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RTE’S Chris Greene, Joanne McNally, Eoghan McDermott, Ciara King and Lottie Ryan are pictured in the city centre at the launch of Generation What?, RTE2’s new survey of 18 to 34 year olds. Generation What? is a huge survey being carried out across 12 European countries, including Ireland, which aims to find out what this generation thinks, believes and feels about a huge range of issues, covering everything from their sex lives to their prospects for the future. Irish participants will be helping their peers to create a comprehensive look at what young people truly think, and how they live, across the EU in 2016.The survey is also live at generation-what.ie now.

Kia Sportage’s fourth generation impresses around the city with ease

April 14-20, 2016

Dail meeting addressed by homeless mother Erica Fleming speaks at a special gathering about the worsening national emergency

 aisling kennedy

YOUNG homeless mother Erica Fleming spoke at a special meeting convened at Dail Eireann to highlight the plight of homeless people in Dublin city.

Her talk last week has

gone viral on social media, with more than 30,000 views.

Political parties including Sinn Fein, AAA, People Before Profit Alliance and some members of the Independents turned up to hear her talk on the day,

but members of the current interim government failed to show up.

Erica subsequently had a meeting with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.

She will be holding a second protest march in Dublin City at the end of

April, and she told The Gazette that she will continue to do all she can until political parties in government “put aside their differences to tackle the homeless crisis”.

Full Story on Page 6

2 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 14 April 2016

statistics | ‘I think it is a despicable act by anyone’

1,304 false alarm calls to fire brigade  Aisling Kennedy akennedy@dublingazette.com

Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF) asked about the number of hoax calls to the fire service in 2013, 2014 and 2015

A total of 1,304 false alarm phone calls were received by Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) in 2015 according to recent statistics released by DFB at a recent Dublin City Council (DCC) meeting.

Out of the 1,304 calls, 814 calls were taken in the DCC area.

The statistics were released in answer to a question put to the council by Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF) about the number of hoax calls to the fire service in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

DCC explained that the DFB do not class calls as ‘hoax’ calls, however, calls can be repor ted by a DFB attending officer as either Malicious False Alarm (MFA) or False Alarm Good Intent (FAGI) upon arrival at the scene.

The number of MFA calls was almost level in both 2015 and 2014 at 242 and 243 consecutively, and the number of MFA calls were down compared to 2013 figures which were recorded at 272 calls.

The number of FAGI calls, however, were up significantly this year w i t h 2 015 s h ow i n g 1,062 calls, 2014 showing 948 calls, and 2013 showing 776 calls.

In total for 2015, the combined amount of MFA and FAGI calls received by the Dublin Fire Brigade amounted

to 1,304 calls.

Cllr Noeleen Reilly, who is a member of the newly formed special committee on fire/ ambulance services and emergency management in DCC said that in terms of MFA calls it is not acceptable that anyone should make a false call to the DFB. She said: “I am appalled to learn that last year 242 malicious calls were made to the Dublin Fire Brigade.

“I think it is a despicable act by anyone to ring a service under false pretenses that exists to save the lives of Dubliners.

“The Dublin Fire Brigade are already stretched to the max due to a severe lack of funding.

“They have a shortage of staff and ambulances.

So for anyone to think it is a laugh to put them under further pressure is not acceptable.”

FastNews

Pop-up donut shop relocated and serving a delightful array The popular pop-up donut shop Aungier Danger, which serves sweet treats such as Cadbury’s Creme Egg donuts, has relocated its second shop to the Liffey Street entrance of Arnotts Department store.

Aungier Danger’s original store on Aungier Street recently opened a pop-up store in Arnotts on Henry Street for a number of weeks but it was due to close this week.

However, following a number of Tweets and messages to the store owner they relocated its second store to the Liffey Street entrance of Arnotts this week.

The relocated store is now open and serving an array of delightful donuts every day.

Crazy Hair Day fundraising event for Crumlin hospital Crumlin Children’s Hospital will hold its annual Crazy Hair Day fundraising event on Friday April 29 and all schools around Dublin are being encouraged to get involved.

CMRF Crumlin, the fundraising arm of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and The National Children’s Research Centre, launched the event last week to encourage schools to help raise much-needed funds for the purchase

Resources Cllr Reilly also commented on the high number of FAGI calls made to DFB in 2015 saying that although they were not of a malicious nature, they still take a huge amount of resources to respond to each time.

She said: “It is important that members of the public are aware of the consequences of making a false call.

“It can often lead to serious consequences for genuine emergencies in Dublin.”

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

of a platelet agitator for the blood transfusion lab at Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

To take part, schools must register with Rachel Daly by emailing her at rdaly@cmrf.org or calling 01 7091700.

Registered schools will receive a Crazy Hair Day kit complete with posters, stickers, and all the information required.

Ruby Day, Luca Smith, Heidi Daly and Max Smith with nurses Bernie, Pauline and Gerry Cully at the launch of the Crazy Hair Day. Picture: MAXWELLPHOTOGRAPHY.IE

14 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 3

protest | verdict “a vindication of my claims of political policing”

charity

Turning darkness into light

Perry is cleared of public order charges  Aisling Kennedy

Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Cieran Perry was cleared last week of public order charges brought against him following his arrest at a peaceful protest in support of the locked out Greyhound workers 18 months ago.

The Independent councillor was potentially facing a prison sentence but speaking after his acquittal last week he said that the verdict was “a vindication of my claims of political policing”.

He said: “I don’t believe it was a coincidence that I was charged during the same period where 23 people from Tallaght, 11 from Crumlin and numerous indi-

vidual activists were also charged with various offences. My own victory and that of the community activists from the Crumlin 11 campaign shows how spurious these charges have been.”

Cllr Perry, who is a Unite shop steward, was supporting 78 Greyhound workers at the time of his arrest after they had been locked out for over 14 weeks by their employer in a pay dispute.

Cllr Perry said: “I was shocked to be arrested and handcuffed for participating in a peaceful protest in support of the locked out Greyhound workers. I was particularly incensed that I was arrested under the Pub-

lic Order Act given that we were engaged in an industrial relations protest.”

He went on to state that he believed that the case against him was a waste of Garda and court resources.

“In my opinion there was clearly a directive from senior garda management or government that political activists were to be targeted.

“A l l t h e c h a r g e s against the activists from Tallaght, Crumlin and elsewhere must now be dropped.”

When contacted by the Gazette for a response to the comments made by Cllr Perry, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said they would not be issuing a response.

 aisling kennedy

Talkin’ ‘bout my generation Pictured (l-r) were RTE’s Joanne McNally, Eoghan McDermott and Ciara King at the launch of Generation What? RTE2’s new survey of 18 to 34-year-olds in Dublin city centre recently.

Generation What? is a huge nationwide survey being carried out across 12 European countries including Ireland which aims to find out what Generation Y thinks, believes and feels about a huge range of issues from their sex lives to their prospects for the future. The survey is live on generation-what.ie now.

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

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DARKNESS Into Light 2016 will take place this year on Saturday, May 7 in the Phoenix Park, alongside many other venues around Ireland.

The walk will begin at 4.15am in the Phoenix Park, and thousands of people will walk or run a 5km route while the dawn is breaking.

Joan Freeman, founder of suicide and self-harm crisis centre Pieta House, launched this year’s Darkness Into Light last Friday in The Pearse Centre with broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan.

This year, the event will take place in more than 100 locations around Ireland and abroad. Registration and route information is available at www. darknessintolight.ie.

4 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 14 April 2016

Global growth leads to jobs boost for two firms A NUMBER of jobs are set to be created in Dublin following an announcement by the International Bureau of Aviation (IBA) that it will open a Dublin office as part of an expansion plan for the company.

The aviation consultancy company will be based on Pembroke Street Upper, Dublin 2. Phil Seymour, chief executive of IBA, said he decided

to locate a team in Dublin in response to the sizeable percentage of its current clients who are based in Dublin, and the continuing arrival of international investors and lessors.

Seymour said: “Nowadays, according to the Irish Aviation Research Institute, Irelandbased aircraft leasing companies manage $150 billion in assets, which accounts for 19%

of the global fleet – approximately 19,000 aircraft. So it is essential for IBA to position our services at the heart of this vibrant community.”

Other factors that have contributed to Ireland’s success in the aviation industry include the favourable corporate tax regime, the highly-skilled local workforce, the broad tax treaty network and a sophisticated

legal system, according to Seymour.

The chief executive sees the move to Dublin as an important stepping stone in its growth strategy and is enthusiastic about the welcome his team is receiving.

He said: “Opening an IBA office in Dublin has been on our agenda for several years, and I’m delighted to establish

our footprint in the city.”

M e a nw h i l e , Hu b S p o t announced last week that it is set to hire an additional 320 Dublin-based employees over the next three years.

In order to accommodate the growth, the company recently officially opened its new office space at One Dockland Central, located just around the corner from the original Hub-

Spot Dublin offices at North Quay Wall.

JD Sherman, HubSpot president and chief operating officer, said: “HubSpot’s Dublin-based team has been core to so much of the success that we’ve seen as a company around the globe over the last three years, and I am so excited for the successes that are yet to come.”

Boost for crime | Sundrive Road sees drop in reported incidents specialist produce providers  aisling kennedy

TWO Dublin-based food businesses, Nobo and Maria Lucia Bakes, have been chosen to join the first FoodService Academy, a new programme run by Bord Bia and Musgrave MarketPlace.

Nobo, which is a dairyfree ice-cream producer, is based in Dublin 2, and Maria Lucia Bakes, a producer of gourmet gluten-, wheat- and dairy-free granola cereals, is based in Rathfarnham.

The two companies will be helped by the FoodService Academy to develop their business in the foodservice market, along with eight other small Irish food and drinks companies.

The programme also aims to help the companies achieve growth within Musgrave MarketPlace’s foodservice business, which works with more than 6,000 customers each week.

Maureen Gahan, Bord Bia’s foodservice specialist said: “Bord Bia is delighted to work with Musgrave MarketPlace for the first time on the inaugural FoodService Academy.

“The foodservice market is delivering real growth and value. The ‘out of home’ market is now worth €6.37bn ,and this is forecasted to grow to almost €6.9bn by 2018, so this is an area we are encouraging companies to develop.”

Burglaries on the rise in some south Dublin areas  Aisling Kennedy akennedy@dublingazette.com

The number of burglaries reported in 2015 increased in some south Dublin areas according to statistics released by the Central Statistics Office this week.

Areas including Rathfarnham and Terenure both recorded increases in burglaries with Rathfarnham residents reporting a 22% increase in the number of burglaries over the past year.

In 2014, the Rathfarnham area reported 432 burglaries but in 2015 that number grew to a recorded 525 burglaries.

This marks a jump of an additional 93 burglaries in one year.

Elsewhere, Terenure also saw an increase in burglaries with 264 incidents reported in 2015 in comparison to 240 incidents recorded in 2014.

O ve r a l l , h owe ve r, the number of burglaries fell by almost 8% in the Dublin Southern Garda Division last year according to the CSO. The CSO figures for 2014 showed that there was a reported 2,489 burglaries but these figures dropped to 2,299 burglaries in 2015.

The biggest decrease

in burglaries was on Sundrive Road where the number of reported incidents fell by 32% from 287 incidents in 2014 to 194 incidents last year.

This was closely followed by Rathmines where the level of burglaries decreased by 93 from 309 in 2014 to 224 in 2015.

There were 19 fewer burglaries in Crumlin --------------------------

‘It’s very important to have gardai out on the ground and that they are active in our communities’ --------------------------

where 264 incidents were recorded last year, falling from 283 in 2014.

In response to the increase in burglaries in the Terenure area, Cllr Mary Freehill (Lab) said: “I think the important thing is that we continue to work very closely with gardai.

“It’s very important to have gardai out on the ground and that they are active in our communities.

“I think the re-activa-

Areas including Rathfarnham and Terenure both recorded increases in burglaries

tion of the neighbourhood watch is great and neighbours should be vigilant in looking out for each other.

“Neighbours should be cognisant of any change of movement around their area or if they see any people that they have never seen before around the place.

“T hat is cer tainly

something to watch out for. We should all be watching out for each other.”

Cllr Freehill said she is hopeful that crime statistics in the Terenure area will be lower at the end of this year.

Cllr Ruairi McGinley (Ind) also spoke to the City Gazette and said that he believes the sta-

tistics reflect an increase in the number of car robberies in the Terenure area.

“From sitting in at local resident’s association meetings the issue of car robberies has come up on numerous occasions.

“I would caution people to be more vigilant when it comes to leaving

their car keys on tables inside the front door as that doesn’t help. “ S e c o n d l y, g a r d a i need to tackle these gangs who are targeting the communities.

“I am hopeful that there will be some level of improvement in the overall numbers of burglaries by the end of this year.”

14 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 5

6 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 14 April 2016

R1

enterprise

Church set to re-open as a new distillery  Aisling Kennedy

The old St James’ Church on James Street, Dublin 8, is set to re-open next spring as a new distillery, called the Pearse Lyons Distillery.

The historic church was purchased by Irishborn billionaire Dr Pearse Lyons in December 2013, following its deconsecration 55 years previously in 1961.

Dr Lyons and his wife, Deirdre, who are both founders of animal nutrition giant Alltech, are currently renovating and rebuilding the property.

One of the main features of the renovated church is a glass spire comprising eight stainless steel rafters coming together at the top. It is held together with handwelded intersections and weighs almost 10 tonnes.

The spire has recently been set in place on top of the building to replace the old church spire.

Structure Elsewhere in the property, the roof tiles have been replaced with new slate tiles and the stone columns, originally imported from the city Caen in Normandy, have been restored to resemble the original structure.

Dr Lyons said: “We are thrilled by the latest addition to our family, in the heart of Dublin’s historic brewing and distilling district. The Pearse Lyons Distillery and visitors centre will showcase the rich history of distilling in Dublin’s Liberties.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to feel, taste, see, smell and learn about the process of distilling Irish whiskey and take home some of their very own to share the story with their family and friends.”

Young homeless mother Erica Fleming (inset) gave politicians at Dail Eireann a speech on the homelessness crisis that’s worsening across the country; however, not all parties were represented at her impassioned talk

crisis | campaigner disappointed ff, fg, lab not present

Big parties absent at Erica’s Dail speech on homelessness  aisling kennedy

YO U N G h o m e l e s s mother Erica Fleming, who is quickly becoming the face of homelessness in Dublin, gave an impassioned speech about the affect homelessness is having on herself and her nineyear-old daughter, Emily, at a specially convened meeting in Dail Eireann last week.

A video of her talk was posted onto social media later that day and it has so far received almost 30,000 views.

Erica, who works part time but is currently living in emergency accommodation, sat beside Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and Cllr

Daithi Doolan (SF) as she spoke about her wish for all parties in the Government to set aside their differences and come together to find a solution to the homelessness crisis.

Erica spoke to The Gazette this week and said: “A lot of different parties came to hear me talk – Sinn Fein, AAA, People Before Profit Alliance, and some Independents.

“Everybody that was in the room that day agreed that political differences needed to be put aside to tackle the homelessness crisis. I was very happy with that response.”

Missing at the talk on the day, however, were representatives of Fine

Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour, all of whom received an invitation to attend the meeting, according to Erica.

“I bumped into Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin in the Dail bar following my talk and I asked him if he would meet me on another date to discuss the crisis.

“I gave him my number and he said that his secretary would give me a call in the next few days.”

Mr Martin followed up on his promise by meeting the campaigner for homelessness yesterday ( Wednesday) where Erica impressed on him the importance of all parties accepting the plight of the people

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

‘A lot of different parties came to hear me talk ... Everybody that was in the room that day agreed that political differences needed to be put aside to tackle the homelessness crisis. I was very happy with that response.’

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

Erica Fleming, homeless mother

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

without homes.

She also gave him a first-hand account of what it is like to be homeless in Dublin.

The Gazette had earlier contacted Deputy Martin for a response, and a spokesperson said: “Deputy Micheal Martin’s office is in the proc-

ess of trying to arrange a meeting with Ms Fleming and we hope that arrangements can be made shortly.

“Fianna Fail outlined a series of policy proposals prior to the general election aimed at addressing the homelessness crisis.

Ending the crisis is one

of four key priorities contained in the Fianna Fail general election manifesto.”

M e a nw h i l e , E r i c a is planning to hold a second protest march on Sunday, April 24, to highlight the ongoing crisis.

She told The Gazette: “I will be holding the protest march on the actual commemoration date of the 1916 Easter Rising. A number of other homelessness charity groups are also holding separate protests to highlight the crisis on the same day, too.

“My protest will begin at 2pm outside the GPO on O’Connell Street, and everyone is welcome to attend.”

14 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 7

courts | homeless man arrested after ‘answering nature’s call’

Suspended term for trespassing

A HOMELESS man caught defecating in the communal garden of an apartment block has been given a one-month suspended sentence for trespassing.

Thomas Coleman (62) responded with “colourful language” when a resident who spotted him “answering nature’s call” removed his bike from the garden after calling gardai.

Gardai arrived and removed Coleman from the scene, leaving his bike behind on the street, and when Coleman returned, the bike – described as his “only asset” – was gone.

Coleman, with an

address at Frankfort Avenue, Rathgar, was convicted by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of disorderly conduct and trespass at Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, on April 29, 2014.

He was acquitted of assault causing harm on the same occasion during the two-day trial last month.

Coleman has 77 previous convictions, dating back to the 1960s, including public order, criminal damage, theft and misuse of drugs.

Judge Patricia Ryan noted that Coleman had suffered the loss of his bicycle, which was his only asset and means of

transport around the city, and that this was of serious consequence to him.

Judge Ryan imposed a one-month sentence, which she suspended for one year, and ordered Coleman to stay away from the apartment block and its residents.

Noise Garda John Cahill told Garrett Baker BL, prosecuting, that a resident of the apartment block was awoken by noise at about 5.30am and saw Coleman trespassing into the property with his bicycle.

Coleman defecated in the garden and gardai were alerted. The resi-

dent went downstairs and removed Coleman’s bike from the property, bringing it out onto Clyde Road.

Coleman reacted by shouting violently at him.

There was an altercation before gardai arrived and they witnessed Coleman “using colourful language in a threatening manner.” Coleman was described as “extremely irate”.

Coleman was acquitted by the jury of assault in relation to the altercation at the scene.

Gda Cahill agreed with Helen Whately BL, defending, that Coleman’s bicycle had been left on the street when

A homeless man has been given a one-month suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trespass at a Ballsbridge apartment block

he was taken away in the patrol car. The bike was gone when Coleman returned for it.

Ms Whately said that, as a homeless person, Coleman carried his belongings with him, including food, which had resulted in previous convictions for posses-

sion of knives and similar offences.

She said the disorderly conduct had occurred after his bike was moved and he had responded as his bicycle, which was all he had, was very valuable to him. He does not recall defecating in the garden.

Ms Whately said that as a result of his experiences in a state institution during the 1960s, Coleman had “railed against society.” He has spent a large portion of his life as a homeless person, and was becoming frail and fragile as a result of his lifestyle.

14 April 2016 Gazette 11

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a day in the life: fitness guru Kathryn Thomas on her summer camp for adults

Unhealthy lifestyle gets the boot  Emma Nolan

Ever wanted to leave the world behind and embark on a detox amid the serene backdrop of rural Ireland?

That dream has been made a reality by fitness guru Kathryn Thomas and her Pure Results Bootcamp which she describes as “summer camp for adults”.

Kathryn spoke to The Gazette about a day in her life at Pure Results Bootcamp where guests spend either four days or a week in the idyllic 500 acre surrounds of Parknasilla in Kerry, on a strict exercise and diet detox programme.

“A lot of the guests can’t remember the last time they spent so much time outdoors,” she says.

“It’s an early start -

generally we have clients getting up at about 6:30am.”

Kathryn and her team have arranged the daily exercises classes so that upon waking guests partake in some low intensity exercise, to “wake the body up”.

“The morning exercise session is usually some aqua aerobics or a light jog that we call our Kenyan run.

“This was devised by an Irish Brother who trained a lot of marathon runners in Kenya and his philosophy is that it’s better to wake the body up slowly.”

The camp is also opening a second and more accessible location at the Temple Lodge Hotel in Westmeath this year.

Breakfast is served at 7am where it’s either a

green smoothie and protein balls or scrambled eggs depending on what exercise class is coming up.

“We try to keep it varied, so there’s a different breakfast every day.”

After breakfast, there are two high intensity classes.

“We could have anything from circuits to boxercise or an assault course.

“The classes are all designed so everybody works outside their own comfort zone.”

Guests at Pure Results range in age up to age 70 and are all levels of fitness.

“It’s up to the trainer to push them,” Kathryn says. “Everybody can work out together.”

After the two hours of intense training, it’s time

for lunch. Lunch and dinner at Pure Results often consist of items like poached salmon with Asian greens, turkey burgers with homemade slaw and a lot of fresh fish from local suppliers.

Those wanting to lose weight are served smaller portions than those maintaining their weight.

Day trips are also on the boot camp itinerary with a day and a half off site within the week programme.

Evening classes usually consist of yoga, body balance and, once that’s done, guests can enjoy their evening in the hotel’s spa facilities.

“We also do evening kayaking out on the water in front of the hotel.

“Most people are in bed for around nine o’clock,” she says.

“Our clients say that they sleep so well because they don’t really have to think about anything.

They arrive down and leave their brain at the door and are told where to go and what to do and eat.

“People think ‘oh my God, boot camp is so intense’ and it is, the classes can be intense when you’re in them but it’s also a really good holiday and a great time to feel re-energised and eat good food, completely detox and sleep.

“It’s about investing in and giving time back to yourself.”

Four days at Pure Results Bootcamp starts at €499 and a week starts at €999 with two weeks after care. Find out more at pureresultsbootcamp. com.

Kathryn spoke to The Gazette about a day in her life at Pure Results Bootcamp

12 Gazette 14 April 2016

Gazette

dublinlife DJ Steve Aoki to bring his biggest tunes to Dublin International DJ Steve Aoki is taking to the stage at the Academy on Abbey Street next month.

Presented by Desperados, the Full Moon and Tea Party event is aiming to combine the “normal with the absurd for an epic party experience”.

The Academy will be

transformed into a neon beach party meets Mad Hatter’s haven to shock guests throughout the night.

A spokesperson for the event said: “The renowned full moon, all night beach party will be paired with the traditional notion of afternoon tea to bring music fans a night of absurdity

that only Desperados can deliver.

“Buckets, neon paint and full moon performers will transport attendees to an atmosphere rivalling the party islands of Thailand.”

Taking place on Tuesday, May 17, tickets are priced at €23.90 and available from Ticketmaster.

diary

$30,000 donation from ebay

ebay Ireland has donated $30,000 (€26,400) to three Irish charities.

Earlier this year eBay’s Global Impact Team invited the employees of eBay Ireland to nominate Irish charities for consideration in the eBay Give Grants scheme.

The chosen charities are Inner City Helping Homeless, Women’s Aid Dundalk and To Children with Love.

Debbie Deegan, Founder of To Children with Love, spoke about the donation: “To Children With Love is now operating in Ireland for the first time and we’re working with children from Colaiste Eoin, a very disadvantaged school in Finglas. “eBay’s contribution will allow us fund a cool study hub, where the children will feel comfortable and more importantly encouraged to study and do group project work.

“Without this donation from the eBay Global Impact team, the school would not have been able to create this much needed space.”

recognition for art students Visual Communication Students at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, have been recognised nationally and internationally at the “most rigorous and honest assessment in the world”, the International Society of Typographic

International DJ Steve Aoki

Designers (ISTD) student assessments.

Twelve final year students have been recognised for their responses to the ISTD set briefs, and have been offered membership to the Society.

The students and staff involved will be awarded certificates in recognition of their achievements at the ISTD Awards in London, taking place in July 2016.

The ISTD is a professional body run by and for typographers, graphic designers and educators.

NCAD student Ally Mo o r h e a d r e c e i ve d ISTD membership with Merit (one of only three awarded in Ireland). A further 11 NCAD students were awarded membership including: Shane Bonfield, Diane Dear, Melodie Fox, Katie Kidd, Eulich McGeown, Niamh McNally, Jennifer O’Brien, Christine O’Flynn, Michael Simpson, Jamie Smyth, and Shauna Woods.

Debra Ireland fundraiser Tickets for a Debra Ireland fundraiser with a performance from Ire-

land’s number one Elvis impersonator, Ciaran Houlihan, are now on sale.

Taking place on June 24 at the Hilton Hotel Charlemont Place, all funds raised from the night will be going directly to the charity which provides support to people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

The illness is a distressing and painful genetic skin condition causing the skin layers and internal body linings to separate and blister at the slightest touch. It affects approximately one in 18,000 babies born.

As there is currently no cure for the disease, all proceeds to the charity go towards supporting treatment for sufferers, who are in constant pain and towards high level research programmes.

Mother of six Tina O’Gorman has singlehandedly raised over €1million for charity over the past 34 years and is organising this upcoming event.

She said: “What gives me the greatest satisfaction is the joy on the people’s faces that you have just helped.”

Tickets for the night cost €50 which includes the live show, drinks reception, dinner and late night disco. For more information or to buy tickets, please call Tina O’Gorman on 085 827 4783.

celebrating Thai New Year Thai restaurant chain Saba To Go are celebrating Songkran, aka, Thai New Year with a voucher giveaway worth €15,000.

Songkran is a time of great celebration in Thailand where it is tradition to pour water on your elders to bring health and good fortune, so Saba To Go want to shower their customers with free vouchers.

Alan Cadden, manager of Saba To Go said: “We are delighted to be celebrating Thai New Year in such a big way this year, paying tribute to our Thai chefs, and our authentic Thai ingredients used in our dishes.”

The giveaway is running until Sunday April 17 and vouchers of up to €250 can be won when you order from the Rathmines and Windy Arbour branches.

14 April 2016 Gazette 13

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feature culture: eclectic greek film festival this month

A terrific collection of cinematic visions WITH summer looming on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to indulge in a little escapism, and the Dublin Greek Film Festival is a chance to do just that.

Now in its second year, the festival runs from Thursday, April 21 to Sunday, April 24 at Chester Beatty Library, Filmbase, Omniplex Rathmines and The Sugar Club.

The festival will be presenting cinematic visions of Greece through features, documentaries and short films, along with

Greek music.

It will start with the screening of the awardwinning music documentary, A Family Affair, which won Best Documentary at Hellenic Film Awards 2015.

It will be shown at Chester Beatty Library on April 21 at 6pm. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Angeliki Aristomenopoulou, and will include a wine reception sponsored by Kir-Yianni Wine Estate.

Agora (2015), directed

by Yorgos Avgeropoulos, an internationally acclaimed Greek documentar y filmmaker, opens the second day of the festival.

T his documentar y shows the development of the Greek economic crisis and will take place at Filmbase on Friday, April 22, at 6pm.

Also to be screened on Friday is Elias Demetriou’s new movie, Smac, which tells the story of Eleni, who is diagnosed with cancer and takes another look at her life.

This will be screened at Filmbase at 8pm.

On Saturday, April 23, there will be a screening of Little England, by Pantelis Voulgaris, one of the most prominent Greek directors. This period drama takes place on award-winning the Greek island of Andros during World War II, and will be shown at the Omniplex Rathmines on Saturday, April 23, at 4.30pm. wAlso that day, awarded shorts from 2015 Drama International Short Film Festival (DISFF) will be

Award-winning music documentary A Family Affair is just one of the highlights of the second Dublin Greek Film Festival, which runs from April 21 to April 24

presented at Filmbase.

For more than 15 years, the DISFF-awarded short films have been travelling in Greece and abroad.

The festival organisers are proud to add Ireland as a new destination to this journey. This free screening will commence at 6pm.

The third day of the festival will finish with a screening of The Sentimentalists (2014), by Nicholas Triandafyllidis, a film which mixes dark comedy with tragic romance. It will be shown at Filmbase at 8pm.

On Sunday, the festival closes with a fundraiser

for refugees in Greece at The Sugar Club. The event will consist of a second screening of A Family Affair, followed by a concert of Pakaw!, the all-female combo that pushes the boundaries of traditional Greek music and Mediterranean rhythms, which starts at 4pm.

Gazette

14 Gazette 14 April 2016

dublinlife

feature

public lectures: top ten tips on dealing with anxiety

Managing the negative effects of worrying Saint John of God Hospital, one of the leading providers of mental health treatment and care services in Ireland

and Europe, delivered the first of its 2016 public lecture series, entitled “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” earlier this week.

Dr Keith Gaynor, senior clinical psychologist at Saint John of God Hospital gave the public lecture that provided

information on worry, how it can affect us and how to manage its negative effects.

Here are 10 tips from Dr Gaynor on how we can teach ourselves to worry less.

1. Don’t waste time on What if’s. Don’t waste time thinking up situations that “might” happen, but in reality are quite unlikely to happen – that is just a misuse of time. Try to pin point when you start asking yourself these questions.

The majority of the scenarios you create using this approach are never likely to happen – so why waste your time thinking about them?

2. Create a worry diary.

Take a diary, a paper one or on your phone, and in it mark an asterisk every time and place you worry and guesstimate how long you worried for.

This is important for two reasons: a. It makes us aware of a process that may have been automatic until now. We need to notice how frequently we worry and most people will be shocked at what they see. b. Secondly, we need to pinpoint those occasions when we worry the most because these are the times we are going to target.

3. Starve worry of space and time. If we want to reduce the amount of time we worry, we need to starve it of time and space in our lives.

We need to look at

Dr Keith Gaynor, senior clinical psychologist at Saint John of God Hospital

those key times we marked earlier, in our diaries, and add more stimulation. We need to shift our attention from the internal (worrying) to the external (finding a solution).

4. Get lost in something different. Don’t let yourself be overcome with worry. The trick to forgetting your worries is to replace them with something else.

Exercise, take a class in something like art, yoga or read a book. Nothing festers worry more than an idle mind.

5. Problem solve, don’t worry. Worrying is normally a very inefficient attempt to problem solve.

So when you worry, try to turn this into useful problem solving by considering what you need to do now to deal with the problem. Decision making is a core skill to com-

bat worry.

6. Learn to accept uncertainty. Uncertainty is a fact of life, so try to accept that you will always have to live with, or tolerate some uncertainty. Unexpected things happen, and accepting this in the longer term will make your life easier and reduce your anxieties.

7. Go to sleep early.

Sleep is the ultimate healer. Nothing can make a mole-hill look like a mountain more than lack of sleep.

8. Don’t Google it. We are all guilty of Googling our ailments, but when the ailment itself is worry there is no point is selfdiagnosing as it will only feed the anxiety.

While the internet is an amazing resource to find helpful information, you can find a negative response for every positive, helpful result.

Panicky Google searches almost always end badly. This leads to the next point…

9. Talk to someone.

Sometimes, it really helps to just get it all out.

10. Be kind to yourself. Stay in the moment.

Spending most of your time worrying about things that might happen in the future means that you’ll spend less time enjoying the present and staying in the moment.

Acknowledge the worries that enter your head, but don’t engage them, try to refocus on what you are doing in that moment.

Put all the energy into something positive and productive instead.

The Lecture Series will take place from 8.00pm to 9.30pm on Monday evenings in the Saint John of God Hospital on the Stillorgan Road until Monday, April 25.

14 April 2016 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 14 April 2016

dublinlife

BUSINESS

retail

property

THE opening of a new Lidl supermarket in East Wall has created 18 jobs.

The opening marks Lidl’s 146th Irish store and brings its total number of employees in the Republic of Ireland to more than 4,000 people.

After 10 months of construction, the brandnew 19,500sq ft store in East Wall opened at 8am on Thursday, April 7.

Speaking about the opening, Niall Murray, regional director at Lidl Ireland, said: “We are really excited to be opening our brand-new East Wall store. We and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the store.”

DRIVEWAYS can showcase your house to make it a really standout property in your area.

Mindful of this, Tobermore are launching an exclusive competition on its Facebook page for you to win a free Landscape design call-out service.

Visit w w w.facebook. com/tobermore.concrete to enter.

Tobermore’s beautiful range of block paving products are designed with durability in mind, are cost-effective and minimum maintenance is required, so that’s one less job for you to worry about. The company’s call-out service involves a detailed assessment

18 jobs at new Lidl

A good driveway can add value in a number of ways

€3m rebrand for Colourtrend ACTRESS Fiona Shaw joined Colourtrend’s Liam Holland, sales and marketing director, and Kevin O’Connor, managing director, at Studio 6, Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, for the unveiling of Colourtrend’s new €3 million rebrand recently.

The investment by the Irish-owned paint brand is one of the largest in rebranding by an Irish-owned private family business. Colourtrend has added a new tagline to its brand – Infinite Colour from Ireland – allowing it to share in the current global interest in all things Irish. Shaw has worked with cinematographer Cian de Buitlear, and the Irish landscape, to help convey the range of natural colours in the Colourtrend palette. Picture: Maxwell Photography

of your outdoor space, the discussion of various ideas and a landscape design drawing from one of the company’s expert landscape designers.

Whether your house is a chic, contemporary abode or a quaint, traditional haven, Tobermore offer a driveway solution that can enhance the style, beauty and character of your home, whilst

meeting your budget.

Theresa Kiely, manager at Tobermore’s Dublin Paving and Walling Centre said: “As well as creating a parking facility, a well-landscaped driveway enhances the style and value of a property and provides a safe play area for children.”

Call 01 8437440 or visit www.tobermore.ie for more information.

14 April 2016 Gazette 17

cinema P21

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

gaming P22



Gazette

travel P20

Pets meet bouncy bernard – he’s full of love and energy

Keagan Forde, Michael Glynn, Evan Forde and Dylan Crean from Galway helping to launch the event. Picture: Ruth Medjber

Irish Youth Music Awards: showcasing talents and honing skills

Youths to take centre stage  Cathal Dennehy

Some of Ireland’s most gifted young musicians will showcase their talents and hone their skills at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday at the Irish Youth Music Awards.

Organised by Youth Work Ireland, the national event will see musicians aged between 12 and 19 from across the country representing their community and gaining experience in the music industry.

This is the ninth year of the programme, which brings some of Ireland’s top music industry personnel directly into contact with young musicians.

Those attending will have the opportunity to attend an educational hub featuring music industry panels and workshops. Open for all attend-

ing to participate in will be an industry panel with tutors Alan Cullivan, founding chairman of MMF Ireland (Music Managers Forum Ireland), James Byrne, founder of the label Any Other City, Gav Fox, member of Turn and Idlewild, and Dan Finnegan, founder of Paper Trail Records.

Students can also hone their skills with experts during workshops for individual musical disciplines. These include song writing with multi-instrumentalist Tully Gunawardhana, who has co-composed with The Coronas, and drums with Johnny Boyle, who has toured with The Frames, as well as Marianne Faithful and Damien Rice.

Paul Moore – who has recorded with Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison as well as taking the reigns as musical director with Riverdance – will be offering bass workshops. Vocal

workshops are courtesy of Shelley Bukspan, who has arranged backing vocals for artists such as Mary Black, Bronagh Gallagher and many indie and contemporary young Irish acts.

Regional finalists will be awarded points throughout the day by a separate panel featuring Keith Johnson (IMRO), Grainne Biddle (Sony Music Ireland), Laura Duff (Irish Youth Music Awards Winning Songwriter 2015) and Phil Udell (State Magazine/ Word Up Collective). The overall winning region will be announced on the day.

Performers have been chosen to represent their region at local live selection nights and will be supported by a team comprising the other participants from their region taking on individual music industry roles.

The recipient region will receive

five days’ recording time in a studio and a full backline provided by Music Maker Dublin.

They will also produce an album released on physical CD with a professional design.

The album will be digitally distributed worldwide through iTunes, Spotify and many more outlets. Last year’s IYMAs recipient act, Jake Mc Ardle, went on to perform for President Michael D Higgins.

Tickets for the Irish Youth Music Awards National Day are available from Eventbrite at €20 including booking fee. The event is an all-ages, alcohol-free event. Group tickets are also available for youth clubs or projects priced €120 (including booking fee) allowing admission for six young people, two youth leaders and include a set lunch on the day.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Bernard, a seven-month old, male cuddly crossbreed looking for a home to call his own.

He is a very sweet, bouncy boy with lots of energy. He loves to play but especially loves to snuggle.

His canine carers think that he is very clever, but he still needs to learn some doggy social skills, so he would be best suited to a home where he is the only dog. Training classes would be a great, fun way for him to get to know his new family!

If you think you could offer Bernard a loving home 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 www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 14 April 2016

R1

OUT&ABOUT

Reinventing the feminine silhouette  Emma Nolan

Minimal and functional – a sneak peek at the autumn winter 2016 collection from Cos has revealed an unusual and exaggerated aesthetic.

Cos have reinvented the feminine silhouette with this collection of “every day decadence” that prioritises layering and asymmetrical lines.

Hemline are long and wide, shoulders oversized and sleeves billowing.

The colour palette relies heavily on Cos staple black, but incorporates some rich charcoals, dusty terracotta and forest greens with a lilac surprise in the form of an oversized pant suit.

Varying textures are a focal point of the collection – heavy wools fea-

ture alongside silk chiffon and buttery leather.

While the looks shown might be a daunting commitment, individually, pieces can be worn with tighter pants or a line skirts for a more accessible take on the look. Such as the oversized bomber jacket (which isn’t going anywhere for the time being), the leather sleeveless turtleneck, the silk chiffon sheer panel top and the oversized wool jersey sweater.

St a n d o u t p i e c e s i n c l u d e t h e reworked menswear trousers worn as a strapless jumpsuit and the leather pumps with textured suede heels.

The collection will be available next season at the Cos Store on Wexford Street, Dublin 2.

14 April 2016 Gazette 19

R1

g spray Clarins Fix Make up settin €28

Aldi CC Cream €3.99

Aldi Face Treatment Oil €5.99

Flormar BB Cream €9.95

Dr Hauschka Tinted Day Cream €28.95

Flormar Double Radiance Primer Highlighter

Clarins Bronzer €45

get a summer glow Flormar Bronzing Powder €9.95

Achieving that bronzed summer glow is rarely achievable by natural means in our temperate (cold and wet) climes here in the North Atlantic, yet most of us have no qualms about reaching for the bottle when a little extra melanin is required.

Now, I’m not talking fake tan here, I’m talking about less intense products to give a quick easy glow without the need for Tanning Thursday and streaky sheets.

The mantra, life is better with a tan, doesn’t apply to everyone and pale skin is beautiful but sometimes you can’t beat that vitamin D glow and since a real tan can be harmful, a touch of bronzer can do the world of good.

Clarins are launching their summer 2016 make up collection this week and

it includes a “made to measure” Golden Glow Booster (€24). Simply add two to drops to your daily moisturiser for a gradual building tan that you can control.

Their bronzing and blush compact (€45) comprises of two universal matte shades, coppery beige and terracotta beige, a gold shade that lights up the complexion and an apricot blush with subtle pearl that promises to give a radiant glow. The collection also includes a make-up setting spray (€28) to ensure a long lasting hold.

Blogger favourite Flormar have a great range of affordable sun mimicking products.

The double radiance primer highlighter (€12.95) has a lightweight creamy texture

to illuminate cheekbones, cupid’s bow and decollete.

BB cream is a great warmer weather alternative to heavier foundations and Flormar’s for under a tenner version delivers hydration, sun protection and a mattifies oily complexions.

Skincare brand Dr Hauschka current have a tinted day cream (€28.95) on the market.

Available in Avoca and pharmacies nationwide, it blends with your own natural skin tone for an even complexion adding a sun kissed glow to your face and neck.

Clarins products are available at Clarins counters nationwide from April 17 and Flormar is available in all good pharmacies now.

Gazette

STYLE

Denise Mannion accepts the prize on behalf of her daughter Niamh Mannion, who is currently pursuing her fashion career in New York. Also pictured are judges Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon. Model Ieva Paulikaityte wears the winning outfit. Picture: Anthony Woods

€10,000 bursary for emerging Irish designer An emerging Irish designer has won a €10,000 bursar y to help further her career in the fashion industry.

Niamh Mannion was awarded the life changing prize at the 16th annual Persil Fashion Awards which were held in The Dean Hotel, Harcourt Street last week.

Eight finalists were chosen from over 60 entries from NCAD, Limerick School of Art and Design and Griffith College.

The hopefuls were set the task of designing an outfit which is completely machine washable and inspired by the theme, Bedtime Stories.

Speaking on her design, Niamh said it was inspired by the Brother’s Grimm tale Hansel and Gretel, and the haunting black forest wherein the children find the witch’s cottage.

She said: “The oversized bomber jacket is made from pleather, painted canvas, and hand-frayed bag strapping.

“The sporty poloneck dress is made with scuba jersey and mesh fabrics.

“I created this outfit as an exploration of intricate textures, hand painted patterns and fabric clashing.

“Winning the Persil Irish Fashion Award would be invaluable in furthering my pursuit of a career within the fashion industry and I am over the moon to have been shortlisted.”

Having recently just moved to New York to expand her fashion horizons , Niamh’s mum Denise Mannion was on hand to accept the award.

Speaking to T he Gazette on her daughter’s win, Denise said she was “so proud and delighted”.

“I don’t even know if she’ll believe it,” she joked. “She left for New York on March 15 and my washing machine was going non-stop before she left.

“She’s looking for a job over in New York at the moment so this will be a big boost for her.”

Gazette

20 Gazette 14 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

spain: beautiful weather, delicious food and history

Explore Germany’s many rural delights More and more Irish tourists are choosing Germany as their destination of choice for short breaks, with a 13% rise in overnight visitors so far in 2016 compared to the same period last year.

With cheap flights, decent weather, and no hassles with currency exchange, it’s little surprise that Munich, Berlin and other major German cities are proving such a hit with Irish tourists.

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has capitalised on this trend, and recently launched its “Holidays in the Heart of Nature” campaign, which hopes to spread awareness among visiting tourists of Germany’s rural delights.

“It’s clear from the popularity of rural interest television shows, specialist publications and the media, that people in Ireland have a deepseated love and respect for rural life – just as we do in Germany,” said GNTO’s director for UK and Ireland, Klaus Lohmann.

“Exploring rural and ‘green’ Germany will enable visitors to discover

many fascinating regions and areas, with picturebox villages, incredible landscapes and the chance to relax.”

Sporty types will not be disappointed with the array of activities on offer across the German countryside. The adrenalineinducing free-climbing was invented in Germany and the many hiking and walking routes wind their way through different terrains and levels to suit all needs.

With more than 200 long-distance cycle routes, cyclists are also spoilt for choice, combining rural landscapes with urban discovery.

The bracing coastline in the North offers a huge array of activities from windsurfing to sailing and kitesurfing, plus Germany has a whopping 16 national parks, more than 100 nature parks and 15 unique biosphere reserves.

The big cities will undoubtedly retain their popularity among Irish tourists, but if you’re planning a break this summer, there’s never been a better time to tack on an extra few days to explore the countryside.

Take a walk along the Gran Via, the city’s main tourist artery

Enjoy a European break and visit magical Madrid

 Cathal Dennehy

If you’re looking for a European break with beautiful weather, delicious food and plenty of culture and history, then Madrid may be the place for you this Autumn.

There are few better times of the year to visit the Spanish capital, with temperatures lingering in the high teens or low twenties.

A five-night stay is just about the perfect option for anyone wanting to not just see the city, but also travel outside of Madrid and take in some of the sights in the surrounding areas, rich in culture, cuisine and captivating scenery.

Spend time exploring the old town of Segovia, with its winding streets and old buildings, as well as its almost 30-metre high aqueduct which dominates the area.

There will also be plenty of free time to explore and discover these unique cities at your own pace.

Your base for this holiday will be the Hotel Puerta de Toledo in Madrid - a friendly, tastefully-decorated hotel located in the heart of the city.

An essential way to spend an af ternoon on your trip should be a walk along the Gran Via, the city’s main tourist ar ter y

which stretches from the famous Metropolis building to the Plaza de Espana.

T he street, which stretches for a little over a kilometre, is a hub of culture with museums, chic hotels, opulent theatres, historic cinemas and decorative statues lining the route.

While Madrid may not have the coastal delights of its major Spanish rival, Barcelona, it does boast an array of beautifully maintained parks, a perfect place to take a time out and enjoy a few hours of serenity.

T he biggest green space is the Casa de Campo, which is five times bigger than New

York’s Central Park, and features a large lake with small boats and kayaking facilities.

A smaller, but more central option is the Parque del Buen Retiro, which features tree-lined walks, fountains, monuments and regular performances from musicians to puppeteers.

You will take in some of Madrid’s highlights including the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Oriente, and visit the historic cities of Toledo and Segovia on two full-day included excursions.

Admire the beautiful works of the Museo del Prado, which is amongst the very best art galleries in the world, or stroll

around the gardens in Parque del Buen Retiro.

Head out on a full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo, a city beautifully situated on the banks of Spain’s longest river, the Tagus, where you will take a walking tour through the historic centre of the city.

Prices start from €699pp including flights, transfers, taxes and charges, 5 nights’ half-board accommodation and excursions, with f light departing Dublin on September 5, 2016.

For more information visit www.traveldepartment.ie.

14 April 2016 Gazette 21

The Man Who Knew Infinity: film on Srinivasa Ramanujan underwhelms

ReelReviews

Bio doesn’t add up to an inspiring tale of greatness AS ANY school teacher will tell you, bringing maths to the masses has never been an easy thing, but cinema has produced some valiant attempts over recent years.

Back in 2001, A Beautiful Mind chronicled the rise and mental collapse of John Nash, and in 2014 Oscar winners The Imitation Game, and The Theory of Everything, successfully brought to life the individuals behind the integers.

In much the same vein, The Man Who Knew Infinity aims to give the story of Srinivasa Ramanujan a big-screen treatment, and it certainly has some of the components of a Hollywood story.

Ramanujan may be an obscure figure to the general public, but among mathematicians he is recognised as a genius.

Director Matt Brown starts Ramanujan’s (Dev Patel) story as an unemployed youth in Madras in the early years of the 20th century, scrawling lengthy equations in chalk on temple floors, setting the tone for the connection between the mathematical and the divine that seems a key component to Ramanujan’s work.

 Dave phillips

Struggling to find a job in Madras, Ramanujan knows that he has an exceptional talent for numbers and just needs to find somebody in a position of power to recognise it.

The answer comes when a new employer, Sir Francis Spring (a throwaway cameo by Stephen Fry), recommends Ramanujan to some of the old boys in Cambridge.

And so we begin a tale of two worlds, as Ramanujan begins a correspondence with the celebrated English mathematician G H Hardy (Jeremy Irons).

For the most part, Matt Brown does a solid job in contrasting the dusty, convivial and spiritually literate life of people in Madras, with the emotionally stunted life of Cambridge – where the lawns may be green and lush, but nobody dares to step on the grass.

As the First World

War grows on the horizon, Cambridge remains ensconced in a sense of imperial superiority, and much of the plot revolves around Ramanujan’s struggles to be academically and personally accepted within the culture he has found himself thrust into.

With Hardy in the role of a harsh but benevolent taskmaster, Ramanujan attempts to enculturate himself and get his work published.

There are a lot of story elements in here that should make The Man Who Knew Infinity a hit, but it quickly becomes evident that something essential is missing from this equation.

As well as directing, Matt Brown takes the role of screenwriter – a task that he unfortunately performs less adequately.

For the most part, The Man Who Knew Infinity unfolds without a hint of textual nuance, with conversations playing out functionally, rather than organically.

And so, a scene in which Hardy eventually breaks Ramanujan’s spirit, forcing him to conform to Cambridge standards, features the

Gazette

CINEMA

the huntsman Snow thank you ...

AS A sequel that nobody asked for, The Huntsman – Winter’s War (Cert 12A, 117mins) is the prequel to 2012’s visually lovely (but dull as dishwater) Snow White and The Huntsman.

Charlize Theron is once again as cool as ice, while Emily Blunt and Chris Hemsworth gamely give their best – but it’s a film that’s not Grimm enough, or fairy engaging, making it a huntsman to avoid.

zootropolis

Disney’s roaring success

Although The Man Who Knew Infinity ticks all the right, if predictable, boxes in the “struggling maths genius” category, it never soars beyond the sum of its parts

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

‘For a film about numbers, it spends a lot of time spelling things out, and the end result does not make for great cinema ... Just short of two hours, the stodgy pacing of The Man Who Knew Infinity makes it feel a lot longer’

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

superfluous dialogue: “I see you’ve finally broken his spirit”.

For a film about numbers, it spends a lot of time spelling things out, and the end result does not make for great cinema.

Equally superf lu-

ous is the storyline of Ramanujan’s wife and mother, who are cooped up together, and at odds with one another back in Madras.

Just short of two hours, the stodgy pacing of The Man Who Knew Infinity makes it feel a lot

longer.

Neither Patel nor Irons, upon whose shoulders the film rests, perform at the top of their game and the end result is a story that feels like it has much more to offer.

An attempt to shoehorn the source material into a Hollywood format leaves us consistently skimming the surface – save a single slide at the end, there is really no insight into the significance that any of Ramanujan’s work had on the field of mathematics.

An east meets west adventure that sadly stays too formulaic.

Verdict: 5/10

DISNEY have added yet another impressive film to their CG roster with Zootropolis (Cert PG, 108 mins), which takes a familiar cop trope – a fresh rookie trying to make their mark and solve a tough case, while teaming up with an unlikely ally – but makes something new.

Warm-hearted, likeable performances add to the great design, making it a treat for audiences.

midnight special Make time for this one

WHILE we’ve all seen oddcouple/on-the-run films before, Midnight Special (Cert 12A, 112 mins) feels like something fresh, yet timeless. A protective father goes on the run with his young boy, who has special powers, while danger follows close behind. It’s a low-key film with a muted tone, yet some lovely performances, and its direction, create what could be a cult classic.

Gazette

22 Gazette 14 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

bafta awards: respected body selects its best titles from the past year

Paying tribute to a range of great games

SOME years ago, BAFTA – the British charity that has become an internationally recognised award/recognition brand for its celebration of the moving image – expanded its remit to take gaming into account.

As gaming sales, and the industry, quietly adds billions to the British Exchequer each year, it’s no surprise that gaming was eventually elevated to enjoy the same critical analysis and recognition as film and television, with the BAFTAs now enjoying global recognition.

The annual BAFTA gaming awards were held just after The Gazette went to press last week, but here’s my analysis of some of the big winners.

The awards proved an unexpected night for the underdogs, as small games and f ledgling companies emerged as the top winners in some David and Goliath showdowns.

First up, and the small, indie title Her Story (developed by Sam Barlow; available on IOS, PC, Mac) was debatably the critical darling of the night, picking up awards for Debut Game, Game Innovation, and Mobile & Handheld – three more to add to its range of awards from around the world.

Her Story’s daring narrative featured jumbled video snippets from

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

the 1990s of ‘lost’ police interviews with a woman reporting her husband missing.

This initially simple premise took wouldbe Sherlocks on a ride through an ever murkier, adult tale, creating a truly unique and innovative title in the process.

Moving on, and the award-winning indie title, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture (The Chinese Room; PS4) also impressed, scooping Audio Achievem e n t , Music, and Performer (for Merle D a n dridge, as Kate Collins) awards to add to its global haul.

Aw a r d s f o r audio may not sound (no pun intended) like par ticularly impressive wins, but Rapture’s soundscapes were key to creating one of the most haunting titles of several years; quite simply, its audio was in a class of its own throughout.

Its imaginative setting – a beautiful, sunlit and rustic English village in Shropshire, set some time in the 1980s in the immediate aftermath after the end of the world – was gorgeous to explore.

However, seeing as it played/sounded like a cross between evergreen radio serial The Archers, and Day of The Triffids, its terrific music score, natural sound effects, and the recovered snippets of overheard conversations between initially calm but increasingly panicky and upset villagers were pretty singular in their use.

Studio co-founder and composer Jessica Curry’s superb, pastoral score also made an unforgettable impression.

Still, while the overall feeling was that the night had gone to underdogs such as these, a number of major titles also won awards.

Best Game went to Fallout 4 (Bethesda Game Studios; PS4, XBO, PC). The latest iteration in the popular franchise once again set gamers loose in an irradiated, post nuclear-war landscape, but packed in a bewildering amount of

Some of the most notable BAFTA 2016 games award winners, from top left: Her Story, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture, Fallout 4, Batman: Arkham Knight, Until Dawn and Rocket League

quests, missions, secrets, easter eggs and sheer silliness to keep players lost in the wasteland for a very long time.

Despite being full of game bugs and glitches, and although the title wasn’t exactly pushing the consoles into a sweat, let alone to their limits, Fallout 4 became a critical darling pretty quickly, leaving a warm, fuzzy, irradiated feeling in gamers’ hearts.

Next, and Best British Game went to Batman: Arkham Knight (Rocksteady Studios; PS4, XBO, PC).

By no means a small title – Rocksteady is one of the biggest British games developers – this latest iteration of the Batman franchise had top-notch graphics that pushed the consoles hard.

Despite some niggles – its over-reliance on the Batmobile, and its

infamous, disastrously unplayable PC launch – this Batman was the best yet.

The very cinematic yet oddball title Until Dawn (Supermassive Games; PS4) claimed the Original Property award, as its complex, multichoice narrative – trying to keep a group of youngsters alive through the night at a remote, snowbound cabin – impressed with great if occasionally gory graphics, while its branching slasher plot demands repeated playthroughs.

Finally, Rocket League (Psyonix; PS4, XBO, PC, LX, Mac) continued its relentless drive into gamers’ hearts, scoring Famiy Game, Sport Game and Multiplayer Game awards.

While the thought of, basically, playing football by using cars to knock a ball about in giant stadi-

Sam Barlow collected a clutch of BAFTAs for his acclaimed game, Her Story. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA

ums doesn’t sound like much, the game’s spectacular success underscored that the simplest games, or ideas, still strike a chord for anyone just

looking for a blast of pure, uncomplicated fun.

For the full list of winners, and nominees, see awards.bafta.org/ award/2016/games.

14 April 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

MOTORING

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage looks sturdy, but has plenty of comfort within the spacious cabin. Pictures: Paddy McGrath

kia sportage: changes to popular model deliver an impressive ride

Fourth-generation ups the ante in the crossover stakes

 dave phillips

WE TAKE a trip back to the compact crossover market this week, this time checking out what is fast becoming one of Ireland’s favourite makes and models.

In 2015, the K ia Sportage was listed in the top ten best selling cars in Ireland, and it is seems evident that the trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future.

There are currently more than 11,000 listed on Irish roads, with Kia hoping to add another 3,000 by the end of the 2016.

It is easy to see what makes the Sportage so popular – as a brand, Kia continues to take leaps and bounds in terms of quality, while still main-

taining a market-leading warranty.

And the compact crossover model essentially gives solid hatchback performance and then some, ticking a lot of boxes for buyers looking to strike a balance between performance and versatility.

The trend continues in this fourth-generation Sportage. Available with the choice of two engines – a 1.7-litre diesel, or a beefier 2.0-litre (with AWD) – the newest Sportage comes in three trim levels, and starts out from €27,995.

We took out what is proving so far to be the most popular configuration, the mid-level trim combined with the 1.7litre engine – which with stop/start technology as standard, falls into the

€200 A4 category for road tax.

On the outside, the Sportage’s familiar sleek and solid stance gives it a muscular presence on the road. Face-on, the headlamps have been set up higher than the grille – a small change from the last generation, but one that sets the new Sportage apart aesthetically from other compact crossovers on the road.

And, while the width remains the same, Kia have added an extra 40mm in length – which goes toward making the interior all the more comfortable.

A very comfortable cabin, and a good amount of adult space in the rear, will no doubt contribute to the Sportage’s popularity.

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‘The new Sportage works out as a very comfortable ride, feeling incredibly well-insulated with minimal road noise regardless of the surface’

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The mid-level EX trim (€29,995) comes with half-leather seats, adding a touch of luxury to the simple, wide and sturdy soft-plastic dash.

A 7” touchscreen incorporates Sat-Nav and a reversing camera, as well as the usual media inputs.

An effortlessly clean and uncluttered panel below controls heating, and a 4.2” LCD screen can act as a speedometer, as well as displaying speed limits or other

in-ride information as needed.

An incredible panoramic sunroof, stretching all the way back to the back seats, comes optional on the EX trim, and will bump the price up another €1,105.

The new Sportage works out as a very comfortable ride, feeling incredibly well-insulated with minimal road noise regardless of the surface.

The 1.7-litre engine zips along and provides plenty of torque, feeling

The latest tech deliver all the aids you could want, adding to the driving experience

like there is always something extra to give.

The Sportage feels effortless on the motorway, while suspension upgrades in this new generation, combined with the increased wheelbase, give a much greater sense of stability when

taking the car out across less-maintained country roads.

All in all, this fourth generation Spor tage looks, feels and performs solidly and impressively.

No doubt we’ll see it again in the top ten sales at the end of the year.

24 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 14 April 2016

Ireland’s most famous Olympian, EXCLUSIVE

Golden exploits of Dublin’s proudest sporting son Almost 60 years ago, Ronnie Delany sent Dublin and the rest of the country into delirium with his golden exploits at the Melbroune Olympics. No Irish athlete has managed to achieve such a gold run since. For the 81-year-old, family life in Dublin is far more important than any Olympic gold medal.  Cathal Dennehy

Almost 60 years have passed since one of Dublin’s proudest sons, Ronnie Delany, turned in a performance that would change his life forever.

It was December 1,

1956, when the Sandymount resident – competing over 10,000 miles in Melbourne, Australia – sent the Irish nation into euphoria, sprinting to gold in 1500m at the Olympic Games.

Six decades on, the memory has crystal-

lised in his mind, and it’s no surprise, because Delany’s run may well be the greatest feat in Irish sporting history.

“I remember the intensity of concentration,” says Delany, now 81.

“During the race,

Ronnie Delany and Brush Shields, during the Remembrance Run 5k 2015.

Picture: Tomas Greally/Sportsfile

you’re focused. You don’t hear the crowd.

You’re watching, focusing, monitoring, and if you have the gift to be able to win, you’re going to win.”

Delany played a patient game in the final, saving his speed for the home straight, at which point he unleashed a devastating change of gears to leave Australian rival John Landy and the world’s best milers trailing in his wake.

“I threw my arms wide in celebration as I went through the victory tape, and kneeled down to say a prayer as a mark of my faith,” says Delany.

“You’re almost saying: ‘I don’t believe it, I’ve won the Olympics.’

At 21 years of age, I was going to climb up the rostr um as Oly mpic champion.”

It was the feat which would define his career – indeed his life – but truth be told, he felt more fortunate a half century later, when his home city honoured him with the freedom of Dublin.

“That’s probably the proudest moment of my life,” he said.

“I’m indebted to my city. When your own select you for such an honour, it’s an absolute pleasure.

“I love this city, and getting that honour is a renown you enjoy throughout your life.”

D e l a ny w a s a c t u ally born in Arklow, Co Wicklow and moved to Dublin at the age of five.

As a result, both counties are understandably keen to claim him as their own.

“I can claim dual citizenship,” he says with a laugh.

“I had a dilemma back in the 50s. Dublin decided to make me the Dublin man of the year, while Wicklow decided to make me Wicklow man of the year. It required a solemn decision, so I decided I’d take both!”

At the age of 19, Delany left Ireland for six years to attend college at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, moulding himself into the world’s best middle distance runner over 3,000 miles from home.

“I never had a sense of loneliness,” he says.

“My life was extraordinarily full. I took the academic side seriously and the running seriously, and I also had to work.”

At a time when he was one of the world’s best athletes – but also an amateur who was unable to take any earnings from the sport – Delany worked a number of different jobs to get by.

H e wo r ke d a s a “grease monkey” at a friend’s garage, as a caddy at a local golf course, and as a park-

Ronnie Delany sprinting to gold in the 1500m at the

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“That’s way above the Olympics, the happiness I’ve enjoyed in family life. The gift of my children, the gift of my grandchildren, that’s way above anything else.”

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ing attendant at a local church.

“I’d be out parking cars for midday mass and people there would be papers hot off the press about the guy who ran a world record at Madison Square Garden the night before,” he said.

“The people probably didn’t know the guy who set the record was the guy parking their cars.”

After winning gold in Melbourne, Delany didn’t get to return home to Dublin along with the rest of the Irish team, but had to hightail it back to Villanova for his end-of-term exams.

It was weeks later before he made it back

to the Emerald Isle, landing at Shannon airport and being brought to Dublin by motorcade to be received by the Lord Mayor.

Only then did he realise the effect his achievement had on the psyche of the Irish people.

“It was celebration after celebration,” he said.

“We Irish are great for celebrating; give us an excuse and we’ll do it.”

Delany retired from athletics at the relatively youthful age of 26, though for the past six decades, he’s brought back to Melbourne in some small way on a daily basis.

“When you have the

14 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 25

Ronnie Delany speaks to The Gazette

Ronnie falls to his knees and offers a prayer of thanks after winning the gold medal

Olympic Games

honour and distinction, when your fate says you’ll be an Olympic gold medallist, there’s never a day you’re not reminded of it,” he says.

“I still get correspondence from all over the world, requests for autographs. The impact on your life is ongoing.

“You don’t look at yourself in the mirror every day and say it to yourself, but you have a deeper sense of being part of history of the Olympic Games, part of the inspiring inspiration of the Olympic Games.”

Beyond the satisfaction of his spor ting achievements, Delany says nothing has compared to the sense of contentedness he has gleaned from bringing up four children, and the 81-year-old is now a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren.

“T hat’s way above the Olympics, the happiness I’ve enjoyed in

family life,” he says.

“The gift of my children, the gift of my grandchildren, that’s way above any thing

House on Stephen’s green.”

Another of his regular activities is to go to the theatre, which was a

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“My life was extraordinarily full.

I took the academic side seriously and the running seriously, and I also had to work”

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else.”

These days, Delany likes to stay active by playing tennis twice a week at the Fitzwilliam Club, and he also swims regularly.

Though he admits he’s not a man for pubs, one of his favourite ways to spend an evening is at one of his most beloved Dublin restaurants.

“My favourite restaurant locally is Bistro One in Foxrock,” he says.

“That’s a great, local family-run restaurant.

My favourite restaurant in the city is the Cliff

particular passion during his adolescence.

“My abiding memory of my teens was theatre,” he says.

“I loved going to the theatre in Dublin. I still go to plays and musicals these days, but I don’t have the same opportunity to go as I used to.”

This December, it will be 60 years since Delany turned in his ultimate performance of sporting theatre, and for Dublin’s proudest sporting son – and indeed his beloved city – it will never be forgotten.

Torchbearers Ronnie Delaney and Bridget Taylor outside Government buildings when the Olympic Torch crossed into the Republic of Ireland in 2012

26 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 14 April 2016

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28 DUBLIN CITY gazette 14 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport irish american football team set for debut: THE senior Ireland American Football team will travel to the Netherlands on August 26 to take on the Dutch National team in a friendly fixture in their very first international match.

It will be the first time an Irish national American Football side will take on another country’s national team and marks a significant forward step.

The Ireland programme began last year and includes a senior and junior full contact team and a flag gootball team, all with the goal of competing in friendly fixtures as well as European and International competitions.

“I am delighted that our senior team will be playing in their first friendly game against the Dutch Lions later this year” said Ireland General Manager Orla McAleese. “Our coaches and players have worked extremely hard over the past few months and they are really looking forward to it.”

cycling: dundrum club step in to organise road championships

Orwell to host Irish nationals  sport@dublingazette.com

ORW E L L W h e e l e r s won the bid to host the National Road Race Championships from June 23-26, an award announced by Cycling Ireland earlier this week.

The former club of Stephen Roche will

use the Phoenix Park as a focal point for the championships, it being the planned location for the start and finish area, subject to licence.

Orwell is one of Ireland’s largest cycling clubs, along with being one of the most progressive, having recently received sponsorship

from Scott Bicycles.

The club promises an exciting weekend of racing, which will incorporate the national time trial championships, the elite men’s and elite women’s road race championships, the veteran championships and the masters championships.

Action from the final stage of the 2016 road race

Orwell Wheelers are looking forward to hosting the national road championships

The National Road Championships are hosted by Cycling Ireland clubs every year, with the location being rotated between the four provinces.

The 2016 Championships were initially to be hosted by Clonmel CC, the Munster club who also held them in 2012.

But they were forced to withdraw their application, leaving way for new applications to be received.

Orwell were successful in securing the prestigious event. They have hosted many National Championships over the past 70 years, most recent of which was t h e ve r y s u c c e s s f u l 2009 Criterium Championships held on the

Meadowmount circuit in Dundrum.

Denis Gleeson, President of Orwell Wheelers, said of the championships: “It is a great honour for our club to be chosen to host the 2016 National Road Championships, particularly since it will be based in our heartland of Dublin City and the Phoenix Park.

“Our club, while only founded in 1948, boasts of having one of the first English speaking winners of the Tour de France. We have produced many national champions, a number of whom are still active members, and we are proud to be one of the largest and most active cycling clubs in the

country.

“Come June we hope to see many of our racing friends from around the country and those travelling from abroad.

We want this to be a special event.”

Orwell’s race director and event organiser Stephen O’Shea added: “I raced in the past in the Phoenix Park and loved the atmosphere associated with this unique location.

“Taking up the task of putting together a spectacular championships this year will be challenging!

“However, I am comforted knowing that the club’s many members are supportive of the event and I thank them in advance.”

Avoca miss stroke of fortune in national Trophy final  sport@dublingazette.com

Avoca’s Anna Richardson on the attack against Bandon last Saturday. Picture: Adrian Boehm

EMMA White’s pair of diving saves denied Avoca the women’s Irish Hockey Trophy title as Bandon claimed at Belfield last Saturday, denying the Blackrock club a cup double.

It went the distance by Avoca after a huge arm-wrestle at Belfield, one in which the west Cork outfit had the slight edge on chances but could not find the backboard until the shoot-out.

There, Jenny Buttimer, Rachel Desmond and Jessica Kingston all potted their efforts which,

in tandem with White’s blocks, allowed the nerveless Vicky Burns the chance to win it.

That normal time ended scoreless could scarcely have been predicted in a crackerjack first half in which the play swung wildly from end to end.

Amy Buttimer was sent clean through but saw her first up effort excellent shut down by a sliding Esme Galloway, Avoca’s stand-in keeper after Danni Cummins picked up an injury in the past week.

Desmond’s follow up was cleared off the line while she

also got a deflection to a cracking disguised pass from Burns but Galloway again did enough to keep it out.

W hite, meanwhile, kept out Aideen McGuinness and Rachel McAuley chances as Anna Richardson bossed the midfield in a superb opening stanza.

The second half was tighter though both sides did have giltedged chances to win it, Katie Desmond denied by Galloway’s long stick while Sarah Healy missed out with the goal beckoning.

Bandon, though, had the know-how in the shoot-out from their semi-final and shot their way to a famous maiden victory in this competition.

Nonetheless, Ronan Hickey’s Avoca can look back on a reasonably productive season.

They were promoted to the top tier in Leinster and duly stayed in Division One with something to spare.

The Leinster Hockey Shield was added on St Patrick’s Day with a 2-1 success against a fancied Glenanne side to cap off their exploits.

14 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY gazette 29

Gazette

Sailing senior still on the crest of a wave National Sailing Club’s Leonard McKay continues to get out on the water every Saturday during the summer, making the 82-year-old the perfect subject for Setanta’s new TV series  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

LEONARD MCKAY – at 82 years old, the senior member of the Irish National Sailing Club – has spent his life living on the Dun Laoghaire sea front, and much of his life sailing in its harbour and the wider Dublin bay.

A keen fan of a sport he calls “primal,” McKay rarely misses a Saturday on the water and particularly loves the aspect of small-boat sailing that pits him against nature.

Indeed, in tandem with Mar y Beck, he claimed last weekend’s squib class silver cup on his third outing of 2016.

“I enjoy the feeling of it being you against the elements,” McKay tells

GazetteSport. “I sail in squibs, three metre boats that have two crew, and compete within the club.

The last 25 years sailing every week, spending summers on the water have been the highlight of my life.”

McKay is one of a number featured in a new Setanta Spor ts series Super Fit Seniors, in which outstanding distance runner Eamonn Coghlan talks to various older athletes about their fitness regimes, attitudes and approach to sport.

The sailor told the show his main training regimen is to “keep breathing” and that he doesn’t “know anything about calories, or pay any attention to them”.

Instead he eats the same unprocessed foods

he has eaten all his life, growing as much of the produce as he can manage himself in his garden.

The gardening itself also plays a fitness role.

“I eat a good breakfast and a three course lunch every day,” he says. “I always have, even when I was working. For tea, I just eat a slice of toast and have a cup of tea.

I don’t snack. I think snacking is a problem today.”

Speaking of the health that enables him to continue sailing into his 80s, McKay recalls his upbringing, the rationing of sugar in the 1930s and 40s, and how it led him to eat a naturally healthy lifestyle.

“I just kept it going,” he explains. “I have an artificial left knee. We’ve

Leonard McKay tends to his boat in Dun Laoghaire harbour as part of the Super Fit Seniors on Setanta Ireland

talked in the club about whether it would be possible to continue if I had another one. We think it would. The club is very big on getting disabled people out onto the water, too.”

McKay talks passionately about his love for

boats are just you, the wind and the waves. It’s just the ropes and your muscle.

“We don’t go out if the wind is above about a force four, you have to be safe,” he adds. “We’ve been out into the harbour a couple of times this year

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‘The last 25 years sailing every week, spending summers on the water have been the highlight of my life’ Leonard McKay --------------------------------------------------------

the INSC and is often trying to tempt others onto the water. “90% of the people in the club don’t own boats,” he explains.

“It’s a very accessible sport. We’ve had a lot of people from around the world, people who work for companies like Google and Facebook, joining recently.

“They might sail at home and they want to continue here. They pay their dues and take a club boat out. There’s everything from paddle boards to cruisers.”

Not that McKay ranks them all equally. “I look down my nose a little at cruisers,” he admits. “I don’t think you’d have trouble finding people my age who use cruisers, as there’s a lot of support equipment and often a large crew. The smaller

and just turned around and come back because of conditions. But it’s two and a half hours of exercise every Saturday that I really enjoy. When I haven’t done it, I’ve really noticed the difference during the week.

“Some of my friends gave up sailing at 60 because they thought they were too old,” he concludes. “I still get them to come out with me every so often, but there’s the call of Saturday afternoon TV sport.

For me, playing sport always beats watching someone else play. So I just keep going.”

Super Fit Seniors, a sixpart sports entertainment series will be shown freeto-air on Setanta Ireland for six weeks and started this Monday, April 11 at 7.30pm.

FastSport

Kevin Sims interviewed by Eamonn Coghlan

Sims continuing 60-year connection with cycling AT 84-YEARS-OLD, Kevin Sims takes his cycling seriously. Aside from a break in the 1960s during which he took up powerlifting, Sims has been racing bicycles most of his life.

That including in the 1953 Ras, the first ever edition of Ireland’s premiere cycling race, in which he departed an O’Connell Street start competing for Kildare.

Sims trains three to four times a week - “Tuesday and Thursday, Saturday if I can manage it, and a race on Sunday,” with his sport taking him around the country, where he competes in an over 80s age category.

“I’d try to go 35 miles,” he tells GazetteSport.

“I have to compete against people a few years younger than me, and a lot of them would be former pro cyclists. Some of them looks great.

But I still race. In the winter every weekend, and in the summer, when the light’s better, on Tuesdays too.”

Sims is one of the stars of new Setanta series Super Fit Seniors, in which he says he does “a 60 mile race from Tallaght, riding with my two daughters.”

Sims also rides alongside fellow veteran Sean Lally, who twice finished second in the Ras. When he’s not cycling, Sims loves gardening, but points to the wonderful experiences the sport has brought him as particularly great memories.

“I rode through the French Alps with friends a few years ago, and the scenery was incredible,” he recalls. “We went back and did it in Italy and Germany, too. Now, I go to Spain every year.

It’s tough - it’s very hilly - but I really enjoy it.”

He does, however, avoid cycling through town, instead using Wicklow for his training, and looks at today’s obesity epidemic with some horror.

“You didn’t see big people in the 30s and 40s,” he explains. “It’s just the last 20 or 30 years, people are overeating and sitting in front of the TV instead of exercising. I’ve always kept myself around 11 stone” With his current fitness regime, Sims’ won’t be facing that kind of problem anytime soon.

Gazette

30 dublin city gazette 14 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: limerick side out-smarted by AUL kingpins

Bohs land first away win of League of Ireland season BOHEMIANS’ fans made the short DART journey back to Dublin satisfied with a 2-0 win at Bray Wanderers on Saturday night in a game that was marred by poor conditions, writes James Fenton.

A pre-match downpour of hailstones meant both teams had to cope with a slippery pitch on a sunny evening in Wicklow.

The first opportunity of the game fell for Bray straight from kick-off as former Bohs player Karl Moore crossed from the left for Andrew Lewis, who headed the ball just wide.

Another opportunity for the home side came in the third minute but Dean Kelly was ruled offside before dragging wide of Dean Delany’s goal.

As the first half wore on, the Gypsies began to assert their dominance. Lorcan Fitzgerald was a threat from set-pieces.

In the 22nd minute, Wanderers had another chance as Dylan Connolly played a pass to Kelly on the right side but the striker shot wide again.

Bohs were now playing a counter-attacking game and the impressive Ayman Ben Mohammed broke free on the half hour but his attempt was gathered up by Bray goalkeeper Peter Cherrie.

The opening goal finally came on the halfhour mark and it was the Bohs supporters who were celebrating as Daniel Byrne headed home a Fitzgerald corner.

On 32 minutes the home fans were left furious as Bohs defender Roberto Lopes fouled Lewis in the area but referee Derek Tomney waved away the penalty appeals.

The away side continued to dominate in the second half and Cherrie was lucky not to have been sent off after taking down Ben Mohammed outside the box. The Scotsman was the last man but escaped from the incident with just a yellow card.

The result was secured in the 69th minute when another Fitzgerald set piece led to Ben Mohammed slotting home from six yards out.

It secured a first away victory of the season for Bohs and have notched up successive Premier Division victories for the first time this campaign. They now lie in seventh place and will hope to continue their march up the table with victory against arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers who visit Dalymount Park on Friday night.

Sheriff YC’s Jon Rock celebrates after scoring his side’s fourth goal. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile

Sheriff power into FAI final fai junior cup semi Sheriff YC Janesboro  sport@dublingazette.com

4 1

SHERIFF YC outclassed Limerick District League champions Janesboro 4-1 at Tolka Rovers’ Frank Cooke Park last Sunday to book a fourth FAI Junior Cup Final appearance in five years.

Twin tactical accomplishments saw Sheriff through: a clinical ability to hit hard on the break, and a high-quality defensive and goalkeeping performance that saw them shut out Janesboro’s dangerous striker Shane Clarke, who has averaged

60 goals a season over the last couple of campaigns.

A scrappy opening saw both sides flying into tackles and firing dangerous pot shots from distance, with Sheriff looking marginally the more likely despite the visitor’s spells of possession.

The home side’s breakthrough came after quarter of an hour, when Anto Kavanagh found a sharp through ball from midfield to put Sean Murphy through on Janesboro’ keeper Lee Murphy.

Murphy’s quickfire shot beat the dive of the other, and Sheriff looked to be on their way.

Janesboro struck

irish water polo team St Vincent’s seven take on EU Nations in Denmark seven girls from St Vincent’s Water

Polo Club, Glasnevin were on the Irish Under-17 girls team that played in the EU Nations Water Polo Cup in Odense in Denmark.

Molly Reilly, Cara Kindlon, Sadbh Kindlon, Niamh O’ Meara, Sophie O’Donnell, Cliona Colvin and Aoife Hennessy were part of the team that won matches against Switzerland and Wales, eventually finished sixth place overall.

back almost immediately, though, with Arron Nunan finding space around the edge of the area and cancelling out the Fairview side’s opener almost as soon as they’d finished celebrating it.

The game had a real frenetic cup tie feel, with both sides throwing themselves into the contest and a sizeable crowd – many of whom travelled from Limerick – egging them on. Sheriff’s second, just 25 minutes in, came courtesy of a perfectly placed free kick, nodded into the Janesboro net by a stretching Darren Dunne.

Sheriff were going all out, pinging shots from

distance – a couple of which needed desperate tip overs by Murphy – and making convincing use of their possession.

An evenly matched second half saw Janesboro forced to attack the home side but they were unable to convert as the usually clinical Clarke saw a slightly scuffed finish cleared off the Sheriff line.

When Sheriff legend John Rock set up Mark Higgins for a smart flicked third on 65 minutes, the Hoops looked a certainty, and a fourth from main man Rock himself in injury time – lashed in as Janesboro were forced to

chase the game – gave the scoreline a slightly harsh one-sidedness to it.

The AUL’s dominant club are often singled out as “in need of a new challenge” with the suggestion being they might belong at a higher level than the promotion-free junior division they currently operate atop.

This dominant performance from a club who came into the game as evens favourites to win the cup certainly suggests they’d be capable.

Sheriff will face the winners of St Peter’s (Athlone) and Pike Rovers (Limerick) on May 14 at the Aviva Stadium.

14 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY gazette 31

Gazette

westmeath wiped out Under-14s sweep by the challenge of Lake County

schoolsFinal

dublin’s Under-14 ladies footballers enjoyed a strong 3-16 to 0-6 win over Westmeath in their latest Leinster championship match last Sunday at Parnell Park.

Amy O’Brien, pictured, played a key role as the sky-blues following a comprehensive earlier group victory over Laois on a 2-16 to 1-3 scoreline. This match was the curtainraiser for the seniors loss to Galway.

Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

camogie: junior premier’s comeback cut short

Aidan’s get the best of Stillorgan’s Benildus dublin schools senior a final St Benildus St Aidan’s  sport@dublingazette.com

The Dublin junior premier camogie team

Armagh’s last ditch point denies Dublin

division 3 semi final Dublin 2-10 Armagh 1-14  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN’S Premier junior camogie side fell to Armagh by just a single point, 2-10 to 1-14, in their National League Division 3 semi-final.

On a heavy pitch in Kinnegad, Dublin were one point up at half time with the aid of the breeze but they could not hold on in the second half despite goals from Lynn Devoy and Elaine Gallery.

Dublin, playing with the strong wind, rushed

into an early two-point lead with scores from play and a 45 by Kirsten Farrell who ended the day with eight points.

But Armagh showed why they are the top team in this division.

After 10 minutes, they were level on two points each.

The sides were level on five occasions during the well contested half.

But, as the half time whistle sounded, Dublin had a slim one point lead, not too flattering considering they were playing with the strong wind.

And Armagh started

the second half with great determination and, within five minutes, had 1-1 on the board to give them a one goal lead.

Devoy finished a good Dublin combination of moves to leave just two points between the sides but the side were unable to score another point in the remainder of the tie.

Meanwhile, Armagh added on four to give them a six point lead with five minutes remaining.

To their credit, Dublin never lost heart and made a stunning come-

back.

Devoy finished a good Dublin move to the net.

Within a minute, Elaine Gallery rifled a terrific ground shot into the goal for a second goal in a minute, creating a huge buzz for the closing stages.

The sides were now level as time added on approached. Both sides battled bravely for that all important next score.

It went the Orchard C o u n t y ’s w ay – a n Armagh free, an Armagh point and a place in the final for the Armagh girls.

0-10 0-15

ST AIDAN’S got the best of Leinster champions St Benildus in the Dublin Schools senior A football championship title last Friday at O’Toole Park, falling to St Aidan’s by five points.

The Whitehall school laid the foundation for their victory in the opening half and led 0-8 to 0-3 at the interval. A Cian Gerrard point on the restart stretched that advantage before Benildus finally came to life to shoot five points in-a-row to cut the margin to one.

Aaron Bradshaw led the Benildus fightback with Joe Rafferty firing over a 32nd minute point following a run by the Ballinteer St John’s clubman. Within a minute, Tom Keane and Aaron Bradshaw added to their side’s tally.

A Dan O’Brien point at the end of a fine move made the score and a second point from Rafferty, when he got his fist to a Keane free dropping short, cutting the deficit to just one point, 0-9 to 0-8.

However, Aidan’s steadied themselves with a free from Paddy Small which was followed by a brilliantly struck point by his Dublin Under-21 team-mate Tony O’Sullivan from long-range.

The accuracy of Small was the deciding factor over the course of the hour while Aidan’s defensive structure ensured opportunities for the Benildus inside line were kept to a minimum.

Also, on a couple of occasions when they did breach the defence, Sam Bruton stood tall in the Aidan’s goal. In the opening half the sides were level, 0-2 each, inside 10 minutes with Adam Conway and Small on target forAidan’s and Bradshaw and Eoin Foley likewise for Benildus.

Small edged Aidan’s in front with a 11th minute free before Bruton made a great save to deny Callum Pearson. Donal Ryan, O’Sullivan (free) and Small, off his less favoured right foot, put daylight between the teams, 0-6 t0 0-2.

Tom Keane cut the margin but crucially Aidan’s finished the half the stronger with two Small frees.



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Conal Keaney cited work reasons as a key factor in his decision to retire from intercounty hurling this week

Conal hangs up his hurl Dual-star Keaney calls time on an incredible career with Dublin having played a big role both on the football and hurling front for over a decade

 james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

CONAL Keaney, Ballyboden St Enda’s All Ireland winning dual star, has retired from intercounty hurling, citing business and family commitments. He announced his retirement earlier this week, following Dublin’s exit from league competition.

At 33, Keaney was a regular for the Dublin senior hurling side for a number of years, and also featured on the Boden team that took home the All Ireland club football title on St Patrick’s Day. He tweeted earlier this week: “I have

informed Dublin management that I will not be playing in 2016. Retirement. Wishing all the players best of luck.”

Keaney was particularly key to the Dublin hurling side, having been added to the senior side in 2011 following a move from football, and played a critical role in Dublin’s 2011 league final win and their Leinster championship win in 2013.

He missed out on glory on the footballing side, having departed the Dublin football panel the year before the side won Sam Maguire with the dramatic injury time kick from Stephen Cluxton.

Keaney has struggled with injury in recent

years, suffering serious problems after being involved in a motorbike crash on the eve of the All-Ireland quarter final in 2011, when his motorbike was hit by a truck.

He broke a knee and suffered cruciate ligament damage at a key moment in his first season dedicated wholly to the county hurling side.

It took almost a year for Keaney to return.

On the club front, the Boden man has won five Dublin hurling titles and two hurling titles to date with his club side, including a double in 2009, when he was also nominated footballer of the year.

When Boden dominated the recent All-Ireland club final, Keaney started up top against

Castlebar Mitchels, scoring a point in an emphatic 2-14 to 0-7 win that saw the club lift their first Andy Merrigan cup in their first All Ireland final.

Keaney runs twin business ventures, and told the Herald this week that a commitment to GAA has been particularly hard on his ability to build the projects - Phoenix Park Bikes and CP Adventure - and on spending time with his young family.

“You need to give it 100% at intercounty level. I’ve two young kids and I’m never really home,” he admitted.

Keaney is expected to continue to turn out for Ballyboden St Enda’s.