Clondalkin

Gazette CLONDALKIN

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Town ‘being run by drug dealers and car thieves’ Residents call for crackdown on crime in the wake of rising violence

 SYLVIA POWNALL TALLAGHT residents are calling for a crackdown on crime in the wake of escalating violence as a result of gang feuds.

Last week a car was rammed off the road by three masked thugs who

attacked a man with baseball bats in front of parents and children making their way to school in Killinarden.

Just days later a group of contractors fixing gullies for the council in Glenshane and Rossfield were attacked and robbed, and chased from the estate by youths throw-

ing stones. One terrified Rossfield resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, said: “The area is being run by drug dealers and car thieves and all the actual decent people are gone into hiding.”

Continues on Page 5

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 4 May 2017

TRANSPORT | LACK OF INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE - DEPUTY

Move to improve bus timetable ‘deficits’  SYLVIA POWNALL DUBLIN Bus chiefs will meet with Clondalkin area councillors later this month to consider if improvements can be made to the local service.

The company’s area manager John Saunders has been invited by area representatives to discussions at the town’s civic offices on what some members describe as “deficits” in the timetable.

Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) has pointed out three routes – Palmerstown Woods to Liffey Valley and into the city centre; Newcastle to

Lucan to Bawnogue to Liffey Valley; and the service to and from Balgaddy – as being in need of additional services.

He said: “The Clondalkin area has expanded hugely over the last few years and some areas are being lef t behind in terms of public transport.”

Meanwhile Deputy John Curran (FF) has also pointed to a lack of investment in transport infrastructure and warns it will result in “total gridlock” if not addressed.

He revealed that there is still no plan in place for the re-routing of key Dublin Bus ser vices

once the Luas cross-city project is complete.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said: “Navigating through gridlock traffic has become a daily routine for commuters.

A relatively minor traffic incident has the potential to bring the entire transport system to a halt.

“The bus network is under serious pressure and faces significant disruption upon completion of the Luas Cross City project.

“The completion of the Luas will allow for a clean-up of the city, but it will have a limited impact on alleviating the current traffic disrup-

tion.”

Deputy Curran said he had been contacted by commuters frustrated by the fact that cross-city journeys were taking longer because of the restrictions at College Green arising from Luas works.

He added: “The potential pedestrianisation of College Green will require Dublin Bus to identify a new route for cross-city services.

“The fact that such a route is yet to be identified does not bode well.

“The current situation with traffic congestion in Dublin is unsustainable. It is impacting on people’s quality of life and is limiting economic growth.

“We need more public transport options which are independent of the road network to help bring this disruption to an end.”

FASTNews

Jobs at risk if council rejects Dealz planning application REJECTION of planning retention for the Dealz discount store at Fonthill will see the loss of 38 jobs, a local councillor has warned. Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) has urged the council to consider its decision regarding a change of use from retail warehousing to shop carefully. An enforcement order was served on the premises at Fonthill Retail Park which prompted Dealz to seek a change of use from its current warehouse zoning.

Cllr Gilligan pointed out: “Failure to comply means that 38 locally-based staff who contribute €500,000 in wages to the local economy are at risk.

“The store has seen significant footfall with staff serving approximately 250,000 customers over the past year.”

Cllr Gilligan added that the retail park was home to several outlets including Homebase, Lidl, Aldi, and Elverys. Letters of support have been received from Power City, Eurasia Supermarkets and Cash & Carry Kitchens.

He said: “Neighbouring outlets say they have benefited from the increase in footfall from the Dealz store.”

The council refused to comment on a live planning application. Its decision is due in mid-May.

Shared campus at Colaiste Chilliain gets green light PLANS for a shared Gaelscoil campus at Colaiste Chilliain on the Old Nangor Road in Clondalkin have been given the green light by South Dublin County Council.

The project will see the provision of two new three-storey primary schools with 16 classrooms each for Gaelscoil na Camoige and Gaelcoil Chluain Dolcain as well as a sports hall on a shared campus.

The development will also include two new pedestrian access routes, with one located on New Nangor Road and another located at the junction of New Nangor and Old Nangor Road.

The call goes out for young scientists to get ready for 2018 PICTURED with Shay Walsh, managing director BT Ireland is Cara McCrystal as BT Ireland launched the 54th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), calling all future marine biologists, architects and farmers to get creative, curious and get thinking of ideas for the 2018 event.

This year’s Exhibition will take place from January 10-13 at the RDS, Dublin. The exhibition offers one of the most coveted awards for participants, with a substantial prize fund and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy, as well as over 140 prizes for individuals, groups and teachers.

In addition, the overall winner will represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in 2018.

Picture: Iain White / Fennell Photography

Newlands Garden Centre annual adopt a dog day CLONDALKIN Animal Aid will be at Newlands Garden Centre this Saturday, May 6, for its annual adopt a dog day.

All the four-legged friends being cared for and looking for new homes will be there to meet visitors – along with past adoptees dropping in with their dogs.

There will also be a raffle on the day to raise funds for the animal rescue shelter along with experts to offer advice to anyone considering fostering or adopting.

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4 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

Towering inferno Firefighters battle massive Howth hill blaze

The view of the Howth gorse fire from Clontarf

THE BRAVE men and women of the Dublin Fire Brigade have had a busy few days battling gorse fires around the capital.

The sunny weather has led to bush fires breaking out on both sides of the city this week – but the most spectacular scenes could be seen from anywhere in the capital, as the dry gorse on Howth Hill went up in

flames, with the aftermath looking like something from a Hollywood war movie.

Four DFB units from Kilbarrack, North Strand, Phibsborough and HQ responded to Monday’s massive blaze high on the north Dublin peninsula with the help of a drone, while earlier, firefighters from Dun Laoghaire had responded to a smaller

grass fire on the Enniskerry Road in Kilternan.

Gorse fires are sometimes deliberately lit, but more often are caused by glass bottles magnifying the sun’s rays, or by clumsily discarded cigarettes.

With the good weather is set to continue into next week, the public are being urged to take care and pick up their litter. Pictures: DFB

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 4 May 2017

CAMPAIGN | PARTNER BIDS TO GET INTENSIVE REHABILITATION TREATMENT FOR AMANDA FROM PAGE 1

‘I believe chances were missed with her rehab’  SYLVIA POWNALL

THE partner of a woman who suffered severe brain injuries as a result of a fall is preparing for her to finally come home – after spending three years in hospital.

Amanda Denton underwent surgery for bleeding on the brain at Beaumont Hospital in May 2013 after she fell down stairs. She was living in Courtown, County Wexford at the time, but had been due to move to Clondalkin just two days later.

Her family were initially told there was no hope of recovery and that they should think about organ donation, but Amanda survived and battled her way back despite what her partner Tommy Lee describes as a series of medical mishaps.

The brave mother-of-four has fought a long and hard road to rehabilitation and is now ready to join partner Tommy Lee at his newlyadapted house in Jobstown, Tallaght.

To m m y, 4 8 , t o l d T h e Gazette: “She was left with bleeding on the brain for 14 hours because initially she had to be brought to Wexford General Hospital because

the paramedics couldn’t get an answer when they phoned Beaumont.

“Then after her operation she was brought back down to Wexford and spent eight or nine months there with just 20 minutes’ physiotherapy a week.

“She finally got to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire but she was only there 48 hours when she developed pneumonia and had to be moved to St Vincent’s.”

Amanda’s weight plummeted from 60kg to 40kg and after 14 months at the NRH she was moved to the Royal Hospital in Donnybrook, where she has been ever since, and where Tommy says she has been well looked after.

Tommy said: “She can’t talk, but when she coughs she’s able to say a few words.

She’ll react, give you the thumbs up for yes, the flat of her hands for no, even the middle finger if she’s annoyed with you. “ We ’ ve h a d t h e h o u s e adapted with a hoist and everything she needs. I believe chances were missed with her rehab at the start but now I think she would be better off at home with me.

Amanda on a day out at Memorial Park

“It makes a big difference to her when she’s here with me, and her kids and grandkids can come and visit her here.

She’s still there, she just needs the proper stimulation.”

Amanda spent her first full night at home to mark her 45th birthday on April 24.

Tommy is now hoping to raise €50,000 to take her to Germany for some intensive brain

rehabilitation treatment.

A Facebook campaign (T he Help Amanda Denton get rehabilitation page) has been set up along with a GoFundMe appeal (www. gofundme.com/rehabillitation-for-amanda).

A spokesperson for Beaumont Hospital said they could not comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.

A spokesperson for the National Rehabilitation Hospital said they could not discuss a patient’s care without their consent.

They added: “On a general level, the hospital can say that patients admitted to the NRH require complex specialist rehabilitation services and the NRH pays particular attention to its responsibility to provide optimal outcomes by tailoring rehabilitation programmes to meet the needs of each individual patient.

“The NRH has over 50 years’ experience of involving family and making informed team decisions on behalf of people with the most severe disability.

“Patients and their family members are central to the rehabilitation process.”

Public talk on mental health

TALLAGHT Hospital is hosting a public talk on mental health in Killinarden Community Centre, Tallaght, on Wednesday May 10 at 10am.

Professor Gregor y Swanwick will speak on “Minding your mind through the ages” to mark the Green Ribbon campaign on mental health.

The event is also supported by up to 20 mental health organisations and community groups who will also attend.

Among these groups are the Tallaght Rehab Project, the National Counselling Service, Counselling in Primary Care, Mojo and Mojo Men’s Shed and Teencounselling.

Professor Swanwick specialises in the psychiatry of old age and also has a special interest in dementia and medical education.

He said: “Mental health challenges are common across all ages and this is also true for those of an older age.

Professor Gregory Swanwick

“It is so important to know how to mind your mental health and to know when to seek help.”

No booking is necessary and all are welcome to attend the talk.

‘Decent people must be protected from this’ Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) has called for extra resources, adding: “The gardai need to tackle these issues and protect the local community.”

Cllr O’Connor spoke about the alarming rise in daylight crime and anti-social behaviour at a meeting of South Dublin County Council.

O f f i c i a l s r e ve a l e d that in 2016 there were 26 reports to the local authority of drug activity, 16 reports of criminal activity, four reports of joyriding and 53 reports of violence, intimidation and harassment.

But it’s feared that this is just the tip of the iceberg and the number of incidents is in reality far greater than the numbers reported.

Dispute He called on Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to allocate more resources to Tallaght adding: “The decent people of the council’s estates must be protected from this disgraceful behaviour.”

Last week’s violence in Killinarden is a result of an escalating dispute in the area.

All three men involved were wearing balaclavas and the incident happened at 9am.

One male in his 20s was taken to hospital after the brutal and sustained attack which took place close to a local primary school.

Last month dad-ofthree Stephen Lynch died after a horrific hitand-run incident near his home in Brookview Close, Tallaght at around 7pm which was witnessed by children.

One theory being pursued is that the 32-yearold was targeted for telling four men in a Ford Focus to slow down.

4 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 4 May 2017

Out and About

New tour guide Martha Giblin with her mum Kathleen

Carmel Shirley and Casey Weafer

Tour guides complete training - ready to work M

Mary O’Brien and Siobhan Fitzpatrick. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

ORE than 40 volunteers completed their training last week as tour guides for the Round Tower visitor centre, due to open its doors to the public in June. The €4million project includes an interactive museum, a monastic garden, a 60-seater cafe run by the Happy Pear, terraced dining area, a gallery and a craft shop. In all 43 volunteers completed training over 14 weeks delivered by Roisin Burke of Abarta Heritage. They will provide guided walks from the centre around Clondalkin’s historical heritage trail and will also offer specialised school tours. The visitor centre will operate on an audio self-guide basis.

Brendan and Aileen Dervan

Nora O’Brien, Johanna Barry and Marnie Caddle

Maire de Gras with Brid and Eamonn Ó hÓgáin

4 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Suzanne Rogers, Pauline McLynn and Blaithin Fitzgerald Model Leah Buggy with designer Niamh Corazon

Holly and Rosie Honey

Model Leah Buggy

Inam Ali

Karen Oaks and David Duggan. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Hazel Buggy and Leah Murray

Rock the runway for rescues T

HE craic was mighty at Finnstown House Hotel Lucan last week for the LittleHill Animal Rescue fashion show. As well as a look at the latest looks there was plenty of entertaining events and pop up shops to keeps guests busy. The amazing Pauline McLynn, aka Mrs Doyle from Father Ted, was MC on the night as lots of like minded people came together to help animals.

Mary Rowley, Amanda Mooney and Nicki Brenereslia

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 4 May 2017

COURTS | ‘UNCLEAN, UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION’

Brother and sister awarded damages over bedbug bites TWO children who suffered bedbug bites whilst living in a Dublin hostel have been awarded damages for personal injuries in the Circuit Civil Court.

The court heard that in June 2013 sister and brother Keji Bamidele, nine, and three-year-old David Olurim were living at the Georgian Court Hostel in Lower Gardiner Street when the incident happened.

T heir mother Oyindamola Bamidele said in an affidavit presented to Mr Justice Raymond Groarke that the hostel was owned

by Fazyard Limited, of Clondalkin Towers Hotel, Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin, which is currently operated as a Direct Provision centre for refugees.

Ms Bamidele said there was an infestation of bedbugs in their

room and during four weeks, the three of them suffered bites on their faces and bodies. The court heard that Keji, who was five years old at the time, suffered severe itchiness and an irritable skin.

She had been taken to her GP and had later attended the emergency department of Children University Hospital in Temple Street, Dublin, along with her brother David.

Judge Groarke was told that Keji suffered a number of bedbug bites to her body and face while David, who was five weeks old at the time, suffered bites to his head.

Through their mother Oyindamola Bamidele, of Brega, Hamlet Lane, Balbriggan the children sued Fazyard Limited for negligence. They alleged the accommodation had been unclean,

unhygienic and unfit for human habitation.

They claimed that the defendant failed to inspect the room regularly and failed to act immediately after Ms Bamidele made a complaint to the landlord. They also claimed it failed to have sufficient regard for health and safety.

The court heard that following the children’s attendance in hospital, the defendant had contacted the pest guard and the room was disinfected following an inspection. Keji and David’s case was that this should have been organised as soon as their mother had complained.

Judge Groarke, hearing that the children had made a quick recovery, approved a €5,000 settlement offer in respect of Keji’s claim and a €3,000 offer in respect of David’s.

Gym members’ triathlon raises €3,351 for SBHI

FASTNews

Cleaner who broke ‘Serious concerns’ over planning wrist after application for nursing home missing step gets €20,000 THE council has expressed “serious concerns” regarding a planning application for a 92-bed nursing home at Lexington House on Monastery Road in Clondalkin.

GN Lexington Property Ltd applied in January for the demolition of a boarded up house at the junction of Monastery Road and Monastery Park.

A total of 21 submissions – including one from residents of Friar’s Walk - have been lodged highlighting concerns over the scale, height and density of the scheme which they claim will overshadow their homes. The traffic safety and access arrangements have also elicited concerns from the council.

Council has no plans to restock Corkagh Park Fisheries THE council has no plans to restock Corkagh Fishery in Clondalkin in the near future. The local authority said it had been examining its options regarding the ‘put and take’ facility which was installed following significant flooding in the late 90s.

A council report states: “BK Golf Management Ltd are managing the facility for some time, on a voluntary basis, in line with the Camac Valley Licence Agreement following the outcome of a failed tender process.”

The local authority has commissioned a report on the future development of Corkagh Park as a whole in line with its tourism strategy. There are no plans to change the current operation of the lake, which was recently restocked with 1,200 fish.

The issue was raised by Cllr Francis Timmons.

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland CEO Tom Scott; operations manager Katy McManus and youth and respite officer Helen Riney accepting a cheque for €3,351.18 from Westpark Fitness assistant manager Alison Benson and duty manager Sharon Hogan.

The cheque was the proceeds from a fundraising indoor triathlon held in the gym last month.

A 63-YEAR-OLD cleaner who broke her left wrist when she fell after missing a step at a Bank of Ireland branch has been awarded €20,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Circuit Court president Mr Justice Raymond Groarke said the layout of the outdoor steps of the bank’s premises at Newlands Cross, Clondalkin, Dublin, where Patricia Smith fell in December 2013, showed that it had never been intended to be accessed by the general public.

Judge Groarke said before it became a branch in 2003, the premises were offices and a business centre.

He said the steps were so close to the exiting security door that they constituted an “old fashioned trap” to people who were distracted in an “ordinary human way”.

T he judge said Ms Smith, who had held the door to a customer entering the branch while she was leaving, and then moved while looking backwards, should have kept a better lookout as to where she was walking. He found her to be one third liable and reduced an initial award of €30,000 damages accordingly.

Ms Smith, of Old Church Drive, Clondalkin fractured her wrist in the fall and had to wear a cast for over a month. She was out of work for several weeks, had ongoing pain and attended regular physiotherapy sessions.

Judge Groarke rejected the bank’s defence.

It alleged Ms Smith was guilty of contributory negligence as she had not been looking where she was going.

4 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT | COUNTRY READIES FOR KEY FUNDRAISER AND AWARENESS EVENT

Join thousands in the dark to spread a real message of hope to all  SYLVIA POWNALL IT DIRECTOR Gar y Seery will line up for the annual Pieta House Darkness into Light walk in Malahide Castle at 4.15am on Saturday – having travelled his own road back from depression.

The dad-of-three from Bayside, together with his two oldest kids Paul (13) and Ella (11), is looking forward to starting his journey in the pitch black of night and crossing the finish line as dawn breaks.

The walk – the charity’s main fundraiser – symbolises the struggle from the darkest days of depression to finding the light of hope. Thousands will take part in the Dublin events at Ardgillan Castle, Malahide Castle, the Phoenix Park and Marlay Park.

Gary (41) told The Gazette: “I will be there with the kids as usual, though I’ll probably leave the youngest one at home because she’s too big for the buggy but she couldn’t walk 5k.

“It’s amazing; it’s such a positive atmosphere.

Even though it’s four in the morning, it’s a bit chilly and you’re standing in the middle of a field, there is something so uplifting about it.”

Gary struggled with his own demons, turning to alcohol and plunging to the depths of depression after a combination of events got the better of him.

He was drinking and smoking heavily and eventually plucked up the

courage to visit his GP in 2009.

He said: “I was struggling for about eight or nine months and a number of different things contributed to that, which is probably the case for most people. I was very unhealthy and not really putting any effort into myself or my wellbeing.”

Gary quit the booze and went on a course of anti-depressants but the biggest step on his road to

CAN YOU HELP TO STEWARD? DETAILS of Darkness into Light events are av a i l a b l e at w w w. darknessintolight.ie.

Pieta House are looking for volunteers over 18 to help steward the Malahide event from 2.30am to 5.30am.

If you are interested, please call or text Martin Brennan at 086 321 4336.

recovery was rediscovering his love of exercise.

From the humble beginning of a 1k run, Gary eventually built that up to 10k – and eventually took on the challenge of the Dublin Marathon in October, 2010.

‘Drink is not good’ He said: “Drink is not a good thing when you’re depressed, so that had to go. But at first it was a struggle just to get out the front door and make it to the end of the road.

I was still smoking, so my

breathing wasn’t great.

“It took me a long time to build up to 10k, but I did, and one of the benefits was I managed to give up smoking because I was enjoying it [getting fit] so much.

“All the little milestones along the way were great for building up my selfconfidence.”

Gary has since run marathons in Dublin, New Jersey and India, but one of his greatest achievements, to date, was running the UVU North Pole Marathon in the Arctic Circle in temperatures of minus 41 degrees.

He said: “You run on ice and snow wearing normal running shoes, but a good few pairs of socks. I also had to wear three layers of clothing to stay warm. It was an amazing experience – a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.”

Gary is also celebrating another massive achievement from earlier this month when he ran 177km from Dublin to Belfast in a single day, raising more than €5,000 for the Suicide or Survive charity.

He said: “Running saved me. Over the last six or seven years, I’ve met so many people who are now good friends. I’ve talked to a lot of people who had mental health problems and we all support one another.

“In a way, I’m actually grateful that I went through that bad patch because I’ve gone through so many amazing things as a result.”

THEY’RE TAKING PART TOO; ARE YOU?

 BRIAN KENNEDY

I FEEL so proud to be able to lend support to the incredible work that Pieta House do in every county of the island of Ireland.

The Darkness Into Light walk is such a powerful physical statement to the world, where people from all walks of life gather for those who especially need our help.

I hope that anyone out there feeling that suicide is the only last option will see that there is love and support and alternatives out there. I’m honoured to be involved.

The first step is to reach out.

 RACHEL PILKINGTON Gary Seery with his family: Ella, Mollie-Rose and Paul, and wife Lisa – all there to cheer him on with at the finish of another marathon, in Belfast

Crossing the finish line at the UVU North Pole Marathon in the Arctic Circle

THIS is my fourth year participating in the Darkness Into Light walk, but this year will be extra special for me as I’ll be launching the first one for Tipperary Town, where I grew up.

I love the sense of community that takes place at this unorthodox hour, the generosity of spirit, everyone joining together for the greater good.

It’s a beautiful symbol of hope, a reminder that light always follows the darkness. For many, it’s a cathartic experience.

10 GAZETTE 4 May 2017

Get out and vote

98FM’S BEST OF DUBLIN AWARDS | HEAD OVER TO WWW.98.FM/BESTOFDUBLIN AND VOTE FOR

BUS DRIVER

• Declan Dunne, Ringsend Depot • James Griffin, Clontarf Deport • Dave Connolly, Routes 27 and 77a • Keith Hancox, Route 151 • Christopher Carey, Routes 27 and 77a

BEST DUB

• Brendan O’Carroll, Comedian (right) • Michael Flynn, Mattress Mick • Jim Gavin, Dublin Football Manager • Glen Hansard, Musician & campaigner • Brian Lee, Chopped

SALON

• Di Milo Hair Design, Donnybrook • Beautique Beauty Salon Walkinstown • Red Velvet (Ballyboughal, Crumlin , Malahide) • Jule Beauty & Therapy,

(Grand Canal Square, Swords and Malahide)

TAXI DRIVER • Paul Cullen

• John Spencer • Alex Murray • Paddy Daly • Marcus Richardson

GYM

• Ger Conroy, Mulhuddart • Active8 Fitness, Blanchardstown • Flyefit (Baggot St, Georges St, Macken St,

Ranelagh, Swords, Portobello, Dundrum)

• Active You, Drumcondra • David Lloyd, Clonskeagh

THE FINALISTS are in! After thousands of nominations over the past fortnight, here are the finalists of 98FM’s Best of Dublin Awards, which celebrate the great and good of Dublin, from taxi drivers, barbers and sportspeople to shops, local takeaways and even the best breakfast.

For the fourth year running, the awards, which take place on May 23 in the RDS, will recognise and reward the people and places that make Dublin unique.

More than a thousand people and businesses around the city were shortlisted, but now we’re down to the final 80.

You can vote for your favourite brekkie, cab driver, coffee, pub or even takeaway by simply heading over to www.98.fm/Bestof Dublin – but hurry, because voting closes on Friday, May 12.

A new addition this year is the Dublin Hero category, which aims to celebrate those fantastic Dubs who selflessly go over and above to protect the residents, communities and all the people who frequent and enjoy our beautiful city on a daily basis.

Last year’s awards received over 500,000 public votes and this year the station aims to bring this to over 525,000!

And don’t miss your Gazette in the coming weeks to meet some of the fantastic nominees in the running to become the Best of Dublin.

4 May 2017 GAZETTE 11

THE PERSON, BUSINESS OR HERO YOU THINK SHOULD BE CELEBRATED AS THE CAPITAL’S BEST

RESTAURANT

SHOP

• Ruby’s Bar and Grill, Swords • Peachtree East, Tallaght

• Designer Exchange, Dawson St • Nan’s SuperValu, Ballymun • Siopaella, Wicklow St • The Cupcake Bloke, Coppinger Row

COFFEE

• East Village Cafe, Clondalkin

• Stephen Cluxton (Parnells and Dublin)

• Brasserie66, George’s St, Dublin 2

• Robbie Brady (Burnley and Ireland)

• Saba, Clarendon St & Baggot St

• Con O’Callaghan (Cuala and Dublin)

BAR

• Liz Webster, High Hopes Homeless Charity • The Confession Box, Marlborough St • David Kelly, Paramedic, Loughlinstown

• East Village Cafe, Clondalkin

• Laura Boylan, RNLI & Dublin Fire Brigade Skerries • Joe Mooney, Raheny First Responders

• The Grind, Howth

• Elaine Taylor, Share To Care respite Crumlin

• The Grind, Howth

• Perk-u-licious Coffee House, • Perk-u-licious Raheny Coffee House, Raheny • Granthams, Aungier St • Fonte Café, Parliament St

TAKEAWAY

• Granthams, Aungier St • Fonte Café, Parliament St

• Kanum Thai (Ballsbridge, Park West & Rathgar) • Bombay Pantry

• Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickams &Dublin) • Garry Ringrose (Leinster and Ireland)

• Libero’s Restaurant, Balbriggan

DUBLIN HERO

• Scrumdiddly’s, Dun Laoghaire & Donabate

SPORTS PERSON

(Rathmines, Rathfarnham, Ashtown, Glenageary, Clonskeagh & Fairview)

• Tiger Wood Pizza, Rathmines • Just Wing It, Tallaght • Angelo’s Takeaway, Ballymun

BREAKFAST

• White Moose Café, Phibsborough • The Hazel House, Tibradden, Rathfarnham • GK Café, Tallaght • Kilkenny Restaurant, Nassau St • Bang Bang Deli & Coffee, Phibsborough

BUTCHER

• Seezers & Sears, Citywest • O Neill Family Butchers, Mulhuddart • Troys Butchers, Moore St • Higgins Family Butchers, Sutton • Kerrigans Butchers, Baldoyle, Malahide & Donaghmede

BARBERS

• Abberley Court, Tallaght • The Clonsilla Inn • The Strand Bar, Rush • The Old Schoolhouse, Swords

LOCAL SPORTS CLUB

• Old County Barbers, Crumlin & Clondalkin • Corduff Football Club, Blanchardstown • Hairlough Barbers, Clondalkin

• Clonee United Football Club

• The Grafton Barber (24 Dublin locations)

• Cuala GAA Club

• Cut & Sew (Crow St & Wellington Quay)

• Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA Club

• Marks Barbers, Harmonstown

• Crumlin Boxing Club

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 4 May 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Castle Homecare has a new corporate identity

CASTLE Homecare, the Irish-owned and managed home care services provider for older people based in the Ballinteer Business Centre, has launched a new corporate identity. The new branding reflects Castle Homecare’s recent expansion in which the company has also recruited additional home carers to cater for the growing demand for its services.

Commenting on its new branding, Christine King, co-founder and managing director of Castle Homecare said: “Rachel and I were inspired to set up Castle Homecare after working in the area overseas. It is common sense to think that people would want to stay in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes as they get older but unfortunately in Ireland, this is not always possible. That’s where we come in. Our carers are all vetted professional carers who are employed by us to provide assistance to older people to help them stay in their homes. We would hope that this service will be available to everyone in due course and we look forward to hearing more about the Government’s plans to include home care in the Fair Deal Scheme.”

Established in 2010 by Christine King from Wicklow and Rachel Scanlon from Ballinteer in Dublin, Castle Homecare employs a team of approximately 90 people who deliver homecare services to older people in approximately 150 homes throughout South Dublin. The team comprises nurses, paramedics, psychiatric nurses, community workers, social workers and administrators. All team members are highly qualified and certified in their specific areas.

Castle Homecare develops tailored bespoke homecare plans for its clients, depending on their individual requirements. Services offered include: Companionship, personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, preparing for bed, respite care, dementia and Alzheimers care.

Stationery chain to open first Irish store in Dundrum AUSTRALIA’s most exciting and colourful stationery retailer, Smiggle, is rolling out the VIP green carpet and opening its first ever store in Ireland on May 12.

Smiggle – where a smile meets a giggle – will open in the country’s largest shopping mall, Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin, next month. And it’s set to take Ireland by storm, with a number of further shop openings planned throughout this year.

The bold and bright stationery store will be a welcome addition to Dundrum Town Centre, tempting shoppers with a treasure trove of quirky and exciting products.

Smiggle is dedicated to creating original, fun and affordable products. Whether you’re searching for a great gift for a stationery lover or need to spruce up your own collection, Smiggle promises something for everyone.

Shoppers can choose from a whole host of funky products, focused on bold colour, quirky graphics, good value and innovation. These offerings will be brought to life in Dundrum Town Centre, with promises of multicolored backpacks, eye-catching pencil cases, sparkly stationery, gadgets and gizmos, and lots of goodies to deck out desks.

Grafton Merchanting to hire 170 new staff

Eddie Kelly, chief executive officer, Grafton Merchanting ROI with Noel Wyse, Darragh Harte and Barry Horgan all staff members from Chadwicks Express outlet, at the recently opened Chadwicks Express outlet, East Wall Road. Picture: Shane O’Neill Photography

30 jobs to be created

by Diaceutics

in areas including global operations, marketing and data analysis, bringing its global team up to 100. The jobs will be created at its global headquarters in Ireland; US headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey; as well as in satellite offices in Asia and South America.

Peter Keeling, CEO, Diaceutics, said: “Testing is now at the heart of pharmaceutical companies’ ability to identify the right patients for their new therapies. We are uniquely posiDIACEUTICS, the Irish data analytics and diag- tioned to provide the global testing perspective nostics intelligence company has announced that allows this identification and treatment of the creation of 30 new jobs. patients who will benefit from specific and often The jobs, which will be filled by year-end life-saving drugs.

2018, will facilitate further international growth “To put the importance of what we do into for Diaceutics and allow it to expand its pres- context, we have put structures in place that ence in all of its key markets including the US, each year help 48,000 cancer patients in the Europe, Asia and South America.

US and EU get biomarker testing and therefore Since inception, Diaceutics has been involved potentially gain access to the right drug for their in more than 200 drug launches and currently specific condition. Diaceutics has been growing by an average of has a 60% share in the 60% per annum for top 10 global markets. the past three years It currently counts 26 and we expect that out of the world’s top growth trajectory 30 pharmaceutical to continue as our companies as clients addressable market and provides oversight is doubling. of testing in 23 markets.

“To facilitate that, In order to build we will require a on its 60% growth last number of new team year, Diaceutics will Peter Keeling, CEO, and Philip White, CFO, members in key create 30 extra jobs Diaceutics, announcing new jobs. roles over the next over the next two years Picture: Kelvin Boyes two years.”

GR AFTON Merchanting ROI, a building and plumbing company, has announced that it will create 170 jobs over the next two years as part of its expansion.

The new roles will increase total employment at GMROI to 1,420 staff which is an increase of almost 350 since 2014.

GMROI, owner of the Chadwicks and Heiton Buckley brands, will create up to 100 of the 170 new roles in 2017.

The rest will be created in 2018.

The roles include senior management, specialist sales, operatives and administrative support and they will be created in most regions in Dublin.

Building on the recent opening of a pilot Chadwicks Express store in Glasnevin in late 2016, the new outlets include two Chadwicks Express branches in East Wall (just opened) and Turvey and a Davies’ outlet (specialist heating and bathroom branch) in Sallynoggin, South Dublin due to open in the coming months.

Eddie Kelly, Chief Executive, GMROI said: “We very pleased to be announcing 170 new jobs.

“These roles represent a significant opportunity for young people to join a growth industry and avail of the significant training and development provided within the company.”

4 May 2017 GAZETTE 13

MOTORING: DISCOVER NEW LAND ROVER P22

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

Going on the record  JAMES HENDICOTT SALLAY MATU GARNETT – better known by her stage name ‘Loah’ – has been around the Dublin music scene for quite some time. In her current, solo guise she debuted in 2014, but Loah already had experience working with Hozier and Kila under her belt.

Now, having done gigs as far afield as New York and Texan industry festival SxSW, she’s finally putting her work down on record.

“I planned to record the ‘This Heart’ EP a couple of years ago,” Loah told the Gazette. “I had most of the tracks back in 2015, but when I went to record it I just had a bad feeling. I decided to wait. In June 2016 I went up to Hellfire Studios and spent a week there. I had planned on doing it all in one go, but I decided to take longer on the vocals, and worked with Ken McCabe [of Dublin act Come On Live Long] on sorting out the arrangements.”

Matu Garnett, from Maynooth, has long flitted between an astonishingly broad assortment of projects, which probably explains much of the time taken getting her sound down on record.

Self-described as ‘Art Soul’, her music explores a wide mix of genres including funk, soul, jazz, blues and afrobeat. The entire process has squeezed between work as a pharmacist, and a period in which she was working largely as a screen actor, and making music around it.

Continued on pages 16-17

TRAVEL: LOVELY LITHUANIA P21



GAZETTE

CINEMA: SUMMER MOVIE SIZZLERS P24

GIDDY GUMDROPS ANNIE

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Annie, a three-yearold female Lurcher crossbreed who just loves attention and cuddles. Annie seems to think she is a tiny lap dog and tries her very best to sit on people’s laps and we just don’t have the heart to tell her she is too big for this.

Although Annie loves to snuggle up on the sofa and chill out, she is also a giddy gumdrops who really enjoys long walks and a giggle. Annie really is an endearingly social dog and she is even happy to share all of her belongings with other dogs. She loves children but due to her giddiness, we suggest children are about 10 years of age or older so she doesn’t bowl them over with her affections!

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

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 4 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Maybe you used to be indecisive – but now you’re not so sure ...

 EMMA NOLAN

CHOICES, choices, choices... it appears we Irish are spoiled for them – and a new survey has revealed just what influences the decisions that we make, or don’t.

Of 1,001 Irish adults polled, 80% say they make up to 50 choices a day, with men being more decisive than women.

The survey, undertaken by Carphone Warehouse for their Your Choice campaign, found that 60% of men say they make decisions and stick to them, compared to 44% of women.

Just over a quarter of men (27%) say they are indecisive, while 42% of women say find it hard to make a decision.

However, clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy says it doesn’t necessarily mean that men are better decision makers.

“While men say they are more deci-

WIN

sive, this doesn’t necessarily mean they tend to make better decisions. What this shows is that men tend to be more impulsive.

“The research reveals that 80% of people think they make up to 50 choices a day but, in reality, this figure runs into the thousands.

“Having choice in your life is having control. Control is fundamental to our survival, and so is how we adapt to change.

“Our powerful unconscious keeps us seeking control, and it’s the desire for control that keeps us seeking choices.

Choice is also linked to change, and change is a constant feature for humans – we change, or we die.

“It’s how we adapt to change that is fundamental to our happiness and quality of life.”

er Voucher Hampfor a

The Retail Park at Liffey Valley

€500

worth

Just answer this very simple question:

What does RPLV stand for?

To enter, just visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and write your answer in the Comments section of our RPLV post - and don’t forget to Like and Share the post. Alternatively, email your answer to competitions@dublingazette.com.

The closing date for entries is May 12.

THE Retail Park Liffey Valley (RPLF) is home to some of Ireland’s top homeware, electrical, pet and lifestyle retail brands – including Halfords, Currys PC World, Harry Corry, Carpet Right, Argos, Maxi Zoo, Hanley Furniture and of course McDonald’s.

It will also be home to Ireland’s second flagship store of a hugely popular retail store,

‘The Range’ which opens on Friday, May 19.

Located just off the N4 and M50, we have more than 750 free parking spaces, and we’ve got great offers available all year around. Stay up to date with all our news, special offers, competitions and events on our Facebook page and www.theretailpark.ie.

FEATURE SCHOOLS: WOMAN AT CENTRE OF NATIONAL DEBATE IS SHARING SOME TRUTHS WITH THE NEXT GENERATION

Emma’s message helps to tell teens: Domestic violence is never, ever okay  EMMA NOLAN AFTER going viral for publicly accusing her former partner of domestic abuse, Finglas woman Emma Murphy is using her platform to raise awareness on domestic violence issues.

The 26-year-old mother of two told The Gazette about her new campaign, Be That Voice, where she is visiting schools around the country and talking to teens about domestic violence and mental health.

“I started this campaign because a lot of students follow me on social media and a lot of them have been saying they’d love to have me visit their school.

“I decided to name the campaign ‘Be That Voice’ because I used my voice, so it’s become the term that I use when I speak about it [domestic violence].”

Emma has visited two schools so far with a programme she has developed, where she was really well received.

She explained: “I deliver a presentation and then we do some activities.

We talk about love and respect and words that would describe a happy relationship, so it’s a nice, positive and lovable expe-

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

Emma giving a talk and presentation to a school; right: her picture which sparked a national conversation on domestic abuse last year

rience.”

The reception from students so far has been “unbelievable”, Emma said.

“It was so powerful and when I showed my video, there wasn’t one sound in the place and they all came up to me afterwards to shake my hand and take pictures with me.”

Emma believes she

‘I’m not an authority figure – I go in wearing normal clothes, and they relate to me’ --------------------------

is an ideal person to get this message across to students, because she’s young and relatable.

“I’m not an authority figure – I go in wearing normal clothes, and they relate to me.”

Emma applied for funding from the Government to help deliver her programme but was declined.

However, she has set up a

GoFundMe page to raise money for equipment – a camera, a tripod, a projector, and a merchandise and marketing budget.

She said: “I’m so determined to make this work – I’m looking at these teenagers and they’re looking back at me with conviction, listening to what I’m saying and taking it all in.”

4 May 2017 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

DIARY

CHARITY: CYCLISTS NEARING THE END OF A NATIONWIDE JOURNEY TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH

DJ Colm Hayes and his daughter Holly joined Deliveroo riders to announce the company’s official partnership with the Cycle Against Suicide charity. Cyclists are currently nearing the end of their cross-Ireland fundraising and awareness venture, The Cycle 2017, which concludes at Dublin Castle this weekend. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Pedalling a big message CYCLE Against Suicide – the charity set up to raise awareness about mental health issues in Ireland – has teamed up with Deliveroo to help spread the message, “It’s ok not to feel ok”.

Over the past few weeks, Deliveroo provided its customers with many opportunities to get involved and support the charity’s flagship event, The Cycle 2017, a weeklong cycle across Ireland to help raise awareness about the growing issue of suicide in Irish communities, and the importance of asking for help.

Deliveroo Dublin has also set up an exclusive online donut shop allowing all proceeds raised to go directly to the charity.

The Cycle 2017 is currently winding its way across the country, having

set off on Sunday, April 23 from Swords Castle, but set to conclude this Saturday, May 6 back in the capital at Dublin Castle.

For further information, see w w w.cycleagainstsuicide.com.

HAVE A BIG HEART AND HELP CPR APPEAL RTE broadcaster Michael Lyster is urging big-hearted volunteers to give a few hours of their time to help Irish Heart’s annual Happy Hearts Appeal this May 12.

The charity is encouraging 3,000 volunteers to help sell their iconic happy hearts and raise vital funds to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, which claims 5,000 lives in Ireland every year.

Michael stressed that he wouldn’t be here today if his wife hadn’t

performed CPR when he suffered a cardiac arrest at home. He said: “CPR saves lives – no-one knows this better than me. I collapsed with a cardiac arrest at home when my heart stopped beating.

“I wouldn’t be here today only for my wife, Anne, who gave me CPR until an ambulance arrived. Without her pushing hard and fast on my chest, I would have been gone. But thanks to my wife and to CPR, I am alive here today.”

Money raised for the Happy Heart Appeal will go towards Irish Heart’s CPR programmes to create lifesavers in every community in Ireland. Starting CPR can double a person’s chance of survival.

To find out about volunteering, see www.irishheart.ie/happyhearts.

DIP INTO A FUN WAY TO HELP SICK KIDS CHILDREN in Hospital Ireland (CHI), one of Ireland’s leading children’s charities, has announced details about its upcoming CHI Cuppa and Cookie morning.

CHI volunteer and organiser of a coffee morning Grace Finnegan said: “I’m really looking forward to our Cuppa & Cookie morning, and would like to thank those who have helped me in the planning of it.

“It’s great fun supporting CHI, and to know I will be helping to make hospital a happier place for children and young people across Ireland is a great feeling.”

CHI are appealing to people to join Grace and help raise funds and celebrate International Chil-

dren’s Day on June 1 by hosting their own Cuppa and Cookie Morning in the weeks running up to and including June 1.

All funds raised will help to provide much needed arts and crafts materials, books and games as well as helping with continuous training programmes for CHI volunteers, adding to the support CHI has been providing for more than 45 years.

TREAT YOURSELF – AND HELP CHILDLINE SALONISTAS take note – from May 22 to 28, the ISPCC’s Get Blown Away for Childline fundraising event returns for a second year, with fashion designer and blogger Pippa O’Connor, and TV Host Mairead Ronan, championing the call for professional salons nationwide

to take part.

Suppor ted by the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, last year’s campaign saw more than 650 salons take part, raising more than €70,000 for Childline, with this year’s target set at €100,000.

Participating salons donate the cost of one blow-dry by each participating hairdresser to the Childline cause.

To take part in Get Blown Away for Childline, all you have to do is go to your local participating salon and get a blo-dry.

Make sure you show off your new hairdo by posting a before-and-after picture online with the hashtag #GetBlownAway, and join in the fun.

Interested salons can register at ISPCC.ie to receive an activity participation pack.

GET READY FOR A FUN RETIREMENT EVENT THE Active Retirement Ireland Marigold Festival Series is back for its fourth year, bringing health and wellbeing to every corner this month and next.

Fun, interactive and informative events will be held around the country, covering everything from sports to music to ballroom dancing, with Dubs asked to note the upcoming Active Ageing Exhibition, at the Marine Hotel, Sutton, on Thursday, June 22.

Kay Murphy, president of Active Retirement Ireland, said: “Active retirement is all about getting out and about, and enjoying face-to-face interactions with others in your community. It’s an oldfashioned social network, like Snapchat or Facebook in real life!”

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

Wellfest 2017

The health and wellbeing-focused festival returns to Herbert Park, with classes, workshops and fitness activities all included in the ticket price, and loads of local businesses getting involved. May 6 and 7.

4 May 2017 GAZETTE 17

MUSIC

“Love and Joy” Loah bares her soul in launching debut EP

Loah

This week’s Dublin Life cover star, Loah launches her debut EP ‘This Heart’ at The Sugar Club on May 12. Soulful and varied, the Roz Purcell launches Wellfest 2017 Maynooth-born vocalist who once worked with Hozier and Kila is one of Ireland’s rising stars.

Pop Up Gaeltacht

A nice twist on the ‘pop up’ business concept, a temporary Irish-speaking corner will appear in Marlay Park on May 6, giving plenty of chances to practise your language, however weak or strong it might be.

Darkness Into Light

Early-morning mental health fundraiser for Pieta House comes to Marlay Park, Phoenix Park and other city locations at the bright & early time of 4.15am, symbolically welcoming in the sunrise whilst raising money for those who are struggling. May 6.

Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

The annual celebration of the LGBTQ community in theatre form takes in dozens of performances, running over a two week period until May 14.

WWE Live In Dublin

Wrestling - of the more scripted variety - comes to Dublin’s 3Arena in a rare Irish showing. Cue the costumes and extravagant fight moves. May 5.

Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes

Two of Dahl’s rhymes are brought to life in half-hour animated form and presented in a live premiere at the National Concert Hall, alongside the RTE Concert Orchestra. May 6.

Picture: Caolán Barron

Elaine Mai

A Galway native relocated to Dublin, Elaine Mai makes subtle alternative music backed by mellow beats, and with gorgeous vocals layered over the top. She launches her latest EP, ‘The Colours Of The Night’ on May 5.

New album of the week

At The Drive In - in.ter.a.li.a.

Texan hardcore legends cement their recent return which kicked off in Vicar Street, Dublin last year - with their first new album since 2000’s iconic ‘Relationship of Command’.

At The Drive In - in.ter.a.li.a.

“I wrote a song in my grandfather’s native language, Krio, which I really made for myself, exploring my roots”

 FROM PAGE 13

“I was acting full time at the same time as recording in 2016,” she recalls. “I struggled to keep up my steam, I’m not sure I’d recommend it. This EP is quite out there. When I was a student I used to write really happy music, but a lot of what’s on the EP explores my internal fears.

It’s a lot about insecurity. When I grew up, I told my parents I wanted to be a poet, but I’ve never felt entitled to be an artist, and in some ways I’m my own worst enemy. At times it’s direct, it’s spiritual, political and painful. Not everyone will get it, and that’s fine.”

Loah is being characteristically modest: her rise up the Dublin music scene to a solo act with a formidable live reputation and a substantial amount of local hype has seen her tagged as one to watch by many. Her background, as well as her work with Hozier and Kila, saw her spend time with the Discovery Gospel Choir and around a productive Trinity College music scene. A period living in New York helped cement her direction and artistic intent.

A recent trip to Texan industry festival SxSW was also something of a marker for progress: a trip that only those expected to progress in music get to make. It was also something of a learning curve for Loah.

“It was really challen ging, and kind of a different headspace to playing in Dublin,” she explains. “People k n ow w h a t I ’m about here, and the scene is very welcoming to me. SxSW forces you to think about what you are, and how people might perceive you. It’s challenging in that I don’t really want to define

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16 GAZETTE 4 May 2017

myself, but you need to be stronger and clearer about who you are when people don’t understand the context of what you’re doing. This EP has lots of changes in style. My next EP will be a lot more streamlined, I think!”

Loah’s also realistic about the modern reality of music, admitting that she doesn’t necessarily expect to sell that many copies of ‘This Heart’. “Record sales are more a measure of the demographic of your fans than anything else today,” she says. “It’s not really a measure of success. If, after doing this, I’m playing bigger venues, or I get to tour outside of Ireland, that would be a measure of success.”

Another side of Matu Garnett’s work sees her exploring her origins: having grown up in what she calls “suburban” Maynooth, she describes herself as having “nostalgia that’s sort of really in the mind” for her roots in Sierra Leone.

“It can be strange, as while I grew up in Maynooth, people often ask me where I’m from,” Sallay explain.

“We did visit Sierra Leone a lot when I was young, and I guess I have this kind of idealised version of it in my mind. I wrote a song in my grandfather’s native language, krio, which I really made for myself, exploring my roots.”

To say that Loah’s EP is overdue is something of an understatement: she’s convinced many she has the potential to be one of the biggest act out of the city in quite some time, even if she’s far from convinced of that view herself.

“Working in music is a real rollercoaster,” she concludes. “There’s so much excitement and so much disappointment.

I’m still learning.”

Loah’s debut EP ‘This Heart’ comes out on May 5, with a live launch at The Sugar Club on May 12.

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18 GAZETTE 4 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Find your formula for sun-kissed skin WHILE we’re on the subject of swimwear, skin care and sun protection has to get a mention.

Vichy’s new Ideal Soleil range includes sun protection that suits sensitive skin.

The Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand Milk (€19.50) has a formula that safeguards against the abrasive effects of sand, which can irritate the skin.

Its anti-adherence texture helps prevent the sand from sticking to the skin, allowing it to be easily brushed away.

Its texture is light with a dry touch finish for comfortable application.

The Ideal Soleil Anti-Blemishes Spf 30 Mattifying Corrective Care (€19.99) is great for oily skinned folks.

Using suncream on your face can be a nightmare if you have oily

skin because even though you need the sun protection, your pores are ruined for weeks afterwards.

This new formula is specifically created for oily, imperfection-prone skin.

Its triple action formula of niacinamide, LHA and salicylic acid, targets blemishes, pores and shine while a high protection SPF 30 limits the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. An antisebum active ensures a nine hour mattifying action.

P CHE-

O LA R My OSAY tch UV Pa

VICHY IDEAL SOLEIL Anti-sand Milk SPF30

LA ROCHEPOSAY Anthelios XL Anti-Shine

River Island Sunglasses €17, cutout swimsuit €55, tassel shorts €40, furry sliders €30

4 May 2017 GAZETTE 19

Penneys Bikini top €10 and briefs €6

Arnotts Seafolly Vintage Wildflower Bandeau Bikini top €78 and ruched bikini brief €60

River Island yellow floral print strappy string bikini top €22 and cut out bikini bottoms €13

New Look Green sequin swimsuit €39.99

Life’s a BEACH H&M bikint top €17.99 bottoms €12.99

H&M one-piece €14.99

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

37 ochet bikini top € River Island Cr 2 and bottoms €2

YOU KNOW that panic when it’s a week or two before your holiday and you realise you have nothing new so you go into town and spend a fortune?

Me too – don’t let that happen this year!

If you’ve booked a holiday to somewhere hot start buying things now and just spend a little every other week until your holiday to avoid the dreaded panic splurge.

The high street is fully stocked with new season swimwear right now, most reasonably priced so get out there and get organised.

Penneys sunglasses €3 swimsuit €16 Bag €4 River Island baseball hat €22, palm print bikini top €30, palm print bikini bottom €17

GAZETTE

STYLE

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DUBLINLIFE

FOOD

RETAIL | GOURMET GROCER RANGE AVAILABLE AT LUXURY STORE

Orange, Poppy and

Dean & Deluca brings New York tastes to BT FAMOUS New York gourmet grocer Dean & Deluca has arrived in Dublin.

Founded in 1977 by Joel Dean and Giorgio DeLuca with the opening of its flagship store in SoHo, New York, Dean & DeLuca has grown into a multi-channel retailer of gourmet foods, wines and kitchenware with operations throughout the United States, as well as international licenses abroad – which now include Ireland, thanks to its Brown Thomas presence.

The designated Dean & Deluca space on Level 3 showcases an assortment of Dean & DeLuca gourmet products and speciality items such as its famous pasta sauces and signature pasta along with risotto kits, truffle oils, porcini sea salts and a French seasoning collection that includes lavender, French Tarragon and rare mustard seeds to enliven your cooking.

The delicious confectionary range from one of New York’s best-known food markets includes almonds and hazelnuts enrobed in fine chocolate, toffee caramels and cheesecake caramels, while kitchenware items such as mugs are available.

Lisa Kageyama, international food and beverage merchant for Dean & DeLuca, said: “We are absolutely honoured to be making the Dean & DeLuca European premiere at the world-renowned Brown Thomas.

“It is wonderful that Ireland will be able to experience many our signature products that have been long enjoyed in New York and other parts of the Dean & DeLuca Rustic Artichokes in Olive Oil 280g (€11.95) world.”

Maxol offers a new way to fill up as Tadka House opens at Greenhills Rd POPULAR Indian take-away Tadka House has opened at Maxol on the Greenhills Road.

One year on from Maxol’s Dragons Den-style Pitch for Success initiative, colleagues Raj Singh and Arun Kumar teamed up with Maxol to offer their award-winning concept, Tadka House, at the latest Maxol forecourt in Dublin.

The recently refurbished store offers customers the option of fresh, hot, authentic Indian food, served in a modern and welcoming environment. Tadka House at Maxol, Greenhills Road also offers a takeaway service, and home deliveries by Just Eat.

Maxol’s chief executive Brian Donaldson joined Raj Singh and Arun Kumar to tuck into some freshly-made fare at the newly-opened Tadka House at Maxol Greenhills Road. Picture: Peter Houlihan

The opening marks another first for Maxol, in continuing to

provide a broad choice of freshly prepared food for its customers.

Commuters travelling on the M50, locals, and employees around the Greenhills area can experience fresh Indian flavours and natural spices, all sourced from local suppliers together with a selection of quality prepared food from Maxol’s own hot and cold deli counter, Moreish.

The Tadka House menu is free from preservatives and sauces are made on site from scratch using onion, garlic, ginger and cumin.

The menu offers a lunch and evening menu with some of India’s favourite dishes, such as chicken korma, lamb Balti and healthy inspired Indian salads, as well as vegetarian options.

Polenta Drizzle Squares – yum!

Orange you glad to have these colourful treats to rustle up?

THIS week, we have a delicious recipe for Orange, Poppy and Polenta Drizzle Squares, which serve 16 and come courtesy of Siucra and Catherine Fulvio.

The inclusion of polenta in this fragrant and moist tray bake makes it incredibly light in texture.

The fresh, zesty flavours of the oranges, teamed with the sweet, sticky drizzle, is a match made in heaven!

INGREDIENTS Cake l 150g butter l 150g Siucra Caster Sugar l 3 eggs l 180g plain flour, sifted l 50g fine polenta l 2 tsp baking powder l 2 tbsp poppy seeds l 1 medium orange, zest and juice l 3 to 4 tbsp milk Drizzle l 1 medium orange, zest and juice l 100g Siucra Caster Sugar To decorate l Thin slices of orange (simmered on a stock syrup) and mint

PREPARATION l Preheat the oven to 180°C /Fan 160°C /Gas 4, then line the base and sides of a 20cm x 20cm baking tin with baking parchment. l Cream the butter and Siucra Caster Sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one as a time, beating after each addition. l Combine the flour, polenta, baking powder and poppy seeds together, then fold these into the egg mixture. Add the orange juice and zest.

If it is too stiff, add a few tablespoons of milk. l Pour the mixture into the tin, spread evenly and bake for about 25 minutes. To check if it is cooked insert a skewer into the centre. When it comes out clear the cake is ready. l Just as the cake comes out of the oven, stir the Siucra Caster Sugar, orange zest and orange juice together and, while the cake is still hot, pour the topping over. l Cool the cake in the tin for 15 minutes before removing to a rack. l Slice into 16 squares when cool.

4 May 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Despite some brutal scars from its former Soviet past, today Vilnius is one of Europe’s most beautiful – and affordable– cities, being easy to reach and very easy to explore

VILNIUS: BUSTLING CAFES SIT ALONGSIDE HISTORIC SQUARES IN THIS PROUD, BEAUTIFUL CITY

Lovely Lithuania enchants WHEN it comes to city breaks in Europe, they don’t come more highly recommended than Vilnius.

Lithuania’s cool, compact capital is the driving force behind its booming tourism industry – and with good reason.

It boasts breath-taking medieval architecture married with a bustling cafe culture, and you can take it all in on foot.

Not only that, but Vilnius is one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, providing excellent value in accommodation, attractions and dining.

A pint of lager will set you back just a couple of euro, and there are plenty Be inspired to visit Barcelona

of trendy bars serving craft beers and traditional brews alongside imported European brands.

Wander through the charming cobbled streets of eastern Europe’s largest Old Town taking in the vibrant atmosphere – and the sense of patriotism with the red, yellow and green flag hung from every pillar.

After a century of turbulence, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to claim its independence in 1990, and its hard-won national identity is a source of great pride.

See for yourself some of its UNESCO-protected sights

Fill up on kibinai – a traditional dish similar to Cornish pasties – from Pinavija Cafe to fuel your walking tour.

If you’re up to the challenge, then a visit to the 10th century Gediminas

Tower – the last remaining part of the city’s castle – offers panoramic views of the Old Town below.

The warren of medieval cobbled streets is UNESCO-protected and offers a wealth of parks, squares, bars, cafes and restaurants as well as an array of charming neoclassical and baroque churches.

The city’s character has been shaped by its fascinating history, including time under Poland and Russia’s rule. And it was once named the ‘Jerusalem of the North’ by Napoleon for its strong Jewish influence.

Only 3,000 Jews remain in Lithuania, but their 8th Century roots can still be

seen in the form of the Choral Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Flame of Hope sculpture, commemorating the 90% of the city’s Jewish population killed in The Holocaust.

The Museum of Genocide Victims – housed in a former KGB building – deals with the systematic murder of Jews by the Nazis. The museum retains in its basement the prison used by the Russian secret service, as well as the original execution chamber, where bullet holes still scar the walls.

The Travel Department offers a three night Vilnius break which includes a half-day guided city tour

with an expert local guide, as well as plenty of time to explore all the city has to offer at your own pace.

Prices start from €349pp for 3 nights including return flights from Dublin, 4-star B&B hotel accommodation, excursions, transfers, taxes and charges and expert local guides, with flights departing this September and October.

For further information, see www.traveldepartment.ie or call 01 6371600; alternatively, if you’d prefer to plan your own itinerary, Ryanair flights to Vilnius start from €30.99.  TRAVEL EDITOR spownall@dublingazette.com

You may want to go to see one of Spain’s true treasures – beautiful Barcelona city DISCOVER golden beaches, Gaudi’s masterpieces, Catalan cuisine, buzzing bars and an atmospheric gothic quarter on city breaks to Barcelona.

Take a trip during the month of May and you can visit the David Bowie Is exhibition, displaying more than 300 objects relating to the music icon including his costumes, arte-

facts and memorabilia.

Explore the serenity of Park Guell and the surrealism of Gaudi’s architecture before strolling around ancient alleyways filled with medieval relics in Barri Gotic.

Relax on the golden sands of Barceloneta Beach and explore the bustling promenade up to Olympic Port.

A short trip out of the city, you’ll find the charming seaside town of Sitges and the magnificent Montserrat mountain range.

After sunset, you can sample the best of Catalan cuisine in Barcelona’s tapas bars and show your moves in the city’s pulsating jazz and salsa clubs.

Three night breaks from €159 – see www.lastminute.com

22 GAZETTE 4 May 2017

GAZETTE

M50MOTORING Discover a new look THE new Land Rover Discovery has come on the market with some fresh thinking and a new design that quickly grows on you. Land Rover has incorporated a feeling of strength in the new design so you instantly feel that you’re driving a solid and strong SUV. Discovery has been at the heart of the Land Rover range for over 27 years and the new model is a significant departure in terms of styling, which I was originally unsure about. Once up close to the big Land Rover that feeling that they had lost some of the heritage was quickly evaporated. This is a big and solid SUV to look at with improved road and field performance, while retaining some of the important Land Rover credentials, such as towing ability.

The new design is the most obvious change.

Land Rover has retained the Discovery signature stepped roof design; it’s just more subtle now than before. The new design means a change to the dimensions of the boot area. This is slightly smaller than with the previous model and that has the consequence of eliminating the opportunity for a popular five-seat commercial model.

The other big change with the new Discovery is the arrival of a 2.0 turbodiesel engine option using the now proven Ingenium engine, developed and built by Land Rover. For the new Discovery this engine gets twin turbo treatment and the end result is a very powerful while compact package under the bonnet.

Compared with the entry 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine of the past, this new engine is lighter and more economical. Despite its size it still delivers more power at 340bhp, than

FASTNews Easytrip helps to keep Blood Bikes service on the road IRELAND’S only electronic parking and tolling tag provider easytrip has come to the aid of Blood Bikes to cover the bikers and drivers toll charges.

Blood Bikes, who provide a voluntary service throughout Ireland, were considering withdrawing their services due to toll charges this week.

Ciaran Doyle, marketing and sales manager of easytrip Ireland said: “Blood Bikes play a crucial part in bringing blood to hospitals and medical centres across Ireland and we are delighted to be able to

The new-look Land Rover Discovery has more modern styling

cover their toll charges so that they can reach

Land Rover Discovery 2.0TD SPECIFICATIONS

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

the entry V6 engine of the past, with a slight drop in engine torque. Land Rover is so confident about the improved economy, helped by the fact that they shaved 480kg from

2.0 litre 240hp 8 seconds 15.4km/litre 6.5l/100km or 43mpg 77 litres 163g/km D €570 5 star (2017) 3 years (100,000km) €57,815

the weight compared with the previous model, that it lowered the fuel tank capacity by five litres.

Get in behind the wheel and you’ll be pleasantly surprised just how power-

those most in need.

Land Rover has broken the design mould with the new Discovery model and also introduced a new engine option as Michael Moroney found out when he took the new model for a lengthy test drive. ful the new Discovery can be. I took it for a lengthy test drive run that included some trailer towing, over 1,400km and some offroad driving.

Air suspension adds to the driving comfort and the traditional Land Rover sway remains but it always feels very much in control.

Across lengthy country roads the Discovery can handle the conditions and the impressive engine torque was on tap to cope with whatever the conditions presented.

The official fuel economy figure is 15.4km/litre (6.5l/100km or 43mpg).

This is impressive relative to the Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero competition, both of which have bigger engines.

In practice, it’s not easy to

achieve this performance and length test gave me a figure that was about 35% higher.

The ability to cruise on the motorway at the 120km/hr speed at close to 1750rpm on the engine does also help with the economy performance. It also ensures quieter driving and an enhanced driving experience.

Internal comforts are impressive. The dash layout is very much in line with the rest of the Land Rover range, with a feeling of robust controls.

The off-road controls are very similar to the past, with a dial control for selection that quickly and electronically engages a new driving function.

The air suspension system is also electronically controlled from the

Blood Bikes provide a vital service, free of charge, ensuring other emergency services are not taken out of service.

We hope Blood Bikes will be made exempt from tolling soon and in the

central control area and I found it very easy to understand the system.

The central screen gives a host of options and its touch screen system was also very easy to understand. Land Rover fits up to nine USB ports and six 12-volt charging points in the new model, so all passengers can keep their devices charged on the move.

Entry prices start at €57,815, which is competitive, especially given that there is now no commercial option.

This price levels pitches the Discovery well against the competition with its new looks, very impressive performance. It’s got a new image and now it’s going to be a popular choice for Dublin SUV drivers.

interim we are more than happy to cover their tolls to ensure their service continues without delay.”

Blood Bikes is a notfor-profit Irish charity established by volunteers who look after the timely delivery of blood, breast milk and other medical items to hospitals and medical centres nationwide 365 days a year.

Colin Delaney, CEO of easytrip Ireland receiving a certificate of appreciation from Fergus Lennon of Blood Bikes

GAZETTE

M50MOTORING

4 May 2017 GAZETTE 23

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce – now in Ireland FOLLOWING the recent launch of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the range has been expanded to now include the Veloce model. Alfa Romeo claims that this new model balances the dynamics and comfort of the Giulia range to offer affordable performance and luxury. Entry prices start from €53,895.

The new Giulia Veloce comes with an exclusive 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, partnered with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive. The four-cylinder engine is made entirely of aluminium, generating 280hp and a maximum torque of 400Nm at 2,250 rpm, taking it from 0 – 100kmh in just 5.7seconds and onto a top speed of 240kmh.

In addition to the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve activation system, it also features a “2-in1” turbocharger system and direct injection, with 200-bar pressure. Made in the factory at Termoli, Italy, this new engine claims to return 16.4km/litre (46.3mpg) on the combined cycle and emits just 141g/km CO2, delivering a responsive yet efficient drive.

The Giulia Veloce features exclusive sports exterior styling, including sports bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels, coloured brake calipers,

dark tinted privacy glass with black gloss window surrounds and a rear sports diffuser with dual exhaust tailpipes. Misano Blue paint will also be available as an option, exclusive to the Giulia Veloce. The quality feel continues inside with a driver layout, which is complemented by a choice of black, tan or red Italian leather sport seats and aluminium shift paddles on the steering column.

Other standard features on the Veloce include 25W Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights; front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera with dynamic gridlines, power folding exterior mirrors, and heated 6-way electric front seats including electric side bolster support.

This new Alfa Romeo is the safest car ever tested by Euro NCAP, achieving a five-star rating and 98 per cent score for passenger safety.

All models in the Giulia range come packed with new generation driver technology including forward collision warning (FCW), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning (LDW), integrated braking system (IBS) and The Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce priced from €53,895 ex works cruise control with speed limiter.

Kia ups the spec in the new Picanto KIA launched its third generation Picanto city car in Ireland last week, with some fresh styling, improved engines and competitive entry prices starting from €13,295 for the TX model. This new Picanto comes with a lower CO2 engine for cleaner driving, Bluetooth and remote radio controls, electrically heated mirrors, rear electric windows, four radio speakers, a leather covered steering wheel and gear lever as well as body coloured mirrors and door handles.

The new Picanto is powered by one of three petrol engines, including Kia’s new 1.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) unit. When the new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine goes on sale later this year, Kia claims that it will be the most powerful engine ever offered in the Picanto, and the first time this car has offered a turbocharged gasoline engine.

The Picanto has held third place in the small car market that’s dominated by the Hyundai i10 well ahead of the Toyota Aygo and Picanto. The new Picanto gets a 15mm wheelbase extension while the overall design means a shorter

overhang for easier city driving.

The exterior of the Picanto comes with new projection headlamps with LED indicators and LED daytime running lights.

Later in the year a subtle shark-fin antenna on the roof will replace the existing aerial.

The new Picanto claims to have more leg and head-room than the best-selling rivals, while a lower step height makes for easier entry and exit from the car. The base of the dashboard has been moved upwards by 15 mm for greater knee and leg space for front passengers.

There is a new dashboard layout which is now more centrally

aligned, with a large 7.0-inch ‘f loating’ touch screen HMI (human-machine interface) sitting above the centre console.

This moves many of the car’s controls further up into the driver’s line of sight.

The boot capacity grows from 200 litres to a maximum 255 litres and features a two-step boot floor, which can be raised or lowered by 145 mm to create additional space as required, as well as create an under-floor storage area.

The 60:40 split-folding rear seats can be folded down completely flat with a one-touch lever, for maximum ease of use. This boosts cargo capacity to 1,010 litres.

Kia claims that the new Picanto is the safest A-segment car Kia has ever made. It features more Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) compared to the outgoing model and a selection of active safety technologies.

The new Kia Picanto. Prices start from €13,295.

GAZETTE

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 4 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

GHOST IN THE SHELL A flawed reinvention

SCARLETT Johansson is miscast as the Major at the heart of Ghost in The Shell (Cert 15A, 107 mins), based on the classic anime of the same name. In a future world where massively cybernetically modified or augmented humans are commonplace, she’s one herself, on the trail of some very dangerous hackers.

It often looks absolutely spectacular, but it misfires in several different ways.

BEAUTY & BEAST

It’s okay, but unecessary THE original, slightly dated Disney animation is still much more charming than this Beauty and The Beast (Cert PG, 129 mins) reboot.

The live-action remake is okay, but comes off as a little more one-dimensional in parts than the source cartoon, with a number of key roles stuck with some underwhelming casting. It’s fine, but for a better beast of a film, dig out the old cartoon instead.

FAST & FURIOUS 8 Has vroom to improve

CHARLIZE Theron takes an unexpected role in Fast & Furious 8: The Fate of the Furious (Cert 12A, 136 mins), which is adding to her slowly growing roster of action-related roles. Boy racers and speed junkies will love this latest – and very barmy – addition to the evergreen franchise, but other cinemagoers will want to slam into reverse. It’s one for the Furious fans, but pretty much only the fans.

SUMMER PREVIEW: CINEMAGOERS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A BUMPER SEASON

Sizzlers on the way to heat up the box office SUMMER is in the air – well, almost – so this week I’m flagging some of the biggest blockbusters due to hit cinemas in the coming months, with the first of these already making an impact.

While every summer brings some real sizzlers to the silver screen, 2017 looks like it’ll offer a better than average crop. Without further ado ...

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (Out now) What better way to kick off blockbuster season than with a big budget sequel to a critical and commercial hit?

Guardians 1 may have been a bit of a surprise hit for Marvel, but the comic book giant is making sure to replicate its success.

From one look at the trailer, director James Gunn is pumping the scifi sequel full of all the tried and tested galaxy-hopping action, charming humour and classic rock tunes that made the original such a well-loved hit.

Added bonus: This time,

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

Kurt Russell’s along for the ride.

Alien Covenant (May 19) Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel Prometheus split critics, audiences and die-hard fans alike; some relished its sumptuous scifi visuals, others nursed headaches having suffered its plot hole-riddled madness.

Alien: Covenant seems to be steering the ship much closer to the claustrophobic terror of the 1979 original. Yet another prequel to the series, Covenant features a stellar cast and follows a human colonisation mission that, needless to say, runs into a little alien trouble.

Wonder Woman (June 2) Many critics argued that Gal Gadot’s Wonder

Woman was the best thing about the unholy mess that was last year’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice – one of the year’s biggest cinematic mishaps.

Could this be the film that saves DC’s seemingly doomed-to-critical-failure cinematic universe?

Here’s hoping ... Wonder Woman also stars Chris Pine and is directed by Patty Jenkins.

Spiderman Homecoming (July 7) Another summer month, another superhero movie – surprise, surprise. Homecoming is yet another reboot for the web-slinging, wallcrawling, friendly neighbour Spiderman and stars Tom Holland as the titular hero.

We got our first glimpse of Holland in the red and blue suit in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War and were pleasantly surprised.

Holland captured much of what was lost over years of sequels and reboots; Homecoming looks promising.

2

1

3

5

4

6

From top-left: Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Alien Covenant, Wonder Woman, Spiderman Homecoming, War for the Planet of the Apes, and Dunkirk

War for the Planet of the Apes (July 14) Anyone who bore witness to Tim Burton’s 2001 update of Planet of the Apes would be forgiven for living in fear of another modern Apes movie.

Fortunately, and quite surprisingly, the recent prequel series – beginning with 2011’s Rise – has been very, very good.

The trailer forWar of the Planet of the Apes, starring Andy Serkis as lead-ape

Caesar and Woody Harrelson as a war-hungry colonel, is darker than anything we’ve been offered so far; the action in 2014’s incredible Dawn was clearly just a taste of the dystopian chaos to come.

Dunkirk (July 21) The masterful Christopher Nolan takes a break from superheroes and science fiction for this epic World War II film, set during the infamous battle on the

titular French beach.

A relentless trailer has hinted at heavy drama and realistic combat and violence; the enormous evacuation of 330,000 Allied soldiers will be brought to life in it all its epic tragedy in IMAX. With a cast featuring Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and, yes, Harry Styles, this is set to be one of the year’s biggest and best.

GAZETTE

4 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

DUBLINLIFE

TECH

Man goes phishing, nets over $100m

TURNS out that even the biggest companies can fall prey to the same phishing scams that we all constantly read out.

It’s been reported that Facebook and Google lost more than $100m in a phishing attack, as a man tricked them into handing over the funds in a sophisticated wire transfer scam.

Most of the money was subsequently recovered, and fraud investigators got to work, but the incident shows how even the smartest companies in the world can be only human – so to speak – if a clever enough scam is attempted.

So, the next time someone asks you to send them $100m, think twice before you do!

Wikipedia still down in Turkey TOURISTS heading to Turkey won’t be able to settle any arguments about who scored the winning goal in the 1966 world cup final by turning to Wikipedia* – at the time of writing, the site has been blocked by the authorities there.

They have cited a law allowing them to block access to individual web pages or entire sites for the protection of public order, national security or the wellbeing of the public, with the user-created encylopedia caught up in the crackdown on media in the country – Turkey currently has jailed the most journalists in the world. (*Wikipedia users anywhere else on the planet will tell you that the answer, of course, was Geoff Hurst.)

In most games, an abandoned house would hide dark secrets – here, the Finch house holds sadness and echoes of the past, but remains a once-loved home. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon

WHAT REMAINS OF EDITH FINCH: AN ENGAGING LOOK AT ONE FAMILY, MANY LIVES

Finches flutter past DEATH and taxes. They’re the two things said to be the only two certainties in life, but while a variety of big companies seem to have figured out how to largely avoid the latter, the Finch family at the heart of this week’s game have been spectacularly unlucky at avoiding the former.

I refer to Death, which looms large at the heart of What remains of Edith Finch (PC, PS4, Cert 16; €20) as the single most enduring force or character in the game – never seen, but always close by.

As a gutsy teen, you return to the sprawling, hurriedly abandoned Finch home in Washington to try to discover why you and your mum fled from it, years ago.

Despite its imposing silhouette, the Finch house is just a home – it’s full of piles of books, toys, photos of children, balls of wool and unfinished knitting, and family portraits of the late Finches painted by the eponymous matriarch, Edith.

AND now, a word of warning. (“Now?”) The game needs a patch to address a number of issues, such as some occasional pausing and stuttering, and visible loading of assets – at least on the PS4. While not at all a dealbreaker, the PS4 and PS4 Pro suffer slightly worse than usual loading and streaming issues, making the PC the best platform for the game, at least for now.

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

It’s also full of lots of locked rooms, each of which once belonged to a Finch before their respective death saw their room sealed, creating snapshots of their lives.

However, what’s a locked door to an inquisitive teen? A challenge, and one that’s easily overcome once you start finding one of the many secret passages, hidden keys and other ways to move about the dusty house.

As you explore, you learn all about the Finches down the years – many of whom had an unfortunate habit of dying young, often as children or teens – filling out the Finch family tree with a half-forgotten name here, a legendary figure there, with Death never far away.

More a collection of

Voiceovers and briefly glimpsed narratives help to shape and direct the Finch family’s stories, and fates

short stories than a “gamegame”, you’re dropped into brief moments in time from the lives of the people you note, taking the briefest of looks at the extended Finch family

before moving on to the next room, the next name on the list, the next halfrecalled life.

As a slow-paced and slow-burning ‘walk-emup’ (where a story or plot

gets doled out without much player effort), it’s not a game for everyone – and with just one notso-big house to explore, even the most slothlike of gamers will be able to drift through it in just a few hours, at the most.

However, despite its brevity, critics have been quick to laud the game, admiring its thoughtful take on families, life and death.

Ultimately, while Death is the true constant in this game, Life is ever-

present, too, as the hopes, thoughts, voices and writings of Finches from across a century drift out, flickering briefly into life again to create an impression of a diverse group of people who just share the same background.

A family, in other words, like yours, or like mine.

Ultimately, as a game, Edith will leave many cold. However, as a storytelling experience, and for some fresh food for thought, there’s a lot to savour here.

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 4 May 2017

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SPORT

FastSport TRIO OF DUBLIN CLUBS ADVANCE IN SENIOR CUP: DUBLIN clubs Killester United, Sheriff YC and Bangor Celtic all advanced from the qualifying round of the FAI Senior Cup last weekend with bank holiday wins over Ballymun United, Cherry Orchards and Greystones United.

For Killester, they were pushed all the way by Ballymun before eventually prevailing 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out after normal time had ended 1-1 Bangor were also taken to extra time but went through with through 3-2 against their near neighbours.

Sheriff were the only side with a semblance of comfort to their win, running up a 3-0 success against LSL side Greystones.

Liffey Wanderers, however, bowed out to Everton on penalties – one of three ties of the eight played that went all the way. They join Bluebell United, Crumlin United, Glenville and Portmarnock who were all given byes to the main draw of the competition when the League of Ireland sides enter the fray

HOCKEY: RATHFARNHAM CLUB SEES OFF OLD NEMESIS TO LAND NATIONAL CROWN

Darling’s inspiration has Rovers rocking to EY title

 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

MITCH Darling’s wonder goal saw Three Rock Rovers land the EY Champions Trophy for the first time as they saw off Monkstown 2-1 at Grange Road in the final.

The Olympian provided the moment of inspiration with 10 minutes to go, bursting forward from midfield and running 30 metres unopposed before smashing past David Fitzgerald.

That made it 2-0, adding to Kevin Mullins’ first half opener, and while Davy Carson pulled one back, Rovers saw out the tie and the silverware.

For coach Niall Denham, it was particularly pleasing having coached a dozen of the squad since they were 12 years old before taking up the head job two seasons ago.

Captain Jody Hosking, meanwhile, said “we’re only getting started”, pointing to the side’s age profile with only four players over 23 in their panel as they came from outside the playoffs last term to ending the league just three goals short of Banbridge this time around.

They edged through Satur-

Three Rock Rovers captain Jody Hosking lifts the President’s Trophy. Picture: Adrian Boehm

day’s semi-final against Lisnagarvey – as did Monkstown against Banbridge – after a shoot-out with both ties ending 3-3.

Sunday’s final was a more controlled affair. Three Rock hit the front in the 15th minute when Jody Hosking cut loose down the left-hand side before firing a backhand shot to the right post where Kevin Mullins

was on hand to guide home.

Monkstown replied by winning a penalty corner but could not trap it and, otherwise, spent most of the half on the back foot as Rovers enjoyed long spells of possession.

James Walker was twice denied by David Fitzgerald at close quarters while the Town goalkeeper also kept out Hosking and Ross Canning.

Geoff Cole had the only shot in earnest for Monkstown but skewed his effort over the bar.

Town stepped things up considerably in the third quarter with Andrew Ward making a number of strong runs, one of which just evaded Davy Carson’s dive.

Luke Madeley was required to twice clear off the line from a Guy Sarratt drag-flick and a Geoff Cole follow-up. Rov-

ers thought they had a second goal on the three quarter hooter when Madeley dragged in from their first penalty corner but it was ruled out as the initial stop was ruled not to have left the scoring circle before the shot came in.

But three minutes after the resumption came Darling’s moment of magic, bursting through from halfway before unleashing a powerful shot past international team mate Fitzgerald.

Monkstown again summoned a big fightback and got on the board when Lee Cole’s crash ball was turned in by Carson. He went close to grabbing another soon after but Jamie Carr got down well to prevent the equaliser.

From there, Rovers held on for the victory, their first in the Irish Hockey League’s history having won the forerunner to the competition back in 2008 – the old Irish Club Championships.

It earns them a place in the Euro Hockey League’s KO16 next Easter, meaning they will play in Europe twice as they also won the National Indoor Trophy.

Cassin the shoot-out queen as UCD land third title  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD’s Sarah Twomey embraces goalkeeper Clodagh Cassin following her shoot-out heroics. Picture: Adrian Boehm

UCD completed a perfect season as Clodagh Cassin’s perfect shoot-out record saw them edge out Hermes-Monkstown to yet another title at Grange Road.

It adds the EY Hockey League Champions Trophy to the EY Hockey League title won earlier in April and the Irish Senior Cup last month.

Each time, they have had to beat their south Dublin rivals to get to the prize. To get to Sunday’s final, UCD had beaten Loreto in a shoot-out with Cassin keep-

ing a clean sheet while HermesMonkstown had a far easier 6-2 win over an understrength Cork Harlequins.

In the decider, the students made the first major incision when they worked the ball into the circle which popped up the way of Deirdre Duke with a backhand volley thumping the base of the post.

But, in O’Flanagan, HermesMonkstown have the runaway top-scorer with 40 goals prior to the final and she snapped up the one chance to fall her way in the first half. As so often, Nikki Evans

was the creator with a delightful cut inside from the right wing, flipping the ball into the path of O’Flanagan who swiped home.

UCD continued to create the stronger chances with Gillian Pinder clean through only to flick wide while Jane O’Brien could not control an Emma Russell pass when well placed.

The students continued to push forward and when Duke won their first corner, they were back on terms. It was not a thing of beauty as the first phase was blocked down and Tice’s shot was off course but Emma Russell

sniffed a chance and pounced on the ball at the right post to guide it in. Russell then stung Murphy’s palm after a brilliant Pinder run.

It re-awoke Hermes-Monkstown and they created some top openings but reverses from Evans and one particularly spectacular strike from Sinead Loughran fizzed by the post.

UCD rode out that storm to earn their chance in the shoot-out where Cassin stood tall keeping out a trio of efforts while Sarah Twomey and Katie Mullan scored.

Orla Patton duly sealed the deal to spark the celebrations.

4 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Countdown begins for Euro Under-18 event DCU Mercy trio Bronagh Power Cassidy, Rachel Huisdens and Maeve O’Seaghdha were all named in the Ireland Under-18 women’s basketball team along with KUBS’ Ella McCloskey and Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ Sorcha Tiernan.

The 12-player squad was announced to mark the 100-day countdown to the FIBA Under 18 Women’s European Championship Division B, which will be hosted in Dublin this August.

To mark the occasion, an official launch of the event logo was held at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, where the ambassadors for the event were also unveiled.

The ambassadors will be promoting the event in schools and clubs around the country, and include experienced star players Grainne Dwyer, Michelle Clarke, Jason Killeen, and Lorcan Murphy.

Speaking at the launch, Secretary General of Basketball Ireland, Bernard O’Byrne stated: “This is a very exciting time for Basketball Ireland. With 100 days to go, preparations are now well underway and we are working hard to ensure that this will be a very successful event for all.

“Hosting this Championships was the next logical step for us after hosting Congress last year and having our international teams back in place. It is following our Strategic Plan 20152025 and is a great step forward for Irish basketball.

“We will need a lot of volunteers to help us to run this in an efficient manner and we hope that the entire basketball community will get behind the tournament and support it.”

Also speaking at the launch, Ireland Under 18 Women’s Head Coach Tommy O’Mahony stated: “We reduced the squad last week down to 12 players and they are all really looking forward to what will be an experience of a lifetime for them.

“They are hard at work making sure that they will be in peak condition come August, and there’s no doubt that this will be a great occasion for the basketball community in Ireland.

European Championships don’t come to your country every year so while it’s here, we should all take advantage of it and take pride in the fact that it’s here.”

Belvo unable to end Con’s Bateman reign Anglesea Road club push Cork club to the limit in cup final but cannot summon the last push as a Leinster club’s wait for victory in this competition continues into a 69th year  sport@dublingazette.com

OLD Belvedere missed out on a maiden Ulster Bank Bateman Cup title last weekend as they succumbed to five in-a-row champions Cork Constitution 18-13 at Anglesea Road.

Brian Hickey’s men did all their scoring in the first half, with tries from Liam O’Connell and man-ofthe-match Brian Hayes establishing an 18-10 interval lead, and had just enough in reserve to hold off a determined comeback from Old Belvedere who were relegated from Division 1A three weeks ago.

It was the first leg of a potential All-Ireland double for Constitution who return to the capital

next Sunday for a mouthwatering Ulster Bank League decider against reigning champions Clontarf, while they are now the Bateman Cup’s most decorated club, surpassing Lansdowne’s quartet of titles between 1922 and 1931.

Cork Con were first to threaten, great hands from Luke Cahill and Hayes preceding a Ned Hodson break and with Belvedere prop Declan Lavery infringing at a maul, Tomas Quinlan’s reliable left boot swept the resulting fifth-minute penalty through the posts.

Quinlan’s half-back partner John Poland was distributing swiftly and accurately from ruck to ruck, and Con continued to make inroads in attack

as the pair grew in influence.

A brilliant multi-phase move saw Shane Daly and James Murphy both carry strongly twice and gain ground, and with ‘Belvo back-pedalling towards their posts, nice handling again created an opening and Quinlan’s skip pass sent winger O’Connell over for a neatly-taken eighth-minute try. Quinlan converted from from wide on the left.

Paul O’Keefe got Belvedere off the mark with a 22nd minute penalty from the edge of the 22, rewarding Ed Rossiter and Jack Kelly for a wellexecuted lineout and some solid carrying from Sean Coughlan, Paul Pritchard and Jonathan Slattery.

Cork Con proved too strong for Old Belvedere in their Bateman Cup final last weekend.

Pritchard’s opposite number Murphy returned the favour, shrugging off an attempted tackle and setting up a central penalty which Quinlan fired over for 13-3.

The sides swapped tries as the tempo increased approaching the interval, the ‘Belvo forwards delighting the home support with Rossiter’s 32ndminute try. Slattery made a terrific break from a lineout and with James McWilliams-Gray making a big impact off the bench as a forceful carrier, fellow front rower Rossiter, who was a powerful carrier throughout, was able to crash over from close range.

O’Keefe’s conversion made it 13-10 but Constitution were very quick to respond. Captain Niall Kenneally claimed the restart and O’Connell’s quick feet and excellent offload sent Hayes over past Riordan in the right corner, the big lock showing great athleticism to reach out and dot down while avoiding touch.

Quinlan, who missed the difficult conversion, was short with an early second half penalty from near halfway, the swirling wind now favouring the Leesiders but Belvedere were playing with much more directness, albeit that their scrum was under near constant pressure.

The third quarter was a real dog-fight with Belvo upping the ante with Karl Miller leading the charge

and teeing off a barnstorming set of carries from Michael Oyuga and Connor Owende.

The end product was a close-in penalty stuck over by O’Keefe’s replacement Willie Staunton, which cut the gap to 18-13 with a quarter of an hour remaining.

It proved the last score as Cork Con went close with a strong scrum before Belvo came again.

They were bidding to be the first Bateman Cup winners from Leinster since Blackrock College in 1938/39, and Paul Cunningham’s charges really had the bit between their teeth.

They had a scrum in an inviting position after O’Connell had kicked the ball dead, and then Con’s try-scoring winger was also pinged for a ruck offence in the 77th minute.

‘Belvo declined the three points and opted for a scrum, and a couple of phases later, their forwards were held up under the posts as Con’s reserve hooker O’Connor put his body on the line to deny them.

As Belvedere went wide deep in the Con 22, former Munster lock Hayes’ well-timed intervention at a ruck forced the ball to go loose and replacement Ross O’Neill gobbled it up on the deck, a subsequent penalty against ‘Belvo centre Coughlan allowing a relieved Con to see out another Bateman Cup victory.

GAZETTE

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 4 May 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: CLONDALKIN CLUB MARCH INTO FINAL OF TOM CARROLL CUP

Glenville give Dublin Bus title bid a major boost GLENVILLE FC came from behind to record a 2-1 win over high flying Portmarnock AFC in the LSL senior Sunday 1 at Palmerstown School last week.

The Palmerstown based side have endured a tough campaign this year after suffering relegation from the top tier last season, but they have provided a boost to Leixlip United and Dublin Bus by defeating one of their promotion rivals in a very competitive division.

The first half didn’t go to plan for Glenville as they fell behind thanks to a goalkeeping error after 25 minutes. Things went from bad to worse soon after for the Glens when Carl Corcoran was given his marching orders.

Glenville didn’t let their heads drop, however, and drew level before the break with a strike from Mark McDonagh. Ciaran McDonnell was the architect as he got to the by-line from his full-back position and delivered a cross into the box that found McDonagh free at the edge of the area to fire into the left hand corner.

The home side started well in the second half and went in front 10 minutes after the restart from a penalty kick. Conor Moore was fouled in the area and when the referee pointed to the spot, Derek Doyle scored to give his side the lead.

Portmarnock threw caution to the wind as they attempted to salvage something from the game, but no matter what they threw at Glenville they couldn’t grab an equaliser. The home side managed to hold on for the win that goes some way to making up for the disappointment of losing to Swords Celtic four days prior.

Inconsistency has been Glenville’s downfall this season as they have failed to put together a string of more than two wins on the bounce.

They have only won eight and drawn six of their 23 league games to date and find themselves in eighth position in the league as a result. They have, however, now beaten Portmarnock twice this season, while also beating Leixlip United and sharing the spoils with Dublin Bus. Those two teams sit fourth and second in the table respectively and both still hold ambitions of reeling in Newbridge Town at top spot.

Dublin Bus have only lost once in 15 league games to sit three points behind the Kildare side.

Booth Road won 3-0 at Porterstown Road to reach the final of the Tom Carroll Cup. Picture: Martin Doherty

Booth too good for Saints TOM CARROLL CUP

St Mochta’s Booth Road Celtic  sport@dublingazette.com

0 3

BOOTH Road Celtic made light work of St Mochta’s as they won 3-0 at Porterstown Road last weekend to reach the final of the Tom Carroll cup.

The Clondalkin side, who sit in sixth position in the LSL Saturday Major 1B, have a good record in cup competitions having reached the semi-finals of the Noel Ryan cup, and last-16 of the FAI Junior Cup. Booth started the game brightly and created two

chances for star striker Philip Sheppard, but the former Cherry Orchard man failed to find the net on both occasions.

Mochta’s then had a couple of chances of their own after ten minutes but Dylan Sweeney hit a first time volley at Gary Cleary in the Booth goal, before Mark Sheridan put a long range effort wide a minute later.

Ryan O’Callaghan then attempted his own long range strike but Adam Kmet was equal to it in the Mochta’s goal.

With 25 minutes gone Booth eventually opened the scoring when Sheppard was fouled in the box

THE DAILY MILE Sports partnership sets new primary school task SOUTH Dublin County Sports Partnership has

launched a new, free initiative in local primary schools called The Daily Mile.

The idea, as the name suggests, is to get children to jog or walk a mile a day.

Schools are invited to contact the Sports Partnership to register their interest and all participating schools will also receive some free pedometers.

For more information, contact the Sports Partnership office at info@sdcsp.ie.

by Kmet. He dusted himself down to slot home from the spot.

Mochta’s responded well to create a couple of decent chances but it was almost 2-0 a few minutes later - Kmet pulling off another great save to deny James Kelly. Booth did have the ball in the net again after some excellent build-up play but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The home side flew from the traps at the start of the second half, forcing Cleary to get behind a powerful strike from Conor Grogan.

Kmet made another remarkable save three minutes later as he got the

better of former Liverpool man Mikey Collins in a one on one situation. Collins wasn’t to be denied for long, however, as he soon made it 2-0 by collecting a pass from Sheppard, rounding the keeper and slotting home.

Mochta’s knew they had to up their game if they were to stand any chance of getting back into it, but they struggled to create anything more than a handful of half chances. Aaron O’Brien headed wide Luke Harrison’s cross before Sheridan put a free kick over the bar Kelly then showed his class with the ball at his

feet with an excellent cross-field ball to Shane Merrigan, but he couldn’t steer it home.

W i t h 15 m i n u t e s remaining, Booth had a chance to seal the game but Collins was too casual in front of goal and missed from 10 yards.

Mochta’s had a great chance to pull one back with 10 minutes left but Cleary was on hand once again to keep them scoreless.

With regulation time drawing to a close the game was put beyond doubt by Kevin Quinn after he took advantage of the one mistake the excellent Kmet made.

4 May 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL

Round Tower Under-11s show their new skills

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

ROUND Tower’s U-11 girls continued their league campaign at home to Na Fianna at the Community Centre, showing off their skills.

There were plenty of space created, especially down the wings, with the backs using them well to get the ball up to midfield and their forwards, creating scoring opportunities. They will look to build on for their next match against St Vincents on May 14.

HURLING: PALMERSTOWN CLUB CONCEDES JUST ONE POINT

DEFEAT for our senior hurlers against

Ireland Final 2016 and framed Irish Soc-

St Pat’s of Palmerstown in the senior B

cer World Cup qualifier jersey are up for

hurling championship. Our junior hurl-

grabs. Details of the raffle he is hosting

ers travelled to Naomh Barrog and

are on our website.

secured a win in the junior E champion-

Round Tower has signed up to the AIG

ship. Our minor footballers drew with

GAA Home Insurance offer. Availing of

Naomh Fionnbarra in the league.

insurance from AIB can bring benefit to

Round Tower GAA would like to thank

the club, with it contributing €50 to the

all of our members and supporters who

club for every customer that takes out

supported the latest phase of our Mon-

home insurance with AIB and nominates

astery Road complex development and

the club.

confirm that this phase has been com-

Bingo takes place every Tuesday in

pleted with no debt to the club. Check

the club, with first call 8.30pm. Jackpot

out our thank you video via our website.

this week €1,000 if checked within 50

Our senior footballers are hosting a

numbers. All welcome.

GAA championship predictor compe-

Round Tower lotto (April 24); the jack-

tition with details to be published this

pot was €9,000. Numbers drawn were

week on the website. All welcome to

6, 15, 16 and 23; the bonus ball was 4. No

enter. And senior football captain Mick

overall winner and no bonus ball winner.

Hallows is climbing Kilimanjaro in October on aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

A signed Dublin jersey from the All

Three €100 winners: Noreen Nolan, G.F Slater, Anne Cody. Thank you to all who supported.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN CONGRATULATIONS to our U-14 hurling team winners of their Feile na nGael 2017.

St Pat’s, Palmerstown’s Under-14 side celebrate their Feile success.

St Pat’s masterful defence lays base DIVISION SEVEN FEILE  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ST PATRICK’S Palmerstown stormed to a Division Seven hurling feile title on Sunday at Parnell Park, completing the weekend with the astonishing record of having conceded only one point in nearly three hours of tournament play.

The Under-14s came through Group B in the division, building on solid defensive foundations and led by captain Jack Hanlon. On days one, they turned over St Jude’s (0-5 to 0-0), Beann

Eadair (4-6 to 0-0) and Setanta (2-11 to 0-0) before earning a final group match bye against a Crumlin team forced to withdraw from the competition.

With no semi-final in the division, they went into the finale still without having conceded a point, a record they maintained until the second period.

A point from Sam Jones opening the scoring against the Na Fianna B, before a goal from Adam Devitt after ten minutes put the reds firmly in charge.

St Pat’s were also to

have a first half penalty opportunity and missed a handful of other good chances on top of a Jack O’Leary point that put them 1-2 to 0-0 up at half time.

Playing into the wind in the second half, Pat’s struggled for the first time in the tournament, with goalkeeper Cathal Flood forced to push away a couple of decent Na Fianna goal chances, and Conor McDonagh evening up the second half tallies at 0-1 each, after Na Fianna scored the only point against the Palmerstown club in the entire weekend.

Things could have been far tighter, however, with solid defence keeping Na Fianna from capitalising on a second half St Pat’s management characterised as “hanging on under serious pressure”.

The final scoreline – 1-3 to 0-1 in St Pat’s favour – represents a convincing triumph for the west Dublin panel built over the course of the weekend, and convincing evidence that they’re more than capable of going on to play at a higher level through building on foundations laid down with all-overthe-park defence.

Well done to the players, mentors and parents.

The senior hurlers played on Satur-

Preparations began early for the

day evening in their first match of the

competition as St Patrick’s GAA club

championship to secure a win over

hosted the event. Well done to all as the

Round Tower.

pitches and clubhouse looked spectac-

Last week, our OsKaR preparations

ular on the day while, inside, refresh-

got underway with our first auditions

ments and welcome were in abundance.

on Monday evening.

The event began with a march of the

Launch night for the event is on Fri-

participating teams led by pipes and

day, May 5 at 8pm in the Palmerstown

drums to the pitches. Following a spec-

House where movies for the actors are

tacular display of hurling that showed

announced for first time. Actors can

a team drive and commitment, St Pat’s

still sign up for the event. Contact the

went on to win all their matches lead-

secretary on 086 2224672

ing them to an opportunity to play in

Lotto numbers for April 30 were 25,

the final in Parnell park Sunday where

4, 11 and 24. There was no winner. Next

they went on to become Feile winners

week’s jackpot is €5,600. Thank you for

for 2017 and lift the cup after a superb

your continued support. Tickets avail-

result in the final against Na Fianna. 1-3

able at SuperValu, Manor Hair Studios

to 0-1.

and Palmerstown House.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS

DUBLIN Feile has come to a close for 2017.

munity in Lucan . I am honoured to rep-

Last weekend was hurling; unfortunate-

resent you all as Chairman. The memo-

ly neither of Lucan’s teams progressed

ries from the last month will last a very

beyond the pool stages.

long time. On behalf of the executive of

Overall, we have had huge levels of

our club, thank you for the memories.”

participation in the comortas Feile.

Congratulations to Darren Gavin on

Commenting chairman Ben Murphy said:

Dublin’s U-21 victory and on his own man

“Over the last month I had the privilege

of the match performance. From non-

to attend Feile events and watch all our

runner to race hero.

teams compete in ladies football, camo-

Congratulations also to Emer Keenan

gie, boys football and hurling. The spirit

on captaining Dublin to victory over

of community was so infectious. I would

Roscommon and to Emma O’Flynn; the

like to thank parents, coaches mentors

National Division 3 camogie title is theirs.

and spectators for all the preparation

Senior football continues their cham-

and positive support given to our play-

pionship journey with a game against

ers.

Jack Sheedy’s St Sylvester’s on May 19

“Feile is not about winning or losing;

at 7.15pm in Finglas. The senior hurlers

it’s about taking part. We should all be

championship game is May 5 at 7pm in

proud to be part of this great GAA Com-

Parnell Park v Naomh Fionnbarra.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

HURLING HEROES: St Pat’s Palmerstown concede just a single point en route to incredible Feile win P31

MAY 4 - 10, 2017

CHAMPIONS TROPHY DELIGHT: UCD and Three Rock Rovers sweep to national glory P28

Bluebell United in action against Firhouse Clover last weekend. Picture: Anto O’Brien

Bluebell’s double shot Red Cow club’s hopes of landing a famous LSL and Charlie Cahill Cup double augmented with win over Firhouse as St Mochta’s falter in LSL

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

BLUEBELL United have reached the last four of the Charlie Cahill cup after squeezing past Firhouse Clover 3-2 following extra time at IT Tallaght on Sunday.

It concludes a great couple of weeks for the team which saw them return to the top of the LSL Sunday Senior as they attempt to land their third title in a row.

Firhouse took the lead after Luke Walsh got on the end of a set-piece into the area and forced the ball over the line.

Their lead didn’t last long, however, as Bluebell were back on level terms with just 15 min-

utes on the clock when Keith Quinn scored with what can only be described as a wonder goal.

The remainder of the half swung from end to end but with few chances of note created by either side as the game became a tight affair.

That remained the case for the whole of the second half and it took until the 92nd minute for another goal to be registered. This time it was the prolific Shane Stritch who had the ball in the back of the net – much to the delight of the visiting fans who assumed the strike would see them progress.

However, Firhouse were not finished yet and managed to equalise two minutes later as Gerry Bambrick rose highest to head home and send the game into extra time.

The game returned to a tight affair and it was starting to look like penalties would be required to separate the two sides.

That was until Sean Byrne popped up with literally the last kick of the game to see his side through.

Bluebell will now play Newbridge Town in the semi-finals but it is likely to be another tough encounter against the side who sit top of the division below the Bell.

If they manage to navigate their way past the team who they are likely to be playing in the league next season, they will go through to an all-Dublin final against Crumlin United or a decider with Wicklow’s Greystones United.

If Newbridge do make it to the senior Sunday

division for next season, Bluebell will be hoping to play them as champions. They have been locked into a close battle with Crumlin and surprise-package St Mochta’s all season, and at one stage it looked like the latter would run away with the league.

They have, however, hit a stumbling block over the last few weeks picking up just one win in their last five. Bluebell have taking advantage to move top on goal difference but with a game in hand. Crumlin sit a point behind the two but have played the same amount of games as Bluebell.

Whatever happens, Bluebell are guaranteed an exciting end to the season as two of their last four games see them play both their title rivals.