Gazette BLANCH
equality One year on: Panti Bar patrons tell
us what the referendum has meant to them P24-25
Interview: With her busy schedule, no two days are ever the same for model & radio presenter Daniella Moyles See Page 11
get ready for your big day Our beautiful wedding supplement has all you need for your all-important day Pages 17-21
Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you
*Featuring The Strypes, Picture This, Hermitage Green, Otherkin, and more ...
Captain Healy looking to lead march to take down Rebelettes
May 19-25, 2016
see page 32
Find us on
The future is local - the future is free
WIN A three-night luxury stay and weekend passes to Rock The Yard* at the Court Yard Leixlip Festival See competition on Page 25
‘We deserve a better children’s hospital’ Families protest against Government’s decision to build at St James’s
ian begley Dozens of children have posed with handmade signs reading “We Deserve Better” as part of a social media photo campaign protesting
the Government’s decision to build the new Children’s Hospital at St James’s, which was recently granted planning permission. Full Story on Page 4
2 BLANCH Gazette 19 May 2016
blackrock | fears for local debenhams outlet
Worries over retail giant ken phelan
SOME 2,200 jobs are at risk across 11 Debenhams stores nationwide, including many at the retail giant’s branch in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. Debenhams Retail Holdings (Ireland) Ltd placed its 11 stores into examinership last week, citing difficulties meeting €36m payroll costs and a €25m upwardonly rent roll. Debenhams is now hoping to renegotiate rents and says it is conscious of the effects that the sale of Clery’s had on staff, concessionaries and customers. At the moment, however, it’s business as usual in Blanchardstown. Speaking of the
news, one Debenhams employee (who wished to remain anonymous) said: “I’m worried about my job, but the atmosphere is still good in the store at the moment. “The older employees would be really worried, because they might find it hard getting a job somewhere else. “I think Debenhams needs to bring younger brands into the store to attract younger people. “I love working at the store, though – staff are very helpful towards customers and are always willing to help each other. I’m here a year-and-a-half; I’m not in a union. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.” In a statement to the stock exchange, Debenhams said:
The Blanch branch of Debenhams is among those caught up in the examinership
“The decision to seek examinership follows several years of losses at Debenhams Retail (Ireland) Ltd, culminating in a financial loss of €6.7m in the last financial year, ended 29 August, 2015.” Debenhams also released a statement saying its aim under the examinership process
was to keep “as many stores open as possible”. Speaking to The Gazette last Friday, SIPTU organiser Robert Purfield said: “KPMG has been appointed as examiner, and the company has 100 days to bring themselves into a situation where they’re not loss-making any more.
“From our point of view, we’re hoping for as little disruption to staff as possible. “At the moment, we’re left in limbo – both ourselves and [trade union] Mandate have written to the company seeking an urgent meeting, so we’re hoping to have that put in place as quickly as possible.”
FastNews Artists’ contributions sought on past, present and future Fingal County Council’s arts office are inviting local artists to make proposals that celebrate, highlight and engage with Fingal’s past, present and future. On May 27 from 11am to 12noon, art co-ordinator Caroline Cowley along with Aisling Prior will conduct an information and consultative session in Blanchardstown library. The session will include talks on a number of national and local examples of public art projects designed to ignite comment and participation in Fingal’s future opportunities for artists. You can register to attend by emailing caroline.cowley@fingal.ie or by calling (01) 870 8489.
Council’s news app wins prestigious competition Fingal County Council’s “Unfolding News Story” App has won a prestigious competition held by ESRI Ireland. The App, available on Google Play and the AppStore, is all about connecting with our customers to update them on all of the latest news in relation to water disruptions, road closures, severe weather, floods, latest planning applications and community events.
The All-New Sportage
Available from €244* per month
HP FINANCE EXAMPLE FOR NEW KIA SPORTAGE LX 1.6S RRP† €25,695.00
Deposit/trade in Finance amount €8,970.00
€16,725.00
Term
Total cost of credit
APR*
Min. Deposit
Doc fee
36 Months
€2,400.49
5.9%
10%
€63.49
GMFV
(optional final payment)††
€10,278.00
36 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF €244
Fort Motors Kia Coolmine Business Park, Dublin 15, (01) 821 9000, www.fortmotors.ie Gowan Navan Road Kia Ashtown Gate, Navan Road, Dublin 15, (01) 868 9000, www.gowanmotors.ie Model shown is Sportage EXS 1.7D ( EX with sun roof ) Price €31,095 Detailed specifications for Sportage LX 1.6S can be found on our website. Please check with your dealer that your chosen model has your required specification. www.kia.com. †Excludes delivery & related charges. Model shown in finance example is for illustrative purposes only. Further charges may be applied by your Kia dealer subject to kilometre limits/condition of the vehicle. ††The Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) is payable if you renew or retain the vehicle at the end of the agreement.*Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. Finance is provided by way of a hire purchase agreement. Finance example is based on a fixed rate APR of 5.9% and is inclusive of a once off documentation fee of €63.49. To qualify for this Finance Offer; a minimum deposit of 10% and maximum deposit of 35% of the Retail Price applies and a maximum term of 37 months applies. Rate quoted is correct as at 29th April 2016 and is subject to change. This is a hire purchase agreement for the Kia Sportage LX 1.6S model, registered until 30th September 2016. The credit provider is Bank of Ireland Finance, a registered trading name of Bank of Ireland. Fuel consumption figures in l/100km for the All-New Kia Sportage are: Urban 7 - 5.4, Extra Urban 5.2 - 4.2, Combined 5.9 - 4.6. The official CO2 emissions are between 154 - 119 g/ km. Warranty is 7 years/150,000km full warranty. Terms and conditions available in warranty and service handbook.
19 May 2016 BLANCH Gazette 3
courts: fundraising | big hearted students help their battler friend drugs find
Father caught with €800k of cannabis A father of three caught with drugs worth over €800,000 has been jailed for three-and-half years. Michael Kehoe (48), of Huntstown Avenue, H a r t s t ow n , D u b l i n , pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Garter Lane, Saggart, and at his home on October 21, 2015. He has no previous convictions. Judge Karen O’Connor accepted that he had no ownership of the drugs but had a role in storing and delivering some of them. She noted he was an otherwise law abiding and hard-working man who had suffered difficulties causing him to became vulnerable and easy prey. She said testimonials referred to him as a man of “great integrity” and that he had expressed remorse. She accepted that he was under a “drug debt” and thought this would clear it. Judge O’Connor imposed a five-year sentence but suspended the final 18 months. The court heard that Kehoe had been the driver of a van which was pulled over by gardai who had spotted it acting suspiciously. He told gardai he had been in the area fitting kitchens but co-operated with a search of the van which uncovered the cannabis herb. He told gardai that more drugs could be found in a garden shed at the rear of his home.
Over €1,200 raised for Jordan Ian Begley
The generosity of Coolmine Community School was evident this week af ter students raised more than €1,200 for a classmate who has been absent from school for more than five months due to a serious illness. Jordan Needham, a fifth-year LCA student, was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma earlier this year (an aggressive form of cancer), but after undergoing extensive medical treatment he has now been given the all clear from cancer. According to his friends and family, Jordan bore this ordeal with “remarkable fortitude, courage and has maintained very high spirits throughout this time”. For the past few
weeks, several local fundraising events have been held, to support Jordan in his medical care and treatment.
Enthusiastic The students in Coolmine Community School were also very keen and enthusiastic to make their own unique contribution to Jordan’s medical care. Following a suggestion, proffered by a group of his friends in fifth-year, a green jersey day was arranged and held in his school last Wednesday where students had the option of wearing a green jersey, green t-shirt, sports jersey, or any coloured t-shirt of their choice. In tandem with this, they volunteered to donate €2 each, towards Jordan’s medical care fund. Jerseys of all coun-
ties, clubs and colours were sported on the day, some bearing a green t-shirt with the slogan, “Team Jordan” on the back. A number of students placed an order to have these jerseys made, in advance of the day, and wore them on the occasion. In total, €1,215 was raised as a result of this jersey day, and through this fundraising initiative, the student’s in Coolmine expressed their desire to see Jordan well, healthy and back among his friends and school colleagues, in the very near future.
Back: Mitchell Hand, Jordan Needham, Amy Clarke and Rachel O’Brien Front: Cian Kavanagh and Thomas O’ Donoghue.
4 BLANCH Gazette 19 May 2016
‘We deserve better from Government’ Ian Begley
Dozens of children have posed with handmade signs reading “We Deserve Better” as part of a social media photo campaign protesting the Government’s decision to build the new Children’s Hospital at James’s (which was recently granted planning permission). These families strongly believe that St James’s
is not suitable for the hospital, and say their campaign aims to give a voice to the current and future young patients of Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght. The posts, which have reached over 100,000 Facebook users, include parents’ accounts of their challenges accessing the existing city centre hospitals, maternity-to-children’s hospital transfers of
their critically ill newborn babies, or being stuck in ambulances during serious emergencies. The “we deserve better” campaign, started by a group of parents in support of Connolly for Kids Hospital (C4KH) has grown in momentum with increasing numbers of families posting photos every day. The C4KH campaign, led by parents, pediatri-
cians and past patients of Ireland’s children’s hospitals, is asking Taoiseach Enda Kenny to “flip the sites”, building the new National Children’s Hospital, the largest strategic infrastructure in the history of the state, at the 145-acre greenfield site at Connolly Hospital on the M50, beside the new Rotunda maternity hospital, and putting the satellite urgent care unit at St
Seven-year-old Jake shows off his message
James’s. Although planning has been granted at St James’s, the C4KH group say it is still wrong to build it there. Parents of sick children have disregarded the planning permission and say they will never stop fighting for the facilities their children deserve and the best medical outcomes possible. Mum of five-yearold Miley wrote on her daughter’s behalf: “When
I was a neonate I was rushed through the city three times. From Holles Street to Crumlin, back to Holles Street, and back to Crumlin. I had two major operations and three journeys all while I was only 2lbs.” Mother of Zack, a cardiac patient, also wrote: “Zach was that child in an ambulance stuck in traffic trying to get to Crumlin when he had a respiratory/cardiac arrest. Locating the new hospital in an
even more congested area further into the city makes no sense. “Those minutes can feel very long when your child’s life hangs in the balance. “Sick children and their families shouldn’t have to worry about traffic or parking. We’ve waited long enough for a children’s hospital that’s fit for purpose. Let’s get this right, for now and for future generations.”
19 May 2016 BLANCH Gazette 5
6 BLANCH Gazette 19 May 2016
courts | relapsed into drug use following his release from prison
dublin 15
Health service vacancies
Burglar gets chance at rehabilitation
A prolific burglar who broke into a community centre three weeks after being released from an 11-year sentence for similar offences has been given a chance to rehabilitate himself at Coolmine therapeutic community, Blanchardstown. Anthony Connors (40), who has 47 previous convictions, relapsed into drug use following his release from prison in September 2015 but now wants to attend residential drug treatment. Connors, of South Richmond Street, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary at the Daughter’s of Charity Community Services, Henrietta Street on October 13, 2015. He has been back in custody
since his arrest. Judge Karen O’Connor adjourned sentencing until October 10 to allow Connors to attend for residential treatment. She ordered he be collected from the prison by staff from the Coolmine therapeutic community and that gardai be notified if he leaves the program. Garda Aidan Noonan told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that an employee at the non profit organisation, which provides educational and social care services to people in disadvantaged areas, found a laptop which she had been using the previous day was missing from her desk. Gardai were contacted and viewed CCTV. They identified Connors hang-
ing around acting suspiciously in the area. He went upstairs and was then seen coming downstairs carrying a laptop bag. He was arrested the following day. Connors received an 11-year sentence in 2009 for offences including burglary, false imprisonment, robbery and handling stolen property. He was released on September 26, 2015. M a r k L y n a m BL , defending, said Connors had spent much of his sentence on protection and in solitary confinement. He said Connors was now methadone free and felt if he was released without dealing with his addiction problems he would struggle again. He said Connors wanted to make a change in his life.
Sounds like a winner St Brigid’s parish church recently had a special celebration to inaugurate their new church organ. Anne O’ Byrne, who is from Blanchardstown and made a career as a soprano in the US, was the star of the show. The church itself is more than 175 years old. This organ will now be of great benefit to the church and the parishioners, enhancing its beauty and providing some heavenly sounds.
There are 23 vacant positions across a range of health services in the Dublin 15 area. The figures, which were released following a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy Jack Chambers (FF), shows that Dublin 15 needs an additional five occupational therapists, more than five extra nursing posts and more than four additional mental health workers and dentists. Deputy Chambers said it is “imperative” that new health minister Simon Harris addresses understaffing as a top priority. “The problem is particularly profound in communities,” he said “By addressing problems at a community level, people can avoid having to attend hospital.”
19 May 2016 BLANCH Gazette 7
8 BLANCH Gazette 19 May 2016
Gazettegallery
| opening night for CHICAGO
Clodagh Daly, Niamh Devereux and Michelle Dardis
Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie Hart and Sam Bailey as Mama Morton pictured backstage ahead of the opening night of the musical Chicago. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Taking to the stage to razzle and dazzle
Love/Hate’s Aoibhinn McGinnity
Rachel Stewart and Jenny McGurk
Fashion blogger Sinead Burke
A
host of famous faces took to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for the opening night of musical Chicago at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin at the weekend. The leading stars in Chicago include Sam Bailey who is best known for winning the X-Factor in 2013, Hayley Tamaddon played Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street and Del Dingle in ITV’s Emmerdale and she also won the fifth series of Dancing on Ice in 2010, while John Partridge who played Christian Clarke in Eastenders, also recently caused a stir when he appeared in Celebrity Big Brother. The international award-winning musical Chicago is based on real life events back in the roaring 1920’s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, doublemurderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. Chicago will run until Saturday, May 21 with tickets priced from €25.00.
Thomas Crosse and Adrian Kennedy
Veronica Butler and James Butler
19 May 2016 BLANCH Gazette 9
10 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 19 May 2016
Gazettegallery
| Young Social Innovators of the Year 2016
Niamh Byrne and Mollie Garvan from St Angela’s College Cork presented their project Home Stead
Students Anbu Sandar, Colin McAndrew, Lauren Kilbride, Luke Peyton, Darragh Bolger and Kieran McLoughlin from Portmarnock Community School, Carrickhill Road, who were named Young Social Innovators of the Year 2016 at Citywest Hotel, Dublin, for their project Largy College Clones students Anna Alandex and Maeve
Global Citizens Mapping the Future. Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography
Gibson fighting gender balance against society Joseph Reilly, Aimee Quigley and Fiona Deery presented their project We’re Through with Pink and Blue
Students Lauren Kilbride, Colin McAndrew, Darragh Bolger Orla Nolan and Lucy Nolan from St Mary’s Secondary
Students Niamh Daly, Roisin Fahy, Carrie O’Hara, Rachael Connelly and
from Portmarnock Community School presented their project
Emily Canney from Tuam presented their project No Bee No Me
Global Citizens Mapping the Future
School in Wexford presented their project Prader Willi Serious Not Silly
Bidding to become a voice for change S
Students Diarmuid McCarthy, Kevin Mahony, Darragh Foran, Patrick Horan and Jack Curran from Kerry presented their project Planet Savers
tudents from Portmarnock Community School in Dublin have been named Young Social Innovators of the Year at Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre in Dublin. They took the title for their project Global Citizens Mapping the Future. Over 6,500 students from across the country took part with some 454 youth-led, social innovation projects created. Now in its 15th year, the initiative is the biggest celebration of social innovation in Ireland and one of the largest youth events in the country. When choosing the overall title award the judging panel looked for a project that excelled in innovative thinking and social impact as well as recognising a team that has the passion and support to continue to further develop their social innovation.
19 May 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11
business P14
dublinlife
asdfsdaf food P27 P16
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
a day in the life: daniella moyles
A relaxing cuppa is just the tea-ket emma nolan
“It’s tough, it’s definitely a big challenge,” Daniella Moyles tells The Gazette on her daily 5am start. The Gazette sat down with model and radio presented Daniella Moyles to discuss an average day (of which there’s not many) in her life. Daniella says that switching to doing the morning show, Fully Loaded with Cormac and Daniella, which starts at 6:45am on weekdays was a “big lifestyle overhaul”. “I’m getting there now,” she said. “I get up around half five and I generally go through the same morning routine as anyone else.” Daniella said that since she found out that she has an intolerance to dairy and coffee is a no go, green tea has been a lifesaver for her early start. “I found out that I was intolerant to dairy and I was like ‘Oh my god now I won’t be able to drink coffee’ but then I realised that green tea was better because I don’t get that mid-afternoon slump and I have more energy.” If it’s not raining, the radio host will cycle to work. “I try not to drive because parking in town is so stressful and when I cycle I’m really fresh for the show.” For the show each morning, Daniella and her co-host Cormac will do their research
beforehand while she has a bowl of porridge for breakfast. “After the show, if it’s a plain ole day we stay afterwards and do some post production stuff but I usually have to leave straight away.” As a model, Daniella makes regular appearances at photocalls and various events. “I could be doing an ambassador role or a modelling job or filming small segments for TV, a DJ set or any number of other things – the days change all the time.” While her routine is never the same, she does like to keep some things consistent and tries to get to the gym at least twice a week. “I always get the gym in and try to make good food choices – I am always kind of tired though,” she laughs. “One day I think I’m just going to retire on a farm in Kerry and live off the land and be free from deadlines,” she jokes. “But at the moment my days are extremely hectic.” With her early starts, a good night’s sleep is crucial for Daniella. “When I first started drinking green tea I didn’t realise that it gives you energy, and I was having it at night and wondering why I couldn’t sleep so now I’ll substitute that with a chamomile tea to start to unwind around eight or nine to get ready to sleep.” Daniella is the new ambassador for Lipton’s Be More Tea campaign.
Daniella Moyles’ days are never quite the same, as she’s kept busy on so much
Gazette
diary P12
Gazette
12 Gazette 19 May 2016
dublinlife
diary
Darkness into Light is a huge success PIETA House extended a warm thank-you to the committees and everyone involved in Darkness Into Light this year, from those who helped with the planning, promotion and event logistics to those who directed traffic, made tea for participants and handed out t-shirts. Organisers especially want to express their
sincere gratitude to each and every person who took part in all of the venues to support Pieta House, and who walked in solidarity for suicide prevention. An estimated 120,000 people turned out in nearly 120 venues in Ireland and around the world for the 5km walk, which started at 4.15am
in the Phoenix Park on Saturday, May 7. Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House said: “4.15am on May 7 was not only a demonstration of our commitment to tackling suicide, but it also shows the willingness and the ability of communities to help bring about change. “To all the commit-
tees, organisations, local businesses, clubs and of course to all the participants, we thank you.”
council organises over-55s open day DUBLIN City Council’s central area office is organising an over-55s open day in the Central Library, ILAC Centre, on Thursday, May 19. Running from 1pm to 5pm during this year’s Bealtaine Festival, the event is part of the council’s Age Friendly strategy. The focus is on the positive side of aging and on providing opportunities for older people to engage fully in their communities, whether through participating in activities, availing of services or through volunteering for charity work. A dozen organisations have come together to provide information on a range of activities and services suitable for older people. Enjoying everyone to take part, Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh said: “Dublin is an agefriendly city and I hope everyone attending gets some interesting ideas on how to continue to enjoy life to the full and also to benefit from the services available to older persons in the city.”
an Ode to Dublin at the abbey theatre TACKLING issues of isolation of old age, emigration, addiction, broken families and crumbling dreams, Town is Dead will take to the Abbey Theatre stage this summer. The newly commissioned play within music is part of the Waking the Nation season at the
Joan Freeman, founder, Darkness Into Light cheers on the crowd of participants waiting for the off at the Phoenix Park. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Abbey. From the makers of Alice in Funderland, Town is Dead is an ode to Dublin and an exploration of how Ireland treats its people. Running from June 2 to July 9, it looks at the future of the city through the eyes of one older citizen. Fiach Mac Conghail, Director of the Abbey Theatre said: “We commissioned this work especially for this season, in a year where our programming is both commemorating Ireland’s history, celebrating today and looking to the future. “I’m delighted to produce another piece of new Irish writing from this talented duo of Phillip McMahon and Raymond Scannell and to welcome this play within music to the Peacock stage.” Town is Dead “interrogates the shame and stigma attached to these subjects in Ireland and tackles the challenges of
new beginnings”. Tickets cost €13/€20 and are available on abbeytheatre.ie.
vikings needed for popular TV show Popular T V show Vikings, which is filmed in Wicklow, are holding open castings for extra this month. Bearded hopefuls can attend the open days on May 23 and 24 at The Complex 10-14, Little Mary Street, Dublin 7 (Between Capel Street
and Smithfield Markets). The show’s producers are looking for people aged 16 and over from all ethnic backgrounds. In terms of specific skills or appearances, they are looking for fishermen, carpenters, rowers, nurses and archers to name a few. Natural coloured hair and no visible tattoos are preferred. All men applying must be prepared to grow a beard and punk style haircuts are favourable.
Hirsutes you, sirs ... The popular TV show Vikings is currently looking for bearded extras
19 May 2016 Gazette 13
Gazette
14 Gazette 19 May 2016
dublinlife
business
Enter now for upcoming Repak recycling awards î Ž ian begley
RECYCLING company Repak has announced the launch of its second annual Pakman Awards and is calling on all businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals in Ireland
to submit their nominations. The award ceremony will take place on October 27 in The Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge. Nominations for the awards close at midnight, August 31. The Pakman Awards
are a national awards programme that recognise excellence in waste management and recycling among businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals. T h e aw a r d s we r e launched in 2015 by
Repak to replace the Repak Recycling Awards, and allow more accessibility to the awards for all organisations who demonstrate their sustainability and environmental efforts. To enter, see www. repak.ie/pakmanawards.
Better budgeting with new 3Money î Ž emma nolan
A quarter of Dublin consumers are impulse buyers, according to a survey of 1,000 Irish adults released by Three. The research also shows that almost half (49%) of people save some money each month, with a further 27% putting money aside less regularly. However, almost a quarter are still struggling, with 24% saying that they are not able to save money. As part of this research, Three have launched 3Money, a pre-paid debit card in partnership with MasterCard. Available exclusively to
Broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli helps launch 3Money, a new electronic payment option from Three
Three customers, 3Money can be used online, in ATMs and in-store via chip and pin, or contactless payment. As customers can only spend what is on the card, 3Money aims to eliminate the possibility of overspending.
Customers can manage their money and check their balance through 3Money.ie, or the new 3Money app. Sign up for 3Money by visiting www.three.ie/ money or by calling into your local Three store.
19 May 2016 Gazette 15
Gazette
16 Gazette 19 May 2016
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK
A dining delight in Temple Bar
The Meeting House’s dramatic interior impresses
WALKING into The Meeting House is unlike walking into any other restaurant in Dublin. Straight away, your eye is drawn to magnificent murals that adorn the walls, big bold
beautiful colour schemes, and a very firm retro style throughout. Located in the heart of Temple Bar, in Meeting House Square, The Meeting House opened a year
and a half ago and has been quietly growing ever since. The menu is a Burmese sharing menu, divided into four sections – dim sum, wok, seafood, and meat dishes, with a side orders section. Prices for each dish were very reasonable, with the dim sum dishes such as tuna tacos and mini Asian chicken burgers costing only €9.99 each. The larger dishes, such as the vegetarian coconut curry and the tofu “scallops”, cost just €10.99 each. Nothing on the menu cost over €11.99 per dish, and the side dishes cost €3.99 each. There was also an accompanying wine menu and a sepa-
rate cocktail menu, which I was delighted to see. I chose the prawn tempura, Burmese chicken htamin gyaw, and the pepper crusted fillet steak, while my boyfriend chose the warm duck salad, beef noodle soup, and the pork dumplings. All six dishes were beautifully presented and not disappointed. The prawn tempura in particular stood out as the best dish – they were quite simply the best prawns I
Conclusion
have ever had in Dublin. The pepper crusted fillet steak was also beautifully cooked. Perfection, plain and simple. Without a doubt, all six dishes were cooked to a high standard and it was a restaurant that I would certainly recommend to friends and family. It was a great night out with a lively atmosphere, great food, and excellent service. Highly recommended.
PICKY was surprised to have overlooked The Meeting House (Meeting House Square, Dublin 2; tel 01 670 0330), as it turned out to be well worth the visit. Great staff and, more importantly, delicious dishes made a great impression – Picky will be back ...
Gazette
19 May 2016 Gazette 17
To have to hold Let The Gazette help make your wedding day extra special and guarantee you have happy memories to share with friends and family in the years to come...
Covet at Powerscourt Townhouse Centre Tarik Ediz ivory low embellished back gown. Borrow â‚Ź225 or buy from â‚Ź895. Custom Order.
celebrate in style:
Dresses From classic, timeless designs to a more contemporary look, we have a range of truly beautiful dresses
Gorgeous dresses for flower girls and bridesmaids Page 18
heavenly honeymoons:
Escape and relax in style at these top destinations Page 21
See page 20
rock their world: These glittering beauties will delight any lucky recipient Page 20
Gazette
18 Gazette 19 May 2016
To have to hold
New twists on wedding venues If you’re on the prowl for an alternative wedding venue that is a hundred miles away from the type of wedding your grandparents had, then you will be pleased to know that Ireland has a huge range of unconventional wedding venues on offer. From castles, barns, theatres, sport’s stadiums and the Zoo, there is plenty of unique and eccentric wedding venues to suit all tastes. If your heart is set on a Dublin city wedding, but you’re looking for a large space to celebrate, then Smock Alley Thea-
tre might be the perfect venue for your big day. With exposed brick walls, ornate plasterwork ceiling, and stained glass windows, this venue is certainly a sight to behold. Its oak benches and tables offer options for the en vogue, long dining experience and the large space is very versatile for a ceremony or reception. If you’re considering a very intimate wedding with just your nearest and dearest friends and family, then Fanningstown Castle certainly has a nice ring to it.
Located in the countryside of Limerick, close to Shannon airport, this 12th century grand castle has been converted into an atmospheric private house perfect for a small group on an escape to Ireland. Another great alternative venue is at Mount Druid in Westmeath. The building and its surroundings are made up from a converted barn, an unconsecrated tin chapel, 20 traditional Mongolian yurts, three shepherd’s huts, a charmingly cosy gate lodge, a three-bed school master’s house, an 1820s
Georgian house, several barbecue areas, a walled garden, a summer house and three lakes. A couple who choose to marry at Mount Druid can expect a beautifully laid back venue where red carpets and white chair covers are nonexistent, and their guests can have a lovely relaxed time with an informal feel to the day. Why not choose to say “I Do” at the Zoo? Dublin Zoo is a unique alternative to the traditional wedding venue and provides a magical backdrop for your special day. Haughton House, a restored historical building with magnificent views of the Zoo, is available seven days a week for all types of wedding ceremonies including civil ceremonies, civil partnerships and blessings. You can add even more magic to your wedding day by having a unique drinks reception in the zoo’s interactive learning and discovery centre or capturing some special animal photo opportunities. With weddings at Croke Park, GAA fans can marry their love of the game with the love of their life. Whether you are interested in a large traditional reception, a small intimate celebration or something in between, they can offer you the perfect alternative venue. Situated in central Dublin, this iconic venue and luxury hotel will ensure your every need is catered for. For more information on these alternative wedding venues visit www. alternativeweddings.ie and www.hitched.ie.
Monsoon Girls €70 at House of Fraser
Monsoon Girls €50 at House of Fraser
Bridesmaids & flower girls
Arnotts Aideen Bodkin Azalea Jaquard Crossover Detail Dress Cap Sleeve €275
Arnotts LK Bennett Sage Cream Black €475
19 May 2016 Gazette 19
Weddings at Castleknock, ... where dreams become reality
WWW.CASTLEKNOCKHOTEL.COM
Gazette
20 Gazette 19 May 2016
To have to hold With this ring …
Rachel Gilbert Addyson Skirt and Kolby Top Borrow €350 Buy €1395
Badgley Mischka Ivory Cape Detail Gown Borrow €295 Buy €1295
most important) dresses you will ever right.
opportunity to wear a show-stopping
and satin looks with a strong Downton
Unusual Halo Diamond Engagement Ring €2,250 Commins & Co Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
With Covet in Powerscourt now
doing a bridal range, there is plenty of
dresses have made way for sleeker, silk
Channel Set Halo Diamond Engagement Ring €5,950 Commins & Co Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
influence.
wear, so, every bride wants to get it just Sweetheart necklines and bust
Weir Collection double halo platinum cluster ring, €2,995, Weir & Sons
Hand Painted Skirt and Cashmere Top Borrow €350 Buy €1325
The Dress!
It’s likely to be one of the most (if not the
Weir Collection sapphire and diamond oval cluster, €6,970
gown. Here, we’ve picked out some of our favourites.
Rachel Gilbert Kerby Bridal Gown Borrow €350
Weir Collection platinum three stone set €2,580
A tranquil countryside feel in the heart of the city Castleknock Hotel & Country Club is an award-winning, modern 4-Star hotel set in lush grounds with an onsite golf course, located beside the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Specialising in golf breaks, weekend weddings and relaxed family and leisure visits, the hotel is just 15 minutes from Dublin city centre and 20 minutes from Dublin Airport with easy access on the M50, but feels like a world away from the bustle of the city with its tranquil countryside setting. Just outside Castleknock village, the stylish but informal hotel and country club is a spacious, modern hotel which, with its expansive views over the golf course and surrounding countryside, makes a delightfully pleasant
All bedrooms have been designed with your comfort in mind
base for both business and leisure guests. With an 18-hole golf course, a deluxe day spa, a well-equipped leisure centre, award-winning restaurants and welcoming bars, innovative meeting and events space, substantial sports screens, outdoor bbq and children’s playground, it’s everything that could
be required from a great resort hotel, all under one roof. Castleknock Hotel & Country Club has 138 guest bedrooms, most of which were recently refurbished in 2015. Some of our upgraded rooms offer amenities such as SMART TV’s, Nespresso machines, premium sports channels
and high speed WiFi. Bedrooms are spacious and bright, comfortably furnished, and many with charming views over the manicured greens and careful planting of the undulating 18-hole parkland course at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club, one of the closest golf hotels to Dublin city.
19 May 2016 Gazette 21
Make it a perfect day with the Bracken Court ian begley
THE Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan is a well-established 4-star luxury hotel, exceptional in design and character From the moment you step on to the red carpet, you will experience the true dedication of a friendly and professional team with a single focus in mind – the success of the most memorable day in your life. The bespoke wedding venue has a variety of large and small spaces within the Bracken Court to host everything from the most intimate wedding celebrations to the most lavish occasions. Guests can enjoy the luxurious accommodation, a beautiful open-air terrace, the elegant formal banqueting rooms, the Bracken Grill dining room, and the intimate Jack Doyle’s bar. In addition, the commitment to only one wedding a day ensures
the bridal party and their guests have all the space and personal attention needed to make the day as special as it should be. Wedding packages at the Bracken Court Hotel start from just €39.95 per person, with a premium all-inclusive package priced at €79.95 per guest.
Memorable From the elegant red carpet and champagne on arrival, to a sumptuous champagne breakfast for the bride and groom the following morning in their bridal suite, the Bracken Court in Balbriggan has a single focus on creating memorable weddings. Beautiful touches include personalised menus, elegant stemmed candelabras, and chair covers and coordinating bows in the wedding suite that complement the wedding colour scheme. The hotel’s dedicated wed-
ding co-ordinators will ensure everything – from the style of the wedding suite, to the meal, fresh flowers, and entertainment – is tailored to the bridal party’s exact requirements. A late bar is organised for the reception after-party, as well as various catering options for evening guests. Wedding guests can take advantage of special guest rates, and personalised booking forms can be mailed out with wedding invitations. The Bracken Court Hotel are having a summer wedding showcase on Wednesday, June 8 from, 6 to 9pm. Enjoy prosecco and canapes as you experience all the Bracken Court Hotel has to offer you on your special day. The Bracken Court Hotel can be contacted at 01 841 3333, with weddings and other special occasion detail available at www. brackencourt.ie.
Luxurious details at Balbriggan’s Bracken Court Hotel make it a venue to remember
Gazette
22 Gazette 19 May 2016
OUT&ABOUT
www.dublingazette.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
FEATURE rds: hotly anticipated event looms
Galloping ahead to Dublin Horse Show Ian Begley Attention all equestrian enthusiasts and day-trippers! Call up the milliners, grab the jodhpurs and send in the stylists, for the Dublin Horse Show is fast approaching. However, diaries at the ready, the dates for the hotly anticipated 2016 event have changed. Now in its 143rd year, one of the most popular and enduring events in the global equestrian calendar is set to once again take Dublin’s RDS by storm from the revised date of Wednesday, July 20, running for a total of five, fun-filled days, to Sunday, July 24. This change of date from the traditional first week in August is to accommodate the many Olympic riders who will compete at the show, as well as in Rio just weeks later.
The credentials Testament to the collective love for a day out, the glamour and excitement of the horse show has been drawing an impressive crowd since its inception in 1868. Today,
the Dublin Horse Show is recognised throughout the world as one of the most esteemed, and social, equestrian events in the calendar - boasting over 1,500 superb horses - for which over 100,000 visitors will flock to the leafy suburb of Dublin’s Ballsbridge. The main draw of course is the sport of e l i t e s h ow- j u m p i n g itself, where some of the world’s finest riders go head to head (or, rather, horse to horse) for some of the most prestigious show jumping competitions on the international circuit - The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup for the Aga Khan Trophy, the Landrover Puissance and the Longines Grand Prix. Bolstering the Dublin Horse Show’s stellar reputation and international pedigree, it is one of only eight horse shows that hold a leg of the Division 1 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Series.
Beyond the Show jumping Beyond the serious business of show-jumping, there’s plenty more to entice the younger members of the family
too. Attendees can also look forward to pony club competitions, some very young riders competing, showing classes from a range of horses and the elegance of the side saddle. While the more serious of equestrian fanatics may struggle to leave the showground’s perimeter, another world of wonder awaits inside the RDS halls. From shopping to fashion exhibitors, socialising to family entertainment, the best craft makers in Ireland, artisan food, tipples and music, this is an inclusive event for everyone. And that’s all before we get to the show’s other hugely significant draw, the glamorous Dublin Horse Show Ladies Day. Stalwart attendees are in for yet another unforgettable experience and one that, for many, defines the height of the Irish summer. While newcomers will find the Dublin Horse Show to be a hugely entertaining, rich and absorbing event, and one that will attract you time and time again for many years to come.
19 May 2016 Gazette 23
Gazette
24 blanch gazette 19 May 2016
OUT&ABOUT
What the country’s ‘Yes’ vote for Marriage Equality meant for many people
ONE year on from the momentous Marriage Equality referendum, Gazette reporter Ian Begley called in to Panti Bar in the city centre, where he asked patrons: “What did the referendum’s passing mean to you?” This is what they had to say ...
gavin connors
THE Marriage Referendum meant acceptance. It was like living in a country where you work hard and try to be a normal, decent person like everyone else, but at the same time you never felt like you were a part of this country. Then, and of a sudden it was like, oh my God, you are a part of Ireland. Amazing!
pauline ndasowa
I THINK it was a very good experience for me, especially coming here from a country where being gay is not authorised. I was so happy for my brother and friends who are gay because they can go out and have the same rights as everyone else.
brian O’connell
FOR me, at a personal level, it was an acceptance by your own people as to who we are. At home, being gay wasn’t necessary spoken about beforehand, but I think the best thing to come out of the Marriage Referendum was that it forced people to make it a general discussion on equal rights. Overall, it was a general feeling of inclusion for gay people.
meriah nunn
sam dolan
elaine carroll
COMING from a very small town in the US, we were always very liberal, but to see a younger population pass the Marriage Referendum by popular vote was so amazing. Just seeing the celebrations across the country was also crucial at how much people wanted it. It felt really special to be a part of it of it all.
MYSELF and my partner are 20 years together this week, and we just couldn’t believe what happened when the referendum passed. It was a combination of huge pride in the Irish people for getting past a traditionalism that needed to be changed, and for getting out and voting, which was just amazing.
IT meant a lot, but I guess the whole referendum was kind of degrading – having to vote on giving people the right to marry someone they love. It was an amazing day, and it felt really good to finally have the recognition, but at the same time you feel like you should have already been born with the right to marry.
aaron leesley LT O’brien
I COME from London, where being gay is very accepted, but when I came to Ireland I didn’t realise that it [gay marriage] wasn’t legalised at the time. When it actually came to the passing of the Referendum, I felt very at home, safe and embraced.
THE Marriage Referendum meant that we are now treated fairly, and that we are part of this society like everybody else. It gives us respect, knowing that we can marry the people we love and have them recognised in our lives.
Paul Ndasowa
WHEN the Marriage Referendum passed, for me being a double minority – both black and gay – really made me at home. Now I’m accepted and have the same rights as everyone else.
Thousands of people from every walk of life crammed into the courtyard at Dublin Castle, eager to share the historic moment
19 May 2016 blanch Gazette 25
The Yes vote enjoyed significant support across the country, echoing societal shifts in recent decades
A moment of delight at Dublin Castle courtyard when the Yes vote was declared as the official outcome
Riyadh Khalaf
james kavanagh
Social media star, radio
Social media star, and presenter
reporter for Spin FM
THE day of the Marriage Referendum result was one that will remain etched in my memory for the rest of my life. I woke that morning feeling emotional, happy, worried and proud that our little country had done its best to shape its future for the better. Standing at Dublin Castle with family, friends and the rest of the community was a truly historic moment. I could feel the passion in the air, and the support from the non-LGBT community was incredible. As the final tally was read out to the nation and the crowd erupted in cheers, I hugged my mum and dad and said: “Thank
you – thank you for being there for me and fighting for equality every step of the way by my side.” That day, Ireland told the world that it cared for, loved and valued every citizen as an equal, and that there is no space for discrimination in modern society. This was the day Ireland became a country leading the way in global equality – a fact I am deeply proud of.
PASSING the Marriage Referendum had more meaning than just letting gays wear white dresses, tuxes and wedding bands – it was heterosexuals saying to LGBT people: “OK, you’re not underground weirdos – you can do stuff we can do; you deserve Constitutional rights and protections, too”. We became equals. It was no longer a “them and us” society. Since the moment passed, I’ve noticed more and more gays walking around, holding hands, no longer embarrassed to showcase their love. This isn’t a case where loads of gays have moved to Dublin or anything – it’s that gay love is no longer a lower-tier love;
it’s not something to be ashamed of. I hadn’t a clue about civil rights and politics before, but then I started to care and take interest in other bits and bobs that have an effect on my life. A brilliant by-product of the Referendum is that we now have a massive amount of politicallyengaged young people. Personally, I know I’m ready to keep positive change happening.
Gazette
VOX POPS
26 blanch Gazette 19 May 2016
blanchCLASSIFIEDS courses
paving
ACTIVE PAVING
BOSS PAVING & LANDSCAPING
services/HOME IMPROVEMENT
services/repairs
• DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • FENCING • ASPHALT • DECORATIVE WALLING • IMPRINT • GRAVEL Quality Paving at affordable prices, just a phone call away. Highly recommended by Clients. Testimonials available. Contact: John Maloney 087 3591000 / 01 6972087 Email: bosshomeimprovements@gmail.com Web: www.bosspaving.ie Dundrum Bus Park: Ph. 01 6971896 Pearse St, D2
dvds
RECRUITMENT
DVD TRANSFERS
1 Castle Crescent, Clondlakin, Dublin 22. Phone: (01) 457 2613. Phone/Fax: (01) 457 5790 Email: gmtv@eircom.net Repair Service for all brands of TV Supply & fit free to air satellite Repairs to Laptops / PCs Screen Replacements to Laptops, Ipads, iPhones etc
ďƒźVideo & Camera Tapes ďƒźCineFilms ďƒźPhotos & Slides converted to DVD ďƒźMusic & Titles added
SERVICE CENTRE
FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK
SONY•PHILIPS•SAMSUNG•PANASONIC•LG•WALKER
windows
landscaping
Green Team
roofing TREES & GARDEN SERVICES
FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS
9Over Grown Garden 9NRE Shed Supplied & Erect 9Tress Felled and Pruned 9Hedges Trimmed
9Specialty Brickwork 9Gutters Cleaned & Sealed 9Old Sheds Removed 9Block Paving 9LmjĂšf_
9Driveways & Walls Painting 9Garage & House Clearance
windows
15 YEARS EXPERIENCE/30% DISCOUNT For a free no obligation quote call:
T: 01-8678791 M: 085 1474725 W: www.greeteamtrees.com
roofing
Unit E2 Nutgrove Office Park
0''*$&
Boombridge Business Park Dublin 7
19 May 2016 blanch Gazette 27
blanchCLASSIFIEDS Got a photo? Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@dublingazette.com

Advertise your business to over 280,000* readers each week *Publishers statement
call 01 60 10 240
Gazette
28 blanch gazette 19 May 2016
SPORT
FastSport Dingley breaks top ten twice at Europeans: NAC Swim Club’s diving sensation Oliver Dingley secured a second top ten finish at the LEN European Championships in London after he finished eighth in the 3m springboard final. Dingley was sixth in the 1m Springboard event a couple of days earlier. An opening score of 65.10 points saw Dingley ninth after the first round but 69.70 points in round 2 and his highest scored dive of 74.80 in round 3 saw him move up the rankings into sitch place. A drop to 61.50 seemed costly in the penultimate round as the 23-year-old fell to eighth place, where he remained after his final dive of 71.40 points. Speaking afterwards, Dingley said: “I really enjoyed competing in the European final; my consistency was great and it was great to be battling it out with so many Olympic and world medallists.”
athletics: dubliners hit the high notes at leinster schools championships
Amy Rose storms the 3,000 sport@dublingazette.com
DUBLIN stars produced a host of excellent performances across the two days of the GloHealth Leinster Schools Track and Field Cham-
pionships in Morton Stadium. Some the stars of the cross country season were back on show with the minor and junior age categories the main competitors.
Louis O’Loughlin, Moyle Park, won the GloHealth All Ireland junior boys’ cross country title in March and he added to his growing reputation when he won the 800m with ease in
Christian Collins, Terenure College, competing in the senior boys long jump
Amy Rose Farrell, Mount Anville, left, and Abbie Taylor, St Gerards after the 3,000m race. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
2.05.24. Sarah Healy, Holy Child Killiney, the intermediate girls’ cross country champion, bided her time in the Under-16 mile before pushing on at the halfway stage to win classily in 5.18.17 from the Loreto Kilkenny pair of Ella Richardson and Annie McEvoy in third. At minor level, Michael Farrelly from St Fintan’s in Sutton won the 80m in 9.45 and the long jump with 5.70m. Roisin Tracey (St Gerard’s) didn’t hang around in the intermediate girls 1500m building an insurmountable lead to win in 4:45.67 from Deirbhile O’Reilly (Mount Sackville). Castleknock College’s Alex Clerkin, with a time
of 13.53, won the boys 100m hurdles in 13.53 Eimear Fitzpatrick, from Our Lady’s Terenure, continued to show her expertise over the barriers in the 1500m steeplechase with a winning time of 5.05.84 in another of the highlights of day one. Glorious sunshine greeted day two with another series of top class performances. The intermediate girls’ 3,000m didn’t disappoint with Amy Rose Farrell from Mount Anville, Abbie Taylor of St Gerard’s and Institute of Education’s Jodie McCann all going under the previous record of 10.15.26 set by Tara Jameson in 2008. McCann led the early laps with the trio pull-
ing away from the rest of the field before Farrell showed her class in the last two laps to win in 9.55.60. Taylor strode to second place in 10.04.91 with McCann third in 10.14.99 in a high quality race. Sophie Mur phy – another Mount Anville athlete – impressed in the senior girls’ 3,000m with a front-running 10.04.53. Lara O’Byrne of St Joseph’s Lucan posted a new record in the inter girls’ pole vault with 2.80m with Lauren O’Keeffe, Loreto Balbriggan, setting a new intermediate girls’ hammer record of 56.24m. Sarah Derham, Dominican Griffith Avenue, set a new senior pole vault record of 3.05m.
Shels break Waves resolve to claim League Cup title national league cup final Shelbourne UCD Waves sport@dublingazette.com
Shelbourne celebrate their Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup success
3 2
SHELBOURNE Ladies won the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup for the first time following a 3-2 victory over UCD Waves at Richmond Park on Sunday. The meeting of the two Dublin teams lived up to the expectations of it being a thrilling derby with four goals scored in the first half – two apiece for Noelle Murray and Aine O’Gorman – before
Leanne Kiernan netted the allimportant goal. Shels took the lead on 11 minutes when Murray controlled the ball, looked up and struck a shot that UCD goalkeeper Monica McGuirk couldn’t get to. It didn’t take long for Eileen Gleeson’s side to hit back though as O’Gorman – top scorer in the national league this season – headed in after connecting with a cross from Jetta Berrill. There wasn’t much between the teams in the opening exchanges and even when Murray got her second goal of the
game – through a neat finish inside the penalty area – it didn’t rattle UCD. In fact, UCD were quickly back on level terms as O’Gorman raced on to a through ball to coolly slot the ball past Shels stopper Amanda McQuillan. And it stayed at 2-2 going into the interval. After the break, Kiernan finally got a reward for her hard work when she broke the offside trap to meet Siobhan Killeen’s pass and convert a left-footed shot. That proved to be the winning strike.
Shels can still go on to become double champions should they conquer Wexford Youths WFC in the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Play-Off on Sunday, May 22 at Tallaght Stadium. Elsewhere, the nominees for the 2015/16 Continental Tyres Women’s National Awards have been unveiled ahead. In the Best XI, Peamount United, and UCD Waves, have three players – Karen Duggan, Claire O’Riordan and Aine O’Gorman – making it onto the team for a second successive year.
19 May 2016 blanch gazette 29
Gazette
Callaghan surfs way to Emerald Enduro
Rathfarnham man claims world class title once again as main rivals come a cropper in the Wicklow mountains, allowing him to speed his way to epic downill victory R AT H FA R N H A M ’ S Greg Callaghan sent the home crowd into a frenzy as he claimed the Emerald Enduro for the second successive year at Carrick, Co Wicklow in what looked an unforeseeable outcome at one stage. The Emerald Enduro is round three in the World Enduro Series, a mountain bike discipline that is one of the fastest growing disciplines in the sport, being a mix of technical downhill riding and endurance racing. Presented by Biking. ie, the event was almost a complete rerun of last year’s incredible race, with sunshine, huge crowds and Callaghan on the men’s side and Tracy Moseley on the women’s riding off with
the top honours. In a race that changed direction with each of the seven stages, Wicklow once more proved – in worldwide terms – that a little hill can create big dramas. The visiting Richie Rude and Martin Maes led the way in the early phases of the battle until everything changed on stage two. Both Rude and Maes suffered punctures – along with Josh Carlson, Nico Vouilloz, Anneke Beerten and Toni Ferreiro. The issue forced all of them out the points – except one man with Callaghan maintaining his speed and his bike’s stability to claim the laurels. In one of the most stunning comebacks
the series has ever seen, Rude was able to pull it back from 34th place after stage two to finish the race in third place but he could not overhaul Callaghan. Speaking after the race, Callaghan said: “It feels amazing. The crowd were just pushing me on and to be honest I felt like the result almost didn’t matter because just having that level of support and having so many people willing me on was kind of a win on its own. So I just focused on riding as well as I could – and it worked!” In general, Irish riders dominated the podiums across most categories this weekend. In the Under-21 women’s race, 17-year-old Leah Maunsell won
Greg Callaghan crowd surfs over the throngs in Glenealy last weekend as he wins the Emerald Enduro. Picture: Duncan Philpott
against older riders demonstrating her talent, skill and potential. Following her win Maunsell was delighted, saying “in stage one, my chain got jammed off the very start. I got off and ran all the way up for the next bit. “I didn’t take any
racing. At the event, domestic Irish riders competed with world champions and, throughout the weekend, there were events for the whole family, from a kid’s demo zone to music and food, along with live commentary throughout the race
--------------------------------------------------------
‘This is a world class event and probably the best event in the Enduro World Series’ Paddy Behan
--------------------------------------------------------
risks, just tried to get all my time back.” Callaghan’s cousin Killian – from Walkinstown – won the Under21 event and multiple Olympian Robin Seymour showed his versatility by dominating the men’s masters event. In the elite women’s event, Dubliner Michelle Muldoon finished in 12th place. This is the second year that Ireland has hosted a round in the World Enduro Series, a hugely exciting and spectator friendly disciplines in cycling. Enduro is a mountain bike event that sees riders tackle seven timed downhill sections over the course of the day, making it an exciting mix of technical downhill skills and endurance
itself. T h e 2 016 E n d u r o World Series started in South America with two rounds, Ireland is round three and the series goes to Italy before heading over to the US, Canada and then back to Europe. This style of racing is quite unique as we allow amateur racers from all over the world to enter and 400 riders will take the start. Irishman Paddy Behan, team manager with the Specialized team said: “This is a world class event, Niall Davis [from Sandyford] has done a brilliant job, this is probably the best event in the series”. The event is a Cycling Ireland registered event run by Biking.ie, headed by Niall Davis.
FastSport
Lightning strike down Warriors in Interpros LEINSTER Lighning made an impressive start to their defence of their inter-provincial T20 cricketing crown at Merrion Cricket Club on Friday, blowing away visitors North West Warriors with a spell of abrasive mid-innings bowling. The short-form win came after Lightning smartly salvaged a draw against the Warriors in the longer form at Clontarf earlier in the week. Early in their innings, Simmi Singh set about the North West attack, smashing fours in three consecutive balls as the home side balanced a pacey run chase with competent wicket retention. Singh made 31 from just 20 balls before he was caught on the boundary trying to slog McBrine, while Railway Union’s Kevin O’Brien gave a demonstration of his memorable hitting skills, clattering 42 from 24 balls before he too was snaffled having done some notable damage. O’Brien – who top scored for lightning - got out just in time for another national team player, George Dockrell, to launch two huge sixes in a final over that added an intimidating 24 to Lightning’s final score of 169 for 7. Warriors’ reply initially looked strong. Fourteen off the first over was followed by the loss of their star man David Rankin but the Warriors looked well placed for the first half of their run chase, reaching 73 in the tenth over before a flurry of wickets turned the tide in Leinster’s favour. Needing an attainable 71 off their last eight overs, the Warriors lost four wickets in quick succession to find themselves 120 for 7 and the match slipping away. The run rate rapidly grew from eight or nine an over to a tough-to-get 15 as the Lightning bowlers took control. An impressive 36, including three sixes from Warrior’s overseas man Marco Marais, was the highlight for the Derry-based side. Lightning saw their senior bowlers all get in on the action as they eventually bowled the visitors out in the final over, as the Warriors chased an allbut-impossible mark of 46 from the six balls. Eddie Richardson was the pick of the home side’s bowlers, finishing with 2-18, while O’Brien showed his all-round prowess in grabbing a brace of his own, with Dockrell and Kane doing the same.
Gazette
30 BLANCH gazette 19 May 2016
SPORT
FastSport
Coolmine sweep their way to Under-15 treble COOLMINE RFC has been celebrating an historic achievement as their Under-15s pulled off a treble winning season with the Leinster Premier League, the Leinster Schools and Youth Cup and the Metro Plate now sitting in their trophy cabinet. Captain Conor Kelly has led the finest squad in Leinster youth rugby to victory, beating such lofty opposition as Wanderers, Barnhall, Malahide, Clontarf, Terenure, Lansdowne and Cill Dara. Indeed, they have recorded the results not just once but on several occasions during the action packed season. This team has been many years in the making and can boast team players from all over the northside of Dublin city and, indeed, from different cultural backgrounds. Its cosmopolitan complexion has given it a real cutting edge as boys from nontraditional rugby backgrounds have been attracted to the game. This was initiated by Anita and Andrew Kelly who introduced competitive rugby to St Vincent’s School in Glasnevin. Indeed, the current squad contains eight players who had attended that school. Head coach Micheal McDonagh has trained this team now for nine years and his dedication and enthusiasm for the game and this team has finally paid off. He is ably assisted by four coaches: Ciaran Lanigan, John Mahon, Liam Colgan and Andrew Kelly. To confirm the premier status of the players, the Under-15s possess no less than five of who have been selected to play for the Metro club side that will compete in the Shane Horgan cup next season. Indeed, more might have been chosen but, with the rugby school rule barring some and the need to include other teams in this process, their number has been limited. This team is one to watch for the future.
soccer: two sides from same club contest elite ndsl final
The Corduff Premier side with their NDSL Elite Cup Final trophy
Premiers win battle of Corduff
U-14 NDSL Elite Final Corduff Premier Corduff A derek mckenna
4 0
sport@dublingazette.com
N O M AT T E R w h a t happened at the Oscar Traynor Complex last Saturday, Corduff FC was coming away with the NDSL Under-14 Elite Cup after their two sides contested the final. In the end, after a competitive game, it was the Premier side that beat their A counterparts by a four goal winning margin. On a great day for the
Dublin 15 club, with two teams in an elite level final, the Premier side went into the game as hot favourites. They earned that tag by winning trophies galore over the past few years. Since 2013 they have claimed the NDSL’s Under-11 Premier, Under-12 Premier and Under-13 Premier league titles. This season they lead the table in the hunt for the Under14 Premier title. To date still, they are the only team ever in the NDSL and Dublin 15 that has reached an SFAI AllIreland final.
cycle 4 inspiration Dunboyne to host charity cycle for Pink Tie cause the cycle 4 Inspiration will start and finish in Dunboyne this Saturday, May 21 with the event looking to raise funds in aid of Social Services and Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. The 70km cycle starts at 10am with registration at 8.30am. The family cycle begins at 11am. Entry for adults is €20 with students €10. To register or donate to the cause, email inspirationcyclingclub@gmail.com. Refreshments and food provided.
Just a week previously, this great side had claimed the NDSL McKenna Cup with a victory over St Kevin’s Boys at the same venue and they continued with that winning run on Saturday. The Premier side didn’t have it all their own way and the opening exchanges were tight and tense with neither side offering up many chances. T he breakthrough came midway through the half when Rabby Tabu Minzamra played a great through ball that was latched onto by Lee
Rowe Richardson and he slammed it home. Before the break they doubled their advantage when Tony Kamara fired home from close range. Despite the two goal lead the game was still evenly poised. In the second half, Corduff Premier upped the gears and added two further goals to ensure t h e y cl a i m e d t h e i r second trophy in two weeks. First, a great team move saw the ball fed to Oasere Ogiehar who crossed per fectly to Rowe Richardson who calmly slotted home
with a side-foot volley. The victory was already assured when they added the fourth, this time through Killian Phillips who headed home late on. Corduff’s Premier side can now claim the treble if they can win two more league games from their remaining four, two of which will be against nearest challengers St Kevin’s Boys. If they can manage that feat it would be their fourth NDSL Premier title in a row. An outstanding achievement from an outstanding side.
19 May 2016 BLANCH gazette 31
Gazette
on the rise Castleknock minor side pushing forward in MHL5
Club Noticeboard st brigid’s
castleknock’s minor division 5 hurlers
produced a fine performance to see off Na Fianna 1-9 to 0-5 in their meeting last Sunday at Somerton Park. The result sees the Dublin 15 side move up to fourth place in the division but within range of the leaders, Wild Geese, who have played two games more than them. The league now goes on hiatus until late June.
BEST of luck to our U-16 footballers in
The St Brigid’s nursery runs every
the championship final in Parnell Park
Saturday in Russell Park from 9.30am
this Saturday, May 21. All support wel-
to 11am. We welcome all four- to sev-
come in Parnell Park.
en-year-olds in the Castleknock and
Congratulations to Eoin Kennedy
Blanchardstown area and new mem-
and Carl Browne who are through to
bers and families are always welcome.
the 60x30 handball final in two week’s
For further information and queries,
time. Best of luck to Eoin Kennedy who
contact David on 085 8340169.
plays Mayo’s Vinnie Moran in the semifinal of the singles this weekend.
Picture: Martin Doherty
football: young bucks fly the flag in fine style
The lotto jackpot carries over at €15,000 for this week’s lotto draw in
The St Brigid’s GAA mini leagues 2016
The Vineyard on Thursday, May 19.
will take place from Monday, June 13 to
Make sure to have your tickets in the
Saturday, June 18. Registration details
draw or you can purchase online via
to follow.
our website: www.stbrigidsgaa.com.
castleknock CONGRATULATIONS to our U-15 cam-
Sincere thanks to O’Toole’s for host-
last week against St Peregrine’s. Well
ing our 2005 boys in a very enjoyable
done also to our U-15A boys who had
fun tournament.
a great championship win over Round Tower.
Peregrine’s U-11s shine at Isles’ blitz
u-11 football blitz sport@dublingazette.com
ST PEREGRINE’S Under-11s enjoyed a superb morning’s football last weekend in Finglas as they took on the Erin’s Isle blitz, bringing two teams to take on the hosts and Naomh Fhionnbarra. In a mighty opening battle, Peregrine’s held out in the end against Erin’s Isle’s A team The A team subsequently played Finbarrs and Peregrine’s B met Erin’s Isle B in a pair of high octane fixtures before the final round saw Peregrine A had massive battle with Erin’s Isle
A and Peregrine B took on the Naomh Fhionbarra in a series of matches marked by great skill, determination and discipline. For Peregrine’s, the return of Adam McCormack in goals gave all his team mates a great boost, showing he is equally as good keeping goal as playing outfield. Daniel O Loughlin gave great effort and worked hard for possession and was unlucky not to chip in with his usual full forward poacher’s goal. Tarik Avdic ran and ran all day with some seriously tight man-marking, scoring a great point into
the bargain. Senan Mooney fired home a couple of goals to go with a similarly all action display while Reece Molloy showed a warrior’s spirit in his effort. Conor Miller and Karl Nulty were key men in defence with the latter stepping forward in the last game to drive his team on. Cian Branagan and Aaron Saunders were other players who gave it their all. Josh Moore weighed in with a vital goal when switched into the forward lines, a product of his contstant threat while Conor Harte, the oldest kid on
the team, was the leader with strength and skill in abundance. John Hanway had improved immensely through the season, similar to Louis O’Carroll whose point-taking was a feature of the side. Ryan Walsh took home a souvenir of a bruised eye in a great display of skill and determination. Sean Opara worked his socks off and gave an exhibition of tackling and blocking. Aaron Devaney, meanwhile, stepped up to help out the team and took the game to the opposition, burying a few goals as Peregrine’s enjoyed a fine day out.
Well done to all on Dublin representative duty over the week-end.
Great stuff from the senior 4 cam-
Best wishes to Rob Shaw and the Dub-
ogie girls who are top of the league. The
lin minors who take on Meath on Sat-
first ladies team had a great champi-
urday. Congrats to Ciaran Kilkenny on
onship win over Westmanstown. Two
his nomination for the first AA/GPA All
great wins from our minor hurlers
Stars Player of the Month for 2016.
over the weekend.
The St Peregrine’s Under-11s who produced a series of fine performances last weekend
onships success.
ogie team who clinched the league title
Siobhan Geraghty, who is the moth-
Hard luck to our adult footballers
er of Davidm a first year Minor with
in the C and D championships; both
Castleknock GAAm was the victim of a
teams played well but were unlucky
hit and run and is in a coma in Beau-
to lose. Well done to both Castleknock
mont Hospital.
Community College and Mount Sackville on their recent camogie champi-
Please keep Siobhan and David in your thoughts and prayers.
erin go bragh IT WAS another busy weekend for our
for coaches; contact Jason on 086
underage teams. Our U-7s played in a
3541146. Adult camogie training con-
blitz. Well done to our U-12 footballers
tinues every Monday and Wednesday.
and U-13 and 14 hurlers. Hard luck to the St Catherine’s U-16 hurlers.
Well done to our Gaelic for mothers who won their game against Skerries
Well done to our U-8, 9, 10 and 12 girls
Harps. Training continues on Tuesdays
at the weekend. Hard luck to our U-15
and Thursdays. Contact Ciara on 087
camogie team who lost to Crumlin in
9147154.
their league semi-final. Our U-10 girls are looking for new players. Call Ronan on 086 8066614. Our adult camogie team is looking
There was no winner of our weekly lotto. Numbers drawn were 12, 17, 23 and 27. Winners of €20: P Billings, J Mullen, P Collins, T O’Keeffe, A Lenihan.
naomh peregrine THE ladies senior football team are playing a stormer the past few weeks!
like Jagger or shake it like Shakira – WE WANT YOU!
On Wednesday, they secured six wins
It is an amazing experience and
from six by defeating Kilmacud away
unbelievably good fun so don’t be shy
in the championship. The Penguinettes
and sign up today. For further details
are on a mission this year.
please contact Keith Manley on 085 843
After the huge success of Strictly
8422.
Peregrine’s two years ago, we are
Big congratulations to our jackpot
delighted to announce we will be
winner Paul Harte. Great way to start
dancing the night away once again on
the summer months off. The winning
October 8 in Westmanstown Confer-
numbers: 6, 11, 17 and 25. Well done to
ence Centre.
our 10 winners of €40 drawn out. Next
It doesn’t matter if you can’t move
week’s jackpot will be €2,000.
GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 28-31
may 19 - 25, 2016
eyes are smiling: up the duff: Premier side prevail against their A emerald Cunningham the Enduro king counterparts in unique all-Corduff NDAL final P30 of the mountains P29
Noelle Healy at the launch of the new Dublin jersey. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Healy’s 2016 ambition
St Brigid’s star looking to lead Dublin to greater championship glory following series of near misses in recent season on All-Ireland stage
james hendicott
sport@dublingazette.com
NOELLE Healy says the Dublin ladies footballers clear target for 2016 is to go one further and lift an All-Ireland senior title against a longdominant Cork outfit in 2016. Speaking this week about the Jackies biggest rivals, the St Brigid’s club member said: “It’s been close the last few times. We’ve got to know each other very well over the years, the way each other play and what to expect. “It comes down to the bounce of a ball, or a call by one of the players, maybe a small mistake. There’s no magic stick, it’s just what happens on the day.” The captain of the Dublin team was speaking
at the launch of the new Dubs all-code jersey and said her side are benefitting from a more settled side this year, after high turnover at the end of the 2014 season. In 2015, they lost out to Cork once again as they fell at the semi-final stage of the recently completed league. Their route to a Leinster title is blocked by Laois and Wexford. “Last year a lot of the players decided they wanted to go travelling,” Healy explains. “They’d given a lot of Dublin, there were a few who’d played eight or ten straight seasons. “You can’t hold somebody back when they’ve given so much. The season was slow to get started and it took a while for people to find their feet. But there’s quality players to step up. “This year, there are a lot of similar players.
It helps. You get to build a bond, a trust with people.” As the new captain, Healy’s bond-forming is critical. “I kind of felt like last year we all had a role, the more experienced players, so it’s not a huge step up, and I’m lucky to have people like Sinead Goldrick and Lindsay Davey as my vices. “You can’t live in a totalitarian way, it’s definitely a democracy in Dublin. We’d encourage everyone to speak up.” On the club front, Healy’s St Brigid’s, who got a harsh draw in the first round of the championship, losing to Foxrock Cabinteely. Healy describes their opponents as “outstanding again this year, they were fantastic,” pointing to a number of Dublin regulars including Amy
Ring and Goldrick who star for arguably the city’s stand out ladies club. The club-focused breaks allows a refocus for the county championship, though, while the league defeat has given Dublin some time to build. With Laois next up in June, women’s football’s operating with perhaps its highest ever profile due to Lidl coming on-board with substantial sponsorship. “I didn’t love the ladyball idea,” Healy says of Lidl’s early ‘pink ball’ marketing approach. “I think there were better options for publicity than that kind of thing but the difference in profile is marked.” Under ever brighter lights, the Jackies will be aiming for another trip to Croker come season’s end.