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expressing their anger over the Luas strikes Page 24

Motoring: Impressed by the Opel Performance Centre’s remodelled style and raw power Page 23

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sport Football:

Jim Gavin’s final focus on Kerry clash Page 32

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April 21-27, 2016

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The future is local - the future is free

hue we go ... colourful event to help fight cancer

NOEL Birchall, buying director, Aldi and Spin 103.8’s Daniella Moyles were delighted to be doused in colourful powder at the Phoenix Park recently when they helped to launch the Irish Cancer Society’s Colour Dash 2016.

Sponsored by Aldi, the upcoming event will be held at four venues across the country, with the park set to see thousands of people walking or jogging a 5km route on Saturday, June 18. At every kilometre mark, participants will be doused in coloured power, creating a vibrant, multihued spectacle of rainbowcoloured people in the park. Registration is €30 per person, and free for under-12s.

See www.cancer.ie/colourdash to register or Callsave 1850 60 60 60.

Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

Andrew’s Lane Theatre to be turned into hotel

115-bedroom, limitedservice accommodation planned for key site following its €4.4m sale

 aisling kennedy

THE famous Andrews Lane Theatre in Dublin city centre, which is now a nightclub called Hangar, has been sold for €4.4m and is due to close its doors in the next 12 months.

In the days since the site’s purchase, it has emerged that the new owners intend to seek planning permission for a 115-bedroom, limitedservice hotel in a sevenstorey development that will cost about €10m.

Event organiser James Kavanagh, of Snapchat fame, who recently held a club night called Church at Andrews Lane Theatre, spoke to The Gazette following the sale of the site.

He said: “I find the

whole thing very sad. I think another hotel is the last thing Dublin needs.

“There’s such a massive shortage of deadly venues for club-nights in Dublin.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 April 2015

property | premises may become a compact hotel

Andrews Lane site is sold for €4.4m  aisling kennedy news@dublingazette.com

File photo of the front of the Andrew’s Lane Theatre. Picture: Google Maps

THE famous Andrews Lane Theatre in Dublin city centre, which is now a nightclub called Hangar, has been sold for €4.4m, and is due to close its doors in the next 12 months.

T he premises ha s reportedly been purchased by a consortium of private investors led

by Adrian Shanagher’s Firebreak Hospitality, and it is understood that the music venue may be converted into a 115-bedroom compact hotel.

A spokesperson for Hangar nightclub at Andrews Lane Theatre said: “When we started Hangar 18 months ago, we knew from the beginning that the Andrews Lane site was only going to be the first incarnation of what our gig goers, promoters and staff would come to know as Hangar.

“From the beginning, we’ve been incredibly pro-active about the second stage of Hangar, and work has well and truly begun on H2 – a brand-new city centre space that we’ll be revealing details of in due course.

“The future planning for the site is a hotel scheme, which is estimated for completion in 2018.

“With that in mind, we would like to confirm that Hangar in Andrews Lane Theatre will operate as normal

for at least the next 12 months.”

In the days since the site’s purchase, it has emerged that the new owners intend to seek planning permission for a 115-bedroom, limitedservice hotel in a sevenstorey development that will cost about €10m.

The hotel will be a new ty pe of venture in Dublin, as it is not expected to serve food or drinks, but instead will offer a limited “grab-and-go” option.

The rooms will be small and compact, m e a s u r i n g b e t we e n 10sq m and 12sq m, but they will be finished to a high specification.

Event organiser James Kavanagh, of Snapchat fame, who recently held a club night called Church at Andrews Lane Theatre, spoke to The Gazette following the sale of the site.

He said: “I find the whole thing very sad. I think another hotel is the last thing Dublin needs.

“Finding a venue for Church was really hard – there’s hardly anywhere suitable for what we want – so when we moved into Hanger, we were delighted.

“We still have a few more nights left in there over the next year or so, but it’ll be stressful trying to find somewhere else when we have to leave.

“There’s such a massive shortage of great venues for club-nights in Dublin.”

FastNews

Rising Irish fashion designers set to showcase their work

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Thomas Street, Dublin 8, will showcase its rising Irish fashion designers at its annual fashion show which will take place on Tuesday, May 10.

The fashion event will take the form of a catwalk show featuring the work of 32 graduating students, showcasing three to six looks each.

It will take place in the unique surroundings of the underground carpark at the Westbury Hotel.

For the second year running, the event is supported by Brown Thomas, offering a bursary and mentorship to one student, chosen

by Brown Thomas fashion director Shelly Corkery as the “Designer to Watch”.

Further information about NCAD’s BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion Design is available at: http://www.ncad.ie/undergraduate/ school-of-design/fashion-design/ Tickets for the Annual NCAD Fashion Show Gala Event, taking place at 4pm and 7pm on Tuesday, May 10, are available at www.ncad. ie from April 20.

Poetry Day Ireland to celebrate the written and spoken word Poetry Day Ireland will take place on Thursday,

April 28, and a number of events will take place around Dublin city centre to mark the occasion.

Readings from “Everything to Play For: 99 Poems about Sport” will take place in Croke Park with guest speakers appearing on the day.

A celebration of the “Spoken Word” will also take place at the Workman’s Club on Wellington Quay in Dublin city centre, along with a gourmet food and poetry gathering at Thirty-Four Lennox Street, Dublin 8.

There will also be chocolate and coffee-themed poetry in all 18 branches of Butlers Chocolate Cafes, poetry on the DART, and pocket poem cards and poetry posters in bookshops, libraries, schools and

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

venues throughout Dublin.

More than 80 poetry-related events will take place around Ireland on the day to promote the written and spoken word.

For more information see www.poetryday.ie or facebook.com/poetryireland.eigseeireann

21 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 3

transport | businesses cautious about proposal’s impact on traffic

auditions

Do you have the X-Factor?

College Green plan a cause for concern  aisling kennedy

THE new re-design of College Green may have a knock-on effect on traffic in the city centre, according to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and they are calling on this issue to be tackled before the pedestrianised plaza can go ahead.

The Dublin Chamber is calling on Dublin City Council (DCC) to show that the planned re-design will provide the best solution for public transport and that the potential impact to College Green and other areas of the city is taken into account.

Last week, businesses in the city met with DCC and the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Following the meeting,

the Chamber said it hopes that by working together a workable transport solution can be found for Dublin.

Gina Quin, chief executive at the Dublin Chamber, said: “A lot of questions remain about how College Green will work, in practice. Uncertainty remains as to whether traffic which will be pushed out of College Green can be accommodated on other already congested city centre streets.

“Re-imagining College Green represents an exciting opportunity for Dublin, but only if we get it right.

“We look forward to seeing the economic impact assessment, which has been commissioned

by DCC and the NTA,

when it is published later this month.”

With more than 150 million public transport journeys being made annually into and out of the city centre from across Dublin and the surrounding counties, the Chamber said it will continue to consult with DCC and the NTA to achieve “a workable transport solution”.

A spokesperson for DCC told The Gazette: “The proposals for College Green are now out to public consultation, and we would be very keen that as many people as possible make submissions on the proposal.

“These can be made both by email or in writing, and the information is available on the council’s website.”

 aisling kennedy

try to care for your lungs

THESE young rugby players from St Michael’s College Senior Cup rugby team were on the ball when they teamed up with COPD Support Ireland to call on the general public to look after their lung health recently. They were helping to raise awareness of the lung condition known as COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which faces more than 380,000 people living with COPD in Ireland. COPD Support Ireland affects people’s ability to breathe and perform the easiest of tasks, and early intervention is extremely important in effectively managing this progressive, chronic disease. The St Michael’s students helped to highlight how important it is to look after your lungs, whether you are a fit 18-year-old who plays sports every day, or whether you are a little older and a little less fit. Picture: Andres Poveda

THE X-Factor will be holding open auditions in Dublin this weekend on Sunday, April 24, for anyone that would like to come along and impress the judges with their singing abilities.

The auditions will take place at the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 from 9am. Groups or solo singers aged 16+ can apply by registering online or by just turning up.

Simon Cowell said: “We’re excited to start auditions again this year for The X-Factor. If you think you have what it takes, then why don’t you apply? And remember, one audition could change your life.”

To register online, see https://application.xfactor.tv/.

4 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 April 2016

Grafton Street

€5m city project is underway  Aisling Kennedy akennedy@dublingazette.com

A €5m project that is currently underway on Grafton Street in Dublin city centre will see a new international fashion retail outlet located on the busy shopping street along with office space for businesses.

International fashion retail outlet & Other Stories, which is part of the Swedish H&M group, will be housed in the new look building which previously housed HMV. Flynn Management and Contractors are working on the prime site on 26/27 Grafton Street, on behalf of Aviva Investors, and it is expected to take eight months to complete.

The site at the corner

of Grafton Street and Lemon Street in Dublin 2 is five storeys and will house a single retail tenant in the basement, ground and first floors.

T he second, third and fourth floors will be office space and will have the option of single or separate tenancies.

Significant Kevin Flynn, managing director, Flynn Management and Contractors, said: “This is a significant piece of work on one of Ireland’s most famous streets, which in itself creates its own challenges. “ It is o u r s e c o nd p r o j e c t w i t h Av i v a Investors having successfully completed the renovation of a 40-yearold building on 7 Grand Canal for them.”

Founder of One for Ireland, Max Doyle; Irish professional golfer Shane Lowry and Niall McLoughlin, CEO, Irish Youth Foundation launch the One for Ireland campaign for youth homelessness

campaign | bid to raise one million euro

Add €1 to your bill to help homeless  Aisling Kennedy

A campaign to raise money for youth homelessness will take place in Dublin on April 29 in which retailers around the city will ask customers if they would like to add €1 to their bill when they pay at the till.

All money raised will go to the One for Ireland campaign which is supported by the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF).

The nationwide campaign hopes to raise one million euro for the 1,700 homeless children currently living in Ireland.

One for Ireland is calling on as many shops, retailers, restaurants, and coffee shops as possible around Dublin city

to take part in the campaign which will take place on April 29.

C u r r e n t l y 1, 4 0 0 retailers have signed up, including SPAR, Eurospar, Apple Green, Fresh, Mace, XL, Londis, and Starbucks.

The One for Ireland campaign aims to bring this number to 1,800 in order to meet the target.

The One for Ireland initiative was created by seven recent graduates from Trinity College Dublin in response to the current homeless crisis.

Founder of One for Ireland, Max Doyle (23) said: “We wanted to do something to really make a difference to children and young people who are homeless in this country.

“As students we don’t have a lot of money but we figured what we could give was our time and that’s how One for Ireland was born.

“The simplicity of the model ensures that it is sustainable because it is affordable. We need to reach a large sum of people in order to achieve our target of one million euro so getting retailers, restaurants, coffee shops etc. on board is critical to achieving this.”

All the proceeds raised from the campaign will be given to the key charities working with homeless people eg Focus Ireland, The Simon Community, St Vincent de Paul, The Peter McVerry Trust, and Barnardos.

This is the first time that these charities have worked together under one umbrella fundraising campaign.

Niall McLoughlin, chief executive at the Irish Youth Foundation, added: “We are calling on as many shops, retailers, restaurants and coffee shops as possible to participate and ask their customers would they like to give ‘One For Ireland’ and add €1 to their bill.”

If you are a retailer and want to sign up visit www.oneforireland.ie/ retailers or call the Irish Youth Foundation on 01 676 6535.

In addition to donating in-store people can also donate by texting “One” or “1” to 50300.

21 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 5

6 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 April 2016

Ranelagh

Council moves to sort out rodent problem  Aisling Kennedy A rat infestation in Ranelagh Gardens Park is due to be tackled by Dublin City Council (DCC) in the coming weeks following complaints from local residents.

Cllr Paddy Smy th (FG) put a question to the recent South East Area Committee council meeting about the rat infestation, as it was causing distress to people using the park.

A spokesperson for DCC said that the problem “is being addressed by removing ‘cover’ on the island in the pond and by the laying of ratpoison at strategic loca--------------------------

‘The council believes the rise in the rat population is a result of the food being deposited in the park’ --------------------------

tions in the park”.

The spokesperson said that the council believes the rise in the rat population is a direct result of the large amount of food being deposited in the park “for the benefit of the wildfowl and birds”.

These deposits of food, however, are also sustaining the rat population.

If the wildfowl and birds were not being fed, the rat infestation would decrease dramatically, according to the council spokesperson.

T he spokesperson said that DCC will erect information signs which it has designed to inform the public not to feed the wildlife in the park.

For more information

people | dubliner wants sufferers to add their experiences

Call to help complete an EU study of anaphylaxis  aisling kennedy A YOUNG woman from Dublin 12 who suffers from anaphylaxis has been involved with a European study that recently developed a new online tool for allergy sufferers.

Lisa Marie Kelly, from Harold’s Cross, was diagnosed with a severe allergy to milk when she was born which was only discovered when a nurse gave her formula milk.

“I ended up going into anaphylactic shock from being fed the formula milk when I was just six hours old. So, from the very beginning I was allergic to milk.

“At the time they didn’t know what was happening to me; my organs were shutting down and I ended up spending the first few weeks in the ICU. “About nine months later it was discovered that it I had gone into

a n a p hy l a c t i c s h o c k and the reason I hadn’t gone into shock again since that incident was because my mother was breast-feeding me.”

Lisa Marie spent a lot of her childhood being very careful of the foods she ate as she was unsure of when she would react to a particular food.

She discovered when she was older that she was also anaphylactic to beef.

“I avoided a lot of foods just because doctors didn’t actually know what I could be allergic to, but when I was 16 we decided that I needed to start eating more types of food. Since then, everything has been ruled out except for milk and beef.”

Lisa Marie studied immunolog y in college and she became involved with a University College Cork (UCC) research project, in association with the

EU-funded project, Integrated Approaches to Food Allergen and Allergy Risk Management (iFAAM), that recently developed a multilingual website and mobile tool called AlleREACT. This new online tool allows allergy sufferers to live-report their allergic incidents to food, and it is part of the largest study of food allergies ever undertaken throughout Europe.

Lisa Marie said that the survey is open to all anaphylaxis sufferers and also to parents of children with anaphylaxis.

“T he sur vey takes about 10 minutes to complete and it is great because people can report really specific reactions to symptoms, how it happened, where it happened, the circumstances that led to the reaction, and how they were feeling both before and after the reaction.

Lisa Marie Kelly, from Harold’s Cross, suffers from anaphylaxis, but has learned to live with the condition, which can bring on severe allergies or anaphylactic shock

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

‘People are terrified of the word “anaphylaxis”, but I know for a fact that you can be fine. This tool is a really important way to get a better understanding of the condition.’

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

“The tool can be used to record any type of reaction, it doesn’t have to be a serious one. The aim is to look at the whole experience of the reaction, not just the

symptoms.”

Lisa Marie, who also works with Anaphylaxis Ireland, pointed out that she has gone into anaphylactic shock eight times between 2008 and

2015, but she was clear to highlight that anaphylaxis can be a manageable condition.

“People are always terrified of the word ‘anaphylaxis’, but I know for a fact that you can be fine. This tool is a really important way to get a better understanding of the condition.”

To take part in the AlleREACT survey see https://w w w.sur veymonkey.com/r/AlleREACT_IRL.

Dublin makes it to travel path that could rival Route 66  Aisling Kennedy Dublin has been named as one of the stop-off points on a new road trip journey across the UK and Ireland that is set to rival America’s Route 66.

Route 57, which consists of 57 must-see destinations and eight weeks of driving time, is being launched as the ultimate scenic drive across Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.

A UK motoring journalist, Jess Shanahan, is currently travelling the route, which totals 2,590 miles, in an electric car. She will be stopping off in Dublin this week on Friday, April 22.

Route 57 is the brainchild of Jurys Inn and they designed and planned the route, which starts in Plymouth and ends in Galway.

The driving trip can also

be broken up into ten shorter road trips that take days or weeks, depending on how much of the road trip people want to explore.

Shanahan is driving the route in a Kia Soul EV, supplied by DriveElectric, and she will take in the Irish leg of the journey from April 21 to April 25.

Suzanne Cannon, head of marketing at Jurys Inn, said:

“Route 57 showcases the very best attractions that Ireland and the UK have to offer.

“We have an incredible array of attractions on our doorstep, from stunning landscapes and architecture to vibrant cities.

“We’re encouraging people across Ireland to pack up the car and explore the route, either in its entirety or in shorter stints.”

Irish destinations included on Route 57 are Belfast, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Galway.

UK locations on the route span England, Scotland and Wales.

To f o l l ow S h a n a h a n ’s updates as she travels along Route 57, and to see what tourist attractions she visits while she is in Dublin, see www.route57.org.uk.

21 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 7

education | prestigious national success for college

Rathmines Parking extension is sought

DIT wins five top student media awards  aisling kennedy

DUBLIN’S DIT College won a total of five awards at the KBC National Student Media Awards recently at the Aviva Stadium, beating many of the larger universities around the country.

The “Smedias”, as they are known by students, are now in their 16th year, providing a platform to showcase the talent and hard work of student journalists.

Other Dublin winners on the night were UCD and Griffith College.

Lauren Battersby, from DIT, won the award for Radio Production of the Year – Arts & Features.

She told The Gazette: “I feel so proud that a piece about anxiety and panic attacks could go and win something on as big of a scale as the KBC National Student Media Awards.

“It was so personally difficult for me to do, but winning this award has given me faith that we as a nation are saying, ‘It’s okay not to feel okay 100% of the time’, and to

me that’s just amazing.”

Alva Egan, also from DIT, won two awards on the night for both Radio Production of the Year – News and Current Affairs, and also Journalist of the Year – Radio.

She said she was delighted to simply be nominated and added: “It was brilliant to get such positive feedback on my work, On the Inside.

“The transgender community is an area of the LGBT community that is still somewhat misunderstood.”

Broadcaster Dave Fanning and David Patrick Murphy congratulate DIT student Alva Egan on her two successes at the KBC National Student Media Awards

Students from the college also won the award for Layout and Design of the Year – Magazine, for their work on GRIT Magazine.

Sarah Fitzgerald, editor of GRIT Magazine, told The Gazette: “’We are delighted to have won this award. The

magazine was a finalyear group project. We created the magazine to highlight issues that were not being featured in the mainstream media.”

In addition, Anthony McDonagh won Film Script of the Year, and said he was delighted to have won the award.

Finally, Niamh Geoghegan won the KBC Achievement of the Year award. She said: “It was a huge shock to win, but I couldn’t be more delighted. I’ve had a great four years in DIT and this was the perfect ending to my academic career.”

TELL US YOUR STORY Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

A request to extend the pay-and-display and the permit parking scheme to include Saturdays on Leinster Road in Rathmines was put to Dublin City Council (DCC) recently.

Many residents in the area cannot find parking space on Saturdays according to Cllr Paddy Smyth (FG) due to “nonresidents abandoning their cars there at the weekend during freeparking hours”.

At a recent South East Area Committee meeting, a spokesperson for DCC said that the issue will be referred to the traffic advisory group for examination when suppor ting evidence from residents on the road is submitted to the council.

We would love WHAT HAS IT to hear it!

HAVE YOU WHO DISCOVERED? CHANGED WHAT YOUR DID YOU LIFE? INSPIRED FIND? YOU?

8 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 April 2016

Gazettegallery

| students strut their stuff on the catwalk in

Laura Lynch, head of youth business Bank of Ireland with Eleanor Dwyer

Celebrations as Eleanor Dwyer, wearing a dress entitled Jewel of Nylon designed by fellow students Jennifer

Stars step out for ‘Junk’ fashion show L

Emma McCarron and Maureen Lucia McCawley and Maureen O’Donnell

O’Donnell

Vogue Williams, Louis Walsh and Glenda Gilson

ouis Walsh, Glenda Gilson and Vogue Williams were on hand to dish out the awards at the grand final of the Bank of Ireland Junk Koture at Dublin’s 3Arena recently. 80 students strutted their stuff down the catwalk in their creations fashioned by renewable materials. Louis and Vogue joined stylist Rob Condon, Lorna McGee and LSAD lecturer Tracy Fahey on the judging panel for the show. Over 1,100 designs were entered from all over Ireland, with Eleanor Dwyer, from Our Lady’s Bower emerging as the overall winner. Entertainment was from Louis’ pop band Hometown and Irish language group Seo Linn.

Christine Hamill, Gabriel Bannigan and Claire Tenwick

Ciara Doyle and Maeve Murray

21 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 9

dresses made of recycled materials at Bank of Ireland Junk kouture final

Alan Burke and Suzannah John Curran and Elisabeth Curran

Korniotes

Vogue Williams on stage with one of the prize Siak and Emma Clarke, was named the overall winner. Picture: Brian McEvoy

winners

Julian Benson and Naoise Stuart Kelly

sdf Troy Armour, Louis Walsh and Lindsey Holmes

Sarah Cox and Louis Walsh

Laura Lynch and Louis Walsh

Diane Nelis and Neil Neilis

Fiona Faughnan and Louise Hanley

10 Gazette 21 April 2016

Gazettegallery

| the inaugural UCD Festival launch event

Nicole Parks and Nicola Bailey Some of UCD’S most well-known and well-respected alumni Miriam O Callaghan, Fr Peter McVerry, Gordon Snell and Aoibheann Ni Shuilleabhain at the launch of the first ever UCD Festival. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Plenty to see and do on Campus Laura Shorten and Ashling O’Brien

T

HE first ever UCD Festival will take place across the Belfield Campus on June 18 and visitors will experience an enormous variety of talks and exhibitions, theatrical performances, live music, interactive workshops and family entertainment. The showcase event that will be an excellent opportunity for one and all to discover the state of the art facilities on campus, explore the new buildings and the wonderful parkland.

Clodagh Lannon and Aishling O’Connor

Gordon Snell and Prof Margaret Kelleher

Naomi Cassidy and Ciara Horgan

Toluse Akinladl, Molly Dillon Leetch and Brenda Mangwandi

Roisin Monks and Cillian Totterdell

21 April 2016 Gazette 11

Gazette

12 Gazette 21 April 2016

dublinlife

diary

Coming together to help break the cycle of suicide Dublin cyclists are invited to take part in the fourth annual Cycle Against Suicide event taking place over two weeks in April and May. This year’s Cycle will travel over 1,100 kilometres around the island

of Ireland over 14 days, beginning in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 24 and concluding back in the capital on Saturday, May 7.

Jim Breen, founder of Cycle Against Suicide, said: “At Cycle Against

Suicide, we believe in solidarity; we believe that together, shoulder to shoulder, we can empower one another to create an island of Ireland where ‘It’s OK not to feel OK, and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help’.”

Colm Hayes, Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador and RTE 2FM DJ said: “Cycle Against Suicide acknowledges life’s difficulties, offers reassurance and hope, and meaningfully empowers individuals across the island of Ireland to seek help when necessary.”

Approximately 7,000 cyclists are expected to participate. Register now at cycleagainstsuicide. com.

“big-hearted” volunteers being sought The Irish Heart Foundation is seeking “bighearted” volunteers in Dublin to give a few hours of their time, to sell Happy Heart pins on-street and raise much-needed funds for their Happy Hearts Appeal this May. Every day in Ireland 27 people are losing their lives to heart disease and stroke and some 300 new cases are diagnosed daily - yet 80% of these deaths are completely preventable.

Irish Heart Foundation medical director and cardiologist Dr Angie Brown said: “It is well known by medical professionals that heart disease and stroke remains the number one killer in Ireland. “The good news is that 80% of this disease is preventable – and the Irish Heart Foundation is here to help.” To register your interest as a volunteer for the Happy Heart Appeal on May 5 and 6, call Anne Harrington at the Irish Heart Foundation on 01-6685001 or email happyheart@irishheart.ie.

Pictured at the launch of 2016 Cycle Against Suicide was Cycle Against Suicide founder Jim Breen with Cycle Against Suicide ambassadors rugby pundit Brent Pope, Irish actress Charlene McKenna, RTE 2FM presenter Colm Hayes and former Armagh Gaelic footballer Oisin McConville. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

recreating a 21-year-old project The Ark (the cultural centre for children in Temple Bar) recently put a call out for children to have their portrait photograph taken.

These images of the nation’s children in 2016 have been placed in the windows of the building on Eustace street.

The team at The Ark were setting out to recreate one of the first ever projects that took place 21 years ago when The Ark first opened.

Back in 1995 for Faces in The Window, photographs of children were displayed in the windows of the building to show the world who The Ark had been created for.

Now in 2016 as part of the recent Easter programme, 264 children

had their photographic portrait taken to become part of The Ark’s Faces in the Window 2016 project which features the faces of children in Ireland today.

These children were selected from applications from all over Ireland.

The photos are now in the windows - have a look as you pass by on Eustace Street.

Irish Cancer Society seeks team members The Irish Cancer Society is calling on women of all ages in Dublin to sign up to join their team ahead of this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon.

Those joining Team Irish Cancer Society for the event will be supporting the society’s free nationwide services for cancer patients and their families.

The Mini Marathon, which takes place on Monday, June 6, will see over 40,000 women walk, jog and run the 10 kilometre route across Dublin City.

Mark Mellett, head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Over 40,000 women will take part in the Mini Marathon in June and over 40,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland this year, a poignant reminder visually on the day of the vast numbers of people affected by cancer in this country.

“The Mini Marathon offers a great goal for those looking to get fit ahead of the summer while also truly making a difference to those affected by cancer.”

To join team Irish Cancer Society, visit cancer.ie/ getactive

21 April 2016 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 21 April 2016

dublinlife Bealtaine 2016: hundreds of initiatives in festival

Help celebrate older creativity  Ian Begley

Bealtaine 2016 is almost upon us, which will once again provide the opportunity to celebrate older members of the community, and their living legacy

Age & Opportunity has announced Iconic Citizens as the theme for Bealtaine 2016, Ireland’s annual festival of creativity as we age which is celebrated during the month of May.

Bealtaine is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Arts Council and delivered by hundreds of organisations around the country.

Last year, more than 125,000 people participated in Bealtaine, making it one of the most

important cultural events in the national arts calendar.

This high level of engagement, married with the creativity and enthusiasm of all involved, makes Bealtaine the vibrant and energetic celebration of creativity that it is today.

This year, Bealtaine will celebrate its 21st birthday with over 600 events in libraries, arts centres, care settings, galleries, local halls and community centres throughout the country.

With a wide range of activities including poetry, writing workshops, traditional music events, art exhibitions and an important seminar about the use of creativity in planning our communities and care settings, there will definitely be something for everyone during Bealtaine 2016.

Festival highlights include a visit from visual artist Deirdre O’Mahony who will present First Citizens Speak, a film that explores the lives of a community of older people in north Clare.

T he Ark Cultural Centre for Children will host a reading event for grandparents and their grandchildren which will be led by Marita Conlon McKenna and her daughter Amanda Hearty.

The seminar, This Is Not My Beautiful House, will examine how creativity, creatively charged communities and the arts contribute to better ways of living as we age.

In particular, the seminar will seek to address how creativity should shape residential and community design in a

way that enhances human dignity and growth.

Finally, Bealtaine, in partnership with glor Arts Centre, Ennis, and Clare County of Culture, announced VoltAge, a festival-within-a-festival.

VoltAge will feature three days of exhibitions, discussions and events from Thursday, May 5 to Saturday, May 7.

Alongside these programmes there will be a huge range of 600 local initiatives hosted by local authorities, arts centres, libraries, active retirement groups, care settings, community groups and clubs from every part of the country.

Commemorate Speaking about the festival, Karen Smyth, CEO of Age & Opportunity said: “We are delighted to unveil a very special programme for Bealtaine 2016 as we commemorate 100 years since the birth of modern Ireland with a celebration of Ireland’s iconic first citizens.

“The festival combines the creative mediums of visual art, music, theatre and literature to explore the impact that Ireland’s first generation continues to have on our culture and identity today.

“As Bealtaine enters its 21st year, we are thrilled that the festival continues to grow and with over 600 different arts events taking place nationwide, audiences of all ages and across Ireland will have plenty to choose from during the month of May.” For more information and for the full line up, see www.bealtaine.com.

21 April 2016 Gazette 15

campaign: call for more support for sufferers

Summer adventure

Lifting the lid on Parkinson’s disease  Ian Begley To mark Parkinson’s Awareness Week recently, a national awareness campaign was organised by the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland (PAI) to lift the lid on Parkinson’s and highlight the difficulties experienced by the 12,000 people in Ireland living with the disease, and to call for more support for them and their families.

The week kicked off with a Unity Walk in Dublin’s Merrion Square,

attended by almost 1,000 people from all over Ireland - including the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Criona Ni Dhalaigh. Richie Kavanagh, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease since 2008, performed his recently re-launched hit song Aon Focal Eile.

He is encouraging all his supporters and those affected by Parkinson’s disease to show their support for the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease, which affects over 12,000

people in Ireland.

An art auction took place on April 13 with pieces of art being provided by Harold Huberman, a former fashion designer and artist, who also lives with Parkinson’s disease.

Creating awareness of the serious impact of Parkinson’s disease and the effect it has on so many people’s lives is vital, says Paula Gilmore, chief executive of the PAI. She said: “The high level of engagement with our members and their families around issues

relating to Parkinsons shows us not just the seriousness of the disease but also the importance to those who live with it of the need for proper access to services and treatments.

“The PAI receives no government funding and depends on donations to provide services through our 16 branches and national office in Dublin.

“We are seeing a significant increase in demand for our services, with increased calls for

Gazette

FEATURES

People from all over Ireland turned out in force to support the Parkinson’s Unity Walk 2016. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

our nurse call-back and support line services. We are also receiving more requests for information, publications and access to education, but there are simply not enough resources to deal with the 12,000 people in Ireland who have to live with Parkinsons every day.”

The Parkinson’s Unity Walk, as part of the Parkinson’s Awareness Week took place on April 10.

Over the years, the walk has gained momentum with more than 1,000 people at this year’s event including Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh.

Get your kids out of Dublin this summer and send them to the renowned Delphi Resort in Connemara – Ireland’s leading resort for adventure.

Running from July 3 to August 14, Delphi Resort’s S u m m e r A d ve n t u r e Camps are all-inclusive, so your kids will be fed and watered three times a day and given all the safety equipment they need.

Three, five and seven night camp options are available plus they are running an early bird offer. Call or email to book before May 27 and receive 10% off when you quote “Dublin Gazette”.

For information or to make an enquiry or booking, call Delphi Resort on +353 (0) 9542208 or visit www.delphiresort.com.

Gazette

16 Gazette 21 April 2016

dublinlife

business

Only half have a pension plan ONLY half of Irish people are in a pension plan, according to recent research conducted by Irish Life.

Irish Life held a major pensions conference attended by almost 200 delegates in Dublin last week.

On the theme, Empowering Retirement, speakers discussed new initiatives to engage members of defined contribution pension schemes.

Presenting an analysis of the current pension landscape, Damian Fadden, Irish Life Corporate Business, discussed whether defined contribution schemes are ready to step up to ensure Irish workers are well-prepared for retirement.

“We know from our research that only half of people working in the private sector are in a pension plan, that the average contribution rate in defined contribution schemes is just 10%, and the average starting age in a workplace pension is in the mid-30s – so there is a mountain to climb.

“However, these challenges can be resolved with the help of the behavioural insights we have built into our new Empower pension package. These are not just ideas – we have already successfully transformed pension scheme membership and savings levels for a number of our corporate clients,” he said.

Did you hear about the ninth Hearing Awareness Week?

THE ninth annual Hearing Awareness Week recently saw five nationwide free health screening events take place during that time in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Athlone. The campaign highlighted the issue of

hearing loss and how it’s a key part of overall health and wellness. Pictured at the city centre launch of Hearing Awareness Week 2016, in association with Active Retirement Ireland, were Dolores Madden, marketing

director, Hidden Hearing; Stephen Leddy, managing director, Hidden Hearing; Mai Quaid, president, Active Retirement Ireland and Dr Nina Byrnes, medical advisor to Hidden Hearing.

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

resource: initiative to support communities

KBC Bank Ireland seeks groups to share €100k

 Ian Begley

KBC Bank Ireland is calling on community groups across Dublin to apply for financial support for their dream projects from its €100,000 funding initiative, Bright Ideas.

KBC’s Bright Ideas community support initiative returns for a third year to support individuals and organisations which are transforming and improving the lives of others in their locality.

This year’s initiative will be promoted across seven different geographic regions, including Dublin, reflecting KBC’s expanding network of retail banking hubs in Ireland.

A new Green category has also been created, to recognise the importance of environmentallyfriendly projects in com-

munities nationwide. A dedicated prize of €2,500 will be given to the overall winner of this category.

Over the past two years, 70 creative and innovative local community projects have received funding through Bright Ideas, breathing new life into a diverse range of schemes.

These have included creating communitybased amenities for the elderly and people with special needs, sporting and educational activities for young people, community wellbeing resources, arts and culture initiatives, as well as urban renewal projects.

Among last year’s winning projects in Dublin was Steps Together, a pilot programme to provide people with disabilities with greater opportunities to participate in physical activity, health awareness

Eoghan and Ferdiad O’Reilly at the Grow Dome in Rialto, Dublin 8 - one of last year’s winning projects in KBC’s Bright Ideas community fund

and sport in their local community, helping them to build meaningful, interdependent relationships with others as a result.

Sarah Hewitt, of St Michael’s House in Clontarf, which developed the programme and received €2,910 in funding, said: “The pilot programme went really well. It made a huge impact on the individuals involved and as a result we are now running the programme again

with another group.

“Having access to funding through Bright Ideas was really worthwhile; it really made a difference to the people who participated and made a significant contribution to developing a sense of community.”

Applications for Bright Ideas funding can be submitted at www.kbcbrightideas.com. The closing date for applications is May 31.

21 April 2016 Gazette 17

travel P20

asdfsdaf cinema P27 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



Gazette

style P18

Pets cosmo will be a perfect pal

Betroffenheit touches on universal themes of loss, addiction and recovery

Festival: bringing unique and eye-opening experiences of dance

World-class entertainment

 Ian Begley

Extraordinary artists will present world-class dance as Dublin Dance Festival (DDF) comes to town from May 17 to 28. This is the first festival programme by new DDF director Benjamin Perchet, who promises 2016 audiences “an inspiring journey of aesthetic pleasure and intellectual stimulus”, exploring themes of migration, mobility and transformation.

The programme will present work by artists who blur the lines between art forms and will offer unique and eyeopening experiences of dance, via world premieres, film screenings, exhibitions, discussions, master classes and more.

DDF is the leading dance event on the Irish arts calendar, bringing together dance artists and choreographers from around the globe each May to

share vibrant, contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. The 2016 edition will feature work from the US, Canada, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, France and the UK, as well as showcasing and celebrating contemporary dance from Irish artists.

One of the true ballet masters of our times, Alonzo King brings his celebrated contemporary ballet company on a first visit to Ireland. The twelve extraordinary dancers will be presenting two technically brilliant and sublimely beautiful works at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Sunday, May 22.

Dublin Dance Festival are also thrilled to present the European premiere of Betroffenheit, an acclaimed new dance-theatre work by Olivier award-winning Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite and pioneering playwright/performer Jonathon Young.

The 2016 festival will open with the Irish premiere of Planites from Greek choreographer Patricia Apergi.

This intensely physical, urban fusion piece for five dancers focuses on the foreigner, the immigrant - the person who travels, whether by choice or by force.

Co-commissioned by Dublin Dance Festival and Siamsa Tire, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Anam, (meaning soul) will bring together the skills of world-class step dancers from the US, Canada and Ireland in an exhilarating fusion of styles.

Authentic and raw, the world premiere of this percussive dance piece will be performed with live music and song by acclaimed musician Fergal O’Murchu.

At the O’Reilly Theatre, The Akram Khan Company will present the heart-

warming Chotto Desh, a captivating experience for all the family from this multi-award-winning choreographer.

Chotto Desh is thrilling and poignant tale of a young man’s dreams and memories from Britain to Bangladesh, told using a magical mix of dance, text, visuals and sound.

Dublin Dance Festival box office at Festival House will be home to DRAFF: another exhibition, investigating the process of making dance work with a series of behind-the-scenes fragments from some of the shows in the 2016 programme.

The festival will also offer an extensive schedule of seven master classes and workshops by festival artists for professional dancers, dance and performance students and children.

For a full line-up of events taking place, visit www.dublindancefestival.ie.

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 Cosmo.

He came to us as a puppy and has been in a home before, but struggled hugely with being left alone and, sadly, his previous family just didn’t have the time to meet his needs.

If you live in an adult-only home with someone there the vast majority of the time, then Cosmo could be the perfect companion for you. He will need a little help to learn to settle in to a home again, but when he does, you will see just how loving and wonderful he truly is.

If you think you could offer Cosmo 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. Dogs Trust are asking all ladies taking part in the VHi Women’s Mini Marathon 2016 to do so on behalf of #TeamDogsTrust – see www.dogstrust.ie for more information.

Gazette

18 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

Asos Public Desire Kat Grey Heeled Sock Boots €49.28

Topshop Hex Sock Fit Aankle Boots €98

Zara €65.95

Shade Adjusting Drops €17.00

A handy way to adjust the colour of your foundation The Body Shop have devised a handy way to adjust the colour of your foundation.

The shade adjusting drops come in lightening and darkening shades so that foundation can be adjusted to suit your skin tone perfectly.

This product will be particularly handy for those who tan in the summer and need a darker foundation while the tan lasts.

They’re also a useful addition to any make-up bag for times when you forget your own foundation and need to borrow a friend’s, or if you just have bad luck selecting the right colour.

Often, foundation can have that dreaded orange tinge on paler skin tones, the lightening drops use a con-

centration of white and pink pigments helps to lighten, while neutralising the yellowness of light-to-medium foundation shades. On darker skin tones, foundation can sometimes look too light or ashy.

The darkening drops use a concentration of black and red pigments help to darken while keeping the natural depth of dark-to-deep foundation shades.

One drop of the product will make a face worth of foundation either half a shade lighter or darker and it’s a great way to make an expensive bottle of foundation go a lot further and not go to waste if it isn’t exactly the right shade.

At €17 each, the drops are available at the Body Shop.

Asos Public Desire Alexa Red Patent Sock Boots €46.46

River Island nude patent sock boot €95

There’s a new boot in town  emma nolan

River Island brown leopard print velvet heeled ankle boots €60

Since ankle boots rose to prominence a number of years ago, they have stayed as the most worn female boot style.

From Chelsea, to cut out, to bucked, chunky, pointed, Western you name it – ankle height is where it’s at and while it’s here to stay, the sock boot is the style that enchanted on the autumn winter runways and is now translating to the high street somewhat.

The skintight style were spotted on the Givenchy runway and also featured in recent Dior and Dries Van Norten collections and have been seen on the street style elite since then.

Topshop have begun to emulate the look with their sock fit and suede styles and River Island’s offering comes in nude, leopard print and black leather.

It’s time to cover up those ankles and embrace the newest It Boot.

21 April 2016 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

River Island Bursary winner William with Roz Purcell modelling his winning outfit

Templeogue’s William Shannon Doyle takes top fashion design bursary  emma nolan

Asos Daisy Street Iridescent Sock Ankle Boots €49.28 Topshop Suede Sock Boots €110

River Island Black tie back heeled ankle boots €65 Topshop Magnificent Suede Sock Boots in tan €110

A 22-year-old Dublin fashion designer from Templeogue has the River Island 2016 Fashion design bursary.

William Shannon Doyle was chosen to receive a €3,500 bursary and a paid threemonth internship in River Island’s design studio in London.

This is the thirteenth year of the River Island Bursary which offers final year fashion design students at the National College of Art and Design the chance to win a paid, threemonth internship at the company’s design studio in London.

T his year R iver Island asked the NCAD students to create a capsule collection for River Island Spring Summer 2016.

The students then submitted portfolios of designs which were judged by River Island

Design Controller Lucy Moller, who was the 2006 winner of the Bursary.

Speaking on the announcement, Lucy said: “The River Island Bursary launched my fashion career 10 years ago.

“It is always so exciting to see new and exciting talent emerging.

Our industry thrives on fresh ideas and it is so important to inject new energy and life into our design studio and creative teams.

“We are delighted to be amongst the first to witness and embrace the emergence of some of Ireland’s brightest new stars in the fashion industry.”

William’s winning design consisted of a red skirt with black detailing, black top and bomber jacket with a silk clutch bag that were inspired by 1950’s vintage where “functionality meets luxury”.

Gazette

20 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

bargains: balmy breaks to leave you beaming

Yoga practitioners can take to sunnier climes without needing to strain their resources

Yoga getaways won’t stretch your budget  ian begley

IF YOU struggle to find tranquillity and peace of mind in Ireland, you will be happy to know that Travel Department are holding a range of yoga retreats in Europe.

Lake Garda Yoga Holiday Recharge in Lake Garda, Italy. Nestled in the tranquillity of Garda Trentino’s olive groves and vineyards, Torbole is the perfect place for a yoga retreat.

Your hotel is located in the midst of nature and enjoys the healthy climate of Lake Garda, while being a short stroll from the centre of Torbole and near the beautiful Riva del Garda.

Yoga on this holiday will be led by Emma Burke Kennedy, one of Yoga Dublin Studios’ regular Vinyasa Flow yoga teachers.

Twice-daily yoga sessions will be held in the mornings and evenings, which will be suited to all levels of yoga practitioners. Afternoons are free to spend at your leisure.

Prices star t from € 72 9 p p , i n cl u d i n g return flights from Dublin, transfers, five nights’ B&B accommodation, eight yoga sessions with

an expert instructor, and a half-day Lake Garda boat excursion, with the flight departing on September 14.

The Algarve Yoga Holiday Soak up the Portuguese sun and indulge in a relaxing yoga retreat in the fabulous surroundings of the Algarve.

Your base for five nights will be the Memmo Baleeira – set inside a nature park and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this contemporary hotel is a two-minute walk from the closest beach and a 13-minute walk from Sagres Point.

Yoga on this holiday will also be led by Burke Kennedy. Twice-daily yoga sessions will be held in the mornings and evenings, which will be suited to all levels of yoga practitioners. Afternoons are free to spend at your leisure.

Prices star t from € 79 9 p p , i n cl u d i n g return flights from Dublin, transfers, five nights’ half-board accommodation and eight yoga sessions with an expert instructor, with the flight departing on October 19.

To find out more about these offers, and to book, see www.tdactive.ie.

A range of affordable holidays invite you to set off to a range of sun-kissed shores, with great deals currently available to stay in Torremolinos (main), Fuerteventura and Malta (right)

The sun is closer – and cheaper – than you think  ian begley

Travel Editor

THE beaches of Europe have always been extremely popular with Irish holidaymakers, with the Algarve, Fuerteventura and Majorca remaining firm favourites for 2016.

If you’re dreaming of a sunshine getaway, it’s closer and cheaper than you think. From only €189, you could spend a week lounging on a golden beach, soaking up the sunshine and letting life’s worries melt away.

GoHop.ie have put together a list of sun holiday packages to some of the most popular destinations to help you escape reality and catch some rays this May.

Malta Spend seven nights

in Malta from €274pp.

With return flights from Dublin airport on May 14, spend seven nights in a four-star accommodation on a self-catering basis.

Located in the South of Europe in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a haven for those in search of tranquillity and relaxation.

This beautiful island is relatively small in size; however, it undoubtedly delivers quality on all fronts.

From buzzing nightlife, colourful festivals, delicious cuisines and spectacular, natural scenery, Malta is a compelling and exciting country.

It comprises three separate islands, with the main one being Malta itself, followed closely by its counterparts, Gozo and Comino, which are

famous for their peaceful atmosphere and watersports facilities.

As well as its yearround temperate climate, it is a country abundant with history and fascinating culture, with monuments such as Fort Rinella and the Church of St Mary being tourists’ favourites.

However, no one can forget the iconic sanded beaches that cluster the area, and the all-around natural beauty that can be found in all areas of Malta.

Torremolinos Spend five nights in Torremolinos from €189pp. On May 16, fly to the Costa del Sol popular holiday resort and stay for five nights in three-star accommodation, on a self-catering basis.

Torremolinos is one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Costa del Sol. It is the perfect blend of a traditional fishing village and modern city.

This holiday destination is home to several gorgeous beaches, leisure facilities, delicious food and much more.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Torremolinos, so expect crowds. There is hardly any rainfall during the summer season, but temperatures can drop significantly in the evening; however, this is seen as a relief by most tourists.

Fuerteventura Spend seven nights in Fuerteventura from €293pp. On May 24, fly from Dublin to spend seven nights in three-star accommodation on a self-catering basis.

With the exciting Oasis Park, world-famous surfing, sun-soaked beaches, and a truly laid back atmosphere, Fuerteventura holidays are ideal for families, couples and groups.

The best time to visit Fuerteventura would probably be from April to June, when the weather is gorgeous and the summer rush has yet to hit the island.

Unwinding on a gorgeous beach, and with soft sands and warm, sparkling seas, and a dazzling backdrop of volcanic rock, you’ll soon discover why Fuerteventura beaches are renowned as being some of the finest in Europe.

For the full holiday list of holiday offers from GoHop, see www.gohop.ie or call 01 241 2389.

21 April 2016 Gazette 21

eddie the eagle: britain’s plucky ski jumper gets an inspirational biopic

ReelReviews

Affectionately told underdog tale of a cool, if unlikely hero, wings it a bit

THERE must have been something in the air at the 1988 Winter Olympics. The event in Canada saw the world debut of Jamaica’s bobsleigh team – which of course became the basis for the plucky underdog classic, Cool Runnings.

But a bigger star that year was Great Britain’s Michael “Eddie” Edwards – a ski-jumper who ecstatically took last place in the three jumps that he participated in.

Retold with dollops of nostalgia and liberal helpings of Hollywood treatment, Eddie The Eagle (12A, 105mins) follows Eddie’s Olympic obsession from his early years.

Growing up in Gloucestershire in the 70s, the young Eddie fawns over a treasured glossy almanac of the Games and becomes determined to become an Olympian.

Undeterred by constrictive leg braces, a general lack of athletic prowess, and a tendency to injure himself, Eddie spends his childhood

 Dave phillips

recreating the Olympic Games in the alleyways and fields of his neighbourhood.

Fast forward several years and many pairs of broken glasses later, and the patience of Mum (Jo Hartley) and Dad (Keith Allen) is thinning as the now almost-adult Eddie (Kingsman’s Taron Egerton) refuses to settle down and get a job, and persists with his dream – or at least, a more nuanced version of it.

Realising that despite his best efforts he may never qualify for any of the Olympic events, Eddie changes tack.

A little research shows that Great Britain has had far fewer athletes compete in the Winter Olympics, and nobody has ever represented the country in Ski Jumping. So, with cogs set in

motion, Eddie sets out to fulfil his dream.

There is no denying the fact that Eddie the Eagle is a straightforward and predictable underdog story, and it takes a little while to settle into the sappy, mawkish tone set by director Dexter Fletcher.

Things are stepped up a notch when Eddie heads to train in Norway, and meets washed-up former jumper Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman).

Peary’s character – a hard-drinking former athlete who is bitter about his missed opportunities in life – adds a level of complexity to the story.

And, while the story and roles remain pleasantly straightforward, the introduction of Jackman to the mix alongside Egerton brings a level of depth that is noticeably lacking in the film’s first act.

Throw in some bullies to bypass, some officious snobbery from the committee, and a cameo from Christopher Walken, and you have more than

Gazette

CINEMA

the jungle book Go ape for this one

AN ALL-star cast add their weight to a wonderful retelling of The Jungle Book (Cert PG, 106 mins).

Disney’s classic animation gets a modern reboot, with perfect animation bringing the jungle’s creatures to glorious life. While the likes of Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson add their voices, the luscious cinematography and action provide the centre of this enticing, bewitching film.

zootropolis

Disney’s roaring success Eddie, meet ‘Eddie’ ... The one and only Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards meeting Taron Egerton, portraying him in this warm-hearted film

FAMILIES have given their roar of approcal to Disney’s Zootropolis (Cert PG, 108 mins). The latest fully CG film for the studio 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 creates something new and fresh. Warm-hearted, likeable performances add to the great design, making it a treat for audiences.

Trainer (Jackman) and jumper (Egerton) mentally prepare for the challenge

enough elements to help the story along through its almost two-hour running length.

Eddie The Eagle, much like its subject matter, is a film that is clunky and ineffectual at times, but possesses something greater that causes its flaws to fade.

D e x t e r F l e t c h e r ’s vision – which starts out so sickly sweet and overwrought with halcyon day sentimentality

– eventually transforms into a much more significant commentary on human potential.

While the film never stops being light and whimsical, there is something in the story of a boy from Gloucestershire pursuing his dream at all costs that is endearing and undeniably heart-warming to watch.

Just as films like Cool Runnings and The

Mighty Ducks captured an underdog spirit for a generation growing up in the 90s, Eddie The Eagle deserves to become an underdog classic for a new generation.

The film is a guaranteed dose of feel-good vibes, and a reminder of that Olympian motto: the important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete.

Verdict: 7/10

the huntsman Snow thank you ...

THE Huntsman – Winter’s War (Cert 12A, 117mins) is the prequel to 2012’s lovely looking (but super dull) Snow White and The Huntsman. Charlize Theron is once again as cool as ice, while Emily Blunt and Chris Hemsworth gamely give their best. However, it’s once again all style, no substance, with a dreary heart that is likely to leave you even colder than Thereon’s Queen.

Gazette

22 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

WEEBYTES RACHET & CLANK: THIS colourful REBOOT PROVIDES some PAWS FOR THOUGHT

The Samsung Gear VR

Praising the virtues of new tech  Shane dillon

I’LL be taking quite a detailed look at virtual reality (VR) later this year, but for now, many readers will have already noticed the extensive advertising currently surrounding one of the first VR sets – the Samsung Gear VR headset, which has a price point aimed at a mass market (currently circa €249).

It provides a pleasing, modestly-priced introduction to VR and, more importantly, it proves to the masses that VR works, and could wow as a new entertainment (or infotainment) format.

You simply slot one of a number of Samsung phones (you can easily check for compatibility) into the front of the large but light headset, which is easily secured to the head, and can be adjusted.

Then, by tilting or turning your head, the ‘screen’ (viewed a little as if through binoculars) changes the view to match, providing a great connection to the screen’s content – simply, it’s as though you’re really in that place you’re viewing, but you’re able to look all around you.

While looking slightly pixelated, the tech is very impressive, and immersive, with Samsung likely to stay the forerunner in this exciting new tech sector for a while to come.

Cat-like Rachet and his pal, Clank, deliver an almost purrr-fect title

I REMEMBER Rachet & Clank (Cert 7, c. €35) when it first came out – in 2002 for the PlayStation 2. While the PS2 had no shortage of wannabe console icons (for a while, Crash Bandicoot was the face of the PS2), Rachet & Clank still stood out at the time.

They were the stars of a lively platformer which saw the mismatched duo – an energetic catlike creature with aspirations to be a Space Ranger, and a diminutive but plucky no-nonsense robot pal that he found – team up to run around on several creatively rendered planets, with a host of wacky characters and even wackier weapons added to the mix.

Simply, R&C, created

by Insomniac Games, was a winning formula, and provided lots of fun in that first entry, and in many of the franchise’s additions afterwards.

Flash forward to today, and Rachet & Clank are getting a full franchise

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

reboot, which has worked very well for a number of other games of old (sit down, Lara Croft – gamers know that the recent Tomb Raider reboot was particularly successful).

To use the new game’s marketing tagline, it’s “the game based on the film based on the game”, seeing as the determined duo are also getting the big-screen treatment, with a film on the way very soon – making it perhaps perfect timing to get the hype machine going with this lively reboot and relaunch.

At its basic level, Rachet & Clank goes back to its roots, to largely reimagine the very first game in the long-running franchise.

(In fact, you’d need a third hand to count all

the entries in the longrunning series across the years.)

However, it’s not a straightforward, beatfor-beat retelling of the original game and story, as it mixes things up a bit, adding in characters not seen until later entries in the franchise, and follows a slightly wayward story, thanks in part to its particularly unreliable narrator.

Still, in essence, it’s classic Rachet & Clank – the pair once again travel around several planets, while a number of minigames, or changes to the game’s style, break up the action.

Everything is presented with plenty of goofy jokes, sight gags, and an enthusiasm to provide plenty of fun always close to hand.

Visually, the game’s a real winner, with terrific cinematics that indicate the quality of the upcoming film, but they’re just the icing on the cake – the game’s worlds and design are packed with detail.

Everything from the bustling cityscapes in part of the game to delicate light effects and material reflections all add up to help craft a very pretty title, making each world a joy to roam around, just taking in the sights.

Not that gamers will be stopping for the views very much, as there’re a lot of bad guys to dispose of in each world, with plenty of weapons to do so.

They deserve a special mention. When facing endless bad guys, Rachet and Clank have several weapons to use to even the playing field – with plenty of upgrades to make them ever more powerful.

With weapons that, for example, turn enemies into placid sheep, or force them to start disco dancing, or even turn them into 2D ‘pixel’ versions of themselves, the game’s sense of silliness and lighthearted fun is always close to hand, even during some of the game’s

busier moments.

However, while it perhaps stays a little too close to its overly familiar roots, that’s not a bad thing, as Rachet & Clank have delivered a great platformer for the PS4.

Indeed, while the PS4 has tons of excellent games for older players, it’s a little less well served by games for younger players, or families – at least, based on what I’ve seen on the shelves around many Dublin shops at the moment, with more fam-

ily-friendly titles barely getting a look in.

However, Rachet & Clank is likely to do very well, as despite its brevity – it’s not the longest, or biggest game in the world – it’s wonderful to look at, and is also lots of fun to play;.

With its welcome delivery of a blast of family-friendly fun for the PS4 (or for any gamer who appreciates a wellcrafted title), Rachet & Clank is available this Friday, April 22.

Feline-feeling Rachet and his robot pal Clank (top) explore several colourful worlds, with plenty of silly Drawing on shared assets from the upcoming film about the duo, the game often looks fantastic

moments thanks to their creatively daft weapons

21 April 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

MOTORING

Already an impressive lineage, the Corsa’s Opel Performance Centre edition is a winner on all fronts

opel corsa opc: power and a dash of perfection create this memorable motor

A high-performance model that’s certain to turn heads

 dave phillips

THE new Corsa turned out to be one of our favourite cars to test last year, with the fifth-generation model – a solid drive that is full of pep – striking the right balance between fun and functionality.

And, right on the heels of the regular release of Opel’s hot hatch was a very special OPC (Opel Performance Centre) edition that we had the pleasure of taking out this year.

OPC editions are top of the line renditions of Opel models, pushing the cars to the maximum in terms of performance, engine technology, and design.

With a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and Opel

claiming a top speed of 270kmph, there is no escaping the happy fact that the OPC Corsa is an out-and-out sports car.

That said, it is a sports car that – if you were so inclined – you could also get away with nipping down to the shops in.

Heads may turn if you do, as the test car we took out looked stunning.

Decked out in Flash Blue (a colour unique to this OPC model), and sitting on 18-inch black alloys, the OPC Corsa builds on the model’s athletic look, and adds some extra flair with side sills, a rear roof spoiler, and a twin-pipe exhaust.

The overall effect looks a breed apart from the traditional Corsa, boasting more of a mature and refined race-track look.

That polished aesthetic follows into the interior, where there is no souped-up, high-gloss sheen. Instead, things look clean, uncluttered, and sturdy.

There is an elegant leather finish running across the heavy-stitched Recaro seats, the flat-bottomed racing wheel, and a short-throw gear lever.

And that leather-clad lever, despite it being a small thing, is significant – the first thing you’ll notice are the specks of that vibrant OPC blue tastefully demarcating the gears.

The second is the weight and robustness of it; this really feels like something that will stand the test of time and will still feel satisfyingly strong and firm 20 years

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

‘The real selling point here lies under the bonnet ... the OPC Corsa is a machine that is built for highend performance. Every gear feels swift and powerful.’

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

down the line.

There is all the tech you can expect from the standard Corsa, with the simple to use IntelliLink system serving for entertainment and GPS demands.

But, of course, the real selling point here lies under the bonnet. Getting to 100kmph in just 6.5 seconds (a statistic you won’t care to test, because it feels so evident), the OPC Corsa is a machine that is built for high-end performance.

Producing plenty of torque in lower revs, every gear in the OPC Corsa feels swift and powerful.

The squat position (this model has dropped an extra 10mm since its last incarnation) and incredibly precise steering mean the car really hugs the road around bends and is a blast to drive in the open.

The OPC Corsa starts at €29,995 (the model we tested with extras retails at €33,170) and falls into

Sturdy design elements are presented with luxurious touches, creating a cabin that feels robustly upmarket

the E tax band (€750), so this is going to be a car that will only ever appeal to a niche group of buyers – but for those in the

market, this is a stunning piece of work that feels like it still be humming smoothly a generation from now.

Gazette

24 dublin city gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

Railing against all the Luas strikes affecting Dubliners

IN OUR vox pop, we sent our reporters out on two successive days to ask a random selection of people in the street about the ongoing Luas stoppages. Remarkably, having spoken to up to 50 people on and off the record, not one supported the union’s stance on this issue. Our reporters, Ian Begley and Emma Nolan, asked each respondent these two questions: “Do you support the Luas strikers’ action? Will you be affected by any more industrial action?” This is what they had to say ...

 JIM WALSH

I DON’T support the drivers, because I think they’re reasonably well paid as it is. I think they’re looking for the same wages as train drivers, who have more responsibility.

I will be disrupted by further strike action – I use it to get out to Sandyford, and it’s hard to get out there without the Luas.

much, but I do not support the drivers’ strike.

Number one – I think they really did terrible damage to themselves on the Easter weekend, but I just think they should have gone into it better with their eyes open.

Number two – I actually don’t blame the drivers, I blame the union. I think they should have taken more responsibility and realised that it was way beyond their scope to get that amount.

 Josephine

Litchfield

I USE the Luas rarely to get into town, so it doesn’t affect me that

 Elaine Moriarty

 EDEL HOGAN

 pat cryan

I FIND it very disruptive, and the demands being made by the drivers are insane. The prospects into the future seem pretty dire, because their seems to be no middle ground or settlement on the horizon.

T he strikes won’t affect me as much, because I’m retired, but we always use the Luas – we never take the car into town – so it would affect us, in that sense.

with the whole 53% thing – I just think it’s greedy.

T hey should have started off at a lower rate and built up from there, whereas, because they publicised the 53%, I think everyone is against them because of that, unless you’re related to one of the drivers.

Student doctors and nurses are getting paid less, and I don’t agree with that concept.

Also, I think if the company give into the Luas drivers, I think it will have a knock-on effect. All the others will start making noises and I’m not sure the country can afford the kind of increases they’re looking for.

I’M HALF and half. I just think, especially over the Easter Weekend, they sort of held the country to ransom – they knew it would be a busy weekend for tourism, and that kind of thing.

They knew what they were getting into when they signed up for their job – the difficult hours and having to work bank holidays.

My own husband is a taxi driver, and he works unsocial hours as well.

So, in a way, I’m 90% against what they’re doing. It’s a great service, but if they get away with it, it opens a can of worms for any other people to go on strike.

I DON’T support them, because I work in Tallaght and have to get the first Luas. They always stop at the Red Cow for about 10 minutes in the morning, nearly making us all late.

A junior doctor only starts on €31K a year, and gardai are at €23K when they start – the Luas driver’s job is so simple in comparison, yet they’re making so much.

looking for a 50% hike?

I’ll be disrupted by further strike action and will have to walk, so it’s a bit mad, y’know.

 Kate O’Reilly

I FEEL disgusted at their behaviour. I think, given the political climate, they’re just asking for too much and are totally intolerant about what’s being offered already.

As a member of the public, I feel totally discommoded with their behaviour.

They’re not just going on strike, but are deliberately delaying their trams at peak times.

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

‘I also think the amount of a raise they’re looking for is a bit over the top, because compared to some other professions, they don’t have to do much training’

 Michelle Horan

I THINK the whole thing is a disgrace. It’s terrible that they’re holding the public to ransom, because so many people depend on its service.

I think it’s gone on for too long, and to strike on Easter Sunday didn’t do them any favours.

A lot of people with no income at all have to survive, so why can’t they get by with what they’re on?

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

 Aine O’Dwyer

 Emily Graham

 Jonathan

Richardson

 PAUL MORAN

I DON’T support the Luas drivers. If they wanted a small increase, then fair enough, but I don’t agree

I’M FROM the US and we don’t have strikes like this. I believe everyone has the right to strike, but I just think that it’s a little outrageous to ask for about a 40% increase when they’re already earning so much

MY OPINION from what I heard is that junior doctors and nurses are working twice as long for half the money, yet the Luas drivers only do what they do – sit there and drive the Luas, and they’re

I THINK a cer tain amount of it is okay, but some of the days they’ve been striking on – like during the Easter weekend and the Centenary celebrations – were a bit ridiculous, because it was a once in a century event and they caused a lot of hassle for people trying to get in and out of town.

I also think the amount of a raise they’re looking for is a bit over the top, because compared to some other profes-

21 April 2016 dublin city gazette 25

sions, they don’t have to do much training. I’ll be affected by further strikes because I won’t be able to get to Heuston Station to get the train home.

 Ailish Durney

THEIR demands were too high to begin with and Transdev called their bluff, so I just don’t know where they’re going to go from here. They don’t have the people on their side, and I just find the whole thing ridiculous.

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

‘Everyone deserves to be heard, I guess’

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

 Fiona Shannon

I SEE where they’re coming from, but what they’re asking for is a bit too much. But everyone deserves to be heard, I guess, and if they want more pay, then I guess they deserve it, but at the same time, they’re asking a bit too much. I will be inconvenienced by the strikes for getting to work and other activities.

Luas commuters who The Gazette spoke to were united with the same criticisms of the Luas drivers, their pay demands, and their union’s tactics

Gazette

VOX POPS

26 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 April 2016

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Gazette

28 Dublin city gazette 21 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport Shelbourne sign former Ireland star: SHELBOURNE FC have signed former Irish international Stephen Elliott until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

The Dubliner played his early football with Belvedere FC and Stella Maris before signing for Manchester City in 2004. He later moved to Sunderland, where he worked under Mick McCarthy.

The striker then followed McCarthy to Wolverhampton Wanderers before spells with Preston North End, Norwich City, Coventry City, Hearts and, most recently, Carlisle United.

He ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for Carlisle back in October 2014 and underwent surgery.

The 32-year-old represented the senior Ireland team on nine occasions, scoring once: the winning goal in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Cyprus in 2005.

soccer: over 1,300 students take part in Primary school festival

Ringsend abuzz for cup finale  sport@dublingazette.com

IRISHTOWN Stadium played host to the Dublin county finals of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme, the culmination of a programme that saw 1,376 students take

part.

Indeed, 272 students from 34 schools played in the Dublin finals where just six schools earned progression to the provincial finals.

The A Cup, open to boys and/or mixed

St Damian’s celebrate. Pictures: James Crombie/Inpho

teams, had 10 highly competitive schools with the final between the impressive St Joseph’s, East Wall and Our Lady of the Wayside, Bluebell. It proved a thrilling encounter with St Joseph’s, East Wall winning out in the end.

The B Cup also proved to be a tense affair with four teams involved in this division. Mary Queen of Angels, Ballyfermot emerged on top with Taney Parish NS a close second.

The C Cup was another hard fought contest between four passionate schools. St Mark’s from Springfield in Tallaght eventually came out on top ahead of St Molaga’s, Balbriggan, St

Mary Queen of Angels, Ballyfermotcelebrate their success

Benedict’s, Ongar and St Colmcille’s, Knocklyon.

On the girls side, St D a m i a n ’s , Wa l k i n s town emerged victorious from eight participating schools in the A Cup, catering for small schools. They were too good for Scoil Treasa Naofa in the final.

Gaelscoil Cholmcille came out on top in the B Cup ahead of St Patrick’s, Chapelizod while Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS, Johnstown sealed qualification in the girls C Cup for large schools, overtaking St Vincent de Paul Girls’ school in the final game.

The girls division has continued to grow over the past number of years

with almost 500 students taking part in the Dublin competition.

T he winners from each division will now progress to the Leinster finals on April 28 in Navan.

The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s competition has been in existence since the mid 1990s and saw nearly 20,000 par ticipants from 1,069 schools involved last season.

The competition is run across six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. Depending on their size, a school can enter several teams into the competition.

Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is

a separate competition for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers.

Fergus McDaid, secretary of FAI Schools stated: “T his is our second year with title sponsors SPAR and the competition is expanding year on year. The support shown by Spar ensured this grassroots initiative really supports Dublin’s local talent.

“The event encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasises the fun aspect of the sport. FAI Schools are delighted to be hosting the finals on Wednesday, May 11 in Aviva Stadium, something which the children will relish I’m sure.”

Clohisey leads Raheny to national road relays success  sport@dublingazette.com

Raheny’s Mick Clohisey, Kieran Kelly, Mark Kirwan and Daire Bermingham. Picture: Tomas Greally /Sportsfile

RAHENY Shamrocks won their first senior men’s title in five years at the GloHealth National Road Relays on home soil last weekend in perfect running conditions in the north Dublin suburb.

They greeted 33 clubs and over 80 teams on an excellent day of racing.

The masters’ women (O-35 and O-50) got racing underway at 2pm and it was Sli Cualann were first to strike gold in the four-mile relay (1-2-1 mile legs)

in the O-35 section with 23.19.

The F50 Raheny Shamrock women took top honours in 27.30.

There was a great finish to the masters’ men’s O-35 race with Donore Harriers just holding off Rathfarnham WSAF in the final one-mile leg of the four-mile relay in 19.34 to 19.36. Mick Traynor led Raheny Shamrock’s M50 team to a comfortable win in 20.25.

Leevale AC retained their women’s title in convincing style. Carol Finn got Leevale’s ladies off to a good start with a

5.11 opening mile leg, handing over to Lizzie Lee, who extended their advantage with a 10.38 two-mile leg.

Next up was Michelle Finn, who took Leevale to victory with a 5.01 leg, giving them a 31-second winning margin over Crusaders, who edged Sli Cualann for second.

In the men’s race, a recordbreaking three-mile leg from Raheny’s Mick Clohisey of 14.04 proved pivotal in helping them to gold for the first time in five years, with Mark Kirwan, Kieran Kelly and Daire Ber-

mingham also playing their part.

Raheny came home 18 seconds clear of Ennis Track, who held off Kilkenny City Harriers for second.

John Travers of Donore Harriers equalled Clohisey’s record on the three-mile leg, helping his team to fifth.

Meanwhile in Santry at the Irish Universities Championships, DCU again took victory in both men’s and women’s team events, their tallies of 178 points in the men’s and 156.5 in the women’s more than double that of their closest challengers.

21 April 2016 dublin city gazette 29

Gazette

Bullish Bastick keen on more league glory

FastSport

Templeogue Synge Street midfielder talks about the fun of being part of a Dublin side in the midst of an incredible winning run in the national league ahead of Kerry final date Top line-up confirmed  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

HAVING already sold a substantial 50,000 tickets, with the promise of a 3,500-participant Easter Rising centenary event and the small matter of two league finals to play out, the finale of this year’s early-season GAA action is arguably the best prospect it has been in years.

With Dublin and Kerry – the two main contenders for All-Ireland glory come September – facing off for the first time in a league final since 1987, however, the good natured ribbing between Dublin’s Denis Bastick and Kerry’s Bryan Sheehan can’t hide the edge to a final that has none

of the league’s usual early-season indifference.

As Bastick and Sheehan sit next to each other in Croke Park a few days ahead of kick off, they both admit to an added “bite” to this particular fixture, with Dublin keen to maintain their astonishing run of 21 games undefeated in league and championship, and Kerry out for post-All Ireland revenge.

“There’s a lot to be said for momentum,” B a s t i c k t h r ow s o u t cheekily when asked about the Dubs’ winning streak. “We still go by the same old cliche, though.

It really is one game at a time.

“Winning becomes a habit, and that’s the place we’re in now. But

we’re always trying to get better.”

Dublin’s attempts to get better have been fairly evident throughout their undefeated league season, in fact, not least in the capital side’s use of 35 different players over the course of the eight games that have taken them to the final.

With young star Jack McCaffrey out injured, Ror y O’Carroll New Zealand-bound and Alan Brogan having hung up his boots before it all got underway, the experimentation has been substantial.

While Bastick jokes that the side have “not at all” missed them so far, he is keen to talk up the parade of youngsters battering down Jim

Denis Bastick will be hoping that the league can be a launchpad to another push for the All-Ireland senior championship title. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/ Sportsfile

Gavin’s door in search of a regular first team shirt.

“T hey’re tough to catch in training,” the Te m p l e o g u e S y n g e Street midfielder says of the newcomers.

“It’s really unfair to single any of them out.

I think it’s important for the younger guys to continue on. They’re a real

explained. “We upped it a bit. But we were expecting things to be tough.

“We each try to step up to the plate,” he adds.

“We have a great panel, and we’re going to need every one of them to step up at some point this season.

“We know they will be big challenges to come.”

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

‘We’ll have fun now because that is what the GAA is all about but on Sunday it will be all business’ - Denis Bastick

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

bonus.”

Both Dublin and Kerry made light work of their semi-final opponents on the way to the league’s big night. Kerry brushed aside Roscommon, while the Dublin rematch with Donegal – a game given extra edge by the gritty nature of the league contest just two weeks before – proved far from an even contest.

“The league game was tough, so it did surprise us a bit to win by the score we did,” Bastick said of the semi, which saw a Dubs side that made 11 changes and took to the field without the influential Cian O’Sullivan batter the Ulster side 1-20 to 0-13.

“We did our homework, tweaked things around and improved a few things,” Bastick

Kerry are clearly up for things, too. Bastick declined to comment on the idea that Kerry might be more motivated, laughing as he did so, while Sheehan admitted his side were “still very hurt by losing the [2015] All Ireland final.

It would be very nice to beat Dublin, especially when there’s silverware up for grabs.”

As for the good-natured approach to the game?

“It’s always been fair between us,” Bastick says of Sheehan.

“It’s generally good natured, shoulder to shoulder. We’ll have fun now, because that’s what the GAA is all about, but once we cross the line on Sunday it’s all business.

That’ll be a different story.”

for Dublin 7s tournament IRELAND’S premier rugby 7s competition, the Dublin 7s Festival, has announced further details of its impressive line-up with seven teams travelling from foreign shores to take part in the event.

It will feature the national sides of Italy, Germany, Jamaica and Norway as well as the Samurai international team and European heavyweight clubs; Ulster, Biarritz and London Wasps.

Tough opposition can be expected from the Samurai International team who have become known for their eye catching kit and display sublime skills as well as the Italian national side who are ranked in the top 15 in the world.

Two-time European Cup winners, London Wasps, and Rio 2016 hopefuls, Jamaica and Germany, add plenty of fire power to the line-up and the power and skill of Ulster, Biarritz and team Norway are sure to entertain and thrill in equal measures.

The festival will also boast a domestic competition with current AIL Champions, Lansdowne FC among the favourites. Old Belvedere, UCD, Trinity College, St Mary’s, Bective Rangers, Blackrock College and Old Wesley will have other ideas as they look to display their class in the fast paced 7s format.

Alongside the on field spectacle, spectators of all ages can enjoy live music, festival favourite DJ sets, a family fun zone, artisan food stalls and for the adults, a craft beer zone featuring some of Ireland’s top brewers.

Speaking about the team announcements, organiser Brian McDermott commented: “Some of the most talented and exciting teams in the world have confirmed for the Dublin 7s Festival and the addition of Samurai International and the Jamaican national team only adds to the excitement.

“It’s more than just rugby, we’ve gathered the best in music, food, family entertainment and craft beer. Whether you’re a rugby fanatic or just learning about the game we have you covered.”

Tickets start at €15 for general admission and are available at www.dublin7sfestival.ie. VIP and corporate hospitality packages are available on request.

Gazette

30 dublin city gazette 21 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport

Terenure College to host European Youth festival TERENURE College RFC will again host the hugely popular Under 13s European Youth Rugby Festival, aptly named the Terenure 13s, from Friday, April 29 to May 1.

This is the fifth year of the competition and involves teams from several European countries. This year teams from England, Scotland, France and Belgium will meet teams from every province of Ireland, including hosts Terenure College RFC and their local rivals St Mary’s.

The games will take place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, April 30, including an international match played on Saturday between a specially selected Ireland XV and Rest of Europe XV. On Sunday, May 1, the matches begin at 9.45am with the finals starting from 1.45pm.

Brent Pope, pictured above at the competition’s launch, will be on hand to watch the rugby, and to make the presentations following the finals.

Apart from the feast of rugby on the pitch, the festival offers plenty of family entertainment off the pitch too; with food stalls, drink, family activities and fun in a true festival atmosphere.

This international festival is quite unique and is becoming one of the biggest and best European youth rugby festivals of its kind.

What makes it so special is that it features teams from across the continent being pitted against one another in both a league and knock-out format on full sized pitches, with fully qualified IRFU referees and maximum game time.

The festival gives all involved the chance to develop lasting friendships with teams from Ireland and all over Europe.

For more information visit www.europeanyouthrugby.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/terenure13s.

soccer: inter kingpins through to yet another aviva date

Crumlin moved within one game of winning back the FAI Intermediate Cup title

Crumlin finally see off Ports fai inter cup semi Crumlin United Portmarnock AFC  sport@dublingazette.com

2 0

CRUMLIN United became the second Dublin side to confirm a date with destiny at the Aviva Stadium on May 14, seeing off their AUL opponents Portmarnock at the second time of asking to reach the FAI Intermediate Cup Final on Friday night.

The replay, played at Crumlin’s Pearse Park, saw them overcome their battling lower-division opposition. A 13th minute goal gave the intermediate powerhouse their

first lead over the course of the tie, more than 100 minutes in. Crumlin had twice come from behind the first time around.

Paddy Brophy – up from the back for a corner – scored a rare goal to put United in front, thumping in a soaring corner from Carl Forsyth with a powerful headed finish seconds after an earlier United corner had been messily cleared from the Portmarnock line.

The early pressure came entirely from the home side, but Portmarnock were far from outclassed, and almost equalised straight after Crumlin’s opener.

Club of the year O’Neill opens the bids for annual nominations soccer clubs across Ireland are being invited to submit themselves for the Club of the Year under any of the four categories; Coach Education, Best Community Club, Underage Development and Club Development and facilities.

Entry is open to all clubs and can be made online at www.aviva.ie/coty. Republic of Ireland Manager Martin O’Neill launched this year’s awards along with representatives from current Club of the Year, Achill Rovers.

Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Phillip Rusk – something of a free-kick specialist – almost repeated his first leg trick, seeing his free fly past Crumlin’s man on the line, only to come back off the crossbar and the post and bounce back out.

The action was frantic from the off in the second half, with Forsyth quickly winning the ball from the defence in the Portmarnock box, only to immediately have it taken back off him outside of the rules. Alan McGreal’s penalty was saved, but not before Portmarnock’s Ross Moran was shown a straight red card for his mistimed challenge.

While Portmarnock had been very much in the game, playing with 10 men against one of the finest sides in intermediate football was a step too far, and United found themselves in comfortable charge of the majority of the second half.

A smart finish from Daniel McGuinness gave Crumlin a cushion with the north Dublin visitors never really looking like recreating the threat that they displayed in a strong first half display.

The home side could have added to their lead in the final minutes, but spirited Portmarnock never looked outclassed,

leaving little doubt as to the visitor’s credentials to perform at a higher level than they’re managing currently.

United are set for a busy end to the season, during which they’ll be hoping to make an impact at the national stadium, but will also be chasing hard through their numerous LSL Sunday Senior games in hand, where they’re in a title battle that still looks likely to involve at least four sides.

Crumlin will now join Junior Cup final regulars Sheriff YC at the Aviva, with both set to face opponents from elsewhere in the country.

21 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY gazette 31

Gazette

special olympics

FastGAA

GPA link up for annual Collection Day on Friday the Gaelic Players Association has come out in support of Special Olympics Ireland ahead of the sport charity’s annual Collection Day on Friday April 22.

Pictured at the announcement are, from left, Dessie Farrell, GPA, hurler Conor McDonald, Sheera Delaney, from Sutton, footballer Peter Crowley, Dean Gallagher, Sunbeam House Services, Bray, and Matt English, from Special Olympic Ireland.

football: marino men hold off rush’s charge

Dublin minors open up with Faithful dismissal

St Vincent’s senior footballers

Vincent’s continue perfect run in AFL1

Afl division one

St Vincent’s 2-14 Naomh Maur 3-10  sport@dublingazette.com

ST VINCENT’S continued their perfect start to the season with a narrow one-point win over St Maur’s at Pairc Naomh Uinsionn in an entertaining tie.

Maur’s got off to a dream start inside the opening five minutes when Conor McGuire latched on to a long delivery to race through and goal for the Rush men.

Ciaran Reddin’s accurate free taking pushed them further in front but

a Lorcan Smyth goal and a run of points from Gavin Burke, Tomas Quinn and Nathan Mullins saw Vins go into the half time break up by the minimum, 1-7 to 1-6.

The Marino men really hit their stride early in the second half with a run of unanswered points from Albert Martin, Kevin Golden and Enda Varley.

When Adam Baxter fed Quinn to goal it looked as though the home side would run out comfortable winners. However, full forward Vinny Whelan flicked a long delivery to the net to set up a

grandstand finish.

Within a minute, Whelan then emphatically finished his second goal chance and Maur’s looked to be back from the dead. They soon added a point to close the gap to just one point but the referee’s whistle ended their hopes of a famous comeback as Vins continue their unbeaten league start to 2016.

Elsewhere, Na Fiann saw off neighbours Ballymun Kickhams 1-15 to 2-7 on the Mobhi Road on Saturday evening.

In a hotly contested first half, goals were hugely important for Bal-

lymun as Jason Whelan and Ted Furman raised green flags for the Mun to counteract a well taken goal by the excellent Neil Flannery for Na Fianna.

Nonetheless, Na Fianna went in a point to the good at the break but Furman quickly overturned that advantage with three points in quick succession. However, the dismissal of Davey Byrne half way through the first half allowed Na Fianna to finish the game strongly, kicking 5 unanswered points shared between Conor McHugh, Adam Caffrey and Eoghan Neville.

DUBLIN’s minor footballers got their Leinster Championship journey underway with a comfortable 10-point win over Offaly at Parnell Park last Saturday, winning 2-14 to 1-7.

A scrappy first period saw defences come out on top, as less than inspiring finishing from both sides kept the scores low. Dublin smashed the post through Conor Hynes after 20 minutes, a decisive-looking move that was to signal an abrupt turn in favour of the boys in blue.

Kevin Callaghan – a force throughout – came into a purple patch, notching two strong points in a run of four to close the half, and created a gap between the two sides that a forward-thinking but ultimately uninspiring Offaly side never looked like closing.

While an 0-8 to 0-3 halftime lead put the Dubs firmly in charge, it was Aaron Bradshaw’s early second half goal, coming as he found space amongst a defence that didn’t seem to have woken up after their mid-game oranges – that put the game to bed.

Bradshaw only clocked a single goal, but was increasingly influential as the game went on, proving to be a key link-up man in Dublin’s progressively more fluent attacking manoeuvres.

He showed no hesitation in pushing darting moves through the Offaly back line.

When an Offaly flurry, that included a Michael Mooney goal, got the visitors back within five, the Dubs were forced to push on, but Dublin will take heart from the numerous sources of points in their attacking manoeuvres.

Callaghan won the closing-stage penalty that was to see Dublin truly put the game to bed, the kick duly converted by Sean Bolger, after Conor Hynes had his own spot kick stopped for the Dubs just a few minutes earlier.

The largely one-way second half traffic left the Dubs only looking like adding to the margin in the closing stages, and they ran out 2-14 to 1-7 winners, a margin deflated significantly by the performance of Offaly goalkeeper Barry Rohan.

Dublin progress comfortably to the Leinster quarter finals, but – despite the margin of their win – will hope to be a little more clinical next time out.

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april 21-27, 2016

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Dublin manager Jim Gavin

Gavin isolates Kerry tie Dublin boss unconcerned by recent history with the Kingdom as he focuses solely on the task ahead in Sunday’s National League final

 james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN football manager Jim Gavin has declared himself unconcerned with the strength or the hunt for revenge of league final opposition Kerry, preferring to focus on his own side than their traditional rivals ahead of a feisty looking match-up.

The two sides met on the opening night of this year’s league season at Croke Park, with two Dublin goals – scored in the first period

by Paddy Andrews and Diarmuid Connolly – proving the difference as Dublin won by 2-14 to 0-14.

“I think in the first game we were probably maybe a week ahead of them,” Gavin recalls.

“At that time in the season, back in January, both sides had breaks in momentum coming into the game, and I wouldn’t read too much into it. I think this game’s going to be very competitive.

“How the opposition approach the game, if they have some emotional attachment to the game or they’re looking for some kind of revenge for the All-Ireland final, that’s not something we really look at in our preparation,” he said of the rivalry.

“All I can do is a prepare my players as best I can, to facilitate their ambitions and

try to get them to be the best they can be representing their club and county on Sunday.

“We’ll take the game in context,” Gavin continued.

“It’s a game in isolation, and we’ll treat it that way on Sunday and see how it works out. Hopefully we’ll get the result.

“There’s a lot of history and for a modern day player there’s a lot of focus on the present.

“I think in any given day, not only Dublin Kerry, but with the top teams in division one or at the top of division two, every team has the capability to beat each other, on the

right day. What’s in the past is in the past.”

Dublin go into the game with a full panel of players to pick from.

“We have a full compliment to select from this weekend, which is a great position to be in,” Gavin said of his highly-rotated squad ahead of the game. “We have to give credit to our sports and fitness team who’ve got them in this position.”

Should Gavin’s Dublin side win on Sunday, their unbeaten run in league and championship will extend to an astonishing 22 games, and see the Dubs bring home their fourth consecutive national league title. Few will be betting against them.