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April 13 - 19, 2017

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WE’RE GOO-GOO, GA-GAZETTE ABOUT BABIES! THE FINALISTS OF OUR BONNIE BABY COMPETITION ARE IN AND THEY ARE SOME OF THE CUTEST PHOTOS WE’VE EVER SEEN. IT’S NOW TIME TO GET VOTING TO SEE WHO’S THE ULTIMATE GAZETTE BONNY BABY.

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FEARS FOR SERVICES AS ADAPT STAFF TOLD THERE WILL BE REDUNDANCIES

Jobs set to go at drug and alcohol treatment centre

 MARK O’BRIEN REDUNDANCIES are to be made at a drug and alcohol treatment centre in Coolmine.

A source confirmed staff at ADAPT in Coolmine Industrial Estate had been told that there would be a number of redundancies at the centre by the new Board of Management.

There are currently two managers and an administrator, as well as seven project workers working at the centre.

Staff fear that reducing staff will also lead to a reduction of services. A source told The Gazette that services at the centre can often “be stretched anyway” with the current staff.

Full Story on Page 5

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

BLAKESTOWN | URGING PEOPLE TO ‘BEE FRIENDLY’ THIS SUMMER

Community group abuzz after pollinator event  MARK O’BRIEN

FASTNews

RTE star Daithi O’Se enjoyed afternoon tea with reigning Miss Ireland Niamh Kennedy on board the Vintage Tea Tour Bus in Dublin to mark the launch of

BLAKESTOWN Drive Community Group [BDCG] are urging people to “bee friendly” this summer.

The group recently organised a workshop and presentation on the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan on Wednesday 29 March 2017 in the Daughters of Charity, Day Care Centre on the Blakestown Road.

The Pollinator Plan workshop was given by Dr Erin Jo Tiedeken, project officer for the plan, from the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Rachel Freeman, lecturer in Horticulture from ITB Blanchardstown then gave a prac-

Alzheimer’s Tea Day

Host a tea party to support Alzheimer Society of Ireland

The group recently enjoyed a workshop and presentation on the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan

tical presentation of some types of plants to grow and the best way to pot them.

Rachel brought along her students from the 1st Year Bachelor of Science (Honours) in

In sync ... They’re dressed to impress at a big fundraiser

RONAN Traynor and Paula McClean – pictured with Sally, Lizzie and Maggie Traynor – looked super-stylish at Breast Cancer Ireland’s Battle of the Stars lip-syncing and dancing fundraiser, supported by Joe Duffy Group, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge.

The lip-syncing and dancing fundraiser saw a host of well-known faces from the sport, celebrity, society and public spheres in attendance, along with survivors of breast cancer.

Host Elaine Crowley kept the evening rolling along, with a number of hidden singing, acting and dancing talents brought to the fore – all for a very good cause. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Hor ticulture in ITB, giving them the practical opportunity to participate in community projects.

Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Eithne Loftus a t t e n d e d t h e wo r kshop, along with Annette Davey from the Blanchardstown Town Centre.

T he workshop was aimed at community members and businesses who want to learn more about how to implement the Pollinator Plan in outdoor spaces, and for Green School coordinators from local schools and colleges who want to learn more about the resources they are developing to support the Junior & Business Pollinator Plan.

The group said: “We need pollinators to grow our own fruits and vegetables, to supply affordable produce and for the wildflowers that bring

colour to our landscape.

“Unfor tunately our bees and other pollinating insects are in decline because they don’t have enough food to eat or places to live.

“The good news is that you can help by making your garden pollinator friendly.

“Ever y garden, no matter its size, can be a haven for hungry pollinators. Local communities can lead the way in creating an Ireland where pollinators can thrive.”

The group offered a number of tips to potential pollinators, including growing dandelions and mowing grass every six weeks from the middle of April to allow clover to grow and provide food for bees.

Further information can be found at the Blakestown Drive Community Group’s Facebook page.

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

DUBLINERS are being called to put the kettle on this May 4 to support the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Tea Day 2017. Alzheimer’s Tea Day is the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (ASI) largest annual fundraising campaign. Since the very first Alzheimer’s Tea Day in 1994, over €7.5m has been raised to provide essential support to the 34,650 women and 19,800 men living with dementia in Ireland today.

Every year thousands of people host tea parties in their homes, offices and schools. This year the ASI are asking the public to join them, all funds raised locally stay locally. With one in two people in Ireland knowing someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, calling round for a cup of tea is also a great way to bring a little light into the day of someone who may be isolated. For more information or to register for Alzheimer’s Tea Day fundraising pack, visit www. teaday.ie or call 1800 719 820.

Local young people enjoy some words of wisdom MEGAN O’Gorman (who won a Dublin jersey on the night) Monsignor Eoin Thynne parish priest of Mulhuddart and Fr Bryan Shorthall parish priest in Halston St all who spoke to the young people last Friday night at the Youth Night in St Patrick’s Church, Corduff. Even though the Ireland Wales match was on in the Aviva the same night, there was a great turnout of young people, who enjoyed the Corduff Youth Choir, a gospel youth band and words of wisdom from the invited guests. The next Youth Night will be held in May.

Ollie Beirne, Megan O’Gorman, Monsignor Eoin Thynne parish priest of Mulhuddart and Fr Bryan Shortall

13 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

FASTNews 150 new jobs announced for the city 150 new jobs for Dublin this year as tech company Citrix plans to expand its office in East Point Business Park.

The new jobs will primarily be in sales and technical support. Citrix currently employs 225 people in Ireland.

Citrix is also establishing a Sales Academy at its Dublin offices to develop junior sales talent with the aim of preparing them for more senior roles with the company in the future.

Speaking at the announcement Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “We already have a strong footprint of ICT companies in the Dublin area and we always encourage these companies to expand and diversify.”

REAL LIFE | MEET THE DUBLIN TRADESMAN FIXING PENSIONERS’ ROOFS FOR FREE

The height of decency

Sean Collins has been giving up his weekends to fix elderly people’s leaky roofs.

Picture: The Irish Daily Mirror

 SYLVIA POWNALL BIG-heared roofer Sean Collins is giving up his Saturday mornings to repair pensioners’ leaky roofs free of charge.

The generous tradesman says he’s happy to help – and he doesn’t mind missing the footie to do something more worthwhile with his time.

The 32-year-old dad of two from Crumlin started the voluntary service when an elderly neighbour asked him to inspect his roof and give him a quote.

Sean revealed: “I walked by this man’s house every day just saying hello to him. Then one day he asked us to have a look at his roof and give him a price, but he couldn’t afford it.

“I couldn’t believe that this man had to live with a leak coming into his bedroom, so I fixed it for free. He had a bucket at the end of the stairs he had to keep emptying out. The rain was coming down on his bed. I asked why he didn’t just move the bed but he said he couldn’t because it was too heavy. I got to thinking how many more OAPs are in this situation? So I decided that once a week I’m going out to fix minor repairs for free.”

Sean has worked as a roofer for 15 years and branched out on his own four years ago. He added: “I’m happy to help out as many people as I can. I have four lads working for me and one of them comes out with me each Saturday to give me a hand.

“If they’re small jobs it’s simple enough to do them at no charge.”

Sean is now urging any OAPs in need of his services to check out Collins Roofing on Facebook or contact him directly at 086 1274202.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

CASTLEKNOCK COLLEGE | ENGLISH LESSONS IN ETHIOPIA FOR THE SUMMER

Local students to take on teaching role in Africa  MARK O’BRIEN STUDENTS from Castleknock College will travel to Ethiopia this summer to teach English to local children.

Eight students and two teachers will travel to Ambo, a small town in the middle of the country from June 24 until July 11.

He told the Gazette that most of their time will be spent teaching

classes of up to 100 children.

He said: “On a typical day we will be working as classroom assistants, and we will contribute to the delivery of lessons, if not teaching a class of maybe 100 kids on our own.

“In the afternoons we will be playing sports and activities with the kids.”

Brian, who is considering becoming a

‘He had a heart of gold’ - tributes paid to crash victim Dylan (19) A TEENAGER who was killed in a car crash last weekend has been described as having “a heart of gold”.

Dylan Cowley (19) was involved in a collision with a second vehicle on the R162 Navan to Kingscourt Road on Saturday afternoon at 1.20pm.

He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Mr Cowley, who lived in Navan but was originally from Blanchardstown, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman and two children were in the second car.

They were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

His cousin Karl Kennedy told the Irish Independent that Dylan was a: “genuinely good person with a heart of gold”.

Mr Cowley also previously lived in Finglas before moving to Navan.

He had two younger sisters. Tributes were paid to the young man on social media.

Investigation One user wrote: “He’s honestly a gentleman, always was, always had a smile on his face and meant a lot to me ... I am devastated he’s gone.”

The road was closed over the weekend and diversions were in place while a forensics team carried out an investigation.

Garda are appealing for witnesses, and are asking anyone who has information to contact the Navan Garda station on 046 9036100.

teacher when he leaves school, also plays guitar and piano and he hopes that he will be able to help the children learn through music if possible.

The children in Ambo must complete their exams in English and Brian says that they are very keen to improve their English.

“The children over there are on their summer holidays at the

time of our visit, but have opted for an extra learning opportunity by attending this sort of summer camp,” he said.

“They must complete their junior certificate equivalent through English, so they are very keen to pick up as much English from us as they can.”

To raise funds for the trips, Brian and his fellow students have run a number of fundraisers.

These have included pub quizzes and bag packing.

Brian has also arranged for local historian Jim Lacey to give a talk on the history of Castleknock.

This fundraising event will take place in Castleknock College on Thursday, April 27.

The event is described as: “A light hearted virtual journey in time and distance, visiting some

of the most historical and fascinating locations in the barony and meeting some of the characters that were part of that history.”

Tickets of the event cost €10 and include a wine and cheese reception at the interval.

Tickets can be bought at the door on the night or can be booked from Brian by emailing brian. briggs@castleknockcollege.ie

The great debater Castleknock Community College student Katie Kenny Byrne was crowned Leinster Senior Schools Individual Debating Champion when she saw off the competition from eleven other debaters at the Grand Final in Trinity College on March 24. The competition, now in its thirty fourth year, is co-covened by the Trinity Hist & UCD L&H societies and this year almost three hundred speakers competed.

FASTNews

St Francis Xavier Senior School to mark 40th year ST Francis Xavier Senior School will celebrate its fortieth anniversary in the Castleknock Hotel.

The event takes place on Friday, May 12 and is open to all past pupils, parents and friends of the school.

The event is a great opportunity for people to catch up with old classmates and teachers and reminisce over 40 years of St Francis Xavier’s history.

Tickets for the event cost €25 and will be available from the Senior School from Wednesday, April 26.

Further information about the event can be found at www. sfxns.ie or by contacting the Senior School on 01 8211121.

Hip-hop festival for teenagers A HIP-HOP festival for teenagers is coming to Blanchardstown next week.

Generation: Dublin’s Urban Music Festival will take place at Fingal Plaza on April 21 from 6.30pm to 10pm.

The event is an alcohol free event and is aimed at teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 years old.

Generation will be headlined by Hare Squead and Lethal Dialect.

Flynn Johnson, 5th Element, Encore and Achieve will also perform at the event.

Tickets for Generation cost €10 and are available from Eventbrite.ie

13 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

ADAPT | STAFF TOLD THERE WILL BE REDUNDANCIES

Treatment centre positions in danger  MARK O’BRIEN

Get ready to Groove GROOVE Festival returns to the stunning surround of Kilruddery House & Gardens this August 19 and 20. This year under 12s go free to the festival. Pictured is Holly White who will be giving a talk in Thrive, the festival’s brand new health and wellness zone with Juliette Hayes and Ross Skelton from Dublin.

Picture: Shane O’Neill Photography

STAFF at a drug and alcohol treatment centre in Dublin 15 are facing redundancies.

A source confirmed to the Gazette that staff at ADAPT in Coolmine Industrial Estate had been told that there would be a number of redundancies at the centre by the new Board of Management.

There are currently two managers and an administrator, as well as seven project workers working at the centre.

The two managers and administrator will be replaced by a general manager, making two roles redundant.

The five general project workers have been told that they must reinterview for one of three roles.

This means there will be at least

four redundancies.

The source told the Gazette that this could lead to a reduction in services.

“At the moment, if somebody is out sick or working on a different project, things can be a bit stretched anyway.”

ADAPT offer services to help people struggling with drug and alcohol problems.

One of these services is a same day access drop in service but it is likely that this will not be available with reduced staff numbers.

This service has proved very successful in helping people abstain from drugs and alcohol.

One user commented: “Very friendly, respectful and understanding staff. They saved me.”

The organisation also offers counselling and psychotherapy services, as well as support for the

families of addicts.

It is feared that the reduced staffing numbers will mean that the drop-in service will no longer be available and all appointments would be by appointment only.

This would mean vulnerable addicts would not be able to access the help that they need as quickly as they previously could.

ADAPT is a registered charity and receives funding from the HSE under the Section 39 of the Health Act. However, the HSE declined to comment on the issue, saying: “It is not appropriate for the HSE to comment on employment matters particular to ADAPT, as this is a matter for the Board of ADAPT.” When contacted by the Gazette, the Board of Management of ADAPT declined to comment on the issue.

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

Out and About

Olga Morgan, Shane Gaffney, Jump Founder Emma Fazlic and Angela PowerMcNeice

Jacob, Donal, Maria, Pat, Mick and Lucy Cullanan. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

It’s time for family fun in Huntstown to support charity Tahhh dahhhh! Paul The Magician works some magic

I

T Locals were out in force on a gloriously sunny day for the Charity Fun Day in Huntstown Community Centre last week. The day was organised in aid of Jump Autism Support, which aims to bring services and educational support to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

13 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Emily Connor meets Batman from Superhero Hire

Oisin, Rosie and Fiachra Thompson

Frankie Watson, Eva Patriarca and Millie O’Reilly Christiane, Mayal, Azania, Bentoy and Kensika Monshengwo

Are you a member of a camera club?

Would you like to see your shots in print?

Why not send your pictures to aconway@ dublingazette.com

Olga Morgan, Angela Power-McNeice, Huntstown Community Centre Manager, Chris Sullivan and Jump Eoin and Liam Flood catch some sunshine

Founder, Emma Fazlic

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

ALLOTMENTS | NEW WILDLIFE POND OFFICIALLY OPEN

Beechpark group is looking to grow its membership  MARK O’BRIEN

THE Beechpark Allotments Grow It Yourself group will hold an open day on Sunday, April 23 where they will celebrate the official opening of their new wildlife pond.

The group – whose allotments are located near Clonsilla Railway station – has been hugely successful since launching in 2009 and now has almost 200 members.

The co-ordinator of Beechpark Allotments GIY, Adrian Rush, told the Gazette that the open day hopes to attract new members to the group.

He said: “The whole idea is to get new people growing.

“There are allotments available and more can be put in place should they need to be.”

With allotments available for

€285, Adrian said that they are great value as they greatly reduce the cost of grocery shopping.

“I am still eating last year’s potatoes, garlic and onions,” he said.

“I’ve got a freezer full of last year’s veg and I haven’t bought any significant veg since 2009 when I first started.”

Challenge While some people may be put off by the challenge, Adrian assures people that the group are very welcoming and happy to help new people and give advice where possible.

“Part of my ethos for the GIY group is if you don’t know something, come and see me,” he said.

“If I don’t know the answer, I’ve got a book on it or I know somebody who knows the answer.”

Everything from potatoes and

tomatoes to African vegetables are currently being grown on the allotments and Adrian hopes that the new wildlife pond will enhance the area.

He said that he hopes the pond will attract wildlife that will fend off slugs that feed on the vegetables.

“The whole idea is we get things like frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies,” he said.

“There’s going to be wood logs and stuff lying around so we hope hedgehogs and burrowing bees will be attracted.”

The open day will also give people the opportunity to sample some of the produce from allotments.

The open day begins at 2pm and the new pond will officially be opened by the community manager and assistant manager of GIY Ireland who will be travelling from Waterford for the event.

Dogs in firing line over changes to park laws MORE than 200 submissions have been lodged on the draft byelaws for parks and open spaces in Fingal.

The council plans to introduce ‘bark parks’ in some of its green areas – allowing for dogs to be walked off-leash in enclosed spaces.

Fingal County Council held information road shows at Malahide Demesne, Ardgillan Demesne in Balbriggan, St Catherine’s Park in Lucan and Santry Demesne.

Three more are planned at Millennium Park, Blanchardstown (Easter Sunday, 10am to 1pm), The Ward River Valley Swords (Saturday, April 22, 10am to 1pm) and Newbridge Demesne Donabate (Sunday, April 30, 10am to 1pm).

Other proposed changes of note include banning the use of drones and providing designated areas for cycling, roller blading and roller skating. Smoking will also be prohibited in or near children’s playgrounds.

Fingal’s senior parks superintendant Kevin Halpenny told T he Gazette: “We’ve had over 200 submissions, some online but a lot handed in at the roadshows.

“There have been a lot of ideas on how to tweak the byelaws and just bring them up to date.”

The local authority manages and maintains 2,000 hectares of public open space, with the current byelaws dating back to 2002. A copy of the proposed byelaws is available at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse.

A magical moment

Lauren Flanagan won 1st place

THE winners of Jigsaw Dublin 15’s art competition have been announced.

Lauren Flanagan of Coolmine Community School was awarded 1st place, with Matthew Hughes of Blakestown Community School coming in second.

Jessica Byrne of Castleknock Community College came third.

Jigsaw Dublin 15 is a mental health support service for young people. The competition was open to anybody aged between 15 and 17 who are living, working or studying in Dublin 15. The theme of the competition was “Being in the moment”.

The winning three entries will be displayed in Jigsaw for a year and the winners will also receive vouchers for Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

The three winning entries are currently on display as part of an exhibition in Fingal County Council offices, which runs until Thursday, April 20.

Matthew Hughes won 2nd place

Jessica Byrne came 3rd

13 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

Get the picture?

THESE fantastic shots were sent in by Palmerstown Camera Club member’s Denis Brazil, Patrick Kavanagh, Pater Walsh, Nina Butler and Ruth Isdell French. The club are looking to continue their success in national and international competitions by attracting new members. Novice members will have a wealth of advice and experience to draw from and can look forward to trips to a number of fantastic locations. They meet on Wednesday evening from 8pm to 10pm in The Parish Hall, Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, opposite the Palmerstown House.

COURTS | VIOLENT LATE NIGHT CITY CENTRE BRAWL

Suspended sentence for part in attack A YOUNG man with no previous criminal record has been given a suspended sentence for taking part in a violent late night city centre brawl.

Jordan McGuinness (19), of Corduff Park, Blanchardstown, and Craig Smith (20), of Corduff Grove, Blanchardstown and two other men attacked two innocent students who walked by while the accused were trying to break up a fight between two women.

McGuinness and another man, who cannot be identified because he is facing trial, punched Lee Whelan, knocking him to the ground.

The other man punched Dylan Campbell a number of times. Smith and the other man went to the boot of their car and grabbed an iron bar

and a hammer.

CCTV footage viewed by Judge Karen O’Connor showed Smith swinging the bar towards the two victims and making contact with Mr Campbell.

The other man swung the hammer with force twice at Mr Campbell, striking him once. The footage also showed McGuinness punching Whelan.

Judge O’Connor imposed a one-year sentence on McGuinness, which she suspended for 18 months. She also ordered that he complete one year of probation supervision.

The judge said she would sentence Smith on a later date, after noting that he had used a weapon in the attack. She adjourned his matter to December and said she

wants to see if he can stay out of trouble.

The court was told the men were willing to pay €500 each to the victims as a token of their remorse.

McGuinness and Smith both pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to violent disorder at D’Olier St on May 23, 2016.

Garda Wayne Donnelly told Anne Rowland BL, prosecuting, that when gardai arrived at the scene they found Mr Whelan in a semi-conscious state on the ground with an injury to his head.

Mr Campbell suffered cuts to his scalp and received medical staples.

Neither man completed a victim impact statement and both withdrew their complaints after giving their initial statements to gardai, the court heard.

10 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

Gazette babies are the cutest..

WIN | VOTE TO SEE WHO’S THE GA-GAZETTE’S SPRINGTIME BONNY BABY

Chloe and Charlotte Coffey are twice as cute!

Joe O’Carroll loves his dinner!

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

LIttle Katie Smith, sent in by her mum Aishling Monaghan

VOTE! VOTE ! VOTE! W

Three year olds Rebecca and Henry Arthurs are the best of cousins

E’VE had a wonderful response to our Gazette Bonnie baby competition – and we’re hugely grateful to the multitude of proud mums, dads, grandparents and family friends out there who so kindly shared some of the cutest photos we’ve ever seen.

Theses are our lucky finalists, who now go forward to a public vote to see who’s the ultimate Gazette Bonny Baby.

(You can vote for your favourite pic on our Facebook page, or by emailing competitions@dublingazette.com.)

We have some great prizes to give away – including two hampers worth €90 each from our friends at NUK Ireland – and one lucky winner will win a free family or newborn photoshoot worth €180 from Gazette photojournalist and expert baby photographer Ali, of Alison O’Hanlon Photography.

Voting is open from today until April 19, with our winners announced in next week’s papers and on our Facebook page on April 20.

And keep an eye out for more great Gazette Giveaways in your free weekly Dublin Gazette – because Grace Ahern (13 months) remember folks, the future is sent in by Brian Ahern local, the future is free!

Zack the piano man, sent in by Karolina Gasinska

Nine-month-old smiler Parker Daly

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 11

CHARITY | STUDENTS CALLED ON TO JUMP ON THEIR BIKES FOR SIMON COMMUNITY

Get in a spin and help the homeless to get education  EMMA NOLAN DUBLIN Simon Community are calling on students to get on their bike for their upcoming Simon Spin Challenge, which takes place on Friday, April 21, on Grafton Street from 11am-7pm.

The fundraising event will see teams from various different colleges and universities around Dublin spinning on stationary bikes for a total of eight hours over one day.

This fundraiser must raise €10,000 to fund Dublin Simon Community’s programme to support people, who have experienced homelessness, to rebuild their lives and pursue education.

Speaking about the initiative, Sam McGuinness from the Dublin Simon Community said: “The journey from homelessness to a home is much more than putting a roof over somebody’s head.

“We are encouraging students to help create opportunities for future students. The money raised will go towards our grant scheme to help people who have experienced homelessness get an education.

“The grant will remove barriers for people accessing third level and will help with the costs associated with pursuing third level education, be it fees, books or travel costs.”

Students will compete in a Battle of the Colleges on the day. Each team will consist of eight spinners who will cycle for a total of two hours each.

The team that travels the furthest and raises the most money will claim victory and will win some sought after prizes.

Spot prizes for extra challenges on the day will also be up for grabs! The Simon Spin Challenge is a fantastic way to have fun, keep fit and help raise vital funds for a great cause!

If cycling isn’t your thing, you can still give people who are homeless an opportunity to get an education by bucket shaking for your College Spinners on the day.

To take up the challenge for homelessness and become the winning college, email Grace Allen at: Grace@dubsimon.ie or call the Fundraising Team on 01-671 5551 and they will be able to show you how to set up your own JustGiving page for the event.

Each team also needs 10-12 bucket shakers to cheer on their spinners and collect vital funds throughout the day.

This fundraiser specifically aims to raise €10,000 to fund Dublin Simon Community’s third level education grant for clients using our services who wish to pursue further education.

News

12 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

MOTORING: THE OPTIMA HAS IT ALL P20

TRAVEL: CYPRUS - BELIEVE ALL THE HYPE P23

DUBLINLIFE

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GAZETTE

CINEMA: GHOST IN THE SHELL SHOCKER P24

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

THRILL 16

MUSICAL YOUTH: CELEBRATING 10 GLORIOUS YEARS OF THE IYMA

SENSITIVE BAXTER IS SUCH A REAL SWEETHEART OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Baxter, a one-year-old Beagle.

He is a curious guy and, being a typical Beagle, Bazter likes to busy himself investigating new surroundings. He would love to live with another dog as he is a super social dog. He will happily share his belongings with a doggy pal and a confident dog will help him settle into his new home.

Baxter is a sensitive soul and can be a bit unsure of new people, so his adopters will have to take their time with him. A quiet home with older children of about 10 years of age and up would suit him best.

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

Croker gets ready for the Irish Youth Music Awards

Ballymun teenagers The Innocents will follow in the footsteps of another Ballymun quartet when they play Croke Park at the IYMA next weekend

GET DOWN TO THE HUB THE IYMA Education Hub brings together some of Ireland’s top music industry professionals supported by BIMM Institute Dublin.

Those attending the Awards at Croke Park on Saturday next will have the opportunity to sign up for the Education Hub, which will feature music industry panels, master classes and workshops in vocals, song-writing and more. Visit www.iymas.ie for full education hub schedule and the biographies for music industry professionals featured.

Workshops for individual musical disciplines will also take place on the day. These include a drum workshop with Paul Kenny, who has toured with James Vincent McMorrow, Jape, and German band Get Well Soon. Danny Snow, who has toured extensively all over the world with Villagers and Cathy Davey, will be offering a bass workshop.

 REBECCA WESTON THE Irish Youth Music Awards has a new home this year – and a wealth of new Irish talent to go with it!

The Youth Work Ireland initiative will celebrate its tenth year at next Saturday’s National Day festival (April 22), and this year’s event will now take place at Croke Park.

Aimed at creating teamwork and friendship at local level, the IYMA also provides first-hand work experience for participants in all areas associated with the music business such as PR, stage management, graphic design, photography and much more.

Talent The showpiece of the IYMA National Day is of course the Awards ceremony itself, and we have some great talent from the capital who’ll perform at the legendary stadium for a chance to win recording time at 2FM’s famous Studio 8.

The overall winner will win recording time in a professional recording studio, a recording session in RTÉ 2FM’s legendary Studio 8 and a full backline provided by Music Maker Dublin. The winners will also get to produce an album of their own original tracks released on physical CD with a professional design.

WIN WIN

WE’VE got seven pairs of tickets to give away for the Irish Youth Music Awards Festival Day at Croke Park on Saturday April 22.

Just got to the Dublin Gazette’s Facebook page and LIKE and SHARE our IYMA post. Winners will be announced on our Facebook page on Tuesday at 5pm.

Spotify The album will be digitally distributed worldwide through all major outlets including iTunes and Spotify.

Tickets for the Irish Youth Music Awards National Day are available from Eventbrite priced €20 including booking fee here. The event is an all ages, alcohol free event.

Group tickets are also available for youth clubs, projects or schools priced €120 (including booking fee) allowing admission for six young people and two youth leaders on the day. Group tickets must be booked by April 14th.

Meet the Dublin finalists: Pgs 16-17

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 13

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

TALLAGHT HOSPITAL CHARITY CYCLE: RAISING VITAL FUNDS FOR THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

On yer bike for charity THE hugely successful Tallaght Hospital Charity Cycle has been launched for 2017.

The Summer 99 – 2017 Charity Cycle takes place on June 17, with the aim of raising vital funds for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Tallaght Hospital.

There are 200 places available on the cycle, and participants are encouraged to register soon, before these places are filled.

The closing date for registration is June 2.

The entry fee includes refreshments which will be provided on the day, as well as a cycling jersey.

Cyclists have a choice between a 40km route and a 99km route.

The routes begin and end at Tallaght Hospital and take in scenic areas of the Wicklow mountains including Brittas and Blessington. For further information on the event and how to register, please see www.iregister.ie/ v2/events/summer-99-charity-cycle-2017/ Funds raised will be used to purchase Advanced Haem o d y n a m i c Mo n i t o r i n g equipment for the ICU. This equipment will

enable doctors and nurses to accurately assess and manage a patient’s heart and cardiovascular functions during a critical illness.

Professor Gerr y Fitzpatrick, an anaesthesia and intensive care Consultant at Tallaght Hospital said: “The event promises to be a great day out and a very enjoyable occasion for everyone.

“So I encourage everyone who has an interest to register and support our work.

Your support and generosity is much appreciated.”

LUCY HELPS LAUNCH CHARITY PARTNERSHIP THE ISPCC and Ikea have teamed up to raise money for the charity with the help of TV presenter Lucy Kennedy.

The new one-year partnership with ISPCC involves over 713 co-workers from the home furnishing experts fundraising throughout the year.

To mark the announcement of the partnership, IKEA Dublin will donate an initial €5,000 worth of home furnishings for the benefit of therapeutic rooms for children and young people to be distributed among the ISPCC’s services.

Throughout the year IKEA will work closely with the ISPCC, providing expert advice and knowledge to benefit the work of the charity.

I K E A c o - wo r ke r s a r e already planning a number of fundraising activities, which kicks off with an exciting Strictly Come Dancing event where co-workers aim to raise a whopping €20,000.

Launching the campaign, Lucy Kennedy said: “I am really pleased that IKEA Coworkers chose the ISPCC as charity of the year. The ISPCC provides such an important service to children, listening to every child who needs someone to talk to. It’s great that they are being supported.”

DUBLIN AMBER DRINK TO HELP SENIOR CITIZENS THE Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has announced a new community initiative with ALONE, the charity that supports older people at home.

With 600 members, the LVA is marking its bicentenary this year, and has called on its publican members to pour support into the fundraising initiative in the hope

Pictured from left to right at the launch of the 2017 Tallaght Hospital Summer 99 Charity Cycle: Dr. Pat Conroy, Consultant Anaesthetist; Prof. Gerry Fitzpatrick, Director of Tallaght Hospital Intensive Care; David Slevin, CEO; Siobhan Connors, Critical Care Outreach Nurse and Yvonne Lewis Senior Health Care Assistant in ICU

TV presenter Lucy Kennedy launches the ISPCC and IKEA Charity Partnership with the help of Hollie Walker from Finglas and Riley Delaney-Berry from Rathfarnham. Picture: Brian McEvoy

of raising €200,000 to help older citizens in their own homes.

To help the cause, Guinness has created a new, limited edition beer – Dublin Amber Pale Ale – sales of which will support the fundraiser.

Some 50 cent will go to ALONE from each Dublin Amber sold, with the funds also helping to support its befriending service, with volunteer ‘Befrienders’ helping to give seniors a muchneeded social boost across the city.

Highlighting the charity drive, the LVA said that it, and its members, were delighted to help play a part in supporting the community as a core part of its bicentenary celebrations, with Guinness also saying it was happy

to help.

Dublin Amber Pale Ale is currently available on draught for a limited time only, and can be found at hundreds of pubs across the city.

OPW LAUNCHES BURNING BOOKS – AN EXHIBITION THE Office of Public Works has just launched Burning Books – an exhibition detailing the reproduction of 14 volumes of the Irish Parliamentary Journals dating from the 1700’s which were destroyed during the Irish Civil War in 1922.

In the last decade of the 19th century the book collector and amateur book binder Sir Edward Sullivan was shown a collection of 149 large volumes in exquisite bindings that had been stored, unnoticed, over many

years in the Public Records Office in Dublin.

They were in fact the Journals of the Houses of Lords and Commons of the old Irish Parliament, that ceased to exist after the 1800 Act of Union.

Sullivan made rubbings of all 149 volumes and photographed 20, intending to publish a large monograph on the subject.

He did not receive enough financial support for this, but did succeed in publishing a small volume, Decorative Book-Binding in Ireland, which was published in 1914 by the Sette of Odd Volumes in London.

Fourteen volumes of the 149 bindings were reproduced and are on display in Dublin Castle until September.

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13 April 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E V E with JAMES HENDICOTT

Story Time In Alan Hanna’s Book Shop The Rathmines independent bookshop hosts a wonderful weekly event for children up to the age of about ten, featuring playful readings and snacks. 11.30am every Saturday.

Fast-rising Cork musician comes to Dublin’s Sugar Club on April 20/ 21, having already climbed to the heights of Glastonbury and 3Arena appearances. A silky, modern, vocally-sublime one to watch.

Aine Cahill

The Good Run

An annual health start to Easter, The Good Run takes place on Good Friday, a charity event raising funds to tackle Motor Neurone Disease. Runners tackle 2.5 or 5km around St Anne’s Park, Raheny, on April 14.

A Celebration of Prince

The Grand Social brings together a host of musicians and DJs to celebrate the life of Prince one year after his passing. Fancy dress - especially purple - strongly encouraged. April 21.

Cruinniu na Casca

A celebration of contemporary Irish culture running for free across Ireland on Easter Monday, the Dublin events will include Ceili, pipe bands, trad, street art and activities focused on different industries in Ireland.

Al Porter - At Large

Al Porter

BATTLE OF THE BANDS MUSIC

BAND: THE INNOCENTSYOUTH CLUB: Ballymun Regional Youth Resource

Aine Cahill

The Tallaght native brings his standup routine to Vicar St, a location that’s become something of a second home for him. April 17.

Revolution in Colour

Director Martin Dwan visits the IFI on Easter Monday to present his documentary on the Easter Rising, ‘Revolution In Colour’. The film presents events using old newsreels as a guide, but adding enlivening personal angles and colour to the footage. April 17.

Ulysses and Censorship

Explore the issues James Joyce’s masterpiece suffered when it first appeared, as the James Joyce centre looks at the the great book’s difficulties in its hometown. Throughout 2017.

New album of the week: Imelda May - Life Love Flesh Blood. The Life Love Flesh Blood Liberties hero - now relocated to London - launches her fifth album, which features guest appearances from Jools Holland and Jeff Beck.

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16 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

THE INNOCENTS were formed in 2014 by Ballymun locals Jonathan Ambrose (16 - Lead Vocals) and Sam McGuire (16 - Lead Guitarist).

They often played music together with the hopes of forming a band in their local youth club.

They decided to reach out to their friend Kez Kinevane (17 - Drummer) who had no previous experience playing the drums so starting learning them from scratch, with help from Jonathan and BRYR Volunteer Darren Poole.

The band needed a bass player and Sam met Kenan (18) while busking and they became friends.

Guitarist Kenan had no prevous experience playing the bass so he set about learning, which lead to The Innocents forming.

Over the last few years they have had the opportunity through the BRYR MUSIC CLUB to build confidence & gain experience by playing at local community events, with the continuing support of BRYR Music staff and Volunteers. The Innocents continue to be part of the BRYR Music Club and use the space to rehearse and up-skill.

This young band have already accomplished so much in such short time that they’ve been together. Most recently they performed on Coolock based radio station Near FM. They sold out their debut

paid gig (110 tickets) in 6 minutes in the Setanta GAA Club in Ballymun.

Since this they have played in the Grand Social, Liberty Hall, Axis Theatre in Ballymun and now getting ready to play their biggest gig to date in Croke Park as part of the Irish Youth Music Awards (IYMAs) all ages festival on April 22nd.

ALANATIE are a musical trio from Ballyogan formed in 2016 by rapper and pianist Adam Whelan (17), lead vocalist Lana Whelan (14) and drummer Katie Grehan (18).

They started writing and practising at The White House, Ballyogan in preparation for IYMA. Before this Katie did tutor workshops with Rónán Ó Snodaigh from Kíla - and the band performed at an intergenerational fundraiser for the She project in Boylan Centre in Dun Laoighaire. They have been writing original songs since September 2016 and are well on course for their performance at the IYMAs in Croker on April 22nd.

BAND: ALANATIE

BAND: NEWKIND

YOUTH CLUB: The White House, Ballyogan

h Resource Centre

YOUTH CLUB: Finglas Yout

NEWKIND is a band that started off with 2 members called James Moran, a beatboxer age 17, and Clayton Cooper, a rapper aged 12.

They released an EP ‘Newkind’ in 2016.

The newest member Thomas McPartlan is a 16-year-old singer and guitarist. They all met each other in the FYRC and instantly clicked.

They wrote a song called “It’s Life” which they have performed in the FYRC which got them through to the Irish Youth Music Awards. They have also performed for the Suicide Awareness event in Finglas and ‘Be a Buddy, not a Bully’ anti Bullying event in the FYRC. The largest crowd they performed

in front of was three thousand people at the Halloween community festival in Finglas.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Thomas is unable to perform with his band so Robbie Tomkins has stepped in to fill Thomas`s position as the singer. The song they are going to perform is “It’s not enough”. Robbie likes people to take their own meaning from the song rather than defining it. The young people and youth workers from the FYRC are thrilled to be taking part in the IYMAs and are very excited about showing off some of Finglas musical talent.

Croke Park is the venue for next Saturday’s IYMAs. Picture: CrokePark.ie

BAND: HOSTILE FEELINGS

h Service

YOUTH CLUB: SWAN Yout

SWAN Youth Service and Blackrock College have teamed up this year for the 2017 IYMAs. Since September 2016 the SWAN Youth Service music group along with 7 Blackrock transition year students and their teacher have been meeting weekly to share music skills and work on writing their own original songs together.

The SWAN and Blackrock group known as Hostile Feelings is this year is made up of four musicians.

Two are from SWAN Youth Service and two are from Blackrock College.

The singers, Sophie Murphy (15) and Tom Dwan (16), both with a passion for singing whether it’s on a stage or on a barge on the canal as part of the ‘5 Lamps Arts Festival’!

Jodie Kavanagh (16) plays the Cajon box drum having recently discovered her love of drums and adding the beat to any song. Thomas McCormack (16) is a talented guitarist and artist and modest to boot!

BAND: SOUTHSIDE

ublin West

YOU

osscare D TH CLUB: Cr

SOUTHSIDE are a new 5-piece band composed of Denny Stupakov (26 - saxophone), Jeremy Mazingu (16 - drums), Ryan Cullen (16 - vocalist), Theo Rush (17 - saxophone) and Sam Urwin (17 bass) who all originate from the southside of Dublin.

Despite forming the group as strangers to participate in the IYMA, the boys have managed to combine their different styles of music – metal, jazz, hip-hop and pop – to create an eccentric blend of sound never heard before, each of them bringing their own unique and individual sounds and working together to create one sound as one band.

The band shares a fiery passion for music as seen through their electric performances on stage and continue to show this through their original music.

The band since their creation has had some impressing performances, both of these being at the Megabyte Night’s Open Mic and Youth Café in the Lucan Youth Centre and they are extremely excited to be the representing CrossCare Dublin West this year and can’t wait to play Croke Park on April 22nd.

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18 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Co-lab creates a beautiful sole

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

ONE of Grafton Street’s newest addition – & Other Stories – has collaborated with footwear brand TOMS and the results are toe-rrific!

The new co-lab sees new interpretations of TOMS styling along with a ready-to-wear collection and a campaign fronted by model Erin Wasson.

Four of TOMS’ classic shoe styles are transformed with colours and prints by & Other Stories: the classic TOMS Alpargata (the slip-on style that started it all), the Lexie

(which is TOMS’ signature summer sandal), and two completely new styles: the Deconstructed Alpargata (with a minimalist structure in a soft suede treatment), and the Palmera Chukka (moccasininspired lace-up booties).

The best part is the news that with every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

Materials and colours applied to these styles can also be seen incorporated throughout the ready-towear selection.

Georgine Le Toqueux, designer at & Other Stories, said: “The giv-

ing aspect of this co-lab gives it an extra dimension.

“Inspired by TOMS’ idea that two strangers on either sides of the planet or the street, can enrich each other’s lives, we created this collection.

“The goal was to combine modern shapes and embellishment that feel authentic with beautiful details, putting a lot of love into it.”

This collection is available now from & Other Stories Grafton Street, and also online.

STYLE

M50MOTORING The Dublin Gazette drives you through the motoring world on a tour of the latest models, technology & industry news

The new generation Volkswagen Golf has landed at Dublin Volkswagen dealerships with the entry price of €20,895 for the smooth 1.0 litre TSI petrol version

SSANGYONG UNVEILS THE NEW REXTON KOREAN car maker SsangYong unveiled a new and more stylish Rexton SUV at the recent Seoul Motor Show. This new SUV also claims a great driving experience, high levels of safety and new technology. This latest Rexton comes with a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel engine with full-time four-wheel-drive and a seven speed MercedesBenz design automatic transmission.

The launch of the car took place in the company of Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, the Indian company that now owns 73% of the SsangYong Motor brand.

SsangYong claims that the new Rexton will be one of the safest cars in its class, with nine airbags including knee-airbag for the driver and side-airbags in the rear.



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13 April 2017 GAZETTE 19

NEW GOLF UNVEILED

THE updated Volkswagen Golf has gone on sale in Volkswagen dealerships across Dublin with subtle revised styling, more technology, improved connectivity and a revised engine line-up. The starting price for the updated Golf is €20,895.

This latest Golf comes with new LED rear lights as standard across the range. Most of the models across the new Golf hatchback and estate models are now offered with a new generation of larger and more sophisticated touch screen infotain-

ment systems.

The new Golf claims to be heavy on technical innovation with the new Discover Navigation Pro radio-navigation and online system featuring gesture control. This system features a large 9.2-inch screen and sits alongside the Active Info Display which is standard on all Highline and Performance Golf models. There is also a larger range of online services and apps available.

The Irish line-up retains the familiar Trendline, Comfortline and Highline

specification. Volkswagen in Ireland claims that the majority of customers now opting for the Highline specification thanks to Volkswagen’s 5.9% APR on Trendline, 3.9% on Comfortline and 1.9% on Highline, GTI, GTD and R models.

Attractive

Volkswagen is also offering a series of Innovation Packs with the new Golf, which bundle some of the most popular and attractive options into packages, that claim savings of €1,100

over the individual items within the current 171 offer.

Following a short drive the car that most impresses is the 1.0 litre TSI model that comes with a turbocharged petrol engine that’s both smooth to drive, has ample power for city driving and now proves economical to own. The new e-Golf fully electric car is also a new competitive electric city with all the benefits of modern Gold styling and a competitive entry price of €34,890 after all government supports.

Nissan begins search for new ‘Generation Next’ car ambassadors NISSAN has launched a nationwide search to find 10 new car ambassadors to follow in the footsteps of Irish rowing stars Paul and Gary O’Donovan. The successful applicants will get to drive a brand new, taxed and insured Nissan of their choice for one year as Nissan Generation Next ambassadors, following in the footsteps of the famous Skibbereen brothers.

The Nissan Generation Next car ambassador programme supports people from all walks of life who could use a new Nissan car or van to follow their dream and to realise their potential of becoming Ireland’s next

Irish rowing stars Paul and Gary O’Donovan

generation of leaders and champions.

It presents an opportunity for young entrepreneurs, innovators, rising sports stars, musicians, artists, chefs and anyone who is

passionate about what they do to get ahead on their journey to success with the backing and support of Nissan. “We believe in the power of today’s generation of young Irish people to compete and to succeed on the world stage and we are proud to support them and to back what they do,” said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland.

Nissan Generation Next has already helped 30 inspirational ambassadors to overcome obstacles and to achieve their goals, including the two O’Donovan brothers whom it supported throughout the course of their remarkable journey to Olympic, Euro-

pean and World Championship success.

Applicants can apply online at www.nissangenerationnext.ie up to Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Family and friends can also make applications on behalf of individuals whom they consider to be an ideal Nissan Generation Next ambassador.

A shortlist of 20 candidates will be announced soon after and put forward to a public vote. The seven individuals generating the largest number of votes will win a place on the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme. The judges at Nissan will select three of the remaining candidates to join them.

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20 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

M50MOTORING

Optima enhances style, FASTNews space and performance Toyota tops the first quarter market

Kia upgraded the large Optima SW estate car for 2017 with improved economy and enhanced design, while retaining the seven year warranty offer and value for money label as Michael Moroney found out on his recent test drive.

KIA’S new Optima SW estate car is sleeker and more modern than before.

This is a car that challenges the established larger estate cars with a combination of modern looks, low running costs and value for money.

On its own, the new Kia Optima SW has certain appeal; the car looks modern, it drives well and its value for money relative to the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis or Volkswagen Passat.

This is the market segment that the Optima SW and its related Hyundai i40 SW both trade in but at a slightly more competitive price offering.

While the Kia name has been linked to the seven year warranty offer, there’s more to owning a car than that alone. You have to like getting into the car, like its styling because for many people it’s the place where you can spend up to 20% of your life.

The full upgrade for the new Optima SW has enhanced the appeal of the car. The international Red Dot design team voted the Optima design one of the best modern cars for 2016.

I agree largely with their view and I love the slightly devious look of the front grille in the Optima.

Somehow it reminds me of a cartoon caricature of a smiling shark so there is a slightly humorous look to the car that sort of

pleased me every time that I approached it.

Apart from the new look, Kia has done some serious work under the skin of the new Optima SW. Its lighter and claimed to be stronger and safer due to the use of more higher grade steel in its manufacture.

The internal look of the car is very modern and airy. The dash is slightly lower than some of the competition giving a great frontal view. It’s very clean and uncluttered with a large central screen to house the information and sat-nav system.

Personally, I prefer a slightly higher dash, but that’s my own prejudice.

The infotainment system works well and is very easy to navigate, with simple set-up for the Bluetooth mobile phone connection.

The car feels spacious with ample headroom in the rear. The leather affect seats were comfortable, with durable and washable rear covers on the rear front seats that are easy to keep clean.

The glove box is big but there are not too many other large storage areas.

The electronic handbrake was easy to get used to and included the hill hold facility for easier hill starting.

The rear visibility is reasonable and reversing is helped by the standard reversing camera system

WHILE Toyota was the leading car brand for sales for the first three months of 2017, Ford is claiming the market leadership for new car and van sales combined.

The latest figures show that 29,610 new cars were registered in Dublin for the first three months of 2017, a massive 39% of the national market but a 1.7% dip on last year’s levels comThe new generation Kia Optima SW is a spacious and more stylish estate car with an impressive economy performance and good comfort coupled with a large and flexible boot space. Prices start from €29,950 for the entry level EX models.

pared with the national decline of 8.31%.

Toyota sold 7,507 new passenger vehicles in the first quarter of 2017. Toyota claims that overall hybrid sales rose to 26% of total Toyota sales in 2017, up from 12% in the same period last year.

The dash on the new Kia Optima is uncluttered and simple.

Kia Optima SW EX 1.7

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 1.7-litre Engine power 141hp 0 – 100km/hr 10.2 seconds Economy 23km/litre

(4.4/100km or 64mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 70 litres CO2 emissions 113g/km Road Tax Band A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2015) Warranty 7 years /100,000km Entry Price €29,950 that transmits on the large central info screen.

The improved 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine is claimed to be more economical and gives slightly more power up from 136bhp to 141bhp. The car has more engine torque to give better acceleration,

making its slightly faster than some of the competition.

Kia use what they call the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system on all models and this they claim has reduced the CO2 emissions levels by 14% to 110g/km.

The Optima has an improved 1.7 litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 141bhp and 340Nm of torque

Ford had a combined van and car sales tally of 10,292 vehicles for

The rated fuel economy level has also improved to 23km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) which is very competitive. Add the two together and you get a low running cost car.

I found that this rated fuel economy figure was not possible to achieve on the road; my performance figure was about 40% poorer at 17km/litre. This is a realistic figure and I was impressed that the 70-litre capacity fuel tank, one of the largest in the segment, meant that the car was able for a range of more than 1,000km before a refill.

If you are an outdoor person that uses your estate car for towing a boat you’ll note that the Optima’s towing rating is low at 1.5 tonnes compared to the German competition

while the boot space is also smaller. Kia fit a space saver spare wheel in there, which is a benefit.

The entr y price is €29,950 which is real value when you look at the specification of the car, even relative to the Hyundai i40. This is just €2,000 over the entry price for the saloon car version.

The entry level Optima SW EX model comes very well equipped with satnav, auto light control, rain sensor wipers and reversing camera included in the package, along with 17-inch alloy wheels.

The seven-year Kia warranty is the other appeal factor that you just can’t dismiss and now there are new performance levels and better road holding to add to the driving pleasure.

the first three months of 2017. That was made up of 7,357 new car registrations and 2,935 commercial vehicle (CV) registrations.

In terms of the top selling cars for March, Ford had two entries in the 10 top-selling models for the month with Focus (510 units) and Fiesta (477 units) coming in at sixth and seventh place respectively (see listing below).

Top Selling Car Models March

Units

1 Nissan Qashqai

899

2 BMW 5 Series

753

3 Hyundai Tucson 627 4 Skoda Octavia 539 5 VW Golf

515

6 Ford Focus

510

7 Ford Fiesta

477

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22 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

M50MOTORING

FASTNews

With the recent rise in the popularity of smart phones, nearly half, 49% of drivers say they regularly use their phone for accessing their social media profiles while driving

Half of drivers want a mobile phone driving block MOBILE phone use behind the wheel continues to be a significant problem on Ireland’s roads but a new survey of Irish motorists reveals that nearly half of drivers (46%) would support the introduction of technology to disable certain phone functions for the sake of safety.

More than one in four respondents (26%) felt that some form of blocking device would be more effective at deterring mobile phone use than the introduction of harsher penalties.

The survey of Irish motorists for Continental

Joe Duffy Motors opens new Jaguar Land Rover showroom

JOE DUFFY Jaguar Land Rover recently celebrated the launch of its new 30,000 sq/ft showroom at Airside Motor Retail Park, Swords, with a special event attended by 300 loyal customers, local VIPs and Jaguar Land Rover enthusiasts.

The new showroom claims to offer Jaguar Land Rover customers a premium sales and ownership experience. Over the last six months, the Joe Duffy showroom has been transformed into a landmark building in the local community with an eye-catching design, featuring free wi-fi, a coffee bar and a relaxed loungestyle waiting area.

Tyres’ Vision Zero initiative, a commitment to reduce

Joe Duffy Motors new Jaguar Land Rover 30,000 sq/ft showroom at Airside Motor Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin

road fatalities worldwide, also highlighted that more

Luxurious

than half of drivers (54%) admit to regularly using

Joe Duffy customers are now treated to the full range of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles with sixJaguars and six Land Rovers on display. There are more parking spaces compared with the old site, as well as a modern and luxurious design

their mobile phone while behind the wheel.

Some other key findings from the survey include: · More than one third (36%) of respondents feel that mobile phone use is ‘normalised’ as so many people are doing it · 23% of drivers say they find it difficult to be disconnected from their mobiles for any length of time · 62% feel it is OK to use a phone in stopped or slow moving traffic versus 22% who said it is illegal to use a phone in any traffic situation

Tougher car approval rules proposed by EU EUROPEAN lawmakers

law has yet to be finalized

endorsed tougher draft

between EU lawmakers,

regulations last week

the European Commission

for the approval of new

and individual member

cars sold in the European

states.

Union.

The rules are aimed

Under the proposed new regulations, car com-

at tackling conflicts of

panies would no longer

interest between national

directly pay car exhaust

regulators and their

testing agencies. The plan

domestic manufactur-

is that in future individual

ers to avoid a repeat of

EU countries would have

the Volkswagen Group

to fund car exhaust test-

emissions-cheating

ing centres by levying car

scandal.

companies. Each year

The European Parlia-

EU member states would

ment voted for the draft

have to test at least 20%

bill, which would allow

of the car models placed

Brussels to fine car

on the market in their

manufacturers up to

country in the previous

€30,000 per vehicle. The

year.

developed with the help of architecture firm Taylor Design Architects.

The Joe Duffy Jaguar Land Rover showroom is the first dealership to launch Jaguar Land Rover’s new corporate identity and design in Ireland.

This will be rolled out

across the retail network in Ireland over the next 12 months.

Gavin Hydes, managing director at Joe Duffy Group said: “This €8.5m investment is another essential step in our growth plans for Joe Duffy Jaguar Land Rover. It fur-

Euro NCAP marks 20th anniversary of lifesaving crash testing THIS year Euro NCAP, the European car crash testing organisation is celebrating more than 20 years of operations. The organisation claims that more than 78,000 lives have been saved since Euro NCAP’s tough crash safety tests were first launched. Euro NCAP has published over 630 safety ratings, crash-tested some 1,800 cars and collectively spent over €160 million to make cars safer.

The first tests exposed safety failings in top-selling family cars, forcing a fundamental rethink in the way vehicles were designed to prevent accidents and save lives. Twenty years on, nine-out-of-10 cars sold on the European market hold a Euro NCAP rating and the motor industry actively supports the development of new requirements for the top safety ratings.

Today, the results of crash tests of two family cars built 20 years apart underline the huge advances in vehicle safety since 1997. Safety technologies that were non-existent or optional at most – such as driver and passenger airbags, side protection airbags, belt reminders and electronic stability control, are now standard on all cars sold in Europe.

ther demonstrates our commitment to Jaguar Land Rover, their confidence in us and our strategy to provide first class facilities for our Jaguar and Land Rover customers.”

Gerard O’Farrell, managing director of Jaguar

Land Rover Ireland, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is enjoying a period of rapid growth and a considerable part of our success is down to our excellent retailers.

Joe Duffy Group’s stunning new showroom is a great addition to our retail network.”

One in 10 cars hit advertised economy figures – UK consumer research ONE of the UK’s leading consumer-led motoring websites HonestJohn.co.uk, has analysed 118,000 real fuel economy fuel reports, submitted by UK drivers, and they found that an average car now uses 24% more fuel than it should, according to its advertised economy figure.

They found that the BMW X5 was the UK’s worst performing car for real economy, achieving 66.9% of its advertised fuel economy, followed by the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Audi A4 with a respective 67.5% and 68.3%.

The Volvo XC90 (68.5%) and Fiat 500X (69.6%) complete the bottom five cars on sale right now for real world economy, according to the consumer lead survey.

At the opposite end of the scale the analysis showed that the latest

Mazda MX-5 to be the UK’s best real economy performer, with an average of 101.5%. In second place was the Toyota Verso (99.5%) followed closely by the Toyota GT86, with a real world fuel economy of 98.4%. The final entries in the top five are the Subaru Forester (97.1%) and Peugeot Partner Tepee (92.9%).

Real world

From September 2017, the current NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test for new cars will be replaced with the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). However, while the WLTP should be more reflective of real world driving conditions and involve longer distances and higher speeds, it will still be laboratorybased.

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 23

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

THE MED: SUNWAY SERVE UP SOME APRIL DEALS FOR SUNSEEKERS

Go north: A new-found love for the wilds of Donegal’s Malin Head  JESSICA MAILE

WHERE I grew up, heading up north was almost always a good thing. It meant fresher air, less people and a wildness that soothed the soul.

This is what I hoped I would feel as I made my way up to Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, which is one of the gems of the Wild Atlantic Way. Malin Head had to be all of these things because it is as far north as you can go on mainland and it certainly didn’t disappoint!

The Inishowen Peninsula offers stunning beaches, such as Pollan Beach

Whether you’re after a sunkissed landscape with crystal-clear waters that was once home to the Gods or a modern, vibrant culture, Cyprus delights

in Ballyliffin, where

A sizzling sun holiday awaits you in Cyprus

you can search for your very own semiprecious stones and Five Finger Strand.

There are also plenty of ancient sites to visit on the Inishowen Heritage Trail.

The tiny village of Malin Head itself is a great place to stay. The views of the Atlantic are spectacular and the residents are very friendly. Farren’s Bar “Ireland’s Most Northerly Bar” was a hot-spot for cast and crew during filming last year of a movie you may have heard of. What’s it called again? Oh yes, Star Wars: Episode VIII. Although there were many places to see and things to do, walking to the tip of Malin Head was top priority.

Just a five-minute drive led us to a a 19th-century signal tower that was built by the British in 1805 as a Napoleonic lookout tower to help defend against a possible French invasion.

From there, we followed the path to Hell’s Hole (not a comforting name whilst walking along steep sea cliffs, and then on to the official end of the path.

We were greeted with signs saying “continue at your own risk” and continue we did and it was worth the risk. The views of the cliffs, the noise of the sea birds, the crashing of the waves and knowing there was nothing beyond where you stood but a whole lot of ocean and then North America! And that view is what Malin Head is all about!

The extraordinary Pollan Beach in Ballyliffin where you can search for semi-precious stones and (top) the walking path at the tip of Malin Head

NOW that Spring is finally well and truly on the way, it seems that Summer is just around the corner – and with Sunway holidays, it is!

The travel operators are offering a great range of sun-kissed holidays in Cyprus, where holidaymakers can enjoy a Summer feeling this April.

An island that is rich in history and culture, and packed with wonderful experiences that are just waiting to be enjoyed, there are very many memorable things about Cyprus.

From its wide choice of hotels and sandy beaches, Cyprus has something for everyone.

This month, Sunway’s April packages (below) include flights, accommodation, transfers, 20kg baggage per person, the services of a Sunway representative and all taxes and charges, with holidays from €599pp, with all of the deals below departing Saturday, April 22.

Ayia Napa Once a quaint fishing village, Ayia Napa is now

better known as a tourist haven. The resort boasts three long, white sandy beaches – the most famous of which is Nissi Beach and the crystal waters are the resort’s big draw.

There is a stunning 16th century Venetian monastery that overlooks the harbour in Ayia Napa town, and although this is the backdrop to the resort, Ayia Napa is firmly in the 21st century.

S t ay a t the Rio Gardens (2-Star) for 7 nights, self-catering, from €599pp.

Stay at the Napa Plaza Hotel (4-Star) with a Superior room for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from from €689pp. Stay at the Nissiana Hotel/bungalows (3-Star) for 7 nights, halfboard, from €699pp.

Limassol Limassol is the island’s second largest city, and the island’s main port and a

bustling holiday resort.

T he city fans out between two of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus, which were built on clifftops with spectacular views.

The main hub of activity takes place around the busy 10-mile seafront which is dotted with an abundance of bars, tavern-

as and excellent shopping.

Stay at the Estella Hotel Apts (2-Star) for 7 nights, self-catering, from €599pp.

Stay at the Kapetanios Odyssia Hotel (3-Star) for 7 nights, half-board. from €749pp. Stay at the Mediterranean Hotel (4-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €869pp.

Protaras Protaras is an ideal holi-

day location for families and couples alike. Famous for its long stretches of sandy beaches and crystalclearwater, Protaras comes into bloom in the springtime and has its very own flower festival.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the area on many hiking trails, sample local cuisine in one of its many tavernas or restaurants, dance the night away at one of the local discos or visit a traditional Bouzouhi club and relax with a glass of excellent local wine.

Stay at the Capo Bay Hotel (4-Star+) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €829pp. Stay at the Sunrise Beach Hotel (4-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €844pp.

Paphos This resort is split into two regions: Kato Paphos and Tombs of the Kings.

Kato Paphos has four beaches and is a busy area

with an attractive harbour and an abundance of outdoor restaurants.

In the town centre there are plenty of cafes, bars and live music venues and shops, while 10 minutes away you will find Coral Bay, with its sandy gently shelving beach and a smaller selection of restaurants and bars.

One of the main archaeological sites, The Tombs of the Kings, is located midway between these resorts. This is a perfect resort for families, couples and groups of friends looking for both a relaxing and varied holiday.

Stay at the Alexander the Great Hotel (4-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €1239pp. Stay at the Elysium Hotel (5-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €1179pp.

The prices per person above are based on two sharing, and are subject to availability. For reservations, contact Sunway at 01 2311 800, or book online at www.sunway.ie.

GAZETTE

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

FREE FIRE

Aims for cinema success IT’S not easy to bring something new to the slightly clapped-out shooter genre, but Free Fire (Cert 18, 91 mins) aims to please with its interesting mix of violence, tension and sprinkles of humour. A 1970s-set gun trade between dodgy types in a warehouse soon goes horribly, entertainingly wrong, with barbs and quips flying through the air as much as the bullets.

Ghost in the Shell (the 1995 anime, inset,based on the 1989 manga) is an interesting, pschologically complex examination of the human condition – but the new film starring Scarlett Johansson (above) ... not so much. While the 2017 film is a let down, at least it always looks incredible, with some dazzling CGI adding some superb life to the visuals.

TABLE 19

You’ll go to sit elsewhere RELEASED yonks ago in the States, Table 19 (Cert 12A, 87 mins) finally, quietly slinks in to Dublin cinemas.

Mercilessly slated by critics, this tale of wedding guests at the eponymous table collectively realising that they’re the unwanted losers dumped together – but hey, maybe they’re cooler than everyone thinks – is something to swerve around on the way to a better film.

THE BOSS BABY

It’s a bit goo-goo ga-ga SOMETHING of a curate’s egg, Boss Baby (Cert G, 97 mins) is pretty enjoyable thanks to Alec Baldwin’s voiceover work as the titular character, but the plot itself is a mess. There’s an enjoyable enough film here, but it’s hidden behind lashings of unecessary and sometimes confusing plot.

Baldwin fans and kids will enjoy it, but everyone else may be left more than a little confused.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: A FEAST FOR THE EYES, A FAMINE FOR THE SOUL

Major disappointment ‘WHITEWASHING’ in Hollywood is no contemporar y phenomenon; from Brando’s turn as Genghis Khan to the recent controversy over Netflix’s Iron Fist, the lexicon of mainstream visual enter tainment has long been vulgarised with a tendency to mash Caucasian stars into roles much more suited to, or written for, actors of an Asian heritage.

N a t u r a l l y, w h e n Rupert Sanders’ Ghost in the Shell (Cert 15A, 106 mins) , the Hollywood remake of the acclaimed anime of the same name was first announced, with lead actress Scarlett Johansson taking the role of Major Motoko Kusanagi (now just “The Major”), the news was met with the vitriol of a thousand online think-pieces.

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

The news spurred on many necessary conversations on the dangerous trend of whitewashing. In a political and social climate so driven by race relations, you’d think the producers would have had a little more foresight.

Still, despite whatever progress the industry has made in recent years, this trend is seemingly showing no signs of dying off.

The beloved animated sci-fi from director Mamor u Oshii dealt with themes of selfidentity and humanity in

a hyper-connected world – themes common to the literary world of ‘cyberpunk’.

As with most of the d i s t i n c t i ve i m a g e r y from the original, these themes play a large part in this remake.

In a future where most humans are augmented with cybernetics, The Major is the first of her kind, built from the ground up as the perfect cyborg soldier, with a human brain encased inside – “the ghost in the shell”.

When a terrorist begins hacking into people’s minds and controlling them, The Major is put on the case, along with the rest of her team, Section 9 – led by Chief Aramake (the incredible Takeshi Kitano).

Ghost in the Shell is a technical marvel. From

the smallest holographic detail to the most bombastic, CGI-fuelled action sequence, this is a sumptuous display of wonderfully executed, perfectly integrated visual effects.

The intro, with Clint Mansell’s mood-perfect sy nth score exper tly adapting the music of the original, re-imagines the opening sequence from said film perfectly; a seamless assimilation of live action and CGI. The cityscape clearly takes notes from Blade Runner and the original source material, but also from Katsuhiro Otomo’s startling anime Akira, the illustrations of Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud and the heavy sci-fi prose of William Gibson.

In a word, it’s visually beautiful – ripped straight out of a cyber-

punk dream. The frame is always on the verge of bursting at the seams.

Unfortunately, beyond these incredible visual feats and a few riveting action sequences, Ghost in the Shell has little to offer. For all its manifold layers of sci-fi world-building, this is a shallow experience, narrativity speaking.

Its thematic meditations on humanity and identity are extremely cursory.

We’re frequently told about the cybernetic “risk to individual identity” and the problematics of “messing with the human soul” yet Ghost in the Shell is altogether soulless.

Forgoing the original’s contemplative twist for a conclusion that allows the film to squeeze the whitewashing issue into

the narrative, Ghost in the Shell has nothing new to say about its subject matter.

Johansson may be playing a robot, yet although we’re constantly reminded there’s a ‘soul’ in there, she never shows it.

Still, Juliette Binoche does an admirable job as her creator, Dr Ouelet, and it’s great to see Kitano fire off a few rounds in some of the latter action sequences.

Ghost in the Shell is saved from an otherwise worthless existence with said action sequences and some innovative CGI. One can’t help but wonder, however, how much more mercifully shorter it would have been without all that stylised slow-mo...

Verdict: 5/10

13 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

PETA have an udder complaint for games

SOMEBODY in PETA likes videogames, a lot.

Well, perhaps ‘like’ isn’t quite the right word, but the organisation is definitely keeping tabs on animal welfare in games – whether they’re real animals or not.

Following on from PETA, the animal rights organisation, taking assorted pops at various games down the years (with Warcraft seeming to be a particular favourite for repeated PETA criticisms, because as we all know, Orcs and Dwarves should never wear fur from Wargs, or Griffins), Nintendo’s new Switch console has fallen foul of PETA’s ever watchful eye.

While a new Switch title ( 1-2-Switch ) may strike gamers as an innocuous party minigame about milking a cow, PETA saw things differently. Very differently.

A letter from PETA’s president to Nintendo has some rather sour words about the game – indeed, it complains that “you’ve taken all the cruelty out of milking”, and “can we have some realism here, please”.

Unfortunately, Cow Milker 2017 doesn’t seem to exist on the Switch just yet, or on any console or platform.

As such, the quest to provide ultra realism in milking games – including replicating “the filthy conditions that cows endure on farms” – so that there’ll be an acceptable critique of modern agricultural practises in an industrialised agri-produce sector (instead of, y’know, giggling with friends as you each jiggle a controller about in a race against the clock) will just have to wait…

GAZETTE

TECH

2016’s greatest games rewarded with Baftas THERE were no great surprises at this year’s Bafta game awards, which rolled out most of the expected winners in their various categories in London last week.

First up – at least in my list of some of the bigger Bafta categories here – and to nobody’s surprise, Uncharted 4 continued its juggernaut roll, crushing all opposition to snatch Best Game, with this Bafta surely one of the last remaining awards left on the planet to throw into the developer’s loot cave.

However, U4 had to console itself with ‘just’ the top award, as it faced stiffer competition in more specific categories that it was also nominated for.

As such, despite U4 bringing two of gaming’s top A-list actor-performers together (Nolan North and Troy Baker), relative unknown Cissy Jones claimed the Performer Bafta for her quick-witted, foul-mouthed and very human role as Delilah in Firewatch.

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

Critics (including yours truly) highly praised Firewatch, the debut game from Campo Santo Productions, for its highly naturalistic dialogue and plot, with its confident art style also helping it to blaze a trail to win the Debut Game Bafta.

Moving on, and just as with much more passive media, such as TV and cinema, music can play a huge role in any game’s success, with a lot of highly-respected composers quietly plugging away at their trade.

Composer Lyndon Holland shyly took the Music Bafta for his great score for the short but sweet Virginia, with his rich, multilayered score impressing many people last year, with it sounding a little like an

orchestral, mid-Western mash-up between Stranger Things and Twin Peaks.

Audio Achievement was another category with a particularly strong field of contenders, with The Last Guardian proving the surprise winner.

It definitely has a wow factor with its arresting visuals, yet there’s little that’s particularly memorable about its audioscape, compared to the all-out aural assault executed by several of its rival finalists.

Ultimately, as happens every year, the night belongs to one game, and Inside proved the judges’ darling, coming away with a haul of Baftas, including Narrative, Original Property, Artistic Achievement, and Game Design, as well as other category nods.

Sporting a bleak, almost monochromatic visual aesthetic and a low-key narrative (at first glance), Inside crafted a brief, dark (both literally and metaphorically) and stark title,

Some of the Bafta winners clockwise from top left: Uncharted 4, Inside, Firewatch and Virginia

shot through with flashes of peril.

With such a diverse range of games scooping the Baftas, gaming appears

set to have a bumper year ahead, with plenty of gems to make next year’s Bafta games awards even more interesting.

Ready to surrender social media passwords to visit the US? AT THE time of writing, the Trump administration is still mulling over a new ‘extreme vetting’ policy that, if passed and applied, could make travel to the States problematic for many people, at least on a point of principle.

In short, travellers could be asked to hand over their social media passwords and phone contacts for vetting, with the Wall Street Journal quoting administration officials as saying that financial information and ideological information could also be requested.

In short, no passwords –

The threat of possibly having to hand over personal passwords to visit the US has sparked unease

no entry, as the boiled-down advice from assorted civil liberties lawyers points out, while being refused entry Stateside

would present a raft of problems for any detained travellers.

“Could” is the key word here, as nothing has yet been decided

or confirmed – the idea is floating about, although the US Customs and Border Patrol have already piped up with: “All international travellers arriving to the US are subject to US Customs and Border Protection inspection …

“Keeping America safe and enforcing our nation’s laws in an increasingly digital world depends on our ability to lawfully examine all materials entering the US.” While absolutely nobody could begrudge America – or any country – running a thorough border check and main-

taining a vigorous look-out for problematic or potentially dangerous visitors, many people would quite rightfully baulk at handing over such intimate information to a foreign (or domestic) government, not least the vast majority of Irish and other visitors just looking to take a holiday or visit family members in America.

If such an extreme vetting gets the go-ahead soon, plenty of visitors are likely to be in for a rude shock when they arrive across the pond, not least those who refuse hand over their precious data. Watch this space ...

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

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28 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

SPORT

FastSport DUBLIN SIDES SWEEP BOARD AT INTERVARSITIES: GRIFFITH College scooped the men’s A title at the 2017 National Basketball Colleges Committee Intervarsities after they came through all of their pool group games unbeaten and continued their impressive form to run out 76-45 point winners over Ulster University.

Alex Calvo, Alex Dolenko and Jose Maria Gil Narbon were the stars for the Dublin college throughout the weekend and were hugely impressive once more in the final.

Meanwhile, DCU made it a double whammy of wins as, after their men’s side won out over IT Tallaght in the B final, the women’s team were later crowned A champions with a win over IT Carlow in a nail-biting final.

Meanwhile, hosts Trinity College Dublin were the first team of the weekend to scoop a cup as they overcame Cork IT in an extremely close and tough women’s B final.

HOCKEY: STUDENTS ADD EYHL TITLE TO IRISH SENIOR CUP SILVERWARE

UCD’s Tice twice on target for second title in six days

 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

UCD claimed the women’s EY Hockey League in dramatic fashion last Saturday as Lena Tice struck two penalty corners to inflict a first defeat of the league season on HermesMonkstown, leap-frogging their Dublin rivals on the final day of the campaign.

The 2-1 result earns them a European spot and was their second title in six days, adding to the Irish Senior Cup won at Belfield with a 1-0 win over Cork Harlequins.

The first quarter was dominated by the visitors who showed their intent from the whistle, forcing several corners but the Hermes keeper Liz Murphy dealt comfortably with the chances created. The home side did force a corner but Clodagh Cassin in the UCD goal saved the corner switch.

The home side started to settle in the second quarter, creating opportunities to take the advantage. Cassin pulled off a top class save from a Chloe Watkins corner drag and, just before the end, Nikki Evans showed fantastic skill controlling and

UCD celebrate winning the EY Hockey League. Picture: Adrian Boehm

spinning to shoot on her reverse.

With the UCD keeper beaten, the shot pinged the crossbar to deny the home side a half-time lead.

Evans did, however, give her side the lead in the 38th minute when good work by Anna O’ Flanagan in the circle, saw her battle out of a tackle to pop the ball left for the finish. UCD now needed to score twice to take

the title and, in the 44th minute, they forced a corner.

This time, the ball was cleverly rolled into the circle to allow Tice to apply a devilishly powerful slap that defeated the defensive lines.

The students kept pushing on in the closing quarter and were rewarded with 12 minutes to go with what proved to be the crucial goal.

Again, Tice did the damage in the same manner as the first.

The home side threw everything at UCD, withdrawing their keeper in the final moments as they chased the equaliser but, on the day, the college side did enough to take the win and the title.

Elsewhere, Pembroke completed their great escape from a potential relegation playoff with a 2-0 win over Ulster Elks. In

tandem with Belfast Harlequins 5-1 loss to Loreto, it boosted Pembroke to eighth place on goal difference, ahead of Belfast Harlequins on goal difference.

It was their second win in their last three games, adding to a recent success against Ards and they went 1-0 up early on. Erica Markey inspired the first goal when she only had the goalkeeper to beat in the seventh minute but was taken down.

A penalty stroke was awarded which was converted by Rachel Scott to open the scoring for the home team, easing the tension. They continued to set the tone in the second quarter when Alice Ward and Erica Hinkson combined well before Markey made it 2-0 in the 31st minute.

Eanna Horan set up the attack down the right before Jill Ringwood picked up the pass and crossed to Markey who made no mistake for a 2-0 halftime lead.

Into the second half, Pembroke continued to attack and won a penalty corner in the 40th minute.

Eanna Horan’s shot on goal was blocked by a defender and the follow-up hit the post.

Dublin Galaxy break into new netball stratosphere  BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com

The Dublin Galaxy side that won the Irish netball final

FORMED just last year, Dublin Galaxy lined out in Tallaght Leisure Centre in Dublin on Saturday afternoon to compete the Irish Netball final against the Cork Rebels, bidding for a first national title.

Galaxy are already a force in the Irish game having led the league that preceded the playoffs with both sides looking for their maiden title.

Cork captain Wendy Howell made one switch to the starting

seven from the previous week’s 38-36 semi-final win over outgoing champions St Anne’s Dragons whereas Galaxy’s captain Christina Tuataga balanced her team after dismissing Leinster Netball Club 45-32 midweek.

She said: “We are made up of varying levels of ability from players who have played internationally to those who had never played competitively before. So, it makes things complicated when deciding combinations. Many of us used to play socially before the club was formed but now it’s competitive, they love it.”

A tight first quarter ended with Rebels two down (14-12) as both attacks found their range. It was the second quarter that proved decisive as Galaxy pulled out to an eight goal half time lead (2719) after Galaxy’s Tania Rosser – a former Irish rugby international – found space at wing attack to feed Tuataga at goal attack.

Cork rallied in the third quarter which was goal-on-goal. Going into the fourth quarter, Galaxy led 40-31. Despite eight last quarter goals by Cork’s Alesha Clarke, who finished with stats of 31 goals from 36 attempts, it wasn’t enough

as Galaxy prevailed 51-41.

Player of the Match was Tuataga after scoring 43 from 54 shots.

Afterwards, Tuataga said “I am really delighted with our team.

We’ve had a huge squad this year and we did that purposely because to bring up beginners and those of low experience, they need to be playing alongside well versed players”.

As for the following season?

“Watch this space” she said with the victor’s grin.

Earlier, the Division 2 title went to Finglas club St Michael’s NC, defeating UCD 28-19.

13 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Hyland hits high notes at record-breaking gala Dublin swimmers produce series of superb performances to notch up a string of national titles with Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland beating the Irish best in the 100m and 200m butterfly  sport@dublingazette.com

Ballyboden St Enda’s launch an Poc Fada

Boden’s Poc Fada in bid to challenge Cuala reign  STEPHEN FINDLATER

DAVID CURTIN and a number of his teammates including Dublin star Niall McMorrow helped to launch Ballyboden St Enda’s new Poc Fada last week, with the aim of raising money for the club’s large hurling section.

The Poc Fada contest will take place along the River Dodder where it runs alongside the Ballyboden St Enda training pitches and clubhouse, and carries a GAA themed prize from the accompanying €5 raffle tickets: a helicopter ride to Croke Park on All Ireland Final day (a choice of football or hurling), plus two premium tickets to the match, a night’s hotel accommodation in Dublin and dinner on the day of the game.

Curtin spoke to the Gazette on the day of the launch, telling us “With the opening of the new pitch, we’re doing something in conjunction with it. Across the road [from the clubhouse] there’s an old country lane, and the river running alongside it. For the Poc Fada they’ll be starting from one end of the lane and going to the other. It’s traditionally up and down the hill, but the idea of it is a lot of fun. It’s who can get there in the least shots, and it’ll be the first year of it.

“Hopefully, this gets a lot of support, and it’ll be a runner every year. It’s a huge club here, but a huge club has a lot of financial expenses. Every team needs fundraising, all clubs need to do it whether it be a junior team, intermediate team or senior team.

“This kind of idea has a bit of fun attached to them, and we hope to sell a few tickets with a fantastic prize alongside it all.”

Curtin also spoke about Ballyboden’s chances in the Championship this year, pointing out that the club’s seniors lost to eventual All Ireland club title winners Cuala narrowly last time out, taking them to extra time, and feel that having been drawn in the same group as the Dalkey club, they have a real shot at beating them.

Ballyboden open with Cuala at Parnell Park on April 29, with fixtures against Faugh’s and Crumlin in May. The Poc Fada - and draw for the association competition - will take place on July 1.

TALLAGHT swimming club’s Brendan Hyland provided some of the highlights of the Irish Open Swimming Championships at the National Aquatic Centre, featuring among a number of record breakers at the event.

All told, there were 10 new senior records and seven new junior records from the gala with Hyland leading the way with a couple of best times.

On day one, he produced an Irish best in the 200m butterfly. In so doing, he took over half a second off his own record. It was his fastest time in three years clocking 1.58.08 in Thursday evening’s final, securing his fifth consecutive national title in the event.

Ellen Walshe of Tem-

pleogue won the women’s event in 2.16.43, swimming under the consideration time for both World and European Junior Championships.

In the men’s 50 breaststroke race, UCD’s Darragh Greene touched in 28.08 to win gold. Greene had entered the final as top seed after a preliminary swim of 28.00 which was under consideration for the World University Games.

Into day two, from a Dublin perspective, Trojan’s Ben Griffin took the gold in the 400m individual medley with a swim of 4.29.41, winning by four seconds over the rest of the field.

On Saturday, Hyland came back to the fore on the penultimate night of the gala. He reclaimed the 100m Butterfly Irish record in the final.

The Tallaght swimmer blasted a 53.26 second swim to take down Conor Brines record from earlier this year. Brines of Larne Swimming Club touched second in 54.13 seconds.

A thrilled Hyland said “I was delighted with the 200m to get back on track, it was three years coming and I’m really happy I stepped up in the 100m tonight. I love to race, looking at the other Butterfly results from Dave McCullagh [February] made me put my head down and get focused for this weekend.”

In the women’s 100m butterfly final, UCD’s Shauna O’Brien was just off her Irish record, winning in a time of 1.00.41.

Te m p l e o g u e ’s E l l e n Walshe was second in a European Juniors consideration time of 1.01.60.

Closing out the gala in

the men’s 800m freestyle final Aer Lingus’ Nathan Turner and Finn McGeever battled throughout with just eight hundredths of a second separating them

for the athletes and their coaches. The standard of swimming across the board has exceeded all expectations and we have a number of world class

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

‘It was three years coming and I’m really happy I stepped up to the 100m. I love to race!’

- Brendan Hyland -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

in the end. It was Turner who eventually took gold in 8.30.03 with McGeever clocking 8.30.89.

Swim Ireland’s new National Performance Director Jon Rudd was impressed by this weekend’s swimming, commenting: “This has been a wonderful four days for Swim Ireland, particularly

athletes within our midst.

“I sense already something of a culture shift; fast heats, faster finals, a sense of urgency and focus on deck. We’re gaining momentum in such a short space of time and once you get something moving in such a positive fashion, you can only go from strength to strength.”

Ellen Walshe,left, from Templeogue Swim Club on her way to winning the Open Women’s 200m Butterfly final while, right, Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland celebrates one of his two national records over the weekend. Pictures: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 April 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: CASTLEKNOCK ROCKING TO A NEW BEAT WITH RADIO SPONSOR

Mochta’s suffer dent to LSL title aspirations ST MOCHTA’S hit something of a bump in the road in their LSL Sunday Senior title chase with one point from two games last week to give the pack some hope they can reel them in.

They initially fell 2-0 to Crumlin United to two goals in injury time before drawing 0-0 in a frustrating 0-0 tie at Firhouse Clover. As of Tuesday, it left them with a four-point lead over Crumlin and Bluebell in the table with the latter having a game in hand.

In the Crumlin tie, Saints goalkeeper Morgan Cranley was finally beaten in the 90th minute when he was powerless to keep out a powerful drive by Carl Forsyth that arrowed into the corner of the net.

The Saints keeper was outstanding producing some incredible saves in a pulsating game in Pease Park.

Cranley produced his first save on seven minutes parring away a free kick. Alan McGreal went close to opening the scoring a minute later, when he was at the end of a Keith Dunne flick on.

McGreal was denied by a good save by the Crumlin goalkeeper. He went close again on 25 minutes when his shot took a deflection and was tipped over the crossbar.

Cranley produced two great saves in five minutes just after the half hour mark, the first from a volley, that followed a save to deny Lee Dixon.

The goalkeeper continued his form into the second half and the home side looked to have broken the deadlock on the hour mark.

Luke Kelly cleared off the line following a goal mouth scramble when it looked a certain goal.

The tempo was ratcheted up when Niall O’ Reilly was dismissed on 80 minutes for his second yellow card for supposed time wasting.

Down to 10 men the Saints battled heroically only to see Cranley finally beaten in the last minute. The second was added deep into injury time from the penalty spot by Noel Murray.

Five days later, Brian McCarthy’s side hit the post twice against Firhouse but couldn’t find the all important goal to take all three points, tightening things up with six rounds of matches to go.

Castleknock Celtic welcomed their latest sponsors Radio Nova to Porterstown Park where they celebrated the Under-12A team’s win over Howth

Nova crank up Celtic’s base  sport@dublingazette.com

PORTERSTOWN Park was the place to be on Saturday, just after High Noon. Radio Nova’s Big Hummer was there to provide entertainment for Castleknock Celtic’s Under-12A team and the spectators off the pitch while the young charges gave plenty to cheer on the field.

The team, after an unbeaten start and three games on the road, welcomed Howth Celtic.

With the team’s sponsors Radio Nova in attendance, the pressure was on to give a good performance.

Castleknock made the

first breakthrough. The ball was played out left to Esse Okirikpo who hit an exquisite crossfield pass to Catalin Labont who powered the ball home.

Labont scored his and Castleknock’s second following good play by James Browne and Tara O’ Hanlon.

Howth reduced the deficit when they were awarded a soft penalty, making it 2-1 and game on. Howth upped the pace and took the game to Castleknock but the home defence of Ryan Sherlock and Ben Forde never flinched.

Castleknock then won a corner thanks to great battling from Andre Ungure-

PARKRUN GROWTH Gillick leads the way with new VHI link-up OLYMPIC athlete David Gillick led the way as

he helped launch VHI and Parkrun Ireland’s announcement of a new five-year partnership earlier this week in St Anne’s Park.

The agreement will see VHI become the presenting partner for Parkrun Ireland, enabling the community-based running events to further develop and grow. VHI will become the first presenting partner of Parkrun globally. Gillick is pictured with a group of runners who regularly take part in the St Anne’s Parkrun.

Picture: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

anu. Abdullah swung it over.

The ball was cleared to the edge of the box to Labont who volleyed home into the roof of the net.

What a goal and what a way to complete a wonderful hat-trick as they duly triumphed in this Battle of the Celts.

Elsewhere in the AUL Premier B division, Castleknock Celtic got their league campaign back on track with a comprehensive win away to league leaders, again against Howth Celtic.

Manager Ray Bowe made changes following their reverse the previ-

ous week against Sheriff YC and it paid dividends.

Conor Mullen, Sylviu Aghinita and the in-form Jamie Traynor gave Castleknock all three points and challenging for the title.

At Under-15 level, Castleknock Celtic’s Premier team had enjoyed a good start to the season registering maximum points thus far. Cabinteely had won the U-15 Divisional Cup and, following a strong start to the season, sit second in the table with high aspirations for league honours.

Sean Blood’s header for Celtic was cleared off the line early on. However, it wasn’t long before Celtic

went in front. A quick break saw Blood release Leigh Reilly whose early shot beat the keeper.

Cabinteely equalised almost on half time when they headed home from a corner.

Cabinteely went 2-1 ahead early on in the second half despite some offside appeals. Celtic kept their cool despite having their appeals for a penalty waved away. Nevertheless, they still forced an equaliser when McDonagh tipped a free kick to Reilly.

His shot was going wide before being palmed by the keeper into the path of Antonio Neto who was on hand to force it home.

13 April 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

FINAL SHOWDOWN

Brigid’s land Division 9 laurels in Parnell Park

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S

ST BRIGID’S Under-14 B team claimed the

Division 9 Feile title last Sunday in Parnell Park to camp an excellent weekend for Dublin 15 clubs in the competition.

They made it through Saturday’s group stages and a semi-final tie before beating Na Fianna on a 2-6 to 1-3 scoreline in the final. The A team reached the semi-final of the Division 3 competition before falling to Naomh Mearnog.

THERE will be no nursery on April 15

on the weekend of April 22 with Feile na

due to the Easter break; the nursery

Gael and handball on the last weekend

resumes on April 22 at 9.30am.

of April.

Easter Camp and Teen Camp details

Our next session, following on from

are on the website, www.stbrigidsgaa.

the Town Hall meeting, will be on Friday,

com. The Easter Camp runs from April 10

April 21 in the club. Registration will be

to 13 from 10am to 2pm each day.

at 7.15pm with the meeting starting at

There is a special Fit Teen Elite Camp

FOOTBALL: UNDER-14 BOYS FOLLOW GIRLS LEAD

We are planning to meet once a month

16-year-olds from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

until we launch Brigid’s 2020 at the Gala

Details of this and information on Gael-

Night in Croke Park on October 14.

tacht scholarships are available on the club website.

Well done to the boys Feile Peil teams

draw is in Russell Park on Thursday, April 13. Make sure to have your envelopes in

their semi-final and the B team won their

to have a chance to win.

nell Park.

The next group is the camogie Feile

CASTLEKNOCK

Castleknock sweep to Feile football double DIVISION 3 FEILE  PADDY HEWSON sport@dublingazette.com

FEILE success visited Dublin 15 for a second time in as many weeks as Castleknock’s boys clinched the Division 3 football title in Parnell Park with a decisive win over Naomh Mearnog.

Following the Castleknock girls recent Feile win, the Somerton club again showcased their young footballing talent and reaffirmed themselves as a club in the ascendancy.

In Saturday’s unforgiving temperatures, Castleknock mentors Dan

Canny and Tommy Monaghan witnessed consistent performances from their charges in the preliminary stages.

They saw their side beat St Brigid’s and take a one point win against St Pats, Donabate before completing their group stage with a one score win against St Maurs in highly competitive encounters.

Meeting Olaf’s in the semi-final, they continued their unbeaten run to claim a final place.

There were stellar performances up and down the pitch with Knock’s Eoin Monaghan and Femi Oyeleye showing their worth and Rohan

Tyrrell and Gavin Murphy O’Kane also making an impact.

The final match up on Sunday with Naomh Mearnog started in spectacular fashion with a quartet of scores from Castleknock’s Fergal Seery including a 23 metre free and a nice single handed effort, all in the opening five minutes.

Mearnog unleased a number of good attacks with two of them bearing fruit early on through scores from Josh Boylan and Charlie McCarthy.

Knock goalkeeper Alex Conroy was equal to the rest of Mearnogs’ efforts and with the Castleknock

making the best of their first half chances they lead by five points to three at half time.

The second half opened with a Ronan Lakhams partial blockdown of the Naomh Mearnog goalkeeper’s clearance which fell to Reuben Cahill for Knocks first score of the half and a hint of things to come.

From there on in Castleknock were in control and a flurry of goals and points ensured a healthy lead which included a Max Corcoran penalty, his third of the tournament, to help steer the blue and yellow towards victory.

Our lotto jackpot for next week is €15,000 with the reserve at €1,400. The

over the weekend. The A team reached final in a great match on Sunday in Par-

Castleknock’s Under-14 boys celebrate their Division 3 Feile success in Parnell Park. Picture: Shay Hogan

7.30pm.

running from April 18 to 20 for 12 to

Thank you to everyone who supports our lotto and to our great lotto committee.

ANOTHER great feile weekend with the

lotto launches on April 13 in O’Shea’s The

capture of the boys Division 3 football

Merchant with a jackpot of €2,200.

Feile title at Parnell Park. Also a fantastic

Well done to the U-16 camogie team;

run by our Division 8 side who got to the

they turned around a nine point deficit

semi- finals.

to secure their second win in Division

Congrats to all concerned and many

1. Great comeback. U-13 girls football-

thanks to those who made sambos,

ers also had a great comeback to beat

marked pitches, put up flags and did the

Raheny. The senior hurlers went down

dozens of jobs that need to be done to

to Faughs on Saturday whilst the minor

host Feile. Thanks to all our Feile spon-

A footballers had a good win over Plun-

sors and our juvenile section sponsors

kett’s with goals from Darragh Warnock,

Community Credit Union and Newcombe

Aidan Kearney and Sam Ryan helping

Estates.

them seal the win. Minor B footballers

Our nursery, with thanks to Tigers Childcare, resumes on Saturday, April

were unlucky to lose out to Westmanstown.

22. No nursery Easter weekend. New

April 21 is Champo Night Race Nite; we

members always welcome. Nursery

play in first round of the senior club foot-

enquiries to lisakiernan1@gmail.com.

ball championship with our annual race

No winner of the lotto jackpot in asso-

nite directly afterwards. Race sponsors

ciation with Rialto Ford. Numbers drawn

wanted. Contact Sean O’Brien on 087

were 3, 8, 22 and 26. There were 12 match

2390817, Finbar Brady on 087 2378529 or

three winners who each get €25. Bigger

Finbar Kennelly on 086 0703874.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN GAELS FOR the second week running, the club

on it looked like Westmanstown might

enjoyed wonderful success in the Feile

win comfortably. However, St Anne’s

competition. Last week, the girls had a

rallied in great style to lead midway

tremendous win and this time it was the

through the second half but couldn’t

turn of our U-14 boys in Division 5 Group

hold on and it finished in a draw.Extra

B which we were delighted to host at

time saw fortunes sway one way and the

Westmanstown.

other until Daragh McNicholl put over a

Our guests were Round Towers, Man

fine point right at the end to seal victory

O War and Robert Emmets and all four

and Captain Killian Slater was presented

teams showed great skill and determi-

with the winning trophy amid scenes of

nation in the games which were played

great joy.

in brilliant sunshine.

The U-12 hurlers won their grading

In the group games, we beat Round

match away to Round Tower of Lusk on

Towers and Robert Emmetts and lost

Saturday by 3-6 to 2-1. Well done, just

to Man O War and this meant another

one more grading match to go.

meeting with Round Towers in the semi-

No fixtures at the weekend for inters

final. This ended in a 4-8 to 1-7 win for

or juniors and the next competitive

the home side and it was on to Tallaght

action will be in the championship for

Stadium on Sunday for the final against

both sides on weekend of April 22-23.

St Anne’s.

Intermediates host St Pat’s Palmerston

All present enjoyed a great contest with an excellent St Anne’s side and early

in a challenge at Westmanstown on Thursday evening, throw in at 7pm.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR BLANCH SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

FEILE HEROES: Another week, another U-14 success story as Castleknock boys follow up girls victory P31

APRIL 13-19, 2017

HITTING THE HY’ NOTES: Tallaght man breaks pair of national records P29

Finns deny Euro dream Blanchardstown’s Amanda McQuillan. Picture: Cody Glen/Sportsfile

Blanch teenager McQuillan a key component in the Republic of Ireland Under-19 side as they go close to advancing in elite UEFA competition  sport@dublingazette.com

BLANCHARDTOWN’S Amanda McQuillan was the Republic of Ireland Under-19 goalkeeper as they battled it out in the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship Elite Round this week.

They fell to Scotland 2-1 before bouncing back to beat Ukraine 2-0, leaving them in a big battle with Finland that ultimately ended in a 3-1 defeat on Sunday.

Nonetheless, Ireland produced their best 45 minutes of the elite round in the opening half. With the numerical advantage in midfield, Roma McLaughlin, Lucy McCartan and Alex Kavanagh dictated play and controlled the tempo.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Dave Connell said he felt the scoreline didn’t reflect the game at all.

He explained: “It was a funny game. Hitting the woodwork four times and creating a couple of really good clear-cut chances that we failed to put away - we were unlucky.

“There was no way that was a 3-1, even the Finnish manager said it. The difference was that they put their chances away.”

Connell’s charges created a glorious opportunity just six minutes into the contest, when brilliant feet from Alex Kavanagh afforded her space to slip Leanne Kieran through on goal.

Her effort appeared goalbound but rattled the underside of the crossbar, and was eventually cleared by the Finnish backline.

Despite the excellent start, Finland hit the front on twenty-six minutes. A corner from the right-hand-side was delivered into the danger area. Juuli Ketola rose highest to head towards goal and her effort smacked off the underside of the crossbar.

The assistant referee on the near side indicated the ball had crossed the line, much to the dismay of Ireland ‘keeper Amanda McQuillan.

Leanne Kiernan had a great chance to level matters early in the second half when she charged down the right.

Her shot could only find the side-netting though. From here, Ireland were punished.

Emmaliina Tulkki’s cross from the left found Eveliina Summanen at the back post and her low drive beat McQuillan.

Five minutes later, they would move further ahead. Breaking from an Ireland corner, Jutta Rantala gained possession shy of the halfway line. From here, she jinked past a defender before smashing a brilliant strike into the far corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Niamh Prior ended the campaign on a positive note however - giving the Markets Field crowd a moment to remember when her thirtyfive yard free kick rocketed into the net with three minutes left on the clock.

Roma McLaughlin was dismissed in injury time after receiving a second yellow from Croatian referee Ivana Martincic.

Connell believed that while they didn’t achieve their overall goal of qualification, his players deserve a lot of credit.