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exclusive: 60 years on – Ronnie Delany recalls

his Olympic medal exploits in Melbourne Pages 24-25

Motoring: Kia Sportage’s fourth generation impresses around the city with ease Page 23

Gallery: Smock Alley fashionistas examine students’ work Page 10

sport Hurling:

Castleknock see off Faughs in AHL2 battle Page 31

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April 14-20, 2016

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Homeless families increase by 27%  emma nolan

There are currently 259 homeless families in Fingal with 181 of these in emergency accommodation, according to Fingal Chief Executive Paul Reid.

This has risen 27% from January figures which showed that there were 204 families then with 150 in emergency accommodation.

Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) said these figures are “shocking”.

He said: “Unfortunately, I can only see that figure rising in the coming months as the Government’s housing strategy has been exposed as a fraud.

“The fact that there has been virtually no council houses built in

“Government’s housing strategy has been exposed as a fraud”

Dublin 15 underlines that fact.”

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said that the council is “in regular contact with homeless families or families facing homelessness to provide them with housing advice and support”.

Full Story on Page 6

shining a spotlight on every day life in 1916 The staff and students of Riversdale Community College commemorated 1916 recently with a series of events and an exhibition of the uniforms and artillery from the era in the school Library. Riversdale’s 4th and 5th year students also exhibited detailed projects on the seven signatories of the Proclamation as well as the

background and aftermath of the Rising. History students enjoyed presentations by DIT retired lecturer Peter J Clarke on the social history of the time, highlighting the poverty experienced by Dubliners. Students were also able to sample the typical food of the time for most people – coddle, soda bread and potato cakes.

2 BLANCH Gazette 14 April 2016

project | growth and demand brings expansion

New runway set to create 1,200 jobs  Emma Nolan

News of a new runway for Dublin Airport received mixed reactions

DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) is set to build a new runway at Dublin Airport in order to facilitate the growth and demand the airport is expected to experience.

The €320m project is set to be completed in 2020 with 1,200 jobs to be created during the construction process.

Dublin Airport received planning permission in August 2007 to build a new runway, but the plans were put on hold due to the economic downturn and subsequent fall in passenger numbers.

However, the recovery in passenger numbers, particularly in the past two years, has been significant.

DAA chief executive Kevin Tolan said that 2015 was the busiest ever year in the airport’s history with 25 million passengers passing through with numbers continuing to grow.

Guy Thompson, president of Fingal Dublin Chamber welcomed the news saying that the new runway is “great news” for the tourism and hospitality sectors.

He said: “This vital piece of infrastructure will further enhance Ireland’s connectivity to existing destinations and in particular to new and emerging markets across the world.”

TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell (FG) said that the concerns of local residents must be prioritised ahead of the build.

“While the runway will allow Dublin Airport to continue to grow in terms of passenger numbers, measures must be taken in line with the conditions attached to the planning permission to offset any adverse effects a new runway may have on local residents,” he said.

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) said that the inconvenience caused during the construction phase will be worth the benefits that it will bring once completed.

“While appreciating there will be some upheaval and inconvenience around the construction phase of the new runway the obvious benefits of more trade, foreign direct investment, tourism and the creation of significant new jobs both directly and indirectly is to be strongly welcomed,” he said.

Cllr Joe O’Brien (GP) said that the expansion will “adversely affect” residents of Portmarnock and St Margaret’s.

“Noise pollution from airports is a public health hazard and it needs to be recognised that many people’s lives will be adversely affected by an increase in air traffic and flight paths.”

However, the council said that the current Fingal Development Plan 2011 – 2017 contains core objectives to “safeguard the current and future operational, safety, technical and developmental requirements of Dublin Airport, having regard to the environmental impact on local communities”.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

FastNews Rising through poetry, music, story and song

Laochra Gael, a new play by Kildare native and Blanchardstown resident Alan O’Neill, is coming to The Draiocht Theatre in Blanchardstown on Thursday, April 21. The play has been a sell out in a number of venues in both Ireland and New York attracting plaudits from luminaries such as international singer songwriter Gavin James and world renowned poet Desmond Egan.

Laochra Gael tells the story of the 1916 Rising and its heroes through music, poetry, story and song. Those in power write the history books while those who suffer write the songs and poems. The play chronicles the tapestry that formed the background to the rising, the insurrection itself and the heroes both celebrated and forgotten. Many stories regarding the women and children of the revolution and the Capuchin friars are told for the first time on stage. The play is directed by Michael Anthony Byrne, a former star of Mrs Brown’s Boys and Red Rock who earlier opened a children’s theatre school called Kidz in Theatre. The school provides the play with young actors who play the children who lost their lives in the revolution. They are joined on stage by acclaimed actors including Barra De Roiste and Kevin Shortall. The portrayal of Fr Albert Bibby who ministered to the leaders of 1916 by his fellow Capuchin brother and successor Fr Bryan Shortall lends the play unrivalled authenticity. The play promises to be an entertaining, informative and unique production which will captivate the audience with narrators Noel Shannon and Melissa Cooney bringing them on a unique journey in Irish history.

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14 April 2016 BLANCH Gazette 3

initiative | turning eyesores into flower beds and gardens

Rent-A-Car

Company expanding

Residents urged to improve locality  Ian Begley

L o cal c o m m u n i t y policing forum, Safer Blanchardstown, has come up with an initiative that aims to change people’s perception around Halloween and is encouraging people to join them on their spring clean, targeted at changing bonfires to bulbs.

The community group are asking people to turn their local eyesores such as old bonfire sites into flower beds or fruit gardens on April 16 from 1 to 3pm.

Encouraging all to take part, Philip Jennings of Safer Blanchardstown said: “This is an initiative of Safer Blanchardstown working with a wide variety of partners, with the

long term aim of changing people’s perception around Halloween from booze and bonfires to one of celebration and family fun.

“The Spring Clean 16 element is the initial stage of the project which will involve local residents and local children cleaning up local eyesores and turning them into lovely flower beds or fruit gardens.

“The next stage, which will happen closer to Halloween and will involve secondary school students designing and building a “Haunted Room” in their local community centres for families to attend and join in for some fun, games and competitions.

“So we are encourag-

ing residents and children to get involved at this stage and develop a local flower garden that will fill their summer with colour and demonstrate that by working together they can make our areas cleaner, greener and safer,” he said.

To get involved, contact your local residents’ association or community centre who will have all the information you will need to get involved or call Philip Jennings of Safer Blanchardstown for further information 01-870 8494.

Fingal County Council will supply gloves, bags and litter pickers and will remove rubbish for registered groups so make sure to register before it’s too late.

hot on the new trail

More than 50 people came out to Hartstown Park recently to trail the new Hartstown parkrun route. The course, still consisting of 5kms, now has its starting line closer to the entrance of the carpark and the finishing line on the southern corner of the astroturf pitch. Hartstown parkrun is a free weekly event for runners of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9:30am in Hartstown Park, Blanchardstown. It offers an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the park and get physically active into the bargain.

Those interested in taking part are asked to register online and bring their printed barcode each time they attend.

Visit www.parkrun.ie/hartstown for more or the Hartstown parkrun Facebook page for more information.

Acting Minister Damien English recently announced the opening of the new Enterprise Rent-A-Car headquarters in Blanchardstown as part of the company’s plans for growth and expansion throughout Ireland.

The vehicle rental company is expanding its business in Ireland and plans to recruit 75 new employees in the coming year.

The positions include more than 60 on Enterprise’s full-time management training programme and 15 part-time positions in the placement and customer service department.

The management trainee roles are open to graduates of any discipline and the company’s “promote-from-within culture” means employees who start out on the programme learn the business from the ground up.

4 BLANCH Gazette 14 April 2016

Andrew Gibney had pleaded not guilty to murdering Gerard Burnett at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart on August 21, 2012

courts | mandatory life sentence given

Man moves to appeal murder conviction A man who acted with others in the stabbing of a 28-year-old in Blanchardstown four years ago, has moved to appeal his conviction for murder.

Andrew Gibney (aged 23) of Drumheath Avenue, Mulhuddart, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Gerard Burnett (aged 28) at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart on August 21, 2012.

Mr Burnett suffered 30 stab wounds after he was attacked by a group of men outside his girlfriend’s house and was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later.

Gibney was found guilty by a jury verdict of 10-2 and was given the mandatory life sentence

by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy on January 28, 2014.

Opening an appeal against conviction, counsel for Gibney, Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, said his client had always fully

accepted his moral and legal guilt for his part in the events which lead to Mr Burnett’s death.

However, Mr O Lideadha said “a miscarriage of justice occurred in this trial resulting in his conviction for murder”.

He said Gibney, in his drunken state, intended to cause harm to Mr Burnett but not serious harm.

There were five people in the beginning of the attack and two inflicted fatal wounds a short time after three, including Gibney, had left, Mr O Lideadha said.

Undoubtedly, persons who join together in a joint enterprise are liable for the consequences of all actions tacitly agreed upon, Mr O Lideadha said.

There was an evidential basis on which the jury could have concluded that Gibney intended to harm Mr Burnett but not cause him serious harm

or to kill, Mr O Lideadha submitted.

But his partial defence was not allowed to be considered by the jury.

Instead, the trial judge gave the jury an option between outright acquittal or manslaughter on a basis which would have required the jury to find Gibney hadn’t acted in concert at all.

The witness, Lee Dalton, had stated that Gibney told him on the night in question that he was “going to kill” Mr Burnett.

Mr O Lideadha said the witness did not literally mean kill but “beat up” and the statement was taken in circumstances where the gardai were putting to the witness that he was an accomplice in the killing.

Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Seamus Clarke BL, said Mr O’Lideadha’s “possible factual sum-

mary” hinged on the witnesses’ interpretation of the words ‘I’m going to hill him’ and an attempt to transport that interpretation to Gibney.

Gibney had told gardai during interview that he “didn’t know what the intention was” but “I didn’t intend to murder,” Mr Clarke said quoting memos of interview.

On Gibney’s own evidence, Mr Clarke said, he admitted to forming an intention to stab and it was for the jury to decide whether the facts stacked up.

In an attack where 30 stab wounds were caused, “are we out of manslaughter and into common design for murder,” Mr Clarke asked the court.

The appeal hearing before Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Garrett Sheeehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, was adjourned to a later date.

14 April 2016 BLANCH Gazette 5

fundraising | family and friends help pay medical bills and expenses

On a mission to raise vital funds for Jordan  Ian Begley

Friends and family of a 16-year-old teen with cancer are on a mission to raise vital funds for his medical bills and expenses.

Jordan Needham, a popular student at Coolmine Community School, is a sport’s and fitness fanatic and played as a goalie for St Kevins.

On New Year’s Day, Jordan went to bed early due to a pain in his stomach and the following morning his parents took him to hospital where they assumed it was appendicitis.

Howe ve r, d o c t o r s s o o n d i s c ove r e d i n Portlaoise Hospital that there wasn’t a problem with his appendix and sent Jordan to undergo a CT and MRI scan where a biopsy was also taken.

He was later transferred to Tallaght Hospital there he was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma – an aggressive form of cancer.

Joe Sullivan, a good friend and godfather to Jordan, told T he Gazette this week that Jordan has a “damn good attitude” in light of his illness and is always willing to undergo each round of treatment with an inspiring amount of determination.

“When I first found out about his diagnoses it hit me ver y hard because Jordan is like a son to me, but his sheer strength throughout these past couple of months has made his family and friends a lot stronger.

“Jordan’s friends and brothers have always been there for him right from the start.

“They come to the hospital to watch matches with him. A few weeks

Joe added that Jordan’s family and close friends have since set up a line of fundraising events to help lessen the burden of his medical bills and expenses.

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

‘His sheer strength throughout these past couple of months has made his family and friends a lot stronger’

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ago another group of friends brought, along a signed Boh’s [Bohemians FC] jersey as he is a massive fan.

“The staff at Tallaght Hospital are also magnificent and treat him just like any other person.”

They have also been so supportive to Jordan’s mum Lorraine, Stepdad John and Nanny Trish who have routinely stayed with Jordan throughout.

“Busy Beaders’’ set up by friends of the family, Helena Gilhooly and Caroline Cummins were the first to come on board.

Helena and Caroline sold lime green chains and bracelets which represent the type of cancer that Jordan has.

“We also had a coffee morning a few weeks ago in St Philips primary school which was ver y successful and greatly attended.”

On April 15 at 6pm, a table quiz will take place in aid of Jordan at St Peregrines GAA Club.

A table of four is priced at €40 which can be paid on the night.

A separate race night will also take place on May 14 at 8pm.

To book a table or to find out more about the campaign, like and message the “Benefit Nights for Jordan Needham” Facebook page.

Jordan Needham was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma – an aggressive form of cancer

6 BLANCH Gazette 14 April 2016

courts | Claims he had a bad reaction to medication and does not remember act

Man smeared ‘IS’ in excrement on cell walls A man smeared the initials of terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) in faecal matter on the walls of a Dublin garda station cell.

Derek Lonergan (29) claimed he had a bad reaction to medication he had taken and does not remember what

he did. Judge David McHugh applied the Probation Act after he heard that Lonergan had paid for the damage he caused. The defendant, with an address at Kilcohan Park, Waterford, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to a charge of criminal

damage. The incident took place at Finglas Garda Station last November 21.

Gda Louise O’Sullivan said Lonergan was in custody at the time, and had been placed in the cell.

She said the defendant defaced the cell and damaged

a blanket, causing a total of €170 in damage and cleaning fees. In relation to the damage, Lonergan was accused of smearing faecal matter on the walls of the cell. The court heard that the defendant has 14 previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Simon

Fleming said his client wished to apologise for his behaviour, which was completely unacceptable.

He said he had brought €200 in compensation to court for the damage he had caused.

Mr Fleming said Lonergan

has “no recollection” of what happened. He said the defendant had been prescribed medication, and he had previously had a bad reaction to it.

The court heard that Lonergan had foolishly taken this medication on the day in question.

County council launches their 2016 Cleaner Communities Awards To recognise the work of Fingal residents, businesses and community groups in keeping their communities litter free and well presented, the council is now launching their 2016 Cleaner Communities Awards. The awards have seen participation grow year on year, with projects ranging from large to small scale, under several categories, both business and residential, and are open to new applicants each year.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor (Ind) said: “All of the participants are a credit to their communities, and Fingal benefits immensely from their hard work, dedication, and community spirit.”

Council chief executive Paul Reid also commented, saying: “We are delighted to acknowledge and support the tremendous work of cleaner community groups across Fingal. These groups work tirelessly to create and maintain beautiful residential and retail areas in their localities, for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.”

For an application form and full details of the competition, along with information and guidance, contact cleaner.communities@fingal.ie, 01-890 5372, or see www.fingal.ie.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, May 27.

Homelessness, and homeless families, continues to rise in Fingal as with the city’s other local authorities, with the latest figures blasted as “shocking”

crisis | 27% increase on January’s figures

Sharp rise in Fingal’s homeless families THERE are currently 259 homeless families in Fingal, with 181 of these in emergency accommodation, according to Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid.

This has risen 27% from January’s figures, which showed that there were 204 homeless families then, with 150 in emergency accommodation.

Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) said these figures are “shocking”. He said: “Unfortunately, I can only see that figure rising in the coming months as the Government’s housing strategy has been exposed as a fraud.

“The fact that there has been virtually no council houses built in Dublin 15 underlines that fact. Nothing short of an emergency mobilisation of resources is now called for.”

Cllr Brian McDonagh (Lab) also commented

on the figures, to which he said there is “no quick fix”, and that “the root of the problem is a structural and Constitutional one in the construction, planning and property sectors”.

He said: “The shortterm measures needed lie in a mixture of rapid delivery modular-built homes, [the] purchase of private dwellings both directly through the council and through housing associations, and through longterm leasing programmes to deliver security of tenure.”

Cllr McDonagh said that he thinks Acting Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly was “correct when said we need a Constitutional change to implement a long-term solution to these appalling problems”.

However, Cllr Waine said that Minister Kelly “continuously promises

more houses, but people can’t live in empty promises”.

He added: “It is delusional to hope that private developers and bankers are going to resolve the lack of homes.

“Only a massive State programme with the mobilisation of all necessary resources can resolve the issue.”

Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind) said that the homeless situation in Fingal is “an absolute disgrace and needs urgent attention from all relevant authorities”, and said that the impact that homelessness had on those experiencing it had “long-term impacts on people’s mental health, and has severe consequences on the social, educational and personal development of children and young people”.

He added: “There are a huge amount of empty

buildings and land in State ownership across Fingal and Dublin, and an urgent audit needs to be carried out of these to see how these can be utilised to address the housing and homeless crisis.”

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council told The Gazette that the council is “in regular contact with homeless families or families facing homelessness to provide them with housing advice and support”.

The council said they are also “actively engaged with homeless persons and families to inform them with respect to housing suppor t options to exit emergency accommodation”, and that this year, to date, “40 allocations have been made to homeless/ vulnerable households, with further allocations to take place shortly”.

14 April 2016 BLANCH Gazette 7

cancer | mother’s explanation of her journey results in publication

Book helps kids to deal with disease  Ian Begley

A breast cancer survivor and mother of three from Blanchardstown has published a book to help children understand the disease and the healing process involved.

Yv o n n e C r a w l e y w r o t e M a m my H a s Breast Cancer (Explaining to Kids) after finding it very difficult to explain to her own children about her condition.

She said: “As I have young children I was very aware of trying to explain the issues without scaring them. So while I was honest, I

kept the language simple. They would ask me questions but they never had (I think) any real fear over what might happen.

“It is all very matter of fact for them. In my boredom this developed into a small book of how I explained my journey to my girls.

“It is very simple and self-explanator y and gets the message across in my view to young kids.”

In January 2015, three weeks after the birth of her third child, Crawley was diagnosed with inf lammator y breast cancer at 37.

Talking about her

ordeal, she said: “You can imagine the shock I got especially as I didn’t have the traditional lump.

“I had a funny spot that developed into a rash. While it was there during the pregnancy, I convinced myself it was pregnancy related and only said it to the doctor once the baby was born.

“I was not prepared for my maternity to be swept aside and I have had the year from hell.

“My treatment plan consisted of four months of dose-dense chemo, a left mastectomy and then six weeks of radium.

“A f ter the surger y they found evidence of an 8cm fibrosis which was aggressively growing.

“I was unable to mind my baby. My heart was breaking everyday as my mother and my aunt took over most of the duties there.

“I was unable to mind my other children but I asked my au pair to stay on and she was brilliant. My husband had to work so the past year has been very challenging.

“In my other/real life, I am a secondary teacher, so I find it very strange to be unable to do tasks, or achieve

Yvonne Crawley and her children

simple things like making the dinner.

“In July I had an emotional breakdown and hit rock bottom. I have complete support from my family and friends and all the children went to my mam for a

few weeks.

“It’s ver y hard to answer questions like ‘mammy, why are you always sick?’”.

Today, a year on from when she was first diagnosed, Crawley said that things are getting better

for her and is planning on returning to her old life/job as soon as possible.

Mammy Has Breast Cancer (Explaining to kids) is available to download on Amazon. co.uk

8 BLANCH Gazette 14 April 2016

Gazettegallery

| 1916-related events currently running in town

At Kilmainham Gaol were actors Joe Taylor, Barbara Brennan and Stephen Jones (top); writers Joseph RCSI president Declan Magee with Liam and Karen Bradley, Isabelle Reast and Alice Sheils, marching past life-size cutouts of Countess

O’Connor and Hugo Hamilton. Kilmainham Gaol pictures:

Markievicv and Captain Christopher Poole at the steps of the RCSI. RCSI picture: Maxwell Photography

Marc O’Sullivan

Rising to the fore W

ITH Rising-related commemorations countinuing around the city and country, The Gazette has gathered together some of the many striking events currently being marked by the people of Dublin.

The Royal College of Surgeons at St Stephen’s Green (main pic) is playing host to Surgeons and Insurgents – RCSI and the Easter Rising, which explores the stories of both surgeons and insurgents during Easter week, 1916, and runs until April 17.

Next, and Kilmainham Jail (above right)

featured in a unique, site-specific theatre piece commemorating the Rising. Entitled Signatories, the piece is moving to three venues – the Pavilion Theatre, Civic Theatre and the National Concert Hall – from April 22 to May 5. For further information and bookings, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

Finally, and the Gibson Hotel, Docklands is currently playing host (below, right) to The Untold Stories – a photography exhibition that focuses on men and women from the docklands district who were caught up in the Rising.

Paddy O’Brien and Anne Keely. The Untold Stories pictures: Shane O’Neill

Nicky Logue, general manager, the Gibson Hotel with Grainne Keeley, daughter of Christina Caffrey, the bearer of a note signed by James Connolly to her mother; (right) Eilish Lynch and Ellen Galvin

14 April 2016 BLANCH Gazette 9

Gazettegallery

| winners in sightsavers junior painter awards

Aran O Meara, with his art piece,

Lisa Crawte, with her art piece,

Hannah McAuliffe, with her art piece,

Dinosaurs Will Come out and Play’

The Future is in Our Hands.

Don’t Smother Mother Nature

Brushing up on young artists’ skills B

UDDING young artists from all across Dublin entered some very impressive pieces for the 2016 Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards. Despite their tender years, the yougsters submitted a great range of works in a variety of treatments, with content that ranged from the very personal, such as family- and pet-themed entries, to more thoughtful entries,

such as considering the environment, and how other people live.

Judges had a difficult task in selecting the Leinster winners, but a group were finally selected. The winners of the competition were congratulated at an awards ceremony held recently in the Science Gallery at Trinity College, where their works were greatly admired.

RTE presenter Blathnaid Tracey with overall winner Laura Gavin, and her art piece, We Will All Travel by Motorised Umbrellas. Pictures: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

14 April 2016 Gazette 11

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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a day in the life: fitness guru Kathryn Thomas on her summer camp for adults

Unhealthy lifestyle gets the boot  Emma Nolan

Ever wanted to leave the world behind and embark on a detox amid the serene backdrop of rural Ireland?

That dream has been made a reality by fitness guru Kathryn Thomas and her Pure Results Bootcamp which she describes as “summer camp for adults”.

Kathryn spoke to The Gazette about a day in her life at Pure Results Bootcamp where guests spend either four days or a week in the idyllic 500 acre surrounds of Parknasilla in Kerry, on a strict exercise and diet detox programme.

“A lot of the guests can’t remember the last time they spent so much time outdoors,” she says.

“It’s an early start -

generally we have clients getting up at about 6:30am.”

Kathryn and her team have arranged the daily exercises classes so that upon waking guests partake in some low intensity exercise, to “wake the body up”.

“The morning exercise session is usually some aqua aerobics or a light jog that we call our Kenyan run.

“This was devised by an Irish Brother who trained a lot of marathon runners in Kenya and his philosophy is that it’s better to wake the body up slowly.”

The camp is also opening a second and more accessible location at the Temple Lodge Hotel in Westmeath this year.

Breakfast is served at 7am where it’s either a

green smoothie and protein balls or scrambled eggs depending on what exercise class is coming up.

“We try to keep it varied, so there’s a different breakfast every day.”

After breakfast, there are two high intensity classes.

“We could have anything from circuits to boxercise or an assault course.

“The classes are all designed so everybody works outside their own comfort zone.”

Guests at Pure Results range in age up to age 70 and are all levels of fitness.

“It’s up to the trainer to push them,” Kathryn says. “Everybody can work out together.”

After the two hours of intense training, it’s time

for lunch. Lunch and dinner at Pure Results often consist of items like poached salmon with Asian greens, turkey burgers with homemade slaw and a lot of fresh fish from local suppliers.

Those wanting to lose weight are served smaller portions than those maintaining their weight.

Day trips are also on the boot camp itinerary with a day and a half off site within the week programme.

Evening classes usually consist of yoga, body balance and, once that’s done, guests can enjoy their evening in the hotel’s spa facilities.

“We also do evening kayaking out on the water in front of the hotel.

“Most people are in bed for around nine o’clock,” she says.

“Our clients say that they sleep so well because they don’t really have to think about anything.

They arrive down and leave their brain at the door and are told where to go and what to do and eat.

“People think ‘oh my God, boot camp is so intense’ and it is, the classes can be intense when you’re in them but it’s also a really good holiday and a great time to feel re-energised and eat good food, completely detox and sleep.

“It’s about investing in and giving time back to yourself.”

Four days at Pure Results Bootcamp starts at €499 and a week starts at €999 with two weeks after care. Find out more at pureresultsbootcamp. com.

Kathryn spoke to The Gazette about a day in her life at Pure Results Bootcamp

12 Gazette 14 April 2016

Gazette

dublinlife DJ Steve Aoki to bring his biggest tunes to Dublin International DJ Steve Aoki is taking to the stage at the Academy on Abbey Street next month.

Presented by Desperados, the Full Moon and Tea Party event is aiming to combine the “normal with the absurd for an epic party experience”.

The Academy will be

transformed into a neon beach party meets Mad Hatter’s haven to shock guests throughout the night.

A spokesperson for the event said: “The renowned full moon, all night beach party will be paired with the traditional notion of afternoon tea to bring music fans a night of absurdity

that only Desperados can deliver.

“Buckets, neon paint and full moon performers will transport attendees to an atmosphere rivalling the party islands of Thailand.”

Taking place on Tuesday, May 17, tickets are priced at €23.90 and available from Ticketmaster.

diary

$30,000 donation from ebay

ebay Ireland has donated $30,000 (€26,400) to three Irish charities.

Earlier this year eBay’s Global Impact Team invited the employees of eBay Ireland to nominate Irish charities for consideration in the eBay Give Grants scheme.

The chosen charities are Inner City Helping Homeless, Women’s Aid Dundalk and To Children with Love.

Debbie Deegan, Founder of To Children with Love, spoke about the donation: “To Children With Love is now operating in Ireland for the first time and we’re working with children from Colaiste Eoin, a very disadvantaged school in Finglas. “eBay’s contribution will allow us fund a cool study hub, where the children will feel comfortable and more importantly encouraged to study and do group project work.

“Without this donation from the eBay Global Impact team, the school would not have been able to create this much needed space.”

recognition for art students Visual Communication Students at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, have been recognised nationally and internationally at the “most rigorous and honest assessment in the world”, the International Society of Typographic

International DJ Steve Aoki

Designers (ISTD) student assessments.

Twelve final year students have been recognised for their responses to the ISTD set briefs, and have been offered membership to the Society.

The students and staff involved will be awarded certificates in recognition of their achievements at the ISTD Awards in London, taking place in July 2016.

The ISTD is a professional body run by and for typographers, graphic designers and educators.

NCAD student Ally Mo o r h e a d r e c e i ve d ISTD membership with Merit (one of only three awarded in Ireland). A further 11 NCAD students were awarded membership including: Shane Bonfield, Diane Dear, Melodie Fox, Katie Kidd, Eulich McGeown, Niamh McNally, Jennifer O’Brien, Christine O’Flynn, Michael Simpson, Jamie Smyth, and Shauna Woods.

Debra Ireland fundraiser Tickets for a Debra Ireland fundraiser with a performance from Ire-

land’s number one Elvis impersonator, Ciaran Houlihan, are now on sale.

Taking place on June 24 at the Hilton Hotel Charlemont Place, all funds raised from the night will be going directly to the charity which provides support to people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

The illness is a distressing and painful genetic skin condition causing the skin layers and internal body linings to separate and blister at the slightest touch. It affects approximately one in 18,000 babies born.

As there is currently no cure for the disease, all proceeds to the charity go towards supporting treatment for sufferers, who are in constant pain and towards high level research programmes.

Mother of six Tina O’Gorman has singlehandedly raised over €1million for charity over the past 34 years and is organising this upcoming event.

She said: “What gives me the greatest satisfaction is the joy on the people’s faces that you have just helped.”

Tickets for the night cost €50 which includes the live show, drinks reception, dinner and late night disco. For more information or to buy tickets, please call Tina O’Gorman on 085 827 4783.

celebrating Thai New Year Thai restaurant chain Saba To Go are celebrating Songkran, aka, Thai New Year with a voucher giveaway worth €15,000.

Songkran is a time of great celebration in Thailand where it is tradition to pour water on your elders to bring health and good fortune, so Saba To Go want to shower their customers with free vouchers.

Alan Cadden, manager of Saba To Go said: “We are delighted to be celebrating Thai New Year in such a big way this year, paying tribute to our Thai chefs, and our authentic Thai ingredients used in our dishes.”

The giveaway is running until Sunday April 17 and vouchers of up to €250 can be won when you order from the Rathmines and Windy Arbour branches.

14 April 2016 Gazette 13

Gazette

feature culture: eclectic greek film festival this month

A terrific collection of cinematic visions WITH summer looming on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to indulge in a little escapism, and the Dublin Greek Film Festival is a chance to do just that.

Now in its second year, the festival runs from Thursday, April 21 to Sunday, April 24 at Chester Beatty Library, Filmbase, Omniplex Rathmines and The Sugar Club.

The festival will be presenting cinematic visions of Greece through features, documentaries and short films, along with

Greek music.

It will start with the screening of the awardwinning music documentary, A Family Affair, which won Best Documentary at Hellenic Film Awards 2015.

It will be shown at Chester Beatty Library on April 21 at 6pm. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Angeliki Aristomenopoulou, and will include a wine reception sponsored by Kir-Yianni Wine Estate.

Agora (2015), directed

by Yorgos Avgeropoulos, an internationally acclaimed Greek documentar y filmmaker, opens the second day of the festival.

T his documentar y shows the development of the Greek economic crisis and will take place at Filmbase on Friday, April 22, at 6pm.

Also to be screened on Friday is Elias Demetriou’s new movie, Smac, which tells the story of Eleni, who is diagnosed with cancer and takes another look at her life.

This will be screened at Filmbase at 8pm.

On Saturday, April 23, there will be a screening of Little England, by Pantelis Voulgaris, one of the most prominent Greek directors. This period drama takes place on award-winning the Greek island of Andros during World War II, and will be shown at the Omniplex Rathmines on Saturday, April 23, at 4.30pm. wAlso that day, awarded shorts from 2015 Drama International Short Film Festival (DISFF) will be

Award-winning music documentary A Family Affair is just one of the highlights of the second Dublin Greek Film Festival, which runs from April 21 to April 24

presented at Filmbase.

For more than 15 years, the DISFF-awarded short films have been travelling in Greece and abroad.

The festival organisers are proud to add Ireland as a new destination to this journey. This free screening will commence at 6pm.

The third day of the festival will finish with a screening of The Sentimentalists (2014), by Nicholas Triandafyllidis, a film which mixes dark comedy with tragic romance. It will be shown at Filmbase at 8pm.

On Sunday, the festival closes with a fundraiser

for refugees in Greece at The Sugar Club. The event will consist of a second screening of A Family Affair, followed by a concert of Pakaw!, the all-female combo that pushes the boundaries of traditional Greek music and Mediterranean rhythms, which starts at 4pm.

Gazette

14 Gazette 14 April 2016

dublinlife

feature

public lectures: top ten tips on dealing with anxiety

Managing the negative effects of worrying Saint John of God Hospital, one of the leading providers of mental health treatment and care services in Ireland

and Europe, delivered the first of its 2016 public lecture series, entitled “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” earlier this week.

Dr Keith Gaynor, senior clinical psychologist at Saint John of God Hospital gave the public lecture that provided

information on worry, how it can affect us and how to manage its negative effects.

Here are 10 tips from Dr Gaynor on how we can teach ourselves to worry less.

1. Don’t waste time on What if’s. Don’t waste time thinking up situations that “might” happen, but in reality are quite unlikely to happen – that is just a misuse of time. Try to pin point when you start asking yourself these questions.

The majority of the scenarios you create using this approach are never likely to happen – so why waste your time thinking about them?

2. Create a worry diary.

Take a diary, a paper one or on your phone, and in it mark an asterisk every time and place you worry and guesstimate how long you worried for.

This is important for two reasons: a. It makes us aware of a process that may have been automatic until now. We need to notice how frequently we worry and most people will be shocked at what they see. b. Secondly, we need to pinpoint those occasions when we worry the most because these are the times we are going to target.

3. Starve worry of space and time. If we want to reduce the amount of time we worry, we need to starve it of time and space in our lives.

We need to look at

Dr Keith Gaynor, senior clinical psychologist at Saint John of God Hospital

those key times we marked earlier, in our diaries, and add more stimulation. We need to shift our attention from the internal (worrying) to the external (finding a solution).

4. Get lost in something different. Don’t let yourself be overcome with worry. The trick to forgetting your worries is to replace them with something else.

Exercise, take a class in something like art, yoga or read a book. Nothing festers worry more than an idle mind.

5. Problem solve, don’t worry. Worrying is normally a very inefficient attempt to problem solve.

So when you worry, try to turn this into useful problem solving by considering what you need to do now to deal with the problem. Decision making is a core skill to com-

bat worry.

6. Learn to accept uncertainty. Uncertainty is a fact of life, so try to accept that you will always have to live with, or tolerate some uncertainty. Unexpected things happen, and accepting this in the longer term will make your life easier and reduce your anxieties.

7. Go to sleep early.

Sleep is the ultimate healer. Nothing can make a mole-hill look like a mountain more than lack of sleep.

8. Don’t Google it. We are all guilty of Googling our ailments, but when the ailment itself is worry there is no point is selfdiagnosing as it will only feed the anxiety.

While the internet is an amazing resource to find helpful information, you can find a negative response for every positive, helpful result.

Panicky Google searches almost always end badly. This leads to the next point…

9. Talk to someone.

Sometimes, it really helps to just get it all out.

10. Be kind to yourself. Stay in the moment.

Spending most of your time worrying about things that might happen in the future means that you’ll spend less time enjoying the present and staying in the moment.

Acknowledge the worries that enter your head, but don’t engage them, try to refocus on what you are doing in that moment.

Put all the energy into something positive and productive instead.

The Lecture Series will take place from 8.00pm to 9.30pm on Monday evenings in the Saint John of God Hospital on the Stillorgan Road until Monday, April 25.

14 April 2016 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 14 April 2016

dublinlife

BUSINESS

retail

property

THE opening of a new Lidl supermarket in East Wall has created 18 jobs.

The opening marks Lidl’s 146th Irish store and brings its total number of employees in the Republic of Ireland to more than 4,000 people.

After 10 months of construction, the brandnew 19,500sq ft store in East Wall opened at 8am on Thursday, April 7.

Speaking about the opening, Niall Murray, regional director at Lidl Ireland, said: “We are really excited to be opening our brand-new East Wall store. We and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the store.”

DRIVEWAYS can showcase your house to make it a really standout property in your area.

Mindful of this, Tobermore are launching an exclusive competition on its Facebook page for you to win a free Landscape design call-out service.

Visit w w w.facebook. com/tobermore.concrete to enter.

Tobermore’s beautiful range of block paving products are designed with durability in mind, are cost-effective and minimum maintenance is required, so that’s one less job for you to worry about. The company’s call-out service involves a detailed assessment

18 jobs at new Lidl

A good driveway can add value in a number of ways

€3m rebrand for Colourtrend ACTRESS Fiona Shaw joined Colourtrend’s Liam Holland, sales and marketing director, and Kevin O’Connor, managing director, at Studio 6, Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, for the unveiling of Colourtrend’s new €3 million rebrand recently.

The investment by the Irish-owned paint brand is one of the largest in rebranding by an Irish-owned private family business. Colourtrend has added a new tagline to its brand – Infinite Colour from Ireland – allowing it to share in the current global interest in all things Irish. Shaw has worked with cinematographer Cian de Buitlear, and the Irish landscape, to help convey the range of natural colours in the Colourtrend palette. Picture: Maxwell Photography

of your outdoor space, the discussion of various ideas and a landscape design drawing from one of the company’s expert landscape designers.

Whether your house is a chic, contemporary abode or a quaint, traditional haven, Tobermore offer a driveway solution that can enhance the style, beauty and character of your home, whilst

meeting your budget.

Theresa Kiely, manager at Tobermore’s Dublin Paving and Walling Centre said: “As well as creating a parking facility, a well-landscaped driveway enhances the style and value of a property and provides a safe play area for children.”

Call 01 8437440 or visit www.tobermore.ie for more information.

14 April 2016 Gazette 17

cinema P21

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

gaming P22



Gazette

travel P20

Pets meet bouncy bernard – he’s full of love and energy

Keagan Forde, Michael Glynn, Evan Forde and Dylan Crean from Galway helping to launch the event. Picture: Ruth Medjber

Irish Youth Music Awards: showcasing talents and honing skills

Youths to take centre stage  Cathal Dennehy

Some of Ireland’s most gifted young musicians will showcase their talents and hone their skills at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday at the Irish Youth Music Awards.

Organised by Youth Work Ireland, the national event will see musicians aged between 12 and 19 from across the country representing their community and gaining experience in the music industry.

This is the ninth year of the programme, which brings some of Ireland’s top music industry personnel directly into contact with young musicians.

Those attending will have the opportunity to attend an educational hub featuring music industry panels and workshops. Open for all attend-

ing to participate in will be an industry panel with tutors Alan Cullivan, founding chairman of MMF Ireland (Music Managers Forum Ireland), James Byrne, founder of the label Any Other City, Gav Fox, member of Turn and Idlewild, and Dan Finnegan, founder of Paper Trail Records.

Students can also hone their skills with experts during workshops for individual musical disciplines. These include song writing with multi-instrumentalist Tully Gunawardhana, who has co-composed with The Coronas, and drums with Johnny Boyle, who has toured with The Frames, as well as Marianne Faithful and Damien Rice.

Paul Moore – who has recorded with Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison as well as taking the reigns as musical director with Riverdance – will be offering bass workshops. Vocal

workshops are courtesy of Shelley Bukspan, who has arranged backing vocals for artists such as Mary Black, Bronagh Gallagher and many indie and contemporary young Irish acts.

Regional finalists will be awarded points throughout the day by a separate panel featuring Keith Johnson (IMRO), Grainne Biddle (Sony Music Ireland), Laura Duff (Irish Youth Music Awards Winning Songwriter 2015) and Phil Udell (State Magazine/ Word Up Collective). The overall winning region will be announced on the day.

Performers have been chosen to represent their region at local live selection nights and will be supported by a team comprising the other participants from their region taking on individual music industry roles.

The recipient region will receive

five days’ recording time in a studio and a full backline provided by Music Maker Dublin.

They will also produce an album released on physical CD with a professional design.

The album will be digitally distributed worldwide through iTunes, Spotify and many more outlets. Last year’s IYMAs recipient act, Jake Mc Ardle, went on to perform for President Michael D Higgins.

Tickets for the Irish Youth Music Awards National Day are available from Eventbrite at €20 including booking fee. The event is an all-ages, alcohol-free event. Group tickets are also available for youth clubs or projects priced €120 (including booking fee) allowing admission for six young people, two youth leaders and include a set lunch on the day.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Bernard, a seven-month old, male cuddly crossbreed looking for a home to call his own.

He is a very sweet, bouncy boy with lots of energy. He loves to play but especially loves to snuggle.

His canine carers think that he is very clever, but he still needs to learn some doggy social skills, so he would be best suited to a home where he is the only dog. Training classes would be a great, fun way for him to get to know his new family!

If you think you could offer Bernard a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 14 April 2016

R1

OUT&ABOUT

Reinventing the feminine silhouette  Emma Nolan

Minimal and functional – a sneak peek at the autumn winter 2016 collection from Cos has revealed an unusual and exaggerated aesthetic.

Cos have reinvented the feminine silhouette with this collection of “every day decadence” that prioritises layering and asymmetrical lines.

Hemline are long and wide, shoulders oversized and sleeves billowing.

The colour palette relies heavily on Cos staple black, but incorporates some rich charcoals, dusty terracotta and forest greens with a lilac surprise in the form of an oversized pant suit.

Varying textures are a focal point of the collection – heavy wools fea-

ture alongside silk chiffon and buttery leather.

While the looks shown might be a daunting commitment, individually, pieces can be worn with tighter pants or a line skirts for a more accessible take on the look. Such as the oversized bomber jacket (which isn’t going anywhere for the time being), the leather sleeveless turtleneck, the silk chiffon sheer panel top and the oversized wool jersey sweater.

St a n d o u t p i e c e s i n c l u d e t h e reworked menswear trousers worn as a strapless jumpsuit and the leather pumps with textured suede heels.

The collection will be available next season at the Cos Store on Wexford Street, Dublin 2.

14 April 2016 Gazette 19

R1

g spray Clarins Fix Make up settin €28

Aldi CC Cream €3.99

Aldi Face Treatment Oil €5.99

Flormar BB Cream €9.95

Dr Hauschka Tinted Day Cream €28.95

Flormar Double Radiance Primer Highlighter

Clarins Bronzer €45

get a summer glow Flormar Bronzing Powder €9.95

Achieving that bronzed summer glow is rarely achievable by natural means in our temperate (cold and wet) climes here in the North Atlantic, yet most of us have no qualms about reaching for the bottle when a little extra melanin is required.

Now, I’m not talking fake tan here, I’m talking about less intense products to give a quick easy glow without the need for Tanning Thursday and streaky sheets.

The mantra, life is better with a tan, doesn’t apply to everyone and pale skin is beautiful but sometimes you can’t beat that vitamin D glow and since a real tan can be harmful, a touch of bronzer can do the world of good.

Clarins are launching their summer 2016 make up collection this week and

it includes a “made to measure” Golden Glow Booster (€24). Simply add two to drops to your daily moisturiser for a gradual building tan that you can control.

Their bronzing and blush compact (€45) comprises of two universal matte shades, coppery beige and terracotta beige, a gold shade that lights up the complexion and an apricot blush with subtle pearl that promises to give a radiant glow. The collection also includes a make-up setting spray (€28) to ensure a long lasting hold.

Blogger favourite Flormar have a great range of affordable sun mimicking products.

The double radiance primer highlighter (€12.95) has a lightweight creamy texture

to illuminate cheekbones, cupid’s bow and decollete.

BB cream is a great warmer weather alternative to heavier foundations and Flormar’s for under a tenner version delivers hydration, sun protection and a mattifies oily complexions.

Skincare brand Dr Hauschka current have a tinted day cream (€28.95) on the market.

Available in Avoca and pharmacies nationwide, it blends with your own natural skin tone for an even complexion adding a sun kissed glow to your face and neck.

Clarins products are available at Clarins counters nationwide from April 17 and Flormar is available in all good pharmacies now.

Gazette

STYLE

Denise Mannion accepts the prize on behalf of her daughter Niamh Mannion, who is currently pursuing her fashion career in New York. Also pictured are judges Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon. Model Ieva Paulikaityte wears the winning outfit. Picture: Anthony Woods

€10,000 bursary for emerging Irish designer An emerging Irish designer has won a €10,000 bursar y to help further her career in the fashion industry.

Niamh Mannion was awarded the life changing prize at the 16th annual Persil Fashion Awards which were held in The Dean Hotel, Harcourt Street last week.

Eight finalists were chosen from over 60 entries from NCAD, Limerick School of Art and Design and Griffith College.

The hopefuls were set the task of designing an outfit which is completely machine washable and inspired by the theme, Bedtime Stories.

Speaking on her design, Niamh said it was inspired by the Brother’s Grimm tale Hansel and Gretel, and the haunting black forest wherein the children find the witch’s cottage.

She said: “The oversized bomber jacket is made from pleather, painted canvas, and hand-frayed bag strapping.

“The sporty poloneck dress is made with scuba jersey and mesh fabrics.

“I created this outfit as an exploration of intricate textures, hand painted patterns and fabric clashing.

“Winning the Persil Irish Fashion Award would be invaluable in furthering my pursuit of a career within the fashion industry and I am over the moon to have been shortlisted.”

Having recently just moved to New York to expand her fashion horizons , Niamh’s mum Denise Mannion was on hand to accept the award.

Speaking to T he Gazette on her daughter’s win, Denise said she was “so proud and delighted”.

“I don’t even know if she’ll believe it,” she joked. “She left for New York on March 15 and my washing machine was going non-stop before she left.

“She’s looking for a job over in New York at the moment so this will be a big boost for her.”

Gazette

20 Gazette 14 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

spain: beautiful weather, delicious food and history

Explore Germany’s many rural delights More and more Irish tourists are choosing Germany as their destination of choice for short breaks, with a 13% rise in overnight visitors so far in 2016 compared to the same period last year.

With cheap flights, decent weather, and no hassles with currency exchange, it’s little surprise that Munich, Berlin and other major German cities are proving such a hit with Irish tourists.

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has capitalised on this trend, and recently launched its “Holidays in the Heart of Nature” campaign, which hopes to spread awareness among visiting tourists of Germany’s rural delights.

“It’s clear from the popularity of rural interest television shows, specialist publications and the media, that people in Ireland have a deepseated love and respect for rural life – just as we do in Germany,” said GNTO’s director for UK and Ireland, Klaus Lohmann.

“Exploring rural and ‘green’ Germany will enable visitors to discover

many fascinating regions and areas, with picturebox villages, incredible landscapes and the chance to relax.”

Sporty types will not be disappointed with the array of activities on offer across the German countryside. The adrenalineinducing free-climbing was invented in Germany and the many hiking and walking routes wind their way through different terrains and levels to suit all needs.

With more than 200 long-distance cycle routes, cyclists are also spoilt for choice, combining rural landscapes with urban discovery.

The bracing coastline in the North offers a huge array of activities from windsurfing to sailing and kitesurfing, plus Germany has a whopping 16 national parks, more than 100 nature parks and 15 unique biosphere reserves.

The big cities will undoubtedly retain their popularity among Irish tourists, but if you’re planning a break this summer, there’s never been a better time to tack on an extra few days to explore the countryside.

Take a walk along the Gran Via, the city’s main tourist artery

Enjoy a European break and visit magical Madrid

 Cathal Dennehy

If you’re looking for a European break with beautiful weather, delicious food and plenty of culture and history, then Madrid may be the place for you this Autumn.

There are few better times of the year to visit the Spanish capital, with temperatures lingering in the high teens or low twenties.

A five-night stay is just about the perfect option for anyone wanting to not just see the city, but also travel outside of Madrid and take in some of the sights in the surrounding areas, rich in culture, cuisine and captivating scenery.

Spend time exploring the old town of Segovia, with its winding streets and old buildings, as well as its almost 30-metre high aqueduct which dominates the area.

There will also be plenty of free time to explore and discover these unique cities at your own pace.

Your base for this holiday will be the Hotel Puerta de Toledo in Madrid - a friendly, tastefully-decorated hotel located in the heart of the city.

An essential way to spend an af ternoon on your trip should be a walk along the Gran Via, the city’s main tourist ar ter y

which stretches from the famous Metropolis building to the Plaza de Espana.

T he street, which stretches for a little over a kilometre, is a hub of culture with museums, chic hotels, opulent theatres, historic cinemas and decorative statues lining the route.

While Madrid may not have the coastal delights of its major Spanish rival, Barcelona, it does boast an array of beautifully maintained parks, a perfect place to take a time out and enjoy a few hours of serenity.

T he biggest green space is the Casa de Campo, which is five times bigger than New

York’s Central Park, and features a large lake with small boats and kayaking facilities.

A smaller, but more central option is the Parque del Buen Retiro, which features tree-lined walks, fountains, monuments and regular performances from musicians to puppeteers.

You will take in some of Madrid’s highlights including the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Oriente, and visit the historic cities of Toledo and Segovia on two full-day included excursions.

Admire the beautiful works of the Museo del Prado, which is amongst the very best art galleries in the world, or stroll

around the gardens in Parque del Buen Retiro.

Head out on a full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo, a city beautifully situated on the banks of Spain’s longest river, the Tagus, where you will take a walking tour through the historic centre of the city.

Prices start from €699pp including flights, transfers, taxes and charges, 5 nights’ half-board accommodation and excursions, with f light departing Dublin on September 5, 2016.

For more information visit www.traveldepartment.ie.

14 April 2016 Gazette 21

The Man Who Knew Infinity: film on Srinivasa Ramanujan underwhelms

ReelReviews

Bio doesn’t add up to an inspiring tale of greatness AS ANY school teacher will tell you, bringing maths to the masses has never been an easy thing, but cinema has produced some valiant attempts over recent years.

Back in 2001, A Beautiful Mind chronicled the rise and mental collapse of John Nash, and in 2014 Oscar winners The Imitation Game, and The Theory of Everything, successfully brought to life the individuals behind the integers.

In much the same vein, The Man Who Knew Infinity aims to give the story of Srinivasa Ramanujan a big-screen treatment, and it certainly has some of the components of a Hollywood story.

Ramanujan may be an obscure figure to the general public, but among mathematicians he is recognised as a genius.

Director Matt Brown starts Ramanujan’s (Dev Patel) story as an unemployed youth in Madras in the early years of the 20th century, scrawling lengthy equations in chalk on temple floors, setting the tone for the connection between the mathematical and the divine that seems a key component to Ramanujan’s work.

 Dave phillips

Struggling to find a job in Madras, Ramanujan knows that he has an exceptional talent for numbers and just needs to find somebody in a position of power to recognise it.

The answer comes when a new employer, Sir Francis Spring (a throwaway cameo by Stephen Fry), recommends Ramanujan to some of the old boys in Cambridge.

And so we begin a tale of two worlds, as Ramanujan begins a correspondence with the celebrated English mathematician G H Hardy (Jeremy Irons).

For the most part, Matt Brown does a solid job in contrasting the dusty, convivial and spiritually literate life of people in Madras, with the emotionally stunted life of Cambridge – where the lawns may be green and lush, but nobody dares to step on the grass.

As the First World

War grows on the horizon, Cambridge remains ensconced in a sense of imperial superiority, and much of the plot revolves around Ramanujan’s struggles to be academically and personally accepted within the culture he has found himself thrust into.

With Hardy in the role of a harsh but benevolent taskmaster, Ramanujan attempts to enculturate himself and get his work published.

There are a lot of story elements in here that should make The Man Who Knew Infinity a hit, but it quickly becomes evident that something essential is missing from this equation.

As well as directing, Matt Brown takes the role of screenwriter – a task that he unfortunately performs less adequately.

For the most part, The Man Who Knew Infinity unfolds without a hint of textual nuance, with conversations playing out functionally, rather than organically.

And so, a scene in which Hardy eventually breaks Ramanujan’s spirit, forcing him to conform to Cambridge standards, features the

Gazette

CINEMA

the huntsman Snow thank you ...

AS A sequel that nobody asked for, The Huntsman – Winter’s War (Cert 12A, 117mins) is the prequel to 2012’s visually lovely (but dull as dishwater) Snow White and The Huntsman.

Charlize Theron is once again as cool as ice, while Emily Blunt and Chris Hemsworth gamely give their best – but it’s a film that’s not Grimm enough, or fairy engaging, making it a huntsman to avoid.

zootropolis

Disney’s roaring success

Although The Man Who Knew Infinity ticks all the right, if predictable, boxes in the “struggling maths genius” category, it never soars beyond the sum of its parts

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

‘For a film about numbers, it spends a lot of time spelling things out, and the end result does not make for great cinema ... Just short of two hours, the stodgy pacing of The Man Who Knew Infinity makes it feel a lot longer’

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

superfluous dialogue: “I see you’ve finally broken his spirit”.

For a film about numbers, it spends a lot of time spelling things out, and the end result does not make for great cinema.

Equally superf lu-

ous is the storyline of Ramanujan’s wife and mother, who are cooped up together, and at odds with one another back in Madras.

Just short of two hours, the stodgy pacing of The Man Who Knew Infinity makes it feel a lot

longer.

Neither Patel nor Irons, upon whose shoulders the film rests, perform at the top of their game and the end result is a story that feels like it has much more to offer.

An attempt to shoehorn the source material into a Hollywood format leaves us consistently skimming the surface – save a single slide at the end, there is really no insight into the significance that any of Ramanujan’s work had on the field of mathematics.

An east meets west adventure that sadly stays too formulaic.

Verdict: 5/10

DISNEY have added yet another impressive film to their CG roster with Zootropolis (Cert PG, 108 mins), which takes a familiar cop trope – a fresh rookie trying to make their mark and solve a tough case, while teaming up with an unlikely ally – but makes something new.

Warm-hearted, likeable performances add to the great design, making it a treat for audiences.

midnight special Make time for this one

WHILE we’ve all seen oddcouple/on-the-run films before, Midnight Special (Cert 12A, 112 mins) feels like something fresh, yet timeless. A protective father goes on the run with his young boy, who has special powers, while danger follows close behind. It’s a low-key film with a muted tone, yet some lovely performances, and its direction, create what could be a cult classic.

Gazette

22 Gazette 14 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

bafta awards: respected body selects its best titles from the past year

Paying tribute to a range of great games

SOME years ago, BAFTA – the British charity that has become an internationally recognised award/recognition brand for its celebration of the moving image – expanded its remit to take gaming into account.

As gaming sales, and the industry, quietly adds billions to the British Exchequer each year, it’s no surprise that gaming was eventually elevated to enjoy the same critical analysis and recognition as film and television, with the BAFTAs now enjoying global recognition.

The annual BAFTA gaming awards were held just after The Gazette went to press last week, but here’s my analysis of some of the big winners.

The awards proved an unexpected night for the underdogs, as small games and f ledgling companies emerged as the top winners in some David and Goliath showdowns.

First up, and the small, indie title Her Story (developed by Sam Barlow; available on IOS, PC, Mac) was debatably the critical darling of the night, picking up awards for Debut Game, Game Innovation, and Mobile & Handheld – three more to add to its range of awards from around the world.

Her Story’s daring narrative featured jumbled video snippets from

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

the 1990s of ‘lost’ police interviews with a woman reporting her husband missing.

This initially simple premise took wouldbe Sherlocks on a ride through an ever murkier, adult tale, creating a truly unique and innovative title in the process.

Moving on, and the award-winning indie title, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture (The Chinese Room; PS4) also impressed, scooping Audio Achievem e n t , Music, and Performer (for Merle D a n dridge, as Kate Collins) awards to add to its global haul.

Aw a r d s f o r audio may not sound (no pun intended) like par ticularly impressive wins, but Rapture’s soundscapes were key to creating one of the most haunting titles of several years; quite simply, its audio was in a class of its own throughout.

Its imaginative setting – a beautiful, sunlit and rustic English village in Shropshire, set some time in the 1980s in the immediate aftermath after the end of the world – was gorgeous to explore.

However, seeing as it played/sounded like a cross between evergreen radio serial The Archers, and Day of The Triffids, its terrific music score, natural sound effects, and the recovered snippets of overheard conversations between initially calm but increasingly panicky and upset villagers were pretty singular in their use.

Studio co-founder and composer Jessica Curry’s superb, pastoral score also made an unforgettable impression.

Still, while the overall feeling was that the night had gone to underdogs such as these, a number of major titles also won awards.

Best Game went to Fallout 4 (Bethesda Game Studios; PS4, XBO, PC). The latest iteration in the popular franchise once again set gamers loose in an irradiated, post nuclear-war landscape, but packed in a bewildering amount of

Some of the most notable BAFTA 2016 games award winners, from top left: Her Story, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture, Fallout 4, Batman: Arkham Knight, Until Dawn and Rocket League

quests, missions, secrets, easter eggs and sheer silliness to keep players lost in the wasteland for a very long time.

Despite being full of game bugs and glitches, and although the title wasn’t exactly pushing the consoles into a sweat, let alone to their limits, Fallout 4 became a critical darling pretty quickly, leaving a warm, fuzzy, irradiated feeling in gamers’ hearts.

Next, and Best British Game went to Batman: Arkham Knight (Rocksteady Studios; PS4, XBO, PC).

By no means a small title – Rocksteady is one of the biggest British games developers – this latest iteration of the Batman franchise had top-notch graphics that pushed the consoles hard.

Despite some niggles – its over-reliance on the Batmobile, and its

infamous, disastrously unplayable PC launch – this Batman was the best yet.

The very cinematic yet oddball title Until Dawn (Supermassive Games; PS4) claimed the Original Property award, as its complex, multichoice narrative – trying to keep a group of youngsters alive through the night at a remote, snowbound cabin – impressed with great if occasionally gory graphics, while its branching slasher plot demands repeated playthroughs.

Finally, Rocket League (Psyonix; PS4, XBO, PC, LX, Mac) continued its relentless drive into gamers’ hearts, scoring Famiy Game, Sport Game and Multiplayer Game awards.

While the thought of, basically, playing football by using cars to knock a ball about in giant stadi-

Sam Barlow collected a clutch of BAFTAs for his acclaimed game, Her Story. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA

ums doesn’t sound like much, the game’s spectacular success underscored that the simplest games, or ideas, still strike a chord for anyone just

looking for a blast of pure, uncomplicated fun.

For the full list of winners, and nominees, see awards.bafta.org/ award/2016/games.

14 April 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

MOTORING

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage looks sturdy, but has plenty of comfort within the spacious cabin. Pictures: Paddy McGrath

kia sportage: changes to popular model deliver an impressive ride

Fourth-generation ups the ante in the crossover stakes

 dave phillips

WE TAKE a trip back to the compact crossover market this week, this time checking out what is fast becoming one of Ireland’s favourite makes and models.

In 2015, the K ia Sportage was listed in the top ten best selling cars in Ireland, and it is seems evident that the trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future.

There are currently more than 11,000 listed on Irish roads, with Kia hoping to add another 3,000 by the end of the 2016.

It is easy to see what makes the Sportage so popular – as a brand, Kia continues to take leaps and bounds in terms of quality, while still main-

taining a market-leading warranty.

And the compact crossover model essentially gives solid hatchback performance and then some, ticking a lot of boxes for buyers looking to strike a balance between performance and versatility.

The trend continues in this fourth-generation Sportage. Available with the choice of two engines – a 1.7-litre diesel, or a beefier 2.0-litre (with AWD) – the newest Sportage comes in three trim levels, and starts out from €27,995.

We took out what is proving so far to be the most popular configuration, the mid-level trim combined with the 1.7litre engine – which with stop/start technology as standard, falls into the

€200 A4 category for road tax.

On the outside, the Sportage’s familiar sleek and solid stance gives it a muscular presence on the road. Face-on, the headlamps have been set up higher than the grille – a small change from the last generation, but one that sets the new Sportage apart aesthetically from other compact crossovers on the road.

And, while the width remains the same, Kia have added an extra 40mm in length – which goes toward making the interior all the more comfortable.

A very comfortable cabin, and a good amount of adult space in the rear, will no doubt contribute to the Sportage’s popularity.

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

‘The new Sportage works out as a very comfortable ride, feeling incredibly well-insulated with minimal road noise regardless of the surface’

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

The mid-level EX trim (€29,995) comes with half-leather seats, adding a touch of luxury to the simple, wide and sturdy soft-plastic dash.

A 7” touchscreen incorporates Sat-Nav and a reversing camera, as well as the usual media inputs.

An effortlessly clean and uncluttered panel below controls heating, and a 4.2” LCD screen can act as a speedometer, as well as displaying speed limits or other

in-ride information as needed.

An incredible panoramic sunroof, stretching all the way back to the back seats, comes optional on the EX trim, and will bump the price up another €1,105.

The new Sportage works out as a very comfortable ride, feeling incredibly well-insulated with minimal road noise regardless of the surface.

The 1.7-litre engine zips along and provides plenty of torque, feeling

The latest tech deliver all the aids you could want, adding to the driving experience

like there is always something extra to give.

The Sportage feels effortless on the motorway, while suspension upgrades in this new generation, combined with the increased wheelbase, give a much greater sense of stability when

taking the car out across less-maintained country roads.

All in all, this fourth generation Spor tage looks, feels and performs solidly and impressively.

No doubt we’ll see it again in the top ten sales at the end of the year.

24 blanch Gazette 14 April 2016

Ireland’s most famous Olympian, EXCLUSIVE

Golden exploits of Dublin’s proudest sporting son Almost 60 years ago, Ronnie Delany sent Dublin and the rest of the country into delirium with his golden exploits at the Melbroune Olympics. No Irish athlete has managed to achieve such a gold run since. For the 81-year-old, family life in Dublin is far more important than any Olympic gold medal.  Cathal Dennehy

Almost 60 years have passed since one of Dublin’s proudest sons, Ronnie Delany, turned in a performance that would change his life forever.

It was December 1,

1956, when the Sandymount resident – competing over 10,000 miles in Melbourne, Australia – sent the Irish nation into euphoria, sprinting to gold in 1500m at the Olympic Games.

Six decades on, the memory has crystal-

lised in his mind, and it’s no surprise, because Delany’s run may well be the greatest feat in Irish sporting history.

“I remember the intensity of concentration,” says Delany, now 81.

“During the race,

Ronnie Delany and Brush Shields, during the Remembrance Run 5k 2015.

Picture: Tomas Greally/Sportsfile

you’re focused. You don’t hear the crowd.

You’re watching, focusing, monitoring, and if you have the gift to be able to win, you’re going to win.”

Delany played a patient game in the final, saving his speed for the home straight, at which point he unleashed a devastating change of gears to leave Australian rival John Landy and the world’s best milers trailing in his wake.

“I threw my arms wide in celebration as I went through the victory tape, and kneeled down to say a prayer as a mark of my faith,” says Delany.

“You’re almost saying: ‘I don’t believe it, I’ve won the Olympics.’

At 21 years of age, I was going to climb up the rostr um as Oly mpic champion.”

It was the feat which would define his career – indeed his life – but truth be told, he felt more fortunate a half century later, when his home city honoured him with the freedom of Dublin.

“That’s probably the proudest moment of my life,” he said.

“I’m indebted to my city. When your own select you for such an honour, it’s an absolute pleasure.

“I love this city, and getting that honour is a renown you enjoy throughout your life.”

D e l a ny w a s a c t u ally born in Arklow, Co Wicklow and moved to Dublin at the age of five.

As a result, both counties are understandably keen to claim him as their own.

“I can claim dual citizenship,” he says with a laugh.

“I had a dilemma back in the 50s. Dublin decided to make me the Dublin man of the year, while Wicklow decided to make me Wicklow man of the year. It required a solemn decision, so I decided I’d take both!”

At the age of 19, Delany left Ireland for six years to attend college at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, moulding himself into the world’s best middle distance runner over 3,000 miles from home.

“I never had a sense of loneliness,” he says.

“My life was extraordinarily full. I took the academic side seriously and the running seriously, and I also had to work.”

At a time when he was one of the world’s best athletes – but also an amateur who was unable to take any earnings from the sport – Delany worked a number of different jobs to get by.

H e wo r ke d a s a “grease monkey” at a friend’s garage, as a caddy at a local golf course, and as a park-

Ronnie Delany sprinting to gold in the 1500m at the

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

“That’s way above the Olympics, the happiness I’ve enjoyed in family life. The gift of my children, the gift of my grandchildren, that’s way above anything else.”

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

ing attendant at a local church.

“I’d be out parking cars for midday mass and people there would be papers hot off the press about the guy who ran a world record at Madison Square Garden the night before,” he said.

“The people probably didn’t know the guy who set the record was the guy parking their cars.”

After winning gold in Melbourne, Delany didn’t get to return home to Dublin along with the rest of the Irish team, but had to hightail it back to Villanova for his end-of-term exams.

It was weeks later before he made it back

to the Emerald Isle, landing at Shannon airport and being brought to Dublin by motorcade to be received by the Lord Mayor.

Only then did he realise the effect his achievement had on the psyche of the Irish people.

“It was celebration after celebration,” he said.

“We Irish are great for celebrating; give us an excuse and we’ll do it.”

Delany retired from athletics at the relatively youthful age of 26, though for the past six decades, he’s brought back to Melbourne in some small way on a daily basis.

“When you have the

14 April 2016 blanch Gazette 25

Ronnie Delany speaks to The Gazette

Ronnie falls to his knees and offers a prayer of thanks after winning the gold medal

Olympic Games

honour and distinction, when your fate says you’ll be an Olympic gold medallist, there’s never a day you’re not reminded of it,” he says.

“I still get correspondence from all over the world, requests for autographs. The impact on your life is ongoing.

“You don’t look at yourself in the mirror every day and say it to yourself, but you have a deeper sense of being part of history of the Olympic Games, part of the inspiring inspiration of the Olympic Games.”

Beyond the satisfaction of his spor ting achievements, Delany says nothing has compared to the sense of contentedness he has gleaned from bringing up four children, and the 81-year-old is now a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren.

“T hat’s way above the Olympics, the happiness I’ve enjoyed in

family life,” he says.

“The gift of my children, the gift of my grandchildren, that’s way above any thing

House on Stephen’s green.”

Another of his regular activities is to go to the theatre, which was a

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

“My life was extraordinarily full.

I took the academic side seriously and the running seriously, and I also had to work”

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

else.”

These days, Delany likes to stay active by playing tennis twice a week at the Fitzwilliam Club, and he also swims regularly.

Though he admits he’s not a man for pubs, one of his favourite ways to spend an evening is at one of his most beloved Dublin restaurants.

“My favourite restaurant locally is Bistro One in Foxrock,” he says.

“That’s a great, local family-run restaurant.

My favourite restaurant in the city is the Cliff

particular passion during his adolescence.

“My abiding memory of my teens was theatre,” he says.

“I loved going to the theatre in Dublin. I still go to plays and musicals these days, but I don’t have the same opportunity to go as I used to.”

This December, it will be 60 years since Delany turned in his ultimate performance of sporting theatre, and for Dublin’s proudest sporting son – and indeed his beloved city – it will never be forgotten.

Torchbearers Ronnie Delaney and Bridget Taylor outside Government buildings when the Olympic Torch crossed into the Republic of Ireland in 2012

26 blanch Gazette 14 April 2016

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SPORT

FastSport irish american football team set for debut: THE senior Ireland American Football team will travel to the Netherlands on August 26 to take on the Dutch National team in a friendly fixture in their very first international match.

It will be the first time an Irish national American Football side will take on another country’s national team and marks a significant forward step.

The Ireland programme began last year and includes a senior and junior full contact team and a flag gootball team, all with the goal of competing in friendly fixtures as well as European and International competitions.

“I am delighted that our senior team will be playing in their first friendly game against the Dutch Lions later this year” said Ireland General Manager Orla McAleese. “Our coaches and players have worked extremely hard over the past few months and they are really looking forward to it.”

cycling: dundrum club step in to organise road championships

Orwell to host Irish nationals  sport@dublingazette.com

ORW E L L W h e e l e r s won the bid to host the National Road Race Championships from June 23-26, an award announced by Cycling Ireland earlier this week.

The former club of Stephen Roche will

use the Phoenix Park as a focal point for the championships, it being the planned location for the start and finish area, subject to licence.

Orwell is one of Ireland’s largest cycling clubs, along with being one of the most progressive, having recently received sponsorship

from Scott Bicycles.

The club promises an exciting weekend of racing, which will incorporate the national time trial championships, the elite men’s and elite women’s road race championships, the veteran championships and the masters championships.

Action from the final stage of the 2016 road race

Orwell Wheelers are looking forward to hosting the national road championships

The National Road Championships are hosted by Cycling Ireland clubs every year, with the location being rotated between the four provinces.

The 2016 Championships were initially to be hosted by Clonmel CC, the Munster club who also held them in 2012.

But they were forced to withdraw their application, leaving way for new applications to be received.

Orwell were successful in securing the prestigious event. They have hosted many National Championships over the past 70 years, most recent of which was t h e ve r y s u c c e s s f u l 2009 Criterium Championships held on the

Meadowmount circuit in Dundrum.

Denis Gleeson, President of Orwell Wheelers, said of the championships: “It is a great honour for our club to be chosen to host the 2016 National Road Championships, particularly since it will be based in our heartland of Dublin City and the Phoenix Park.

“Our club, while only founded in 1948, boasts of having one of the first English speaking winners of the Tour de France. We have produced many national champions, a number of whom are still active members, and we are proud to be one of the largest and most active cycling clubs in the

country.

“Come June we hope to see many of our racing friends from around the country and those travelling from abroad.

We want this to be a special event.”

Orwell’s race director and event organiser Stephen O’Shea added: “I raced in the past in the Phoenix Park and loved the atmosphere associated with this unique location.

“Taking up the task of putting together a spectacular championships this year will be challenging!

“However, I am comforted knowing that the club’s many members are supportive of the event and I thank them in advance.”

Avoca miss stroke of fortune in national Trophy final  sport@dublingazette.com

Avoca’s Anna Richardson on the attack against Bandon last Saturday. Picture: Adrian Boehm

EMMA White’s pair of diving saves denied Avoca the women’s Irish Hockey Trophy title as Bandon claimed at Belfield last Saturday, denying the Blackrock club a cup double.

It went the distance by Avoca after a huge arm-wrestle at Belfield, one in which the west Cork outfit had the slight edge on chances but could not find the backboard until the shoot-out.

There, Jenny Buttimer, Rachel Desmond and Jessica Kingston all potted their efforts which,

in tandem with White’s blocks, allowed the nerveless Vicky Burns the chance to win it.

That normal time ended scoreless could scarcely have been predicted in a crackerjack first half in which the play swung wildly from end to end.

Amy Buttimer was sent clean through but saw her first up effort excellent shut down by a sliding Esme Galloway, Avoca’s stand-in keeper after Danni Cummins picked up an injury in the past week.

Desmond’s follow up was cleared off the line while she

also got a deflection to a cracking disguised pass from Burns but Galloway again did enough to keep it out.

W hite, meanwhile, kept out Aideen McGuinness and Rachel McAuley chances as Anna Richardson bossed the midfield in a superb opening stanza.

The second half was tighter though both sides did have giltedged chances to win it, Katie Desmond denied by Galloway’s long stick while Sarah Healy missed out with the goal beckoning.

Bandon, though, had the know-how in the shoot-out from their semi-final and shot their way to a famous maiden victory in this competition.

Nonetheless, Ronan Hickey’s Avoca can look back on a reasonably productive season.

They were promoted to the top tier in Leinster and duly stayed in Division One with something to spare.

The Leinster Hockey Shield was added on St Patrick’s Day with a 2-1 success against a fancied Glenanne side to cap off their exploits.

14 April 2016 BLANCH gazette 29

Gazette

Sailing senior still on the crest of a wave National Sailing Club’s Leonard McKay continues to get out on the water every Saturday during the summer, making the 82-year-old the perfect subject for Setanta’s new TV series  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

LEONARD MCKAY – at 82 years old, the senior member of the Irish National Sailing Club – has spent his life living on the Dun Laoghaire sea front, and much of his life sailing in its harbour and the wider Dublin bay.

A keen fan of a sport he calls “primal,” McKay rarely misses a Saturday on the water and particularly loves the aspect of small-boat sailing that pits him against nature.

Indeed, in tandem with Mar y Beck, he claimed last weekend’s squib class silver cup on his third outing of 2016.

“I enjoy the feeling of it being you against the elements,” McKay tells

GazetteSport. “I sail in squibs, three metre boats that have two crew, and compete within the club.

The last 25 years sailing every week, spending summers on the water have been the highlight of my life.”

McKay is one of a number featured in a new Setanta Spor ts series Super Fit Seniors, in which outstanding distance runner Eamonn Coghlan talks to various older athletes about their fitness regimes, attitudes and approach to sport.

The sailor told the show his main training regimen is to “keep breathing” and that he doesn’t “know anything about calories, or pay any attention to them”.

Instead he eats the same unprocessed foods

he has eaten all his life, growing as much of the produce as he can manage himself in his garden.

The gardening itself also plays a fitness role.

“I eat a good breakfast and a three course lunch every day,” he says. “I always have, even when I was working. For tea, I just eat a slice of toast and have a cup of tea.

I don’t snack. I think snacking is a problem today.”

Speaking of the health that enables him to continue sailing into his 80s, McKay recalls his upbringing, the rationing of sugar in the 1930s and 40s, and how it led him to eat a naturally healthy lifestyle.

“I just kept it going,” he explains. “I have an artificial left knee. We’ve

Leonard McKay tends to his boat in Dun Laoghaire harbour as part of the Super Fit Seniors on Setanta Ireland

talked in the club about whether it would be possible to continue if I had another one. We think it would. The club is very big on getting disabled people out onto the water, too.”

McKay talks passionately about his love for

boats are just you, the wind and the waves. It’s just the ropes and your muscle.

“We don’t go out if the wind is above about a force four, you have to be safe,” he adds. “We’ve been out into the harbour a couple of times this year

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

‘The last 25 years sailing every week, spending summers on the water have been the highlight of my life’ Leonard McKay --------------------------------------------------------

the INSC and is often trying to tempt others onto the water. “90% of the people in the club don’t own boats,” he explains.

“It’s a very accessible sport. We’ve had a lot of people from around the world, people who work for companies like Google and Facebook, joining recently.

“They might sail at home and they want to continue here. They pay their dues and take a club boat out. There’s everything from paddle boards to cruisers.”

Not that McKay ranks them all equally. “I look down my nose a little at cruisers,” he admits. “I don’t think you’d have trouble finding people my age who use cruisers, as there’s a lot of support equipment and often a large crew. The smaller

and just turned around and come back because of conditions. But it’s two and a half hours of exercise every Saturday that I really enjoy. When I haven’t done it, I’ve really noticed the difference during the week.

“Some of my friends gave up sailing at 60 because they thought they were too old,” he concludes. “I still get them to come out with me every so often, but there’s the call of Saturday afternoon TV sport.

For me, playing sport always beats watching someone else play. So I just keep going.”

Super Fit Seniors, a sixpart sports entertainment series will be shown freeto-air on Setanta Ireland for six weeks and started this Monday, April 11 at 7.30pm.

FastSport

Kevin Sims interviewed by Eamonn Coghlan

Sims continuing 60-year connection with cycling AT 84-YEARS-OLD, Kevin Sims takes his cycling seriously. Aside from a break in the 1960s during which he took up powerlifting, Sims has been racing bicycles most of his life.

That including in the 1953 Ras, the first ever edition of Ireland’s premiere cycling race, in which he departed an O’Connell Street start competing for Kildare.

Sims trains three to four times a week - “Tuesday and Thursday, Saturday if I can manage it, and a race on Sunday,” with his sport taking him around the country, where he competes in an over 80s age category.

“I’d try to go 35 miles,” he tells GazetteSport.

“I have to compete against people a few years younger than me, and a lot of them would be former pro cyclists. Some of them looks great.

But I still race. In the winter every weekend, and in the summer, when the light’s better, on Tuesdays too.”

Sims is one of the stars of new Setanta series Super Fit Seniors, in which he says he does “a 60 mile race from Tallaght, riding with my two daughters.”

Sims also rides alongside fellow veteran Sean Lally, who twice finished second in the Ras. When he’s not cycling, Sims loves gardening, but points to the wonderful experiences the sport has brought him as particularly great memories.

“I rode through the French Alps with friends a few years ago, and the scenery was incredible,” he recalls. “We went back and did it in Italy and Germany, too. Now, I go to Spain every year.

It’s tough - it’s very hilly - but I really enjoy it.”

He does, however, avoid cycling through town, instead using Wicklow for his training, and looks at today’s obesity epidemic with some horror.

“You didn’t see big people in the 30s and 40s,” he explains. “It’s just the last 20 or 30 years, people are overeating and sitting in front of the TV instead of exercising. I’ve always kept myself around 11 stone” With his current fitness regime, Sims’ won’t be facing that kind of problem anytime soon.

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 14 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: dublin 15 club enjoy busy spring for all age groups

Rhinos on the rampage in delayed league opener HAVING had their first home match of the new Irish American Football League cancelled because of an issue with the ambulance, the West Dublin Rhinos team belatedly got the show on the road when they travelled to Navan to take on the Meath Bulldogs away in what become their opening match of their Irish American Football campaign, writes Paul Jones.

Conditions were not ideal with high winds persistent through-out the game and a soft turf meant that conditions were slippery at Old Balreask.

The Rhinos came charging out hard but a brave display by the Bulldogs meant that both sides were deadlocked at half-time. A small crowd of enthusiastic spectators would have to wait until the fourth quarter of the game before some points were put on the scoreboard.

A break in play found Darragh McDonnell in possession and he charged up the field to make the first touchdown of the game. Another touchdown, this time by Barry Bolton, came soon after that to seal the victory for the visitors.

Speaking after the game West Dublin Rhinos manager Robbie Andrews spoke highly of their opponents on the day after a 14-0 victory.

“It was important for us to start the season with a win but the Meath Bulldogs provided tough opposition for us today. I’m happy with the way both our offensive and defensive teams played and we’ve been working hard at training all winter in preparation for this new season.”

The West Dublin Rhinos will again face the Meath Bulldogs in three week’s time at home in Castleknock and will be hoping for another win in front of a home crowd on that day.

West Dublin Rhinos Stephen Mooney

Corduff’s Under-9A! side

Young Duff stars shine sport@dublingazette.com

CORDUFF Under-91A1 side hosted Ratoath Harps last weekend at Corduff Park in a tie hastily rearranged for the Dublin 15 venue after the Harps’ own grounds were called off due to the inclement weather.

It ensured that both sets of players got a game and it proved to be a cracker for all those who took in the tie.

Corduff had just edged a 3-2 victory when the sides last met on February 13 so both sides knew that they were in for a tough encounter.

Over the course of the four 12 minute quarters, Ratoath were slightly on top with their passing crisper against a gutsy Corduff side.

That work rate and effort limited Raoath to no more than one goal per quarter with goalkeeper John Pawlak, only back in the side after a three week hiatus, called upon on more than one occasion.

There was some moments of magic from the boys from Blanch but they were limited and cancelled out by a side who were the better team on the day. Taylor George’s tenth goal of

Six of the best Pair of Mochta’s sides run up heavy victories st mochta’s Under-19s ran up a 6-0 win over Sandyhill Shangan as part of a fine weekend of results. A hat trick from Ryan Cullinan under-pinned the win while there were also goals from Josh Wanizo, Glen O’Donnell and Philip Adelakun.

Elsewhere, the Saints marched into the quarter finals of the Wally Winn Cup with a convincing win on Saturday. John O’ Leary and Aaron O’ Brien both scored a brace with the other goals coming from Derek Rochford and an own goal.

the season as a consolation goal before a fairly earned free-kick by the Harps settled the affair.

Luke Munroe, meanwhile, earned his second man of the match award of the season following on from his excellent display against Balbriggan FC earlier in October.

He shaded the much coveted accolade just ahead of fellow defenders Callum Moore and Lucas Pinoncely.

Elsewhere, Tirone Ayinde from Corduff’s Under-14A side scored five goals against Rivervalley Rangers FC in the Under 14 Brendan McK-

enna Premier/A Cup quarter Final to set-up a mouth-watering semi-final against Corduff FC’s Under-14 Premier.

It is the first time the club will have two teams meeting each other in the semi-final of a competition like this, making for an intriguing battle.

At Under-13B level, Jack West had a superb second half performance in his sides 4-3 aw a y d e f e a t t o S t Mochta’s FC in the Irish Rail Cup semi-final.

West’s performance when coming on demonstrated his teams battling performance

to never give up and to leave nothing on the pitch. The side gave 100% and take a huge amount of positives from a result that went against them.

I n t h e U n d e r- 8 s against Donnycarney FC, there were a wealth of good performances, Eric Miengue weighed in with an impressive four goals along with Keith Ikwin and Alex Skabuls.

Great assists were laid on by Jayden Gannon and Alex Leonard with Oisin Kelly and Anthony Kobendza superb in defence as part of a great game.

14 April 2016 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

Laffan and Brigid’s summon late winner  sport@dublingazette.com

LADY luck shone down on St Brigid’s in their AFL4 league match at Glenalbyn last week as they beat Kilmacud Crokes 2-6 to 1-8.

Playing into a stiff breeze in the first half, Conor Brennan showed well early on, scoring two points from play, with a further point from a

free off the boot of Paul Whitty and a well worked team point finished off by Brian “mini” McIntyre.

McIntyre was forced off injured after an impressive 20 minute burst, helping Brigid’s stay in the mix at 0-4 each at the break. The same work rate and desire, however, was less in evidence in the second half with Crokes getting on top.

A brilliantly taken goal, accompanied by four unanswered points, gave the Stillorgan men a big lead with only seven minutes remaining. But, with three subs entering the fray, Eoin O’ Brien – one of the newcomers – kicked St Brigid’s first point in the second half from a free.

Another followed soon after to give Brigid’s a

sniff and, with three minutes remaining, Colm Laffan found himself of a fine move to fire into the net.

He wasn’t finished there and, with only seconds left, he was again in the box and let fly. Following two deflections, the ball skidded to the net, putting St Brigid’s one point ahead with the game’s last act.

hurling: faughs held at bay in thrilling finale

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s THE Feile na nGael 2016 takes place this

or you can purchase on-line via our

weekend. St Brigid’s will play in Mar-

website: www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

tin Savage Park on Saturday, April 16.

The St Brigid’s nursery runs every

Full fixture details are available on our

Saturday in Russell Park from 9.30am

club website. Best of luck to the boys

to 11am. We welcome all 4-7 year olds

and their management team. Enjoy

in the Castleknock and Blanchard-

the day.

stown area and new members and

St Brigid’s 77 Golf Society is back

families are always welcome. For fur-

and there are four outings planned

ther information and queries, contact

for 2016. The first outing is the society

David on 085 8340169.

President Ned Coogan’s day in West-

A camogie disco will take place in

manstown Golf Club this Friday, April

St Brigid’s this Friday, April 15 for 11 to

15. For further information, contact

13 year olds. For further information,

Neill Plunkett on 086 8891789. All new

contact Elaine Curtin.

members and guests are very welcome.

Tesco Maple Centre (at the bottom of the Navan Road) has included St

The lotto jackpot carries over at

Brigid’s GAA club as one of the ben-

€15,000 for this week’s lotto draw in

eficiaries of their community fund.

Russell Park on Thursday, April 14. The

All proceeds raised will help our Feile

reserve jackpot rises to €14,400. Make

teams to purchase jerseys and other

sure to have your tickets in the draw

gear.

castleknock GREAT wins for of our adult first and

their first game on the main pitch on

second hurling teams over Faughs at

Somerton where they accounted for

the weekend. Two great games and

near neighbours St Brigid’s.

wins over two very good teams. Well done to all.

Sincere thanks to scoreboard sponsor Brooks for hosting a night

Comhghairdeas leis na Dub’s Laoch

in the Carpenter with special guests

na himeartha Ciaran Kilkenny. Con-

JJ Delaney and Mick Deegan. Many

grats to Caitlin Coffey and the Dubs

thanks to Kevin Mallon for his usual

U-14 ladies footballers on their win

great job as MC and to all who organ-

Knock grind out an important AHL win

over Westmeath.

ised this very enjoyable event.

ahl division two

Castleknock’s senior hurlers recorded their first win of the campaign. Picture: Niall O’Connell

Castleknock 2-12 Faughs 1-13  sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK bounced back from an unlucky draw last time out to beat Faughs by two points on a hard sod with balmy conditions last Saturday night.

The home team began shooting into a slight breeze and, after a brief exchange of scores, went two points to the good.

Colin Lynch was causing all kinds of trouble up top and was in for an early goal but elected to take the guaranteed point.

Niall O’Callaghan and

Cian O’Dulaing were contesting everything. With Kieran Duggan putting in his usual shift, Faughs found it hard to deliver any quality delivery to their forward line. It was the aforementioned Duggan who, spotting a gap, in the Faughs defence, tore through to smash a goal.

Faughs weren’t to be overawed and came back with some superb scores to stay in touch. The second goal, when it came, was a pure sniper’s effort from Luke Whelan.

He pounced on a break and, with a quick flick of the wrists, he found the roof of the net from 18

metres. This gave Castleknock the cushion they needed to push on, 2-6 to 0-6, at half—time.

Faughs, though, roared out of the second half traps and, firing over five unanswered scores, had quickly reduced the deficit to a solitary point.

Castleknock were not to be out-fought and, with Connor Prunty and Jack King both working like Trojans in midfield, they suddenly found themselves four points up again.

Faughs did see a glimmer of hope with the awarding of a penalty, which was duly despatched, but Castle-

knock answered this with some wonderful scores.

O’Dulaing’s score off the stick was probably the pick of these.

With Faughs only a point adrift and the game moving towards stoppage time, Ian Cleary made his entrance. His first action was to pounce on a break, blow past two Faughs defenders and then sling a beautiful score over from the astro-turf sideline.

This, again, gave Castleklnock the confidence to push on. Despite a last minute 65 dropped in around the house, the defence stood strong and the final whistle signalled an important win.

Great week for the adult ladies; a

Special mile buiochas to our Club

week where the club, for the first time

Gaelach who organised oral Irish

in our history, fielded two adult cam-

sessions for Leaving Cert Club Mem-

ogie teams. On the pitch, both adult

bers and Friends. Much appreciated

football teams won their cup matches

by all.

and, not to be out done, both the cam-

Culture in Castleknock takes place

ogie teams started their league cam-

this Thursday, April 14 with a pro-

paign’s with terrific wins.

duction of The Playboy of the West-

Great win for U-16 footballers in

ern World by the brilliant Draoicht

the championship. Three great wins

Drama Group in CCC. Ring Breda on

for our U-14 footballers including

086 8416431 for tickets.

Naomh Peregrine THE minor footballers took on St

Michelle Kavanagh on 086 159 1459.

Anne’s on Sunday in Hartstown Park.

Please note students must have

It was a tough game for the lads who

a valid student ID card to avail of the

dug deep to secure a four point win

student membership option. Any play-

over the Bohernabrenna side; St Per-

er who has not submitted their mem-

egrine’s 4-11 St Anne’s 4-7. Great work

bership fee in full will not be eligible to

lads, well done.

partake in training or matches until

The junior hurlers had a fantastic

they do so.

away result against Realt Dearg on

The club shop has added new lines of

Sunday. The Drimnagh side were left

St Peregrine’s sportswear. For a bro-

defeated at home to the Penguin army

chure or order form, please email Der-

by a more than decent scoring gap of

mot at shop.stperegrine@gmail.com.

16 points. What a result for the lads

Get yourself kitted out in the newest

and management, 2-5 to 3-18.

Penguin attire. Opening hours: Mon-

Membership fees are now overdue for 2016. If you would like make a payment or have any queries regarding your membership, please contact

day 6-7pm; Wednesday 6.30-7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am to 12pm.

There was no winner of this week’s club lotto.

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

up the duff: Dublin 15 club’s young charges run up series of fine performances despite the rain P30

april 14-20, 2016

Orwell land nationals: Dublin cycling club step in to host prestigious event P29

Ruari Paton, back row second from left, ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s second game against Turkey

Paton’s Turkish delight Castleknock Celtic graduate making waves on the international front with Irish Under-16 team as they build toward development tournament  sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK’S Ruari Paton played his part in the Republic of Ireland Under-16s most recent two game series with Turkey at Home Farm and he continues his ascent in the game.

He came on as a substitute in the first match and played 30 minutes before starting the second game, earning his maiden international caps.

It is a fine achievement for the player who began his footballing life with Castleknock Celtic from the age of six in the club’s academy, playing there until the age of 12.

Since then, he has gone on to play in the DDSL Kennedy Cup winning team at Under-

14 level and he has linked up with Belvedere’s Under-16 DDSL elite team.

He was on trial with Celtic and Stoke City in 2015 and has also been in contact with Hibernian in Scotland this year in February 2016. There are several other English clubs monitoring his progress at the moment.

The series against Turkey offered a tough baptism but a, nonetheless, very useful outing against a technically proficient Turkish outfit who won the ties 3-0 and 2-0, especially in light of the upcoming fixtures on the agenda.

And the Irish team manager Paul Osam said it was a very useful exercise for these young charges.

“Overall I think the players did well,” he

said. “The results of these games won’t have a profound effect on the players’ careers but the things they’ll have learned will have much greater impact on their careers.

“The players now know the level you have to get at in terms of fitness and pace of the game from this level of the game. I’m happy that they’ve learned a lot.”

After participating in the Victory Shield competition before Christmas, the Irish Under-16s will now be looking towards the UEFA Development Tournament in Hungary next month.

“The Victory Shield is great as it helps the players get used to a tournament-based situation which is helpful in preparation for the UEFA U-17 Championships Qualifiers next

season,” said Osam.

“However the players and opposition you play in the Victory Shield is closer to what our players are used to in terms of style of play, technical ability, pace of the game, fitness and physique of the opposition when you meet Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Players need to be exposed to opponents like we’ve faced this week and we know this.

The Development Tournament will expose the players to another Hungary, Slovakia and Austria.

“They may have different styles than Turkey.

That’ll be great for the players to be exposed to different types of opponents and that’ll stand to them ahead of the UEFA qualifiers next year also.”