Blanch

Gazette BLANCH

April 20 - 26, 2017

Find us on

See Page 15 to enter

WIN SPORT Eric in for battle of Blanch 32

Traffic flow data ‘flaw’ raises major concerns  MARK O’BRIEN

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

A THREE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE 4 STAR FITZWILTON HOTEL IN HISTORIC WATERFORD CITY

A MAJOR potential discrepancy in traffic data submitted to support planning applications has come to light, according to Cllr Matt Waine (AAA).

The discrepancy relates to the TRICS system, which is used to estimate traffic

volumes on proposed developments.

This system is used across the UK and Ireland, but a survey carried out by two local residents claims that TRICS seriously underestimates the volume of expected traffic for many planned developments.

TRICS was used to estimate the traffic volumes at discount stores in Castleknock

and Clonsilla.

However, the surveys carried out by the residents – which were carried out at offpeak times – found that the traffic volume was double that which TRICS predicted for both developments.

Speaking after the recent Castleknock/ Mulhuddart Local Area Meeting, Cllr

Waine said: “Thanks to the work of two local women, members of a local Residents’ Association, we know that traffic flow projec-tions for new developments are massively underestimating the actual traffic volumes that would be created by the proposed development.

Continued on Page 4

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

TYRELLSTOWN | ACTION PLANNED OVER ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Fed-up locals arrange a protest for weekend  MARK O’BRIEN

TYRELLSTOWN residents are planning a protest on Saturday to highlight the ongoing anti-social behaviour in the area.

The protest is planned for 3pm outside Blanchardstown Garda Station.

The Gazette recently reported that some neighbours were afraid to walk their dogs in the evening after a number of locals were assaulted.

A small gang of youths are believed to be the ones causing most of the trouble and residents say that the protest aims to highlight the inadequacies in the justice system.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, told The Gazette: “Residents have been frustrated with anti-social behaviour emanating from a very tiny minority of people and the inability of the State to deal with this particular problem.”

Gardai in Blanchardstown recently committed to allocating more resources to the area in a bid to tackle the problem.

The residents say that they are grateful that the extra resources have been deployed and that although the protest is planned to take place outside the garda station, it is not a reflection of

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

‘The gardai have been very good.

We think it’s a problem with the system itself that it seems to give certain people engaging in crime and anti-social behaviour the impression that they are untouchable.’

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

Local resident

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

the efforts of the gardai.

One resident said: “The gardai have been very good. They’ve put in a lot of extra resources but we think it’s a problem with the system itself that it seems to give certain people engaging in crime and

anti-social behaviour the impression that they are untouchable.”

They added that the garda station was chosen because it was a safe public space rather than because of any anger directed at the gardai.

A statement on the

Tyrrelstown Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page added that the protest was: “Also intended to show residents’ anger at State bodies, in particular Fingal County Council for their role in housing, either directly or indirectly (via RAS etc), a disproportionate number of the antisocial elements.”

In spite of these current issues, residents were quick to point out that Tyrrelstown was mainly a nice area.

“Tyrrelstown is by and large a very safe place.

It’s a good place, everybody gets on but there is just a small group who seem hell-bent on causing mayhem.”

FASTNews

Fingal LEO announces new steps to help businesses THE Fingal Local Enterprise Office (LEO) have a number of events over the next few weeks aimed at people who wish to start up their own business.

Fingal LEO offers services for people who are interested in starting up new businesses, those who are in the early stages of developing their business, or businesses who are looking to expand.

They offer services such as mentoring and advice, networking events and financial support.

Upcoming events include Search Engine Optimisation, FEWN – Life’s A Pitch, Wordpress for Beginners, and Editing And Uploading Videos.

Anyone who wishes to book places on these courses can do so by visiting the LEO website at www.localenterprise.ie/Fingal.

Girl, 3, escapes serious harm after being hit by car A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl was rushed to hospital after being struck by a car in Tyrrelstown over the weekend.

The incident happened on Easter Sunday in Ballentree Grove at around 8.15pm. The child was rushed to Temple Street Hospital, where her injuries were described as minor and not life-threatening.

Speaking to The Herald, a number of residents called on Fingal County Council to take immediate action to make the estate safer for children.

Father-of-three James Mulvaney (51) said: “People want measures to be introduced to make local roads safer. I’ve been living here 16 years and the traffic is getting worse. People have been seeking speed ramps and other measures on this estate.”

Community alert as scam collectors spotted in area

Giving eggs-ellent help for hospice

THE Deputy Mayor of Fingal County, Cllr Eithne Loftus (FG), was on hand to help these locals take part in an Easter Egg hunt in the lovely surroundings of the Shackleton Gardens at Beech Park.

Alas, not even some giant Easter rabbit ears could help the ladies do better than children on the eggfinding front, but they were perfectly happy to have a go anyway, with young and old alike helping to support St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown with their Easter egg-hunting skills.

BROOKHAVEN residents have been warned to be on alert after reports of charity scammers in the area last week. A statement on the Brookhaven Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page last Thursday read: “Just had a message from a resident about young people going around supposedly fundraising for Zambia, claiming to be from Transition Year in Coolmine Community School. We’ve been told they definitely are not. Please keep an eye out and pass on to elderly neighbours who may be targeted.”

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

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

Gazette babies are the cutest...

WINNERS | CHECK OUT THE GA-GAZETTE’S SPRINGTIME BONNIE BABIES GORGEOUS JOE O’Carroll is The Gazette’s Spring Bonnie Baby, after a week of frantic voting!

Joe wins a photoshoot worth €180 from Gazette snapper and expert baby photographer Ali, of Alison O’Hanlon Photography.

The silver medals go to super cute Grace Ahern and little smiler Parker Daly, both of whom have won hampers worth €90 from NUK Ireland.

A massive “Thank you” to our many hundreds of readers who took the time to vote either by email or on Facebook. It was a close call, and if we’re honest, everyone who entered was a winner!

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

POLICING | GARDA DIVERSITY UNIT’S HEAD REACHES OUT TO D15 COMMUNITY

Creating a Force that respects all ethnicities  MARK O’BRIEN

LOCALS in D15 have been made aware of efforts to ensure that people from all ethnic backgrounds receive the best possible service from An Garda Siochana.

Sergeant Dave McInerney – the head of the Garda Diversity Unit – gave a presentation on ethnic policing at the recent Dublin 15 Joint Policing Committee meeting in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.

Dublin 15 has one of the most ethnicallydiverse populations in the country and Sgt McInerey told The Gazette that his unit aims to train gardai in the area of ethnic policing.

He said: “The office was set up to try and engage with the [cultural] differences and to make sure that we would be more professional in our approach in dealing with people so that they could come to us in confidence.”

Sgt McInerney has headed up the unit since 2001, and has previously worked as a UN human rights investigator, working in the likes of Mozambique and the Balkans.

The unit aims to engage with local minorities to listen to their concerns and make people aware of the services gardai can offer.

Sgt McInerney said: “We try and liaise with representatives of minor-

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

‘We try and liaise with representatives of minority groups and reassure them of the Garda services that are available to them’ --------------------------------------

Sergeant Dave McInerney, head of the Garda Diversity Unit --------------------------------------

ity groups and reassure them of the Garda services that are available to them, especially to victims of a hate crime, and we try and ensure they get a more sensitised response.”

Ethnic liaison officers are trained in policing minority communities,

Multicultural Dublin 15 town celebrated in film THE trailer for a new documentary about Tyrrelstown is now available to view online.

Entitled Tyrrelstown: Redefining Our Future (screenshot above), the trailer describes Tyrrelstown as the “multicultural hub of Ireland”. The trailer takes viewers on a tour of the streets of Tyrrelsown and features snippets of the people who will feature in the documentary.

People from community groups and clubs, as well as local religious leaders, will feature along with politicians from the area including Leo Varadkar, Ruth Coppinger and Joan Burton.

The film was made by Tyrrelstown resident Carol Azams, who recently told The Gazette that she had originally

planned to write a book about Tyrrelstown, but this plan slowly evolved into the film project.

She said: “Having lived here for nine years, I’ve come to love the place and feel strongly about being part of this community.” She added that both projects have been very challenging but ultimately rewarding. “I have managed to unearth so much information I did not previously realise about before about Tyrrelstown.”

The trailer is available to watch on YouTube, or on the Tyrrelstown Documentary Facebook page (facebook. com/Tyrrelstown-Documentary), with the full documentary expected to be released later this year.

anti-discrimination laws and the investigation of hate crime.

Sgt McInerney said that while the level of hate crime in Ireland is relatively low, he added that “It can never be low enough”.

He said that the low

level of hate crime is due to most Irish people being very accepting and welcoming of their neighbours from other countries.

Sgt McInerney added: “In general, I would say that Irish people would be very accepting, but we

have to always be alert for those who suffer in silence.”

He also reminded the community that they can help in the prevention of hate crime. Anyone who has witnessed such a crime can report it to gardai in the strictest confidence, even if they have not been the victim of the hate crime themselves.

Although policing ethnic communities comes with its own challenges, Sgt McInerney added that it still comes down to effective police work.

He said: “Policing is still about being out in the community, talking to people, respecting people, and being out there and being visible.”

Motion passed for more autism funds A MOTION has been passed calling on the Department of Children and Youth affairs to release more funds to help families who are dealing with autism.

The motion was brought

by Cllr Tania Doyle (AAA) at the recent full council meeting of Fingal Coun-ty Council.

The motion read: “That the Chief Executive calls on the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Catherine Zappone, to abide by her own words and increase funding and support for local Autism Support Organisations.”

The motion was passed unanimously.

In statement after the meeting, Cllr Doyle said she plans to keep helping families in the community who are dealing with the day-to-day effects of autism.

She said: “I will be continuing to work with the

support organisations in Dublin 15 to improve their daily lives.”

Local parents say they are delighted that the motion has been passed.

Hazel Sweeney from White-chapel, who has a three-year-old daughter with autism, welcomed the move.

She said: “This motion will literally start to give children with autism a bit of help. They won’t be left behind any more.”

Concern over data’s validity for planning decisions Continued from Page 1

“All planning applications are obliged to submit traffic reports to support the proposed new development. This data is, in the vast majority of cases, sourced from a traffic volume database – developed by six British local authorities – called ‘TRICS’.

“Prospective developers access the traffic surveys from this database to come up with a projected traffic flow expected in the new development.

“The problem arises in that Fingal – and it appears any other planning authority – do not have access to the parameters and specific details of these surveys and are therefore unable to verify whether the data is accurate or not.”

TRICS data was used to support the controversial Lidl development in Castleknock but it is claimed that the samples used to demonstrate the expected traffic flow for the health clinic in the new development contained many samples that were not comparable in terms of size and location.

At the Local Area Meeting, Cllr Waine called for a freeze on planning applications that include TRICS date until the data can be verified.

In response to the motion, the council said that TRICS was currently the best system available to them and that it critically examined TRICS data.

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

Out and About Oscar McHenry (4) from Dublin holds on tight to his Easter egg, as Bossy – one of the the newly-born Spring lambs on his grandparents’ farm in Antrim – investigates.

Picture: Julien Behal

Festive Easter fun

W

E’RE not yolking – Dubliners all across the city (and even far beyond) had a cracking Easter this year, with lots of pretty eggs-cellent activities – not least the nationwide Cruinniú na Cásca which saw hundreds of free artistic and cultural events have taken place across the country.

While some Dubs braved beyond The Pale to share some fun times with their country cousins, closer to home people all around the city had a wealth of events to enjoy, with Easter musicals and shows helping to keep people of all ages entertained (and gave a bit of a break from munching away at delicious chocolate eggs).

Lucan United gets their youngest members out in the sun for some holiday fun

Swapping the city for the country ... Laura Mae and Katie Teachers Music Society: The cast of Sweeny Todd fills

O’Brien with Alice and the Easter Bunny. Pictures: Aishling

the stage

Conway

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

10 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

Out and About Pictures: Andres Poveda

 EMMA NOLAN SORROW, escape, starvation; Dublin’s hottest new attraction is a unique bus tour that takes passengers on a journey through Ireland’s darkest hour.

On board the Perseverance: Fleeing the Famine, passengers are invited to journey through Ireland in the famine years as actors weave together a moving and enlightening journey through Ireland’s darkest hour on board a custom designed bus.

The Perseverance bus has been entirely transformed into a famine ship, thrusting the audience on deck and back in time to encounter the stories of those that fled The Great Hunger.

The actual Perseverance was amongst the first of hundreds of ships to set sail from Ireland carrying the sick and starving people of the nation.

Using journals, letters, newspaper reports, government speeches, poems, songs and survivors’ stories, Hidden Dublin Tours have expertly crafted a truly unique experience.

Aboard passengers will discover the impact of British rule and the horrors of starvation and pestilence and uncover the voyages overseas, the thrilling rescues and tragic ends.

Listen to songs of sorrow and escape and witness the resilience of the Irish spirit.

The Perserverance; Fleeing the Famine is the fourth interactive bus tour from Hidden Dublin Tours.

The award-winning company bring to life the hidden histories of Ireland’s past through unique and exciting theatrical performances by professional actors on board custom designed tour buses.

The new tour is now available to the public and runs daily at 11.15am and 2,15pm from College Green, Dublin 2. For more information visit www.fleeingthefamine.ie.

Traveling through our darkest hour Actors Siofra O’Meara and Andy Gallagher

Creators Shane Whisker and Eilis O’Donnell

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 11

Live life

to the max

THE Dublin Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Mick is a threeyear-old Spaniel who has recently had one of his back legs amputated. Poor Mick had an old fracture that hadn’t been treated and his leg had set incorrectly, causing him trouble to use his leg properly and bear weight on it.

He is doing really well post surgery, but we would absolutely love to get him his forever home to convalesce in. He will need an adult-only home, where he will be the only pet initially. Any potential adopter would need to live close enough to the centre and have their own transport, as Mick will need regular check ups until he is fully healed. Mick LOVES cuddles and fuss, so the person/family must be OK with providing lots and lots of these and generally spoiling this handsome tripaw to bits!

If you think you could help Mick recover from his surgery and enjoy life to the max on three legs, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

LIKE MICK





! y eyes into m E a Look V ld LO I wou ever furrr !

HOME

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS Chopped’s MD and co-founder, Brian Lee

Salad bar chain Chopped serves up 300 new jobs with ambitious expansion MORE than 300 new jobs are to be created thanks to the expansion of salad bar Chopped.

Brian Lee, co-founder and managing director of Chopped, announced the creation of 320 new jobs with 20 new stores are set to open across the country this year.

These stores will be joined by six new Chopped stores in the UK – the chain’s first outlets outside Ireland – with the creation of 110 jobs to service the new outlets and manage the international roll-out of the brand.

The new outlets will join existing Chopped locations in Dublin, Kildare and Galway. Chopped recently opened new sites in Talbot Street, UCD, and in Galway. Chopped outlets are also opening this year in counties Wicklow, Cork and Waterford, alongside continued expansion in Dublin.

Lee said: “Last year we set a target of increasing our staff numbers by 100 people and we exceeded that expectation by increasing our employees by 140 in 2016.

“Our staff are what makes Chopped the success it has become and we are looking forward to seeing our family grow as we expand across Ireland and beyond.”

Get to grips with tech

PICTURED taking part at the recent Bank of Ireland “Digital Arrows” session in Stillorgan library are David McCabe and Rachel Foster from Bank of Ireland, with Eileen Somerville. The event was one of many Bank of Ireland Digital Arrows events that ran during Get Online Week 2017.

Bank of Ireland has a dedicated team of Digital Arrows providing training around the country to help educate people around technology, introduce them to social media, assist in setting up an email account, and demonstrate how to bank online safely and securely.

The European-wide Get Online Week was an annual digital empowerment campaign to engage with and encourage people to use technology and the internet with confidence.

Joan Rock, Irish Life Assurance (Large Employer winners); Andrew Hayes, Helsinn birex Pharmaceuticals (Medium-Sized Employer winner) and Nicole Quinn, MCI (Small Employer winner) at the FDI National Workplace Wellbeing Day Awards 2017. Picture: Naoise Culhane

Approach to workers’ wellbeing wins awards

THREE Dublin companies have won awards for the National Workplace Wellbeing Day Awards this year.

Irish Life Assurance was named Ireland’s Best Large employer, while Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals took the honours in the Medium Size category.

The award for Best Small Company went to MCI (formerly Ovation Group), a Dublin destination management com-

pany.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Dublin, Dermot Doherty, manager, FDI Health Strategy said: “Today, more employees have access to health and wellbeing initiatives within the workplace than ever before.

“We hope that these award-winning companies will inspire an even greater number of employers to do more in this area by adopting a collabora-

tive approach to employee wellbeing.

“Our recent study showed that only a quarter of Ireland’s workforce takes the recommended level of exercise and that most employees believe that a healthier diet and more exercise in the workplace are likely to provide greater energy and wellbeing.

“This, in return, raises team moral, the overall culture of organisations

and leads to higher productivity.”

Alan Quinlan, principal, Mercer Health and Wellness (award sponsors) said: “Ultimately, it’s not about spending more – it’s about targeting spend to have a bigger impact across the general population.

“Organisations that get this right actually make savings on benefits and reduce the costs associated with managing work-

place health.”

The judges for the awards included John Treacy, chief executive, Irish Sports Council; Mar y Connaughton, director, CIPD Ireland; and Alan Quinlan, principal, Mercer Health and Wellness.

They commended the winners for their fresh and holistic approach to wellbeing and their seamless integration of it into the workplace.

Nestle Ireland appoints new country business manager NESTLE has appointed Andrew Shaw as the new country business manager for Ireland.

Andrew assumes responsibility for Nestle Ireland’s operations and its wide portfolio of products across the confectionery, beverage, food and pet care categories.

He will lead the company in Ireland as it continues to expand its presence and deliver growth across its categories.

Andrew has more than 20 years of international experience in the

FMCG sector. He has held a variety of supply chain management and leadership roles in Nestle UK & Ireland, and Nestle Switzerland.

His most recent role was as head of demand and supply planning for Nestle UK & Ireland.

Andrew has worked across many Nestle UK & Ireland categories, including pet care, confectionery, culinary, ice-cream and beverages.

He said: “I look forward to working closely with our dedicated team based in Citywest to drive further

growth across our multiple categories whilst bringing our iconic brands to new levels of customer and consumer engagement.

“It is a particularly exciting time to lead the business too, where we are announcing some significant market-leading research and development innovations to reduce sugar across our confectionery portfolio.”

Andrew is a graduate of Northumbria University where he obtained a Business Studies degree.

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 13

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

TRAVEL: MARVELOUS MADRID P24



GAZETTE

CINEMA: A MESMERISING MAIDEN P24

MOTORING: AMOUR FOR THE AMAROK P20

MUSIC: THE MECHANICS OF BUILDING A FESTIVAL

Helmet

Mike Skinner

BARE

In The Woods: “It’s a slow burner”

BARE in the Woods organiser, Peter Dunne offers a notably different line-up such as former The Streets frontman, Mike Skinner, rapper and spoken word artist, Akala, House of Pain and The Rubber Bandits

- James Hendicott talks to Peter Dunne about converting punters and agents to a startup festival.

See Pages 16-17

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

ARTS: LITERARY STARS AND CULTURE VULTURES GET SET TO FLOCK TO DUBLIN

Festival to celebrate the city's write good arts stars DUBLIN is getting ready to celebrate its historic and contemporary connection with literature by welcoming some of the biggest stars from the literary stage this May as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFDublin), which runs from May 20 to 29.

Celebrating words, language, literature and reading of all genres, ILFDublin will feature more than 60 events, with everything from readings, discussions and interviews to debates, workshops, masterclasses and performances to enjoy.

Renowned for bringing the big names to Dublin, this year’s festival features a stellar line-up of writers, including Susie Orbach, Patrick McCabe, Ruby Wax, Elizabeth Strout, Colm Toibin, Lisa McInerney, Richard Dawkins,

Sally Rooney, Will Self, Madeleine Thien, Dusan Sarotar, Raja Shehadeh, Bettany Hughes, Dorit Rabinyan and Richard Ford.

M e a nw h i l e , p o e t s Michael Longley, Leontia Flynn, Kerrie O’Brien, Paula Meehan and Peter Wawerzinek will be featured, along with journalists Patrick Cockburn and Mary Fitzgerald.

Filmmaker Xiaolu Guo, historian Avi Shlaim and economist and former Greek Minister for Finance Yanis Varoufakis will also be here.

Tickets will be available from ilfdublin.com.

CALL TO CREATE THE PERFECT GIFT CARD THE search for Dublin’s up-and-coming creatives is on as One4all has launched its annual Design A Gift Card com-

petition, with its fifth run once again giving artists across the country the opportunity to get national exposure for their designs.

The winning design will be turned into a gift card and sold in An Post outlets nationwide and online in 2018. Budding artists, illustrators and designers are invited to design a unique gift card and carrier inspired by the theme: Happiness.

The 2017 judging panel consists some of Ireland’s best-loved creatives, including internationally acclaimed fashion designer, artist and printmaker Helen Steele, and esteemed street artist and art teacher Joe Caslin, who has drawn attention for his thought-provoking murals around Irealand including Cladagh Embrace (the same-sex

Water story! Author Dave Rudden reaches a dramatic part of The Little Raindrop as Jasmine Tessier, Grace Kavanagh and James Keane look on at the Little Ship Street steps, with the group playing their part to help promote the upcoming International Literature Festival Dublin 2017. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

marriage mural which appeared on a George’s Street gable in the heart of the city).

Rounding off the judging panel for this year’s competition are Jerry Kelly, chief executive of Tweak.com, and Aoife Davey, group marketing manager at One4all.

Not only will the winner see their gift card design sold through One4all’s retail network, but they will also receive a MacBook Pro – an essential tool for any budding creative.

The closing date for entries is May 11, with further information and specific guidelines at www.one4all.ie/design.

HELP CLEAN UP OUR WONDERFUL CANALS CANALS Action Day is back this April and volunteers are needed to help with the clean-up on Saturday, April 22, from 10.45am to 1pm all along the banks of the Royal and Grand Canals.

Dublin City Canals Group invite volunteers of all ages to help clean up these two iconic Dublin canals, with starting points at Leeson Street Bridge, Spencer Dock, North Strand, Ashtown, Castleknock, Cross Guns Bridge, Grand Canal Basin, Sally’s Bridge or Bulfin Estates Resident’s Hall.

All equipment is provided – just bring yourself

and your energy!

The day is supported

by Dublin City Council, The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and Waterways Ireland, together with local community groups and small local businesses, and has been organised in tandem with An Taisce’s National Spring Clean.

For further information, see Dublin Canals Action Day's Facebook page.

'WAKE UP' AND HELP SUPPORT PIETA HOUSE THE PEOPLE of Dublin are being urged to “wake up” and support Pieta House for this year’s Darkness Into Light events.

Last week, Electric

Ireland launched The National Wake-Up Call – a rallying cry to the people of Ireland to wake up to the critical issue of suicide and self-harm in Ireland.

Almost 500 people died by suicide in Ireland last year, so the public are being urged to support Pieta House to raise vital funds for suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and self-harm.

Wake up and walk from Darkness Into Light this May 6 at 4.15am. Dublin events are taking place in Malahide Castle, Marlay Park, Phoenix Park, Ringsend Park, Skerries and Tymon Park.

You can register at www.darknessintolight.ie.

GAZETTE

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 15

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

Calling all Superheroes SPECIAL OLYMPICS IRELAND: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPORTING BODY'S ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY  REBECCA WESTON

capital in 2018, meaning most of the organisation’s current activity is focused on Regional Advancement.

Motor Activities Training Programme Regionals took place at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena recently, with all areas of Dublin represented.

Among the athletes were Matthew McHugh from Ballymun, Matthew Kinsella (right) from Perrystown and Gerard Hegarty, who is based in Stewart’s Care in Palmerstown.

Easte r n

Regional Director Liz Callery explained the importance of sport in SPECIAL Olympics Ireland are callthe lives of people with intellectual ing on Dublin's big-hearted heroes disabilities in Dublin. to help transform lives through sport She said: “Special Olympics by volunteering for their annual ColIreland is first and foremost a lection Day on Friday May 5th. sports organisation for people This year’s theme is ‘Currently with an intellectual disability, Seeking Superheroes’ with the goal but it provides athletes with far of recruiting volunteers to help on more than the physical benefits the day and inspiring the wider comof sport. munity to give what they can.

"Every day we see athletes The Special Olympics Ireland demonstrate courage, experience Games return to t h e joy and share long lasting friendships.”

Athletes from as young as six can train in a chosen sport and ultimately improve their quality of life.

Athletes’ families build an invaluable network of friendship and support, but money raised through the annual Collection Day is critical to the future of the programme. This year’s goal is to raise €650,000 on May 5th.

“We need 1,000 people to help in Dublin alone,” said Callery.

“If that many volunteers can spare a couple of hours to rattle a bucket at one of the junctions we’ll be based at, we’ll be a long way to meeting our target. Collection Day is the only day in the year where a call is issued for every community to support Special Olympics Ireland at the same time. There will be lots of coffee mornings, bag packs and fun events to get involved in too.”

Clockwise from left: Volunteer Kim O'Lane with Mohamed Sahid from Stewart's Special Olympics Collection Care, volunteer Lauren Murphy Kelly and athlete Gerard Hegarty. Below: Day is once again proudly supAthlete Matthew McHugh (centre) with his SNA and volunteer Danny and ported by eir. Open eir Wholesale Special Olympics Eastern Regional Director Liz Callery. Pictures: Ross O'Donoghue Managing Director Carolan Lennon says every cent counts.

“Special Olympics really does transform lives through sport, but it’s not possible without Collection Day,” she said. “It starts with recruiting volunteers to lend a hand on May 5th and eir employees will be among the thousands who will play their part in towns, cities and villages across Ireland.”

People looking to volunteer can register their interest at www. specialolympics.ie/collectionday Anyone who is unable to volunteer is asked to give what they can on the day or make a donation online.

Special Olympics Eastern Regional Director Liz Callery with athlete Matthew Kinsella and volunteer Karen Conlon from Cheeverstown House

WIN

A THREE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE 4 STAR FITZWILTON HOTEL IN HISTORIC WATERFORD CITY

THIS fantastic prize includes:  Three nights B&B and one evening meal in the plush Met Bar Café for two people.  Bike Hire for one day on the new Waterford Greenway.

T&Cs Apply. Prize is subject to availability. Excludes Bank Holidays and Saturday nights in July & August.

Fitzwilton Hotel is the finest boutique 4 star Failte Ireland-approved hotel in Waterford city.

All 90 rooms have recently been refurbished.

The city centre is a mere 5 minute stroll and the hotel is located just two minutes from the bus & train station.

The renowned Met Bar Café and Chez K’s Bistro offer scrumptious menus catering for all taste buds.

For the adventurous out there, the stunning Waterford Greenway starts beside our hotel and is ideal for walk, running and cycling.

WEB: FitzwiltonHotel.ie PHONE: 051-846900

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

Just Words

Rathmines arts venue MART introduce the fourth edition of their poetry night, a free event in the gallery featuring Raven, Adriana Ribeiro, Roisin Jenkinson and Kevin Dwan. April 26.

Record Store Day

A music lover’s and vinyl collector’s Christmas, Record Store Day takes over Dublin’s independent music retailers with dozens of live shows and unique musical releases. April 22.

Hanging On A Thread

Immersive debut exhibition from Aoife Banks takes a critical look at ‘fast fashion’ using sculptured textiles and audiovisual presentation. Launching at the In-Spire Galerie in Gardiner St on April 20, running until the 23rd.

Therapy?

Noisy Northern Irish metallers Therapy? tone things down for their latest tour, with a series of rare acoustic gigs. Drawing on a quarter of a century’s material, the quieter outings will be a chance to check out the strength of their songwriting. April 25, Whelan’s.

Dublin Canal’s Action Day

The canal clean up and biodiversity crew hold a special edition of their monthly meeting around Dolphin’s Barn, with a memorial action day for recently passed former member Don. April 22.

Private Lives

Noel Coward’s bittersweet love story continues its popular run at the Gate Theatre this week, with the curtain having risen in late March. Tickets are flying out, with the marriagebased plot on stage almost every evening until June 24.

Sumo Run Ireland

Marlay Park’s Sumo Run is a knowingly ridiculous event that will see thousands of fat-suit-wearing fools charge spend their Sunday afternoon bouncing across 5km of the park in aid of Purple House Cancer Support. April 23.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Mark Haddon’s fantastic novel - a strange investigative plot narrated by a gifted and probably autistic child - briefly comes to an Irish stage. April 25 to 29, Grand Canal Theatre.

New album of the week: Maximo Park - Risk To Exist.

Northern English rockers who rose with the Arctic Monkeys return with their sixth album, a blunt assault on the state of the world todayasdfasdfasddf

Maximo Park - Risk to Exist

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 17

BARE  JAMES HENDICOTT

MUSIC festivals, it’s fair to say, are on something of a relentless rise. Combining a weekend of hedonism with the opportunity to see musicians that would cost far more to see individually, the events present a risky but potentially rewarding opportunity for businessmen.

With the country’s biggest festival Electric Picnic selling out before even announcing a lineup this year, newcomers have been consistently sticking their head above the parapet – alongside BARE, festivals like Live On Air and BD Festival are nudging into the scene. BARE in the Woods, a growing event in Garryhinch Woods, Portarlington, is perhaps the most successful newcomer.

“We launched in 2014 with a single day ‘taster’”, organiser Peter Dunne told us. “It was really just getting people to buy into the concept, but it was also great experience for us. It’s been a slow burner, but I worked a lot on the other side of things, as a band manager, and so I understand what it’s like. It’s a slow process building trust with the acts [it’s worth noting that a couple of new Irish festivals have shut down in recent years, often without paying the performers], we just make sure we send them home happy. Now we have a lot of acts emailing us asking if they can come back again.”

“For me, it’s like seeing the festival experience from the other side of the fence. There’s a lot of correspondence, and you really have to pull together,” he says of the process. “I’ve learnt a few tricks, and we’ve brought a lot of experienced heads into our top team. We’ve been using a system called Mobstar [a musical talent platform], which has made it far easier to pick acts we’re interested in for the festival.”

BARE In The Woods’ line up is notably different to much of what’s going on in Ireland over the summer: some of the acts come straight out of leftfield (like sharp, political deep-thinking rapper and spoken word artist Akala, or former frontman with The Streets Mike Skinner), while others - like Canadian pop starlet Kiesza - are playing playing rare Irish dates.

MUSIC

IN THE WOODS:

Festival

Building a

From Scratch

Dunne thinks it’s important to keep the festival diverse, and books accordingly. “We tried to go for non-everyday acts,” he explains. “We’re up against a lot of big players when it comes to booking, and we’re doing the same with the site. We’re going to have access to the woods, which means the festival will spill into them, and punters can explore the woods as well as the music. Then we’ll be adding in other elements, the things that keep people coming back.”

“This year, that means bringing in things like a tech element. We’ll have a gaming area, for example. It’ll be family friendly. There’s also going to be American wrestlers, lots of different art forms, an artisan food village, and lots of comedy. We’ve made a real effort with the spoken word stuff, too.”

The progression over recent years - from one day festival featuring almost exclusively local Irish acts to three day bonanza layered with international diversity - is a promising sign.

And once it’s all done? There’s only one way Peter can unwind. “I think I’ll have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for about a month, so I’ll be taking some time off” he tells us, “but then I’ll be heading off to a few festivals around Europe as a punter, and to see what they’re up to.” Of course he will.

BARE In The Woods takes place in Portarlington, county Laois on June 9, 10 and 11. The line up features Kiesza, House Of Pain, Right Said Fred, Mike Skinner, Helmet, Rubberbandits and Ham Sandwich.

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

House of Pain

Akala

BARE in the Woods organiser, Peter Dunne

The Rubber Bandits

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

I’M A big believer in the summer mantra: “You can never have enough pairs of sunglasses”.

From getting sat on to left behind or even being misplaced, High Street sunglasses are a godsend for the person on a budget.

While it would be nice to splash out on an expensive designer pair, chances are that many of us don’t quite have €200plus for sunnies.

We need to know more about the workers who

Style Editor

DO YOU know where your clothes come from?

Well, it’s time to start asking questions.

Fashion Revolution Week is coming to Dublin and organisers are urging fashion lovers to understand the true cost of the industry.

Now a global movement, a week-long series of events runs from April 24 to 30, including film screenings, pop-up shops, vintage clothing walking tours, street art exhibitions, clothing swaps, podcasts and more, all to inspire action to solve the problems the fashion industry is causing.

The week’s arrival in Ireland coincides with the anniversary of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh, which killed 1,138 people and injured 2,000 others in April, 2013.

In Bangladesh, garment workers earn just €49.56 per month, which is less than is calculated

as the basic living wage there. With almost 80% of the workforce in this industry being young women and living in poverty, it’s time for change.

To raise awareness and start a conversation, organisers around the country are calling on fashion lovers to join fellow organisations across the world in asking leading fashion brands #whomademyclothes across social media.

Events in Dublin include the #whomademyclothes designer show and tell at the Fumbally Exchange on April 24, and a Haulternative Walking Tour with Amelia Eclectique of La Femme Eclectique and Om Diva.

A mending workshop with Liadain Aiken Knitwear is also set to take place, along with a screening of TanaBana at the Fumbally Exchange.

For further information and events details, see Fashion Revolution Week’s Facebook page.

k

spectacle-ular €9

 EMMA NOLAN

L Look

Time to ask – and care – about who made your clothes, says new campaign

New

literally make such great clothes. Picture: Alex Sheridan

Besides, with such a great, affordable selection of glasses available, who cares?

You’ll probably just end up sitting on them anyway…

Here’re a few affordable and super-stylish options available in Dublin right now.

You can even treat yourself to two or three pairs if you feel like it (thanks, Penneys)!

And always remember to bring backup pairs on holidays or to festivals where your sunnies will inevitably end up lost or broken.

Ultimately, if you go ahead and wear any of these beauties below, I promise you’ll...

Topshop €25

Next €12

River Island €17

Next €12

3 eys € Penn

Penneys €3

ce Ac

ss

ze ori

€16

ize

Acc

or ess

€16

M50MOTORING The Dublin Gazette drives you through the motoring world on a tour of the latest models, technology & industry news

Windsor Motor Group expands to Long Mile Road IRELAND’S largest retail motor group, the Windsor Motor Group, is expanding and creating 20 new jobs with the opening of its fifteenth dealership nationwide. The new jobs in sales, service and repair were announced with the opening of the new Windsor Long Mile Nissan dealership in Dublin.

Windsor Motor Group, which has an annual turnover of €200 million, now employs over 300 people at its dealerships in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Galway. The motor group represents Nissan, Opel, Peugeot and Mazda and sells over 9,000 new and used vehicles in addition to servicing and repairing 25,000 vehicles a year, making it the market leading brand.

The company has also announced the appointment of Peter Nicholson as its new managing director.

Peter Nicholson joined Windsor Motor Group in 1992 and has previously held roles as group finance and



GAZETTE

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 19

Renault-Nissan welcomes EV competition RENAULT-NISSAN, the pioneer of electric cars, claims that mainstream acceptance of electric vehicles (EV’s) is reaching a tipping point as electric car get more range from a full charge. Renault-Nissan has welcomed increasing competition from rivals such as Volkswagen and Opel enter into the market.

Renault’s original target of selling 1.5 million zero-emissions vehicles by 2016 will

not be met, and the company claims that it will take an additional four or five years for sales to get to that level. Last year, the group reported global EV sales of 94,265.

Opel will soon be launching the AmperaE hatchback with claims of a 500km range, beating the 400km top range of Renault’s and Europe’s top-selling EV, the Zoe. The Volkswagen Group plans to bring purposebuilt EVs to market, including the new

Golf-e. In a few years, Volkswagen, Skoda and Seat will be introducing volume EVs underpinned by the company’s dedicated MEB modular architecture for electric vehicles.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance sees the light-commercial vehicle market was a natural fit for EVs. Renault will launch a Kangoo Z.E van, followed by the Master Z.E. heavy van toward the end of the year.

Trio winners of Irish Van of the Year 2017

insurance director and dealer principal at Windsor Airside Nissan.

“The new Windsor Long Mile Nissan dealership is a key part of our strategic plan to expand nationwide and to lead the way in delivering a modern motor sales and aftersales customer focused experience,” said Peter Nicholson, managing director of Windsor Motor Group.

“Our state-of-the-art showrooms put technology at the heart of the retail experience, presenting a modern, spacious, open and friendly environment where customers are better informed and empowered to make the right vehicle choice,” he added.

Newly-appointed managing director of Windsor Motor Group, Peter Nicholson (right) pictured with company brand ambassador and Leinster and Irish rugby player Jack McGrath

THE new-generation Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace have been crowned Irish Van of the Year 2017. The award was voted upon by a jury of Ireland’s most experienced van journalists, in association with Continental Tyres.

This range of vans build by the PSA Citroen Peugeot Group in France is a complete re-design from the previous models, with new comfort levels, more flexible options than ever before. All feature more fuel efficient diesel engines matched to new gearboxes.

Launched last year, these new vans are among the first vehicles of its type to offer hands-free sliding side doors and a head-up display, as well as numerous other technologies that make working lives easier and safer. The new vans exude a robust and attractive character. Carrying loads from 1000kg up to 1400kg, it is pre-

The Citroën Dispatch / Peugeot Expert / Toyota Proace Van, a joint collaboration of the three companies has been voted Irish Van of the Year 2017 in association with Continental Tyres. Pictured at the presentation of the award were (l to r): Ian Corbett, Toyota Ireland, Chris Graham, Citroen Ireland, Des Cannon, Peugeot Ireland and Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor Continental Tyres.

sented with a reduced height of 1.90m, in three lengths and in a range of trim levels. Built on the PSA Group’s new modular EMP2 platform, it is powered by the highly efficient 1.6 95bhp / 115bhp and 2.0 BlueHDi 120bhp Euro6 diesel engines. Available in panel van and special order crew cab or platform cab variants, it has the highest safety level in its category, achieving a five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests.

Want to reach an audience in excess of 300,000 people in Dublin each week?

To advertise in our new Motoring section, contact sales@dublingazette.com or call

01 601 0240

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

M50MOTORING

Amour for Amarok THE MARKET for 4x4 pick-ups has become a fashionable one, as the wide range of accessories for these otherwise functional machines, adds a deal of spice to their appearance. For those who make the 4x4 pickup choice for reasons of business or image, the engine performance is one of the key features.

What’s the point of looking muscular if there’s little pace and stamina to back it up?

Volkswagen has set the bar higher in power terms in the 4x4 pick-up market with the launch last year of the Amarok V6 version. In one fell swoop Volkswagen has leap frogged the competition by using an engine version that had been proven in the large Touareg SUV. Pick-up drivers were a little apprehensive about the power claims of the previous Amarok. Getting 180bhp from a 2.0litre turbo-diesel engine seemed to be at the heart of their concerns. That’s no longer an issue with the big 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel version that pumps out 204bhp and is now the sole six-cylinder engine option in the 4x4 pick-up market.

The extra power is smooth in terms of delivery and adds more muscle where it’s needed. This new Amarok has faster acceleration, more towing power and a higher payload capacity than the previous model. That means that this new V6 Amarok is now ready to challenge the market leaders, Ford’s Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Out on the road the V6 engine power and 550Nm of torque is palpable as its flows through the eight speed automatic gearbox.

Manual gearboxes will be the exception in the new Amarok as Volkswagen

FASTNews New breakdown service ‘easyAssist’ is launched THE company behind, easytrip, Ireland’s only electronic parking and tolling tag provider, has launched a new breakdown assistance service in Ireland called easyAssist.

The new breakdown recovery and assistance service is available from €3.99 per month.

Recent easytrip research revealed that three out of five motorists don’t have breakdown cover for their vehicle and often rely on their vehicle insurance policy to cover

The new and more powerful Volkswagen Amarok 4x4 pickup has bigger engine and some fresh external and internal styling. This is a big machine with a powerful performance and an entry price for the 204bhp version of €47,670 incl. VAT.

it. They claim that as motor insurance premiums have increased by over 70% since 2013,

Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Towing rating Warranty Entry Price NI Price

will claim that this more powerful engine will deliver at its best through the automatic gearbox.

The Amarok comes with a fuel economy rating of 14.3km/litre

3.0 litre 204hp 11.7 seconds 14.3km/litre (7.8l/100km or 36mpg) 80 litres 203g/km Commercial €333 20,000km/12 months 4 stars 2010 3500kgs 3 years (200,000km) €47,670 £32,493

(7.8l/100km or 36mpg), which is marginally better than the previous smaller engine version. My test result was about 10% lower and that alone was an impressive real world

Modern day 4x4 pick-ups have become fashionable due to the range of smart styling accessories, but as Michael Moroney found out, it’s really raw power that drivers are looking for when it comes to their choice of real on and off-the-road 4x4 status. driving margin difference.

In the 4x4 pick-up market I pitched the fuel economy performance of the new V6 Amarok against equivalent 4x4 pick-up vehicles at the top end of the power game.

While the Amarok is an improvement it’s still significantly less powerful than the Nissan Navara.

The smooth flow of engine power is noticeable and the strength behind the acceleration is clear. Volkswagen did not provide a towbar on the Amarok, so that towing test with a claim of 3.5 tonnes with a braked trailer, was not put to the test.

That towing rating puts the new Amarok at the top of the class along with the new Nissan Navara.

I was very impressed with the Amarok V6 in terms of power; it was comfortable on the highways where its rear leaf springs were not too noticeable. On smaller rural roads the ride was less comfortable and the bump more noticeable and here is the place to ease off on the pedal power.

The Amarok is wider than the competition and it feels so on those smaller rural roads. It is shorter however and its load area is not the longest, if load carrying ability is high on your agenda. The ground clearance is also lower than the competition while if you are brave enough to face a water crossing, there is a 500mm

wading depth ability.

The Amarok comes with some options around the 4x4 system. You can choose from a selectable (with manual gearbox) and permanent (with auto) 4MOTION fourwheel drive. An optional mechanical rear-axle differential lock is also available for demanding offroad use.

Entry prices for this engine grade start at €47,670, which means that the Amarok is one of the more expensive 4x4 pickups on the market. Can that premium be justified?

The sales figures don’t seem to indicate so, as Amarok shares joint fifth place in the market for the first three months of 2017 with the Isuzu D-Max.

many insurers have also reduced benefits on motor policies, with some not covering breakdown assistance at all.

The company has joined with nationwide breakdown assistance and recovery specialists, easyAssist to offer motorists with cars and small vans, assistance from trained professionals who claim to resolve 80% of breakdowns on the spot.

The easyAssist service from easytrip provides customers with assistance on all major breakdown scenarios nationwide including: battery charge; punctures; refuelling; wheel change; home start assist; and continuation of journey.

Colin Delaney, CEO of easytrip Ireland

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

M50MOTORING

Pricing for new A5 cabriolet announced AHEAD of its launch later this month, Audi Ireland has announced pricing and specification details of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet, which completes the new generation of the A5 family.

The new model claims to be sportier, with an elegant design with a larger interior and more comfort and convenience, including a fully automatic acoustic hood as standard. The car comes with the latest Audi technology, including seat belt microphones, up to thirty different driver assistance systems and Audi virtual cockpit.

With room for four people and a fully automatic soft-top, the redesigned model is kitted out with the latest technology. The entry prices start at €60,730, before delivery charges.

The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is claimed to be the strongest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and lightweight design, compared to its predecessor model,

engineers have increased the car’s torsional rigidity by another 40% and reduced its weight by up to 40 kilograms.

Safety

The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: the top fully opens in 15 seconds and closes in 18 seconds, even while driving up to 50 km/h. The Cabriolet’s additional body struts and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and/or rollover, head and torso airbags and automatically extending aluminium profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet will be offered with a choice of three engines, a petrol 2.0 TFSI with 252bhp, and two diesels, a 2.0 TDI with 190bhp and a 3.0 TDI with 218bhp, each of which offers up to 17% more power while consuming as much as 22% less The Audi A5 Cabriolet is characterised by sleek lines and a flatter, sportier look, including a wider three-dimensional Single frame grille and wave-shaped shoulder line fuel compared with its predecessor.

High-powered Skoda Octavia RS to hit Dublin market in May SKODA has revealed details of the new high powered Octavia RS version, including the new pricing of €34,450 when the car hits the Dublin market in May of this year.

Skoda claims that the new Octavia RS maintains a balance of space and functionality coupled with power and performance.

The will be available as either a hatchback or estate combi version.

The Octavia RS in particular enjoys something of a cult following in Ireland, accounting for almost 10% of Octavia sales. This new third generation Octavia RS comes with a new front grille. New LED headlights replace the Xenon lights and LED technology also powers the rear tail lights.

Compared to the standard Octavia, the RS squats 15mm lower and can be fitted with wheels of up to 19 inches in diameter.

The rear wheels track has been increased by 30mm,

compared to the previous version, for improved road holding and cornering ability. The interior has also been refreshed with new seating and instrument cluster.

The Octavia RS will be powered by the familiar 2.0 TDI, 184bhp diesel engine that consumes just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle. This version can be mated to a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission, while a DSG

4x4 version is also available.

The new Octavia RS enjoys upgraded infotainment systems. The Columbus is the best system available in the Skoda range and boasts a 9.2 inch colour touch screen.

Compared to the previous Octavia the biggest advancements are in the area of connectivity. The Octavia RS model comes as standard with Infotainment online allowing

the driver to access news, weather and parking data.

Care connect is available as an option for the first time in the Octavia and provides emergency call function and remote access to your vehicle via the drivers smart phone.

Through the drivers smartphone they can view their vehicle on a map and also activate the vehicles honk and flash function in order to locate the car in a busy car park for example.

Compared to the previous Skoda Octavia RS models, the biggest advancements in the new 2017 model are in the area of connectivity

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 23

CINEMA

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE ReelReviews

GHOST IN THE SHELL

Not quite a cracking tale SCARLETT Johansson is watchable in just about anything, but even she can’t turn Ghost in The Shell (Cert 15A, 107 mins) anything much more than a visually spectacular but intellectually stupefying mess. Basically playing Roboscarlett (or The Terminatsson), she’s essentially a cyborg cop on the trail of some bad guys in a dazzling future world that’s wired for mayhem.

Like many South Korean films enjoying well-deserved greater international recognition lately, The Handmaiden is a feast for the eyes and the intellect alike

THE HANDMAIDEN: A CULTURAL THRILLER WITH A VERY HUMAN HEART ENCHANTS

BEAUTY & BEAST

A furly pointless remake WHILE looking a little dated around the edges, the original Disney animation is still more charming than Beauty and The Beast (Cert PG, 129 mins). The live-action remake of the classic is okay, but comes off as a little more onedimensional in parts than the source cartoon. With a live-action Mulan remake also on the way, the reboot conveyor belt is in full flow over at the Mouse House.

FAST & FURIOUS 8

Theron the edge of speed SPEAKING (top) of actors who’re very watchable in anything, Mad Max’s flatout star Charlize Theron has another run in with petrolheads, this time in Fast & Furious 8: The Fate of the Furious (Cert 12A, 136 mins). Boy racers and speed junkies will love this latest – and reliably barmy – addition to the evergreen franchise, but other cinemagoers will want to slam into reverse.

A mesmerising Maiden AFTER a brief flirtation with Hollywood (2013’s Stoker), Park Chan-Wook returns to Korea for The Handmaiden (Cert 18, 144 mins), a multi-layered thriller that mesmerises and devastates in equal measures.

While this may be the established director’s first real foray into romance, The Handmaiden comes equipped with all the masterful framing, bleakerthan-bleak humour and brutal violence for which Chan-wook has become beloved and revered.

The Handmaiden is inspired by Welsh author Sarah Water’s novel, Fingersmith, but loosely transplanting its narrative from a Victorian setting to pre-war, Japanese-occupied Korea.

K i m Ta e - r i p l a y s Sook-hee, a young thief employed by a Korean con-man impersonating a

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

Japanese Count, Fujiwara (Ha Jung-woo).

The “Count” plans to seduce and marry a wealthy Japanese woman, Lady Izumi Hideko (Kim Min-hee) and steal her inheritance.

Fujiwara sends Sookhee to live with Hideko, posing as her handmaiden, in the hopes that she will influence the Lady’s opinion of the Count and ease along the marriage.

However, Hideko’s perverted uncle (Cho Jin-woong) – her guardian since the death of her mother, and the more dubious death of her aunt – also has his sights on her

inheritance.

Beneath all this scheming, Sook-hee and Hideko form an intense bond; a deeply intimate relationship entirely foreign to Hideko’s conservative, sheltered upbringing and Sook-hee’s orphaned childhood on the streets.

Chan-wook’s screenplay, however, is woven with myriad levels of narrative intrigue; nothing is as it seems at first encounter.

The Handmaiden’s story is told in three parts, from altered perspectives.

Often, the same incident is repeated from another angle, revealing intricate details that, however small, are integral to the narrative development of this wonderfully compelling thriller.

C h a n - wo o k ’s l e n s is dynamic and lyrical throughout, vacillating between creeping shots

and sweeping movements; expertly composed symmetries and intimately framed closeups.

While it evokes much of Chan-wook’s previous work, The Handmaiden is a distinctly uniquelooking film.

The filmmaker relentlessly seeks out and frames each and every human movement, capturing every gesture with a masterful eye. Much of The Handmaiden is composed of close-ups on hands, fingers and eyes; glances, caresses and intimate touches.

From mild, trivial gestures to the most intense romantic encounter, each human interaction is made significant and sublime by Chan-wook’s intimate framing.

As such, for all its mystery and intrigue, The Handmaiden is a film

about human intimacy captured in a lengthy series of intimate human interactions. With his unique style, Chan-wook renders the fantastical notion of “love at first sight” entirely believable.

It also helps that all this sumptuous photography is focused on beautiful costume and set-design unlike much of anything we get to see on our screens.

The Handmaiden is posed between wars, between countries and cultures. Accordingly, everything on display mixes the aesthetics of East and West: the lush greens of the Korean countryside, the deeps browns of the mansion’s Anglo-centric architecture, and the calming whites of its Japaneseinspired paper-walls.

The result is often otherworldly, and always a

delight to gaze upon.

Each layer of romance and tragedy in The Handmaiden is inflected with Chan-wook’s wry sense of humour and morbid wit – this is often a deeply funny movie.

Even still, there’s a distinct sense of menace throughout, lurking beneath each and every narrative twist. Chanwook’s storytelling is efficient, economic even, and details are only revealed ever so delicately.

Aided by a cast of actors profoundly capable of communicating genuine emotion, Chanwook offers up a deeply human cinematic experience. The Handmaiden is a film that encapsulates everything so incredibly unique about its creator, cementing Chan-wook’s place as a master of modern filmmaking.

Verdict: 10/10

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE Marvel at the sights, sounds and tastes of a Spanish city

MADRID: VISIT REGAL PALACES, TEMPTING FOOD MARKETS, TOP-NOTCH

Get sun (or shade) at the Parque de la Arganzuela  JESSICA MAILE

ONE of the best places to enjoy the sun in Madrid is the Parque de la Arganzuela. It is an oasis just 1.5 kilometres from the Puerta del Sol in the centre of Madrid.

 EMMA NOLAN

The park offers, water fountains to relax by, plenty of trees to provide shade should it get too hot, playgrounds and three main water features for the little folk (and you) to splash and play in.

Along one tree-lined path there are tables with checker boards painted on them if you fancy a game while having a little picnic. There are also rowing lanes on the river, bicycle paths, cafes and restaurants and an urban beach is close by, near the old slaughterhouse (Madrid Matadero). So there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

The park also features the Arganzuela Footbridge which was designed to link the neighborhoods on the right and left banks of the Manzanares River. It is for both pedestrians and cyclists and provides direct access to the park below.

PICTURE this – Madrid, late November, Sunday night. A cocktail bar with mirrored shelves bursting with bottles of every kind of gin imaginable.

Marble and mahogany, a large decorative mantle piece; the place is Bar Cock just off Madrid’s Gran Via. The pouring rain is keeping most of the Madridlenos inside.

But a bit of rain isn’t enough to keep this Dubliner inside on her first ever night in the Spanish capital.

Having spent the evening sampling tapas from a number of places in the

Chueca district, guided by a proud local, I’m not ready to go to bed yet.

“Jamon Iberico is the most superior of all meats,” our guide tells us as the first of many plates of the famed cured ham is presented to us earlier in the evening.

A staple for most Castilians, Iberian ham is defined by its rich, earthy taste and must come from black Iberian pigs. The finest jamon comes from free range Iberian pigs who feed on acorns, we’re told.

Next stop is Taberna Angel Sierra (pictured below) for a vermouth and a plate of fresh anchovies and olives. It doesn’t get any more Spanish than

this.

The Chueca district is known as Madrid’s “gayest barrio” and it is lively with a sense of fun about the place.

Many of the bars here stay open late along with a selection of great nightclubs.

The centre of this barrio is Plaza de Chueca, a popular meeting spot for locals. Another popular place here is the Mercardo de San Anton – a space with an art gallery and a bar with a terrace, but it also still has meat and fish stalls that are very typical of Madrid’s many mercardos.

Eat like a local

Many of Madrid’s mar-

 TOPTIP

If you’re taking a day trip outside Madrid, stop by La Rozas Village, the Spanish equivalent to Kildare Village, for some shopping. Brands like Bimba Y Lola, Desigual and Sandro all offer discounted prices on last season’s stock.

Taberna Angel Sierra in the Chueca The Royal Palace of Aranjuez

District

kets include bars and food stalls serving everything from tapas, to Mexican and Asian cuisines, with enthusiastic vendors offering samples and tastes.

Fresh produce can be purchased too and there is always an impressive display of fresh seafood, which earns Madrid the title of the Spanish city that consumes the most fish, despite not being on the coast.

There’s also the historic Mercado de San Miguel, just off the Plaza Mayor which is a little more upmarket. More traditional ones include Mercado de Anton Martin in the Huertas district and Mercado de la Paz in the posh Salamanca neighbourhood.

All worth a visit to soak up the busy atmosphere and eat like a local.

A special mention has to go Platea. We had the most exquisite lunch here. A former cinema in the Plaza Colon, Platea was transformed into a huge market complete with restaurants and bars and reopened in 2014.

The space is spectacular – it retains the shape of the old theatre along with the stage (pictured) which regularly features live

music, performances and cooking demonstrations.

Arriba restaurant is located on the balcony with the best views of the stage and the food is by Michelin star chef Ramón Freixa. Freixa himself describes his Platea restaurant as a “concept where tradition and vanguard are combined”.

We enjoyed traditional cod fritters and croquettes served with a deconstruct-

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TRAVEL ART MUSEUMS, STUNNING ARCHITECTURE AND AMAZING RESTAURANTS, TO START.....

Platea – the former cinema transformed into a spectacular food market and (inset) dinner at Atico

‘One of the best things about a trip to Madrid is how accessible it is for visiting surrounding areas – Toledo, El Escorial, Avila, Cuenca and Segovia are all just a short distance away’

The iconic Metropolis as seen from the Calle de Alcala

ed patatas bravas to start.

For mains we had Tataki butterfish and a simple but delicious chicken and mustard dish. Platea is a must visit on any trip to Madrid.

Explore

We stayed in the Hotel Catalonia on Gran Via. Superbly located and reasonably priced, (€135 for a one night stay for two in May) this hotel is

a great base for exploring the city, with many great sights, bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance. (And it has a rooftop pool!)

Just down the road from the famous Metropolis building, on Calle de Alcala, you’ll find yourself constantly looking up at the impressive art deco architecture.

“Barcelona can have their Gaudi,” our guide

tells us. “In Madrid, we have Barroco Madrileno.”

It’s true that the city is incredibly stylish and monumental with broad boulevards lined by ornate structures and gardens.

One such example is the stunning El Buen Retiro Park – an expansive 19th century park in the centre of the city with a huge lake, impeccable lawns, and cryprus tree-lined walkways. Not to mention

the marble fountains and statues.

Even though we visited in November it was still beautiful; but it doesn’t compare to summer time when it is a hive of activity.

Within the park is another great restaurant, Florida Retiro. Located inside the park, it is a bright an airy space that felt summery even on a dull November day. We were told that there is an abundance of outdoor seating during warmer months.

Serving elegant Mediterranean cuisine and an interesting selection of tapas, Florida Retiro is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and take in the atmosphere of the glorious park that was once reserved for royalty.

Speaking of beautiful things, Madrid is famous for having some of the best

museums in Europe. The Prado, the Reina Sofía, the Thyssen – the place is an art lover’s paradise.

The Museo ThyssenBornemisza has one of the largest private art collections in the world, with a vast array of different styles and eras.

Works of many big names artists are on display in the Thyssen from Caravaggio to Van Gogh.

There’s a single Rembrandt and Monet and Renoir are also on display. Picasso and Salvador Dali are also featured with some other notable pieces from Hopper and Munch.

A must visit for any trip to Madrid, whether you’re an art lover or not, the space is impressive. A perfect way to spend an afternoon in the Spanish capital.

Dinner that night was

at Atico, another of chef Ramon Frexia’s endeavours. Situated atop the Principal Hotel, the iconic location offers direct views of the Metropolis building.

For dinner we enjoyed a refined version of huevos rotos, or Spanish broken eggs while the main course featured the most delicate piece of salmon I’ve ever tasted. Nearby is an array of cocktail bars that stay open late – try the gin bar in the basement of Mercado de la Reina (the Madrileños know their gin).

One of the best things about a trip to Madrid is how accessible it is for visiting surrounding areas – Toledo, El Escorial, Avila, Cuenca and Segovia are all just a short distance away.

A must visit, however, is Aranjuez. Aranjuez is the capital of the Las Vegas district just south of Madrid.

Known for its Royal Palace (pictured bottom left), the Palacio Real de Aranjuez is a residence of the King of Spain and a designated a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

A guided tour of the palace reveals the decadent interior which was designed during the 18th century with a considerable collection of paintings, statues, furniture, mirrors

and chandeliers.

The Porcelain Room and the Morroccan rooms were highlights and absolutely breathtaking.

Make sure to visit the royal gardens too and take the road train around the beautiful monuments.

Aranjuez is an excellent day trip from Madrid and well worth it but if you decide to stay for a night or two, the NH Collection Aranjuez is an ideal spot, located just a stone’s throw from the palace.

If you do plan to spend a night in the area, take a quick taxi to Real Cortijo de Carlos III – a beautiful winery with a long underground cellar. Here enthusiastic guides will explain their wine making process with a tasting afterwards.

Generally speaking, when Irish people go to Spain, we go in search of beaches, but Madrid and the surrounding region have so much to offer all year round.

Its inhabitants are proud of their captivating city, and rightly so.

FLIGHTS Ryanair fly direct from Dublin for about €28 to €40 midweek. Weekend flights are usually from around €30 to €50.

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

PAINTING

ROOFING

ABC CERTIFIED 52,958 COPIES EACH WEEK

PHOTOGRAPHY

DVDS

(ABC: Group MFD, Jan- Dec 2015).

WINDOWS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ROOFING

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

HOST FAMILIES

LOCAL TEAM WIN? WE WANT TO KNOW! Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@dublingazette.com

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS RECRUITMENT

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING TELE-SALES FREELANCE TELE-SALES PERSON REQUIRED For more information or to apply please email Emer at: ewilson@dublingazette.com

GAZETTE

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

SPORT

FastSport DCU, KUBS AND CELTICS ALL IN IRISH U-16 TEAM: DCU Mercy’s Bronagh Power Cassidy, Maeve O’Seaghdha and Rachel Hijsdens, KUBS’ Ella McCloskey and Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ Sorcha Tiernan have all been included in the Irish Under-18 women’s baskeball team announced by Head Coach, Tommy O’Mahony.

The team has been selected ahead of this year’s FIBA Under-18 women’s European Championship, Division B, which will be hosted in Dublin this August.

The championships will run from August 4 to 13 and will be held in two venues – the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght and the National Indoor Arena, Abbotstown.

Speaking about the news, Coach O’Mahony stated: “It was a very difficult decision to select 12 players to go forward for the team as there is such a depth of young talent here in the country. We have been working hard at training and are really looking forward to the months ahead.”

RUGBY: DUBLIN CLUBS LOOK FORWARD TO PLAYOFFS WITH BIG BOOST ON BOARD

Lansdowne and Clontarf’s semi-final home comforts

sport@dublingazette.com

TABLE toppers Lansdowne and defending champions Clontarf will have home advantage in the Ulster Bank League Division 1A semi-finals after a tumultuous final day in the Ulster Bank League.

Next Sunday’s semi-final clashes will pit Lansdowne against fourth-placed Cork Constitution and Clontarf will host third-ranked Young Munster at Castle Avenue.

Lansdowne finished top of the pile on scoring difference following their 40-17 bonus point dismissal of Garryowen whose top-flight survival rests on the upcoming promotion/ relegation play-offs which include three Division 1B clubs.

The headquarters club were winless in the last four rounds but with Scott Deasy back at out-half, they led from the second minute onwards thanks to flanker Charlie Butterworth’s early try on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch.

Current Ireland Under-20 hooker Tadgh McElroy also touched down as the hosts built a 28-3 lead.

Tries from Ireland Students

Clontarf will face Young Munster at Castle Avenue in their UBL Division 1A semi-final. Picture: Deryck Vincent

international Bailey Faloon and Steven McMahon lifted the Light Blues’ spirits - their second-from-bottom finish means they will host Old Wesley in a play-off semi-final next Sunday.

Lansdowne made sure they had the final say with two closing tries from back-three regulars Daniel McEvoy - the division’s top try scorer with 11 touchdowns - and Eamonn Mills.

Former Ireland Under-20

international Conor O’Brien, who recently returned from injury, bagged two tries in Clontarf’s action-packed 37-28 bonus point win over UCD on their 4G pitch.

The north Dubliners were 21-15 down at half-time, with Josh Murphy, Ciaran Frawley and Andy Marks notching tries for the students who were brimming with confidence after last week’s Colours success.

Tarf got on top in the third

quarter, moving ahead thanks to converted tries from centre O’Brien and out-half David Joyce who also kicked 12 points.

A deserved try for workhorse number 8 Michael Noone, coupled with a Joyce penalty, made it 27 points without reply, before UCD’s Leinster-capped prop Andrew Porter had a late consolation score.

Down at Temple Hill, there were tries aplenty too as Cork Constitution got the better of

St. Mary’s College on a 34-27 scoreline. Backs Ned Hodson and Michael Clune bagged braces for the victors.

Dublin University clawed clear of the relegation zone with a stunning last-minute try from Tim Maupin which saw them overcome Terenure College 27-25 at College Park.

The students, who were bidding to stay up at the end of their first season in Division 1A, won possession back in the final seconds thanks to a big tackle by number 8 Tom Ryan.

The Trinity backs then countered at pace from their own 22, with Colm Hogan and Michael Courtney to the fore, and they put USA international Maupin into space out wide for the game’s decisive score which was coolly converted by U-20 out-half James Fennelly.

Trinity director of rugby Tony Smeeth, whose young side finished sixth in the table, beamed afterwards: “It was just unbelievable.

“I can’t describe it really. I didn’t think we were going to win. That was the try of the year, that last one. You won’t see many tries better than that in College Park.”

Railway trio set for Japan leg of World Sevens series  sport@dublingazette.com

Railway Union sisters Kim and Stacey Flood

R AILWAY Union trio Kim Flood, Stacey Flood and AmeeLeigh Murphy-Crowe are among a quartet of Dubliners – along with Clondalkin woman Hannah Tyrrell – who were named in Anthony Eddy’s HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series squad to play in Kitakyushu 7s next weekend.

It follows their eighth place at the Las Vegas 7s, the second successive tournament in a row that the side to made the quarterFinals.

The new additions to the squad for Kitakyushu are Kim Flood, Louise Galvin, Katie Heffernan and Emma Murphy.

19-year-old Heffernan could be set to make her World Series debut, having won her first senior 7s cap last summer at the Rugby Europe Grand Prix in Malemort.

Ireland will face Fiji in their opening game of Pool B, before meeting Australia and then will finish Day 1 against Brazil.

All three teams will be familiar to one another, having all been drawn into the same pool at the Sydney 7s, where Ireland defeat-

ed both Fiji and Brazil on Day 1.

The Japan leg of the World Series will see Ireland and the Fijians meet for the fourth successive tournament this season – the sides drew in Dubai, Ireland claimed the win in Sydney and Fiji evened the scores as they were victorious in Las Vegas.

Commenting on the squad announcement, Eddy said: “We have an experienced side travelling to Japan next week for the fourth stage of the World Sevens Series.

“We have managed to make the quarter finals in the last two

tournaments, so that will be a target for us again in Japan. Hopefully we can have a productive Day 2 and achieve some really good results.

“The players have worked extremely hard and have shown good improvement all year, so I am sure they are looking forward to the Japan tournament to build on their performances.

“It will be a challenge however, as we face the ever-improving Brazil, Fiji, who we are very familiar with having met them regularly throughout the series and Australia,”

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Harte at the heart of Wesley promotion bid

Donnybrook side claim last Ulster Bank League Division 1A promotion playoff place with narrow win over UCC in home turf, earning their fourth during the 1B regular campaign UBL DIVISION 1B

Dubliners abound in basketball All-Stars DUBLINERS abounded in the Basketball Ireland’s National League All Stars named this week with the Player of the Year for each division and five stars named for each division.

The All Stars were selected from the votes of the National League coaches who voted for the players every month from the start of the season until the end of March.

In the men’s Super League, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors’ star guard, Trae Pemberton scooped his first All Star here in Ireland, but has also secured the title of Player of the Year after a superb season with the Kerry side.

The rest of the All-Star side, though, hail from Dublin clubs as Pyrobel Killester’s Jermaine Turner and Templeogue’s Mike Bonaparte have picked up their second successive All-Stars.

They are joined by new recipients Jose Maria Gil Narbon of Griffith Swords Thunder and Templeogue’s Lorcan Murphy.

The top three clubs in this year’s Women’s Super League meanwhile have All-Star recipients on their rosters, with Ambassador UCC Glanmire’s Claire Rockall picking up her third successive All-Star and also winning the Women’s Super League title of Player of the Year 2016/17 after a phenomenal season with the Cork side.

Jazmen Boone of Courtyard Liffey Celtics meanwhile has bagged her second consecutive All-Star, while Glanmire’s Grainne Dwyer, Emma O’Connor of Liffey Celtics and Sarah Fairbanks of DCU Mercy make up the remaining spots.

In the Women’s Division One, Meagan Hoffman of Oblate Dynamos received the prestigious award as one of this league’s All-Stars.

“We’re delighted to honour the very best of our leagues for the 2016-17 season,” said Women’s National League Commissioner Matthew Hall. “The All Stars were brought back in 2015 and have proven to be very popular since then.

This year’s awards recognise the best and most consistent players in Ireland.”

Old Wesley 19 UCC 5  sport@dublingazette.com

EAGER to put a disappointing away loss to Dolphin, Old Wesley got the win they needed last weekend at Donnybrook against UCC to get into the promotion playoffs for the Ulster Bank League Division 1A. They were out of the blocks early in this final AIL fixture played in perfect conditions at Donnybrook. A huge tackle

by Paul Harte, forcing a knock on, was an early indication of Wesley’s intent and ambition.

For the first 15 minutes, play was confined to the UCC half of the pitch but Wesley only had a Tim Clifford penalty goal to their name.

Once the Cork side did get into the Wesley half,

their mobile back line looked dangerous. It took a desperate corner flag tackle into touch by Rory Stynes to prevent UCC scoring the first try.

However, with 20 minutes gone, a break by centre Paul Kiernan, son of former international Michael Kiernan, found the Wesley defence thin and with two men outside him he ran in for the first try of the match.

The more physical Wesley pack responded and soon had the opposition having to dig deep in defence but, despite their territorial and possession advantage, they could not cross the whitewash.

With half time approaching, all they had on the scoreboard was a second Clifford penalty goal. Some good carries again tested the opposition defence in a late Wesley rally but it came to naught, leaving the

half time score 6-5 to Old Wesley.

Now playing into a breeze, Wesley had to score first in order to avoid any momentum build up by the Cork students. Sure enough, a break by Conor Maguire had UCC on the back foot and brought play back into the opposition half.

Then, it was quick recycled-ball taken on by David Rowley and a pass to Paul Harte.

Harte, still with a lot to do, switched on the after burners and sprinted 30 metres, beating a number of tackles to score Wesley’s first try.

The home side was now attacking and counterattacking with good effect, with substitutes Ger Finucane and Michael Dunleavy adding positive impact. Stynes, with his evasive style of running, found space out wide inside the UCC 22.

He passed to Harte who this time sprinted in untouched for his and Old Wesley’s second try.

The conversion came back off the post. Indeed, both team’s place-kickers had a poor day with the boot.

Wesley were now starting to turn the screw and spent most of the rest of the second half in opposition territory.

Despite having a number of scoring opportunities, including two five metre line outs and a five metre scrum, they were denied any more tries, partly due to solid UCC defence and partly due to some frustrating errors.

A yellow card for a high tackle by UCC second row Daragh Moloney

seemed to open the door for Old Wesley but their only return was another Clifford penalty goal.

However, now with a 14 point lead, the result was in no doubt and despite a late UCC counterattack and a five metre scrum the scoreboard remained unchanged.

Nevertheless a 19-5 win over a side that had been on a roll was no mean achievement. The win means Old Wesley finish a highly commendable fourth in the league and now play Garryowen on April 23 at Dooradoyle, in the play-off semi-final.

The winner of that match will play the winner of Naas v UL Bohemian for a place in next season’s premier division.

Wesley’s Conor Maguire makes incisive break into the UCC 22, left, lock,while Michael Dunleavy, right, muscles his way through. Picture: Ken Richardson

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 April 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: UNDER-12S ENJOY SUPER TRIP TO ENGLAND’S NORTH WEST

Flynn runs eleventh fastest 5km of 2017

BLANCHARDSTOWN athlete Dave Flynn has posted the 11th fastest 5,000 metre time by a European this year, after recording a nine second personal best at a track meet in Torrance, California recently.

Flynn, who trains regularly with a group in the American state, has been putting in the hard graft at altitude in Mammoth Lakes, 8,000ft above sea level, over the past six weeks. He’s now reaping the rewards of his fourth period training at altitude.

“Coming up here and training is the most important part of my season,” he said.

“Firstly, my coach lives up here and my professional group I train with, Mammoth Track Club, is mostly formed of marathon runners or potential marathon runners in the making.

“The main thing about Mammoth Lakes that makes it so good for endurance athletes is the ‘live high, train low’ philosophy.

“I live at 8,000ft in the town but I can drive down to 5,000ft altitude to a small town called Bishop California and get my faster intervals and tempos in.

“Two of my teammates just had breakthroughs in their marathon careers, running times of two hours 12 minutes. Having these guys to train with every day and too push me is a game changer. You’re constantly learning from them and highly motivated by their commitment to the sport.

“That’s probably the main difference in why I’m training and racing so well as of late, surrounding myself and training with these world class athletes day in day out.

“It’s not easy to fly over from Ireland as an athlete that is one of the best in the country and get destroyed in workouts and long runs every week. But it’s all humbling and eventually the body starts to get stronger.

“Instead of dropping me at 12 miles of a long run, recently I’ve been able to hold on for the entire thing. It bodes well for my long term goals of being a marathon runner.”

Flynn will step up to half marathon distance as part of his 90-day training stay in the States, before returning to Ireland for our athletics season, and thanked sponsors Hierco Trailer Rentals and Skechers Performance for enabling him to compete at his current level.

The Castleknock Under-12 side that took on Warrington last weekend

Knock takes on UK tour sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER much lobbying from the Castleknock Under-12 players, their parents finally agreed to bring their young heroes on a magical mystery tour to Britain for Easter, taking in both sides of Stanley Park into the bargain.

It began last Thursday morning with the Castleknock crew, like Viking explorers, embarking the Stena Adventurer to cross the Irish sea.

A quick check-in, trip to the pool and a team bonding visit to the

Cheshire Oaks cinema for the Fast and Furious 8 closed out a lively opening day before the footballing business began in earnest.

A healthy breakfast and departure for Warrington Town FC. In the game itself, the hosts never stood a chance as Abdullah Boujerda, Esse Okirikpo, Andre Ungureanu, James Browne and a 30-yarder from Luke Hughes put Celtic in control.

B a c k c a m e Wa rrington with two fine goals before goals from Tara O’Hanlon, Ben

PARALYMPIC HERO Kelly receives special recognition award THE successes of Paralympian Ailbhe Kelly were celebrated recently at the Castleknock Hotel where she received a Special Recognition Award from her local GAA club, Castleknock. Kelly, currently a leaving certificate student, represented Ireland at the Paralympics in Rio last year. She will soon be making preparations for further major competitions in 2018.

Presenting the award Castleknock GAA Club, secretary Sean McLaughlin praised Kelly as an inspiration to her peers, sports people and her local community in Dublin 15.

Forde, Catalin Labont and Ryan Sherlock secured the win.

Back to the hotel and more splash, bang, wallop in the pool before a quick change saw the team sample the culture at the National Sports Museum in Manchester.

Next stop was Trafford Centre where the retailers were rubbing their hands after Celtic’s Motley Crew spent their hard earned cash.

It was a tired crew that returned to base at 9.30pm.

S a t u r d ay ’s s e c o n d game saw Celtic led by

captain James Browne.

Warrington were up for this one and the game was in the balance at 2-2 before two quick fire goals on half-time put Celtic in control. With a two-goal lead, Celtic never looked back as further goals rounded off a great win in front of their supporters.

From there, the team was soon Merseysidebound. Anfield first for a tour of the Liverpool stadium and trophy room.

There was no time to rest as the group raced over to Goodison Park

to watch Everton beat Burnley 3-1 in front of a noisy and partisan support with the biggest smile on the face of true blue Ryan Sherlock.

They then had to get to Holyhead and it was left to Con the Driver to get them there on time which he duly did.

Never a dull moment, it proved a great break for the team who return to league action on Saturday at home to Ballyoulster in Porterstown Park with great memories and friendships for lifetime likely to evolve from the trip.

20 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

GAELIC GAMES: LITTLEPACE HOSTS FEILE FESTIVAL

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S THE Trustees and members of St Brigid’s

Castleknock on the death of Carmel

were saddened to learn of the passing of

Foley (nee O’Boyle) good friend and

Gerry McCarrick, husband of Brenda

neighbour to St Brigid’s and to the Nolan

and father of Louise, Alan and Lorna.

family on the recent passing of Stella

Gerry and all of his family have been

Nolan (nee Sheils), mother of John Nolan.

involved with St Brigid’s for many years,

Ar dheis De go raibh a nanamacha.

we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to them.

All in St Brigid’s were also saddened to

5.30pm in Blanchardstown IT on April 22,

learn of the passing of Claire Egan, wife

preceded by the intermediates v Lucan

of former chairperson Joe Egan. The

Sarsfields at 4pm.

members of St Brigids wish to extend

The junior As are in Pearse Park, junior

our deepest sympathies to the Egan

C in Bushy Park, both at 11am on Sunday

family.

with the junior Ds in Russell Park at 3pm.

We would like to extend our sympathy to the Foley family of Co. Mayo and The Erin Go Bragh Under-14 Division 7 Feile football team.

Littlepace hosts Feile Division 7 in fine style DIVISION 7 FEILE  sport@dublingazette.com

ERIN GO Bragh’s Under14 boys enjoyed a Feil experience to remember as the Littlepace club welcomed Clontarf, De La Salle Ballyfermot and Geraldine P Moran for the Division 7 Football Feile.

In the first game, the home club put on a tremendous performance against Clontarf and led for most of the game but, unfortunately, conceded a couple of late scores and were eventually beaten by a score line of 3-4 to 2-4.

In their second tie against De La Salle Ballyfermot, they performed heroics to come back from an early eight-point deficit to eventually win the game by 6-2 to 1-12.

With all to play for in the third and last group game against Geraldine P Moran, the Dublin 15 side again showed great resolve and spirit to recover from a large first half deficit.

Despite finishing the stronger, Erin Go Bragh eventually lost out on a score line of 4-8 to 2-4.

After an anxious 20-minute wait while all the scores were collated, the EGB team were left deflated to discover that they lost out on a semifinal place to De La Salle Ballyfermot by a marginal points difference.

Nonetheless, the side can take pride in the fact that group opponents Geraldine P Moran and De La Salle Ballyfermot eventually won their respective semi-finals and competed against each other in the final in Parnell Park on Sunday with the former going on to win their final.

Camogie queens Elsewhere, the club’s Under-16 camogie side produced an immaculate performance to run up an 11-6 to 1-1 victory over Fingallians in Swords last Thursday.

The forwards were in fine scoring form and were kept well supplied by the engine room midfield partnership of Ellen Gribben and Amy Daly. The half forward line of Gemma Padden, Niamh Maher and Aoife

O’Sullivan contributed 7-6 of the final tally and worked tirelessly all game.

Full forward Amy Flanagan rowed in with a lovely hat trick of goals.

The two corner forwards Aoibhe and Katie Kearney worked tirelessly and won a lot of ball and were involved in a number of scores.

In defence, there was a standout performance from the diminutive Amy Carroll who snuffed out many a Fingallians attack.

She was ably assisted in the full back line of Rachel Mu r r ay a n d M e g a n Owens. The half back duo of Aoibhinn Burke and Keri Redmond never let the Fingallians forwards get going and last but not least sisters Jade and Anna Omotayo each played a half in goal and in the half back line and were excellent throughout.

Next up for the girls is Naomh Olaf in Hunters Run on Saturday afternoon.

Our Senior Hurlers are in Parnell Park v Lucan Sarsfields on April 27 at 8.15pm.

CASTLEKNOCK OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers

ner was Majella Gallagher. Next draw in

Childcare, continues next Saturday at

de Bruns with a jackpot of €2,400.

Tir na nOg. New members always wel-

A busy week with adult ladies football

come. Nursery enquiries to lisakier-

with the first team away to Templeogue

nan1@gmail.com.

and the second team home to Stars of

Great fun had by all at our biggest

Erin. The first round of men’s senior club

Easter camp last week. Thanks to all our

football championship is on Friday, April

coaches and Paul Hudson for helping to

21 at O’Toole Park when we face Temple-

make it a great week. Special mention to

ogue Synge Street at 7pm.

Laura Carolan who has completed her sixth year of camps.

The camogie feile takes place on Saturday, April 22 with Division 5 being host-

There was no winner of our lotto

ed in Somerton and the Division 1 team

jackpot in association with Rialto Ford.

travelling to Lucan. Good luck to all the

Numbers drawn were 11, 15, 19 and 28 and

girls. Our Champo Night Race Nite takes

there were five match three winners,

places in Kavanaghs on Friday, April 21

each getting €60 and the lucky dip win-

from 9pm.

NAOMH PEREGRINE

ST PEREGRINE’S would like to offer their

urday April 22 at 5.30pm in Blanchard-

deepest sympathies to the Lynch family

stown IT. Come out and support the club.

on the passing of their beloved Bridie.

Memberships are now overdue. Play-

Our thoughts and prayers are with club

ers who have not completed full pay-

members David and Caroline and indeed

ment will not be eligible to train or play

all the Lynch Family at this difficult time.

matches until their membership is paid

Keep an eye out for our Cul Camps and Summer Camps which will be advertised in the coming weeks.

Huge congratulations to Rachael Brennan and the Dublin minor football-

in full.

The online membership service is available 24-7 so please take full advantage of this service and get memberships in asap.

ers who won their Leinster final over

Any monies still due from 2016 must

the weekend. Well done and best of luck

be paid in full. New membership must

to Aoife and Niamh Heffernan who have

then be paid in full or a direct debit set

qualified for the Dublin U-16 Leinster

up which will be divided into three pay-

final. Delighted for all the girls and their

ments.

hard work has paid off.

Senior Football Championship, Sat-

ERIN GO BRAGH

A no pay, no play policy will be enforced for all members in 2017.

THE club ran a very successful Easter

No winner of our club jackpot which

camp from Monday, April 10 To Thurs-

is €10,000. Numbers drawn were 5, 6, 16

day, April 13.

and 17.

Our Gaelic for Mother and others play their first match this season on Thursday evening against St Colmcilles.

Hard luck to the U-15 ladies (football) lost to St Oliver Plunkett’s.

U-16 Camoige had a great win against Fingallians.

Erin Go Bragh’s Under-16 camogie side

CCC championship fixtures are upon us. Senior football play St Peregrine’s at

Well done to Barry and Peter who were our U-10 star players this week.

We are delighted to be hosting boys football Feile final on Saturday, April 29. Anyone who can help out on the day, please make contact with Maria Hayes or Mae Padden.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR BLANCH SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

KNOCK ON TOUR: Castle’s young stars take on big trip to north west of England for Easter challenge P30

APRIL 20-26, 2017

DUB DUOS HOME COMFORTS: Clontarf and Lansdowne pin down semi-final bonus P29

Lowndes boost for the battle of Blanch  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

ST PEREGRINES selector Gareth Walsh is in positive mood ahead of the Clonsilla side’s Senior Football Championship opener against local rivals St Brigid’s who currently sit two divisions above the penguins.

While Brigid’s have long lingered in the upper echelons of Dublin football, Peregrine’s are one of the lowest ranked clubs in the competition looking to punch above their weight year after year.

“We wouldn’t be going into a game like this expecting to lose,” Walsh said ahead of their latest,

Xxxxx

distinctly local challenge.

“We believe we can beat them, not many people would have had us beating Fingal Ravens from the first division last year. These things happen.

“It adds a bit to the game, being a local match up; it’ll spur us on,” he continued. “But you never need too much extra motivation for the championship. You talk about priorities at the start of the season and ours is returning to the seniors in the league [a promotion to the second tier]. Anything we can get out of the championship is a bonus.”

Peregrine’s star man Eric Lowndes will be back for the contest with a three or four week break

Xxxx Xxxx

 XXXX YYYYY

sport@dublingazette.com

XXXX xxxx

from his Dublin role aligning with the fixture.

He will be a welcome boost for Peregrines, though Walsh has a pragmatic view of the impact of Lowndes regular Dublin outings on his panel.

“Fingallians, who are also seniors and in the third divisions like us, play a lot of their games with Paul Flynn side-lined. It’s just part of the game that Dublin come first, and we need to be strong enough without Eric,” he argued.

“He comes in an adds strength but we have a good mix of youth and experience in the panel.

When Eric comes back he does add something with the drills and

the presence he brings around the club.”

Peregrines are in the midst of putting together a three-year plan that will reach into all areas of the club, together with Dublin West County Games Officer Niall Cooper, and have recently secured first team sponsorship from local taxi firm D15 Taxis.

“The three-year plan will be a bit of everything, from reaching into the community and offering the best facilities we can, to getting everybody on the same page at the club,” Walsh explained.

The game takes place on Saturday, April 22 at 5.30pm in IT Blanchardstown.

St Peregrine’s will be boosted by the availability of Eric Lowndes for their date with St Brigid’s