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Gazette DUN LAOGHAIRE

April 20 - 26, 2017

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A THREE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE 4 STAR FITZWILTON HOTEL IN HISTORIC WATERFORD CITY

Harbours to go back to public ownership Council votes to take Bulloch and Sandycove from port company

 EMMA NOLAN

TWO local harbours look set to be brought back into public ownership following a council vote.

Both Bulloch and Sandycove Harbours could be taken back into public own-

ership from the Dublin Port Company as councillors plan to create a harbour master plan for the area.

However, a master plan for the area cannot be considered by any planning authority unless it is submitted by the owners of the

land being considered for development – this is why councillors want to take ownership of the land.

Local Labour councillor Deirdre Kingston said: “Bulloch Harobur is an incredible amenity for the Dun Laoghaire area and it

is really important that it is protected into the future.”

“It is so important that the site is brought into public ownership so that the public can get the most and best use out of the harbour.”

Full Story on Page 2

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COUNCIL | UNANIMOUS FOCUS ON BULLOCH, SANDYCOVE HUBS

Harbours may return into public ownership  EMMA NOLAN BULLOCH and Sandycove Harbours may be brought back into public ownership following a unanimous decision by the council.

Councillors will now open talks with the Dublin Port Company to acquire the entirety of Sandycove Harbour and the elements of Bulloch Harbour not owned by Bartra Capital, a property company.

Bartra failed to get permission in February for its controversial plans to build a multi-unit Costa Del Sol-style development (pictured) on the harbour.

The plans faced a strong backlash from locals, who

Scrapped: The controversial build at Bulloch Harbour

at the time said that the proposed structure would “deprive the community of public amenities”.

“These plans would destroy one of the last small working harbours on the coast around Dub-

lin and seriously curtail its use as a public amenity,” the Bulloch Harbour Preservation Association told The Gazette in February.

The plans were rejected by the council’s planning department, much to the

relief of locals.

This month’s council meeting sought to arrange a meeting between the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Dublin Port company, which it is hoped will allow for the discussion of a master plan for the Sandycove and Bulloch harbour areas.

However, such a plan cannot be considered by any planning authority unless it is submitted by the owners of the land being considered for development – this is why councillors want to take ownership of the land.

Cllr Deirdre Kingston (Lab) said: “Bulloch Harbour is an incredible ame-

nity for the Dun Laoghaire area and it is really important that it is protected into the future.

“The planning application that was submitted for the Western Marine site [by Bartra] was found by the planning authority to seriously compromise the harbour’s ability to attract and maintain marine related uses.

“A master plan, while welcome, does not allow a planning authority to prepare a master plan for privately owned land.

That is why it is so important that the site is brought into public ownership so that the public can get the most and best use out of the harbour.”

FASTNews

Boost for communities as CCTV grant announced THE Government has launched a new grant-aid scheme that will help community groups around the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area establish more community-based CCTV systems.

Under the scheme, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. When the grant is approved, applicants will receive an up-front payment of 50% of the grant, with the balance to be paid when the system is fully operational.

Senator Victor Boyhan welcomed the new scheme, which was approved by the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald. He told The Gazette: “These new CCTV systems will enhance existing policing provision and will operate in association with An Garda Siochana and other appropriate agencies. That is the collaborative approach that’s needed and welcome.”

Applications can be made to the Department of Justice and Equality, via www.justice.ie.

Olympian Annalise Murphy with Minister Shane Ross, and Paul Keeley, Failte Ireland

Harbour set to host top sailing contest next year

Olympian’s visit makes a big splash

OLYMPIC silver medallist, Annalise Murphy and An Cathaoirleach Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) were happy to sit amidst a sea of welcoming faces when they visited The Harold School in Glasthule recently, just one of a number of DLR schools Annalise visited to showcase the opportunities to learn sailing along Dublin’s beautiful coastline.

The visits were organised by the DLR Sports Partnership and the Irish Sailing Association. Cllr Devlin said: “I was proud to travel from school to school across the county with Annalise. Her achievements, and most of all her message to young people, is one that encourages them to dream big and not fear failure.”

THERE was great news for Dun Laoghaire with the news that the harbour is to host the Laser Masters World Championships again in 2018. This is the second time in three years that Ireland has been chosen to host a Laser Worlds event. The Laser Radial Worlds were held in Dun Laoghaire last summer.

Commenting on the news, Minister for Sport Shane Ross said: “This event will showcase Dun Laoghaire Harbour on the international sailing stage. With up to 500 competitors from more than 40 nations com-peting in the championships, this will generate significant revenues for the local economy and great exposure for Ireland.”

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

20 April 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

Gazette babies are the cutest...

WINNERS | CHECK OUT THE GA-GAZETTE’S SPRINGTIME BONNIE BABIES GORGEOUS JOE O’Carroll is The Gazette’s Spring Bonnie Baby, after a week of frantic voting!

Joe wins a photoshoot worth €180 from Gazette snapper and expert baby photographer Ali, of Alison O’Hanlon Photography.

The silver medals go to super cute Grace Ahern and little smiler Parker Daly, both of whom have won hampers worth €90 from NUK Ireland.

A massive “Thank you” to our many hundreds of readers who took the time to vote either by email or on Facebook. It was a close call, and if we’re honest, everyone who entered was a winner!

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 April 2017

HOUSING | WOMAN WITH TWO KIDS SPEAKS OUT AS HOMELESSNESS LOOMS

Mum’s fears as clock ticking to find a home  EMMA NOLAN

A CABINTEELY woman is fighting to keep her home after being told she was being evicted by summer despite being on the HAP scheme.

Amanda Barnes and her two children secured a homeless HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) tenancy in Cabinteely less than a year ago.

However, she is now facing homelessness again as her landlord has announced they plan to sell the property, with time running down for her to find a new home.

Speaking about her situation, Amanda said: “When I signed a HAP contract a year ago I believed the trauma of homelessness was over for myself and my children.

“I had become a tenant again, but little did I realise what was about to

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‘My loss of tenancy is an example of a failing solution.

We need real solutions – we need permanent, secure housing.’

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The issue of finding landlords who accept the HAP scheme

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is cited as one more difficulty for people like Amanda

happen.

“My loss of tenancy is an example of a failing solution. We need real solutions – we need permanent, secure housing.”

Amanda says she needs a safe and secure home to raise her children. “I am not the only one in this situation. I will stand and fight with others until this government takes action

that means everyone that needs a secure home gets one.”

The Dun Laoghaire Housing Campaign is now bringing her fight to the Dail.

The average threebedroom property to rent now costs €2,400 per month (and rising) in Dun Laoghaire, and local representatives say that

Amanda Barnes

the Government’s HAP scheme is not the solution.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) is raising a dozen or so similar cases of imminent evictions and families that are currently homeless with the Taoiseach in the Dail this week.

Cllr Hugh Lewis (PBP) told The Gazette that he feels that the HAP scheme

is not working for many families like Amanda’s.

He said: “As it stands, finding landlords willing to accept the HAP scheme is proving increasingly difficult, and the latest problem is that of HAP tenancies failing as a result of the ever demanding private rental market and the disinterest of landlords to either take up or sustain the scheme.”

The HAP scheme was originally made available to individuals and families that were homeless last year. However, several of the families that secured HAP contracts to bring them out of homelessness are now facing homelessness again, according to Cllr Lewis.

He said: “Our PBP office in Dun Laoghaire has received a large volume of imminent homeless cases, and many of these are HAP tenants.

“The campaign must unite people on the housing list to demand this government build housing. The worst and most severe aspects of the housing crisis have been directly caused by a failure to construct social housing, coupled with piecemeal schemes that are simply not working here in Dun Laoghaire.

“The truth is this crisis is deepening and there is little hope for such families until we start constructing new homes, not simply renaming existing private rental schemes as is proposed by central government.”

Cllr Lewis said that he is currently trying to assist other local families with the same problem. He added: “The Government is relying on the private market to fulfil a public need, so this is just going to keep happening.”

FASTNews

Society readies its next outing THE KILMACUD and Stillogran Local History Society’s upcoming annual trip is to Ardagh Heritage Village in Co Longford, and Strokestown Park House, Co Roscommon.

Taking place on Saturday, May 6, the trip costs €30 and includes transport by coach, morning coffee, and entry fees for Ardagh and Strokestown.

Ardagh Heritage Village has many historical and architecturally important features. A local guide will tell the society about its connections to St Patrick, St Brigid and St Mel, about Ardagh House and the Fetherston family, and the village’s literary connections.

A Georgian Palladian mansion, Strokestown Park House was opened to the public in 1987. The guided tour of the house will give an insight into life in ‘The Big House’, both upstairs and downstairs, while a famine museum is located in the original stableyards of the house, and uses the unique Faminerelated documents that were discovered in the estate office.

For further information and to sign up, see kilmacudstillorganhistory.ie.

Open day will be a hot ticket

Girls are more than a dab hand with their art skills

GIRLS from south Dublin did their area proud by scooping some top awards in this year’s nationwide Texaco Children’s Art competition, with judges praising their radically different yet striking approaches to their artworks.

In the 9-11 years age category, first prize went to Ava Henson (11, right), from The Harold School, Glasthule, for her expertly rendered self-portrait, while third prize in the 12-13 years age category went to Emer Leahy (13,

left), from St Joseph’s Of Cluny Killiney, for her confidently presented work, entitled Sun, Sea, Sisters.

The girls were joined by their respective families at the Dublin City Hugh Lane Gallery, where they proudly

shared Ava and Emer’s achievement with other guests attending the event to reveal the winners in the 63rd annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition. The prize-giving ceremony will take place next month. Picture: Mac Innes Photography

NUTGROVE Fire Station will host an open day on Saturday, April 29 in aid of the children’s autism charity, Snowflakes.

The station’s fire crew will teach families and children about fire safety and there will be teas, coffees, cakes and refreshments for all, along with face painters and a DJ. All are welcome at the event, which will run from 1 to 4pm.

20 April 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

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Out and About Oscar McHenry (4) from Dublin holds on tight to his Easter egg, as Bossy – one of the the newly-born Spring lambs on his grandparents’ farm in Antrim – investigates.

Picture: Julien Behal

Glencullen Dundrum Musical & Baldoyle Musical Society delights families

Dramatic Society presents Barry

once again with their production of

Manilow’s Copacabana at the Mill

Seussical – The Musical

Theatre

Festive Easter fun

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Teachers Music Society: The cast of Sweeny Todd fills the stage

E’RE not yolking – Dubliners all across the city (and even far beyond) had a cracking Easter this year, with lots of pretty eggs-cellent activities – not least the nationwide Cruinniú na Cásca which saw hundreds of free artistic and cultural events have taken place across the country.

While some Dubs braved beyond The Pale to share some fun times with their country cousins, closer to home people all around the city had a wealth of events to enjoy, with Easter musicals and shows helping to keep people of all ages entertained (and gave a bit of a break from munching away at delicious chocolate eggs).

The serious side of Easter was not forgotten, with Christian ceremonies providing some spiritual food for thought, while in addition, the annual commemorations at Glasnevin Cemetary on Easter Sunday provided a suitably sombre reflection on the weekend’s importance to Dubliners.

Lucan United gets their youngest members out in the sun for some holiday fun

Brigadier General Howard Birney, 2nd Brigade is pictured as he laid a wreath at the grave of Edward Hollywood – the man who delivered the first Tricolour flag to Ireland from France. Looking on are Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather

Shankill GAA Club Under-9 football team pictured in the hallowed ground of Croke

Swapping the city for the country ... Laura Mae and Katie

Humphreys and the chairman of Glasnevin Trust,

Park with coaches Mike Brophy and Eoin O Rourke after playing in the Go Games

O’Brien with Alice and the Easter Bunny. Pictures: Aishling

John Green. Picture: Iain White/Fennell Photography

series of matches

Conway

20 April 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 April 2017

FORUM | MULTIDISCIPLINARY GROUP GATHER TO FOCUS ON SUPPORTING DLR’S CHILDREN, YOUTHS

Joanne Cullen, area manager, Tusla, and Lorna Kerin, coordinator of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Children and Young People’s Services Committee, pictured with the attendees at the interagency consultation forum

Experts meet to help DLR’s young people AN INTER AGENCY consultation forum was held in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire earlier this month to discuss the needs of children and young people of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

More than 60 senior managers and service leaders from a range of sectors and agencies in DLR engaged in dynamic discussion about how children and young people are doing in relation to the national outcomes of health and mental health, learning and education, safety and participation.

This event is the first step in a new collaborative process to ensure services planned for the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area are evidence-informed, address identified needs

and will improve outcomes for children and young people.

The event was organised and facilitated by Lorna Kerin, the newly appointed coordinator of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdow n Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC).

Participants heard a presentation from the AllIsland Research Observatory on the national and regional demographic data relating to children and young people in DLR, and then engaged in round-table discussion about the five national outcomes outlined in the national policy, Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.

These discussions were supported by a team of

facilitators from the UCD Community Engagement Office.

In the spirit of corporate social responsibility, the Royal Marine Hotel contributed the event room and facilities, while the council sponsored refreshments.

Kerin said: “The large turnout of senior managers and service leaders in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown for this consultation event demonstrates their clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

“Our next step will be to conduct a rigorous and inclusive needs analysis to ensure that robust evidence informs the development of the CYPSC and the three-year interagency plan for the area.”

A right pear of supporters

BROTHERS and Renault Ireland ambassadors Stephen and David Flynn, from The Happy Pear, gave sumo-ch support to the launch of the Sumo Run Ireland, which takes place in Marlay Park on Sunday, April 23 and again in Bray in late August.

The Purple House Sumo Run Ireland is a fun, charity fundraising event in inflatable sumo suits with a 5km route in aid of Purple House Cancer Support, helping it to support families affected by cancer. For further information or to sign up, see www.sumorun.ie. Picture: Joe Keogh

20 April 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

No need to be Freud-tened of Fasdfdasf fds a mindful day adasf dfsa

 AISLING KENNEDY OPENING para control 4. Dui el eugueroA PSYCHOLOGY Matstrud tie vel ullaor adio ters Day will take place conullandrem inim on Saturday, May 13 in dolorperit lorer sed two venues in Dublin, magna alis nonum el with range of free, dipis anonulla. informative public talks Seugiam et iliquis taking place at each alis nonsequ pismolevent. ortio dit iustrud digna Whiledigna many dolore people faciduis still associate psycholdolortie veliquat. ogy with intensive work from the likes of Sigmund Freud (below), modern psychologists provide invaluable help to people of para all ages and OPENING conbackgrounds, with Psytrol 4. Dui el euguerochology Day strud tie Matters vel ullaor adio providing a great insight conullandrem inim into this fascinating dolorperit lorer sed field. magna alis nonum el Thenonulla.

Psychologidipis calSeugiam Society of et Ireland iliquis (PSI) will host the day alis nonsequ pismolaround the country, ortio dit iustrud digna with twodigna venues in faciduis dolore Dublin hosting the dolortie veliquat. talks – at the Dublin Business School (DBS) on Aungier Street, and the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT).

The talks at DBS will run from 2pm to 5pm, while the talks at IADT will run from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

The aim of Psychology Matters Day is to promote psychology by making it accessible at a public level. The talks at DBS and IADT will focus on a wide range of topics such as parenting, romantic relationships, anxiety, and suicide prevention.

All members of the public are welcome to attend, and as this is a drop-in event, no booking is required. For further information, see www.psychologicalsociety.ie.

Fasdfdasf fds adasf dfsa

CAMPAIGN | DUB IS USING FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Stephen’s on a mission to make our fair city more disabled-friendly  SYLVIA POWNALL DUBLINER Stephen Cluskey is leading a campaign calling for better access for those with disabilities.

The 32-year-old from Swords, who was paralysed in a freak accident at the age of 18, is the driving force behind the One Simple Change initiative.

The campaign calls on communities to take simple steps to create a more inclusive society for those with higher access needs.

Wheelchair user Stephen – the creator of the award-winning Mobility Mojo – hopes that by sharing his story he can encourage schools, councils, businesses and taxi drivers to get on board.

Stephen was a happy and healthy 18-year-old due to start his Leaving Cert year at Belvedere College when he fell off a bale of hay and broke his neck – and his life changed forever.

Instead of completing his schooling, he ended up in the Mater Hospital and

then spent a year and two months at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

Reliving the horror of the accident on August 4, 2002, he said: “As I was sitting there, all of a sudden I felt it [the bale] begin to move. I looked back and one of my friends was pushing it.

“I tried to keep my balance, next minute I fell.

This was my Indiana Jones moment when I was trying to get out of the way of the big, rolling boulder.

“Unfortunately, this wasn’t a movie and I wasn’t as lucky as Indy, so as I went to quickly get out of the way I lifted my head and the rolling bale caught the back of my head pushing it forward and I heard a crack.

“Everything in my body went dead in an instant.

Next, I heard a bit of commotion. I asked one of my friends to lift my arm and I saw this limp, lifeless hand appear in front of my face – a hand I should have recognised as my own but didn’t.

Stephen Cluskey with former Irish soccer international Kevin Kilbane. Picture: Paul Sherwood

“When he let, go my arm dropped to the ground with a thud, and I knew something serious had happened.

“I was taken to the Mater Hospital and after what seemed like an endless amount of scans and x-rays, the doctor came in to give me the news that I

had broken my neck and I was paralysed.”

Stephen adapted to his new life as best he could and has been lobbying for accessible taxis since 2012 after being stranded until 6am on a night out with pals in Dublin city centre because no taxi could take his wheelchair.

He told The Gazette: “Just 6% of our taxi fleet is wheelchair-accessible compared to 80% in the UK. We are making good progress, but it is going to take time.

“Barriers in our physical environment can be more disabling than the disability itself but small changes

have the power to make a world of difference to people dealing with mobility, visual, hearing and cognitive challenges.

“Imagine trying to meet friends for dinner but there isn’t enough space between the tables for you to navigate your wheelchair around. Imagine trying to decide what you’ll order if you can’t see the menu.

“Things that many people take for granted as being simple can become major barriers for people with higher access needs, so small changes can make a huge difference.”

Stephen appeared on RTE’s Late Late Show earlier this month after setting Kathryn Thomas and Kevin Kilbane a unique challenge to navigate the city in a wheelchair – with interesting results.

He is now urging people to visit www.challengeaccess.ie for ideas and practical tips on how to improve accessibility for the 600,000 people – 13% of the population – living with a disability.

Get a big insight into plans for Lidl store  AISLING KENNEDY

LIDL Ireland is due to submit a planning application for the development of a Lidl store at the Shankill Shopping Centre in the coming weeks.

Lidl will host an information evening on Monday, April 24 from 5 to 7pm at Shanganagh Park House, Rathsallagh Avenue, Shankill to provide local residents with more

information about plans for the store.

On the night, Lidl’s design team will share their proposals for the site and it is open for anyone to attend to find out more information.

Cllr Denis O’Callaghan (Lab) told The Gazette that he was happy that Lidl have confirmed their in-tention to lodge a planning application for a retail store in the

Shankill Shopping Centre (right).

He said: “The loss of the shopping centre some years ago was a devastating blow for local resi-dents, especially the elderly. I believe that this announcement by Lidl will be welcomed by the local community.”

Cllr O’Callaghan said that over the years he has made representations to get the shopping centre

open again as not only did it provide shopping facilities, but it was also a focal point for people to meet and converse.

He added: “While I understand the initial

application will be for a store, Lidl have confirmed to me that at the information evening next week they will launch their master plan for the entire site.

“I welcome the fact they are engaging and consulting with the community regarding this venture and I look forward to viewing the overall plan.”

10 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

Out and About Pictures: Andres Poveda

 EMMA NOLAN SORROW, escape, starvation; Dublin’s hottest new attraction is a unique bus tour that takes passengers on a journey through Ireland’s darkest hour.

On board the Perseverance: Fleeing the Famine, passengers are invited to journey through Ireland in the famine years as actors weave together a moving and enlightening journey through Ireland’s darkest hour on board a custom designed bus.

The Perseverance bus has been entirely transformed into a famine ship, thrusting the audience on deck and back in time to encounter the stories of those that fled The Great Hunger.

The actual Perseverance was amongst the first of hundreds of ships to set sail from Ireland carrying the sick and starving people of the nation.

Using journals, letters, newspaper reports, government speeches, poems, songs and survivors’ stories, Hidden Dublin Tours have expertly crafted a truly unique experience.

Aboard passengers will discover the impact of British rule and the horrors of starvation and pestilence and uncover the voyages overseas, the thrilling rescues and tragic ends.

Listen to songs of sorrow and escape and witness the resilience of the Irish spirit.

The Perserverance; Fleeing the Famine is the fourth interactive bus tour from Hidden Dublin Tours.

The award-winning company bring to life the hidden histories of Ireland’s past through unique and exciting theatrical performances by professional actors on board custom designed tour buses.

The new tour is now available to the public and runs daily at 11.15am and 2,15pm from College Green, Dublin 2. For more information visit www.fleeingthefamine.ie.

Traveling through our darkest hour Actors Siofra O’Meara and Andy Gallagher

Creators Shane Whisker and Eilis O’Donnell

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 11

Live life

to the max

THE Dublin Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Mick is a threeyear-old Spaniel who has recently had one of his back legs amputated. Poor Mick had an old fracture that hadn’t been treated and his leg had set incorrectly, causing him trouble to use his leg properly and bear weight on it.

He is doing really well post surgery, but we would absolutely love to get him his forever home to convalesce in. He will need an adult-only home, where he will be the only pet initially. Any potential adopter would need to live close enough to the centre and have their own transport, as Mick will need regular check ups until he is fully healed. Mick LOVES cuddles and fuss, so the person/family must be OK with providing lots and lots of these and generally spoiling this handsome tripaw to bits!

If you think you could help Mick recover from his surgery and enjoy life to the max on three legs, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

LIKE MICK





! y eyes into m E a Look V ld LO I wou ever furrr !

HOME

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS Chopped’s MD and co-founder, Brian Lee

Salad bar chain Chopped serves up 300 new jobs with ambitious expansion MORE than 300 new jobs are to be created thanks to the expansion of salad bar Chopped.

Brian Lee, co-founder and managing director of Chopped, announced the creation of 320 new jobs with 20 new stores are set to open across the country this year.

These stores will be joined by six new Chopped stores in the UK – the chain’s first outlets outside Ireland – with the creation of 110 jobs to service the new outlets and manage the international roll-out of the brand.

The new outlets will join existing Chopped locations in Dublin, Kildare and Galway. Chopped recently opened new sites in Talbot Street, UCD, and in Galway. Chopped outlets are also opening this year in counties Wicklow, Cork and Waterford, alongside continued expansion in Dublin.

Lee said: “Last year we set a target of increasing our staff numbers by 100 people and we exceeded that expectation by increasing our employees by 140 in 2016.

“Our staff are what makes Chopped the success it has become and we are looking forward to seeing our family grow as we expand across Ireland and beyond.”

Get to grips with tech

PICTURED taking part at the recent Bank of Ireland “Digital Arrows” session in Stillorgan library are David McCabe and Rachel Foster from Bank of Ireland, with Eileen Somerville. The event was one of many Bank of Ireland Digital Arrows events that ran during Get Online Week 2017.

Bank of Ireland has a dedicated team of Digital Arrows providing training around the country to help educate people around technology, introduce them to social media, assist in setting up an email account, and demonstrate how to bank online safely and securely.

The European-wide Get Online Week was an annual digital empowerment campaign to engage with and encourage people to use technology and the internet with confidence.

Joan Rock, Irish Life Assurance (Large Employer winners); Andrew Hayes, Helsinn birex Pharmaceuticals (Medium-Sized Employer winner) and Nicole Quinn, MCI (Small Employer winner) at the FDI National Workplace Wellbeing Day Awards 2017. Picture: Naoise Culhane

Approach to workers’ wellbeing wins awards

THREE Dublin companies have won awards for the National Workplace Wellbeing Day Awards this year.

Irish Life Assurance was named Ireland’s Best Large employer, while Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals took the honours in the Medium Size category.

The award for Best Small Company went to MCI (formerly Ovation Group), a Dublin destination management com-

pany.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Dublin, Dermot Doherty, manager, FDI Health Strategy said: “Today, more employees have access to health and wellbeing initiatives within the workplace than ever before.

“We hope that these award-winning companies will inspire an even greater number of employers to do more in this area by adopting a collabora-

tive approach to employee wellbeing.

“Our recent study showed that only a quarter of Ireland’s workforce takes the recommended level of exercise and that most employees believe that a healthier diet and more exercise in the workplace are likely to provide greater energy and wellbeing.

“This, in return, raises team moral, the overall culture of organisations

and leads to higher productivity.”

Alan Quinlan, principal, Mercer Health and Wellness (award sponsors) said: “Ultimately, it’s not about spending more – it’s about targeting spend to have a bigger impact across the general population.

“Organisations that get this right actually make savings on benefits and reduce the costs associated with managing work-

place health.”

The judges for the awards included John Treacy, chief executive, Irish Sports Council; Mar y Connaughton, director, CIPD Ireland; and Alan Quinlan, principal, Mercer Health and Wellness.

They commended the winners for their fresh and holistic approach to wellbeing and their seamless integration of it into the workplace.

Nestle Ireland appoints new country business manager NESTLE has appointed Andrew Shaw as the new country business manager for Ireland.

Andrew assumes responsibility for Nestle Ireland’s operations and its wide portfolio of products across the confectionery, beverage, food and pet care categories.

He will lead the company in Ireland as it continues to expand its presence and deliver growth across its categories.

Andrew has more than 20 years of international experience in the

FMCG sector. He has held a variety of supply chain management and leadership roles in Nestle UK & Ireland, and Nestle Switzerland.

His most recent role was as head of demand and supply planning for Nestle UK & Ireland.

Andrew has worked across many Nestle UK & Ireland categories, including pet care, confectionery, culinary, ice-cream and beverages.

He said: “I look forward to working closely with our dedicated team based in Citywest to drive further

growth across our multiple categories whilst bringing our iconic brands to new levels of customer and consumer engagement.

“It is a particularly exciting time to lead the business too, where we are announcing some significant market-leading research and development innovations to reduce sugar across our confectionery portfolio.”

Andrew is a graduate of Northumbria University where he obtained a Business Studies degree.

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 13

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

TRAVEL: MARVELOUS MADRID P24



GAZETTE

CINEMA: A MESMERISING MAIDEN P24

MOTORING: AMOUR FOR THE AMAROK P20

MUSIC: THE MECHANICS OF BUILDING A FESTIVAL

Helmet

Mike Skinner

BARE

In The Woods: “It’s a slow burner”

BARE in the Woods organiser, Peter Dunne offers a notably different line-up such as former The Streets frontman, Mike Skinner, rapper and spoken word artist, Akala, House of Pain and The Rubber Bandits

- James Hendicott talks to Peter Dunne about converting punters and agents to a startup festival.

See Pages 16-17

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14 GAZETTE 20 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

ARTS: LITERARY STARS AND CULTURE VULTURES GET SET TO FLOCK TO DUBLIN

Festival to celebrate the city's write good arts stars DUBLIN is getting ready to celebrate its historic and contemporary connection with literature by welcoming some of the biggest stars from the literary stage this May as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFDublin), which runs from May 20 to 29.

Celebrating words, language, literature and reading of all genres, ILFDublin will feature more than 60 events, with everything from readings, discussions and interviews to debates, workshops, masterclasses and performances to enjoy.

Renowned for bringing the big names to Dublin, this year’s festival features a stellar line-up of writers, including Susie Orbach, Patrick McCabe, Ruby Wax, Elizabeth Strout, Colm Toibin, Lisa McInerney, Richard Dawkins,

Sally Rooney, Will Self, Madeleine Thien, Dusan Sarotar, Raja Shehadeh, Bettany Hughes, Dorit Rabinyan and Richard Ford.

M e a nw h i l e , p o e t s Michael Longley, Leontia Flynn, Kerrie O’Brien, Paula Meehan and Peter Wawerzinek will be featured, along with journalists Patrick Cockburn and Mary Fitzgerald.

Filmmaker Xiaolu Guo, historian Avi Shlaim and economist and former Greek Minister for Finance Yanis Varoufakis will also be here.

Tickets will be available from ilfdublin.com.

CALL TO CREATE THE PERFECT GIFT CARD THE search for Dublin’s up-and-coming creatives is on as One4all has launched its annual Design A Gift Card com-

petition, with its fifth run once again giving artists across the country the opportunity to get national exposure for their designs.

The winning design will be turned into a gift card and sold in An Post outlets nationwide and online in 2018. Budding artists, illustrators and designers are invited to design a unique gift card and carrier inspired by the theme: Happiness.

The 2017 judging panel consists some of Ireland’s best-loved creatives, including internationally acclaimed fashion designer, artist and printmaker Helen Steele, and esteemed street artist and art teacher Joe Caslin, who has drawn attention for his thought-provoking murals around Irealand including Cladagh Embrace (the same-sex

Water story! Author Dave Rudden reaches a dramatic part of The Little Raindrop as Jasmine Tessier, Grace Kavanagh and James Keane look on at the Little Ship Street steps, with the group playing their part to help promote the upcoming International Literature Festival Dublin 2017. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

marriage mural which appeared on a George’s Street gable in the heart of the city).

Rounding off the judging panel for this year’s competition are Jerry Kelly, chief executive of Tweak.com, and Aoife Davey, group marketing manager at One4all.

Not only will the winner see their gift card design sold through One4all’s retail network, but they will also receive a MacBook Pro – an essential tool for any budding creative.

The closing date for entries is May 11, with further information and specific guidelines at www.one4all.ie/design.

HELP CLEAN UP OUR WONDERFUL CANALS CANALS Action Day is back this April and volunteers are needed to help with the clean-up on Saturday, April 22, from 10.45am to 1pm all along the banks of the Royal and Grand Canals.

Dublin City Canals Group invite volunteers of all ages to help clean up these two iconic Dublin canals, with starting points at Leeson Street Bridge, Spencer Dock, North Strand, Ashtown, Castleknock, Cross Guns Bridge, Grand Canal Basin, Sally’s Bridge or Bulfin Estates Resident’s Hall.

All equipment is provided – just bring yourself

and your energy!

The day is supported

by Dublin City Council, The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and Waterways Ireland, together with local community groups and small local businesses, and has been organised in tandem with An Taisce’s National Spring Clean.

For further information, see Dublin Canals Action Day's Facebook page.

'WAKE UP' AND HELP SUPPORT PIETA HOUSE THE PEOPLE of Dublin are being urged to “wake up” and support Pieta House for this year’s Darkness Into Light events.

Last week, Electric

Ireland launched The National Wake-Up Call – a rallying cry to the people of Ireland to wake up to the critical issue of suicide and self-harm in Ireland.

Almost 500 people died by suicide in Ireland last year, so the public are being urged to support Pieta House to raise vital funds for suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and self-harm.

Wake up and walk from Darkness Into Light this May 6 at 4.15am. Dublin events are taking place in Malahide Castle, Marlay Park, Phoenix Park, Ringsend Park, Skerries and Tymon Park.

You can register at www.darknessintolight.ie.

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DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

Calling all Superheroes SPECIAL OLYMPICS IRELAND: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPORTING BODY'S ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY  REBECCA WESTON

capital in 2018, meaning most of the organisation’s current activity is focused on Regional Advancement.

Motor Activities Training Programme Regionals took place at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena recently, with all areas of Dublin represented.

Among the athletes were Matthew McHugh from Ballymun, Matthew Kinsella (right) from Perrystown and Gerard Hegarty, who is based in Stewart’s Care in Palmerstown.

Easte r n

Regional Director Liz Callery explained the importance of sport in SPECIAL Olympics Ireland are callthe lives of people with intellectual ing on Dublin's big-hearted heroes disabilities in Dublin. to help transform lives through sport She said: “Special Olympics by volunteering for their annual ColIreland is first and foremost a lection Day on Friday May 5th. sports organisation for people This year’s theme is ‘Currently with an intellectual disability, Seeking Superheroes’ with the goal but it provides athletes with far of recruiting volunteers to help on more than the physical benefits the day and inspiring the wider comof sport. munity to give what they can.

"Every day we see athletes The Special Olympics Ireland demonstrate courage, experience Games return to t h e joy and share long lasting friendships.”

Athletes from as young as six can train in a chosen sport and ultimately improve their quality of life.

Athletes’ families build an invaluable network of friendship and support, but money raised through the annual Collection Day is critical to the future of the programme. This year’s goal is to raise €650,000 on May 5th.

“We need 1,000 people to help in Dublin alone,” said Callery.

“If that many volunteers can spare a couple of hours to rattle a bucket at one of the junctions we’ll be based at, we’ll be a long way to meeting our target. Collection Day is the only day in the year where a call is issued for every community to support Special Olympics Ireland at the same time. There will be lots of coffee mornings, bag packs and fun events to get involved in too.”

Clockwise from left: Volunteer Kim O'Lane with Mohamed Sahid from Stewart's Special Olympics Collection Care, volunteer Lauren Murphy Kelly and athlete Gerard Hegarty. Below: Day is once again proudly supAthlete Matthew McHugh (centre) with his SNA and volunteer Danny and ported by eir. Open eir Wholesale Special Olympics Eastern Regional Director Liz Callery. Pictures: Ross O'Donoghue Managing Director Carolan Lennon says every cent counts.

“Special Olympics really does transform lives through sport, but it’s not possible without Collection Day,” she said. “It starts with recruiting volunteers to lend a hand on May 5th and eir employees will be among the thousands who will play their part in towns, cities and villages across Ireland.”

People looking to volunteer can register their interest at www. specialolympics.ie/collectionday Anyone who is unable to volunteer is asked to give what they can on the day or make a donation online.

Special Olympics Eastern Regional Director Liz Callery with athlete Matthew Kinsella and volunteer Karen Conlon from Cheeverstown House

WIN

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Fitzwilton Hotel is the finest boutique 4 star Failte Ireland-approved hotel in Waterford city.

All 90 rooms have recently been refurbished.

The city centre is a mere 5 minute stroll and the hotel is located just two minutes from the bus & train station.

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For the adventurous out there, the stunning Waterford Greenway starts beside our hotel and is ideal for walk, running and cycling.

WEB: FitzwiltonHotel.ie PHONE: 051-846900

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

Just Words

Rathmines arts venue MART introduce the fourth edition of their poetry night, a free event in the gallery featuring Raven, Adriana Ribeiro, Roisin Jenkinson and Kevin Dwan. April 26.

Record Store Day

A music lover’s and vinyl collector’s Christmas, Record Store Day takes over Dublin’s independent music retailers with dozens of live shows and unique musical releases. April 22.

Hanging On A Thread

Immersive debut exhibition from Aoife Banks takes a critical look at ‘fast fashion’ using sculptured textiles and audiovisual presentation. Launching at the In-Spire Galerie in Gardiner St on April 20, running until the 23rd.

Therapy?

Noisy Northern Irish metallers Therapy? tone things down for their latest tour, with a series of rare acoustic gigs. Drawing on a quarter of a century’s material, the quieter outings will be a chance to check out the strength of their songwriting. April 25, Whelan’s.

Dublin Canal’s Action Day

The canal clean up and biodiversity crew hold a special edition of their monthly meeting around Dolphin’s Barn, with a memorial action day for recently passed former member Don. April 22.

Private Lives

Noel Coward’s bittersweet love story continues its popular run at the Gate Theatre this week, with the curtain having risen in late March. Tickets are flying out, with the marriagebased plot on stage almost every evening until June 24.

Sumo Run Ireland

Marlay Park’s Sumo Run is a knowingly ridiculous event that will see thousands of fat-suit-wearing fools charge spend their Sunday afternoon bouncing across 5km of the park in aid of Purple House Cancer Support. April 23.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Mark Haddon’s fantastic novel - a strange investigative plot narrated by a gifted and probably autistic child - briefly comes to an Irish stage. April 25 to 29, Grand Canal Theatre.

New album of the week: Maximo Park - Risk To Exist.

Northern English rockers who rose with the Arctic Monkeys return with their sixth album, a blunt assault on the state of the world todayasdfasdfasddf

Maximo Park - Risk to Exist

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 17

BARE  JAMES HENDICOTT

MUSIC festivals, it’s fair to say, are on something of a relentless rise. Combining a weekend of hedonism with the opportunity to see musicians that would cost far more to see individually, the events present a risky but potentially rewarding opportunity for businessmen.

With the country’s biggest festival Electric Picnic selling out before even announcing a lineup this year, newcomers have been consistently sticking their head above the parapet – alongside BARE, festivals like Live On Air and BD Festival are nudging into the scene. BARE in the Woods, a growing event in Garryhinch Woods, Portarlington, is perhaps the most successful newcomer.

“We launched in 2014 with a single day ‘taster’”, organiser Peter Dunne told us. “It was really just getting people to buy into the concept, but it was also great experience for us. It’s been a slow burner, but I worked a lot on the other side of things, as a band manager, and so I understand what it’s like. It’s a slow process building trust with the acts [it’s worth noting that a couple of new Irish festivals have shut down in recent years, often without paying the performers], we just make sure we send them home happy. Now we have a lot of acts emailing us asking if they can come back again.”

“For me, it’s like seeing the festival experience from the other side of the fence. There’s a lot of correspondence, and you really have to pull together,” he says of the process. “I’ve learnt a few tricks, and we’ve brought a lot of experienced heads into our top team. We’ve been using a system called Mobstar [a musical talent platform], which has made it far easier to pick acts we’re interested in for the festival.”

BARE In The Woods’ line up is notably different to much of what’s going on in Ireland over the summer: some of the acts come straight out of leftfield (like sharp, political deep-thinking rapper and spoken word artist Akala, or former frontman with The Streets Mike Skinner), while others - like Canadian pop starlet Kiesza - are playing playing rare Irish dates.

MUSIC

IN THE WOODS:

Festival

Building a

From Scratch

Dunne thinks it’s important to keep the festival diverse, and books accordingly. “We tried to go for non-everyday acts,” he explains. “We’re up against a lot of big players when it comes to booking, and we’re doing the same with the site. We’re going to have access to the woods, which means the festival will spill into them, and punters can explore the woods as well as the music. Then we’ll be adding in other elements, the things that keep people coming back.”

“This year, that means bringing in things like a tech element. We’ll have a gaming area, for example. It’ll be family friendly. There’s also going to be American wrestlers, lots of different art forms, an artisan food village, and lots of comedy. We’ve made a real effort with the spoken word stuff, too.”

The progression over recent years - from one day festival featuring almost exclusively local Irish acts to three day bonanza layered with international diversity - is a promising sign.

And once it’s all done? There’s only one way Peter can unwind. “I think I’ll have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for about a month, so I’ll be taking some time off” he tells us, “but then I’ll be heading off to a few festivals around Europe as a punter, and to see what they’re up to.” Of course he will.

BARE In The Woods takes place in Portarlington, county Laois on June 9, 10 and 11. The line up features Kiesza, House Of Pain, Right Said Fred, Mike Skinner, Helmet, Rubberbandits and Ham Sandwich.

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House of Pain

Akala

BARE in the Woods organiser, Peter Dunne

The Rubber Bandits

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DUBLINLIFE

STYLE  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

I’M A big believer in the summer mantra: “You can never have enough pairs of sunglasses”.

From getting sat on to left behind or even being misplaced, High Street sunglasses are a godsend for the person on a budget.

While it would be nice to splash out on an expensive designer pair, chances are that many of us don’t quite have €200plus for sunnies.

We need to know more about the workers who

Style Editor

DO YOU know where your clothes come from?

Well, it’s time to start asking questions.

Fashion Revolution Week is coming to Dublin and organisers are urging fashion lovers to understand the true cost of the industry.

Now a global movement, a week-long series of events runs from April 24 to 30, including film screenings, pop-up shops, vintage clothing walking tours, street art exhibitions, clothing swaps, podcasts and more, all to inspire action to solve the problems the fashion industry is causing.

The week’s arrival in Ireland coincides with the anniversary of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh, which killed 1,138 people and injured 2,000 others in April, 2013.

In Bangladesh, garment workers earn just €49.56 per month, which is less than is calculated

as the basic living wage there. With almost 80% of the workforce in this industry being young women and living in poverty, it’s time for change.

To raise awareness and start a conversation, organisers around the country are calling on fashion lovers to join fellow organisations across the world in asking leading fashion brands #whomademyclothes across social media.

Events in Dublin include the #whomademyclothes designer show and tell at the Fumbally Exchange on April 24, and a Haulternative Walking Tour with Amelia Eclectique of La Femme Eclectique and Om Diva.

A mending workshop with Liadain Aiken Knitwear is also set to take place, along with a screening of TanaBana at the Fumbally Exchange.

For further information and events details, see Fashion Revolution Week’s Facebook page.

k

spectacle-ular €9

 EMMA NOLAN

L Look

Time to ask – and care – about who made your clothes, says new campaign

New

literally make such great clothes. Picture: Alex Sheridan

Besides, with such a great, affordable selection of glasses available, who cares?

You’ll probably just end up sitting on them anyway…

Here’re a few affordable and super-stylish options available in Dublin right now.

You can even treat yourself to two or three pairs if you feel like it (thanks, Penneys)!

And always remember to bring backup pairs on holidays or to festivals where your sunnies will inevitably end up lost or broken.

Ultimately, if you go ahead and wear any of these beauties below, I promise you’ll...

Topshop €25

Next €12

River Island €17

Next €12

3 eys € Penn

Penneys €3

ce Ac

ss

ze ori

€16

ize

Acc

or ess

€16

M50MOTORING The Dublin Gazette drives you through the motoring world on a tour of the latest models, technology & industry news

Windsor Motor Group expands to Long Mile Road IRELAND’S largest retail motor group, the Windsor Motor Group, is expanding and creating 20 new jobs with the opening of its fifteenth dealership nationwide. The new jobs in sales, service and repair were announced with the opening of the new Windsor Long Mile Nissan dealership in Dublin.

Windsor Motor Group, which has an annual turnover of €200 million, now employs over 300 people at its dealerships in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Galway. The motor group represents Nissan, Opel, Peugeot and Mazda and sells over 9,000 new and used vehicles in addition to servicing and repairing 25,000 vehicles a year, making it the market leading brand.

The company has also announced the appointment of Peter Nicholson as its new managing director.

Peter Nicholson joined Windsor Motor Group in 1992 and has previously held roles as group finance and



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20 April 2017 GAZETTE 19

Renault-Nissan welcomes EV competition RENAULT-NISSAN, the pioneer of electric cars, claims that mainstream acceptance of electric vehicles (EV’s) is reaching a tipping point as electric car get more range from a full charge. Renault-Nissan has welcomed increasing competition from rivals such as Volkswagen and Opel enter into the market.

Renault’s original target of selling 1.5 million zero-emissions vehicles by 2016 will

not be met, and the company claims that it will take an additional four or five years for sales to get to that level. Last year, the group reported global EV sales of 94,265.

Opel will soon be launching the AmperaE hatchback with claims of a 500km range, beating the 400km top range of Renault’s and Europe’s top-selling EV, the Zoe. The Volkswagen Group plans to bring purposebuilt EVs to market, including the new

Golf-e. In a few years, Volkswagen, Skoda and Seat will be introducing volume EVs underpinned by the company’s dedicated MEB modular architecture for electric vehicles.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance sees the light-commercial vehicle market was a natural fit for EVs. Renault will launch a Kangoo Z.E van, followed by the Master Z.E. heavy van toward the end of the year.

Trio winners of Irish Van of the Year 2017

insurance director and dealer principal at Windsor Airside Nissan.

“The new Windsor Long Mile Nissan dealership is a key part of our strategic plan to expand nationwide and to lead the way in delivering a modern motor sales and aftersales customer focused experience,” said Peter Nicholson, managing director of Windsor Motor Group.

“Our state-of-the-art showrooms put technology at the heart of the retail experience, presenting a modern, spacious, open and friendly environment where customers are better informed and empowered to make the right vehicle choice,” he added.

Newly-appointed managing director of Windsor Motor Group, Peter Nicholson (right) pictured with company brand ambassador and Leinster and Irish rugby player Jack McGrath

THE new-generation Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace have been crowned Irish Van of the Year 2017. The award was voted upon by a jury of Ireland’s most experienced van journalists, in association with Continental Tyres.

This range of vans build by the PSA Citroen Peugeot Group in France is a complete re-design from the previous models, with new comfort levels, more flexible options than ever before. All feature more fuel efficient diesel engines matched to new gearboxes.

Launched last year, these new vans are among the first vehicles of its type to offer hands-free sliding side doors and a head-up display, as well as numerous other technologies that make working lives easier and safer. The new vans exude a robust and attractive character. Carrying loads from 1000kg up to 1400kg, it is pre-

The Citroën Dispatch / Peugeot Expert / Toyota Proace Van, a joint collaboration of the three companies has been voted Irish Van of the Year 2017 in association with Continental Tyres. Pictured at the presentation of the award were (l to r): Ian Corbett, Toyota Ireland, Chris Graham, Citroen Ireland, Des Cannon, Peugeot Ireland and Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor Continental Tyres.

sented with a reduced height of 1.90m, in three lengths and in a range of trim levels. Built on the PSA Group’s new modular EMP2 platform, it is powered by the highly efficient 1.6 95bhp / 115bhp and 2.0 BlueHDi 120bhp Euro6 diesel engines. Available in panel van and special order crew cab or platform cab variants, it has the highest safety level in its category, achieving a five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests.

Want to reach an audience in excess of 300,000 people in Dublin each week?

To advertise in our new Motoring section, contact sales@dublingazette.com or call

01 601 0240

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M50MOTORING

Amour for Amarok THE MARKET for 4x4 pick-ups has become a fashionable one, as the wide range of accessories for these otherwise functional machines, adds a deal of spice to their appearance. For those who make the 4x4 pickup choice for reasons of business or image, the engine performance is one of the key features.

What’s the point of looking muscular if there’s little pace and stamina to back it up?

Volkswagen has set the bar higher in power terms in the 4x4 pick-up market with the launch last year of the Amarok V6 version. In one fell swoop Volkswagen has leap frogged the competition by using an engine version that had been proven in the large Touareg SUV. Pick-up drivers were a little apprehensive about the power claims of the previous Amarok. Getting 180bhp from a 2.0litre turbo-diesel engine seemed to be at the heart of their concerns. That’s no longer an issue with the big 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel version that pumps out 204bhp and is now the sole six-cylinder engine option in the 4x4 pick-up market.

The extra power is smooth in terms of delivery and adds more muscle where it’s needed. This new Amarok has faster acceleration, more towing power and a higher payload capacity than the previous model. That means that this new V6 Amarok is now ready to challenge the market leaders, Ford’s Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Out on the road the V6 engine power and 550Nm of torque is palpable as its flows through the eight speed automatic gearbox.

Manual gearboxes will be the exception in the new Amarok as Volkswagen

FASTNews New breakdown service ‘easyAssist’ is launched THE company behind, easytrip, Ireland’s only electronic parking and tolling tag provider, has launched a new breakdown assistance service in Ireland called easyAssist.

The new breakdown recovery and assistance service is available from €3.99 per month.

Recent easytrip research revealed that three out of five motorists don’t have breakdown cover for their vehicle and often rely on their vehicle insurance policy to cover

The new and more powerful Volkswagen Amarok 4x4 pickup has bigger engine and some fresh external and internal styling. This is a big machine with a powerful performance and an entry price for the 204bhp version of €47,670 incl. VAT.

it. They claim that as motor insurance premiums have increased by over 70% since 2013,

Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 SPECIFICATIONS

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

will claim that this more powerful engine will deliver at its best through the automatic gearbox.

The Amarok comes with a fuel economy rating of 14.3km/litre

3.0 litre 204hp 11.7 seconds 14.3km/litre (7.8l/100km or 36mpg) 80 litres 203g/km Commercial €333 20,000km/12 months 4 stars 2010 3500kgs 3 years (200,000km) €47,670 £32,493

(7.8l/100km or 36mpg), which is marginally better than the previous smaller engine version. My test result was about 10% lower and that alone was an impressive real world

Modern day 4x4 pick-ups have become fashionable due to the range of smart styling accessories, but as Michael Moroney found out, it’s really raw power that drivers are looking for when it comes to their choice of real on and off-the-road 4x4 status. driving margin difference.

In the 4x4 pick-up market I pitched the fuel economy performance of the new V6 Amarok against equivalent 4x4 pick-up vehicles at the top end of the power game.

While the Amarok is an improvement it’s still significantly less powerful than the Nissan Navara.

The smooth flow of engine power is noticeable and the strength behind the acceleration is clear. Volkswagen did not provide a towbar on the Amarok, so that towing test with a claim of 3.5 tonnes with a braked trailer, was not put to the test.

That towing rating puts the new Amarok at the top of the class along with the new Nissan Navara.

I was very impressed with the Amarok V6 in terms of power; it was comfortable on the highways where its rear leaf springs were not too noticeable. On smaller rural roads the ride was less comfortable and the bump more noticeable and here is the place to ease off on the pedal power.

The Amarok is wider than the competition and it feels so on those smaller rural roads. It is shorter however and its load area is not the longest, if load carrying ability is high on your agenda. The ground clearance is also lower than the competition while if you are brave enough to face a water crossing, there is a 500mm

wading depth ability.

The Amarok comes with some options around the 4x4 system. You can choose from a selectable (with manual gearbox) and permanent (with auto) 4MOTION fourwheel drive. An optional mechanical rear-axle differential lock is also available for demanding offroad use.

Entry prices for this engine grade start at €47,670, which means that the Amarok is one of the more expensive 4x4 pickups on the market. Can that premium be justified?

The sales figures don’t seem to indicate so, as Amarok shares joint fifth place in the market for the first three months of 2017 with the Isuzu D-Max.

many insurers have also reduced benefits on motor policies, with some not covering breakdown assistance at all.

The company has joined with nationwide breakdown assistance and recovery specialists, easyAssist to offer motorists with cars and small vans, assistance from trained professionals who claim to resolve 80% of breakdowns on the spot.

The easyAssist service from easytrip provides customers with assistance on all major breakdown scenarios nationwide including: battery charge; punctures; refuelling; wheel change; home start assist; and continuation of journey.

Colin Delaney, CEO of easytrip Ireland

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 21

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M50MOTORING

Pricing for new A5 cabriolet announced AHEAD of its launch later this month, Audi Ireland has announced pricing and specification details of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet, which completes the new generation of the A5 family.

The new model claims to be sportier, with an elegant design with a larger interior and more comfort and convenience, including a fully automatic acoustic hood as standard. The car comes with the latest Audi technology, including seat belt microphones, up to thirty different driver assistance systems and Audi virtual cockpit.

With room for four people and a fully automatic soft-top, the redesigned model is kitted out with the latest technology. The entry prices start at €60,730, before delivery charges.

The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is claimed to be the strongest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and lightweight design, compared to its predecessor model,

engineers have increased the car’s torsional rigidity by another 40% and reduced its weight by up to 40 kilograms.

Safety

The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: the top fully opens in 15 seconds and closes in 18 seconds, even while driving up to 50 km/h. The Cabriolet’s additional body struts and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and/or rollover, head and torso airbags and automatically extending aluminium profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet will be offered with a choice of three engines, a petrol 2.0 TFSI with 252bhp, and two diesels, a 2.0 TDI with 190bhp and a 3.0 TDI with 218bhp, each of which offers up to 17% more power while consuming as much as 22% less The Audi A5 Cabriolet is characterised by sleek lines and a flatter, sportier look, including a wider three-dimensional Single frame grille and wave-shaped shoulder line fuel compared with its predecessor.

High-powered Skoda Octavia RS to hit Dublin market in May SKODA has revealed details of the new high powered Octavia RS version, including the new pricing of €34,450 when the car hits the Dublin market in May of this year.

Skoda claims that the new Octavia RS maintains a balance of space and functionality coupled with power and performance.

The will be available as either a hatchback or estate combi version.

The Octavia RS in particular enjoys something of a cult following in Ireland, accounting for almost 10% of Octavia sales. This new third generation Octavia RS comes with a new front grille. New LED headlights replace the Xenon lights and LED technology also powers the rear tail lights.

Compared to the standard Octavia, the RS squats 15mm lower and can be fitted with wheels of up to 19 inches in diameter.

The rear wheels track has been increased by 30mm,

compared to the previous version, for improved road holding and cornering ability. The interior has also been refreshed with new seating and instrument cluster.

The Octavia RS will be powered by the familiar 2.0 TDI, 184bhp diesel engine that consumes just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle. This version can be mated to a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission, while a DSG

4x4 version is also available.

The new Octavia RS enjoys upgraded infotainment systems. The Columbus is the best system available in the Skoda range and boasts a 9.2 inch colour touch screen.

Compared to the previous Octavia the biggest advancements are in the area of connectivity. The Octavia RS model comes as standard with Infotainment online allowing

the driver to access news, weather and parking data.

Care connect is available as an option for the first time in the Octavia and provides emergency call function and remote access to your vehicle via the drivers smart phone.

Through the drivers smartphone they can view their vehicle on a map and also activate the vehicles honk and flash function in order to locate the car in a busy car park for example.

Compared to the previous Skoda Octavia RS models, the biggest advancements in the new 2017 model are in the area of connectivity

20 April 2017 GAZETTE 23

CINEMA

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE ReelReviews

GHOST IN THE SHELL

Not quite a cracking tale SCARLETT Johansson is watchable in just about anything, but even she can’t turn Ghost in The Shell (Cert 15A, 107 mins) anything much more than a visually spectacular but intellectually stupefying mess. Basically playing Roboscarlett (or The Terminatsson), she’s essentially a cyborg cop on the trail of some bad guys in a dazzling future world that’s wired for mayhem.

Like many South Korean films enjoying well-deserved greater international recognition lately, The Handmaiden is a feast for the eyes and the intellect alike

THE HANDMAIDEN: A CULTURAL THRILLER WITH A VERY HUMAN HEART ENCHANTS

BEAUTY & BEAST

A furly pointless remake WHILE looking a little dated around the edges, the original Disney animation is still more charming than Beauty and The Beast (Cert PG, 129 mins). The live-action remake of the classic is okay, but comes off as a little more onedimensional in parts than the source cartoon. With a live-action Mulan remake also on the way, the reboot conveyor belt is in full flow over at the Mouse House.

FAST & FURIOUS 8

Theron the edge of speed SPEAKING (top) of actors who’re very watchable in anything, Mad Max’s flatout star Charlize Theron has another run in with petrolheads, this time in Fast & Furious 8: The Fate of the Furious (Cert 12A, 136 mins). Boy racers and speed junkies will love this latest – and reliably barmy – addition to the evergreen franchise, but other cinemagoers will want to slam into reverse.

A mesmerising Maiden AFTER a brief flirtation with Hollywood (2013’s Stoker), Park Chan-Wook returns to Korea for The Handmaiden (Cert 18, 144 mins), a multi-layered thriller that mesmerises and devastates in equal measures.

While this may be the established director’s first real foray into romance, The Handmaiden comes equipped with all the masterful framing, bleakerthan-bleak humour and brutal violence for which Chan-wook has become beloved and revered.

The Handmaiden is inspired by Welsh author Sarah Water’s novel, Fingersmith, but loosely transplanting its narrative from a Victorian setting to pre-war, Japanese-occupied Korea.

K i m Ta e - r i p l a y s Sook-hee, a young thief employed by a Korean con-man impersonating a

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

Japanese Count, Fujiwara (Ha Jung-woo).

The “Count” plans to seduce and marry a wealthy Japanese woman, Lady Izumi Hideko (Kim Min-hee) and steal her inheritance.

Fujiwara sends Sookhee to live with Hideko, posing as her handmaiden, in the hopes that she will influence the Lady’s opinion of the Count and ease along the marriage.

However, Hideko’s perverted uncle (Cho Jin-woong) – her guardian since the death of her mother, and the more dubious death of her aunt – also has his sights on her

inheritance.

Beneath all this scheming, Sook-hee and Hideko form an intense bond; a deeply intimate relationship entirely foreign to Hideko’s conservative, sheltered upbringing and Sook-hee’s orphaned childhood on the streets.

Chan-wook’s screenplay, however, is woven with myriad levels of narrative intrigue; nothing is as it seems at first encounter.

The Handmaiden’s story is told in three parts, from altered perspectives.

Often, the same incident is repeated from another angle, revealing intricate details that, however small, are integral to the narrative development of this wonderfully compelling thriller.

C h a n - wo o k ’s l e n s is dynamic and lyrical throughout, vacillating between creeping shots

and sweeping movements; expertly composed symmetries and intimately framed closeups.

While it evokes much of Chan-wook’s previous work, The Handmaiden is a distinctly uniquelooking film.

The filmmaker relentlessly seeks out and frames each and every human movement, capturing every gesture with a masterful eye. Much of The Handmaiden is composed of close-ups on hands, fingers and eyes; glances, caresses and intimate touches.

From mild, trivial gestures to the most intense romantic encounter, each human interaction is made significant and sublime by Chan-wook’s intimate framing.

As such, for all its mystery and intrigue, The Handmaiden is a film

about human intimacy captured in a lengthy series of intimate human interactions. With his unique style, Chan-wook renders the fantastical notion of “love at first sight” entirely believable.

It also helps that all this sumptuous photography is focused on beautiful costume and set-design unlike much of anything we get to see on our screens.

The Handmaiden is posed between wars, between countries and cultures. Accordingly, everything on display mixes the aesthetics of East and West: the lush greens of the Korean countryside, the deeps browns of the mansion’s Anglo-centric architecture, and the calming whites of its Japaneseinspired paper-walls.

The result is often otherworldly, and always a

delight to gaze upon.

Each layer of romance and tragedy in The Handmaiden is inflected with Chan-wook’s wry sense of humour and morbid wit – this is often a deeply funny movie.

Even still, there’s a distinct sense of menace throughout, lurking beneath each and every narrative twist. Chanwook’s storytelling is efficient, economic even, and details are only revealed ever so delicately.

Aided by a cast of actors profoundly capable of communicating genuine emotion, Chanwook offers up a deeply human cinematic experience. The Handmaiden is a film that encapsulates everything so incredibly unique about its creator, cementing Chan-wook’s place as a master of modern filmmaking.

Verdict: 10/10

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 April 2017

DUBLINLIFE Marvel at the sights, sounds and tastes of a Spanish city

MADRID: VISIT REGAL PALACES, TEMPTING FOOD MARKETS, TOP-NOTCH

Get sun (or shade) at the Parque de la Arganzuela  JESSICA MAILE

ONE of the best places to enjoy the sun in Madrid is the Parque de la Arganzuela. It is an oasis just 1.5 kilometres from the Puerta del Sol in the centre of Madrid.

 EMMA NOLAN

The park offers, water fountains to relax by, plenty of trees to provide shade should it get too hot, playgrounds and three main water features for the little folk (and you) to splash and play in.

Along one tree-lined path there are tables with checker boards painted on them if you fancy a game while having a little picnic. There are also rowing lanes on the river, bicycle paths, cafes and restaurants and an urban beach is close by, near the old slaughterhouse (Madrid Matadero). So there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

The park also features the Arganzuela Footbridge which was designed to link the neighborhoods on the right and left banks of the Manzanares River. It is for both pedestrians and cyclists and provides direct access to the park below.

PICTURE this – Madrid, late November, Sunday night. A cocktail bar with mirrored shelves bursting with bottles of every kind of gin imaginable.

Marble and mahogany, a large decorative mantle piece; the place is Bar Cock just off Madrid’s Gran Via. The pouring rain is keeping most of the Madridlenos inside.

But a bit of rain isn’t enough to keep this Dubliner inside on her first ever night in the Spanish capital.

Having spent the evening sampling tapas from a number of places in the

Chueca district, guided by a proud local, I’m not ready to go to bed yet.

“Jamon Iberico is the most superior of all meats,” our guide tells us as the first of many plates of the famed cured ham is presented to us earlier in the evening.

A staple for most Castilians, Iberian ham is defined by its rich, earthy taste and must come from black Iberian pigs. The finest jamon comes from free range Iberian pigs who feed on acorns, we’re told.

Next stop is Taberna Angel Sierra (pictured below) for a vermouth and a plate of fresh anchovies and olives. It doesn’t get any more Spanish than

this.

The Chueca district is known as Madrid’s “gayest barrio” and it is lively with a sense of fun about the place.

Many of the bars here stay open late along with a selection of great nightclubs.

The centre of this barrio is Plaza de Chueca, a popular meeting spot for locals. Another popular place here is the Mercardo de San Anton – a space with an art gallery and a bar with a terrace, but it also still has meat and fish stalls that are very typical of Madrid’s many mercardos.

Eat like a local

Many of Madrid’s mar-

 TOPTIP

If you’re taking a day trip outside Madrid, stop by La Rozas Village, the Spanish equivalent to Kildare Village, for some shopping. Brands like Bimba Y Lola, Desigual and Sandro all offer discounted prices on last season’s stock.

Taberna Angel Sierra in the Chueca The Royal Palace of Aranjuez

District

kets include bars and food stalls serving everything from tapas, to Mexican and Asian cuisines, with enthusiastic vendors offering samples and tastes.

Fresh produce can be purchased too and there is always an impressive display of fresh seafood, which earns Madrid the title of the Spanish city that consumes the most fish, despite not being on the coast.

There’s also the historic Mercado de San Miguel, just off the Plaza Mayor which is a little more upmarket. More traditional ones include Mercado de Anton Martin in the Huertas district and Mercado de la Paz in the posh Salamanca neighbourhood.

All worth a visit to soak up the busy atmosphere and eat like a local.

A special mention has to go Platea. We had the most exquisite lunch here. A former cinema in the Plaza Colon, Platea was transformed into a huge market complete with restaurants and bars and reopened in 2014.

The space is spectacular – it retains the shape of the old theatre along with the stage (pictured) which regularly features live

music, performances and cooking demonstrations.

Arriba restaurant is located on the balcony with the best views of the stage and the food is by Michelin star chef Ramón Freixa. Freixa himself describes his Platea restaurant as a “concept where tradition and vanguard are combined”.

We enjoyed traditional cod fritters and croquettes served with a deconstruct-

20 April 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TRAVEL ART MUSEUMS, STUNNING ARCHITECTURE AND AMAZING RESTAURANTS, TO START.....

Platea – the former cinema transformed into a spectacular food market and (inset) dinner at Atico

‘One of the best things about a trip to Madrid is how accessible it is for visiting surrounding areas – Toledo, El Escorial, Avila, Cuenca and Segovia are all just a short distance away’

The iconic Metropolis as seen from the Calle de Alcala

ed patatas bravas to start.

For mains we had Tataki butterfish and a simple but delicious chicken and mustard dish. Platea is a must visit on any trip to Madrid.

Explore

We stayed in the Hotel Catalonia on Gran Via. Superbly located and reasonably priced, (€135 for a one night stay for two in May) this hotel is

a great base for exploring the city, with many great sights, bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance. (And it has a rooftop pool!)

Just down the road from the famous Metropolis building, on Calle de Alcala, you’ll find yourself constantly looking up at the impressive art deco architecture.

“Barcelona can have their Gaudi,” our guide

tells us. “In Madrid, we have Barroco Madrileno.”

It’s true that the city is incredibly stylish and monumental with broad boulevards lined by ornate structures and gardens.

One such example is the stunning El Buen Retiro Park – an expansive 19th century park in the centre of the city with a huge lake, impeccable lawns, and cryprus tree-lined walkways. Not to mention

the marble fountains and statues.

Even though we visited in November it was still beautiful; but it doesn’t compare to summer time when it is a hive of activity.

Within the park is another great restaurant, Florida Retiro. Located inside the park, it is a bright an airy space that felt summery even on a dull November day. We were told that there is an abundance of outdoor seating during warmer months.

Serving elegant Mediterranean cuisine and an interesting selection of tapas, Florida Retiro is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and take in the atmosphere of the glorious park that was once reserved for royalty.

Speaking of beautiful things, Madrid is famous for having some of the best

museums in Europe. The Prado, the Reina Sofía, the Thyssen – the place is an art lover’s paradise.

The Museo ThyssenBornemisza has one of the largest private art collections in the world, with a vast array of different styles and eras.

Works of many big names artists are on display in the Thyssen from Caravaggio to Van Gogh.

There’s a single Rembrandt and Monet and Renoir are also on display. Picasso and Salvador Dali are also featured with some other notable pieces from Hopper and Munch.

A must visit for any trip to Madrid, whether you’re an art lover or not, the space is impressive. A perfect way to spend an afternoon in the Spanish capital.

Dinner that night was

at Atico, another of chef Ramon Frexia’s endeavours. Situated atop the Principal Hotel, the iconic location offers direct views of the Metropolis building.

For dinner we enjoyed a refined version of huevos rotos, or Spanish broken eggs while the main course featured the most delicate piece of salmon I’ve ever tasted. Nearby is an array of cocktail bars that stay open late – try the gin bar in the basement of Mercado de la Reina (the Madrileños know their gin).

One of the best things about a trip to Madrid is how accessible it is for visiting surrounding areas – Toledo, El Escorial, Avila, Cuenca and Segovia are all just a short distance away.

A must visit, however, is Aranjuez. Aranjuez is the capital of the Las Vegas district just south of Madrid.

Known for its Royal Palace (pictured bottom left), the Palacio Real de Aranjuez is a residence of the King of Spain and a designated a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

A guided tour of the palace reveals the decadent interior which was designed during the 18th century with a considerable collection of paintings, statues, furniture, mirrors

and chandeliers.

The Porcelain Room and the Morroccan rooms were highlights and absolutely breathtaking.

Make sure to visit the royal gardens too and take the road train around the beautiful monuments.

Aranjuez is an excellent day trip from Madrid and well worth it but if you decide to stay for a night or two, the NH Collection Aranjuez is an ideal spot, located just a stone’s throw from the palace.

If you do plan to spend a night in the area, take a quick taxi to Real Cortijo de Carlos III – a beautiful winery with a long underground cellar. Here enthusiastic guides will explain their wine making process with a tasting afterwards.

Generally speaking, when Irish people go to Spain, we go in search of beaches, but Madrid and the surrounding region have so much to offer all year round.

Its inhabitants are proud of their captivating city, and rightly so.

FLIGHTS Ryanair fly direct from Dublin for about €28 to €40 midweek. Weekend flights are usually from around €30 to €50.

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 April 2017

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SPORT

FastSport DCU, KUBS AND CELTICS ALL IN IRISH U-16 TEAM: DCU Mercy’s Bronagh Power Cassidy, Maeve O’Seaghdha and Rachel Hijsdens, KUBS’ Ella McCloskey and Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ Sorcha Tiernan have all been included in the Irish Under-18 women’s baskeball team announced by Head Coach, Tommy O’Mahony.

The team has been selected ahead of this year’s FIBA Under-18 women’s European Championship, Division B, which will be hosted in Dublin this August.

The championships will run from August 4 to 13 and will be held in two venues – the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght and the National Indoor Arena, Abbotstown.

Speaking about the news, Coach O’Mahony stated: “It was a very difficult decision to select 12 players to go forward for the team as there is such a depth of young talent here in the country. We have been working hard at training and are really looking forward to the months ahead.”

RUGBY: DUBLIN CLUBS LOOK FORWARD TO PLAYOFFS WITH BIG BOOST ON BOARD

Lansdowne and Clontarf’s semi-final home comforts

sport@dublingazette.com

TABLE toppers Lansdowne and defending champions Clontarf will have home advantage in the Ulster Bank League Division 1A semi-finals after a tumultuous final day in the Ulster Bank League.

Next Sunday’s semi-final clashes will pit Lansdowne against fourth-placed Cork Constitution and Clontarf will host third-ranked Young Munster at Castle Avenue.

Lansdowne finished top of the pile on scoring difference following their 40-17 bonus point dismissal of Garryowen whose top-flight survival rests on the upcoming promotion/ relegation play-offs which include three Division 1B clubs.

The headquarters club were winless in the last four rounds but with Scott Deasy back at out-half, they led from the second minute onwards thanks to flanker Charlie Butterworth’s early try on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch.

Current Ireland Under-20 hooker Tadgh McElroy also touched down as the hosts built a 28-3 lead.

Tries from Ireland Students

Clontarf will face Young Munster at Castle Avenue in their UBL Division 1A semi-final. Picture: Deryck Vincent

international Bailey Faloon and Steven McMahon lifted the Light Blues’ spirits - their second-from-bottom finish means they will host Old Wesley in a play-off semi-final next Sunday.

Lansdowne made sure they had the final say with two closing tries from back-three regulars Daniel McEvoy - the division’s top try scorer with 11 touchdowns - and Eamonn Mills.

Former Ireland Under-20

international Conor O’Brien, who recently returned from injury, bagged two tries in Clontarf’s action-packed 37-28 bonus point win over UCD on their 4G pitch.

The north Dubliners were 21-15 down at half-time, with Josh Murphy, Ciaran Frawley and Andy Marks notching tries for the students who were brimming with confidence after last week’s Colours success.

Tarf got on top in the third

quarter, moving ahead thanks to converted tries from centre O’Brien and out-half David Joyce who also kicked 12 points.

A deserved try for workhorse number 8 Michael Noone, coupled with a Joyce penalty, made it 27 points without reply, before UCD’s Leinster-capped prop Andrew Porter had a late consolation score.

Down at Temple Hill, there were tries aplenty too as Cork Constitution got the better of

St. Mary’s College on a 34-27 scoreline. Backs Ned Hodson and Michael Clune bagged braces for the victors.

Dublin University clawed clear of the relegation zone with a stunning last-minute try from Tim Maupin which saw them overcome Terenure College 27-25 at College Park.

The students, who were bidding to stay up at the end of their first season in Division 1A, won possession back in the final seconds thanks to a big tackle by number 8 Tom Ryan.

The Trinity backs then countered at pace from their own 22, with Colm Hogan and Michael Courtney to the fore, and they put USA international Maupin into space out wide for the game’s decisive score which was coolly converted by U-20 out-half James Fennelly.

Trinity director of rugby Tony Smeeth, whose young side finished sixth in the table, beamed afterwards: “It was just unbelievable.

“I can’t describe it really. I didn’t think we were going to win. That was the try of the year, that last one. You won’t see many tries better than that in College Park.”

Railway trio set for Japan leg of World Sevens series  sport@dublingazette.com

Railway Union sisters Kim and Stacey Flood

R AILWAY Union trio Kim Flood, Stacey Flood and AmeeLeigh Murphy-Crowe are among a quartet of Dubliners – along with Clondalkin woman Hannah Tyrrell – who were named in Anthony Eddy’s HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series squad to play in Kitakyushu 7s next weekend.

It follows their eighth place at the Las Vegas 7s, the second successive tournament in a row that the side to made the quarterFinals.

The new additions to the squad for Kitakyushu are Kim Flood, Louise Galvin, Katie Heffernan and Emma Murphy.

19-year-old Heffernan could be set to make her World Series debut, having won her first senior 7s cap last summer at the Rugby Europe Grand Prix in Malemort.

Ireland will face Fiji in their opening game of Pool B, before meeting Australia and then will finish Day 1 against Brazil.

All three teams will be familiar to one another, having all been drawn into the same pool at the Sydney 7s, where Ireland defeat-

ed both Fiji and Brazil on Day 1.

The Japan leg of the World Series will see Ireland and the Fijians meet for the fourth successive tournament this season – the sides drew in Dubai, Ireland claimed the win in Sydney and Fiji evened the scores as they were victorious in Las Vegas.

Commenting on the squad announcement, Eddy said: “We have an experienced side travelling to Japan next week for the fourth stage of the World Sevens Series.

“We have managed to make the quarter finals in the last two

tournaments, so that will be a target for us again in Japan. Hopefully we can have a productive Day 2 and achieve some really good results.

“The players have worked extremely hard and have shown good improvement all year, so I am sure they are looking forward to the Japan tournament to build on their performances.

“It will be a challenge however, as we face the ever-improving Brazil, Fiji, who we are very familiar with having met them regularly throughout the series and Australia,”

20 April 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

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FASTSport

Harte at the heart of Wesley promotion bid

Donnybrook side claim last Ulster Bank League Division 1A promotion playoff place with narrow win over UCC in home turf, earning their fourth during the 1B regular campaign UBL DIVISION 1B

Dubliners abound in basketball All-Stars DUBLINERS abounded in the Basketball Ireland’s National League All Stars named this week with the Player of the Year for each division and five stars named for each division.

The All Stars were selected from the votes of the National League coaches who voted for the players every month from the start of the season until the end of March.

In the men’s Super League, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors’ star guard, Trae Pemberton scooped his first All Star here in Ireland, but has also secured the title of Player of the Year after a superb season with the Kerry side.

The rest of the All-Star side, though, hail from Dublin clubs as Pyrobel Killester’s Jermaine Turner and Templeogue’s Mike Bonaparte have picked up their second successive All-Stars.

They are joined by new recipients Jose Maria Gil Narbon of Griffith Swords Thunder and Templeogue’s Lorcan Murphy.

The top three clubs in this year’s Women’s Super League meanwhile have All-Star recipients on their rosters, with Ambassador UCC Glanmire’s Claire Rockall picking up her third successive All-Star and also winning the Women’s Super League title of Player of the Year 2016/17 after a phenomenal season with the Cork side.

Jazmen Boone of Courtyard Liffey Celtics meanwhile has bagged her second consecutive All-Star, while Glanmire’s Grainne Dwyer, Emma O’Connor of Liffey Celtics and Sarah Fairbanks of DCU Mercy make up the remaining spots.

In the Women’s Division One, Meagan Hoffman of Oblate Dynamos received the prestigious award as one of this league’s All-Stars.

“We’re delighted to honour the very best of our leagues for the 2016-17 season,” said Women’s National League Commissioner Matthew Hall. “The All Stars were brought back in 2015 and have proven to be very popular since then.

This year’s awards recognise the best and most consistent players in Ireland.”

Old Wesley 19 UCC 5  sport@dublingazette.com

EAGER to put a disappointing away loss to Dolphin, Old Wesley got the win they needed last weekend at Donnybrook against UCC to get into the promotion playoffs for the Ulster Bank League Division 1A. They were out of the blocks early in this final AIL fixture played in perfect conditions at Donnybrook. A huge tackle

by Paul Harte, forcing a knock on, was an early indication of Wesley’s intent and ambition.

For the first 15 minutes, play was confined to the UCC half of the pitch but Wesley only had a Tim Clifford penalty goal to their name.

Once the Cork side did get into the Wesley half,

their mobile back line looked dangerous. It took a desperate corner flag tackle into touch by Rory Stynes to prevent UCC scoring the first try.

However, with 20 minutes gone, a break by centre Paul Kiernan, son of former international Michael Kiernan, found the Wesley defence thin and with two men outside him he ran in for the first try of the match.

The more physical Wesley pack responded and soon had the opposition having to dig deep in defence but, despite their territorial and possession advantage, they could not cross the whitewash.

With half time approaching, all they had on the scoreboard was a second Clifford penalty goal. Some good carries again tested the opposition defence in a late Wesley rally but it came to naught, leaving the

half time score 6-5 to Old Wesley.

Now playing into a breeze, Wesley had to score first in order to avoid any momentum build up by the Cork students. Sure enough, a break by Conor Maguire had UCC on the back foot and brought play back into the opposition half.

Then, it was quick recycled-ball taken on by David Rowley and a pass to Paul Harte.

Harte, still with a lot to do, switched on the after burners and sprinted 30 metres, beating a number of tackles to score Wesley’s first try.

The home side was now attacking and counterattacking with good effect, with substitutes Ger Finucane and Michael Dunleavy adding positive impact. Stynes, with his evasive style of running, found space out wide inside the UCC 22.

He passed to Harte who this time sprinted in untouched for his and Old Wesley’s second try.

The conversion came back off the post. Indeed, both team’s place-kickers had a poor day with the boot.

Wesley were now starting to turn the screw and spent most of the rest of the second half in opposition territory.

Despite having a number of scoring opportunities, including two five metre line outs and a five metre scrum, they were denied any more tries, partly due to solid UCC defence and partly due to some frustrating errors.

A yellow card for a high tackle by UCC second row Daragh Moloney

seemed to open the door for Old Wesley but their only return was another Clifford penalty goal.

However, now with a 14 point lead, the result was in no doubt and despite a late UCC counterattack and a five metre scrum the scoreboard remained unchanged.

Nevertheless a 19-5 win over a side that had been on a roll was no mean achievement. The win means Old Wesley finish a highly commendable fourth in the league and now play Garryowen on April 23 at Dooradoyle, in the play-off semi-final.

The winner of that match will play the winner of Naas v UL Bohemian for a place in next season’s premier division.

Wesley’s Conor Maguire makes incisive break into the UCC 22, left, lock,while Michael Dunleavy, right, muscles his way through. Picture: Ken Richardson

GAZETTE

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 April 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: CABINTEELY LET TWO GOAL LEAD SLIP IN FIRST DIVISION

De La Salle celebrate 60 years of rugby THE full house signs went up early at the recent gathering at De La Salle College Churchtown to celebrate the college’s 60th consecutive season of SCT Rugby in Leinster.

On the night, a number of rugby milestones were acknowledged including the official opening of a SCT Captains’ Board.

The board lists all the Senior Cup team captains from the very first Donal Lehane of the 1956/57 team through to the current captain Ryan McLoughlin. The board is dedicated in memory of the late Damien McCoy, the captain of the 1986/87 team.

Among those in attendance on the night included the first three former past pupils who got capped for Ireland: Des Fitzgerald, Brian Glennon and Tom Clancy.

Regrettably, due to the unforeseen re-scheduling of Connacht’s away PRO12 game to Zebre, the college’s most recent Irish international Niyi Adeolokun could not be in attendance to personally present his first Irish jersey back to the College Principal Ms O’Connell. This was done

by Matt Curran who was captain of Adeolokun’s SCT team in 2008/09.

A number of presentations to acknowledge the contribution of a number of its recently-retired rugby teachers, including former Irish schools manager and current senior vice-president of the Leinster Branch, Lorcan Balfe.

Former Ireland Youths coach and rugby stalwart of the College, Aidan Kenna, Brendan Cryan, Paddy Adams, Dick Ryan, Austin Quirke and Brian Farrelly – who coached the first of the two College teams win the Leinster Schools Senior Cup in 1983 – were also honoured on the night.

Following the presentations, the new training floodlights were officially turned on by Ryan McLoughlin and Leinster U-17 squad member Adam Nealon.

Among those thanked by the college for making the event successful were the past pupils who turned up in such huge numbers to attend the night and the many, in particular those from abroad who sent so many messages very kind of goodwill and their apologies for being unable to attend.

UCD and Cabinteely battle for possession in midfield. Picture: cabinteelyfc.ie

Kelly fires UCD to derby draw LOI FIRST DIVISION UCD 2 Cabinteely 2  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD fought back to earn a draw from two goals down against Cabinteely in the SSE Airtricity First Division at Belfield last weekend.

The visitors went into the game in fifth position and hoping to bounce back from their loss to Shelbourne the week before, while UCD started the game in second having won four of their first seven games.

UCD controlled the first 15 minutes of the match and hit the under-

side of the bar after eight minutes through Daire O’Connor’s header. The chance came from Gary O’Neill’s free kick that was headed on towards O’Connor by Georgie Kelly.

It took 25 minutes for Cabo to experience their first major involvement in the game but it was worth the wait. Kieran ‘Marty’ Wa t e r s h a s a l r e a d y proved to be one of the shrewdest signings in the league so far, and he was on hand again to score his fourth goal of the season by running onto a ball into the box and firing a low shot past Niall Corbet in the UCD goal.

PARALYMPIC HERO Kelly receives special recognition award THE successes of Paralympian Ailbhe Kelly were celebrated recently at the Castleknock Hotel where she received a Special Recognition Award from her local GAA club, Castleknock. Kelly, currently a leaving certificate student, represented Ireland at the Paralympics in Rio last year. She will soon be making preparations for further major competitions in 2018.

Presenting the award Castleknock GAA Club, secretary Sean McLaughlin praised Kelly as an inspiration to her peers, sports people and her local community in Dublin 15.

Jack Watson almost doubled Cabo’s advantage moments later when he let go from 25 yards but his strike was well saved by Corbet.

Cabinteely did increase their lead three minute later, however, when Watson was brought down in the box by Liam Scales and Waters got his second of the game from the spot.

T he visitors smelt blood and looked to put the game beyond doubt before half-time but they were caught out with a counter-attack that brought UCD back in to the game. Cian Kavanagh raced onto Jason McClelland’s through ball before

rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into an empty net.

Both sides came out in the second half looking for goals but it proved a less entertaining 45 minutes than the first.

Kavanagh and Waters both had shots on goal during the opening stages but chances were becoming few and far between.

The game became a midfield battle but the final goal came from a long punt upfield by Corbet with 15 minutes remining, that Kelly did well to get on the end and fire home.

Debutant Andrew McGovern had a chance to snatch victory for Cabo

during the dying embers of the game but his firsttime shot went wide of the post, and manager Pat Devlin admitted after the game that it was two points dropped by his team.

“Two nil up, and comfortably so, but then conceding the goal was a shocker from our point of view.

“If it was the start of the league campaign you would say a draw up here is a good result, but it’s not. We’ve slipped up in the last two weeks against Shelbourne, and then against Athlone, conceding silly goals, and tonight is no exception.”

20 April 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: DUBS BLOW AWAY KILDARE IN FIRST HALF

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA MANY thanks to the GAA president Aogan O Fearghaíl for attending the Cuala awards night last Saturday.

qualified for the Under-21 All-Ireland

tation of All-Ireland medals to our

final after defeating Donegal last

senior hurling team.

Saturday. also

Well done to Diarmuid O’Floinn and

announced as our new club president

Liam Murphy who defeated Laois in

and gave a wonderful speech after

the Leinster MHC with Dublin.

Sheanon

was

Croke Park at the Camogie Associa-

very well deserved winner of our club

tion’s Caman to Croker event where

Person of Year award.

they played teams from Tipperary,

Many thanks to all who attended

Cuala duo on target in seven in a row win

SHANKILL

LEINSTER MINOR FINAL

annual subscription and all equipment

Dublin 6-13 Kildare 2-12  sport@dublingazette.com

CUALA pair Eimear Loughlin and Jennifer Dunne were on target as Dublin minors retained the Leinster championship for the seventh successive year with a comprehensive victory over Kildare.

The midfield duo scored a point apiece and impressed in the engine room as a dominant Dublin side prevailed by 6-13 to 2-12 in Clane on Easter Monday.

The destination of the title was effectively settled by the break as Dublin went into the changing rooms with a 5-8 to 1-6 lead, with four of those goals coming between the 11th and 16th minutes.

Dublin showed just why they’ve dominated at agegrade level in recent years with a devastating attacking performance that left their neighbours scrambling for answers.

The Lilywhites had chances in the early stages but failed to make them

The 05 girls had a great day out in

Congratulations to Thelma Lane, a

tures, are on the website.

Lauren Kelly scoring 1-4 in the second half including a penalty for a technical foul in the small square.

The damage had been done in that blistering first half, however, and Dublin easily held to on to seal their ninth championship of the last ten and seventh in a row.

The Leinster champions will have time to reflect on a job well done with a date against the yetto-be-determined winners of the Connacht minor championship on either July 15 or 16.

Con

the Dublin Under-21 footballers who

The full list of awards, and pic-

from O’Connor.

There was time for Naomh Olaf ’s Ciara O’Sullivan to add goal number six 15 minutes into the second half.

The substitute buried the rebound after Sheehan’s initial effort had been well saved by Lilywhites goalkeeper Emily McGrory.

Fingallians’ Dearbhla Snow and St Sylvesters’ Danielle Lawless were also impressive as they each notched 0-3 tallies.

Kildare belatedly struck back, with substitute and Irish soccer international

to

As always, it was a brilliant night

receiving the club blazer.

count. The Girls in Blue were ruthless, by contrast, as shown by the scoring blitz that effectively settled the tie.

The Dubs led by 0-3 to 0-2 after ten minutes, and a tightly-contested affair looked to be on the cards until Niamh Sheehan took the game by the scruff of the neck with a clinical forward display.

Ballinteer clubwoman Sheehan scored her first goal in the 11th minute and followed it up with her second two minutes later.

Clontarf’s Caoimhe O’Connor added a third goal for the Girls in Blue in the 14th minute before Sheehan completed a fiveminute hat trick to put the champions in firm control.

She added her fourth goal, and Dublin’s fifth, in the 27th minute to cap of a dazzling first-half display as her team took an unassailable 14-point lead into the break.

Dublin refused to take their foot off the gas in the second half and landed two quick points thanks to a fine solo effort from Loughlin and another

Congratulations

O’Callaghan, Darragh Spillane and

with the highlight being the presen-

Johnny

Dublin’s minor footballers celebrate their seventh Leinster title in a row. Pictures: Maurice Grehan/GAAPics.com

and made it such a special night.

Galway and Down.

Good luck to the 03 girls in their camogie Feile next weekend.

THE next club development lotto draw,

Registration of players (outside of

sponsored by Slimming World, will be

the Academy) and fees will be accepted

held on Thursday, April 21 in Brady’s

any Saturday in the Castle.

Pub. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5.

Our Golf Classic will be held in

Our academy, sponsored by O’ Don-

Woodbrook Golf Club on Friday, June

nell’s Pharmacy, is back in Shanganagh

30. Team of four players is €300 and

Castle at 10am this Saturday after the

includes a meal. Contact Jimmy Nolan

Easter break.

on 087 2633203; the time sheet is open

The cost is €2 per child, there is no

now.

New adult players are always welcome; contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

is provided free.

So why not come along any Saturday morning and give the Academy a try.

Our U-9 boys football team had a

For more information on the club, contact secretary.shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 4010438.

fantastic day playing in the Go Games

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

matches in Croke Park which was a

Join Shankill GAA Club, your commu-

brilliant experience and great memo-

nity, your GAA club where everybody

ries for the young players.

knows your name.

KILMACUD CROKES

CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin U-21

Emer Crowley were the two other

footballers who beat Donegal in the

Crokes representatives on the day.

All-Ireland semi-final, 1-13 to 0-9.

Best of luck to the AFL1 team who

Well done to Cillian O’Shea, Dan

are in the first round of the cham-

O’Brien, Andy McGowan, Tom Fox,

pionship in O’ Toole park at 7pm on

Callum Pearson and Ben Shovlin. The

Thursday, April 20 against Erin’s Isle.

All-Ireland final will be on Saturday,

All support welcome.

April 29 against Galway.

Also, best of luck to our girls Feile

The Dublin camogie Feile skills com-

camogie teams as they prepare for

petition was held in Silverpark with

their competition on the weekend of

over 70 participants.

April 22/23. We wish them well.

Congrats to the Kilmacud Crokes

Last call for the Punchestown Race

player Roisin Ni Cathasaigh who was

Day Hurling fun-raiser. Details on the

the overall winner. Cliodna Keane and

club website.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

COMEBACK KINGS: UCD bounce back to snatch draw against local rivals Cabinteely in LOI first division P30

APRIL 20-26, 2017

DUB DUOS HOME COMFORTS: Clontarf and Lansdowne pin down semi-final bonus P29

Town’s double glory Monkstown boxing club’s James Doyle, Dylan Doyle, Tony Brien, Sean Mari and Pauly Kinsella.

Dylan Doyle and Sean Mari retain All-Ireland boxing titles with a pair of breathtaking bouts at the National Stadium as 2017 shapes up perfectly  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

MONKSTOWN Boxing Club made more history at the recent All-Ireland championships at the National Stadium in Dublin as the club brought home three medals.

The club has become accustomed to success at underage level in recent years and 2017 looks set to follow on from their most successful year when they took home ten All-Ireland titles.

16-year-old Dylan Doyle retained the national Junior 2 title he won last year at 52kg when he beat Leeside Lough’s Owen McDonagh 4-1 after getting a walkover in the semi-finals.

Sean Mari, who is also 16 years old, also hung on to his Junior 2 national crown in the 44kg weight class after he overcame Adam Hession of Monavee in a 5-0 whitewash.

Mari defeated Jack O’Neill of Holy Trinity 5-0 in the semi-finals to set up the medal showdown.

However, there was disappointment for 15-year-old Jack Ginnelly at 80kg as he fell short in his final bout against Michael J Keegan of Leeside Lough to take silver.

In March, the club had success at the AllIreland Third Level Championships at the National Stadium with three medallists in total.

UCD’s Seamus Lyons won silver in the Elite

69kg class. He lost a split decision in the final to DCU’s Jack Robinson after an impressive semi-final win over Owen Bergin of Waterford IT. Jack Matthews won gold for Dun Laoghaire IADT in the Novice 67kg class. He beat IT Tallaght’s Andre Mendes in the final, after defeating Limerick IT’s Caoilte De Barra in the semis.

Kenneth Doyle of Sallynoggin College of Further Education also picked up gold for his success in the under-19 64kg weight class. He overcame Connor Jennings of St Monica’s/ SRC in the final bout.

Additionally, 18-year-old Doyle will represent Ireland under-19s against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday, April 29.

The club, based in the Mounttown Commu-

nity Facility in Fitzgerald Park, Dun Laoghaire, has become one of the country’s most successful community boxing clubs in recent years.

Opened in 2005 by honorary chairman Thomas Rapple, built on the former site of one of Dublin’s more disadvantaged areas, the club has gone from strength to strength in its short existence.

Monkstown BC is home to trainers like former Irish light flyweight champion PJ Kinsella and, in 2015, was named Best Club at the Leinster Michael Andrews Boxing Championship.

2016 saw the club take home ten All-Ireland titles, which earned them a nomination for the Irish Athletic Boxing Association’s Club of the Year award.