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Gazette BLANCH

September 7 - 13, 2017

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TO HAVE & TO HOLD: Getting hitched? Don’t miss our weddings guide P19-23

ALL READY FOR THE FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL IT’S that time of year again – time for some tears and stress as children head off to ‘big school’ for the very first time. Still, even if some of the grown-ups were briefly upset by the experience, the children were all smiles as they went to school for their first day, like Sophia Willis, Lily May Flanagan and Georgia Maher, delighted to be starting off at St Francis Xavier NS.

Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

SPORT Mochta’s on winning trail P30

For more of our first day at school shots, see Pages 6-7

‘IT’S LIKE THEY’RE DELIBERATELY GOING OUT OF THEIR WAY TO CATCH PEOPLE’

Residents’ anger is revved up by clampers  MARK O’BRIEN

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

CLAMPERS are unfairly targeting a Clonsilla estate, according to residents.

Residents of the Allendale estate voted to bring clamping into the estate in an attempt to deter non-residents from parking their cars there – but now they’re being clamped.

Resident Elaine Rooney said her husband’s car was clamped at 2am because the permit had fallen off.

Full Story on Page 9

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

‘SCANDALOUS’ | SCHOOL IN BREACH OF FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS

Call for probe into safety of recently built schools  MARK O’BRIEN A LOCAL councillor has called for a full investigation into the safety of recently built schools after an audit found that a Dublin 15 school was found to be in breach of fire safety regulations.

Cllr Matt Waine spoke out after it emerged that Powerstown Educate Togather National School was one of five schools built by Western Building System Ltd (WBS) in 2008 that was found to be in breach of fire safety standards.

In the case of all five schools, the breach was due to a failure to provide a 60-minute fire retardation window for evacua-

tions.

“This is nothing short of scandalous,” said Cllr Waine.

“It is another example of the legacy of soft touch building regulations.

“In place of a hands-on regime of fire safety compliance during the construction stage we instead had an unreliable system of self-certification.

Cllr Waine was heavily critical of WBS and called for all recently built schools to be included in a properly funded and “rigorous fire safety inspection”.

He added that the company had also built schools in Carpenterstown.

Powerstown Educate Together released a statement confirming that the

Cllr Matt Waine

audit referred to a semipermanent building that had since been demolished.

The statement read: “The Board of Management of Powerstown Educate Together was assured by the Department of Education during the 2015/2016 school year that the semi-permanent building was safe for our pupils, families and staff

to use prior to and post the 2016 audit.

“To date the Board of Management have not been furnished with copies of this audit, despite numerous requests.

“Powerstown Educate Together National School is in its permanent building since August 21, 2016.

“This building was constructed by ABM. We would like to assure our school community that our building is fully compliant with fire safety regulations.

“All fire safety certificates are available for viewing in the school.

Western Building Systems have said that they do not believe the company is responsible for the issues

Free family day at Farmleigh NEPAL Day – a free family fun day - will take place at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park this Sunday.

The main event is a cultural music, dance and song program which will run throughout the course of the afternoon and which will feature traditional Nepalese music and dance but also a fusion of Nepalese and Irish music especially prepared for the day.

There is also a photographic exhibition which will feature over 100 photos taken by Irish people who have visited Nepal since 2015.

A mountaineering talk program which will feature the three Irish climbers who summited Mount Everest this year - Terry Kelleher, Rory McHugh and John Burke.

There will also be Nepalese handicraft stalls and many colourful costumes on the day.

The event runs from 12 noon until 5pm.

raised as fire safety regulations have been updated since they handed over the buildings and the responsibility for complying with the new regulations now rests with the schools.

The Department of Education said: “Copies of the reports in relation to the other buildings referenced were released last Friday.

“A copy of the report did not issue to the school authority of Powerstown Educate Together NS, because the school had moved into a new school building, and the building referred to in the fire safety report had already been demolished at the time of release of the reports.”

FASTNews

Council to carry out works to stop illegal dumping at cemetery FINGAL County Council has said it will carry out “significant development works” in an attempt to curb illegal dumping at Mulhuddart Cemetery.

Last week, The Gazette reported that locals visiting deceased loved ones were horrified to see a large amount of rubbish illegally dumped at the cemetery.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “The fly-tipping of domestic refuse and household items including electrical appliances, furniture, tyres, bathroom suites, carpets, kitchen presses etc. in Mulhuddart cemetery has been an ongoing issue for a number of years.

“The Operations Department installed retractable bollards in June of this year which has restricted vehicular access to the cemetery and the recently completed extension which had become a focal point for this illegal activity.

“The erection of the bollards has restricted the fly-tipping to the front of the cemetery adjacent to Church Road but regrettably has discommoded some people wishing to visit and tend to the grave of loved ones.

“The council proposes to carry out significant development works to the entrance and boundary of Mulhuddart Cemetery which will enhance the overall aesthetic and will examine all possible measures to eliminate the ongoing dumping as part of the design phase.”

7 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

NEW DOCUMENTARY | LOCAL FILMMAKER SHEDS LIGHT ON HOW OUR FAVORITE DRINKS ARE MADE

Brewing a more positive image of coffee production  MARK O’BRIEN

Neil on location in Colombia

A NEW documentary about the making of coffee hopes to shine a more positive light on coffee production and may even have helped the cause of international relations along the way.

Clonsilla native Neil Elworthy is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who started his career with ITN. Neil has since made a series of documentaries called “The Story of” which tell the story of how some our favourite food and drink is produced.

The latest documentary, “The Story of Coffee” is now available on RTE Player.

Neil told The Gazette that he wanted the documentary to

have a positive spin and show what the coffee industry is doing to improve the lives of producers in developing countries.

“It would be very easy to talk about the mistreatment of farmers in developing countries but the truth is that the industry are doing something to address these issues,” he said.

Neil secured sponsorship from Nespresso to go to Columbia for 10 days and document the coffee making process.

The documentary features interviews with farmers and producers and shows how Nespresso are working to help improve the lives of these people as well as providing educational opportunities to the

younger generations.

Although things seem to be improving for many people, there are some parts of Columbia that can be quite dangerous and Neil and his team were given 24-hour security during their time there.

But this proved too stifling for the Irish crew and so they snuck out one night and found themselves in a salsa bar on the wrong side of the tracks.

Neil said that the bar staff were wary of them at first but quickly thawed when they revealed that they were Irish.

“It was like the heavens opened (when he found out the crew were Irish), he said ‘Ah, our guys train your guys and your guys train our guys’ and

a bottle comes out down the counter and before you know it, we’re accepted within this bar,” said Neil.

“When we got home we heard peace accords had been reached by FARC and we were in FARC territory so we would like to think that we had something to do with helping international relations,” he adds, laughing.

Neil hopes to travel to Bangladesh at the end of the year to make his next documentary, “The Story of Tea” and is hoping to secure sponsorship.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the trip can contact Neil at production@setv.ie.

“The Story of Coffee” is now available on RTE Player.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

DUBLIN 15 | GETTING PEOPLE THINKING

Proceeds of golf classic given to charity very close to Lisa’s heart

THE proceeds of the The Lisa Dalton Golf Classic which was held in Castleknock Golf Club were presented to the Marie Keating Foundation last week.

The event was held in honour of young mother of two Lisa, who sadly died in September 2016 after a year-long battle with breast cancer.

She was just 35 and left behind her loving husband Conor and two young children.

Pictured at the presentation are Conor Dalton, Fiona Sulliva (Marie Keating Foundation), Linda Keating (Marie Keating Foundation, Tom, Katherine and Gary Byrne.

Picture: ALISON O’HANLON

‘When you buy drugs you’re making crime gangs richer’  MARK O’BRIEN

SAFER Blanchardstown are planning to launch a national campaign to get people thinking about the consequences of buying illegal drugs.

The local organisation – that works to make Dublin 15 a safer area – hope to get the whole of Ireland to have a conversation about recreational drugs and how money spent on drugs ultimately ends up in the hands of crimiSafer Blanchardstown’s Philip Jennings nals.

Safer Blanchardstown Co-ordinator, Philip Jennings told The Gazette: ultimately, all of the money spent on “We’re now working with the PSNI, drugs winds up in the hands of crimithe guards and with all of the politi- nal gangs. cal parties to develop a national cam“If you’re spending €10 a week, then paign that’s going to target recreation- how many other people are spending al drug use as being the genesis of all €10 a week?” he said. the problems associated with drug “How much money does that generate and then where does that money taking.

“It’s about making people aware of go and to what purpose?

“And what are people prepared their responsibilities around recreational drugs and asking them to think to do to each other and how many before they buy.” innocent people are they prepared to Philip said that he wanted the cam- endanger just to protect their market paign to encompass the whole of Ire- share?” land due to recreational drug use not Philip added that he hoped this new being confined to one particular area campaign would prompt people to ask or demographic. these questions and stop and think “It’s not just a problem for Dublin, or before they buy recreational drugs.

Cork, or Limerick, or for Castelknock “We want to start a conversation or Corduff,” he said. among friends in every home, school, “It’s a societal problem and it can’t business, factory, shop and college,” be located in any demographic or he said. area.”

“We want to start that conversation While some people may only spend where recreational drug use is linked small amounts on drugs and buy from to all of the harm associated with people who do not appear to be major drugs.” criminals, Philip said that the camThe campaign is expected to offipaign’s aim was to remind people that cially launch at the end of October.

FASTNews

Garda Station hosts Open Day THE annual Blanchardstown Garda Station Open Day will take place on September 16, 2016 from 2pm – 5pm. This is a popular annual event which provides an opportunity for the community to visit the Garda Station and interact with local gardai.

Members of the public will also be able to take a tour of the station and gain an understanding of the work undertaken by Gardai.

Seasonal Crime prevention advice and information on drugs will be available. The event will also feature displays by partner agencies including Civil Defence, Safer Blanchardstown and the RSA.

All set for Lock Harvest Festival THE 12th Lock Harvest Festival returns to Castleknock on Sunday, September 10.

The festival is a funfilled event with a food village, stalls, arts and crafts, face painting and lots more taking place at Castleknock Marina.

There will be a variety of exhibitors and entertainers on the day including the Royal Canal Amenity Group, the Castleknock Scouts, Sew Busy Bee Crafts and Bridget’s Mantle organic skincare products.

For further information visit www. harvestfest.ie

7 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

Out and About

Navya and Sweeny Baddam Charlie Murphy, Meabh Jolley and Charlotte Walsh are ready for anything. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Constantine Mereacre and his mum, Liliana

Ella Grace Phillips and Emilia Whiston

Emily O’Connor

Szymon Ivanous and Liam Mozdzynski

7 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Delighted to learn all about life at ‘big school’

Lexie Cullen

T

HERE were only a few tears and signs of last-minute nerves as the new class of junior infants had their first day at school at St Francis Xavier NS – but whatever about the frazzled grown-ups, the children themselves seemed perfectly happy to be taking their very first steps at ‘big school’. The crowd of neatly-dressed children and their parents and guardians joined together for a morning to remember, with school staff welcoming the junior infants to the school, marking the very start of their life-long learning adventure. With their neatly polished shoes and smart uniforms, the children happily went in to start their very first day, with many bringing colourful little schoolbags, some clutching a favourite toy, and all looking forward to making some new friends, too.

Molly Gill

Philip Knap

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

CELEBRATIONS | LOCAL CHILDREN WIN BIG AT WORLD STREET DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dancing in the streets

 MARK O’BRIEN

THERE was cheers and tears of joy in Glasgow last week after a Dublin teenager picked up a top award at the World Street Dance Championships.

Jordan Nguyen (17), from Clonee, was crowned World Street Dance Champion 2017 while a number of his teammates

also picked up awards.

Jordan, along with 110 dancers and supporters from Fit Kids/Fit Teens Dance School in Blanchardstown, Clonee, Finglas and Lucan travelled to the event which saw around 30 countries battle it out for four days to claim the coveted title.

Speaking after his victory, a delighted Jordan said:

“Winning first place was honestly the best feeling in the world.

“Being able to represent my country against so many other countries was such an amazing experience.

“This moment can never be taken away from me.

“If it wasn’t for the support of my parents, Donna Moran (my Instructor

since I was young), and all my fellow Fit Kids/Fit Teens dancers and instructors, I wouldn’t have been able to get on to that stage and dance my heart out.

“That, and all the hard work and training made this happen.”

Jordan was also delighted to receive a letter of congratulations from President Michael D Higgins and other local TDs. Fit Kids/Fit Teens also brought home a host of other awards.

O n a i Ta f u m a w a s ranked sixth in the world for Adult Solos, Tomi Akingba and Sidas Bagavicius were ranked fourth for Adult Duos, while Hannah Krzywda, Aine Carolan, Anthony Ratti-

WORLD CHAMP: Jordan Nguyen was crowned World Street Dance Champion

gan and Beko Mguga were also finalists.

In the Crew section both the Caution Crew (under 10yrs) and Keep It Lit (under 16yrs) also achieved Finalist awards.

Blanchardstown Instructor Rachel Murphy said she couldn’t be prouder of the school’s achievements.

“The children and Instructors have worked so hard and were so proud to represent their country,” she said.

The Caution Crew

Keep It Lit

“It was extremely competitive and the standard was through the roof.

“They were wonderful ambassadors.

“We are overwhelmed by the lovely letters of support from TD’s and Councillors, the media and public.”

7 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

CLONSILLA | RESIDENTS UNHAPPY WITH CLAMPERS

‘We paid our fee in full so why is the clamp on the car’

 MARK O’BRIEN RESIDENTS of a Clonsilla estate say that they feel that they are being unfairly targeted by clampers.

The residents of the Allendale estate voted to bring in car clamping into the estate in an attempt to deter non-residents from parking their cars there and to ensure that residents paid their management fees in full.

All residents who pay their management fees are issued with a parking permit.

But resident Elaine Rooney contacted The Gazette to say that her husband Lorcan’s car had been recently been clamped at 2.20am after the permit accidentally fell of the windscreen of the car.

Elaine was initially told that she would have to pay €120 to remove the clamp despite the fact that she and her husband had paid their management fee in full and she felt her car should have been placed on a safe list to avoid being clamped.

After contacting the managing agent and explaining the situation,

the couple were told that they would still have to pay a €50 administration fee to unclamp the car.

The car remains clamped as the couple refuse to pay the fee.

“They (the management company) said that the clampers were brought in as a debt collection tool,” said Elaine.

“Now we’re in debt to the management company. We paid our fee in full so why is the clamp on the car?

We refuse to pay the administration fee.”

Resident Lisa Nolan said that her sister-in-law’s car was also recently clamped.

Lisa and her husband had to travel to Kilkenny to visit a sick relative and her sister-in-law was babysitting their children for the night.

In their hurry to travel they forgot to text the security company RFC to say that the car would be visiting for the night and the car was clamped at 4am.

Lisa said that while she accepts they forgot to follow the agreed procedure, she was not happy with the way that the car was clamped.

Aislinn Small, Mary Jolly and Sarah Murphy

She said: “The thing that bugs me is that we’re paying a management fee and there doesn’t seem to be any sense to the way they’re doing it.

“It was four in the morning when they clamped my sister-in-law so to me, it’s like they’re deliberately going out of their way to catch people.”

The Board of Allendale Square Management Company said in a statement: “Clamping was introduced to Allendale Square as it was voted in unanimously by the members at the AGM in 2014.

“Clamping was neither the decision of The Board nor the Agent Mangewise.

“It was the decision of the majority of the members of Allendale Square Management Company.

“Permits were also hand delivered to each eligible owner or their tenant.

Permits must be displayed to avoid being clamped.

“Visitors to Allendale Square can text RFC their registration details at any time to avoid being clamped.

“Neither the Board nor Managwise have any further comment at this time.”

David Geraghty and Zahara Tourabpouran

Debutantes are having a ball

Sean Markey and Rebecca Ungureanu

THESE Coolmine Community School students were dressed to impress as they posed for pictures before enjoying their Debs Ball. The event was an emotional night for many who realised this would be the last time all their classmates would all be together at the same time.

But it was also a very special night to mark the end of their time in the school and to celebrate all their memories and experiences over the past six years.

10 GAZETTE 7 September 2017

Out and About

Don King, Ally Flood, Tarik Shebani and Ruth Devine

Aoibhin Garrihy and

her husband

John Burke

Much hula-hoopla about fun festival Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson

Rosanna Davison

Karen McEvoy and Julian Benson

with Tinuke and Obe. P10 Pictures: BRIAN McEVOY

T

HEY came in their thousands – rainclouds, that is, but the gloomy skies and occasional showers at Electric Picnic couldn’t wash away the delight of the crowd at this year’s sold-out festival.

Once again, hordes of Dubs joined their culchie cousins for a party and a half over at Stradbally Hall in Co Laois, where they could all become the great unwashed together, as they traipsed happily about through muddy fields from music stages to comedy tents to beer gardens and much, much more. The three-day event was another smash hit with everyone, with weary revellers, celebrities and music fans tired but happy as they made their way back home to wherever they hailed from.

Emman Idama and Sisters Ailbhe, Aoibhin and Doireann Garrihy

Soiraya Ryan

Corrina Durran and Sisters Jade and Laura Mullett

Eoghan McDermott

7 September 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Tim Moylan and Aishling Healy

Cathy Courtney, Deirdre Reddy and Deirdre Spain. P11 Pictures: Julien Behal

Kate Tierney and Julie Fitzgerald

Kellie and Laura Deans

Bridget Butler and Karl Hayes

Aoiffe Madden and singer-songwriter Jafaris

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 7 September 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Web Summit, ESB seek bright sparks for start-up award ESB and the people at Web Summit have begun the search for Ireland’s best startup.

The ESB Spark of Genius Award, which will be presented in November at Web Summit in Lisbon, will see one Irish company win €25,000 and the opportunity to exhibit at the international web industry get-together, along with mentoring support from top executives at ESB. The deadline for applications has been extended for an extra week until Sunday, September 17.

The awards are open to high-potential technology start-ups which have been in operation for less than three years and have received under €1 million in funding. Entrants will be judged on the uniqueness of their idea, their level of development to date, and their potential for future growth.

Previous winner, David Shackleton of OpenBack, said: “Winning the ESB Spark of Genius Award has opened doors for our business on a global scale.

“Winning at Web Summit has helped us explain our product differentiation and grow our business significantly so far in 2017.

“For any early stage businesses out there, there are huge benefits to being in this top calibre process – we couldn’t recommend it enough and encourage anyone with a differentiated proposition to get involved.”

Interested parties can apply at www.esb.ie/ spark-of-genius.

COUNCIL | 12-MONTH TRAINING, MENTORING PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

New focus on creative expertise over the city

Fundraising Fellows Dublin members Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, Fishamble: The New Play Company; Muriel Foxton, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios; Paula Weir, Dublin Theatre Festival, and Anna McCarthy, Helium Arts with Cllr Vincent Jackson (Ind) and Andrew Hetherington, chief executive, Business to Arts. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

DUBLIN City Council’s Dublin’s Culture Connects, and Business to Arts, are calling on community or small cultural organisations across the city who are interested in building their fundraising capacity to apply for a 12-month training and mentoring programme.

Interested groups can apply for one of four places by completing an application form before 5pm next Monday, September 11.

T his joint programme between Dublin’s Culture Connects and Business to Arts, the Fundraising Fellowship, Dublin initiative aims to develop the pool of fundraising expertise in cultural organisations.

The four successful groups will receive training and mentorship in the areas of sponsorship and marketing, which will be facilitated under the guidance of Business to Arts by the new Fundraising Fellows Dublin: Temple Bar Gallery + Studios; Helium Arts; Fishamble: The New Play Company, and Dublin Theatre Festival.

Any community group in the

city can also book to attend an Introduction to Fundraising seminar on Tuesday, November 14 at the Wood Quay venue.

Dublin’s Culture Connects project director Iseult Byrne said: “This programme aims to develop fundraising expertise, not only in our partner organisations, but also in community groups in the city.

“We are now looking for community organisations to tell us why they should be part of this fundraising expertisesharing initiative.”

To be eligible to apply for the 12-month programme, organisations must fulfil a number of criteria, including that the groups must be located in the Dublin City Council area; be in existence for a minimum of three years; have a future planned programme of activity for at least 12 months; have at least one paid administrator, and have an advisory board or steering committee.

Further details can be found over at the Dublin’s Culture Connects website, or by emailing info@dublinscultureconnects.ie.

Innovators sought for specialist new programme in food sector BORD Bia and Maynooth University are looking for aspiring innovators to join an industry-first programme which aims to enhance the innovation capabilities within the Irish food, drink and horticultural sector.

The MSc Design Innovation (Food) is currently seeking applications from individuals with a creative flair, a passion for innovation and a genuine ambition to develop a career within Ireland’s largest indigenous industry.

Irish food and drinks companies with an interest in accelerating new product development can also benefit from having a programme partici-

pant join their team for the duration of the course.

Food is Ireland’s largest industry with an annual turnover of €25bn, exports of €10.8bn and a total of 230,000 jobs supported. The growth targets for the sector are ambitious and require a world-class capacity for insight driven innovation to be achieved.

Padraig Brennan, director of markets, Bord Bia said: “In order for the Irish food and drink industry to achieve our ambitious growth targets, we need to proactively attract, develop and retain new talent with a range of strategic capabilities.

“Novel, insight-led innovations and a creative way of thinking for the food, beverage and horticulture industry are essential in order to maintain our competitive edge.”

Applications are currently being sought from individuals and companies interested in participating in the programme, with a closing date set for Friday, September 15.

The programme is financially supported by Bord Bia and the industry, and successful participants will have their fees paid and receive a bursary of €20,000 per annum.

For further information, see www. maynoothuniversity.ie/mscdif.

7 September 2017 GAZETTE 13

MOTORS P16-17

CINEMA P25

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THIS DOG IS TRULY A MUSIC: JAMES HENDICOTT ON TOUR WITH DINGLE’S FINEST FIVE-PIECE BRAN-TASTIC BEAST WHO’LL ADORE YOU OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Bran, a distinguished nine-year-old Collie.

Bran is a real foodie who adores his grub, so getting to know him shouldn’t take too long. He seeks affection and attention but prefers a hands-off approach, so he would be happiest snuggling at your side rather than being petted and fussed.

Bran needs an adult home, preferably one that’s familiar with Collies and their kooky ways.

He’s adorably handsome and a firm favourite with the staff in Dogs Trust, so if you’re looking for a dog to stick to your side like glue, Bran could be the one for you.

He may be an older dog but that doesn’t stop him! He absolutely adores his walks and is an agile beast that would love long rambles with his new family.

If you can be Bran’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

Walking the walk D INGLE five-piece Walking On Cars are hot property right now – so much so, in fact, that when we finally manage to catch up with them, it’s back stage at a festival in the Czech Republic.

They’ve just performed to a crowd of tens of thousands on the main stage at Colours of Ostrava – the only Irish act on the bill – and clearly won over a heap of new fans. But it hasn’t always been quite so glamorous.

The band got off to a somewhat iffy start, in fact, as they went topsy turvy in their home town.

“We booked a gig, and then we wrote the songs to play that gig,” singer Pa Sheehy tells The Gazette. “One of the songs we still play now – ‘Don’t Mind Me’ – dates back to then. ‘Speeding Cars’ came soon after that.”

“We just stood in a kitchen for two or three nights a week until we wrote them. But the first couple of gigs were shocking. I feel sorry for people who were there.

“We’ve been quite lucky playing so many international shows,” Sorcha Durham says of the current Europe-

Walking with Cars are fast gathering an army of loyal fans across Europe

wide tour. “‘Speeding Cars’ got a lot of radio play, gaining us new fans.”

Venues The European Border Breakers Award, which the band collected for ‘success outside their own country’ earlier this year is indicative of how an act still based in rural West

Kerry has flooded onto the international market.

“You start from the bottom and work your way up, from small venues to middle-sized venues, that’s what we’ve been doing for the last couple of years,” they modestly explain.

Those ‘medium-sized venues’

now include fields.

“It’s really different going on to stages like this, but it’s not like we swapped a pub in Dingle for festival stages,” Sheehy recalls. “You can never fully get used to it, but it’s been a gradual change, and in some ways it’s more nerve wracking playing a pub. A pub is just so intimate.”

“There’s been some amazing moments, like the first time we got a tour bus. It’s all bunks, with a lounge and kitchens and stuff like that. That blew our minds. – it still does.”

‘Speeding Cars’, strangely as the band’s biggest hit, almost didn’t make last year’s debut album ‘Everything This Way’, as singer Sheehy was less than sure about the track.

“We always knew it had something,” he recalls, “but it was much slower, and I was kind of sick of it. I did suggest leaving it out, but the producer disagreed – it was his favourite track, in fact – and that was that.

Continued on Page 15

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 7 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

COMMUNITY: NEW INITIATIVE TO ENCOURAGE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE FOR ELDER CITIZENS

Think Ahead for seniors N

CASTLE Homecare, the Irish-owned and managed home care services provider for older people, has paired with broadcaster Brendan Courtney to launch Thinking Ahead, a series of free talks aimed at encouraging older people and their families to plan for the future.

Hosted by Castle Homecare, the event will take place in the Stillorgan Park Hotel on Thursday, September 28 as part of Age Action’s Positive Aging Week, and will be officially opened by Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly, The talks aim to inform, educate and entertain the audience on matters such as future-proofing their home, the Fair Deal scheme, and what it means for home care and security for older people, both on and offline.

Brendan said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of Castle Homecare’s Thinking Ahead event and to help launch Thinking Ahead.

“I hope to share my personal story to give insight into the challenges faced with ageing. This event is an incredible way to provide valuable information for the public and to inform the audience about measures that can be taken to best prepare for the future.”

Up to 150 people are expected to attend Thinking Ahead. Registration is now open and places are limited; to register, see http://www.castlehomecare. ie/registration.

POD YOURSELF INTO A GOOD MASTERCLASS FOR those who love listening to podcasts, and people who haven’t discovered them yet, HeadStuff and Aiken Promotions have released a series of shows as a part of the inaugural Dublin Podcast Festival.

The festival brings 10 nights of headliner shows, live podcasts, comedy showcases, discussions and workshops taking place in various venues across Dublin city.

In addition, a podcast workshop and masterclasses will have something for everyone. Taking place in the Kevin Barry Recital Room of The National Concert Hall on Saturday, September 23, workshops will feature some of Ireland’s most experienced podcasters and broadcasters to show their tips and tricks.

Tickets for the 10 a m -2 :15 p m workshop cost €30; the 3-6pm master class costs €35, while a ticket for the all-day workshop and masterclass costs €60 (all available from www. nch.ie).

SING OUT FOR JERVIS AT ITS 21ST BIRTHDAY

CALLING all acoustic musicians! Jervis Shopping Centre turns 21 years old this month, and to celebrate it’s on the look-out for acoustic musicians to perform on a community stage at its big birthday bash on Saturday, September 30.

If you love to sing and you think you have what it takes, you can apply for a place to perform throughout the birthday event. Entries are now open at https://goo.gl/mB2UsR, with the deadline for entries this Friday, September 8.

Centre manager Derek McDonnell said: “We are excited to workwith local musicians and give them the opportunity to showcase their talents on the Jervis Shopping Centre Community Stage. We are celebrating 21 fantastic years in business, and what better way to celebrate than by inviting up-and-coming artists to perform at our birthday event this September!”

The birthday celebrations on September 30 will also see plenty of events, competitions and activities for guests across the centre.

O WHAT’S GUIDE

EVENTS with JAMES HENDICOTT

Zero Waste Festival

CIE Inchicore hosts the heart of the national ‘Zero Waste Week’ with workshops, stands, educational offerings, discussions and a clothes swap on offer on September 9.

The Doggie Do A wonderfully named festival aimed at pooches,

and hosted in the temporarily renamed ‘Herbert Bark’, the DogsTrust organised Doggie Do is a dog-lovers paradise expected to attract upwards of a thousand canine lovers, to attractions including photography, competitions and talks.

10 September 10.

STRIKE NOW TO HELP PREVENT A STROKE THIS month, Irish Heart wants people to ‘strike before stroke’ as it marks the beginning of a monthlong awareness campaign supported by the HSE and focused for the first time on stroke prevention among men and women over 40.

Some 60% of over-45s in Ireland have high blood pressure, which is a major risk for stroke – so people are urged to start with a check and find out what they can do to avoid the risk of a stroke.

Dr Angie Brown, medical director of Irish Heart, said: “Stroke is a serious medical emergency mostly associated with older age, but the reality is that people of working age are now accounting for one in four of all strokes in Ireland, and this is growing rapidly in spite of Ireland’s ageing population.

“Preventable risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking are significant contributors, as well as unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle.”

From more exercise to cutting out smoking, there are several steps that everyone over 40 can do to help greatly reduce the risk of a stroke. For further information and support, see www.irishheart.ie.

DISHING UP THE HOTTEST COMP IN IRELAND Food guru and competition judge Paul O’Connor is calling on all curry connoisseurs to nominate their favourite curry house for a top award via www.irishcurry awards.com

THE DOGGIE DO Picture: Audrey Dalton

All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final

As well as being a chance to get into Croker for an All-Ireland final without the ticket angst, the camogie final is invariably a great showcase, and Kilkenny and Cork always deliver. September 10.

Flogging Molly

Put aside the argument about how ‘Irish’ these Celtic punk stars are and you get the core point: the trad-inspired rockers are one of the most entertaining live acts around. Olympia Theatre, September 10.

The Big Lebowski

The Sugar Club gets nostalgic with one of the all time classic movies on the big screen. Check out Coen’s finest with the Dude, his furniture and his bowling ball bound to sit well in a bar. September 10.

Lucan Community Festival

A family festival in the Dublin suburb is set to include rafting down the weir, a selection of international food stalls, craft stalls, a duck race, and plenty of fun for all the family. September 10.

Airfield Food Festival

A rare free entry to the urban farm is enough reason to drop into this foodie delight, but throw in three dozen local food producers, lots of kids activities and foraging walks around the estate and this starts to look like the weekend’s best bargain. September 9/ 10.

Texas

Having made their name in the 90s, the power-pop act are still a formidable live force. September 7/8, Olympia Theatre.

New album of the week -

Jack Johnson - All The Light Above It Too. One of music’s most interesting characters - the laidback acoustic star and former pro surfer’s first release in four years promises to be a blend of upbeat highs and mellow emotional slow burners.

7 September 2017 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

FEATURE

FROM PAGE 13: WITH MAJOR LABEL BACKING AND A GROWING FANBASE, WALKING WITH CARS ARE A..

Walking tour de force

 JAMES HENDICOTT “The rest of the band liked it, too. It turned out it was the one.

It didn’t really come together until we were in the studio, basically, the guitar went through this big evolution in the studio, and then it came together.”

The studio, in fact, was never easy.

Sheehy explained: “The songs kind of evolve like that, almost like a warzone, with each of us pulling backwards and forwards. But if someone feels really strongly about something we’ll always give it a chance. By the time we go out on stage all that’s done, and we just go out and enjoy.

“We heard a really great one about how Oasis slow their songs down, because of how long they take to get to the back of their crowds, which I thought was great.

“But we don’t really think like that. We just do our thing and

Dingle act Walking with Cars’ Pa Sheehy and Sorcha Durham. Picture: YouTube/RTE2fm

hope people like it.”

The opportunities will keep coming, undoubtedly, with a major label backing the fivepiece, and a sizeable fanbase building.

“We weren’t really looking for a label when Virgin came along,” Sheehy recalls.

“We were only willing to get involved with someone who would accentuate what we

were doing. There’s not really the same need for labels that there was in the old days, you can do a lot yourself.”

“But Virgin liked what we were doing, and we’ve only

had good experiences with them. They believed in what we were doing, and just told us to keep on doing it, so they’ve been really supportive. I suppose it was easier because we

were getting radio play and selling out tours across Ireland before they came along, and so they could see that it was working.”

It certainly has worked: ‘Everything This Way’ went to number one in Ireland, and has now gone platinum. It also sold close to 100,000 copies in Germany.

The Dingle act’s 2017 tour schedule has included - on top of our encounter in the Czech Republic - stop offs in Dubai, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, and Holland, as well as extensive trips around the UK and Ireland.

As for the future? “We’re in the middle of writing our new album,” Durham reveals. “We do festivals at the weekend and work on the album during the week, and we really can’t wait to get it out there. We’re already playing a few new songs, so it’s coming.” So, we suspect, is a whole lot more.

7 September 2017 GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

MOTORING

DUBLINLIFE

In the FASTLANE Volkswagen ready to T-Roc VOLKSWAGEN has added a new compact-class crossover, the new T-Roc, to its range. The new Volkswagen entry is a response to the booming SUV market, especially in the compact segment.

Experts estimate that the segment will almost double in size over the next decade.

The T-Roc is a five seat compact SUV with a 445 litre capacity luggage area that extends to 1,290 litres with all rear seats folded to give a spacious load area.

The entry ‘T-Roc’ version will be offered with high-tech systems such as Front Assist area monitoring with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, the Automatic PostCollision Braking System and the lane keeping system Lane Assist. It will also include air conditioning, the Composition Colour infotainment system, LED tail light cluster, visual under body guard (black) and LED daytime running lights in the bumper.

The T-Roc is being offered with turbocharged engines: three petrol engines (TSI) and three diesels (TDI). They are being offered partly with front-wheel drive and manual gearbox, partly with front-wheel drive, 4Motion all-wheel drive (including 4Motion Active Control as standard) and the dual clutch gearbox (7-speed DSG).

The T-Roc will be launched on the market in November for the 2018 market year, while Irish prices have not been confirmed as yet.

The T-Roc is the smallest SUV from the Volkswagen range

‘Mechanics need to fix their reputation’ Customers hate dealing with car repair garages more than any other trade, according to a new survey by a leading warranty company, Warrantywise. The results showed that repair garages now beat estate agents into first place, with plumbers taking the third in the podium of pain.

The survey showed that customers felt baffled by technical jargon, and are worried about taking their car to a dealer or garage for fear of being ripped off.

The anguish was felt by both men and women, but a massive 78% of female respondents said they felt likely to be ripped off by a garage when their car went wrong, versus 62% of males.

The survey showed part of the issue is a lack of understanding of car components and a use of jargon which can confuse car owners.

Fullback has plenty of showroom appeal FIAT has taken on the pick-up market with a newly introduced double cab 4x4 pick-up called the Fullback. This is a re-badged Mitsubishi L200 and MICHAEL MORONEY assesses the value and the offer from the Italian brand.

FIAT has entered the 4x4 pick-up market with a new Fullback model that was developed in partnership with Japanese 4x4 specialists Mitsubishi.

Fiat has added some style changes to Mitsubishi’s well-known L200 to give a look that’s in-line with its Fiat Professional model range; effectively with a Fullback pick-up you are driving a re-badged L200.

It takes all of the impressive features of the Mitsubishi L200 that was significantly upgraded in 2015 and presents them with Fiat badging to add more competition to the growing 4x4 pick-up market.

Unlike Mitsubishi, Fiat Professional only offers the double cab version and also only offers a four-wheel-drive version.

Fiat teamed up with Mitsubishi for good reasons so that this new pick-up aims to set new standards in 4x4 pick-up fuel economy.

And like the Mitsubishi L200 it is close to being the best performer when it comes to 4x4 pick-up in fuel economy comparisons.

I took the Fiat for some interesting test drives in recent weeks, coupled with some trailer pulling tests to assess its potential. The towing capacity at 3.1 tonnes is impressive for a pick-up, but struggles to achieve the higher 3.5 tonne towing rating being offered in the Nissan Navara.

The 2.4 litre 180bhp

The Fiat fullback is rated as one of the more economical pick-ups on the market and comes with a competitive entry price of €30,670, incl. VAT.

the BMW i3 and i3s electric cars at next

New car emission tests in place

week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

NEW car exhaust emission testing systems will come into

New BMW i3 and i3s get Frankfurt launch BMW will be introducing new versions of

The i3 range offers the option of full

place this week in Ireland and across Europe in an effort

electric power or electric power coupled

to measure the actual levels of CO2 and other pollut-

with a range extender petrol engine.

ants from cars while driving rather than being tested in

Both models draw their energy from the

controlled laboratory conditions.

lithium-ion high-voltage battery devel-

The new tests, called the Real driving emission (RDE)

oped by the BMW Group with a capacity of

tests will measure the pollutants, such as NOx, emit-

94 ampere hours (Ah) or 33 kilowatt hours

ted by cars while driven on the road. Europe will be the

(kWh).

first region in the world to introduce such on-the-road

Located low in the vehicle floor, the

testing.

lithium-ion high-voltage battery claims a

The tests will result in higher CO2 ratings for cars.

range of up to 300km (180miles).

Initially, the test results and CO2 rankings will only apply

The new BMW i3 and new BMW i3s have a

new model car ranges introduced to the market from

number of design tweaks to update their visual appearance.

September 1, 2017. The new RDE test ratings system will BMW has new versions of the BMW i3 and i3s being unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show

The trademark BMW i Black Belt running from the bonnet over the roof to the car’s

apply to all new cars sold on European markets from September 2019.

The new BMW i3 and new BMW i3s come

of 170hp and reaches a peak torque of

The Irish Government will have to investigate new

rear end is now complemented by A-pil-

equipped with all-LED headlights as

250Nm, all of which is available instantly

motor taxation measures based on the new CO2 readings

lars and roof lines that also sport a black

standard, which employ LED bulb units for

from a standstill. This means that step-

from the RDE tests to take account of the new figures.

finish. The restyling of the front and rear

dipped beam and high beam as well as the

ping on the accelerator pedal immediately

We can expect to see some changes in relation to car tax

emphasises on the car’s width. A chrome-

daytime running lights. The new turn sig-

unleashes a burst of speed.

levels flagged in the 2018 Government Budget.

design trim strip running across the full

nal indicators also feature LED technology

width of the rear and the positioning of

and are integrated into the front apron in

speed automatic transmission meaning

current New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test intro-

the model and eDrive badges on the outer

the form of horizontal strips.

the zero to 100km/hr benchmark sprint

duced in 1997 and the future Worldwide harmonized Light

can be achieved in 7.3 seconds. Top speed

Vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP) but it will be additional

is limited to 150km/hr.

to them. RDE will ensure that cars deliver low emissions

edges of the boot lid serves to reinforce this impression.

The electric motor powering the new BMW i3 generates a maximum output

The power is transferred via a single-

RDE will not replace laboratory tests, such as the

over on-road conditions.

Fiat Fullback 2.4 DLX

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

turbo-diesel engine is smooth and quiet to drive. While the road holding was impressive driving across narrow winding roads, the heavy boat trailer we used was noticeable on behind, especially when driving downhill.

Across a range of driving conditions I achieved a fuel economy figure of

2.4 litre 180hp 12.1 seconds 15.2km/litre (6.6l/100km or 43mpg) 75 litres 173g/km Commercial €333 20,000km/12 months 3100kgs 5 years (200,000km) €30,670 12.5km/litre which is about 30% less than rated figure of 15.2km/litre (6.6l/100km or 43mpg).

Fuel economy calculations were a little different to normal as Fiat offered the Fullback with British economy figures and a speedo rated in miles rather than our now standard kilometres.

For me, that meant cov-

ering close to 900km on a full 75 litre capacity diesel tank. While relative to a car, this is seen as a thirsty machine.

This improved economy has been achieved by a light and efficient four-cylinder turbo-diesel Mitsubishi engine coupled with a lighter structure of its 4x4 pick-up.

The Fiat Fullback uses a higher level of high tensile steel for lower weight and added strength.

My recent test Fiat Fullback was fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox while a five-speed automatic version is available. The manual unit is impressive to drive and smooth in operation.

T he Fiat uses the proven Mitsubishi Super Select 4WD system for off-road driving. It is well able to cope with sticky off-road areas when engaged at a low setting.

This system also uniquely allows permanent onroad 4x4 driving in the 4H or higher speed setting.

Off-road the system works well, it’s easy to engage. When you opt for the lower gears you will get noticeably more pulling power at lower speeds to pull through the mud. The system is engaged electrically using a dial and a central differential lock is engaged at low speeds.

For most buying a 4x4 pick-up the ownership costs can be significant, so getting commercial tax at €333 is just one bonus. The extended service interval for the new Fiat Fullback from 15,000km to 20,000km will still mean an annual main service. Entry prices start at €30,670 incl. VAT (VAT refunds are possible for VAT registered businesses).

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 7 September 2017

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 7 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE

Top Shop

River Island

Penneys Coat €40; denim jacket €40; jeans €21; shoes €21; socks €2.50

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

THERE has been a noticeable drop in the temperature this week – and while we might be in store for in Indian summer yet, it’s time to start thinking about coats and jackets for Autumn.

Even if you’re not ready to face the end of summer, the more pragmatic shoppers among us know it’s time to start mentally shopping for a coat to see us through the next few months – and shopping for THE new winter coat is one of the highlights of the shopping year.

After all, it’s something you’re going to be wearing most, if not, every day for a lot of the year (especially if it’s a big investment), so it has to be interesting enough that you don’t get sick of it, but classic enough so it goes with the rest of your wardrobe.

Last Winter’s trends are still hanging on this year, courtesy of puffers and faux fur (although faux is forever a major coat trend). Trenches and shearling styles will be everywhere and in perhaps what is this season’s gingham craze, grey and black check dominates.

It seems as though what gingham was to Spring/Summer, grey check is to Autumn/Winter.

The shops haven’t yet started stocking new season coats, but keep an eye online and be prepared to take the plunge when the day comes, soon.

River Island

Wintery wonders

Penneys Tie-sleeve coat €40

New Look waterfall jacket €50

River Island Coat €100

New Look Biker jacket €60

GAZETTE

7 September 2017 GAZETTE 19

To Have to Hold FOR YOUR BIG DAY Congratulations – you’ve decided to take the plunge and tie the knot!

That’s the ‘easy’ part out of the way – now to find the perfect venue for your wedding or civil ceremony reception.

We’ve gathered a range of beautiful venues to suit all tastes and budgets, as well as rounding up stylish tips to look your best on the big day.

And, if you’re thinking of getting married abroad, we have some great travel tips and advice to remember.

Last but definitely not least, head off to honeymoon heaven with our dream destinations to consider. Now all you have to do is get hitched ...

SEE PAGES 20-23

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 7 September 2017

LOVE MARRIAGE

Turn to an old-world setting to begin your future M

ODERN couples simply do not just go for any venue, but Trim Castle Hotel would be the perfect choice for your reception as it possesses the old-world charisma of the historical Anglo-Norman castle, alongside contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.

The floor to ceiling windows of the Great Hall banqueting suite, and a wonderful prefunction area, allow a view of the castle and church lawns that is truly inspirational.

The rooftop garden located on the third floor provides the ultimate backdrop for your wedding photography, with spectacular views over the grounds of Trim Castle and the surrounding area in beautiful County Meath.

This weekend, Trim Castle Hotel’s Wedding Fair takes place on Sunday, September 10, from 2.30-5.30pm and promises to be a perfect day to view this truly magical wedding Venue.

The Great Hall banqueting suite will be fully set for a wedding on the day, and there will be an array of wedding suppliers in attendance to help make your big day pass off perfectly.

Trim Castle offers an ideal combination of old-world charm and contemporary standards of comfort and style

At Trim Castle Hotel, the team of expert wedding specialists aspire to make your wedding day the most memorable and enjoyable day of your life.

They offer a range of wedding packages which are beautifully designed to suit every

couple, and the wedding team assures you of personal and professional attention in the planning and preparation of your special celebration. As you step on to the red carpet, the team at Trim Castle Hotel will ensure that your wishes are granted and your expecta-

tions exceeded.

For further information, contact the Trim Castle Hotel wedding team at 046 948 3000, or email info@trimcastlehotel.com. See also www.trimcastleweddings.com, or www.trimcastlehotel.com.

A ballroom to sweep guests off their feet A

RE YOU looking for the perfect wedding venue?

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport promises to be the ideal venue, and after being recently refurbished to the tune of €12 million, its spectacular new ballroom opens for viewing on November 24.

The room, which is 259m sq, is a purpose-built meeting and events space that boasts the very highest spec in audivisual equipment and modern facilities. The expert events team at the hotel will ensure your wedding day is everything you have ever dreamed of, thanks to their thorough service and attention to detail.

Licensed for civil ceremonies in both the ballroom wedding venue or the more intimate surroundings of The Rose Room, choosing the right wedding venue for your big day couldn’t be easier.

From your initial enquiry, the hotel’s wedding coordinator will be with you every step of the way, as you plan menus, attend tasting, view the venue as it would be set for your day, discuss the decor, entertainment options and special rates for your guests.

After your meal, your wedding

The lavishly appointed lovely ballroom at the Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

party can relax in the Whiskey Bar which will be reserved especially for you and your guests.

Happy couples can add on plenty of extras depending on your personal wishes and budget so that every little detail is covered and your big day is as special and unique as you.

The hotel can also offer reduced accommodation rates for you and your guests.

Whether you are planning an intimate family gathering or a larger celebration, the Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport can cater for all your needs.

The hotel offers three different packages – Golden, Platinum and all-inclusive – and offers the option to tailor-make your own.

Every experience you have with the hotel will be memorable and your expectations surpassed as its expert staff ensure all of your personal touches are included, making your perfect day your wedding, your way.

The Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport’s wedding specialists would be delighted to talk to you. Call them at 01 871 1226, or email cb.dublinairport@claytonhotels.com

7 September 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

Say I do at the Court Yard Hotel

N

ESTLED in the heart of Leixlip, the Court Yard Hotel is a well-established 4-star luxury hotel, exceptional in design and character.

From the moment you step on to the red carpet, you will experience the true dedication of a friendly and professional team with a single focus in mind – the success of the most memorable day in your life.

The hotel’s wedding experts want to make sure that your day is everything you hoped for, and more. To them, every wedding is unique and special, as it should be.

Whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate reception, the style of your wedding is entirely up to you. The hotel has the perfect, stylish spaces to choose from – it’s your special day, so allow its experts to help make it perfect.

The bespoke wedding venue is also registered to host civil ceremonies, and there are a variety of versatile and

unique spaces within the Court Yard to provide the perfect venue.

Guests can enjoy the luxurious accommodation, a beautiful open-air terrace, the spectacular courtyard and the elegant River Bank restaurant.

Offering a commitment to host only one wedding a day, this ensures the bridal party and their guests will have all the space and personal attention needed to make the day as special as it should be.

Excellent value wedding packages at the Court Yard Hotel start from just €49 per person, with a premium Store House package priced at €89 per guest.

From the elegant red carpet and champagne on arrival, to a sumptuous champagne breakfast for the bride and groom the following morning in their bridal suite, the Court Yard Hotel has a single focus on creating memorable weddings.

Beautiful touches include personalised menus, elegant stemmed can-

tainment – is tailored to the bridal party’s exact requirements.

A late bar is organised for the reception after-party, as well as various catering options for evening guests.

Wedding guests can take advantage of special guest rates, and personalised booking forms can be mailed out with wedding invitations.

A variety of spaces within the Court Yard Hotel can provide a beautiful setting for everything from a grand gathering to a more intimate wedding affair

delabras, and chair covers and coordinating bows in the wedding suite that complement the wedding colour scheme.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinators will ensure that everything – from the style of the wedding suite, to the meal, fresh flowers, and enter-

Recently engaged or looking for the ideal wedding venue?

Join the hotel’s wedding specialists on Thursday, September 14 for its superb Autumn Wedding Showcase from 6-9pm and set the scene as they present their reception suites and civil ceremony room dressed for the occasion.

Enjoy prosecco and canapes as you experience all the Court Yard Hotel has to offer you on your special day.

The Court Yard Hotel can be contacted at 01 629 5100, with weddings and other special occasion details available at www.courtyard.ie.

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22 GAZETTE 7 September 2017

LOVE MARRIAGE

I Do ... want us  EXTENSIVE OPTIONS  to get married abroad – but what should we keep in mind?

THINKING of marrying abroad? Well, if you’re otherwise facing a chilly January morning wedding, who could blame you?

As lovely as Ireland is, the lure of sun-kissed lands and tropical winds can be forgiven for luring the odd one or two (or a few hundred) couples away.

If you’re thinking of getting married away from home, Tropicalsky. ie’s Fred Harrison has some great tips to keep in mind ...

1. Check that you are not paying for any extra legal requirements while in the resort – always check before committing to any deal.

2. Always ask how many weddings a day your chosen hotel will have – you don’t want to be part of a ‘conveyor belt’ wedding just churning them out.

3. Always ask if you need to leave the hotel to complete formalities that could involve a visit to the local licence office or registrar’s office while on your holiday/honeymoon.

4. Go easy on the sunbathing – you definitely don’t want to get sunburnt before your wedding.

5. Always travel with your original documents and paperwork, regardless if you’ve sent copies beforehand – your wedding won’t take place unless you have these.

New service to suit your requirements IRISH brand Magee 1866 has introduced a new personal tailoring service for weddings at its South Anne Street store in the city centre.

The personal tailoring service commences with an in-depth consultation in store where Magee 1866’s expert staff will guide grooms-to-be and other wedding party members through the extensive options to find the perfect fabric, cut and style.

Choose from up to 500 fabrics, complemented by an extensive selection of linings, buttons, meltons, trim options and personalised embroidery, such as initials or wedding date monogrammed on the inside pocket or collar welt.

The service is also ideal for those with a preference for double-breasted jackets or pleated trousers (both of

which are proving elusive this season), while customers also have the option of getting a second pair of trousers made.

Precise measurements ensure that each garment will fit perfectly. The result is an investment piece that will reflect personal style and will stand the test of time.

For grooms, it also provides a suit that will not only act as a memento of their big day, but can be worn long beyond the wedding day.

From date of order to delivery takes just four weeks, with prices starting from €599 for a bespoke two-piece suit.

Find out more and book your appointment now with Hugh or Glen at Magee at South Anne Street, Dublin 2; telephone 01 67 98966, or see www.magee1866.com.

Rise to the occasion with the right outfit OCCASIONWEAR for kids is always great fun to shop for – and if your children will be attending a wedding as guests, it’s a great excuse for them to dress up for the day.

Whether they fancy a princess dress or a sharp three-piece suit, there are great options available across Dublin from the likes of Arnotts, Debenhams and House of Fraser. For online shoppers, Littlewoods Ireland has a great selection of kids’ occasionwear to suit all kinds of weddings.

Littlewoods V by Very Girls Occasionwear Sequin Tulle Dress €45

Debenhams RJR John Rocha Dress €43

House of Fraser Howick Junior Boys Cravat Waistcoat Set €35

Debenhams RJR John Rocha Dress €45

Littlewoods Mini V by Very Girls Sequin and Mesh Tutu Dress €32-35

Debenhams RJR John Rocha Jacket €38 Shirt €15 Trousers €17

7 September 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

TravelShorts

COUPLES: DREAMY DESTINATIONS AWAIT THOSE HAPPY TO BE ADVENTUROUS

Finish off your big day with a perfect cruise IF YOU’RE a bit of a last-minuteLarry, panic not – you can discover some of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations in the world on board an amazing cruise with luxury holiday specialists Travelmood.

Set sail on Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Equinox or the recently revitalised Celebrity Constellation (above) and you will enter a zone of fun and relaxation that is out of this world.

Ideal for couples, a cruise provides stunning views and comes with exceptional staff to cater to your every wish and whim.

Prices below include flights from Dublin, cruise, accommodation and taxes and are based on travel dates this December – although other dates are also available.

Southeast Asia Immersion Cruise and Stay Spend one night at the fivestar Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 14 nights on board Celebrity Millennium and two nights at the four-star Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees, Hong Kong, from €1,930pp.

Miami Stay and 11 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise Spend three nights at the three-star Harrisons Hotel and 11 nights on board Celebrity Equinox from €1,575pp.

Christmas and New Year Arabia and India Cruise Spend 15 nights on board Celebrity Constellation from €1,769pp.

FOR further information, see www.travelmood.ie or call their dedicated and experienced team on 01 433 1063, or drop in to the Travelmood store on Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.

Paris (left) may be ‘The City of Love’ – but honeymooners will also love Bali (above, left), Essaouira (above, right) and Krabi Island

Honeymooners still spoilt for choice of dream spots  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

HONEYMOONS hhave volved from simple beach holidays – these days, couples can put together an itinerary as unique as they are. Here are a few of our favourites ....

Bali Picture postcards come to life thanks to its wide beaches, elaborate Hindu temples and terraced rice paddies set against the backdrop of a mountainous terrain.

Resorts provide the perfect opportunity to disappear into the landscape, or alternatively watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean while listening to live music

in the rooftop restaurant at Anantara Seminyak.

For serious indulgence, stay at the St Regis Bali Resort where polished villas open onto private pools.

The island’s southernmost point at Bukit Peninsula commands views from Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple perched on the cliffs above the surf.

Krabi Island, Thailand Most of the beaches in Southern Thailand are overrun with tourists, but the quiet stretch of powdery sand known as Rai Lay, on Krabi Island – which can only be accessed by boat— is an exception.

Its imposing limestone cliffs, tropical foliage, and

There are far too many places to give you the low-down on them all but other favourites include Mauritius, Patmos in Greece, Honolulu, the captivating and bohemian city of Beunos Aires and Hoi An in Vietnam.

the crystal-blue waters of the Andaman Sea make this low-key hideaway a romantic alternative to places like Phuket.

The Rayavadee boasts 103 airy split-level bungalows on 26 acres, some set in the jungle and others overlooking Phranang Beach. Cocktails at sunset at the Grotto restaurant are a must, as is the fresh food grilled by locals on the beach.

Paris It might sound a bit cliched but who could ask for a better honeymoon destination than Paris, the City of Love?

With iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower, museums like the Louvre and landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, the French capital is certain to dazzle visitors.

Even more spectacular than the sights is the city’s rich culture found in its charming boulevards, cozy cafes and bustling bistros.

Opulent lu xur y good enough for celebs like Beyonce can be found at Le Meurice Hotel opposite the Louvre, while the Four Seasons Hotel George V close to

the Champs Elysees offers palatial-style decor.

Essaouira, Morocco With its strong breezes, this Moroccan beach town – known as Wind City, Africa – is one of the world’s top windsurfing and kite-boarding spots.

But there’s more to this bohemian market town, once a favourite haunt for The Doors singer Jim Morrison, than just water sports.

Its calendar is crammed with cultural events from music to art, and the restored ramparts of the medina and crumbling palaces are ideal for a mid-afternoon meander.

Dar Loulema comes highly recommended as the place to stay.

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE When ‘unfinished’ creates success

TECH

GAMES INDUSTRY: THE GROWING IMPACT OF INCOMPLETE TITLES

WOULD you buy a new car that didn’t have any brakes? What about booking a flight where they hadn’t worked out how the landing gear would work, or even if it would work?

That sounds crazy – buying into something unfinished, with some fundamental issues still to be resolved – but it’s becoming an increasingly normalised part of gaming in recent years, with some of the world’s biggest games being anything but finished on their release.

You’d never, ever accept such experimentation in most real-world scenarios, but when it comes to virtual worlds – ah, that’s a very different matter.

T here’s something about tinkering, adjusting and experimenting with a game’s largely finished format that can prove fascinating to gamers, leading them to ignore any ‘failings’ to focus on the raw potential that a title could have.

It’s not a new phenomenon; gamers have become (a little too) well used to post-release patches for games in the past decade in particular, with unfinished, buggy games subsequently getting a steady drip of updates which do everything from fixing major and minor bugs, to fixing stability issues and even adding in new features.

Where you wouldn’t accept a brakeless car, many gamers will accept a featureless game – or, rather, a game that’s clearly missing main features, but has the bones in place to bolt them on at a later stage.

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

Minecraft is probably the most famous example of this trend, with the world-conquering, worldbuilding game of today being substantially different from its initial release, way back when.

Through its constant and continuing revisions and iterations, Minecraft’s creator – and subsequent owners, after ‘Notch’ sold his creation to Microsoft for a staggering $2BN – have substantially added to the game.

They’ve added the brakes, and fixed the landing gear, so to speak, but it’s been a journey that all

those who bought into the game have been taken on, seeing regular updates adding new features, new graphics, and new ways to play.

T his creative pro cess tends to veer wildly into hits or misses, with extremes of success or failure swiftly following depending on how well (or badly) such updates and tinkering is implemented.

At one end of the scale, it’s barely a year since the infamous galaxy-exploring No Man’s Sky was released with an incredible amount of hype, only for it to very, very quickly crash and burn.

Hyped to the hilt, the end result was a game that had some great tech and striking visuals, but it rapidly became clear that its endlessly promised features were either completely missing, or

watered-down versions, leading to the game being slated to the stars and beyond.

The game has since seen several updates, some of them major revisions of the core game, adding some substantial new features and bells and whistles – but, too little, too late, with gamers still furious with the developer, and the game now held up as an example of how not to market something.

The greatest lesson learned from that debacle was that it’s okay to give gamers extra features over time – but if you don’t deliver what they expect from day one, there’s a price to pay.

This gamble over gamer acceptance has some high stakes, with that notable failure balanced out by the spectacular success of current game du jour,

Despite its underwhelming visuals, upcoming PC and XBO title PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is one of the world’s smash-hit, red-hot games right now – but it’s not finished, and hasn’t even been officially released, yet has already sold over 10m copies

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), currently setting the gaming internet ablaze as a redhot property, despite being unfinished – and despite not even being officially released yet.

Best described as a competitive last-man-standing battle royale between up to 100 players, PUBG is still in development, and still in an unfinished state with its developers tinkering away with how the game plays, what features it needs, what its users like or dislike, and so on.

To go back to my intro, its developers, Bluehole, are still adding the brakes and tinkering with the landing gear – yet even so, PUBG has already sold (via early access) more than 10 million copies in just a few short months, making it a juggernaut hit, and one of the world’s most-watched games.

The games industry is watching PUBG’s runaway success with great interest, with several studio heads and top developers lauding its community-led approach to creating feature sets, and properly engaging with what gamers want.

With ever higher stakes and staggering costs for most games’ production, we can expect to see more cautious tinkering and ‘crowd-driven’ gaming popping up from here on in, as some companies look to capture a share of the PUBG magic.

In the meantime, just be glad that the real world doesn’t tend to adapt such experimental tinkering next time you sit in your car, or get on a plane ...

Star Wars icon supports rebellion against Trump LUKE Skywalker – oh, all right, actor Mark Hamill – is well known for fighting the dark side of The Force, with the sci-fi icon now turning his attention to The Farce spreading across this part of the galaxy, courtesy of Darth Trump (above).

Tatooine’s most famous Empire-defeating moisture farmer has tongue-in-cheek donated to a probably doomed mission: a crowdfunded attempt to buy Twitter for the Dr Evil-ish sum of one beel-yun dollars, after which its new owners will kick President Trump off the service.

As entertaining as Trump’s Tweets can be, a great many people dislike his frequently nonsensical musings, overt bullying, general insults and other such irritating issues, prompting former undercover CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson to set up the page to try to shut Trump up, at least for a while.

You could perhaps say that the campaign’s backers have formed a rebel alliance of sorts against the provocative president.

So far, there’s a wee bit to go until it’s mission accomplished – at the time of writing, the page stands at $87,043 of its $1BN goal – and possibly won’t make it. Still, you can keep track of the rebels’ mission over at https://www.gofundme.com/buytwitter

Charitable gesture was a Tolkien point for gamers IT’S thankfully rare for games developers or superfans to be immortalised in games, not least as such nods tend to be because said person has unfortunately died. That’s the case with Monolith executive producer Michael Forgey (43), who died of a brain tumour last year, but is being immortalised by the developer with a downloadable content (DLC) character, Forthog Orc-Slayer (below ) in the upcoming and highly-anticipated Shadow of War game, the sequel to the brilliant Tolkien-inspired game, Middle-Earth Shadow of Mordor, from a few years ago.

As paid DLC for use in the game, Warner Bros has said it’ll donate $3.50 of the cost of the DLC Forthog tribute to the Forgey family – but internet watchers focused on small print on how the donation will be worked out, and from what territories, at the end of YouTube videos promoting the DLC. Warner Bros have since clarified that the $3.50 donation will follow suit, regardless of what territory Forthog is bought in, so it still looks like being a great way to help support the Forgeys when the great game arrives soon enough.

7 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

CINEMA LOGAN LUCKY: THIS HILLBILLY HEIST IS ENTERTAINING, DESPITE CLUMSY EDITING

Thieves need a Lucky break  MARTIN MACNAMARA

HILLBILLY heist movie Logan Lucky (Cert 12A, 119 mins) marks director Steven Soderbergh’s much-publicised hiatus from feature filmmaking. Produced outside the mainstream Hollywood machinery, Logan Lucky treads familiar ground to Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven (and Twelve... and Thirteen...), repositioning the hyperactive action to West Virigina and swapping slick suits for Bob Seeger t-shirts.

The setting does much to breathe some new life into a well-worn concept,

with several healthy doses of old-fashioned Americana and light-hearted hicksploitation helping to endear us to the cast of loveable oafs, rather than have us pointing and laughing.

Still, as enjoyable a ride as this slickly edited caper is, one can’t help but feeling that a lot was left on the cutting room floor.

Channing Tatum plays blue-collar construction worker Jimmy Logan, who, along with his onearmed bartender brother, Clyde (Adam Driver), and automobile-enthusiast sister, Mellie (Riley Keogh), has supposedly inherited

Channing Tatum, Riley Keough and Adam Driver star as not-especially-lucky thieves

a family curse – a stroke of bad luck.

When Jimmy loses his job and faces a court-battle for custody of his young daughter, the Logans set out to steal millions in

cash from the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

Recruiting currentlyincarcerated demolition expert Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), the family devises

a plan to break into the NASCAR racetrack’s underground vault. When bad luck and unforeseen circumstances push the big day forward, the gang is forced to pull off the

heist during the busiest race day of the year.

If there’s one thing that Soderbergh has allowed to remain a consistent thread in a career that, while rarely vacillating in quality, has worked through an extremely diverse range of genres and subjects, it’s his focus on building believable, human characters.

Logan Lucky is at its best when focusing on its characters, thanks to a fantastic ensemble cast that looks to have had a lot of fun working on it.

For all their flaws, each character has a redeeming quality that has us rooting to see them through to

the finish line. Tatum and Driver do a great job maintaining their family bond with two hilarious understated performances.

While Logan Lucky is perhaps worth the price of admission alone just to witness Craig run as far away as he possibly can from any typecasting his Bond performances may have earned him, there’s plenty more to enjoy here.

Soderbergh’s holiday from Hollywood may have been too short-lived for anyone to really notice, but Logan Lucky leaves us hoping another sabbatical isn’t on the cards.

Verdict: 8/10

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

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28 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

SPORT

FastSport MCCRYSTAL MAKES MARK ON WORLD STAGE: GARDA cycling club’s Eve McCrystal, with Katie-George Dunlevy, took double golds in South Africa as they powered past Poland to take the tandem world title in Pietermaritzburg.

It was a second medal of the weekend after they earlier won the tandem time trial.

Dunlevy – in the company of two different pilots – has dominated the 2017 season.

Pilot McCrystal will head on to Kilkenny to compete in the An Post Ras na mBan, which starts as we go to print, and extends over the weekend.

Elsewhere, Dublin based rider Ronan Grimes rode out of his skin in the MC4 category, as the newcomer came in just 32 seconds short of gold medal and grabbed 8th place.

Grimes, who races with the Scott Orwell Wheeler’s was appearing at world level for the first time and was the best of the Irish finishers, with Andrew Nicholson following him home in 12th place.

CYCLING: ST TIERNAN’S PLAY HOST TO SPECTACULAR FINAL RACE OF SERIES

Lavery and Boylan class tells in quality Wicklow Gap finale

 BARRY WALSH sport@dublingazette.com

TWO of Ireland’s finest riders took home the spoils from the Friends First Laragh Classic in almost perfect conditions under blue Wicklow skies last Saturday in the title races.

The men’s race was taken by Blanch’s Philip Lavery, riding for Canadian outfit H+R Block Racing, after an aggressive day at the front of a quality field.

The women’s race was claimed reigning and three time national champion Lydia Boylan, from Ringsend, of Team WNT. For the 27-year-old Lavery, it was his first ride in the series this season, outdoing the regulars over a course including the Wicklow Gap, to take the final men’s national road racing championship race of 2017.

Lavery has been competing at a higher level that many of his competitors having grabbed major results across the An Post Ras and French AC Bisontine in recent years.

Lavery was aggressive from the off forging his way into a breakaway group of 10 riders as the race approached Rathdrum. It was there he stayed,

Evntual winner, Philip Lavery leads Lucan’s Dermot Trulock up the Wicklow Gap

firstly following Lucan Cycling Road Club star Dermot Trulock on the first ascent of the Wicklow Gap before the initial break group re-joined on the N81 near Blessington.

Knowing they would not have made it to the finish with the chase being organised behind, Lavery was happy to be caught and follow the next wave of attacks and that he did,

riding clear with Sean Lacey of Aquablue Sport Academy.

Lavery was able to push away from Lacey on upper reaches of the second ascent of the Wicklow gap and descend to Laragh with 55 seconds to spare. Lacey would eventually be caught by his pursuants, Adam Stenson (Bikworx) and Conn McDunphy (Team Raleigh GAC), with the final podium consisting

of Stenson and Lacey respectively.

Lacey’s third place allowed him to claim the Cycling Ireland National Road series of which the Laragh Classic was the final race.

The women’s Laragh Classic followed the same circuit with the iconic Wicklow Gap climb dictating the shape of the race.

On the first ascent a selection of

five riders was forced containing National Champion, Boylan (Team WNT), Alice Sharp (NCC group-Kuota-Torelli), Claire McIlwane (Phoenix CC), Katharine Smyth (Team Madigan CC) and Sharon Bird (Team Madigan CC).

T his group would stay together to the finish, pulling out time on the pursuers as they worked throughout, even a little too much according to Boylan.

“The group was riding really hard which I didn’t think we needed to do so I was playing the sprinters card a little and trying to hide.”

Boylan went on to say “from the perspective of womens racing, putting on a race that is almost 100km long and takes in such an iconic climb is fantastic and all credit to St Tiernans for doing that as it makes you want to enter, it certainly made me want to ride!

“It was a great days racing and I am very proud to have won my first Irish National Road Series Race.”

Boylan now moves onto the An Post Rás na mBan which kicks off in Kilkenny this week as one of the favourites.

Carr making waves with big wins at Flushing Meadows  sport@dublingazette.com

Simon Carr with his father Tommy

SIMON CARR – son of former Dublin senior football boss Tommy Carr – is making a growing impact on the junior tennis world, as the seventeen year old charges on in the US Open Junior Tennis Championship at Flushing Meadow.

As the Gazette goes to print, Carr has won his opening two contests to progress to the last 16, defeating French teenager Jamie Floyd Angele on Tuesday afternoon in straight sets, 6-4 6-4. He had earlier beaten

American Sangeet Sridhar in the opening round at Flushing Meadow.

The two victories are comfortably Carr’s greatest achievements on a tennis court to date, with the youngster making his top-tier junior debut in Australia earlier this year.

Carr abandoned his education to chase his tennis dream in 2015, but only this year has really seen him emerge closer to the summit of the junior scene, with his season including an astonishing comeback win at the Roland Garros French Open

Juniors, where Carr came back from losing an opening set 6-0 to defeat American Vasil Kirkov.

As a result, Carr broke into the world top 1,000 in early August, rising more than 200 places in the world rankings. Carr will face Russia’s Timofey Skatov in the US Open last 16, as the Gazette goes to print, with Skatov having defeated the number three seed in the previous round in New York.

The victory pushes Carr – who was just outside the top 900 in the world going into the tournament - further up the rankings,

and will give him more tournament options heading into the tail end of the 2017 season, even if he fails to build on an impressive tournament to date.

Tommy Carr, Simon’s father, led the Dublin senior football side between 1999 and 2001 a period of relative struggle for the boys in blue – as well as later managing Roscommon and Cavan.

Carr also won the national league in both 1991 and 1993 as a player with the Dubs, grabbing an All Star place in the former season.

7 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Coming in like a Wrecking Ball for Quinn’s pro bow Crumlin man ready to rumble as he faces Polish opponent on Saturday in the National Stadium as part of extensive card, packed with up and coming Irish fighting talent  sport@dublingazette.com

Hyland Jr calls on The Rock to take step back CLONDALKIN fighter Stephen Ormond needs to step aside as Ireland’s number one according to his next opponent Paul Hyland Jr. Lightweight Ormond will step into the ring with the Ulsterman on October 21 as part of the Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov undercard at the SSE Odyssey Arena in Belfast, where he will fight for the vacant Irish title, as well as his opponents’ IBF European title.

The 34-year-old lost his last fight by unanimous decision – also for a European belt – against Craig Evans back in June, and knows victory next month will be vital if he is to earn a chance at finally fulfilling his dream of holding a world title.

However, Hyland Jr thinks ‘the Rock’ has had his time in the limelight and it is now his turn.

“He’s a tough opponent and he’s going to come to fight,” Hyland Jr told Irish-Boxing.com. “He’s been around for a bit. I’m coming up through the rankings and I think it’s time for him to step aside – but I know that he’s not going to go out easy. I know it’s going to be a tough fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

Hyland Jr is well-known for getting involved in all-out wars when he steps into the ring, and he is expecting the bout with Ormond to be no different.

“I’ve got the ability to box if I want to box but, once I get hit, I know the two of us are going to go head-to-head in there. We’ve a similar style. He’s a very aggressive fighter, he comes forward and he’s strong. ” “I will try box, but it’s like every other previous fight, once I get clipped the two of us will go at it.

I don’t really like getting pushed back, as you can tell from previous fights.”

Many will be expecting Hyland Jr to take the next step in his career come October, but Ormond has never shied away from a challenge and has the ability to come out on top.

MARTIN Quinn is looking to make good on his “Wrecking Ball” nickname as the Crumlin man steps into a professional ring for the first time next weekend.

Quinn turns pro with Boxing Ireland Promotions and will debut on the record-breaking Celtic Clash 3 card at the National Stadium on Saturday, September 9 against Poland’s Marcin Ficner.

In a show headlined by a BUI Celtic featherweight title clash between Kildare’s unbeaten Eric Donovan and Welsh champion Dai Davies, the card will play host to the most amount of fights

in one night in an Irish ring. In that sense, the boxers on the undercard will be looking to excite and stand out from the crowd – something that suits Quinn down to the ground.

T h e m o t o r- m o u t h Crumlin Lightweight promises that “I’ll always be in exciting fights, I’m not one to punch and move. I’m one to get in there and stick with it.”

There are certainly no airs or graces about Quinn, who trains under Sean Carton at the All Saints Gym in Kimmage, formerly having fought out of Phil Sutcliffe’s famous Crumlin club.

With refreshing honesty, Quinn gleefully describes how “I love a lit-

tle rough-up, I always did, I may as well get paid for it. It works out every way for me, it’s a no brainer. I work, labouring on building restoration, I come to the gym, I go home to my baby, that’s it.”

Now 30-years-old, Quinn only picked up the gloves in his mid-20s.

Indeed, the fact he is able to turn pro despite such a late start in the pros is testament to his willingness to learn. Add to this that his all-action style is suited to the rigours of pro boxing and it looks a good fit.

Quinn explains: “I’m only boxing about four years now. I won the Novices twice, the Dublin Novices and the Third Year Novices. I got to the

Crumlin man Martin Quinn makes his pro boxing debut this Saturday

finals in an awful lot of things as well and then things didn’t go my way.

“I’m going to give this a bash and see how it goes.

That’s what everyone keeps telling me, most people think I’ll do better with the pro game. I get a bit anxious in there [the amateurs] so the pro game seems to suit me a bit better, I get to take my time,” added Quinn.

What he undeniably lacks in experience, Quinn believes he makes up for in pure brute strength and fearless ferocity. Recently he has even been christened The Crumlin Wrecking Ball in reference to his destructive approach.

“I’m strong and I’ll fight anybody,” he states confidently – and one certainly gets the impression that he is completely serious.

“With eight ounce gloves, if I hit anybody, they’ll feel it. I’ve manstrength, I’ve been in a gym all my life. That’s one of my main things, I’ve an awful lot of strength in both hands. My left and my right, they hit the same. That’s what everyone else tells me. Seany [Carton] won’t even hold the pads for me, because I hurt his hands.”

Unlike most fighters turning pro, Quinn isn’t clamouring for world titles or international superstardom. Instead, the popular Dub just wants to entertain the fans and enjoy some domestic glory.

“My goal is an Irish title. I know for a fact that I will get an Irish title,” the red-headed warrior states with a smirk.

“I’m not throwing any names out there – because I haven’t got a leg to stand on! But there’s a few out there who are pro right now that I know, with eight weeks training, I would take them out.

That’s my goal anyway.”

F i r s t t h i n g ’s f i r s t though, his professional debut on Saturday, and Quinn is promising his specialised brand of entertainment.

Addressing his fans both current and future, Quinn pledges that “I’ll always give a good fight, you’ll get your money’s worth. September 9, some bloke is getting stopped.

“I’m buzzing, I can’t wait. I’m feeling fit, I’m not where I need to be, but I’m getting there. I just want to get in there now and get the first one out of the way.”

Headlined by the Donovan-Davies title fight, the Celtic Clash 3 card also features Colin O’Donovan, Michael Gallagher, Regan Buckley, Carl McDonald, Chris Mullally, Stephen McAfee, Niall O’Connor, James Cahill, Gerard Whitehouse, Bernard Roe, John Joyce, Liam G ay n o r, a n d D y l a n McDonagh.

Tickets are available to buy from the All Saints Boxing Club, by calling 0857047533, or online at Ticketmaster.ie.

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: THIRD WIN FROM FOUR OUTINGS FOR REIGNING LSL CHAMPS

Celtic academy back as Under-14s win thriller CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s Children’s Football Academy restarts on Saturday, September 9 with registration taking place on Thursday, September 7 at 7pm in their clubhouse in Porterstown Park.

The academy is fantastic for children to learn the basics of playing football in a fun-filled environment. It is for boys and girls aged between four to seven-years-old.

On the field, Celtic reached the semi-final of the Hollywood Cup with an amazing comeback 5-3 win over Mountview Boys in the Hollywood Cup. The home team got their noses in front early on with their first shot on target. Celtic got back on terms before the break when Robert Best and Alex McCormick combined in the middle before Dinor Dervisic hit the back of the net.

Mountview started the better in the second half and soon were back in front. Striker Craig Moore seized on his opportunity to make it 2-1.

Celtic started pressing the home team and producing more chances but with no luck as the home defence looked very solid. It left Celtic exposed at the back and they conceded a penalty which was converted by Moore for his hat-trick.

Trailing 3-1, Celtic had to change formation and they were soon on the front foot. They had two disallowed goals before reducing the margin.

Mountview had been happy to sit back and play counter attacking football hoping to see the game out. But Celtic were rewarded for their offensive play, and they pulled one back through Klevis Malaj. A few minutes later, Malaj thought he equalised with a beautifully taken but it was again disallowed.

It looked all over, but Celtic kept causing problems for the home side on that left flank and with a neat pass from Kacem Touihri it was Malaj again who slotted the ball under the solid Mountview keeper for 3-3.

The game went to extra time. Celtic had to change the keeper as Sabin Ghet was injured and could not continue, but the ever-reliable midfielder Olti Berisha who was giving 100% in the midfield throughout the match stepped in between the sticks.

Celtic continued in extra time where they had left off as the home team tired.

Two quick attacks from Celtic led to two corners. Up stepped Alex McCormick and his perfectly flighted balls found Ciaran Murray who put them both away for a 5-3 win and semi-final spot.

David Somers celebrates making it 1-0 against Greystones United

Mochta’s back on the rise LSL SUNDAY SENIOR St Mochta’s Greystones United  KARL GRAHAM

2 0

sport@dublingazette.com

ST MOCHTA’S made it three wins from four with a 2-0 win over Greystones United in the LSL Sunday Senior at Porterstown Road.

The win had seen the reigning champions return to the top of the table but they were soon knocked off their perch when the impressive Killester United continued their 100% start to the season.

Mochta’s started the season well with high

scoring wins over Malahide United and Cherry Orchard, but their first away game brought their first defeat as they fell 2-1 to Firhouse Clover. However, goals from David Somers and Adam Burke got their title ambitions back on track.

The game was a tight affair throughout with both goalkeepers pulling off some fine saves during the first half.

Mochta’s had the better of the opening exchanges with Somers and Keith Dunne going close but it was the visitors who came closest to opening the scoring as player/manager Gary Dempsey struck

ROAD SERIES SUCCESS Lavery makes his mark at Laragh Classic race BLANCH’S Philip Lavery made his National

Road Series debut a winning one at the finale to the season the Friends First Laragh Classic.

John Beggs Memorial Road Race winner Adam Stenson continued his fine form to be second, with Lacey in third and the Lucan CRC pairing of Dermot Trulock and Conn McDunphy in fourth and fifth.Tralee’s Sean Lacey did enough in the race to win the overall national road series.

Picture: Kevin Hayes

the base of the post with a brilliantly struck free kick after 22 minutes.

Both sides came out in the second half with increased determination to put their stamp on the game but neither could manage it until Somers struck with 20 minutes remaining. The midfielder did well to take a pass from Dunne, flick the ball over the challenge of an onrushing defender, and prod it past the keeper and into the corner of the net.

Greystones upped the tempo in search of an equaliser but the Mochta’s back line stood firm for the first time this season after conceding five times

in three games.

Anthony Burke then sealed the win for Brian McCarthy’s men late on when he rifled an emphatic finish into the top corner from just inside the area to grab his first goal for the club after entering the fray from the bench only minutes beforehand.

“It was a tough game but I was very happy with us. I thought it was one of our best performances of the year,” McCarthy said after the game. “Collectively, I thought we were very solid and we restricted them to shots from distance.

“I think we had four or five good chances in the

first half. In fairness, they were good, they could play it around. It’s a tough league.”

McCarthy also spoke about the importance of getting all three points after a disappointing performance against Firhouse a few days prior.

“I don’t think we were good against Firhouse to be honest. It was hard to take anything from the game.

“I know we scored ten goals against Malahide and Cherry Orchard but I think tonight we were where you want to be. We were defensively good, and going forward we were good.”

7 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

HANDBALL: ST BRIGID’S MAN HELD AT BAY BY MCCARTHY

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S THE nursery resumes on Saturday,

forecast cards from John Fleming

September 9 from 9.30 to 11am with

(087) 269 7208 or Tony Hegarty (087)

all four to seven-year-olds wel-

6199783. Completed cards must be

come. Apologies from the club for the

submitted prior to September 16.

change of start date from last week.

Thanks to the presenters and to

The weekly lotto draw resumes on

all who attended the St Brigid’s 2020

September 7; make sure to have your envelopes in. The jackpot is €4,600.

Eoin Kennedy pushed Robbie McCarthy all the way in a gripping opening

Eoin Kennedy lines up a shot. Picture: Tommy Grealy

Kennedy’s wait for tenth title goes on

60X30 HANDBALL FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

ST BRIGID’S Eoin Kennedy’s quest for an elusive 10th All-Ireland Senior Singles 60x30 softball title continues as he came up short against Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy in Saturday’s final, played in the famous Croke Park handball arena.

Kennedy’s first appearance in the senior singles final was against the legendary Michael “Ducksy” Walsh as far back as 2001.

On that occasion, he lost in the third game.

He got his revenge the following year when he beat Walsh in two straight games to begin his own dominance in the “big court”, winning a total of nine singles titles.

Apart from 2003 Kennedy has competed in every final since 2001 with this year his 16th final appearence. It is a tribute to his skill level, fitness and competitiveness that he continues to excel at the highest level of the game.

From the first rally last Saturday, it was clear that Kennedy had a different

game plan to the usual as, to the delight of the large Dublin contingent, he was going for his kill shots on every opportunity.

Using a low serve down the right wall, he cut short the rallies with some superb shots to quickly gain a 5-0 lead. McCarthy used all his superb speed and fitness to run down balls which would have beaten any other player and with his own variety of soft corner kills and well placed overhands he came back to lead 6-5.

Again, Kennedy took the initiative to lead 9-6 and then 13-10. A controversial referee’s call which went against Kennedy seemed to break his momentum and McCarthy used the opportunity to score successive points to lead 17-13.

Despite Kennedy’s best efforts McCarthy went on to win the game 21-16. As in so many of their clashes, winning the first game proved vital as it allowed McCarthy to relax and in the second he showed his complete command of the court with superb retrieving, shot placement and

corner killing. Despite Kennedy’s best efforts McCarthy ran the second game out 21-9.

Overall the standard of play and the commitment shown by each player were worthy of the occasion which was to decide the winner of the new Ducksy Walsh Cup. Sponsored by the Walsh family to recognise Ducksy’s outstanding record in handball, both nationally and internationally, this cup will always remind the Irish public of his handball genius, sadly brought to a conclusion by his untimely death during 2016 at the age of 50.

Folllowing the presen-

tation of the silver medal to St Brigid’s Kennedy, and the gold medal and Walsh Cup to McCarthy, a video tribute to Walsh was shown during which St Brigid’s Eoin Kennedy and Kilkenny’s DJ Carey paid tribute to his memory.

After his efforts on Saturday, Kennedy still has the doubles to look forward to.

Together with his clubmate Carl Browne he plays the quarter finals of the Senior Doubles next Saturday at Garyhill in Carlow against the Wexford pairing of Gavin Buggy and Daniel Kavanagh.

club coaches night on September 1.

There was a great turnout and all are looking forward to the continuation of the programme.

game of the All-Ireland Softball final

St Brigids 5k is set for September

but McCarthy was the stronger on

17 from 10am. Go to https://regis-

the day, becoming the first winner of

t e r. p r i m o eve n t s . c o m /p s /eve n t /

the Ducksey Walsh trophy. Hard luck

StBrigidsGAA5k to register.

too to Jonny Westlake and James

Our club gala dinner 2017 will take

Smith in their Junior Leinster dou-

place in the Hogan Suite of Croke Park

bles final.

on October 14. Email eventsbrigids@

All-Ireland football f inals draw

gmail.com to reserve your tickets.

closer. Wishing our players Paddy

Our adult ladies football teams are

Andrews, Noelle Healy, Ciara Trant

looking for new members for our Divi-

and Deirdre Murphy all the best; both

sion 1 and Division 7 teams.

the men’s and ladies teams prepare to meet Mayo in the finals.

Get your All-Ireland football final

CASTLEKNOCK

Players of every standard and all ages are welcome, call 086 4090371 for details.

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers

club as your club. Scan your loyalty

Childcare, is in full swing again to Tir na

card when you buy fuel in Topaz and the

nOg. New members always welcome.

club could be entered into a cash draw

Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@

with up to €200,000 up for grabs.

gmail.com.

Saturday, September 16 will be a spe-

Really busy weekend with loads of

cial day in Somerton with our Family

champo action. Good wins for both

Fun day which is always enjoyable. This

minor football teams and the U-16 hurl-

year, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will

ers. The U-15 boys achieved a four in a

“Turn the Sod” on our new clubhouse

row with their Division 1 league win at

at midday and everyone is invited.

the weekend. The adult ladies second

No winner of our lotto. Numbers

team, sponsored by Camile, had a good

drawn were 1, 2, 7 and 11 with 18 match

cup win. The senior camogie team are

three winners each getting €15.

preparing for first round of the championship.

Congrats to Bernie Black who won the hurling final tickets. Remember,

Lucky dip winner was Moo Larkin.

Next draw in De Bruns with a jackpot of €6,400. Thanks to Rialto Ford for their support.

you can still get a raffle ticket for the

Congrats to James Sherry, Somer-

football final. Tickets available at the

ton Physiotherapy Clinic, on opening his

nursery next Saturday morning.

new premises at Valleymount House,

Please sign up to Topaz “Play or

Main Street, Blanchardstown Village

Park” online or at a Topaz garage and

Dublin 15. You can contact James on 085

pick Castleknock Hurling & Football

2455600 or info@somertonphysio.ie.

ERIN GO BRAGH

CONGRATULATIONS to our U-15 foot-

drawn were 13, 18, 20 and 26.

ballers who beat Templeogue Synge

All of our juvenile teams were back

Street, securing promotion back to

pla ying last weekend, with some

Division 2. Well done to both players

great wins.

and mentors.

Our annual golf classic took place last weekend, it was a great success

Our nursery resumes this Saturday, new members are always welcome.

and thanks to all our sponsors and

Congratulations to our adult hurl-

to all who took part to make it such a

ers who beat local rivals St Peregine’s

great success.

in a league match on Sunday.

Best of luck to our eight volunteers

Please remember to donate your

who are partaking in a skydive to

unwanted clothes, curtains, towels,

raise much money for our club this

soft toys, belts shoes and handbags.

Saturday.

They can be donated at our clubhouse

There was no winner of our lotto jackpot wor th € 10,0 0 0. Number s

every Saturday from 11am to 12 noon from now until October 7.

32 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 September 2017