Clondalkin

Gazette CLONDALKIN

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MAY 18 - 24, 2017

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Joyriders target group as they tend to horses Thugs drove right at volunteers while they watered the stricken animals

 SYLVIA POWNALL A GROUP of volunteers tending to stricken horses in a Clondalkin field have told how they had to “run for their lives” after joyriders drove straight at them.

The four were bringing water to the animals in Fonthill when they had to flee through a gap in the ditch to avoid the speeding car.

One terrified volunteer, who asked not to be named, told The Gazette: “We could

see the car heading for us at speed and the others shouted at me to run. They drove over the buckets of water and broke them, then the car stalled and they escaped onto the canal bank.

“They had sunglasses on

and their hoods up and they were laughing and roaring.

The car just missed me by inches and the poor horses were terrified.”

The incident has been reported to gardai.

Continues on Page 4

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

BIN SERVICES | INCREASE IN COMPLAINTS OF ILLEGAL DUMPING

Privatization of domestic waste collection services has failed the people - Cllr  SYLVIA POWNALL

COUNCILLORS have called for the privatisation of waste management to be reversed after figures showed a 45 per cent increase in complaints of illegal dumping.

A clear majority of members of South Dublin County Council now want the local authority to take control of bin services which were privatised against councillors’ wishes in 2011.

The motion was tabled at a special meeting of the council by Sinn Fein and the issue of illegal dump-

ing has been repeatedly highlighted by Clondalkin Cllr Mark Ward.

The SF Cllr said: “The privatisation of domestic waste collection services has failed the people of south Dublin with poorer quality of service, increased costs for households, negative environmental impacts and increased illegal dumping.”

Figures provided by the council show a significant hike in complaints about illegal dumping – up 21 per cent between 2013 and 2015 and rising by 45 per cent in 2015-16.

Cllr Ward says public services have been returned to municipal management across OECD countries who cites examples in Wales, Atlanta, London, Paris, Sheffield, Hamburg and Berlin.

He said the push for this arose from governments not sticking to agreements and he said the Fine Gael/ Labour 2011 programme for government which promised a fee waiver scheme for low income households was a perfect example.

Proposals to introduce pay-by-weight bin charges

led to public protests last year and had to be postponed.

Sharp increases in landfill and civic amenity charges are also a hot issue.

Cllr Ward said: “We have areas across the county that are litter black spots.

“There has been a shift in culture that irresponsible constituents feel that it is okay to dump along the side of roads, in parks and estates.

“How can you expect a child to hold onto a sweet wrapper while he walks by bags of discarded rubbish

until he gets to a bin?

“T here is also an increase in commercial dumping going on, where unscrupulous unlicensed operators collect waste at a cheaper rate and dump it wherever they see fit.”

“It is no coincidence that the areas with the worst problems of litter are our most disadvantaged.

“I for one am sick of walking through parts of my own area and seeing discarded rubbish strewn across streets for days on end.

“This behaviour is sucking the life out of the communities that I represent.”

FASTNews

Support sought for Christian Aid Week

CLONDALKIN man and Christian Aid volunteer Robert Dowds has asked local people to support the 60th anniversary Christian Aid Week appeal.

The annual appeal on behalf of the relief and development agency of Protestant Robert Dowds churches is now in its 60th year and runs from May 14 to 20. This year the awareness campaign is highlighting the misery faced by millions worldwide who have been forced from home by conflict.

Robert said: “I recently travelled to India with Christian Aid Ireland to see the fantastic work being done as a result of this support, and I saw for myself the difference that it is making to families and communities.

“Christian Aid Week began to support the aid effort helping refugees fleeing war in Europe. Six decades on, there are still millions of families running from conflict, danger and persecution around the world in search of a safe place to call home.”

Figures show 65.3 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes and Syrians continue to be the largest group of refugees worldwide.

To help to change lives this Christian Aid Week donate online at www.christianaid.ie or call 01 4967040.

Robert will be holding a table quiz in support of Christian Aid Ireland in the Church of Ireland Parish Centre, beside St Andrew’s Church, Main Street, Lucan, on Thursday, May 25.

Ongoing threats to Dublin Bus services in Tallaght

Planting the seeds of good education

TANAISTE Frances Fitzgerald officially opened Kishoge Community College last week. The event was attended by Paddy Lavelle and CEO Educate Together Paul Rowe as well as members of the Board of Management, teachers, parents, pupils and Principal Niall Hare and Deputy Principal Maeve Joyce.

To mark the official opening, Fitzgerald unveiled a plaque and planted a tree at the entrance to the school. A commemorative art piece ‘The School Door’ was also unveiled, to highlight to students and the community that the door is always opening in Kishoge.

ACTION is being demanded to tackle ongoing threats to Dublin Bus services in Tallaght caused by vandalism and crime.

A Dublin Bus/Luas Community Forum held in Killinarden Enterprise Centre and heard of concerns about the service.

Incidents of stone throwing and other anti-social behaviour have been increasingly reported in Blessington Road, Cheeverstown Way, Cushlawn, Glenshane, Jobstown, Killinarden, Kiltalown, Russel Square and Maplewood Road.

Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF), who attended the meeting, said he was fearful that the bus service to our communities might be withdrawn on occasions which have happened in the past.

He added: “We must appeal to all residents to note the importance of protecting our bus service and parents and guardians must take responsibility for those young people who are breaking the law and jeopardizing this essential service to the communities.”

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18 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

JUNE BANK HOLIDAY | BORD BIA’S HUGELY POPULAR ANNUAL FESTIVAL AT THE PHOENIX PARK

It’ll be Blooming brilliant!

IT’S almost time to plant yourself in the heart of the Phoenix Park for the evergreen Bloom festival, which once again promises to be an absolutely fantastic festival and celebration of much, much more than ‘just’ gardening. Whether you’re a green-fingered garden guru or are looking to branch out into pastures new, Bloom’s stunning show gardens, dizzying range of experts and hands-on demonstrations, and acres and acres of plants, stalls, events, talks and attractions will make it an absolutely unmissable festival this June Bank Holiday Weekend. See you there!

Above: Some of last year’s terrific gardens; right: Sophie Bracken and Lauren Keane help to launch Bloom 2017.

Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennells

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Thanks to our friends at Bloom 2017, we have TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS to give away to lucky readers! To win, just email your contact details to competitions@dublingazette.com, or visit the Bloom competition post on our Facebook page. Best of luck!

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

TRAGEDY | MICHAELA PASSED AWAY SUDDENLY WHILE TAKING PART IN LESSON FROM PAGE 1

Dad’s heartbreak after trying to save daughter  SYLVIA POWNALL

Tragic Michaela Gonda

THE heartbroken family of a nineyear-old girl who died in a Tallaght swimming pool last week are struggling to come to terms with her loss.

Little Michaela Gonda was pronounced dead in hospital after being pulled lifeless from the community pool at Balrothery on Friday evening.

Her devastated father Mike later revealed how he tried to save his only child during a swimming lesson.

He said: “She was at her swimming class and myself and my wife Yvonne were watching her. She was calling ‘mammy look at me, daddy can you see me swimming?’.

“Then she disappeared and we couldn’t see her any more. I ran over to the pool where I saw her under-

water. I jumped into the pool to save her. I would do anything for her.

“She loved singing, swimming, cycling, dancing. She was very active.

We’d buy her anything she wanted because she was our only child.”

Pink roses were placed on the gates of Tallaght Sports Complex as the community struggled to come to terms with the tragic death.

Little Michaela died of a suspected heart attack during a swim session at the complex after becoming ill in the water shortly after 7pm on Friday, though this has yet to be confirmed.

Michaela, known as Chaela to her friends, had underlying health issues and underwent heart surgery aged just four months and again in 2015.

Gardai and three units of Dublin Fire Brigade, including an ambulance and an advanced paramedic

van, attended the scene and the nine-year-old was transferred to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.

Cllr Mick Duff, who is chairperson of the board of Tallaght Community School which oversees the complex, said there was a deep sense of shock among locals.

He said: “Everybody is devastated and our sincere sympathies are with Michaela’s parents at this awful time.

“There is a deep sense of shock among staff of both the school and the sports complex.

“We are now making sure that the staff are okay and we will ensure that everybody has the necessary supports.”

The complex remained closed over the weekend and reopened on Monday.

Local women celebrate quitting smoking together A GROUP of women from Tallaght are now celebrating after completing a free programme called We Can Quit which aims to help women quit smoking together. In total, 12 women from the area successfully completed the course, held in the Fettercairn Community Centre, and 10 women have completely quit smoking. The women commenced the free 12-week programme in February.

They attended weekly group sessions and one to one support meetings as well as receiving 12 weeks of Nicotine Replacement Therapy to the value of €450 free of charge.

Pictured at the graduation ceremony are Audrey Kane, Suzanne Fallon, Patricia Roche, Sinead O’Byrne, Ann Marie Reddy, Caroline Page, Lauren Mason, Catherine Corrigan, Eibhlin Barrett and Audrey Munroe.

To find out more about We Can Quit or to register your interest for the next course, visit the Irish Cancer Society’s website www.cancer.ie/we-can-quit or contact Rachel Burke rburke@irishcancer.ie or call 01 2316 669.

Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

‘The horses need us and I’m not going to let it stop me’ The My Lovely Horse Rescue (MLHR ) volunteers were tending to 10 horses who were left without food or water in blistering heat.

They used a buggy and two suitcases to transport buckets and basins of water and brought some carrots for the neglected animals.

The source said: “They were very dehydrated so we decided to bore a hole in the ground to set a bucket of water into it.

“They have been left there with nothing since October.

“In the winter we dragged up hay. We took one out earlier this month and it had to be euthanised because it had a leg injury.

“There are cars being driven around in between them up in the fields – quads and scramblers being driven too close to them as well. That is terrifying for horses.

“These horses are so frightened, it breaks my heart. They are beautiful animals.

“Am I going to go back into that field? Yes I will.

“The horses need us and I’m not going to let that stop me doing what I can for them.”

MLHR co-founder M a r t i n a K e n ny h a s previously described a stretch of land running from the canal to Balgaddy along the Fonthill Road as the “death fields”.

Efforts are ongoing to establish who owns the land as it is unclear whether it is the responsibility of Nama or South Dublin County Council.

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18 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

Out and About

Get set for a summer of singing and dancing

D

ANCE and musical theatre school Dance LA is encouraging local families to avail of their early bird price of â‚Ź70 for their summer camps. The camps will be held in Leixlip Community Centre on July 17 to 21 and in Scoil na Mainstreach Celbridge July 24 to 28.

Dance LA believe it is very important to teach and encourage students in a fun-filled atmosphere and to enhance their social skills and self-confidence.

Lorna and Adele Dempsey

18 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Bríd Connolly and Miriam Smithers

Paintings by Regina Weber

Ellen Weber and Grace O Sullivan of “Glitz n Pieces”

Lucan Art Fair arrives T

Miriam Smithers on Stephen’s Green

HE Lucan Art Fair will take place this weekend (May 19 – 21) in Devine Mercy SNS, Balgaddy.

This is the seventh art fair and features the work of professional and amateur artists, photographers and creatives. Miriam Smithers is one of the founding members of the Art Fair and has exhibited every year since it began in 2010.

The event evolved after the principal Regina Weber approached well-known Lucan artist Miriam to give an oil painting class to parents in the school. The art work produced in the class was exhibited and this started the annual event. More information may be found on Facebook page Lucan Art Fair or email lucanartfair1@gmail.com. The opening times are Friday 7pm-9pm launching with a drinks reception. The fair will continue Saturday 12pm-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

It’s a Grand night for Crosscare as films scoop awards TWO groups from Clondalkin Youth Service Crosscare walked the red carpet before scooping awards at the Cast Film Festival two weeks ago.

The event took place at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield on Thursday, May 4.

The two groups made short films highlighting mental health awareness and their efforts were rewarded with a string of awards on the night.

‘Grand’ won best ICT for its use of technology and the group’s other film ‘Let Yourself Shine’ won Best Community Film and Best Achievement in Music with Chloe O Connor

picking up the award for Best Actress.

“We are very proud of the young people that have been involved in the process of making their films over the past 6 months,” said Youth Development Officer Emma Tyrrell.

“They’ve learnt new skills and gotten the opportunity to explore mental health and understand the importance of talking to each other and erasing the stigma which can sometimes be attached to it amongst our society young and old.”

18 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

FASTNews

Tallaght Hospital appointment TALLAGHT Hospital has appointed Aine Lynch to the position of director of nursing.

Aine joins Tallaght Hospital from the HSE, where she worked as nursing and midwifery planning and development officer.

Prior to the HSE, Aine spent almost two decades working in several positions at Tallaght Hospital including clinical nurse manager 2 in trauma orthopaedics, clinical facilitator in orthopaedic nursing and nurse practice development co-ordinator in adult services.

In her earlier career, she also spent five years working abroad in both the UK and Saudi Arabia.

She said: “I am very happy to rejoin the team at Tallaght Hospital, it is a great place to work.”

New Range superstore AFTER weeks of preparation, excitement is mounting for the unveiling of the new Range superstore in Liffey Valley.

The store will be located at the Retail Park.

The doors will open at 9am on May 19, with special guest Mayor of South Dublin Guss O’Connell, who will be there to officially open the new store.

The project to transform the current site into a modern superstore, with 16 departments including an outdoor garden centre, is nearly complete.

REYNOLDS | HARD WORK, LONG HOURS, AND MORE HARD WORK KEY TO SUCCESS

‘A local shop experience you won’t find anywhere’

Harry Reynolds with customer Cllr Trevor Gilligan

 SYLVIA POWNALL IF you ask Harry Reynolds what the secret to success is he’ll tell you: Hard work, long hours, and more hard work.

The veteran shopkeeper and his wife Maureen have been running their local newsagents shop in St Brigid’s Road, Clondalkin for the past 55 years.

Harry works 13-hour days Monday to Saturday, but allows himself a half day on a Sunday once he’s dealt with the morning rush of loyal customers after mass.

Stepping through the doors is like stepping back in time as the couple, now in their 60s, prefer to use a pen and paper to tot up customers’ bills rather than the cash register on

the counter.

Dad-of-two Harr y, who met Maureen on a night out at Zhivago nightclub in the city centre, said: “We’ve been doing it this way for 50 odd years. We sell about 100 fresh ham rolls every day.

“Nothing has ever surpassed them, they always sell out.”

Harry laments the rise of bigger grocery chain stores

Residents to get high security cylinder locks HIGH security cylinder locks will be provided to 500 vulnerable residents living alone under a €44,000 scheme announced by South Dublin County Council.

The local authority has allocated €85, including VAT and installation

by Crothers Security, for each front door lock fitted and they will be doled out on a first come first served basis.

The deadline to apply for the scheme, which replaces the European Profile Lock initiative, is Friday June 9 and Clondalkin Cllr Trevor Gilligan is urging those eligible to get their submission in.

The scheme is open to residents aged 55 and over and vulnerable residents living alone in privately owned accommodation.

Only certain doors and locks are suitable for the scheme.

This scheme is not open to people living in private rented accommodation council tenants.

The locks are anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-bump.

Cllr Gilligan said: “I would strongly urge residents to apply as a matter of urgency.

“Whilst the long summer days are upon us, Hallowe’en and winter is when these locks will really help protect the elderly and vulnerable in our society.”

See www.sdcc.ie for an application form. Residents can return the form to the Community Services Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 or email comdevof@sdublincoco.ie.

and says the competition from the likes of Aldi and Lidl is putting smaller independent traders under severe pressure.

He said: “You really do have to put in fierce hours to do this job. It’s sad that smaller shops will just die out and small towns will suffer, you can see it driving through them, the shut-up shop fronts,

it’s sad really.”

However Reynolds has a steady stream of loyal customers who have beaten a path to its door for fresh rolls and doughnuts through the good times and the bad.

One of those loyal customers is Cllr Trevor Gilligan who nominated his local newsagents for a Best of Dublin award recently.

Trevor said: “In a world of Aldi, Lidl and online shopping, Reynolds bucks the trend. When I buy my items Harry adds them up on the back of a box of Cornflakes.

“The shop was around since the houses in St Brigid’s were built. Reynolds truly is the only local shop left in Dublin, it takes you back to the traditional local shop experience you won’t find anywhere in the Dublin of today.

“We drive past the shop regularly, and I defy anyone to pass it without buying a roll and a doughnut!”

10 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

CHARITY CD

Out and About St Dominics College, Cabra

Castleknock College

Big-hearted Dublin dad’s passing the inspiration for new Don Baker single BLUES legend Don Baker has recorded a special CD to raise much needed funds for the Fr Peter McVerry Foundation.

‘The Homeless’ is a joint collaboration between the famed harmonica ace and Helen McGrath, a Dublin mother of four who sadly lost her husband Tony on New Year’s Eve, 2015.

Helen told The Gazette she penned the song as a way to commemorate Tony, who had always given a lot to charity.

She said: “My husband was a very kind and generous man and contributed to a lot of charities.

“I really wanted to do something to commemo-

Taking sc

to the N

LEVEL

Helen McGrath with her late husband Tony

rate him so I tried to write a song about the homeless situation in Ireland.

“The song turned into a poem, so I went to Don Baker, and gave my words to him, he took them, worked his magic and wrote this beautiful song.”

Don enlisted the help of old pal Joe Jewell of Aslan fame, who produced what Helen hopes will be a fitting tribute to her beloved Tony, and raise money for those who need it most. The new single will be launched at a special benefit night for the Peter McVerry Trust at Don and his wife Maureen’s well-known pub, Brogan’s in Trim, Co Meath, this Saturday (May 20). Come along and show your support.

Wesley College

Liam Prior and Oscar Burke Mullaney from Blackrock Mick Hagan, ITB Lecturer pre College who won 2nd in the senting Joey ces Scien Life Ha ughan and Ben Ryan from Bla Junior Group ckrock College who won 3rd in the Jun Award for their project ior Group Life Sciences Award for their pro ‘Can Toilet Germs Reach ject Does Time ’ brush Per ception Change as You Get Old Your Tooth er

Darragh Clarke and Eibhilin O’Reardon fro Skerries Community College won 1st in the Junior Group Life Sciences Award for their project Bug Brains

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Mick Hagan, ITB Lecturer presenting Andrew McWeeney from Castleknock College who won 1st in the Junior Individual Award for Life Sciences for his project Just Eat It

Mary Mullaghy Irish Science Teachers (ISTA) presenting Eoghan Kavanagh and Dylan Vaughan, from Castleknock College with the Irish Science Teachers’s Association Award for their project Electromagnets

Blackrock College

cience

NEXT L

om e r

Mick Hagan presentin g Conor Slattery, Blackrock College wi th 1st in the Junior Individual Award for Physical Sciences for his project The Pr evention of Sodium Chloride Build-Up on Glass Windows

AS one of the 16 regional venues hosting a SciFest science fair, SciFest@ITB saw more than 150 students from schools all over the region exhibit almost 70 projects at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and put their knowledge of science to the test.

SciFest is an all-inclusive, all-island science initiative, which fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among secondary-level students.

The winners from each regional science fair go on to compete at a national final in November 2017.

Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

Castleknock College Pobailscoil Iosolde, Palmerstown

Halima Usman and Precious Daramola from Pobailscoil Iosolde won 2nd in the Intermediate Group for Life Sciences for their project To Investigate if Your Testosterone Level Affect Your Athletic Ability

Sarah Sexton of Intel presenting Enya Nordon and Grainne Lawlor from Scoil Mhuire Community School with the Intel Award (Best Physical Science or Technology Project)

Kishoge Comm unity College Lu can

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

SuperValu scoops award for innovation at Business Awards SUPERVALU has announced that its Food Academy programme has won a Ruban d’Honneur award for Innovation at the highly prestigious European Business Awards that took place in Dubrovnik.

There was stiff competition and out of 30,000 entries, ten companies across Europe were awarded a Ruban d’Honneur Award for Innovation including the SuperValu Food Academy programme which was commended by the panel of judges for being ‘the most socially innovative initiatives in the competition’ presenting strong community benefits.

Since 2007, the European Business Awards has been shining a light on the most innovative businesses on the continent by promoting success, innovation and ethics in the European business community.

This highly regarded international competition attracts participants from all over Europe and winners of the awards are congratulated by an audience compromising heads of state, leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media owners and academics from across 30 European nations.

SuperValu Food Academy entered an extensive 2,500-word submission for the European Award in June 2016 and in September 2016, the Food Academy programme was awarded the National Champion for Innovation.

This was followed by the next phase which required public voting and a video submission. After a very competitive competition, the SuperValu Food Academy advanced to the final stage which required a 15-minute presentation followed by 20 minutes of Q&A.

Networking events to growing your business TO mark the 16th National Enterprise Week, themed “Scaling Your Business”, Bank of Ireland will host over 40 networking events nationwide for SMEs with an interest in growing their business during National Enterprise Week from May 12 to 19.

Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprise Week aims to promote and drive business momentum for SMEs across a range of sectors including tourism, hospitality, agri, food, finance and export markets.

This years’ national initiative will give small and medium sized businesses across the country the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs at events along the theme of “Scaling Your Business”.

Bank of Ireland branches in Dublin City Centre will host a “True Blue” event for SMEs in Dublin on May 19 from 8am to 10am in the Mansion House where attendees will discuss the leadership qualities and motivation required for success.

Guest speakers will include Dublin GAA senior football manager Jim Galvin, entrepreneur Nicola Byrne and Garvan Callan, Digital and Innovation at Bank of Ireland.

Musgrave Marketplace reveals new €2.5 million investment

PICTURED is Michelle Fennell, Musgrave MarketPlace marketing director and Matt Lee, general manager of Musgrave MarketPlace Robinhood at Musgrave MarketPlace ... wait for it ... Robinhood. Musgrave MarketPlace, one of Ireland’s leading

wholesale suppliers to retail, foodservice and SME businesses, announced a €2.5 million upgrade of its Robinhood store, located in Clondalkin and a €1m upgrade of its Duncrue store in Belfast. This follows the hugely successful relaunch of the

Musgrave MarketPlace Ballymun store in November 2016.

Features include new speciality areas and state-of-the art technology to offer retail and foodservice customers a best in class visitor experience.

Lidl invests €250k in Irish suppliers LIDL is calling out to Irish food and drink suppliers in Dublin to apply to their brand new Supplier Development Programme, Kick Start, a programme designed to give small suppliers the chance to supply Lidl with a guaranteed volume of their products for a limited edition “Best of Ireland” food promotion in September 2017.

Lidl will select up to 100 of Ireland’s best products which will be available in all 153 stores throughout the Republic of Ireland.

The programme which is run

by Lidl Ireland and supported

by Bord Bia, is designed to help small and medium Irish food and drink businesses that need support in growing their brand

John Paul Scally and Tara McCarthy. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

and building their supply network.

The final product selection will complement the portfolio of Irish products currently available in Lidl stores.

Some of Lidl’s current Irish suppliers started off as small

start-ups who with the help of Lidl have grown significantly and now supply products to all stores across Ireland on an ongoing basis.

Successful suppliers that are selected to be part of the Kick Start programme will attend a series of free, comprehensive seminars aimed at guiding them through the process and teaching them skills to help grow their business ahead of their products going on sale at Lidl.

The seminars will be carried out by panel of industry experts from Lidl Ireland and Bord Bia and will include topics around quality control, packaging, marketing and PR and brand building.

John Paul Scally, managing director at Lidl Ireland commented: “We are looking to build on our already strong Irish supply base and expand our network of over 200 Irish suppliers.

“We will be investing over €250,000 in the first year to support new suppliers who will be joining our programme.

This is a fantastic opportunity for small suppliers who will get to have their products in 153 stores throughout Ireland.

“In September, we want to showcase the very best of Irish food and drink so if you think your product fits the bill, we want to hear from you.”

See www.lidl.ie/en/kickstart. htm to register.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 13

STYLE 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

Rock and Seoul

 JAMES HENDICOTT ONE of Korea’s most distinct cultural outputs, KPop is world renowned, and - led by the comic satire of Psy in recent years - has established a genuinely global audience, with the US in particular a huge market. Its stars, though, rarely appear in Ireland.

Rarer is a showing from a Korean rock act - in fact, it’s probably not even an annual event - and it’s a genre that two years living in Korea taught me is genuinely impressive.

The arrival of Seoul act Billy Carter on our shores this May, then, marks an unusual event for the Dublin music scene. We caught up with singer Kim Ji Won ahead of their Whelan’s show at the end of this month.

A lively bunch, Korean psychedelic psychobilly rockers Billy Carter find their spiritual home in the Seoul student district of Hongdae.

Continued on pages 16-17

CINEMA P24

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GAZETTE

DIARY P14

OH, ALFIE – HE’S A COOL COLLIE AND A CHARMER OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Alfie, a delightful oneyear-old male collie.

Like most collies, Alfie is very clever and knows a few cool tricks such as Paw, Roll over, and High five. He also enjoys sunbathing and exciting walks in the woods and going to the beach where he can investigate lots of new sounds and smells.

Alfie likes his own space and is not a fan of being fussed over too much, so he is looking for a quiet, adult home.

He would especially like to live in an area with low traffic as he can struggle when he sees cars, but we are working on this and would be delighted to show you the training we are doing to help you continue it. *If you can be Alfie’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.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

Hardly a skip and a jump away from Dublin, Killruddery House and Gardens have a week-long festival to entice families away from the city hustle and bustle to the beautiful house and gardens instead

SUMMER FUN: LOTS OF ACTIVITIES AHEAD AS THE CITY LOOKS FORWARD TO A BUSY FEW MONTHS

A groovy family festival THE Groove Family Festival is back again this summer at Killruddery House and Gardens.

Taking place across a week in August, guests can come and go as they please.

Children can enjoy a full schedule of free activities: puppet shows, magic and science shows, facepainting, giant games, balloon modelling and a petting zoo, while bigger children will have a dedicated area of fun activities including zorbing on the lake, kid’s yoga, archery and a climbing wall.

Musical highlights on the main stage include UB40, Primal Scream, Hudson Taylor, Hothouse Flowers, Cr y Before Dawn, Columbia Mills, Jerry Fish, Stomptown Brass, Spring Break and

Na Fianna.

Killruddery House and Gardens are only 40 minutes from Dublin – and less if you’re on the southside.

See www.groovefestival.ie for more information and ticket prices, with kids aged 12 and under going free when booked online before August 1.

DIP IN THE NIP AND HELP CANCER GROUP DO YOU dare to bare all and raise funds for cancer? ARC Cancer Support Centres are appealing to anyone who has been affected by cancer to join them for their annual ARC Dip in the Nip, which is taking place in Dublin on Sunday, June 18.

The exact location will be a closely guarded secret until the day of the event.

Speaking about the challenge, Mairead Mangan, head of fundraising said: “The ARC Dip in the Nip reconnects ‘dippers’ with their bodies – it’s as though they fall in love with their bodies yet again.

“It gives dippers something joyous, life-affirming, personal and unique. It is a real equaliser and truly puts everything into perspective.

“Most have never skinny-dipped before, and they do for a variety of reasons, whether that’s helping ARC as a charity close to their heart, doing something that pushes their own boundaries, giving themselves a challenge, or simply ticking something off their bucket list.”

This is the fourth year of the event, which is open to everyone aged over 18.

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‘Musical highlights on the main stage include UB40, Primal Scream, Hudson Taylor, Hothouse Flowers, Cry Before Dawn, Columbia Mills, Jerry Fish, Stomptown Brass, Spring Break and Na Fianna’

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To register, contact Jessica Sheehan at 085 731 1532, or 01 830 7333.

FIND THE CODE TO SUCCESS AT THE RDS CODERDOJO Coolest Projects has announced its sixth annual showcase will take place in the RDS on Saturday, June 17, with more than 15,000 people expected to attend.

CoderDojo is both a competition and an exhibition to showcase, inspire and enable innovation,

creativity, entrepreneurship and technology skills in youth innovators aged from six to 17.

T h e m e s f o r 2 017 include Smart City and the STEAM Experience, while a Games Arena will be a fun, educational and interactive arena for young people and adults interested in the videogames industry.

Tickets for the CoderDojo Coolest Projects Showcase in the RDS are now available – and

free of charge if booked in advance. Book now at tickets.coolestprojects.org.

PREPARE TO FACE THE BATTLE FOR THE BAY BATTLE for the Bay is back this weekend, may 20-21, and it promises to deliver the usual fun, entertainment and aerial acrobatics which has helped it become one of the best free family weekends in the summer calendar.

Battle of the Bay is an entertaining weekend for all the family, young and old, where audiences will be entertained and captivated by kite surfers from across the world as they weave across Dublin Bay. Entertainment on dry land will see live music all day from DJs and bands; a beach market selling every-

thing from vintage clothes and vinyl records to arts and crafts and jewellery; a farmers’ market food village; a Kids Zone with fairground rides, big wheel and beach volleyball, and a biodiversity village where people can explore the wildlife of Dublin Bay with some very friendly experts.

Other activities include the Global City Balance Challenge, where visitors to Dollymount will be encouraged to balance on a slackline for 10 seconds.

This global challenge will pit city against city to see which can gather the highest number of people who can stay 10 seconds on the slackline without falling off.

Taking place on Dollymount Strand, Dublin 3, the fun event has free entry from 10am to 6pm.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

FEATURE INTERVIEW: MUM ON HOW SHE, ROBBIE AND THE KIDS HAVE COPED SINCE LEAVING BEVERLY HILLS

Claudine’s on the ball when it comes to settling back into Irish life again

 EMMA NOLAN HAVING just returned from five years living in Beverly Hills, Claudine Keane says she is happy to be back where the craic is – Dublin!

“It’s lovely to be back, and on a sunny day like this, Ireland is the most beautiful place ever.”

Speaking to The Gazette at the launch of SPAR’s summer advertising campaign, the mum-of-two opened up about her supporting her husband Robbie Keane’s football career moves, and said she is up for the next adventure, wherever that may take them.

“I loved LA, but I love being back in Dublin, it’s a nice balance,” she said.

“It’s great to see my family, spend some time here and let the kids see what it’s like in Ireland.”

Claudine fronts SPAR’s Better Living campaign

The couple’s two children, Robert Jr and baby Hudson, have spent most of their lives in LA until now, but Claudine says she is “impressed” at Robert’s ability to adapt between the two countries.

She said: “He’s very adaptive – I’ve really realised that in the last few weeks and I’m very impressed by the fact that he can go between one and the other without too much stress or strain, which is fantastic because it was something I was worried about.”

Robert Jr went to school in LA until last December, but has had no problem slotting back in here.

As for herself, and for many other Dubliners adjusting to life back home after living abroad, settling in has largely gone okay for Claudine, though not without a few bumps.

She said: “Rob finished up with LA Galaxy in December and since then we’ve been travelling a lot, and back and forward between here and LA, so I haven’t really had a huge transition period yet – but it is a big deal to take your child out of school and send them to a new one.

“As a mam, you’re always worrying about them settling in, and making sure that it’s not traumatic in any way.

“The fact that I’ve been able to spend more than two weeks at a time here

has been really fantastic for me.”

One of the best parts about being back, said Claudine, is that her family have been able to spend time with Hudson and be a part of milestones, like seeing his first steps.

“All those little things, they get to see him and see his character – it’s not just me telling them over the phone, they get to be part of his little experiences.”

While she loved life in LA, the Malahide native said that nowhere compares to Dublin when it comes to socialising and having craic.

She said: “I have to say, Dublin is great craic, Ireland too! I did miss that a lot – people socialise very differently in America; you’d miss the sing-song and banter we have here.

“We have our own humour here, we’re very

light-hearted, and I missed that sense of Irishness.”

While abroad, Claudine also missed how Irish people love to dress up.

“I can honestly vouch for that – nobody gets dressed up [in America]!

“It was funny – when I came home, I had to readjust. I was asking my friends if people still wear dresses out, because everyone just wears jeans over there. I find it much more glam here,” she joked.

The thing she missed the least about Dublin, however, was the weather – of course.

“It’s insane the amount of outdoor and sporty activities you can do in LA,” she continued. “The beach life, eating outdoors, making plans and knowing that the weather is going to be good.

“We could even go to the beach around Christ-

Claudine with Robbie and their kids, Hudson and Robert Jr

mastime, so I will definitely miss that.”

At the moment, Claudine is the face of SPAR’s Better Choices campaign, and she praised the healthy options on offer in

stores at the moment.

She said: “It’s perfect for our family because we’re always on the go – they’ve made it so simple and easy to pick up something healthy.”

OPINION: TANAISTE FRANCES FITZGERALD ON A NEW STRATEGY TO SUPPORT WOMEN

We must continue campaigning for equality

The Tanaiste launching the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020

WE LIVE in an age where nothing can be taken for granted. It is time to put aside the complacent notion that women’s equality has been achieved, that we can rest on our laurels, that feminism is a relic of a bygone age.

The courageous actions of women and men across Ireland over the past 50 years have secured key rights for women. I am proud to have been part of the campaign for women’s equality.

Women are making spectacular strides in the educational system, in the workplace, in active participation

in Irish society.

However, we have to recognise that inequalities still exist in key areas. We have a persistent gender pay gap.

Women still do much of the unpaid caring work for children and older people.

Women are not as visible as men in key areas of Irish life. Specific groups of women – such as lone parents, women with disabilities, and migrant women – can find the door to opportunity closed.

Now is the time for renewed action on women’s equality. We need to tackle both the structural

barriers which eat away at women’s potential, and the new equality issues that are emerging.

Last week, I launched the National Strategy for Women and Girls 20172020 (left), which provides a comprehensive framework for action by the Government, public bodies, business and civil society for the next four years.

It includes actions that will benefit a wide range of women, young and old, urban and rural, homemakers, entrepreneurs, community leaders.

The strategy will drive

action to address the gender pay gap, to tackle precarious employment, to increase opportunities for lone parents, to promote rural female entrepreneurship.

The strategy’s key theme is visibility. Action will be taken to promote greater visibility for women across all areas of Irish life, from the workplace to community structures to sport.

It is time for their contribution to be recognised and for them to have an equal place at the decision-making table.

The strategy has actions for the different stages

of women’s lives, from increased investment in childcare for young parents to ensuring that future pension policy takes account of women’s distinct needs.

The Government is making a strong commitment to advancing women’s equality.

However, we cannot achieve women’s equality on our own.

For lasting change to happen, equality for women and girls needs to be a priority in families, workplaces and communities. Working together, women and men alike, we can create a society which is better for all.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

Riotous Korean band drop in on Dublin

MUSIC

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N EVE

with JAMES HENDICOTT

Morning Gloryville Weekender

Putting aside their usual ‘before work’ dates, Morning Gloryville brings clean-living raving to a Saturday, with music, yoga, massage, arts and crafts and a haiku station all coming to the Opium Rooms on the morning of May 20. Even kids are welcome.

May 20

Werner Herzog

The winner of more than 50 awards (including best director at Cannes) for his 70+ films as director, the German comes to Dublin to speak as part of International Literature Festival. May 21.

WERNER HERZOG

Africa Day

This fantastic annual celebration of African culture is one of the best freebies on the Dublin event calendar. The all-day event lets multinational Irish-resident Africans present their food, arts and cultures, alongside live music and family-themed fun.

Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park. May 21.

Yestival Mother Dublin and ThisIsPopBaby

Combining to present a huge celebration in honour of the two year anniversary of the gay marriage referendum. Yestival’s beat-heavy, lively late-night offering takes place at District 9.

May 19.

 FROM PAGE 13 That means they’re born out of Korea’s young rebellion: an escape from cultural conservatism, they developed amid an arts-focused drinking district, a party spot where the soju flows like water, and sweaty basement rock gigs are long the norm.

Breaking out is less common.

Speaking of the rarity of getting gigs around the world for Korean acts - and particularly for Korean acts that fall distinctly apart from the Kpop genre Billy Carter vocalist Kim Ji Won explains “Hongdae got extremely huge and full of tourists and local people who want to hang out.

Rents got very, very expensive, and so many live venues had to shut down or move. Still there are more venues in the Hongdae area than in any other part of Seoul, but we can find good venues in other areas too. Hongdae is our local but the atmosphere changed a lot. Maybe it’s time to move on to the bigger world.”

That bigger world has turned out to be quite welcoming: as well as Dublin, Billy Carter’s European trek will see them perform at Primavera, one of Europe’s biggest festivals.

Relatively newly formed, it’s quite a rise for the band, who are keen to talk through a few of the tracks that have got them where they are.

“I’d like to introduce two songs from our album ‘Here I Am’,” Kim tells us, mentioning their latest

Battle For The Bay

Dollymount Strand hosts what organisers say is the biggest watersports and beach festival in the world, with kitesurfing, beach volleyball, paddle boarding, land-yachting, and events for the family on offer all weekend. May 19-21.

Herstory

Ireland’s Lost Muses Speakers celebrate the concept of a muse, exploring the women behind Wilde, Yeats and Joyce with those in the know. Smock Alley Theatre. May 25.

Wicklow Mountains Cycle Challenge

record. “One is ‘The Dog’, written when I was drunk. In Korea, there is saying that goes ‘when people get drunk, they become a dog’ which is kind of negative meaning but I think dogs are better than people.”

“So the song says, ‘when you’re drunk, be a dog rather than a bad person and love others’.

Well... nah, I lied. The song ain’t nothing but a drinking song. Another one’s called ‘We Can Fight’.

“Everyone is fighting in some way to get something precious for themselves. Some will fight to get something material and some will

fight for their ideals or rights. The song is about the fight we all fight.”

Though her talk of fighting isn’t literal - rather it links with a common ‘Konglish’ cultural rallying call often shared socially, a motivation shout of ‘fighting’ - Kim certainly doesn’t shy away from on-stage drama, something Billy Carter call getting “emotionally naked.”

The band are particularly known for once playing a show dressed entirely as Ronald McDonald’s, and for Kim’s tendency to drop to the floor as she belts out their lyrics.

The three-piece are deliberately not what their

name would suggest. “We made an imaginary person who’s totally different from us (gender, race, nationality, looks and so on) to make people never imagine us when they hear the name for the first time. And we named him ‘Billy Carter’,” Kim explains, “which is a combination of a very common name and surname.”

Progress outside of Korea is a huge barrier to Billy Carter, as it proves for many Asian acts, and their presence in Dublin is unlikely to be a regular one, meaning the gig is a real ‘once off’ to check out.

Claiming Iggy Pop as a key inspiration, Kim

says “it’s definitely a challenge [to progress abroad]. But music is universal so if the music is good, I don’t think it’s impossible.

Of course we need money to book flights, and time to book good shows but it’s worth a try for many reasons.”

“It’s our first LP so we wanted to tell people about ourselves. Something more emotional and deep.

Each song shows our different inner selves in a different way. We started as an acoustic duo and since we became a three-piece, and the sound’s got totally different. Now we are more a

rocking and rolling kind of band enjoying crazy moments on the stage, but we still sometimes play acoustic sets with [drummer] Lee’s percussion”.

As for the night at Whelan’s?

“Irish people are crazy partiers, right?” Kim asks us.

“We want a lovely pint of Guinness and some Jameson, and if we have a chance to visit Cork, some Murphy’s. Because I love Murphy’s, too.

Let’s enjoy some music and booze, and let’s love each other.”

Billy Carter play Whelan’s on May 29th.

Explore Wicklow from the saddle of a bike, with 50km and 100km routes taking in the garden county’s scenery from Russborough House.

May 20.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

SNOOP DOGG

The Irish premiere of the Harry Potter concert series comes to the 3Arena, with the RTE Concert Orchestra performing alongside a super-sized cinematic showing. May 23.

New album of the week

Snoop Dogg - Neva Left. Snoop might be 15 albums deep at this point, but with the dubious Snoop Lion phase behind him and guest slots here for Method Man and Redman, this promises to be his best outing in a while.

18 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE MUSIC EXTRA

QUICK BREAK | MAGICAL CLONTARF CASTLE’S THE ULTIMATE CITY ESCAPE

Dublin-based electro legends Le Galaxie

Forget Fairytale of New York: there’s one just up the road!

Summer festival fever takes grip as Leixlip gets ready to take Rock the Yard to another Galaxie  MARK O’BRIEN

THE 28th annual Leixlip Festival is just around the corner and for music lovers that can only mean one thing – Rock the Yard.

The four-star Court Yard Hotel in the heart of Leixlip has a cracking line up of gigs including the Blizzards and the Luna Boys as the four-day festival rings in the month of June with a bang.

Dublin-based electronic sensation Le Galaxie kick things off, headlining Rock the Yard on Friday, June 2.

Their debut album “Laserdisc Nights II” released in 2011, and they have spent the past six years claiming their title as Ireland’s best live act.

The nation’s favourite dance-floor tear jerkers took their live shows to even greater heights last year when they supported Faithless on their Irish

Ro, Bee and TeddyC of Chasing Abbey

tour, sold out the Olympia Theatre, and as usual, had the audience of major European festivals like Lovebox, Benicassim and Electric Picnic on their feet and dancing.

In the past, Le Galaxie have played SXSW, CMJ, The Great Escape and Transmusicales.

The four-piece will be backed up by Tullamore trio Chasing Abbey, whose unique brand of pop dance and hi-hop sound has been making waves in recent months, with latest single That Good Thing getting a big thumbs up from none other than music bible Hot Press. n Built on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, the Court Yard Hotel offers old world charm, beautiful original stone work with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling.

For more information or to book tickets to Rock The Yard, visit www.courtyard.ie .

 ALISON O’HANLON IF you ever wanted to get away from it all and live like fairytale royalty for a night, the romantic setting of Clontarf Castle is the picture-perfect destination you’ve always dreamed of.

Though this unique hotel – Dublin’s only castle hotel – is just two DART stops from town, once you arrive, you’ll be transformed into a Disney-princess land of make-believe where the hustle and bustle of Dublin is but a distant dream.

The four-star Clontarf Castle offers the perfect blend of history and tradition with all the comfort and luxuries of the 21st century, including an art collection that’d have any Disney villain donning his black and white burglar suit and reaching for his swag bag.

The newly revamped hotel’s special Castle Collection package is the perfect way to experience the enchanting fusion of old and new, an experience that begins as soon as you arrive up the enchanting leafy driveway to the breathtaking 12th century facade and in through the dramatic, uber-modern atrium lobby.

The incredibly friendly staff are clearly proud to demonstrate how the old can enrich the new – and never is this more

evident than when taking in the ancient hotel’s contemporary gallery.

Follow their impressive art trail you uncover a series of intriguing pieces from celebrated artists including Ed Freeman, Ingrid Bugge and Marjorie Kaye, many of which have an element of mischief, humour and often a hidden layer of detail.

Once you’ve taken in the art trail, continue to indulge the senses over Fusion Tea, where contemporary meets traditional with sweet and savoury delights.

Step out for a stroll along Clontarf’s promenade or unwind in the splenid comfort of Knights Bar over a drink.

As the night draws in relax and take in the historic space, make your way to the awardwinning Fahrenheit restaurant for dinner where locally sourced ingredients take pride of place under executive head chef Stuart Heeney, who’s as talented as he is charming.

Speaking of which the only thing Clontarf Castle didn’t deliver was a Prince Charming, but then I wasn’t looking! nThe eclectic Castle Collection package is priced from €269 per night and includes the art trail, decadent afternoon tea experience ‘Fusion Tea’ and Artisan Castle breakfast the following morning for two. Visit clontarfcastle.ie or call 01 8332321 for more information on the Castle Collection package.

The plush Knights Bar is a great spot to unwind in

Comfort and luxury are guaranteed at the castle

Fusion Tea is an experience not to be missed

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Exquisite Ecuador will take your breath away

 SYLVIA POWNALL PICTURE the scene: you are travelling by gondola 600 feet above the rain forest floor as the canopy of trees around you dissolves in a swirl of mist and birds of prey.

This is just one of the eye-opening experiences you can expect at the Mashpi Lodge in the Ecuadorian rain forest – a five-star retreat in the clouds.

The magical resort opened five years ago just 68 miles north west of Quito and lies within a 3,200acre nature reserve that is home to the Yumbo tribe.

Nature meets luxury at the Mashpi Lodge. Located deep in the cloud forests of Ecuador, it’s one of the planet’s most biodiverse hotspots.

As soon as you pass through the imposing bamboo gates and reach the modern steel and glass prefab structure on stilts you know you have entered another realm.

This chic hotel is like no other – you can sip coffee on the terrace as dawn breaks and witness the abundant wildlife stir below you, getting a close-up and personal experience with one of the most pristine forests in the world.

Mashpi lies at 3,100 feet above sea level on the gentle western slopes of the Andes with an average temperature in the low 20s.

Its 22 rooms are spread out down long, wide corridors with floor to ceiling glass walls bringing you ever closer to the forest right outside your window.

But the breathtaking and unspoiled setting doesn’t mean you have to compromise on creature comforts. The lodge is very much all mod cons with full-length electronic shades to block out the sunlight if you fancy some shut-eye.

The lodge offers a multitude of activities from guided hikes and waterfall swims to wildlife spotting and the amazing canopy sky bike.

Hiking along the steep and at times muddy trails your guide will point out flora and fauna from grasshoppers to huge millipedes and iguanas – and even fresh puma tracks.

Catering is buffet-style but the dishes on offer would not look out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and there are countless ways to unwind after a day’s exploring whether you fancy a spa treatment, an evening lecture, or a wander around the Life Centre atrium which is filled with butterflies.

This really is bucket list stuff and it’s a considered purchase, but it’s an experience that will stay with you.

As if the lodge itself wasn’t enough you’ll also get to explore the beautiful colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca on a private tour.

THE DEAL Nine nights at the 3-star Mashpi Lodge from €3,995 per person. Includes: All flights, transfers, tours, accommodation in all-inclusive Mashpi Lodge. For more information or to book visit www.

NuevoMundo.ie or call the South American expert, Michael Harrington, at 01 241 2360.

The Mashpi Torrenteer

The vibrant cock of the rock is just one of hundreds of bird species around Mashpi Lodge

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Logo earrings €79; blue leather wrap bracelet €49 (with summer charms starting from €39); blue radiant hearts bangle €79; radiant hearts rings €59

Summer time Sparkles Radiant hearts rings €59; Hearts band ring €79

 EMMA NOLAN

BRIGHT colours and hints of sparkle – if that doesn’t make you feel summery, I don’t know what will..

Affordable jewellery brand PANDORA is just about to launch its summer collection, and it is a delight of colour and summer vibes.

Sweetly coloured ice cream-

tinged pastels, bright whites and coloured gemstones combine with sterling silver for a fresh approach to accessorising for warm weather.

The collection is elegant and timeless and pieces bought now will still look great next summer and the one after.

In store from June 1, prices range from €22 to €99.

Pearlescent hearts band ring €79; Pave drops earrings €99

Light blue radiant hearts ring €59; light blue radiant hearts bangle €79; droplet rings starting from €45; summer charms starting from €39; tropical paradise petites €29; floating locket €99

White orchids earrings €39; orchid dangle €45 worn on sterling silver necklace from €29; leather wrap bracelet €49 with charms starting from €39; pearlescent hearts band ring €79

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 21

Mint Velvet Clossome tencel bralet €85; blossom tencel belted tapered trouser €109

Mint Velvet Clean wide leg trouser €165; double-breasted minimal blazer €219; penny buckle sandal €125

Mint Velvet Blossom tencel bralet €185; blossom tencel belted tapered trouser €109; penny buckle sandal €125

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

PLANNING holiday outfits is one of life’s nicest pleasures: you’ve got a holiday coming up, time off work and some new clothes to debut.

As a long-time lover of jumpsuits and playsuits, I can’t recommend co-ords enough when it comes to summer/holiday dressing.

As separates, allow

yourself the ease of an all-in-one outfit but the freedom to mix and match, thus allowing for more variety in your holiday wardrobe (especially if you’re only bringing hand luggage).

So, with a set containing a top and bottoms, you essentially have three outfits – wearing it all together, wearing the top with different bottoms and wearing the bottoms with a different

Mint Velvet Stripe bralet €85; stripe trouser €125; penny buckle sandal €125

Penneys Embroidered co-ord top €9; embroidered co-ord shorts €9

Co-ord, mix & Match

top – capsule dressing at its simplest!

The usual suspects like Asos, Missguided and Pretty Little Thing always have an abundance of co-ords available online, but Penneys has some great ones in stock at the moment and Mint Velvet (which is in Dundrum Town Centre and in BT2 in Blanchardstown) currently has a gorgeous range.

GAZETTE

STYLE

Mint Velvet Stripe bralet €85; stripe trouser €125

Mint Velvet Lace shell top €125; lace skirt €179; penny buckle sandal €125

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

The new Peugeot 308 is due here in autumn

Peugeot brings new style and technology to 308 PEUGEOT’S new 308 model boasts new styling, advanced driver assistance systems, the latestgeneration Peugeot engines and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The new car will be available to view in Dublin dealer showrooms this autumn, ahead of the 181-registration period. The car will be available in six trim versions: Access, Active, Allure, GT Line, GT and GTi. The new exterior design styling features a redesigned bonnet and vertical grille with new LED lighting. On the inside Peugeot uses its latest i-Cockpit touch-screen system combined with some new advanced driver assistance systems and 3D sat nav.

Depending on trim, features can include Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Visiopark with 180 degree rear camera and Park Assist function, which measures the parking space available and actually steers the car in.

For the new 308, Peugeot claims that the PureTech petrol engine has undergone a major upgrade to deliver low fuel consumption and more efficient pollution reduction. For the PureTech 130 S&S petrol engine the exhaust gases go through a catalytic converter, then a passive-regeneration gasoline particle filter. This is matched to a new six-speed manual gearbox.

LDV adds minibus to range IRELAND’S revived LDV van range has added the Mini B van to the range as a mini bus for long road trips, airport transfers and city driving.

Mini B van is based on the LDV V80 van and come with electronic brake force distribution and anti-lock braking system plus park assist, which is very helpful when parking a larger vehicle in tight spaces.

The Mini B comes with a digital dashboard. The Mini B is powered by a 136bhp engine and is teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox. Safety features include driver and passenger airbags, remote central locking and reverse parking sensors together with LED parking lamps, emergency roof hatch and fire exit.

The Mini B is a 14+1 seat vehicle and a 5+1 version will soon be available. They both come with an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and three seat cabin.

Audi gets sporty with the new A5

Audi have long been renowned for the sporty feel of their car designs and performance. That reputation is especially obvious in the Audi A5 Sportback, which Michael Moroney found both economical and great to drive.

THE world of coupe cars has changed and expanded so that it’s now possible to indulge in the sporty ambiance that these cars offer while still having some family car values.

That message comes clearly into focus when you drive the new Audi A5 – a car that blends modern coupe styling with space.

Audi has upgraded the A5, sharpening its lines and adding some impressive new technology features. The A5 coupe look is strongly retained while the styling is more crisp and modern, so that you know that the car is new.

Under the skin Audi engineers have worked hard to shave 85kg from the car’s weight and that adds to the improved fuel economy. After some days behind the wheel you can appreciate the level of engineering and technology that has underpinned the car’s comfort and

road manners.

That appreciation comes in the form of ease of driving, smooth power flow, good economy and just an all-round great car to drive. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is a perfect match for the seven speed automatic gearbox that was a feature of the S-Line version that I drove. You get the option of experiencing a more exciting drive when you opt for the Sport mode in the gearbox and its does deliver an obvious difference in driving pace.

The gearbox also allows a low engine rev cruising speed so on longer runs it is possible to drive at 120km/hr on the motorway at just 1,750rpm engine speed. This makes for smooth and quiet motorway cruising that’s truly economical.

Compared with the previous model, Audi claims to have reduced the A5 fuel consumption

by as much as 22% while increasing power output by up to 17%. All engines comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard. The standard, updated start-stop system includes changes that reduce fuel consumption and lowers average CO2 to 109g/km. The system deactivates the engine when coasting up to traffic signals at less than seven km/h.

I found that the Audi A5 Sportback was able to achieve a range of over 900km and that impressed me. The official economy figure is 23.8km/litre (4.2/100km or 67mpg) and I almost achieved that over the full 1304km that I drove the car. That was a unique economy figure even if much of my driving was on motorways of national primary roads.

On the inside this A5 Sportback blends comfort with great design.

The new Audi A5 is an impressive car to look at and to drive. The engine performance coupled with a smooth driveline makes this car an ultimate pleasure to drive. Entry prices start at €49,600 and there are some impressive PCP finance offers available.

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TD

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power Engine Torque 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

2.0 litre 190hp 400Nm 7.9 seconds 23.8km/litre (4.2/100km or 67mpg) 40 litres 109g/km A3 €190 20,000km/12 mon 5 star (2015) 3 years (100,000km) €49,600

The dash layout has been modernised for the new Audi A5

The seating has easy adjustment and I was in a comfortable position with my phone Bluetooth connected within minutes.

Audi claims that there is slightly more legroom in the rear and the seat design means that other than the tallest people, your rear passengers will

never complain.

The four doors mean that this is an accessible car with Iso-fix couplings on the two outer rear seats. The centre seat position is a little tight, meaning that this is in reality a very comfortable four seat car that has impressive style.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Birthday deal for iconic 500

The car comes equipped with an impressive array of equipment as standard. These include Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights to give impressive visibility on the road in all conditions. The interior LED lights illuminate key features.

This new A5 Sportback has Audi’s latest infotainment features. These include the Audi MMI navigation system with seven-inch colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging functionality, a dedicated smartphone interface for iOS and Android devices and a three-month free trial of Audi Connect. The fact that these systems were easy to engage with in a logical manner makes that attractive and very driver friendly.

The range of Audi connect services is impressive, from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View to travel information, traffic information online and searching for a parking space

or even Twitter. Audi has developed a purposedesigned interface for the social network.

The A5 comes with some new driver assistance systems, like Audi pre-sense city, and front and rear parking sensors.

Spending some time with the latest Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows the driver to select specific profiles ideally suited to their preferences and driving conditions.

The test car was the Audi A5 Sportback S-Line version and that comes with some additional premium features, such as LED headlights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats, 18-inch alloys running on Pirelli Centurauto P7 245/40 R18 tyres and the sports suspension.

Audi cars come with a premium and the likes of the A5 Sportback will be viewed against the BMW and Mercedes-Benz competition. While I have yet to drive BMW’s 4 Grand Coupe, it will have to cross a high bar if it is to

TO MARK the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Fiat 500 back in 1957, Fiat in Ireland is offering new Fiat 500 buyers the choice of 0% APR finance (PCP or HP) or three years’ free servicing when they purchase a Fiat 500 registered by July 16.

The deal allows customers to buy a Fiat 500 Pop 1.2 69hp for just €151 a month (RRP €13,600 with a deposit of €4,080 and optional final payment of €4,080).

Since its launch on July 4, 1957, the Fiat 500 has proved itself to be

a much-loved global success. The popular city car sets trends with its iconic chic style, advanced technologies and range of powerful, yet efficient engines.

Paul Hunt, managing director of FCA Group Ireland, said: “The Fiat 500 is a popular option for customers thanks to the large amount of choice it offers.

“From its range of eye-catching colours to the never-ending amount of personalisation options, each 500 can be made unique to the buyer.”

AA says more motorists are opting for comprehensive car insurance One of the more impressive features of the new Audi A5 is the electronic dial system that’s great to use and clear with lots of functionality

The centre console with the Audi MMi controller is very comfortable to use with great functionality and you quickly get at ease with the controls

surpass Audi’s combination of style, performance, economy and great driving comfort.

Entry prices for the Audi A5 range start from €49,600 and the options choices are tempting and equally expensive. Few

if any A5 buyers will opt for the basic package, so the true buying price will rise significantly so make your options choices with care and some thought.

The end result will be an impressive car, of that you can be in doubt.

MORE than eight-in-10 motorists are now opting for comprehensive motor insurance over a third party policy, a year on year increase of over 5%, according to AA Ireland. An analysis of AA Ireland’s car insurance books found that 81.86% of motorists are now opting for a comprehensive policy, up from 76.25% in 2016.

The analysis found that just 18.11% of AA customers are now opting to take a third-party, fire and theft policy compared to 23.74% in 2016.

“While 2016 saw a drop of about 2% in terms of those opting for comprehensive cover, likely as a result of rising premiums, it appears that more and more motorists are now opting for this higher level of cover as the current rate of those opting for a comprehensive policy is the highest seen in the last four years,” Conor Faughnan, AA director of consumer affairs stated.

“While we have no way of knowing what the future holds when it comes to

insurance prices, it does appear on the back of this analysis that people feel a little more economically secure than they have in previous years and are, as a result, opting to take out additional cover at a higher rate than seen in the past.”

Despite the rise in demand for comprehensive car insurance cover, the AA is advising motorists who may be trying to lower their premium costs to ensure they are purchasing the correct level of cover to meet their needs.

“In recent months we’ve seen a reduction in the number of young people applying for provisional licenses and a big factor in this is the cost of learning to drive and insurance,” Faughnan added.

“While getting on the road has always been a front loaded cost, with average premiums reducing as you get older and more experienced, for first time drivers a third-party policy is likely to be more affordable and suitable to what they require.”

GAZETTE

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews GUARDIANS 2

Volumes of character ANYTHING with Kurt Russell is worth watching, and his enjoyably hammy turn here is just one highlight of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 (Cert 12A, 120 mins), the neon-soaked sequel to the popular first film. It’s more of the same, as the cast build up their characters a little more, delivering a frantic sci-fi that’s full of violence, vulgarity and fun, making it a welcome addition to the usually dour genre.

KING ARTHUR

What goes around ...

DIRECTOR Guy Richie has turned out a fairly gritty but underwhelming take on the whole King Arthur legend, with Charlie Hunnam gamely stepping up to star in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (Cert 12A, 126 mins). It looks okay, but just doesn’t bring anything new to the legend, despite some nice visuals in parts.

Hunnam is decent in the a-beefcake-with-destiny role, but it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.

GHOST IN THE SHELL A flawed reinvention

SCARLETT Johansson’s time as the Major at the heart of Ghost in The Shell (Cert 15A, 107 mins) is nearly up, as it edges towards the exit at cinema complexes. In a future world where cybernetically modified or augmented humans are commonplace, she’s one herself, on the trail of dangerous hackers.

It often looks absolutely spectacular, but doesn’t live up to the source material.

CINEMA

SUMMER PREVIEW: SOME MORE OF THE BLOCKBUSTERS COMING TO CINEMAS

It’s another selection of sizzlers to look out for  SHANE DILLON

WITH the great weather we had recently, you could be forgiven for thinking that summer has arrived.

Well, not quite – as we all know, summer in Ireland usually seems to be ‘the good two weeks’ that land around the Leaving Cert exams, as well as going to the cinema much more often to catch the latest summer sizzler (or occasional turkey).

Speaking of which ...

Colossal (May 19) Fusing Anne Hathaway with Pacific Rift, Colossal takes the standard monsterattacks-city trope to deliver a comedy (with added dashes of alcoholism).

The kaiju (giant monsters) at the heart of 2013’s Pacific Rim were that film’s biggest feature – pun intended – and, here, director Nacho Vigalondo has put his own twist on their appeal, casting Hathaway as a troubled woman who starts manifesting highly-destructive kaiju in downtown Seoul.

A f t e r 2 014 ’s d o u r

Godzilla (a film which audiences still haven’t forgiven for killing off Bryan Cranston in the first act, after bigging him up in the trailers), there’s a definite gap in the market for big, stompy monsters to make their mark on cinema screens.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (May 25) With Johnny Depp’s recent career seemingly cast adrift in one cinema shipwreck after another (the less said about SS Mortdecai, the better), it’s unsurprising that he’s returned to don the boots, hat and eyeliner of Captain Jack Sparrow.

While the franchise was in danger of hitting the rocks during its last outing, the addition of the charismatic Javier Bardem as a new nemesis – the eponymous Captain Salazar – may be enough of a jolt to get the series back on course, with early indications that the film is ticking all the right boxes to leave timbers well and truly shivered again.

The Mummy (June 09) Tom Cruise stars as Universal attempts to reboot the faded franchise that many cinemagoers still associate with Brendan Fraser (remember him?)

Updated to modern times, and now with an ancient princess as its Big Bad, you can expect a decent blockbuster that’s deftly delivered on Cruise control, with some heavily CG-led setpieces.

If nothing else, it could work as a welcome alternative to the superheroheavy release schedule, as well as the latest in stale sequels. Which leads to ...

Transformers: The Last Knight (June 23) Director Michael Bay’s latest film looks set to be a thoughtful, introspective piece that gradually explores the complex psychological and emotional impact of being a bloody big robot smashing and shooting things in slow motion* while the American flag flutters a lot in front of giant explosions and sunsets.

You’re either a fan of

2

1

3

5

4

6

From top-left: 1 Colossal; 2 Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge; 3 The Mummy; 4 Transformers: The Last Knight; 5 The Dark Tower, and 6 Atomic Blonde

the truly atrocious Transformers films, or you’re not – fans know exactly what they’ll be getting here, while everyone else knows what to avoid. (*Now with added King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table flashbacks, for extra cheese!)

The Dark Tower (July 28) With Stephen King’s It reboot on TV soon to make a whole new generation terrified of clowns,

King fans can also take in the long-awaited film based on his Dark Tower series.

The formidable Idris Elba leads opposite Matthew McConaughey as his nemesis, with high expectations for the film to do justice to the themes and complexity of the books.

Atomic Blonde (August 11) With her bravura turn in 2015’s Mad Max showing an unexpected flair

for an action-heavy role, Charlize Theron goes even further with Atomic Blonde, delving into Cold War-era cat and mouse games in divided Berlin.

With its uber-stylish, energetic, violent trailers seeing the film already dubbed ‘Jane Wick’ by some wags, the talented actress could be on the cusp of creating an impressive new franchise to leave action fans shaken and stirred.

18 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH

TECH ATTACK: RANSOMWARE WORM CHEWED THROUGH WORLDWIDE IT DEFENCES “It’s the pirate’s life for me”

Disney’s ‘Pirates’ hijacked?

WITH hackers and global tech piracy taking centre-stage around the world this week, some other pirates have reportedly been busy attacking the landlubber execs at Disney, arrrr.

While they haven’t been waving cutlasses about, they’ve nonetheless been engaged in pretty modern piracy – demanding a king’s ransom to prevent a hacked big budget blockbuster from being released online, bit by bit, until the ransom is paid.

With the film widely reported to be the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (above), the choppedup release threat poses an unwanted irritant to ‘The Mouse House’, not least as the film is slated for release very soon.

Hackers However, with the hackers demanding a healthy haul of Bitcoins – otherwise, increasingly large segments will be posted online – time is running out while the pressure is rising to resolve the issue, although Disney are also reported as refusing to pay the demand.

It’s not an empty threat – similar hijacking issues have arisen before, with a slew of Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black episodes posted online last yeat after a similar bit of attempted piracy.

The best way to see Disney’s ‘Pirates’ is at the cinema, of course, but it’s possible they’ll be making an illegal landfall sooner than expected, or wanted ...

While the criminal hackers behind WannaCry are demanding Bitcoins (right) rather than conventional money, the principle is the same – having hijacked/encrypted data, they demand a ransom be paid to release it

WannaCry’s rampage creates a global mess THE world has been gripped by a single tech story this week like never before, as malicious ‘ransomware’ wreaked havoc across the globe, leading to a domino chain of disaster in one sector after another – a chain which still hasn’t finished its tumbling yet.

Literally hundreds of thousands of companies all around the world were affected by the ransomware virus commonly known as WannaCry (and a WannaCry2 variant), which certainly left plenty of people ready to cry – with rage, given the mess it created for many.

While ransomware is a common enough IT threat to look out for – indeed, even Gazette Towers fell prey to one pesky worm

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

some time back (which, true to form, blocked access to a huge amount of files by encrypting them, then demanded payment to unlock the files, just as WannaCry has been doing) – the scale and speed of WannaCry’s path to global mayhem was unprecedented.

From entire healthcare systems to banking networks, right down to several Mom-n-Pop local businesses, the ransomeware worm hijacked

individual computers and entire networks at a global level with startling speed and ease, effectively shouting “Stick ’em up – now hand over the loot!” at its victims.

Here at home, the Government was as quick to react as its peers around the world, putting out warnings and advising industry/the public about the threat posed by WannaCry, although by that stage, the damage was done.

Echoing the warnings of international experts, the National Cyber Security Centre in the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment pointed out how WannaCry exploited a particular Microsoft Win-

dows vulnerability.

This allowed it to easily self-replicate and spread – alarmingly, it didn’t need to be triggered by a user – with experts all around the world rushing to try to fix the issue and stop WannaCry in its tracks, but even this global effort was just a little too late.

W hile WannaCr y’s impact in Ireland (at the time of writing) was pretty limted compared to several other countries, reports suggested that Russian and Chinese computers had been particularly badly impacted.

From ATMs to hospitals, colleges to telephone networks, a very dievrse amount of systems everywhere were hijacked and held to ransom.

Furious accusations have already been thrown about in several countries about who was to blame for the scale of the crisis, while governments and political parties alike have bickered about their defences in the face of the attacks.

It’s a story that’s still unfolding at the time of going to print, with the alarming incident underscoring the surprisingly wobbly state of global IT systems despite literally decades of research, training and expensive tech already in place to stop such an attack – all of which utterly failed in the face of an attack by a sneaky but not especially sophisticated virus.

Governments, corpora-

tions, tech and national security agencies, and Joe Public alike have all been asking the same question: who was behind the attack?

Analysts have started to point the finger at North Korea, with initial reports emerging of similarities between the ransomware and previous antics linked to well-known NK hackers.

However, while it’s still too early to know the full story and impact of WannaCry’s rampage, it has perhaps served as a harsh reminder that IT threats are very real, with even one ‘simple’ attack having had the ability to impact on hundreds of millions of people, while governments stood by helplessly.

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

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28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

SPORT

FastSport IRISH WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SQUAD NAMED: METEORS’ Aoife Whelan, DCU Mercy’s Sarah Woods, Pyrobel Killester’s Emma Sherwood and Michelle Clarke and Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ Aine O’Connor and Sorcha Tiernan were all part of an initial Irish women’s basketball panel of 18 players.

It follows a successful trial held in Cork recently with the players subsequently lining out in a trial game against the Irish Under-18 women’s team in the Mardyke.

From there, a reduced selection will travel to Luxembourg this weekend fo three friendly games against the hosts.

Speaking about the news, coach Mark Scannell said: “It gave us vital court time before we head to Luxembourg next weekend and will be good preparation for the Mardyke Series which will take place in Ireland in June and will see the squad face off against Iceland in two friendly games on June 9 and 10.”

SOCCER: RODDY COLLINS TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE AT CONTROVERSY-HIT CLUB

Cabra’s finest believes he can change Athlone’s world

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

RODDY Collins is back in the League of Ireland with Athlone Town and, in true Roddy style, he walks into a club who have had their fair share of controversy lately.

Since the turn of the year, a Portuguese consortium has invested in the club while R icardo Monsanto was appointed manager before mutually agreeing to leave the club after failing to win for eight games in succession.

Worst of all, an investigation has been opened into matchfixing allegations aimed at the team.

Now former Bohemians, Dublin City, and Shamrock Rovers manager Collins is back at the helm he occupied for one season in 2013.

In doing so, the Cabra man is taking his first job in management since parting ways with Waterford United in 2016. He was present at Tolka Park for Athlone’s 2-1 defeat to Shelbourne last Friday night and claimed afterwards that meeting the club’s mysterious investor is not some-

Roddy Collins is looking forward to the challenge at Athlone Town

thing he is bothered about.

“No, I don’t care. I only want to meet him if he doesn’t pay us,” Collins joked. “Why would I want to meet him?

It’s nothing to do with me,” he said afte the result that leaves the side seventh in the eight team league.

“I met Marc [Fourmeaux],

who is running the show. I understand football and he understands football, so it is business. We spoke football.”

No reservations Collins also has no reservations over taking charge of a team in the midst of an investigation into three of their

games this season. “Sure, it had nothing to do with me but I’m used to investigations!”

Another aspect of controversy that has engulfed the club is how many foreign players have been brought in since the new investors took over but Collins believes if you are good enough to play

then it shouldn’t matter where you come from.

“We’ll get whoever the best players are. Honestly now, it doesn’t bother me. If a player can play, he can play. The keeper [Igor Labuts] took some stick during the week but I thought he was brilliant tonight. It doesn’t matter where they are from, and there will be options to bring players in from abroad. That’s good.

“The beauty is if you are getting someone from outside, you’re not competing with other clubs because they don’t know who he is.”

Many football men might have run a mile if approached

by Athlone to take over the team but, as Collins attests to, his own self-believe can often be to his detriment.

“I knew the potential of the club was there before and the investors coming in have assured me there is plenty of revenue there to get it going, and plenty of players out there to bring in.

“I believe I can change the world – that’s my problem,” Collins concluded with a wry smile.

Castle Father and Son all set for 50th anniversary  sport@dublingazette.com

Lee Healion, Dawson Jewellers’ Ken McDonagh, and Barry McConville (captain, Castle GC). Picture: Pat Cashman

CASTLE Golf Club have confirmed Dawson Jewellers will be the sponsors of the 57th year of the All Ireland Father & Son Foursomes competition which will be held at the club in July.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the year when Joe Carr won this event along with his son Jody.

Captain Barry McConville said of the event: “This is one of those great tournaments in Ireland that builds and nourishes future talent, relation-

ships and values which are all important to our club and to golf in general.”

Qualifying will take place on an 18-hole strokes format on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2. The cost of entry is €70 per pair.

Castle welcome It is expected that this year’s event will once again attract over 500 hopefuls on the two qualif ying days, representing over 100 different clubs who will all experience the renowned Castle welcome.

Sixty-four pairs will qualify for the match-play stages of the event, which will run from Monday, July 3 until the final on Sunday, July 9.

Last season saw former Walker Cup player Jody Fanagan reach his first All-Ireland Father and Son final along with his son Harry.

Peter and Graham O’Connor of Foxrock had the best gross score in the qualifiers and their fine golf continued all the way through the matchplay stages to the final.

Both pairs treated spectators

to fine golf right throughout the week and a large crowd were treated to a fantastic final played in the spirit that this competition is renowned for.

In the final, the Fanagans (Milltown) defeated the O’Connors (Foxrock) 4&3 in a hard fought final.

For more information and for updates throughout the week of the tournament, visit the club website at www.castlegc. ie. Entries can be made through the website from May 16 or by calling Castle Golf Club on (01) 4904207.

18 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Liffey and Sheriff at the heart of inner-city life

Pearse Street club win the battle of the Wanderers to land FAI Intermediate Cup title, making for an epic day out for innercity Dublin clubs at the Aviva Stadium in the national finals FAI INTER CUP FINAL

Murphy boys lead way in fourth win in six seasons

Liffey Wanderers 2 Cobh Wanderers 2 Liffey won 5-4 on penalties  sport@dublingazette.com

SHERIFF YC lifted their fourth Aviva/Umbro sponsored FAI Junior Cup in six years as a goal in each half earned them victory against Evergreen in Saturday’s final at the Aviva Stadium.

At the end of a first half they dominated, the holders forged ahead through Stephen Murphy’s free-kick and, despite the Kilkenny side mounting a comeback after the break, another of the four Murphy brothers, Paul, sealed the triumph with a second goal.

It looked to be a frustrating afternoon for the Dublin side when their constant pressure failed to deliver the breakthrough until the final moments of the half.

When John Rock had been denied from close-range by a superb Packie Holden save, the ball broke and Evergreen conceded a free on the edge of their box.

Up stepped Stephen Murphy to curl his low shot around the wall and past Holden despite the goalkeeper getting a hand on the effort.

By that stage, Sheriff had missed a litany of chances mainly through Sean and Stephen Murphy but Evergreen, contesting their first final since 1984, enjoyed their moments too.

A surge by Mikey Drennan to the end-line on the half hour resulted in a left-wing cross which Daryl Walshe was prevented from getting a touch to by the advancing Lee Murphy The Sheriff goalkeeper was also at his best in batting away a thunderous shot from Chris Whearty after the winger cut in from the left.

Still, once Sheriff edged into the lead, they held control. Apart from Whearty’s shot with 20 minutes left which flew over the crossbar and another effort late on by substitute Lee Delaney, Evergreen couldn’t convert their superiority of possession into clearcut chances.

As they gambled in pursuit of an equaliser late on, gaps appeared at the back and the clinical Sheriff profited. Darren Dunne teed up the overlapping Paul Murphy with a superb pass and the rampaging right-back beat Holden with a crisp shot.

L I F F E Y Wa n d e r e r s emerged victorious in the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup Final after a hardfought victory against Cobh Wanderers which was decided after a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

It ensured an inner-city double in the national cup finals, adding to Sheriff YC’s success in the Junior Cup, their near neighbours from just across the river joining them for memorable celebrations later on Saturday evening.

Cobh started the better of the two sides at the Aviva Stadium, registering the first shot on target

when danger man Ian Stapleton was played into the box before firing towards the near post only for his shot to be saved.

Stapleton thought he had scored the first goal of the game after 15 minutes. A 25-yard shot from Eoin Hastings produced a good save from Philip O’Connor and Stapleton was the quickest to react, firing in from close range only to be ruled offside.

Liffey managed their first effort on target with 33 minutes on the clock.

Cobh cleared multiple crosses before one finally found its intended target. Lee Roche’s header proved to be a fairly routine save for Michael Devine.

In what was an even first 45 minutes, the sides went in level. Cobh had

the better chances and seemed the more likely side to break the deadlock but Liffey were holding up to their challenge well.

The second half kicked off in a lively fashion with both sides eager to capitalise on their half-time break. Liffey striker Aidan Roche was troubling the Cobh defence with his pace and he looked a constant threat.

Liffey were having the better of the opening second-half exchanges but Cobh still looked dangerous going forward.

They almost took the lead before the 60-minute mark when David Andrews went close with a header.

Aidan Roche was continuing to cause the Cobh defence problems, controlling excellently inside

the box and forcing a good save from Devine.

Minutes later he repeated the same feat, but once again he was denied by Devine.

Liffey opened the scoring after 71 minutes with a headed goal from 19-yearold Clay ton Maher.

The youngster first rattled the crossbar with a header, and he was first to react, capitalising on the rebound to head Liffey in front.

Liffey almost made it two shortly afterwards, this time Lee Roche failing to get the ball into the Cobh net after a threaded through ball.

Cobh pressed for an equaliser and they were rewarded with 85 minutes gone. A flicked effort by substitute Stephen Griffin was saved by O’Connor,

Players and fans from Liffey Wanderers and Sheriff YC celebrate together on Pearse Street with their respective FAI Intermediate and Junior Cup titles.

but Conor Meade was on hand at the back post to level the game with five minutes to play.

The tie finished level and extra-time was required to separate the sides.

Liffey took the lead after just four minutes. Aidan Roche drove at the Cobh defence, turning two defenders before slotting passed the Cobh keeper to give Liffey a precious lead.

Cobh almost got an equaliser just before halftime. Substitute Alan O’Flynn half-volleyed from outside the crowded Liffey penalty area, but Liffey keeper O’Connor saved and then showed good reflexes and claimed the rebound.

Liffey almost ensured victory with a minute left to play. Cobh had committed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, and a counter attack saw Lee Roche’s through on goal but his curled effort was denied by Devine.

In the dying seconds of extra-time, Cobh found a precious equaliser. Committing large numbers in to the box proved fruitful, and Conor Meade finished in to the roof of the net with virtually the last kick of the game following a set-piece. The FAI Intermediate Cup final would be decided on penalties.

It was Liffey Wanderers who showed the most nerve in the deciding penalties, edging out their rivals 5-4 in what was a tense shootout to go on and lift the cup.

GAZETTE

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: ST MOCHTA’S TURN FORM AROUND TO PUT PRESSURE ON BELL

Shamrock Rovers on the attack. Picture: Neil Fox

Rovers push rampant St Kevin’s all the way AS PART of an astonishing weekend, St Kevin’s Boys Under-12s beat Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers in an impressive 2-1 victory to take the SFAI title as the Santry club won four of the national cups on offer.

The two clubs emerged to the Champions League anthem at Jackson Park in Kilternan, where they shared substantial backing and both opened with a slick, passing style of football.

Rovers in particular favoured building from the back, with Warren Davis and Andy Keogh working the ball down the wings into space, while Kevin’s more direct approach saw captain James McManus and the impressive Kevin Zefi look for the through ball.

Kevin’s opener came from a looped headed goal direct from a corner, beautifully directed over the goalkeeper by right back Luke Browne.

Browne was to prove a constant thorn in the Rovers’ side, as he consistently found space for the through ball behind the defence on the right wing. Rovers were growing into the game, though, with Kevin’s forced to defend in numbers for a period before half time, but going in 1-0 in front.

The second half continued in much the same vein: McManus fired just over for Kevin’s, before Rovers found the space they’d been searching for, with Calum Byrne firing in from close range after a winding run down the right wing by Adam Deans.

Six minutes later, Kevin’s were back in front, with Zefi showing a touch of magic before setting up Matthew Anderson to scramble into the corner of the Rovers’ net for a 2-1 lead.

Kevin’s took control for a period with substitute Daniel Adewale, Zefi and McManus all having decent chances to put the game to bed as they put pressure on the Rovers goal. While forced to look for the equaliser, Rovers’ defensive numbers diminished.

That led to an open period in which Jack McCormack on the Rovers wing began to push into the contest, winning a free kick right on the edge of the Kevin’s penalty area, but unable to make anything of it.

That was to be their last significant chance, as Kevin’s saw out the game, with Akinade smashing the base of the post at the very last.

No quarter given by either side when St Mochta’s hosted Bluebell United last weekend. Picture: Martin Doherty

Bluebell going to the wire LSL SUNDAY SENIOR St Mochta’s Bluebell United  sport@dublingazette.com

1 2

BLUEBELL United passed up a chance to secure the LSL Senior Sunday title as they lost 2-1 away to main rivals St Mochta’s, leaving the destination of this year’s trophy to be decided on the last day of the season.

They went into the game on top and knowing that victory away to main rivals Mochta’s would guarantee them their third title in a row.

There was understandably a lot of tension

around the game, evident among both sets of supporters at Porterstown Road.

The home side looked to be running away with the league at one stage but a run of just one win in five games looked to have dashed their hopes.

Bluebell had won five and drawn one of their last six league games to surge past the faltering Mochta’s. However, following up victory over Greystones United AFC with the win against B l u e b e l l , t h e y h ave recovered to draw level on points with just one game remaining.

Bluebell started the

WALSH CUP FINAL O’Rourke fires golden goal for Booth Road DEAN O’Rourke’s last ditch goal saw Booth

Road Celtic land the Albert Walsh Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Confey in the final.

They had earlier taken the lead when Wayne Long’s corner was turned in by a Confey defender.

The Leixlip side levelled the game with five minutes of normal time remaining but O’Rourke grabbed the winner in extra time off the back of Eanna Forde’s good work for a memorable victory.

game well and believed they should have been awarded a penalty after 12 minutes. However, the referee had a good view of the incident and waved play on.

The visitors did eventually take the lead on 25 minutes through Gareth Cooney.

The former Mochta’s man scored his third goal in two games with a finish into the roof of the net from a corner that was headed on into the box.

The Saints responded well and went close to equalising shortly afterwards with a header from David Somers.

The score stayed at 1-0 until the 49th minute when the Dublin 15 side drew level with a strike from Denis Moran.

Andy McNulty kept out a David Lacey strike but he couldn’t do anything to prevent Moran from rounding him and slotting home from the follow up. Not for the first time this season, Lacey was putting in a fine performance.

Mochta’s took the lead seven minutes later when Somers picked up a weak clearance and fired past McNulty from 25 yards.

Bluebell were shaken

into life but they struggled to create much until late in the game when Morgan Cranley produced an excellent finger tip save to deny them an equaliser.

Bluebell can win the title on Saturday evening if they equal the result of Mochta’s while the latter need to better the result of Bluebell by a couple of goals if they are to be victorious.

However, Bluebell have a tricky final fixture against Crumlin United FC, who are also still in with a shout of finishing top for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

18 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

St Pat’s face Starlight express in round three

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

ST PAT’S Palmerstown will face Starlights in the third round of the Dublin junior D football championship on June 15 following their impressive run in the competition to date. Pat’s followed up their opening round win over Fingallians in April with a 3-9 to 1-6 win over St Brigid’s in Glenauline Park last Saturday afternoon. Starlights, though, will be a tough opponent having scored 0-32 in round one and 3-17 in round two.

OUR senior footballers defeated St

football jerseys with more to feature on

Anne’s in the senior championship on

the night. A DJ will provide music. Admis-

Saturday evening in Bohernabreena and

sion €3 per person or €5 per couple.

our junior footballers travelled to Par-

Senior football captain Mick Hallows is

nells to register an excellent win in the

climbing Kilimanjaro in October on aid of

junior A championship.

the Irish Cancer Society. A signed Dublin

Our minor hurlers were beaten by Thomas Davis in league action.

Starting this week, the Hurl with Me camogie initiative will take place in Mon-

FOOTBALL: TOWERS NOW SET TO FOCUS ON U-16 LEAGUE

jersey from the All Ireland Final 2016 and framed Irish Soccer World Cup qualifier jersey are up for grabs. Details of the raffle he is hosting are on our website.

astery Road. It will run over a four-week

Line dancing is continuing every

period every Wednesday at Monastery

Thursday in the club with newcomers’

Road from 6-7pm. Girls aged seven to 10

welcome. It starts at 8pm with cover

years of age and their parents/guard-

charge being €5.

ians are invited to participate.

Bingo takes place every Tuesday in

Closing date for our senior football-

the club with first call at 8.30pm. Jack-

ers GAA championship predictor is this

pot this week €1,000 if checked within 54

coming Saturday. You can enter via the

numbers. All welcome.

Round Tower website. All are encouraged to support.

Round Tower (May 8) lotto jackpot was €9,100. Numbers drawn were 10, 15,

This coming Saturday, our U-8s are

22, 24; bonus ball was 30. No overall win-

hosting a fundraiser that will feature

ner and no bonus ball winner. Three €100

an auction of several county jerseys,

winners: Mary Dardis, Luke Garrigan,

including Dublin, Tipperary and Water-

Sam and Luke and John. Thanks to all

ford hurlers, and Monaghan and Derry

who participated.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN WELL done on a great win to our junior footballers in their championship match on Sunday against St Brigid’s in Glenaulin.

Round Tower Under-16’s strong run in the A shield came to an end.

Four-star Sars win shield derby battle U-16 A SHIELD SEMI

Lucan Sarsfields Round Tower  sport@dublingazette.com

4-19 3-8

ROUND Tower’s Under16 football A shield semifinal hopes came to an end at the hands of near neighbours Lucan Sarsfields, coming unstuck 4-19 to 3-8.

Both sides started the game looking to stamp their authority and build up an early advantage, with the first score coming after three minutes.

It went to Lucan through a fine kick from their corner-forward.

The game then swung

from end to end as points were exchanged before Sarsfields had the ball in the back of the net after only 10 minutes.

Towers didn’t let their heads drop, however, and scored a goal of their own from the boot of full-forward Aaron Whelan.

The visitors weren’t done their either as they spotted Sarsfields were rattled by the goal and added another through Daniel Mitchell.

G o a l ke e p e r O i s i n Douglas star ted the move by laying the ball off to Alex Judge who

worked it up the field and hand passed to Joey Leech.

The latter then found Mitchell to put Towers ahead by a point.

Sarsfields hit back with a goal and several points before their lead was cut back to two points through Alex O’Neill’s penalty.

However, it was Lucan who finished the half stronger to take a fivepoint lead into the halftime interval.

The visitors came out in the second half having lost Leech to a shoulder injury and his absence was notable on the pitch.

Towers struggled to get going in the second period while Sars kept up the momentum they held prior to the interval.

The mixture of the two culminated in the home side dominating the second half and securing the win to take them into the final against St Sylvester’s on Saturday.

Towers can now turn their attention towards their Division 3 campaign where they sit joint top having won five of their opening six games. Another promotion looks like a real possibility for the team this year.

Well done to John Maguire on his €500

win in last man standing.

The U-16s are in their football final on Saturday, May 20 in O’Toole Park at 2pm

The minor hurlers had a great win on

against Ballyboden. Best of luck to the

Sunday morning, also in Glenaulin, with a

team and managers. Please try to go

15 point win over Lucan Sarsfields.

along and support the lads

The U-13 hurlers had another brilliant

OsKars preparations are well under-

win this Saturday against Niamh Olaf at

way with training continuing Monday

home with a score of 10-2 to 0-0, great

nights. Don’t forget to keep June 17 free

team performance.

for a great night out at the awards.

Our U-13 camogie team continued

Winning lotto numbers this week are

their winning formula against Kilmacud

5, 7, 16 and 23; there was no winner. Next

Crokes with a score of 6-7 to 3-3.

week’s jackpot is €6,000. Thank you for

Thanks to Lidl who presented St Pat-

your continued support. Tickets are

rick’s GAA with €500 worth of vouchers

available from Palmerstown House,

as winners in the ladies’ football compe-

Moriarty’s Supervalu and Manor Hair

tition in our local store.

Studios.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS LAST week, there was no winner of the

end, continuing their unbeaten run with

€3,400 lotto and the numbers were 6, 8,

a win over Liffey Gaels while the Junior

10 and 23.

Bs were unlucky with a one point loss to

This week’s €3,800 draw will be man-

Thomas Davis.

aged by Team Hugh McGonigle and will

A busy intercounty weekend for some

be sponsored by REA McDonald Auction-

Lucan players. In hurling, the Dublin

eers. Tickets can be purchased online, at

minors overcame Laois with the help of

the club, in Carey’s Newsagents, in Vesey

Luke Walsh, Ben Coffey and Emmet Allen

Arms or Kenny’s Bar.

along with Rob Ward, Andy Carroll and

This weekend was mainly a football championship weekend. For Lucan, it was a case of one out of four.

Herkus Sviglinskas.

In ladies football, following on Mia Dunne’s Leinster success with Dublin

The senior footballers champion-

U-14s, Katie Wisdom and Laura Quinn

ship run came to an end at the hands of

helped Dublin’s U-16s to a Leinster title

St Sylvester’s; the intermediates lost

with a win over Meath.

out to O’Tooles in a relegation playoff

The minor As lost their unbeaten

(although confusion remains as to what

league run, going down by five points to

that means).

Na Fianna and the minor Bs were well

Junior As were the stars of the week-

beaten by St Pat’s.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

TITLE SHOWDOWN: Bluebell’s LSL Sunday Senior bid set to go down to final day after loss to Mochta’s P30

MAY 18 - 24, 2017

INNER-CITY LIFE: Liffey Wanderers and Sheriff sweep to FAI Cup titles P29

Collinstown’s Dean Carpenter on the attack against Tolka Rovers earlier in the Leinster Junior Cup this season. Picture: Gillian O’Reilly

Carroll: “Its’ the big one” Collinstown manager says Sheriff are too experienced to suffer from any FAI Junior Cup hangover when they meet in the Leinster decider

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

COLLINSTOWN FC manager Kevin Carroll is confident his side can come away with victory as they prepare for their biggest game of the season against Sheriff YC in the Leinster Junior Cup final at Tolka Park on Sunday.

His side have already landed the LSL Major 1 Sunday title in their debut season following the switch from the AUL, and also recently made the final of the Polikoff cup.

However, the match against Sheriff is the one they really want to win as they look get their hands on the trophy for the second time in three years.

“As a young club, we want to play in the big

cups against the best teams, and that is what is going to happen on Sunday,” Carroll told GazetteSport. “Everyone is looking forward to it because you always play your best football against the best teams so everybody just can’t wait at this stage.”

Collinstown and Sheriff have already met this season in an evenly-matched FAI Junior Cup fourth round tie that the latter won 4-3 after a late strike from Paul Murphy. Sheriff went on to win that tournament last weekend and when it was put to Carroll in jest that the players might overindulge in those celebrations, he was quick to dismiss those notions.

“I think they are too clever for that now!

They have been the top side in the country for too long so I think winning the trophy on

a Sunday then playing another final the following week won’t faze them at all because they are very professional in what they do.

“Especially coming up against us because we know them well and always have cracking games.”

Collinstown reached the final thanks to a 4-1 win over Navan Cosmos in the previous round but it is performances in previous games with Sheriff that gives Carroll confidence.

“In all the games we have played against them down the years, we have always pushed them. We have probably been one of their closest rivals in the AUL over the last few years so with the way we have been playing this year and the way we are set up to play, we

fancy our chances.

“We are going in with a positive attitude for a good game of football because, as I said, we are going to play the best team in the country.”

Carroll also revealed that he will resist any urge to change how they play going into the final. “Obviously, it is the biggest cup in Leinster so the team talk will be a small bit different but nothing else will be different.

“We will go into it the same way we have played every game this year. We want to get the ball down and play. When we don’t have it we will try to get behind the ball.

“We won’t throw anything different in just because it is a big final, we want to play the game rather than the occasion.”