Metro Herald, Thursday, May 8, 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Gritty in pink

edizione italiana

Win! Win! Win!

Penneys festival wardrobe

»p8

Time to saddle up as Giro d’Italia rolls into town »p20

Alan Shattered

Minister resigns over Garda scandals THE GOVERNMENT is to set up a full-scale state inquiry into alleged police corruption after the Minister for Justice dramatically resigned over his role in the affair.

Alan Shatter, a veteran within senior coalition partner Fine Gael, has stood down just weeks after the Garda chief Martin Callinan stunned the country with his resignation amid a storm of controversies involving his force.

Mr Shatter, who also serves as Defence Minister, told Taoiseach Enda Kenny he was offering to stand down after reading a Government-ordered report into the handling of whistleblower allegations of widespread Garda wrongdoing and malpractice.

A dossier by serving Sergeant Maurice McCabe has rocked the force.

In a bid to calm growing tensions over a series of scandals, the Government asked a senior

by briAn huTTon criminal barrister to examine ten sample cases – including alleged murder, abduction and assault – which Sgt McCabe claims were not properly investigated.

The 300-page report, to be published on Friday, was given to Mr Kenny and Mr Shatter last night.

‘Malpractice’: Sergeant McCabe

Announcing the resignation in the Dáil, Mr Kenny said the report found Mr Shatter to be ‘inadequate’ in his obligation to be independent in his investigation of the whistleblower allegations.

‘The Minister, having read the report and considered its implications, has sent me his resignation which I have accepted with regret,’ he said.

Mr Kenny said he did not demand Mr Shatter’s resignation.

In his resignation letter, Mr Shatter said he was offering to stand aside in the interests of his party and the Labour Party ahead of upcoming elections.

‘I am anxious that any controversy that may arise on publication of the report does not distract from the important work of the Government,’ he wrote.

‘The only way in which such controversy can be avoided is by my offering you my resignation’.

TO PAGE 4

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”A TASTE OF EUROPE” 43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 at 12:30 Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it

www.euireland.ie

METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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Thursday 08/05/14

Today is...

VE Day Victory in Europe Day commemorates the day in 1945 when the Allies formally accepted the end of World War II. The unconditional surrender of Germany was signed at Rheims on May 7 and ratified at Berlin on May 8

How to contact us

ClOCkwORd CLOCkwORD

Email:

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Ireland’s rate of newsprint recycling is now up to 79%.

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you.

Today’s birthdays

Social media Facebook.com/ metroherald

@metrohnews #metromailbox

David Attenborough, naturalist, 88; Jack Charlton, former footballer and Ireland manager, 79 (pictured); Enrique Iglesias, singer, 39; Martha Wainwright, singersongwriter, 38.

The solutions from 1 to 12 are all sixletter words ending with the letter N in the centre. Moving clockwise from 1, the letters in the outer circle will spell out the name of a British pop singer.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Concealed Flag Greek sea Pub Occur Number Go back Church

9.

10.

11.

12.

n

employee Edge Cropped up Body of water Decrease

Yesterday’s solution:

Yesterday’s Boris Spasskysolution: Ray Stevenson

QUIZ ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Ragdoll. WHO AM I? Leona Lewis. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Russell Crowe; Real Tennis; The roof of Apple Studios, London; 1866.

Weather Weather Today

Max: 17°c

Mostly dull and overcast at first with outbreaks of rain. It will turn brighter and drier in parts with sunny spells developing and a few scattered showers.

Temperatures between 12°C and 17°C in fresh southwesterly winds.

13�C

Derry

Donegal

13�C

12�C Belfast

Cavan

Galway

16�C

Athlone

Dublin

15�C

Tipperary

13�C

Waterford

Tralee

Cork

Tonight

17�C

16�C Sunrise: 5.38am Sunset: 9.07pm

Min: 6°c

A mix of cloud and clear spells with passing showers, in particular affecting the western half of the country. Temperatures between 6°C and 9°C in moderate to fresh westerly breezes.

EUROPE today

Tomorrow A bright and very breezy day with sunny spells and occasional showers.

Some of the showers will be heavy across the north midlands.

Temperatures between 11°C and 15°C in fresh westerly winds

11�C 13�C 15�C 11�C

14�C

12�C 14�C 15�C Max: 15°c

Athens

25 °c

Barcelona

21 °c 18 °c

Berlin Brussels London

13 °c 12 °c

22 °c Madrid 30 °c

Geneva

Paris Rome

16 °c 21 °c

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 METRO HERALD

25-year-old singing nun becomes internet star after Italy’s The Voice

Cristina’s vow to be divine singer by bRiAn DiffnEy AS ACTS from around Europe converge on Copenhagen for this weekend’s Eurovision, a nun who says God is making use of her wish to be a singer has achieved devoted status on Italy’s version of The Voice.

Sister Cristina Scuccia, 25, has found her vocation, in more ways than one.

So far, dressed in full habit, she has belted out renditions of No One by Alicia Keys, which topped 47million views on YouTube, and Hero

by Mariah Carey. Pitted against another contestant, she won a duet of Cyndi Lauper’s 1980s hit Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Cristina’s backstory is X-Factor gold. After enrolling at drama school sponsored by nuns, the artistic director – a former Italian erotic film actress, of all things – redirected her career.

But hopes for a performance before the Pope at St Peter’s in Rome were dashed after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals.

Cristina decided instead to become a nun. She travelled to Brazil to work with the poor and then returned to a convent in Milan. Then one day, she won a Christian singing competition, and had her first audition on Italy’s The Voice.

There, dressed in a full habit, with the crowd on its feet and a tattooed rap-star judge fighting back tears, she belted out a hip-shaking rendition of No One that brought down the house and quickly went viral on the Internet.

Gossip magazines have since splashed her on their covers.

‘My dream was to be a singer,’ Sr Cristina said in her only interview, with Italian state news agency, Ansa.

‘The Lord has made use of my wish to call me to him, and is taking me to realise my dream in a way that I could have never imagined.’

Voice of an angel: Sister Cristina sings on Italy’s The Voice.

Watch the video on

‘It’s over’: Kieran and Katy

Pregnant Katie tweets plans to get divorced SCORNED Katie Price went on the warpath yesterday after accusing her husband of cheating on her with her best friend.

The pregnant former glamour model announced her marriage to 27-year-old Kieran Hayler was over as she publicly claimed he did the dirty on her with married Jane Pountney, 49.

Mother-of-four Price, who is expecting her second child with Hayler, ranted on Twitter against the pair.

‘Sorry to say me and kieran are divorcing him and my best friend jane pountney been having a full blown sexual affair for 7 months,’ the 35year-old wrote.

‘Kieran is a disgusting human being doing this after I’ve just had a baby and still doing it till I caught them. No human being deserves this especially being 6 months pregnant.’

Price confronted Ms Pountney over the affair at her home in Hove. The pair were joined by stripper-turnedplasterer Hayler and Ms Pountney’s husband Derrick.

Ms Pountney has not officially responded to Price’s accusations, but an account claiming to be Ms Pountney’s official Twitter read: ‘What Katie is saying is complete bulls*** to put it bluntly.’

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METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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However, Mr Shatter said he had only read three chapters of the report and agreed there should be a statutory inquiry.

Tánaiste and Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said Mr Shatter’s resignation was inevitable, adding: ‘He was Minister for

Justice in difficult economic times and he has a record of which he should be proud.’

But Clare Daly – one of a small number of Independent TDs who have been a force in exposing claims of Garda malpractice – attacked the Government for standing by the early riser.

‘It’s not the time you

get out of bed at that’s important, it’s what you do with that time,’ she said. ‘While not bearing any personal grudge against Mr Shatter, I would say that everybody on this side of the house is only amazed that it has taken this long. In other jurisdictions he would have been long gone.’

Two weeks of summer are on their way IRELAND’S ‘summer’ will begin next week but end abruptly at the end of May, forecasters have warned.

Meteorologists have predicted the sunniest periods of the year are likely to occur before meteorological summer officially begins – between mid-May and the end of this month.

An updated long-range forecast from Exacta Weather has confirmed earlier predictions of a ‘colder and wetter’ season, with just a few bursts of warm, settled weather between June and August.

But James Madden, meteorologist with Exacta Weather, said the country, particularly parts of the west and southwest, can expect sustained temperatures up to the mid-20s from later next week to the end of the month.

He said: ‘As we progress throughout May, a notable period of widespread and sustained warmer weather conditions is likely to develop, in particular from the middle part of the month.

‘There will be lengthy sunshine for many parts of Ireland throughout this

by nick bRAMHiLL period, with warmer than average temperatures.

‘This is likely to be a significant period of exceptionally warm and settled weather, which is likely to continue into the start of the meteorological summer, which is the start of June.

‘The south-west and west coast are likely to see temperatures hitting the low to mid-20s and these areas are likely to experience the sunniest weather too.’

However, Mr Madden, whose team predicted last year’s record-breaking summer, said there was no change to the forecast he announced last month of a summer washout this year.

He added: ‘It will be a more nearaverage summer in terms of overall temperatures and overall rainfall amounts and possibly wetter and colder than average in some parts, especially if the Jet-Stream decides to dominate with a more southerly track during the periods of expected warmth.’

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 METRO HERALD

Finance department chief quits after year and a half

by ED cARTy

DREss DAncE: Singer Imelda May has fun with Ava Leahy, 6, at the launch of the Down Syndrome Centre’s Buy My Dress campaign, inviting women to dig out dresses from their wardrobes and donate to the oneday event in the RDS on Sunday May 25 picture: patrick bolger

One of the top civil servants in the Government has resigned after less than a year and a half.

John Moran took up the position as head of the Department of Finance in December 2012 after being brought in from the Central Bank and spending five years running juice bars in France.

Finance Minister Michael noonan paid tribute to the former secretary general, saying he had been involved in every significant decision taken by the department during the three bailout years.

Mr Moran was responsible for all banking policy matters, management of the State’s shareholding in banks and reform and reorganisation of the Irish banking sector after they were rescued. He first worked as the second secretary general in the Department of Finance replacing Kevin Cardiff as banking division head.

After time spent working for Zurich Capital Markets in Dublin, Sydney, London and new York, where he rose to CeO and various positions, including working for two different new York law firms, Mr Moran left the financial world in 2005 to work in the Languedoc region in France where he ran a juice bar.

In an email to Department of Finance staff, Mr Moran said his work in assisting the recovery of the Irish banking sector was now done. ‘I had always viewed this as a mission with a fixed purpose not a long-term venture,’ Mr Moran said. ‘I believe it is now an opportune time to hand over the baton to a successor who can continue the job well under way.’

Leap Card move means 11% higher fare TRANSPORT chiefs have effectively increased fares for some Dublin Bus/ Luas commuters by ten per cent in a move to simplify the fare structure.

The Combi ticket was one of a number phased out this month as Dublin Bus migrated its paper ticketing to the Leap Card system.

The weekly Combi ticket cost €36, however, daily Leap Card adult fares,

which allow travel on Dublin Bus, Luas, Dart and Commuter rail services, are capped at €10 and weekly fares at €40.

One Metro Herald reader said his daily commute involves bus and Luas from Dublin 15 to Leopardstown via the city centre. He used a €36 Combi ticket but now has to pay €4 extra a week before he hits the Leap Card

cap. Buying separate weekly Dublin Bus and Luas tickets would cost him €51, he said.

A spokeswoman for the National Transport Agency confirmed that it is ‘changing the fares structures, with a view to simplifying them over time’.

She said Dublin Bus/Luas tickets are available as TaxSaver tickets, which cost as little as €58 per month.

Property sales see increase across country THE recovery in the property market has spread outside Dublin and other urban areas.

Research from MyHome.ie shows an increase in property sales in all counties bar Laois.

The figures show an 18 per cent increase in the number of property sales recorded in 2013 compared to the previous year.

Some 10,000 of 29,772 sales were in Dublin, but the capital’s 17 per cent increase was surpassed by counties Kildare and Meath (up 24 per cent) and Wicklow (up 23 per cent).

Ombudsman in attack on public service secrecy THE Ombudsman has attacked bastions of secrecy inside the public service who he said were resisting right-to-know laws. Peter Tyndall, who took over from Emily O’Reilly last year, said some public servants – who grew up in ‘the old days’ – were holding out against moves towards openness.

Launching his annual report, Mr Tyndall said: ‘My observation would be there are bastions of secrecy,’ adding that some still had a ‘culture’ of withholding information.

Flag and figure

Travel costs: Luas

ITALY FACTS: Like Ireland, the president of Italy is a ceremonial figure. The prime minister, as head of government, runs the entire country. Italy’s national tricolour is green, white and red, which mean hope, faith and charity, respectively.

METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

Virtual visit to doctor’s with digital body model A TRIP to the doctor could soon involve a computer simulated model of your body.

The Virtual Physiological Human project creates a digital replica to predict the effects of treatment.

It could treat conditions from heart and lung diseases, bone fractures and Parkinson’s, developers at Sheffield University Insigneo Institute say. It could be used to end the testing of new drugs on animals.

Within 48 hours, the virtual human could provide predictions of a drug’s effectiveness on a patient and greatly improve the accuracy of recognising patients at risk of diseases. The university was due to demonstrate the technology today.

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In a man’s world, can football’s first manageress be next Mourinho?

Forget the Special One, Helena is the Only One...

MOVE over, Mourinho – there’s a by NICOLE LE MARIE new Special One in charge.

Like the Chelsea boss, this new as one of Europe’s best tacticians football coach is Portuguese and is but her man-management skills will said to possess the same pragmatic be put to the ultimate test – after being appointed as the first female ‘win at all costs’ style of boss of a men’s team in one of management as José Europe’s elite leagues.

Mourinho.

The 36-year-old will take Helena Costa even charge of French Ligue 2 studied under her felside Clermont Foot 63 next low countryman at season. The appointment Stamford Bridge in has raised eyebrows, 2005, where players with the club’s striker dubbed her the Remy Dugimont ‘Mourinho in pettelling L’Equipe: ticoats’.

She is regarded Pioneer: Costa worked in Iran ‘It is a big surprise

but it will create a buzz and be a unique experience. I’m not macho.

She has worked in the profession.

The boys know how it works.’

Ms Costa was a scout at Scottish champions Celtic, has coached Benfica’s male youth teams and has been the boss of the Iran women’s team since 2012.

Clermont hope her appointment will herald ‘a new era for the club’.

But she will be hoping she fares better than Carolina Morace, the last woman to take charge of a men’s team in Europe – she lasted just two games at Italian third division side Viterbese in 1999, before quitting.

The boss: Ms Costa is first female boss of an elite men’s team

wholly thursday

Chatty, cheaty and the absolute masters of chipper chips, KEN ROGAN has developed a deep appreciation for all things Italian

I

n this great zoo of humanity, is there a more beautiful creature than the Italian? We Irish are mere cows to their peacocks, dull and muddy beside their extravagant, spectacular colour.

This weekend, the Italians will be providing spectacle and colour in the form of a bike race that will merrily showcase the glens and valleys, and cows, of this fair land.

It will be bright, and bold, although beautiful is probably pushing it.

I doubt Carla Bruni rides a pushbike, but if she did, she wouldn’t restrict herself to just one.

‘Monogamy bores me,’ she once famously opined. Jaysus. You wouldn’t want to be insecure, would you? Then again maybe the former first couple of France are an apt symbol for competitive cycling, which also blithely ignores cheating.

The Italian attitude to infidelity makes me feel this guilty blend of terror and inadequacy. I cannot even begin to imagine being in a relationship where, according to some studies, there is a two-inthree chance you partner is being unfaithful. How could you live with that? Or them? Or, in all likelihood, their parents?

And how do you connect the night and there’s a four-year-old cavorting stereotype with that of standing on his chair, wearing a the classic Italian family, upon napkin like an apron, tucked into whose foundations the whole his collar, waiting for his ice cream. culture is built? They’re so warm, I once suggested to a gregarious, and generous with their attention, charming, inappropriate Italian at a that even as they pity you for not wedding that HB ice cream came being like them, you can’t help but from Ireland. His first response was find them endearing. to spit out his drink. ‘No-no’, I I defy you not to smile after assured him, it comes from spending a day on the ‘Hazelbrook Farm’. HB? beach near a clan of Hazelbrook? I mean Italians. They you don’t have to be literally do not stop a genius to put it I defy you not to talking for a together. He fully smile after a day on single second. busted a nut You’d wonder if laughing at that the beach near this wasn’t a one. I’m still not Italians. They literally green energy sure what was solution here what funnier, my do not stop talking gullibility, with all that or the for a second uncaptured hot air conceit that Ireland flying skywards. They could teach Italy talk with their whole something about food. bodies. Gesticulating. Pinching The reverse certainly isn’t true. imaginary emphasis from the air Leaving aside the numerous gems with their fingertips, pouting their of Italian cafés, and the legions of lips, throwing their eyes, slapping schlock pasta and pizza restaurants their foreheads. The effect is we frequent, is there a better way to operatic. enjoy a spud than a bag of Italian And everyone – all three chipper chips? Course there isn’t. generations – are fully involved.

And spuds are supposed to be our Children, far from being seen and thing. not heard, are heard from afar and Yes, we love all things Italian. seen at all hours. It’s half eleven at Even when we’re being racist. Not

“

Bored: Bruni likes variety

‘12 Years a Slave’ racism – funny racism. Like when Gloria from Modern Family goes: “Aiiiiiyeeeee Jaaaaayyyyyy-eeeeee!” We may not have Colombian bombshells, but we do have similarly cartoonish Dolmio puppets with equally wide accents.

‘Mamma Mia pasta widda tomatas!’

Cycling, too, is something that fits ourselves and the Italians perfectly. We both have in spades the moral translucence required to celebrate a sport where everyone is, to quote: ‘eating the meat in China’. That’s not a euphemism, that’s the last excuse I heard on sports radio after a cyclist failed a drug test. But let’s ignore all that, and celebrate colour and spectacle and, who knows, maybe even an Irish winner?

After all, we live in a world where anything can happen. We live in a world where a short French politician can marry an Italian supermodel. As to his chances were he not the Prime Minister? None.

Absolute zero. The temperature of space. And yet there he is, propping up her hip, looking like the cat that gets the cream every third weekend, when the cream drops home for a visit. @kenrogan

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 METRO HERALD

Irishman missing in Sydney found seriously injured in club stairwell

AN Irishman missing in Sydney since the weekend has been found alive, but seriously injured.

Donal ‘Donie’ O’Sullivan had not been seen since leaving the Tea Gardens Hotel in Bondi Junction on Saturday morning.

Family and friends became worried about his welfare after they were unable to contact the 33-year-old, who

did not have his mobile phone with him when he went missing and had not accessed his bank account.

Search parties were organised and posters of him were put up in the area where he was last seen.

Yesterday, the Clare native was found in a little-used stairwell of the Easts Leagues Club, just yards from where he was last seen, suffering

by jOAnnE AHERn

from dehydration and a broken arm.

It is not clear how the carpenter ended up in the stairwell, or how he went undetected for five days.

Speaking to Australia’s Irish News last night, Mr O’Sullivan’s brother, Johnnie, said: ‘It looks like he fell down some stairs in the club. The

caretaker found him there this evening. He has some injuries and was badly dehydrated but he’s in hospital now.’

He added: ‘He managed to give his address and mobile number so we’re very relieved.’

Johnnie O’Sullivan believes his brother had been in the stairwell since Saturday morning.

In a statement, New South Wales police said Mr O’Sullivan was taken to hospital ‘in a serious condition, suffering head and back injuries’.

They are continuing their inquiry as to what exactly happened to the Clare man.

Donie O’Sullivan is originally from Clooney, Co Clare and has been living in Sydney for nearly two years.

Man re-released ‘jill Meagher’ over McConville threats made A MAN re-arrested in connection with the murder of mother-of-ten Jean McConville has been released.

Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service will now decide if there are sufficient grounds to charge the 56-year-old suspect.

The latest development came as children of Mrs McConville gathered to mark what would have been her 80th birthday by planting a tree in her honour at a victims’ support centre in north Belfast.

The suspect was first detained last month but interviews were halted after a medical issue arose.

Seven people have been arrested in the last two months in connection with the 1972 murder.

A KIDNAPPER who abducted and sexually assaulted two women in Australia and warned them they would end up like tragic murder victim Jill Meagher was jailed yesterday for a minimum of two years.

Aaron Schrempf, 24, kidnapped the two friends, then aged 19 and 22, after he climbed into the back of their car at a car wash near Melbourne and threatened them with a 20cm kitchen knife.

A court heard Schrempf ordered the women to drive to an ATM to withdraw money, before warning them: ‘If there is any funny business you know what happened to Jill Meagher. I will rape you in front of each other and slit your throats.’ Schrempf had pleaded guilty to armed robbery and sexual assault.

Licence and Bonded No: TO 101

ITALY FACTS: Italy’s population is more than 59million, and over 2.5million live in Rome, Italy’s capital city. Rome houses the Vatican, which is the world’s smallest internationally recognised independent state.

Online MBA info session THE European College of Management (ECM) will host an Open Morning Information Session tomorrow to inform prospective students of online MBA programmes in collaboration with London School of Marketing. The hourlong session, starting at 8.30am at ECM, Abbey House, Jervis Street, will give the opportunity to learn more about undergraduate and postgraduate MBAs. See ecmcollege.ie.

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METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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★★ ★ ★

US pop star Ariana Grande has turned to a medium for help after claiming she came face-to-face with a demon.

The 20-year-old told all about her ‘terrifying’ visit to the Stull Cemetery in Kansas which, according to urban legend, is home to one of the gateways to hell. ‘I had a really terrible experience – what everybody thought was a demon,’ she told Australia’s Nova FM. ‘I spoke to a medium about it and it was really scary. It was terrifying.’ The Yours Truly singer went on to explain she went there because she was ‘interested in it and wanted to check it out and check for trouble’, adding: ‘And I got it.’

D

Forget Atkins diet...

I’m on a clay regime S

he isn’t the first hollywood actress to try a bizarre diet but Shailene Woodley has taken it to an extreme by dining on clay.

The Divergent star insisted tucking into dusty earth instead of burgers and chips was good for her health.

‘I do eat clay, yeah,’ the 22-year-old told US chat show host David Letterman.

‘If you look at indigenous cultures around the world, people are eating clay almost daily.

‘It’s just a part of their diet because it’s really good for their bodies.’ The sci-fi ac-

by ANDREi HARMSWORTH

tion star insisted her clay pot feasts worked for her as a good cleansing agent.

‘Clay binds to other materials in your body and helps your body excrete those materials that are not necessarily the best for you,’ she added.

Woodley went on to explain she is currently a student of herbalism and also a follower of a fad called ‘re-wilding’, which claims to heighten natural senses by developing primitive skills through the natural world.

As for Woodley’s clay intake, the star said she had a teaspoon a day to keep the doctor away.

So convinced is she, she has even started mixing the earth into her toothpaste to give herself a boost. her alternative regime drew a surprised response from 67-year-old Letterman who referred her to more commonly available fibre digestive supplements, quipping: ‘have you heard of Metamucil?’

Woodley: Getting down and dirty

Taking inspiration from the best festivals around the globe, they’re teaming decadently fringed kimonos with cut off shorts and layered jewellery, toughening pilgrim inspired midi dresses with desert boots and letting print and paisley run wild.

As any festival goer knows, no look is complete without accessories and at Penneys you can add charms, feathers, fringing and beads to your look with abandon with everything from floral garland headbands to fabulous yet functional bumbags and rucksacks.

Ac Ventura: Justin Ace Bieber look looks like he’s finally finall over Selena Gomez as he cavorts Gome wi with his new girlfriend, 18-y 18-year-old Yovanna Ventura. But the 20Ve yea year-old made sure he wa was the centre of atte attention as he took his shir shirt off during a visit to Ve Venice Beach, in Los Angeles Pictures: sPlash

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Jessica Alba has revealed the real reason why she never strips off for the camera. It seems the actress, 33, always keeps a no-nudity clause in her movie contracts to save her blushes at family dinners. ‘I don’t want my grandparents to see my boobs. That’s it. It would be weird at Christmas,’ she told Glamour magazine. The Sin City star claims getting naked would have done little to ‘elevate’ her films. Alba, a mother of two, also revealed she and husband Cash Warren stay in love by ‘snuggling every night’.

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 METRO HERALD

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Willow Smith might have some explaining to do to her dad Will after she was pictured in bed with a topless 20-year-old. The 13-year-old singer was snapped lying with Hannah Montana star Moises Arias – who posted the black and white picture on Instagram. One Twitter user asked: ‘Is this ok? it could be innocent but just looks wrong.’ Arias looks like he might have agreed later as he went on to delete the image.

Do drugs, jokes Miley, in front of grieving Pixie P

ixie Geldof made her first public appearance since the death of sister Peaches when she attended Miley Cyrus’s london concert – and found herself being subjected to a string of drug references.

Pixie, 23, had to endure the singer’s tasteless banter as she took comfort in the company of friends including BBC Radio 1 dJ Nick Grimshaw.

Cyrus’s o2 Arena gig came a month

by SEAMUS DUFF

after Peaches died aged 25 of a suspected heroin overdose. in front of a still-grieving Pixie and fans as young as six, the 21-year-old singer made references to pill-taking and weed-smoking during her twohour show.

Ticket holders shocked by her behaviour shared the star’s comments on Twitter, with one quoting Cyrus:

Life is a festival - so this summer, Penneys will ensure you’re dressed accordingly.

To be in with a chance to win your festival wardrobe worth €100 from Penneys, answer the question Q: What is Penneys current collection inspired by?

A. Festivals B. Food C. Finance Email your answer followed by your name and address to comps@metroherald.ie

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‘“Weed never killed anyone so stop smoking cigarettes and roll a fat blunt” – Miley tonight #BangerzTour.’

Another told Mail online: ‘She said she “hopes we are all drunk and on loads of pills”.’ during her performance, the American star posed wearing sunglasses adorned with fake marijuana leaves and a large gold chain with a huge marijuana medallion. She did, however, have a positive message about equality, by getting ‘loads of people of the same sex to snog in the audience’. lily Allen, who jetted in from New York to attend the gig, said: ‘it was quite extreme. But if you can, talk to your kids afterwards and explain to them that maybe she’s being a little bit silly – that she’s showing off and that’s not how to behave.’ london marked the first of 23 dates on the european leg of Cyrus’s Bangerz world tour. Ahead of her o2 show, she said: ‘i’m gonna f*** this place up. i’m excited for this tour because i feel i can do what i want.’

She was forced to postpone a part of the North American section of the tour last month following an allergic reaction to antibiotics. She denied it had been a drug overdose after being targeted by online trolls.

She plays dublin’s o2 on May 20.

Big entrance: Miley Cyrus appears on stage on a pink slide designed to resemble her tongue. The singer made several drug references during her O2 Arena show in London which was attended by Pixie Geldof a month after sister Peaches died of a suspected heroin overdose Picture: PA

R-Patz’s rage at snappers Robert Pattinson was often left in a murderous rage after being snapped by the paparazzi at the height of his Twilight fame.

The 27-year-old said he struggled to control his temper when he was younger after being hounded by photographers.

‘Before, I was sometimes going crazy when my picture was taken in the street,’ he said.

‘It’s different when you’re a guy because beyond the intrusion of your private life, it’s also your masculinity that is ridiculed in a way.

You end up face to face with guys that take

ITALY FACTS: Europe’s favourite song contest hits TV this weekend. Italy has won the competition twice, in 1964 and 1990. The country has a love/hate relationship with the contest after withdrawing from it several times. Their longest absence: 14 years.

pictures of you with no care in the world and you can’t do anything about it.

‘There were moments where I literally wanted to kill them. I’ve calmed down since then. Well, I think so, but it might only be because it’s rarer.’

Pattinson admitted he could not complain about his role as telepathic vampire Edward Cullen. ‘Everything can come crashing down at any time,’ he told Premiere. ‘I can always make some hundreds of dollars by going to sign autographs at Twilight conventions.’

★

Beyoncé has been corrected by Monica Lewinsky after she referenced the former political intern’s affair with then-president Bill Clinton in her lyrics. In her new track, Partition, Bey, 32, sings: ‘He Monica Lewinsky’d all on my gown.’ But Lewinsky, 40, hit back in Vanity Fair.

‘Thanks, Beyoncé,’ she wrote. ‘But if we’re verbing, I think you meant “Bill Clinton’d all on my gown”, not “Monica Lewinsky’d”.’

10 METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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Consumers warned of risk of online medicines PeoPle who buy herbal medicines online have been warned about products that could potentially be toxic.

Remedies used to relieve symptoms of asthma, hair loss, erectile dysfunction and encourage weight loss have been found to contain undeclared prescription-only medicines or heavy metals, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said.

Regulators in Hong Kong found that pills lightning 10.0+ Reduces Weight, STB Summit of the Thin Body S Woman Degreasing Burning Pill and lV Shou Reduces Fat contain prescription-only drugs with potentially-adverse side effects.

Hong Kong’s Department of Health found samples of Hairegenerator, used to treat hair loss, exceeded the limit for mercury, while authorities in Singapore found li long Mei Guo Mo Bang, promoted for sexual enhancement, contains sildenafil – used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Arthritis treament Ginseng Tu chong Wan lin Heong was found to contain script-only dexamethasone and herbal drug Shwasa Sanjeevani, used to treat asthma, showed signs of the same drug – without it being declared on the label.

The MHRA’s Andrea Farmer said: ‘If you buy medicines from the internet you run the risk being supplied with medicines that are not safe or suitable to use.’

World and finally... czEcH REpuBLic: A waiter dressed as a pizza slice was fined for illegally smoking at a tram stop.

Martin Koci was on a break from his job in Prague. ‘His costume may have been amusing – his actions were not,’ police said.

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Ring fall acrobat still Mayor is told to say fancies the high life sorry for thigh grab AMERicA: A circus acrobat who escaped with minor injuries after plunging to the ground during a hair-hanging stunt says she wants to return to the ring. Samantha Pitard, 23, yesterday left hospital where the rest of the eight-strong troupe are still being treated. They were badly hurt in the 6m (20ft) fall in Rhode Island on Sunday when their equipment failed. ‘I’m hoping to get back to the tour,’ she said.

sOuTH AFRicA: Crowds cheer president Jacob Zuma as he arrives at a school in Ntolwane to cast his vote in the general election. His ruling ANC party is tipped to win for a fifth time since 1994 PICTURE: AP

court’s ruling forces ‘Gang rape’ victim leader to step down faces public flogging THAiLAND: Prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was yesterday forced out of office after a court found her guilty of abusing her power. Yingluck, 46, and nine of her ministers were affected by the ruling which came after six months of anti-government protests. On television later she maintained she was innocent, prompting fears of more violence. Her deputy was appointed acting leader.

Visit changeyourbank.ie, Or Pop into one of our Hubs in Baggot St, Grand Canal and Sandwith Street.

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BOLiviA: A touchy-feely mayor has not learned his lesson after being told to apologise for grabbing a woman’s thigh on live TV. Santa Cruz mayor Percy Fernandez said he did not mean to offend journalist Mercedes Guzman who was seen struggling to free herself from his grip during an interview. The 75year-old has been in bother in the past for groping a woman’s bottom and forcing another to kiss him.

iNDONEsiA: A woman allegedly gang-raped for having sex with a married man faces a public caning for violating Islamic law. Eight men are said to have carried out the sex attack on the 25-year-old widow.

They doused the woman and her lover in sewage in Aceh province last week, then handed the pair over to police. She faces nine lashes for the affair. Three vigilantes are in custody.

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Toronto mayor in mystery journey THE mystery of the whereabouts of Toronto mayor Rob Ford has deepened after reports he did not enter the United States as expected but instead returned to Canada after landing at a Chicago airport.

Ford’s lawyer said last week that the mayor had left Toronto for rehab after a video surfaced that appeared

to show him smoking a crack pipe a year after reports of an initial video appearing to show him taking the drug.

But Ford withdrew his application to enter the US when he landed. He was ‘not denied entry’ per se.

Doug Ford, Rob’s brother, insisted that the mayor is in rehab.

As for his whereabouts ‘that’s personal’.

Powers to combine in hunt for kidnap girls THE international community is to begin taking steps to find nearly 300 girls who were kidnapped by Islamist group Boko Haram.

French president Francois Hollande’s office said Paris would dispatch a specialised team to Abuja to help find the girls, after he spoke by with Nigerian leader Goodluck Jonathan.

Around ten experts from the external DGSE intelligence service, with satellite observation knowledge, would first be sent to join United States and British teams, official sources said.

Demanding an Islamic state, Boko Haram has been fighting in the northeast for the past five years.

It attracted global attention last month with the abduction of the girls in the village of Chibok, also in the south of Borno state. Underscoring how far Nigerian security forces are from protecting civilians in a region, the group launched an attack that killed at least 125 people, police said

by METRO HERALD sTAff yesterday, after gunmen rampaged through a town in the northeast, near the Cameroon border.

‘This may be the catalyst the international community needs to fight Boko Haram,’ a French diplomat said.

British prime minister David Cameron yesterday described the abductions as ‘an act of pure evil’.

Three weeks after the teenagers were kidnapped by the terror group, Mr Cameron pledged Britain’s support in finding the children safely.

‘I’m the father of two young daughters and my reaction is the same as every mother and father in this land or the world,’ he said.

A protest was held outside the Nigerian embassy in Dublin yesterday.

The crowd, carrying banners that read ‘Bring back our girls’ then moved from the Leeson Park location into the city centre.

Cities are ‘choking’

MOST major cities are so choked with air pollution they are unsafe. Air quality in 88 per cent of cities that monitor pollution falls short of safe levels, the World Health Organisation said. About half of the world’s urban residents are exposed to air pollution levels at least 2.5 times above WHO guidelines.

picture: epa

Protests: Ukrainian policemen walk in line as pro-Russian supporters take over a government building in Mariupol

Putin says troops are pulling out

RUSSIAN troops have been pulled back from the Ukrainian border, according to president Vladimir Putin.

The withdrawal could be perceived as a breakthrough in the crisis, even though its defence ministry has refused to say exactly where the troops are now.

But last night, the White House and Nato said they had seen no evidence

family die in blazing home of former tennis No.1 Blake Owner: James Blake

FOUR bodies have been found after a fire ripped through a house owned by retired US tennis star James Blake.

The victims reportedly had heavy-duty fireworks wrapped around their heads and had suffered gunshot wounds.

Canisters of gas were also

found inside the €1.1million mansion in Tampa, Florida.

‘Whoever did it wanted to make sure the fire department couldn’t get in there. Mortars were exploding,’ a source said.

A teenager is believed to be among the dead.

Police said Blake, a former

US tennis No.1, who retired from the sport last year, was not inside. According to his charity, the 34-year-old had been renting out the property.

Investigators may have to wait for the building to be made safe before beginning their inquiries.

of the 40,000 troops beginning to withdraw to their training grounds.

Mr Putin also called for a vote on independence in the city of Donetsk to be postponed – but the referendum is likely to continue as planned on Sunday.

After talks in Switzerland, he added Ukraine’s presidential elections on May 25 are ‘a step in the right direction’.

ITALY FACT: Italy is famous for its fashion, with well-known names including Nino Cerruti, Valentino, Armani, Versace, Gucci and Prada. Ferrari, Fiat and Lamborghini are among its iconic car brands, while two of the most famous violin makers were Italian: Andrea Amati (1505-1578) and Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737).

12 METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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Don’t let politicos get away with making up the answers

P

oliticians and state bodies have an irritating propensity, when accused of something, to amend the accusation or deny a greater charge, not levelled at them in the first place.

When Bertie ahern was being questioned about the ‘evidence’ he gave to the Mahon tribunal, the Fianna Fáil line was ‘he didn’t kill anyone’. Eh, nobody accused him of murder. on tuesday in the Dáil, Gerry adams told Enda Kenny he was taking the people for amadáns with regards to the water tax. We were told two weeks ago it would average €240, plus a €50 standing charge, and now there is no standing charge, but the average is still €240. Enda’s reply was to reprimand Gerry for calling the people amadáns!

Either way, journalists should make sure that those questioned address the questions asked and not make up the questions, as well as the answers.

Mark, Malahide

■ Had a lol moment reading Donabate J’s experience with a nose/spot picker commuter. Maybe J should catch this disgusting person in the act and send the photo into Mailbox, subject line ‘quick pic’.

Chortling Carol ■ Do people not have basic manners these days? on my 55-minute journey i had someone sneeze on me three times, cough without covering their mouth and then proceed to cross their legs and kick me in the process. When i said, ‘Excuse me do you mind not doing that?’, i was thrown a look like something out of the Exorcist. another woman was shouting down the phone about work. off home now to take some vitamin c to try shake the germs from this journey.

Anna #hatepublictransport.

■ to the young woman who verbally assaulted me as i boarded the 145 in the city centre yesterday morning. Your attitude was disgusting. Good manners cost nothing.

Tired Commuter

in the know, on the go

Quick pic What you looking at? This peregrine falcon fixing the camera with an unsettling stare was snapped by Garry Greene, who was visiting Killruddery Gardens in Co Wicklow at the weekend Send your photos to pictures@metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best each day in the paper

gOOD On yA

yEH big RiDE

● A big thanks to the guy pushing the pram at Henry Street on Tuesday morning who followed me until he returned the €20 I’d dropped. Fair dues to you pal. Skint ● Louise, you left a purse at Leixlip Confey yesterday. I’ll hand it in at Tara. Shane, Leixlip

● To the brown-haired, big-eyed girl on the Luas from Kingswood, you seem like a great laugh judging by the Sunday session stories you cackle about on the phone, the reek of gargle and your delicate Monday mornin’ nature, I would love to session with ya.

Musical Mike

RAnDOM AcTs Of kinDnEss

yOuR RusH-HOuR cRusH

TREnDing

#eurovision

● Putin pulls back troops from border with Eastern Ukraine. Eurovision final on Saturday. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

@Otto_English

● Well, Ireland, no-one goes home from #eurovision completely empty-handed...

@metrohnews #metromailbox

You win ‘Biggest Shoulder Pads’

Comedian Abie Philbin Bowman @AbiePB

● In fairness, Ireland isn’t doing a bad job in the #Eurovision rehearsals. I just wish they’d drop the bodhran and the dancers

@sarahisnothere

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Supermarket wines go from plonk to big prize winners Big nose: An artist’s impression of what ‘Pinocchio rex’ would have looked like Picture: university of edinburgh/ chuangZhao/Pa

new dinosaur’s name might not be scary but look at those teeth...

Pinocchio rex

by DAniEL binns

A new species of dinosaur related to the Tyrannosaurus rex has been found and, no word of a lie, it has been branded Pinocchio rex.

The remains of the fearsome carnivore – which would have boasted a very long nose – were found by workmen on a construction site in Ganzhou, southern China.

The animal would have looked very different from a T. rex as it had an elongated skull and long, narrow teeth – unlike the famous dinosaur’s thick teeth and more powerful jaws.

Pinocchio rex – officially called Qianzhousaurus sinensis – would have stalked earth more than 66million years ago during the Cretaceous period,

experts from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and the University of edinburgh said.

Researcher Dr Steve Brusatte added: ‘It might have looked a little comical but it would have been as deadly as any other tyrannosaur – and maybe even a little faster and stealthier.

‘It is an awesome specimen, almost a complete skeleton.

‘It is a really one-in-a-million find those workers made.’

Dorset College www.dorset-college.ie ITALY FACTS: The family is the heart of Italian society, and many Italian children continue to live at home with their parents until their 30s – even if they are working.

He’s here for a princess shoot GROWING numbers of men are getting in touch with their feminine side – by dressing as a princess for a day. For €420, they get a royal makeover and pictures at a hire shop in Fukui, Japan.

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Tel: 01 830 9677

SUPERMARKET own-brand wines were described as ‘phenomenal’ yesterday by judges who awarded a gold medal to a €6 Aldi sherry.

Budget brands were praised for their calibre as top prizes were handed to bottles across a range of styles at the International Wine Challenge 2014.

The days when consumers might be embarrassed to take such labels to a dinner party were ‘long gone’, according to judges.

Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of

the event, said: ‘From delicious champagnes to tremendous sherries, shoppers can find some lovely wines in the aisles. Each year, the quality of own-brand wines gets better and better.’

Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Aldi all picked up golds for wines from their own-brand ranges.

The cheapest bottle to win a gold was Aldi’s €6 Caversham Cream sherry, and it also gained top prize for its Minarete Ribera Del Duero Roble 2012.

14 METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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television

★ Must see ★

Fun eurovision semi-finals RTÉ2, 8pm

Borgen star Pilou Asbæk is one of three hosts presenting the second of the semi-finals live from the B&w Hallerne in Copenhagen, where tonight artists from 15 countries, including our own Can-Linn, featuring Kasey Smith, will perform on stage in a bid for a place in the Grand Final on Saturday.

Marty whelan provides a bit of banter and commentary on everything from the frocks, to the sets and the songs. Get those flags out and start waving.

Blood rising RTÉ1, 10.45PM Filmaker Mark McLoughlin tackles the issue of femicide in this hard-hitting documentary based on Irish artist Brian Maguire’s experiences working in the Mexican city of Juárez, nicknamed ‘the capital of murdered women’. The film centres around the stories of Elia and her murdered daughter Erika, and Bertha Alicia and her disappeared daughter Brenda, as Maguire creates portraits of the missing women to be used in a series of international exhibitions – part of an ongoing battle for justice.

NEw ON

▲

▲

DEMAn D

des Bishop: Breaking china RTÉ1, 10.15pm

Available to rent/buy now

★

Drama suits

Dave, 9pm

material

Cassim (real-life stand-up Riaad Moosa) works in his strict father’s failing fabric shop in Johannesburg but wants to be a comedian. As his dreams start coming true, he ends up on a collision course with his amily’s Muslim traditions and his dad (Vincent Ebrahim, of The Kumars At No.42 fame) in Craig Freimond’s comedy drama, a hit in its native South Africa and now available on iTunes.

paddy and sally’s excellent gypsy adventure 3e, 9pm

A new series with former Celebrity Big Brother housemates Paddy Doherty and Sally Bercow exploring the lives of gypsy communities around the world. Tonight, the pair are off to Andalusia, heartland of the gitano people, where Sally learns the art of flamenco dancing, while Paddy gets involved in bullfighting. Later they attend a wedding where they witness a shocking custom.

ice soldiers

A slab of deep-frozen B-movie cheese to ease you towards the weekend: this Canadian sci-fi actioner has three genetically engineered Russian soldiers unearthed from under the Arctic snow and revived. The Lundgrenalikes set about raping and pillaging, with only one scientist to stand in their way.

None of it makes sense but director Sturla Gunnarsson knows how to film action in the snowy wastes beautifully.

Factual

Lying can be an exhausting business, even for someone as accomplished in the art as Mike Ross (Patrick J Adams, above). So no wonder the brilliant, but charlatan lawyer at New York City firm Pearson Hardman, is tempted by the idea of not having to worry his shady past will be exposed at any minute. Then again, would taking a job with a top investment bank be anything other than jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire? It’s the penultimate episode of the current season of the seriously slick legal drama.

gig - an gaeilgeoir is greannmhaire

Des is halfway through his challenge of living in China for a year, learning Mandarin with the aim of performing a one-man stand-up show to a Chinese audience. The IrishAmerican comic and his friend Leo hit the road in search of strange and unusual customs and cultures that make this amazing country so unique.

louie

Fox, 11pm Despite three series of sharply comic routines and barbed sketches, Louis CK is still something of a cult figure. But the big ginger man is the anti-Michael McIntyre of comedy, with a gift for social observation that’s pitch perfect in a scene familiar to most noise-abused urbanites: he’s jolted violently awake by the binmen banging outside his door.

Prepare for some real trash talking.

Film paul

RTÉ2, 10.05pm

Sci-fi spoof starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost about an alien (voiced by Seth Rogen) held captive in a top secret American military base, who escapes and hides out in the van of two English comicbook geeks on a tour of UFO hotspots. The wiseass extraterrestrial enlists the duo’s help to get back to his spaceship, but they are forced on the run with government agents in hot pursuit.

★

steel magnolias Lifetime, 9pm

The classic 1980s Hollywood weepie about Southern belles with cores of steel, starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, gets a 21stcentury African-American TV movie makeover. Similarly based on Robert Harling’s play, here Queen Latifah (above) heads a strong ensemble cast also including Jill Scott and The Cosby Show’s Phylicia Rashad, in a comedy drama wherein six women share life’s ups and downs, and only-in-themovies clichés, via gossip sessions at a beauty salon in the relocated setting of New York.

my cousin vinny Movie Mix, 9pm

Original Karate Kid Ralph Macchio pops up in this hilarious comedy as one of two innocents who are thrown in jail for murder.

Their only hope of acquittal lies with their motormouthed ‘Cousin Vinny’ (Joe Pesci doing full-on Joe Pesci), a dubiously qualified lawyer.

Marisa Tomei won an Oscar as Vinny’s brassy fiancée.

TG4, 9.30pm

the zoo

with only four comics left in the competition, the next step is making it to the final three as they head for Oireachtas na Gaeilge in Killarney next week. There’s some great sketch work on the streets of Dublin and a masterclass with comedian Colm O’Regan.

Then the four hopefuls are up in front of guest judge Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí in Trinity College’s Beckett Theatre. who will stay and who will go? Tune in and find out.

RTÉ1, 7pm

unknown

As we take our weekly trip to Dublin Zoo, there’s great excitement on the mangabey island as the monkeys welcome some new arrivals to the troop. Then keepers Eddie and Louise come up with an interesting method to feed a pair of Abyssinian Ground Hornbill chicks.

Meanwhile, Ciaran becomes concerned when an Amur Tiger shows signs that he is suffering from a leg injury.

Recent, cheerfully implausible thriller starring Liam Neeson as a botanist who goes to Berlin for a conference and has a car crash. waking from a coma, he finds his identity, job and wife (Mad Men’s January Jones) have all been taken over by someone else.

This also includes chases, twists, more chases and Diane Kruger as the world’s prettiest cabbie.

Film4, 9pm

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Italian style counsel Orna Cunningham talks fashion with celebrated Italian stylist Gianluca Longo

16 METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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style

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TALIAN style – classic black, sunglasses made to be looked over, curves that wiggle and eyeliner that flicks with feline ease.

Gianluca Longo knows all about Italian fashion – the super stylist hails from the country that gave us ‘Giorgio Armani, Cavalli, Missoni’.

These famous names trill pleasurably off Longo’s capable native tongue, and quickly.

But then, that’s his style. His relaxed demeanour belies how busy the world traveller is.

He’s working with London’s Victoria and Albert on their retrospective of Italian fashion.

He has associate and contributory editorial

“From a very early age I was interested in clothes” titles spilling around him as he walks.

He’s a celebrated stylist and writer (though he’s happier manipulating clothes than words).

When we meet he’s in Ireland to launch Cinema Peroni’s season of Italian cinema, and its inaugural showing of La Dolce Vita. And who better to launch the film that launched la bella figura to the world, than one of the men who knows it best?

editorial@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

‘It is one of my favourite films,’ he confides.

‘It’s such an important movie for Italians.’

For him, it’s been a lifelong love affair. He explains: ‘I think from a very early age, I was always interested in clothes, fashion and mostly in photography.

‘When [I found out] there was job known as styling [that was when I thought] “My god, this is the perfect job for me”.’

Kate Moss might be London and Tamara Mellon can take New York, but for Longo, the Italian girl is a lasting icon – Sophia Loren.

‘The curvaceous woman,’ he explains. ‘[She’s] showing off the big hair, the big lips, the diamonds... she’s the proper icon of Italian style.’

Channelling Anita Ekberg’s glamour (and nipped-in waist) in La Dolce Vita (pictured below) might be a big ask for the average worker, but Longo’s tip for a lasting impression is a simple wardrobe: ‘A beautiful sleeveless black dress... black heels are essential, [whether a] kitten heel or a high heel.’

Clothes aside, there is one ultimate accessory.

‘Make-up.

Not heavy makeup, but understanding your own face. Or,’ he smiles, ‘a pair of sunglasses.’

HIGH SUMMER AT PENNEYS Life is a festival – so this summer Penneys will ensure you’re dressed accordingly. Taking inspiration from the best festivals around the globe, it is teaming decadently fringed kimonos with cut-off shorts and layered jewellery, toughening pilgrim-inspired midi dresses with desert boots and letting print and paisley run wild. As any festival goer knows, no look is complete without accessories and at Penneys you can add charms, feathers, fringing and beads to your look with abandon, with everything from floral garland headbands to fabulous yet functional bumbags and rucksacks.

Top €13; Shorts €13; Backpack €13; Headband worn as bracelet €3; Ring sets €3

Left: Dress €15; Hat €8. Right: Shirt €11, Shorts €7; Sunglasses €2

Dress €15; Boots €20; Necklace €3; Friendship Bracelet €3.50

Check out our competition on Page 8 to be in with a chance to win €100 from Penneys for your festival wardrobe

We’re all wooed by flower power O nce the preserve of summer, florals dominated the fashion agenda last season in the form of dark, grungy mood blooms. Spring incarnations are refreshingly optimistic.

‘What we’re seeing is an especially bold interpretation of the trend, mostly supersized shapes, embellished flowers, and overly bright colours,’ explains Selfridges buying manager Lydia King. ‘customers seem to be more daring now,’ adds H&M’s senior print designer Kerry Harrington, ‘and are always mixing prints and patterns – they are wearing floral prints from head to toe.’

If the amount of florals lining shop floors is anything to go by, our appetite for garden blooms is bigger than ever. Helen David, fashion director for Harrods in London, has seen demand rise over the past few seasons and across all product categories. ‘The quantity of floral accessories available has dramatically increased,’ she says. ‘Prada’s floral embellished sunglasses, for example, have become a musthave and the Givenchy printed skate shoe continues to sell out.’

Overall there are three main camps: pure romance, intricate embellishment and more experimental styles.

In terms of romance, it doesn’t get more feminine than at nina Ricci, and designer Peter copping offered some of the most romantic styles of the season. Flirty

Spring has sprung and the catwalks are fertile ground for florals – from flouncy feminine to botanical boldness, writes Naomi Mdudu dresses came imbued with a girlish charm; ladylike knee-skimming skirts featured dainty lace details along the hemline, all of which came in sheer, lightweight fabrics ideal for summer.

Dolce & Gabbana also tapped into the summer mood, with clothes perfect for a saunter around the Mediterranean. even the classic Dior Bar jacket was given a softer twist. At the back, designer Raf Simons sliced pleats to reveal a bright floral print, which also popped up on dresses. embellishment came in the form of 3D details at erdem and Roksanda Ilincic. If that sounds unwearable, fear not. The charm of the pieces lay in their clean, unfussy shapes, be they simple sweatshirts (erdem) or appliqued bomber jackets (Roksanda Ilincic).

As for experimental styles, London, as always, led the way. ‘It was where the new take on florals was best interpreted,’ says Selfridges’ King. ‘There were two shows that really made it make sense: christopher Kane and Mary Katrantzou.’

Scottish designer Kane has a knack for tapping into the zeitgeist and science is always on his

GET THE FLORAL LOOK

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mind – remember those cult Frankenstein tops nobody could get enough of a few years ago? This season, it came through in the form of diagrams of photosynthesis and plants’ reproductive organs that looked like they’dd jumped straight out of a school textbook. The sweatshirts he showed are officially this season’s Kenzo tiger jumper and, despite their hefty price of €970, retailers are Nina Ricci Giambattista Valli struggling to keep hold of them.

Katrantzou’ss clothes, Thankfully, the options are just as vvast on the meanwhile, have never been high street. Launched last month, the new for the faint-hearted. For premium Asos Salon range is brimming with spring she’s launched her first subtle floral prints on sporty 1990s clean shoe collection, in silhouettes. Think bomber jackets, cropped tees partnership with Harvey and silk shorts. nichols, all of which come If you fell in love with the floral printed covered with floral prints. outerwear championed by Stella Mccartney and The stars of her show, Marni this season, you’re in luck, as H&M has though, were a series of homed in on it with its coats and sweatshirts. baby doll dresses covered in For those willing to spend that little bit extra, huge ruffles and playful Whistles is offering floral wrap skirts and embroidery. tailored dresses with more abstract versions for spring – perfect if you don’t want to make such a Alexa Chung wears Miu Miu big statement.

bEAuTy… with Emma Henderson Spring scent-sations 1 Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere,

€85.50 for 50ml May 5 saw the launch of a softer, more delicate version of my alltime favourite scent. For me this is perfume perfection.

Floral clutch bag, €50, Aldo

2 Balenciaga

Rosabotanica, €67.30 for 50ml This fresh, green fragrance wraps citrus and spice round a rosy, floral heart. It’s a complex, intriguing scent that’s like spring in a (beautiful) bottle.

Wrap skirt, €140, Whistles at House of Fraser Floral coat, €37, H&M

3 Clinique Calyx, €85

for 100 ml Timeless, citrusy and gorgeous, this former Prescriptives scent has been welcomed back with open arms.

Delicious.

4 Lancôme La Vie est Belle Eau de

Pyjama shorts, €43, Topshop

Espadrilles, €340, Carven, www.net-a-porter.com Neon floral dress, €243, Karen Millen

Toilette, €62 for 50ml A lighter, more luminous reworking of the popular Eau du Parfum, this is cosy and comforting like a soft embrace. The magnolia notes are heightened while the gourmand sweetness of vanilla, praline and tonka bean remain in the mix.

5 Bottega Veneta Essence

Aromatique Eau de Cologne, €73.70 for 50ml Citrus and bergamot mix with dewy green notes in this subtly spiced scent (above), which should appeal to both sexes.

6 L’Occitane Néroli &

Orchidée, €57 for 75ml Zesty orange blossom and creamy white flowers combine for a scent that’s elegant and inviting. I’m constantly burning the candle (€28).

Saab L’Eau 7 Elie Couture €64

for 50ml Warmer and sweeter than the original, L’Eau Couture has a soft, green freshness that’s got me hooked.

Find Emma @fluffyblog / www.fluffand fripperies.com / www.youtube.com/fluffyblog

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puzzles

METROSCOPE

by Patrick Arundell

NEMI by Lise

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20

Mercury’s link with Jupiter brings a chance to explore fresh opportunities.

It also helps you get a feel for what’s best, given you may be faced with a barrage of information. If it seems like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack, pause for a while.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 70

Taurus Apr 21 – May 21

This isn’t the time to be swayed by others’ opinions. As Saturn continues its retro phase, you might experience this on more than one occasion. And although listening to others can test your determination, succeeding might encourage you to aim for better.

METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging. For solutions, visit Metro.co.uk/metroku

For your forecast, call 15609 114 71

Gemini May 22 – Jun 21

Today’s line-up may find you juggling tasks on the home front, in the hope of getting things organised. Better now than later, as giving yourself space to think could result in a brainwave and a chance to start on a new project.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 72

Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23

Today’s Moon/Mercury line-up, may set you wondering whether you should confide or keep things to yourself a little longer. Yet if you’re willing to mull it all over, think out of the box and opt for a self-reliant approach, you might resolve your problem yourself.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 73

Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23

Whereas hanging out in your local environment may not inspire, the chance to get away from it all just might. With Venus currently in Aries, creativity can be enhanced, with romance showing up high on the list if you make time to relax and recharge.

PEARLs BEFORE swINE

For your forecast, call 15609 114 74

Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23

If you’ve been tempted to push away a nagging sixth sense at the expense of a logical plan, think again. The role of Neptune suggests that if you do allow this to come through it might save you the hassle of a long detour first.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 75

ACROSS 6 Close (7) 7 Presented (5) 9 Bear (5) 10 Vehement (7) 12 Rectification (11) 14 Mercury (11) 18 Indistinct (7) 19 Stupidity (5) 21 Distribute (5) 22 Housebreaker (7)

DOWN 1 Sum (5) 2 Thinly scattered (6) 3 Perform (3) 4 Halve (6) 5 Tightness (7) 8 Irregularity (7) 11 Companion (7) 13 Prevaricate (7) 15 Bird (6) 16 Sufficient (6) 17 Transparent (5) 20 Deserts (3)

Yesterday’s Solutions Across: 1 Recuperate; 7 Rowan; 8 Cabinet; 10 Terrible; 11 True; 13 Induce; 15 Gallop; 17 Only; 18 Baseless; 21 Saviour; 22 Raise; 23 Proficient. Down: 1 Rower; 2 Convince; 3 Pickle; 4 Robe; 5 Tendril; 6 Gratuitous; 9 Trespassed; 12 Carefree; 14 Deliver; 16 Fabric; 19 Evict; 20 Loaf.

With social options showing up, a focus on get-togethers and fun encourages plenty of interaction. The Moon’s connection with Jupiter and Uranus today, can bring an exciting opportunity your way that you’ll want to explore.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 77

sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21

Conversation flows, giving you the chance to catch up with your pals, or sweetheart. Meanwhile, Venus in Aries, may put a little fire in your actions regarding a bold move. If a stimulating project grabs your attention, this can prompt you to go for it.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 78

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20

A relaxed approach could help you move forward with a little more speed, despite whatever obstacles seem to be in your way. Yet, don’t aim to succeed at just one thing – instead, foster the attitude that can deliver it to you regularly in all your hopes.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 79

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19

As Saturn continues to rewind in Scorpio, you may feel you’re being held back by the tide of fortune. Yet, today’s blend of influences encourages a deeper look into your situation. Doing so, may expose an issue that once cleared can speed up momentum.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 80

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

Avoid situations that leave you feeling hemmed in and try to be upfront about saying no to any restrictions that don’t feel right. If you don’t, you may end up internalising pressures, thereby creating conditions for stress.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 81

For a live one-to-one consultation with one of my gifted psychics, call 15809 113 68 or 1800 719 688 to book using credit card Astrology calls cost 1.27 euros per min from a BT landline. Live Services cost 2.40 euros per minute. Calls from mobiles/other networks may cost more. Callers must be 18 or over to use this service and have the bill payers permission. For entertainment purposes only. All calls are recorded. PhonePayPlus regulated(ComReg in ROI) UK SP: StreamLive Ltd, NR7 0HR, 08700 234 567. ROI SP:Moveda, 1 Courtyard Business Park, Orchard Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 0818 241 398

QuIz

Crossword No. 968 See next edition for solutions

For your forecast, call 15609 114 76

scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

ENIGMA An architect is what he is.

The Convention Centre’s one of his.

The Ford Foundation too.

(The Pritzker Prize he won for his contribution too) WHO AM I? An actress, I was born in California in 1972. I am married to the actor Jerry O’Connell. My film appearances include X-Men and Rollerball, and I played Alexis Meade in TV sitcom Ugly Betty.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? WHO… in Irish history was known as the Big Fella?

WHAT… type of plant is traveller’s joy?

WHERE… was Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot first performed in 1953?

WHEN… did Rangoon change its name to Yangon?

ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Kevin Roche . WHO AM I? Rebecca Romijn. WHO, WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN? Michael Collins; Clematis; Theatre de Babylone, Paris; 1989

QUICK CROsswORd

Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23

Perhaps it seems like you’re treading water, using up a lot of energy and yet not getting far. As Mars rewinds, it can seem this way. But there could be value in pausing, as it can give you a chance to examine your motives.

SCRIBBLE BOX

18 METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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books

Thursday, May 8, 2014 METRO HERALD

19

features@metroherald.ie

I have only one dystopia in me Veronica Roth reveals why she made a small, scrawny woman the heroine of her book.

by Patricia Nicol

I

t seems so right that someone who has lived life at such a lick should have a treadmill desk.

‘It keeps the blood flow going,’ says Veronica Roth. ‘I’ll walk and type for an hour, then sit for half an hour, then get back on. It’s great.’ there are plenty of 25-year-olds who are still waiting for their life to ramp up. Not the stylish Roth, who, on the day of our meeting, is sharply dressed in tailored black trousers, a buttoned-up shirt, brothel-creepers and Joe 90 specs, her short black hair slicked back.

At 23, she became a bestselling novelist and got married. Last October, when her third novel, Allegiant, came out in the US, it was given a 2million print run. On the day of its release, 455,000 copies were sold.

Allegiant concludes a dystopian young adult trilogy that began with 2011’s Divergent. Last month, the film of Divergent, starring Kate Winslet, Shailene Woodley and theo James, was released. Its sequel, Insurgent, has just been given the goahead.

Roth was a creative writing student at Northwestern University in her

Veronica Roth (above) and on set with shailene Woodley and director neil Burger (below)

native Chicago when ‘the fun writing I was doing outside of class’ got sold to HarperCollins. the fast-paced Divergent was just what publishers were looking for in the wake of the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy.

Like those novels, it’s set in a dystopian America and features a feisty heroine, tris.

Roth’s imaginary society is divided into five Factions: Abnegation, known for their humility; Amity, valued for their kindness; the straight-talking Candor; the reckless but brave Dauntless; and the intellectual Erudite.

‘It was a very personal piece of world-building,’ she explains. ‘I had the Dauntless early on. then I thought if I were creating a utopia, maybe everyone would know where they fitted in and would be responsi-

ble for their own actions and focus on being good people. Well no one should put me in charge, because this is not a utopia – it’s a dystopia.’

In her world, all 16-year-olds have to take an aptitude test to see which Faction they should join. Most remain with the one they have been brought up in for fear of losing their family but the cuckoo ‘tris’ Beatrice Prior feels compelled to join the physical risk-taking Dauntless.

‘We are kind of conditioned to expect men to make bold decisions but not scrawny, small women,’ says Roth. ‘I wanted tris to show that you could drive your own life. that’s why I wrote the book from tris’s perspective.

‘I think it’s important to have female characters who are not just strong but complicated, who make

yOuR nExT READ books to while away your commute Road Ends by mary lawson

chatto & windus

the paths taken and not taken wind their way throughout this poignant book from canadian writer mary lawson. the novel’s prologue is set on an overgrown road along which tom is attempting to manoeuvre over fallen trees. but this is not only a novel about literal obstacles that obstruct our journey through life but about metaphorical ones too.

the life of tom’s best friend is cut short one august morning in 1967, after which tom is plunged into emotional turmoil and loses his way. then there is tom’s ‘ruthless’ sister, megan, who attempts to forge a path of her own, escaping to london. but she must learn the baggage of the past will catch up with her. there is hope, though, as the characters discover that the end of a long road often offers a new beginning.

Anita Sethi

smaRtER

by Dan hurley Penguin

it’s difficult to read us journalist Dan hurley’s new book without occasionally tutting. at heart, smarter is fascinating, an account of hurley’s attempt to increase his brain power by attempting every method of intelligence-boosting vaguely backed up by modern science, all at once, for three months. however, his insistence on introducing each new scientist or

theory with a cute anecdote about their social life is maddening. it’s hard not to think he’s pitching his book about cleverness to thick people. but he does cram a lot of case studies into a book that would have been drier had he not told us what bands top neuroscientists are into. and hurley throws up some remarkable findings – did you know nicotine patches are probably better for preventing Parkinson’s than giving up smoking? a good read, if a little lost in translation.

Andrzej Lukowski

mistakes as well as have successes. tris acquires a lot of physical strength but what I really find compelling about her is her determination and her tendency to make impulsive decisions. She is occasionally unwise but always brave.’

Once with the Dauntless, tris has to pass a series of bruising and daring initiations. to plot those scenes, Roth drew inspiration from what she had learnt about exposure therapy in a psychology class, when people with phobias are exposed to what provokes their fear.

In the book, Winslet’s character Jeanine barely features until near the climax. In the film, her role has been expanded. ‘Well, when you have Kate…’ quips Roth, before going to pains to say she thinks this is an instance where the film has bettered the book’s narrative.

She is delighted with the casting of Woodley as tris. Woodley will next be seen in another anticipated adaptation of a YA blockbuster, as the sparky terminally ill heroine of John Green’s critically lauded weepie the Fault In Our Stars.

Why does Roth think so many YA hits are being adapted for film?

‘Some of that is pace,’ she says. ‘My first book was just bam, bam, bam…

I’ve always been an action movie kind of person and I really like when a book moves along at a clip.’

Roth remains committed to YA fiction but believes ‘you only have one dystopia in you’ and that the hunger for that particular wave may have passed. What luck, then, that she rode it.

Allegiant (HarperCollins) is out now.

nelson fitch

to advertise, call 01 7055010

20 METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

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Sunday 11 May Armagh – Dublin

This map shows the route for day 3.

This stage covers a route through Co Armagh before the race proceeds to Dublin. You cannot park on the road along the route so you should plan where you are going to watch the race and identify an appropriate place to park nearby.

Loughgall

Start Armagh

Richhill Markethill

Keady

Dublin ready to stage Big Finish to Big Start

Fews Forest Newtownhamilton The famous Irish Corner supporters will be out in force to cheer on our homegrown heroes as they take part in the Giro d’Italia’s Irish stages. The cycling fan club members are very excited about the Giro’s arrival in Dublin, and to show it, huge fans Stephen O’Shea and Ronan Fox from Dundrum – home of Roche and Martins – have organised a special Irish Corner in the city centre, just 500metres from the finish line on the corner of Westland Row, Lincoln Place and Merrion Street South. The fan club members, who travelled en masse to France last year (see picture above), are confident the riders will arrive from Armagh at around 4pm, but who else will turn up at Irish Corner?

Forkhill Dundalk Castlebellingham

OCCASION PERFECT FOR GIRO VISIT AS INTEREST IN IRISH CYCLING AT ALL-TIME HIGH This weekend, one of the biggest cycling races in the world is coming to ireland. The Giro d’italia is considered by many as one of the most passionate bike races, which brings the cyclists and the spectators through a fanfare of climbing, sprinting and drama on two wheels, writes Heather Boyle.

For Cycling ireland, the Grande Partenza is coming at a perfect time, with the number of people cycling their bikes at an all-time high. People cycle for many different personal reasons – for health, for company, or for the freedom it offers.

Geoff Liffey, CeO of Cycling ireland, is embracing the Giro: ‘i’m very excited about the arrival of the Giro d’italia to ireland at a time when cycling is really booming here, with lots of people rediscovering the freedom and enjoyment cycling can offer.’

Cycling ireland’s membership has quadrupled over the past number of years, with all disciplines thriving, from our road cyclists and track cyclists to the MTB and BMX riders. As an organisation the focus is on offering an enjoyable and accessible activity to everyone, with everyone’s journey being equally important, whether they are a young sprocket Rocket rider or a high Performance cyclist. we have three top-class irish riders racing in the Giro this weekend – dan Martin, nicolas Roche and Philip deignan – so

this is a time when we can celebrate and showcase the huge talent we have on world Tour level, while inspiring the many talented riders who are already on the pathway. The Giro represents the pinnacle of an aspiring cyclist’s journey. head Coach of Cycling ireland Brian nugent says: ‘it’s an exciting time for Cycling ireland, not only do we have a good squad of world Class riders across the board but we also have a great bunch of young riders nipping at their heels.’

Over recent years ireland has had significant presence on the world stage, with ireland boasting several world Champions across Track Cycling and Paracycling disciplines, and multiple stage wins from our professional cyclists. Cycling ireland has worked hard to create a top class competitive pathway, and the hope is that the Giro coming to ireland will inspired a few more to talk up the sport. Geoff Liffey adds: ‘This event will excite young people and no doubt will encourage more into the sport.’ sky rider Philip deignan himself took up the sport having watched the Tour de France pass through ireland in 1998.

There is still an opportunity for people to be part of this major event, as Cycling ireland is coordinating marshals for the southern ireland stage, so if anyone is interested in being an official Giro Marshal, check out www.cyclingireland.ie.

Balbriggan

Swords

Finish Dublin

This week, ireland is proud to play host to one of the world’s most renowned international sporting events, the Giro d’italia.

The first two stages of the ‘Grande Partenza’ or ‘Big start’ will take place in northern ireland tomorrow and saturday before the third stage takes the cyclists from Armagh to dublin to finish at Upper Merrion street on sunday afternoon. speaking ahead of the event Minister Michael Ring said he is delighted to be associated with the arrival of the Giro d’italia to ireland and to dublin. ‘hosting the Giro d’italia is another opportunity to showcase the best that dublin and ireland has to offer.’ dublin’s Lord Mayor Oisín Quinn added:

‘i would encourage everyone to sample a taste of “La dolce Vita” on the banks of the Liffey.’

The bid to bring the Grande Partenza to ireland was led by shadetree sports’ darach McQuaid, who commented: ‘This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the world’s finest cyclists compete in the Giro d’italia on our doorstep.’

There will be a festival atmosphere in dublin over the weekend with dublin City Council laying on free entertainment, including big screen live broadcast of the race and the irish Cycling show in Merrion square.

To find out more visit girostart2014.com and discoverireland.ie.

A chain reaction for Irish cycling, says former No.1

by LIAM COSTELLO

Former world No.1 Sean Kelly is delighted by the fact that one of the three Grand Tours, the Giro d’Italia, will roll out in Belfast this Friday.

The An Post Chain reaction Cycling Team director told metro Herald: ‘It’s a massive boost for the sport on both sides of the border and also for the three Irish riders who have their sights on taking a stage on their home ground.

‘I think it will create a huge buzz around the towns as it passes through.

You’re guaranteed to see a big interest in cycling after the event also.’

‘Along the stage routes, there will be many thousands coming out to view the spectacle of the race, ‘It’s a good thing for cycling in Ire-

Kelly: Giro is ‘good thing’ for Ireland

land,’ Kelly added.

‘For the past few years, cycling has become the new golf, up and down the country there are hundreds of all

different levels out at the weekend and I believe that the Giro Grand Partenza could be a great eye opener.

‘It is a good thing for the younger generation of people getting into the sport as they can go to see it. That will make them very enthusiastic to go on in the sport and to try to get to that level and take part in a race like the Giro and the Tour de France.’

Sky Team rider Philip Deignan, one of Kelly’s early protégés, says: ‘Irish cycling legends Sean Kelly and Stephen roche were responsible for many young riders taking up the sport.’

Kelly played a big part in helping Deignan’s racing career progress to his current team by recommending him to Sky boss David Brailsford last year.

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 METRO HERALD

Giro champion Roche eyes an Irish winner

by LIAM cOsTELLO It’s 27 years since stephen roche battled it out for the Maglia rosa and won the Giro d’Italia, and he still speaks with passion about the ‘Luckiest year’ of his cycling career. that same passion spreads when it comes to talking about the current cycling ‘Familia’ taking part in this weekend’s Grand Partenza. triple Crown winner roche would love nothing more than to see any of the three Irish riders, Philip Deigan (team sky), his nephew Dan Martin (Garmin sharp) and his son Nicholas roche (tinkoff saxo) taking a stage win or even the GC in this year’s Italian tour.

‘I think Nicholas or Dan could both win it overall, realistically I don’t want to put pressure on either of the boys, but they’re both capable of winning stages, I think they will finish in the top five of the race.’

‘For either to win it, they will need a little bit of a push or a lucky break. Beating Quintana (Movistar) or rodriguez (androni Giocattoli) on a one-to-one will be very complicated, but, I think they are very capable, says the Northern Ireland Giro ambassador.

‘Letterkenny’s Philip Deignan is a great rider and a very accomplished climber, but I think he will have more of a domestique role for his team-mates. It will be difficult for him to go out there and do it, but he is capable of winning a stage.

‘Having just finished a good warm up in the tour of romandie, I see Nicholas as more of a guy for the GC, he’ll keep fresh in the first ten days, he’ll just hide in the peloton, so I don’t think he’ll be available for stage wins.

‘His cousin Dan is similar, but Daniel is more of an opportunist, he will see an opportunity and take it. He has a bit more oomph and would have a

Italian master: stephen roche with the Giro trophy he won in 1987 better chance of winning a mountain stage than Nik. Dan is more of a pure climber, but Niko is a hard grafter.’ roche says both riders have had good preparation coming into the race.

‘Nicholas used the tour of romandie to test himself. ‘I told him, you have done your endurance training and mountain training, just go and race now.’

I had him training behind me on a motorbike last week, getting his speed up. He’s getting back into the rhythm and its time to go up a notch.

Dan Martin crashed out at Liège– Bastogne–Liège with only a couple of hundred yards to go, but roche says his confidence is still high, ‘I’m sure he would be very cheesed off about it, but Dan is a realistic guy and he would not be looking for excuses.

‘Dan’s a very clever rider, he will not be caught out, I would have liked to see him higher in the bunch, but he played a master stroke In his positioning from the back, riders had forgot he was there. Which tactically was very important , he was just so unlucky.’

sky’s Philip Deignan and Garmin sharp’s Dan Martin could both play decisive roles in this year’s Giro d’Italia says roche

‘I’ve been looking forward to this for many months. I’m super-excited to be here, and to get going after such a long wait. There’s no great advantage in being the homeboy, but I’m sure it’s going to be a great event’ Nicholas roche (team tinkoff – saxo)

21

22 METRO HERALD Thursday, May 8, 2014

spORT DigEsT

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Hamilton believes the Bulls will be real threat in Spain

Lewis HamiLton has warned of a Red Bull revival at the spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona this weekend.

Four straight pole positions, four successive victories and three consecutive one-twos have been the story of mercedes’ campaign to date.

However, as strong as the German marque have been, Hamilton knows Red Bull have the ability to close the gap. ‘so far, over the first four races, the car has been great,’ Hamilton said on the back of three successive wins for the first time in his F1 career.

‘Barcelona is a circuit where you can really test the car. it is a downforcedominant track, so it will be good to see

Stephanie Roche: Came close

Ireland beaten at home by Russians

sOccER The Republic of Ireland’s

chances of making the women’s World Cup have been severely dented after they were beaten 3-1 by Russia at Tallaght Stadium last night. Sue Ronan’s Ireland now lie five points behind Russia, who occupy second place in Group One. Ireland’s only hope of making next year’s World Cup in Canada is to overhaul Russia in second place for a play-off spot. Russia were 2-0 up after just 12 minutes thanks to goals from Ekaterina Sochneva and Ekaterina Pantyukhina. Ireland did pull a goal back through Fiona O’Sullivan on 35 minutes but that was cancelled out by Pantyukhina’s second goal eight minutes later. Ireland tried desperately to bridge the gap in the second half and Stephanie Roche did crash the ball off the crossbar from 25 yards, but they couldn’t find another goal and now face an uphill task.

formula one

where we really stand.the Red Bulls have as much downforce as us, maybe a little more, so we can still improve.’

Hamilton admits even he is surprised with his dramatic start to the season. ‘i just feel i’m at my best,’ he added.

12th Place finish for Hamilton in Barcelona last season despite starting from second on the grid ‘i’ve never had a car like this, and a team like this able to give me that car. it’s so unreal. it’s hard to believe this is actually happening.’

Spanish test: Hamilton

golf players championship

Victory ranks higher on scott’s list of priorities

by RicHARD HOOkHAM

ADAM SCOTT has defended the world ranking system which means he might have been better off staying at home rather than competing in the Players Championship.

Scott is one of four golfers who can overtake Tiger Woods at the top of the rankings at Sawgrass this week, with the defending champion absent after recent back surgery.

The way the points average is worked out over a two-year period means that, unlike Henrik Stenson, Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar, Scott would have become No.1 for the first time by not playing an event often tagged golf’s ‘fifth major’.

But he said: ‘I am here to win golf tournaments and from that you can get to No.1 in the world if you win enough, often enough.

‘I’ve had a couple of good chances

Blues need 1 point for home play-off Rugby Leinster need just one match point to guarantee a home Play-Off and two to guarantee they will be top seed.

The defending RaboDirect PRO12 champions have lost just one of their last 11 contests in the competition: 19-25 at Ospreys in round 19. The Leinstermen have not been defeated at the RDS in any competition since Ulster were the visitors for a PRO12 encounter in March 2013. Meanwhile, Edinburgh have slipped to four straight defeats in the PRO12 since their 23-19 victory against Dragons in round 13. They have not won in Dublin since November 2005.

ITALY FACTS: The most popular sport in Italy is soccer. The San Siro Stadium in Milan holds more than 80,000 people. Italy has won the World Cup four times: 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006.

‘The rankings have been fairly accurate’

Sunshine disposition: Scott is willing to risk missing out on world No.1 spot in Florida

PICTURE: EPA

this year already and haven’t been able to pull it off, not because it’s been weighing on my mind but I just wasn’t sharp enough playing the last couple of rounds at a few events.’

Scott only needs to finish inside the top 16 at Sawgrass to become the second Australian after Greg Norman to be world No.1.

He added: ‘It is a hard system to perfect but I think they have come up with the best they possibly can and have been fairly accurate over the years.

‘Of course there is always the odd one that doesn’t quite make sense but the rankings are pretty fair.

‘Playing the Players Championship means a lot more to me than sitting at home just to make sure I get to a No.1 world ranking.’

football

Thursday, May 8, 2014 METRO HERALD 23

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City Edin for the title after rout of Aston Villa pREMiER LEAguE

Poyet’s men are safe and Sund at last

Man ciTy ....................4 asTon villa ..............0

by DAnny gRiffiTHs EDIN DZEKO scored twice in eight second-half minutes to leave Manchester City on the brink of winning their second title in just three years.

Stubborn Aston Villa made Manuel Pellegrini’s side work hard to break the deadlock as they held out for more than an hour.

But once the Bosnian bulldozer put City in front, the floodgates opened as the rain lashed down at the Etihad Stadium.

Tension was growing among the nervous home supporters when their side finally went ahead with Dzeko on hand to tap in a square pass from Pablo Zabaleta in the 64th minute.

He swiftly added another with an even easier finish when the

sunDerlanD ..................... 2 wesT broM .......................0 GUS POYET’S Sunderland completed a remarkable escape from relegation after goals from Jack Colback and Fabio Borini sunk West Brom. The Black Cats looked dead and buried last month but 13 points from their last five games means they beat the drop with a game to spare. The win consigns Norwich to the Championship, although mathematically the Canaries can survive if the Baggies lost to Stoke on Sunday and the Norfolk side miraculously managed to overhaul Albion’s vastly superior goal difference by beating Arsenal.

Colback converted Marcos Alonso’s cross in the 13th minute to break the deadlock before a 31st-minute Borini volley sealed the points at a jubilant Stadium of Light.

16 Goals scored in the

Premier League by Edin Dzeko for City this season

rebound fell at his feet after Brad Guzman could only block Samir Nasri’s shot after the Frenchman ran on to another lovely cross from Zabaleta.

Villa rarely threatened but they then gave the home side a fright when Andreas Weimann headed against the underside of the bar.

But City were now in party mood as they finally unleashed their most menacing form.

Substitute Stevan Jovetic added a third with a thumping shot from the edge of the area before Yaya Toure completed the rout with a brilliant solo strike.

City had dominated from the start as Guzman foiled Toure and David Silva before Nasri missed a sitter, but their patience paid off as they strolled to that vital win.

fOOTbALL DigEsT Nervy moments: Nasri misses a great chance at the end of the first half

picture: pA

table

Relieved: Joe Hart

P Man city 37 liverpool 37 chelsea 37 arsenal 37 everton 37 spurs 37 Man utd 37 southampton 37 newcastle 37

W 26 25 24 23 20 20 19 15 15

D 5 6 7 7 9 6 6 10 4

L 6 6 6 7 8 11 12 12 18

F A 100 37 99 49 69 26 66 41 59 39 52 51 63 42 53 45 42 57

Pts 83 81 79 76 69 66 63 55 49

stoke 37 crystal Palace 37 west Ham 37 swansea 37 sunderland 37 aston villa Hull west brom norwich (r) Fulham (r) cardiff

12 11 14 43 51 47 13 5 19 31 46 44 11 7 19 40 49 40 10 9 18 51 53 39 10 8 19 40 57 38

37 10 8 19 39 58 37 10 7 20 38 51 37 7 15 15 42 57 37 8 9 20 28 60 37 9 4 24 38 83 37 7 9 21 31 72

38 37 36 33 31 30

Van Gaal hopes he’s ‘the one’ for Manchester united

Van Gaal: Favourite

Safety secured: Fabio Borini

LOUIS van Gaal has confirmed he would love to become Manchester United’s next manager but will not accept the job is his just yet.

The Dutchman has been the big favourite to replace David Moyes in the Old Trafford hot-seat since the Scot was sacked last month.

Van Gaal was tipped to be confirmed as United’s new boss this week but the club are still keeping their cards close to their chest – with an official announcement now not expected until after the Premier League season finishes on Sunday.

The Dutchman, 62, will leave his post as Holland national boss after this summer’s World Cup and admitted he would jump at the chance to manage ‘the biggest club in the world’.

‘I would love the job,’ Van Gaal told the BBC at the start of a threeday World Cup training camp.

‘I hope that I shall be the one. It’s the biggest club in the world and it’s a fantastic challenge.’

However, despite the huge speculation, Van Gaal claims the deal is yet to be concluded and insists his

focus remains firmly on Holland.

‘You [the media] are thinking I’m the man but the most important thing is whether Manchester United are thinking that,’ he said.

‘I have to focus on my job. I am coach of the Dutch national team. I have waited a long time to be in a World Cup, that’s very important.

‘This doesn’t affect me. I have always had offers. I know what the football world is and what it means.’

United wrapped up their home campaign on Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Hull.

Hot shot: Martin

Martin intends to be a battering Ram cHris MarTin has brighton in his sights again as he attempts to fire Derby to wembley. Martin scored both goals as the rams won 2-1 at the amex stadium in august and heads back to the south coast tonight for the first leg of their championship play-off semifinal. ‘i scored against brighton when i was at norwich too, so i will take confidence from the fact that i can score against them, but every game is different,’ said Martin, who has hit 23 goals this term. ‘That was our first away game in the league this season and it really set the tone for how we have played on the road as there are only a couple of teams who have better away records than us this season.’

24 METRO METRO HERALD HERALD Thursday, Thursday, May May 8, 8, 2014 2014 24

SPORT D D

roche geared up for Grand tour

«see p20-21

iT’s in THEiR HAnDs nOw

Cyclists (l-r) Ireland’s Nicolas Roche, Australia’s Cadel Evans, Colombia’s Rigoberto Uran, Spain’s Joaquim Rodriguez, Colombia’s Nairo Quintana and Italy’s Michele Scarponi pose with the Giro d’Italia trophy at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast yesterday. The city is hosting the Giro d’Italia Big Start (Grande Partenza) with three days of cycling action from tomorrow with the finish in Dublin on Sunday picture: epA

Hundred club ton up as city romp towards title triumph

Louis: i’d love the job at united

by RicHARD HOOkHAM MAnchester city took a giant stride towards regaining the Premier League title last night after despatching Aston Villa with a thrilling 4-0 victory at the etihad stadium.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side took a firm grip on the trophy thanks to edin Dzeko’s brace, a sweet strike from stevan Jovetic and a brilliant fourth from Yaya toure, making it an incredible 100 Premier League goals for the campaign. the result means city moves two points

top three Man city Liverpool chelsea

P 37 37 37

W 26 25 24

D 5 6 7

L F 6 100 6 99 6 69

LOuiS VAN GAAL is set to be named as Manchester united manager next week after admitting he would ‘love the job’.

The Holland boss, 62, (pictured) is the overwhelming

A Pts 37 83 49 81 26 79

clear of second-placed Liverpool in the title race heading into sunday’s final day.

And their superior goal difference means even if Liverpool – who surrendered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 at crystal Palace on Monday – beat newcastle, city would need just a point at home to West ham to secure their second title in three years. city defender Pablo Zabaleta said: ‘there is still a hard game to go against West ham but we have a great chance to win the title.’

«MaTch reporT – page 23

favourite to replace David Moyes and said yesterday: ‘i would love the job. i hope that i shall be the one. ‘it’s the biggest club in the world and it’s a fantastic challenge.’

Raining champs: Dzeko celebrates scoring the first of his two goals as City thrash Villa 4-0

pIcTUre: epa

«fULL sTory – p23