Gazette R1
DUBLIN CITY
June 8 - 14, 2017
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Council faces 40 years to clear its housing list
Expert warns SYLVIA POWNALL take more than 40 of ‘potential ITyearsWILL to clear Dublin City Council’s housing waiting list at the tsunami of current rate of building, a new has warned. homelessness’ report The study by independent
think-tank Tasc predicts that the housing crisis looks set to worsen and urges a radical change in the approach to the crisis by the Government. Dr Rory Hearne warns of a “potential tsunami of homelessness from mortgage arrears and
unaffordable rents in the private sector”. He said the number of homeless families in Dublin has increased by 289% while almost 10% of households now face mortgage arrears or repossession. Dr Hearne said the current
level of building – with just 40 new social housing units built by local authorities in Dublin last year – is nowhere near sufficient. Dublin City Council had 18,946 people on its housing waiting list in January this year. Continued on Page 2
2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
NEWSBriefs FORTY YEARS TO CLEAR CITY HOUSING LIST CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE Predicting less than 1,000 new units will be built this year Dr Hearne warned: “It could take over 40 years to provide a permanent home to those on the Dublin City Council housing waiting list.” The Government’s Rebuilding Ireland strategy unveiled last year stated that 18,000 new social housing ‘solutions’ were provided in 2016. However Dr Hearne argues there were just 650 new build social housing units nationwide and just 210 of those were built by local authorities. He said the strategy was worsening the gap between rich and poor because it is allowing a significant number of the houses built to cater for the private sector. Six ‘trophy’ houses on one Dublin 4 road were sold for between e3 and e4 million each last year, while 35,293 Dublin homes lie vacant and 3,247 people are homeless. He advocated the setting up of a new Irish Affordable Homes company and a number of measures that would see housing considered a right, not a privilege.
SECURITY | THREAT OF ATTACK IS REAL, EXPERTS WARN IN LIGHT OF DUBLIN LINK
Public urged to be vigilant in fight against terrorism
AENGUS O’HANLON LEADING security experts have warned that the threat of a homegrown terror cell carrying out an atrocity here similar to those seen in London and Manchester in recent weeks is very real. Declan Power says the big challenge for the authorities here is to indentify people who have been born and radicalised here – and he says a vigilant public can play a big part in preventing such an attack. Mr Power said on Monday: “I would argue our biggest threat isn’t about a group coming in – our bigger threat is about homegrown people who are first and second generation [and] who may get radicalised.
“As we know some people have done, there are pockets of it in the Islamic communities.” Mr Power believes communities need to be proactive in combating extremism to prevent attacks from happening in Ireland. He told 2fm’s Dave Fanning on 2fm: “That type of lone-wolf attack is impossible to prevent unless the community
are vigilant and when they see someone change their behaviour – a chap who was maybe purely interested in going to university and football and suddenly he’s letting his beard grow, then action needs to be taken. “Those communities need to be able to get in contact with their Iman or community activist who will know exactly who to contact
in the Gardai.” Former army captain Tom Clonan had previously warned that Ireland was “Europe’s weakest link”, telling the Irish Daily Mirror that the country was an attractive target for extremists looking for “a gap in the hedge”. An ISIS video released in 2015 listed Ireland among a group of
LONDON BRIDGE ATTACKER LIVED IN RATHMINES FLAT LONDON Bridge killer Rachid Redouane lived in Dublin for over two years and worked as a pastry chef in town. The 30-year-old jihadist (left) is believed to have lived in Dublin on and off between 2012 and 2015 before moving to Britain after being radicalised on a trip to Morocco. Redouane, who authorities say was
of Libyan and Moroccan descent, was one of three terrorists who slaughtered seven people and injured 48 others before being shot dead by police in central London on Saturday night. And it has emerged that the killer married his British wife Charisse O’Leary in Dublin in 2012. The couple lived in a flat in Rathmines and when
she was pregnant with their daughter, moved to a tiny bedsit in Cabra – his last known base in Dublin. His landlady told The Irish Daily Mirror the pair were “grand tenants” who left their flat in perfect condition when they moved out in 2015. Charisse then split from Redouane, telling pals he was “a wife-beating maniac”.
FASTNews
Dublin car parking spaces soar to Celtic Tiger prices PROPERTY experts say car parking spaces in parts of Dublin are soaring to Celtic Tiger-era prices. Sunny Fahim of RE/ MAX Property Advisors said one lot at Ringsend is being advertised for €37,500. Sherry Fitzgerald’s Patrick George said his firm had a space in Malton House which was listed for €18,000. But three bidders pushed the price to €25,000 last week. He said: “When the economy is good, people have disposable cash and they’ll pay for the comfort of parking beside their office.”
Charity walk for Crumlin A CHARITY walk will take place in the Phoenix Park on Saturday in memory of little Matilda Maher. Last year’s Matilda’s Miles walk saw 300 people brave the rain, and raise a massive €26k for Crumlin Children’s hospital. You can register for Saturday’s walk, which starts at 11am at the Papal Cross car park, by emailing matildamiles2017@ gmail.com. See cmrf. com/user/matiladasmiles-2017
60 nations it claims is part of a ‘coalition of devils’. Experts have also said that Ireland is a “haven” for extremists looking to attack the UK. Up to 40 potential Islamic terrorsts – with 12 said to be “hardcore” – are believed to be living in Ireland – mostly in Dublin – where they plan attacks on Britain.
International conference on obesity to swell coffers
Raheny hero honoured for his work at hospice
TOMMY Gibson of Raheny receives a ‘Sunflower Hero’ award from RTE’s Mary Kennedy for his outstanding dedication to St. Francis Hospice. Tommy has been associated with St. Francis Hospice for almost 20 years and was among 23 volunteers across the country honoured for their contribution to hospice care.
The presentation took place in the Mansion House Dublin at the national launch of Hospice Sunflower Days. This is an annual fundraiser for the hospice movement in Ireland, and this year it is taking place on Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th. It is hoped €1million will be raised.
FAILTE Ireland says that an international conference on obesity to be held in Dublin in 2020 will deliver a €3.2million boost to the economy. Announcing that the European Congress for Obesity – International Congress on Obesity had selected Dublin, the tourism body’s CEO Paul Kelly said: “This year Fáilte Ireland’s Business Tourism and Events team have already secured €67m worth of business which is set to take place from 2018 to 2024. Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
8 June 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3
THEY say Guinness is good for you, but it’s also very good for tourist numbers as the Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate was Ireland’s most visited attraction in 2016, according to figures released by Failte Ireland. In its annual list of top visitor attractions, the Guinness Storehouse welcomed 1.6m visitors last year - a 10% increase on the year before. Open since 2000 it is celebrating 17 years of welcoming visitors to the home of Guinness Located on part of the Guinness brewery, the storehouse takes visitors through the history of the stout as well as outlining the brewing process. The tour ends with a free pint in the Gravity Bar on the top floor of the storehouse. Around 20% of visitors taste Guinness for the first time at the Storehouse, quite amazing considering it’s the most exported stout across the globe.
IN THE BLACK
Guinness Storehouse tops the list of Ireland’s tourist attractions
4 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
TRANSPORT | MORE STOPS, NEW CORRIDORS, ROUTE REVISIONS IN ‘BUSCONNECTS’
€1bn plan to transform bus usage in the capital DARRAGH MCKIERNAN A NEW suite of initiatives planned to radically transform public transport in the Dublin region was launched last week, with the bus services plan set to cost more than €1bn. Launched by Minister for Transport Shane Ross and Anne Graham, chief executive of the National Transport Authority, the initiatives – called BusConnects – put bus services at the heart of the solution to traffic congestion in the capital. The total cost of BusConnects is estimated to be more than €1bn, some €300m of which is already
committed under the 2015 capital plan, Building On Recovery. Some of the proposals include next-generation bus corridors, redesigning the network of bus routes and a cashless fare payment system, as well as a rolling out new bus stops with better signage and information. Speaking about the initiative’s launch, Anne Graham said: “Thanks to BusConnects, just about everybody will be able to beat the congestion by using the bus rather than a car to get around. “We believe that there is potential to increase bus passenger numbers by
The ambitious initiative proposes a suite of bus-related changes on everything from signs to route revisions
at least 50% over the lifetime of the project, which would represent a significant step-change in how people get about. “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. “Dublin is a low-density city, 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. “By investing in our bus services, we will make the city a better place, and a more attractive place to work, play or invest in.”
Minister Ross said: “We have seen remarkable growth in our economy in recent years, and that recovery is continuing. “That means more jobs, more people at work, more people out socialising, and more people visiting, all of which is to be welcomed, but it does place a strain on our transport infrastructure, and we’ve all seen the congestion in the city and across the region that arises as a result. “The proposals being put forward can potentially transform Dublin’s bus system in a fundamental way, so that when it comes to speed, punctuality, reliability and convenience, journeys by bus can be better than ever before.” For further information on the initiatives, see www.busconnects.ie.
Tri to catch up! Docklands festival makes some waves
THIS year’s Dublin port Riverfest welcomed some very fast and very friendly visitors to the watery celebrations, with the UK Thundercats power boats making their first Irish visit as part of the bank holiday weekend fun. Thousands of people took in the fun all along the docklands, with everything from Tall Ships, schooners, wakeboarding, a drive-in cinema, tours of the Jeanie Johnston famine ship, a funfair and food and craft fairs helping to keep families, tourists and visitors entertained. The Thundercats sent plenty of hearts racing too, with the sight of the powerful boats proving as popular with everyone as the fun events for everyone. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography
FASTNews
30kmph zones for more areas THE Green Party has welcomed the introduction of further 30kmph zones in residential areas in Dublin city. The new speed limits will be introduced in Sandymount, Crumlin, Drimnagh, Raheny, Artane, Donaghmede, Drumcondra, Glasnevin and Phibsborough, on predominantly residential roads and streets. Cllr Ciaran Cuffe, chair of DCC’s transportation committee, said: “This will create calmer communities where children will be safer walking and cycling to and from school and the shops. “This initiative follows the lead set by other cities that have already introduced area-wide speed reductions. The evidence ... shows that 30kmph zones work.”
Nuture expands its network A CHARITY which offers affordable counselling to women suffering from a range of issues, including post-natal depression, has expanded its network of services to south Dublin. Nuture, established in Dublin in January 2011, has therapists experienced in the areas of post-natal depression, depression in pregnancy, post-traumatic stress disorder, post-partum psychosis (in recovery stage), miscarriage, fertility issues and other matters, offering support to women who may find it difficult to talk about their symptoms or to seek help. For further information or support, call 041 982 2022, see www. nurturecharity.org, www.Facebook.com/ NurturePND, or follow @NurtureCharity on Twitter.
8 June 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5
6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
Out and About
At The Marie Keating Foundation’s Heroes of Hope garden were garden designer Paul Dunne, Linda Keating, and Heroes of Hope campaign participant Rory Duffy
Fantastic floral displays impressed
Showers of praise for Bloom festival Hullo, petal ... Nolan and Karen O’Brien with little Hannah and Nina. Pictures: Shane Dillon
Sheamus, Clodagh and Donal Brady with Ailish McCarthy
Dad Mairtin with Eanna and Emer Lane
B
LOOM proved just as popular as ever in the heart of the Phoenix Park this bank holiday weekend, with many tens of thousands of people from all across the city, county and country filling the sprawling festival grounds to capacity each day. Despite some occasionally blooming awful weather, Bloom’s punters were happy to dodge the occasional heavy downpours and blasts of wind to take in the brilliant blossoms and gorgeous greenery at the Bord Bia festival. As ever, the beautifully presented show gardens were a particular highlight, while have-a-go horticulturalists and gardening gurus enjoyed exploring the terrific range of stalls, events and plants across the grounds.
There was family fun Sara King, Richard King and Sarah-Louise Carney, of Ria Organics
for Carla, Padraig, baby
FBD Insurance’s Transition show garden, winner of the
Oscar and Chloe Callaghan
Best in Category title in the Large Garden section
Sylvia and Jan Guckian
8 June 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7
8 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
JUSTICE | CENTRE DIRECTOR DEFENDS FACILITY
‘We are committed to our efforts to improve Oberstown’ SYLVIA POWNALL OBERSTOWN director Pat Bergin admitted this week that the youth detention centre in Lusk would “always face challenges” but was taking steps to improve security. Mr Bergin – who was injured during an incident at the campus last week – issued a statement confirming that two escaped detainees had since been returned. Another member of staff was attacked with a crowbar during the disturbance and the offenders used an angle grinder to escape – just hours after a Building The Future event heard good progress was being made at the centre. Mr Bergin said: “We will not be issuing further detail on the particulars of the incident, as it is the subject of a live Garda investigation.” He added: “The incident followed an event held to mark the first anniversary, providing
Oberstown Youth Detention Centre. Picture: Google Earth
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‘Until May 30 we were seven months without any major incident at the campus. This is progress. It will continue.’
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Pat Bergin, Oberstown director
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a stark reminder of the constant challenges an environment like Oberstown presents us with. We are committed to our efforts to improve.” Mr Bergin said an implementation plan would bring about “positive change on a number of fronts. This positive change is reflected in the fact that until May 30 we were seven months with-
out any major incident at the campus. This is progress. It will continue.” The interim recomm e n d a t i o n s i n cl u d e tougher policing of the use of a range of illicit drugs. Mr Bergin admitted: “It raises a challenge for the night supervising officer or the care staff because when the young person is taking some
Orange you glad Roz is helping to highlight a very worthy cause?
BUSY model and World Vision Ambassador Roz Purcell was delighted to help announce details of World Vision’s – the world’s largest childfocused overseas aid agency – series of festival appearances as part of its education programme for summer. A World Vision team will be visiting many of the country’s top familyfriendly festivals over the next few months, with a bright-orange, classic VW campervan making the charity’s presence hard to miss. Seating and a pop-up gazebo, along with a number of virtual reality
films, will help show children’s lives, the challenges children face, how a child can be forced into labour, and what children experience in a refugee camp. Roz is calling on everyone to look out for the van, help support World Vision’s work, and see its VR and 360-degree videos on its YouTube channel. for further information, see www.worldvision.ie. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
of this stuff, it’s more difficult to reason with them.” Five other key recommendations include replacing bedroom doors with “a more robust-type door and lock”, weekly safety reviews, fostering a “positive no-blame incident-reporting culture”, moving a smoking area away from the gate, and strengthening barrier fences. Last October, local residents met with Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone to voice their concerns over rioting, break-outs, industrial action by staff and other disturbances at the neighbouring campus. This week, Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) warned: “The situation at Oberstown has been out of control for some time. “Despite some progress and the best efforts of staff at the unit, Minister Zappone’s assertion that the facility is fit for purpose is clearly incorrect.”
COURTS | THREE-YEAR TERM FOR MAN
Assaulted taxi driver for not driving bloody friend to the hospital
A MAN who assaulted a taxi driver after he refused to drive his wounded friend to hospital has been jailed for three years. James Lynch (23) , with an address in Dunard Park, Cabra, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to taxi driver Edward Gallagher at Dame Street on February 14, 2015. He also pleaded guilty to robbing a man at Wood Quay on January 24, 2016, and to possession of a knife and producing a weapon at Smithfield on July 12, 2016. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Mr Gallagher was driving his taxi through the city centre around 12.30am when he picked up three male passengers, including Lynch, who asked to be taken to hospital. Garda David Sharkey agreed with prosecuting barrister, Stephen Byrne BL, that Mr Gallagher noticed one of the men was bleeding profusely. “He stated he didn’t want any blood in his car and he wasn’t going to take them anywhere,”
Mr Byrne said. The men got into a verbal argument with Mr Gallagher before they all got out of car and Mr Gallagher hit one of them, the court heard. The men then started hitting Mr Gallagher and he fell to the ground, while they continued kicking him. Passers-by came to his aid and the men fled the scene.
Accomplices Lynch was arrested shortly afterwards but his two accomplices, including the man who was wounded, have never been identified, the court heard. Mr Gallagher attended A&E two days after the incident. H a n d i n g d ow n a three-year sentence, Judge Melanie Greally said the assault on Mr Gallagher was of a “very vicious nature” and led to him leaving his job as a taxi driver. “It shattered his confidence going about his work,” she said. The court heard that while Lynch was on bail
for the assault on Mr Gallagher, he took part in the robbery of a man whose phone and wallet was stolen as he walked along Wood Quay. A few months later, Ly nch threatened a man with a knife in his Smithfield apartment, af ter the man complained about Lynch and his friends smashing bottles in the area. Lynch has 32 previous convictions, including misuse of drugs, public order offences, theft, robbery and possession of a knife. M a r k L y n a m BL , defending, said Lynch was extremely remorseful for his actions that night and wished to extend his apologies to Mr Gallagher, who attended court previously. Mr Lynam said his client had matured since the offences, had undergone an anger management course while in custody, and had been promised a building site job upon his release. Judge Greally backdated the sentence to July 2016, when Lynch went into custody.
8 June 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9
COURTS | DISCHARGED 37 ROUNDS DURING TALLAGHT SIEGE
Man shot at gardai in a 15-hour stand-off A MAN who discharged 37 shotgun rounds in the direction of gardai during a 15-hour stand-off in Tallaght to provoke them into killing him has been jailed. Patrick Kinch (48), , of Deerpark Square, Tallaght later told officers that he wanted to “go out in a blaze of glory” but believed he would not go to heaven if he killed himself. Kinch pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to endangering gardai by firing at them with a stolen sawn-off shotgun during a siege that lasted almost 15 hours. Judge Martin Nolan suspended the final three and a half years of a 10-year prison term.
Kinch also pleaded guilty to damaging the house where the siege took place, and to causing over €7,000 worth of damage to a garda vehicle. Garda Ror y Maher told the court that in the early hours of December 20, 2015 Natasha Donnelly, Kinch’s partner at the time, witnessed him behaving erratically in the house they shared at Deerpark Square. He said Donnelly thought Kinch had been drinking and had taken valium. She feared for her safety, and fled the house along with her children. Gda Maher said Donnelly was told by Kinch that she could get the gardai but to “tell them to bring a body bag”. She
then drove to Tallaght Garda Station. Armed members of the Emergency Response Unit approached the house behind a ballistic vehicle. Gardai spoke with Kinch while he leaned out of an upstairs window and Kinch said he would be down shortly. Gda Maher said that two shots were fired from the window at 5am and further shots were fired over the next several hours – forcing gardai to take cover behind the ballistics van. Kinch demanded that they shoot him – roaring “death is natural” and “we all have to die, come on, take a headshot”. At around 2pm Kinch leaned out a downstairs
Egan welcomes SF Bill to crack down on quads, scramblers A CLONDALKIN Councillor, Kenneth Egan (FG), has welcomed new legislation put forward by Sinn Fein which aims to clamp down on anti-social behaviour caused by quad and scrambler bikes. Deputy Dessie Ellis moved the Bill in the Dail last week and said it was needed to give gardai powers to seize vehicles since there is a loophole in the law as it stands. He said: “In many estates, you can see vehicles like quad, dirt bikes and scramblers repeatedly being used by some as young as four and five to intimidate and cause problems for the local community. “Most people are responsible in their use of these vehicles, but, in some cases, they are used in an anti-social way to torment local communities and damage public property. “The law as it stands prohibits their
use on public roads unless fully insured and taxed, and the vehicles have to meet other regulatory requirements. “There is a hole in the legislation which allows people who use these vehicles for anti-social behaviour to sidestep gardai in public spaces and avoid any penalties. “This Bill will deal with the issue where these vehicles are being used illegally in private property such as parks and greens by extending the powers of the gardai by increasing the definition of the public space.” Cllr Egan raised the issue with the council and called for its parks byelaws to be amended to give gardai powers to seize illegal quads and scramblers. He welcomed the Sinn Fein Bill and said he hoped it will receive the necessary support to be passed into legislation.
window, pointed the shotgun directly at gardai and fired. The shot hit a fence and while two gardai were struck with rebounded material, neither was injured. Gardaí observed Kinch put the shotgun barrels under his chin before he eventually threw the unloaded weapon out the window and was arrested. Kinch, who had 33
previous convictions for assault, threats to kill and robbery, later told gardai: “I saw all of you and said f**k it, I wanted to go out in a blaze of glory.” Defence counsel Michael Boland said that Kinch had been close to one of his sisters who died in 2011 and had been motivated partially by “wanting to be with her coming up to Christmas”.
Lidl present €1,000 to a Coolock charity for awareness support LIDL ireland made a big difference to a Coolock charity, Community Awareness of Drugs, with a special €1,000 donation recently. Michael Hennessy, store manager of Lidl Coolock is pictured making a cheque presentation to Bernie McDonnell, director of services, Community Awareness of Drugs, alongside Emma Whelan, deputy store manager, Lidl Coolock. The presentation was part of Lidl’s Charity of the Week initiative, which sees the retailer donate €1,000 every week for a year to local charities and groups across the island of Ireland, and which runs alongside existing support programmes already in place at each of Lidl’s regional sales offices.
10 GAZETTE 8 June 2017
Out and About
Nearly 33,000 participants took to the streets of Dublin. Picture: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE
Winner Anne Marie McGlynn from Tyrone, centre, is presented with her prize by Vhi CEO John O’Dwyer, right, and Kathy Endersen, left, CEO of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Runners celebrate crossing the finish line. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Ciara Smyth and Megan Counihan
Thousands take to the streets for good causes N
EARLY 33,000 participants took to the streets of Dublin to run, walk and jog the 10km route in the women’s mini-marathon, raising much-needed funds for hundreds of charities around the country. The winner of Monday’s race was Ann-Marie McGlynn from Strabane in Tyrone who crossed the finish line in a time of 00.33.55. She was followed by Laura Shaughnessy from Rathfarnham in Dublin who came second and Catherina Mullen from Dunboyne, Co Meath in third place.
Mona-Lxsa Tauras, Holly Da Costa, Soule and Ghaliah Conroy
Forbidden Fruit is the sweetest for festival-goers
Lorna Danaher and Rob McCann. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
T
HE June Bank Holiday saw festival season get underway when the Bulmers Forbidden Fruit Festival returned to the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art at Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The changing weather didn’t dampen festival-goers’ spirits, with thousands enjoying a range of top acts including Orbital, Bon Iver and many more.
Olivia Hogan and Claire Craig
Sarah Tighe and Sarah
Aoibhe Devlin and
Curran
Vanessa Williams
8 June 2017 GAZETTE 11
Runners celebrate crossing the finish line
Tadhg, Barry, Aisling and Liam Judge from Dublin
Friends from Clondalkin walk for Spinal Injuries Ireland
Caroline Shesgreen, Eileen Murphy and Kate O’Brien
GAZETTE
12 GAZETTE 8 June 2017
DUBLINBUSINESS
Orlagh O’Connor, GRENKE Leasing, presents Michael O’Hara, managing director, and a number of the Data Solutions team with the 2017 Distributor of the Year Award at the Tech Excellence Awards in Citywest Hotel
Dublin tech firm scoops a top distributor award A CLONDALKIN-based IT distributor has claimed the 2017 Distributor of the Year Award at the Irish Tech Excellence awards held at Citywest Hotel. Data Solutions claimed the top title in recognition of its business performance and customer service, with the award going to the company following a poll of resellers and other industry figures. The award win marked the third win out of four years for the company at what was the 17th annual outing for the awards. Driving Data Solutions’ success on the night were its business achievements throughout 2016, in addition to its €5 million investment and expansion into the UK market. T h e c o m p a ny h a s also signed a number of partnerships with leading vendors in the UK, including Nutanix and
Cohesity, and is looking to replicate its success in Ireland in the competitive UK market. The company’s annual IT security event, The Secure Computing Forum, also factored into its win, with peers praising the initiative. The Secure Computing Forum is Ireland’s largest annual conference dedicated to IT security, with last year’s event attended by more than 400 people from a range of industries. Michael O’Hara, managing director, Data Solutions, said: “The Tech Excellence Awards is Ireland’s pre-eminent technology awards programme. We are humbled to receive this award for three of the last four years. “The Data Solutions’ team is absolutely chuffed as it is a real endorsement of the service we provide from those who know it best – our reseller cus-
tomers, and partners. “We are exceptionally proud of our great rela-
tionships with our resellers and vendor partners, and this award highlights
our ongoing commitment to both our customers and the market.”
United we stand ... for a shared tourism vision
A DIVERSE group of characters came together at Collins Barracks to help launch the new national representative Association for the Visitor Attractions and Experiences (AVEA) sector in Ireland, which is a single unified body representing the key contributor to the economy. Joining the newly appointed AVEA
chairman, Paul Carty and Ann Daly, marketing director, The National Museum of Ireland were Carmel Rowe (Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience), Tom Coll (drummer, Guinness Storehouse), Dallan Kenny (viking, Dublinia) and Tom Coll (GPO Witness History experience). Picture: Julien Behal
Have you ever considered a career in hospitality? THERE are many benefits to a career in hospitality. One of the major benefits is job security. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Ireland. In 2016, 8.8 million international visitors arrived in the country. That’s a 10% increase on the year before. The hospitality sector plays a vital role in that industry. There will always be a need for hospitality jobs in Ireland. Another benefit is career advancement. Hotels tend to promote from within. Far from being a “summer job” or a stopgap until something better comes along, a hospitality job could lead down many career paths - marketing, catering or management to name a few. There are also flexible hours to consider. Some people would go insane if they were stuck in a cubicle for eight hours a day Monday to Friday. Are you a night owl or an early bird? There’s a shift to suit you. Do you enjoy social interaction and get a buzz from meeting new people? A job in hospitality is a perfect role for a real “people person”. Now for the fun stuff. Meals, uniforms and hotelier discounts are standard for most positions. But the real perks are all thanks to your friends in “The Industry”. Because you are all tourism ambassadors, your friends will know the hot new restaurant or bar to try out and will most likely know someone who can get you in. Have you considered a career in hospitality? If you want to talk to someone about opportunities in this sector, contact RecruitmentPlus on 01 2788610 or visit www.recruitmentplus.ie. 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.
8 June 2017 GAZETTE 13
TRAVEL: SEE THE WORLD P20
DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
FOOD: SAY ALOHA TO A HAWAIIAN POKE P21
GAZETTE
INTERVIEW: LOVE/HATE STAR JOHN CONNORS P19
LET LILLY HELP KEEP YOU BUSY AND ACTIVE OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Lilly, a friendly and bouncy 8-month-old, female Collie cross. She is a curious girl but can get a little worried by new things so she will need gentle and patient owners to help build up her confidence. Lilly is very affectionate with people she knows well but can be overwhelmed if strangers fuss over her too much, so if there are children in her new home, they would need to be at least 10 years of age, or older. Lilly is very social with other dogs and she would be more than happy with sharing her furever home with another canine pal. Being a clever Collie cross she will need lots of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise to keep her brain busy. If you can help Lilly then 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 at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.
Come On Live Long return with a stunning new album
JAMES HENDICOTT FOUR YEARS after the release of their acclaimed debut album “Everything Fall”, and with an ocean of water under the bridge, Dubliners Come On Live Long formalise their return next week with the official launch of a follow up, “In The Still”. The four-piece are an eclectic lot, seemingly grabbing their inspiration from old-school fuzzy jazz tracks, delicate, fashionable beats and gentle pop sensibilities all at the same time. Their style has become ever more creative, and in “In The Still”, they’ve taken directly from their surrounds, drawing on a series of imaginative samples and playful field recordings.
Continued on pages 16-17
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DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
CONTEST: SEARCH IS ON TO FIND THE FACE OF A NEW TEETHING CHARACTER
By gum – your baby could be a Calpol star
TO SUPPORT the fun side of teething and its milestones, Calpol has launched a nationwide search for a little teething character. Despite the ups and downs of the teething period, there are precious moments to capture and look forward to as well ... cute gappy grins and funny faces. To enter, see www.littlecharacterscompetition. ie and upload a picture of the very first tooth, the dribbling, or a satisfying chomp on the perfect teething toy to be in with a chance of winning a professional family photoshoot, a family pass for a leading Irish attraction, and a chance to feature as
Get your ticket now for The K Club’s ultra glamorous fundraiser for the Jack and Jill Foundation
Calpol’s Facebook star for 2017. As this can be an uncomfortable process for your toddler, Calpol has put together some teething tips to help soothe the pain, including to cool baby’s teething ring in the fridge, if suitable; cool drinks or soft foods such as yogurt; and play with baby to distract them from the pain of their gums.
RACE TO THE K CLUB TO SUPPORT ILL KIDS LOTS of people will be gallop over to The K Club in Straffan at the end of the month where a spectacular black tie gala event is being held in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball is a key fundraiser for the charity, which needs to raise €3.5m each year to help care for seriously ill children and their families. The stylish evening will be hosted by RTE sports presenter Tracy Piggott, and will be attended by some of the country’s leading horse racing, sports and entertainment figures. Tickets are priced €145, and include a drinks reception, four-course dinner, music and entertainment and an auction and raffle. For further information, call 045 894 538 or email edelle@jackandjill.ie.
HORSES GALORE AT THE RDS IN AUGUST STAYING with a horsey theme, and the 2017 Dublin Horse Show will take place in the RDS from Wednesday, August 9 to Sunday, August 13. Now in its 144th year, the show promises to be an exciting mix of all things equestrian and more. Each year the show offers visitors a chance to view national and international showjumping competitions and world-class
equestrian entertainment, browse through more than 300 trade stands, taste a wide array of food and drink in the many bars and restaurants, and enjoy some entertainment with everything from music to circus acts. For the third year running, Dundrum Town Centre will be the title sponsor for Ladies Day, which takes place on Thursday, August 10. Admission starts at €22, while hospitality packages are also available offering uninterrupted views and fine dining experiences.
eral population, and that men with MS have a 5% lower quality of life than women with MS. The research was based on findings of a nationally representative study to understand the impact of MS on the 9,000 people with the disease. The research also reported that Ireland is below the rest of the EU in terms of the number of people working – 60% of people in the EU liv-
ing with MS are at work, whereas the figure is just 43% in Ireland. Ava Battles, chief executive, MS Ireland said: “MS is generally diagnosed at a young age and weighs heavily on a person’s life. Family, work, social and personal life can all be impacted by the disease and for the first time we can now quantify this. “We need everyone involved in the care of
MS – people with MS and their loved ones, healthcare professionals, the Government – to work together to improve access to services, treatment and supports so we can improve life outcomes for people with the disease. “We have also unveiled our #LifeWithMS campaign featuring top tips for improving daily life when living with MS which we sourced directly from people living with the disease.”
A CALL TO DO MORE TO HELP THOSE WITH MS TO MARK the recent World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day on May 31, MS Ireland and Novartis released research on the quality of life of people living with MS in Ireland. The research revealed that quality of life of people living with MS was 32% lower than the gen-
Aoife Kirwan, MS Ireland patient advocate, is pictured with her son, Adam Kirwan
8 June 2017 GAZETTE 15
GAZETTE
FEATURE
BLOOMSDAY: A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH SEAMUS HEANEY MAKES AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT
You should meet your heroes! DON CAMERON
PEOPLE say that you should never meet your heroes, but I suspect sometimes they’re wrong – I know this, because when I met one of mine, it was a brief but beautiful moment. It was on Bloomsday, a few years ago, and I went to Sandycove to sample the atmosphere and get my copy of Ulysses datestamped in the James Joyce Museum in the old Martello Tower. The place was alive with people, with many dressed in Edwardian-era attire, and lively chat filled the sea air.
James Joyce lookalikes were everywhere, and a few very attractive Molly Blooms caught the eye. “Yes, yes,” one said in a sultry voice, like her famous namesake, and the crowd laughed and cheered. Inside, the curator stamped postcards that I was going to send to friends who were Joyce friends. Then she flicked open the cover of my book, put ink on the date-stamp and pressed down hard. I was delighted, thanked her and eased my way past the colourful crowds overlooking swimmers in the nearby Forty Foot, and headed home.
I got off the train at Booterstown and headed up the road, book and postcards safely tucked under my arm. I had only recently finished reading the great book after numerous false starts, and had decided to get it stamped on Bloomsday as a reminder of my long-delayed achievement. Yes, I had finally finished it, and it seemed like a good idea to get it stamped in the place where the story begins, and also to enjoy the merriment at Sandycove. It was a good decision, and a few photographs and a luscious ice cream
helped make the day. As I neared the local shops and thinking about finding a proper place for the book on a shelf at home I looked up, and stopped dead in my tracks. I had to be seeing things, I thought, and quickly headed to the newsagents where none other than Seamus Heaney was buying a copy of The Irish Times. I waited at the door, heart beating fast, and when he stepped outside I stuck out my hand, saying: “Happy Bloomsday.” “And a very Happy Bloomsday to you, too,” he replied, giving me a firm and friendly handshake.
He noticed my book (above). “Good day for it,” he said, smiling. “Yes,” I managed, “and I’ve just been to Sandycove to have it datestamped.”
“Good idea,” he said, “and a nice reminder of the day.” I nodded. “Yes ... and I wonder if you would be so good as to sign it. That
would be terrific!” So, standing in the sunshine, I handed my book to the great man and the cover was flicked open again. Moments later he handed the book back and again bid me a “Happy Bloomsday.” Then he pushed his spectacles up his nose, fixed the newspaper under his arm and walked to his car. He gave a final, friendly wave and was gone. I stood there for a few moments looking at my book, a smile as broad as Dublin Bay on my face. It had indeed been the briefest of encounters, but I was very happy to have met my hero.
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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
Arundhati Roy
The Man Booker Prize winner speaks at ILF Dublin on the back of her second novel ‘The Ministry Of The Utmost Happiness’, no doubt touching along her arrest for the political content of her writing along the way. June 11 at the RDS
Arcade Fire
Mellow Canadians drop in on Malahide Castle, with what’s sure to be a massive stage show riddled with hits. The show, part of a European tour, is likely to include glances at new tracks such as the newly unveiled ‘Everything Now’. June 14
“If I wasn’t writing music, I would lose my mind” - the reincarnation of Come On Live Long
Dublin act Come On Live Long’s comeback brings with it evolution, and a stunning new album FROM PAGE 13
ARCADE FIRE, MALAHIDE CASTLE
Ireland v Austria
Martin O’Neill’s side bring Austria back to the Aviva Stadium for a contest that could set the tone for the rest of the campaign, as Ireland seek to challenge Serbia for a table-topping slot currently held only on goal difference. June 11
Colour Dash Dublin
Combine a 5km run with the colorful world of the Indian festival of Holi, as joggers in Phoenix Park arm themselves with paint to pound the streets and splatter each other. The charitable Sunday morning run takes place on June 11.
24hr Opera
Many of Ireland’s finest talents in a fast-growing opera scene will take part in a 24hr event in which they put together a performance from scratch. The live performance from a no-doubt tired cast will take place on June 9, and will be as fresh as an opera could ever hope to be. June 9.
Liam Gallagher
The former Oasis frontman has been rumoured to be turning out with his brother in a reformation in recent weeks. That’s probably wishful thinking, but he will play a few old classics alongside his newer material as he plays the Olympia Theatre in an unusually small show on June 10.
Glendalough Guided Moonlight Hike
See Glendalough in a whole new light, as a guided tour taking in the history of the site goes late into the night, finishing around 1am. The 4-5 hour hike gets underway at 8pm on June 9, and will be led by Wild Summits and their qualified mountain leaders. June 9.
Taste of Dublin
The annual foodie festival returns to the Iveagh Gardens, with 20 restaurants, 60 exhibitors and over 160 masterclasses and demos to skip lunch or dinner for. June 15-18.
New album of the week
MUSIC
Alt-J - Relaxer. Imaginative indie-pop stars Alt-J will appear in Dublin as part of the new Trinity College gig series this summer. New album ‘Relaxer’ is only eight-tracks long, but as always we can expect carefully crafted, delicately wonderful abstract storytelling.
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The Still”. “There was this church just down the road from a town we were staying, and it has this organ, the most beautiful sounding organ I’ve ever heard,” McCabe explains. “We went down in the middle of the night, brought all our recording gear and recorded the organ. It’s on a couple of tracks, most notably on ‘Little Hedgehog’.
Since the last album, vocalist Rob Ardiff spent six weeks in Paris producing a solo EP, and became a father. Bassist Ken McCabe relocated to Malta for a while and worked as a producer on a number of records, not least Loah’s highly-acclaimed new album, and also left the country for two years to complete a teaching qualification. Keyboard player Louise Gaffney created music videos for sadly-deceased pianist Conor Walsh. A real contributor to the new record, then, is the bringing together of their varied recent lives. “We got together for a weekend jamming, and we had an absolute tonne of material,” McCabe told The Gazette of the process. “We almost had an album from that one weekend,” Ardiff Come On Live Long: In The Still continues. “There were a couple of tracks Right at the end of the track, you written later in the studio, but a can hear the creaking of the pedlot of it was there straight away. als on the organ and the wind A lot of the songs were quite outside in the middle of the night. individual projects, written away “When we got out of there, from the band. They were less we’d taken pictures of everything jammed out than the first album; to make sure we put everything we just jammed together to fin- back where it was. We got back ish it off. to the house and realised we’d “It’s really hard ducking in and left a little knob off a controller out of music,” Ardiff said of the behind. We went back the next time away. day and got it. Apparently since “That’s why we all had our own then they’ve installed CCTV camthings going on, though. Music’s eras in the church. really good for mental health, “We bring a little recorder evedefinitely in my case. If I wasn’t rywhere,” he adds of the band’s writing music I’d be losing my imaginative sonic backdrops. mind.” “We spent a day in the forest The varied process of making recording the sound of breakmusic is clearly a huge part of the ing wood, to use as percussion. appeal for the band, with McCabe There are no real rules on the and Ardiff recalling a particularly sound we make in this band.” madcap recording experience in Naturally, reproducing those Mayo during the making of “In quirky sounds live can be pretty
tricky, but it’s something that Come On Live Long are focusing on for their launch date. “ We can play nine of the ten tracks on the album live, though ‘Peak’ will have to be our walk on music,” Ardiff tells us. “Ken got a choir at his school to perform on some tracks, and we can’t get them on, obviously. “We recorded some of the songs with Rian Trench [formerly of Solar Bears], and he’ll be warming up for us at the launch show.” U n u s u a l l y, “ I n t h e S t i l l ” appeared online well ahead of the physical launch date, having been available on Spotify since mid May. “This album was funded by Spotify,” McCabe says of the release’s digital-only initial launch. “The people who complain about Spotify tend to be the ones that have a lot to lose in potential sales. New bands, bands like us who aren’t backed by anybody, we’re only gaining from Spotify. Unless a label are going to do a lot for us, there’s not a lot to be gained from signing for record label, and it means we get to keep all the income. “I 100% want to make a living out of this,” Ardiff concludes, “but we 100% do it for the love of it, too. If it wasn’t for the love of it, it’d be hard to write it at all.” In the release of a colourful, textured and subtly produced sophomore album, Come On Live Long are taking large steps along that road. ‘In The Still’ is out now, with the official launch taking place at Whelan’s on June 17, with support from Trenchurion. Non-digital versions of the album will be available on the same date.
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DUBLINLIFE
STYLE
sweet summer dresses
EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
THE sun is shining, so that can only mean one thing, dress season has officially begun. Carraig Donn has a wide range of dresses for summer 2017. Whether it’s sheer cap sleeves, frilled detailing or wrap dresses, Carraig Donn has a wide range of dresses with beautiful details across its 37 stores, online on its new look website, www.carraigdonn.com or from Carraig Donn’s “Shop Our Instagram” page.
Frill sleeved dress
Cape sleeve dress
Pleat detail dress
add a pop of colour SUMMER is all about being bright and breezy, so why not add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with Carraig Donn’s Pala D’oro pink, three quarter length sleeved dress with frill detail (€39.95). The coral Pala D’oro frill sleeved dress (€39.95) is perfect for work or play, and will leave you feeling cool this summer. Pala D’oro’s gorgeous pink floral cape sleeved dress (€39.95) is the perfect occasion dress for this season - simply add a gold sandal and clutch for extra glamour
Black floral pink and yellow wrap dress
Out with the old, in with the new
TO celebrate the launch of their #Summer 100 campaign, Life Style Sports at Arnotts will keep your feet looking lit’ this summer thanks to the Trainer Exchange. Exclusive to Life Style Sports at Arnotts, the Trainer Exchange takes place from June 1-12. Customers who drop their old trainers into the special Trainer Exchange box in store, will receive 20% off any new pair of fashion or running and fitness trainers of their choice, perfect to funk up your feet this summer! This epic exchange gives everyone the chance to look slick this summer in some top-quality sneakers from International brands like Nike, Adidas originals, Reebok, Puma and Converse. When in store, customers will also be invited to try on their favourite trainers and ‘Snap ‘n’ Share’ pictures using the hashtags #TrainerExchange and #ArnottsLifeStyleSports. Customers who upload their images to Twitter or Instagram will be chosen at random to win €100 to spend on the summer range in Life Style Sports. Life Style Sports is located on the lower basement level in Arnotts with direct access through the Liffey Street entrance.
pretty prints MAKE a stylish statement this summer with Carraig Donn’s printed tunic dresses, wrap dresses and check dresses. Whether it’s the Pala D’oro gorgeous print tunic dress (€39.95) accented by a pink floral pattern, the Pala D’oro black, pink and blue circular patterned tunic dress (€39.95) or the Pala D’oro black floral pink and yellow wrap dress (€39.95) updating your wardrobe will be easy this summer with Carraig Donn.
Print tunic dress
Frill Bottom Dress
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GAZETTE
FEATURE
Wannabe gangsters take centre-stage in this gritty new Irish film, with its Darndale setting framing the action of lives spiralling out of control as amidst drugs, violence and tension
INTERVIEW: STAR AND DIRECTOR OF CARDBOARD GANGSTERS TEAM UP TO TALK ABOUT NEW FILM
Darndale setting delivers a dark trip through Dublin’s underbelly DARRAGH MCKIERNAN THE Gazette caught up with Love/Hate star John Connors recently to hear all about his team-up with director Mark O’Connor, with their third film together on course to be the Irish film of the year. Set in Darndale, the upcoming Cardboard Gangsters follows smalltime drug dealer Jay (Connors) and his gang – Cobbie (Ryan Lincoln), Dano (Fionn Walton) and Glenner (Paul Alwright) – as they plan their move into the higher ranks of the Dublin gangland scene. Cut off from social welfare payments and with the ultimate dream of leaving the life he leads behind, Jay plans on becoming a big-time heroin dealer, with the hope of earning enough to pay off his family debts and start a new life for
Actor John Connors has an imposing presence throughout the film (above, and top centre), delivering a compelling character to match
himself and his pregnant girlfriend (Gemma-Leah Devereux) in Spain. However, heroin kingpin Derra Murphy (Jimmy Smallhorne) doesn’t take kindly to the idea of another competitor in the Darndale area. Combine this with Jay’s romantic fling with Derra’s wife, Kim (Kierston Wareing) and Jay’s dream suddenly doesn’t looks shaky ... Co-written by Connors, the film boasts an intense,
humorous and entertaining script. John’s acting talent shines throughout, as he stands out in some of the more vivid and explosive scenes. John grew up in the Darndale area. He said: “I grew up in the area, I’ve seen a lot of things. I always wanted to make a film about where I came from, and also how you get into that sort of life. “Instead of looking at it from a narrow point
of view, just show that sometimes you’re pushed in a corner and it could be difficult.” The film is full of young and up and coming talent. With young Irish actors like Barry Keoghan beginning to make a name for himself, it seems to be a good time for young actors to be getting involved in the Irish film scene. John said: “There’s some amazing talent in
the film – I loved it! Me and the gang had a great time together; we lived together for seven weeks. “The casting process was a really long and drawn-out thing where we really made sure that people fought for their roles before we gave them to them.” Director Mark O’Connor is quickly becoming one of Ireland’s finest directors. His filmography holds a number
of films that fall into the crime drama genre. Like Cardboard Gangsters, his other recent films (Between the Canals, and Stalker) depict similar scenes of Dublin’s dark criminal underbelly. When asked what it is about these Dublin crime dramas that seems to do so well with cinemagoers, Mark said: “I suppose it’s just the connection, the criminal lifestyle that goes back to the 1920s. People
get fascinated by that. “Entering into that world ... getting an insight into it is almost glamourous. You’re almost living in that world for an hour and a half; it’s kind of the fascination of it.” The film’s energetic soundtrack contains a number of Dublin-based artists and lends a feeling of authenticity to some of the vibrant montage scenes. Mark added: “We tried to find the soundtrack that fit Darndale. John knew some rappers, I had some ideas, and over the course of the development it was just finding the right soundtrack and then also the right composer to build the whole score and the whole sound of the film.” Cardboard Gangsters hits cinemas on June 16. See our Main Cinema review on Page 24
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DUBLINLIFE
Nip around nature in Nicaragua
Last minute deals for a trip to remember in Italy or Austria CRYSTAL Summer Holidays are offering €50 off per booking on lake and mountain destinations throughout Europe departing in July or August. Whether you want to relax beside the lake or spend your days walking, cycling and sailing, a holiday to Italy or Austria could be the perfect choice for you. The beauty of Italy cannot be overstated. The magnificent country is surrounded by crisp waters, pretty lakeside towns and ancient fishing villages set beneath the Alps. Austria is recognised for its scenic beauty as well as its cultural activities. Visitors can raise a glass with the hosts at one of the many traditional summer festivals and sample the wholesome delicacies. The following are just a few of the many deals on offer. For full details of these or bookings, see www.TravelMedia.ie.
Italy: • Depart June 17, stay at the 3* Hotel Rododendro, Val Di Fassa, for seven nights, on a half-board basis, from €599pp. • Depart June 17, stay at the 3* Chalet Salvan, Selva, for seven nights, on a catered basis, from €629pp. Austria: • Depart June 21, stay at the 3* Hotel Obermair, Mayrhofen, for seven nights, on a B&B basis, from €529pp. • Depart June 21, stay at the 3* Hotel Gansleit, Soll, for seven nights, on a half-board basis, from €599pp.
You’ll hanker for Hong Kong after making your way to the slick city
With its vast size, China is home to some of the planet’s most incredible scenery – so why not take in some of the sights at your own pace on a bicycle tour?
TOURS: TAKE TO TWO WHEELS FOR A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON LOTS OF SPECTACULAR
Saddle up and see the SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor
EXPLORING far-flung destinations is on most people’s bucket list, but have you ever thought of doing it on a bicycle? Seeing new places from a saddle offers a close-up perspective of the landscape and way of life, which can’t always be enjoyed from a vehicle. Adventure holiday experts Explore offer more than 70 cycling trips worldwide, from a picturesque tour around Lake Constance to pedalling past the powering volcanoes in Central America, or even cycling through the rural backroads of China.
Great haul of China They’ve just launched a new 12-day trip to China on what are classed moderate to challenging graded
c y cl i n g r o u t e s f r o m Chengdu to Guilin. Join the trip in the sprawling city of Chengdu and visit the Giant Panda breeding centre and follow the route past terraced rice paddies and mountainous backdrops through the remote villages of rural China. Learn to cook local delicacies before finishing the trip with cycle rides and cruises along the Li River amid stunning Karst scenery. Trips depart this September and from next May, June, September and October, and cost from €3,105 per person. This price includes return flights, 11 nights’ hotel and one overnight train accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, bike hire, transport and the services of an Explore leader, cycle guide, bike mechanic and driver.
• Prices quoted include return flights to London but other airports can be arranged at time of booking. • The cost of bike hire is included in all prices. • For more information about all these trips, or to book, see www.explore.co.uk
Have your fill of fabulous flowers in South Africa
Alpine adventure Alternatively, the seven-day self-guided Lake Constance by bike is an easy graded trip set in the beautiful alpine setting of Lake Constance, shared by Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Stop off en-route at the thermal spas and cycle through idyllic lakeside villages and huge apple orchards. Discover the baroque tow n of Meersburg, home to Germany’s
oldest inhabited castle, pedal through vineyards and spend time at the 15th century gothic cathedral in Radolfzell. Departures run until this October and cost from €727 per person. This price includes six nights’ hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, bike hire and luggage transfers.
Tibetan wonders Another trip just launched is the Tagong
Horse Festival of Ancient Kham – an 18-day trip to the southeastern area of the Tibetan Plateau which is home to striking mountain scenery and fascinating people. Journey onwards to the Tagong grasslands for the annual Horse Festival. This trip departs on next June 14, 2018 and costs from €3,984 per person. This price includes
return flights, 17 nights’ hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore leader, driver and local guides.
Hong Kong Kunming to Hong Kong and the Buffalo God Festival offers a 16-day journey across southern China to explore ethnic minority villages and experience the Buffalo God Festival
8 June 2017 GAZETTE 21
FOOD&DRINK DINING OUT: KLAW POKE OPENS AT CAPEL STREET
Closer to home, an Alpine adventure takes in pretty, historic towns
CITIES AND SIGHTS
world!
of the Miao people. This trip departs on next May 16 and costs from €3,956 per person for return flights, accommodation, transfers, services of an Explore leader, driver and local guides.
Panama E x p l o r e ’ s 14 - d a y C y cl e N i c a r a g u a t o the Panama Canal is a moderate to challenging graded cycle trip that explores the spectacular scenery of Central America and the tropical Caribbean island of Bocas del Toro. Pedal past Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, cycle around the expansive Lake Nicaragua and visit the extraordinary Panama Canal. While visiting Bocas del Toro, relax on the stunning beaches, snorkel or dive the colourful coral reefs and take a boat trip to one of the
outlying islands. This trip departs on October 20 and costs from €2,573 per person. This price includes return flights; 12 nights’ hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; bike hire; transport and the services of an Explore leader, driver and cycle guide.
Flowers of the Cape A 12-day journey from South A frica’s Cape Town to Windhoek during the wildflower season. Tr i p s d e p a r t o n August 5 and 16 and cost from €3,088 per person. This price includes return flights to London, five nights’ hotel, five nights’ lodge and one night guesthouse accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore leader, driver and local guides.
Say Aloha to this Hawaiian staple IRELAND’S food revolution is continuing with the opening of Klaw Poke on Capel Street. Niall Sabongi, of Temple Bar’s wildly successful restaurant Klaw, has created a destination for fans of this Hawaiian dish at a time when raw and nutritious food is more in demand than ever. Poke (pronounced Po-kay) is a raw fish salad widely served across Hawaii, which since 2012 has caught the imagination of food enthusiasts across mainland US and now Europe. The menu offers a number of suggested Poke bowl mixes, or customers are welcome to create their own dish by choosing a base of either brown rice, quinoa, rice noodles or wild leaves, adding sauces such as house ponzu, sriracha aioli, namjim or gochujang. There is a wide selection of toppings to finish including sunomono cucumber, nori, macadamia nut, fried onion and kimchi. The final price of the Poke bowl is based on the diner’s choice of protein,
from €8 for yellowfin tuna to €15 for lobster. They also offer Irish salmon, octopus, crab and shrimp. Klaw Poke also serves all of the Klaw favorites with chowder, crab, Irish oysters and the famous Klaw lobster roll. A 25-seater restaurant, Klaw Poke is an attractive addition to the Capel
Street area which is enjoying a renaissance with an eclectic selection of bars, cafes and vintage and antique shops. Inside the interior has been stripped back to bare brick, with the rear featuring the old “Walsh’s” shop sign.
For further information, see www.klaw.ie, or follow @KlawPoke on Twitter.
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
Celebrating our island’s diverse gins THE Irish Gin & Tonic Fest – a 32-county celebration of Ireland’s finest gins – will run in bars throughout the country from June 25 to July 1 for its second year. There are 14 Irish gins on board for the festival including Dingle Gin, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin and Hapenny Gin. In addition to all the venue activities, each of the brands will be hosting their own festival event, such as the ultimate gin & tonic demo at IdleWild at Fade Street.
Facebook The public can vote for their favourite Irish G&T the festival by using the #IrishGnT tag on Twitter or by going to the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/GreatIrishBeverages. Irish gins are proving to be very popular at the moment, with many bars throughout the country claiming that they are outselling Irish whiskies. A sneak preview of the Irish gins will be on show at a special party on the rooftop bar of Odessa Club, Dame Court D2 on June 16. Tickets are available online, at www.greatirishbeverages.com.
Help to ‘turn up the heat on cancer’ with a special BBQ campaign BALLYMALOE Foods and the Marie Keating Foundation have joined forces to “turn up the heat on cancer” with their BBQ To Beat Cancer campaign this summer. This year the initiative is focusing on raising awareness on issues surrounding men’s health and prostate cancer. Running throughout the whole summer, they are invit-
ing BBQ lovers to host a fundraising BBQ in aid of the charity. Ballymaloe have created special BBQ recipes to help BBQ to Beat Cancer hosts prepare the most delicious meals on the day.
Entered into draw T hose who register will receive a BBQ pack in the post
with the chance to be entered into a draw to win great Ballymaloe goodies. More than 3,400 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland each year and the funds raised from the campaign will be used to help those on their prostate cancer journey, while also raising awareness. Commenting on the partnership, Maxine Hyde, sales and
marketing manager for Ballymaloe Foods said: “We are so happy to have the opportunity to partner with the Marie Keating Foundation. We truly admire the important work the foundation does to raise awareness of cancer and fight the disease in Ireland.” For more information or to register, see http://www. mariekeating.ie/bbq/.
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FASTNews
Honda is offering an option for buyers of the CR-V for 172 registrations up until the end of July
Honda 172 ‘High Five’ Offer - Celebrating the Honda CR-V TO celebrate the Honda CR-V being the “Overall Best Selling SUV in the World” Honda want to give everyone a High Five. The latest generation of Honda CR-V will now be available at Honda dealers with a choice of five highly competitive offers for the July 172 selling period. The offer includes either 3.9% APR PCP finance or €4,000 guaranteed minimum trade-in value or complimentary leather up-grade or three years road tax and platinum service plan or a €1,000 deal booster. Standard Honda VR-V features include Citybrake active system, Bluetooth, Cruise control, Alloy wheels and Dual-zone Climate Control. Upgrading to the CR-V ES grade brings the internet-enabled Honda Connect infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, front fog lights and auto lights and wipers.
New environmental tyre levy on the way IT appears that the new Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) for recycling tyres will come into effect this year, with July 1 being a starting date, according to tyre industry sources who met with representatives of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Denis Naughten last week. The scheme to be operated by Repak Ireland will mean an additional recycling charge of €3.44 incl. VAT for each car tyre, when changing tyres, amounting to a levy of €13.75 when changing a set of four car tyres. The regulations will insist that the Visible Environmental Management Charge (vEMC) must be shown on all invoices, credit notes and delivery dockets issued by producers to retailers, and retailers to consumers, in a similar way that VAT appears on invoices. The rate for a motorcycle tyre will be set at €1.85 while tyres for lighter trucks and 4x4’s will be charged between €8.20 and €8.60 (€6.70 to €7.00 plus 23% VAT). Heavy truck tyres will be levied at between €10.50 - €11, plus 23% VAT. All retailers will have to register with and report to Repak ELT Ltd. All tyre sales websites operating in Ireland will be obliged to have their compliance scheme registration number displayed at the point of sale.
New Kodiaq gives Skoda the SUV space edge
Skoda’s new Kodiaq joins the market for mid-range SUVs with bigger size that offers more space. The Kodiaq is good to drive and competitive to own in terms of fuel economy as MICHAEL MORONEY found out during his recent test drive. FOR a new entrant to be seen and stand out in the bulging mid-size SUV market it needs to have something very special. That’s what Skoda’s new Kodiaq needs to do. For Skoda that challenge has been met by a combination of fresh design, generous space, good functionality, coupled with the latest driver assistance systems and new connectivity solutions. This new SUV has obviously ticked the boxes of the competition and came out with more on offer at a price that’s sure to be competitive. The Kodiaq is not quite the stand-out fresh design, but it has identity and size to make it different. More and more midsize SUV drivers are looking for space and flexibility and the Kodiaq goes a longer way than most in achieving these. I took it for a lengthy test run that included some modest offroad, but mainly tarmac
driving. That experience was memorable not in a fast car motoring excitement sort of way, but more in that I was almost instantly comfortable in the car. The complete driving dynamic seemed to be just right; a combination of engine power, six-speed gearbox and comfort were all included in a package that has genuine family appeal. Skoda has built on the Volkswagen Tiguan experience and added some extras to give the Kodiaq more appetite. For starters, the Kodiaq is longer and has a longer wheelbase than all five of the other mid-range SUV’s that I’ve looked at when comparing its key features. And the wheelbase, the distance between front and back wheels, is also the longest and that’s part of the reason why the Kodiaq delivers well on driving comfort. The extra length ensures better passenger leg space
too, compliments of the sliding middle row of seat. And for the Kodiaq, extra vehicle length has ensured that it has the biggest boot capacity in the segment at 630 litres, extending to 2,005 litres when all three rows of seats were folded down. The Kodiaq performs well in terms of economy. I drove more than 700km and found that the range was well in excess of 850km. The six-speed gearbox was easy to use and allowed a motor way cruising speed of 120km/ hr to be achieved at relatively low engine revs of 2,250rpm approx. That gearbox ratio, along with the smooth start/stop system for city driving, are both helping to keep fuel economy levels under control. I was impressed with the economy figures, given that the version that I drove was fitted with Skoda’s automatic 4x4 system. This adds additional
The new Skoda Kodiaq is a solid looking SUV that combines all of the technical features of the VW range along with some very impressive Skoda features that make it especially attractive
VSkoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 SPECIFICATIONS Engine 2.0 litre Engine power 150hp 0 – 100km/hr 9.3 seconds Economy 19km/litre (5.3l/100km or 53mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres CO2 emissions 141g/km Road Tax Band C €390 Main Service 20,000km/12 mnths Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2012) Warranty 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €35,495
weight to the Kodiaq and engages when the front wheel shows signs of even the most minor levels of slippage. Dry roads meant that a run across the field was the only way to ensure its engagement, but it would be useful in now much forgotten snow and ice
driving conditions. The Kodiaq comes with solid seating and the test car was fitted with three rows, enough for seven passengers. There were only two Iso-Fix seats, which is a pity as younger families often need the third and some now come fitted in the third seat row
8 June 2017 GAZETTE 23
as well. It is well equipped in the safety sense and just recently came out with a top score in the Euro NCAP crash test assessment. The new Skoda Connect is an annual subscription option for Kodiaq buyers and this offers additional online infotainment services and navigation in real time. The system also provides remote access for increased connectivity and driver assistance. One such driver assistance feature is the emergency call (e-Call) function which will automatically call the emergency services once an airbag is activated to ensure occupant safety. The Kodiaq claims to offer over 30 simply clever features that offer practical and convenient assistance in everyday life. These include split folding and length adjustable rear seats as standard, the
optional third row of seats costing an additional €1,000, a crafty door-edge protection system, electric child safety locks. The Superb model feature of Skoda umbrellas fitted to the front door pockets comes on the mid-spec Ambition model. This new Skoda SUV choice is impressive in terms of value with the entry prices starting at €35,495 for the entry level two-wheel-drive diesel version that’s offered as standard with the DSG automatic gearbox. That puts it more expen-
GAZETTE
MOTORING
sive than Volkswagen’s entry level Tiguan or the Nissan Qashqai with the third row of seats opportunity that they can’t offer. The extra’s listing from Skoda is now growing, so choose wisely based on practical use opportunities. The Kodiaq is bigger than some of the competition; I believe that many families will appreciate that extra space. It offers good comfort and the extra length, while adding marginally to the turning circle, is well worthwhile for needs of a busy family.
The reversing camera on the Skoda Kodiaq
GAZETTE
24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
WAR MACHINE: NETFLIX UPS ITS GAME WITH BIG-NAME, MID-BUDGET FILM
ReelReviews
Takes aim at various war tropes, but misses IN NETFLIX’S War Machine , Brad Pitt plays the charismatic general Glen McMahon, newly appointed the command of NATO forces in Afghanistan. Beloved by his men, baffling to most everyone else, McMahon sets about ramping up the war effort when all anyone really expects of him is a quick, painless exit strategy. Based on the true-life events recounted in the book, The Operators, by Michael Hastings, about the rise and fall of General Stanley McChrystal, War Machine also stars Topher Grace, Anthony Michael Hall, Ben Kinsgley (brilliant as Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai) and a blink and you’ll miss her appearance from Tilda Swinton. Director David Michod has previously tackled familial crime in the critically acclaimed, Animal Kingdom (2010), and dystopian drama with 2014’s The Rover – two powerfully dark films showcasing a young director with incred-
MARTIN MACNAMARA
ible talent and promise. T hose who’ve followed Michod’s career, then, have been eagerly awaiting this adaptation, through the controversy of Netf lix’s distribution acquisition and the somewhat off-putting first glimpse of Pitt’s offbeat performance in the first trailers. War Machine sets itself up as an oddball satire grounded in reality. As that first taste indicated, Pitt plays it anything but straight. In many ways, McMahon echoes his brilliant performance as Lieutenant Aldo
Raine in 2009’s Inglorious Basterds, full of good-natured stoicism, a man-out-of-time innocence paired with an insatiable hunger for war. It works, for perhaps the film’s first act, when War Machine begins to tackle heavier subject matter – the moral fog of war – Pitt’s comedic handling jars horribly. It’s that very imbalance that ultimately drags War Machine down. Despite a strong start, this is a very confused film, kicking things off with winks and nods to Strangelove before going down a winding, tiresome road. A subplot involving a worn-out m a r i n e squad led by Will Poulter shoulders the film’s
ALIEN: COVENANT
Facehugger fun for all THERE’S plenty here for fans of Alien lore to dig into, and Covenant (Cert 16, 122 mins) delivers some decent chills, gore and setpieces. It’s hard not to think that the more you know about the Alien, the less scary it is, but director Ridley Scott keeps the tension high and the action leaping along in a decent prequel. It’s a bonus that it’s better than its rambling prequel, Prometheus.
WONDER WOMAN
Not so wondrous, sadly
Brad Pitt plays his role with gusto, but there’s an uneasy balance between comedy
THERE’S a definite market and goodwill for a female superhero film, but Wonder Woman (Cert 12A, 141 mins) doesn’t quite fill the gap. Gal Gadot is great in the titular role, while several other strong female leads (including Robin Wright) also impress. However, playing second fiddle to the mess created by men beyond their island home doesn’t do the character, or the film, much good.
and drama at the heart of War Machine that never quite gels successfully
dramatic burden and feels like it belongs in an entirely different film. There are great war movies that meander between satire and severity with definite success; War Machine isn’t one of them. T h a t ’s n o t t o s ay War Machine is without its charms. There are some quality comic performances here – the aforementioned Kingsley, as well as Anthony Michael Hall as McMah o n ’s r i g h thand man, f iring of f
hilarious, gung-ho verbal assaults in support of his commander whenever the chance arises. T h e r e ’s a c e r t a i n degree of affection in War Machine not often seen in this kind of film – still, despite being occasionally thoughtful, War Machine fails to truly affect. In attempting to communicate the stagnation of modern warfare, “the slow shuffle toward freedom,” War Machine spends much of its twohour run time vacillating between command centres, military dinners
and press conferences; consequently it feels more like a sequence of occasionally funny, occasionally disturbing scenes with little or no unifying coherence. There’s certainly an interesting, uniquely American story here, buried beneath a few two many layers of awkward moral brooding and misplaced comedy. While War Machine d o e s n ’t k n ow q u i t e exactly what it is, it’s not a total waste of time – just an unfortunate misuse of talent. Verdict: 5/10
BAYWATCH
A Hoff-baked reboot BUSY flopping about at cinemas, Baywatch (Cert 15A, 116 mins) is sinking like a stone across the world. The affection that some people have for the daft old TV show hasn’t translated well for The Rock and Zac Efron, with the coarse modern reboot proving less popular than swimming near the old pier despite shark warnings. There are a few laughs, but it’s still a pretty poor remake.
8 June 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
TECH SOCIAL MEDIA: COULD THESE BE A WINNER?
Glasses fit for the 50,000 helpers to make/lose money Snapchat generation It may look like a clunky old Ceefax screen, but this is
a very active view of a programmer ‘playing’ a $50,000 stake on the stock market with his own money
THOSE of you with 50,000 bucks (or euro) to spare – yes, yes, who doesn’t have that kind of dosh burning a hole in their pocket – might like to follow Mike’s example. W ho’s Mike, you ask? He’s the plucky programmer who’s put $50,000 of his own money into the stock market in a currently ongoing ‘game’ of sorts. Using his own automated algorithm that regularly tallies the instructions that viewers of his live-streaming account (https://www. twitch.tv/stockstream) at Twitch enter, his code then buys or sells accordingly. It’s an automated punt on the stock market, with Mike hoping that the trades makes some
money (well, you’d hope so), as well as providing an interesting look at how crowdsourcing can even effect the markets. With his own app (appropriately named Robinhood), Mike and the viewers are able to monitor what’s happening, as his $50,000 stake wobbles up and down in value. I’m not so sure I’d like to run the ‘World’s First Multiplayer Stock Market Game Using Real Money’ – let alone with my money – but Mike’s still happy to let the world play away. If his stake falls below $25, 000, it’s gam e over (as per official FINR A/SEC trading regulations), but for the moment it’s certainly one of the stranger live streams you can watch.
Monumental title has an IOS sequel LITER ALLY just announced at the time of going to press, Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 2 could be another towering success
(IOS-only, Android to follow) has hit the Apple store. As Apple’s 2014 Game of the Year, the beautiful isometric puzzler was short but very sweet, with its sequel looking like more of the same – a real must buy!
OKAY, so glasses with cameras in them aren’t exactly a revolutionary idea (the less said about the quirky but doomed Google Glass, the better) – but could the Snapchat Glasses succeed where others have failed? Recent years have seen “wearables” take off in the consumer tech sector, most typically exemplified by the fitness trackers that lots of people use. However, the popular notion of glasses that record what you see has never quite taken off, with Google’s recent doomed Glass project just the latest weable-camera tech that caught lots of media attention, only to get yanked from shelves fairly soon after release. Whatever about the potentially cool aspects that augmented reality or video-recording glasses might have offered users, their typically steep price and muddled feature sets have generally left ordinary consumers cold. Enter Snap Inc, the parent company of Snapchat, with their take on creating tech-enabled glasses – or sunglasses, in their case. They’ve thrown away all the augmented real-
SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com
ity stuff – so, no getting emails flashed from your phone into your view, or maps showing where you are, or similar quirky but distracting stuff. Instead, they’ve gone for a simpler, consumerfriendly and ‘purer’ product – they’re just sunglasses that record what you see, making clips that can be easily viewed within Snapchat itself, or saved as video clips for other applications and social media sharing. Tap a button and they start recording, with an external light turning on to show others that you’re recording, with video that can be sent to your phone or later downloaded. That’s it – no forwarding calls, no GPS tracking, no
email alerts: just portable video recording, in tensecond bursts (with regularly tapping a button on the camera side keeping the recording going for longer bursts.) Stripping away all the bells and whistles to market it as a cool piece of wearables – with a strong social media aspect – was a great idea to help give the glasses a boost, and make them more palatable to consumers. It’s a simple concept, but one that’s proved very popular since the US-only launch several months back, where it wasn’t unheard of to find queues
of early tech adopters lining up to buy the glasses from special vending machines. Now, the machines have started to pop up at a number of key European capitals, and while Dublin doesn’t have any – yet – I’d be very surprised if one doesn’t pop up here some time soon. Adding to their potential allure is a reasonable price for a firstwave piece of new kit – €150, from Snapchat’s website, where
they’re available in a limited range of colours. It’s an interesting move for Snap Inc, with Snapchat’s clearly defined demographic and user base (primarily young females) creating what could be a pretty very lucrative group to target for sales and further spreading the tech. Look out for these on the streets of Dublin soon.
The videos appear to be circular if viewed outside Snapchat itself, but appear much more naturalistic from inside the app The case that the sunglasses come in offers a number of full recharges, with a charging cable also provided
26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
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28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
SPORT
FastSport DEVINE THE NEW PRO AT SUTTON: PADDY Devine has been appointed head professional at Sutton Golf Club. He joins the club from Royal Dublin where he has been assistant professional for the past nine years. He becomes only the fourth ever professional at Sutton. Joe Nangle was appointed the club’s first professional in the early 1950’s. He was followed by Nicky Lynch, who held the position for over 50 years, before Conor Russell took over. Devine is a fully qualified AA PGA professional who not alone has worked as a club assistant professional but who also played on the PGA Europro Development Tour for a number of years. Amongst his achievements was victory in the PGA National Fourball Championship in 2009 where he and his partner recorded a 59 on their way to a record winning score of 31 under. He also regularly competes on the Irish Region circuit, finishing in second place in the 2013 Irish Club Professional Championship.
BOXING: CASTLEKNOCK MAN RISING QUICKLY SINCE SWITH FROM RUGBY
Collins Junior looking to forge own route in the fight game
DARRAGH MCKIERNAN sport@dublingazette.com
CASTLEKNOCK native Steve Collins Jr, son of former two weight world champion Steve Collins, is set to take on Paddy McDonagh for the vacant Irish light heavyweight title on June 24 in the National Stadium. The night will also see Ballyfermot man Luke Keeler fight for the Irish middleweight title against Darren Cruise on what promises to be the best professional fight card since the Bernard Dunne era. Collins, who had no amateur experience, has only been boxing for four years and is undefeated after eleven fights. A win on June 24 will cement his place in the European rankings as he progresses towards a European title shot. Collins has brushed aside a number of competitors in the past. Earlier this year, he went the distance with Spaniard Pablo Sosa who previously held former world title challenger Eduard Gutknecht to a draw in his home town. The only blip on Collins’ record is in the form of a draw
Steve Collins Junior, centre, takes on Paddy McDonagh for the vacant Irish light heavyweight title. Picture: Enya Martin
that came against Tommy Gifford in 2015, however this was put down to Collins suffering an injury to his right shoulder in the early stages of the fight. Despite the clear link to the ring in his family, Collins opted for the rugby pitch in early life, starting out with
Coolmine RFC and progressing through the ranks with Castleknock College. He had a promising young rugby career before life inside the ropes, with stints at Wasps, Connacht, Lansdowne and London Irish to name a few. However, at 23, the dream
of life of a as pro rugby player ended abruptly, not due to injury, but of his own accord. Speaking about his time at the Wasps academy, Collins said: “I was working in my uncle’s pub over there at the time because I had no income; you’d be in the gym for seven
in the morning, you’d train during the day then I’d come home, eat, then I’d go to work until one or two in the morning. “It was really, really getting to me, my weight was dropping. Guys were coming in so I thought this is kind of inevitable... I’m constantly being fatigued, I’m going to nip this in the bud, I’m going to go home.” T he dream to box was always present for Collins. Having a former two weight world champion as a father, it would be tough to not want to follow in his footsteps. Despite this, Collins Jr tries to steer clear of any comparison to his father. “It’s enough that I have my dad’s name. I didn’t want to be like him, putting a shamrock in my head, using the same music. I don’t even fight similarly to him.” The announcement of this June 24 card is set to be the biggest night in Irish boxing since Bernard Dunne retired in 2010. Tickets for the night are now on sale through Red Corner promotions.
Pentathlon duo fence their way to World Cup gold JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe and Natalya Coyle on the podium
NATALYA COYLE and Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe took gold for Ireland in the modern pentathlon mixed relay World Cup in Drzonkow, Poland, converting a dominant start into a medal that Coyle told the Gazette earlier this month was amongst her main aims for the year. The pair won the fencing competition to take charge in an area both have focused on since before the Rio Olympics as key to working their way up
the field. Both scored top-ten finishes in Rio individually with the fencing proving costly in both cases. They had previously been beaten by only the Japanese pair in the swim and had their worst round on the horses as they accumulated penalty points. It meant they finished some way short of the Hungarian leaders. The Dublin-based duo were determined to get back on top, however, and led from start to finish in the laser run, establishing a substantial lead over the
Polish, Korean and German teams and eventually taking the key run/shoot round by a full 15 seconds. The pair have always worked well together, with Coyle talking of the energy O’Keeffe brings to the relay partnership, describing herself a mellower competitor and O’Keeffe as her rambunctious, energy-lifting partner. The Polish victory was the fourth round of a World Cup series that’s previously visited the US, Egypt and Hungary, and will conclude in Lithuania, taking place from June 22 to 25.
A f t e r t h e e ve n t , C o y l e described the pair as a “dream team,” while O’Keeffe described the first event he’s competed in since the Rio Olympics as shaking off the demons of the Brazilian Olympics, tweeting “here comes Tokyo 2020” after the win. The relay event is not currently an Olympic event in its own right, however, with the showcase featuring only the individual versions of the sport. Coyle had earlier come home in 13th in the individual event over the course of the weekend.
8 June 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
FASTSport
Handball hero Kennedy finds CJ too hot to handle Dublin legend remains on 31 All-Ireland titles as he falls to Limerick’s rising star of the alley, CJ Fitzpatrick, who won out in the hardball decider for the second year in succession sport@dublingazette.com
Hermes-Monkstown’s Nikki Evans celebrates with goalkeeper Liz Murphy . Picture: Ady Kerry
Hermes-Monkstown end Euro campaign on a high STEPHEN FINDLATER
HERMES-Monkstown closed out their European challenge on a high as they beat Russia’s CSP Krylatskoye on a shoot-out to end seventh at the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup in s’Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. The victory, after a 4-4 draw in normal time, was enough to retain Ireland’s place in the top tier of European club competition for 2018. Anna O’Flanagan gave the Dubliners a lead when she found a brilliant finish from the right of the circle in just the third minute for a 1-0 lead. Krylatskoye, though, bounced back quickly with Bogdana Sadovaia levelling almost immediately and Alina Khalimova made it 2-1 in the second quarter from a corner rebound despite Liz Murphy’s excellent first up save. Nikki Evans tied the game for a second time with another top finish, this time from the left of the circle over the goalkeeper, making it 2-2 at half-time. Khalimova’s second of the game restored the Russian side’s lead only for Hermes-Monkstown to fight back once more. O’Flanagan cracked in a corner strike from a switch left for 3-3 and then, with 10 minutes to go, Sinead Loughran ended up firing home for the lead. It came from a swift counter-attack and while Evans’ reverse-stick cross was intercepted, the clearance fell nicely for Loughran who picked out the backboard. There was a nasty sting in the tail with 110 seconds to go as a loose free-out went straight to Iuliia Kazakova who intercepted and shot home for 4-4. But Suzie Kelly, O’Flanagan and a delicious Laura Pinder effort in the shoot-out, combined with a trio of Liz Murphy saves, earned HermesMonkstown the victory. Earlier in the competition, Hermes-Monkstown had been beaten by the eventual champions and hosts Den Bosch before falling 4-1 to Spain’s Complutense – O’Flanagan on the mark – in the first phase of the 5th to 8th place playoffs.
ST BRIGID’S Eoin Kennedy had to be satisfied with the silver medal in his All-Ireland Senior Singles hardball match held at Lahorna Tipperary on Sunday. Having won the first of his eight hardball senior singles as far back as 2003, Kennedy was attempting to defy his years when taking on the 2016 champion CJ Fitzpatrick from Limerick. Fitzpatrick, a full 10 years younger, had
overcome Kennedy for the first time in the 2016 final, in a terrifically competitive match 17-12, 21-17, 21-16. Both players came t h r o u g h t h i s y e a r ’s championship earlier rounds showing good form to meet in the 2017 All-Ireland final and the crowd were again expecting fireworks. The players did not disappoint as they put on a display of serving and long range killing showing all that is best in this code of handball. K nown as the “alley
cracker” the ball has a distinctive sharp sound when it meets the front wall adding to the sense of power and precision. Key to the match was the first game. Recovering from a mid-week infection and still on anti-biotics it was important that Kennedy win the first. Unfortunately for the Dublin player, Fitzpatrick had other ideas and forged an early lead 7-2. He built on this to lead 14-7 and Kennedy had to dig deep to bring the scores back to 15-10.
CJ Fitzpatrick, Joe Masterson (President Irish Handball Council) and Eoin Kennedy following their All-Ireland final last weekend
Again Fitzpatrick succeeded in keeping his lead intact bringing it to 18-13 before Kennedy took him out. He needed to get some points but Fitzpatrick rolled a ball out of the front corner to regain the hand and served out the game 21-13. The second game began better for Kennedy and with precision serving down the right and flat killing the returns, he led 7-3 before Fitzpatrick fought back to 9-7. This game was even tougher than the first as both players fought for supremacy. The St Brigid’s player called on all his experience to make aces and led 18-13, before a Fitzpatrick fight-back brought the scores back to 19-17. The crowd were on their feet acclaiming the efforts of both players. T he galler y were enthralled by the quality of the rallies and Fitzpatrick’s incredible speed around the court to pick up what seemed to be rally winning kills by Kennedy. This was balanced by Kennedy’s tenacity and court control as he commanded the centre of the court and through a combination of kills and effective passing shots succeeded in fighting his way to the second game win on a score of 21-17. T he match seemed finely poised for the third game shoot-out.
On the resumption after the five minute break, it was clear from the start that Kennedy had pulled out all the stops to win the second game and that this had taken too much out of him. He needed to make aces in the first few hands but his serving power had diminished and Fitzpatrick was able to take him out too easily. Once he established an early lead the Lime r i c k p l ay e r p l ay e d extremely confidentally and was killing spectacularly from all parts of the court with either hand. Kennedy had to take an injury time-out due to bruising of his left hand but this only briefly delayed the inevitable with Fitzpatrick running out the third game easily. Fitzpatrick’s two wins in a row show his real credentials as a hardball champion and he was a worthy winner in denying Kennedy’s efforts to win his ninth title. The sheer speed of the hardball code makes refereeing difficult and both players were complimented on showing outstanding sportsmanship in calling double bounces against themselves. T h e y h ave p r ove d again to be Ireland’s two best hardballers and we look forward to future clashes between these two great champions.
GAZETTE
30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 8 June 2017
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: NOTHING TO SEPARATE THE BOTTOM SIX IN LEAGUE OF IRELAND
Heroic Harts lead way at FAI Primary finals HARTSTOWN outfit St Ciaran’s NS produced another superb outing as they showed silky skills, grit and determination in the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme National Finals which took place in Aviva Stadium. They came away with the C Schools Cup after a tough campaign which began in March with county blitzes held nationwide. They progressed through Regional and Provincial Finals to make it all the way to the hallowed turf of Aviva Stadium. A total of 192 children, representing 24 schools and 12 counties had the opportunity to take to the field in Aviva Stadium, the home of Irish Football. Fourth, fifth and sixth class students from 13 different counties all walked through the tunnel to a carnival atmosphere at the National Finals, cheered and supported by thousands of friends and family who made the trip. 28,576 children from 1,495 schools started out in blitzes held nationwide building on the success of last year and continuing the incredible grassroots growth of the programme. The level of girl’s participation has been a major success story this year with an impressive 22% jump in numbers from 9,320 in 2016 to 11,384 in 2017. Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director, said: “The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme was a huge success again this year and culminated in a fantastic day at the National Finals in Aviva Stadium. “A special well done and congratulations to all the schools on getting to the National Finals and thanks to the family, friends and supporters for creating such an electric atmosphere.” Fergus McDaid, Hon. Secretary of FAI Schools added: “The increasing numbers year on year is concrete evidence of the regard in which the competition is held. FAI Schools acknowledges the enormous contribution of our sponsors SPAR, our teachers, coaches, FAI staff and clubs in the positive promotion and delivery of the programme. “Finally, well done to all the schools that took part in the competition nationwide this year and we look forward to your continued involvement and enjoyment.”
Bohemians were unable to unlock the Drogheda defence last Friday night. Picture: Martin Doherty
Bohs and Drogs’ stalemate LOI PREMIER DIVISION Bohemians 0 Drogheda United 0 DARRYL GERAGHTY sport@dublingazette.com
WITH just six points separating the bottom half of the league, a massive three points were up for grabs between Bohemians and Drogheda at a gloriously sunny Dalymount Park. The first chance of a very even game came in the 20th minute when Shane Supple got down well to save from striker Marc Griffin. Griffin raced clear one on one following a slip by Dan
Byrne but his low drive was well saved by the goalkeeper. It was easy to see why both teams are among the lowest scorers in the league with both sides opting for the long ball game and failing to create many clear-cut efforts but Adam Wixted looked liveliest playing on the right wing for the visitors. The winger had a couple of attempts dangerously cutting in on his left foot but Supple was came out on top of that battle. Right on the stroke of half time, it looked as if the Drogs were about
LIONS’ SUPPORT McGrath launches CF 5k race in Castleknock BEFORE roaring off to New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions, Leinster’s Jack McGrath lined out at the launch of the Castleknock 5k run in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland – Dublin West Branch. The event, sponsored by Windsor Clonee Nissan and Peugeot, takes place on Sunday, June 18 in the grounds of Castleknock College. Families, runners and walkers of all levels are invited with prizes and refreshments will be provided. Registration is available at www. eventgen.ie/castleknock-5k-run
to take the lead until Derek Pender’s goal line clearance. A corner from Sean Brennan was delivered to the back post and Griffin hooked his effort back on goal but the Bohs skipper was on hand to head away. Referee Lee Evans brought the half to an end with the visitors slightly edging play and arguably could have been in front. Bohs came flying out of the traps in the second half with what must have been the hairdryer treatment from boss Keith Long. Pender delivered a
couple of dangerous crosses from the right wing and Aji Sule narrowly missed the target from 30 yards. Keith Ward also went close, following some good work by Lorcan Fitzgerald across the edge of the box, but his shot from just inside the box was well blocked by McGuigan. Drogheda held off the onslaught and played their way back into the game but were unable to create that one chance to nick all three points. As expected Bohs finished with a flurry and could have stolen it right at the
death, but an excellent goal line clearance from right-back Colm Deasy, heading off the line from Dinny Corcoran, and a block from the follow up effort by substitute Philly Gannon’s kept the score level. A draw was pretty much a fair result in a game both teams felt they could have edged but lack of cutting edge in the final third ultimately cost each team a valuable three points in the battle for safety. Bohs next home game is against Sligo Rovers on Friday, June 23, kick off is 7.45pm.
8 June 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
FUNDING BOOST
SFCOpener
Twomey helps launch big support package DUBLIN camogie star Ali Twomey was on hand to help announce funding to the value of €428,000 for intercounty camogie and ladies Gaelic football teams for the 2017 season.. She was joined by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross with Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport as well as Kilkenny camogie player Edwina Keane.
LADIES FOOTBALL: TARF DUO ON THE MARK IN SEMI-FINAL
Gavin content with win over 14-man Carlow
The Dublin Under-14 side prior to their All-Ireland semi-final against Galway. Picture: GAAPics.com
Galway prove too strong for Dublin U-14 ALL-IRELAND SEMI
Galway 6-23 Dublin 3-3 sport@dublingazette.com
CLONTARF duo Ciara O’Connor and Eimear Mangan scored a point each for Dublin in the semi-final of the Under-14 All-Ireland football championship but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from crashing out after a 6-23 to 3-3 loss to Galway at Moate GAA in Westmeath. Dublin were crowned Leinster champions this year but their opponents from the West proved too strong on the day and
reached the final thanks to a number of star performances, as well as an impressive team display. Galway were on top from the start and dominated the game to take a 14-point lead into the break with the score standing at 3-9 to 1-1. Katie O’Sullivan had grabbed Dublin’s first goal in the 16th minute but strikes from Ellen Power and Eva Noone saw the Connacht champions comfortably in control. Dublin needed a strong reaction in the second half but it only saw the Tribeswomen become even more clinical in front
of goal. They were laying siege at this point and the score might have been even greater if it weren’t for impressive performances by full back Aoife O’Sullivan and centre back Lucy Crowe. Goalkeeper Rugile Auskalnyte also stood out for Dublin after putting in an outstanding performance to deny Galway further glory. However, the likes of Kate Slevin were too strong and her goal, alongside three-pointers from Aoibheann Costello and Kara McClene helped them keep Dublin at arm’s length. Aishling O’Neill and
Emma Howe scored goals for Dublin but the consistent kicking from Galway made sure their opponents never got close enough to threaten their lead. Clontarf were also represented in the squad by Roisin Quigley and Ava Corcoran, while Na Fianna and Clanna Gael Fontenoy had three players each. It was a tough outing and they will look to bounce back next year but as the referee blew his whistle for the final time, it is Galway who will go on to play Kerry in the final next month after their 3-16 to 4-3 win over Cavan.
DUBLIN manager Jim Gavin was delighted to see his All-Ireland champions kick off their 2017 Championship campaign with a 12 point victory over Carlow last weekend. The Round Tower’s man praised his side for the way they managed to control the game despite their opponents sitting many players behind the ball. “We’re just happy to come away tonight with a win in the opening round of the championship,” Gavin said after the game. “It’s our first step on a journey in 2017, I’m not sure where it will take us but we’re just glad to get out of the blocks. “Carlow are a very well-drilled side and they showed great effort there today. They probably played the way we thought they would play. Of their 14 outfield players, they probably had at least 13 behind the ball on most occasions.” Dublin went into the game with many people expecting them to rack up a big win but their 0-19 to 0-7 victory was probably less than many anticipated. It wasn’t a game for the football purists as Carlow kept men behind the ball throughout the game in an attempt to frustrate Dublin. It worked as well, with the Dubs restricted to just a three point lead going into the break. The second half started in the same fashion until Carlow were reduced to 14 men when Brendan Murphy was shown a second yellow card for an off the ball incident with Jonny Cooper on 48 minutes. That dismissal effectively handed the game to Dublin with the final gap between the two teams the only matter left to be resolved. “They’re a very physical side and they used that to good effect in the game. When you look at a lot of their players, a lot of their forward line have played in midfield. They’re big players, they’re physically well conditioned, and they’re very well coached,” said Gavin. “I thought we controlled it quite well first half, we were comfortable but probably missed as much as we scored and that obviously needs to be improved for future outings.
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SEMI SHOWDOWN: Dublin Under-14s take on Galway in high scoring All-Ireland final four encounter P31
JUNE 8 - 14, 2017
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Andrews backing Wes Wes Hoolahan in action against Uruguay last weekend. Picture: Martin Doherty
Artane native calls for Hoolahan to be named in Martin O’Neill’s starting Republic of Ireland team for crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria
KARL GRAHAM
sport@dublingazette.com
ARTANE native Keith Andrews has called for Wes Hoolahan to start Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday. Former Belvedere youth star Hoolahan has come a long way since his time growing up at St Mary’s Mansions in Dublin’s inner city. He has long been a source of debate amongst fans and pundits who believe, even at 35-years-old, he is still Ireland’s most creative player. Andrews, who himself has 35 caps for the national team, is one such pundit who thinks the Norwich star doesn’t see enough playing
time for Ireland. “Martin tends to come up with something for these games and I just hope Wes is in the team,”said Andrews. “I know you need to have the energy and pace around him but he has to be in the team. Robbie Brady could play on the right wing, with James McClean on the other flank to enable Harry Arter to play with Wes Hoolahan in the middle.” Andrews knows first-hand what Hoolahan is capable of, having played in the Giovanni Trappatoni team that apparently had no place for a player who had the confidence to take risks. “We were crying out for Wes for years. On the few occasions I did play alongside him, we were
able to dominate possession more.” Hoolahan had drawn some criticism for his below par performance during Ireland’s 3-1 win over Uruguay last weekend, with some former Ireland players calling for him to be dropped for the visit of Austria. However, Andrews points to another Ireland star as an example of how players can suffer dips in form. “Players go through dips in form. Look at Robbie Brady 12 months ago; it was just a case of what position he would play in. He had taken over in that number 10 spot and was our star player. “Now, Robbie is in a situation whereby he’s in and out of the Burnley team. There’s prob-
ably a case to be made that players are playing better than Robbie at the moment. “Not that I think he will do that but these are the dynamics Martin is dealing with from one qualifier to another.” Despite the debate over who should start on Sunday, Andrews is confident Ireland can leave with a result that could go a long way towards securing the team’s passage to Russia in 2018. “I think we’ll win the game. We are in a good position at this stage of the group without having played particularly well or hitting the heights we’re capable of. “There is still a lot of football to be played and next week is crucial. However, if we can beat Austria, I do fancy us [to qualify].”