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INSIDE: As election day nears, we take a last look

at the candidates hoping to claim your vote Pages 6-9

Feb 25-Mar 02, 2016

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he’s almost ready to be the barber Still Dublin’s number-one of seville free paper!  mimi murray Group Editor

AFTER what was another difficult year for media outlets, including local newspapers, The Dublin Gazette is thrilled to have this week gained a fantastic Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) figure of 52,958* copies distributed per week in the Greater Dublin Area.

The Dublin Gazette team and I are delighted with this result as it is a clear indication of how well received our papers are in the local communities that they serve.

We are a free, self-select only local paper – meaning our readers have to actively make the decision to pick us up. We don’t push our papers into people’s hands, or push copies through the letter box; we leave it up to the reader to decide.

Our readers have made the decision to pick up more and more of our newspapers, week on week. For this, we would like to say: Thank You! With a 3.1% year on year distribution increase, we look forward to serving the communities of Dublin for a very long time to come. *Group MFD, Jan-Dec 2015

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

BARITONE Gavan Ring was happy to swap singing for shaving for a moment at the Waldorf Barber Shop as he prepared to freshen up Fergus Shiel, artistic director of Wide Open Opera.

While Fergus may not have looked ready for his close shave, he was happy to help Gavan promote an upcoming comic masterpiece, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, which runs at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre for three nights only, on April 20th, 22nd and 23rd. The production will feature major Irish operatic talents, with mezzo Tara Erraught joining Gavan to sing beautifully – while Fergus looked ready to hit some high notes of his own in this amusingly memorable shot.

Picture: Brian McEvoy

HSE - 8,000 children on waiting lists last October Scale of medical crisis revealed in latest figures released by hospital authority

 aisling kennedy ALMOST 8,000 children were on hospital waiting lists across Dublin city in October last year, according to figures released by the HSE this week.

There was a total of

7,790 children on hospital waiting lists in Dublin city centre, including (at Temple Street) 2,258 children on the waiting list for otolaryngology, 1,652 children on the waiting list for ophthalmology, 521 on the waiting list for

urology, and 47 children on the waiting list for neurosurgery.

A spokesperson for the Depar tment of Health told The Gazette: “A waiting list initiative was set up last year to reduce the number of patients wait-

ing for long periods.

“Extra funding of €50 million was provided in order to conduct additional procedures, and new waiting times to target the longest waiters were set up.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 25 February 2016

health | ‘Investment in paediatric services a priority’

Nearly 8,000 children were on waiting lists  Aisling Kennedy

Up to 1,200 children were on waiting lists at Temple Street for up to three months and 251 children were on waiting lists from 18-21 months

Almost 8,000 children were on hospital waiting lists across Dublin city in October last year, according to figures released by the HSE this week.

The figures from October coincided at the same time as an announcement of funding of over €13bn to the Department of Health and HSE in the Finance Budget for 2016.

In Dublin city centre, there was a total of 7,790 children on hospital waiting lists and this figure was spread across four hospitals – Temple Street children’s hospital, Crumlin children’s hospital, the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear hospital, and Beaumont hospital.

At Temple Street, 2,258 children were on the waiting list for otolaryngology, 1,652 children were on the waiting list for ophthalmology, 521 were on the waiting list for urology, and 47 children were on the waiting list for neurosurgery.

Up to 1,200 children were on waiting lists at Temple Street for up to three months and 251 children were on waiting lists from 18-21 months.

T he total amount of children on Temple Street’s waiting list in October was 4,478, by far the highest hospital waiting list in both Dublin and around the country.

Crumlin children’s hospital had 1,885 children on its waiting list, the Eye and Ear hospital had 933 on its waiting list and Beaumont had 494 on its hospital waiting list.

The figures do not represent all classes of medical procedures for children, however, with the figures not reflecting waiting lists for speech and language, Autism, and

children’s mental health.

A spokesperson for the Department of Healthsaid: “A waiting list initiative was set up last year to reduce the number of patients waiting for long periods. Extra funding of €50m was provided in order to conduct additional procedures, and new waiting times to target the longest waiters were set up.”

T he spokesperson explained that this included a maximum permissible waiting time of 18 months

by June 2015, falling to 15 months by the end of 2015.

“These targets were largely met. Investment in paediatric services is a priority for 2016. “€3m has been committed to the Children’s Hospital Group in the HSE National Service Plan 2016 for new service developments, some of which is targeted at improving access to existing paediatric services.

“Of all children currently on inpatient/day case waiting list, 64% (4,755 patients) have been waiting less than six months.”

FastNews

Staff and students at Canal Way Educate Together National School, Dublin 8. Educate Together want patronage of new schools in Cabra/Phibsborough and Drumcondra/Marino.

Educate Together intends to apply for patronage of two new national schools Educate Together has announced its intention to apply for patronage of two new national schools due to open in Dublin this September.

The schools will be located in Cabra/Phibsborough and Drumcondra/Marino.

The Department of Education and Skills invited patrons to apply for the patronage of the schools recently with a closing date for applications of Thursday, March 24.

Educate Together said that it had been contacted by many parents in the two areas in the hope that it would apply for patronage.

Gerry McKevitt, Educate Together regional development officer for Dublin, said: “I have had numerous requests over many years from parents who want Educate Together schools in these areas and there are now active Educate Together start-up groups working to this end.”

The applications for patronage will address a number of criteria including parental demand for each school type.

When asked what other schools have applied for patronage of the new national schools, a spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “No application has yet been received from Educate Together (or any other patron body).”

25 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 3

Donnybrook | former Magdalene Laundry currently up for sale

council

Footpath wont get bollards

Call for premises to be protected  Aisling Kennedy

A former Magdalene Laundry in Donnybrook which is currently up for sale as The Crescent, Donnybrook, should be protected as part of our national heritage according to Cllr Mannix Flynn (Ind).

In a question put to Dublin City Council (DCC) at a recent council meeting, Cllr Flynn asked if the area manager could initiate a visit by the conservation officers to the former Magdalene Laundry.

He said: “There are fine examples within this building of unique staircases and other fixtures as well as unique industrial heritage associated with the Magdalene

Laundry. This laundry would appear to be the only former Magdalene Laundry that is completely intact.

“This premises has original baskets and o r i g i n a l m a c h i n e r y, irons including baskets from Aras an Uachtarain and are a direct link to the working institutions that dominated Irish society for decades.

“They also form part of the public inquiry and the culture of such institutions.”

A DCC spokesperson said the chimney at St Mary’s Convent (Donnybrook Laundry), was added to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) on May 13, 2013 following an earlier request from Cllr Der-

mot Lacey (Lab).

T he spokesperson said they would request a report to be prepared “assessing the remainder of the structures at the property for consideration for addition to the RPS”.

“However, in terms of bringing forward any addition to the RPS, it is considered both prudent and good practice to await any recommendations to be made by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), arising from their current survey of Dublin City.”

DCC said that the assessment of requested candidate additions or deletions to the RPS is intended to commence in 2017.

staging a memorable event

Bob Geldof and Sinead Cusack were among the names to read the poetry of WB Yeats at the Abbey Theatre when they attended The Josephine Hart Poetry Hour. This is the first of these poetry hours in almost a decade.

Josephine Hart was born and raised in Mullingar before moving to London in her twenties where she married Lord Maruice Saatchi in 1984.

She became a well-known and much-loved theatre producer in the West End, producing the award-winning hits The House of Bernarda Alba and The Black Prince. She was also a best-selling author of six novels, including Damage which was adapted into a film with Juliette Binoche and Jeremy Irons.

Pictured are Peter Campion, Sinead Cusack, Bob Geldof, Lisa Dwan and Ruth McCabe on the Abbey stage. Picture: LENSMEN

A footpath outside a residential complex at Camden Place will not have bollards placed there following a site visit by the council. Residents living at Camden Place are regularly hemmed into their homes by cars and vans parking on the footpath outside the complex according to Cllr Mannix Flynn (Ind).

The council said: “The footpath along Camden Place is narrow with an average width of 1m. Bollards would narrow the footpath further and pose difficulties for the disabled and people using prams.

“Parking enforcement reports that 27 vehicles have been clamped here in the last 12 months.

The location will continue to be monitored and enforcement action taken as required.”

                    

4 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 25 February 2016

bus tour | get the feeling of what it was like in Dublin 100 years ago

Insights into key Rising locations  jodi Waters

Stepping onto the 1916: Rise of the Rebels bus tour was like being transpor ted back in time to where the Rising took place.

From the minute you sit down on the bus, you get the feeling of what it was like in Dublin 100 years ago. This special interactive experience is unforgettable.

The bus departs from College Green at 11am, 2pm and 7:30pm every day and this adventure through the streets of Dublin is not one to be missed.

W hen aboard the bus, you’re greeted by two, very well presented actors, dressed in military uniforms from 100 years ago.

These actors will bring

you around the most significant places for the Easter Rising, telling you the story of the men and women who wanted ‘to change Ireland, to change history’.

You get goosebumps as you travel to and from the buildings where the rebels would have been stationed.

Not only is this tour a great way to see our beautiful city, it’s a brilliant way to educate yourself about the men and women who fought for Ireland’s independence.

Your first stop on the bus will be at Liberty Hall.

Here, you learn all about James Connolly and Big Jim Larkin and the role they played in obtaining workers’ rights for the citizens

of Ireland through the Irish Tra nspor t and General Workers Union.

The story of Ireland’s first “Bloody Sunday” will only make you even more eager to find out what happened next.

After Liberty Hall, the bus takes you up the quays and you soon find yourself outside the beautiful Dublin Castle.

This is the first stop where you will disembark the bus and get a real feel for the building.

Outside Dublin Castle, the actors tell you how the rebels once wanted this place to be their main headquarters for the Rising.

They tell you of their troubles and their battles and how the men

led by Sean Connolly failed to take over the castle.

You then find yourself outside the GPO, where you will hear the Proclamation of Independence being read to you from the very same spot Padraig Pearse would have read it 100 years ago.

The tour then takes a walk up Henry Street to Moore Street where you will find yourself outside the house that the rebels used to escape the fire of the British in the GPO. The story of the rebels getting to this house is sure to get your emotions going!

Back onto the bus on Parnell Street and on to the last stop; Richmond Barracks.

This is where the 16

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Wearing appropriate period costumes, actors Colm Lennon and Amy Flood, who act on the 1916 Rise of the Rebels bus tour, hold a copy of The Proclamation outside the GPO in the city centre . Picture: Paul Sherwood

leaders were picked out and then marched to Kilmainham.

A shor t stop, but nonetheless important

to the story of The 1916 Easter Rising.

Back aboard the bus to College Green, you will hear testimonies

from The Aftermath of the Rebellion.

A brilliant tour, that is sure to get you feeling patriotic this Easter!

25 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 5

GPO | 40 children died as a result of gunfire during rising

Sculpture to commemorate young lives lost  Aisling Kennedy

A new permanent sculpture is being installed in the eastern courtyard of An Post’s newly-developed €10m visitor centre, the GPO Witness History, to commemorate children who died during Easter Week in 1916.

Artist Barbara Knezevic has created the artwork entitled They Are Of Us All, commissioned as a reflection on young lives lost through conflict and a commemoration of the children who died 100 years ago.

A total of 40 children lost their lives as a result of gunfire during Easter Week in 1916.

They Are Of Us All was selected through a limited competition when artists were invited to propose an artwork to remember the children killed during the week of the Easter Rising in 1916.

The initiative was the culmination of extensive independent research initiated by broadcaster Joe Duffy.

Anna McHugh, head of corporate communications at An Post and

the GPO Witness History Project Team, congratulated Barbara Knezevic on the commission and thanked all the artists who had taken part in the process.

“This permanent sculpture for the children of the rising is cocooned right in the heart of the GPO. “T heir stories are woven throughout our unique exhibition and they will always be remembered here. This area of the city was their playground and we are still on their patch.”

auction Library acquires manuscript The first draft of Sean O’Casey’s play Juno and the Paycock has arrived at the National Library of Ireland (NLI) following its acquisition at a Sotheby’s auction in December 2015.

Sculptor Barbara Knezevic who created They Are Of Us All

Barbara Knezevic lives in Dublin and is currently based at Temple Bar Gallery and Studios.

She said: “They Are Of Us All takes the form of 40 limestones placed on a mirrored steel surface, each stone a tribute to each child.

“The small scale of the stones is intimate and

their reflections evoke the individual tragedy of the loss of a child as well as the universal nature of grief.

“As the artwork memorialises an aspect of the Easter Rising previously overlooked, the intention is to represent the gravity of these bereavements alongside the more pub-

lic history and legacy of the 1916 Easter Rising.”

GPO Witness History will open on March 29 and the new visitor centre is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors per annum.

S e e w w w. g p ow i tnesshistory.ie for more details and to book into the centre.

Significant The 62-page manuscript, which is regarded as one of the most significant works of Irish literature, was purchased for €174,484 following a phone bid placed for the NLI in a rare books auction at Sotheby’s in Manhattan last year.

The autographed manuscript contains a handwritten draft of Acts I and II of Juno and the Paycock, fragments of Act III, listings of characters, notes and a synopsis of the play.

6 dublin city Gazette 25 February 2016

election 2016 | we pick out some of the prominent politicians and take

Squaring up to doorstep challenges  joan burton Tanaiste, Labour Party

DURING a scheduled visit to PayPal in Ballycoolin Business Park, Tanaiste Joan Burton (Lab) spent approximately one hour touring the company and meeting its hospitable staff.

With less than two weeks before the General Election, and despite Labour doing increasingly poorly in the polls, the Tanaiste had no qualms about venturing

ahead with the visit and exchanging in pleasant small talk with the people she met.

Touring businesses and meeting communities around the country has become an everyday occurrence for Burton, who is endeavouring to get as many votes as possible in order to save her political career in Dail Eireann.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened during her visit to PayPal, which probably came as a wel-

come blessing to the Tanaiste as she has frequently been on the receiving end of disgruntled protestors and disastrous excursions. An example of this was when she was tipped out of a boat in floodwaters at Thomastown, Kilkenny, amidst a barrage of photographers last December.

No matter how mediocre her visits to local businesses may seem to the general public, they nevertheless are attended by national news teams.

Labour and Fine Gael’s senior figures – including Tanaiste Joan Burton (Lab) and Minister for Health Leo Varadkar (FG) – are continuing to try to promote their parties’ plans for further economic growth

Some may imagine that they’re more interested in hoping that something more newsworthy will arise – such as the time when water protesters clashed with Gardai when she visited a food bank event at Dublin Industrial Estate last year.

Having said this, the Tanaiste’s visit to PayPal was certainly not a waste of time. The company’s staff seemed genuinely happy to talk to her, and to listen to what she had to say about the Labour Party’s ambitious plans for employment in the area.

However, no matter how many companies like these she visits, it will take a big push on her part to muster enough support to retain her seat in the Dail.

 leo varadkar Minister for Health, Fine Gael

WHILE most politicians worry about the rain and the odd disgruntled resident when out canvassing, not many would think twice about the possibility of being in the midst of an armed robbery.

Well, for Dublin West Minister for Health Leo Varadkar, the element of danger – and possibly the most interesting thing to come out of this General Election – came into perspective when two men, armed with a sword and a gun, raided the Spar in

Carpenterstown, Castleknock.

As fate would have it, Minister Varadkar and his canvassing team witnessed one of the armed robbers fleeing the scene, and then quickly rang the guards before talking to the press about his terrifying ordeal.

Minister Varadkar, who was unharmed, said he was relieved no one was hurt during the robbery, adding that one of the men ran passed him and that it was all over by the time he arrived.

Detectives were at the store soon afterwards interviewing witnesses.

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman ( G P ) , a n d How a r d Manley, who was canvassing for Fianna Fail candidate Jack Chambers, also witnessed the robbery.

Manley said he saw one of the robbers, who was blocking the door while the robbery was taking place, and gave chase briefly in an attempt to identify them, but said they were “much quicker and fitter”.

Meanwhile, Minister Varadkar took a shot at Fine Fail’s leader Micheal Martin in the days that followed, comparing him to Arnold Schwarzenegger over his manner during debates.

Speaking to a morning radio show, Minister Varadkar said: “I’m not sure if you know the film Total

Recall – there’s an Arnold Schwarzenegger character who manages to have alternative memories planted in his brain, and it seems to me that’s where we are with Micheal Martin.

“He’s created a whole fairytale about his period in health and, not dissimilar, his period in foreign affairs.”

 clare daly Deputy, Independent

THE Gazette joined Independent candidate Deputy Clare Daly on one of her campaign trail routes in Portmarnock last week to see how local Fingal residents are thinking of voting on the big day.

It wasn’t long before Deputy Daly was busy

25 February 2016 dublin city Gazette 7

a look at how they’re engaging with the electorate ahead of the vote chatting away to a constituent in the St Anne’s estate on a canvass that was filled with hard questions and strong opinions.

“You’re the only one that seems to do anything,” one woman told her, and while Deputy Daly’s politics proved popular to most in the area, many seemed to have a soft spot for opposing candidate Senator Darragh O’Brien on the Fianna Fail ticket, who is widely regarded as a “nice chap” in the community.

Nevertheless, contempt for “the big three” (Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour) was rife, as was a serious apprehension about Sinn Fein. Many residents seemed tempted to vote for the party, but said they would ultimately be reluctant to do so.

“As long as Joan [Burton] doesn’t get in,” one elderly man declared to Deputy Daly as he joked that the extra €3 added

to his pension will be just what he needs to pay for his water charges, property tax and new bin charges.

One man with two sleeping babies in a buggy came out to meet the deputy after finding out she was in the area. They stopped and had a long chat about corporation tax and personal income tax.

Deputy Daly discussed how she would look at restructuring the systems in place, but believed that better public services from taxation were essential.

While this serious conversation was taking place, two young boys walked past, chanting “Clare Dalyyy! Clare Dalyyy!” Perhaps they were cementing her status as a popular figure in the area.

One woman, who the deputy already knew, invited her in and gave her a gift of a book she wrote, called “Portmar-

The shift of a disgruntled electorate to the Left, away from long-standing traditional party support, has seen big gains for Independents and Sinn Fein alike, as evidenced by the reception The Gazette saw Deputy Clare Daly (Ind) and Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic (SF) receive

nock Uncovered”.

What stood out from the day was how down to earth Deputy Daly was.

Her promises to work hard, rather than making promises she couldn’t keep, seemed to be greatly appreciated by most people she spoke to who, by this stage, were weary of the non-stop campaign-

ing in the run up to the General Election.

 Sorcha Nic Cormaic Councillor, Sinn Fein

FOR the Dublin Rathdown electorate, our reporter joined Sinn Fein councillor and election candidate Sorcha Nic Cormaic on one of her nightly canvasses, at Mountain View in Rathfarnham, to find out how people are thinking of voting in the area.

Cllr Nic Cormaic and her team of canvassers enthusiastically set about spreading the word to what was mostly a welcome reception.

Many residents were eager to chat to the councillor, who engaged thoughtfully with each question posed to her. Her presence as a figure in the area was confirmed when she greeted two women walking down the road by name and proceeded to have a chat with them on the street.

Among the constituents visited were some loyal Sinn Fein supporters, one of whom “can’t wait for Gerry [Adams] and Mary-Lou [McDonald] to get in”, and asked Cllr Nic Cormaic to “tell Mr Adams [she] said hello”.

There were also those who said they were becoming interested in Sinn Fein as an alternative to the current Government, which was discussed only with severe contempt.

One woman said she “definitely won’t be putting them [the current Government] back in power”, and said she would tell opposing candidate for Dublin Rathdown, Minister Alex White (Lab), to “f*** off” if he knocked on her door.

The desire for change and a clear frustration

with the current Government was clearly evident among the residents, who seemed to respond well to Cllr Nic Cormaic’s demeanour.

When faced with questions on the door, she focused on looking forward at what Sinn Fein would hope to achieve in government, rather than

dwelling on the perceived shortcomings of her opposition.

A small victory for the night occurred when Nic Cormaic was at the door of an uninterested young women and was about to move on when the woman’s elderly mother shouted down the stairs: “Tell her she has my vote!”

8 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 25 February 2016

election 2016 | a slightly irreverent look at some of the candidates

City voters are spoilt for choice at the polls With literally dozens of hopefuls fighting for seats, there have been some lighter moments for politics followers to enjoy ...

 aisling kennedy

THERE is an air of anticipation in Dail Eireann in the run up to the General Election, with politicians eagerly knocking on doors nationwide armed with many an election promise.

Political parties are only too happy to take swipes at and shout down members of rival parties for their shortcomings while each of us sit back and try to comprehend which politician to vote for.

A prime example of this type of political subterfuge is the recent Leader’s Debate on TV3, where we were all witness to an intensive masterclass on how to shout down your opponent. He who makes the most noise wins. (Or she, in Joan Burton’s case.)

Indeed, each of the four leaders – Enda Kenny (FG), Joan Burton (Lab), Michael Martin (FF) and Gerry Adams (SF) – took turns to act vehemently outraged and disgusted at opposing party politics when called on for an opinion.

Meanwhile, as we drive around the city, we see political canvassers ply pillar after pillar with A2 posters of these very candidates, in the hope that we are subliminally taking it all in and it will lead to an extra vote.

When trying to decide who to vote for while looking at no less than 74 election candidates post-

ers throughout the five constituencies in Dublin city, it can seem not only daunting but, quite frankly, a little impossible.

In an attempt to aid your decision and to provide a little light relief in all the election mayhem, here are some lesserknown stories of various politicians’ recent campaign trails that may interest you, or may give you have a little chuckle as we prepare for the imminent General Election ...

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

On the recent Leader’s Debate on TV3, we were all witness to an intensive masterclass on how to shout down your opponent --------------------------

Sinn Fein’s deputy leader, Mary Lou McDonald, is a popular candidate with her constituents, and is mid-way through a full-scale attack on the FG-Lab coalition of “broken promises”.

Calling MEP Brian Hayes (FG) a “gurrier” recently in the wake of his repeated questions to her about Republican Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy on Newstalk, she is not a woman to sit back and mince her words.

She loves to get behind a good protest, and can

often be found rallying support for the Save Moore Street campaign, and the Right2Water protests.

The only blip on her otherwise seamless campaign trail was an unfortunate incident involving leaflets that urged voters to move away from Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, and join “a new Rising, one that puts the citizens first”.

The leaflet then went on to quote one “Booby Sands”, as opposed to the infamous Bobby Sands.

A slight blip, but one that made us all chuckle over our morning coffees.

Another election candidate who is hoping to retain his seat is the imitable Richard Bruton (FG), Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation.

It was a kind of poetic justice that the man responsible for allegedly boosting employment levels in Ireland could not convince his own party to keep him in his role after it emerged that he failed to get selected at his party’s selection convention in north Dublin last April.

All was not lost, however, as the party’s executive council stepped in at the last minute and added him to the ticket. Proper order.

Things take on a more serious note now, with two strong female candidates who are currently battling it out for a seat in the Dublin Bay South constituency, each with

As the race for a Dail seat heats up, the city’s election candidates are finding all kinds of obstacles to overcome – some of them amusing, others serious, yet all adding up to make Election 2016 one to watch

a very different point of view on repealing the eighth amendment.

Outgoing Renua TD Lucinda Creighton famously resigned as European Affairs Minister in 2013 after voting against the Government on an amendment to the abortion bill.

She also lost the party whip, and faced an uncertain future – until she formed the new political party, Renua Ireland; a party that hopes to “engage the nation in a new conversation”.

Opposing her beliefs

is Cllr Kate O’Connell (FG), a businesswoman and pharmacist, who gave an impassioned speech at the Dail last year on a woman’s right to choose.

She gave this speech while she was heavily pregnant with her third child.

To say there is quite a large difference of opinion between these two ladies may be the understatement of the year. However, only one opinion will win out in the end, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who that will be.

Lastly, in the Dublin Central constituency, it

will be the battle of the Independents, with no less than six Independents hoping to take a seat in the three-seat constituency.

Of the six, four are serious contenders, with outgoing Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan hoping to retain her seat, yet Christy Burke, Cieran Perry and Eilis Ryan will all be racing her to the finish line.

Smart money would bet on either ex-Sinn Feiner Christy Burke – a popular and well-known face around Dublin’s

inner city areas – or Cieran Perry, who likes to fight for the working class and even managed to get himself arrested during the Greyhound lock-out last year.

Either way, the Independents are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Dublin Central constituency. They may not yet be reaching the dizzying heights of an alliance, but it’s probably best to leave that to Deputy Shane Ross (Ind) and his followers in the more affluent suburbs of Dublin’s fair city.

25 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 9

election 2016 | the gazette joins senator mary white out canvassing

Fighting back to secure a seat for Fianna Fail  mary white Senator, Fianna Fail

THE Gazette joined Fianna Fail candidate for Dublin Rathdown, Senator Mary White, in Stepaside last week as she visited Stepaside with party leader Micheal Martin.

Martin came to Stepaside to discuss the longstanding issue of the closure of the local Garda station, which has seen many residents become fearful over increased

crime in the area. Senator White and Martin have both pledged to reopen the station, if elected.

Local business owner Michael Fleming, of Fleming’s Butchers, told The Gazette that he would support the senator and the party based on their promise to reopen the station. When asked if he believed the promises, he wasn’t sure, but he was happy to support Senator White for

her continued works in the area.

With her own words – “I will get things done” – White is a determined candidate who focuses a great deal on ensuring practical measures are undertaken to improve the lives of her constituents.

“I spearheaded the flood defence on the Dargle river in Loreto Park, and now it will never flood again,” she said.

Senator White also stopped to speak with the chief executive and founder of the Move 4 Parkinsons group, Mags Mullarney, about the HSE and how certain systems need to be changed.

The senator’s husband, businessman Padraig White, was out for the meeting with Martin. He praised his wife’s work and told The Gazette that they had been visiting the Rosemount Taney

With Fianna Fail hoping to make some gains, candidates with a strong local base – such as Senator Mary White – are key to the party’s hopes for this election

residents previously to show the party leader the lack of community facilities that they, and Senator White, have long been campaigning for.

A troupe of the senator’s supporters and canvassers, who included her sister Olive and local Fianna Fail councillors Shay Brennan, Tom

Murphy, Liam Dockery and Gerry Horkan, all met in the Stone Grill Restaurant and cheered for her when she walked in.

They were also joined by the retired sergeant of Stepaside Garda Station, John Keating.

Senator White’s canvassers told The Gazette

that the main issues on the campaign trail were the reopening of the station and inheritance tax, which affects homeowners in South Dublin where the average house price is €520,000.

She said that she is working for a “more equitable and less punitive tax regime”.

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01 8833300 www.mbmotors.ie

10 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 25 February 2016

dublin city Gazettegallery | the Kiehl’s Masque launch at

Sharon Menzies and Tripthi Rodriquez

Norman Pratt and Darren Kennedy. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Catriona O’Connor and Thomas Crosse

Emma O farrel and Edward Smith

Ruth Griffin

Colette Fitzpatrick

Eva Stewart and Gina Cohen

25 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11

Kiehl’s in Wicklow Street, Dublin city

Avila Lipsett and Wayne Cronin

Isolde Stapleton, Lucy James, Ruth Keating and Maggie Donovan

exploring how women’s art has been valued

I

rish artist Jesse Jones continues the Hugh Lane Gallery’s 2016 theme of Artist as Witness, in her new work entitled No More Fun and Games at the Hugh Lane Gallery running until June 26.

Caroline Quinn and Niamh Byrne

Laura Jayne Halton

Elaine Crowley

Famous faces at brand launch

Una Kavanagh, Aoife Ni Bhroin and Sheena Barrett

T

V presenters Colette Fitzpatrick, Blaithnaid Treacy, Elaine Crowley and Dyane Connor as well as former Miss Ireland Aoife Walsh and stylist to the stars Laura Mullett were among the well-known faces who stepped out for The Kiehls Masque launch at the Kiehls Store in Wicklow Street Dublin.

Kate Mc Bride and Catherine Neville. Pictures: Karl Hussey/Fennell Photogrpahy Emma Manley

Patrick Quinn Byrne and Aoife Walsh

Dylan Townsend

12 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 25 February 2015

Gazettegallery

| A number of famous faces attend the opening

Blaithnaid Ni Chofaigh and her mother, Nan Ni Chofaigh

Rachel Lee and Ruth Lee

Janet McCarthy, Antoinette Bookey and Audrey Greene

Ger Maher and Ruth Scott

Dearbhla Whelan, Dermot Whelan and Eithne Whelan. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Good things...

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25 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 13

Night of The Perfect Murder at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Amelia Clarke Stewart

Jennifer Halton and Rita Halton

Josh Andrews and Kate O’Leary

Rebecca Lee

Horror, intrigue, mystery and plenty of comedy

Sue Dixon and Jeremy Dixon

kia.com

...come in twos

ALL NEW OPTIMA Test drive these new models, or any car in the equally exciting Kia range, at your local Kia dealership today!

Gazette

14 Gazette 25 February 2016

dublinLIFE

a day in the life: Louise Ni Fhiannachta on her diverse role with a tg4 series

Happy to direct an Eipic Irish show  ian begley

AS T H E h i gh l y - acclaimed TV show Eipic currently airs its six-part series on TG4, director Louise Ni Fhiannachta said that the production was “an incredible experience” to be a part of.

T he anarchic new show, penned by Mike O’Leary, is an off-beat, low-fi comedy drama that follows the fortunes of five rural teenagers who take over their local abandoned post office in 2016 to start a musical revolution.

T his week, T he Gazette spoke to Ni Fhiannactha, who described what a day in her life was

like while directing this unique production.

She said: “As a freelance director there is no such thing as a typical day in the life for me.

Every day is different, which is a creative blessing I suppose, but it all depends whether I’m doing prep, production or post-production.

“My usual approach would be to liaise with the writers as much as I can and to forensically go through each scene from a character, narrative and tonal perspective.

“Prep work for a shoot is a bag of all-sorts, really. Long before the prep dates, I would have

to make sure that the project is fully cast. I would also need to be fully confident that we have the right people.

“I’d also draw up director notes with visual references and help the other departments out a lot, too.

Locations “When you’re in prep, you have to talk to the editor about visual style and discuss various locations to shoot. You also become aware of what you want to achieve while you’re shooting it,” she said.

“The five teenagers who were cast were just incredible. We spent

three months travelling around the country looking for new talent, and we needed fresh faces with a tremendous acting ability, musical talent and who could also speak Irish.

“They are all unbelievably talented actors who I firmly believe have a fantastic future ahead of them.

“We spent two months shooting in a place called Woodford in east Galway, and the entire cast and everyone else involved created such a positive amount of energy that was just sacred,” said Ni Fhiannactha.

“We chose to film in Woodford because it

Eipic director Louise Ni Fhiannachta (left) with actors Fionnuala Gygax, Fionn Foley, Daire O’Muiri and Cian O’Baoill

had the perfect characteristics that we needed for Eipic.

“Altogether, there were nine music videos to shoot in total. The band did popular cover songs

and made them their own, entirely in the Irish language.”

Asked if she did anything to do to unwind while filming, Ni Fhiannachta said: “We always

had great craic while shooting, and had a big party before we finished the show.”

Eipic broadcasts on TG4 at 10pm each Thursday night.

Gazette

25 February 2016 Gazette 15

dublinlife

diary

Are you ‘man enough’ to be an Escort?

Last year’s Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan has challenged young Irish men to see if they have what it takes to become an escort for the international festival.

A Rose escort’s job is to look after his Rose and ensure her time at the festival is memorable, how hard can it be?

Elysha is calling on men between the ages of 21 and 30 to apply before the March 31 deadline.

Chosen candidates will take part in a teambuilding boot camp in June, participate in Festival events in August including the Gala Rose Ball and be in with the chance to win Rose Escort of the Year.

Each candidate will be subject to an application fee and if chosen will be obliged to raise a sponsorship of €1,500.

Any lads who feel they are “man enough” to be a Rose Escort should apply to www. roseoftralee.ie.

Dublin South Central remembers 1916

Dublin South Central Community launched their extensive pro gramme of events to commemorate The 1916 Easter Rising recently.

The event will take place at 7pm in St Catherine’s Church, Thomas Street.

Speaking about the programme, The Lord Mayor said: “The organised events recognise the importance of placing communities at the heart of the commemorations and I hope people will engage with the programme and through it reflect on the events that changed the course of our history.”

The programme includes 50 diverse projects which are funded by Dublin City Council and organised by local volunteer groups in Kilmainham, Ballyfermot, Inchicore, Bluebell, Drimnagh, Crumlin, Kimmage, Islandbridge, the Liberties, Rialto and the

Coombe.

The programme intends to help people in different communities engage with commemorations while informing them about the different events and people in the Rising. Copies of the programme will be available at the event and through local council offices.

saying thank you to the hidden heroes Keith Duff y, along with Dublin City Council, have just announced The Good Citizen Awards.

T h e a i m o f t h es e awards is to say thank you to the hidden heroes in our communities.

Citizens are asked to nominate ordinary people who by their actions and contributions to their communities make this city an extraordinary place to live.

Nominations can be made at www.dublincity.ie/goodcitizen

Keith Duffy wants to know have you nominated your local Hidden Hero yet

Last year’s Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan

where “The assessment panel will be looking for examples of good citizenship that really stand out and can serve as great examples of how the efforts of ordinary good citizens can really make a difference to our communities”.

Nominations open on February 15 and will close on March 18.

There are nine different categories for nomination and winners will be selected by an independent adjudication panel with awards presented at a ceremony in the Mansion House in May 2016.

Is there a wor thy nominee in your community?

16 Gazette 25 February 2016

Gazette

dublinlife Some top tips to help you plan your holiday abroad

Whether you are booking a package holiday this year or you have decided to arrange it yourself online, the competition and consumer protection commission’s website, www.consumerhelp.ie, has some tips for you to keep in mind about your holiday.

Booking a package holiday W hen you book a package holiday, you enter into a contract with the tour operator or travel agent.

They are responsible for ensuring that your holiday arrangements run to plan.

They should provide

you with a written copy of the contract before you travel.

This should contain key information such as the cost, destination, duration of the holiday, itineraries of any excursions, and details of the complaints procedure in case anything goes wrong.

You should also be told of any other relevant information, such as vaccinations you might need to get and any passport/visa requirements.

Remember, if you book a package holiday, you have specific protections as a consumer that you don’t have if you book each part of your trip separately.

Doing it yourself Sometimes it can work out cheaper and more flexible to book each stage of your holiday yourself.

However, it’s important to know that you won’t have the same protections as you would if you had booked a package holiday.

You do still have some protections if your holiday involves taking a ferry or flight and there is a delay.

Check out www.consumerhelp.ie to find out more about your rights.

Spot the scammers When you are researching your accommodation, watch out for potential rental accommodation scams.

This is where scammers go online to a genuine holiday website offering places for rent; copy the photos, addresses and other information from various listings and then use this to put up a fake listing of their own.

This is a scam to get

FEATURE

Some policies won’t cover you if you need to claim as a result of any adventure activities

you to pay the full rental price or a security deposit up front.

Always make sure a listing is genuine before you make a booking.

You can do this by taking the time to do some research on the person/company offering the rental property.

If there is an estate agent in the area they may be able to verify if the property is a genuine rental one.

Check if the property exists by looking it up on online maps. Never transfer money unless you are absolutely sure that the listing or website is genuine, and always use a secure method of pay ment, such as a credit card or Paypal.

Hiring a car If you choose to hire a car in a different country make sure to check the car rental firm’s website for the company’s terms and condition.

It is impor tant to research the company before booking, ensure you have contact details and enough insurance to meet their requirements.

Also, at the time of

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

If you book a package holiday, you have specific protections as a consumer that you don’t have if you book each part of your trip separately

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

booking you may find that not all charges are included – some may be payable when you collect the car, such as costs for child seats, additional drivers, extra insurance etc.

Find out what the fuel policy is before you rent and make sure it is explained to you clearly before you confirm the booking.

Travel insurance If you book a package holiday, travel agents and tour operators may sell travel insurance as part of the package but you do not have to take their insurance.

You may get better value by buying your travel insurance separately from another provider, particularly if you travel frequently.

If you’re planning on taking part in any adventure activities while you are away, make sure you spec-

ify this when you are choosing your policy.

Some policies won’t cover you if you need to claim as a result of these activities.

If you have private health insurance check to see what that covers you for before you buy travel insurance.

Your private health insurance normally cover illness and injury while you are abroad, however, you will need to get additional cover for such things as a flight being cancelled or a delay which causes you to miss a connecting flight.

You can ask your private health insurer to see if they offer discounted travel insurance that covers you for such non-medical loses.

At w w w.consumerhelp.ie you will find more top tips when p l a n n i n g a h o l i d ay abroad.

25 February 2016 Gazette 17

cinema P22

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

health P24



Gazette

travel P20

Pets have we got the perfect buddy waiting to meet you!

Parade characters Piya Champhat and Rachel Lally announcing the launch of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

st patrick’s day: A world class line-up of events and street theatre

Festival looks to the future  jodi waters

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe recently announced the 2016 St Patrick’s Festival, which will take place in Dublin from March 17 to 20.

This year’s theme is Imagine if ...

This year, the four-day festival will celebrate its 21st birthday since it was established.

Commenting on the launch of the festival, Minister Donohoe said: “The St Patrick’s Festival has developed into a major attraction, which provides us with the chance to showcase our own culture and talents and promote all that is great about Ireland on an international stage.”

As part of the I Love My City programme, this year the festival presents a jam-packed events schedule.

Catch The Moth StorySLAM in Teelings Distiller y, New Market Square on March 17. The open-mic storytelling competition was founded in New York and is a monthly occurrence in Dublin. Tickets are priced €8.

Look-see RUN tours take place on March 18 and 19, meeting at Hugh Lane Gallery at 6:30pm. This is a walking performance created by young people; it’s a performance that is also a walk, sometimes a talk, and possibly a run! Tickets are priced €5.

Pop down to The Children’s Soapbox at The Ark Children’s Cultural

Centre on March 18 for a special event that will launch The Ark’s new Children’s Council, which gives a voice to Dublin children and a platform to express their views and wishes for the future of Ireland.

With soap box-style performances using spoken word, stories and poetry 18, this free event is a must.

Take a seat in the National History Museum on March 18 and listen to the lofty, surround-sound choral performance of Rarity, by Tonnta Music.

This unique and cultural experience combines live singers and an electronic vocal sound, and takes place at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Admission is free.

Rounds, by BoNs Synth Ensem-

ble, takes place on March 19 in St Patrick’s Cathedral at 8pm. BoNs is the musical and song-writing catalyst for Dublin-based multi-instrumentalist, producer and synthesist, Glenn P. Tickets are priced €8.

Catch Ultimate Sunday at Belvedere House on March 20. Described as a full schedule of cultured chats, sounds, and interactive fun, this really is the ultimate weekender. Join journalist Julien Clancy and Monaghan fashionista Helen Steele. Tickets are priced €10.

Family fun-filled events are also taking place over the festival period.

Look out for treasure hunts and the festival’s Big Day Out, taking place over the weekend.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Buddy, a sixyear-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross.

Buddy has been at Dogs Trust for quite some time now. He is looking for an adults-only home and adopters who can commit to making multiple trips to the centre to slowly build up a relationship at his pace. It will take quite a few meets to get to know Buddy, but we promise you, it will be worth your time to earn the love of this eagerfaced angel!.

If you think you could offer Buddy a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT 3 dress €14 lace shirt Biba black

Old Willow & Clo favourites – including the popular

Label Lab black suede lace-up jacket €249

SoundWave collection (above) – are also available at the brand’s new flagship city centre store

Willow & Clo’s latest range available at new flagship store with the collections firsthand, piece by piece, story by story, moment by moment.”

Old favourites can be found in the store, such as the ever popular Sound Wave collections, which symbolise the creative process of music.

Pieces in the collection have been inscribed with secret messages and meaningful words that only the wearer can see.

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

TO IMPRESS

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€90

black rie ma

brode 9

2 ss €1 xi dre

Since Willow& Clo’s establishment, it has enjoyed success alongside well-known jewellery designers such as Alexis Bittar and Shaun Lane.

Further information can be found on Willow & Clo website at www. willowandclo.ie, while the flagship store at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is open six days a week (closed Sunday).

BLACK is back – not that it ever goes away – with a vengeance, as the eternal shade has popped up in style over at House of Fraser, ready to smarten up spring wardrobes with a clean range of shades.

Whether sporting a clerical black, channelling your inner Morticia Addams, boosting your Goth girl cred, or just seeking stylish cuts in this most classic of colours, House of Fraser have just the range for you, with a selection of items to complete or perfect any wardrobe.

For those looking to soften the shade, several of our selections this week make great use of subtle colouring, with gentle bronze proving particularly good at adding just the right dash of colour. So, step out in style and confidence in any of these crisp items ...

Biba monochrome Aztec tassel clutch bag

‘The Willow & Clo spring/ summer collection has different features, such as unique aqua chalcedony and green chrysoprase pieces’

BLACK Linea

A NEW Irish jewellery brand has been creatively designed by Chloe Townsend, a founder and designer of Willow & Clo, and winner of 2014 Designer of the Year in Kerry for Fashion Week in 2014.

Townsend’s Willow & Clo flagship store is now at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in the city centre.

For Townsend’s new brand, it is an exciting new start for the Howth native, and with the launch of the new collection from Willow & Clo, there are a total of 11 collections so far.

Townsend’s creative imagination has been inspired by nature and every piece of jewellery has a different story.

Each piece is handcrafted into 22kt plating gold, sterling silver and gemstones, which are semi-cut.

As this is her 11th jewellery range, the Willow & Clo spring/summer collection has different features, such as unique aqua chalcedony and green chrysoprase pieces.

Since Townsend’s travels to Jaipur in India, she has been keen to gain more knowledge about different gemstones.

She says: “My dream for the store was to create a tangible experience for our customer, where they can interact

Linea weekend black drawstring skirt €168

25 February 2016 Gazette 19

ssel k suede ta Biba blac €176 g bucket ba

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3 g €3 er ba

should

Biba print embellished waistcoat €159

black

osse emb logo 29 black g €1 Biba body ba s cros

Linea

Edit your spring style with help from Dunnes  megan holmes

Linea black tailored waistcoat €77

Gazette

STYLE

TULLAMORE-based designer Carolyn Donnelly has released her latest spring collection – The Edit – available at Dunnes Stores now.

The Edit consists of layers for practical yearround dressing in typical Donnelly hews of black, white, ecru, grey and navy, with the addition of blush pink, tomato red and sky blue.

Easy throw-on unstr uctured coats are given an update in vibrant sky blue or rich navy. A cosy boiled wool throw-on coat-style in oatmeal or navy is ideal for pairing with work clothes, or worn with jeans and a sweater.

Standout pieces of the collection include a statement coat in a textured bubble cloth, and a new reversible lightweight coat in memory nylon that switches from silver grey to navy and light camel to black.

There are lots of wool knits in lighter weights in soft blues, navy, oatmeal and navy and cotton-mix

Aran stitch polos in blue and navy.

Colour punches of tomato red in super t-shaped tops and a zipfronted a-line skirt work in an ultra-modern way, teamed with the soft blush pink or sky blue.

New looks include a red poppy print in a dress and top and a long silk scarf and a striking black and white marble print in easy to wear top and dress jersey separates.

Trousers for the early part of the season are smart, simple tailored styles in black or light grey, but the collection also includes some more relaxed washed cotton weekend styles in navy and grey, and in combat and chino styles for later in the season.

There are lots of wellpriced tops and t-shirts in Donnelly’s favourite neutral tones. One of the standout new pieces has a silk stretch front and jersey back and sleeves.

Shoes for early spring are on trend off-white leather lace-up trainers, which also come in metallic silver.

Gazette

20 Gazette 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

us and canada: stunning landscapes and spectacular cities

The Mimozas Resort is the picture-perfect base to explore this region without breaking the bank

The historic city of Quebec is one of the oldest European settlements in North America

Celebrate Easter in style in Cannes

An array of options for the trip of a lifetime

The Mimozas Resort in Cannes is looking like the place to be this Easter.

With the world’s biggest celebrities awaiting to descend on the city in May for the annual film festival, why not beat them to it and enjoy a superstar holiday for less?

The recently refurbished Mimozas Resort in Cannes-Mandelieu is the picture-perfect base to explore this region without breaking the bank.

With 15% off holidays of five nights or more and prices from €778.40 based on two adults in a luxury room self-catering apartment for seven nights, how can you go wrong?

What has Cannes got to offer?

D r i ve a l o n g t h e Grande Corniche and enjoy stunning views of the French Rivera, why not hire a classic car and enjoy the cliff side from Nice to Monaco in style?

For the history lover, a visit to Sainte

Marguerite by ferr y is essential. Here you can see the famous fort used for prisoners in the 20th century.

A 15-minute ferry ride for €14 return will make for a great day out.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed day – head to Saint Tropez.

Saint Tropez beach is one for your best bikini and plenty of sun cream.

Dine like a diva at Hostellerie Jerome restaurant in the medieval village of La Turbie.

With set dinner menus from €78 and an extravagant tasting menu for €138, you’re sure to be in for a treat. If you’re looking to have some Vegasesque fun, head down to Casino de Monte Carlo where entry for table games and slots is only €10. You must be over eighteen.

With flights starting from €89.98 return in March, why wouldn’t you celebrate this Easter in the stunning Mimozas self-catering apartments?

Travel Department have some great holiday offers to Canada and the US starting from €1,729pp.

Take the trip of a lifetime with a 10-night guided holiday through the Great White North of Canada.

With a package from € 2 ,19 9 p p i n cl u d i n g flights, transfers, accommodation and national park entrance fees, with the flight departing September 28, 2016.

Witness the snowcovered highlands and remarkable alpine scenery when you visit glaciers, rushing rivers and crystalline lakes.

With a stop in Vancouver, you can take some time to browse in trendy shops and see the city’s landmarks.

You will meander along the Icefield Parkway, stay overnight in the picturesque mountain village of Whistler home

to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Travelling by coach will allow for plenty of photostops along the way.

Follow Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail over nine nights, experiencing the bright lights, quiet countryside and spectacular scenery.

Begin your journey in Toronto, gateway to Niagara-Falls.

Tr ave l a l o n g t h e north-shore of Lake Ontario, enjoying a fullday guided tour of Montreal which will take in the Summer Olympics complex of 1976, Mount Royal, McGill University and Old Montreal.

Drive past French-Canadian villages taking in the historic city of Quebec with a full-day tour.

With three free days during your trip, you will have plenty of time to explore Toronto at your leisure.

Cost from €1,729pp

including flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions.

Due to popular demand extra dates have been added, with flights now departing May to October 2016.

Experience all that California and The Golden West has to offer on a 12-night rail trip.

Embark on a guided city tour of San Francisco, taking in The Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and Lombard Street.

Enjoy a day of leisure in Las Vegas where you can take a stroll on the dazzling strip or take your chances in one of the many casinos.

Make your way around LA, with some shopping and a tour of the Hollywood Hills.

Take a journey through California’s Central Valley with spectacular views before indulging in the beautiful Yosemite National Park.

A drive down one of

Take in the beautiful Yosemite National Park

the most famous roads in the world, route 66 and witness the unique scenery of the Mojave Desert.

Not to forget the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon Railway View towards the Grand Canyon.

Cost from €3,399 including flights, transfers, B&B accommodation, rail tickets and excursions. Flight departing September 1, 2016.

25 February 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

ReelReviews

sinking feeling An impossible heist

(Cert 12A, 120 mins) This docudrama depicts the incredible true story of a daring Coast Guard rescue operation off of Cape Cod during a ferocious storm in the winter of 1952. When an oil tanker splits in half, trapping its crew aboard the sinking vessel, four brave Guardsmen set out to save them.

GOOSEBUMPS Fun horror romp

(Cert PG, 103 mins) A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R L Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware.

Goosebumps boasts more than enough of its spooky source material’s kid-friendly charm to make up for some slightly scattershot humor and a hurried pace.

CINEMA

Triple 9: corrupt cops use their special skills for their own good

A relentless thrill ride of corruption and dread If there is one common thread that ties together much of Australian director John Hillcoat’s work, it is a sense of brooding intensity.

So it seems natural that Hillcoat’s creative path has repeatedly crossed with fellow countryman and friend Nick Cave.

The pair have partnered up for all of Hillcoat’s previous releases – with Cave providing music, screenplays, acting, and combinations thereof - but Triple 9 – a guns blazing cop thriller - marks something of a change of direction for Hillcoat.

There is a noticeable change of setting too, Hillcoat’s previ-

 Dave phillips

ous films took place in near-mythic settings like the menacing and chaotic prison system in Ghosts… of the Civil Dead, or the desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland of The Road, or the strange blend of Aussie Western that was The Proposition – these were canvases upon which anything could happen.

By contrast, Triple 9 feels firmly rooted in the here and now – and

DEADPOOL

Unconventional anti-hero (Cert R, 108mins) Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. A former special forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego, Deadpool.

Starring Ryan Reynolds.

The high-wattage cast includes Casey Affleck

this is definitely not a bad thing.

A criminal squad of crooked cops and exmilitary carry out bankheists at the behest of the Russian bosses who seem to have everybody in their pockets.

When the Russians demand the return of files from a heavily guarded homeland security safe-house, the only option available for the squad is to orchestrate a Triple 9 – the radio code to denote an officer down – to create the necessary window of opportunity.

Loaded with blaring sirens, blazing guns, American flags, Mexican drug dealers, and Russian mobsters, Triple

A criminal squad of crooked cops and ex-military carry out bank-heists at the behest Russian bosses

9 is two hours of unrelenting, story heaped on story action.

Writer Matt Cook has provided a screen play that feels cold-blooded in its content, and serpentine in its form – it is something that stands out in contrast to Hillcoat’s prior films.

And to fill the tanged tale, there is an impressive cast of suitably twisted characters.

Chris (Casey Affleck) t a ke s m u c h o f t h e focus - a greenhorn cop whose dedication to his job causes him to unwittingly become the officer marked to perish in the titular ‘999’.

H i s u n cl e J e f f r e y (Woody Harrelson) is on board as the detective investigating the heists, who in between consuming the haul of his drugs busts, keeps an eye out for Chris.

Norman Reedus (The

Walking Dead) and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) play the troubled Welch brothers who make up one part of the heist squad, alongside a trio of corrupt cops, Belmont (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr), and Atwood (Anthony Mackie).

Kate Winslet stars as the sinister Russian boss that pulls the strings.

And that is just the lay of the land at the outset.

Given that there is arguably no main protagonist, but rather a collection of equally weighted storylines, you can get a sense of some of the scope of Triple 9.

For the most part, Hillcoat uses the array of talent at his disposal expertly.

Though in contrast to his last film, Lawless, which was notable for its developed female characters, Triple 9

seems lacking.

Winslet’s character – an sociopathic, glamourous Russian mobster – is fun to watch but paper thin (and likewise Teresa Palmer, who appears as Chris’ wife).

Break the film down into constituent parts and there is an undeniable finesse in its tense atmosphere, incredible set pieces, and colourful characters.

It is a tremendous amount to fit into two hours, but the relentless attempt to cram as much information as possible can be overwhelming, and towards the end, exhausting.

Triple 9 is a film that hits the ground running and doesn’t stop for br e a t h – whic h turns out to be both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness.

Verdict: 7/10

25 February 2016 Gazette 23

Monaghan serves up some fine Spanish fare THIS week The Picky Eater took a trip out of Dublin to sample a restaurant on the border.

Tapas de Noche in Monaghan tow n (located at No 1, Russell Court, Broad Road; 047 72654) is relatively newly opened and the town was in dire need of somewhere that little bit different to eat out in.

If you were not after standard hotel fare, or an Indian or Chinese speciality, then you were unlucky to be in Monaghan ...

However, this place is offering rustic Spanish cooking with a little bit of Italian thrown in for good measure.

We visited on a Saturday, so the small restaurant was hopping, with the lovely Spanish guitar music playing in the background adding to the distinctly Mediterranean feel.

The service was prompt and friendly. Our party of three ordered several small dishes from the menu, which isn’t huge. We also went for a couple of specials from a blackboard; one of these being Moules Mariniere, a favourite of Picky’s.

We a l s o o r d e r e d melanzane parmigiana, prawns pil pil, potatoes of the day, and a couple of small pasta dishes, a spaghetti with prosciutto e piselli and al olio with prawns.

The melanzane was flavoursome and moreish and is definitely Picky’s favourite way to

cook and eat aubergines.

There were plenty of juices left over to mop up with some crusty breads.

The moules were delicate and succulent and, again, the creamy sauce offered plenty of soakage for the bread.

The pasta special, or prosciutto and peas, was delicious and full of flavour; however, the prawn pasta could have used a little more seasoning and garlic.

Prawns pil pil had a huge amount of kick – just how Picky likes them – and the prawns were huge and delicious.

Potatoes of the day were layered in cream with leeks and bacon and certainly hit the spot.

Desserts There are a handful of desserts on the menu, and we went for a tiramisu, which was the right amount of cream and coffee. A fudge cream is a lovely light dessert made from natural yoghurt, cream and liquer, topped off with hazelnuts and brown sugar. Yum. We ordered a bottle of the house white wine, a Baron Del Rey rioja, which is a really easy drink and went well with the Spanish and Italian flavours.

With wine and coffee, the bill came to €81 for three of us. If your are on your way to the North, or are staying in Monaghan for any occasion, this little gem of a restaurant is well worth the visit.

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

Tapas de Noche’s interior offers soothing, neutral tones – a comfortable, distraction-free setting in which to enjoy its delicious dishes

Gazette

24 Gazette 25 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

The Great Food Fight: ‘we have to learn again to trust our own bodies’

Foods that will make you feel good physically and mentally  shane rigney Food Vlogger

Some people have a fear of walking down the aisle, thoughts of standing on an altar all eyes on them as they sign up for a lifelong commitment leaves them shaking with anxiety like a lamb to slaughter.

Fair enough I suppose, but I’m not the marrying kind so I can’t quite empathise. There’s one aisle however that strikes fear in me like no other, actually there’s rows and rows of them and they’re lurking on every corner…in the supermarket!

What can be so spooky as to induce panic in the chest of a grown man in the vast and abundant aisles of our local food emporiums’ I hear you gasp?

Well I’ll tell you!

Shelf af ter shelf of guilt and mind boggling confusion that’s what. Millions and millions of packets and tins and jars of nutritional information and calorie counting, dirty

foods, clean foods and 50 shades of grey foods, cool foods and dude foods and rainbow coloured whole foods.

It’s a mine field and what used to be a pleasurable experience - for me as a chef anyway has turned into a dash through a snake infested fire pit where I’m lucky to get out with anything that may not give me a heart attack, brain tumour, cancer or at best a leaky gut.

It’s fair to say that the slew of scientific information that has come about in the past 20 years is of benefit to how we eat. We now know conclusively about the effects of sugar and fats on our bodies and are not relying on certain studies backed by huge food manufacturers which discredit one food group over another.

But how on ear th does the average person that is concerned about their weight and overall health - which is most people nowadays - wade through all the

conflictory guidelines and make an informed decision when it comes to their diet?

What does one do when the clock hits 1pm and they leave the desk to get lunch and find themselves staring aimlessly at the array of choices on the deli menu?

“I’ll have chicken, cheese and lettuce with mayonnaise on white bread” Actually white bread is absorbed really fast, brown bread is better, fuller longer and all that. “ I ’ l l h ave b r ow n bread.”

Actually brown bread has the same calories as white bread.

“I’ll have a salad, chicken with lettuce and cheese and tomato with that three-bean salad thing,” Actually beans are bad now because they’re not paleo and contain phytic acid and cause malabsorption of key nutrients.

“I’ll have chicken salad with tomato and

Eating a diet rich in fibrous, whole healthy carbs with plenty of animal proteins and tonnes of veggies will give you the best chance at a healthy, happy life

Modern healthy eating can be a mine field of confusion

cheese and potato salad.”

Actually potatoes are high in carbs and that will cause my blood sugars to rise and then my insulin to rise and then I’ll have a dip and then I’ll want chocolate.

“I’ll have chicken with salad and tomato and cheese and egg salad too, yeah loads of protein and protein’s really good.”

Actually that’s too much saturated fat so that’s bad for my heart and has no fibre so my gut health won’t be good.

“I’ll have chicken and cheese with tomato and some of that kale salad, yeah like kale’s a superfood because it contains loads of minerals so that’s definitely good.”

Actually kale has phy tic acid like the beans so that means I won’t absorb the nutrients in my food and I’ll get a leaky gut and the

paleo heads say that’s because cavemen didn’t eat chickpeas or lentils and definitely not kale and even though we have 50,000 years of evolution on them that must be right, ok no kale.

“I’ll have chicken and lettuce with cucumber and tomato and a tiny bit of cheese and a tiny bit of egg because I forgot saturated fat is fine now, it’s only trans-fat that’s bad and a tiny bit of sweet potato.”

“Oh and no dressing and a diet coke, thanks.”

D o e s a ny o f t h i s sound normal or sane or rational?

Bet it sounds familiar though right? And don’t even get me started on gluten! I can’t pretend I ’m a n e x p e r t t h a t has studied nutrition, although I have spent probably as many hours studying the biological impact of foods on the

body, and as a chef, I go to lengths to be aware of these impacts in the food I cook. But here’s what I know.

We as a modern, busy society and community can’t keep living like this, driving ourselves round the twist about our food choices.

We have to learn again to trust our own bodies and eat the foods that make us feel good physically and mentally.

We have to enjoy eating real, whole, nutritiously rich foods that nourish our bodies and minds and that give us pleasure in the way any primal need for something is supposed to.

We must learn how to recognise the triggers that make us eat the wrong foods perhaps in abundance and to correct these and then get back to a balanced diet that consists of certain foods in abundance and

certain foods as treats.

No super food will make you skinny, no chia seed will make you smart and no piece of bread will make you fat.

Eating a diet rich in fibrous, whole healthy carbs -including breadwith plenty of animal proteins and tonnes of veggies, most of the time, will give you the best chance at a healthy, happy life on the inside and out.

It’s that simple. If you prefer rice to quinoa then by all means stick to that staple, if not mix it up a little and try some sweet potato oven chips for a change.

Put down the magazines, stop wrecking your head online and ignore the white noise.

Oh and make sure to include the fruit, just one piece mind, there’s sugar lurking in there and for the love of god, don’t juice it!

25 February 2016 Gazette 25

opinion: domestic violence remains a worrying problem – women’s aid

Protecting women is still a big issue for all WOMEN’S Aid, the national agency supporting women and children affected by domestic violence, have begun a final push to put domestic violence on the political agenda during the General Election campaign.

We are urging the next government to fully protect young women from dating abuse by amending the Domestic Violence Act, and are also calling for a new law to protect women from digital abuse and stalking.

Over the next few weeks, we will raise the issue of funding cuts to domestic violence services.

We at Women’s Aid, despite a cut in our core funding of 31% during the recession, have recently made our National Freephone Helpline a 24-hours a day, seven days a week service.

The demand for our out of hours service has surpassed expectations, by 283% in the first month.

Demand is increasing while our funding is being cut. Listening, believing and supporting women affected by domestic violence must be a priority. We must be fully resourced to meet the demand we know is there.

This February, we highlighted the issue of dating abuse against young women with the 2in2u national public aware-

ness Valentine’s Day campaign. The reaction has been phenomenal, with the issue of digital abuse and “revenge porn” coming to the fore in recent weeks.

It is very timely that we explore the issue of dating and digital abuse during the General Election campaign. A key area of concern is the lack of legal protection for young women who have never lived with their boyfriends.

Women in dating relationships are left unprotected under current legislation. Abuse can feature within all intimate relationships, and 16% of women accessing our oneto-one services in 2014 had never cohabitated with their abuser, nor had a child in common.

They cannot access legal protection under the Domestic Violence Act, and there is no indication that this will change any time soon. This is unacceptable.

We are also calling on whoever forms the next government to enact new, all-encompassing legislation to better protect women from digital abuse and stalking, and for a better understanding of the harmful and insidious nature of digital abuse.

Women’s Aid recommends that a specific stalking offence be introduced in Irish law, with a comprehensive but not exhaustive definition –

including new forms of cyber-stalking – and that stalking be recognised as grounds for a safety order.

We are asking voters to email candidates in their constituencies in support of our #DomesticViolenceMatters campaign.

In two weeks, voters will go to the polls. Between now and then, we are asking the public to show candidates that domestic violence matters to them.

We must remind those candidates seeking election that domestic violence is a serious crime – one that can result in stress, short- and longterm trauma and physical injuries and, in extreme cases, homicide.

One in five women in Ireland are affected by domestic violence, and in 2014 Women’s Aid heard more than 16,000 disclosures of abuse against women, and more than 5,700 disclosures of abuse against children.

We know that since we started our records in 1996, 211 women have been murdered in Ireland; 55% of women are killed by their partners or expartners. In some homicide cases, children, parents, siblings and friends have also been attacked or killed.

Domestic violence impacts on women, children and the community around them. It cannot be minimised or dismissed.

We owe it to those affected to take effective political action to protect them, provide them with the support they need and respond fully and appropriately. We must act before more lives are lost and more hurt is caused to women, children and communities.

A woman in an abusive relationship needs a range of services to survive, protect herself and any children, and to support her to safety.

Essential services and systems have been severely impacted by the economic recession.

Since 2008, specialist domestic violence support services for women and their children have received substantial funding cuts.

These cuts are having a real impact on the lives of thousands of women and children living in fear in their own homes, which is why we are also highlighting funding cuts for vital services during the #DomesticViolenceMatters campaign.

2016 needs to be a turning point for women and children affected by domestic violence. Whoever forms the next government, and members of the next Dail and Seanad, must take domestic violence against women and children seriously.  Margaret Martin Director, Women’s Aid

Margaret Martin, director, Women’s Aid – One in five women in Ireland are affected by domestic violence, and its impact on women, children and the community around them cannot be minimised or dismissed

Gazette

FEATURE

26 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 25 February 2016

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PLANNING NOTICE Dublin City Council

Sarah and Matthew Cronin are applying for planning permission to FRQVWUXFW D ¿UVW ÀRRU extension and alterations to rear of existing dwelling including the installation of 2 no. Velux to existing roof at 97 St. Mary’s Road, East Wall, Dublin 3. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making D FRS\ DW WKH RI¿FHV of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

26253

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PLANNING NOTICE

We, Donal & Linda O’Gorman, intend to apply for permission for a development at 23 Ballymun Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. The development will consist of the demolition of a single storey and a two storey extension to the rear of a dwellinghouse and for the construction of a two storey extension to the side and rear of the dwellinghouse, 2 YHOX[ URRÀLJKWV DQG IRU associated siteworks.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, DW WKH RIÂżFHV RI 'XEOLQ City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of â‚Ź 20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. And such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Agent : Sean Kerr, A1 Design Services 086 227 3425. 26248

Dublin City Council

PLANNING NOTICE

We, Mr & Mrs Errol Golding intend to apply for Retention Permission and Planning Permission for site changes to already approved development (ref:2415/13) 1) Retention of existing rear driveway and access onto Grange Park Close from new house No 1A 2) Permission to re-locate pedestrian entrance to new house No 1A 3) Permission for single driveway and access from original house No 1 including extension of footpath dishing onto Grange Park Green, thereby eliminating shared access and parking as per original grant of planning permission(ref:2415/13) at 1 Grange Park Green (junction of Grange Park Close) Raheny Dublin 5.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at WKH RIÂżFHV RI WKH 'XEOLQ City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within WKH SHULRG RI ÂżYH ZHHNV beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application

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25 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 27

dublin cityCLASSIFIEDS PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

Dublin City Council

Dublin City Council

Permission is sought by John and Ellen Mulvihill Permission is sought for development which will consist of, New ground and first floor rear extension.New velux roof window to existing over landing area.

Demolition of existing rear ground floor and first floor extension, with all ancillary services.

Address: 3 Leicester Ave. Dublin 6 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

26235

PLANNING NOTICE Dublin City Council

Permission is sought by Anaelagh properties ltd Permission is sought for development which will consist of, New ground and first floor side extension.

To provide two additional bedrooms one bathroom upstairs, with additional living area downstairs.

One additional off street car parking space with dropped kerb. with all ancillary services. Address: 81 Lismore Road, Crumlin.

Dublin 12 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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We, John Ryan and Eamonn McGinn, intend to apply for planning permission for the development of a treebedroom dwelling on the vacant site known as nos.

13 & 14 Kilmainham Lane, Dublin 8, which site fronts also to the south to Rowserstown Lane, at the north end of Kearns Place, between the existing east and west ranges of ‘The Steps’ development. The proposed new dwelling LV WR EH ÂżYH VWRUH\ WR Rowserstown Lane and three-storey to Kilmainham Lane and incorporates a KRPH RIÂżFH VSDFH DW ORZHU JURXQG Ă€RRU OHYHO DV ZHOO as areas of balcony and patio terrace, including a private terrace to be attached to the existing ÂżUVW Ă€RRU DSDUWPHQW DW no. 8 The Steps. This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making D FRS\ DW WKH RIÂżFHV RI Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, (Ground Floor), &LYLF 2IÂżFHV :RRG Quay, Dublin 8, during their public opening hours (9.00am to 4.30pm), and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority, on payment of the prescribed fee (â‚Ź20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

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PLANNING NOTICE Dublin City Council

We Patrick and Eilish Regan, intend to apply for permission for development at this site at No. 100 Celtic Park Avenue, Beaumont, Dublin 9 The development will consist of: • Conversion of attic space WR RI¿FH VWRUDJH • New dormer to existing side roofslope and URRÀLJKWV WR UHDU URRIVORSH • All associated siteworks and internal alterations The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, DW WKH RI¿FHV RI 'XEOLQ City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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28 gazette 25 February 2016

SPORT

FastSport john giles foundation gets big boost: THE FAI has this week secured €100,000 of funding from the UEFA Foundation for Children to support health and social integration projects via the John Giles Foundation.

Established in 2010, the John Giles Foundation operates an open application process for football clubs, schools and community organisations to apply for funding towards their own football project with a social inclusion remit.

The latest initiative of the Foundation is to encourage grassroots clubs to embrace a national Healthy Kids’ team event.

This involves three main elements: education on nutrition, a balanced diet and the importance of regular physical activity; an outlet to provide physical activity; and support to children from their team and community to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

hockey: booterstown club win inaugural national league crown

Hermes sweep to EYHL title  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

HERMES claimed the first European spot on offer along with the inaugural women’s EY Hockey League regular season title as their devastating form confirmed they will top the competition.

They lead the pack by 14 points having run up an incredible 13 wins and a draw to date. The win over Greenfields was comprehensive, racing into a 3-0 lead in the first quarter and a five-goal advantage at the break.

It was tough throughout for the Galway side who were without a number of regulars while their superb

goalkeeper Sinead Collins was hampered by an injury, too, playing through the pain barrier.

In truth, it followed the same pattern as the other ties between the sides this season, Hermes racing into a 5-0 half-time lead and they scarcely looked back. They broke the deadlock in the seventh minute after good work from Nikki Evans located Chloe Watkins who made no mistake.

Evans added a second after good work from Naomi Carroll – both players returning after injury – before Caitriona McGilp got Hermes’ third from close range.

In the second quarter, Sinead Loughran’s

reverse secured the four th before Ellen Curran scored from a corner. Greenfields had some fleeting attacks via Sorcha Minihan and Ellie Noone while Trish Garrett drew a fine save from Emma Gray.

Hermes always had the extra gear, however, and added another three goals in the third quarter via Sarah Greene’s deflection, Chloe Watkins from an Evans’ assists, and Curran’s second of the day.

Carroll completed the win with ten minutes remaining before Watkins missed a penalty stroke with two minutes left that would have brought the result to double figures.

Elsewhere, Hermes

Hermes’ Nikki Evans celebrates. Picture: Adrian Boehm

benefitted from the resurgent Elks’ important 3-1 win against UCD, the one opponent that could have overhauled the Booterstown side who have also pinned down a Champions Trophy place.

Megan Frazer’s early p e n a l t y s t r o ke w a s counter-acted by Elaine Carey’s 38th minute goal.

But two goals in three minutes – a cracker from Dawn Axon and a close range effort from

Robyn Chambers – saw the Elks race clear. They move back into the top half of the table and back into range of the playoff places.

Pegasus moved up to second place with a 3-1 win over Cork Harlequins with Vanessa Surgeoner and Alex Speers getting the key goals in the second half. The Ulster side have strengthened their position at the head of a glut of teams covered by three points from sec-

ond to fifth, all with a big interest in the playoff places.

Nicola Kerr’s goal saw UCC produce a hugely important 1-0 win at Serpentine Avenue against Pembroke to raise their hopes, once again, of possibly avoiding the relegation playoff tie.

They are two points off Ards whom they will play on March 6 in a potentially crucial battle to avoid that playoff place.

Dublin Castle to host historic An Post Ras departure  sport@dublingazette.com

Martyn Irvine, Bryan McCrystal and Eddie Dunbar at the launch of the An Post Ras Picture: Billy Stickland/Inpho

BEGINNING at Dublin Castle and totalling over 1,200 kilometres, the route of the 2016 An Post Ras was unveiled this week ahead of its grand departure on May 22.

This year’s edition will travel anti-clockwise around Ireland with stage finishes in Multyfarnham, Charleville, Dingle, Sneem, Clonakilty, Dungarvan and Baltinglass before the customary finale in Skerries.

The opening stage from Dublin Castle ensures an historic

setting for Ireland’s toughest annual sporting event. As ever, the race will see some of Ireland’s top amateur riders compete against professional riders and seasoned internationals around the world.

In total, the race features 25 climbs, with the category one ascents of Conor Pass, Ballaghisheen Pass and Mount Leinster the toughest of those.

However, they won’t be the only obstacle; rolling roads and strong winds will also play a part in the outcome, as will the tactics and aggression of those

fighting for the jerseys and stage honours.

Former world track champion, Martyn Irvine, was on hand to launch this year’s route alongside top Irish riders Eddie Dunbar and Bryan McCrystal.

Irvine, who recently announced his retirement from the sport, believes the county riders will be licking their lips when they see the route.

“The Ras is unlike any other race in the world. On one side, you have the international riders coming from abroad and on the other you have amateur rid-

ers here who train on this terrain all year round chomping at the bit for a win.

“We saw it with the likes of Ian Richardson and Bryan McCrystal last year; they were putting it to the best riders from around the globe on every stage and it was great to see. I’m sure this year, after seeing the route, there will be Irish guys in the mix.”

After leaving Dublin Castle on Sunday, May 22, the 64th edition of the An Post Rás will officially begin with the drop of the flag in Clonee.

25 February 2016 gazette 29

Gazette

Levelling the land via the radio waves

FastSport

The Fair Game Podcast, launched this month by RTE’s Elaine Buckley and Emily Glen, is seeking to bring the conversation about female sport into greater focus  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

DO WOMEN get a fair deal in sport, and sports coverage? It’s not difficult to see an argument that they don’t: TV sport is dominated by the men’s game in almost every code, attendances at women’s games are often a fraction of the men’s, and where men’s games are professional, women’s often aren’t.

With Fair Game Podcast, Elaine Buckley and Emily Glen are hoping to change feelings and attitudes towards women in sport in Ireland, through both talking to the women involved and going indepth on subjects they feel lack the media attention they deserve. They describe their production as an attempt to “break

the cycle”.

The problem, Buckley feels, lies in three different areas. “There’s a vicious cycle of poor attendance, a lack of sponsorship and a lack of coverage that needs to be broken somewhere,” she tells GazetteSport.

“Lack of coverage can be scapegoated as the root of all problems, but we have to look at tiny crowds, too. Crowds seem to appear at women’s games only after we see success, like in women’s rugby recently.

“There can be a problem with information in women’s sport, too,” Buckley continues. “A couple of months before Katie Taylor won her Olympic gold, she was fighting in Dublin, at the National Boxing Arena.

There was so little infor-

mation available about it that I had to drop into the venue to find out how to get tickets.”

“It turns out I needn’t have bothered, as hardly anyone attended. That’s not a problem Katie would have now, but lack of information definitely doesn’t help the situation.

“Sometimes finding the most basic information about GAA fixtures is difficult, too.”

While Buckley comes from a media background - she works at RTE - Glen is at an NGO. Both are passionate sports women in their own right but are lending their podcast extra weight with a host of high-profile sporting guests, all of whom have an interest in women in sport.

Sinead Kissane, a TV3

Serious support: Lidl’s eye-catching promotion of the ladies football leagues has made a big impact in 2016 already. Picture: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

and Irish Independent sports journalist, and Kate Rowan, author of rugby book Six Nations, Two Stories, featured on a media-leaning first episode – each week will deal with a different subject matter – with rugby international Nora Stapleton and Wexford Youths soc-

“Every day I drive past a double billboard,” she says. “TV coverage has grown. When the ‘ladyball’ came along I thought it was the most offensive thing on the face of it, but the sponsorship has been huge for the game.”

“We love to outrage,” goes the discussion at

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

‘We love to outrage! But what do you about it? Why not do something with it, maybe go to a game?’ - Elaine Buckley --------------------------------------------------------

cer star Ruth Fahy set to star in episode two.

Both presenters are keen to highlight a broad array of forthcoming women’s sporting competitions that should be making the headlines.

Glen highlights the track and field athletes at the Rio Olympics, particularly the “incredible” Fionnuala McCormack, as well as the T20 cricket world cup next month and hopes for a first European level qualification for the women’s soccer team.

Buckley is a big GAA fan, and points to Lidl’s newfound sponsorship of the sport, describing the opportunity it provides as stunning, despite their controversial promotion of their involvement through the pink-branded ladyball.

one point in episode one.

“We love to go mad when anybody is seen in insult women in sport. But what do you do about it? You have your outrage and you move on. Why not do something with it?

Why not go to a game, maybe?”

T here’s anger, but there’s also hope - hope that voices for progress and a step towards breaking the cycle of poor publicity might help push women’s sport onto a level – or at least leveller – playing field.

Fair Game Podcast which will feature two guests from two different disciplines in each fortnightly episode - is available through iTunes and at castaway.media/ fairgame. It will focus on Grass Roots in episode two, due this week.

Travers, Mageean and Clohisey progress times DONORE Harriers’s John Travers finished sixth in the undercard mile at Millrose Games in a time of 3.58.10 with John Coghlan, from Metro St Brigid’s, 11th in 4.12.79 at a meeting in which Irish runners made their mark.

Indeed, UCD’s Ciara Mageean was in record-breaking form, setting a new indoor mile record at the event She finished sixth in the women’s Wannamaker mile on Saturday night in 4:28.40 to erase Roisin McGettigan’s 4:30.06 set back in 2009 in Boston.

“New Irish record over the mile at the Millrose Games,” said Mageean. “Still some work to do but 2016 is shaping up nicely.”

This is her second indoor record in three weeks having set a new indoor 1500m record of 4:08.66 in Karlsruhe. The UCD athlete is set to compete in the GloHealth National senior indoor championships in Athlone next weekend.

Meanwhile in Seville, Raheny Shamrocks’ Mick Clohisey, pictured, finished ninth to set a new marathon personal best of 2.15.11. This now moves him to number two on the Irish rankings list for Rio – three seconds faster than Sergiu Ciobanu’s 2.15.14.

“There are plenty of twists in the tale to come,” said marathon legend Dick Hooper – coach of Mick Clohisey. “He slowed between the 35-40 km mark but picked it up again. It’s another good run and the standard is rising in the marathon.”

Former DSDAC runner Gladys Ganiel finished 13th in the women’s race in 2.38.53 with Barbara Sanchez, from Clonliffe Harriers, one further place behind in 2.39.49.

Both are Olympic qualifying times but they remain outside the top three spots to make the team. Breege Connolly currently occupies the final qualifying spot with 2.37.29 set in London last April.

Gazette

30 dublin city gazette 25 February 2016

SPORT

FastSport

basketball: quinn nealon and White lead the loreto way

Bell bow out of Metro Cup to bang on Drums LSL champions Bluebell United crashed out of the Metropolitan Cup to Sunday Senior rivals Drumcondra – a side they’d beaten in the Charlie Cahill Cup only a week earlier – last Friday evening.

While Sean Byrne had notched a hat trick for the league champions Bluebell – who are having a strong league season once again – last time out, the second match between the two sides inside seven days saw a tame and tired-looking first half, one played with a sense that the two sides had tactically hemmed each other in.

With chances at a premium, Drumcondra broke the deadlock just before the break with only their - and the game’s - second chance of note, Mark Kelly finishing from close range on the whistle following an aggressive chase down the left and ball in from Lennie McMillan.

Bluebell, meanwhile, were struggling to string together meaningful first half possession, and spent much of the opening period simply keeping Drumcondra at arms length.

Bluebell’s first notable chance of the game didn’t come until after the hour mark, with Byrne attempting to add to last week’s tally, but unable to beat Cranley in the Drumcondra goal as he fired a sharp effort on the turn.

The Red Cow club were slowly gaining control of the ball, however, and while most of their possession was in less than dangerous areas, the northside club were looking progressively less in control of the tie despite their lead.

McMillan was having a great day, however, and once again had a moment of class as he bustled his way through the Bluebell defence to beat the visitor’s goalkeeper Andy McNulty and put his side firmly in control at 2-0.

Dylan Maloney had a chance to add to the the tally as he too found himself clear through on McNulty, only for the goalkeeper to make a great stop with his legs.

For the last fifteen minutes, Bluebell tried every trick in the book, from a host of substitutions to peppering the Drumcondra goal with high balls, but couldn’t find their way past Cranley and his solid back line.

Pearl Slattery, right, leads out the Shelbourne team last Sunday at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

Crumlin the All-Ireland champs women’s fai cup final Loreto Crumlin St Aidan’s, Cork  sport@dublingazette.com

33 27

THE girls of Loreto Crumlin were crowned basketball’s Under-19C victors at the All-Ireland Schools League finals on Monday, making amends for defeat at the semifinals stage of last year’s U-16C competition.

They beat St Aidan’s of Cork 33-27, with all five starters getting on the score sheet at the National Basketball Arena in a close-run contest.

“It’s 10 years of hard

work to get where we are and badly needed in the school,” said winning coach Darren McGuinness. “We knew St Aidan’s would struggle outside so our focus was to keep the defence compact and force them to shoot from distance.

With our two Ireland players, we thought we had the advantage.”

Crumlin’s players of international experience were Claire Quinn Nealon and Ciara White.

Quinn-Nealon’s bazooka right arm and step up in the fourth quarter earned her an MVP award while White’s constant hustle

mini marathon Over 40,000 set to take part in annual event the Vhi women’s mini marathon was launched this week on Sandymount Strand

by Nicky Fitzgerald, Sarah McCaffrey and Niamh Brogan. They were joined by Vhi representatives Brighid Smyth and Kathy Endersen to promote the 2016 edition.

Over 40,000 participants are expected to walk, jog or run the 10K route through Dublin city on Monday, June 6. Enter at www. vhiwomensminimarathon.ie Picture: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

set a trend that was well maintained by Niamh White and Reanne Devlin.

St Aidan’s were rocked by a pre-game injury to captain, point-guard and National Cup winner Kelly Murphy and lacked an element of control in the early possessions. Loreto looked to target any hesitation in the back court with a high press and plenty of trapping.

Loreto pushed out to a 9-3 lead before St Aidan’s grew into the game.

Jodie Forde fired in the first basket of the second quarter for the Cork

side and was a constant threat inside the freethrow line.

She was swarmed by Crumlin but still had the tenacity to get shots away and narrow the gap further still from the freethrow line.

Kaitlyn Long’s fastbreak finish had the margin back to 19-15 by the end of the third quarter.

Loreto Crumlin had a clear offensive edge, but it wasn’t translating into baskets.

Cr ucially through, St Aidan’s missed their chance to make it a onepossession game. Crumlin pounced with a 10-0

run sparked by Quinn Neylon’s baseline drive and although St Aidan’s applied plenty of pressure down the home stretch, they were up against it in the shortened format of eight-minute quarters.

King’s Hospital, meanwhile won the Under-16C final with a 41-35 success against St Ronan’s, Lurgan in one of the other finals.

Sophie Muro was the star of the show as the Kings Hos player, originally from the north of Spain, earned the MVP title as she accounted for over 70% of her side’s points total.

25 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY gazette 31

Gazette

football: belfield side end 20-year sigerson wait

Annette Biilings, wife of UCD and Dublin legend Dave, joins the celebrations

McCaffrey’s UCD pay the perfect tribute

sigerson cup final UCD 0-10 DCU 2-2  aAron gallagher sport@dublingazette.com

A JACK McCaffrey led UCD are this year’s Sigerson Cup champions following a 0-10 to 2-2 victory over Dublin rivals DCU. In an even game, it was the late points of man of the match John Heslin and late replacement for Footballer of the Year McCaffrey, Stephen Coen, that sealed the two-point win in Jordanstown.

UCD captain McCaffrey was substituted with minutes remaining with the player likely feeling the strain of an injury suffered in his side’s semifinal win over University Limerick.

He was deemed fit to play however and played an integral part in earning record title holders UCD their first championship since 1996.

Speaking afterwards the defender was overjoyed to bring home UCD’s first Sigerson title in 20 years.

“It was a weird game, it went right down to the last couple of minutes”, he said. “I just can’t believe that we finally managed to win. It looked like we were in trouble for a while but DCU are a great side.

“We’ve played them five times, they’ve beaten us a few times by a point or two, we’ve beaten them by a few points today – it’s always nip and tuck.”

McCaffrey added this week’s medal to his three All-Ireland Senior Football Championships, three Leinster Football Championships, three National Football Leagues, two AllIreland Under-21 Football Championships, Leinster Under-21 Football Championship as well as All Star Young Football of the Year and last year’s All Star Footballer of the Year award – the player now realising a new addition to his trophy cabinet.

“It’s very special but it probably won’t sink in for a while. My dad would have a Sigerson title and even when I was out supporting the UCD freshers team last week, you would have seen lads from the

1970s and 1980s wearing their Sigerson jerseys.

“It’s hard to take stock of it at the moment but it is right up there.”

McCaffrey was quick to dedicate the victory to the late Dave Billings who sadly passed away last year.

The former Dublin selector worked under both Tommy Lyons and Paul Caffrey and was beloved in Belfield having worked at the UCD since the 1970s.

“It was a very emotional day. Brian Mullins would have worked very closely and been very friendly

with Dave Billings going back to when the two of them were kids.” McCaffrey noted. “Dave was always in our thoughts and I think Brian was just delighted we could do it for Dave and dedicate it to him.

“Dave would never like to think he was responsible for these things but he is the driving force behind everything in UCD and even though he’s gone the legacy he left is still ticking over.

“Ever y thing that’s going on in UCD has his stamp on it and this win does especially.”

FastGAA

McDunphy inspires second half display DUBLIN’S minor ladies footballers registered their second win of the minor championship with a nine-point victory over Wexford 1-9 to 1-4.

The score line is not a true reflection of the contest as the girls from the sunny south east made the Dubs work extremely hard for their victory but were undone by a quality showing from the sky blues.

The weather conditions were exceptionally unpleasant for both teams with players having to contend with driving winds and rain throughout.

Wexford, playing with the aid of the wind in the first half, opened the scoring with late replacement Emily Coakley and centre forward Sinead Ryan on target for the visitors. Ciara McDunphy and Tara Fitzgibbon got the home side on the board to bring the game level with 17 minutes gone on the clock. McDunphy pulled Dublin ahead in the 22ndminute with a well taken free only for Coakley to respond forWexford with two unanswered points giving Wexford a one point lead at the break, 0-4 to 0-3.

Dublin introduced Jennifer Dunne into the game at half time in place of midfielder Hannah O’Dea, a member of the Colaiste Iosagain All-Ireland semi-final winning team who played the day previously in the senior post-primary schools All-Ireland semi-final in Mullingar.

Within seconds of the restart, Rachel Douglas brought the sides level but Wexford responded superbly with a well-taken goal scored by the aforementioned Coakley. Dublin, rocked by the Wexford goal, reacted brilliantly, with six unanswered points, McDunphy with four while Dunne and O’Sullivan tagged on a point each.

The decisive score came in the 56th minute when Dublin were awarded a penalty for a foul on O’Sullivan in the small square.

The Naomh Olaf forward had superbly fielded a floating high ball only to be brought down by Wexford keeper Brid Byrne and full back Sadbh McCarthy.

McDunphy’s initial penalty shot was stopped on the line by Byrne but the Raheny forward reacted quickest to slot the rebound into the back of the Wexford net. Mia Jennings, who had a superb game, tagged on two well taken points to stretch Dublin’s lead further. The last score of the game came from corner forward McDunphy in the 60th minute bringing her personal tally to 1-7.

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GazetteSPORT all of your dublin city sports coverage from page 28-31

perfect tribute: UCD end 20-year Sigerson Cup wait, honouring the memory of Dave Billings P31

feb 25 - march 2, 2016

hermes message of intent: Dublin club win inaugural EY Hockey League victory P29

McGregor’s Diaz date Conor McGregor has a hastily arranged new opponent for next week’s UFC 196

For a fourth time in eight bouts, Dublin UFC star set to meet a different opponent to the original bill as Rafael dos Anjos breaks bone in his foot

 sport@dublingazette.com

CONOR McGregor will once again be forced to fight a hastily put together replacement in UFC 196 on Saturday, March 5 after last Tuesday brought the news that his opponent, Rafael dos Anjos, had broken his foot in training and would no longer be able to compete in the event.

McGregor was bidding to strip Dos Anjos of his lightweight title to become a doublechampion, holding both UFC featherweight and lightweight titles simultaneously if he had won.

While the title belt is off the table, he will fight on the card with Nate Diaz confirmed

on Wednesday morning as the replacement opponent in a non-title bout.

In a surprise twist, the pair will duel at the 170lbs welterweight division – apparently at McGregor’s request – meaning that the Dubliner will jump up two divisions in one go.

His last bout in December was in the 145lb featherweight division when he demolished Jose Aldo in 13 seconds but he appears happy enough to skip the lightweight class for the Diaz date and take on a division that Diaz will be more attuned to, McGregor reportedly saying: “Make it 170. Tell him to get comfortable.”

Diaz also fought last December, a week after McGregor had beaten Aldo, with a unan-

imous win over Michael Johnson. In the wake of the bout, Diaz called out the Dubliner to take him on.

It is another bold move from McGregor but it looks like the decision could give him many further options and potential opponents in the future.

As for Dos Anjos, he became the fourth fighter to withdraw from McGregor’s eight UFC fights since 2013. Most recently was that of Brazilian fighter Aldo who withdrew from UFC 189 due to a rib injury.

McGregor beat Aldo’s replacement Chad Mendes in July last year before the much-anticipated unification fight between McGregor and Aldo in December.

That bout saw the Irish fighter continue his unbeaten streak in the UFC with his seventh straight victory– a total career record of 19-2.

Adjusting to new opponents is nothing new for McGregor and his team. To that end, McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh spoke last Saturday morning on RTE about how preparations were always primarily on what his man can do rather than the opponent.

The rationale was simple given that so many opponents had been forced out in the past, saying that if he were to prepare a game plan solely designed for the originally scheduled opponent, he could be susceptible to a change in style in these circumstances.