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April 2-8, 2015

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Attacks prompt safety notices  KEITH BELLEW

A SERIES of incidents where strangers have attacked or accosted girls has put the local community on alert.

The most recent attack was on Monday, March 23, and involved a girl, believed to be 13 years old, who had a plastic bag pulled over her head in broad daylight in Manorfields. She struggled free and escaped unharmed.

Two other alleged incidents, in

which girls were approached by men in cars, took place in Clonsilla and Hartstown on March 12 and 18, respectively.

Many schools in the area have issued safety warnings to parents, and gardai have circulated crime prevention tips. Investigating gardai are appealing for information and can be contacted at Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 6667000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111.

Full Story on Page 2

Spring clean: Minister helps launch TidyTowns competition PICTURED are Megan Clarke, Ann Phelan, Minister of State for Rural Affairs Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu, and Dylan Matthews at the launch of the 2015 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition.

Both Minister Phelan and Mr Kelleher discussed the benefits of the TidyTowns competition to Irish communities, while Megan and Dylan, in the background, enjoyed the fresh air.

Picture: Maxwells

2 BLANCH Gazette 2 April 2015

Gardai Parents and pupils encouraged to be vigilant

Community alert following attack  Keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com

WITH the Easter holidays in full swing the local community is on alert following a series of incidents in which young girls have been accosted or attacked by strangers.

The most recent incident occurred on Monday, March 23, and involved a girl, believed to be 13 years old, who had a

plastic bag pulled over her head in broad daylight as she jogged through the Manorfields’area.

The girl was training for her school athletics team when she was approached from behind by a man who pulled a bag over her head. She managed to struggle free and escape unharmed back to Colaiste Pobail Setanta, where she alerted staff to what had

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happened. Gardai were called but the assailant had already left the scene when they arrived.

The school immediately sent a message out to parents advising caution: “Please do not allow students to walk alone in the area. There was a potential incident in the area after school today.”

An alert had previously been sent out by Scoil Mhuire Senior National School in Blakestown following an incident on Thursday, March 12, when a man in a red car allegedly approached a girl at Mount Symon Green.

The notice read: “Fol-

lowing an incident in the Clonsilla area last night where a male stranger in a red car approached a pupil of our school, we are asking parents to be vigilant with regard to child safety at all times.

Gardai in Blanchardstown are dealing with the incident and taking the necessary precautions.”

Just six days later on Wednesday, March 18, two schoolgirls from Hartstown Community School were approached on the Hartstown Road at about 8.30pm by two men in a black car.

Gardai in Blanchardstown are investigating all three incidents but have not established any links between them. They are appealing to anyone with information to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 6667000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111 Other schools in the constituency, including St Patrick’s National School in Diswellstown have also advised parents and students to be extra cautious.

Gardai have issued a series of crime prevention tips in the wake of the incidents. They say environment is a huge factor and that some areas are more prone to crime than others. Quiet and poorly lit streets, underpasses and laneways may be ideal places for criminals to strike. They advise choosing well-lit locations and avoiding waiting alone at bus stops and on train platforms.

Cllr Natalie Treacy (SF) said that as a mother with two young daughters she was particularly concerned about this spate of incidents.

She said: “It’s very scary. My own daughter goes to Hartstown

Scoil Mhuire Senior National School sent out a warning to parents and pupils

Community School, so I received a text [from the school].”

She said a joint policing committee meeting in Mulhuddart community centre last week was well attended. Concerns were raised about response

times and difficulties getting through to Blanchardstown Garda Station.

Cllr Treacy said Garda cutbacks meant fewer vehicles were available to them to cover the district thus making the job

more difficult. Gardai apologised for any inconvenience caused and said phones at Blanchardstown station were always attended, and that the 17 new vehicles allocated to the station had begun to arrive.

2 April 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3

st Brigid’s

health: Varadkar claims FF can’t be trusted on children’s unit

Funds raised at breakfast

Political row over Connolly Hospital  keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com

TWO local representatives squared off again this week over the development of Connolly Hospital. Last week saw a war of words over maternity services; children’s services are now the issue.

Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar said Fianna Fail “cannot be trusted” to continue the project of the proposed children’s unit at Connolly Hospital if the party gets back into government.

Last week, Cllr Jack Chambers (FF) called on Mr Varadkar to have the Rotunda Maternity Hospital co-located at Connolly. This week, he criticised the Government

for choosing St James’s Hospital as the site of the new national children’s hospital. He said Connolly had the credentials for a tri-located hospital, with maternity, paediatrics and acute adult hospitals on site.

He said: “Connolly Hospital provided the key components for a future tri-located hospital but the Government’s dithering, indecisiveness and inaction with the children’s hospital has resulted in another period of uncertainty with potential planning and development delays on their selected site before the Irish people have the new children’s hospital they deserve and need.”

Mr Varadkar said

planning permission for the new children’s unit at Connolly would be lodged this summer, with the hope of construction starting next year and the unit opening in 2017.

The unit will include an emergency department, observation beds and outpatient clinics.

Mr Varadkar rebuked Cllr Chambers and his party, saying: “The decision to develop a children’s unit at Connolly was made by this Government. Fianna Fail had no plan to provide a children’s unit in Blanchardstown during their 14 years in government.

They cannot be trusted to continue with the project if they got back into office.”

 keith bellew

Hidden gems: Pupils take award for showcasing their local heritage pictured are Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mags Murray and chief executive Paul Reid with pupils form Castleknock Educate Together National School. The 5th classes at the school are this year’s winners of the Hidden Treasures competition, and were given their medals by the mayor. Hidden Treasures works with schools in Dublin 15 to help pupils explore their local heritage and in particular the 90 archaeological sites and monuments in the area.

The winning pupils showcased their work on St Brigid’s Church, Castleknock. This year 350 pupils from 10 local schools took part in Hidden Treasures initiative.

ST Brigid’s GAA Club is holding a breakfast morning, to raise funds, at the club grounds at Russell Park on April 11 from 9am to 1pm.

The Big Brigid’s Breakfast Morning will see an array of exclusive and unique items on the menu from the Shane Supple Streaky Rasher Sambo to the original Barry Cahill Chai Latte and Tony McEntee’s Tea. Locals are invited to come down and enjoy a gourmet breakfast served up by the junior and senior teams.

For more information about the breakfast morning visit www. s t br ig ids g a a .c om or email pro.stbrigids.dublin@gaa.ie

4 BLANCH Gazette 2 April 2015

transport Drivers to vote as privatisation row talks fail

Commuters facing an all out bus strike  Keith Bellew and bairbre ni bhraonain

STRIKE action affecting Dublin Bus routes serving Dublin 15 is likely if members of SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers’ Union (NBRU) vote for industrial action next week after talks with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the possible privatisation of 10% of Dublin Bus routes broke down.

The routes that may be affected are the17a, 76a, 236, 238, 239 and 270, which were put out to competitive tender in February. Potential operators have until April 17 to bid for the contracts.

Talks, which have been ongoing at the Labour Relations Commission for several months, between the NTA, the Department of Transport, SIPTU and the NBRU, ended in disarray.

A spokesperson for the NBRU told The Gazette: “We left the talks because ultimately, despite having 25 or 26 engagements with the NTA and the Department of Transport, we got nothing that would address the concerns of our members…one consistent thing we told them is that we didn’t believe that legally they were as sound as they think they are in terms of doing what they’re doing [tendering

10% of routes].

“We based this on advice that we got which said that the 2008 Dublin Transport Act effectively says that Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann would retain their current services.”

The NBRU also has a case against the 10% tendering of Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and Iarnroid Eireann in the High Court.

An NTA spokesperson said: “Obviously we’re disappointed the talks broke down yesterday [March 30]. The unions walked out. We intend to continue with the tendering process.”

Asked what contingency plan Dublin Bus had in the event of an all-

Commuters in Dublin 15 will be badly affected if the strike goes ahead. Pictures: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

out strike, a spokesperson said: “We have not received any correspondence from trade unions on potential industrial action.”

Cllr David McGuinness (FF) said industrial action would be “the nuclear option”, but said this step did not surprise him as

fighting privatisation was “fundamental to their members.” He said the people of Dublin should express their opposition to privatisation.

Meanwhile, councillors in Dublin 15 have expressed their disappointment with the NTA decision not to attend a

Castleknock-Mulhuddart area committee meeting to discuss the issue.

An NTA spokesperson said it would be unable to attend as it did not have the staff to attend every meeting it was invited to.

A Dublin Bus representative will attend the meeting.

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) said: “I’m really disappointed that the NTA have decided not to attend our meeting. While I’m glad Dublin Bus representatives will be there, the NTA is the body with primary responsibility for setting bus routes across the city.”

pupils: raise funds and awareness

5k run to help Pieta House end suicide  keith bellew

Got a photo?

Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

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COOLMINE Community School is organising a 5km run/walk for second level schools in Dublin 15 at Porterstown Park on Wednesday, April 29.

The run, which begins at 2pm, aims to help Pieta House and raise awareness about youth suicide.

Participating students include those from Coolmine Community School, Blakestown Community College, Hartstown Community School, Riversdale Community College, ColaistePobailSetanta, Castleknock Community College, Luttrelstown Community College, St Vincent’s Castleknock College, Mount Sack-

ville Secondary School and Hansfield Educate Together Secondar y School.

Each school has 40 participants, with teachers and students across all year groups taking part to make a total of 400 participants.

Suzanne Webster, a teacher at Coolmine Community School who is helping to organise the event, said: “Ms Brophy, one of the teachers in our school, proposed the idea for this fun run, to raise suicide awareness among the youth in our area.

“Rather than just focusing on our own school community, all Dublin 15 second level schools were invited to participate.

“There will be musical entertainment plus the local Garda Squad and St John Ambulance supporting the event.”

She said representatives from Pieta House would be present on the day and would be given all the funds raised with the presentation of a cheque.

M e a nw h i l e , P i e t a House is gearing up for its seventh annual Darkness into Light 5km walk/run on May 9.

The event takes place in 80 venues across Ireland and beyond, including Phoenix Park.

For further information on Darkness into Light and Pieta House services visit: www.pieta.ie

2 April 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5

6 BLANCH Gazette 2 April 2015

services Funding to increase from €813k to €1.5m

Varadkar criticised for rise in spending on PR  keith bellew

The Minister for Health has defended the funding of frontline services and hit back at Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Ind) who has criticised Leo Varadkar’s spending on PR, consultancy and policy reviews.

Cllr O’Callaghan made his remarks after studying the revised estimates for public services in 2015.

He told The Gazette that under the heading of Dissemination of Information, Conferences and Publications, TDs voted to increase spending from €813,000 in 2014 to €1.513m this year.

“While the Government chose to cut and freeze spending for frontline health services, the 2015 estimates reveal an astonishing 86% increase

Minister Leo Varadkar was criticised by Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Ind) for the vote to increase spending on PR

in spending on PR. At the same time the Government has slashed health spending by €213m in 2015. The effect is further damage to our healthcare system.”

He added that this had helped create the record levels of overcrowding in hospitals – this February, 9,657 patients were waiting on trolleys and in chairs. He added that over the last year waiting lists for elective surgery had trebled and rolling closures of operating theatres in hospitals such as Beaumont had doubled since January “PR and spin were not the only the areas to get increased funding though. Varadkar also found extra resources for consultancy and policy reviews, where spending will increase by 19% in 2015.”

M i n i s t e r Va r a d kar responded to these remarks: “Cllr O’Callaghan is clearly unaware that the budget for frontline services rose for the first time in seven years this year. This was

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

‘While the Government chose to cut and freeze spending for frontline health services, the 2015 estimates reveal an astonishing 86% increase in spending on PR’ --------------------------

Cllr Cian O’Callaghan

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

the first increase in frontline health spending since the economic crash presided over by the Fianna Fail/Green/Independents government.

“Equally, Cllr O’Callaghan also seems to think that citizens are not entitled to be kept informed about essential health services. That

section of the HSE’s budget provides vital health information. That includes issues like the Quit campaign which helps people to give up smoking, or details of how to avail of the potentially life-saving screening like Breastcheck. Perhaps Cllr O’Callaghan doesn’t think his constituents should be informed about life-saving medical services?” the Minister told the Gazette.

Cllr O’Callaghan said this was not the case at all. His grievance was funding being spent on financial, not medical, consultants whose fees had doubled in recent years. This was the only area of the Department’s budget that had seen such an increase. He said that while spending in some areas of frontline services had risen, in others they had fallen and the net budget for each hospital had remained more or less the same.

In relation to the spend on outside consultants he cited a recent conference report on how to build efficiency in the health sector at which two financial consultants were paid €40,000 each for speaking.

don’sdublin Collins Barracks – from military facility to custodian of key State treasures COLLINS Barracks has a unique distinction that is little known. For three centuries, it housed both British and then Irish forces, making it the oldest, continuously occupied barracks in the world.

It was handed over in December 1922 to Irish Free State troops, led

by General Richard Mulcahy, who immediately renamed it Collins’ Barracks, after Michael Collins – the first-commander-in-chief of the Free State, who had been killed on August 22 in Co Cork.

The barracks were designed by Thomas Burgh, Queen Anne’s surveyor general in Ireland, and are Neoclassical in style.

Burgh was a very successful architect, having also designed the Trinity College Library, Dr Steevens’ Hospital and St Werbugh’s Church.

Typically, the original work was added to over the time of its occupation, with significant extensions added in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

The site had been cleared for a large mansion for the Duke of Ormond, and it has several big squares, with Clarke’s Square the biggest.

After the place was de-militarised in 1997, when the Fifth Battalion marched out for the last time, extensive renovation work was undertaken before it was opened to the public as part of the National Museum of Ireland.

In fact, the work carried out in Clarke’s Square won the State’s highest award for architectural conservation: the Silver Medal for Conservation.

When the Government decided in 1988 to vacate the barracks as a military facility, plans were drawn up for an alternate use.

Eventually it became the Museum of Decorative Arts and History and was opened by Sile deValera, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, on September 18 1997.

It is a big building and there is much to see, as there are many permanent exhibitions – namely, The Asgard, Eileen Grey, The Way We Wore, Irish Silver and The Easter Rising – Understanding 1916, to name but a few.

And, of course, there are temporary exhibitions and shows, which are very popular, as is the cafe on Clarke’s Square. Check it out.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

2 April 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7

8 BLANCH Gazette 2 April 2015

draiocht A look at online addiction A NEW stand-up show, Will Work for WiFi, which deals with the growing social problem of internet addiction will be performed at Draiocht on Friday, April 10.

The show is written and performed by comedian and Spin1038 presenter Cormac Moore.

Having developed a tolerance to 56k dial-up early in his life, Moore found himself needing stronger and faster ranges of WiFi to satisfy his craving.

A dependency and dangerous addiction soon followed.

The show, which is for mature audiences, is described as “highly entertaining and thought provoking”.

For more information visit www.draiocht.ie

AMENITY Civic-minded woman seeks volunteers

Litter dumping blackspots to be spruced up  keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com

LITTER blackspots in Mulhuddart are in for a clean-up as one civicminded resident sets to work to organise a group in the area to spruce them up.

Certain parts of the neighbourhood and its environs experience regular dumping and Celine Nic Oireachtaigh said it ruined the great amenities on offer.

She said: “I’m very keen to get together a

group of local volunteers … who would be willing to tackle some of the litter blackspots in the area.

“I’m a keen walker, and although we have wonderful facilities and resources around Mulhuddart, it is disheartening to see them marred by regular dumping.”

The problem was a mixture of illegal dumping and littering, she said.

Nic Oireachtaigh is a keen walker but says Tolka Valley Park is full of rubbish, including bin

bags. She said Ladyswell Park looked like a “TV dump”.

She said: “I’ve been thinking about it for some time. I was in the park a couple of Saturdays ago and I was looking at the shocking state of the place.

“I am quite happy to go out and do something about it. I’m just hoping I might get a few willing bodies on board to help me out.”

She has contacted Fingal County Council about its “adopt a patch”

A section of Tolka Valley Park that has been identified for the volunteer clean-up

scheme. This scheme involves a group of residents adopting a spot, which they then revamp by collecting litter, maintaining flower beds or painting walls.

The council provides Hi-Viz vests, litter pickers, gloves, bags and in certain cases paint and

graffiti wipes. It also collects the bags of litter after each clean-up.

Nic Oireachtaigh said rather than pick a particular patch she would prefer to clean up “around the general area. I’m happy to help clean up anywhere around the area. It’s obviously a big area, which is

why I am hoping to get a few more on board. I do have a few volunteers on board already.” She has not decided on a schedule as she wants to wait to see how many volunteers join. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact mulhuddartlittergroup@gmail.com

2 April 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9

award Tanaiste congratulates school on retaining the top spot foroige 5k run to help local youth

Sacred Heart pupils fittest in Dublin 15  keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com

THE fittest pupils in Blanchardstown attend the Sacred Heart of Jesus National School, Huntstown, and that’s official.

Dublin’s Fittest School competition, now in its second year, was held at Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, recently. Run by three fourth year sports management and coaching students, David O’Flaherty, Rory O’Donovan and Paul Nugent, the event involved 11 rival primary schools from Dublin 15

competing in a series of challenges, including the vertical jump, agility tests and shooting accuracy in football.

Each participating school sent 10 fifth or sixth class students to compete for D15’s Fittest School title.

The winning Sacred Heart students were from sixth class: Alvin Mordi (captain), Enisa Spahic, Melanie Lucescu and Claudia Bamidele.

Fifth class students were Ryan Lawlor, Craig Hopkins, Emmanuel Offoma, Jessica O’Connell, Leon McCrave and Claire

Boladale.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan (FG) opened the event and spoke about the importance of physical activity for children.

Sean O’Diomasaigh, principal of Sacred Heart, expressed his pride in the pupils and commended the hard work of the teachers.

He said: “I am delighted with the performance of the children in this competition. It is a great accolade for the school and a fitting tribute to the teachers who give generously of their spare time to afford opportunities

Tanaiste Joan Burton with winning pupils showing their award plaques

to the boys and girls in the school to take part in many sports including soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, athletics, basketball, cricket and rugby.

“The children also take part in various dancing classes, which help promote fitness. Well done to all for retaining the title of fittest school in Dublin 15.”

Tanaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton spoke at the closing ceremony and presented the award plaques to the winning schools.

She congratulated Sacred Heart, and the other participating schools, including Tyrrelstown National School, which came a close second.

She said: “I want to

congratulate each of the schools taking part.

Every corner of Dublin 15 is represented.

“It’s an excellent initiative. I know it was a great success last year, and you should be congratulated for repeating that success again in 2015. It’s a wonderful opportunity for pupils from schools right across Dublin 15.”

PEOPLE are invited to put their best foot forward in aid of young people by registering for the CocaCola HBC Foroige 5k.

T he event, which aims to raise money for the local Foroige youth group, takes place at noon on Sunday, May 24, at the National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown. There will also be a fun day starting at 11am, which will include a short run, followed by activities such as penalty shoot outs and face painting.

The event was officially launched by Health Minister Leo Varadkar at the sports campus in February. A special early bird registration rate of €15 – otherwise €20 – is available until Thursday, April 30. There will be cash prizes for top runners. For more information visit www.runireland.com

10 blanch Gazette 2 April 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Charlotte, Lucie and Juliette Dabbert

draiocht: family day creates colourful artworks

Russian to get involved in art Y

OUNG (and not so young) artists were kept busy at Draiocht recently where a family fun day encouraged all to create some colourful artwork. The Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky, was a great inspiration for the day, with his vibrant, colourful pieces that expressed emotion rather than having a neces-

Daniel Sadlier with Paula and Alex Hughes

sary focus on reality proving a great way to get inspiration and imagination flowing.

Using chalks and oil pastels, children and their parents and friends created a wide range of striking pieces, with the fun of creation and some unforgettable composition all helping to make another great family day at Draiocht.

Aria and Catherine Byrne

Alice, Paola and Arthur Centore. Pictures: John O’Neill

Kyma Deeb, Caragh Fleming, Isobelle and Helen Furlong and Ellie Reynolds

2 April 2015 blanch Gazette 11

Jane and Fiona O’Rourke with Saoirse Dolan

John O’Toole with his great painting

Michelle Mujica and Gabriela Bradshaw

Derek and Sarah Tefy

12 Gazette 2 April 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Kam Angulska and Mike Sikolrski

Aoife O’Reilly and Lee Delaney

Rugby players Mike McCarthy, Zane Kirchner and Darragh Fanning. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Smash hit film blasts its way back to a rerun T

HE Tivoli Theatre was transformed into a particularly memorable London-evoking setting for its recent screening of the popular British gangster film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as part of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.

Actor Nick Moran was a special guest for the screening of the Guy Richie film, with the cult classic providing as popular with the audience today as upon

its original 1998 release.

With some theatrical smoke and mirrors, the Tivoli had the air of an East End boxing club, with the film attracting a wide range of fans, as the likes of Dave Fanning, rugby players Mike McCarthy, Zane Kirchner and Darragh Fanning, actress Leigh Arnold and models Sam Homan, Carl Shabaan and Gail Kaneswaren gathered for the gritty and explosive, yet highly entertaining film.

Sam Homan

Lorcan Ward and Susie Benson

There was great interest and quite a gathering for the film’s screening

2 April 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

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

a day in the life: actor Ian Lloyd Anderson stars in the field

what’son

Having a field day preparing for next role  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

In between preparing for his upcoming wedding and doing rehearsals for the 50th anniversary production of John B Keane’s The Field, former Love/Hate actor Ian Lloyd Anderson took us through a day in his hectic life.

The Baldoyle native said: “I get up in the morning at around 7.45am and the first thing I do is jump in the shower.

“Then I have breakfast: a bit of scramble egg and a smoothie.

Then I get my bus into town and hop on my Dublin bike and head up t o Sy nge Street where we’re rehearsing.

“The bikes are fierce h a n d y, I u s e t h e m every day. I arrive into rehearsals and then it’s straight to work from 10am to 6pm ever y

day.”

Ian is quite flexible when it comes to lunch.

“Generally, I would take lunch on my own somewhere or have lunch in and be sitting around with the lads with a sandwich.”

When he gets off work at 6pm, he does the same journey in reverse, first hopping on his Dublin bike and then getting the bus home.

“I usually get in the door around 7pm and then it’s time to just throw on the dinner.

“I do most of the cooking at home as my fiancee doesn’t do a huge amount of it. I do a nice beef stroganoff, so I might do something like that.

“I don’t watch a huge amount of TV but if I do, I generally watch sport if there’s a football match on or something. Then I do an

hour’s work on a script or whatever I’m working on at the time.

“I might have to prepare something for the morning. To be honest, I’m very unexciting and when I’m working I’m usually in bed by 10pm.

“I might read a book first or throw on a documentary to fall asleep.

Doing this [interview] really makes you look at yourself and realise how boring you are.”

When he is not working in the theatre or for TV, however, Ian is a lot freer to go out at night, whether for a pint, to meet up with pals or to play a bit of football.

Nowadays, though, his time is precious, with so much going on.

“At the moment I’m very busy because I’m getting married in [on April 4] so a fair amount of my time is taken up with that.



asdfsdaf business P27 P16

diary P14

evening Dublin Walking of music Festival: forWhat barnardos: better way to pre-empt

Actor Ian Lloyd Anderson says he uses Dublin Bikes every day to get to rehearsals

“ I ’m g e t t i n g m a rried in Wicklow in the church in Baltinglass and then on to Rathsallagh House for the reception.”

Ian appears as Tadhg in the 50th anniversary production of The Field, by John B Keane, from April 28 until May 16 which also stars

Michael Harding as The Bull McCabe and Mark O’Regan as The Bird.

Tickets start at €22.50 and are available by calling 0818 719 388.

Co-Orch, the effects of Dubover lin’s newestthis instruindulgence Easter mental ensemble, weekend than getting has teamed up with out into the wilderBarnardos children’s ness and taking part charity tsaasdWalking event, in the Dublin visit www.co-orch.

Festival. org.

Running for three days, this festival runs from April 3 to 5 and takes novices to places in Dublin they never knew existed.

Experienced Dublin mountain-walkers can test themselves against their peers on the variety of walks available, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to strenuous.

The festival is suitable for everyone from young to old, novice to experienced and includes a packed programme.

The programme features scenic walks in the Dublin Wicklow hills, The Dublin Mountains Way trail, The Wicklow Way, Bohernabreena and a Full Moon walk overlooking the lights of Dublin and the Irish coastline.

Each walk ends with a visit to one of the many great pubs in the Dublin hills.

For more information visit: www. hilltoptreks.ie/walking-holidays/dublinwalking-festival

14 Gazette 2 April 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Get ready to go Wilde for festival The 12th annual Dublin Gay Theatre Festival launched its programme details last week with a vast array of events set to take over the city this May. Founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde, the festival will run over two

weeks, from May 4 to 17, offering an opportunity to experience LGBT culture on city centre stages. The festival will stage 10 performances each night, including the work of international theatre companies.

“This is our 12th year staging new and diverse

theatre and welcoming artists and audiences regardless of their sexual identity. We include everyone!

“We want you to enjoy our theatre because it is good theatre,” said Brian Merriman, who founded the event.

See www.gaytheatre.ie for event listings.

DIARY

Katie’s flying high after prize win It was a big win for one young artist from Dublin who was honoured as the National Winner at the Sightsavers Junior Painter of the Year Awards at the Science Gallery.

Katie O’Brien (9) from Holy Family Senior National School, Swords, managed to beat off hundreds of other young artists from around the country with her painting entitled I Want You To See Books Fly. The young artist won an impressive array of art supplies and €1,000 for her school.

She was joined by 14 other aspiring young artists who were announced as regional winners for their schools.

Peter Casey (5) from Glasnevin Educate Together won the regional junior cert infant’s prize for his work of art.

Palakshi Rattan from St Brigid’s Primar y School, Haddington Road was also honoured as a regional winner.

Sightsavers works to eliminate avoidable blindness and to achieve equality for people with disabilities.

For more information on the work of Sightsavers, visit www.sightsavers. ie.

Acoustical The Musical will take the stage at this year’s Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

bound to keep the ardent race-goers happy, while playgrounds and a funfair for the children will ensure a fun day for all the family.

Fashionable ladies will also be well catered for with the Most Stylish Lady Competition.

Some of the racing highlights include the Ryanair Gold Cup Day on Easter Sunday.

The BoyleSports Irish Grand National takes place on Monday, April 6 from 2.45pm.

Featuring the BoyleSpor ts Iris h Grand National and the Carton House Most Stylish Lady Competition.

Tuesday, April 7, is Easter Family Day at the festival, with everything from the Little Hoofs show, the free funfair and face-painting, to shopping and great food.

For more information visit www.fairyhouse.ie

something for everyone at the races

simpsons’ reference goes awry

This year the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse takes place from Sunday, April 5, to Tuesday, April 7.

There is something for everyone at this year’s festival with Ireland’s most valuable jumps race

O pposition T D s have been invoking The Simpsons in an attempt to get laughs at the Government’s expense, though they can’t seem to get their references right.

Deputy Paul Murphy (AAA) said Environ-

ment Minister Kelly was: “Swaggering about the place like Nelson from The Simpsons, threatening to rob people’s lunch money.”

He was speaking about the new rules proposed by the Government, which would see unpaid water charges being deducted from wages and social welfare payments.

However, people on social media were quick to point out that Deputy Murphy wasn’t quite

accurate with his popculture reference, as it was actually Jimbo Jones who extorted lunch money from his classmates.

This isn’t the first time a TD has made an inaccurate Simpsons’ reference. Mary Lou McDonald has described Phil Hogan as “the Bart Simpson of Irish politics, with his constant refrain of ‘it wasn’t me’.” “I didn’t do it” may be the phrase to which she was referring!

2 April 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 2 April 2015

dublinlife

Sharp rise reported in retail training RETAIL Ireland has launched its Skillnet Programme for 2015, offering subsidised training and education programmes for employees across the retail sector.

Retail Ireland Skillnet has seen an increase in the number of companies participating in the programme, from 176 last year to 280 this year.

Retail is the largest employment sector in the country, accounting for more than 275,000 jobs, and as Ireland’s oldest Skillnet programme more than 12,000 people

have already completed the training they need to develop new skills and find new jobs.

Today, Retail Ireland Skillnet is aimed at retail employees of all levels and offers a number of places for people who are unemployed.

The courses, which are fully accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland, cover areas such as customer care, communications, security, health and safety, as well as warehousing.

For further information, see www.retailirelandskillnet.com.

business

enterprise: tv matthews rolls out new outlet at arnotts

Carpet chain expands TC MATTHEWS, Ireland’s longest established and largest independent Irish-owned flooring company, has announced that it is now running a carpet and rug offer at Arnotts department store.

Last year, TC Matthews – which employs more than 45 employees, one of whom has worked for the company for almost 60 years – celebrated its 100th year in business.

Meanwhile, Arnotts, which was established in 1843 and is the longest established and largest department store in Dublin, is currently in its 172nd year.

Consumers will now be able to purchase from

a vast range of area rugs and premium carpets at the new TC Matthews design showroom in Arnotts.

There are more than 500 new arrivals of rugs to choose from, and the types of carpets on offer include Ulster Velvet, Cormar Primo Tweed, and Supreme Velvet.

In addition, TC Matthews offers an extensive, flooring range of vinyl, exotic woods, hardwood and laminate floors and cater for commercial properties including educational, sports, healthcare, hospitality, business, and retail as well as residential clients.

T he TC Matthews

showroom at Arnotts is a welcome addition to the seven TC Matthews stores operating in Ireland.

In Dublin, these are located at the quays in the city centre, and Stillorgan, Walkinstown and Lucan.

Commenting on the announcement, the chain’s owner, Brendan Cumiskey, said: “We are delighted to have secured the carpet concession at Arnotts. This is a huge move for us and we are certain that this partnership with Arnotts will be very successful.

“TC Matthews only works with tried and trusted suppliers within the global market, which is why we remain the long-

Owner Brendan Cumiskey at the new TV Matthews outlet in Arnotts. Picture: Paul Sherwood

est and largest independent Irish-owned flooring company in Ireland.

“We expect the industry’s global market to continue to grow and we will continue to grow with it with the help of our loyal

customers.

“We aim to continue to satisfy consumers at our new design showroom in Arnotts, along with our other seven stores.”

For further information, see www.TCMcarpets.ie.

2 April 2015 Gazette 17

health P22

asdfsdaf P27 arts P23

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



Gazette

food P18

Pets we know you’ll fall for this lovely beau

City librarian Margaret Hayes with Lord Mayor Christy Burke and author Roddy Doyle unveiling a plaque at The Rotunda Hospital in honour of The Snapper. Picture: Jason Clarke

roddy doyle: city set to celebrate The Commitments, The Snapper and The Van

From Dublin to Barrytown  Keith Bellew

Dublin will become Barrytown in April as the city celebrates Roddy Doyle’s Barrytown Trilogy with this year’s Dublin: One City One Book choice.

The Barrytown Trilogy is made up of The Commitments (1987), The Snapper (1990) and The Van (1991).

Dublin: One City One Book encourages everyone to read a book connected with Dublin during April. Now celebrating its tenth year, the festival is led by Dublin City Public Libraries as part of its UNESCO City of Literature Programme.

Dublin City Council’s Public Libraries have organised a packed programme featuring over 60 events which will animate the Barrytown Trilogy throughout

April.

The Gazette spoke with Jane Alger, director, Dublin City Libraries UNESCO City of Literature about the programme of events.

She said that music features a lot in the programme, and the flagship event on Sunday, April 12, in Vicar Street is “Barrytown Meets Music Town”, a celebration of the music of the Barrytown Trilogy.

“There are people like Imelda May, Glen Hansard, Colm Meaney, Aidan Gillen, and Damian Dempsey all taking part. They are taking part because they think highly of Roddy, so that’s going to be a great evening.

“City of a Thousand Bands” will relive Dublin’s 1980s music scene at the Church Cafe on April 21.

According to Alger: “People like Niall Stokes from Hot Press, Dave Fanning from 2FM, Eamon Carr from Horselips, Leslie Dowdall from Tua Nua, and [alternative rock musician] Gerry Fish, will all be talking about the Dublin music scene in the 80s.”

Another highlight of the programme is Remembering Italia 90 at the 1872 Room in the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, April 16. Alger said there was a wonderful atmosphere in the country during the Italia 90 World Cup, and that this event is all about remembering those glory days.

Actor and theatre producer, Peter Sheridan will host “Are you Havin’ a Laugh?” an exploration of Dublin humour throughout April at Axis Ballymun DLR Lexicon and Bewleys Cafe

Theatre, currently located at Powerscourt Centre Alger said the event will explore the theory of whether Dublin really does have its own unique kind of humour, or if this is a myth.

Roddy Doyle said: “If I hadn’t been born in Dublin, I don’t think I would have become a writer. I’ve always loved the sound of Dublin voices and when I started trying to put them down on paper thirty years ago, I knew I was doing something that I’d always love doing.”

A special Dublin: One City One Book Barrytown edition, published by Vintage, is available to borrow from libraries across Dublin and to buy in bookshops.

Many of the events are free and full details are available now on: www.dublinonecityonebook.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Beau. He has been here at the centre for far too long now – Beau is a five-yearold male Staffordshire bull terrier, and is an absolute sweetie pie.

Beau gets on great with other dogs and loves getting out to enjoy a walk with his pals.

He can be a tad shy when meeting people for the first time, but once he gets to know you, you can expect lots of snuggles.

If you think you could give this Beau-tiful fellow a loving home then please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50 and would love to show you around. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie

Gazette

18 Gazette 2 April 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK M&S Spring garden of eggs €11.99

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M&S Percy Pig €10.49

Aldi Gluten-free dark chocolate €7.49

Butlers Mini egg box €7.50

EGGS ETC NOT TO SCALE

2 April 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 Gazette 2 April 2015

OUT&ABOUT M&S Indigo dress €60

M&S Indigo dress €60

Littlewoods Ireland Biker jacket €63

Ademandfordenim  laura webb

DENIM, denim everywhere – yes, that is what we are seeing this season on the high street with dresses, tunics and flares all making a bold statement.

It would be hard to find a wardrobe that hasn’t got or seen a piece of denim in

Dunnes Stores Tunic dress €30, Orange cleated croc €20

fashion has moved on and denim is ever more stylish with dresses, dungarees, shirts, shorts and coats allowing us to break away from the usual jeans and a t-shirt.

This week, Gazette Style takes a look at some of the denim fashion tickling our fancy this spring.

its lifetime; some good, some bad and some ugly – think of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s fashion faux pas, matching all-denim (and not in a good way)!

With that in mind, we now know what not to do when it comes to all-denim ensembles. Thankfully,

o achella sh H&M Co 9

rts €19.9

Oasis Culottes €50

Penneys Duster coat €30

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2 April 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

STYLE

Kiwi clothes to beat our weather  laura webb

Oui Viscose Red Dress; was €147.95, now €103.57

st Print Aideen Bodkin Mazur Contra 67.96 Coat; was €459.95, now €3

Fossil Sydney Satchel; was €149, now €104.30

Guess Paxton Satchel; was €165, now €132

More irresistible style and deals from Kilkenny

ST YLE and savings are two words that are like music to any fashionista’s ears, so when Gazette Style heard “mid-season sale” at Kilkenny Shops we wanted to know more.

Running until April 12, customers can enjoy up to 30% off selected items. Home to Ireland’s largest collection of Irish designers, as well as many top international labels, the Kilkenny Shop has a

superb range of fashion and accessories to suit every style this season.

Star Buys include …

30% off Oui Viscose red dress; was €147.95, now €103.57 – this Oui piece can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making it perfect for the office or an evening get-together.

20% off Aideen Bodkin Mazur Contrast print coat; was €459.95, now €367.96 – make a

bold statement in this must-have printed coat; a true wardrobe classic.

20% off Guess Paxton satchel; was €165, now €132 – this bag is perfectly on trend for the season with its pastel shades offset by bold animal print.

30% off Luke Lovely snake print top; was €99.95, now €69.97 – a super stylish workwear staple!

20% off Fossil Sydney satchel; was €149, now

€119.20 – Fossil’s range of great value leather bags make the brand a go-to for affordable reliability.

20% off Orla Kiely Giant Linear Stem travel pouch; was €89, now €71.20 – the perfect travel companion for summer outings or getaways.

Kilkenny’s mid-season sale runs in all 13 stores nationwide and online at kilkennyshop. com.

OUTDOOR enthusiasts know all too well about the importance of being prepared for our unpredictable Irish weather and with this in mind, Irish company, Kiwi Country Clothing, was established.

Living in New Zealand for 14 years, a country which also suffers cold and wet weather, Elizabeth McGuinness saw a gap in the Irish market to provide quality, highperformance clothing for those working outdoors.

Impressed by the quality and range of premium wet and cold weather garments made in New Zealand, she decided to bring some Kiwi clothing back to Ireland.

The range of clothing

caters for farming, equine and outdoor-trade sectors, as well as anyone with an eye for outdoors fashion. There is also an impressive section of lifestyle knitwear, jackets and accessories available to purchase.

All products are of natural fabric, merino lambswool, possum fur, silk, cotton and angora.

According to McGuinness, possum merino has been proven to be a very successful product to counteract issues with Raynaud’s syndrome.

Due to the natural properties of the mix of merino wool and possum fibre, this allows the fingers to remain at body temperature.

Similarly for diabetes, especially for those struggling with foot issues, the

super soft seamless socks are proving very efficient.

The socks, gloves, mitts and possum fur insoles are available through www.kiwicountryclothing.ie.

The outer rain wear, the outback range of oilskin coats jackets and pants are guaranteed 100% waterproof and 100% breathable.

For further information, see www.kiwicountryclothing.ie, or pop into their store just off Grafton Street at No 18 South Anne Street.

Gazette

22 Gazette 2 April 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH Your support could help to fight homelessness crisis  suzanne sheehy

I AM taking part in the Ironman 70.3 Dublin on Sunday, August 9.

The event consists of a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and a 21km run. Not only is this a personal goal, but I am

also taking this special opportunity to help raise funds for Focus Ireland (right) – an organisation working to prevent people becoming, remaining or returning to homelessness.

Five days a week, as I make my way to the office, I see someone sleeping rough in Dublin, even in freezing subzero temperatures.

We are familiar with the tragedy of homeless man Jonathan Corrie; the 43-year-old found

dead in a Dublin doorway near Leinster House.

Focus Ireland’s vision is that “Everyone has a right to a place they can call home”. It is estimated that up to 5,000 people are homeless at any one time in Ireland.

You can play a part towards

working to end homelessness by donating through my JustGiving Page, and help raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause.

To donate to this worthy national cause, see https:// w w w. j u s t g i v i n g . c o m / Suzanne-Sheehy. Thank you.

training: cpr for babies, children

This online course could save a child

WHILE it’s important for expectant mothers to invest in the best safety equipment such as baby monitors and breathable mattresses, you also need key skills to face into a medical situation.

If your baby or child is struggling to breathe or has stopped breathing, would you know what to do?

Most choking accidents and breathing incidents happen in the home when a family member is there to help.

When a child stops breathing, they need help within four to six minutes before the lack of oxygen causes brain damage or death.

CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) can change that outcome by providing the critical extra time until professional help arrives.

Medihow Baby is an online training course, costing €49, that is designed for anyone who cares or has responsibility for children or babies, or anyone wishing to learn life-saving skills.

The online course has many added benefits. You

Medihow Baby is an online CPR training course designed for anyone who cares or has responsibility for children or babies, as well as life-saving skills

can learn from the comfort and convenience of your home, and you have 12 months’ open access to your training so you can refresh your skills again and again. It is also readily accessible and easy to understand.

By completing Medihow’s basic life support training course, learners will be better equipped with “the knowledge to respond” to a situation where a baby or child is struggling to breathe.

All information on the website is based on

European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and best practice guidelines.

On completion, trainees receive a certificate of completion to ERC standards; €49 is all it costs for peace of mind.

Medihow.com and m e d i h ow b a b y. c o m websites provide safety, first aid and parenting information for parents with content that is written by Irish doctors and delivered in a practical, straightforward and easy-to-understand format, free of charge.

2 April 2015 gazette 23

ARTS theatre: comic steps with the baltimore waltz

‘Tragedy’ is pretty flush with laughter  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IF YOU are looking for something truly original, funny and unexepected this month, you could do no better than to go along to see Blue Heart Theatre’s production of The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel, in The New Theatre, Temple Bar, which runs until April 4.

What really elevates this production above all expectations of a new theatre company such as Blue Heart is the blinding talent of young actress, Niamh Denyer, who plays Anna.

Denyer is quite simply the most natural comedic actress I have seen on the Irish stage, to date.

Not only that, but she is a brilliant dramatic actress as well – a requisite seldom appreciated for comedy. The rest of the small cast is solid and comprises two actors, Mike Kunze as Carl and Brian Higgins as The Third Man and all other parts. Yet, it is Denyer who is the star around which they orbit.

The play itself is a delightful little piece, full of crazy, often hilarious situations set as a foil against a tragic background.

Americans, Anna and her gay brother Carl set off to Europe in search of a cure for Anna’s mysterious terminal illness.

She has been diagnosed with a contagious disease called ATD, or Acquired Toilet Disease, which she has picked up from a toilet seat at the school where she is a

A brilliant comedic actress – Niamh Denyer, who deftly mixes comedy and drama to terrific effect in The Baltimore Waltz, by Paula Vogel, at The New Theatre

teacher.

The disease is a fictional one, of course, and Anna’s reaction that such a thing could happen to her is one of gobsmacked innocence.

As the full weight of her diagnosis descends on her, she says: “Cut down in the prime of life by toilet seats.”

Denyer, from Sligo, does a flawless Baltimore accent, which renders every witty comment she makes all the more effective.

W hen her brother Carl offers to bring Anna to Europe in search of the finest ATD specialists, Anna, like many an American depicted in a raft of 20th century American fiction, is scared stiff of Europe, and extremely suspicious of European ways.

She is persuaded to go,

however, and we follow the pair’s journeys from Italy to Germany as she meets one expert after another.

In Vienna, she meets a madcap and eccentriclooking doctor, who asks her if she would like to ask any questions. Anna responds with: “Is that your real hair?”

Such unforeseen touches of comedy are grist to the mill for Denyer, who plays them up with pithy intelligence and superb timing.

Brian Higgins is best at playing extreme caricatures and executes several fine comedy turns as a crazy doctor, a mysterious trench-coated spy, a French waiter, and many more.

His diversity is so impressive that the audience more than willingly suspends all disbelief to

accept each character he inhabits.

The play has a very dream-like quality to it, and this is telegraphed to the audience in several ways, including having the two main characters dressed in pyjamas at all times.

The motif of a toy bunny depicting Carl bamboozles his sister, who can’t work out why Carl carries it with him all the time, and signals with it to other men carrying the same bunny.

Pullitzer prize-winning author Paula Vogel wrote the play about her brother Carl, who died of AIDS in 1988.

The Baltimore Waltz runs in The New Theatre, Temple Bar until April 4 and tickets, available by calling the box office at 01 670 3361, cost €15, or €12 for concessions.

Gazette

24 Gazette 2 April 2015

CARINGINTHEHOME

Make a career out of helping people stay in the comfort of their own home SINCE 2005 Comfort Keepers Home Care has been enabling people to live at home independently. Our home help services enable our clients to stay in the comfort of their own home by supporting the highest quality of life that is achievable.

We care for our clients as though caring for a member of our own family.

We aim to provide the highest standards of home care and home help to our clients. We are the only national home care provider to have been awarded the Q Mark, ISO9001, and Healthmark accreditations for the quality of our care and the systems we use to support its delivery. In addition we have also been awarded the Q Mark Home Care Provider of the Year.

If you would like to partake in a fulfilling career in Home Care, do check out our website careers page at www.comfortkeepers.ie/careers and get in touch.

We have many vacancies in our offices around the country. Make a move towards fulfilling your career goals, apply for a job with Comfort Keepers.

ADVERTORIAL

Selecting proper care for your loved ones

 laura webb

THERE’S no place like home – and this is the place that most older people and those with disabilities would chose to live out their days with the everyday care they need.

Thankfully, these services are available – and many organisations on the ground are working to make sure they are appropriate, suitable and allow people to live at home in their own communities for as long as possible.

Assisted living residences or assisted living facilities are places tailored to the needs of those who may have difficulty living in an ordinary two-up, two-down.

For those not suited to independent living, assisted living helps with

many aspects of caring in the home such as supervision or assistance with activities of daily living, coordination of services by outside health care providers; and monitoring of resident activities to help ensure health, safety and well-being.

Assistance may include the administration or supervision of medication, or personal care services provided by a trained staff person.

According to Eamonn Timmins, spokesperson for older people’s charity Age Action, about one in five older people will need some sort of support in their home at some stage of their lives. And this is at the heart of what Age Action campaigns for: “We want people to be able to live in their home

for as long as possible with dignity and safety.

“The big issue over the next 15 to 20 years is how we are going to do that?

I think community based services like home help, home care, day care centres, meals-on-wheels, public health nurses, they are going to be to the forefront of caring for our older population.

“They are the vital supports that enable people to continue living at home in their own community with their belongings around them with their own neighbours.

“Community care is one of the big issues coming down the tracks and it is something we need to get on top of as a society for all of us if we are going to live with dignity in our own home,” he said.

There are many services and organisations to help the elderly or those with disabilities to live at home in their own communities as long as possible

2 April 2015 Gazette 25

ADVERTORIAL

 ian begley

HOME care provider Caremark are making it easier and cheaper to remain in your own home.

Caremark is a home care provider dedicated

to delivering high standards of professional care to those who wish to remain living in their own home.

Just a few years ago, many older people were reliant on family and friends for assistance and

support. If this was not an option, the only alternative for the individual was nursing home care.

Nowadays, with developments in care provision it has been recognised that older people would much rather live

Finding quality one-on-one support IWA At Home is a new private service recently launched by the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA).

For the first time, members of the public are now able to privately purchase superior quality homecare services directly from Ireland’s longestrunning homecare specialists.

IWA At Home offers tailored personal assistance to older people and anybody with physical, sensory or other limitations that may need some help to maintain or improve their quality of life, providing one-to-one

Improving services for dementia A SPECIALIST team in Dublin City University is conducting research into the issues highlighted in a study to improve services for those living with dementia.

Dr Kate Irving and Dr Louise Hopper from the School of Nursing and Human Sciences, DCU, say the vast majority of people with dementia in Ireland live at home – a place where they want to remain.

The experts say the weight of dementia is often too much for families to bear alone, and resistance to taking on support often leads to a crisis situation further down the line.

The current range of services available is quite limited in scope, say the experts, and they believe services in the community should be suitable, and questions about their cost and distance away should be asked.

support through IWA At Home’s personal assistants.

All staff are Garda-vetted and referenced, and trained in-house by IWA, which is a FETAC-registered provider.

Michael Doyle, director, IWA At Home said: “Our aim is to respond to the wishes of our customers and their families, and we believe in supporting the interests of individuals in whatever way we can, so that they can lead independent and fulfilling lives.”

For further information, call 1850 80 4142, or email info@iwaathome.ie.

at home independently with the supports of assisted living.

All Caremark care workers are fully trained and Garda-vetted, providing peace of mind and complete confidence.

Caremark also offers

a fully managed and supervised service 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year throughout Dublin.

For further information, call 1800 844 4414, or see www.caremark. ie.

Gazette

Making it easier to stay at home

ASSISTED LIVING MOTORING

Many older people are now able to stay in their home longer due to more assisted living options

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 2 April 2015

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2 April 2015 blanch gazette 27

blanchCLASSIFIEDS planning Notice

planning Notice

FINGAL County Council

FINGAL County Council

Tyrellstown Development Project Ltd intends to apply to Fingal County Council for Permission for the demolition of a single storey outbuilding (113m2 approx) and development comprising construction of a petrol filling station incorporating [1] a two storey building unit (576m2) incorporating a retail unit (100m2), console area, office, drive through restaurant incorporating a café/food bar (134m2) with seating area (122.8m2), and an outdoor seating area at ground level, toilets and seating (79.0m2) at mezzanine second floor level, [2] forecourt area to provide petrol/diesel including canopy over (7.0-8.6m high), fuel dispensing pumps, air and water facilities, paving, underground fuel storage tanks, HGV fill point area, signage (1no. 6.2m high totem sign, retail unit signage, canopy signage etc.) 30no. car parking spaces, 7no. bicycle parking spaces and [3] ancillary site development works including new separate site entrance and exit points to the N2/N3 Link Road, hardstanding areas, SuDS drainage system, boundary and landscape works, removal of existing ‘armco’ safety barrier and re-location of existing advanced warning signage and all ancillary engineering works. The site comprises 0.503 ha.(1.24 acres) and is bounded by the N2/N3 Link Road to the West and North, and Blanchardstown Road North to the South at Goddamendy, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during public opening hours of 9.30-16.30 Monday-Friday at Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.

We, Mr & Mrs Joseph R idgeway intend to apply for Retention Permission for 1)Porch & converted garage/single storey side & rear extension with tiled roof over.

2) Conservatory at rear.

3)Widened vehicular site entrance at front. at 7 Orchard Green, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

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Gazette

28 Gazette 2 April 2015

SPORT Old Wesley moving up to Div 1B

FastSport

rugby: donnybrook side cruise to bonus point win and league title

Dynamos claim women’s division one title:

OBLATE Dynamos pulled off a memorable victory to claim the Women’s Division One title at the expense of Portlaoise Panthers, 63-59.

Panthers can look back on an unbeaten campaign in the regular season and a senior women’s cup title along the way, but it’s Dynamos who finish out the year on the sweeter note.

Dynamos did not establish a meaningful lead until eight minutes before the end as Jennifer Morabito pulled up to swish her second three of the evening.

She landed 18 points while the Dynamos’ bench contributed 19 points to their final tally and Morabito was credited with a game high four assists from her 40 minutes of basketball.

Offensive rebounds from Alison Keech and Katie Moloney proved invaluable in running down the clock while Georgina McKenna made a vital free throw to secure the trophy.

 sport@dublingazette.com

THE stage was set, nearest rivals Blackrock had fallen short of a bonus point win, and Old Wesley needed a bonus point win over Seapoint for outright league victory. And

sure enough Old Wesley came out of the blocks with all guns blazing and dominated from start to finish in a 43-3, seven try win, earning the Ulster Bank Division 2A title.

Just four minutes were on the clock when a break

JC Greyling, who scored three tries, on the attack

by Old Wesley centre Steven Harvey brought play into the opposition 22 before delivering a well timed pass to JC Greyling who crossed for the opening try.

Two minutes later, Wesley were back in the Seapoint 22 and this time Michael Dunleavy got in for try number two.

Seapoint’s woes continued when their second row Brian Cunningham was shown a yellow card for a ruck infringement.

Ironically, this spurred on the visitors and they made their first visit to the Old Wesley half where they were rewarded with a penalty, which was kicked

by James Kelly.

But Seapoint’s response was short lived as, with less than 20 min-

Old Wesley’s Alan Large lifts the UBL Division 2A trophy. Picture: Deryck Vincent

utes gone, Greyling was on hand again to cross for Wesley’s third try.

Wesley prop Kenny Knaggs was then sent to the sin bin for an off the ball tackle, but this was negated by a similar punishment for Seapoint second row, Mark McCoy. As half-time approached, the Donnybrook side were once again on the attack.

It was a case of when, rather than if, Wesley would score the bonus point try. And that honour went to Gavin Hinde who scored try number four just before half time. Cassidy converted to make it 26-3 at the break.

Any hopes that Seapoint had of a second half fightback were short

lived. Nine minutes into the second period Greyling intercepted a pass on the opposition 22.

He strolled over the line for his hat-trick and it was game set and match to the Ballinteer old boys.

Wesley continued to make inroads but with the onset of windy and wet conditions a number of passes failed to go to hand.

Eventually, the pressure told when Wesley won a scrum against the head on the Seapoint 22.

The ball was fed swiftly to Eoin Stynes on the wing who crossed in the corner.

Stynes was on hand minutes later when he took a pass from Greyling and, with 35 metres to go, out-sprinted the defence

to cross and score under the posts.

A chip kick by captain Alan Large from deep in his own 22 was neatly picked by Rory Stynes.

Stynes made good ground before kicking ahead for Greyling to chase. Greyling looked to be impeded in the chase but despite appeals for a penalty try the referee heard none of it and eventually awarded a relieving 22.

Seapoint made a late charge for a consolation try but the Wesley defence stood firm and they were able to clear their lines after turning over possession. There were no further scores and the final whistle was greeted by jubilation from the Old Wesley players and supporters.

Dublin sides denied in Irish Senior Cup semi-finals  sport@dublingazette.com

Pembroke’s Adam Pritchard in action against Banbridge last Saturday. Picture: Adrian Boehm

THE three Dublin sides in hockey’s Irish Senior Cup finals came unstuck last weekend at Belfield as Railway Union and Pembroke’s men along with Hermes, on the women’s side, missing out on the national title.

Railway and Pembroke both bowed out in last Saturday’s semi-finals with the former falling to Cork C of I in agonising fashion.

They had taken a first half lead against the Cork side via Mark English’s superb reverse

stick effort to lead 1-0 at the break.

But they could not turn a greater portion of possession into goals and they were caught on the counter in the second half when Richard Lynch picked out the top corner with a cracking effort.

No further goals accrued, eventually leading to penalties.

The first nine were all converted before Billy Lynch dived low to deny Kenny Carroll and win the shoot-out 5-4 for the Cork men.

Pembroke, meanwhile, were comfortably beaten by Ban-

bridge - who were crowned national champions on Sunday - 4-0 in a high tempo affair.

The Ballsbridge outfit trailed 2-0 at half-time and were further hampered when goalkeeper Mark Ingram went off injured in the second half in the process of trying to deny the third goal from Johnny McKee and they never threatened a comeback after that.

In Sunday’s final, Hermes were looking to win the women’s senior cup title, hoping to win their third title of the season having already annexed the

Leinster league and the Jacqui Potter Cup. But they were out-gunned by an Ulster Elks team who won their maiden national title as their star-studded side, featuring Irish captain Megan Frazer and Shirley McCay along with Canada’s Stephanie Jameson, were the dominant force throughout.

Aine Curran got the only goal of the game in the 30th minute but it was her Elks team who looked the more threatening and would have run up more but for the heroics of Emma Gray between the posts for Hermes.

2 April 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

A 6 Nations champ inside 18 months

ken’sDiary

Hannah Tyrrell has taken precious little time to land her first international rugby silverware following a strong career in Gaelic Games; she tells Nathan Kelly about the switch Egan ups the pace with

EIGHTEEN months, four caps, one 6 Nations title.

Hannah Tyrrell’s rugby career has been a short but successful one thus far and is an incredible story of an athlete using experience from former glories to fuel current ambitions.

Tyrrell played her first rugby game in October 2013 for Old Belvedere’s second team.

Prior to that, the former Round Tower’s player was an integral part of the Dublin ladies footballers side, operating between the posts for the Jackies.

However, following requests from friend and Irish rugby international Sharon Lynch, who also has a GAA background, the decision was made to give rugby a go.

Fast-forward to March 2015, and Tyrrell is a 6 Nations champion, and spoke to GazetteSport just days after Ireland were crowned winners.

“I came into rugby and had a lot of skills that most people coming into the sport probably wouldn’t have,” she said of her switch in codes.

“I had the footwork, the handling and kicking all under control which allowed me to focus on learning the rules and techniques of rugby, and then perfecting it.

“The contact takes a bit of getting used to obviously but I think it’s something you have to relish and really learn to love in order to be successful.”

Having impressed for Belvo, the former shotstopper turned flying

winger was selected to represent Ireland Sevens side and the decision had to be made to leave intercounty football behind and accept a full-time contract from the IRFU. The first stop on her Ireland career was to then travel to Amsterdam for the Dutch leg of the IRB women’s Sevens World Series circuit.

On what it’s like to step into the setting of an international rugby competition, Tyrrell said: “Coming into a professional environment and a high per formance environment within the IRFU was and is a fantastic opportunity.

“It allows you to get in top shape and improve your strength and conditioning.

“You’re also looked after so well here in all

Hannah Tyrrell, left in Old Belvedere colours, has enjoyed a superb start to her rugby career since trying her hand in the sport in October 2013

aspects of the game, whether it be coaching, physio and rehab, all the way down to nutrition.

“So coming into that is fantastic for any player and the improvements and benefits you get from it are brilliant and allow you to grow and grow as a player.”

right-wing, missing out the defeat to France on matchday two due to a training ground suffered concussion.

She returned two weeks later to start in the historic win over England and kept her place in the starting 15 for the rest of the competition.

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

‘It takes getting used to but you have to relish the contact and learn to love it in order to be successful’ - Tyrrell --------------------------------------------------------

Following a number of strong displays for the sevens side, the Dubliner was called into Tom Tierney’s Ireland squad for this year’s 6 Nations competition.

It would prove to be Tyrrell’s first foray into 15-a-side rugby on an international level.

“It was really just fantastic for me to be making the 30-player squad,” she said on her inclusion.

“Then the Italy game proved to be my first cap.

I loved every minute of it, representing my country, it’s a serious honour.

“To win the 6 Nations on top of that in my first season of 15s international rugby is phenomenal, words can’t really describe how I feel.”

Tyrrell started four of Ireland’s five games in the competition, all at

A shoulder injur y forced her to withdraw against Scotland quite early on in the final day win which sealed the championship.

There’s little rest in the life of an international athlete however, as Tyrrell informed us training resumed just two days after the win in Scotland, and previewed the busy period ahead for her.

“The rest of my season will be focused on the Seven’s now,” she said.

“We’ve a big couple of months ahead trying to qualify for the Rio Olympics next year.

“All our attention now turns to the European Championships in June, where we have, over a two-legged event, the opportunity to qualify for Rio outright so that’s where the head’s at now.”

two man training burst Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurels Charity Crew Cycle from Galway to Dublin on April 19. In the run-up to the event, Egan has partnered with Gazette Sport to document his preparation for the big day, and here is his latest report from the road.

AND then there were two!

I decided to hit the tarmac early this week instead of the usual Saturday morning. Unfortunately, I could not take part in Saturday’s cycle as I am away with the better half.

Myself and Damien Long, the Laurels pub manager, took off at 8am last Thursday again from the usual spot at the pub.

I thought this was going to be like the Saturday cycle and we would get to see the wonderful country side and share cycling tactics for the big day on April 19 from Galway to Dublin.

But right from the start, Damien took off like s**t from a goose and I was playing catch up.

My average pace was 18-19kph on the Saturdays but this was a different animal I was playing with.

Our first 40km was done in an hour and 40 minutes with an average of 30kph. I was working so hard just to stay with him.

Our target was 80km and we broke the half way mark and decided to stop for a well-earned break.

So, with cafe latte and chocolate muffin in Naas down the hatch, we were back on the road again.

We pushed on up to Blessington and got lost for a few kilometres but found our way back to Naas and pushed on back towards Johnstown, Kill, Kilteel and back out onto the Naas road before heading for home.

We picked up the pace towards Rathcoole and down towads Clondalkin. We made it back to the Laurels just under the four-hour mark. I was a broken man by this stage. Again when I get these negative thoughts of giving up I think of the little young children in Our Ladies and know their battle is life and death and for me to be out on my bike is a privilege.

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 2 April 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: corduff star called up to irish under-15 side

United honoured by Lucozade AAA boost MASTER Kirkwood of Scotland visited Dublin to conduct a seminar for the newly affiliated members of the Taekwondo Alliance Organisation from across Dublin including the Tyrrelstown martial arts club.

The seminar saw Master Kirkwood take the students through a range of kicking and fighting techniques to improve sparring and traditional techniques.

The seminar concluded with Master Kirkwood showing students different ways of performing traditional patterns.

Akpiama hits hat trick for Celtic’s Under-14 side A HAT trick from Owen Akpiama ensured all three points for Castleknock Celtic’s DDSL Under-14 Major side away to Home Farm despite a rally from the home side late on.

It consolidates Celtic’s position at the top of the league table thanks to their 3-2 win.

At DDSL Under13A1 level, Celtic started poorly, going 0-2 down against Broadford Rovers. They hit back to make it 2-1 with a goal finished by David Brennan after good work by Evan Ward whose cross made the chance.

Broadford restored their two-goal advantage, only for Ben

Lowndes to make it 2-3. Broadford struck again before Matt Russell made it a final score of 3-4.

In the DDSL 10F league, two goals from Andrei Ungureanu gave Celtic a 2-1 lead at the break.

Huntstown Hartstown fought back and took the points with four goals in the second half for a 5-2 turnaround.

Evan Ryan was again on hand to get a vital goal for Celtic Under-11D1 side at home to a battling Mulhuddart side.

Mulhuddart had led 1-0 at half time.

The share of the points keep Celtic top of the league table. 1-1 match action At the same group’s F1 league, Celtic maintained their fine run of form with victory over Lakelands in Balally Hill with a 5-0 win.

Corduff’s latest international call-up, Yassine En-Neyadh

The only way is up for Yaz  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

EIGHTIES British pop singer Yazz shot to fame with her hit The Only Way is Up way back in 1988 and, fast-forward 27 years, her namesake, or nick-namesake is delivering the same message for Corduff.

The Duff’s Under-16 star Yassine En-Neyadh received his first international call-up last weekend as he was named on the Republic of Ireland Under-15 squad that will face Holland in a series of international friendly fixtures between April 11 and 16.

Yaz, as he is effectively known around the club, has been on the fringes of the international scene for quite some time, having been involved in a number of development squads in recent months.

Speaking to GazetteSport on the hot prospect’s call-up, Corduff PRO John McGuinness delivered a statement of pride on the club’s behalf.

“It is fantastic news for the club, Yassine, and all his family,” he said. “To be honest, we were hoping to receive this news sooner as Yaz has been on the fringes of international honours for quite some

record breaker Onwumereh sprints to new national best time blanchardstown’s Nkemjika

Onwumereh, 11, made history at the Athletics Ireland national juvenile championship in Athlone when he smashed a 15-year-old championship record.

Onwumereh, who represented Dublin and the Metro St Brigids Athletics Club, Castleknock, came first in the 60m sprint achieving a new championship best of 8.23 seconds.

The previous record of 8.42 seconds held by Joseph Dolan was set in 2000.

time, and on a number of development squads. To earn his first proper Ireland call-up is very positive indeed.

“Yassine actually began playing with the 1998 age group, which was three years above his age. He’s still playing a year ahead of him which highlights the level that he’s at and is a testament to him that he’s now been called up for the Ireland Under-15 squad.”

The Corduff side EnNeyadh plays for are managed and coached by Steve Morley and Christy Gilshenan, and currently sit in sixth place in the NDSL Premier Divi-

sion, with a very realistic chance of mounting a late title challenge with a lot of games in hand over their rivals.

The side also reached the last eight of the SFAI cup but were unfortunately knocked out by Knocklyon just two weeks ago.

The individual and overall development and achievements of the players in this U-16 side mirror the positivity all around Corduff at present.

This is something the club hopes will continues long into the future and are looking to secure that with a new pricing structure for membership for the 2015/16 season,

details of which can be seen on the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

McGuinness was on hand once again to comment on the pricing structure. “All of these positive stories coming out of the club are not happening by accident,” he said.

“A lot of other clubs force heavy membership fees of around €250 on parents which often subsidises the senior section. We’re totally against that and it’s very important that we’re open and transparent in our proposed pricing structure, and what you see on the Facebook page is exactly what people will pay.”

2 April 2015 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

Somerton lit up by first senior hurling tie  sport@dublingazette.com

SOMERTON welcomed Senior League hurling for the first time last Sunday morning and the home suppor t weren’t lef t disappointed as Castleknock beat Parnell’s 1-12 to 0-4 to make it two wins from two since promotion.

Despite heavy over-

night rain, a crisp breeze ensured the pitch was in great condition and Castleknock star ted with intensity and, with the aid of the stiff breeze, kept the score board ticking over to build a 1-4 to 0-1 lead.

The key moment was probably an outstanding save from Brian Dunne at a time when the game

was still in the melting pot while three more points compounded the value of the save, leading to a 1-7 to 0-1 lead at half-time.

The second half would be a different scenario with a rising breeze into the golf course end assisting Parnells who began to exert real pressure. But Castleknock

maintained the honesty of application that is becoming a hallmark as they stayed well clear in the second half.

Seasoned senior campaigners Crumlin provide Castleknock’s next challenge in Pearse Park on April 18 and provides another massive test for the Somer ton side’s development.

hurling: mixed fortunes for Saints’ top teams

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s A HUGE thank you to all our dancers,

place this Thursday, April 2 in The Vine-

sponsors and members for giving us

yard. Make sure you have your tickets,

such an amazing Strictly St Brigid’s

available online or from the usual sell-

event on Saturday night.

ers.

Well done to Billy and the organising

Our junior ladies footballers are

committee and to Stress and Dev, the

looking for new or returning players.

overall winners.

All abilities welcome; contact Leanne

Well done to all our juvenile and adult teams who were in league action over the weekend.

on 0851685626.

St Brigid’s spring market on April 25 from 10-1pm. Free entry. Items for

Stand out result was our inter hurl-

sale include mens and ladies clothing,

ers who scored an injury time goal to

CDs, DVDs, books, toys and lots more.

beat Faughs by a point.

To book a stall, contact Mary on mar-

Fine wins for our AFL3 footballers and minor A and B footballers also.

The club lotto jackpot remains a huge €15,000. Our next draw will take

yaoc@hotmail.com.

Final Texas Hold Em Poker Night before the summer/autumn break will take place on April 24.

st peregrine’s THERE was no winner of this week’s

a booking form.

lotto. The numbers drawn were 4, 12,

The junior hurlers and junior C foot-

18 and 27. Next week’s jackpot stands

ballers are calling anybody who would

at €4,400.

like to come back to the sport to get

There were good wins for the senior hurlers in the league and for the junior A and B footballers in the cup.

in touch now by emailing the above address.

Our white collar boxing night takes

The U-15 and U-16 hurlers had very

place on April 18 in the hall. Early bird

good wins against Naomh Fionnbarra

tickets are still on sale for €10 from

and Ballyboden respectively. There

John on 087 9309976 and Shay on 086

are no fixtures set for next weekend

1059571 or admission on the night for

due to Easter.

€15. Keep an eye on Facebook.

The juvenile skills camp and academy

Best of luck to Eric Lowndes who will

Easter camp run from April 7-10. Reg-

line out for the Dublin Under-21s in

Brigid’s inters nick victory over Faughs

ister now with your mentor or email

the Leinster final against Kildare on

pro.naomhperegrine@gmail.com for

Thursday night.

AHl division 4

The St Brigid’s AHL4 side that pounced late on last Sunday to win in the league

St Brigid’s Faughs  sport@dublingazette.com

1-9 2-5

IT WAS a Sunday of mixed results for St Brigid’s senior hurlers with both their sides on the opposite ends of one point games in AHL1 and AHL4 respectively.

In AHL 4, Brigid’s second team managed their second one-point win in as many games as they dramatically defeated Faughs in Russell Park last weekend.

In what were tough conditions for hurling, the Dublin 15 side got an

early foothold in a game that was too close to call for the most part.

The hosts flew into a 0-5 to no score lead thanks to points from Seanie Keegan, Badger O’Halloran and Keith Morris hitting three.

Falling behind seemed to have awoken Faughs who went up the other end to score two goals in quick succession and take the lead after 25 minutes.

That lead was soon cut out however as more points from Keegan and Morris saw the teams go in at the break 0-7 to 2-1.

The second half was

just like the first, with both sides swapping scores all the way through.

Keith Morris was proving key for Brigid’s from frees, as was Eoin Thynne, whose tireless, skilful running led to three close range placed balls which Morris took advantage of.

Having fallen behind once again, Faughs made another desperate push forward ten minutes from time and once again managed to turn their dominance into a goal and move two points ahead as the match crept into injury time.

With nothing to lose,

it was the home side’s turn to bomb forward, inspired by Willie Tyrrell at full-back and superb work by Dave Kennedy.

His delivery into the area was met by wingforward Fergal Counihan who managed to field and kick the sliotar in off the left-hand post and secure a 1-9 to 2-5 win for his as the referee’s whistle blew as the ball was pucked out.

Unfortunately, Brigid’s first team were on the other end of a one-point scoreline as they lost out to Cuala in AHL 1 in Bray on Sunday morning by a score of 2-14 to 1-16.

castleknock WELL done to the senior hurlers who

and joggers welcome.

made it two from two last Sunday with

Please see the website for details

a great win against Parnell’s in Somer-

of the cardiac screening that is taking

ton.

place on April 25.

A big thank you to everyone who

Membership for the new year is due,

supported the race night last Friday

please continue to hand in all forms

and we hope that everyone had a

and fees. Forms can be downloaded

great night.

from the website.

Play On is this year’s club play and will run on April 16 in CCC. Full details

There was no winner of the lotto jackpot which now stands at €9,400.

on the website. The very best of luck

The nursery has now moved to Tir

to all coaches and players involved in

Na nOg, still on at 10am. All new play-

the Easter Camp this week.

ers and families are welcome.

GMT has started up again this week

If would like to send in any photos,

in Porterstown, every Tuesday and

news or match reports, please send

Thursday at 6.30pm. All new walkers

them all to info@castleknock.net.

erin go bragh CLUB membership is due. Member-

strictlyclonee@outlook.com, Amanda

ship forms available at training and

087 2590822 or Mick 086 0435195. Tick-

our website, eringobraghgaa.ie. Call

ets are now on sale. Call John on 087

Finbarr 086 3837411

7541948

With Colaiste Pobail Setanta, we

Our U-11 boys took part in the half

will be holding Strictly Clonee on April

time entertainment at Croke Park in

25 in Westmanstown. Advertisement

Dublin’s league fixture against Derry

opportunities available. Contact

on Saturday.

32 blanch gazette 2 April 2015