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April 13 - 19, 2017

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Motoring: The Kia Optima SW has been given a sleek update P20

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

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SPORT St Kevin’s fight on all fronts 32

PhotoPop’s ingenious campaign goes global  SYLVIA POWNALL

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you All is not what is seems in this perilous pic ...

TWO Dublin men have been making headlines for very different reasons thanks to some clever PhotoShop image editing work.

Doting dad Stephen Crow-

ley saw his skilfully edited shots of daughter Hannah in dangerous situations go viral, with media around the world spotting his startling images.

However, it’s all in a good cause. Talking to The Gazette, the Tallaght dad explained

how the images were helping to draw attention to his beautiful baby’s rare immunue disorder, and he hopes to encourage people to sign up to donate bone marrow.

Across the city, meanwhile, a Fine Gael TD sent some

rival politicians boiling mad with an edited poster attacking the Cowen FF dynasty and their stance on water charges – with even his own party criticising his edited Back to the Future poster.

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2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

EDUCATION | PUBLIC URGED TO BACK PETITION IN NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Mum fighting for autism supports  EMMA NOLAN

A DUBLIN woman is on a mission to get facilities for autistic children into every classroom in the country.

Judith Clarke is campaigning for every autistic child to get the education supports they need and, with a five-year-old autistic son of her own, she has seen first-hand how beneficial the supports are.

Talking to The Gazette, she said: “I have started a petition for the Government to put an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) class/unit in all Irish schools, because there is such a lack of them in so many schools.”

So far, the petition has amassed 3,670 signatures, but 1,330 more are needed to reach the 5,000 target.

Judith said: “I know a lot of parents who aren’t able to get their child a

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‘I think it is shameful that in 2017 ... these children who are vulnerable due to their condition are just forgotten about’

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Judith Clarke

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place in a [ASD] unit – it’s a huge problem at the moment.

“I think it is shameful that in 2017, in a country where the economy is supposed to be back on its feet and doing well, that these children who are vulnerable due to their condition are just forgotten about.”

The units or classes are attached to a mainstream

Colourful costumes Seuss you very well!

THESE colourfully-dressed characters created quite vibrant visuals as they gathered to highlight Baldoyle Musical Society’s delightful upcoming Seussical – The Musical.

The show promises to bring together some of the children’s author Dr Seuss’s most popular characters and settings in one unforgettable show, with audiences sure to be delighted during its fivenight run.

Running from April 18 to 22 in St Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle, tickets are available to buy from www. baldoylemusicalsociety.ie, or by calling 085 137 8329.

Keith Duffy is just one of thousands of people backing mum Judith Clarke’s (right) autism campaign, with his tweet (above) calling on people to sign her petition

school and consist of two special needs assistants and one teacher.

There is a maximum of six students per unit; some units have a sensory room attached to them.

The Ballybrack mum explained that in the units, autistic students will receive a lot more one-on-

one attention and individual education plans and timetables and “social stories” which allows the children to more easily transition from one subject to another.

She added: “They have a lot of interventions to help children with autism, and eventually the aim is

to integrate them into mainstream classes – it’s a great facility.”

While the number of ASD units have increased in recent years, there still isn’t enough, Judith said.

“There’s a huge shortage throughout the country.”

Judith said she has had a great response to her campaign so far and has gained the support of parents all across the country, as well as support from a number of politicians.

She has also reached out to Minister for Education Richard Bruton and Minister for Children Katherine Zappone.

Ex-Boyzone star Keith Duffy, whose daughter has autism, has tweeted (pictured) his support for Judith’s cause.

She added: “The response has been very good, and it’s continuing to gather support, day by day.”

FASTNews

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

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

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

Young travel writers called to enter cool new contest CALLING all budding writers, a writing competition aimed at discovering Ireland’s best young travel writers has just been announced. Young writers are now invited to write an 800-word short story about their favourite air journey and where it has taken them on their travels.

Organised by the Immrama Festival of Travel Writing, which is set to take place in Waterford this June, the winner will be awarded an iPad mini and a €100 Amazon voucher and the teacher of the winning student will be awarded with a €500 Aer Lingus voucher plus tickets to the Festival.

The competition is now open for entries to students aged between 13 and 18, the closing date for entries is May 20th and submissions can be made via www.lismoreimmrama.com/studentcompetition.

Easter fun at the Ilac Centre IT’S mad as March Hare at the Ilac Centre this Easter with “crazy value everywhere” and lots of fun for all the family. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party takes place on Easter Saturday from 1pm to 4pm with lots of fun and games, arts and crafts and prizes for the younger shoppers who wear their craziest hat.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

13 April 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3

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

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

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

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

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

The height of decency

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

Picture: The Irish Daily Mirror

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

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

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

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

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

So I decided that once a week I’m going out to fix minor repairs for free.”

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

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

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

4 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

BEAUMONT | RTE BROADCASTER DROPS IN TO ST FIACHRA’S NATIONAL SCHOOL

FASTNews

Get those Tidy Town entries in!

THE closing date for entries into the 2017 Irish Water Tidy Towns Value Water Awards is Thursday, 25 May. These awards recognise communities that have made a strong commitment to water conservation and water protection.

Entry forms can be downloaded from ‘The Competition’ section of www.tidytowns.ie

Dublin to host cycling summit

Derek goes wild for his mini-Mooney at hilarious school play Popular broadcaster Derek Mooney with the cast of ‘The Second Gathering G2’ at St St Fiachra’s National School in Beaumont. Pictures: Richard Gavin Photography

FASTNews

Philly cuts the ribbon with Regatta’s Sarah Whelan

Dubs legend on hand to open new Regatta store DUBLIN GAA star Philly McMahon officially opened the new Regatta Great Outdoors store at Northside Shopping Centre last week.

Locals like young Jenna Sinnot (below) were delighted to meet the Ballymun Kickhams ace, while the first 100 shoppers through the door got a classic Regatta fleece.

The new store has created several new jobs, bringing Regatta’s total workforce to 75, with plans to open several more Irish shops this year.

 CARMEL DOYLE

RTE STAR Derek Mooney was a surprise guest at St Fiachra’s Primary School last week when he got to see a more youthful, fresh-faced version of HIMSELF in action.. well, sort of…

The children had put on a special play called ‘The Second Gathering G2’ as part of the Beaumont school’s St Patrick’s Day Ceolchoirm last month.

The plot of the hilarious production, which was written by St Fiachra’s headmaster Kieran Creaner and directed by drama teacher Ms Maura Ryan, centred around a day in the life of “Derek Mooney” (played by talented 12-yearold Ryan Wall-Magee) as he broadcasts his radio show from St Fiachra’s, at the invitation of the globe-trotting O’Shaughnessy family, who make this a second gathering of sorts.

The comedy, which had gone down a treat with parents, teachers and pupils alike, also contained cameos from ‘Michelle Obama’ (played by Chaya Smyth), a Donald Trump with actual hair (Conor O’Brien), and a rather younglooking Michael D (Cillian Wall-Magee), all of whom are brought together to sort out passport issues faced by the homecoming O’Shaughnessys.

The production was such as success that the students decided to chance their arm and see if they could get the real Derek to come along for a special, one-off re-run of the production.

Writing a lovely invitation, student Rose Martin asked the Mooney Goes Wild presenter if he’d like to come along and check out their work.

The beautifully crafted letter included the line: “By the way, my gran Peggy is a huge fan of yours and she thinks you are lovely, but she things you need a bit of feeding!!!”

The charm offensive worked, and a last week the star arrived at the school for a special rerun of the play which the children put on just for him.

Rose’s proud mum Carmel was on hand to welcome the popular radio presenter, and she told the Gazette Derek had a great day out with the kids – and he loved the play!

She said: “It was absolutely terrific to have Derek in the front row of St

Fiachra’s school hall, giggling out loud at the scene on stage.

“At the end he said he was very impressed with how the plot managed to bring in everyone from Michelle Obama, to Donald Trump and Michael D. Higgins – he was in good company!

“He then stood for several hundred pix outside with all the students, and even persuaded Principal Creaner to let them off homework for the day, after he presented young Ryan with an Oscar.

“The parents were so impressed that Derek Mooney gave up his time and was so warm with the children, and it was just great to see the REAL Derek meet his mini self.”

DUBLIN is set to host the Velo-City Conference – the European Cyclists Federation’s annual global cycling summit – in 2019.

Lord Mayor Brendan Carr congratulated Dublin City Council for securing the event and said hosting Velo-City would “further the development of Dublin as a world class cycling city.”

Windsor creates 20 new positions CAR dealer Windsor Motor Group is to create 20 new jobs in the capital, it was announced this week.

The group, which has just announced the appointment of Peter Nicholson as its new managing director, employs more than 300 people at its dealerships in Ireland.

€50m revamp plan for Dublin 7 PHIBSBOROGH could be set for a long overdue facelift if plans for a huge redevelopment get the go-ahead.

The €50million proposal submitted to DCC includes apartments, offices, and the upgrade of the 1960s era shopping centre and adjacent eightstorey tower block.

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6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

Out and About

Shane Byrne, Aisling Hurley, CEO Breast Cancer Ireland and Brent Pope

Samantha Mumba and Ann Eble

The stars line out for cancer charity event Megan Hurley, James Hurley and Nicola Hurley. Left: Eoghan McDermott and Aoife Melia.

A

WHOLE host of familiar faces turned out for Breast Cancer Ireland’s Battle of the Stars lip-syncing and dancing fundraiser at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge.

More than 350 guests enjoyed the black tie gala evening of fun and entertainment which was hosted by popular TV3 presenter Elaine Crowley, who stepped in for Nicky Byrne.

Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Clodagh Kenned, Angela Sheehan and Mary Jane Halpin

Nicola Byrne and Yasmin Larkin

Fair City actress Jenny Dixon

Carol Mallon, June Mulvey and Vie Mallon

Models Thalia Heffernan and Niamh McCormack

13 April 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Sonia and Cathy Harris

Orna Clarke and Alison Balfe

Schuh presents its Spring-Summer range S

Lorna Wightman, Lauren Arthurs and Louise Cooney. Pictures: Julien Behal

Model Brittany Mason

CHUH presented its Spring-Summer 2017 collection at an exclusive press event at The Garden Terrace in House, Dublin last week. A wide selection of this season’s women’s footwear was on display for guests to view throughout the garden terrace. Guests included Samantha Mumba, Gail Kaneswaran, January Russell, Jo Archibold and a host of fashionistas including Louise Cooney, Lauren Arthurs, Lorna Weightman and Emily O’Donnell.

Emily O’Donnell and Keva Doyle

Tara Stewart

Hannah Corcoran and Ursula Kelly

Lucy West and Nadine Bacchus

Orla McConnon, Patrick Kavanagh and Sinead Moloney

8 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

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

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

McGuinness and another

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

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

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

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

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

The judge said she would

sentence Smith on a later date, after noting that he had used a weapon in the attack. She adjourned his matter to December and said she wants to see if he can stay out of trouble.

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

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

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

Mr Campbell suffered cuts to his scalp and received medical staples. Neither man completed a victim impact statement and both withdrew their complaints after giving their initial statements to gardai, the court heard.

PEOPLE | DUBLIN WOMEN URGED TO STEP UP TO HELP SUPPORT EB SUFFERERS

Help Lola’s legacy live on with a marathon fundraiser A YOUNG mother whose baby daughter died of a rare form of butterfly skin disease EB (epidermolysis bullosa) has raised €15,000 to help others with the condition, and is appealing for more Dublin women to get involved.

Maria Monzon Rosique from Trim and her partner Barry Flynn lost their seven-monthold daughter Lola in November.

Now the young couple are asking women from Dublin to join the Debra Ireland team in the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon on June 5 and help the 300 people in Ireland living with the incredibly painful skin condition Maria and Barry with little Lola, that causes the skin layers and internal body who passed away last November. linings to blister at the slightest touch.

Lola (also above) suffered from a Debra Ireland is the charity that supports severe form of EB. people with EB, the genetic skin condition

also known as butterfly skin.

Maria said: “Lola was one in a million to us. EB is a rare disease and only 5% of those who have it get the severe junctional form of EB that she was born with.

“Lola had internal blisters on her airways and digestive system, so she struggled with breathing and feeding but despite her condition she was a happy, smiling baby and we have lovely memories of our time with her.”

There is currently no known cure for EB, and the only treatment is constant painful bandaging of the skin.

In March, friends and neighbours rallied around the young couple, forming a 53-strong team of runners to take part in the Debra Ireland Wicklow Mountains Challenge, where they raised €15,000 for EB.

FASTNews

Senator Reilly slams tax relief amendments SENATOR James Reilly (FG) has slammed a proposal to end tax reliefs for people who take out private health insurance, branding it an attack on the elderly.

Senator Reilly said signals that the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare will recommend scrapping the tax relief measures are an unconscionable move by the Left.

He added: “This proposal is a further attack by the Left on older people who worked hard all their lives building this country.

“It is untenable, unworkable and unconscionable that we would undermine further those who are in most need of their health insurance, having paid for it all their lives.”

New York band helps to fight homelessness

“We ran in Lola’s name as Team Lola, so in a way she is still with us,” said Maria.

She and Barry are hoping others will be inspired by the support from their neighbours and will form an even biggerTeam Lola to run for Debra Ireland in the bank holiday mini marathon.

Maria had heard of EB butterfly skin but had no real knowledge of the condition before Lola was born. The diagnosis was devastating for the first-time parents.

“Because we knew the diagnosis we were able to focus on what was important and create as many memories with her as we could,” said Maria.

To find out more, or to register for Debra’s Mini Marathon team, see www.debraireland. org or call 01 412 6924.

A NEW York-based musical project founded by Dubliner Kenneth Griffin and New Yorker John Rauchenberger has called last week’s Rock Against Homelessness concert in the Olympia a “magical night”.

Kenneth, of August Wells, was part of the line-up that saw the likes of Finbar Furey, Bob Geldof, Ham Sandwich and Glen Hansard play in aid of Focus Ireland.

Praising the energy and audience reaction on the night, Kenneth said: “I think the level of homelessness, especially among children, in a society is in a way the measure of that society. I know every reasonable person, every sane person, feels that we need to end it.”

13 April 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9

POLITICS | ALAN FARRELL (FG) CRITICISED FOR POST

Time travel jibe lands TD in hot water  SYLVIA POWNALL

Scarily good photoshop skills  SYLVIA POWNALL A DOTING dad has told of a “crazy few days” which saw his social media shock campaign go global.

Designer Stephen Crowley, 32, from Tallaght has been hailed father of the year – for photoshopping his 18-monthold daughter Hannah into deathdefying poses.

In one Instagram mock-up captioned: “I think the stair gate may be broken’ Hannah is seen climbing along the outside of an upstairs banister, while in another she holds a large knife as she sits on the kitchen counter beside a hot stove.

But Stephen, whose only child was born with a rare immune disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (LHL), has assured it’s for a good cause.

For six months Hannah had to undergo chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant – the only possible cure – and now her dad is raising awareness and encouraging people to join the bethematch.org bone marrow registry.

Stephen, who gained 15,000 Instagram followers in the space of one week, told The Gazette: “It’s been a crazy few days. I didn’t expect how much traction it would get.”

In all Hannah spent almost a year

of her young life in hospital as she was kept in isolation after her transplant. Of 27 million donors worldwide, just three were deemed a match and an anonymous German woman donated.

Stephen says he now wants to make up for lost time with his precious daughter.

He said: “Because we missed out on so much normal stuff of the first year, we take tons of photos now that we’re able to do normal things out of isolation.

“She is doing much better now, still the odd trip to the hospital, but overall much better. She’s lots of fun, always smiling and has a great sense of humour given what she’s been through.

“I thought it would be fun to worry family by putting someone delicate in precarious situations. Most of the reactions have been positive, with the odd person not getting the joke and commenting that I should be shot.”

Stephen admitted he’s feeling the pressure to come up with his next photo stunt, adding: “Thanks to Hannah for putting up with my s**t. After everything she’s been through, she is quite resiliant and one happy toddler.”

See www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_ Donor/Bone_Marrow_Registry/Application_Form/.

A FINGAL TD, Alan Farrell, came under fire from his own party at the weekend for a Facebook jibe at the family of Fianna Fail’s environment spokesman Barry Cowen.

The Fine Gael deputy posted comments about Mr Cowen’s brother and former Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, and his father, Ber, who was also a Fianna Fail TD.

The post included a poster for the classic 1980s movie, Back to the Future, with Barry Cowen mocked up as Michael J Fox’s character Marty McFly, and FF leader Micheal Martin as Doc Emmett Brown.

‘Gutter stuff’ The post was criticised

by Fianna Fail Cork NW which described it as “gutter stuff” and added: “Deputy Alan Farrell has hit a new low for FG. Please

Deputy Farrell’s (FG) edited poster on social media, since removed, which drew flak from his own party as well as Fianna Fail

learn to spell deputy!”

That link to the poster was later removed from Facebook, as was Deputy Farrell’s original post.

On Saturday, FG chief whip Regina Doherty criticised Mr Farrell for posting personal comments about the Cowen family and said she would speak to him directly about it.

Fianna Fail justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan also criticised the Fine Gael TD for

“making personal attacks at someone’s family”.

On Facebook, Deputy Farrell said Ber Cowen was elected when Fianna Fail won a “landslide victory on a populist economic programme” which was “largely based on the abolition of household rates which included payment for water” which led to recession.

He said Brian Cowen “continued to pursue populist policies” as Finance Minister and accused him of “stoking the housing bubble which crashed our economy”.

He added: “As Taoiseach, he signed up to water charges in an attempt to help correct his own mess.”

On Barry Cowen, Deputy Farrell said: “He has led Fianna Fail’s policy on water and has flip-flopped from one position to another – always for populist political reasons.”

Fianna Fail rowed back on its position in a crunch Dail vote on Tuesday and sided with Fine Gael in supporting a report in favour of installing meters in new builds and levying households for “excessive use” of water over 133 litres per person per day.

Deputy Farrell was previously investigated by the Dail Public Accounts Committee for comments he made in the chamber about the Austin Stack case. He was cleared of any wrongdoing or abuse of Dail privilege.

The Gazette contacted Deputy Farrell’s office, but he declined to comment.

10 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

Gazette babies are the cutest..

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

Chloe and Charlotte Coffey are twice as cute!

Joe O’Carroll loves his dinner!

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

LIttle Katie Smith, sent in by her mum Aishling Monaghan

VOTE! VOTE ! VOTE! W

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zack the piano man, sent in by Karolina Gasinska

Nine-month-old smiler Parker Daly

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News

12 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

MOTORING: THE OPTIMA HAS IT ALL P20

TRAVEL: CYPRUS - BELIEVE ALL THE HYPE P23

DUBLINLIFE

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GAZETTE

CINEMA: GHOST IN THE SHELL SHOCKER P24

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

THRILL 16

MUSICAL YOUTH: CELEBRATING 10 GLORIOUS YEARS OF THE IYMA

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

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

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

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

Croker gets ready for the Irish Youth Music Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WIN WIN

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the Dublin finalists: Pgs 16-17

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 13

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

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

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

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

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

The closing date for registration is June 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your support and generosity is much appreciated.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to help.

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

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

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

years in the Public Records Office in Dublin.

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

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

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

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

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 15

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

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

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

Aine Cahill

The Good Run

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

A Celebration of Prince

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

Cruinniu na Casca

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

Al Porter - At Large

Al Porter

BATTLE OF THE BANDS MUSIC

BAND: THE INNOCENTSYOUTH CLUB: Ballymun Regional Youth Resource

Aine Cahill

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

Revolution in Colour

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

Ulysses and Censorship

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

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

GAZETTE

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16 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BAND: ALANATIE

BAND: NEWKIND

YOUTH CLUB: The White House, Ballyogan

h Resource Centre

YOUTH CLUB: Finglas Yout

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

They released an EP ‘Newkind’ in 2016.

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

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

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

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

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

BAND: HOSTILE FEELINGS

h Service

YOUTH CLUB: SWAN Yout

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

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

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

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

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

BAND: SOUTHSIDE

ublin West

YOU

osscare D TH CLUB: Cr

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

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

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

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

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18 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Co-lab creates a beautiful sole

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STYLE

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

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

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

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

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



GAZETTE

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 19

NEW GOLF UNVEILED

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

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

ment systems.

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

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

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

Attractive

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

over the individual items within the current 171 offer.

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

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

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

Irish rowing stars Paul and Gary O’Donovan

generation of leaders and champions.

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

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

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

pean and World Championship success.

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

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

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20 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

M50MOTORING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

pleased me every time that I approached it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

pared with the national decline of 8.31%.

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

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

Kia Optima SW EX 1.7

SPECIFICATIONS

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

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

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

making its slightly faster than some of the competition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Selling Car Models March

Units

1 Nissan Qashqai

899

2 BMW 5 Series

753

3 Hyundai Tucson 627 4 Skoda Octavia 539 5 VW Golf

515

6 Ford Focus

510

7 Ford Fiesta

477

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 21

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22 GAZETTE 13 April 2017

M50MOTORING

FASTNews

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

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

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

The survey of Irish motorists for Continental

Joe Duffy Motors opens new Jaguar Land Rover showroom

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

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

Tyres’ Vision Zero initiative, a commitment to reduce

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

road fatalities worldwide, also highlighted that more

Luxurious

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

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

their mobile phone while behind the wheel.

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

Tougher car approval rules proposed by EU EUROPEAN lawmakers

law has yet to be finalized

endorsed tougher draft

between EU lawmakers,

regulations last week

the European Commission

for the approval of new

and individual member

cars sold in the European

states.

Union.

The rules are aimed

Under the proposed new regulations, car com-

at tackling conflicts of

panies would no longer

interest between national

directly pay car exhaust

regulators and their

testing agencies. The plan

domestic manufactur-

is that in future individual

ers to avoid a repeat of

EU countries would have

the Volkswagen Group

to fund car exhaust test-

emissions-cheating

ing centres by levying car

scandal.

companies. Each year

The European Parlia-

EU member states would

ment voted for the draft

have to test at least 20%

bill, which would allow

of the car models placed

Brussels to fine car

on the market in their

manufacturers up to

country in the previous

€30,000 per vehicle. The

year.

developed with the help of architecture firm Taylor Design Architects.

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

This will be rolled out

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gerard O’Farrell, managing director of Jaguar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real world

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

13 April 2017 GAZETTE 23

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

THE MED: SUNWAY SERVE UP SOME APRIL DEALS FOR SUNSEEKERS

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

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

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

The Inishowen Peninsula offers stunning beaches, such as Pollan Beach

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

in Ballyliffin, where

A sizzling sun holiday awaits you in Cyprus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bustling holiday resort.

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

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

as and excellent shopping.

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

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

Protaras Protaras is an ideal holi-

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

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

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

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

Kato Paphos has four beaches and is a busy area

with an attractive harbour and an abundance of outdoor restaurants.

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

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

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

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

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

FREE FIRE

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

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

TABLE 19

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

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

THE BOSS BABY

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

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

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

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

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

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ghost in the Shell is a technical marvel. From

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

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

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

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

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

Its thematic meditations on humanity and identity are extremely cursory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verdict: 5/10

13 April 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 25

PETA have an udder complaint for games

SOMEBODY in PETA likes videogames, a lot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

GAZETTE

TECH

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

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

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

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

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

shot through with flashes of peril.

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

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

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

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

In short, no passwords –

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

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

would present a raft of problems for any detained travellers.

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

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

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

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

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

26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

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GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

SPORT

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

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

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

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

HOCKEY: STUDENTS ADD EYHL TITLE TO IRISH SENIOR CUP SILVERWARE

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

 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

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

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

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

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

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

spinning to shoot on her reverse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Dublin Galaxy side that won the Irish netball final

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

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

Cork captain Wendy Howell made one switch to the starting

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

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

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

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

as Galaxy prevailed 51-41.

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

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

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

As for the following season?

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

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

13 April 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

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

Ballyboden St Enda’s launch an Poc Fada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ellen Walshe of Tem-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing out the gala in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

athletes within our midst.

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

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

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 April 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: FIVE FAI JUNIOR CUP FINALS IN SIX YEARS FOR NORTHSIDERS

Tangerine dream alive on four All-Ireland fronts ST KEVIN’S Boys recorded a remarkable feat last weekend by securing a spot in four of the five SFAI cup finals – reaffirming their reputation as one of the strongest underage club’s the country has to offer.

The Under-12s had reached their final the week before but are now joined by the Under13, Under-14 and Under 16 sides in their respective finals.

The most impressive win came for the Under-15 team who came back from a goal down after 10 minutes to hammer Villa FC 5-1.

Ryan Cassidy bagged a hat-trick but it was Dawson Devoy who walked away with the man of the match award after scoring two superb goals to sink the Waterford side.

There was also five goals for the Under-13s who trounced Evergreen 8-0 after Evan Ferguson got them off to a great start with just three minutes gone.

Alex O’Brien and Jamie Mullins then stretched St Kevin’s lead before Ferguson got his second just before half-time.

The second half was just as much a goal fest as the first and St Kevin’s went 5-0 up when Mullins scored his second of the game just after the restart.

Adam Coyle came off the bench to grab his side’s sixth before Cian Kelly got in on the act with two goals of his own.

Unlike the Under-13s, the Under-14 side didn’t have everything their own way against Middleton but they still managed to walk away with a 3-0 win.

Chances were hard to come by in the first half but Aaron Doran managed to break the deadlock just before half-time.

Doran doubled the lead in the second half when he took advantage of a mix-up in the Middleton defence to force the ball over the line, before Conan Noonan finished the game off with a fine effort 15 minutes from time.

Exciting times are ahead for St Kevin’s with the club’s Academy Cup also set to take place over the Easter weekend, where Barcelona FC will take part in their first tournament on Irish soil.

Sheriff YC prior to their FAI Junior Cup semi-final against Killarney Celtic

Sheriff shoot down Killarney FAI JUNIOR CUP SEMI Killarney Celtic 1 Sheriff YC 1 Sheriff win 4-3 on penalties  sport@dublingazette.com

SHERIFF YC made it five cup finals in six years, after a 1-1 draw with Killarney Celtic in the semi-final of the FAI Junior Cup at Mastergeeha eventually saw them advance on penalties.

The side from Kerry started brighter than their Dublin counterpar ts but midfielder Matt Keane failed to convert a couple of guiltedged chances. The first chance that fell his way was cleared off the line,

before Sheriff goalkeeper Lee Murphy saved well from a quick counterattack.

Mur phy was again called into action to make a great save from a free kick, leaving the game scoreless going into the break.

Sheriff, who have won the cup three times over the last five years, started the second half with more purpose and had the ball in the back of the net shortly after the restart, but the strike was ruled out for offside.

Chances were becoming a premium and with ten minutes remaining it was Sheriff’s turn to have

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

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

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

Picture: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

a good chance cleared off the line.

Like the first half, the second was also a tight affair and despite both side’s playing some good football, neither could find the net in regulation time.

The first period of extra-time also ended scoreless but Sheriff eventually took the lead two minutes into the second period when Thomas Dunne pounced on a defensive lapse to give his side a big lead with an exceptional strike.

Killarney then went down to ten men after Chris O’Leary was dismissed for a second yel-

low card to leave their chance of progression looking bleak.

However, they drew level and forced the game to penalties when the referee pointed to the spot for a foul by Murphy on Pat McGrath, and James Spillane converted.

It was the last kick of the game with both sides left hoping the lottery of a penalty shootout would go their way. Murphy, who is well known for being an exceptional penalty kick saver, went from villain to hero in a matter of minutes when he scored one and saved two of the penalties.

Sheriff actually missed their first spot kick but scored their next four to win 4-3, breaking Killarney’s hearts in the process as they attempted to reach the final for the first time in the club’s history.

The Dubliners will now face Kilkenny side Evergreen FC after they also progressed thanks to a win on penalties over Boyle Celtic.

Eve r g r e e n w i l l b e looking for revenge over Sheriff when they line out at the Aviva Stadium on May 13 after the latter beat the former in the final of last year’s Leinster Junior Cup.

13 April 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

GO GAMES

ALL-IRELANDSemi

Good Counsel hit Croker for Provincial Days GOOD Counsel’s young charges were on

hand the launch the Go Games Provincial Days partnership with Littlewoods Ireland in Croke Park in Dublin on Monday.

The GAA Go Games provincial days is an initiative which sees 7,000 children take part in mini versions of hurling and football blitzes at Croke Park over a fortnight in April. Littlewoods Ireland will provide a Go Games jersey and boot bag to each child.

HURLING: STRONG STATEMENT AS CHAMPIONSHIP LOOMS

Clare physicality too strong for Dub minors

Ballyboden St Enda’s defence are unable to keep out Oisin O’Rorke’s free. Picture: EOS photo

O’Rorke and McGrath turn tide Crokes way AHL DIVISION ONE Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-20 Kilmacud Crokes 3-16  sport@dublingazette.com

K ILMACUD Crokes landed a strong early blow in AHL Division 1 against southside rivals Ballyboden St Enda’s to bubble along nicely toward the first stages of the championship later this month.

Two goals from Sean McGrath and one from Oisin O’Rorke – in a 1-9 haul – saw the visitors win out on a sunny evening at Sancta Maria with a decent wedge to spare.

Boden were without Niall McMorrow and

David Curtin while Conal Keaney only came on in the second half but they did start decently with Paul Ryan – from frees – and his cousin Niall clipping early scores.

C r o ke s h a d t h e i r own marksmen in Sean McGrath and Oisin O’Rorke, with the strong running of the former the main play for the Stillorgan men.

In all, Boden bagged a creditable tally of 13 points in the opening half, the pick of them from Stephen O’Connor, an angled effort off his left, after Paul Doherty did the hard grafting.

James Roche was also on the scoresheet with a fine point, after good interplay on the forty.

Crokes, meanwhile, kept themselves in the contest with a goaled free from the twenty, and a series of pointed frees from O’Rorke. All-in-all, the half was shared, with Boden finishing the better.

But a more determined Kilmacud entered the fray for the second half and quickly began to win the 50-50s.

Boden’s Aiden Mellett, playing at the point of the attack, bagged a fine point after good interplay on the twenty. James Roche

was quickest to react to a breaker, but was subjected to a black-card type tackle - the result, another pointed free from Ryan.

Dean Curran upped the Boden tally with a monster point. But Kilmacud kept chipping away with O’Rorke notching up the scores with Caolan Conway, Alex Considine, Lorcan McMullen and Ross O’Carroll all weighing in.

Mid-way through the half the contest was decided by the goals, both of them of the poached variety with McGrath and O’Rorke the scorers to swing the game quickly their way.

DUBLIN’S minor camogie side missed out on an All-Ireland final berth as they were undone 3-12 to 0-9 by Clare last weekend in Birr.

At the end the margin was emphatic but the final score fails to do justice to a gutsy performance by a fine Dublin team at St Brendan’s Park.

There was much to be pleased about in this Dublin performance – the tackling, the great defending, two super points from Kerri Finnegan, the industry of Sinead Wylde, the tigerish Jennifer O’Sullivan and the striking of Niamh Rock.

But while Dublin matched Clare in many sectors of the field, the Banner girls were a touch sharper in attack and that’s where the game was won and lost.

Break number one came in the first minute when a ball that was drifting across the front of the small box was deflected by a Dublin defender past her own goalkeeper.

Boosted by early goal, the Clare side came in search of more scores and Dublin had to do some frantic defending but they managed. Niamh Gleeson was conceding several centimetres to her able opponent Aine O’Loughlin but coped and Megan Thomas pulled off some fine saves.

Clare did notch fine scores from Aoife Power, O’Loughlin and Evelyn Duggan and Dublin’s cause took another set back when the rangy O’Loughlin took possession and managed to get off a shot that went off Megan Thomas’ stick and into the net, 2-4 to 0-1 in the 21st minute Ciara Holland’s free and a great score from Kerri Finnegan reduced the gap at the break, though, with the benefit of the stiff breeze to come.

Laura Foley set about the Dublin task soon after the break when she notched the first of four points from play. Finnegan’s magnificent point from the sideline was a superb score in the 33 rd minute and Foley was back almost immediately with a fine score.

But the wins was knocked from the sails when O’Loughlin goaled again in the 39 th minute. Sinead Wylde, in particular, never gave up and Niamh Hetherton, when introduced, had several fine moments.

But they were shy of the physical presence required up top to make further chances stick and Clare saw out the tie.

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GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

DOUBLE DELIGHT: UCD hockey team win second Irish title in a week, adding league to Senior Cup victory P28

APRIL 13-19, 2017

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

St Kevin’s LOI crisis The St Kevin’s SFAI final teams, clockwise from top left, at Under-16s, Under-14, Under-12 and Under-13 level

Famous footballing nursery facing massive frustration as their requests fo a place in the League of Ireland underage divisions fall on deaf ears

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

ST KEVIN’S Boys may be gearing up to welcome European giants such as Barcelona and Olympique Marseille to Shanowen Road this Easter weekend, but the club still has a fight on its hands to play against the best sides here at home.

Just last weekend the club had their place confirmed in SFAI cup finals at four different age groups but the FAI’s decision to deny them entry to the Under-15 national league, and most likely the Under-13 league as well, has left a question mark over the club’s ability to survive.

“We have been denied access to the League of Ireland for the Under-19s, 17s and 15s,” Kevin’s PRO Neil Fox told GazetteSport. “We can only

apply for the Under-13s but, at this stage, if you are not getting into the 19s, 17s and 15s, I think it is highly unlikely we are going to get access to the 13s.

“We can’t seem to tie in with a League of Ireland club either. We’ve spoken to nearly every LOI club in the country but for some reason we can’t get in and we are not being told why.

“I think a lot of clubs are afraid that we are going to take over if we get involved. However, that’s not our intention because we are very happy with our identity and just want to be part of the LOI.” It is a tough situation for the club who have nurtured talents such as Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick from the present, past legend Liam Brady and rising star Jack Byrne, to stare down

the barrel of exclusion from the top tier.

All St Kevin’s can do is live in the moment and hope that a solution is found sooner rather than later. And what a moment it is, with four cup finals to look forward to and this weekend’s Under-13s academy cup.

Barcelona – who Kevin’s defeated in a group game before losing to in last year’s final – and Marseille will be joined in the tournament by Deportivo La Coruna, Westbromwich Albion and KRC Genk.

The tournament is split into two groups played out over three days and kicks off at 10am on Friday when St Kevin’s line up against Genk.

“It is a massive coup for us to get Barcelona back.

“They get invitations and offers from all over

the world so it is massive that they have decided to come back and play with us again. It is testament of how well the academy cup is run and the standard of football we can offer,” said Fox. The cup finals are due to take place next month where St Kevin’s will be hoping to cement their names even further into the history books of Irish football.

“It’s a bit unfortunate because the week before we were beaten in the semi-finals of the Under17s cup, and we were beaten quite early in the Under-15s.

“We were going to try and complete all them but we can’t complain with four out of four last weekend. I think the managers, coaches, and players have done a fantastic job to get this far,” said Fox.