Clondalkin

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MAR 26 - APR 1, 2015

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2012 R ow l ag h • B aw n o g u e • N e i l stow n • D e a n s r at h • K i n g swo o d Month • Ta lXX, l ag h t INSIDE: From Twelve Angry Men cracking times: The Gazette guide to to gazillions of smiles, Bord Gais Energy Theatre marks five years P12 family activities over Easter Pages 14-15

Tickled pink: Scooting around for a good cause Rugby:

Tyrrell’s debut 6 Nations ends in Irish glory Page 32

Football:

Round Tower get the better of St Pat’s Page 31

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

madison Rice was tickled pink to pose for a picture with one of the many amazing bikes on show at The Pavilion Centre at The Red Cow in the recent Irish Scooterist Easter Egg Run for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. The event started at Bray and went through the city centre past the Children’s Hospital in Crumlin before finishing at the Red Cow where guests enjoyed music and a raffle for a scooter. The event raised €16,000.

Council cost of litter clean-up is ‘colossal’ Outlay of €7.2m to deal with illegal dumping is down €1m on 2013

 Ian Begley

South Dublin County Council has spent about €7.2m on the removal of litter and illegal dumping last year, a decrease of €1m from 2013.

In 2014 €3.2m was spent on cleansing/illegal dumping, €2.8m on estate cleaning and litter removal, €880k on litter warden services, €23,000 on anti-litter campaigns and €315,000 on environmental awareness.

Cllr Louise Dunne (SF) who requested these figures from the council said: “A lot of communities have seen a huge increase in illegal dumping and austerity has had a huge impact on this as well. There are people out

there who have to choose between putting a dinner on the table and buying a bin tag.”

Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) said the cost of the clean-up was “colossal”.

Full Story on Page 2

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 26 March 2015

motion Cost of dealing with dumping down €1m on 2013

€7.2m spent on litter removal South Dublin County Council has spent about €7.2m on the removal of litter and illegal dumping last year – a decrease of €1m from 2013.

The figures, which are in response to a motion tabled at the March County Council meeting, state that in 2014 €3.2m was spent on cleansing/ illegal dumping, €2.8m on estate cleaning and litter removal, €880k on litter warden services, €23,000 on anti-litter campaigns and €315,000 on environmental awareness.

These figures are down

 ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

by €1m in 2013 when the total cost on the removal of litter and illegal dumping stood at €6.2m.

In 2013, €2.8m was spent on cleansing/illegal dumping, €2.2m on estate cleaning and litter removal, €880,000 on litter warden services, €46,000 on anti-litter campaigns and €330k on

environmental awareness.

Cllr Louise Dunne (SF) , who requested these figures, told The Gazette that the problem with illegal dumping is worse than ever.

She said: “A lot of communities have seen a huge increase in illegal dumping and austerity has had a huge impact on this well. There are people out there who have to choose between putting a dinner on the table for their family and buying a bin tag.

“It costs €30 a month for our bins to be collected and it’s a colos-

sal amount of money for people living on social welfare to be paying. On the other side you have people who seem to not give a damn.

“There are many litter blackspots right across the county, where you will find hazardous waste and dead animal carcases. Even when the community are proactive and do clean-ups they can’t deal with this type of waste because it’s hazardous,” she said.

C l o n d a l k i n ’s C l l r Francis Timmons (Ind) also commented on this issue saying: “Dumping is a huge issue around the whole of Clondalkin. We have par ticular problems around Bawnogue and north Clondalkin. I got a call recently from a resident from Oatfield who told me that bags of rubbish were dumped overnight on the green in front of the estate.

“The cost of the clean-up is colossal. All of that money could be

The problem with illegal dumping is worse than ever, says Cllr Louise Dunne

better spent on youth facilities and community initiatives and it’s a terrible shame that this type of activity still goes on.

“I think some people are dumping illegally out of badness, but I think other people are just genuinely stretched so much that they can’t afford to pay their bin charges,” said Cllr Timmons.

Meanwhile, a local resident from

Clondalkin contacted The Gazette, complaining about the increasing problem of overflowing bins, f ly tipping and public alcohol drinking along the Grand Canal at the Nangor Road entrance.

“It’s a disgrace and a shame to see the amount of rubbish people throw along the canal and it’s also a disgrace that there isn’t a more serious response from the council and

the contractor responsible for keeping the canal route clean and maintaining it on a regular basis.

“I was in Denmark last year and was amazed at the level of respect people there have for their environment. All the public amenities are spotless as are the many cycle tracks and walk ways throughout the countr yside and islands,” she said.

Groups urged to apply for funding A fund of €30,000 is available for the 2015 Community Tourism Diaspora Project for the south Dublin area, and local residents who are interested in organising an event are being encouraged to apply.

In 2014 the Community Tourism Diaspora Project for the south Dublin area paid over €5,000 in grant support to small events

that involved overseas visitors.

Applications are now being accepted for this project for 2015. A fund of €30,000 is available for 2015, with up to €3,000 available for individual events.

The project aims are to provide support in the form of small-scale funding incentives for community-based tourism events

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

that have the capacity to carry through the legacy of The Gathering in 2013 and beyond.

It also aims to create a national network of local events with the capacity to deepen diaspora linkages and networks that have been developed or reactivated during The Gathering year.

Mayor of South Dublin County Fintan Warfield (SF) welcomed the continuation of this initiative.

He said: “The Gathering in 2013 was a significant boost to tourism and in particular to local

communities. Making communities aware of the economic and social benefits that can come from reaching out and welcoming international visitors from the diaspora is vital.

“I warmly welcome the continuation of the Community Tourism Initiative for the Diaspora and call upon local groups planning events to apply and benefit from the supports being offered.”

The closing date for applications is April 2 at 5.00pm.

To make an application visit www.sdcc.ie or email econdev@sdublincoco.ie

26 March 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

business

council: difficulty in identifying owners of abandoned properties

Newlands nabs top award

51 unused houses being investigated  ian begley

Currently there are 51 vacant/abandoned privately owned houses in south County Dublin that are under investigation by the council.

This figure was in response to a question tabled by Cllr Paul Foley (FF) at the March council meeting asking chief executive Daniel McLoughlin what steps the council are taking to address this issue.

McLoughlin’s reply said all reports of vacant/ abandoned houses are investigated by the enforcement and licensing section.

T h e i nve s t i g a t i o n involves a number of standard checks includ-

ing: Site inspection, taking photos and documenting condition of site, Folio checking to establish ownership, and planning checks to establish the planning history on the property/site in question.

McLoughlin added: “Difficulties have been experienced in establishing the current owner(s) of some of the vacant properties and in establishing the current whereabouts of the owner(s).

“In exceptional cases, the council has secured abandoned private properties in the interests of good estate management and health and safety grounds. In one case, the council’s offer to purchase an abandoned property

has been accepted.”

Responding, Cllr Paul Foley (FF) said: “It raises more questions than it answers to be honest.

There are 51 privately owned homes that aren’t being used and we have a waiting list which has reached epidemic proportions from people looking for social homes.

“These houses are negatively affecting the communities they are in because they are derelict, attract anti-social issues, litter and also bring the entire community down.

“I don’t see why the council wouldn’t be able to put a long time lease with the landlords who own these homes and use them for social housing,” he said.

Picture perfect: Clondalkin students bring colour to art competition clondalkin is well represented in this year’s Texaco Children’s

Art Competition – the 61st year of the event – with entries having been received from talented young students across the county.

Pictured admiring an entry received from Clondalkin is Bronagh Carron, marketing manager, Valero Ireland. Untitled, the work was submitted by eight-year-old Cian Bergin, a pupil at St Mary’s Junior School, Clondalkin. Judging is currently taking place with the winners to be announced in mid-April. Prizes will be presented at a ceremony that takes place in Dublin in May.

Newlands Home and Garden Centre in Clondalkin were recently honoured with an award for Best Plant Quality and a five-star Garden Centre Award, one of only three garden centres in the country to receive such a high rating.

The business achieved these awards in recognition of their attention to detail towards plant care and maintenance.

Bord Bia presented its annual Garden Industry Awards at a reception in its Dublin headquarters where 14 Dublin businesses were honoured.

The awards recognise and promote excellence across the gardening industry while celebrating the industry’s dedication to achieving the highest standards of operation.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 26 March 2014

drama Providing teens with a route to personal and social development

Teenagers being encouraged to sign up for theatre  Ian Begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

Tallaght Youth Theatre is encouraging teenagers aged 13-18 to sign up for its weekly theatre sessions, where they will experience and develop every aspect of the dramatic arts.

FastNews

Casual Friday introduce EP

A Clondalkinbased indie rock band is launching a debut EP – Introducing Casual Friday – at the Aras Chronain in Clondalkin on April 4. Casual Friday is made up of three BIMM Institute Dublin students, along with guitarist David McDonald.

The band will support Oasis UK in The Button Factory on March 28, and launch their EP the following Saturday, April 4 at Aras Chronain in Clondalkin. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Tickets.ie for the Button Factory show, and the Aras Chronain gig is free entry.

Local artists up for competition Clondalkin is well represented in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition – the 61st year of the event – with entries received from talented young students across the county.

Eight-year-old Cian Bergin, a pupil at St Mary’s Junior School, Clondalkin, is one of the many hopefuls wishing to impress the judges with his submission.

Judging is currently taking place with the winners to be announced in midApril.

Prizes will be presented at a ceremony that takes place in Dublin in May.

The theatre’s goal is to provide a means of personal and social development in a safe, creative and non-competitive environment, and to give members the confidence and support to bring their own projects to the stage.

Those who attend can express themselves through

theatrical performances, writing, directing or production.

Tallaght Youth Theatre is supported by the staff of Tallaght Community Arts, South Dublin County Council Arts Office, the National Association for Youth Drama and Tallaght Youth Services.

The theatre group gets together on Fridays between 5.30 to 7.30pm in Rua Red and admission is €75 for a year’s membership.

For more information, contact Jill on tallaghtyouththeatre@gmail.com or visit the Tallaght Youth Theatre Tallaght Youth Theatre members in rehearsals.

Picture: www.facebook.com/tallaght.youththeatre Facebook page.

health: ‘Before my operation I was existing but wasn’t living’

Kidney transplant that offers new lease of life  Ian Begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

Peter Pardou (60) from Clondalkin received a kidney transplant in November 2013.

His diagnosis of early stage kidney disease came in 1993 soon after his father passed away but his condition appeared to be stable for almost 14 years until 2007, when he began to feel very unwell.

To h i g h l i g h t t h e launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week, The Gazette spoke to the Clondalkin man about how his life has vastly changed for the better following his kidney transplant.

Some medical tests revealed that his kidney function had deteriorated to just 25% in 2007 and the prognosis was that his kidney function would decline further and that he would have to undergo dialysis treatment by 2010.

He decided to take charge of his condition and through medical intervention and implementing a healthy lifestyle and restricted diet he managed to stave off dialysis treatment right up until September 2013.

Speaking to The Gazette, Pardou said: “Initially it was a very scary experience. When I was told that I needed a kidney transplant it changed my lifestyle completely and also changed my outlook on life.

“It was hard to get my head around the reality of the situation, but to be honest I had to get on with things and live my life day-to-day.”

Pardou went on to say that the birth of his first grandchild helped him come to terms with his illness.

“The new life of my granddaughter helped me cope with the prospect of losing my life.

I was only 55 when I was diagnosed and I’ll always remember when the consultant said to me that there’s nothing they could do for me.

“I thought to myself that this isn’t the way I wanted to go out so I joined the Irish Kidney Association who told me how to maintain my diet and look after myself.

“I had to reduce my portion sizes and eliminate the type of foods I ate, like chocolate, coffee, bananas, peas, bacon and any processed foods.

Kidney transplant recipient Peter Pardou with Mary Kennedy

“The one thing I would definitely say to people who have recently been diagnosed is to maintain a healthy diet.

“I was only seven weeks on dialysis when I got a call for the transplant which was very quick. I know people

who have spent 10 years waiting on a transplant and in a way I feel kind of guilty about this.

“T he Irish K idney Association were and still are very supportive. You get to talk with other people in your situation and share your experiences which

really helps.

“Before I had my transplant I was existing, but wasn’t living.

It was actually really depressing too because I couldn’t go anywhere or do anything because I was so tired all the time, which also affected my family.

“My health now is great, there’s no comparison. They say it’s the gift of life and it really is.”

People are being encouraged to sign up for an organ donor card on their smartphone or through their local pharmacy.

26 March 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 5

Expert fitting service, bringing value to Irish consumers for over 45 years

Transform your home for less at Des Kelly Interiors At Des Kelly Interiors, they have a real passion for flooring.

They have a huge focus on stocking all the up to date ranges and colours from all the leading manufacturers which makes it no wonder they are Ireland’s Number One Flooring retailer. New floors can completely transform a room, Des Kelly have personal staff members dedicated to helping you find the floor solutions that will work best for you.

Grey flooring seems to really be the trend at the moment and they really do have Fifty Shades of Grey flooring to suit everyone in store. Grey flooring

offers timeless style and long-lasting beauty with a modern industrial twist, add little hints of colour with a single red rug can work wonders , as could a stunning red vase or light and this is because one block of colour or a playful splash makes a huge impact in your room. Stocking all the

flooring in their newly renovated warehouse, means Des Kelly again is striving to bring value to the Irish home.

Quickstep floors are no doubt the best laminate floors on the market at the moment. They have FREE FITTING of the Creo Jungle Plum and Rustic Oak for the month of March, so pop in and grab yourself a bargain.

They supply and fit your floor from start to finish hassle free.

Stocking a full range of carefully selected accessories for a perfectly finished floor, Des Kelly has the solution for every floor and situation.

Installing the right

underlay has a major impact on the final look, quality and comfort of your floor. Based on their experience for the past 45 years they have selected a collection of high quality underlays to provide excellent acoustic and thermal insulation for your new f loor .

Whether you are looking for Hardwood or Laminate flooring, Des has got you covered.

There is a floor to suit every home. No matter your application, living room, dining room, stairs, Yes, Stairs, or bathroom, Des Kelly Interiors offers the best value for money and affordable options on the market.

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 26 March 2015

don’sdublin

station 7 years idle as funding unavailable

Dunsink Observatory has been looking to the skies since 1785 Dunsink Observatory was one of those places in Dublin that I knew about, but had never visited. So it was a real treat to be shown around the historic building by Prof Luke Drury (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies – DIAS) whose wealth of knowledge and anecdotes made for a most enjoyable and informative experience.

The observatory, built in 1785, was financed by funds from the will of Provost Francis Andrews of Trinity College, who wanted the college to have, for the first time, the facility to study astronomical science. Richard Myers designed it, and the original plans that called for two Palladian-style wings, were never completed due to financial restraints.

As such, the building you see today is notable for its lack of ornamentation and is appealing, nevertheless, to a modern architectural aesthetic.

Although no major discoveries were made at the observatory, it was made famous by Sir William Rowan Hamilton (1805-1865) who was appointed professor of astronomy and director of Dunsink in 1827, while he was still an undergraduate. He was Ireland’s greatest mathematician and his work on the foundations of mechanics underpins large areas of modern physics.

The South Dome was erected in 1865 and the Grubb telescope is impressive, even after 150 years. Grubb was a firm based in Rathmines and it exported telescopes all over the world until the early 20th century.

Dunsink provided the correct time for Dublin and you can see the original clocks and other equipment inside the main building. And, not surprisingly, “Dunsink time” is mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses.

The State bought the observatory in 1947 and it is now part of the School of Cosmic Physics in DIAS. Today the observatory is used for conferences, meetings and during the winter (Oct-Mar) for open nights when visitors can view celestial bodies (weather permitting!) through the Grubb telescope. Special family events are often held where parents and children can meet an astronomer and explore the night sky.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

The Dunsink Observatory was built in 1785

homeless: appeal for donations

Return bins and help out charity  Ian Begley

The Kishoge station continues to lie idle

No plans to open €6.4m Kishoge  Ian Begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

Insufficient funding for 2015 and a low level of passenger usage at the unused train station in K ishoge are cited as reasons for the National Transport Authority (NTA) not to open the facility.

The Kishoge station cost €6.35m to build nearly seven years ago and continues to lie idle, despite being located near multiple Lucan housing estates, including Foxborough, Moy Glas and Griffeen Glen.

Irish Rail has stated it would not open the station as the NTA had failed to provide the funding necessary for works to complete an access road and carpark.

Speaking to The Gazette, a spokesperson from the NTA said: “While construction of the rail station building and platforms were completed at Kishoge

some years ago, the necessary access road and car park were not developed at that time.

“The station itself was planned to cater for large scale developments due to be constructed in the surrounding area. “ Howe ve r, i n t h e intervening period since the station was planned, most of these developments have not been progressed.

“An analysis of the likely projected level of demand at Kishoge, based on current residential and travel patterns in the area, indicates that the level of passenger usage at the station would be low, and would be unlikely to justify the cost of opening the station at this time or adding another stop to services currently operating along this line.

“Accordingly, while funding is not available in 2015 for the required works to facilitate the opening of this station, the position will be

reviewed in 2016 following the opening of the Phoenix Park tunnel link, which will facilitate train services running into the Connolly, Tara, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock stations,” said the spokesperson.

Lucan’s Cllr William Lavelle (FG) called on the NTA and Irish Rail to open the multi-million “ghost station” at Kishoge to serve local commuters in advance of the planned reopening of the Phoenix Park rail tunnel in 2016.

He said: “I warmly welcome the plan to reopen the Phoenix Park tunnel in 2016.

“This is something I have long campaigned for. This proposal represents commonsense planning: using existing unused infrastructure to maximise public transport capacity.”

The reopening of the Phoenix Park tunnel will allow trains from the Kildare line, including Lucan and

Adamstown, to travel via Glasnevin Junction to the Connolly/Pearse line, terminating at Grand Canal Dock.

C l l r L ave l l e a l s o added: “Kishoge is the last ‘ghost station’ left unopened in Dublin…

I am calling on the NTA to release the funding to complete the works to the access road and carpark.

“I am also calling on Irish Rail to open-up the station’s entrance onto Grangecastle Road so as to facilitate those wishing to access the station by foot or bike.”

A spokesperson from Irish Rail also commented on this issue, saying: “We are not currently funded to build the access road and car park required for Kishogue Station.

“It is not included in our 2015 capital funding, and decisions on funding in future years are a matter for the N a t i o n a l Tr a n s p o r t Authority.”

Greyhound Household, Clondalkin, has linked up with Peter McVerry Trust in a campaign to help Dublin’s homeless.

Householders in the Dublin area, who haven’t sent back their bins, will be given an opportunity to support Peter McVerry Trust.

For every bin returned, €5 will be donated by Greyhound Household to the homeless and housing charity. Greyhound estimates there are more than 20,000 of the company’s bins in circulation which are not being used for waste disposal. All the householder is required to do is call Greyhound and the company will organise collection.

Greyhound Household owner Michael Buckley said: “Greyhound were involved in an incident last year where a homeless man sleeping in a bin, almost lost his life. It brought home to us the increasing problem of homelessness in the city and we have been looking for a way to make a contribution.

“We are delighted that the Peter McVerry Trust, which is at the forefront of the battle against homelessness, has joined us in this campaign.”

Pat Doyle, chief executive of Peter McVerry Trust, said: “We’d like to thank Greyhound Household for choosing to support our work with Dublin’s homeless.

“This campaign can help make a very valuable contribution to our work to support over 350 people on a daily basis.”

26 March 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

courts ‘Drastic’ right of way change confusing – judge

Lorry driver avoids losing his licence A bin lorry driver who knocked down a cyclist causing him serious injuries has avoided a driving disqualification after a judge ruled that new driving rules on a roundabout were not made clear to approaching motorists.

Judge Martin Nolan said he was “surprised t h e r e we r e d r a s t i c changes” made to the rules of the road, giving cyclists the right-of-way on the Killiney Towers Roundabout in south Dublin “after it was drilled in us for years that we must not stop on a roundabout unless there are traffic lights.”

He said the nature of

the change to the roundabout is the significant reason he was not disqualifying Alan Lee (45) from driving, stating that it would be “particularly unjust”.

He imposed a fine of €500 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after Lee of Greenfort Avenue in Clondalkin pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Tim O’Herilihy on October 26, 2012.

Garda David McCarthy told Paul Carroll BL, prosecuting, that Mr O’Herilihy was cycling on the cycle path of the roundabout and that cyclists had the right-ofway.

He said Lee, who was driving a refuse collection truck, cut out in front of Mr O’Herilihy to take the Avondale Road exit.

Mr O’Herilihy attempted to avoid the truck but hit the back of it and became trapped under his bicycle.

He suffered broken ribs, a shattered pelvis, a broken ankle and internal bleeding. He required five operations over a six-month period.

In a victim impact report, Mr O’Herilihy said his mobility has been impacted and his biggest fear is that he will never be able to compete in sports again and that arthritis will set in.

Lee told gardai he hadn’t noticed the cyclist and thought he had hit a rubber strip between the cycle lane and the roundabout.

He said when he noticed he had hit Mr O’Herilihy he went back to the scene.

Gda McCarthy agreed with Lorcan Staines BL, defending, that the roundabout with a cycle lane, giving cyclists the right of way, was the first of its kind in Ireland.

“Cyclists ha d the right-of-way at exits which was unusual and this caused significant confusion,” said Gda McCarthy.

He said Dun

Alan Lee of Greenfort Avenue in Clondalkin pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm

Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council re-instated the roundabout back to its old system after this accident.

“There were no signs coming onto the roundabout to notify motorists that cyclists had the right

of way,” Gda McCarthy added.

Judge Nolan noted that Mr O’Herilihy had a very serious fall with devastating injuries and that he has suffered hugely.

He said: “If you

change the rules that apply to a roundabout, the public should be well alerted”.

He noted that there were not adequate warning signs letting motorists know cyclists had the right of way.

8 clondalkin Gazette 26 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Jane Smith and Nathan Regan

The Beacon of Light Counselling Centre get ready to celebrate. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter

Faith Kelly and Keating family: Joey, Eoin, Grace and Kyle

Nora Boggams with son Brody

Tayah Jean, Professor Sneedypoppers and David Rossiter

Killian Bergin and Chris Joe Mahony, Gearoid Craic, Vincent (Fred) Cahill

Sarah Duffy and Aoife Richards

Morgan

26 March 2015 clondalkin Gazette 9

PARADE: Enjoying ST PATRICK’S DAY AT CORKAGH PARK

The green wave finally returned

F

AMILIES gathered in their green gear to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Clondalkin.

It was the first time in 10 years that residents enjoyed a parade in the locality.

More than 3,000 people watched the parade that circled the perimeter of Corkagh Park and celebrated all things Irish.

It showcased the best of Clondalkin’s community groups. Tri-colour flags, bright headbands and wacky leprechaun hats were dotted around the park.

The parade was deemed a great success and organisers hope next year will be bigger and better.

Walczak Bartek with daughters: Julia and Jagoda with Kolodziejczyk Emilka and Agnieszka Sobalska

Clondalkin Active Retirement Group

Xxx yyll xxyyl zxyxzz zz x x

Conor Iveagh

10 Gazette 26 March 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Morah and Lottie Ryan

Ali Hewson and Adi Roche at Liz O Donnell’s (centre) annual fundraising lunch. Picture: Brian McEvoy

fundraiser: Liz’s Lunch for Chernobyl at Fire restaurant

Liz’s desire to help others catches fire

A

li Hewson was among the homegrown glitterati who turned out to support Liz’s Lunch for Chernobyl.

Hosted by RSA chief and Chernobyl Children International (CCI) board director Liz O’Donnell, with

Eva Orsmond

businessman, talent manager and CCI board director Noel Kelly, the event took place in Dublin’s Fire restaurant.

The charity plays a major role in helping to save the lives of hundreds of children born with genetic heart

Aidan Power and Tara Carey

defects in Eastern Ukraine.

Liz O’Donnell said: “This event is a fantastic example of how the concern and generosity of everyone here today will help save the lives of those babies and children in serious need of medical intervention.”

Claire Byrne

Kathryn Thomas and Padraig McLoughlin

Ursula and Dave Fanning

26 March 2015 Gazette 11

asdfsdaf easter camps P27 P14

escape the mayhem p13

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

a day in the life: award-winning blogger Sinead Burke

what’son

Dinner time with the family feeds the soul  keith bellew

Sinead Burke, aka Minnie Melange, has many strings to her bow: she is an award-winning blogger, PhD student and an ambassador for the ISPCC’s Shield AntiBullying campaign.

This week the Gazette caught up with her to find out what she does on an average day.

Her packed schedule necessitates an early rise, which is not always easy: “I wake at about 6am, though that rarely occurs without at least three alarms shrieking at me to get up.

“The snooze button is also pressed quite frequently but the less we say about that, the better.

Attempting to attain the most amount of sleep, I have a regimented routine in the morning that most definitely includes breakfast.

“A typical meal for me in the morning is a bowl of granola with some sliced fruit and a yoghurt.”

She is currently studying in Trinity College for a PhD, the subject of which is the experiences of children in primary school. She says the research involved is very time consuming which makes it difficult to find a balance with her blogging.

“In the midst of academia, allotting time for consistent blog posts can be a challenge but I’ve begun to achieve a balance of research, transcribing interviews for the blog’s Extraordinary Women series, updating social media and engaging with the blogging community.

“It’s not an easy feat but one which has been extremely fruitful, thus far.”

A family dinner is an important part of her day: “I’m fortunate to live at home with my parents and siblings.

“Collectively having dinner is something which is really important to us. The dining room table is where we assemble to announce our news and the various activities we are engaged in.

“Thus, the set time for dinner is when we are all home. It’s one of my favourite parts of the day.”

While she has a lot of work to do each day, that doesn’t stop her from taking the time to relax every evening.

“I’m really fortunate to have lots of work and activities that keep me occupied during the day but I firmly believe that it’s essential to wind down at night time.

“Typically, I try to do



Gazette

diary p12

Jersey Boys making an appearance in Dublin: The

Sinead Burke: “I’m enamoured by Wyvern Lingo, Louise O’Neill’s excellent book Only Ever Yours and the hilarious Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix.”

this either through music, reading or television. I’m currently enamoured by [Bray band] Wyvern Lingo, Louise O’Neill’s excellent book Only Ever Yours and the hilarious Unbreakable K immy Schmidt on Netflix.

“I aim to be in bed early but it’s always at the point of the night, when you know you should be making your way to bed, that an amazing plot twist occurs in a book or on a television programme and you think to

yourself – just one more chapter or episode.”

Burke will continue in her ambassadorial role with the ISPCC Shield campaign for the remainder of March. For more information visit: www. ispcc.ie/shield

award-winning and highly-acclaimed production of Jersey Boys is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from April 1 to 18.

Jersey Boys is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks.

These four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sold 175 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30.

The producers of the tour are also delighted to announce that West End star Tim Driesen will be heading the cast as Frankie Valli, a role he previously played for a short season at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. Tickets are on sale now from €20 to €60 and can be purchased from www. bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

It’s ofishial – Jedward land first film roles

Their hair may be more on the flat side these days but Jedward could soon be back to their hair raising days when they battle it out with a shark in their first movie – Sharknado 3.

The Lucan duo, known for their love of high hair, are set to share the screen with Bo Derek, Jerry Springer and David Hasselhof in the satirical disaster

made-for-TV movie.

Rumour has it that they could also feature in the fourth movie and are in talks to write music for it.

They are teaming up with their new BFF Tara Reid who features in the franchise. The twins met the Hollywood actress during their stint on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2011 and have remained friends since

then.

bristling with anger at bord gais theatre The whole of Montrose seemed to have decamped to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this week to see a new production of classic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men, which came direct from its successful run in London’s West

Over the moon: Lucan duo team up with new BFF Tara Reid

Claire Whelan with Stephen Faloon, general manager of The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, celebrating five years of the well-known Dublin Theatre. The theatre has had 2.5 million visitors viewing 250 productions since 2010.

Picture: Brian McEvoy

End. On March 16, RTE broadcaster Gay Byrne, former newsreader Ann Doyle and weather presenter Nuala Carey were all in attendance on opening night. Also there were some of RTE soap Fair City actors such as Ciara O’Callaghan, who plays Yvonne Doyle and Aoibheann McCaul who is Caoimhe Dillon in the show.

Twelve Angry Men featured Olivier and Tony Award winner Tom Conti, who came to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre last week for a short run.

Conti took on the role made famous by Henry Fonda in the movie version of the play, as juror number eight, the charismatic man who sways the other 11 jurors to his way of thinking about a murder case.

The cast did a good job of recreating the dissension and fraught atmosphere that fills the

jury room as personal prejudices and selfish motives are thrashed out against the backdrop of a 16-year-old black boy facing the electric chair.

The Bord Gais Energy Theatre also celebrated its fifth birthday last week with a special celebration recognising all the great performances held in the Grand Canal venue since 2010.

enda’s tense moment with us president It’s fairly safe to say that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has a great admiration for US president Barack Obama.

From fawning over him during his visit to Ireland a few years ago and his quoting almost word for word his “Yes we can” speech, to the poster of him hanging in his office in Leinster House.

How painful it must have been for him then when during his St

Patrick’s Day visit to the states, Obama accidentally snubbed Enda when he went to shake his hand prior to a sit down with the press.

Just as the two sat down for a press conference, Enda reached over to shake Obama’s hand, but the US president just happened to turn towards the reporters at that very moment.

Enda tried to save himself embarrassment by looking at his hand as if he were examining his nails, but unfortunately this act didn’t help the disappointed Taoiseach.

Rihanna is radiant in rocha design She is famous for wearing next to nothing, but when pop singer Rihanna does decide to don some threads, at least she has good taste.

Recently seen wearing a white two-piece outfit with scalloped hemline by Dublin designer

Simone Rocha, Rihanna stepped out in fine Irish style at a promo for her new film Home, in New York.

The jacket, skirt and white shoes she wore, are all part of Simone Rocha’s latest collection, which, if Rihanna paid for the ensemble, would have set her back more than €2,000.

This is the second time Rihanna has favoured Rocha’s fashion creations, having previously worn a sheer white skirt with statement pink underwear which drew more than a few gasps last year.

28-year-old Simone is the daughter of famous fashion designer John Rocha and is currently blazing a trail among A-listers in Hollywood.

Actress and writer Lena Dunham was also seen in Rocha’s designs at a recent gala event in Los Angeles when she wore an off-the-shoulder black dress by Rocha.

26 March 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

news

dispute: low-hour contracts, fair pay, job security and union representation behind action

Thousands of Dunnes Stores workers set to strike  gazette reporters

Around 3,000 Dunnes Stores workers will take industrial action at branches throughout Dublin on Thursday, April 2.

The striking workers are members of Mandate Trade Union which represents about 50% of the 10,000 Dunnes employees throughout the country. Over 75% of the workforce is female.

The one-day strike goes ahead in 109 stores across the country. This follows a ballot of workers in dispute with the company over low-hour contracts, fair pay, job security and union representation.

A picket will be put on all Dunnes Stores out-

lets across the country, which will remain open.

It is likely the action will “severely” affect business on the day.

Various branches in the city and surrounding areas will be picketed by hundreds of staff members.

Those stores affected by the strike in Dundrum include Beacon South Quarter, Cornelscourt in Foxrock, Leopardstown, Nutgrove Avenue in Rathfarnham and Stillorgan, while Georges Street is the only branch in Dun Laoghaire. Around 58% of staff at the Dundrum stores will picket while in Dun Laoghaire the figure is 75%.

In Dublin 15 both

Blanch Shopping Centre and Ongar branches will be affected. About 160 (70%) members of staff at the former will strike and 20 (23-24%) in Ongar.

Both Swords Pavilions and Rathbeale Road branches will strike with 50 and 15 members of staff taking part respectively. Meanwhile, in Clondalkin, 200 Dunnes Stores staff at the Mill Centre will engage in industrial strike action.

Mandate representative Dave Moran, said the union is trying to negotiate better terms and conditions for staff and that the company refuses to enter discussions to avert strike action.

“We have been trying

to negotiate over the last number of years to get better terms and conditions.

At the moment most workers are employed on 15 hours or temporary contracts for three months. There is no guarantee of what earnings they get from one week to the next. Some weeks they get 15 hours some 30 hours and some 20 hours, you just can’t plan a lifestyle on fluctuating wages.”

These contracts have implications for social welfare and family income supplement entitlements.

Moran added: “We have asked the company to attend both conciliating in the LRC and we have had two Labour Court

Around 3, 000 workers will take part in a one-day strike at store branches throughout Dublin on Thursday, April 2

hearings; both times the company has refused to attend,” he said.

According to Moran, the Labour Court in its most recent recommendation urged both sides to sit down and discuss all

issues but “unfortunately” Dunnes has “refused”.

If nothing has been resolved from this strike, Moran said the union’s national dispute committee made up of Dunnes Stores representatives

will meet after April 2 to decide on the next course of action.

Dunnes Stores has been contacted, but at the time of going to press had not come back with comment.

Gazette

14 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

Easter isn’t just about It’s that eggstra special time of year when schoolkids can enjoy some time out from the books to build on budding skills or whet their appetite for a new hobby and have fun  staff reporters

Dun LaoghaireRathdown

This Easter Dun Laoghaire-Rathdow n has plenty to occupy and entertain children during their time off school.

DLR Leisure Services hosts its Kids’ MultiSport Camps for boys and girls aged four to 13.

During the Easter holiday, children can let off steam and get active at DLR leisure centres in Monkstown, Meadowbrook and Loughlinstown from 9am until

3pm, Monday to Friday.

Activities include swimming, basketball, tennis, dodgeball, football and more. Prices are €80 per child per week or €20 per day. Book at www.dlrleisureservices. ie.

For smaller children, Imaginosity in Sandy-

ford has lined up unusual Easter camps: an Elsa and Olaf Camp and a CSI Investigator camp.

From March 30 to April 3, Elsa and Olaf, based on the popular Frozen characters, offers activities based on the movie featuring arts and crafts, dance and drama.

There will be snowmenbuilding, ice castle design, singing and storytelling.

C SI I n v e s t i g a t o r explores what it is like to be a real detective. Children follow clues, solve riddles, check fingerprints and more.

The camp runs April 7 to 10 from 9.30am to 1pm and costs €80 a week or €25 a day. Places for both are limited, so booking is essential: call 01 2176130.

In Dublin 15

CAMPS running in the area are sure to capture kids’ imagination.

A Soccer Camp in Coolmine Rugby Club r uns April 6 to 10, 10.30am to 2pm for all aged four to 13. It costs €95 for the week. For info, go to www.skillzsoccercamp.com.

For budding scientists, Eggcellent science camp in Castleknock is a must.

Starting March 30 and ending April 10, Eggsperiments allow kids to find out all they ever wanted to know about eggs: investigate them as a food source; dissect an egg; dissolve the shells; find out if they’re strong enough to walk on. Would they be good heat insulators?

It costs €70 a child, aged four to 12. For more

Dillon Shinbach and Emily Darley were eggs-tremely happy to help announce that

info, visit www.anyoneforscience.com.

For the young Van Goghs and Da Vincis Artzone camps at Castleknock Parish Centre from March 30 to April 10 are the answer. Open 10am to 2pm, organisers say this year’s event will feature the best portfolios of crafts, stories and games yet experienced.

Projects include painting, drawing, collage, clay and 3D construction, print and graphics. More information at www.artzone.ie.

In North Dublin

At the Old Stables, Drynam Road, Swords, Badgers Den is running a cracking Easter Egg camp, jammed with Easter activities: arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, science, games, cooking and baking, trips and outings and more.

Past outings include the wax museum, Newbridge Farm, the zoo, cinema, Kidszone play centre, to name a few.

The camp runs March 30 to April 10 with half day (9am-1pm) and full day (9am-6pm) options.

More information at www.badgersden.ie For sporty kids, Buzz – Ball Parties is running a sports camp at St Helen’s Senior National School Portmarnock March 30 to April 10. The Buzz – Ball programme teaches kids the basic skills they need before signing up to organised sport.

This Easter camp, for five- to six-year-olds, runs from 9.30am to 1.30pm. More information at www.facebook. com/buzzballparties.

Malahide Castle Golf & Tennis club hosts a Junior Golf Camp at Malahide Castle for those aged six to 13, March 30 to April 3, from 9.30am

to 12.30pm. It is provided by PGA Professional Jason Somers. More information at www. mcgt.ie.

In Lucan and Clondalkin

Lucan Leisure Centre hosts an Easter Kids Camp for kids aged three to 10. A mini camp for children aged three to four takes place 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Those a little older (five to 10) can partake in an Easter camp from 9.30am to 2pm, April 7 to 10.

Activities include basketball, football, hockey, tennis, rounders, bench ball, volley ball, arts and crafts, team games and treasure hunts. The minicamp costs €35 per child and €52 for older children. More info at www. lucanleisure.com, or call 01 6241930.

At Clondalkin Leisure Centre, an Easter Splash Camp caters for those

26 March 2015 Gazette 15

chocolate, you know

Gazette

easter camps

The upcoming Eggcellent science camp in Castleknock will delve into the mysteries and goodness of eggs, glorious eggs

Join “Elsa” in Imaginosity to delve into a cool world of Tayto Park has added Dinosaurs Alive to its attractions

Frozen-related fun and games

aged six to 12. Activities include swimming, rock climbing (10+), archery, basketball, football, unihockey, tennis, rounders, bench ball, volley ball, arts and crafts, team games and treasure hunts.

All activities are fully insured with small numbers in each group. These camps take place April 3-5 and April 7-10 from 9.30am to 2pm. The fiveday camp costs €65 per child and the four-day is €52. More info at www. clondalkinleisure.com, or call 01-4574858.

activities from a Viking House Dig, day tours, leather working, pottery, archery and weaponry.

In Dublin City

The Gaiety School of Acting on Essex Street West, Temple Bar runs its Make a Movie! Lights. Camera.

Action from March 30 to April 2. Kids learn from the experts how to write, act, light and do the sound in a movie. Footage is professionally edit-

ed and kids then receive a DVD of their own movie.

Admission is €200 for the week. More info at www. gaietyschool.com or call 6799277.

For the budding chefs, the Whisk Cookery camp shows kids how to cook soup, breads, Thai curry, beef bourguignon, lemon drizzle cake, falafel veg burgers, hummus, brownies and more. It runs March 30 to April 2 or April 7-10 in Templeogue/Terenure and suits those aged seven to 14.

Admission is €100 per week. More info from whiskcooker ycamp@ gmail.com or call Susan on 086 602 8336.

The Big Dig Archaeology Camp in Harold’s Cross allows children aged to 12 get their hands dirty as they get introduced to the mysteries and adventures of archaeology in a fun and relaxing environment.

Children also enjoy

For further information, see www.sia.ie This camp runs from March 30 to April 10.

Gazette

16 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

Q&A

business Range of impressive conference rooms With up to 400 complimentary car parking spaces, direct access to/ from Dublin Airport via Dublin Coach and in close proximity to the Luas facility into Dublin City Centre, the Green Isle Conference and Leisure hotel on the Naas

Road is a great place for business conferences.

Clients may choose from a broad range of meeting rooms including 40 fully equipped boardrooms, all with natural daylight, airconditioning and high speed WiFi. The con-

ference centre offers a range of impressive conference rooms for up to 750 delegates theatre style or 550 banqueting style and located on the ground floor of the hotel making it easily accessible for all delegates.

For those travelling

from afar the option of staying overnight is open. The executive style guestrooms have ample work space and complimentary internet access.

For more information visit www.greenislehotel.com.

Chris Robinson of CR Bodyworx

Doing his best to make clients feel their best CHRIS Robinson is a personal trainer and owner of CR Bodyworx in Dundrum. He has been working in the health and fitness industry for the past eight years.

During this time, he has helped many clients achieve great results and transform their bodies.

Robinson specialises in weight loss

and body conditioning.

He provides tailored nutrition plans, one-to-one personal training, group training, boxing and can help with motivation.

Robinson, a highly experienced trainer, dedicates his time solely to helping clients look and feel their best.

How long have you been in business?

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

We have been open for two years in March.

What makes your business successful?

Our experienced team of trainers who are personable and professional make our business successful.

Our staff are very dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

Our unique programmes which are specifically tailored for our clients’ individual needs are what make us different from our competitors.

We are focused on our clients specific goals and want our clients to get the best results possible.

How has the recession affected your business?

We have had to find the right balance between competitive pricing and the value of the services we provide.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recessions?

We have devised different payments options for our clients to suit their needs.

We want rates to be determined on the success of a business – this would help new businesses grow.

How do you use social media to help your business?

We use social media for connecting with our clients.

We also post our clients amazing results and progress. It is also a great way to connect with potential clients.

What is your ambition for the business?

We would like to expand our business throughout Dublin. .

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Believe in yourself and forget the doubters.

What is our favourite thing about doing business in your local area

Dundrum has an excellent transport network: the Luas, many bus routes – plus it’s just off the M50.

The multitude of transport options make it easy for our clients to get to us.

What living person do you most admire?

My parents – they taught me that anything worth getting takes work.

SHaRE Reading board of management members Maura McMahon and Stephen Moran receiving a Dublin Bus grant from Niall Quinn

education: combat difficulties in the inner city

Helping to build reading skills and knowledge SHaRE Reading is continuing to celebrate with four inner city schools in the weeks after World Book Day. The 40 children who work directly with volunteers twice weekly on a paired reading programme that promotes reading comprehension and vocabulary building, have read 639 additional books since September.

With the support of ESB and JP Morgan, the first and second classes at St Mary’s Primary School, George’s Hill Presentation School, Gardiner Street National School, and St Kevin’s Boys National School in Finglas West are being challenged to read 160 additional books

per class.

Their reward will be an age appropriate book to take home, and an invitation to a storytelling workshop by Irish author Liam Farrell in late April.

According to the group: “We know from research that the more children read, the better readers they become and what better way to encourage this than to gift children age appropriate books.

“Research tells us that literacy difficulties are a serious problem in disadvantaged areas like north inner city Dublin: this affects children’s vocabulary and motivation to read as early as first class.

In 2013, SHaRE Reading

was founded to combat the serious reading difficulties apparent in Dublin’s north inner city.”

In 2013, SHaRE established a partnership with Belvedere College’s fifth year students to assist even more children with their reading in schools as part of Belvedere’s pastoral studies programme and commitment to social justice.

The group has an upcoming pilot project in which the children will use iPads funded by Dublin Bus to further motivate them to revise their literacy skills in spelling and reading using learning objects. It is also running workshops in the north

inner city for parents to teach them how to help their child read.

Tutoring and literacy testing are also available from SHaRE’s office at Spade Enterprise Centre in Smithfield.

“Before school, we offer a Bookfest programme which provides children with a healthy breakfast over vocabulary games. Our afterschool programmes include the mini reporters club which is run in conjunction with Dublin City Council, and Book Buddies which runs with the support of South Dublin City Council.”

For more information visit www.sharedreading. ie.

26 March 2015 Gazette 17

travel P21

asdfsdaf P27 food and drink P23

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



Gazette

interiors P20

Radio Tune in for upbeat mental health news  laura webb

Strasbourg’s Auditive Connection will open this year’s festival

music Festival: young, creative and ambitious artists coming to town

Twelve Points about jazz

 keith bellew

The 12 Points Jazz Festival returns to Dublin this year for its ninth instalment at Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar, from April 15 to18.

Based in Dublin, with partner’s right across Europe, 12 Points showcases 12 young, creative and ambitious artists in jazz and related music each from a different European city.

12 Points Festival alternates between Dublin and other vibrant, young European cities. In previous years it has taken place in Porto, Portugal, and Umea in Sweden.

12 Points is programmed via an open call to the European jazz community, and with almost 500 applicants for this year’s festival, the 12 top acts have now

been selected, representing the top acts in Europe in 2015.

This year’s festival opens with Strasbourg’s Auditive Connection; followed over the next few days by piano trio Moskus (Oslo), groove-based band Stuff (Brussels), improv jazz group AMP Trio (Budapest), Berlin-based pianist Elias Stemeseder, Finnish trio Virta (Helsinki), Laura Jurd Quartet (London), SVIN (Copenhagen), Swiss uber-jazz group Hildegard Lernt Fliegen, BRUUT! (Amsterdam), jazz / punk-rock hybrid Black Dough (Gothenburg) and Dublin group Umbra which mixes jazz with Aphex Twin style electronica.

12 Points organiser Aoife Concannon says the aim is to create a closer knit network of members of the jazz communities across Europe.

There is also an emphasis on keeping the festival young and giving young musicians a chance to break through.

For that reason all performers must be under the age of 35.

Concannon said: “It’s [about] emerging acts at the beginning of their careers that we’re trying to push up to the next level by supporting them through this festival.

“It’s four great nights of really diverse music, from traditional jazz to very experimental stuff, with fusions of electronica or rock music and very different sounds from the different countries.

For example between Norway and Italy you would have very different styles of playing.

“It’s a bit unusual because it’s a European kind of thing. Every second year

it leaves Dublin and goes to a random European city, so it means that it builds a community across Europe of these young jazz musicians. It’s kind of unusual in Dublin to get a chance to hear a band from a country that otherwise wouldn’t have gotten here doing something very experimental.

“It’s a great chance for people with open minds to open their ears and hear what’s happening in Europe.”

She said that since the first instalment of the festival in 2006 it has grown from strength to strength: “There’s great interest in the festival within the music community in Europe because it’s seen as a place to go to, to see what’s the next hot new act.”

For more information on the festival visit: www.12points.ie

UPBEAT Radio, a popup radio station aimed at promoting positive mental health on the airwaves, will broadcast its last day on March 27 in time for Wellness in The Workplace Day. From March 23-27, well-known personalities such as model Alison Canavan, TV and radio presenter Aidan Power and comedian Alan Shortt have presented shows live from St Patrick’s University Hospital, on James’s Street, with broadcasters Ruth Scott and Theresa Lowe (below) also urging the public to tune in.

Run by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, listeners in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and further afield have been tuning in to the station online or through FM radio between 7am and 9pm to hear discussions, music and information on positive mental health.

For further information on the station, see www.upbeat.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

River Island Faux fur gilet €80

Penneys Straw hat €5 River Island Brooke flare jeans €50

H&M Jumpsuit €29.99

H&M

Kimo

no €

24.9 9

TK Maxx A-lin

e dress €69.9

9

River Island Pink sunglasses €17

Next Culottes €44

that

s 1970 look

Warehouse Suede duffel bag €40

 laura webb

New Look Tribal print playsuit €17.99

JUST like the hit American TV sitcom, That 70s Show, we are falling in love with this generation and its bohemian-like trend all over again. All across the high street, fashionistas can see this trend come on stream as we get closer and closer to the summer.

Culottes, denim, suede, flares, bo-ho dresses and platform shoes are just some of the 70s fashion style making their way to our SS15 wardrobes.

For anyone whose mum may have some vintage clothing hanging out in the attic, now is the time to get it down and make a fashion statement that can’t be seen elsewhere.

So, embrace this relaxed style that is taking a modern twist on the groovy 70s ...

H&M Leather shoes €49.99

26 March 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

It’s a g’day for Aussie beauty range

Mango is opening its first Irish megastore on Henry Street in Dublin

Mango opens megastore BIG news for Mango with the opening of its first Irish megastore, located at one of Dublin’s bestloved high streets: Henry Street.

The Spanish brand opened the store at 46-47 Henry Street recent-

ly, occupying an impressive space of 1,390sq m, and stocked with Mango, Mango Kid, Mango Sports and Intimates lines.

This is the latest megastore to open for the fashion brand that

continues to expand its stores.

Mango has 95 megastores worldwide, and the brand currently has eight stores in the Irish market since it was first launched here back in 1998.

KNOWN for its irresistible scents and caring formula that leaves hair in great condition, the Aussie hair range has now got the whole body covered.

The Aussie Brilliant Body Wash Collection is going to make you feel amazing from top to toe, and smelling even better!

This collection is available in four variants, including Shower Smoothie Body Wash (for skin in need of sensational smoothness – this wash includes Macadamia nut oil); Mega

Watt Body Wash (for skin that needs a bit of a boost – ingredients include energising ingredients such as Australian ginseng): Fresh Mate Body Wash (offering skin a blast of freshness with the coolest botanical ingredient, Eucalyptus extract) and No Rush Body Wash (which allows you to relax and let your skin savour the pampering Jojoba oil).

All body washes retail at €3.99 for 250ml and €6.49ml for 400ml, and are available at stockists nationwide.

Happy birthday to H&M Ireland

were all among the guests who enjoyed the stunning views of the city, as well as the brand’s latest Conscious collection. Happy birthday, H&M!

SOPHIE’S Bar at The Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street was awash with fashion last week when it hosted the 10-year birthday bash for H&M in Ireland. Glenda Gilson, singer Janet Devlin, fashion editors and stylists from across Dublin

Gazette

20 gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

INTERIORS

For those looking to make a statement, Harvey Norman offer a seven-piece Le Mont dining set, at €1,193

Cracking good kitchen help with Easter Luxury cabinet maker Smallbone of Devizes undertakes

commissions worldwide. Clients in Ireland are invited to

Arnotts Tic & Tac clock €85

discuss their needs with Alessi at Brown Thomas.

Kilkenny Shop Ulster Weavers T-Towel in a Jar €12.95

EASTER is a time to have the family over and what’s vitally important for the big day is a well-run kitchen.

So, it’s important to have all the appliances and accoutrements needed to roast the joint, mix the drinks and lay the table.

Gazette Interiors has trawled the shops to bring you the best kitchen equipment that will have you whipping up a storm, Jamie Oliver-style.

From high-end gadgets to more traditional products, Gazette Interiors has something for everyone ...

Kilkenny Shop Ulster Weavers Sheep tea cosy €19.95 Aldi Mini deep fat fryer €19.99

Littlewoods Mini kitchen scales €11

tts B Arno

u

s board nbury

5

€15.9

Arnotts Kartel Lizz chair €229

Alessi Electric kettle €119

Alessi Electric citrus-squeezer €169

26 March 2015 gazette 21

Gazette

TRAVEL

Stockholm, Sweden’s trend-setting capital

Culture galore in Stockholm  Ian Begley

Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region of mainland, is renowned for its sandy beaches and certainly a destination worth visiting

mid-season breaks: skiiing or sunning, there’s plenty of options

Easter hop is on the cards  Ian Begley

Easter can be the perfect time of year to hop off on a mid-season getaway.

Whether it’s a skiing trip in France or a well-earned break on the beach, picking your destination is easy with plenty of options to choose from this year.

With Highlife Ski and Snowboard, swap the daily school run and rush hour traffic jams for the slopes and make for a family-friendly adventure in Morzine, France, with departures on March 29 and April 5.

Here, you’ll find the Highlife Marmotte Club, designed to let parents enjoy their day on the slopes without rushing back to meet children from lessons.

The Highlife Marmotte Club is for children aged four to 11

and is free to Highlife customers.

Highlife hosts will meet the kids after lessons from 12 noon and take them for lunch at the local cafe for an additional €75 to cover the cost of lunches and certain activities such as ice-skating.

Easter breaks with Highlife Ski and Snowboard start from €910 per adult and €742 for children under the age of 12. Check out www. highlife.ie for further information.

Famous for its sandy beaches, the Por tuguese coastal region of Algarve is certainly a destination that’s worth visiting, and on April 6 you can spend seven nights in the three-star Janelas do Mar from €147pp.

With the Prague Easter getaway, starting on March 27, spend three nights in the three-

star Slavia Hotel from €185pp.

Spend four nights in Barcelona’s four-star Travelodge Valencia Aeropuerto from only €189pp on March 29.

A four-day visit to Barcelona is perfect for a short but powerful introduction to the Mediterranean lifestyle.

If you’re in the mood for visiting some of Spain’s most impressive beaches, architecture, artwork and food, then Barcelona is definitely a city that you can’t afford to miss.

Want a beach?

Then what about an escape to Fuerteventua in the Canary Islands for nine nights at the three-star Club Montecastillo from €447pp?

With f lights leaving April 2, this island attracts visitors generally interested in a quiet relaxing holiday.

But, of course, there

are many bars and restaurants and good quality entertainment venues, along with welcoming Irish bars around its resorts.

You can also spend five nights in Nice, France at the four-star A p o g i a Ho t e l f r o m €243pp on March, 29.

Nice has a cosmopolitan Riviera vibe, and you’ll enjoy exploring its fashionable boutiques and restaurants and sunning yourself on its popular beaches.

Walk up to Castle Hill for a beautiful view of the city, the Bay of Angels and of course, the bright blue water t h a t g ave t h e C o t e d’Azur its name.

For more information or to book – visit w w w. G o h o p . i e o r call GoHop.ie on 01-2412389.

Budget Travel also has a range of fantastic Easter Family Specials

Head for the slopes and make for a family-friendly adventure in Morzine, France

from €559.

For a two plus one family, Majorca’s Hotel Cala Gran in Cala d’Or is priced at €559 with f lights depar ting on April 8.

With an endless, sparkling coastline that is home to a collection of luxurious yachting harbours, sublime beaches, non-stop sun-rays and the abounding passion of its Spanish locals, Majorca is definitely a

must-go to place this Easter. Spend seven nights in Malta at the Qawra Palace at €859 from April 7.

With superbly sunny we a t h e r, a t t r a c t i ve beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do this Easter in Malta.

Visit w w w.budgettravel.ie for more information on these deals.

Dreaming of a cultural European g e t aw a y b u t n o t sure where to go?

Look no further than Stockholm, Sweden’s trend-setting capital city.

April is the perfect time to visit this stylish destination with Stockholm Art Week and Culture Night taking place in venues all across the city.

Art lovers will have a fantastic time at Stockholm Art Week, hosted in museums and galleries from April 14 to 19.

Visitors can take par t in innovative workshops, browse the works of up-andcoming artists and attend fun networking events.

On April 25, you can lose yourself in the best culture, music and dance the Swedes have to offer. Culture Night consists of over 400 events, all completely free.

Fly from Dublin to Stockholm up to eight days a week with SAS Go fares starting from as little as €76pp one-way.

For more information, visit www.flysas.ie.

22 Gazette 26 March 2015

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT Literature A chilling tale of business in new Russia

ARTS

books: money and power collide

Author John Banville: due to attend

A oui festival about writing

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A NEW York Times and Sunday Times best-seller, Red Notice is the true story of how hedge fund manager Bill Browder – an American working in Russia – changed US law to impose visa bans and asset freezes on 28 Russian officials.

The officials, says the author, were implicated in the death of Browder’s Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, in 2009.

This is the gripping story of how Browder became Vladimir Putin’s

number-one enemy, by exposing corruption in Russian politics and business.

Browder comes from a family of maths professors; his grandfather, a Russian immigrant to America, was a Communist who ran for the presidency of America in the 1930s.

He bucked both family trends when he decided to study business and embrace capitalism. He became so successful that in 1997, when he was 33 years old, his hedge fund company was ranked the

best performing hedge fund in the world, with assets under management of $1bn. He was, however, drawn to Russia and lived in Moscow for a large part of his life.

In the early 1990s, Russia was wide open for investment as stateowned companies were up for grabs and were being privatised at knockdown prices.

When he first arrived in Moscow, fewer than 20 such deals had been done in the Soviet Bloc so Browder got to work identifying those whose shares

The cover of Red Notice, published by Simon & Schuster

were cheapest to guarantee the greatest return for investors.Browder set up his own company, The

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THIS year’s FrancoIrish Literary Festival takes place over the weekend of April 25 and 26. A special preview event, entitled Education Day, is lined up for Friday, April 24 where students get the opportunity to meet writers at the National Library of Ireland on Kildare Street and the Lycee Francais of Ireland in Clonskeagh.

The crime fictionthemed festival takes place in Dublin Castle on April 25, and in the Alliance Francaise, Kildare Street on April 26.

All events are free and open to the public.

B e c a u s e L o c a l M at t e r s

Hermitage Fund, and as his business prospered more investors came on board.

He soon came up against several corrupt Russian oligarchs, who tried to bully him out of millions of shares in several oil companies in Russia. Browder describes the way Russian business worked at the time as being like the politics employed in a prison yard.

Unlike the majority of Russians who acquiesced to the oligarchs’ shady tactics of diluting shares and stealing companies by force, Browder would not be cowed. Instead, he went to the international media to expose the corruption and successfully hold off the assault on his company.

Browder is one of those fabled characters in history who seems to be in the eye of every great political and historical storm.

At first, as Putin’s power took hold in Russia, he

and Browder seemed to be temporarily on the same side as both wanted to oust the 22 oligarchs who owned 39% of the wealth in the Russian economy.

However, unlike Browder, who wants a free market, Putin had more personal ambitions for the wealth ...

Browder’s style of writing is superbly apt for his subject matter. It is punchy, muscular and has a blow-by-blow nature, with no nonsense to it.

His style paints an accurate picture of the cut-and-thrust of high finance where the stakes are the highest and the benefits the greatest.

Like Browder himself, his writing is really punchy and that creates a very strong bond between author and reader, because he holds nothing back.

Red Notice is published

by Simon & Schuster, and is available now in bookshops, priced €20.85.

26 March 2015 Gazette 23

Saba’s Garrigue €10.95

777’s Margarita €11

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

RESTAURANTREVIEW

Making Gusto’s delicious pizza. Picture: Kevin McFeely

Gusto by name, and an experience to match Coppinger Row’s Flo & Basy €12

Take5 THE Gazette Food team has been busy this week sampling yummy cocktails from around the city.

From the finest Margharita, to a delicious Virgin Mary cocktail, we have trawled the city and come up with the best on offer.

Summer is on the horizon and what better time to pull up a pew in some of the loveliest establishments in Dublin to sip on something sumptuous. Next month, we slice up the city in search of the tastiest pizzas on offer. Slainte mhor!

The Dean Hotel’s Virgin Mary €6

Rock Lobster’s Red October €9

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

GUSTO restaurant in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, staged a launch to remember recently with a taster menu, cocktails and an array of edible treats, all praised by celebrity comperes/broadcasters Marty Whelan and Nuala Carey The festival, organised by the Alliance Française Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy, is supported by The Arts Council, Foras na Gaeilge, Poetry Ireland, Ireland Literature Exchange and the Irish Writers’ Centre.

A trio of musicians went around the well-appointed and ultra-modern though comfortable restaurant, with guitars and a double bass taking requests from the diners. Food on offer included mostly Italian, homemade fare such as pasta, pizzas and gloriously fresh stone-baked breads with tapenade.

Gusto’s relaxed vibe is ideal for both young and more mature diners and their prices are very reasonable. As a vegetarian and proponent of gluten-free food, I was delighted to see an array of options suitable for me on the menu.

I had gluten-free bread with basil and tomato soup, plenty of fresh black and green marinated olives, and gluten-free pizza with buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and peppers.

Those around the table enjoyed free rein, with a selection of Gusto pizzas such as the house special, containing Sicilian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salami, chorizo and basil pesto.

This Casa Speciale pizza cost €15.95, while a Gusto homemade beef burger made from 100% Irish beef with spicy tomatoes, red pepper relish and smoked cheese is priced at €16.95.

There was complete silence as platters of food were handed around and diners tucked into dishes such as Linguine Al Frutti di Mare (€16.95), which included prawns, mussels, salmon and fire-roasted sweet peppers in a white wine and garlic sauce.

As well as this, there was chicken with Sicilian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella served with basil pesto mash and red pepper coulis – all of which resulted in more devout silence from the diners.

The taster meal was interspersed with wooden platters carrying grapes, a selection of Italian and Irish cheeses and olives. For further information on Gusto restaurant, see www.clarionhotelliffeyvalley. com/eat-drink/gusto-restaurant.

Gazette

24 Gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

RaceTime By participating, you can help fund research into spinal cord injuries

Ireland to host one of 35 Wings for Life runs

HEALTH

advice: empathy, support matter

Practical tips to help your relationship

 suzanne sheehy  maeve halpin

THERE is a new and unique type of challenge called Wings for Life run, that is being held in 35 locations worldwide and is open to athletes of all abilities. So, you have no excuse but to do it!

An event that ticks all boxes, and that combines fun with physical effort and a good cause, Wings for Life is a nonprofit run that funds research into finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

But this is no ordinar y fun race – a “catcher car” will start the chase 30 minutes after the race starts, and speed up slowly until everyone is caught.

You could run 5km, 10km or a marathon, but at 11.30am, the catcher car starts, setting a pace of 15km/hr (9.3mph), then getting faster ...

The run takes places at 11am on Sunday, May 3, with the Irish race starting in Dun Laoghaire town centre.

Why should you do it? 100% of all worldwide Wings for Life world run registration fees, proceeds, sponsorships and donations go straight to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

For further information, see www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

Be satisfied you helped play your part in this worthy event, and see you there!

Counselling psychologist

EVEN in the happiest and most stable of relationships, difficulties will inevitably arise from time to time. Luckily, many skills and techniques can be learned to help improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Enhancing communication The single-most useful skill to bring to a relationship is that of active listening. This means listening with full attention without having any agenda of our own, listening purely to hear, understand and empathise.

Questions are used only to gain a deeper sense of the other person’s experience, not to advise, criti-

cise or score points.

In conversation, we often may be half-listening, thinking of our own ideas or worrying about other tasks and demands.

For couples, making time to be together, taking turns to share, confide in each other and listen can enhance the bonding and caring in their relationship.

Destructive behaviours When arguments occur, certain behaviours have been shown to be destructive to the relationship.

Stonewalling means shutting down, withdrawing and refusing to engage.

Stonewalling leaves the other person feeling rejected and unheard.

Criticism refers to making global statements

about the other person, such as: “You are so selfish” or “You never listen”.

Contempt is using sneering or sarcastic language, such as: “Of course, your family are perfect”, which humiliates and belittles.

Defensiveness occurs when we feel we have to justify our actions, such as: “You haven’t got a clue just how much I have to get through every day.”

The other person feels alienated and becomes defensive in response.

Defusing arguments To avoid repetitive, damaging arguments, start discussions amicably, with the goal of achieving a “win-win” situation.

Listen carefully and compassionately and be prepared to compromise.

Maeve Halpin: “Many skills and techniques can be learned to help improve communication and resolve conflicts”

A healthy relationship will accommodate both people’s needs, allowing each person to be themselves.

Remaining rational, caring and solution-focused contributes greatly to diminishing the hurt that can be caused.

Concentrate on the positive We are hardwired to be more aware of the negative – it is a survival mechanism. But we can

build up our “positivity bank account” every day, by giving compliments to our partner, being affectionate with hugs, kisses and small gifts, and saying thanks.

The everyday but essential things can be taken for granted. Appreciating the benefits and comfort of a relationship and the uniqueness of our partner can help us see our problems in perspective.

Short-term counsel-

ling can be a first step to understanding recurring difficulties and developing useful tools to resolve issues into the future.

Maeve’’s recent publication, How to be Happy and Healthy : The Seven Natural Elements of Mental Health, is available from local bookshops and online from www. amazon.co.uk.

You can contact Maeve at maeve@maevehalpincounselling.com.

testing: comprehensively monitor your all-round health at home

Now you can discreetly check your STI status

 suzanne sheehy

THERE are many steps you can take to improve your overall health. Some are more obvious than others, such as regular exercise and eating well.

STI testing is also an important aspect to your health, however. The stigma associated with it, along with symptomless infections, can keep people from getting tested which is the only way to know for sure that you do not have an STI. LetsGetChecked.com (right) is a new online platform allowing customers to order an STI

test kit, to test themselves in the privacy of their own home.

The service’s chief executive, Peter Foley, discussed the various benefits of LetsGetChecked’s home STI testing.

He said: “A real benefit is the convenience factor, so you don’t need to take time off work; you have the kit waiting for you at home.

“You don’t have to deviate from your day-to-day life, which is difficult taking a full day off work.

“You have convenience and you remove the whole embarrassing factor, as some

people are reluctant to get tested because they don’t like the physical interaction [with medical staff]. So, you do it on your own and get the results to your phone.”

There are up to seven tests available online, such as for HIV, syphilis or chlamydia.

According to Foley, chlamydia is one of the most frequently reported STIs in those aged 25 and under, and can cause infertility in women.

In the event of a positive result for a STI, Foley said: “There’s a team of support nurses who specialise in this

area. With a positive result, they will give you a call; your results will not go to your phone in this instance, and they will provide you with a sameday consultation in a private clinic.”

STIs can affect men and women of all ages who are having sex, as the dynamics of life have changed.

Foley said: “With online dating – one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner – people find themselves single,

and that little bit older than traditionally they might have in the past. It’s a lot more transient, and you don’t know where the other person has been.”

For further information, see letsgetchecked.com, or email: admin@letsgetchecked.com.

26 March 2015 Gazette 25

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Gazette

28 Gazette 26 March 2015

SPORT Peat glad of Ireland comeback

FastSport

basketball: dual star looking forward to luxembourg after time out

Cool hand luke eyeing may return: LUKE

Keeler is set for a spot on the Matchroom Resurrection fight night at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham in May as he looks to overcome a hand injury sustained in the recent Prizefighter series.

Keeler impressed Matchroom boxing’s Eddie Hearn in Dublin last November in the 3Arena to get signed up to the promotion group.

At Prizefighter, the Ballyfermot man won his quarter-final convincingly over Luke Crowcroft but sustained the injury, meaning he was half-cocked for the semi-final with Tom Doran.

But Keeler says he is on the mend and looking to get back into action as he told Irish Boxing.

“With the tear in the ligament I haven’t been able to do much, but I am back in training this week. I have been doing pads with left and working hard so I will be in good form for May.”

 dylan murray sport@dublingazette.com

LINDSAY Peat is hoping to make up for lost time in an Irish basketball jersey following her selection as part of a representative side from the women’s

national league that travel to Luxembourg in May. There, the side will take on a number of international sides preparing for FIBA Eurobasket 2017, including Luxembourg and Scotland.

The 34-year-old, in

2013, was part of a select team that played in the Gathering Shield against Wales and she is hungry for more of the same after a frustrating five years.

“It was a fantastic experience and an opportunity to play as part of some

Lindsay Peat in action for Dublin against Monaghan last summer

Lindsay Peat in basketball action for DCU

sort of Irish representative team which I had not had the opportunity to do since the Irish senior women’s team was pulled from competition in 2010.

“We had a seriously talented team that day that simply blew Wales away, which was fantastic but also very sad reminder that talent was going to waste.”

The DCU Mercy woman co-captained the Irish senior side then, saying it was “the highest level I’ve played at.”

The withdrawal of the senior team came at a time when Irish basketball’s governing body had to repay over €120,000 to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“T he organisation

pulled us in 2010 due to lack of funding, I’d been in that senior squad since 2006, and we were one win off a play-off to Division A, which would have been huge.

“Basketball Ireland ran out of money basically and weren’t willing to let us try to raise funds to get us back into competition because they were simply so much in debt they couldn’t support us in any way possible.”

Since then, Peat has got her summer fix of elite sport solely as a mainstay with the Dublin senior footballers, winning an All-Ireland in 2011.

The Parnell’s clubwoman was also part of the Dublin team that narrowly lost to Cork in the All-Ireland final last Sep-

tember with Peat scoring two goals.

Peat said managing to balance playing both Gaelic Games and basketball in high levels is not quite the balancing act due to the lack of international matches in the latter code.

“Other than one match, against Kerry in the AllIreland quarter-finals, and the Irish women’s basketball team playing Switzerland at home, nothing really clashed but that was in 2010, the last year of the Irish basketball team.

“As for the club, the basketball season commandeers the winter months with football taking up the summer. I do miss the league season playing with Dublin due to basketball.”

Benildus student Robinson on the mark for Ireland  sport@dublingazette.com

St Benildus student Aaron Robinson

ST BENILDUS student Aaron Robinson was on the mark as Paddy O’Reilly’s Republic of Ireland schools side picked up three points in their opening game in this season’s Centenary Shield against a much fancied Northern Ireland side.

There will no doubt be a few talking points with the awarding of three penalties in this actionpacked thriller which saw the visitors just edge the local derby.

The hosts applied the pressure early but it was the Republic

who took the lead on 17 minutes courtesy of Robinson.

The Stillorgan native thumped the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the box following a great piece of play with Conor Melody.

Adam Sally’s low driven cross was unlucky not to get a connection as the North pressed for an equaliser.

Evan Osam, from Colaiste Chilliain, Clondalkin, came very close to securing a second for the Republic but his free kick skimmed the post on 26 minutes.

The North continued to press high up the field but there were missed opportunities for this talented Northern Ireland side.

Conor Ellis, however, doubled the Republic’s lead on 44 minutes when he converted coolly from the penalty spot just before half time.

McCarron pulled off another wonderful save six minutes into the second period as Ryan Noble Walker’s header was on target.

The hosts made it game on with Skye poking the ball into the corner of the net to make to 2-1 on 53 minutes.

It was agony for Sally as his half volley cannoned off the post denying the youngster the equaliser.

The Republic were awarded a second penalty deep into the second half as Ellis converted his second penalty to put the Republic further ahead.

However, there was drama to follow as Sally converted his penalty to get the Northern side back in it and set up a tense finale.

The Republic, though, held out to claim the win following nine minutes of injury time.

26 March 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Irish hockey on top of the World League

ken’sDiary

Ireland’s national team moved a big step closer to qualifying for a first ever Olympic Games last Sunday in UCD; the key players tell STEPHEN FINDLATER about a special week ON A weekend of high Irish sporting achievement, the Irish women’s hockey team went in slightly under the radar but took a huge step toward Olympic qualification last weekend in Belfield, winning the World League Round 2.

The victory sees the side advance to Round 3 of the competition which acts as the qualifying process for Rio in 2016 with Ireland among 20 remaining teams battling for 12 spots later this summer at a tournament in Valencia.

Two years ago, during the World Cup qualifiers, Ireland bowed out in low key fashion at this stage. This time around, Darren Smith’s charges showed how far they have developed

with some breathtaking performances over the course of six games in nine days, crucially beating Belarus 7-0 in last Saturday’s semifinal.

Captain Megan Frazer, named player of the tournament, said of the win: “It’s always nice to come out like that in a high pressure game, a great performance. We had spoken about picking up the speed and intensity throughout the tournament and hit the nail on the head.”

The conviction of the performance is a far cry from 2013 when Ireland struggled against the same opposition, showing how far the side have come since then. Frazer added that her side were confident in their own methods.

“We obviously have some history with them but we did this in a really professional manner.

You can carry baggage against teams like that but we nipped that in the bud, gave them nothing and got a clean sheet. It was a great performance.

“We all knew it was a high pressure game and have played in them before. It’s a testament to the girls who kept their composure and kept it simple. Our passing rate, speed of play and our basics were on point. It’s something we are building up to.”

Frazer added that the crowd was “phenomenal” on days when there were plenty of other sporting options on the table.

“Every time we come

Irish captain Megan Frazer with President Michael D Higgins who presented the World League Round 2 trophy. Picture: Adrian Boehm

out, the stands are full even when the Six Nations rugby match was on. It is an honour to perform when everyone supports us like that and we really appreciate it.”

The Belarus result – against a team they had lost to back in

Former Old Alex player Shirley McCay spoke of the sense of trying to make history and qualify Ireland for a first ever Olympic Games.

“The level of our general play and our basics has improved hugely and I think we are very clear in our jobs which

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

‘It’s enjoyabe to play with freedom and flow and maybe we can go and build something special’ - Shirley McCay

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

2013 – ensured Ireland advanced to Round 3 along with fellow finalists Canada. It rendered the final on Sunday something of a lap of honour, albeit one played out in front of a giant crowd that included the President Michael D Higgins.

In a tense final, UCD’s Nikki Evans gave Ireland the lead 38 seconds into the second half only for Canada’s Holly Stewart to level seven minutes later in the tie.

That tied the game at 1-1, ultimately leading to a penalty shoot-out.

Coach Smith swapped i n Ay e i s h a M c F e rran between the posts and she kept out two Canadian efforts before Hermes star Aine Connery coolly rolled home the winner.

allows us to play with freedom and flow,” she said.

“It’s really enjoyable to play this way and we know each other’s game so well, making it easy to play off each other and maybe build something special.”

Coach Smith, meanwhile, said it was a superb end to a great week for the Irish team.

“Fantastic crowd, the President of Ireland, friends and family all here and a chance to win a tournament. The girls were really excited for the final and, in the end, it was good spectacle. Canada did a good job but we got the result in the end.

“World League 2, from my perspective, was a great advertisement for hockey and a lot of fun.”

Bleeding for the cause as Egan suffers first crash Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurels Charity Crew Cycle from Galway to Dublin on April 19. In the run-up to the event, Egan has partnered with Gazette Sport to document his preparation for the big day, and here is his latest report from the road.

SO HERE we go again, 9.30am start for 100km on the menu. Thirty-six die-hards turned up last Saturday morning for the challenge ahead.

I managed to rope my good friend Frances into signing up for the gig and he was up for the challenge.

I had a good feeling in my bones for the cycle and was looking forward to a good session.

We made our way out of the usual Laurels starting point and up towards Newcastle with our target of Enfield.

We set off at a decent pace and in pairs which was the order of the day on account of there being 36 of us.

We were 50km in and some chap had the bright idea of swerving past my front wheel and, as I was clipped in, I had my first official crash and I sure hit the ground hard!

I kept my cool and didn’t resort back to my old sport of boxing.

I wiped myself down and mounted my bike again and, thank god, it was still in perfect condition.

I picked up a nice eight-inch graze on my right arm and a bruise on my hip but I am literally bleeding for this charity.

We soldiered on and got back to base in good time and my good friend managed his first cycle 106km on a mountain bike so I must say “well done Frances”.

To be continued, just four weeks to go.

Gazette

30 CLONDALKIN gazette 26 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: collinstown push forward on two fronts

Clondalkin break new ground in Towns Cup A STORMING second half performance against Tullamore saw Clondalkin break new ground and claim a first ever semi-final place in the Leinster Provincial Towns Cup last Sunday 22.

The day was set for running rugby with a hard ground, warm sunshine and just the hint of a breeze in Gordon Park.

Nevertheless, the first half turned out to be a relatively tight affair. Clon’s first effort to open the scoring saw Matt Stapleton’s kick drift wide while Tullamore put the home side’s set pieces under serious pressure as well as conceding 30 yards to a driving maul.

Clon’s first points came when Ben Foran’s cross field kick fell into the welcoming arms of Barry Mulloy who touched down.

Tullamore replied with a penalty kick of their own before Stapleton replied to leave the scores 8-3 approaching half-time. With the clock marking injury time, a quick tap and go penalty gave Foran the chance to score in the corner but a last-ditch tackle was enough to deny a try.

The second half commenced where the first left off with the home team on the up. After just three minutes, Niall Nolan was put over under the posts and, with the conversion added, Clon had extended the lead to 15-3.

Tullamore responded with their first try and reduced the gap to seven points but the hosts restored a more comfortable margin when James Kenny made a powerful break through the centre.

Some pick and drives saw Clon go close and Kenny took the ball over the whitewash himself to stretch the score to 22-8 with Stapleton’s conversion. He subsequently added a monster 55-yard penalty kick from just inside the Clon half, stretching the lead to 17 points.

Brian Bruiser Doyle was next on the scoresheet as he charged home from 30 yards out after the visitors turned over possession in midfield. Again, Tullamore responded quickly to score their second try of the match to bring their total to 13 points but this was to be their last points of the game.

With two minutes left, Mikey Russell drew the defensive cover before his outside pass released the excellent Kenny to score in the corner, his second try of the match, closing out a 39-13 win to set up a semi-final match against Kilkenny.

The Collinstown Saturday side are hoping to break through and win the Paddy Cole Cup

Brogan goal chops down Willow  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

A MASSIVE weekend for Collinstown FC’s senior section resulted in massive wins for the club as a place in the last-four of the Leinster Junior Cup and victory in the Paddy Cole Cup were all achieved within 24 hours for the Neilstown outfit.

On Friday, Town’s first team welcomed Willow Park, champions of the Combined Counties Senior Division, to Ballyowen Park for the Leinster Junior Cup quarter-final.

It was the Westmeath side who started the bet-

ter, putting Collinstown on the back foot from the off.

Left-winger Jamie Fahy looked a real threat and he stung the hands of Ross Costigan with a long range shot after 10 minutes.

Park played with a zip in their passing game that is often missing from country teams who often focus on the physical aspects.

But for all their zip, they failed to make the early dominance count as the hosts grew more and more into the tie.

Front man Anthony McCormack showed

bluebell march on Red Cow club too good for bottom side Phoenix Sadiqu Oguntola scored twice as Bluebell United continued their lengthy unbeaten LSL Sunday Senior run, getting the better of basement side Phoenix 4-0.

They have gone 10 games unbeaten in the competition and lead the way by three points from Drumcondra with a game in hand.

Oguntola scored the second and third goals while Shane Stritch got the first and Garreth Cooney completed the rout.

great feet on the edge of the area just after the quarter of an hour mark, the Fabrizio Ravenelli lookalike then played a one-two with winger Ian McNeill but saw his shot fizz wide.

Seven minutes before the break and the home side were in front. Midfield dynamo Dylan Clarke surged forward in possession, and while many were ushering him to shoot, the teenager had the brains to opt for a pass out right to McNeill.

His first time cross was perfect, as was the run from Gareth Brogan who met the ball in midair and

powered his header past Aidan Browne.

The second half was mostly Collinstown keeping the lead, with Lee Collins playing a key role. Willow went on the offensive out the closest they came was a free kick which Costigan brilliantly saved before they were reduced to 10 men when Michael Kelly saw red for abusing the officials.

So, Brogan’s goal proved to be decisive and completed part one of the Clondalkin side’s big weekend.

Unfor tunately, Clondalkin will not have two sides in the final four

of Leinster after Liffey Valley Rangers were beaten 6-1 by East Wall Bessborough on Saturday morning in the same competition.

Town’s Saturday side, though, took to the AUL Complex a day later to face Sheriff YC in the Paddy Cole Cup final.

Michael Griffin put Town in front on 48 minutes before Sheriff had a golden chance to equalise from the penalty spot but for the heroics of Sean Holmes between the sticks. Town held on to allow skipper and man of the match Aaron Burdis to raise the trophy.

26 March 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

new sponsor

Raheny junior hurlers get boost for 2015 season

round tower, Clondalkin THE senior footballers defeated St

st pat’s Palmerstown’s Liam Rushe,

pictured putting pressure on John Killeen, played his part in the Dublin hurlers six-point victory, 0-26 to 2-14, over Galway in Sunday’s NHL Division 1A at Parnell Park.

It sees Ger Cunningham’s side through to the knock-out stages of the league and fends off any relegation play-off fears.

ROUND Tower ran up their second successive win of the embryonic AFL2 season as the point kicking of Stephen McGibney propelled them to a five-point win over St Pat’s, Donabate.

Mick Hallows and Eric Finn were also to the fore in an impressive attacking display. Midway through the second half, Tower’s were comfortably clear and en route for two points but that scenario was scarcely envisaged in

footballers defeated by St Vincent’s

as possible. Take a few moments to

in AFL7.

register online at www.roundtower.

player Hannah Tyrell who was on the

Tower’s two from two in Division 2 a tough opening half.

St Pat’s full forward Niall Collins kicking some outstanding scores to race into a 0-5 to 0-2 lead after 19 minutes.

McGibney scored the first of his succession of scores on 19 minutes but the deficit could have escalated for Tower’s but for Gary Cleary tipping a goalbound strike onto the crossbar.

A brilliant threeminute spell on 24 minutes, however, brought the Clondalkin club right back into it. Hallows kicked two long-range scores from the right while McGibney then

bership outstanding to pay as soon

Congratulations to former Tower’s

Round Tower’s senior footballers got the better of St Pat’s Donababe. Picture: Michael McGlynn

Round Tower, Clondalkin 1-17 St Pat’s, Donabate 1-12  sport@dublingazette.com

We encourage people with mem-

it two wins from three; the junior A

Erin’s Isle in MHL3.

football: mcgibney and hallows lead the charge

sold a dummy before striking accurately.

James Kelly was also on the mark while Micheal Walsh cut in on goal to fist over leaving it 0-9 to 0-8 at the interval.

Tower’s pushed on significantly in the second half. They went close to a goal when Finn broke forward and flicked to Walsh whose palmed effort hit the crossbar.

A subsequent Derek Murray interception in the half-backs led to an opening for the inrushing Jason Joyce. His low strike clattered off the post but McGibney followed up to tap over. The goal they

threatened did finally come when Murray broke a kick-out and Finn put the accelerator on.

His strike hit the roof of the net and the margin was now five points, 1-11 to 0-9. McGibney kept the scoreboard ticking with the next three points as Donabate were left frustrated by another effort clipping the post, further bolstering the lead, one particularly impressive effort coming while under immense pressure.

With two minutes remaining, Donabate did net from close range but Hallows and McGibney closed out the result.

appreciated.

Pat’s of Donabate in AFL2 to make

The minor hurlers were defeated by

Picture: Deryck Vincent

afl division 2

Club Noticeboard

ie or pay in the club.

Round Tower’s Easter camp will commence next Monday, March 30 and run to Thursday, April 2.

winning team as the Ireland women’s

Aimed at boys and girls aged four to

rugby team claimed the Six Nations

12, it will run from 10am to 2pm(1.30pm

championship.

Thursday).

Our senior and intermediate foot-

Fun activities based around Gaelic

ballers require general logistical

Games will be hosted throughout the

match day assistance. Should you be

week and the fee is €40.

in a position to support, please con-

Contact James at 086 4082561 or

tact secretary Martin Ryan at 087

Catherine at 086 8303207 for further

6741407. Assistance would be much

details.

GazetteSPORT all of your clondalkin sports coverage from page 28-31

cup conquests: Collinstown pushing forward in the Paddy Cole Cup as good times keep rolling P30

mar 26 - apr 1, 2015

hockey’s road to rio: Presidential salute as Olympic campaign progresses P29

Hannah Tyrrell, in club action for Old Belvedere, was a key member of the Irish women’s rugby team that won the 6 Nations last Sunday

Clon’s 6 Nations heroine Former Round Tower club member adapting quickly to rugby as she helps Ireland land famous victory in spite of painful shoulder injury

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

SMACK bang in the middle of Ireland’s Six Nations double triumph last weekend, a Clondalkin local was right there amidst the guts and the glory.

Making her 15-a-side debut in the tournament, Hannah Tyrrell operated on the wing for much of the campaign for Ireland’s women’s side. A former Round Tower GAA star and Colaiste Bride student, last Sunday became a 6 Nations and Triple Crown champion in Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow.

Speaking to GazetteSport just a day after the win, the 24-year-old was still on a massive high.

“It’s fantastic, everybody’s delighted,” she said.

“You know, coming into the 6 Nations we were a team in transition and I don’t think anyone really expected us to get as far as we did or go on and win it.

“But, as the weeks went by, our confidence and our belief began to grow and we just went out to win every game. Thankfully we ended up with the trophy in the end” Unfortunately, Tyrrell left the final game with injury on 27 minutes but still managed to play some part in the 73-3 win over Scotland.

A lovely one-two with skipper Niamh Briggs resulted in an Ireland try after just four minutes.

A heroic shoulder tearing tackle ended the winger’s game but she watched on as her team-mates

easily bypassed the 27-point winning margin required to take the Championship. Thankfully the injury is not too serious and Tyrrell expects to be back in action in just a couple of weeks.

Being a 6 Nations champion is a dream for any European rugby player, and it’s a dream Tyrrell didn’t take too long to fulfil, as she only made the switch to the sport from GAA two years ago, initially at sevens level.

Swapping the life of a GAA player for the elite level of international rugby is an interesting one but the pacey Tyrrell has much to thank her footballing background for.

She said: “Round Tower was where I started my GAA career and they really shaped me as a player growing up and gave me a skill set that

has really helped me in rugby, such as handling, kicking and footwork.

“The people I worked with and met there also helped me to grow in confidence both as a person and a player.

“The experience that I got from other players made me improve week in week out so a lot of my thanks for everything goes to them because I wouldn’t be the rugby player I am today if I hadn’t acquired a lot of the skills I’d learned both on and off the pitch from Tower’s.”

There’s no time to rest on her laurels after the momentous win last weekend as the Old Belvo girl is back training for Ireland’s Sevens side ahead of the European Championships in June.