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INSIDE: Former Irish rugby union hooker Shane Byrne has plenty of ways to escape the mayhem P15

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Six Dubin 15 players in county side Page 31

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Corduff trio all set for Milk Cup with the NDSL Page 30

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE................... 13 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

eighth Amendment: Clare Daly argues against in first of a two -part series P6-7

Heroin use is on the rise – study  Keith Bellew

Coolmine Therapeutic Community’s annual report for 2014, launched recently, shows an increase in the number of people accessing drug rehabilitation services and an increase in heroin addiction.

The report showed a 31% rise in demand for Coolmine Therapeutic Community and a rise in heroin as the first drug of choice for clients.

The service supported 1, 250 indi-

viduals in 2014. Around seven in every 10 women and half the men in residential therapy along with 41% of those on the day programme cited their addiction to heroin.

Chairman Alan Connolly highlighted some of the success stories from the report, saying: “Two years after therapy, 71% of clients were illicit drug free; 97% did not engage in crime and 25% were engaged in employment.”

Full Story on Page 8

Here’s Johnny: Rugby ace shares expertise with younger fans ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton

looked comfortable being back in Leinster blue as he participated in the Bank of Ireland Summer Camp.

He met up with young rugby talent in Coolmine RFC. The Dublin native passed on his advice to the

kids and showed off some of his skills. Pictured with Sexton are Shane Moore, Jake Hayes, Adam Whitaker, Ciarain Geelon, Sean Wall and William Nuzum from Coolmine Rugby Club.

Picture: Matt Browne

2 BLANCH Gazette 23 July 2015

tyrrelstown 115 residents at management issues meeting

Estate companies get thumbs down A public meeting attended by 115 Tyrrelstown residents was held recently to discuss ongoing issues between residents and owner management companies in the area.

The companies are managed by residents, with directors of the development company who built the estate (Twinlite) on some of the company boards. All residents are required to sign up to the management companies when moving in. They are required to pay for services such as parking, grass cutting and bin

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

collection. According to residents these services are not being provided and many have refused to pay their management fees. Hence the companies are taking them to court.

At the meeting a questionnaire on whether or not residents wished to abolish the management companies was filled out

by 81 residents. Eighty houseowners expressed a desire to abolish management companies.

Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) said: “It’s a messy situation where people in two-, three- and four-bedroom houses were caught up in this management company structure. They changed the law [Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011] which now eliminates that problem because estates can’t be structured in that way.”

However, he went on to say that the law cannot be applied retrospectively, so Tyrrelstown

residents remain in the same position.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said that in Tyrrelstown, it has taken everything in charge that was submitted for the taking in charge process by the developer. “ I f t h e d e ve l o p e r decides that an area of the development is to remain with a management company and therefore does not request the council to take that area into charge, the council cannot do so. The issue of management company contracts is a private matter in which the council has no role,” said the spokesperson.

Twinlite Developments Ltd is the developer which built Tyrrelstown and a number of its directors are on the boards of several of the management companies.

A Twinlite spokesperson said the work

Tyrrelstown residents attended a recent public meeting to discuss ongoing issues between residents and owner management companies in the area

carried out by the management companies in Tyrellstown can often go unnoticed but that work was carried out to a high standard in comparison to other estates.

T h e y we n t o n t o explain that they had no choice but to set up the such companies: “The management companies were established because it was a condition of the planning permission, put in place by Fingal County Council. Twin-

lite, when building the estate, had absolutely no choice but to put these companies in place, contrary to the suggestion of certain parties who think it was some kind of conspiracy.

“Over the years, several people have attempted to tie Twinlite to these management companies when in fact the residents who own the houses in Tyrrelstown are the actual owners of the management compa-

nies,” he said.

The spokesperson said the Twinlite directors remained on the boards of several of the companies in Tyrrelstown because no residents had put themselves forward to take their places despite them offering their resignations at every AGM since 2009.

He said the Twinlite directors would gladly hand the responsibilities of the companies over to local residents.

Councillors in row over water bills  keith bellew

T WO local councillors have been butting heads over the recently published figures which show that 57% of people in the country have not paid their water bills.

Cllr Ted Leddy (FG) recently tweeted that a reasonable proportion of non payers, had not yet got around to it. He himself has not yet paid the charge.

Cllr Paul Donnelly

(SF) said Cllr Leddy was “delusional” and “naive” if he believed this case.

There was massive opposition to water charges in Dublin West, he said.

He cited the anti-water charge protest held in Blanchardstown last year which was supported by 5,000 people as evidence of this.

“I was astounded at Cllr Leddy’s tweet…

Cllr Leddy claimed that many people were ‘dis-

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

organised with household bills’ like himself and hadn’t got around to paying. This is just delusional and naive on the part of Cllr Leddy, Fine Gael and Labour parties,” he said.

Cllr Leddy hit back saying registration for the charges exceeded 70% and the billing cycle had yet to reach the half way mark.

“The truth is there are many people who registered who just haven’t got around to paying yet, and as it happens, I’m actually one of them.

“I just haven’t got around to paying my bill yet because I usually pay them at a different stage of the year,” he said.

The figures were not final, he said, and the numbers for those who had paid would go up.

“Paul Donnelly’s ace in the hole, or trump card is that people who have registered are not going to pay, and even those who have registered and paid will suddenly become boycotters.

“He’s the delusional one in my book,” he said.

He went on to say that while the current Government believed in investing in infrastructure, Sinn Fein were only interested in investing in aspects of the economy where they think they can get votes.

23 July 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3

don’sdublin Erwin Schrodinger’s journey from Vienna to Baile Atha Cliath FOR A man interested in colour and who published scientific papers on the subject, the adjective colourful certainly applies to Erwin Schrodinger.

The famous scientist lived for 17 years on Kincora Road, Clontarf and certainly left his mark. His lecture What Is Life, given in Trinity College in 1943, was inspirational to many younger scientists and led to the discovery of DNA in 1953.

He was an only child born in Vienna in 1887 to middle-class, educated parents and was tutored at home until age 11. Later he attended school, then university where he excelled and gained a PhD in physics. World War I interrupted his progress and he spent it as an officer in the Austrian army.

After the war he had a number of different positions, married Annemarie (Anny) Bertel in 1920, before he was offered the chair in theoretical physics at the University of Zurich in 1921. His 1926 paper explaining the movement of an electron as a wave provided a theoretical basis for the atomic model, and he was awarded the Nobel prize for physics in 1933.

By that time he was aware that many of his Jewish colleagues were being dismissed from their posts and he decided to leave Hitler’s Germany. He went to Oxford University for three years before returning to Austria in 1938. The following year he accepted Eamon de Valera’s offer of coming to Ireland and helping establish the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. De Valera, himself a mathematician, got his man and made sure that Schrodinger’s visa arrangements were processed speedily. For Schrodinger’s needs were indeed complicated and had previously stymied him at Princeton and Oxford, as he lived with both his wife and his lover, Hilde March, with whom he had a daughter. Of his relationship with the fairer sex he said: “Poor things, they have provided for my life’s happiness and their own distress.

Such is life.” Colourful indeed!

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Erwin Schrodinger, the famous scientist, lived for 17 years on Kincora Road in Clontarf

works World-class facility to be completed by 2016

Sod turned at national indoor arena  keith bellew

The sod was turned on the national indoor arena, at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown recently by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe.

The arena, which is due for completion in Novem-

ber 2016, will comprise a national indoor athletics training centre, which will include a 200m track, sprint track, jump and throw areas and seating for up to 1,900 spectators, a national indoor training centre designed to cater for a wide range of sports; and a national gymnastics training centre. The

total cost of the development is €50.9m. The first phase currently under construction will see the development of the National Indoor Athletics Training Centre, National Indoor Training Centre and National Gymnastics Training Centre and will cost €33.7m. Phase 2 will comprise covered

synthetic playing pitches and ancillary facilities and will cost €17.2m Health Minister Leo Varadkar said this latest development meant a lot to him as he had begun the project during his tenure as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“The arena is the miss-

ing piece in Ireland’s sporting infrastructure, and will be the jewel in the crown of the sports campus in Blanchardstown. Athletes from west Dublin and right across Ireland will have access to world-class indoor facilities, to train and prepare for international competitions,” he said.

4 BLANCH Gazette 23 July 2015

housing ‘Stop privatising social units’

Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) described the council’s leasing policy as “scandalous”

Council defends Parnell Estate leasing policy  keith bellew

Fingal County Council has defended its policy of leasing 161 affordable housing units in Parnell Estate, Mulhuddart, to a private management company that does not accept rent allowance.

Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) described the policy as “scandalous” as there are 100 Fingal families in emergency housing accommodation costing thousands of euros per family each month.

“What is an absolute disgrace is that we have families desperately looking for rented accommodation and being forced into homelessness because they

can’t find affordable rented accommodation.

Yet the council has 161 proper ties under its direct control,” said Cllr Donnelly. He added that he had been told by prospective tenants the management company controlling the units did not accept applications from tenants on rent supplement.

“They are also blocked from accessing this accommodation because the rent is pitched at ‘market rates’, we all know that this is way beyond the cap imposed by the Department of Social Protection and therefore excludes anyone on rent supplement, I find this appalling,” said Cllr

Donnelly.

He went on to call on Fingal County Council to immediately take control of these units, to discharge the private management company, reduce the rent charged allow tenants on rent supplement and to stop privatising council owned housing units.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council responded saying: ‘The council delivered 332 social units in this area in the last five years. As it was always the intention to introduce an improved more sustainable mix of development into the area an affordable scheme of 178 units was developed for this purpose, 16 of

these units were sold.

Due to the downturn in the economy 161 units remained unsold. In 2011 the council decided to let the remainder of the unsold properties in the development on a pilot basis using a private market rental model.”

In addition, said the spokesperson, this approach was in line with sustainable communities principles, and the development was fully occupied.

Cllr Donnelly intends tabling a motion at the September meeting calling for the authority to take control of these units and reduce the rent to allow those in receipt of rent supplement to access them.

Plaque to honour Noeleen O’Brien A new corner for reflection and a commemorative plaque in honour of local woman Noeleen O’Brien was unveiled at Fortlawn Community Centre recently by Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr Jack Chambers (FF).

The reflective corner is an area adjacent to the community garden at which people can sit and relax in tranquil surroundings. It

has been dedicated to the memory of Noeleen O’Brien to recognise her immense contribution to the community.

She worked as a lollipop lady in the area for many years and was integral to the delivery of the community garden at the community centre.

Cllr Chambers said he was honoured to unveil the plaque and

open the reflective corner.

“Noeleen was a brilliant community activist who is fondly remembered by many in the communities of Mountview and Fortlawn. She brought community spirit and positivity in all her work. It was great to see her family there on the day as well as many of the local people,” he said.

23 July 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5

6 blanch Gazette 23 July 2015

new roof Coolmine school to get €572k Coolmine Community School is to receive funding of €572,000 to replace the building’s roof.

The funding is being provided by the Department of Education under the emergency works scheme.

The main purpose of the scheme is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources.

Tanaiste Joan Burton welcomed the allocation saying: “This is in line with our programme of significant investment in schools, to replace prefabs and upgrade buildings, and ensure students can focus on learning, and not on dripping ceilings or creaking plumbing.”

opinion ‘It’s time to repeal the 8th Amendment so

Abortion

Deputy Clare Daly: “When I moved legislation to propose a referendum on the 8th Amendment, it was voted down by all the political parties, not for the first time showing how out of touch they are with the real lives of citizens.”

A RECENT Red C poll, commissioned by Amnesty International, revealed that 90% of Irish people agree with abortion in certain circumstances, with 81% of those believing that abortion should be available in circumstances beyond the current right to abortion when a woman’s life is in danger.

Some 68% of people recognise that the constitutional barrier of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution, which equated the life of a woman with that of a foetus, has not stopped Irish abortion – it has just meant that it takes place in England or Holland, or with a packet of pills bought over the internet.

This hypocrisy has gone on long enough. It’s time

to repeal the 8th Amendment so that we can protect women’s lives, health and choices. Every day, between 10 and 12 Irish women and girls travel to the UK to access abortion.

The majority are aged between 20 and 34.

The women who have abortions are the women who have children – your mother, sister, friend, daughter, partner. Their reasons for terminating their pregnancies are all different, and all valid, but their reasons for travelling are the same: they cannot access safe and legal abortions in Ireland.

In the past, women with crisis pregnancies could be sent to Magdalene Laundries – now, they are sent to other countries in order to exercise their right to health and bodily

23 July 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7

that we can protect women’s lives, health and choices’

laws must reflect our society

Amnesty International and the United Nations have called for changes to Ireland’s legislation, writes Deputy Clare Daly integrity.

The 8th Amendment does not stop abortion, but it means that those women who are too poor or too sick or of precarious immigration status and therefore can’t travel can be forced to carry a pregnancy to full term against their will, sometimes endangering their lives.

When Alan Shatter was Minister for Equality, he said: “The reality is that there is no impediment to men seeking and obtaining any required medical intervention to protect not only their life but also

their health and quality of life ... it can truly be said that the right of pregnant women to have their health protected is, under our constitutional framework, a qualified right, as is their right to bodily integrity.”

But no proposal to deal with this discrimination was put forward by the Government. In fact, when I moved legislation to propose a referendum on the 8th Amendment, it was voted down by all the political parties, not for the first time showing how utterly out of touch they are with the real

lives of citizens. The 8th Amendment has negatively affected the quality of care that pregnant women receive in Ireland.

This was evident not only in the tragic case of Savita Halappanavar, but also in the many cases of fatal foetal abnormality where women and couples are effectively deserted by our health services.

Left with a choice of continuing a pregnancy when the foetus has no chance of survival or travelling to the UK to avail of the health services in that country, Ireland has failed

these women and their families.

Amnesty International criticised this double standard in their report, She is Not a Criminal, published last month, which highlighted how Ireland’s abortion laws violate human rights.

[It stated] “These laws violate women’s and girls’ rights to life, health, privacy, non-discrimination and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment.”

Within weeks of the Amnesty report, the United Nations’s Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights called for

Ireland to hold a referendum on abortion.

The committee was concerned at Ireland’s “highly restrictive legislation on abortion”, and called for a referendum to repeal Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution.

The UN committee was also particularly concerned at the criminalisation of abortion, including in the cases of rape and incest, and of the risk to the health of a pregnant woman, the lack of legal clarity on what constitutes a real and substantive risk to the life, as opposed to the health, of the pregnant woman, and the discriminatory impact on women who cannot afford to get abortion abroad.

Next month, tens of thousands of young adults will be getting their

Leaving Cert results. They will be starting college or looking for jobs – most of them were born 14 years after the 8th Amendment was passed!

It is beyond ridiculous that we can allow this restrictive legislation to remain in place for these young adults. Not a single person of present reproductive age has had a say on this issue.

Decisions for women about our health and bodies has no place in the Constitution. With a General Election on the horizon, let’s make Repeal of the 8th a reality.  Deputy clare daly

Independent Socialist Next week, The Iona Institute will provide an opposing view.

project Farewell party for David Blakestown/ Mountview Neighbourhood Youth Project (NYP) will bid farewell to its current co-ordinator, David Creed on Friday, July 24.

Creed has co-ordinated the project for the past 14 years during which time he has been involved in numerous community initiatives and events. He is now moving on to manage the Jigsaw project in Balbriggan.

Jigsaw is a network of programmes across Ireland designed to make sure every young person has somewhere to turn to and someone to talk to.

The NYP is hosting a farewell get-together at the NYP HQ on Shelerin Road, Clonsilla, on Friday July 24 from 12.30 to 2pm.

8 BLANCH Gazette 23 July 2015

partnerships Inclusive programme aims to improve neighbourhoods

Groups urging residents to connect with community  keith bellew

Blakestown Drive Community Group (BDCG) and The Daughters of Charity held a Connect with Your Community event on Tuesday, July 14 at the day care centre on Blakestown Road. The event was part of the group’s inclusive-

FastNews

Examining the Dublin economy The second annual Dublin Economic Monitor, which examines the current status of the Dublin economy, and compares the data to that of the boom and recession, will be launched on July 23, at Smart Cities Lab, Building 3, IBM, Mulhuddart.

The monitor which is a joint initiative of all Dublin local authorities is the first of its kind to look exclusively at the Dublin City region, and tracks 15 key economic indicators.

Public meeting on child obesity Senator Catherine Noone (FG), will host a public meeting on child obesity at the Halfway House pub, Navan Road on July 29. The meeting entitled, The Future of Our Children’s Health, will be addressed by Brenda Cassidy, a child fitness expert and Camille Loftus, special adviser to Minister James Reilly (FG).

Senator Noone has called for compulsory fitness testing in all schools as research has shown one-in-four Irish children in the 10 to18 age group are overweight or obese.

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ness programme Project Connect, which aims to improve the neighbourhood by linking separate communities together in partnerships.

The Daughters of Charity held the event to connect with the wider community.

Day care centre manager, Joan Nolan said they wished to be

equal partners in the community and were delighted with the new connections they made at the event.

New resident groups from Ashmount and Ashcroft have been working side by side with the organisation after forging a new alliance through its Project Zodiac, an astrologi-

cally themed Adopt-a-Patch project, where each patch adopted by a community who maintain it is represented by a star. The project aims to link communities and secure sustained involvement in the environment into the future.

The event was attended

by Deputy Mayor of Fingal,

Jack Chambers (FF) and some of the original families of Blakestown Road, who have lived here for around 80 years. They have a rich heritage of stories to tell and the community wants to hear them.

Dublin Bus and the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

were acknowledged for being very kind and generous to The Daughters of Charity and the community of Blakestown.

Johnny Geraghty from Fingal County Council’s Recycling Depot in Coolmine was also applauded for “the generosity of spirit he has shown to the community”.

report: Coolmine therapeutic centre logs rise in heroin addiction

Demand for drug rehab service increases by 31%  Keith Bellew

Coolmine Therapeutic Community’s annual report for 2014 was launched recently and shows an increase in the number of people accessing drug rehabilitation services and an increase in heroin addiction.

The repor t, which was launched by Drugs Minister Aodhain O’Riordain, showed a 31% increase in demand for Coolmine Therapeutic Community, and an increase in heroin as the primary drug of choice for clients accessing services.

Last year, Coolmine Therapeutic Community supported 1,250 individuals in 2014 with a range of community, day and residential programmes.

About 67% of those were female admissions and 49% were male admissions. Almost seven in every 10 women and half of the men in residential therapy, as well as 41% of those on the day programme cited their addiction to heroin.

At any one time, there were 34 clients participating in the five-month residential treatment programme at Coolmine Lodge, the male residential service. This represented a 33% increase in admissions compared to

the previous year. Fortytwo percent of the 120 new admissions were prison/probation referrals.

Occupancy also increased from 12 females to 24 at any one time in Coolmine Ashleigh House and the community and day services worked with 139 individuals during the year, up 11% from 2013.

“Coolmine’s longitudinal outcomes study found that, two years after therapy, 71% of clients were illicit drugfree; 97% did not engage in crime and 25% were engaged in employment,” said chairman Alan Connolly.

Stable

Coolmine’s housing and resettlement service supported over 250 clients to access accommodation in 2014. Thirty per cent of these clients got long-term stable accommodation through local authority/social housing providers and 34% moved in with their families or friends.

Pauline McKeown, chief executive, Coolmine Therapeutic Community, said: “Thirty-two mothers and 21 children were homeless or inadequately housed after completing their residen-

Coolmine Therapeutic Community’s annual report shows an increase in heroin as the primary drug of choice for clients accessing services

tial programme in 2014.

“Given the current housing shortage and restrictions for clients not being from the Dublin region, it is a cause of concern as there is a link between increased levels of homelessness and relapse.

“They have no local connection to their resettled area and are not deemed priority for housing access.”

A notable challenge was the development of the mother and child residential service at Coolmine Ashleigh House.

Sixty-seven clients were in residence during 2014, including 18 mother and child admissions and four expectant mothers.

Funding has been secured to increase the residential capacity from 18 to 24 women at any one time, to meet the

demand.

In addition, the creche facilities will be renovated to allow Coolmine to work with more children affected by parental substance misuse on a fulltime residential basis.

Minister O’Riordain commended the facility for its model of service provision, saying it was a good example of the joined-up process that is required in order to pro-

vide continuity of care to problem drug users in their efforts to overcome their addiction.

“I want to thank the staff in the Coolmine Therapeutic Centre who carry out their work in a professional and dedicated manner and their annual report for 2014 shows the continued success and expansion of the centre’s work,” he said.

23 July 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9

10 BLANCH Gazette 23 July 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Sophie Lee

Kalim Tahir is pictured at Blanchardstown Library where he was attending a candle decorating event as part Christopher Alexander concentrating on his artwork

of the arts and crafts classes. Pictures: Simon Jeacle/ Catch Social Media

Bobby Alexander

Hannah McDonnell

23 July 2015 BLANCH Gazette 11

blanchardstown library: arts and crafts

Waxing lyrical about a top class

Emily Lee

Jenin Alhag

Salem Alhag

Jumana Alhag

Daniel Alexander

12 gazette 16 July 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Helping to choose the healthier options

T

op blogger and model Pippa O’Connor teamed up with GAA All Star Henry Shefflin at House in Leeson Street recently to help launch Centra’s newest initiative, Centra Live Well.

The latest initiative aims to redefine everyday convenience retailing

in Ireland by providing shoppers with choices and information about healthy and nutritious food.

Under the new Live Well banner Centra is offering shoppers healthy and nutritious choices across a range of 300 plus products whatever their needs are throughout the day.

Speaking at the launch, Sarah Keogh, consultant dietician with Eatwell.ie, said: “I am delighted to be working with Centra on Live Well.

“I find too many people are confused about healthy eating or think that it is simply too difficult.”

Henry Shefflin with Hugo Kirley and Ely Kirley from Maighread Cremin and Niamh Scally

Kilkenny at the launch

Andrea Smith

Henry Shefflin with Pippa O’Connor. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Michelle O’Connor and Laura Curtin

Sarah Keogh and Liz Costigan

23 July 2015 Gazette 13

escape P15

asdfsdaf feature P27 P16

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



Gazette

diary P14

what’son Rockin’ And A Rollin’ and a runnin’: Run-

Alan Ardiff: “We don’t get much of a summer here in Mayo so I have to find sunshine somewhere”

day in the life: jewellery designer Alan Ardiff is a coffee and muesli man

Making sunshine in Mayo  Aisling Kennedy

Living on the beautiful west coast of Mayo, Artane man Alan Ardiff is one of the most well-known jewellery designers in Ireland and he took time out this week to talk to the Gazette about a day in his life.

“I normally get up at about 8am because we have young children so it’s all part of the routine of being a parent. I’d like to stay in bed longer though.

“I’m a coffee and muesli man in the mornings as I like to try and stay healthy.”

When he is not busy designing his kinetic and delicately hand-carved character jewellery, Ardiff is a family

man who enjoys spending time with his wife and three children Zoe (17), Sam (14) and Sophie (10).

“They keep me young at heart,” he explains.

Every day, Ardiff drives his daughter Sophie to school in the morning and then he makes his way to Mount Falcon Estate where he goes for a swim and does a workout.

“We don’t get much of a summer here in Mayo so I have to find sunshine somewhere and I find that at the swimming pool.

“After that I make my way back to my studio where I work on the current design I’m developing.

“I just recently finished my woolly jumper pendant (€350) which took

time as I wanted to incorporate a sheep jumping over a fence into the design.

“There’s a little cog on the inside of the design and as the chain roles over it, it actually moves the sheep to allow it to jump over the fence.

“That piece fits quite well to reflect my rural background.”

Ardiff explains that a lot of time goes into the production process of a design but it’s worth it when he finishes a piece.

Ardiff takes his lunch break each day at 1pm and explains: “I usually just go into the house and make a ham sandwich or something like that for myself.”

He then works until 6pm most days

perfecting the design he is working on and at 6pm he looks forward to joining his family for dinner.

“After dinner I usually go back into my studio and if I’m not working I usually use the studio as a bit of a man cave where I listen to music, create a drawing or read a book. I love listening to Lyric FM.” At the end of a busy day, Ardiff gets into bed at about 11pm and recharges the batteries for another creative designing production day the next day.

Alan Ardiff will be at the Kilkenny Shop in Swords on Saturday, July 25 where he will be launching his new jewellery range in store from 11.30am to 2pm.

ners and rockers mark your calendars as the Dublin Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon is set to take place again this year on August 2.

Starting from Dublin’s Docklands and heading to the Phoenix Park, participants will race past the city’s famous sites, including Ha’penny Bridge, Christ Church, the Brazen Head Pub, the James Joyce Museum and the Guinness Brewery.

The top three male and female finishers will receive €500 (first prize), €300 (second prize) and €100 (third prize).

Volunteer opportunities are also available on the day at the water and medical stations on the route, and at the start and finish line. All volunteers will receive a race crew t-shirt. To find out more about the run and to sign up for the price of €49, visit www.runrocknroll.com/dublin or the Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon Facebook page.

Online registration closes on July 26.

Gazette

14 Gazette 23 July 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

Molly Malone is ‘too sexy’ for Facebook Apparently Molly Malone is too sexy for Facebook as the social media site refused to let a Dublin author use a picture of the iconic Dublin statue to advertise his new book on the site.

F i r s t- t i m e D u b l i n

author Frank Whelan submitted an image of the cover of his debut novel, Diar y of the Wolf, which shows two wolves, a full moon, and a picture of the Molly Malone statue, to the Facebook Ads Team but was told that Facebook

is no place for the scantily clad maiden.

A member of Facebook Ads Team wrote to the author, stating: “Your ad was rejected because the image doesn’t follow our ad policies.

“Ads may not use

overly sexual images, suggest nudity, show a lot of skin or cleavage, or focus unnecessarily on specific body parts.”

He argued that the statue is located in one of Dublin’s busiest thoroughfares, but Facebook was having none of it.

bank holiday food festival Attention all food lovers – the Temple Bar Food Festival is set to take place over the August bank holiday weekend and it’s one not to be missed.

This is the first time The Temple Bar Company has run this event and it promises to be a great weekend for all the family with dishes from some of the best restaurants in the area including the Boxty House (traditional) , The Chameleon (Indonesian), Klaw by Niall Sabongi of Rock Lobster (Seafood), Bar Pinxto (Spanish) and Monty’s of Kathmandu (Nepalese).

The festival will take place in Meeting House Square and will see the area transformed into an urban picnic area with games for the young and old such as a giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, giant chess, face painting and a DJ. The food festival will take place on August 2 and 3, 2015.

For more information

Frank Whelan’s cover of his debut novel, Diary of the Wolf, shows a picture of the Molly Malone statue

see www.templebarfestival.com.

outdoor yoga at Stephen’s Green Every Saturday at 11am, outdoor yoga classes take place in Stephen’s Green by the bandstand.

Each class is donation-based and every weekend the event supports a different charity.

Recently, participants were required to write down an act of kindness that they promised to do during the week and then hand it to their teacher as an exchange for the lesson.

If you have ever done outdoor yoga you’ll know exactly what all the fuss is about, and if you have never tried it here is the perfect excuse to give it a go.

Yoga is a great way to work on your flexibility and strength. Just about everyone can do it, too - it’s not just for people who can touch their toes or want to meditate.

For more information on the weekly event, visit w w w.facebook. com/OutdoorYogis or www.theyogahub.ie.

The Happy Prince at Bewley’s Cafe If you’re a fan of Oscar Wilde then make sure you don’t mis s the upcoming performance of The Happy Prince in Bewley’s Cafe Theatre at Powerscourt in Dublin city centre.

This widely acclaimed show has been one of Bewley’s Cafe Theatre’s most successful productions to date.

The show will run for

three weeks and will be performed by Michael James Ford with the composer Trevor Knight performing his haunting piano score live on stage.

The Happy Prince tells the story of a gregarious swallow who befriends a melancholy statue while en route to Egypt.

The bird helps the prince to alleviate the suffering of his poor citizens and in doing so learns profound truths about the nature of love and suffering.

The show will run from July 27 to August 15, 2015, with tickets ranging in price from €8 to €12 depending on the day.

For more information log onto www.bewleyscafetheatre.com or call 0868784001.

16 July 20154 Gazette 15

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM: Former rugby star Shane Byrne leads quite a hectic life

Friends and family help the ‘Mullet’ to tackle stress  Ian Begley

Former Leinster, Ireland and Lions hooker Shane Byrne leads quite the hectic life keeping up-to-date with the latest rugby news on top of running his family’s waste disposal business in Wicklow.

In this week’s Escape the Mayhem, The Gazette catches up with the former Irish rugby union hooker to see what he does to unwind from his day-today life.

“I have twin daughters – Alex and Kerry (12) and two dogs in the house so whenever I’m free I seem to always end up on the beach in Killiney or wherever with them.

“I like to spend as much time with my girls as possible because I’m at work so much, but I also really like getting out and unwinding with the lads at night.

“There is always so much to do in Dublin.

Myself and my girls were in Tayto Park and on the Viking Splash recently, which they really loved. It must have been their third time on it at this stage.

Former Irish rugby union hooker Shane Byrne says he loves spending time with his twin daughters

“They’re going from primary to secondary school now and have now developed into proper characters.”

Nicknamed the “Mullet” for his renowned hair style, Byrne is a director with ArklowWaste Disposal, his family business, and is also head of operations for Focus

International Property.

In June 2014, Byrne made his acting debut with the release of Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie on top of being featured as a regular rugby pundit on television and radio.

“We’re now leading into a huge time of rugby which is something

to look forward to, but at the moment I have a lot of family time but every now and again a good old blow out is something I really like to have with my friends.

“I’m honestly too busy at work to dedicate much time for watching telly, but I have a house full

of girls so whenever I do get the chance to sit in front of the TV they always dictate the things I watch.

“I do, however, love a good movie and when myself and the wife get a few hours to ourselves we often run away and go to the cinema.”

Gazette

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM Lynott’s mother donates artefacts

Phil Lynott’s mother Philomena has presented several sentimental artefacts belonging to her son to Dublin’s Rock ’n’ Roll Museum.

Philomena made the presentation at the museum in Temple Bar recently, where she presented three of Phil’s guitars, four of his beloved leather jackets, and a collection of gold discs will now be exhibited in the newly-opened museum.

The new memorabilia items that are now featured in the museum also include a school report that reveals that the iconic star got a grade of 88% in arithmetic when he was a schoolboy.

Speaking after the presentation, Philomena said: “It was just so good to know that Philip’s prized possessions are now safe.

“I spent a long time with a duster shining them up this morning and I can tell you Philip used to shine those guitars himself.

“In fact, he would put a mirror on the guitars and every time I went to see him play in concert he would make sure I had a front row seat or a balcony seat and he would get the lighting man to shine on that mirror on his guitar and he would direct it at me,” she said.

Gazette

16 Gazette 23 July 2015

dublinlife

feature

Calling all Dubs – help the capital win culture title  Keith Bellew and Ian Begley

The European Capital of Culture for the year 2020 will be hosted by Ireland and Croatia.

Dublin, Galway, Limerick and the south east are now competing to win the coveted title.

Dublin2020 is Dublin’s campaign to make sure our city wins.

The European Capital of Culture is awarded for a period of one year, highlighting the diversity, richness and integration of cultures in Europe and the chosen city.

While 2020 may seem like a long time away, the judging is happening in mid-October of this year when a panel of European judges will arrive in Ireland and shortlist their favourites.

A number of projects is being undertaken by the Dublin 2020 team, one of the most interesting of which is a mini series of short films made by Dubliners called We Are Dublin 2020. Each We Are Dublin2020 film concentrates on one person, their Dublin story and the reason they love Dublin.

Two films have been made so far, the first of which is The Unofficial Lord Mayor of Ballymun, a film which focuses on 16-year-old Jamie Harrington, who talks about his belief in community, his love for Ballymun and his desire to make it a place where everyone wants to live.

The latest film is called More Than One Million Hits and focuses on taxi

driver John McCartney, who gives wise words on maintaining the balance between his love for Dublin and his blog, which can be viewed at www.dublin2020.ie.

Another interesting initiative is Dublin: Let’s Chat, which is a series of conversations with prominent Dublin figures about what Dublin means to them and why they love the capital.

The first in this series was Senator David Norris who said: “I think Dublin is a wonderful city. If you look at it in the European context it has made an absolutely disproportionate contribution to literature: Yeats, Shaw, Wilde, Joyce, Beckett, Colm Toibin, Roddy Doyle, it’s just an endless list of people. We’ve made an utterly amazing contribution to 20th century literature, written some of the greatest poetry with Yeats, we’ve contributed the greatest novel of the 20th century: James Joyce’s Ulysses.”

The second in this series was former Lord Mayor Christy Burke who said: “What makes Dublin home for me is, when I’m away and I’m coming in on the plane and I see Howth or Dublin Bay, then I know, this is home. It’s that sort of pride that hits me, makes me proud to be a Dubliner.”

According to the Dublin2020 team: “The reason we are competing for the European Capital of Culture 2020 is to build a new story for Dublin, based on

A number of projects is being undertaken by the Dublin 2020 team, one of the most interesting of which is a mini series of short films made

by Dubliners called We Are Dublin 2020

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

‘What makes Dublin home for me is, when I’m away and I’m coming in on the plane and I see Howth or Dublin Bay, then I know, this is home’

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

Former Lord Mayor Christy Burke

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

shared ideas, inclusion and confidence. Dublin can be a leading city in Europe. We can take advantage of our talented young population, our informed older population and everyone in between to

initiate major progress in communities and neighbourhoods. We need everyone in Dublin to join in. If you are part of Dublin you are part of Dublin2020.”

Dublin’s distinguished Artane Band also

showed their support for Dublin 2020 recently in Connolly Station by performing in front of hundreds of morning commuters who were on their way to work.

Keith Kelly, director of Artane Band, told The Gazette that the young members of the band really enjoyed the experience and said that the public really showed them their support.

He said: “In the runup to the performance we were all a little nervous as we considered that it could go either

way. At eight in the morning you’re going to people in good or bad forms.

“When the band started to play some people just walked past with their heads down, but the majority of commuters stopped and listened and seemed to really enjoy what we had to offer.

“Some people even started dancing while the band were playing.

“The band enjoyed it so much that the kids asked could if they could go outside the sta-

tion and play outside the Luas.

“The kids then picked up their instruments and started playing out towards the street. It was great fun and a really worthwhile experience.

“We’ve offered our support for Dublin 2020 since Artane would be considered one of the most visual parts of Dublin, especially considering our connection with Croke Park,” he said.

For more information on the Dublin2020 bid see www.dublin2020.ie.

23 July 2015 Gazette 17

travel P20

asdfsdaf P27 food P22

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



Gazette

style P18

Pets quiet ritzie is looking for a calm home

Dublin band The Hot Sprockets will play at Whelan’s

festival: live music, automobile displays, fashion exhibits and more!

Get ready to rock and roll!  Keith Bellew

A festival celebrating the sights, sounds and styles of 1950s and 1960s era rock ’n’ roll will take over Dublin’s Dame Street and surrounding areas from July 31 to August 2.

Now in its second year the Rock ’n’ Roll Conference returns as the Dublin Rock ’n’ Roll Festival with music performances, automobile displays, barber’s conventions, fashion exhibits and banging live music.

Crowds can avail of live music throughout the weekend with the best of rockabilly and rock ’n’ roll bands performing in various venues.

Speaking to The Gazette, festival organiser Kieron Black said: “This year

I decided to do this because I have a passion for that genre of music and style. It’s all [about] good people coming together for the love of rock ’n’ roll, and rock ’n’ roll is so huge, it can be something from the 1950s and other people consider Rock ’n’ Roll as something from the 1980s.”

The festival kicks off on Friday, July 31 with the Rock ’n’ Roll Dance Off presented by SwingScene.ie at The Mercantile from 8pm.

Pulp Fiction fans can show off their Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace impersonations at this event which will see Dubliners exhibiting their skills in the art of swing, lyndy hop, boogie and woogie, the twist and more.

Dancers of all skill levels are urged to

take part in the dance off which will be followed by live music from the Jive Cats.

Giants of the American motor industry dating from its unrivalled glory days will be on display at Hot Rod City Vintage car show at Dame Court from 12 to 4pm on Saturday, August 1.

Classic American Motors Ireland V8 will be on hand with 18 of the most amazing hot rods and streetcars straight from the vintage days of the USA. Black said that this event was one of the highlights of the festival, with around 10,000 attending last year.

Visitors to The Mercantile on Saturday, August 1, will be lost in a sea of quiffs as the rock ’n’ roll fashion show will see Dubliners decked out in frocks

and bobby socks, blue jeans and Brylcreem and plenty of plaid and polka dots.

Sunday, August 2 will see a motorcycle rally across Dublin, as a convoy of motorcycles roars through the city from the Garden of Remembrance to the Phoenix Park where it will coincide with the finale of the rock ’n’ roll half marathon.

The festival ends with a bang on Sunday, August 2, with the Dame District Rock ’n’ Roll closing party at The Mercantile from 11pm.

There will also be free live music all night from 10-piece big band Sweeneys Jazz Men at Sweeneys and The Hot Sprockets, The Mighty Steph and The 45s at Whelan’s.

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 Ritzie, a three-year-old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossbreed.

She is quite wary of unfamiliar people and dogs, but with time, love and commitment from her new owners, her sweet, affectionate and playful nature will emerge.

Ritzie loves playing ball and will happily trade one ball for another and play tug with soft cuddly toys.

She is looking for a home with older children and, if possible, a calm canine companion.

If you think you could offer Ritzie 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 23 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT M&S Hat €47.50

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M&S Autograph brush €15

Mint Velvet Lucia print dress €145

WITH sunshine supremely lacking this summer, a bit of bronzer is essential if we don’t want to look anaemic for the entire year, that is.

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THE Galway Races are almost upon us and it’s time to take the fascinator out of the box, get the best guna to the dry cleaners, and practice walking in stiletto heels in mud and muck.

Alternatively, splash out on a fabulous new frock – especially if you want to be in with a chance

to win a best-dressed ladies competition, of which Kilkenny Shop is this year’s sponsor.

I have picked some of my personal favourites, with a few curve balls thrown in there. Who says you can’t wear a trouser suit to the races?

Thanks to these great outfits and accessories, we’ll get you trotting straight to the winner’s post in style.

And they’re off!

River Island Bag €33

23 July 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE River Island Dress €80

Lucy Kennedy with Caoimhe Barrett and Kyle Doyle

La Roche-Posay wants you to take a selfie and help Temple Street Children’s Hospital

The Kilkenny Shop Aideen Florence dress €215 River Island Heels €75

Mint Velvet Textured biker coat €209, Wrap top tunic €89, Wide leg trouser €89

TV PRESENTER Lucy Kennedy joined dermatological skincare brand La Roche-Posay to call on fans of the brand to share a “selfie” with their favourite La Roche-Posay product.

She was joined by Caoimhe Barrett and Kyle Doyle to launch the campaign, which will help to support Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

La Roche-Posay is known for developing products formulated for sensitive skin, ensuring the highest tolerance and safety. The brand has committed to donating €1 to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for the first 10,000 selfies shared on its website: www.laroche-posay.ie/ yousharewecare.

Kennedy is calling on fans of the skincare brand to get involved with the initiative. She said: “This campaign provides people with a really quick and easy way of helping the hospital.

“I visited Temple Street, and it was plain to see the fantastic work that goes on in Temple Street and this campaign will provide much needed funds to the hospital. Every selfie shared will make a big difference.”

Denise Fitzgerald, chief executive, Temple Street Foundation,

said: “We are so grateful to have the support of La Roche-Posay this year through their You Share, We Care campaign.

“By taking a selfie and sharing it, each individual has the power to make a difference to the lives of sick children in Temple Street.

“For years, the hospital has delivered worldclass care in challenging -------------------------

‘This campaign will provide much needed funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital’ -------------------------

Lucy Kennedy

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

conditions and many of the facilities are struggling to cope.

“The support of La Roche-Posay will help us to continue to fund specialist equipment, and the redevelopment of critical wards, that will save a lot of little lives,” she said.

To make your €1 donation to Temple Street, firstly, take a selfie with your favourite La Roche-Posay product, then click on www.laroche-posay.ie/ yousharewecare and upload your photo, and explain why you love the product.

Gazette

20 Gazette 23 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Cruise through two countries in style  ian begley

IF YOU fancy a romantic getaway this September, a cruise along the River Rhine might be the perfect trip for you and your other half.

The trip, organised by Travel Department, offer passengers a cruise that will take you through Germany and Holland along the River Rhine on September 25.

This €1,529pp offer includes all transfers and one night at the four-star Maritim Hotel Cologne in Cologne on a half-board basis, and seven nights on board the four-star Superior A-Rosa Aqua on a full-board basis, with an unforgettable trip taking in fascinating cities.

In Cologne, you will see the magnificent Grand Cathedral and its rivalling neighbour, Dusseldorf, the City of Fashion. Afterwards, you will travel to Holland and visit Rotterdam, from where you can visit beautiful Delft. Then it’s on to Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, before returning to Cologne via Arnhem and Bonn.

For further information, see www.traveldepartment.ie.

Stena Line offers for a family getaway  ian begley

FAMILIES who are still looking to book a summer break may be pleased to know that Stena Line has launched a new holiday package offering travel by car and seven night’s accommodation from €525 for a family of four – €131 per person.

This offer includes return Stena Line travel from Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, Belfast to Liverpool or Belfast to Cairnryan for a car, two adults and two children, and seven nights’ self-catering accommodation in Pontins Prestatyn Sands in North Wales, or Southport in Merseyside.

For those who don’t want to drive, a coach option to Prestatyn is also available from Dublin on selected dates.

For further information, see www.stenaline. co.ie/pontins.

northern ireland: game of thrones’ lands are part of the lovely province

Visit some of the best sights in Westeros  ian begley

NORTHERN Ireland is renowned for its inspirational locations, stunning landscapes and the friendliest of welcomes.

A summer break within the Six Counties will leave you spoiled for choice with things to do and see.

This week, The Gazette has compiled a list of the main attractions in Northern Ireland this summer.

Game of Thrones With Northern Ireland playing a starring role in HBO’s Game of Thrones, Tourism Northern Ireland has welcomed news that The Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim have

been placed third in a list of 30 film and TV destinations adults most want to visit.

Thanks to Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland’s stunning mountains, forests, lakes and countryside are now familiar to millions of people around the world, having helped create the magical backdrop that much of the show’s action is filmed against.

Some of the locations based across the Causeway Coast and glens that Game of Thrones fans can visit for themselves include The Dark Hedges, in Stranocum (which is used to portray King’s Road), Downhill Beach

See for yourself why places like Murlough National Nature Reserve attract visitors from all across the island of Ireland, and much further afield

(Dragonstone), Larrybane (The Stormlands), Ballintoy Harbour (Pyke, The Iron Islands), Cushendun Caves (The Stormlands), Cairncastle (North of Winterfell), Murlough Bay (Storm’s End) and Slemish (Dothraki Grasslands).

A geological jewel One of the jewels in the crown of the Causeway Coast has to be The Giant’s Causeway, with its famous basalt columns, dramatic cliff faces and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Just along the coast of Antrim is the dramatic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which was first built by fishermen 350 years ago and is suspended nearly 100 ft above the sea.

These days, it’s a popular attraction for visitors, but crossing is not for the faint-hearted.

Further round the coast, take time to enjoy the delights of Portstewart Strand – one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches, with two miles of golden sand.

With their use in early series of the smash-hit show, area. However, wherever any visitors roam, they will

It’s much more than just a beach though, with its sand dunes forming an important nature conservation site with fantastic walks.

From the beach, you can see Mussenden Temple, and it is worth continuing your journey to explore Downhill Demesne, where both the temple and Hezlett House are situated.

With amazing ruins, endless woodlands and stunning gardens, you won’t be disappointed.

Festivals There is also a vast range of festivals taking place this summer in Northern Ireland, which cater for all ages.

August Feile, which takes place from July 30 to August 9 in Belfast, is Ireland’s largest community festival, which features headlining music as part of a diverse range of events including com-

edy, sporting, exhibitions, tours, drama and debates.

The SunFlowerFest is set to return again this year in Hillsborough, County Down, from July 31 to August 2.

This well-established and family-oriented festival will feature superb live music, storytelling, poetry and interactive art, dance and music workshops, in a beautiful setting with on-site camping at Tubby’s Farm near Hillsborough.

From August 28 to 30, the Hilden Beer and Music Festival will occur once again in the Hilden Brewer y in County Antrim. Enjoy more than 20 acts across three music stages, with three bars serving more than 30 ales, stouts, lagers and ciders from Ireland and Britain, plus a food village in the front garden.

The much anticipated Carnival of Colours will also be making a comeback this year at St

23 July 2015 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

Travel fast

TRAVEL NEWS Detox – take time out from digital living IT’S set to become the new buzz term: “digitally detoxing”. We know that we all need to do it, but somehow it always seems that tiny bit too difficult not to check your Facebook page for another Like, or your mobile for a response to a text message.

Dunderry Park (above) in County Meath is putting on a digital detox weekend that will require you to do just that – switch off from all things digital. We spoke to the founder of Digital Detox, Emily Duffy, who gave us her top five reasons to detox.

Game of Thrones (inset, lower-right), Stranocum’s The Dark Hedges (main) have become a fixture for the show’s fans visiting the find lots of places with outstanding natural beauty.

Columb’s Park, Derry, from August 29 – 30.

This flagship circus, arts and music festival will be filled with top treats for all the family. Highlights include the very best of international and local street theatre, storytelling, workshops and international foods, with evening cabaret, music and comedy.

Local beaches Within Northern Ireland, you will find some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe. The naturally stunning formations of the coastline provide long stretches of golden sand and impressive sand dunes. The Causeway coastal route has more than 10 magnificent beaches alone, and views to match.

Whitepark Bay’s sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast.

In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation.

The beach is backed by ancient dunes that provide a range of rich habitats for bird and animal life.

Downhill Beach offers a wealth of activities, including water sports, scenic walks and facilities for that perfect family day out, as well as the prominent Mussenden Temple – one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland.

Tyrella Beach, a small enclosed beach and dune complex within Dundrum Bay, is situated alongside the Mourne coastal pathway.

The stunning waters invite water sport enthusiasts all year round, and it is one of the top beaches in County Down.

The Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile, 6,000-year-old

1. We are too connected to the opinions of others.

“Whether other people’s opinions of you are good, bad, or indifferent, relying on what they think to determine how you feel about yourself makes you more vulnerable and less capable of maintaining your self esteem.”

2. We are less capable of having real conversations.

“When was the last time you had a full, uninterrupted conversation with a friend that didn’t involve someone checking their Facebook, taking a selfie or messaging other people?

“Our smartphones have become such a part of who we are that, at times, we use them to ignore what is right in front of us.”

Hillsborough, Co Down, is set to once again welcome the SunFlowerFest in late July

3. We suffer from information overload.

“The internet has made information more accessible, and that’s great, but the trouble is, we have access to so much information that we can’t process any of it.”

4. Our privacy has disappeared.

“One only has to look at the Jennifer Lawrence photo leak to know that what we share with our friends privately isn’t safe from hackers, snoopers or creepers.”

Must-visit Benone Beach is just one of the North’s many welcoming, golden strands

sand dune system owned

by The National Trust, and is perfect for walkers or anyone interested in bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.

Benone Beach is also a must-see when visiting Northern Ireland. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent backdrop of mountain and cliff scenery, and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive

sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities, including picnic spots, watersports, and fishing.

For further information on Northern Ireland holidays, see www.discovernorthernireland.com.

5. We need fun, non-digital hobbies!

“That’s why we’ll have mindfulness meditation, laughter yoga, falconry, storytelling, art and much more on the weekend, which takes place in Dunderry Park from August 14 to 16. The rate for the weekend is €200.”

For further information, call Emily at 087 747 2147, email emily@spiritoffolk.com, or see www. digitaldetox.info.

Gazette

22 Gazette 23 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT

BITESIZEDNEWS

FOOD&DRINK

Chop House (Shelbourne Road) Prime Irish Hereford cote de boeuf €60

L’Gueuleton (Fade Street) Chargrilled 10oz rib eye steak and chips with bearnaise or cafe de Paris butter €26.50

This cucumber mint margarita is perfect for July

Make a margarita (for when summer arrives) THE sky out there may think it’s October lately, but we have a recipe for a lovely, refreshing cucumber mint margarita that you’ll be glad to whip up whenever the summer finally arrives for more than a day or two. This drink recipe serves two.

Ingredients Half cup chopped cucumber, peeled and seeded 2 tablespoons sugar Quarter cup key lime juice Quarter cup chopped mint One-third cup tequila reposado 2 tablespoons orange liqueur One-eighth teaspoon Tabasco sauce 6 ice cubes Garnish Salt to rim glasses 2 cucumber slices Preparation • Blend ingredients in a blender for one minute.

Divide between two 6-ounce salt-rimmed glasses.

• Garnish each glass with a cucumber slice, then serve, and enjoy!

Bord Bia survey shows rise of local suppliers MORE than 95% of Ireland’s leading restaurateurs have increased the amount of local suppliers they work with in the past 12 months, and 85% spend in excess of 40% of their monthly budgets on local food and drink.

A Bord Bia Just Ask! survey has indicated that leading Irish restaurants actively promote local supplier details to their customers.

From name-checking suppliers on menus and websites, to including supplier photos in their restaurants, to spreading the word via social media and arranging “meet the maker” events, restaurateurs have recognised the merit in showcasing their support of local producers and the resulting bottom-line effect on their business.

Take5

Brookwood (Baggot Street) 28oz porterhouse steak for two, served with sides and a glass of wine or craft beer €50

 james martin

WHEN it comes to good beef, Ireland is very lucky. Our rainy, evergreen fields mean that we are in a position to create some of the best and tastiest farmed produce in the world.

This, of course, means great steaks!

Coupled with a rise in top-class restaurants devoted specifically to the bovine banquet, we are indeed punching well above our weight.

From thick and juicy filet mignon to the hefty t-bone for two, Dublin city has a fantastic range of eateries offering chargrilled perfection.

We have compiled our list of top-five places to get a super sumptuous steak in the city.

Have we missed anywhere? Let us know on the Gazette Newspaper’s Facebook page, or on Twitter at @DublinGazette. Next month, we will be unveiling our top pizza places in the city.

FX Buckley (Pembroke Street and Temple Bar) Rib eye on the bone 22oz, served with cajun onions €38

Asador (Haddington Road) Dry aged cote de boeuf for two €60

23 July 2015 Gazette 23

BUSINESS PROFILE

Gazette

COMMERCIAL FEATURE tom browne, Salus Training Services

A whole world of skills and experience Salus Training Services was formed in 2005 to service a growing market in safety training, consultancy and traffic management.

Tom Browne (above) was one of four directors who took the lead in developing the business so that Salus could provide the services to a range of existing clients from his previous company, Aztec Training Ltd, and new clients through

the partnership of South Midland Construction who at the time were working on behalf of Bord Gais, ESB, local authorities, the RPA, NTL and many more.

Salus provided specialised training in partnership with our technical associates in the UK. Salus is now in the process of seeking approval for City & Guilds qualifications including

confined space, poly pipe welding to start with and progressing to a number of others.

Managing director Browne has a wide range of skills and experience not only in Ireland but in the US, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, UK and across Europe.

He also studied at UCD, Maynooth College, Salford University and in Australia.

Salus also has an operation

in Australia and can deliver training for persons hoping to emigrate to Australia/New Zeland and can have their qualifications converted and recognised through their associate companies based in Australia.

There is also a traffic management division at Salus which has been successful since 2008 and growing continually.

How long have you been in business?

ents that differs from your competitors?

minimised the effects.

the business to a sustainable level offering more programmes to our existing and new clients.

Salus Training Services has been in business since 2005.

What makes your business successful?

Strong customer focus and quality service provided.

What do you offer your cli-

We offer our clients a strong understanding of their needs and willingness to adapt to their needs.

How has the recession affected your business?

Our strong relationship with existing clients has

How do you use social media?

We use Facebook/Twitter/ LinkedIn to promote our business.

What is your ambition for the business?

Our ambition is to grow

What is the best piece of business advice that you ever received?

Offer a good service at a fair price and be honest throughout.

GAZETTE

24 GAZETTE 23 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

FURTHERPREPARATION JIMMY’S TOP TOOL KIT AND ACCESSORIES WHILE everyone has their favourite musthave item, some equipment is essential to ensure you’re fully prepared for anything that might happen out on the course. New products have come on line in the past few and they’ll help you save time.

Happy pedalling!

Tube and tyre levers: For mechanical problems, you’ll need the right kit to help you get back on your bike. Remember that no one can help you in the race so you absolutely have to know how to use your kit. The original and can’t-do-without kit is a tube and three tyre levers. Why? Obviously a puncture is your most likely source of problems. Make sure you have the right tube size to match your bike and valve style and only use plastic tyre levers. So you’ve nothing to inflate this? That brings us neatly to our next item.

Co2 inflator: A very simple device that will inflate your wheel in seconds to the

correct pressure.

Mini pumps simply don’t do the business, using mini pumps to attempt to inflate a tyre can take a lot of your energy and never fully inflate the tyre fully.

Multitool with chain-splitter: These guys will suit all fittings on a modern bicycle.

If your saddle slips or handlebars turn in transition out on the course the multitoll will come to the rescue. Getting one with a chain-splitter is crucial also to cover that eventuality.

Powerlink for chain: The powerlink is designed to quickly rejoin a broken chain. Using your chain-splitter to clear broken debris from your chain, then install the powerlink to instantly reconnect your broken chain.

Castelli Retro Cap €19.00 The retro cycling cap features a classic eight-panel design and styling that harks back to the old days of European racing. Italian or multicolor strip and screen printed Castelli logos. Universally sized.

Compressport Race Belt €12 The new compressport race belt is functional, adjustable and easy to clip on and off. It has three clips for attaching a race number and four elasticated gel holders on each side.

LOUIS GARNEAU TRI SPEED €75.00 Interchangeable HRS heel retention system 2 reversed velcro tabs for easy slip-on and quick attach patented ergo air. Compatible with SPD, SPD-SL, TIME, LOOK and SPEED PLAY cleats, Weight (size 41/1 shoe): 281 g/10 oz Ergo Air.

Elasticated laces LockLaces €7.50 Elasticated shoe laces feature an adjustable toggle fastener that provide a custom fit. Replace your race day trainer’s laces with these elastic alternative and never tie your laces during a race again.

Specialised PROPERO II €99.99 This race-inspired design is known for its great fit and great value. The composite matrix internal reinforcement allows larger vents for greater cooling.

The bike section is the longest part of the race going from Dun Laoghaire out as far as Kilcock in County Kildare

IRONMAN: PART 2 OF 3 TO GUIDE YOUR TRAINING

It’s onto land as the race really gets going  GARY CROSSAN

SO Ironman wannabe – you’ve completed the 2km swim. This week, GazetteHealth picks up where we left off with Gary Crossan of Triathlon Ireland. And he recommends that competitors take a moment to steady themselves on dry land after the swim.

One swift change later and this is where the race really starts.

Time to face the 90km bike ride (shown above).

Crossan advises that the course is flat, fast and consists of a single lap with total elevation gain of 240m. It leaves Dun Laoghaire, heading out towards Finglas and taking in Counties Meath and Kildare.

Anyone who has cycled the course before May, be aware of a slight change around Kilcock which was made to make it safer.

Things he reminds us to be aware of during the bike section are drafting and nutrition.

Last week, we recom-

These products will help you to get the best out of any bike or foot race and are all available from Base2Race, Unit 46, Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin 24.

Keane claims 21st place at championships BRYAN Keane battled to a 21st place finish at the European Championships in Geneva recently, finishing in a time of 1.57.27.

Keane admitted to a poor swim which resulted in the leading pack opening up a gap and pulling away throughout the 40km bike leg.

The Cork man found himself in the second chase pack in which world number one Javier Gomez of Spain was also to be found. Once off the bike, Keane produced one of the fastest runs of the day in 33.03.

For more info visit www.triathlonireland.com

The run section takes place in the beautiful Phoenix Park

mended drafting. But on the bike leg of a triathlon this is illegal and will result in a time penalty and a possible disqualification.

Official draft marshals on the course enforce these rules.

The bike section is also the longest part of the race, and therefore it is the best time to give the body some needed fuel and hydration. You can either stick gels to the cross bar of the bike or have premixed drinks in the fuel bottles on the bike.

All this should be practised in training. There will also be a fuel station in Maynooth at the University Campus.

The final section of the very flat three-lap half marathon race takes place in the beautiful Phoenix Park (shown left).

The run section’s main feature is the pacing strategy runners must employ. With crowds of spectators and the adrenaline rushing, it’s tempting to start out too fast, says Crossan.

When it comes to running races the best strategy is to run negative splits which means running the second half of the race faster than the first. Keep taking on fluids and fuel at all the feed stations to ensure you keep as well hydrated as possible.

A main area for all competitors to be aware of and something most people will not have experienced before is the split transition. Have a check list of everything you need for transition one – after you come out of the swim.

This should include bike gear, for example helmet, sunglasses, cycling shoes. Then have a separate check list for transition two – after the bike leg in Phoenix Park.

This should include running gear, for example runners, vaseline, socks, sun cap. Make sure you are not the person without your runners in transition one in Dun Laoghaire. It will happen to someone, warns Crossan.

23 July 2015 gazette 25

Gazette

GAMING

WEEBYTES

The late Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo

Tributes paid to late Satoru Iwata

 shane dillon

IT SEEMS that The Caped Crusader (aka Batman, aka billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne) is never far away from popular culture, including videogames, as a number of products demonstrate at the moment.

While cinema fans look forward to Ben Affleck putting on the cape in next year’s Batman V Superman, and TV watchers delve into the murky city that the newly orphaned

child Bruce Wayne grew up in, gamers have never been left wanting for some great Batman games, with Batman: Arkham Knight

(developed by Rocksteady Studios, published

by Warner Bros Interactive) delivering Bats and “friends” in style.

The recently released game has been a smash hit on next-gen (now current gen) platforms, delivering a visual tour de force as one of the flagship titles to really show what the Xbox One and PlaySta-

tion 4 are capable of. PC owners, however, experienced a different Gotham (see panel, below).

The title’s stunning graphics have really brought the seedy, criminal underbelly of gothic Gotham to glistening life.

This week, we take a look at the rain-slicked streets, towering architecture, interesting characters and chaos of Gotham in Arkham Knight that have created such a stylishly memorable dark knight ...

‘Holy unplayable, Batman! now what?’

WHILE Arkham K night is indeed a pretty spectacular title – on next-gen consoles, at least – PC fans weren’t happy after the game was released, as it was extremely buggy and crashed or froze a lot, even on high-spec gaming rigs.

Indeed, Warner Bros and Rocksteady have temporarily suspended PC sales, offered refunds, and issued a statement,

apologising to fans.

“We want to apologise to those of you who are experiencing performance issues with Batman: Arkham Knight on PC. “We take these issues very seriously and have therefore decided to suspend future game sales of the PC version while we work to address these issues to satisfy our quality standards.”

At the time of writing, PC sales

are still suspended while the developers try to fix the bugs and performance issues, with PC Batman presumably left to practise his Batarang aim rather than face his adversaries on Gotham’s mean streets.

Who would have thought that Batman’s greatest adversary could end up being just a few lines of problematic code?

TRIBUTES have been paid around the world to Satoru Iwata, Nintendo’s president, who recently died of cancer, aged 55.

Nintendo released a short but respectful statement, simply saying: “Nintendo Co Ltd deeply regrets to announce that President Satoru Iwata passed away on July 11, 2015 due to a bile ductgrowth.”

Earthbound director Shigesato Itoi’s tribute was particularly poignant, saying: “When I’m parting with a friend, regardless of the circumstances, I find it best to just say, ‘See you later.’ We’ll meet again.

After all, we’re friends.

That’s right – nothing unusual about it. I’ll see you later.”

During his time with the company, which he joined in the 1980s, Iwata oversaw some of the highs and lows in the company’s fortunes, seeing it introduce a wide range of consoles.

Its hardware and titles may not always have set the gaming world on fire, but they always showed the company’s singular vision at work.

Popular with the industry and gamers alike, Iwata was the embodiment of Nintendo’s willingness to experiment in the name of fun, and was a driving force in gaming. He will be missed.

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 July 2015

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28 Gazette 23 July 2015

SPORT Ryan is Ireland’s golden girl

FastSport

cycling: garda cyclist leads irish challenge at sundrive track meet

St Pat’s to face Manchester city next week:

ST PATRICK’S Athletic are delighted to announce that the Saints will take on a Manchester City XI in Richmond Park on Wednesday, July 29 at 7.45pm.

Liam Buckley’s side will take on The Citizens as they continue their preseason preparations ahead of the 201516 English football season.

The last Premier League sides to have faced the Saints in Richmond Park were a Chelsea XI in 2009 that featured the likes of Fabio Borini, while a Tottenham Hotspur side with Gareth Bale, Dimitar Berbatov, and Robbie Keane amongst their ranks were visitors to Inchicore in 2007.

Ticket details for the game will follow and be announced on stpatsfc.com in the coming days; ticket details when confirmed will go on sale from the St Patrick’s Athletic club offices on Emmet Road.

 sport@dublingazette.com

MOST of the medals and records from last weekend’s Dublin Track Cycling International at Sundrive went to international stars, but Garda Cycling Club’s Caroline

Ryan took home a gold and reduced the track record for the 3km pursuit on her way to medal success.

Beating her own Sundrive best by almost four tenths of a second, the rower turned cyclist was

one of five riders to lower the track record in their events as competitors from 13 countries competed at the Crumlin venue on Saturday and Sunday of last week.

The event was Ireland’s only UCI level one track

Ryan with her gold medal

Caroline Ryan on track at Sundrive

meet of the year and it attracted three current world track champions, a reigning junior road race champion, and numerous former and current medallists at world, European, and Olympic level over the two days.

Ryan’s record setting victory actually came at the expense of former world road race champion Tatiana Guderzo over Italy. Aside from the Westmanstown woman, who just missed out on third in the women’s points race, there were a number of other local cyclists who tasted success over the weekend.

New Zealand cyclist Regan Gough dominated the men’s 4km pursuit over Ulsterman and Dublin-based cyclist Martyn

Irvine and Gough’s ride included an improvement of 2.5s on Ryan Mullen’s venue record set at the same event last year.

Irvine was also involved in the men’s 15km scratch race and started extremely aggressive. He was joined early on by Max Beyer of Germany before both returned to the bunch and Irvine was eventually reeled in. It wasn’t long before he went back on the attack, riding solo all the way to the final six laps of the 460km circuit before Beyer raced clear again to claim the gold medal ahead of Belgium’s Moreno de Pauw and Alex Frame of New Zealand. Irvine also finished fifth in Men’s omnium event.

Gough added another

win in the men’s points race with another dominant showing in which he lapped the field twice.

Norway’s Aleksander Perez took second while local Sundrive rider Murt Rice raced clear of the rest to claim the bronze medal.

Orwell Wheelers’ Naoise Sheridan took the gold in junior women’s scratch race, while in the Men’s, club-mate Conor Murnane made it a double for Orwell as he edged out Xeno Young of Powerhouse Sport and Barry Talt of Murphys Surveys Kilcullen.

To round-up the Irish interest, Dubliner Lydia Boylan mirrored Irvine’s fifth place finish in the omnium in the women’s category.

National basketball cups get boost from Hula Hoops  sport@dublingazette.com

Lynn Tunnah, left, from Dublin, Dylan Phelan and Keavy McDermott help launch the Hula Hoops National Cup

THE biggest annual event in Irish basketball is to have a new partner for 2015-16 as Hula Hoops has been unveiled as official sponsors of the National Cups.

The announcement of the Hula Hoops National Cups comes in a period of growth for the sport. Over 125 clubs from 16 counties are expected to take part in this season’s elite competitions while a new national intermediate club championships will give more Dublin clubs

a chance to play at the National Basketball Arena.

Forty-five Dublin teams took part in 2014-15. Twenty one titles have stayed in the capital over the years but it was a lean season with UCD Marian, Killester, St Vincent’s, DCU Mercy and Oblate Dynamos were all beaten in the 2015 finals.

“There are 10 national cups catering from Under-18 right up to our two senior flagship competitions, which will be televised live on TG4,” said Basketball Ireland sponsorship and marketing manager JP Montgomery.

“The national cups have been a platform for great Irish basketball players and great drama for over 30 years but we feel that Hula Hoops coming on board marks a new chapter for knockout basketball in Ireland.”

The draw for the Hula Hoops National Cups takes place on September 23 with the first rounds in October and the finals played in January in the National Basketball Arena.

Elsewhere, Meteors have appointed Mark Byrne to take over from outgoing head coach Eoin Chubb.

The South Dublin side took their play-off push all the way to the penultimate round of the league last season and will aim to go one better this term.

Byrne has enjoyed a long and successful playing career with Delta Notre Dame ,Tridents and UCD Marian. As a coach he has had success with Maol Og and UCD Marian.

He said, “I’m looking forward to working with this talented squad. Our pre-season programme is challenging and will ensure we are in the best of shape for the new season”

23 July 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Personal bests and the glint of bronze Dublin-based Paralympic swimmers produced a series of superb performances in Glasgow last week with Clontarf’s Ellen Keane and Daragh McDonald earning a podium place  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

IRELAND’S Paralympic Swim Team, packed with Dublin-based swimmers, began and finished their World Championships campaign with a bronze medal and three personal bests, repeated the feat on the event’s final day last Sunday.

Last Monday, UCD’s Darragh McDonald swam a season’s best of 5.11.26 in the 400m freestyle (S6) which won him his heat and booked a spot in that evening’s final. In the final, McDonald was just over a second outside of that time which earned him third spot on the podium.

Speaking after the final, he said: “I’m really happy to make the World Championship podium tonight.

It’s been a tough season, and the medal makes for

a great finish to it. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and the road to Rio.” McDonald was back in the pool on Thursday, and finished fifth in 50m freestyle heat with a time of 34.01, which left him ninth overall meaning he just missed out on the final. He also missed out on a place in the final of the 100m freestyle (S6) on Sunday by just one spot.

Blanchardstown’s NAC Swim Club had three of the swimmers on the Irish squad and London Paralympian James Scully was the first Irish athlete in the pool last Monday, recording a time of 45.18 in his heat in the 50m backstroke (S5), leaving him in sixth spot.

Scully’s club-mate Ellen Keane was also in the pool on Monday and swam a personal best of 1.18.69 in her 100m back-

stroke heat, but unfortunately just missed out on a place in the final in what is her least favoured event.

Keane was back in action on Tuesday and produced a lifetime best of 1.22.97 in her 100m breaststroke (SB8), which won her heat and booked her place in the evening’s final.

She set another personal best in the final of 1.22.50, which earned fifth spot in a race in which second and fifth spot were separated by just a second and a half.

Scully was the first of the Irish in the pool on Wednesday and he swam a season’s best in the men’s 200m freestyle (S5) of 2.54.84 in the second heat to qualify seventh fastest for the final.

Just like Keane the day before, Scully turned in another season’s best

Castleknock’s Ailbhe Kelly competes in the heat of the Women’s 100m Freestyle S8 where she finished seventh. Picture: Ian McNicol/Sportsfile

in the final of 2.53.77 to finish sixth in one of the most competitive events at the World Championships.

The third NAC Swim Club member on the Irish squad, Castleknock teenager Ailbhe Kelly, made her world championship debut on the Thursday

of the women’s 400m freestyle (S8) of 5.37.45, beating her previous best by over five and a half seconds.

She just missed out on the final but can take comfort from the fact that her time was inside the minimum qualifying standard (MQS) for Rio

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

‘I’m still in shock; I was happy with a personal best but saw the three and I couldn’t believe it!’ - Ellen Keane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

morning in Glasgow.

She showed no signs of nerves as she swam a lifetime best of 1.20.44 in the women’s 100m freestyle (S8) to finish seventh in her heat and 12th overall.

Keane was also back in action on Thursday and swam another season’s best in the heats of the 50m freestyle of 31.03.

Scully competed again on Friday morning and added another lifetime best to the growing personal records being broken in the Irish camp.

He recorded a time of 38 seconds flat in the second heat of the 50m freestyle.

In the final later that day, he beat his time from the morning by an impressive .08 of a second which resulted in an eighth place finish.

Kelly recorded a lifetime best in the sole heat

2016.

The next day, Kelly reached the final of the 100m backstroke (S8) event, finishing eighth and recording another lifetime best time of 1.27.24.

On the final day of the championships, Keane finished second in the first heat of the 200m individual medley (SM9).

In the final that evening, she set another new lifetime best of 2.40.31 which earned her a brilliant bronze in the event, which she spoke about afterwards.

“I’m still in shock,” she said. “I didn’t think I got third! I looked at the clock and registered my time and was happy with my PB, then saw the ‘3’ and couldn’t believe it!

“I’m just so delighted and especially for my parents after dressing up in their Irish suits all week!”

FastSport

Royal Dublin’s Devine eyes PGA Foursome final PATRICK Devine hopes to emulate the greatest week of his professional life as he bids to reach the final of the Golfbreaks.com PGA Fourball Championship.

Devine, of Royal Dublin Golf Club, will team up with Killiney Golf Club’s Leo Hynes for the qualifying event to be held at Headfort Golf Club in Co Meath on July 22.

And the pair will go into the competition with impressive track records. Devine is a former champion having won the final with Stuart Taylor in 2009 when it was held at Forest Pines Golf Club in Lincolnshire.

And if Hynes qualifies, he will be looking to improve on his joint 16th place finish in last year’s final at St Mellion in Cornwall.

They will be aiming to reach the £35,000 Skycaddie and BMW supported grand final at Carden Park in Cheshire between August 12-14.

Devine has fond memories of his title win six years ago.

“It was probably the greatest day as a PGA player when we won at Forest Pines,” he said.

“Everything went to plan, myself and Stuart played well, we made a lot of birdies and had fun doing it at the same time. If you can’t enjoy weeks like that in golf, when can you?

“It was a fantastic tournament for us and I remember it well.”

Devine hopes that he and Hynes will find the winning formula.

“We’ve known each other since we were amateurs, we go way back,” said Devine. “But we’ve never played together in this competition before.

“I hope it’s a good combination and I know Leo played in the final last year. He did well and would want to improve on that.

“If we can get to the final, we’d be trying to win it.”

Devine also admits this year’s final venue - the Jack Nickalus designed course at Carden Park - is another incentive.

“I’ve already had a look at the course graphics online,” he said.

“When you can see the standard of the venue where the final’s going to be held, that’s something that makes you want to play there.”

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 23 July 2015

SPORT

FastSport

Tough weekend for Irish Davis Cup side IRELAND’S Davis Cup team, above, suffered a 5-0 defeat to South Africa last weekend at the Irene Country Club in Centurion to be relegated to Euro/Africa Zone Group III for 2016.

Castleknock man James McGee was undone by South African number two player Fritz Wolmarans in four sets after the initial two were shared 7-6, 1-6. Wolmarans found an extra gear and won the third and fourth 6-3, 6-4.

With Sam Barry falling to Tucker Vorster in the second singles battle last Friday, survival was down to the doubles pairing of Swords man James Cluskey and his fellow Dubliner David O’Hare.

In a tight first set the Irish pair went down in the tiebreak and never recovered losing the rubber in straight sets 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 to Ruan Roelofse and Dean O’Brien.

It rendered Sunday’s reverse singles as obsolete with Ireland unable to make a comeback. McGee fell to Vorster while Barry was beaten by Roelofse.

Cluskey quickly moved on to Bastad in Sweden where he will play in the ATP 250 event when he is back in action in midweek following the lengthy trip from South Africa.

Soccer: northern lights calling for three dublin 15 players

The North Dublin Schoolboys team that will play in the annual Milk Cup in Northern Ireland

Corduff trio in Milk Cup  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

THREE of Corduff FC’s rising stars will travel up to Northern Ireland this week with the NDSL squad and compete in the prestigious Dale Farm Milk Cup competition.

Yassine En-Neyah, Peter Adigun and Anthony Cash from the Blanch outfit’s Under-15 side are included in the north Dublin squad for the competition that is glamorous as they come in schoolboy football.

Corduff PRO John McGuinness spoke to GazetteSport about the talented trio’s trip up North. “It’s just more

proof of the progression we as a club are going through and the progression our players are going through in recent times,” said McGuinness.

“The Milk Cup is as good as it gets really so we’re really delighted for the three lads. Obviously Yassine is an underage international now having been away with the Ireland squad and is a regular part of that set-up now. But all three are top players, we just provide the platform for them to play and I’m proud to say it is a working platform.

“There is a lot of talk in the schoolboy game that you need to be at certain clubs or places to get call-

ups and major recognition, but at the end of the day you just need to be a good enough player, and these lads are, just like countless others at this great club.”

The talent coming out of the Corduff production line seems endless in recent times, which is a serious credit when you consider, which McGuinness pointed out, that just a few years ago the club was not even competing seriously or regularly in All-Irelands.

The illustrious Milk Cup started way back in 1983 involving eight Ulster teams and eight teams from around the world. Since then it has

grown to become the biggest pre-season competition for underage teams in Ireland, Britain and further afield.

Names such as Steve Staunton, Martin O’Neill, Steve McManaman, Lee Clarke, Steve Heighway, Brian Kidd, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Barmby, Paul Scholes and David Beckham have all competed at the tournament, and if messers En-Neyeah, Adigun and Cash can follow their footsteps even slightly, they shouldn’t do too bad at all.

Meanwhile, one place remains for the 16-team David Lynch senior memorial 11-a-side tournament which takes place

on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9.

The entry fee is €200 and more information is available by contacting Damien Walsh on 085 757 5489 or Keith Mooney on 087 914 9457.

The tournament is divided into four groups of four before going into knock-out mode.

The club has a couple of places remaining at their Ricky Osagie memorial tournament which takes place between Monday, August 10 and Sunday, August 16 at Damastown.

Entry for the competition is €125 with a nonrefundable €50 deposit for each team.

23 July 2015 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

Erin Go Bragh through to quarter final  sport@dublingazette.com

ERIN Go Bragh produced an emphatic 1-24 to 0-3 win over Shankill at Shanganagh Cliffs to reach their junior football championship semi-final in fine fashion.

The visitors dominated from start to finish, racking up 10 points without reply before Shankill

scored from a free.

Erin Go Bragh continued to knock over the points while they came close to scoring a goal on several occasions but were denied by the Shankill keeper and, in another, case the crossbar.

The hosts finished the half on a positive note with a well-taken point from a difficult angle and

another point shortly after.

But this was to be their final score of the game. JB Jones, before making his move to England to play for Leyton Orient, was among the scorers with four points.

Erin Go Bragh were slow to get going again in the second half but eventually picked up where they left off, knocking the

ball over the bar at will.

Mick Moroney was to weigh in with five points while, despite the best effort of the Shankill keeper, Erin Go Bragh eventually registered a goal via Bergin en route to their 24-point win.

Erin Go Bragh will now face championship favourites Rosmini Gaels in the semi final.

hurling: naomh mearnog hosts top class blitz

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s WELL done to Rose Collins, Grainne

break and will return on August 29.

Quinn the Dublin Camogie senior team

The club lotto jackpot remains a

who had a great win up in Derry on

massive €15,000 with the reserve ris-

Sunday.

ing to €8,400 for this week’s draw in the

Congratulations to Noelle Healy,

Vineyard on Thursday, July 23.

Ciara Trant, Colleen Barrett, Sorcha

The St Brigid’s GAA summer camps

Furlong and the Dublin ladies football

start this week and will run for three

team on winning the Leinster senior

weeks in July and August. Week 2: Kel-

football final last Sunday.

loggs Cul Camp - August 10-14; Week 3:

Best of luck to our inter-county

Nursery Camp - August 18-21 (Tues-

hurlers this weekend in their respec-

day Start) for ages four to seven. For

tive quarter finals: Johnny McGuirk

bookings and more information, see

Snr, Eoghan Dunne, Johnny McGuirk

the club website or contact Paul on

Jnr, Cian O’Sullivan, Donncha Ryan and

087 9154748.

the Dublin minor hurling team versus

The full range of St Brigid’s GAA gear

Antrim on Saturday; Daire Plunkett

is available on our online shop on the

and Alan Nolan with the Dublin senior

club website.

hurlers as they take on Waterford this Sunday in Semple Stadium, Thurles.

Our club nursery is on summer

For up-to-date St Brigid’s GAA fixtures and results visit our website www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

castleknock WELL done to the second adult football team who beat St Brigid’s to qualify for the junior championship semi-final.

The players from Naomh Peregrine, St Briigd’s and Castleknock from the Dublin Under-15 side

D15 players to fore in Under-15 All-Ireland  sport@dublingazette.com

SOME of the best juvenile hurlers in the country descended on Naomh Mearnog last Saturday for the Under-15 All-Ireland hurling blitz.

Over 150 hurlers from Dublin, Wexford, Waterford and Antrim played a series of matches which provided a competitive day’s hurling.

Under the guidance of manager Willie Burke, Dublin had entered two teams with local clubs well represented. St Brigid’s John Meagher and Andrew Dunphy, Naomh Peregrine’s Sam Beirnes,

and Castleknock’s Darragh Hewson formed part of well-drilled defence on duty on Saturday with Castleknock’s Cian Corcoran and Peregrine’s Eoin Gleeson in the Dublin attack.

A double match up with Wexford opened proceedings with Dublin recording a win and a draw in highly competitve encounters.

On the way to their win, Dublin found themselves down by a margin of 1-7 to 1-4 at half time.

However, a goal apiece from Conor Berrigan and Tom Keogh and faultless free taking from Parnell’s

John Salmon helped secure a 2-14 to 1-8 win.

Lucan’s Andy Carroll also worked tirelessly throughout the day. Cuala’s Liam Murphy also showed his worth by picking up impressive scores.

Dublin accounted for a talented Antrim oufit on a scoreline of 2-5 to 1-6 which left them with a double match up with Waterford to claim the honours.

The previous meetings of these sides were hotly contested affairs and this was no different.

Both Dublin sides started off well with Darragh Kiernan and Sean Kin-

sella catching the eye and Lucan’s Hercus Syigliwskas in fine form.

Unbeaten up to that point, both Waterford teams were keen to return to Munster with their winning record intact.

They grew into the games and Dublin were forced to repel wave after wave of attacks.

Cuala’s Kevin Kirwan was involved in a ding-dong battle with the Waterford attack but, despite the best efforts of the home team, Waterford were to prove too strong on the day and ran out winners in both final matches.

last.

Castleknock nursery is on a wellearned break and will restart on

The senior footballers continued

August 22. Sincere thanks to all who

their good league from by beating St

have helped out at the nursery since

Mary’s on Saturday evening. Our sen-

Christmas.

ior ladies footballers had a great 3-6

Our next summer camp is on August

to 1-11 win over Westmanstown in the

17 to 21; please email brendan.phelan.

cup.

gpo.dublin@gaa.ie to secure places.

Congrats to Niamh, Caoimhe, Aish-

Club family day date is set for Sep-

ling and Sarah who lined out for Dubs’

tember 5. Remember to keep support-

U-16s camogie team in the champion-

ing the SuperValu kits for clubs and

ship win against Antrim.

also our own cash for clobber promo-

Well done to all who represented the club in the Inter County Hurling and camogie blitzes over the weekend.

tions.

Winning numbers in the weekly lotto draw were 9, 11, 13 and 18. There were

Congratulations to senior footballer

14 match three winners – check the

Stephen Lynch and his new bride Ciara

club website, www.castleknock.net,

Dempsey who were married on Friday

for further details.

naomh peregrine THIS week’s lotto was not won. The

Volunteers are needed for a bag-

numbers drawn were 7, 16, 23 and 25.

pack on August 1. Please contact

Next week’s jackpot is €4,200.

Aileen if you can spare a couple of

Well done to the junior As on a great win over Whitehall on Sunday, putting them three points clear in AFL6.

Thank you to everybody that supported the car boot sale in Sunday.

hours.

Well done to Martha and Rachael who played pivotal roles in the Dublin U-16 win over Antrim in Blakestown on Sunday.

erin go bragh WE HOPE all the boys and girls had

held again on August 18, 19 and 20. The

a great time at our summer camp.

cost of the camp will be €30. Call John

Thanks to Mary McPeake, Michael

for more information on 087 7541948.

Dempsey our coaches and parents for making the week a success.

Our next camp runs from Monday, August 17 to 21. It costs €40, €35

Our ladies football and camogie teams are looking for players. Gaelic4mothers and others continues on Thursdays. Call Ciara on 087 9147154.

for siblings. After receiving fantastic

Well done to our footballers who

feedback on our advanced camp for

beat Shankill to reach their champi-

12- to 16-year-olds, another will be

onship semi final.

GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 28-31

northern lights: Corduff crew set to represent club at prestigious Milk Cup in Northern Ireland P31

july 23-29, 2015

sundrive sensations: Invitational track cycling event draws the best from Ryan P28

The Dublin ladies Gaelic footballers celebrate their success in Dr Cullen Park. Picture: Kyran O’Brien

Brigid’s experience key

Selector Bobby McNulty paid tribute to critical know-how of the likes of Sorcha Furlong, Colleen Barrett and Ciara Trant in Dublin success  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

ST BRIGID’S players were to the fore as Dublin’s senior ladies footballers won a fourth Leinster title in a row, providing crucial experience in a challenging final, according the Jackies selector Bobby McNulty.

Ciara Trant, Colleen Barrett and Sorcha Furlong were the Brigid’s contingent as Gregory McGonigle’s side defeated Westmeath by 2-12 to 1-11 in Dr Cullen Park last Sunday in a game that was closer than many would have originally predicted prior to throw-in.

Dublin raced ahead in the first half, knocking over four before Westmeath found their bear-

ings and responded when Maud Annie Foley hit the first of her eight points. But Dublin came straight back as influential skipper Lyndsey Davey palmed an effort past the keeper to score the game’s first goal.

Westmeath were actually eight points behind in the first half at one point but got to within two in the second as Dublin went scoreless right until the final 10 minutes of the game.

Last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists were helped by the sin-binning of Johanna Maher and while Westmeath were down a player, the Dubs hit 1-3 without reply.

When they got back to having their full contingent on the field, Westmeath threatened again but luck was proving to be going against

them as an Emma Morris shot rattled off the crossbar late on.

Dublin held on from here to book their place in the last eight of the All-Ireland where they will face one of Monaghan, Derry, Cavan or Down.

McNulty, who spoke to Gazette Sport in the days after the provincial decider, praised the Blanch trio for the major role they played in preventing what could have been a devastating comeback by a spirited Westmeath.

“I think they all did really,” he said. “I think individually, starting with Sorcha Furlong, you’re talking about a player who only came on after 45 minutes but made a massive impact.

She came on at a time when we were kind of

under the cosh with Westmeath closing the gap and coming back into it. She provided a lot of experience and really steadied the ship for us.

She showed how crucial it was to use your subs in the right way.

“Then obviously Ciara Trant in goal,” continued McNulty. “No goals conceded which is what you really want from a goalkeeper, but I though her kick-outs were very strong on the day and helped set up many of our attacks at the other end of the field.

“Finally, Colleen Barrett, another with lots of experience. Obviously she was with the squad back in 2010 and has an All-Ireland medal so, in games like this, her experience is a major asset at the back.”