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June 1 - 7, 2017

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A GOLDEN TICKET FOR YOU AND THREE PALS TO ALL EIGHT GIGS AT THIS YEAR’S BULMERS LIVE AT LEOPARDSTOWN To celebrate this year’s fantastic line up, we’re offering readers the chance to win a golden ticket for FOUR people to go to all 8 evenings of the series featuring Something Happens (June 8), The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow (June 15), HamsandwicH (June 22) , Hot House Flowers (July 13), The Riptide Movement (July 20), The Stunning (July 27), Sister Sledge (Augt 10) and Happy Mondays (Aug 17).

Bulmers Live at Leopardstown is a fantastic night out for individuals, groups and friends.

Each Thursday night, the performances will be preceded by a top class card of horse racing and a wide selection of hospitality options.

For more line up info visit leopardstown.com

Visit DublinGazette.com or go to our Facebook page to enter

SPORT Kennedy’s All-Ireland pursuit P31

Drug use in D15 on the increase, study warns  MARK O’BRIEN

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Heroin is still the biggest problem drug

A NEW report into drug use in Dublin 15 has identified 63 secluded sites that are used for alcohol and drug consumption across the area.

The report found that drug use in the area was on the increase overall, with the number of drug users aged under 18 and over 35 seeking treatment rising since the Task Force’s initial report last year.

While heroin is still the biggest problem drug, with 44% of those sur veyed seeking treatment for addiction to the dangerous opiate, its use is decreasing among young people.

Instead, young people

are turning to cannabis, alcohol, cocaine and benzodiazepines, with the use of all of these drugs increasing among under 18s.

Full Story on Pages 2 & 3

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FASTNews Shackelton Gardens to be developed and restored FINGAL County Council have announced plans to develop and restore the Shackelton Gardens at Beech Park, Clonsilla with a budget of €415,000.

The council’s director of strategic planning and infrastructure AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “It has been a long process to get The Shackleton Gardens transferred into public ownership and we are delighted that everything has been completed and we can get on with restoring the gardens and delivering a major tourism asset for the Dublin 15 area.”

Kevin Halpenny, senior parks superintendent with Fingal County Council said: “The importance of The Shackleton Gardens within the gardening world should not be underestimated and there is a tremendous opportunity here to develop a major attraction.”

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler said: “The creation of a major tourist attraction in Dublin 15 will be a great boost to that part of Fingal and the development of The Shackleton Gardens will benefit greatly from the council’s proven track record in developing heritage properties.”

Welcoming the news, Aengus O Maolain, Social Democrats representative for Castleknock and Blanchardstown said: “The Shackelton Gardens have great potential as a public amenity and visitor attraction. Creating such a tourist attraction in Clonsilla can only be good for Dublin 15, and the entire West Dublin area.”

The 1.5 acre walled gardens are world famous among horticulturists and gardeners, and were extremely well regarded internationally during the 1980s.

INVESTIGATION | BLANCHARDSTOWN LOCAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL  MARK O’BRIEN A NEW report into drug use in Dublin 15 has identified 63 secluded sites that are used for alcohol and drug consumption across the area.

The sites were identified as part of the Drugs and Alcohol Trends Monitoring System, which identified heroin, alcohol and cannabis as the three most common problem drugs.

The report shows images of drug paraphernalia and empty beer cans discarded in secluded public spaces and estates that there has been a 7% increase in those seeking treatment for drug and alcohol misuse.

The report was carried out by the Blanchardstown Drug and Alcohol Task Force.

The report found that drug use in the area was on the increase overall, with the number of drug users aged under 18 and over 35 seeking treatment rising since the Task Force’s initial report last year.

While heroin is still the biggest problem drug with 44% of those surveyed seeking treatment for addiction to the drug, its use is decreasing among young people.

Instead, young people are turning to cannabis, alcohol, cocaine and benzodiazepines, with the use of all of these drugs increasing among under 18s.

Some of those surveyed said that they believed that the reduced use of heroin among young people was due to the perception of the drug as being highly addictive compared to other drugs.

One participant said: “A lot of people are… strung out on tablets…and…smoking weed.

“I know a lot of people doing that…and a lot of people would be like ‘he’s not a junkie, he’s not on heroin but he’s whacking tablets out of it.”

Another adult drug user added: “Kids nowadays look on people on crack and heroin as junkies but you have these young ones and they’re smoking weed every day and tablets too and drinking at the weekend.

“They call addicts junkies and I do laugh cos they’ve no awareness about drugs and what they’re doing is the same.”

The easy availability of alcohol and drugs was also identified as a factor in increased use by participants of the study.

Report reveals drug trends in D15

“There’s…people delivering drink right through the weekend, 24/7 you know and they deliver drugs as well…and that’s on Facebook. Well not the drugs bit, they don’t advertise that,” said one participant.

Another participant added: “There’s ‘dial a drink’...€40 a bottle of vodka...at any time.

“If you’re at a party at 4 o’clock in the morning you can call and get booze delivered.

“One fella...he’d do all in one...5 o’clock in the morning drop us up a bag of coke and a bottle of vodka.”

Many participants of the survey felt that alcohol and drug use had become normalised and that this contributed to the problem.

“Young people…don’t even consider can-

Hidden site with

Alcohol-related

nabis to be a drug...[they] think it’s as normal as having a fag. They don’t see it as a problem,” said one drug treatment service provider.

Alarmingly, one young drug user who was not seeking treatment stated that they felt that young people used drugs such as cocaine because they felt they could not get addicted to them.

“It’s the mentality that everyone’s doing it and you don’t get addicted to cocaine, you get addicted to heroin but not cocaine.”

One adult user who is not currently receiving treatment described how drug use has even become normailised in some workplaces, saying: “Cocaine...it’s almost promoted

Empty pack of diazepam, a benzodiazepine

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TASK FORCE FIND INCREASE IN USE OF SEVERAL DRUGS

Used pieces of tinfoil with heroin traces

alcohol-related litter

Litter includes a homemade pipe, an empty methadone bottle and tinfoil; the photo also shows the umbrella used to add shelter to the site

litter and a sharps bin in these workplaces...where you compete with your co-workers to become the best and everyone in the office is doing cocaine including the managers.

“It’s this high-powered sales environment. There’s a guy there whose job it is to take clients from abroad out. He was almost encouraged to supply cocaine...for the customers.”

Inter-generational drug use was also identified as a problem, with the children of those suffering from addiction often falling into addiction themselves.

“I grew into addiction so that’s all

I knew,” said one user who is currently seeking treatment.

“Me da had a problem and me family.

“Like my ma had four girls and three of us went on heroin.”

Another user added: “My da’s a chronic alcoholic and he took a nervous breakdown and I just went rampant on the drugs.

“I grew up with domestic violence in my house...it had a really bad effect on me.

“It’s what really got me smoking weed and trying to get away...and the domestic abuse was bad...and

that was just the norm.

“So that’s why I think I escaped with the drugs.”

The report also concluded that the lack of access to mental health services for those coping with addiction continues to be an issue.

A lack of awareness about addiction services in the area was also identified as a problem.

Service providers stated that they felt there was a need to inform people living and working in the area about the type of addiction services available in Dublin 15.

Empty cigarettes and cigarette papers for production of cannabis joints

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ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR | GARDAI WILL CARRY ON WITH MORE PATROLS IN PLACE

No specialist garda unit to combat youth gangs  MARK O’BRIEN

GARDAI in Blanchardstown have confirmed that they will continue to put additional patrols in place to combat anti-social behaviour but no special unit has been set up.

Repor ts last week claimed that a special unit operating out of Blanchardstown garda station had been set up to combat teenage gangs.

Gardai have confirmed

to The Gazette that no such unit had been set up but they continue to engage with the community and deploy additional resources when required.

“An Garda Siochana consistently work with communities to address issues and this occurs right across the Blanchardstown district,” said Inspector Tony Twomey of Blanchardstown garda station.

“If there are press-

ing problems in an area, we will concentrate our patrols in that area for a short period of time until the matter is resolved.”

This approach was taken in Tyrrelstown recently following reports of increased anti-social behaviour in the area.

While residents in the area are still campaigning to have those causing the trouble to be removed, they said that they have been very happy with the

garda response to the issue.

G a r d a i h ave a l s o reminded residents to remain vigilant this summer and take steps to prevent burglaries.

Locals are reminded not to leave windows and doors open in the front of their homes when out the back of the house and to make sure all downstairs windows and doors are locked at night-time.

Gardai also advise people to make sure that their gardens are tidy before

going on holidays to deter criminals and to ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the property.

Social media can also be used by criminals to tell when a house is vacant so people are also urged not to post social media updates of their holidays while they are still away.

With Bloom taking place in the Phoenix Park this weekend, visitors are reminded to take precautions to prevent criminal activity.

Additional garda resources will be on hand over the weekend but those travelling by car are reminded to lock all of their doors when parked and not to leave anything valuable where it can been seen in the car.

Traffic restrictions will be in place over the weekend and visitors are particularly asked to be aware of additional traffic on top of the usual commuter volumes on Thursday and Friday.

FASTNews

Phoenix flys for 10 more years PHOENIX 92.5 FM last week signed a contract that will keep them on air for another 10 years.

Chairperson Rachel Devlin and secretary Celia Durnin signed the contract which provides the station with a community broadcasting licence for the next 10 years, securing the station until 2027.

Ms Devlin said it was an historic day for the station, building on a foundation of 27 years of community broadcasting.

Speaking after the ceremony, station manager Derek Byrne said: “Today was the culmination of a year long process and while I’m glad it’s all over, I look forward to the beginning of a new era for 92.5 Phoenix FM.”

Time running out for grants

Outdoor pursuits are just one of the many programmes available

Foroige launches summer schedule FOROIGE’S Youth Project in Tyrrelstown have launched their Summer Programme for 2017.

This year’s programme - aimed at young people aged between 10 and 18 - is one of the project’s most ambitious yet.

From June to August, programmes will take place, including programmes in science and discovery, animal care, multisports, outdoor pursuits, GAA, boxing, rapping, beatboxing, drama and standup comedy.

John FitzGerald, youth officer at Foroige, said: “Both staff and our project participants have put a lot of consideration into the design of this year’s Summer activities and there is a lot of brand new programmes that were developed based on our young people’s ideas.

“We all felt it was important to offer programmes to suit a wide range of interests and audiences and to offer new and exciting experiences for young people in Tyrrelstown.

“With less structure and a potential for boredom during summer months, it is essential that the community of Tyrrelstown has affordable summer programme options, open to all.”

A registration night for those living in Tyrrelstown will take place on Monday, June 12 from 7-9pm.

All programmes cost €15. Application Forms are available now from Foroige Tyrrelstown.

For more information on the Foroige Tyrrelstown summer programme or to enquire about volunteering contact John on 0860441298 or Stephanie on 0860081183.

TIME is running out for groups looking to apply for this year’s Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards (CSAs), which once again are helping to support the development of new projects, grow services and help raise community spirit all across Dublin.

The CSAs have helped more than 1,800 voluntary groups since 2004, with its grants of €1,000, €2,000 or €5,000 having a transformative effect on a huge amount of groups and services for young and old alike, all over the city.

This year is no different with any voluntary group located within the area its services operate eligible to apply for a grant.

Interested groups are urged to apply now at www.dublnbus.ie/ csiapplication, before the 5pm deadline on Friday, June 23.

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Out and About

Everything came up roses for Maria With MC Marty Morrissey

2

Maria with parents Mary and Brendan Coughlan. Left: With International Rose of Tralee Maggie McEldowney. Pictures: Pat Moore

With singer Des Willoughby

5-year-old school teacher from Malahide Maria Coughlan is the new Dublin Rose. The youngest of three children, she teaches at St Vincent de Paul Infant School on Griffith Avenue. Maria is a champion Irish Dancer, having retired last year as a two time World Champion, five time All Ireland Champion and three time Dublin Regional Champion. She has recently set up her own school, the Coughlan School of Irish Dancing. Maria will now go on to represent the capital at the 2017 International Rose of Tralee Festival in Kerry in August. Maria came out on top of a pool of 47 potential roses, of whom 24 qualified for the Dublin Rose Grand Final, which hosted by RTE’s Marty Morrissey in the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel earlier this week.

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REPORT | AIMING TO INCREASE BUS PASSENGERS

€1bn initiative to ‘radically reform public transport’

 MARK O’BRIEN THE National Transport Authority (NTA) have announced plans to radically reform public transport in the city.

The NTA recently released a report that shows that bus journeys from Blanchardstown take 63% longer at peak times.

On Monday (May 29) the NTA launched BusConnects, an ambitious set of initiatives aimed at increasing bus passengers by 50% and decreasing traffic congestion in the city.

The plan includes the building of next generation bus corridors, establishing a Bus Rapid Transit network, redesigning the network of bus routes, introducing a cashless fare payment system and simpler fare structure and rolling out new bus stops with better signage and information.

Speaking at the launch, Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the NTA said: “We believe that

there is potential to increase bus passenger numbers by at least 50% over the lifetime of the project, which would represent a significant step-change in how people get from place to place.

“This can only happen if measures are put in place to make bus travel more convenient, more reliable and more appealing and we believe that BusConnects will do precisely that.

“In 2015, the Government’s Capital Plan earmarked €3.6b for investment to progress public transport projects.

“These included Metro North, Dart Expansion to Balbriggan and Maynooth, Dart Underground, Luas Cross City and the Phoenix Park tunnel among others.

“As we approach the mid-term review of the capital plan, a strong commitment to these projects remains.

“In fact, Phoenix Park Tunnel is now operating very successfully and Luas Cross City is close to completion.

“But Dublin is a low-density city

Ciara Delany with her parents

which means that that very few areas of Dublin have the size and concentration of population to support rail-based public transport.

“For most areas, bus transport represents the best public transport solution.

“In any case, rail projects typically have lead-in times of 8-10 years, and with congestion continuing to worsen every month, more immediate solutions are required.

“That is why today, the plans we are publishing are primarily about investing in bus transport.

“They sit alongside our longerterm commitments to the rail corridors, and complement them.

“These solutions will generally have a much shorter turn-around time, which means that we can make travel by bus an increasingly attractive option for commuters all across the network, sooner rather than later.”

The total cost of BusConnects is estimated to be over €1 billion. €300 million of this has already been committed under the 2015 Capital Plan.

John and Karl Bacani with their parents

Sandra Rajtar with her parents

Milana Saltyte with her family

A proud day for graduating sixth years

STUDENTS and their families were celebrating last Wednesday evening as Coolmine Community College held their graduation ceremony. The 6th Year students and their proud families attended the special night in Westmanstown, where a great night was had by all. The students are now getting in some last-minute preparations for the Leaving Cert which begins on Wednesday, June 7.

10 GAZETTE 1 June 2017

Out and About

Janet King, Elaine Flood and Bridie McCloskey

Stars out in force for charity event

Fiona Bonk, Sandra Crean and Sinead Lawless. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Miriam Ahern and daughter Georgina Alan Amsby and James Brown

Ahern and Georgina’s daughter Tia

M

IRIAM Ahern hosted her annual Summer Lunch in aid of CARI at The Shelbourne Hotel Dublin last week. Glamorous guests were out in force to support this worthy cause. TV3 star Alan Hughes was the MC for the afternoon, and after lunch, guests were entertained

by The Swing Cats. The day closed with a fun-filled raffle. Guests continued to enjoy the day at House Dublin where post lunch cocktails were served.

George McMahon, Dermot O’Neill (Grandad, Mrs Browns Boys), Pat Shields (Pepsi, Mrs Browns Boys), Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton

IT’S TIME FOR TEE

Ronnie Whelan, George McMahon and Brian Ormond.

Pictures: Karen Morgan/Lensmen

T

HE 14th Ronnie Whelan Golf Classic was a great day out at St Annes Golf Links in Dublin. The funds raised went to two very worthy causes, The Marie Keating Foundation and Fighting Blindness Ireland. A total of 26 teams took part and some very well known faces were in attendance, such as: Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, Keith Andrews, Stan Boardman, Robbie Keane, Brian Ormond, Shane Byrne, George McMahon, Dave O’Sullivan and Mrs Browns boys, Pat (Pepsi) Shields and Dermot (Granddad) O’Neill.

Laurence Kinlan and Robbie Keane

George McMahon and Dermot O’Neill

1 June 2017 GAZETTE 11

Patrick Bergin and Helen Goldin

Claudine Keane and her mother, Joan

Pat Shields, Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton

GAZETTE

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DUBLINBUSINESS Follow five rules to triumph at temping

Frank Keane Volkswagen in top Gold Pin win FRANK Keane Volkswagen scooped the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Dealer of the Year 2016 award at the recent Volkswagen Gold Pin Awards.

The award, which celebrates excellence within the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Retail network, recognises the retailer’s contribution in a number of areas, including sales performance, local market share and overall customer experience.

It is the highest honour that a Volkswagen commercial vehicle retailer can achieve.

The award was presented to Donal Geoghegan (dealer principal) and Ger Colwell (commercial vehicle manager) of Frank Keane Volkswagen by Alan Bateson, managing director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland, at the gala awards ceremony held in Carton House, Maynooth.

Since opening in January 2012 with 14 staff, the company has grown significantly, resulting in two new dealership locations in five years – at Liffey Valley Motor Mall and Deansgrange, and now employs more than 120 people.

In 2016, the company acquired MSL Motor Group Volkswagen in Deansgrange, Ballsbridge,

and Pottery Road. It also merged with the MSL Volkswagen showroom in Deansgrange, and opened up a new state-of-the-art service centre.

Commenting on the award, Ger Colwell said he was delighted to achieve such an accolade: “Winning retailer of the year for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is a great honour.

Ireland for our commercial vehicles, with strong results delivered through the recovering economy.

“2016 was also a great

Alan Bateson, managing director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland, congratulates Ger Colwell, commercial vehicle manager of Frank Keane Volkswagen

year for Frank Keane Volkswagen and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and determination.

“With the recent launch of the all new Crafter, International Van of the Year 2017, we are focused on continued growth.”

Awards to help highlight hidden disabilities at work

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‘It is always nice to win, as it gives the whole team a real lift and recognises the team effort put in by all’

1 - Be a CV Supremo First things first – you need a good temping CV. At the top of the page, list your technical skills and your availability.

A temps controller may receive hundreds of CVs, but will remember the one that says “Audio typing/Available Monday to Friday” when a client calls looking for a week’s cover.

2 - Dress Up, Up, Up When in doubt, dress ‘up’. As a temp, you will be working in many different office environments.

Some are ‘business casual’. Some are formal.

Unless you are specifically told otherwise, show up for your assignment in your best work clothes.

A black or navy suit will always look sharp – first impressions count, and nowhere more so than in the world of temping.

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

Ger Colwell, commercial vehicle manager, Frank Keane Volkswagen

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“Our objective at Frank Keane Volkswagen for 2016 was to become the number-one destination for commercial vehicles in Ireland. It is always nice to win, as it gives the whole team a real lift and recognises the team effort put in by all.”

Volkswagen commercial vehicles director Alan Bateson said: “2016 has seen continued growth in

SUMMER is here and somewhere in Dublin an office worker is dreaming of their upcoming holidays.

Meanwhile, their manager is wondering how to cope with the extra workload – nobody should come back from two weeks in the Algarve with 500 unread emails and a pile of paperwork! What’s a manager to do?

Enter: The Temp – someone who is smart, confident and adaptable, as well as being multi-skilled. The Temp saves the day!

Do you want to be a modern office super hero? Follow these five rules of temping and you’ll have your choice of assignments this summer ...

HEADWAY, Brain Injury Services and Support and Epilepsy Ireland have called on workers with a ‘hidden disability’ to nominate their company in the National Hidden Disability Awards 2017.

There are an estimated 30,000 people in Ireland living with an acquired brain injury, and 37,000 living with epilepsy. A national survey conducted by Amarach shows that 9 in 10 employees in Ireland feel their

workplaces lack an awareness of hidden disabilities.

However, if your employer is hidden disability-friendly, you can nominate them for an award by visiting www.iseebeyond.ie.

Pictured showing their support for the hidden disability awareness campaign are Brain Injury Services client Rebecca Cunningham, radio presenter Rick O’Shea. and Epilepsy Ireland client Karen Lee.

3 - On Time = Early ‘On time’ means ‘five minutes early.’ You don’t Remember this key info, and you’ll wow when you work! If you’re interested in temping or want to talk to someone about your career, contact RecruitmentPlus at 01 2788 610, or also see www.recruitmentplus.ie.

want to arrive too early, but you never want to arrive late.

Research the location of your assignment. Make sure you know how to get there. Drive by if you’re unfamiliar with the area, or check public transport timetables the night before, but plan on being there five minutes before you’re due to start.

4 - Discretion is Key Be discreet. Anything you hear or read about the company or its employees is strictly confidential. Loose lips lose assignments!

5 - Work, Work, Work!

Work like your career depends on it. Again, first impressions count, and if you’re only in an assignment for a week, you don’t have time to have an off day.

Temping is an excellent way to get your foot in the door of some amazing companies. Good work does not go unnoticed.

1 June 2017 GAZETTE 13

MOTORING P22

CINEMA P24

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

SURVEY: DUBLIN CHAMBER WANTS YOU TO HELP DIRECT THE CAPITAL’S GROWTH

SHY BARNEY DESERVES A PATIENT NEW OWNER

Here’s your opportunity to shape the city for 2050 WHAT do you want your city to be like in the future? Dublin Chamber is looking to find out via The Great Dublin Survey.

The survey, which can be carried out online at www.greatdublinsurvey. ie, sets out a number of thought-provoking questions that aim to capture the ideas, hopes, wants and aspirations of everyone who lives in Dublin – this means you!

It is part of Dublin Chamber’s Dublin 2050 initiative, which is exploring the need for better long-term planning in the Dublin region.

According to Dublin Chamber chief executive Mary Rose Burke: “We are giving Dubliners the

opportunity to have their say on what they want and need their city to be like in the future.

“When it comes to quality of life, Dublin currently sits outside the top 30 cities in the world. By listening to the ideas of the people, we want to see Dublin rise up those rankings and challenge the world’s best cities for the standard of living that they offer.”

Findings Open to people of all ages, the survey will remain live until the end of June, giving you plenty of time to have your say.

The Chamber will publish the findings of the survey later this summer.

The survey’s findings

will be fed back by the Chamber to decisionmakers and will be used to influence its policy work as it sets out to ensure that Dublin becomes a better place to work, live and visit for both current and future generations.

Burke said: “As well as the survey, over the coming weeks we’ll also be carrying out a number of workshops with various groups to try and capture as many different voices as possible.

“This will include setpieces with the homeless community, school children, the travelling community, businesses and people with addiction issues.”

The questions in the



GAZETTE

MUSIC P16

Whether the city centre or the suburbs are your home, have a say on the kind of Dublin you’d like to see in 2050, and help to make the city not just good, but great

brief survey are based on initial work done by the Chamber and Amarach Research last year, which identified the key characteristics of successful cities.

The survey asks everyone to think ahead to the year 2050, and to consider where you want to live in the city, how you’d like to get around, the social

amenities you’d like to see in your community, how prepared you are for technology to play an increasing role in your daily life, the institutions and people that you expect will have a strong influence on your life, and also the qualities of other cities that should be replicated in Dublin.

The Chamber’s chief executive added: “Wheth-

er you’re 13 or 73 years old, we want to hear from you.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of your city. Dublin is currently a good city to live in – we want to ensure that, in the future, it is a great city.”

Have your say online now at www.greatdublinsurvey.ie, and help make the Dublin of 2050 that you want to live in.

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Barney, a distinguished seven-year-old crossbreed.

He has simple needs in life: a soft cosy bed, regular meals, a secure garden that he can potter around in, and a family which will accept him the way he is.

Barney is a gentle, worried soul, so he is looking for a quiet, adultonly home with people who will give him the time he needs to settle in. Barney would rather be the only pet in the home.

If you are looking for a gentle creature to share your heart and home with, then look no further as Barney could be the dog for you!

If you can be Barney’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.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 1 June 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

Play a vital role in preventing drownings Noel Patrick Browne, GAA Community and health manager and player for Castlehaven. Picture: Nathan Williams

THE RNLI has re-launched its water safety campaign Respect the Water and are reminding the public to “fight your instincts, not the water” to stay alive.

As temperatures look set to soar across Ireland new research commissioned by the RNLI has revealed that 39% of Irish people questioned said they would follow their instincts and fight against the water, if they unexpectedly fell into it.

However the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign is asking people to fight those instincts and remember one simple piece of advice – floating – that could save lives from drowning.

The charity recently announced a partnership with the GAA for the campaign which is being supported through their Healthy Clubs programme.

Noel Browne of Castlehaven GAA is the healthy club representative and well-known long distance open water swimmer.

Backing the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign Noel said: “It can go against everything your body wants to do but resisting the urge to fight against the water when you fall in and just float, can save your life.

“The best course of action is to try to float or rest, just for a short time. The effects of cold water shock will pass within 60 to 90 seconds and let you regain control of your breath-

ing, increasing your chances of survival.”

Visit RNLI.org/RespectTheWater for information on the effects of cold water shock and floating techniques.

also contribute to the services such as the Home Teacher Programme, Speech & Language Therapy and New Parent Support in the Limerick branch.

older people to take charge of their own health in light of the Citizens’ Assembly turning its attention to the challenges and opportunities an ageing population brings.

provides huge opportunities.

“Older people should take this opportunity to take ownership of their own futures, and take charge of their own health by living their best lives in retirement.”

NESTLE EMPLOYEES BID TO RAISE €70K FOR CHARITY

COMEDY NIGHT TO SUPPORT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

BEULA Lynch and Alex Smith, both from Dublin, both seven years of age gave a helping hand at the launch of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) and Nestle in Ireland Charity of the Year 2017/18 partnership announcement.

Nestle’s employees in Ireland have committed to raise €70,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) in a new partnership announcement.

The partnership will involve over 700 employees from Nestle Ireland, Citywest and Nestle’s Wyeth Nutrition infant formula plant in Askeaton, Limerick raising funds to benefit the services and supports provided

by DSI for families with Down syndrome.

These funds will go towards a new Multi-Sensory and Family Room in Down Syndrome Ireland’s national support office in Ballymount.

This will provide a drop-in respite space available for family members and an area to relax when visiting Dublin for hospital appointments.

The much needed funds will

AL Porter and some very special friends are delighted to announce a very special show at Vicar St on Saturday, June 24 to mark the celebrations during Dublin LGBTQ Pride.

“We’re delighted to be coming back to Vicar Street for a great night of comedy, featuring Al Porter, Alison Spittle, Linda Martin, The Sugar Cubes with more exciting guests to be announced. Together, we’re hoping to raise much needed funds to support Amnesty’s human rights work.

“We are so grateful to all of the wonderful performers and everyone involved who continue to support us and give freely of their time. Thanks to their generosity and hard work, all the proceeds raised from the event will go directly to help us fight human rights abuses, both here in Ireland and around the world.”

Tickets €25 are on sale now through www.ticketmaster.ie & usual outlets nationwide.

Cancer survivors and journalists Emily Hourican and Evelyn O’Rourke at the launch of the “Just Ask Your Doctor!” campaign by Cancer Trials Ireland. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

TRADE AND TOURISM SHOW HAILED A SUCCESS ACTIVE Retirement Ireland’s Trade and Tourism Show 2017 was hailed a great success, with more than 3,000 people attending throughout the day.

Pat Spillane joined Active Retirement Ireland at the RDS last week as the group called on

CEO of Active Retirement Ireland, Maureen Kavanagh said: “The Citizens’ Assembly will be meeting soon to discuss how we best respond to the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population.

“Active Retirement Ireland believes that an older population is nothing to be feared, and

CALL FOR CANCER DRUG TRIAL PARTICIPATION TO DOUBLE

CANCER Trials Ireland has called for cancer drug trial participation to double to 6%.

International Clinical Trials Day last week was marked with the launch of the Just Ask Your Doctor! Campaign to encourage people diagnosed with cancer to ask about joining a cancer trial.

Cancer trials can provide people with cancer with free access to new promising treatments which in some cases can only be accessed through a trial.

These treatments have the potential to enhance and extend their lives as well as supporting the development of new treatments.

Around 650 people with cancer join a cancer drug trial each year and Cancer Trials Ireland wants to double this to 1,300 each year.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Bryan Hennessy, Clinical Lead with Cancer Trials Ireland and Consultant Oncologist at Beaumont Hospital said: “Cancer trial participation is a no-brainer. Cancer trials find treatments that stop people dying from cancer, they enable patients to get treatments not available by other means and they save the HSE cancer medication costs.

To find out more about the Just Ask Your Doctor! campaign, visit cancertrials.ie/justask/

1 June 2017 GAZETTE 15

HEALTH: TODAY’S THE DAY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF A LITTLE-KNOWN GENETIC DISEASE

Fighting haemochromatosis, the iron disorder known as ‘Celtic Mutation’ A NEW CAMPAIGN to reduce the numbers of people suffering unnecessarily from ‘Celtic Mutation’ disease was launched last week ahead of today’s National Haemochromatosis Awareness Day. Hereditary

Haemochromatosis is an iron overload disorder that causes people to absorb excessive amounts of dietary iron. This excess absorption may in time lead to serious organ damage.

The genetic condition is especially prevalent among the Irish – hence the ‘Celtic Mutation’ moniker.

Health Minister Simon Harris has joined forces with world rowing champion Niall O’Toole – who has the genetic disorder – and Dublin GAA star Jack McCaffrey, left, to launch the new Iron Overload campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of the condition.

While Jack doesn’t have the ‘Celtic Mutation’ himself, as a final year medical student he knows all too well about Haemochromatosis and is delighted to help raise awareness.

There are information stands at shopping centres and hospitals around the country today – the full list of which can be viewed at www.haemochromatosis-ir.com.

If you have any concerns about the condition, please call the Irish Haemochromatosis Association support group at 01 873 5911.

Health Minister Simon Harris with Jack McCaffrey and Niall O’Toole. Pictures: Marc O’Sullivan

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DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

Forbidden Fruit

The June bank holiday festival has got progressively more beat-driven over recent years, and has largely followed the same theme this time around. Orbital, Aphex Twin, Bon Iver, Flying Lotus, Booka Shade and many more are set to light up the Kilmainham Hospital grounds.

June 3-5

Taking it slow HAM SANDWICH’S

unstoppable plod to the top

VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

Thousands take to the streets of Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday to pavement pound their way around the city centre in the name of health and charity.

Entries are long since closed, but it’s quite a spectacle. June 5

BRAY SEAFRONT VINTA GE

CAR SHOW

Back To The Future

The classic movie gets a big-screen outing in Merrion Square as the latest in ‘Happening’s series of events, which will also feature a live performance from 80s-aping Dubliners Spring Break.

Marty’s back. June 8

Ireland v Uruguay

Two of world football’s most successful smaller nations meet at the Aviva. While there’s no guarantee of an appearance from a certain Mr Suarez, a contest against South American highfliers Uruguay is a great summer friendly offering for the boys in green. June 4.

Howth Trad Fest

The peninsula will bring eight venues to life over an extended bank holiday weekend as the likes of Kila, Declan O’Rourke and Andy Irvine take to a Smithwick’s trail. The festival will also feature outdoor performances and a nice selection of free gigs to get your teeth into. June 2-5.

Guardian Football Weekly

The Guardian’s popular soccer podcast comes to the National Boxing Stadium, with the panel discuss all that’s entertaining about the game. Starring Football Italia legend James Richardson and a host of the Guardian and Ireland’s finest. June 7.

Vantastival

75% music festival, 25% love in for all things campervan, Vantastival has relocated to the grounds of Beaulieu House (Drogheda) in recent years, and offers arguably Ireland’s most chilled out festival vibe, together with a lineup packed with local talent. June 3-5.

Bray Seafront Vintage Car Show

A celebration of pre-1990s cars takes over Bray Seafront for a few hours adding the vehicles, face painting and live music to the usual beach buzz. June 4.

New album of the week

Haim - Something To Tell You. Long awaited second album from the infectious pop rockers, who quickly became the sound of 2013 when their debut broke in a big way in time for festival season. Will the three sisters strike again four years on?

Pictures: Dara Munnis

MUSIC

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Almost two years on from their number one album ‘Stories From The Surface’, the Kells indie act are riding slow and enjoying the view...  JAMES HENDICOTT

H

AM SANDWICH have never been a band to rush things. After their Irish number one album Stories From The Surface - their third full-length - saw them reach their highest ebb so far back in Spring 2015, the Kells act stepped up to larger venues as opportunities rushed before them.

They’ve never been the type of band to “cash in”, however. It’s taken well over a decade to get to three albums, a journey that’s taken the five-piece to a host of the UK’s biggest festivals. Their laidback outlook still finds them, the night before our interview, performing secret shows at short notice in the heart of Dublin, essentially for the sake of performing.

Niamh Farrell, an iconic frontwoman on the Irish indie scene, tells us where things stand in 2017: “We’ve started working on new music, but we’re not the kind of band to put anything out until we’re really ready,” Farrell explains.

“But we’ve been down to Dingle recently for a weekend to work on a few songs and spend some time as a band, to really gel. We don’t know when the next album will be, but we never really did. We’ll have to see how it goes.

“What we have so far is a lot groovier, a lot funkier,” she says of the progress already made.

“We just do our own thing. We even had a time apart before, but it was just to do our own thing.

People misconstrued it as a break up. It wasn’t, it was more refreshing ourselves over that Christmas.

We were really buzzing after some time apart, it really helped us move forward.”

Part of Ham Sandwich’s appeal has always been their willingness to do things slightly differently, from some of their earliest album performances involving guerilla gigs in the streets of Dublin, to Farrell’s famous Hot Press cover, nude, aside from a coating of copies of the magazine.

“We like new experiences,” she explains. “We’re creative, and playing the same venues again and again isn’t the ideal. We like to challenge ourselves. A gig like last night [the secret Dublin show] can be harder than walking out somewhere like the Olympia. It’s really intimate, totally surrounded by people, and pin drop silent. That can be quite intimidating.

“It’s the same with the album. Having a number one has definitely opened doors, and helped with radio play, which gets more people coming to gigs.

We always had people who were great at dragging their mates along to shows, but we’ve had more people since the album

who’ve come along and told us they know us from new tracks on the radio. But we’re not going to just put another album out for the sake of it, we need to get it right.”

It’s long been a tradition that some of the more successful Irish indie/ rock acts relocate to London, simply because of the size of the UK market. While the likes of The Coronas have hopped across the water and started at the bottom, however, Farrell cites family commitments and the difficulty of relocating a group of five and their differing lives as a good reason to stay put.

“Years ago, we thought about it,” she admits. “But it’s a huge deal for five people to up sticks like that.

We still go there gigging a lot. We’ve dealt with it by bringing shows together in groups and doing a lot when we get over there in a short space of time, to get your money’s worth. It’s expensive going over, especially for an independent band like us.”

Perhaps the harder moments over the years have kept Ham Sandwich here, too. Manager Derek Nally died of a heart attack in 2010, right around the time Ham Sandwich were putting out their popular second album.

“Derek only heard the final version of ‘Ants’ (one of the band’s biggest singles) once before it happened,” Farrell explains.

“The day of the funeral, we had to go back and do our first day of recording [on second album ‘White Fox’]. But we know if he’d been there he’d have been the one pushing us to do it. It’s hard not to think of him at certain times.”

Ham Sandwich’s second-album success came full circle recently, when Farrell dropped down to the Hot Press covers exhibition in Temple Bar to check out several decades of covers, including her own.

“There are so many more women in music now.

I think it’s a confidence thing,” she says, thinking back to the cover, and citing rising act Rosa Nutty as a recent inspiration.

“She’s right: the fairer sex isn’t quite at parity at the top of the indie scene, but it’s definitely becoming more balanced next to the male-fronted indie of ten years ago.

While backed by four men - including the memorable madness of guitarist Podge McNamee - Farrell has played a huge role there, and it’s a testament to where the band stand.

Ham Sandwich’s 14 year, three album journey has plodded for a reason: they do things slowly, when they’re ready to be done. But they get them right.

Ham Sandwich play Live At Leopardstown on June 22, as well as festivals in Cork, Kilkenny and Wexford over the summer.

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can steal Glenda’s hair secrets!

Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner: To protect her hair against the unpredictable Irish weather, Glenda uses TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner.

Newly reinvigorated, the range now includes Marula Oil, which leaves hair smooth, soft and frizz-free for 72 hours.

Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray: Always rushing between jobs, Glenda protects her hair from constant use of hairdryers and straighteners by using Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray.

The spray protects hair from heat up to 230° and can guarantee professionalquality smoothness.

Due to its dual benefit nature, this is Glenda’s must-have product in the range.

Volumising Dry Shampoo: For an instant refresh on and off camera, Glenda swears by TRESemme Dry Shampoo for adding touchable texture and salonready hair on the go.

Penneys t-shirt €8 dress €15 backpack €12

POPULAR hair brand TRESemme has announced its first-ever Irish ambassador – TV presenter and model Glenda Gilson.

The anchor for TV3’s Xpose show follows in the footsteps of previous TRESemme ambassador Chrissy Teigen as the new face of the haircare brand.

TRESemme was founded by Edna L Emme, a trailblazer who is remembered for her beauty, intelligence and tenacity, and the brand wanted its first Irish ambassador to be someone who would embody these same qualities.

Speaking on her new role, Glenda said: “I always think when your hair looks good, you feel good. I was delighted when TRESemme invited me to be its ambassador.

“I genuinely love the brand and use it all the time. The team have been great to work with, and my hair has never looked better!”

For Glenda, it’s essential her hair is always camera-ready and now everyone

H&M sundress €49.99

Glenda’s our gal to help show how TRESemme’s range of haircare help her look so good

1 June 2017 GAZETTE 19

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STYLE

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ASOS Novelty Flamingo & Fruits necklace €24.32

summer Jump start your

wardrobe  EMMA NOLAN, Style Editor

Alex and Ani bangles €49 each

Life Style Sports adidas Originals floral backpack €35

Ah the June Bank Holiday weekend – sunshine, payday and a Monday off.

There’s lots on this June Bank Holiday, and whether you’re heading to Forbidden Fruit festival here in Dublin or planning a weekend away, the occasion calls for some new summery bits.

Have fun with vibrant florals, inventive layering and bold accessories to toast the beginning of summer.

The high street along with ASOS have some great and affordable options right now, with new summer stock dropping just in time for June.

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DUBLINLIFE

GOT A CRAVING FOR...

FOOD&DRINK

Awards keep coming for Dublin’s Exchequer Bar  EMMA NOLAN DUBLIN’S Exchequer Bar has won the title of Best Gastro Pub Dublin at the Restaurant Awards Ireland 2017.

The team say they are delighted to have beaten out some incredible competition to take home the win.

These awards recognise achievement and excellence in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry throughout the 32 counties on the Island of Ireland. Having won the AllIreland Best Cocktail Experience at the RAI awards 2016 and showcasing their talents at Tales of The Cocktail, the world’s biggest mixology expo, The Exchequer team are excited to continue their award winning streak in 2017 and this achievement is a great way to cement their reputation.

At The Exchequer D2 customers can enjoy award winning cocktails and a new menu designed by head chef, Anthony Gaughan. To find out more go to www.theexchequer.ie

Mango and Passionfruit Mousse Tartlets

by Siucra and Catherine Fulvio

Mango and Passionfruit Mousse Tartlets by Siucra and Catherine Fulvio Get exotic with these mini tartlets! A creamy filling is flavoured with sweet and tangy tropical fruits and encased in a crunchy pastry base to make this perfect summer dessert.

For added convenience, the pastry bases can be made ahead of time. Makes 8 tartlets

INGREDIENTS

Pastry - 200g plain white flour - ¼ tsp salt - 100g butter 2 tbsp Siucra Icing Sugar - 1 egg yolk- 2 to 3 tbsp cold water FILLING 2 ripe mangoes, pureed - 3 passion fruit, juice only (sieve pulp) 100g Siúcra Caster Sugar - 2 eggs - ½ lemon, zest only 200ml cream TO DECORATE 2 passion fruit, pulp - Sweet geranium leaves or mint leaves METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C /170°C /gas 5.

2. Sieve the flour and salt into a bowl.

3. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

4. Mix in the Siucra Icing Sugar. Add the egg yolk and a little water to the flour mixture. Bind together, adding a more water if needed. If the dough is too sticky then add a little flour.

5. Shape the dough into a ball, flatten slightly and wrap in cling film. Leave in the fridge to rest for at least 1 hour.

6. Brush the tartlet tins or tray with melted butter and dust with flour.

Shake the excess out.

7. Flour a clean surface and roll out pastry until 3-5mm thick.

8. Use a cutter to shape and then line the tartlet tray with pastry into the base and up the sides.

9. Line each tartlet case with parchment paper and fill with some baking beans.

10. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes.

11. Remove the baking beans and lining.

12. Brush with egg wash and return to oven for a further 3 to 4 minutes.

13. Combine the mango puree and passion fruit together and whisk in the Siúcra Caster Sugar together with the eggs over a bain marie until light and fluffy.

14. Stir in the lemon zest. Leave to cool.

15. Whip the cream and fold it into the mango puree and passion fruit mixture. Leave in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up.

16. Spoon the mix into the cold tartlet cases.

17. To decorate, place about ½ tsp of passion fruit onto each tartlet and a sweet geranium or mint leaf on each.

Recipe courtesy of Siucra. For more information on Siucra products along with recipes, tips and videos visit www.siucra.ie.

Celebrating Spain’s signature cuisine THURSDAY, June 15, is World Tapas Day and restaurants and venues around Ireland are celebrating Spain’s famous small plates with special menus and offers.

For those looking to join in the World Tapas Day celebrations in Ireland many restaurants, bars and venues will offer special menus and promotions on June 15 including The Port House who will be offering Almejas con Jamon (clams with ham and sherry) plus a glass of wine for €10, No. 5 Vinoteca on Merrion Row will have a special set menu including six tapas and two glasses of Cava for €50 for two sharing, Piglet in Temple Bar will offer two tapas and a glass of wine for €9.50, Market Bar on Fade Street will offer guests a tapas sampler for €15, available from 12-5pm it will include three tapas, a dessert and a glass of Sangria.

Cava Bodega in Galway will be offering complimentary churros to

guests having five or more tapas on the day.

Culminating at Taste of Dublin in the Iveagh Gardens, the Spanish Tourism Board will be celebrating World Tapas Day with a feature stand alongside The Port House restaurant.

They’ll be offering delicious samples of tapas with fantastic Spanish wines and chefs Manu Liria and Pedro Santana from Lanzarote will be performing a culinary demonstration at the four-day event showcasing Spanish cuisine and signature dishes from the island.

With plenty of interesting aspects of Spanish cuisine to explore, World Tapas Day is an excellent opportunity to discover new tastes and flavours.

Buen provecho!

Further information about all the activities and promotions can be seen at the website: www.spain.info/en_IE/ world-tapas-day-ireland/

1 June 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

TRAVEL Whisk yourself off on a dream holiday with one of these offers Summer Deals: • July 25 – Ireland West Airport to Costa Dorada, California Garden, Salou, 3*, half-board, seven nights from €679pps (www. falconholidays.ie).

• Last minute Algarve – 3* Rosamar I Aparthotel, departing June 8, seven nights selfcatering, from €425pps including transfers (www.clickandgo.com).

• June 19 – Cork to Majorca, Bellevue Minerva, Alcudia, 2*, all-inclusive, seven nights from €1,169pps (www.falconholidays. ie).

• June 5 – Crete, Rethymnon, 3* Axos Apartments (2 adults, 1 child), departing June 5 for seven nights on a self-catering basis, from €1,115 per family (clickandgo.com).

Longhaul Offers: • June 28 – Dublin to Mexico, Azul Fives by Karisma, Playa Del Carmen, 5*, all-inclusive, 14 nights from €1,969pp (www.falconholidays. ie).

• July 12 – Dublin to Mexico, Grand Bahia Principe Coba, Riviera Maya, 4*, allinclusive, 14 nights from €1,959pp (www.falconholidays.ie).

Cruise deal of the week – from €979 Explore the ‘Treasures of the Mediterranean’ with a seven-night cruise on board the Thomson Majesty, taking in Majorca, Sicily, Sorrento, Rome, Corsica and Menorca.

Price includes flights, transfers, 27kg of checked-in luggage and seven nights in an inside cabin on a full-board basis. Departing on June 20 with a flight from Dublin to Majorca, prices start at €979pps; phone 1850 453 545.

Classic views of crystal-clear waters and sun-soaked sands from around the Canaries ... (Clockwise from top left) Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura

FALCON DEALS: SUNSEEKERS SHOULD WING IT TO THE SUN-KISSED ISLANDS

Summer’s here – so fly away to the Canaries

 SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

WHETHER you’re a winter sun seeker or a lover of long, sunny summer days, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the Canary Islands – but each one holds something unique to visitors.

Should you go to the largest island, Tenerife, or try one of the smaller ones? Is nightlife important or do you want adventurous hikes and trips into nature?

Maybe your only goal is to relax on a warm, sandy beach?

Whatever you have in mind, Falcon will help you find the perfect Canary Island for your trip ...

Tenerife As the largest of the four main islands, Tenerife provides you with lots to see and do. This island is home to the famous

Mount Teide and, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the surrounding national park will keep you happy for days on end.

Not that Tenerife shies away from creature comforts, though – the island boasts Michelin-starred restaurants and the tourist resorts offer a wonderful experience.

The nightlife is buzzing, especially when there are festivals taking place. This is when the capital, Santa Cruz, takes on a Mardi Gras feel with street parties and parades. The beaches, villages, restaurants and nature spread right across the island allow you to have it all your way on Tenerife.

Gran Canaria The resorts here are world-renowned and there’s even a volcanic mountain, like on its bigger sister, Tenerife.

However, it’s the beach-

es and the charm of the villages – where you can escape the crowds for a romantic getaway – that set Gran Canaria apart.

The island’s trademark tropical lager will hit the spot after a day spent exploring and the seafood is second to none.

Gran Canaria has an active nightlife near the resorts and in the main cities, meaning you can combine the best of both worlds.

Lanzarote Lanzarote has something of an otherworldly feel due to the volcanic cone shapes around the island – where the original Planet of the Apes TV series was filmed – particularly in Timanfaya National Park.

This is also one of the youngest of the islands and showcases some modern architecture, thanks to the creative architectural

style of Cesar Manrique, who fought to stop highrises from taking over.

More recently, the island has become popular with active travellers who are into cycling, mountain biking, running or watersports.

If you’re lacing up your tennis shoes or popping on your gear for some beach volleyball while reading this, Lanzarote might just be for you.

And don’t forget to check out w w w.lanzarotewinetours.com while you’re there, and say hello to Paddy!

Fuerteventura Fuerteventura is one of the more organic Canary Islands. It’s a no-addedsugar sort of place, where the buildings are low-rise and the landscape has been built up by biology rather than bulldozers.

But that’s not to say nothing goes on here – in

fact, as most of the Canaries creak to life around mid-morning, Fuerteventura has been up for hours catering for the people who want to fit it all in.

Other islands T he other Canar y Islands are easy to get to and are ideal day-trip destinations from these islands.

La Palma is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and is a

good location for wideranging nature outings.

La Gomera is another secluded nature retreat, whereas the smallest of the islands, El Hierro, is relatively untouched by tourism and is a refreshing day trip.

Each of the Canary Islands represents something different, but the one thing they all have in common is their awe-inspiring beauty.

Canary Island Late Deals • June 2, Dublin to Tenerife, Labranda Oasis Mango, Los Cristianos, 3*, SC, 7 nights from €679pps • June 8, Cork to Lanzarote, San Marcial, Matagorda, 2*, SC, 7 nights from €599pps • June 8, Dublin to Gran Canaria, Gran Amadores Apartments, Amadores, 2*, SC, 7 nights from €479pps.

To book, visit www.falconholidays.ie, or call Falcon at 1850 45 35 45.

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DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Renault Kangoo

Renault develops wireless electric car charging RENAULT has recently demonstrated a new wireless electric vehicle charging (DEVC) system, which allows vehicles to charge while driving.

The new system is capable of charging an electric vehicle dynamically with a charge of up to 20 kilowatts at speeds up to, and in excess of, 100km/ hr (62mph).

The DEVC system has been designed to support real-world implementation of dynamic charging. The two Renault Kangoo ZE vehicles that were used in the development of the system showed how they can pick up charge in both directions along the specially built 100 metre test track near Paris.

Renault has worked with Qualcomm Technologies and Vedecom as part of an €9 million EU part-funded FABRIC project.

The DEVC system will shortly be handed over to Vedecom to perform tests. These tests will evaluate the operation and efficiency of energy transfer to the vehicles for a wide range of practical scenarios.

“We see dynamic charging as a great vision to further enhance the ease of use of EVs, and the accessibility of EVs for all,” said Eric Feunteun, Electric Vehicle program director, Groupe Renault.

Think about your car and don’t pollute THERE are some useful and simple strategies that all car owners need to consider in order to make your contribution to lowering city pollution levels. A small amount of planning and preparation will go a long way in minimising your carbon footprint. The added bonus is the money you save on fuel.

Packing unnecessary weight into our cars is just one of the factors that are heavily impacting the environment. It is worthwhile spending some time de-cluttering your car’s boot as the extra weight makes your engine work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Leaving your engine running when you are not moving or parked, also wastes a lot of fuel. Start your engine when you are about to move, and if your vehicle is fitted with stop-start make sure you know how to properly use it.

Check your tyre pressures as underinflated tyres waste valuable fuel. And while you are at it remove any unused roof racks or roof boxes. Keeping windows closed at high speeds reduces drag but go gentle on the air conditioning and other electrical extras as they are well known to be more demanding on the engine.

The XC60 gets the R-Design treatment

Volvo has a distinctive offer for the XC60, its best-selling SUV, with the R-Design specification.

This gives the SUV a sportier look, from wheels to seats you’ll notice the R-Design difference, says Michael Moroney VOLVO has given the XC60, its best-selling midsize SUV, the R-Design treatment in an effort to give the car a different and stand alone type personality. The target is to give drivers the option of choosing an SUV that can be more individual than the standard version, which depending on colour and styling, can need some distinction.

R-Design at Volvo means a sportier appearance coupled with some chassis adjustments to match higher engine performance. This is a styling where detail is important to make the car distinctive, from the lower suspension to the sports seats and subtle interior designs that will be noticed by those with a flair for style.

All Volvo R-Design cars, including the XC60, feature a unique frameless Tech Matte Black grille, has high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal

diagonal and a refined R-Designed emblem. The DRL lights in the outer corners are designed to reinforce the low, roadhugging impression.

There are subtle design changes to the front bumper while at the rear there is a unique diffuser with aero fins flanked by the round, high-tech R-Design chrome exhaust pipes.

On the inside it comes with a blend of black Nubuck textile and perforated leather seat coverings with an embroidered R-Design logo.

The seat support is one of the most instantly noticeable features with hugging side support all the way from the thighs to the shoulders. Seat adjustment is very good and within minutes I was comfortable in the car, with little need for further adjustment over the full length of my test drive period.

The dash area includes

an adaptive digital display feature that gives the driver the option to switch between three layouts with different configuration and functionality Elegance, Eco and Performance. In the R-Design versions, the Elegance theme boasts a radiant blue colour.

There are a lot of interior design features team to emphasise how distinctive R-Design is. The dash area itself combines black leather and contrasting stitching. There is a new stainless steel tread plate with a bright blue ‘R’ in the R-Design emblem as yet another unique design detail.

The test car was powered by Volvo’s all aluminium 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that’s rated at 190bhp, which is powerful for a car in the midSUV class. The engine is smoother than in the past and delivers an impressive 400Nm of torque. That’s

Entry prices start at €39,995 and there are lots of options to add over €13,000 to the test car, which makes it an expensive option

Volvo XC60 R-Design 2.0 D4

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

2.0 litre 190hp 8.1 seconds 21km/litre (4.7/100km or 60mpg) 70 litres 124g/km B1 €270 20,000km/12 mnths 5 star (2009) 3 years (100,000km) €39,995

The dash for the Volvo XC60 R-Design

enough to give the relatively heavy SUV impressive acceleration at 8.1 seconds in a 0 to 100km/ hr race.

The car was matched to a smooth automatic gearbox that includes paddle shift control to add to the sporty effect. I drove long distances over much of the

week, clocking in almost 900km and found that I was using the auto box without paddle shift most of the time, with fuel economy very much in mind.

The vehicle has a fuel economy rating of 21km/ litre (4.7/100km or 60mpg), which is impressive given its power ability.

1 June 2017 GAZETTE 23

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MOTORING

Skoda goes compact in new Karoq

I achieved a figure closer to 30% less than this, which still gave me a good driving range of more than 1,000km on the full 70 litre capacity fuel tank.

Overall, that’s a good level of economy for what is a substantial, mid-size SUV with lots of sporty driving features.

Volvo claims that the R-Design Sport chassis has been lowered 15mm and the spring stiffness is 15% higher compared with the chassis in the standard S60 and V60.

The XC60 R-Design chassis is also stiffer than the standard car.

The sport effect was not too pronounced and I liked that, because I don’t want to feel every bump on the road, just to get a more responsive engine and gearbox.

Volvo has included some electronic systems that claim to sharpen the sporty driving experience in the R-Design cars.

Corner Traction Control which uses torque vectoring to provide smoother cornering is now also standard on the XC60.

The DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) system also has several other functions that improve driving and safety properties, such as advanced stability control.

Engine Drag Control is also included to prevent the wheels from losing their grip during engine braking on a slippery surface. The DSTC system also has a sports setting that makes it possible for the driver to disable the anti-spin function.

This car comes with a high Volvo safety rating although it does not have a recent independent Euro NCAP safety rating. Volvo claims that the XC60 comes with one of the most comprehensive standard safety offers available in the segment, including City Safety, which offers a range of collision avoidance including pedestrian and cyclist detection.

The test car came with Volvo’s Style Pack, which includes front and rear park assist, rear parking camera, interior light-

This Volvo is powered by a twin-turbo all-aluminium diesel engine that delivers 190bhp and 400Nm of torque

SKODA has now unveiled its new smaller compact SUV called Karoq which will be available to Dublin motorists later this year.

The Karoq claims space and functionality for five people but as yet no prices are available.

It will be offered with an array of new technologies including driver-assistance systems.

Full‑LED headlights are featured and for the first time in a Skoda, a digital instrument panel.

Five engine variants will be available from 115bhp to 190bhp, of which four are new. A number of new clever features are also included in the new compact SUV, including a rear-seat VarioFlex system and a virtual pedal for the hands-free opening of the boot.

Skoda claims that the Karoq luggage compartment has a capacity of 521 litres with the rear seats in place, increasing to 1,630 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The VarioFlex system consists of three separate seats, which can be individually adjusted.

The seats can also be completely removed to reveal van like proportions with a maximum load capacity of 1,810 litres.

Skoda claims that the capability of pairing a car with a Smartphone has reached a new level in the Karoq. The SmartLink+ platform, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mir-

rorLinkTM, is likely to be standard in the new compact SUV. The driver assistance systems for the new Karoq include Park Assist, Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection and Emergency Assist serve to increase safety.

The Karoq will be offered with five engine variants, two petrol and three diesel engines on offer.

The two petrol engines and two of the diesels are new in the line-up.

The power range is from 115bhp to 190bhp. All engines are with turbo-charged direct injection units and come with start/stop technology and brake energy recovery and comply with EU 6 regulations.

With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all can be ordered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DSG. The 2.0 TDI with 190bhp comes as standard with 4×4 drive and 7-speed DSG. The new 1.5 TSI has the special feature of cylinder deactivation.

From the Ambition trim level upwards, Driving Mode Select with the Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (4x4) modes is available on request.

The Off-Road mode with allwheel drive improves the driving characteristics on rough terrain.

European car sales fall as diesel loses dominance This Volvo XC60 R-Design was fitted with 265/60R18 tyres that gave the car an almost off-road impression, even though the chassis is lower than the standard models

ing high, dark tinted rear windows and a high performance sound system.

The entry prices for the XC60 are from €39,995 and when you take the

R-Design choice expect to be tempted to significantly up the specifications list but be prepared for the noticeably extra price hike as a result.

EUROPEAN car registrations totalled 1.22 million units in April 2017, a drop of 7.1% when compared to April 2016.

This was the largest monthly decline seen since March 2013 Diesel cars saw a dramatic 15% decline in registrations in April, performing well below the market average. Diesel car sales accounted for just 46% of the market in April 2017,

compared to its 50% market share in April 2016.

Sales of SUV’s across Europe continued to grow, posting an increase in registrations of 7.2%. MPV’s have gone out of favour with registrations shrinking by 21.3%. The Volkswagen Golf regained its position as Europe’s most popular car model, after the Ford Fiesta took the spot in March.

GAZETTE

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 1 June 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

BAYWATCH

Plumbs the depths IT’S not easy to take an old piece of TV fluff and make something with even less plot and character, but Baywatch (Cert 15A, 116 mins) has risen – or sunk – to the challenge. If you’ve ever wanted to see Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson run about, flexing their muscles, this is the film for you! Anyone else, however, won’t find much to enjoy in this charmless, frequently cheap-looking reboot.

SALAZAR’S REVENGE Caribbean pirates ahoi!

JOHNNY Depp returns to his most famous – not to mention successful – role as Jack Sparow in the latest of the Pirates franchise (Cert 12A, 129 mins). It’s more of the same for Pirates fans – ridiculously entertaining setpieces, a slightly plodding plot, and great actors having a go at being a pirate. Here, the always watchable Javier Bardem steals the show as Sparrow’s latest nemesis.

KING ARTHUR Swords losers

ABOUT to stagger off cinema screens after being slashed by critics, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (Cert 12A, 126 mins) looks set to go down as one of the year’s biggest flops. Director Guy Ritchie’s gritty reimagining of the King Arfurr legend is interesting in parts, and Charlie Hunnam is fine in the beefcake-with-a-destiny lead role, but it’s pretty underwhelming stuff.

CINEMA

ALIEN COVENANT: DESPITE PLENTY OF FLAWS, IT’S AN INTERESTING PREQUEL

New sci-fi delivers a shipload of dark dread THERE’RE a lot of things that Alien Covenant gets right.

Director Ridley Scott returns to the series that legitimised sci-fi horror with layer upon layer of pitch-black terror, alongside brooding, creeping tension and a retrofuturistic aesthetic that gracefully walks the line between homage to instalments gone by (1979’s Alien and 1986’s Aliens, to be clear) and the sleek, polished sci-fi of Covenant’s predecessor, 2013’s Prometheus.

As another prequel to the original film, Covenant shares much with Prometheus, packing in another talented cast, featuring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston (who stood out in last year’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), the incredible Danny McBride, and Billy Crudup, who’s been on point recently with fantastic

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

turns in Jackie, and 20th Century Women.

Unfortunately, Alien: Covenant also shares Prometheus’s most grave indiscretion: a narrative regrettably riddled with plot holes and oversights.

Scott may have proclaimed that he “doesn’t do backstory” (whatever that means) in a recent interview, and that’s all well and good, apart from when you’re directing a film that supposedly exists as explanatory prequel to a beloved series – as well as being a sequel to a film that already raised more

Michael Fassbender returns, this time playing two Synthetics (androids): David, and Walter

questions than gave answers ...

The main plot begins in 2104 on board The Covenant: a ship on a colonisation mission, carrying 2,000 passengers bound for a remote but hospitable planet, while Synthetic android Walter (Fassbender) monitors the sleeping crew.

When disaster and tragedy render Oram (Crudup) the ship’s new captain, the mission is altered and the crew set out after a distress call from an apparently hospitable paradise planet. However, Daniels (Waterston) is wary of the planet – and rightly so.

Soon, an encounter with the only surviving member of the Pro-

Tennessee Faris (Danny McBride) and Daniels Branson (Katherine Waterston) are going on a bug hunt – or are they the ones being hunted, in Alien Covenant?

metheus, another Synthetic, David (also Fassbender) leads to the kind of Alien terror fans of the series have been dying for ever since the announcement of Prometheus.

Covenant certainly delivers on much of the untapped potential of its precursor. After a slow, creeping build-up, paradise comes crashing down.

The eventual burst of violence here is genuinely disturbing and gloriously executed; the foreboding sense of dread that precedes it more tense than anything we’ve been offered in horror since last year’s The Wytch.

The performances here are fantastic – in particular, Fassbender in his dual role. Thoughtful, human

turns from each of the leads make up for the glaring lack of character exposition at the beginning of the film; indeed, most of the character forming was relegated to an online teaser film months ago – a nice treat, but a poor decision on Scott’s part.

We never really get to know these characters and, accordingly, when they start to be picked off one by one, it’s hard to care about what happens to them.

To pick through each of the film’s more problematic plot holes would be to ruin the eventual surprises that come in Covenant’s third act.

It’s unfortunate that Scott seems to have gleaned little from the hostile reaction to Pro-

metheus’s narrative missteps – consequently, Covenant plays less like a return to form and more as a thrilling, though occasionally infuriating reminder of what made his original film so breathtakingly terrifying.

There’s plenty here for Alien purists and those willing to dig into the wider mythology of the series; newcomers and casual watchers will be left scratching their heads.

If you’re willing to allow Scott his rejection of “backstory”, this is an unsettling, stimulating adventure that delights and disgusts the senses in equal measure and promises more – let’s hope Scott’s next sequel makes good on it.

Verdict: 7/10

1 June 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH Pictures: @mohikan1974

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: ONE DAY, CATASTROPHE COULD HIT WORLD’S DATA

The dangers of a digital doomsday Feel-good gaming “Haiiiiiiiiiiii!” Unbridled joy at

finding his cardboard Switch

console had become a real one!

shot of the year

TWITTER user Mohikan (@mohikan1974) gave the internet an absolutely heartwarming picture (top) that only a heart of stone wouldn’t like, as well as perhaps earning himself a nod as Japanese Dad of the Year 2017.

Noticing that his creative son had made a cardboard Nintendo Switch (above) to play with, Mohikan took the hint and sneakily put a real Switch inside some cardboard (right) when his son was taking a bath, Tweeting: “I wonder when he’ll notice”. The result? The picture at the top, showing his absolutely ecstatic son!

Whether this ever emerges as brilliant guerilla marketing from Nintendo, or is just what it appears to be, it’s a charming photo and story that captures the passion for gaming and the hopes of youth in one exuberant photo. Good job, Mohikan-san!

Nintendo’s worth switches upwards STAYING with the Nintendo Switch, sales of the quirky console-that’salso-a-handheld have proven to be a hit for the company, following the disappointments of its previous hardware sales.

Despite the initial bemused response to the new console, and its comparative lack of presence (on Irish shores, at least), the Switch has quietly hit its stride in the few short months that it’s been on release.

It has just been announced that Nin-

tendo’s share price has hit a seven-year high, with strong international sales, and some notable launch titles, giving it an unexpected but welcome running start.

It’s thought that the console’s sales alone aren’t solely responsible for Nintendo’s good fortune, with its recent initial forays into mobile gaming also affecting its revenues and share price.

Either way, the boost is welcome news for the august gaming company, and for gamers in general.

THERE are many things that Stephen Fr y is already well known as – an actor, an author, a bon viveur, a comedian, an activist, a presenter – and now, perhaps, there’s an unusual addition to this list: a digital doomsayer!

Having established quite a name for himself as a keen techie and early adopter of new tech trends, the sharp-witted character had some interesting thoughts on modern digital life when he was speaking at Hay Literary Festival recently.

In between some sharp comments on the likes of Facebook and other digital platforms needing to step up and accept more responsibility for the content that they publish, Fry also took aim at our increasingly digitally-reliant world, which could see everything from our opt-in interactions (such as Instagram selfies) to compulsory participation (government records) at risk of sudden, spectacular failure.

Perhaps his words took sustenance from the global chaos created by WannaCry recently, the low-tech ransomware worm which crippled a variety of banking systems, health services, and other networks

Stephen Fry: “An extinction-level event ... will delete all the archives and accumulated data of our existences and create a kind of digital winter for humankind”

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

that were unexpectedly brought to their knees by its relatively unsophisticated attack.

He went on to warn: “An extinction-level event ... will obliterate our title deeds, eliminate our personal records, annul our bank accounts and life savings, delete all the archives and accumulated data of our existences and create a kind of digital winter for humankind.”

Strong words, if not more than a little alarmist, but his words are not without a grain of truth.

Speaking of grains – bear with me – it’s well known that the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, set in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago about 1,300 kilometres from the North Pole, contains thousands of varities of seeds and grains from every corner of the world.

In the event of a global catastrophe, the Svalbard Vault, and others, are expected to provide the means for Man to survive,

Tech sector equality put in the spotlight GOOGLE is busy across the pond at the moment, where it’s been squaring up to the US government in a row over wages.

Specifically, the US Department of Labor (DoL) has accused the company of under-

What’s the link between a doomsday seed vault on the edge of the world and comedian Stephen Fry? Read on, and find out ... Composite: Shane Dillon

and replant the world.

But what is the digital counterpart to the Svalbard Vault, should a global digital doomsday hit?

What if all the data in The Cloud were to be maliciously attacked, or otherwise rendered useless?

The answer, of course, is

paying women.

Strongly rejecting the charge, Google has said that it would cost too much, and take too much time, to go through all its data and records to compile enough data to satisfy the DoL. The DoL requested the information as Google is a federal contractor, which means it’s required to comply with equal

that no such ‘digital seed bank’ exists, with so-called Big Data (stored by governments, megacorporations etc) potentially just as much at risk as ‘small data’ – the shots of your holiday last year that yuo keep on your phone.

There’s no need to panic

opportunity laws and allow its records to be investigated – except with a huge employee base and complex records, Google has argued the logistics and cost of preparing the info for the DoL are just too difficult.

Whatever the final resolution to the case, it’s an interesting issue to follow across the entire tech sector.

just yet, but as we all head towards an increasingly digitally-reliant future, it’s perhaps worth considering Fry’s words. Ask yourself if you’ve backed up, copied or otherwise saved the digital data that you now rely on others to store. If you haven’t, start!

A fascinating look at Facebook’s rules I WOULDN’T normally direct people to another paper, but The Guardian’s major new Facebook Files section provides an awful, awful lot of content, and is well worth digging into to learn more about the tech titan’s workings.

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 1 June 2017

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28 BLANCH GAZETTE 1 June 2017

SPORT

FastSport HERMESMONKSTOWN TAKE ON EUROS: HERMES-Monkstown hockey club travel to ’s Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands to take on Europe’s top club sides this weekend.

They start off with the toughest possible draw as they meet Den Bosch, the hosts, in the quarter-final of the competition, facing a side that had won the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup over 10 times in the last 15 years and features a series of Olympic gold medalists.

The southsiders will be hoping they can use the international experience of Chloe Watkins, Anna O’Flanagan, Nikki Evans, Ellen Curran and Sinead Loughran to good effect. They were all in the US last week with Ireland for a series against the world number six side. Should Hermes lose their quarterfinal tie, they will then play in the fifth to eighth place playoffs with likely teams from Spain, Russia and England.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS: AFFORDABLE APPROACH A KEY TARGET FOR CARRICK

Ballyfermot’s Ryoshin club open for all for the love of it

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYFERMOT’S Ryoshin mixed martial arts club is pushing its community-driven, “for everyone” agenda by adding an affordable Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition to its training regime, with the tournament set to take place in July.

Run by Tony Carrick, the successful gym has taken home a number of major belts in recent years, and is part of a largely “for the love of it” empire that Carrick has built across the UK, Germany and Ireland – with a second gym in Kerry in the offing – having spent a decade training in Japan.

T he latest tournament endeavour has twin aims: to counter the prohibitive costs of most tournaments by pricing entry in the €10-15 range, and to bring in additional funds that will help keep gym membership costs down.

For a gym kitted out with its own cage, boxing ring and padded floor for other martial arts, Ryoshin’s membership is very affordable, starting at €55 a month, and incorporating up to six days a week of training with-

Members of the Ryoshin Fight Team

in that price but hosting in their own building and the relative lack of additional costs enables the affordable tournaments.

“The tournaments will start at age ten because we’ve found from travelling to tournaments that a lot of our younger kids will see the older lads go off and come back with belts.

“They’re asking themselves ‘what am I training for?” gym

manager Joanna Morgan explains of the plan. “There’s a lot of attrition in teenagers with sport, and stuff like this can keep them going, and off the streets.”

Carrick outlines a bit of the history of the gym, explaining that since opening in Dublin in late 2009, they’ve taken home 13 MMA belts and a K1 (kickboxing) title. Having said that,

he’s keen to emphasise that the top-end competition is not the overall focus.

“We’ve won tournaments that very professional gyms, like Conor McGregor’s gym [Straight Blast in Walkinstown], have never won,” he explains, highlighting their EFC Africa title won through Henry Fadipe.

“But we get a lot of young-

sters coming in because they felt like the more pro-focused gyms don’t consider them a priority.

“That’s how we want it, we don’t do this for the titles. We’re not making any money from it, really, either, we’re down here six days a week because it’s what we want to do. We all have day jobs,” he explains.

Morgan is keen to invite newcomers down, emphasising the social benefits of the disciplined training regimes.

“I think there are a lot of people who don’t realise we’re here, though we get an influx after every McGregor fight,” she explains. “Mixed martial arts is for all kinds of people. We get mothers bringing in kids who are getting bullied, not to learn to fight, but to learn some confidence and self-belief.

“Then we get the bullies, and they learn discipline. A lot of what we do in MMA is about discipline and self-control.”

Carrick concludes: “We take it very seriously. This isn’t swimming lessons, you know? Safety is really important, and we can spend a lot of time reassuring parents, which I understand.

But it can absolutely transform people.”

Lewis and Shillington do damage in big YMCA win  BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com

Irish international Gaby Lewis starred in club action for YMCA. Picture: Deryck Vincent

THE Cricket Leinster women’s Division 1 began in glorious sunbaked conditions last Thursday as many of the Ireland players rejoined the six Division 1 clubs after some weeks in South A frica on national duty.

In 2017, there will be an equal number of 50-over a side matches as well as the T20 format. The longer format is a welcome addition as many players may only have experienced

T20.

League champions YMCA got off to an ominous start by restricting Pembroke to 87/9 off their 20 overs at Sydney Parade.

Irish international teenager Gaby Lewis did the damage with amazing figures of 5/16 off her four overs.

Run chase A target of 88 proved no hurdle for YMCA who got there with eight wickets in hand with Claire Shillington scoring 42 not out and Heidi Cheadle 27

not out.

At Obser vator y Lane in Rathmines, what looked like a one sided game proved anything but. Leinster rattled up a mammoth 169/2 off their 20 overs against Malahide.

Straight, powerful hitting in the V by Rebecca Rolfe (60) and Ellen R igdeway (64*) seemed enough until Ireland centurion Mary Waldron started hitting out in response.

On 66, however, she was nonchalantly caught and bowled

by Anna Kerrison. The last six overs of Malahide’s innings fiz-

zled out by comparison, Leinster winning by 26 runs.

A similar game took place in Anglesea Road. Merrion looked comfortable in scoring 170/5 with Cecilia Joyce hitting a half century and her sister Isobel ending the innings on 45 not out.

The Hills racked up 135/5 to lose by 35 runs. Kiwi Katie Gurrey was the Fingal club’s mainstay with 78 before being stumped off Isobel Joyce.

Seventy runs were needed off the last six overs but proved too steep for The Hills.

1 June 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Battle of the Bay launches beach volleyball season  BERNARD DUFF

FOR Beach Volleyball Ireland, the Pure Magic’s Battle for the Bay festival last week marks the launch of the 2017 Irish season.

The festival is now in its 11th year on Dollymount Beach with both days seeing a constant stream of people making their way along the causeway to explore the beach market, listen to music and experience unusual sporting activities.

This year’s sports included kiteboarding, kitesurfing, landyacht, stand-up paddle boarding as well as there being five beach volleyball courts.

This festival puts beach volleyball centre stage as Irish number one ladies pairing of Miriam Gorbally and Marie-Claire Sabogal explained.

“On Saturday, we have a four-a-side mixed team tournament which has 20 team. And, on Sunday, we will have even more teams in a two-a-side tournament which is also mixed.

“It’s more recreational than the competitive games but it gives newbies a chance to join in and really gets us noticed as a sport here. It’s our biggest showcase to show people what we do.” said Gorbally. On Saturday, the four-a-side was won by The Watermelons team (21-19, 21-17) who beat Chuba Chups in the cup final.

In Sunday’s two-a-side cup final was won by Ernesta Gruzsaite/Pawel Kalaga (26-24, 21-15) beating the pairing containing Irish Beach Volleyball ladies coach, Alex Graves, who partnered Fernando Duarte. Over 150 players participated on both days. For Gorbally and Sabogal, the previous week had been the serious matter of Ireland duty. Although the latter had a prior engagement at a tournament in Hamburg, Gorbally played in the CEV Small Countries Division Event in Edinburgh.

She was partnered by Isabelle Carey who studies in UCLA but is eligible to represent Ireland. In a tournament featuring pairings from Luxemburg and Denmark and hosts Scotland Gorbally/Carey came third.

They won two of three group games but lost the semi-final to the Danish pair of Sondergaard/ Okholm before gaining third by beating Grethin/ Klerf of Luxembourg.

There were three Irish pairings, all pictured above, in action with Regina Halpin/Roisin Roantree finishing sixth and Roisin Allen/Olivia Molloy in seventh.

Skerries lights up again for stunning Ras finish Gullen and Condor team soar to An Post victory with set of consistent performances while Kasperkiewicz takes final stage laurels as well as the King of the Mountains jersey  sport@dublingazette.com

JLT CONDOR’S James Gullen claimed the An Post Ras 2017 honours in Skerries last Sunday as he produced a week of consistent finishes to land the yellow jersey.

Despite no stage wins, he secured the leaders’ shirt of stage five and defended it into the north Dublin town.

Przemyslaw Kasperkiewicz was the stage eight winner in Skerries, giving the An Post Chain Reaction team their third stage win of the week.

The 22-year-old from Poland added the stage win to his King of the Mountains jersey.

Kasperkiewicz came home the strongest from Samuel Jenner (Australia National Team) in second and Jerome Mainard (France Armee de Terre) in third.

After a dismal day of rain on Saturday, the riders welcomed the dry

weather for what was the shortest route of the week at 129.4 kilometres. The final stage took the riders along similar roads as in recent years; heading through Nobber, Navan, Kentsown, Duleek and over Bellewstown (a category three climb), Snowtown Hill/Harbourtstown and Ringfort View before being welcomed by a huge crowd in Skerries.

The route took the peloton around the finishing circuit three times with the riders making three climbs over Black Hills before the ceremonial finish.

Shortly after the 12.30pm start, eight riders went clear for a short time before being reeled in by the peloton.

The bunch travelled well together until 48.2 kilometres where a lead group of twenty including Swords man Eoin Morton (Ireland National Team), Sean McKenna (Ireland An Post Chain Reaction),

James Davenport (Cork Strata3/Velo Revolution), Conn McDunphy (Donegal Voodoo Performance), Darnell Moore (Down Bikehouse), Sean O’Malley (Mayo Westport Towers Bar Covey), Felix English (Westmeath Team Planet X Carnac) and Keith Finn (Westmeath Team Planet X Carnac) went away by 55 seconds.

From the leading group, it was McKenna who took the climbing points at Bellewstown, Ringfort View and Black Hills whilst stage three winner Michael Storer claimed Snowtown Hill/ Harbourtstown.

Coming into Skerries for the first of three laps of the finishing circuit, the gap between the leaders and attackers closed with the two groups merging into one.

From here, four riders including Mark Dowling, Kasperkiewicz, Storer and Samuel Jenner

pushed on to establish a 32 second gap.

General classification leader Gullen’s JLT Condor team chased behind in search of securing the overall win and did enough to carry their rider home.

The final two takes of Black Hills went to Storer and King of the Mountains winner, Kasperkiewicz.

Celebrating his biggest win of his career, yellow jersey winner, Gullen said: “It’s brilliant to win a race like this. You really have to rely on your team mates to get the overall win. They kept me going so this win is all down to them.”

Commenting af terwards, King of the Mountains and stage eight winner, Kasperkiewicz said: “I want to say a huge thank you to my

team mates. We did this together and it was a fantastic week for all of us.”

It was a superb stage for county rider Mark Dowling who finished the best of the Irish riders in fourth.

The ceremonial finish saw the presentation of the overall winners from the week.

Daan Meijers (Netherlands Delta Cycling Rotterdam) won the points classification, Michael O’Loughlin (Britain Team Wiggins) won Under-23 Rider whilst Daire Feeley (Galway Team iTap) took Irish County Rider.

The final stage winner, Kasperkiewicz was crowned King of the Mountains. Netherlands Delta Cycling Rotterdam were overall team winners whilst Cork Strata3/ VeloRevolution were best of the county teams.

Yellow Jersey holder and An Post Ras winner James Gullen of JLT Condor in Skerries. Picture:

Przemek Kasperkiewicz of An Post Chain Reaction celebrates

Morgan Treacy/Inpho Przemek Kasperkiewicz of An Post Chain Reaction celebrates winning stage 8

winning stage eight. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 1 June 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: CELTIC UNDER-10S SPECIAL WEEKEND IN PIACENZA

Strydom fans Phoenix flames to wash out Hills PHOENIX inflicted a first defeat of the season of The Hills to move top of the early Leinster cricket Division One table with a third win from four outings.

Spurred by a fine win over Carrickfergus in the Irish Senior Cup, the club ended their recent rough run at the Milverton club.

Phoenix won the toss and inserted the hosts on a day when the weather meant that play did not start until mid-afternoon with the match reduced at that point to 37 overs each.

Phoenix rotated Ari Karvelas, Thomas Anders and Graham Morris early on in the bowling. Karvelas took the wicket of Cormac Mcloughlin Gavin, caught by Nicolaas Pretorius for five.

Mark Donegan and Albert Van der Merwe got the score up to 48 for one but once again the umpires felt the rain was too heavy to keep playing and the teams were off the field for an hour and a half.

The match was reduced again – this time to 24 overs each. The second wicket stand had reached 81 when Reinhardt Strydom had Van der Merwe caught by Karvelas for 35. Donegan got to 50 before he also fell to Strydom with the hosts thinking they needed get on with things.

Max Sorenson hit four boundaries in an innings of nine balls as they closed on 167 for 9. The Duckworth Lewis calculation set Phoenix a target of 177 from their 24 overs.

Strydom got them off to flying start with the bat, hitting a boundary in the first over and added three more in the in the second over from Van der Merwe.

Ian Anders also batted at a good tempo and the stand had reached 78 when the teenager was caught and bowled by Yaqoob Ali to exit on 25 from 25 balls.

Pretorius brought himself to the crease next and he was soon hitting some scoring shots while Strydom kept attacking at the other end.

After a stand of 41, Strydom was bowled by Van der Merwe for 65.

Rory Anders hit a breezy 13, including two sixes, but Pretorius batted on and was unlucky not to reach 50. Karvelas and Thomas Anders were undefeated as Phoenix reached 177 with eight balls to spare.

The Castleknock Under-10s celebrate their success in Piacenza

Castleknock’s Italian job sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s Under-10’s excelled in Piacenza, Italy – 70 kilometres south-east of Milan – when they took on the Sandro Pietra Tournament.

Celtic’s participation was part of their twinning with Piacenza’s local club, Spes Borgotrebbia. They were fortunate that their arrival coincided with the centennial Giro d’Italia, one of cycling’s three grand tours alongside the Tour de France and Vuelta in Spain.

Indeed, that giant spectacle blew the Celtic team and parents away with

the colourful peloton and the amazing speed of the bikes.

The Celtic team struck up a warm relationship with their Spes Borgotrebbia hosts who treated them and the Celtic travelling party royally.

The team was up bright and early on Saturday and headed to the San Nicole venue. Celtic’s first opponents were Borgonovese.

It was the home team who struck first and they took the lead after the break.

However, captain Yousaf Shah equalised for Celtic when he shot spectacularly from the edge of the box, ending the tie in a deserved draw.

PLAYER SEARCH HHFC seeking new blood for Under-15 line-up HARTSTOWN Huntstown football club’s

Under-15s are currently looking to bolster their side for their 2017 season.

If you were born in 2002 and feel you can add to this already very good side, contact Mark on (087) 465 2613 or email info@hhfc. ie.

The NDSL side have won five of their opening seven games of the season, most recently winning 1-0 at Maynooth Town in the Division 1B.

Celtic were well warmed up by now and their second game against Royale Fiore saw the visitors turn on the style. They ran out winners with goals from Luke Simmonds, Daire Glennane, Cristian Larini and captain Alex Murgatroyd.

Celtic’s Michael Mahon, Cillian Murray and Brion McGrath were solid in defence, cheered on by their enthusiastic travelling supporters and the local support, including Spes’s Under-11 team.

The final day saw Celtic taking on Baby Brazil who were among the favourites after a strong performance against Royale. Celtic went

ahead with goals from Simmonds and Glennane.

The opponents fought hard to gain a foothold but it was Celtic who secured the win when Murgatroyd and Larini found the net.

Going into the final game, Celtic had to face the tournament favourites Sarmatese. It was a very tight affair with Simmonds and Brion McGrath going close.

It was, however, in the final minute before the break that a piece of brilliance from Simmonds saw him reach what seemed a lost cause. He then unleashed a daring left-footed shot that gave the keeper no chance.

In the second half, Sarmatese upped their game, and were only denied by commanding defensive performances from Michael Mahon, Murgatroyd and Shah.

Celtic were fortunate that Larini was unbeatable in goal.

Then, in the dying minutes, Simmonds was on target, which was quickly followed by a screamer from Murray which ensured Celtic were the Sandro Pietra tournament champions.

Celtic had won the trophy but also the hearts of the local spectators who had supported the Irish visitors throughout.

1 June 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

Knock hit Division Two for six with clean sweep

ST BRIGID’S

CASTLEKNOCK’S Under-13s closed out their

Division 2 camogie league campaign with a brilliant 8-7 to no score win to land the title in style.

It added to an equally impressive 11-6 to no score win the week earlier, making it six wins out of six and putting them well clear of the chasing pack, conceding just 3-6 all told over the course of the campaign with three clean sheets.

THANK you to all who sponsored and

Don’t miss out on St Brigid’s summer

supported the St Brigids annual golf

camps; email eventsbrigids@gmail.com

classic on Friday, May 26. Congratula-

to book your place. The club camp is July

tions to the winning team which was

24-28 (age four to 12), Kellogg’s Cul Camp

sponsored by Rose O’Mahony and com-

is August 14-18 (age six to 12) and the

prised of Sean Duignan, Paul Keane, Niall

nursery camp is August 21-25 (age four

O’Mahony and John Boyle.

to six).

Eoin Kennedy contests the All-Ireland

Mini-leagues start June 12 with finals

hardball singles final on the coming

on June 17. Book your place via the Club

weekend, wishing him every success.

App.

Well done to the AFL1 and AFL3 teams

HANDBALL: BRIGID’S MAN FACES LIMERICK RIVAL

on good wins this weekend.

Next week’s lotto draw is in Russell Park on Thursday, June 1. The jackpot is

There was a huge Naomh Brid repre-

€15,000 with a reserve of €2,800. Thank

sentation on the CCC winning team in the

you to everyone who supports our club

minor A camogie final, brilliant result.

lotto and to our great lotto committee.

The nursery takes place each Satur-

The trustees and members of St

day from 9.30 to 11am, all four to seven-

Brigid’s GAA club wish to extend our

year-olds are welcome.

deepest sympathies to the Kelly family

We are seeking a nursery director.

on the passing of Susan Kelly, mother of

Please contact Paddy Davey on 086 822

Phil Kelly and grandmother to Cormac,

9312 if you can help out.

Conor, Paidi and Roisin.

CASTLEKNOCK OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers

Massive congratulations to both

Childcare, continues next Saturday at

adult ladies camogie teams who were

Tir na nOg/Somerton/CCC. New mem-

both promoted to Division 1 and Division

bers always welcome. Nursery enquiries

6 respectively. Well done to the U-13 girls

to lisakiernan1@gmail.com.

who were crowned Division 2 football

There was no winner of our lotto jack-

league champions. Hard luck to the sen-

pot in association with Rialto Ford. Num-

ior men who lost out to Ballyboden in the

bers drawn were 2, 11, 17 and 27 and there

league.

were five match three winners each getting €60.

Limerick’s CJ Fitzpatrick and Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy face off on Saturday in Tipperary

Kennedy bidding for 32nd All-Ireland title ALL-IRELAND FINAL

 sport@dublingazette.com

THE 2017 June Bank Holiday weekend will play host to the singles finals of the GAA Handball Hardball Championships with St Brigid’s Eoin Kennedy going in search of his ninth title.

He will take on reigning champion, Limerick’s CJ Fitzpatrick, who will be gunning for his second accolade, at Lahorna, Tipperary.

It’s the blue riband event of the hardball season. In the semifinals, the Dublin man

advanced after he defeated Kerr y’s Dominic Lynch on a convincing score line of 21-12, 21-2.

Not to be out done, after a shaky start in the first game, Fitzpatrick defeated Kennedy’s doubles partner Carl Browne in his own semifinal with scores of 21-20, 21-4.

After what was a gripping final last year, Fitzpatrick can no longer be called the underdog. He proved what he is made of and that he has nerves of steel after coming back from losing the first game to win

the 2016 All-Ireland on a score line of 17-21, 21-17 & 21-16.

However, having lost out to Meath in the senior doubles hardball All-Ireland decider last weekend, Kennedy will be vying for a big win this weekend.

Kennedy and Browne came unstuck in the first set of that final 21-2 before producing a much stronger second set but ultimately fell 21-15 to Brian Carroll and Tom Sheridan.

Nonetheless, the Brigid’s man has another shot at winning his 32nd

All-Ireland crown across all disciplines following an incredible career to date.

Can Fitzpatrick hold on to his crown, or will Kennedy’s experience weigh in and allow him to add another win to his already decorated career?

It is the third match on court with the junior final pitting Kerry’s Jack O’Shea against Carlow’s Martin Mullins.

Next is the minor singles decider where last year’s finalist, Mayo’s Patrick Murphy, will play Cork’s David Walsh.

Topaz Cash for Clubs is back! Get your loyalty card now and select Castleknock

The lucky dip winners were Pat

GAA as your club. You can now use debit

Edwards and Dylan Farrell. The next

and credit cards at the club shop which

draw is June 1 in the Carpenter with a

is open from 10am to 11.30am every Sat-

jackpot of €3,600.

urday at the nursery.

NAOMH PEREGRINE

HUGE congratulations to our senior

anyone’s game. The lads dug deep to pull

camogie team on not only reaching their

a second win out of the bag, 0-24 to 3-11.

league final against Cuala but also mov-

Next game is against St Sylvester’s on

ing up to Division 2. This team have fought

June 14

hard this season and accomplished so

on CMP at 7.30pm.

much already. We luck forward to sup-

Best wishes to Penguinettes Eabha

porting them in the final and wish them

Mooney and Aoife Coppinger who are

the very best of luck.

part of the Dublin U-14s squad taking on

Hard luck to our senior football ladies who lost out by a very late point in injury time in their first championship group fixture.

AFL Division 3 had a great league game against Ballyboughal. With just a point separating the sides at half time, it was

ERIN GO BRAGH

THERE was no winner of our jackpot.

Numbers drawn were 8, 13, 22 and 25.

Best of luck to Aoife O’ Sullivan who

Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final next Sunday, June 4.

Both girls have been great representatives for the club and played an important part in Dublin’s path to the semi-final.

Very best of luck to the girls.

We are holding a smartphone table quiz in the Grashopper on June 16 so come and join us for a great night of fun.

is playing in the All Ireland U-14 football

Please remember when shopping in

semi-final on Sunday, June 5 versus Gal-

M3 Mulhuddart to put your token in the

way.

EGB tube.

Our golf classic takes place on July 21.

Don’t miss out on our summer camps.

Please email egbgolfclassic@gmail.com

Kellogg’s Cul Camp is July 17-21. Bookings

for further details.

can be made online. Erin Go Bragh sum-

Street leagues are planned for the week of June 19, more info to follow.

mer camps: nursery to U-11s - August 14-18.

32 BLANCH GAZETTE 1 June 2017