Blanch

Gazette

Some golden moments at this year’s Bafta gaming awards

blanch

PLUS:

see page 24 March 19 - 25, 2015

FREE

castleknock • Blakestown • Hartstown • Tyrrelstown • Laurel Lodge • Corduff • Mulhuddart • Ongar

INSIDE: Sean Penn takes aim at a popular action genre with his new film, The Gunman See P25

Hurling:

Castleknock all set to break new ground Page 31 and 32

Soccer:

St Mochta’s continue their league assault Page 30

Find us on

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

marvellous malta: Sunny melting pot of cultures offers much to delight P18-19

Craic is mighty in first parade  Keith Bellew

Over 5,000 people turned out for the Dublin 15 parade where a healthy mix of green, white and orange was on view as the area held its first ever St Patrick’s Day festival.

Proceedings began at 2.30pm with over 50 community groups taking part including sports, cultural, and ethnic groups representing the different nationalities liv-

ing in the area. Crowds lined the streets along the entire route from The Bell pub to Blanch shopping centre.

Fingals’ deputy mayor Ted Leddy (FG) said organisers were surprised at how successful this first attempt was. About 5,000 people were there, he said. Amid the festivities there was food, Irish dancing and the world famous craic agus ceoil.

Sharing the excitement at the Blanchardstown parade is Stella with her dad

Full Story on Page 3

Yasmin Okic. Picture: Ronan O’Sullivan

2 BLANCH Gazette 19 March 2015

st patrick’s day A healthy mix of green, white and orange

Thousands party at first parade  Keith Bellew and ian begley

OVER 5,000 attended the Dublin 15 parade, where a healthy mix of green, white and orange was on view as the area held its first ever St Patrick’s Day festival.

Proceedings kicked off at 2.30pm with over 50 community groups taking part including sports, cultural, and ethnic groups representing the different nationalities living in the area.

The crowds lined the streets along the entire route from The Bell pub to Blanchardstown shopping centre.

Deputy Mayor of Fingal Ted Leddy (FG) said that since this was the area’s first ever parade they were surprised at how successful it was.

He said about 5,000 people were there. Amid the festivities there was food, Irish dancing and the world famous craic agus ceoil.

Meanwhile in the city centre a sea of green, white and orange poured through the streets for the annual St Patrick’s Day parade and festivities.

About half a million people lined the capital’s streets between Parnell Square and St Patrick’s Cathedral to witness the

nation’s largest celebration.

This year’s parade adopted the theme of Celebrate Now in recognition of Ireland’s contemporary arts and culture exploits.

Featuring bands and performers from around the world, this year’s procession was led by Grand Marshal comedian Brendan O’Carroll.

At noon on the dot, the Lord Mayor’s horsedrawn carriage led off the parade, trailing behind St Patrick himself. Loud cheers then followed as O’Carroll and his wife, Jennifer Gibney, rode past in a vintage car, waving and shouting classical

Mrs Brown lines that everyone knows so well.

The day was soon brought to life by leading pageant companies from around the world, displaying some fantastic creations and thrilling performances.

Amid the colourful pageantry, bands from the USA, Mexico, Germany and Ireland delivered uplifting scores and inspiring rhythms.

This spectacular procession then proceeded its way through the heart of Dublin city, bursting with colour and theatrics.

Throughout the duration of the parade the Gazette asked a number of foreign visitors how their day was going and what they thought of the city on this national day of celebration.

Prasanth Sukumar from India attended the parade with his wife and

Peter and Louise O’Neill with daughters Casey and Molly enjoying the parade

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

‘Everyone seems to have smiles on their faces and you get so much more out of the parade’

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

two young children.

Speaking to The Gazette he said this year’s festival was by far the most colourful.

“The floats and performances are really fantastic and there seems to be a lot of life from everyone taking part in this year’s parade.

“Out of all the St

Patrick’s Day parades I’ve seen this one is definitely the most colourful.”

A high school class from Florida who came to Dublin especially for the parade and its festivities said they were overwhelmed by the friendliness and hospitality they received during their stay.

Ramon Garcia from

Spain who went to the parade with his wife, daughter and twin sons said: “It was a really good idea to come out to the parade this morning.

“Everyone seems to have smiles on their faces and you get so much more out of the parade compared to watching it on the TV.”

Tir na nOg park to get lighting  Keith Bellew

Public lighting will be installed at Tir na nOg park, Diswellstown, in the coming months as part of the 2015 Programme of Works for Dublin 15, following a serious attack there.

The need for lighting within the park was highlighted by two serious incidents which occurred in October.

The first of these was an attack on a woman early on a Saturday morning as she walked through the park. No one was ever arrested or charged for this.

The second incident was reports of a naked man lurking around prefabs at Castleknock Community College adjacent to the park. This was

witnessed by a 10-yearold boy. Gardai investigated the incident but no arrests were made.

Calls for lighting to be installed followed these incidents, but funding was unavailable at the time.

However the council gave a commitment at the time to include the lighting in its 2015 Programme of Works.

That programme was announced recently and €50,000 has been allocated for the installation of lighting. As well as Tir na nOg Park, lighting will be installed at Dunsandle Grove, Castlecurragh Heath, and Luttrellstown Road/Somerton Road.

The lights at Castleknock Road (Auburn Avenue – Park gates) will also be upgraded as part of the

programme.

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) had been calling for lighting to be installed at Tir na nOg Park for some time. He welcomed its inclusion in the programme saying: “I’m very pleased that the council have allocated a budget in their 2015 Programme for Works to install lighting in Tir na nOg park.

“There was a serious assault in the park last October, and since then the council has undertaken significant work to cut back overgrown

shrubbery and improve visibility throughout.

“However, lighting is badly needed along the footpath between the Diswellstown Road and the Carpenter/Castleknock Community College entrances.

“I welcome the fact that the council management reacted so quickly to the representations of myself and other councillors on this issue.

“I look forward to seeing the lighting being installed over the next few months.”

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

19 March 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3

short film Funds raised going to Temple Street Children’s Hospital slimming Losing means winning

Communities come together for premiere  Keith Bellew

The official premiere of a short film shot in Dublin 15 and starring many residents was held at the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown recently with all funds raised going to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Not A Freak was written by Tyrrelstown resident Kenny Eguakhide and tells the story of a young boy with a learning difficulty who is constrained in his performance of some simple tasks, but can solve

advanced mental maths in milliseconds.

Around 90% of the cast are Dublin 15 residents and most scenes were shot on location in Ty rrelstow n; at St Luke’s National School, Jack O’Neil’s Pub, Methodist Church Tyrrelstown, and the Carlton Hotel.

Eguakhide said: “As the writer/producer of the short film, the premiere was hugely successful and significant.”

The cast consists largely of residents of Dublin 15 who were acting main-

ly for the first time.

“A large proportion of the casts are kids; a high number from St Luke’s National School Tyrrelstown and St Ciaran’s National School, Hartstown.

“The premiere gave us a unique opportunity to celebrate the success of our collaborative efforts. The Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray was on hand to present certificates of appreciation to the entire cast of the film. It was particularly rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of

Day 1 of shooting the film in Dublin 15

the cast especially on the faces of the school kids.”

He said that although most of those who attended the premiere were cast members and their families, the attendance was impressive with a turnout of approximately 100 people on the night.

They also used the night to raise funds for Temple Street Children’s

Hospital. About €150 was raised on the night.

He went on to say that given the diversity of the nationalities of the cast, the premiere provided a very good forum for members of the different communities living in Dublin 15 to mingle and understand a bit more of each other’s culture.

T he premiere was

organised in collaboration with Migrant Disability Network Ireland.

This network provides support for migrant families with children with a disability.

For more information on Migrant Disability Network see: www. facebook.com/pages/ Migrant-Disability-Network-Ireland.

Two Dublin 15 locals were honoured recently as the Greatest Losers of 2015 for their impressive achievements in weight loss. Tom Fitzgerald and Bridget Egan were commended at an awards ceremony at the Roselawn Inn for losing 3st 1lb and 3st 7lb respectively.

Fitzgerald had an operation last year and when recovering he decided that he wanted to do something about his spiralling weight. Egan decided enough was enough last year when she couldn’t walk the short distance from her home to the town centre.

Both then joined Slimming World Roselawn, and after a year of hard work, have made great progress on their goals.

4 BLANCH Gazette 19 March 2015

fingal Social inclusion programme

Blanch partnership wins contract Blanchardstown Area Partnership has been awarded the contract to deliver the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in Fingal.

Speaking on behalf of the board, chairman Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG)

said: “Blanchardstown Area Partnership has a long history of delivering services in the Dublin area. Our company has responded positively to a number of significant challenges in recent years, including the expansion of our catchment area,

and the merger with three local community development projects.

“Our experience will enable us to provide much-needed local services through the SICAP programme, and to expand our delivery of services across Fingal.”

SICAP replaces the local community development programme.

The aim of the programme is to reduce poverty and improve social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration.

Yes – they can: Enjoying celebrations for International Women’s Day

pictured with DJ KK Koketso (right) at the International Women’s Day celebrations held in Mulhuddart Community Centre, were Adaku Ezeudo, I-Smile; Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray (FF) and chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid. Organised

by I-Smile and in association with Fingal County Council Community Office the event entitled Yes She Can, was to encourage women of both Irish and other cultures to participate in events and get involved more in their community. Picture: Orla Murray/ Ark Photography

works: €530,000 available for local facilities

Funding boost for park improvements  Keith Bellew

An allocation of € 53 0 , 0 0 0 h a s b e e n assigned for a variety of works in parks in Dublin 15 as part of the 2015 Programme of Works. €50,000 has been allocated to Millennium Park to include restoration of the walled garden and repair of stone work installation of new signage and kerbing to entrances, the continued improvement of the woodland walks and the reinforcement of the events area to facilitate events like the annual funfair.

Tolka Valley Park has been assigned €30,000

to include the renewal of the boardwalks and repairs to the entrances. €50,000 will be spent at Hartstown Park to continue the installation of exercise equipment, provide seating and signage and to improve the entrances. €250,000 has been allocated to Tyrrelstown Park for the installation of signage and construction of a playground and teenage area along with two soccer pitches, two GAA pitches and one cricket pitch.

According to a council official, the teenage area will include a basketball court, a five-a-side football pitch and skate-

boarding facilities.

At Ladyswell Park €30,000 will be spent on improvements to include a new entrance and carpark at Church Road along with further planting and signage. €50,000 has been assigned to St Catherine’s Park to further develop woodland walks, improve signage, carry out boundary treatment and extend the playground.

Welcoming the funds allocated, Cllr Mar y McCamley (Lab) said: “I would just like to congratulate the council on the upkeep of the parks because we have quite a lot of land to look after.

“I live beside Tolka Valley Park and I did ask about the boardwalks in the valley because they are very difficult to walk on so I am delighted to see that that is being done.

“I know a lot of residents around Hartstown, especially older people, were asking for seating in that park so I am really thrilled to see that.”

Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) said: “It is welcome to see all of the work that’s going on in the community, particularly in the parks, particularly in Tyrrelstown.

“They have been waiting a long time for facilities there.”

19 March 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5

ongar Parents act over changes to Colaiste Pobail Setanta admissions policy

Board has confidence in supply of school places  Keith Bellew

The Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education Training Board (DDLETB) is confident there will be sufficient secondlevel school places available for students in the Ongar area in the coming years.

This statement was made in response to warnings from a parents’ group following a shortage of places at Colaiste Pobail Setanta. The Admissions Policy Advisory Commit-

tee (APAC) was formed when parents seeking to gain admission to Colaiste Pobail Setanta, learned of changes to the school’s admissions policy.

The school had decided to admit fewer students for the school year commencing September of 2015 and that places would be decided by lottery.

Over a period of months the committee met elected officials, school boards, local feeder school principals, and the DDLETB. In the end, it

returned to the previous intake levels, allowing feeder school applicants and a few more students to gain entry to Colaiste Pobail Setanta’s incoming class.

However the APAC believes the problems faced this year will likely resurface again unless action is taken now.

A spokesperson from DDLETB, a patron of the school, responded saying: “Enrolment [at Colaiste Pobail Setanta] was oversubscribed

James Heffernan, Joshua Calamai and Adam Fitzpatrick with their doodles

perfect days: students make finals

Google doodles get oodles of praise

 Keith Bellew

Four primary school students from two schools in Dublin 15 have made it to the finals of the Doodle 4 Google competition.

These students are among 75 finalists nationwide who have been chosen out of 5,000 entries to go forward to a public vote with the chance to win a €10,000 technology grant for their school, along with a €5,000 college scholarship grant and a chromebook.

From St Mochta’s National School, James Heffernan in junior infants is competing in

Group 1, Adam Fitzpatrick in second class and Joshua Calamai in third class are competing in Group 2. Their doodles can be viewed at Doodle 4 Google Teacher Ailis Brennan from St Mochta’s said: “It is quite unusual that a school would have as many as three finalists in this competition. We are extremely proud of our talented students and we would love to see them go further in the competition.

Our school is large with over 900 students who would all greatly benefit from a €10,000 grant.”

Meanwhile sixth class

student Jonas Gumbelevicius from Scoil Choilm CNS has also been selected as a finalist.

This year the theme was My Perfect Day and he chose the birth of his baby sister as his perfect day.

For his caption he wrote: “My perfect day was when my baby sister was born. She was born a few days before my birthday and she was the best gift I ever received. Our age difference is quite big but even though she is very small we’ll be best friends forever.” http://www.google. ie/doodle4google/vote. html#d=d3-7

with applicants and it is for this reason that any final remaining places were proposed to be offered on the basis of a ‘draw’ from eligible applications received.

“It’s clearly stated in the school’s enrolment policy that it reserves its position to allocate places ‘by lot’ should places be oversubscribed and after all other admissions criteria have been observed.

“Along with other schools in the area, Colaiste Pobail Setan-

ta is catering for a rapidly growing community. [It] is reaching its stated annual capacity and must have regard for this in the enrolment of new students to the school.

“As the school is catering for a constantly growing community within its catchment area, the board of management reviews its enrolment policy each year.

“The board conducts any such reviews responsibly and with all necessary regard and

care for the role of the school within the community and also with regard to overall education provision in the area.

“Given the establishment of a further new 1,000 pupil capacity post-primary school at Hansfield, the ETB is confident that there will be sufficient second-level school places available for students in the current framework of education planning for the area.”

6 BLANCH Gazette 19 March 2015

FastNews

fingal Ambulance service proposal opposed

Dublin Zoo has new snake

enterprise: national finals

Pupils excel in business awards

Legend suggests that St Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland, but to coincide with the festival, Dublin Zoo recently welcomed the arrival of a striking green tree python to its reptile house.

The green tree python which is native to the rainforests of New Guinea and northern Australia is a small, slender species of python which prefers to coil over a tree branch rather than live on the ground.

Eddie O’Brien, team leader at Dublin Zoo said: “This python, which came from Emmen Zoo in the Netherlands, is settling in very well and we are very excited for visitors to get the opportunity to see him.”

For more information on Dublin Zoo visit www.dublinzoo.ie.

There is concern over the future of the ambulance service provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade

Councillors vote in support of service  Keith Bellew

Fingal councillors have shown their support for Dublin Fire Brigade’s ambulance service by voting in favour of a motion opposing any proposals that could see it removed from the capital’s brigade.

A review into the ambulance service is currently being prepared through the National Ambulance Service Capacity Review, which has caused concern over the future of the ambulance service provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade.

The HSE has said until

the National Ambulance Service Capacity Review is completed it would be “inappropriate to comment” on any aspects of the review.

This statement was made in response to the motion which was passed unanimously at a recent Fingal County Council meeting.

The motion was put forward by Fianna Fail councillors and received the support of all parties in the chamber.

Cllr David McGuinness (FF) said: “Historically the fire service provided the ambulance service alongside its own services and they are rooted in every part of Dublin.

We’re just saying this is the wrong decision, we’re proud of the service that the fire service have given us with their ambulances and we want the people of Dublin to receive the best possible ambulance service.”

Health Minister Leo Varadkar said HIQA, which is carrying out the review, had concerns that the two Dublin ambulance services were not integrated, and calls that

were passed between the HSE and Fire Brigade were sometimes missed.

He said: “There is room for improvement and Dubliners deserve the best from their ambulance service.”

A HSE spokesperson said: “The National Ambulance Ser vice Capacity Review was established to independently determine the resource requirements, and optimal deployment of resources, to meet the needs of a modern ambulance service and to assist in the delivery of the target response times. “[The review] will explore the resource requirements required to improve response times across the country as a whole. It will determine what resources are required and how they can be used in the most efficient manner.

“The capacity review will determine the optimal system for the Irish setting and it is expected that this report will be completed in due course.

It would be inappropriate to comment in advance of the report’s publication.”

Young student entrepreneurs from Sutton Park School (senior category), Skerries Community College (intermediate category), and Santa Sabina Dominican College in Sutton (junior category) were announced as winners at the Fingal Student Enterprise Awards.

The three schools now have the opportunity to bring titles home in their respective categories from the national final which takes place at Croke Park on April 22.

Paul Reid, chief executive of Fingal County Council, presented the Enter prising School Spirit award for primary schools, which went to StTeresa’s Balbriggan, and Oisin Geoghegan, of Fingal Local Enterprise Office, presented the Best Display Award to Castaheany Educate Together.

The Enterprising School Spirit award for secondary schools went to Blakestown Community School and Luttrellstown Community College won the Dublin Dun Laoghaire Educational Training Board award for enterprise and the Innovation.

Oisin Geoghegan praised the work of participating schools saying: “By fostering an enterprising culture in the classrooms of today, the Fingal Local Enterprise Office, in partnership with teachers and schools, are helping to support and encourage the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

Further information on the national finals is available at www. localenterprise.ie/Fingal and www.studententerprise.ie.

19 March 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7

8 BLANCH Gazette 19 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Ciara McCarthy, Roisin Lynch and Aisling Higgins

Claire Devaney, Mary McNally, Dee Picard and Enda Troy

John McGoldrick, Aengus McElligott and Sam French-Mullen.

Jerry Quinlan and Jenny Boyle

Orlan Nolan, proprietor of Reba Reborn Hair and Beauty Salon, Ongar, with Aisling modelling her new hair extensions

Xpose presenter Aisling O’Loughlin trying out hair extensions

launch night: Reba reborn Hair and Beauty Salon

L

OCAL hair and beauty salon Reba Reborn hald a relaunch night recently to show off its new look and new name which marks the business’s success over the last decade.

The salon now offers an even bigger and better hair and beauty experience.

TV3 Xpose presenter Aisling O’Loughlin was guest of honour for the launch.

A customer having hair extensions put in

19 March 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9

Keith Houston, Fionn Walsh and Bryan Carroll

Susan Mason, Ada O’Connor and Kimberly Harris

SUPPORT: ON THE ROAD TO POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH

Rugby club steps up to host walkers T

Pictures: Simon Jeacle

HE Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation, set up by his parents after his death, promotes support to teenagers and encourages positive action and mental health. Donal was a Munster supporter and the foundation organised a walk from Thomond Park to the Aviva Stadium on the eve of the recent Ireland

vs England clash. Coolmine Rugby hosted more than 100 walkers at the club in Ashbrook on the last leg of the journey, treating them to lots of entertainment, including a ceili. A cheque for €700 and a specially commissioned painting of Donal by caricature artist Niall O’Loughlin were presented to his parents.

10 gazette 19 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Paul Fitzsimons, Henry Anderson, Robbie Smith, Marieclaire Sabogal, Denis O’Brien, Martin Mulholland and Gerald Robbie and Helen Smyth

McCavanagh. Pictures: David O’Shea

key to success: Clefs d’or serves up honours

Five-star gala for top concierges

T Valerie Bagnall, Rachel Meehan, John Goldrick and Jacqueline Goldrick

here was no sign of the Grand Budapest Hotel’s Gustave H at a recent gala dinner to pay homage to the work of the top tier of hotel concierges in the Clontarf Castle Hotel. But then the annual Les Clefs d’Or was an exclusive affair and confined to the Irish

hotel sector. Among those honoured on the night was Clontarf’s own Vijay Shetye, who was nominated for an award. Overall the night was a huge success with more than 100 guests in attendance and celebrations running into the early hours.

Paul and Laura Kavanagh Jason Ormston saying well done to employee Vijay Shetye for his work on the event

23390

Paul Fitzsimons, Antony Lynch and Jim Clayton

Tom and Teresa Doyle

Declan and Keiva Mc Farlane

19 March 2015 Gazette 11

escape the mayhem p13

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

asdfsdaf P27 interview P14



Gazette

diary p12

a day in the life: ireland’s number 1 Badminton player, Scott Evans

what’son

Courting a place at the top

a celebration of dublin’s music

 keith bellew

Dubliner and twotime Olympian Scott Ev a n s i s I r e l a n d ’s number 1 ranking Badminton player and following his recent performance at the AllEngland Open Championships has climbed to number 24 in the world.

This week, the Gazette caught up with Evans to find out what an average Day in the Life of a professional badminton player consists of.

He likes to get up at 7am and take his dog for a quick walk before he has his breakfast which usually consists of porridge, muesli and bananas. No greasy fryups for him as he needs to keep fit for competitions which he competes in very regularly.

Originally from Ballinteer, Evans now lives in Denmark where he trains.

He said: “My club is only about 10 minutes away. I normally train at 9am or 9.30 so I always

have to leave a little bit before because I have a programme I do to warm up which takes a bit of time.

“From 9 to 11 everything I do would be badminton based. That can be everything from exercises which are physically tough to technical exercises which are a little bit easier where you focus on the technical side of your game.

“That’s always normally two or two and a half hours.

“I probably get home around 12 or 12.30 and then I have lunch and relax for a while. I like going to cafes and having a coffee and meeting friends and stuff like that.”

He said that during the week he usually doesn’t get up to much because he has further training sessions later in the day.

“On the days that he has evenings free he goes to concerts or football matches to watch FC Copenhagen.

“Monday, Wednesday

and Friday I go to the gym in the afternoon at about 3pm to do a physical session, that’s like biking or running or weights.

“On these days I usually have dinner at about 7pm and go to bed a lot earlier because I have the whole evening to relax. “ O n Tu e s d ay a n d Thursday evenings I have another badminton session, so I won’t do anything during the day, I’ll just relax all day.

“There’s not much time to do anything during the day because otherwise you are not really rested for your next session. I usually eat about 5pm and then eat again at 9.30 when I finish training. I don’t normally get home until 10pm or 10.30 and then I’ve got to go out with the dog, so generally 11pm would be a normal time for me to go to bed.”

In the coming weeks Evans will travel to Asia to compete in competitions in Malaysia and Singapore.

Scott Evans: “There’s not much time to do anything during the day because you are not really rested for your next session.”

THERE’S a new music festival coming to town, and it’s set to take place in Dublin next month with more than 50 musical events taking centre stage.

The inaugural MusicTown Festival will run from April 10-19, with musical events for all ages and tastes – all inspired by the capital’s musical heritage and vibrant music scene.

Being organised by Dublin City Council, there will be live and contemporary opera performances from Wide Open Opera on the streets, while buskers will be celebrated in a Busker of the Year competition being organised by DublinTown.ie. The festival aims to develop a greater appreciation of Dublin’s music.

The Deputy Lord Mayor, Larry O’Toole, said: “The festival is about discovery, exploration and education.

Whatever your taste, we want to encourage people to experience new genres of music and to journey deeper into their preferred music of choice.”

Some events are free, while others have a nominal charge.

For further information, see www.musictown.ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 19 March 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

Novelist and TV personality Amanda Brunker was on hand at Il Posto restaurant on Stephen’s Green to launch the first ever PAWS for a Cuppa campaign, a week of tea in aid of PAWS Animal Rescue this April. PAWS founder Gina Hetherington (left) is encouraging people to register online to host a tea party. Picture: Susan Kennedy / Paul Sherwood Photography

Time to paws for a cuppa Novelist and TV personality Amanda Brunker was on hand recently to launch the first ever PAWS for a Cuppa campaign at Il Posto restaurant in Stephen’s Green.

PAWS for a Cuppa is a week of tea parties being held in aid of PAWS Animal Rescue running from April 13 to 19.

PAWS founder Gina Hetherington is urging people to register online to host a tea party and those who do so will receive an organiser’s pack containing everything needed for it.

She said: “At the moment, we have over 100 dogs in our care and as you can imagine that’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed!

“Hosting a PAWS for a Cuppa tea party gives you the opportunity to

spend some quality time together with family and friends, but the money you raise will help us in our never-ending struggle to find forever homes for wonderful dogs.”

To register online visit: www.paws.ie/paws-fora-cuppa/

bring your dream dress to reality What girl hasn’t, at some point in their childhood lives, drawn their dream Cinderella dress and wished they could see it become a reality?

Well Disney is giving Cinderella fans the chance to do just that.

To mark the release of the new film based on the classic fairytale, Disney is inviting fans to submit a creative design for their ultimate Cinderella dress and one lucky winner will

see their design brought to life when it is made to wear and keep forever.

Fans can also vote for their favourite dresses, with the top 10 being judged by a panel who will choose the dress they feel should be brought to life.

The winner will have their dress presented to them at an enchanting afternoon tea at London’s beautiful Langham Hotel.

View designs, vote and submit your dream dress at: www.disneycinderella.co.uk

volunteers sought for fundraiser Special Oly mpics Ireland’s national Collection Day fundraiser is coming up on April 24 and organisers are now looking for volunteers to

lend a hand.

This is the biggest fundraising event in aid of Special Olympics Ireland, as they aim to raise over €500,000 for athletes with an intellectual disability.

Special Olympics Ireland launched its Volunteer Recruitment Drive and needs over 3,000 volunteers for the fundraising day.

All the money raised on April 24 will be used to ensure that Special Olympics Ireland can continue to realise its mission of offering people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in sport in their area.

Special OIympics Ireland is looking for volunteers for the entire day, so whether you can commit to the full day or even just an hour, organisers

would be pleased to hear from you.

Volunteer by contacting Emma Horgan on 085 803 1112 or by emailing eastern. region@specialolympics.ie.”

National Yokes Day shortlived During the recent temporary legalisation of a number of class-A drugs including ecstasy, magic mushrooms, “head shop” drugs and methamphetamine, a strange individual appeared outside Leinster House wearing a sign which read “I have yokes”.

For those not familiar with the parlance of the drug trade, yokes is a slang term for ecstasy.

A Government regulation declaring these drugs illegal was found to be unconstitutional by

a ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The ruling provided a two-day window where it was legal to possess these drugs, though sale or supply remained illegal.

The ruling prompted Twitter users to dub March 10 as National Yokes Day. The madness didn’t last long however as an emergency Dail sitting recriminalised possession of the drugs on Thursday, March 12.

SAying farewell to a legend Celebrities of all sorts took to Twitter last week to pay their last respects to Tony Fenton, a legend of the Irish airwaves, who died on March 11 at the age of 53.

F r o m Ho l l y wo o d A-lister Chris O’Dowd to radio presenter Matt

Cooper, the stars came out to honour the memory of Fenton, who had been such a strong presence in their lives through his radio shows on RTE’s 2FM and more recently on Today FM. Chris O’Dowd tweeted: “Thanks for the chuuuunes Tony”, while The Script tweeted: “Just heard the sad news about Tony Fenton :( We grew up to him on our Airwaves. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family X” and Pat Kenny, who echoed Dave Fanning’s tribute to Fenton: “He was a pilot of the airwaves.”

Others who took to Twitter to say farewell to Fenton, were Amy Huberman, Kodaline, Jason Byrne and Ronan Keating, all of whom remembered the well-loved DJ with great fondness.

19 March 2015 Gazette 13

escape the mayhem: celebrity stylist zandra Rhodes

Gazette

FEATURE

Cooking up a recipe to stay stress free  Laura Webb

Travelling between continents for work and pleasure, it’s little wonder that celebrity stylist and designer Zandra Rhodes needs to remember to take a break and cooking is one of her “escapes”.

Recently in town to promote her capsule collection for Colebrooke by Windsmoor at Arnotts, Rhodes took some time out of her busy schedule to sit down and tell The Gazette about what she does to take her mind off the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“Cooking and gardening. In London, I look outside my terrace, and I

have a terrace and towering above it is the Shard and there is ivy on the walls and my camellias are sitting there in the rain, I have white camellias and pink ones – they are just lovely. I also have a cactus in my house that was in the wrong light.

So I got that moved and now have an orange tree in its place. I just love to sit around and watch them,” she said.

When it comes to cooking her favourite dish is simple yet tasty.

“I just love making soups, dead easy soups at that. I can make a pea soup where you use frozen peas. You put the onion in, lightly fry it, add

the frozen peas, water, a Knorr vegetable or chicken cube and I always add a teaspoon of fennel seeds, with a tiny bit of sugar, blend it – delicious.”

And what is the point in making such lovely dishes without enjoying them with friends?

Rhodes likes to entertain - and often.

“If I am in London, I would do a dinner party for about 15 people.

“The other day I had friends over and we had hot pea soup, salmon and salad and then homemade bread and butter pudding. It was great.”

If she’s not cooking or in the garden, Rhodes

likes to draw, something she doesn’t get enough time to do.

“I like cooking and I like drawing, I never get enough time to do it.

“In my spare time I am doing a book with my sister, like the flower fairy books.

“They were done in the 30s, I think, and I was given one when I was little and it helped me know all the flowers. I am in California a lot so I am doing one on the flower fairies of California.

“They are little baby flowers, tiny little flowers.

I am really enjoying it.”

Rhodes latest collection is available in Arnotts now.

Zandra Rhodes: ““I just love making soups, dead easy soups at that.”

14 Gazette 19 March 2015

politics ‘I gave a commitment to a full term in Europe’

Hayes steadfast to election vow

 laura webb

BRIAN Hayes, Minister for State at the Department of Finance, is happy with his current position and will remain in the European Parliament despite a General Election coming up next year.

“I will not be standing in the next Dail election.

No one believes me but I am not.

“I gave a commitment to a full term in the European Parliament,” he tells The Gazette.

The political system at home can, according to Hayes, be very “Punch and Judy-ish”, which is

not what he experiences in Europe.

“If you go and shout and roar and scream your head off in the European Parliament looking for a headline, they are just not bothered by it. It is a bit more serious than that.”

He says his former post as Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works has helped him in Europe.

“I spent three-and-half years when in government, every second week in Brussels because of the negotiation we had with the troika, and I learned a lot from that.

“So going into the European Parliament, I had some background and experience in that, so that helps me understand what the bottom line issues are for Ireland,” he says.

The key task for Hayes in Europe is to represent the city and county of Dublin and the people who elected him. A key issue for him is social housing.

In recent months he has had meetings with the European Investment Bank to get funding for social housing initiatives.

“The Department of the Environment has to

plan out additional housing across the country and I am trying to argue that they should draw down European Investment Bank funding for that…

Up to now, EIB funding has been for things like Grangegorman and Luas.

This EIB funding is hugely important for Dublin right now, and the comeback of Dublin in economic terms.”

One regular complaint involves the steep prices for car rental abroad.

Hayes has heard this from a number of Dubliners and he is working to “get a better package” for people. He says the European Commission is bringing in a new voluntary code in May that will “make sure consumers in Dublin know exactly what they are entitled to” when it comes to such packages.

Hayes says he enjoys the “freedom” of the European Parliament. “There is a view that whatever your party says you will back it.

I believe I am fundamentally first and foremost, a Dublin MEP. Secondly I am a Fine Gael MEP so I see myself in the first instance trying to get the best outcome [for the people I represent].”

On water charges in Europe, he says a meter system is the most common way of charging.

Such charges, he says, are a reality throughout the EU but it is not up to Europe to tell us what to do here, it’s a national thing. Supply is a crucial issue in Dublin. Huge amounts of water are wasted, he says, and we need to invest in a public utility. He accepts that it is difficult for people to pay.

For Hayes, being an MEP means he has to work with the Government no matter who holds the reins. “The issues don’t change and the solutions, by and large, don’t change either. It is hugely important that you work with Government on the key issues, no matter who it is.”

Brian Hayes: “If you go and .. scream your head off looking for a headline, the European Parliament is just not bothered by it. It’s a bit more serious than that.”

12 March 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 19 March 2015

dublinlife

business

Dun Laoghaire company wins big at Dockland’s Innovation Awards A young company based in IADT’s Media Cube in Dun Laoghgaire has won the Best Investment Proposal 2015 award and a prize of €10,000 at the Docklands Innovation Awards last week.

CheckVentor y is a cloud-based auditing service for the banking industry to check that inventory at such companies as car dealerships tallies with loans acquired for them.

CheckVentory was a winner at the Docklands Innovation Awards, which is sponsored by PwC (audit, tax and advisory services), Docklands Innovation and DIT Hothouse. Adrian Walsh, the chief executive of CheckVentor y, made

his winning pitch at the PwC offices on March 11, 2015, competing against Artomatrix, an early-stage company that develops art tools, for the video game and animation industries and FenestraPro, which provide a software tool for designing building facades.

Adrian Walsh said it was “a real honour to win the Best Investment Proposal”.

“I would like thank my incredible team for their hard work over the last 12 months and Enterprise Ireland, DIT Hothouse and Media Cube, IADT for the support I received. I would recommend the New Frontiers programme to anyone thinking of starting their own business.”

Walsh, originally from Malahide but now living in Foxrock, told The Gazette he moved to the southside after marrying his wife Niamh, a director of CheckVentory. He said: “I crossed the Liffey for love.”

The company is currently working with 11 customers in Ireland and plans to expand to Britain by the end of 2015.

It is a graduate company from the 2014 Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme for entrepreneurs.

The company has also been supported by the Local Enterprise Board, Dun Laoghaire and has secured an investment of €50,000 from Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund.

Kevin Sheehan, Deloitte, with Oonagh O’Hagan of Meaghers Pharmacy at the awards. Picture: Jason Clarke Photography

management: high standards of excellence awarded

Companies honoured for top performance Eleven Dublin companies were among 110 companies from across Ireland honoured at the recent Deloitte Best Managed Awards.

Now in its seventh year the awards were attended by over 800 members of the Irish business community. Winning companies from Dublin included Extraspace Solutions Ltd, IT Force Ltd, Meaghers Pharmacy, Openmind Networks, IIS Ltd, System Dynamics and Eason and Son Ltd. Easons and Openmind, both of which are first time recipients of the award, were singled out for special recognition in the areas of commitment and excellence in strat-

egy respectively. Both of these areas are cornerstones of the Best Managed Companies Awards criteria.

Eighteen companies were also presented with the gold standard accolade having all secured Best Managed status for the fourth consecutive year. An additional 64 companies re-qualified as a Best Managed Company, having upheld the standard of a Deloitte Best Managed Company, following a comprehensive review process.

These companies have a combined turnover of almost €10bn and the largest proportion, 21%, are drawn from the technology, media and tel-

ecommunication industries. This group is made up of companies from all around Ireland, in industries including construction, manufacturing, ICT, hospitality and catering, among others. Former chief executive of Enterprise Ireland Frank Ryan chaired the independent judging panel that took a holistic approach to measuring the complete company performance that went beyond a focus on financials.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton congratulated the winning companies saying: “At the heart of our jobs plan is creating a powerful engine of Irish enterprise alongside the multinational sector. Over

the past three years we have seen major progress in this area, with well over 15,000 extra people at work in these companies over that time.

“The quality of management in Irish companies is an area which we have specifically targeted, as it makes a major difference to the performance of our indigenous businesses.

“This programme shows what is possible in Irish businesses with improved management and I congratulate all involved on their excellent achievement,” he said.

For a full list of winners, see www.deloitte bestmanaged.ie.

Bank survey shows lending rates are increasing Bank lending rates to SMEs increased in the first quarter of 2015 according to the latest ISME, Quarterly Bank Watch Survey.

This is the fourth successive quarter of improvement in the success rates of SMEs which apply for bank loans. The survey also showed that demand for credit

has remained high at 43%; which ISME says is proof that SMEs are attempting to expand and develop their businesses as the economy shows signs of recovery.

ISME chief executive Mark Fielding said: “Bank credit was largely unavailable to SMEs during the recession. This made a difficult business environment even

more perilous for small businesses. It seems improvements in the economy have inspired the banks to reopen their purses and move towards healthier lending policies. SMEs are currently exploring ways to improve and expand their businesses and greater access to credit will certainly help this process.”

19 March 2015 Gazette 17

style P20

asdfsdaf P27 arts P22

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



Gazette

travel P18

Pets

who is super sweet and brainy? Bailey!

Cinderella director Kenneth Branagh will be a special guest for the showing of his movie on Saturday

jameson film festival: Russell Crowe and Julie Andrews to attend event

Celebrating diverse cinema

 Keith Bellew

The 13th Jameson Dublin International Film Festival will take place from March 19 to 29, offering attendees the chance to visit over 38 countries including Korea, Denmark, the US, Brazil, and Russia from the comfort of their cinema seat.

Events will be held throughout Dublin in places like: Smithfield Square, the Pavilion Theatre, Riverbank Arts Centre, Movies@Dundrum, and the Board Gais Energy Theatre, showcasing both homegrown and international talent. With a galaxy of stars in attendance including Russell Crowe and Julie Andrews, it promises to be a fantastic few weeks.

This week the Gazette caught up with festival director Grainne Humphreys who filled us in on what’s new

about this year’s festival and what the main highlights are.

For her, what’s great about the festival is that every year the organisers try to make things different. She said: “One of the things that I’m really delighted about is that our South American strand is significantly bigger this year.

“That in a way kind of inspired the theme of the festival which is the idea you can travel to nearly 40 countries around the world without actually leaving Dublin.”

She went on to say that cinema is a very comfortable way to see new countries and experience new cultures.

“This year we’ve tried to find ways of giving people maps and pathways.

That’s the thing that’s interesting this year, that idea of celebrating

the diversity of it rather than putting things into various strands and focuses.”

Of the main highlights of this year’s festival she said: “The South American strand is fantastic, there are some beautiful films, August Winds for instance. We have Portuguese film maker Pedro Costa, who’s fantastic.

He’s going to be in with a film called Horse Money. Kim Cattrall is coming with her new series Sensitive Skin.

“We also have a wonderful programme of French films [like] Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart – which is a really, really smart thriller. I think it will be one of the films everyone is going to be talking about in a couple of months.

“We have a really strong documentary strand, there is a doc called Last Man on the Moon about an a astro-

naut called Eugene Cernan who was the last man on the moon and it’s one of those huge, big epic 2001 [A Space Odyssey] like stories.”

Hollywood heavyweight Russell Crowe will once again grace the festival, this year with his directorial debut The Water Diviner.

Speaking about some of the other stars who will attend the festival she said: “Kenneth Branagh is coming for Cinderella. He is going to be talking about his films both in front of and behind the camera.

“We’ve got Danny Huston, we’ve got Alan Rickman, and we also have Julie Andrews who is going to be here for the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music.”

For more information on the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival visit: www.jdiff.com

the Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week this week is handsome crossbreed Bailey, who is just over a year old.

He is a super sweet dog, who has been working really hard with his carers to build up his confidence.

He is a super brainy young man and playing fetch with his tennis ball is just one of his favourite things to do!

With the right family, we just know that Bailey will be a happy, loyal and lovable dog.

For more information on beautiful Bailey and his Dogs Trust pals, please call Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 or pop into the centre. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

malta: a definite place for your bucket list

Sea, sun and culture, the Maltese Islands are like nowhere else

 Ian Begley

When I first revealed my plans of escaping to Malta for a three-day break the main response I received from people was “that’s an Island near Spain, right?” and “Isn’t Malta a very quiet holiday destination?”

To be perfectly honest I couldn’t give them a straightforward answer, but to be even more honest I was just thrilled about getting away from the bitterly cold climate of Ireland.

A quick Google search revealed that Malta lies 93km from the south of Sicily and its archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino

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

‘The Ggantija Temples, which are the oldest freestanding structures in the world, are potentially Gozo’s single most marketable landmark, dating back to 3,500BC’

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

with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants. I was also delighted to learn that most of the locals speak English, use the euro and drive on the left-hand side of the road – sold!

I slept like a baby during the three-and-a-halfhour flight and when we landed my party hopped onto a coach which took us directly to the elegant

five-star Corinthia Hotel, which was a majestic spectacle overlooking the entrance to St George’s Bay in the seaside town of St Julian’s.

T he hotel offered breathtaking views of the bustling town of St Julian’s and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. I must have spent over 20 minutes the next morning gazing at the fantastic

sight before me, letting my mind wander and drift away from faraway Ireland.

We took a ferry to Malta’s sister island of Gozo, which according to legend was the home of the beautiful nymph Calypso depicted in Homer’s Odyssey. Here, Odysseus was imprisoned for several years, but given the remarkable cliffface views and dramatic orange-red beaches I found it very hard to pity him.

We were then treated to a Segway tour of the Qbajjar Salt Pans along the coastal regions of island. Exhilarated at the prospect of exploring the island on a Segway

The Corinthia Hotel offers spectacular views overlooking the entrance to St George’s seaside town of St Julian’s

our party took in all the charms that Gozo had to offer, while whizzing past the locals on our super high-tech vehicles.

Immersed in the marvels of the past and present, we then proceeded to the Ggantija Temples, which are the oldest freestanding structures in the world and potentially Gozo’s single most marketable landmark, dating back to 3,500BC. Building up a hearty appetite, we then found ourselves at Ta’Mena

Estate for an outdoor lunch and wine tasting session. This traditional Maltese estate welcomed us with a grand display of typical Maltese foods, wines and extra virgin olive oil. I found the food very rustic in character and full of the flavour, typical of a central Mediterranean island.

Proceeding onwards to Dwejra we then gazed upon the Azure Window - an impressive natural arch standing some 20m high. Being a Game of

Thrones fan I was also very pleasantly surprised to recognise this site from the TV series.

After a long afternoon, our party retreated to an Irish pub (of all places) in St Julian’s to see the second half of the England – Ireland rugby match. The bar was swarming with both Irish and English fans and in those brief 80 minutes we couldn’t have been further away from Malta.

Celebrating our landslide victory, we proceed-

Take a hands-on approach to relaxing  aishling phelan

THE drive into the picturesque village of Borris, Co Carlow was a treat in itself as the sun sliced through the clouds and beamed on the glorious mountains.

Sitting in the valley of the river Barrow, the Step House Hotel faces the main gate to the Tudorstyle ancestral home of the former Irish Kings of Leinster.

The spacious bedroom was of a dainty old-world design and the cream decor, with gold accents in every piece of furniture and sweeping mint-green curtains, made for the perfect atmosphere of

tranquillity.

I stepped out onto the large private balcony and took in the magnificent view. As small clouds floated across the expanse of Mount Leinster, it truly took my breath away.

Surrounded by luxury and character in every pocket of the hotel, it made for an extra special weekend trip away.

First, it was time for a hands-on bread-making demonstration in the ballroom with head chef Alan Foley: curry bread.

No, I hadn’t heard of it either, but I would later experience that culinary sensation at dinner.

Later, it was on to the

opulent surroundings of the private cocktail lounge for some bubbly treats and then the small but intimate restaurant.

After scanning the menu, filled with an array of local produce, I chose organic herb risotto and succulent roast plaice.

I passed on the luscious dessert offerings, and opted for the selection of ice-creams instead.

Sound boring? Not at the Step House Hotel, where I was presented with a divine combination of coconut, caramel and passion fruit flavours.

The following morning, we delved into the widespread woodlands

Enjoy perfectly pitched luxury at the Step House Hotel

of the 16-acre Blackstairs Ecotrails to take part in a foraging workshop.

We ducked under swinging branches, crossed wooden planks and tip-toed over mossy carpets, discovering the Celtic history of the towering trees and picking wild garlic, enjoying its tangy aroma.

We later returned to the workshop to make mouth-watering wild garlic pesto and sweet sloe gin.

Back at the hotel, I collected my brown bread made the previous day, and left feeling like a master chef after my culinary weekend at the Step House Hotel.

19 March 2015 Gazette 19

Ian at the Azure Window - an impressive natural arch

Bay in the The Ggantija Temples date back to 3,500BC

ed to nearby Paceville which is essentially Malta’s take on Ibiza. The strip was literally dotted with discos, lounge bars, and clubs which we vis-

ited for a few sensible drinks. If you’re looking for a wild holiday away then this place is certainly worth your while as most of the clubs have

free admission.

Up bright and early the next day, we took a trip to Malta’s capital city Valletta, which was nothing short of an

open-air museum. With an unsurpassed collection of original Baroque architecture, fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the spectacular CoCathedral of St John, we were overwhelmed with the sights before us.

We took a short trip to the three cities of of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, via “dghajsa” a typical Maltese gondola shaped boat, used extensively at Grand Harbour to ferry sailors and seamen. Again, the sites of these towns were beautiful and the boat ride really gave us an authentic feel of the Maltese culture.

On the final day of my Maltese adventure my party proceeded to Mdina, which was Malta’s first capital city during the time of the Knights of Malta. The town itself was a joy to stroll around

and many of the alleys really gave the sense that nothing had changed here for more than a millennium.

It’s a mix of medieval and baroque architecture and its fortification walls and its location on high grounds make it one of the most enchanting places on the island.

The Maltese islands are like nowhere else I’ve ever been to.

Here you’ll find great prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, beautiful blue lagoons, and incredible nightlife and wonderful Mediterranean cuisine.

I found the people very warm, hospitable and it is definitely a destination to put on your bucket list.

Visit www.visitmalta. com for further information and details of events that will be taking place in Malta.

Gazette

TRAVEL

Tugs greet Stena Superfast X at Dublin Port

Stena Line ready to make waves with its new ferry  ian begley

STENA Line has officially launched a new ferry on its Dublin-Holyhead route at Dublin Port which will operate on an all-year-round sailing schedule.

The launch and naming ceremony of Stena Superfast X was performed by Stena Line chairman Dan Sten Olsson, and Irish broadcasting personality Kathryn Thomas, along with more than 170 guests at Dublin Port on March 9.

Welcoming the launch, Sten Olsson said: “As the leading ferry operator on the Irish Sea, we are confident in our ability to help stimulate this upward trend further.”

Stena Superfast X will operate a twice daily return sailing schedule departing Dublin Port at 2.15am and 3.10pm, and departing Holyhead at 8.55am and 8.30pm.

Gazette

20 Gazette 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Time to leave your orange streak behind, thanks to Elizabeth Arden’s help  mimi murray

SO MANY Irish wo m e n we a r t h e wrong shade of foundation and there is nothing worse than that orange streak running along the neckline/face – a faroff shade from the rest of the body!

Elizabeth Arden now offer a shade match service, which is absolutely brilliant if you are always looking for the correct foundation colour for your skin.

24 hours coverage Their Flawless Finish, Perfectly Satin make-up offers up to 24 hours coverage and I can attest to this.

This make-up stays on my face throughout the day, and when I scrub my face at night, it almost looks as good as it did at 8am. Unbelievable, but true.

It provides quite a lot of coverage, which I don’t normally like, but with the correct shade matching it really doesn’t look like I am wearing that much make-up.

It also feels lightweight and flawless on my skin, making it a winner all round.

This retails at €38 in Debenhams.

Duster jacket €50; lace crop top €56; culottes €47

Navy top €38; striped culottes €47

Abby Harris wears lemon lime crop top €35; lemon lime skirt €53 Krystal Mahon wears strawberry print dress €45

Fresh styles bloom in Oasis collection

 laura webb

Beige military shirt €42; khaki trousers €56

Pink floral dress €60

TO SHOWCASE its very colourful SS15 collection, Oasis Ireland teamed up with the winners of the Shoot Style Smile 2014 competition for a very stylish photoshoot.

Shot by Dublin-based photographer Alex Sheridan, the looks were styled by Laura

O’Brien and modelled by Krystal Mahon.

The trio were chosen from hundreds of entrants to shoot style and star in the Oasis Christmas campaign.

Professional model Abby Harris joined Krystal for her commercial shoot debut, and we think the results are fabulous, dahling!

19 March 2015 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

STYLE

White embellished shirt €47; floral midi skirt €50

Urban Decay manager at Debenhams Blackrock, Meg Young expertly tends to Laura Webb

Time to face some Urban Decay for a beautiful look  LAURA WEBB

The all-Irish, all-natural skincare range to refresh and revive skin  LAURA WEBB

NATURE is a wonderful thing and for some people, the only thing they look for in a skincare product is natural ingredients.

With this in mind, Irish-owned skincare company Bia Beauty, founded by Herbal Science graduate Tracey Ryan, use all-natural ingredients, including nut and seed oils, fruits, herbs, spices, cocoa butter and avocado butter in the range.

Basically, all of nature’s goodness is condensed into a delightful skincare range that feeds the skin with vitamins and goodness.

Two of their best sellers are Natural Skin Repair Cream – Skin Superfood 50ml (€12.95), and Orange and Grapefruit Exfoliant and Cleanser 60ml (€16.95).

The natural skin repair cream is being

used by a lot of people as a night cream or a serum.

This product is great for dehydrated skin, as it really moisturises and plumps up skin.

Meanwhile, the orange and grapefruit exfoliant and cleanser is gentle enough to use every day, yet strong enough to remove even the most stubborn mascara.

To find out more about their full range of products, as well as stockists or to buy online, see www.biabeauty.com.

WHEN there is a special occasion coming up, or you just feel like treating yourself before going on a night out, there is nothing better than getting your make-up done by a professional.

I recently had the opportunity to have my make-up done dation (€34) in 3.5 – a

by Urban Decay’s manager at light shade for a pale face like Debenhams Blackrock, Meg mine. Naked Skin Concealer Young.

(3) in light neutral and Naked Not only did I feel like a Skin Powder Foundation (2) star with my own make-up in light warm was also used for artist, Meg was also a bundle that matte finish.

Flushed Palette of knowledge, offering great advice about what products Naked (1, €29.50) to use and how each product was next; a great threesome with can benefit my skin type.

This is exactly what you bronzer, highneed when it comes to make- lighter and blush all in one. up – advice, rather than The brand’s trial and error – so leave it eyeshadow primto the professional to tell er potion original you what suits. (€21/€11) was put on For my look, Meg before colours from all prepped the skin with B6 the Naked Basics palette Prep Spray (€28/€14), (€30) were applied. with vitamin B6 which Then, 24/7 waterabsorbs oil, minimises proof liquid eyeliner pores and reduces redPerversion (€19.50) was ness. subtly administered for From there, she used my look and the eyes Brightening and Tightenfinished off with Subing Primer (€27) to make version eyelash primer sure the skin was prepped (€18.50) and Perversion before foundation was Mascara (€22). applied.

Not forgetting the The foundation used 3 eyebrows, Meg used was Naked Skin foun-

1 Brow Box Brow n Sugar €25 to enhance their colour and shape.

And the piece de resistance – the lips – were lined with Lip Liner in Rush (€18.50) and Lipstick in Rapture (€19,) before a little Lipgloss (€19) was

2

applied.

To set it all and make it last, Setting Spray Chill (€29) was lightly sprayed on. I loved the look, and it lasted the whole day and well into the night (excluding some more lipstick applications).

A make-up appointment with Urban Decay is €40, but the cost is redeemable against products based on a two-product purchase. Find out more from your nearest Urban Decay counter.

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

ARTS

Step up to a spectacular Chinese show  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A SPECTACULAR Chinese dance show, Shen Yun, comes to the Convention Centre for two nights only this month.

Shen Yun performs classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and story-based dance, with orchestral accompaniment and solo performers.

The show takes place at The Convention Centre Dublin on Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 26 at 7.30pm.

Mythical lost land Shen Yun will take audience members on an extraordinary journey to the mythical lost land of the ancient Middle Kingdom.

The story is told through classi-

cal Chinese dance, which is one of the most rigorous and athletic dance forms in the world.

Not only is the event a unique treat visually, but also aurally, as the orchestra combines music of the east and west.

The show is backed with stunning animated backdrops and exquisite costumes which bring the magical Chinese legends to life, and 5,000 years of civilization.

Tickets cost from €53 to €126, through www.ticketmaster.ie.

The Harry Clarke original stained glass piece, Mr Gilhooley (above), has equisite detail throughout

ART: STUNNING HARRY CLARKE WORK ACQUIRED

Rare beauty wows  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A “SCANDALOUS” stained glass panel by famous Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke, which was recently acquired for €40,000 by the State, has gone on public display this week at the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square.

T he work depicts a scene from Liam O’Flaherty’s controversial novel, Mr Gilhooley, and was created by Clarke as a section of his Panel No 6 for the Geneva Window.

It was commissioned by the Irish Government for the League of Nations building in Geneva – the UN’s forerunner – in the late 1920s.

Clarke chose scenes of novels by contemporary Irish writers as his themes for the window.

Hailed as a masterpiece, the sumptuouslycoloured panel shows the figure of a nude female dancer draped in diapha-

nous pink. The work’s striking colour cannot be reproduced in print, and must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

It is a glorious work, and a perfect physical rendering of the dancer, Nelly, described so beautifully by O’Flaherty in the novel as pale, slender, lithe and Bacchanalian with “a thick mass of sparkling golden curls”, advancing across the floor, barefoot, wearing “nothing but a veil”.

Dr Margarita Cappock, head of collections at the Hugh Lane Gallery, told The Gazette: “This is an acquisition that had been in a private collection in the UK, and the gallery acquired it before [last] Christmas. We bought it through the Fine Art Society.

“It’s a very important piece, because it was done for the Geneva Window, [and was] the first panel that was done for it in 1926. The window was a

commission that Harry Clarke got from the State [via] President Liam Cosgrave. He was asked to produce this window for the League of Nations in Geneva as a gift from the Irish State. “[Clarke] decided he would look at literary themes and ran into controversy with this particular panel, [inspired by] Mr Gilhooley by Liam O’Flaherty, and Cosgrave got cold feet because of the naked female.

“So, he was asked to redo it, and at that time Harry Clarke had been suffering from TB and had spent time in a sanatorium in Switzerland. He was reluctant to change it and was very disappointed [being asked to redo it],” she said.

“This panel was actually cracked – a hairline crack developed when he was making it, and it’s [still] a beautiful panel. He did a second panel, and that is the version that is in the

Geneva Window.

“Unfortunately, the Geneva Window never ended up in the League of Nations [building] in Geneva and instead, ended up being purchased back by Clarke’s widow in 1931.

“She bought it back from the State for the same amount they had paid [Clarke] for it: IR£450. It eventually ended up being sold [to a buyer] in Miami in the States, and that’s where it is now. So, it’s wonderful to have this little piece.”

Clarke had been given free reign by the Irish State for the commission, and wanted to represent a literary theme depicting the work of 15 writers.

WB Yeats was very enthusiastic about the Geneva Window at the time, but the Irish Government found that it wouldn’t have been an appropriate gift to the League of Nations for a number of reasons,

19 March 2015 GAZETTE 23

FESTIVAL: CELEBRATION OF FOOD HITS 10-YEAR MARK

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK RECIPECORNER CORNER

serves up Get ready for Taste M&S a dish that will  LAURA WEBB

IT’S the most anticpated food event of the calendar, and this year Taste of Dublin event has something extra to dish out as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

Returning to the Iveagh Gardens from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday 14,Taste of Dublin has an unbeatable line-up to celebrate the milestone event.

The four-day festival will showcase the best of Dublin’s culinary scene, including top restaurants and artisan producers, as well as home-grown and international chefs.

Due to popular demand,

Taste of Dublin is launching an extra session at 12pm on Thursday 11.

Chefs making an appearance this year include Clodagh McKenna, Edward Hayden, Kevin Dundon, Mark Moriarty, Michel Roux Jr, Monica Galetti, Neven Maguire, Paul Flynn, Paul Kelly, Rachel Allen, Richard Corrigan, Ross Lewis and Sunil Ghai.

Meanwhile, restaurants at the event include Brioche, Diep Le Shaker, East Side Tavern, Jaipur, Pichet, Rock Lobster, and The Chop House, to name but a few. Exciting features returning to the festival include the Electrolux

go swimmingly

Demonstrations by top chefs are set to return

Secret Ingredient, Chef’s Secrets, and Taste Theatre demonstrations, as well as Chapter One Dessert bar, Taste of Thailand, O’Brien’s Wine Experience and Aldi, as the exclusive retailer partner of Taste of Dublin.

New features in 2015 include the Sony Japa-

nese Dining Experience, Skillery by the National Dairy Council, Station Works Brewery, Rioja Tapas Fantastica, and more to be announced.

Food fanatics can buy a ticket to Dublin’s hottest summer social event from April via Tasteofdublin.ie.

THIS week, we have a delicious recipe from M&S that’s easy to make and thoroughly delicious.

Note that this recipe for Super Wheatberry with Roasted Carrots and Salmon serves four, and is ready in 40 minutes.

Ingredients 300g baby carrots 2 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds 200g Super Wheatberry 125g Arbroath honey roast salmon slices, flaked 25g pack fresh dill, roughly chopped 50g pomegranate seeds 3 tbsp buttermilk

Preparation • Preheat the oven to 190˚C/375˚F/gas 5 (170˚C for fan ovens). Put the carrots in a roasting tin and drizzle over half the oil. Scatter over the garlic and cumin seeds, then season. Roast for 30 minutes, until the carrots are just tender.

• Cook the Super Wheatberry according to the packet instructions. Gently mix together with the carrots, salmon and dill, and arrange on a serving dish.

Scatter over the pomegranate seeds.

• To make the dressing, mix together the buttermilk, remaining olive oil and 1 tbsp warm water, then season. Drizzle the dressing over the dish to serve.

Gazette

24 Gazette 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

glittering ceremony shows WEEBYTES baftas: some surprise wins and losses

Baymax – a financial hero for Disney

Fat robot waddles to a global hit SEEING as it’s a computer-animated film, that’s enough of a link to this page to point out that Disney’s Big Hero 6 was the highestgrossing animated film of 2014, with a haul of $620m, which is about, oh, an awful lot of euro.

In fact, for a fairly low profile film, the tale of an unlikely friendship between a teenage genius and a fat, inflatable medical robot, BH6 has waddled its way towards the top with comparative ease and at a very quick pace.

Its six-month or so release window has seen it land in third place behind unstoppable Frozen, and the fondly remembered The Lion King, with its worldwide take.

That’s a massive achievement for the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, but a welldeserved result for one of the best-looking animated films of recent years.

With its fusion of Japanese design and very American details, its animators created not only the most visually-detailed animated world the studio have yet created, but also developed some cutting edge lighting and software programs.

Their next film should be even more visually stunning, and well worth catching.

A night for the underdog at annual awards

THERE aren’t many littleknown actors who could beat Hollywood and TV heavyhitter Kevin Spacey to win a best performance award, but that’s exactly what happened at the annual Bafta Gaming Awards, which have just been held.

I’ll return to Spacey later, but for now, the 2015 British Academy Game Awards threw up some surprises across the wideranging awards, which took in everything from the usual main categories (Best Game, Best Audio) to more esoteric topics (Artistic Achievement).

Let’s look at a few of the categories ...

With enormous amounts of people still insisting that they’re not gamers and don’t have any interest in games – before quietly playing the likes of Bubble Witch 2 on the bus/Luas home – the win for (best) Mobile and Handheld saw IOS/ Android title Monument Valley add yet another top

 shane dillon

sdillon@dublingazette.com

international award to its already sizable haul.

Mobile gaming saw further huge advances during 2014, with mobile gaming becoming ever more pervasive and creeping further into mainstream media – even President Underwood plays Monument Valley in the American remake of House of Cards (see pic, right) – so it was perhaps fitting that one of the finest and best known examples of mobile, tactile gaming took the top title.

Speaking of President Underwood – or Kevin Spacey – he faced stiff competition in the Baftas’ Performer category, where his much-hyped role in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare saw

him square up to some gaming heavyweights, such as Troy Baker, one of the best-known and most skilled gaming voices on the planet.

However, they were both defeated by outside bet Ashley Johnson, who, as teenage heroine Ellie in the marvellous The Last Of Us, helped to create a character that would be outstanding in any media platform, not just gaming.

With The Great War returning to public interest in the past couple of years, it was perhaps fitting that a puzzle adventure title set during World War One scooped Original Property.

It provided some real food for thought for the experiences of those on all sides during that war, Another surprise on the night was the comparative lack of success for Alien: Isolation; the night’s overall favourite at the awards, yet in the end it “only” won Audio

The team behind smash-hit Monument Valley were celebrating winning the Bafta in the Mobile and Handheld category – a game which even fellow Bafta gaming nominee Kevin Spacey plays in UV hit House of Cards (below). Main pic: Bafta

Achievement.

As someone who’s spent upwards of 15 minutes at a time hiding inside lockers or under tables in the game, listening to ... something crawling in the air vents outside the room, I can certainly vouch for its brilliantly unsettling use of audio, but unfortunately it didn’t win in its nominated Bafta categories.

Indeed, there was something of an underdog feel to this year’s Baftas, with “smaller” titles beating much bigger ones in a variety of categories. The latest Far Cry, Assassin’s Creed, Fifa and Horza Horizon releases were all defeated by lesser-known

titles in their respective categories, while Johnson’s win – against Spacey and Baker – was also unexpected, if richly deserved.

With these nominations and wins, it was clear that despite some severe turbulence during 2014.

The year saw the shuttering of several wellknown development studios, controversies over

underperforming Kickstarter-funded titles, some notable financial losses at major companies, and the industry’s usual spats and collapsed deals – still, gaming is still on the rise.

With the newer consoles now up and running, and some big games and exciting developments on the way in 2015, next year’s Baftas should be even more interesting ...

Android offers users Lollipop, but KitKat may still be sweeter FOR some time now, Android has been rolling out its latest OS update, Android 5.0, or Lollipop, in keeping with its naming conventions of picking sweet titles, with Lollipop succeeding KitKat. While Android is normally pretty good at global updates, Lollipop has been a little slow to roll out, having been available in India for several months now, yet only reaching our shores recently, for example.

Lollipop 5.0 promised users a wide range of upgrades and boosts; some of which are cosmetic – such as its slicker-looking, more swipe-friendly interface – while others are designed at integrating features better, streamlining some internal routines,

and extending battery life, amongst some features.

So, Android users should keep an eye out for news of the update’s availability on their chosen platform and device. And now a note of warning.

While users have been delighted with Lollipop, complaints about it are also emerging, too, with some who’ve upgraded to 5.0 highlighting subsequent complaints, from the trivial to the serious.

I can attest to that – last week, when prompted, I updated Android on my great budget smartphone, the surprisingly powerful and fast Moto G (first gen).

However, after updating from KitKat to Lollipop, my previously terrific phone has turned into a

barely usable device – one that’s endlessly prone to freezing, crashing and reboots, and creating huge personal frustration and annoyance – mine – making my phone now about as useful as a brick.

As such, with rumours of Android 5.01 being on the way soon – presumably, patching some of the problems that people have reported – it could be best to hold off on automatically updating from Android KitKat just yet.

After all, you wouldn’t want Lollipop to leave you with a sour taste...

19 March 2015 gazette 25

Gazette

CINEMA REELINGTHEMIN focus

Just about worth a look

chappie

Run, robot, run ...

ROBOTS take centrestage in a “family” with a difference in Chappie (Cert 15A, 120 mins), which sees the director of the brilliant District 9 (and the not so good Elysium) return with another sci-fi driven tale.

Here, the star is Chappie – an increasingly self-aware robot who one group of people are trying to protect, and another group are trying to destroy, in a film that doesn’t quite work.

Penn is great as ever, but despite the popularity of “ageing action hero” films a la Taken, this one isn’t a winner

the gunman: takes aim at too many genre points

Misses the target  dave phillips

WITH a career full of intense, left of centre performances, The Gunman sees Penn take an unusual turn, picking up the mantle of a middleaged action hero.

In much the same vein as Taken, The Gunman bases itself around that popular masculine myth wherein an ageing and dormant killing machine has a long buried murky past that’s suddenly reactivated.

Jim Terrier is the exkilling machine in question. Terrier’s murky past involves some assassination and espionage in the Democratic Republic of Congo – a mission which caused him to go on the run, abandoning his colleagues and love interest, Annie (Jasmine Trinca).

Fast forward eight years, and Terrier is back

in the DRC, this time with clean hands as part of a humanitarian mission. An attempt on his life makes him realise his past will continue to haunt him.

We then zip between Africa, London, and Barcelona as Terrier tries to sniff out exactly who is trying to take him out ...

Despite an exceptionally impressive supporting cast (Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Ray Winstone, and Mark Rylance) there’s more ham and cheese on display here than a wellstocked deli – and that includes Penn too.

Sometimes, earnest attempts to bring more depth to a role can backfire and simply highlight the flimsiness of the affair.

As director, Pierre Morel is just as guilty of this. Interspersing the film with actual footage of violence and poverty

in the DRC, and with some subversive narrative undertones that point out the shady connections between businesses and governments, The Gunman tries at several points to escape its action film pigeon hole.

The attempts remain unconvincing – a thin cerebral veneer cannot hide the fact that it is all muscle underneath.

Perhaps the epitome of this is Terrier’s struggle with PTSD – a contrived plot device that effectively means a propensity for the camera to go blurry and cause him to drop his gun at just about every crucial moment.

It is quite unfortunate that the film takes itself so seriously because beneath the austere exterior there is some exciting action.

Penn may overplay his stern face, but there is no denying he is more

than physically capable of delivering the action hero role.

In the moments when it does come to life, the set pieces in The Gunman are vibrant, violent, and bone-shatteringly visceral.

A little of the genreawareness that is lacking throughout creeps in at the film’s finale, where Morel sets up a gloriously OTT face-off in a bullring.

Aside from providing a satisfying pay-off, it displays an indulgent and cartoonish attitude to the action that, had it been embraced throughout, would have undoubtedly made for a much stronger film.

It’s enjoyable on some level, but The Gunman provides more misses than hits.

Verdict: 5/10

WILL Smith (below) returns with Focus (Cert 15A, 105 mins), in a film that’s overblown, but has some undeniable screen chemistry between him and co-star Margot Robbie.

We’re on familiar ground here with a tale of a master con artist (Smith) crossing paths with an up-andcoming wannabe (Robbie).

However, who’s conning who? The plot loses its way halfway through, but the pair impress.

26 blanch gazette 19 March 2015

blanchCLASSIFIEDS

driveways

home

services

ALL BUDGET DRIVEWAYS

DVD TRANSFERS ďƒźVideo & Camera Tapes ďƒźCineFilms ďƒźPhotos & Slides converted to DVD ďƒźMusic & Titles added

• Driveways • Patios • Concrete Imprint • Decoration Walling • Fencing Natural & Coloured Stone PH: 0873900300 / 01 6971796 www.allbudgetdriveways.com allbudgetdriveways@yahoo.com Malahide Rd & Kimmage Rd

UP TO 45% OFF

Tel: 01-2807838 / 087 9132265 alleventsvideo@eircom.net

services

BRICK BLOCK AND STONE â–Ş Garden Walls â–Ş Brick piers â–Ş Arches â–Ş sheds â–Ş Patios & paving â–Ş Driveways & paths â–Ş Concrete â–Ş Repair to damaged masonry â–Ş Stone walling & paving Call Dave 0872917647

landscaping

SELECT PAVING & LANDSCAPING

FOR ALL YOUR PAVING & LANDSCAPING SOLUTIONS Serving The Greater Dublin Area

UP TO

45% OFF Full range of services - Cobblelock, Driveways, Patios, Slabbing & gravelling.

Imprint concrete, decorative walling and fencing.

Fully registered and insured company STAR DISCOUNTS for this month All work guaranteed No 2 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3 www.selectpaving.ie Call today for a free E: selectpaving@hotmail.com no obligation quotation 0858335596 / 01 685 6262

HOME IMPROVEMENTS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!

• CARPENTRY • TILING • BATHROOMS • EXTENSIONS • ATTIC CONVERSIONS • RENOVATIONS • PLUMBING • PLASTERING *Fully Insured Call James Owens (01) 823 6074 086 8259001 Dublin 15

roofing 'VMMZ JOTVSFE 'VMMZ SFHJTUFSFE

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL MICHAEL NOW ON 087 703 1121

DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS AND FOR ALL YOUR PAVING NEEDS

$07&3*/( %6#-*/ 463306/%*/( "3&"4 & NBJM JOGP!BDBEFNZQBWJOH JF 8FC XXX BDBEFNZQBWJOH JF

5IF $PUUBHF -PXFS (SFFOIJMMT 3PBE %VCMJO

5 .



Got a story? we want to know!

Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2

or email news@gazettegroup.com

renovations

planning Notice FINGAL County Council

Permission is sought for a detached, four bedroom dwelling with off street parking for 2 cars in the side garden area of 1 Brompton Grove, Castleknock, Dublin 15 to include all associated site works and services connections. For Stephen & Eileen Harte. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in w riting on payment of the prescribed fee (â‚Ź20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

23432

planning Notice FINGAL County Council

Registered & Insured RooďŹ ng Contractor Flat RooďŹ ng Specialists Industrial, Residential & Commercial • Felt work • Slating & Tiling • Organic Seedom • Guttering Fascia & SoďŹ ts STUART MASTERSON P:01 4439398 M: M:087 - 7712463, 086 - 2006217 E:mastersonrooďŹ ng@gmail.com stuartjmasterson@hotmail.com W:www.mastersonrooďŹ ng.ie

We, Michael & Denise Lavery, wish to apply for planning permission for a new first floor window at the rear of the existing two storey extension to the rear of a two storey dwelling and all associated siteworks at 13 Shelerlin Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of â‚Ź20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt

by Fingal County Council of the Application.

23048

19 March 2015 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS RECRUITMENT

RECRUITMENT

By Public Tender Shop Licence at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown for 2 years. Retail Unit 45.5 sq.m.

Contact: estates.dmldublin@ hse.ie Latest date for receipt of tenders – Friday, 27th March by 12 noon 23284

WINDOWS

413*/(

8*/%08 %003 4"-&

GET UP TO

35% OFF

VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS IN LUCAN VILLAGE

(O PPOSITE U LSTER B ANK

ABC CERTIFIED 53,277 COPIES EACH WEEK

ON THE BRIDGE )

W EIR R ETAIL C ENTRE , 40 H ILLS M ILL I NDUSTRIAL E STATE , L UCAN V ILLAGE , C O . D UBLIN .

T EL : 6217639

(ABC: Group MFD, May-June 2014)

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240 Serving 7 thriving communities of suburban Dublin. For up to date news follow us on Twitter @DublinGazette

Serving 7 thriving communities of suburban Dublin.

For up to date news like us on facebook V I S I T: W W W. FAC E B O O K .C O M / DUBLING AZET TENE WSPAPERS

By Public Tender Coffee Shop Licence at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown for 2 years. Retail Unit 97.9 sq.m / Storage 8.5 sq.m.

Contact: estates.dmldublin@ hse.ie Latest date for receipt of tenders – Friday, 27th March by 12 noon 23285

LEGAL & PLANNING APPLICATION

ANNOUNCEMENT We can now officially accept planning & legal notices from all four County Councils in greater Dublin region. · Standard rate €75 + VAT · Payment in advance

Ph.01 601 0255

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@gazettegroup.com



Gazette

28 Gazette 19 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport St Pat’s to run Penalty king competition: ST PATRICK’S Athletic will host an inaugural penalty king competition for Dublin schools. The competition is designed to find the best penalty taker among the secondary schools soccer players in Dublin.

The first competition will involve six invited schools and is open to all secondary level pupils to enter.

Each school will first run its own internal Penalty King competition. Then the six school champions will advance to the semifinals which will take place at the half-time interval of an important league game at Richmond Park.

The winner will receive two season tickets for St Pat’s plus the opportunity for their school team to play any of their own league or cup games at the home of the Saints.

Pat’s midfielder Killian Brennan, the official penalty taker for St Patrick’s Athletic, said: “It’s a free kick from 12 yards out, how hard can it be?”

cricket: lewis, little, garth and grassi set for elevated training

Four Dubs added to academy  sport@dublingazette.com

PE M BR OK E ’ S K i m Garth and Josh Little, YMCA’s Gaby Lewis and Nor th County’s Jamie Grassi are among eight additions to the Shapoorji Pallonji

Cricket Ireland academy.

The new inductees will join the existing 22 academy members as part of the pathway for the next generation of Irish cricketers as they look to continue the

improvements on the world stage.

Lewis, aged just 14, last year became the youngest player to represent Ireland when she lined out for the senior side in the 2014 ICC European Champion-

The Shapoorji Pallonji Irish cricket academy was launched last September

YMCA’s Gaby Lewis receiving her first international cap from Trent Johnston

ships in the UK. She will be joined by promising North County batsman Jamie Grassi who was the stand-out performer with the bat for Ireland Under-15s in 2014, whom he helped to victory in the European Championship as Ireland completed a clean sweep across all European competitions.

The National Academy players are under the stewardship of academy manager Craig Hogan, who said of the latest batch.

“Over the past 12 months since the inauguration of the national academy, performance coach Ryan Eagleson and the Cricket Ireland coaches have been iden-

tifying young cricketers who have demonstrated the ability, attitude and desire to learn and be challenged.

“With the suppor t from Shapoorji Pallonji [who have recently invested heavily in the academy] these young players have a unique opportunity to develop as people through a programme that we trust produces future Ireland international cricketers. It is ver y exciting for the players and coaching staff.”

Commenting on the new intake, Cricket Ireland performance director Richard Holdsworth outlined that the academy would play a key role in the future of Irish cricket on the

international stage. ”T he Ireland senior squad is putting in some excellent performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup, but we are not resting on our laurels.

“Of that squad, seven of the players are aged 24 or under which shows the future of Irish cricket is looking really strong.

“Hopefully we will soon see some of our academy players taking the step up to the senior set-up in all formats as we plan for the possibility of playing test cricket, for playing more ODIs as part of ICC’s 12-team rankings table, and for qualification to WorldT20 events in 2016 and 2020.”

Woods motivated by selection for Luxembourg trip  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU’s Sarah Woods

DCU Mercy’s Sarah Woods is looking forward to representing Basketball Ireland’s women’s select team following a superb year with her club.

She has been named in the panel from the Women’s Premier to travel to Luxembourg in May to take on a number of international sides preparing for FIBA Eurobasket 2017, including Luxembourg and Scotland.

This isn’t the first time the Women’s National League

has been represented. An Irish ladies Superleague select squad travelled to Luxembourg in 2013.

A member of the squad back in 2013, Woods added that her inclusion would provide huge motivation for the coming months.

“Going to Luxembourg was huge in terms of having something else to train for,” she said.

“There are plenty of players who don’t have playoffs to look forward to and now everyone has something to focus on. It

can be easy to go through the motions sometimes when you don’t have something to aim for.

“This will help players to compare themselves against the best in other countries in order to develop.

“I learned from that trip just how much work I had to do to be a better player,” she continued.

“They have a lot more of a running game in Europe and it’s a different level of fitness.

We don’t see a lot of that in Ireland and you need those

oppor tunities in order to improve.”

Captain of the squad back in 2013 Aoife McDermott added: “It’s great to be able to play against people you’re normally up against. It’s about the quality of the training and going hard in practice as much as going out there.

“That’s what makes you better. I hope the best of the best go for it. It’s a huge honour.

A squad of 12 players as well as management will fly to Luxembourg on May 22, playing three games over four days.

19 March 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

The Coach House’s active approach

ken’sDiary

Antonio Mantero is set to combine his coaching knowledge and experience to provide a unique after-school option that looks to get kids more active, writes Stephen Findlater THE BRAINS behind The Coach Diary (www. thecoachdiar y.com) , Antonio Mantero, is in the midst of setting up a new venture to get kids away from the television and on the road to a more active life.

Along with Robert Ryan, Mantero has recently developed The Coach House, a unique facility in the Rosemount Business Park in Dublin 15, an “after-school development centre” for kids aged five to 12.

The genesis came from his own experiences and his belief that, if we want children to be active for life, they need to develop movement skills at a young age.

“My daughter goes to an after school and the lady that runs it is fantastic,” he told GazetteSport.

“But, anytime I go to pick her up, there could be 15 to 20 kids watching a television, some are on their

touch screens. They aren’t really interacting and are all sitting down.

“Kids just aren’t moving enough. From the minute they wake up, they’re sitting. Sitting in the car; sitting in the classroom.

Some schools don’t allow kids to run anymore so have to stay in a small space.

“Fingal County Council were going into schools and giving exercise that kids can do in small spaces; it’s quite progressive by them but kids need to move to burn energy and improve themselves.”

To t h i s e n d , h e is launching a new approach to after-school centres which provide a work space for children to complete their homework before taking part in an hour of activity.

For this, the Coach House has a unique indoor Astroturf pitch where kids can take part in all-manner of activities

from football, volleyball, basketball to table-tennis and snag-golf – a sport played with soft balls and Velcro targets.

Television is out as are touch-screen tablets and phones are also left aside.

The emphasis is on developing children through play, both from providing the building blocks to movement, balance and core strength but also from the social interaction side.

Mantero’s background is initially as a PE teacher before getting involved in coaching six years ago. Quickly hooked, he started to educate himself to be “the best coach he can be”, rising to UEFA B standard.

That journey has seen him bring over coaches from Barcelona to Dublin for hugely successful workshops with as many as 250 coaches, working to raise the knowledge base of coaches within the

The unique astroturf play area at the Coach House in Dublin 15 where Antonio Mantero is looking to provide an active after school area for kids

NDSL and beyond.

The Coach House takes up some of the principles from Barca as well as Sporting Lisbon.

“European football clubs, in terms of how they educate children – it’s very much playercentred. It’s not all about winning although they do

for kids to do lots of different sports to develop their movement, co-ordination and balance.”

The Coach House will open fully next September for after-school sessions while they will have their first Easter camps in the coming weeks. At all times, the emphasis is on

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

‘From research, we know it is better for kids to do lots of different sports to develop movement and balance’

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

give the kids the tools to prepare them to win.

“I would look at a lot of what they do. They work with them in different areas, doing judo and yoga while education is the most important thing, like any kid involved in sport.

“My background would be soccer specific but this would be about introducing kids to all sorts of sports. Basketball, tabletennis, uni-hockey and so on; kids circuit-training for their core and even meditation.

“It is just to open them up to lots of things to maybe focus on sport in the future. It is very hard for parents to bring their kids around to lots of different sports and so they can tend to push them only into one. “ We k n ow, f r o m research, that it is better

creativity and exercise.

“This is about trying to get them up and moving.

They will move when they get here.

“We will do an hour of rigorous exercise every day; there will be a programme.

“But, if they are already active, there is no point in me disturbing them and messing up their games if they are being creative and imaginative which is also really important to help build their self esteem.

“When the child leaves here at 7pm, they will be tired, have their homework done and will have eaten a snack. That’s the aim, that the child will be tired and have got their exercise in.

“It is all about play and learning something every single day and preparing for life.”

Free For All as Ken makes high pace split from pack Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurels Charity Crew Cycle from Galway to Dublin on April 19. In the run-up to the event, Egan has partnered with Gazette Sport to document his preparation for the big day, and here is his latest report from the road.

WELL, the headline for this week’s piece is “Free For All”.

We began again at the Laurels this time at the earlier time of 9.30am as the wether has picked up.

Saggart, Slade Valley, was the first hill and it would certainly put hairs on your chest. There were 30 bodies this morning at the start but not all 30 got to the top of Slade Valley as the remainder continued on towards Blessington.

The weather was perfect and I had filled my engine with a massive bowl of porridge this morning; I was going to make a statement.

We cycled through Blessington and on towards Naas where we took a quick pitstop.

We must be six weeks in as far as training is concerned and there were some new faces on the cycle so 100km on their debut was not an easy feat.

Kilcock was approaching and there was a break in the group; this was new to me. Six of us decided to motor on as we had a target to get back for the rugby match at 2.30pm.

The famous six picked up the pace and went on up through Celbridge and towards Newcastle and up to Rathcoole, down past Saggart and off to the Laurels once again. I covered 96km.

I picked up my sponsor card there on arrival so, people, if you see anyone with this type of card similar to mine, please donate because we are actually working hard for this charity.

Training for Galway to Dublin is truly on.

Watch out!

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 19 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: somers kills off greystones hopes of comeback

Super Celts get better of Leicester Under-14s CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s DDSL Under-14 major team got the better of their bogey side from last season, Leicester Celtic, in a league clash in Nutgrove last weekend.

Castleknock’s intent was evident as they chase promotion to the Premier division. They shot out of the blocks with immediate effect, going 1-0 up when Owen Akpiama struck after one minute.

Leicester hit back with an equaliser that left the sides level at half time. Goals in quick succession after the break from Alan Elliott gave Castleknock Celtic a two-goal cushion.

They extended their lead when Owen hit his second on 65 minutes. They ran out 4-2 winners which puts them in pole position in the promotion race.

Meanwhile, Celtic’s NDSL Under-15B team made it four wins in a row after defeating Swords Manor 5-1 in Porterstown. Rhys Hogan opened the scoring with a deft free kick.

However, Swords Manor soon equalised leaving the half time score at 1-1. Celtic stepped up their performance in the second half and they were rewarded with a goal from Daniel Fagan and a fine hat trick from their striker Liam Tobin, pictured above. This win leaves Celtic top of the tree as they enter the business end of the season. 5-1 Celtic’s NDSL Under-17B travelled to Finglas to take on Tolka Rovers in the league.

Liam O’Nell gave them an early lead and doubled up soon while Sean Costello and Narcis Carte also chipped in with goals as part of a comprehensive win.

St Mochta’s Sunday Senior 1 side got the better of Greystones United

Mochta’s nine clear in LSL lsl sunday senior 1 St Mochta’s Greystones United  sport@dublingazette.com

4 1

ST MOCHTA’S increased their lead at the top of the table with a hard fought win against Greystones United.

It was the second 4-1 defeat of the season inflicted on the side from Wicklow but the scoreline flattered the Saints as a tough Greystones side battled hard, and had ambitions of a point until David Somers made it 3-1 in the 82nd minute.

Glen Crowe and Karl Somers were absent due to illness, although the side was likely to

be freshened up for the game after a recent break from games.

Paul McCullagh opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he headed home Brian Kelly’s cross.

Kelly, on the right, found some space and his delightful inch perfect cross was headed home by the centre forward, who scored his first goal for the club.

The lead didn’t last long, three minutes later it was all square. Shay Brien beat Saints goalkeeper Warren Fee with a low powerful drive that nestled in the bottom corner.

Thereafter, the league

leaders enjoyed plenty of possession in the first half, although not many clear cut chances were created.

Greystones looked to be going into the break the happier of the two sides, but that all changed when Martin O’Neill restored the lead with a powerful header from Jordan Lancaster’s set piece.

Greystones, came out in the second half and they would have to throw caution to the wind.

It was a largely scrappy second half, although that suited the visitors. Paul McCullagh was replaced in the 55th minute by John Reilly, McCullagh

picked up an injury, it was a disappointing end to his game after scoring his first goal for the club.

Fee’s crossbar was struck with a header, and four minutes later he made a terrific point blank save to keep the lead intact.

Although it wasn’t a nervy Porterstown road, the Saints needed the third goal and a cushion.

It arrived in the 82nd minute when Somers was gifted his 21st goal of the season, thanks to a sloppy clearance from the goalkeeper that fell to him and he slotted into the empty net.

Reilly added the fourth in the dying min-

utes of the game, with an emphatic finish after he linked up with substitute Aaron O’ Brien. Another three points.

Manager Brian McCarthy was delighted with the win: “It’s a great result, Greystones have had some excellent results and they played with confidence.

“Karl Somers and Glen Crowe were absent today due to illness, that illustrates the strength in the squad, we had a really strong bench, I’m delighted with the win, Paul scored his first goal for the club.

“With other results going our way, it’s a great day for us.”

19 March 2015 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

Brigid’s seniors record one-point win  sport@dublingazette.com

ST BRIGID’S senior hurlers returned to life in AHL1 with an opening day league win against near neighbours Naomh Fionnbarra 2-11 to 0-16.

In what was a keenly contested battle from the throw-in two first half goals, one apiece from Ciaran Dolan and Paul

Winters, would ultimately prove the difference at the final whistle.

Leading 2-6 to 0-10 at the break, further points from Winters, Pat Rohan and midfielder Daire Plunkett pushed Brigid’s three points clear.

However, with Dublin senior Eamon Dillon a constant threat, Finbarr’s were always in the game.

Brigid’s stronger bench made a telling contribution in the final quarter, helping to steer the home side over the line by the slimmest of margins, 2-11 to 0-16.

The Russell Park club’s inters, meanwhile, claimed a thrilling one-point win over Lucan Sarsfields, 3-9 to 2-11.

The foundation for

their fine win was set in the opening half as goals from Dave Kennedy and Eoin Thynne, coupled with the free taking of Eoin O’Brien, gave the visitors a 2-5 to 0-5 lead.

Lucan responded bravely to reduce the gap to two points. But a goal from Neil Plunkett in the 46th minute held them at bay.

hurling: somerton side win first ever ahl2 tie

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s CLUB membership is now due and can be paid online. Deadline is March 31. All details are on the club website.

day morning.

Contact Paul on 087 9154748 or email info@stbrigidsgaa.com for more info.

Strictly Brigid’s returns on March 28.

The club lotto jackpot remains a huge

Tickets are now on sale from our danc-

€15,000. Our next draw will take place

ers in the club bar, from 083 4317424 or

this Thursday, March 19 in Russell

strictlystbrigids@gmail.com. Limited

Park. Make sure you have your tickets,

number available so get yours fast.

available online or from usual sellers.

Well done to all our juvenile and adult

Our junior ladies footballers are

teams who were in league action over

looking for new or returning players.

the weekend.

All abilities welcome. Contact Leanne

Standout results were our U-13

on 085 1685626.

ladies footballers who scored 7-7 in

Full round of adult football league

their league win and our senior and

fixtures this weekend; see the web-

inter hurlers who both claimed one

site for details and please support

point opening day league wins. The

our teams.

junior hurlers’ game was postponed.

Our club nursery continues as normal from 9.30am to 11am every Satur-

The final Texas Hold’em poker night before the summer/autumn break will take place on April 24.

naomh peregrine’s THIS week’s lotto was not won. The numbers drawn were 5, 17, 23 and 27.

The senior hurlers would like to thank everybody for supporting their Fantasy Cheltenham competition.

The eventual winner was Catherine Sweeney, who pipped Enda Watson in the last race.

The Feile teams would also like to thank everybody who supported their

The Castleknock side that earned promotion to AHL2

Senior status holds no fears for Knock AHL division two Raheny 0-10 Castleknock 1-10  sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK created another piece of history last Sunday morning, winning their first ever senior hurling league match at St Anne’s Park on a perfect spring morning, Promotion was gained last year under the guidance of Humphrey Kelleher, Kevin McCambridge, Neil Kedward and Mick Geraghty and this squad has shown no intention of making up the numbers this year.

The game started at a

frantic pace and it fell to the youthful wrists of Luke Whelan to register the first score. The defence stood tall with Ross Mullins and Paul Burke steady and calm in the full back line. Declan Tobin played a captain’s part while the midfield engine room was driven by the strong running of Shane Boland and the dynamic work of Conal Purcell.

With this platform, the Somerton side were creating chances, Colum Breslin in particular was giving his man a torrid time.

They were slightly profligate with their shooting, though, while Raheny

were far more economical and took some really good scores from distance with the aid of a slight breeze.

Kieran Duggan was getting through a pile of ball on the 50 and was ably assisted on either side by some strong fielding from Niall O’Callaghan and Jamie Tunney.

Nonetheless, at the short whistle, Raheny led 0-5 to 0-5.

On the resumption, Castleknock brought more structure and design to their play and made a breakthrough when halftime substitute Fintan Murray broke through to dispatch the ball to the

corner with aplomb.

The game took another swing then with the dismissal of a Raheny player for a second yellow card.

This brought some loose play and Raheny clocked up another few scores.

Having weathered that patch, Knock again asserted control around the middle and began to stretch the Raheny defence.

The introduction of Conor Prunty brought some solidity to the back line in front of a typically assured Colin Lynch and Dara McKiernan and Shane Coffey arrived to the forward division to replace tired legs.

poker night last Friday.

There were big wins this week for our U-14 and U-15 hurlers as well as our U-16 camogie team.

Well done to Aoife Deegan and Megan McCluskey on making the Dublin Camogie Development panel this week. T Thank you to all of our Juvenile mentors and parents on helping out over St Patrick’s Day.

castleknock OUR senior hurlers got off to the per-

on Easter Saturday. Full details on the

fect start to their league campaign,

website; cyclists of all ages and expe-

winning away against Raheny last

rience welcome.

Sunday.

Membership for the new year is due,

The adult footballers play St Anne’s

please continue to hand in all forms

this Saturday in Somerton, throw in at

and fees. Forms can be downloaded

10.30am. Details of all other games will

from the website.

follow during the week.

The annual club race night will now

There was no winner of the lotto jackpot, which now stands at €9,000.

take place in Kavanagh’s on March 27.

If you’d like to send in any photos,

Training for the second annual club

news or match reports, please send

cycle has commenced, which will be

them all to info@castleknock.net.

erin go bragh CLUB membership is due. Membership

purchase of €40; 300 completed cards

forms are available at training and our

must be returned by May 10.

website, eringobraghgaa.ie. Call Finbarr on 086 3837411.

With Colaiste Pobail Setanta, we’ll be holding Strictly Clonee on April 25

Our nursery continues Tuesdays 6-7pm in Castaheaney Community Centre and Saturday at 11.15am in Phibblestown Community Centre.

in Westmanstown. Advertisement

Well done to our underage teams

opportunities available. Contact

at the weekend. Hard luck to the U-12

strictlyclonee@outlook.com, Amanda

footballers. Our U-13 hurlers beat

on 087 2590822 or Mick on 086 0435195.

Naomh Fionnbarra.

Thanks to everyone who supported the launch night.

Our U-15 hurlers beat Ballyboden St Enda’s.

We’re taking part in Topaz’s cash

Our U-11 boys will take part in the

for clubs (Reg number: 10408). Stamp

half time entertainment at Croke

cards are available at service sta-

Park in Dublin’s fixture against Derry

tions; receive a stamp for every fuel

on March 28.

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

super saints: Mochta’s pick off another strong win as Greystones put to the swords in LSL P30

march 19-25, 2015

academy additions: Four Dubliners join Irish cricket’s elite group P28

Castleknock have plenty to celebrate following the approval to buidl a new clubhouse at Somerton

Castleknock’s new home

Somerton club gains approval from its members to push forward with plans to build state of the art clubhouse to complete huge development

 stephen findlater

sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK Hurling and Football Club took another big step forward last Thursday night with club members approving plans to start work on a new clubhouse during the summer.

The proposal is to build a state of the art complex that will include six changing rooms, a gym, showers, toilets, a kitchen, coffee dock, club shop, meeting and physio rooms at their Somerton base.

The clubhouse is set to be placed on the embankment overlooking the main pitch, an innovative design that will look like a single-

storey structure from the main road but will be over two levels on the club side.

It will be the final piece in the development of the club since they first turned the sod in 2007 when the club, after 10 years of existence, set up their base at Somerton.

Since then, the club have built three grass pitches, an all-weather training pitch and a hurling wall via three set of lotto grants.

They subsequently were successful in their bid for a 2014 sports capital grant to part fund this and club chairman Niall Tutty says it is another important move forward for the club – now grown to 1,700 members.

“We are delighted that we are able to get the confidence of our members that we are

ready for this. We have reached a pivotal point in our history,” he told GazetteSport.

“Having a fully-flegded home, that’s the plan.

“The fact we are operating at the moment without showers and changing rooms, we have to take into account we have both a men’s and ladies’ section.

“We want to be able to provide facilities that you would expect in any club to our membership and also to visiting teams.”

The current plan is to divide the development of the clubhouse into two phases with building of the first set to begin in July.

For this, the club are looking to raise €80,000 in the next two months.

“The more money we can raise in the fundraising drive between now and July, the more we can build [in the first phase].

“We’re going to carry out a campaign among our members but we are also open to anyone from the community or the public to make any contributions, big or small, towards it.

“We feel it is a worthwhile project; we keep a lot of young kids off the streets in a healthy, active pastime and the money we raise will be put to very good use.

“We will be providing important facilities where young people can be looked after.”

The plan is currently to complete the project

by April 2016.