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July 13 - 19, 2017
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KIMMAGE LOCALS IN SHOCK AFTER YOUNG BOY FATALLY STABBED
Tributes to Omar, 3, as woman held for questioning
EMMA NOLAN
TRIBUTES have been made to the “beautiful child” Omar Omran (3) who was fatally stabbed in Kimmage on Monday night. Gardai arrested a woman in her forties yesterday in relation to the incident. She was brought to Crumlin Garda Station where she is being questioned in relation to the incident. Full Story on Page 2
2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
KIMMAGE | GARDAI APPEAL FOR WITNESSES AFTER ‘PERSONAL TRAGEDY’
FASTNews
EMMA NOLAN
Cllr Reilly (SF) rubbishes the rising waste charges
Distraught locals pay tribute to dead boy, 3 THE three-year-old boy stabbed to death in Kimmage earlier this week has been named as Omar Omran. The toddler’s mum, Maha Al-Adheem (42), who suffered stab and slash wounds, underwent emergency surgery following the incident, which gardai are treating as a “personal tragedy”. The infant was fatally injured with a kitchen knife on Monday evening. Emergency services rushed to the Riverside Apartment complex in the Poddle Park area of Kimmage in south Dublin at 7pm, but the boy
The Riverside Apartment complex. Picture: Google Maps
was pronounced dead at the scene. It is understood there were at least four calls made to gardai from the apartment complex because of what locals described as “shouting, banging and screaming”. The mother, who is a doctor from Iraq, and her
son were the only occupants in the apartment at the time. She is continuing to be treated in St James’ Hospital. Gardai have said they believe that the toddler lay dead at the apartment for more than two hours before they arrived. A kitchen knife, which
i nve s t i g a t i n g g a r d a i believe was used in the attack, has been recovered and is being technically examined by forensic officers. It is understood that Ms Al-Adheem’s estranged husband, Khalid Omran, was notified of the tragedy yesterday. Shocked and distraught neighbours left tributes at the scene. One tribute read: “RIP little angel” and another said: “Rest in paradise little man, you got your wings too soon xxx.” Dublin Live reported that one neighbour, Lorraine Leon, said she was shocked by the incident: “It’s just an awful tragedy. She said he’d be going to play school this September so he was due to go in the coming weeks.”
Lorraine said that little Omar was “a beautiful child” and a “great talker who would chat away”. Gardai from Sundrive Road and Crumlin are investigating and officers are appealing for witnesses. A spokesman said: “Gardai are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Poddle Park between 5pm on Sunday July 9, and 7pm on Monday July 10, to contact them at Crumlin Garda Station at 01 666 6200.” At the time of going to press, a Garda statement on Wednesday morning said a woman in her early 40s has been arrested in relation to the death of a three-year-old boy. She is being held at Crumlin Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
DUBLIN City Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF) has said that customers are already starting to see rises in their bills from waste management companies despite Pay by Weight not due to come into effect until September. Echoing the party’s opposition (above) to the increases, she said: “I have already been contacted by concerned customers of Greyhound who have been told that their bills will go up from €17 to €19.50 per month. This is even before Pay by Weight comes in in September, where bills are expected to increase further. “We already have a huge problem with illegal dumping in the capital – these charges will only increase that as families struggle to pay them,” said Cllr Reilly.
Expert pianists to tickle the ivories at piano fest THE fifth Dublin International Piano Festival returns this month from July 22 to 30 in various locations. A stellar line-up of events will see piano maestros from Ireland and the world over take part, with highlights including classical and electronic aficionado Francesco Tristano, Russian ‘Titan of the Piano’ Berezovsky plus Schubertiade with Dr Evelyne Brancart and Archie Chen. Venues will include The National Concert Hall, Dublin City Gallery: The Hugh Lane, and Rathmines’ Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama. Tickets are now available at pianofestival.ie.
A Lidl bit of good news as new store creates 34 jobs
Fresh insights into Neven’s new dishes FRIENDLY foodie Neven Maguire was on hand at Dunnes Stores in the Swan Shopping Centre, Rathmines recently to launch the chain’s Simply Better Collection, where he also launched a new magazine, COOK with Neven Maguire. The popular chef and Simply Better brand ambassador for Dunnes met Elodie Noel at the launch, with the pair soon seep in conversation about some of Neven’s dishes and recipes served up in the magazine. Picture: Andres Poveda
LIDL have served up 34 jobs with the opening of a brand-new store at Hanlon’s Corner, in Dublin 7. The opening of the Cabra store marks Lidl’s 151st Irish outlet, with the new staff joining the national workforce of more than 4,200 employees. Nathan McKiever, store manager said: “We are delighted to open Lidl’s 151st Irish store in such a fantastic high-profile location. “We are right in the heart of a very vibrant community and the whole team is really excited to get to know our new customers over the coming weeks. We have a fantastic state-of-the-art new store packed full of fantastic value and quality products.” Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
13 July 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3
DON’T let this fun day SLIP by Water way to go! One of last year’s thrilled Last year’s
riders sets
super-long
off, hurtling
slide – and
off along
this year
the slide ...
it’ll be even
DUBLINERS have been going crazy over the past two weeks trying frantically to get their hands on 98FM’s Big Slide Festival wristbands – a must-have accessory this summer. Excitement is growing as the largest water slide the capital has ever seen is coming to the Christchurch area this weekend. The whopping 260ft slippery dip – which will run down the entire length of Winetavern Street – will be even longer than Liberty Hall (194 ft) or Google’s highrise HQ at Grand Canal Dock (220 ft) are high! In partnership with Dublin City Council, our friends at 98FM are recreating the Big Slide Festival for a second year running, so get your swimming gear ready for what promises to be a slippery ride, packed full of music, entertainment, food – and, of course, fun for all the family. The event is free, but only a limited number of wristbands allowing access into the festival have been released each day over the past two weeks, with some of the 4,200 wristbands still
WIN U2 longer, and even more fun to try!
available right up to the day of the Big Slide. The free Big Slide Festival is definitely for anyone who wants to experience Dublin like they never have before. We had a terrific reader response on our Facebook page when we gave away some of the elusive, exclusive wristbands (well done to the lucky winners, and sorry folks to everyone else), but 98FM still have some to give away. 98FM presenter Dara Quilty said: “After the success of last year’s Big Slide, I’m absolutely delighted to announce we’re bringing it back. “Last year was the first time Dublin had a 260ft water slide going through it, and I guess this year is the second! We’ve made some adjustments and the slide is going to be way faster, way wetter and way more fun this year. Bring it on!” To get your hands on a wristband, tune in to our official media partners 98FM for instructions on how to register. You can’t let a chance like this slide by!
THE ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION OF
THE JOSHUA TREE
THIS U2 JOSHUA TREE SEVEN LP SUPER DELUXE BOX SET CONTAINS: 7 pieces of original, live and unreleased recordings on 12” 180gsm vinyl. 3.5hrs of audio content / 49 tracks (25x unreleased tracks: 17x live, 7 x new mixes, 1 x archive track) • The Joshua Tree double album (gatefold) with a download code for digital version • The Joshua Tree Live at Madison Square Garden double album 1987 (gatefold) • The Joshua Tree Remixes • The Joshua Tree Outtakes • The Joshua Tree B-Sides • The Joshua Tree – Photographs by The Edge. An 84-page hardback book of personal never-before seen photography by The Edge, taken during the original Mojave Desert Joshua Tree shoot, 1986 • A folio of 8 rare 12” Anton Corbijn colour prints
TO MARK 30 years since the release of U2’s fifth studio album The Joshua Tree, an anniversary edition of the seminal record was released by Island Records last month. Alongside the 11-track album, the super deluxe collector’s edition includes a live recording of The Joshua Tree Tour 1987 Madison Square Garden
concert; rarities and B-sides from the album’s original recording sessions. It also includes 2017 remixes from Daniel Lanois, St Francis Hotel, Jacknife Lee, Steve Lillywhite and Flood; plus an 84-page hardback book of unseen personal photography shot by The Edge during the original Mojave Desert photo session in 1986.
TO WIN this magnificent prize, just answer the following question:
What city are U2 from? Email your answer along with your contact details to competitions@dublingazette.com, or see our #GazetteGiveaway post on our Facebook page. Best of luck!
4 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
FAMILIES | UPBEAT ‘21 FACES’ CAMPAIGN TACKLES SOME MISCONCEPTIONS
Archie’s helping challenge Down syndrome opinions EMMA NOLAN THE Down Syndrome Centre have just launched the second year of their 21 Faces campaign, which celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of children with Down syndrome. 21 Faces is a portrait photo campaign that features 21 of the children that use the services at the centre, and celebrates each child’s unique qualities, champions their potential and aims to challenge some misconceptions along the way. One of the 21 Faces featured is three-yearold Archie Stanley from Dublin 8. His dad, Paul, said: “It’s been a big year
for Archie. A lot has happened since we did our last piece for 21 Faces. “It’s been a year of h i g h s a n d l ow s f o r Archie, and probably one in which he faced the most struggles.
‘He’s amazing’ “However, it just highlighted for me just how amazing he really is and the wonderful little human being he is growing up to be. “His determination to achieve his goals, his heart, and how he loves without condition and has so much love for everyone around him amazes.” He added: “His love for life is contagious;[we
love] his cheeky, mischievous little laugh and his wonderful charm. “He’s an amazing little boy, and I’m very lucky and very proud to be his dad.” Lorraine Murphy, from T he Dow n Syndrome Centre, told The Gazette: “A s we l l a s celebrating the children’s development, 21 Faces also aims to personalise the discussion a b o u t D ow n syndrome and make a connection with people. “By reading the chil-
challenge some preconceived ideas about Down syndrome and to encourage the viewer to see the children for themselves and as children first and foremost.”
Dublin 8 lad Archie Stanley and his poster which you may spot in town
dren’s stories, viewing their family photos and getting a glimpse of
their personalities and an insight into their daily lives, we hope to
Campaign Read more about Archie and the other children of the 21 Faces campaign at downsyndromcentre.ie. Keep an eye out for the poster campaign by Dublin Bus and an outdoor poster campaign by Irish Poster Advertising around Dublin city centre this mont, with Archie one of the little stars spreading their positive message to everyone.
CITY CENTRE | ‘DAUGHTER TRAUMATISED’
Shock as rat bites girl at front door EMMA NOLAN A YOUNG girl is said to be “traumatised” after being bitten by a rat while standing on her balcony at Talbot Courts flats last week. A local woman, Edel, spoke to 98FM’s Dublin Talks about the incident last Thursday that saw her 14-year-old daughter being attacked by the rodent as she stood outside her front door. While she was walking home, Edel called her daughter to put the kettle on. “She came out on the balcony to see how far I was and she was just standing there dancing, like she normally does outside the hall door, and she felt something on her foot. She looked down and she saw then it was a rat; she lifted her foot and that’s when it bit her.” Edel said that the rat “locked down” when her daughter tried to kick it off her foot. “She ended up kicking it against the wall and ended up killing it. I don’t even know how she managed to do it, she must have been in that much shock. She just
screamed down the whole balcony then, there was neighbours and all out. “These rats are so brazen – they just run across the balcony in broad daylight and now they’re attacking kids,” said Edel. “That wasn’t even the biggest rat – there are bigger ones that you could nearly put collars and leads on.” The rat problems started in the flat about four years ago, according to Edel. “It was just the one or two we’d see, only at night time, but now they’re starting to come out during the day. “I think that they’ve multiplied and had babies. When you come up the stairs they’re sitting along the balcony waiting and they don’t move, even if you go to give them a fright, they’re not moving – that’s how brazen they’re getting.” Edel said that Dublin City Council sent out pest control personnel. “I have said it to DCC and they’re coming to put barbed wire in to stop them.” Edel is also calling on the council to thoroughly investigate where the rats are coming from instead of just “putting down poison”.
FASTNews
Praise for extra SNA allocations SCHOOLS across Dublin will be allocated extra Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for the coming school year. The allocation is part of a national provision of 975 additional SNAs which will be available for allocation to schools over September to December – a 7.5% increase in order to meet the level of assessed demand. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the news, saying: “The extra posts announced today will ensure that every child that needs access to SNA support in schools ... can receive this support. “SNAs have continued to play a key role in helping children to participate and progress. “The extra posts announced will ensure that every child that needs access to SNA support can receive this support. That is my priority.” Details of the SNA allocations are available to view at www.ncse.ie.
Some progress made on Ibrahim Halawa trial THE trial of Ibrahim Halawa has been postponed for the 26th time but Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said that progress has been made. He has been declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International based on its own witness evidence that he could not have carried out the violent acts he is accused of. Ibrahim, who is the son of the imam of Clonskeagh mosque, has now spent 1,423 days in prison, since his arrest in Cairo in August 2013 at the age of 17. Ibrahim claims he has been tortured, and has gone on hunger strike.
13 July 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5
6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
Out and About
Johnny, Mira, Mika and Josh and Marlyn Salise
Cars 3 premiere revs up Libby and Logan Connolly
Leon Forberg and Ian Downes
Adrienne, Sorcha, Sadhbh and Conor Hannon. Pictures: Andres Poveda
F
AMILIES were driven to distraction with excitement as they headed to the Irish premiere of Disney Pixar’s Cars 3 in the Odeon Cinema Point Square. The turbo-charged franchise follows the legendary Lightning McQueen on his greatest challenge yet as he’s blindsided by a new generation of elite racers.
Katie, Taylor and Sophie Deering
Rory and Scott McMullan
Tom, Harry and Conor Yaxley
13 July 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7
Out and About
Sinead De Buitlear and Lorna Duffy
Sarah Carroll and Niamh Devereux. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Lawson Mpame and Eimear Everard
NEW LOOKS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER
T
HOMAS Sabo unveiled its Autumn/ Winter 2017 collection to a host of fashion press and influencers last week at The Westbury Hotel. The collection is one of the brand’s most exciting offerings, with modern details sitting side by side alongside ornamental pieces. Silver and rose gold were the dominant colours in the new collection.
T
HE Design & Crafts Council of Ireland announced the 23 students and emerging makers who have received awards and support through the organisation’s Future Makers programme at a ceremony last week. With a total fund of €22,500 for 2017, Future Makers Awards and Supports is one of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe for students and emerging makers. This initiative rewards the next generation of Irish creatives at a key stage in their professional development, helping them to develop a career in the craft and design industry.
Karen Hennessy and Susan Brindley
Caoimhe Hill and Sophie Kate Curran
Pearl Reddington and Robert Mirolo Judy Gilroy
Lucinda Andrews
Susan Burke and Lorna Weightman
8 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
PEOPLE: FF POLITICIAN RELEASES DANCE-POP ALBUM
James dances off with a top U17 trophy
Trevor composes a summer sizzler
WELL done to Dublin lad James McDonagh on winning the World Open Irish Dancing Championships for U17 in Killarney recently. The talented dancer from Scoil Rince Nolan Dunleavy in Palmerstown was one of several dancers from the school who did well at the championships, with James dazzling in his category thanks to some outstanding Irish dancing and an impressive attitude as well. James and his fellow school dancers had their work cut out for them at the intensely contested championships in Killarney, but they did their area and the capital proud, despite the stiff challenge posed by some of the country’s best dancers at the event.
SYLVIA POWNALL A CLONDALKIN councillor, Trevor Gilligan, has released an EP – and the video for one of the tracks has already racked up more than 2,000 views. The Fianna Fail public representative (right) recorded the self-penned songs from home with the help of US vocalists and engineers. An optimistic Trevor has entitled the summer EP My First Album and his debut single No Need has its own music video which was shot in the UK. Tr e v o r t o l d T h e Gazette: “Initially the video only had six views, now it has over 2,000. It’s not record-breaking stuff but it’s a huge jump and that’s down to a lot of support and friends, family, constituents really getting
behind it. “Initially I didn’t know how a ny o n e wo u l d react – everyone likes their own material, but when other people like it, it means so much more. “To get some airplay during the week was something else; was strange turning on of the radio and hearing your song being played!” No Need was played on Today FM and DJs have described it as a “banging tune” and a “catchy summer anthem”. Trevor said: “A lot of the music out there today is just getting dumbed down more and more. It’s easier to repeat a sentence five times than to actually
come up with a thoughtful, meaningful song. “I think these songs are well produced and composed and a little different to what’s currently out there. “I’ve been playing and making music since my early teens so I should have done this a lot sooner. I suppose the fear of failure held me back, which is strange consid-
ering I ran for election three times since I was 20.” Trevor isn’t the first politician to venture down the music route. Recently elected SDCC Mayor Cllr Paul Gogarty once had his own YouTube channel and entered a song to represent Ireland in Eurovision. All three of Trevor’s original songs – No Need, Summer Sun and Addicted 2U – are available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. You can watch the video for No Need at w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=x6mUHnUPhz8 or download the EP for free at https://4u.ie/ music/563-trevor-gilligan-my-1st-album.html.
Man not guilty of criminal damage, road offences by reason of insanity A 6 9 -Y E A R- OL D m a n accused of ramming his car through the front gates of Trinity College has been found not guilty of criminal damage and road traffic offences by reason of insanity. John Farrell, of Fassaugh Road, Cabra, caused more than €33,000 worth of damage in Trinity and the city centre shortly after 6am on April 2, 2014. The main cost of the damage went towards replacing the college’s 18th century wooden entrance gates, which were effectively destroyed when Mr Farrell smashed his Mercedes through them. On the day, Mr Farrell said: “I’m sorry for what I done [sic]. I don’t want fame, I just want peace of mind.” At the start of his trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal
Court, Mr Farrell denied five counts of criminal damage, four counts of endangerment by driving towards people at speed, three counts of dangerous driving and two counts of failing to stop after a collision. Anne Rowland BL, prosecuting, said Mr Farrell did not dispute any of the actions alleged against him. She said it would be up to the jury to decide on the mens rea, or mental intention, of Mr Farrell on the day. Garda Anthony Brazil told the prosecution that security officer at Trinity, Alan Currivan, opened the front gates of Trinity at 6:15am to a van. Mr Farrell drove a black Mercedes through the gates after the van, with music blaring loudly from his radio and the window down, and accelerated into the front square at
speed. The court heard details of Mr Farrell’s subsequent actions with his car at Trinity, culminating with Mr Farrell driving at speed towards the then closed wooden front gates. He made no impact the first time, but reversed and The destroyed gates at Trinity College after d r ove a t t h e the incident. Picture: @donalmulligan, Twitter gates harder, breaking through on the third pedestrians. He drove up go and hitting a college van Nassau Street and turned on the far side. into Dawson Street, driving Gardai at this stage were against the traffic up a onemonitoring Mr Farrell’s way street. movements as he drove up Gardai arrived, and Mr Grafton Street Lower at Farrell was restrained, handspeed, scattering traffic and cuffed and brought to Pearse
Street Garda Station. Gardai thought Mr Farrell was heavily intoxicated, but a blood test showed zero presence of alcohol in his system. When asked if he remembered driving into the Trinity gates, Mr Farrell said he had heard a bang and some noises but thought he was driving into his own gates at home. Gardai asked what had motivated Mr Farrell on the day and he said: “People wouldn’t listen, I was sick of talking.” After his arrest, Mr Farrell was assessed by a doctor who said he was “thought-disordered and lacking insight” and committed him to a psychiatric unit. Before the jury went out, Judge Patricia Ryan reminded them that Dr Paul O’Connor, consultant psychiatrist at the
Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, gave evidence at the start of the trial that Mr Farrell was suffering from “hyper-mania” at the time of the incident. Dr O’Connor said Mr Farrell satisfied the legal definition of insanity, in that he did not know that what he was doing was morally wrong and lacked the capacity to take on board the gravity or consequences of his actions. Judge Ryan noted that Dr O’Connell also said Mr Farrell had been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, had undergone several periods of hospitalisation, and had a history of aggression since 2004. The jury took 42 minutes to return a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity on all 14 counts against Mr Farrell.
13 July 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9
COURTS | SENTENCE
Pensioner, 72, sent series of ‘vile’ poison pen letters to garda station A 72-YEAR-OLD pensioner who sent a series of threatening “poison pen” letters to a female garda after she issued him with a penalty points notice has avoided a jail sentence. Patrick McClean, of Thornville Drive, Kilbarrack, felt aggrieved after he was issued a fixed fine notice by Garda Claire McGuigan last year. The retired seaman went home and wrote six “vile” and “odious” letters that he then sent to her at Raheny Garda Station, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard.
Pleaded guilty McClean pleaded guilty to harassing Gda McGuigan at Raheny Garda Station between August 4 and September 29 last. He has no previous convictions. In a victim impact statement read out in court, Gda McGuigan said she couldn’t understand why someone would send such vile letters to her when she was simply doing her job. The court heard she had no idea for some time who had written the letters and was fearful they knew where she lived and a device might be put under her car. Sentencing McClean, Judge Martin Nolan said he made a number of threats against the garda in the anonymous “poison pen” letters, which he described as “obscene and vile” as well as “rambling”. “It’s very hard to imagine why somebody would write such letters over a trivial situation as the receipt of a penalty point notice. It’s a particularly unusual and vile crime,
and I don’t know what got into Mr McClean,” said Judge Nolan. He noted McClean lived alone and appeared to let his resentment “fester” over the situation before writing the letters. He accepted he was unlikely to re-offend and said the court would not be justified in sending him to prison at this stage in his life. Judge Nolan handed down a two-and-a-half year sentence, which he suspended in full. The court heard that shortly after Gda McGuigan issued Mr McClean with the fixed fine notice for a driving offence, he wrote the letters and sent them over a series of weeks to the garda station. Gda McGuigan became emotional as she described how she initially didn’t tell her family about the letters as she didn’t want to upset or worry them. She said the letters affected her relationship and her work.
‘Disgusting threats’ She described McClean as a “disgusting excuse of a human being”. “What happened to me makes me a better, stronger person,” she told him. “All the shame lies solely with you. My life is filled with love and happiness. You may have knocked me off my stride for a period of time, but I will aim to leave here today and not think of your vile, disgusting threats again.” Fiona Murphy BL, defending, said her client wished to apologise to Gda McGuigan. She said he was at a loss to explain his behaviour.
HEALTH | COUNCILLOR KEEPS FOCUS ON SUPPORT FOR HOMELESS
Mayor makes time to see Sundial House DUBLIN’S new Lord Mayor, Micheal Mac Donncha, under took one of the first official ventures of his role with a visit to Sundial House, a service providing longterm accommodation and support services to vulnerable homeless people. Cllr Mac Donncha (SF) was greeted by Depaul chief executive Kerry Anthony as well as frontline staff who highlighted the work that takes place in Sundial House. Located on James’ Street, Dublin 2, Sundial House is a low-threshold service which was purpose-built in 2008 as a long-term housing project providing homeless men, women and couples struggling with complex support needs due to alcohol use with services and support. Accommodating 30
Lord Mayor Micheal Mac Donncha meets Depaul’s project group manager Przemek Kluczenko and chief executive Kerry Anthony on the rooftop garden of Sundial House
residents with en-suite rooms and daily meals, it provides housing to those who have experienced extended periods of street homelessness and have entrenched alcohol addiction. A representative from
Tuath Housing, the notfor-profit voluntary housing association, was also in attendance at the tour of Sundial House. Speaking at Sundial House, Cllr Mac Donncha said: “I have received a really warm welcome
here today from Depaul and from the residents here. “It was a pleasure to meet the people who work on the ground in homeless services. As the Ardmheara of Dublin, I am committed to tack-
ling the housing crisis and homelessness in our capital city. “It’s great to see a service like Sundial House providing accommodation and support to those whose issues often mean that the doors to other services are shut to them.” Kerry Anthony said: “We are delighted to welcome Lord Mayor Mac Donncha here to Sundial House today and to show him how Depaul services make a difference to people experiencing homelessness. “Sundial House really exemplifies a central ethos of Depaul as an organisation – it meets people where they are in their lives, providing them with a safe and secure bed and offering the support that suits their unique needs without judgement.”
Panda customers facing fines for using wrong bins WASTE management company Panda has been urged to delay its new penalties system until householders are better informed about how to bin their rubbish. Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) says no fines should be imposed on customers for “making honest mistakes” and inadvertently putting rubbish into the wrong bin. She made the call after being contacted by concerned householders, especially older people, worried they would incur fines through no fault of their own. She said: “Panda’s new terms and conditions would mean that even an honest mistake of putting one plastic bag into the
blue recycling bin could result in a fine of €25. “This, without a proper information campaign to householders, would be very unfair, and would, I believe, be just a way of increasing profits for the company. “I am also very concerned by Panda’s changes to their contracts that would allow them to enter a person’s property to inspect their bins. “This seems very heavyhanded to me, and without justification. “It would be better for Panda to work with their customers to help them with what can and should be put in each bin rather than jumping in with quite an aggressive penalty scheme.”
Beauty and the beast help launch a fashionable search BEAUTIFUL Gracie O’Mahony met this handsome beast when they met to help launch Ladies Day at the upcoming 2017 Dublin Horse Show, on Thursday, August 10. The RDS announced that bustling Dundrum Town Centre will be the title sponsor of the day, with the DLR and Dublin city fashion hub perfectly positioned to pick a real winner in the style stakes. The top winner will scoop a €10,000 Dundrum Town Centre voucher. Judging Best Dressed Lady on the day will be celebrity stylist Courtney Smith, fashion editor Bairbre Power and Dundrum Town Centre personal stylist Lorna Weightman, while Xpose presenter, Cassie Stokes will act as MC on the day. All ladies will need to enter will be a general admission ticket for the Dublin Horse Show, with The Dundrum Town Centre Ladies Day registration desk to be located on the Band Lawn inside the RDS.
10 GAZETTE 13 July 2017
Out and About
Family fun for all L
AYA Healthcare’s City Spectacular returned to Dublin’s Merrion Square last week, showcasing some of the very best in international street performance, interactive family activations and workshops, delicious artisan producers and international street food, making it one of the upbeat highlights of the summer so far. Families from all across the country flocked to Dublin to enjoy this free event which even had Dustin the Turkey in attendance.
Lessons in C ‘Lagom’ for Ballymun children
HILDREN from St Joseph’s Junior National School in Ballymun got a great lesson in how to live more sustainably at IKEA’s Live Lagom (‘the right amount is best’) project. IKEA is encouraging customers and those who work for the company to use just the right amount of energy, food, water, etc, creating a more sustainable way of living. To bring this concept to life for the children of St Joseph’s, IKEA supplied the class with a hydroponics set to grow lettuce leaves. They also supplied recycle bins, a basin for the sink and a timer for their water tap. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon
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GAZETTE
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DUBLINBUSINESS
SURVEY | WORRIED ABOUT IMPACT OF AGE, TWO-THIRDS ARE UPSKILLING
Older workers fight back to stay relevant ALMOST half of Irish workers worry that age might affect their chances of finding a new job. Research from IrishJobs.ie reveals that older workers who are planning on changing roles worry their age might stop them from getting a new job. However, those who are planning to change roles in the next two years report that they are upskilling (65%) to stay employable. The research carried out by IrishJobs.ie amongst 1,038 jobseekers across multiple industries shows that 31% of older workers believe they lost out on a job opportunity due to their age at least on one or more occasion. A quarter believe they were passed over for promotion due to
The IrishJobs.ie survey reveals some positive steps many older workers are taking as they consider looking for new jobs
their age; as a result, 62% of older workers were apprehensive about looking for a new job, with 45% planning to stay in their existing sector. The research showed that older employees are going a lot further than their younger counterparts to stay competitive for new roles.
To overcome the perception of being older, 40% are going to the gym more with 64% switching to a healthier diet and another 43% taking more vitamins. When it came to more extreme measures, some 38% considered dying their hair, with 29% thinking about having their teeth whit-
ened, 44% planning to give up smoking, and another 26% considering giving up alcohol. Some 8% of those surveyed considered anti-aging injections. Orla Moran, general manager, IrishJobs.ie said: “While it’s illegal to discriminate against employees because of their age, it’s obvious that older jobseekers are concerned about how their date of birth will impact on their search for a new job. “It’s terrific to see that many older workers are doing the right thing and keeping their skills up to date. In fact, it’s something we’d advise workers of all ages to do – continuing to upskill and staying relevant within their chosen industry is essential for continual employment.”
‘Don’t EU listen to the leavers’ THE notion of Ireland leaving the EU would be “simply idiotic”, says Fine Gael Senator and Government spokesman on EU Affairs, Neale Richmond. Senator Richmond was speaking at a meeting of the Oireachtas EU Affairs Committee which was attended by the new Minister for European Affairs, H e l e n McEntee. He said: “In the wake of Brexit, the EU is understandably looking at its own future. The launch of the European Commission White Paper on the future of the EU is therefore welcome and allows all citizens and stakeholders to feed into what that that future should look like.
“It is my strongly held belief that Ireland’s future should not just be as part of the EU but at the heart of the EU. “The notion peddled by some ill-informed sources that Ireland should follow the example of the UK and leave the EU is, to be blunt about it, simply idiotic. “The decision of the people of the UK to leave the EU is a bad decision based on emotion, influenced by a campaign of mistruth. “Since joining the EEC in 1973, Ireland has flourished. Our active membership and commitment to the European project has allowed us to fully mature as an independent and sovereign state.
“We have grown socially, economically and culturally through our commitment to Europe. It has allowed us, a small peripheral nation, to take a seat at the top table of global
affairs. “I am urging the Government and Minister McEntee to double-down on Ireland’s commitment to Europe, to embrace the 88% of Irish people who
are in favour of continued membership, and rebut directly the small minority living in a fantasy land who think Ireland would be better off outside of the EU.”
CarePlus Pharmacy appoints its new commercial director CAREPLUS Pharmacy has announced the appointment of its new commercial director . Niamh Lynch takes over the key role, bringing a wealth of commercial knowledge and experience to the position. With more than ten years of senior leadership experience, and more than 15 years buying and selling across many consumer categories, including health
and beauty, Niamh’s comprehensive skillsets and insight will play a key part in supporting her role. N i a m h ’s p r e v i o u s
roles include positions as global business unit director of Tesco PLC, and national acocunt manager with Unilever. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Food Business from university College Cork. CarePlus is a network of franchised pharmacies, owned and managed by community pharmacists with the aim of providing a superior pharmacy experience.
Initiating dialogue with a manager could help you both
Maybe it’s time to start managing your manager? TURNOVER of staff happens most frequently because of relations with a manager. People tend to move companies because of low job satisfaction more often than because of money. This can happen for a number of reasons, including not getting enough support, unrealistic demands, or no participation in decisionmaking. However, all is not lost – there is a way to create a better workplace for you and your manager or supervisor. Poor communication is often the common issue in the above causes of low job satisfaction. Of course, some managers could be better communicators, but instead of waiting for them to improve it’s possible for you to take action and ‘encourage’ your manager to exchange information more freely. Start by opening a dialogue. If you don’t feel comfortable bringing something up face to face, send a short email outlining what you’d like to discuss and then suggest a time to meet. If the above tips don’t help, perhaps you need to find a new job with a new manager. For further information, contact RecruitmentPlus at 01 2788 610, or also see www.recruitmentplus.ie.
The email you sent will act as an agenda when you do meet up, and will keep your conversation on course. Another thing to suggest to your manager is implementing an evaluation and review process. This process can take place as often as needed, but usually annually or bi-annually. T his provides the opportunity to meet and discuss performance. These meetings offer a perfect opportunity to engage with your manager and to change the communication levels between you. Some people may say that it is not their responsibility to upskill their manager. However, anything that enriches your workplace and makes everyone more productive is something that will benefit your job satisfaction in the long run. You may be able to change the work environment so you don’t become one of the people who leave because of your manager. Make communication easier for your manager, and things will be easier for you.
13 July 2017 GAZETTE 13
TRAVEL P20
DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
CINEMA P24
GAZETTE
DIARY P14
SHE’S A BEAUTIFUL BEAGLE, REVIEW: ONCE AT THE OLYMPIA IS A WONDERFULLY PRODUCED PACKAGE AND CHUNLI HAS A LOT OF LOVE FOR A CARING OWNER OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Chunli, a very sweet, two-yearold Beagle. She can be quite shy at first when she meets new people; however, once you give her time to get to know you, Chunli comes out of her little shell and shows her true, adorable nature. Chunli is looking for a quiet, adult-only home without too many visitors. As she feels at her best around other dogs, Chunli is looking for a home with another friendly and social canine which is going to boost her confidence. She is looking for owners that will not expect too much of her initially, but will allow her to grow in her own time. Given proper care, love and time, Chunli will become a wonderful companion and a friend for life! If you can be Chunli’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.
Show stopper JAMES HENDICOTT H AV I N G p u t a f o c u s o n obtaining a really musically talented cast, brought the simpler elements of the story to the fore and utilised a clever set extremely well, the latest incarnation of Once –showing at the Olympia Theatre until late August – is astoundingly well done. Adapting Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s music and taking much that is good from the 2007 movie, the musical is set entirely in a surround with the feel of an old-school Irish pub, the fluid cast almost constantly on stage in their entirety as they
perform the backing track to a gentle tale. Niamh Perry, playing ‘Girl’, is the undoubted star. Credit has to be given for her convincing and unwavering switch into a Czech accent, but what really stands out are her vocals, and the restrained tension she creates around the lead man, Brian Gilligan. While the pre-interval part of the show is relatively lighthearted, full of local colour and witty patter, things take an intense turn after the interval, with the emotional love story at the heart of the tale coming to the fore to glorious effect. Continued on Page 17
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DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
Digging in at Zoorassic World at Dublin Zoo are teacher Kelly Mara with Senan Shah, Maisie Conroy, Beth Healy, Alfie Conroy and Rian Shah
FAMILIES: DIG INTO THE PAST WITH DUBLIN ZOO’S T-REX-IFFIC NEW INSTALLATION
Pictures: Patrick Bolger
Boning up on dinosaurs DUBLIN Zoo’s latest attraction, Zoorassic World, is sure to get a roar or two of approval from visitors to the brand-new home for reptiles of the past and present. With lots of fun dinoand reptile-related features at the latest attraction at the zoo, the lord of them all has to be Stan – a towering life-size replica fossil skeleton of a male adult Tyrannosaurus Rex that lived 65 million years ago. Stan’s name isn’t very exciting (sorry, Stans everywhere), but the big, bony beast is very impressive in the flesh, standing 3.7m high and 12.2m long. He’s not alone – other replica dinosaur skeletons at Zoorassic World include a Velociraptor, Oviraptor, Anhanguera,
and an Archaeopteryx, plus life-sized replicas of a Galapagos tortoise and a Komodo dragon, while Zoorassic World is also now home to the zoo’s many living reptiles. For further information, see www.facebook. com/dublinzoo and www. dublinzoo.ie.
JOIN THE CROWD TO CONTROL THE MUSIC HEADING to some concerts this summer? Make sure to check out Live Your Music, a new concept from Heineken. Debuted at Sea Sessions festival in Donegal last month, the concept hands over control to the crowd, empowering them to programme the lighting, the visuals and the atmosphere, with a few surprises thrown in. This weekend, July
14 – 16, Live Your Music will descend on Longitude in Marlay Park with a fully responsive, custombuilt space featuring DJs and collectives from the worlds of house, disco, hip-hop and R&B, including Lui Rwego, Bobofunk and District Magazine. Music fans can join the crowd and sign up for exclusive experiences at: www.heinekenmusic.ie.
BIG ADVENTURE FOR CHAIN’S MINI CEOS HOTEL brand Radisson Blu has announced a unique nationwide search to find a new board of directors with a difference – a group of Mini CEOs (Child Entertainment Officers) are being sought to help consult on the hotels’ family offering across the UK and Ireland this summer.
T he chosen mini CEOs will win a free stay at a Radisson Blu of their choice for them and their family, along with all the perks of a weekend getaway, including free restaurant meals. Boys and girls between the ages of 6 – 10 years can apply for the role (and ask their parents or guardians to be a reference for them), with their ‘duties’ to involve reviewing leisure facilities in the hotels. For further information and to nominate, see http://www.radissonblu. com/miniceo.
DISPENSE AN AWARD TO YOUR PHARMACIST DUBS are being called on to nominate Ireland’s most dedicated pharmacists. T h e C l a nw i l l i a m Pharmacist Awards have
RACE OVER TO €32K CHAMPION STAKES
launched for 2017 and the organisers want Dubliners to nominate pharmacists who go above and beyond for their patients. You can fill out an online nomination form before the July 21 deadline, with the winning pharmacist to be recognised in the company of hundreds of their peersat the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards
in November. An adjudicating panel comprising pharmacists from various branches of the profession will select three finalists for each category, to be announced in October, with and a winner in each to be revealed on the awards night. To make your nomination, see http://www. pharmacistawards.com/
READY to race over to some exciting events at Shelbourne Park? You should be, as the popular stadium has laid on some summer sports highlights to look out for. Kevin Hennessy and Leon Blanche, representing Irish Independent bookmaker BoyleSports, are pictured (left) with Shelbourne Park racing manager Declan Carey at the launch of a bumper calendar of racing events at the greyhound stadium. The BoyleSports Champion Stakes, worth more than €32,000, run over two weekends in July and August. For further information on the calendar of events, see www.shelbourneparkgreyhoundstadium.ie.
13 July 2017 GAZETTE 15
POPCORN RECIPE Three Corn Tacos
THE people over at Propercorn have come up a perfect popcorn-inspired recipe to make your summer meals extra special.
Ingredients: Serves 4 12 small corn tortillas 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1.5cm pieces (keep the peelings) Small tub of sour cream 2 x 20g packs of Propercorn Sour Cream & Black Pepper For the pickled onion: Half a red onion, finely sliced juice 2 limes pinch of sugar For the guacamole: 2 avocados, halved and stoned Half a lime Small bunch of coriander, roughly chopped 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped Quarter thinly sliced red onion For the salsa: 200g cherry tomatoes, chopped into quarters Quarter red onion, finely sliced 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped Juice half a lime For the corn: 4 corn on the cob (or 4 small tins of sweetcorn) 2 large knobs of butter 2 tsp smoked paprika pinch of salt and pepper Method: 1. Pre-heat the oven to 200C. Mix the pickled onion ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. 2. Place the sweet potato chunks on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and a good pinch of salt. Pop in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until slightly charred on the edges. 3. Cut the kernels off the corn on the cobs. In a large frying pan, melt the butter on a high heat add the corn, paprika and salt and pepper. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the kernels are caramelized. Once cooked, turn off the heat and set aside to keep warm. 4. To make the salsa and guacamole, mix the salsa ingredients in a small bowl with a squeeze of lime and a handful of chopped coriander. 5. Mash the avocados then add the red onion and red chili. Squeeze in the lime juice and set aside. 6. A few minutes before the potatoes are ready, add a dash of oil and salt to the peelings, spread evenly on a baking tray and pop in the oven to crisp up. Cover your tortillas in foil and add to the bottom of the oven to warm up. 7. Tortillas are best filled by the person eating them, so to serve, place everything in bowls and tuck in!
GAZETTE
FOOD&DRINK
Say ‘buongirono’ to tasty Italian dishes
MUSIC lovers at the upcoming Punchestown Music Festival at the end of the month can send their tastebuds racing with a dash of tasty Italian fare, courtesy of Italian cuisine specialists Barilla. The opening of its popup restaurant, By Barilla, will serve a range of authentic Italian fare with a twist for hungry festival goers, with its pasta dishes coming with a threecourse (€25) offering that won’t need a win on the gee-gees to enjoy. By Barilla’s fare on July 29 and 30 will give diners at the popular music festival some tasty meals that look set to draw upon the family-owned company’s expertise in creating Italian dishes. Starter options include antipasti dishes, with a selection of meats, cheeses, olives and breads to choose from.
For their main course, diners will be able choose from favourites such as Barilla Fusilli with tiger prawns and served with arrabbiata sauce; Barilla Tortellini of four cheeses with a sage and nut butter sauce; Barilla Linguini Primavera with chicken, julienne of vegetables and flat parsley. Adding the finishing touch, dessert options will include the ever-popular Tiramisu. Adding to the Mediterranean-flavoured feeling at By Barilla, guests will be served “Italian family style” at long tables, with starters to be presented on platters, allowing visitors to help themselves. Following the first course, at intervals a selection of three pasta dishes will be brought to each table, inviting guests to indulge in a variety of
Punchestown Music Festival will have Italian fare, courtesy
dishes. Wine will also be included as part of the By Barilla festival offering. Adding a pinch of flexibility, diners can also schedule reservations
around their favourite artist so as not to miss a thing while also not missing their meal. For further information about Barilla products and recipes, see the site at
of Barilla
www.barilla.com, while the full list of performers at this year’s 2017 Punchestown Music Festival is over at https://mcd. ie/artists/punchestownmusic-festival/
Mini pizza bases serve up a big, delicious treat EMMA NOLAN KEEP the kids entertained during the s c h o o l h o l i d ay s b y cooking up a storm with Pizza da Piero’s mini pizza bases. Get crafty in the kitchen and add a range of tasty toppings to these four inch bases – the perfect size for little ones. P i z z a d a P i e r o ’s founders Piero and Cliona love to decorate each pizza with their
three little girls, making faces with broccoli, sweetcorn and peas, breaking all of Piero’s Italian pizza rules. It’s lunch and playtime wrapped into one! Delicious and wholesome mini pizza bases by Pizza da Piero are the perfect treat for all the family, kids and adults alike. Pop them in the oven, adorned with your favourite pizza toppings and five minutes later – finito!
Piero creates these fresh and authentic bases at his Dublin bakery every morning using only six simple ingredients; white flour, water, soya f lour, yeast, sea salt and extra virgin oil. Just as scrumptious as the rest of Pizza da Piero’s range, each mini base is carefully made over a two-day process. This allows time for the dough to ferment, making it light and easily digestible, so no bloated tummies.
Mini pizza bases by Pizza da Piero are perfect for all the family
Pizza da Piero’s mini bases are a great choice for a light summer lunch or a pizza and movie night with the kids. At RRP €3.99, they
can be found in SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Avoca, Cavistons Food Emporium, Ardkeen Quality Food Store and Sheridan’s Cheesemongers.
13 July 2017 GAZETTE 17
DUBLINLIFE
JAMES HENDICOTT A SELF-PROCLAIMED college band reformed to a heyday later in life that far exceeds their 90s peak, King Kong Company are fast becoming Ireland’s go-to festival act, and with good reason. The Waterford-based act are a high-energy, upbeat dance six-piece with plenty of stage moves. One member performs in a cardboard box with crudely cut eyeholes, while recent outings include a trip to iconic UK festival Glastonbury, a tea party at Michael D Higgins’s house, and even the launch of their own unlikely beer infused with Buckfast, with King Kong Company plastered across the front. Colin Hoye, the group’s trumpeter, is the one member currently based in Dublin, and met The Gazette to describe what’s been a strange journey and a wildly busy summer to date. Amazingly, their self-titled debut of 2016 is the band’s only formal release to date, despite performing together from 1996 to 2000, and then from 2011 to today. “The technology wasn’t really there to do what we wanted to do back then,” Hoye recalls. “We had this massive eight track and you couldn’t even get the drums alone onto it. We have so many channels now. We had a manual drum machine that we started and stopped for every track back then. We did the best we could, but trying to actually make an album would have been too hard, or too expensive at the time. “Second time around [following the band’s reformation in 2011], I think we were looking for a mid-life crisis and found one. We had no misconceptions about what we were going to get out of it this time, but we’re surprised at how well it’s gone for us. “When we decided to get back together, we used the power of social media to help us along the way. We decided to do 12 tracks in 12 months, and our friend John Loftus basically said that he’d do the videos for us. “Those videos sparked a lot of the characters we have now, and those characters came into the live shows. It’s almost more of a product at this stage.”
Ireland’s Wild Festival Heroes
One album, their own beer and performing in a cardboard box: 20 years of King Kong Company
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N EVE
with JAMES HENDICOTT
Belle and Sebastian
Scottish indie darlings are one of the highlights of a series of gigs at the Iveagh Gardens, and are sure to explore the emotive backdrop of their nine experimental and touching albums. €45 entry fee. July 20
Longitude Festival
Marlay Park’s annual bash bring their camping-free city-festival vibe back for another summer, with star appearances from Mumford and Sons, Stormzy, Skepta, The Weeknd, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Villagers (plus many more) across the weekend. July 14-16
98FM’s Big Slide
Slip through Dublin streets on a 260ft waterslide running down Winetavern Street, thanks to the radio station and Dublin City Council. You’ll need to grab sliding tickets in advance, and have your swimsuit ready. July 15-16.
Dropkick Murphys
Another of those Iveagh Gardens shows, Bostonian act Dropkick Murphys will bring their punk-tinged nu-Irish stylings to play in an invariably riotous live show. Support from indie-pop heroes of ten years ago The Fratellis adds colours. July 16.
A Night At The Museum
The National Wax Museum diversifies with a new theatre experience, promising to “push boundaries between reality and imagination,” and “you might end up in Heaven or Hell.” July 15
Token Retro Gaming Tournament
The exciting new Smithfield venue that combines a bar, food and retro gaming launches the first of one promises to be a long line on old-school gaming tournaments. July 15.
New album of the week
Coldplay - Kaleidoscope Right after playing their Croke Park date, Coldplay launch a new EP featuring six ‘companion’ tracks to 2016 album ‘A Head Full Of Dreams’. Having been delayed twice, fans will be queueing up for this one.
Continued from Page 13
A unique look – and now, a unique beer as well! It could only be King Kong Company, who talk to
Live When it came to the album, Hoye recalls the live set-up being very much a key factor. “We had to do everything we could to bring the live sound into the album,” he explained. “It would have been very easy to just do it very electronically, but you want to move the music around to have that live effect to it. “We are very much a live band, and we wanted to show people what we sound like live with the album. In a way we were kind of dreading the album as we knew it would be so much work. We used to be more like acid jazz, so it’s a bit of a change of direction from what we sounded like in the late 90s, but nobody sounds like that anymore.” Whether the album or an incredibly noto-
MUSIC
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The Gazette about their rise and rise so far.
rious live show are the defining factor, there’s little doubt that King Kong Company are on an all time high this year. Last month, their striking imagery appeared on the front of a new brand of beer from Wexford craft beer company, Yellowbelly, entitled ‘Commotion Lotion’, and infused with Buckfast. The launch came within days of their Glastonbury appearance, a lively slot at Body and Soul and a toned-down show at Aras An Uachtarain. “We did a gig down in Cork, at the Irish Beer Festival last year,” Hoye recalls. “It was a really good festival with a lot of craft brewers at it. They approached us then about it, and we made the beer. Yellowbelly did all the imagery and
everything. It’s very surreal to have your own beer, really odd.” Then came the recent trip to the Phoenix Park. “We had to censor [hit track] Donkey Jaw a bit,” Hoye says of the performance at the President’s house. “We were thinking of doing the full version at the garden party, but there were a lot of young kids there. It was censored enough to not offend. It was the strangest gig ever. We were very nervous about it at first, and I think the organisers were a bit nervous about it, too, wondering what we were going to do! “But our frontman, Mikey Graham, got on the mic at the start and said: ‘Listen, we usually play in muddy fields at festivals, so what we’re
going to do is ask all the children if they want to come up to the front of the stage and dance’. So they did, and they all started dancing and it was great; we won everyone over within five seconds. It was a great honour to do it.” And the future? Hoye admits that a new album isn’t really on the horizon, but adds “we’re always in some shape or form working on new music”. He added: “A lot of the stuff that made this album we played live for a long time before we recorded. I think that’s just the way it’s going. We make music to play live, not to make an album, so it’s good to road test.” Few bands ‘test’ with quite such a sense of fun.
The stage comes to life to suit, too, and there’s an impressive array of character development, in the narrow but entertaining lives of Girl’s Czech housemates, the occasional but memorable appearances of her daughter, and Phelim Drew’s wacky interludes as music store owner Billy – a lively stereotype of the witty North Dubliner. Then there are the gimmicks. The best come in the pre-show, pub-style performance from the cast, which takes place with the audience on stage and able to buy from the bar positioned as part of the scenery. It works well, too, but the key here
is in the simplicity and the casting. Perry is outstanding all round. Gilligan has a solid voice and his character constantly seems on the verge of a nervous breakdown, while the extras have a smart dynamic, adding to the humour. All in, Once is a wonderfully produced package, with ample entertainment value that also tugs firmly on the heartstrings, with the relationships thoroughly believable. The emotion in Perry as she bowed before an opening night audience said it all: this might be just another step on the road this musical has been powering down over the last few years, but it is also something very special.
ONCE and always terrific
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DUBLINLIFE
Carousel in a spin over nod from The New York Times
Vivien Butterfly Print Dress €59 EMMA NOLAN
AN IRISH-ow ned vintage boutique was recently mentioned in a New York Times article about places to visit in Dublin. Carousel design and manufacture their own nostalgia-inspired col-
lections under the “Circus” label, and are stocked in more than 180 independent shops worldwide, and in their boutique on the corner of Drury Street and Exchequer Street. T he ow ners said they were delighted to be mentioned by the
Brigette cat print dress €65
Nathalie Lemon Print Dress €69 New York Times. “We were over the moon to be included and have seen a surge of interest from USA customers through our website as a result.” T hey now have a great selection of summer stock in store (pictured above).
Premium Lux Coat €399
Blossom Print Swing Dress €139; Abigail Patchwork Boot €209; Funnel Neck Fitted Knit €85
MINT VELVET LUXE
EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
THE Autumn/Winter collection from Mint Velvet is chic and understated. Taking its inspiration from effortless Parisian style, it combines boyfriend-dressing with the brand’s signature softer, feminine elements. Longline silhouettes, blazer and wide-leg trouser combos in both structured and relaxed fabrics are inspired by the 90s power-suit, and suits are paired with trainers for a new take on modern sportswear. Functionality is key here – everything can be worn with jeans, including dresses. Layer a polo neck underneath lighter fabrics or heavier knits for colder months, as another homage to luxe French dressing.
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GAZETTE
STYLE Embroidered Sleeve Shirt €129
Oversized Tri-Acetate Blazer €249; Imogen Print Neck Scarf €39
Blossom Print Blouse €99
Tie Back Cotton Shirt €99; Paper Bag Waist Trouser €119; Pippa V Front Shoe Boot €169
Beaded Shirt €119
Split Seam Coat €399
Velvet Blazer €209
Lace Back Dress €169
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DUBLINLIFE
Ballyvolane House will A veritable eden awaits just a few hours away from Dublin at a family-owned country house located in the historic region of the Munster Blackwater Valley
JESSICA MAILE
TIME FOR A TIPPLE?
An ode to Bertha and the ‘grass to glass’ approach YOU MAY be asking who is Bertha and what does she have to do with Ballyvolane House? It’s simple, really – Bertha, a cow, is the inspiration behind Bertha’s Revenge, a pure Irish milk gin which is conjured up, distilled and bottled at the estate. Bertha was truly a one-of-a-kind. This Droimeann cow from Sneem, Co Kerry, lived a legendary 48 years, which earned her the title of World’s Oldest Cow. She died in 1993, but Bertha’s Revenge creators Justin Green and Antony Jackson have kept her ‘spirit’ alive in this finely-crafted gin made from whey alcohol from local dairy farmers, natural spring water and locally grown and foraged botanicals. Their ‘grass to glass’ philosophy is an ode to Bertha and keeps her memory alive. Bertha’s Revenge is a spicy yet refreshing small-batch, hand-crafted gin that has notes of cardamom, cumin and sweet citrus. The whey alcohol base makes it an extremely smooth concoction that can be enjoyed in the lush atmosphere of Ballyvolane House or at home in a martini or mixed with your favourite tonic.
IT’S summertime and what’s on the menu for some summer getaway fun? Glamping. Yes, glamping. Camping in luxury is definitely the way to go when the temperatures rise and the weather is a bit more cordial, and there is no better place than Ballyvolane House near Fermoy in Co Cork to do so. The house was originally built in 1728 as a classically Georgian-style home but was subsequently remodelled in Victorian times to give it a more Italianate style. It has been a home to just three families, with the Green family now managing this successful country house. Its rooms are filled with family heirlooms, portraits and antiques but still offer a relaxed atmosphere to read or just take in the splendour of it all. This warm and inviting family period home actually gives the option
of staying in one of its six finely-appointed bedrooms or to indulge your wild, bohemian side and stay in one of the 11 cosy bell tents. The tents are very spacious, with a double or two single beds, and plenty of comfy blankets should you need extra warmth as the night goes on. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the fresh summer air on this expansive estate. The house is surrounded by lush woods and well-maintained gardens. There are trout lakes and salmon fishing on the River Blackwater, and even a variety of fly fishing courses are on offer.
BALLYVOLANE HOUSE
Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co Cork
Open January 1 to December 24 B&B room rate from €195, Single Occupancy €150 Glamping Bell Tents, B&B pps: €60-€75 (May-Sep) Dinner from €60 Tel: 353 25 36339; email: info@ballyvolanehouse.ie www.ballyvolanehouse.ie
As I wandered the grounds, I discovered the picturesque lakes, little man-made waterfalls, friendly ducks, two very nosey donkeys, an expansive walled garden full of
fresh produce and flowering plants, a tennis court, a pitch to kick a ball around and the perfect place to play a bit of croquet. After all my wanderings, I was treated to a spectacular meal of roast chicken, fresh new potatoes and greens from the walled garden and, to top it all off, a batch of heavenly Eton Mess. They only source ingredients from their walled garden, farm, river and from the local area. Before I headed to bed, the staff kindly lit the candle chandelier in the tent and placed hot water bottles in the bed for the ultimate in cosiness. After a refreshing night’s sleep, a nice hot breakfast
The official greeter will also steal your heart!
was certainly in order. My favourite part of brekkie is the fact that it’s served up until noon, which is heaven for those who like to stay up late and get up even later! You have a choice of a continental breakfast or ‘The Full Monty’, but the latter seemed the way to go and it didn’t disappoint. The most refreshing aspect of Ballyvolane House is how relaxed and inviting the home is and how comfortable Justin Green, his family and staff make you feel there. And despite all of the grandeur, the care-free atmosphere completely puts you at ease. It’s simply a true get-away in every sense of the word!
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steal your heart
TRAVEL
TRAVELNews
Holiday deals this August from €439
IT’S NOT too late to get some sun this summer. Choose your destination and plan your perfect August getaway now. Whether it’s the knockout scenery and all year round sun of the Canaries, the Balearic’s Spanish culture with nightlife that rivals the rest of Europe or the second-to-none sandy beaches, bougainvillea-splashed villages and round-the-clock nightlife of the Greek Islands, we have something for you. • 28-Aug, Dublin to Lanzarote, San Marcial, Matagorda, 2-star, SC, 7 nights from €549pp. • 30-Aug, Dublin to Rhodes, Amfitriti Hotel & Studios, Pefkos, 3-star, SC,7 nights from €439pp. • 26-Aug, Dublin to Kos, Emmanouel Studios, Lambi, 2-star, SC, 7 nights from €629pp. • 27-Aug, Dublin to Crete, Golden Bay Apartments, Gournes, 3-star, SC, 7 nights from €559pp. • 31-Aug, Dublin to Ibiza, Casa Luis, Santa Eulalia, 3-star, SC, 14 nights from €729pp. Visit www.falconholidays,ie for more details.
Ballyvolane House in Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co Cork is a family -owned period home that offers finely-appointed bedrooms or a perfect spot for a bit of glamping if you fancy a bit of fresh air
Lake Garda
Lake Garda deals: • Depart 15 July, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Perla, Garda, for 7 nights, on a half-board basis, from just €799pp. • Depart 19 July, stay at the 2-star Furstenhof, Alpbach, Austria, on a B&B basis, for 7 nights, from €499pp. • Depart 29 July, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Perla, Lake Garda, on a half-board basis, for 7 nights, from €799pp. • Depart 29 July, stay at the 4-star Hotel Splendid Palace, Limone, for 7 nights, on a half-board basis, from just €989pp. • Depart 12 August, stay at the Doria Apartments, Garda, for 7 nights, from just €1,545 (based on 2 sharing) or €2,275 (2 adults + 2 children). • Depart 26 August, stay at the 4-star Hotel Majestic Palace, Malcesine, for 7 nights, on a halfboard basis, from just €985pp. To book call (01) 433 1080, visit www.crystalsummer.ie or contact your local travel agent.
GAZETTE
22 GAZETTE 13 July 2017
DUBLINLIFE
Mini but mighty I’VE re-lived the Mini experience in the new generation Mini Clubman in recent weeks and it has rekindled a warm relationship with the iconic British car brand. Those who were reared with the original Mini as their first driving experience will appreciate the transformation that the Mini brand has undergone. Younger drivers will take the car for what it is; a solid small car with great driving ability that despite its size always pervades a feeling of strength. This Clubman version plays on a van-type design with twin opening rear doors and that design feature gives stand-out identity to the car that’s anything but a van in image and driving experience. The Clubman version of the Mini gives it a more male perspective, because the standard Mini has become seen as more of a female desire car. This Clubman with its extended wheelbase adds a different sense of appeal, while it uses all of the design features and more to change how you look at the car. What you get from a Mini Clubman is more space and more flexibility with a different boot access through the twin opening rear doors. The rear legroom from the extended wheelbase (that’s 100mm longer than the standard Mini) gives impressively more rear legroom, even if the headroom remains a shade challenged. That rear space seems less crowded and the enhanced legroom is instantly noticed. Mini, which is owned by the BMW group, has the benefit of BMW diesel engine technology and that’s seen first-hand in this Mini One D version of the Clubman, powered by an impressive twin-
FASTNews June new car sales dip by 14% as Dublin market grows NEW CAR registrations for June took a 14% dip, according to the latest official statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). The SIMI figures show that 1,397 new cars were registered last month compared with 1,623 for June 2016. The year-todate figures for the first half of the year show a 10% drop in new car registrations, compared with last year. The five top-selling car brands for the year to date were Volkswagen, Toyota, Hyundai,
The new generation Mini Clubman is a four-door spacious car which retains some of the Mini low profile go-kart driving feel across a longer wheelbase. Entry prices start at €28,278.
Ford and Nissan, while the Hyundai Tucson remains Ireland’s best-selling car in 2017,
Mini Clubman One D 1.5 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price
turbo diesel three-cylinder engine that’s very powerful. The engine’s smoothness under the cramped bonnet area has to be driven to be appreciated. The power output at 115bhp
1.5 litre 115hp I was equally impressed 10.4 seconds with its fuel economy 26m/litre figures. The official rated (3.9/100km or 60mpg) economy level is 26m/litre 48 litres (3.9/100km or 60mpg); my 600km test drive returned 102g/km a 30% lower figure. A3 €190 The fact that the car 15,000km/12 mon could cruise at 120km/hr 5 star (2015) on motorways at just shy 5 years/100,000km of 2000rpm on the engine, €28,278 made this economy level
and 270Nm of torque is so impressive, while its performance in acceleration terms at 10.4 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race, is very acceptable. I took the car across a range of conditions and
followed by the Nissan
Mini gives you more space in a Clubman as Michael Moroney found out when he took the new model for a lengthy test drive.
possible. This level of economy could give me a range of about 950km with the car’s 48 litre capacity fuel tank. Anywhere close to the 1,000km range on a full fuel tank is where I believe a modern car should be, and this new Mini Clubman meets that challenge. The car came with the standard six-speed manual gearbox that seemed to have some high points in terms of ratios that took a little getting used to. I found that the gear
change was a little less smooth than I would have liked, and the clutch pedal a shade heavier, not exactly what you want if you’re planning a drive to a night out in your best ‘car-to-bar shoes’. The additional boot space in the new Mini Clubman is one of its key selling features. The boot space at 360 litres – which extends to 1250 litres – is impressive and deceptive for the relatively small car. I tested the extended load capacity with a stepladder and the flexibility of the space impressed. The boot area is deeper than other Mini models to give a depth of load space that surprised me. Despite this, the Mini does not come with a spare wheel, which I consider one of its very few drawbacks. This new Mini is a solid-feeling car that scores highly in terms of safety
Qashqai, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. Remarkably, the best-seller in the car
too. The car has a fivestar Euro NCAP safety rating. Mini claims that in addition to the stiff, rigid and light-weight body structure, a complete set of standard safety features also gives enhanced occupant protection of the new Mini One D Clubman. Fitting that child seat takes a bit of bending down, but that’s because of the low stance of the car itself. The standard specification features of the new Mini Clubman are impressive, including Mini Navigation, a sport leather steering wheel with multifunction control and 16in alloy wheels and alarm with immobiliser. The entry price for the petrol version is €28,278 while the new diesel option that I drove adds another €2,000 to the price.
market in June was the expensive and impressive BMW 5 Series. SIMI anticipates that new car sales in the second half of the year should mean that the market for new cars will reach a total figure of 132,000 that was predicted at the start of the year. Sales of new cars in the Dublin region showed one of the smallest declines at 4%, while the Dublin region now accounts for an increased proportion of the Irish car new market, up from 38% in 2016 to account for 40% in the first six months of 2017.
The BMW 5 Series
13 July 2017 GAZETTE 23
GAZETTE
MOTORING
Kia crosses over with compact Stonic KIA HAS a new compact crossover type of SUV, called the Stonic, on the way for the end of 2017 as the Korean brand aims to get a slice of one of Europe’s newest and fastest-growing vehicle segments. This market segment is called the B-SUV segment in motor industry language and currently accounts for 1.1 million new car sales in Europe each year, around 7% of the market. The segment is forecast to expand to more than two million annual sales in Europe by 2020. Kia claims that the new Stonic will be the most customisable Kia ever, inside and out, and that it boasts true European design flair. The design of the car includes the familiar Kia ‘tiger-nose’ grille designed in Europe, in collaboration with Kia’s Korean design studio. The new Stonic’s ‘Targa’-style roof enables buyers to choose a two-tone paint finish. It will be available in up to 20 two-tone colour combinations, with a choice of five distinctive colours for the roof. A range of lightweight, downsized, turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are available, each paired with a manual transmission, claims to deliver maximised driver engagement and effi-
ciency. Buyers have the choice of Kia’s lightweight 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged petrol direct injection) engine, producing 120bhp, as well as 1.25or 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated MPI (multi-point injection) petrol engines. An 1.6-litre diesel engine completes the range, offering the lowest emissions in the line-up. Kia claims that the car’s European-tuned steering and suspension are designed to offer an exciting drive, with immediate handling responses and a stable ride. The car is fitted as standard with electronic stability control and vehicle stability management (VSM), ensuring the front-wheel drive Stonic can cope in all conditions. Specific functions of VSM include torque vectoring by braking, straight line stability, and cornering brake control. The car gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, bringing seamless smartphone functionality to the touchscreen infotainment system. Like other Kia models, it is available with heated front seats, automatic cruise control and keyless entry. The car claims class-leading shoulder room and generous leg- and head-room. The impressive 352-litre boot capacity expands or shrinks as required with a two-step boot floor.
The Stonic compact SUV due here by the end of the year comes with Kia’s quality promise; the car will be sold as standard with the company’s unique seven-year, 150,000km warranty
GAZETTE
24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
SPIDER MAN HOMECOMING: FRANCHISE GETS A MUCH-NEEDED KICKSTART
ReelReviews
Spidey gets a breath of fresh air in fun reboot A F T E R a n u n w a rranted franchise reset with Andrew Garfield’s regrettable turn as one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes, no one was asking for another Spider-Man movie. Thank God we got one. Spider-Man: Homecoming (Cer t 12A, 133 mins) Spider-Man: Homecoming, directed by Jon Watts, returns the characters to his fundamentals, giving us the friendliest neighbour Spider-Man we’ve seen on the screen thus far, and a much-needed return to super-hero basics for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Most refreshi ngl y, Homecoming comes unburdened with the now entirely unnecessary Spider-Man origin story. This is a clever and genuinely admirable move on the screenwriters’ part; after two franchise resets, everyone and their uncle knows how Spidey got his powers and why he does the things he does (FYI: radioactive spider bite, murdered uncle, compulsion to help others). After some brief backstor y to the movie’s
MARTIN MACNAMARA
villain, T he Vulture (Michael Keaton), we’re returned to the air-strip battle of Captain America: Civil War, in which we first met Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. This time around, the action is captured straight from Spidey’s phone, and comes complete with excited post-battle commentary from their hero in a manner befitting any teenage YouTube enthusiast. When the narrative starts proper, Peter is just getting used to his new life as a superhero, operating under the guise of an internship at Iron Man’s “Stark Enterprises” to cover his frequent disappearances from family and friends. Peter navigates relationships at home with Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and at school with best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and his crush, Liz
(Laura Harrier). While Peter spends his extra-curricular time fighting street thugs, eventually moving up to bigger villains with the Vulture, Spider-Man’s real battles are those of the average teenager: struggling with authority figures, a need to grow up too fast, and the heartaches of high-school romance. Spider-Man: Homecoming gets its priorities right – we don’t need another movie about superheroes battling world-threatening forces. This is a genuine breath of fresh air. Indeed, the spirited tone and vibrant palette of Homecoming is the perfect foil to DC’s overly grey, ultra-grim ‘Expanded Universe’, and Spidey finds the time to poke fun at that world’s everbrooding caped crusader. However, Mar vel’s stable of heroes get its fair share of mockery too – none more so than Captain America, who frequently appears in educational classroom videos at Peter’s school, and who Hannibal Buress’s jaded gym teacher refers to as
OKJA
Deliciously subversive NETFLIX serves up its first bona-fide cinema hit – which most of us will watch at home instead – with Okja (Cert 15A, 120mins). Long story short: company creates Okja, a genetically modified superpig to make some superbucks; little girl who raised pig goes on a rescue mission when the company decides it’s time to go makin’ bacon. While its tone is all over the place, Okja is a movie marvel, and an enjoyable romp.
DESPICABLE ME 3
Merry minion mayhem
We’ve had more than enough dour, grim superhero films of late – thankfully, this new
THERE are plenty of Grusome scenes in Despicable Me 3 (Cert G, 90mins) when the eponymous baddie-who’s-not-so-bad and his yellow pals get mixed up with his long lost twin brother. Cue mishaps, minions, and an amusing threequel in the popular franchise. There’s nothing very fresh or innovative here, but the Despicable crew do what they do well in this enjoyable film.
Spiderman film has a much more lighthearted centre, and is all the better for it
a “war criminal” in one of the film’s most subtly hilarious throwaway gags. Without a world to save, there’s plenty of space for Downey Jr’s Iron Man to operate at his most loveably pigheaded. After all the brooding and feuding of Civil War, where Iron Man undoubtedly pulled the narrative short straw, this is a welcome return to form for the character. Michael Keaton turns in the MCU’s best badguy performance since Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. The Vulture is a villain
not fuelled by a hunger for power or world domination, but by disdain for the state and a need to provide for his family, justifying his life of crime in a manner similar to Tony Soprano. However, it’s Holland that shines here, delivering on all the promise of his brief appearance in Civil War. Spider-Man: Homecoming demonstrates, with an expertise crafted over 16 MCU films (mistakes made and lessons learned), that you can update, modernise or outright alter a superhero’s story, just as long as
you stay true to the heart of the character (protesting fan-boys be damned). Not since Marvel’s first go-round at Captain America has a hero been so wonderfully in swing with the spirit of the source material. It may suffer from a lack of tension and some clumsy action set-pieces, but Spider-Man: Homecoming is the best version of the character yet. Maybe not the hero we asked for, but in these trying times, he’s certainly the hero we need.
Verdict: 8/10
THE BOOK OF HENRY
Stunning in its own way ANOTHER week to give a nod to this spectacularly strange and truly, truly terrible film. The Book of Henry (Cert 12A, 105mins) is all about your typical boy genius, Henry. SPOILER: he dies halfway through the film, but not before leaving how-to instructions for his single mum to murder (yes, murder) their next-door neighbour, who may be abusing his stepdaughter. Words fails us ...
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GAZETTE
GAMES While an awful lot of the game is spent with a first-person view of your ship’s cockpit and HUD, as well as in-game menus, the game’s optional cameras show off some very, very pretty places. Whether in your ship, visiting a space station, cruising through space or roaming about on a quiet moon, the game can look pretty incredible at times, regardless of your platform. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon
ELITE DANGEROUS: CONSOLES GET A GREAT PORT OF THE HIT 2015 PC GAME – BUT AT A COST
A stellar experience
SPACE is an awfully big place, but when it comes to games set in space – on contemporary consoles, at least – gamers are pretty much stuck on terra firma. The reasons are many and varied, but by and large they boil down to the view that space-set games are probably too potentially complex, and too niche, to bother developing a game for. Still, console gamers can now set off on their own galactic adventure with the recently released Elite Dangerous (PS4, XBO, Cert 7, c. €25) – a long-awaited port of the popular 2015 PC title. On whatever platform, ED is a modern take on the legendary 1984 BBC Micro title, Elite, following pretty much the same principle, but with shiny 2017 visuals and some
SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com
serious programming grunt under the hood. Now as then, gamers are given an entire galaxy to explore – our own Milky Way – with countless star systems to make their way to, with their starting spaceship (little more than a tin can with big dreams) getting traded in for ever bigger, better ships along the way. It’s down to the gamer to choose the way they want to play the game, and thus shape the unique adventure that they’ll find along the way. For example, miners might happily dig around
in asteroid fields looking for lucrative minerals; space pirates might raid shipping lanes for goods to sell; couriers might ship sensitive information around – there’s even space for people to run glorified taxi services for rich snobs, if they like. Whatever you want to do, ED provides lots of choice to do so, as you set about choosing the missions you want to tr y, and then spend time upgrading your ship and tinkering with all kinds of systems to help you stay on the right – or wrong – side of the law. As a game that can be played solo or with others online, players can even spend their time exploring, trying to find and
blow other gamers out of the skies, further adding to their loot and reputation (or they can be a big wuss like me, and just run a lucrative freight service with no weapons but one hell of
an engine to outrun any trouble). Needless to say, there’s an awful lot of content here, with a daunting amount of stuff to see and do in a vast game, which requires
And now, a warning. The ‘base’ game is available here for €25, with all of the galaxy-hopping fun you could ever want. However, an entire second half of content – including being able to visit planets, zip about in a rover, as well as some other cool stuff – is locked away behind a €25 paywall. While I think it’s worth it, this seems like a strange system to me, and is likely to be offputting to many.
serious grinding (levelling up) to progress. However, alongside some content set behind a paywall (see left), the daunting choice in the game, its steep initial learning curve, as well as the frequently clunky controls, could leave Elite circling the shelves in search of a patient owner. It’s also worth noting that despite the relative paucity of some parts of the game, the graphics can stutter at times, with some unwanted lag. Still, despite its flaws and ED’s niche nature, those who stick with the game will find it a rich and uniquely atmospheric experience. After all, there’s just
nothing quite like Elite on consoles at the moment, with it bundling in some of the add-ons that have fleshed out the PC original since its release, further adding to its value. Ultimately, the spirit of the 1984 original is also very much to the fore here, with ED providing a truly vast amount of things to do. Elite Dangerous is another ‘Marmite’ title – some gamers will love it, while an awful lot will find it deathly dull. Would-be Elite commanders are unlikely to find themselves making the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs here, but if you have the time and patience to tinker around with ship loadouts, galaxy maps, warping about solar systems and planning your rise from Harmless to Elite, it’s a must-buy.
26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
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28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
SPORT
FastSport CLONDALKIN DENIED IN SMITH CUP DECIDER: ETB CLONDALKIN missed out on the Bobby Smith Cup title last week as they were undone 2-0 by ETB Carrigaline at the Carlisle Grounds. The Cork outfit had most of possession in the first half in a very entertaining game but failed to break down a very resolute Clon defence which was well-marshalled by Dolapo Lawal. Cal Sheehy opened the scoring midway through the first half. Clondalkin created the better opportunities as Sam Afolabi went close after a right wing pull back from Glen Fullam and Eoin Devereux got in on goal a few times but failed to hit the target. The game was more even in the second half with Clondalkin’s Leon Foley going close and Claudio Silva very prominent for Clondalkin in the middle of the pitch. But substitute Ryan McCarthy side-footed home a corner from Graham Bogue in the final minute to wrap up the victory for Carrigaline.
PARALYMPICS: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS BECKON FROM RAHENY ATHLETE
Comerford goes from zero to 100 with scholarly outlook
JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
IF ORLA Comerford’s emergence onto the Paralympic scene in time for the Rio Games last year was something of a dramatic one, her trip to London to take part in the 2017 World Paralympic Championships later this month will be much more conventional. Comerford traveled to Brazil almost straight off the back of her leaving cert last summer, a move she described as “zero to one hundred” as she jumped in the deep end of a first major championship. The Raheny Shamrocks club runner has been competing since the age of six and does battle in the visually impaired T13 category, reaching the final in the 100 metres last summer. Now a student at NCAD, she feels more prepared this time around. “It’s going really well,” Comerford told the Gazette. “The competitive season so far has been good; the main difference from last year is that I’ve come through all the
Orla Comerford in action at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile
rehab for a long-term injury and I’m feeling a little more confident. I seem to be able to get through a little more prep without getting injured. “I’m not really sure what I’ll be up against in London as there are often people out
there you don’t know about,” she adds.
Classification “New people are classified before races, and other people move categories, for example between T12 and T13.
“You think you know who you’ll be facing, but there are often a couple of people running good times who you haven’t come across before. I’m expecting a lot of the same competition as in Rio, but also a few new young peo-
ple, or people who’ve moved into my category.” In between the two major championships, Comerford made the brave decision to attend NCAD, a college with no athletic pedigree to speak of, turning down scholarships at more sport-leaning universities like UCD and UL. “It was a really hard decision to make but I’m very artistic minded, and I wanted to put together a portfolio and have a go,” she explains. “I said I’d only try once and if I didn’t get in, I’d treat that as what’s meant to happen. “They’ve been understanding about training camps and competitions and things like that, so it’s been great. I’ve been training with the same group at Raheny for years, and I’ve had the same coach for quite a while now, so I have plenty of support elsewhere.” As for aims for London? “It’s hard to say, it comes down to the race on the day,” Comerford tells us. “I always look at times, of course, and good times do tend to mean good results, but what happens on the day is what really matters.”
Multi-talented Rosser preaches touch rugby gospel BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com
Ireland’ women’s touch rugby side in action against Scotland last weekend. Picture: Gordon Heggie
THE multi-talented Tania Rosser is looking to spread the gospel of touch rugby this summer following her dominant performances on the netball court. The former Irish contact rugby international scrum-half says the touch version is starting to spread in Dublin. “Touch is a 6-a-side game,” she said. “It’s very fast and very skillful. Anyone can take it up as the contact is minimal so you mostly won’t need prior experi-
ence in other versions of rugby.” The game is run by the Ireland Touch Association and in Dublin the action takes place in Terenure School on Wednesday evenings. “We have a mixed sex competition and a women’s comp too” says Rosser. “We also expanded and now we have six clubs in Dublin. For instance, we are starting in Clontarf and DLSP in Kilternan this summer too. “The IRFU are also starting a new Touch competition this summer too which will be located in Donnybrook. Just check
out Ireland Touch on Facebook and you can get playing”. The Ireland team are the Irish Falcons and both a men’s and a women’s team travelled over to Edinburgh to play in the international Premier Permit Tournament last weekend – important development prior to next year’s European Championships. Playing against their more established neighbours, the results didn’t go as planned. Chris Tuataga also of Dublin Sports Club and the Irish Falcons said: “We took a while to tighten up our defence and once
we did that we were glad that we definitely could compete at the top teams’ level”. With multiple national teams from England, Scotland, France and, just for the men, Wales, the competition at the Peffermill Playing Fields in Edinburgh was a bit too tough this time for Ireland. They finished in the plate competition below the main cup by finals day on Sunday. But with the game expanding dramatically here it won’t be long until the Irish Falcons are beating the best.
13 July 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
FASTSport
Rugby World Cup fever as Ireland fight on four fronts BERNARD DUFF
IRELAND’S men’s team are ramping up their preparations for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in October having booked their passage via last autumn’s qualifiers. But they aren’t the only Irish rugby league team competing in a World Cup this year. Prior to the World Cup, Sydney will host the Festival of Rugby League World Cups in early July in which four competitions will take place: women’s, Army, Police and Universities. It’s the latter that the Ireland Students team is currently participating. With a cost of close to €4,000 per person, it might have seemed impossible to send the team of 21 players and four staff. But as Rugby League Ireland (RLI) executive Richard Egan explains: “A portion was contributed by our sponsors McGettigans and there were contributions too from Sport Ireland too but it was the students themselves, their families and friends who contributed the vast majority of the funds”. The team is a new one as the cycle only began in January. “We held open trials in all four provinces. We even had players coming in who had never played league before who made it through the trials and onto the panel.” With four matches scheduled against Pacific Nations, Scotland and the might of the hosts Australia in the group stages before a placement match the experience will be great for the development of the game. “The 2021 World Cup is just four years away and the students who mostly are in their early 20s now can look ahead to the tournament in the UK and possibly get to play in the main Rugby League World Cup if they stay focused.” With Rohan Smith, a professional league coach joining with Ireland students coach Karl De Chenu already the players have had a great experience. “We used our contacts to train with the Canterbury Bulldogs Under-20 team and also got to watch an NRL match.” Ireland lost their first game to an experience Pacific Nations 48-4 on Friday. But the true benefit will be in the years to come.
Brill’s blind ambition at Irish open championship Dundrum woman fulfils her dream of landing golf title with victory, beating the world champion by 15 shots; she did so while also co-hosting the event and running its organisation JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
BLIND GOLFER Carol Brill fulfilled her dream in winning the Irish Blind Open golf championship last weekend, a frantic victory in a tournament she also had a huge part in organising. The Dundrum native suffers from Usher Syndrome, a progressive condition that causes the slow deterioration of both eyesight and hearing, and currently has a visual range of approximately 1% of the normal range, as well as some hearing difficulties. Her title, won over two days, came with a massive 15-shot win over the reigning World Blind Golf women’s champion,
American Linda Port. Describing an intensely busy weekend, she also greeted many of the competitors, had a key role in the scoring of the competition, acted as the main contact point for visiting golfers, and even organised the logistics of getting competitors back to the airport. She explained that the win hadn’t sunk in until she had the chance to call her mum and pass on the news. “The catchphrase of the weekend came from my guide Theresa Schutte [of the same family as the Dublin and Cuala hurlers], who told me to focus on ‘self-care’ ahead of my first round on the Thursday,” Brill recalled. “The practise day on
Carol Brill is presented with her Irish Open title.
Thursday didn’t really happen, as I spent so much time talking to competitors. On Friday, Theresa took me off to a nearby course, Malin Castle, to warm up away from the logistical stuff. “Despite the lack of practise on the main course, which I’ve played a few times before, I had a great front nine,” Brill recalls of her opening round at the championship course in Greenore, County Louth. “I’ve always had a bad front nine on that course. I kept scratching the second hole, in particular, but surprisingly it went really well. “I was absolutely exhausted by the 18th, so much that I don’t remember it well. I do remember
myself and Theresa falling out of the golf buggy as it pulled away, and I think that jolted me into action. I was amazed to find I was five shots up on Linda Port, but I was aware a lot of these players always have better second days.” Having had a rough night working on scoring and second day pairings, Brill’s Saturday started badly. “The front nine weren’t great, and the 10th hole was disastrous; I hit two bunkers,” she recalls. “I was in tears leaving the tenth hole because I thought it was over, but I pulled myself together and promised myself that I wouldn’t be more than one over par for the last eight holes. I managed that, and learnt when I got in that I’d won by 15 shots.” Brill’s win is all the more extraordinary given that she also spends much of her life campaigning for political recognition for dual sensory loss. “We’ve formed an advocacy group, meeting a few times a year, with the aim of first gaining recognition for dual sensory issues, and then creating a register looking at needs. There are over 70 types of blind deafness, and their needs are very different,” she explains. “For example, one of my friends has the same syndrome as me, but she has far more problems with her hearing, where-
as mine are more with sight. She also lives very rurally and can’t rely on the phone signal. “And that’s just within one syndrome. The government but out guidelines for deaf blindness recently, but they take a very extreme view of everybody as being totally blind and totally deaf, which is just not the case. “The guidelines talked about translators as a key point, for example. I don’t need that, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have other issues. “A register of specific issues applying to specific people would be really helpful in aiding help in this area, especially in employment, education, public transport problems, areas like that. Ironically, when it comes to this area, policy is somewhat deaf and blind. “We’re not hopeful of change under this government, but I’m also expecting an election in the next twelve months, so we’re playing a long game with the white paper. “Essentially, it’s doing the work for them, in order to make it very clear what’s needed.” Brill, meanwhile, will continue in competitive golf, heading to Vienna for the Austrian Open in September, and Sydney for the Australian Open in October. The political angle will remain “simmering in the background”.
GAZETTE
30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13 July 2017
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: DALYMOUNT WELCOMES FC UNITED FOR LIVELY FRIENDLY TIE
Lynch takes in summer sun in action for Ireland DAVID DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com
LIKE many of her peers who finished their Leaving Cert exams last month, Castleknock’s Aoife Lynch is set to spend the next couple of weeks at a sun-soaked resort on the continent. But this is no holiday for the former Luttrellstown Community College student, however, as she travels to Grosetto in Italy to compete at the under-20 European athletics championships. The 200-metre runner – who is also part of the panel for the 4x100m team ranked currently ranked second in the continent – is only just 18 so has another year to go at this level. At the European Youth Championships in Georgia last year, Lynch reached the semi-finals of the 200m and has aimed to go one step further and at least make the final in the higher age category. It won’t be easy, however, as the weather in Grosseto has averaged over 30 degrees in the past week and is forecasted to go to 35 degrees or higher during the games. “She’s a carded athlete now, which is part of Athletics Ireland’s program where they take on the prime athletes and invest in them,” Aoife’s father Conor told GazetteSport. “She goes into the Institute of Sport up in Blanchardstown and they’ve been working with her on endurance all year so she’ll peak at certain times. Her peak is due over the next few weeks so hopefully that will come [in Italy].” While Lynch runs predominantly at 200m – the same distance she’ll enter at the Euros – she has recently had some success at 100m, winning a national Under-19 title there as recently as last week. “She won the Under-19 100m national title on Saturday, and she broke the championship record which was held by Phil Healy. “We’ve just gone back through the record books and she’s the first woman to be selected for Ireland in a major championship from Donore Harriers, and the club is there since 1893.” Lynch’s athletic prowess hasn’t gone unnoticed outside of Ireland and she’s had contact from several US universities looking to finance her education stateside. But she has her heart set on studying engineering at DCU, though, and hopes to be offered a place closer to home.
Bohemians in action against FC United last Saturday at Dalymount Park. Picture: Martin Doherty
Casey on board for Bohs sport@dublingazette.com
B O H E M I A N S h ave signed 19-year-old Dan Casey for their last 13 games of the campaign and, subject to international clearance, goes straight into the first team squad for their trip to Finn Harps on Friday. The 19-year-old, who can play at right-back or centre-back, signs after four years with Sunderland and featured in Bohs’ friendly against FC United of Manchester on Saturday. A graduate of St Joseph’s Boys AFC, he has represented Ireland at international level up
to and including Under19 level. Manager Keith Long said: “I’ve known Dan since he was with St Joseph’s. He was a very sought-af ter player before going over to Sunderland. “I’m delighted to sign him. He’s a big, powerful lad. He’s a player who I believe will be a good addition to the squad. We’ve got someone coming home who is hungry to succeed and who wants to play. “He’s had four years as a young pro at Sunderland and has played at Under-23 level there. Now he wants first-team
CHAMPION STAKES Shelbourne Park gears up for major races KEVIN Hennessy and Leon Blanche were on hand to represent leading Irish independent bookmaker, BoyleSports, with Shelbourne Park Racing Manager Declan Carey, to launch a bumper calendar of racing events at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium. The BoyleSports Champion Stakes, worth over €32,000, runs over two weekends in July and August. For more information on the calendar of events, check out www.shelbourneparkgreyhoundstadium.ie.
football. “I think we’ve got someone who feels he’s got a bit of a point to prove and I believe he will do that at Dalymount.” As for the game against FC United, a late Danny Brady header saw the visiting English side win 2-1 in their summer friendly at Dalymount Park. Another new Bohs signing Keith Dalton had given the Dubliners the lead just before the hour mark but his effort was cancelled out by Scott Kay. Early on, Bohs had the first major chance when Ciaran O’Connor was
denied by Lloyd Allinson. In reply, FC United did get the ball in the goal on the 21 minute mark but Shane Supple was fouled when catching Jason St Juste’s cross. The goalkeeper made a trio of good saves in the first half with Kaleem Simon having the pick of the chances in a scoreless first half. Into the second half, Allinson kept out Dalton as Bohs upped their tempo as Ciaran O’Connor also drew a save, albeit with a tame enough shot. They took the lead just before the hour mark when Dalton embarked
on a top run before shooting low off the inside of the post for the 1-0 lead. FC United, though, took little time to level the tie when Kian Clarke – the substitute goalkeeper – was unable to deal with a ball in from the right wing. Kay was on hand to nod in. The English side continued to press on as time wore on though Stephen Donnelly’s shot did bang the frame of the goal. FC United did get their winner when another cross was not dealt with and Brady was there to notch the deciding goal.
13 July 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
LADIES FOOTBALL: DUBLIN EASE TO LEINSTER GLORY
Dublin celebrate their sixth Leinster success in a row. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com
Jackies cruise to sixth title in a row LEINSTER SFC FINAL
Dublin 3-18 Westmeath 0-8 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
DUBLIN’S ladies footballers powered past Westmeath to take their sixth consecutive Leinster title on Sunday, putting them a step closer to their AllIreland target. The capital side have been overshadowed by a powerful Cork side in recent years, but the Rebelettes struggles over recent months, coupled with performances like this for the Dubs, will build confidence that they can make an impact in Croke Park in September. Sunday’s 3-18 to 0-8 win at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow saw Mick Bohan’s side in full control inside the first few minutes, as they raced out of the blocks to dominate midway through the first half. St Brigid’s star woman Noelle Healy scored the opening goal after 17 minutes, finding herself in front of an open goal after great work from Carla
Rowe found space amid the Westmeath defence. Until then, while Dublin were on top, Westmeath had largely been holding their own in what was a bitty early game. The Dubs were already a score up but the goal brought on a period of utter dominance that effectively closed the game out by half-time. Rowe and Healy were doing much of the damage up front but it was Niamh McEvoy’s hand pass into K ilmacud Crokes’ Lauren Magee – who made no mistake from 12 yards out – that cemented the dominance. Westmeath had created little in the meantime, and were punished once again just before half time, with Healy again finding space to fire the Dubs into a chunky 3-8 to 0-5 half time lead. T he clinical Dubs headed for the break with smiles on their faces, then, and were happy to show their possession football and control proceedings through the likes of Sinead Aherne – who often found herself on the end
of the capital side’s chances – and the impressive Nicole Owens as their forward line consistently showed they know where the posts are. Denise McKenna could have added to the goal tally in the dying seconds, with a last gasp Westmeath stop just keeping out the player who’s proving a great addition to the side this year, and grabbed 0-2 of her own after coming off the bench. Overall, the contest was relatively serene in the second half, with Dublin ringing the changes and
keeping the Lake County at arms-length as they comfortable got their hands on that sixth title, also a third consecutive victory against a Westmeath side that must be sick of the sight of them. They head on to greater challenges, and having lost the formidable multisport athlete Lyndsey Davey and the flair of Sarah McCaffrey – sister to men’s star Jack – in the warmup, probably have another gear or two to go through. Mick Bohan has every reason to be confident.
FASTGAA
St James Gaels’ marvel at O’Gara’s Croker magic THE Dubs were at their majestic best for St James Gaels/An Caislean’s juvenile section’s annual trip to Croke Park. Over 100 members of the club’s young stars made the trip across the city for the Leinster football semi-final versus Westmeath. Eoghan O’Gara’s catch and finish into the Davin end was an undoubted highlight. A great day concluded for the tired troops with a pizza party sponsored by Supermacs/Papa John’s, Walkinstown Mall. The next event for the club is a Fundraising Cycle as part of the Meath Heritage Tour on July 30. This event is to raise funds for the club’s expanding juvenile section. Transport will be provided from the Iveagh Grounds and there are different lengths for various abilities. The club welcome additional parties interested in joining their team. Dan, on 085 7607761, can be contacted for more details.
Na Fianna move top of AHL1 with big win NA FIANNA moved top of a compact AHL Division 1 with a big 2-25 to 0-10 win over Kilmacud Crokes last weekend. They are level on points with St Jude’s – who fell to Crumlin on the same day – while St Brigid’s and Crokes are a point back as the season enters its final few rounds of matches. With Gavin King, Eoghan McHugh and AJ Murphy all offering a considerable attacking threat,
Na Fianna brought a 0-15 to 0-6 lead into the interval. Although they couldn’t call upon their inter-county stars Shane Barrett and Donal Burke – Joey Boland, Martin Quilty and Matthew Oliver were also absent – the Glasnevin side remained in the driving seat against a Crokes outfit that were also without a number of first-choice players. The lively McHugh secured the opening goal of the game for the visitors, and he would go on to finish with a personal tally of 1-3. David Murtagh also raised a green flag in the closing stages.
GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! Finbar O’Driscoll presents the trophy to Dublin captain Sinead Aherne. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com
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ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
SIX OF THE BEST: Dublin ladies footballers storm to win over Westmeath to land Leinster crown again P30
JULY 13 - 19, 2017
LONDON CALLING FOR ORLA: Comerford taking scholarly approach to worlds bid P29
Clohisey’s world in motion Mick Clohisey will be one of the star attractions at the SPAR Fitlive 5k/10k Run on Saturday, July 15
Raheny Shamrock athlete is looking to put a rough Olympic experience behind him to make a major assault at August’s world championships
DAVID DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
CLONTARF’S Mick Clohisey is in confident mood as he prepares for his first World Championships as a marathon runner in London early next month. The Rio Olympian has endured a rough 12 months as illness has affected his performance both at the Olympics and in London earlier this year and disrupted the momentum he had been building. “I was in Portugal for two weeks focusing on my longer runs and practicing my drinks strategies for the marathon,” Clohisey told GazetteSport. “I did a half marathon in Swansea about three weeks ago that went quite well and I had a good
run over ten miles in Roscommon last week as well. I’m happy with my current form and looking forward to it.” This time last year, the Raheny Shamrock club man was in the midst of a disastrous training camp for the Rio Olympics where, in part down to over-training, he picked up a virus on the eve of competition. Struggling to eat the entire week of the race, Clohisey wound up losing weight when he should have been taking energy on board and was in neither the mental nor physical state to compete. Impressively, Clohisey managed to complete the full course, although a 103rd place finish fell well short of the objectives he’d set himself and he wound up bitterly disappointed. He has taken a different approach this year
and forced himself to moderate his workload, running only one full marathon before the Worlds as opposed to three. “I ran London in April last year and I ran Seville but I’d done Berlin the previous September.
Qualification “That was because of qualification that I had to go out and run Seville in February to try and cement my place because there was four of us and only three could get the spot. “This year, I actually ran London just to try and run a fast time, a personal best, but it didn’t go to plan. I felt a bit sick leading into it so I had to ‘grind it out’ as they say. “I actually qualified for the Worlds from my time in Seville last year – that’s what actually
stood to me in the end – because my last two marathons haven’t exactly gone to plan. “It’s a tough one as I’ve never run a World Championships. Obviously, it’s likely to be very hot, seeing as it’s August in London “I’d like to maybe be in the top ten Europeans. If it’s going to plan, I’d like to run a fast time and a personal best.” Clohisey will be in the Phoenix Park on as an ambassador for the Spar FitLive 5/10k run on Saturday (www.fitlive.ie), which is open to all regardless of experience. “It’s good as it’s got a 5k and a 10k so it’s nice for people who are maybe new to running and only want to run the 5k and people with a bit more experience can run the 10k. “There’s a kids race after it as well so it’s a family event and a good addition to the calendar.”