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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE.................. 13 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................28
MAKING HISTORY: Voters step into polling booths and give equality thumbs up P8-9
School at odds over Deis access KEITH BELLEW
THE Department of Education has reacted to a local councillor who accused it of ignoring the needs of students in Powerstown Educate Together National School in Tyrrelstown. Powerstown principal Helena Trench told The Gazette that Powerstown has asked to be included in the Deis scheme. Deis, set up in 2005, is a scheme in which disadvantaged schools receive extra funding and sup-
ports from Government. The Department has not allowed any new schools to access the programme since 2009 and Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) has said this is inexcusable. Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan said Deis, which was drawn up by a Fianna Fail Minister, doesn’t allow for schools outside the scheme to apply, and that she is currently changing the scheme to rectify this. Full Story on Page 2
Ireland says Yes: Dublin City celebrates historic moment SARAH WHITFORD and Aoi-
bheann Greenan celebrating outside Dublin Castle as the Marriage Equality Referendum was passed. Excited crowds gathered in Dublin City on May 23 to hear the final tally as votes from all over the country were
counted and relayed. The historic day saw Ireland becoming the first country in the world to introduce same sex marriage by popular vote. Pictures: James Martin
See Gallery on Pages 8 & 12
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Tyrrelstown Department accused of ignoring pupil needs
Minister defends funding decision The Depar tment of Education has hit back at a local councillor who accused it of ignoring the needs of the students of Powerstown Educate Together National School in Tyrrelstown. Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) accused the Department of refusing to give Deis status to Powerstown ETNS. Deis, set up in 2005, is a scheme in which schools located in disadvantaged areas receive extra funding and supports from the Government. It is categorised in bands based on the level of support required. Powerstown principal Helena Trench told The Gazette: “Powerstown
keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com
ETNS have been in touch with the Department of Education seeking extra funding as the board of management believes the school meets criteria for Deis status as do many schools in Tyrrelstown, D15 and nationwide. “The Department has not granted any school access to the Deis programme since 2009.” Cllr Chambers said that according to new information he had received through a par-
liamentar y question submitted by Fianna Fail, the Government “clearly has no intention of giving Powerstown Educate Together School Deis status. The Minister has given no reasonable explanation for this”. He said it was inexcusable that Powerstown had not been given Deis status, describing the school as “one of the most disadvantaged in the country with 76% of students from homes where the main earner is unemployed.” He went on to say that it had the second highest number of migrant pupils of any school in the country at 91%. Over a quar ter of students are from one-
parent family homes and 16% have been diagnosed with special needs or are on waiting lists for diagnoses. “It is abundantly clear that the school exceeds the criteria for DEIS and that the vast majority of its students need additional supports in the school setting,” he said. However Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan hit back saying that for the first time since Deis was established in 2005 she had initiated a process which would allow schools currently outside the Deis programme to apply. The work is ongoing and when completed it will allow schools such as Powerstown Educate Together to apply for Deis status. “Deis was established in 2005 and the original scheme drawn up by a Fianna Fail Minister
Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) and Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan who have clashed over funding for Powerstown Educate Together National School
didn’t allow for individual schools not originally in the scheme to apply, even if they were established after 2005. “This is a failing of the Deis scheme and I am now taking action to set that right,” she said. The Minister has
invited submissions on the subject and following this, an inter-departmental committee will carry out their work over the next school year, and the technical group will then work on establishing new identification criteria.
She went on to say that either Cllr Chambers did not know how his Fianna Fail colleagues designed the Deis scheme or he was deliberately trying to ignore that reality for his own political purposes.
Council to raise sports pitch issue Fingal County Council will raise the issue of the need for a sports pitch for Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School, with the Department of Education. This comes on the back of a motion tabled by Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) at a recent area committee meeting for the council to assist the school in securing funding for the provision of a sports pitch. The school is housed
temporarily on the grounds of the nearby Castaheany Educate To g e t h e r N a t i o n a l School until May 2016 when the building is scheduled to be completed. Cllr McCamley received representations from the school’s principal, asking for the council’s assistance and outlining the need for the facilities. In a letter sent to Cllr McCamley, principal
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Bernie Judge explained that while provision had been made for basketball courts, no provision had been made for open green spaces or sports pitches. She said that the school population would grow exponentially in the coming years, and the provision of such facilities was integral to students’ physical education and overall health, citing the increase in child obesity in Ireland. Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) seconded the motion and said he would like to see a deal struck with private developers in the area, where by supporting pri-
vate development, green spaces etc would be provided as a condition of planning permission. He went on to say that Hansfield ET “is a school that has to get its roots into that community and people have to buy into it. One thing that they can do to ensure that people see that is to get the permanent facility opened up”. He said the school needed the external facilities to show that they could cater for the needs of everyone in the area. A Fingal County Council official said they would raise the issue with the Department of Education.
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Hansfield: Minister and mayor plant tree at launch ceremony
st vincent’s College to host Irish camp for kids
First phase of Ongar project is launched Keith Bellew
A CEREMONIAL Irish oak tree was planted recently to symbolise a renewed start for Hansfield and the positive legacy its development will leave. Fingal’s mayor Mags Murray (FF) and Health Minister Leo Varadkar were on hand to do the honours as the first phase of the Ongar project was launched. Last year McGarrell Reilly Group acquired the site left unfinished by previous developer Manor Park Homes which went bust around 2009. McGarrell Reilly has turned the development around and has opened its first homes in eight years.
Sean Reilly of McGarrell Reilly welcomed Hansfield’s newest residents. “Where else can you live with a train station, quality bus corridor and a choice of schools on your doorstep, golf clubs, sports clubs, and in this Liffey Valley special amenity area,” he said. The houses are selling well, with all but three of the 34 units that make up the first phase already sold. Nineteen were initially released as part of the first phase and all sold on launch day. A further release of 10 houses, under construction, was made available to meet demand, all of which were also sold.
A further five were then released over the weekend with deposits taken on two. Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) welcomed the completion of the first phase saying it was great to see new houses being built and for sale in the area. He believed the size and price of the houses was well suited to the needs of many prospective home buyers. The second phase is now at planning stage and the council has requested additional information on certain aspects of the plans. Cllr Dennison said it would be good to see the second phase under way once planning permission was granted.
A sweet deal: Raising vital funds to keep granting wishes to children dealz Blanchardstown employees (based at West End Business Park) Laura Cummins, Kayleigh Sheridan, Naomi Godfrey and Matt Cooney show their support for Make-A-Wish during the charity’s recent Wish Band Day. Dealz partnered with Make-AWish adopting them as their charity partner back in 2011 and have supported the charity through various fundraising initiatives ever since. The charity is hoping to grant 175 wishes to children and young people with life-threatening medical conditions this year and all monies raised by Dealz will go towards this goal. In thanking Dealz Blanchardstown, Susan O’Dwyer, chief executive, Make-AWish, said: “The support from Dealz is invaluable.”
St Vincent’s Castleknock College is hosting an Irish-language camp for children between second-class and secondyear this summer from July 27 to 31. Students will be immersed in the Irish language for the whole week. They will be engaged in Irish classes in the morning and will play a variety of games and activities through Irish in the afternoon. The school says that the camp will be particularly beneficial to students making the transition from primary to secondary school. For more information contact Castleknock College at (01) 8213051/ 0877464789.
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burials ‘Kellystown should be developed’
An extension to Mulhuddart Cemetery is anticipated to be open for burials in the near future
Cemetery extension to provide 750 plots keith bellew
AN extension to Mulhuddart Cemetery, which will provide 750 additional plots containing three graves each, is nearing completion and it is anticipated it will be open for burials in the near future. This has been confirmed by Fingal County Council following calls from Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) for a new graveyard to be established in Dublin West, as Mulhuddart cemetery is reaching capacity. Cllr Chambers said it was unacceptable that an area with such a large and growing population had been left with nowhere
to bury its dead. He said: “The Dublin West constituency has a population much larger than many counties and yet when someone passes away, their loved ones are now forced to cross the city or go outside Dublin to lay them to rest.” He said it was unacceptable that someone who had lived in Dublin West all their lives, and whose family continued to live there, could not be buried anywhere nearby unless they had already bought a plot in Mulhuddart cemetery. He said many locals had to travel considerable distances for a plot.
He added that this had been an issue for about 15 years and a site in Kellystown has been zoned for development for several years with graveyard provision included in the planning permission. Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) welcomed the progress at Mulhuddart Cemetery. He said grave space in the area had been at crisis point, and that these additional graves would be an asset to the people of Mulhuddart into the near future. However, he s aid there was a need for additional spaces in the Castleknock end of the
constituency and that Kellystown could provide that space. “The difficulty with Mulhuddart for most parts of Dublin 15 is that it’s very inaccessible unless you’ve got a car. “So there is a need for somewhere in the south of Dublin 15. “Kellystown is in play but I think it is to be married up with private development. “The good thing is that in terms of planning there are no hurdles in Kellystown. “You can build a graveyard anywhere. “When that region develops we’ll see the graveyard down there.”
Agile shows agility at awards BLANCHARDWTOWN business Agile Networks retained its title of Vertical Market Reseller of the Year at the Annual Tech Excellence Awards recently. The company, which is Ireland’s biggest independent network integrator, received a record number of nominations at this year’s awards, including for IT Project of the Year and Company of the Year. It has a
great track record in awards having clinched the Best Start-Up category in 2013. The awards were adjudicated by six industry experts Eoin O’Driscoll (Forfas), Dr Jim Mountjoy (Euristix), Tom McCarthy (HelmAG), Peter McManamon (Parthus Technologies), Dr Sean Baker (Iona Technologies) and Karl Flannery (Storm Technology).
Managing director of Agile Networks in Blanchardstown Darragh Richardson said the award was a “badge of honour” for the company. “Winning this industry award from our peers for the second year in a row recognises our efforts and our achievements and validates this vertical market approach.”
28 May 2015 BLANCH GAZETTE 5
HEALTH Minister Leo Varadkar pays tribute to the late Brian Lenihan
Hospice is officially opened KEITH BELLEW
ST Francis Hospice was officially opened on Saturday, May 23, by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar. Construction of the new hospice commenced in July 2009 and was completed in March 2011. Funding by the HSE to open its in-patient unit was not given until 2014, with the phased opening of the 24 beds taking place between September 2014 and February 2015. The new facility also acts as a base for the community palliative care team, an education centre and a hospice day care centre that opens two days per week.
Funding It is hoped to extend this to four days as funding becomes available. The construction and equipping of the new Blanchardstown hospice cost €24.5m, of which €1.5m was provided by the HSE towards the fitout costs. The balance was raised through fundraising activity and a bank loan. Mr Justice Peter Kelly, chairman of St Francis
Hospice, said the opening of the new Blanchardstown facility was critical to expanding the range of specialist palliative care services that can be provided to the community. Joe Fallon, board representative, St Francis Hospice, said the hospice was a vital and long-awaited ser vice for the Blanchardstown area and all of West Dublin. “As a charity, we are very dependent on the ongoing support and generosity of the wider community to help assist in repaying the €7.5m bank loan and also in funding the dayto-day running costs of the new hospice. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank and praise the generosity of those who have contributed to our cause over the last few years and to add that any further financial support would be very much welcomed and valued.” M inister Varadkar paid tribute to everyone who helped establish the hospice. “I really want to acknowledge the enormous efforts put in over the years by the Dublin
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15 Fundraising Group. “The local community has also given outstanding support, contributing €7m to the capital cost and continuing to raise money to service and reduce the debt.” He went on to pay special tribute to the Daughters of Charity, particularly Sr Chris-
tine Quinn, Fr Eugene Kennedy and Fr Dan Joe O’Mahony for their “extraordinary commitment and leadership”. He also acknowledged the late Brian Lenihan, who secured the land for the hospice during his tenure as Minister for Health. “Brian Lenihan
secured the land for this hospice, and was a driving force in making it happen. “For sure, he is here in spirit. I am proud that as Minister for Health I was able to continue his work and help to secure funding from the HSE for the staff and services now provided here.”
Pictured at the opening of St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown was Minister for Health Leo Varadkar; An Tanaiste Joan Burton; Joe Fallon, board member St Francis Hospice; Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke and chairman of St Francis Hospice, The Hon. Justice Peter Kelly. Picture: Conor McCabe
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referendum day Voters from all across the Republic
Cousins Aisling Rymell and Bebhinn McAnelly Masterson
Hazel Kavanagh and Peter Warren celebrate at Dublin Castle. Picture: James Martin
Anna NiGhallachair and Bebhinn NiChiosain
The power keith bellew
IRELAND made history on May 22, 2015, as the first country in the world to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote. The overall Yes tally – 62% as opposed to 38% for the No – was strongest in Dublin, with Dublin South East coming in at an impressive 74%. The outcome was celebrated both at home and globally with thousands gathering in Dublin Castle for a result that has been welcomed as a great victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender (LGBT) community. Speaking to The Gazette, Tiernan Brady,
director of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen), said: “It’s a wonderful result. It’s phenomenal. The Dublin result is fantastic, it’s so emphatic, and sends a wonderful message to lesbian and gay people right across Dublin about how they belong here and how the rest of Dublin knows that, sees that and thinks it’s important that our laws reflect that.” LGBT Noise was the one of first groups in Ireland to campaign for marriage equality starting from humble beginnings with just a few hundred supporters and growing and building momentum over several years, culminating in a march in
August, which was supported by 10,000 people. S p o ke s p e r s o n f o r LGBT Noise Max Krzyzanowski told The Gazette the result was “a personal vindication on the level of our equal level as citizens of this Republic”. Brian Sheehan and Grainne Healy, co-directors of Yes Equality, said the result was the fruition of the extraordinary input of Yes Equality groups all across the country, who knocked on thousands of doors and asked people for their vote. “Thanks to this tireless work, Irish people have given a new sense of belonging to their lesbian
and gay family members, friends and neighbours,” they said. Health Minister Leo Varadkar told the Gazette: “Last weekend Ireland did something e x t r a o r d i n a r y. T h i s wasn’t just a vote for liberty and equality. It was a vote that said: ‘We believe in all our citizens; we believe in marriage; we support families in all their forms and we believe in love’.” He said he was pleased the result was not Dublin and the east coast against the rest of the country, as has been the case in previous referendums. “I felt we were – or at least could be – one nation. “The atmosphere
28 May 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9
stepped into polling booths and gave equality the thumbs up
Olivia Walshe, Deirdre Burke, Niamh Beirne & Louise Quill
Charlie Mooney waves the rainbow flag
of a Yes
Cailin Foi and Austin Dunne
Thomas McDermott and Sara Jane Lynn
around Dublin Castle at the time of the announcement was electric. The poignant moment for me was when the crowd, many of whom had not always felt welcome in their own country, spontaneously broke out in
the national anthem.” Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald spoke of her “sincere delight” at the passing of the referendum. She said: “Ireland is the first country to vote for equal marriage; this
result sends a great message to the world. This is a clear statement to our gay and lesbian citizens that we view them as equals. “As Minister for Justice and Equality I will be introducing the Marriage Bill 2015 into the
Oireachtas in the coming weeks. The Bill will have to pass through the Dail and the Seanad and I am hopeful this will happen before the end of summer.” See more photos on P12
Stephen Murphy and Jackie Williams
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gazetteGALLERY gazetteGALLERIES
A big thumbs up for the recent run in Hartstown Park. Pictures: Simon Jeacle
Sean and Mary Martin
hartstown park: Awareness Run raises â‚Ź200 for yes campaign
Celebrating diversity and equal community
O
ver 60 local residents took part in a special LGBT Awareness Run in Hartstown Park recently to celebrate the area as a diverse and equal community.
David Lynch and Ian Begley (organiser)
The festive event which was organised by local residents Paul Hanaphy, Owen Fletcher and Ian Begley, took place on a beautifully sunny Sunday morning with plenty
of baked treats and volunteers on hand. During the run over â‚Ź200 was raised towards the Yes Campaign in the recent marriage referendum.
Paul Hanaphy, David Deane and Lisa Fletcher
Susan Hanaphy
28 May 2015 BLANCH Gazette 11
Aisling Keane with Adam and Lisa Fletcher
Elaine, Niamh, Teresa and Sean Hanaphy
Anne, Jenny and Tony Judge
Sarah Kelly
Eric Wan, Aisling Keane, David Keane and Adam Fletcher
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gazetteGALLERY
Young and old turned up to mark the historic day
Niamh Beirne joins the celebrations at Dublin Castle. Pictures: James Martin
Equality rules, okay! David Walsh and Edward Flynn
Deirdre Garvey and Rory O’Donnell
Dublin Castle courtyard was jam-packed with colour
28 May 2015 Gazette 13
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dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
a day in the life: how karl bowe – also known as mr ireland – relaxes
what’son
A model approach to living dairne black
KARL Bowe, this year’s Mr Ireland, is an actor, model, presenter, host and, of course, a true Dub at heart, hailing from Crumlin. Bowe has had a varied career and most recently appeared on our screens playing an estate agent in TV3’s Red Rock. Having conquered the Irish scene, Bowe has plans to make the move across the pond and kickstart his career in London. With so much going on, it’s no surprise we asked Mr Ireland what a typical day in his life is like. He said: “I’m a bad sleeper, so I’m always awake early. I hit the gym at 9am every morning without fail, usually spend about an hour and half there and then come
back and get some breakfast. “After that, you never know where the day can lead; it could be a casting or auditions, TV commercials. “Some of my Mr Ireland duties would include photo shoots, too.” Bowe is not represented by anyone in Ireland, and everything goes through him. However, since his appearance on Take Me Out in the UK, he has had some work over there. “The work over here in Ireland isn’t consistent enough at the moment, I’m planning a move over to the UK to sign with BMA [models agency in London] – they have sent me for a lot of castings and the work is starting to pile up over in London. “I’m a trained actor and the dream would be
to play James Bond, but the aim is to get into a soap. “I just want to make a living doing something I love. It’s a big step up and a gamble, but acting is what I want to do,” he said. Bowe takes a break at weekends. “I always visit my granny in Terenure, and go to mass every Saturday night, then I might go and have a few pints somewhere and really just relax and take it handy.” For nights out, Bowe has a few choice places. “Fire Restaurant at the Mansion House is my favourite place. I prefer cocktail bars over clubs, so Copan Rathmines, or Capitol Bar, Lillies Bordello would be my club of choice; I might go there on a bank holiday weekend.”
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you’re growing to love bloom
Mr Ireland, Karl Bowe plans to make a move and start a career in London
NOW running until June 1, the Bord Bia Bloom Festival and garden show in the Phoenix Park is an ideal day out with plenty of sights, smells, tastes and entertainment for the whole family. The show gardens on display this year are full of surprise, with themes including Peter Pan, stiletto heels and WB Yeats. As well as the 25 Bloom show gardens, the Banter at Bloom marquee is a new feature for this year’s festival, and will host a series of discussions, talks, and conversations on topical issues around food, sustainability, agriculture, and everything in between. The Food Village at Bloom is also on hand offering a wide range of artisan produce and onsite dining options. Guests can also dine at Bistro Bloom restaurant, cafe and seafood bar, or visit the all-new Country Crest Food Fayre. This is just a small sample of the variety of fare available this year. Tickets, priced from €18 per adult, are available at www. bloominthepark.com, and children go free.
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dublinlife
diary
Ewe must be joking! Gardai stumble on woolly wanderer Gardai at Kevin Street station were baaaffled recently when they discovered a sheep in Oliver Bond Street flat complex in Dublin 8.
T h e wo o l l y w a n d e r e r w a s t a ke n t o Kevin Street Station for safekeeping until the DSPCA arrived This is not the first
time that a Garda station has had to double up as an animal shelter. Earlier this year Finglas Garda station was invaded by a brazen cat
who refused to leave. T he mischievous moggy made its way into the station and was feline right at home within minutes stretched out on a swivel chair it commandeered from one of the sergeants. Blanchardstown Garda Station briefly became a makeshift aviary on another occasion a number of months ago when a budgie flew in the window of the superintendent’s window and perched himself above the office door like Edgar Allen Poe’s Raven.
fry to fly in for bloomsday fest The wonderfully wordy Stephen Fry is coming to Dublin for this year’s James Joyce Centre’s Bloomsday Festival. Fry will be interviewed by the equally eloquent Senator David Norris about all things Joycean to be staged in the O’Reilly Theatre, Dublin on Bloomsday, June 16, 8pm. Fry said he was very much looking forward to coming to Ireland and discussing the incompa-
The woolly wanderer baaaffled gardai
rable Ulysses. This year’s festival will run over six days, from June 11 to 16, with walking tours, bizarre brunches, an evening of music and poetry and talks all lined up to enchant visitor and celebrate one of Dublin’s most famous literary sons. Tickets for the Bloomsday interview with Stephen Fry, cost €25-€22.50 and are available from Ticketmaster. Fry also showed his love of the Irish language and for the gay people of Ireland last week by tweeting a video as Gaeilge, urging voters to vote yes in the marriage equality referendum (www.votewithus. org/video/stephen-fry-qiguests).
disused computer equipment wanted Inte r n a t i on a l charity organisation Camara Education is seeking donations of disused computer equipment from the public to
support its work in developing countries. Camara is dedicated to using technology to improve education and livelihood skills in disadvantaged communities around the world. The organisation believes that with better education these communities can break the cycle of poverty they find themselves in. Camara has shipped 63,000 computers since its inception 10 years ago and has improved the education of 900,000 students and trained 16,000 teachers. Each computer donated provides 21 children with digital literacy as well as the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. Camara is unable to meet the growing demand from schools for computers equipment such as flat screen monitors, desktops and laptops in disadvantaged communities. The organisation is appealing to the people of Dublin to drop any disused computer equipment at Camara in Chapelizod Industrial Estate, Dublin 20. Opening times are between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. For more information: visit www.camara.org/
give-computers/.
a journey through tapas Fans of Spanish cuisine and wine are in for a treat this June as the Campo Viejo Tapas Trail returns to the streets of Dublin. From June 3 to 28 guests on the trail discover “tapeo”, the art of enjoying tapas with friends and family at four of the best tapas restaurants Dublin has to offer. Participating restaurants in Dublin are: Bagots Hutton, Drury Buildings, Salamanca, and Zaragoza. Trailers can spend an afternoon or evening sharing a selection of authentic Spanish tapas created to complement Campo Viejo Reserva wine. Guests will be guided along the route by hosts who will regale them with Spanish anecdotes. Colourful art installations by renowned urban artists will be on display in each of the participating restaurants, and this year a giant outdoor mural has been created at Busy Feet and Coco Company on South William Street especially for the Tapas Trail. For further information visit: www.campoviejotapastrail.ie.
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dublinlife
FEATURE
escape the mayhem: the power of meditation
A calm and clear head is key to staying stress free Irish actress and theatre star Caroline Morahan admits to having quite the hectic life learning lines for upcoming productions and dealing with all the stresses that come with her profession. Fortunately, Morahan has unlocked the secret of escaping the mayhem of her life through the power of meditation. Speaking to The Gazette she said: “Escaping the mayhem is some-
thing that’s very important to me as an actress. You spend so much time in your head preparing for roles and everything that goes with it, which is very mentally challenging. “I meditate every single day and always feel better afterwards and I don’t listen to music and I don’t have to be by myself. I sometimes wear ear plugs while sitting in the makeup chair or while I’m getting my hair done to just clear my head.
“I can meditate just about anywhere from my own bed to the airport surrounded by people. I think meditation is really good because you can tackle everything much better when you have a calm and clear head.” Morahan added that Homeopathy, a natural form of treating ailments, has been a central part in her life for mental health. “I discovered homeopathy when I nearly had a nervous breakdown during my Leav-
ing Cert many years ago. I nearly lost it entirely with the pre-exam nerves and stress so I went to a homeopath and just kept it up afterwards. “When I started my TV career and had really debilitating nerves homeopathy came to the rescue. “I also like yoga a lot which really clears my head, it’s fantastic physically and mentally. When I was preparing for She Stoops to Conquer I would do a yoga warm up before I left the house
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Caroline with Liam Tolan and Lorna Dolan, calling on people across Ireland to take part in the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays. Picture: Shane O’Neill
or even in the dressing room to calm down before the madness of the show,” she said. Morahan is currently working with Down Syndrome Ireland and is calling on the public to host an ice cream party as part of the HB Hazelbrook
Farm Funday’s campaign to raise much needed funds for the charity. “It’s a really cool campaign which has being going on for about 13 years and they’ve raised a couple of million at this point. It’s so central because they’re relying
on donations in order to do all the crucial work they do,” she said. To get involved register online at www.downsyndrome.ie to receive your party pack, which includes vouchers for free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream.
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OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
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Pets Happy chappy hank loves his teddies
Dublin will be a hot bed of live music this June Bank Holiday weekend with over 50 acts performing at Bulmers Forbidden Fruit. Picture: Naoise Culhane
music and arts festival : plenty to see, hear and do in Kilmainham
Forbidden Fruit is sweetest
Keith Bellew
Forbidden Fruit, Dublin’s multistage music and arts festival, comes to the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, from May 29 to 31. With over 70 music acts across five stages and a comedy tent line-up bringing the laughs, there’s plenty to see, hear and do at this year’s Forbidden Fruit Festival! The event, presented by Bulmers and POD, features a host of amazing acts from the Wu-Tang Clan, to Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada. Organisers are particularly excited about the appearance of pioneering DJ, producer, and legend of underground dance music Richie Hawtin, who is returning to Ireland for the first time in
four years to play Forbidden Fruit. Prolific producer and remix artist Jamie XX returns this year on Saturday along with dancefloor heavyweights Groove Armada with some of electronic music’s most enduring tracks. Influential Crosstown Rebels founder Damian Lazarus will also be on hand to perform his live show, Damian Lazarus and the Ancient Moons. Also in the electronic category on Saturday, Mount Krimbie, Waze and Odyssey and London trio Disciples will all take to the stage for what promises to be an epic DJ set. Saturday won’t be a strictly electronic affair however as “straight from the slums of Shaolin”, Brooklyn’s own Wu-Tang Clan with their unique brand of old-skool rap/hip-hop.
As part of the indie line-up, vocalist and songwriter Kelela joins Forbidden Fruit all the way from LA. Home grown groups are well represented as well with the ever-popular Booka Brass Band who have just released their amazing debut EP. Music isn’t the only attraction at Forbidden Fruit as organisers have announced a side-splitting line-up sure to have the audience rolling in the aisles. Some of this year’s main comedy attractions include the marmite-like David McSavage who is guaranteed to stir up a sensation, Kildare comic and winner of iTunes’ Best New Podcast in 2013 Jarlath Regan and Republic of Telly presenter Kevin McGahern. Patrick McDonnell, best known for
his roles on Naked Camera and as Eoin McLove on Father Ted will also take to the stage and with any luck he will sing My Lovely Mayo Mammy. Some of the best of the newcomers on the circuit including: Steve Bennett, Allison Spittle, and Danny O Brien will be given their chance to shine on the biggest stage of their fledgling careers. Belinda Kelly of Bulmers said: “Bulmers is very excited to kick start the summer with the fifth instalment of Bulmers Forbidden Fruit. This year we’re delighted that our partners, POD, have once again secured incredible acts. We’re pretty sure that the line-up will make the RHK the place to be on June Bank holiday weekend.” For more information on the Festival Line up visit: www.forbiddenfruit.ie.
The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Hank, who’s a bulldog of about two to three years old. Hank is a happy chappy, who loves tearing around his kennel with his teddies and also getting out for a good rough and tumble with his friend Darcy! Hank is a big guy, and for this reason, he’ll need to go to a home with someone who can manage his strength, older kids would be advisable if any. All his carers are very fond of Hank, and would love to see him find an amazing forever home. If you think you could offer Hank 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 28 May 2015
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK Coffee Angel With three locations in the city centre, it’s an up-and comer in the flat white wars €2.60
BITESIZEDNEWS
Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon demonstrated the high quality of SuperValu’s meat at a pop-up beef bistro
Here’s the beef on tasty SuperValu cuts SUPERVALU has launched its ‘best beef ever’ across its 221 stores throughout Ireland and to celebrate the store has set up its Pop Up Beef Bistro to showcase the real quality and taste of its product. Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon was on hand to prepare his famous rib of beef with all the trimmings for the lucky diners who were picked at random to eat at the pop-up eatery in Dawson Street bar, 37. The beef was expertly cooked and the cut superb. SuperValu is already synonymous with the best of Irish beef, with consumers rating SuperValu as the most trusted for quality in the market. Quality continues to be top of the agenda, demonstrated through its strong focus on sourcing, processing and ageing.
250 Square In Rathmines, try a Vietnamese iced coffee; delicious espresso poured over ice and condensed milk €4
FAB
Illustrating a new type We spill the beans of Sclavi’s Valdo rose VALDO Floral Edition Rose has been designed by Fabrizio Sclavi, an eminent fashion editor with a special passion for illustration, and is the perfect tipple for summer. The design is described as a tribute to nature, to beauty, to colours, to the joy of living. This new limited edition bottle was revealed at the Milano Design Week 2015 and displayed at the Superstudio Selected Gallery Design Exhibition. Valdo Floral Edition Rose Brut is on special promotion with an RSP of €20 for May and June while stocks last. It is available at independent off-licences including Donnybrook Fair, Dublin and Greystones; The Grape Vine, Dalkey; Kelly’s Wine Vault, Clontarf, Dublin 3; Martin’s Off Licence, Fairview, Dublin 3; Liston’s, Camden Street, Dublin 2, and Dublin Airport Duty Free.
FROM the humble filter coffee to the exceedingly trendy flat white, to the decadent and sweet cafe bon bon, there’s something for everyone who’s a coffee lover. In recent times, coffee in Dublin has gone through somewhat of a renaissance. Where once we struggled to find a good aul’ cuppa joe, we now have boutique baristas supplying their own revolutionary roasts. This month, we have compiled some of our favourite coffee experiences in the city. What do you think? Have we neglected a joyish java joint from our list? Let us know your favourite on The Gazette’s Facebook page, or on Twitter: @ DublinGazette. Next Month we will be searching for the perfect steak ...
Bald Barista Grab an espresso in Aungier Street €2
Clement & Pekoe Try a great flat white in South William Street €2.80
3FE Grand canal Street One of the most popular and best established names and roasters in the city; they do barista classes. Coffee Trio tasting tray €6
28 May 2015 Gazette 19
the west: high tea treats for two
TRAVEL
Oh, G – a great hotel you’ll love by Galway city mimi murraY
GALWAY has always been a difficult town to get into – quite literally. Traffic is always somewhat of a problem, so on a recent trip to the city I decided on the G Hotel, which is just outside and before the gridlock starts! When it opened in 2005, the G made waves with its bold colours, sleek lines and unusual touches, such as the origami birds swarming over your head in the spa. Designed by milliner Philip Treacy – one of Galway’s favourite sons – this hotel really is striking, from its pink parlour (where myself and my sister enjoyed afternoon tea) to the expansive restaurant with its lush purple seating.
We had 24 hours in the city and planned to make the most of it. Pink afternoon tea on arrival was being taken by lots of Galwegian ladies, and consisted of some pink bubbles and plenty of tasty morsels that more than see you through until dinner. I was determined to make it into the Latin Quarter before dinner and to have at least one glass of the black stuff. Galway was buzzing, as always, with plenty of people willing to engage us in conversation and have some craic. After a short walk back to the hotel, we changed for dinner and glammed it up ever so slightly, as the place almost commands it. The restaurant is headed by Cedric Bottarlini,
who was appointed the G Hotel’s new head chef in October 2014. He brings more than 15 years of international experience to his role, having returned to Galway from the Dead Sea in Jordan, where he worked as the executive sous chef in a leading luxury five-star international resort. Bottarlini trained in France and you can really see it in his food. Myself and my sister went for fishy starters – hers being seared scallops with watercress, radish and passion fruit, and mine being crab tian, crab bavarois, asparagus and pickled dillisk salad. We both wanted the rib eye steak and normally, in the name of research, would have tried something differ-
Copenhagen is set to be a Ryanair destination
Ryanair sets up new routes for winter 2015
Afternoon tea in the G Hotel’s Grand Salon is a refined experience, while its deluxe rooms offer pure comfort for travellers to the western city
ent but it looked so good that we both decided to go for that. This steak did not disappoint and was like butter to cut through, with the right amount of char and a delicious bearnaise on the side. A signature dessert in the G, the basil meringue, was an amazingly light treat after a big meal, but my sister made the wrong choice and death
by chocolate it was! She couldn’t move afterwards. The next morning, we were more than pleased to see that the spa was bathed in very dark light, good for the pot bellies and dark circles from the previous night. I had a fitness massage with a lovely therapist who used some reviving espa oils, and I walked away feeling renewed by
Stena Line trips to family breaks ian begley
IRISH ferry company Stena Line is offering families the chance to enjoy a fun-filled summer break in July at a Pontins Holiday Park, Wales from €459 per family for seven nights when booked by May 31. The price, which offers holidaymakers up to 30% off pre-sale prices, includes return Stena Line travel from Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, Belfast to Liverpool or Belfast to Cairn-
ryan for a car, two adults and up to two children, and seven nights’ selfcatering accommodation in Pontins Prestatyn in north Wales or Southport in Merseyside. Ian Bailie, key account and product sales manager for Stena Line, said: “From zoos to sea parks, castles to stately homes and walking trails to amusement parks, there really is something for everyone.” Prestatyn Sands is renowned for its beautiful beaches and is ideal
for families as it has a wealth of exciting things to see and do, including Prestatyn Castle, ancient cathedrals, stately homes such as Bodrhyhyddan Hall and lots of walks and trails in areas of outstanding beauty. The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a firm favourite with visitors, as it is home to many interesting animals from around the world including snow leopards, chimpanzees, red pandas and Sumatran tigers, while the Llanberis Lake Railway is ideal for a
Gazette
TRAVEL fast
the whole experience. My sister said the sauna had almost killed her before it cured her, but we both left feeling the benefits of 24 hours in the west. The summer berrylicious afternoon tea at the G is priced €26 for one/€44 for two. Dinner is priced €48 for three courses. For fur ther information, see www. theghotel.ie.
RYANAIR has recently added extra flights from Dublin to Alicante, Faro, Tenerife and Warsaw as part of a significantly expanded winter 2015 schedule. The airline’s winter schedule is also expected to deliver two new routes to Copenhagen and Lublin and an extension to the Venice Treviso route. Irish customers and visitors can choose from 63 destinations across Europe this winter with Ryanair while also enjoying allocated seating, a free second carry-on bag, reduced fees, a new website, and a brand-new app with mobile boarding passes.
Local
Matters S u p p or t lo c a l b u s i n e ss
IRISH ferry company Stena Line is offering the chance of a summer break a Pontins Holiday Park, Wales
fun day out as families can travel onboard a steam train. Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that Southport is described as “England’s golfing capital” due to its high concentra-
tion of championship link courses, so budding golfers should be sure to bring their clubs. For further information, and to book, see www.stenaline.co.ie/pontins.
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20 Gazette 28 May 2015
mOTHER
& bABY
Bespoke baby bundles for your bundle of joy Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
A new shop for baby’s needs, providing prams, buggies, cots and everything in between, has opened in Finglas. Pitter Patter Prams is now offering a unique service to new mothers in Finglas village. The shop, on 1 Jamestown Road, will provide bespoke baby bundles including everything an expectant mother needs ahead of the baby’s arrival. Owner of Pitter Patter Prams Toni McKernan said of the new shop: “We aim to provide a very personal service that is tailored to what you need from your pram and baby necessities. “I have nearly 10 years’ experience in the pram and nursery industry. It’s a happy but confusing time as there are so many prams and my experience may help you select the pram for your everyday needs.
Our aim is to guide you through to ensure you buy the correct pram for you and your family.” McKernan is also trained in fitting car baby seats which he will do for free and because many parents install car seats incorrectly, he will also check that your seat fits your car. The tailor-made baby bundles special to Pitter Patter Prams are also tailored to suit everyone’s budget. The shop also provides free delivery of cots or prams and has a payment plan in place to suit all. If you prefer to discuss this privately, or cannot visit the shop during normal office hours, a one-to-one and by appointment only meeting can be arranged. For more information on the services provided by Pitter Patter Prams, you can go to www.facebook.com/www.pitterpatterprams. ie/info?tab=overview. You can contact the shop at info@pitterpatterprams.ie or by calling 01 8140810.
Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged by medical experts for the first six months of a baby’s life
development: the pros and cons
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed, that has been a controversial question for new mothers over the years. Yet, nowadays there has been a rise in the number of women choosing to breastfeed, given that research shows it to be of the best for baby’s development.
Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged by medical experts for the first six months of the baby’s life. This, however, is the ideal, and do not fret if you cannot sustain breastfeeding for quite so long. A lot of mothers get upset when they cannot breastfeed, but this only puts additional pressure on new mothers and causes stress,
which is no good for the baby either. Therefore, if you can breastfeed, even for a little while, your child will be receiving a good portion of antibodies that will sustain them against infections for a significant amount of time. If you are one of the lucky ones, and can breastfeed your baby for the full six months, experts recommend weaning the baby off the breast with a combination of breast milk and solid food for a while. The benefits of breastfeeding for babies include less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting, less chance of constipation, less chance of developing type-two diabetes in later life and less chance of developing eczema. Breastfeeding is also good for mothers as it lowers the risk of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer, it saves money otherwise spent on infant formula and joy of joys, it also uses up to 500 calories a day. Another welcome fea-
ture of breastfeeding is that it can stave off the return of menstruation. The fear of breastfeeding in public is a common concern. However, according to www.breastfeeding.ie: “You are entitled to breastfeed in public places and you don’t have to ask. Some places may offer a private area if you would like this, but you do not have to use it. Your baby can look for food or comfort anywhere and at any time. Feel free to offer your baby a breastfeed whenever and wherever he or she needs it.” Finally, there is plenty of support out there for a new mother setting out to breastfeed. Websites such as www. friendsofbreastfeeding. ie, www.rollercoaster.ie, www.cuidiu-ict.ie and www.lalecheleagueireland.com, are all a click away to offer help and tips for Irish mothers who are breastfeeding. But don’t forget that if it doesn’t come naturally, bottle is a perfectly good way for baby to get all the nutrition it needs.
28 May 2015 Gazette 21
Developing a sleep routine ian begley
For parents with young infants the joys of getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep at night may seem like a distant memory. Although newborns sleep for an average of 18 hours a day, they do it in short bursts around the clock. This sleep routine can certainly drive new parents up the wall, but by following a few helpful tips getting your baby to sleep can be a lot less stressful than it needs to be. According to baby care expert and former presenter of the RTE show Baby on Board, Doreen Buckley, said
every baby is different and by monitoring your own infant’s behaviour and activity during the day, it will be a lot easier to develop a sleeping routine for them. Speaking to The Gazette she said: “If you want your baby to sleep well at night the training begins at about six weeks old. Babies require 18 hours of sleep a day for the first few weeks of their life and you need to start trying to learn how to settle them down. “Passing the baby around from one person to another is not good for the baby in the early weeks of its life and could disrupt sleeping patterns. “A baby under 12
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‘Babies require 18 hours of sleep a day for the first few weeks of their life ’ --------------------------
weeks old should be taking five or six naps a day and you should expect the baby to wake up twice during the night for feeding. “I think breastfeeding is my number one tip in helping your baby get to sleep. It’s not just about the act of feeding your baby, it’s the whole technique of settling it down and creating a calm, relaxing atmos-
phere between mother and baby.” Buckley went on to say that creating an ambience of dimmed lights in your home will also help settle your baby down. “Having your lights dimmed and also blackout lining in the room your baby sleeps in will help provide a healthy flow of sleep for your baby. “The cot your baby sleeps in should also be close to their parent’s bed. You can actually get a cot that attaches to the bed so that your baby is at the same level as you, but not actually sleeping with you. You can then meet their needs straight away and not cause them too much disruption.”
Newborns sleep for an average of 18 hours a day but they do it in short bursts around the clock
Gazette
22 Gazette 28 May 2015
mOTHER
& bABY
17 years of commitment to their mission at the Merrion Fertility Clinic Merrion Fertility was established in 1998 by Dr Mary Wingfield at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin and is Ireland’s only not-for-profit fertility clinic that is partnered with a large maternity hospital. Over 17 years ago, Dr Wingfield along with staff at the National Maternity Hospital undertook to provide couples with affordable access to reproductive care where decisions are based solely on best medical practice and supported evidence. Today the clinic is proud to be a leader in the area of reproductive medicine and surgery, providing over 500 assisted reproduction treatment cycles for couples per annum and achieving record pregnancy rates. Offering a wide range of advanced treatments, its current overall success rate for IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) is 52.4%, increasing to 55% for women under 37 (for more information on its success rates visit www.merrionfertility.ie). Other couples are helped to achieve pregnancy with simpler treatments and with surgery. Dr Wingfield has a particular interest and expertise in endometriosis and she and Dr Allen manage a wide range of gynaecological
conditions including fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome and pelvic adhesions. Male fertility treatment is also provided including surgical sperm retrieval where required. The clinic has maintained its close relationship with the National Maternity Hospital with all of its doctors continuing to work there as consultant obstetrician gynaecologists. As part of the hospital, the clinic benefits from a range of expert medical and surgical services, including early pregnancy services, consultant anaesthetists who provide sedation for IVF cycles, full laboratory services, operating theatres and access to Ireland’s best obstetric in-patient care. Once pregnant, the clinic’s patients have the option of continuing their pregnancy care at the hospital. Dr Wingfield and her team remain committed to the founding mission of the clinic by continuing to lead the way in research and quality in the area of assisted reproduction and by advocating for people in Ireland who have medical conditions that affect their fertility. If you would like more information on Merrion Fertility Clinic, please contact them on 01 6635000 or visit www.merrionfertility.ie
Pregnant women are advised to consume at least two portions of fish per week
nutrition: foods for brain growth
A healthy diet for you and baby keith bellew
While a healthy diet is imperative for the development of your child once it is born, the right kind of diet during pregnancy can make an enormous contribution to your baby’s brain growth. According to experts, a baby’s brain begins to form three weeks after conception and the food you eat plays a vital role how it develops. A baby’s brain changes very quickly between the 24th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, with significant brain growth occurring from the 34th week. A wide range of nutrients are necessary to facilitate this development, so eating as healthy and varied a diet as possible is advised. The following is a list of super brain foods which will contribute to your baby’s brain development
and increase your chances of giving birth to a little Einstein. Pregnant women are advised to consume at least two portions of fish per week, and one of these should be oily. Oily fish is a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which helps the
weight. We all know that spinach provides Popeye with the strength necessary to save Olive Oil from Bluto, but it also provides your baby with the natural folate necessary for the production of new DNA and the regulation of cell metabolism (on top
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‘A baby’s brain begins to form three weeks after conception and the food you eat plays a vital role how it develops’
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brain and central nervous system develop. Sardines and tuna are an excellent source of DHA. According to the World Health Organisation, iodine deficiency during pregnancy is the primary cause of preventable mental health problems. Yoghurt is rich in iodine, and Greek yoghurt is also packed with protein, which is imperative to ensuring a healthy birth
of your folic acid supplement). It also contains antioxidants which protect the baby’s brain tissue from damage. Eggs are a well known super food as they are a great source of lean protein and iron, which are crucial for brain development. Along with iron and protein, eggs also contain high levels of choline, which aids the development of memory and a
life-long ability to learn. Nuts are handy for snacking on the go, and Brazil nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats and selenium. A selenium deficiency can alter brain development in your baby, so Brazil nuts are a definite must. Peanuts are surprisingly beneficial to your baby’s brain development as they contain protein, niacin, monounsaturated fats and folate. Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is their high levels of Vitamin E and supports DHA and also protects brain cell membranes. The roasted and unsalted variety are also a good source of antioxidants. As essential fats make up approximately 60% of the developing brain, avocados are rich in oleic acid which helps to create and maintain myelin, which is a fatty protective layer around nerves in the central nervous system.
28 May 2015 Gazette 23
Gazette
24 Gazette 28 May 2015
OUT&ABOUT
Concert Celebration of Yeats THE Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire is hosting an unusual and melodic celebration of the 150th birthday of WB Yeats with a concert. Entitled Songs from the Swans at Coole, it’s based on the work of the great modern poet. Composer Michael Scott has created a new song cycle exploring Yeats’s poetry, with a particular focus on the development of the Irish State and his unrequited love for Maude Gonne. The poems being treated include Innisfree, Sailing to Byzantium, When You Are Old, The Sorrow Of Love, No Second Troy, September 1913. A selection of poetry will be read by actors Deirdre Donnelly and Des Cave, and singers Yvonne Brennan (soprano) and Anthony Norton (tenor) will put some selected poems to music. The musical style will be operatic and classical accompanied by a traditional Irish orchestra, complete with Irish harp, whistle, percussion, fiddle, cello, French horn, uilleann pipes and pianoforte. The concert takes place on June 13, and tickets are on sale for €21 from boxoffice@paviliontheatre. ie.
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ARTS
books: all over ireland
Short but effective looks at ourselves Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
ALL Over Ireland, edited by novelist Deirdre Madden, is Faber and Faber’s fifth volume of short stories. In the introduction to this anthology, Madden makes the usual disclaimer that her selection of new short stories does not try to be definitive or form a literary canon. However, Madden need not be so circumspect, as she has done a fine job in choosing stories of great variety, innovation and artistry. Madden does draw our attention in the introduction to certain themes cropping up in many of the stories, such as emigration, as seen from various angles. In her selection, Madden shows us a good slice of Irish society and the “rude health of the Irish short story”. The breadth of style and subject matter in the anthology is wonderful, and there really is something for every literary taste. In My New Life, by Andrew Fox, we are met with a traditional style – very reminiscent of the
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‘In All Over Ireland, edited by novelist Deirdre Madden, our attention is drawn in the introduction to certain themes cropping up in many of the stories, such as emigration, as seen from various angles’
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1950s – as a young boy tries to adjust to a new life in America. Fox’s use of language is economical and appropriate to the subject matter. His descriptions are spot on and often funny; for instance, when the young boy sees his father passed out on the sofa, he describes it as “his mouth hanging in a vague, unspoken vowel”. From childhood to
ageing, all stations of life are also covered in the book. In For Keeps, by Belinda McKeon, we are welcomed into a real snapshot of a brief moment in the life of the female protagonist. As she gets older, she notices that she no longer draws glances from men on the street; many women meet this cold fact of life with shock. On first encountering this, the character’s mind is stalled for a while and she is at a loss, even imagining that everyone is especially busy and distracted that day ... One of my favourite stories is Sean O’Reilly’s Ceremony, as it uses the short story form to present the essence of primal need. We discover over time that the character, Nathan, has a dark history. The story moves from slang-ridden and somewhat shallow developing into an exploration of the deep-end of the character’s subconscious with a simultaneous change in language to something more enduring. As Nathan becomes more philosophical, we become more attracted
All Over Ireland, published by Faber and Faber
to him as a character and O’Reilly lets some of the character’s propensities for destruction leak out. Nathan tells us of a friend who has found his calling in life. “He had found what we all need, a reason, a rock to smash ourselves against,” he says. O’Reilly’s final image of Nathan is one of the most extraordinary I can recall in any short story. Another favourite of mine in the collection is Frank McGuinness’s The Widow’s Ferret. It is about a Catholic widow of a murdered RUC man living in Coleraine. The widow’s interior life is fascinating as she tries to create a reason for continuing after her husband’s death. She is at war with herself as she swings from paranoia to rage. The
In this anthology, novelist Deirdre Madden has edited a fine collection of Irish writing from diverse voices
author’s poetic flair is on show and, in keeping with the subject matter, we are transported back to O’Casey’s histor y plays. The widow curses the violence of The Troubles, saying: “You are damned
in this country because you eat your own. You down the blood of your brothers. You devour your sister’s skin.” All Over Ireland, published by Faber and Faber, is on sale priced €13.99.
28 May 2015 gazette 25
Stylish new breed of Opel Astra is here
Gazette
new generation: saloon a big part of fresh-faced fleet
MOTORING MOTORING road
NOISE
dave phillips
With good reason, Opel has long enjoyed a stable place in the Irish market. With a logo that is filed in our national psyche next to memories of Jack Charlton’s halcyon days, the brand has long been associated with that golden era of Ireland when we were proud to be a robust, dependable, and functional people – and arguably no other car captured that spirit more than the Astra. Fast forward 20 years and the collective identity crises of both Opel and the Irish nation have settled into sync once again. A single glance at the new saloon model is enough to make it clear that here is a new breed of Astra in town. The latest generation of Opel cars signifies a boost of new energy in the brand, and the new Astra sits stylishly among the fresh-faced fleet. Without a doubt it is the visual leap from the hatchback that is most immediately noticeable in this model. The saloon version of the Astra boasts a sleek and distinguished aesthetic that flows from the burnished exterior to the subdued interior finish. This iteration seems to be less of a benevolent workhorse and more elegant executive, closer in style though smaller in stature to Opel’s stalwart Insignia. The test car offered came with the standard 1.6 CDTi engine, which performs incredibly quietly, particularly in com-
Versatile Vito van range from Mercedes-Benz invades Dublin streets
The Opel Astra saloon is a smooth, solid drive with prices starting at €19,495
parison to the last generation’s 1.7-litre engine. It’s a smooth ride getting around the city and suburbs, with a fairly economical fuel consumption thanks to the start/ stop set up. Take the car out onto long stretches though, and you can really get a feel for what the Astra is built for. An optional Flex Ride system adds to the enjoyment: sport mode stiffens the shock absorbers, so the car grips more firmly to the road surface, steering support is lessened as
it is intended for straight line driving, and acceleration becomes noticeably more responsive – it also switches all the main instrument lighting to red, which, it must be said, does make you feel at least three times as cool. Comfortable
A tour mode does practically the opposite with the shocks, allowing a more comfortable drive, but even on the standard set up, the Astra is exceptionally comfortable on the motorway.
The interior is classy and understated, with perforated leather facing seats and a clean matte finish on the dash. Housing a seven-inch sat nav unit, the Navi950 system will also stream your music, handle calls, and read your texts aloud. Combined with the climate controls (including heated seats) and radio, the array of buttons is daunting at first look, but you’ll have it down within the day. There’s ample space in the back seats, and
an absolutely massive boot that will no doubt make this car appealing to those looking for a functional family car that offers more style than most. Overall a solid drive, the new Astra saloon should carve out its own niche in the market. A base price from €19,495 makes it more attractive, but much of the long haul comfortable appeal is tied up in the extras which can bump this model up to around €25,000.
The latest Mercedes-Benz van range has been finding its way onto Dublin streets. Promising an unsurpassed level of versatility, commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady suggests the new Mercedes-Benz Vito “will send shockwaves through the mid-size van segment”. The Vito range currently comprises three models – the Vito panel van, which concentrates on maximising storage space with 6.9 cubic metres of cargo space in the back. The Mixto adds some additional seating, catering for up to six people while maintaining a cargo volume of up to 4.1 cubic metres. Finally, the Tourer is marketed as a crewbus that can seat up to nine people and still boasts significant storage. Six-speed manual transmission is standard, and there is the choice of rear-wheel or front-wheel drive formats. The Vito looks to be a smooth combination, melding together the best of robust haulage with in car comfort – the cockpit is redesigned, high quality, and airy. Meanwhile, power comes from two, fourcylinder turbo-diesel engines available in five power ratings. A long list of safety features land as standard on all models including, attention assist to monitor the driver’s condition and crosswind assist to eliminate the effects of wind gusts. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard, so too are twin driver and passenger airbags. In panel van format, prices for the range begin at €18,650 (ex taxes and delivery related charges). The Mixto range starts from €37,790 (inc VAT and VRT). The Tourer range starts from €47,950 (inc VAT and VRT).
The Mercedes-Benz Vito van range
26 blanch gazette 28 May 2015
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I, Gavin McGrath, intend to apply for permission for development at 27 Castleknock Way, Laurel Lodge, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The development will consist of permission to construct a two storey extension to the front and side, a single storey extension to the rear of existing dwelling house, internal alterations, new window at first floor level to the rear, alterations to all elevations and all associated site development works at 27 Castleknock Way, Laurel Lodge, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. 24043
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28 May 2015 blanch gazette 27
blanchCLASSIFIEDS planning Notice
Masonry
Fingal county council
We Tom & Marie Monaghan, intend to apply for permission for development at this site 116 Castlefield Court, Clonsilla Road, Dublin 15. The development will consist of 1. A single storey lean-to tiled pitched roof extension, to the rear of existing dwelling to consist of a kitchen & dining room. 2. Modifications to first floor rear bedroom 4 window cill to suit proposed roof pitch of extension. General Internal remodel and upgrade at ground floor to suit proposed layouts. All structural drainage and associated site works to be implemented. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. 24011
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planning Notice Fingal county council
I, Larry Quinn, intend to apply for RETENTION PERMISSION for development at this site at 11 Bellgree Drive, Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15. The development consists of the retention of garage conversion (15.6sqm) & single storey extension to rear of converted garage (7.5sqm) to existing two storey semi-detached dwelling. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
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Gazette
28 Gazette 28 May 2015
SPORT Passing of RTE legend O’Herlihy
FastSport
soccer: bill set to be honoured by the fai for services to sport
three rock finish fourth in europe: THREE Rock Rovers ended fourth in the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy as the ran out of legs against Azerbaijan’s Atasport yesterday at Grange Road, Rathfarnham. They ultimately fell 3-2, ending a tournament they started superbly on a low note. Friday saw a 5-2 win over Ukraine’s professional outfit OKS Vinnitsa before Ross Canning’s late goal saw them beat Scottish champions Grange 3-2. But Sunday’s agonising loss to eventual winner SC Stroitel Brest 2-1 denied them a final berth as they could not break through despite an overwhelming dominance of chances and possession. It left them playing for bronze against an Azeri side powered by nine players of Pakistani origin. The Dubliners looked good early on with Jody Hosking firing home a drag-flick inside two minutes but ultimately fell to a second last minute goal.
aaron gallagher sport@dublingazette.com
FORMER RTE broadcaster Bill O’Herlihy has died aged 76. The presenter passed away peacefully at his home on Monday and is survived by his wife Hilary
and two daughters. O’Herlihy was a household name across the country for his decades of beloved presenting of RTÉ’s coverage of sporting events, namely 10 World Cups and 10 Olympic Games in a career spanning over
O’Herlihy with John Giles and Eamon Dunphy
Bill O’Herlihy in the RTE studio
four decades. He retired last summer following the 2014 World Cup after announcing it would be his final appearance as presenter on RTE some months earlier. His coverage of football alongside pundits and life-long friends Liam Brady, John Giles and Eamon Dunphy won the acclaim and hear ts of people all over the countr y for their insightful analysis, years of experience and professional presence on screen. Bill began his career in media aged 16 when he was taken on as a journalist for the Cork Examiner, while his first appearance on television came in 1965 when
he presented a report on the sinking of the Lusitania off the Cork coast for Newsbeat. He went on to work on the programme 7 Days but left following an episode that dealt with illegal money lending that would go on to become a subject of inquiry through tribunal. He would go on to found the O’Herlihy Communications Group in 1973. O’Herlihy was synonymous with Italia ’90, and is remembered fondly for his work on RTE’s panel for Republic of Ireland games. Bill was held in high regard by Irish football fans for his unique
approach to his role as presenter, opening football up to both young and old, sporting and non-sporting. He had worked in broadcasting since the 1960s and was RTE’s chief sports presenter for the UEFA Champions League, World Track Championships as well as Republic of Ireland international games and Oly mpic Games. Speaking about O’Herlihy’s passing, John Delaney, FAI chief executive, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened at the passing of Bill O’Herlihy. “A t r u e n a t i o n a l treasure, he was a fantastic journalist and
interviewer, who made a unique contribution to Irish sports journalism. “I have known him for over 20 years. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, his wife Hilary, and his daughters Jill and Sally.” The FAI will honour Bill O’Herlihy’s contribution to Irish football at its international matches in June. He received the Jacob’s Award for his presentation of the 1990 World Cup, won Irish Sports Journalist of the Year in 2003 and was named Irish Film and Television Academy’s Television Personality of the Year in 2007.
Blackrock man Macken leaves Leinster for Wasps sport@dublingazette.com
Brendan Macken on the run for Leinster against Connacht. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/ SPORTSFILE
FORMER Blackrock College centre Brendan Macken has left Leinster for Coventry-based Aviva Premiership side Wasps, where he’ll play the 2015-16 season. Macken has already familiarised himself with the Premiership, having joined Gloucester after Christmas, a move the Blackrock man says was “an enjoyable experience” and no doubt played a role in his decision to move more permanently. In part due to the loan, Mack-
en has made only five starting appearances for Leinster this season. “I’m delighted to sign for Wasps,” he says. “They’re a massive club and their reputation is only getting better. “I hope to get as much experience as I can and will try to maximise any opportunities I have. “I’m looking forward to being part of the Wasps set-up, working hard and contributing as best I can to help the team continue to improve. Macken’s been part of the Leinster system for five years,
since leaving school, though he’s often been kept out of the side by the strength of the Leinster centre which has included Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Fergus McFadden. “I am incredibly grateful for my time with Leinster Rugby,” he says. “I have been proud to represent them, and I would like to thanks everyone involved with Leinster for everything they have done for me. It has been an incredible part of my life.” Wasps had a mixed 2014-15 season, which included a controversial move up to the Ricoh
Arena from their old home in Wycombe. Their current back row is full of international talent, including Kiwi star Piri Weepu, Scotland’s Ruaridh Jackson and England’s Joe Simpson and Christian Wade. Macken will be joining up with former Leinster man Jimmy Gopperth at the Ricoh Arena. Wasps finished sixth in the Aviva Premiership last season, 15 points behind league winners Northampton Saints, doing just enough to qualify for the European Champions Cup.
28 May 2015 Gazette 29
Gazette
‘Ais the Bash’ saving UFC return for Dublin Aisling Daly talks to James Hendicott about her move to UFC, The Ultimate Fighter experience and her struggles in the developing world of female MMA DRIMNAGH’S Aisling Daly - Ireland’s only female professional mixed martial arts fighter - plans to save her next big outing for the UFC’s return to Dublin in October, telling GazetteSport “I don’t think I want to risk missing a second Dublin card. I’d rather not risk another injury.” Daly is currently nursing a minor niggle following her recent loss to Randa Markos, but expects to return to full training in the coming couple of weeks. She sees herself as two or three fights away from a title belt fight in a division that’s still taking shape. “It definitely makes a difference fighting away from home a lot. I’d much prefer to fight in Dublin,” she says. “I’m used to the travel now, but it makes a big difference to wake up in your
own bed. The travel is an occupational hazard.” Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt Daly’s previous fights include appearances in Canada, the US, the UK and an impressive last-minute stand-in win in Amman, Jordan, in which she defeated Angela Hayes having excepted the fight at just three days’ notice. Her overall record currently stands at 15 wins and six losses. T he Dubliner has gained far more recognition in recent years as MMA has come to ever increasing prominence in Ireland through the exploits of Conor McGregor, but she still feels the women’s sport is under-appreciated, both here and abroad. “When I beat Jessica Eye, I was the first Irish fighter to hold a world title”, she tells GazetteSport. “Nobody knew
Aisling Daly signs autographs at Wildcat Ink last Saturday.
who either of us was back then, but I don’t think it got quite the recognition it deserved. “Conor obviously raised the bar in Ireland, but not getting the recognition was a little bit usual. “The women’s sport generally is still in its infancy, however. “The women are still underpaid in the UFC. It’s partly the contracts you can only fight every three months. But UFC also recognises fighters based on how many fights they’ve had within the organisation.” Daly is currently ranked number 11 in UFC’s women’s strawweight division, a class that was only added to the championship in late 2014. Early rankings were determined by results in reality TV show The Ultimate F i g h t e r. D a l y w a s
defeated in the show’s quarter final. “I’ve had 21 professional fights, but I’m fairly new to UFC, because women’s MMA is fairly new to UFC. We’re still behind the men as a result, but it’s a take it or leave it kind of deal.”
anyone in the division. Daly recently moved down a division to the 115lb straw weight level, a weight at which she finds herself “pretty depleted”, but faces up against fighters her own size, rather than bulkier opponents who might take fights from Daly
--------------------------------------------------------
‘I was the first Irish fighter to hold a world title. I don’t think it got quite the recognition it deserved.’ - Aisling Daly --------------------------------------------------------
Poland’s Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the reigning belt holder in a division that’s yet to see a successful title defence, and Daly fancies her chances against the Pole’s kickboxing style. “I’m a jiu-jitsu girl,” she says. “So the ideal opponent for me is a wrestler. Someone like Carla Esparza would be the most difficult fight for me, because I’m always looking to get the take down, and Carla would be able to defend the takedown well. “Maybe Joanna wouldn’t be able to defend the takedown quite so well. But I think at this stage you just need to be well rounded and able to deal with all styles. You can’t afford to be too one dimensional. I’d feel fairly comfortable matching up with
on pure physical power rather than technical ability. It’s a bold move, but one that raise the fighter’s profile still further after her televised appearances on The Ultimate Fighter, and allows her to compete at the top of the international game. “The top two or three girls at 125lb are a lot bigger, a lot stronger than me,” Daly explains. “I want to be the best in the world. If I’m going to achieve that, I felt this was the right move, especially with the weight divisions available in the UFC.” Despite her recent defeat to Randa Markos, “Ais the Bash” is full of hope, and looking to harness Ireland’s growing affection for her sport. Come autumn, she’ll be back on the warpath.
FastSport
Tattarsalls Horse Trials set for world-class field EIGHT Dublin riders are set to represent Ireland at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair this coming weekend. The trials get under way this Wednesday, May 27 and continue until Sunday, May 31. Entries are at an all time high for the event, taking place in Ratoath, County Meath, with 364 individual entries representing an increase of 9% on last year. Eight of the world’s top 13 riders will feature, including William Fox-Pitt, currently number two in the world, from the UK, while 2014 winner Tim Price will return to defend his title. Irish entries Aoife Daly of Castleknock, Peter Garrigan of Baldurgan and Symone Brown of Dublin 13 will compete in the preliminary level, CCI one category, while Geoff Curran will compete in the intermediate CCI two. Nicola Ennis will compete at the highest level of the Dublin entries, with the Howth rider expected to compete at CCI three level, just below the highest international standard. Ennis has an impressive record in Irish eventing, including a fourth place finish in Ballindenisk earlier this year. She’ll ride her eight-year-old mount Westwinds Jack of Hearts. “We are overwhelmed with the calibre of entries received for the 10th running of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair,” director Roger Casey said. “The World’s Best Event riders will all converge in Ireland.” “This gives the public the exciting opportunity to witness the very best competitors in this sport. The increase in entry numbers is a testament to the event and how it has grown since its inception in 2006. ” Three equestrian disciplines will feature- dressage, cross country and show jumping. Dressage takes place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Cross country on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and show jumping on Saturday and Sunday. The grounds are opposite Fairyhouse Racecourse, and the action will take place between 9am and 5.30pm daily. Entry prices vary by day, from free entry on Wednesday and Thursday to €17 for adults for the prestigious Saturday schedule.
Gazette
30 BLANCH gazette 28 May 2015
SPORT
FastSport
Soccer: dublin 15 club making huge strides since inception
Byrne wins big at annual North City Darts finals THE North City Darts League held its annual cup finals night, sponsored by Tuborg last Saturday in Sheriff YC. The NCDL has been running for over 50 years and the event is a showcase of some of the best dart players in Dublin with four cup finals taking place: the NCDL Junior Cup, the NCDL singles Final, the NCDL Doubles Final and the blue riband event, the NCDL Senior Cup. The Junior Cup kicked off the evening, it was a straight shootout, one leg of 501 and best of 9, with Bells 8 from the Richmond Bar taking on the Horse and Hound from Artane. The nerves were on show as both teams missed doubles early on. Bells 8 came out victorious five legs to one. Next on the agenda was the singles final. Over 300 people took part in this competition and the field had been reduced to just two. Alan O’Reilly was representing George’s 8 from Artane and Dave O’Brien representing Silvestre’s 8 from Malahide. It was a classy affair, filled with high scoring in the best of three 501 game. O’Reilly showed his metal to hit a 180 to leave himself 32 and take out the first leg. O’Brien then produced a stunning 18 dart leg to level up this tense game. The packed house watched as O’Brien again threw a fantastic 19 dart leg and hit double 20 to take home the prestigious title to a standing ovation. The doubles final was the culmination of 150 initial teams. Mick Cummins and Robbie Smith representing the Patriots from Kilmainham were pitted against Kieran O’Donoghue and Ronnie Bushell from the Setanta club in Ballymun. The Patriots pair came out on top, two legs to nil. The main event saw the top two teams in the NCDL, the Patriots and the City Arms from Prussia Street do battle. With both teams littered with quality players, MC Tommy O’Reilly got the match underway and the Patriots Ran into an early 3-0 lead. Ryan Maher pulled one back for the City Arms, beating Dublin County player Shane O’Connor. Joe Byrne then put the Patriots on the verge of victory by overcoming Martin Byrne in an intense encounter. And former PDC player Glenn Spearing gave The Patriots the win taking out the double against Dessie Brennan, earning a back to back double for the team captained by Alan Byrne.
Clonee United’s Under-12C side jumping for joy
Clonee’s memorable rise sport@dublingazette.com
CLONEE United girls have built from the ground up in an impressive story of community development and club commitment, harnessing local schools to encourage a flourishing new girls section. In 2012, after being approached by Sharon Boyle, the FAI Football Development Officer for Blanchardstown, Clonee United embarked on their journey to establish an allgirls’ football team in the Dublin 15 area. Things started slowly. While Sharon worked with local primar y
schools to introduce girls to football, Clonee United put in place structures for the girls to become part of a local football club. The result was the establishing of Clonee United’s first ever all girls’ football team, with the original eight players playing their first game in October 2012. It wasn’t long before early momentum grew, with numbers jumping to over 20. As a result, Clonee United were well represented at the various blitz tournaments organised by the FAI throughout the summer of 2013. The 2013-14 season saw Clonee United expand
new training kit First glimpse of Irish gear for World Cup leinster rugby stars Luke Fitzgerald,
Sean O’Brien and Ian Madigan were all on hand to unveil the new, official Irish rugby range of training wear this week. Canterbury, the official kit supplier to the Irish Rugby Football Union, will provide the official range of training wear that will be worn by the Irish rugby team throughout the 2015 Rugby World Cup and beyond. Picture: Cathal Noonan/Inpho
to three all-girls’ teams, one at Under-10 and two at Under-11 age group. Although all the teams contained a mix of ages within their ranks, the girls performed well. Pride of place went to the under-10 side that produced outstanding football to establish a milestone in the club’s history by reaching the Under-10 MGL Cup Final. In June 2014, they capped a truly memorable season by defeating Shelbourne on penalties to win the club’s first all girls’ trophy. With the commencement of the 2014-15 season and with numbers still steadily increasing,
Clonee United were now able to field five all-girl teams, taking in Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12. As the season progressed, and despite the average age of both Under-10 teams being only eight-and-a-half, one team reached the MGL Cup quarter final and the other reached the final only to be defeated by Greystones United. The Under-11 side would also reach the Irish Rail Cup Final, and although they were unable to repeat their heroics of the 2013-14 season, they did bounce back from their defeat to capture the MGL Under-11A
North league title, the first girls’ title in the team’s history. Shortly afterwards, the two Under-12 teams added two more MGL League titles, with the Under-12B side taking their league with a win at Greystones United, before the Under-12C side followed suit in delivering the win they needed away at Mount Merrion. The hat-trick of MGL League titles in 2015 is a key milestone in an impressive journey so far the girls of Clonee United, one that’s seen the side build from the foundation up in just three fantastic years.
28 May 2015 BLANCH gazette 31
Gazette
league champions Plunkett’s the Leinster Division 4 champions
Club Noticeboard st brigid’s CONGRATULATIONS to Eoin Kennedy
st oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh lifted
on winning his eighth All-Ireland sen-
the Leinster Hurling League Division 4 title when they overcame Kildare’s Leixlip 1-14 to 1-10 last Sunday in the final at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise. Plunkett’s came from 0-8 to 0-5 down at half-time to put in a strong second half performance and run out winners. The only goal arrived five minutes from time when Diarmuid McGrath cracked home.
ior singles hardball title. Eoin beat
The club lotto jackpot remains a
Mayo’s Joe McCann 21-12, 1-8 in the
massive €15,000 with the reserve
final.
rising to €6,800 for this week’s draw
St Brigid’s GAA annual mini leagues will take place from Monday, June 8
football: title retention bid starts with big win
For more information, contact Paul on 087 9154748.
in the Roselawn Inn on Thursday, May 28.
to Saturday, June 13. This is a Gaelic
St Brigid’s are delighted to be sup-
football league for boys and girls
porting the Castleknock 5km Run
from U-6 to U-12 (and any U-13 kids
2015. The event takes place on June
still in National School).
21 and is open to all abilities.
The mini-leagues are open to St
Register online or with your team
Brigid’s club members and non-
mentor. Keep an eye on the club web-
members alike.
site for further updates.
To register online visit the club website: www.stbrigidsgaa.com. Our club nursery runs as normal this Saturday, May 30 from 9.30 to 11am. We welcome all four to seven year olds in the Castleknock
TWIST are running a couch to 5km training programme for all on Saturday mornings at 11am to get you prepared to cross the finish line. See the TWIST Facebook page for further details.
and Blanchardstown area and new
For up-to-date St Brigid’s GAA fix-
members and families are always
tures and results visit our website
welcome.
www.stbrigidsgaa.com.
castleknock WELL done to the senior footballers at
penter every Tuesday and Thursday
the weekend, who kept their unbeaten
at 6.30. All new runners and walkers
run going in AFL2.
welcome.
The very best of luck to everyone taking part in the hurling mini leagues this week. The club’s Annual
There was no winner of the lotto
Golf Classic has been fixed for the
jackpot, which now stands at €3,400.
19th June. Please see the website for Niamh Rickard played a huge part in Dublin’s dismissal of Meath. Picture: Peter Hockey/GAAPics.com
Dubs’ magnificent seven LEINSTER LADIES U-21 Dublin 7-10 Meath 0-5 sport@dublingazette.com
REIGNING U-21 AllIreland champions Dublin got their title defence under way on Sunday afternoon when they delivered a resounding 7-10 to 0-5 victory over rivals Meath in Dunboyne. St Brigid’s players were to the fore with Leah Mullins, Deirdre Murphy and Ciara Trant all playing key roles from the start. Dublin’s dominance was soon reflected on the scoreboard as within eight minutes of the game commencing Dublin had hit Meath for three goals, one of which was a pen-
alty converted by captain Carla Rowe. With thirteen of last year’s All-Ireland winning panel still eligible for the U-21 grade this season, Dublin would have been many pundits’ favourites coming into the clash in Dunboyne. The game soon ran away from Meath, as the blues first three pointer came from the boot of Fingallians forward Niamh Rickard while the second was an unfortunate own goal scored by Meath fullback Michelle Peel. Meath’s opening score of the game came in the twentieth minute from a converted Kelly Harris free. Just before the interval Dubs’ midfielder Sarah McCaffrey hit Meath again with a well
taken goal to bring the half-time score to Dublin 4-3 Meath 0-2. Meath’s second point was taken by Maeve Downey while the aforementioned Rowe (2) and Rickard (1) both registered points for the blues. Dublin began the second half as they had completed the first in a fiercely dominant manner of play, with well taken points from Rickard (1) and McCaffrey (2). The Dublin forwards were backed up by the superb midfield partnership of Molly Lamb and McCaffrey, putting the Meath defence under severe continuous pressure. Meath buckled and gave away a second penalty when Meath goalkeeper Sarah Powderly pulled
back Eabha Rutledge in the 42nd minute. Skipper Carla Rowe stood up to the test and dispatched the ball past Powderly to put her side nineteen points up with a little under twenty minutes to go. Meath kept plugging away however, ending the game with a heightened sense of dignity with Kate Byrne and Shauna Ennis tagging on a couple of well taken points for the Royals. But a Dublin win was never in doubt and the victory was signed, sealed and delivered for the blues when they added two further goals courtesy of full-forward Siobhan Woods and second-half sub, Ciara McGuigan in the 44th and 59th minutes.
Application forms for the summer camps are now on the website.
full details. GMT is now starting from the Car-
The nursery is on every Saturday in Tir Na nOg at 10am, and all new players and families are welcome.
st peregrine’s A GREAT week on the pitch for the
hall in camogie on Saturday.
club with new senior manager Tom
The senior camogie side are away
Gerrard getting his term off on
to CBC on Thursday at 7.30pm, hop-
the right foot with a win against St
ing to keep their unbeaten run
Mary’s.
going. All support is greatly appre-
The junior As continued it with
ciated.
a win over Skerries and the junior
Ther e wa s no winner of this
Bs followed suit with a win in the
week’s lot to and the numb er s
afternoon.
drawn were 4, 6, 8 and 22.
A goalfest on Sunday morning
Don’t forget our carboot sale on
saw our U-15 footballers beat Tem-
Saturday, May 30 from 9am to 4pm.
pelogue Synge Street 5-10 to 5-9 in
All 58 spots have been filled so you
a thrilling game.
are guaranteed to find a bargain.
The U-14 ladies football had a
There are only two weeks left to
dominant win over Bray on Friday
register for our mini-leagues which
and followed up with an equally
begin on June 8. See any mentor for
impressive victory against White-
details.
Garda/Westmanstown THE ladies continued their winning
play.
streak with a 2-17 to 1-6 win away
The U-9 girls played in a camogie
to Lucan Sarsfields last Wednesday
blitz hosted by Na Fianna. Playing three
evening.
games, they showed great determi-
The juveniles were out in force this
nation and fought hard for every ball.
weekend with some notable perform-
This team will be one to watch. They
ances by all who took to the field of
even have their own song.
GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 28-31
Jumping for joy: Clonee United’s young stars celebrate another memorable season in D15 P30
may 28-June 3, 2015
Ais the bash’s dublin calling: Ireland’s only female MMA pro keen not to miss home date P29
Kennedy adds magic eighth handball title aaron gallagher
sport@gazettegroup.com
ST BRIGID’S Eoin Kennedy won his eighth All-Ireland Senior Singles Handball title on Sunday when he beat Mayo’s Eoin McCann 21-12, 21-8 in the final, in Roscommon. Having beaten Galway’s Pat Conway to a 21-10, 21-5 scoreline at the quarter-final stage, Kennedy faced off against Limerick’s CJ Fitzpatrick in an enthralling semi-final in Cashel two weeks ago. Despite losing the first game 19-21, he fought back in a heroic showing in the second and third games, before winning on an overall score of 19-21, 21-14, 21-13
which qualified the Brigid’s man for the All-Ireland final against Eoin McCann. Both players were in fine form as referee Billy Love began the game with Kennedy serving having lost the toss. The pair were neck and neck with 20 minutes gone, with the game tied at two, three and four points each before Kennedy pulled away into an 11-4 lead. Combining excellent serving with outstanding retrieving, Kennedy was showing the skills which have made him the player to beat over the past decade. McCann would not sit back, however, as he brought the score back to 11-9 in one hand. After a
further long rally, Kennedy killed the ball in the right corner to retrieve the serve. Dominant serving and excellent re-killing brought him to a 15-9 lead. Again McCann surged back to win the serve and two more points in succession to bring the score to 15-11 before Kennedy’s speed and skill allowed him to gain further valuable points to lead by 18 to 11. Only three points now stood between Kennedy and the first game, but he was forced to wait as his opponent took him out to gain a further point and bring the score to 18-12. This was to be McCann’s last challenge for dominance, however as Kennedy served the set out to a
score of 21-12. The second set was a more comfortable affair, with Kennedy walking away 21-8 winner and with his eighth title. President of the Irish Handball Association Willie Roche paid tribute to both players during the presentation of the senior singles Handball Cup for a strong, sporting contest. Sunday’s win adds to Kennedy’s tally of All-Ireland handball titles, a record standing at eight in 13 years. Kennedy now turns his attention to the softball version of the 60x30 game where he hopes to retain his All-Ireland title.
St Brigid’s Eoin Kennedy is presented the trophy by Willie Roche