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SPORT

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

Cabra club pile on the pressure for pitch to be finished RACHEL D’ARCY A CABRA club have stepped up their ongoing campaign to complete works on an all-weather pitch for their use, with their latest action seeing them deliver a protest letter to the Minister of Education and Skills, Richard Bruton.

Naomh Fionnbarra GAA club were promised the pitch in exchange for a portion of their land in 2015. The land was used to build a new gaelscoil for the Cabra area, Gaelscoil Bharra, which opened its doors last September.

Seamas Mac Reachtain, press relations officer for Naomh Fionn-

LIAM NEESON AIMS EVER HIGHER ON IRELAND’S LATEST RICH LIST

P19

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

PRETTY ON PINK Rebecca Cooney and Sophie McSweeney were dressed to impress at the Essence Cosmetics Spring/Summer 2018 launch at the Mart in Rathmines. Picture: Brian McEvoy

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APRIL 5-11, 2018

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Work on the pitch was moving steadily until January when all building work totally stopped barra, told Dublin Gazette that work on the pitch began late last year, and was moving steadily until January when all building work totally stopped.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 5

Make vroom for a Skoda

PETROLHEADS will welcome our extensive review of the new Superb. Do its extra space, safety features, stats and general fuel economy help it live up to its name?

See Page 28

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

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EVERY THURSDAY!

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• Ashleaf Shopping Centre • Artane Castle Shopping Centre • Ballybough Stores • Bewleys – Georges St •The Buttery Restaurant – Trinity College • Cafe Parigi – Sir John Rogerson Quay • Centra – Ballsbridge • Centra – Dame street • Centra – Drimnagh • Centra – Fairview • Centra – Portland row • Centra – Thomas street • Centra – Pearse Street •Centra – Westland row • Centra – Whitehall • Centra – Westland Row • Charlestown Shopping Centre • Crumlin Shopping Centre • DCC Office – Ballyfermot • DCC Office – Ballymun • DCC Office – Coolock • DCC Office – Crumlin • DCC Office – Marrowbone lane • DCC Office – Wood quay • DIT Aungier Street • Drury street car park • Dunnes Stores- Finglas • Fresh – Grand Canal • Georges Street Arcade •Iceland – Ballyfermot •Iceland – Coolock • Ilac Centre • Insomnia – IFSC • Insomnia – CHQ • Insomnia – Liffey St • Insomnia – Millenium Walk • Insomnia Nassau St • Kilbarrack Shopping Centre • Londis – Inchicore • Marks & Spencer – Grafton St • Marks & Spencer – Mary St • Marks & Spencer – Mayor Square • Mercantile Hotel • Northside Shopping Centre • Tesco – Baggot street • Tesco – Clearwater Shopping Centre • Tesco – Dame Street • Tesco – Fleet Street • Tesco – Navan road • Tesco – Omni park Shopping Centre • Tesco – Prussia street • Tesco – Rathmines • Tesco – Sandymount • Tesco- Terenure • Sandymount Credit Union • Spar – Drumcondra • Spar – Capel street • Spar – Longboat quay • Spar – Nassau street • Spar – Patrick street • Spar – Thomas street • SuperValu – Ballymun • SuperValu – Northside S.C • SuperValu – Raheny • SuperValu – Ranelagh • SuperValu – Rathgar • SuperValu – Sundrive • SuperValu – Talbot street • SuperValu – Walkinstown

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TRANSPORT: CONCERN OVER POTENTIAL ROUTE

MetroLink plan rolls into a row before the €3bn project begins JORDAN UPSHAW

THE emerging preferred route for the recently announced €3 billion MetroLink project has seen mounting controversy, with the proposed route likely to require the acquisition and demolition of an indeterminate number of properties, including houses and apartment buildings, with no plan yet in place to accommodate the families which would be displaced.

Cllr Ruairi McGinley (Ind) said: “While the project is welcome to the extent that [it will] increase public transport options and is accessible to the Ranelagh area both at Beechwood and Charlemont, it is a complex project.

“Any impacts on areas such as Dunville Avenue and Dartmouth need to be evaluated and minimised.”

Construction is to begin in 2021 but the MetroLink is not to be operational until 2027. During those six years of construction, Na Fianna GAA club and Home Farm FC could have their pitches requisitioned for storage of materials, which would render them unusable.

Both clubs are concerned about the potential loss of their pitches.

Na Fianna struggles to make do with its current amount of pitches due to their number of members.

They have been searching for additional space without luck for some time now.

Another point of contention is the fact Na Fianna was informed of this only two days prior to the official launch of the project. Home Farm received even less warning, only being informed one day before the official announcement.

Home Farm FC described the news as “totally unexpected”. They said: “The pitch, which is part of a private and enclosed ground, is played on by schoolboy and schoolgirl teams who use the pitch throughout the season.

“Clearly, and at a minimum, whatever alternative facilities are pro-

FASTNews

Public urged to ensure they’re eligible to vote DUBLINERS are being encouraged to check if they are registered to vote.

Senator Victor Boyhan (Ind) has urged people who are 18 years and over, and who may nev-er have voted before, to sign up to vote, while also urging all eligible citizens to use their vote.

He said: “It is also important that people check that their details are correct on the current Register of Electors.”

You can check the register at your local council office, in post offices, Garda stations and public libraries.

You can also check online at www.checktheregister.ie.

Supporting women to have their voices heard SINEAD Gleeson, the editor of this year’s Dublin: One City One Book selection, The Long Gaze Back, recently visited 12 women from the SAOL Project – a programme for women being treated for drug addiction – who are using the book as part of a creative writing project.

The group is working with artist Sorcha Kenny to explore and respond to the work, with the plan to create a script from a combination of

posed must be of a comparable high standard, they must be local and be in place by the end of 2019.”

Cllr Anne Feeney (FG) acknowledged both sides of the issue, saying: “I welcome the launch of the MetroLink project and infrastructure [plan]. Dublin is well behind other Europe and capital cities in terms of an integrated transport system, and it badly needs integrated solutions.

“Hopefully we will see lots of well publicised consultation opportunities, not just information evenings, during 2018 to allow people to fully understand the benefits and also any implications, both during the construction phase and after it, and also to hear other proposals which could

influence the final design.

“We need more information from the NTA in relation to the detailed design proposal of the preferred route, as it affects each area.

“This process of information and consultation needs to start soon, as the vacuum between the initial announcement and dealing with the real and practical issues for individuals and communities is unhelpful and only adds to anxiety levels, whether well founded or not,” she said.

The proposal is still at the consultation stage. The route will not be finalised until the end of the consultation process and it remains to be seen whether or not the emerging preferred route will be used.

their own writing and lines from the book. The script will then be performed and filmed in different locations around the area.

Gleeson said: “I really enjoyed spending time with the women of the SAOL Project to talk about The Long Gaze Back and autobiographical writing.

“Not every voice gets heard, and women, especially marginalised ones, are often left out of the conversation.”

Pieta House celebrates a special 10-year milestone LAST week, Pieta House celebrated its tenth year of its flagship fundraising awareness event, Darkness Into Light, which aims to raise awareness about suicide and self-harm.

The event launched in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, where Irish Rugby International Hannah Tyrrell, celebrity chef Derry Clarke and radio DJ and mental health advocate Nikki Hayes were among those in attendance. Pieta House chief executive Brian Higgins said: “I want to ask everybody to wake up and join us in support of families and friends affected by suicide and self-harm.

“All of our services are free, but the demand for them is ever-increasing. We all need to wake up to the stigmas that lead people to self-harm and into suicidal crisis, and to the doors of Pieta House.”

Registration for this year’s event is open exclusively online at www.darknessintolight.ie.

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

PROPOSAL: ‘WE NEED MORE HOMES AND A SHOPPING CENTRE’

SCHOOLS

An urban farm in Ballymun?

No thank ewe, frown locals Sex ed policy to be RACHEL D’ARCY

RESIDENTS in Ballymun have mixed feelings at the prospect of an urban farm for the area, saying that the area needs “a number of other things” before a farm should be considered.

The idea of an urban farm was initially proposed by Cllr Andrew Montague (Lab) last October at a Dublin City Council meeting.

The site of the farm would be at the old Balbutcher Lane block of apartments, with the project proposed to use two acres of the available land.

Some local Ballymun residents have been up in arms at the news, taking to Facebook to ask why a farm is being proposed instead of social housing,

Urban farms are incresingly common sights in cities, but can often be highly contentious projects

or a long-awaited shopping centre in the area that was previously proposed.

“A farm, just what the people of Ballymun need!

Who’s the brains behind this idiotic proposal, seriously? Build some homes and a shopping centre,” said Sandra Whelan, with a number of other commenters backing her.

In the Facebook group

Ballymun Talks, residents also mentioned recent attacks on ducks and swans in Poppintree Park which have seen animals fatally harmed.

Defending the proposal, Cllr Montague said: “The prospect of an urban farm in Ballymun is an intriguing and exciting idea.

The team behind the idea have really done their

homework.

“They’ve shown that an urban farm could attract visitors to Ballymun, and many of those would stay on in the locality to spend in our shops, cafes and restaurants.

“Visiting Ballymun would be a great family day out. A farm would also be a great opportunity for local children to visit a working farm and see animals up close.”

A number of people also remarked that the reason for a lack of significant investment in the area is due to anti-social behaviour in the locality.

Local resident Pamela Baitson said: “You will never attract business to Ballymun until the antisocial problem is dealt with. The lack of facilities

for children, teens and young adults is the main reason for anti-social behaviour because they have nowhere to go and nothing to do.

“Give the young people something and you will see a decline in anti-social behaviour, then you will attract business”.

Not all locals are opposed to the idea, however, with some locals saying that there used to be a community farm at Balcurris field, and a farm could be a ‘social hub’ for the area.

Resident Ray Corcoran said: “We need hope, so young people can walk a different path to adulthood, not with an addiction [to battle].

“The farm and other [similar] projects can bring employment for locals.”

updated – Bruton

THERE will be a ‘major review’ into the education of relationships and sexuality in Ireland, it has been announced.

The Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, has said that the review will cover the content of the current curriculum, and how it is delivered to students in school.

Some elements of the current curriculum have not been changed in nearly 20 years, with the Minister saying the review is needed to “meet the needs of young people today in modern Ireland”.

Minister Bruton has asked the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment to consider a number of areas in the evaluation, including LGBT matters, safe use of the internet, social media and consent.

Ahead of the annual ASTI conference last Tuesday, Minister Bruton said: “Every student has a right to access information about sexual health, relationships and sexuality, and this must be delivered in a factual manner in every school.

“I want to ensure that the RSE curriculum meets the needs of young people today, who face a range of different issues to those faced by young people in the late 1990s.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

RETAIL SPACE FOR KEY UPPER O’CONNELL STREET LOCATION

dublin

Carlton Cinema site set to DIARY be redeveloped by 2022 Why not share compassion for others at a Christian exhibition, or relax at city experiences

RACHEL D’ARCY rdarcy@dublingazette.com

THE historic Carlton Cinema site on Upper O’Connell Street is set to be developed into a new retail development before 2022.

Hammerson, a UK-based development company and the team behind Dundrum Town Centre and the Ilac Centre, have announced that ACME architects are set to design the new retail space.

ACME were founded in 2007 by renowned architect Friedrich Ludwig, who is also expected to head up design for the development known as ‘Dublin Central’.

The six-acre area stretches from Upper O’Connell Street to Parnell Street to Henry Street and to Moore Street.

Hammersons have planning permission to build a large shopping centre at the site, which is valid until 2022, however it is understood that the development is being scaled down.

Concerns have previously been raised in regard to development so close to the historic 1916 site on Moore Street, given its significance as the spot that the leaders of the Rising

THE COMPASSION EXPERIENCE DCU - GLASNEVIN AN immersive exhibition on poverty will take place in Ireland for the first time at the Christian Churches of Ireland (ICC) conference at the Helix.

Developed by child development charity Compassion UK & Ireland, ‘The Compassion Experience’ is a free exhibition which will take participants on a journey into the lives of children living in poverty in Uganda and Ethiopia.

The experience takes around 20 minutes and aims to ‘engage all senses’ while you walk through an interactive recreation of the homes and schools of two Compassionsupported children, Shamim and Sameson.

The conference will take place on April 5th and 6th between 11:15am and 6pm, with visitors to the exhibition not required to attend the ICC conference or to book in advance.

The site of the old Carlton Cinema at O’Connell Street looks set to finally be redeveloped

met at for the last time.

Hammerson have confirmed, however, that they will be honouring the local area’s history after meetings with local historian groups and 1916 families.

Director of retail for Hammerson, Simon Betty, said: “Hammerson is committed to ensuring that the future development of O’Connell Street and Moore Street will seek to protect and enhance its unique heritage and connections with 1916, while at the same time, delivering clear economic benefits and employment

opportunities locally”.

Richard Guiney from Dublin Town told Dublin Gazette that the business group are ‘very happy’ with the appointment of

“

Dublin City Council, conducting market research to find out what people want to see.

“We look forward to working with and shar-

Hammerson have confirmed that they will be honouring the local area’s history

ACME, and that the development of Dublin Central fits in with plans for the local area.

“Businesses in Dublin 1 have been working on what can be brought to the area, working alongside

ing ideas with ACME. The Dublin Central development can only bring good things for O’Connell Street and the Dublin 1 area,” Guiney said.

The development has been praised by city centre

business groups, saying that it is ‘key’ to realising the potential of O’Connell Street as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the city centre.

Graeme McQueen of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce has also said that Hammerson’s intentions for the development is a ‘vote of confidence’ in the North Inner City.

McQueen said: “The redevelopment of the Carlton Cinema site will be key to realising O’Connell Street’s potential as the jewel in the crown of Dublin city centre. Hammerson’s intention to redevelop the site are a strong vote of confidence in Dublin’s north inner city.

“The area is hugely historic, and we look forward to seeing the vision that ACME dreams up.

“The creation of a new cultural quarter on O’Connell Street would help breathe new life into Dublin’s north inner city, providing jobs and new amenities for locals and world-class public realm for both Dubliners and visitors alike”.

There are no solid plans yet for when construction on the development will begin. Last year, Hammerson reported that they had made an income of £1.5m from the Dublin central site.

THE BRADY’S SESSIONS – TERENURE A FRESH new singer-songwriter event is set to take place monthly in Brady’s pub in Terenure.

The Brady’s Sessions will see some of Dublin’s newest talent take to the Terenure venue once a month to showcase their talent, with a number of acts performing each night. It’s an acoustic night, with a small microphone hanging from the ceiling aiming to give performers a unique sound throughout the venue.

The next ‘session’ will be on April 27, with admission to the event free of charge.

KETEL ONE BRUNCH @ ROBERTAS – TEMPLE BAR WITH brunch becoming one of the trendiest meals in Dublin, Roberta’s in Temple Bar have teamed up with Ketel One vodka to launch a brand-new type of Brunch that will take place every weekend.

The Ketel One Brunch at Roberta’s will allow guests to sample a range of cocktails made with Ketel One vodka, perfectly complimented by dishes crafted by Roberta’s head chef, Troy Watson, created specifically for the brunch.

Guests will delight in brunch classics like eggs benedict or French toast, teamed with cocktails like an espresso martini or Bloody Mary. There are also promises of exciting and ‘unique’ additions to come.

Bookings for the Ketel One Brunch can be made now at robertas.ie.

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

CABRA: NAOMH FIONNBARRA GAA CLUB ARE STILL WAITING FOR THEIR FACILITY

Fury at failure to provide promised pitch RACHEL D’ARCY rdarcy@dublingazette.com

A GAA club in Cabra have slammed the Department of Education for failing to complete work on a new all-weather pitch for the club.

Naomh Fionnbarra GAA club were promised the pitch in exchange for a portion of their land in 2015.

The land was used to build a new gaelscoil for the Cabra area, Gaelscoil Bharra, which opened its doors last September.

Seamas Mac Reachtain, press relations officer for Naomh Fionnbarra, told Dublin Gazette that work on the pitch began late last year, and was moving steadily until January

when all building totally stopped.

“The pitch is about a week, two weeks maximum, off from being totally finished. There has been no building work on the pitch for the last six weeks, but the Department of Education keep telling us everything is ok,” Seamas said.

The club are now struggling to find both pitches to train on and the finances to rent out other pitches.

The club have been given no set time-frame in place for when building will resume on the pitch or when it will be finished.

Seamas said: “Money is becoming a struggle – we’re in complete limbo.

We have 16 teams that

need somewhere to train.

“We don’t have a set time for how long we will be renting pitches, and we don’t know where to get finance from to indefinitely rent these pitches.

“We’re training out of a hall at the minute, and that’s okay in the short term, but ultimately we need to be training on a pitch”.

Seamas also told Dublin Gazette that they were previously receiving assistance from the Department of Education to fund the pitch when they were building, but they have not received this funding since October.

The team have protested four times outside the Dail since January in the hopes of getting some answers,

and last week delivered a letter to the Minister of Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, but have yet to receive a response.

More than 100 people are reported to have attended the march in support of the Cabra club.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education and Skills have confirmed that building has temporarily stopped on the pitch.

They have said that while “some site works remain to be completed” on the pitch, they are hoping to have the works completed “as quickly as possible”. “ S o m e s i t e wo r k s remain to be completed in respect of the Gaelscoil Bharra project, including

Protesting at the gates of Dail Eireann

in respect of the pitch.

“The Department is fully aware of the issues and is working to have these site works completed as quickly as possible.

“However, as of March 13, there remain some site works to be completed

including completion of the pitch and reinstatement work to the car park of the adjacent GAA club.

“T he value of the work outstanding on this phase of the project is €117,751.55,” a spokesperson told Dublin Gazette.

CHARITY

A fun night out in aid of Special Olympics RACE ON over to Shelbourne Park next Friday, April 13, for a night to remember in aid of Special Olympics Ireland.

The flagship greyhound stadium will see owners, trainers and supporters gather to help support the organisation, with the exciting fundraising night set to help the upcoming Special Olympics ireland games in Dublin this June.

Tickets for the evening event are available online priced at just €10, including admission, a race programme and entry to the Buster Draw, and a great range of prizes.

For further information on the great fundraising event, see www. shelbourneparkgreyhoundstadium.ie.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

GALLERIES

Emma Sheehan and Anita Coote

Tara O’Driscoll and Katherine Brennan

Rachel Coffey and Karen Nugent

Katherine Beirne and Nuala Smith Stephanie Lange and Heidi Kavanagh. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Festival fashion is top of the agenda for YouTube star

E

SSENCE cosmetics officially launched the festival season with a personal appearance by Australian YouTuber, make-up artist and animal lover, Stephanie Lange at The Mart in Rathmines

last week. YouTube sensation Stephanie, who has more than one million subscribers, hosted a masterclass on how to create this season’s look using the new spring/ summer 2018 collection.

Elizabeth Fearns and Stephanie Lange

Ailsha Davey

Claire Reynolds with Sophie McSweeney

Fionnuala Moran

Rebecca Cooney and Sophie McSweeney

Thuraya Alhourani

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

FASTNews

SOCIETY: WOMEN’S TREATMENT IN JUSTICE SYSTEM IN FOCUS

‘Privatisation of bus routes could be costly’ THE continued privatisation of bus routes could prove costly for communities in Fingal and transport workers, according to a local TD. PLouise O’Reilly (SF) has raised concerns about the future of public bus services after the announcement that a British commercial firm, Go Ahead, will run six bus routes in Dublin and Kildare.

Deputy O’Reilly said: “I have serious concerns about the continued privatisation of routes by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross.

“There is nothing to stop the NTA from increasing the percentage of routes that they intend to put out to tender, or even privatising the entire public transport bus service in this State.

“Private companies exist only to make profit. Public transport is about providing a public service. The shift from service-provision to profit making is a worrying one.”

She added: “Investment in Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann must increase and we need guarantees that he [Minister Ross] does not intend to privatise more services.”

Aislinn O’Farell with her home-made sign

RACHEL D’ARCY

Tributes paid to the late Father Joseph Mallin ARDMHEARA Micheal Mac Donncha has expressed sympathy on the death of Fr Joseph Mallin, Freeman of Dublin, and last surviving child of the executed 1916 leader Commandant Michael Mallin.

Fr Mallin (inset) followed his father’s wish that he become a priest. He lived in Hong Kong as a Jesuit priest and was 104 years old.

Cllr Micheal Mac Donncha said: “It is with sadness we learned on Easter Sunday morning, as we com-memorated the 1916 Rising, of the death of Fr Joseph Mallin. I extend deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.

“Fr Joseph was awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2016 and the award was presented to him in Hong Kong by my predecessor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh.

“Fr Joseph cherished the memory of his father and his legacy of commitment to the cause of Irish freedom. Fr Joseph’s sincere patriotism was an inspiration and it was a great source of pride that he held the Freedom of the City of Dublin,” he said.

Help the fight against Bowel Cancer this month APRIL is Bowel Cancer Awareness month, and the National Bowel Screening Programme is urging eve-ryone aged 60–69 to take its free-athome screening test to check for the disease.

Professor Diarmuid O’Donoghue, the clinical director of BowelScreen, said: “Bowel screen-ing, with a simple home test, can detect abnormal changes in the bowel which can often have no signs or symptoms.

“These changes can develop into cancer over time.

However, if they are caught at an early stage, there are more treatment options and an increased chance of survival.”

Bowel cancer is Ireland’s second deadliest cancer and kills more than 1,000 people in Ireland each year.

BowelScreen offers free home testing to people aged 60–69 and has detected 718 cancers and removed 19,000 pre-cancerous growths, to date.

To register to receive the home test, call 1800 45 45 55 or visit bowelscreen.ie.

1,000 protest at O’Connell Street Part of the crowd in the centre of O’Connell Street

Niamh Murtagh and Katie McGrath

Reel wins for the LauraLynn kids at ‘Oscars’ JORDAN UPSHAW

THE results are in for the third annual LauraLynn Children’s Hospice Oscars Ceremony, which saw the LauraLynn children creating their own films with the help of siblings, family members, and industry professionals, with all films edited and produced

by Windmill Lane Studios.

All eight films premiered a VIP, invitation-only event complete with limos and a red carpet reception.

At the end of the evening each movie won a special LauraLynn Oscar, presented to the children by 2FM radio presenter Tracy Clifford.

The ceremony was hosted by Baz Ashmawy, who said: “The children and their families have put so much work into these films, and it really showed – each production was of a really high professional

quality, and everyone involved can be hugely proud of them.”

The winners were Aoibhin (7), Best Comedy Oscar for Clubber, The Loveable, Forgetful, Clumsy Alien.

Conall (3) won Best Fantasy Oscar for Conall and Book of Spells, while Liam (9), won Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Honey I Shrunk Darth Vader.

Leeia (14) won Best Adapted Animation Oscar for Leeia’s Magnificent Dragon-Taming Adventure. Claudia (also 14) won Best Action Movie Oscar for James Blonde, while Jamie (6) won Best Adapted Movie Oscar for Star Wars – May The Hurl Be With You. Natalia (5) won Best Adventure Oscar for Natalia and The Penguin, while Cillian (7) won Best Drama Oscar for The Gig – Pranksters Paradise.

A LARGE crowd of people took to O’Connell Street last Thursday to protest the not guilty verdict handed down to Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, following their nine-week trial in Belfast where they had faced rape charges.

The protestors were calling for reform of the treatment of women in

the criminal justice system in both Northern Ireland and in the Republic.

Similar marches took place across the country in Cork, Belfast and Galway, while the hashtag, ‘I Believe Her’, was trending on Twitter in the 24 hours following the verdict.

Since the verdict and subsequent marches, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has said that there will be a review

of the legal protection offered to complainants in sexual assault cases.

At present, the State prosecutes a defendant in a rape or assault trial, while the victim presents as a witness in the prosecution.

It was reported that there were more than a thousand people at the city centre rally, many of whom held home-made placards.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

Pay attention! Note the signs of heart failure AS PART of Pay Attention to the Signs, a campaign to encourage people over 50 to be aware of the early signs of heart failure, the Irish Heart Foundation has teamed up with Sunday Game presenter Michael Lyster.

Lyster said: “Looking back now, the warning signs of heart failure were clearly there, but I didn’t realise what was coming down the road.

“I was ignoring a lot of things that were happening to me, and that was a mistake. I was con-stantly tired, my ankles were swollen and I would wake up at night panting for breath. Even-tually it got to a stage where I couldn’t ignore it any longer.”

Swollen ankles, fatigue and shortness of breath are all warning signs of heart failure, a life-threatening condition that can be lived with if treated properly.

If you notice these signs or are concerned about heart failure, call 1800 25 25 50 or visit Knowyourheart.ie.

Date confirmed for the ‘Repeal’ referendum A DATE has been set for a referendum on whether or not to repeal the 8th amendment to the Constitution, which would allow unrestricted abortion, up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The news was announced last week

by Minister for Health, Simon Harris, and Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy.

The announcement was made after the bill passed through the final stage of the

Oireachtas, meaning that a polling day could officially be set.

Both sides in the referendum have formally launched their respective campaigns in Dublin, with both claiming a large amount of public support for their respective stances.

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar tweeted following the referendum announcement, saying that Irish people will “have the change to make change ... to trust women and trust doctors”.

Buskers hit a sour note as nine hit with €75 fine DUBLIN City Council has fined nine buskers €75 each for violating noise ordinances in 2017.

DCC requires buskers to apply for a permit before they begin playing. Buskers who wish to use amplifiers must apply for additional permission. A normal performing license costs about €30 a year, but the addition of amplifiers doubles that amount.

Laws regarding noise levels vary, with most places having an 80 decibel (DB) noise limit – about as loud as a garbage disposal. In Temple Bar, the limit is 75DB, and in certain areas busking is totally banned.

New regulations have further restricted buskers’ performances. The use of backing tracks is now banned as well as being noisy late at night.

This ‘Microwave man’ hopes to ‘rays’ money for mental health RACHEL D’ARCY

A DUBLIN Institute of Technology student is set to take off hitchhiking across Ireland, with nothing more than the clothes on his back, a bag and a microwave.

Diarmuid McCleary is hitchhiking across Ireland in aid of Jigsaw, the mental health charity that works with young people.

As events officer for DIT’s Student Union, he said Jigsaw are a charity that was chosen by the stu-dent population as the beneficiary charity from the union’s fundraising efforts.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, McCleary said: “They’re a relatively new and small charity, but the work they’re doing is so worthwhile.

“They’re keeping the discussion on mental health going, and I hope I can raise enough for them.”

The inspiration came to him last year, but he ‘chickened out’ until having a sudden stroke of determination after attending a music festival last Summer.

He said: “I went to a music festival in the middle of Nevada where people were doing all these mad things, and it made me so determined to come home and do something similar.

“I had read a book about a guy who went on a trek carrying a fridge and talked to a few friends about doing the same with a microwave.

“I chickened out but have finally picked up the courage to head out and do it, all while raising money for charity.”

Setting off on April 6, McCleary is hoping to make it around the country with his microwave through hitchhiking alone in two weeks, relying on lifts from people across

Praise for Dublin’s role in international software as Viasat opens expanded office GLOBAL communications company Viasat Inc has just opened a new, expanded office in Dublin.

Minister John Halligan, Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innova-tion, joined Viasat’s president and chief operating officer, Rick Baldridge, at the opening.

The office will house around 250 employees focusing on software and technology development for broadband markets.

Of the expansion, Baldridge said: “We believe the strong talent base located in Ireland will greatly expand our technical and business presence in Europe, and enable us to rapidly respond to new global broadband opportunities across a number of industry sectors.”

Martin Shanahan, chief executive of IDA Ireland welcomed the announcement, saying: “Ireland is recognised internationally as a leading location for companies in the software sector.

“Viasat’s decision to establish this European Software Centre of Excellence in Dublin is an en-dorsement of the talent pool and business environment here.”

Ireland. He’s also planning to busk in towns across the country to raise additional funds for Jigsaw.

“I’ve actually managed to turn the microwave into a Bluetooth speaker. I’ll set it up in the middle of towns in places like Roscommon or Leitrim where I don’t know anybody, and just start busking to raise some more money and hopefully get talking to people about getting a lift,” he said.

Already, with little to no promotion, he has already raised nearly €200 through the power of Facebook sharing and generous friends but he still wants to raise “as much as possible” for Jigsaw.

“My friends told me they wanted to donate, so I set up the link a little bit earlier. I initially was go-ing to launch it on Friday, but I already had so much interest through people sharing my Facebook page.

“Some companies have

contacted me asking to sponsor me, and people across Ireland have offered me their couch to sleep on

DIT student Diarmuid McCleary is hitching his way around the country – with a microwave oven – to help fundraise for Jigsaw

– providing I can get there!”

McCleary said.

To follow Diarmuid on his adventures, search for

The Microwave Express on Facebook; to donate you can visit gofundme.com/ themicrowaveexpress.

Local anger as baths stay closed to public LOCALS have protested at the Clontarf Baths over the facilities’ continued closure to public swimmers, and what locals claim are breaches of planning permission.

Donna Cooney, Green Party rep in Clontarf, organised the protest. She said: “The campaign to reopen the

Clontarf Baths has been a long one.

“For years, the baths lay derelict and became a dangerous eyesore. Unfortunately, the refurbishment has just presented a new set of problems.

“The baths remain closed to the public, and bike parking was never installed.”

DIARY, PAGE 16

Where in the world... Just where do you think this scorcher of a view hails from? LA? Costa Rica? Sydney?



FASTNews

CHARITY: DIT STUDENT COOKS UP AN IMAGINATIVE FUNDRAISER

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

SCHOOLS: US TRIP FOR SELFLESS YOUTH VOLUNTEER NIALL GOSSON

Washington trip for lad who’s a tireless helper SYLVIA POWNALL

EYE SEE: Sinead wants everyone to get their sight checked often TV DOCTOR Sinead Beirne stressed the importance of regular eye checks as she officially opened the new Vision Express optical store in Balbriggan – and got her eyes checked in the process.

The TV3 resident medic, who also features on hit show Doctor in the House, warned that problems other parts of the body can often be detected in the eye first.

She told Dublin Gazette: “It’s incredible what it can tell you, to be honest. It’s like a window to what’s going on elsewhere. An eye check can detect a range of broader health issues, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“Sometimes this is the first a person will hear about it. You can see small vessels at the back of the eye and ripping where they’ve become damaged.

“Everybody should be getting their eyes checked every two years, whether they have an issue or not, and the younger you start the better, to be honest.

“A friend of my dad had a watery eye and when he got it checked they found a melanoma. He was very lucky they got it in time.”

A DUBLIN Leaving Cert student has been named one of two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year for his phenomenal community work.

Niall Gosson was awarded €1,000 for charity, a gold medallion and a crystal trophy for his school.

The self less teenager will also go on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington to compete in the international Spirit of Community Awards finals.

Niall, a student at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rush, and a local Scout leader, volunteers with Rush Tourism and is supporting Fingal County Council in its efforts to develop a coastal heritage route and a Kenure House trail.

He single-handedly curated an exhibition in the local library celebrating 700 years of Kenure House, delivering talks at Ardgillan Castle where he volunteers during the year.

Niall raised funds to start the heritage trail by selling commemorative mugs and as a result of his hard work maps are now in place in the town to highlight the routes.

Launching the project last year, local Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) noted that Niall had been collecting for the exhibition since his first year of secondary school.

He added: “Niall deserves a lot of credit for his efforts to bring to life again the lost history of

Kenure House – a story that dates back to the Dukes of Ormonde and also the Palmers and their connection to England’s King Charles I and King Charles II.” Outside of the heritage project, Niall also helps out with his local park run and Scouts group, where he is a Rover leader.

He was nominated for the award by his principal Patricia Hayden and his proud dad Michael said he was the first person at his school ever to win the title.

He told Dublin Gazette: “Niall is thrilled. He’s very grateful to his principal for putting him forward, and to Angela Byrne and Rush Tourism who have helped him with his volunteering since he was 15.”

Michael added: “He is also very thankful to us, his parents, for putting up with all the volunteering he does and for our constant support.

“He said it was the best way to end the best six years of school with the best year group.”

Scouting Ireland also heaped praise on the young volunteer, as did local Senator James Reilly (FG) who described him as “a young man with a bright future”.

He added: “His community service and constant positive spirit is incredible and to be admired ... A young man Rush and Fingal can be very proud of.”

Niall will travel to Washington along with joint Ireland winner Danielle Timperley from Antrim (both pictured above).

Room to Improve brought a dash of Malibu to Stillorgan QUINN KANNER

THE Season 11 finale of RTE’s Room to Improve featured the make-over of a Stillorgan home, prompting a mixed reaction from viewers who didn’t share quite the same vision as the easygoing owners.

With the help of architect Dermot Bannon, Lorna and Rory wanted to renovate their 1960s semi-detached home into something more open and contemporary for their family.

After walking through the house, Dermot decided he was going to use a Malibu beach house concept as inspiration, something viewers didn’t feel matched with the home’s

location.

Twitter user @Thejanitor14 said: “#roomtoimprove The nearest they will get to Malibu is if they drink a few in the Stillorgan Orchid Pub.” Overall, Lorna and Rory behaved admirably during their house renovations: they listened to Dermot’s suggestions and were polite with any disagreements.

Some viewers found the couple to be a little too drama-free, especially considering the budget jump from €180,000 to €295,000.

Twitter user @arlenehunt said: “The couple from last night’s #roomtoimprove were just the most relaxed people, weren’t they? Especially

Rory and Lorna with Lisa O’Brien and architect Dermot Bannon

considering the HUGE budget jump.

I’d never sleep again if that was me.”

The biggest contention of the episode was over the front door. Lorna

wanted a little more space to navigate entering her house since she often had her arms full of bags as she herded her children inside.

Lorna wanted the door to be centred, whereas Dermot insisted its offset location was essential for the feel of the home.

Twitter user @VickyWrites said: “@DermotBannon— you can’t have a cottage door, you don’t live in a cottage. Also @DermotBannon—And we’re gonna go for a California feel… in sunny Stillorgan.” @diddleydie tweeted: “Whatever about the home revamp. I’m going cracked wondering how I know Rory??? Is he a hurler?”

The episode ended with Rory and Lorna loving their updated house, but the reason for Rory’s familiarity remains a mystery.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Aoife Murtagh and Lisa Reilly. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Nikki Dunne, Vicky Sweetman and Niamh Durcan

Anna Nugent and Kate O’Hanlon

Karen Castro and Rhiannon Barry

Linda Monahan and Marissa Moore

The Black Door celebrates in style

S

TYLISH guests were out in force as Harcourt Street hotspot The Black Door celebrated its fifth birthday. The late night piano bar is a favourite among Irish celebrities. Musicians Andrew

Mann and Greg French set the scene with some ambient live music, while partygoers sipped on custommade cocktails and enjoyed a tasting feast from the venue’s wide-ranging menu of gourmet bites.

Thomas Crosse, Catriona O’Connor and Eamonn Fennell

Elaine Stenson and Clint Drieberg

Terri Osinuoga and Obi Ezebulro

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Kate O’Malley and Alison Joyce. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

T

Elaine Stenson

Stepping out for special screening of A Quiet Place

HE Odeon Point Square played host to a special preview of A Quiet Place last week. The film was directed

by John Krasinski who also takes the lead role of Lee, with his wife Emily Blunt playing his on-screen partner Evelyn. The plot follows a family of four who must live life in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound.

Karl Bowe and Gina Kavanagh

Leanne Gordon and Martha Gilheaney James Elford and Gabrielle Kalo

Having a wool-y good time with a new friend

L

AMBING season is in full swing and little Luan McHenry Behal has a new friend – his pet lamb, Charlie Jnr. little Luan was glad to have his buddy beside him as he watched his grandparents working away in the shed getting everything ready for the new arrivals.

Rachel Maloney and Alison O’Driscoll

Ciara Beale and Clara O’Brien

Matt Murphy and Finn McLaughlin

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

HOME & STYLE:



FROCKS APPEAL: NOW that the sun has started to return with the grand stretch in the evenings, you’ll want to stretch to get a bit of a golden glimmer yourself. Thankfully, some pops of colour have started to dazzle on the high street, with & Other Stories very much on trend with its cool fashions to help you get some of the hottest looks around this season.

ARE YOU READY, PLAY ONE? P20

MAGAZINE

PAGES 26-27

DUBLIN

TEE OF UP NORTH FOR A TRUE GOLFING DELIGHT PAGE 24

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY

THE GIFT OF GAZ | GARRULOUS GAELIC

Irish I didn’t have to listen to Davy’s guff about his ‘Celtic soul’ DAVY would drive you to distraction. We were sitting in Would ye believe how often I have to put up with lisa nice cafe in town having a grand auld chinwag when tening to this guff? he stands up and says loudly to me: “An bhfuil cead “The people of Castleknock probably don’t think so,” agam dul go dti an leithreas?”

I says. “Why not?” he says.

“Jaysus, Davy!” I says to him as I pulled the biggest “Well, yer man Sheeran is coming to the Pheono but reddner you’ve ever seen. the residents there say they’re worried about people “This isn’t high babies. You don’t need my permission using their gardens as the jacks.” to go to the bleedin’ jacks.”

“Really?” he says to me, leaning in like this is some “I know,” he says. “But I’m trying to use me cupla sort of grand conspiracy. focal. It’s dying out, so it is. I hear they’re not even using “Yeah, they’re worried about anti-social behaviour – it in Dingle anymore. A load of tourists said they went that’s what we used to call acting the maggot.” down there and didn’t hear anyone speaking Irish. In a The wrinkles on Davy’s forehead tend to swim up Gaeltacht area, like.” and down his head when he’s thinking. It’s almost like “And sure why would they be speaking you can see his brainwaves slowly Irish to someone from Germany or Spain clicking into gear.

Even still, I or wherever?” I says to him. “Sure, they’re After a while, he says to me: not gonna have a clue what they’re saying like using the cupla “Here, I heard they were thinking focal. Puts me in anyway.” of putting in a farm in Ballymun to “I suppose you’re right, Gaz,” says Davy. touch with me Celtic tackle anti-social behaviour.”

“But even still, I like using the cupla focal. soul.

“So?” I says.

Puts me in touch with me Celtic soul.”

“Well maybe the animals have a “Celtic soul?” I says. “You’re some tulip! calming effect,” he says.

But sure, I’m sure your Celtic soul is a fine “Wha’? So ye reckon if the peosoul indeed.” ple of Castleknock get a few rab“Ah now, don’t start again,” he says bits and whatnot in their gardens with his face creasing up again. it’ll stop people using their garden “The Celtic soul is a powerful thing. as a jacks?”

People of the diaspora all possess it. Look “I dunno, maybe.” at yer man Ed Sheeran, king of the pop I can think of more than a cupla world thanks in part to his Celtic things wrong with that, Davy, for soul.” focal sake.

“

Pippa O’Connor looked as perfectly styish as ever when she came along to the La RochePosay Baby Skincare Masterclass in the Iveagh Garden Hotel recently. For more shots of the glamorous guests at the launch, see the gallery on P22-23.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

PEOPLE

WAYS TO HELP OTHERS, AND TO HELP YOURSELF, TOO

How Dynamo usually looks (above) versus (right) his appearance battling Crohn’s disease at its worst

No magic solution for Crohn’s – but get help to treat it REBECCA RYAN

DUBLINERS with Crohn’s disease are being encouraged to reach out for support, with the illness getting a high-profile nod from the magician Dynamo, who has opened up about his struggles with the illness.

Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition which causes ulceration of the digestive tract, and symptoms can include recurring diarrhoea, blood, abdominal pain, fever, chronic fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, recently posted a video on his social media accounts revealing the shocking toll the disease has taken on his body.

The 35-year-old has had the inflammatory bowel disease since he was a teenager and half of his stomach was removed at the age of 17 to help combat the disease.

On Twitter, the magician said he has been keeping a low profile for the past eight months as he ended up in hospital last summer due to “a really bad type of food poisoning, which having Crohn’s disease and food poisoning is a really bad

combination”.

He is also suffering with arthritis as a side effect and said the reason his appearance has drastically changed is because he is on a lot of medication.

His post has been a source of encouragement to those suffering with the disease. One person wrote: “Here’s my moon face when I was on steroids.”

Another wrote: “Sympathy! Don’t fret about hamster cheeks & spots.

It’s just the steroids & will go away. I had it too & am now slowly looking more like myself. Arthritis means I cannot practice as a doctor at the mo so I know how you feel about hands especially. Get well quickly and safely.”

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, athlete C a ra d h O’Donovan (right), who a l s o b a ttles with C r o h n ’s disease, said Dynamo has created great awareness about the effects of the disease.

The kickboxing champion said: “As this disease isn’t obviously vis-

ible it can be difficult to get through day to day activities in public such as accessing public bathrooms in emergencies without judgement.”

She is encouraging Dubliners who are battling with the disease to get help.

“The biggest mistake I made before getting diagnosed was ignoring the symptoms for years until they got so severe that I got incredibly sick.

“So, my advice to anyone is that if they think they have symptoms to get help. Go to your GP straight away!

“I [also] looked at other athletes with IBD who were doing quite well in their careers to motivate me.”

The Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn’s disease, headquartered in Dublin, h a s m e e tings across Dublin and Ireland, and they are also launching a new self-management programme this summer called Living Well With IBD. For further information, see www.iscc.ie.

Pat Dennigan, chief executive, Focus Ireland shares a fundraising cuppa with Deirdre O’Kane. Picture: Sasko Lazarov

Get together and help to support 10,000 homeless RACHEL D’ARCY

FOCUS Ireland have launched Ireland’s Great Get Together, a brandnew fundraising campaign aimed at encouraging the people of Dublin to ‘get together’ to raise vital funds for the charity.

Taking place from April 20 to 22, the event was launched last week by comedian, actress, and Dancing with the Stars finalist Deirdre O’Kane.

Deirdre said that she is “delighted” to be part of the launch of the campaign, one that holds particular relevancy following An Taoiseach’s Leo Varadkar’s announcement that homelessness in Ireland is now at a level of national emergency.

She said: “Ireland’s Great Get Together is a fantastic chance for the people of Dublin to get

together with the important people in their lives and raise money for a very worthy cause. It’s great to see Bord Gais Energy getting involved and helping Focus Ireland to combat this crisis.”

Almost 10,000 people are currently without a home in Ireland, with a child becoming homeless every 3.5 hours, based off the most recent statistics.

Deirdre added: “It’s shocking to think that one child becomes homeless every 3.5 hours in Ireland.

It is also unacceptable and we all need to do our bit to try and help change this.”

The new initiative from Focus Ireland, who have teamed up with Bord Gais Energy, asks for the public to come up with any kind of initiative to get people together.

From a dinner party to a sports tournament, it

doesn’t matter as long as vital funds are raised for Focus Ireland.

Focus Ireland’s chief executive Pat Dennigan said: “Focus Ireland helps more than 14,000 people a year and we need the great support we get from the likes of Bord Gais Energy and the public so we can reach all these people.

“Ireland’s Great Get Together is a new event and it will be really positive as it gives people the opportunity to do the things they love, and bring their friends, family and community together, while also helping our work.

“Thanks to the support of Bord Gais Energy, all the funds raised will go towards helping provide services for families who are homeless or at risk and we hope this campaign

will also raise awareness of the deepening crisis in Ireland.”

Mark Prentice, managing director of Bord Gais Energy, said the partnership with Focus Ireland has recently been extended until 2021, and they hope to help more and more families through the Great Get Together and other initiatives in the future.

He said: “To date, this partnership has already supported more than 5,182 families in need, but there is still more to be done to tackle this issue and that is why fundraising initiatives such Ireland’s Great Get Together are so important.”

Anyone looking to take part is asked to register their get together at focusireland.ie, where they can download a host pack and get more information.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

NEED HELP?

ASK MARY

EMAIL MARYAT MARYBYRNE@ DUBLINGAZETTE.COM DON’T DELAY – EMAIL MARY

TODAY! Is my husband not the man I thought he was? Carla, Tallaght

I’M a happily married woman with three children, living in a lovely home at the foothills of the Dublin mountains.

During the recent bad weather we were snowed in for five days and couldn’t leave the house.

I was shocked to see a side of my husband that I’ve never seen before.

He was angry, impatient with the kids, rude and inconsiderate towards me and almost like a stranger.

He’s been OK since the snow went but I’m worried. Have I been living a lie for the last 12 years and is my husband not the man I thought he was?

Dear Carla,

WE ALL love the snow, in small doses! Once the excitement of the first flurries wear off the reality sets in and the practicalities of dealing with the weather hit home.

We all saw the mad rush for bread and milk,

and I must admit that I was drawn into the panic at one stage.

Your husband was thrown into a situation where his routine was completely disrupted.

Some men are ‘hunter/ gatherers’, meaning that they subconsciously feel that they need to provide for their family at all times.

Being trapped and unable to provide can have, and in your husband’s case, did have a profound effect on behaviour at a basic level.

This subconscious ‘failure’ on his part led to frustration and anger and unfortunately he expressed these emotions in a negative way towards you.

No doubt the big thaw saw him thaw as well as he was able to fulfil his subconscious needs.

Now he’s back to normal, have a chat to him about how he behaved, tell him how it hurt you and the kids, and hopefully in future he can be more understanding toward you all.

I’m attracted to another man in the office and don’t know what to do. Shane, city centre I’M 19 and work in a busy solicitors office in town.

I’m single, happy and have a small apartment that I rent with a couple of other guys.

My problem is that I’m attracted to another man in the office and don’t know what to do.

We occasionally meet at the coffee machine and he’s always charming and almost flirtatious with me and I literally go weak at the knees.

I don’t want to make a fool of myself but I can’t go on like this.

What would you do in my situation?

Dear Shane,

IN THE words of the famous song, ‘Love is a many splendoured thing’, and certainly in my experience it has its highs and its lows.

Attraction isn’t defined by rules, it can happen any time and any place, often when we least expect it.

Your coffee machine encounters suggests to me that the object of your desire feels some positive vibes towards you but how do you test the waters?

Probably the best way is to try to meet outside the office environment.

Ask your flatmates for help, organise a night out as a group, invite a few of your work col-

leagues as well, and invite him along.

You’ll soon gauge his interest by his reaction to your invitation.

If he rejects your invite I’m afraid it’s cold coffee from now on, but if he gratefully accepts, with his flirtatious charm you could be in for something that’s really hot.

Outside the office environment it will be up to you to work your charm, and safe to do so as well.

Good luck, Shane!

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Sue Griffith sgriffith@dublingazette.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

WELCOME TO SUN-KISSED... DUBLIN? Memories of snow were firmly banished by an Easter cracker of a sunset over Dublin last Saturday, which brought an LA vibe to the slightly less exotic M50 link roads. If you have great, high-res shots of the city that you’d love to share with our readers, email them to news@dublingazette.com. Photos: Shane Dillon

Hop into the Disney Store for an egg hunt

THE Disney Store on Grafton Street will play home to an exclusive event on April 8.

Participants are invited to ‘hop’ in store to take part in an exclusive Disney Egg Hunt event to find eggs placed around the store.

Those taking part will receive a free Ufufy soft toy (while supplies last), as well as a free activity sheet which allows children to design their own Disney eggs.

The event is suitable for children aged three and up, and will start at 9am for all Sunday’s early birds, but spaces are limited.

TRAVEL, PAGE 24

It’s Tee Time Putt yourself on a Northern golf course



Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

DIARY

DOG OF THE WEEK

Tidy Towns calls on Dubliners to get involved THE 2018 SuperValu TidyTowns competition has opened for entries.

Now in its 60th year, the competition is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and is sponsored by SuperValu.

Minister for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, said that the success of the long-running competition is due to the ‘selfless effort’ of those that take part.

Last year, over 870 towns participated in the competition, with over €1.3 million provided to 900 TidyTowns committees across Ireland to spend on improving their communities.

This year’s competition will also see the addition of the Schools Award that aims to encourage schools in communities across the country to get involved with their local TidyTowns committee.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competitions is May 23, 2018.

Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition can be obtained by visiting tidytowns.ie or supervalu.ie.

Little Museum salutes trailblazing females A BRAND new exhibition launched in the City last weekend, in another event to mark 100 years of women getting the opportunity to vote.

Hosted by The Little Museum of Dublin on Stephen’s Green, ‘What’s She Doing Here?’ is set to be an photographic exploration into women who have excelled in industries that have traditionally been dominated by men.

Looking at the last 100 years, there will be a focus on historical heroines such as renowned suffragette Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, as well as a look at the women of more modern times who defy sexist attitudes to propel themselves to the tops Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington of their respective industries. It was launched last weekend by Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaelteacht, Josepha Madigan, and is set to run until June 10.

DUBLIN Gazette Newspaper have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Lady is a gentle and caring four-year-old female Lab cross that is looking for a family to share her love with.

Lady was a wonderful mum to her babies, and now that all of her pups have found loving homes, she is looking for a home of her own with someone who is going to give her lots of love.

She feels best around people, especially when she can rest on someone’s lap.

This beautiful girl craves the attention and adores her gentle cuddles, so if you are looking for an affectionate companion she may be the one for you.

Lady is such a sweetheart, and she will make a wonderful pet and a great addition to a young family. She could potentially live with children, but like all dogs, she will always need to be supervised while interacting with them.

This beautiful girl would like nothing more than a loving and caring family to take her home and give her a happy life.

If you have room in your heart for Lady, then please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Ten days of magic music in the city

MUSICTOWN will be back with a bang this April, with a ten-day musical celebration taking place from April 13 to 22. The event sets out to explore and celebrate the diverse constellation of music cultures that exist in Dublin city.

MusicTown aims to unify the city, making its music relatable and accessible, instilling a sense of pride in Dublin’s musical heritage, whilst welcoming newcomers and visiting artists.

Highlights include another unique collaboration between one of Ireland’s most acclaimed indie-rock groups, Little Green Cars, and acclaimed painter Andrew Vickery, at The Abbey Theatre on Thursday, April 19.

John Sheahan and Colm Mac Con Iomaire with special guests will be at the Abbey Theatre with a special collaborative performance on Saturday, April 21.

For all other events at various locations, just visit www.musictown.ie Little Green Cars

Wreath-laying ceremony to remember The Rising’s dead GLASNEVIN Cemetery began nationwide commemorations last week to honour those who perished in Easter week 1916. Ceremonial events included a number of wreath-laying ceremonies that took place at the Sigerson Monument and the graves of Edward Hollywood (the man who delivered the first Tricolour flag to Ireland from France), and Peadar Kearney (composer of Ireland’s first national anthem).

Minister Josepha Madigan was joined by Sarah Tiffan, deputy head of Mission at the British Embassy, HE Excellency, Ambassador Stephane Crouzat, on behalf of the French Embassy, members of the Irish Defence Forces and the chairman of Glasnevin Trust, John Green, to begin the nationwide day of remembrance for all those who served on Easter week in 1916.

Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennells

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

GOINGOUTOUT A Dublin dance group’s quest for greatness just took a twist by adding a stellar Irish legend. Meet

Le Galaxie PICKWEEK OF THE

APRIL 6 (FRIDAY)

A Night For Aware @ Olympia Theatre, €25 Cry Monster Cry (above) are just one of the highlights of a night to remember at the Olympia, where Christy Dignam, In Tua Nua, Mundy, The Pale, Barq, Jem Mitchell, Trouble Pilgrims and The Skatuesques are also set to delight in a dizzying night in aid of Aware.

The bands and artists are doing their bit to help keep the mental health momentum going, with the fundraiser acting as a great way to help support Aware’s work with those impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions – and get a brilliant night out, too.

APRIL 5 (THURSDAY) Toto @ Vicar Street, €55 Karine Polwart Trio @ Pavillion Theatre, €23 Tandem Felix @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Theo Katzman and the Four Fine Gentlemen @ Whelan’s, €23

APRIL 6 (FRIDAY) Arcade Fire @ 3Arena, €60 Canada’s finest return to Dublin to explore several albums of driving, melodic indie rock.

Expect some beautiful harmonies and catchy choruses.

David Kitt @ The Button Factory, €18 Bahamas @ The Grand Social, €15 The Nordanians @ The Workman’s Club, €10-15

APRIL 7 (SATURDAY) Le Boom @ Button Factory, €14 Jeremy Loops @ The Academy, €20 Black Label Society @ Tivoli Theatre, €30 Vernon Jane/Thumper @ The Sugar Club, €10-15 Shame @ Whelan’s

APRIL 8 (SUNDAY) The High Kings @ Vicar

Street, €33.50 The Outcasts @ Toner’s, €10 Raucous, old-school Belfast punks choose Dublin as the venue to record their latest live record.

Heavily backed by the local punk scene, they play in the 70s tradition, their edges suitably roughed. Outcast by name, but music to bring in punk fans.

Jive Aces @ Whelan’s, €12

APRIL 9 (MONDAY) Dua Lipa @ Olympia Theatre, €26 Jessica Lea Mayfield @ Whelan’s, €18 Marillion @ Vicar Street, €40

APRIL 10 (TUESDAY) Beth Hart @ Vicar Street, €39 Dua Lipa @ Olympia Theatre, €26 Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 Epica @ Tivoli Theatre Laoise @ Whelan’s, €10 Tiger’s Jaw @ Whelan’s, €16

APRIL 11 (WEDNESDAY) Keeva @ Whelan’s, €12 Calum Scott @ The Academy, €19

DUBLIN’S most popular dance act might have left behind the world of major labels, but with the addition of former Fight Like Apes vocalist Mary-Kate Geraghty to the band, an international-class distance runner on drums and an absolutely pulsating live show, they remain an act to be watching out for.

FEW acts are quite like Le Galaxie. Locally notorious for their late-night festival shows, glowstick showers, shiny stage outfits and thumping dance-pop beats, they’ve evolved where their peers have stagnated.

With the addition of an Irish music legend in Mary Kate Geraghty, they have the potential to push the boundaries a whole lot further, despite saying goodbye to major label Universal after just one album.

Their sound is euphoric: bleepy and charmingly sing-along, lively and driving. They bounce across the stage, blazing through tracks like impressing at any individual show is the criteria for ever getting to do another.

 JAMES HENDICOTT

They’ve established a phenomenal depth of local loyalty in Dublin, in part thanks to the constant, lively evolution. It’s personified this time around in Geraghty.

“The decision to bring Maykay [Geraghty] in full time came in the middle of our sessions with the producer on this album,” frontman Michael Pope says of the band’s new addition.

“She was doing vocals already, and came in during the latter third in more of a songwriting kind of

way. We should have done it a year earlier, really.”

“It was like a movie. I kept it really cool in the office when they asked me, and then got outside and flipped,” Geraghty jokes. “Before that I’d been doing one song a show with them for a while, but it’s frustrating to go out, go crazy for three minutes and then come off.”

“We’d started to bring her on for more songs,” Pope continues. “The dynamic of her being on stage is like a bolt of lightning. It isn’t all about myself and Mary, call and response or anything like that, though. It’s still about the band and what they’re doing. If anything, it’s become more dynamic, more intense, more joyous.”

Whilst Geraghty had been fronting Fight Like Apes for most of Le Galaxie’s career, she’s long been a fan, and being part of their latest offering, Pleasure, gives her the outside per-

spective to see how she fits into their progress.

“I’d already seen as an onlooker that the band really aren’t afraid to adapt, to move and change,” Geraghty says, throwing in the planned addition of her own synth station – ideally a rotating one – to the Le Galaxie repertoire.

“As a fan, I’d seen them go from completely kind of ambient instrumental, to a bit dancier, then to having vocals, then to having me.

“It’s not like going into a company where there’s no room for promotion. Le Galaxie always h a s space to change.

They’re open to anything. But they’re also very sure.

“You’re more than welcome to make suggestions, but if they don’t l i ke t h e m , you’ll be very politely told

‘No’. I like that.”

So drummer Al Higgins will continue to show up to practise a few hours after running 24-hour races and batter his drumkit like it’s not a thing.

Michael Pope, dressed in a silver shellsuit with glitter flashes smeared across his face, will egg on the crowd with glow sticks and triumphant gestures.

Mary-Kate Geraghty ... she’s a Dublin music icon, and for Le Galaxie, right now she’s their great unknown.

Le Galaxie’s third album, Pleasure, is out soon on this Friday, April 6.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

ENTERTAINMENT AMERICAN SUPPORTER IS CLUELESS ABOUT THE SPORT BUT BACKS OUR BOYS IN BLUE

Happy to cheer on the Dublin team at ... whatever it is you do in football QUINN KANNER

WITH no knowledge of Gaelic Football other than its existence, I decided to go see a match of what I’d been informed was ‘proper football’. So it was that I recently attended the Dublin v Monaghan game at Croke Park.

The morning of the match I attempted to research the game, and what I found reminded me of the games played during elementary school PE when we’d have only a soccer field, baseball bases and a dodgeball to use to play something resembling a real sport.

With its inclusion of ele-

ments from soccer, rugby and basketball, Gaelic football seemed like a similar amalgamation.

Watching the athletes warm up at the stadium did not provide any more clarity on what to expect from the gameplay.

Some groups appeared to be playing basketball, dribbling and swerving in an effort to keep possession of the ball.

Others were running and practicing throwing passes. Another group was kicking balls into a rugby goal fork on top of a soccer goal, many of which went so high they flew over the net behind the contraption into the stands.

“

Gaelic football seems to involve elements of soccer, rugby and maybe basketball

Quinn was happy to pitch in with plenty of support for her adopted city but alas, the mighty men from Monaghan won the day

During the warmups, one of my friends decided Dublin’s #9 was going to be a star player, though he didn’t end up being put in play until the second half.

Once he was, I bemoaned the monitor’s lack of close-ups, because I really wanted to know what was going on with his hair, which had some

great movement every time he jumped or ran.

Because I didn’t really understand the gameplay, I decided to follow the crowd’s cues on when

to cheer. That was complicated by the fact that behind me was a row of vehement Monaghan fans and in front of me was a very vocal Dublin fan.

At one point, I was slightly worried about being caught in the middle of a brawl, hearing a muttered comment from the guy behind me about the guy in front of me shouting about jersey pulling.

It wasn’t until the Monaghan sup-

U2 retain reign as richest Irish stars MARK O’BRIEN

IN A NOT so shocking twist, it turns out that U2 are still the richest entertainers in Ireland, according to the recent 2018 Sunday Times Irish Rich List.

The Sunday Times Irish Rich List surveys the wealth of the 300 richest individuals and families on the island of Ireland in a variety of areas, including entertainment, sport, business, technology and construction.

U2’s riches flow in part from their extensive touring and a €3m annual income from their back catalogue,

merchandising and airplay.

Their 14th studio album, Songs of Experience, peaked at number five in the UK album charts as well as topping the Billboard chart in the US. The €2m increase in their overall wealth helped them finish ahead of husband and wife team Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, who have a combined fortune of €443m.

United States-based Burnett (57), is president of MGM Television and is the king of reality television, devising The Apprentice, Survivor, and The Voice, while his wife – Derry-born Roma Downey

(also 57) is chief content officer of the faith and family division of MGM Television.

She co-produced the TV miniseries, The Bible, seen by 100 million people.

The couple made their fortune from a successful production company, in which MGM took a 55% stake in 2015 for $364m, with the couple exchanging their remaining holding for 1.3 million MGM shares, currently worth €107m.

The wealthiest Irish actor is Liam Neeson, who at 65 remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

Most recently seen as the star

of The Commuter – which has grossed $108m worlwide, to date – Neeson’s movies have earned more than $6.9bn at the box office overall.

Valued by The Sunday Times at €113m this year, he has been lined up to co-star in Widows, directe d by S teve McQueen, starring Colin Farrell and R o b e r t Duvall.

porters gave a standing ovation to their team’s narrow win in overtime that I realised how many of them were blending in to the sea of blue-clad fans.

I left the match disappointed by Dublin’s loss, but really impressed with the athletes’ abilities. I’m not good at a single sport, and I feel like they have to be good at all of them to play Gaelic football effectively.

Liam Neeson has taken seventh place in the chart, with an estimated 2018 wealth of €113m

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

ENTERTAINMENT

VIRTUALLY ASSURED TO BE PLEASED

CINEMA | READY PLAYER ONE LIVES UP TO THE PRE-RELEASE BUZZ WITH EASE

VIDEOGAME -related content largely continues to be a tricky issue for directors, with plenty setting their sights on films based around games, but rarely delivering anything more than mediocre movies.

For all the narrative

 SHANE DILLON

sdillon@dublingazette.com

richness and depth that can be found in plenty of

games now as the medium matures, capturing the same potential complexity and core essence of a great game continues to prove difficult.

With Ready Player One (Cert 12A, 140 mins), director Stephen Spiel-

SUDOKU

Wade (Tye Sheridan) may look a bit of a plonker in that hightech virtual reality gear, but he’s actually helping to save the world – at least, an online one...

Spielberg plays along with tech in terrific style

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

TOP TWEETS EASY

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

@ibrahimhalawa13 Ibrahim Halawa has his priorities right

up largely contemporary tech (extrapolated a little further down the road), alongside some classic Spielbergian themes.

Set in the near future, an American youth, Wade (Tye Sheridan), is pretty much like everyone else living in now commonplace slum-like conditions, using tech to escape the modern, messy world by jumping into the Oasis – the crazily complex global virtual reality that most

“

with the high-octane race featured extensively in the trailers the first stumbling block that they can’t get past.

Now, what are the odds that Wade will find a way?

Throw in an evil corporation with indentured players doing its bidding, real world danger versus the virtual world drama, and something of a classic hero’s quest for Wade and his allies to take in both realities alike, and RPO

The film’s about much more than gaming – it’s a packed potpourri of pop culture references people spend a lot of time in, where people can be or do pretty much anything.

Apart from just escaping impoverished reality, many Oasis users also know that its late creator, James Halliday, left a hidden easter egg legacy – there’s a Halliday secret hidden somewhere in the Oasis, and whoever finds it can take control of the entire network, as well as finding riches galore.

The fate of the (virtual) world is potentially at stake, but in the real world nobody’s even been able to get off the starting block in the particular game that leads to Halliday’s legacy,

delivers a high-energy, high-stakes tale that’s highly entertaining in parts.

The eye-popping visuals can be overwhelming, but then again they should be, given the nature of Oasis. Still, Wade/Sheridan successfully drives the film - including in the most literal sense - under Spielberg’s masterful control.

As a result, even if you don’t know your augmented realities from your global neural networks, you’re virtually guaranteed to enjoy the often spectacular ride.

Verdict: 8/10

CODEWORDS in association with

I never let the hate get to me and I go out and enjoy the things I’ve really missed. The Cliffs of Moher are something I always wrote about from prison and how they express so much freedom. I wanna thank all the people who supported me and caused this to happen.

berg takes a stab at capturing some of the giddy excitement and individual engagement at the heart of much of modern gaming, and for once the medium gets a decent cinematic presentation, RPO is about much more than gaming, mind you – it’s a packed potpourri of pop culture references, liberally sprinkling about a dizzying range of nods and winks to all kinds of blink-and-you’llmiss-them easter eggs that refer to cinema, TV and other cultural themes.

Many of these were present in the 2011 book that the film is based on, but seeing them on screen is a different matter.

While the trailers have made heavy use of The Iron Giant, for example, eagle-eyed culture vultures will find a long, long list of classic (and some contemporary) characters and icons popping up in overt and subtle ways alike.

The end result is something of nerd heaven, given the amount of gaming and pop culture elements to spot, with many flashing by in very subtle ways.

Still, as fun as it is to spot all these things they’re largely incidental to the film itself, which is very on-trend in serving

MODERATE

PUZZLES

WORD SEARCH

Taking note of anyone that Instagrams a Lindt Easter egg this weekend and sending it to the tax office because nobody should have that kind of disposable income to be throwing around.

HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

@Ciara_Knight Ciara isn’t eggsactly yolking as she keeps watch

Ok so once in ikea dublin, someone came back after over a year complaining that their blue kitchen was peeling. they had never taken the protective wrap off it & thought they got sent a blue kitchen by accident but decided that they liked it better than the white 1 they ordered. @earley Retweeting another post, and hey, who hasn’t been in this situation too? We’re not aware of being able to try the same thing with houses, however, as they tend not to come pre-wrapped.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS bladderwrack

mozuku

carola

nori

cochayuyo

oarweed

dulse

sea grapes

gutweed

sea lettuce

hijiki

spiral wrack

Irish moss

sugar kelp

kelp

wakame

laver

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

GALLERIES

Janette Ryan, Pippa O’Connor and Niki Ralph. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Stars step out for a baby skincare class S

KINCARE brand La Roche-Posay hosted a special baby skincare masterclass in Dublin’s Iveagh hotel recently. Pippa O’Connor, Gail Kaneswaren and Grace Mongey were among the well-known mums who attended the class to find out the best way to care for their skin. Guests enjoyed a discussion with consultant dermatologist, Dr Niki Ralph, and La Roche-Posay skincare expert, Janette Ryan.

Laura Erskine and Ciara Swan

Lisa Brady

Niamh Durcan

Edel and Pearl Lawless

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

Pippa O’Connor

Tara O’Farrell

Kelly Felton and Kellie Kearney

Ursula Walsh

Ciara Swan and David O’Brien

Ece Parlar

Niki Ralph

Gail Kaneswaran

Deirdre Woods

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

Hit the North for some of the finest golf courses around QUALITY COURSES | HONE YOUR SKILLS IN A GOLF PARADISE IT’S no secret that Northern Ireland is a golfer’s paradise – some of the world’s best courses are dotted along its spectacular coastline.

But while probably best known for its famous links, it’s also home to some of the best parkland tracks in Ireland and beyond.

Two of those, both boasting stunning views of beautiful Belfast Lough, were the setting for the Writer Cup – an annual golf tournament held over two days in which a team of media

The ROI Writer Cup team

men from the Republic take on the North’s finest journalists in a format not unlike the slightly more vaunted Ryder Cup. McHugh’s Bar in Belfast City Centre

Holywood G C i s w h e re Rory McIroy honed the skills that would lead him to four majors, and it’s a golfer’s Mecca.

Set in the picturesque Holywood Hills just outside bustling Belfast, replicas of Rory’s trophies are

proudly on display in the warm and welcoming clubhouse. You can even pose with the famous Claret Jug, the impressive PGA trophy, or the US Open cup – better still, all three, which probably just about every visitor to the club does.

The course itself is a cracker, tough but fair, with smart play and prudent club choices rewarded.

The sixth hole is a little gem of a par three, while the fourteenth is a par four that shows the lough at its most spectacular.

The other track we were lucky enough to play this year is the majestic and historic Royal Belfast, an absolute beast of a course that oozes class from the clubhouse to the last tee.

The opening five are up there

Michael McGovern teeing off

amongst the finest golf holes you’ll find in Ireland – but be warned, the chances are you’ll need your sandwedge.

Like Holywood, the views show Belfast at its finest and, like Holywood, Royal Belfast is a beautifully maintained and wonderfully challenging course.

And, also just like Holywood, a certain Mr McIlroy is a member.

But back to the action.

My ‘ f i r s t time’ on tour with the ROI Writer Cup team was anything but gentle – packed full of excitement, disappointment and most of all, good craic with a great bunch of lads from both sides of the border.

Before we teed off at Holywood, Team NI were reminded that Team ROI held a 5-2 lead over the past seven years.

We should have kept our mouths shut...

By the end of the day’s play the score was 3 ½ to ½ in favour of the northerners.

Naturally, we headed to the pub to drown our sorrows, and our hosts kindly treated us to a top-quality meal in the magnificent McHugh’s

Pub, one of the oldest bars in Belfast and also one of the friendliest.

After a few pints and a great night’s sleep in the lovely four-star Hilton Hotel in the city, we made the short trip to Royal Belfast for day two and the eagerly awaited singles matches.

For a while, it looked like our strategy of plying the e n e my w i t h One of the world’s top golfers, Rory McIlroy

pints the night before might prove to be a winner, but alas it wasn’t to be, and when we had to forfeit a point after our star player hurt his ankle halfway through his match it was curtains. In the end, Team NI deserved their 6 ½ to 4 ½ victory.

Thanks to all in Tourism NI who sponsor the event and do so much to help it grow bigger and better every year.

My only regret was that I didn’t have longer to explore the majestic coastline – it’s no wonder Belfast and the Causeway Coast are Lonely Planet’s number one region to visit in 2018…

For more visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

‘Start serving up more chefs for the industry’ DUBLIN Senator Catherine Noone has called for the chronic chef shortage to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

She said: “The current shortage of qualified chefs in Ireland is reaching unacceptable proportions and it is negatively affecting countless Irish businesses.

“Currently there is an estimated deficit of 7,000 chefs in this country. Training colleges are only producing 1,800 new chefs per year, while the industry needs at least 5,000 annually.

“While new apprenticeships have made some impact in alleviating the current situation, it is my understanding it is not sufficient to meet the current demand in the short- to medium-term.

“In fact, it is estimated that even with all the new apprentice and mentoring initiatives coming on stream now, it will be three to four years before they will have any impact at all on the current shortage.

“In the short-term, I am calling for chefs to be added to the critical skills employment permit list as a matter of urgency. In the long-term, I believe the re-establishment of the hospitality agency CERT would assist in addressing the enormous shortage by producing more graduates,” said Senator Noone.

Beer we go ...

Heinken bring 0.0% to Ireland

HEINEKEN Ireland has launched a new non-alcoholic lager: Heineken 0.0%.

According to the drinks giant, the launch of He ineken 0.0% comes as a response to Irish consumers’ needs and demands, driven by the global and local cultural trend of living a balanced lifestyle.

Heineken added that the new drink empowers those who can’t or don’t want to drink alcohol to be involved in every beer and non-beer moment without compromising on quality or taste. Currently, the number-one reason Irish consumers choose not to go alcohol-free on a night out is for fear of being seen as unsociable or not good fun, and abstaining from alcohol completely is their primary moderating behaviour.

Radina Shkutova, marketing director at Heineken Ireland, said: “Heineken has seen strong growth within the low- and no-alcohol segment and expects this to continue, driven by the global cultural trend of living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.”

Willem van Waesberghe (pictured), global craft and brew master at Heineken, said: “Heineken 0.0% is double-brewed; we then remove the alcohol and blend with natural flavours, allowing Irish beer lovers to enjoy a world-class tasting alternative on any occasion without compromising on quality.”

FOOD & TRAVEL

TUCK INTO A SUCCULENT, TIMELY DISH FROM NEVEN

Spring for lamb for genuine Easter fare THIS week we have a delicious Easter-inspired recipe (to serve 6-8) courtesy of Neven Maguire: aromatic crusted butterflied lamb with caramelised garlic and orange salsa.

The marinade is a version of bulogogi, which originates from Korea and is normally used with beef, but it is absolutely delicious with lamb – particularly if you leave it to marinate for a couple of days before cooking it.

INGREDIENTS 3kg (7lb) leg of lamb, boned and well trimmed, roughly 5cm (2in) thick 1 bunch spring onions, trimmed and roughly chopped 5cm (2in) piece fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 3 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tbsp dry sherry Half tsp light brown sugar 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp black peppercorns SALSA 3-4 garlic heads, separated into cloves (you’ll need about 300g (11oz) in total) 3 tbsp olive oil 1 small orange 4 tsp sugar 2 tsp balsamic vinegar 1 red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 15g (half oz) fresh mint, leaves stripped and shredded 1 tbsp lemon juice Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Charred little Gem lettuce or Savoy cabbage wedges, to serve (optional) PREPARATION Place the lamb in a shallow non-metallic dish.

Place the spring onions in a food processor with

the ginger, sesame oil, soy, sherry, sugar, sesame seeds and peppercorns, then blend to a thick paste and rub all over the meat in a shallow non-metallic dish (or use a turkey bag if you have one).

Cover with clingfilm and chill for up to two days, or leave to stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours if time is short.

Preheat the oven to 230C (475F), Gas mark 9. If the lamb has been chilled in the fridge, bring

it back to room temperature, then place, cut side up on a rack in a large roasting tin and season with salt.

Roast in for 20 minutes, then turn over and roast for another 15 minutes for rare.

Meanwhile, make the salsa. Bring a mediumsized pan of water to the boil, then add the garlic and blanch for two minutes.

Drain and repeat the blanching process again.

Drain well on kitchen paper and then peel off the skins; they should come off easily.

Wipe out the pan, add the olive oil and then place over a medium-high heat.

Add the garlic cloves and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides, stirring occasionally.

Add one tablespoon of the sugar, the balsamic, a quarter teaspoon of salt and six tablespoons of water.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer on a medium heat for 3-5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the garlic cloves are covered with a nice thick syrup. Leave to cool.

Pare the rind from the orange, avoiding the white pith and then cut into 1mm julienne and put into a small pan.

Squeeze out the juice from the orange and make up to 100ml (3.5fl oz) with water. Pour over the julienne and add the remaining teaspoon of sugar.

Bring to a simmer over a medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about a third.

To finish the salsa, stir the chilli, mint and lemon juice into the caramelised garlic syrup and then stir in the orange julienne without the syrup.

Remove the lamb from the oven and leave to rest in a warm place for 10 minutes.

If you don’t like your lamb too pink you can cover it with foil at this point and it will continue to cook.

Carve into slices and add any of the cooking juices to the orange salsa.

Taste and add a little of the remaining orange syrup if you think it needs it.

Arrange the carved lamb on warmed plates with some of the caramelised garlic and orange salsa on the side or on top.

Ad d s o m e o f t h e charred little Gem lettuce wedges or cabbage to serve if liked.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

HOME | COLOUR THEORY IS KEY TO A HAPPILY DECORATED HOME

Tangled up in blue (or red, or green)  Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW...

Bold patterns and cool colours are a-plenty in the upcoming home collections from Aldi (bottom left and right) and Harvey Norman (top and centre)

COLOUR theory is key to a well designed and furnished room. One colour can say the world about your home (and you!) so it’s key to match your furnishings to that oh-so important shade range.

Compliment bolder walls with muted furniture, or vice versa, or find a distinct pattern choice to throw into the mix to liven things up.

There’s no wrong way of designing your room, as long as the colours and furnishings feel authentic to you!

BOLD AND BRASH | FURNISHINGS WITH MINIMAL IMPACT THAT STILL PACK A PUNCH

Penneys Mandala soft cushion €10

Next LYLA chair €135

HomeSense Circle Foot stool €69

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

WEDDING SEASON IS IN FULL SWING

HOME & STYLE

BeautyBITS

Kaftan dress, & Other Stories, €125

Crochet dress, & Other Stories, €145

Louis Vuitton reveal new artistic director  Rachel D’Arcy

Robe dress, & Other Stories, €99

Louis Vuitton have appointed their first ever African-American artistic director in the form of Virgil Abloh.

Appointed as artistic director for their quickly

Grafton Street’s & Other Stories are set to launch their bridal capsule collection later this month.

blossoming menswear line, Virgil has become a wellknown name on social media as the founder of luxe

Baby doll dress & Other Stories, €89

Patterned dress, & Other Stories, €89

street-wear brand Off-White.

As a brand, Off-White has become something of a social media firestorm in the last year, with It-Instagram Models Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber

Smock dress, & Other Stories, €89

known to be fans of the bold yet relaxed designs. At last year’s Paris Fashion Week, a near riot incited outside Off-White’s fashion show as fans battled to get in for a prestigious look at the next collection.

Virgil is also known as Kanye West’s creative protege, even being nominated for a Grammy as part of his artistic work on West’s 2011 ‘Watch The Throne’ collaboration with Jay-Z. Editor of Vogue, Edward Enninful, said: “Virgil is one of the few designers who truly marries street culture with high fashion - and the first black designer to be given such a position in the gilded halls of [Vuitton’s parent company] LVMH. “His appointment is a step in the right direction for diversity, as well as a particularly exciting creative moment for the industry”. His first collection for Louis Vuitton Menswear will hit runways later

S

r e m m u

 Rachel D’Arcy

Lovin’

AS THE weather gets warmer, we’re coming into wedding season. The season for the struggle of finding that perfect outfit to wear to a wedding, of secretly hoping you’ll find a look that might take everyone’s eye off the bride – for just a split second! & Other Stories have the answer. They will launch their Bridal Capsule collection, filled with vibrant colours and soft silhouettes at the end of this month. Prices range from €89 to €145, and the collection will be available in store and on stories.com.

this year.

Pro make-up on pocket prices Beauty has become somewhat of a luxe-hobby in recent years. An eyeshadow palette can cost upwards of €50, and some concealers can even set you back around €30. It’s become a serious game thanks to YouTube and Instagram, both financially and in terms of upping your skill, but now a low-cost brand has come to answer our prayers.

Make-up Revolution have just launched their ‘pro’ range, offering high-quality products at a low price. Their concealers are already being praised as dupes for more expensive Nars and Tarte counterparts, at the pocket change price of €4.99.

Their eyeshadow palettes are also retailing at just €8.99 for 18 pigment packed shades – and are perfect dupes for some pricer palettes from popular brands Huda Beauty and Anastasia Beverly Hills.

To take a look at the full ‘pro’ range, check out revolutionbeauty.com.

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

TECH TIME

MACHINE OF THE WEEK Illustration: Shane Dillon

The possible US demands to see our social media could lead us to...

SHANE DILLON

Tech Editor

SO YOU’RE going to America. Great!

Have you got your dollars? Is your passport up to date? And have you provided the US authorities with access to five years-worth of your social media and email activities under all of your usernames?

Wait, what?

Alarmist as that sounds, that’s something that the administration across the pond are currently mulling over.

The powers that be are considering a tough, positively Orwellian stance over linking social media activity directly to visa applications, with countries that don’t currently have automatic visa exclusions to be hardest-hit.

Don’t panic just yet – Irish visitors to the States don’t travel with a ‘visa’ as such, given the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) programme that’s been in place between

Visa-tor problems

our countries since 2009.

However, given the current chaotic and rather ugly state of American politics, it’s difficult not to consider this potential social media analytic ‘creeping’ into other access methodologies – such as the ESTA programme – as part of the Make America Whatever Again mindset that’s seized control of much of the country’s mechanisms.

There are still some two months of public consultation to go before any decision is made, with the public invited to make their thoughts on the proposals clear.

Loosely speaking, it’s proposed that visa applicants from countries which don’t have automatic US access – which would affect about 14.7 million people – would have to provide details of their social media activities.

They’d have to provide five years of their telephone numbers, email addresses and travel history, alongside more obvious, standard matters such

as saying if they’d ever been deported from a country, or if any relatives involved in terrorist activity.

While every country has the right (and these days, the need) to keep out undesirables and try to protect citizens, the proposals would represent another disturbing turn for America, all but presuming guilt of would-be immigrants and others.

It’s also difficult not to note the recent net neutrality farrago, which saw a truly huge number of US citizens and companies objecting to the de-facto creation of a two-tier internet (prompted by – surprise, surprise – commercial factors), which was approved despite their mass objections.

To use a crude Americanism, the net neutrality matter is something that will come back to bite us all in the ass – but this visa move, if passed, is something that millions of people will have to face a lot sooner, if not all of us down the road ...

Another cracking good bad news story about Facebook TAKING a break from writing on the international Facebook data mining row – which is still blazing away like an underground coal mine fire – let’s look instead at ... another Facebook bad news story which created plenty of negative press late last week instead.

To wildly misquote Oscar Wilde: To be at the centre of one international bad news story is misfortune, but to be at the centre of two looks like carelessness.

The tech titan found itself under attack from a new front when an internal 2016 memo written by a vice-president was leaked to Buzzfeed: “Maybe someone dies in a terrorist attack coordinated on our tools. And still we connect people. The ugly truth is that we believe in connecting people so deeply that anything that allows us to connect more people more often is *de facto* good.”

Internal Facebook consternation was met by widespread external criticism,

with the memo – since disavowed by its author – being roundly rejected by Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg (forced into damage control yet again).

With apologies to Mark (sorry, Mark), as a blase comparison you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, and as such it’s fair to say that Facebook – and any and all other social media platforms – could be used for terrorism or in negative activities, statistically speaking.

However, as a general rule, eggs don’t like to hear about omelettes, and I imagine that most social media users don’t particularly like to consider the odds of there being genuinely bad people running around online, doing shifty stuff, with the tech powers that be appearing to be considering the statistics of connecting ‘more people more often’ to be good, as opposed to ... well, it’s not quite clear.

As it’s often said that bad news comes in threes, it’s hard not to wonder what the next such story will be ...

Skoda delivers a car worthy of its Superb title The Skoda Superb has got a reputation for being a big car and that’s well founded. The latest model has even greater comfort and good economy with a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine that Michael Moroney found a real treat.

IF YOU want space in a car, then you just have to consider the new Skoda Superb; and if you want to add an extra bit of style opt for the SportLine versions There is simply no other car on the market that brings together the balance of space with competitive pricing, low running costs and new, impressive styling.

You have to drive the Superb to get the full impact of the space within the car. With this new third-generation Superb, the car is bigger, more modern and packed with additional features to make it more comfortable to drive.

The 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine is the engine of choice for me and was the engine in the car that I drove some weeks ago.

This allows the big car to achieve its best when it comes to on-road comfort and driveability. Volkswagen fits a very similar engine in the new generation Passat.

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI DSG SportLine Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price The performance figures are almost identical between the Superb and the Passat, even though the Superb feels such a bigger car.

There’s virtually nothing to separate them in terms of performance and economy – and that’s even if the Superb was 35% poorer in economy terms than the Skoda-rated figure.

It still meant that with some longer journeys I was able to return a range of more than 1,000km from the car’s 66-litre fuel tank.

2.0 litre 150hp 8.6 seconds 24.4km/litre (4.5/100km or 63mpg) 66 litres 118g/km A47 €200 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2015) 3 years/100,000km €40,945 When you couple that with a low 118g/km CO2 rating for the automatic version fitted with the renowned Volkswagen Group DSG gearbox, then this Superb has to be a very low cost car to run.

There is little to separate the Superb from the Passat in terms of performance and the pricing is merging now, too.

So, once again it’s a space thing, and here the Superb wins out against all comers – even the big Ford Mondeo.

Opel Ireland appoints its new GM OPEL Ireland has appointed Gillian Whittall as the company’s new general manager. Gillian joined Opel Ireland in 2008 as head of marketing & PR, bringing extensive experience from high-profile brands within AIB, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Danone.

Gillian said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of managing Opel in Ireland. The brand is embarking on a new era, already evident in the new Grandland X. By combining the agility of Groupe PSA with the design and engineering excellence of Opel in Germany, the brand will continue to strengthen its offering, impressing loyal customers and newcomers.”

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

TECH & MOTORS

Range Rover Velar is planet’s most beautifully designed car THE Range Rover Velar has been judged the most beautifully designed vehicle on the planet, winning the World Car Design of the Year title at the 2018 World Car Awards.

Bringing glamour, modernity and elegance to the Range Rover family, Velar claims a unique combination of design excellence and engineering integrity.

The distinctive design of the Range Rover Velar features super-slim Matrix Laser-LED headlights, flush deployable door handles and sleek Touch Pro Duo infotainment.

The Skoda Superb SportLine is handsomely designed – and its power under the hood and all-round fuel efficiency also impress

While against the measuring tape it is a little shorter than the Mondeo, it has far more legroom, especially for the rear passengers, and the Superb’s boot area, with the large hatchback-type opening, gives acres of load space.

While it’s big on the inside and very spacious it doesn’t feel too big on the outside. This is a comfortable car to drive and I found it easy to get used to its overall dimensions, helped by the reversing camera kit in the SportLine version.

And now Skoda has added more technology to the car. This includes

a variety of custom-built applications that drivers can use to send data from their car directly to their smart phones.

The system also allows drivers to control smartphone applications from their car dashboard. The system has connectivity with both Apple and Android via SmartLink technology. Skoda retains the facility to insert an SD card for storage and to play music files.

There are a number of USB ports to allow you to connect and charge external storage devices and the car comes with Bluetooth audio streaming.

Skoda’s new SmartGate technology allows the driver to see the performance and economy data from the car’s electronic control unit using special apps created by Skoda.

I found it interesting that you could convert the car into a WiFi zone and use it to connect other mobile devices to the outside world.

There is no shortage of technology in this car for Dublin drivers to use. Individual drivers can have the flexibility to pick and choose from this technology menu for entertainment or for work.

The new Superb fea-

tures a range of new assistance systems that provide a new level of safety for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

This third-generation model has seven airbags (front side, curtain and driver’s knee) as standard and there ISO-Fix couplings in the rear seats for two children.

The car comes with a number of other features as standard including Automatic Post Collision Braking System, and Front Assist, and has a Euro NCAP five-star rating.

Skoda Superb cars seem to be holding their values well with low depreciation

costs which make this a very cost-effective large car to own.

It has load space, passenger space and good towing ability all wrapped up in a more modern looking car that gives ownership value.

The entry prices for the 2.0 litreTDI SportLine Superb start at €40,945.

Prices have dropped marginally since last year to give improved value.

This is a car worth driving if you need the space and don’t want to pass up on passenger comfort, leaving you impressed by a car that’s Superb in more than its name alone.

Are kids safe in your car?

SCORES of parents are cutting corners on safety when driving with their kids, according to a new UK study which surely has very similar parallels in an Irish context.

The research of 2,000 mums and dads found 34% have allowed their children to travel without a suitable child restraint, and around 37% have driven with someone else’s child as a passenger despite not having a suitable child seat for them.

It has also emerged that one in 10 have (or would) travel a short distance without their child or children safely secured in the vehicle.

Shockingly, 16% revealed their kids have travelled while sat in the boot and more than one fifth have perched them on a cushion instead of a suitable car seat.

The study also found 32% have driven

New UK research has shown that found 34% of parents have allowed their kids to travel in their cars without a suitable child restraint

with their children sat on someone’s lap and 20% have ‘squeezed’ their kids into a backseat containing four or more passengers.

The survey was Commissioned by mifold (corr), a grab-and-go portable child restraint, which also found that ‘pester power’ is one of key the reasons why parents don’t always take in-car safety into account.

Other factors include not having access to suitable child car seat and a lack of understanding of the rules and regulations of travelling with kids in road vehicles.

It also emerged that one in four parents didn’t know it’s potentially dangerous for kids to use a standard seat belt without a suitable child restraint – even in the back of the car.

More than half didn’t know kids could slide under a seatbelt in the event of a crash, if the lap strap is too high over the abdomen.

The Range Rover Velar luxury SUV overcame the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus LC 500 to take the World Car Design of the Year award, as voted for by the World Car Awards jury, comprising 82 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries. Velar’s success follows the 2017 double win for the Jaguar F-PACE. Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, the Velar claims to deliver the practicality, connectivity and capability expected from the Range Rover family.

With the latest technology and the inclusion of more sustainable materials, this Range Rover Velar is priced from €62,240 in Ireland, and is available to order now at Land Rover dealers across Dublin.

Volvo scoops World Car of the Year 2018 award with the XC60 THE new Volvo XC60 midsize SUV has been named World Car of the Year 2018 at the New York Auto Show, adding another accolade to Volvo’s growing list.

The XC60 also scooped the prestigious North American Utility of the Year Award earlier this year, while the XC40 small SUV was named European Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The World Car of the Year win is the first in this competition for Volvo Cars.

In the new XC60, Euro NCAP’s best overall performer in 2017, Volvo’s City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking system has been enhanced with steering support for when automatic braking alone may not help avoid a potential collision.

In addition, Oncoming Lane Mitigation with Steer Assist which helps mitigate head-on collisions and Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist functionality has been added to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions for the XC60 (below).

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

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GARDENING

LOVELY TREES | FOR SMALL GARDENS

Let Spring blossoms brighten the April garden

WITH daylight increasing all the time this month, spring is definitely in the air, and if you don’t already have a tree in your garden for spring blossom, now is the time to remedy that.

In a smaller garden where space is limited, you could consider Magnolia stellata, the Star Magnolia.

Compact and slowg r o w i n g, i t c a n b e treated like a shrub and incorporated easily into a mixed border.

Its starry white blooms are one of my favourite sights in the spring garden and have a sweet fragrance.

Un d e r p l a n t w i t h snowdrops or grape hyacinths and you will be enchanted by this lovely magnolia in bloom for many years to come.

Amelanchier lamarckii, or snowy m e s p i l u s, is a lovely choice for a small tree and as well as snowy spring blossom it offers glowing leaf colour in autumn.

We can’t really talk about spring blossom without giving the flowering cherry a mention.

Fleeting but glorious, in a sheltered garden they bring a touch of magic with single and double blossoms in white or pink.

Choose carefully

though so that your tree won’t outgrow the space you have, and make sure the shape is attractive – it’s easy to be distracted by pretty flowers and forget about the structure of the garden.

When thinking of spring flowers it’s often bulbs that come to mind and most of us tend to plant them in borders in any space that’s available.

This can work very well and planting them like this adds colour and interest to otherwise brown and green borders early in the year.

But there is another way to make them work for you, and that’s to naturalise them in grass.

“Naturalising” in grass just means Grape hyacinths

you plant the bulbs and allow them to die down each year and spread themselves about naturally, which they will often do by means of seeding about.

This works on a number of different scales – larger flowers in larger areas – like the “host of golden daffodils”

made famous by William Wordsworth – and smaller blooms in a more modestly-sized space.

“Ten thousand saw I at a glance” said the poet – but I suspect most of us would have to be content with knocking a zero or two off that number!

In a smaller garden, snowdrops work very well in grass, as do crocuses, scilla and anemone blanda.

Anemone nemorosa, the wood anemone is very pretty too in white drifts around the base of a tree.

In fact if you have a deciduous tree in your lawn, around the base is usually a good place for naturalising bulbs, as they can produce their leaves and flowers while the tree’s branches are still bare, allowing in the necessary light.

Don’t plant too close to the trunk – allow a little space – and scatter the bulbs loosely on the grass, planting them where they fall, so that it looks as if they’ve appeared there naturally.

Don’t cut the grass in the planted area until six to eight weeks after the bulbs have flowered, to allow them to build up strength and flower and multiply each year.

The perfect excuse to leave mowing till a few weeks later – don’t say I never give you anything!

 Anne Byrne Garden Design

Flowering cherry and Magnolia stellata (inset) both boast stunning flowers

Anemone nemorosa is very pretty too in white drifts around the base of a tree

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LEINSTER MARCH ON TO SEMI FINALS P36

GAZETTE

RONAN GRIMES PARA-CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT P37

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

UCD LOSE OUT ON PENALTIES P37

SPORT

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS HOCKEY | RATHFARNHAM CLUB MISS OUT ON EURO HOCKEY LEAGUE

Three Rock Rovers miss out on quarter-finals  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sfindlater@dublingazette.com

THREE Rock Rovers missed out on a place in the Euro Hockey League KO8 – what would have been a first for an Irish club – in painful style as they succumbed 3-2 to Saint Germain in Rotterdam.

While the performance was somewhat ragged at times, there were plenty of moments of what might have been for the 170 travelling fans amid a sold out crowd of over 6,400 on the day.

Rovers were level at half-time at 2-2 due to a Harry Morris turn and smash just before the break. It cancelled out Martin Genestet’s closerange finish with field goals counting for two in this competition.

In the end, Francois Goyet’s penalty corner tip-in settled the game

in the 34th minute. Rovers were left to rue Morris’s stunning strike from the top coming back off the crossbar while Luke Madeley had a pair of drag-flicks cleared off the goal line

by Hugo Genestet.

Indeed, adding in Ross Canning’s early flick at goal being batted away

by Frederic Gohlke and Richard Pautz shooting into Arthur Thieffry’s chest, Rovers had enough big moments but could not make them tell.

As such, the Irish wait for a place in the quarter-final of world hockey’s best club competition goes on.

Two days later – on Easter Monday – Rovers faced Belgian side KHC Dragons in the ranking matches, a new introduction to the EHL. It was a tough ask from the start, facing a side featuring seven of the European Championships silver medal win-

Three Rock Rovers hockey Captain Jody Hosking running towards goal against Saint Germain in Rotterdam. Picture: Frank Uijlrnbroek

ning side and five Olympic silver medalists.

Rovers, by contrast, had a virus afflicting their team with Ravin Nair and Ross Canning sitting out the tie while Luke Madeley, Ben Walker and Mark Samuel all played limited roles due to stomach complaints.

As it was, Rovers got involved in one of the most bizarre games in EHL history, one which ended 20-10

– in old money, it would have been a similarly strange 12-5.

The Belgians stormed clear in the early stage but Rovers hit the next five times in the last 12 minutes to reach double figures with John Mullins, Harry Morris, Daragh Walsh, Kevin Mullins and Jody Hosking all hitting the net.

They return to action in Ireland with Irish Senior Cup on Saturday.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

NA FIANNA THANKS to all members who attended last Thursday night’s Members’ Information evening in St Patricks College DCU. Over 500 members were there to receive an update from Club Executive members on the implications for Na Fianna as a result of the recently announced TII Emerging Preferred Route option.

Congrats to Jonny Cooper, Eoin Murchan, Conor McHugh and Dublin Senior footballers on Sunday’s NFL1 Final win. Well done also to Leah Caffrey, Lucy Collins and Dublin Senior Ladies on their league win against Monaghan. Good win also for Dublin Camogie’s Div2 team including Niamh Gleeson, Niamh Rock and Gráinne Free against Laois.

Adult Hurling Championship starts this week with Seniors in Round 1 on Thursday against Whitehall in Parnell Park at 6.45pm. Both Junior Hurling teams in Championship on Sunday at 3pm, A’s away against Ballyboden and B’s play Cuala in Mobhi Road. Adult Camogie Leagues this Tuesday night with Senior 1’s and Senior 8’s hosting Balinteer St Johns in Mobhi Road and Senior 7’s away against St Finians.

Then on Thursday Senior 3’s host Thomas Davis in Mobhi Road, all at 6.30pm. Adult Ladies Football league on Wednesday at 6.30pm with Seniors and Junior B hosting Clanna Gael and Templeogue respectively in Mobhi Road. Inters and Junior B away against Clontarf and St James’s Gaels.

Na Fianna Golf Society first outing of 2018 will be to Castleknock GC on Monday 23rd April, tee time 2-3.30pm, timesheet Ciaran Gray 0872269133, new members welcome. The Senior Football and Hurling teams are holding a joint Golf Classic this year in Donabate Golf Club on the 25th May 2018, details from any committee member. Na Fianna Easter Camps 2018 off to a great start.

Thanks to everybody who took part in Good Friday’s Na Fianna’s 5K Fun Run and congrats to our winners, Lucy Skelly, winning for second year in a row with finishing time of 21:39 and to Men’s winner Shane Mc Cauley with time of 18:21. Thanks also to special guest Úachtarán CLG John Horan who presented prizes.

Members’ subscriptions, due since last October’s AGM, can be paid in Club office Mon-Fri 9.30-1pm, Saturdays in Club or online www. clgnafianna.ie.

Don’t forget that you can buy all your Na Fianna gear online.

Dublin and Na Fianna’s Johnny Cooper and Eoin Murchan after Sundays NFL 1 title win. Picture: Na Fianna

RUGBY: LEINSTER CRUSH ENGLISH SIDE SARACENS AT AVIVA

Leinster win over English opposition A thunderous third-quarter surge launched Leinster Rugby into the Champions Cup semi-finals as they knocked out last year’s champions Saracens in a 30-19 victory at Aviva Stadium.

Converted tries from man-ofthe-match Dan Leavy (46 minutes) and James Lowe (57) had Leo Cullen’s men almost out of reach, and although Blair Cowan’s maul tried to give Sarries some hope, Leinster were able to see out a deserved win.

Garry Ringrose’s third-minute try put the province on course for a 13-12 half-time lead, with Saracens making it a one-point game courtesy of three penalties from Owen Farrell and one from halfway by Marcelo Bosch. Johnny Sexton kicked Leinster’s other first-half points.

Sexton, who finished with 13 points, kept up his 100% record with a long-range penalty and the conversions of Leavy’s terrific try, which exhibited James Ryan’s deft hands and the flanker’s pace off the mark, and a poacher’s effort from Lowe – his seventh try in nine starts.

Roared on by the majority of the crowd, Leinster unlocked the visitors’ defence in the opening minutes.

Theywent wide from just outside their 22 as Lowe broke a tackle from Liam Williams and the supporting Isa Nacewa put the foot down to create a two-on-one and send Ringrose in behind the posts.

Sexton converted for a 7-0 lead.

Saracens had a strong response, using their forwards to gain ground and work some space out wide for Sean Maitland. Leinster leaked a penalty close to their line, allowing Farrell to split the posts. He added a second one on the quarter hour mark after Ringrose was whistled up for an infringement on the deck.

Sexton pushed Leinster into double figures with a well-struck 20th-minute penalty, following some ground-gaining carries by Sean Cronin and Leavy, but another period of possession and collision-

“

winning earned a third successful place-kick from Farrell in the 26th minute.

Richard Wigglesworth failed to challenge Sexton, getting away with just a penalty. Leinster took advantage of the territory, winning a maul penalty before Cian Healy got his side of the scrum up and the Leavy-led pressure on Jackson Wray, off the base, resulted in a turnover.

Having got within range of the tryline, a Sarries offside allowed Sexton to make it 13-9.

However, Sexton was penalised for kicking the ball away before the restart and Argentinian centre Bosch stepped up, from halfway, to immediately claw back those three points. Saracens had two late lineout opportunities just before the interval, but Ryan got up well to disrupt and Scott Fardy was first to the loose ball.

Healy was the victim of a high tackle in the second half’s early exchanges, and although a fleetfooted break from Rob Kearney promised more than three points, Sexton was able to slot the 42ndminute penalty from long range to restore the four-point gap – 16-12.

It got even better for the home support a few minutes later when lock Ryan led an attack out of the home 22.

Ringrose threaded an excellent kick to touch, five metres out from Sarries’ whitewash.

The visitors were able to kick clear through Wigglesworth but Leinster struck a couple of phases later, a clever interchange between Leavy and Ryan exploiting space at the side of a ruck as the in-form openside took the return pass, darted through and evaded Maro Itoje’s tackle to dot down under the posts.

Sexton’s conversion nudged the lead out to 23-12, and a bonecrunching tackle by Tadhg Furlong on Mako Vunipola soon led to a Leinster penalty in their own half.

Roared on by a majority of the crowd, Leinster unlocked the visitors’ defence in the opening minutes

”

Leinster found themselves with a 21 point lead over Saracens last weekend.

Picture: Leinster Rugby

Further breaks from talismanic captain Nacewa and Leavy had Saracens scrambling in defence, but they forced a knock-on at the end of 22 breathless phases.

The third try duly arrived just before the hour mark, Ryan again building momentum with a powerful carry and Fergus McFadden and Sexton’s attacking of the blindside had Sarries hanging on close to their line. The pressure told when Lowe came in on a hard line, kept his feet and the drive took him over, the New Zealander doing really well to stretch and ground the ball successfully.

With Sexton receiving treatment, McFadden added the extras, yet Saracens were able to hit back due to the impact of their bench. One of their replacements, back rower Cowan, touched down under a pile of bodies from a well-executed 63rd-minute lineout maul. Farrell converted from wide on the right to reduce the arrears to 11 points.

Rhys Ruddock made a welcome return in blue for the final quarter of an hour – his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury away to Exeter Chiefs in December. Young half-backs Nick McCarthy (23) and Joey Carbery (22) and 21-year-old

Champions Cup debutant Max Deegan also came on to help Leinster hold Sarries at arm’s length.

Mark McCall’s charges made the hosts fight all the way, but the men in blue kept coming up with big moments in defence. Toner’s tackle on Farrell forced a knock-on, Leavy got in to win turnover ball a few minutes later and, with Nacewa continuing to play a key role, Leinster kept their line intact with Sarries guilty of crossing.

Although Toner’s outstretched boot gave away a penalty and a yellow card, 14-man Leinster were able to end the game in possession and in control of field position. Their swarming defence led to another couple of knock-ons from Saracens, one by George Kruis off a close-in maul near the right corner and another after Mako Vunipola had slipped through in midfield.

The home side kicked downfield, pressed again and from a late scrum with Ruddock at lock and Lowe at flanker, they wound down the clock before McCarthy booted the ball dead and the jubilant Leinster fans savoured the prospect of hosting Scarlets in a mouth-watering Celtic clash in three weeks’ time.

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

EA SPORTS LEAGUE CUP: UCD LOSE LOST OUT ON PENALTIES

Bohemians teach UCD students a lesson EA SPORTS CUP

UCD’s Gary O’Neill and JJ Lunney tussle for the ball. Picture: Peter Fitzpatrick

DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

IRELAND U19’S OFF THE MARK THE Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-19s were held in the opening fixture of the UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship Elite Round as they drew 1-1 with Austria at Turner’s Cross in Cork on Monday afternoon.

Saoirse Noonan’s towering header at the beginning of the second half cancelled out a stunning finish from Austria’s Johanna Schneider and was enough to see Ireland begin life in Group 4 with a point.

Next up for the U-19’s is a tough fixture against Spain at Turner’s Cross on Thursday evening.

THERE was penalty shoot-out drama at Dalymount Park on Monday night as Bohemians overcame UCD in a tense EA Sports Cup second round tie.

Just three of Easter Monday’s eight scheduled fixtures went ahead as heavy rain caused games to be postponed across the country, and this was the only one of four in the capital to go ahead.

St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers saw their ties with Dundalk and Longford Town rained off, while St Mochta’s first round game with Drogheda United was also unplayable.

Bohemians looked set to rue the referee’s decision to proceed as they fell into a 2-0 deficit by half time as the Students put on a display of quick-passing football.

Daire O’Connor was the creative force behind both goals: his pass set up Yoyo Mahdy for the opener, before captain Gary O’Neill curled home a stunning second.

O’Neill’s strike was a thing of beauty, started by O’Connor as he won possession in the middle before fixing a defender to create the angle for the sublime finish.

Bohs were a changed side after the break, however, and they pulled one back early on through former Leeds United striker Eoghan Stokes.

It was the ingenuity and raw pace of 18-year-old Grant that led to the opportunity for Stokes, who had just moved up front in a tactical switch that reaped instant rewards.

They levelled eight minutes from time through JJ Lunney’s penalty after Grant had outstripped sub left-back Darragh Corcoran before being dragged down.

The sides couldn’t be separated by 30 minutes of extra time, and the first three penalties from each side were also on target.

Lunney stepped up again and this time saw his spot-kick saved by UCD keeper Conor Kearns, only for wicked backspin to then see the ball kick back and over the line.

Bohs keeper Colin McCabe was the hero then as he saved from UCD substitute Paul Doyle, and Stokes stroked home his penalty to send the Gypsies into the quarter-final.

“I was just watching it spinning and spinning and I was hoping he wasn’t going to get up and save it,” the shoot-out hero McCabe told the Dublin Gazette of Lunney’s fortunate finish.

“I thought we could have gone on and got the third in the second half. We made the saves and had gotten the goals.

“I was just hoping, for all our hard work, we didn’t concede one, for all our effort we put in in the second half.”

“Penalty shoot-outs are just a bit of luck

here and there. Fortunately, he saved it and it just didn’t stay out, and when I saved it did stay out. That was the difference in the end.”

UCD manager Collie O’Neill told the Dublin Gazette: “It is a little bit hard to take but we only have ourselves to blame.

“We were excellent in the first half, deserved to be 2-0 up, and had enough chances in the second half to put it to bed.

“Even when they got the one back, we basically broke straight away and Daire was clean through one-on-one.

“It’s a little bit hard to take when you’ve had the chance to go and put it to bed and just got done in the end.

“It definitely comes down to lack of experience. When Bohs got the first goal back, they panicked a little because it got the crowd up a little bit. It’s something that we’ll learn from.”

RONAN GRIMES DEBUTS WITH THREE TOP 10 FINISHES PARACYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS JAMES HENDICOTT

RONAN Grimes of Scott Orwell Wheelers had an exceptional first World Para-cycling Championships in Brazil last weekend, achieving three top ten finishes despite Ireland not having an indoor velodrome on which he can train.

Grimes who rides with the Wheelers, a fast-growing Dublin club and competes in the C4 category for people with lower limb impairments. The 29-yearold grabbed his top-ten finishes

in the category over 1000 metres (ninth), the 4km individual pursuit (eighth) and the MC4-5 scratch race (eighth again).

The Wheelers rider actually came through in third in the C4 category in the latter race, but missed out on a medal, as in that particular contest medals are awarded only to the category winners.

The Scott Orwell rider was largely pleased with his results, though he’s already talking about improvement at future events, having got a taste of the elite-level field:

“The standard of riders in the top ten today was very high, with most having medalled at world championships before.

Going into it I thought I might have gone a couple of seconds faster, but perhaps got my pacing slightly off. Still, the results from the pursuit and the kilo have left me with some good benchmarks to work on and improve on over the next season,” Grimes said after the final race. Grimes earlier admitted his own inexperience in celebrating his ninth place in the 1km race, cherishing the experience: “The time of 1.11 is

something I would have grabbed at before the race, so I have to be happy with that, and it’s a top ten too,” he said.

“I have a lot of positives to take from it, and a lot to learn too. I kind of pulled a bit too early at the gate so I lost a bit of momentum at the start of race. When it is just four laps it is over before you know it, so it was all a kind of blur until I heard that last bell.”

“The track isn’t something I have a whole lot of experience in,” he concluded. “The nerves were setting in an hour or so beforehand.

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

SCOIL UI CHONAILL A successful start to our Easter Camps this week with a big turn out from both the girls and boys teams for our Advanced Camp on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Kids camps take place in Scoil this week (3rd - 6th April). Limited places still available.

Our latest fundraising initiative - The Oneness Gala - was launched in the clubhouse last Thursday evening with a promotional video previewed on the evening. Find out more about the gala and view the video at www.scoilgaa. com or on our facebook page!

The first Scoil walking club took place on Saturday and was a great success. Anyone interested in availing of very attractive pitch side advertisement opportunities should contact Aidan Mulvey on 085 7213789. Adult Hurling and Football teams train in Scoil Mondays and Thursdays from 6.30pm. Ladies training is in Scoil on Mondays at 8pm. Juvenile training takes place in Scoil at 10am on Saturday mornings.

New members welcome, as always. For any news or enquiries please contact scoil.pro.eoc@gmail.com.

GAA: DUBLIN WIN LEAGUE TITLE

Dublin hold off Galway to reclaim Allianz league title  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

O’TOOLES OUR annual and biggest Good Friday Wall ball challenge took place in bitterly cold weather. I was shocked that the competitors could hold a hurl and sliotar. Having said that, it was a great event sponsoredby Azzurri & Farrell hurls. Thanks go to the organisers, counters, parents and participants.

This year, we dedicated our U12 trophy to our past president ‘Jim Murphy’ and Aron Gargan (Fingallians) is the first to have his name engraved on the prestigious trophy.

Also, on Friday we hosted a superb U16 hurling tournament. In general, thegames were exciting, with the final being a thrilling game that went beyond the whistle to penalties with Maynooth taking the honours over Plunketts. Our own lads were excellent, winning two, drawing one and losing one.

Our second Easter camp started [on Monday] amid a flurry of excited chatter and smiley faces. It looks like this week will be as successful as last thanks to David, his team and the parents of our little angels.

We wish a speedy recovery to Sara Gibbons, an integral member of our ladies team.

This weekend in our lounge we have, Friday DJ fun night, Saturday with ‘Kacey D’ and Sunday Music Bingo.

There was no winner of our Thursday night ‘Live’ Lotto draw. The numbers were 2, 14, 17, 22. The jackpot this week is €1,700.

WHITEHALL COLMCILLE ALL members are asked to head down to Parnell Park this Thursday 5th April to cheer on our senior hurlers vs Na Fianna in first match in A Championship.

Well done to our senior ladies who started their league campaign off with a great win in Cloghran last Thursday.

Well done also to our U12s who played at half time in league final in Croke Park last Sunday, great memories for all. The hugely successful LIPSYNC Legends 2 is back for 2018, taking place on Saturday 12th May in the Bonnington Hotel. This year the teams will be booked up early so contact Audrey or Darragh to put your name down to take part, If you want to Sponsor an Act for €350 or take an advert in our Advertising Booklet €100.

Annual club membership is now OVERDUE, all details on club website, many thanks to those who have already signed up for this year.

Bar Bingo continues every Friday night at 9.45 in club bar, come on down & join in the fun. No winner of this weeks Lotto Jackpot, next week will be €8,350.

DUBLIN were crowned Allianz Football League champions for the fifth time in six years on Sunday. A battling performance and the team’s knack of taking control at key moments saw the boys in blue over the line against a tough Galway side.

Galway have looked increasingly impressive this year, and had finished top of the Division One group stage after a much-changed Dublin side were pipped by Monaghan at Croke Park last week.

The Dubs have recently been solid but less inspired, and looked under threat of a second successive loss midway through the second half.

A match that had been nip and tuck throughout appeared to swing the Tribesmen’s way due to the dismissal of Niall Scully after 50 minutes.

With Ciaran Kilkenny, Jonny Cooper and Stephen Cluxton restored to the Dublin starting 15, Galway full-forward Damien Comer was nevertheless the stand out in the early stages, a constant threat as he buzzed around the Dublin backline.

It was a scrappy, physical contest, centred heavily around the impact of Galway’s increasingly notable defence, with Kilkenny and Paul Mannion both finding tiny

Dublin captain Stephen Cluxton lifts the Irish National Insurance Cup in Croke Park. Picture: Official Dublin GAA via Facebook

fractions of space in the Galway defence early on to open up a 0-5 to 0-3 lead for the Dubs.

G a l w ay ’s s t i f l i n g aggression started to take hold, however, with Barry McHugh as good as Dean Rock from the set-pieces, they were the better side heading into the break, with Dublin a little fortunate to remain at 0-8 a piece.

The best chance of the half had fallen to Mannion, with Ruairi Lavelle tipping a fine effort over the bar on 23 minutes.

Dublin had edged into a two point lead early in the second half, a lead that held until Scully was shown red for two quick consecutive bookings.

That margin was almost immediately eliminated

by Galway as soon as the half-forward trotted from

the field. An exchange of points ensued as the contest remained tight, though it appeared Dublin were staying in the contest largely thanks to Galway’s free concessions.

Then came the character that has helped Jim Gavin’s side stand out: come the hour, come the push. Philly McMahon and Rock were critical in taking chances, while Colm Basquel is looking increasingly like a Championship player, as he made an impact off the bench, grabbing 0-3. Stepping up when it counted, the Dubs snatched a succession of points in the closing stages, and remained league champions by 0-18 to 0-14 thanks to that late flurry. Though the score flattered a touch, the

winning margin was obtained entirely whilst down a man.

All in, it was more a ground out, characterbuilding win that led to Cluxton lifting the trophy again than the emphatic victory Dublin fans have become used to. Despite the win, there are a few areas of concern around the Dublin camp at the moment, not least in the continuing unexplained absence of Diarmuid Connolly, and the side’s propensity for red cards over the course of the league.

That said, we’re still a way short of the sharp end, and that the Dubs have come out on top anyway is a sign of how strong Gavin’s side have become. They’ll take the win, and work on adding that polish for the championship.

5 April 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

INNER CITY CLUB CONCERNED OVER LAND SALE JACKIES BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Dublin ladies power into league semifinals

Local children participating at the Easter Camp run by Kevins at Dolphin Park. Picture: Kevins Hurling & Camogie club.

KEVINS WARN OF ‘TICKING TIME BOMB’ OVER LACK OF GREEN SPACE IN SOUTH INNER CITY  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

A GAA club in the south inner city have warned of dire consequences for the local area if the proposed sale of land at Dolphin Park goes ahead.

Kevins Hurling and Camogie club have shared the facility in Rialto with owners Templeogue Synge Street for the better part of 40 years.

Their catchment area, located in the most densely-populated part of the country between the Liberties and Dolphin’s Barn, houses more than 50,000 people – 4,500 of them children.

Club representatives have campaigned for five years for Dublin City Council to make available more green space, and as a shortterm measure were offered a disused pitch in Teresa’s Gardens.

Now, Templeogue Synge Street have received permission from the GAA to sell a parcel of land in Dolphin Park in order to settle a debt and upgrade the existing facilities.

They contend this will allow them to continue to offer two full-size adult pitches or four cross-field juvenile pitches, however Kevins

fear that isn’t realistic.

“If this development goes ahead, we reckon at least 28% of Dolphin Park will be lost to green space,” JJ O’Mahony, chairman of Kevins’ facilities group, told the Dublin Gazette.

“That will have a devastating impact on us because we are already grappling for space.

“When you add Templeogue/Synge Street teams and ourselves, there are in the region of 44 teams trying to get that green space.

“You go up there on a Saturday morning or during the week and almost every blade of grass is taken. In future, if there are two matches going on, there’s no room for training.”

This is more than just a sporting issue for Cork native O’Mahony, who has first-hand experience of how the odds are stacked against children in working class communities.

Crime and drug abuse remain major issues in the south inner city and the lack of sporting outlets for children is just one contributory factor.

“Dublin City Council have brought this area to a point where it is now a ticking time bomb.

“You have 4,500 children without access to the basic facilities of green space. What are going to be the consequences of that in five to

ten years time?

“If you’re a young kid between seven and 14, when you come in from school in the afternoon, what do you do? Where do you go?

They’ve almost nothing.

“The one bastion of space, and where kids can breathe, the only significant amount of green space, is Dolphin Park. And now they’ve a proposal to build apartments on part of that land.

“We now have in excess of 120 kids in our nursery and I would say, easily, another 150 to 200 kids playing underage.

“That is massive from where it was ten years ago. But now we’ve got the kids, they’re going to pull the carpet from under us up at Dolphin Park.

“The GAA are very much culpable in this as they ratified the sale of the grounds. There is a debt on those lands that is owed to the GAA. “It is surely within the remit of the Tom Ryan, the new Ard Stiúrthóir, to make a judgement on this, given the impact it will have on one of the areas with the highest levels of crime in Ireland.

“Surely the GAA is about building communities, not building bricks and mortar.”

DUBLIN booked their spot in the semifinals of the Ladies National Football League Division 1 as they put Monaghan to the sword with a clinical performance in Clones.

The reigning All-Ireland champions hit the net five times on their way to a resounding 5-14 to 0-10 win over the home side at St Tiarnach’s Park.

The visitors were full value for their 19-point winning margin as five different scorers registered goals on the day.

The Jackies, along with Cork, are now guaranteed a spot in the last four with one round of rescheduled fixtures still to play.

Mayo, Donegal and Galway all remain in the frame to seal the final two semifinal spots on what will be a keenly contested weekend of football action.

Mick Bohan’s had last week suffered a shock first defeat of the campaign at home against Galway at the National Sports Campus in Abbottstown.

But Dublin bounced back emphatically and ran up a quick lead. Lyndsey Davey and Niamh McEvoy had the ball in the Monaghan net as they ran up an 11-point lead by the break.

Sinead Aherne, Nicole Owens and Rebecca McDonnell added goals in the second half, while 2017 Player of the Year Noelle Healy stood out with three points from open play.

Ciara McAnespie top scored for the home side with three points, while Cora Courtney and Ellen McCarron each registered two apiece.

In cold and wet conditions, it was Dublin who took the lead within a minute through a McEvoy point before McAnespie responded in kind shortly afterwards.

Courtney gave Monaghan the lead for the first time before Healy again tied things up in a lively first few minutes.

McCarron put a free over the bar to give Monaghan the lead once again but Dublin began to dial up the pressure and Davey cut in to breach the net for the first time on nine minutes.

Dublin posted 1-7 without response to effectively tie up the three points by half time.

A quickfire pair of goals from Owens and Aherne pushed the gap out to 16 points, before a fifth courtesy of the second-half substitute McDonnell rounded off a comprehensive win.

There’s one game left for Dublin in the regular season calendar as they welcome relegated Kerry to the capital for a game that was called off due to the weather in early March.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 April 2018