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see page 21 MAR 26 - APR 1, 2015

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

INSIDE: From Twelve Angry Men to gazillions of smiles, Bord Gais Energy Theatre marks five years P12

Football:

Kilkenny getting back on track after injury woe Page 32

Soccer:

St Mochta’s teach students an inter lesson Page 30

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

cracking times: The Gazette guide to family activities over Easter Pages 14-15

Spat over women’s hospital services  Keith Bellew

A war of words is being waged between two local politicians over the future of north Dublin maternity hospitals.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has called on Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) to withdraw remarks he made that suggest maternity services are unsafe, calling the comments a “gross and disgraceful calumny against the staff”.

A HSE report recommended that

the Rotunda be co-located with the Mater Hospital but Cllr Chambers believes the Connolly facility is the best option and called on Minister Varadkar to have the Rotunda co-located there, saying: “Maternity services in Dublin are at breaking point.”

Minister Varadkar said: “That recommendation is now under review by my Department. This review has not been completed nor submitted to me and therefore cannot be published.”

Full Story on Page 6

Behind the curtain: Show sheds light on backstage antics draiocht audiences were treated to a peek behind the scenes at auditions and rehearsals for musical theatre at Coolmine Musical Society’s latest show, That’s Entertainment. The show celebrates the hoofers, the wannabes, the dancers and singers

of the backstage musical. With music from the Hollywood blockbusters right through to more recent backstage settings, the show packed lots of surprises. Pictured above are the show’s Liam Egan and choreographer Louise Dodrill.

2 BLANCH Gazette 26 March 2015

fingal Concerns that Dublin 15 not adequately represented

Tourism strategy set to be revised The draft tourism strategy for Fingal will be revised following concerns raised by councillors that the Dublin 15 area was not adequately represented in the plan.

The plan is designed to encourage more international and domestic tourists to the region.

Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray (FF) is one of the councillors who raised concerns. She said: “I have always maintained that there is a huge tourism deficit in Dublin 15.”

She said that when visiting Malahide and other such areas, people

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

drive past Luttrellstown castle which nobody can get into.

She also believes the council should acquire the old schoolhouse on the Porterstown Road.

She said: “With the whole developm ent of the [Royal] Canal I think it would be a lost opportunity if the council doesn’t acquire the

old schoolhouse on the Porterstown Road. “ Wa l k i n g i s t h e number one sport in the whole world I think, and more and more people are being encouraged to come down and use the canal, and there isn’t actually a facility anywhere along the banks of the canal but at that point [schoolhouse] there is huge history attached to the location and it would provide a wonderful facility for people to stop off while they are walking or cycling.

“The foundation stone [of the building] was cut

during the famine, it is all that’s left in Dublin 15 that this council could acquire. We need to loosen our purse strings, we need to acquire this property now and that could become the hub of the future development of walking and activities along the canal.”

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) also expressed a wish to see more emphasis on Dublin 15 in the strategy.

He called for significant changes to be made to the draft to ensure that Dublin 15 is adequately represented in the document.

He said: “I was disappointed to see how few of the ‘Strategic Objectives’ within the document were related to Dublin 15, particularly in comparison to the north county area of Fingal.

“The draft strategy goes into great detail about a coastal greenway, but makes very little reference to developing the potential of either the Liffey Valley or the

Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray: “I have always maintained that there is a huge tourism deficit in Dublin 15.”

Royal Canal.

“I would argue that these have as much potential as a coastal greenway. Indeed, as they are far closer to Dublin, they would be more accessible for short stay international visitors.

“The other area I’ve called on the council to place a greater focus on is sports tourism. I think the range of facilities available in the sports campus at Abbotstown offers extensive oppor-

tunities for the future. In particular, international teams may wish to avail of these facilities for training before attending major sporting competitions in the UK or other parts of Europe.

I know that prior to the 2012 Olympics in London, we had some success in this area.

“Tourism offers Fingal a real opportunity for economic development. It’s vital that since the council is placing such an emphasis on

the issue, that focus must include all parts of Fingal, and that the potential for tourism in Dublin 15 is sufficiently recognised.”

A council spokesperson said: “A number of issues were raised following discussion at the council meeting on the draft Fingal Tourism Strategy.

“The consultants have been asked to revise the draft strategy having regard to all issues raised.”

Creative workshops for the family D r a ioc h t h a s announced its programme of fun and creative family workshops for April which has something for everyone.

The first in a series of Tiny Tots Tuesdays will be held on April 14 for children aged two to three.

The creative session which runs from 10.30am to 11.30am will be un-

themed allowing parents and children to work spontaneously with the materials provided.

On April 15 and 16 artists Ian Slattery and Andrew Carson will host their creative crafts: deadly dye workshop from 9.30am to 11am and 11.30am to 1pm.

This fabric craft workshop for children in third

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and fourth class allows pupils to turn an old white t-shirt into an artistic masterpiece. Participants will learn the process of tie-dye by folding, twisting, pleating and crumpling fabric and binding with rubber bands. Each student will need to bring white cotton material (old t-shirt, pillow case, teatowel).

The walking with dinosaurs family day takes place on April 18 at which children can learn how to fashion dinosaur feet from a shoe box with foam toes, collage and glue.

With the help of Drai-

ocht’s artists and their imagination, children can step right back to a prehistoric world.

Three workshops each of which can accommodate 50 children will be held on the day.

The first takes place from 12pm to 12.50pm, the second from 1pm to 1.50pm and the third from 2pm to 2.50pm.

Places are limited so booking is advised.

There are numerous other events taking place in Draiocht throughout spring and summer. For more information visit: www.draiocht.ie

26 March 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3

Initiative

Carpenterstown: Burglaries on the up as man is charged with break in

Race/walk to raise money

Garda cutbacks cited for theft rise  Keith Bellew

A man has been charged with a burglary committed on Friday, March 20 at Warren Crescent, Carpenterstown.

According to gardai, the 32-year-old man was apprehended in the area

by Blanchardstown gardai at about 5.20am.

Having been detained at Blanchardstown Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, he appeared at the Criminal Courts of Justice the following morning, and will appear again at a later date for sentencing.

This comes as the number of burglaries in the area increased by 25% in 2014, according to a Blanchardstown super-

intendent.

Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) said: “I commend the local gardai for detecting and intervening on this occasion. However, there has been a worrying number of people in the last couple of weeks reporting attempted break ins and burglaries in Carpenterstown and it is essential that the visibility of gardai continues to increase locally so these incidents can be effectively targeted and tackled.

“The Government’s reckless haemorrhaging of Garda numbers is having a dramatically negative effect on crime in D15 and it is time the Ministers in the constituency paid some heed to this chronic issue. Too many local peo-

ple live in constant fear that they will be the next ones to be burgled.”

Health Minister Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Joan Burton have both highlighted recent additions to the fleet of vehicles at Blanchardstown Garda Station as well as the end of the recruitment embargo on gardai nationwide.

According to Minister Varadkar 17 additional cars have been allocated to Blanch Garda Station and it will be one of the first eight priority stations to avail of new gardai.

The Tanaiste also said: “We have actually begun again, through the fruits of recovery, to train gardai to get them back into our communities.”

Boosting confidence: Supporting our unemployed young people young jobseekers from Blanchardstown had the chance to develop the practical tools required to get work – or get back to work – when they were hosted by Coca-Cola HBC Ireland during Skills for Work Week. The Blanch-based beverage company hosted 40 young people from the area who are on the Live Register, for two back-to-back free day training programmes to boost their chances of getting a job.

Coca-Cola staff shared knowledge of the skills needed for a career in the food industry and in other sectors. Pictured abover are: Alison Doyle (centre) being presented with her certificate of completion

by An Tanaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton and Frank O’Donnell, chief executive, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland.

Picture: Naoise Culhane

Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 have joined forces with Castleknock Celtic and are holding a joint fundraising initiative on Saturday, March 28.

They are encouraging the Dublin 15 community to come out to Porterstown Park and run or walk The Castleknock Mile.

A race/walk will begin every 30 minutes from 11am to 3pm and will be timed.

All participants will get a certificate of completion and children will get a treat. A representative for Suicide Awareness will also be in attendance on the day. The event is free but all donations will be gratefully accepted.

For further details visit: www.castleknockceltic. com

4 BLANCH Gazette 26 March 2015

concert

Drugs and Alcohol Free event at Blanchardstown shopping centre

Host of talent set to play as Spring Break returns Spring Break 15 returns to Blanchardstown this year and will take place on April 2 at Blanchardstown shopping centre.

The Drugs and Alcohol Free event will see performances from a host of Irish DJ’s. Along with DJ’s Karl Kelly and John

Gibbons: MC FABUD, Facebook blogger Dano McCormack will be keeping the party atmosphere going throughout.

According to organisers: “We have really pushed the boat out in our new Live Lounge with specially designed bean-

bag chill out zones in addition to RKO, Daniel Waters, Aisling Worshop, Suburban Sounds, WhyIsacc playing to keep the party alive rockin and kickin we have just booked FreshRe to play at Spring Break 15.

“In addition to our massive 35-foot climbing wall, wipe

out, obstacle course and spinning gyroscope we have added a graffiti wall and chalk wall so if you fancy yourself a bit of an artist come along and have a go.

“Did you see our amazing smokin 12-foot ROBOGLO at the Saint Patrick’s Day

Parade? be sure to get your ticket to insure you get close and have photos taken with ROBOGLO.” Tickets are on sale from Draiocht and for just €10 all attractions are free once you are inside.

Please note this is an

under 18’s event and no drugs or alcohol will be permitted, anyone found under the influence of either will not be allowed in.

For previews and a chance to win some free tickets see: www.facebook.com/springbreakdublin15

Time is almost up to share in €1m community fund TIME is almost up for organisers of community-based events and festivals to apply to Fingal County Council for a share in a €1m fund as the March 31 deadline fast approaches.

The funds are being made available as part of the Community Tourism Initiative launched last year. The initiative builds on the community involvement in The Gathering 2013 and is a joint partnership between Fingal County Council, IPB Insurance and Failte Ireland.

Last year, a total of 18 local events were supported in Fingal, including Balbriggan Summerfest, Skerries Waterfest, Fingal County Show (Fingal Farmers),

Dublin Underwater Hockey Home International Tournament and the Asgard Centennial Commemoration.

Ethna Felten, director of economic development services, Fingal County Council, said: “The Community Tourism Initiative allows us to sustain many of the grassroots networks which sprang to life during The Gathering in Fingal, and to sustain an infrastructure of events and relationships which will have longterm tourism and social benefits for this region for many years to come.”

Interested parties are advised to email economic.development@fingal.ie to apply.

Pictured at a public meeting in the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown on the Fingal Development plan are Tanaiste Joan Burton, Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) and John Walsh.

Fingal Development Plan: future for county

Citizens urged to have say on review  Keith Bellew kbellew@gazettegroup.com

Dublin 15 residents have the opportunity to have their say on the development of their community as part of the review process of the Fingal Development Plan 2017 to 2023 which b e g a n o n Mo n d ay, March 20.

Chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid said: “The Fingal Development Plan review will set out the vision and future direction for the county over a six-year period.”

Each home in Fingal

will receive an information booklet letting them know how to partake in the review and the main issues that must be considered in a development plan.

Key objectives of the plan include: Making Fingal an attractive place to live, work and visit; creating a competitive business environment supporting economic development, job creation and prosperity for all and improving on key social, cultural, economic and environmental indicator and promoting active and healthy lifestyles through increased

opportunities for walking, cycling and active sport and recreation.

A series of public consultation evenings will also be held which will allow residents to ask questions and become better informed about the review.

T h e D u b l i n We s t branch of the Labour Party recently held a meeting where residents raised issues about the development of Castleknock and Clonsilla Villages and the provision of family homes in Dublin 15.

Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray said: “I would

strongly encourage all citizens of Fingal to get involved in this review process. The issues being considered affect everyone living or working in Fingal and it is through their participation that the council can make the plan work better for us all.”

The deadline for the receipt of submissions is May 15, 2015. The review process takes two years to complete and at the end of the process a plan for the period 2017 to 2023 will be in place.

For more information visit: www.fingal.ie/devplan

26 March 2015 BLANCH gazette 5

Expert fitting service, bringing value to Irish consumers for over 45 years

Transform your home for less at Des Kelly Interiors At Des Kelly Interiors, they have a real passion for flooring.

They have a huge focus on stocking all the up to date ranges and colours from all the leading manufacturers which makes it no wonder they are Ireland’s Number One Flooring retailer. New floors can completely transform a room, Des Kelly have personal staff members dedicated to helping you find the floor solutions that will work best for you.

Grey flooring seems to really be the trend at the moment and they really do have Fifty Shades of Grey flooring to suit everyone in store. Grey flooring

offers timeless style and long-lasting beauty with a modern industrial twist, add little hints of colour with a single red rug can work wonders , as could a stunning red vase or light and this is because one block of colour or a playful splash makes a huge impact in your room. Stocking all the

flooring in their newly renovated warehouse, means Des Kelly again is striving to bring value to the Irish home.

Quickstep floors are no doubt the best laminate floors on the market at the moment. They have FREE FITTING of the Creo Jungle Plum and Rustic Oak for the month of March, so pop in and grab yourself a bargain.

They supply and fit your floor from start to finish hassle free.

Stocking a full range of carefully selected accessories for a perfectly finished floor, Des Kelly has the solution for every floor and situation.

Installing the right

underlay has a major impact on the final look, quality and comfort of your floor. Based on their experience for the past 45 years they have selected a collection of high quality underlays to provide excellent acoustic and thermal insulation for your new f loor .

Whether you are looking for Hardwood or Laminate flooring, Des has got you covered.

There is a floor to suit every home. No matter your application, living room, dining room, stairs, Yes, Stairs, or bathroom, Des Kelly Interiors offers the best value for money and affordable options on the market.

6 BLANCH Gazette 26 March 2015

don’sdublin

health ‘Government failed to act on proposals’ clonee:

fundraising initiative

Dunsink Observatory has been looking to the skies since 1785 Dunsink Observatory was one of those places in Dublin that I knew about, but had never visited. So it was a real treat to be shown around the historic building by Prof Luke Drury (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies – DIAS) whose wealth of knowledge and anecdotes made for a most enjoyable and informative experience.

The observatory, built in 1785, was financed by funds from the will of Provost Francis Andrews of Trinity College, who wanted the college to have, for the first time, the facility to study astronomical science. Richard Myers designed it, and the original plans that called for two Palladian-style wings, were never completed due to financial restraints.

As such, the building you see today is notable for its lack of ornamentation and is appealing, nevertheless, to a modern architectural aesthetic.

Although no major discoveries were made at the observatory, it was made famous by Sir William Rowan Hamilton (1805-1865) who was appointed professor of astronomy and director of Dunsink in 1827, while he was still an undergraduate. He was Ireland’s greatest mathematician and his work on the foundations of mechanics underpins large areas of modern physics.

The South Dome was erected in 1865 and the Grubb telescope is impressive, even after 150 years. Grubb was a firm based in Rathmines and it exported telescopes all over the world until the early 20th century.

Dunsink provided the correct time for Dublin and you can see the original clocks and other equipment inside the main building. And, not surprisingly, “Dunsink time” is mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses.

The State bought the observatory in 1947 and it is now part of the School of Cosmic Physics in DIAS. Today the observatory is used for conferences, meetings and during the winter (Oct-Mar) for open nights when visitors can view celestial bodies (weather permitting!) through the Grubb telescope. Special family events are often held where parents and children can meet an astronomer and explore the night sky.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Dance night to raise funds Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) called on Minister Varadkar to have the Rotunda Hospital co-located on the grounds of Connolly in Blanchardstown

Clash over future of maternity hospitals  Keith Bellew

A war of words is being waged between two local representatives over the future of north Dublin maternity hospitals.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has called on Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) to withdraw remarks he made that suggest maternity services are unsafe, calling the comments a “gross and disgraceful calumny against the staff”.

Cllr Chambers called on Minister Varadkar to have the Rotunda Hospital co-located on the grounds of Connolly in Blanchardstown.

He alleged that the Government has failed to act on any of the proposals in the Independ-

ent Review of Maternity Services in the Greater Dublin Area carried out by advisory service KPMG and published in 2008. The review recommended that older maternity hospitals such as the Rotunda should be either co- or tri-located with another hospital.

A HSE report recommended that the Rotunda be co-located with the Mater Hospital, but Cllr Chambers believes Connolly is the best location.

He said: “Maternity services in Dublin are at breaking point, and will remain under severe pressure until Minister Varadkar begins implementing the recommendations of the HSE ordered mater-

nity report.

“Connolly Hospital is the ideal strategic location for the future relocation of services from the Rotunda. I am urging the Minister to move without delay to co-locate the Rotunda maternity services at the campus.

“Minister Varadkar needs to move on from his public relations offensive, and start taking the tough decisions on healthcare where he has yet to prove himself.”

Minister Varadkar responded saying: “Cllr Chambers is talking through his hat. The KPMG report recommended the Rotunda move to the Mater. This decision was endorsed by the last Fianna Fail-

led Governnment and I assume it remains Fianna Fail policy unless they state otherwise, which they have not.

“That recommendation is now under review by my Department given the changes in population that have happened since then. This review has not been completed nor submitted to me and therefore cannot be published.

“I am disgusted at Cllr Chamber’s suggestion that somehow maternity services in Dublin are unsafe.

It is gross and disgraceful calumny against the staff of the Rotunda, Coombe and Holles Street, many of whom live locally. I call on him to withdraw his remarks.”

C o laiste P o b a i l Setanta and the Erin Go Bragh GAA Club, will host a Strictly Come Dancing Clonee event at Westmanstown Sports Centre, on Saturday, April 25.

The event is the biggest fundraising initiative ever undertaken in the young community, and will hopefully raise muchneeded funds for the school and GAA Club.

Colaiste Pobail Setanta is one of the largest secondary schools in Dublin, catering for over 1,000 pupils from the local area.

This event will represent a major part of the Parents’ Association Buy a Bus fundraising project.

Erin Go Bragh GAA Club is the biggest sports club in the Clonee area catering for over 600 male and female members ranging in ages from five to adult. The club is funded entirely by its own voluntary activities.

A 700-strong audience is expected on the night which will be a culmination of eight weeks of dedicated preparation by 15 dancing couples, all in an effort to be crowned Strictly Clonee Champion 2015.

Funding boost for St Francis Hospice Thirteen Irish charities including St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, will receive funding totalling almost €55,000 from the eBay Inc GIVE Foundation in 2015.

Nominated by employees of PayPal [eBay owned] and eBay, at their Blanchardstown, Ballycoolin and Dundalk offices, the charities will receive GIVE grants to fund a number of

projects, both locally and nationally.

Other GIVE grants include funding for Dublin 15 cancer charity Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, Mulhuddart Men’s Shed, the funding of two wishes for children through Make-A-Wish Ireland and funding towards the provision of a Tobii C15 Eye-Glaze device which will help someone with motor neurone disease

express themselves, converse and browse the web by blinking their eyes.

Louise Phelan, vice-president of Global Operations for Europe, PayPal, said: “At PayPal, we pride ourselves on being an organisation that gives back to our local communities.

“Our corporate social responsibility strategy is our commitment to making the world a

better place by enabling growth, enabling greener commerce and powering giving.

“We have some very generous teammates here in PayPal and eBay who raise substantial sums of funding and also donated over 2,000 volunteer hours to worthy causes last year.”

For more information on the GIVE Foundation visit: www. givingworks.ebay.com

26 March 2015 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

POLITICS Dennison chosen without discussion, says Guerin

Trip to China sparks councillors’ anger  KEITH BELLEW

FOLLOWING a stormy debate at a recent Fingal County Council meeting, it was decided that a discussion on the planned trip of Fingal delegates to Chengdu, China, should be held by the council’s economic development special policy committee (EDSPC).

The trip is to build further on a friendship agreement signed by a delegation from Chengdu that visited Fingal some months ago, and to establish a programme whereby Chengdu and Fingal are “sister cities”.

Fingal’s mayor Mags Murray (FF) along with

policy committee chairman Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) are due to attend the trip, which will last five days and cost around €6,500.

Councillors raised concerns about Cllr Dennison being selected for the trip without a vote.

Cllr Jimmy Guerin (Ind) raised the issue.

He said that while he believed Cllr Murray would make an excellent representative, he was questioning why Cllr Dennison was picked to go without prior discussion.

In response, Cllr Dennison said: “This is a project that the county has been working on for

a number of years. When I became mayor [of Fingal] during 2013, I set out as one of my aims to secure this [Chinese friendship agreement] for Fingal.

“Some months later, the deputy mayor from Chengdu and a delegation from that city came and we hosted them here in Fingal, and they extended a personal invitation to me to come and sign this sister city agreement.

“We know from a number of companies in Fingal that are anxious to do business there that this is an essential process for companies from Dublin to be able to do

business in these Chinese municipal authorities.”

He added that circumstances did not allow for the visit to be returned during his tenure as mayor, and that it was standard practice for him to go on the trip, as he had received the invitation.

Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG): “The deputy mayor from Chengdu and a delegation from that city

Opposed Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) said he was opposed to the trip on the basis that the People’s Republic of China had a bad track record in terms of human rights. At this point, Cllr Keith Redmond (FG) commended him for highlighting human rights abuses in a Social-

came ... and extended a personal invitation to me to come and sign this sister city agreement.”

ist state.

Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Ind) questioned why there was no vote taken on the matter.

He also said he did not accept the argument that Cllr Dennison should go on the trip merely

because he was mayor when the delegation from Chengdu visited.

The council’s head of economic development, Eithne Felton, said: “The sister city agreement is an executive function, and that’s why it was not

brought to the council for approval.”

It was decided that the issue should be put back to the next meeting of the economic development special policy committee on the recommendation of Cllr Murray.

8 BLANCH Gazette 26 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Anika Shibu

Abraham Baise, the king Of Kerala Caoimhe Walsh Beyonce Longondo, Lauren Kuti and Amen Orumwense.

Michele Fahey and Sid Shier, Coolmine Panto

Derek, Louise, Casey and Molly O’Neill

Members of the Igbo Union Dublin

Doris Nwaneri, Stella Chi, Pastor Chukwuma Abagha and Martin James

Chizzy Okoye

26 March 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9

Chloe English and dad, Martin

Faye Thompson and aunt Melanie O’Connor

st patrick’s day: party time on the streets

Blanch goes green, white and orange O

Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

VER 5,000 attended the first ever Blanchardstown St Patrick’s Day festival. Proceedings kicked off at 2.30pm with over 50 community groups taking part including sports, cultural, and ethnic organisations representing the different nationalities in the area. The crowds lined the streets along the entire route

from The Bell pub to Blanchardstown shopping centre. Deputy Mayor of Fingal Ted Leddy (FG) said that since this was the area’s first ever parade they were surprised at how successful it was.

Amid the festivities there was food, Irish dancing and the world famous craic agus ceol.

10 Gazette 26 March 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Morah and Lottie Ryan

Ali Hewson and Adi Roche at Liz O Donnell’s (centre) annual fundraising lunch. Picture: Brian McEvoy

fundraiser: Liz’s Lunch for Chernobyl at Fire restaurant

Liz’s desire to help others catches fire

A

li Hewson was among the homegrown glitterati who turned out to support Liz’s Lunch for Chernobyl.

Hosted by RSA chief and Chernobyl Children International (CCI) board director Liz O’Donnell, with

Eva Orsmond

businessman, talent manager and CCI board director Noel Kelly, the event took place in Dublin’s Fire restaurant.

The charity plays a major role in helping to save the lives of hundreds of children born with genetic heart

Aidan Power and Tara Carey

defects in Eastern Ukraine.

Liz O’Donnell said: “This event is a fantastic example of how the concern and generosity of everyone here today will help save the lives of those babies and children in serious need of medical intervention.”

Claire Byrne

Kathryn Thomas and Padraig McLoughlin

Ursula and Dave Fanning

26 March 2015 Gazette 11

asdfsdaf easter camps P27 P14

escape the mayhem p13

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

a day in the life: award-winning blogger Sinead Burke

what’son

Dinner time with the family feeds the soul  keith bellew

Sinead Burke, aka Minnie Melange, has many strings to her bow: she is an award-winning blogger, PhD student and an ambassador for the ISPCC’s Shield AntiBullying campaign.

This week the Gazette caught up with her to find out what she does on an average day.

Her packed schedule necessitates an early rise, which is not always easy: “I wake at about 6am, though that rarely occurs without at least three alarms shrieking at me to get up.

“The snooze button is also pressed quite frequently but the less we say about that, the better.

Attempting to attain the most amount of sleep, I have a regimented routine in the morning that most definitely includes breakfast.

“A typical meal for me in the morning is a bowl of granola with some sliced fruit and a yoghurt.”

She is currently studying in Trinity College for a PhD, the subject of which is the experiences of children in primary school. She says the research involved is very time consuming which makes it difficult to find a balance with her blogging.

“In the midst of academia, allotting time for consistent blog posts can be a challenge but I’ve begun to achieve a balance of research, transcribing interviews for the blog’s Extraordinary Women series, updating social media and engaging with the blogging community.

“It’s not an easy feat but one which has been extremely fruitful, thus far.”

A family dinner is an important part of her day: “I’m fortunate to live at home with my parents and siblings.

“Collectively having dinner is something which is really important to us. The dining room table is where we assemble to announce our news and the various activities we are engaged in.

“Thus, the set time for dinner is when we are all home. It’s one of my favourite parts of the day.”

While she has a lot of work to do each day, that doesn’t stop her from taking the time to relax every evening.

“I’m really fortunate to have lots of work and activities that keep me occupied during the day but I firmly believe that it’s essential to wind down at night time.

“Typically, I try to do



Gazette

diary p12

Jersey Boys making an appearance in Dublin: The

Sinead Burke: “I’m enamoured by Wyvern Lingo, Louise O’Neill’s excellent book Only Ever Yours and the hilarious Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix.”

this either through music, reading or television. I’m currently enamoured by [Bray band] Wyvern Lingo, Louise O’Neill’s excellent book Only Ever Yours and the hilarious Unbreakable K immy Schmidt on Netflix.

“I aim to be in bed early but it’s always at the point of the night, when you know you should be making your way to bed, that an amazing plot twist occurs in a book or on a television programme and you think to

yourself – just one more chapter or episode.”

Burke will continue in her ambassadorial role with the ISPCC Shield campaign for the remainder of March. For more information visit: www. ispcc.ie/shield

award-winning and highly-acclaimed production of Jersey Boys is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from April 1 to 18.

Jersey Boys is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks.

These four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sold 175 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30.

The producers of the tour are also delighted to announce that West End star Tim Driesen will be heading the cast as Frankie Valli, a role he previously played for a short season at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. Tickets are on sale now from €20 to €60 and can be purchased from www. bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

It’s ofishial – Jedward land first film roles

Their hair may be more on the flat side these days but Jedward could soon be back to their hair raising days when they battle it out with a shark in their first movie – Sharknado 3.

The Lucan duo, known for their love of high hair, are set to share the screen with Bo Derek, Jerry Springer and David Hasselhof in the satirical disaster

made-for-TV movie.

Rumour has it that they could also feature in the fourth movie and are in talks to write music for it.

They are teaming up with their new BFF Tara Reid who features in the franchise. The twins met the Hollywood actress during their stint on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2011 and have remained friends since

then.

bristling with anger at bord gais theatre The whole of Montrose seemed to have decamped to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this week to see a new production of classic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men, which came direct from its successful run in London’s West

Over the moon: Lucan duo team up with new BFF Tara Reid

Claire Whelan with Stephen Faloon, general manager of The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, celebrating five years of the well-known Dublin Theatre. The theatre has had 2.5 million visitors viewing 250 productions since 2010.

Picture: Brian McEvoy

End. On March 16, RTE broadcaster Gay Byrne, former newsreader Ann Doyle and weather presenter Nuala Carey were all in attendance on opening night. Also there were some of RTE soap Fair City actors such as Ciara O’Callaghan, who plays Yvonne Doyle and Aoibheann McCaul who is Caoimhe Dillon in the show.

Twelve Angry Men featured Olivier and Tony Award winner Tom Conti, who came to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre last week for a short run.

Conti took on the role made famous by Henry Fonda in the movie version of the play, as juror number eight, the charismatic man who sways the other 11 jurors to his way of thinking about a murder case.

The cast did a good job of recreating the dissension and fraught atmosphere that fills the

jury room as personal prejudices and selfish motives are thrashed out against the backdrop of a 16-year-old black boy facing the electric chair.

The Bord Gais Energy Theatre also celebrated its fifth birthday last week with a special celebration recognising all the great performances held in the Grand Canal venue since 2010.

enda’s tense moment with us president It’s fairly safe to say that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has a great admiration for US president Barack Obama.

From fawning over him during his visit to Ireland a few years ago and his quoting almost word for word his “Yes we can” speech, to the poster of him hanging in his office in Leinster House.

How painful it must have been for him then when during his St

Patrick’s Day visit to the states, Obama accidentally snubbed Enda when he went to shake his hand prior to a sit down with the press.

Just as the two sat down for a press conference, Enda reached over to shake Obama’s hand, but the US president just happened to turn towards the reporters at that very moment.

Enda tried to save himself embarrassment by looking at his hand as if he were examining his nails, but unfortunately this act didn’t help the disappointed Taoiseach.

Rihanna is radiant in rocha design She is famous for wearing next to nothing, but when pop singer Rihanna does decide to don some threads, at least she has good taste.

Recently seen wearing a white two-piece outfit with scalloped hemline by Dublin designer

Simone Rocha, Rihanna stepped out in fine Irish style at a promo for her new film Home, in New York.

The jacket, skirt and white shoes she wore, are all part of Simone Rocha’s latest collection, which, if Rihanna paid for the ensemble, would have set her back more than €2,000.

This is the second time Rihanna has favoured Rocha’s fashion creations, having previously worn a sheer white skirt with statement pink underwear which drew more than a few gasps last year.

28-year-old Simone is the daughter of famous fashion designer John Rocha and is currently blazing a trail among A-listers in Hollywood.

Actress and writer Lena Dunham was also seen in Rocha’s designs at a recent gala event in Los Angeles when she wore an off-the-shoulder black dress by Rocha.

26 March 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

news

dispute: low-hour contracts, fair pay, job security and union representation behind action

Thousands of Dunnes Stores workers set to strike  gazette reporters

Around 3,000 Dunnes Stores workers will take industrial action at branches throughout Dublin on Thursday, April 2.

The striking workers are members of Mandate Trade Union which represents about 50% of the 10,000 Dunnes employees throughout the country. Over 75% of the workforce is female.

The one-day strike goes ahead in 109 stores across the country. This follows a ballot of workers in dispute with the company over low-hour contracts, fair pay, job security and union representation.

A picket will be put on all Dunnes Stores out-

lets across the country, which will remain open.

It is likely the action will “severely” affect business on the day.

Various branches in the city and surrounding areas will be picketed by hundreds of staff members.

Those stores affected by the strike in Dundrum include Beacon South Quarter, Cornelscourt in Foxrock, Leopardstown, Nutgrove Avenue in Rathfarnham and Stillorgan, while Georges Street is the only branch in Dun Laoghaire. Around 58% of staff at the Dundrum stores will picket while in Dun Laoghaire the figure is 75%.

In Dublin 15 both

Blanch Shopping Centre and Ongar branches will be affected. About 160 (70%) members of staff at the former will strike and 20 (23-24%) in Ongar.

Both Swords Pavilions and Rathbeale Road branches will strike with 50 and 15 members of staff taking part respectively. Meanwhile, in Clondalkin, 200 Dunnes Stores staff at the Mill Centre will engage in industrial strike action.

Mandate representative Dave Moran, said the union is trying to negotiate better terms and conditions for staff and that the company refuses to enter discussions to avert strike action.

“We have been trying

to negotiate over the last number of years to get better terms and conditions.

At the moment most workers are employed on 15 hours or temporary contracts for three months. There is no guarantee of what earnings they get from one week to the next. Some weeks they get 15 hours some 30 hours and some 20 hours, you just can’t plan a lifestyle on fluctuating wages.”

These contracts have implications for social welfare and family income supplement entitlements.

Moran added: “We have asked the company to attend both conciliating in the LRC and we have had two Labour Court

Around 3, 000 workers will take part in a one-day strike at store branches throughout Dublin on Thursday, April 2

hearings; both times the company has refused to attend,” he said.

According to Moran, the Labour Court in its most recent recommendation urged both sides to sit down and discuss all

issues but “unfortunately” Dunnes has “refused”.

If nothing has been resolved from this strike, Moran said the union’s national dispute committee made up of Dunnes Stores representatives

will meet after April 2 to decide on the next course of action.

Dunnes Stores has been contacted, but at the time of going to press had not come back with comment.

Gazette

14 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

Easter isn’t just about It’s that eggstra special time of year when schoolkids can enjoy some time out from the books to build on budding skills or whet their appetite for a new hobby and have fun  staff reporters

Dun LaoghaireRathdown

This Easter Dun Laoghaire-Rathdow n has plenty to occupy and entertain children during their time off school.

DLR Leisure Services hosts its Kids’ MultiSport Camps for boys and girls aged four to 13.

During the Easter holiday, children can let off steam and get active at DLR leisure centres in Monkstown, Meadowbrook and Loughlinstown from 9am until

3pm, Monday to Friday.

Activities include swimming, basketball, tennis, dodgeball, football and more. Prices are €80 per child per week or €20 per day. Book at www.dlrleisureservices. ie.

For smaller children, Imaginosity in Sandy-

ford has lined up unusual Easter camps: an Elsa and Olaf Camp and a CSI Investigator camp.

From March 30 to April 3, Elsa and Olaf, based on the popular Frozen characters, offers activities based on the movie featuring arts and crafts, dance and drama.

There will be snowmenbuilding, ice castle design, singing and storytelling.

C SI I n v e s t i g a t o r explores what it is like to be a real detective. Children follow clues, solve riddles, check fingerprints and more.

The camp runs April 7 to 10 from 9.30am to 1pm and costs €80 a week or €25 a day. Places for both are limited, so booking is essential: call 01 2176130.

In Dublin 15

CAMPS running in the area are sure to capture kids’ imagination.

A Soccer Camp in Coolmine Rugby Club r uns April 6 to 10, 10.30am to 2pm for all aged four to 13. It costs €95 for the week. For info, go to www.skillzsoccercamp.com.

For budding scientists, Eggcellent science camp in Castleknock is a must.

Starting March 30 and ending April 10, Eggsperiments allow kids to find out all they ever wanted to know about eggs: investigate them as a food source; dissect an egg; dissolve the shells; find out if they’re strong enough to walk on. Would they be good heat insulators?

It costs €70 a child, aged four to 12. For more

Dillon Shinbach and Emily Darley were eggs-tremely happy to help announce that

info, visit www.anyoneforscience.com.

For the young Van Goghs and Da Vincis Artzone camps at Castleknock Parish Centre from March 30 to April 10 are the answer. Open 10am to 2pm, organisers say this year’s event will feature the best portfolios of crafts, stories and games yet experienced.

Projects include painting, drawing, collage, clay and 3D construction, print and graphics. More information at www.artzone.ie.

In North Dublin

At the Old Stables, Drynam Road, Swords, Badgers Den is running a cracking Easter Egg camp, jammed with Easter activities: arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, science, games, cooking and baking, trips and outings and more.

Past outings include the wax museum, Newbridge Farm, the zoo, cinema, Kidszone play centre, to name a few.

The camp runs March 30 to April 10 with half day (9am-1pm) and full day (9am-6pm) options.

More information at www.badgersden.ie For sporty kids, Buzz – Ball Parties is running a sports camp at St Helen’s Senior National School Portmarnock March 30 to April 10. The Buzz – Ball programme teaches kids the basic skills they need before signing up to organised sport.

This Easter camp, for five- to six-year-olds, runs from 9.30am to 1.30pm. More information at www.facebook. com/buzzballparties.

Malahide Castle Golf & Tennis club hosts a Junior Golf Camp at Malahide Castle for those aged six to 13, March 30 to April 3, from 9.30am

to 12.30pm. It is provided by PGA Professional Jason Somers. More information at www. mcgt.ie.

In Lucan and Clondalkin

Lucan Leisure Centre hosts an Easter Kids Camp for kids aged three to 10. A mini camp for children aged three to four takes place 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Those a little older (five to 10) can partake in an Easter camp from 9.30am to 2pm, April 7 to 10.

Activities include basketball, football, hockey, tennis, rounders, bench ball, volley ball, arts and crafts, team games and treasure hunts. The minicamp costs €35 per child and €52 for older children. More info at www. lucanleisure.com, or call 01 6241930.

At Clondalkin Leisure Centre, an Easter Splash Camp caters for those

26 March 2015 Gazette 15

chocolate, you know

Gazette

easter camps

The upcoming Eggcellent science camp in Castleknock will delve into the mysteries and goodness of eggs, glorious eggs

Join “Elsa” in Imaginosity to delve into a cool world of Tayto Park has added Dinosaurs Alive to its attractions

Frozen-related fun and games

aged six to 12. Activities include swimming, rock climbing (10+), archery, basketball, football, unihockey, tennis, rounders, bench ball, volley ball, arts and crafts, team games and treasure hunts.

All activities are fully insured with small numbers in each group. These camps take place April 3-5 and April 7-10 from 9.30am to 2pm. The fiveday camp costs €65 per child and the four-day is €52. More info at www. clondalkinleisure.com, or call 01-4574858.

activities from a Viking House Dig, day tours, leather working, pottery, archery and weaponry.

In Dublin City

The Gaiety School of Acting on Essex Street West, Temple Bar runs its Make a Movie! Lights. Camera.

Action from March 30 to April 2. Kids learn from the experts how to write, act, light and do the sound in a movie. Footage is professionally edit-

ed and kids then receive a DVD of their own movie.

Admission is €200 for the week. More info at www. gaietyschool.com or call 6799277.

For the budding chefs, the Whisk Cookery camp shows kids how to cook soup, breads, Thai curry, beef bourguignon, lemon drizzle cake, falafel veg burgers, hummus, brownies and more. It runs March 30 to April 2 or April 7-10 in Templeogue/Terenure and suits those aged seven to 14.

Admission is €100 per week. More info from whiskcooker ycamp@ gmail.com or call Susan on 086 602 8336.

The Big Dig Archaeology Camp in Harold’s Cross allows children aged to 12 get their hands dirty as they get introduced to the mysteries and adventures of archaeology in a fun and relaxing environment.

Children also enjoy

For further information, see www.sia.ie This camp runs from March 30 to April 10.

Gazette

16 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

Q&A

business Range of impressive conference rooms With up to 400 complimentary car parking spaces, direct access to/ from Dublin Airport via Dublin Coach and in close proximity to the Luas facility into Dublin City Centre, the Green Isle Conference and Leisure hotel on the Naas

Road is a great place for business conferences.

Clients may choose from a broad range of meeting rooms including 40 fully equipped boardrooms, all with natural daylight, airconditioning and high speed WiFi. The con-

ference centre offers a range of impressive conference rooms for up to 750 delegates theatre style or 550 banqueting style and located on the ground floor of the hotel making it easily accessible for all delegates.

For those travelling

from afar the option of staying overnight is open. The executive style guestrooms have ample work space and complimentary internet access.

For more information visit www.greenislehotel.com.

Chris Robinson of CR Bodyworx

Doing his best to make clients feel their best CHRIS Robinson is a personal trainer and owner of CR Bodyworx in Dundrum. He has been working in the health and fitness industry for the past eight years.

During this time, he has helped many clients achieve great results and transform their bodies.

Robinson specialises in weight loss

and body conditioning.

He provides tailored nutrition plans, one-to-one personal training, group training, boxing and can help with motivation.

Robinson, a highly experienced trainer, dedicates his time solely to helping clients look and feel their best.

How long have you been in business?

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

We have been open for two years in March.

What makes your business successful?

Our experienced team of trainers who are personable and professional make our business successful.

Our staff are very dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

Our unique programmes which are specifically tailored for our clients’ individual needs are what make us different from our competitors.

We are focused on our clients specific goals and want our clients to get the best results possible.

How has the recession affected your business?

We have had to find the right balance between competitive pricing and the value of the services we provide.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recessions?

We have devised different payments options for our clients to suit their needs.

We want rates to be determined on the success of a business – this would help new businesses grow.

How do you use social media to help your business?

We use social media for connecting with our clients.

We also post our clients amazing results and progress. It is also a great way to connect with potential clients.

What is your ambition for the business?

We would like to expand our business throughout Dublin. .

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Believe in yourself and forget the doubters.

What is our favourite thing about doing business in your local area

Dundrum has an excellent transport network: the Luas, many bus routes – plus it’s just off the M50.

The multitude of transport options make it easy for our clients to get to us.

What living person do you most admire?

My parents – they taught me that anything worth getting takes work.

SHaRE Reading board of management members Maura McMahon and Stephen Moran receiving a Dublin Bus grant from Niall Quinn

education: combat difficulties in the inner city

Helping to build reading skills and knowledge SHaRE Reading is continuing to celebrate with four inner city schools in the weeks after World Book Day. The 40 children who work directly with volunteers twice weekly on a paired reading programme that promotes reading comprehension and vocabulary building, have read 639 additional books since September.

With the support of ESB and JP Morgan, the first and second classes at St Mary’s Primary School, George’s Hill Presentation School, Gardiner Street National School, and St Kevin’s Boys National School in Finglas West are being challenged to read 160 additional books

per class.

Their reward will be an age appropriate book to take home, and an invitation to a storytelling workshop by Irish author Liam Farrell in late April.

According to the group: “We know from research that the more children read, the better readers they become and what better way to encourage this than to gift children age appropriate books.

“Research tells us that literacy difficulties are a serious problem in disadvantaged areas like north inner city Dublin: this affects children’s vocabulary and motivation to read as early as first class.

In 2013, SHaRE Reading

was founded to combat the serious reading difficulties apparent in Dublin’s north inner city.”

In 2013, SHaRE established a partnership with Belvedere College’s fifth year students to assist even more children with their reading in schools as part of Belvedere’s pastoral studies programme and commitment to social justice.

The group has an upcoming pilot project in which the children will use iPads funded by Dublin Bus to further motivate them to revise their literacy skills in spelling and reading using learning objects. It is also running workshops in the north

inner city for parents to teach them how to help their child read.

Tutoring and literacy testing are also available from SHaRE’s office at Spade Enterprise Centre in Smithfield.

“Before school, we offer a Bookfest programme which provides children with a healthy breakfast over vocabulary games. Our afterschool programmes include the mini reporters club which is run in conjunction with Dublin City Council, and Book Buddies which runs with the support of South Dublin City Council.”

For more information visit www.sharedreading. ie.

26 March 2015 Gazette 17

travel P21

asdfsdaf P27 food and drink P23

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



Gazette

interiors P20

Radio Tune in for upbeat mental health news  laura webb

Strasbourg’s Auditive Connection will open this year’s festival

music Festival: young, creative and ambitious artists coming to town

Twelve Points about jazz

 keith bellew

The 12 Points Jazz Festival returns to Dublin this year for its ninth instalment at Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar, from April 15 to18.

Based in Dublin, with partner’s right across Europe, 12 Points showcases 12 young, creative and ambitious artists in jazz and related music each from a different European city.

12 Points Festival alternates between Dublin and other vibrant, young European cities. In previous years it has taken place in Porto, Portugal, and Umea in Sweden.

12 Points is programmed via an open call to the European jazz community, and with almost 500 applicants for this year’s festival, the 12 top acts have now

been selected, representing the top acts in Europe in 2015.

This year’s festival opens with Strasbourg’s Auditive Connection; followed over the next few days by piano trio Moskus (Oslo), groove-based band Stuff (Brussels), improv jazz group AMP Trio (Budapest), Berlin-based pianist Elias Stemeseder, Finnish trio Virta (Helsinki), Laura Jurd Quartet (London), SVIN (Copenhagen), Swiss uber-jazz group Hildegard Lernt Fliegen, BRUUT! (Amsterdam), jazz / punk-rock hybrid Black Dough (Gothenburg) and Dublin group Umbra which mixes jazz with Aphex Twin style electronica.

12 Points organiser Aoife Concannon says the aim is to create a closer knit network of members of the jazz communities across Europe.

There is also an emphasis on keeping the festival young and giving young musicians a chance to break through.

For that reason all performers must be under the age of 35.

Concannon said: “It’s [about] emerging acts at the beginning of their careers that we’re trying to push up to the next level by supporting them through this festival.

“It’s four great nights of really diverse music, from traditional jazz to very experimental stuff, with fusions of electronica or rock music and very different sounds from the different countries.

For example between Norway and Italy you would have very different styles of playing.

“It’s a bit unusual because it’s a European kind of thing. Every second year

it leaves Dublin and goes to a random European city, so it means that it builds a community across Europe of these young jazz musicians. It’s kind of unusual in Dublin to get a chance to hear a band from a country that otherwise wouldn’t have gotten here doing something very experimental.

“It’s a great chance for people with open minds to open their ears and hear what’s happening in Europe.”

She said that since the first instalment of the festival in 2006 it has grown from strength to strength: “There’s great interest in the festival within the music community in Europe because it’s seen as a place to go to, to see what’s the next hot new act.”

For more information on the festival visit: www.12points.ie

UPBEAT Radio, a popup radio station aimed at promoting positive mental health on the airwaves, will broadcast its last day on March 27 in time for Wellness in The Workplace Day. From March 23-27, well-known personalities such as model Alison Canavan, TV and radio presenter Aidan Power and comedian Alan Shortt have presented shows live from St Patrick’s University Hospital, on James’s Street, with broadcasters Ruth Scott and Theresa Lowe (below) also urging the public to tune in.

Run by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, listeners in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and further afield have been tuning in to the station online or through FM radio between 7am and 9pm to hear discussions, music and information on positive mental health.

For further information on the station, see www.upbeat.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

River Island Faux fur gilet €80

Penneys Straw hat €5 River Island Brooke flare jeans €50

H&M Jumpsuit €29.99

H&M

Kimo

no €

24.9 9

TK Maxx A-lin

e dress €69.9

9

River Island Pink sunglasses €17

Next Culottes €44

that

s 1970 look

Warehouse Suede duffel bag €40

 laura webb

New Look Tribal print playsuit €17.99

JUST like the hit American TV sitcom, That 70s Show, we are falling in love with this generation and its bohemian-like trend all over again. All across the high street, fashionistas can see this trend come on stream as we get closer and closer to the summer.

Culottes, denim, suede, flares, bo-ho dresses and platform shoes are just some of the 70s fashion style making their way to our SS15 wardrobes.

For anyone whose mum may have some vintage clothing hanging out in the attic, now is the time to get it down and make a fashion statement that can’t be seen elsewhere.

So, embrace this relaxed style that is taking a modern twist on the groovy 70s ...

H&M Leather shoes €49.99

26 March 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

It’s a g’day for Aussie beauty range

Mango is opening its first Irish megastore on Henry Street in Dublin

Mango opens megastore BIG news for Mango with the opening of its first Irish megastore, located at one of Dublin’s bestloved high streets: Henry Street.

The Spanish brand opened the store at 46-47 Henry Street recent-

ly, occupying an impressive space of 1,390sq m, and stocked with Mango, Mango Kid, Mango Sports and Intimates lines.

This is the latest megastore to open for the fashion brand that

continues to expand its stores.

Mango has 95 megastores worldwide, and the brand currently has eight stores in the Irish market since it was first launched here back in 1998.

KNOWN for its irresistible scents and caring formula that leaves hair in great condition, the Aussie hair range has now got the whole body covered.

The Aussie Brilliant Body Wash Collection is going to make you feel amazing from top to toe, and smelling even better!

This collection is available in four variants, including Shower Smoothie Body Wash (for skin in need of sensational smoothness – this wash includes Macadamia nut oil); Mega

Watt Body Wash (for skin that needs a bit of a boost – ingredients include energising ingredients such as Australian ginseng): Fresh Mate Body Wash (offering skin a blast of freshness with the coolest botanical ingredient, Eucalyptus extract) and No Rush Body Wash (which allows you to relax and let your skin savour the pampering Jojoba oil).

All body washes retail at €3.99 for 250ml and €6.49ml for 400ml, and are available at stockists nationwide.

Happy birthday to H&M Ireland

were all among the guests who enjoyed the stunning views of the city, as well as the brand’s latest Conscious collection. Happy birthday, H&M!

SOPHIE’S Bar at The Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street was awash with fashion last week when it hosted the 10-year birthday bash for H&M in Ireland. Glenda Gilson, singer Janet Devlin, fashion editors and stylists from across Dublin

Gazette

20 gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

INTERIORS

For those looking to make a statement, Harvey Norman offer a seven-piece Le Mont dining set, at €1,193

Cracking good kitchen help with Easter Luxury cabinet maker Smallbone of Devizes undertakes

commissions worldwide. Clients in Ireland are invited to

Arnotts Tic & Tac clock €85

discuss their needs with Alessi at Brown Thomas.

Kilkenny Shop Ulster Weavers T-Towel in a Jar €12.95

EASTER is a time to have the family over and what’s vitally important for the big day is a well-run kitchen.

So, it’s important to have all the appliances and accoutrements needed to roast the joint, mix the drinks and lay the table.

Gazette Interiors has trawled the shops to bring you the best kitchen equipment that will have you whipping up a storm, Jamie Oliver-style.

From high-end gadgets to more traditional products, Gazette Interiors has something for everyone ...

Kilkenny Shop Ulster Weavers Sheep tea cosy €19.95 Aldi Mini deep fat fryer €19.99

Littlewoods Mini kitchen scales €11

tts B Arno

u

s board nbury

5

€15.9

Arnotts Kartel Lizz chair €229

Alessi Electric kettle €119

Alessi Electric citrus-squeezer €169

26 March 2015 gazette 21

Gazette

TRAVEL

Stockholm, Sweden’s trend-setting capital

Culture galore in Stockholm  Ian Begley

Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region of mainland, is renowned for its sandy beaches and certainly a destination worth visiting

mid-season breaks: skiiing or sunning, there’s plenty of options

Easter hop is on the cards  Ian Begley

Easter can be the perfect time of year to hop off on a mid-season getaway.

Whether it’s a skiing trip in France or a well-earned break on the beach, picking your destination is easy with plenty of options to choose from this year.

With Highlife Ski and Snowboard, swap the daily school run and rush hour traffic jams for the slopes and make for a family-friendly adventure in Morzine, France, with departures on March 29 and April 5.

Here, you’ll find the Highlife Marmotte Club, designed to let parents enjoy their day on the slopes without rushing back to meet children from lessons.

The Highlife Marmotte Club is for children aged four to 11

and is free to Highlife customers.

Highlife hosts will meet the kids after lessons from 12 noon and take them for lunch at the local cafe for an additional €75 to cover the cost of lunches and certain activities such as ice-skating.

Easter breaks with Highlife Ski and Snowboard start from €910 per adult and €742 for children under the age of 12. Check out www. highlife.ie for further information.

Famous for its sandy beaches, the Por tuguese coastal region of Algarve is certainly a destination that’s worth visiting, and on April 6 you can spend seven nights in the three-star Janelas do Mar from €147pp.

With the Prague Easter getaway, starting on March 27, spend three nights in the three-

star Slavia Hotel from €185pp.

Spend four nights in Barcelona’s four-star Travelodge Valencia Aeropuerto from only €189pp on March 29.

A four-day visit to Barcelona is perfect for a short but powerful introduction to the Mediterranean lifestyle.

If you’re in the mood for visiting some of Spain’s most impressive beaches, architecture, artwork and food, then Barcelona is definitely a city that you can’t afford to miss.

Want a beach?

Then what about an escape to Fuerteventua in the Canary Islands for nine nights at the three-star Club Montecastillo from €447pp?

With f lights leaving April 2, this island attracts visitors generally interested in a quiet relaxing holiday.

But, of course, there

are many bars and restaurants and good quality entertainment venues, along with welcoming Irish bars around its resorts.

You can also spend five nights in Nice, France at the four-star A p o g i a Ho t e l f r o m €243pp on March, 29.

Nice has a cosmopolitan Riviera vibe, and you’ll enjoy exploring its fashionable boutiques and restaurants and sunning yourself on its popular beaches.

Walk up to Castle Hill for a beautiful view of the city, the Bay of Angels and of course, the bright blue water t h a t g ave t h e C o t e d’Azur its name.

For more information or to book – visit w w w. G o h o p . i e o r call GoHop.ie on 01-2412389.

Budget Travel also has a range of fantastic Easter Family Specials

Head for the slopes and make for a family-friendly adventure in Morzine, France

from €559.

For a two plus one family, Majorca’s Hotel Cala Gran in Cala d’Or is priced at €559 with f lights depar ting on April 8.

With an endless, sparkling coastline that is home to a collection of luxurious yachting harbours, sublime beaches, non-stop sun-rays and the abounding passion of its Spanish locals, Majorca is definitely a

must-go to place this Easter. Spend seven nights in Malta at the Qawra Palace at €859 from April 7.

With superbly sunny we a t h e r, a t t r a c t i ve beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do this Easter in Malta.

Visit w w w.budgettravel.ie for more information on these deals.

Dreaming of a cultural European g e t aw a y b u t n o t sure where to go?

Look no further than Stockholm, Sweden’s trend-setting capital city.

April is the perfect time to visit this stylish destination with Stockholm Art Week and Culture Night taking place in venues all across the city.

Art lovers will have a fantastic time at Stockholm Art Week, hosted in museums and galleries from April 14 to 19.

Visitors can take par t in innovative workshops, browse the works of up-andcoming artists and attend fun networking events.

On April 25, you can lose yourself in the best culture, music and dance the Swedes have to offer. Culture Night consists of over 400 events, all completely free.

Fly from Dublin to Stockholm up to eight days a week with SAS Go fares starting from as little as €76pp one-way.

For more information, visit www.flysas.ie.

22 Gazette 26 March 2015

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT Literature A chilling tale of business in new Russia

ARTS

books: money and power collide

Author John Banville: due to attend

A oui festival about writing

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A NEW York Times and Sunday Times best-seller, Red Notice is the true story of how hedge fund manager Bill Browder – an American working in Russia – changed US law to impose visa bans and asset freezes on 28 Russian officials.

The officials, says the author, were implicated in the death of Browder’s Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, in 2009.

This is the gripping story of how Browder became Vladimir Putin’s

number-one enemy, by exposing corruption in Russian politics and business.

Browder comes from a family of maths professors; his grandfather, a Russian immigrant to America, was a Communist who ran for the presidency of America in the 1930s.

He bucked both family trends when he decided to study business and embrace capitalism. He became so successful that in 1997, when he was 33 years old, his hedge fund company was ranked the

best performing hedge fund in the world, with assets under management of $1bn. He was, however, drawn to Russia and lived in Moscow for a large part of his life.

In the early 1990s, Russia was wide open for investment as stateowned companies were up for grabs and were being privatised at knockdown prices.

When he first arrived in Moscow, fewer than 20 such deals had been done in the Soviet Bloc so Browder got to work identifying those whose shares

The cover of Red Notice, published by Simon & Schuster

were cheapest to guarantee the greatest return for investors.Browder set up his own company, The

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THIS year’s FrancoIrish Literary Festival takes place over the weekend of April 25 and 26. A special preview event, entitled Education Day, is lined up for Friday, April 24 where students get the opportunity to meet writers at the National Library of Ireland on Kildare Street and the Lycee Francais of Ireland in Clonskeagh.

The crime fictionthemed festival takes place in Dublin Castle on April 25, and in the Alliance Francaise, Kildare Street on April 26.

All events are free and open to the public.

B e c a u s e L o c a l M at t e r s

Hermitage Fund, and as his business prospered more investors came on board.

He soon came up against several corrupt Russian oligarchs, who tried to bully him out of millions of shares in several oil companies in Russia. Browder describes the way Russian business worked at the time as being like the politics employed in a prison yard.

Unlike the majority of Russians who acquiesced to the oligarchs’ shady tactics of diluting shares and stealing companies by force, Browder would not be cowed. Instead, he went to the international media to expose the corruption and successfully hold off the assault on his company.

Browder is one of those fabled characters in history who seems to be in the eye of every great political and historical storm.

At first, as Putin’s power took hold in Russia, he

and Browder seemed to be temporarily on the same side as both wanted to oust the 22 oligarchs who owned 39% of the wealth in the Russian economy.

However, unlike Browder, who wants a free market, Putin had more personal ambitions for the wealth ...

Browder’s style of writing is superbly apt for his subject matter. It is punchy, muscular and has a blow-by-blow nature, with no nonsense to it.

His style paints an accurate picture of the cut-and-thrust of high finance where the stakes are the highest and the benefits the greatest.

Like Browder himself, his writing is really punchy and that creates a very strong bond between author and reader, because he holds nothing back.

Red Notice is published

by Simon & Schuster, and is available now in bookshops, priced €20.85.

26 March 2015 Gazette 23

Saba’s Garrigue €10.95

777’s Margarita €11

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

RESTAURANTREVIEW

Making Gusto’s delicious pizza. Picture: Kevin McFeely

Gusto by name, and an experience to match Coppinger Row’s Flo & Basy €12

Take5 THE Gazette Food team has been busy this week sampling yummy cocktails from around the city.

From the finest Margharita, to a delicious Virgin Mary cocktail, we have trawled the city and come up with the best on offer.

Summer is on the horizon and what better time to pull up a pew in some of the loveliest establishments in Dublin to sip on something sumptuous. Next month, we slice up the city in search of the tastiest pizzas on offer. Slainte mhor!

The Dean Hotel’s Virgin Mary €6

Rock Lobster’s Red October €9

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

GUSTO restaurant in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, staged a launch to remember recently with a taster menu, cocktails and an array of edible treats, all praised by celebrity comperes/broadcasters Marty Whelan and Nuala Carey The festival, organised by the Alliance Française Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy, is supported by The Arts Council, Foras na Gaeilge, Poetry Ireland, Ireland Literature Exchange and the Irish Writers’ Centre.

A trio of musicians went around the well-appointed and ultra-modern though comfortable restaurant, with guitars and a double bass taking requests from the diners. Food on offer included mostly Italian, homemade fare such as pasta, pizzas and gloriously fresh stone-baked breads with tapenade.

Gusto’s relaxed vibe is ideal for both young and more mature diners and their prices are very reasonable. As a vegetarian and proponent of gluten-free food, I was delighted to see an array of options suitable for me on the menu.

I had gluten-free bread with basil and tomato soup, plenty of fresh black and green marinated olives, and gluten-free pizza with buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and peppers.

Those around the table enjoyed free rein, with a selection of Gusto pizzas such as the house special, containing Sicilian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salami, chorizo and basil pesto.

This Casa Speciale pizza cost €15.95, while a Gusto homemade beef burger made from 100% Irish beef with spicy tomatoes, red pepper relish and smoked cheese is priced at €16.95.

There was complete silence as platters of food were handed around and diners tucked into dishes such as Linguine Al Frutti di Mare (€16.95), which included prawns, mussels, salmon and fire-roasted sweet peppers in a white wine and garlic sauce.

As well as this, there was chicken with Sicilian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella served with basil pesto mash and red pepper coulis – all of which resulted in more devout silence from the diners.

The taster meal was interspersed with wooden platters carrying grapes, a selection of Italian and Irish cheeses and olives. For further information on Gusto restaurant, see www.clarionhotelliffeyvalley. com/eat-drink/gusto-restaurant.

Gazette

24 Gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

RaceTime By participating, you can help fund research into spinal cord injuries

Ireland to host one of 35 Wings for Life runs

HEALTH

advice: empathy, support matter

Practical tips to help your relationship

 suzanne sheehy  maeve halpin

THERE is a new and unique type of challenge called Wings for Life run, that is being held in 35 locations worldwide and is open to athletes of all abilities. So, you have no excuse but to do it!

An event that ticks all boxes, and that combines fun with physical effort and a good cause, Wings for Life is a nonprofit run that funds research into finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

But this is no ordinar y fun race – a “catcher car” will start the chase 30 minutes after the race starts, and speed up slowly until everyone is caught.

You could run 5km, 10km or a marathon, but at 11.30am, the catcher car starts, setting a pace of 15km/hr (9.3mph), then getting faster ...

The run takes places at 11am on Sunday, May 3, with the Irish race starting in Dun Laoghaire town centre.

Why should you do it? 100% of all worldwide Wings for Life world run registration fees, proceeds, sponsorships and donations go straight to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

For further information, see www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

Be satisfied you helped play your part in this worthy event, and see you there!

Counselling psychologist

EVEN in the happiest and most stable of relationships, difficulties will inevitably arise from time to time. Luckily, many skills and techniques can be learned to help improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Enhancing communication The single-most useful skill to bring to a relationship is that of active listening. This means listening with full attention without having any agenda of our own, listening purely to hear, understand and empathise.

Questions are used only to gain a deeper sense of the other person’s experience, not to advise, criti-

cise or score points.

In conversation, we often may be half-listening, thinking of our own ideas or worrying about other tasks and demands.

For couples, making time to be together, taking turns to share, confide in each other and listen can enhance the bonding and caring in their relationship.

Destructive behaviours When arguments occur, certain behaviours have been shown to be destructive to the relationship.

Stonewalling means shutting down, withdrawing and refusing to engage.

Stonewalling leaves the other person feeling rejected and unheard.

Criticism refers to making global statements

about the other person, such as: “You are so selfish” or “You never listen”.

Contempt is using sneering or sarcastic language, such as: “Of course, your family are perfect”, which humiliates and belittles.

Defensiveness occurs when we feel we have to justify our actions, such as: “You haven’t got a clue just how much I have to get through every day.”

The other person feels alienated and becomes defensive in response.

Defusing arguments To avoid repetitive, damaging arguments, start discussions amicably, with the goal of achieving a “win-win” situation.

Listen carefully and compassionately and be prepared to compromise.

Maeve Halpin: “Many skills and techniques can be learned to help improve communication and resolve conflicts”

A healthy relationship will accommodate both people’s needs, allowing each person to be themselves.

Remaining rational, caring and solution-focused contributes greatly to diminishing the hurt that can be caused.

Concentrate on the positive We are hardwired to be more aware of the negative – it is a survival mechanism. But we can

build up our “positivity bank account” every day, by giving compliments to our partner, being affectionate with hugs, kisses and small gifts, and saying thanks.

The everyday but essential things can be taken for granted. Appreciating the benefits and comfort of a relationship and the uniqueness of our partner can help us see our problems in perspective.

Short-term counsel-

ling can be a first step to understanding recurring difficulties and developing useful tools to resolve issues into the future.

Maeve’’s recent publication, How to be Happy and Healthy : The Seven Natural Elements of Mental Health, is available from local bookshops and online from www. amazon.co.uk.

You can contact Maeve at maeve@maevehalpincounselling.com.

testing: comprehensively monitor your all-round health at home

Now you can discreetly check your STI status

 suzanne sheehy

THERE are many steps you can take to improve your overall health. Some are more obvious than others, such as regular exercise and eating well.

STI testing is also an important aspect to your health, however. The stigma associated with it, along with symptomless infections, can keep people from getting tested which is the only way to know for sure that you do not have an STI. LetsGetChecked.com (right) is a new online platform allowing customers to order an STI

test kit, to test themselves in the privacy of their own home.

The service’s chief executive, Peter Foley, discussed the various benefits of LetsGetChecked’s home STI testing.

He said: “A real benefit is the convenience factor, so you don’t need to take time off work; you have the kit waiting for you at home.

“You don’t have to deviate from your day-to-day life, which is difficult taking a full day off work.

“You have convenience and you remove the whole embarrassing factor, as some

people are reluctant to get tested because they don’t like the physical interaction [with medical staff]. So, you do it on your own and get the results to your phone.”

There are up to seven tests available online, such as for HIV, syphilis or chlamydia.

According to Foley, chlamydia is one of the most frequently reported STIs in those aged 25 and under, and can cause infertility in women.

In the event of a positive result for a STI, Foley said: “There’s a team of support nurses who specialise in this

area. With a positive result, they will give you a call; your results will not go to your phone in this instance, and they will provide you with a sameday consultation in a private clinic.”

STIs can affect men and women of all ages who are having sex, as the dynamics of life have changed.

Foley said: “With online dating – one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner – people find themselves single,

and that little bit older than traditionally they might have in the past. It’s a lot more transient, and you don’t know where the other person has been.”

For further information, see letsgetchecked.com, or email: admin@letsgetchecked.com.

26 March 2015 Gazette 25

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 March 2015

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28 Gazette 26 March 2015

SPORT Peat glad of Ireland comeback

FastSport

basketball: dual star looking forward to luxembourg after time out

Cool hand luke eyeing may return: LUKE

Keeler is set for a spot on the Matchroom Resurrection fight night at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham in May as he looks to overcome a hand injury sustained in the recent Prizefighter series.

Keeler impressed Matchroom boxing’s Eddie Hearn in Dublin last November in the 3Arena to get signed up to the promotion group.

At Prizefighter, the Ballyfermot man won his quarter-final convincingly over Luke Crowcroft but sustained the injury, meaning he was half-cocked for the semi-final with Tom Doran.

But Keeler says he is on the mend and looking to get back into action as he told Irish Boxing.

“With the tear in the ligament I haven’t been able to do much, but I am back in training this week. I have been doing pads with left and working hard so I will be in good form for May.”

 dylan murray sport@dublingazette.com

LINDSAY Peat is hoping to make up for lost time in an Irish basketball jersey following her selection as part of a representative side from the women’s

national league that travel to Luxembourg in May. There, the side will take on a number of international sides preparing for FIBA Eurobasket 2017, including Luxembourg and Scotland.

The 34-year-old, in

2013, was part of a select team that played in the Gathering Shield against Wales and she is hungry for more of the same after a frustrating five years.

“It was a fantastic experience and an opportunity to play as part of some

Lindsay Peat in action for Dublin against Monaghan last summer

Lindsay Peat in basketball action for DCU

sort of Irish representative team which I had not had the opportunity to do since the Irish senior women’s team was pulled from competition in 2010.

“We had a seriously talented team that day that simply blew Wales away, which was fantastic but also very sad reminder that talent was going to waste.”

The DCU Mercy woman co-captained the Irish senior side then, saying it was “the highest level I’ve played at.”

The withdrawal of the senior team came at a time when Irish basketball’s governing body had to repay over €120,000 to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“T he organisation

pulled us in 2010 due to lack of funding, I’d been in that senior squad since 2006, and we were one win off a play-off to Division A, which would have been huge.

“Basketball Ireland ran out of money basically and weren’t willing to let us try to raise funds to get us back into competition because they were simply so much in debt they couldn’t support us in any way possible.”

Since then, Peat has got her summer fix of elite sport solely as a mainstay with the Dublin senior footballers, winning an All-Ireland in 2011.

The Parnell’s clubwoman was also part of the Dublin team that narrowly lost to Cork in the All-Ireland final last Sep-

tember with Peat scoring two goals.

Peat said managing to balance playing both Gaelic Games and basketball in high levels is not quite the balancing act due to the lack of international matches in the latter code.

“Other than one match, against Kerry in the AllIreland quarter-finals, and the Irish women’s basketball team playing Switzerland at home, nothing really clashed but that was in 2010, the last year of the Irish basketball team.

“As for the club, the basketball season commandeers the winter months with football taking up the summer. I do miss the league season playing with Dublin due to basketball.”

Benildus student Robinson on the mark for Ireland  sport@dublingazette.com

St Benildus student Aaron Robinson

ST BENILDUS student Aaron Robinson was on the mark as Paddy O’Reilly’s Republic of Ireland schools side picked up three points in their opening game in this season’s Centenary Shield against a much fancied Northern Ireland side.

There will no doubt be a few talking points with the awarding of three penalties in this actionpacked thriller which saw the visitors just edge the local derby.

The hosts applied the pressure early but it was the Republic

who took the lead on 17 minutes courtesy of Robinson.

The Stillorgan native thumped the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the box following a great piece of play with Conor Melody.

Adam Sally’s low driven cross was unlucky not to get a connection as the North pressed for an equaliser.

Evan Osam, from Colaiste Chilliain, Clondalkin, came very close to securing a second for the Republic but his free kick skimmed the post on 26 minutes.

The North continued to press high up the field but there were missed opportunities for this talented Northern Ireland side.

Conor Ellis, however, doubled the Republic’s lead on 44 minutes when he converted coolly from the penalty spot just before half time.

McCarron pulled off another wonderful save six minutes into the second period as Ryan Noble Walker’s header was on target.

The hosts made it game on with Skye poking the ball into the corner of the net to make to 2-1 on 53 minutes.

It was agony for Sally as his half volley cannoned off the post denying the youngster the equaliser.

The Republic were awarded a second penalty deep into the second half as Ellis converted his second penalty to put the Republic further ahead.

However, there was drama to follow as Sally converted his penalty to get the Northern side back in it and set up a tense finale.

The Republic, though, held out to claim the win following nine minutes of injury time.

26 March 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Irish hockey on top of the World League

ken’sDiary

Ireland’s national team moved a big step closer to qualifying for a first ever Olympic Games last Sunday in UCD; the key players tell STEPHEN FINDLATER about a special week ON A weekend of high Irish sporting achievement, the Irish women’s hockey team went in slightly under the radar but took a huge step toward Olympic qualification last weekend in Belfield, winning the World League Round 2.

The victory sees the side advance to Round 3 of the competition which acts as the qualifying process for Rio in 2016 with Ireland among 20 remaining teams battling for 12 spots later this summer at a tournament in Valencia.

Two years ago, during the World Cup qualifiers, Ireland bowed out in low key fashion at this stage. This time around, Darren Smith’s charges showed how far they have developed

with some breathtaking performances over the course of six games in nine days, crucially beating Belarus 7-0 in last Saturday’s semifinal.

Captain Megan Frazer, named player of the tournament, said of the win: “It’s always nice to come out like that in a high pressure game, a great performance. We had spoken about picking up the speed and intensity throughout the tournament and hit the nail on the head.”

The conviction of the performance is a far cry from 2013 when Ireland struggled against the same opposition, showing how far the side have come since then. Frazer added that her side were confident in their own methods.

“We obviously have some history with them but we did this in a really professional manner.

You can carry baggage against teams like that but we nipped that in the bud, gave them nothing and got a clean sheet. It was a great performance.

“We all knew it was a high pressure game and have played in them before. It’s a testament to the girls who kept their composure and kept it simple. Our passing rate, speed of play and our basics were on point. It’s something we are building up to.”

Frazer added that the crowd was “phenomenal” on days when there were plenty of other sporting options on the table.

“Every time we come

Irish captain Megan Frazer with President Michael D Higgins who presented the World League Round 2 trophy. Picture: Adrian Boehm

out, the stands are full even when the Six Nations rugby match was on. It is an honour to perform when everyone supports us like that and we really appreciate it.”

The Belarus result – against a team they had lost to back in

Former Old Alex player Shirley McCay spoke of the sense of trying to make history and qualify Ireland for a first ever Olympic Games.

“The level of our general play and our basics has improved hugely and I think we are very clear in our jobs which

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

‘It’s enjoyabe to play with freedom and flow and maybe we can go and build something special’ - Shirley McCay

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

2013 – ensured Ireland advanced to Round 3 along with fellow finalists Canada. It rendered the final on Sunday something of a lap of honour, albeit one played out in front of a giant crowd that included the President Michael D Higgins.

In a tense final, UCD’s Nikki Evans gave Ireland the lead 38 seconds into the second half only for Canada’s Holly Stewart to level seven minutes later in the tie.

That tied the game at 1-1, ultimately leading to a penalty shoot-out.

Coach Smith swapped i n Ay e i s h a M c F e rran between the posts and she kept out two Canadian efforts before Hermes star Aine Connery coolly rolled home the winner.

allows us to play with freedom and flow,” she said.

“It’s really enjoyable to play this way and we know each other’s game so well, making it easy to play off each other and maybe build something special.”

Coach Smith, meanwhile, said it was a superb end to a great week for the Irish team.

“Fantastic crowd, the President of Ireland, friends and family all here and a chance to win a tournament. The girls were really excited for the final and, in the end, it was good spectacle. Canada did a good job but we got the result in the end.

“World League 2, from my perspective, was a great advertisement for hockey and a lot of fun.”

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

SO HERE we go again, 9.30am start for 100km on the menu. Thirty-six die-hards turned up last Saturday morning for the challenge ahead.

I managed to rope my good friend Frances into signing up for the gig and he was up for the challenge.

I had a good feeling in my bones for the cycle and was looking forward to a good session.

We made our way out of the usual Laurels starting point and up towards Newcastle with our target of Enfield.

We set off at a decent pace and in pairs which was the order of the day on account of there being 36 of us.

We were 50km in and some chap had the bright idea of swerving past my front wheel and, as I was clipped in, I had my first official crash and I sure hit the ground hard!

I kept my cool and didn’t resort back to my old sport of boxing.

I wiped myself down and mounted my bike again and, thank god, it was still in perfect condition.

I picked up a nice eight-inch graze on my right arm and a bruise on my hip but I am literally bleeding for this charity.

We soldiered on and got back to base in good time and my good friend managed his first cycle 106km on a mountain bike so I must say “well done Frances”.

To be continued, just four weeks to go.

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 26 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: mochta’s keep on rolling in fai intermediate cup

Coolmine twice ousted at final league hurdle THERE was heartbreak for Coolmine as both their senior team and Under-14s fell at the final hurdle last weekend in their respective finals.

At Under-14 level, the final score by no means reflected the pulsating pace of their final held on Sunday against Cill Dara falling 19-8 in an exciting tie.

A lapse of concentration allowed Cill Dara to cross the try line and convert early on.

However, from then on, possession and territory were all in Coolmine’s favour with the remainder of the first half spent in the Cill Dara 22.

It resulted in a try by Conor Dunne, for Coolmine and a penalty by Louis McDonagh, swapping the lead to 8-7 In the second half, again Coolmine had all the possession and were unfortunate to have had a try held up. Big tackles put in by Max Gerhardt and Dean Ennis and lots of ball carrying by Ben Mancini and Conor Kelly.

But, having defended for nearly the entire second half, CIll Dara struck twice on the break to swing the tie out of reach with a pair of tries.

At adult level, Coolmine were also denied in the Metro Division 7 final by a strong Old Wesley 40-13 in the battle for the Dr Bill Linihan Memorial Cup, dedicated to Coolmine’s co-founder.

The game started well for Coolmine with some early dominance leading to an excellent try on three minutes to get valuable points on the board.

Soon, though, Wesley began to command secure ball possession and, despite great Coolmine defence, the Donnybrook side’s forwards created some brilliant moves which handed them a 14–5. The Dublin 15 side did get a penalty back just before half-time to narrow the gap to 14-8.

But, despite fighting hard and resiliently in the second half, Old Wesley stretched the score to 21-8 with their third try leaving an upward battle looming.

Indeed, the southsiders ran up three unanswered tries to extend the lead to a daunting 40-8. Coolmine did get one back in the closing stages but ultimately ended up second after a decent season in the league.

St Mochta’s take the field ahead of their FAI Intermediate Cup quarter-final tie

Saints finally see off UCC  sport@dublingazette.com

THE Saints went marching on last Sunday as St Mochta’s booked their place in the final four of the FAI Intermediate Cup with a dramatic shootout win over UCC in their quarter-final reply.

Speaking after the game, Mochta’s manager Brian McCarthy spoke glowingly of his side: “The lads were outstanding, I’m so proud of them all. It was another very tough game, penalties can go either way but I think we created the better chances.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for the club, we are

witnessing the best side in the club’s history. The team have illustrated all season, they are a very difficult side to beat. It’s a team that never knows when it’s beaten, it’s a side with plenty of character and talent.”

After 90 minutes ended scoreless for the second time in two weeks, it was Mochta’s who held their nerve after extra-time in the 5-4 win on penalties.

The tie was set up in professional style at Porterstown Park, with the Clonsilla side’s schoolboy section leading their senior side onto the pitch.

The game itself was as tense as expected right

st patrick’s day Rugby club’s youngest line out for parade coolmine rfc’s minis were out in force last week at the Fingal St Patrick’s Day parade in Blanchardstown.

The minis section caters for children from Under-7 level all the way up to Under-12s who train each weekend while their youth sections works with groups of Under-13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 at the club’s Ashbrook home on the River Road.

Contact the club’s children’s welfare officer Helen for more information at childwelfare@coolminerugby.com.

from the off. Chances were few and far between as both sides adopted chess-like tactics.

Luke Harrison went close for the Saints after 27 minutes from Jordan Lancaster’s corner. Lancaster and Craig Sheridan both went close soon after with long-range efforts.

The visitors from Cork looked dangerous down the flanks, but Saints stopper Warren Fee looked solid and confident with every ball that came in.

The game’s biggest moment came in the first period of extra-time, when the hosts were awarded a penalty for a handball.

UCC pleaded against

the decision given by the assistant more than the referee but their appeals were waved away. David Somers stepped up hoping to score his 22nd goal of the season but saw his effort saved brilliantly, meaning the sides could not be separated after 210 minutes of football.

Penalties were needed and Mochta’s were immediately on the back foot when Jonathan Lyons missed the first spot-kick.

UCC started the shootout brilliantly, with Jason Abbott, Cian Murphy, Andy Gannon and Sean O’Callaghan scoring their first four. John Reilly, Gavin Smith and Har-

rison scored the Blanch side’s next three efforts before Warren Fee kept them in the cup, saving what could have been a match-winning penalty.

Sheridan then scored the home side’s fifth effort to put the shootout into sudden death.

Fee made another outstanding save which gave Brian Kelly the chance to send Mochta’s into the last four.

You could have heard a pin drop around Porterstown as Kelly stood over the ball. He nervelessly buried his penalty past the helpless goalkeeper and set up a semi-final tie against Tolka Rovers.

26 March 2015 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

St Brigid’s complete hurlers clean sweep  sport@dublingazette.com

ST BRIGID’S AHL7 hurlers completed an opening day clean sweep for the club’s adult hurling teams as they overcame Faughs, 4-9 to 2-10 in Russell Park last Friday evening.

Scorer in chief was full forward Tadhg Brannigan who amassed a remarkable 4-3 over the hour, with

two goals coming before half time which gave the home side a 2-5 to 1-4 advantage.

Faughs improved considerably in the second half and moved into a two-point lead with 15 minutes to go before Brannigan popped up again to claim another two goals, both from long balls into the square.

Some superb last ditch defending from Glen Markey and Brian Condron kept Brigid’s in front before fine scores from Brendan Roche and Ciaran Galvin sealed a fine Brigid’s win.

Elsewhere, Brigid’s AFL6 footballers made it three from three in the league as they beat Fingal Ravens 2-5 to 1-4 in

Rolestown on Sunday.

Fergal Counihan’s goal helped them build a four point half-time lead which they maintained to the final whistle in spite of a strong Ravens’ spell of 1-2 without reply after the break.

Brigid’s replied in kind with Brendan Dunning’s delightful lobbed goal sealing the deal.

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s STRICTLY Brigid’s is this Saturday in

The club lotto jackpot remains a huge

ing are available from 083 4317424 or

€15,000. Our next draw will take place

strictlystbrigids@gmail.com. Best of

this Thursday, March 26 in The Rosel-

luck to all our dancers.

awn Inn. Make sure you have your tick-

The club Easter camp for five to 12-year-olds starts next Monday, March 30. Open to all and forms available on the new club website.

Club membership is now due and can be paid online; the deadline is March 31.

football: goals galore for dublin 15 outfit

All details are on the club website.

THE ERIN Go Bragh Under-12s hurlers found their mojo again with an emphatic 6-12 to no score win over Clontarf last weekend.

The new midfield pairing of Sean Vickers and Conor Pownall dominated from the start and fed fast ball into the forward line.

Joe Humphreys, who had been operating at half back for the past few months, was moved into full forward along with Luke McEvoy who had been operating in midfield.

The pair were joined in the forwards by Glen Campion and James Padden. The new look forward line wreaked havoc on the opposition. With quick ball coming in from midfield, half backs Jack Flood and Oran O’Hara, it was not long before Padden and Campion were on the score sheet with some fine long range points.

Humphreys and McEvoy were always a treat and never gave Clontarf a moment on the ball, forcing them into quick, sometimes way ward, clearances.

With 15 minutes gone,

they led by nine points and replaced by Lee Doyle, Andrew Lyons, Eric Doherty and Lee Byrne.

It wasn’t long before they were rewarded when Lyons buried the sliotar into the net after some fine play from Vickers.

Pownall followed up with a second long range goal just before the half time whistle leaving the half time score at 2-9 to no score.

In the second half, Glen Campion powered in from midfield to collect some hurried clearances and found the back of the net to claim three goals in

quick succession to augment the scoring.

Elsewhere, Erin Go Bragh’s adult footballers played out a lively, up tempo tussle in AFL10 North as they welcomed Pavee to a sunny and very busy St Catherine’s Park last Sunday, winning out 2-15 to 2-10.

Pavee star ted the stronger and were 1-9 to 0-4 ahead at half-time but EGB fought back to score 1-6 without reply Pavee found a second wind to level but EGB went back in front with a second goal before Pavee summoned 1-5 without replay to land the spoils.

Our junior ladies footballers are looking for new or returning players.

All abilities welcome. Contact Leanne on 0851685626.

Full round of adult hurling league fix-

teams who were in league action over

for details and please support our

the weekend. The stand-out results

teams.

There were wins also for our AFL4,

 sport@dublingazette.com

sellers.

tures this weekend; see the website

win over Na Fianna.

Six of the best for Erin Go Bragh stars

ets; available online or from the usual

Well done to all our juvenile and adult

were our minor A hurlers’ 1-15 to 1-13

The Erin Go Bragh adult footballers who fell to Pavee last weekend

AFL6, AFL11 and AHL7 teams.

the club. The final few tickets remain-

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

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

mar 26 - apr 1, 2015

final showdowns: Coolmine’s adult and Under-14 hockey’s road to rio: Presidential salute as Olympic sides battle their way through Leinster finals P30 campaign progresses P29

Ciaran Kilkenny was on hand to launch the AIG XLNTdriver App; an app that rewards safe drivers by reducing their car insurance premiums.

Kilkenny’s injury battle Castleknock star has full sympathy for Dublin team mate Eoghan O’Gara after he succumbed to a dreaded cruciate ligament injury this week  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

THE NEWS was announced this week that Dublin full-forward Eoghan O’Gara will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury. One man who knows the devastation of missing a season with such an injury is Castleknock footballer Ciaran Kilkenny.

The 21-year-old missed basically all of last year, forced to watch from the sidelines a large amount of college, club and inter county football which is something no player wishes to go through.

Thankfully, Kilkenny is back in action

after returning to full training in November and featuring for the Dubs in this season’s National League so far.

Speaking on the news of O’Gara, the Castleknock man said: “I’m devastated for Eoghan, I really am. These things happen in sport unfortunately. I wouldn’t wish such an injury one anyone. I just wish Eoghan a speedy recovery now and know if he puts the work in he’ll be back better than ever.”

Kilkenny, a former dual player, dedicated a massive amount of time to both football and hurling for club, county and college, which was often linked to the injury he suffered.

Now, fully focused on football, the versatile Dub reveals how he felt about the time out.

“I suppose I was philosophical with it because I’d been playing so much with so many different teams,” he said.

“It was good to get a break but, then again, when you’re out for a year it’s tough and it makes you appreciate it a lot more that you’re in a privileged position to be playing for your county. I’d been playing so much since I was young and to be not playing is very hard.”

Kilkenny returned to the blue jersey against Donegal earlier in the national league in what was a game played at championship pace.

Some players might have been cautious returning from such a lengthy spell out in such a fierce game, but not Kilkenny.

“It was a great game to come back into. I

had played six or seven games before that so I was alright mentally going into the game, but Jesus, it was a great game to be involved in because it was end-to-end stuff and a real competitive game with a good bit of bite in it too, and we were lucky enough to get the win too.”

Up next for the Dubs is Derry in Croke Park this Saturday, and a win could move Jim Gavin’s side into the play-off places going into the final day with the teams in the top four all playing each other.

On the club front, Castleknock’s senior footballers have now notched up three wins from three in AFL Division 2 so far, and face Naomh Barrog next on April 11.