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May 14 - 20, 2015

Blackrock • Cornelscourt • Deansgrange • Dalkey • Glasthule • Monkstown • Glenageary

INSIDE: Acclaimed writer Dermot Bolger talks exclusively to The Gazette about his new book P22

travel: The open road calls on visitors to discover the beauty of New Zealand P20-21

Yes Equality bus: Things get cheery in Dun Laoghaire Soccer:

Marker set by Joey’s in DDSL title chase Page 30

mary Lambkin and Phil Smith posing for a quick snap beside the colourful Yes Equality campaign bus in Dun Laoghaire recently.

The bus pulled into the town to meet supporters and locals alike.

Yes Equality is an independent nationwide civic society campaign working to secure a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum on May 22.

Picture: Karen Smith

Rugby:

Lansdowne win Dublin derby in national final Page 30

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A royal welcome for summer’s first liner

Over 3,500 passengers are treated to a special reception

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Over 3,500 passengers disembarked from the Royal Princess, the first cruise liner of the summer to come to Dun Laoghaire.

On May 12, the passen-

gers were met on shore by a welcoming committee and were then transported to the LexIcon Gardens for a special reception complete with musical entertainment.

The Royal Princess was the first of Dun Laoghaire

Cruise Stakeholder Group’s (DLCSG) summer cruise programme for 2015 during which 21 cruise visits carrying around 100,000 passengers and crew, are due to stop at Dun Laoghaire.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said the planned

welcome programme will give visitors a taste of the local area.

Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) said this year’s programme “should provide a much needed economic boost to the town.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 May 2015

tourism Councillors, stakeholders welcome liner’s arrival

3,500 passengers flood into town MORE than 3,500 passengers spilled out of the Royal Princess – the first cruise liner of the summer – after it pulled into Dun Laoghaire Harbour on May 12.

The visit was part of the summer cruise programme for 2015, which was launched last week

by Dun Laoghaire Cruise S t a ke h o l d e r G r o u p (DLCSG).

The group comprises Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, the council and the local Business Improvement District (BID) company.

Some 100,000 passengers and crew are

 bairbre ni bhraonain

news@dublingazette.com

expected to arrive into the harbour over the next five months.

The first cruise visit of the season took place on Tuesday, May 12 with the arrival of the Royal Princess. This cruise ship stopped off in Dun Laoghaire on its maiden voyage.

A total of 21 visits will be made to Dun

Laoghaire Harbour, including Splendida on May 21, Celebrity Silhouette on June 14, Star Legend on June 26, Britannia on July 14 and Mein Schiff 4 on September 18.

According to the harbour company, there was a good mix of people from the UK, Australia, America and Canada that disembarked from the Royal Princess, with entertainment featuring Irish band Celtic Hearts from 1pm to 3pm in the LexIcon Library gardens.

For the arrivals, eight local volunteers will act

as ambassadors, greeting each cruise arrival, and cruise passengers will be transported by four 16-seater Mercedes mini-coaches from the harbour to the welcome event in the Lexicon’s gardens.

On May 12, some of the passengers made their way into the city centre, while others stayed around Dun Laoghaire town.

The chairperson of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, Eithne Scott Lennon, said: “The forthcoming cruise season will give us a small insight into the potential which the cruise business has for Dun Laoghaire and the greater [Dublin] hinterland.

“The harbour company has been working collectively with the council and local businesses to ensure that visitors get a taste of the local area through our welcome programme. Increased cruise visitors should

The Royal Princess liner making her way past Dalkey. Picture: John Fahy

provide a welcome boost to the local economy.”

Cllr Maria Bailey (FG) said: “It’s great to see the council, businesses and the harbour come together to provide a real welcome to tourists, providing entertainment and information ambassadors to promote our town.”

Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) said: “This year’s programme has the potential to provide a much needed economic boost to the town of Dun Laoghaire and,

with local heritage assets such as the DLR Lexicon [library], the National Maritime Museum, the Genealogical Archive and Research Centre on the Carlisle Pier and the James Joyce Tower in Sandycove, we have a lot to offer passengers and crew.”

Cllr Patricia Stewart (FG) said: “Congratulations to the Dun Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group for having been so successful in attracting no fewer than 22 cruise ships to Dun

Laoghaire this year.”

However, R ichard Boyd Barrett (PBP) , who organised a meeting against the introduction of a proposed cruise berth in the harbour, said: “The cruise berth plan should be shelved and we should focus on protecting our public amenity harbour and revitalising Dun Laoghaire town.

“Save Our Seafront are holding a Save Our Harbour – Save Our Town March on Sunday, May 24 at 1pm, meeting at People’s Park,” he said.

Council blasted over traffic survey delay  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A local politician has blasted Dun LaoghaireRathdow n County Council’s traffic section over delays to a promised traffic survey on the very busy Lower Glenageary Road.

Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) has strongly criticised the council for a delay in carrying out a survey on the dangerous levels of traffic on

Lower Glenageary Road with a view to providing a safe area for pedestrians to cross between the Silchester Park area and the west side of the road.

Cllr Merrigan said he raised the matter at the Dun Laoghaire Area Committee in September and October last year. He again brought it up in March and April of this year and received the same response, he said, from the traffic

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

section, that it would be placed on the 2015 programme and seen to when other road works still outstanding are first seen addressed.

Cllr Merrigan told The Gazette: “This is a matter of urgency, as the area is used by hundreds of children and elderly residents who are being forced to cross at an unsafe junction on a very busy road to access public transport. Although, the traffic section has a very admirable record on road safety education and in the implementation of road safety measures to protect pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, this particu-

lar roadway should be considered an absolute priority.”

In response, a spokesperson for the council confirmed to The Gazette that: “The request for a signalised pedestrian crossing on Lower Glenageary Road will be assessed along with a number of requests for signalised pedestrian crossings in the county as part of the Traffic Section’s 2015 work programme. The site in question will be examined and a suitable location for the crossing identified when other outstanding work commitments are completed.”

14 May 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3

shopping

contest: blackrock college boys impress with a campaign entry

Creative pop-up returns

E-receipts are good idea for students  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

BLACKROCK College students made it to the final of this year’s Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) One Good Idea competition.

The students reached the last 26 of the schools competition with their project, entitled E-Receipts, which is an app producing electronic rather than paper receipts.

The Blackrock finalists presented their project along with their peers at an event held in Dublin Castle last week.

All the competitors were challenged to run awareness campaigns for their school and surrounding communities to inspire everyone to use

less energy in their daily lives and to help tackle climate change.

Blackrock College principal Alan MacGinty said: “The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s One Good Idea national final took place in Dublin Castle on May 7.

“Ben Brown, Cian Dunne and Sean Hannon, all second year students, were amongst the finalists with their e-receipts project.

“We congratulate them on their achievement and encourage them to enter the [BT] Young Scientist competition.

“The boys received a plaque for making it to the final, and also €500 to make the school more environmentally-friend-

ly,” he said.

The overall One Good Idea award went to St Aloysius College, Cork for their project, Back 2 Basics, which saw them develop a board game to raise awareness on energy efficiency in the home.

Attending the announcement of the winners, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Alex White said: “These projects demonstrate how each one of us can play a part in making Ireland a better, greener country.

“We all use energy, and we all have a responsibility to use it wisely. The One Good Idea initiative stems from this simple idea, and that’s what makes it so effective,” he said.

Plugging a message: Switching on to eco-friendly sustainable energy A BRIEFING by competitive energy provider Energia recently, held

with the Dun Laoghaire Chamber of Commerce, invited a wide range of businesses and company leaders from the town and beyond to plug into new ways to save energy and cut costs, creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment for all.

Among those in attendance were Gaby Mallon, Dun Laoghaire Chamber of Commerce; Damien Kirby, Leopardstown Race Course; Brendan Henderson, of the Chamber; Hal Ledford, of the Chamber; Nessa Joyce, of Leopardstown and PJ Henry, with all attendees invited to switch over to energy-saving alternatives. Picture: Fennell Photography

The Creative Collection pop-up shop returned to Dun Laoghaire last week with around 10 artists and crafts-people taking turns to man the shop and sell their goods.

The project is organised by artists Ann Turpin and Katie Woollett. Every year they gather together a team of artists and craftspeople from multidisciplinary backgrounds to set up a pop-up shop.

The Creative Collective pop-up shop opens daily from 11am until 6pm and will remain in Dun Laoghaire until May 24.

The shop is located at the entrance to the People’s Park and is open every day from Monday to Sunday.

For more information go to www.facebook. com/CreativeCollectiveIreland.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 14 May 2015

CHARITY Councillor ran to help good cause CLLR Maria Bailey (FG) took part in the Wings for Life World Run recently – an initiative dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury, during which €4.2m was raised worldwide.

Cllr Bailey came in at a highly respectable 101st place out of a cohort of more than 1,200 running nationwide.

She told The Gazette: “I have suffered very badly with cluster migraines daily since I was 16. I am now 39, with two small children, and running is the best cure and offers the most relief I have ever had from migraine.”

The race was from Newtownsmith all the way along the coast, taking in Sandycove, Coliemore, through Shankill village and all the way to Greystones.

CHARITY Women burdened with backbreaking work

Using wood to help support poor Ethiopians  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

TO HIGHLIGHT the plight of poor women in Ethiopia, Dalkey rector Reverend Bruce Hayes carried firewood up Beacon Hill, Dalkey on May 1.

Rev Hayes is supporting Christian Aid Week’s Share Loko’s Burden campaign, which aims to help Ethiopian women living in extreme poverty.

He said: “I was moved by the story of a 29-yearold mother, Loko Jarso, who lives in Borena, a

remote part of Ethiopia.

“Four times a week, Loko has to make a backbreaking eight-hour trip to find and gather wood.

When she sells the firewood, she earns just about €2 for it – barely enough to feed her children.”

Loko Jarso walks that eight-hour journey alone, carrying a load of up to 30kg on her back for her family of eight, which she must feed. Rev Hayes only lifted half of that up the hill, with such loads proving back-breaking work.

He is appealing to people to help raise funds to help women such as Loko find a way out of poverty.

He said: “Christian Aid is working to give women like Loko the means to earn a decent living. A cow, for example, will mean that Loko can sell the milk and butter and earn enough money to feed her children properly, and send them to school.”

A similar event involving Rev David Mungavin of Greystones, and Sutton teacher Susan Helen, was also held as part of Christian Aid Week.

Wicklow rector Rev Mungavin carried his load of firewood outside St Patrick’s Church in Greystones to highlight the plight of women.

Second-class teacher from Burrow National School in Sutton Susan Helen also shouldered a bundle of firewood at her school.

She did so to symbolically share the burden of Ethiopian mothers and to raise awareness of their daily struggle to feed their families.

A Christian Aid spokesperson said the events were all part of the charity’s fundraising initiative this year, where the key focus is to improve the lives of women in Ethiopia through several Christian Aid supports.

In Ethiopia, Christian Aid partner HUNDEE works with both women and men in poor cattlerearing communities to challenge violence against women and harmful traditional practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, to bring about lasting change and ensure

Reverend Bruce Hayes carrying firewood to help highlight the struggles women like Loko Jarso (inset) face in Ethiopia

women can live in dignity and are treated with respect.

HUNDEE encourages men to get more involved with household tasks, including looking after

their children, and to consult their wives about the decisions that affect them.

They also provide the poorest women in pastoralist communities with

300

livestock, raising their status within society.

The initiative runs until May 16, and people can get involved by donating online at www.caweek.ie, or by calling 01 496 7040.

14 May 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

housing Councillor criticises scope of targeted contract campaign in county

New rental targets ‘optimistic’ – Halpin  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A TOTAL of 75 Rental Accommodation Scheme (R AS) contracts set as a target for the county this year, according to the latest Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council manager’s report, has been described as “optimistic” by Cllr Melisa Halpin (PBP).

The council, which is engaging in an advertising campaign with its three sister local authorities to encourage landlords to engage with the RAS scheme, has already secured 10 such contracts with landlords.

The council will seek

a further 77 RAS contracts during 2016-17.

Under RAS, landlords enter into a three-part contract with the council and the tenant. The council then pays the landlord rent and the tenant pays a differential rate of rent to the council, depending on earnings.

R AS was set up to assist those who cannot afford private rent when there is no social house available to them.

According to Cllr H alpin, m ost landlords involved in the R AS scheme in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown are minor landlords.

Cllr Halpin questioned how realistic the

target of 75 new RAS units was, saying: “I know what it’s like out there trying to rent in Dun Laoghaire, compared to the other councils.”

She also asked if in the event of the RAS contracts not materialising, could something be done with the money earmarked for them, such as putting it back into the capital programme so there would be a bit more money for social house building.

In response, the council’s director of housing Tom McHugh said: “The RAS target of 75 [contracts] was set by us, so it is what we expect to achieve.

“But the regional advertising campaign is an effort to try and provoke more interest from landlords in both RAS and long-term leasing.

“These are the two schemes we hope to proceed and, hopefully, it [the advertising campaign] will help us reach our target.”

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab) told The Gazette: “We need to do something about RAS in the county.

“Just yesterday, I got a call from a person who couldn’t pay their rent as the landlord had raised it.

“It’s very unsettling for families on that scheme because they have their

The council is part of an advertising campaign along with the other three Dublin local authorities to encourage landlords to engage with the Rental Accommodation Scheme, to help support social housing in the county

children in school and they’re settled.

“In our area, it’s impossible to find affordable rent. It’s a very difficult situation and people are afraid they are going to be put out on the side of the road.

“That worry affects the children and everyone in the family.

“So if we can get landlords on board, that would be great, because a lot of landlords aren’t accepting the R AS scheme,” she said.

The R AS contracts are part of 681 social housing units targeted for the county from 2015 to 2017 through the Department of Environment funding of €61,030,770 that was announced recently.

6 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 May 2015

don’sdublin

tribute Colleagues wish councillor well

The many, many incarnations of the Rory O’More Bridge One of the most attractive Liffey bridges, the single span Rory O’More that connects Ellis Street from the north quays to Watling Street on the south quays, has had an interesting history.

A wooden bridge was erected on site in 1670 to the great displeasure of certain vested interests. They wanted people to continue using the ferries that crossed the river, thus maintaining their influence and income. After an attack by hired thugs in 1671, a fight on the bridge with soldiers led to four fatalities and the bridge was soon known as Bloody Bridge.

A new four-arch stone bridge replaced the old bridge around 1700 and this became known as Barrack Bridge, as it was the main route for soldiers travelling from Dublin Castle to the new barracks on the northside of the Liffey (now Collins Barracks).

Construction of the current bridge began in 1858 and, after many delays, the work was completed under the guidance of John Killen in 1861 at a cost of £11,000 – much more expensive than originally estimated. After Queen Victoria and Prince Albert arrived in Dublin, they made their way along the quays and crossed the new bridge on August 30, 1861. From then on the bridge was called The Victoria and Albert Bridge.

As part of the 100th anniversary of Catholic Emancipation in 1929 when benediction was celebrated on the bridge, it then became known as Emancipation Bridge.

Finally, in 1939, the bridge was renamed Rory O’More Bridge in honour of the leader of the failed rebellion in 1641. He and his men had planned to seize Dublin Castle on October 23, but a traitor revealed the plan to the authorities. O’More managed to escape capture and made his way up north to continue the fight. However, when Oliver Cromwell and his 10,000 troops arrived in 1649, the final traces of revolt were brutally swept away.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

In 1939, the bridge was renamed Rory O’More Bridge in honour of the leader of the failed rebellion in 1641

education: scholarship offered

Funds for new Irish course  Bairbre Ni Bhroanain

Richard Humphreys: “The time commitment involved in council work has significantly increased.”

politics: stillorgan labour figure retires

Humphreys ‘missed for wit, eloquence’  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@dublingazette.com

Tributes have been pouring in for Stillorgan’s Cllr Richard Humphreys, who announced he is to step down from the council.

Last week, the Labour Party politician released a statement on his intention to retire after six years as a sitting member of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

The barrister said the decision was due to time constraints and to concentrate on his legal career.

“The time commitment involved in council work has significantly increased due to the rollout of the Local Government Reform Act 2014.”

He added that the increase in councillor numbers in the local authority, from 28 to 40, had increased the workload.

“I am very grateful to all those who voted for and supported me over two elections. I wish all my council colleagues, of whatever party or none, and the chief executive and her officials, every success in their work.

“I have enjoyed my time as a candidate and councillor and can look back positively about the work I have been able to do in that capacity, but it is simply time for a change,” he said.

Party colleague and Minister for Communications Alex White paid homage to Cllr Humphreys, saying he applauded his “outstanding contribution” as a councillor.

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab) was surprised by the sudden announcement of his departure and wished him well.

Though from different parties, Cllr Neale Richmond (FG) said he and

Cllr Humphreys “agreed on a lot and worked very well together”.

Cllr Hugh Lewis (PBP) wished Cllr Humphreys success in his endeavours though they disagreed on fundamental political issues.

Cllr Patricia Stewart (FG) said Cllr Humphreys would be missed for his wit and eloquence.

Deputy Eamon Gilmore (Lab) said: “He is a person of great personal and political courage who has never been afraid to take a principled stand on important issues.

“Richard will be a great loss to the people of Stillorgan and to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, but I fully respect the decision he has made.”

The seat left vacant by Cllr Humphreys is now available for co-option by another Labour politician.

Who this will be is

yet to be decided by the Labour party.

Cllr Ossian Smyth (GP) also spoke of Cllr Humphreys’ courage to speak on controversial issues.

“He is broadly respected across the council and I regret that he is retiring,” he said.

Other council colleagues such as Cllr Seamas O’Neill (Ind) said: “We will miss him most for his points of order and the council will not be the same without his interjections. I wish him health in his retirement.”

While Cllr Barry Saul (FG) called him a “hard worker” both at council and on the ground in the Stillorgan area.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) said Richard Humphreys was: “A very competent orator and debater [and] I enjoyed many political debates with him over his six-year tenure with the council.”

A new Irish language scholarship funded by The Genealogical Society of Ireland, based in Dun Laoghaire, was launched last week. The scholarship will allow a local student to attend a new Irish language course run by Irish language company Moontour this summer.

Chairperson of the Genealogical Society, Gerry Hayden, said: “The scholarship reflects the society’s long-standing commitment to the Irish language and as an educational charity based in the harbour area, we are delighted to support new ventures like Moontour opening up in the area.”

The activity-based courses operated by Moontour bring a gaeltacht experience to Dublin Bay. The Genealogical Society’s general secretary, Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind), said that “conversational ability is now so important following recent changes to the Leaving Cert and to obtain such through fun activities is a wonderful opportunity for any child”.

The spoken component of the Leaving Cert exam now accounts for 40% of the marks. In assessments, students have shown an average of 70% to 80% improvement in verbal ability after a 40-minute activity.

Moontour is running summer courses for first and second year secondary school students in June at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club. For more information, go to www.moontour.ie, or contact Sean Greif on 085 703 7969.

14 May 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7

charity Dancers take steps to help rebuild a school

Strictly a way to help Cluny – in Haiti  Bairbre Ni Bhroanain

PARENTS and students from St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School have come together to put on a dance competition in aid of rebuilding a sustainable Cluny Secondary School in Port-auPrince, Haiti following its destruction during the 2010 earthquake there.

Strictly Cluny will take place in Fitzpatrick’s Killiney Castle on Friday, May 22, and organisers are promising it will be just like the TV show.

The dancing couples, who will comprise Cluny parents, teachers, past pupils and friends, will compete against each

other in front of an audience.

Participants will all be locals from the Killiney, Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire communities.

Among the dancers will be Oliver MCabe from Select Stores in Dalkey, Brian Deering from Deering’s Butchers in Killiney Shopping Centre, Debbie and James from Brown Sugar Hair Salon in Blackrock, along with basketball coach Ed Randolph and English teacher Laura Connaughton from Cluny.

Judges on the night include former pupil and Xpose presenter Karen Koster, Sr Claire of the

St Joseph of Cluny order, local Deputy Mar y Mitchell O’Connor (FG) and other special guests.

St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School opened its doors this week so that members of the public could catch a sneak preview during the dancers’ rehearsals.

According to Ciara Holmes, of the school’s Parents’ Association: “The difference with this event is that dancers are made up of Cluny parents, teachers, past pupils and friends in the local Killiney, Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire community.

“Already, with one week to go, we are now

close to raising our target of €20,000 for this worthy cause.”

Principal Mary White told The Gazette: “The Strictly Come Dancing fundraising is taking place in Fitzpatrick’s Killiney Castle on Friday, May 22 and it will be held upstairs.

“We’re trying to sell tickets for 500 people and the proceeds are going to the Cluny Haiti Building Development in Port au Prince.

“The Cluny sisters are building a sustainable three-storey [school] on the site where the old school was knocked down due to the earthquake. They’ve started

The Strictly Cluny event at Fitzpatrick’s Killiney Castle will support children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti with the construction of a new secondary school

the building and are working on the ground floor at the moment.

“They have funding to get them to the second floor, so we’re trying to get them more funds to build the third floor.

“It’s a girls’ school, and

should have more than 1,000 students. Haiti is a little bit forgotten because the earthquake happened a number of years ago, but we’re not forgetting them,” she said.

If you are interested

in donating to the Cluny Haiti Building Development, you can give details of the charity and monitor the progress of the developments in Haiti, by going online to www.thinkingdevelopment.org.

8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 May 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Amy and Bill Hastings, ARC Consultants, with Michelle Keely of Lisneys. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

Tim Radley and Kay Gleeson

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG)

Don McManus, chairman BID

Rory Caren of IBM, Karin O’Brien and John Fleming from CityBcon

Linda McDonald wand Margaret Healy

14 May 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9

Listening intently as talks get under way Councillors Carrie Smyth and Dennis O’Callaghan

Derek Hughes and Sven Spollen-Behrens

summit: EXCHANGING THOUGHTS AND IDEAS

Revamp is the talk of the town A

MAJOR strategy to completely revamp Dun Laoghaire town was discussed recently as part of a national summit at the Marine Hotel. The event saw councillors, residents and business owners gathering to exchange ideas and hear talks. Up to 200 delegates from towns across Ireland attended The Future of Town summit, which aimed to examine how towns across Ireland can survive and indeed thrive as the country emerges from the recession.

Councillors Patricia Stewart and Ossian Smyth

10 gazette 14 May 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Avril Donnelly and Martina Hilliard

Niamh Daly, Ciara McGuone and Ciara McCormack. Pictures: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Peninsula services: soiree at East point covers all bases

Business and cocktails at state-of-the-art HQ

P

eninsula Business Services held a business soiree in its brand new Ireland HQ situated in Block W, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3 recently. The evening also marked 18 years helping Irish employers protect their business and the creation of a number of

jobs which will be announced in the coming weeks. The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by award-winning cuisine, music from Gypsy Reel Rabble and entertainment from illusionist Colm Dawson. Alan Price, managing director of Peninsula Ireland, said:

“In line with our growth strategy, Peninsula continues to thrive and expand in Ireland and Northern Ireland. We are very excited about future developments and would like to thank all our clients and partners for joining us at our soiree and making the evening so enjoyable�

Joseph Rzepkowska and Magdalena Rzepkowski

Alan Price, managing director of Peninsula Ireland; Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula Business Services, and Geoff Ford, Lyndsey Smyth, Lynn Carson and Lynsey Carson

group sales director

Anthony Bagshaw, Natalie Day and Peter Done

14 May 2015 Gazette 11

feature P14

business P16

asdfsdaf P27

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

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Gazette

escape P13

what’son showcasing a thousand years of irish love

UK singer Marcus Collins: “After a long day I like to unwind at home with my partner. I’m watching Revenge at the moment, Game of Thrones and RuPauls Drag Race.”

a day in the life: singer limbers up for his role in big stage show

West is best for Marcus  ian begley

Best known for his appearance in the X-Factor finale in 2011, UK pop singer Marcus Collins is working around the clock in preparation for his role in the stage show West End Men. This week The Gazette caught up with the 26-year-old singer to find what a day in his life is like.

“I normally wake up at about 10.30am but I’m not a morning person by any means. It seems that the more interesting my breakfasts are the better the day is. When I’m in training and really want to be healthy I’d have something like granola with fruit or salmon on brown bread. Often though, when I’m feeling fat I’d just

opt for the full English breakfast.

“I’m not training as much as I should be, but every day I do miniworkouts that take about 30 minutes to complete – 20 minutes jogging and 10 minutes working on my abs.”

Collins, who lives between London and Liverpool, adds that he owns several properties and spends a lot of his time dealing with his tenants and taking care of other business obligations.

“I don’t work normal office hours, but there’s never a time when my phone isn’t off from business.

“I’m always travelling between London and Liverpool, but whenever I get the chance I love to spend time with my friends and family.

“I’m forever cooking for my partner,

who is a professional dancer, and we always try our best to eat together. I also love cooking for other people and prepare all sorts of food for my guests at home regularly.”

Collins said that a lot of preparation has gone into West End Men and is finding the rehearsal process intense but very exciting.

“The West End Men is a collection of music from the best hits that have come out of the West End. We mix all those songs in with some contemporary numbers and rework them using our own unique vocal abilities. The dynamics are great and there is something for everyone.

“After a long day I like to unwind at home with my partner. I’m watch-

ing Revenge at the moment, Game of Thrones and RuPaul’s Drag Race, which I’m obsessed with.

“I’m also reading The Catcher in the Rye which is part of my New Year’s resolution to read more and get through the top 100 books ever written.

“I’m a big night owl and don’t get to bed until after midnight, which has been a habit of mine for years.”

Marcus Collins is in the one-night show The West End Men, coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on June 7.

It is a celebration of the leading men of musical theatre as well as some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre history.

ONE thousand years of Irish love will be showcased in a unique production from May 11 to 16 at the New Theatre in Temple Bar. Teanga an Ghra – 1,000 Years of Irish Love is the latest offering from Guthanna Binne Siorai, the theatre company that won acclaim in recent years for its bilingual shows featuring the work of Nobel Laureates Seamus Heaney, WB Yeats and Samuel Beckett.

Directed by Tristan Rosenstock, the new show combines Irish poetry, sean-nos singing and instrumental performances, and features some of the best-known exponents of traditional Irish culture.

Cathal Quinn, artistic director of Guthanna Binne Siorai, said: “For this show, we have dipped into the treasure trove of Irish declarations of love down through the centuries.

This production dramatically brings to life the raw emotions at the core of these works. It places ancient songs in a modern context.”

For further information, see www. thenewtheatre.com, or email: everlastingvoicesperformance@gmail. com.

Gazette

12 Gazette 14 May 2015

dublinlife

diary

letter to the editor

Vote Yes to extend real equality to all families

THE Irish people who are voting No in the marriage equality referendum need to consider the global impact of this, and the vivid impression of Ireland that this will give all around the world. It will tell married gay people from other parts of Europe and America, for example, that Ireland does not recognise their status equally.

This is the first time in history where Ireland has the opportunity to spread light around the world by showing their support for Irish lesbian and gay citizens. The No side claims to be supportive of Irish lesbian and gay people, but outlines that it is for the children they are promoting a No vote.

Firstly, although it is completely unrelated to the question being posed to the Irish electorate, based on clinical experience across a range of medical disciplines and a review of the academic literature, there is clear evidence that children raised by same-sex couples are at no disadvantage when compared to children raised by heterosexual couples.

The four largest Irish children’s’ charities (Barnardos, the Irish

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Foroige and the Children’s Rights Alliance), the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and the Irish Law Society all advocate a Yes vote.

Secondly, many children are currently being raised by lesbian and gay couples in Ireland. A No vote is a discrimination to these families, telling them that their family is not equal under the eyes of the law.

As an Irish person presently living in England – if a No result in the referendum occurs, this will not just be an insult to the lesbian and gay citizens of Ireland, but an undoubtedly complete and utter embarrassment for Ireland – and for everyone Irish abroad.

As one of my British colleagues recently asked me: “Is gay marriage not legal in Ireland yet?”

I 100% will be ashamed to be Irish if a No result occurs. Telling a small portion of Irish citizens: “You are equal but we will actually just give you separate laws” is not equality.

By voting No, it is telling all the Irish lesbian and gay people to get back in the closet and if they want the opportunity to get mar-

ried, they will have to emigrate to a country that will accept them for who they are, and thus give them equal rights. Alternatively, they will have to pretend to be heterosexual when they know deep down this is a lie, and this will cause pain and regret in their later years.

This referendum result will affect real people, and real peoples’ lives.

This is a once-in-a-generation chance for Ireland to show that it values inclusiveness and diversity.

Listen to the experts – the Irish children’s charities and the doctors, nurses and lawyers. Listen to the minority of Ireland who have laid their personal lives bare on radio, TV and social media over the past few weeks in an attempt to get Ireland to identify with what it is like to be gay in Ireland, and to not have equal rights.

Show some human compassion and understanding for diversity and inclusiveness.

Vote Yes on May 22.

Aidan O’Callaghan, B Pharm O’Callaghan studied at Trinity College Dublin and is a hospital pharmacist working in the UK. He will be coming home to vote on May 22.

Every year, colourful characters help add to the upbeat mood at the annual Citywest Fun Walk in aid of Barretstown’s work with seriously ill children

Step up to help Barretstown The annual Citywest Fun Walk in aid of Barretstown takes place on Friday, May 15 at 1pm at Spar, Citywest.

The route is about 5km long and should take no longer that 40 minutes to complete. The route will begin and finish at Spar in Citywest. This year, Barretstown hopes to have over 600 people, working in the Citywest area and beyond, walking, running or jogging the route to raise vital funds for the charity and camp for children with serious illness.

Dee Ahearn, chief executive of Barretstown, said: “We’re hoping to make this year the biggest fun walk to date and I encourage all staff working in the Citywest area and beyond to join us on May 15.”

Registration costs only €15 and all proceeds go directly to Barretstown.

To register or for more information, see www.citywestfunwalk. org or contact Caroline Dunne at Caroline.

Dunne@Barretstown.org or on 045 864 115.

new group calls for a no vote

THE StandUp4Marriage group launched its no campaign at the Alexander Hotel, Fenian Street on Thursday, May 7.

The event was attended by Senator Jim Walsh (Ind), who spoke in support of the campaign.

He said he was worried that a Yes vote would result in marriage not being taken seriously enough, and that young people might not recognise the importance of it.

According to StandUp4Marriage chairman Barry Jones, the campaign centres on what marriage is, what marriage is not, and the consequences expected from each. It argues that marriage itself is immutable and cannot be changed.

He said: “Same-sex marriage can never be marriage; civil partnerships provide a reasonable solution that best serves the common good, and the Constitution should be left alone and kept free of pretence.”

He said the theme of the campaign is that it’s okay to vote No, and people should not feel guilty about doing so.

all is fair and square at fun family event A FAMILY fair hosted

by CreActive Breakfast and Aris Fairs for children and their parents is taking place in Market Square, Dublin 8, later this month.

Admission is €3 and for each workshop the fee is from €3 to €7. The fair starts at 11am and goes on until the afternoon. Activities lined up include workshops in family dance, fashion and recycling. There will also be a catwalk dance show featuring the work done in the workshops. A host of stalls will be set up with maternity, baby and children’s goods on sale.

The CreActive Breakfast Family Fair will be held on Sunday, May 24, at The Dublin Food Cooperative, 12 Newmarket, Dublin 8.

14 May 2015 Gazette 13

FEATURE escape the mayhem: Darragh O’ToolE

Between a Red Rock and a hard place in hit show

 DAirne Black

CURRENTLY starring in TV3’s hottest property, Red Rock, rising star Darragh O’Toole is busy portraying Conor Tyrell, a young man hooked on heroin.

Having broken his leg while on the lethal substance, Conor is still trying to get his fix, unbeknownst to his mother and Garda sergeant Angela, and local taxi driver Tommy.

This week, The Gazette spoke to Darragh about how he escapes the mayhem of playing such a heavy-going role and juggling a filming schedule.

Originally from Tullamore in Offaly, Darragh moved up to Dublin when Red Rock started, but goes home most weekends to catch up with family and friends.

Unlike his Red Rock alter ego, O’Toole is a fit-

ness fan, regularly working out at his local gym here in Dublin.

O’Toole revealed he’d happily like to play a friendly game of soccer against members from the Carrigstown-based soap, Fair City.

If acting hadn’t worked out, it seems O’Toole could have given Rory McIlroy some competition, speaking about his keen interest in golf. He said: “I was junior captain in Tullamore in 2010 and play a five off handicap.”

Still getting used to life in the capital, he enjoys taking a wander around the city and seeing what’s on. With a wide circle of friends both in Dublin and at a home, he enjoys heading out and about.

An avid Manchester United supporter, O’Toole tries to catch the games when he can, as well as fitting in a bit of FIFA to really chill out.

Despite being busy with Red Rock, he has also found time for some other projects, and it is clear that acting is something that he enjoys, and doesn’t consider work.

“I’m doing a short film with Sean Doyle and Amelia Stewart; it’s written by Emmet Kirwan and directed by Nicky Gogan at Still Films.

“Then I’m going to be in a feature film directed

by Ger Walsh. It’s his second feature film, called South, and it’ll be shot in Dublin, Cork and Sligo.”

With previous roles including Moone Boy, Toy Soldiers and a Sinead O’Connor video, and a busy summer ahead, O’Toole will no doubt be hitting the golf course or perhaps the soccer pitch to truly escape the mayhem.

Red Rock airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm on TV3.

Red Rock actor Darragh O’Toole divides his time between Dublin and Tullamore

www.dublingazette.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

Gazette

14 Gazette 14 May 2015

dublinlife

features

Scotland says thank you for help in Buckley inquiry  ian begley

The senior investigating officer in charge of the investigation into Karen Buckley’s murder has written an open letter thanking the Irish people for their help during the investigation.

Over the past couple of weeks, Police Scotland have stated that they received a high number of letters and emails from members of the public in both countries, expressing their appreciation for

the work carried out in the Karen Buckley investigation.

Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr of Police Scotland thanked people for their support as he and his team investigate the murder of the 24-year-old Cork woman, who was buried recently.

T he letter reads: “Throughout our investigation into the death of Karen Buckley in Glasgow in April 2015 we received and continue

to receive messages of appreciation from people in Ireland.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank everyone for taking the time to contact us and for their thanks and continued support.

“It is very much appreciated by myself and the dedicated team of officers who are involved in the investigation.”

A 21-year-old man has since been charged with Ms Buckley’s murder.

Helping to launch the upcoming ninth annual Bloom festival. Picture: Robbie Reynolds Photography

Ninth year: gardening and food again to the fore

Blooming great idea certainly catches on  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

LAST week Bord Bia launched its ninth Bloom festival – the gardening and food family event – due to take place in the Phoenix Park from May 28 to June 1.

This year’s special themes see a mixture of Peter Pan, stiletto heels, WB Yeats and home brewing all coming together to inspire this year’s Bloom show gardens.

Bloom 2015 will once again be a five-day event packed full of gardening inspiration, gastronomic delights and family entertainment.

Now in its ninth year, the Bord Bia festival in the Phoenix Park attracts great crowds each year, with more than 106,000 people attending last year.

Bord Bia Bloom show manager Gary Graham

told The Gazette: “We’re flying with the preparations. As long as the rain holds off, we’ll be fine.

The big gardens have started and then the 13 medium gardens will be started next.

“It’s really busy here on site with all the contractors working. It’s great to see it all coming together; after a whole year of organising and working, the fruits of that labour are happening.

“There will be a presidential opening as President Higgins is our patron. I’d encourage everyone to come along, no matter what the weather, as we’ve around five acres under cover, with the biggest marquee in Ireland where there are lots of restaurants,” he said.

This year, the 25 Bloom show garden designers have teamed up with organisations such as Pieta House, The Ronald

McDonald House, Goal, The Atlantic Youth Trust, ITB Blanchardstown and Fingal County Council to create gardens with powerful messages on social and cultural issues.

Also included this year is a garden entitled, Yeats’s Secret Garden in Sligo.

This unique garden is part of the 2015 celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of WB Yeats, and is based on his wellknown poem, The Lake Isle of Innisfree.

A new feature at this year’s festival will be Bloom in Transition (BIT), through which transition year students get to showcase their creativity with projects and installations around themes such as agriculture, food science, horticulture, environment and more.

The festival also offers something cerebral with a marquee entitled, The

Banter at Bloom. Here, discussions and talks will be held on issues such as food and sustainability.

For visitors who prefer to sample the fruits of the land, the Quality Kitchen stage offers a number of cooker y demonstrations throughout each day with Ireland’s top chefs, including Neven Maguire, Catherine Fulvio, Rory O’Connell, The Lazy Chef Simon Lamont, David and Stephen Flynn (The Happy Pear) and Fiona Uyema, to name but a few.

There will also be daily competitions in the Quality Kitchen, with visitors encouraged to drop by from 10.30am every day for the first demonstration, and to be in with a chance to win some tasty prizes.

For further information on the Bord Bia Bloom Show, see www. bloominthepark.com.

14 May 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 14 May 2015

dublinlife

Workshop at DCU on family business DUBLIN City University’s Centre for Family Business is inviting family business members to attend its Dublin workshop on May 19 at the William Fry offices from 8am to 11am.

These interactive workshops, entitled “Professionalisation of the Family Business – What it is and why it matters?”, will be facilitated by leading family business academic and founding director of the Australian Centre for Family Business, Professor Ken Moores.

A veteran family business chairman and nonexecutive director of a fourth-generation family business, Professor

Moores will speak about structuring the family business and the importance of professionalisation.

Local Dublin businessman, Ray Reihill of the Tedcastles Group, will also give a talk on his experience of professionalising and succession.

All workshops will encourage attendees’ involvement and groups will work together to find solutions for common business challenges.

For further information, or to register for the event, see www.dcu.ie/ centre-for-family-business/news-and-events/ events/family_business_ roadshow.shtml.

business business

R&D: hot water a key factor to ‘Exyrgen Drive’

Dublin firm awarded €2.48m to develop new engine type DUBLIN SME Exergyn Ltd has been awarded €2.48m by Horizon 2020 – the EU’s research and innovation funding programme – to help develop an engine that runs on hot water.

The funding will go towards further developing its technology (called Exyrgen Drive) and bringing it to full commercial production.

The company will also be using the grant to conduct industrial trials, to become manufacturingready, and to prepare the company and the market for full commercialisation

of the Exergyn Drive in 2017.

Alan Healy, Exergyn chief executive, said: “Exergyn is delighted and honoured to have been selected for the SME Instrument [funding].

“This funding is crucial to our ability to move our technology forward and commercialise it, so the whole world can begin to make use of the vast amounts of low-grade waste heat produced each year.

“I would recommend other SMEs – if they have confirmed that their business/project is the kind that fits the Horizon 2020 mould – to apply.

“Ireland has an active start-up/early-stage company community and the EU funding is well known to people in this community.

“We have developed an engine that runs on hot water. It will enable, for the first time, electricity to be generated from waste hot water, less than 100C, in a commercially viable manner, ie inexpensively.

“If fully deployed worldwide, our first product could reduce world carbon emissions by about 2%. Industrial customers form our target market,” he said.

He went on to say that the use of hot water for energy could increase industrial efficiency as hot water is a waste product in many industries, citing industrial power plants which are currently dumping huge volumes of hot water as a necessary by-product of their process.

Healy said: “They are therefore making no use of the waste heat, and in many cases, expending power to cool the hot

Alan Healy, Exergyn chief executive: “We have developed an engine that runs on hot water. It will enable electricity to be generated from waste hot water.”

water before dumping it.”

EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moe-

das said Horizon 2020 was helping many highpotential SMEs to develop their ground-breaking innovative ideas for prod-

ucts, services or processes and to grow and expand their activities into other countries, in Europe and beyond.

14 May 2015 Gazette 17

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asdfsdaf P27 cinema P24

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

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Pets Playful collie cross needs a loving home

Music fans are sure to come running to Temple Bar for the upcoming Down With Jazz festival, where the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra (above) are just one of many great acts

back to the 1930s: the down with Jazz festival in the heart of temple bar

Pssst … Time for an illicit hooley  keith bellew

An illicit hooley will take place in the heart of Temple Bar on May 30 – 31, with a line-up of shameless jazzy grooves and lascivious foreign rhythms, defying the morals of 1930s Ireland.

The Down With Jazz festival is an annual city-centre celebration of musical rebellion, with jazz, experimental and world music acts over two nights in Meeting House Square.

The festival is a tongue-in-cheek nod to 1930s Ireland when jazz and “foreign” music were seen by many as a force of corruption, and a repressive “anti-jazz” campaign pushed to ban jazz from the dance halls and airwaves of Ireland.

Speaking to The Gazette, festival director Kenneth Killeen said Down With Jazz is really a testament to how far Ireland has come musically, socially and culturally. He said they were trying to showcase the music of the day and juxtapose it against a backdrop of the moralistic standards of 1930s Ireland, which were insular to the point of xenophobic.

“There was very much a fear, particularly from nationalists at the time, that this foreign music was corrupting the morals of young Irish men and women.

We’re presenting music that’s happening today against that backdrop,” he said.

The festival will see 10 home-grown jazz and world music bands perform-

ing over two days with five shows per night.

Killeen said that the line-up is broadly reflective of what’s happening in the scene in Ireland today and is a domestic showcase of some really high quality music.

“We have Louis Stewart playing with a really good quintet. Louis would be one of the first exports from the country in terms of jazz music. Then we have Isotope, which is a band that has been running in various different guises since the late 70s, they’re representing the old school approach to the idiom. We will close on Sunday night with the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra which is a big band.

It is a very contemporary twist on the big band sound,” he said.

He said that there are lots of other different things mixed in with the standard jazz including various dynamic fusions.

“You have a band like Tongue Bundle who are a Frank Zappa meets Miles Davis type of band. Then we have Mixtapes From the Underground who are going to headline on Saturday night.

That’s a project led by the drummer Dennis Cassidy who has studied jazz for a number of years, but he has a real hip-hop / funk background,” he said.

There is something for everybody at the festival, says Killeen, with a mix of the progressive music of today and the more traditional style.

For more information on Down With Jazz, see www.downwithjazz.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Dani, a oneyear-old Collie cross.

Dani is only a young girl but she is very worried by handling. Due to this, she would need an experienced dog-owning home who understand she will need time to settle in and help teach her that the world is not so scary. Dani is super clever and will enjoy training games with her new family. An adult only home is needed for this girl.

If you think you could give this playful lady a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook. com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Hat €3 3

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OUT&ABOUT

45

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Hipanema

Necklace €17

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GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 14 May 2015

Karen Millen Perforated pochette €50

Warehou se Feather prin bikini top € 21; bottom t €18

14 May 2015 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE The Body Shop Big & Curvy Waterproof Mascara €17

al Penneys Flor

triangle bikini

set €7

BRUSHING UP ON YOUR

MASCARA

Panache Navy and white bikini top €47; bottom €25

NOTHING changes your look more dramatically than a sweep of mascara. Even if you don’t wear another thing on your face, your eyes look brighter and pop more with a lick of mascara! Here, we pick six of our favourites.

Benefit Roller lash €26

t €70 Hipanema Bracele Elizabeth Arden Colour lash enhancing mascara €26

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Max Factor Masterpieve Glamour Extensions €13.99

Mac InExtreme Dimension €24.50

House of Fra bikini top € ser Floral 32; bottom €20

Chanel Sublime de Chanel €31.50

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 14 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Portable and delicious nutritious nuts and fruit

Tips to help make your long-haul comfortable  SUZANNE SHEEHY

I OFTEN hear the expression, “It’s a small world!” – but not when you have a long-haul flight, spending up to 12 hours or more in the air.

Getting to your dream destination isn’t always fun. Following on from my trip to New Zealand, I have refined my survival techniques – so here they are.

My essential onboard toiletry kit would be a toothbrush, baby wipes, moisturiser and hand sanitiser, deodorant (travel size) and spare clothing. Freshen up every few hours; you’ll be amazed how you’ll feel after.

Carry-on food Airplane food has little nutritional value, so in my carry-on bag I had some dried fruit and nuts as they are both portable and delicious. To keep hydrated during the flight, I always travel with a refillable water bottle, and drink herbal tea such as camomile. I bought Melissa Dream tea, which helps to calm your mind and body.

Lastly, choosing a seat is a matter of personal choice. For greater comfort, I booked my seat at the time of booking my tickets. I chose a window seat with the wall to rest my weary head on.

Happy travels!

Already world-famous for spectacular scenery, New Zealand is now also celebrated as the playground of Hobbits, given the country’s vital role in the Lord of the Rings films. However, away from its stunning landscape, its cities – such as Auckland, right – offer modern, cosmopolitan hubs.

NEW ZEALAND: STUNNING SCENERY RIDES ALONG ON A CYCLING JOURNEY

On the road to adventure  SUZANNE SHEEHY

ITWAS the biggest adventure of my life – just over a fortnight in New Zealand, where the people dubbed the Kiwis are friendly and down-to-earth.

It was the perfect place for a solo traveller – there’s nothing like the freedom of exploring a new place on your own terms.

Going alone meant I had to make more effort to meet new people and trust my instincts. My itinerary was flexible – last-minute changes were possible.

And I can only say if there’s ever a country you want to see but have no one to go with, just go solo.

You’ll learn so much about yourself and others and return with

fond memories and new friendships.

So, however you travel, you can choose to see New Zealand’s North or South Islands. Most travellers flock to the latter, famous for its glaciers and spectacular Southern Alps.

But don’t underestimate the North Island – it too is magnificent.

I chose a unique way to experience this stunning terrain – by bike.

A favourite quote from author Ernest Hemingway sums up my trip: “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.

“Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such

accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”

I was one of 80 competitors who flew into New Zealand to join 220 Kiwi riders at the starting line on April 11 for

Island to Wellington.

The event was about celebrating the country’s great rides, encouraging cyclists to give it a go, and promoting NewZealand’s biking opportunities.

Competitive but social, the tour was spread

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

‘I flew into New Zealand to join 220 Kiwi riders at the starting line for the Tour Of New Zealand cycle’

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the North Island stage of the Tour Of New Zealand cycle.

I was offered two direction options – from the top of the North Island to Wellington, or from the bottom of the South

over seven days, covering 700kms of gruelling climbs and fascinating road trails.

The first three days we spent travelling through Northland, famous for its native forests, as we

stopped at Tane Mahuta – a giant 2,300-year-old kauri tree, probably the largest tree I’ll ever lay eyes on.

The route, through the centre of the North Island, comprised one amazing day after another including a stop at the iconic Chateau Hotel with Mt Ruapheu towering behind it.

Some rides started flat and neutral but later turned into rollercoasters. Every day was different and while I struggled on some, finding it hard to latch onto passing peletons, I had a great big grin on my face crossing the finish line each day.

The views en route were awesome.

The faster team members were always there to cheer me and fellow riders in on the final laps.

The camaraderie among cyclists made it easier each morning to leap bike-wards and feel fully charged up.

As days passed, my strength rose. But undoubtedly the trip’s highlight was the people I shared it with, from the bike mechanic to the crew and riders.

One day, I cycled more than four hours with a 72-year-old. He refused to allow his age to stop him from being physically active and achieving his goals.

The Tour Of New Zealand shows that by bringing together people around a shared interest, age and background dissolve into a very enjoyable event with great spirit.

Tour Of New Zealand also had a charitable focus, with many riders

14 May 2015 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Geronimooo ... Suzanne Sheehy takes a leap of faith with a bungee jump 134m above the Nevis River Whether cycling or otherwise journeying across New Zealand, the Suzanne Sheehy (centre) with fellow cyclists along the route

scenery can often feel like Ireland

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences await NEW Zealand is a fantastic place to visit, whether with a group or on your own.

Getting around, you can fly by Jetstar (a lowcost airline) between Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington. I flew from Wellington to Queenstown (price NZ$199/€131).

It is here where adventure awaits you.

My chosen adrenalinerush activity was the Nevis Bungee Jump, from 134m above the Nevis River. Costing €181, it was a once-in-alifetime experience.

Chateau Tongariro in Tongariro National Park

Head up, up and away by gondola to the top of the peak overlooking Queenstown, and a great look at the rolling landscape around the historic town

TheEssentials Suzanne Sheehy (centre) with fellow cyclists, including Tour Of New Zealand director Peter Yarrell (far right)

working to raise a total of $250,000 for chosen charities, including The Heart Foundation, St John, Tear Fund, Akina Trust (bikes in schools), and Unicorn Foundation (a trust set up by John Keys cardiologist Malcolm Legget for cancer research).

This third tour was made possible by the commitment, organisation and dedication of

event director Peter Yarrell and secretary Coral MacDonald and his teams of volunteers.

Plans for 2017 Plans for 2017 are aready under way – mark April 22-29, 2017 in your diary for this truly amazing event. For further information on this exciting event, see www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz.

Believe me, New Zealand is not that far away.

Some careful planning, a few sacrifices and a lot of saving can make the trip possible. You don’t have to wait till you’ve retired!

But take it from me, don’t forget the padded shorts – I could not have made it without their unstinting support!

And remember, wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Traveling to New Zealand Flights to New Zealand from Ireland depart from major cities. The duration of the flight to New Zealand is about 25, hours and common stopovers include Dubai, Kuala Lampur, Melbourne, Sydney or San Francisco. I booked flights with Trailfinders, and found it helpful in planning a flight itinerary.

My return flight cost about €1,000, but this varies according to season and demand. For further information, see www. trailfinders.ie.

Food and drink You will not lack places to eat. I spent a few days in Auckland at the end of my trip and was surprised at the variety of food and drink options, from authentic Thai to Japanese cuisine. Take in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, where restaurants and trendy bars dot the waterfront.

Accommodation New Zealand has good accommodation which can suit most pockets. Visit TripAdvisor for up-to-date news and reviews by fellow travellers. Also see www.newzealand. com, which is useful for accommodation and things to do.

Next up was the white water rafting (above) on the Grade 3-5 Shotover River. Undertaken with a very organised crew, the views were spectacular (and not forgetting the bus trip along a cliff edge to get there – yikes!) This cost NZ$209 (€138), but if you book several activities agents occasionally give you extra value on your booking.

For a rest day, I took a trip out to Milford Sounds, in the Fiordland National Park, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most scenic areas.

Although there was heavy rain and poor visibility, (above) it was definitely worth the trip. The rain meant spectacular waterfalls along most of the route; a highlight was seeing the fur seals.

My Real Journeys tour included stops to take pictures. I chose the coach/cruise/fly package; however, due to bad weather, I returned by coach, and a full refund was given for the fly section of this package.

I would suggest visiting Milford Sound, come rain or shine.

Queenstown is also well known for its tracks and trails which suit all fitness abilities and time frames. I recommend taking the gondola to the peak summit above the city (NZ$32), or hiking up, which took me 45 minutes, to take in breathtaking views.

Accommodation is plentiful, ranging from backpackers’ hostels to apartments, B&Bs and hotels. I used TripAdvisor as my source of reviews and referrals.

Make Queenstown an essential part of your New Zealand itinerary; although costly, it will not disappoint.

Gazette

22 Gazette 14 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Theatre Love/Hate’s Peter Coonan, who stars in Before Monsters Were Made at the Project

Seeing how monsters can rise in idle rumours  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IF YOU missed the first few performances of Before Monsters Were Made, a play by Ross Dungan and featuring Love/ Hate’s Peter Coonan, you are still in with a chance to see it as it continues its run at Project Arts Centre until May 16.

So far, the new thriller has been going down a storm with audiences. It tells the tale of David, a man struggling to hold his marriage together in a small town that has been rocked by the untimely death of a local girl.

Rumours As details are uncovered, rumours and talk take hold of the town, and it starts to force David to revisit old memories.

The play is set in 1960s rural Ireland, and focuses on how suspicion and old stories can spread like a virus, causing untold damage.

Tickets for Before Monsters Were Made can be booked at Project Arts Centre by contacting www.projectartscentre.ie, or by calling 01 8816 913.

ARTS

interview: dermot bolger at his best

Nothing like getting tangled up in novels  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

When The Gazette spoke to writer Dermot Bolger last week, he was getting ready to go back to his old school in Finglas to talk to students about his teen novel, New Town Soul, currently on this year’s Leaving Certificate.

Bolger is famous for his mercurial talent in many literary genres from teen literature to poetry, drama and novels. He told The Gazette of the challenges involved in some of these genres.

“They all have different challenges but firstly, I’m just a storyteller and love to tell stories. It’s a huge privilege when people hear your stories.

You write in the medium which presents itself to you…The most challenging [literary genre] is actually the novel. When you start a novel, you’ve no idea if you will finish it and you’re trying to create a narrative, as I tried to do with Tanglewood and know it’s going to be two, three or four years before it’s finished.”

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

‘I’m just a storyteller and love to tell stories. It’s a huge privilege when people hear your stories. You write in the medium which presents itself to you …’

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

Dermot Bolger, writer --------------------------

Bolger met a ver y tricky problem with his latest novel Tanglewood as he began writing it 10 years ago during the height of the Celtic Tiger but by the time he was finishing it, the property bubble had burst.

“One of the huge problems for me was that the world in which it was written, disappeared overnight. For years I couldn’t finish the book because I said people wouldn’t build

that house now because property has collapsed.

“It was like writing a novel in the summer of 1913, which was an absolutely gorgeous summer and people were going about their lives with no cognisance of the fact that the whole world around them was going to be totally changed by the war in a year’s time.”

To navigate around this problem, Bolger decided to finish the book as intended by leaving it set in 2007.

He said: “The book is really about marriage and relationships and I don’t need to go into the whole collapse of the economy. The reader, once they see that date, will know what the character doesn’t know, the reader will know what’s going to happen. So I don’t need to tell that story; that’s implicit.”

Bolger said the Celtic Tiger and its fall-out damaged several generations including the present crop of young emigres “who grew up thinking that they were the culmination of 700

Writer Dermot Bolger whose works span literary genres from teen literature to poetry, drama and novels

years of history and were the chosen generation who would simply walk into jobs in their own country. Now I’ve nephews and nieces who’ve emigrated and I don’t know where my own sons will wind up.”

Old school

Bolger frequently goes back to his old school Beneavin De La Salle College, and last week was due to speak to Leaving Certificate exam students about New Town Soul.

“It’s important to go out to schools because when I was in school I didn’t think I could possibly make a living by doing this.

“I became the world’s worst library assistant and worked in factories.

I had no notion I could make a living from my dreams.

“So, I think it’s impor-

Tanglewood explores the lives of a cohort of suburban Dubliners

tant to go into schools, prisons and various places and say you need to cherish your dream and see where it brings you.”

Dermot Bolger’s latest novel, Tanglewood, is available at the end of May for €13.99 and is published by New Island Books.

14 May 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK RECIPECORNER

Versatile lamb always goes great with a good salad

Make the most of lamb with a terrific salad YO! Sushi

Japanese restaurant

Clarendon Street, D2 A popular eatery away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Grafton Street, YO! Sushi has been delighting

diners with its top

Japanese fare for a long time, and has a new menu to further please its foodie fans. Pictures: Paul Sherwood

The Picky Eater

SET close to Grafton St, YO! Sushi has been a perennial on the restaurant scene in Dublin, and it’s a great place to pop in for a quick bite.

I used to be a massive sushi fan – in my late 20s I made it my business to dine out on the stuff at least once a week. But it sort of lost its appeal; I think I overdid it once or twice and haven’t really craved sushi in a long time.

So, when I heard YO! Sushi was launching a new menu recently, I thought this is the perfect opportunity to see if I can rekindle my love for the Japanese dish.

The new menu includes old favourites such as chicken yakitori, as well as new additions including popcorn shrimp tempura, beef tsukune, salmon and yuzu salsa tataki, chocolate dorayaki and banana and chocolate harumaki.

Devised by group executive chef Mike Lewis, the new YO! Sushi menu brings together f lavours of amazing street food in Tokyo, along with lots of great regional dishes.

For those of you who don’t know the brief with YO! Sushi, there is a conveyor belt with lots of small plates containing everything from norimaki to sashimi to wasabi peas.

Remembering It’s a bit like The Generation Game, but instead of remembering everything you see, you eat everything you see!

Sit in the booths or on high stools and pick your dinner up as it passes.

I brought my twoyear-old along and he almost hyperventilated with the excitement.

Granted, he didn’t go in much for the sushi, but he did like the fruit plates, the miso soup

and the rice, as well as all the chocolate treats they have on there too.

For those of you who find this a bit too harebrained, you can order hot dishes from the menu, too, but that just takes away from the experience, in my opinion; although we did mix it up a little and selected from both.

This is a great place to bring kids as they get to eat with their eyes as well as their mouths, and small plates make it easy to eat fast and run.

We did so, as our darling son, who had behaved impeccably up to this point, decided the conveyor belt would be a great place to send his toy cars and trucks for a little ride.

Now that’s something the other diners certainly didn’t expect to pick up in a sushi bar.

For further information, see go to www. yosushi.com.

THIS week, we have a delicious recipe for marinated lamb, courtesy of Bauknecht ovens. To accompany the lamb, we recommend serving fresh quinoa, tomato and cucumber salad with ciabatta croutons.

Lamb and marinade ingredients 2kg butterflied leg of lamb Juice of 4 oranges Large pinch of saffron 3 x star aniseeds 1 x dessert spoon of honey ½ vanilla pod (split) 1 tbsp. of coriander seeds Preparation • To marinade, squeeze the juice of 4 oranges into a small pot, then add in all remaining ingredients, bring to boil and then leave to cool.

• For the lamb, butterfly cut the leg of lamb (or ask your butcher to do it).

• Massage the marinade into the lamb and leave for at least three hours (or overnight for best results).

• Turn your Bauknecht oven to turbo grill – medium setting 4.

• Cook for 25 mins for medium-rare, or for 35 minsplus for medium to well-done.

• Leave to rest for two mins in a warm place, then carve and serve.

Quinoa, tomato and cucumber salad with ciabatta croutons ingredients 250g of cherry tomatoes 1 x cucumber 100g of quinoa Juice of 2 lemons ½ clove of garlic 4 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil 1 loaf of ciabatta

A feast for the eyes as much as the stomach, Yo! Sushi’s colourful conveyor belt of food will satisfy both senses

Conclusion

MUCH like its visually pleasing conveyor belt of food, you should give YO! Sushi a whirl (at Clarendon Street, Dublin 2; tel 01 672 8950). Its well-thought out menu features a wide range of Japanese staples, as well as more accessible selections, too.

Preparation • For the ciabatta croutons, cut ciabatta into cubes and mix with 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.

• Place on oven tray in warm oven at 125°C Forced Air Cooking, and cook for 30 mins (until crispy).

• For the quinoa salad, bring a large pot of water to the boil, then add quinoa and boil for 15-20 mins.

• Drain and refresh in cold water, then quarter the cherry tomatoes.

• Half, peel and deseed the cucumber, then chop finely.

• For the vinaigrette, finely chop half clove of garlic, then add to lemon juice and 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil. Finally, mix, season and serve to taste.

Gazette

24 Gazette 14 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

AVENGERS: ultron Not totally Marvel-ous

MARVEL builds on its smash-hit Avengers franchise for the biggest film yet, with Age of Ultron (Cert 12A, 142 mins) rounding up the gang (Captain America, Hulk, Thor – you all know who by now) and adding new characters to the mix, all in the name of battling Ultron.

But their battle against this latest nemesis and his legions of robot goons add little that is new to the mix.

child 44

A chilling Soviet tale THERE’S something extrarotten afoot in Soviet-era Russia in Child 44 (Cert 16, 110 mins), with a series of child murders pointing at a cover-up at the highest levels. Investigator Tom Hardy follows the ever murkier trail, but the threat of danger grows stronger, the closer he gets to the truth ... It’s a decent role for Hardy, with Gary Oldman delivering reliable support.

fast & furious 7 Still vroom to improve

YES, technically, Fast & Furious 7 (Cert 12A, 140 mins) does come with a plot – something to do with terrorism, vengeance, family life – but in reality it’s just the latest in the highly-popular, incredibly dumb franchise. Expensive cars get driven very fast and furiously indeed, as ludicrous sequences ramp up the excitement and highamp silliness. Park your brains at home for this one.

The discovery of unsettling old footage from many years ago plunges Dublin film archivist David (Rupert Evans) into an unsettling and increasingly disturbing reality

the canal: despite some flaws, this is a solid and interesting film

Irish horror makes a splash A GOOD horror movie is a rare thing – for every Babadook, there’s a host of terrible films.

Just glance through the IMDB scores of what the genre has offered in the past few years and you’ll see the most constant element is a mediocre rating.

Audiences flock to the cinema in the hopes of titillating a primal rush of fear, but too often leave disappointed.

The power of that fundamental captivation we have with the supernatural is highlighted in the opening scene of The Canal, which sees film archivist David (Rupert Evans) addressing the camera, which pivots to reveal a cinema audience of unruly school kids, evidently on a class trip.

 Dave phillips

A shout of “W ho wants to see some ghosts?” quells the c l a m o u r, a s D av i d continues to explain that all the people in the archive footage the group are about to watch are long dead – cue groans of frustration from the kids. It’s a strong, self-aware and promising start to a particularly nightmarish journey.

Shot in Dublin, Irish director and writer Ivan Kavanagh’s disturbing ghost story focuses around the central

character of David.

Things are looking rosy for him and his pregnant wife Alice (Hannah Hoekstra) as we see them settle into their Georgian house by the canal.

F a s t f o r w a r d f i ve years, and we see some obvious changes – their son Billy is well established in their home, and more importantly some cracks are beginning to show in their relationship.

David seems to be quite familiar with a female colleague, and at the same time is jealous of the attention that Alice gets at work.

Accompanying her on a work night out, he surveys her body language when speaking with clients and suspects that she is having an affair.

Things take a significant turn for the worse when, in the course of work, David watches some archive crime scene footage and finds out that a century earlier a violent murder took place on Black Street, in the very house where David and his family are now living.

After watching the footage, something shifts in David’s world – he starts to see movement in the shadows, have strange dreams, and become increasingly hostile and suspicious of his wife.

It is the otherworldly sequences that really set The Canal apar t from its peers. Lulled into familiar territory of marital disturbances, it is a shock for the viewer to enter the twisted

dreamscape of David, where he is haunted by the figure from the video.

There are some golden moments here that are reminiscent of Don Cascarelli’s Phantasm series, where the mundane and the supernatural worlds meet in a feverish, murky, and electrifying meld.

The bulk of the film oscillates between these peaks of intense, engaging, and effective horror and the banalities of David’s life as he tries to understand what is happening to him – it’s the latter where the film at points falls a little flat, with some heavy-handed dialogue and an overreliance on jump-cut editing dispelling some of the tension built up in the creepier

scenes.

Like a smorgasbord of horror, The Canal seems to have a little bit of ever ything. In the wonderfully inventive dream sequences, there is a throwback to a distinctly 80s-kind of ethereal horror.

We’ve an abundant helping of gore and jump-scares, but also a touch of psychological depth as the story can be read – albeit with a little effort – as an exposition of fear around birth.

T he problem with incorporating such a variety of styles is that it never feels like it masters one, but overall The Canal is a solid helping of creative and effective home-grown horror.

Verdict: 6/10

14 May 2015 gazette 25

26 dun laoghaire gazette 14 May 2015

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23858

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Gazette

28 Gazette 14 May 2015

SPORT Top swim award for Dub stars

FastSport

top athlete: portmarnock club member wins big at annual event

o’donoghue and good win Belgan title:

TEmpleogue native Shane O’Donoghue and Shankill’s Kyle Good helped Antwerp-based Dragons to the Belgian Hockey League title last weekend in stunning fashion.

One of Europe’s top three leagues, the Irish pair were both on the score sheet in an incredible final victory over Royal Leopold, running up a 10-0 aggregate victory in the two-legged final.

Both scored in Saturday’s 4-0 win before Good finished off the rout on Sunday with his side’s sixth goal.

It completed a memorable season for the pair following their summer switch from UCD and Monkstown, respectively.

They finished the regular season in fourth place but managed to get the better of tabletoppers KHC Leuven in the semi-finals.

O’Donoghue linked up with the Irish national team a day after the league win in Germany to play in a series of challenge matches.

 sport@dublingazette.com

FIONA Doyle was last night named High Performance Athlete of the Year at the Swim Ireland Annual Awards in the Citywest Hotel, Saggart.

Doyle, a previous Gazette Sports Star of the Month and Portmarnock club member, had an outstanding year in 2014 and won the award based on her performances, in particular her 50m breast-

Bert O’Brien with Sarah Keane

stroke final at the European Championships in Berlin.

Doyle has already shown her desire to secure a place at the Rio 2016 Olympics in 2015 with a number of new Irish records and will target qualification for Rio 2016 at the World University Games and World Championships this summer.

A total of 12 awards, which celebrate and honour the fantastic work and outstanding accomplishments of Swim Ireland’s athletes, coaches and volunteers, were handed out on the night.

Among them was Bert O’Brien, from Sandycove SWPC, who was awarded the Water Polo

Rachel Lee, left, is presented with the Open Water Swimmer award by Sarah Keane

Outstanding Achievement Award for his involvement with the sport which spans over 40 years.

Malahide’s Rachael Lee was winner of the Open Water Swimmer of the Year award. She won the 2014 Liffey Swim as well as the 10K National Open Water Swim at Lough Dan. T here was a huge cheer as Brian Sweeney collected the Club C o a c h o f t h e Ye a r Award; a huge number of members of his Templeogue Club attended to celebrate the occasion.

Club swimmer of the year went to Tallaght’s Antoinette Neamt for her outstanding perf o r m a n c e s i n 2 014

which included a number of Irish junior records.

Ten junior international athletes were also honoured on the night, they represented Ireland at European junior championships in swimming and diving and at the World Youth Olympics.

Over 20 volunteers were honoured with awards for their services and involvement in the aquatics over the past 20 years.

The final part of the evening saw two inductions into the Swim Ireland Hall of Fame. Anne Cummins presented the first in a touching tribute to her sister Marian Fenton and the second was presented by past

president Wally Clarke to Norman Green who had huge involvement in swimming in the 1970s and 1980s.

Speaking after the event, Swim Ireland’s chief executive Sarah Keane said: “We are delighted each year to be able to celebrate the great accomplishments of our athletes and coaches and to recognise our volunteers for the hard work that they do, that sometimes goes unnoticed.

“The awards night gives us the opportunity to celebrate and remember the hard work that ever yone puts into our sports; swimming, water polo, open water, diving and masters swimming.”

Aughney lays out 2015 Dublin marathon route  sport@dublingazette.com

Maria McCambridge on her way to finishing second in the women’s 2014 SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon

DUBLIN marathon race director Jim Aughney confirmed the route for this year’s race this week at the Mansion House with the event set for Monday, October 26.

Over 19,000 people took part in the SSE Airtricity Dublin Race Series last year, and over 14,600 runners, joggers and walkers entered the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon.

The 2015 marathon route will follow the same course as the previous marathon in 2014 where changes had to be made

due to the Luas works in Dublin City Centre.

The route will start on Fitzwilliam Square and end at Merrion Square as per recent years, but it will run along St. Stephen’s Green towards Meath Street, Lord Edward Street and Parliament Street, taking in City Hall and Dublin Castle – two well-known Dublin landmarks – before entering the quays and moving towards the Phoenix Park.

Last year’s race finish from Mount Street Lower towards Merrion Square proved a success

with the runners and spectators so it remains the same for 2015.

Last year, Kenyan Eluid Too was a surprise winner of the overall title with a time of 2.14.47 while defending champion Maria McCambridge lost out by four seconds to EstherWanjiru Macharia of Kenya who crossed the line in a great time of 2.34.15.

“As the leading marathon in Ireland, we are continuing to improve the standard of marathon running in this country while also increasing participation rates.

“This year, the SSE Airtricity

Dublin Marathon is one of two major events announced as part of the new initiative to attract members of the diaspora to participate, with numerous networking events being organised in the lead up to our races,” said Aughney.

The SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon was also announced as the winner of the best international event at the Running Awards in London last month where they were up against tough competition from the Boston Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon.

14 May 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Christie’s mission to Box and Burn in LA Lucan BC’s Kerrie Christie is aiming to become one of the world’s top female boxing coaches; she tells JAMES HENDICOTT of her move to the US to hone her skills BOXING coach Kerrie Christie has gone in search of her slice of the American dream, moving to Los Angeles to hook up with notable pro gym Box N Burn.

The move is the Lucan native’s latest in her ambitious mission to become “boxing’s premier female coach”.

Christie already has an impressive sporting background, coming to boxing after injuries forced her from soccer and immediately taking to the sport.

She quickly won an invite to train at Paschal Collins’s Dublin pro gym the Celtic Warrior Boxing Club, where she’s been for the past four years.

There, she worked with the likes of prospects Luke Keeler and Jono Carroll who are making big strides in

the professional game as well as world title hopeful Stephen Ormond.

Recently, Christie became the first Irish woman ever to gain a formal coaching qualification, picking up her BUI licence earlier this year. It’s a success for which she’s particularly grateful to Collins.

The move to LA, of course, brings with it a host of new challenges.

“I’ve become a very small person in a big city,” the Dubliner says of her Californian relocation. “I have to establish myself as a hard worker and a reputable trainer.

It’ll take time, but as the years go by I’ll be looking for that world champion.”

It sounds ambitious, but Christie’s going in at a top location, and is well-placed to make seri-

ous strides.

B ox N B u r n h a s recently developed into a small chain, and has seen some high-profile athletes pass through over the years.

These have included world champion boxer Chris Van Heerden and UFC champion Chris Weidman.

“The gyms are owned

by Tony Jeffries and Kevan Watson”, Christie told the Dublin Gazette.

“Tony is an Olympic medal winner and an undefeated pro boxer, and Kevan is one of the world’s leading fitness trainers. Ireland’s own Wayne ‘Pocket Rocket’ McCullough is also part of the team.”

To get her foot in the door, Christie took the direct approach, presenting the owners with her impressive CV on her sec-

Kerrie Christie, centre, with Tony Jeffries and Kevan Watson

ond trip to LA They were evidently impressed.

“The two guys sponsored my visa”, she explains. “They gave me so much support along the way. They’ve made the dream a reality.”

The faith shown comes in part from a lifelong knack Christie has for

“Blue skies, amazing weather, lovely beaches and people who want to stay fit and healthy; it’s an amazing place”, she tell us. “As [gym owner] Tony always says, ‘it’s like living on holiday’.”

Not that the holiday feel is slowing Christie down. “I loved the

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

‘My mission is to become boxing’s premier female coach - Kerrie Christie’

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

connecting when coaching.

“I’ve been told I have great patience and can adapt to how different people learn, and being very passionate helps, too. When it comes to boxing, it can be a very mental game.

“The biggest challenges you’ll face are trying to get inside your fighter’s head and understand how they think and how they work before and during a fight. It’s a tough sport to be in, and sometimes, if your head’s not right, you can lose a fight before it even starts.

“Packie Collins at Celtic Warrior has a great understanding of the psychological side having studied sports psychology.”

It’s not taken long for Christie to take to her new environment, but then again, why would it.

gym from the moment I stepped into it,” she says.

“It’s packed on a daily basis, from pro athletes to members of the public who want to learn to box.

“The atmosphere’s electric. I want to do the best job I can with these guys,” says the driven athlete, who cites Katie Taylor as a major inspiration. “Katie made the path for women a lot easier, which has really helped me.

“There’s never been a female world champion with a female trainer. It’s a wild dream, and it’ll take years to get to that level, but it’s achievable.

“I can’t wait to spend my next five years here and help the Box N Burn name keep growing throughout LA.” With Christie’s record and determination, you’d be a fool to bet against her.

FastSport

Wild Rovers and Declan’s land Dublin Masters titles THE third Dublin masters tournament saw men’s Over-40s and Over-50s along with the women’s Over-40s teams from home and abroad battle it out for the title at a series of games across Dublin.

This year’s line up of teams was arguably the strongest yet and the standard seen at all levels is a testament to the quality of players participating.

Following the group games, the men’s Over40s saw Aberdeen and St Declan’s meet in one semi-final and St Vincent’s versus Trailblazers in the other. In two enthralling encounters, St Declan’s clawed back a 10-point deficit to win by four points, while Trailblazers just about overcame St Vincent’s by two points.

In the Over-40s women, 2014 winners Wild Rovers had to work very hard to beat a very good Edinburgh team and Oblate Dynamos held off the Dublin All Stars.

It set up a series of top notch finals in the Oblate Hall on Sunday. The Over-50s final proved a classic between Rathmines and London Eagles. London Eagles built a six-point lead and held it for most of the game. In the last 20 seconds, though Sean Wynne hit four free throws to tie the game and bring it to overtime.

By this stage, London had lost three key players to foul trouble and Rathmines went on to lift The Mick Brew Memorial Trophy.

Following the game, Rathmines Paul Gallen was inducted into the Irish Masters Basketball Hall of Fame in recognition of his dedication and service to Masters Basketball in Ireland.

In the women’s final, Oblates were missing a key players due to injury for their title battle with the Wild Rovers who contained current Irish international Suzanne Maguire and former internationals such as Catriona White. They ran out comfortable winners and retained the Joe Kavanagh Cup. The eagerly awaited men’s Over-40s cup final saw St Declan’s team pay tribute to John McDonagh who sadly passed away in February.

His former team mates were not going to let him down as they powered to an early lead which they never surrendered.

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 14 May 2015

SPORT

FastSport

Wesley land Leinster rugby club of the year OLD Wesley won the Leinster senior club of the Year Award with president Dave Bursey picking up the tophy at the Leinster Annual Awards Ball last Saturday.

The award was fully justified after a highly successful season for Old Wesley at all playing levels. The senior team won Division 2A of the All Ireland League, earning promotion to Division 1B for next season.

At junior level, the club’s seconds and fourths topped their respective leagues and gained promotion for next season while the thirds and fifths reached the final of their respective cup competitions. With Under-20s finishing a highly credible second in their league, it made for a spectacular season all round.

Bursey is pictured receiving the award from Sean Cavanagh from trophy sponsors Canterbury at the Doubletree Hilton.

RTE’s Darragh Maloney was the MC for the evening with Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor, captain Jamie Heaslip and the rest of the province’s players also in attendance to celebrate, among other things, the careers of Leinster Rugby stalwarts Gordon D’Arcy and Shane Jennings.

Former St Mary’s, Leinster, Ireland and Lions back Johnny Moloney was inducted into the Leinster Rugby Guinness Hall of Fame and former Leinster and Ireland prop Fiona Coghlan receiving the Life Style Sports Special Merit Award.

Nine departing Leinster players were also awarded their caps in recognition of their achievements on the pitch.

Two of those departees included Jennings and D’Arcy who were interviewed on stage by former team mates Leo Cullen and Brian O’Driscoll.

Two tribute videos brought the house down as both received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.

soccer: sallynoggin side get the best of broadford

The St Joseph’s Boys Under-17 side that beat Broadford Rovers to move nine points clear at the top of their league table

Joey’s U-17s face waiting game ddsl u-17 major 2 St Joseph’s Boys Broadford Rovers  sport@dublingazette.com

3 2

A GOOD weekend for St Joseph’s Boys saw the Under-17 side all but guarantee their DDSL League Under-17 Major 2 title, and the associated promotion to the Major 1 Division.

The side played main title challengers Broadford United and knew coming into the game that a win would guarantee at least a play off with their opponents for the league title.

Broadford have been on fire recently, however, netting 27 goals in their last seven league games, and burst into a 2-0 lead in the first half.

Joey’s stormed back to take the game by 3-2, pulling one back through Niall Foley before half time, before snatching a single goal victory from their opponents for the second time this season.

Foley’s second and a winner for substitute Sean Horgan secured the win.

Broadford United will now need to win all of their three outstanding league games to draw

champions league Dalkey United welcome over 300 for blitzes dalkey United was thronged last week

with 300 children for a series of soccer blitzes from Under-7 up to Under-12 level at their home in Hyde Road and over 800 supporters and family members in attendance at the volunteer-organised event.

Pictured at the event are key organisers Declan Kelly, treasurer, Trevor Grant, general secretary, and Stephen O’Brien, media secretary.

Picture: Rose Comiskey

level with St Joseph’s and secure a one off title play off.

Elsewhere, the club’s Under-13 level Premier Cup Final – also scheduled for the weekend – went through an “on again off again” saga, with the Peamount United pitch at the AUL eventually deemed unplayable.

A new date for the match against Belvedere is yet to be confirmed.

St Joseph’s Boys alumni, meanwhile, made an impact on the Ireland Senior Squad this week, too, with two former players making the 33

man senior squad for the European Championship Qualifier against Scotland and friendly international against England next month.

Alan Judge was the surprise call up, with the Brentford and former St Joseph’s Boys man having had a superb season as his side challenged for promotion from the English Championship. Judge has played 37 times.

Judge could yet find himself competing for promotion to the big time in the play off final, should his side overturn a 2-1 deficit to Middlesbrough

in their semi final second leg on Friday, May 15.

The newcomer is joined

by Paul McShane, a squad regular. The Hull City man and former national captain will be hoping to add to his tally of 37 international caps during the fixtures.

Another former St Joseph’s man Jay O’Shea missed out on promotion to the Championship with Chesterfield this week, with his side beaten 4-0 over two legs by English League One play off favourites Preston North End at the semi-final stage.

14 May 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

football fundraiser

Cuala to host May Day festival at Hyde Road

Club Noticeboard cuala

sunday Game host Des Cahill along with

Dublin senior footballer Michael Fitzsimons were out in force to promote Cuala’s May Day Fair on Sunday, May 17 at Hyde Road.

The event is a family event with stalls, competitions, music, bouncy castles, Thomas the Tank Engine rides for the younger kids. There is also a chance to win two Ed Sheeran tickets.

OUR adult footballers made it three

Wednesday when the U-14A girls’

wins from four in championship action

footballers played out a see saw draw

over the weekend.

5-6 to 3-12 with Dublin Feile champions

The seniors lost out to Ballinteer by

This week’s lotto jackpot will be

day while the intermediate team beat

€4,000. Our three €50 lucky dip winners

St Sylvester’s by 3-11 to 1-14 in Sean

were Colm Small, Maread Tierney and

Moore Park.

Cormac O’Tighearnaigh. Tickets for

There were also good wins for the junior Cs against Naomh Fionnbarra (2-11 to 1-10) and the junior Ds against

football: cuala bid ended by Ballinteer st john’s

Kilmacud.

0-12 to 2-10 in O’Toole Park on Satur-

Crumlin (4-11 to 3-10) on Sunday.

Good luck to Jennifer Dunne and

this week’s draw can be bought online at http://www.cualagaa.ie/lotto.

The Cuala May Day Fair is on this Sunday, May 17 in Hyde Park from 1-6pm.

Eimear Loughlin who are hoping to

Fun for all the family with bouncy

lift Dublin to the Leinster U-16 football

castles, face painting, cake sale, soak-

championship next Sunday against

the-coach and loads more.

Meath.

If you have any unwanted books,

Good win for the U-13 girls football-

toys and bric-a-brac, please drop

ers against Fingallians at the week-

them down to Cuala between 9.30am

end.

and 12.30pm until May 16 for our May

Great game at Hyde Park last

Fair Day.

shankill THE juvenile academy is in action every

boys have a home game on Saturday

Saturday at 10am in Shanganagh Cas-

against Fingallians; the girls U-11 play

tle. The academy caters for children

St Maur’s at 5pm on Saturday and the

from four to eight years of age at only

U-9s play Ballinteer St John’s at 10am

€2 per week; there is no annual sub-

on Sunday, both in the Castle.

scription and covers Gaelic football, hurling and camogie.

All equipment is supplied. New members are always welcome.

The club Summer Camp will take Kilmacud Crokes’ Darren Magee attempts to catch a high ball. Picture: Frances Mullin

Crokes experience sees off Whitehall sfc first round

Kilmacud Crokes 0-13 Whitehall Colmcilles 0-5  sport@dublingazette.com

K ILMACUD Crokes had it more difficult than many probably imagined against Division 3 outfit, Whitehall Colmcille, as the Stillorgan men prevailed 0-13 to 0-5.

The Division 3 side, with Cormac Costello at their fulcrum, showed flashes of threat against the Glenalbyn side but ultimately the strength and experience of Crokes shone through.

Brian Kavanagh (0-3), Dara Mullin (0-3), and

Barry O’Rorke (0-3, 0-1f) were the chief scorers for Crokes who got late scores from subs David Campbell and Mark Vaughan to steer them to victory.

Early on, the sides exchanged points in the opening five minutes.

The experienced Pat Burke and Longford county man Kavanagh were probing and testing the Whitehall defences but they found few scores easy to come by.

They had amassed a 0-8 to 0-3 half-time lead while the further introduction of former Dublin stars Darren Magee and

Vaughan added to their armoury.

Vaughan landed one particularly classy free in his trademark fashion.

Ronan Ryan was shown a red card in the latter stages but Whitehall had a six-point deficit to make up as Crokes made it through to the second round.

E l s e w h e r e , L u ke Naughton was the super sub for Ballinteer St John’s as his late goal helped his side to a 2-10 to 0-12 victory over Cuala in Saturday’s first round tie at O’Toole Park.

Shane McCann’s first half goal helped St John’s

to a 1-5 to 0-7 advantage.

Luke Keating’s free three minutes into the second half brought the sides level and they were on terms on five occasions during the second period.

It was part of a six point salvo from Keating who was a constant danger but the likes of Fearghal Duffy, Peter O’Curry and Glen Whelan were keeping Ballinteer motoring.

The contest looked to be heading for extra-time before sub Naughton popped up for the vital match-winning goal for the Ballinteer men.

We had a winner of our Chase the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s of Shankill. Congratulations to Aisling Mahon who scooped the jackpot of €2,350.

place from July 6 to 10 at a cost of €45

Training for the adult team is at

per member, €50 per non member with

7.30pm on Thursday in Shanganagh

a €5 reduction for siblings. Book early

Cliffs. Next match is against Croi Ro

as places are limited.

Naofa on Sunday at 3pm in Killinarden

Training for both boys and girls

Park. If you would like to join the team,

teams is on Wednesday evening at

please contact Damien on 085 2327359

7pm and Saturday morning at 10am,

or any club member.

all in Shanganagh Castle when there is no match.

The U-6, 7 and 8 teams have a blitz with Bray Emmets on Saturday. The

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Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your GAA club where everybody knows your name.

naomh olaf THIS week was very special for the club

win over Naomh Fionnbarra pm Sun-

with wins all around across a range of

day leaving them second in the league

teams. Pride of place goes to the U-14

table.

Feile Na Gael hurling team, winning the

Busy week this week for the ladies

Division 4 Feile, and the U-16 football

footballers. The senior ladies team

team who are now in the A champion-

drew with Fingal Ravens at home on

ship final.

Wednesday night and the U-17 team

Wins all around this weekend with

had their first defeat of the season

the minor hurlers to the fore on Sun-

against a strong Clanna Gael side on

day with a win over St Peregrine’s.

Monday night.

The senior football championship

The U-13 ladies footballers had two

match against St Vincent’s, scheduled

very good away performances this

for last Friday night, was postponed

week with wins over Na Fianna B and

as pitch was unplayable.

drawing with Maur’s.

The U-15 camogie team beat Round

Best of luck to Clara O’Sullivan cap-

Tower in a thrilling away league match

tain and the Dublin Ladies football-

this weekend, final score 2-11 to 2-4.

ers in the Leinster Final next Sunday

The U-13 camogie team had a last gasp

against Meath.

GazetteSPORT all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 28-31

target set: Joeys Under-17s set the mark for Broadford to try and catch in DDSL title race P31

may 14-20, 2015

The life aquatic: Swim Ireland celebrates with annual awards night P28

Lansdowne land national league  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

LANSDOWNE reclaimed the Ulster Bank League Division 1A title from rivals Clontarf on Saturday, edging a thrilling post-season finale at the Aviva Stadium by a single point.

Lansdowne have had a slight edge on their rivals all season, finishing 13 points above the third place side in the league, and beating them home and away.

The final, though, was to be their tightest contest, heavily influenced by two second-half yellow cards and still wide open until the very last play.

After an initial exchange of kicks, the first big breakthrough came after 22 minutes. Lansdowne’s Scott Deasy looped a kick to the right wing off a promising maul.

Winger Thomas Farrell took a brave catch and popped the ball off to Mark Roche, who bounced over in the corner giving the favourites an 8-6 lead.

So it was to stay until half time, despite a number of promising Clontarf flurries.

Clontarf bounced back in the second half, though, with Rob Keogh clearing the bar with a penalty before Scott Deasy’s optimistic floated pass in central midfield gifted the underdogs a clear lead to

try and cling to.

With Lansdowne pulling their full back into the line to make up for a sin-binned player,Tarf star Matt D’Arcy was alert in midfield to pick off the pass on halfway, and jog in 50m to score under the posts. Keogh added another penalty to establish a nine point lead.

With a full complement back in play, Lansdowne showed faith and kicked a well-positioned penalty for the corner.

They were rewarded, comfortably taking their own line out for man of the match Joe McSwiney to push over and blow the game wide open. An impressive Deasy penalty from the right channel

with 15 minutes remaining gave the league topping side a crucial 18-17 lead.

That was to be the end of the scoring, but not the key moments.

A harsh decision from ref Sean Gallagher limited Clontarf’s chances to hit back, as substitute Ariel Robles was sinbinned for an honest looking tackle that came in a split second late on a Lansdowne clearance kick.

Clontarf still salvaged a potentially crucial injury time possession, but never really got momentum, and one final knock on left Lansdowne to celebrate ecstatically as captain Ron Boucher lifted the trophy.

Lansdowne celebrate their UBL Division 1A title in the Aviva Stadium