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Gazette BLANCH

July 6 - 12, 2017

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CINEMA: Netflix’s Okja Is a must-see movie masterpiece Page 24

’KNOCKING IT ABOUT LOCAL KIDS PUT ON A SHOW FOR CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

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DUBLIN PRIDE: SEE GALLERY P6-7

SPORT Kilkenny zones in on goals 32

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

New Mayor has sights set on helping environment  MARK O’BRIEN

THE NEW Mayor of Fingal says her top priorities for her year in office are helping the environment and honouring local volunteers.

Mulhuddart councillor Mary McCamley (right) was elected as Mayor at the Annual Meeting of Fingal County Council last month.

Cllr McCamley said that she hopes to tackle litter issues and preserve the local parks and green spaces. Full Story on Page 2

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CLLR MARY MCCAMLEY | HOPES TO USE TIME TO HONOUR VOLUNTEERS

Helping the environment a priority for new Mayor  MARK O’BRIEN THE new Mayor of Fingal says she wants to help the environment and honour local volunteers during her time in office.

Mulhuddart councillor Mary McCamley was elected as Mayor at the annual meeting of Fingal County Council last month.

Cllr McCamley told The Gazette that she hopes to use her time as Mayor to honour locals who volunteer all across the area.

She said: “I want to make this the year of the volunteer and say thanks to the people on the ground.”

Cllr McCamley added that she also hopes to tackle litter issues and preserve the local parks and green spaces.

She said that there are currently huge issues with illegal

dumping and she hopes to get the council to commence mobile patrols to catch people who are dumping illegally and educate them about the harm that it causes to the environment.

“It’s destroying our area,” she said, citing a recent example of volunteers in Corduff who have worked hard to clean up their area only to find incidents of ille-

gal dumping ruining their hard work.

“Just this morning I got awful photographs from Corduff after they have worked so hard to make their area gorgeous.”

Cllr McCamley added that while she fully appreciates the urgent need to build more homes in the area, she wants to preserve some of the green spaces in the area and prevent it from becoming a “concrete jungle”.

“I want to keep all the green area, especially around St Catherine’s Park and down by the Liffey Valey and down by the Strawberry Beds and make sure that it is always kept green and there will be no building and development on it,” she said.

She added that she hopes that the restored Shackleton Gar-

dens will open during her term as Mayor.

Cllr McCamley also said she hopes to help her own constituency of Mulhuddart during her term.

“I am looking for an extension to our community centre because it is full to capacity,” she said.

“It’s not sustainable at the moment because we’re getting 150 new social houses here.

“If you take two children to each house, we’ve got another 300 teenagers coming on board so Foroige and the Youth Project in Mulhuddart really need more space.”

Cllr McCamley remained modest when asked if the people of the area were proud to have the Mayor come from the area, replying: “I hope they’re proud of me as much as I’m proud of them.”

Deirdre Faul, a liver transplant recipient, with her four gold medals

FASTNews

Gardai stop driver with no tax and discover drugs A DRIVER who was pulled over by gardai in Blanchardstown due to having no tax is now due in court on drugs charges. A suspected quantity of cannabis and ketamine was found in the car on Friday (June 30).

The Garda Twitter account confirmed that the driver would now faces charges, saying: “Blanchardstown Gardai - ANPR alert for no tax. Gardai then discovered suspected cannabis and Kettamine.

Driver arrested, Court to follow.”

Des Kelly Interiors winner collects her €500 voucher WE WERE floored by the terrific reader response to our €500 Des Kelly Interiors voucher competition.

The voucher winner Phil Torsney, is pictured collecting her prize from Des Kelly’s Long Mile Road store manager, Jonathan Donovan.

Congratulations on winning, Phil – and keep entering our great giveaways, folks!

Gardai appeal to help find missing Blanch woman

Lenny Ryan has his hands full with his impressive medals

A golden feeling THERE were great scenes at Dublin Airport when the members of Transplant Team Ireland arrived home, flush with medals and victories after competing at the 21st World Transplant Games, which were held in Malaga this year.

This year, the Irish delegation once again did the country proud at the Games, returning home with an impressive haul of medals in all categories.

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

Gardai have appealed for information on Linda Christian, who is missing from Blanchardstown in Dublin.

The 29-year-old was last seen on June 24 in the Blanchardstown area.

Ms Christian is 1.6m (5’3’’) tall, of slim build, has long brown hair and green eyes.

She was wearing a green bomber jacket, blue jeans and carrying a pink gym bag when last seen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01-6667000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any garda station.

6 July 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

A dream come Tru Hannah O’Hanlon, Aoife Whelan and Molly O’Neill.

Pictures: Shay Hogan

CHILDREN from Castleknock Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps put on a fine display of their hurling and football skills at Farmleigh for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week.

The Canadian leader was at Farmleigh for a meeting with newly-elected Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as part of his three-day visit.

The pair seem to have hit it off and were spotted going for a jog together in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

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ST FRANCIS XAVIER NATIONAL SCHOOL | PROVIDING A STIMULUS TO PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS

Pupils learn to think outside box through maths initiative  MARK O’BRIEN PUPILS of St Francis Xavier National School (SFXNS) ended the year in style when they graduated from the Irish STEAM initiative Maths in a Box. The initiative is aimed at providing a stimulus to primary school pupils to actively engage with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and maths) subjects outside of their curriculum.

STEAM Education operates with the interests of young minds at heart.

It aims to provide a stimulus to 5th and 6th class primary school pupils.

The programme involves representatives of local businesses who volunteer their time to act

as a mentor alongside teachers in national schools and visit the classroom once a week.

The volunteers are provided with lesson plans and a training seminar based on these plans in advance.

Eight local staff members from Alexion Pharmaceutical’s College Park facility volunteered their time to teach classes and assist the SFXNS children in visualising similar careers and having confidence in their capacity to reach them.

The volunteers gave lessons once a week, over six weeks, and demonstrated a hands-on activity based lesson.

Through the Maths in a Box programme, the volunteers were given an opportunity to give back to society, while gaining

creditable experience in education and interaction with children.

Pupils from both 5th and 6th class celebrated the completion of a six week programme on Friday (June 30).

The pupils were engaged in creative, analytical and lateral thinking skills to bring maths to life in a fun format.

The pupils were delighted with the experience, with some of them saying that it had enhanced their love of learning.

STEAM are based in Cork and currently operate in schools in Cork, Dublin, Louth and Meath with plans to expand across the rest of the country in the near future.

For more information, visit www.steam-ed.ie

Pictured are Alexion STEAM mentees: Laura Morris, Sinead Curry, Richard Cribbin, Helen Furlong and Grainne Bagnall. Front: Lucy Shakanungu, Sarah Jane Boyle, David Badar, Grainne Glynn and Alexion mentor Nichola Meaney. Picture: Keith Arkins

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6 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 July 2017

Out and About

Mini world cup at Porterstown Park P

ORTERSTOWN Park was packed with around 500 children of all ages last week for the Castleknock Celtic Mini World Cup competition. The event is organised to showcase local soccer and invites non-members to come and take part in community fun event. Pictures: Niall O’Connell

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COURTS | FORMER ADDICT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OF LARGE QUANTITY OF DRUGS A MAN who took part in an attempted robbery armed with a “BB gun” in a desperate attempt to repay a drug debt has had the balance of a threeyear sentence suspended.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Alan Daly (39) had been held responsible for the loss of a large quantity of drugs.

He had been contacted that day by the criminals and told if he did not have money by 10pm there would be consequences.

Daly had been previously abducted and seriously assaulted by the criminals.

He kept “sketch” at the door of a store while a co-accused, armed with a knife, attempted to get staff to open the tills.

The two escaped empty handed and were arrested nearby.

Daly of Whitestown Gardens, Mulhuddart, Dublin, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Dunnes Stores, Ongar Village on March 13, 2016.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery, unlawful taking of a car and driving without insurance on the same date.

Daly, who has 13 previous convictions, has been in custody since the date of the offence Judge Karen O’Connor noted Daly had used his time in prison productively and was determined to rehabilitate himself.

She said the court would give him an opportunity to move on with his life and away from addiction.

Judge O’Connor imposed a three-year sentence which she backdated to when he went into custody and suspended the balance of the sentence from today/yesterday (June 27).

Garda Peter Foley told Fiona Murphy BL, prosecuting, that Daly, armed with the imitation firearm and a co-accused armed with a knife came running into the store with balaclavas on.

Daly remained at the

door, keeping it open, and pointed his weapon at the security guard while his co-accused ran over to the till. Staff at the tills alerted each other that a robbery was taking place by shouting a code word and ran from the area.

The man with the knife shouted at a staff member to give him the keys to open the tills but she threw them on the floor before running to hit the panic button to alert gardai.

Daly and his coaccused fled the store empty handed. They were pursued by the security guard who kept gardai updated as the men ran to a car.

The security guard got into a patrol car when it arrived and was able to point the getaway car out to gardai.

Gardai intercepted the car, driven by Daly, and arrested the two men.

Gardai recovered the imitation firearm, a large kitchen knife and balaclava from the car.

The imitation firearm was a “BB gun” designed to discharge plastic projectiles and was found to be in poor condition. The car had been taken from outside its owner’s house earlier that day.

Gda Foley agreed with Anne Marie Lawlor BL, defending, that Daly had not gone further than the door and had been “keeping sketch”.

He agreed there had not been any physical contact with staff.

Ms Lawlor said Daly had been held responsible by criminals for the loss of a large quantity of drugs and called upon to repay the debt.

She said he had been seriously assaulted by these people in the past.

She said he had committed the offence in desperation having taken alcohol and tablets.

Counsel said Daly had been in the throes of chronic addiction but was now drug free and had used his time in custody productively.

She said he had been making very real and determined efforts at rehabilitation.

Man armed with a BB gun forced to take part in attempted robbery

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 July 2017

SHERIDAN’S PHARMACY | EXPERT ADVICE ON OFFER IN EXCHANGE FOR DONATIONS

Local pharmacy to hold fundraising day to give back to the community  MARK O’BRIEN A LOCAL pharmacy is hoping their fundraising day will raise muchneeded funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.

Staff at Sheridan’s Pharmacy in Roselawn Shopping Centre say

they want to use the day as a way of giving back to the community.

Retail Pharmacy manager Jessica Melia told The Gazette: “What’s really important is that as we are a community pharmacy, we are involved with the local community.”

Some of the locals that use the pharmacy have children who attend services in Our Lady’s Hospital and this has inspired the staff to raise funds.

The fundraising day will take place inside and outside the pharmacy, with a host of events

and activities available on the day.

“We’re doing a bake sale, nail painting, makeovers, tan demonstrations, blood pressure monitoring and we’re giving talks on joint support, which is first aid injuries and how to manage them,” said Jessica.

All of the services are provided by experts who are volunteering their time and are available in exchange for donations to the hospital.

Jessica said that Sheridan’s suppliers have fully supported the initiative and have backed it with donations of their own.

“We approached all of our suppliers and

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‘What’s really important is that as we are a community pharmacy, we are involved with the local community’

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they’ve all donated a lot of stock,” said Jessica.

“They will be made into hampers and raffle tickets will be sold.”

T here will also be goodie bags available in exchange for donations.

Sheridan’s was opened five years ago

by Des Sheridan. Jessica said that Des wants to show his gratitude to the local community by holding events such as the fundraiser.

“He’s very community orientated,” she said.

“T his event is not about making money, he genuinely does care.”

The pharmacy also hope to hold events in the future, such as first aid training and hope to get involved with local clubs and organisations by offering their support and expertise.

The fundraising day will take place on July 14.

FASTNews

Dublin home prices shoot up €5k a month DUBLIN house prices are rising by €5k a month – with asking prices for newly listed properties in the capital soaring €32K in the past six months.

According to the latest property report from MyHome.ie and Davy, the asking price for newly-listed properties in Dublin rose by 2.8% and are up 10.3%, year on year.

The mix-adjusted asking price for new sales is now €360,000 – an increase of €32,000.

The median asking price for a 3-bed semi in Dublin now stands at €295k, while the median price of a 4-bed semi increased by 3.5% in Q2 to €440k. The price of a detached 4-bed house has risen to €650k – the first time it has reached this level since 2010.

Skyscraper plan grounded by the council PLANS for Dublin’s first ever skyscraper have been scrapped by DCC. Developer Johnny Ronan’s plans for a 22-storey tower beside Tara Street Dart Station were scrapped because of its potential to “seriously detract” from the surrounding area.

Its impact on views from as far away as Harcourt Street was also cited as a reason for the project’s rejection.

The council said: “The proposed development would therefore seriously injure the urban character and visual amenities of the historic city core and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

6 July 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

Enda’s mountain of washing

ENDA O’Doherty is pictured with his supporters Aisling Powell, Anne Byrne and Enda’s wife Maeve O’Doherty as Enda leaves Dublin Airport on his way to climb Kilimanjaro in aid of Pieta House. He will carry a 40kg Beko

washing machine to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. He is aiming to spread a positive mental health message through the symbolism of carrying a heavy hidden load and to highlight the importance

of asking for help and to ‘share the load’. For more information or to donate to a very worthy cause visit http://pieta-challenge-2017.everydayhero.do/ or call 1800 247247.

Picture: Robbie Reynolds

SACRED HEART NATIONAL SCHOOL | BIZWORLD FINAL

‘Socially Conscious’ students pick up prestigious award

 MARK O’BRIEN PUPILS of Sacred Heart National School in Huntstown were celebrating after picking up an award at the grand final of a prestigious business competition.

More than 40 primary school children from 10 schools nationwide took part in the grand finale of BizWorld by Bank of Ireland hosted in Athlone IT. The students were crowned winners of the “Most Socially Conscious Business” category for their Bits ‘N’ Books idea, a cost-effective way of equipping your child for school with “just” the essentials they need rather than wasting money on unnecessary items that appear in usual packs.

A statement on the school’s website said there was much excitement leading up to the event and that they were delighted with the win.

It read: “Leaving the school early that morning, the students boarded the bus with banners, decorations and their incredible project.

“They were so excited to have qualified for the final and had worked hard over the previous months to create a business pitch which might impress the judges.

“There were several schools from all over the country in attendance.

Front: Mia Maloney, Joseph Rauca, Sophia Holton, Melissa Butler, Ciara Ryan, Eunice Campion, Leah Isip and Holly Mackey. Back: Pauline O’Connor, Jonathan Hanley.

“The students were awarded a prize for best project with a social justice focus.

“It is a great honour for the school and we are enormously proud of the students and their teachers, Mr Hanley and Ms O’Connor.

“Well done to everyone who took part.”

Over 8,300 children have participated in 277 workshops run by Bank of Ireland since September 2016.

Workshops feature everything from brainstorming, business development to guiding students through the entrepreneurial cycle from company formation to mar-

ket research to pitching for investment and finally finishing with a Dragon’s Den style pitch of the business.

Fiona McKeon, CEO of BizWorld, said: “I never cease to be amazed by the quality of ideas from children, generated over only two days in a primary classroom.

“The standard increases annually and this has been a record breaking year of BizWorld workshops due to the invaluable support of Bank of Ireland.

“Not only are they assisting us with resources but their people are so engaged in equipping the new generation of Irish children with 21st century skills.”

10 GAZETTE 6 July 2017

Out and About

Marguerite Savage with her daughters Chloe and Amy Savage

Angi Crispe with Nigel Duffy and Julie Farrar. Pictures: Robbie Reynolds

Food blogger and author Indy Power

Sharing the laughs – Jenny

Jeeny Maltese and Tom Coleman

Sarah Clarke and Siobhan Tiernan

Fans Will’s F

UNNYMAN Will Ferrell’s latest comedy, The House, drew plenty of fans to its premier at Cineworld recently, where they lapped up the laughs as lady luck did any-

John Healy, chef Mark McCarthy and food stylist Jette Virdi

The recipe for a great summer

F

OOD blogger and author Indy Power had plenty of culinary tips to help inspire people in their kitchens at the Musgrave MarketPlace “Summer Food Stories” event in Ballymun. Expert food stylist Jette Virdi shared top tricks for food styling and the benefits it brings to businesses while Irish Chef Mark McCarthy gave guests a taste of notable food trends.

Raymond Keogh and Simon Mur

rphy

6 July 2017 GAZETTE 11

Deborah Leonard and Marie Joseph

Dixon, Romy Carroll and Paula Grehan at the film’s preview screening. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

go Ferrell for latest comedy

thing but smile on the comic in his new film.

Also starring Amy Poehler, The House tells of a couple who lose their daughter’s college fund, so they come up with the idea of starting an illegal

casino in their basement. Their gamble doesn’t quite go to plan, however, with

Holly White and Leanne Woodfull

Catherine Cummins and Rory Dignam. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

things things soon spinning out of control even faster than a roulette wheel ...

An aromatic way to mark a launch

Louise McDermott, Karla Stein and Nas Ghaedi

Louise Ahern and Kelly Power

F Eva Griffin and Zoe Yohn

RAGRANCE lovers were out in force at The Morrison Hotel recently for the launch of Aura Mugler. Described as a woody, aromatic fragrance for women, the fragrance features rhubarb leaf, tiger liana, orange blossom, bour-

Marrita Coyne and PJ Gibbons

bon vanilla and wolfwood notes, with greenery at the launch emphasising the fresh, natural tones of the new scent. As Mugler rarely launches a new scent, the launch was well attended by followers of fashion and fragrances alike.

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 6 July 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

ESB supports charities with €322,226 aid

ESB has donated €43,000 to three worthy organisations, Blossom Ireland, The Salvation Army and The Iveagh Trust, marking the Energy for Generations Fund spring funding round. The Fund has awarded more than €11 million and supported over 700 Irish charities since 2005.

So far in 2017, the ESB Energy for Generations Fund has awarded €322,226 to 38 charities working in the areas of

suicide, homelessness and educational access and support.

ESB’s Energy for Generations Fund is open to organisations within the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.esb.ie Pictured are Stephen Potter, Salvation Army; Auveen Bell, Blossom Ireland; Pat Fenlon, finance director ESB and Paul Harrisson,The Iveagh Trust. Photo Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography

How can you prevent social media from damaging your career prospects

Social media mistakes that damage careers PROMO PADS | SOFTWARE AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING POSITIONS

Digital menu builder to create jobs at new office PROMO Pads, a company that produces digital menus for businesses, has announced its plans to hire 60 Leinster-based employees over the next three years.

Promo Pads are actively recruiting to fill a number of software development vacancies in their offices in Newbridge.

These will be focused on technology development, primarily software and electronic engineering with additional roles in sales, marketing and customer support.

Diarmaid Murphy, CEO of Promo Pads commented: “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Promo Pads’ launch than with a

commitment to growth. I look forward to welcoming new team members and I am so excited for the successes that are yet to come!”

He added: “We believe that our staff do their best work when they have a healthy work/life balance. By locating in Kildare we save employees living outside Dublin up to 4 hours commuting and we are only 30 minutes or less for employees travelling from the Dublin area on public transport or against the majority of traffic.

“K ildare offers us access to the highest calibre people living in every direction.”

We’re a nation of forgetful homemakers, study shows AROUND 24% of Dubliners have admitted to forgetting to turn off the immersion regularly.

The study of 1,010 Irish adults examines the attitude towards, and use of, smart home technology.

The results show we’re a nation of forgetful homemakers. Almost a third (31%) of respondents admit to accidentally leaving the lights on when leaving home, while almost half (48%) boil the kettle two or three times, after getting distracted after the first boil.

The study shows we’re a tech-savvy nation -- with 78% of Irish people understanding the term ‘Smart Home’.

However, while younger generations are usually credited with being the most technologically-advanced, 45 to 55-year-olds (83%) are more comfortable with the smart home concept than their 18 to 24-year-old counterparts (67%).

Overall, two thirds of those surveyed believe that a smart home is a more efficient home, while 58% believe smart technology would make the home a better place to live.

The Hive brand, like Bord Gais Energy, is part of global energy and services company Centrica, and offers products and services that make connecting homes easy.

For instance, Hive Active Heating allows heating and hot water to be managed from any location using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Hive Active Lights can be controlled from an app, and the Hive Active Plug gives peace of mind that devices have been switched off.

Currently available to purchase in Ireland through Bord Gais Energy, Hive products and subscriptionbased smart home service plans will soon be available direct through hivehome.com.

For product and pricing information, visit hivehome.com.

Over 90% of adults in Ireland have at least one social media account. However many people are not aware of how their social media personality can affect their careers.

Even if your account is set to the highest privacy settings, there is still the chance of a friend of a friend seeing your posts or even someone in your network taking a screen shot of something you thought was private.

How can you prevent social media from damaging your career prospects? Here is a list of 5 mistakes to avoid.

Complaining about your company and/or boss. Everyone has bad days and sometimes it helps to vent about what’s bothering you.

Having said that, avoid hitting that “post” button and go for a coffee with a trusted friend instead.

Using text-speak.

It may be quicker to type out “Had gr8 time 2nite”. However, considering that 66% of employers look unfavourably on poor spelling and grammar, it’s probably best to spell everything out.

Posting photos with alcohol. Yes, even if you’re nearly 30 and it’s a photo of you sophisticatedly drinking a 2004 California Cabernet, Are sucDo you youdressed haveforyour cess? If you’re interested social media personalin temping or want to ity uptotosomeone scratch?about talk For more information, conyour career, contact tact R e cRecruitmentPlus ruitmentPlus at 01 2788 610, or also see www.recruitmentplus.ie. www.recruitmentplus.ie.

this is one to avoid.

Such photos can be taken out of context.

Forgetting about “zombie content”. You might be social media savvy now, but what about 10 years ago when all this technology was new?

Check search engines using a phrase like “your name facebook” or “your name myspace” and see what forgotten content is out there.

5. Posting at the wrong time. Are you guilty of blogging or facebooking during work hours?

Because most online content is time stamped, it won’t take long for your boss or a co-worker to figure out you’re wasting company time.

6 July 2017 GAZETTE 13

TRAVEL P21

CINEMA P24

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

BRAN IS A CLEVER COLLIE READY TO STAY FAITHFULLY AT YOUR SIDE OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Bran, a 9-year-old Collie.

He is a real foodie who adores his grub, so getting to know him shouldn’t take long if you have a tasty treat to hand! Although Bran does seek affection and attention, he prefers a hands-off approach and is happiest just snuggling at your side rather than being petted and fussed.

Bran is looking for an adult-only home, preferably one that is familiar with Collies and their kooky ways.

He is adorably handsome and a firm favourite with the staff in Dogs Trust, so if you’re looking for an older dog to stick to your side like glue, Bran could be the one for you.

If you can be Bran’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.



GAZETTE

FOOD P20

REVIEW: 90s POP-ROCK LEGENDS DON’T DISAPPOINT AT KILMAINHAM

Green party  JAMES HENDICOTT

Billie Joe knows how to play the Dublin crowd.

Pictures: Instagram/ BillieJoeArmstrong

THIRTY ONE years into a career that’s taken Green Day from gritty pop-punk scenesters to a far more accessible brand of poprock, California’s finest still play Kilmainham with the energy of an act auditioning for their first big break.

An indication of the sands of change came earlier in the day, however, as frontman Billie Joe Armstrong spent the morning searching for

the quayside venue where the three-piece first played Dublin way back in 1991, only to find it’s now a Starbucks (inset).

While time has certainly changed Green Day, too, all evidence is it hasn’t dulled them one iota.

Armstrong’s brutally energetic, interactive fronting of the band is the kind of cheese-fest that can fall the wrong side of cringe – particularly his habit of espousing his band’s ethos on stage as a list of mundane inclusivity catchphrases – yet he’s utterly absorbing.

Continued on Page 17

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 6 July 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CALLING ALL ASPIRING SONGWRITERS! BIC have launched an exciting campaign, Write and Shine, to find a young unknown songwriter aged 15-24 from across the UK and Ireland and give them a foot in the door in the music industry.

The winner will get their song professionally produced and recorded in a studio, performed in front of thousands on the main stage of The Big Feastival alongside the likes of Olly Murs and Louisa Johnson, to name just two artists as well as being released on a major YouTube channel.

All entries need to be emailed to writeandshine@lucre.co.uk by July 16 and include the entrants name, age, telephone number and original lyrics typed into the body of an email.

DESPERADOS TO REMIX ALL THE RULES PLANNING on heading to Longitude this month? Make sure you check out the Desperados Inner Tequila Studio. This custom designed industrial space at the festival will see music, art, fashion and Desperados collide!

A host of local club night heroes have been hand-

DIARY picked to take to the decks across the weekend, including Cait Fahey from DIP (Friday), Tara Stewart from 2FM (Saturday) and Louis Scully from Telephones (Sunday). Festival-goers control the DJ set list through an industrial pulley note system above the dance floor.

Visit Desperados InnerTequila Studios at Longitude, July 14-16.

es and venues within the RDS, this unique indoor festival offers a tonne of music, art installations and performances across six stages.

The iconic TLC will play their first ever Irish show at this year’s Metropolis Festival. Pioneering DJ, producer and legend of underground dance music, Richie Hawtin is also headlining alongside one of electronic music’s all time greatest acts, Leftfield.

Tickets on sale from Ticketmaster.

TLC TO HEADLINE RDS FESTIVAL METROPOLIS is back in the RDS again this October with an amazing line up!

Set in the industrial array of warehous-

CALLING ALL JUNIOR DETECTIVES GPO Witness History has misplaced some key objects of historic significance. It’s with the greatest urgency that these must be located and we need your expertise.

The search begins on July 9 and will take place weekly on Sundays throughout July and August. If you are up to the task, register your participation by contacting events@gpowitnesshistory.ie.

This fun activity is available for children aged 5 to 12, children must be accompanied by their willing parents or guardian.

Available every Sunday in July and August at 10:30am and 3:00pm. The rates for this activity are as follows: €12 per adult; €6 per child; €26 for a family of four. Spaces are limited and subject to availability.

SAY CHEESE FOR THE SMILE OF THE YEAR

Junior Detective Rian O’Donnell on the hunt for objects of historic significance. Picture: Paul Sherwood

THIS month, Clearbraces.ie launch the 2017 Smile Awards. The annual Smile Awards celebrates the Top Ten Invisalign transformations

by Clearbraces.ie dentists in Dublin.

For the first time, Clearbraces.ie is leaving the voting in the hands of the public, to choose the most deserving winner of the coveted ‘Smile of the Year’ award. People can vote for the 10 winning smiles across the Clearbraces.ie social channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, by liking their favourite transformation. All voters will be in with a chance of winning a one €1,000 voucher.

For further details visit www.clearbraces.ie/ smile-awards/

Write and shine HUGE ADULT BALL POOL COMES TO TOWN

THIS summer, innocent drinks invites the adults of Ireland to dive back in time, right smack back into a giant adult ball pool, as they present The innocent Green.

The innocent Green will take place in Merrion Square from Friday, July 28 to Sunday July 30 and is set to feature, among other nostalgia filled fun, a giant ball pool, reserved for “big kids” only.

The innocent Green is a free event open to members of the public over the age of 16. People interested in joining in on the fruit-filled shenanigans, can apply for tickets via Eventbrite here: www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-innocent-green-tickets-35730559064?aff=eac2 Control the DJ set list at Desperados Inner Tequila Studios at Longitude

A giant adult ball pool is coming to Merrion Square this summer

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DUBLINLIFE

MUSIC

N O S ’ T A H W

 JAMES HENDICOTT

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Laya City Spectacular

Merrion Square’s annual street performance festival lights up the weekend with jugglers, actors, sword swallowers, fire breathers and plenty of activities for the family to dive into.

There’s also a pet element this year. July 7-9, and free in.

Super Milk Wild Air Run

Lots of obstacles and an entertaining twist on the standard 5km distance will challenge runners at Lucan’s St Catherine’s Park. The main event is a 60m long waterslide, but the Wild Air Run promises obstacles galore and is open to ages 7+ on July 8.

Small Press Day

The wonderful Fumbally Stables - tucked in a laneway near St Patrick’s Cathedral - hosts some lesser known publishers for an event designed to promote comics and lesser-known magazines. One for the print connoisseurs, on July 8.

Disney Store Spider-Man Event

Dublin’s branch of the Disney franchise has long been a popular Grafton Street stop off with those of a certain age. Twenty minute events aimed at those over the age of three will highlight the comic book hero on July 8, between 10 and 12.

15th International Tango Festival in Ireland

The dancers amongst us can soak up a series of workshops and dances as the 15th edition of a popular date on the calendar returns to the city. Events take place from July 7-9.

Sea Breeze steam train trips

Take a rare steam train ride to Arklow from Dublin abroad the Sea Breeze, which will travel down one of Ireland’s most scenic lines from Connolly. Well worth the €30 per adult ticket price. July 9.

New album of the week

Haim - Something To Tell You. Having released one of the hit albums of the summer back in 2013, the Haim sisters return in the hope of making the same splash second time around.

Expect gigs to follow.

And sliding into the following week...

Get your swimsuit ready because Dublin’s 98FM is bringing back the 260ft waterslide slide with Dublin City Council and Visit Dublin!

On Saturday July 15 and Sunday July 16, the two lane inflatable slide will run down Winetavern Street, giving sliders the chance to travel through Christchurch like never before!

Wannabe sliders should tune into 98FM and following a cue to listen, be ready for action to go online and register for their wristbands. Find out more on 98fm.com or on facebook. com/98fm!

Gazette readers will get the chance to win FREE wristbands details will be in next week’s paper and on DublinGazette.com!

Musicians at a recent Sofar Sounds gig in Dublin. Pictures: Andrei Vlad Vasilescu

FREE. SIMPLE. SOCIAL. The concept of Sofar Sounds is one that very much returns music to its roots, kissing goodbye to gig promotion, ticket sales, headline tours and conventional stages.

The idea is simple: find an empty space, borrow it for the night, bring in musicians and invite strangers to enjoy them. The whole shebang is done on a donation basis, and there are other twists: the acts playing big or small - have no particular priority of billing (there’s certainly no headliner), and nobody bar the organisers knows who they are until they turn up and start playing.

From a punter’s perspective, the gigs are essentially a ‘pot luck’ night out, but one that’s become increasingly known for its high-quality curation when it comes to performers. The venues can be pretty special, too - anything from someone’s front room to a cafe, a church or a historical site. Every gig is recorded for posterity and released online a few weeks after the show takes place, meaning Sofar also has a stunning selection of atypical music videos to their name.

The concept encompasses over 300 cities worldwide, and is a growing tour de force in Dublin. Clare O’Hanlon got involved in the local version of Sofar Sounds after stumbling across a call out for musicloving people in the city a couple of years ago, and has been at the heart of the action ever since. The project has been active here for four years - it only founded globally in 2009 – and has grown in O’Hanlon’s time to bigger venues, better equipment and a monthly scramble for tickets.

“It’s got a loyal, respectful following now, but it’s also become really popular,” O’Hanlon tells the Gazette. “It can get a little difficult to keep the balance with tickets. We try to keep a balance of new people and regulars, and make sure everyone gets their chance, but it can be difficult.” Not that popularity is a bad problem to have, of course.

“In terms of venues, we work with what presents itself, and we’re often approached to offer spaces,” O’Hanlon says.

“We have to make sure people understand the concept: this is not private entertainment for the person who’s venue we’re using, for example, so they can’t takeover the tickets. It’s a public thing, and not every venue is suitable to host, but we get some great spaces.”

“Once we have a venue, we work with finding acts who want to play.

They have to keep quiet until the night, though we do make the occasional exception, for example where we’ve had acts base a tour around Sofar nights in the past. Robert J Hunter, who’s based in London, is a recent example. We’d let them to announce their appearance. The bands get a video or two out of it, but it’s really about playing music because you want to play

Sofar so good

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Siomha Brock performs at a recent Sofar Sounds gig in Dublin. Picture: Chris Basford

Green Day’s Mike Dirnt, Billie Joe Armstrong and Tres Cool. Picture: GreenDay.com

Continued from Page 13 The balance here is strong, too.

After opening with three new-ish songs, there’s a comforting depth of the back catalogue to be trawling for the older fans. The likes of ‘Longview’, ‘She’, ‘When I Come Around’ and ludicrously glorious cross-dressing anthem ‘King For A Day’ are delivered at near album quality, and with just enough snarl around the edges.

The continued presence of lots of essential albums ‘Nimrod’ and ‘Dookie’ served up together with the best of ‘American Idiot’ and even a dabble in the uninspiring ‘Warning’ on the setlist is the act of a band aiming to please.

The highlights are acoustic closer ‘Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)’, huge fireballs across the back of the stage during peaky choruses, a lengthy pre-gig audience sing-

along to Queen (plus a pink rabbit ‘giving birth’ to giveaway soft toys), and an entire track played on guitar by a young audience member who was then handed the instrument to take home. For all the oohs, ahs and hand waving, it’s utterly engaging.

Harsher critics will say modern Green Day is pop-punk by numbers, and there’s an element of truth there: Armstrong, Dirnt and Cool are very much fire-shooting, stadium-loving rays of sunshine these days, doing little more controversial than singing about masturbation and venting against Trump. That the show lacks edge, truthfully, only matters if you’re holding Green Day true to their 90s roots.

What they do offer is one of the music scene’s better doses of nostalgic familiarity, packaged in one of the liveliest, most memorable stage shows going; more ‘Having A Blast’ than ‘Burnout’.

JAMES HENDICOTT EXPLORES THE GROWING UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT OF SECRET INTIMATE GIGS WITH NO HEADLINE ACTS music.”

“The audience get tickets for free, though we do take optional donations on the night. That’s mainly just to keep things going. It’s allowed us to buy better camera equipment recently, which you can see if you watch the videos from the nights in order. Everything gets reinvested into it.

Sofar’s a big, registered business in some places. We’re all volunteers in Dublin. It’s a massive time commitment but really great to do.”

Internationally, Sofar gigs have featured huge names. Bastille played early in his

career, while Hozier, Karen O (of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), James Bay, Emeli Sande and Wolf Alice have all made appearances.

Dublin shows - which have taken place in locations such as the Tara Building, All Out Designs and The Darkroom - have featured local stars including Ham Sandwich, Rosa Nutty, Sorcha Richardson, BARQ and Farah Elle.

Having met some of the other groups carrying out Sofar gigs globally through her work, O’Hanlon tells us she’s been told “Ireland is very relaxed” compared to some locations. “We’ve heard about

MCing between bands, other stuff that’s a bit more energised,” she explains. “Dublin is just a few cans and the bands. It’s very calm, I thinkwe kind of like it that way, you have to respect the venues.”

While the regular gigs will continue as normal, Sofar also have a big charity gig on the horizon, with September’s events aiming to raise over a million Euros. The international collective come together to promote Amnesty International on the 20th, under the title ‘A Global Day Of Secret Gigs’.

“Because Sofar’s so international, I’ve

started to feel a more personal connection with some of the things going on in the world, like the Manchester attack recently, and the refugee crisis,” O’Hanlon tells us.

“You start to know people in these places.

One of our videographers is in Reykjavik, and another Sofar person is back and forwards from Japan. It’s great to be doing something to help. For September, there are some really, really big artists involved, especially in some of the UKvenues.”

“The Amnesty Project just feels right,” she concludes. “We put on gigs in homes.

Some people don’t have them. This should

help that.” This is just the latest project, though. More generally, Sofar have their own significance: slowly taking back the idea of gigs, simply for their own sake.

 Tickets to Sofar’s Dublin gigs cannot be bought. They’re made available monthly via their mailing list, with entry to a ticket ballot typically closed around a day after each show is announced. Visit sofarsounds.com for information.

The next show will be in the Leeson Street area on July 20th.

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DUBLINLIFE

Guinot’s Crème Fluide Hydrazone delivers

Skin creams that ensure only the sun is left shining

 EMMA NOLAN

ONE of the most annoying things about wearing make up and looking after your skin in summer is the relentless shiny face.

A temperature increase of just 1°C can see an increase in sebum production by 10%.

T he latest Guinot product – Crème Fluide Hydrazone (€62.50) – is a light serum that contains mattifying powders to reduce shine. Available in pharmacies nationwide, it applies like a cream and absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue.

Another product which has been a lifesaver for me this summer is Vichy’s Idéal Soleil Anti-Blemishes SPF 30 (€19.99).

This facial sun cream (left) promises “mattifying corrective care” and it delivers.

I have long done damage to my (naturally oily) skin in summer by using regular sun creams which are full of oil, but this is specifically created for oily skin and contains salicylic acid to help unclog pores whilst providing protecting from the sun. Ideal.

Back to the future River Island revisit the 80s for inspiration

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 EMMA NOLAN STYLE EDITOR RIVER Island’s autumn winter collection is an indulgent foray into the best of the 80s.

Unapologetic and verging on tacky in the best possible way, this collection just goes for it in every way possible. Colour, shape, texture, pattern – it breaks all the rules but it works so well.

Name Title €XX; Name Title €XX; Name Title €XX

This maximalist feast for the eyes is bringing back print clashing in a big way and looks are not limited to one statement piece either. Rather ruffles, bows and baroque take over to serve 80s eleganza extravaganza.

And yes… shoulder pads are back…

This collection will be hitting stores in September.

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STYLE

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DUBLINLIFE

FOOD&DRINK

The Picky Eater WOW! IT’S not very often you get truly excited about a new restaurant venue but the team who brought you The Dean, Per uke and Periwig, Sophies and Bison Bar have done it again with Robertas , Dublin’s coolest new eatery.

Standing outside the unassuming entrance of Robertas at 1 East Essex St, Temple Bar, I was unsure of what to expect, but to say I was wowed would be an understatement!

The breathtaking glass atrium at the heart of Robertas welcomes you with its beautifully designed bar and terrace.

With an exquisite glass ceiling bathing the place in natural light it will have you more than ready to pull up a stool to enjoy a glass of wine or one of the many exotic, thirstquenching cocktails on

Robertas

Contemporary Italian

1 East Essex St, Temple Bar offer like the Pear Sidecar.

The decor in this 220 seater restaurant is amazing … The New York style plush leather booths, bulbed lined windows and striking attention to detail offers of a feel of luxury and sophistication in a relaxed environment.

Whether you’re overlooking the cobbled streets and incredible architecture of Temple Bar or gazing out over the Liffey and Grattan Bridge, you cannot deny Robertas is a special place.

Head chef Troy Watson, originally from Melbourne and previously at Fade St Social, and Rustic Stone has developed

a contemporary Italian based menu with a solid touch of Irish influence and plenty of focus on locally sourced ingredients.

From seriously delicious starters including wood-fired duck hearts for the more adventurous and Stracciatella - an Italian soft cheese with lemon confit and slow braised fennel served with sourdough still warm from the oven.

A perfect selection of mains is available to satisfy any palette, of which I find it hard to go past the delicious Iberico Secreto Pork done on the Robata grill and served with fen-

nel two ways; just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Also on offer is the ever popular Linguini with clams, Organic Chicken marinated with chermoula and fresh wood fired pizzas.

Desserts are equally as tempting with the Lemon Brule at the top of my list.

From 11pm Thursday to Saturdays as the plates are cleared away, Robertas transforms itself into a late night hot spot where the DJ will be turning up the tunes and you can be ready to dance the night away under the stars.

So sink yourself into a comfy couch to catch up with friends for drinks, a weekend brunch or a fabulous dinner and enjoy the excellent hospitality that is Robertas.

I know I can’t wait to get back!

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TRAVEL Smuggler’s Cove

Discover glorious Greece Second-to-none sandy beaches, bougainvillea-splashed villages, round-the-clock nightlife – Greece offers holidaymakers almost endless options, writes Sylvia Pownall CRETE Crete isn’t just Greece’s largest island – it’s also one of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean.

What to expect: Beaches, beaches, beaches – the bigger the better, it seems. Plus, historywise, it’s got great credentials, with a timeline that stretches back more than 4,000 years.

Where to go: The north coast. As well as the long beaches, you’ve got cosmopolitan towns in Lassithi, the historic region of Heraklion, family-friendly Rethymnon, and the waterfront tavernas of Chania.

What to do: Root around Chania Town’s Venetian-Turkish streets. Visit the Palace of

Lindos Beach in Rhodes

Knossos. Hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge.

Then spread out on the 12-kilometre-long beach at Rethymnon.

Anything else? Crete claims to have the longest summer in the Mediterranean – it’s usually beach weather from April to October.

They’re all about family-run tavernas and laid-back beaches. For first-rate nightlife, put Kavos at the top of your to-stay list.

What to do: Relax on one of Sidari’s 3 beaches. Raid the jewellery shops and seafood restaurants in Corfu Town. Shoot down the slides at Aqualand waterpark.

Anything else? It’s well worth straying from civilisation – olive groves and wild flowers blanket Corfu’s green countryside.

KOS A good-sized island that brushes the Turkish border.

What to expect: Every type of beach you can imagine. Long swathes of sand and cosy coves necklace a hilly interior peppered with villages and castles.

Where to go: Kos has 2 very different sides.

Traditionalists favour Kefalos, with its cottages, ruins and windmills. On the other hand, party animals aim for the lively double act of Kardamena and Kos Town.

What to do: Soak in the hot springs of Thermes. Get a bird’s-eye view from Mount Dikeos. Step back in time at the ruins of Asklepieion. Snack on calamari in Kos Town.

Anything else? Greeks, Romans, Ottomans

Zante This middle-sized Ionian Island also goes by the name of Zakynthos.

What to expect: A mix of peaceful fishing villages and party towns, plus some of the best beaches in the Med. Where to go: All over, although most resorts are in Zante’s eastern half. Head over to the coast, and you’ll come across turtlefriendly coves and caves. Inland, there are miles of flower-freckled countryside.

What to do: Stroll along the harbour in Zante Town. Sip a cocktail on private Cameo Island. Hit the bars and clubs in Tsilivi.

Watch the sun set from a clifftop in Smuggler’s Cove.

Anything else? Zante is the most important nesting site in the Mediterranean for loggerhead turtles.

Rhodes King-sized Rhodes tops the charts as the most-visited Greek Island.

What to expect: The stuff of legends – be it the ancient ruins, extra-long beaches, or the famous east coast nightlife. There are quieter

Corfu Town

spots, too, including both fishing and mountain villages.

Where to go: To find the best beaches, head east – the long coastline is an uninterrupted ribbon of sand. In the west, meanwhile, you’ll unearth hamlets piled high with villas, windmills and monasteries.

What to do: Discover the Old Town of Rhodes. Dive into the waterparks in Faliraki.

Snorkel at Lindos Beach. Dine in sight of the acropolis in Lindos’ town square.

Anything else? Consider yourself a night owl? Then Faliraki is your place. Its popularity with the 18 to 30s crowd has created a roaring club scene that rivals Ibiza’s top spots.

GREECE DEALS FROM THOMSON

• 26-Aug-17, Dublin to Kos, Hotel Plantanista, Psaldi, 4T, HB, 7 nights from €419pp.

• 30-Aug-17, Dublin to Rhodes, Pefki Islands Resort, Pefkos, 3T, SC, 7 nights from €469pp • 29-Aug-17, Dublin to Zakynthos, Ionian Blue Studios, Kalamaki, 3T, SC, 7 nights from €479pp

Corfu Nicknamed the Emerald Isle, Corfu is Greece’s second-largest Ionian Island.

What to expect: A bit of everything, from low-key towns to lively beach resorts.

Where to go: For a bit of peace and quiet, head north to Gouvia and San Stefanos.

and Italians have all called Kos home at one time or another.

Chania Town in Crete

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DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Drivers lose 14 days a year commuting to city centre A NEW survey reveals that the proposed new traffic flow on Dublin’s north and south quays will add an additional 10 days to existing annual commute time.

The survey was carried out by mobility solutions specialist, easytrip, and it has revealed that Irish motorists are losing 14 days on average per year commuting into the city centre.

Respondents to the survey also believe that the proposed changes to the traffic flow on the

Toyota makes style statement with C-HR Toyota’s new C-HR is a compact SUV with style and features that give it a stand-out look that gets noticed as MICHAEL MORONEY found when he took it across a lengthy test route that brought him to West Cork and back.

north and south quays (even with the revised proposal to allow for one lane of general traffic from Bachelor’s Walk to Eden Quay and on towards Dublin Port) would see this figure increase by an additional 10 days annually equating to a total of 24 days a year in the car.

Of those surveyed 81% commuted to Dublin city centre by car with 73% stating that the proposed Dublin quays traffic flow system will affect them and also highlighted their concern for cyclists on the same route.

More than 50% also highlighting that the changes would deter them from driving into the city.

Traffic threat to retailers RETAILERS will be alarmed to find that 62% of those surveyed said that the proposed changes to the traffic on the quays would affect their decision to shop in Dublin city.

Worryingly 95% of respondents said they would not buy a high priced item if they did not have their vehicle with them to take it home.

Motorists also highlighted that they spend extra on food (49%) and refreshments (90%) whilst shopping in the city.

A new survey shows that the proposed new traffic flow on Dublin’s north and south quays to add an additional 10 days to existing annual commute time.

THE design of Toyota’s new C-HR is a break from Toyota tradition in the shape of a four door hatchback while it sits high enough to give the feeling of being in a compact SUV. And the car gets noticed. Ever y where that I drove at least one person that I met knew that it was the new Toyota C-HR, so the marketing team at Toyota have got the message across.

Out on the road, where I drove more than 1,200km while venturing to West Cork during my test drive week, I found the car to be smooth and easy to drive.

The interior is modern and clear to use and I was comfortable quickly after the Bluetooth phone set-up and ready to go.

The large 8in Toyota Touch is the most obvious interior feature that just jumps out at you.

Set-up here was easy and intuitive and I found it easy to get to grips with the features that it offered.

For me that meant a set-up without having to resort to the owner’s manual, which means it’s a system clear to follow.

Toyota offers two petrol based engine options for the new C-HR, either the choice of a 1.8 hybrid or a 1.2 litre turbo-petrol engine.

My car was the latter

Toyota’s new C-HR comes with a striking new design look

Toyota C-HR 1.2 turbo petrol

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 1.2 litre Engine power 116hp 0 – 100km/hr 8.9 seconds Economy 16.7km/litre

(6.0l/100km or 47mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres CO2 emissions 135g/km Road Tax Band B2 €280 Main Service 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2017) Warranty 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €26,895 and it delivered smooth power to the six-speed manual gearbox.

While I drove the petrol version the obvious first comparison has to be its hybrid counterpart because that’s the choice that most C-HR buyers will have to make.

On paper at least, the hybrid version has to come out on top, with diesel engine type effi-

ciency and a cleaner burn of the fuel for a lower CO2 rating and more importantly a lower running cost.

T h e f i g u r e s s h ow that the hybrid version, which costs about €3,000 more has almost double the official economy performance giving you 28.6km/litre (80mpg) versus 17km/ litre (47mpg) in the 1.2

litre turbo-petrol version that I drove. That makes the hybrid choice in the new C-HR to obvious one.

That choice was confirmed from personal test drive where I found that the performance s e t t i n g s h ave a b i g impact on the economy level of the car.

On day one I drive in the normal driving mode before I discovered the Eco option.

And that Eco driving option made a significant difference to the otherwise thirsty C-HR adding a further 10% to the economy level.

The overall economy level that I achieved was poorer than I had expected from the modern 1.2 litre turbopetrol engine but to be fair it was only marginally off the rated figure of 16.7km/litre (6.0l/100km or 47mpg).

That limits the range that I expect from a modern car and the 50-litre capacity fuel tank meant more stops than I would have liked.

T his aspect of the C-HR made me look at other petrol engine compact SUV’s and the choice of the Nissan Juke with its 1.2 litre turbo-petrol engine came to mind as well as the Honda HR-V with a slightly bigger engine and the new Opel Mokka X. I found that the petr o l p owe r e d To y o t a C-HR option to be the least economical of the bunch and also the most expensive starting at €26,895.

It’s also the longest and has the longest wheelbase so that’s why it was comfortable and stable on the wide range of motorway, city and rural roads that I drove across.

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Improvements at every turn

THE new Opel Insignia has arrived at Dublin Opel dealerships in the last few weeks with a new styling and design that refreshes the model in a very significant way. Opel claims that the new Insignia weighs up to 175kg less than its predecessor and is more aerodynamic to ensure improved fuel economy across the range.

The wheelbase of the new Insignia has been extended by 92mm, its overhangs have been reduced and its tracks widened by 11mm.

The car has a lower sweeping roofline, coupled with a prominent grille with slim-line

headlamps and a new rear end high-tech look.

On the inside there is a lower driving position with wrap around cockpit. The dash area includes a frameless touch screen and Opel OnStar personal assistance system at the touch of a button.

The centre stack area has been designed with three functional zones of controls (from top to bottom: infotainment / climate / assistance systems) to facilitate quick and easy operations. The Insignia is available with a wide range of latest-generation turbocharged engines and transmissions,

which have been designed to provide real-life fuel efficiency and low fuel costs. For petrol, the new 1.5 litre Turbo 140bhp unit replaces the outgoing 1.4-litre Turbo unit, while the diesel choice includes Opel’s 1.6 in both 110 and 136bhp outputs as well as the higher output 2.0-litre 170bhp diesel. Both the 1.6 136bhp and 2.0-litre 170bhp units are available in both manual and automatic transmission.

The top of the range 2.0-litre Turbo petrol 260bhp unit comes with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring.

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MOTORING

Do a history check before importing a used car VEHICLE History experts Cartell.ie have reported that the Association of British Insurers in the UK are no longer using Category C and Category D vehicle write-off classification in their new Voluntary Code of Practice for the industry.

The new UK system will focus on first establishing the level of damage to a vehicle from a technical perspective, before making any commercial decision relating to the Pre-Accident Cartell claims that this has huge consequences for an Irish buyer as the level of damage sustained will now be more evident.

Ireland has not yet regulated for written-off vehicles. In July 2016 it was reported in the media that Minister for Transport Shane Ross brought legislation to cabinet which would compel insurers to notify his Department of Category A and Category B write-offs.

John Byrne of Cartell.ie says: “It’s welcoming to see how seriously the Association of British Insurers are taking the issue of write-offs which are deemed repairable and can return to the roads in the UK. In May 2016, in the wake of an RTE Prime Time investigates programme, Cartell.ie released figures which showed that 10.75% of all UK imports into Ireland in a 6-month period in 2015 had been written-off in the UK prior to import and taxation of the vehicle in Ireland.

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DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA ReelReviews

DESPICABLE ME 3

Merry minion mayhem

A Netflix masterpiece

THERE’RE plenty of Gru-some scenes in Despicable Me 3 (Cert G, 90mins) when the eponymous baddiewho’s-not-so-bad and his yellow pals get mixed up with his long lost twin brother. Cue mishaps, minions, and an amusing threequel in the popular franchise. There’s nothing very fresh or innovative here, but the Despicable crew do what they do well in this enjoyable film.

It’s hard to say who the real star of the film is – superpig Okja, a marvel of seamless computer animation, or Seo-Hyeon Ahn, who gives a terrific, spirited performance

OKJA: SUPERPIG FILM IS BETTER THAN A LOT OF BIG-SCREEN BLOCKBUSTERS LIKE director Bong Joonho’s 2006 film, The Host, Okja (Cert 15A, 120 mins) is a creature feature that crafts its outlandish, fairy tale-like narrative around the theme of family – natural families and surrogate families; unbreakable familial bonds and crippling family rivalries.

It’s these relationships that underline each of Okja’s expertly crafted characters and lead us to fall head-over-heels in love with this wonderfully bizarre film.

Every character in this charming epic, great and small, has a degree of depth often amiss in the average monster movie.

Regardless of their malign intentions or self-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

less deeds, each is given a reason for doing the things they do.

Joon-ho presents us with a lesson in empathy – a film that affects, thrills, delights and disturbs in equal measure, all through the medium of fantasy.

It’s a film that, perhaps, could never have been made, were it not for Netflix, and it’s this very fact that saw Okja kick up an extraordinary amount of fuss at this year’s Cannes

Film Festival, where Joonho’s film made its way into the official selection for the prestigious Palme D’or.

Many, including jury president Pedro Almodovar, took exception to the lauding of a film that will likely be watched on more phone screens than on cinema screens.

Indeed, if there is an overriding negative emotion that Okja instils, it’s a sense of disappointment – disappointment that most of us will never get to see a film so expertly crafted for the big screen in its natural habitat.

However, it makes you feel that’s the way the industry is shifting, and if Netflix continues to

empower directors to produce work such as this, we have much to anticipate.

Okja is the story of a “superpig” called Okja raised over 10 perfect years by the young Mija (SeoHyeon Ahn) in the mountains of South Korea.

Mija’s world comes crashing down when the Mirando Corporation, responsible for the birth of the superpigs, come back to claim Okja and take her to New York.

There, the company’s PR-obsessed CEO (Tilda Swinton) plans to reveal Okja to the world – naturally, there are more sinister intentions afoot. The determined Mija sets out across continents to rescue her best friend.

The outlined plot might seem like a children’s film – but make no mistake, if the first uttered expletives don’t tip you off, Okja handles some pretty heavy subject matter.

Joon-ho tackles animal rights, environmentalism, capitalism and corruption with expertise, but is never laborious or heavyhanded in his message.

Newcomer Seo-Hyeon Ahn balances the majority of the film’s drama and humour with remarkable ease, inspiring with determination and affection and providing some of Okja’s biggest belly laughs.

Paul Dano does a wonderful job as the emotionally conflicted leader of an

animal rights group, and it’s great to see The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun make a respectable leap to features.

Regrettably, the film’s biggest star, Jake Gyllenhaal, decides to channel Johnny Depp at his most annoyingly goofy – one of very few faults to be found in Okja.

As the eclectic cast suggests, Okja is transnational filmmaking at its most inspiringly pure, much like Joon-ho’s enjoyable, Snowpiercer (2013).

Okja is a wonderfully different film; Netflix’s first masterpiece and comforting sign of what the future may have in hold for subscribers.

Verdict: 10/10

BABY DRIVER

Fast-paced thrills galore ANSEL Elgort stars as the eponymous Baby Driver (Cert 15A, 113 mins)– a getaway driver caught in an increasingly murky job as he falls for a girl while hanging out with a big job loomiing.

With plenty of decent driving, the film is also pretty entertaining to watch thanks to some great visuals and its excellent soundtrack, making it one of most fun and fast-paced films of the summer.

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FEATURE INTERVIEW: EITHNE SHORTHALL ON FLIGHT OF FANCY

Author feels on cloud nine thanks to great buzz about her book  EMMA NOLAN

MATCHMAKING your friends can be a tricky territory – but matchmaking strangers is a whole other ballgame. This is exactly what Sunday Times journalist Eithne Shorthall has explored in her first book, Love in Row 27.

As chief arts writer for The Sunday Times, the Drumcondra native is more familiar with being on the other side of the coin when it comes to reviews.

However, “so far it’s all gone very well and I’m very pleased with how it’s going,” she told The Gazette.

Love in Row 27 tells the story of an Aer Lingus check-in attendant Cora, who, having just suffered a devastating break

up, distracts herself by matchmaking flight passengers.

Eithne said: “The original idea for the book was from me getting on an airplane. Whenever I get a flight, I always look around and think, who would I want to sit beside? Usually, I’m looking for an attractive man!

“But then I thought, what if you ended up beside a very attractive person and what if someone put you there on purpose? So I immediately thought of matchmaking and I love doing it in real life, and now I can do it in fiction as well.

“When I’m doing it with friends I know them but when Cora is matchmaking she doesn’t know them, so it’s different.”

The entertaining

r o m a n c e n ove l h a s enjoyed a fantastic reception since its release.

“We haven’t had a bad review so far, I shouldn’t say that out loud though because one will just arrive tomorrow!”

Eithne said she was struck by ner ves for a while before it was released.

“When you’re writing, you don’t know if it’s any good or not and just before it went out, I had real, serious anxiety when I thought I had written the worst thing ever and was about to ruin my life – that everyone would read it and laugh at me.

“So, when it first went out and they sent it to authors to see if they liked it and give us a quote for the cover, I was surprised when they came back

positively,” she laughed.

One of the good reviews came from romance novelist veteran Marian Keyes. “I was delighted. I never met her but I think she’s great. She must get sent so many books a week, but thankfully she took mine out of the pile and she read it and contacted me to say how much she liked it.

“She gave us a quote for the cover, which was really the best thing in the world.”

This was the same week that the TV rights of the book were sold and Eithne says that it “paled in comparison” to getting the good review from Marian. “It was such a vote of confidence. It means a lot.”

To write the book,

First-time author Eithne Shortall and the cover of her book, Love in Row 27

Eithne said she was lucky that she was able to take leave from her job for three months to go to London and focus solely on her writing.

And, even though she writes for a living, she said she couldn’t have written the book whilst doing the day job.

“They’re totally different styles and approaches. In one, you’re completely making stuff up, and in the other, you really shouldn’t be making anything up!”

Now working on her

second book but working at the same time, the experience of already writing one book has prepared her for the task, but doing both is definitely tough.

As a first-time author, Eithne said her advice to aspiring authors is to “just do it”.

“That’s the most facetious advice, but people make loads of excuses to not write. Before I

started I always said that I had no time to write, but then I just found a way.

“Just do it. Just write.

Get up earlier than everyone else in your house and even if you write 300 words a day, you would have a book written within a year.”

OH, LEMUR ... ZOO WELCOMES THE BIRTH OF TWO VERY SPECIAL PUPS IN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES

THE NEWEST arrivals to Dublin Zoo are two adorable red ruffed lemur pups!

Proud parents Pierre and Fifi welcomed the brother and sister pups to Dublin Zoo’s lemur family recently. The latest arrivals join the troop of seven red ruffed lemurs already at Dublin Zoo. The birth of the pups is extremely important for the team at Dublin Zoo and the international breeding programme. The species is listed as being critically endangered after a significant

decline in population mainly due to habitat loss and hunting.

In the wild, the distribution of red ruffed lemurs is restricted to rainforest in north-east Madagascar.

Dublin Zoo is supporting research which aims to reintroduce red ruffed lemurs into various parts of Madagascar.

Commenting on the latest additions, team leader Ciaran McMahon said: “Red ruffed lemurs are one of the most endangered of all lemurs. The birth of two

youngsters at Dublin Zoo is hugely significant.

“We are delighted to report that our new arrivals are healthy and have adapted seamlessly to their surroundings. This weekend is the perfect opportunity for families and friends to learn more about these critically endangered species”.

The island of Madagascar has only 10% of its natural vegetation remaining, making lemurs the most threatened group of mammals on Earth.

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 July 2017

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28 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 July 2017

SPORT

FastSport TIERNAN AND HUIJSDENS THE VICE CAPTAINS: COURTYARD Liffey Celtics star, Sorcha Tiernan and Rachel Huijsdens of DCU Mercy, were unveiled as vice captains of the Irish for the FIBA Under-18 women’s European Championship Division B. The news came with 30 days to go until the Irish Under-18 women’s team welcome 22 other countries to the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght and the National Indoor Arena in Abbottstown.

Coach Tommy O’Mahony named Ireland and Portlaoise Panthers star, Claire Melia, as captain of the squad with Tiernan and Huijsdens supporting her.

“I’m delighted to announce Claire as captain of the team this summer. The squad has a lot of leaders, as we saw in their games over the weekend.

“Claire is very experienced, competing in her third European Championship this year, and has also been picked for the Irish Senior Women’s team this past summer.”

SAILING: GOODBODY URGES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO GIVE THE SPORT A TRY

Dun Laoghaire Regatta set for record entry numbers

 NICK FITZGERALD sport@dublingazette.com

“THIS is the largest Regatta in Ireland and on the Western sea board of the British Isles,” Tim Goodbody, Chairman of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2017, tells GazetteSport, confirming it is all hands-on deck for this biennial event.

The event is now in its seventh edition and will feature its largest entry to date with 461 boats entered with over 2,500 competitors, competing over four days, beginning on Thursday, July 6 and running through to Sunday.

Within the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2017 are 35 different classes of yacht or dingy. They represent 75 different yacht or sailing clubs.

Competitors come from the four provinces of Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Wales, the West Coast of England, South Coast of England and one even hailing from the Netherlands.

Some of the country’s topclass sailors will be participating in this year’s regatta, including Olympic silver med-

Over 460 boats will converge on Dun Laoghaire for the biennial regatta

allist Annalise Murphy.

For Goodbody, it represents a special year and one which will be celebrated in style.

“This year is the bicentenary of the commencement of the construction of Dun Laoghaire Harbour which became a port of refuge and to celebrate that we are hold-

ing our inaugural classic yacht regatta.

“We have an excess of 100 classic yachts. Of course, there’s a lot of discussion of what a classic yacht is but we’re looking at yachts that were designed over 75 years ago and were built of timber.”

He anticipates the event to

act as a showcase for the sport and urges people of all ages to have a go at sailing, stating that The National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire – his home club – is all inclusive.

“We need more people to go sailing. There are more yachts, they need crews, they need active people of both

sexes. We have guys and girls aboard this boat.

“In fact, our age span is for myself down to my grandson who is 13 and my granddaughter who is 11 who comes out. Another set of grandchildren come out when they’re over from England. They are five or seven.

“All ages can participate and if someone is interested they should go to one of the clubs.

“They do look a bit foreboding when you walk outside and you see this very old, historic building but knock on the door and ask about sailing or even go to the INNS, the Irish National Sailing School which is located on the West Pier.

“They run tremendous programmes and from that one gains an experience of sailing and you can then go to one of the clubs and become a regular crew member. It’s great fun, it’s safe, not discriminatory, all people are welcome.” ** For more information see www.dlregatta.org or find Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta on Facebook and Twitter.

Olympic riders light up the Sundrive velodrome  sport@dublingazette.com

The riders at Sundrive last weekend. Picture: David McVeigh

SUNDRIVE velodrome welcomed the stars last weekend with Olympic medalists Elinor Barker and Niklas Larsen among the competitors for the Dublin Track Cycling International 2017.

They both produced leading performances but there was plenty of home success with Irish riders landing six medals across the Scratch and Keirin events; both Felix English and Robyn Stewart came home with silver, second only to Rio

Olympians.

In the men’s Scratch race, English raced a tactical race, moving away with a group of seven riders.

A crash in the closing laps of the race led to the race being neutralised briefly – once the gun sounded again the group raced hard with Larsen taking the win ahead of Ireland’s English.

English was happy with the race, adding: “there’s a lot of depth in the field – pretty much everyone that you expect to see in the World Cup you are racing

with. It’s good in a way because you have to race them at some point – but it also makes it difficult because you want to get the points for the winter season.”

Later on Sunday, Stewart came in just behind Dutch Olympian Laurine Van Riessen in the women’s Keirin.

The relative newcomer to track racing has stormed onto the Irish scene, setting a new national record in recent weeks for the Sprint.

Determined to get the better of Van Riessen in the future, the Belfast rider was relatively

happy with her performance - “It was a good race – I think I left it a bit late to make my jump.

“I think it if went a wee bit earlier there might be a bit there – but she’s fast. I know Laurine well, so it’s always fun to get to race against each other, one day I will beat her.”

Silver also went to Fintan Ryan in the Under-23 Scratch race, when the TrackProject. ie rider lapped the field with Ethan Hayter. Bronze went to Ireland’s Sundrive Track Team rider Hugo Brennan.

6 July 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Loughran set for major hockey event debut  STEPHEN FINDLATER

HERMES-Monkstown’s Sinead Loughran is set for her world ranking tournament debut as she earned a place in Graham Shaw’s final plans for the Irish women’s hockey team’s tilt at 2018 World Cup qualification via the World League Semi-Final which takes starts in Johannesburg this week.

The 26-year-old former Mount Anville student is something of a late bloomer, making her first inroads into the national panel in 2016 with last minute call-up for the Hawkes Bay Cup in New Zealand.

It followed four years in the US, reaching the final four of the NCAA championship with UNC Tar Heels, including three defeats in the final.

Shaw says her “physical ability” gives the Irish side a huge asset: “She really asks questions of opponents by her physical effort around the pitch, both from a defensive point of view and also on the counter-attack.

“She had the highest of the fitness scores and her style suits the international game perfectly.

She presses aggressively and you wouldn’t want to mark her man-on-man because of the ground she covers.”

The coach adds that Loughran’s spell before Christmas in Munich playing in the Bundesliga gave her an extra impetus.

“Moving across for Germany for that three months really taught her about her game and maybe a little about herself as a person. She came home, trained really well with the group and fully deserved her spot.

“For players like Sinead, when they come in [to the Irish panel] a bit older – not at 18 or 19 – it can take a bit of time to adjust and see where your style fits in.

“It’s taken her a little bit of time; she got a taste of it [in 2016]. I think she now knows where her strengths lie within the international game and she’s trying to apply them.”

The tournament begins on Saturday with Ireland facing Japan before meeting Germany, Poland and Olympic champions England in the group stage. A top four finish there will see them reach the quarter-finals where World Cup tickets will be decided.

Transplant Games gold rush for legendary Faul Record-breaking Dalkey woman lands quartet of medals across swimming and squash,leading a brilliant Irish team performance in Malaga, Spain at the biennial World Games  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

DA L K E Y ’ S D e i r d r e Faul – a liver transplant recipient – led the Irish team home last Sunday from Malaga following an exceptional week at the 21st World Transplant Games.

The team won 32 medals in total while at the same time demonstrating their zest for life, team spirit, sportsmanship and infectious goodwill while honouring their organ donors.

T h e I r i s h t e a m ’s impressive medals haul includes 14 gold, seven silver and 11 bronze from various sporting events.

For Faul, she managed to break two world records in the swimming pool on her way to winning four gold medals, including her sixth world title in squash.

The main objective for Team Ireland members, who range in age from

30 to 79, when taking part in the Games is to embrace life and promote organ donation. The team includes 4 liver transplant recipients and 23 kidney transplant recipients.

The 21st World Transplant Games involved 1,000 competitors from 51 countries and every athlete who competed will have received a kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas or bone marrow transplant.

Faul, 49, nailed down her fourth gold medal in the 400m freestyle swimming event with a record breaking time, beating swimmers from Argentina and Israel who came in second and third.

Her time of six minutes 27.89 seconds surpassed the previous world record of 6.32 achieved by British athlete J Coleman in Bangkok in 2007.

A day earlier, the mother to two sons, broke a world record in the 200m freestyle with a time of

3.01.93 and beating the previous world record of 3.05.08 set by Australian Lisa Cuthbertson at the 2009 Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Just a few hours later, the unstoppable Faul went on to win the 100m breaststroke swim in her age category (40-49 years).

She had also retained her world champion squash title in her age category, her sixth consecutive World Games gold.

After her races, she said: “I didn’t realise I was swimming so fast. Two world records and four gold medals this week, I’m ecstatic! I smashed all of my personal bests too.

I’m thrilled with my performance.

“Thanks to Otter Swimming Club and Dublin Swimming Clun for their support, coaches Matthew MCusker and Brian Conroy and friend Claire O’Dwyer. A special thanks also to my dad and

my sons for their loving support and especially to the family of my donor for making all this possible.”

Shortly after Deirdre’s first race, kidney transplant recipient Peter Heffernan from Skerries, Dublin secured a bronze medal for Transplant Team Ireland in the backstroke event.

Reflecting on his success, he said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the race. It’s so fantastic to be able to take part and the ability to participate and do something that I love is all thanks to my donor. The competition is tough this year so I’m thrilled. A big crowd came down to support us from Transplant Team Ireland. They are a brilliant support.”

Another Dubliner, Mick Dwyer from Cabinteely, a kidney transplant recipient won two medals, the

first a gold in the golf pairs, followed by success in the ball-throw for those aged 60-69 years-old.

“It’s great to see people of my age category and older taking part and doing so well. A huge thank you to my donor and their family.

“Everyone competing here has trained extremely hard.

“No medal is easily won. I’m delighted to be here. I’m thoroughly enjoying the week. It’s excellent to see familiar faces from other countries. I hope to be at the games for many years to come.”

It capped a brilliant week for Team Ireland members, who range in age from 30 to 79, at the Games with the aim of the competition to embrace life and promote organ donation.

Record-breaker Deirdre Faul with runners up Rosaura Michael Dwyer and Garry Campbell after winning Gold in the Golf Pairs

Escudero from Argentina and Hagit Forsher from Israel

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 July 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

West Dublin clubs get additional needs boost WESTMANSTOWN and Barnhall’s additional needs’ rugby team took part in De La Salle College Churchtown’s recent celebrations of 60 years of rugby, as the College recently hosted an Additional Needs Rugby Blitz at their grounds in Churchtown. This inaugural event was primarily driven by students from the college’s Transition Year Programme, as part of their community and sports science coaching modules with Seapoint and De La Salle Palmerston also taking part.

SOCCER: “REAL PARTNERSHIP” WITH ROVERS A WINNER FOR D15 SIDE

The Corduff NDSL Under-15 Premier side that beat Bohemian 2-0 in the semi-final of the Molly Martin Cup last weekend

Corduff’s national ambition  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

CORDUFF’S UNDER15 side will be playing at League of Ireland level from September, with the club set to dive into the new national age group division.

The three six-team divisions of the initial competition will feature in a shortened season late in 2017, before the first full season kicks off in 2018.

The competition has the broad aim of developing players to a higher level and enabling link ups for young players with League of Ireland clubs.

The new competition hasn’t been without its

controversy, however, particularly with the admission of schoolboy powerhouse St Kevin’s, who have resisted the required link up with a League of Ireland side to date.

The famous schoolboy club have been admitted into the contest despite their floundering partnership with Bohemians, and Corduff man John McGuinness suggesting that vested interests are having an impact on the set up, but adding that it should be beneficial for his players overall.

“There are lots of vested interests unfortunately that create a problem for schoolboy football,” McGuinness told Gazette-

MAVERICKS STRIKE West Dublin Rhinos shot down by Louth visitors THE WEST Dublin Rhinos suffered a setback as

the Louth Mavericks came from 13-0 down to win by a single point in their Irish American Football 1 Conferencer tie last weekend.

Touchdowns from Vitor Prado and Paul Hosford put the Castleknock side well in control but the Louth side got on the board early in the second half and they got the winning score following good yards off a punt return.

It leaves the Rhinos with three wins from their eight games to date.

Picture: Martin Doherty

Sport.

“A setup where our players can train with and move on to League of Ireland clubs is obviously in those clubs’ interests as well as the players.

“Right now, we have a situation where St Kevin’s are the dominant schoolboy club and that means they can hoover up players from all over Dublin, weakening everyone else.”

McGuinness is pleased with his own club’s partnership with Shamrock Rovers, however, in particular with the opportunities it presents his players at all age groups.

“It’s a real partnership,” he explains. “We have players over there

every week from different age groups, training with them.

“T hat means that Shamrock Rovers really know what they’re getting if they’re interested in our players, and as we’re training together, they don’t move on until they’re really ready.

“It’s good for Shamrock Rovers as they can extend their reach beyond Tallaght, and good for our players to have something to reach for. They’ve joined up with a couple of other clubs, too.

“98% of players who go to England go too early and come back to Ireland having failed. A lot of them just drop out of the game,

and the League of Ireland is top heavy with people returning from England having not really made it.

“We accept the reality that most won’t make it. Too many clubs aren’t saying that. But we’re asking players to make these decisions when they’re fourteen, and what kind of place are they in at that age to make that kind of decision?

“This is what’s best for football, and it will be even better when they bring in lower age groups next year, too,” McGuinness concludes.

“It’s important that it’s done earlier. It’s also important that it’s a level playing field.”

6 July 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Prince of Wales to aid Perergrine’s fundraiser

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S

ST PEREGRINE’S ladies darts team are hosting a darts exhibition fundraiser starring Welsh player Richie “The Prince of Wales” Burnett on July 29 at 8.30pm at the Blakestown club.

The event is in aid of The Phoenix Flyers Dublin 15 Special Olympics swimming team who are taking part in the 2018 Special Olympics. For further details, contact Maura Aspin by email maura.aspin@gmail.com.

FOOTBALL: RUSSELL PARK MEN RUN UP TWO BIG WINS

NURSERY will be back on September 2

lotto jackpot; the next draw is in Myo’s

after the summer break. Thank you to all

on Friday, July 7, with a jackpot of €3,800.

the coaches, mums and dads and, most

Thanks to all our members and friends

of all, to our nursery players for a great

who support St Brigid’s club lotto and to

season.

our brilliant lotto committee.

Remember to practice at home or on

Great week of football just gone by

holiday and don’t miss out on St Brigid’s

with AFL1 and 3 both having double wins,

summer camps. The club camp is July

AFL1 v Thomas Davis and St Vincent’s and

24-28 (age four to 12), Kellogg’s Cul Camp

in AFL3 v Ballyboughal and Ballymun.

is August 14-18 (age six to 12) and the

Congratulations to Dublin and to Cian

nursery camp is August 21-25 (age four

O’Sullivan for a good win in hurling quali-

to six), you can book a place and pay via

fiers, Dublin face Tipperary in the next

the button on the website.

round.

Keep up with all our news on our website, www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

There was no winner of last week’s

CASTLEKNOCK

sentatives this weekend, Caitlin Coffey

Childcare, continues next Saturday at

and Dublin’s U-16A had a great win over

Tir na nOg/Somerton/CCC. New mem-

Galway while Ciara Golden and Rebecca

bers always welcome.

Cassidy were part of the U-16B setup

gmail.com. pot in association with Rialto Ford. The

sented Dublin in an U-16 v U-15 hurling

numbers drawn were 5, 16, 17, 24 and

clash in O’Toole Park, with the U-16s tak-

there was eight-match three winners

ing victory by a point.

ST BRIGID’S made it six wins in seven outings in AFL Division 1 to maintain their share of top spot with back to back wins in the past week.

Indeed, it has been a superb fightback following an opening draw and a 30-point defeat in their second league game against Kilmacud Crokes, the side they now sit level with on 13 points, albeit with an inferior points difference.

In midweek at Russell Park, the Dublin 15 side secured a 1-19 to 0-16 win

at the expense of Thomas Davis. In wet conditions, the hosts recovered from a difficult start to trail by a single point, 0-8 to 0-7, at the break.

Philly Ryan and Sean Murray were on target for the hosts before the interval but it was Darren Freeman’s goal just after the restart that enabled them to build momentum.

Ryan claimed a personal haul of 0-7 for his side, and thanks to eye-catching second-half scores by the likes of Jack Mullins and Niall O’Dea, Brigid’s ultimately registered their fifth success of the cam-

paign.

Three days later, they took down St Vincent’s by a single point in a memorable tie.

Freeman, Ryan and Daire Plunkett had helped Brigid’s to develop a 0-8 to 0-3 interval cushion but, with Joe Feeney and Nathan Mullins to the fore, Vincent’s significantly reduced their deficit as time went on.

Brigid’s responded to this flourish with a crucial goal from Ryan, and despite conceding four successive points – including efforts by Feeney, Mullins and Albert Martin – a dra-

matic stoppage-time free from Freeman ultimately guided Brigid’s towards a hard-earned 1-11 to 0-13 win.

For Castleknock, they landed three points from the four available as they beat strugglers Cuala 4-18 to 1-15 in Dalkey in midweek.

And they were within touching distance of another win against Lucan Sarsfields as they led in injury time before Philip Greene landed a last-ditch equaliser to make it 1-11 to 0-14.

The Somerton side sit 11th in the table after nine matches.

All club members are invited to an EGM on July 19 at 9pm in the Castleknock

Next draw is July 6 in the Carpenter

Hotel to discuss a new loan funding pro-

with a jackpot of € 4,600. The Division 1

posal for the clubhouse and an enhanced

adult men footballers drew with Lucan in

training area in Somerton.

the League while the Division 9 men beat

 sport@dublingazette.com

Castleknock hurlers David Bohan, Luke Swan and Conor Murray repre-

was Paddy Morris.

AFL DIVISION ONE

which triumphed over Cork.

There was no winner of our lotto jack-

each getting €40. The lucky dip winner

Brigid’s keep AFL1 bid rolling as Ryan strikes

on Sunday.

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers

Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@

Philly Ryan scored a late goal for St Brigid’s to beat St Vincent’s

Hard luck to Andrew Dunphy and the Dublin minor hurlers who lost to Kilkenny

St Jude’s, 0-10 to 0-5.

Well done to all the club’s Dublin repre-

NAOMH PEREGRINE

Limited places still available for August’s club camp, go to the website to book your child’s place.

IT’S that time of year again when school

night of Darts. Entry is free and there

is out and the kids are already getting

will be a raffle on the night with all our

under your feet. Don’t worry we are

usual drink promotions. Get the gang

here to help you through the summer

together for a great night and a very

break with our fantastic Cul Camps and

worthy cause.

Summer Camps.

Our Gaelic4Mams recently held a

Cul Camps commence next Monday,

Gaelic Blitz for the residence of Elmgreen

July 10 – Friday, July 14 for ages six to 11

Nursing Home and raised a massive €785

years. Our summer camps commence

for our much loved members of the com-

on August 14 for ages 4-7 years and

munity. Well done CNP Gaelic4Mams and

8-11years. Online registration is avail-

to all who got involved in the event.

able on www.cnp.ie for all camps. Don’t forget to avail of our family discounts.

And last, but not least, massive congratulations to our three U-16 Dublin

Our ladies darts team have organised

players Aoife Heffernan, Niamh Heffer-

a fantastic fundraiser in aid of The Phoe-

nan and Cillian Stynes on their wins over

nix Flyers Dublin 15, Special Olympics

the weekend.

swimming team who are taking part in the Special Olympics 2018.

We are always proud to see these young stars wearing their county col-

The Prince of Wales, Richie Burnett,

ours. The lotto was not won this week

the world number one who won the 1995

with numbers drawn 5, 12, 16 and 18.

Embassy World Darts Championship will

Next week’s jackpot is €5,800. At only €2

be starring in what will be a fantastic

a ticket, I think it’s worth a shot.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN EXCELLENT week for our adult teams

hams at home and drawing away at St

with five games played resulting in four

Sylvester’s. The next fixture is at home

wins and a draw.

to Naomh Barrog on July 12.

Intermediates had two Division 3 league fixtures, beating Ballymun Kick-

The juniors had two wins out of two this week.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR BLANCH SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

DUFF DELIGHT: McGuinness looking forward to real benefits from national partnership with Rovers P30

JULY 6 - 12, 2017

FAUL’S GOLD RUSH IN MALAGA: Transplant Games prove huge success for Dublin athletes P29

Homebird Kilkenny zones in on Dub goals  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

CIARAN Kilkenny insisted that “every game’s a learning process,” and that Dublin “are 100% focused on Kildare, and haven’t thought beyond that,” as GazetteSport caught up with the All-Ireland champion’s lynchpin ahead of the Leinster senior football final.

Kilkenny also talked about the key role his club Castleknock have in his life.

“One of my few pastimes when I’m not training is going down to the club, hanging around and having a bit of banter; I’m down there every chance I get,” Kilkenny said

of the fast-rising west Dublin side who he insists are underdogs in their county quarter-final against Kilmacud Crokes later this year, while jokingly eyeing a semi-final contest with local rivals St Brigid’s.

The love for his home and life in Ireland is part of dragged Kilkenny back from his brief time in Aussie rules four years ago, with the midfield man insisting he has “no regrets” about the move. “I love our country, our traditions and our culture, and I’m always looking to play for my club and county. I have lovely memories from that time, but I’m very happy here now.”

Kilkenny scored his first goal for Dublin – and second in Croke

Park (he netted in an International Rules contest a few years back) – in the recent Westmeath semi-final, explaining afterwards: “It was a different experience scoring a goal, and I got a real slagging from the lads afterwards as it’s taken me so long to get one.”

“I do feel like one of the senior players now, as there’s been a few changes around the squad,” Kilkenny continued, highlighting Con O’Callaghan as a player who is bringing a lot of energy to a squad that likes to keep to itself.

“I’m not sure we buy into the siege mentality thing,” Kilkenny tells us of the suggestion that Jim Gavin is trying to create a scenario

where the Dubs view themselves as facing off against everyone else.

“We don’t really look at the media, as whether they’re saying your good or bad, it’s easy to take it on board too much.

“By the time we’ve warmed down from the game and started our recovery, you don’t really want to be going home and taking in every little thing anyone has to say about it. Every game’s a learning process, no matter what the scoreline is.

“Nothing is predictable in this game, all you can do is prepare yourself the best you can every time and hope it’s enough to ensure you come out on top.”

Ciaran Kilkenny at Sure’s link-up as the GAA’s statistics partners. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile