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Fair play, Flossie – the 10-year-old beach hero EMMA NOLAN
Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you Inspired by Flossie, people clean Sandycove
AN INSPIRATIONAL little girl from Sandycove is dedicating her summer holidays to cleaning up our coastline. Flossie Donnelly, 10, has decided to devote every
Friday evening of the summer months to conducting a clean-up of the shore around the Sandycove area. She told The Gazette: “Me and my mummy live right next to the beach and we go crabbing in the rocks
and we find loads of rubbish every time, and I decided I’d rather have the beach looking amazing than looking horrible.” In an appeal for volunteers, Flossie has made a poster requesting people to meet up
at 6pm every Friday for an hour-long clean up. Initially, the poster didn’t reach many people, but after her mum Harriet shared it online, she’s had a great response. Continued on Page 9
2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 July 2017
COMMUNITY | COUNCIL THRILLED AS IT DOUBLES WINS FOR PARKS
Ripples of delight as Green Flags awarded --------------------------
EMMA NOLAN
THERE was some fantastic news for the county with the council revealing that the number of parks with Green Flags in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown has doubled. Green Flags will be flying high across the county this summer as Cabinteely Park, Blackrock Park, Marlay Park and The People’s Park have all been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Status. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said they are “absolutely delighted” once again to receive the awards for The People’s Park and Cabinteely Park, and to see two additional Green Flags being raised for first-time
‘The award is a sign of how wellmanaged, clean and safe our parks are’ --------------------------
Council spokesperson --------------------------
Clockwise from top left: Cabinteely Park, Blackrock Park, The People’s Park and Marlay Park – all now awarded prestigious Green Flags
entrants, Marlay Park and Blackrock Park. Speaking to The Gazette, a council spokes-
person said: “We will endeavour to hold on to this Green Flag status into the future.”
The Green Flag award provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of the coun-
cil’s Parks Department staff who have helped to maintain the high standards demanded by such an award. T h e s p o ke s p e r s o n added: “It is a sign of how well-managed, clean and safe our parks are. With many people increasingly relying on their local parks to exercise, relax and have fun, quality green space has never been more important.”
FASTNews
Busy centre’s impact on the economy is revealed AS THE biggest shopping centre in the state, Dundrum Town Centre contributes more than €130 million a year to the economy, according to a report published by its joint owner, Hammerson plc. The Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown centre contributes €93 million in wages and €29 million in taxes – a total of €122 million – to the economy every year. On top of this, its tenants pay €9.2 million in rates to the local authority, bringing the overall figure to €131.2 million. Dundrum Town Centre employs 3,824 people, 85% of them from the local area, with half of these employees under the age of 25. The report also estimates that the centre’s retailers spend €4.5 million a year on training their workers.
Gardai appeal to help find missing teenager, Yu Xin Li GARDAI have renewed their appeal to help find Yu Xin Li, who has been missing from Bray in Co Wicklow since June 22. The 16-year-old is 1.6m (5’3”) tall and of slight build, and has dyed blond hair and brown eyes. Gardai believe that Yu may have been in the Kilmacud area of Dundrum. Anyone in Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown who may have seen Yu or can assist in finding her is asked to contact Bray Garda Station at 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
14 social housing units for Monkstown development
Underpants fans flock to a new film
FANS of the popular children’s character Captain Underpants weren’t too knickered to make their way from all over Dublin to Odeon Point Village for its special family preview, with the new animated film from Dreamworks capturing his zany adventures in style. Michelle, Adam and Madison Culverwell joined Dylan Brady in the lobby as they waited to take their seats, with the audience saying that the new film was anything but pants! For more shots from the premiere, see Page 11. Picture: Brian McEvoy
SOME 14 new social housing units are planned for Monkstown as Abbey View House is to be demolished to make room. The new residential development will comprise a four-storey block of 14 apartment units (eight one-beds, four two-beds and two three-beds). There will also be car parking spaces and 14 cycle parking spaces, along with landscaping, private and communal gardens. The project is a collaboration between Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Cluid Housing Association Ltd. Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
27 July 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3
PEOPLE | MEET THE DUB WHO MAKES 50-60 DELICIOUS MEALS A WEEK FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE
CURRY ON CARING EMMA NOLAN
Retired Ballyfermot man Brian Birkett learned to make curries when he worked for an Indian restaurant – now he prepares up to 60 meals a week for Dublin’s homeless. Picture: A LENDING HAND
A SELFLESS Dubliner has gone viral after photos of him cooking mouth-watering curries for the homeless were shared online. Retired Ballyfermot man Brian Birkett (65) is being hailed as an “inspiration” for his dedication to making up to SIXTY hot meals for Dublin’s homeless every Monday night on Dame St. He joked: “I hear Conor McGregor’s getting a bit upset about all the publicity I’m getting!” Brian told The Gazette he’s been “inundated” with calls since the photo went viral, but he’s just happy that the homeless crisis is being addressed. “It needs to be highlighted as much as possible,” said Brian, who volunteers with homeless charity A Lending Hand. “I’m delighted [with the publicity] and I couldn’t sing A Lending Hand’s praises enough.” The charity – set up by Coolock woman Keira Gill – is dedicated to providing food and other essentials to homeless people, and Brian’s become well-known for the delicious curries he’s been making for the past year and a half. “They don’t last 10 minutes!” Keira said of the 4-in-1s which contain chips, rice, chicken and curry sauce. “They know he’s coming and everyone asks, ‘Where’s Brian with the curries?’”
On Facebook last Monday, A Lending Hand posted a photo of Brian preparing his curries, adding that he needed a lift from Ballyfermot to Dame St. Within hours, the post had gone viral and he was inundated with offers to help. However, Keira and Brian said support for A Lending Hand has dwindled in recent months and donations of food had slowed, leaving volunteers footing the bill all on their own. Brian explained: “People used to call to my house with chicken fillets; one woman used to give me a sack of rice every two months and we were ticking over – but it seems like people thought the homeless crisis was sorted after Apollo House. But it’s still snowballing.” When Brian first volunteered he made sandwiches, but decided to start making hot meals once he realised the scale of the problem. “I was years working in an Indian restaurant where a Pakistani chef thought me how to make curries and I helped him learn English so my talents came in handy when I decided to have a go at making the curries,” he said. “Each one of those little tubs is a meal in itself.” “He’s a legend,” added Keira. “He’s famous, I said I’m going to have to ask him for his autograph now! “He’s a brilliant person.”
4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 July 2017
BALLYBRACK | SECOND VISIT BY PALESTINIAN TEENAGE FOOTBALLERS TO AREA
Locals asked to help give Gaza kids a terrific trip EMMA NOLAN MORE than 20 young teenagers from Gaza in Palestine are heading to Ballybrack this Sunday, July 30, for a football match and family fun day. This is the second year running that the teenagers from Al Helal FC, aged 13-15, will visit Ballybrack FC as part of a ten-day tour of Ireland with the support of Gaza Action Ireland. Last year’s event saw a huge local turnout and organisers are hoping for the same support again this year to show the solidarity for Palestine felt here in Dublin. Speaking before the
Last year’s event (above) was such a success that it’s hoped the community will once again welcome the visiting young footballers from Gaza, where children suffer disproportionately under the current regional tensions
event, organiser with Gaza Action Ireland and local PBP councillor Hugh Lewis said: “These kids had a brilliant day in Ballybrack last year and we want to make sure they get
an even bigger welcome this time. “It is appropriate that so many young Palestinian footballers should make the trip, as over half of Gaza’s 1.2 million popula-
tion are under the age of 18 and, as such, bear the brunt of Israeli oppression.” Cllr Lewis said that the recent escalation of violence in occupied Pales-
tine makes this a trip an enormous and welcome break for the kids. Their club, Al Helal FC, is located between two refugee camps where poverty and destruction
is rampant, and the children generally can’t travel beyond the narrow strip of land between the sea, Israel and Egypt. Cllr Lewis added: “The event on Sunday is an opportunity for these children to meet kids their own age in Ballybrack and to build lifelong friendships. “On a previous trip [to Gaza], I visited Al Helal FC and saw for myself the reality and hardship caused by the blockade. “Come along on Sunday and make sure we give a hearty welcome for these talented young Palestinian footballers. The event begins at 1pm, so get there as early as possible.”
SHANKILL | INCIDENT AT COMPLEX
Community on alert after man tries to lure girl EMMA NOLAN
SHANKILL residents are urging their neighbours to be vigilant following an incident which saw an attempt to lure a child to a stranger’s car. The pedestrian gate at Eaton Wood off Dorney Court in Shankill was left open last Monday evening and residents say that a young girl in the complex was approached by a man who asked her if she wanted sweets in his car. A notice erected by residents of the complex (right) read: “There was an incident outside in the yard on Monday evening 17/07/17 approx 18.40 hrs whereby a man dressed in black shorts, a black hoodie and a black “Nike” cap approached a child and asked her what her favourite sweets were!”
Residents say that the man “offered to bring her to his car outside as he had ‘loads of sweets’ in it”. “Thankfully, the child had the sense to run in and he ran away.” Residents have reported the incident to gardai.
RESPONSE
Eaterie turns the tables on an unfair review A RESTAUR ANT in Dalkey has hit back at a at punter who claims he was forced to walk out because of poor service. Well-known local spot Ouzos Bar & Grill put a customer in their place after an unfair review was left on Trip Advisor. The review claimed that the customer was shown to a table by an “Eastern European” woman and then “20 minutes passes and nothing”. I t r e a d : “ 3 0 m i nutes and any chance of a human being with respect please??” Owner Padraic Hanley hit back at the customer for mentioning the nationality of his staff before informing him that the restaurant was in fact closed for a memorial mass for their beloved late manager.
‘Offensive’ Padraic’s response read: “Dear Sir. Firstly, your reference to the nationality of my staff is offensive to say the least. “You walked into our restaurant on a night we had closed the restaurant for a memorial mass for our beloved restaurant manager. “There were signs on the window and the door stating the restaurant was closed and you walked straight past them. “ Yo u s a t d o w n amongst family and friends. You talk about a human being with respect and yet you seem to have a problem with where a person comes from?” ‘Wonderful’ He added: “All my staff are wonderful people and how dare you belittle them. “So please don’t bother coming back even if we are open.”
27 July 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5
PEOPLE | MODEST BRENDAN DOWNPLAYS HIS 50 YEARS OF VOLUNTARY WORK
‘What did I do to deserve this award?’ EMMA NOLAN A MONKSTOWN man has been honoured for his 50 years of voluntary work in lifesaving. Brendan Donohue was presented with the Ireland Medal and Parchment of the Lifesaving Foundation at an event in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdow n County Council Chamber. On winning the award, Brendan told The Gazette: “I was in absolute shock! My first reac-
tion was, what did I do to deserve this?” The Ireland Medal award was presented to Brendan by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tom Murphy (FF) in recognition of his more than 50 years of voluntary work in lifesaving.
Community Brendan’s work in the local community is centred on Monkstown Lifesaving Club at dlr Leisure Services Monkstown, where children, teenagers and adults can learn
water safety and rescue skills. His various roles as a lifeguard, teacher, trainer and as a lifesaving administrator has also extended to an international level where the Life Saving Foundation also works in aiding communities in developing countries. The Ireland Medal is awarded to people from the Irish diaspora who have made a significant contribution to lifesaving and the prevention of drowning in different areas.
FASTNews
Take a nighttime bike ride to help blind fundraiser
An Cathaoirleach Tom Murphy presenting a medal to Brendan Donohoe in recognition of his tireless years of voluntary lifesaving work, as Terezita Donohoe looks on
Brendan said: “My particular area has been grassroots [work], teaching people to life save, teaching people water safety – the whole prevention end of things. “ T h a t ’s w h e r e my input has been, in developing community involvement and teaching kids, making them
aware of the risks and dangers so that they wouldn’t actually put themselves at risk initially.”
Services During his speech, Cllr Murphy also complimented the emergency services for their hard work and diligence
in dealing with drowning incidents and was delighted to welcome representatives of these emergency services to the award ceremony. To mark the occasion, Brendan was also was presented with a copy of To The Rescue – a book which records 125 years of lifesaving in Ireland.
THE National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) will hold its first Cycle of Light event on August 25. This fundraising event will see 100 people cycle into the darkness of night for sight loss. From 8.30pm until dark, participants will cycle from Dalkey to Howth and back to Dalkey, via the outskirts of Dublin city, raising vital funds for NCBI’s rehabilitation and children services. If you would like to join the team and participate in the Cycle of Light, register at www. ncbi.ie. Alternatively, contact cycleoflight@ ncbi.ie, or you can also call Collette at 01 882 1970. Registration closes on August 4.
6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 July 2017
Out and About PAUL O’ROURKE
DEREK JOHNSON
DEREK JOHNSON
DEREK JOHNSON
Big crowds enjoy the Bray air show M
KAREN WADE
EMBERS of Naas Photography Group captured some amazing images at the Bray air show last week. Nine photographers had their lenses focussed on the action for about three hours and were rewarded with some spectacular shots, with beautiful afternoon skies making for an ideal background. Over 100,000 attended the show and the group were keen to capture the action, in particular tricky manoeuvres at key moments. Concentration was the name of the game and the results are testimony to their efforts.
27 July 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7
PAUL O’ROURKE
KAREN WADE
DEREK JOHNSON
KAREN WADE
DEREK JOHNSON
8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 July 2017
CRIME | MAN URINATED IN FRONT OF FEMALE STAFF
Picture: Daft.ie
Sex offender jailed after court told of Centre works, parking spaces ‘danger to society’ spark legal row
A LEGAL row has erupted in relation to the redevelopment of Blackrock shopping centre (above). Tenants SuperValu, owned by the Musgrave Group, say the redevelopment plans will negatively affect their business as their car parking spaces would be cut. The case was admitted to the Commercial Court list by Justice Brian McGovern. Musgrave Operating Partners Ireland Ltd has sued Friends First Life Assurance Company DAC, with offices at Cherrywood Business Park in Louglinstown. Tim Kenny, group finance director of the Musgrave Group, said the loss of parking spaces would significantly and severely damage trading at the supermarket for the duration of the construction phase.
WIN
A CONVICTED sex offender who was given a partly suspended sentence for robbery last May has been jailed after gardai told a court that he was a danger to society. In May, Judge Melanie Greally imposed a fouryear sentence on Munir Ghariani (26) and, taking into account the time he had spent in custody on this matter, backdated the sentence to May 19, 2016. She suspended the balance of the sentence. Ghariani, formerly of Granitefield, Dun
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Laoghaire, admitted attacking a woman and robbing her phone on a street “for the thrill”. He had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery of the woman at Granville Road, Cabinteely on March 21, 2016. Judge Greally warned at that time that she would have “no hesitation” in activating the three-year balance of the sentence if he broke any of the conditions for his release. Last month,Ghariani’s probation officer Michelle Richardson brought the case back before Judge Greally because of his failure to meet with the Probation Service, as ordered by the court. Judge Greally agreed to put the matter back for two weeks. She said if Ghariani did not turn up for two weekly meetings in that time, he would be jailed.
Ms Richardson told the court that since then, Ghariani showed up for a meeting and behaved inappropriately. She said that on July 7, he urinated outside a glass building in front of female staff.
Complex needs She said that it was no longer safe or appropriate for the Probation Service to have a role in managing Ghariani. The court heard he has complex needs, but has been taking his anti-psychotic medication since May. Garda Padraig Nagle told the court that since last May, Ghariani had come to garda attention five times. On one occasion, he stared at a 17-yearold girl after she walked past his home before following her in a car to a house. On June 23, a motorist allegedly saw Ghari-
ani walking along a road with his trousers down and making movements towards the front of his body. On a third occasion, he allegedly stole a mobile phone from a woman. Gda Nagle said Ghariani was a danger to society and the community. He said Ghariani was also facing conviction for breaching the Sex Offenders Act by allegedly failing to notify authorities of his address. Judge Greally said that while Ghariani was now taking his medication and was mentally stable, this had had little impact on his ability to control his behaviour. She said she believed he may be willing but unable to do so. She said the court had given him every chance before activating the balance of the suspended sentence.
Convictions Ghariani has 34 previous convictions, including one for sexual assault after he groped a woman from behind as she was taking money out of an ATM. He was registered as a sex offender for that offence. His other convictions include indecency, burglary and theft. The court heard he was on bail for a similar offence at the time of this robbery. The court previously heard that Ghariani became an involuntary patient at St John of God’s hospital in south Dublin on April 3. Ms Richardson previously told the court: “We feel we have to adopt a high-risk approach,” said Ms Richardson, adding that the Probation Service would continue to meet with him for two years.
TRANSPORT
Council rolls out an updated strategy on bike usage EMMA NOLAN THE importance of c y cl e p a r k i n g a n d cycling welfare facilities have been highlighted by the council in a new document published this week. The first of its kind in the country, Standards for Cycle Parking and associated Cycling Facilities for New Developments, is to update existing guidelines as part of the planning process for various land uses and in the public realm. It also gives details of the preferred type of cycle parking stands, and the amount of showers and lockers required in workplaces to help encourage more cycling. Cllr Shay Brennan (FF), the council’s Cycle Champion and chair of the Cycle Forum, welcomed the introduction of the cycle parking standards.
Facilities He said: “Requiring the provision of goodquality cycling facilities at homes, schools and workplaces as part of the planning process can help support the development of cycling as a practical transport choice and will result in more people cycling.” The council is currently developing a number of cycling infrastructure schemes in the county including the Wyattville Road improvement scheme, Sandy ford cycle route and Stillorgan road cycle improvements.
27 July 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9
Flossie’s followers
GIRL, 10, INSPIRES OTHERS TO HELP CLEAN BEACH
New Dublin South FM show to explore obscure music
Ten-year-old hero Flossie Donnelly, front centre, with her crew of beach cleaners
Continued from Page 1
Last Friday evening, a family from Finland changed their holiday plans so that they could come along and help Flossie after seeing her poster (right) on social media. Flossie said she wants others to be able to enjoy a clean beach. She said: “Other families come and see the beach full of rubbish everywhere. I know the council come [to clean up] but they need some help sometimes.” Flossie has had the sup-
port of several local people and individuals. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdow n County Council’s Environmental Officer Dean Eaton has supplied gloves,
litter-pickers and bags for the cleanup. As group organiser, Flossie says that anyone who goes along to the cleanup (above) is given the gear to help do so. “Then we start on the beach and end on all the rocks where we check all around the place to make sure there’s no more rubbish left – it’s always worse on the rocks.” Thanks to her efforts, Flossie says the beach is looking “a lot better” but she maintains that there
is still a lot of work to be done. Mum Harriet says she “couldn’t be prouder” of her daughter and her initiative. “We’re really proud – she was finding rubbish every day and putting it in the bin, so she said: ‘I’m going to make a poster and see if anyone wants to do some beach cleaning’. She put the whole thing together.” Harriet said the response online has been great. “People from England, Italy and Finland have been saying how they appreciate what she’s doing. We are genuinely so proud of her.”
€184k funding boost for DLR child services EMMA NOLAN
DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown has received a major childcare boost as funding of €183,653 has been increased for services. Starting in September, Childcare Capital Funding has doubled to €8.4m and has been allocated to 683 pre-school providers nationwide, with Dun LaoghaireRathdown providers receiving significant amounts. The money is to be used to provide more than 2,200 new childcare places, maintenance
and building works, as well as outdoor play areas, and is available for immediate draw-down by the successful applicants. Welcoming the news, Minister for Transport Shane Ross said he’s delighted that children and parents in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown will benefit from the funding. He said: “I firmly believe that our childcare system needs to be transformed from being one of the most expensive in the world to one of the best. “Studies show that investment in early education has a direct
effect on the overall development of our children well into adulthood.” Also welcoming the funding news, Senator Neale Richmond (FG) urged applications from eligible parties as soon as possible. He said: “I encourage parents in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown to take the time to study the increased supports which are available, and to prepare for the autumn, by checking out the new website, www.affordablechildcare.ie, or by talking to staff at their local childcare centre.”
DUBLIN South FM have announced the launch of their new show, The Magical Victory Tour, with the weekly radio show to be presented by Jonathan Victory and featuring a themed selection of music each week. Some weeks an obscure genre or subculture will be explored, while other weeks will have a selection of music curated around a topic. Jonathan said: “I love discovering new music and I wanted to provide a place for people to do that. I have quite broad tastes in music and I like sharing the things that intrigue me. The airwaves rarely find space for diverse music, so it’s great that Dublin South FM is providing this opportunity.” The Magical Victory Tour will air each Sunday evening at 6pm. Listeners in the Dublin South area will be able to tune in and listen to the show on 93.9FM, via www.dublinsouthfm.ie (as well as the podcasts there), or alternatively via www.tunein. com for any listeners outside of the catchment area.
10 GAZETTE 27 July 2017
Out and About
Actress Aoibhin Garrihy
Actress Cathy Belton
Jackie Harte
Stars are out for world premiere
Vincent Brightling, Pat Moylan and Ciaran Walsh. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Aisling Holly and Lindsey Dolan
Rachel Treacy and actor Johnny Ward
T
HE world premiere of Angela’s Ashes The Musical took place at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre last week. Based on the best-selling memoir by Frank McCourt, Angela’s Ashes The Musical follows the life of an impoverished boy living in Limerick between the 1930s and 40s who dreams of something better.
Peter and Doireann Sheridan
Andrea Smith and Cathy O’Connor
Aisling Conway and Tina O’Kelly
Kathleen Watkins and Anne Friel
27 July 2017 GAZETTE 11
Rebecca Whelan, Caroline Whelan, Layla Pierce and Josephine and Deirdre Sweeney
Mia Whelan
Under the spell of an epic comedy
Stephan, Cooper, Zak, Millie and Brody Murray. Left: Andy and Darragh Preston Pictures: Brian McEvoy
C
OMEDY fans flocked to the Odeon Cinema in Point Village last week for a special invite only family preview screening of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. This comedy for the entire family tells the story of two overly imaginative pranksters named George and Harold, who hypnotize their principal into thinking he’s a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dim witted superhero named Captain Underpants.
Amy Murtagh, Kyle Murtagh, Nicole Cranley and Ava Cranley
Aaron and Derek Wall
Radio presenter Phillip Cawley with wife Rochelle and children Abbey Burton, Linda Burton and Mia Richard and Hannah
O’Reilly
Mushiira Nawool and Aleena Nawool
Ava Norman, Avril O’Connor and Alex Norman
GAZETTE
12 GAZETTE 27 July 2017
DUBLINBUSINESS
SHORTLST: TWO DUBLINERS UP FOR A PRESTIGIOUS RETAIL WIN
Seafood experts hope to hook a top award EMMA NOLAN TWO Dubliners have made it to the BIM Seafood Retail Business Awards 2018 finals. Laura Desmond, from Reid’s Fish Market in Howth, was one of four people shortlisted under the Independent Seafood Specialist category, while Scott Smullen of Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt was named a Supermarket Seafood Manager finalist in the competition. BIM are specifically looking for retail managers that can demonstrate successful business models, and an excellent understanding of seafood, coupled with outstanding business and sales acumen. The competition finals will take place in September when each of the finalists will present to a panel of business experts including retail mentor James Burke, entrepreneur and business-
man Bobby Kerr, financial advisor Moira Creedon, and Ronald Hovenars, a food business mentor from Holland who brings an international element of insight into progressive seafood retailing. Speaking after the announcement of the finalists, Jim O’Toole, chief executive of BIM said: “In September the finalists will need to reflect to the judges how they have implemented what they have learned through their mentoring with the experts in BIM for the benefit of the business, and how they plan to grow their businesses into the future. I wish them all the very best of luck.” The winners will receive a prize package of business supports worth €15,000 including branding and promotional advice, PR training, business mentoring and support, helping to further develop their business into the future.
No matter how great – or awful – your current job and company is, if you’re moving on continue to work as best you can, and show grace when it’s time to go
Resign with grace, and continue with a professional outlook
Finalists Laura Desmond, from Reid’s Fish Market in Howth, and Scott Smullen, of Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt
Dublin still has a long way to improve for women entrepreneurs as city ranks 34th out of 50 cities EMMA NOLAN
DUBLIN has been ranked 34th in the top 50 Global Cities for Women Entrepreneurs. The findings were announced at the eight annual Dell Women Entrepreneur Network Summit, with the study’s results ranking cities based on the impact of local policies, programmes and characteristics in addition to national laws and customs. It found that New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, London, Boston and Stockholm are the top-five cities for high-potential women entrepre-
While Dublin city has a number of key strengths for women entrepreneurs, the city also still faces some challenges to overcome to create a better environment for all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender
neurs. Dublin’s placement saw it just behind Nairobi and ahead of Warsaw.
The city’s notable strengths include its status as the Digital Capital of Europe, generous maternity leave policy, high-
quality education and accessibility to technology training, with areas for improvement including the city’s high cost of living and childcare supports. Elizabeth Gore, entrepreneur-in-residence at Dell, said: “Each of the cities on this list can learn from one another and encourage political change to attract and support women entrepreneurs. “The resulting change will be felt at not just a city level, but around the world as we develop an ecosystem where all entrepreneurs can thrive regardless of gender.”
YOU’VE done the interview, and aced the presentation – now you’ve been offered your dream job. The next step is informing your current employer that you’re leaving. Keep in mind that your current employer is still paying your salary and you have contractual obligations to fulfil before you leave. Even if you are really unhappy in your current job, there are benefits to managing your resignation professionally and continuing to meet the expectations of the role. You need to provide your current employer with a resignation letter. The better option in many situations is to meet with your line manager and tell them that you have decided to leave, and give them the resignation letter. In the resignation letter, it is okay to thank the employer for the oppor-
Are you ready to resign from your current job? For further information, and for help and advice in progressing your career, contact RecruitmentPlus at 01 2788 610, or see www.recruitmentplus.ie.
tunity and be positive about the time you had within the company. If you are working through a notice period, it’s good practice to continue to perform. It is also an opportunity to prepare good handover notes and help your current employer to transition as easily as possible. Try and give your employer as much time as you can to find a replacement. If your current employer is hostile to your departure, you don’t have to mirror this behaviour. There are benefits to maintaining a high-performance level through to your last day. You don’t know what path your career will take, and you may encounter some of your colleagues again in another organisation. Your legacy and references will be impacted by your exit strategy, so handle it professionally, discreetly and with grace.
27 July 2017 GAZETTE 13
MOTORING: FORD FIESTA P22
CINEMA: DUNKIRK P24
DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
LET LADY BRING SOME ADVENTURE TO YOUR LIFE OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Lady. Lady is a beautiful female Rottweiler aged 5. She is an amazing dog in every way and she loves people and other dogs. She loves cuddles and attention from people and loves making new friends. Lady really enjoys an adventure and loves travelling in the car. She is very playful and loves a game of tug and her tennis balls. Like her name, she is a real Lady and likes to be clean and tidy and just loves to be brushed, she also loves her comforts and likes to chill in a nice, cosy soft bed. Lady is looking for an active family that will take her on day trips where she can potter around and enjoy life. Lady can live with children who are at least 10 years of age and she would also be willing to share her home with another playful dog! If you can be Lady’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, atfacebook. com/dogstrust irelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.
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STYLE: DRESSING UP P18
A voice of reason JAMES HENDICOTT YOU most likely know Rubberbandits for something daft. It might be that Horse Outside video, their numerous appearances on RTE’s Republic of Telly, or an episode of Rubberbandits Guide To. You might even remember their Channel 4 outing with the Almost Impossible Gameshow. In the latter, they had contestants complete ludicrous mini-games like “groin croissant”, in which the frustrated participants had a few seconds to shake free a plastic pastry attached to a certain part of the outside of their jumpsuit with velcro. Continued on Page 16
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DUBLINLIFE
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP IN RACE FOR A CURE
CITYWEST HOTEL HAS IT ALL FOR SOME SUMMER FAMILY FUN
doors. Visit citywesthotel. com for more info.
AROUND 2,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and on September 9 and 10 thousands will take part in the 7th year of the Great Pink Run with Avonmore Slimline Milk to run for them. Many of those participating will wear elaborate pink costumes and paint their faces to support Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research and awareness programmes nationally. Unfortunately, many people know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and the Great Pink Run is an opportunity to come out and show support by running, walking or jogging for them. Registrations are now open at www.greatpinkrun.ie.
LOOKING for some summer family activities? The Citywest Hotel has just launched their summer family fun activities programme. Packages start from €372 for a family of four to include two nights B&B including dinner in the new Woodlock Brasserie, children’s activities and full access to the leisure facilities. Until August 27, guests are invited to partake in a full programme of family fun activities, events and classes that will cater for all the family. Citywest Hotel will host cupcake classes, pizza parties, disco and karaoke and a fairy trail, where parents and children can make their evening stroll more exciting by going on the hunt for the hotel’s fairy
JOIN DAY-LONG FUNDRAISER TO HELP KICK CANCER’S BUTT ON July 29, a day-long fundraiser called Kick Cancer in the Butt will celebrate Saggart-native Jimmy Byrne. This is the fourth year of this popular event organised by Ruth Devoy, from Rathcoole, which celebrates Jimmy’s life. “I was inspired to run this event because of first-hand experience of the great work of the hospice from the care received by friends and family. “Last year with the help of family, friends and hundreds of generous supporters over €16,000 was raised for Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services and we hope to do even better this year,” she said. All funds raised will provide essential equipment
DIARY DIARY for the patients of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services. For details, contact Clare Farrelly at 085-7735010 or visit www.facebook.com/ kickcancerinthebutt/
IT’S ALWAYS TIME TO LOOK OUT FOR SCAMS TIME’S almost up on Scam Awareness Month – but OFTEC, which represents the domestic oil and heating industry, are urging everyone to stay alert whenever anyone calls to the front door. As this July was marked as the group’s month to
Lucy and Kate Dowling and Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan who will lead out the Great Pink Run. Picture: PAT MOORE
Pink power
be extra aware of some common doorstep scams, OFTEC want everyone to remember its warnings all year round, and to keep the heat on any scammers at your door! One of the main things to look out for is the right OFTEC accreditation, with certified technicians and installers required to have the official identity badge to prove it. W hile thoughts of oil heating and top-ups may not be at the top of your to-do list right now, OFTEC hopes everyone will remember to look out for scammers at any time of the year.
COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE KIDS’ CREATIVITY THIS summer, proud parents across Ireland and the UK will have the opportunity to see their child’s drawings displayed for all to see. In partnership with Mumsnet, BIC KIDS is launching a competition celebrating kids’ creativity by taking their drawings beyond the fridge door, putting 10 lucky winners’ works of art on billboards nationwide. Running from July 17 to August 6, the competition is open to all aged 5-11. To enter, parents sim-
ply need to take a photo of their child’s drawing and upload it to the native discussion page on the Mumsnet website by Sunday, August 6. Entries will then be judged by an expert panel of creatives from the marketing, publishing and illustration industries, before winners are notified and the billboards launched in September. For more information visit mumsnet.com.
THIRTEEN DUBLIN BANDS AMONG PICNIC SHORTLIST THIRTEEN Dublin bands are amongst the 30 shortlisted acts for the 2FM Play
Citywest has a huge choice of activities for a fantastic family break
The Picnic Competition, with the Top 10 acts getting to play at Electric Picnic this September. The voting text line is open until Friday, July 28, for this competition run in conjunction with Festival Republic, Jack & Jill and RTE 2fm on www.2fm.ie. The final 10 acts will get to Play the Picnic tent at Electric Picnic, with the overall winner also getting to play the Cosby Stage at Electric Picnic and winning a full day studio session at RTE’s state-of-the-art recording studio. The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is the charity partner benefiting from this campaign. It provides home nursing care and respite to sick kids and the charity has supported 2,200 children nationwide since 1997. As well as voting for their favourite unsigned band, texters are in with a chance of winning tickets to Electric Picnic by simply texting the word PICNIC followed by the number assigned to your favourite act and the text costs €2 and Jack & Jill will receive a minimum of €1.63. See https://2fm.rte. ie/2017/06/06/2fm-playpicnic-2017/ for the bands and their codes.
27 July 2017 GAZETTE 15
SEARCH: TV3 LOOKING FOR NEW TV WATCHERS FOR ITS NEXT GOGGLEBOX IRELAND SERIES
GAZETTE
FEATURES
Tune in to ... you on the telly? DO YOU laugh at your own jokes, or do your friends hang on your every word? If so, and if you think you and your family or your friend’s witty banter needs to be shared with the world, Gogglebox Ireland is back this autumn and TV3 are on the look-out for some new faces (and their sofas) to join Ireland’s most opinionated TV fans. For the brand-new series, TV3 bosses are looking for long-term couples, brothers and sisters, retired people, sporty lads – they’re even looking out for
-------------------------
TV3 bosses are even looking out for any funny nuns or priests to take part in the next series -------------------------
the clergy, so if you know any funny nuns or priests (or are one yourself) ... The last season saw the country laugh along with some hilarious, highly-opinionated households like pals Tracie and Anita from The Liberties, best friends
Previous Goggleboxers (clockwise from top left) Angela and Aileen, The Gruffertys, The Tully Twins and ‘The Cabra Girls’: Jamie, Lindsay, Ashley and Grainne
Angela and Eileen from Castleknock, and John and Dave from Dublin 8, as well as a whole host of other people. If you think you’ve got what it takes, email casting@kiteentertainment.com, and tell them who’s in your group, where you’re based, what you like to watch together, and a group photo of yourselves if possible.
You could end up ‘on the telly’ too if you apply for the show
Raptors wing it to the skies over Tayto Park NAME NAME
Birds of prey and other exotic species can now be spotted at Tayto Park’s expanded park
SOME 20 rare birds of prey are now living at Tayto Park as part of its World of Raptors exhibit. The park’s brand-new open air seating arena is home to the exhibit which gives visitors a very rare up close and personal experience with the magnificent species, with various species of eagles, owls, vultures and falcons from all across the world taking part in a freeflying demonstration at the arena. Not only can visitors enjoy the aerial displays featuring the world’s largest eagles and fastest birds of prey, as well as impressive vultures and iconic owls, they also learn all about these birds with educational talks from the
bird of prey team. Speaking on the latest attraction at Tayto Park, a team spokesperson said: “We’re very excited for the opening of World of Raptors. It’s been a very busy time getting all the birds fit and ready for the display, so it’s great the time is finally here for the opening. “Working with raptors is a very special job and we’re lucky to get to share our work with everyone that visits. It’s amazing getting to see them grow and express their natural behaviours, just as they would do in the wild.” World of Raptors opened on July 20 with falconry displays and educational talks taking place twice daily at Tayto Park. For further information and opening hours, see www.taytopark.ie/themepark/world-of-raptors.
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DUBLINLIFE
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT
Newmarket Flea Market
The best of the Dublin 8 square’s monthly rotation of events, the Flea Market sprawls across the Food Co-Op, the Green Door Market and the Newmarket square, with bric-a-brac and vintage clothing to explore. July 30.
Why Rubberbandits Matter...
Hotter Than July
A world music festival hosted in Smithfield, this free event on the square features music from Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Palestine and more, as well as stacks of kids entertainment. July 30, 3pm to 9pm.
Out To Lunch All Day Party
HOTTER THAN JULY
Hosted somewhere in Howth - the precise spot is secret until nearer the time - the Out To Lunch All Day Party is divided into ‘home’ (Dublin acts) and ‘away’ (those who are just visiting). It has a distinctly dancy flavour. July 29
Head Stuff Lectures
The 12th and latest in the popular series of talks sees half a dozen people stand up and talk about anything that happens to take their fancy. Think TED Talks with an Irish flavour. Times of Ireland journalist Ellen Coyne is amongst the stars. August 2.
Howth Trad Fest
The peninsula will bring eight venues to life over an extended bank holiday weekend as the likes of Kila, Declan O’Rourke and Andy Irvine take to a Smithwick’s trail. The festival will also feature outdoor performances and a nice selection of free gigs to get your teeth into. June 2-5.
‘Malahide Has It’ Festival
Malahide’s own music festival is a family friendly offering featuring barbeque on the beach, food stalls, lively entertainment and lots of other family-leaning fun, bringing out the best of the town. July 28-30.
Big Bang Festival
Meeting House Square in Temple Bar comes alive with a selection of dancers performing on July 30, taking in styles ranging from Palestinian Dabke dance to a form inspired by a range of African adventures. One to get the feet tapping.
Manchester United v Sampdoria
The Manchester United pre-season tour stops off at the Aviva, with legendary Italian club Sampdoria the opposition. The quality of sides appearing at these friendlies can vary substantially from the first team, but expect a few stars to turn up on August 2.
New album of the week
Arcade Fire - Everything Now. Canadian indie stars return with another dose of their swirling brand of driving melody and subtle harmonies, having made many of the album announcements in the run up to ‘Everything Now’ through a Twitter account disguised as a Russian spambot.
Picture: Graham Keogh
MUSIC
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It’s high time the comedy hip-hop stars were given credit for their insight and intelligence JAMES HENDICOTT They are, in short, quite exceptionally silly. But their satire also has a tendency to shine a light on Irish society. Put aside the croissant shaking, or songs about Spastic Hawks, and some corners of their professional output is subtly but brilliantly political. They take a satirical look at race relations on Black Man. Spoiling Ivan documents the friendship between a grown man and a child, playing off the inbuilt societal assumption that labels such a friendship as somehow wrong. There’s even an ode to holding off on sex, and its relationship benefits. Far beyond the music, their use of social media, and public comments on sensitive issues have stretched in scope and become ever-more assured. It’s a trend that seemed to really kick off when Blindboy Boatclub called into Joe Duffy to debate the drug references in Horse Outside. In doing so, he absolutely shredded an irate caller, confidently explaining the duo’s thinking in the process. There’s a certain confidence that comes with addressing serious issues anonymously from behind the mask of a holey plastic bag. By engaging with Blindboy (who tends to be the louder of the pair on the issues), it’s very difficult for a TD, for example, to come out well. That Blindboy’s angles are so astute and well reasoned is one thing. He’s also advantaged by the very nature of the argument: should a rival outwit the rapper (and it’s rare), they are nevertheless arguing with a silly comedian, typically topless from the waist up, and facially ensconced in a plastic bag. And the man in the bag usually comes off the more reasoned and intelligent. From such a platform, The Rubberbandits in particular through their social media - have loudly railed against perceived injustices, and done so to huge audiences. Their Facebook alone, for example, has 420,000 followers. Last week, they posted: “Something tells me we’re going to look back on direct provision centres in the same way we now look back on abusive catholic institutions.” There’s no joke there. No punchline. It’s a direct railing against a Government policy stated succinctly and potently. They went on to get involved in the replies, articulately explaining their reasoning, and encouraging readers to get in contact with their TDs about the issue. Over 2,000 different readers engaged with the post. Just inside the last month, they’ve posted - in amongst pleas for help finding a missing cat, and a handful of comedy skits - a similarly strong message encouraging Leo Varadkar to
work on mental health and housing issues. They’ve extolled the virtues of a “snowflake” generation, talking of the mental health benefits that come from being open about feelings. They waded into the Herald’s mistaken use of a picture of rapper Stormzy in place of Romelu Lukaku, pointing out hypocrisies to those playing down the significance of the error. This stuff, clearly, is way beyond the normal remit of a comedy act. They’ve moved realms, in a sense, to a world where they’ve learnt they can punch above their weight. In doing so, the Rubberbandits have become a serious voice for socially liberal, left-wing values, one that can seem oddly lacking amongst the political classes. Hip-hop - especially home-grown hip-hop has never held as much cultural weight in Ireland as it does today. In acts like Rusangano Family, Rejjie Snow, Lethal Dialect and Tempermental Misselayneous, there are suddenly voices willing to critique loudly in their music, and that’s progress, especially in a time of political upheaval. For all the unquestioned brilliance of Rusangano Family’s work, especially in the immigration commentary of Heathrow, Rubberbandits are the act that have crafted a public voice outside of their music, and they’re relentlessly, vocally and unapologetically opinionated. Blindboy Boatclub can seem an oddly articulate voice to those only familiar with his less serious musical output. He’s fast become one of the most astute political commentators in the country.
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DUBLINLIFE
Shoe gallery move makes it the sole stop for shoppers THE Arnotts Shoe Gallery is Ireland’s largest women’s footwear department, and now offers customers an even better shopping experience with the new department located right next to the sprawling womenswear department on Level 1. T h e new sp ace offers 3,000 different
V-neck choker slip dress €25; Ashlee faux fur coat €53
High waist skinny check leggings €31; Olive cross back satin cami top €20; Gingham print frill hem mini skirt €24; Cross front frill sleeve crop top €25
styles from 52 footwear brands, which equates to 54,000 pairs of shoes in stock! The new shoe gallery also welcomes a number of exciting new brands to the womenswear shoe collection this season, including French footwear brand Jonak, and the worldrenowned footwear brand Michael Kors.
Colour Infusion cuff €49
Mermaid €36
Charming bangles from Alex & Ani
Paisley printed cami maxi €38; Wrap flute sleeve dress €29
Starfish €41
What Is For You Will Not Pass You €41 WHETHER it’s a confirmation, wedding, festival, summer holiday or if you’re just looking for a thoughtful gift, ALEX AND ANI have a bangle for every occasion. From meaningful charms to that perfect pop of summer colour, here are our summer picks for the brand, which is available in Kilkenny Shop, Arnotts, Weirs & Sons and jewellery stores nationwide.
V-neck tea dress €27
27 July 2017 GAZETTE 19
resses.ie Dto impresss
for summer
High waist skinny check leggings €31; Olive cross back satin cami top €20; Gingham print frill hem mini skirt €24; Cross front frill sleeve crop top €25
EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
a one-stop-shop for cute playsuits and dresses from just €25 to see you through Electric Picnic. Visit dresses.ie today for their full range.
Embroidered denim jacket €55
Su The ede B re are hee ly ls € 34
Ro The se g re old hee Bar ls € ely 33
IRISH brand dresses.ie has dropped its high summer collection. This affordable
range is available online only and includes the latest seasonal trends, from gingham to ruffles. Need a few festival outfits? This website is
Embroidered mesh cami dress €35
Monochrome wrap playsuit €27
Tie sleeve cold shoulder dress €25
Ruffle cold shoulder mini dress €32
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STYLE
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FOOD&DRINK
Making mouthwatering mini meringues is so easy INJECT a burst of colour to your dessert this summer by whipping up a batch of these adorable and delightful summer-inspired mini meringues. This simple dessert, courtesy of our friends at Siucra, will create a firework display of colour and flavour for your next summer soiree. Ask the kids to help you with the toppings for this tasty combination of different flavoured meringues, with this recipe making about 40-60 mini meringues.
Ingredients (for the mini meringues) 4-5 egg whites (about 150g) 300g Siucra Granulated Sugar Half tsp vinegar Piping bag Ingredients (for the colours and toppings) 2 tbsp lemon zest 50g desiccated coconut 3 tbsp freeze-dried raspberries 3 tbsp cocoa Yellow, red and pink food colouring Edible glitter Preparation Preheat the oven to 200c. Line a baking tray
(30x40cm) with parchment paper, pour the sugar onto it and place in the oven for about five minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites into firm white peaks, then take the sugar out of the oven and lower the heat to 100C. Continue whisking the egg whites at high speed and add the hot sugar a little at a time. Following this, add the vinegar. Whisk at maximum speed for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is opaque and completely stiff. Add flavourings as desired. Click or pipe out small meringues, then bake in the oven for three hours. Next switch off the oven and leave the meringues in the residual heat for a few hours, until they are completely dry.
Add flavourings as desired 2 tbsp lemon zest, yellow food colouring. 50g desiccated coconut, half added to the meringue mixture and half scattered over the top. 3 tbsp freeze-dried raspberries, red/pink food colouring. About 3 tbsp cocoa, 1 tbsp folded into the mixture and 2 tbsp scattered over the meringues. Sprinkle with edible glitter to add a magical touch. Serve, and enjoy!
A Dory-licious dish EMMA NOLAN IRELAND’S 10 semifinalists for the S Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 competition have been announced, with Romuald Bukaty (right) from Swords in with a chance of winning. The finalists have been selected from thousands of applications submitted by young chefs from more than 90 different countries, all looking for their chance to be part of S Pellegrino’s global
talent search for the world’s best young chef. Romuald Bukaty is chef de partie at The Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport, and his dish is, Hey John Dory (above). Each young chef’s application and signature dish was evalu-
ated by experts at the world’s leading international educational and training centre for Italian cuisine, ALMA, in charge of the local finalist selection. The experts of ALMA evaluated the applications in adherence to its five golden rules relating to ingredients, skill, genius, beauty and message. The semi-finalists of each region will compete in local challenges until this December. Best of luck, Romuald!
ChanChan adds Korean Hot Pepper to spice up Irish fast-food favourite EMMA NOLAN ATTENTION, spice bag lovers! The Dublin delicacy has become even spicier with the introduction of a Korean Hot Pepper version of the ChanChan Spice Bag
Seasoning Mix. The original ChanChan Spice Bag Mix caused a stir when it launched, allowing people to make their own healthier at-home versions of this now iconic Irish fast-food dish.
It is now available from even more retailers across Ireland, and is now joined by a spicier version with added Korean Hot Pepper. Known as the flavour of Hong Kong and created by Chef Kwanghi from
an original mix of spices and herbs for an authentic flavour, the seasoning mixes taste good on pretty much everything. They’re also MSG-free and priced at just €2.95 for a tub containing 50 servings.
27 July 2017 GAZETTE 21
TravelShorts
Travelmood deals to whisk you off to the summer sun (even in Jan!)
IF YOU’VE ever wanted to see the world, worldwide holiday specialists Travelmood have just the thing for you. From Mauritius and the Dominican Republic to South Africa and Thailand, Travelmood has your holiday needs well and truly covered, with destinations jampacked with experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Go all-inclusive in Mauritius and the Dominican Republic, or experience life in the wild on safari in Thailand or South Africa.
Thailand Spend eight nights this September at the Centara Karon Resort, Phuket, B&B, and two nights at the four-star Elephant Hills Jungle Safari, Koh Sok, on a full board basis, from only €1,389pps. Price includes return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation, taxes and charges, based on two adults sharing. (Ref number:1512864.) South Africa Spend four nights next January at the four-star Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town, B&B, and three nights on safari at the four-star Aquila
Private Game Reserve, on a full-board basis from only €1,729pps. Price includes return flights ex. Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation, taxes and charges, based on two adults sharing. (Ref number: 1510145.)
Dominican Republic Spend seven nights next January at the fivestar Dreams Dominicus La Romana (above), on an all-inclusive basis, from only €1,889pps. Price includes return flights ex. Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation, taxes and charges, based on two adults sharing. (Ref number:1517688.) Mauritius Spend seven nights this October at the fourstar Ravenala Attitude All Suite Hotel, on an all-inclusive basis, from only €1,839pps. Price includes return flights ex. Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation, taxes and charges, based on two adults sharing. (Ref number:1512507.) For further information on these offers or to book, see www.travelmood. ie, call the team at 01 433 1063, or visit the Travelmood store at Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.
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TRAVEL
Wave blues away with a staycation Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa in west Cork offers an idylllic setting - and sheer luxury – for a perfect, relaxing staycation
SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor
IF THE word ‘staycation’ conjures up memories of rain pounding the roof of your leaky caravan as you lament the lack of WiFi, then maybe you should think again. This summer, why not take in a spot of motor yachting, whale watching or even kayaking under the stars – all within a train ride of the capital? Fancy having a whale of a time? Then head to Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa in west Cork where guests can enjoy a two-night package including a close-up of the abundant marine life. The offer includes two nights in a deluxe room with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, breakfast each morning in the Gulfstream Restaurant, and access to the heated seawater therapy pool, hammam and relaxation areas. While the fresh sea air and stunning coastal views are breath-taking in themselves, you can further explore wild West Cork’s coast with a halfday whale watching trip from Baltimore with Dr Nic Slocum. Guests have been known to spot (right) fin whales, humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, basking sharks and porpoise, all while taking in the gorgeous scenery. The package
costs from €240PPS. With a stunning location overlooking two magnificent stretches of a Blue Flag beach, just outside the pretty heritage town of Clonakilty, it doesn’t get much more idyllic than this. Visit www.inchydoneyisland.com for more. A summer break at the newly refurbished Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone is highly recommended, and a motor yacht cruise along the river Shannon with a bottle of bubbles is the perfect way to take in the sights. Afterwards, stroll around the town or sit with something chilled to drink in the Quayside Bar & Lounge or out on the sundrenched terrace
You could have a whale of a time wildlife spotting off the coast
overlooking Athlone Marina. Grab a summer package, including overnight accommodation for two, a delicious buffet breakfast and a choice of romantic activity for two, from €119. Call 090 644 2600 to book (w w w.radissonblu.ie/ hotel-athlone). If you’re feeling brave, why not discover Limerick city under the stars with a date on the River Shannon via The George Hotel? The four-star hotel in the heart of Limerick is the perfect base from which to explore all that the vibrant city has to offer. Start your date night in Da Vincenzos Food & Wine Hall, the hotel’s famous Italian eatery, before making your way to the River Shannon to meet the guides for a unique guided night-time kayak tour. D i s c ove r Limerick’s fascinating history under the stars as you kayak along the river in the darkness soaking up the city’s famous landmarks - including the impressive 13th century medieval King John’s Castle. A Date Night on the River
Shannon package is priced from €153PPS and includes overnight accommodation in one of the stylish and contemporary bedrooms, a three-course dinner in Da Vincenzos Food & Wine
Enjoy a suite break away in the comfort of the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone (above) or The George Hotel in Limerick
Hall, night kayaking on the River Shannon, a complimentary drink on your return, cupcakes in your bedroom, freshly prepared breakfast the following morning and a late check out. For more information or to book, see www.georgelimerick.com or call 061 460 400.
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DUBLINLIFE
FASTNews
Fuel prices drop for fourth month in a row, AA finds PETROL and diesel prices have dropped for the fourth
successive month, according to AA Ireland. On average a litre of petrol now costs 131.9c, while a litre of diesel will cost 119.2c down from June’s prices of 134.3c and 122.2c per litre respectively. The latest drop marks the fourth successive month in which prices have fallen, with the cost of a litre of now at its lowest since December 2016 while diesel is at its least expensive since October of last year. “The last several months have brought good news for motorists when it comes to fuel prices and July has, thankfully, continued that trend,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs stated. “With the cost of a litre of fuel continuing to fall prices are moving closer and closer to where they were 12 months ago, with petrol prices just 0.6 per litre more expensive than it was in July 2016, although diesel is still almost 3c up on this time last year. Despite the drop in fuel prices, the motoring organisation has highlighted that the extent to which fuel is taxed in Ireland only serves to make it tougher for people who rely on their car to commute to work.
New Velar SUV unveiled THE fourth member of the Range Rover family, the new Velar, has now arrived in Ireland. The new addition sits between the Evoque and the Sport. This is a new mid-size luxury SUV that claims to deliver new levels of refinement, elegance and technology. There are six engine options for the Velar ranging from the 180bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel with CO2 emissions from only 142g/km, to the powerful 380bhp supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. The Velar comes with all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics and active locking rear differential ensure all-terrain capability and claims of maximum driver engagement on-road. Built around a light aluminium-intensive body, the Velar stands out with its super-slim Matrix Laser-LED headlights and flush deployable door handles. The Velar has a towing capacity of up to 2,500kg complemented by the Advanced Tow Assist function which allows the driver to reverse the vehicle with trailer attached using the Touch Pro Duo rotary controller, and with no need to counter-steer. Velar is a stunning addition to the Range Rover family and it brings increased choice to new and existing customers in a growing SUV market.
Ford builds on Fiesta success for new future This week, Ford unveiled its new Fiesta model, due to Irish dealerships within a matter of weeks. MICHAEL MORONEY travelled to Valladolid in northern Spain to put the new car through its paces.
FOR Ford, the Fiesta is a 40-year-old success story with the car selling more than 17 million versions since its launch in the 1970’s. For the Irish market, the Fiesta is the second most popular car behind the Focus and the market leader in its segment. Replacing a successful car with a new version always requires some care and that’s why the new Fiesta for 2017 is not a radically changed one. Ford claims to have made multiple changes to the car in terms of engineering for better safety and driver comfort. There are subtle changes to the structure of the car to give it more strength, but it was the improved driving comfort that was most noticeable to me on the winding Spanish roads. I drove the new ST Line version of the Fiesta powered by a 100bhp EcoBoost petrol engine. The three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine was impressively smooth to drive and comes with ample power, even if the torque rating shows a minor drop from the current models. The end result is however a faster car with improved acceleration and marginally better economy. Ford will also offer a new 1.5 litre turbo-diesel engine in the new Fiesta and claim that it’s the most powerful diesel engine ever fitted to the car. The diesel and petrol engines are a match in
Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Warranty Entry Price terms of fuel economy showing just how much progress has been made in small petrol engine design. For the Irish market, Ford expects that the new 1.1 litre petrol engine will be the most popular and this will be the entry model in terms of pricing. Ford claims that fuel efficiency is fur ther enhanced with Auto Start Stop technology offered for all engines and Active Grille Shutter for 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 85 PS 1.5litre TDCi engines.
are designed to enhance Fiesta comfort, convenience and safety but they are not available in all 1.0 litre models from the entry 100hp level. 10.5 seconds The Fiesta does come 28m/litre (4.7/100km with a lane departure system and speed limiter or 78.5mpg) on all models, which will 42 litres enhance the car’s oppor97g/km tunity to achieve a Euro A2 €180 NCAP 5 star safety rating 20,000km/12 months when its tested. 5 years /100,000km For those who opt for the full technology pack, €16,650 there is an advanced driver assistance system supportThe Fiesta comes with a ed by two cameras, three new Eco button for man- radars and 12 ultrasonic ual transmissions which sensors. In combination adjusts engine and throt- these are able to monitor tle settings to help drivers 360 degrees around the save even more fuel. vehicle, and scan the road There is also a new six- ahead up to a distance of speed manual gearbox 130 metres, that’s more that I found to be espe- than the length of a footcially easy to use. ball pitch. Ford also claims that the This new Fiesta is the Fiesta delivers the most first Ford to deliver an sophisticated range of enhanced version of driver assistance technolo- Pre-Collision Assist with gies and connectivity fea- Pedestrian Detection. tures of any volume small This system can detect car on sale in Europe. people who are in or near These new technologies the road ahead, or who
may cross the vehicle’s path, using light from the Fiesta’s headlights at night. The system is designed to reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether. Ford will also offer Ford’s Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking for the first time in a Fiesta. This helps drivers find suitable spaces and park hands free nose-totail and side-by-side with other cars. This new Fiesta will be sold across four specification levels, Zetec, Titanium, ST Line and the highest specification Vignale models. Entry prices will start at €16,650 for the base 1.1 litre petrol version, which is a mere €200 more than the current model, for a car that’s more spacious, more modern and certainly significantly safer. This Fiesta will retain its perch as the best seller in its segment.
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Keep cool in the heat of summer driving
Picking up the Pace JAGUAR is predicting that its new E-Pace premium compact SUV will become its top-seller, overtaking the larger F-Pace crossover. The new smaller E-Pace is more affordable than its big brother. The E-Pace is Jaguar’s smallest SUV, and it will compete against BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and forthcoming Volvo XC40. Irish prices for the E-Pace have yet to be announced. The entry E-Pace will be front-wheel drive while higher-spec models will be
offered with all-wheel drive. The standard all-wheel-drive system delivers torque to the rear wheels when needed. It will be powered by Jaguar Land Rover’s Ingenium family of four-cylinder, 2.0-litre engines. This includes three diesels and two petrol engine options. Jaguar’s larger F-Pace was its bestselling car during its fiscal year that ended in March. The company sold 67,955 F-Pace units, accounting for 39% of Jaguar’s overall
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MOTORING
sales of 172,848 cars during the period. The company reported that the F-Pace was the fastest-selling Jaguar in the brand’s history with more than 80,000 sold globally since April of last year. The new E-Pace will be built for all markets except China by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria as all of Jaguar Land Rover’s factories in the UK are at full capacity. It will also be built in Changshu, China, at a plant operated with joint venture partner Chery Automobile.
Summer heat, when it comes also marks the arrival of pressure cooker driving conditions. Many drivers will be taking to the road stressed by holiday deadlines, long traffic queues, overheated cars and hot tempered drivers. Here we provide some advice on dealing with road rage for riders and drivers. Be considerate. You are not the only driver or rider on the road. Swallow your pride and continue with your journey rather than getting caught up in an argument. If you are at fault admit it and apologise. Call the gardai. If you do not feel safe and feel the situation is getting beyond your control, lock your doors and get in contact with the gardai or drive to a busy location. Stay calm. Most incidents on the roads can leave you shaken, especially after a road rage situation. Before continuing your journey, why don’t you try looking for a quiet space to stop where you can breathe deeply and recollect yourself. Don’t react. If you see someone acting in an intimidating or aggressive manner, don’t make eye contact or behave in a manner that could aggravate the situation further. Resist the urge to retaliate as you can never predict how the other driver or rider will respond. Avoid it. Avoid tailgating and responding to rude gestures and remarks. Acknowledging your mistake with a cheery wave will often defuse a situation immediately.
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DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
DUNKIRK: FILM ABOUT INFAMOUS WW2 RETREAT JOINS THE BEST OF THE GENRE
ReelReviews
A masterful take on the legendary evacuation
IT’S CLOSE to two decades since Christopher Nolan’s debut, Following, and in the years since the director’s career has been spent playing with time and space and messing with the conventions of storytelling in mainstream cinema. He’s reinvented Batman and brought us two epics of hard-science fiction. With Dunkirk (Cert 12A, 105mins), Nolan delves into the annals of history and delivers a war film that will forever stand alongside the genre’s greats. For those not versed in the history behind the film, Dunkirk takes place on and around the beaches of the titular town in May, 1940. The German army has cut off the Allied troops from France, surrounding them on all fronts. With limited air and ground cover, an evacuation of several hundred thousand troops is attempted. Nolan arranges his war epic like a delicately woven tapestry. We follow a number of narrative strands, taking place on
MARTIN MACNAMARA
land, on sea and in the air – much like in the rhetoric of Winston Churchill’s famous speech. The structure itself takes the form of a sort of palindrome, with three separate timelines that eventually meet in the middle – one on land a week before the final evacuation, another a day before it following the journey across the channel, and also events in the air above the chaos.
Evacuation Newcomer Fionn Whitehead escapes fire on the streets of Dunkirk and makes it to the beach, where he teams up with Gibson, another young private, and the pair try to make their way aboard an evacuation vessel. Mr Dawson (a very welcome turn from Mark Rylance) takes his boat across the sea with his son
Peter and a teenage hand, George (Barry Keoghan). O n t h e i r w ay t o Dunkirk, they rescue a shell-shocked soldier (Cillian Murphy) who urges them to turn around back to England. Finally, in the air, three Spitfire pilots fly across the English Channel – another performance from behind a mask for Tom Hardy following his turn as Bane in the final part of Nolan’s Batman trilogy. These are some of Dunkirk’s most exhilarating sequences, engaging the audience while rarely leaving the space or sounds of the cockpit. As these separate narrative lines grind toward the climax like cogs in a machine, they synchronise with a powerful catharsis; an immensely satisfying conclusion and a successfully payoff for what is a considerable narrative experiment for a mainstream war film. Dunkirk delivers deeply human emotion; a remarkable and truly admirable feat for a film with little or no dialogue.
PLANET OF THE APES ‘War’ conclusion wows
AS THE final film in the successfully rebooted franchise, War for the Planet of the Apes (Cert 12A, 140 mins) puts lots of other series and other blockbusters to shame. Its terrific effects take second place to a compelling story, with Andy Serkis turning in another top-notch performance as the charismatic ape leader finally forced to turn against desperate humans.
SPIDERMAN
Still a Homecoming king SPIDEY’s fun reboot is still entertaining audiences in Homecoming (Cert 12A, 133mins), which wisely ditches all the legacy lore which everyone already knows (Uncle Ben’s murder, spider bite, blah blah) and just dumps Peter Parker straight into the action as he learns how to be a superhero, meets some legends, and otherwise does his thing without all the doom and gloom that’s weighed down too many superhero films lately.
The desperate events around the top-secret Allied retreat from Dunkirk are now passing from memory into the history books – but director Christopher Nolan’s film brilliantly brings the chaotic scenes amid the mass evacuation back to noisy, fearful life
The men portrayed on screen struggle with notions of bravery and honour; the very notion of evacuation betrays the sense of duty at the heart of all war propaganda. Accordingly, the cast – Nolan regulars, newcomers and screen Stalwarts such as Kenneth Brannagh – deliver deeply nuanced performances. Composer and frequent Nolan collaborator Hans Zimmer’s score melds
the ticking of a clock with the grinding of machinery as the film counts down toward its ultimate climax. The horizon is always visible in Dunkirk – whether it represents the safety of home, or the doom of the beaches. The enemy’s face is never seen, and is all the more terrifying for it. With practical effects and an enormous cast of extras, Dunkirk evokes the scope of classics of the
genre, creating a sweeping epic that’s yet neatly packaged into an hour and forty-five minutes. You’re unlikely to feel emotion as intensely in any other movie this year – certainly any war movie. Dunkirk stands as Nolan’s best – it’s a remarkable achievement in visceral, historical storytelling and a sure contender for next year’s award season. Verdict: 10/10
IT COMES AT NIGHT
A subtle, brilliant horror THOSE expecting a pretty standard horror will be disappointed, but It Comes at Night (Cert 15A, 92 mins) is one of the smartest and creepiest horror films of recent years. With a virus decimating the world, a small family of survivors hiding out in the woods take in another frightened family – but can they trust each other? Should they? The result will linger in the mind long after the credits.
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WeeBytes
Another level of trouble for Crash Bandicoot to hotfoot his way through
Winne the Pooh falls foul of censors EVERYBODY’S favourite bear (sit down, Yogi, and you too, Boo-Boo) probably doesn’t automatically spring to mind as an internet warrior or a figurehead of online freedoms, but the beloved Disney character is now officially banned in China as the latest in a long line of innocuous things running foul of internet censors there. With Chinese netizens constantly engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with censors as they try to find gaps in the Great Firewall of China and get around internet restrictions, poor old Pooh had become a way to refer to Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the two said to look alike. As such, whenever Xi Jinping met another world leader, Chinese netizens would invariably respond with side-by-side comparison pics and memes of, say, Xi Jinping walking beside Obama versus Pooh and Tigger, and so on. Pooh is now banned, with the plump and pleasant honey-loving character a persona-non-grata (or bearsona-non-grata) in the country. One wonders what censors here might have done some time back if we’d had a cartoon bear called Biffo knocking about ...
A furly challenging reboot IT’S official – trying to make a goofy marsupial jump from pillar to pillar while a runaway boulder threatens to flatten it really isn’t as easy as it sounds, or as it used to be. That’s the formal verdict of the newly released Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy (PlayStation 4),
with tech watchers and the remake’s developers alike pointing out that Crash, the orange star of the game with a knack of getting into trouble, doesn’t quite control the same way as he used to. In short, although the rebooted game looks better than ever, and better than back around Crash’s late 1990s heyday, the controls (and collision detection) have been
SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com
updated for modern tech – and, yes, his jumps are every so slightly trickier now, adding an extra level of fun (or infuriation) to the cult platformer. Originally one of the PlayStation’s early mascots and figureheads, the wildly popular platformer had a lot of games for many years, with Crash increasingly wedged into some bizarre games, to diminishing returns. However, with his style of retro ‘screenrunner’
Elena Fisher watches Nathan Drake blunder through Crash Bandicoot on her old PlayStation - the Uncharted 4 easter egg that hinted that a remake was on the way
games largely falling out of favour, nothing much was seen of Crash for many years until a cameo appearance in 2016’s brilliant Uncharted 4. A brief in-game section with lead character
Nathan Drake playing Crash Bandicoot on his girlfriend’s original PlayStation – with both commenting on the gameplay as he/you played the game – hinted that Crash was somewhere knocking
about in development. Et voila – the recently released upgraded, rebooted collection of his first three adventures. Apart from Crash’s slightly adjusted controls, it’s a very faithful upgrade of the original games, giving Crash and his worlds additional detail and some subtle effects, affecting everything from the camera to lighting effects. Vicarious Visions have created an excellent remaster of the series, with the fun reboot doing well – while summer is a quiet time for games releases, there are still some great games out there, but the likes of the excellent Switch title, Splatoon 2, have
The Tweeters send their regards to Ed SHANE DILLON
ONE of the biggest tech stories of the past week involved Tweet machines everywhere throwing up plumes of smoke and showers of sparks as they tried to cope with the huge reaction to Ed Sheeran popping up on TVshow du jour, Game of Outwitting and Murdering All Your Enemies (or Game of Thrones, for short). The, ahem, enthusiastic response online to young Sheeran’s campfire ditty and brief mumblings as he and some other House Lannister footsoldiers innocently crossed paths with
baby-faced traveller (and one-woman-murder-machine) Arya Stark suggested that a lot of viewers suddenly had someone they hated even more than the late Ramsay Bolton (or the late High Sparrow, or the late Walder Frey, or the late – well, there’s a long list of late characters who’ve been bumped off). The show has become a stalwart of fierce online debate, analysis, response and discussion in a way that few TV or other cultural creations can achieve, becoming much more than just a pop-culture reference for Millennials or fans.
As such, the expected cameo of the singer in the long-awaited opening episode of the new series sparked a lot of intense reactions and criticism online, with Ed’s brief role – following in the footsteps of several musicians who’ve also appeared throughout the series – overshadowing reactions to the episode itself. One feels a bit sorry for the campfire crooner – at the time of writing, it was reported that Ed had temporarily closed his Twitter profile, fed up of the sea of intense abuse about his brief role which the show’s producers had set up as a surprise for
his massive fan, Maisie Williams (Arya). Whatever your views of Ed’s music – let’s just say I’m not a fan, and leave it at that – it’s silly and unfair that anyone gets hounded out of an online presence just because they’ve done something as mundane as making a brief cameo in a TV show. While it’s unlikely Ed’ll give up the day job to become a Lannister henchman, you can bet your kingdom that the show will keep sparking lots of online reactions.
been flattened by Crash’s charge to the top of the charts, boulder in tow. T he games industry is just as keen to get remakes and reboots out there as the cinema and television sectors, with older gamers likely to be interested in any reboot, while such content is new to younger gamers. Either way, if done well, such reboots are a reliable way to steer a character – and its developer and publisher – towards a nice pot of gold at the end of the release rainbow. Whether you’re an oldskool Crash fan, or this is your first run-in with the runaway rascal, it’s a fun, colourful return to form for him – just mind the gaps as you jump ... Ed Sheeran: singer, bit part actor, and now a wandering Lannister henchman
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FastSport TOHILL DOUBLE IN SUPER FINAL: DUBLIN’S double European Rallycross class champion Derek Tohill had a great weekend at Mondello Park, with his Parts for Cars Fiesta taking top place in the Super Final on both days ahead of Noel Greene’s Mirage, and also finishing third each time in the Supercar Finals, which were rounds of the British Rallycross Championship. London based Limerickman Ollie O’Donovan finishing as runner up in the main reace on Saturday but his Focus tangled with another car in the semi-final and he didn’t qualify for the final, leaving current points leader Oliver Bennett to take second place after leading for half of the race. Tohill also had problems in his semi-final and had to start the final from the back of the grid, but to the delight of the large partisan crowd, he made a sensational getaway and was up to fourth place by the end of the opening lap, picking up another position during the remaining laps.
CRICKET: FINALS DRAWS NEW LEVEL OF CROWDS TO THE ALAN MURRAY CUP
Clontarf bat off Pembroke to land Leinster T20 victory
sport@dublingazette.com
CLONTARF emerged victorious from the LHK Insurance [Alan Murray] T20 League in a very close encounter with Pembroke last weekend in front of a large crowd in the ground and also via a live Youtube stream for the first time. In terms of the play, the best was kept until the last as Tarf won a pulsating final by just four runs. Batting first, as all winners on the final day of action did, Clontarf posted a total of 149/8 in their 20 overs. They might have expected more following a 71 run second wicket partnership between Andrew Poynter (52) and Brad Barnes (47). At 115/3 in the 15th over, a total around 165 might have been expected. But excellent fielding and slow bowling from Jack Balbirnie (3/16), Fiachra Tucker (0/27) and Benn Hoey (1/23) ensured that there was a very chase-able total on the board. Pembroke started well with a 55-run opening partnership in eight overs between Andrew Balbirnie (56) and Theo Lawson (26) . Balbirnie then
Clontarf celebrate their success. Picture: Deryck Vincent
shared in another 55-run partnership with Lorcan Tucker (26) which brought the score to 110 with the best part of five overs to go. But what should have proved a relatively comfortable chase proved to be anything but. Excellent death bowling by John Mooney and ‘Ropu’ Islam put massive pressure on the Pembroke batting and
in the end they came up short only managing 145/5. Earlier in the day, the finalists had reasonably easy wins over Merrion for Pembroke and The Hills v Clontarf. In the first match, Pembroke posted was seemed at the time a fairly ordinary 144/4. That they got this score was thanks again to runs from Lawson (51) and Balbirnie
(44). Tom Stanton (2/19) was the pick of the Merrion bowlers. But, in reply, Merrion’s top order never really fired and only John Anderson (44) managed to get above a run a ball. Ryan Hopkins led the Pembroke attack with the best bowling performance of the day (4/19) but it was a team effort with the five bowlers
used all playing their part. Merrion ended up 27 runs short but in truth they never really looked like chasing down the total. In the second semi-final, Tarf made 165/7 batting first thanks to a typically belligerent 59 (43 balls) from Robert Forrest. Best of the bowling came from Nazeer Shoukat (2/18) with his usual accurate spell. The response by The Hills never really got going and only Sean Terry (71) mastered the conditions and the Clontarf bowling. The most economical four overs of the day came from Mooney (1/13) and Islam (3/17). The finals weekend completed the first season of a new format for the competition with three weekends of group matches, a midweek quarterfinal and subsequent finals day in a mid-season block. T he setup was par t of attempts to raise the profile of the domestic T20 competition with the hope of knock-on success for the Irish national team, an area where they have struggled in recent years.
Leinster Lightning extinguished by the North West BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com
Leinster captain John Anderson
HAVING won ten out of the 12 trophies across all formats since 2013, the Leinster Lightning cricketers just needed to win on Friday against the North West Warriors to secure 2017’s T20 Trophy. However the men from Derry had other plans as Leinster were comprehensively outplayed in the T20 Inter-Pro at Merrion Cricket Club. In a series which has predominantly been one-way traffic in Leinster’s favour, the North West silenced the home fans as
Leinster stuttered to 26/3 off the six over powerplay. Warriors’ captain Andrew McBrine cleverly shuffled his bowlers throughout the innings. All told, McBrine employed eight bowlers in the twenty overs. The stand out was pace bowling of Craig Young who returned figures of five for 22. Although he wrapped up the tail by hitting the stumps twice in the 20th over, the damage was done earlier. Leinster’s powerful opener Andrew Balbirnie was bowled in Young’s first over for two. In Young’s second over, Simi Singh lofted the
ball to third man as he was misjudged Young’s pace. Later, in the 17th over, Young removed George Dockrell for 10 after Dockrell hadn’t cleared the mid-wicket fielder Stuart Thompson. All out for 118 meant early wickets were needed for Leinster. However Leinster captain John Anderson employed no catchers hence no pressure was exerted on the North West batsmen. They had freedom to play their shots so it was only down to a runout by Kevin O’Brien that gave Leinster their first wicket.
O’Brien neatly ran out David Rankin but, at 33/1, no comeback would happen. The two left handers Stuart Thomson and Graham Kennedy came together at 52/2 and comfortably made the game safe. A towering six over long-on by Kennedy off Dockrell in the 16th over to take the score to 98/2 was effectively the killing blow in a one-sided match. The result means that the North West cut Leinster’s lead to four points ahead of the last T20 round in the series, a tricky trip to Cork verses the Munster Reds on August 11.
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Strong Dublin crew named in women’s rugby squad IRELAND’S WOMEN’S rugby team have announced their full panel ahead of the home world cup, taking place in Dublin’s UCD and in Belfast next month. The Irish side have been making confident noises ahead of the tournament, and the 28-player panel is a strong one, seeing players returning from injury to take their place at the summer showdown. Jenny Murphy, pictured, a centre who plays her rugby with Old Belvedere (and traveled to the 2014 tournament in France, in which Ireland finished fourth) will return from injury having been cut from an earlier squad back in June. Similarly, prop Ailis Egan who also plays at Belvedere and saw herself dispatched back in June, returns to strengthen an experienced final 28, containing only a single uncapped player. Niamh Briggs captains the side, despite having been away from the Ireland panel since the November internationals, also due to injury. The other Dublin-linked players to make the final 28 are forwards Ciara Cooney (of Railway Union), Paula Fitzpatrick (St Mary’s College), Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union), multi-sport superstar Lindsay Peat (Railway Union), MarieLouise Reilly (Old Belvedere) and Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere). In the backs, they’ll be joined by Jamie Deacon (Blackrock College), Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock College), Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere) and Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere). At the launch event for the tournament, coach Tom Tierney said “The players have been training consistently over the past number of months, and we have had a preparation that is far more comprehensive than previous campaigns.” “The anticipation and excitement has been building steadily amongst the players and the program has provided us every opportunity, so it is now up to us to put our best foot forward during this campaign.” “The opportunity to play in a World Cup on home soil is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and while we are in a tough pool with Australia, Japan and our six nations rivals France, I am sure the players will rise to the occasion in front of their home fans.” Ireland’s Pool C games will take place at UCD Bowl, with the side facing a tough group against Australia, Japan and France.
Sothern and O’Flanagan lead double celebrations The Irish men’s and women’s hockey teams moved a giant leap closer to 2018 World Cup qualification in the past week as they both produced outstanding runs in Johannesburg STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com
SHANKILL’S Alan Sothern scored the crucial goal that saw the Irish men’s hockey team qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1990 as they continue to push the boundaries for the sport. Sothern also scored a crucial goal in the Olympic qualifying process when Ireland beat Pakistan in a 1-0 victory and he repeated the feat at last Saturday’s World League Semi-Final, landing the goal that beat New Zealand to ensure a fifth place finish at the competition. It was the first time Ireland had ever beaten the blacksticks in 13 attempts and means Ireland will go to the 2018 World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India. Sothern was joined in the team by fellow Dubliners Shane O’Donoghue, Stephen Cole, Stuart Loughrey and Jamie Car.
“It was a win built on character and defence,” coach Craig Fulton said of the performance. “We wanted to come away with qualification and that’s really pleasing, it was a great squad effort.” Ireland started well with Shane O’Donoghue drawing a top block from Richard Joyce early on before having to endure sustained kiwi pressure. Hugo Inglis rattled David Harte’s near post with an absolute rocket in the first half while Hayden Phillips put a gilt-edged chance wide after the big break. By that stage, their numbers had been trimmed further with Eugene Magee going off with an ankle injury, joining John McKee – a broken collar bone victim – on the sidelines. Harte produced a double save as Ireland threw bodies on the line at regular intervals to protect their clean sheet before
nabbing their winner with 11 minutes to go. Chris Cargo’s cross was booted away by goalkeeper Devon Manchester but only as far as Sothern and the poacher supreme flicked in his third goal of the tournament. From there, they showed the battling defensive qualities that ser ved them so well against France two days earlier to get them over the line and into the World Cup. Earlier the same day, the Irish women got a huge boost in their World Cup qualification bid when Railway Union’s Grace O’Flanagan came off the bench to make a crucial penalty save in a 2-1 win over India. That turning point, though, came when number one goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran was sent for a ten-minute suspension. O’Flanagan’s first act was to save Rani Rampal’s penalty stroke to prevent
India going 2-0 up after Gurjit Kaur’s early opening goal “It was some way to come onto the pitch and not how I expected!” O’Flanagan said afterwards. “The girls put in a superb effort throughout the match. I think we dominated throughout and I think we deserved it.” Her coach Graham Shaw agreed: “The performance from the first minute to the last was superb,” he said. “The dominance didn’t show in the first half but this team showed incredible character to go down to ten men and create so many chances. We showed that resilience to keep fighting and eventually getting too great goals.” The side featured a large Dublin-based contingent with goalscorers
Lizzie Colvin (Loreto) and Katie Mullan (UCD) turning the game around in the closing quarter. They lined out with Hermes-Monkstown’s N i k k i Ev a n s , A n n a O’Flanagan, Chloe Watkins and Sinead Loughran, UCD’s Deirdre Duke, Lena Tice and Gillia Pinder, Loreto’s Hannah Matthews, and Muckross’s Nicci Daly. In terms of the World Cup, they must now await the outcome of the continental championships over the next few months but odds are in their favour that Ireland will make the final cut. “It’s huge. This team deserve it,” Shaw added. “There is no better group of girls. They work incredibly hard on a small budget; they are part-time, working full-time and so deserve everything they get.”
Ireland’s women mob Lizzie Colvin, bottom right, Dublin trio Stuart Loughrey, Alan Sothern and Shane O’Donoghue celebrate
following her winning goal against India. Picture: Jan
Ireland’s qualification for the 2018 Hockey World Cup . Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Kruger/Getty Images
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Elm Park’s Temple Lang land Fletcher Cup glory ELM Park Golf Club’s Leah Temple Lang got the better of Sara Byrne (Douglas GC) to land the Pat Fletcher Trophy last weekend. Byrne and Temple Lang faced each other after their wins over Nicole McGavisk (Donabate) and Jan Browne (Kilkenny). Byrne, who represented Ireland at the girls’ European Team Championships in Finland last week, got off to a good start, winning the first hole. She was ahead for much of the front nine until a birdie three on the ninth from Temple Lang levelled the match. The Elm Park player took advantage and won the 12th to go ahead for the first time. Her lead was short lived as Byrne levelled the match once again at the 13th. After halving the 14th in birdies, Byrne followed up with another birdie on the 15th but again Temple Lang brought it back to all square after the 16th. Seventeen and eighteen were halved so extra holes were needed. Both found the green on the first extra hole but a three putt from Byrne meant a par would be good enough for Temple Lang to win the Pat Fletcher Trophy 2017.
ATHLETICS: STRONG FINISH SEES DSD MAN SNATCH SILVER MEDAL
Robert Corbally, left, and Sinead Denny, right, were among the DSDAC runners to shine at the national senior championships
Corbally rolls back the years SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS sport@dublingazette.com
TEN years since setting a national Under-18 3,000m record, Dundr um South Dublin AC’s Robert Corbally was back on the national athletics championships podium as he produced his best run to date to pick up his first individual medal at senior level in the 5,000m. Study programmes and work demands did not allow him to do the training required to progress to the next level following a superb underage career.
But, as distance captain with the club, he proved to be an inspiration to the next generation as he produced a brilliant run last Sunday in Santry. He put in a a great last lap, to grab silver despite having always been just behind the leading group. He ran a very clever race to surge into second place in the final 100m, to ensure his place on the podium. Raheny’s Conor Dooney was the clear winner of the race with 16 seconds to spare but Corbally’s late push saw him nick second by 0.25 of a second from Gla-
Pictures: Pat Cashman
YOUTH OLYMPICS Murtagh’s Trojan effort for Team Ireland in Gyor TEAM Ireland’s Ethan Murtagh, from the Tro-
jan club in Blackrock, in action in the men’s 4x100m relay during the European Youth Olympic Festival 2017 at Olympic Park in Gyor, Hungary. The team finished in 16th place overall with a time of 3.43.00 on Monday on the opening day of competition. Individually, Murtagh also competed in the 100m butterfly, finishing in 37th place overall with a time of 58.96 seconds. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile
slough Harrier’s Conor Duffy with Emmett Dunleavy left in their wake in the closing stages. Elsewhere for DSD, Sinead Denny was favourite to retain her 400m title but found a newcomer to this distance, Cliodhna Manning of KCH, just too good. Denny set a hot pace from the gun as she led into the closing straight but could not hold off the finishing sprint of Manning who won in 53.25, with the DSD woman two metres behind, registering 53.85. There were also fine runs from Joe Halwax,
fifth in the 400m hurdles in 53.29 and Aengus Meldon, eighth, in the 800m in 1.55.10. Having run good heats on Saturday to qualify, they then found themselves in elite company in the finals on Sunday with world class opposition, racing Olympians Thomas Barr and Mark English respectively. They ran very close to their personal bests, which augurs well for the future. Further good results came from John Eves, eighth in the 10,000m; Paul O’Donnell, 15th in the same race; Fiona
Clinton, eighth, and Meghan Ryan, 15th, in the 1,500m along with a 12th place finish for Luke McCann in the men’s 1,500m. Elsewhere in Italy, despite running a season’s best time of 54.96, Mollie O’Reilly just missed out on place in the semi-final of the 400m at the European Under-20 championships in Grosseto, by two hundredths of a second. O’Reilly and Niamh Gowing were members of the Irish 4x400m relay team but succumbed to an unfortunate fall that set back their chances.
27 July 2017 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
COLLINS MEMORIAL
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
Registration open for annual football festival
SHANKILL
THE annual Gerry Collins Memorial Tro-
phy will take place on Saturday, August 12 with all GAA-registered players welcome to take part. The event is hosted by Kilmacud Crokes at Glenalbyn with entry €30 which includes an O’Neill’s jersey and food on the day. To register to take part in the event, email robert.behan@hotmail.com
OUR academy, sponsored by O’Donnell’s
were selected from Shankill to play on
Pharmacy, is taking a break for the sum-
the Dublin county U-13 and U-12 years
mer holidays and will be back in action on
football teams in recent games. New club players are always welcome;
Saturday, August 19 at 10am in Shanganagh Castle.
contact Kevin on 086 8449902. For more
Our older teams may have some
information on the club, contact sec-
friendly matches or blitz games over
retary.shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086
the summer; your manager will be in
4010438. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
contact.
HURLING: MALONE’S LAST DITCH POINT SECURES TIE
“Come on you Dubs.” The club would
Join Shankill GAA Club, your community,
like to congratulate Caoimhe Ni Bhradigh
your GAA club where everybody knows
and Christiana O’Shea, both of whom
your name.
KILMACUD CROKES
CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin minor
difficult conditions in Silverpark to win
hurlers who beat Antrim 2-20 to 0-11
the SVP cup on a scoreline of 2-11 to 0-12.
in the All-Ireland minor quarter-final.
Great performance by the lads. Well
Well done to Mark Grogan who was the
done to all involved. In hurling, well done to the AHL2 team
Crokes representative. Hard luck to the U-17 Dublin football-
who had a great 3-15 to 3-14 win over
ers who lost to Meath 1-13 to 3-12 in the
St Pat’s Palmerstown. Hard luck to the
Leinster final. Conor Kinsella, Niall Com-
AHL3, AHL6 and AHL8 teams who were all
erford, Anthony Quinn, Paraic Purcell
beaten by Thomas Davis, St Pat’s Don-
and Fionn O’Ceallaigh were all on the
abate and Lucan Sarsfields respectively. We are delighted to announce the
team. In club football, well done to the AFL1
annual Gerry Collins Memorial trophy
team who beat Ballymun Kickhams, 0-17
will take place on Saturday, August 12.
to 0-15. Congrats also to our senior foot-
Check the club website for details. The club AGM is Thursday, July 27 at
ballers who overcame St Sylvester’s in midweek with a gritty performance in
NAOMH OLAF The Cuala Under-15 hurling side moved up to fourth in their Division One table.
Cuala comeback to land thrilling draw U-15 DIVISION ONE
Cuala 2-13 St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER 2-13 sport@dublingazette.com
CUALA produced an exciting comeback to move up to fourth position in the Under-15 division 1 hurling league after a 2-13 each draw with St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Rua at Thomastown. The result sees Cuala move into the play-off positions – one place ahead of their opponents on points difference – with one game remaining. The game was a fierce affair with two red cards and several yel-
lows. The home side got off to a slow start and put a couple of early chances wide, before Plunkett’s took advantage of a strong breeze to race into a 1-2 to no score lead. The Cuala management made some changes in personnel and it resulted in a quicker tempo leading to a more pressing approach. Shane Hayes showed why he is the team’s top scorer this season with four frees before Conall O’Toole found the back of the net to leave Cuala trailing by 1-5 to 1-7 going into the break.
Up o n t h e r e s t a r t , Hayes had a chance to reduce the deficit to one when David O’Dowd was upended 25m out but he decided to go for goal and his effort was saved. Tiarnan O’Braonain also went for goal from the rebound but his shot was again saved and the ball eventually finished outside of the post. O’Braonain was involved again shortly afterwards to give his side the lead for the first time when he worked hard to win the sliotar before firing it into the box. It evaded the Plunkett’s defence and nes-
tled into the back of the net. In an event to sum up the game, the midfielder was then giving his marching orders two minutes later. Cuala managed to build a four-point lead but Plunkett’s hit back with a goal three minutes from time when a free bounced into the ground and up into the roof of the net. The resultant puckout saw Hayes pick up a second yellow, and Plunkett’s took the lead before Ryan Malone equalised two minutes into injury time.
8.30pm.
WELL done to the junior 2 football team,
6.30pm. Please support – top of the table
captain Jamie O’Malley and mentors
and pushing hard for promotion.
Sean Farrell and Alan Sanker on a great
The junior 1 footballers are away on
win in the final of the O’Broinn Cup in
Sunday at 11am and they are in a similar
Lucan Sarsfields on a scoreline of 2-14 to
position to the seniors. Also top of the
1-5 on Sunday.
league, the junior 2 footballers are away
Very good win also by the senior hurlers in the senior B championship against
at 3pm next Sunday following their successful Cup exploits. Please follow Facebook, Twitter and
St Pat’s, Palmerstown to ensure they finished top of the qualifying group for a
Newsletter notices re these games. Hard luck Clara O’Sullivan and the
home quarter-final in August. Thanks to all involved in welcoming
Dublin minor camogie team who were
and entertaining our visitors from Pitts-
knocked out of the Leinster champion-
burgh who are guests of Balally parish.
ship by Offaly on Sunday. Lotto numbers were 12, 16 and 17. No
They really enjoyed their visit. The senior footballers are away to St Patrick’s, Palmerstwon on Saturday at
winner; €1,600 jackpot next Sunday. Give it a go!
BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results (July 20) - numbers drawn
Hurling had a mixed week with the
were 6, 18, 21 and 23. No Winner. The jack-
senior hurlers having a fantastic win
pot next week is €4,400. Joker €2,050.
away to Castleknock to keep in second
Winner of €100 Maire Lynch, €50 Francis Maguire, and Alice & Madelaine c/o BSJ Bingo. The ELC All-Ireland Forecast was won by Pat Griffin and Kieran Duffy.
place in the league. The third hurling team were knocked out of the championship on Thursday night. The junior As team lost their last round robin game v St Brigids but still
Bingo every Monday night at 8pm.
face St Marks in the quarter final at
Football: the seniors play Whitehall
home in Marlay.
away on Saturday at 6.30pm. . All sup-
The junior As team won their league
port welcome in their drive for promo-
game away to Ballyboden St Enda’s on
tion.
Sunday to keep up their title chase.
The junior Bs play Finbarrs away at
Club Shop open in Aras Naomh Eoin
11am on Sunday and the junior Cs play
(clubhouse), Thursday 7.30–8.30pm and
Round Towers away at 3pm on Sunday.
Saturday from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
SILVER SUCCESS: Corbally rolls back the years to land a memorable medal at national seniors 5km P30
JULY 27 - AUG 2, 2017
TARF’S BULLS ON PARADE: North Dublin side bat off the challenge of Pembroke P29
Naomh Olaf celebrate their O’Broin Cup victory
Olaf’s ride crest of a wave Sandyford club land cup title with fine win over Lucan Sarsfields in what could prove an extremely fruitful 2017 with top form in both AFL1 and AHL1
sport@dublingazette.com
NAOMH Olaf continued to ride the crest of a wave at the moment as their productive 2017 season bore silverware this week with the O’Broin Cup title. Their junior footballers marched to a 2-14 to 0-5 win over Lucan Sarsfields at the 12th Lock, adding to their upsurge in fortunes this year with the potential for plenty more trophies in the coming months. A strong first half performance saw the Sandyford lads lead 1-8 to 0-3 at half time with team captain Jamie O’Malley finding the net and this set the foundation for victory. The boys in blue, with Kevin Birrane, Oscar
Bent and Brendan Redmond catching the eye, were in no mood to afford any opening to the Lucan team in the second half as they marched to a 15-point win. O’Malley rattled the net again in this period to claim the scoring honours with a handsome return of 2-4 but there were many other good performances throughout. Great credit goes to team managers Sean Farrell and Alan Sankar who have done trojan work in organising and managing the team this season and this is due reward for their commitment.
Demographics It comes after a period when demographics
in the Sandyford/Ballally areas left the club struggling for numbers with matters improving significantly. At juvenile level, the new developments which have taken place in the Sandyford side of the club’s catchment area allied with the hard work of Games Promotion Officer, Darren Egan, and the club’s Juvenile Committee have meant that under-age teams are starting to make an impact. It adds to the club’s brilliant run to date in AFL Division 2 that has seen them perched at the top of the table going into the last four rounds of matches with nine wins from 11 outings, one point clear of local rivals Ballinteer St John’s. They are also going well in hurling’s Division 2
in the chase for playoff places with three rounds to go, making for a busy couple of months. At adult level, things are also going well with the football, hurling, ladies football and camogie teams all performing at the top end of leagues and championships. For the first time in many years the club is fielding three football teams, one senior and two junior, and all are heading their respective leagues. The upsurge in junior football fortunes comes largely as a result of the football revolution at this level which was instigated by Mick O’Connor when landing an Under-21 championship and a junior championship in the last two years.