before Christmas. It was cold; it was snowing. I had just crossed the US-Canadian border into the state of Maine.

“The US border patrol weren’t sure whether they’d give me a visa or not; they were kicking my stroller’s tyres.

“Finally, they checked my blog, and asked me was I the guy who was running across the world, sleeping under bridges or wherever I could find. “‘Why yes officer,’ I replied.”

Mangan explained he needed a six-month visa to make it across the States; the immigration officers complied.

He was a few miles down the road when a

Tony Mangan at the finishing line of his round the world run

pickup truck pulled up alongside him: “My fiancee works in immigration – you must be the guy I’m looking for,” said the driver, before handing him a Christmas card with a 20 dollar bill inside.

“That just signified the American attitude for

let me sleep inside.”

Taking in South and Central America, Europe and Australasia, and including a 900km run under escort from secret police in the recently liberated Burma, his run brought him to the Welsh village of Holyhead.

From there, a ferry to

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

‘US border patrol asked me was I the guy running across the world, sleeping under bridges?’ - Tony Mangan

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

me. It was like that from coast to coast.”

He tells stories of drivers who, having heard of the Irishman on a round-the-world run, would shout directions to their house as their car passed, insisting he stay a night. The people of Iran offered a similar welcome: “I’m not talking about the politics of the place – I’m talking about the people.”

Having used his blog and social media to connect with supporters in the US, Mangan found Facebook and other social networks censored by the Iranian government.

Meetings with those willing to help were serendipitous: “People would stop me in the streets, and bring me to their local mosque and

Howth, and a truck stop breakfast with his waiting mother before the final run of his journey.

“We had a moment over breakfast in Howth.

We’re very close. That was more important to me than finishing the run in Merrion Square,’ he says.

Although it will take Mangan a year to get over the fatigue of running 50km a day for four years, he still occasionally misses “the road, the lifestyle”.

He has his next trip planned, one which comes courtesy of a holiday voucher – part of his prize as Outsider of the Year.

“I’m waiting for the weather to pick up, but I’d like to see the Ring of Kerry. I don’t have a car though, and I definitely won’t be running there!”

fastSport

Hermes reach Senior Cup final with Cork win HERMES hockey club will face the Ulster Elks in the final of the women’s Irish Senior Cup following their victories over Cork Harlequins and Sandymount side Railway Union, respectively, in contrasting ties last Saturday.

The former, going for their fifth title having last won it nine years ago, got the better of Quins 3-0 in Farmer’s Cross in front of a big crowd despite cold, windy conditions.

Karen Bateman gave them an early scare but Emma Gray’s strong block kept out that early chance and, within a minute, Sinead Loughran, pictured, gave Hermes the lead with a great run from halfway before finishing low into the bottom left hand corner.

And one became two just before half-time when Loughran again instigated the attack, racing down the middle before setting Caitriona McGilp for a simple finish for 2-0 at half-time.

Harlequins bounced back in the second half, Alex O’Grady winning the first corner of the tie which Cliodhna Sargent shot just wide. Rachael Kohler and Bateman won further corners but they could not convert – Sargent struck one over backboard height to be disallowed.

Hermes scored from their set piece with 11 minutes to go when Christine Quinlan shot home on the switch to seal the victory and a first final berth since 2011.

Ulster Elks, meanwhile, will play in their first ever Irish Senior Cup final after they got the better of 2013 champions Railway on penalties.

The Jordanstown hosts hit the front when Megan Frazer dispossessed the Dubliners in midfield and counter-attacked at pace, setting up Laura McAlpine for the goal. Zara Delany equalised 25 minutes in from a good corner move, getting a touch at the back post.

From there, chances were few and far between with both sides battling hard with Emma Smyth and Kate Lloyd impressing for Railway while Frazer and Shirley McCay led the Elks’ charge as the game headed through extra time without further scores.

After the first 10 strokes were all scored, Railway missed in round six while Frazer scored to win the shoot-out 6-5.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 26 February 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: celtic through to last eight in all-ireland cup

Thunder struck down

by Killester comeback KILLESTER came from behind to beat Travelodge Swords Thunder, despite failing to score in the first quarter of their men’s basketball Premier League tie last weekend, 74-62.

Swords Thunder were 14-0 heading into the second quarter before Jermaine Turner and Michael Westbrooks combined to haul Killester back into the game and nine points in a row from John Behan ensured that the visitors held a remarkable 33-30 lead at half time.

Thunder went further behind before Juan Torres and Kevin Lacey started improving their percentages and by the end of the third quarter, the home side were back in front 53-50.

Jermaine turner re-energised the Killester attack when he stole for the breakaway dunk mid-way through the final quarter. It was basket for basket until 2 minutes remaining and Patrick Sullivan’s three-pointer and quick fire baskets Ciaran Roe and Michael Westbrooks had Killester in the ascendancy. A 12-0 run saw out the game for the 2014 League Champions against a Swords side who will have to regroup before a trip to Neptune Stadium on Sunday.

Lacey top scored for Swords with 18 points while Torres landed 15 points with Isaac Westbrooks ending with nine points.

The result sees Killester close the gap to second placed Swords though the ALSAA side have a game in hand.

C&S UCC Demons, however, were confirmed as the Basketball Ireland Men’s Premier League Champions after a 112-81 win over UCD Marian.

Portrane cup semi snowed off PORTRANE HC’s Irish Hockey Challenge semi-final with Armagh was abandoned last Saturday due to snow in the first half of their tie.

The fixture’s start was initially delayed due to the snow but a thaw looked to have

allowed them to get under way before weather conditions deteriorated to see the game called off once and for all.

Portrane are battling for a place in the final against Dublin University after they swept past the challenge of Lucan side Weston in the other semi-final of the competition.

The Swords Celtic Under-15 side that beat Ringmahon Rangers 5-0 last weekend

Swords cruise in Cork  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

THERE are no fears of away day blues for Sword Celtic’s Under-15 Premiers as Eddie Darcy’s side booked their place in the quarter-finals of the SFAI All-Ireland Cup last weekend with a 5-0 win over Ringmahon Rangers in Cork.

On a wet and cold day on the edge of Lough Mahon, east of Cork City, the north Dublin side managed to keep their composure along with the ball for the majority of the game and swiftly moved into

the last eight in the country.

A brace from recent Republic of Ireland debutant Jordan Maguire, with added strikes from Reality Osuoha, Paul Roche and Jamie Coyne sealed the win which means Celtic will travel back to Cork once again in three week’s time to face Lakewood Athletic in the quarters.

That trip to Lakewood will be Swords’ fourth away tie in five fixtures in the SFAI this season, having travelled to Meath and Cavan before hosting Portlaoise prior to the Ringma-

keane’s galaxy Irish legend shows his support at Gannon Park ROBBIE Keane and his LA Galaxy team

mates held a special training session on their visit to Ireland last week as they took on a team of Special Olympics Ireland footballers at Malahide United’s Gannon Park.

This is the second time Keane has trained with the athletes as part of Keane and his wife Claudine’s support for the 88 Irish athletes heading to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

hon game.

Speaking to GazetteSport after the win, Darcy said: “It was a great team performance, what delighted us was that we managed to keep the ball for most of the game. To win 5-0 in the last 16 rarely occurs b u t we t h o r o u g h l y deserved it.”

The manager led this team to the quarter-final stage three years ago at Under-12, but unfortunately they fell at that hurdle. He is now determined to go one better after watching the team improve year on year.

“We have been there

before, which I think will help us,” he said.

“To be completely honest, my ambitions at the start of the season for SFAI were to make the last eight. We’ve done that now so it’s time to kick on now and make the semis.”

Darcy was keen to point out his pride that this team are very much a Swords outfit, which is sometimes not the case with sides who reach the latter stages of national competitions.

He said: “This is very much a local side. I mean 90% of the lads are from Swords. We’re

not like one of the bigger teams that draft players in from ever y where.

Also, 90% of the team have been together since Under-10s. It wouldn’t be normal for a local team to go so far in the All-Ireland so we’re absolutely delighted with the progress they’re making.”

With the side also leading the NDSL Premier Division, a player receiving international honours, and a place in the last eight of the SFAI, you could say this team is a reflection of the progress at Swords Celtic overall.

26 February 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

junior joy

Finian’s start campaign with three-point victory

Club Noticeboard fingallians

ST FINIAN’S junior footballers, pictured,

got their season off to a flying start in AFL Division 8 as they got the better of Na Fianna 2-7 to 0-10 last weekend in Rivervalley Park.

The Swords’ club led 1-5 to 0-6 at half-time and managed to maintain their lead for the remainder of the game with a second half goal keeping their nose in front.

2015 will be a big year for hurling in the

subs if members wish to be included in

club - for the first time, our minor A

the allocation of All-Ireland hurling

hurlers will play in Division 1 and our B

and football final tickets in September.

team will play Division 4.

Forms are available from the club bar

The season started on Sunday morn-

hurling: tyrone puncture early promotion push

or on www.fingallians.com

ing with our A being defeated away to

The coaching committee will be host-

St Brigid’s and our B squad beating

ing a teacher appreciation evening

Bray Emmets at home. The squad

this Thursday, February 26 at 4pm in

would like to thank their kit sponsor

the club for all the staff members that

for the year Brian Fitzsimons from

help out with the running of Gaelic

ABCO KOVEX.

Games in their schools and continue

The adult football league season also

to show their support to our club.

started this weekend. Our Division 11

We would like to invite the members/

team beat Man O War and our Division

mentors so we can all acknowledge the

6 team were beaten by BOI.

hard work that the teachers do in the

This is the final week for membership

promotion of Gaelic Games.

st sylvester’s

Fingal’s hurlers led going into injury time against Tyrone but succumbed to two late points.

Fingal stunned by Casey’s late show nhl division 3a

Fingal 1-15 Tyrone 1-16  sport@dublingazette.com

DAMIEN Casey and Conor Gogan struck in injury time to deny Fingal victory in the second round of Division 3A of the Allianz Hurling League last Sunday despite putting in a big performance at Lawless Park.

T he nor th Dublin region had held sway as the clock ticked past 70 minutes with JohnMatthew Sheridan’s seven-point salvo allied to Eoin O’Connor ’s

goal putting them in the frame for the two points.

But Tyrone’s leading light, Casey, provided the late impetus to deny Fingal a second win of the campaign after last week’s success against Fermanagh.

It was nip and tuck for much of the game with the Ulster side hitting the front when Gerard Gilmore got the opening goal of the game to help them lead 1-6 to 0-8 at the break.

Fingal, though, responded in kind with O ’ C o n n o r ’s t e r r i f i c major to bring them

right back into the game. Indeed, they led by a four-point cushion 20 minutes from time.

Casey, though, was unerringly accurate – ending up with 11 points to his name – to keep them tipping along.

They looked to be on down and out when Shea McIver was redcarded but Matthew Mulgrew and Conor G r u g a n we r e o t h e r players who stepped up to the mark in the scoring stakes and it was the latter who whipped over the winner.

P a u l G r ave s h a d pushed Fingal in front

as the game headed into injury time before Tyrone’s late show of two points stole the show.

Fingal’s next outing is on March 8 when they host Roscommon at Fingallians before travelling to Monaghan in what looks to be an incredibly tight league.

Of the six sides involved, Monaghan and Tyrone lead the way on three points while there are three more sides on two points at this stage, making every game of vital importance in the race for promotion.

THERE are great numbers attending

the website and also available each

the juvenile academy which continues

Saturday.

each Saturday at Broomfield for boys

With all teams now up and running

and girls aged four-to-seven, 1.30pm.

for the new season, a reminder that

The fun of these youngsters learning

membership fees for 2015 are due

Gaelic football and hurling is wonder-

with family, student and individual

fully captured in a sequence of pho-

options.

tographs taken at the academy on

The Syls’ ladies’ football section are

Saturday - it is worth viewing on the

hosting a gala race night in the club-

club website.

house on March 28. Those wishing to

Don’t forget, there is a great range

support through sponsorship or pur-

of club gear available through the

chasing horses are asked to contact

online shop which can be accessed on

Mick Stuart.

st finian’s THE adult football season started this

formances from the lads but special

weekend, with both our intermedi-

mention must go to Ronan White who

ate and junior teams having home

put in a great performance on his

fixtures, versus Ballyboughal and Na

debut at adult level.

Fianna respectively.

The inters came up against a very strong Ballyboughal side and suffered

Well done to the Under-9, 10 and 11 hurlers who completed their indoor hurling season in Gormanston.

a heavy defeat. The juniors gave the

Our adult hurlers have their first

supporters who turned out on a very

fixtures next weekend and are fielding

nasty morning for weather something

two adult teams this year. Any hurlers

to cheer about with a three-point win

who have moved to the area are wel-

over Na Fianna.

come to join. They will play in Division

There were plenty of stand out per-

4 and Division 9.

fingal ravens WELL done to the second team who had a great win over St Jude’s in the league last Sunday.

information.

The club are running a Predict the 2015 Provincial Football Champion-

Our seniors play St Vincent’s at

ship competition - entry forms will be

home on Sunday, March 1 at 10.30am in

distributed to all teams over the next

the cup. The second team play Naomh

two weeks. Closing date for receipt of

Barrog away on Sunday at 12pm.

all entries is April 30.

The third team play Rosmini Gaels away on Sunday at 3pm in the cup.

Well done to the club’s Operation Transformation group who saw fan-

Memberships for 2015 must be paid

tastic results over the last seven

in full by March 31 - membership forms

weeks. Special thanks to Elaine Casey

are now available. Please note that

for organising.

membership can also be paid online

The club would like to send best wish-

via myclubfinances.com - please see

es to Chuck Kennedy and also wish

the club Facebook page for further

Michael Manning a speedy recovery.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 28-31

super celts: Swords side pushes on to last eight phase of the SFAI All-Ireland Cup with fine show P30

feb 26 - mar 4, 2015

mangan’s world jog: One Dubliner’s incredible journey around the globe P29

James Cluskey is thrilled to line out against Belarus in front of friends and family in Castleknock next week

Cluskey to face his idol

Following selection for the Irish Davis Cup team, Swords tennis star could come up against one of his childhood heroes Max Mirnyi

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

LOCAL tennis star James Cluskey was served some good news recently when it was announced he would represent Ireland in the Davis Cup at Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club between from March 6 to 8.

Cluskey was named as part of a four-man team to take on Bulgaria in the First Round tie of the BNP Paribas Euro/Africa Zone Group II first round tie. Sam Barry will lead the team with Daniel Glancy, while Cluskey is one half of a doubles duo with fellow Dubliner David O’Hare.

Speaking to GazetteSport about being

named in a squad for a home tie, Cluskey said: “It’s always great to play at home.

“There’s only one professional tournament in Ireland, the Futures event in Fitzwilliam, but obviously I’ve been play a lot of Challenger level tournaments [a grade above] and so don’t always get to play.

“So when you do get to play at home, it’s great in front of friends and family; it’s really special and I’m really excited.”

The Swords man adds that is very different from being out on the road on his own, travelling to some of the world’s more obscure destinations, and he loves the team dynamic.

“Davis Cup has a different kind of feel.

You’re very comfortable when you play at home and of course you’re in the team environment where you have everything taken care of.

“All of us guys in the Irish tennis set up know each other well; you’re with your friends basically so it’s a great time compared to when you’re on your own for long parts.”

The two teams met last year at the exact same stage when Bulgaria ran out 4-1 winners in Minsk.

Cluskey is familiar with the opposition, having faced Max Mirnyi and Alexander Bury last year with O’Hare.

Facing Mirnyi in particular is extra special for the Swords native, he explained. The

Belarussian has won over $10m (€8.8m) and is a former doubles world number one with Cluskey adding he was one of his idols growing up.

“The first Davis Cup tie I went to as a kid to watch was Ireland vs Belarus and I saw Mirnyi play. To end up playing him last year, where we had match point and lost in five sets in a really close match was one of my best memories in tennis.

“I’m not sure if he will play the doubles this year but I know the other guys and I’m really excited to face them.”

The winners of the tie will face a second round match against either South Africa or Turkey from the July 17-19.