Gazette OH BABY! CLONDALKIN
April 13 - 19, 2017
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WE’RE GOO-GOO, GA-GAZETTE ABOUT BABIES! THE FINALISTS OF OUR BONNIE BABY COMPETITION ARE IN AND THEY ARE SOME OF THE CUTEST PHOTOS WE’VE EVER SEEN. IT’S NOW TIME TO GET VOTING TO SEE WHO’S THE ULTIMATE GAZETTE BONNY BABY.
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SOCCER Bluebell back in the frame 30
Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you
LEGEND SEAN SPENDS SATURDAYS ON A HIGH
Local tradesman fixes pensioner’s roofs for free
SYLVIA POWNALL BIG-hearted roofer Sean Collins is giving up his Saturday mornings to repair pensioners’ leaky roofs free of charge. The generous tradesman says he’s happy to help – and he doesn’t mind missing the footie to do something more worthwhile with his time. The 32-year-old dad of two, whose business is based in Clondalkin, started the voluntary service when an elderly neighbour asked him to inspect his roof and give him a quote. Sean revealed: “I walked by this man’s house every day just saying hello to him. Then one day he asked us to have a look at his roof and give him a price, but he couldn’t afford it. Full Story on Page 3
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YOUTH SERVICES | DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN BEING LEFT BEHIND
FASTNews
SYLVIA POWNALL
Supermarket giant Iceland opens biggest Irish store in Tallaght
Budget cut ‘to push youths into crime’ A BUDGET cut of €4 million to youth services is leaving vulnerable teenagers at risk, it’s been claimed. The lack of resources will result in a rise in anti-social behaviour and see more young people led into a life of crime, a local TD has warned. Disadvantaged children in Clondalkin and Tallaght are being left behind because of a lack of funding for facilities and
services. John Curran TD (FF) pointed to a €4 million budget drop since 2011 and said it was “inexplicable” considering there has “never been a greater need to protect vulnerable young people living in a disadvantaged area”. The national funding scheme focuses on 14 local drugs task force areas, 12 of which are in Dublin including one in Tallaght and one in Clondalkin. Its aim is to assist vulnerable or “at risk” young people living
Council gives go-ahead for 108 social housing units
in disadvantaged areas. Because of the funding cut no new applications are being accepted – meaning resources are directed at existing projects only despite more areas coming under the fund’s umbrella since the cash pot was reduced. Deputy Curran said: “Family background, environmental circumstances, educational disadvantage, involvement in crime or drugs are just some of the factors that can determine a child’s vulnerability or chance
SOUTH DUBLIN County Council has approved construction of 108 housing units in Clondalkin. An agreement for a public-private partnership (PPP) housing project – which will see 108 social housing units built on a site at The Grange/Kilcarbery, was given the green light on Monday evening.
at life and this Government must do more to protect these young people. “It is so crucial that we do our utmost to attract marginalised 10 to 21-year-olds in our community into sport and recreational activities to divert them away from the dangers of anti-social behaviour or drug abuse. “By restoring funding back to 2011 levels, there is greater possibility to reach more children and young people in need of support by offering increased services.”
A planned vote on a proposed joint venture earmarked for the remainder of the site, which will see more than 1,000 houses built if it is approved, was postponed. Councillors agreed to call a special meeting to discuss the joint venture, which will take place on Tuesday, April 18.
SUPERMARKET giant Iceland opened its biggest ever Irish store in Tallaght on Tuesday. The new shop – billed by the company as a ‘concept store’ – covers 35,000sqft at a site on the Greenhills Road and employs 35 people. The chain has announced a €12million investment in nine new stores across the country – creating 270 new jobs. Iceland Ireland managing director Ron Metcalfe said: “We have been back in Ireland for four years now and have been committed to expansion from day one. “This new investment sees 2017 as our biggest year yet with our nine new stores opening.” Iceland has 32 Irish suppliers. The 2017 expansion here will see staff numbers rise to 530 by the end of the year.
Mayberry Road works an annoyance for motorists
Emerald Garrison with Cllr Timmons
A parade of talent on show
WINNERS in this year’s Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day Parade were presented with their prizes in the Purty Central. Best float went to Greyhound, best dance group was Funky Steps, best walking group went to Round Towers GAA and Emerald Garrison won the most creative entry award. Cllr Francis Timmons, founder and chairperson of the parade committee, presented the prizes, said: “If we could we would give everyone a prize.”
Round Tower GAA receive their award
ROAD works to facilitate a multi-million euro Amazon depot in Tallaght have raised the hackles of motorists. Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) has asked South Dublin County Council to give assurances in respect of the timescale for the project at Mayberry Road. He said the disruption has led to numerous complaints and he had asked for clarity around the new road markings which some people find confusing. A council spokesman replied: “What has been provided is an advisory cycle lane, broken white line, which allows motorised traffic to enter or cross the lane. “There is insufficient space for a mandatory cycle lane and general traffic lane, they overlap. “The purpose of the layout is to emphasise to drivers the presence of cyclists and to encourage drivers to proceed behind cyclists at their pace. “This is in accordance with the national cycle manual and this arrangement has been in use on Greenhills Road for a number of years.” Cllr O’Connor however is anxious to hear from residents who have concerns.
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FASTNews 150 new jobs announced for the city 150 new jobs for Dublin this year as tech company Citrix plans to expand its office in East Point Business Park. The new jobs will primarily be in sales and technical support. Citrix currently employs 225 people in Ireland. Citrix is also establishing a Sales Academy at its Dublin offices to develop junior sales talent with the aim of preparing them for more senior roles with the company in the future. Speaking at the announcement Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “We already have a strong footprint of ICT companies in the Dublin area and we always encourage these companies to expand and diversify.”
REAL LIFE | MEET THE DUBLIN TRADESMAN FIXING PENSIONERS’ ROOFS FOR FREE
The height of decency
Sean Collins has been giving up his weekends to fix elderly people’s leaky roofs. Picture: The Irish Daily Mirror
SYLVIA POWNALL BIG-heared roofer Sean Collins is giving up his Saturday mornings to repair pensioners’ leaky roofs free of charge. The generous tradesman says he’s happy to help – and he doesn’t mind missing the footie to do something more worthwhile with his time. The 32-year-old dad of two from Crumlin started the voluntary service when an elderly neighbour asked him to inspect his roof and give him a quote. Sean revealed: “I walked by this man’s house every day just saying hello to him. Then one day he asked us to have a look at his roof and give him a price, but he couldn’t afford it. “I couldn’t believe that this man had to live with a leak coming into his bedroom, so I fixed it for free. He had a bucket at the end of the stairs he had to keep emptying out. The rain was coming down on his bed. I asked why he didn’t just move the bed but he said he couldn’t because it was too heavy. I got to thinking how many more OAPs are in this situation? So I decided that once a week I’m going out to fix minor repairs for free.” Sean has worked as a roofer for 15 years and branched out on his own four years ago. He added: “I’m happy to help out as many people as I can. I have four lads working for me and one of them comes out with me each Saturday to give me a hand. “If they’re small jobs it’s simple enough to do them at no charge.” Sean is now urging any OAPs in need of his services to check out Collins Roofing on Facebook or contact him directly at 086 1274202.
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COURTS | FELL WHILE JOGGING AND FRACTURED HIS KNUCKLE
Man who tripped over hole at halting site gets €60,000 SYLVIA POWNALL A MAN who fractured his knuckle when he tripped over a halting site pot hole has been awarded €60,000 in damages. Mar tin Stokes fell while jogging at the site at Oldcastle Park, Bawnogue, Clondalkin where he lived with his parents in a caravan on September 18, 2011. The High Court award
includes €5,000 aggravated damages based on the judge’s findings against the council’s allegation that the claim was fraudulent. South Dublin County Council claimed Mr Stokes had probably suffered his injuries while boxing and alleged he fraudulently tried to blame the council for the fracture. But Mr Justice Anthony Barr found he had not
made a fraudulent claim and was entitled to be compensated for upset caused to him due to the nature of the defence. The court heard Mr Stokes was jogging up a footpath leading from the entrance to the halting site to the caravans when he tripped over a hole and fell, fracturing a knuckle on a finger on his right hand. He later underwent surgery and is left with a scar.
The judge noted Mr Stokes was involved in a road traffic accident when he was a passenger in a car hit from behind on September 17, 2011 – one day before the fall. He suffered soft tissue injuries to his back and neck in the crash. He was asked why he would go jogging the day after the accident but he said he had done so to alleviate his symptoms. Mr Justice Barr accepted the evidence of a medical witness that some people would try to “run off” a soft tissue injury and accepted the
explanation as “credible”. The judge ruled Mr Stokes had been consistent in his account of the accident and, while he delayed bringing the matter to the attention of the council or his solicitor, he said he was satisfied it was not a fraudulent claim. Addressing the plaintiff’s claim that he was unable to return to boxing, Mr Justice Barr said he was not satisfied Mr Stokes had made any reasonable attempt to get back to “that sporting pursuit”.
FASTNews
Dog-lover punched Lidl security guard who barred his pet from store A DOG-lover who punched a security guard in the mouth after he was told he could not bring his pet into a supermarket was ordered to pay €2,000 in compensation. Bartlomiej Jochym, 35, and the injured guard “tussled” and the fell through a glass partition at Lidl in Tallaght with both men suffering cuts and bleeding. The victim said he is “still not right”, cannot play sports and has been prescribed anti-inflammatory cream by his doctor. The defendant, of Westbourne Court, Clondalkin, admitted before Tallaght District Court to seriously assaulting a security officer at Lidl, Whitestown Way, Tallaght, on May 2, 2016. Defence lawyer George Burns said Jochym, a steel metal worker who has lived in Ireland for 10 years, “reacted badly” when told he could not bring his dog inside. The court heard that Jochym had been drinking. Judge John Lindsay adjourned sentencing.
Clondalkin fire survivor still in critical condition THE sole survivor of an apartment fire in Clondalkin last month that killed a pregnant mother and three young children is making “slow progress”, relatives have revealed. Bridget ‘Biddy’ O’Brien remains in a critical but stable condition in St James’s Hospital where she has undergone extensive skin grafts. She was the only person to survive the fire in the early hours of March 8. Her children Jordan, 4, and three-year-old Holly died in the blaze along with her cousing Anne-Marie O’Brien, 27, her two-year-old daughter Paris and her unborn son AJ. A relative revealed that doctors have started to remove bandages and are happy with how the wounds are healing, but Biddy remains heavily sedated. Sonas Housing, which runs the facility at Cluainin Chronan where the fire broke out, said the apartment and three adjoining units remain vacant awaiting refurbishment. The cause of the fire has not yet been released and investigations are ongoing.
Households urged to switch to bins GREYHOUND Household, the country’s largest household waste collection agency, has launched a campaign to encourage people in Dublin to switch from waste bags to bins. The company has launched a special discount scheme for people who make the switch which will provide big savings. Over the two-week promotion, Greyhound will also take back bags and put the credit on the new Greyhound Bin Account. Greyhound Group managing director, John Brosnan said: “This is a once-off opportunity for some of our customers to make the switch to bins and in the process, save considerable amounts on their waste disposal costs. We have embarked on the promotion as part of a number of initiatives to reduce litter in the capital.”
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Out and About
Grace Miley, Liam Hallows and David Muritala
Katy Gallagher and Maja Smutek. Pictures: Rose Comiskey
Children waste no time cleaning up T
HESE Clondalkin kids put the environment first as they mounted a massive spring clean last week. Clonburris NS was one of thousands of primary schools nationwide who collected rubbish from the surrounding area. They were kept on their toes by the ‘bin garda’ who fined any children caught putting waste in the wrong bin. The kids also made a greenhouse from 2,500 plastic bottles in a bid to raise awareness of waste and the need to reduce it.
Twins Alex and Michael Scanlon
Ben Reid Bewley and Odhran Green
Ella Lewental, Grace Miley and Sophie Boylan
Senior infants get ready for clean-up
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Out and About
Taylor Callaghan and Robyn Brady
Eldelight Mainassara, Molly Nolan and Andreu Toribio
Esther Asekune and Paige O’Sullivan
Daniel Gilmartin, Lucy Gleeson and Melissa Mosley
Carly Cureton, Amy Hassett and Wendy Balagun
Nicole Martin, Gabrielle Strickland and Melissa Mosley
Are you a member of a camera club? Would you like to see your shots in print? Why not send your pictures to aconway@ dublingazette. com
Eibhlin, James Paul Johnston and Harry Phillips
2nd class students who are creating a green house out of plastic bottles with their teacher Paula Galvin
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COURTS | MAN WHOSE DANGEROUS DRIVING KILLED PAL JAILED
Mother left ‘absolutely disgusted’ at sentence SYLVIA POWNALL A MAN whose dangerous driving killed his best pal has been jailed for 18 months. Kevin McCarthy, 23, wore a photo of the victim, his friend Thomas Carroll, around his neck and visited the crash scene almost daily in the aftermath of the accident.
The late Thomas Carroll with his daughter Kayla
Last week the victim’s mother Nicola Carroll said she was “absolutely disgusted” at the sentence after the judge suspended two-and-a-half years of the term. McCarthy, of Rossfield Park, Tallaght was driving at twice the speed limit when he lost control of the car on a bend near Brittas, Co Dublin. He hit trees and a pole before the car flipped over and travelled 115 metres on its roof. Thomas Carroll, 21, was a back seat passenger in the car. His family and friends walked out of the courtroom when Judge Pauline Codd handed down sentence. McCarthy, who has 73 previous convictions, had pleaded guilty at an earlier court sitting to dangerous driving causing death on the N81 on May 29, 2014. He took the stand to make a tearful apology to the vic-
tim’s family, telling them: “I’m very very sorry for all that happened”. Speaking outside the courthouse Nicola Carroll said: “A year and a half is simply not enough for our beloved son, brother and daddy to our granddaughter Kayla who will grow up without her daddy. “Kevin McCarthy will walk free in 18 months and live his life as normal while we will suffer a life sentence.” McCarthy’s sister Sinead McCarthy told the court that she didn’t intend to take away from grief of the victim’s family but said her brother’s life had been ripped apart. She said he disappeared for days and the family found out recently that he was going to the crash scene to talk to the victim. The court heard he had been a promising footballer and won a scholarship with Shamrock
Rovers before suffering an injury and turning to drugs. The court heard that a paper delivery man was driving along the road around 2.40am when he came across an upturned car in the middle of the road and four young men who were “hysterical” and asking for help for their friend. Mr Carroll, a father-of-one, was lying at the scene with massive head injuries. He was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. In victim impact statements Mr Carroll’s mother, brother and two sisters described the pain of losing their son and brother in such horrific circumstances that they were advised to hold his funeral in a closed casket. The funeral directors worked for 12 hours to ensure they could see his body and hold his hand one last time, the court heard.
A berry fruitful experience REBECCA Doolan and Lauren McAllister from Saint Maelruain’s Church of Ireland in Jobstown, Tallaght, said Thank you berry much to David Keeling, CEO Keelings Retail, as they got a taste of the company’s first harvest of fresh Irish strawberries of 2017. The state of the art strawberry glasshouse on Keelings farm has the capacity to produce over 100 million Irish Strawberries for the Irish market and extend the season into December.
Picture: Peter Houlihan
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FASTNews West Dublin gardai overtime doubled in 2016 THE amount of money paid to gardai for working overtime doubled in West Dublin in 2016. The national average increase was 50 per cent but gardai policing the district of the capital which includes Clondalkin and Lucan recorded a 99 per cent increase. The bloody Hutch-Kinahan feud and the increase in garda policing to deal with it is being blamed for much of the rise in overtime. Last year €68 million was paid out in overtime to those working in the 28 garda regional divisions, compared to €45 million in 2015. The five biggest hikes were in Dublin – up €5 million, or 95 per cent, in Dublin City North Central; up €3.7 million (99 per cent) in Dublin City West; up €3.6 million (83 per cent) in Dublin City North; up €1.8 million (63 per cent) in Dublin City South and up €1.7 million (21 per cent) in Dublin City South Central.”
Charity cycle is launched THE Tallaght Hospital Charity Cycle 2017 launched last week, with all interested cyclists encouraged to register for the June 17 pedal. All funds raised will go towards purchasing advanced haemodynamic monitoring equipment for the Intensive Care Unit and there are 200 places available with registration closing on June 2. The new equipment will enable doctors and nurses to accurately assess and manage a patient’s heart and cardiovascular functions during a critical illness. To register visit www. iregister.ie/v2/events/ summer-99-charitycycle-2017.
COURTS | VIOLENT DISORDER INCIDENT
No charges over the death of man SYLVIA POWNALL NO CHARGES will be brought in relation to the death of a 27-year-old Clondalkin man following a violent disorder incident in Temple Bar. However, that decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can be appealed, an inquest into the death of Gareth O’Connor heard. The father-of-three, of Lindisfarne Grove died
at St James’s Hospital on September 11, 2015 after an assault in Dublin’s Temple Bar. In the course of the garda investigation over 180 statements were taken and at least seven people – including two women – were arrested and questioned. Insp Paul Costello applied to Dublin Coroner’s Court for a threemonth adjournment of the inquest to allow time
for a right of appeal. Tragic Gareth, the youngest of nine siblings, died of bleeding on the brain after he was assaulted during a violent disorder incident at Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar. An earlier inquest hearing heard that gardai expected to bring charges. Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane adjourned the inquest hearing until July 20 for further mention.
Dad’s photo-pop skills sees little Hannah go viral SYLVIA POWNALL A DOTING dad has told of a “crazy few days” which saw his social media shock campaign go global. Designer Stephen Crowley, 32, from Tallaght has been hailed father of the year – for photoshopping toddler Hannah into death-defying poses. In one Instagram mock-up captioned: “I think the stair gate may be broken’ Hannah is seen climbing along the outside of an upstairs banister, while in another she holds a large knife as she sits on the kitchen counter beside a hot stove. But Stephen,whose only child was born with a rare immune disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (LHL), has assured it’s for a good cause. For six months Hannah had to undergo chemo followed by a bone marrow transplant – the only possible cure – and now her dad is raising awareness and encouraging people to join the bethematch.org bone marrow registry. Stephen, who gained 15,000 Instagram followers in the space of one week, told The Gazette: “It’s been a crazy few days. I didn’t expect how much traction it would get.” In all, 18-month-old Hannah spent almost a year of her young life in hospi-
tal as she was kept in isolation after her transplant. Of 27 million donors worldwide, just three were deemed a match and an anonymous German woman donated. Stephen says he now wants to make up for lost time with his precious daughter. He said: “Because we missed out on so much normal stuff of the first year, we take tons of photos now that we’re able to do normal things out of isolation. “She is doing much better now, still the odd trip to the hospital, but overall much better. She’s lots of fun, always smiling and has a great sense of humour given what she’s been through. “I thought it would be fun to worry family by putting someone delicate in precarious situations. Most of the reactions have been positive, with the odd person not getting the joke and commenting that I should be shot.” Stephen admitted he’s feeling the pressure to come up with his next photo stunt, adding: “Thanks to Hannah for putting up with my s**t. After everything she’s been through, she is quite resiliant and one happy toddler.” See www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_ Donor/Bone_Marrow_Registry/Application_Form/.
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Gazette babies are the cutest.. WIN | VOTE TO SEE WHO’S THE GA-GAZETTE’S SPRINGTIME BONNY BABY
Chloe and Charlotte Coffey are twice as cute!
Joe O’Carroll loves his dinner!
Super-cute little Emma Gilmore (18 months) and her little puppy, sent in by Orla Kennedy
LIttle Katie Smith, sent in by her mum Aishling Monaghan
VOTE! VOTE ! VOTE! W
Three year olds Rebecca and Henry Arthurs are the best of cousins
E’VE had a wonderful response to our Gazette Bonnie baby competition – and we’re hugely grateful to the multitude of proud mums, dads, grandparents and family friends out there who so kindly shared some of the cutest photos we’ve ever seen. Theses are our lucky finalists, who now go forward to a public vote to see who’s the ultimate Gazette Bonny Baby. (You can vote for your favourite pic on our Facebook page, or by emailing competitions@dublingazette.com.) We have some great prizes to give away – including two hampers worth €90 each from our friends at NUK Ireland – and one lucky winner will win a free family or newborn photoshoot worth €180 from Gazette photojournalist and expert baby photographer Ali, of Alison O’Hanlon Photography. Voting is open from today until April 19, with our winners announced in next week’s papers and on our Facebook page on April 20. And keep an eye out for more great Gazette Giveaways in your free weekly Dublin Gazette – because Grace Ahern (13 months) remember folks, the future is sent in by Brian Ahern local, the future is free!
Zack the piano man, sent in by Karolina Gasinska
Nine-month-old smiler Parker Daly
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CHARITY | STUDENTS CALLED ON TO JUMP ON THEIR BIKES FOR SIMON COMMUNITY
Get in a spin and help the homeless to get education EMMA NOLAN DUBLIN Simon Community are calling on students to get on their bike for their upcoming Simon Spin Challenge, which takes place on Friday, April 21, on Grafton Street from 11am-7pm. The fundraising event will see teams from various different colleges and universities around Dublin spinning on stationary bikes for a total of eight hours over one day. This fundraiser must raise €10,000 to fund Dublin Simon Community’s programme to support people, who have experienced homelessness, to rebuild their lives and pursue education. Speaking about the initiative, Sam McGuinness from the Dublin Simon Community said: “The journey from homelessness to a home is much more than putting a roof over somebody’s head. “We are encouraging students to help create opportunities for future students. The money raised will go towards our grant scheme to help people who have experienced homelessness get an education. “The grant will remove barriers for people accessing third level and will help with the costs associated with pursuing third level education, be it fees, books or travel costs.” Students will compete in a Battle of the Colleges on the day. Each team will consist of eight spinners who will cycle for a total of two hours each. The team that travels the furthest and raises the most money will claim victory and will win some sought after prizes. Spot prizes for extra challenges on the day will also be up for grabs! The Simon Spin Challenge is a fantastic way to have fun, keep fit and help raise vital funds for a great cause! If cycling isn’t your thing, you can still give people who are homeless an opportunity to get an education by bucket shaking for your College Spinners on the day. To take up the challenge for homelessness and become the winning college, email Grace Allen at: Grace@dubsimon.ie or call the Fundraising Team on 01-671 5551 and they will be able to show you how to set up your own JustGiving page for the event. Each team also needs 10-12 bucket shakers to cheer on their spinners and collect vital funds throughout the day. This fundraiser specifically aims to raise €10,000 to fund Dublin Simon Community’s third level education grant for clients using our services who wish to pursue further education.
News
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MOTORING: THE OPTIMA HAS IT ALL P20
TRAVEL: CYPRUS - BELIEVE ALL THE HYPE P23
DUBLINLIFE
GAZETTE
CINEMA: GHOST IN THE SHELL SHOCKER P24
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
THRILL 16
MUSICAL YOUTH: CELEBRATING 10 GLORIOUS YEARS OF THE IYMA
SENSITIVE BAXTER IS SUCH A REAL SWEETHEART OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Baxter, a one-year-old Beagle. He is a curious guy and, being a typical Beagle, Bazter likes to busy himself investigating new surroundings. He would love to live with another dog as he is a super social dog. He will happily share his belongings with a doggy pal and a confident dog will help him settle into his new home. Baxter is a sensitive soul and can be a bit unsure of new people, so his adopters will have to take their time with him. A quiet home with older children of about 10 years of age and up would suit him best. If you can be Baxter’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.
Croker gets ready for the Irish Youth Music Awards
Ballymun teenagers The Innocents will follow in the footsteps of another Ballymun quartet when they play Croke Park at the IYMA next weekend
GET DOWN TO THE HUB THE IYMA Education Hub brings together some of Ireland’s top music industry professionals supported by BIMM Institute Dublin. Those attending the Awards at Croke Park on Saturday next will have the opportunity to sign up for the Education Hub, which will feature music industry panels, master classes and workshops in vocals, song-writing and more. Visit www.iymas.ie for full education hub schedule and the biographies for music industry professionals featured. Workshops for individual musical disciplines will also take place on the day. These include a drum workshop with Paul Kenny, who has toured with James Vincent McMorrow, Jape, and German band Get Well Soon. Danny Snow, who has toured extensively all over the world with Villagers and Cathy Davey, will be offering a bass workshop.
REBECCA WESTON THE Irish Youth Music Awards has a new home this year – and a wealth of new Irish talent to go with it! The Youth Work Ireland initiative will celebrate its tenth year at next Saturday’s National Day festival (April 22), and this year’s event will now take place at Croke Park. Aimed at creating teamwork and friendship at local level, the IYMA also provides first-hand work experience for participants in all areas associated with the music business such as PR, stage management, graphic design, photography and much more. Talent The showpiece of the IYMA National Day is of course the Awards ceremony itself, and we have some great talent from the capital who’ll perform at the legendary stadium for a chance to win recording time at 2FM’s famous Studio 8. The overall winner will win recording time in a professional recording studio, a recording session in RTÉ 2FM’s legendary Studio 8 and a full backline provided by Music Maker Dublin. The winners will also get to produce an album of their own original tracks released on physical CD with a professional design.
WIN WIN
WE’VE got seven pairs of tickets to give away for the Irish Youth Music Awards Festival Day at Croke Park on Saturday April 22. Just got to the Dublin Gazette’s Facebook page and LIKE and SHARE our IYMA post. Winners will be announced on our Facebook page on Tuesday at 5pm.
Spotify The album will be digitally distributed worldwide through all major outlets including iTunes and Spotify. Tickets for the Irish Youth Music Awards National Day are available from Eventbrite priced €20 including booking fee here. The event is an all ages, alcohol free event. Group tickets are also available for youth clubs, projects or schools priced €120 (including booking fee) allowing admission for six young people and two youth leaders on the day. Group tickets must be booked by April 14th.
Meet the Dublin finalists: Pgs 16-17
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TALLAGHT HOSPITAL CHARITY CYCLE: RAISING VITAL FUNDS FOR THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
On yer bike for charity THE hugely successful Tallaght Hospital Charity Cycle has been launched for 2017. The Summer 99 – 2017 Charity Cycle takes place on June 17, with the aim of raising vital funds for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Tallaght Hospital. There are 200 places available on the cycle, and participants are encouraged to register soon, before these places are filled. The closing date for registration is June 2. The entry fee includes refreshments which will be provided on the day, as well as a cycling jersey. Cyclists have a choice between a 40km route and a 99km route. The routes begin and end at Tallaght Hospital and take in scenic areas of the Wicklow mountains including Brittas and Blessington. For further information on the event and how to register, please see www.iregister.ie/ v2/events/summer-99-charity-cycle-2017/ Funds raised will be used to purchase Advanced Haem o d y n a m i c Mo n i t o r i n g equipment for the ICU. This equipment will
enable doctors and nurses to accurately assess and manage a patient’s heart and cardiovascular functions during a critical illness. Professor Gerr y Fitzpatrick, an anaesthesia and intensive care Consultant at Tallaght Hospital said: “The event promises to be a great day out and a very enjoyable occasion for everyone. “So I encourage everyone who has an interest to register and support our work. Your support and generosity is much appreciated.”
LUCY HELPS LAUNCH CHARITY PARTNERSHIP THE ISPCC and Ikea have teamed up to raise money for the charity with the help of TV presenter Lucy Kennedy. The new one-year partnership with ISPCC involves over 713 co-workers from the home furnishing experts fundraising throughout the year. To mark the announcement of the partnership, IKEA Dublin will donate an initial €5,000 worth of home furnishings for the benefit of therapeutic rooms for children and young people to be distributed among the ISPCC’s services.
Throughout the year IKEA will work closely with the ISPCC, providing expert advice and knowledge to benefit the work of the charity. I K E A c o - wo r ke r s a r e already planning a number of fundraising activities, which kicks off with an exciting Strictly Come Dancing event where co-workers aim to raise a whopping €20,000. Launching the campaign, Lucy Kennedy said: “I am really pleased that IKEA Coworkers chose the ISPCC as charity of the year. The ISPCC provides such an important service to children, listening to every child who needs someone to talk to. It’s great that they are being supported.”
DUBLIN AMBER DRINK TO HELP SENIOR CITIZENS THE Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has announced a new community initiative with ALONE, the charity that supports older people at home. With 600 members, the LVA is marking its bicentenary this year, and has called on its publican members to pour support into the fundraising initiative in the hope
Pictured from left to right at the launch of the 2017 Tallaght Hospital Summer 99 Charity Cycle: Dr. Pat Conroy, Consultant Anaesthetist; Prof. Gerry Fitzpatrick, Director of Tallaght Hospital Intensive Care; David Slevin, CEO; Siobhan Connors, Critical Care Outreach Nurse and Yvonne Lewis Senior Health Care Assistant in ICU
TV presenter Lucy Kennedy launches the ISPCC and IKEA Charity Partnership with the help of Hollie Walker from Finglas and Riley Delaney-Berry from Rathfarnham. Picture: Brian McEvoy
of raising €200,000 to help older citizens in their own homes. To help the cause, Guinness has created a new, limited edition beer – Dublin Amber Pale Ale – sales of which will support the fundraiser. Some 50 cent will go to ALONE from each Dublin Amber sold, with the funds also helping to support its befriending service, with volunteer ‘Befrienders’ helping to give seniors a muchneeded social boost across the city. Highlighting the charity drive, the LVA said that it, and its members, were delighted to help play a part in supporting the community as a core part of its bicentenary celebrations, with Guinness also saying it was happy
to help. Dublin Amber Pale Ale is currently available on draught for a limited time only, and can be found at hundreds of pubs across the city.
OPW LAUNCHES BURNING BOOKS – AN EXHIBITION THE Office of Public Works has just launched Burning Books – an exhibition detailing the reproduction of 14 volumes of the Irish Parliamentary Journals dating from the 1700’s which were destroyed during the Irish Civil War in 1922. In the last decade of the 19th century the book collector and amateur book binder Sir Edward Sullivan was shown a collection of 149 large volumes in exquisite bindings that had been stored, unnoticed, over many
years in the Public Records Office in Dublin. They were in fact the Journals of the Houses of Lords and Commons of the old Irish Parliament, that ceased to exist after the 1800 Act of Union. Sullivan made rubbings of all 149 volumes and photographed 20, intending to publish a large monograph on the subject. He did not receive enough financial support for this, but did succeed in publishing a small volume, Decorative Book-Binding in Ireland, which was published in 1914 by the Sette of Odd Volumes in London. Fourteen volumes of the 149 bindings were reproduced and are on display in Dublin Castle until September.
13 April 2017 GAZETTE 15
13 April 2017 GAZETTE 17
DUBLINLIFE
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N E V E with JAMES HENDICOTT
Story Time In Alan Hanna’s Book Shop The Rathmines independent bookshop hosts a wonderful weekly event for children up to the age of about ten, featuring playful readings and snacks. 11.30am every Saturday.
Fast-rising Cork musician comes to Dublin’s Sugar Club on April 20/ 21, having already climbed to the heights of Glastonbury and 3Arena appearances. A silky, modern, vocally-sublime one to watch.
Aine Cahill
The Good Run
An annual health start to Easter, The Good Run takes place on Good Friday, a charity event raising funds to tackle Motor Neurone Disease. Runners tackle 2.5 or 5km around St Anne’s Park, Raheny, on April 14.
A Celebration of Prince
The Grand Social brings together a host of musicians and DJs to celebrate the life of Prince one year after his passing. Fancy dress - especially purple - strongly encouraged. April 21.
Cruinniu na Casca
A celebration of contemporary Irish culture running for free across Ireland on Easter Monday, the Dublin events will include Ceili, pipe bands, trad, street art and activities focused on different industries in Ireland.
Al Porter - At Large
Al Porter
BATTLE OF THE BANDS MUSIC
BAND: THE INNOCENTSYOUTH CLUB: Ballymun Regional Youth Resource
Aine Cahill
The Tallaght native brings his standup routine to Vicar St, a location that’s become something of a second home for him. April 17.
Revolution in Colour
Director Martin Dwan visits the IFI on Easter Monday to present his documentary on the Easter Rising, ‘Revolution In Colour’. The film presents events using old newsreels as a guide, but adding enlivening personal angles and colour to the footage. April 17.
Ulysses and Censorship
Explore the issues James Joyce’s masterpiece suffered when it first appeared, as the James Joyce centre looks at the the great book’s difficulties in its hometown. Throughout 2017.
New album of the week: Imelda May - Life Love Flesh Blood. The Life Love Flesh Blood Liberties hero - now relocated to London - launches her fifth album, which features guest appearances from Jools Holland and Jeff Beck.
GAZETTE
GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 13 April 2017
THE INNOCENTS were formed in 2014 by Ballymun locals Jonathan Ambrose (16 - Lead Vocals) and Sam McGuire (16 - Lead Guitarist). They often played music together with the hopes of forming a band in their local youth club. They decided to reach out to their friend Kez Kinevane (17 - Drummer) who had no previous experience playing the drums so starting learning them from scratch, with help from Jonathan and BRYR Volunteer Darren Poole. The band needed a bass player and Sam met Kenan (18) while busking and they became friends. Guitarist Kenan had no prevous experience playing the bass so he set about learning, which lead to The Innocents forming. Over the last few years they have had the opportunity through the BRYR MUSIC CLUB to build confidence & gain experience by playing at local community events, with the continuing support of BRYR Music staff and Volunteers. The Innocents continue to be part of the BRYR Music Club and use the space to rehearse and up-skill. This young band have already accomplished so much in such short time that they’ve been together. Most recently they performed on Coolock based radio station Near FM. They sold out their debut
paid gig (110 tickets) in 6 minutes in the Setanta GAA Club in Ballymun. Since this they have played in the Grand Social, Liberty Hall, Axis Theatre in Ballymun and now getting ready to play their biggest gig to date in Croke Park as part of the Irish Youth Music Awards (IYMAs) all ages festival on April 22nd.
ALANATIE are a musical trio from Ballyogan formed in 2016 by rapper and pianist Adam Whelan (17), lead vocalist Lana Whelan (14) and drummer Katie Grehan (18). They started writing and practising at The White House, Ballyogan in preparation for IYMA. Before this Katie did tutor workshops with Rónán Ó Snodaigh from Kíla - and the band performed at an intergenerational fundraiser for the She project in Boylan Centre in Dun Laoighaire. They have been writing original songs since September 2016 and are well on course for their performance at the IYMAs in Croker on April 22nd.
BAND: ALANATIE
BAND: NEWKIND
YOUTH CLUB: The White House, Ballyogan
h Resource Centre
YOUTH CLUB: Finglas Yout
NEWKIND is a band that started off with 2 members called James Moran, a beatboxer age 17, and Clayton Cooper, a rapper aged 12. They released an EP ‘Newkind’ in 2016. The newest member Thomas McPartlan is a 16-year-old singer and guitarist. They all met each other in the FYRC and instantly clicked. They wrote a song called “It’s Life” which they have performed in the FYRC which got them through to the Irish Youth Music Awards. They have also performed for the Suicide Awareness event in Finglas and ‘Be a Buddy, not a Bully’ anti Bullying event in the FYRC. The largest crowd they performed
in front of was three thousand people at the Halloween community festival in Finglas. Due to unforeseen circumstances Thomas is unable to perform with his band so Robbie Tomkins has stepped in to fill Thomas`s position as the singer. The song they are going to perform is “It’s not enough”. Robbie likes people to take their own meaning from the song rather than defining it. The young people and youth workers from the FYRC are thrilled to be taking part in the IYMAs and are very excited about showing off some of Finglas musical talent.
Croke Park is the venue for next Saturday’s IYMAs. Picture: CrokePark.ie
BAND: HOSTILE FEELINGS
h Service
YOUTH CLUB: SWAN Yout
SWAN Youth Service and Blackrock College have teamed up this year for the 2017 IYMAs. Since September 2016 the SWAN Youth Service music group along with 7 Blackrock transition year students and their teacher have been meeting weekly to share music skills and work on writing their own original songs together. The SWAN and Blackrock group known as Hostile Feelings is this year is made up of four musicians.
Two are from SWAN Youth Service and two are from Blackrock College. The singers, Sophie Murphy (15) and Tom Dwan (16), both with a passion for singing whether it’s on a stage or on a barge on the canal as part of the ‘5 Lamps Arts Festival’! Jodie Kavanagh (16) plays the Cajon box drum having recently discovered her love of drums and adding the beat to any song. Thomas McCormack (16) is a talented guitarist and artist and modest to boot!
BAND: SOUTHSIDE
ublin West
YOU
osscare D TH CLUB: Cr
SOUTHSIDE are a new 5-piece band composed of Denny Stupakov (26 - saxophone), Jeremy Mazingu (16 - drums), Ryan Cullen (16 - vocalist), Theo Rush (17 - saxophone) and Sam Urwin (17 bass) who all originate from the southside of Dublin. Despite forming the group as strangers to participate in the IYMA, the boys have managed to combine their different styles of music – metal, jazz, hip-hop and pop – to create an eccentric blend of sound never heard before, each of them bringing their own unique and individual sounds and working together to create one sound as one band. The band shares a fiery passion for music as seen through their electric performances on stage and continue to show this through their original music. The band since their creation has had some impressing performances, both of these being at the Megabyte Night’s Open Mic and Youth Café in the Lucan Youth Centre and they are extremely excited to be the representing CrossCare Dublin West this year and can’t wait to play Croke Park on April 22nd.
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 13 April 2017
DUBLINLIFE
Co-lab creates a beautiful sole
EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
ONE of Grafton Street’s newest addition – & Other Stories – has collaborated with footwear brand TOMS and the results are toe-rrific! The new co-lab sees new interpretations of TOMS styling along with a ready-to-wear collection and a campaign fronted by model Erin Wasson. Four of TOMS’ classic shoe styles are transformed with colours and prints by & Other Stories: the classic TOMS Alpargata (the slip-on style that started it all), the Lexie
(which is TOMS’ signature summer sandal), and two completely new styles: the Deconstructed Alpargata (with a minimalist structure in a soft suede treatment), and the Palmera Chukka (moccasininspired lace-up booties). The best part is the news that with every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. Materials and colours applied to these styles can also be seen incorporated throughout the ready-towear selection. Georgine Le Toqueux, designer at & Other Stories, said: “The giv-
ing aspect of this co-lab gives it an extra dimension. “Inspired by TOMS’ idea that two strangers on either sides of the planet or the street, can enrich each other’s lives, we created this collection. “The goal was to combine modern shapes and embellishment that feel authentic with beautiful details, putting a lot of love into it.” This collection is available now from & Other Stories Grafton Street, and also online.
STYLE
M50MOTORING The Dublin Gazette drives you through the motoring world on a tour of the latest models, technology & industry news
The new generation Volkswagen Golf has landed at Dublin Volkswagen dealerships with the entry price of €20,895 for the smooth 1.0 litre TSI petrol version
SSANGYONG UNVEILS THE NEW REXTON KOREAN car maker SsangYong unveiled a new and more stylish Rexton SUV at the recent Seoul Motor Show. This new SUV also claims a great driving experience, high levels of safety and new technology. This latest Rexton comes with a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel engine with full-time four-wheel-drive and a seven speed MercedesBenz design automatic transmission. The launch of the car took place in the company of Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, the Indian company that now owns 73% of the SsangYong Motor brand. SsangYong claims that the new Rexton will be one of the safest cars in its class, with nine airbags including knee-airbag for the driver and side-airbags in the rear.
GAZETTE
13 April 2017 GAZETTE 19
NEW GOLF UNVEILED
THE updated Volkswagen Golf has gone on sale in Volkswagen dealerships across Dublin with subtle revised styling, more technology, improved connectivity and a revised engine line-up. The starting price for the updated Golf is €20,895. This latest Golf comes with new LED rear lights as standard across the range. Most of the models across the new Golf hatchback and estate models are now offered with a new generation of larger and more sophisticated touch screen infotain-
ment systems. The new Golf claims to be heavy on technical innovation with the new Discover Navigation Pro radio-navigation and online system featuring gesture control. This system features a large 9.2-inch screen and sits alongside the Active Info Display which is standard on all Highline and Performance Golf models. There is also a larger range of online services and apps available. The Irish line-up retains the familiar Trendline, Comfortline and Highline
specification. Volkswagen in Ireland claims that the majority of customers now opting for the Highline specification thanks to Volkswagen’s 5.9% APR on Trendline, 3.9% on Comfortline and 1.9% on Highline, GTI, GTD and R models.
Attractive
Volkswagen is also offering a series of Innovation Packs with the new Golf, which bundle some of the most popular and attractive options into packages, that claim savings of €1,100
over the individual items within the current 171 offer. Following a short drive the car that most impresses is the 1.0 litre TSI model that comes with a turbocharged petrol engine that’s both smooth to drive, has ample power for city driving and now proves economical to own. The new e-Golf fully electric car is also a new competitive electric city with all the benefits of modern Gold styling and a competitive entry price of €34,890 after all government supports.
Nissan begins search for new ‘Generation Next’ car ambassadors NISSAN has launched a nationwide search to find 10 new car ambassadors to follow in the footsteps of Irish rowing stars Paul and Gary O’Donovan. The successful applicants will get to drive a brand new, taxed and insured Nissan of their choice for one year as Nissan Generation Next ambassadors, following in the footsteps of the famous Skibbereen brothers. The Nissan Generation Next car ambassador programme supports people from all walks of life who could use a new Nissan car or van to follow their dream and to realise their potential of becoming Ireland’s next
Irish rowing stars Paul and Gary O’Donovan
generation of leaders and champions. It presents an opportunity for young entrepreneurs, innovators, rising sports stars, musicians, artists, chefs and anyone who is
passionate about what they do to get ahead on their journey to success with the backing and support of Nissan. “We believe in the power of today’s generation of young Irish people to compete and to succeed on the world stage and we are proud to support them and to back what they do,” said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland. Nissan Generation Next has already helped 30 inspirational ambassadors to overcome obstacles and to achieve their goals, including the two O’Donovan brothers whom it supported throughout the course of their remarkable journey to Olympic, Euro-
pean and World Championship success. Applicants can apply online at www.nissangenerationnext.ie up to Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Family and friends can also make applications on behalf of individuals whom they consider to be an ideal Nissan Generation Next ambassador. A shortlist of 20 candidates will be announced soon after and put forward to a public vote. The seven individuals generating the largest number of votes will win a place on the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme. The judges at Nissan will select three of the remaining candidates to join them.
GAZETTE
20 GAZETTE 13 April 2017
M50MOTORING
Optima enhances style, FASTNews space and performance Toyota tops the first quarter market
Kia upgraded the large Optima SW estate car for 2017 with improved economy and enhanced design, while retaining the seven year warranty offer and value for money label as Michael Moroney found out on his recent test drive. KIA’S new Optima SW estate car is sleeker and more modern than before. This is a car that challenges the established larger estate cars with a combination of modern looks, low running costs and value for money. On its own, the new Kia Optima SW has certain appeal; the car looks modern, it drives well and its value for money relative to the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis or Volkswagen Passat. This is the market segment that the Optima SW and its related Hyundai i40 SW both trade in but at a slightly more competitive price offering. While the Kia name has been linked to the seven year warranty offer, there’s more to owning a car than that alone. You have to like getting into the car, like its styling because for many people it’s the place where you can spend up to 20% of your life. The full upgrade for the new Optima SW has enhanced the appeal of the car. The international Red Dot design team voted the Optima design one of the best modern cars for 2016. I agree largely with their view and I love the slightly devious look of the front grille in the Optima. Somehow it reminds me of a cartoon caricature of a smiling shark so there is a slightly humorous look to the car that sort of
pleased me every time that I approached it. Apart from the new look, Kia has done some serious work under the skin of the new Optima SW. Its lighter and claimed to be stronger and safer due to the use of more higher grade steel in its manufacture. The internal look of the car is very modern and airy. The dash is slightly lower than some of the competition giving a great frontal view. It’s very clean and uncluttered with a large central screen to house the information and sat-nav system. Personally, I prefer a slightly higher dash, but that’s my own prejudice. The infotainment system works well and is very easy to navigate, with simple set-up for the Bluetooth mobile phone connection. The car feels spacious with ample headroom in the rear. The leather affect seats were comfortable, with durable and washable rear covers on the rear front seats that are easy to keep clean. The glove box is big but there are not too many other large storage areas. The electronic handbrake was easy to get used to and included the hill hold facility for easier hill starting. The rear visibility is reasonable and reversing is helped by the standard reversing camera system
WHILE Toyota was the leading car brand for sales for the first three months of 2017, Ford is claiming the market leadership for new car and van sales combined. The latest figures show that 29,610 new cars were registered in Dublin for the first three months of 2017, a massive 39% of the national market but a 1.7% dip on last year’s levels comThe new generation Kia Optima SW is a spacious and more stylish estate car with an impressive economy performance and good comfort coupled with a large and flexible boot space. Prices start from €29,950 for the entry level EX models.
pared with the national decline of 8.31%. Toyota sold 7,507 new passenger vehicles in the first quarter of 2017. Toyota claims that overall hybrid sales rose to 26% of total Toyota sales in 2017, up from 12% in the same period last year.
The dash on the new Kia Optima is uncluttered and simple.
Kia Optima SW EX 1.7
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 1.7-litre Engine power 141hp 0 – 100km/hr 10.2 seconds Economy 23km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 70 litres CO2 emissions 113g/km Road Tax Band A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2015) Warranty 7 years /100,000km Entry Price €29,950 that transmits on the large central info screen. The improved 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine is claimed to be more economical and gives slightly more power up from 136bhp to 141bhp. The car has more engine torque to give better acceleration,
making its slightly faster than some of the competition. Kia use what they call the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system on all models and this they claim has reduced the CO2 emissions levels by 14% to 110g/km.
The Optima has an improved 1.7 litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 141bhp and 340Nm of torque
Ford had a combined van and car sales tally of 10,292 vehicles for
The rated fuel economy level has also improved to 23km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) which is very competitive. Add the two together and you get a low running cost car. I found that this rated fuel economy figure was not possible to achieve on the road; my performance figure was about 40% poorer at 17km/litre. This is a realistic figure and I was impressed that the 70-litre capacity fuel tank, one of the largest in the segment, meant that the car was able for a range of more than 1,000km before a refill. If you are an outdoor person that uses your estate car for towing a boat you’ll note that the Optima’s towing rating is low at 1.5 tonnes compared to the German competition
while the boot space is also smaller. Kia fit a space saver spare wheel in there, which is a benefit. The entr y price is €29,950 which is real value when you look at the specification of the car, even relative to the Hyundai i40. This is just €2,000 over the entry price for the saloon car version. The entry level Optima SW EX model comes very well equipped with satnav, auto light control, rain sensor wipers and reversing camera included in the package, along with 17-inch alloy wheels. The seven-year Kia warranty is the other appeal factor that you just can’t dismiss and now there are new performance levels and better road holding to add to the driving pleasure.
the first three months of 2017. That was made up of 7,357 new car registrations and 2,935 commercial vehicle (CV) registrations. In terms of the top selling cars for March, Ford had two entries in the 10 top-selling models for the month with Focus (510 units) and Fiesta (477 units) coming in at sixth and seventh place respectively (see listing below).
Top Selling Car Models March
Units
1 Nissan Qashqai
899
2 BMW 5 Series
753
3 Hyundai Tucson 627 4 Skoda Octavia 539 5 VW Golf
515
6 Ford Focus
510
7 Ford Fiesta
477
13 April 2017 GAZETTE 21
GAZETTE
22 GAZETTE 13 April 2017
M50MOTORING
FASTNews
With the recent rise in the popularity of smart phones, nearly half, 49% of drivers say they regularly use their phone for accessing their social media profiles while driving
Half of drivers want a mobile phone driving block MOBILE phone use behind the wheel continues to be a significant problem on Ireland’s roads but a new survey of Irish motorists reveals that nearly half of drivers (46%) would support the introduction of technology to disable certain phone functions for the sake of safety. More than one in four respondents (26%) felt that some form of blocking device would be more effective at deterring mobile phone use than the introduction of harsher penalties. The survey of Irish motorists for Continental
Joe Duffy Motors opens new Jaguar Land Rover showroom
JOE DUFFY Jaguar Land Rover recently celebrated the launch of its new 30,000 sq/ft showroom at Airside Motor Retail Park, Swords, with a special event attended by 300 loyal customers, local VIPs and Jaguar Land Rover enthusiasts. The new showroom claims to offer Jaguar Land Rover customers a premium sales and ownership experience. Over the last six months, the Joe Duffy showroom has been transformed into a landmark building in the local community with an eye-catching design, featuring free wi-fi, a coffee bar and a relaxed loungestyle waiting area.
Tyres’ Vision Zero initiative, a commitment to reduce
Joe Duffy Motors new Jaguar Land Rover 30,000 sq/ft showroom at Airside Motor Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin
road fatalities worldwide, also highlighted that more
Luxurious
than half of drivers (54%) admit to regularly using
Joe Duffy customers are now treated to the full range of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles with sixJaguars and six Land Rovers on display. There are more parking spaces compared with the old site, as well as a modern and luxurious design
their mobile phone while behind the wheel. Some other key findings from the survey include: · More than one third (36%) of respondents feel that mobile phone use is ‘normalised’ as so many people are doing it · 23% of drivers say they find it difficult to be disconnected from their mobiles for any length of time · 62% feel it is OK to use a phone in stopped or slow moving traffic versus 22% who said it is illegal to use a phone in any traffic situation
Tougher car approval rules proposed by EU EUROPEAN lawmakers
law has yet to be finalized
endorsed tougher draft
between EU lawmakers,
regulations last week
the European Commission
for the approval of new
and individual member
cars sold in the European
states.
Union. The rules are aimed
Under the proposed new regulations, car com-
at tackling conflicts of
panies would no longer
interest between national
directly pay car exhaust
regulators and their
testing agencies. The plan
domestic manufactur-
is that in future individual
ers to avoid a repeat of
EU countries would have
the Volkswagen Group
to fund car exhaust test-
emissions-cheating
ing centres by levying car
scandal.
companies. Each year
The European Parlia-
EU member states would
ment voted for the draft
have to test at least 20%
bill, which would allow
of the car models placed
Brussels to fine car
on the market in their
manufacturers up to
country in the previous
€30,000 per vehicle. The
year.
developed with the help of architecture firm Taylor Design Architects. The Joe Duffy Jaguar Land Rover showroom is the first dealership to launch Jaguar Land Rover’s new corporate identity and design in Ireland. This will be rolled out
across the retail network in Ireland over the next 12 months. Gavin Hydes, managing director at Joe Duffy Group said: “This €8.5m investment is another essential step in our growth plans for Joe Duffy Jaguar Land Rover. It fur-
Euro NCAP marks 20th anniversary of lifesaving crash testing THIS year Euro NCAP, the European car crash testing organisation is celebrating more than 20 years of operations. The organisation claims that more than 78,000 lives have been saved since Euro NCAP’s tough crash safety tests were first launched. Euro NCAP has published over 630 safety ratings, crash-tested some 1,800 cars and collectively spent over €160 million to make cars safer. The first tests exposed safety failings in top-selling family cars, forcing a fundamental rethink in the way vehicles were designed to prevent accidents and save lives. Twenty years on, nine-out-of-10 cars sold on the European market hold a Euro NCAP rating and the motor industry actively supports the development of new requirements for the top safety ratings. Today, the results of crash tests of two family cars built 20 years apart underline the huge advances in vehicle safety since 1997. Safety technologies that were non-existent or optional at most – such as driver and passenger airbags, side protection airbags, belt reminders and electronic stability control, are now standard on all cars sold in Europe.
ther demonstrates our commitment to Jaguar Land Rover, their confidence in us and our strategy to provide first class facilities for our Jaguar and Land Rover customers.” Gerard O’Farrell, managing director of Jaguar
Land Rover Ireland, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is enjoying a period of rapid growth and a considerable part of our success is down to our excellent retailers. Joe Duffy Group’s stunning new showroom is a great addition to our retail network.”
One in 10 cars hit advertised economy figures – UK consumer research ONE of the UK’s leading consumer-led motoring websites HonestJohn.co.uk, has analysed 118,000 real fuel economy fuel reports, submitted by UK drivers, and they found that an average car now uses 24% more fuel than it should, according to its advertised economy figure. They found that the BMW X5 was the UK’s worst performing car for real economy, achieving 66.9% of its advertised fuel economy, followed by the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Audi A4 with a respective 67.5% and 68.3%. The Volvo XC90 (68.5%) and Fiat 500X (69.6%) complete the bottom five cars on sale right now for real world economy, according to the consumer lead survey. At the opposite end of the scale the analysis showed that the latest
Mazda MX-5 to be the UK’s best real economy performer, with an average of 101.5%. In second place was the Toyota Verso (99.5%) followed closely by the Toyota GT86, with a real world fuel economy of 98.4%. The final entries in the top five are the Subaru Forester (97.1%) and Peugeot Partner Tepee (92.9%). Real world
From September 2017, the current NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test for new cars will be replaced with the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). However, while the WLTP should be more reflective of real world driving conditions and involve longer distances and higher speeds, it will still be laboratorybased.
13 April 2017 GAZETTE 23
TRAVEL NEWS
TRAVEL
GAZETTE
DUBLINLIFE
THE MED: SUNWAY SERVE UP SOME APRIL DEALS FOR SUNSEEKERS
Go north: A new-found love for the wilds of Donegal’s Malin Head JESSICA MAILE
WHERE I grew up, heading up north was almost always a good thing. It meant fresher air, less people and a wildness that soothed the soul. This is what I hoped I would feel as I made my way up to Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, which is one of the gems of the Wild Atlantic Way. Malin Head had to be all of these things because it is as far north as you can go on mainland and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The Inishowen Peninsula offers stunning beaches, such as Pollan Beach
Whether you’re after a sunkissed landscape with crystal-clear waters that was once home to the Gods or a modern, vibrant culture, Cyprus delights
in Ballyliffin, where
A sizzling sun holiday awaits you in Cyprus
you can search for your very own semiprecious stones and Five Finger Strand. There are also plenty of ancient sites to visit on the Inishowen Heritage Trail. The tiny village of Malin Head itself is a great place to stay. The views of the Atlantic are spectacular and the residents are very friendly. Farren’s Bar “Ireland’s Most Northerly Bar” was a hot-spot for cast and crew during filming last year of a movie you may have heard of. What’s it called again? Oh yes, Star Wars: Episode VIII. Although there were many places to see and things to do, walking to the tip of Malin Head was top priority. Just a five-minute drive led us to a a 19th-century signal tower that was built by the British in 1805 as a Napoleonic lookout tower to help defend against a possible French invasion. From there, we followed the path to Hell’s Hole (not a comforting name whilst walking along steep sea cliffs, and then on to the official end of the path. We were greeted with signs saying “continue at your own risk” and continue we did and it was worth the risk. The views of the cliffs, the noise of the sea birds, the crashing of the waves and knowing there was nothing beyond where you stood but a whole lot of ocean and then North America! And that view is what Malin Head is all about!
The extraordinary Pollan Beach in Ballyliffin where you can search for semi-precious stones and (top) the walking path at the tip of Malin Head
NOW that Spring is finally well and truly on the way, it seems that Summer is just around the corner – and with Sunway holidays, it is! The travel operators are offering a great range of sun-kissed holidays in Cyprus, where holidaymakers can enjoy a Summer feeling this April. An island that is rich in history and culture, and packed with wonderful experiences that are just waiting to be enjoyed, there are very many memorable things about Cyprus. From its wide choice of hotels and sandy beaches, Cyprus has something for everyone. This month, Sunway’s April packages (below) include flights, accommodation, transfers, 20kg baggage per person, the services of a Sunway representative and all taxes and charges, with holidays from €599pp, with all of the deals below departing Saturday, April 22. Ayia Napa Once a quaint fishing village, Ayia Napa is now
better known as a tourist haven. The resort boasts three long, white sandy beaches – the most famous of which is Nissi Beach and the crystal waters are the resort’s big draw. There is a stunning 16th century Venetian monastery that overlooks the harbour in Ayia Napa town, and although this is the backdrop to the resort, Ayia Napa is firmly in the 21st century. S t ay a t the Rio Gardens (2-Star) for 7 nights, self-catering, from €599pp. Stay at the Napa Plaza Hotel (4-Star) with a Superior room for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from from €689pp. Stay at the Nissiana Hotel/bungalows (3-Star) for 7 nights, halfboard, from €699pp. Limassol Limassol is the island’s second largest city, and the island’s main port and a
bustling holiday resort. T he city fans out between two of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus, which were built on clifftops with spectacular views. The main hub of activity takes place around the busy 10-mile seafront which is dotted with an abundance of bars, tavern-
as and excellent shopping. Stay at the Estella Hotel Apts (2-Star) for 7 nights, self-catering, from €599pp. Stay at the Kapetanios Odyssia Hotel (3-Star) for 7 nights, half-board. from €749pp. Stay at the Mediterranean Hotel (4-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €869pp. Protaras Protaras is an ideal holi-
day location for families and couples alike. Famous for its long stretches of sandy beaches and crystalclearwater, Protaras comes into bloom in the springtime and has its very own flower festival. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area on many hiking trails, sample local cuisine in one of its many tavernas or restaurants, dance the night away at one of the local discos or visit a traditional Bouzouhi club and relax with a glass of excellent local wine. Stay at the Capo Bay Hotel (4-Star+) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €829pp. Stay at the Sunrise Beach Hotel (4-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €844pp. Paphos This resort is split into two regions: Kato Paphos and Tombs of the Kings. Kato Paphos has four beaches and is a busy area
with an attractive harbour and an abundance of outdoor restaurants. In the town centre there are plenty of cafes, bars and live music venues and shops, while 10 minutes away you will find Coral Bay, with its sandy gently shelving beach and a smaller selection of restaurants and bars. One of the main archaeological sites, The Tombs of the Kings, is located midway between these resorts. This is a perfect resort for families, couples and groups of friends looking for both a relaxing and varied holiday. Stay at the Alexander the Great Hotel (4-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €1239pp. Stay at the Elysium Hotel (5-Star) for 7 nights, bed and breakfast, from €1179pp. The prices per person above are based on two sharing, and are subject to availability. For reservations, contact Sunway at 01 2311 800, or book online at www.sunway.ie.
24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 13 April 2017
SUPPORT YOUR OWN | THE GAZETTE FOCUSES ON CLONDALKIN VILLAGE AND
Show love for local W
Ciaran Kilbride from GD Tiling
ith the spring h e r e , it is important to remember that you needn’t travel long distances for almost anything you could possibly need In these times, it is impor tant, now more than ever, that we support our local e c o n o my, w i t h l o c a l spending sustaining local jobs Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area. By shopping locally, without any of the difficulties involved in travel across the city,we can support local business, enterprise and industry all of which play a far greater role in our guilty of life than one might imagine. Clondalkin nurseries, premium horticultural specialists in Dublin,
is conveniently located at green isle road near corkage park,caters for trade and landscape contractors from Dublin and the surrounding counties. One local business that has survived the testament of time is becker tansey and Co Solicitors, which has been providing legal services in Clondalkin for over 30 years. Support
Established in 1981, their dedicated support team have said that their aim is to provide a service of highest quality in a prompt, personal and proactive manner. Mill cabs based in the mill shopping canter,has been in operation for over 30 years and continues to serve the people of Clondalkin on a daily basis without any stop for rest.
Michael Maloney from Clondalkin Nurseries
Clondalkin Denture Service on Agnes Road is another local business that strives to meet the need of its patients and help them feel at ease, while Beck Tansey & Co Solicitors has been providing legal services
in Clondalkin for more than 30 years. Donegans Sea Food shop in Clondalkin village is a family-run business that has been in Clondalkin for the past five years and despite starting out in the peak
of recession, the business still manages to be a catch with local residents. The Factory Outlet on Orchard Road is a family r un company that was first established over 20 years ago. The
13 April 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25
CALLS ON RESIDENTS TO SHOW AFFECTION FOR AREA’S BUSINESSES
firms and business Broe Auctioneers: Nicola Delaney, Lisa O’ Donoghue SCSI/ RICS, Craig Leap MIPAV/ TRV and Sindy Broe MIPAV
business specialises in the supply and fitting of tiles, bathrooms, kitchens and wardrobes. Proper ty Par tners O’Brien Swaine, Clondalkin and Dundrum are part of The Property Par tners Real Estate Group which is an independently owned auc-
tioneering group with more than 25 offices nationwide. The local company specialises in sales, rentals, property management and valuation of all types of residential and commercial properties across all corners of Dublin City and further
afield. Cash In Rags, based in Watery Lane, are now going into their sixth year in business. Donna, who runs the company, says that there are a lot of people these days interested in recycling their old clothes to them. She added: “People
like the idea of clearing out their house of old clothes and bringing it into us for exchange of money.” Trust
M e a nw h i l e L y n d a Kennedy of Carpetland on Tower Road says that for over 35 years
they have been serving local families and businesses and she believes developing trust within the community is key to sustaining any business. The shop manager added: “Clondalkin has always been a great place to do business.” Broe Auctioneers, a family-run business in the heart of Clondalkin Village, has been running for 41 years. The company prides itself on its experience, professionalism, work commitment and an excellent knowledge of the local property market. Manager Craig Leap said Broe were ver y committed to their local clients and the people they work with on a daily basis. Craig told The Gazette: “Clondalkin is a great place to do business as we are right in the middle of it all.”
26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 13 April 2017
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28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 13 April 2017
SPORT
FastSport DUBLIN SIDES SWEEP BOARD AT INTERVARSITIES: GRIFFITH College scooped the men’s A title at the 2017 National Basketball Colleges Committee Intervarsities after they came through all of their pool group games unbeaten and continued their impressive form to run out 76-45 point winners over Ulster University. Alex Calvo, Alex Dolenko and Jose Maria Gil Narbon were the stars for the Dublin college throughout the weekend and were hugely impressive once more in the final. Meanwhile, DCU made it a double whammy of wins as, after their men’s side won out over IT Tallaght in the B final, the women’s team were later crowned A champions with a win over IT Carlow in a nail-biting final. Meanwhile, hosts Trinity College Dublin were the first team of the weekend to scoop a cup as they overcame Cork IT in an extremely close and tough women’s B final.
HOCKEY: STUDENTS ADD EYHL TITLE TO IRISH SENIOR CUP SILVERWARE
UCD’s Tice twice on target for second title in six days
STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com
UCD claimed the women’s EY Hockey League in dramatic fashion last Saturday as Lena Tice struck two penalty corners to inflict a first defeat of the league season on HermesMonkstown, leap-frogging their Dublin rivals on the final day of the campaign. The 2-1 result earns them a European spot and was their second title in six days, adding to the Irish Senior Cup won at Belfield with a 1-0 win over Cork Harlequins. The first quarter was dominated by the visitors who showed their intent from the whistle, forcing several corners but the Hermes keeper Liz Murphy dealt comfortably with the chances created. The home side did force a corner but Clodagh Cassin in the UCD goal saved the corner switch. The home side started to settle in the second quarter, creating opportunities to take the advantage. Cassin pulled off a top class save from a Chloe Watkins corner drag and, just before the end, Nikki Evans showed fantastic skill controlling and
UCD celebrate winning the EY Hockey League. Picture: Adrian Boehm
spinning to shoot on her reverse. With the UCD keeper beaten, the shot pinged the crossbar to deny the home side a half-time lead. Evans did, however, give her side the lead in the 38th minute when good work by Anna O’ Flanagan in the circle, saw her battle out of a tackle to pop the ball left for the finish. UCD now needed to score twice to take
the title and, in the 44th minute, they forced a corner. This time, the ball was cleverly rolled into the circle to allow Tice to apply a devilishly powerful slap that defeated the defensive lines. The students kept pushing on in the closing quarter and were rewarded with 12 minutes to go with what proved to be the crucial goal.
Again, Tice did the damage in the same manner as the first. The home side threw everything at UCD, withdrawing their keeper in the final moments as they chased the equaliser but, on the day, the college side did enough to take the win and the title. Elsewhere, Pembroke completed their great escape from a potential relegation playoff with a 2-0 win over Ulster Elks. In
tandem with Belfast Harlequins 5-1 loss to Loreto, it boosted Pembroke to eighth place on goal difference, ahead of Belfast Harlequins on goal difference. It was their second win in their last three games, adding to a recent success against Ards and they went 1-0 up early on. Erica Markey inspired the first goal when she only had the goalkeeper to beat in the seventh minute but was taken down. A penalty stroke was awarded which was converted by Rachel Scott to open the scoring for the home team, easing the tension. They continued to set the tone in the second quarter when Alice Ward and Erica Hinkson combined well before Markey made it 2-0 in the 31st minute. Eanna Horan set up the attack down the right before Jill Ringwood picked up the pass and crossed to Markey who made no mistake for a 2-0 halftime lead. Into the second half, Pembroke continued to attack and won a penalty corner in the 40th minute. Eanna Horan’s shot on goal was blocked by a defender and the follow-up hit the post.
Dublin Galaxy break into new netball stratosphere BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com
The Dublin Galaxy side that won the Irish netball final
FORMED just last year, Dublin Galaxy lined out in Tallaght Leisure Centre in Dublin on Saturday afternoon to compete the Irish Netball final against the Cork Rebels, bidding for a first national title. Galaxy are already a force in the Irish game having led the league that preceded the playoffs with both sides looking for their maiden title. Cork captain Wendy Howell made one switch to the starting
seven from the previous week’s 38-36 semi-final win over outgoing champions St Anne’s Dragons whereas Galaxy’s captain Christina Tuataga balanced her team after dismissing Leinster Netball Club 45-32 midweek. She said: “We are made up of varying levels of ability from players who have played internationally to those who had never played competitively before. So, it makes things complicated when deciding combinations. Many of us used to play socially before the club was formed but now it’s competitive, they love it.”
A tight first quarter ended with Rebels two down (14-12) as both attacks found their range. It was the second quarter that proved decisive as Galaxy pulled out to an eight goal half time lead (2719) after Galaxy’s Tania Rosser – a former Irish rugby international – found space at wing attack to feed Tuataga at goal attack. Cork rallied in the third quarter which was goal-on-goal. Going into the fourth quarter, Galaxy led 40-31. Despite eight last quarter goals by Cork’s Alesha Clarke, who finished with stats of 31 goals from 36 attempts, it wasn’t enough
as Galaxy prevailed 51-41. Player of the Match was Tuataga after scoring 43 from 54 shots. Afterwards, Tuataga said “I am really delighted with our team. We’ve had a huge squad this year and we did that purposely because to bring up beginners and those of low experience, they need to be playing alongside well versed players”. As for the following season? “Watch this space” she said with the victor’s grin. Earlier, the Division 2 title went to Finglas club St Michael’s NC, defeating UCD 28-19.
13 April 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
FASTSport
Hyland hits high notes at record-breaking gala Dublin swimmers produce series of superb performances to notch up a string of national titles with Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland beating the Irish best in the 100m and 200m butterfly sport@dublingazette.com
Ballyboden St Enda’s launch an Poc Fada
Boden’s Poc Fada in bid to challenge Cuala reign STEPHEN FINDLATER
DAVID CURTIN and a number of his teammates including Dublin star Niall McMorrow helped to launch Ballyboden St Enda’s new Poc Fada last week, with the aim of raising money for the club’s large hurling section. The Poc Fada contest will take place along the River Dodder where it runs alongside the Ballyboden St Enda training pitches and clubhouse, and carries a GAA themed prize from the accompanying €5 raffle tickets: a helicopter ride to Croke Park on All Ireland Final day (a choice of football or hurling), plus two premium tickets to the match, a night’s hotel accommodation in Dublin and dinner on the day of the game. Curtin spoke to the Gazette on the day of the launch, telling us “With the opening of the new pitch, we’re doing something in conjunction with it. Across the road [from the clubhouse] there’s an old country lane, and the river running alongside it. For the Poc Fada they’ll be starting from one end of the lane and going to the other. It’s traditionally up and down the hill, but the idea of it is a lot of fun. It’s who can get there in the least shots, and it’ll be the first year of it. “Hopefully, this gets a lot of support, and it’ll be a runner every year. It’s a huge club here, but a huge club has a lot of financial expenses. Every team needs fundraising, all clubs need to do it whether it be a junior team, intermediate team or senior team. “This kind of idea has a bit of fun attached to them, and we hope to sell a few tickets with a fantastic prize alongside it all.” Curtin also spoke about Ballyboden’s chances in the Championship this year, pointing out that the club’s seniors lost to eventual All Ireland club title winners Cuala narrowly last time out, taking them to extra time, and feel that having been drawn in the same group as the Dalkey club, they have a real shot at beating them. Ballyboden open with Cuala at Parnell Park on April 29, with fixtures against Faugh’s and Crumlin in May. The Poc Fada - and draw for the association competition - will take place on July 1.
TALLAGHT swimming club’s Brendan Hyland provided some of the highlights of the Irish Open Swimming Championships at the National Aquatic Centre, featuring among a number of record breakers at the event. All told, there were 10 new senior records and seven new junior records from the gala with Hyland leading the way with a couple of best times. On day one, he produced an Irish best in the 200m butterfly. In so doing, he took over half a second off his own record. It was his fastest time in three years clocking 1.58.08 in Thursday evening’s final, securing his fifth consecutive national title in the event. Ellen Walshe of Tem-
pleogue won the women’s event in 2.16.43, swimming under the consideration time for both World and European Junior Championships. In the men’s 50 breaststroke race, UCD’s Darragh Greene touched in 28.08 to win gold. Greene had entered the final as top seed after a preliminary swim of 28.00 which was under consideration for the World University Games. Into day two, from a Dublin perspective, Trojan’s Ben Griffin took the gold in the 400m individual medley with a swim of 4.29.41, winning by four seconds over the rest of the field. On Saturday, Hyland came back to the fore on the penultimate night of the gala. He reclaimed the 100m Butterfly Irish record in the final.
The Tallaght swimmer blasted a 53.26 second swim to take down Conor Brines record from earlier this year. Brines of Larne Swimming Club touched second in 54.13 seconds. A thrilled Hyland said “I was delighted with the 200m to get back on track, it was three years coming and I’m really happy I stepped up in the 100m tonight. I love to race, looking at the other Butterfly results from Dave McCullagh [February] made me put my head down and get focused for this weekend.” In the women’s 100m butterfly final, UCD’s Shauna O’Brien was just off her Irish record, winning in a time of 1.00.41. Te m p l e o g u e ’s E l l e n Walshe was second in a European Juniors consideration time of 1.01.60. Closing out the gala in
the men’s 800m freestyle final Aer Lingus’ Nathan Turner and Finn McGeever battled throughout with just eight hundredths of a second separating them
for the athletes and their coaches. The standard of swimming across the board has exceeded all expectations and we have a number of world class
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘It was three years coming and I’m really happy I stepped up to the 100m. I love to race!’ - Brendan Hyland -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
in the end. It was Turner who eventually took gold in 8.30.03 with McGeever clocking 8.30.89. Swim Ireland’s new National Performance Director Jon Rudd was impressed by this weekend’s swimming, commenting: “This has been a wonderful four days for Swim Ireland, particularly
athletes within our midst. “I sense already something of a culture shift; fast heats, faster finals, a sense of urgency and focus on deck. We’re gaining momentum in such a short space of time and once you get something moving in such a positive fashion, you can only go from strength to strength.”
Ellen Walshe,left, from Templeogue Swim Club on her way to winning the Open Women’s 200m Butterfly final while, right, Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland celebrates one of his two national records over the weekend. Pictures: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
GAZETTE
30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 13 April 2017
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: CLONDALKIN CLUB TOO STRONG FOR CLONTARF IN RYAN CUP
Booth Road Celtic are into the final four of the Noel Ryan Cup
Sheppard guides Booth through Bluebell hit Hide for six to close in on Mochta’s BLUEBELL United made a big statement as they look to reel in the LSL Sunday Senior leaders St Mochta’s, sweeping to a 6-0 win over Malahide United last weekend. With Mochta’s taking just a point from two games in the last week, it allowed the Bell a sniff of a chance of getting right back into the title race. The upshot of this win is that they now sit four points off Mochta’s but with a game in hand and some momentum. Incredibly, the Malahide tie at Red Cow was scoreless at half-time before Andy Noonan’s side belatedly found their form. They soon broke the deadlock when Sean Byrne skilfully play in Karl Russell, who was moved from his usual right back spot to fill in at left back. He crossed into the danger zone where the ball took a heavy deflection up and over the visiting goalkeeper. Two minutes later, Stephen Larkin won the ball deep in Malahide territory and played Shane Stritch through to make it 2-0. Gareth Cooney got the third when he gobbled up a rebound from Stritch’s initial shot to tap in. David Scully then added a fourth the former League Of Ireland player volleyed home to register his first goal for the club. Bluebell’s fifth was a well worked team goal which was finished off by Stephen Larkin. The former Sheriff attacker got another late on when the ball played back to the keeper bobbled up over his foot and trickled towards the goal and Larkin followed in to tap into an empty net.
NOEL RYAN CUP Q-FINAL Clontarf FC Booth Road Celtic sport@dublingazette.com
1 6
PHILIP Sheppard netted a hat-trick for Booth Road Celtic as they reached the semi-final of the Noel Ryan cup after a 6-1 win over Clontarf FC at Richmond Road Astro last weekend. The LSL Major 1B Saturday side actually fell behind during the opening minutes of the game but veteran Sheppard equalised with 21 minutes on the clock after racing onto an excellent through ball from Mikey Collins. The first half ended 1-1
but Booth Road burst into action in the second half to run out convincing winners. Sheppard grabbed his second of the game to give his side the lead after he took advantage of confusion between Clontarf’s keeper and one of his centre-backs to roll the ball into the net. ‘Sheppy’ then completed his hat-trick five minutes later with a wonder strike from the outside of his right boot that flew into the top corner. Another five minutes and the game was all but put to bed when Collins got the better of his marker before lobbing the ball
PARKRUN GROWTH Gillick leads the way with new VHI link-up OLYMPIC athlete David Gillick led the way as
he helped launch VHI and Parkrun Ireland’s announcement of a new five-year partnership earlier this week in St Anne’s Park. The agreement will see VHI become the presenting partner for Parkrun Ireland, enabling the community-based running events to further develop and grow. VHI will become the first presenting partner of Parkrun globally. Gillick is pictured with a group of runners who regularly take part in the St Anne’s Parkrun. Picture: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
over the keeper from close range. It went from bad to worse for Clontarf minutes later when one of their defenders rose highest to meet Nathan O’Callaghan’s cross and head the ball past his own keeper. Shane Merrigan completed the scoring three minutes before fulltime with a tap in after the Clontarf keeper spilled the ball. Two other local sides also went head-to-head in the Noel Ryan cup as Cherry Orchard got the better of Collinstown FC 2-1 to join Booth Road in the pot for the semi-final draw. Azeez Tusuff opened
the scoring for Orchard after 25 minutes, and Stevie Nicholl doubled that advantage in the second half. Collinstown pulled one back with 10 minutes of the game remaining to set up a tense finale but an equaliser never came. There was also cup success for Booth Road’s LSL division 3 Sunday side as they beat Wayside Celtic 3-2 in the quarter-final of the Albert Walsh cup at Jackson Park. The first half was a tight affair but Wayside took the lead when they intercepted a back pass to go into the half time break ahead. Booth Road drew level when Dean O’Ruairc
conver ted from the penalty spot after Ryan O’Callaghan was taken down by the Wayside keeper. Wayside then hit the post when they should have scored and Booth Road made them pay for that miss shortly afterwards with a wonder goal from Wayne Long. A pass was delivered towards the right wing that was taken down by Long before he unleashed a volley into the back of the net form 30 yards out. O’Callaghan chipped the keeper for Wayside’s third before the home side grabbed a consolation in injury time.
13 April 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
FENCED IN SUPPORT
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
Round Tower Under-10s get big boost for 2017
ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN OUR senior hurler s defeated St
Bingo in the club every Tuesday with
ROUND Tower’s U-10 camogie team are
Peregine’s to maintain their excellent
this week’s jackpot being €1,000 for a
start to the season and our juniors drew
full house if checked within 48 numbers.
away to St Jude’s. Our minor footballers
Otherwise, €20 for a full house. All-in €2
defeated St Pat’s of Palmerstown.
to buy in. Game usually €90 to €150. First
ready for action in their new training top’s sponsored by KDW Fencing Ltd. The team are feeling full of pride and confidence and looking forward to their next blitz. The team offered a big thank you to Karl Dempsey at KDW Fencing Ltd for the sponsorship of the new Parnell top’s. Visit kdwfencing.com for more information.
Quiz night in the club this Thursday.
FOOTBALL: UNDER-14 BOYS EMULATE GIRLS ACHIEVEMENT
call 8.30pm and all welcome.
Our senior and junior footballers are
Round Tower Lotto (April 3): jackpot
hosting the fundraiser that will com-
was €8,700. Numbers drawn were 10, 14,
mence at 8.45pm; €40 per table and all
19 and 30, bonus ball was 28. No overall
welcome to participate.
winner and no bonus ball winner. Three
Over 100 girls participated in a camo-
€100 winners: Tadgh Langan, Anita
gie blitz we hosted last week at Monas-
Barry, Mary Graham. Thanks to all who
tery Road. Well done to all involved.
support the lotto.
ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN GREAT weekend for St Patrick’s GAA club
Congratulations to our new refer-
Palmerstown with a great performance
ees Brian Mooney, Jack Clarke and Ellie
from our U-14s at their Feile on Saturday
Clarke doing a great job in Glenaulin on
in Bremore Park. They did themselves
Saturday.
and their mentors proud on the day.
tinues on Thursdays, 7-8pm for ages
Saturday morning with our U-8, 9, 10 and
eight to 12 at St Pat’s, Glenaulin. Enrol
11s in hurling action. Well done to our U-10
at 6.45 pm. Easter Camp – April 18-21,
ladies in their camogie blitz on Saturday
9.30am to 1.30pm for ages five to 12, €30,
afternoon.
at St. Patrick’s GAA club, Glenaulin.
Congratulations to the U-13 camogie
The U-14s have been chosen as hosts
side on a great match Sunday with a win
for their hurling Feile na nGael in Glenau-
of 6-5 to 5-6 over Commercials. The U-8s
lin on April 29 and 30.
were busy with a blitz on Sunday morning showing some great camogie skills. Hard luck to our senior hurlers, losing out in a great game on Saturday. The minor footballers lost to Round Westmanstown Gaels celebrate their success.
Gaels’ double Feile footballing delight FEILE DIVISION 5 FINAL Westmanstown Gaels St Anne’s sport@dublingazette.com
4-9 4-8
W E S T M A N S T OW N Gaels completed the second leg of a remarkable double Feile success last Sunday as the Under-14 boys emulated the success of the Under-14 Girls the previous week. The Division 5 Group B preliminar y round was hosted by the Garda Club at Westmanstown on Saturday in glorious sunshine and the visiting teams represented Round Tower Clondalkin, Man O War and
Robert Emmets. The level of skill and committment on display by all teams is testament to the great work being done around the county by juvenile coaches. The Gaels won their opening tie 5-3 to 3-4 against the Clondalkin side before outdoing Robert Emmets 5-7 to 3-5 to put them in pole position and they advanced to the semi-finals in spite of a loss to Man O War. This led to a semi-final against Round Tower Lusk. This resulted in a good win for the hosts by 4-8 to 1-7 so all was set for the final at Tal-
laght Stadium on Sunday morning. An excellent St Anne’s side proved to be fine opponents and contributed greatly to a thrilling finale. Early on, it looked like Westmanstown might win comfortably when leading by 2-1 to 0-1 but found themselves trailing midway through the second half by three points. Just when it looked like it might not be Westmanstown’s day they managed to equalise right at the end to force extra time. St Anne’s started the stronger in the extra
period and were leading by four points in a very short time. The Gaels, however, dug deep once more to draw level at the end of the first period. In the second half it was nip and tuck and could have gone either way until Daragh McNicholl finally decided it with a fine point on the call of time-final score 4-9 to 4-8. There was great jubilation when inspiring captain Killian Slater was presented with the cup and the whole squad, coaches and parents got a tremendous welcome.
Dates For our Diary: Gaelic4Girls con-
Glenaulin Park was full of activity on
Towers on Sunday morning.
Oskars club development fundraiser: new actors welcome to sign up. Contact the club secretary. Auditions on Monday, April 24. Live Oskars show on June 17. Our lotto draw takes place every Sunday at 10pm in Palmerstown House.
Thank you to Andy Slater and Keith
Numbers drawn on April 9 were 3, 21, 27
Pickett, representing St Patrick’s GAA
and 30 with no winner. Next week’s jack-
club at St Lorcan’s BNS 50th birthday
pot is €5,000.
celebrations and tree planting ceremony; a great occasion for Palmerstown past and present pupils and staff.
Tickets available at SuperValu, Manor Hair Studios and Palmerstown House. Thank you for all your support.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE FEILE continues with the football-
The senior football championship is
ers in action last weekend. The As were
their next game against UCD in Monas-
playing in Division 3 and despite being
tery Road on April 21.
level with Naomh Olaf, the score differ-
Senior hurling are out in the champi-
ence prevented them from progressing
onship; the first game will be in Parnell
to the semi-final.
Park against St Brigid’s on April 27 at
Lucan played host to one group in
8.15pm. Junior hurling is enjoying some
Division 7. The Lucan side lost to Naomh
success with both teams winning their
Olaf but overcame both Cuala and Tem-
recent games.
pleogue to progress as runners up. This
Fancy a new car? The club are having a
meant a trip to Erin Go Bragh to meet a
summer draw with a €30,000 prize fund
resilient Geraldines team who put a stop
including the first prize of a brand new
to Lucan’s progress.
Seat Ataca.
A special thanks to Denis Conheady (Lucan co-ordinator) and all people who helped out ensuring fantastic hospitality, and fantastic weather. The senior camogie side had a great Leinster league quarter-final win over
Tickets will be distributed in the next week. AIG Feile 2017, camogie, Saturday April 22: Lucan A, Division 1, hosted by Lucan (note this means restricted club activities); Lucan B, details not available yet.
St Martin’s from Kilkenny. Their reward
AIG Feile 2017, hurling, Saturday April
is a semi-final against Oulart The Bal-
29 (Bank Holiday weekend). Venues yet
lagh.
to be finalised.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
BACK IN THE MIX: Bluebell United close the gap on St Mochta’s with big second half performance in LSL P30
APRIL 13-19, 2017
HITTING THE HY’ NOTES: Tallaght man breaks pair of national records P29
Adam Stenson and Sean Moore after their one-two win in Navan earlier this season
Stenson’s Ireland call
Celbridge cyclist named in Irish development team as a strong Team Bikeworx crew take on the prestigious Ras na Mumhan over Easter
sport@dublingazette.com
ADAM Stenson, from Celbridge-based Team Bikeworx, will take to the roads of Munster this Easter weekend to ride the prestigious international cycle race Ras Mumhan in the Irish vest. It is part of a strong crew from Team Bikeworx with the club sending a team down to the event which is one of the premier cycling events in Ireland, passing through some of the most demanding terrain in Cork and Kerry covering 500km in 4 days. Team Bikeworx is a growing club who are currently working with young, up and coming
Under-23 riders to develop them to compete at the top end of their sport both in Ireland and internationally. They have several riders who have just entered the senior ranks and are already competing with the top riders in the country. And their “in-form” rider Stenson is testament to this following his selection for the Ireland development squad for this weekend. Stenson is no stranger to international duty as he has previously represented his country at both the European and world championships. As for Team Bikeworx, their line-up will comprise of three local Under-23 riders:
Stephen Bryan, Sean Moore and Reese Young along with the more experienced senior riders Diarmuid Kavanagh and Dermot Greegan. Speaking ahead of the race, the club’s Derek Stenson said of their chances: “The riders are all in good shape after a strong start to the racing calendar picking up results each weekend, including two wins so far this season and will be hoping for more strong results this weekend. “The team are supported by local businesses in the Celbridge area including Ray Crofton Motors, Bikeworx and Peak Physical Therapy. We will see plenty more from this
team with other big events planned including the Tour of Ulster following over the May Bank holiday weekend and several stage races throughout the summer months.” Also in action this weekend will be junior rider Jack Caldwell who will be riding the Gorey three-day race. Caldwell has had a few big results so far this season will be hoping to take home a marquee result from Gorey. Youth riders Quillan Donnelly, Dylan Hayes and Ryan Geraghty will take a well deserved rest over Easter after a terrific start to their seasons with a podium spot in nearly every race they have entered thus far in 2017.