Blanch 25 2 16 by Dublin Gazette

Gazette BLANCH

INSIDE: As election day nears, we take a last look

at the candidates hoping to claim your vote Pages 6-9

Feb 25-Mar 02, 2016

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on target for a summer of fun Still Dublin’s number-one activities free paper!  mimi murray Group Editor

AFTER what was another difficult year for media outlets, including local newspapers, The Dublin Gazette is thrilled to have this week gained a fantastic Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) figure of 52,958* copies distributed per week in the Greater Dublin Area. The Dublin Gazette team and I are delighted with this result as it is a clear indication of how well received our papers are in the local communities that they serve. We are a free, self-select only local paper – meaning our readers have to actively make the decision to pick us up. We don’t push our papers into people’s hands, or push copies through the letter box; we leave it up to the reader to decide. Our readers have made the decision to pick up more and more of our newspapers, week on week. For this, we would like to say: Thank You! With a 3.1% year on year distribution increase, we look forward to serving the communities of Dublin for a very long time to come. *Group MFD, Jan-Dec 2015

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Sports development officers Owen McGrath and Ciaran Russell hit the bullseye as they helped to launch Fingal County Council’s Summer Project Funding Programme recently. €70,000 has been allocated to the initiative. The grant, for funding of up to €2,000 can be applied for by community and project groups. With all summer projects, the emphasis is placed on encouraging community involvement and development. Speaking ahead of the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor (Ind) said: “The Community Division of the council sees this funding programme as a way of supporting the community sector in the context of the overall work the council does especially at a time when resources are becoming more hard-fought over.”

Health Minister caught up in armed robbery

21-year-old was arrested after Spar staff threatened by two armed men

 ian begley

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in Carpenterstown on Tuesday, February 16. A number of election candidates were caught up

in the raid at the Spar shop, including local Health Minister Leo Varadkar, who witnessed one of the thieves flee the scene. Staff and customers in the shop were threatened by two men armed with what has been described as a gun and

machete at around 7pm that evening. The men removed cash from the tills, as well as personal property from customers during the raid. They then fled the scene on foot. During a search and arrest operation in Dublin on the

morning of Friday, February 19, gardai arrested a 21-yearold man in connection with the robbery. He was taken to Blanchardstown Garda Station where he remains under the Criminal Justice Act. The investigation is ongoing.

2 BLANCH Gazette 25 February 2016

fund-raising | events across 40 Argos stores

Daffodil Man raises €45,000 for charity

James Gilleran is commonly known as Daffodil Man

An Argos worker in Blanchardstown Retail Park has helped to raise an incredible €45,000 for the Irish Cancer Society over 20 years of unstinting fund-raising on Dublin’s O’Connell Street and the Blanchardstow n Retail Park. James Gilleran, commonly known as Daffodil Man, belies his 61 years as each March he cycles from his Blackhorse Avenue home into his now traditional pitch on O’Connell Street for a long 11 hours of collecting on Daffodil Day. Gilleran, who is easily spotted dressed in his own Daffodil Suit for the day, told the Gazette: “It was the death of my father Mel and my aunt Maureen from cancer over 20 years ago which prompted me into wanting to help the Irish Cancer Society. They both died on Christmas Eve several years apart.” Gilleran has been fund-raising on Daffodil Day for the Society for nearly a quarter of a century and calculates that he has collected somewhere in the region of €45,000 for this good cause over that period of time. When he’s finished his stint on O’Connell Street, he puts the daffodil suit on once again and collects outside the Blanchardstown Retail Park where he fundraises as part of his daily work.

It’s also a coincidence that the Irish Cancer Society is Argos’ charity partner for 2015-2017. “I’m now well-known as the Daffodil Man because the Cancer Society has used photos of me on posters and billboards, on the back of buses and even in a 70ft banner hanging down the front of Liberty Hall,” said Gilleran. “I have to say Argos have been very good to me in supporting what I do for Daffodil Day and I was delighted when the company adopted the Irish Cancer Society as their chosen charity. “All of the money which we raise goes towards the funding of the Daffodil Centres nationwide. It’s a very wor thy cause and I would do anything for them,” he said. Gilleran added that most people have been touched by cancer in some way and is appealing for people to give generously on Daffodil Day, March 11, where fundraising events will take place at 40 Argos stores throughout the day. The Irish Cancer Society is the national charity in the Republic of Ireland dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, and improving the lives of those living with cancer and is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland. For more information about the charity visit www.cancer.ie.

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

migrants | women and children issues

Highlighting domestic violence and abuse  Ian Begley To mark International Women’s Day, i-Smile is hosting a workshop in Mulhuddart to highlight the issue of domestic violence and abuse experienced by women and children in Ireland today. T he focus of this workshop is to highlight the additional issues experienced by migrant women and their children. This workshop will include input from survivors of domestic violence and chief executives of Women’s Aid and Sonas Domestic Abuse Charity, a facilitated interactive session, refreshments, networking opportunities, a free health check and lots more. Speaking to The Gazette, Adaku Ezeudo, founder of i-Smile International, said she is organising the event to raise awareness of domestic violence and to highlight the supports that are available to those affected. “We wanted to do something for International Women’s day and decided to hold this event for women in the community who may be in abusive relation-

ships. “Domestic violence happens behind closed doors and it is often very difficult to know that someone is being abused. “This is why we have this event to pressure our leaders in power to do more and to offer help to those suffering in silence. “This is an issue that has been a taboo subject for much too long now. We need to talk about domestic vio lence because it is a continuous problem in our society, especially for African women. “Because of cultural issues and stigma within some communities, women who leave their husbands for whatever reason are seen in a very bad light so unfortunately a lot of them suffering from domestic violence choose to stay. This needs to change.” The i-Smile event is happening on Saturday, March 12 at 3pm in The Community Room, 123 Avondale Park, Mulhuddart. This event is free but early booking is advised as spaces are limited. To book send an email to info@i-smile.org or contact Adaku on 0879641229.

Tell us your NEWS Your Local paper, Call our news team on 60 10 240 or email news@dublingazette.com

25 February 2016 BLANCH Gazette 3

Manifesto | candidates urged to support nine basic rights

council

Free parking proposal

Call to support Traveller equality The Blanchardstown Traveller Development G r ou p (BTDG) h as launched its General Election 2016 Travellers Rights Manifesto which calls on candidates to support nine basic rights for Travellers outlining how this support should be actioned. The manifesto was written by prominent Traveller activist and BTDG manager Catherine Joyce and will be circulated to all candidates as well as to local Travellers and the community. The document calls on candidates to support the recognition of Travellers as an ethnic minority group in line with other EU member

states and calls for the immediate cessation of all state evictions. It calls for the “Traveller proofing” of all state-funded services to ensure measures funded by the state reduce poverty and promote equality and asks candidates to support the foundation of an independent Traveller accommodation agency. It also asks for equality in education, employment, health and policing and calls for sanctions to be put in place for those who continue to discriminate negatively against Travellers. BTDG chairperson Freda Hughes said: “There are 10 halting sites in our jurisdiction and many of these are so poorly serv-

iced it is beyond belief. Some sites lack basic lighting, outdoor toilets have no heat. “The sewage and water systems provided by the council for the trailers are often ineffective leading to flooding. The council have been made aware of these issues on numerous sites, but still do not draw down all of the funding allocated for Traveller accommodation year after year. “We are calling on all candidates to make a fi rm co mmitmen t to supporting Traveller equality and a first step towards this would be for the next Dail to immediately recognise Travellers as an ethnic group,” he said.

on the right side of the law Tina Adinga from Coolmine Community School, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, was one of 100 students from around Ireland who took part in The Bar of Ireland’s Transition Year Programme this month. Tina is pictured receiving her certificate of participation from the chief justice, Justice Susan Denham. The programme, which included shadowing a barrister, mock trials, court visits, and talks from court gardai and journalists, is designed to encourage students from all backgrounds to consider a career at The Bar. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

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the council believes that proposals to introduce free parking in all payand-display towns every weekend would generate a significant loss of income. T he proposal was brought up by Cllr Barry Martin (PBP) at the February council meeting, who asked the chief executive to introduce this scheme following it being used during Christmas. However, the CEO said: “While local chambers of commerce have requested that a number of free weekends be allowed in the run up to Christmas, experience shows it does little other than encourage longer term and allday parking. The loss of income from introducing free parking at weekends would also be a significant factor.”

4 BLANCH Gazette 25 February 2016

fundraising | event in Ongar Community Centre to raise money for Easter camps

Two-hour Zumbathon in aid of Autism support  Ian Begley

Local Zumba instructor Norma Hosford is holding a two-hour fundraising event called Zum-

bathon in aid of Jump Autism Support. The event, which is taking place on Sunday, February 28 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm in Ongar Com-

munity Centre, is going to fund two Easter camps that the group are running for 24 children with autism. Speaking to The

Warning letters issued over use of tennis courts to park cars Warning letters have been issued to the owners of the tennis courts at Hazel Lawn for people using the site to park their cars. This was outlined at the Castleknock – Mulhuddart Area Committee meeting by Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) who asked the chief executive for an update on what measures Fingal have taken in relation to resolving this issue. The chief executive stated: “The owners/occupier have four weeks in which to make a submission or obser-

Gazette, Hosford said: “We are delighted with the support we are receiving from the community and with their support we are in a position to offer our service to more and more children each time. “In our short time in existence we have grown very quickly which demonstrates the impact

made in the community. Our Facebook page (with no advertising) has grown to have over 1,000 genuine likes and the activities that we put on sell out in the first hour and we are forced to turn away over 80 people on average. “The opportunities created are not avail-

able anywhere else in the country and we aim to lead the evolution of services available to children with autism (autism friendly horse riding, karate, hip hop, social skills group, summer camp and Halloween camp - all already made available). We will also be having two Easter

camps for 24 children. “There are no salaries taken by the founders and there are no employees, the cost of the camp is met through private fundraising which is a constant struggle.” For more information about this event, visit the Jump Autism Support Facebook page.

vation in response to the warning letter and no such response has been received at the time of writing. “Site inspections have been undertaken where it was noted that the area in question and the adjacent SuperValu Car Park have been resurfaced. The perimeter fence which had been removed to facilitate the resurfacing works has been reconstructed. A further inspection will be undertaken once the four-week period for submissions or observations has passed.”

The council is assisting groups to play their part in commemorating the events of 1916

centenary | events specifically for youths

Funding for events to mark 1916 Rising  Ian Begley

THE council is assisting community and voluntary groups to play their part in commemorating the events of 1916 through the Centenary Community Funding Scheme. The fund, which is currently open to applications, supports individuals and groups to run events and projects as part of the Centenary Commemoration. The Foroige Youth Service in Blanchardstown has been granted funds to create a 1916 project based on Joe Duffy’s book The Chil-

dren of the Rising. Thirty-eight young people, representing various cultures and ethnicities from Dublin 15, will walk in the Blanchardstown St Patrick’s Day parade and the Swords 1916 Commemorative parade on April 24, each holding a large helium balloon (in green, white and orange) to remember the 38 young people from their area who died during the rising. The Banter Boys, a youth service in Swords, who are producing four large artworks depicting the events of 1916 have also been granted fund-

ing. Once complete, these pieces will be exhibited in libraries across Fingal. Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “The men and women from Fingal in 1916, who played a vital role in the Rising were very young, politically active and socially aware, just as Fingal today is diverse, youthful, vibrant, engaged and socially aware. “The council has tried to capture this youth and vigour in our county’s commemorative programme. “As well as more traditional forms of commemoration and reflection,

the council is supporting a range of events specifically for young people, including those from our new communities, based around poetry, theatre, film, proclamation readings in Irish and English, commemorative tree planting ceremonies and historical re-enactments in schools. We are also supporting the network of community centres across the area in marking the centenary at a local level,” he said. For further information on how to apply for funding for your project, activity or event visit www. fingal.ie.

25 February 2016 BLANCH Gazette 5

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LocalMatters S u p p o r t l o c a l b u s i n e ss

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election 2016 | we examine how some of

Facing voters’ support – and wrath – as they chase all votes  joan burton Tanaiste, Labour Party

DURING a scheduled visit to PayPal in Ballycoolin Business Park, Tanaiste Joan Burton (Lab) spent approximately one hour touring the company and meeting its hospitable staff. With less than two weeks before the General Election, and despite Labour doing increasingly poorly in the polls, the Tanaiste had no qualms about venturing ahead with the visit. Touring businesses and meeting communities around the country has become an everyday occurrence for Burton, who is endeavouring to get as many votes as possible in order to save her political career in Dail Eireann. Nothing out of the ordinary happened during her visit to PayPal, which probably came as a welcome blessing to the Tanaiste as she has frequently been on the receiving end of disgruntled protestors and disastrous excursions. An example of this was when she was tipped out of a boat in floodwaters at Thomastown, Kilkenny last December. No matter how mediocre her visits to local businesses may seem to the general public, they nevertheless are attended by national news teams. Some may imagine that they’re more interested in hoping that something more newsworthy will arise – such as the time

when water protesters clashed with Gardai when she visited a food bank event at Dublin Industrial Estate last year. However, no matter how many companies like these she visits, it will take a big push on her part to muster enough support to retain her seat in the Dail.

 leo varadkar Minister for Health, Fine Gael

WHILE most politicians worry about the rain and the odd disgruntled resident when out canvassing, not many would think twice about the possibility of being in the midst of an armed robbery. Well, for Dublin West Minister for Health Leo Varadkar, the element of danger came into perspective when two men, armed with a sword and a gun, raided the Spar in Carpenterstown, Castleknock. As fate would have it, Minister Varadkar and his canvassing team witnessed one of the armed robbers fleeing the scene, and then quickly rang the guards. Minister Varadkar, who was unharmed, said he was relieved no one was hurt during the robbery, adding that one of the men ran passed him and that it was all over by the time he arrived. Detectives were at the store soon afterwards interviewing witnesses. Cllr Roderic O’Gorman ( G P ) , a n d How a r d

Manley, who was canvassing for Fianna Fail candidate Jack Chambers, also witnessed the robbery. Meanwhile, Minister Varadkar took a shot at Fine Fail’s leader Micheal Martin in the days that followed, comparing him to Arnold Schwarzenegger over his manner during debates. Speaking to a morn-

ing radio show, Minister Varadkar said: “I’m not sure if you know the film Total Recall – there’s an Arnold Schwarzenegger character who manages to have alternative memories planted in his brain, and it seems to me that’s where we are with Micheal Martin. “He’s created a whole fairytale about his period

25 February 2016 BLANCH Gazette 7

the candidates are getting on as they canvass across the area

All to play for ... Tanaiste Joan Burton (Lab), Minister for Health Leo Varadkar (FG), Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) and Deputy Clare Daly (Ind)

in health and, not dissimilar, his period in foreign affairs.”

 paul donnelly Councillor, Sinn Fein

CLLR Paul Donnelly (SF) has been very busy with his canvassing team, knocking on doors and engaging with local resi-

dents in the hope of persuading them to give him their number-one vote. Cllr Donnelly is the only Sinn Fein candidate running in the General Election in Dublin West and, judging by the latest polls in the constituency, he has a very good chance at getting in. The Gazette followed Cllr Donnelly on his cam-

paign trail in the Westway estate of Corduff recently to see what type of reaction he is receiving from local residents. The vast majority of the people who opened their doors were happy to listen to what Cllr Donnelly had to say, and were even happier to vent their own frustrations. “I’ll vote [for] Sinn Fein

and the Independents,” said one man said. “But there’s not a chance in hell that I’ll be voting for the people in power now, especially that Mrs Joan [Burton] woman, who has done nothing for this community.” In response, Cllr Donnelly said: “Well, we’re [Sinn Fein] around all of the time and are in the community working very hard, but it’s all about getting to the next level, so that’s why I’m asking you to give me your numberone vote.” One man who opened his door said he did not want to vote for Sinn Fein, but rather for another leftwing party, such as the Socialist Party. Cllr Donnelly made a very good attempt at trying to change the voter’s mind, saying: “I’ll tell you the reason why I would advocate voting for Sinn Fein – The Socialist Party have said they would not go into government with anyone else, but how do you get things changed if you don’t build alliances with people? “We want to get rid of the water charges and property taxes, but we have to stand together.”

 clare daly

Deputy, Independent

THE Gazette joined Independent candidate Deputy Clare Daly on one of her campaign trail routes in Portmarnock last week to see how local Fingal residents are thinking of

voting on the big day. It wasn’t long before Deputy Daly was busy chatting away to a constituent in the St Anne’s estate on a canvass that was filled with hard questions and strong opinions. “You’re the only one that seems to do anything,” one woman told her, and while Deputy

Daly’s politics proved popular to most in the area, many seemed to have a soft spot for opposing candidate Senator Darragh O’Brien on the Fianna Fail ticket, who is widely regarded as a “nice chap” in the community. Contempt for “the big three” (Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour) was rife, as was a serious apprehension about Sinn Fein. Many residents seemed tempted to vote for the party, but said they would ultimately be reluctant to do so. “As long as Joan [Burton] doesn’t get in,” one elderly man declared to Deputy Daly as he joked that the extra €3 added to his pension will be just what he needs to pay for his water charges, property tax and new bin charges. One man came out to meet the deputy after finding out she was in the area. They stopped and had a long chat about

corporation tax and personal income tax. Deputy Daly discussed how she would look at restructuring the systems in place, but believed that better public services from taxation were essential. While this conversation was taking place, two young boys walked past, chanting “Clare Dalyyy! Clare Dalyyy!” Perhaps they were cementing her status as a popular figure in the area. One woman, who the deputy already knew, invited her in and gave her a gift of a book she wrote. What stood out from the day was how down to earth Deputy Daly was. Her promises to work hard, rather than making promises she couldn’t keep, seemed to be greatly appreciated by most people she spoke to who, by this stage, were weary of the non-stop campaigning in the run up to the General Election.

8 BLANCH Gazette 25 February 2016

election 2016 | a slightly irreverent look at some of the candidates

City voters are spoilt With literally dozens of hopefuls fighting for seats, there have been some lighter moments for politics followers to enjoy ...

 aisling kennedy

THERE is an air of anticipation in Dail Eireann in the run up to

the General Election, with politicians eagerly knocking on doors nationwide armed with many an election prom-

ise. Political parties are only too happy to take swipes at and shout down members of rival

parties for their shortcomings while each of us sit back and try to comprehend which politician to vote for.

A prime example of this type of political subterfuge is the recent Leader ’s Debate on TV3, where we were all witness to an intensive masterclass on how to shout down your opponent. He who makes the most noise wins. (Or she, in Joan Burton’s case.) Indeed, each of the four leaders – Enda Kenny (FG), Joan Burton (Lab) , Michael Martin (FF) and Gerry Adams (SF) – took turns to act vehemently outraged and disgusted at opposing party politics when called on for an opinion. Meanwhile, as we drive around the city, we see political canvassers ply pillar after pillar with A2 posters of these very candidates, in the hope that we are subliminally taking it all in and it will lead to an extra vote. When trying to decide who to vote for while looking at no less than 74 election candidates posters throughout the five constituencies in Dublin city, it can seem not only daunting but, quite frankly, a little impossible. In an attempt to aid your decision and to provide a little light relief in all the election mayhem, here are some lesser-known stories of various politicians’ recent campaign trails that may interest you, or may give you have a little chuckle as we prepare for the imminent General Election ... Sinn Fein’s deputy leader, Mar y Lou McDonald, is a popular candidate with her con-

As the race for a Dail seat heats up, the city’s election others serious, yet all adding up to make Election 2016

stituents, and is midway through a full-scale attack on the FG-Lab coalition of “broken promises”. Calling MEP Brian Hayes (FG) a “gurrier” recently in the wake of his repeated questions to her about Republican Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy on Newstalk, she is not a woman to sit back and mince her words.

first”. The leaflet then went on to quote one “Booby Sands”, as opposed to the infamous Bobby Sands. A slight blip, but one that made us all chuckle over our morning coffees. Another election candidate who is hoping to retain his seat is the imitable Richard Bruton (FG), Minister for Jobs,

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‘When trying to decide who to vote for while looking at no less than 74 election candidates posters throughout the five constituencies in Dublin city, it can seem not only daunting but, quite frankly, a little impossible’ --------------------------------------------------------

S h e l ove s t o g e t behind a good protest, and can often be found rallying support for the Save Moore Street campaign, and the Right2Water protests. The only blip on her otherwise seamless campaign trail was an unfortunate incident involving leaflets that urged voters to move away from Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, and join “a new Rising, one that puts the citizens

Enterprise, and Innovation. It was a kind of poetic justice that the man responsible for allegedly boosting employment levels in Ireland could not convince his own party to keep him in his role after it emerged that he failed to get selected at his party’s selection convention in north Dublin last April. All was not lost, however, as the party’s executive council stepped in

25 February 2016 BLANCH Gazette 9

and their mishaps, surpRises and disagreements out on the hustings

for choice at the polls

candidates are finding all kinds of obstacles to overcome – some of them amusing, one to watch

at the last minute and added him to the ticket. Proper order. Things take on a more

serious note now, with two strong female candidates who are currently battling it out for a seat

in the Dublin Bay South constituency, each with a very different point of view on repealing the

eighth amendment. Outgoing Renua TD Lucinda Creighton famously resigned as European Affairs Minister in 2013 after voting against the Government on an amendment to the abortion bill. She also lost the party whip, and faced an uncertain future – until she formed the new political party, Renua Ireland; a party that hopes to “engage the nation in a new conversation”. Opposing her beliefs is Cllr Kate O’Connell (FG), a businesswoman and pharmacist, who gave an impassioned speech at the Dail last year on a woman’s right to choose. She gave this

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‘In the Dublin Central constituency, this election will be the battle of the Independents, with no less than six such candidates hoping to take a seat in the three-seat constituency’ --------------------------------------------------------

speech while she was heavily pregnant with her third child. To say there is quite a large difference of opinion between these two ladies may be the understatement of the year. However, only one opinion will win out in the end, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who that will be. Lastly, in the Dublin Central constituency, it

will be the battle of the Independents, with no less than six Independents hoping to take a seat in the three-seat constituency. Of the six, four are serious contenders, with outgoing Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan hoping to retain her seat, yet Christy Burke, Cieran Perry and Eilis Ryan will all be racing her to the finish line.

Smart money would bet on either ex-Sinn Feiner Christy Burke – a popular and well-known face around Dublin’s inner city areas – or Cieran Perry, who likes to fight for the working class and even managed to get himself arrested during the Greyhound lock-out last year. E i t h e r w ay, t h e Independents are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Dublin Central constituency. They may not yet be reaching the dizzying heights of an alliance, but it’s probably best to leave that to Deputy Shane Ross (Ind) and his followers in the more affluent suburbs of Dublin’s fair city.

10 BLANCH Gazette 25 February 2016

BLANCHGazettegallery | TV3

Rom Olusa and Stella Obe. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

holy delightful opera at church helps charities

EAVENLY voices soared to the rafters at St Brigid’s Church of Ireland, Castleknock recently, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Good Works Opera. The ensemble of talented professional singers included a number of well-known arias among their repetoire, with their wonderful performances helping to support Home-Start Blanchardstown, and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. With such well deserving charities to help support, the audience were only too happy to listen to some beautiful singing, while helping other people at the same time.

TV3 broadcaster Vincent Browne gets ready to record the show. Picture: Ronan O’Sullivan

Getting Browned off in Dublin 15

Baritone, Rory Musgrave

L The evening was well received by the appreciative audience

Soprano, Laura Gilsenan

EGENDARY TV3 broadcaster Vincent Browne called to Dublin 15 recently to record a special edition of his People’s Debates series, with lots of local politicians joining locals to discuss some of the issues affecting the constituency. Gathering at the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown, Browne took stock of some pretty vocal opinions from the area, as locals and their representatives joined their peers in exercising some of the many national and local topics on their minds in the final weeks ahead of the General Election. As always, Browne was a masterful host – part ringmaster and part interrogator – as he put the show’s guests through their social and political paces to address some of the main issues affecting the constituency, as assorted criticisms, worries and complaints were aired by the guests and audience throughout the show.

25 February 2016 BLANCH Gazette 11

broadcaster records a peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debate episode in blanchardstown

Kathleen Martin and Jackie Fetherston

Sophie Wilkes, Natashia Fetherston and Pamela Wilkes

Aisling Ryan and Nicola Moran

Michael Shanley and Alison Hayes

Tony McGarby and Brian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donovan

Kerrie Donnelly and Alison Donnelly

Jason Reid and Rachel Hughes

12 blanch Gazette 25 February 2015

Gazettegallery

| A number of famous faces attend the opening

Blaithnaid Ni Chofaigh and her mother, Nan Ni Chofaigh

Rachel Lee and Ruth Lee

Janet McCarthy, Antoinette Bookey and Audrey Greene

Ger Maher and Ruth Scott

Dearbhla Whelan, Dermot Whelan and Eithne Whelan. Picture: Brian McEvoy

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Night of The Perfect Murder at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre

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14 Gazette 25 February 2016

dublinLIFE

a day in the life: Louise Ni Fhiannachta on her diverse role with a tg4 series

Happy to direct an Eipic Irish show  ian begley

AS T H E h i gh l y - acclaimed TV show Eipic currently airs its six-part series on TG4, director Louise Ni Fhiannachta said that the production was “an incredible experience” to be a part of. T he anarchic new show, penned by Mike O’Leary, is an off-beat, low-fi comedy drama that follows the fortunes of five rural teenagers who take over their local abandoned post office in 2016 to start a musical revolution. T his week, T he Gazette spoke to Ni Fhiannactha, who described what a day in her life was

like while directing this unique production. She said: “As a freelance director there is no such thing as a typical day in the life for me. Every day is different, which is a creative blessing I suppose, but it all depends whether I’m doing prep, production or post-production. “My usual approach would be to liaise with the writers as much as I can and to forensically go through each scene from a character, narrative and tonal perspective. “Prep work for a shoot is a bag of all-sorts, really. Long before the prep dates, I would have

to make sure that the project is fully cast. I would also need to be fully confident that we have the right people. “I’d also draw up director notes with visual references and help the other departments out a lot, too.

Locations “When you’re in prep, you have to talk to the editor about visual style and discuss various locations to shoot. You also become aware of what you want to achieve while you’re shooting it,” she said. “The five teenagers who were cast were just incredible. We spent

three months travelling around the country looking for new talent, and we needed fresh faces with a tremendous acting ability, musical talent and who could also speak Irish. “They are all unbelievably talented actors who I firmly believe have a fantastic future ahead of them. “We spent two months shooting in a place called Woodford in east Galway, and the entire cast and everyone else involved created such a positive amount of energy that was just sacred,” said Ni Fhiannactha. “We chose to film in Woodford because it

Eipic director Louise Ni Fhiannachta (left) with actors Fionnuala Gygax, Fionn Foley, Daire O’Muiri and Cian O’Baoill

had the perfect characteristics that we needed for Eipic. “Altogether, there were nine music videos to shoot in total. The band did popular cover songs

and made them their own, entirely in the Irish language.” Asked if she did anything to do to unwind while filming, Ni Fhiannachta said: “We always

had great craic while shooting, and had a big party before we finished the show.” Eipic broadcasts on TG4 at 10pm each Thursday night.

Gazette

25 February 2016 Gazette 15

dublinlife

diary

Are you ‘man enough’ to be an Escort?

Last year’s Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan has challenged young Irish men to see if they have what it takes to become an escort for the international festival. A Rose escort’s job is to look after his Rose and ensure her time at the festival is memorable, how hard can it be? Elysha is calling on men between the ages of 21 and 30 to apply before the March 31 deadline. Chosen candidates will take part in a teambuilding boot camp in June, participate in Festival events in August including the Gala Rose Ball and be in with the chance to win Rose Escort of the Year. Each candidate will be subject to an application fee and if chosen will be obliged to raise a sponsorship of €1,500. Any lads who feel they are “man enough” to be a Rose Escort should apply to www. roseoftralee.ie.

Dublin South Central remembers 1916

Dublin South Central Community launched their extensive pro gramme of events to commemorate The 1916 Easter Rising recently. The event will take place at 7pm in St Catherine’s Church, Thomas Street. Speaking about the programme, The Lord Mayor said: “The organised events recognise the importance of placing communities at the heart of the commemorations and I hope people will engage with the programme and through it reflect on the events that changed the course of our history.” The programme includes 50 diverse projects which are funded by Dublin City Council and organised by local volunteer groups in Kilmainham, Ballyfermot, Inchicore, Bluebell, Drimnagh, Crumlin, Kimmage, Islandbridge, the Liberties, Rialto and the

Coombe. The programme intends to help people in different communities engage with commemorations while informing them about the different events and people in the Rising. Copies of the programme will be available at the event and through local council offices.

saying thank you to the hidden heroes Keith Duff y, along with Dublin City Council, have just announced The Good Citizen Awards. T h e a i m o f t h es e awards is to say thank you to the hidden heroes in our communities. Citizens are asked to nominate ordinary people who by their actions and contributions to their communities make this city an extraordinary place to live. Nominations can be made at www.dublincity.ie/goodcitizen

Keith Duffy wants to know have you nominated your local Hidden Hero yet

Last year’s Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan

where “The assessment panel will be looking for examples of good citizenship that really stand out and can serve as great examples of how the efforts of ordinary good citizens can really make a difference to our communities”. Nominations open on February 15 and will close on March 18. There are nine different categories for nomination and winners will be selected by an independent adjudication panel with awards presented at a ceremony in the Mansion House in May 2016. Is there a wor thy nominee in your community?

16 Gazette 25 February 2016

Gazette

dublinlife Some top tips to help you plan your holiday abroad

Whether you are booking a package holiday this year or you have decided to arrange it yourself online, the competition and consumer protection commission’s website, www.consumerhelp.ie, has some tips for you to keep in mind about your holiday.

Booking a package holiday W hen you book a package holiday, you enter into a contract with the tour operator or travel agent. They are responsible for ensuring that your holiday arrangements run to plan. They should provide

you with a written copy of the contract before you travel. This should contain key information such as the cost, destination, duration of the holiday, itineraries of any excursions, and details of the complaints procedure in case anything goes wrong.

You should also be told of any other relevant information, such as vaccinations you might need to get and any passport/visa requirements. Remember, if you book a package holiday, you have specific protections as a consumer that you don’t have if you book each part of your trip separately.

Doing it yourself Sometimes it can work out cheaper and more flexible to book each stage of your holiday yourself. However, it’s important to know that you won’t have the same protections as you would if you had booked a package holiday. You do still have some protections if your holiday involves taking a ferry or flight and there is a delay. Check out www.consumerhelp.ie to find out more about your rights. Spot the scammers When you are researching your accommodation, watch out for potential rental accommodation scams. This is where scammers go online to a genuine holiday website offering places for rent; copy the photos, addresses and other information from various listings and then use this to put up a fake listing of their own. This is a scam to get

FEATURE

Some policies won’t cover you if you need to claim as a result of any adventure activities

you to pay the full rental price or a security deposit up front. Always make sure a listing is genuine before you make a booking. You can do this by taking the time to do some research on the person/company offering the rental property. If there is an estate agent in the area they may be able to verify if the property is a genuine rental one. Check if the property exists by looking it up on online maps. Never transfer money unless you are absolutely sure that the listing or website is genuine, and always use a secure method of pay ment, such as a credit card or Paypal.

Hiring a car If you choose to hire a car in a different country make sure to check the car rental firm’s website for the company’s terms and condition. It is impor tant to research the company before booking, ensure you have contact details and enough insurance to meet their requirements. Also, at the time of

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If you book a package holiday, you have specific protections as a consumer that you don’t have if you book each part of your trip separately

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booking you may find that not all charges are included – some may be payable when you collect the car, such as costs for child seats, additional drivers, extra insurance etc. Find out what the fuel policy is before you rent and make sure it is explained to you clearly before you confirm the booking.

Travel insurance If you book a package holiday, travel agents and tour operators may sell travel insurance as part of the package but you do not have to take their insurance. You may get better value by buying your travel insurance separately from another provider, particularly if you travel frequently. If you’re planning on taking part in any adventure activities while you are away, make sure you spec-

ify this when you are choosing your policy. Some policies won’t cover you if you need to claim as a result of these activities. If you have private health insurance check to see what that covers you for before you buy travel insurance. Your private health insurance normally cover illness and injury while you are abroad, however, you will need to get additional cover for such things as a flight being cancelled or a delay which causes you to miss a connecting flight. You can ask your private health insurer to see if they offer discounted travel insurance that covers you for such non-medical loses. At w w w.consumerhelp.ie you will find more top tips when p l a n n i n g a h o l i d ay abroad.

25 February 2016 Gazette 17

cinema P22

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week

health P24

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travel P20

Pets have we got the perfect buddy waiting to meet you!

Parade characters Piya Champhat and Rachel Lally announcing the launch of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

st patrick’s day: A world class line-up of events and street theatre

Festival looks to the future  jodi waters

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe recently announced the 2016 St Patrick’s Festival, which will take place in Dublin from March 17 to 20. This year’s theme is Imagine if ... This year, the four-day festival will celebrate its 21st birthday since it was established. Commenting on the launch of the festival, Minister Donohoe said: “The St Patrick’s Festival has developed into a major attraction, which provides us with the chance to showcase our own culture and talents and promote all that is great about Ireland on an international stage.”

As part of the I Love My City programme, this year the festival presents a jam-packed events schedule. Catch The Moth StorySLAM in Teelings Distiller y, New Market Square on March 17. The open-mic storytelling competition was founded in New York and is a monthly occurrence in Dublin. Tickets are priced €8. Look-see RUN tours take place on March 18 and 19, meeting at Hugh Lane Gallery at 6:30pm. This is a walking performance created by young people; it’s a performance that is also a walk, sometimes a talk, and possibly a run! Tickets are priced €5. Pop down to The Children’s Soapbox at The Ark Children’s Cultural

Centre on March 18 for a special event that will launch The Ark’s new Children’s Council, which gives a voice to Dublin children and a platform to express their views and wishes for the future of Ireland. With soap box-style performances using spoken word, stories and poetry 18, this free event is a must. Take a seat in the National History Museum on March 18 and listen to the lofty, surround-sound choral performance of Rarity, by Tonnta Music. This unique and cultural experience combines live singers and an electronic vocal sound, and takes place at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Admission is free. Rounds, by BoNs Synth Ensem-

ble, takes place on March 19 in St Patrick’s Cathedral at 8pm. BoNs is the musical and song-writing catalyst for Dublin-based multi-instrumentalist, producer and synthesist, Glenn P. Tickets are priced €8. Catch Ultimate Sunday at Belvedere House on March 20. Described as a full schedule of cultured chats, sounds, and interactive fun, this really is the ultimate weekender. Join journalist Julien Clancy and Monaghan fashionista Helen Steele. Tickets are priced €10. Family fun-filled events are also taking place over the festival period. Look out for treasure hunts and the festival’s Big Day Out, taking place over the weekend.

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 Buddy, a sixyear-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross. Buddy has been at Dogs Trust for quite some time now. He is looking for an adults-only home and adopters who can commit to making multiple trips to the centre to slowly build up a relationship at his pace. It will take quite a few meets to get to know Buddy, but we promise you, it will be worth your time to earn the love of this eagerfaced angel!. If you think you could offer Buddy 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 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT 3 dress €14 lace shirt Biba black

Old Willow & Clo favourites – including the popular

Label Lab black suede lace-up jacket €249

SoundWave collection (above) – are also available at the brand’s new flagship city centre store

Willow & Clo’s latest range available at new flagship store with the collections firsthand, piece by piece, story by story, moment by moment.” Old favourites can be found in the store, such as the ever popular Sound Wave collections, which symbolise the creative process of music. Pieces in the collection have been inscribed with secret messages and meaningful words that only the wearer can see. ------------------------

TO IMPRESS

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€90

black rie ma

brode 9

2 ss €1 xi dre

Since Willow& Clo’s establishment, it has enjoyed success alongside well-known jewellery designers such as Alexis Bittar and Shaun Lane. Further information can be found on Willow & Clo website at www. willowandclo.ie, while the flagship store at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is open six days a week (closed Sunday).

BLACK is back – not that it ever goes away – with a vengeance, as the eternal shade has popped up in style over at House of Fraser, ready to smarten up spring wardrobes with a clean range of shades. Whether sporting a clerical black, channelling your inner Morticia Addams, boosting your Goth girl cred, or just seeking stylish cuts in this most classic of colours, House of Fraser have just the range for you, with a selection of items to complete or perfect any wardrobe. For those looking to soften the shade, several of our selections this week make great use of subtle colouring, with gentle bronze proving particularly good at adding just the right dash of colour. So, step out in style and confidence in any of these crisp items ...

Biba monochrome Aztec tassel clutch bag

‘The Willow & Clo spring/ summer collection has different features, such as unique aqua chalcedony and green chrysoprase pieces’

BLACK Linea

A NEW Irish jewellery brand has been creatively designed by Chloe Townsend, a founder and designer of Willow & Clo, and winner of 2014 Designer of the Year in Kerry for Fashion Week in 2014. Townsend’s Willow & Clo flagship store is now at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in the city centre. For Townsend’s new brand, it is an exciting new start for the Howth native, and with the launch of the new collection from Willow & Clo, there are a total of 11 collections so far. Townsend’s creative imagination has been inspired by nature and every piece of jewellery has a different story. Each piece is handcrafted into 22kt plating gold, sterling silver and gemstones, which are semi-cut. As this is her 11th jewellery range, the Willow & Clo spring/summer collection has different features, such as unique aqua chalcedony and green chrysoprase pieces. Since Townsend’s travels to Jaipur in India, she has been keen to gain more knowledge about different gemstones. She says: “My dream for the store was to create a tangible experience for our customer, where they can interact

Linea weekend black drawstring skirt €168

25 February 2016 Gazette 19

ssel k suede ta Biba blac €176 g bucket ba

3 g €3 er ba

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Biba print embellished waistcoat €159

black

osse emb logo 29 black g €1 Biba body ba s cros

Linea

Edit your spring style with help from Dunnes  megan holmes

Linea black tailored waistcoat €77

Gazette

STYLE

TULLAMORE-based designer Carolyn Donnelly has released her latest spring collection – The Edit – available at Dunnes Stores now. The Edit consists of layers for practical yearround dressing in typical Donnelly hews of black, white, ecru, grey and navy, with the addition of blush pink, tomato red and sky blue. Easy throw-on unstr uctured coats are given an update in vibrant sky blue or rich navy. A cosy boiled wool throw-on coat-style in oatmeal or navy is ideal for pairing with work clothes, or worn with jeans and a sweater. Standout pieces of the collection include a statement coat in a textured bubble cloth, and a new reversible lightweight coat in memory nylon that switches from silver grey to navy and light camel to black. There are lots of wool knits in lighter weights in soft blues, navy, oatmeal and navy and cotton-mix

Aran stitch polos in blue and navy. Colour punches of tomato red in super t-shaped tops and a zipfronted a-line skirt work in an ultra-modern way, teamed with the soft blush pink or sky blue. New looks include a red poppy print in a dress and top and a long silk scarf and a striking black and white marble print in easy to wear top and dress jersey separates. Trousers for the early part of the season are smart, simple tailored styles in black or light grey, but the collection also includes some more relaxed washed cotton weekend styles in navy and grey, and in combat and chino styles for later in the season. There are lots of wellpriced tops and t-shirts in Donnelly’s favourite neutral tones. One of the standout new pieces has a silk stretch front and jersey back and sleeves. Shoes for early spring are on trend off-white leather lace-up trainers, which also come in metallic silver.

Gazette

20 Gazette 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

us and canada: stunning landscapes and spectacular cities

The Mimozas Resort is the picture-perfect base to explore this region without breaking the bank

The historic city of Quebec is one of the oldest European settlements in North America

Celebrate Easter in style in Cannes

An array of options for the trip of a lifetime

The Mimozas Resort in Cannes is looking like the place to be this Easter. With the world’s biggest celebrities awaiting to descend on the city in May for the annual film festival, why not beat them to it and enjoy a superstar holiday for less? The recently refurbished Mimozas Resort in Cannes-Mandelieu is the picture-perfect base to explore this region without breaking the bank. With 15% off holidays of five nights or more and prices from €778.40 based on two adults in a luxury room self-catering apartment for seven nights, how can you go wrong? What has Cannes got to offer? D r i ve a l o n g t h e Grande Corniche and enjoy stunning views of the French Rivera, why not hire a classic car and enjoy the cliff side from Nice to Monaco in style? For the history lover, a visit to Sainte

Marguerite by ferr y is essential. Here you can see the famous fort used for prisoners in the 20th century. A 15-minute ferry ride for €14 return will make for a great day out. If you’re looking for a more relaxed day – head to Saint Tropez. Saint Tropez beach is one for your best bikini and plenty of sun cream. Dine like a diva at Hostellerie Jerome restaurant in the medieval village of La Turbie. With set dinner menus from €78 and an extravagant tasting menu for €138, you’re sure to be in for a treat. If you’re looking to have some Vegasesque fun, head down to Casino de Monte Carlo where entry for table games and slots is only €10. You must be over eighteen. With flights starting from €89.98 return in March, why wouldn’t you celebrate this Easter in the stunning Mimozas self-catering apartments?

Travel Department have some great holiday offers to Canada and the US starting from €1,729pp. Take the trip of a lifetime with a 10-night guided holiday through the Great White North of Canada. With a package from € 2 ,19 9 p p i n cl u d i n g flights, transfers, accommodation and national park entrance fees, with the flight departing September 28, 2016. Witness the snowcovered highlands and remarkable alpine scenery when you visit glaciers, rushing rivers and crystalline lakes. With a stop in Vancouver, you can take some time to browse in trendy shops and see the city’s landmarks. You will meander along the Icefield Parkway, stay overnight in the picturesque mountain village of Whistler home

to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Travelling by coach will allow for plenty of photostops along the way. Follow Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail over nine nights, experiencing the bright lights, quiet countryside and spectacular scenery. Begin your journey in Toronto, gateway to Niagara-Falls. Tr ave l a l o n g t h e north-shore of Lake Ontario, enjoying a fullday guided tour of Montreal which will take in the Summer Olympics complex of 1976, Mount Royal, McGill University and Old Montreal. Drive past French-Canadian villages taking in the historic city of Quebec with a full-day tour. With three free days during your trip, you will have plenty of time to explore Toronto at your leisure. Cost from €1,729pp

including flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions. Due to popular demand extra dates have been added, with flights now departing May to October 2016. Experience all that California and The Golden West has to offer on a 12-night rail trip. Embark on a guided city tour of San Francisco, taking in The Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and Lombard Street.

Enjoy a day of leisure in Las Vegas where you can take a stroll on the dazzling strip or take your chances in one of the many casinos. Make your way around LA, with some shopping and a tour of the Hollywood Hills. Take a journey through California’s Central Valley with spectacular views before indulging in the beautiful Yosemite National Park. A drive down one of

Take in the beautiful Yosemite National Park

the most famous roads in the world, route 66 and witness the unique scenery of the Mojave Desert. Not to forget the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon Railway View towards the Grand Canyon. Cost from €3,399 including flights, transfers, B&B accommodation, rail tickets and excursions. Flight departing September 1, 2016.

25 February 2016 Gazette 21

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22 Gazette 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

ReelReviews

sinking feeling An impossible heist

(Cert 12A, 120 mins) This docudrama depicts the incredible true story of a daring Coast Guard rescue operation off of Cape Cod during a ferocious storm in the winter of 1952. When an oil tanker splits in half, trapping its crew aboard the sinking vessel, four brave Guardsmen set out to save them.

GOOSEBUMPS Fun horror romp

(Cert PG, 103 mins) A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R L Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware. Goosebumps boasts more than enough of its spooky source material’s kid-friendly charm to make up for some slightly scattershot humor and a hurried pace.

CINEMA

Triple 9: corrupt cops use their special skills for their own good

A relentless thrill ride of corruption and dread If there is one common thread that ties together much of Australian director John Hillcoat’s work, it is a sense of brooding intensity. So it seems natural that Hillcoat’s creative path has repeatedly crossed with fellow countryman and friend Nick Cave. The pair have partnered up for all of Hillcoat’s previous releases – with Cave providing music, screenplays, acting, and combinations thereof - but Triple 9 – a guns blazing cop thriller - marks something of a change of direction for Hillcoat. There is a noticeable change of setting too, Hillcoat’s previ-

 Dave phillips

ous films took place in near-mythic settings like the menacing and chaotic prison system in Ghosts… of the Civil Dead, or the desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland of The Road, or the strange blend of Aussie Western that was The Proposition – these were canvases upon which anything could happen. By contrast, Triple 9 feels firmly rooted in the here and now – and

DEADPOOL

Unconventional anti-hero (Cert R, 108mins) Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. A former special forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego, Deadpool. Starring Ryan Reynolds. The high-wattage cast includes Casey Affleck

this is definitely not a bad thing. A criminal squad of crooked cops and exmilitary carry out bankheists at the behest of the Russian bosses who seem to have everybody in their pockets. When the Russians demand the return of files from a heavily guarded homeland security safe-house, the only option available for the squad is to orchestrate a Triple 9 – the radio code to denote an officer down – to create the necessary window of opportunity. Loaded with blaring sirens, blazing guns, American flags, Mexican drug dealers, and Russian mobsters, Triple

A criminal squad of crooked cops and ex-military carry out bank-heists at the behest Russian bosses

9 is two hours of unrelenting, story heaped on story action. Writer Matt Cook has provided a screen play that feels cold-blooded in its content, and serpentine in its form – it is something that stands out in contrast to Hillcoat’s prior films. And to fill the tanged tale, there is an impressive cast of suitably twisted characters. Chris (Casey Affleck) t a ke s m u c h o f t h e focus - a greenhorn cop whose dedication to his job causes him to unwittingly become the officer marked to perish in the titular ‘999’. H i s u n cl e J e f f r e y (Woody Harrelson) is on board as the detective investigating the heists, who in between consuming the haul of his drugs busts, keeps an eye out for Chris. Norman Reedus (The

Walking Dead) and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) play the troubled Welch brothers who make up one part of the heist squad, alongside a trio of corrupt cops, Belmont (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr), and Atwood (Anthony Mackie). Kate Winslet stars as the sinister Russian boss that pulls the strings. And that is just the lay of the land at the outset. Given that there is arguably no main protagonist, but rather a collection of equally weighted storylines, you can get a sense of some of the scope of Triple 9. For the most part, Hillcoat uses the array of talent at his disposal expertly. Though in contrast to his last film, Lawless, which was notable for its developed female characters, Triple 9

seems lacking. Winslet’s character – an sociopathic, glamourous Russian mobster – is fun to watch but paper thin (and likewise Teresa Palmer, who appears as Chris’ wife). Break the film down into constituent parts and there is an undeniable finesse in its tense atmosphere, incredible set pieces, and colourful characters. It is a tremendous amount to fit into two hours, but the relentless attempt to cram as much information as possible can be overwhelming, and towards the end, exhausting. Triple 9 is a film that hits the ground running and doesn’t stop for br e a t h – whic h turns out to be both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness.

Verdict: 7/10

25 February 2016 Gazette 23

Monaghan serves up some fine Spanish fare THIS week The Picky Eater took a trip out of Dublin to sample a restaurant on the border. Tapas de Noche in Monaghan tow n (located at No 1, Russell Court, Broad Road; 047 72654) is relatively newly opened and the town was in dire need of somewhere that little bit different to eat out in. If you were not after standard hotel fare, or an Indian or Chinese speciality, then you were unlucky to be in Monaghan ... However, this place is offering rustic Spanish cooking with a little bit of Italian thrown in for good measure. We visited on a Saturday, so the small restaurant was hopping, with the lovely Spanish guitar music playing in the background adding to the distinctly Mediterranean feel. The service was prompt and friendly. Our party of three ordered several small dishes from the menu, which isn’t huge. We also went for a couple of specials from a blackboard; one of these being Moules Mariniere, a favourite of Picky’s. We a l s o o r d e r e d melanzane parmigiana, prawns pil pil, potatoes of the day, and a couple of small pasta dishes, a spaghetti with prosciutto e piselli and al olio with prawns. The melanzane was flavoursome and moreish and is definitely Picky’s favourite way to

cook and eat aubergines. There were plenty of juices left over to mop up with some crusty breads. The moules were delicate and succulent and, again, the creamy sauce offered plenty of soakage for the bread. The pasta special, or prosciutto and peas, was delicious and full of flavour; however, the prawn pasta could have used a little more seasoning and garlic. Prawns pil pil had a huge amount of kick – just how Picky likes them – and the prawns were huge and delicious. Potatoes of the day were layered in cream with leeks and bacon and certainly hit the spot.

Desserts There are a handful of desserts on the menu, and we went for a tiramisu, which was the right amount of cream and coffee. A fudge cream is a lovely light dessert made from natural yoghurt, cream and liquer, topped off with hazelnuts and brown sugar. Yum. We ordered a bottle of the house white wine, a Baron Del Rey rioja, which is a really easy drink and went well with the Spanish and Italian flavours. With wine and coffee, the bill came to €81 for three of us. If your are on your way to the North, or are staying in Monaghan for any occasion, this little gem of a restaurant is well worth the visit.

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

Tapas de Noche’s interior offers soothing, neutral tones – a comfortable, distraction-free setting in which to enjoy its delicious dishes

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24 Gazette 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

The Great Food Fight: ‘we have to learn again to trust our own bodies’

Foods that will make you feel good physically and mentally  shane rigney Food Vlogger

Some people have a fear of walking down the aisle, thoughts of standing on an altar all eyes on them as they sign up for a lifelong commitment leaves them shaking with anxiety like a lamb to slaughter. Fair enough I suppose, but I’m not the marrying kind so I can’t quite empathise. There’s one aisle however that strikes fear in me like no other, actually there’s rows and rows of them and they’re lurking on every corner…in the supermarket! What can be so spooky as to induce panic in the chest of a grown man in the vast and abundant aisles of our local food emporiums’ I hear you gasp? Well I’ll tell you! Shelf af ter shelf of guilt and mind boggling confusion that’s what. Millions and millions of packets and tins and jars of nutritional information and calorie counting, dirty

foods, clean foods and 50 shades of grey foods, cool foods and dude foods and rainbow coloured whole foods. It’s a mine field and what used to be a pleasurable experience - for me as a chef anyway has turned into a dash through a snake infested fire pit where I’m lucky to get out with anything that may not give me a heart attack, brain tumour, cancer or at best a leaky gut. It’s fair to say that the slew of scientific information that has come about in the past 20 years is of benefit to how we eat. We now know conclusively about the effects of sugar and fats on our bodies and are not relying on certain studies backed by huge food manufacturers which discredit one food group over another. But how on ear th does the average person that is concerned about their weight and overall health - which is most people nowadays - wade through all the

conflictory guidelines and make an informed decision when it comes to their diet? What does one do when the clock hits 1pm and they leave the desk to get lunch and find themselves staring aimlessly at the array of choices on the deli menu? “I’ll have chicken, cheese and lettuce with mayonnaise on white bread” Actually white bread is absorbed really fast, brown bread is better, fuller longer and all that. “ I ’ l l h ave b r ow n bread.” Actually brown bread has the same calories as white bread. “I’ll have a salad, chicken with lettuce and cheese and tomato with that three-bean salad thing,” Actually beans are bad now because they’re not paleo and contain phytic acid and cause malabsorption of key nutrients. “I’ll have chicken salad with tomato and

Eating a diet rich in fibrous, whole healthy carbs with plenty of animal proteins and tonnes of veggies will give you the best chance at a healthy, happy life

Modern healthy eating can be a mine field of confusion

cheese and potato salad.” Actually potatoes are high in carbs and that will cause my blood sugars to rise and then my insulin to rise and then I’ll have a dip and then I’ll want chocolate. “I’ll have chicken with salad and tomato and cheese and egg salad too, yeah loads of protein and protein’s really good.” Actually that’s too much saturated fat so that’s bad for my heart and has no fibre so my gut health won’t be good. “I’ll have chicken and cheese with tomato and some of that kale salad, yeah like kale’s a superfood because it contains loads of minerals so that’s definitely good.” Actually kale has phy tic acid like the beans so that means I won’t absorb the nutrients in my food and I’ll get a leaky gut and the

paleo heads say that’s because cavemen didn’t eat chickpeas or lentils and definitely not kale and even though we have 50,000 years of evolution on them that must be right, ok no kale. “I’ll have chicken and lettuce with cucumber and tomato and a tiny bit of cheese and a tiny bit of egg because I forgot saturated fat is fine now, it’s only trans-fat that’s bad and a tiny bit of sweet potato.” “Oh and no dressing and a diet coke, thanks.” D o e s a ny o f t h i s sound normal or sane or rational? Bet it sounds familiar though right? And don’t even get me started on gluten! I can’t pretend I ’m a n e x p e r t t h a t has studied nutrition, although I have spent probably as many hours studying the biological impact of foods on the

body, and as a chef, I go to lengths to be aware of these impacts in the food I cook. But here’s what I know. We as a modern, busy society and community can’t keep living like this, driving ourselves round the twist about our food choices. We have to learn again to trust our own bodies and eat the foods that make us feel good physically and mentally. We have to enjoy eating real, whole, nutritiously rich foods that nourish our bodies and minds and that give us pleasure in the way any primal need for something is supposed to. We must learn how to recognise the triggers that make us eat the wrong foods perhaps in abundance and to correct these and then get back to a balanced diet that consists of certain foods in abundance and

certain foods as treats. No super food will make you skinny, no chia seed will make you smart and no piece of bread will make you fat. Eating a diet rich in fibrous, whole healthy carbs -including breadwith plenty of animal proteins and tonnes of veggies, most of the time, will give you the best chance at a healthy, happy life on the inside and out. It’s that simple. If you prefer rice to quinoa then by all means stick to that staple, if not mix it up a little and try some sweet potato oven chips for a change. Put down the magazines, stop wrecking your head online and ignore the white noise. Oh and make sure to include the fruit, just one piece mind, there’s sugar lurking in there and for the love of god, don’t juice it!

25 February 2016 Gazette 25

opinion: domestic violence remains a worrying problem – women’s aid

Protecting women is still a big issue for all WOMEN’S Aid, the national agency supporting women and children affected by domestic violence, have begun a final push to put domestic violence on the political agenda during the General Election campaign. We are urging the next government to fully protect young women from dating abuse by amending the Domestic Violence Act, and are also calling for a new law to protect women from digital abuse and stalking. Over the next few weeks, we will raise the issue of funding cuts to domestic violence services. We at Women’s Aid, despite a cut in our core funding of 31% during the recession, have recently made our National Freephone Helpline a 24-hours a day, seven days a week service. The demand for our out of hours service has surpassed expectations, by 283% in the first month. Demand is increasing while our funding is being cut. Listening, believing and supporting women affected by domestic violence must be a priority. We must be fully resourced to meet the demand we know is there. This February, we highlighted the issue of dating abuse against young women with the 2in2u national public aware-

ness Valentine’s Day campaign. The reaction has been phenomenal, with the issue of digital abuse and “revenge porn” coming to the fore in recent weeks. It is very timely that we explore the issue of dating and digital abuse during the General Election campaign. A key area of concern is the lack of legal protection for young women who have never lived with their boyfriends. Women in dating relationships are left unprotected under current legislation. Abuse can feature within all intimate relationships, and 16% of women accessing our oneto-one services in 2014 had never cohabitated with their abuser, nor had a child in common. They cannot access legal protection under the Domestic Violence Act, and there is no indication that this will change any time soon. This is unacceptable. We are also calling on whoever forms the next government to enact new, all-encompassing legislation to better protect women from digital abuse and stalking, and for a better understanding of the harmful and insidious nature of digital abuse. Women’s Aid recommends that a specific stalking offence be introduced in Irish law, with a comprehensive but not exhaustive definition –

including new forms of cyber-stalking – and that stalking be recognised as grounds for a safety order. We are asking voters to email candidates in their constituencies in support of our #DomesticViolenceMatters campaign. In two weeks, voters will go to the polls. Between now and then, we are asking the public to show candidates that domestic violence matters to them. We must remind those candidates seeking election that domestic violence is a serious crime – one that can result in stress, short- and longterm trauma and physical injuries and, in extreme cases, homicide. One in five women in Ireland are affected by domestic violence, and in 2014 Women’s Aid heard more than 16,000 disclosures of abuse against women, and more than 5,700 disclosures of abuse against children. We know that since we started our records in 1996, 211 women have been murdered in Ireland; 55% of women are killed by their partners or expartners. In some homicide cases, children, parents, siblings and friends have also been attacked or killed. Domestic violence impacts on women, children and the community around them. It cannot be minimised or dismissed.

We owe it to those affected to take effective political action to protect them, provide them with the support they need and respond fully and appropriately. We must act before more lives are lost and more hurt is caused to women, children and communities. A woman in an abusive relationship needs a range of services to survive, protect herself and any children, and to support her to safety. Essential services and systems have been severely impacted by the economic recession. Since 2008, specialist domestic violence support services for women and their children have received substantial funding cuts. These cuts are having a real impact on the lives of thousands of women and children living in fear in their own homes, which is why we are also highlighting funding cuts for vital services during the #DomesticViolenceMatters campaign. 2016 needs to be a turning point for women and children affected by domestic violence. Whoever forms the next government, and members of the next Dail and Seanad, must take domestic violence against women and children seriously.  Margaret Martin Director, Women’s Aid

Margaret Martin, director, Women’s Aid – One in five women in Ireland are affected by domestic violence, and its impact on women, children and the community around them cannot be minimised or dismissed

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blanchCLASSIFIEDS PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

Fingal County Council

Permission is sought for refurbishment works to an existing residential dwelling to include 2 no. new dormer windows to the front roof slope, ÂżUVW Ă&#x20AC;RRU H[WHQVLRQV WR the two rear corners, revisions to window fenestration all 4 elevations and a separate two storey extension centrally to the rear. Also, partial conversion of existing stables/ storage sheds to residential use/ games room and a separate, detached garage to the front forecourt area. All at Ballycoolin House, Blanchardstown Road North, Dublin 15. For Eileen Kumar. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making D FRS\ DW WKH RIÂżFHV RI 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 (â&#x201A;Ź20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

I, Sheelagh Lacy, intend to apply for permission for development at this site, Rear of No. 11 & 12 Church Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The development will consist of the construction of 4 no. one and a half storey semi-detached dwellings with new vehicular access off Church Avenue, new pedestrian access gate to No. 11 Church Avenue and all associated site works. 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 authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

26249

PLANNING NOTICE Fingal County Council

I David Lyons intend to seek Planning Permission for: a change of main URRI SURÂżOH IURP D KLSSHG roof to a gable ended roof, a rear projecting dormer window with 3 Ă&#x20AC;XVK URRĂ&#x20AC;LJKWV VHUYLQJ an attic store,a rear single storey extension (18 sqm) incorporating H[LVWLQJ DQQH[ SOXV QHZ front porch ( 3 sqm ) and IURQWDO PRGLÂżFDWLRQV at 7 Riverwood Lawn &DVWOHNQRFN 'XEOLQ The planning application may be inspected or SXUFKDVHG DW D IHH QRW exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at WKH RIÂżFHV RI )LQJDO &R &RXQFLO GXULQJ LWV SXEOLF RSHQLQJ KRXUV DQG D VXEPLVVLRQ RU REVHUYDWLRQ in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning $XWKRULW\ RQ SD\PHQW of the prescribed fee of â&#x201A;Ź20, within the period RI ZHHNV EHJLQQLQJ on the date of receipt E\ WKH $XWKRULW\ RI WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ 26261

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PLANNING NOTICE Fingal County Council

We, Michael and Catherine McLoughlin are applying for full planning permission for the following: i) removal of existing porch lean-to roof and the construction of a single storey brick faced porch, 11m2, with pitched roof over to the front of existing dwelling ii) attic conversion, 14m2, with change RI URRI SURÂżOH WR WKH side of dwelling from pitched to gable end, rear dormer extension, 3 QR URRĂ&#x20AC;LJKWV WR IURQW RI roof and a side window in the gable wall at attic level iii) proposed new rear single storey ground Ă&#x20AC;RRU H[WHQVLRQ ZLWK pitched roof over,17.5m2. all with associated site works at 19 Riverwood Dale, 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 RIÂżFHV RI WKH SODQQLQJ authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application

26240

Got a Match report? Call our SPORTS team on 60 10 240 or email sport@dublingazette.com

Gazette

28 gazette 25 February 2016

SPORT

FastSport john giles foundation gets big boost: THE FAI has this week secured €100,000 of funding from the UEFA Foundation for Children to support health and social integration projects via the John Giles Foundation. Established in 2010, the John Giles Foundation operates an open application process for football clubs, schools and community organisations to apply for funding towards their own football project with a social inclusion remit. The latest initiative of the Foundation is to encourage grassroots clubs to embrace a national Healthy Kids’ team event. This involves three main elements: education on nutrition, a balanced diet and the importance of regular physical activity; an outlet to provide physical activity; and support to children from their team and community to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

hockey: booterstown club win inaugural national league crown

Hermes sweep to EYHL title  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

HERMES claimed the first European spot on offer along with the inaugural women’s EY Hockey League regular season title as their devastating form confirmed they will top the competition. They lead the pack by 14 points having run up an incredible 13 wins and a draw to date. The win over Greenfields was comprehensive, racing into a 3-0 lead in the first quarter and a five-goal advantage at the break. It was tough throughout for the Galway side who were without a number of regulars while their superb

goalkeeper Sinead Collins was hampered by an injury, too, playing through the pain barrier. In truth, it followed the same pattern as the other ties between the sides this season, Hermes racing into a 5-0 half-time lead and they scarcely looked back. They broke the deadlock in the seventh minute after good work from Nikki Evans located Chloe Watkins who made no mistake. Evans added a second after good work from Naomi Carroll – both players returning after injury – before Caitriona McGilp got Hermes’ third from close range. In the second quarter, Sinead Loughran’s

reverse secured the four th before Ellen Curran scored from a corner. Greenfields had some fleeting attacks via Sorcha Minihan and Ellie Noone while Trish Garrett drew a fine save from Emma Gray. Hermes always had the extra gear, however, and added another three goals in the third quarter via Sarah Greene’s deflection, Chloe Watkins from an Evans’ assists, and Curran’s second of the day. Carroll completed the win with ten minutes remaining before Watkins missed a penalty stroke with two minutes left that would have brought the result to double figures. Elsewhere, Hermes

Hermes’ Nikki Evans celebrates. Picture: Adrian Boehm

benefitted from the resurgent Elks’ important 3-1 win against UCD, the one opponent that could have overhauled the Booterstown side who have also pinned down a Champions Trophy place. Megan Frazer’s early p e n a l t y s t r o ke w a s counter-acted by Elaine Carey’s 38th minute goal. But two goals in three minutes – a cracker from Dawn Axon and a close range effort from

Robyn Chambers – saw the Elks race clear. They move back into the top half of the table and back into range of the playoff places. Pegasus moved up to second place with a 3-1 win over Cork Harlequins with Vanessa Surgeoner and Alex Speers getting the key goals in the second half. The Ulster side have strengthened their position at the head of a glut of teams covered by three points from sec-

ond to fifth, all with a big interest in the playoff places. Nicola Kerr’s goal saw UCC produce a hugely important 1-0 win at Serpentine Avenue against Pembroke to raise their hopes, once again, of possibly avoiding the relegation playoff tie. They are two points off Ards whom they will play on March 6 in a potentially crucial battle to avoid that playoff place.

Dublin Castle to host historic An Post Ras departure  sport@dublingazette.com

Martyn Irvine, Bryan McCrystal and Eddie Dunbar at the launch of the An Post Ras Picture: Billy Stickland/Inpho

BEGINNING at Dublin Castle and totalling over 1,200 kilometres, the route of the 2016 An Post Ras was unveiled this week ahead of its grand departure on May 22. This year’s edition will travel anti-clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Multyfarnham, Charleville, Dingle, Sneem, Clonakilty, Dungarvan and Baltinglass before the customary finale in Skerries. The opening stage from Dublin Castle ensures an historic

setting for Ireland’s toughest annual sporting event. As ever, the race will see some of Ireland’s top amateur riders compete against professional riders and seasoned internationals around the world. In total, the race features 25 climbs, with the category one ascents of Conor Pass, Ballaghisheen Pass and Mount Leinster the toughest of those. However, they won’t be the only obstacle; rolling roads and strong winds will also play a part in the outcome, as will the tactics and aggression of those

fighting for the jerseys and stage honours. Former world track champion, Martyn Irvine, was on hand to launch this year’s route alongside top Irish riders Eddie Dunbar and Bryan McCrystal. Irvine, who recently announced his retirement from the sport, believes the county riders will be licking their lips when they see the route. “The Ras is unlike any other race in the world. On one side, you have the international riders coming from abroad and on the other you have amateur rid-

ers here who train on this terrain all year round chomping at the bit for a win. “We saw it with the likes of Ian Richardson and Bryan McCrystal last year; they were putting it to the best riders from around the globe on every stage and it was great to see. I’m sure this year, after seeing the route, there will be Irish guys in the mix.” After leaving Dublin Castle on Sunday, May 22, the 64th edition of the An Post Rás will officially begin with the drop of the flag in Clonee.

25 February 2016 gazette 29

Gazette

Levelling the land via the radio waves

FastSport

The Fair Game Podcast, launched this month by RTE’s Elaine Buckley and Emily Glen, is seeking to bring the conversation about female sport into greater focus  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

DO WOMEN get a fair deal in sport, and sports coverage? It’s not difficult to see an argument that they don’t: TV sport is dominated by the men’s game in almost every code, attendances at women’s games are often a fraction of the men’s, and where men’s games are professional, women’s often aren’t. With Fair Game Podcast, Elaine Buckley and Emily Glen are hoping to change feelings and attitudes towards women in sport in Ireland, through both talking to the women involved and going indepth on subjects they feel lack the media attention they deserve. They describe their production as an attempt to “break

the cycle”. The problem, Buckley feels, lies in three different areas. “There’s a vicious cycle of poor attendance, a lack of sponsorship and a lack of coverage that needs to be broken somewhere,” she tells GazetteSport. “Lack of coverage can be scapegoated as the root of all problems, but we have to look at tiny crowds, too. Crowds seem to appear at women’s games only after we see success, like in women’s rugby recently. “There can be a problem with information in women’s sport, too,” Buckley continues. “A couple of months before Katie Taylor won her Olympic gold, she was fighting in Dublin, at the National Boxing Arena. There was so little infor-

mation available about it that I had to drop into the venue to find out how to get tickets.” “It turns out I needn’t have bothered, as hardly anyone attended. That’s not a problem Katie would have now, but lack of information definitely doesn’t help the situation. “Sometimes finding the most basic information about GAA fixtures is difficult, too.” While Buckley comes from a media background - she works at RTE - Glen is at an NGO. Both are passionate sports women in their own right but are lending their podcast extra weight with a host of high-profile sporting guests, all of whom have an interest in women in sport. Sinead Kissane, a TV3

Serious support: Lidl’s eye-catching promotion of the ladies football leagues has made a big impact in 2016 already. Picture: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

and Irish Independent sports journalist, and Kate Rowan, author of rugby book Six Nations, Two Stories, featured on a media-leaning first episode – each week will deal with a different subject matter – with rugby international Nora Stapleton and Wexford Youths soc-

“Every day I drive past a double billboard,” she says. “TV coverage has grown. When the ‘ladyball’ came along I thought it was the most offensive thing on the face of it, but the sponsorship has been huge for the game.” “We love to outrage,” goes the discussion at

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

‘We love to outrage! But what do you about it? Why not do something with it, maybe go to a game?’ - Elaine Buckley --------------------------------------------------------

cer star Ruth Fahy set to star in episode two. Both presenters are keen to highlight a broad array of forthcoming women’s sporting competitions that should be making the headlines. Glen highlights the track and field athletes at the Rio Olympics, particularly the “incredible” Fionnuala McCormack, as well as the T20 cricket world cup next month and hopes for a first European level qualification for the women’s soccer team. Buckley is a big GAA fan, and points to Lidl’s newfound sponsorship of the sport, describing the opportunity it provides as stunning, despite their controversial promotion of their involvement through the pink-branded ladyball.

one point in episode one. “We love to go mad when anybody is seen in insult women in sport. But what do you do about it? You have your outrage and you move on. Why not do something with it? Why not go to a game, maybe?” T here’s anger, but there’s also hope - hope that voices for progress and a step towards breaking the cycle of poor publicity might help push women’s sport onto a level – or at least leveller – playing field. Fair Game Podcast which will feature two guests from two different disciplines in each fortnightly episode - is available through iTunes and at castaway.media/ fairgame. It will focus on Grass Roots in episode two, due this week.

Travers, Mageean and Clohisey progress times DONORE Harriers’s John Travers finished sixth in the undercard mile at Millrose Games in a time of 3.58.10 with John Coghlan, from Metro St Brigid’s, 11th in 4.12.79 at a meeting in which Irish runners made their mark. Indeed, UCD’s Ciara Mageean was in record-breaking form, setting a new indoor mile record at the event She finished sixth in the women’s Wannamaker mile on Saturday night in 4:28.40 to erase Roisin McGettigan’s 4:30.06 set back in 2009 in Boston. “New Irish record over the mile at the Millrose Games,” said Mageean. “Still some work to do but 2016 is shaping up nicely.” This is her second indoor record in three weeks having set a new indoor 1500m record of 4:08.66 in Karlsruhe. The UCD athlete is set to compete in the GloHealth National senior indoor championships in Athlone next weekend. Meanwhile in Seville, Raheny Shamrocks’ Mick Clohisey, pictured, finished ninth to set a new marathon personal best of 2.15.11. This now moves him to number two on the Irish rankings list for Rio – three seconds faster than Sergiu Ciobanu’s 2.15.14. “There are plenty of twists in the tale to come,” said marathon legend Dick Hooper – coach of Mick Clohisey. “He slowed between the 35-40 km mark but picked it up again. It’s another good run and the standard is rising in the marathon.” Former DSDAC runner Gladys Ganiel finished 13th in the women’s race in 2.38.53 with Barbara Sanchez, from Clonliffe Harriers, one further place behind in 2.39.49. Both are Olympic qualifying times but they remain outside the top three spots to make the team. Breege Connolly currently occupies the final qualifying spot with 2.37.29 set in London last April.

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 25 February 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: knock shade big battle with promotion rivals rathcoole

Kelly central part of 2016 Paralympic push CASTLEKNOCK’S Ailbhe Kelly and fellow NAC based swimmers James Scully and Ellen Keane were front and centre of Paralympics Ireland’s 56-strong 2016 athlete panel which was released on Tuesday with the launch of a powerful new awareness and fundraising campaign, More Than Sport. Kelly made her debut on the international competition stage in 2014 and went on to compete in three events at the IPC World Championships in Glasgow in 2015 and set a new lifetime best when she finished eighth in the final of the S8 Women’s 100m backstroke. Indeed, she set new lifetime bests in each of her three events while also hitting a Rio 2016 qualifying standard in the 400m freestyle. The More Than Sport campaign features a number of athletes from this year’s panel and is a massive drive by Paralympics Ireland to raise vital and necessary funds for the road to Rio 2016 to supplement recent Government funding that was allocated towards the cost of the Games and the Performance Programme. Speaking about the launch, CEO of Paralympics Ireland, Liam Harbison stated: “As we prepare for the Rio 2016 Games, we hope to see Ireland’s athletes do us proud on the international stage with the tricolour soaring high and medals and lifetime bests to celebrate. “But, behind those medals, there’s more behind those world records and it’s that something more that is the true essence of this campaign. “Paralympic athletes are more than elite athletes. They are elite athletes who have achieved and succeeded against all the odds. They are athletes who have faced adversity, and won. They are athletes who have often been told they can’t, to then go on and prove that in fact, they can. “Over the coming weeks and months we will be bringing you more, as we take you behind the scenes to meet these athletes, hear their stories and come behind them to support them all the way to Rio. “It’s an extremely exciting and inspirational campaign and we hope that the public will also get behind the text fundraising element of the campaign too in the coming months.”

Jabari Crichlow scores Castleknock Celtic’s second goal in their clash in Porterstown Park with Rathcoole Boys, which Celtic won 3-2

Crichlow Castle’s king ddsl u-16 premier Castleknock Celtic Rathcoole Boys  sport@dublingazette.com

3 2

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s Under-16 Premier side shaded a thrilling advertisement for schoolboy soccer as they claimed the spoils from a wet and windy Porterstown Park last weekend. Both teams went into the tie with promotion ambitions and though there are many games yet to play this season, this game was seen as an indicator of the progress being made by each club. Rathcoole, third in the league table, won the toss

and opted for the wind in the first half and it was obvious that Celtic’s keeper was going to have a busy day. Rathcoole capitalised on a defensive error and their striker Brandon O’Halloran slotted home in a one-on-one with the Celtic keeper, Steve Mason, who was going to have a critical influence on the outcome. Celtic, however, fought back and a fantastic free kick from Ben Traynor crashed against the crossbar. Eventually, the Celtic pressure paid off with a well-taken goal from Jeremy Mputu to make it 1-1 at half time.

all-ireland cup Corduff U-12s epic run ended by Cherries corduff’s Under-12s superb run in the SFAI Sketchers Cup came to an end at the last 16 stage when they fell 1-0 to Cherry Orchard. Their run had seen them make it through the north Leinster phases with wins over Donnycarney Celtic, Balbriggan and Glenmuir United before advancing to the national stage. There, they won 2-1 at Killorglin before their fine run was ended in an enthralling encounter in Ballyfermot.

The game could have gone either way in the second half. It ebbed and flowed with chances at both ends. Shots on goal brought out some magnificent saves from goalkeeper Mason who had a man of the match performance, saving a succession of shots which seemed destined for the back of the net. With 10 minutes to go, it was looking like the points would be shared. Up stepped Jabari Crichlow who coolly slotted home from close range. Two minutes later, it was Mputu who was again on the mark with a

fine finish. Rathcoole did not give up and they kept the pressure up. With two minutes remaining, O’Halloran struck again, seizing on hesitancy in the Celtic defence. It was a nervous final couple of minutes as chances arose for both sides. Celtic, however, held on to their goal advantage, but only just. The spectators had been treated to a superb game of exciting football which was a tribute to both sides who played the game in great spirit. Still in the league cup and with a bit to do in order to gain promotion, Celtic will be hoping that

this win will spur them on to another successful season as they bid for promotion. In the AUL Sunday Premier B game, meanwhile, Celtic faced Valley Park Utd and it was another very close game, one of a few that survived in Porterstown Park this weekend. Kevin Keane¹s brace looked like it would give the home side the three points, but a late strike from Valley Park earned a share of the points in a 2-2 draw, which will not help their challenge for promotion to the top flight in the Athletic Union League.

25 February 2016 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

feeling fresh

Kindlon the sole Dub in DCU’s colleges success

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s

castleknock’s John Kindlon was the

only Dub in the starting line-up for DCU when they won the All-Ireland Freshers A title, defeating UCD in a six goal thriller by 3-11 to 3-10 at Croke Park last week. It completes an All-Ireland league and cup double for DCU with Barry Kerr, also becoming the first captain to receive the Corn Daithi Billings Cup, honouring the memory of the late Dave Billings.

football: russell park men open season in rush

THE trustees and members of St

Full details and online payment are

Brigid’s GAA club wish to extend our

available on the club website.

deepest sympathies to the Hughes

The lotto jackpot carries over at

family on the death of Edward Hughes,

€15,000 for this week’s lotto draw in

father of Sabrina Hughes. Ar dheis De

the Roselawn Inn on Thursday, Febru-

go raibh a anam uasal.

ary 25.

The adult football and minor hurling

The reserve jackpot rises to €13,000.

leagues start this weekend – see the

Make sure to have your tickets in the

club website for fixture details. Best of

draw or you can purchase online via

luck to all teams.

our website: www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

The St Brigid’s nursery runs every

The Kube is coming to St Brigid’s on

Saturday in Russell Park from 9.30am

Saturday, April 2. Each team/section

to 11am. We welcome all 4-7 year olds

must put forward a contestant to

in the Castleknock and Blanchard-

take part in The Kube.

stown area and new members and

For further information or to sign

families are always welcome. For fur-

up to represent your team, email:

ther information and queries, contact

stbrigidskube@gmail.com.

David on 085 8340169

Tickets are €20 and are available

St Brigid’s GAA Club member regis-

now from all contestants. A full list of

tration is now open for the 2016 sea-

contestants is available to view in the

son. The deadline for registrations is

bar.

March 31. All memberships must be registered and finalised by this date.

Sam Maguire will be in St Brigid’s on Sunday, February 28 from 2–6pm.

castleknock CASTLEKNOCK will be running seven-

starting 15 line-up on the winning DCU

a-side Football 2016 or A Game for

team in the inaugural Coirn Daithi Bill-

Gaeilge on the March 5 at 10.30 to cel-

ings (Fresher’s Cup) played in Croke

ebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge (snag.ie)

Park earlier in the week.

and 1916.

St Brigid’s key man Philly Ryan will miss some of his side’s early league games

Brigid’s seek solidity as league big begins

 aaron gallagher sport@dublingazette.com

ST BRIGID’S kick off their AFL Division 1 campaign this Sunday when they face Naomh Maur in Rush on Sunday. They will be vying to maintain their status in Division 1 this season with star players Paddy Andrews and John O’Loughlin aiming to keep them away from the relegation fight that the side found themselves in last year. Speaking to GazetteSport manager Mick Clerkin said that his

side’s season opener will be a hard fought affair against St. Maur’s in Rush as they look to get the campaign off on the right foot. “Like all games against Dublin opposition, it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “We were fighting relegation last season so hopefully this season we can try and go for a mid-table finish. “It’s going to be a good tough game like all league games in Dublin. We have a few injuries but both teams will be missing their country contingents.” His side will be with-

out all of Andrews, O’Loughlin, Philly Ryan and Darragh Plunkett as they prepare for this season’s opener. As far additions to this year’s panel, Clerkin has said that no new faces have come through their doors as of yet, and that the squad will for the most part remain largely the same. “There might be a few new recruits [from the youth ranks] but nothing so far – it’s largely the same”, he added. “We were in relegation last year so our targets will be focussed on not being there this year;

we’d want to be getting up the league table early on and winning from the off.” His side will then face off against heavyweights Kilmacud Crokes two weeks later, with Clerkin wary of the threat posed by Gabriel Bannigan’s side. “We didn’t do too well against Kilmacud Crokes last season but they’ll be missing their county contingents, so it should be 50-50. “Castleknock will be a 50-50 derby and Lucan Sarsfield are a good side – they’re all hard games in this league.”

Our nursery, thanks to Tiger Child-

Seachtain na Gaeilge is a festival

care, takes place on Saturday and

that celebrates the Irish language

it takes place on the all-weather in

and our culture and we would like to

Somerton, beside the Castleknock

invite GAA clubs to come together to

Hotel, starting at 10am.

promote and celebrate Irish and 1916,

We look forward to welcoming all our

and of course to create new friend-

young nursery boys and girls for some

ships. All are welcome to attend the

sport agus Spraoi, fun and encour-

competition enjoy the football and use

agement. New nursery members are

their cupla focal.

always very welcome, just turn up and

Congrats to both our minor football teams who had great starts to

introduce yourself to one of the many friendly mentors.

the seasons with two well deserved

Now that spring is in the air, it’s time

wins over Finbarr’s and Geraldine

to clear out old clothes etc and drop

Moran’s.

them down to the green container in

Well done to our own John Kindlon on being the only Dublin player on the

Somerton for the clubs Cash for Clobber initiative.

Naomh Peregrine WHAT a result for St Peregrine’s on

and games with our future all-stars.

Saturday in the Corn Ceitin against

The academy caters for boys and

Fingallians. An outstanding full time

girls aged six and seven (2010-2009).

score: Fingallians 0-9 St Peregrine’s

Training every Thursday at 5-6pm and

3-17. Excellent result for all involved.

Saturdays from 10.30-11.30am.

Well done to our minor footballers

The nursery caters for boys and

who fought hard away from home

girls four and five (2012-2011). Train-

against Parnell’s on Sunday. Despite

ing is every Thursday from 5-6pm and

being down 0-2 to 0-9 at half time, the

Saturday from 9.30-10.30am.

lads overcame the difficult weather

St Peregrine’s offer the best value

conditions and came out on top with a

for money in Dublin 15 with an annual

1-13 to 1-11 win. The first of many wins

registration fee of €40 and weekly

in the 2016 league campaign.

subs of €2.

The academy and nursery teams

For further information on joining

are back training for 2016. All new boys

the academy or nursery, please con-

and girls are welcome to join in the fun

tact Niall Burns on 086 607 3190.

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

New horizons: St Brigid’s looking forward to new AFL Division 1 opener in Rush against Maur’s P31

feb 25 -march 2, 2016

hermes message of intent: Dublin club win inaugural EY Hockey League victory P29

Oliver’s Road to Rio NAC’s Oliver Dingley earned a place at the Olympic Games earlier this week

NAC’s Dingley becomes first diver to represent Ireland at the Olympics since 1948 following his 15th place at world championships this week

 aaron gallagher

sport@dublingazette.com

NAC’S Oliver Dingley made Irish diving history this past week as he qualified a place for Ireland at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The country has not been represented in Diving at the Games in 68 years with Dubliner Eddie Heron the last to compete at the 1948 Olympics in London. The 23-year-old Dingley put in an impressive performance in the men’s 3m springboard event at the diving World Cup in Rio de Janeiro to finish in 15th place – with the top 18 securing places for their country at the Games.

Dingley sat comfortably within the qualification places for the duration of the event, ranking as high as fifth place at one stage. His qualification sees him follow in Heron’s trail. The forerunner was born and raised in Dublin’s north inner-city to later go on and win the British Diving Championship in 1932. Dingley meanwhile hails from North Yorkshire, England but declared for Ireland through his grandmother and has set up base in Dublin 15 at the NAC. Previously, he won a bronze medal for England at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, before going on to switch alliances later that year. He also finished second in Team GB trials in

the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games before the third-placed diver was preferred over him. Speaking after his qualification was confirmed, a delighted Dingley said he was tired but at the same time overjoyed to make the Games. “I’m exhausted; it was probably the most stressful four hours of my life but absolutely amazing,” he said. To qualify a spot for Ireland is fantastic. I can’t believe it.” With 56 divers competing in this week’s competition, the preliminary round took a total of three hours to complete. “It was a one dive at a time process, the first dive went well, second went well, I got to the last two and I knew that if I got these I’d secure

a spot for the Olympic Games”, he added. “My coach was with me the whole time trying to keep my nerves down. We were just throwing a tennis ball about trying to keep my mind off it.” He said that self-belief was a key motivation but that a strong sense of endurance was also required for the three hour event in which each dive was only 30 minutes apart. “Unfortunately, there were lots of people that didn’t get a spot to go to the Olympics and I’m one of the lucky ones who did. “We’ve done plenty of competition runthroughs but nothing really prepares you. This is my first ever World Championships and I’ve never experienced anything like it.”