Blanch

Gazette BLANCH

Pamper your pooch with some pretty paw-fect doggy fashions

March 23 - 29, 2017

SEE P18

Find us on

EXCLUSIVE: The Tanaiste discusses Brexit’s likely impact on Ireland P16

Hoggingthe limelight MEET THE HERO BEHIND DUBLIN’S CUTEST ANIMAL SHELTER P16-17

No kidding – our Baby Photo Contest is a hit with readers! P10

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

‘It’s a matter of time until a child is seriously injured’ Councillor fears for local schoolchildren’s safety after carpark is closed to parents

 MARK O’BRIEN CHILDREN may be seriously injured if the traffic issues at Tyrrelstown schools are not fixed, a local councillor has warned.

St Luke’s NS and Tyrrelstown Educate Together share the 100-space carpark with the community centre but there are already more than 100 teachers working in the two schools.

T his has led to the carpark being closed to parents in the mornings, forcing them to drop their children off outside of the school near a busy road.

Cllr Matt Waine told The Gazette that it is only

a matter of time before a child is seriously injured.

“A month-and-a-half ago a child was knocked down – it’s only a matter of time before there’s a serious incident.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

FASTNews

Take to the hills and lakes to help support sick kids

Owl-solutely fabulous art works

TEXACO Children’s Art Competition adjudicator Aoife Ruane was having an owl-solute hoot judging entries in this year’s competition when she came across entries by by 17-year-old Sarah O’Keeffe, a pupil at Coolmine Community School, Clonsilla, entitled An Cailin and another by 18-year-old Paul O’Neill, from Castleknock Community College, entitled Rungs. The results of the competition will be announced mid-April and prizes will be presented at a ceremony that takes place in Dublin in May.

TRAFFIC ISSUES | CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF SCHOOLCHILDREN

‘It’s only a matter of time before there is a serious incident’  MARK O’BRIEN CLLR Matt Waine (Solidarity) has called for an end to the traffic issues at the Tyrrelstown schools campus before a child is seriously injured.

Cllr Waine wrote to Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid last week to request that all stakeholders meet in an attempt to resolve the issues at St Lukes NS and Tyrrelstown Educate Together.

The two schools share a carpark with the Tyrrelstown Community Centre but with the population of the schools growing, that carpark is already not big enough to accommodate all of the traffic coming through it each day.

The carpark has space

Cllr Matt Waine

for 100 cars but there are already over 100 teachers working in the two schools. This has led to the carpark being closed to parents in the mornings, forcing them to drop their children off outside of the school near a busy road.

Cllr Waine told the Gazette that it was only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured.

He said: “A month and a half ago a child was

knocked down.

“Thankfully it wasn’t serious but it’s only a matter of time before there is a serious incident.”

He added that there has since been series of near misses involving children and cars on the road.

A number of solutions are possible, including extending the road to Le Cheile Secondary School and extending the current carpark on the school campus. In order to implement these plans, it would require the agreement of all stakeholders, including Fingal County Council and the Department of Education.

Cllr Waine said that he would ideally like to have the issue resolved in time for the new school year in September.

THREE different cycles will take place around the Wicklow mountains and lakes in aid of Ronald McDonald House on April 1.

Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin has provided accommodation, care and support at Our Lady’s Hospital to more than 3,000 families since 2004, with a brand-new 53-bedroom Ronald McDonald House planned beside the new Children’s Hospital.

On April 1, three cycles will take place around Co Wicklow as part of the #Cycle4Families event, including a 25km, 50km and a 100km cycle, with all taking in some superb scenic sights.

Registration costs €30; to register, see https:// www.iregister.ie/v2/events/cycle4families/

Parents ‘not aware of special tax credit support’

PARENTS who are entitled to the incapacitated child tax credit should be made aware of it, Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) claims.

The Fine Gael Deputy said more needs to be done to let families eligible for the support know they can apply for it.

He said: “I know that a number of people who would qualify for this tax credit are not aware of it, or the fact they would be eligible to receive it.

“This is an issue which must be tackled as a matter of urgency. It is vital that we ensure that awareness of the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit is increased, as it is an important means of support for many families in the north county, and across the country.”

The credit can be claimed in cases where a child under 18 is physically or mentally incapacitated, where the child is over 18 and has become incapacitated before the age of 21, or where the claimant has custody of a child who is permanently incapacitated, and maintains the child at his or her own expense. For further details, from the Revenue LoCall contact line at 1890 333 425.

Boy awarded €21k after breaking arm in hotel A BOY has been awarded €21,500 damages in the Circuit Civil Court after breaking his arm in a Blanchardstown Hotel almost three years ago.

Jamie Gould was two-years-old in August 2013 when he fell between two divans while staying with his parents at the Carlton Hotel, Church Road, Blanchardstown.

Circuit Court president Mr Justice Raymond Groarke heard Jamie was taken to Temple Street Hospital where x-rays revealed a fracture.

Jamie had to undergo surgery under anaesthetic and was discharged the following day.

The boy sued Paximol Ltd, which trades as Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, of Parkway House, Old Airport Road, Cloghran, Co Dublin, through his mother Brenda Lagan.

His legal team claimed the hotel had failed to ensure he would be safe in the bedroom as the bed constituted a danger and a trap.

His injury had left a small scar on his elbow.

The defendant made a €21,500 settlement offer which was approved by Judge Groarke.

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

PROPERTEASE | THE MOST FABULOUS HOME ON THE MARKET?

The

MARILYN MANSION  SYLVIA POWNALL THIS princess pad in Clondalkin almost broke the internet when it went up on daft.ie last weekend.

No 44 Harelawn Drive looks like your average humble threebed semi – until you step through the front door.

The Marilyn Munroe-inspired gaff has attracted record attention for selling agent Ross McHugh from Ray Cooke Auctioneers who revealed people have been taking SELFIES outside it.

He told The Gazette: “It went online last Thursday and you’d expect 500-ish hits in the first few

days. If you got 600 or 650 you’d class that as great interest.

“This one has had 205,000 hits on Daft alone. That is just phenomenal.”

Ross said the house – complete with Barbie boudoir, Marilyn wall art and a sunbed in the kitchen - is in immaculate condition and “so clean you could eat your dinner off the surfaces”.

It’s on the market for €185,000 – or €250,000 with the adjacent site thrown in.

Ross revealed: “The owner has been collecting Marilyn memorabilia for a long time adding bits and pieces over the years.

“The fittings and furniture are not included but I have a feeling someone will want to buy it as it is. It’s a piece of pop art come to life. We’ve had almost 1,000 inquiries, plenty from Marilyn Munroe fans in the UK, Europe and the US. “There were people outside taking selfies at the weekend saying here’s me outside the Marilyn Munroe house. The interest has been off the wall.”

A bit like the house then. We’re not sure what Dermot Bannon would make of it – but we’re sure Andy Warhol would wholeheartedly approve.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

It’s a digital detox for Stephen as First Date is last date – for a while  EMMA NOLAN

“WELL, I’m still single!” The Gazette caught up with First Dates Ireland contestant, Stephen McPadden to chat about his appearance on the show and why he wants there to be no camera filming his next date.

The 25-year-old, who is originally from Leitrim but lives in D8, has since suspended all of his online accounts for a “social media detox” since his appearance.

“My friends all think I’ve disappeared since the episode because I suspended all my social media accounts. I’m taking a little break

because I was becoming obsessed with all the mentions I was getting.”

Most of the reaction to his stint in the First Dates restaurant, however, saw him getting some stick for rejecting the lovely Kieran.

In his defence, Stephen said: “If you don’t feel chemistry with someone,

what’s the point in lying to yourself and to them?”

As mentioned on the show, Stephen and Kieran (above) had known each other from around Dublin, but had never really spoken.

“You have it built up in your head that you’re going to meet the man of your dreams that nobody knows, because the gay scene in Dublin is so small – but then I ended up knowing the guy and I had to play it cool.

“It was gas, but then we actually got on so well and had a great date!”

The two have developed somewhat of a friendship since the date, despite Stephen rejecting Kieran, and they

have been on a few nights out together.

Stephen confessed that he’s never brought a love interest home to meet his parents, so his mam wasn’t best pleased at him for turning Kieran down. “My mum was like: ‘Why did you say no to him? He’s such a nice lad!’

“I didn’t come out till I was 21 and, growing up in Leitrim, there aren’t gay bars like The George – you literally are the gay scene yourself.”

Stephen is still dating at the moment, but says he has exhausted the likes of Tinder and Grindr. He joked: “Gindr is like Just Eat at this stage. Next date I go on, I want it to be in the Chelsea Drugstore over a cocktail with no cameras!”

Gogglebox star Eileen opens up about son’s tragic death on show  MARK O’BRIEN GOGGLEBOX Ireland viewers were left heartbroken last week as they heard how a Castleknock woman lost her son.

Friends Eileen and Angela – who have proved popular with viewers since first appearing on the hit TV3 show – were watching show n watching Channel 4’s A Killing In The Family, after which Eileen opened up about the death of her own son Tom. The documentary looked at the effects felt by family members of victims of murder and suicide.

At the end of a segment in which three young girls spoke about losing both of their parents to a murder suicide, Eileen spoke about the anger she felt at losing

Chloe, Lottie and Chelsea spoke about losing both of their parents to a murder suicide. Picture: Channel 4

her own son.

She told Angela: “I was so mad when Tom died, so so angry.

“Someone said to me, you’ve an angel in heaven - I didn’t want an angel, I want my son.”

Although Eileen didn’t reveal any further details about her son’s death, viewers took to social media to offer their support for her.

“Poor Eileen, sad to hear the loss of her son, it’s heartbreaking,” said Leah Carroll.

Audrey O’Hagan added: “This is very difficult to watch, and I agree with Eileen.... who wants an angel?”

Eileen’s confession also struck a chord with Edel Flood, who lost her own brother.

She wrote on Twitter:

“Who wants an angel is so true wish my brother was still here.”

The emotional segment did end on a lighter note with Angela telling Eileen that she had finally won orange segments at bingo, much to the delight of viewers.

The second series of Gogglebox Ireland continues on T V3 ever y Wednesday at 9pm.

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

Blanch celebrates

T The Event Volunteers Calum McMullan

team

HOUSANDS of local people celebrated St Patrick’s Day in Blanchardstown as the parade set off, displaying the talents of a large number of different community, charity and sporting groups who marched through the village.

Pipe bands, dancing, community/ sporting groups, an array of colourful floats, carousels, entertainment and street performers filled the streets inspired by this year’s theme, Celtic Creatures. Many local businesses benefited significantly from the increased number of people who came to Dublin West that day.

PICTURES: ALISON O’HANLON

Aoife Meighan and her sister Jenna

Amy Caffrey and her sone Adam

Marie McDonagh

Paul Garganud and Maya (3)

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

St Patrick’s Day

Graham Crowe with his daughter Aoibheann

Carly Yaldem

TV3’s Aidan Cooney

Kate and Cian Ayres

Castleknock Lions Club members

Pippa Stevenson

Stephanie and Megan

Fiona Pritchard with her mum Nina

Connie Moore with grandad Christy Walsh

Paul Kavanagh with Sophie and Daniel

Andrea Lukosevicuus with mum Ingrid

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

TRANSPLANT | ORGAN DONATIONS

‘Even though I’m a lot older now, I’m much fitter’  MARK O’BRIEN A LOCAL man who received a lifechanging kidney transplant 14 years ago has urged people to sign up to donate their organs ahead of the Irish Kidney Association’s Organ Donor Awareness Week.

Ron Grainger (67), from Castleknock, received a kidney transplant in 2003 after he went into renal failure due to an inherited condition.

He told the Gazette that his life had improved immeasurably since receiving the transplant.

“These are life-changing operations,” he said.

“The quality of life that I’ve enjoyed since the transplant is so good and far superior to what I was experiencing when I had renal failure and for the years leading up to that.

“Even though I’m a lot older now than I was then, I’m much fitter.”

There are approximately 600 people in Ireland awaiting heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas transplants.

Organ DonorAwareness Week encourages people to fill out an organ donation card so that their organs can be donated in the event that anything happens to them.

Ron is living proof of the benefits of organ donation and since his transplant he has regularly competed in the World Transplant Games and was chosen as one of twelve global ambassadors of their “Fit for Life” campaign.

He will compete in the Games again in Malaga in June of this year and he says there are two very important reasons why people compete in the Games.

He said: “The reason we do that (compete in the Games) is not only to demonstrate what a life-changing operation a transplant is, showing people that we can be fit and competitive and lead pretty normal lives but really to honour the people

Music to your ears Ron Grainger received a life-changing kidney transplant

who have donated their organs to us and to honour their families and show them how beneficial it has been to other people.”

Ron said that the fact that someone has died so that they can live is something that plays on the mind of every organ recipient and this is why honouring those people is so important to recipients.

He said: “It’s a time of mixed emotion for recipients because they’re not only thrilled with the gift of new life but they’re also well aware of the fact there’s another family grieving.

“I don’t think there’s one recipient who would not be aware of that and not feel for that family.”

The Irish Kidney Association’s Organ Donor Awareness Week will launch in the Mansion House on Tuesday, March 28 and will run from April 1 to 8.

Anyone wishing to obtain an organ donation card can do so by contacting the Irish Kidney Association on LoCall 1800 543639, Freetext DONOR to 50050 or visit their website www.ika.ie

COOLMINE Musical Society have been busy putting the finishing touches to their sold out shows this weekend at Draiocht. The audience can expect an evening which will celebrate the great tapestry of musicals down through the years. From jazz to jazz hands, musical classics to musical moderns and all that comes from spending an evening in their company. If you’ve missed them on stage this time, then don’t worry they will be back threading the boards in Draiocht in November and they are hosting a Lip Sync Battle on April 7.

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

FASTNews

Joan Burton attends Castleknock Brexit Forum THERE was a strong turnout at the Brexit Forum hosted by TD Joan Burton in the Castleknock Hotel and Country Club last Tuesday (March 14).

The forum was chaired by respected broadcaster Olivia O’Leary and concerned locals heard contributions from Gary Murphy (DCU Professor of Politics in the School of Law and Government), Ger Brady (Senior Economist IBEC), Senator Ivana Bacik (TCD Professor of Law) and Joan Burton.

Joan Burton told the meeting that the implications for day-to-day life in Ireland are considerable.

She said: “Given Ireland joined the EU on the same day as the UK in 1973, the prospect of Ireland and the UK being in different customs jurisdictions is a cause of great apprehension.

“There’s no previous template for how a member state leaves the EU. In addition to this any divorce agreement between the UK and EU will be between Britain and the 27 EU members – not an agreement between Ireland and Britain alone.”

Deputy Burton added that an All-Ireland stream needs to be added to the negotiations and that aspects of the Good Friday Agreement should be copied and integrated into any Brexit settlement.

Tyrrelstown tyre fire causes traffic problems

A TYRE fire started in Tyrrelstown cause huge traffic problems in West Dublin last Wednesday (15 March). There were major visibility problems on the N3 Navan Road as thick black smoke billowed across the road. AA Roadwatch issued a warning to road users at around 6pm, saying: “Extra care needed on the N3 Navan Rd at J3 Clonsilla, as smoke from a nearby fire is affecting visibility.”

Social media users also reported that there were issues with motorists rubbernecking as they drove past the fire.

Dublin Fire Brigade later confirmed that two fire engines from Blanchardstown and Tallaght responded to the call and the fire was quickly brought under control.

BLANCHARDSTOWN Centre is once again supporting the Fingal Student Enterprise Programme hosted by the Local Enterprise Office Fingal and Fingal County Council.

“This innovative programme gives primary and secondary school students the opportunity to learn about and explore their entrepreneurial skills,” said Mercy Prendergast, marketing manager of the Blanchardstown Centre.

“It is run in partnership with schools throughout the Fingal region and culminates in a huge regional final that takes place in March.

It’s a brilliant initiative and we are genuinely delighted to be part of it.”

Over 2,600 students will take part in the 2016/2017 programme, making it the largest of its kind in the country. Students must set up real businesses and prepare real business plans with the guidance of their teachers and Fingal Enterprise Office’s schools coordinator. The aim of the initiative is to foster an entrepreLocal students from Le Cheile Secondary School in Tyrellstown with Mercy Prendergast neurial spirit in young people and give them from the Blanchardstown Centre and Oisin Geoghegan the confidence to start their own businesses in the future.

The Fingal final will take place on Thursday, March 30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown and the overall winner will go forward to represent Fingal in the national finals in Croke Park in May.

Fostering entrepreneurial spirit in our young people

PROPOSAL | PLAN FOR CO-LOCATION OF MATERNITY SERVICES

Rotunda could move to Connolly Hospital  MARK O’BRIEN

GAA All Star Lyndsey kicks off RNLI safety campaign THREE-times GA A All Star Lyndsey Davey has teamed up with the RNLI to help highlight its Respect The Water campaign aimed at reducing the number of drowning deaths.

The Skerries footballer’s great-uncle, Michael Hayes, was the skipper on the Tit Bonhomme, which sank off Glandore Harbour in Co Cork in 2012 with the loss of five of the six crew.

Lyndsey said: “The loss of Michael and his crew was a very difficult time for all the families

involved.

“The search and rescue efforts were relentless and the support given was incredible. I got involved in this campaign as I wanted to give something back and help create awareness around water safety.”

She was involved in the search for the missing Skerries fishermen Ronan Browne and David Gilsenan, who drowned at sea in 2011.

An RNLI spokesperson said Lyndsey was a perfect role model for the campaign.

Say Cheese!

IRISH Chef Clodagh McKenna, Irish Olympian Derval O’Rourke and Vanessa Greenwood, Cooks Academy (right) were having a GRATE time as they launched the National Dairy Council’s new recipe competition aiming to put cheese centre stage once again and recognise its importance as

one of the best go-to ingredients available. People are invited to submit their favourite recipes using cheese and could be in with a chance of winning two cooking holidays in Tuscany.

For further information visit www.cheeseupyourlife.ie.

Picture: Robbie Reynolds

THE Rotunda Hospital may eventually be moved to a site at Connolly Hospital under a proposed new plan of colocation of maternity services.

In response to a parliamentary question from Eamon Ryan TD, asked on behalf of Cllr Roderic O’Gorman, health minister Simon Harris confirmed the plan is in the early stages of development.

Deputy Ryan asked for an update on the project and asked about the potential cost of the plan and if there was a timeline available for the project.

In response, Minister Harris said: “I understand that the Rotunda has engaged consultants to work on a preliminary design brief.

“I am also aware that a masterplan is currently being developed for the Connolly campus and this will take account of, and support, the co-location of the Rotunda

and Connolly Hospitals.

“As the Rotunda development project is at a very early development stage, it would be premature to provide any indicative timeframes for completion, or cost estimates, at this point.”

Cllr O’Gorman welcomed the news, telling the Gazette that having a maternity hospital in the area would be of great benefit to the local community.

He said: “I would be in favour in the long term of relocation in light of the growing population of Dublin 15 and the North Kildare area that Connolly Hospital serves.

“Locating a maternity hospital there can only be of benefit to the local population.”

However, Cllr O’Gorman added that he was only cautiously welcoming Minister Harris’ statement at this time due to the fact that it may take a long time for the project to come to fruition.

10 GAZETTE 23 March 2017

The Ga-Gazette’s bonnie babies

Chloe and Charlotte Coffey are twice as cute!

Joe O’Carroll loves his dinner!

Super-cute little Emma Gilmore (18 months) and her little puppy, sent in by Orla Kennedy

LIttle Amina Hussain is too cute!

Six-month-old Olivia Curtis has a hobby

Send in your baby photographs and...

S

WIN!WIN!WIN!

PRING is in the air, and the Gazette’s Bonnie Baby competition is in full swing. We’ve had a wonderful response from mums, dads, proud grandparents and family friends, who’ve shared some of the cutest photos we’ve ever seen.

The competition will run for the entire month of March, so keep sending in those wonderful snaps of your little ones – we’ll feature as many as we can in the paper each week until April 6th.

Wehavesomegreatprizestogiveaway–includingtwohampersworth€90eachfromourfriendsatNUK Ireland–andoneluckywinner willwinafreefamilyornewbornphotoshootworth€180fromGazettephotojournalist and expert baby photographer Ali, of Alison O’Hanlon Photography.

So keep sending in those snaps to competitions@dublingazette.com or via our Facebook page – and don’t forget to include your details and your baby/toddler’s name and age!

Lorraine Byas sent in this photo of gorgeous Daisy (left); while Anna Three year olds Rebecca and Henry Arthurs are the best of cousins

Nine-month-old Henry Delong

Constanzo sent in this little smiler!

23 March 2017 GAZETTE 11

are the cutest Sun hols for just €319?

Getaway out of that !

Finlay Kelly is 4 months old and gorgeous!

Lisa Bruen sent in this shot of little Isla Saunders (five months).

Oleg Ovadenko sent in this shot of Max and Daniel enjoying their bottles

Thanks to Jon for sending in this shot of little Isabella Henderson (22 months).

Thanks to Leonie for sending in this pic of nine-month-old Maximiliano

James O’Flynn sent in this shot of Ellen Scott Fitzgerald is a 22-month-old cutie!

Mary (four months) & her furry friend

DUBLIN holiday specialists Cassidy Travel is running a Big Green Sale this month, with reductions on last minute holidays, cruises, city breaks, sun holidays as well as midterm and even Christmas and New Year getaways.

The sale takes place across all of Cassidy Travel’s nine shops and online.

Seven nights in Tenerife in May, for example, staying at the Laguna Park II, is on offer for just €319 per person, a saving of €390 or over 50 per cent. Also in May, a week in Rhodes at the 3-star Cosmos Maris is reduced by over 30 per cent to just €389 per person sharing.

Later in the year, seven nights in September in the 4-star IFA Caterina in Gran Canaria with flights is from €589 per person sharing, saving a whopping €459.

“These are big savings on a

family holiday,” Cassidy Travel’s John Spollen said.

“Bargain hunters will find some of the best prices of the year during our sale this month and they cover just about every type of holiday.”

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 23 March 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

YOUR BUSINESS LIVE: RDS TO HOST AN INNOVATIVE NEW INITIATIVE

Two days to help the nation’s SME sector  EMMA NOLAN

ENTREPRENEUR Sean Gallagher; Claire Reynolds, head of Small and Medium Enterprise at Vodafone Ireland; Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen and Patricia Callan, director, Small Firms Association were happy to point out the merits of a new event for SMEs – Your Business Live.

Businesspeople across all levels of the enterprise spectrum will want to put the event in their diaries, as the national two-day SME event at the RDS will gather together executives, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, ow ners and managers from around the country to network, learn and do business, with Vodafone Ireland announced as a title sponsor for the busi-

“Make a note of Your Business Live” – happy to help launch the upcoming initiative

ness event.

The event is supported

by Ibec for Irish Business, the Small Firms Association and Enterprise Ireland, reinforcing the aim of the event to create a new marketplace for the broad range of Irish

TakeOff a big success at Aer Lingus launch GUY Thompson, president, Fingal Chamber of Commerce; Declan Kearney, director of communications, Aer Lingus and Newstalk’s Chris Donoghue were happy to help launch Aer Lingus’s TakeOff Foundation at the recent Aer Lingus SME breakfast held in conjunction with the Chamber, entitled Understanding Your Customer Journey.

The Aer Lingus TakeOff Foundation encompasses the broad spectrum of charity and corporate social responsibility initiatives that the airline engages in and includes continued work with chosen charity partners, UNICEF Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland, as well as fundraising activities undertaken by Aer Lingus staff and volunteers.

SMEs. Your Business Live will support everything from start-ups and microbusinesses, to small- and medium-enterprises, as well as export-led, across industry sectors.

The initiative has pro-

moting and supporting business firmly in its sights, with SMEs accounting for a colossal 99.8% of all active businesses in Ireland.

Your Business Live will facilitate interaction and collaboration among

business decision-makers, start-ups, owners and managers, providing the opportunity for SMEs to showcase innovative new products and services, in addition to gaining industry knowledge and insights.

As part of the event’s focus, networking events, workshops and high-level speaker seminars are set to engage a vibrant SME audience.

Claire Reynolds, Vodafone, said: “We are very proud to sponsor the new Your Business Live. This is a unique and important event which will not only give SMEs a platform to showcase their products and services, but also provide opportunity for knowledgesharing, collaboration and networking.”

Your Business Live takes place on October 17 and 18 in the RDS.

Celebrating the ties that link business and art SEAN McGrath, chief executive, Allianz; Helene Hugel, artistic director, Helium Arts and Andrew Hetherington, chief executive, Business to Arts are pictured at the launch of the 2017 Allianz Business to Arts Awards. The 26th annual awards celebrate and promote the cultural and economic benefits of arts and business engagement, with Dublin-based businesses invited to apply online. Previous award winners have included Bank of Ireland, Sky Ireland, An Post and ESB. For further information and to apply before the closing date on Monday, May 8, see businesstoarts.ie/awards.

New Career Traineeship programme introduced with a Tallaght briefing A BRIEFING to highlight recruitment for new Career Traineeship programmes was held in Tallaght on March 7.

Education and training boards and staff from Intreo offices nationwide were given an overview of how the Career Traineeship model works, and discussed a collaborative approach to recruitment for such programmes.

Irish Hotels Federation president Joe Dolan provided an overview of how the hospitality sector has been heavily involved in the creation of these programmes and how this collaborative approach can provide huge benefits for employers and future employees alike.

Career Traineeship is an occupational training programme based on identified labour market needs designed to offer trainees a foothold in a career. It provides a combination of on- and offthe-job learning and is generally of 6 to 18 months’ duration.

The event was organised by SOLAS and the Department of Social Protection. Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB and the Irish Hotels Federation, who have been involved in the pilot Career Traineeship programmes, offered their insight into their experiences.

A key feature of Career Traineeship is partnership with industry to ensure training meets identified employment opportunities.

Career Traineeships are currently being rolled out in the following areas: hospitality, engineering, visual effects for animation and post-production, and digital sales and marketing for small businesses.

The following three years will see Career Traineeships developed in other areas.

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT

combined a more classical bent with reproductions of contemporary clasIOBHR A QUINLAN has sics like Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side taken the long road to launch- Of The Moon’ and covers of Daft ing her first single, released Punk and Arcade Fire. Stepping earlier this month. into her solo guise for the first time, She trained as an operatic soprano, Quinlan’s new output can be broadly studying an MPhil in composition at described as chamber pop.

Trinity and broadening her musical “I started out with pure, straight education in Berlin. music and nearly dropped out about G dgfkjsgfds dfs fd kljghdfgkljdhlflg hlglfhgds hgdsf.

Picture: Xxxxx Zzzzzz That led, eventually, to a conceptual three fdsfkj times in first year,” she recalls of new composition she has self-funded her early days studying music. by working with and teaching her art.

“I’d actually made a plan to go to Along the way, Quinlan was also jazz college at the end of the first year, a part of the highly successful Trin- and I’d done the audition and got in. ity College Orchestra, where she Then I decided I wanted to stay, as it

S

The Dublin Gazette guide to what’s on across the county

clicked that I could pass the exams and there was something I can really take from it all.

“I started doing a lot of the opera training, and working with a teacher called Veronica Dunne. She’s a complete opera legend, and I was fascinated by what she could do. She trains the voice as an instrument, and can do amazing things with it. Opera’s very technical, but it teaches you so many ways to use the voice.”

Quinlan later branched into jazz and wrote a dissertation on how opera can be incorporated into different styles, before using a period of



GAZETTE

23 March 2017 GAZETTE 13

THE BIG INTERVIEW P16 STYLE P18 MOTORING P19

more casual training in Berlin to work on her style and explore the city’s expansive performance offerings.

Naturally, Quinlan’s own writing takes in her broad influences, but also explores her own view of the world around her. As the first single reveals, she’s not afraid to make a statement.

Despite the financial pressures of the production process, Quinlan has chosen to donate the proceeds of debut offering ‘From His Rib’ to the Abortion Rights Campaign.

“The title comes from my own thought process, thinking back to where patriarchal structures might

come from. For me, Adam and Eve, that’s the root,” she explains.

“The idea that women are less than men. The story of Eve being made from a part of Adam implies that women are secondary to men, and in being thrust out of the garden, it’s Eve that shoulders the blame.”

“I really noticed the difference when I came back from Berlin,” Quinlan said of her decision to hand over proceeds to the ARC. “I realised we’re the exception, that there shouldn’t be a stigma like there is here. And it was just so infuriating. I wrote this around the March for Choice in 2016, after experiencing the difference in attitudes, stigma and understanding of the whole women’s healthcare thing.” ith the album – due later this year – still in the production process, Quinlan has recorded her work alongside SFiiiNX Sinfonia, an ensemble featuring members of the Trinity Orchestra, but also with input from Dublin alt-rock band Spies.

Getting everyone together in the studio has been a learning curve.

“By the time we got down to the studio I wanted to play around with percussion a bit more,” she explains. “It’s weird, when you’re writing that kind of stuff you do it through software called Sibelius, which is a kind of mock up of what it might sound like. I had this idea of what to expect, but it wasn’t until I started recording that I really knew, and I ended up doing a bit of playing around in the studio.”

The first live show will take place later this month, with unrecorded content also given an airing.

“We’re playing at Fumbally Stables, which is intimate, but there’s space to fit an ensemble of ten people in there semi-amplified,” Quinlan tells us. “If the venue were too big, it would lose a lot of the timbre of the instruments.

“When we start to gig, it might work fine in one venue and not at all in another. It’s a whole other thing we have to work with.”

As for that full-length release? It was originally meant to be an EP, but Quinlan has decided to just keep going.

“The album’s half done,” she reveals.

“It’s fully written, I just have to finance the studio and the production.

“There’s a lot of up at 2am doing admin, back up at 6am doing it again,” she says of her journey, describing the passion behind the project.

“It can be hard to stop the development stage and bring it into real life... but I’ve now finally reached that point, and can’t wait to have it out there.”  Siobhra Quinlan will debut new music from her forthcoming album at Fumbally Stables on March 30th. Tickets, priced at €10, are available via Eventbrite.

W

Siobhra will debut music from her upcoming album at Fumbally Stables on March 30.

Photos: Tara Thomas Photography (tarathomas.net)

Meet the soprano SINGER COMPOSER SIOBHRA QUINLAN TALKS OPERA, JAZZ & WOMEN’S RIGHTS

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 23 March 2017

DUBLINLIFE

BORD GAIS AWARDS

Celebrating the best of student creativity found all over Dublin

DIARY

COTTAGE MARKETS: NEW INITIATIVE TO HIGHLIGHT PRODUCE, CRAFTS

THE shortlist for the annual Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards has been revealed ahead of the the awards ceremony in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on May 17.

This year, the judges said they faced particularly difficult choices, thanks to a terrific range of talented schools, stars and productions to consider all across the city. However, the finalist winners are as follows ...

DUBLIN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS St Aidan’s NS in Tallaght has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Musical category for its production of Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies, by 3rd to 6th class pupils.

St Pius X BNS in Terenure has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Musical category for its school production of Seussical Jr. St Mochta’s NS in Clonsilla has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Musical category for its 5th and 6th class production of Oliver.

5th class student Darragh Malone from St Mochta’s NS in Clonsilla has been shortlisted in the Best Male Performance in a Leading Role category for his performance as Fagin in Oliver.

Scoil Assaim in Raheny has been shortlisted in the Best Set category for its set creation of Firelog.

St Gabriel’s Primary School in Ballyfermot has been shortlisted in the Best Choreography category for its choreography in the production of Battle of the Decades by 4th, 5th and 6th class students.

5th class student Ben de Barra from St Brendan’s NS in Skerries has been shortlisted in the Best Short Scene Script category for his script entitled The Happy Garden.

5th class student Elliot Tuite from St Joseph’s BNS in Terenure has been shortlisted in the Best Dramatic Review category for his review of Step Up and Dance.

DUBLIN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS Belvedere College SJ on Denmark St has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Play

category for its production of The Children of the Rising by 2nd year students.

Belvedere College SJ again shortlisted, this time in the Best Overall School Play category for its 4th and 5th year production of Lord of the Flies.

St Vincent’s Castleknock College featuring Mount Sackville, has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Musical category for its production of Miss Saigon by 4th, 5th and 6th year students.

Secondary student Aimee Kearney from St Vincent’s Castleknock College featuring Mount Sackville has also been shortlisted in the Best Female Performance in a Leading Role category for her role as Kim in Miss Saigon by 4th, 5th and 6th year students.

St Fintan’s High School in Sutton has been shortlisted in the Best Set category for its set creation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by 4th year students.

Secondary student Hannah Brady from Wesley College in Ballinteer has been shortlisted in the Best Female Performance in a Leading Role category for her role as Gar (Private) in Philadelphia, Here I Come by 4th and 5th year students.

Secondary student Rebecca Brady from Sutton Park School has been shortlisted in the Best Performance in a Supporting Role category for her role as Miss Hannigan in the school’s production of Annie.

St Aidan’s Communit y School from Tallaght has been shortlisted in the Best Musical Number category for its performance of Time in the production of Time by 1st year students.

Grow It Yourself’s Karen O’Donohoe and Michael Kelly announcing that 20 Cottage Markets will soon pop up – including one in Raheny

Should fare well A NUMBER of special markets are set to open in Dublin this year as a result of the Cottage Market initiative unveiled by GIY (Grow it Yourself) Last month, community groups from across the country were invited to apply to the initiative for funding in order to establish and run their very own Cottage Market, with Raheny selected as one of the successful locations.

Organisers say they love the idea of being able to showcase the work of local craft and food pro-

ducers in a safe and happy environment.

The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market on the first Friday of every month.

For further details on each of the existing Cottage Markets, see http:// thecottagemarket.ie.

A TACTILE SHOWCASE OF BRONZE ARTISTRY GORMLEY’S Fine Art in Dublin 2 will host Eamonn Ceannt’s new exhibition, Movado, from Thursday, March 23 to

Thursday, April 13, marking Eamonn’s fourth solo show with the gallery.

Working exclusively with bronze, Eamonn’s sculptures adopt a tactile approach with a strong commitment to form.

Entry to the exhibition at Gormley’s, 27 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2 is free and all work is available to purchase. See www.gormleys.ie.

CALLING ALL KIDS TO HELP THE PLANET ATTENTION, primary schools! It’s the final

call for Dublin primary schools to enter the 2017 Our World Irish Aid Awards. Pupils are encouraged to put the final touches on their projects in time for the closing date for submissions, which is Friday, March 24.

This year’s awards theme – For People and Planet – has been designed to help pupils to understand the interdependence between people and the natural world, and how the wellbeing of people, wildlife and the environment is intercon-

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

Siobhra Quinlan: This week’s Gazette feature star plays the intimate Fumbally Stables with her chamber-pop ensemble on March 30.

Underground Run: The port tunnel opens up for an unlikely 10km race heading under the city. Up one tunnel, back the other, medals for all. March 26.

Cry Monster Cry: Dublin brothers with gorgeous melodies play three unusually intimate

hip-hop duo drop in on the Olympia Theatre on March 30 as part of their European tour.

New album of the week: Anohni – Paradise. The second album released under this pseudonym for the former Anthony and the Johnson’s singer, a vocally-stunning transgender New Yorker. Expect soulful, high-pitched musings on life’s darker side, delivered beautifully.

James Hendicott’s mini-guide to all that’s hot in the city

Students from St Anne’s Community College Kilalloe, Co Clare, performing Les Miserables at last year’s Bord Gais awards. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

shows in Whelan’s Upstairs venue, debuting new material in aid of Aware. March 24-26.

Cine Concert: Torrey Pines The IFI explore mental health and gender identity in this debut film from Clyde Peterson, an animated journey accompanied

with live music on March 27.

Humans Need Not Apply Trinity Science Gallery’s latest explores artificial intelligence and the concept of a post-work, machine-led world. Until mid May. Run The Jewels Influential

nected. Pupils have been learning about the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which 193 countries – including Ireland – have agreed to work towards by 2030.

In particular, pupils have been learning how the 17 UN goals are addressing the root causes of poverty and protecting the planet, as well as how they can play their part as global citizens.

All entries will be assessed on their creativity, understanding of the theme and their impact.

23 March 2017 GAZETTE 15

‘The UK’s departure from EU is a challenge but we will be ready and Ireland can benefit’

DUBLINLIFE

HUGE SPIKE IN NUMBERS AT HEDGEHOG RESCUE CENTRE

 FRANCES FITZGERALD TD, MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITY SINCE June 23rd, 2016, there has been a lot of talk and speculation about what the departure of the UK from the European Union will mean; both for Ireland and the EU as a whole. In the next few weeks, British prime minister Theresa May will deliver the formal letter which begins the formal process of the UK’s departure.

Firstly, it’s important to stress the UK the future of the EU to work best for its is leaving the EU immediately. This procitizens and the European economy. cess will take at least two years. In the These priorities have been made very meantime, there will be no changes to clear to every other EU member state, our relationship with the UK, and your and to the British as well. Both the EU rights will remain the same. chief negotiator and the British PM Irish people can travel easily to Brithave openly acknowledged that they ain, live there, work there and in some want to solve the issue of the border cases, vote there. That will not change while protecting the gains of the peace any time in the next two years, and this process, and that this must be a key part Government will be doing our utmost of whatever deal is negotiated. in the negotiation process to ensure One of the four headline priorities folthat this doesn’t happen at all. lowing the UK departure from the EU is The first thing that will happen is that maintaining the Common Travel Area, there will be complex and sometimes which falls under my own remit. very difficult negotiations, in which It allows freedom of travel between Ireland will be part of the team of 27 the two jurisdictions for Irish and UK countries remaining in the EU. citizens, and provides for largely recipIreland is prepared for this. We’ve rocal benefits of citizenship, in terms of been preparing for these negotiations entitlements to reside, work and access since before the UK voted. My Ministeservices. The Common Travel Area is rial colleagues and I have been working particularly important in the context to build relations with our colleagues of the Northern Ireland Peace Process in Europe. We have a team of officials and relations on the island of Ireland. with extensive experience in complex The Common Travel Area is an international negotiations focused on important feature of the close relationgetting the best outcome possible. ship between Ireland and the UK with Through the All-Island Civic Dialong-established benefits for trade and logue on Brexit, over 1,200 representatourism between our two countries. tives of a broad range of industries, Both governments value the Common sectors and civic society groups met in Travel Area and will work to keep it in over 16 events in four months and displace. Its importance has been highcussed their concerns about Brexit with lighted through political and diplomatic Government ministers and officials. engagement with other member states, This process has helped to deepen and and there is ongoing engagement with expand our negotiation priorities.

EU institutions on this issue.

Ireland has made our priorities for It will take a while for the UK to actuthese Brexit negotiations very clear. We ally leave the EU, although ironing out want to protect our economy, especially its future relationship with the Union sectors such as agrifood that are heavily could take even longer. This will bring reliant on the UK for their business. changes, but not all of them will be for For us to do this, we need the closest the worse. There are also some real possible trading relationship with the opportunities for Ireland – as the only UK, something that a number of other English-speaking country in the EU, EU countries also want. with the fastest growing economy in We want to maintain our the EU in 2016, and as the EuroCommon Travel Area with pean HQ of so many multinational the UK and ensure that firms. The negotiating teams are the border between us and ready. The Government has its prithe North does not return. orities set. Information that helps We want to protect the peace people to understand what’s going on process and ensure is being and will continue all aspects of the to be made available.

Good Friday This won’t be easy. But Agreement are we have overcome chalfully respected. lenges before, and we We also want will again with Brexit.

FEATURES

GAZETTE

BREXIT | THE TANAISTE’S MESSAGE

23 March 2017 GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 23 Month 2017

HEDGE SCHOOL:

 SYLVIA POWNALL

Fionnbar the hedgehog , above, one of many hedgehogs rescued by Yvonne, below

A RESCUE centre for hedgehogs is bracing itself for an influx of injured animals as the spring/summer gardening season gets under way.

Hedgehog Rescue Dublin – based in Rush – has just released 57 hogs out of hibernation having taken in almost 600 stricken creatures this winter.

Founder Yvonne McCann, 33, says the volunteer sanctuary is coming under increasing pressure to cope with demand for its services.

She told The Gazette: “We started in August 2013 basically because there was nobody else doing it in the area.

“The closest centre to us was Kildare Animal Foundation but for a lot of people it was not feasible to take a hedgehog down there.

“It was never supposed to be as big as it got, it was just supposed to be a temporary fix but the demand was huge. We set up a Facebook page and within two weeks it had thousands of followers and we were full to the rafters.

“Now we have got to the point where people are bringing in other animals so we are probably going to look at taking in foxes, badgers, birds of prey…”

The centre caters for full-grown hogs and orphaned young – or hoglets – and relies on donations from the public to stay operational.

Yvonne, who has an ecology background, said: “Generally what we see varies through the seasons. This time of year they are coming out of hibernation, they haven’t eaten or drank anything for three months. We see a lot of dehydrated hedgehogs and they are very hungry.

“If there’s no food around it forces them into daylight which is not ideal as they are strictly nocturnal and it makes them more susceptible to foxes and dogs attacking them.

“In spring and summer we see a lot of injuries from strimmers – people doing their hedges end up taking the faces off them or slicing off their feet. We are also seeing a lot of poisoning.

“We ask people not to put down slug pellets because if you have a hedgehog in your garden you will not get slugs or snails, but if a hedgehog eats the pellets they get secondary poisoning which can kill them.

“This is actually wiping a lot of them out.

We’re trying to get Fingal County Council on board so we can go out to schools and do talks

Everything you need to know about the spiney little critter HEDGEHOGS, or Erinaceus europaeus to give them their correct term, are carnivorous mammals which eat caterpillars, beetles, earthworms, mice, frogs, snails and slugs.

They typically live up to six years and grow up to 30cm in length, weighing an average 700g.

Hedgehogs have about 5,000 spines. Each spine lasts about a year before it drops out and is replaced. They curl into a ball to protect themselves when alarmed.

They are nocturnal, and earned their name because of their peculiar foraging habits - hedgehogs emit pig-like grunts as they root through undergrowth for food. Hedgehogs have two litters every year – one in spring and one in autumn. The species is deemed to be under threat of extinction and numbers have declined by up to 30 per cent over the past decade.

Finally, the collective noun for a group of hedgehogs (left) is an ‘array’.

INTERVIEW: MEET THE YOUNG DUB SINGLE-HANDEDLY SAVING THE MOST HELPLESS LITTLE ANIMALS to educate the kids about them.

“There’s no funding because we’re not a registered charity yet so it’s difficult to get funding. It costs a fortune to rehabilitate a hedgehog.

“If we have a case where a strimmer has taken its back leg off then we need a vet to take the rest of the leg off and treat the wound.

“It’s a struggle like all rescue centres out there.

You just do what you can. My dad is a retired farmer so at least we had a bit of land for a purposebuilt unit. We got the cages donated.

“It’s my vocation, I’m animal mad and hedgehogs are fabulous little creatures. You’d be surprised by how many people have never seen one.”

Yvonne, who runs the centre virtually singlehanded with the help of a handful of local volunteers, offers an adoption pack which allows you to choose the hedgehog’s name, visit it, and see it released back into the wild once rehabilitated.

The package, which costs e40, also entitles the sponsor to a certificate, a crocheted hedgehog,

a garden ornament with the same theme and a “It’s painstaking feeding them, just a few drops ceramic hog (full details on the Facebook page). with a little 1ml syringe until they can get a suck Aside from funding the real challenge for reflex. Everything has to be manufactured specialYvonne is to educate the public on how to cre- ly because there’s nothing out there small enough ate a safe environment for them. She urges against to feed a baby hedgehog. the use of slug pellets and asks anyone who sees “These syringes are specially designed with a a hog out during the day to put it in a high-sided plastic tip that is soft on their palate. For the first box with a hot water - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - few days they might bottle and ring her at just take one tenth of 086 8810492. a millilitre at a time.

She warned: “If a “After two weeks hedgehog is out durtheir eyes open and ing the day then that then you can leave is not okay. In sumsome formula in the mer we get a lot of lid of a jam jar and orphans whose mother has been hit by a car. They they will start lapping it up.” might only be 20 or 30 grams in weight.

Yvonne released 57 hedgehogs from hibernation “You’ve to feed them through the night, they are last week. She tries to return them as close to the really tiny. I’ve had them as small as 10 grams – spot where they were found as possible, as long as you’re talking half the size of your thumb – and it’s not too close to a main road or badger set as when they’re first born they don’t have any spikes. they can prey on them when hungry.

‘You’ve to feed them through the night, they are really tiny. I’ve had them as small as 10 grams – you’re talking half the size of your thumb’

She said: “This is something I feel passionate about. They’re going extinct because of human interference. If we can offset that then there’s hope - there’s no point spending a few hundred euros rehabilitating a hedgehog to put it back into a habitat that has the same problems.”

Like any nurse Yvonne does her best not to get emotionally attached, but things don’t always go to plan.

She admitted: “At the beginning it was hard. We had a lot of hand-reared babies and it was hard to release them, but we know they’re wild animals and you’re not allowed to keep them by law.

“I like to see them go. That is what makes the job worthwhile, you rehabilitate them and get them back into the wild to reproduce.

“I do worry about them when they’re gone. We had one this year that came in at death’s door but he pulled through.

“I was emotional about him heading off, but deep down I know it’s the best thing for him.”

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 23 March 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE  EMMA NOLAN

THOUGH some may roll their eyes at this, many will agree that Man’s Best Friend is just as deserving of some retail therapy now and again as us humans! River Island’s Dog Collection is back for its second season, with some adorable pieces for any dog, from the smallest of puppers to the biggest of doggos. I mean, what dog doesn’t need a bomber pink jacket?

So, this week, it’s time to ...

Pawsfur Fashion Lotus print crop top €20; Leggings €30

Rainbow rain shorts €30; Grey marl hoodie €40; Colour block bikini top €23

See in store for prices per product to suit your prized pooch pet

Rainbow rain leggings €30; Crop top €20

T back vest top €20; Rainbow leggings €29

Spirited style

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

NEW gym gear is the number-one motivation to go to the gym – FACT! Exclusive to Dublin, Accessorize has just launched its brand new Spirit Collection, which will brighten your work-out.

With bright floral prints and sporty-chic marl designs in leggings, tops, hoodies, sweaters and crop tops, this athleisure collection is all about being ‘the best you’, whether you’re heading to yoga class or exploring the great outdoors.

M50MOTORING



GAZETTE

23 March 2017 GAZETTE 19

in association with

The Dublin Gazette drives you through the motoring world on a tour of the latest models, technology & industry news

NEW CAPTUR CLAIMS MORE ADVENTURE RENAULT revealed the new Captur SUV at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Captur has been the top-selling B-segment crossover in Europe in 2016.

The urban crossover has gained even more allure with its C-Shape lighting signature and new body colours. The new generation Captur can also be fitted with a fixed glass panoramic roof. Available only in two-tone configuration, the new feature The new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has a more stylish lighting pack and is more comfortable than in the past with seven seat capacity and prices starting at €28,995 before delivery charges.

improves ambient light in the cabin.

New Captur keeps its two-tone body colour option and along with a wider range of colour choices gives motorists a choice of 36 different combinations to create their very own Captur.

The new Captur is equipped with full LED headlights to sharpen the car’s looks and improves safety while providing greater efficiency. LED daytime running lights are built into the lower bumper in a C shape, forming the brand’s light signature.

The rear lights feature the same signature, visible day and night.

Citroen comfort and style in Grand C4 Picasso Citroen’s image of comfort and style is truly reflected in the big Grand C4 Picasso that carries a seven person load in an airy capsule that’s pleasant to drive as Michael Moroney reports when it took the people carrier on tour.

THERE’S a unique and distinctive style to the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso that combines airiness with a feeling of artistic cubism that was characteristic of the Picasso design style. When you look at the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso from different angles you can sometime see a different car each time.

The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso driving experience is also unique compared with many other cars. The new generation of this top-selling seven seat MPV has evolved with a level of comfort and brightness, helped by the panoramic sunroof. You’ll never feel claustrophobic in the car that packs space, comfort and safety on an internally bright package.

Citroen has used the combination of the PSA engineering technology with its own unique design style to create a people carrier that’s modern and distinctive.

It doesn’t have the ‘Mammy Bus’ felling to it or boxiness that has pushed many drivers to consider SUVs rather than more practical MPVs. Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso will always be distinctive and now with a re-launched brand under a new Irish distributor, the Citroen brand aims to retain and enhance its value. For family drivers, that means a competitive entry price combined with lots of specification value that’s now topped off by a five-year warranty.

Continued on next page

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 23 March 2017

M50MOTORING

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso: A wellequipped family car Continued from page 19

Add all of those features and you begin to get more comfortable with the Citroën brand for the right reasons. I took the new generation Citroen Grand C4 Picasso for some lengthy drives and its 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine was able for the job of hauling a big car, and its load, in comfort and with economy.

This engine is used throughout the Citroen and Peugeot ranges and has been behind French group’s success in lowering CO2 emission standards. Out on the road and linked with the six-speed, manual gearbox, the cruising speed of 120km/ hr on the motorway was at an effortless 2,000rpm on the engine.

That’s the economy sweet spot and the large dash screen provided a good view of how my driving styled was evolving. I liked the large digi-

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 HDI SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty tal display of my speed, coupled with economy hints based around a subtle but clear alternative rev counter dial.

With some sensible driving, I was less than 20% off the rated economy figure of 23.3km/litre (4.31/100km or 65mpg).

That’s a good result from what is a big car and it carried a big load over two long days driving in the mid-west. I liked the

1.6 litre 120hp 11.3 seconds 23.3km/litre (4.31/100km or 65mpg) 69 litres 111g/km A4 €200 25,000km/12 months 5 star (2013) 5 years /100,000km fuel filler cap approach with hand-free opening and cap-less cover to keep the taint of diesel from your hands.

This was a car that was easy to get used to despite its large size. The D-shaped steering wheel felt a little unusual at first, but I soon got to see its benefits. The steering wheel is a multi-function one with a nice tactile feel to it.

The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is well equipped to be the dominant family car with its seven seat capacity. One of the especially attractive features for families is the fact that middle row of three seats are all individually adjustable. They also come with ISO-Fix couplings so that two child seats a bolster seat will fit, important for family transport.

The additional two rear seats are easily brought into action and when not needed they fold flat into the floor. Citroen includes a space saver spare wheel with the car and that’s tucked under the boot floor on the outside, but at least it’s there.

T he car is well equipped with safety features, including two new optional driver assistance packages are available, which introduce Citroen first active safety systems such as Active Lane Departure Warning and Active Blind Spot Moni-

in association with

The new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has wide opening doors and access to the third row of seats is reasonably good and (inset) The stylish in the cab for the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso is very modern with a large central screen that’s clear and can be set to suit individual style preferences.

toring.

The Driver Assistance Pack One contains active lane departure warning system, active blind spot monitoring system, speed limit recognition, intelligent beam headlights and driver attention alert.

Driver Assistance Pack Two includes all of the above, as well as active radar guided cruise control. The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso scored highly in the Euro NCAP crash

test programme to add to its accolades.

The make boot opening easier Citroen is now offers hands-free tailgate technology on the Grand C4 Picasso Flair version for an additional €800 to allow the boot to open by simply waving a foot under the rear bumper.

The entry model in the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso range is a petrol engine car competitively priced at €28,995, while I

drove the 1.6-litre turbodiesel version. Peugeot offers a similar MPV in the 5008 but the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso feels so much more spacious and airy.

Other options include the Toyota Verso and the Volkswagen Touran, but for me the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso wins out in terms of comfort, economy and sheer driving pleasure with great front-end visibility.

New compact and efficient Suzuki Swift on the way this June

The Suzuki Swift: More modern styling and improved economy

FOLLOWING on from its launch in the Japanese domestic market late last year, Suzuki recently unveiled the new European version of the Swift. The new car is expected to be available in Ireland in June of this year.

This new Swift comes with new styling and a performance-enhancing lighter body with advanced safety technologies.

Suzuki claims that the new Swift comes with improved visibility, a spacious cabin and ample luggage space.

The new Swift is built on a new vehicle

platform which is claimed to be light and highly rigid. The car’s under body structure and component layout claims to have resulted in the use of a highly rigid frame that enhances collision safety.

This new Swift body structure is now 30kg lighter than before which has contributed to the car registering a kerb weight of just 890kg (SZ3 model), 120kg lighter overall for the whole car.

The new Swift will be available with either a 90bhp 1.2-litre four cylinder Dualjet engine that claims 23km/litre

(65mpg) or 111bhp 1.0 litre three-cylinder Boosterjet engine that claims 21.5km/ litre (61mpg). Both are low CO2 emission petrol engines. The cars are claimed to be 19% more powerful and 8% more fuel efficient than outgoing models.

The new Swift is 10mm shorter than the outgoing model, while its wheelbase is 20mm longer. Suzuki claims that this creates more interior room including 25% more luggage capacity at 254 litres, or 54 litres more than the outgoing model.

23 March 2017 GAZETTE 21

in association with

CO2 levels falling as Peugeot taking the lead THE levels of CO2 emission from cars in Europe fell by 1.2% according to a new report by JATO Dynamics, which covered 23 European car markets. The report shows that Peugeot led the brand ranking, with its average emissions falling by 1.7g/km in 2016, to give an average finishing CO2 rate of 117.8 g/ km, across all new car models.

The result was 1.4 g/km lower than the total seen in 2015. It represents the smallest annual percentage improvement for the last 10 years.

JATO claims that this can be attributed to the slower growth of diesel registrations in 2016, which produce lower CO2 emissions.

On a country level, Norway had the lowest CO2 emissions of all countries analysed. Incentives to increase the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids resulted in these segments accounting for 39% of the country’s total registrations. Notably, the Netherlands and Denmark were the only two markets with increased average CO2 emissions in 2016; again the major driver of change was government policy. The reduction of tax incentives in the Netherlands resulted in a 53% fall in demand for PHEVs, and increased tax rates for EVs in Denmark resulted in a 71% fall in EV registrations.

to 2015. Both Peugeot and Citroen benefit from their smaller ranges of SUVs/large vehicles.

Toyota over took Renault in third place with its improvements largely thanks to the strong performance of its hybrid range, which accounted for 39% of its European registrations in 2016. Notably, Peugeot leads the way in reducing emissions from their car range in Toyota’s average emissions for its hybrid Europe, ahead of Citroën, with hybrid leader Toyota in third place. range grew by 4.3g/km Peugeot led the brand ranking for a sec- due to the launch of its RAV4 Hybrid. ond year as it decreased its average CO2 The only brands not to decrease CO2 emissions by 1.7g/km. This was primarily emissions in 2016 were Nissan, Ford and due to a lower CO2 emission average for Mazda. This can largely be attributed to the its petrol engines. Peugeot’s top-seller, the prominence of these brands with regards to Peugeot 208, decreased its average CO2 particular models. A significant portion of emissions by 1.3g/km from 99.3g/km to Nissan’s registrations were SUVs. Similarly, 98g/km.

Ford and Mazda’s average CO2 emissions PSA Group’s other volume brand Citro- increases can be attributed to increased en, occupied second place with 103.3g/km, registrations of the Mustang and MX-5 respecwhich is a reduction of 2.3g/km compared tively.

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 23 March 2017

M50MOTORING

in association with

Nissan adds new features to Qashqai

NISSAN recently unveiled the new Qashqai, with claims of significant improvements to the car’s character. The Qashqai upgrades focus on a new exterior design, higher levels of interior quality and improved driving performance.

New Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies have also been added, continuing Nissan’s journey towards zero emissions and zero fatalities.

The new Qashqai will be available with ProPILOT autonomous drive capability.

Controlling the steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane on highways, Nissan claims that this will provide drivers with more control of their vehicle and a more confident drive, plus greater freedom when they want it, whether during heavy traffic congestion or highspeed cruising.

The design changes are most obvious in the cabin, where Nissan claims an

FASTNews

Renault’s electric Zoe

Renault-Nissan Alliance and Transdev to jointly develop driverless vehicle fleet system RENAULT and Nissan Alliance and Transdev have joined forces with Transdev to jointly explore development of mobility services with fleets of electric driverless vehicles for public and on-demand transportation.

The companies will collaborate to develop a comprehensive, modular transportation system to enable clients to book rides, and mobility operators to Nissan has redesigned the Qashqai with new styling inside and out and more technology features

monitor and operate self-driving car fleets. Transdev currently operates in 19 countries where the French-

improved layout, higherquality materials and more advanced technology.

The range-topping models come with new seats trimmed in high-quality soft nappa leather, with 3D quilting on the centre panels.

The Qashqai gets a new D-shaped multi-function steering wheel with satinchrome inserts. It features a new four-way controller for the combi-meter display, for more intuitive use

and less ‘eyes off the road’ time. The NissanConnect infotainment system, complete with DAB digital radio and satellite navigation, now features a new user interface. A new option for music fans is a BOSE seven-speaker premium sound system.

Nissan claims to have made a number of underthe-skin improvements to the new Qashqai. They claim that modifications to the suspension, damp-

ing and steering systems have resulted in an even more refined on-the-road experience.

Nissan is using better noise absorption materials and increased rear glass thickness both of which have led to a reduction in cabin noise from the road, engine and wind. The Qashqai gets new 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels, all claimed to be aerodynamically optimised to maximise efficiency.

Nissan claims that the new Qashqai retains its class-leading drag coefficient of 0.31, and continues as segment leader on C02 emissions, with only 99g/km from the 1.5-litre dCi 110 diesel.

The Qashqai continues to be offered with Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert, Intelligent Park Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning.

based group operates 43,000 vehicles and 22 tramway networks.

The research will initially include field tests in the Paris-Saclay region with Renault’s electric Zoe models, which is claimed to be the the leading electric vehicle in Europe.

Avoid a crash diet – don’t eat at the wheel

DRIVERS caught snacking at the wheel face fines and penalty points For road safety reasons as well as poor digestion, it makes good sense to avoid eating and drinking while at the wheel.

Attempting to eat or drink while driving is a distraction estimated to double a driver’s risk of being involved in a crash, according to research from London’s Brunel University.

You can also be prosecuted for not being in proper control of your vehicle, an offence punishable by a fixed penalty and points on your driving licence. You may even be prosecuted for careless driving which again

means points on your licence and an unlimited fine.

Eating and drinking when we are driving takes your attention away from the driving task will increase our risk of collision.

Despite this, as you drive around Dublin city you see so many drivers who don’t see it as a problem to unwrap a pasty, sip a scalding hot coffee or glug from a large juice carton on a journey.

Remember that driving is a complex enough task already. So trying to do anything else at the same time just makes the journey riskier because we’re not fully focused on driving. If something then goes

wrong, we’re likely to react more slowly because our attention is elsewhere. And when you do need to react, there’s the food item or beverage to deal with, too.

For safety reasons make sure you are always in full control of your car. Keep both hands, and all your brain, on the driving task. Focusing on anything else is a distraction that will increase the risk of a collision.

The best advice is to plan your journeys so there’s time for snack and drinks breaks built in. Stop somewhere safe, such as a proper parking area or motorway service station. Don’t believe any drivers who say they can multi-task safely while driving.

Want to reach an audience in excess of 300,000 people in Dublin each week?

To advertise in our new Motoring section, contact sales@dublingazette.com

or call 01 601 0240

23 March 2017 GAZETTE 23

in association with

Spirit unveil new Volvo showroom SPIRIT Motor Group recently launched its state of the art new Volvo showroom and service centre on Birch Avenue, south Dublin, with a special event attended by loyal customers, local VIPs and Volvo enthusiasts.

Spirit Motor Group is the first dealership in Ireland to launch the new global Volvo Retail Experience facility. Volvo ambassadors including, RTE’s Room to Improve host Dermot Bannon, Leinster Rugby players Isa Nacewa, Josh Van Der Flier and Jordi Murphy and Josepha Madigan TD were in attendance.

The new showroom focuses on space and design and reflecting Scandinavian-inspired values of ‘cool on the outside and warm on the inside’-style architecture. With beautifully designed Swedish furnishings and free use of Wi-Fi, customers can relax during their time in the showroom.

With the addition of the new Volvo facility on Birch Avenue, Spirit Motor

Volvo ambassadors Isa Nacewa, Josh Van Der Flier and Jordi Murphy outside the spectacular new Sandymount showroom

Group will extend its presence in Sandyford and will support 20 jobs, bringing the total number of people employed by Spirit Motor Group to 200.

Current staff from the existing Volvo showroom on Arena Road will transfer to the new facility, and will be led by the new management team of dealer principal John Ryan, and service director, Robbie Bolger.

An authorised Volvo Retailer since 2004, Spirit Motor Group is a wellestablished car retail business in South Dublin, representing a number of brands in the area. Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Ford and Skoda each have their own showrooms across six different locations between Sandyford and Baldonnell.

In addition, Spirit Premium, also in Sandyford, and Spirit Burton, in near-

by Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, offer select ranges of pre-owned vehicles prepared to the highest standard.

Alan Moore, operations director of Spirit Motor Group said: “We are delighted to be launching our newVolvo facility after many years working with the brand. We believe this is a fitting home and destination for the exciting new range of Volvo cars. Not only that,

but our newworkshop facility represents the very latest in Volvo diagnostics and technology and our service customers can now have a fully immersive experience in being able to see this work being done while they wait.

“This expansion further strengthens Spirit Motor Group’s presence in South Dublin and is in line with our plans for the strategic growth and development of our business. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our new showroom and after sales centre where we will continue to provide the very best service to all our loyal Volvo customers.”

Spirit Motor Group is the first dealership in Ireland to launch the new global Volvo Retail Experience facility.

Volvo ambassadors including, RTE’s Dermot Bannon, Leinster Rugby players Isa Nacewa, Josh Van Der Flier and Jordi Murphy and Josepha Madigan TD were in attendance.

GAZETTE

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

DUBLINLIFE

!

M A comic BHow

CINEMA

ANALYSIS: EXPLORING THE RISE AND RISE OF POPULAR GENRE FILMS

You can expect Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2 to be top tog – or top alien – at the cinema in Summer The first film was a surprise hit, but struck a chord with fans looking for an upbeat space opera

book heroes got into the mainstream WITH 2008’s Iron Man, Marvel struck upon a winning formula for cinematic super hero adaptations; a scientific formula for printing money, one might say, and one they’ve adhered to as if it were religious doctrine ever since.

After all, if it ain’t broke (and continues smashing box office records), don’t fix it.

In all those years, the comic book giant has hardly put a foot wrong (we’ll forgive 2008’s big, green, angry, gamma-radiated misstep), all thanks to that winning formula.

And what exactly is that formula’s unassailable composition? Epic opening battles, magical McGuffins, affable characters with relatable motivations despite their fantastical situations, great big dollops of humour and, apart from the odd “PG-13” moment, some good, wholesome family entertainment – this is now a Disney cinematicuniverse, after all.

Ignoring the occasional dissenting voice, it’s rare that the studio is hit with

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

anything other than critical and commercial success.

Looking back on 1986’s Howard The Duck, the publisher’s first proper foray into theatrical filmmaking (and commonly considered as one of the worst films ever made), this is a near-unbelievable success story.

While Marvel Studios may have given new life to a dying genre, there are those growing weary of their immutable approach.

These naysayers herald its proliferation as the death knell of modern movie-making, decrying cooker-cutter plot after cookie-cutter plot.

The creative minds at DC Comics and Warner Bros chose a different path, going for darker than dark grit with their own “expanded universe” churning out flop after

critical flop with Man of Steel, Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice and last year’s great, big star-studded abomination, Suicide Squad.

It seems DC will never manage to ape Marvel’s success, let alone recapture the magic of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.

However, On the other side of the Marvel cinematic divide, 20th Century Fox have taken the brave step of appealing to those dissenting voices, achieving the seeminglyunachievable with last year’s Deadpool adaptation – the most successful R-rated movie ever made, grossing $746 million at the box office.

Giving the people what the people want, Fox applied a similarly goresoaked, swear-heavy coat of paint to this month’s Logan, directed by James Mangold.

While not the superhero masterpiece some critics claim it to be, Logan demonstrates how a darker, more mature approach can still capture the super-

hero essence of the comic book, showing DC how it’s done.

2017 is already shaping up to be a very different year for comic book movies, then. Marvel’s most recent endeavor, Doctor Strange, hinted at what’s to come.

While at its core it may have worn a similar path to previous offerings, Strange’s blend of action and aesthetic was the greatest leap forward Marvel have taken in years.

T his year ’s Thor: Ragnarok , due for release in October, will be directed by Taika Waititi, who says the studio have allowed him to inject the film with all the offbeat character of his previous two films, What We Do in The Shadows (2014), and Hunt For the Wilderpeople (2016).

The film takes elements from the bizarre, spaceopera “Planet Hulk” comic book story.

Thor: Ragnarok won’t be Marvel’s only planethopping adventure this year. The studio first learned it could afford

Guardians was further proof that superhero films with ‘comic book sensibilities‛ can be wildly entertaining

Despite misfires such as Batman Vs Superman, genre films have largely been lucrative hits at the box office

There are high hopes for Wonder Woman to deliver a new franchise The Avengers films have been particularly successful for Marvel

Not every such film is a hit Sorry, Howard

to get a little out-there with the surprise success of 2014’s Guardians of The Galaxy, as long as they stuck to their triedand-tested recipe.

April’s sequel to the film, Vol 2, again directed

by James Gun, will see the Guardians return for more space-based madness.

Spider-man: Homecoming, released in July, will rather unbelievably

make the bold move of depicting the web-slinger as an actual teenager, making the notion of yet another reboot for the series a bit more intriguing.

On the DC side, June’s Wonder Woman will be the first female-led superhero movie since 2005’s Elektra, and the powers that be at Warner have already stated that

November’s Justice League will be a tonally lighter film that Zack Snyder’s other endeavours for the studio.

With all these shakeups on the horizon, one can’t argue that the industry isn’t taking criticism on board. If anything, 2017 will be a game-changer for comic books movies – an exciting prospect, to say the least.

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING

At least much of the gaming itself was well organised, with YouTube stars also giving some great insights, and networked and competitive eSports proving popular

The huge numbers that attended GamerCon underscored that there’s certainly a great appetite for more gaming events here. Photos: Shane Dillon

GAMERCON: WHAT WENT RIGHT – AND SO WRONG – AT THE BUSY EVENT

Lines of reproach for jam-packed gathering  SHANE DILLON

LAST weekend’s GamerCon at the National Convention Centre (NCC) certainly made lots of headlines in Ireland and internationally – just not for the reasons organisers would have wanted, with widespread negative press and some damning social media criticisms almost completely overshadowing the two-day event itself.

As a disclaimer, I was there for a few hours on Saturday, so I just saw how things worked that day – but the day was followed by pretty furious posts from people and parents slamming the event, while I also overheard several frazzled arguments.

Expected to be a great showcase for all things gaming and gaming culture-related, one can only ask: where did GamerCon go so wrong?

Widespread reports have subsequently focused on the amount of tickets sold for the two-day event, versus the actual capacity of the NCC. It appears that organisers greatly underestimated the ‘flow’ of punters.

If people were expected to come in for a while, look around and then leave the NCC, that’s not at all what happened – they were obviously intent on staying for hours, if not the day.

The end result was that the NCC was soon full with a capacity crowd of

people who were reluctant to leave, perhaps because they wanted to see timetabled events at different times during the day, while more and more people kept joining the snaking queues outside.

This long, long line of men, women and children was blasted by the gusting winds and driving drizzle in the wide exposed space all around the NCC, with some punters and NCC staff confirming to me that, at that stage, it was taking people about 2.5 hours to get in.

Inside, more queues could be found for some events, with scattered seating and pretty basic food services for the thousands milling about inside compounding matters.

That’s not to say the event was a disaster – for example, a number of YouTubers and gamers were a hit in the main auditorium, which I popped in and out of repeatedly.

It was clear that they were enjoying the banter, gameplay, audience interaction and so on – this was certainly a nicely organised and well-received aspect of GamerCon. Downstairs, and the eSports and networked gaming hubs were also a hit, but here capacity was also an issue. With eSports enjoying great audience support, there wasn’t enough seating for the numbers watching.

As for the area with new game previews, VR pods, shopping, and other such

related gaming matters, the crowd was a crushing throng to rival Grafton Street on Christmas Eve, with – you guessed it – more queues also a feature.

On the plus side, the huge numbers heading to GamerCon prove that there’s a still largely untapped hunger for and interest in gaming across Ireland.

If thousands of all ages will queue for ages in truly terrible weather, that tells you how much of a foothold gaming has in modern life.

As for how GamerCon could perhaps learn from the events of this year to make another such event run a bit smoother, see the panel, right.

Resetting GamerCon GAMERCON at the NCC showed that gamers – and their families – want to get their money’s worth, with pretty much all of the problems at the event stemming from the fact that people came along in their thousands – but then wouldn’t leave ...

To avoid the knock-on problems that this caused (notably, the giant queues that developed outside, as shown above, and the crowd inside), a sensible solution could be to chop GamerCon into more staggered and better timetabled events.

Selling tickets for clear half-day slots, say, with a gap for crowd dispersal and cleaning/restaging in the middle – and, crucially, only selling ticket allocations to comfortably match the venue’s capacity – would go a long way to avoiding the unfortunate issues arising from this year’s GamerCon, making it more enjoyable for all, and easier to control.

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

HOST FAMILIES

DRIVEWAYS/PATIOS

LANDSCAPING

ROOFING

WINDOWS

DVDS PAINTING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

RECRUITMENT

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



LOCAL TEAM WIN? WE WANT TO KNOW! Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@dublingazette.com

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

SPORT

FastSport MCCRYSTAL BACK WITH A BANG: PARALYMPIAN Eve McCrystal returned to domestic action with a bang on Sunday, when sprinting for victory in round one of Cycling Ireland’s Women’s National Road Series.

The Garda cycling club member led home the field at Condron Car Sales Des Hanlon Memorial Race in Carlow.

It was a hardfought win and one the women’s peloton will have to get used to as, in the wake of her and Katie-George Dunlevy’s Rio 2016 gold and silver medals, the Garda CC rider’s focus has shifted.

“Ras Na mBan is my big goal this year,” she said. “I haven’t looked past that, but with my schedule with Katie-George I actually only miss one National Road Series race.

“It’s been nearly two years since I really rode in Ireland.

There were a lot of new faces out there today, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

HOCKEY: LEINSTER SENIOR CUP GLORY HEADS TO WEST DUBLIN AFTER SHOOT-OUT

Keogh and Micklem shoot Glens to Mills Cup success

 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

DAVID Keogh and Leo Micklem were the toast of Glenanne as the duo combined to hand the Tallaght club their first Mills Cup title in nine years, beating a much-decorated Monkstown side in a pumped up tie.

Keogh scored two audacious shoot-outs – one in the regulation first five, the other in sudden death – while goalkeeper Micklem made five quality saves to land the Leinster senior title.

It came at the end of a fractious and dramatic battle in which Monkstown made the initial inroads but Glenanne roared back into contention in the closing quarter to finally forge an equaliser and, ultimately, shoot-out success.

For Town, the match saw the return of David Fitzgerald from injury for the first time this season, stepping in for the work-tied Max Maguire who has donned the goalkeeping smock to date.

He would play a major part in the drama later on, making numerous saves down the final stretch and, crucially, a stroke in the shoot-out.

David Cole had set Monks-

Glenanne celebrate their Leinster Senior Mills Cup victory on St Patrick’s Day. Picture: Adrian Boehm

town on their way, scoring from a corner won by Kyle Good in the 12th minute. Eddie O’Malley equalised quickly, turning home after Gary Shaw nabbed the ball on the 23m line and laid on a pass for Stu Ronan to coolly square for a tap-in.

The cards started flowing then, Karl Smith’s yellow for a slide-tackle was followed by Jason Lynch’s green to put Town down to nine for a spell while

decisions were over-turned on a couple of occasions for dissent.

Back to 11, Town got back in front on the half-hour from another corner with Cole again shooting home low. There was a touch of controversy to it as Ross Quirke appeared to take a few steps into the circle before the injection which usually leads to a reset corner if spotted.

Glenanne’s complaints were turned away.

The sky-blues continued to have the edge in the early phases of the second half as Davy Carson and Good piled forward with menace.

Glenanne survived a Stephen Brownlow yellow card suspension before fighting back with Sam O’Connor pushing things on from the back while Keogh and Richard Couse became more and more influential.

After a couple of corner

chances went awry and a penalty stroke was awarded and then annulled – for a supposed foul on O’Connor by Fitzgerald, sparking manic protestations – the Glens levelled from their fifth corner via Brownlow’s drag with six minutes to go.

Clive Kennedy and Neil Byrne went close to winning it in normal time and their wait for glory was prolonged further when the shoot-out yielded only one goal from either side from the first five rounds.

This included a Gary Shaw that rolled over the line but only to be beaten by the eight-second whistle while a subsequent stroke from Brownlow was kept out by Fitzgerald.

Carson put Town 1-0 up in the fourth round but Keogh levelled with an ice-cool push early on from top D before the keeper could set himself.

It meant sudden death where Carson repeated his trick on the reverse, tying up O’Connor’s goal.

Keogh, though, crowned the day with a second perfect finish, this time on the backhand, before Micklem denied Kyle Good to spark the celebrations in earnest.

Maher touches down for epic Belvo cup retention  sport@dublingazette.com

Belvedere College celebrate their Senior Cup success

BELVEDERE College were taken all the way to the last play before finally landing back-toback Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup titles with a 10-3 win over Blackrock College at the RDS on St Patrick’s Day. It was tight and tense throughout with Belvedere’s David Hawkshaw putting the kick-off into touch on the full perhaps a sign of nerves.

Nonetheless, his handling and football nous created space for Belvo and he played an influen-

tial role.

Indeed, his kicking game was beginning to have an influence, never more so than when Hawkshaw grubbered the ball through.

Full-back Tom Roche could not tame the awkward bounce and Peter Maher was on the spot to touchdown the only try of the day for Hugh O’Sullivan to make it 7-0 in their 23rd minute.

This was extended when Blackrock hooker Stephen McLoughlin was whistled in a borderline call at the ruck for O’Sullivan to stitch on three points in the 27th minute, 10-0 at the break.

It was a long way back from there given the difficulties underfoot. Blackrock got a foothold when centre Liam Turner forced a penalty out of Jordan Wilkes on the floor and out-half Peter O’Reilly slotted the points in the 38th minute.

In something of a slog, Hawkshaw made a couple of key rips out of Rock hands in the tackle as the southside school tried to force the issue.

It kept the tie in the balance deep into the second half and Rock set up a rousing closing phase when full-back Tom Roche

completed a superb turnover.

He backed this up with a strong burst through the middle where flanker Doran drove into contact to cause a penalty turnover.

The clock was the enemy of Blackrock and it would take something magical to break down a special defence.

There was time for one last play.

Blackrock kept the ball with consummate professionalism, driving relentlessly to the line where Clarkson was heroically held up by Max Kearney to signal the end of the game.

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Van Gelderen targets record speed in France

Decorated Loughshinny man looking to break new barriers as he takes up a special three-week challenge at Salins de la Palme at a windsurfing course designed for fast speeds  sport@dublingazette.com

Dublin’s Dunne and Doda pick up RILSA awards RILSA, the Irish ladies’ snooker association, held their second annual awards ceremony in The Teach Domain, Carlow earlier this month, with National Secretary Tina Keogh handing out awards for the year’s competition, including two to Dublin players.

Cathy Dunne, currently ranked second in RILSA’s Irish ladies rankings, took home the award for the Most Consistent Player throughout the season, having returned to the circuit over the last couple of years.

Dunne has represented Ireland on several occasions internationally over the years, and was absent from the RILSA circuit for a number of years before bursting back onto the scene in 2015.

Her impact was immediate as she took home three consecutive ranking events in the 2015 season. She took the inaugural RILSA International Irish Intermediate Open at Joey’s in Dublin in 2015, returning again in 2016 to go one better to reach the final of the main event.

This season, Dunne won the Maureen Butler Cup and was runner up in the season-long RILSA contest, ranking second over the course of the year.

Emirjeta Doda, pictured above with Koegh, took home the Junior Player of the Year Award, having been competitive at junior level since she joined RILSA back in 2014, at the very inauguration of the organisation’s junior program.

She won the inaugural RILSA Under-21 championship in 2014 and reached the final again in 2015.

The 2016/17 season saw Doda regain her Under-21 title at Joey’s.

Doda is once again the number one ranked junior player on the circuit this year, and is making a consistent impact on the senior ranks, too, where she ranked three in 2014/15, and has remained in the top six over the course of every season since.

RILSA representatives also recently attended the Teaming Up For Women’s Sports event at Griffith College with dominant player Annette Newman joining Louise Quinn (Irish soccer international) and Ellen Keane (Paralympic swimming medalist from Rio) to discuss collective ways to progress women’s sport in Ireland.

T WENT Y-seven time Irish windsurfing champion Oisin van Gelderen, from Loughshinny in the north county, joined the fastest windsurfers in the world in a bid to break the windsurfing speed world record this week at a newly designed speed course at Salins de la Palme, in the south of France.

The Irish GPS Speed Record Holder qualified for a wildcard invitation to the event, based on his previous speeds and potential to perform.

Being invited to join the fastest windsurfers in the world at a specialised location is the windsurfing equivalent of being invited to play in the Croke Park

final, or a golf major.

His aim is to use the opportunity to break his own personal best speeds and smash the 50 knot barrier (92.6kph), and set a new official Irish Speed Record over 500 metres – ratified by the World Sailing Speed Records Council.

The world record challenge runs for seven weeks until the end of April, and van Gelderen’s bid lasts for the first three weeks.

To date, he has experienced moderate wind conditions for the start of the challenge, which has given good training runs but nothing near a record.

For now, all the windsurfers wait for the Tramontana to properly show it’s full force, and then the hope is that records will

fall.

To that end, van Gelderen achieved 40.09 knots on Saturday. The Irish record is currently 40.44 knots, meaning he is within close range of that record.

The wind where he is, is a bit tricky as it’s currently blowing from the wrong direction, but that will change in the coming weeks.

T he current windsur fing speed world record, held by Frenchman Antoine Albeau (France), stands at 53.27knots (98.65kph)

over 500metres, which was set at purpose built speed canal in Luderitz, Namibia.

This country is currently home to all the fastest speeds in the world – in both windsurfing and kitesurfing – and the outright sailing speed world record by Australian Sailor Paul Larsen who, in a custom build carbon fibre boat, blew everyone else away with a speed of 65.45knots (121.21kph).

The La Palme course in France, is the brainchild of UK windsurfer Erik Beale, who in 1988

Oisin van Gelderen is one of Ireland’s leading windsurfers and is looking to break the national record in France.

became the first sailor (of any kind) in history to break 40 knot barrier.

With his vast experience, he sourced out potential locations that could provide world record breaking conditions, and found a location in France that could provide the essential combination of gale force wind and very flat water.

The Tramontana wind howls offshore throughout this part of France and the course itself is set in a salt marsh just inland of the Mediterranean, close to Leucate.

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 March 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: MOCHTA’S LEAD THE WAY IN SUNDAY SENIOR BY THREE POINTS

St Brendan’s to host league playoff battles ST BRENDAN’S/Phoenix Park Hockey Club’s junior section will host a range of league playoff matches next Sunday at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown.

Teams will travel from Rathgar, Genesis, Three Rock Rovers, Avoca and Pembroke who will pit their skills against the locals.

This will the club’s third year playing at the facility beside the National Aquatic Centre and having a brand-new pitch based in the Dublin 15 area has been a huge plus to the club.

Players are drawn from the greater Dublin 15 area with players also travelling short distances from Dublin 7 and Meath and elsewhere.

The season runs from September until April and sessions take place on Sundays for children aged 6-16 before the time comes to graduate to the adult teams. Membership has grown in the last few years since the opening of the pitch and results have been good with teams from the club topping their sections during the initial roundrobin phase.

The knockout stages are always exciting with extra-time and penalties deciding who advances to the next round and everyone will be trying hard to get to finals day on April 9.

Hughes caps Verona win with thunder-strike VERONA’S Under-13 Major side got the better of St Francis 2-0 in a top quality early season tie.

The Dublin 15 side set their stall out early in the contest with some tough tackling from Filip Ilas and Daniel Hardy in a tense midfield arena.

The hosts took advantage of that physical dominance midway through the first half when some

silky Alex Pop skills allowed him time in the box to pick out Ben Hilliard whose shot smashed into the net with a wonderful first time connection.

Eric Yoro went close on a couple of occasions to doubling the advantage, clipping the bar in the second half.

But they left the best til last with a first time shot was rifled into the top right corner from thirty five yards with a thunderous strike from man of the match Mark Hughes to spark wild celebrations.

Philly Hughes was named Lynx Man Of The Match. He was presented with a Lynx Gift Bag by Dave Lawlor of the Leinster Senior League

Dunne and Saints on the march LSL SUNDAY SENIOR St Mochta’s Killester United  sport@dublingazette.com

1 0

ST MOCHTA’S kept their fairytale dreams alive when they recorded their third league win in a row with a 1-0 victory over Killester United in the LSL Sunday Senior at Porterstown Road last weekend.

T he win stretched their lead at the top of the table to three points with a game in hand over Bluebell United in second and Crumlin United six points behind in third.

The Porterstown club enjoyed the better of the

first half and almost went ahead early on when Philly Hughes’ free kick had to be cleared off the line just as it looked like nestling into the top corner.

They went from almost going ahead to nearly falling behind just minutes later as Luke Kelly was forced into an excellent block in the penalty area.

Ciaran Bizzell was then called into action with a brilliant save after 21 minutes to deny David Lacey a chance to score against his former side, although Lacey was actually flagged for offside.

Two minutes later, the

UNDER-13 CALL OUT Dunboyne seeking new players for U-13 season DUNBOYNE AFC’s Under-13s are urgently look-

ing for new players for their two teams for the upcoming season.

The team is welcoming any boys born in 2004 and are interested in playing. Text 087 0524416 for more information.

The team recently received sponsorship from Macari’s and Papa Luigis in Dunboyne village, supporting their new set of jerseys for the upcoming 2017 season. Pictured are Daniel Pedon, owner of Macaris, Dunboyne manager Derek Finlay and captain Cian Finlay.

visitors had a chance to take the lead but could only look on as their powerful shot from the edge of the box cannoned back off the crossbar.

St Mochta’s upped their game in response and began to put more pressure on the opposition’s defence.

Keith Dunne flicked on a corner that caused havoc in the box but which was eventually booted away.

Dunne was having a big influence on the game and he won his side another corner when his cross was cleared behind.

Alan McGreal swung in the resultant set piece

but Killester managed to defend it once again.

St Mochta’s picked up another corner but the remainder of the half petered out, with the score deadlocked at 0-0 going into the break.

The home side held plenty of possession during the opening stages of the second half but continued to struggle to create chances, while Killester looked dangerous from set pieces.

Kelly delivered a dangerous ball into the box from a free kick on 52 minutes that Killester just about managed to survive, before Morgan Cranley had to produce

an excellent save to keep out another powerful shot at his goal.

Midfielder Karl Somers had a shot blocked before managing to clear from his own line as the game continued to swing from end to end.

The only goal of the game was finally scored in the 66th minute when the ball was moved from the right of the pitch to the middle of the box and eventually to the feet of Dunne to fire home from the left.

Mochta’s didn’t rest on their lead and continued to press for a second, but in the end one proved enough.

23 March 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

ST PATRICK’S DAY

Brigid’s on parade for annual celebration

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S THE Town Hall style meeting is on March

ST BRIGID’S were among the clubs to enjoy

the St Patrick’s Day parade in Blanchardstown as they painted their section of the day red and white.

A large number of club members braved the elements to gather at Scoil Bhride before linking up with the main parade through the village, bedecked in club colours for the annual celebration.

This week’s lotto draw this week is in

members attend. Make sure to have

the Roselawn Inn on March 23. The jack-

your voice heard and have your say in

pot remains at €15,000 with the reserve

the future of St Brigid’s.

also at €15,000.

Don’t forget to complete our club sur-

Membership can be paid online direct-

vey ahead of the meeting. Only takes five

ly from our website, www.stbrigidsgaa.

to ten minutes: https://www.survey-

com.

monkey.com/r/Brigids2020.

Huge thanks to all who helped with and took part in the Blanchardstown St Pat-

FOOTBALL: SOMERTON SIDE OFF THE MARK FOR 2017

rick’s Day Parade. Lovely photo album on the website.

St Brigid’s camogie Feile team are

AFL DIVISION ONE Clontarf 0-10 Castleknock 1-11  PADDY HEWSON sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK earned their first points of the year in AFL 1 with a 1-11 to 0-10 win over Clontarf last Sunday morning.

In blustery conditions, which tested both sides, the Dublin 15 club produced a workmanlike performance which was enough against the newly promoted side.

Despite the St Anne’s Park side being first to score after two minutes, it was Castleknock’s division one debutant Conor

Byrne who was to provide the early excitement with a trio of scores including a goal, all within the first 15 minutes.

For a good portion of the first half, when Jack McCaffrey’s side came calling, they found the Knock defence at home and went nearly 20 minutes before registering another score.

Meanwhile, Niall Millmore and Ben Galvin kept the Somerton side points tally moving and a fine piece of simple interplay between former Fermanagh star James Sherry and Matt Griffin allowed the latter to point and claim the score of the

game.

Sherry was disappointed not to have claimed a score of his own as his goal chance went to the left of the post. The latter stages of the first half saw Clontarf hit back with three points, but dead ball specialist Dessie Carlos and player of the year Tom Quinn kept distance between the sides with Castleknock leading 1-7 to 0-4 at the break.

A resurgent Clontarf came out in attack mode for the second half and ran at the Castleknock defence to good effect with Conor Mullins, Nathan Doran and Kevin Lillis all taking scores in

the opening minutes.

Indeed, the best of the early exchanges in the second half belonged to Clontarf.

Castleknock’s Graham Hannigan took a good score eight minutes in but they had their second half scoring chances severely restricted by a Clontarf side who notched up seven points from four different scorers in that period.

Not for the first time, Knock free taker Carlos showed his value with two points from frees.

And it was appropriate that Byrne rounded off the Castleknock scoring to claim the honours.

olds are welcome.

Well done to the Nh Brid U-12s who took part in the Caman to Leinster on Sunday, March 12.

The club will now represent Leinster in

day, March 25 at 7.30pm. All are welcome;

the “Caman to Croker” in Croke Park on

come as a team or link up on the night.

Easter Monday.

WIN, lose and draw is the story of adult

one night only in Castleknock Commu-

football at the weekend with our senior

nity College. Tickets from Eilish on 086

footballers recording a 1-11 to 0-10 win

8901147 or Breda on 086 8416431.

against Clontarf with our second team

Application forms for our Easter

disappointed to lose by three points to

camp are available on our website. The

Plunketts and our fourth team digging

camp runs from April 10th to April 13th

out a draw against Good Counsel.

at Tir Na nÓg. Forms and payment can be

The minor A camogie and minor B

handed into the club shop any Saturday

hurlers lost out but the minor A hurlers

from March 25. Forms must be in before

recorded their first win against a com-

April 8.

petitive St Jude’s side.

Debutant Byrne fires Knock to strong win

The nursery every Saturday is from 9.30am to 11am; all four to seven-year-

holding a quiz in the clubhouse on Satur-

CASTLEKNOCK

Castleknock’s James Sherry. Picture: Niall O’Connell

€10 per head or €40 per team.

24 at 8pm in Russell Park. It’s vital all

Our nursery, with thanks to Tigers

The senior hurlers play Setanta

Childcare, resumes for all groups in Tir

in Somerton on Sunday, March 26 at

na nOg on Saturday, March 25. Note new

10.30am. Support Whelan’s Warriors.

location.

There was no winner of our lotto jackpot in association with Rialto Ford. Num-

Congrats to Cuala on their All-Ireland club win.

bers drawn were 11, 12, 13 and 23. There

Feile teams Mother’s Day cake sale on

were four match three winners, each

Sunday, March 26 at 10am to 1.30pm in

getting €75. Next draw in the Bell with a

Laurel Lodge Community Centre. Please

jackpot of €2,600.

support by dropping off at community

Get your tickets for Juno and the Paycock which is on Thursday, March 30 for

centre on Saturday, March 25 (5-6pm) or from 9.30am on Sunday.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN THE juniors had their first league suc-

Great turnout by our juveniles for the

cess on Sunday, beating St Pat’s Don-

St Patrick’s Day Parade in Lucan. Thanks

abate by 2-10 to 0-10 in Westmanstown.

to all who attended and helped out in

The next fixture is against the same

organising the children and to Eric for

opposition this time in the Murphy Cup

the use of his tractor and trailer.

next Sunday at 12pm in Westmanstown.

On the playing field, our U-14 hurl-

The intermedaites lost to Kilmacud

ers had a big win in their first Division

Crokes in the league away; next fixture

5 league match of the year over St Fin-

at home to St Vincent’s next Sunday in

barrs, scoring 7-11 to 0-1. Special thanks

the Loving Cup at 10.30am.Training con-

to U-12 players Rian and Cathal who

tinues at the usual times this week.

turned out and had excellent games.

The minors have an away league tie

Some membership fees are still out-

next Sunday against Kilmacud Crokes

standing and Leo Devlin is available to

at 11am. Ladies preseason training con-

assist those who have not yet complied.

tinues on Mondays and Wednesday’s at

Vital for insurance purposes that all

7.30pm.Well done to Heather Smith who

players are fully registered and paid up

lined out in goals for Dublin minors on

before the end of the month; after March

Saturday against Longford in the Lein-

31, no pay, no play.

ster Championship - all at the club are very proud of you.

The club Easter Camp takes place from Tuesday, April 18 to Friday, April 21

All adult team management are

from 10am to 2.30pm each day.To book a

reminded of necessity to secure the goal

place contact club GPO Declan Jennings

nets after all games and training on the

at 085 8006101 or online at https://www.

main pitch.

surveymonkey.com/r/GaelsEC.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR BLANCH SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

MARCH 23-29, 2017

KICKING ON: Castleknock get first win of their AFL1 season as they prove too strong for Clontarf P31

LEINSTER HOCKEY HEROICS: Glenanne end theirlong wait for senior cup glory P28

Corduff seal epic four titles in 10 days  sport@dublingazette.com

CORDUFF reached new heights before the summer season has even started after an extended run in the SFAI All-Ireland competitions and the LFA over 35 provisional competition, racking up four Leinster titles in 10 days.

The Dublin 15 club won at Under-12, 14 and 16 level in the SFAI Leinster regional competitions before adding an Over-35 LFA title for good measure.

Indeed, the Over-35s completed their victory in

some style as they beat a Finglas United side littered with ex-junior international players, many FAI junior cup winners and ex-League of Ireland players and an English first division regular.

It was a great final played between two teams of old school, committed players, something of a dying breed in the modern senior game.

A 3-1 win over Finglas united with a man of the match performance from Tommy Kelly was enough to take home the big one in over 35 football form OscarTraynor

road.

The schoolboy section, meanwhile, has yet to start its summer soccer season but thanks to a great extended run in the SFAI competitions, competitive football was on-going while most others had been on their break from the short season of 2016.

The haul started at St Kevin’s Boys when the club’s Under-16s won 2-0 in a well-deserved victory.

Next up was the Under-12s last Sunday morning who beat Ardee Celtic 4-1 with an exhibition of football.

Then, to seal the four Leinster trophies haul, the Under-14s who beat Ardee Celtic on penalties in a tight affair.

It might have been even better, too, as the club’s Under-13 Premiers and Under-15 Premiers both exited the competition at the semi final stage, both by way of a penalty shoot outs It puts the club in great shape for the new summer season and they are welcoming new players at Under-8, 9, 11, 12 and 15 level amongst their 28 teams.

The Corduff captains of their respective SFAI regional cup winning sides along with the Over-35 side captain