Blanchardstown Gazette

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April 4, 2013

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Month XX, 2012 Blanchardstown • Blakestown • Hartstown • Coolmine • Tyrrelstown • Dunboyne • Corduff • Mulhuddart • Ongar

INSIDE: Bags of talent on display at Colaiste Pobail Setanta’s Got Talent P6-7

opinion: Senator Averil Power speaks out on high price of childcare Page 8

Scor-ing a win: Ciaran’s pupils’ Dublin success Boxing:

O’Sullivan poised to defend belt in Liverpool Page 32

Swimming:

Coolmine club celebrate longcourse success Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

st Ciaran’s National School in Hartstown took part in Scor na bPaisti Atha Cliath in St Peregrine’s GAA Club recently, and brought home an array of awards for their efforts.

Under the tutelage of Ms Crossan, the students had rehearsed throughout the last few months, and their hard work paid off with the overall title of Scoil na mBliana for County Dublin, as well as three first places and two second places.

Pressure sees access restored to cemetery Protests lead to Mulhuddart being re-opened to vehicles on Sundays

 laura webb

The re-opening of vehicular access to Mulhuddart Cemetery has been described as a “tremendous victory” for people power.

Access for vehicles on Sundays has been restored after the community put pressure on Fingal County Council to make a u-turn on proposals to close it all day.

T he local authority recently put opening restrictions in place to alleviate ongoing problems such as anti-social behaviour in the area.

Sunday closures sparked

outrage among the community, with many voicing their opposition to the council and thousands signing a petition to get it re-opened on Sundays.

Full Story on Page 2

2 BLANCH Gazette 4 April 2013

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people power Community praised for protest

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Thousands of Mulhuddart residents signed a petition to get the cemetery reopened on Sundays

Reversal on cemetery access hailed as victory THE re-opening of Mulhuddart Cemetery to vehicles on a Sunday is a “tremendous victory” for people power.

Vehicular access will be restored to Mulhuddart Cemetery on Sundays after the community put pressure on Fingal County Council to make a u-turn on proposals to close it all day. The council recently put opening restrictions in place closing vehicular traffic access Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 8am and all day on Sunday. The closure on

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Sundays sparked outrage among the community, and many voiced their opposition to the council and thousands signed a petition to get it re-opened on Sundays.

This week, the council have said vehicular gates will remain open until 5pm on Sundays.

In a report to councillors at a recent area committee meeting, a council spokesperson said: “The access and opening arrangements for Mulhuddart Cemetery are currently under review, following the recent decision to have the main vehicular gates closed at specified time in an effort to control high levels of littering and anti-social

behaviour in the area, particularly at weekends.

“A solution to the problem of Sunday vehicular access using existing staff resources is being pursued. The internal discussions in this regard are at an early stage and a further report will be brought to the area committee once the matter has been resolved. In the meantime the vehicular gates will open until 5pm on Sundays,” the report added.

Speaking at the recent meeting, Cllr David McGuinness (FF) said this will be seen as a welcome development, particularly for those who have deceased loved-ones at that cemetery.

Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) said he is “delighted” it will re-open on Sundays, while Socialist Party Cllr Ruth Coppinger welcomed the decision, but said the council should have discussed the plans with local councillors

first.

Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) said this news is a “tremendous victory” for people power.

“The entire community should be very proud for signing petitions, organising protests and contacting the local council. It shows that when people in the local area get organised and work together on an issue, we can force, whether it is the local council or the Government, to change their mind whether they like it or not,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fingal has received a planning application for a 5,000 plot cemetery on lands at Priorstown House in Scribblestown, Castleknock. Versonwood Ltd (in receivership) has applied for permission to change the use of residential premises to cemetery and associated facilities.

The proposed development includes creating a caretaker’s living facility

and converting the existing outbuilding to form a crematorium, create a car park to accommodate 114 vehicles, with a further 45 vehicle spaces in an overflow car park, plus seven designated spaces for staff parking. The new cemetery will accommodate 5,000 grave plots.

Cllr McGuinness said residents have campaigned for years for this service to be provided and this may just be the solution for all concerned, saying there is need for an increase in grave plots for a greater Blanchardstown population which has grown to over 100,000 people.

“Residents have always made the case, particularly in the Castleknock region, that a cemetery close to their homes was the ideal solution to an issue which has caused significant anxiety due to the ever-increasing age profile in the community,” added McGuinness.

4 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 3

corduff HSE set to lodge planning application for local facility education Annual festival a success

30-year wait for care centre nears end PROGRESSION on the long-awaited primary care centre for Corduff has stepped up with the HSE set to lodge a planning application later this month.

The Corduff community has been fighting for 30 years to get a primary care centre in the area. During a meeting last month, the HSE said the centre has been progressed by the “traditional mechanism”

through the services capital plan.

The project’s design team intend lodging a planning permission application for the proposed primary care centre on the HSE site adjacent to the Corduff Shopping centre on Blackcourt Avenue by mid April.

“Subject to the planning application not being delayed or appealed to An Bord Pleanalla the

HSE hope to be in position to have the works commenced by the end of 2013. It is estimated that the construction duration will be approximately 18 months,” the HSE stated.

This week the HSE confirmed that they hope the works will commence

by August or September.

Local TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) welcomed the progression and said he “is putting pressure on the

HSE to get the planning application in as quickly as possible and hopes Fingal’s planning department will process it as quickly as possible as well.

“It’s essential that the capital funding is ringfenced and construction will go ahead at the end of the year – as promised… it’s about time promises were delivered on.”

Dublin West Sinn Féin representative Paul Don-

nelly commended the community in Corduff saying they have waited over 30 years for this process to begin.

Meanwhile, the proposed primary care centre on the Navan Road is being progressed by the HSE lease mechanism as part of the HSE primary care infrastructural scheme.

“The HSE are in legal agreement with a selected

preferred provider for this location. Planning permission for this proposed centre has been granted and it is hoped that the construction works will commence on site for the proposed primary care centre by Aug/Sept 2013.

“It is expected that it will be in the region of 18 months from commencement on site until the building is complete,” the HSE stated.

Mentor Des Chew with young angler Eric Cahill with the record-breaking ferox trout, caught on a fishing trip organised by the Dublin Angling Initiative

angling: talented fisherman lands 12lb trout on trip to lough ramor

Mulhuddart teen fishes for compliments after big catch  NATALIE BURKE news@gazettegroup.com

A local Mulhuddart teen has set a brand new fishing record this week, after catching what has been described by Inland Fisheries Ireland as the “biggest fish ever caught by a youngster out fishing with the Dublin Angling Initiative”.

Eric Cahill, a 16-yearold from Mulhuddart,

set the new record after catching the fish of a lifetime – a 12lb record ferox trout from Lough Ramor, Virginia, Co. Cavan.

The fish was caught during a fishing trip for 10 youngsters which was organised recently for the Mulhuddart Foroige Fishing Club to Lough Ramor in Cavan. Eric has been a member of the local club since the age of 10. The trip was organ-

ised by Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative in March.

Following an introduction by Des on the setting up of rods, rigs and bait presentation, the youngsters were soon fishing for roach, hybrids and perch with others choosing to fish for pike.

While fishing, Eric signalled for assistance when his fishing rod tip indicated he had caught

something. When the fish drew close, the golden spotted body revealed that Eric was now playing a fish of a lifetime and maybe the first specimen caught by a Dublin Angling Initiative youngster.

According to a statement released by Inland Fisheries Ireland, the fish was landed amidst great excitement by the youngsters, the youth workers

and a crowd of local anglers who “all looked on in amazement”.

The fish was weighed on certified scales, laid out and measured on an Inland Fisheries Ireland measuring mat. It reached a length of over 80cm and weighed in at over 12lbs. It was announced that Eric had just caught his first specimen that had been recorded from over 10,000 teenagers

who have participated in Dublin Angling Initiative courses over the last 15 years.

If this fish is ratified by the Specimen Fish Committee, it will also be the first specimen recorded from Lough Ramor. Josie Mahon photographed the fish with its proud captor Eric alongside his mentor, Des Chew.

The fish was then safely released.

THE recent annual Adult Learners Festival, which gave attendees an opportunity to find out the range of programmes available out there for further education, was a huge success.

Blanchardstown Area Partnership and County Dublin VEC hosted the event in the Blanchardstown Library, and it was officially launched by the Mayor of Fingal Cian O’Callaghan (Lab).

Three of the local and community development programme outreach offices were present (Blakestown, Mulhuddart and Corduff), as well as information from the local employment service, BAPTEC computer training centre, St John’s Ambulance and Suicide Awareness Dublin 15.

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4 BLANCH GAZETTE 4 April 2013

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SPRINT Event is back for its second year running

Jog in the annual Symantec 5k run for Foroige IT’S time to put your best running foot forward for the second annual Symantec 5k run in aid of Foroige in Blanchardstown.

Facilitated by Metro St Brigid’s Athletics Club, the

event takes place on May 26 at 10am from Symantec’s offices in Ballycoolin Business Park, Dublin 15.

The route will cover the Rosemount and Northwest Business Parks and will finish at Symantec.

Foroige, the national y o u t h d e ve l o p m e n t organisation, manage and provide youth projects and services in Dublin 15. The organisation is delighted that Symantec Ireland are sponsoring the

event for a second year to raise much needed funds for the work that Foroige undertakes in Blanchardstown.

Registration is currently available on www. runireland.ie but spaces

are limited so early registration is recommended.

This event is open to male and female runners, joggers and walkers, the run will be chip timed and is measured using a Jones counter.

Donation: €10k for hospital PICTURED ARE some

attendees of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie’s inaugural Pink Tie Ball at Dunboyne Castle. Karl Henry from Operation Transformation was the guest on the night.

TV3’s Sinead Ryan and five recently qualified army cadets in full dress army unifor were also present.

The cadets helped raise over €10,000 for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

AS GAEILGE: MUINTIR NA GAEILGE ONGAR PROMOTES USE OF IRISH

Local group sets out to revive national language  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A COMMUNIT Y in Ongar has set up a new group to promote use of the Irish language.

Muintir na Gaeilge Ongar (The People of Ongar) was established in this Januar y and really came alive during Seachtain na Gaeilge in March.

The group held their first event on March 9 with an Irish/English bilingual night with traditional music at Kelly’s Pub in Ongar. This was a great success, with local shops getting involved by sponsoring Irish and putting up posters urg-

ing customers to use their cupla focail.

According to one of the founders, Derek Ho l l i n g s wo r t h , t h e future of Irish is not only safe but during the upcoming Decade of Centenaries (important milestones in Irish history) it will be part of a new self-reflective look at our Irish identity.

“We set up the group as a way to give local people the opportunity to speak Irish and connect with others in the area who wanted to use the language too. At the moment there are classes set up in the community centre here in Ongar which are taught

by the local VEC teacher and myself, my wife and 10 other locals, mostly parents, are doing them.

Most of the parents have children in gaelscoileanna or naionrai [Irish speaking playschools].

“Muintir na Gaeilge Ongar is a cross community group, however and there are a lot of teachers from the local schools involved too.

We try to give people multiple oppor tunities to use their Irish, whether it’s only a cupla focail they have or that they are fully fledged gaeilgeoiri. We have launched a new conversation group which will rotate between a local

cafe and pub in Ongar and have set up a Facebook page which got 66 hits in its first month at w w w.facebook.com/ MuintirNaGaeilgeOngar “It shows that we are tapping into a want people have to express themselves through the language. There are currently 50,000 children in Irish speaking schools on the whole island and these will add to what I see as an explosion of Irish usage in the next 10 to 15 years. Research has shown that children who are bilingual learn other languages much more easily as is the case in central Europe.

“With the centenaries coming up I think we will be re-examining what it is to be Irish as we move beyond the post-colonial sense of an embarrassment of ourselves and our language. The old associations we have had that Irish is a backward, old fashioned language will fall away and a new, more mature country will emerge which is proud of itself and its language.

“It’s already happening all over the country.

People are speaking it at home now and it hasn’t moved into the social arena yet, but that’s the next step.”

4 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 5

heritage Schools explore Hidden Treasures

Getting dug into historical sites  laura webb

LOCAL schools and youth groups explored their community’s heritage of over 90 archaeological sites, and recently showcased their findings through the Hidden Treasures project.

A special awards ceremony was recently held at the Blanchardstown Centre, which Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) presided over. There was a great buzz at the awards, with young and old residents talking about the interesting facts they had discovered during the project about local land-

marks, such as the castle at Castleknock College.

Participants carried out a project on a monument in their area. The overall winners were the Ladyswell Rapid Group from Ladyswell National School, who explored the history and heritage of the Lady’s Well or Holy Well in Mulhuddart.

The project is led by a partnership which includes Safer Blanchardstown, Mountview Resource Centre, Fingal South-West Heritage Society, Fingal County Council Community Division, Fingal Libraries, Fingal County Council

Heritage Office and The Heritage Council. The project follows on from the Fingal exhibition Castles, Forts and Holy Wells: the Archaeology of Dublin 15, which was brought together by archaeologist and field monuments advisor Christine Baker.

This took place in October and November 2012 and was also on display at the awards ceremony.

Hidden Treasures is part of a wider Adopta-Monument initiative being piloted by Fingal County Council which aims to involve local communities in caring for their local heritage.

Clly Mary McCamley (Lab) presided over the awards ceremony

pharmacy McCabes day for women MCCABE’S Pharmacy a t B l a n c h a r d s t ow n Shopping Centre will be hosting Blanchardstown Women’s Day on Thursday, April 11.

The pharmacy will conduct free skin analyses on the day, and will have goodie bags in store for all health check customers.

N u t r i t i o n i s t G ay e Godkins will also be in store with the pharmacy’s nurse Christine, to discuss healthy eating and general health concerns.

To book an appointment for the women’s day, call 01 822 2171.

6 BLANCH Gazette 4 April 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Caoimhe Kenny

Hafssa Barry, Alla Sharrif, Buky Omibokun and Venessa Omo-Adeoye. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Nicola Tully and daughter

Kevwe Marks

4 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 7

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Skye O’Brien

The fifth class pupils participate in an awareness campaign through handmade bookmarks. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Bookmarks: making a difference

S

Presenters Darragh Cummins and Ayo Adegbesan Lauryn McLeod

T Ciaran’s school have decided to donate the proceeds of their World Book Day book sale towards the education of a child in a developing country.

The school’s fifth class pupils have just completed an Irish Aid project on global education, in which they surveyed adults about their best memories of primary school. Through this project, they learned that 67 million children worldwide do not get a chance to access education, so they decided to make a series of bookmarks to inform people about this. Their project showed the long-term impact that recycling and buying Fair Trade products can have on education in a developing country.

The fifth class pupils took part in the bookmark fundraiser

Teacher Amanda Jolliffe

PJ Sinnott and Debra O’Neill

Colaiste Pobail Setanta: ACTS WOW OVER 450

Bags of talent on display at school C

olaiste Pobail Setanta held their annual talent competition recently, Setanta’s Got Talent. Staff, students and parents were entertained by a total of 16 acts ranging from bands to solo singers and a comedian. The show was won by a sixth year student Kevwe Marks. Yaroslava Kozyr came second with an original piano composition

and Erika Volodka with an original song.

This year’s show was attended by well over 450 people. The event was organised by two of the school’s music teachers, Audrey Ward and Philip O’Callaghan, with the school’s music department. They were assisted by a committee of students and transition year students.

Presenters Georgie O’Sullivan and Nonso AnnyNzekwue

Georgie O’Sullivan and Caoimhe Kenny

The pupils designed this poster

8 blanch gazette 4 April 2013

opinion Anti-woman, anti-family, economically stupid - Power

‘Childcare costs the issue – not mothers working’ WE HAVE 142,000 READERS IN DUBLIN ALONE Blanch Irish Olympian discusses basketball way back when

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BLANCHARDSTOWN • BLAKESTOWN • HARTSTOWN • COOLMINE • TYRRELSTOWN • DUNBOYNE • CORDUFF • MULHUDDART • ONGAR

INSIDE: St Brigid’s GAA sets up camp and HIGH NOTE: Frank McNamara plays has summer fun P2 to raise funds for Temple Street Page 3

Hurling:

Brigid’s pick up crucial Cuala league win Page 31

Football:

St Peregrine’s star wins fourth Leinster title Page 32

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .....................18 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Second level school breaks mould � LAURA WEBB

EDUCATE Together opened a new chapter this week when its long-awaited second-level school model became a reality for Blanchardstown West parents.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn announced 14 new post-primary schools for 2013 and 2014, with Educate Together having patronage of a new school in Blanchardstown West and a joint patronage with Co Louth VEC in

Drogheda.

Over the past decade, ET has been progressing to open its first second-level education school.

Michael McLoughlin, chair of the Dublin 15 ET Secondlevel Campaign Group, said: “We are delighted. After all the hard work parents in the area have put in, the dream that our children will be able to attend an ET second-level school is to become a reality.”

Full Story Next Week

Too Cul: Action-packed week at GAA Camps for children RYAN AND SAM ENRIGHT of Naomh Peregrine enjoy a day out at Kellogg’s Cul Camp, which included a visit from Dublin stars Eamon Fennell and Bernard Brogan. Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps provide boys and girls – between the ages of six and 13 – with

an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays. This revolves around maximising enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic games.

Picture: Ian Fleming

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

 sen Averil Power (Fianna Fail)

THROUGHOUT Dublin parents are struggling to balance the demands of raising their kids, keeping their jobs and paying the bills.

Thousands of families are fighting this battle while living under the shadow of enormous personal debt.

For working mothers in particular, it’s a constant day-in, dayout battle to keep the show on the road and juggle the demands of their hectic lives. Many find that childcare costs exceed their takehome pay. But they choose to stay at work because they believe that maintaining their long-term career prospects is in the best interests of their family.

Arrears There are 186,000 households with mortgage arrears in Ireland that may have to avail of the new arrangements for personal debt relief. Last week it emerged that the Government planned to give lenders the power to make parents in such homes quit their jobs if their childcare costs are too high. Many families are already struggling to cope with cuts in maternity benefit, child benefit and back to school payments. Now Minister Varadkar has revealed that mothers in particular may be forced to jeopardise their long-term career prospects because of short-term childcare problems as well.

Not only is this measure incredibly anti-

women and anti-family, it is also economically stupid. It would deprive our workforce of skilled female employees and damage their long-term e m p l o y a b i l i t y, w i t h resultant costs for the Exchequer.

T he lives of these parents are being held to ransom by a bean counting attitude in Government Buildings that is completely out of touch with the sacrifices that many parents are already making to keep their families afloat. By focusing solely on the personal debt issue, Ministers are completely ignoring the bigger issue of bringing down childcare costs.

Outrageous It is outrageous that for many families the cost of childcare exceeds an entire income. Last May in the Seanad, I listened as Minister Burton promised a new “Scandinavian style childcare system” while simultaneously cutting the one family parent allowance. The cut was delivered, but we are still waiting on the new child care system.

Instead, we’ve had Ministers going on the airwaves and setting out new arrangements for women to give up their jobs if their childcare costs are too high. In the face of understandable public outrage, the Taoiseach appears now to be rowing back on this plan. But he is still washing his hands of the real issue here – the exorbitant costs of childcare, the responsibility for which lies firmly at his door.

T he new personal

Senator Averil Power (FF): “The Taoiseach is still washing his hands of the real issue - the exorbitant costs of childcare, the responsibility for which lies firmly at his door”

insolvency system is already deeply flawed.

It basically gives banks a veto that will allow them to continue to penalise homeowners who are working hard to keep their heads above the water.

These are hard times

for families. The burden of debt, rising unemployment and the high cost of living are all making it harder than ever to give our children the start they deserve in life. Yet in spite of the circumstances, mothers and fathers are working

hard to do the best they can for their kids.

Instead of adding further obstacles like those revealed this week, it’s time for the Government to start listening to parents and delivering for the families who need it most.

4 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 9

nostalgic: hartstown community school’s class of 1999 are reunited

Robbery Gardai appeal for

How things have changed in 14 years A RECENT school reunion of students from the Har tstow n Community School went off with a bang as old school mates met up for the first time in 14 years in the Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown on March 23.

Organiser Jennifer Herbert told The Gazette that it was a great idea for the class of 1999 to get together again and trade stories of what had happened in their lives in the intervening 14 years.

“It was a brilliant night and about 35 turned up. It was great to see all the old classmates again because we were a very close class. We were the first

class to go into the new Har tstow n Commu nity School when it was built.”

Reunited Another classmate, Tara Roban, said: “We were definitely a close group, so we wanted to see each other again.

People were busy abroad and travelling and only now did we feel the time was right to organise a reunion. Some came from Cork and Donegal and it was really interesting to find out what happened to them all. Some were creche managers, care workers who work in Connolly Hospital, teachers and Wesley O’Brien does a lot of charity work

for children in Africa in his spare time. One past pupil, Mick, who is a trucker, was stuck in England for 24 hours due to the snowy weather, but he just made it back for the reunion before heading back on the road the next day.”

“Two of the teachers came: Mr Tuck and Ms Murray, and they enjoyed hearing the life stories of all their students. We had a local DJ, Mark Condron, who was brilliant and played all 1990s music on the night.”

Tara is not sure how long it will take for the next reunion, but she doubts that it will be another 14 years to get back together.

details

Message to Revenue: Protesters tear up property tax forms pictured IS Cllr Matt Waine (Socialist Party), who protested in the

Blanchardstown Town Centre on Saturday with members of the Campaign Against Property Tax and Austerity (CAPTA). The group was launching its public meetings planned for Dublin 15 over the next three weeks. They brought their property tax forms to the protest, where they were symbolically ripped up. Cllr Waine said: “We are sending a message to Revenue that we will not be bullied and intimidated into paying this hated tax. We call on all those opposed to this tax, to boycott the tax and asking them to stand united with their neighbors and friends.”

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B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s

GARDAI have renewed their appeal for information regarding a cashin-transit robbery that occurred last December outside a Carpenterstown supermarket. The incident was reconstructed on last week’s Crimecall on RTE. A t a p p r ox i m a t e l y 12.45pm on December 3, two men, one believed to be armed with a handgun, approached a CIT staff member and took a cash box with an undisclosed amount of money contained within. Two suspects made their getaway in a silver vehicle.

Anyone who may have any information should contact gardai at Blanchardstown on 01 666 7000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

10 Blanch gazette 4 April 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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Suzie O’Connell and Aine O’Neill

Master tailor Louis Copeland with business woman and Newstalk presenter Nora Casey. Pictures: Una Williams

Gina McCormack

Tailor-made for celebs

M

ANY stars flocked to the Ballsbridge Hotel recently for the Green Angel Skincare fashion show for Barnardos.

Models on the night included some of the cast of Fair City, Louis Copeland and Celia Holman Lee. The glamorous fashion show was

hosted by TV3 presenters Noel Cunningham and Cathy O’Connor.

The latest trends were on show on the catwalk, with collections from The Ivory Closet, Karen Millen, House of Fraser, Lara Boutique, Avoca and Louis Copeland. Stars from the reality television shows Dublin Wives and

Tallafornia also attended the fundraising event.

Mary Byrne, 5th Base and Eva Coffey Creative Communications provided some entertainment on the night.

The organisers were delighted with how the event turned out, and are said to be already planning the next one.

Liam Geddes and Emma Doogan

4 April 2013 Gazette 11

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dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

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family fun: landmark event kicks off april 9

Treats galore for everyone at Five Lamps Arts Festival The Five Lamps Arts Festival in Dublin will begin with treats galore for music lovers, theatre enthusiasts, children and everyone up for entertainment in a variety of forms.

This will be the sixth year for the Five Lamps festival which is one of the most popular festivals in Dublin. The festival name celebrates the famous Five Lamps landmark and the sur-

rounding community of north inner city Dublin.

Many of the events will deal with the centenary of the 1913 Lockout.

Such events include a piece in the Sean O’Casey Theatre called Ballads, Banter and Banners, a visual art exhibition in the LAB in Foley Street called Exiles, and an architectural exhibition in Amiens Street called Re-imagining Sean McDermott Street

from Findlaters to the Five Lamps.

Other highlights are Mar uczella, a mime play from Poland’s Theatre Nikoli, Julie Maisel’s flute performance, French-Irish storyteller Fiona Dowling , Johnny Taylor Trio Jazz session, and in the LAB on Foley Street, a poetry reading

by Rita Ann Higgins and Paula Meehan One of the big draws for children at the festi-

val will be a production of The Gruffalo, which will be presented by No Strings Theatre Company on April 13 at 2pm in Charleville Mall Library and in Killarney Court at 4pm.

The festival will run from April 9 to 25 and you can find out more by going to fivelampsar tsfestival@gmail. com or by ringing 087 9737401 for programme details.

Mime play Maruczella, a treat in store from Poland’s Theatre Nikoli

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12 Gazette 4 April 2013

dublinlife

diary

Irish Cancer Society volunteers Gary Reed and Valerie Abbott tried not to let the dreadful weather on this year’s Daffodil Day dampen their enthusiasm. However, with the society’s main national fundraising event badly affected by the day’s downpours, the society is appealing for online donations to help reach its €3.4 million target.

Hey petal, support Daffodil Day 2013!

DEDICATED volunteers supporting the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) were left devastated after a washout day made it hard for them to reach the charity’s fundraising target on Daffodil Day. Despite the heavy rainfall on Friday, March 22, volunteers braved the elements to sell daffodils for the ICS. However, initial indications showed funds being collected from street sellers were significantly lower than on previous years.

And so, the ICS is asking all those who would have given to support them on the day to give online donations, instead.

It’s not too late to support Daffodil Day and help the society reach its target of €3.4 million.

Without a successful Daffodil Day, the society will struggle to continue to provide information, care and support to those with, and affected by, cancer in Ireland services in 2014.

You can make a secure donation online at www.cancer.ie, or call 1850 606060 to donate.

Alternatively, you can text Daff to 50300 to donate €4, with 100%

of your donation going to the Daffodil Day fund.

You can even buy a virtual daffodil on the society’s Facebook page.

fun depression-era party for film fans BONNIE and Clyde, the ultimate gangster-love road movie, is to be screened on Saturday, April 13 at 8pm, and on Sunday, April 14 at 3.30pm, at Film Fatale in the Sugar Club on Lower Leeson Street.

Film Fatale is celebrating films from the 1930s with a screening of the cult classic heist film, Bonnie and Clyde, which is based on the true-life exploits of notorious Depression-era bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

The film chronicles the short lives of America’s most infamous criminals, with the screening to be followed by a Dirty Thirties -themed vintage party.

Those attending are encouraged to dress the part and come in their best vintage finery, with Bonnie and Clyde as fashion inspirations.

Tickets to Film Fatale are €15, while tickets to the Dirty Thirties

party are €5, and are available on the door from 11pm.

be a sport and help support hospices THE Association of Schools’ Unions of Ireland is organising a fundraising event for the Blackrock and Harold’s Cross hospices by celebrating sport in all its forms in a thanksgiving service.

This year’s Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service for the Gift of Sport will see Liam Harbison, chief executive of Paralympics Ireland, delivering an address to the congregation.

All of the singing at the service will be led by The Belvedere College Chamber Choir.

The first such service, supported by the Association of Schools’ Unions, took place in 1949.

This will be the 64th such annual sports service, and organisers are hoping a large crowd of all denominations will attend the service in St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street at 7pm on Sunday, April 14.

All proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Blackrock and Harold’s Cross hospices.

4 April 2013 Gazette 13

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14 Gazette 4 April 2013

dublinlife

Encouraging the young to Think Big Young people from Dublin were among a group of people from across the country that attended a recent Think Big workshop in O2 headquarters in Dublin.

Think Big is a programme designed by O2 and Headstrong, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, designed to inspire young people around the country to promote positive mental health in their local community.

T he young people attending the workshop on February 16 were each awarded a place on the national Think Big programme, after successfully submitting an idea for a project in their community.

Think Big has granted initial funding of €300 to help get each project off the ground, along

with a mobile phone (with €50 top-up), and a Think Big start-up pack.

Aisling Flynn,Think Big coordinator, Headstrong, said: “The young people taking part are leading the way in changing how we think about mental health in Ireland.

“Young people intuitively understand the importance of mental health, and are ideally placed to promote positive mental health among their peers.”

She added: “Each project attending the training has great potential to make a positive difference in their community and, in joining more than 250 other Think Big projects, they are helping to transform our understanding of mental health.”

Emma Holmes, Holly Madigan and Katie Furlong from the Teresian School in Donnybrook, who investigated the electrical properties of fruit and veg as part of their SciFest Science Fair entry at DIT recently

schools: science fair ‘bodes well’ for institutes’ future

Electrifying projects Post-primary students from schools across Dublin took science to the next level last week, displaying more than 70 projects at the recent SciFest 2013@ DIT. On Friday, March 22, secondary school students from across Dublin gathered at DIT to showcase their science projects, and to begin the first of 15 regional SciFest Science Fairs.

More than 70 science projects were displayed at SciFest@DIT, with about 150 students from schools across the county displaying their scientific projects.

Entries to this year’s SciFest have broken all records, with up to 4,000 students to exhibit their projects at 15 venues over the next three months.

Officially opened by Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG), the fair featured a range of scientific discoveries and explorations.

For example, the event saw the “five second” food rule being put to the test, and radioactive material found in north County Dublin seaweed being investigated, as well as whether or not smiling is contagious.

SciFest is an allinclusive, all-island science competition where second-level students showcase their science, technology and maths projects at a series of one-day science fairs.

The winners from each science fair will go on to compete at the national final in November.

The SciFest pro-

gramme is primarily sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Science and Engineering wing, and Intel Ireland.

It is also supported by a number of other companies and organisations.

Top prize

The top prize on the day went to fifth-year student Tom McDonald from Skerries Community College with his project, Coastal Erosion in Skerries, which examined coastal erosion and deposition over a period of two years on his local beach in Skerries.

He discovered that the beach profile changes seasonally due to wave and wind action experienced.

McDonald will now go

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on to the national final of SciFest which will take place in the Science Gallery in Dublin.

DIT SciFest coordinator Dr Julie Dunne said: “It is hugely encouraging to see such high-quality entries for this year’s SciFest@DIT. “Dublin’s post-primary students are displaying a real interest in the sciences, and you only need to take a look at the variety of projects and experiments on show to see that they have taken SciFest very seriously.

“It bodes well for the future of institutes of technology that there is such a high standard being set, and [the event] shows the value of SciFest as an outlet for students to explore science in ways that interest them,” said Dr Dunne.

Local

Matters

4 April 2013 GAZETTE 15

SCHOOLS

‘Gazette gave me a great insight into newspapers’  ROISIN PUTTI

Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, Co Tipperary

AS A transition year student, a huge part of my year is based around work experience in various careers.

The aim of work experience is to get a feel for individual careers and to learn skills vital for the workplace.

More of ten, however, work experience involves photocopying, shredding and making coffee.

Students understand how difficult it is for workplaces to facilitate 15- and 16-year-olds, so we are thankful for the

opportunities we get, and we try to photocopy, shred and make coffee with as much enthusiasm as we can muster.

When I applied for work experience in the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, I thought there would be a limited amount of jobs I could do – that’s why I was so surprised when I got there.

Release On my first morning, I was given a press release that was sent to the newspaper, to shorten so it could be published.

Later that day, I was handed another one.

I was so busy typ-

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All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

ing, proofreading, and rephrasing, the working day went very quickly.

In fact, the whole week flew, in a blur of rephrasing long passages and putting press releases into article form.

Events During my week, I wrote about upcoming events and projects, travel and local news. I edited pieces, and tried to shorten the amount of words so they would fit into the paper.

I observed the jour-

nalists, and the great work they do, and saw the emphasis on local news stories.

I spent some time watching the production of the newspaper, which answered the many questions I had about the making of a newspaper.

I observed the advertising staff negotiate with local businesses.

I witnessed a bright, happy atmosphere in the offices, which made The Gazette a lovely place to spend a week in.

I have a genuine interest in studying journalism af ter secondar y school, which is why I chose to travel from Tipperary to get work experience here.

Career After my week in the Gazette, I am even more interested and view journalism as an exciting career.

I’d like to thank everyone at Gazette Group Newspapers for all their help and support over the last week.

Get involved in our schools pages CALLING all students! Dublin Gazette Newspapers continue to reach out to schools in our catchment areas so that we become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities; one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We want all budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards. For more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup.com or telephone Rob Heigh at 01 601 0240.

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16 Gazette 4 April 2013

dublinlife

Q&A

anthony carroll, entrepreneur

Game on for business and social initiatives ANTHONY CARROLL heads up Tab Tech and Street SoCcer Ireland. He is evolving from a business entrepreneur into a social entrepreneur, creating products that have a positive social and community benefit.

Through his new company, TabTech & SportsTech, he is developing mobile applications focused on the football, sports and fitness community as well as the education and health sectors. The firm is creating a suite of apps and housing them online where customers can customise their own functional apps using a subscription-based model.

It is also selling mobile device solutions, including portable coaching, teaching and presentation solutions.

Street Soccer Ireland is a non-profit social enterprise that improves the knowledge and life skills of young people through fun events using football as the vehicle.

How long have you been in business?

I have been running my own business since 2003. I have two current businesses: Street Soccer Ireland and TabTech. Street Soccer Ireland is running since early 2011. TabTech is just recently established and is a spin off from another company in which I was a partner, called Seismic Online.

What makes your business successful?

In general, it’s the staff, the products and the way we do business.

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

Products that make a positive impact on our customers’ lives, and staff who genuinely care about our customers needs.

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

Put a greater emphasis on the power of the mind among our staff.

At all times, we do our best to rise above the doomers and gloomers always trying to keep a positive outlook. We see setbacks as simply positive lessons to learn from and continue moving forward.

to keep positive, be persistent and to keep following our goals.

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

It’s not a law that can be upheld in court, but if I could change a law, it’s the law of negativity that so many people seem to prefer to view or focus on and abide by!

What is your ambition for the business?

To create a global business(es) that really does have a significant positive impact on our customers, while building a reputable brand and credibility in the marketplace.

How do you use social media to help your business?

Everyone needs to embrace the social digital age and we are no different. We have a good presence online via the main social platforms, however we are human beings selling to other human beings and we focus more efforts on providing a personal approach to our customer relationships. It’s ironic that social media is not very social at the end of the day

What’s the worst job you’ve had?

How has the recession impacted your business?

It has been just a greater challenge

Door to door insurance sales, although it gave me a great neck and ability to deal with rejection.

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

Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240

business

Dealing with recruitment agencies Having worked in recruitment for a number of years, I know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the desk.

It is a hard, sales-driven business, but job candidates are not products. They are people who have feelings, who need jobs and who can let you down.

I also know that while most agencies abide by a professional code of conduct, there are some who won’t acknowledge your CV, persuade you to go for jobs you’re not suited to and send your CV to employers without your permission.

As agencies are considered to be about the third most successful method of securing work, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind: Be as specific as possible about what type of work you are looking for. Recruiters don’t have the time to help you clarify your career path. If you don’t know what you want, you are difficult to place and may be filed under miscellaneous.

Don’t blitz agencies with your CV. If working close to home is a priority for you, contact the local agencies first. If you specialise in a particular area like IT or accountancy, contact specialist agencies.

It is up to you to make contact with them. The most common gripe about agencies is that you never hear from them again. If you have sent them your CV, you should receive an acknowledgement. If you leave them a message, they should call you back, that’s nor-

mal business practice. Recruiters speak to and interview dozens of people a day, however, so – unless you are looking for interview feedback – don’t expect much more communication unless you initiate it.

If you are applying for an advertised position, call and speak to the consultant dealing with the job before forwarding your CV. Find out as much as you can about the job and tailor your CV accordingly. Ask the consultant how they work, when you can expect to hear from them and if it is okay for you to call them in a few days.

A word on confidentiality: You expect a recruiter to keep your personal details confidential. If they give you the name of a client company which is recruiting, and ask you to keep it confidential, do that. Like many other things, it’s all about developing positive relationships, and remember, recruiters are people too.  Rachael Kilgallon is a qualified career coach and founder of

The Career Hub. Contact Rachael at hello@thecareerhub.ie or visit www.thecareerhub.ie.

ambition: company aims to chase market share

A wraparound solution for event management  natalie burke

AN EVENT solution company is celebrating its first year in business this year. EventEase.ie is an Irish company, founded in February 2012, which was established to assist event organisers and concert promoters with their specialist accreditation needs and a personalised service for all types of events.

The innovative company is the brainchild of its director, Neil Dowling, who has more than 25 years’ experience in all aspects of the concert and event industry.

With the company achieving great success in its first year, Neil says the company is looking towards a bright future.

“We are going to be chasing market share in Ireland next year; we’re

going after everything. We want to expand the company rapidly,” he said.

EventEase offers what Dowling described as a “unique, wraparound service”, managing the operational risk for event promoters, festivals and venues.

“We supply and manage staff for areas such as the accreditation of all event personnel, box office, guest list, entrance managers, wrist-banding and ticketing operations.

“We are the only company supplying this service in Ireland, and are available for festivals, venues, concerts, corporate and sports events,” he said.

The company supplies wristbands and lanyards of all types and currently supply to a number of prestigious events and ve n u e s n a t i o nw i d e ,

Neil Dowling, director, EventEase.ie, with some of the event solution company’s bus advertising

including Body and Soul, Electric Picnic and Forbidden Fruit. The company also sell direct to the public.

“No order is too big or too small. We also endeavour to offer preferential discounts for registered charities, independent promoters and new bands, and we are always available to advise and assist clients.

“We’re ultra professional. I have people with me 20 years, and we know

how to run gigs. We don’t know it all, by any means, but we know enough,” said Dowling.

EventEase are hoping to expand for 2013 and are in the process of creating more jobs in Ireland over the coming year, according to Dowling.

For further information, contact EventEase on 01 864 5000, or see its website at www.eventease.ie, or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ eventease.ireland.

4 April 2013 Gazette 17

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asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P25

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

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Pets can you give Roman a new home?

Eoghan and Gillian Casey with 98FM presenter and TV personality Ray Foley and his son, Matthew

funding: water babies splashathon in aid of three national hospitals

Splash out to help children  laura webb

PARENTS, babies and toddlers are diving in to support the Water Babies Splashathon fundraiser in aid of three national children’s hospitals.

Leading baby and toddler swim school Water Babies announced that the sponsored swim for the little ones will take place across Ireland during Water Babies classes between April 15 and 21.

The Water Babies Splashathon will raise vital funds for our three national children’s hospitals: Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin; Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, and The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.

During the fundraising event, babies and toddlers will complete sponsored challenges in Water Babies classes, from swimming solo underwater for the first

time to swimming through a hoop or even completing a splashathon circuit challenge in the pool.

Speaking on behalf of the fundraising teams of our three children’s hospitals, Anne Cooney explained: “[The] Water Babies Splashathon is a fun way to make a real and lasting difference to the children and babies attending our hospitals.

“The money raised by parents and Water Babies’ young Splashathon fundraisers will help purchase vital lifesaving equipment such as baby incubators, dialysis machines, ventilators and patient monitors.”

Supporting the cause, 98FM presenter and TV personality Ray Foley, whose son, Matthew, attends Water Babies classes, said: “As a parent myself, I appreciate how important it is for children to learn

to swim at an early age, so I’m delighted to be taking part in the Water Babies Splashathon with Matthew.

“We will be splashing for cash and raising money to support the great work of our children’s hospitals.”

Carol McNally, who runs Water Babies lessons across Dublin, says: “Our previous Water Babies charity event in 2011 raised more than €44,000 for Temple Street Hospital.

“Since then, Water Babies has grown nationwide, with classes now in Dublin, Louth, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Galway, Cork, Sligo, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny.

“We are confident that, this year, with the help of all our lovely little splashers, we will be able to raise more than ever, to provide those all-important funds for our children’s hospitals,” said Carol.

In Ireland, Water Babies has four regional franchises teaching more than 2,400 babies and toddlers each week across Ireland.

Classes in Dublin include locations such as Baldoyle, Castleknock, Swords, Blackrock and Liffey Valley.

According to the team, most participants will happily be swimming distances underwater by about 30 months, then naturally start swimming on the surface as their strength increases.

Water Babies was named Best Activity Provider for Tots and Toddlers at the Families First awards held in Dublin last year.

To donate to the Water Babies Splashathon Fund, visit www.mycharity. ie/charity/waterbabiessplashathon.

To find out more about Water Babies, visit its website at www.waterbabies.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is romantic Roman, a sixyear-old male Boxer with a heart of gold.

He arrived into Dogs Trust in quite poor condition recently and has been given oodles of TLC from all the staff and is now thriving and full of personality! He is a true gent and would need to go to a loving family who can continue his development by bringing him on several short walks a day to help him build up his muscles again. He is happy to hang out in his new forever home with big kids (10+) and a canine pal.

If you think you could give this handsome man his perfect forever home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 4 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT Betty Jackson Hematite Spike €12

Faith €84

Betty Jackson Hematite Spike €12

METALLICS ATT RACT Faith Rose Padded Faux Leather Clutch Bag €49

Butterfly sequin ombre vest €53

IT’S not a look that people warm to easily, as most feel they could end up looking more like baking foil than fashion forward. But fear not, as this look is easily achievable and can really bring an outfit to life. For instance, an LBD can be spruced up with some metallic accessories, such as those shown on this page. Be red carpet ready, with this amazing number from Jenny Packham (€287),

which teamed with some subtle accessories makes it a perfect evening gown.

A metallic top teamed with white jeans can be transformed from day to evening wear in a flash.

With this in mind, play around with metallics, and let the inner magpie loose.

Call it Spring Silver ‘Schapp’ Shoes €59

 All items featured are available in participating Debenhams stores.

Miss KG Cork wedges €91

Faith Metallic Glitter Heart Bag €54 Betty Jackson Hematite Spike NL €23

Jenny Packham sequin dress €233

4 April 2013 GAZETTE 19

Believable bronzing

 LAURA WEBB style@gazettegroup.com

ON the calendar it looks like we should be bathing in sunshine, but reality hit us hard last week when we wrapped up warm to face the snowy weather. So in a bid to bring a little sunshine to our lives, this week, we are talking all things tan, how to avoid blending in with the snow and instead be a bronzed goddess.

Like many of us, we don’t always have the time to go to a salon and get the spray tan done, so instead it’s a little DIY job at home.

For instant tan, try Karora Self Tan Mist (€24.99). This tan is a quick and easy way to transform skin from pasty to sun-kissed. What’s great about this product

is that it’s made using only organic and natural extracts, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Coverage with this tan was given top marks from our beauty tester, with Jessica saying: “It sprayed on easy and, used with their exfoliating product [Karora Micro Peel €14.99], it made sure it was an even tan.

“As a newbie to fake tan, I was very surprised and happy with the results – I went back to looking American,” she laughed.

Karora is available at McCabes, Doc Morris, Sam McCauleys and independent pharmacies and salons nationwide or online @ www.cloud10beauty.com.

Another instant tan is He-Shi with its hint of sparkle that really radi-

KARORA Self Tan Mist Original 200ml €24.99

Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter €8.00 KARORA Multi-Action Micro Peel €14.99

ates on dull days. This product first appeared on our beauty radar last December, but as it still feels like that same month, why not add a bit of ChristHe-Shi Luminous Shimmer 150ml mas Sparkle to our socalled spring months.

Applied with a mitt, like all tans should, this tan goes on smoothly and without any fuss because it has

a cream texture. It’s light and being an instant tan it’s easy to see where to blend and even out the tan.

Beauty tester Natalie said: “After applying the tan, I felt the colour was really natural and my skin had a really nice glow to it. It would be the perfect tan for a night out or a special occasion.”

The He-Shi range has a youth revivé opti tan formula that rejuvenates your skin’s appearance, whilst helping to fight the signs of ageing. Other products include their He-Shi Face & Body Gel €21.50.

Some Diamonds, dahling?

DON’T wait until a birthday or Valentine’s day to get perfume, treat yourself this month to summer fragrances such as Emporio Armani Diamonds.

This summer 2013, Emporio Armani Diamonds is re-interpreted in summer fragrances.

Emporio Armani Diamonds for Women – Edition Summer is a musky, floral fragrance that sparkles with freshness.

According to the beauty brand, this fragrance gives a raspberry and litchi accord on top cooled down with

a green apple sorbet to give a crispy identity to the fragrance.

Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men – Edition Summer is a woody aroma. For this, the brand says fresh mint and iced lemon come together for a fusing icy crescendo start.

The limited editions of the original Emporio Armani Diamonds fragrances offer a cool, fresh summer fragrance.

Emporio Armani Diamonds for Women and Men, Summer Edition is available nationwide from mid-April, RRP: €34.00 for him and €41.00 for her.

Available at participating stores, salons and spas nationwide.

Mousse

Express, self-tan mousse Cocoa Brown (€7.99) is easy to apply and develops into a natural tan within just 60 minutes – yes you read correct, one hour.

This mousse is nicely fragranced, glides on to the skin, is lightweight and fast drying. Testing this one, I gave it the full 60 minutes and jumped straight into the shower at 61 minutes.

Afterwards there was a slight difference, but

not dark enough for my liking. So it is recommended by the product makers to try it for two consecutive nights for a darker tan, which worked out better. It can also be left on for three hours before washing off to insure a darker look.

See www.cocoabrown.ie for stockists These products are just a few of what is available out there, so test and trial before making up your mind. Don’t forget to exfoliate and treat drier areas like to the elbow, knees and ankles with extra care by moisturising well.

GAZETTE

STYLE

Avon’s Skin loving BB balm THE BB craze is very much a hot topic in the beauty word and another coming on to the scene is Avon’s Ideal Flawless Skin Loving BB. This Beauty Balm (BB) is a lightweight formula that is SPF protected.

It also aims to tackle dull and dry skin.

The BB can be applied quickly and smoothly, helping to create a flawless looking skin tone.

This BB balm is mineral and vitamin E infused without blocking pores. It is also developed to hydrate and minimises redness.

Available in six shades: Ivory, Shell, Nude, Natural Beige, Medium Beige and Nutmeg, it’s easy to find your perfect match.



Don’t forget to send in your style question for our Style Q&A with Littlewoods Ireland Ambassador, Caroline Morahan. The Star Question will win €50 voucher for Littlewoods Ireland. Email style@ gazettegroup.com The next Q&A is out April 25.

Gazette

20 gazette 4 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929

Douglas Kennedy in Conversation with Nadine O’Regan DOUGLAS Kennedy ranks among that rare breed, the bestelling author whose novels attract critical praise.

In his new novel, Five Days, we meet Laura, a model wife and mother who through a chance meeting in a hotel lobby is reminded of the young woman she used to be and the woman she could have become. Douglas will discuss the book and his career with journalist and radio presenter Nadine O’Regan. April 9, tickets €10/€8.

Dwayne Johnson’s Stupidly Sculpted Arms would be a good name for a band

review: explosions! fights! bruce willis! the rock! terrible film!

Hardly Rock solid

MY name is Paul and I quite like professional wrestling.

At 26 years old, this confession still raises eyebrows, but the absolute daftness of it all, mixed with the levels of athleticism on show, make the squared circle a favourite form of entertainment for me.

With that in mind, and remembering that I grew up in his heyday, I also love The Rock.

Sure, nowadays he goes by the name Dwayne Johnson and likes to be thought of as an actor and occasional wrestler, but to me he’ll always be The People’s Champion, The Great One, The Brahma Bull: The Rock.

Such is my love of Johnson, I have subjected myself to some of his, shall we say, less glorious filmic output.

Faster, Doom, The Game Plan and more

Film of the Week: GI Joe Retaliation h (15) 100 mins Director: Jon M Chu Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki, RZA

 Paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

have been consumed with gusto, with Johnson continuing to prove himself a talented actor (outshining everyone in the absolute wreck that was Be Cool).

Another thing that I carried over my childhood is an appreciation of GI Joes.

Four inch plastic figures that consumed m a ny h o u r s o f my formative years, GI Joe was brought to the big screen in 2009 with a star-studded cast and a woeful movie.

Such was the poor reception of 2009’s Rise of Cobra, the producers did the only logical thing: call The Rock.

OUR VERDICT:

BAFFLINGLY poor. It’s not even a good bad film, in the way the original was. That at least had the good grace to be hilariously bad. This is just bad. Which is a shame because Johnson really deserves a vehicle worthy of his star power and easy action charm. He also needs some laughs, which Chu fails spectacularly to deliver at all. Save your money, see Fast and Furious Six.

Of course, GI Joe: Retaliation also features one Bruce Willis and a certain Channing Tatum (cumulatively setting a world record for biceps in a film).

But, really, this is a play directly from the Fast Five playbook. In the fifth instalment of the car-chase franchise, The Rock reinvigorated the whole thing with his stern gaze and unbelievably built body.

Again the role of shot in the arm of a flagging franchise is left to The Rock because, spoiler alert, Tatum bolts early doors and Bruce Willis,

one of the biggest stars on the planet, is marginalised in favour of story building.

Normally, a focus on story is a good thing, but this is a GI Joe movie.

The whole premise is so preposterously nonsensical that the only way to make a decent film is to have some fun with it.

Unfortunately director Jon M Chu (director of the Justin Bieber movie), didn’t get that memo and decided that a film based on action figures, starring The Rock, had to be a deadly serious thriller.

It’s the filmic equivalent of having a band with Slash in it and making a dubstep album.

Chu seems weighted by the ridiculousness of the premise established by the end of the first film (an evil doppelganger has taken the office of the US President).

So weighted, he seems, that he fights it with every inch of his being, trying desperately to establish his film as something else.

But Eliza Doolittle, GI Joe: Retaliation is not.

Two collaborations with Bieber put Chu in enough stead to be given a budget of $185 million and despite the early buzz of this being almost singularly negative, he has been handed the reins to The Masters of the Universe reboot.

But based on this, he does not have the power to revive a franchise.

4 April 2013 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

GAMING BIOSHOCK INFINITE: FLOATING CITY MAKES A MEMORABLE SETTING

Elevates a genre to new heights

READERS with decent memories may recall that, ooh, ages ago I had a preview of Bioshock Infinite.

After taking a great deal longer in development than expected, and having taken a few sidesteps along the way, the keenlyawaited title has finally arrived – and, boy (or girl), was the wait worth it ...

Infinite is the spiritual successor to the critically lauded – and commercial smash-hit title – Bioshock, from a few years ago.

As with Bioshock, Infinite is “just” another firstperson shooter, where you wander through the game, shooting this and that on your way to the ending.

However, where both titles (I’m skipping past the slightly undercooked and underwhelming Bioshock 2) greatly impress are not just in their gameplay and graphics, but with their story and characterisation – things rarely done well in the FPS genre, yet mastered once again, here.

It is 1912, and Booker DeWitt has been sent to somehow gain access to the mysterious floating city of Columbia – a vast city of state-of-the-art everything, encapsulating the very best of American

SQUARE ENIX PRESIDENT RESIGNS

Wada steps down as losses loom in quarterly report

In Bioshock Infinite’s strikingly realised portrayal of the floating city of Columbia in 1912, it’s difficult not to see many design echoes of the truly spectacular 1893  SHANE DILLON

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

ideals of the time.

Booker’s task is to find a young woman, Elizabeth, and spirit her back to the world below.

However, Columbia – a stone, steel and glass marvel that celebrates art, science and progress – is far from the happy utopia that it at first appears.

In fact, Columbia is a society sharply defined by ultra nationalism and isolationist policies; it’s a city that’s only meant for “proper” folk (basically, American, caucasian, God-fearing and rich).

The f loating city’s endless posters and propaganda rail against the menace of “foreign hordes” and the corrupted world below, with all of the “normal” standards of its prim and proper 1912 setting.

It’s also a place where the rich cavort gaily in the sunshine on the surface, while the poor toil and languish in the city’s underbelly, below – and it’s all ruled over ruthless-

BYTES&PIECES

World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago (below); two worlds – one real, one fictional – both seeking to encapsulate the brash confidence of their times

ly by Father Comstock.

Somehow, Elizabeth – an isolated young woman who has seen almost nothing of Columbia, let alone of the world below – is key to the city’s future, and possibly a great deal more, besides.

The only problem is, how on earth can Booker and Elizabeth be expected to escape a city that’s on the edge of a social revolution, when all of Father Comstock’s forces are determined to stop them, and to keep Elizabeth there?

Like I said, Infinite is anything but a standard FPS, which have too often descended in recent years into noisy, chaotic and rather forgettable setpieces.

By wandering through Columbia, using a range of upgradeable “Vigours” (basically, near magic powers) alongside conventional weapons of the era, Booker and Elizabeth run into some terrific setpieces, all presented with

great design throughout.

Elizabeth deserves particular praise, as fears of the game being little more than an extended escort mission are soon set aside, due to her help.

With such a particularly accomplished world setting – even if it’s a deliberately provocative one, at that – great graphics, interesting characters and a singularly memorable setting, the long-

delayed title deserves to be the smash hit that its chart sales suggest it is.

Bioshock Infinite is available now on PC, XBox 360 and PlayStation 3; as always, l o o k around for the best price.

An interesting cross between a damsel in distress, guide, innocent abroad, travelling companion and rebellious protaganist, Elizabeth makes quite an impression as a strong character

IT’S barely been a couple of weeks since Lara Croft’s great, if gory reboot saw her turning into a mudspattered cross between Rambo, Chuck Norris and Kate Middleton on a remote Japanese island, but despite the game’s sales racking up about 3.4 million units, so far, Tomb Raider seems to have been deemed a retail flop.

That’s bad news for its publisher, Square Enix, which has been putting out critically well-enough received and reviewed titles such as Sleeping Dogs, and Hitman: Absolution in the past year or so, yet which has consistenty seen such titles return underwhelming numbers – and profits – in stores.

Okay-ish sales in Europe haven’t been matched in the US, with Square Enix sales facing the same weak sales slump in the States that almost all publishers have been hit with in the past 18 months or so, in particular.

Tomb Raider’s weak sales there have now added to Square Enix’s list of decent – or even great – titles that have somewhat inexplicably failed to make much of a dent at market and, while the company still has substantial assets and a rather big cash pile, to face such commercially uninspiring returns must undoubtely affect its future projects.

Such sales were accounted for in a recent company statement that said it expected “to incur extraordinary loss in the settlement of the accounts for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2013”.

While Square Enix has a number of interesting games and projects in the pipeline, seeing such key titles failing to meet company targets, and the related impact on their expected profits, both for individual returns and for collective quarterly results, have seen company president Yoichi Wada (above) resign.

This marks an interesting – and unfortunate – development underlining the growing air of uncertainty surrounding even top-notch titles and franchises. When even these fail to meet their targets, and when acclaimed companies start to feel the effects of this gaming lull, it begs the question of what (unwelcome) changes are now hitting the gaming industry, in general.

With several skilled developers under its wing, and a number of interesting titles on the way, here’s hoping that Square Enix has just hit one of the bumps in the road that all publishers, and developers, have been hitting lately ...

‘250,000,000 GAMERS’ ON FACEBOOK

Milestone figure announced by social media giant IF I could distract you a moment from Facebook, I’d like to mention that it has just announced that more than 250 million users play games through the site on a monthly basis, and that it also plans to add a dedicated gaming section to its Timeline.

Personally, while I’m about as much a fan of games on Facebook as I am of Eastenders’ Christmas episodes, obviously 250,000,000 of you are very happy to tend your farms or match jewels or whatever, there. Watch this space for news of 500,000,000 Facebook gamers to appear ...

Gazette

22 Gazette 4 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Forget about God saving the Queen, it’s a revamped arena spectacular that’s keeping the band’s music alive on stage these days. We Will Rock You has been doing just that to 12 million Queen fans for the past decade, and the musical is in town this week ahead of a worldwide arena tour.

Directed by writer/comedian Ben Elton with Queen guitarist Brian May and Queen drummer Roger Taylor as the musical supervisors, We Will Rock You delivers 24 Queen songs to your ears through the magic of rock theatre.

The show is celebrating its 10th anniversary with this arena tour which features a bigger and better design than previous performances. And Brian May says you won’t be disappointed, promising audiences will have “a big night out” with this big show.

We Will Rock You rocks The O2 for four performances from this Thursday, April 4 to Saturday, April 6th with tickets from €40, including booking fee.

Or, if you like your Queen shows to feature the real thing, here’s something really special. Brian May will be turning off the lights at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre this summer for one night only as part of The Born Free Tour.

The man behind Queen anthems such as We Will Rock You, I Want It All and Fat Bottomed Girls is playing an acoustic show, by candlelight alongside vocalist Kerry Ellis, who’ll be singing songs that have been hand-picked and rearranged

by May. It promises to be a show with a difference.

Brian May and Kerry Ellis play the Olympia Theatre on Sunday, June 30 and tickets are €36.50, including booking fee. God save us a seat!

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The lights are on and the studio is ready for the launch of 8radio.com, the brainchild of Simon Maher, right

interview: a new sound for dublin music lovers emerges

8’s eclectic dream  ROB HEIGH

As every avid music fan knows, the variety of music available on Irish radio is, erm... limited.

Niche stations, like Radio Nova, break the mould by catering to a specific style of music and find there are huge audiences disenfranchised by playlistdriven broadcasting that clutters the dial.

Rock has its saviour in Nova, but what about our taste? That scattershot love of everything on the spectrum, from Adam and the Ants to Yeah Yeah Yeahs and back again?

It looks like our saviour has risen in the form of 8radio.com, a new station set to light up Dublin every weekend on 94.3FM until July, as well as online every day and on its Apple and Android apps.

Their eclectic mix has been putting a big smile on faces in this office and everywhere else it has been heard across the city, and Gazette Music caught up with its creator, Simon Maher, and asked where the idea for the station came from.

“I was general manager and one of the presenters on Phantom when it was

seeds set for festival Nick Cave and PiL among first acts for Body & Soul NICK Cave and The Bad Seeds and John

Lydon’s Public Image Limited are among the headline names in the first batch of acts to be confirmed as appearing at Body & Soul 2013, the boutique festival which takes place again this year at Ballinlough Castle in Co Westmeath from June 21 to 23. With more acts to be announced, this is already gearing up to be one of the most magical and unique events of the summer. For more information, see www.facebook.com/BodyandSoulIreland and www.bodyandsoul.ie.

taken over, and when I left, I was thinking about what I wanted to do next.

“As my day job, I teach media at Ballyfermot College, and I was asking students about what they listen to now, they said they tend to put on iTunes and hit shuffle. I asked them to hit shuffle and tell me the first five tracks that came up, and they were a really eclectic mix. I realised people are able to cope with an unexpected mix of music, so why don’t we create a radio station that does exactly that?”

The audience that 8 are looking to capture are a

unique group, something that Simon’s experience in broadcasting has taught him is possible to achieve.

“When we went to the BII to get the temporary licence, they asked if we would be taking people away from the established radio stations, and the fact was that we wouldn’t.

A lot of the people who would listen to 8 would have been lost to traditional radio, and we knew that would be our target audience. It’s a different kind of radio.

“The majority will always listen to traditional

radio or watch traditional TV, but it’s the other people who we are after.”

Simon is keen to spread the word, and hopes that this fledgling period for 8 will lead to a more permanent place, whether that be online or on the airwaves.

“We would hope by July that we would have around 2,000 to 3,000 listeners a week logging on to the web version of the station. The 15 weeks of the temporary licence will be used to drive people toward that. If people trust us musically, we will see where we go next.”

4 April 2013 BLANCH gazette 23

24 BLANCH gazette 4 April 2013

Gazette

MOTORS OUT&ABOUT road NOISE More efficient and better equipped volkswagen: The new Golf 1.4 ACT TSI Highline 140bhp

Ford launches the new Fiesta ST

The new Ford Fiesta ST is Ford’s fastest and most dynamic small production performance car ever, employing a precision-tuned and driver-focused powertrain and chassis to deliver the ultimate Fiesta driving experience.

Developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of Ford Motor Company’s Global Performance Vehicle group, the new Fiesta ST is equipped with a 1.6-litre ecoboost petrol engine to achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and offer 182 PS and 240 nm of torque. Top speed is 220 km/h.

Ford Team RS tuned the powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes for optimised driving dynamics; and introduced features only previously found in larger performance cars – including enhanced torque vectoring control (eTVC) and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC), six-speed manual transmission and rear disc brakes.

Everyday practicality is underlined by fuel efficiency of 5.9 l/100 km and 138 g/km CO2 – a 20 per cent emissions reduction compared with the previous generation Fiesta ST, though it produces almost 20 per cent more power than the first-generation model’s 2.0-litre engine.

The new Fiesta ST features a large trapezoidal grille with a unique honeycomb construction and dramatic rear diffuser element.

The refined high-contrast interior is equipped with Recaro seats, and a new sound symposer channels the engine note to the cabin to ensure the distinctive engine roar is integral to the driving experience.

Electronically-optimised enhanced chassis eTVC applies brake force to the inside front wheel of the Fiesta ST when cornering to improve road holding and reduce understeer without affecting speed. New software controls the Fiesta ST’s balance in response to steering inputs under acceleration and braking – and ESC offers full system intervention; wide-slip mode with limited intervention; and full ESC deactivation.

Electronic power assisted steering offers a sharper steering ratio of 13.69:1 and a shorter steering arm for a more direct response.

The Fiesta ST debuts rear disc brakes on the Fiesta platform and introduces a larger tandem brake master cylinder that boosts braking performance.

The Fiesta ST

n Cormac Curtis

I recently took the 1.4TSI ACT Highline spec Golf with 140bhp for a week-long road test.

The test model I drove may have had enough poke to leave me with a grin as wide as O’Connell Bridge, but its fuel efficiency betrayed its boyracer appeal.

This is thanks to VW’s active cylinder technology, or ACT. This helps to create an extremely efficient engine capable of 4.7 l/100km (combined cycle) and 109 g/km thanks to the ability to deactivate the central two cylinders under light loads. This makes it 23% more efficient than the equivalent engine in the previous version of the Golf.

The petrol engine range available for the new Golf starts with a four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI unit producing 85 bhp, rising via a 1.2-litre TSI 105 bhp up to the all-new 1.4-litre TSI 140 bhp engine with the active cylinder technology mentioned above.

The two diesel engines at launch are a 1.6-litre TDI 105 bhp and a new 2.0-litre TDI 150 bhp unit.

Both feature the latest common rail diesel technology for maximum efficiency. All new Golf models – both diesel and petrol – come with a Stop/Start system as standard, along with battery regeneration.

A 90bhp diesel will follow in Q2 of 2013.

On Trendline models, the standard composition colour system includes a five-inch colour touchscreen, FM/AM radio as well as eight speakers (front and rear) and a CD drive (MP3 compatible).

The CD drive is located in the glovebox along with the SD card slot.

It’s the host of other features that sometimes makes road testing a car that bit more difficult – in this case, I find myself thinking of the features that I could do without to bring down the price a bit (I’ll get to the price later), but, at the same time I know that it is often the sum of the parts that make this particular model so

The Golf is a stunningly well built and beautifully designed car

thoroughly enjoyable.

Let’s start with what’s included in the highline spec. There is the impressive 5.8” composition media radio with TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity; climatic air conditioning; electric windows front and rear; electronic parking brake with autohold function; cruise control; sport seats with lumbar support, front; front fog lamps including static cornering lamp; fatigue detection;

SIMI Motor Industry Awards Denning’s Cars win the coveted Bodyshop of the Year award local business Denning’s Cars have won the nationwide award of Bodyshop of the Year at the recent SIMI Motor Industry Awards in association with Castrol and attended by Niall Quinn (right). Denning’s are a bodyshop repair specialist which are approved by major brands such as BMW/Mini, Mercedes-Benz and Honda, whilst also being the chosen repair centre for many major insurers. Pat Denning started the business in the 1960s and since then, Pat and three of his children have grown the business from strength to strength. For more information visit www.dennings.ie or www.facebook.com/denningscars

ESP (electronic stability programme) including multiple impact braking.

Phew!

I would say that for such a generous supply of kit, the highline spec Golf is definitely good value for money.

But the model I was driving had even more tasty treats, such as the sport pack that included 17” “Madrid” alloy wheels and 65% light absorbing tinted rear windows; it had a winter pack, a Dis-

cover pro’ navigation system, park assist including park distance control, premium multi-function display, adaptive cruise control with front assist, lane assist including dynamic light assist, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

But these options alone came to an extra €6,336.

Which would make the beautiful Golf that I drove cost a whopping €33,081.

The moral of the story is – do your homework.

4 April 2013 BLANCH gazette 25

Gazette

TRAVEL fast

TRAVEL There’s Norway better to holiday in

The delights of Nhatrang Beach, Vietnam, could await you on a Thomas Cook five-star luxury cruise

getaway: from the bahamas to vietnam, dream cruises await couples

Romantic breaks you’ll love  natalie burke

IT ISN’T hard to imagine a romantic break on the high seas and this year, Thomas Cook have a range of romantic cruise destinations perfect for Irish couples hoping to savour some of the magic of

the sea this summer, from just €1,399 per person sharing.

Couples can discover the beauty of the Caribbean this summer aboard the Freedom of the Seas, with the serene beaches of the Bahamas and stops at the idyllic islands of St Maarten and St Tho-

mas providing the ultimate release.

Couples can relax in the adults-only solarium, with two cantilevered whirlpools extending 12ft from the side of the ship. This seven-day voyage starts at just €1,399 per adult, including flights.

If a trip to the exotic is called for, South East Asia provides a spectacular backdrop for a couple’s paradise.

Operated by the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, a five-star luxury voyage through the timeless wonders of Vietnam, Cambo-

dia and the Mekong River is available from €3,348 for 16 days, cruise only, taking in the oriental beauty of the Nokor Bachey Temple and the Angkor archaeological area.

To book, call Thomas Cook Cruise at 01 514 0336, or see www.thomascookcruise.ie.

choice galore: continent has so much on offer for great holidays

Let The Americas lift your spirits  natalie burke

WITH the month of March finishing up with showers of snow, the idea of finally availing of some much-needed sunshine has been a thought playing on all our minds.

Perhaps setting sail on a sunshine cruise could be just what you need to help brighten your mood!

Whether it’s a tropical cruise through the Caribbean or a more adventurous exploration of

Canada you have in mind, American Holidays is offering some great cruising rates for the month of April, and their staff are even offering to tailor an option to suit you.

Start your holiday by spending three nights at the three-star Stay Hotel in Miami, Florida, before hopping aboard a 14-night cruise on the Norwegian Pearl, and spend another three nights at the fourstar Stay Hotel in Los Angeles, California, from

€2,035 per person.

Price includes return f lights from Dublin, accommodation as stated, taxes and charges.

The option to upgrade to an ocean-view room is available from €235 per person, travelling on April 18.

Why not spend five nights at the three-star Hotel Orlando in Florida before taking a sevennight cruise on an allinclusive basis aboard the Freedom of the Seas from

€1,199 per person?

Travel on September 10, with a price that includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. An option is also available to upgrade to an ocean view from €129 per person.

For a chance to see the Big Apple and the sights of Canada, spend three nights at a three-star New York hotel before setting sail on a seven-night cruise aboard the Norwegian Gem, from €1,435

Cruise in style aboard the Freedom of the Seas

per person when you travel on September 18.

The price includes return flights from Dublin, taxes and charges, while upgrades are available for €55 per person.

For further dates and prices, call American Holidays at 01 673 3804, call into their office at 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2, or see www.americanholidays.com.

P&O cruises are offering a chance to explore Norway aboard the newAzura, this May. Departing Southampton on May 24, take in beautiful Bergen (above), the Briksdal glacier near Olden, and Stavanger from €719 per person.

The Azura features 11 restaurants, five shopping boutiques, four swimming pools, two lounges and an open air cinema.

From Southampton, enjoy a Norwegian summer on the classic Oriana, which includes the Gary Rhodes-inspired Oriana Rhodes restaurant. First stop is the world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik, famous for its nightlife and views. After taking in the fishing port of Isafjordur and the city of Akureyri, it’s on to the spectacular Faroe Islands. The holiday departs July 7, priced from €789 per person.

Prices are per person sharing for these seven night cruises, unless stated, and do not include gratuities. To book, call the Thomas Cook Cruise team (exclusive agents for P&O) in Dublin at 01 514 0336, or see www. thomascookcruise.ie.

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FastSport Jude’s hope to raise the bar:

Garda cycling club’s Caroline Ryan, left, and Fingallians’ Sinead Finnegan launched the Race the Ras charity cycle in Croke Park last week

cycling: national breast cancer research institute to benefit from race

Ryan and Finnegan in Croker to launch charity cycle event A HOST of top sports stars past and present joined forces with top world track cyclist Caroline Ryan in Croke Park last week to officially launch the Race the Ras charity cycle.

Entering its third year, the charity race will see almost 150 amateur cyclists, accompanied by a host of current and former GAA stars – among them Fingallians and Dublin ladies football star Sinead Finnegan – lining up to bike across Ireland from May 19 to May 26.

All money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

The charity cycle is linked with the An Post Ras, Ireland’s most prominent cycling event. The cyclists will start three hours ahead of the professionals and will travel through 13 different counties.

Stage finishes will be in the towns of Longford, Nenagh, Listowel, Glengarriff, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Naas, and Skerries on the final day.

Endurance Current Dublin Senior Football selector Declan Darcy spoke of the endurance needed to undertake the cycle:

“This is a serious undertaking. Each of the eight stages averages 146kms in length - 1,260kms in total - and will take over five and a half hours to complete, so the eight-day cyclists will be on the bike for almost 50 hours in total.

“Most families in Ireland have been affected in some way by cancer and this is just a small way former GAA players can help raise much needed money.

“We are also delighted that more women will be taking part this year and Dublin vice captain Sinead Finnegan was here to show support.”

Broadcasting legend Micheal O’Muircheartaigh was also on hand to launch the charity race and said: “Race the Ras has been a huge success raising €260,000 to date since it began in 2011.

“I would ask people to donate no matter how small as it will make a huge difference to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.”

To register for the cycle, log on to http://racetheras.com. With eight stages to choose from, cyclists can opt to do all eight stages, a single stage or opt for a combination of two or three stages.

NEXT Saturday, April 6 is the deadline to vote for Dublin representatives St Jude’s in Etihad’s Raise The Bar competition with the winning club announced.

Voters are asked to decide which of the final four clubs are most deserving of a year’s sponsorship package with the Abu Dhabi-based airline.

Jude’s are up against Limerick’s Na Piarsaigh, Cork’s Blackrock and Wexford’s Kilanerin This vote, along with the views of a panel of judges consisting of Nicky English, Des Cahill and Micheal O’Muircheartaigh, will decide which club comes away with the ultimate sponsorship package. For more information, go to etihadgaa.ie.

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

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

Gazette

28 BLANCH Gazette 4 April 2013

SPORT

FastSport

Age just a number for evergreen Fagan

Portmarnock man Oisin Fagan’s colourful career brings him to Essex on Friday as he looks to put a check on Chris Munch and bunch Get In The Game for Heineken Cup Goodwin’s world title ambitions with his unique style SHANE Byrne was among the sporting luminaries who turned out to support the launch of a new multimedia campaign, Get In The Game, ahead of the final of the Heineken Cup being played at the Aviva stadium on May 18.

The campaign was launched to a packed house of rugby fans, players and legends in Dublin last week, with Byrne, Frankie Sheehan, Alan Quinlan, Bryn Cunningham and pundit Brent Pope on hand to take part in the digital event.

Designed to bring the Heineken Cup experience from the pitch onto fans’ mobiles, computers and into pubs and homes across the country, Get in the Game offers a range of opportunities between now and the date of the final to get involved and be part of the ultimate rugby spectacle.

Fans can get involved with Get in the Game via www.heineken.ie/game, or by stepping up to challenges featured in pubs throughout Ireland. Arcade-style games such as Conversion Challenge and Catch will be available to online players who will also have their Heineken Cup knowledge tested with quizzes. It is all linked in a single contest where the overall winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience at the final.

Karl Donnelly, Heineken’s sponsorship brand manager, said: “Sports fans are increasingly looking for new and engaging ways to enrich the Heineken Cup experience. We have developed an innovative and multifaceted approach that lives on mobile devices, computers and in pubs.

Wherever you are, you can Get In The Game with the aim of scoring points and winning prizes.”

Donnelly, said: “Today, so much of the conversation around sports events takes place across social media. Heineken recognises how important this space is. We are utilising this rich conversation and harnessing it with visual animations and projections over the weekend of the Heineken Cup final. A custom built structure for this visual display will also provide an interactive virtual kicking game; fans can literally kick conversions which will, in turn, send tweets in support of various teams. A social sentiment project like this has never been seen before in Ireland.’

WITH 15 years separating Oisin “Gael Force” Fagan from his Friday night opponent Chris Goodwin, the Portmarnock scrapper says the gulf in experience gives him plenty of reasons for belief ahead of their date in the Grays Civic Hall in Essex.

After an initial date in Cork fell through, 39-year-old Fagan is looking forward to getting back in the ring for the first time since January 2011 against the current World Boxing Federation lightweight champion despite being pitted as the underdog.

“Obviously, I’ve been out of the ring for a couple of years but I keep in tip-top shape all the time,” he told GazetteSport. “I can count on two hands and two feet the amount of days I have taken off in the past 20 years; I just keep fit anyway, waiting for the call to come.

“Obviously, the odds will be stacked against me but I’m mad for it.

He’s 24, I’m 39 and the Irishman in England never goes down too well.”

T he relocation of the bout to Goodwin’s home turf from Ireland is a glitch for Fagan but he says that it does not overly bother him.

During his career, he has made a habit of putting it up to some of the world’s best, facing

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

down a packed house of screaming Mexicans in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas against Cesar Chavez Junior while also encountering a hostile crowd against the Pittsburgh kid Paul Spadafora in Pennsylvania.

Both times he went the distance against the soon-to-be world champions while he also tussled with Amir Khan whom Fagan tussled with in London, showing little fear of travelling.

Such a situation came of a necessity for the Dubliner who arrived to the professional game late by chance, seeking only to earn enough money to fly home from the US. “I was never well promoted in the States and was always the man brought to places and putting it up to the hometown boy. In one way, it’s not great for your record but I’ve only really lost to world champions.

“I had to start [fighting professionally] because I was in a tough place in my life and needed a few quid to get home from America. I’ve always thought in the back of my mind, if I started as a kid,

I might have been able to box a bit cleverer.

“I was never experienced as an amateur, only having three fights, before I was pushed into being a pro. But it did work for me because I’m afraid of nothing and I don’t have any fear going to Essex.”

Fagan made his debut a little over 10 years ago and says the lack of amateur training has left him with a unique, all-action style, something he says Goodwin is unlikely to have seen before.

That style is the antithesis of the work he is currently doing with the IABA and Dublin county council, working as a community development officer to help develop the sport.

“I wouldn’t teach kids

to box like me because I don’t box, all I do is fight!

I know there are 12-yearolds out there who are better boxers than me but it would be hard to find a better fighter. I know my strengths and weaknesses and I know I’m a world class fighter.

the pedal.”

And he reckons this method could be key to landing another couple of decent fights in the future.

“I’ll be his toughest to date. On the flip side, I’ve had about 10 opponents who were

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

‘I wouldn’t teach kids to box like me because I don’t box; all I do is fight’ - Oisin Fagan

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

“Nobody really has a style like mine. I don’t say that to brag but I get bored by boxing and I like when people say ‘he’s a good scrapper’, that I’m exciting and never take my foot off

on a better level than this guy. You can’t really take that too much into account but I’m quietly confident. I like going in as the underdog and I’m happy enough to take on that role.”

Oisin Fagan, right, says his experience will help him see off Chris Goodwin

4 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 29

Gazette

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards march winners

Local teams FastSport line out in U-12 contest  sport@gazettegroup.com

H STARof the MONTH

fiona coghlan LUCAN teacher Coghlan has been the leader of the pack with Ireland’s women’s rugby team, captaining the national team to their historic set of achievements in the 2013 6 Nations championship run, only the third captain ever to claim the Grand Slam.

DE LA Salle Palmerston hosted their fifth annual Under-12 festival of rugby last week in the new surround of Ballycorus Road.

Over 25 teams took part, with the guests of honour being the London Irish RFC squad whose visit was part of the Gathering event.

Most of the participating clubs were from within the Metro area which covers Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare but DLSP were also delighted to wel-

come Wicklow, Naas, NUIM Barnhall, Coolmine and Terenure for the first time.

The club were particularly indebted to the likes of Vivian Harrington, John Connolly and Michael Nugent for organising an event of this magnitude while they also were thankful for the support provided

by Old Wesley RFC. They stepped in to provide their impressive Ballycorus Road facility as a venue, after Kirwan Park had been declared unplayable due to waterlogged pitches.

TEAMof the MONTH H monkstown HC MONKSTOWN hockey club ended their 99-year wait for Irish Senior Cup glory, finally breaking their hoodoo in the competition in the most thrilling of finals as Andy Ewington, for the second time in a week, netted a silver goal winner.

Get set for the Great Ireland Run  sport@gazettegroup.com

D u bl i n G a z e t t e Newspapers is delighted to announce that we have teamed up again this year with the SPAR Great Ireland Run to recognise runners in each of our papers’ local areas.

The Gazette will recognise the fastest man and woman from each paper’s circulation area with a specially designed plaque as well as prizes

of sports gear. After the run, we will also be publishing a results list of the top local male and female finishers.

The SPAR Great Ireland Run 2013 will take place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 14, at 1 pm.

This year’s run will more than ever be about enjoying a full family running day as a mini run for five- to eightyear-olds over a one mile lap has been added to

the programme alongside a junior run for nine to 15-year-olds over 2.5km. The mini-run and junior run will precede the main event and an adult can run or walk alongside each child in the mini-run.

Up to 12,000 entries are expected and every adult entrant will receive an exclusive technical T shirt as well as a medal and a generous goody bag after completing the run.

Participants are being encouraged to raise funds for good causes and the event’s nominated charities are the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and SPAR’s charity par tner, the 3Ts – Turn The Tide of Suicide. The Baby Max Wings of Love Fund is the nominated charity for the junior run and mini run.

Entries can be made online at www.greatirelandrun.org.

Dundrum athlete Ava Hutchinson at the launch of the Great Ireland Run

Four medals for Whitechurch at Dublin championships Whitechurch Boxing Club were celebrating recently when their six entrants into the Dublin championships returned with two gold and two silver medals.

Sean McGuirk and Seamus Maughan picked up their first championship medals for the club, with McGuirk beating a current Irish Champion on his way to silver, while Sean Mari and Megan Felton progress to the AllIreland championships as county champions.

The youngest member of the team, Seamus Maughan, met a great opponent in Michael McDonagh from Darndale BC in his final but can be proud of his performance over the three rounds.

The club’s first ever national champion, Megan Felton, continued her winning ways by pipping an excellent Niamh Kelly from Baldoyle BC by 12 points to 8 in a high-tempo final.

Reigning Irish champion and Irish international boxer Sean Mari claimed his county title this year by virtue of a walk over, and is now focused on defending his national title this month.

The two other members of the team, Dylan Fox-Reynolds and Paddy Maughan, both showed great improvement in their boxing over the course of the championships.

Fantastic Fins win in Athlone Fingallians AC were in flying form last week at the national championships in Athlone, with fine performances from the travelling panel.

Marie Torsney won the Under-17 girls’ national indoor shot putt title with a personal best of 13.54m, and Fiona Tuite won the Under-18 title in the same event, with another personal best,

14.54m, which was also a new national record.

Meanwhile, in the boys’ Under-18 1,500m Sam Martin placed third, as did Ciaran McManus in the boys’ Under-13 60m race.

Torsney, Tuite and Martin were all award winners in Fingallians’ 2012 athletic awards.

Notable performances were also recorded by Bronwyn Keogh, Rachel Murray, Brian Markey, Stephen O’Connor and Conaill Tuite.

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 4 April 2013

SPORT

FastSport

swimming: club salute achievements of leinster teams

Phoenix progress in Senior Cup opener Manager Marc Kenny could not have asked for a better result in the first round of the FAI Senior Cup last week when his Phoenix side saw off tough opposition in St Mary’s of Cork, 1-0, after Sean Gleeson shot the side into the second round of the tournament in the 71st minute of a game that was played in the rebel county.

“It’s fantastic to be into the senior rounds,” said Kenny. “Phoenix has only been a club for five years and this is the second time we’ve made it into second round of this Cup. It’s a big ask for an amateur side, and it really puts us on the map.”

As far as their next opposition in the tournament, Kenny knows exactly who he would like to see the Blanchardstown men drawn against.

“I’d love to draw Rovers given the history that not only I have, but between me and the assistant manager we have eight years with them, and obviously the bigger club the better from our perspective.

“Anyone from the top flight would be fantastic. The Cork manager, Tommy Dunne, showed up to the last game and he said he would sort out a night’s accommodation if we end up drawing them. I know the lads want to travel, so that would be fantastic,” said the manager.

However, there are more pressing issues for Kenny to deal with as his team gear up for semi-final action in the FAI Intermediate Cup this weekend, where they will face off against high-flying Bluebell.

“Bluebell have really started to play well in the league now and they’re narrowing in on Crumlin in the top spot of the league.

“It’ll be a very tough game for us and we will show up and do our very best, but I hope that Bluebell have an off day, our record isn’t great against them.

“We are basically out of the running for the league now, we had a couple of bad results, and now we’re completely focused on taking some silverware from the Cup competitions,” he said.

Lauren O’Brien, Laura Fallon and Sophie O’Brien at the Coolmine swimathon event last week. Teammate Marissa Scallon was not able to atten

A swimathon celebration  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

C O OL M I N E s w i m ming club celebrated the success of their 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams last week at the Leinster long course championships, parading the team on Good Friday at their annual swimathon.

The club event drew over 150 swimmers to the club on the Grove Road in which they swam a combined distance equivalent to travelling to Eyre Square in Galway in under five hours.

They started at 7am, with the elite swimmers putting in a huge stint

to complete over 200km early on before the development group added over 60km to the tally before the elite swimmers returned to the pool.

It came just a few days after the quartet of Lauren O’Brien, Laura Fallon, Sophie O’Brien and Marissa Scallon had landed silver medals for the club on the provincial long-course stage.

The two O’Briens and Fallon were on hand at the swimathon as the club toasted their achievements. The club had 22 swimmers who entered the various races across the board and club chairman Tom O’Brien

in from the cold Coolmine revise date with Malahide in cup coolmine RFC’s Albert O’Connell Cup second round date with Malahide has been refixed for next Saturday at 3pm in Estuary Road.

The initial tie was meant to be played last Thursday, March 27 but was postponed amid the inclement weather that has blighted the local sports scene in recent weeks.

Coolmine were also set to host a tie between England and Ireland’s U-18s but the conditions saw the fixture cancelled.

said that while the relay teams produced the standout performances, the club produced quality performances across the board.

“They really hit the mark. It’s not so much about winning medals, because these kids are about 14 or 15 racing against 17, 18 or in some cases, 25-year-olds, some of whom went to the Olympics, like Barry Murphy.

“That makes it very difficult to actually get to the level where they win medals but they can beat their personal bests and they train to do just that.”

Numerous swimmers

ended up reaching A and B finals, showing the depth of ability but the chairman is keen to stress the key part of the club is enjoyment.

“We have a lot of swimmers in the pool who don’t go to galas but it’s all about enjoyment for them, getting a level of fitness. When they go out and play football or something else, it really benefits them. It’s all about having a good time at the club; they make great friends and cheer each other on.

“And if they want to go on and compete at the highest level, they can.

Today, they are filling out applications for the

nationals in the NAC and they’ll be doing their best at them when it comes along. It’s an open competition and they’ll be up against the likes of Sycerika McMahon and Grainne Murphy who were in the Olympics.”

Coolmine’s elite swimmers train seven times a week and the club are open for new members of all levels.

“If you can swim one length, we’re happy to take you on and build up your stamina and progress you through the club. Just come along and a coach will access your ability and fitness and find a group accordingly.”

4 April 2013 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

Fingal fire to league victory over Donegal  sport@gazettegroup.com

FIRST-half goals from Brian McCarthy and Peter Daly helped Fingal to a 2-11 to 1-9 victory over Donegal in a dress rehearsal for the Allianz Hurling League Division 3A final in a fortnight’s time.

An understrength D o n e g a l s i d e we n t

into the encounter at O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny unbeaten, but were outplayed in the final 20 minutes when the nor th Dubliners scored seven points in succession.

The visitors led by 2-3 to 0-7 at the break, but found themselves behind within a minute of the restar t when

Paddy Hannigan scored the goal for Donegal and put them back in contention.

But the home side — who hit nine wides in the first half and also missed a penalty — could only add two more points to their tally as Fingal took control with Fingallians men John Matthew

Sheridan and Peter Daly leading their final quarter scoring charge.

I t s aw t h e n o r t h Dublin region finish the opening half of the campaign unbeaten with four wins from five outings, the only blemish being a 0-15 to 1-12 draw with Louth in the first round of the competition.

dublin gaa: mixed fortunes for county teams

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s Thanks to all who took part in the

remains at €15,000, and the reserve

brilliant Easter camps last week.

will be €1,800.

A g r e at time wa s had by all despite the snow.

Watch out for our new fitness classes in our new High Perform-

2013 membership is now overdue,

ance Centre. Full memberships for

any player without their member-

gym also now available online. Make

ship paid will not be allowed to train

sure to follow our TWIST Facebook

or play for insurance reasons.

page for more updates.

Any member with issues regard-

Well done to our 30-plus Gaelic4-

ing membership can contact our

Mothers And Others who continue

club secretary Mary O’Connor at

their training this week. Newcom-

maryaoc@hotmail.com.

ers (no experience needed) are wel-

Club nursery for four- to seven-

come every Wednesday at 7.15pm.

year-olds resumes after Easter

Best of luck to our adult hurling

break this Saturday morning (and

and adult ladies football teams who

every Saturda y morning ) from

begin their cup / league campaigns

9.30am to 11am. New members and

this week, while the SFC and IFC

families welcome. Contact Paul on

begin next week also.

0879154748 or email info@stbrigidsgaa.com for more information.

Club lotto is in The Roselawn Inn this Thursday evening. The jackpot

Finally, make sure you tune into The Throw-In on 92.5 Phoenix FM on Monday evenings at 7.30 for all your local GAA news.

st oliver plunkett’s ALL players, team managers, men-

or Noirin Boland on 087 284 7637 for

tors and members who have not

details.

paid membership fees for 2013 are

Fixtures:

requested to do so immediately.

Saturday, April 6:

Lotto numbers drawn for March 31 were 2, 3, 4 and 28. There was no winner. Match 3 winners were Rose McCauley and Thomas Maher.

Jackpot next weekend will be St Brigid’s Noelle Healy provided some impressive pace but the Jackies were no match for Monaghan

Altered Dublin sides see different results  sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S Alan Nolan returned the starting lineup for the Dublin hurlers last weekend as part of a much changed line-up for the visit of Carlow to Parnell Park.

Nolan has swapped the number one jersey with Ballyboden St Enda’s Gary Maguire for the past couple of weeks, stepping out for the win over Wexford a week earlier after lining out against Limerick two games ago.

He was largely untested as the 13-point victory means the Dubs now have an NHL Division 1B final

date against Limerick as they helped the side to victory by 15 points with Niall McMorrow weighing in with 2-1 while Paul Ryan came off the bench to snag seven points.

Carlow were reasonably efficient at the far end, clipping over seven points in the first half while Dublin laboured but still managed to finish the half 2-5 to 0-7 up.

The second half was tidier with Ryan coming off the bench to land seven points while McMorrow scored his second goal, setting up a final date with Limerick next Saturday in Thurles at 7pm.

Earlier in the day, the Dublin ladies were unceremoniously put to the sword by a Monaghan side flying high who continued their unbeaten run in the NFL division one to date in 2013.

Brigid’s Noelle Healy put in some surging first half runs down the right flank but the side struggled at the back to keep out a rampant forward line.

T h e y we r e w i t h out the likes of Sinead Goldrick (hamstring), All-Star Sinead Aherne (illness), goalkeeper Cliodhna O’Connor, Niamh McEvoy (knee), Orlagh

Egan (shoulder) and Kim Flood (broken foot) while Aimee Hazley and Emma Merrigan were also unavailable.

Monaghan raised the green flag on four occasions in the opening half.

Therese McNally and Caoimhe Mohan got a goal a piece while full forward Ciara McAnespie hit Dublin on the double, resulting in Monaghan taking a 12-point lead at half time.

Despite Denise McKenna’s second half goal, 10 more points from the Farney county saw them run out 4-15 to 1-5 winners.

€7,500.

To join up for the Lose A Tonne And Keep Fit Challenge, contact Stephen Harrison on 087 689 5064.

Confidential weigh-In and get fit advice available.

Mara Cycle 100km on June 16, contact Tomas O’Friel on 087 647 3569

Senior hurling vs Ballinteer St John’s, Marlay Park at 6pm.

Inter football, Joy Cup vs Kilmacud Crokes, MSP at 6pm.

Sunday, April 7: Junior A hurling vs St Brigid’s, Russell Park at 11am.

Junior A football, Parson Cup vs Erin go Bragh, MSP at 11am.

Minor hurling vs Faugh’s, MSP at 11am.

Junior B hurling vs St Joseph’s OCB, Fairview Park at 3pm.

castleknock A big thank you to all of the coaches

the executive members for details.

and, of course, Brendan who ran the

Please continue to send in your

Easter camp last week, despite the

registrations for the coming year. If

terrible weather conditions.

you are not registered you are not

Well done to the Dublin senior hurlers on making it to the Division 1B League Final next week.

insured to play, so please make sure you have done so.

Please continue to send in pictures

The club would like to send its sin-

and match reports for the new web-

cere condolences to the Kindlon fam-

site. All content can be sent to web-

ily on the death of Gerry’s mother,

site@castleknock.net.

Mary, and grandmother of Kevin, John and Orla.

The annual club Mass will take

The nursery is being run every Saturday at 10am in Somerton, and all new players and families are as

place in Laurel Lodge Church on April

always very welcome to join. If inter-

6 at 6.30pm.

ested, please contact Louise at 085

The club executive encourage

153 4270.

members to contribute to the bond

Signs surrounding the main pitch

scheme in the hope that the building

in Somerton are now on sale, for

of the clubhouse can begin in 2013. The

more information on how to pur-

bond scheme form is on the website,

chase a sign please contact Charlie

and please dont hesitate to ask any of

at 0851101008.

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

jackies’ woe: Depleted Dublin fall to defeat against a rampant Monaghan in league encounter P31

APRIL 4, 2013

marching onward: Last month’s Sport Award winners are announced P29

Gary O’Sullivan will face Joe Selkirk in Liverpool as he bids to retain his WBO middleweight title this weekend. Picture: Sharon Flanagan

Champion’s challenge Blanchardstown gym’s head coach warns of complacency as O’Sullivan travels to Liverpool to defend middleweight title

 peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

Paschal Collins is very aware of hometown decisions as his WBO middleweight champion, Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan, gets ready to defend his title against Joe Selkirk next weekend in the challenger’s backyard, Liverpool.

“Spike may be going in the champion, but it’s going to be 50/50 on the night,” said the head coach of Blanchardstown’s Celtic Warrior gym. “Selkirk is from Liverpool and he’s undefeated too, so I think we have to beat him convincingly or maybe even stop him to get the win. It can’t be close that’s for sure.”

“He’s a decent fighter as well to be fair. He’s

tall, he’s got a nice jab and he’s beaten some good fighters.

“When Spike won the WBO title we knew he would be facing tough opposition and that’s what we’re looking at now with Selkirk.

“But we’ve got him in top shape, the sparring is going well and he knows what he has to do when the bell rings. Selkirk is going to have to bring his best because Spike is going to hunt him down to make sure his hand is raised.”

Collins also dismissed the war of words that has started between Spike and Anthony Fitzgerald, and he believes that a bout between the two is a long way from happening but if

the right offer was made they would accept it.

“Spike is ranked number five in the world and Fitzgerald is coming off two losses – of course he wants to fight him.

“There’s no real war of words, the two lads get on very well. The fight would be fantastic from an Irish point of view but other than that whether they fight or not makes no difference at all.

“The whole thing started because I told a website that we had offered Fitzgerald a fight at one stage and he declined it. Now he’s trying to talk his way into a fight and I can understand it in some ways.

“If he had the belt we would be looking for

a fight with him, but as far as a ‘war of words’ is concerned, it’s just stupidity. He came backstage to congratulate Spike after he knocked out Robbie Long, so they are friendly.

“But Spike is a Frank Warren fighter and if Spike wins the fight next weekend we’ll be looking for a higher ranked opponent, there’s already talk of Billy Joe Saunders.

“For the moment all we’re thinking about is Joe Selkirk. I don’t know about Spike but I’m quite anxious because of what happened to Stephen Ormond when he lost to Paul Appleby in Glasgow.

“That was the only time I saw a hometown decision and I’ve made sure the same referee will not be involved,” he concluded.