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Chilly May rains can hump off – we head to Egypt for a Travel review
see page 20 May 21 - 27, 2015
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castleknock • Blakestown • Hartstown • Tyrrelstown • Laurel Lodge • Corduff • Mulhuddart • Ongar
INSIDE: Singer-songwriter waxes lyrical about yoga and boxing being part of his life Page 11
equality: The Yes and No sides give us one last opinion before voting day P14-15
Stepping up: Young women take to tech Football:
Brogan in line for return for Longford match Page 32
Rachel BROWN, Sadhbh Casey, Abigail McDermott and Chloe Durran take part in an engineering challenge as part of the Young Women in Technology project at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown. The initiative ran for three days recently and aimed to promote computing and engineering to address the lack of females in the technology industry. Pictures: Andres Poveda
Feile:
Erin Go Bragh produce super run at festival Page 31
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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28
Biopharma puts €45m into Blanch expansion Mallinckrodt’s state-of-the-art facility is set to create 45 jobs
Keith Bellew
Another major pharmaceutical company is investing in Blanchardstown with Mallinckrodt plc announcing €45m to expand its operations at College Business and Technology Park.
On May 20 the US biopharma specialists announced the construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and office building which will provide 300 construction jobs and 45 jobs when completed. This follows an announce-
ment by Mulhuddart based pharma company Alexion of a €450m expansion. Speaking at the announcement Tanaiste Joan Burton said this investment will contribute to Ireland’s growing reputation as a medical innovation hub.
Managing director of Mallinckrodt Ireland Dr David Keenan said: “We are pleased to establish this new manufacturing operation on Irish soil and strengthen Ireland’s pharmaceutical credentials in the process.” Full Story on Page 4
2 BLANCH Gazette 21 May 2015
protest Residents to demonstrate outside council offices
Corduff left off upgrade scheme Corduff Grove and Park Residents Association will demonstrate outside Fingal County Council offices in Blanchardstown on Thursday, May 28, to protest its exclusion from the first phase of the Windows and Doors Replacement scheme. T h i s f o l l ow s t h e announcement of phase one of the programme, which will see Whitechapel, as well as parts of Corduff, such as the Avenue, Close, and Way included. However, residents in social housing in Corduff Grove and Park are
keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com
upset that their houses were not selected for the first phase. Corduff Grove and Park Residents Association has campaigned for years on this issue and members say they feel let down by the council. The estates were built in 1976 and are older than the other Cor-
duff estates selected for phase one of the scheme. Some of the residents still have their original windows and doors. A spokesperson for the group said: “These windows and doors are rotten, falling apart and not fit for purpose. People within our estate sleep with their jackets on at night while others choose between spending money on food or more heat because their houses are freezing.” T h e y we n t o n t o say that they do not begrudge anyone having their windows and
doors replaced, but want the selection process to be done fairly and transparently. The council has said that it is anticipated that the replacement of windows and doors in Corduff Park and Grove will be included in a future phase of the Window and Door Replacement Scheme. The group questioned what criteria is used to select estates for the scheme, if surveys were carried out in their estates, if such reports can be made public and which council officials made the ultimate decision. A council spokesperson said: “To establish the requirement of each dwelling a survey is carried out by the council’s technical staff and while the age of the dwelling is a criteria, it is not the only one and the condition of the existing windows is also taken into consideration, as is the need to ensure that as many homes as is possible in the various parts of the county are included. This survey has not yet taken place in Corduff Park and Grove.” The residents responded saying that if that is the case Corduff Grove and Park should have been included as the estates are nearly 40 years old, and that the only way others could be more in need would be if they had no windows and doors at all. “Our residents asso-
Some of the residents still have their original windows and doors
ciation can no longer accept the unfair treatment to our estate by the council regarding windows and doors. On Thursday, May 28, we will be protesting outside the council offices a t B l a n c h a r d s t ow n Shopping Centre from 4 to 5pm. We would encourage ever yone who supports our cause to stand with us,” they said. A council spokesperson said: “There is no desire from the council’s part to exclude its social stock in Corduff Park and Grove from benefitting from improvement works. Fingal County Council are disappointed to note that the Residents Group wish to protest and we would be pleased to meet with them to discuss the Council’s works programmes if they so desire.” Meanwhile in
Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
Whitechapel, Cllr Natalie Treacy (SF) welcomed the decision to include the estate in phase one of the scheme. She had previously tabled motions on the issue, citing the terrible condition of some of the windows in the estate, which neces-
sitated residents wearing their coats to bed at night and finding ice on their inside windowsills. “Myself and Sinn Fein would like to thank Fingal County Council for this decision and would like to very much welcome it,” she said.
21 May 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3
ballot: councillors claim absence on vote wasn’t to hide their stance
eligibility
Time to vote on age of president
Motion to abolish Irish Water passes keith bellew
Fingal councillors who were absent during the voting on a motion calling for the abolition of Irish Water have said their absence had nothing to do with a desire to hide their stance on the issue. The motion, tabled by Cllr Philip Lynam (SF), was passed at a recent Fingal County Council meeting by 22 votes to 13 with five councillors absent during the vote. Councillors David McGuinness (Ind) and Jack Chambers (FF) had both left the meeting before the motion being heard, and Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) said it was strange they had left
before the motion being discussed. The motion had been on the agenda for seven months and was held up as the council was having difficulty getting through the orders of business. Cllr Donnelly said that while they may have had personal reasons for leaving, it was strange that they had not waited for the vote, and it would be interesting to know whether or not they would have supported the motion. Cllr Chambers said he left the meeting as he had to attend another meeting and, had he been present, he would have voted in favour of the motion as the rest of the Fianna Fail councillors did with
the exception of Fingal Mayor Mags Murray. Cllr McGuinness said he was obliged to leave the meeting as he had to attend a graduation ceremony for students of the school at which he teaches. “I would have supported the motion. “I would have supported it at any of the last seven meetings we’ve had where it hasn’t been dealt with. I teach and at this time of year we have graduation ceremonies and I had to get back to work,” he said. He pointed out that he signed a motion last December along with Cllr Donnelly which called for the abolition of Irish Water.
Eye on the prize: Specsavers raises over €2,700 for children’s hospital following a hugely successful 5km charity walk in Phoenix Park and a recent bucket collection at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Specsavers Blanchardstown has proudly raised more than €2,700 in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. A further €2,050 was donated by Specsavers Blanchardstown store directors Kerril Hickey and Shirley Mill at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Gold Ball earlier this year, which celebrated the hospital’s 50th anniversary. Last year, Specsavers Blanchardstown, along with the additional Specsavers stores nationwide committed to raising €100,000 in aid of a new ophthalmology unit at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital.
While it has been all but forgotten due to the high profile of the Marriage Referendum, there is another referendum being held on May 22. Voters will be asked to reduce the age at which candidates are eligible for election to the office of President from 35 to 21-years-old. The current legislation reads: “Every citizen who has reached his thirty-fifth year of age is eligible for election to the office of President.” It is proposed that this be changed to: “Every citizen who has reached the age of twenty-one years is eligible for election to the office of President.”
4 BLANCH Gazette 21 May 2015
Mulhuddart Mayor of Fingal and Health Minister launch Motocross facility
Club is ‘a testament to what can be achieved’ Mulhuddart Motocross Club (MMC) was formally launched by Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray and Minister for Health Leo Varadkar on Saturday, May 16. In 2012 the club began work on the track without consultation with residents, many of
whom were not happy about the development. However Safer Blanchardstown acted as mediators and the problems were eventually sorted out. Resident representative Rachael Traynor said: “In the beginning residents were very apprehensive but
we got into discussions with the club committee and presented them with our list of issues. These were noted by the club and slowly worked through. I now sit on the management committee of the club to ensure residents’ concerns are always on the
agenda.” Current Chair of MMC Wayne Carolan said the club is a win for all concerned. “We have a track on which to practise our sport, residents experience much reduced noise, [and] the council reports little or no damage to open
spaces due to motorbikes.” Philip Jennings of Safer Blanchardstown said that the club is a testament to what can be achieved when people work together. “The development and opening of this track is a huge success for all con-
cerned, as the former chairperson of the club, I can attest to the hard work of all members of the management committee, the residents of Parnell and elected members of the council who all placed a lot of trust in the club,” he said.
Exhibition of illustrations on origins of the coffee plant An exhibition of illustrations on the Story of the Coffee Berry and Plant entitled: Toga the Dancing Goat was launched recently at Blanchardstown Library. The exhibition was launched by Tanaiste Joan Burton and the event was attended by the Ethiopian Ambassador to Ireland, her excellency Mrs Lela-Alem Gebreyohanes Tedla and the Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray. The exhibition is made up of illustrations produced by fifth class students from Castaheany Educate Together National School for Toga the Dancing Goat, a retold version
of the Dancing Goats legend from Ethiopia. Toga the Dancing Goat re-tells the story of Toga the Goat from the Kaffa region of present-day Ethiopia, who alerted Kaldi the herder to the Coffea Arabica plant, from which coffee is made. Two years ago pupils in Castaheany Educate Together National School were introduced to this story. The programme was rounded off with a demonstration of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony on the last day. The exhibition will remain on display until Saturday, June 6.
Pictured at the announcement in the Shelbourne Hotel were chief executive officer and president of Mallinckrodt, Mark Trudeau; An Tanaiste, Joan Burton, and Dr David Keenan, vice-president, global external supply and managing director, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Ireland. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography
blanchardstown: €45m investment announced
Mallinckrodt to create 45 full-time positions Keith Bellew
Yet another pharmaceutical company is investing in Blanchardstown with Mallinckrodt plc announcing a €45m investment to expand its operations at College Business and Technology Park. On Wednesday, May 20 the US biopharma specialists announced the construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and office building which will
provide 300 jobs during the two-year construction phase and 45 skilled full-time positions once the construction is completed. This follows on from the announcement last week that Alexion Pharmaceuticals will invest €450m in an expansion of its operations in Mulhuddart which will create 200 jobs. Bristol Myers Squibb also announced a €900m investment in Mulhuddart in November which
will create 350 jobs. An Tanaiste, Joan Burton, joined the company at the announcement event, as well as US ambassador to Ireland Kevin O’Malley. Speaking at the announcement the Tanaiste said she was delighted that Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals has chosen to make this major new investment in Dublin. “The pharmaceutical industry is a key contributor to Ireland’s economy and to Ireland’s growing international reputation as a medical innovation hub,” she said, adding that the announcement represented a significant development, both for the wider Dublin region and for Ireland Inc. “Mallinckrodt has had a strong and valued presence in Ireland for over 20
years and these plans for this new site support our drive for job creation,” she said. Mark Trudeau, chief executive officer and president of Mallinckrodt, said the company was proud to have had a significant presence in Ireland for over two decades, and this investment marked an important step for the company. “Our Irish workforce has served as a tremendous asset to our global operations to date,” he said. Welcoming the investment, Dr David Keenan, managing director, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Ireland, said: “We are pleased to establish this new manufacturing operation on Irish soil and to strengthen Ireland’s pharmaceutical credentials in the process.”
21 May 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5
incident Second attack on a woman this year
Gardai appeal for witnesses of alleged Mulhuddart assault keith bellew
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following an alleged assault on a woman at Blakestown Way near the N3 flyover at the entrance to Mulhuddart Village in the early hours of Sunday, May 17. The woman, who is aged in her late 30s, and was using crutches, was walking her dog along Blakestow n Way at around 2.30am when she said she was attacked by a man. A passing taxi-man saw what was happening and intervened causing the suspected offender to flee the scene. The taxi-driver left the scene without giving his name to the woman. The assailant is described as being aged in his late 20s, around six feet tall with a Dublin accent and a chipped left front tooth. He was wearing jeans and a dark coloured hoody. A Garda spokesperson said the intervention of the taxi-driver undoubtedly prevented this from becoming a more serious assault. Gardai are appealing for the taxi-driver or anyone else with information to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000. This is the second attack on a woman this year in the Blanchardstown area. A 13-yearold girl was attacked in Manorfields in April while out jogging, by a man who attempted to pull a bag over her head. That followed on from an attempted sexual assault on a woman in her 30s in Tir na nOg Park in Carpenterstown last October. There have also been a number of
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following an alleged assault on a woman at Blakestown Way in the early hours of Sunday, May 17
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‘It is certainly a worry that women can’t walk at night in peace and in safety’
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alleged incidents in the last number of months in which young girls have been approached by men in cars. No arrests have been made in relation to any of these incidents. Local representatives have condemned the attack, describing it as shocking. Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) who is Chairman of the Fingal Joint Policing Committee (JPC) said he is very concerned that somebody would be attacked
like that. Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) said she was saddened to hear about the attack and wishes the woman a quick recovery from the shock of the ordeal. She went on to say that she is aware of the incident which occurred in Manorfields in April, but has not heard of any such incident occurring in the Mulhuddart end of the constituency in recent times and hopes that it is just an isolated incident in that particular area. “It is certainly a worry that women can’t walk at night in peace and in safety. Mulhuddart is a wonderful place, it looks very well and it’s a nice place to live so I am sad that that happened. I hope the woman is all right and has recovered because it is an awful shock.
“I’d hate to think that we’re not safe, because I walk every day in the Tolka Valley in Mulhuddart, and thankfully I’ve never had any need to worry. I feel quite safe so hopefully that’s just an isolated incident,” she said. Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) said it was a shocking incident and that it is important that people need to be aware of their surroundings when incidents like this occur. “It’s something I’ll bring up at the Joint Policing Committee of Fingal and at the Safer Blanchardstown Community Policing Forum so that there is a pro-active response so incidents like these can be avoided in the future, and that it can be addressed on that level,” he said.
6 BLANCH Gazette 21 May 2015
don’sdublin Artist Harry Clarke was a true original There are few originals, but Harry Clarke most certainly was one of that rare breed. He was the third child of Henry Clarke (decorator from Leeds) who arrived in Dublin in 1877 and his wife, Brigid, and was born on St Patrick’s Day in 1889. He attended Model School (Marlborough Street) before going to nearby Belvedere College. After leaving in 1905, he took up an apprenticeship in his father’s studio, that by now had added a stained-glass section. Work was tough and his skills were soon noted in the Dublin Art School where he went to evening classes. In 1910, his work was recognised countrywide for the first time when his The Consecration of St Mel, Bishop of Longford, by St Patrick won the gold medal for stained-glass work in the Board of Education National Competition. Shortly afterwards he went to London, where he worked as a book illustrator for the publisher Harrap & Co. Here he was able to transfer his skill of working in glass and his first printed work was Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Next was a set of illustrations of Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales
of Mystery and Imagination, a work so brilliantly done that Clarke’s reputation as an illustrator was assured. When his father died in 1921, Harry and his brother Walter took over the studio, and produced more than 160 stained-glass windows for both commercial and religious commissions. His work suffuses strong, bright colours and the brilliant drawing of elongated, expressive figures is breathtaking, especially when backlit by strong sunshine. The use of such colour was something that he loved having been influenced by the great stained-glass windows at Chartres Cathedral. As his fame grew he received commissions from England, America and Australia and he worked tirelessly in the smoky studio. Clarke suffered with lung problems all his life so the studio environment was bad for him. He continued and was finally diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1929. While returning to Dublin from a sanatorium Clarke died in Chur, Switzerland, on January 6, 1931, where he is buried. He was only 41.
Don Cameron www.donsdublin.wordpress.com
fingal Increased usage of the Royal Canal
The redraft of the tourism strategy for the Fingal area plans to promote the National Sports Campus as a high quality training centre
Tourism strategy to focus more on D15 Keith Bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com
T h e t o u r i s m s t r a tegy for the Fingal area has been redrafted to include more to benefit the Dublin 15 area. This came about following representations by local councillors that there was more focus on north Fingal than Dublin 15 when the first draft of the plan was brought before the council in March. A number of the new D u b l i n 15 f o c u s e d action points include: a potential Liffey Valley Greenway, a Liffey Valley Discovery Centre, the increased usage of the Royal Canal, and the promotion of the National Sports Campus as a high quality training centre. Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray (FF) had raised concerns about Dublin 15 not being adequately represented in the previous draft of the plan. She congratulated the strategy team on the work they put into the new draft and said she was particularly happy
to see that there will be increased usage of the Royal Canal as part of the strategy. “As the longest serving councillor in the Dublin 15 area I would have been battering at this issue for a long, long time, so I’m delighted to see it included in there,” she said, adding that the work that has gone into the strategy is unbelievable. “Congratulations to everyone, it’s a great day for Fingal,” she said. Cllr Roderic
O’Gorman (GP) who was also very vocal with his concerns about the previous plan prioritising north Fingal also we l c o m e d t h e n e w draft. “I’m pleased that, following lobbying by myself and other councillors, the draft Fingal Tourism Strategy has been substantially altered to include more references to the Dublin 15 area,” he said, adding his thanks to the team for taking a number of specific action points
he had lobbied for on board. “Tourism can be a key driver in providing employment across Fingal. “In doing so, it can provide improved facilities for everyone in the area. “It is important that the facilities in the Dublin 15 are properly recognised in the wider scope of Fingal and that the council promotes this part of Fingal to the same extent as the rest of the county,” he said.
21 May 2015 BLANCH GAZETTE 7
METHADONE Concern over Mountview Health Centre rumours
‘No plan to increase services’ KEITH BELLEW
THERE will be no increase in the number of people receiving methadone treatment in the grounds of Mountview Health Centre, the HSE has confirmed. This comes on the back of rumours that methadone services for the entire Fingal area would be accessing services at the clinic i n Mo u n t v i e w. T h e rumours were sparked by the fact that the specially adapted mobile unit for dispensing methadone to service users in the grounds of Mountview Health Centre will be discontinued and ser vices moved inside the building, which has been discussed for a number of
years. The mobile unit has been operating in Mountview for 15 years, but according to the HSE it is no longer considered a dignified method of engaging with clients and limits confidentiality. “In addition to this, the mobile unit is old and requires constant maintenance and therefore a decision was made to move the dispensing service into the main building on the same site to ensure staff and client safety,” said a HSE spokesperson. T he spokesperson went on to say: “There is no HSE plan to increase services or expand provision beyond what already exists at this site. “T he provision of
suitable and dignified dispensing ser vices from Mountview Health Centre will be available to the existing services users currently attending the mobile unit.” Cllr Natalie Treacy (SF) said that residents have made representations to her about their concerns regarding an increase in services on site, as had business owners who are close to the medical centre. She said she has since made contact with members of the Drugs Task Force in North County Dublin who have confirmed that people receiving methadone treatment elsewhere in Fingal will not be relocated to Mountview as it makes no sense to have service users travel so far for
The HSE has confirmed that there will be no increase in methadone treatments at Mountview Health Centre
treatment. In relation to the service itself, Cllr Treacy said: “People on methadone need it, they need to be looked after. The fact is that we do have a lot of young
people in the area [who receive treatment] and they’re local people and they need to be looked after.” She went on to say that the ser vice has been on location in
Mountview for 15 years without most people knowing about it. “That goes to show you how well it was run. The service users just get their methadone and leave,” she said.
AWARDS Local film festival on the list FINGAL Film Festival has been shortlisted for the Ireland Event Industry Awards 2015. The awards celebrate excellence and showcase the very highest standards in Ireland’s event industry, and the trophies will be handed out at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 27, at the DoubleTree, Burlington Road. Meanwhile the festival is preparing to launch its fourth instalment. Submissions are now open and the deadline for submissions is June 30. The festival is due to take place from September 25–27 at a venue to be confirmed in the coming weeks. For further information, visit www.fingalfilmfest.com
8 BLANCH Gazette 21 May 2015
gazetteGALLERY gazetteGALLERIES
Siobhan Walsh, Eva Kavanaugh and Claire Fagan at Draiocht Blanchardstown for the start of a ten-venue tour of Maeve’s House by Eamon Morrissey. This delightful one-man show, based on the life and work of Maeve Brennan, features extracts from Maeve Brennan’s writing and presents a moving portrait of two artists in conversation across generations. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan
Douglas Kelly
Draiocht: the life and work of Maeve Brennan
Moving portrait of two artists in conversation
Ian Dooley, Anne O’Connell, Patricia Dooley and Charlie O’Connor
Maria Bradley and Claire Fagan
Kathy Downes
21 May 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9
Celine Newman and Peg Griffin
Tom and Caroline Doyle
Mary and Tom Kehoe
Tomas Hickey, Mary Rice and James Henderson
Tony Herra, John McCarthy, Denis Prendergast, Sean Martin and Michael Boyle
Tony Hahessy and Patricia Sheridan
10 gazette 21 May 2015
21 May 2015 Gazette 11
equality P14-15
dublinlife
asdfsdaf outings P27 P16
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
A DAY IN THE LIFE: singer-songwriter damien dempsey’s routines
what’son
He’s boxing clever with yoga to help him relax
Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
AHEAD of his appearance at this year’s Salmon Leap Festival in Leixlip, which runs from May 29 to 31, singer Damien Dempsey took some time out to run through an average day in his life. “I get up at around 11am and I’ll have some warm lemon water, a Granny Smith apple and some vitamins. “If it’s sunny at all, I’ll get out on a bit of a quilt and do yoga moves – I know about five of them! “So, I’ll do them in the sun, get the old vitamin D in, and the bit of air while stretching. Then I’ll do some [yoga] breathing at the end of it. That’ll put you in good form. “Then I go back in and probably have some free-range scrambled eggs and vegetarian sausages,” he said. Dempsey then gets a chance to check his emails before doing some song-writing or cycling to Howth or Portmarnock
for a swim if the tide is in. “I might meet up with friends of mine. There’s a few lads from Darndale, an actor and a rapper and I get together with them. We’ll have an old pow-wow and a chat and then go down to the cinema. “Then I might meet my father for lunch; he’s retired now and lives in the area. I might meet my mother; she lives in the city so I might go in there for lunch, either at her house or out in a cafe.” Dempsey likes to have dinner at home when he is not on the road, and often keeps it simple with some fried fish and oven chips. “Then I’d watch a bit of telly in the evening. I record a load of documentaries and movies on the old Sky box. In the evening too, I’ll probably go down to St Anne’s Park for a jog or to the boxing club and do a few rounds on the bag and a little bit of sparring.
Gazette
diary P12
Dublin Garden Festival
Damien Dempsey: “Before I go to bed at around 5am, I just love the stillness of the night to reflect on things when everybody’s dreaming”
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‘I’m staying clear of any punches to the head. It’s making the singing easier now that I can breathe through my nose’ -----------------------------------------
“I don’t do head shots anymore; I’m getting a bit too old for that. I got my nose fixed as my septum was deviated from years of getting hit. “So I just got it fixed now; I’m staying clear of any punches to the head. It’s
making the singing a bit easier now that I can breathe through my nose. “Before I go to bed at around 5am, I just love the stillness of the night to reflect on things when everybody’s dreaming.” This year’s line-up at at the Salmon Leap Festival also features KILA, Sharon Shannon, Altan, Mundy, Eddi Reader, Luka Bloom, Mairtin O’Connor Trio, Alan Kelly Gang, The Whileaway and more. Day tickets for the event are priced at €35, and weekend tickets cost €75. They are available from www.salmonleapfestival.com.
A stunning flower festival with contemporary and classic arrangements will be held at the Dublin Garden Festival in Christchurch Cathedral from June 19 to 21. This is the first time Christ Church Cathedral has held a garden festival and the arrangements that will be on display are designed by some of Ireland’s most talented floral artists. The Cathedral will be transformed into a floral arcadia with an array of floral displays which will fill the medieval building with colour. Visitors will receive advice from gardening and horticultural professionals, and along with displays, there will also be a petting zoo, Irish food produce, urban gardens, birds of prey, craft demonstrations, live entertainment and an outdoor artisan food tent. On Friday and Saturday, a number of talks entitled Gardening With The Experts will take place with guest speakers including world renowned gardener Helen Dillon and award-winning florist Christopher White. For further information, see www.dublingardenfestival.ie.
GAZETTE
12 GAZETTE 21 May 2015
DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
Gazette Group editor Mimi Murray (right) is calling on people to vote Yes on May 22, as she believes it is right to extend equality to all families and LGBT people
EDITOR ON EQUALITY
Vote Yes to make all our citizens equal ON MAY 22, we are being asked to vote in the same-sex marriage equality referendum. As someone who has gay family members, friends and colleagues – which I’m sure many of you do – I have read about, listened to and debated the issue with many people, both pro and anti. This is something that affects all our lives, or will most likely affect us in the future, particularly for our kids and grandkids, and beyond. T here have been some reasonable arguments from both sides, and also some vile and nasty comments, again emanating from both sides. As with almost all of us, I like to think that I am a reasonable and fair person who tries to see things from both sides, but there is one thing that I cannot shake – I cannot stop thinking about how every member of the LGBT community in Ireland is going to feel on May 23 if this referendum does not carry. I will not be able to look those LGBT family members, friends and colleagues in the eye if we vote no to
their equality, because, effectively, what we as a nation will have said to them is this: “You can ride the bus with us, but you have to sit at the back.” If the No vote carries, we will have told our LGBT citizens that they are equal, yet will have still voted against extending true equality to them – a contradiction that I cannot, will not, accept. -------------------------
‘I feel I will not be able to look LGBT family members in the eye if we vote No to their equality’ -------------------------
I grew up in a small Irish town in the 1980s, in an open minded family. But homosexuality was not something that was ever really seen, because most gay people stayed in the closet. Nowadays, members of the LGBT community can be more open about who they love, and who they are, and some people may feel that this is enough. We have come a long way; that is cor-
rect. Some people say: “LGBT people already have the option of a civil partnership, so why do they need marriage, too?” My belief is that we cannot say to two adults who love each other and want to commit to each other, that they are equal to us – but are not really equal. I really want to be able to attend my best friend’s wedding, to know that we can all participate in that special day, the same way I would with any of my other friends. I want to know that my children or grandchildren, whatever their sexual orientation, will have the same rights as their siblings. And it’s my belief that until you are in that position, that a family member comes out to you, in fear and desperation, that you will ever really know how important this vote is. That’s why I will be voting Yes on May 22. Voting Yes is a vote to support my kids and grandkids – and to support all of our nation’s children and families.
Mimi Murray
Editor, Gazette Group
Temple Bar Food Market now draws food producers of the finest quality to set up stalls. Picture: Kasia Kaminska
Eighteen years of fine food in Temple Bar THE ever popular Temple Bar Food Market is celebrating its 18th birthday. The market is held in Meeting House Square from 10am to 4.30pm each Saturday and attracts gourmands from all over Dublin for its foodie delights. T h e m a r ke t h a s grown over the past 18 years of its existence, both in popularity and sophistication. Temple Bar Food Market now draws food producers of the finest quality to set up stalls. Some of the finest growers of produce, fishmongers and bakers in Dublin and all over the country are now regular stall-holders at the market. They include: Ariosa Coffee Roasting Company, Wildf lour Bakery, Paddy Jack, who produces his fine range of distinctive Abbey Cheeses from his farm in Cuffsboro, Co Laois, slabs of Bean and Goose Chocolate made by Irish chocolatiers and sisters Karen and Natalie Keane and many more.
SPOKETACULAR GETAWAY FOR THIEF A THIEF stole a painting from Duke Street Gallery and made his getaway in a manner that probably hasn’t been seen since the war of independence. After pinching the painting Leeson Street by Irish artist Joby Hickey, the thief made his escape on a bicycle. The painting which is valued at €1,150, was on display outside the gallery and the man made a circuit of the gallery’s perimeter before snatching it while pretending to park his bicycle. He pretended to lock up the bike but jumped behind the railing and cut the painting from the easel to which it was attached. Gallery staff said that they tried to give chase but were unable to catch up. Gardai at Pearse Street station are investigating the case.
RIVERFEST RETURNS THREE tall ships are due to arrive into North Wall Quay this June Bank Holiday, as Dublin Port’s Riv-
erfest returns. From May 30 to June 1, the festival will offer entertainment galore as well as plenty of good food and drink to visitors. Organised by the Dublin Port Company and the Docklands Business Forum, this year’s event promises to be a unique celebration which will be held all along the historic quays of Dublin. A huge array of activities are planned over the course of the weekend including the arrival of three tall ships and four schooners which will berth at North Wall Quay for the weekend. Kayaking sessions will be available for landlubbers to try out and Dublin Bay Cruises the St Bridget will offer three trips daily out into Dublin Bay. The magnificent Jeanie Johnson will once again be offering free tours.
ROW OVER ENDA’S COMMENTS THE Dail descended into chaos recently with Taoiseach Enda Kenny telling Anti-Austerity-Alliance deputies “where to go”.
Deputy Paul Murphy (AAA) was questioning Enda on whether people who refuse to pay their water bills will be brought to court prior to next year’s general election and if so had he any alternative career prospects lined up. Enda told Murphy he wouldn’t “spoon feed” him and he should “toddle along” to an Irish Water presentation being given in Leinster House that afternoon and direct his questions to them. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked what the point of leaders’ questions was and Enda responded with a wink saying: “To tell you where to go.” Deputy Roisin Shortall (Ind) took exception to this and refused to sit down until Enda apologised. Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett weighed in with what is fast becoming his catchphrase: “Will you sit down?” After reiterating this for the umpteenth time to no avail he was obliged to suspend proceedings for 10 minutes. The circus continues!
21 May 2015 Gazette 13
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dublinlife
for: it is right to extend equality to all citizens
By voting Yes, we will strengthen the ties of all our diverse families THIS is an important milestone for the country, and for the Labour Party. As we approach the centenary of the Easter Rising, there is
much reflection in our political debates on its legacy, and the most appropriate means of commemorating it. This is not just a cam-
paign about abstract rights or legal entitlements – it is a deeply personal and human campaign that is primarily about treating people
with dignity, respect, and fairness. I have been listening these past few months to many deeply moving personal stories. I believe it these stories that will sway the argument towards a Yes vote on May 22. I have been particularly struck by the emotions of parents and grandparents who have joined the campaign to express their support for their gay and lesbian children and grandchildren who desire to marry in this country. Every Yes vote in this referendum is a show of solidarity, not only with those directly affected but also with their families, parents, siblings and their wider family circles. It is a signal to all of them that we treasure them all as full and equal citizens. Marriage is one of the most cherished institutions in our culture. We cherish it because it creates a stable bond between two individuals which strengthens them as a couple and strengthens all of society as a result. We encourage couples to marry because the vows they make to one another offers advantages to themselves, but are also tremendously beneficial to the whole community. By voting Yes, our people can agree to extend the value of committed and enduring domestic relationships to all cou-
Joan Burton: “Ours is a complex, diverse society that contains many family types and many forms of parenting. It is offensive and preposterous to suggest that children should be exclusively reared in one form of household only.”
ples. By voting Yes, we strengthen their ties with the rest of us. By voting Yes, we are also telling these couples, their parents, their siblings, their friends and work colleagues, as well as society as a whole, that their relationships are equally worthy, equally legitimate, equally permanent and equally valued. Opponents of this amendment, on the other hand, seem to be fixated on the notion of the “ideal family” – whatever that means. Thousands of people in our country have been raised by singleparent families because of the death of a spouse, because of divorce, or
because of many other reasons. Many others, myself included, have been raised by adoptive parents. It is insulting to all the Irish people who are part of such family arrangements that somehow they are second-class because they do not fit easily into some supposedly perfect family fit. Ours is a complex, diverse society that contains many family types and many forms of parenting. It is offensive and preposterous to suggest that children should be exclusively reared in one form of household only. Speaking in a different time and in a different context – to students
in South Africa in the 1960s – then Senator Robert Kennedy (himself a devout Catholic) spoke about equality. He said: “We must recognize the full human equality of all of our people not because it is economically advantageous – although it is; not because the laws of God command it – although they do; not because people in other lands wish it so. “We must do it for the single and fundamental reason that it is the right thing to do.” The Yes cause is a good and just one, and Labour will lead from the front.
Joan Burton Tanaiste and leader of the Labour Party
21 May 2015 Gazette 15
EQUALITY REFERENDUM against: we must not change this institution
It’s okay and right to vote No, to protect the definition of marriage THIS referendum boils down to a simple consideration: what marriage is, and what marriage is not. We as a people have to decide between these, and we need to get it right.. Marriage has a definite meaning and purpose. These [are inherent] in human nature as male and female. Marriage is thus always gender-based. It is rightly defined as the comprehensive union of man and woman: physical, emotional, spiritual. This is what marriage is. Marriage is not what we want or choose it to be. Marriage is always itself; a truly noble thing that somehow draws a man and a woman to become better than their individual natures. The purpose of marriage includes procreation, family life and the succession of generations. Society is utterly dependent on all of these for its welfare and continued existence. Marriage upholds the common good through love, affection, sacrifice and true values, as well as educating and raising children to be good citizens. This is why the State takes an interest in every marriage. The Constitution says: “The State pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of marriage, on which the family is founded, and to protect it against attack”. In the Constitution, marriage and family are closely intertwined;
change one, and you change the other. Voting No protects the integrity of marriage and the family. It does so by keeping the Constitution free of the dangerous falsehood proposed by this referendum. Voting Yes does the opposite. Yes inserts a lie into the very heart of the Constitution which attacks both marriage and family. This must have detrimental consequences for everyone. The lie is this: we are asked to pretend that a man-man relationship (or a woman-woman one) is functionally the same and no different from a manwoman relationship. This is plainly not true. They are distinct and different; voting No agrees they are different. Yes does the opposite. It redefines marriage from what it is, to what it is not. Most people have little inkling of the ultimate consequences of voting Yes. They assume samesex “marriage” has no harmful effects. It seems OK, so why not. “Seems OK” is not good enough, however. Each of us must be informed about the consequences. StandUp4Marriage has produced a four-page leaflet which outlines clearly the main consequences of voting either No or Yes. Download it from www.standup4marriage.ie. The consequences of voting No are entirely beneficial to the common good. Yes does the oppo-
site. Falsehoods and false reasoning are not easy to spot. We should not be deceived into voting yes. The leaflet also answers truthfully the emotional questions people find most difficult. Marriage has specific requirements arising out of its nature. One party must be a man and the other a woman. No samesex relationship can fulfil either the meaning or purpose of marriage; this is the acid test. The difference boils down to what marriage is and what marriage is not. No gay person will be at a loss from a No vote; but marriage, family and children – which is everyone – will be affected
adversely by a Yes vote. And it doesn’t stop there. Civil partnerships are the reasonable solution; they are tailored-made for same-sex relationships and do not affect the integrity of marriage or the family. In voting No, people are simply upholding what they know in their very being to be right and true. They uphold the Constitution and the law as they are. Yes does the opposite. Whether your mind is clear, unclear or undecided, it’s right and okay to vote No.
Barry Jones Founder and chairman of StandUp4marriage; www.standup4marriage.ie
Barry Jones: “Marriage has specific requirements arising out of its nature. One party must be a man and the other a woman. No same-sex relationship can fulfil either the meaning or purpose of marriage.”
Gazette
16 Gazette 21 May 2015
dublinlife
OUTINGS families: new attractions revealed
Get a flavour of the fun to be had at Tayto Park
staff reporter
TAYTO Park is back for its fifth season and although dinosaurs may be generally extinct from the face of the earth, they are alive and well in Tayto Park, as our intrepid young reporters found out recently. Our boys in the field said that being at the park in County Meath was like “being on holidays”; the sun was shining and it was a perfect day for outdoor events. First up was the lifelike animatronic dinosaur spectacular, which features the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Dilophosaurous and Baryonyx. Dinosaurs have been wiped off the face of the planet, but you wouldn’t know this at Tayto Park – just listen to their roar to find out! Next up – and not for the faint-hearted – was the Eagle Sky Adventure
Zone, which was by far the highlight of the day for our reporters in the field. “The eagle’s nest shoots up 10 feet in the air, and the air race was spinning and twisting through the air. Along with the zipwire and climbing walls, there was something for everybody,” one of our boys, eight-year-old Aaron, said. Pulse-racing speeds
Taking its cue from world-renowned theme parks, the Tayto Park “Air Race” will set hearts pounding, and is the perfect way for adrenaline junkies to ease their way into the park, clocking up some pulse-racing speeds. Next up was “the Rotator”; an incredible highspeed spinning sensation. The thrills and spills for children continued with the Sky Tower; a 10-metre vertical climb that will have the kids feeling like they are on top of the
world. Other new attractions at Tayto Park include a three-carriage road train that transports visitors from one end of the park to the other, a steam train track ride which operates on a traditional track around Tayto Park, and the only “5D” cinema in Ireland, screening fiveand ten-minute films, depending on how much time you have to spare. There is also a childfriendly “Honey-Pot Roundabout” for children to enjoy in Tayto Park. Overall, our boys had a blast and cannot wait to get back down to Tayto Park. The boys have had their say, but the last word went to dad, who said: “This is an excellent family day and well worth buying the wrist bands for an additional €15, as the kids can then go on everything as often as they like and really get their value for money.”
www.dublingazette.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
Mr Tayto greets his new friends at Tayto Park: Michael, Luke, Luke and Aaron. The boys had a great day , with the new attractions proving a big hit with visitors.
21 May 2015 Gazette 17
style P22
asdfsdaf P27 music P24
OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
top hat: make a real song and dance about a classic musical
Pets
Get ready to go cheek to cheek with a timeless tale
Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
CLASSIC musical Top Hat – one of the most enduring musicals, made famous by the screwball comedy starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – is coming to Bord Gais Energy Theatre from May 27 to June 6. The show is based on the 1935 movie and features 12 songs, including Top Hat, and Let’s Face the Music and Dance. There is also a full orchestra, full West End sets and a cast of 30. The Gazette spoke to Dublin cast member, John Conroy who plays the valet Bates in the show. Conroy is also a former butler who has served the likes of Britain’s Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent and Margaret Thatcher. Speaking from Southampton, Conroy said: “People think of a lot of dance when they think of Top Hat, but it’s actually very funny with a great script.” Conroy has a long relationship with musical theatre which stretches back to his membership in the Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society before he left
Dublin in 1973. He moved to London to work in a hotel, and then got into part-time work as a butler, through an actress he worked with who owned a butlering agency. On butlering, he said: “It’s hard work, though people think you swan about. I worked in the City of London, in banks and institutions. It was very hard work. “You set up a room with Wedgewood and Waterford Glass and the best of everything, practically using rulers to make sure the dimensions are right on the table. “That would be all done for one business lunch that would be over in an hour. You have to give a very, very subtle service. You just greet the guests, alert the hosts and let them sit down. “So, it was very discreet and very quiet as they were discussing major business and you had to sign privacy requirements not to divulge anything that you heard, and you did hear things said by ambassadors and government ministers. “The Duke of Kent was a regular,
Gazette
food P18
Little Julius is looking for loving home
John Conroy in character as Bates in the classic musical, Top Hat
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‘I have nothing in common with Margaret Thatcher, and her policies were dreadful, but it was my job’ -----------------------------------------
John Conroy
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and Margaret Thatcher used to come for Burns Night, at a Scottish bank I worked for. These people are very used to being looked after, so you just treat them pleasantly and look them in the eye and smile and they’re fine. “I have nothing in common with
Margaret Thatcher, and her policies were dreadful, but it was my job. I took people as I found them, and they were really polite and nice,” he said. Conroy went on to say that he used the poise he’d learned as a butler when meeting the likes of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman later on, who attended a show he was in. He also worked with the late Patrick Swayze, who he described as charming. Top Hat also stars all-England tapdancer of the year Alan Burkitt as Jerry Travers, and West End actress Charlotte Gooch as Dale Tremont. Tickets cost from €20 to €65, and are available at www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Julius, a three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. This little chap is just full to the brim with character, a typical little terrier! Julius loves to play with tennis balls and also adores cuddles. He will need a home where someone is going to be home most of the day, as he will form a strong attachment with his new family. He is super clever so will enjoy some training to keep him busy and he also loves getting out for his walks. If you think you could offer Julius a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.
Gazette
18 Gazette 21 May 2015
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK
BITESIZEDNEWS
The Leggera Pollo Arrabbiata is a low calorie pasta
New selection of low calorie options More low calorie dishes have been added to Milano as part of its Leggera range. Celebrating its 20th year in Ireland, Milano is marking the start of summer with a selection of dishes including skinny pizzas, a low-cal pasta and desserts.
Al Forno A brand new and exciting addition to the Leggera range, is the Leggera Pollo Arrabbiata (€12.65). The first ever low calorie pasta in the range, this is a spicy chicken dish and comes in at only 525 calories. So indulge, guilt free! Salads The Leggera Superfood Salad (€13.45) is a feast for the senses this summer! It’s packed with nutritious ingredients including baby spinach, seasonal mixed leaves, roasted butternut squash, beetroot, light baby mozzarella, avocado, pine kernels, cucumber, lentils, fresh basil and balsamic syrup – all adding up to just 337 calories. For €1.55, chicken can be added, taking it to 385 calories, or salmon, taking it to a modest 451 calories. Pizzas The Leggera range of skinny pizzas means everyone can enjoy their favourite toppings without the guilt. Topped with a fresh salad and finished with Milano’s Light House Dressing, the range starts at just 396 calories (American Hot Leggera) and are all under 500 calories. The newest addition is the Leggera Sloppy Giuseppe (€12.45). Hot spiced beef, green peppers, red onion, tomato and light mozzarella, make this a truly delicious pizza. Desserts The new Leggera Tartufo Limoncello (€6.80) is the perfect way to finish and is just 210 calories. It’s made with a mix of Southern Italian flavours - a Sicilian lemon gelato mixed with a creamy Fiordilatte gelato with Limoncello sauce cutting through the middle. The Leggera Sorbet (€5.95) consists of two scoops of fresh lemon curd or dairy-free raspberry sorbet, served with a chocolate straw and fresh mint – both for under 200 calories. The Dolectti versions – mini versions served with any coffee – are both under 90 calories, which means no one has to skip dessert.
Irish pupils created Ireland’s biggest bruschetta, totalling 25 feet in length. Pictures: Marc O’Sullivan
Holding healthy high
Over 60 local schoolchildren descended on Jamie’s Italian in the Dundrum Town Centre to create Ireland’s largest bruschetta, at 25ft, in honour of Jamie’s Food Revolution Day on May 15. The children really took to the task, getting stuck into the task of rubbing the toasted bread with garlic, chopping kilos of squishy tomatoes, drizzling it with olive oil and sprinkling over it with fresh basil, which they tore up with great gusto. Jamie’s Italian head chef Nick Lentini taught the children all about the food pyramid and why it is important to eat a balanced, healthy and tasty diet. E a c h y e a r, J a m i e looks to encourage better food knowledge and education amongst families with a specific emphasis on children, what they eat and what they know about food. This year, he will be
calling on all G20 Governments to provide cooking lessons in all schools. The Gazette spoke to owner of Jamie’s Italian Gerry Fitzpatrick after the children had left, fed and satisfied. He said: “The event was to try to get the children cooking by doing some fairly simple things. “That’s what we did – a simple bruschetta – toasted bread, tomatoes and garlic, olive oil, fresh basil and we grated cheese, parmesan or feta over it. “The best thing about it all was that the kids actually ate it, and I didn’t think they would. They all sat down in a little group and all ate it. They had loads of questions and it was fantastic. “One of the things Jamie’s campaign is about is obesity and with processed foods a lot of people haven’t got a clue what they’re eat-
ing. What we do here is make sure to create a lot of stuff from scratch and we know 100% about our ingredients. “We don’t have anything bought in that’s prepped. It’s very good from the chef’s point of view because there are not many restaurants or organisations where the love and passion for food is part of its ethos. The guys who work here really love food. “We’ve had a couple of chefs leave because there are easier gigs elsewhere but they’ve come back. That’s because this is a great nurturing ground for people who want to make a career out of food.” Since opening in the Dundrum Town Centre, three years ago, Fitzpatrick said business has been great and lots of locals come in. He said the restaurant opened up in the middle of a recession but business is getting stronger and stronger.
Eabha Fitzpatrick and Aoibheann Falkiner
Getting stuck in to a healthy treat
Jamie’s Italian won the restaurant of the year last week in the Dundrum Town Centre where there are over 40 food operators in business. It was done by
mystery shoppers who scored them at 96% for service. Now Fitzpatrick is looking in the city centre to open a second Jamie’s Italian.
21 May 2015 Gazette 19
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20 gazette 21 May 2015
OUT&ABOUT
Set on the sparkling shores of Naama Bay, the lovely waters and gardens of Ghazala Gardens provide a sun-kissed setting for holidaymakers
egypt: sharm el sheik’s mix of luxury and culture delights
For those looking to take part in local excursions, experienced guides will ensure that camel riding won’t give you the hump
A little Pharaoh away, but well worth the trip ian begley
LIKE many Irish people, when it comes to looking for a holiday my needs are simple – the sun, the beach, interesting things to see and do and a great variety of food. Fortunately, my recent Red Sea Holiday’s trip to Sharm el Sheik, Egypt ticked all the right boxes. Excited at the prospect of visiting a location that has proven itself to be a major player in Egypt’s vital tourism industry, I was happy to stay at the popular Ghazala Gardens. Brilliantly positioned on the sandy shores of Naama Bay, and within walking distance of the
resort’s many shops, bars and restaurants, its location for me scored a perfect 10. The selling point, however, was that our hotel was within a five-minute walking distance to the beach – a factor that certainly made me happy. The grounds and facilities of the Ghazala Gardens hotel were equally as impressive, featuring an impressive pool area with beautiful, well-kept gardens. My room was very spacious, clean and aesthetically pleasing, offering a modern touch to an Egyptian interior design. The creme de la creme, however, was my room’s ground floor balcony
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‘One of the very interesting excursions I went on during my stay was paying a visit to the Bedouin tribe in the heart of the Sinai Desert to get a taste of their traditional way of life’
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which extended out to the swimming pool. The only downside was that my room did not have wifi. I was very pleased with the culinary range, which left me spoiled for choice in its selection of cuisines, from American-style buffets to Italian, Brazilian and Mexican restaurants. Most days, and at any given chance, I made the short trek to our hotel’s
private, sandy beach, which offered complimentary sun beds and umbrellas. Getting a tan wasn’t hard in the 30-degree heat and the beach’s nearby bar was the perfect way to cool off in the hot sun. During the evening time, when Sharm el Sheik comes alive, a trip to Naama Bay, the Old Market or Soho Square
satisfied my desire for impressive restaurants, entertainment and good natured haggling. Fortunately, these locations are only about 15 minutes apart from one another, so taxi fares won’t set you back. One of the very interesting excursions I went on during my stay was paying a visit to the Bedouin tribe in the heart of the Sinai Desert to get a taste of their traditional way of life. During our trip, we took a short ride on a camel and climbed the nearby hills to watch the sunset and take some incredible photos. We then made bread on an open fire, and had a buffet barbecue after-
21 May 2015 gazette 21
Gazette
TRAVEL
From traditional market bartering to ancient mosques, excursions and, of course, clear waters off balmy beaches, Sharm el Sheik delights. Pictures: Ian Begley
wards. Then, when it got dark, we went stargazing with an expert astronomer, learning some very interesting facts about the night sky. The highlight of my stay in Sharm el Sheik was definitely our cruise trip to the Tiran Island Ras Mohamed, where our group enjoyed a relaxing and thrilling experience
snorkelling and taking in the sun. I was amazed by the coral reefs and marine life just off these islands, dazzled by the breathtaking kaleidoscope of underwater colours that changed constantly. Sharm el Sheikh offers plenty to see and do, too. There are all sorts of traditional crafts and souvenirs that can be bought
from the many bazaars, and you’ll find no shortage of restaurants and nightclubs at every turn. Built exclusively for tourists, the town thrives at making its guests feel welcome and exclusive with a wide range of excursions on offer to keep you occupied. With good value for money and everything
that is needed in a summer holiday, Sharm el Sheik is definitely a place that is worth visiting and revisiting. For further information on award-winning Red Sea Holidays and how to book your Sharm el Sheikh escape, with tours and packages starting from this week, see www.redseaholidays.ie/
Top local tips to help save your skin and wallet ... A VISIT to Sharm el Sheikh can be a very enjoyable experience, but – as with all holidays – it helps to keep your wits about you. As in most big cities, you need to watch your wallet – or purse. Everyone wants you to buy in their shop. But if you just walk past them and say the Arabic word for thank you (“Shukran”/”Shook-run”), you can get by the hustlers with ease. Make sure that you realise that eight Egyptian pounds is the equivalent of a euro,
and be sure to carry small notes and coins (right) around with you, as many vendors will give you a hard time if you want your full change. Finally, during the summer time, Egypt is rife with mosquitos that absolutely love Irish skin, so remember to pack lots of insect repellent before your trip!
OUT&ABOUT Joules Cherry bl
5 ber €49.9 Quilted bom
ossom shirt €59 .95
a Vero Mod
House of Fraser Therapy illustration €91
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Kilken
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House of Fra
25 se €1 r u P n roga gh G a n n Susa
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€7
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mimi murray
WITH all this precarious weather, you may just feel like staying in the winter blacks - but that would be a mistake, as it’s time to embrace summer with a rainbow of colours! What better way to do that than with a bold floral print? These prints are everywhere – whether from outlets at Clerys to intimate boutiques – and they’re fun, flirty and can even be edgy. From a palazzo pant in stunning 1970s prints to a fabulous frock, or a floral bomber (that is surprisingly versatile to wear and will liven up a simple summer frock) it’s time to get out there and start picking some flowers!
al top €33
ser Biba orch
€60
nic Oasis Bota
id trousers € 90
t wallet
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Gazette
STYLE
FIVE OF THE BEST
Kilkenny Shop Aideen Bodkin Samba Dress €274.95
BLUSH A BIT of blush is essential to make you look just peachy. With the almost gale-force winds we’ve been having lately, you may already be sporting a fairly rosy glow on your cheeks, but if not, check out our pick this week for blushers.
Dealz s Candyflos 9 1.4 € r e h Blus
aph Autogr e Pure lux er in sh lu b imult al €16 sof t cor
Miss S elfridg e Tropic
al blue a
nd orang e dress
€42
Autograp h Fit
ted pencil
dress €80
Elizabeth Arden Pearl bronzer and highlighter €36
Char l Tilbu otte ry Love G blushe low r €39
Urban D ec Af terglow ay Obsessed €28
GAZETTE
24 GAZETTE 21 May 2015
OUT&ABOUT
MUSIC PAUL WELLER: SATURNS PATTERN
Paul Weller’s latest studio album shows he’s not lost his hunger for creativity
Feel starstruck by celestial work COLM MURRAY
“THERE’S not much else groups can do but play live and make records,” stated Paul Weller in 1992. Three separate incarnations, spread over the last 40-odd years, has seen Weller at the cutting edge of popular music. N o w, u p o n t h e release of his 12th studio album, and 23rd in total – Saturns Pattern (Warner Brothers) – his creative juices don’t appear to be waning anytime soon. The usual trajectory is that artists burst out of the blocks looking to roll the world into a question, desperate to push at creative boundaries, experiment, and play loose with form and structure. In later years, their work becomes more traditional, conventional, and bound up in details and craftsmanship. Weller went through his drear y, classicist period in the late 1990s and early millennium and is now deep into an unexpected and extraordinary Indian summer. Saturns Pattern is his fourth album of a creative rebirth that began with 2008’s 22 Dreams. It’s remarkable that this one-time reactionary dad-rocker is now crafting albums that are collages of sound, but it is hugely laudable – and enjoyable. Saturns Pattern ranges through warped psychedelia, funk, acid rock and off-kilter time signatures, yet is never remotely over-thought or layered for the sake of it.
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‘Saturns Pattern is Weller’s fourth album of a creative rebirth that began with 2008’s 22 Dreams’ --------------------------
The opener, White Sky, is a Mod anthem with echoes of Hendrix sprinkled all over it. The title track is a similarly reverb-laden excursion into 1960s pop’s more experimental terrains, with a lone organ whirring and hovering over the tune. A love song, Going My Way sounds tense and clenched, always on the verge of conflagration. His recent catalogue has paid surprising homage to David Bowie, and Long Time is the latest instalment: its stomping glam riffs and drums and synths could have come straight from Aladdin Sane. Blur are also a clear influence here. Weller’s drawl is pure Damon
Albarn on I’m Where I Should Be, where he mirrors Albarn’s ability to convey many contradictory emotions – anxiety and regret – at once. On the spacey In The Car, he even makes a chorus of: “I spend my summer nights driving round the M25” sound mystical and poetic. It’s no mean feat. With production duo Amorphous Androgynous at the controls especially noticeable on White Sky, and bluegrass reeds weaving through In The Car (surely earning a nod from Jack White), this is very much a modern record with a galaxy of musical influences. Weller hasn’t sounded this gutsy in years. The closing, eight-and-ahalf minutes long These Streets is a lovely, episodic musical reverie, with Weller musing aloud on where he has been, and might even go yet. It’s a fitting coda for a record that demonstrates the artist remains on top of his game. Key tracks: In The Car, White Sky, These Streets
21 May 2015 gazette 25
26 blanch gazette 21 May 2015
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Gazette
28 Gazette 21 May 2015
SPORT
FastSport benildus and colmcille’s win cup titles: LEINSTER rugby’s senior South Dublin Cup saw St Benildus College edge out Holy Family Community School in their final last week in Donnybrook. With physicality being their biggest threat, Holy Family made some big tackles and attacked the St. Benildus defence with real pace and strength. But Benildus found themselves taking a well-deserved lead coming into the final stages of this match. Holy Family did their best to try and shut down their opponents and found the inspiration to stage a fighting comeback but the Stillorgan school held on for their first title. St Colmcille’s Community School got the better of Colaiste Chiaran in the Junior final. This fierce contest was full of ups and downs for both sides as they battled for the win with Colmcille’s snatching the win at the end with last minute try.
hockey: rathfarnham club set to host top continental competition
Haughton ready for Euro elite sport@dublingazette.com
THREE Rock Rovers captain Ali Haughton is looking forward to leading his club out in front of a fervent home support next weekend as they host the EuroHockey
Club Champions Trophy from May 22nd to May 25. Eight of Europe’s top sides will battle it out for the title, the second highest level of club competition on the continent at the Grange Road venue
Ali Haughton in league action this season
in Rathfarnham. Teams from Scotland, Italy, Wales, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Belarus and the Czech Republic are in the mix with potential promotion to the presitigious Euro Hockey League on the line. Speaking about the upcoming tournament, the 28-year-old Haughton – now in his 11th season with the club’s first team – cannot wait to take the field next Friday in their opening group game against Ukraine champions OKS SHSVM at 5.45pm. “It is a fantastic honour to be involved with our exciting young team and an added bonus to be captain,” he said in the build-up to the event. In addition, Three Rock
Three Rock Rovers celebrate their Irish Senior Cup win to qualify for Europe.
will meet the recently crowned Scottish champions Grange on Saturday and Belarus top dogs SC Stroitel Brest on Sunday. Top spot in the group will earn a place in next Monday’s final, the clear target for Haughton and his Rovers’ team. “It will be a highly entertaining tournament for spectators and we know it will be a big challenge. Several of teams played against our rivals, Monkstown, last season at the same level of competition in Italy so we will be aware as to how they will play. “Our main focus is to concentrate on our tactics and to get them right each day of tournament play.” The hosts feature a side
with a mix of experience with Irish internationals Mitch Darling, Stephen West, Joe Brennan, Ross Canning, Peter Blakeney and Jonny Bruton – who scored twice against Oly mpic champions Germany earlier this week – augmented by South African capped Jody Hosking. The extended squad also features several Irish underage internationals, including 17-yearold Daragh Walsh who played in the Under-21 Europeans last summer. And Haughton says the blend is working well together to make a big impact in what is Three Rock’s first European outdoor appearance since 2009 when they reached the KO16 of the
EuroHockey League. “All the players are eager at this stage to start the opening game vs the Ukrainians. Our build-up has included some tough sessions that have been setup to replicate the tight turnover schedule of four games in as many days. “I am confident and very much looking forward to showing what we can do and hope that we can leave a lasting impression in the history of this tournament.” Food and music will be on in the clubhouse with the tournament ending with a hog-roast on Monday evening after the medals ceremony. Entry is free for Under18s while adult tickets begin from €5.
Dublin athletes shine on opening track and field day sport@dublingazette.com
Clonliffe Harriers’ Ian Rogers en route to winning the men’s pold vault. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
SARAH McCarthy was among the top performers as the 2015 outdoor track and field season began in earnest last Sunday with the GloHealth AAI Games in Santry Stadium. The Mid-Sutton athlete had a busy afternoon jumping 5.98m in the long jump, over 25cm head of her nearest rival Arlene Crossan from Finn Valley before subsequently winning her section of the 200m. Steffi Creaner, from Celtic DCH, took the women’s 200m
races in 24.53 seconds as part of a strong series of results for Dublin-based athletes in the sprints. The later 100m races saw Rathfarnham WSAF’s Stephen Gaffney win the men’s race in 10.92 while he finished runnerup in the 200m, coming in just a single hundredth of a second behind eventual winner Marcus Lawler of St Laurence O’Toole AC. Fingallians’ Sarah Murray fastest in the women’s section running a time of 12.14. On a windy day in Santry,
Clonliffe Harriers’ Ian Rogers made the best of the conditions to win the pole vault with a clearance of 4.80m. Eoin Sheridan launched the discus out to 54.17m which is a B-standard for the European junior championships. Craig Lynch (Shercock AC) contested all three sprint events winning the 400m in a time of 48.03 having earlier recorded times of 11.02 (100m) and 200m (22.07). Sinead Denny (Dundrum South Dublin AC) was a clear winner of the 400m in a time of 55.01
The sprint relay events were the final action on the track with the youth girls’ white team taking the victory in a time of 46.38 ahead of a green selection with Fingallians’ third. Youth athlete Michaela Walsh (Swinford AC) was a class apart in the women’s hammer event as she launched out to an impressive 58.87m. The mark for Walsh was comfortable over the required distance of 56m for the IAAF World Youth Championships which takes place in Columbia from July 15-19.
21 May 2015 Gazette 29
Gazette
Player pathway key in new national league Shelbourne and Cabinteely tell James Hendicott why they are on board and looking forward to the first Under-17 national league which kicks off in autumn THE FAI have announced a new national level Under-17 League, due to start in August. Featuring 24 clubs across three unranked s e c t i o n s , i n cl u d i n g six Dublin outfits, the SSE Airtricity National Under-17 league is intended to bridge the gap between the current national-level Under-19 league and the various regional schoolboy competitions throughout Ireland. The emphasis of the league is very much on “player pathway”, specifically the development of those players who don’t sign for overseas clubs by the age of 18 through higher level domestic competition. All but one of the current League of Ireland clubs – Galway United – have signed up to be involved when things
kick off in August. The FAI’s High Performance Director Ruud Dokter links the new development in closely with the FAI’s Emerging Talent Programme, which was restructured last year to include some of the best players in Ireland right down to Under-10 level. The Emerging Talent Programme is designed specifically to channel young players into the underage national squads. “The Under-17 National League will give elite players a national platform to play and develop in Ireland”, Dokter said. “Previously, we might have lost some elite players at this age group if they didn’t progress into cross-channel academy structures. “These elite players can continue their development on the pathway
through the SSE Airtricity Under-19 league, to a senior career in professional football.” Ever ton’s Seamus Coleman, Ipswich’s top goalscorer in the championship Daryl Murphy, Southampton’s Shane Long and Norwich’s Wes Hoolahan are amongst the former League of Ireland players currently making an impact abroad having come through the domestic league. Clubs appear to be embracing the new set up, in particular the increased competition. Frank Young of Shelbourne pointed to the success of the Under-19 set up in the club’s decision to get involved. “We already have an Under-17 set up”, Young told GazetteSport, “but about seven or eight of our current first team come from last year’s Under-19 side, which
Cabinteely are looking forward to being one of the sides to take part in the inaugural Under-17 League of Ireland. Picture: cabinteelyfc.ie
gives an idea of the importance. “It’s important for player development that they have the chance to compete with the best players from other parts of the country. It also brings on the manager.” The Shelbourne set up for the new league isn’t
first team as the League of Ireland newcomers, and will help bring on players towards the first team.” In a sense, the first season will be something of a trial run, with an August kick-off to a shortened season planned to finish in December, in order to
--------------------------------------------------------
‘The National League will give elite players a pathway to play and develop in Ireland’ – Ruud Dokter
--------------------------------------------------------
fully in place yet, though Young suspects it’ll be drawn largely from existing club members. “The manager and the players are likely to be from our current set up but it’ll be a nice chance to get one or two players from other clubs and give them a try with a view to the future”, he tells us. Cabinteely come to the league with a different perspective: the south Dublin side are already the biggest schoolboy outfit in the country. “We’re quite unique,” Under-17 manager Tony Broderick told GazetteSport, “in that compared to the other Airtricity League sides, we’re very set up for this level. “In one sense it’ll be an easier transition for us than some League of Ireland sides, but it’s definitely important to our
bring the second (2016) season into line with the senior League of Ireland set-up. K nock out quarter finalists will be drawn from the top two sides in each section, plus the two best third-placed teams, with the second season running from April to November. Dublin sides are spread across all three sections, which feature seven or eight sides each. UCD and Cabinteely have been drawn with league high-flyers Cork City in section one. Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic will take on Sligo Rovers, while Shelbourne and Bohemians face a tough group with fellow League of Ireland Premier clubs Drogheda, Dundalk and Derry City all in section three.
FastSport
Crumlin’s cup runneth over with FAI Inter win CRUMLIN United lifted the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup for the third time last Sunday, becoming the first club to do so at Aviva Stadium. After an edgy opening, they settled thanks to the midfield influence of former underage international John Sullivan, combining well with man of the match Ger Rowe. They showed their teeth for the first time with a powerful Marc Hughes’ header, which lacked only direction, going straight into the arms of Morgan Cranley. But something was brewing for Crumlin United. Captain James Lee volleyed narrowly wide and Ger Rowe sent his shot across the post. The anticipated goal came on the half-hour mark thanks to a perfect lay-off from Rowe to tee up Alan McGreal just inside the box who made no mistake, sending his shot sailing to the left of an outstretched but helpless Cranley. The blues scored a second just two minutes later when McGreal played in Rowe who calmly tucked his shot away from yards out. Crumlin almost made it three before half time when Greg Moorehouse skipped past his man to go one-on-one with the keeper, his low curled effort saved brilliantly by Cranley. In the second half, Tolka began to show some impetus and on 50 minutes, right back Niall O’Reilly delivered a cross to Marc Hughes on the back post. Hughes spotted Jonathan Meleady unmarked beside the penalty spot whose excellent shot was denied by David Meehan, palming over for a corner kick. Crumlin were being forced to drop deep, however they made it 3-0 on the break in the 73rd minute when Ger Rowe played an incisive low ball through the middle to send Greg Moorehouse past Mark Mooney. Moorehouse made no mistake shooting low to the left of Morgan Cranley. Crumlin sealed victory in the 89th minute when substitute Patrick Cannon was played in by Alan McGreal. Cannon chipped the ball just over Cranley, to make it a third FAI Intermediate Cup win for the club following the successes of 2009 and 2010.
Gazette
30 BLANCH gazette 21 May 2015
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: castleknock land series of NDSL league trophies
Corduff to pay tribute to Ricky Osagie on June 21 CORDUFF will mark the one year anniversary of the death of 13-year-old Ricky Osagie, who passed away in a drowning accident in Blanchardstown, with a series of mini-leagues on June 21. The leagues are for kids born between 2002 and 2010 to coincide with this week and will unveil a permanent memorial to remember Ricky at Waterville pond where the accident took place. All welcome and you do not have to be with a team or club. Registration every week night from 6pm to 8.30pm and each Saturday from 10am to 1pm in the Corduff FC club office at Corduff sports centre. The event runs from June 19 to 29 and cost €10 per player and €5 for each additional sibling. Call John 085 7168009 or email corduff. fc@gmail.com.
Castleknock LTC to host Open Day CASTLEKNOCK tennis club is holding an open Day on Sunday, May 24 to encourage new members to join the club. Castleknock will be showing of their facilities which include 10 outdoor tennis courts and three indoor tennis courts with a viewing balcony. Their clubhouse includes offices, changing rooms and junior room along with bar facilities, kitchen and meeting rooms. The club currently has a successful junior development programme so it’s an exciting time for children to join. The fun day is also an opportunity to meet the club’s members
and coaches There will be a barbecue while all are encouraged to bring along runners – the club will provide racquets – for a series of games and activities.
Inaugural Clonee 10K road race THE inaugural Clonee 10K road race, promoted by Dunboyne AC, will take place on Thursday, June 28 at 8pm with all proceeds going to the club’s track redevelopment fund. The event has chip timing and post race refreshments with a headquarters at the Grasshopper Pub. Online entry is at precisiontiming.ie and is €15.
Castleknock Celtic’s Under-13A side were among a number of sides to win silverware last weekend
Celtic Rush to league title NDSL Under-17A
Castleknock Celtic Rush Athletic sport@dublingazette.com
5 0
CASTLEKNOCK Celtic Under-17A overcame their only demon this season in taking home their NDSL league title with a win against Rush last Sunday. Way back in October, the same Rush side overturned Celtic 2-0, a game that proved to be the nudge Celtic needed to charge onwards to the title: since the defeat, the Castleknock side have won 13 and drawn just one of their 14 games, putting themselves in a
commanding position. It’s a run of form that saw the 17A side needing just a draw in a high tempo game at Porterstown Park, but they were determined to set the record straight and win the title in style. Leading scorer Cory Power put Celtic in front with a seventh minute goal, before a scrambled strike that seemed to come off Cian Kelly gave the side a comfortable cushion at 2-0 with just 15 minutes on the clock. That first half lead settled nerves, but the fat lady began to holler mid way through the second half, when Darren Doyle
ten points clear Mochta’s end season with draw in Arklow ST mochta’s completed the LSL Sunday
Senior 1 campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Arklow Town to end their incredible season 10 points clear of the chasers Belgrove/Home Farm. Aaron O’Brien got the equaliser just before half-time for the Clonsilla club to secure the point. Mochta’s now look forward to their FAI senior cup second round tie with Cockhill Celtic in Donegal on May 31.
latched onto a through ball and pumped the ball into the Rush goal to just about eliminate any lingering doubts. Celtic were in party mood after that, entertaining their notable support with some brave attacking play. They added two further goals, one by David Spillane, and a superb passing move from Matthew Mullen and Ciaran Buggy that saw Cory Power played in to lash home his 20th of a hugely impressive season. The 5-0 win left little doubt, with Celtic crowned champions after a run of form few could
have predicted after their loss in the same fixture seven months ago. After the match, captain David Hickey was awarded the Player’s Player of the Season Award to add to the league celebrations. Meanwhile, Castleknock Celtic’s Under-13A side took their league title at Porterstown Park last week, defeating Firhouse by two goals to one to secure promotion and a place in the DDSL Under14 Premier Division for the coming season. The Under-11D1 title was also wrapped up earlier in the week, taking Castleknock Celtic
to an impressive tally of three league titles over the course of a few days, with other Celtic squads still in contention to add to that total over the coming weeks. The action won’t finish there, either. Over the summer, the club will be running a mini World Cup contest across the first week of June, for which registration remains open until the evening of Monday, May 25, for children born between 2002 and 2007. The club’s FAI Summer Soccer Camp for ages six to 14 is also all set, getting underway on Monday, July 6.
21 May 2015 BLANCH gazette 31
Gazette
Peregrine’s U-14s progress to semi-finals sport@dublingazette.com
STPEREGRINE’S Under14 boys put in a superb performance in the group stages of the Division 5 Feile Peil na nOg to reach the annual competition’s semi-finals. They opened up with a superb win over Ballyboden St Enda’s with some outstanding scoring
from Cillian Stynes and Craig Needham. Next up, against O’Tooles, the Blakestown side were not as fortunate, losing Cillian Stynes halfway through the game and while the side soldiered on, they were unfortunate to lose by a few points. It made for a thrilling third group game with semi-final qualification on
the line. Peregrine’s were fired up and took control of the game with Conor McPartlin catching every ball that came his way. The passing was fantastic with captain Ben Watson, Conor Harford, Craig Needham, Luke Slater and McPartlin linking up perfectly to help the side win out. They showed similar
spirit, commitment and determination in their semi-final against Parnell’s. However, it was not to be their day as they were undone 3-8 to 2-3. With some outstanding performances from the players mentioned as well as, Dylan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Walsh and James Callaghan, Peregrines have a bright future.
Club Noticeboard st brigid’s BEST of luck to Eoin Kennedy in
We welcome all four- to seven-
the senior singles hardball final
year-olds in the Castleknock and
this weekend against Mayo’s Joe
Blanchards town area and new
McCann.
members and families are always
Well done to our Feile footballers on reaching the semi-final stage on
contact Paul: 087 9154748.
Saturday afternoon. A special word
The club lotto jackpot remains a
of thanks to all the parents and
massive €15,000 with the reserve
volunteers for their help in Russell
rising to €6,600 for this week’s
Park on Saturday.
draw in the Vineyard on Thursday,
The St Brigid’s GAA annual mini-
football: littlepace club shine at festival
welcome. For more information,
leagues will take place from Monday, June 8 to Saturday, June 13. A Gaelic football league for boys and girls from U-6 to U-12 (and any U-13 kids still in national school).
May 21. St Brigids are delighted to be supporting the Castleknock 5km Run 2015. The event takes place on June 21 and is open to all abilities. Register
The mini-leagues are open to St
online or with your team mentor.
Brigid’s club members and non-
Keep an eye on the club website for
members alike.
further updates.
To register online, visit the club website: www.stbrigidsgaa.com
Twist are running a couch to 5km training programme for all on Sat-
Last chance to enter a team in
urday mornings at 11am to get you
the St Brigid’s GAA annual golf clas-
prepared to cross the finish line.
sic in Royal Tara Golf Club this Fri-
See the Twist’s Facebook page for
day, May 22. Contact Paddy Davey
further details .
on 086 8229312. Our club nursery runs as normal this Saturday from 9.30 to 11am.
For up-to-date St Brigids GAA fixtures and results, visit our website www.stbrigidsgaa.com.
castleknock St Peregrine’s man Eric Lowndes was part of the successful Dublin Under-21 set-up
Brave Go Bragh earn Feile silver medals sport@dublingazette.com
A DEFIANT and unbowed Erin Go Bragh Under-14 football team stood before the main stand in Blakestown last Sunday as gallant runners up to St James Gaels in the 2015 Feile Peil Na nOg Division 6 final. B o t h t e a m s we r e unbeaten from Saturday’s group games with Erin go Bragh having dispatched St Mary’s, Craobh Chiarain and hosts Man o’War in the group stages. They went on to win a dramatic semi-final match with Castleknock.
Go Bragh overcame a half time deficit to win the game with a last minute goal from top scorer Ross Maher from a free, sealing a famous one point win. Over the course of the day, the team, led by example by Brian O’Sullivan, played some very good football, defending strongly, attacking quickly and with intent to rack up 15-22 and conceding 6-19. Top scorers were Ross Maher with 5-1, Jack Carroll 3-0, Brian O’Sullivan 2-1 and Fiach Johnson 0-5. Indeed, over the five games, 14 of the 22 play-
ers scored while Mark O’Brien and Eoin Kinsella played every minute of the five games. Stand-out performances over the Saturday games came from captain Brian O’Sullivan, player of the tournament Kenny Omatayo, Adam Dalton, Jonathan Youman, Fiach Johnson, Ross Maher, Jack Carroll, Josh Clarke and Conor Gorman. Sunday morning brought great excitement, anticipation as well as composure to Erin Go Bragh in advance of the final as the players relished the thought of playing on a local ground in front of
a large crowd against an unbeaten team. Starting with a strong breeze, the local team dominated the first half without being able to convert that into a match winning lead. Gaels opened the second half with a two-goal salvo that unfortunately proved too much for Go Bragh to overcome despite a late rally that resulted in a late goal and a flurry of half goal chances. Stand out performers in the form man of the match Johnson (0-5),Youman (1-1), Carroll (0-1), Dalton and Omatayo.
WELL done to all players and every-
Contact Barbara O’Neill at 086
one involved in the boys’ Feile teams
3782419 or barbaraoneill@eircom.
at the weekend.
net for interest in taking part in Scor
The Division 1 side lost out on a
na bPaisti on May 24.
semi-final spot on points difference,
The club would like to express
while the Division 6 team lost out
deep sympathy to club mentor Niall
by a point in the semi-final. All Feile
O’Connell on the death of his father
teams did the club extremely proud
Richard.
this year. It was a great week for the club
Application forms for the summer camps are now on the website.
last week in adult hurling with all
There wa s no winner of the
three teams winning their respec-
lotto jackpot, which now stands at
tive championship matches.
€3,200.
See the website for details on the
The nursery is on every Saturday
club mini leagues, which run from
in Tir Na nOg at 10am, and all new
May 25 to 28.
players and families are welcome.
St Peregrine’s THERE was no winner of this week’s
There were good wins this week
lotto. The numbers drawn were 5,
for the junior Bs and for the sen-
6, 8 and 23. Next week’s jackpot is
ior Camogs, who are now five from
€2,400.
five.
We had a terrific weekend in the club hosting Feile. Our own U-14s qualified for the
We’ve extended the date for our All-Ireland predictor but all forms must be with Gary by May 23.
semi-finals but were beaten by a
Spaces are filling up fast for our
strong Parnell’s team. Well done to
car boot sale on May 30, contact Ail-
everyone involved with the team.
een to reserve your place.
A speedy recovery to Cillian Stynes who broke his arm during the second game on Saturday.
Don’t forget to register for our mini-leagues on June 8-14. Finally, congratulations to Rachel
A huge thank you to everybody
Brennan and the Dublin U-16s on
that volunteered over the weekend
winning the Leinster championship
for making it such a success.
at the weekend.
GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 28-31
erin go bragh: Dublin 15 side enjoy superb day at annual Feile festival of football to reach playoffs P31
may 21-27, 2015
Rovers ready to rock: Dublin club ready to host European championship P28
Alan Brogan is determined to make an impact with the Dublin senior footballers this summer
Brogan back in the fray Plunkett’s man confident he can play a big role for Dublin following his return to the Dublin senior football panel after an extended break james hendicott
sport@dublingazette.com
ST OLIVER Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh football star Alan Brogan has set his stall out for this year’s All-Ireland Football Championship, confirming that his return to the Dublin panel comes very much with an eye on winning another title. Brogan, who has been an integral part of the Dublin side for well over a decade since making his debut under Tommy Lyons back in 2002, could well feature against Longford as Dublin open their Leinster title defence on Sunday, May 31. The Dubs star forward had sat out the coun-
ty season until announcing his return for the championship a few weeks ago, and will expect to progress fairly comfortably past a Longford side whose own boss Jack Sheedy admits “no one gives us a chance in hell”. “At this stage in my career, I’m coming back to win an All-Ireland,” Brogan, 33, said of his return to action after a number of months speculation. “It doesn’t always work like that, but I believe we have a strong enough team to compete. “It didn’t work out the way we wanted last year, but as we’ve seen in the past, it has proven very difficult to put All-Ireland’s back-toback.” Dublin have been installed as one of the early
favourites for the All-Ireland title by bookies, along with the likes of Kerry, Mayo, Donegal and Cork. Brogan has already admitted that this season will “probably” be his last in Sky Blue. While many expect Brogan to be used as something of an impact sub as the championship goes on, most commentators are convinced the older Brogan brother still has a whole lot to offer. He himself is clearly confident of making a more substantial mark. “I still think I’m good enough to play. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here,” Brogan explains. “If I thought I was going to be a sub for the whole championship, would I have come back? Probably not. I came back to get into the team. We
all know how competitive a squad it is at the same time. So I’ll just have to give it the best go I can.” Brogan made his first county appearance of the season in a recent challenge match against Galway, a game in which he scored four points including a late equaliser in a comeback draw for Dublin. The game finished 1-16 each, though Galway had led by five points with just three minutes left on the clock. The former Dublin captain played a role at both half forward and full forward. Should the 2015 championship prove to be Brogan’s last with the Dubs, he’ll be holding out high hopes of bringing home another title.