Gazette WIN BLANCH
Swing over to our feature on Dublin Zoo’s new orangutan forest
June 16-22, 2016
see p10-11
Find us on
Last chance to WIN a holiday to Cannes worth €2,000! See P21
A WEBER BBQ worth See P2 to enter
Olympics Arthur aims to use his sword to be King of Rio Page 30
Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you
€476
Cook Up a storm this summer
Boost for Castleknock Castle with €21k fund Community landmark to gain from share of national heritage purse for structures at risk
ian begley
SOME €21,350 has been allocated to protect the historic ruins of Castleknock Castle and preserve it for the local community. The funding has been provided under the Struc-
tures at Risk Fund as part of a national allocation of €900,000 to 57 heritage projects around Ireland. Castleknock Castle is a ruined Norman castle located on the grounds of present-day Castleknock College, and was the scene
of many bloody battles and encounters. One of the most interesting tales of the castle comes from the story of The Lady of the Castle, Eibhleen O’Brinn, whose ghost is still said to roam the grounds.
Castleknock was also the final rallying point for the forces of the last High King of Ireland, Rory O’Connor who failed to drive the CambroNormans from the area around Dublin in 1171. Full Story on Page 5
2 BLANCH Gazette 16 June 2016
fingal | coherence needed to address concerns
Raising awareness for disability groups ian begley news@dublingazette.com
Shane Rothwell and Annie Byrne members of the Fingal Disability Network
The Fingal Disability Network are raising awareness of their fight to give a coherent voice for disability groups right across Dublin West. The local organisation promotes awareness of issues relevant to the disability sector and looks to influence decisions made at County and National level. Its mission is to influence all organisations who operate within Fingal County, to ensure they develop coherent plans and policies that reflect the social, cultural and economic needs of people with disabilities. The network aim is to provide a platform where diverse groups can speak as one recognised voice on matters relating to their well-being in Fingal, and help promote ways of
effective action towards that end. They are also trying raise awareness of people with disabilities within the Fingal county and promote the cultural, economic and social inclusion of people with disabilities locally. Their mission statement also works to confront and challenge stigma and negative imaging of people with disability and to promote a ‘Positive to Disability’ agenda within Fingal County Council. Fingal Disability Network is open to all community and voluntary sector groups who have a role and remit to work with people with disabilities in Fingal. The membership comprises of community groups, representatives of agencies and individual people with disabilities who work with the disability Sector in Fingal County.
Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
FastNews
Lucan girls Danielle McNamee, Rachel Lynch and Sinead Croft may have forgotten their ballgowns, but they’re still able to make more than a oui fuss over Ireland
Gendarmes get an Eiffel of supporters’ passion IRELAND got off to a decent start with an unlucky 1-1 draw with Sweden in Paris on Monday – but that hasn’t stopped the Boys, and Girls, in Green from having the time of their lives in France. With the Green Army heading south to Bordeaux for the clash with Belgium on Saturday, Gazette readers have been posting photos of their French adventures over on our Facebook page. Keep your shots coming in – there’ll be prizes for the best photos we receive, with winners to be announced on our Facebook page and in the paper after the Euros end on July 10.
WIN WORTH
A WEBER BBQ
€476
TO CELEBRATE Ireland’s French adventure, The Gazette has teamed up with B&Q to give a lucky reader the chance to win a fantastic Weber Q2000 2 burner gas barbeque, worth €476. To enter, all you have to do is like Dublin Gazette’s Facebook page, and then just like and share our #GazetteGiveaway BBQ promotion post. Boost your chances of winning by tagging a pal or two you think might like to win this fantastic prize, and as the French say: “Bonne Chance!”
16 June 2016 BLANCH Gazette 3
model | Monika walsh was to raise awareness about domestic violence
Isn’t she lovely
Monika taking part in Mrs Ireland Universe in 2014 ian begley news@gazettegroup.com
After winning the title of Mrs Ireland Universe in 2014, Blanchardstown stunner Monika Walsh is now on a mission to help those suffering from domestic violence. Monika, who teaches in a creche in Clonee, has had a very busy schedule since being honoured as the most beautiful woman in Ireland. The Polish born mother of one has gone on to compete in the final of Top Model UK and became a
National Director of Mrs Europe and Mrs Universe. She also regularly travels abroad to compete and represent Ireland in many beauty pageants taking place around the world. In her latest venture, Monika became an Irish ambassador in a worldwide campaign to combat domestic violence, called Queens Without Scars. Speaking to The Gazette she said that her aim is to raise awareness and to help victims start a new, better life. “So many women today are in abusive relation-
Monika with her son Dylan aged six
Stunning photograph of Monika
ships and suffer so much in silence. While I was in Belarus I spoke about Emma Murphy, the Dublin woman who made a viral video talking about her abusive relationship with her boyfriend. “Because she spoke out it opened up the eyes of many people and I think it helped many other women in her situation.” Monika Walsh also has a blog about travelling, beauty and fashion, and provides her readers with regular updates about her life – www.monikawalsh. com.
4 BLANCH Gazette 16 June 2016
coolmine | 82% success rate after treatment
42% rise in addicts seeking services ian begley news@dublingazette.com
Coolmine Therapeutic Community, which treats people for drug and alcohol addition, saw a 42% increase in addicts seeking its services last year. In its annual report for 2015, Coolmine Therapeutic Community said it supported 1,350 individuals last year through a range of community, day and residential programmes. While heroin addiction is growing in Ireland, they said Coolmine continued to see the trend and impact of increased poly drug use, most notably benzodiazepine and alcohol as well as mental health issues across all primary treatment services. During the year, Coolmine increased the number of admissions by 42% with increased capacity in both residential services and its new programmes including the Community Alcohol Treatment Programme and the Cannabis Programme. Coolmine’s Community Alcohol Programme (CAP) in Blanchardstown supported 51 individuals with primary problematic alcohol use during the year. Alan Connolly, Coolmine Chairperson said: “Independent research shows that 85% of those who complete the Coolmine treatment remain drug-free two years later. However, many of those who relapse tend to be those who cannot find appropriate housing and end up either returning to a drug-addiction environment or to a difficult family situation or living rough. “Helping those who
have successfully completed the treatment provides a myriad of benefits for society and for the Exchequer as these people successfully return to and contribute to society,” he said. Ms Amy Blake, acting CEO said that Coolmine’s Cannabis/Mental Health Programme supported clients to reduce or cease their problematic use paralleled with a targeted focus on stabilising their mental health well-being and the team worked with 39 clients in three twelveweek programmes from within existing resources in 2015. She said: “We also noted that 50% of all admissions to our male residential facility came directly from the Irish prison service. In addition, we have seen a consistent demand, with over 100 prisoners nationally seeking addiction treatment in Coolmine Lodge. “We are committed to developing a drug free prison therapeutic community in the Irish prison estate to meet this demand and look forward to progressing this strategic aim in collaboration with the Irish Prison Service during 2016.” Coolmine has strengthened its commitment to evidence-based treatments through the Parent under Pressure programme (PUP) for high risk families. 45 mothers in Ashleigh House engaged in this programme, resulting in significant reductions in depression, anxiety and stress in parents as well as improvements in children’s behaviour, emotional life and structure. Coolmine’s 2015 budget was €3.3 million, with only 5% spent on administration, ensuring that the majority of this funding is spent directly
“Out the other side”, cancer survivors : Linda Doyle Flood, Nicola Cahill, Lorraine Redmond and Bernie Walsh take a dip in the nip
Skinny dipping ian begley news@dublingazette.com
Ann Marie Featherstone, Ann Featherstone, Deirdre Featherstone (mother & two daughters)
Blanchardstown mum Bernie Walsh was one of the brave 100 men and women who ditched their clothes on Dublin’s Dollymount Stand to raise funds for Cancer support services. The ARC’s ‘Dip in the Nip’ fundraiser saw men and women, who had personal experiences with cancer, or had family members who have the disease, brave the Irish sea in a united effort to demonstrate their strength of will. Bernie who had overcome breast cancer told The Gazette that she was diagnosed i n N ove m b e r 2 01 2
af ter she discovered a lump on her breast while glancing at the bathroom mirror. She underwent two lumpectomy surgeries and two courses of chemotherapy adding up to a total 20 weeks. F o r t u n a t e l y, t h e y caught the disease early and the mother-of-two has now been cancer free for two years. Now, Bernie has a new lease of life, saying that cancer gave her “the kick up the backside” she needed to get on with her life. “The stupid, mundane things in life don’t bother me now. I don’t get so stressed about little things anymore because it’s just not worth it.”
Got a story? we want to know!
Tell us about Your local event, Celebration Or Function
Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION Deirdre Featherstone , organisor with Sinead Hamill (author). Sinead writes the hilarious ditty for each Strip & Dip
or email news@dublingazette.com
16 June 2016 BLANCH Gazette 5
FastNews
Let’s get ‘Back to Happiness’ MUSIC fans are in for a treat when local woman Patricia Robinson takes to the stage at Draiocht later this summer, ready to take listeners Walking Back To Happiness. Marking some 55 years since the release of the classic hit song by Helen Shiparo, Patricia’s wonderful voice will celebrate some of the very best songs from the 60s, 70s and beyond. Hear classics such as River Deep Mountain High, Puppet On A String, These Boots are made for Walking, I Only want to be With You, and many more at her hits-packed show. Catch Walking Back To Happiness at Draiocht on Friday, September 9, with tickets for her 8.15pm show priced €12, conc €10.
Sacred Heart in ribbons The Sacred Heart of Jesus National School in Huntstown celebrated a very special day this week, inviting local Minister Leo Varadkar to raise a new yellow flag for equality and diversity, open a new playground, declare their new pitch officially open, and cut the ribbon on a new classroom. The Minister told The Gazette that: “This was a really special day for Sacred Heart of Jesus NS which raised its first yellow flag and opened some fabulous new facilities. “We formally opened the new playground, and I’m delighted that the Government contributed to the cost, but I know the school had to engage its own fund-raising to raise the total. We also declared the new playing pitch officially open.
Historic Castleknock Castle to be protected ken phelan news@dublingazette.com
€21,350 has been allocated to protect the historic ruins of Castleknock Castle and preserve it for the local community. The funding has been provided under the Structures at Risk Fund as part of a national allocation of €900,000 to 57 heritage projects around Ireland. Castleknock Castle is a r uined Norman castle located on the grounds of present-day Castleknock College and was the scene of many bloody battles and encounters. Castleknock was also the final rallying point for the forces of the last High King of Ireland, Rory O’Connor who failed to drive the Cambro-Normans from
the area around Dublin in 1171. One of the most interesting tales of the castle comes from the story of The Lady of the Castle. During the 16th century Hugh Tyrrell ruled Castleknock, but during his absence his brother Roger made the castle the terror of the land. One summer’s evening, Roger carried off Eibhleen, the fair daughter of O’Brinn (a Wicklow Chieftain) and confined her in the turret of the castle. At dead of night, the maiden heard steps ascending the stone staircase that led to her apartment, and fearing the worst, opened a vein in her neck and bled to death. The next morning when the fact was divulged a great indignation was expressed against Tyrrell.
Star kids shine
There was a full house when Starkids took to the stage recently in Draiocht. A variety show featuring excerpts from all the favourites, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Grease, Dumbo, Cinderella and Mulan. The performances were outstanding, singing dancing and acting all on show to the delight of the audience. The cast of Starkids are all aged between 3-18 years old.
Tyrrell, finding he was to be attacked, declared that he would not take refuge behind his ramparts, but would meet his enemy in the open field. A bloody battle ensued, in which Tyrrell was slain. It was long a popular belief, that, at the hour of midnight, a female figure, robed in white, might be seen moving slowly round the castle. This, they said, was Eibhleen, and they called her “The Lady of the Castle.” Welcoming the funding commitment of the castle local Minister Leo Varadkar said: “I’m delighted to confirm this funding which will help to preserve Castleknock Castle for future generations. It’s one of the most important historic sites in the area dating right back to the
Castleknock Castle
Norman era. “The castle is located on the grounds of Castleknock College and is believed to have been named after a Gaelic princess Cnucha, which gives
the area its name. It has a colourful history, was fought over by local chieftains and was even captured by Robert the Bruce of Scotland. It’s also associated with numerous legends
including The Lady of the Castle. “We must protect our heritage and this new funding will help to preserve an important and historic landmark in Dublin West.”
6 BLANCH Gazette 16 June 2016
blanch | array of Engaging paintings and exhibits to be enjoyed by all
Beautiful art donated for its healing powers ian begley news@gazettegroup.com
The Connolly Collective art group are currently holding an exhibition where 12 local artists have donated a range of beautiful and engaging paintings and exhibits in an effort to raise awareness of the healing power that art can have within a hospital environment. All 38 works are on extended loan to the hospital where they can be enjoyed by patients,
the public and staff members. In suppor t of the Blanchardstown Hospital Society, the Connolly Collective is also hosting the exhibition to celebrate Connolly Hospital’s 60th anniversary. The hospital, previously known as the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, was built as a TB sanatorium in 1955. Mette Sophie Roche, an artist who created a number of works for the
exhibition, including a very striking and symbolic sculpture made from recycled hospital bed linen in honour of the women who worked in the hospital from the Magdalene Laundries. Speaking about her creation called Embedded Memories, Metta said: “The art work is informed by the historic fact that from the opening of Connolly Hospital in 1955 a large number of women from institutions, like the Magdalene
Laundries, were transferred here as ‘domestic staff’. “They worked in the kitchen and the hospital laundry and some lived within the hospital for decades. This sculpture is a monument to these brave women. “The memories are in the folds and the layers of the sculpture, just as the indignities and crimes visited upon these women by society are multi-layered and hidden away.”
Artist Mette Sophie Roche with her symbolic sculpture ‘Embedded Memories’
Simone Clavin ‘A Journey Annabel Potterton ‘Two Trout’
Through Connolly’
16 June 2016 BLANCH Gazette 7
COMMERCIAL FEATURE
welcome | official opening marked with a day of tasty treats and prizes
Maxol’s M3 Mulhuddart Services celebrates with family fun day out Maxol, Ireland’s leading forecourt convenience retailer, welcomed customers on Saturday to enjoy a family fun day out which marked the official opening of the new motorway services located on the M3 at Mulhuddart. Onsite at Maxol Mulhuddart, there was lots of entertainment from the ‘wobbly circus’ giving everyone the chance to learn their tricks, live music from DJ Ray Shah, face painters and balloon modelling to even well known Dublin GAA footballer Alan Brogan popping in for some Maxol fun. Maxol customers had a chance to win some brilliant prizes on the day and to avail of in-store food deals and to save 10 cent per litre on their fuel. The company invested €6 million into the new development and created jobs for Mulhuddart. M3 Mulhuddart Services presents a new destination experience to customers, which sees the introduction of popular Irish food franchises such as Insomnia, Chopped and Supermacs along with the company’s own fresh food brand Moreish Fresh Food at Maxol. The mix of food offerings means there’s options for all tastes including extensive hot and cold menu options for all times of the day, delicious speciality sandwiches, fresh tasty salads and healthy treats and carvery meals. For tea / coffee lovers, M3 Mulhuddart has good choice with an Insomnia barista bar and a Moreish bean to cup coffee machine. Customers can enjoy their food in the bright and
Callum Swindell-Nolan tries the tightrope with the help of Paul from the
Official opening of Maxol Mulhuddart on the M3 in North County
Wobbly Circus, Maeve and also James Potterton, all from Clonee
Dublin on Saturday
comfortable food court with complimentary wifi and the conveniences onsite also include internal hi-spec washrooms with baby changing facilities and Maxol radio playing a selection of great music. Great service
Speaking at the launch Donal Fitzpatrick, Maxol Mulhuddart licensee said: ‘Today is a day of great celebration for myself, my brother Liam, our staff and all our customers. M3 Mulhuddart Services was a long time in development and since we opened in April we have learned so much about our customers and we’re offering them a great service. We have grown the
number of staff at M3 Mulhuddart to 80 and we’re hoping to add to this figure as the business continues to develop. Group Brand Development Manager at The Maxol Group, Fergal Harrington commented:“M3 Mulhuddart Services is Maxol’s single largest investment to date in its almost 100 year history and it’s popularity demonstrates it is a really welcome addition to those living, working and passing through the area. We’re delighted to see that customers are frequently visiting the business a number of time days, whether it’s for food, convenience shopping or fuel. At M3 Mulhuddart customer convenience is key and our all-lane optional
pay at pump fuelling on the forecourt and the comfortable food court and convenience store are every popular.” Please drop by
Maxol M3 Mulhuddart is proving a popular destination with the Mulhuddart business and local communities and commuters attracting an average of 30,000 customers to the motorway services stop each week. If you haven’t visited us yet, please drop by and say hello. We expect you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the wealth and scale of what we offer our customers. For more details visit our website at www.m3mulhuddartservices.ie
8 BLANCH Gazette 16 June 2016
Fingal fire | a very sad day for the sacred heart of jesus church business provides 164 new jobs ian begley A total of 164 new full and part-time jobs were delivered in 2015 by 174 small businesses from Fingal, supported by the Fingal Local Enterprise Office (LEO). The figures, compiled by Enterprise Ireland shows that the small businesses supported by Fingal LEO currently stand at 723. The local enterprise initiative provides a ‘first stop shop’ for supports and signposting to startups, micro enterprises and small businesses in one easily accessible place. Commenting on the 2015 national figures, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation said: “The creation of 3,533 net new jobs in 2015 by clients of the Local Enterprise Offices is a remarkable achievement and testament to the hard work and personal sacrifices being made by entrepreneurs. “These figures show a high level of performance which is very encouraging and demonstrates that the local enterprise support structures that we put in place two years ago are producing real results. Great credit is due to the staff in all 31 LEOs for their achievements in this regard and to Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities for their role,” she said.
Hartstown church gutted by massive blaze caused by faulty light fitting
ian begley The church that was gutted by a massive blaze in Hartstown last week is believed to have been caused by a faulty light fitting. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church suffered serious damage in a fire at around 1.30am on the morning of June 9. It is now being reported that the incident was sparked by a light fitting towards the rear of the church, which will now
have to undergo a major refurbishment and cleanup. Gardai are investigating the incident but are not treating it as suspicious. Local parish priest Fr George Begley told The Gazette that he rushed to the scene of the fire once he heard the alarm going off. “It was absolutely shocking when I first arrived at the scene. When the fire services arrived, they unfortunate-
--------------------------
‘The people of Hartstown and surrounding areas have been very supportive’
--------------------------
Fr Begley
--------------------------
ly weren’t able to prevent it from taking hold. “The majority of the roof has caved in and I have no idea on how
The Sacred Heart of Jesus looking lovely against the blue sky before the fire
much it will cost to rebuild, but thank God we’re insured. “All we could do was remove the rubble and make the place as safe as possible.” Fr Begley thanked members of the local community for their support following the blaze. “The people of Hartstown and its surrounding areas have been very supportive and accommodating. “Even though we can’t have services at the
The church roof has all but caved in after the blaze which was caused by a faulty light fitting.
church we will still be celebrating our mass at 7pm on Saturday and at 12noon on Sunday in Littleplace. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin also lent his support by visiting the site of
Fire fighters trying to get the blaze under control
the fire with local parish priests and gardai to survey damage. In a statement, he expressed his solidarity with the priests and parishioners and called it “a very sad day for all”.
16 June 2016 BLANCH Gazette 9
10 BLANCH Gazette 16 June 2016
Gazettegallery
| A special new ‘forest’ has sprouted over at the
GO HANG WITH emma nolan
AN ORANGUTAN forest habitat has opened at Dublin Zoo. The Orangutan Forest, which was inspired by the tropical rainforests of Borneo, will be home to the group of Bornean orangutans at the Zoo. Sibu (37), his mate, Leonie (35), their daughter, Riona (10) and niece, Mujur, born in Dublin Zoo in 2005, have made the Forest their new home along with some Siamang Gibbons, also native to South East Asia. Their new three-dimensional habitat is five times bigger than their old home, extending to 1,300sq m. It includes a new island some 80 metres long and 20 metres wide. Orangutans are arboreal animals that spend the majority of the time in the trees of their rainforest home. A stand-out feature of the new habitat are 11 trees, between seven and 12 metres high, that will encourage the orangutans’ natural climbing behaviour. Speaking about the new habitat, Leo Oosterweghel, director of Dublin Zoo, said: “The opening of Orangutan Forest is another milestone on our journey to continue to develop Dublin Zoo
The Bornean orangutans have taken to their impressive new ‘forest’ like ducks to water, with plenty of simian pals and neighbours also swinging over for a look
into a world-class zoo and provide an excellent visitor experience. “Every detail of Orangutan Forest has been considered carefully with the wellness of the orangutans in mind. The design was always inspired by their natural habitat. “This wonderful new habitat will add complexity to their lives and stimulate their natural behaviours.” Bornean orangutans are classified as endangered, with only an estimated 54,000 animals remaining. The main threat to the species is deforestation, and over the past 30 years, 80% of the natural orangutan habitat has been destroyed due to widespread forest clearing for oil palm plantations, illegal mining and forest fires for “slash-and-burn” agriculture. To raise awareness of the plight of the orangutans, Dublin Zoo has launched a major fundraising initiative for their partners, The Orangutan Foundation, which is currently running. Until this Sunday, June 19, Dublin Zoo will donate €2.50 from every ticket purchased to the foundation. Dublin Zoo is also calling on the Irish public to get involved by texting “Save” to 50300 to donate €2.
16 June 2016 BLANCH Gazette 11
much-loved dublin zoo, to the delight of all the creatures there
THE ORANGS
Pictures: Dublin Zoo
Gazette
12 Gazette 16 June 2016
dublinlife
business
3 Irish companies Granted awards emma nolan
Three innovative Irishled research projects have just been awarded large grants from the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020. Based in Limerick, Dublin and Galway, the Irish companies are leading research on systems and products which are close to being ready for commercial exploitation. The EU funding they have been awarded supports getting their systems and products tested, and bringing this innovative research to market. The companies awarded the
grants are three of just 16 businesses to have come through a highly competitive process involving 263 projects and 1057 companies, from across the EU, pitching for the funds. Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: “Through Horizon 2020, we want to support innovative businesses to compete in global markets. These results bring the total investment to nearly €135 million in fast-access EU funding for close-to-the-market innovation activities, helping European R&D reach successful commercialisation.”
The Dublin company is OpenHydro Group Ltd (www.openhydro. com) and they are leading a group of European researchers in a project called OCTTIC (Open-Centre Tidal Turbine Industrial Capability), which will receive total EU funding of €2,996,327. Their project looks at wave energy and aims to find ways to make it as cheap as wind energy so that it is more practical to use in the electricity grid. The project being led from Dublin involves partners from Belgium, United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Writer in residence emma nolan
Investment for the favourite 5 Ulster Bank Invests €68,000 in Five Irish Community Projects. Investment is the first round of Ulster Bank’s Skills & Opportunities Fund. Pictured were Emma Wheatley, Programme Coordinator of the Early Learning Initiative and Stephen Galbraith, Ulster Bank with Liam Duffy (age 6) a pupil from National College of Ireland Dublin, Early Learning Initiative at the announcement of the Irish winners of the first round of the RBS Skills and Opportunities fund. The Skills and Opportunities Fund will see an investment of €68,000 into five community projects across the country – part of the first round of the €280,000 Skills and Opportunities Fund for the island of Ireland.
ABC CERTIFIED 52,958 COPIES EACH WEEK (ABC: Group MFD, Jan–Dec 2015)
advertise your business to our readers call 01 60 10 240
Bu s i n e s s t o A r t s and corporate law firm A&L Goodbody have launched a new Writer in Residence programme under the Docklands Arts Fund. The programme will see a writer work with children at St. Joseph’s Co-Ed Primary School in East Wall to develop their creativity and literacy skills. The venture marks the first time that a business in Ireland has engaged a Writer in Residence programme with Business to Arts and Dublin City Council. As part of the partnership, A&L Goodbody will also provide funding for the programme worth €30,000.
16 June 2016 Gazette 13
feature P16
travel P21
asdfsdaf P27
dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
Gazette
diary P15
help happy heidi find a loving new home
Hailing from Mullingar, the lads in The Academic are firmly on the up, with their upcoming gig at Bulmers Live adding to their increasingly impressive track record
gigs: the academic on committing to their growing music career
They’re all four their band karl graham
UP-AND-COMING Irish band The Academic will bring a bit of indie/rock style to Bulmers Live at Leopardstown this year. With the band-members’ mutual love of artists such as The Strokes and the recently departed from our shores Bruce Springsteen, the guitar-heavy sound that’s popular with the former helps the band put on an impressive live performance. Due to take the stage tonight (Thursday, June 16), the Mullingar men will join the list of musical legends – comprising the likes of Johnny Marr, The Charlatans, and The Happy Mondays – to have
played at the racing festival. The band was signed up by Global Publishing last year to help showcase their music worldwide. Guitarist Matthew Murtagh spoke to The Gazette about how their lives have changed since. He said: “We’ve gotten to do some amazing things, such as supporting some big acts, headlining our own shows, and releasing music, so it’s been really cool.” Matthew’s brother, Stephen, plays bass in the band alongside vocalist/ guitarist Craig Fitzgerald and drummer Dean Gavin. The foursome have been playing together since they were 14. Matthew says they have not felt any added pressure since they signed the
Publishing deal, although there was one conversation that had them hot under the collar. He said: “The big pressure was leaving school and deciding to do it full-time – that conversation with the parents is a hard enough thing to do, but we all made the decision to put college on the back burner and work on this, which has so far worked out.” It has indeed worked out for the band as they have already supported The Pixies and appeared on stage at festivals in countries all across the world – an experience they are all fully enjoying. Matthew said: “We recently played at the Europavox festival in France and I was really surprised when the French
crowd went crazy for us. You never know what crowd you are going to get.” The Academic released their first EP last week and, after receiving a positive reception, they hope to have their first album on record shelves early next year. Matthew added: “At the moment we are kind of going day-by-day, but we really want to get an album out there and we are hoping to put one out at the start of next year.” The band will join the likes of Nathan Carter, The Strypes and Dublin rock gods Aslan at this year’s Bulmers Live at Leopardstown event, which started on June 9 and will be wrapped up by The Boomtown Rats on August 11.
OUR Dog of the Week looking for her #SpecialSomeone* is happy Heidi, a gorgeous two-year-old female American Bulldog cross. Heidi loves her walks, food and gentle fuss and cuddles. She will benefit from a home with adults or older children who will understand that whilst she enjoys human affection and attention, she also needs peace and quiet when she is resting in her bed, which she loves. Long naps are one of her favourite things in life! If you can be Heidi’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. *Dogs Trust has launched their new TV ad; the #SpecialSomeone campaign aims to bring to life just how important a new owner is to the dogs they rehome.
Gazette
14 Gazette 16 June 2016
dublinlife Gardai Paul Priestley and Laura Caffrey
Conor and Grace Harney
Molly Murray meets Lady Longbottom and Little Miss
Filling up on fun at Maxol
Chloe and Layla Storey
Sunshine at the Maxol forecourt. Pictures: Peter Houlihan
F
AMILIES came pouring in to Maxol Mulhuddart for its official opening recently, with locals joining staff and special guests to celebrate the opening of the chain’s largest service station. Representing an investment of €6m, the Mulhuddart station at the M3 has created 50 jobs, with the addition of a number of extra features – including Insomnia, Chopped and Supermacs fare – adding to the own-brand Maxol fresh food. A range of entertainment and colourful characters were on hand for the opening, with children delighted to try their hand at a range of games and acitivities, while their parents and grown-ups had a bite to eat inside the spacious station.
Gleneagle Group set to manage luxury houses SHEEN Falls Country Club, a unique development of luxury selfcatering accommodation in Kenmare, is to be managed by The Gleneagle Group from this summer. The development comprises 20 town houses and a further six detached houses set among mature woodland alongside the River Sheen. Patrick O’Donoghue, managing director of The Gleneagle Group, said: “Sheen Falls Country Club is a stunning development in an incredible setting, and we look forward to
making it a major contender in the Irish self-catering market and contributing visitor numbers to Kenmare.” Guests of Sheen Falls Country Club can avail of a number of local activities, including horse riding, fishing, cycling and hill walking, but they also get to enjoy the many benefits of holidaying at a Gleneagle Group property. For bookings or further information, see www.sheenfallscountryclub.ie, email info@sheenfallscountryclub.ie or call 064 667 1512.
16 June 2016 Gazette 15
Advertise your business to over 280,000* readers each week *Publishers statement
call 01 60 10 240 Brand ambassador Alison Canavan and her son, James, having a wheelie fun time launching National Bike Week. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan
On yer bike! (For a week) NATIONAL Bike Week is here once again, celebrating and promoting all that is great about cycling. Cycling is environmentally-friendly, as it cuts congestion and has zero emissions, and it is also much lower in cost than travelling by public transport or a car. Even if you spend as little as €1.20 daily on travel costs (such as a bus fare, Luas fare or petrol), you could save €200 a year by switching to a bike. Demonstrating the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling, Bike Week is coordinated at a national level by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. For further information, see www.bikeweek.ie, follow Bike Week on Twitter @BikeWeekie or on Instagram @BikeWeekie, or like Bike Week on Facebook at www.facebook. com/bikeweekie. For your nearest Bike Week event, and to join in this June, be sure to see www.bikeweek.ie.
oh mummy – have you a funny story? MUMMY bloggers are being given the chance to win a spa break – just by sharing a funny story. Broadcaster and journalist Maia Dunphy is inviting Irish women to share their funniest stories on the trials of being a mum on The M Word, the space for women who happen to be mothers. Maia said she has “wrangled” a relaxing night for two at the Killeshee House Hotel, Killeshee, after being hosted by the Kildare hotel as a celebrity guest. Now, she wants to give The M Word readers a break just by sharing their stories. Kilashee have offered a night for two at their relaxing Kildare bolthole to the mummy who shares the funniest story. The prize includes breakfast and dinner in the Turner’s fine dining restaurant, and a treatment in the hydrotherapy suite of the hotel’s award-winning spa. For further information, see killasheehotel.com or
The M Word at Facebook. com/themwordtoday.
step up to 24 hours of riverdance WITH Riverdance’s summer season starting once again, participants from its legendary troupe will dance for 24 continuous hours on the plaza outside The Gaiety Theatre. Starting at noon on July 21, a large digital clock will hang from the canopy and count down the hours. Over the following 24 hours, Riverdancers and Irish dancers from a number of dance schools will take part, ensuring that the dance goes on. Those passing by are invited to donate to the charity and maybe even join in the occasional ceili. You can follow the event as it unfolds on social media using the tags #Riverdance #DanceAthon. Held in association with The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), the 24 hours of Irish dancing aims to highlight the round-the-clock work carried out by the IHF.
Gazette
DIARY
16 June 2016 Gazette 17
dublinlife
don’s dublin
FEATURES
Gazette
Gazette
16 Gazette 16 June 2016
Rachel Wyse and her best friend, Ryan Crowley – the pair feature in a new Barry’s Tea campaign
Why June 16 became known around the world as Bloomsday JUNE 16 is unique in literature in that it actually has a day named after it – Bloomsday. The day is named after the main character – Leopold Bloom – in James Joyce’s most famous work, Ulysses. The date was
One of the stars of the upcoming Laya Healthcare City Spectacular festival
deliberately chosen by the author, as it was on this
Green and greet a fantastic family festival in the city
day in 1904 that he and Nora Barnacle, his future lover and wife, went on their first date. By that October, she would leave Dublin and accompany him to France, where they struggled until his eventual breakthrough and international recognition. Joyce had stayed in the Martello Tower, in Sandycove, with his friend Oliver St John Gogarty (who had rented the building) for a short time before leaving hurriedly after a gun was fired late one night. However, he chose to set the opening scene of his book in the building, and Gogarty is immortalised in the first line: “Stately, plumb Buck Mulligan came from the stairhead, bearing a bowl of lather on which a mirror and a razor lay crossed.” Celebrating Bloomsday has become big business, and events are now held in many cities around the world, bringing a new audience to Joyce’s works. However, the original Bloomsday (in 1954 – the 50th anniversary) celebrations were rather prosaic by today’s standards, involving a number of Dublin’s literati and two horse-drawn carriages. The group – John Ryan (owner of The Bailey pub and founder of Envoy art magazine), Flann O’Brien, Anthony Cronin, Patrick Kavanagh, Tom Joyce (a cousin) and AJ Leventhal (registrar of Trinity College) – had planned a “pilgrimage” along the circuitous route set out in the book.
interview: sky sports GAA presenter rachel wyse
wyse words on presenting gaa OVER THE WATER
However, after a number of stops for “refreshments”, the adventure was abandoned due to “inebri-
Karl graham
ation and rancour”, and they retired to The Bailey, on Duke Street. You may very well see some horse-drawn carriages on the big day but as to whether they will be ferrying such an illustrious group, well, I guess that’ll be another story. Happy Bloomsday!
Don Cameron
www.donsdublin.wordpress.com
The picturesque Martello Tower in Sandycove, forever immortalised by James Joyce in Ulysses
SKY Sports’ face of GAA – Rachel Wyse – sat down with The Gazette to discuss the hectic life of a sports broadcaster, living in London, and her love of horses. Rachel is unique in the media sector in that her love of sport provided her with a different career path from the traditional Irish model-turned-TV presenter journey. Working in a media environment can rarely result in a normal nineto-five work life, and this is particularly true if you are a TV broadcaster at one of the world’s largest
news organisations. She said: “I don’t have a typical day because every day can be different. Working at Sky, your hours can vary because if you’re on an early [shift] you are up at two or three in the morning. “During the GAA season from June to September, the closest to a typical day would be up at 7am, straight into work and into a makeup chair, so I’m lucky I can just roll out of bed and into a chair.” From here, she takes part in a pre-shoot meeting before hitting screens at 10am. The early morning start sometimes gives her the afternoon to relax
-------------------------------------------------------
‘During the GAA season from June to September, the closest to a typical day would be up at 7am, straight into work and into a makeup chair, so I’m lucky I can just roll out of bed and into a chair’ --------------------------------------------------------
and unwind. Despite how much she enjoys her life on TV, it was not her first love. Rachel began show jumping at the age of 10 and represented Ireland at the European Showjumping Championships. Rachel, who grew up near Leopardstown
Racecourse in Stillorgan, has seen her profile rocket both at home and abroad since she joined Sky Sports six years ago. Barry’s Tea has taken advantage of this and will feature Rachel and her best friend, Ryan Crowley, in their new advertisement campaign.
While Ireland may always be her spiritual home, Rachel is now settled enough in London to call it home. “My mam and dad live in Blackrock now, but my brother, sister and I have been in London for six years so London is home now,” she said. Rachel and Cork native Ryan met in London after they got chatting to each other in a pub during an Ireland versus England rugby game five years ago, and they now live together. Ryan believes that Rachel has remained the same down-to-earth person since her career has
ken phelan
taken off, and told a funny story about her at an RDS festival to prove his point. “I think Winter Wonderland was the funniest moment when she got off the dropzone thing there. “It was huge, so myself and Natalie, who works with Rachel, wouldn’t go on it. There was an Irish guy standing at the bottom, and when she got off her hair was all over the place and she was pale as a ghost. “She was saying: ‘I think I’m going to get sick’, and this guy was like, ‘Rachel, can I get a photo?’” She duly obliged. In typical Irish fashion, the two friends like
nothing more than a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) and a chat. Ryan said: “We actually, honestly, have Barry’s Tea in our apartment all the time. They sell it in Sainsburys in the Irish section, but my mum used to send it over in envelopes!” Rachel is very happy with her career at the moment and hopes to continue at Sky for as long as they’ll have her. She said: “TV can be quite a fickle industry, so it’s nice to have that security and people seem to go there and stay for a long time. I still feel like the new girl and I’m there six years.”
Reporter Karl Graham with Rachel Wyse
REPTILE-tattooed superstar The Lizardman, contortionist “The Human Knot” Alkazam, 8-foot tall fully-animated Titan the Robot, and mad German scientist Doctor Kaboom will all appear in July’s family-friendly Laya Healthcare City Spectacular festival in Merrion Square. More than 300 shows are due to appear at the festival, which runs over three days in Dublin. The festival will showcase the best in international street performance, interactive family events and workshops, delicious artisan producers and international street food. New additions to this year’s festival – an entirely free family event – include Laya Healthcare’s Greatest Place on Earth, where families can “play, dance and create together”, an international street food festival, live music stage, waiter service and DSPCA pet wellness area.
A spokesperson for Laya Healthcare said: “We are delighted to announce our three-year sponsorship of Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular, which is the biggest free family summer festival in Ireland. “Each year the festival has grown and developed and we look forward to having the best festival yet in 2016.” Family health, fitness and wellbeing will be central to “The Greatest Place on Earth”, where kids’ aerobics, yoga and dance classes will be held. The legendary puppet Bosco will also make an appearance to support the festival’s official partner, LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. The “Pet-acular” area with the DSPCA invites visitors to bring their beloved dogs along, where they may become the star of the Scruffs Dog Show, and star in their very own photo shoot, showing that the event not only welcomes families, but also their four-legged friends.
Meanwhile, Just Eat Street invites visitors to devour more than 25 different cuisines from around the world, enjoy music from international acts, and relax in the sunshine with family and friends. Just Eat will also provide a waiter service that will take and deliver orders for festival-goers, bringing the best of its online ordering service to life for visitors. The ESB Spark Your Imagination area is a feast for the senses, with creative writing workshops from Fighting Words, fun and games from Imaginosity, and science and electricity shows from mad German scientist Doktor Kaboom. The Laya Healthcare City Spectacular will also once again bring their Kid’s Court event to the family festival, where children can put their parents on trial, who may be sentenced to a custard pie in the face, or a bucket of iced water thrown as punishment.
Gazette
18 Gazette 16 June 2016
OUT&ABOUT
STYLE
Drawing on African elegance emma nolan
ZIMBABWE-born Irish designer Tina Williams, of the Valennci couture clothing line, will launch her debut collection, F.A.I.T.H., in Cafe en Seine on June 16. Tina harnessed her love of fashion from an early age, taking sewing lessons and inspiration from the elegant women in her life. In 2004, she landed an internship with an African-American brand based in the UK and USA where she learned how to master accessory design and beading, as well as making her own garments.
Inspiration Taking inspiration from African culture, and combining this with contemporary Western trends, Tina has gone on to create a collection which tells a story and cultivates her heritage, faith, and creativity. The collection represents “confidence and freedom of expression”. Through her choice of fabric and textile details, this collection combines features of both African and Western Culture. Tina is also hoping to raise emergency funding for widows, orphans and homeless people in her native Zimbabwe at the event.
Some designs from the degree collection by budding Dublin designer William Shannon Doyle. The collection was inspired by the people of the Harlem Renaissance.
Bringing Renaissance inspirations to Dublin emma nolan
Style Editor
THE Gazette sat down with budding Dublin designer William Shannon Doyle (right) to talk about his degree collection, winning the River Island bursary, and why he intends to nurture Dublin’s fashion industry. Having just finished his four years at NCAD, William’s degree collection is inspired by the people of the Harlem Renaissance. He says: “I was inspired by the photographer, Aaron Siskind. He had a lot of
images of working-class people in New York. “I liked his photos of people at work and was particularly inspired by an image of a butcher, so I used the apron as a starting point and mixed it with tailored items to get new shapes from old classic garments.” The 22-year-old Templeogue native spent some time in New York doing an internship with designer Charles Warren. While he was there, he visited a photographic exhibition by Jacob Laurence. He says: “One of the main things I took from the exhi-
bition was the colour story – the yellows, corals and greens that run throughout the collection.” The look book for the collection (shots shown above) was shot in a house on Henrietta Street where television productions such as Penny Dreadful are shot. The background was intended to imitate the derelict housing captured by Siskind in his photography. William will be travelling to London in September to being working with River Island for three months, but it could be for longer. While he wants to go
back to New York after London, William is certain that Dublin will be where he is based in the future. He says: “My ultimate end goal is to work as a designer, but to be based in Dublin. “I feel that the fashion industry in Dublin is really starting to grow and that’s really exciting. “A lot of our most talented designers move to New York and London and I feel like if those people would have stayed, we would have grown here. We’re almost not giving Dublin a chance.”
16 June 2016 Gazette 19
Gazette
CINEMA ReelReviews warcraft
Not a very magical tale
MOTHER’S DAY
An overcooked turkey JUNE is traditionally when all kinds of grade-A turkeys get released into cinemas and, true to form, here comes the internationally slated Mother’s Day (Cert 12A, 118 mins), starring Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson. Hoping to tug on maternal heart strings, the film clumsily tugs on stomach muscles instead, with a mawkish, sub-soap opera plot about a disparate group of women’s lives coming together in unexpected ways. Even the hypnotic sight of Roberts’ terrible wig won’t sustain your attention here in this weak film.
Cormac Moore, Simon Delaney and Thomas Crosse
Amy Grant and Jenny Markey Fox
Lorraine and Luke Brennan. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Therese Walsh and Shane
Up for a scarily good night out David Delacey and Hannah Lynch
H
Conor McMahon and Ali Doyle
Morgan
ORROR fans were out in force for the premiere of The Conjuring 2 at the Lighthouse Cinema. Building on the success of the first film, The Conjuring 2 is a similar period horror film with strong religious undertones, and is based on Britain’s famous Enfield haunting incident in the 1970s, in which a family claimed they were being haunted by the malevolent spirit of an old man. Already the subject of a number of television programmes and films, the Enfield poltergeist had more than a ghost of a chance of being made into a big-screen movie, with director James Wan crafting an interesting horror that has received generally favourable reviews.
WHILE Warcraft, as a long-running videogame franchise, has millions of fans around the world, can the first film based on the games recreate that success? On the basis of Warcraft: The Beginning (Cert 12A, 123 mins), the answer is “No”. With lots of lore to cram into a two-hour running time, the end result is a bit of a curate’s egg that fails to fully satisfy gamers, fantasy fans or regular cinemagoers. It’s not all bad – some stirring action sequences lift things – but for such a strong franchise, the film fails to put up much of a fight.
The Boss
Fire the scriptwriters MELISSA McCarthy has proved she has plenty of comedic chops, but there’s little for her to bite into as the star of The Boss (Cert 15A, 98 mins). It’s a motormouth role for the popular comic, as she takes on the brash part of a stunningly rich woman sent back to square one after a bout of insider trading. However, ‘The Boss’ won’t let a little thing like having to start again stop her from clawing her way back to the top, whatever it takes ... McCarthy does what she can, but it’s an unsubtle role that just requires her to be obnoxious, and little else.
20 Gazette 16 June 2016
Gazette
FOOD&DRINK OUT&ABOUT BITESIZEDNEWS The Picky Eater Westin Hotel
Jacobs launch a delicious new range of Italian sytle biscuits
Biscuit lovers will be delighted to hear that Jacob’s has launched a new range of Italian style wafer biscuits called Caffe Di Milano. They are available in three flavours – chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla – with each biscuit described as light and crispy, the perfect Italian luxury. Caffe Di Milano biscuits are available in stores nationwide now priced at €2.50.
Afternoon Tea Westmoreland Street If you’re looking for an Afternoon Tea with a difference, head for The Westin on Westmoreland Street. The five star hotel is running a Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Hosted in their newly refurbished suites overlooking the city, the Picky Eater spent an wonderful afternoon sampling the best of what was on offer from the wonderlandinspired party. The food is a mixture of treats that Alice herself would be proud of such as quail’s egg and tarragon mayonnaise in
a brioche roll and crispy basil baskets with marinated goat’s curd, drizzled in balsamic pesto. Everything is served on a unique set of handmade crockery and tea is served in matching cups and saucers. It’s the kind of thing little girls (and big girls) dream about. The desserts cannot be overlooked either with treats including the zesty green tea cone with lemon yuzu cream and my personal favourite, the caramel moussefilled chocolate cup. Classic tea party offerings such as fruit scones, preserves and creams are also up for grabs along with deca-
dent red velvet cake while guests can also indulge in a Red Rose Queen cocktail for an additional €8.50. A special nod must go to the very attentive staff and chefs at the Westin Hotel for providing a nut free Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea option for me, which I hugely appreciated as I have quite a severe allergy to nuts. T he Mad Hatter ’s Afternoon Tea caters for private groups of at least 18 people with an introductory offer priced at €49.50 per person. It’s one not to be missed. For more information visit www.thewestindublin.com
Mad Hatters afternoon tea, truly delicious
commercial feature
It’s Party Time – Achieve Patio Perfection with Tobermore! The alfresco dining season is
tise on hand at Tobermore; “Our
paving flags, walling and kerbing
here! Bring the party to your
talented team are trained to help
products.
place with a fresh new patio area
create bespoke patio designs to
that you’re proud to show off to
complement your home, whether
able experience as it offers the
your family and friends. Tober-
contemporary or traditional
opportunity to view the stunning
more provide a stunning array of
in style, and most importantly,
product colours, textures, sizes
products that will transform your
whilst meeting your budget.”
and laying patterns available in
patio and make you the ‘hostess with the mostest’ this Summer! As well as creating a chic, styl-
If you are in need of some patio
Visiting the centre is an invalu-
real-life landscaped environ-
inspiration, pop down to Tober-
ments. Free samples are also
more’s Dublin Paving and Wall-
available for you to take home. Call 01 8437440 or visit www.
ish setting for parties, a paved
ing Centre, open from Monday
patio solution provides a safe
– Saturday, to check out the
tobermore.ie for more informa-
play area for children and offers
extensive range of block paving,
tion.
a haven of tranquillity when you want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Theresa Kiely, Manager at Tobermore’s Dublin Paving and Walling Centre, has outlined the additional practical benefits of incorporating paving in a patio area. “Tobermore’s patio products are highly durable, cost-effective and maintenance and cleaning is minimal - so that’s one less chore for you to worry about!” Theresa also notes the exper-
Tobermore Historic Flags Slate
16 June 2016 Gazette 21
fast
TRAVEL King Tut’s dagger was a gift from the heavens
ian begley
france: mimozas resort will charm you on your Cote d’Azur holiday
Cannes you find a better way to relax in the sun? ian begley
IT HAS been revealed that a dagger inside the tomb of King Tutankhamun was made from a meteorite. Since the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1925 by Howard Carter, there has been a mystery surrounding one of his iron blades (below) that hadn’t rusted. Scientists compared the iron found in the dagger with two meteorites that fell within 2,000km of the Red Sea, and found that there was a match between the knife and a meteorite known as “Kharga”. It was found at the seaport city of Mersa Matruh, 150 miles west of Alexandria. The findings were published in the Journal of Meteoritics and Planetary Science. In 2013, nine odd black beads were excavated from a cemetery near the Nile and were found to have been beaten out of meteorite fragments. The beads are thought to date back to 3,200BC. Because of the existence of the beads and the knife, researchers have speculated that the ancient Egyptians ascribed a lot of value to meteorites.
Gazette
TRAVEL
Travel Editor
WE’RE almost halfway through 2016, and what better way to recharge the batteries for the next six months than a trip to Mimozas Resort Cannes this June? Ideally situated just a 10 minute drive from the glamorous centre of Cannes, Mimozas Resort offers guests a choice of studio or one-, two- or three-bed apartments overlooking either a beautiful lake or a stunning golf course. Prices start at just €1,265 for a five-night family stay in June. From the resort, you’re perfectly placed to explore all that the Cote d’Azur has to offer, on foot, by bike, car or train.
Take a stroll into the picturesque town of La Napoule, 15 mins by foot from Mimozas and home to a breathtaking chateau right on the Mediterannean which, like Mimozas Resort itself, has an Irish connection. Adam Clayton, of U2 fame, was married there in 2013, and the views across the bluest of waters to Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat are nothing short of spectacular. Mimozas Resort offers electric bikes for guests who wish to explore the region faster than their feet will carry them. Available at reception, these bikes take all the effort
out of cycling as you let the motor do most of the work. Take a trip into Cannes and bike the famous La Croisette seafront boulevard. Park up, and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants or cafes, making sure to sit outside as you never know who you will see as you drink the finest of French wines. If you fancy a trip further afield, La Napoule has a TGV (fast train) station which will allow you to explore renowned cities such as Nice, Monaco and Monte Carlo. All of these destinations are less than an hour’s journey from Mimozas
Resort, and you’re sure to find plenty to do no matter which you decide to visit. If all of the exploring has you ready to expire, it’s time to kick back at the resort, where endless indulgence is right at your fingertips. Take time to treat yourself by booking an appointment at the luxurious Yon Ka spa, or unwind with a round of golf on the adjacent Old Course – the oldest golf course on the Mediterranean. At the end of a long day, enjoy dining on your balcony and watch the sunset cast a warm glow over Mimozas Resort while you eat delicious local cuisine and have another glass of that glorious French wine ...
WIN
a FREE five-night holiday for two to the Mimozas Resort
worth €2,000!
IT’S your last chance to win a fantastic holiday at Mimozas Resort! To celebrate the Boys in Green’s French adventure at EURO 2016, The Gazette could be flying you and a pal to the beautiful Cote d’Azur town of Cannes for a luxury holiday worth €2,000! Enjoy five nights at the 4-star resort - FREE! To have a chance to win this fantastic holiday, courtesy of Mimozas Resort, just visit our Facebook page and Like and Share our #YesOuiCannes competition post. Hurry – our competition closes on June 24 ...
terms and conditions
Relax at the pool or your balcony at Mimozas Resort - or head off to Cannes itself and feel like a movie star
THIS Competition is run by Mimozas Resort Cannes, a trading name of Splash Hospitality, an Irish company. Information on how to enter the Competition forms part of these terms and conditions of entry. Participation in this Competition is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions of entry. This prize consists of 5 nights in a two bedroom apartment in the 4* Mimozas Resort Cannes, with return flights for two people. This prize must be taken between 1st September 2016 and 31st March 2017. Unless otherwise stated in the competition text, all bookings must be made at least 6 weeks in advance of arrival date. Travel Insurance is not included in the prize. The value of the two return flights combined must not exceed €400. Flights are for Dublin – Nice only. Employees of Mimozas Resort Cannes, their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or
helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition. Mimozas Resort Cannes reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter. Mimozas Resort Cannes is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. No cash alternative to the prizes wil be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice. The closing date for this competition is June 17.
Gazette
22 blanch gazette 16 June 2016
OUT&ABOUT
TECH
Illustration: Shane Dillon
shane dillon
Tech Editor
WHILE today, most of us think of technology as a tool that changes how people are preparing and adapting for the future, it is also a truly invaluable way to learn how people lived in the past. The more we move forward as a species, the more we can look back, and learn. This point was made crystal-clear last weekend with the announcement that laser mapping had turned somewhat less than crystal-clear dense jungles in northern Cambodia into what was probably the Medieval world’s largest empire, thanks to the discovery of the remains of not just one, but several lost cities beneath the tropical forest floor. In an extensive lidar (light detection and ranging, similar to radar) airborne study of the region carried out last year, researchers bounced special lasers off the ground and then carefully analysed the results. They were able to extensively map out the region, with their lidar scan able to filter out the vegetation and other data
to peer under the forest – thus uncovering the long forgotten cities’ remains and workings. It’s all a far cry from how Angkor was first presented to the world, when a young French explorer, Henri Mouhot, captured the public imagination with the posthumous publication in 1863 of his journals detailing temples and a lost city swallowed by the jungle.
Although Monsieur Mouhot died more than 150 years ago (of fever, aged just 35), he would recognise the same public interest in the region today, with modern researchers driven by the same timeless curiosity that once led the young Frenchman to slice his way through the jungle. Today, and while similar ground-breaking (no pun intended) surveys
This lidar scan of Angkor Wat shows how lasers can detect subsurface remains
Although well-known to locals, Angkor’s quiet slumber was shaken off with the public interest aroused by Mouhot’s writings (see boxout, right) and atmospheric drawings – images still instantly familiar to any modern Instagrammer and Selfie fan visiting Angkor Wat today.
have b e e n carried out in recent years with impressive results of their own, none had been carried out on this scale, or with this success. Building on similar surveys of the region, the lidar survey revealed even more of the complex, elaborate canals and reservoirs which the region is already famous for.
Already world-famous for the incredible ruins and sprawling remnants of the once formidable Khmer empire – most notably on show in Angkor Wat’s UNESCOlisted temples – this latest discovery completely rewrites the history of south-east Asia. Not only do the remains show that the Khmer empire was much larger and even more organised than previously know n, but that it would have been a hugely important East-West trade gateway – all lost following the empire’s swift collapse. These significant finds have an enormous impact on our knowledge of the region at the time, with these latest findings acting as the tip of the iceberg of what is yet to come. At least part of these cities will undoubtedly be uncovered and take their rightful place beside (or even in front of) Angkor Wat in the history books and tourist trails – and it’s all thanks to the intersection between technology and archaeology, and the same quest for knowledge that continues to drive us forward to learn, invent and explore ...
The UNESCO-protected ruins of Angkor Wat (inset) are world famous – could the discovery of several lost cities’ remains nearby, under the jungle floor, become just as world famous, and rewrite history?
Reactions to modern tech echo findings from the past WHETHER drilling into the depths of the planet or its oceans, peering beyond our fragile atmosphere into the depths of space, or even just scanning rocks for chemical traces to learn more about lost peoples and cultures, technology is the key to so much of our recent achievements and knowledge. However, whether availing of technology or old-fashioned footwork, the human reaction to discovery remains the same. Consider French explorer Henri Mouhot’s (right) writings on the ancient ruins he stumbled across deep in the Cambodian jungles back around 1860, with those of a modern counterpart, Charles Higham – a research professor at the University of Otago, New Zealand, and the leading archaeologist of
mainland south-East Asia. Mouhot “One of these temples – a rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michael Angelo – might take an honourable place beside our most beautiful buildings. It is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome ... “At Ongcor, there are ... ruins of such grandeur ... that, at the first view, one is filled with profound admiration, and cannot but ask what has become of this powerful race, so civilised, so enlightened, the authors of these gigantic works?” Higham: “It is as if a bright light has been switched on to illuminate the previous dark veil that covered these great sites. Personally, it is wonderful to be alive as these new discoveries are being made. Emotionally, I am stunned. Intellectually, I am stimulated.”
16 June 2016 blanch gazette 23
Gazette
MOTORING motorbikes: THE YAMAHA R1M
Get ready for astonishing performance ken phelan
The superbike is a beauty from all angles
BIKERS are a funny lot. Some people think they cause a nuisance on our roads, dress in ill-fitting leather suits, exhale petrol fumes and generally cause a menace wherever they go. However, they suffer a disproportionate number of automobile accidents, insist on driving through torrential rain, and can be the bane of many an unsuspecting sheep nationwide. So what, you may wonder, is the appeal? What makes these scoundrels more evil than Evel? Well, the Yamaha R1M is perhaps a good place to start ... Since 1998, the Yamaha R1 has been the company’s flagship sportsbike, leaving competitors for dirt with its winning combination of all-out power, precision handling and killer looks. In fact, as if to illustrate the point, Ian
Hutchinson took his 12th TT win last week when he dominated the Monster Energy Supersport race on his R1. T he Yamaha R1M took things a step further. Boasting 200bhp and a top (restricted) speed of 186mph (due to a manufacturers’ gentlemanly agreement not to exceed 300kph for production bikes), the R1M was clearly something different.
With its MotoGP-derived electronics package, blistering power-toweight ratio, and antiwheelie technology, it was possible to go Back To The Future with just the twist of a throttle. So you’ve just spent your last million on a “supercar” that reaches 0-60 in 2.8secs? Tut,tut. Pass your test and invest in something a fraction of the cost, offering better performance. The R1M achieves 0-60mph
The Yamaha R1M is a superbike that more than lives up to its hype
in a gut-w renching 2.3secs; while it’s entirely possible to overtake the Starship Enterprise on the way to the shops, it’s unlikely you’ll be doing the school run any time soon. The R1M, being the posher version of the R1 and R1S models, is therefore full of juicy add-ons. The front mudguard, fairing and tail centre are made of carbon to save weight, in case that’s an issue. The upgraded bike also comes
with exclusive Ohlins suspension front and rear, which automatically adjusts to riding conditions. Like the R1 and R1S, the R1M has – as mentioned - a MotoGP-derived electronics package, including riding modes, traction control, slide control, launch control and wheelie ‘rate-of-lift’ control. The R1M truly offers astonishing performance, and all in a road-legal machine. All being said, the R1 and R1S models are perfectly sufficient for breaking the sound barrier, but if you have those extra euro lying around, you could treat yourself to the upgraded M model. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your helmet and gloves and tell your partner you’ll be back ... yesterday! But if you are lucky enough to own one of these magnificent bikes, in the words of Fr Ted Crilly: “Careful now”, and mind those speed limits.
24 BLANCH gazette 16 June 2016
Gazettegallery
| The sun shone bright at this years riverfest
Cara Cusack (age 6) from Swords
Ship ahoy! - Captian Amelie Bal ready to go to battle. Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography
Sean and Mary Molloy from Maynooth
President of the Dublin Old Gaffers Association Dennis Aylmer with his partner Dorene
Aisling O’Neill and Ger Callahan from Ashton
Ethan Higgins (age 2) from East Wall
16 June 2016 BLANCH gazette 25
giving the visitors a day to remember - a visual treat, full of fun
Cyril and Patricia O’Neill from Limerick
Sisters Rita, Clare and Linda Farrell from Crumlin with entertainer Johnny Murphy
Irish wake board champion Johnny Crawford
Louise and Karl Alldritt from Glasnevin with their Thrill seekers feeling the speed
Bernatte Boyd with her granddaughter Amy (age 2) from Clonshaugh
daughter Elise (age 1)
Riverfest fun for young and old T
Professional wakeboarder Paul Johnston (ranked 9th in the World)
housands of visitors came out to soak up the sun at Dublin Port Riverfest. This year’s maritime festival featured an array of tall ships which are magical to look at and make you feel like you are stepping back in time. There were also schooners, wakeboarding, tug boat dances, Jeanie Johnston tours, pirate demonstrations, face painting, funfair, food and craft fairs to mention just a few. The sun was shining, everyone was out in their sunglasses and it really was a day to remember.
26 blanch Gazette 16 June 2016
blanchCLASSIFIEDS services/repairs
landscaping
builders
Green Team
TREES & GARDEN SERVICES
FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS
9Over Grown Garden 9NRE Shed Supplied & Erect 9Tress Felled and Pruned 9Hedges Trimmed
NEED A GOOD
BUILDER? New Builds Renovations Extensions General Building
9Specialty Brickwork 9Gutters Cleaned & Sealed 9Old Sheds Removed 9Block Paving 9LmjÚf_
9Driveways & Walls Painting 9Garage & House Clearance
15 YEARS EXPERIENCE/30% DISCOUNT For a free no obligation quote call:
T: 01-8678791 M: 085 1474725 W: www.greeteamtrees.com
paving
BOSS PAVING & LANDSCAPING
• DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • FENCING • ASPHALT • DECORATIVE WALLING • IMPRINT • GRAVEL
TEL:
+353 (0)1 9060800 +353 (0)87 9532581
www.fitzheavey.com Unit 8 Willow Business Park, Knockmitten Lane, Dublin 12
courses
Quality Paving at affordable prices, just a phone call away. Highly recommended by Clients. Testimonials available.
1 Castle Crescent, Clondlakin, Dublin 22. Phone: (01) 457 2613. Phone/Fax: (01) 457 5790 Email: gmtv@eircom.net Repair Service for all brands of TV Supply & fit free to air satellite Repairs to Laptops / PCs Screen Replacements to Laptops, Ipads, iPhones etc SERVICE CENTRE
SONY•PHILIPS•SAMSUNG•PANASONIC•LG•WALKER
windows
Contact: John Maloney 087 3591000 / 01 6972087 Email: bosshomeimprovements@gmail.com Web: www.bosspaving.ie Dundrum Bus Park: Ph. 01 6971896 Pearse St, D2
RECRUITMENT
Local
Matters services/HOME IMPROVEMENT
dvds
DVD TRANSFERS
WE’RE ON
Video & Camera Tapes
Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette
CineFilms Photos & Slides converted to DVD Music & Titles added
FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK
Got a photo? Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@dublingazette.com
reach your target audience in BLANCH Gazette T o a d v e r t ise i n your local area call the gazette ph.60 10 240
Support local b u si n ess
Advertise with the Gazette call
6010240
FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK
16 June 2016 blanch Gazette 27
blanchCLASSIFIEDS
Gazette
28 blanch gazette 16 June 2016
SPORT Video view crucial for Rio pursuit
FastSport
boxing: katie taylor looking to learn lessons from rare defeats
flynn records big steeplechase victory:
CLONLIFFE Harriers’ Dave Flynn won the 3000m steeplechase at the European champion clubs cup in Leira, Portugal. The steeplechaser from Blanchardstown was competing against athletes from nine other countries and took the win with a time of 8.55 minutes, racking up maximum points on behalf of the black and amber club. Flynn, who just got back from a two month altitude camp in California, attributes the improvement in his recent performances is his new coach. “I got a new coach six months ago, Andrew Kastor, one of the best marathon coaches in the world. “I am happy with my win last weekend, beating some of the best steeplers in Europe, and I will now try to qualify for the European Championships and hope to win the Irish Olympic trials on June 26.”
james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com
KATIE Taylor’s preparation for the Olympics in Rio hasn’t been ideal with the superstar boxer needing a semi-final appearance at the recent World Championships – duly achieved – to belatedly confirm her trip to
Brazil. That Taylor’s build up has included two defeats has come as something of a shock to the boxing world. The losses over the last couple of months are her first since before the London 2012 Olympics, but she remains optimistic. “The losses might be a
blessing in disguise,” Taylor argued, adding that “I wasn’t getting out-boxed in either defeat, so I just learn from them and move on. I’ve got Rio to focus on now. Maybe the losses will take a little bit of pressure off me.” Not that Taylor is taking any pressure off herself: “I’m going to be
Katie Taylor, centre, at the New Balance Olympic kit launch with Ciara Mageean and Chloe Magee. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho
Katie Taylor is looking to make amendments in pursuit of second Olympic gold
expecting to get a gold medal, and that’s it,” she says of the Games with a bravado that suggests silver would mean very little. “It’s important you see it yourself,” Taylor said of reviewing the losses, before admitting she hasn’t actually watched the World Championship defeat back yet, but did learn from rewatching her earlier loss to Yana Alekseeva. “I’m glad I actually sat down and watched that fight,” she said of the Alekseeva footage. “I haven’t watched the World Championship fight back yet, but I will eventually. Every round was close. It was a close fight. It’s important you see these things back
yourself instead of anyone telling you. “ Yo u c a n ’t r e a l l y argue with the results,” Taylor said of the two fights, “but they could have gone the other way, too. They were extremely close fights, and I’ll come back stronger.” Despite recent events, Taylor goes into the Rio Olympics as hot favourite, having won 18 golds and one bronze medal in major tournaments over the course of her career. Among a strong team, she remains Ireland’s most likely triumph. Taylor dismissed concerns in her camp over the rapidly-spreading zika virus and its impact on her preparation and a p p e a r a n c e , s ay i n g
she’s “not really thought about it too much,” and suspects the other athletes haven’t either, despite Rory McIlroy’s concerns. Taylor also used the chance to criticise the inclusion of professional boxers at the Olympics, after they were controversially allowed entry to a late qualifying tournament. “I don’t think it’s the right things to do,” Taylor argued. “Some of the things said about amateur boxers have been very insulting.” Taylor will be bringing in a range of sparring partners to prepare for Rio, with the bid to maintain her Olympic title getting underway in early August.
Football for All progamme gets boost from Tetrarch sport@dublingazette.com
Martin O’Neill with John Delaney and members of the Football for All programme. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile
THE FAI has announced Tetrarch Hospitality as the new title sponsor for the Football For All programme, which caters for anyone with a disability who wants to play football. With over 3,500 players participating in the programme, and significant plans for expansion, Football For All caters for players of varying disabilities, such as blind, deaf, powerchair and amputee players. Tetrarch Capital is an Irishowned company that is a market
leader in real estate investment and development with an extensive property portfolio across several asset classes. FAI chief executive John Delaney welcomed the deal: “The FAI are delighted to work with Tetrarch for the next two and a half years. The FAI works incredibly hard to cater for as many people as possible who want to play football, so our Football For All programme is an initiative that we treasure greatly. “To have a company of Tetrarch’s esteem come onboard as title sponsor for that
programme will prove invaluable.” Damien Gaffney, Managing Director of Tetrarch Hospitality, remarked: “With Euro 2016 kicking off this week, it is important we don’t forget that football is a game that can be played and enjoyed by everyone. “As an Irish-owned company we are extremely proud of our sponsorship of the FAI’s Football For All programme and we look forward to helping John Delaney, Oisin Jordan and their FAI colleagues to expand the programme’s reach and number
of events. “This is a particularly important initiative for all of us in Tetrarch and we will be actively involved in the promotion of the programme throughout our period of sponsorship.” Oisin Jordan, National Coordinator for Football For All, added: “This new sponsorship deal with Tetrarch Hospitality is a fantastic opportunity to increase the FAI’s investment in creating an environment of inclusivity in its sport in Ireland and will continue to ensure opportunities for players with disabilities.”
16 June 2016 blanch gazette 29
Clondalkin teenager’s astonishing series of results on the European stage have raised hopes that she can one day grace the highest stage; JAMES HENDICOTT reports KYM DOYLE, at thirteen years old, is amongst the best kickboxers in her age and weight category in Europe. The Clondalkin girl, fighting out of Palmerstown Bushido, travelled to the Hungarian WAKO World Cup last month, pulling off an astonishing series of results as she medalled in all four of the categories she entered. Still more impressively, those came in two different weight categories. She took a gold medal in the 46kg light contact division, a silver in the 42kg point fighting division and two further bronze medals. The medals follow a bronze in the European Championships in Spain last August, two Irish national titles won this time last year and, again this year, taking the national title in light contact and runner-up in the point fighting division.
It’s not all about the trophies, though. When GazetteSport visits the Stewart’s Centre in Palmerstown to check out one of Doyle’s training sessions, her passion for the sport shines through, with Doyle the star of an energetic training group. “I started about four and a half years ago,” she tells us. “Throughout the year I train three nights a week, increasing to five times leading up to big tournaments. “I like the confidence you get from competitions, and the satisfaction from doing well in them. I’m extremely lucky with the coaches I have; they are very helpful and give up so much time to train. “There are two different, styles of fighting,” she explains. “In points fighting, if a point is scored by either kick or punch, then the ref stops it after awarding the point, then repeat. For light contact
Kym Doyle shows off her wealth of recent titles
[continuous fighting] you fight non-stop with judges counting up the score as you go along. “In Hungary [where Doyle had her recent success], it was done by weight and age. I fought in points and continuous, and in the 13-15 age group, so I was one of the younger fighters. “The sport is really starting to grow and develop in Ireland, with a lot more competition in all age groups. There is the possibility of it becoming an Olympic sport, but not for a few years. I hope I’ll be still young enough to do it when it eventually does.” Claire Louise Sweetman - Doyle’s long-time coach - is optimistic about the future of the sport. “The level has gone really really high in Ireland, and across the world, really, over I’d say the last ten years,” she explains. “These guys have come
in at a really good time. We’ve been doing this for years, and only now is there starting to be talk of Olympic recognition. The Irish Sports Council have acknowledged us as a sport recently as well.” Doyle is taking a sensible approach to her development. Her father,
– there is a clear underlying message. Following the world championships, which are fortunately located in Dublin’s Citywest in August, issues with funding these trips to competitions are going to be a hindrance to Kym’s development.
--------------------------------------------------------
‘We have been doing this for years but now there is talk of Olympic recognition’ - Coach Claire Louise Sweetman --------------------------------------------------------
Conor, is keen to emphasise that she’s too young to manipulate her weight, preferring to go up a division if necessary. Kym herself is yet to make a decision on going into the full-contact version of the sport, preferring instead to build in the two styles in which she already competes. “When she reaches the age of 16, she can make that decision for herself,” Conor explains. With kickboxing on quite a long-term agenda for the Olympics, however, sponsorship is the greatest issue for those wishing to compete at an international level. While Conor is keen to thank those who have already contributed to Kym’s competitive outings – including Naas Road Autos and DRL, who have been involved
“It’s taken us to Spain, Italy and Poland over the last few years,” Conor explains. “It’s not bad this year with it being in Ireland, and KBI [Kickboxing Ireland] have subsidised the rates for the competitors, which is fantastic. But from a money point of view, it can be tough for parents to enable kids to compete. “I am currently trying to find one or two companies who might be able to fund all of Kym’s foreign travel. Advertising on Fighting gear is permissible, which helps.” As she bounces lightly off both feet before us, delivering uninhibited smashes to a sparring pad shaking in coach Sweetman’s hands, it’s easy to see the potential for a leap onto the Olympic stage for this dedicated young star.
Gazette
Kickboxing Kym’s Olympic ambition
FastSport
Sundrive to host world cycling stars in July THE fourth edition of the Dublin track cycling international will further embed itself firmly on the international race calendar, with two days of world class racing taking place in Sundrive Track, Dublin on July 2 and 3. It is one of only two UCI International events on the Irish cycling calendar, along with the An Post Ras, and is used by riders to gain qualification points for the World Cup Series and World Championships later on in the year. With this being the Olympic year, this year offers a great opportunity to see some of the top names in international cycling battle it out for medals and points in the centre of Dublin. The event is supported by Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership, with the local interest likely to be on the competition between the young local riders who will be honing their bike skills in the Future Stars Programme in the coming weeks. This year’s event has already attracted some of the world’s top riders from Germany, Belgium and Italy, along with a strong Irish team. At last year’s event, boosted by the home crowd, Caroline Ryan came home with gold in the Individual Pursuit, beating scratch world champion Kirsten Wild (NED) in doing so. Ryan will be competing in the event this year, and looking back at last year’s race, she said “Last year the individual pursuit was my highlight, I raced against Kirsten Wild in the final, and came out with the gold medal in that, I was absolutely delighted. “Kirsten is a fantastic rider and I’ve huge respect for her, she’s very strong. We travel all over the world against top riders, and to have them to come here to Ireland, to your home ground where your friends and family can watch you race and cheer you on, it’s absolutely fantastic. “It’s a really well run event, and great to see riders come back again and again to it. There’s not a lot events where you can measure exactly where you are.” Entry is free for spectators, with racing taking place all day on both Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3. The full racing programme can be seen on www.trackcycling.ie.
Gazette
30 BLANCH gazette 16 June 2016
SPORT
FastSport
Luttrellstown’s Euro Cup kicks racism to touch WHILE the European Championships in France may have only kicked off less than a week ago, Luttrellstown Community College in Castleknock brought their own Euro Cup to the area. Using sport to tackle racism is not a new phenomenon by any stretch but Luttrellstown’s version of football certainly is. Involving 82 kids from the ages of 11 to 16, the mini-tournament saw them split up into teams representing each nation involved in Euro 2016. Samy Bouroumana, a French language assistant working at the college, came up with the idea and was initially hoping to cater for 240 kids but the budget wouldn’t stretch and he failed to find any businesses willing to help. His revised plan, however, was snapped up by the college but it meant that the tournament had to be played on the college’s basketball court instead of a grass football pitch. Unlike the standard rules that Ireland will be hoping sees them succeed in France this summer, a goal in this tournament was the equivalent of three points. The reason for this was because Bouroumana wanted the emphasis of the game to be put on its two unique rules. Quirky rule number one was the fair-play challenge, which removes a point from the team’s score for every foul committed, cheat attempted, or misbehaviour performed. However, if the player in question apologises for their indiscretion then they can claim back the point. Quirky rule number two was the cultural challenge – where the players had to use a list of five words, usually basic football terms, in the language of the country they are representing. Bouroumana was delighted with how his idea panned out, stating: “Football could be great because it brings a lot of people together but I usually see people hating each other because of football. “I hope this kind of initiative will help in using football to bring people together to do good.” The final of the tournament was contested by Spain and Iceland, with the latter taking the victory – something that is unlikely to happen for the land of ice and fire in France.
aquatics: nac man set to be first irish olympic diver since 1948
Dingley diving in at the Rio deep end james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com
OLIVER Dingley waxed lyrical about the support he’s received in Ireland after converting from representing the UK, as he spoke to GazetteSport at the Irish kit launch last week. The NAC diver is set to be Ireland’s first Olympic diving representative in 68 years when he appears in Rio later this summer. The English-born diver, who qualifies for Ireland via a grandparent, missed out in 2012 despite having finished in qualifying position in the British team’s selection process, being overlooked in favour of the diver who finished one place below him. Dingley has since realigned himself with Ireland, and relocated to Dublin 15. It’s important to Din-
gley, in part because of Ireland’s relative lack of diving pedigree, he does things the right way for his new country. “I always wanted to do it properly,” Dingley said of the move. “I wanted to use Irish facilities and train with an Irish team. “I’m very lucky that there’s a facility where I’m able to do that in the National Aquatic Centre. “There’s only one diving facility in the Republic of Ireland. I’m very lucky that Swim Ireland, Sports Ireland and the Olympic council have all been very accommodating.” Dingley’s also pleased with the facilities on offer in general, highlighting his range of options. “At the institute of sports where I base all my training I’m able to use a psychologist or a nutritionist or a physio as part of my training. “The National Sports
volunteer effort Verona mini-leagues sign off in style for 2016 verona signed off on another excellent series of mini-leagues last weekend with the seven finals played in tremendous spirit and each final was a close affair. In particular, the Serie A and Premier League finals could only be decided by extra time or by the last kick of the match. The event is a huge volunteer effort for the past three weeks with many members and parent involving in setting up and supporting the event.
Shamrock Diving Club’s Oliver Dingley in action at the NAC. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile
Campus is almost a building site at the moment, but it’s really exciting with different things popping up, but I’m able to be part of that because I live there. “I’m very proud, and very lucky to be able to stand on a stage and represent Ireland, wearing the Irish tracksuit amongst so many amazing athletes,” Dingley said. “It’s not about 2012 anymore. It’s a different
story now. “Diving looks amazing when you get it right, and when you get it wrong, and we all get it wrong sometimes. “There are some very talented divers across the country, a generation ready to. come through. I’ll have to watch out!” As for the big event itself? Dingley is determined not to get ahead of himself. “My qualification event was in Rio,” he recalls. “You had to come
in the top 18 in the world out of 65, so that was a lot of pressure. “While I’ve never been to an Olympics, you can take those big experiences through and learn from them. “Some of the best divers in the world didn’t make it. I’ve heard so many different stories I don’t really know what to expect. “Everyone has a target, but I always take it one dive at a time.”
16 June 2016 BLANCH gazette 31
Gazette
john west challenge
Watson shows his skills in national competition
Club Noticeboard st brigid’s
castleknock’s Alex Watson was among
the Under-14 Feile na nGael participants who was presented with a commemorative jersey by John West ambassadors, Philly McMahon, left, and Danny Sutcliffe. He took part in the John West Feile National Skills Star Challenge 2016, at the National Games Development Centre, Abbotstown, Dublin.
THE St Brigid’s GAA mini leagues run
The Vineyard on Thursday, June 16.
until Saturday, June 18 in Russell Park
Make sure to have your tickets in the
for boys and girls age six to 13 (still in
draw, or you can purchase on-line via
National School).
our website: www.stbrigidsgaa.com.
Well done to Noelle Healy, Sorcha
St Brigid’s GAA club has 10 Gaeltacht
Furlong, Colleen Barrett, Deirdre
scholarships available for members.
Murphy, Ciara Trant and the Dublin
The scholarships are available to
ladies football team on a great win
members in first to fifth year for July
over Laois on Sunday.
24 to August 14. For further informa-
The St Brigid’s nursery runs every
Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile
Saturday in Russell Park from 9.30am
football: jackies ease into leinster semi-final
to 11am.
tion, contact Stephen Moore on 087 6339238/s_moore64@hotmail.com. The Julie Long Handball tourna-
We welcome all four- to seven-
ment takes place on Saturday, June
year-olds in the Castleknock and
25 in the club. It will have, as usual, a
Blanchardstown area and new
doubles format and should be highly
members and families are always
enjoyable.
welcome. For further information
This tournament is held in the
and queries, contact David on 085
memory of Julie and her coach Shea
8340169.
O’Reilly both were wonderful club
The lotto jackpot carries over at €15,000 for this week’s lotto draw in
members who sadly passed away some years ago.
castleknock
Noelle Healy, right, captained Dublin in their championship opener against Laois. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com
Brigid’s quartet swipe aside Laois
lgfa sfc first round
Dublin 3-15 Laois 0-4 sport@dublingazette.com
ST BRIGID’S quartet Ciara Trant, Deirdre Murphy, Noelle Healy, and Sorcha Furlong all started for Dublin in a resounding 20-point win over a resilient Laois side in the championship opener. Furlong scored a point against a Laois side who set themselves up defensively, resulting in Dublin’s forwards having to be patient on the ball while trying to maintain possession.
With 22 minutes gone, Dublin had built up a seven-point lead before Noirin Kirwan got the first score for the O’Moore County from a 20 metre free kick. Just before half time Laois had a player sinbinned in the 30th minute for a dangerous challenge on Dublin’s Sinead Goldrick, and Sinead Aherne slotted over the resulting free kick to send the sides in at the break with the score Dublin 0-8 to Laois’s single point. The second half of the game started as the first ended and with Dublin
piling on the pressure, the Laois defence buckled allowing Lyndsey Davey to pounce and score the game’s opening goal in the 40th minute, pushing Dublin 15 points clear. Laois responded with another Kirwan free kick and they were handed a lifeline when Dublin’s Nicole Owens was sin-binned in the 43rd minute. However, their advantage was soon cancelled out a minute later when Laois corner back Amy Loughman joined Owens in the bin following a high challenge on
Goldrick. Dublin management took the opportunity to introduce fresh legs, with the introduction of Ciara Ruddy in particular proving to be a shrewd move. Ruddy scored two quick-fire goals and was unlucky not to register a hat-trick when she struck the post after been put through on goal again late in injury time. The game finished Dublin 3-15 Laois 0-4 and next up for Dublin is Westmeath on Sunday in what will be a repeat of the 2015 Leinster final.
GREAT performance from our adult
campaign, Castleknock GAA U-15 boys
Division 1 footballers who only lost out
fundraising campaign in memory of
away to Kilmacud by the narrowest of
Aine Chawke, we have been entered in
margins. Good wins for both the Divi-
a Facebook competition to win €5,000
sion 5 and Division 9 teams and the
for the hospice. Please see details on
Division 11 team lost out narrowly.
the website.
Well done and congrats to all
Could all club members and friends
involved in the Mark Downey Memorial
consider registering for the Topaz
hurling competition. Sincere thanks to
cash for club promotion. Full details
all the teams and organisers. It was a
along with other fundraising opportu-
day to remember.
nities are on the website www.castle-
Great day also at the St Mochta’s fun day. Castleknock had a very busy
knock.net. Please check and see if you can support.
stand at the event and sincere thanks
The annual golf classic will take
to all who helped out and organised
place this Friday, June 17 at Castle-
our involvement on the day.
knock Hotel and Country Club.
Car park work starts in Porter-
This event is a four-person stabl-
stown this week so please be aware
eford team event with prizes for the
that there will be heavy machinery on
Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin. The
site and parking will be restricted.
cost per team is €400 and to sponsor a
As part of the give cancer the boot
tee box is €100.
Naomh Peregrine THE lads of AFL3 had a narrow win on
Lowndes.
Sunday morning on the main pitch
After the huge success of Strictly
against Naomh Barrog. Alan Nolan
Peregrine’s two years ago, we are
had the only goal of the game early in
delighted to announce we will be
the first half.
dancing the night away once again on
We fell behind in the score line in the second half but the lads dug deep
October 8 in Westmanstown Conference Centre.
to secure the win despite being down
It doesn’t matter if you can’t move
by two points with three minutes
like Jagger or shake it like Shakira – we
remaining.
want you. It is an amazing experience
Tremendous team effort to finish
and unbelievably good fun so don’t
the game on top; St Peregrine’s 1-12 to
be shy and sign up today. For further
Naomh Barrog 0-14. Well done lads.
details please contact Keith Manley on
The Kellogg’s GAA Cul camp is on
085 843 8422
July 11-14 (six to 13 years); junior camp
Membership fees are now overdue
- August 15–19 (four to seven years);
for 2016. If you would like make a pay-
senior camp - August 15–19 (eight
ment or have any queries, contact
to 14 years). With special guest Eric
Michelle Kavanagh on 086 159 1459.
32 blanch gazette 16 June 2016