Blanchardstown Gazette

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April 25, 2013

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Month XX, 2012 BLANCHARDSTOWN • BLAKESTOWN • HARTSTOWN • COOLMINE • TYRRELSTOWN • DUNBOYNE • CORDUFF • MULHUDDART • ONGAR

INSIDE: Award medals presented at Phibblestown Community Centre to Active Youth participants Page 8

PACKING A PUNCH: Boxing supplement with exclusive Egan interview Pages 17-24

Gaeltacht group: Summer course for a cupla focal Hurling:

St Brigid’s set to start their championship Page 40

Sport Awards: April’s star nominees are announced Page 36

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................33 SPORT ...........................35

ARRON Matassa, from Dunboyne Castle, Co Meath, was happy to help Dublin 15 girls – including Ella-Marie Ni Dhuill, Ella O’Malley, Caitlin Ni Shiochain and Sophie Donohoe – launch the summer schedule for Colaiste Naomh Eoin Gaeltacht courses, recently. Courses will run throughout June and July at a number of Dublin venues, and others around the country, to help bring the Gaeltacht experience to children. See www.colaistenaomheoin.com.

New Hansfield school application is lodged Major milestone for one of the first Educate Together secondary schools

 LAURA WEBB

THE lodgement of a planning application for one of the first ever Educate Together secondary school marks a major milestone for the patronage and its supporters

in Dublin West.

Fingal County Council received the planning application for the second-level school at Hansfield earlier this month. The proposed development consists of a three-storey building, cater-

ing for up to 1,000 students.

Educate Together spokesperson John Holohan said: “It is a significant milestone for Educate Together, and it is one we have been working towards for the past 10 years.

“It’s a very exciting development for everyone, and for people who currently send their children to Educate Together schools in the area, they have a second-level option now,” he said.

Full Story on Page 4

2 BLANCH Gazette 25 April 2013

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Local residents Derek Dunne and Eileen Gabbett at a recent Dublin West Campaign Against Property Tax and Austerity (CAPTA) protest at the Blanchardstown Centre – the strong feeling of campaign members could see local residents with no political background stand in the next local elections, says Socialist Party councillor and CAPTA member, Ruth Coppinger

Locals rise for election LOCAL residents with no political background who are campaigning against austerity are proposing to stand in the next local elections.

T h e D u b l i n We s t Campaign Against Property Tax and Austerity (CAPTA) are endorsing the idea of standing a

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

slate of candidates to run in next year’s local elec-

tions.

Socialist Party councillor and CAPTA member Ruth Coppinger said the idea, which was endorsed at recent public meetings against property tax, is being considered as a way of “putting pressure” on government parties to stop austerity.

She said: “It was unanimously endorsed at the meetings ... and the feeling was, yes, we should, particularly in light of the fact that there will be an increase in the num-

ber of seats in Dublin 15 because of the reform of local government.

“It is looking like Fingal will go to 40 seats ...

It is expected to be eight seats for Mulhuddart, and seven for Castleknock.”

She added that, together with other campaigns across Fingal, it would be “not unrealistic” to see an anti-austerity slate of candidates becoming the biggest group on Fingal County Council.

“People have had enough, we have no more

to give,” she said.

Dublin 15 mother-oftwo, Sandra Kavanagh, is a campaign member considering standing in the local elections because she is “fed up” with the Government and parties that are there.

She said: “They are offering no other alternative, and I feel it is time for a change.

“People have to be included [in the political process], and I feel at the moment the Government does not include the ‘ordinary person’.”

She added: “More and more people want to have a say in the running of this country – the only way now is for the ordinary Joe Soap to get out there and make a difference, because I think we can.

“We are living day-today, and know what other people face every day of the week.

“They [the Government] are sitting in their ivory tower, and have no idea what it is like to live on €188 a week.

“By standing up and saying it is time for us to have a shot, let’s see how we can do a better job, and I think we would,” said Kavanagh.

25 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 3

festival Diverse programme is announced

Lights, camera action for film team in Fingal  laura webb

IT’S lights, camera, action for the team at the Fingal Film Festival as they announce the line-up for this year’s programme.

With just a couple of weeks to go, the organisers have put together an exciting line-up for the festival, following months of planning.

After a successful inaugural programme last year, managing director Liz Kenny is delighted to announce its new media panel.

The panel consists of BAFTA winner, writer/ director Aisling Walsh; IFTA-nominated director of photography Ciaran Tanham; Shane Collins, animation director of Brown Bag Films, and Tyrone D Murphy, chief executive of Universal Film Magazine and Festival Organisation.

The opening premiere film this year is A Hijacking, directed by Tobias Lindholm and starring Pilou Asbaek and Soren Malling, and produced by Tomas Radoo.

This film will screen at 7pm on Wednesday, May 8 at the Odeon Cinema Blanchardstown, with the official release date for the film Saturday, May 18.

The festival’s creative director, Dave Byrne, said: “The finalist films selected from the schedule are incredible; we had three times the amount of films submitted last year, and the shortlisting has been very tough.

“We are happy with the final selection, and believe there is something for everyone in this year’s

Last year’s winner for Best Newcomer Writer/Director in Fingal, Stephen Murray, who won for the entry, Situations Vacant

schedule.”

Liz Kenny said the final selection of films are from “all over the world”, and there has also been a “huge response” from Irish media colleges this year.

She added: “We made it a priority to engage with film students and embed the festival at grassroots level with the people who will be the future of Irish

filmmaking.”

A number of workshops are also taking place, including an animation workshop by Jennie Stacey, head of development in Brown Bag Films, and a director of photography workshop hosted

by Tim Palmer, whose BAFTA member credits include Doctor Who, Life on Mars, Cold Feet, and Silent Witness.

The festival has also announced a directors’ workshop with Robert Quinn, whose credits include BBC’s Roy, the IFTA-winning Rasai na Gaillimhe, Primeval on ITV/ BBC America, and RTE’s The Clinic.

The Fingal Film Festival takes place from May 8 to May 10, with further information available at www.fingalfilmfest.com.

theatre

What’s on at Draiocht DRAIOCHT Theatre is hosting a range of events this week.

Tonight, Thursday, April 25 at 8pm, Ballet Ireland’s Cinderella – After the Ball will be staged, depicting the not so happily ever after life of Cinderella and Prince Charming after their honeymoon.

Croi a Mhuscailt/ Awakening A Heart is a story told through puppetry and music, and will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27.

Playwright and director Peter Sheridan’s new show Break A Leg takes place on Saturday, April 27, while Chead Cheim Academy presents Ellie’s New Kicks on Tuesday, April 30. Breslin Productions will present Oliver Reed Wild Thing on Wednesday, May 1.

4 BLANCH Gazette 25 April 2013

policing: Man, woman are arrested

Armed raid in Blanch TWO people have been charged in connection to an armed robbery at Main Street, Blanchardstown.

Gardai arrested one male and a female, and recovered a firearm and cash following the robbery on April 22.

The man, aged in his late teens, and the woman were arrested in searches after the armed robbery and later charged.

A t a p p r ox i m a t e l y 11.40pm on Monday, April 22, a male carrying

a firearm entered a shop on Main Street.

He threatened staff before escaping with a sum of money. No shots were fired and no one was injured during the raid. In a follow-up search, a man was arrested and a sum of money was recovered.

At 2am on Tuesday, April 23, a follow-up search took place at a house in Briarswood in Blanchardstown.

A female was arrested and an imitation firearm

education ‘Milestone’ for Educate Together

was recovered.

T h e y we r e b o t h detained under under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939 at Blanchardstown Garda Station.

The man and the woman arrested were later charged at Blanchardstown Garda Station.

The two were due to appear before Blancharsdtown District Court in relation to the armed robbery on Wednesday, April 24

Paul Rowe, Educate Together chief executive, recently called for more Educate Together Schools in Dublin

Application lodged for Hansfield school  laura webb

THE planning application for one of the first Educate Together secondary schools has been lodged by the Department of Education, marking an exciting milestone for supporters of the patronage.

Fingal County Council received the planning application for the second-level school at Hansfield earlier this month.

The proposed development consists of a new three-storey building catering for approximately 1,000 students, and includes a special needs unit, car parking, a bus drop-off point and six ball courts.

“It is a significant mile-

stone for Educate Together, and it is one we have been working towards for the past 10 years,” said Educate Together spokesperson John Holohan.

“This is one of three second-level schools we will be opening in 2014.

Hansfield is under our patronage, and the other two – one in Drogheda and the other one in Lucan – will be open in association with Co Dublin VEC. “It’s a very exciting development for everyone in the area, and, for people who currently send their children to Educate Together schools in the area, they have a second-level option now, and it shows the strength

of what Educate Together offers.

“We have great hopes for its future success,” he said.

Meanwhile, Blanchardstown West Educate Together primary school, which is currently located in temporary buildings in Littlepace, will soon get its new premises after permission was granted for a new school building across from the site where the new secondary school will be.

According to Gerry McKevitt, Educate Together regional development officer, the national school will be built first.

“The primary school has been granted permis-

sion and is going out to tender, but the secondlevel school is not that far advanced.

“The primary school is being built first. It’s a 24-classroom school, and the plan is that because the second-level school will take longer to build, initially the second-level school will open in the primary school while the second-level school is being completed.

“The primary school will move to its new permanent building for September 2014, and it will change its name from Blanchardstown West Educate Together national school to Hansfield Educate Together national school,” he said.

25 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 5

spring break Over 400 people turn up to experience open-air event

Inaugural festival finds its rhythm  Laura Webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Ov e r 4 0 0 p e o p l e danced to the beat of local bands’ rhy thm during the inaugural Spring Break Music Festival, which was so successful organisers say it will be bigger and better next year.

The open air festival, which took place on March 28, aimed to show young people that festivals and concerts can be enjoyed without the use of alcohol and drugs, and according to Philip Jennings of Safer Blanchardstown, the

organisers of the event, everyone abided by the rules.

“There were no incidents at all, everyone complied with the rules and they all had a good time, and it was very safe.

“From all the feedback we have got from people at it, they said it was brilliant and they really enjoyed it,” he said.

The success of this event means it will be back next year.

“A lot of hard work went into making this event happen. It will be an annual event. The

venue, behind Draiocht at the plaza beside Fingal offices, was brilliant.

“The capacity is for 2,000 people, so for next year we hope to double this year’s numbers to 800 because the concept is out there now, and it has worked.”

The festival, not only gave local kids a great night, but also gave local performers a platform to showcase their talents.

“The bands on the night were all from the area. The bands on the main stage would have had some experience

playing to live audiences but they found it a great experience to be on the big stage. We also had the Jigsaw acoustic stage, which worked brilliantly and that was for people who haven’t sung in public before. It worked really well so it will happen again next year,” he added.

A number of sponsors were thanked for their involvement, including Jigsaw Dublin 15, Blanchardstown Local Drugs Taskforce, Blanchardstown gardai, Fingal County Council and Superquinn.

“Huntstow n Com-

munity Centre and its staff played a huge role and a lot of young people from the Jigsaw Youth Advisory Panel programme and youth ser vice programmes also got involved in the organisation and the promotion of it.

“Without their support it wouldn’t have happened, so we would like to thank them.

There was a huge amount of effort that went into it and we have learned loads of lessons from this year, so next year will be a much better event, no doubt about it,” he stated.

The festival gave local performers a platform to showcase their talents

6 BLANCH Gazette 25 April 2013

sharing Building on a historic school’s rich history

150 years of memories to mark at St Luke’s  laura webb

St Luke’s Mulhuddart National School have seen a lot of changes over the past 150 years, and they are now hoping past pupils, teachers and the community can share their past memories to help build on the school’s history.

It started with just two teachers in 1863, before becoming a four teacher school in 2000.

Now, 13 years later, it has increased to 26 teachers

with 447 pupils using 16 classrooms, and is growing every year.

Once nestled in the heart of the Mulhuddart Village, the school has grown in size, changed in name and changed location three times.

Last year, the school moved to its new permanent, state-of-the-art, 24-classroom building in Tyrrelstown, sharing a school campus with Tyrrelstown Community Centre and Tyrrelstown Educate Together.

The school, formerly known as Mulhuddart National School, is hoping to officially launch the new school building later this year, and are calling on past pupils, teachers or parents from the area to get in touch with their schoolday memories.

Photos, stories, memorabilia are just some of the things they are looking for. “We are looking for various bits and pieces from the public.

“For example, every year since 1927 there has

been a Confirmation, and everyone since then would have a Confirmation photograph. There would be a first holy communion and everyone would have a photo, we would like to see these photos.

“What we are trying to achieve is a call to the public to produce any old artefacts they might have, pictures, videos etc.

We are doing this now because the new school is opened and we hope to have an official opening

The new building for St Luke’s National School

of the new school later this year, so this will give us a sort of history going forward,” principal Martin Kavanagh explained.

Deputy principal Liam Neary, who has been teaching at the school since 1999, says it is also to let people know the school is still here. “We are the same school, with the same patronage, the

same ethos, just a different name – it’s the same roll number – 16675V. The same roll number has been used for decades – it’s moved but it’s still the same.”

Teacher Elizabeth-Ann Kirwan added: “It’s about getting the community involved in the school as much as possible, bringing them with us.

“It would be nice to have a collection of [locals’] different perspectives of their time at the schools.”

Anyone with pictures, stories or artefacts that they would like to share with the school should contact St Luke’s NS by phone 01-8856015, email katemns@hotmail.com or see www.stlukesns.ie.

25 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 7

8 BLANCH Gazette 25 April 2013

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

VEC sports officer Daniel Kilgallon

Jim McVeigh of Co Dublin VEC, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar and chief executive of Foroige Sean Campbell

Working up a sweat: REGULAR EXERCISE PROMOTED

Rise to challenge, scoop the award Y

Dean McKeever

Evan Bassett and Luke Farrell

Sean Keenan, Eden Moore and Nellie Gallagher. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

OUTH clubs and groups which took part in the Dublin County VEC Acitve Youth Challenge were recently presented with award medals by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sports, Leo Varadkar (FG) at Phibblestown Community

Centre.

Last year, 35 groups, which cater for 379 young people and three schools, encouraged the local kids to take up 12 hours of physical activity over a 12-week period to see the benefits of regular exercise.

25 April 2013 blanch Gazette 9

10 BLANCH Gazette 25 April 2013

25 April 2013 Gazette 11

schools P14

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

asdfsdaf raft race:P27 P15



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diary P12

SPORT: supporting kids in the developing world

Calling all schools – rise to Goal’s fitness challenge GOAL is calling on schools from all over Dublin to take part in their newly-launched sports challenge next month.

The event is set to provide all school-goers from junior infants right up to Leaving Certificate level – with the opportunity to compete against each other in a wide range of popular games and activities.

The fundraiser aims to boost fitness levels

amongst children and teenagers, as well as raising money and awareness for some of GOAL’s programmes for vulnerable children throughout the developing world.

This challenge is being supported by the Active School Flag Initiative, a Department of Education and Skills initiative that encourages schools to keep students fit and healthy, and it is one of the suggested activities for

this year’s Active School Week.

Already Harold Boys NS in Dalkey, Trinity Comprehensive School in Ballymun and St Conleth’s in Ballsbridge are taking part, and GOAL is hopeful that many more teachers and students across the county will recognise the benefits of the challenge and sign up in the coming weeks.

The event can be staged anytime during the month

of May and kids can “take on the teachers” in ball games and tug o’ war, or compete against each other in running races, relays, skipping, jumping, football, long kick and many other activities.

Schools can run their challenge at any stage before the end of the school term. For schools interested in signing up, email schools@goal.ie, or contact Alan Vard at GOAL on 01-2809 779.

Leinster’s Ian Madigan with Conor O’Neill (left) and Adam Klug. Picture: Andres Poveda

Gazette

12 Gazette 25 April 2013

dublinlife

diary

80s heartthrob and brat-packer at

Famous 1980s brat packer Andrew McCarthy is coming to Dun Laoghaire’s Pavilion Theatre in May. The former actor turned travel writer will recount in conversation with Sinead Gleeson, his life during the brat pack hey day when John Hughes films such as The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink were the coolest things around.

Andrew was a household name in the 1980s along with co-stars such as Molly R ingwald, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy thanks to Hughes’ popular teen and young adult coming of age movies.

Andrew married

an Irish woman who inspired him to write The Longest Way Home: One Man’s Quest for the Courage to Settle Down.

T h e c o nve r s a t i o n evening is a no-holdsbarred, ver y honest account of life in the Holly wood spotlight and his quiet family life today.

Andrew McCarthy in Conversation with Sinead Gleeson is on Pavilion Theatre on May 3 at 8pm and tickets cost €10 or €8 for concessions.

gathering CONCERTS Choirs from the Nice region of France are set to perform in County Meath this weekend as

The fair will feature plenty of rare books, silver, porcelain and antique watches

part of the Gathering Initiative.

The French Choir of the Coteaux d’Azur will perform in Navan along with the Meath County

Choir on Friday, April 26, and will follow with a performance with the Dunboyne Consort, a local chamber choir, and other guests in

Dunboyne on Saturday, April 27.

The Dunboyne concert will see the French choir join with the Consort and the Pentatetra

String Quartet along with other guests in St Peter’s GAA Club House on Saturday night.

It will be the French choir’s first visit to Ireland and the event will begin at 8pm.

Tickets cost €10 (€5 concession) and are available from Vincent’s charity shop in Dunboyne and on the door on the night of the event.

All proceeds from the concert will go to the St Vincent de Paul Society.

antique FAIR An antiques fair will be held in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire this month.

The fair will feature a

collection of decorative antiques and curios.

Several of the traders at the Antiques and More Fair will be keeping the old world theme alive by donning vintage fashion and accessories.

A total of 40 traders will be exhibiting, with stands featuring furniture from Donegal Antiques, Loughgall Antiques and A&E Antiques and Restoration.

There will also be plenty of rare books, silver, porcelain, antique watches and mid-century memorabilia on offer.

Opening times for the Antiques and More Fair in the Royal Marine Hotel are from 11am to 6pm on April 28.

25 April 2013 Gazette 13

Pavilion Theatre

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Famous 1980s brat packer Andrew McCarthy

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FEATURE

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14 Gazette 25 April 2013

dublinlife

schoolLife Get involved with our Gazette 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.

diary

Sion Hill teams reach finals  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Two teams of third-year students from Sion Hill Dominican College in Blackrock have reached the finals of the 2013 National Dairy Council (NDC) Milk It Advertising Awards.

The students set up their own advertising agency to promote milk drinking among young people and will both represent Sion Hill in the national finals due to take place on May 1.

OMG Agency was created by students Aoife Cullen, Sarah Donohue, Laoise Keys, Roisin O’Hara, Prapti Setty and Georgina Francies under the guidance of their teacher Carol Ann O’Gorman.

The second team is called Bazinga Agency and is made up of Shauna McMahon, Kerri Pugh, Rachel Hickey, Emily Durnin, Erica Dent, Tara Redmond along with the same teacher.

The teams, who worked in groups of up to six students, had to set up their own advertising agency and work within a brief to encourage their peers to meet the recommended daily intake of dairy products.

Altogether 95 students and 20 secondary school teams in both the senior and junior categories have reached the national finals of the 2013 NDC Milk It Advertising Awards.

The teams will exhibit their work and pitch their

Students from Sion Hill Dominican College in Blackrock have reached the finals of the 2013 National Dairy Council (NDC) Milk It Advertising Awards

project ideas to a panel of specialist national judges.

The master of ceremonies for this year’s awards ceremony will be television and radio presenter, Eoghan McDermott who is currently a presenter on RTE’s The Voice of

Ireland.

This is the third year for the programme, which was open to secondary school students throughout the country.

Sion Hill teacher Carol Ann O’Gorman was an intrinsic part of the programme which utilises a

variety of school subjects such as media studies, English, art, business studies and home economics.

Team members in the overall winners of the NDC Milk It Awards will be awarded a €350 One4all gift voucher.

25 April 2013 Gazette 15

Gazette

FEATURE

Raft race supports water safety unit  PAUL HOSFORD

A group of Dublin volunteers are calling on members of the public to raft across the Grand Canal basin next month.

The Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (IUSRU), which “provides highly qualified search and recovery divers to search for missing persons underwater nationwide within our rivers, canals, lakes and off our coasts”, will hold their first annual raft race on May 19.

Communications officer for the IUSRU

Andrew McGowan said that the charity, which is solely funded by donations, helps families in need across the country.

“We were set up in December 2011 because a lot of searches in water were not being finished because of money.

“With ever-increasing callouts, we decided that we would come in.

Because we’re a specialised unit, we can focus on what we do.

“Since we set up, we’ve got buckets of calls.

Mostly, they wouldn’t be on an emergency basis.

After everything has been exhausted, that’s

where we come in and we can search for weeks on end until funds run out to find the person.”

“So far, the unit has searched for bodies in Dublin, Wexford, Waterford and Cork, but we are finding funding increasingly difficult to come by.

“The funding solely comes from fundraising. We have no support from the Government because there just isn’t anything there.”

All of the divers are trained to advanced open water level with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors

(PADI) or with another agency to an equivalent level.

“We then train our members in search and recovery techniques and using equipment which is needed to work in environments that we find ourselves searching in. Our members train at minimum twice a month to further their training and to keep their skills fresh.

“Because of what we do, it does cost a lot.

All of our members are divers and they provide the equipment. Other equipment, like boats, are raised through raf-

The Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (IUSRU) will hold their first annual raft race on May 19

fles or the likes of our raft race in May. “We do what we can to get our name out there, but our biggest issue is that because we are a specialised unit, not many people know much

about us, until they need us.”

To fund their hugely impor tant work, the unit will hold a charity raft race in the Grand Canal basin on Saturday, May 19.

Pre-built raf ts are available, or groups can build their own. A group of four will cost €100.

For more on the IUSRU, visit www.iusru. ie or contact info@ iusru.ie

Gazette

16 Gazette 25 April 2013

R1

dublinlife

opinion

‘Legislate for abortion now’ The conclusion last week of the inquest into the tragic death of Savita Halapanavar can leave us in no doubt about the urgent need to introduce legislation for abortion.

The evidence presented at the inquiry clearly showed that the absence of clear legislation leaves doctors unsure how to act. Eminent obstetrician Dr Peter Boylan stated, that Ms Halappanavar would probably be alive today if she had been given a termination when she asked for it.

The declaration that legislation will be enacted this summer to allow

for abortion in Ireland where the life of a woman is in danger, including from suicide, is essential and must not be delayed or made inoperable. That it comes after 20 years of foot dragging is a shocking indictment of the lack of seriousness in dealing with women’s health and human rights.

Savita’s death and inquest shows there must be no more delay.

I will be at the protest at the EU conference on Gender Equality on Monday April 29, at 6pm in the plaza by City Hall on Dame St, calling for immediate legislation to allow abortion if pregnancy puts a woman’s

life at risk.

The only reason more women have not died as a result of this inaction is because of our proximity to Britain. Very sick women have been exported to England for decades to avail of this medical treatment at enormous financial and emotional costs to themselves and their families.

Against the backdrop of continuing austerity, the option of finding a minimum of €1000 to make the trip will not be an option, endangering the lives and well-being of many women.

The frenzied response of the anti-abortion lobby and elements of the

Catholic Church, to the government’s proposed legislation, talking about “mass murder”, “opening the floodgates”, “abortion on demand”, apart from being a gross insult to women and the medical profession, is completely at odds with the reality of the government’s proposal.

Their stance reflects the fact that they realise that they have lost the battle for the hearts and minds of the silent majority of people in this country who understand that Irish abortion exists; it just does not take place in Ireland.

What does it say about our society when the Minister for Justice can stand up in the Dail and explain that our constitution means that we live in “a republic in which we proclaim the equality of all citizens...that some citizens are more equal than others”? He further outlined that there are no barriers for men to look for and get medical treatment to, not only protect their lives, but also their health and quality of life, but that for women, that right is qualified. Where

Deputy Clare Daly: “Absence of clear legislation leaves doctors unsure how to act”

rape victims and women whose foetus develops an abnormality, where as a certainty it will not survive, or women whose health could be so damaged as to be permanently incapacitated cannot access an abortion in

their own country.

This injustice and oppressive inequality is acknowledged by the government, and then shrugged off, as they do not propose to do anything about it. This is not good enough. It is an abject betrayal of women in this country and it cannot be allowed to continue.

The root of this legal “second class citizenry” is the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, which equates the life of the unborn with that of the woman. This clause must be removed in order to enable legislation or regulation to be brought in to allow women to access their basic health and human rights for the many other circumstances where a woman needs to have an abortion, beyond the circumstances where her life is at risk.

Recent opinion polls

have revealed that the overwhelming majority of people agree with abortion in a range of different circumstances, over 30% agreeing in all circumstances.

The very vocal, highly organised and heavily financed “pro-life” groups are attempting to respond and apply a counter pressure on Fine Gael backbenchers and Enda Kenny to stem the tide.

They will not succeed.

A new generation of Irish people will not sit back and wait another 20 years for further progress.

If nothing else has been learned over the past six months it is that we will be waiting a long time before the political establishment delivers social change – best to get out and fight for it ourselves.

Deputy Clare Daly United Left Alliance

IrElAnD’S OnLy BoXiNg MaGaZiNe

K O MONTHLY

A classic Celtic clash:

APRIL 2013

Kenny Egan

EXCLUSIVE: The boxing legend on life after retirement

RUMBLE IN MANHATTAN Esker ABC in the Big Apple

St Mary’s Boxing Club Tallaght, welcome Cwmbran and Torfaen Warriors Boxing Clubs

KO M O N T H L Y

II GAZETTE 25 April 2013

Dowling tops when it comes to coaching MICK Dowling is one of Ireland’s most respected boxing coaches. Having served as a member of the National Coaching Committee for 10 years his knowledge of the sport is second to none. He is currently senior coach of the Mount Tallant Boxing Club.

Mick’s competitive record is outstanding.

He boxed 50 times in the green vest of Ireland competing at both the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Olympic Games.

Mick Dowling, a record eight times national senior bantam champion, now runs a sports shop as well as being a respected RTE boxing analyst. He is the holder of two bronze medal successes in Euro-

pean Championships.

His first outing in Mexico 68 was against Bernd Juterzenka, and the Kilkenny man made a fantastic Olympic debut, dropping the East German twice before the ref saw enough and called a halt to proceedings in the first.

Dowling then beat John Rakowski, who was also left occupying a large area of floor space after being felled by a thudding right from the Irish bantamweight in the second round. The Australian was then disqualified in the third for using his head.

That win left Dowling just one positive verdict away from winning at least bronze, but the

Congratulations!

50 years for the Keoghs KO MONTHLY would like to congratulate Mr Paddy Keogh and Mrs Olive Keogh on their 50th wedding anniversary celebrated in Parnell’s GAA Club with friends and family. Paddy and Olive have been involved in boxing for over 50 years and are current members of the Dublin County Board. They run a very successful boxing club, Dublin Docklands in Sheriff Street, which has produced many national champions over the years.

Irish champion lost 4-1 to Japan’s Eiji Morioka, two warnings tipping the balance in favour of the Asian from a very close contest. Morioka was beaten in the last-four by Valerian Sokolov of the USSR, who beat (TKO 2) Eridadi Mukwanga of Uganda in the final to finish on top of the 54kg podium.

In Munich, in 1972, Dowling fought his way to a quarter-final decider with Cuba’s Orlando Martinez. Dowling was agonisingly only three rounds away from bronze, but, after nine minutes of cracking boxing, Martinez got a split decision and Dowling’s Olympic dream was over.

Mick has boxed and

Mick Dowling is one of Ireland’s most respected boxing coaches

coached at international level and he is still as enthusiastic about Irish boxing as he was in his fighting days.

He is an excellent ambassador for Irish boxing worldwide and remains a well respected figure in Irish boxing.

Mick also dedicates a lot of his time to charity work, most notably for Down Syndrome Ireland.

KO Monthly would like to take this opportu-

nity to wish Mick every success in his personal ventures and for Mount Tallant Boxing Club.

He is also the proud owner of two European bronze medals and still holds the record for eight national titles in the same weight division.

More recently Mick trained the Leinster rugby squad in the art of boxing conditioning and is well known as an RTE boxing commentator and fight analyst.

Mick Dowling Born: Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny 17th December 1946 Clubs: • Arbour Hill Boxing Club • British Rail

25 April 2013 GAZETTE III

Still passionate after over 40 years in the game Round 1

KO: Phil thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. Firstly, what are your ambitions this year for Crumlin Boxing Club?

PS: First of all, to keep Crumlin Boxing Club going for the next 500 years.

I know I won’t be here, but to keep it going and to make it that little bit stronger. We have a great group of coaches and a great committee flying the Crumlin colours, that they flew back in the 1930s, where they had senior champion after senior champion.

We have won championships here for the past 20 years since and I have been involved at all levels.

Also, to keep young children motivated to stay off the drink, the drugs and everything that is so bad out there at the moment.

KO: What is your ambition for your professional fighters?

PS: We are doing very well at the professional game. We had Willie Casey, who was a slugger from Limerick.

We put a bit of technique on him, he had the will, he had the strength, we had good tactics and he went on to win Prizefighter and then he went on to win the European Title. We got stuck against Rigondeux in CityWest for a World Title.

That Rigondeux is something special. Unfortunately, Willie is no longer boxing for me, he is in a good gym up the north, he is back in form and I wish him all the best.

Now, I have my own son boxing for me, who is making his debut on

March 9 in Dundalk, and I have Anthony Fitzgerald who pushed Andy Lee all the way in a 10-round thriller and is a very well respected fighter. I want to produce world champions in the professional game – simple as that.

Round 2 KO: With you being involved in both amateur and professional boxing, what do you see as the main difference between the two disciplines?

PS: There is not much difference in dedication in a top pro and a top amateur. The pros train for longer rounds. There is very little money for the professional fighters, unless they’re very special. With top amateurs, they’re on the High Performance Programme, and they have now got the WSB (World Series of Boxing) where they wear no headgear or vests and they fight for five threeminute rounds.

The WSB has millionaires supporting them, so the boxers are getting a nice little wage for boxing.

A boxer only has a certain amount of time in boxing, so if they can get a nice little house for themselves, they’re doing well.

Round 3 KO: What advice would you give an amateur looking to turn professional?

PS: Get a good coach, good manager, someone to support you and train hard. Go for your goals, nothing comes easy as a top amateur or a top professional.

KO: After all your years

PHIL SUTCLIFFE

For over 40 years PHIL SUTCLIFFE has dedicated his life to boxing. His desire and enthusiasm are second to none and are still unquenchable, despite achieving huge goals both as a boxer and as a coach, most notably two Olympic Games, numerous National and European Honours and steering Willy Casey to European glory as a coach KO MONTHLY caught up with the well-renowned coach and now professional promoter, down at his beloved CRUMLIN BOXING CLUB, to talk to him about his ambitions for his club, and also for his new stable of professional fighters involved in boxing, what keeps you so passionate about the sport?

PS: Seeing the kids’ faces, seeing that we are not wasting our time. A few do go through the net, a lot of them have gone on to become plumbers, carpenters and most have gone on to do good things, and to know we have tried to point them in the right direction in life.

AgAiNsT ThE RoPeS …

KO: Favourite boxer of all time?

PS: Sugar Ray Leonard

KO: Favourite boxing movie?

PS: Rocky

KO: Old scoring or computer scoring?

PS: Old scoring

KO: Favourite Irish fighter of all time?

PS: There are two, Gerry Hamill and Hugie Russell

KO: Amateur or Professional?

PS: Amateur

KO: Is there enough funding for boxing clubs, yes or no?

PS: No

KO: Favourite fight of all time?

PS: Thrilla in Manila

KO: Head guards in or out?

PS: Out

KO: Dream fight of all time?

PS: Stecca and myself (Phil boxed Maurizio Stecca in the Quarter Finals of the 1984 Olympics. Stecca went on to win the Gold Medal)

wItH PhIlIp SuTcLiFfE

KO M O N T H L Y Catching up with Kenny Egan – an Irish boxing legend

Iv Gazette 25 April 2013

Kenny Egan brought us, the boxing fans, some very memorable moments.

Throughout his amateur career, winning 10 senior titles, numerous international titles, but most notably his silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Last February, the curtain came down on his illustrious career KO Monthly caught up with the Dubliner down at Neilstown Boxing Club, Clondalkin where it all began for the Irish legend, to discuss his career, life after boxing and that emotional standing ovation KO: You have dedicated your life to boxing so far so how do you plan to spend your days now you have retired?

Ken: That’s a good question. Well, I’ll still be training, it’s not as if I’ve stopped boxing altogether. I’ll be training here at the club three times a week if I can, and do a bit with the kids. I want to do my best to put a bit back into the sport from a training point of view.

KO: You have been very successful as a boxer, winning an Olympic silver medal in Beijing 2008, 10 senior national titles and numerous international medals, inspiring lots of young boxers. Do you feel you could inspire young boxers as a coach?

Ken: A lot of good amateurs don’t necessarily go on to be good

coaches, so that’s a bit of a challenge in itself, but it’s a challenge I’m definitely up for.

I’ve been around top coaches for the last 22 years and I’ve seen how they operate, especially the likes of Billy Walsh and Zaur Anita on the High Performance Programme and also my own coaches here, Gerry Fleming, Hughie Smith and the rest of the lads, so I’ve a good idea what’s involved and needed to become a top coach.

At the moment I’m taking part in a Pursuit of Excellence Programme which is going on over in the Sports Institute.

It involves various different coaches from various sports who come together to perform different tasks. My task at the moment is basically how to get a first-time athlete to the Olympic Games under the coaching of a

first-time coach. I have obviously plenty of experience as an athlete but I’m learning from all the other coaches there, and it’s going very well for me at the moment.

KO: You were given an incredible send off at the National Senior Finals, were you expecting that type of ovation by the boxing fans?

Ken: Well, there’s maybe two groups of people who came to the stadium to support me in the National finals, going all the way back to when I won my first title in 2001, so it was sweet to have the same people there in 2013.

They, along with my coaches and family, have been with me right throughout my journey to here and now. I wasn’t expecting the standing ovation I got.

I had made my mind

up in early January that I was going to retire. Noone knew about it, not my family, or even my coaches. I’d had a long road and I had achieved everything I had set out to do, so the time was definitely right. I don’t regret retiring at all.

The ovation was amazing especially seeing the kids there, some of who weren’t even born when I won my first senior title, so it was good to know I had given some joy to the Irish people over the years.

KO: You have reached the highs of boxing and you have seen the lows of the game. What is your best memory from your career and what was your lowest?

Ken: Well, the obvious high would be the Olympic silver medal. It was an amazing two weeks for me, everything went

perfect, even the training camp out in Russia prior to the Games.

I was high in confidence and was boxing brilliantly, so that’s the obvious choice.

But to win my first senior title was also very special, more so because I was the underdog going into the fight and I was only 19 years of age.

The lowest was being beaten in 2011, when I was going for my eleventh title. I was so used to being a winner as I hadn’t been beaten in this country since 1998 after winning titles at all levels, not just my Senior Titles. So getting beaten

by Joe Ward gave me a kick up the ass! That was definitely the lowest.

KO: In regards to boxing, do you have any regrets about your career?

Ken: I don’t really have

Kenny Egan has had a stellar career in the ring, including winning an Olympic silver medal in Beijing in 2008, but all good things must come to an end: “I’d had a long road and I had achieved everything I had set out to do.”

any regrets, no. It was a great privilege to put on the Irish vest and be an ambassador for Ireland.

I’ve travelled the world representing my country and bringing home medals to Ireland.

KO: Boxing is Ireland’s Number 1 sport in regards to winning medals worldwide, do you think the sport gets the recognition it deserves?

Ken: The only problem with amateur boxing in this country is it’s not recognised. It’s actually a disgrace. It’s not sold right, published or advertised correctly because it’s a great sport

that shows its face every four years at the Olympic Games. I think it needs to change, the whole set up.

We have a great opportunity to generate money for the IABA by using our Olympians to advertise boxing and to sell out the stadium with top home internationals.

KO: What advice would you give to an up and coming fighter who has dreams of following you and going to the Olympic Games?

Ken: Have an open mind and be willing to learn. Soak it all up and, most importantly, enjoy it.

25 April 2013 Gazette V

KO M O N T H L Y

VI GAZETTE 25 April 2013

CROWNED

They are the champions!

THIS years National Boy 1, 2, and 3 Champions were crowned earlier this month at the National Stadium, Dublin. All champions are listed below, including a total of six Dublin boxers. The successful competitors are all aged between 11 and 14-years-old. So read closely, as you might see some stars of the future!

Boy 1 Winners 2013 27kg: Ian Hehir (St Colmans) 29kg: Jude Gallagher (Two Castles) 31kg: Oisin Treanor (Emyvale) 33kg: Brandon McCarthy (St Michaels Athy) 36kg: Jack McGivern (St George’s) 39kg: Jake Tucker (St John Bosco Newry) 42kg: Declan McDonagh (Claremorris) 44kg: David McDonagh (Spartacus) 46kg: Michael Myers (Crumlin) 48kg: Bradley McDonagh (Ennis) 50kg: Shane Gillespie (Bundoran) 52kg: Michael McDonald (Darndale) 54kg: Peter Keenan (Darndale) 57kg: John Casey (O.L.O.L.) 60kg: Ben Bannon (Holy Family) 63kg: Rory Brennan (St Anne’s) 66kg: Cathall Meaghar (Spartacus) 70kg: Martin McDonagh (Dealgan) 75kg: Aaron Byrne (Baldoyle) 86kg: Mark Donnelly (St Colman’s)

Boy 2 Winners 29kg: Terry Donoghue (St Michael’s Athy) 31kg: Davy Oliver Joyce (St Seachnall’s) 33kg: Reece Parchment (Tramore) 36kg: Barry McReynolds (St Paul’s) 39kg: Connor Renaghan (Keady) 42kg: James Crean (Wexford CBS)

44kg: Pierce O Leary (Dublin Docklands) 46kg: Lee Harkin (Illies GG) 48kg: Anthony Barrett (Titans) 50kg: Sean Dempsey (Gorey) 52kg: Kane Tucker (St John Bosco) 54kg: Oisin O’Dowd (Gilford) 57kg: Brian Stokes (St Seachnall’s) 60kg: Tori Lee Nicholas (2 Castles) 63kg: Andrew Stokes (O’Hanlon Park) 66kg: Michael Walsh (Holy Family) 70kg: Jordan Joyce (St Francis) 75kg: Tom Gavin (Edenmore) 80kg: Ciaran Corcoran (Cloghan)

Boy 3 Winners 31kg: Liam Glennon (St Joseph’s) 33kg: Davan Duggan (Dungarvan) 36kg: Tom Stokes (Oakleaf) 42kg: Eamon Sweeney (Illies GG) 44kg: Patrick Donovan (OLOL) 46kg: Aaron McKenna (Old School) 48kg: Callum Bradley (Sacred Heart) 50kg: Jason Harty (Rathkeale) 52kg: Aaron Gethius (Ballinacarrow) 54kg: Paul Ryan (Bay City) 57kg: Brian McNamee (Convoy) 60kg: Jordan Myers (Innisfree) 63kg: Leon Gallagher (Finn Valley) 66kg: Kacper Bura (St Anne’s) 70kg: Bert Zalewski (St Anne’s) 75kg: Hugh Doyle (Cloghan) 80kg: Blaine O’Brien (Clonmel) 86kg: Connor Gleeson (Old School) 91kg: Ben McNamara (Ballinacollig)

KO YOUR COMPETITION WITH ADVERTISING THAT WORKS! To advertise to 169,000 readers in the next edition of KO MONTHLY contact: David O’Connor (doconnor@gazettgroup.com) or Tatum Rooney (trooney@gazettegroup.com) Dublin Gazette Newspapers 01 60 10 240 www.gazettegroup.com

Last month, Lucan’s Esker ABC travelled to New York to face the New York Athletic Club

Boxing bliss in the Big Apple for Esker LUCAN-BASED Esker Amateur Boxing Club was formed in April 2012 by Ed Griffin and Martin O’Connell. Five years previously, Ed was also a founder member of Lucan Boxing Club, and served as secretary and coach with that club.

Ed decided to set up Esker to cater for the demands of young people in the Lucan area for a sporting outlet. Having got initial funding from club president Eddie Butler, Esker ABC was on its way.

Since its inception, Esker has gained over 40 permanent senior and junior members ranging all the way from underage to intermediate and senior standard.

T he club has had approximately seven shows since its inception which have attracted clubs from all over the country, and current Irish heavyweight champion and former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion

Tyson Fury attended one of its shows.

E d i s a l s o h e avily involved in setting up Dublin youth teams.

Club members Aaron McGrane, Claudiu Munteanu and Adrian Dolan all represented Ireland in Manchester in November, and the club is travelling to England for the Senior Haringey Cup competition in June, followed by a junior trip to Blackpool that month also.

Last month, EskerABC travelled to New York to face the New York Athletic Club. Nine bouts were decided with close calls in most of them.

Aaron McGrane was in against the three-times New York Golden Gloves champion, Brian Ceballo, who had missed out on the London Olympics by one bout. Both men gave it their all and McGrane was unlucky to come out on the end of a majority decision.

Adrian Dolan was robbed of a decision against a Tajik boxer who

is on the verge of turning professional. Dolan had him on the canvas twice, but the decision did not go his way.

R o b F l y n n , Ev a n Walker, Peter McCabe, Joe Farrell, Dylan Ward, Peter Tully all boxed

acknowledged by the 1,000 strong partisan crowd in attendance.

There was absolutely fantastic corner work by Esker coaches Martin O’Connell, Daithi Mc Cabe and Mick Kelly on the night.

to NYPD detective Terry McGee, an old friend of the club for setting it all up with the New York Athletic Club.

On March16, Esker ABC marched at the front of the St Patrick’s Day parade in New York

Aaron McGrane was in against the three-times New York Golden Gloves champion, Brian Ceballo, who had missed out on the London Olympics by one bout well on the night. St Michael’s Athy boxer, Tommy Sheehan, boxed Tommy Kehoe of the NYAC on the night and was unlucky not to take the decision, a fact

The night would not have been possible without the help of Superquinn Lucan, club president Eddie Butler and O’Neills Bar, Lucan. A huge mention must go

as guests of the NYPD and it was a fantastic experience for all. Esker return to New York next year, and will host the NYAC in Ireland in September 2014.

25 April 2013 Gazette VII

The Cyclone CLASSIC CLASH: June 8, 1985 WBA World Featherweight title Loftus Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London

Every so often in life there is a fight that lifts a nation, and the night the Clones Cyclone Barry McGuigan fought Panama’s legendary all time great world champion Eusebio Pedroza for the WBA version of the world featherweight title was one of them.

Contests like this don’t come any bigger and even now it sends shivers down the spine of even the hardest boxing fans. It is only with the passage of time and the benefit of hindsight that we now realise just how important and special that night was, not just for boxing but for sport in general.

In Eusebio Pedroza, the world had a true great of the featherweight division. He was 32 years old at the time of the defence against McGuigan. He had up till then made 19 successful defences of his title, that is how good he was.

He had not lost a fight since 1976 and since becoming world champion in 1978 fought and beat off a variety of world class contenders. To say it was a daunting task for McGuigan is an understatement.

McGuigan in the mid 1980s was the biggest name in British and Irish boxing. He was a superstar when the epithet really meant something.

By the time of the world title fight the 24-year-old was a household name.

Such was McGuigan’s crossover appeal that he could name schoolchil-

dren, men, women and even old grannies among his many fans.

More importantly in his own back yard of Clones, just outside of the border with Northern Ireland, he enjoyed support from both Catholics and Protestants. No one sporting or political person had managed to bring two warring factions together like McGuigan had.

If Pedroza was the f lashy matador then McGuigan was the aggressive bull. On the night there was an amazing atmosphere nearly rivalling those at the King’s Hall, as 26,000 fans packed the arena on that warm June evening.

At least three quarters of those fans would be Irish or of Irish descent.

The opening bell could just about be heard over the roar of the crowd.

Pedroza was still on one knee crossing himself and McGuigan showed true sportsmanship and class by allowing the champion to finish this ritual before going on the attack.

This was a key moment as there had been fears that with all the hype, needle and gamesmanship, as well as Pedroza’s reputation as a sometimes dirty fighter and McGuigan’s body shots sometimes straying below the belt, that this contest could degenerate into an untidy, foul-filled maul.

With one simple, patient gesture all of that had been defused and thankfully the contest would be a spirited but clean affair.

For the first few rounds all McGuigan could do was try to work his way in, slipping the jab and unsettle the champ’s rhythm. He kept storming forward, but Pedroza looked so dangerous as he landed several jabs, right uppercuts and a cracking body shot that landed right on McGuigan’s heart. Barry amazingly walked through it all, but there were plenty of anxious moments earlier on.

Slowly though McGuigan’s aggression and non-stop pressure began to tell. He managed to get in a few meaty hooks of his own and the champion was frowning in deep concentration as he tried to keep the terrier that was McGuigan at bay.

After six action-packed rounds which had flown by most observers had them both level.

The seventh round fol-

Clones Cyclone Barry McGuigan fought Panama’s legendary all time great world champion Eusebio Pedroza

lowed, the familiar pattern of Pedroza circling and countering effectively and McGuigan pursuing, looking to unload.

Pedroza retreated to the ropes, dropped his left slightly as he jabbed and then McGuigan fired a beautifully timed right hand that landed right on the button sending Pedroza sideways to the canvas. The legendary champ was given a count by the South African referee and the whole of Ireland stopped breathing.

McGuigan was on fire now and he pressed forward both fists flying

while Pedroza employed all of his 12 year’s experience as a professional to slip, clutch, clinch and maul his way to the safety of the bell. It was yet more gamesmanship from the Panamanian’s camp, but they were fooling nobody.

Amazingly in the eighth, Pedroza showed just why he had been champion so long by taking the round thanks to some excellent boxing on his toes. He was enjoying a good spell in the ninth too until another big right smashed home sending the crowd wild and the

champion’s legs wobbly.

There was a palpable feeling in the air that the title really could be about to change hands.

McGuigan was remorseless and although Pedroza won a round here and there he was soon back into survival mode. In the 13th a McGuigan attack had Pedroza reeling and staggering around the ring.

The bell saved him but he must have realised that the title was slipping from his grasp. McGuigan would just not be denied.

The 14th and 15th

Barry McGuigan with son Shane, left, and the newly crowned European champion, Carl Frampton

rounds went by in a wonderful blur, with the crowd singing their hero home to victory and the magnificent champion showing courage, pride and tenacity to survive to the final bell.

When it was finally over Pedroza showed true class when he walked over to McGuigan and threw his arms around him saying: “You will be a great champion.”

Not long after that McGuigan was hoisted on to the shoulders of his cornermen and held aloft, he modestly kept his head down as he raised his gloves in triumph.

Barry McGuigan was the new WBA world featherweight champion!

It had been an unforgettable evening and occasion and in those 45 minutes of unrelenting action, McGuigan sealed his place in the Parthenon of great boxers.

What a night and what a fight. It will not be forgotten for a long, long time and I hope you enjoy reminiscing about a fight that changed Irish boxing forever.

KO M O N T H L Y

VIII Gazette 25 April 2013

tournament: ireland vs wales

O

n March 8, St Mary’s Boxing Club Tallaght welcomed Cwmbran and Torfaen Warriors Boxing Clubs travelling all the way from Wales to box a club show in St Anne’s GAA Hall, Bohernabreena.

This was a return show as St Mary’s travelled over to Cwmbran in November for a boxing tournament with the same clubs. This show would not be possible at all if it was not for the efforts of Mr Noel Burke

Snr and the late Mr John Riordan, who forged a friendship with Mr Keith Jeffries from Cwmbran way back in the mid-1980s.

We have had some very enjoyable tournaments both in Wales and Ireland over the last 30 years, with the boxing always of a very high standard. The tournament on March 8 was no different than the previous ones, with some excellent contests taking place.

Ryan Taite and Noel Burke Sr of St Mary’s

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25 April 2013 Gazette 25

MOTORS P32

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Gazette

MUSIC P29

Pets can you give betty a new home?

The musical adaptation of the 1994 Disney animated film, The Lion King, is a spectacular spectacle with actors taking on the roles of the animals

musical spectacular: The Lion King comes to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Nicholas is ready to roar  PAUL HOSFORD

It has thrilled audiences across the globe, selling out nearly nightly on Broadway, in the West End and Las Vegas and this month, The Lion King comes to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

The musical adaptation of the 1994 Disney animated film is a spectacular spectacle, with actors taking on the roles of the animals roaming the Serengeti.

Leading the stampede into Dublin is Nicholas Nkuna, who will take on the role of adult Simba, the Right King of Pride Rock.

Nicholas is building an impressive CV, already gaining the distinction of being the youngest actor ever to play the lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.

However, taking on the role of a lion is a unique challenge.

“It takes preparation,” says Nicholas “We had a number of weeks rehearsals in Bristol to get down into the character.

“All the brilliant ideas put out by Julie Taymor had to be pinned down, but it is hammered down now.

“I am the lion,” the multi-talented South African laughs.

Nicholas, who has never done the show before, says that his mind was opened by his preparation.

“I think rehearsal opened up my mind about what the show was about. I’d obviously seen how people had done it, but when it was explained to me, it was really interesting.”

Taking on a role in such a massive show doesn’t weigh down Nicholas,

such is his experience and he says that the show has been a universal success because of its appeal to every member of the audience.

“I think it’s a universal story. Everyone from little kids to adults can take something away from the show. It’s a simple story, but it’s still amazing and I think that’s what grabs people.

“For Simba to take on his responsibility as a king, I think people can relate to that in some way.”

Nicholas says that he did watch the animated version to get inspiration, but says that the live show has “so much more”, in terms of spectacle.

For someone who has achieved so much success at a relatively young age, the Johannesburg man is remarkably humble and says merely that he is

“blessed” to have been handed the roles of Phantom of the Opera and King of the Jungle before he has reached his quarter century.

“I consider myself blessed and I always say that it is every actor’s dream to play these two roles. I thank God every day for me being allowed wake up and do my job.”

Beyond The Lion King, Nicholas says that he would love to take part in the French revolution.

“I would love to be in Les Mis or Brooklyn and I would love to be in The Colour Purple.

“But for now, I can’t wait to get to Dublin, though I’m not sure about the rain!”

The Lion King runs from April 27 to June 22.

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

Our Dog of the week is Betty, a beautiful two-yearold female collie cross. This little lady is looking for an extra special forever home.

Shortly after arriving at Dogs Trust her carers noticed that she was almost deaf. This doesn’t mean this clever collie can’t do almost all of the things a hearing dog can do but sometimes even more! Betty is very quick to learn and really wants to impress you.

She will need a patient, dedicated and experienced owner who can continue with her training and development in a home with big kids 14+. She would be happy to share her new forever home with a canine pal if required.

If you think you could give Betty or any of the other wonderful dogs at the centre the loving home they deserve, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000.

They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50 and would love to show you around. 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

26 Gazette 25 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Fashion forward

Last year’s catwalk event (above) was a big success but this year promises to be bigger and better! Picture: 1st Option/

 laura webb

style@gazettegroup.com

Spring/summer ’s biggest trends will be brought to life at Blanc h a r d s t ow n C e n t r e this weekend with their U-Style event that sees fashionista’s dreams become a reality.

Imagine catwalk shows, make-up workshops, hair demonstrations, advice from personal stylists, a realm of all things style and beauty at your fingertips – well this is exactly what people can expect to see at the Blanchardstown Centre for two days, April 27 and 28.

Blanchardstown Centre and U-magazine have joined forces to educate Dublin about all things fashion and beauty.

Speaking to The G a z e t t e , m a r ke t i n g e xe c u t i ve w i t h t h e Blanchardstown Centre, Ciara Daly, said the

event is bigger and better and bright and bold is our robe for summer.” than ever before. final trend.

The team from U mag“It’s been fantastic, “We will have four azine will be there each and because it’s been so shows on the hour, start- day and after each fashion successful we’ve made it ing at 1pm with the last at show there will be a maseven bigger and better. It 4pm, and they will show- ter class. Shirley Lane, the is going to be a fantastic case each of these trends Blanchardstown Centre’s shopping weekend for from a range of different personal stylist, is up first everyone that comes stores around the shop- each day. “She is excelalong, not only for fash- ping centre. All items lent. She knows the cenionista’s but there will be tre inside out and she will discounts across a wide show her style picks range of stores for spring sumBecome a U covergirl including some mer. and WIN A of our beauty “There €500 SHOPPING SPREE brands as are also Blanchardstown Centre will be searchwell. master ing for the Ultimate U Covergirl so According classes strike a pose for their photographer to Ciara, this for makeand you could be in with a chance of event is a great up from winning a €500 shopping spree from way for people Inglot and Blanchardstown Centre and a chance to feature in U Magazine. to get to know for hair from what to wear.

Peter Mark. “They “Top industry experts will show you how to will give the best advice do these looks at home.” on all the different trends the models will be wearOn Saturday, April that are out there at the ing will be available to 27, Jules Fallon from moment. The key trends purchase on the day and 1st Option will give a that we will showcase the majority of stores will master class on Sweet in each show are floral, have discounts too, so it Jeans, a sneak preview of monochrome, stripe, will be a great weekend another event the centre denim and accessories, to get all the key looks to has coming up in May holiday and swimwear brighten up your ward- (Thursday-Sunday May



25 April 2013 Gazette 27

STYLE

in association with Blanchardstown Centre

wit h U-Style

Paul Sherwood

More catwalk glamour. Picture: 1st Option/ Paul Sherwood

2-5 and May 9 -12).

“Jules will be on site taking private consultations for two weeks only.

She will be choosing denim and jeans from a number of different retailers in the shopping centre and giving you the best style advice and again there will be discounts over those weekends too.

“It is all free and you book your appointment at the information desk



occasionand you have a private, wear from half-hour consultaDon’t miss the Beauty Pods BT2. “This will tion in a style lounge all around Blanchardstown really inform with Jules Fallon.

Centre. Your favourite beauty brands will be offering people about This shows what complimentary treatments the amazing jeans fit what shape, from 1pm-4pm on range BT2 have and to get people Saturday & Sunday to offer – great for trying something new occasions like wed– like trying skinnies for dings and parties.” the first time, flares, or In addition to all of boot-cut jeans. send us a message on “ We a r e t a k i n g Facebook,” Ciara added. this, there will be beauty appointments now, so At the U-Style event pods all over the centre, either call the informa- on Sunday, April 28, with all the top beauty tion desk or pop up to Annmarie O’Connor brands offering minithem - you can even will also be showing makeovers and they will give advice on skincare, makeup techniques etc.

“We really want people to be able to take things home with them.

Saturday April 27: This will show the range 1pm Fashion Show and Style Makeover with Shirley Lane of amazing brands we 2pm Fashion Show and Hair and Beauty Master class with have at the Blanchard Peter Mark and Inglot stown Centre,” she con3pm Fashion Show and Sweet Jeans Masterclass tinued.

4pm Fashion Show and Covergirl Finalists.

To get all the latest Sunday April 28: news on the event check 1pm Fashion Show and Style Makeover with Shirley Lane out the Blanchardstown 2pm Fashion Show and Hair and Beauty Master class with Centre’s Facebook and

Peter Mark and Inglot Twitter pages or logon 3pm Fashion Show and Occasion wear master class with BT2 to www.blanchardstown4pm Fashion Show and Covergirl Winner announced centre.com

Schedule of Events

Gazette

28 Gazette 25 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Factory Girls

THE Factory Girls tells the story of five women facing the threat of redundancy, who stage a lock-in in a shirt factory in Co Donegal. The women characters are five strong and independent women who take on the boss and the union. May 1 and 2, tickets €20/€16.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Oliver Reed Wild Thing

IN this blistering solo show, join legendary hellraiser Oliver Reed as he knocks back a few drinks and shares his incredible life story. From the boyhood excitement of learning he was a descendant of Peter the Great, through the success of Oliver, boozy adventures with Keith Moon and disastrous chat show appearances – this was a life well lived. Rob Crouch brings Reed back to vivid life in this swaggering, brilliant evening of entertainment. May 1, tickets €18/€16.

Mill THEATRE Dundrum 01 296 9340 New York Stories

NEW York stories is a selection of quirky, comic plays reflecting life in the Big Apple and features a cast of characters that could only live in that metropolis. Zany, funny and even a little bit sad, come and visit New York and hear our stories. Jason Milligan’s many plays have been staged across Europe, Canada and the United States. April 30-May 4 tickets €12.

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B e c a u s e L o c a l M a t t e rs

Joe Mullins and Keith Byrne take the lead in Irish rural drama Pilgrim Hill

review: a tale of rural isolation and loneliness

A hill conquered SOMETIMES, silence speaks louder than words, and no better phrase can describe the effects of Pilgrim Hill.

From the opening scenes the film moves at an extremely slow pace.

We watch the forty-something farmer Jimmy Walsh (Mullins) at work in the fields; fixing the fences, milking the cows, painting the house and carrying out everyday farming jobs.

He is out in the fields alone all day, and only has the cows as company.

He even often manages not to meet anyone for a few days in a row.

The film is shot in parts like a documentary, with Jimmy speaking to the cameraman about his everyday life, his various jobs on the farm, how he cares for his father who survived a stroke, how his mother committed suicide while

Film of the Week: Pilgrim Hill h h h h h (15) 103 mins Director: Gerard Barrett Starring: Joe Mullins, Muiris Crowley, Keith Byrne, Corina Gough, Kevin McCormack

 hiromi mooney

hmooney@gazettegroup.com

he was a child, and how he feels about working on the farm and living as a bachelor.

Regrets He speaks of his regret for not standing up to his father to stay with the woman that he loved, and how he would love to just get away from it all but feels that he has no other job prospects because he has no qualifications and farming is all that he knows.

These scenes are extremely engaging as we hear of Jimmy’s life story, his thoughts – which sometimes are of him thinking aloud to

His lack of hope for what lies ahead of him comes across in his tone of voice and through his eyes.

OUR VERDICT:

UNHURRIED, cautious and overall quite beautiful, this is simultaneously as Irish and un-Irish a film as you are likely to see.

In a film that is about as flashy as a rained out week in Ballybunion, Gerard Barrett manages to announce himself as a vital new talent in the Irish cinematic landscape. It is a truly outstanding achievement and hopefully there’s more to come.

himself, and his feelings about his life.

They also make Jimmy seem like a real-life person, and we develop a feeling of sympathy and understanding for what he is going through.

The slow pace helps to convey how long and lonely each day may seem to a farmer working out in the fields alone, with rare social contact.

In fact, the highlight of his weeks are a trip to the local pub for a pint of Guinness.

The setting portrays a story which is a very real representation of

a sad, lonely and single farmer, and highlights how rural isolation is a reality for some in Ireland.

From the start it emphasises the theme of being along, and it is echoed throughout.

Things go from bad to worse for Jimmy as various situations in both his personal life and work life take a turn.

Problems L i ke m a ny o f u s experience, some problems seem to crop up all at once, and it gets a bit overwhelming for Jimmy.

Moving Pilgrim Hill is a moving story, and by the end of its 85 minutes, it is sure to take your breath away.

T he film has won director Gerard Barrett the IF TA’s Irish Film Board Rising Star Award.

Barrett succeeds in showing the long and l o n e l y d ay s e x p e r i enced by Jimmy, how he is finding life tough, and how various happenings can make it even harder to cope with – especially as he is alone.

Take our advice and don’t miss this film.

It may seem long, but that’s the powerful tool for the story, and it helps to make it real and relatable.

25 April 2013 Gazette 29

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Farewell, godfather of great album art Martin Green, Aidan O’Rourke and Kris Drever of Lau are preparing for an international tour in the next two months

interview: best kept secret in folk music comes to Dublin

Lau-d and laudable

The next in an ongoing series of the best band you’ve never heard of takes us to Scotland, where, from out of the sunshine on Leith comes Lau. In the folk scene, they are simply immense.

Winners of the best band at the BBC Folk Awards for the last four years out of five, they come from a traditional background but their sound is anything but. Playing guitar, fiddle and accordion might at first glance seem utterly trad, but the music Lau create, with live loops and synth bass, has the hallmarks of audio innovators like Brian Eno. Cinematic and evocative, Lau on record is one thing, but their live incarnation is in another galaxy.

Martin Green (accordion), Kris Drever (guitar and vocals) and Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle) combine to incredible effect on stage, and that alchemy is on its way to Dublin, with the group set to hit Whelans on June 1.

Gazette Music spoke to Martin as the band were

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

preparing for their latest tour, and we started by talking about their unique music and how it came to be.

“We are all rooted in folk music of one sort or another, and we all come from musical families.

This traditional music is still the basis of the music we make in Lau, but we all have interests in other sorts of music, and these influences slip in.

“One of our shared fascination is with sound, sounds possible from acoustic instruments, sounds we can enhance or embellish with effects, areas where we can use electronic sounds.

“We spend a lot of time with our sound engineer Tim Matthew, working on the live sound and trying to make the show sonically interesting.”

Their latest release,

Race The Loser, is a distinct evolution in their sound, an achievement that Martin attributes in part to the influence of producer Tucker Martine, who has previously worked with REM and My Morning Jacket.

“Working with Tucker was like working with a musical Gandalf with a Nashville accent. He encouraged a real spirit of exploration and experimentation, and was happy to try out any idea we proposed.”

From their acoustic roots, Lau have added electronic elements and effects to their sound in studio and on stage.

“For us, the increasing technology has been a very slow burn. It has

always been something that we have embraced, and Martin has always made bedroom electronica, but it wasn’t clear for a long time how to combine that with the acoustic sound of Lau. “Tucker is so knowledgeable about so many sorts of music that he was able to help us find a place for more of those electronic elements to come forward. We have been looping ourselves live for a few years now, and always tried to keep it reasonably subtle, I think now we are confident to make more of that. There are more complex bits of laptop use on stage now, and some heavy Moog bass action.

“We are lucky to have

an engineer so involved in rehearsals. Tim and Tucker are friends and have a shared sonic sensibility, so the live gig sounds surprisingly like the album.”

As well as recording and touring, Lau curated their own mini-festival, Lau-Land, something they are definitely considering repeating.

“We plan to do at least three more in the next two years. All events will involve local acts as well as international acts. We will encourage as much collaboration and crossfertilisation of bands as possible, which is one of the main motivations behind these festivals.”

Lau play Whelans on June1. For more, see www. whelanslive.com

Another rock legend has joined that Great Gig in the Sky. Although you probably don’t know what Storm Thorgerson looks like, and it’s unlikely you’ve ever heard him play an instrument or sing, you definitely are familiar with his work in the world of music.

The English graphic designer, who passed away last week at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer, is responsible for many famous album covers, including Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.

The record, released in 1973 is one of the world’s best-selling albums and its cover is so powerful, it doesn’t even contain its title or the band’s name. The iconic image, of a triangle on a black background acting as a prism to create a rainbow of colour, is just one of dozens of famous sleeves created by Thorgerson for dozens of huge names.

He also created album artwork for Led Zeppelin, The Cranberries and Muse to name but a few. Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour was childhood friends with the designer and in a statement on www.pinkfloyd.com following his death said: “We would gather at...a spot by the river in Cambridge and Storm would always be there...making the most noise, bursting with ideas and enthusiasm. Nothing has ever really changed,” adding that Thorgerson’s artwork was “an inseparable part of our work”.

Thorgerson’s death is particularly poignant as it came on the year of the Dark Side album’s 40th anniversary. In this world of digital downloads, I wonder how many people now buy albums on record or CD just for the cover? Storm, take a bow.

Dee Woods presents Nova Nights on Radio Nova Mon-Fri 7pm-12am & Sundays 12-2pm. Follow her on Twitter @radeeoh

30 Gazette 25 April 2013

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT

25 April 2013 BLANCH gazette 31

TRAVEL

northern ireland: fascinating jewel of belfast’s heritage is surprisingly accessible

A Titanic trip that’s certain to delight you  dave phillips

BE L FA ST’S Ti tani c Experience is a worldclass attraction that’s just a short trip away if you’re looking for a simple and stress-free break from Dublin.

What’s better is that you can forget all about directions, parking, and even accommodation as you can easily get there and back by public transport in a day.

The Enterprise train service takes two hours to make its way from Dublin’s Connolly station to Belfast Central [train station], and splurging a little extra on a first-class ticket can help set the pace for the day.

In Belfast, your train ticket will also get you passage on buses to the city centre, where you can pick up maps and information on other attractions from the tourist office.

Since its launch in March 2012, the Titanic exhibition has become an instant must-see part of Belfast and, to date, has clocked up more than 700,000 visitors.

The numbers haven’t shown signs of slowing, so it is recommended to book tickets in advance.

The iconic building that houses the exhibition

has become an incredible part of the cityscape, and is located just a 10-minute walk from the city centre in a rejuvenated dockland area that feels similar to Dublin’s IFSC district.

The exhibition puts a lot of stock on bringing history to life, and it shows what an impact the RMS Titanic had on the city.

Just to ready the dry dock – which enabled workers to build Titanic and other Olympic-class liners – took almost two years.

The exhibition also highlights the connection between the Titanic and the Working Class citizens of Belfast.

So much of the ship was hand-built by an army of labourers, and the sheer scale of work involved can be difficult to grasp.

Utilising unique audiovisual installations, interactive displays – and even an electronic ride to explore the world of Titanic – you can get a real feel for the different aspects of the ship, from her construction and the experience aboard, to the disaster and its aftermath.

The exhibition seamlessly moves from personal to group stories, and shows how the building and sinking of Titanic affected the Belfast com-

munity.

There’s a lot to see, and it is presented in a way that children and adults alike should find fascinating. You could easily pass several hours here.

Walking back toward the city centre, you can pass through another of Belfast’s redeveloped areas, the Cathedral Quarter.

Based around St Anne’s Cathedral, this area is a hive of warmly-lit, winding streets and laneways, where you’ll find plenty of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Just opposite the cathedral, in St Anne’s Square, you’ll find Chopin Grand Cafe, which is the perfect place to stop for a coffee.

If you have time, you could easily spend another few hours exploring and going for dinner before taking the train back to Dublin. You’ll find plenty of free gallery attractions in the Cathedral Quarter.

R ight across from the cafe is the MAC –

a newly-opened arts venue that is displaying an Andy Warhol collection through April. If you visit Belfast on Saturday, make time to stop by St George’s Food Market, close to the train station, where you can try a great range of food and pick up some unique gifts.

For many people, time to get away is getting less and less as our working hours and commitments change, but it’s great to know you can still go somewhere completely different and be back in your own bed by the evening.

Tickets for Titanic Belfast cost approximately €16.50 for adults, or around €8 for children if booked online.

Trains run regularly from Dublin to Belfast, and ticket costs can vary depending on time. See translink.co.uk to book Enterprise tickets.

For further information, see www.titanicbelfast. com.

The centre has a striking, contemporary setting in one of Belfast’s rejuvenated areas

The RMS Titanic’s grand central staircase has been expertly recreated at Titanic Experience, bringing the grandeur of a lost era to beautiful life

Gazette

32 BLANCH gazette 25 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT

MOTORS

space: A superb design from ford

Be impressed by the B-Max n Cormac Curtis

THERE was a time when families were just happy to get loads of space in a safe car – not any more.

Car manufacturers are crawling over each other for as big a piece of the family car market as they can capture, and one of the leaders of the pack is Ford.

The main attraction with their B-Max range is the unbelievable access to acres of interior room.

Measuring just over 4m long and barely 1.6m high, this is not what you would call a big car, but that’s what makes it so attractive.

By making the ample interior space so incredibly versatile through an innovative door configuration, Ford have produced a car that punches well above its weight.

You get the feeling you’re driving a far more substantial car than you’re sitting in, but it is

more than happy being powered by some exceptionally thrifty engines, including the 1.5-litre TDCI motor, and incredible 1-litre ecoboost petrol version.

I drove both versions in recent weeks, and was seriously impressed with both.

The ecoboost engine packs far more punch than any 1-litre petrol engine has any business packing, and compares favourably to the diesel

While the Ford B-Max has a list of great features as long as your arm, a seriously impressive selling point is its clever design and use of doors, which give a notable feeling of space, as well as terrific ease of access

in terms of fuel consumption.

The diesel is rated at about 4.8 L/100km, while the ecoboost version comes in at a respectable 6.6 L/100km – on top of that, there was only about ₏500 in the difference between the two versions I drove.

The B-MAX comes with a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating; the B-MAX’s Ford Easy Access Door System provides unobstructed entry and exit with hinged front doors and sliding rear doors integrating the central body pillars.

When both front and

rear doors are open, there is outstanding access to the interior, with a huge, clear aperture more than 1.5m wide.

The new B-MAX is also the first European Ford to offer the company’s acclaimed SYNC system.

SYNC is an advanced

voice control, device integration and connectivity interface.

It enables users to connect mobile phones and music players by Bluetooth or USB, make hands-free telephone calls, and control music and other functions using voice commands.

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34 BLANCH GAZETTE 25 April 2013

DUBLIN GAZETTERECRUITMENT

Lucan Educate Together National School We are seeking to recruit an Analyst Programmer for a 12 month contract. The role involves support and development of existing and new system processes.

Duties & Responsibilities: • Design of system changes • Development of systems to specification using structured techniques • System and integration testing • Support and maintenance of live systems • Providing support to users Essential Skills Required: • Oracle 10g Developer Suite - Forms & Reports • SQL • PL/SQL • Oracle Application Express • VB and .NET • Pro*C • Crystal Reports • Pre-formatted File extraction and loading using PL/SQL • Experience on some Source control system. (VSS etc) Skills & Attributes: • Minimum 5 Years+ Oracle Developer Suite Experience • Capability of experience of producing clear and concise documentation • Knowledge and working experience of relational database design • Analysis and problem solving skills • Customer focused with excellent interpersonal skills • Communicate effectively with management, users and other IT team members • Work to tight deadlines whilst meeting customer expectations • A relevant third level qualification is desirable.

seeks to recruit a PART-TIME CARETAKER (20 hours per week)

AIRLINE PILOT TRAINING Training Airline Pilots since 1979 Next course starts 6th May Strictly limited to 12 students Pre-entry assessments, all training in Dublin area, staged payments.

Weston Airport Leixlip Co Kildare Contact: PH: 01 621 7333

Salary for this position is up to € 70,000 per annum

For all Recruitment please contact Fidelma on 01 651 6239 or at fclarke@gazettegroup.com

25 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 35

david malone P29

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

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



Gazette

sports awards P28

FastSport Seminar on new Garda vetting rules:

Rathfarnham-based driver, Nicole Coffey, is making waves in the world of karting domestically and internationally

motor racing: LOCAL Karting sensation has big aspirations for her career

Coffey driving for the heights of future Formula 1 success Rathfarnham’s Nicole Coffey is quickly establishing herself as one of the most promising young talents in motor racing in Ireland, if not the world.

Loreto College student Nicole won several titles in the world of karting in 2012 and was selected by Motorsport Ireland to take part in the 2012 CIK / FIA Karting Academy Trophy, the world championship for 13- to 15-year-olds in Bahrain.

One of only two girls competing in a field of 60 of the world’s most tal-

ented young karting drivers, Nicole secured sixth place overall.

Nicole has a busy schedule ahead in 2013, and will be competing both at home in the domestic championship, as well as in international competitions against the world’s best karters.

Speaking about her aspirations and ambitions within the world of motor sport, Nicole said: “I love motorsport and want to drive in F1 for Red Bull or Ferrari, and to be the first girl to win in Formula 1. I am well used

to competing in a male-dominated sport and was the only girl racing in the cadets when I started. It was hard in the beginning, but I was a quick driver so everyone got used to it.

“The last 15 Formula 1 world championships have been won by former karters. Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel were all karters and they credit it as the foundation of their career success. I am inspired by my fellow track heroes and Katie Taylor, who has achieved so much.”

Speaking about the young star’s future, John Baker of Nicole’s management team, BSMG Sports Management, said: “It’s a fantastic time for Irish women in sport with the recent success of the Irish women’s rugby team and the exceptionally talented Katie Taylor winning medal after medal “Nicole is an outstanding Irish talent, and we want the public to get behind her and support her on her journey to becoming Ireland’s first female F1 star”.

Fingal County Council Sports Office in association with Dublin City Sports Network and the Irish Sports Council are organising an information evening for sporting clubs in the area to help them understand the new regulations regarding Garda vetting for sports clubs.

This seminar, which takes place at Wood Quay on Wednesday, May 1 from 6.30 to 8.30pm, will set out to answer questions such as these that many sport clubs have.

Admission to this seminar is free, but places are limited and you must pre-register.

Further information is available from Fingal County Council Sports Office at 01 890 6256, or pauline. gilsenan@fingalcoco. 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

36 BLANCH Gazette 25 April 2013

SPORT

New fitness centre launched at K Club  sport@gazettegroup.com

Grandson of legendary horse trainer Dr Vincent O’Brien, Jamie Myerscough, has recently opened a new brach of his training franchise, Educogym, at The K Club.

Jacqueline O’Brien, Jamie’s grandmother, officially opened the gym by cutting a measuring tape rather than a ribbon.

Jamie is the CEO of Educogym, The first

Educogym opened in 2008 and since that time has proved popular its locations in Naas, Docklands, Dundrum and Blackrock.

The Educogym method takes a holistic approach to health and fitness and focuses on regular exercise combined with nutrition.

The system teaches people how to focus, train and nourish their bodies through one training programme.

“Lots of people go to

gyms and run forever on a treadmill, lift weights that are not suitable for achieving their own fitness and body tone objectives and ultimately get no results”, said Jamie. “The Educogym training method only takes 20 minutes a day, a few times a week so it is much easier to stay focused.”

For more information, log on to www.educogym.com or call Educogym on 1850 737 737 or (01) 6278679.

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards april nominees

H STARof the MONTH

rob barrable

conor mcgregor

paul mannion

SWORDS rally racer Barrable is beginning to deliver on his considerable promise evident in recent years, with a second place finish in the WRC 2 category at the Rally de Portugal last weekend. He finished ahead of world rally championship leader, Sepp Weigand, and looks set to capitalise on his strong background in the sport

LUCAN man McGregor brought his A-game to the hexagon in Stockholm in April when he lined up against American MMA star, Marcus Brimmage. Only 67 seconds into the bout, Brimmage was counted out, and the local fighter had made a big name for himself in the UFC, which will see him elevated in the ranks of contenders

THE Kilmacud Crokes man had an impeccable league campaign in his first season in the Dublin senior football panel, culminating in a dramatic equalising point to relegate All-Ireland champions, Donegal. He followed up with a 1-4 salvo in the semi-final over Mayo, making him a contender for a starting championship spot

fox/cab feile

st brigid’s feile

fingal hurlers

Doireann Shaffrey’s sublime extra-time free ultimately proved the difference for Foxrock Cabinteely when they retained the Emma Jones Memorial Cup in Lawless Memorial Park on the final day of the EVERBuild Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Feile for 2013 after a tight and toughly contested final against Ballinteer.

SHAUNA Kelly’s pair of booming first-half goals saw St Brigid’s make the best use of the strong wind coming from the clubhouse end at Lawless Memorial Park in April to withstand an epic Scoil Ui Chonaill fightback and claim the girls’ football Feile Division 2 title after a set of assured and confident performances.

Fingal’s hurling heroes finally secured promotion to National Hurling League Division 2B with an assured performance against Donegal in Breffni Park in April, that saw Fingallians Peter Daly fire home the decisive goal, and John-Matthew Sheridan’s scoring throughout the campaign continue into the final

TEAMof the MONTH H

IS THAT something like summer just outside the window? Then it must be time to strike up the band and acclaim the nominees for the April Dublin Sport Awards. It was a month that saw success in a huge range of sports.

Driving, MMA and football provide this month’s individual nominees, with three young men who have proven their potential in their respective sports, while fledgling sides in hurling and football claimed deserved titles and promotions.

25 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 37

Gazette

Paralympic legend Malone honoured

DAVID MALONE has been at the forefront of swimming in this country for over 20 years, both in and out of the pool. Last week, he was inducted into Swim Ireland’s Hall Of Fame Swim Ireland’s 2013 annual award ceremony honoured the great achievements of the Irish swimming fraternity over the last 12 months at the Galway Bay Hotel, and in the process recognised one of the great sportsmen to come out of the sport over the last quarter of a century.

The Hall of Fame award was presented to Paralympic gold medallist and head of Paralympic swimming in Ireland, David Malone.

Malone, a verteran of four Paralympic games throughout the years, has also established himself as a formidable coach over the years at the National Aquatic Centre, with the culmination of that reputation so far coming at the London Paralympic games, with two medallists and nine finalists in the Irish team.

 rob heigh sport@gazettegroup.com

Speaking to Gazette Sport last week, Malone reflected on what his achievement meant to him.

“When I was told I was the recipient of the Hall of Fame award, I didn’t know what to say, I was speechless. It was a great honour to be selected, and to be presented with the award. “ It means a lot to me, and it’s not just a great honour for me, but also for my parents, my teammates down through the years. It’s a fitting tribute to everyone who has contributed to my success so far.”

It has been a long road to this point for Malone, and he spoke about his journey to his current position in the national set up.

“I started my coaching career alongside my swimming career at Terenure College, and I was lucky to get an introduction into coaching back in the early 90s. I moved to the NAC in 2004, where I have been head coach since.

“I have seen that club grow and flourish. I’ve been lucky enough to work with hundreds of athletes over that time, national champions, agegroup champions, junior international swimmers, and coached a number of Paralympians to finals at world and Paralympic level, James Scully being one of those.

“I took over as head of Paralympic swimming in

David Malone receives his Hall of Fame award at the 2013 Swim Ireland ceremony from Kevin Williamson, who coached Malone to Paralympic glory

2009, and in that time, I’ve seen the team transition from a really young team to a team who brought home two gold medals and nine final place in London.”

That coaching experience has garnered an array of national and international successes,

letes and spectators of the London Games last year felt unlike any previous year, and Malone thinks that public perception of the entire field of Paralympic sports has changed as a result.

“In Sydney, I swam in front of 17,000 people at 8am, which was unlike

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

‘It’s only now that people are starting to understand how hard Paralympic athletes work’ - David Malone

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

something that Malone feels is down to the people who have coached and influenced him throughout his career.

“I am lucky to coach a broad spectrum of athletes. In the Paralympic team, being able to share my experiences as an elite athlete, winning medals, and not just going to take part but to compete for medals is a bonus.

“From that perspective, it’s putting in place a pathway for swimmers, and where they fit into the performance path to, first of all, go and qualify for these meets, and then to go and make finals and have podium success.

I guess, with my career, spanning back so long and the people I have worked with, I’ve been able to take pieces from all of that, and try and bring it together.”

The experience for ath-

anything I ever experienced before, and we haven’t seen anything like it since then, until the London event. The games last year were just spectacular.

“When I was competing, I was training 20 plus hours a week and putting in the hard graft, we never got the recognition back then.

“It’s only now that people are starting to understand the magnitude of the games - how hard athletes work. Most athletes who compete at the Paralympics have overcome some form of adversity in their lives, and then transformed themselves into paralympic athletes. It is all about abilty and sporting excellence. From that perspective, it is now developing into the public consciousness how good these athetes are and how hard they work.”

FastSport

Dublin Gazette salutes the Great Ireland Run local winners for 2013 DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers is delighted to announce the local winners of the 2013 SPAR Great Ireland Run. The Great Ireland Run was another huge success last week, which saw approximately 10,000 people take to the windswept roads of Phoenix Park to take on the 10k challenge.

Recognising the fastest runners in each of our papers’ local areas, we salute your achievements! We will be in touch shortly to advise about your prizes.

Swords Gazette Christopher Muldoon (34:40) and Suzanne Sheehy (41:53) Malahide Gazette Philip O’Doherty (36:46) and Roisin Bennett (49:26) Blanch Gazette Sean MacSeoin (36:16) and Aine Hackett (44:17) Castleknock Gazette John Dunne (34:36) and Eimear O’Leary (39:14) Lucan Gazette Robert Scanlon (36:46) and Bernie Stapleton (48:10) Clondalkin Gazette Stephen Moore (33:44) and Deirdre Daly (46:56) Dundrum Gazette Garrett Banahan (38:18) and Emma Flynn (46:42) Dun Laoghaire Gazette Billy Byrne (43:44) and Lindsay McMillan (47:42)

Gazette

38 BLANCH gazette 25 April 2013

SPORT

FastSport BCIL host golf fundraiser: THE BLANCHARDSTOWN Centre for Independent Living will host a golf fundraiser on Friday, May 3 in Corrstown Golf Club, Kilsallaghan.

The timesheet is open from 2 to 3.30pm, while there will be food, a raffle and prize giving taking place in the evening from 8.30pm onwards.

The format will be a four-person team event, costing €40 per person to take part.

For further information and to book a team or sponsor the event, contact: Michael McCabe on 087 222 7004 or Geraldine Rooney on 01- 827 0609.

soccer: local star makes mark against finns in international tie

Poame hits the mark in Finland friendly match u-15 international Republic of Ireland Finland  sport@gazettegroup.com

1 0

CORDUFF man Jean Yves Poame fired the only goal as the Republic of Ireland Under-15s beat Finland 1-0 in a friendly international at the Oscar Traynor Centre in Coolock in the first of two games in Dublin last week.

Niall Harrison’s side had the majority of the

possession but only produced one goal to show for it, although their defence, led by Conor Masterson and Robert McCourt, was in top form.

Midfielder Poame headed the breakthrough goal on the half hour after connecting with a corner kick delivered by Malahide United’s Zachary Elbouzedi.

Poame was joined in the side by clubmate Ismael Diallo in the back

line, as the duo continue to make their impact on the side.

Templeogue United’s Steven Kinsella was denied a second goal by visiting keeper Jere Piirainen in the 33rd minute after he was put through on goal by a clever Brandon Payne pass.

Substitute Niilo Maenpaa produced Finland’s most dangerous attempt on goal in the 43rd minute but his long distance lofted effort was

Action from the second match between Ireland and Finland at Balheary

eventually gathered by retreating Irish keeper Corey Chambers.

Kinsella had another chance to extend Ireland’s lead in the 60th minute but he fired into the side-netting.

The boys in green, however, were unable to repeat the feat a couple of days later in Swords Celtic’s Balheary home as they fell 3-0 with a much-

changed side.

Finland scored the opening goal thanks to a brilliant left footed finish from Lucas Lingman inside the box after the Finnish attacker produced some great skill to carve out the opening.

The Finns began to bombard the Irish goal with shots for the remainder of the half, and this pressure paid off as they

went 2-0 up 13 minutes from the break.

Ireland were ver y unlucky not to pull a goal back in the 63rd minute when substitute Robert McCourt shot narrowly wide.

Niilo Maenpaa sealed the victory for Finland with a goal five minutes from time. The midfielder headed in from a corner to wrap up the scoring.

25 April 2013 BLANCH gazette 39

Gazette

Brigid’s deliver Whitehall whitewash at home  sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S got their AFL10 north section league campaign back on track with an impressive display against Whitehall 3-6 to 0-8 last Wednesday evening in difficult conditions in Russell Park.

The visitors mastered the gale force winds in the first half and playing

up the hill took an early 0-2 lead by 13 minutes before Stephen Cooper hit Brigid’s first point.

Whitehall, with slick ball and movement, hit three unanswered points before Sean Murray struck back with a 35 yard free. The move of the first half came from the following kick out as JP Costigan played the

ball at pace on for Brian Donovan who interlinked brilliantly with David Dempsey who arrowed the ball to the net. Further points from Colin Reagan and Murray gave Brigid’s a halftime lead of 1-5 to 0-5.

Against the wind and up the hill, Brigid’s pressure play forced Whitehall into playing the long

ball with no effect and with Dempsey, Murray and Brian Donovan taking control of midfield.

The score of the game came from Fitzsimmons who beat several Whitehall tackles before rifling a shot to the back of the net. A third goal from Eoin O’Sullivan sealed the deal despite some late Whitehall pressure.

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s Support the U-14s feile teams final

The annual mini-leagues dates are

and cake sale in Russell Park this Sat-

June 10to 15. It is open to boys and

urday morning, April 27, from 9.30am

girls aged five to 12 years (or those

to 3pm.

still in primary school) and open to

There were great wins last week

members and non-members alike.

for U-14, 15A and B, U-16 and minor

More news and registration details

hurlers, as well as men’s and ladies’

to follow soon.

junior footballers and camogie teams.

Full round of AFL fixtures this

hurling: local encounter sees sides matched

info@stbrigidsgaa.com.

fundraising event, a coffee morning

Club lotto is in the Vineyard this Thur sda y. Jackpot remains at €15,000.

weekend, see the website for details.

The camogie section have com-

2013 membership is now overdue.

menced a Mum and Me programme.

Any player without their member-

The programme will introduce moth-

ship paid will not be allowed to train

ers and their daughters to the basic

or play for insurance reasons. Any

skills of camogie. For more informa-

member with issues regarding mem-

tion, contact Siobhan at naomhbrid-

bership can contact our club secre-

pro@hotmail.com or 085 149 0583.

tary, Mary O’Connor, at maryaoc@ hotmail.com.

The annual golf classic takes place on May 24 in Royal Tara. Morning and

The club nursery for four- to

afternoon slots available. €100 per

seven-year-olds continues this

player or €400 per team, meal includ-

Saturday morning (and every Sat-

ed. Contact Phil Kelly on 0867733693

urday morning) from 9.30 to 11am.

to book your place.

New members and families welcome.

Contact Paul on 087 915 4748 or email

Deepest sympathies to the Dunning family on their recent loss.

erin go bragh

St Brigid’s and St Oliver Plunkett’s could not be separated when the sides met in the junior championship

Saints can only draw in Russell Park derby

junior c c’ship St Brigid’s 3-9 St Oliver Plunkett’s 1-15  sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S and St Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh shared the spoils from a real local derby played in Russell Park last Friday night as the group stages of the junior hurling championship got under way.

The home side were playing a team two divisions above them in the league register and, when the visitors raced into a quick three-point lead, things looked omi-

nous for Tim O’Leary’s men.

But, moments later, Brigid’s Fergal Counihan took a pass from Ronan McKenna and crashed the ball to the back of the net to bring the game back level.

Plunkett’s added two more points from their midfield before Brigid’s captain Alan T hy ne added a point for the home side. Neal Plunkett hit a long range point for Brigid’s, leaving the half time score of 0-8 to 1-3 in favour of the visitors.

In the second half, Brigid’s came out with

all guns blazing and James O’Reilly hit a lovely point to edge the home team even closer.

Plunkett’s then got a cracking goal and, with the Brigid’s defence now under huge pressure, Aaron Carolan and Oisin Kelly, who later discovered that he was playing with a fractured finger, stood up and kept Plunkett’s at bay.

Ve t e r a n C i a r a n O’Reilly put his name on the scoreboard with a point before the Brigids goalkeeper, O’Leary, was called upon to make two fine saves.

A long clearance out

of defence by Ciaran Dunne found Plunkett who crashed the ball to the net before James O’Reilly got a great goal to put Brigid’s three points ahead for the first time in the game.

Fergal Counihan added a point for the home side, however the visitors added four unanswered points in the closing minutes to level the game in a thrilling finale.

Brigid’s midfield pair of T hy ne and McKenna were outstanding throughout the game, assisted by Maurice Sweeney.

There was no winners of our weekly

on Sunday in a hard-fought battle in

lotto. The numbers drawn were 2, 5,

Hazelbury Park. The final score was

13 and 21.

5-10 to 4-8.

Well done to our U-11 girls who beat

Training continues on Tuesdays

Kilmacud on a score line of 3-10 to

and Thursdays in Hazelbury Park at

1-10 on Saturday. Well done girls.

7pm.

Hard luck to our U-12 girls’ cam-

The club would like to thank Donal

ogie team, losing to local rivals St

Quinn who recently ended his tenure

Brigid’s by 1-3 to 1-1.

as manager of our adult AFL7 foot-

EGB’s U-15 ladies lost out 4-5 to 9-7 against St Pat’s.

ballers.

Donal spent two-and-a-half years

Hard luck to our adult hurlers who

in charge of the footballers, getting

lost out in the opening game of the

them to the final of the D champion-

championship to Naomh Fionnbarra

ship in recent years.

westmanstown gaels/garda There was another good week on the

football very difficult. Credit to both

playing fields last week for our adult

teams for their endeavours with a

teams with both Intermediates and

division of the spoils in a fair result,

juniors winning and the ladies earning

finishing 1-09 each.

a draw.

In the coming week, the intermedi-

The intermediates kept up their win-

ates have home league fixture on Sat-

ning run when overcoming O’Dwyer’s

urday evening against Crumlin, throw

of Balbriggan at Westmanstown in the

in at 6pm.

Joy Cup on Saturday evening, and the

The juniors are away to Bank of Ire-

juniors were also successful away to

land on Sunday morning in Ringsend,

Ballymun Kickhams on Sunday morn-

throw in at 11am.

ing on a score of 2-9 to 0-6 in the Parsons Cup. The performance of the week

Congratulations to Grace Harlow on the birth of her baby girl Holly from all at the Garda GAA Club.

must go the ladies who held on for a

There were some fantastic displays

deserved draw away to St Maur’s

this week with pride of place going to

in Rush last Wednesday evening in a

the U-13 girls who realised a nar-

league fixture. The match was played

row win in a great encounter with Na

in storm-force conditions which made

Fianna.

GazetteSPORT all of your BLANCH sports coverage from page 35-39

stars on display: Local players add to depth of talent present in Republic of Ireland U-15 panel P38

april 25, 2013

Champions of sport: April’s Dublin Sport Awards nominees announced P36

Brigid’s set for Crokes challenge ST BRIGID’S senior hurlers will finally get their Dublin senior hurling championship next week when they take on reigning champions Kilmacud Crokes in Parnell Park on May 1 (6pm).

They have been drawn in a particularly tough group, all of whom made it out of the group phase of the competition last term, with St Jude’s and Na Fianna making up the initial quartet.

Indeed, Crokes were the side to put an end to Brigid’s run at the final four stage in a cracking quarter-final tussle in which the south Dublin side were 2-13 to 2-8 victors.

Sean McGrath’s 1-5 was crucial for Kilmacud as were three points from skipper Ross O’Carroll but he is a doubt ahead of the tie and he told GazetteSport this week he was wary of the challenges ahead “It’s an evenly balanced group with nothing really between the sides,” he said. “We have to be top of our game but hopefully we’ll get through.

Gauging form to date though has been tough with the early rounds of the league sporadic due to the inclement weather while Dublin’s extended run in the national hurling league pushed back the early phases of

the SHC. But, with Dublin falling at the hands of Tipperary in last Sunday’s semi-final, Alan Nolan returns to the club fold for two quick-fire group games with the third date to be determined once Dublin’s involvement in either the Leinster or All-Ireland championship comes to an end.

The net-minder has impressed in place of Gary Maguire between the posts in the senior jersey and was one of Brigid’s key men in last season’s campaign along with Paddy McAvinue, Daire Plunkett, John O’Loughlin and Aodan McEnerney.

The second series is set to be played on Friday, May 17 in Parnell Park taking on St Jude’s who edged out the Dublin 15 side by a single point in their group stage showdown last year.

After a three-way playoff at the head of their group, they met again in September with St Brigid’s prevailing by two points to gain revenge and, more importantly, a quarter-final place.

Finally, they will meet a Na Fianna side for whom Joey Boland has been in top form for the Dubs, scoring a cracking point against Limerick to seal promotion back to NHL Division 1A.

St Brigid’s Daire Plunkett will be back in hurling action