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

INSIDE: Ireland’s first female funeral director Ann Bradley on a typical day in her life Page 11

eighth amendment: Ben Conroy defends it in the last of our two-part series P14

Will you marry me? Yes is reply at Bray air show Soccer:

European run comes to end for UCD Students Page 30

ciara Kavanagh and Noel Cana-

van toasted their future at the Bray Air Display recently after a surprise marriage proposal. Event director Se Pardy congratulated the happy couple after Noel asked Ciara for her hand in marriage. A romantic sky message bearing the words: “Will You Marry Me?” helped the 27-year-old to pop the question at the busy event in Bray. CityJet also gave the happy couple the gift of a bottle of champagne and a trip to Paris to help celebrate.

Picture: Geraldine Woods

Olympics:

Colin Farrell welcomes team to Los Angeles Page 29

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

Medical card move is ‘scandalously unfair’ Latest figures cause PBP to slam impact on the over-70s in South Dublin

 aisling kennedy

LOCAL politicians have expressed shock at figures which show that 2,065 medical cards were cut from the over-70s in south Dublin between April 2014 and April

2015.

South Dublin had the highest number of such cuts in Dublin, despite a significant rise in the population of older people in the area.

Following the release of the statistics, Deputy Rich-

ard Boyd Barrett (PBP) told The Gazette that the cuts were “scandalously unfair” and would cause “huge hardship to elderly people who worked all their lives and paid taxes”.

A spokesperson from the

Department of Health said these losses resulted from cuts imposed by the previous government in 2008, and that the coalition was introducing free GP visits for over-70s from next month.

Full Story on Page 6

2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

transport Locals react to proposed services re-routing

Protesters march over bus changes  aisling kennedy

A SPECIAL area committee meeting was held in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council offices last Thursday to raise objections to the proposed cuts to Dublin Bus routes in the Dun Laoghaire area.

A large protest also took place last weekend to coincide with local councillors and local people’s opposition to

the cuts.

If the proposed Dublin Bus cuts come into effect, it will mean that the number 7, 59, 7B, 63, 7D, and 8 bus routes will experience varying degrees of re-routing.

The proposed changes will also see the number 111 bus route discontinued.

At the meeting, Cllr John Bailey (FG) proposed three motions that called on Minister

Correction In an article published in the Dun Laoghaire Gazette on July 23, 2015 we mistakenly referred to a “recent” Independent Alliance meeting held in Tullamore, Co Offaly. Dublin Gazette Newspapers would like to clarify that this meeting took place last March.

for Transport Paschal Donohoe to oppose any changes to bus routes around the Dun Laoghaire area.

All three of his motions were passed by the council, and a decision on the proposed changes will be postponed until after a second public consultation in September.

Cllr Bailey told The Gazette that he would fight the proposed bus route cuts and said: “This is not about compromise or being difficult – this is about providing a service to the people.

“We have to have

compassion, and we have to provide a proper service in the locality.”

Meanwhile, a large march to oppose the Dublin bus route cuts took place in Dun Laoghaire last weekend, with up to 300 people attending.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (PBPA) organised and spoke at the march, where he made it clear that he did not support the proposed route cuts.

He told The Gazette: “It was a real community protest with a particularly high number of elderly people and people with disabilities in attendance as they will be really hard hit if these cutbacks go ahead.

“There is shock, anger and disbelief that they [Dublin Bus] would even consider cuts that would leave elderly and disabled people ver y isolated and trapped, in many cases, in places like Killiney village and Sallynoggin. “ We ’r e a b s o l u t e l y determined to fight these cuts and changes to the end,” he said.

In response, a spokesperson for Dublin Bus said that they have begun the public consultation process in relation to the proposed changes to routes and this includes inviting 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

Some of the protesters marching in Dun Laoghaire last weekend to voice their anger and concern at proposed Dublin Bus changes to routes. Picture: Paula Geraghty

feedback from customers and public representatives.

T he spokesperson said: “An information

day will be held on Friday, July 31, from 12 to 4pm at Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre.

“This will give our

customers an opportunity to speak with Dublin Bus representatives on the proposed route changes.”

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3

society: helpline records many people face isolation, loneliness

quarry fall

Injured man is airlifted

Look out for your older neighbours  aisling kennedy

LONELINESS among elderly people is on the rise in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area and the Senior Help Line is calling on neighbours and friends to offer support in their community.

The helpline, which is a national service, receives hundreds of calls each month from areas such as Dun Laoghaire with elderly people admitting the secret loneliness and despair they go through daily.

Anne Dempsey, communications manager of Third Age, the agency that manages the Senior Help Line programme, told The Gazette: “We get a lot of calls from mature areas

in Dublin and in particular Dun Laoghaire as it is traditionally known to have a slightly older population.”

Some older people have a very poor quality of life due to illness, isolation, limited community supports or other personal circumstances.

Dempsey said that some of the core problems that elderly people call the Helpline about are issues such as how to pay the property tax and water tax.

“A lot of people who ring us who live in big houses would be asset rich but cash poor. We have found that things like the property tax have had a very negative and worrying effect on these

callers,” she said.

Dempsey said that some of the helpline’s callers have very good neighbours, but some struggle to get to know their neighbours.

“Some people may be very lonely but pride is the only thing they have left. We would encourage people around the Dun Laoghaire area to make the effort if they see somebody on their own a lot.

“One of the things that really comes through on the helpline is that an older person can live on a road of houses side by side, yet they can feel very alone. We would encourage anyone feeling that way to call our confidential Senior Help Line on LoCall 1850 440 444.”

9,000 thanks: Jennifer scoops a nice National Lottery scratch card prize DUN Laoghaire woman Jennifer Lambert had a whole Lotto luck at RTE recently when she won €9,000 on the National Lottery’s scratch card, Easter Eggstra. Hosts Sinead Kennedy and Marty Whelan congratulated her on her luck. The winning scratch card was bought in Esso Service Station, Rocherstown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Picture: Mac Innes Photography

A MAN who fell 50ft from a cliff at the Dalkey Quarry on Killiney Hill last week was airlifted to hospital by the emergency services.

The man, who is in his early 30s, was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital af ter a multi-agency response by the coast guard helicopter, Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard unit specialist cliff team, and Dun Laoghaire fire brigade.

The multi-agency rescue response was required after efforts to rescue him were complicated by the fact that he had fallen on to a ledge on the cliff side, as opposed to the quarry floor.

The nature and extent of his injuries are not yet known.

4 DUN laoghaire Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

business Mentoring and support for participants ahead of county competition

Young entrepreneurs sought for bootcamps  aisling kennedy

IN THE run up to Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition, Dun LaoghaireRathdown Local Enterprise Office (LEO) will invite up to 15 young entrepreneurs to take part in a series of business bootcamps.

The business bootcamps are for constituents living or based

in the area who are aged 18 to 30 and are available to take part in the bootcamps in September.

They will provide help and advice on how young entrepreneurs can improve their entrepreneurial skills and develop strategies for setting up new businesses, or expand existing ones.

Business mentoring will also

form an important part of the training programme, which will be tailored to the needs of those taking part.

Michael Hayden, business advisor with Dun LaoghaireRathdown LEO, said: “To help our young entrepreneurs refine and improve their business plans and proposals, expert mentoring on a one-to-one basis will be offered through

the bootcamps.

“They will also be shown how to apply business and leadership skills to their own local businesses, helping them make the move from theory into practice.”

Following on from the bootcamps, the young entrepreneurs will then progress to the county final stage of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepre-

neur competition. From there, three local winners will share in a €50,000 investment prizefund for the county.

The prize fund will be divided into three categories: Best New Idea winner will receive up to €10,000, Best Start Up Business winner will receive up to €20,000, and Best Established Business winner will also receive up to €20,000.

The three winners will then represent Dun LaoghaireRathdown at one of eight regional finals in October, with the national final taking place in December to announce Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur for 2015.

For more information, see www.dlrcoco.ie or www.ibye. ie. Alternatively, search for #IBYE on social media.

blackrock: park hosts relay of life

Remembering their loved ones lost to cancer  aisling kennedy

BL AC K R O C K P a r k recently hosted a Relay for Life event to highlight the lives of cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their lives to the disease.

The event took place over 24 hours and saw teams of family members and friends take part.

As part of the relay, teams had to ensure that at least one member of their team was walking around the track at all times. At the end of the event, more than 1,000 candles were lit to symbolise each person’s thoughts, feelings, and memories of a loved one lost.

The event, which was organised by Maureen Gibson, raised much needed funds for vital research and services at the Irish Cancer Society.

Matt Lewis, from the society, said: “A great buzz was created as local cancer survivors took to the track to show how they have come through their diagnoses and to offer hope to those recently diagnosed.

Blackrock Park played host to Relay of Life – a 24-hour event at which people commemorated the lives of many family members and friends lost to cancer

“Participants walked the track while enjoying the sunshine and live music that was organised for the event.”

Cllr Deirdre Donnelly (Ind) took part in a relay team for the event and said that she hoped that the relay would help highlight the benefits of a smoke-free outdoor environment in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

As part of the event, the park became a nonsmoking zone for 24 hours, and Cllr Donnelly said she “would welcome a long-term decision to turn one

park in the county into a permanent smoke-free area”.

She added: “Like many people out there, I lost a family member to cancer a few years ago. I was delighted to take part in the relay. A lot of money was raised and the atmosphere was wonderful.”

The event will take place again next year and the Irish Cancer Society is currently seeking additional volunteers to help organise it for 2016. For further information, see www. cancer.ie/relayforlife.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

don’sdublin All-Ireland academy is a right royal piece of living history The Royal Irish Academy is an allIreland learned society and was founded in 1785. The following year it was granted its royal charter, and its aims were “the promotion and investigation of the sciences, polite literature, and antiquities, as well as the encouragement of discussion and debate between scholars of diverse backgrounds and interests”.

The Earl of Charlemont – who described himself as a lifelong learner – was, appropriately, the first president. Today there are over 400 members, and notable honorary members of yore include Charles Darwin, Max Planck and Albert Einstein.

The academy’s first residence was at 114 Grafton Street (across from the Provost House, Trinity College), but it moved to its present address (19 Dawson Street) in 1851. The new premises had more space to accommodate the growing collections of antiquities, and the Reading and Meeting Rooms were added between 1852-54. Much of the collection was subsequently transferred to the new National Museum of Ireland in 1890, and included the Cross of Cong, the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice.

The library’s unique collection of manuscripts (over 1,500) began when it was presented with the 14th century Book of Ballymote. There are many other famous manuscripts in its care, and the most precious is the Cathach (Psalter of St Columba).

This is the oldest surviving Irish manuscript and dates from the sixth century. The facility is a research library for members, students, international scholars and members of the public. It holds the largest collection of Irish-language manuscripts and archives on Irish history, archaeology and 19th century Ordnance Survey records. It also holds the collection of Thomas Moore, the Irish singer and songwriter, who penned The Last Rose of Summer and The Minstrel Boy. His harp is on show in the library.

In the grand Meeting Room you can find chandeliers and benches from the Irish House of Lords which was abolished over 200 years ago. Now that’s living history!

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

The Royal Irish Academy

charity Classic cars just part of a fundraising festival

Have a Mini adventure in Dalkey  aisling kennedy

THE second Dalkey Vintage festival is set to take place in the Church of the Assumption car park in Dalkey this August bank holiday weekend.

The festival, which is in aid of the Down Syndrome Centre in Dalkey, will showcase many of

Ireland’s best classic cars, with the star of the show this year being the 1964 Mini Cooper that won the Monte Carlo Rally.

Also making an appearance will be Paddy Hopkirk, who was the car’s owner and driver in the famous Monte Carlo race in 1964 in the French Rivera town of

Monaco.

Dublin motorsport legend Alec Poole, who won the 1969 British Touring Car Championship in a Mini Cooper S, will also be in attendance at the event.

Dozens of cars will be showcased at the festival, with many taking families and visitors for

rides around Dalkey and the surrounding area in return for a donation to the Down Syndrome Centre.

Last year, more than €5,000 was raised for the local charity, which provides an important service to carers and families of people affected by Down syndrome.

The festival will take place on bank holiday Monday, August 3 from noon.

Live music will be provided by jazz band The Hot Club of Dublin from 4pm, and all are welcome to attend.

For further information, see www.ilovedalkey. com.

6 DUN laoghaire Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

health South Dublin has highest level of reductions for over-70s – HSE figures

Anger at area’s medical card cuts  aisling kennedy

LOCAL politicians have reacted with shock at recent figures released by the HSE showing that 2,065 medical cards have been cut from the over70s in the Dublin South constituency in just one year.

South Dublin has been hit with the highest level of cuts despite a significant rise in the population of older people in the area.

Following the release of the statistics, Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) told The Gazette that he saw no excuse for

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‘These cuts to medical cards are really scandalously unfair and it’s going to cause huge hardship for elderly people who worked all their lives and paid taxes’ --------------------------------------------------------

Deputy Richard Boyd-Barrett (PBP)

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the medical card cuts.

“These cuts to medical cards are really scandalously unfair and it’s going to cause huge hardship for elderly people who worked all their lives and paid taxes. These people now face having their medical cards stolen from them when they need

them most.

“The idea that elderly people who live in Dun Laoghaire are better off is nonsense. First of all, there is much higher property tax to pay out here, and also the cost if you have to go into hospital or if you have to go and see a consultant is really

cumulative.”

Deputy Boyd Barrett added that he found it particularly annoying that the parties in government who are allowing the medical card cuts are the same parties who “condemned the very same actions by the last government”.

In response to Deputy Boyd Barrett’s comments, Cllr Peter O’Brien (Lab) said: “There is a higher proportion of cuts in Dublin South because this area has the most aged population, especially in Dun LaoghaireRathdown.

“I generally think there should be universal healthcare. With the rollout of the free GP care for

Smyth to contest election  aisling kennedy

F OL L OW I N G t h e announcement in June that Labour TD Eamon Gilmore will not contest his seat in the next General Election, the Labour Party held a selection convention in Dun Laoghaire recently to choose a new candidate to contest the next election.

Cllr Carrie Smyth won the selection convention for the Dun Laoghaire constituency on the night and is set to contest the party’s seat in the next election.

Cllr Smyth told The Gazette that she was delighted to win and said the convention was an exciting night.

“It was a great night and it was brilliant to see so many people turn out to the event including the leader of the Labour Party, Joan Burton, and the Deputy Leader, Alan Kelly.”

Despite criticism over medical card cuts, a Department of Health spokesperson said: “We are introducing free GP care for everyone aged 70 or over from next month”

the under-sixes, we are aiming to roll out free GP care to the over-70s, too.

“I welcome when that happens as we will be able to help the most vulnerable – our youngest and our oldest,” he said.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said: “As a consequence of the deci-

sions made by the current Government in recent years and the enormous sacrifices made by Irish people, we are now in a position to reverse some of those cutbacks.

“For instance, we are introducing free GP care for everyone aged 70 or over from next month.

“T his will benefit

36,000 older people who currently have to pay for their doctor but will no longer have to.

“The rules for discretionary medical cards have been relaxed further, meaning that the highest ever number of people who fall outside the means test have retained a medical card.”

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7

tragedy Thank yous sent to those caring for students

Families of Berkeley survivors ‘grateful’  aisling kennedy akennedy@dublingazette.com

In the aftermath of the tragic deaths of six students in the Berkeley balcony collapse in San Francisco, the families of the four students who were hurt and are still being treated in the US have this week said their thoughts and prayers are with the families of the people who died.

The relatives of Aoife Beary from Blackrock, Clodagh Cogley from Milltown, Niall Murray from Rathfarnham and Hannah Waters from Castleknock said their “constant thoughts and prayers” are with the fam-

ilies of the six students killed in Berkeley in June.

The statement said: “We are also very mindful of the many friends who were there in Berkeley that terrible night, some of whom were also seriously injured and others who responded so tenderly to the needs of our children at the scene and in the immediate horrific aftermath. They could never have imagined such a tragic end to their J1 experience.”

The families said they were very grateful to many of the injured students’ friends who stayed on to “continue to help their injured friends” and thanked them for “all they

have done and all they are continuing to do.

“They too are victims, and they have also had to deal with the trauma of this terrible loss. We salute them all as genuine heroes and we ask them to take great care of themselves and to continue to look after each other in the coming difficult months.”

In the statement, the families thanked the police, paramedics and fire department staff who were first on the scene at the accident, along with the Irish consulate, Irish health services, Aer Lingus, friends, family and neighbours and many others.

T he families said they hoped their children would be able to make their way home in the coming weeks and months, adding: “We would only ask that, when they eventually do return, their many friends and well-wishers will be able to contain themselves a little longer until they are really ready, physically and emotionally, to reach out and invite them to meet.

“We don’t know when this will be and each will have their own thoughts, needs and timescales but, in the circumstances, we hope you will understand and accept our need as parents and siblings to

Aoife Beary

Hannah Waters

Clodagh Cogley

be overprotective of our brothers, sisters and our kids for some time to come. They have been through so much.”

Meanwhile, a concert was held at the Academy in Dublin last week for the

survivors of the Berkeley balcony collapse.

A host of Irish acts took to the stage including Gavin James, Kodaline, Mundy, Knights of Leon with Nicky Byrne hosting the event.

Niall Murray

The night was a huge success with large numbers of friends and former classmates of the victims attending. To donate to the Berkeley fund log onto www.gofundme. com/berkeleyfund

8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

gazetteGALLERY

William and Henry Pilkington

Steve Powell, Royal Lymington Yacht Club

Regatta sails to a rewarding finish W

ITH more than 400 boats and 3,000 sailors competing, this year’s Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta was a spectacular success, with some outstanding displays of seamanship on the waters around the bay.

George Sisk’s Farr 42 WOW, from the Royal Irish Yacht Club, was named top boat after winning three of four challenging coastal races, while several international crews also made their mark with

their prowess.

Despite the fun element of the regatta, there was fierce competition for the wide range of trophies and achievements up for grabs, with Dun Laoghaire’s sailors facing some stiff challenges across the four-day regatta. However, although 180 visiting boats comprised almost half the fleet, yachts from outside the bay area took away only seven trophies from the silver haul.

Johnny Swan and his cup wining team. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Alex Hynes

Aisling Costelloe

Justin McKenna, commodore, Royal St George Yacht Club

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9

10 gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Vittoria Colonna and Ashlie Brennan and Charlotte Chapman. Pictures: Patrick O’Leary

Andrew Dempsey and George Hutton

Hipsterverse rules S

tars from RTE reality television show Exiles celebrated at an exclusive wrap party for the show at The Meeting House recently.

Dylan Townsend, George Hutton, Alison Canavan and Brendan Sheehan were among the guests in attendance. Dylan

Alecia O’Regan Cazabon

Townsend, young brother of Irish actor Stuart treated guests to an exclusive screening of his latest documentary, Hipsterverse at the party.

There was also a musical performance from George Hutton who performed songs from his new album, My Beautiful.

Dylan Townsend and Brendan Sheehan

Alison Canavan

Meghann Scully

Yasmin H and Dylan Townsend

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 11

opinion P14

asdfsdaf escape the mayhemP27 P16

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



Gazette

diary P12

what’son faces of Irish men and women from WW1: An

Ann Bradley, manager of Massey Bros funeral home in Crumlin

day in the life: first female funeral director Ann Bradley loves her job

Caring for bereaved families  ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

Managing a funeral home can be quite an undertaking, but with thousands of people depending on their service each day there is no doubt that the funeral business is a vital amenity in our society.

This week, The Gazette caught up with Ann Bradley, manager of Massey Bros funeral home in Crumlin – The Haven, to see what a day in her life is like.

Bradley has been working in the funeral business for the past 30 years and became the one of Ireland’s first female funeral directors over 20 years ago.

“I came into the business straight from school. When I first started the funeral service was very male dominated and at the time I worked behind the scenes writing death notices and booking churches for funerals.

“Then in the early 90s one of the funeral directors retired and I was offered his position, which I gratefully accepted.

“Most mornings I would attend a funeral that we’d arrange a couple of days before hand. When a person dies the remains would either be in the funeral home or in the house where they died. I would then travel to where the remains are and would meet the family.

“I would tell them all the procedures

of the funeral because many people have never been to a funeral so it is my job to guide them along the way and give them the opportunity to pay their last respects and say a few prayers.

“I would then show them into their cars and after the mass I’d guide them to the cemetery or the crematorium.

Then around lunchtime by the time the funeral is over I would come back to the office and deal with other queries and funeral arrangements.”

When asked what her favourite part of her job was Bradley said that meeting the deceased’s family and comforting them.

“I come into contact with many lovely people. Some people think that this isn’t a nice job, but I get great satisfac-

tion helping people when they’re most vulnerable and looking after them. It is a great feeling when you know that they’re okay.

“The biggest challenge of my job is making sure it’s done correctly as you can’t afford to make mistakes because the deceased’s family members and friends want everything to go perfectly.”

What advice would Bradley give to anyone interested in going into her field of work?

“They have to have a nice, caring and warm personality. You have to be very understanding and patient and allow people to grieve. I also think female funeral directors can seem more sensitive and understanding than the men.”

exhibition which showcases images of Irish people who were involved in World War I was officially launched last week at the National Library of Ireland (NLI).

The NLI National Photographic Archive has collected a large variety of photographs from the era as part of the Portraits of the Invisible exhibition. Some of the photographs include images of soldiers and medics, nurses and stretcher bearers, drivers and cyclists, sailors and pilots, alongside stories, letters, postcards, and diaries from the era.

The exhibition is running in partnership with the British Embassy and Sara Smyth, exhibition curator at NLI, said: “Through our involvement with the European World War I project, we have been able to unearth and make publicly available an amazing body of material portraying the Irish experience of World War I.” Portraits of the Invisible is free to visit and is open seven days a week. The exhibition will run until January 2016.

Gazette

12 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

dublinlife

diary

Struggle to home abandoned pets A total of 481 puppies have found new homes over the last 12 months thanks to Dog’s Trust Ireland, Ireland’s l a r g e s t d o g we l f a r e charity.

The charity opened its new puppy wing facility one year ago at its rehoming centre in Dublin as a response to the surging levels of puppies and pregnant mums who are being cruelly abandoned in Ireland.

Currently, there are

an estimated 90,000 puppies bred in Ireland every year.

Mark Beazley, executive director at Dogs Tr ust Ireland, said: “Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine very kindly opened this facility for us one year ago a n d our ambitious rehoming figure was to save 500 puppies each year.

“To come so close to that figure and to have rescued and rehomed 481 pups in the last

12 months alone is a phenomenal result for the dedicated puppy rehoming team here at Dogs Trust.”

Dogs Trust currently has 208 dogs looking for their forever homes.

€56k bill for DAil fitness coach TDs and senators will be delighted to know that they need not worry about summer break excesses as a personal trainer worth €56,580 will be waiting

for them in the Leinster House gym when they get back.

TDs, senators and even Leinster House staff will be able to avail of the new trainer who is coming on a two-year contract, courtesy of the Irish tax payer.

They are off on their summer holidays now and after all of the beers and barbecues, many will be eager to feel the burn when they return in mid-September.

T his might spell a whole new era for Leinster House as TDs and Senators strut in to the houses of the Oireachtas sporting tank-tops, lycra and headbands.

Cronyism will take on a whole new meaning as they bump fists and call each other “bro”.

Rumour has it that tanning beds, complimentary baby oil and a masseuse are next on the Leinster House agenda.

it’s the summer of Cu Chulainn Since the launch of Tayto Park’s new Cu Chulainn rollercoaster at the start of June, over 100,000 have experienced the adrenaline fuelled ride.

Located in Ashbourne, the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe hurtled into action on June 4 and since then the demand from Tayto Park visitors to experience the terrifying speeds and heights is building more each day.

With speeds of over 100km per hour, heights of 32.05m and a drop zone of 31m, Tay to Park general manager Charles Coyle said:

Dog’s Trust Ireland has placed 481 puppies in new homes over the last 12 months

“We are thrilled to see that visitors’ excitement about the Cu Chulainn Coaster is only building as we get further into the summer months.

“We have had people visit Tayto Park from all corners of the country and from various parts of the world, specifically to experience the Cu

Chulainn Coaster.

“It’s great to see that news of Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster has travelled so far,” he said.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

dublinlife

opinion

Repeal of Eighth Amendment would be unconscionable

In the second of our two-part series, Ben Conroy of the Iona Institute defends Ireland’s abortion law WHAT do we all have in common that gives us equal rights? What puts the “universal” in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

People often answer that with close-but-nocigar answers. The ability to feel love? What about people who are extreme-

ly stunted emotionally?

Consciousness? Coma patients have human rights. Self-awareness?

Babies don’t have much.

Then they usually settle on the only possible answer. We have human rights, human dignity, because we’re human.

Equality for everybody.

Recently, a pro-life group posing as a research company filmed a series of sting videos. They reveal different people in Planned Parenthood, the world’s largest abortion provider, discussing the donation of foetal tissue procured by dissecting the products of concep-

tion.

In other words, the transport and sale of human organs for research.

Given that “a lot of people want liver”, as well as hearts and lungs, one senior doctor in Planned Parenthood said this about how to procure them during abortion: “I’m not gonna crush that part, I’m going to basically crush below, I’m gonna crush above, and I’m gonna see if I can get it all intact.”

Why do Planned Parenthood’s clients find these organs so useful for research and scientific experiments? Because they are human organs.

Unborn children are human children.

That makes things very simple. Our Constitution’s Eighth Amendment recognises a simple truth: no situation is improved by the deliberate killing of a child.

There are horrible, traumatic situations in which women find themselves pregnant; situations that present no easy answers, that require empathy, support and rage against injustice.

Rape must be prevented, rape culture ended and rapists punished.

The poverty and inequality that make women feel unable to support a child must be eradicated.

Sexist, family-unfriendly employment policies and a culture that’s quick to write off women who

Ben Conroy: “Our Constitution’s Eighth Amendment recognises a simple truth: no situation is improved by the deliberate killing of a child”

become pregnant unexpectedly must be combated.

None of these situations is improved by the killing of a child.

Those trying to repeal the amendment start by focusing on children with life-limiting conditions: pretending there is no kinder, more decent response to the real suffering their parents experience than abortion.

Refusal My cousin Louise was diagnosed in utero with severe birth defects in her brain and heart that threatened to make her life very short. Doctors immediately suggested a UK abortion, but Louise’s parents refused.

After birth, her brain function was completely normal, and after a series of heart operations she is now a happy, healthy five-year old. She deserved her chance.

I know another baby named Liam who only lived outside the womb for nine weeks, four days and three hours – which he deserved, too.

In his short life he both gave and received

an astronomical amount of love. Shor tening already-short lives is not the answer – proper perinatal hospice care that protects children from suffering and helps families through their grief is.

Repealing the Eighth A m e n d m e n t wo u l d mean that our abortion law would be precisely as strong as politicians wanted it to be. If you worry about any kind of abortion at any stage in pregnancy, look at how abortion laws around the world become weaker and weaker as time goes on.

Criminal penalties for women should end – not because abortion is not a horror, but because it more often than not has two victims rather than one. It is doctors like those in the sting videos (Google them) who should face charges.

The Fine Gael-Labour Government could revoke these penalties tomorrow, but it chooses not to – it was Lucinda Creighton who tried to amend the Government’s abortionon-grounds-of-suicide legislation to reduce the penalties for women.

If the Eighth Amendment is repealed, in Irish hospitals doctors will walk down a corridor having just saved one preterm baby, and then rend another’s baby’s body and dispose of it as medical waste.

The Minister for Health will assure us that everything is as expected. And perhaps in private, surgeons will discuss abortion in the way Planned Parenthood’s doctors already do, and will not flinch.

Trying to prevent that possible future is among the most noble things any of us could hope to do. Keeping the Eighth Amendment is only the start of a journey towards a truly pro-life culture.

But to repeal it would be unconscionable.

There is no situation that is improved by the killing of a child. ben conroy Spokesperson for the Iona Institute  Last week’s column

by Clare Daly arguing for repeal of the Eighth Amendment is on the Gazette website at www.dublingazette.com

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

dublinlife

feature

escape the mayhem: red rock actress ann skelly

Catching up with the classics to help relax  Keith bellew

EIGHTEEN-year-old Ann Skelly spent the first half of 2015 playing the controversial role of Rachel Reid in the first season of TV3’s acclaimed soap, Red Rock.

Red Rock REWIND will give viewers a chance to catch up with The Kielys and The Hennessys each weeknight ahead of Red Rock’s return on September 2.

This week, The Gazette spoke with Skelly about what she does to relax

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

‘I’m trying to watch all the classics that people talk about so much, so there’s a back log of films that I have to watch’ --------------------------------------------------------

after playing a schoolgirl embroiled in a love affair with an older man.

She said that she feels uncomfortable if she is not doing something related to acting, so one of her favourite means of escape is watching films.

She is currently working her way through a bucket-

list of the classics.

“Watching TV or a film would be the closest thing I do to getting away from it, but even at that I’m dissecting it.

“I don’t really like to watch TV in the daytime because I feel like I’m wasting my life, but sometimes I’ll give myself

a sick day and I’ll sit on the couch with a blanket and watch TV all day, like when I got the day off school when I was younger. I will give myself those [days] because I don’t get sick often,” she said.

She said that she used to think that she had seen a lot of films, but from hearing people making references to films she hadn’t seen, she realised that she had just been watching the same few over and over.

“I’m trying to watch all the classics that people

Red Rock actress Ann Skelly: “I don’t really like to watch TV in the daytime, but sometimes I’ll give myself a sick day and I’ll sit on the couch and watch TV all day”

talk about so much, so there’s a backlog of films that I have to watch.

“We just got Sky Movies, so I haven’t spoken to some people in a while because I’m just watching

all the films 24 hours a day,” she said, adding that she recently ticked Raging Bull and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest off her list, but is yet to see 12 Angry Men and Citizen

Kane.

You can catch Skelly on Red Rock REWIND, Monday to Thursday at 10pm, and Friday at 10.30pm on TV3, in the run up to series two.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

cinema P20

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



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style P18

Pets Sweet maggie may steal your heart

The Human League: Joanne Catherall, Philip Oakey and Susan Ann Sulley

the human league: susan ann sulley talks to the gazette

Yes, we want them, baby  aisling kennedy

SINCE the Human League first formed in 1977, they have remained a popular and much loved band throughout Ireland and the UK. As they return to Irish shores this month, The Gazette spoke to Susan Ann Sulley from the band to find out what it is like being part of a band that has spanned four decades. She also told us about how she initially got her big break.

“I didn’t want to be in a band at all,” says Sulley. “It was just something that happened to us, really.

“Philip [Oakey] and Adrian [Wright] had just split with the original member, Martyn [Ware] and as they were con-

tracted to do a tour of Europe, they decided to look for some female singers to join the band.

“Philip came to a nightclub in Sheffield where they used to play their music and he saw Joanne [Catherall] and me together and he asked us to do an audition.

“He also asked a couple of other people but he decided on Joanne and me and that’s how we joined.”

Since then, Sulley has gone on to enjoy huge success with The Human League, with the band perhaps being best known for their number-one hit, Don’t You Want Me Baby.

Sulley laughs when asked who the “waitress in the cocktail bar” was from the lyrics of the same hit, and says:

“There never was a waitress in a cocktail bar. That lyric was about a film called, A Star Is Born, with James Mason and Judy Garland.”

Sulley is looking forward to returning to play in Ireland during the upcoming Bulmers Live shows at Leopardstown, and said that she has been a regular visitor to Ireland over the past 35 years.

“We’ve been to Ireland lots of times, we love it there. It’s a fantastic place.

“Joanne and I like to go around Dublin and do some shopping and eat in nice restaurants. You have some fabulous restaurants! And we particularly love visiting Brown Thomas for the shopping.

“I’ve never been to the Guinness Storehouse, because I don’t drink Guin-

ness, but my boyfriend has been there and he loved it.”

At their upcoming Leopardstown gig, Sulley says she is excited to play some of the band’s greatest hits.

“We’ve got a huge back catalogue of songs that everybody knows and people seem to be really appreciative of them.

“We’ll be doing a lot of our greatest hits at this concert, because that’s what people have come for, really. We want people to leave with a smile on their face.”

The Human League will complete the year’s Bulmers Live At Leopardstown summer series on Thursday, August 13.

Tickets are priced €15; for further information, see www.bulmersliveatleopardstown.com.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Maggie, a six-year-old Labrador-cross.

Maggie needs help to build her confidence up as she’s suffered a few knockbacks in her time. Once you get to know her, she’ll lavish you with affection and love.

Maggie finds a lot about the world very frightening and needs a home in a quiet location with a loving family to slowly show her that she doesn’t need to be frightened anymore.

Maggie can live with older teenagers but would need to be the only dog in the home. Being an anxious girl, it’s important that her new family have infrequent visitors and the time to commit to helping her grow in confidence day by day.

If you think you could offer Maggie a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT Dolce & Gabbana Headphones

BROWNTHOMAS

Bridge collection, with

AU TU MN/ W I NT ER

engraving available at

 mimi murray

Thomas Sabo’s Love

some stockists

WITH terms such as retro futuristic, couture construction and Gothic girl, the new collection in Brown Thomas for autumn/winter is giving us plenty to think about.

With references to the 1950s right through to the 1980s, there is lots from every era to keep us fashionistas happy all the way till spring.

The box bag and the shoulder chain were leading stories from Alexander McQueen, Valentino and D&G, while the 1970s theme of bucket bags was seen in Alexander Wang and Mulberry.

The mid-calf boot is the leading shape for AW15, featuring on the runways of Chloe, Stella McCartney, Valentino and Isabel Marant, while Mary Janes made a comeback in many forms, from stiletto to block heels.

Again, the love affair with the 1970s continues into shoes, with ditsy floral prints, and round toes in a palette of brown and mustard.

Fall in love with Thomas Sabo range  mimi murray

ROSANNA Davison wowed crowds at the Marker Hotel last week when she previewed the new autumn/winter line from Thomas Sabo.

The new Love Bridge concept sent hearts all a-flutter, with Georgia May Jagger used once again for their beautiful ad campaign.

An idea taken from lovers who attach locks to famous bridges around the world and then throw away the key, this collection is sure to be a huge hit at Christmas and next Valentine’s.

Other themes include Fatima’s Garden, which is inspired

by Indian gardens full of blossoms and intensive colour hues.

The animal kingdom is also finding its way into the Thomas Sabo collection, with frog, squirrel, bear, hedgehog, owl and falcon karma beads.

New to Thomas Sabo regular customers is an engraving service while you wait, and this will be available in some stockists around Dublin.

Dolce & Gabbana Jumper, skirt and headphones

Victoria Beckham Dress

Peter Pilotto Jumper, skirt; Stella McCartney Coat

Alexander McQueen Dress

Peter Pilotto Dress

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 19

Dries Van Noten Coat; Dolce & Gabbana Dress; Dries Van Noten Dress, skirt (over dress)

Valentino Dress

Celine Dress; black knit

Gazette

STYLE

Gazette

20 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

inside out: pixar’s latest has surprising depth

A rollercoaster of emotions you’ll love

WE ARE living in a golden age of storytelling, if you know where to look.

This year’s list of summer blockbusters has featured its fair share of damp squibs, and there is a general sense that audiences are becoming restless with the perennial parade of superhero sequels and gormless action movies.

Of all the cinematic genres, it is kids’ films that are consistently nailing it. Creating a narrative for kids involves casting

 Dave phillips

aside anything superfluous, and distilling the plot and characters down to the purest possible level.

They are tough films to create, and Pixar is one of those studios that seem to have the knack.

Inside Out is the lat-

est original film from the award-winning Californian studio.

It follows Riley, an 11-year-old girl who is going through a tough time – her family have moved from Minnesota to San Francisco, and that means settling into a new school and a new house and establishing a new circle of friends.

But that is only the tip of the iceberg; while all these changes are happening in the outside world, we are mainly con-

cerned with the action that is going on internally for Riley.

Inside Out is a film that is all about emotions – well, five in particular: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust.

Joy (voiced by Parks and Recreation’s Amy Poehler) is the driving force in Riley’s internal world.

E f f e r ve s c e n t a n d unfailingly positive, Joy manages to spend most of her time at the helm, controlling the console that processes Riley’s day-to-day experiences, subsequently dictating how she will emotionally respond to them, and therefore influencing the kind of memories she will form.

Riley’s processed memories – little colour-coded orbs – zip around in her internal world, being stored appropriately in conscious or unconscious memory banks, and now and then big life experiences will produce

Joy (Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) are perhaps an unlikely pair of pals, but these two emotions are at the heart of much of Inside Out’s wonderful tale

a “core memory”, which causes a mental structure to sprout up.

These core memories and the structures they create inform the type of personality that Riley has.

It is a wonderful, stripped-down representation of a psychological framework that anybody can grasp, and one that is made all the better for some incredible casting – Lewis Black is perfect as Anger, as is Bill Hader for Fear.

The raucous interchanges between the emotions as they battle to control Riley’s reactions is written with such skill that kids and adults will often find the same joke appealing on entirely dif-

ferent levels.

Pete Docter, who writes and directs, brings the same balance of emotional intensity and comedy that made his earlier work – including Up, and Monsters Inc. – so formidable.

Here is another film that is unafraid to set foot in some of the darker recesses of the psyche, exploring massive and important themes in a clever and compassionate way.

Without divulging too much of the plot, it is hard to stress what an important film Inside Out is, but rest assured that not only is this a wonderfully entertaining 94 minutes, it will undoubtedly go on to be a rite of passage for

PIXELS

maggie

A zombie tale with brains ARNIE turns in one of his most nuanced performances in Maggie (Cert 15A, 95 mins). It’s hard to imagine Schwarzenegger doing anything subtle, but he gives it a go in this zombie tale. Arnie plays an old father trying to protect his teenage daughter who’s been infected in a pandemic, but time is running out – and they both know it ... A decent tale with an interesting turn by Arnie.

Verdict: 9/10

Terminator: Genisys

Lazily joins the dots ADAM Sandler returns with his latest comedy masterpiece: Pixels (Cert 12A, 100 mins). Sandler teams up with Kevin James and Peter Dinklage when aliens invade Earth in the guise of all your favourite videogame characters of yesteryear, and nerds must save the day. If you’re thinking that this sounds like an old, classic episode of Futurama – you’re right, but Pixels is nowhere near as good.

future generations.

In much the same way that Toy Story made us reflect on what childhood really means, and Up made us think about the importance of relationships and friendship, Inside Out will make you think about how and why you react to the world in the way that you do.

Do yourself a favour, and kids or no, go see this. It is an important film, a charming wake-up call for a culture obsessed with the mindless pursuit of happiness.

It is progressive, beautiful, and incredibly entertaining – a proud moment in storytelling, and an emotional education.

He’ll be back – we won’t

ant-man

Crawls a bit in places SEEING as Marvel seem able to do no wrong, here comes Ant-Man (Cert 12A, 117 mins) for a big adventure. Paul Rudd plays the pin-sized superhero, using his magic suit (oh, all right, some kind of technowhizz nonsense that lets him shrink to the size of an ant at will) and a mentor (an entertaining Michael Douglas) to fight some bad guys. It’s okay, despite some clumsy pacing.

OUR second review with Arnie sees him back in an iconic role in Terminator: Genisys (Cert 12A, 125 mins).

Emilia Clarke is badly miscast as Sarah Connor, with Arnie doing his best as her “Pops”, a ‘loveable’ reprogrammed Terminator bodyguard. The film attempts to reboot the ailing franchise, but the end result is a confusing mess.

Sorry, Arnie – this film is one to myss ...

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

readeroffer The Iron Man special offer pack for Dublin Gazette readers includes: - Bodyfirst Nutrition Shaker - Little Dragon Protein Water 375ml (Perfect for recovery after the race) - Shot Bloks (Easyto-chew sources of carbohydrates-your body’s preferred source of fuel during activity and electrolytes.)

- Jelly Bean Sports Beans (Each bean is loaded with carbs for fuel, electrolytes to help maintain fluid balance and vitamins to optimise energy release and protect cells against oxidative damage) - NUUN electrolyte tabs (Source of hydration. No sugar, no calories just pure electrolytes).

This special pack is for €15 so 25% off the normal price of €20.

Readers can buy this pack in Bodyfirst stores in Clontarf and Malahide or online at www.bodyfirst.ie/ product/iron-man-dublin-gazette-pack

The IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin feed stations including distance to the different locations. Visit www.ironman.com/ triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/dublin for more information.

Clontarf Store: 328 Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Phone: (01) 8055 911 Malahide Store: 1st Floor, New Street Mall, Malahide Village, Co Dublin.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin checklist £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Photo ID mandatory Wetsuit mandatory Trisuit/clothing Race number belt Bike helmet mandatory Nutrition Sunglasses Warm clothing Race licence or day licence mandatory Swim goggles

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Cycle shoes Bike water bottles Spare inner tubes Running shoes mandatory Sun cream Lubricant Bike tools Bike mandatory Bike pump Socks Hat

Consuming the right amount of calories on the bike will leave you in better shape for the half marathon

ironman: Final part in your training guide

Get yourself in tiptop condition for the event  triathlon ireland

JUST over a week to Ironman 70.3 Dublin. And in the final of our threepart series GazetteHealth talks to Kevin Crossan of Triathlon Ireland on how to fling yourself into the triathlon in tiptop condition.

All the hard work should be done by now as the Half Ironman nears: pool lengths, hours on the bike and miles of running should be in the bag.

Crossan says this is the time to start reducing the training dramatically: this is the “tapering phase” where you freshen up the body and prepare it for race day.

So you cut back on training and energy levels should rise. Some athletes find this the hardest phase as all of a sudden you’ve more time on your hands.

You start thinking and analysing your training.

Jobs you’ve put off like

gardening, clearing out the garage slip into view.

But just because you’ve more time and energy does not mean you do them, he warns.

On the big day, Crossan recommends a small pre-race breakfast three to four hours before start time. Nothing can derail all the hours of training like a poor nutrition plan, he says. Your race day should include a well-planned and tested nutritional plan.

Such a strategy means you are more likely to get your energy requirem e n t s r i g h t . K n ow exactly what and when you are consuming during the race: for example a cup of water and a gel every 45 minutes.

Most beginners are not prepared for eating and drinking on the move.

Crossan suggests you practise eating a banana and drinking water while running.

You should be very familiar with all the food

you consume in the last three to four days before the race. This is not a time for being adventurous: stick to simple carbohydrates and a little protein. The bike is a great time to take in fuel.

Consuming the right amount of calories on the bike will leave you in better shape for the half marathon.

The best way to remind you to eat on the bike is setting a timer on your watch. When it beeps it

is time to eat. Stick to this plan and avoid the dreaded bonk or hitting the wall. Ideally you should consume 70g to 80g of carbohydrates for every hour you race.

Finally after the discipline, the getting up and going even when it hurts, Crossan urges participants in the first Ironman 70.3 Dublin, to get out there and enjoy being part of a great event. That’s what it’s all about!

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MUSIC THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS: BORN IN THE ECHOES

Resonates with real energy  CONOR MCGINN

ONE of the biggest electronic dance acts of the last 20 years, you could be forgiven for not realising that it’s been half a decade since Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons – aka The Chemical Brothers – released their last studio album.

After all, they haven’t exactly been keeping quiet in the interim – the duo have been involved in some of the biggest films of recent years, including writing songs for the Oscar-winning Black Swan and smash hit series The Hunger Games, not to mention scoring Hanna (starring

our own Saoirse Ronan).

Apparently, cracking Hollywood could only keep them occupied for so long and now that they’ve finally returned from the longest release drought of their careers, can we expect them to pick up where they left off?

Born in the Echoes is, by and large, a triumphant and atmospheric return, featuring inspired guest per formances leading to a much more vocally driven album than 2010’s Further.

In many ways, it feels infused with the excited, creative mind-set that was the driving force behind earlier electronic music.

In Rowland’s words: “At the moment, it feels like a lot of the groove has gone from dance music.

Everything can sound pumped-up – it’s like an arms race, now.”

In a world that’s oversaturated with Dubstep, being used to advertise everything from Microsoft to Childline, it’s a relief to hear true pioneers stick to their creative guns and continue to create their own psychedelic and experimentation-fuelled epic Big Beat sound.

They show their pop sensibilities on lead single, Go, featuring secondtime collaborator rapper Q-Tip, which builds ten-

sion perfectly in verses before climaxing in notes of electropop bliss.

Other notable guest appearances include Beck on the Caribou-esque Wide Open, while St Vincent lends her voice to the ominous and hypnotic Under Neon Lights.

Much of the album has the feel of a thumping cyberpunk soundtrack, lurching from song to song with only the occasional respite; necessary breathers for the listener.

Perhaps their time away working on film soundtracks has given them a flair for the dramatic.

Ultimately, Born in The Echoes shows The Chemical Brothers are

still the same creative force that has been consistently blowing dance music’s collective consciousness since the early 1990s.

Va r i e d but never disjointed, The Chemical Brothers and their collaborators come together to create an electronic album that has an oddly organic feel to it.

Simons and Rowland believe it’s from the live show-oriented mind-set they had going into the

recording studio: “It goes back to the way we made records at the start, wanting unique music that brings a roomful of people alive.

“In turn, the crowd reaction really helps shape the finished record. We make music

with so much technology now, but it’s about the moments where the music is just careering and you’re trying to hold on to it.”

Rest assured that after five years away from the studio, they haven’t lost their grip.

Gazette

24 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVELNEWS

Rendezvous with France FRANCE is a gorgeous country, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, amazing cuisine, interesting sights and fascinating culture.

Here are just some of the types of getaways you can enjoy in this wonderful destination.

Camping trips are a popular choice for families who want to build lifelong memories amidst the lush French countryside.

Foodies will have plenty to smile about as they dine in world-class restaurants and learn about winemaking in the country’s vineyards.

Try your hand at adventure activities, such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding and water sports, to really get a feel for this majestic land.

You’ll be spoiled for choice, thanks to the many cultural and historical attractions that cities such as Paris, Bordaux, Lille and Nantes have to offer.

Soak up the sun’s glorious rays on a beautiful beach in Biarritz, the French Riviera, SainteMarine, Gruissan, Cavalaire-sur-Mer. For further information, see www.rendezvousenfrance.com.

Enjoying the comfort of a room in Dunbrophy House, where the food matches the warm welcome

the southwest: find history, ales – and ghosts

There’s tons to do in County Wexford  mimi murray

ON A recent break in County Wexford, I discovered the provenance of a phrase, well known in the English language.

“By hook or by crook”, came about, so the story goes, when Loftus Hall in County Wexford was discovered by Oliver Cromwell.

At the time, this pile was known as Redmond Hall, and after two failed attempts to take the mansion, Cromwell hatched a plan that would involve the use of one of either two ports, Hook Head or Crook. Cromwell insisted “we will take this house, by hook or by crook”.

I was walking into the driving rain, just below the Hook Head light-

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

‘There is absolutely tons to do in Wexford, from the aforementioned and supposedly haunted Loftus Hall to the Famine Ship in New Ross’

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

house when my husband regaled me with the story.

“By hook or by crook, I will make it into the nearest pub,” I said, using the line in perfect context, I think.

Loftus Hall describes itself as “the most haunted house in Ireland”, and offers a range of tours for history buffs and the curious alike.

However, whether or not you’re a would-be ghostbuster or a fan of his-

tory, this area is steeped in history, from Cromwell’s time right up to recent history, and a visit from JFK, who we all know hails from this part of the world.

There is absolutely tons to do in Wexford, from the aforementioned and supposedly haunted Loftus Hall to the Famine Ship in New Ross.

On our first night in the Model County, we stayed in Dunbrody House. We had been promised a tour

of Kevin Dundon’s new brewery, which is built and ready to go on the grounds of Dunbrody.

He already has a micro brewery, where he makes Arthurstown Ale – a very drinkable pale ale which my husband gave the thumbs up to.

After a delicious dinner of rib of Irish beef, a constant and favourite on the menu, in the main or big house, as the locals call it, we made our way to the pub, a new addition to Dunbrody.

A spit on the floor joint, as Catherine Dundon herself puts it, but I wouldn’t quite call it that.

The outdoor seating area was lit up with twinkly fairy lights and a band was playing in the bar that night. This

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

TRAVEL

fastTravel Spoil yourself with a break later this year  ian begley

Some of the lovely gardens at Kilmokea House

Come rain or shine, Loftus Hall has an imposing, but fascinating, presence

Part of the micro brewery at Dunbrody House

is a lovely place to come after a ramble around the area, as you feel under no pressure to dress up and can relax with a beer and a burger or pizza.

After a restful sleep in one of Dunbrody’s superb rooms, we checked out the brewery, where Kevin will make the ale which will be stocked in four Dublin pubs to start off with.

They grow their own hops, and we were amazed to see the Jack and the beanstalk nature of these hops, which grow to about 20ft in a matter of weeks.

We said our goodbyes to Dunbrody and headed to Duncannon beach.

The inclement weather meant good times for the

kite surfers, but not so good for us beach walkers, and soon it was back indoors.

We drove to our next destination – Kilmokea House, a Hidden Ireland house run by Emma Hewlett. This house is an old rectory which belonged to Emma’s father. The stunning gardens are open to the public and are a must-see.

Gardens

A large water garden extends on to a planted woodland area and the walled garden is brimming with roses and iris.

Across the road, there is a magical fairy garden, a Norman fort and a Viking settlement, as well as the dragon from The Hobbit!

This garden is a real treat for adults and children.

After a swim in the pool, a great asset to this house, we ate in a small dining area with just four other couples who were staying in the house. Emma’s cooking is perfection, with lots of ingredients straight from the gardens.

The choice is limited, but who wants to make decisions when you are this relaxed? A starter of crab and shrimp baked in the shell was delicious whilst the rack of lamb and monkfish mains were fresh and cooked just right. My highlight was dessert, strawberry parfait made with in season Wexford strawberries.

The living room at historic Kilmokea House

Divine.

After dinner, we chatted to the owner, who shared many tales about the house and the area and made us feel really at home, in what is their home.

Therefore, it has that

really special feel of escaping to the country with friends.

After a cooked breakfast, we sadly packed up the car and made our way back to Dublin, vowing to return to a county where there is still so much left

to discover.

For further information on Wexford, see www.visitwexford.com. For information on Dunbrody, see www.dunbrodyhouse. com, or for Kilmokea, see www.hiddenireland. com.

IF YOU don’t have the opportunity to travel abroad this summer, then why not spoil yourself and book a holiday for two this October or November?

Visit Dubrovnik this October in the luxurious five-star More Hotel from €545pp.

This offer is for seven nights based on two adults and includes a double room with a balcony on a bed and breakfast basis.

From €549pp, you can spend seven allinclusive nights in the four-star Bahia de Lobos Hotel in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) this November.

In Fuerteventura, there are many bars and restaurants and good quality entertainment venues.

If you’re really looking to spoil yourself this October, then why not take a Boston city break from €869pp?

This offer includes a three night stay in the three-star Double Tree Club by Hilton Boston Bayside.

For further information on these deals, see www.clickandgo.com.

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

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Jonathan and Dominique Coleman intend to apply for permission to demolish an existing single storey side structure and in its place to build a 2 storey side extension with a continuation of the existing hipped roof over the extension and associated site works at 68 Sandyford Downs, Sandyford, Dublin 18.This application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire, during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within 5 weeks of receipt of this application by the Planning Authority.

24646

PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION

B Riehn has applied for Permission for a) The provision of a new vehicular entrance in existing rear garden, onto Ashgrove, off Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire b) Construction of a dormer window in existing pitched roof of existing single storey bungalow and c) Construction of a 2 meter high rendered blockwork wall along the northern and front (east) boundary with a pedestrian gate at ‘White Bungalow’ at Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Planning Reference D15A/0316 Refers. In this regard note that Significant Further Information has been furnished to the Planning Authority and is available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the Planning Authority at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during its public opening hours, and that a submission or observation in relation to the Further Information may be made to the Authority in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within 2 weeks beginning of the date of receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice (within 5 weeks in the case of an application accompanied by an E.I.S) by the Authority and no further fee is required where a valid submission or observation has already been made in respect of this planning application.

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Permission is sought for the demolition of a 20sqm single storey extension to rear, for the construction of new 39sqm single storey extension with terrace to rear and associated internal alterations, for widening vehicular access, alterations to window design to front elevation and associated site works at 7 Barnhill Avenue, Dalkey, Co. Dublin for Pat and Denise Watt.The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours.

A Submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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Gazette

28 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

SPORT Mageean impresses at Morton

FastSport

Athletics: santry stadium lit up by jamaican sprinter blake

Diverse City organise nepal fundraiser:

DIVERSE City FC has announced that the Eid World Cup 2015 football tournament will take place on Aug 1 and 2 to raise funds for the people of Nepal.

Islamic Relief Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland are the group’s partners for this initiative.

The women’s fivea-side tournament kicks off at DCU, Glasnevin on August 1. Registration starts at 10am.

On August 2, the men’s seven-a-side tournament will be held at the Law Society, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. Registration starts at 10.30am. Supporters and donations welcome.

For further information contact Abdulkadir on 085 2850376 and Sarah on 086 6690053.

There is also a Facebook page for the event which can be accessed by going to: https://www. facebook.com/SARIMuslimSoccerteam.

 sport@dublingazette.com

CIARA Mageean of UCD was one of three Irish winners at the increasingly impressive Morton Games last Friday, July 24.

Mageean took the

women’s mile in a time of 4.30.64, beating off competition from American, Australian and British contingent as she continued her return from an extended period of injury in Santry. The Morton Games race was

only the County Down native’s second outdoor event in more than two years, and represents a promising comeback for a runner who regularly beat Sonia O’Sullivan’s age-group records earlier in her career.

Yohan Blake poses for pictures with young fans at Morton Stadium last Friday

Morton Mile winner Australian Jeff Riseley receives a trophy

Only recently, some feared Mageean might never return to the sport.

Having required surgery on a bone spur last year, she could only manage a 15-minute jog on softer grass surfaces six months ago. Understandably, her reaction to Friday’s victory was visibly ecstatic.

She completed the final lap of her race in under a minute.

The star of the show, though, was Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, nicknamed “The Beast”. The worldclass sprint star’s appearance was a huge coup for the championship, and he impressed with a winning 100m time of 10.12 seconds. The time is the fastest time ever run over the distance on Irish soil.

Blake is also returning from injury, and has already missed out on the incredibly strong Jamaican team for the World Championships, despite winning silver medals in both the 100m and 200m events at the London 2012 Olympics.

Blake is also the secondfasted man over 100m of all time. He took time out after his race to sign autographs, and told the crowd: “I’ve always wanted to come to Ireland.”

Junior Athlete of the Year 2014 and Donegal native Karl Griffin took the men’s 800m in a time of 1.47.64, while a third Irish victory came in the form of Waterford’s Kerry Proper, who took the women’s 200m in

23.54.

Hurdler Thomas Barr was a late withdrawal, with the World University Games Champion watching from the stands after a hip injury flared back up, and missing out on competing in his 400m hurdles event.

Dubliner Brian Gregan, however, returned to form in finishing second in the men’s 400m in a noteworthy time of 45.99. He just missed out on the line to Britain’s Jarryd Dunn.

The Morton Games’ increasing international draw is proving a huge deal for Irish athletics, offering local stars the chance to go up against some top-class international opposition on their own turf.

Gillick signed up to promote Dublin City Triathlon  sport@dublingazette.com

Ballinteer man David Gillick

WITH under 30 training days to Ireland’s largest triathlon, David Gillick, former Irish international athlete and Celebrity MasterChef winner, has been unveiled as the Vodafone Dublin City Triathlon ambassador for 2015.

From now until race day, participants will be able to benefit from the Ballinteer man’s talents on the track and in the kitchen as he shares his top fitness tips plus a tasty selection of his latest recipes on the

event website dublincitytriathlon.com.

He will also be helping Vodafone’s staff in their preparation for the triathlon as part of Think Well, Live Well, Feel Well programme, the company’s new employee wellbeing programme.

The Dublin City Triathlon takes place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, August 23.

Gillick said of his new role with the event: “I’m really excited to be involved in this year’s triathlon preparations, hopefully my experience as a pro-

fessional athlete and love for healthy food will help inspire the athletes in their training in the lead up to the event at the end of August.”

The Dublin City Triathlon offers courses for all different levels of participants.

There will be 1,500m (Olympic distance) and 500m (super sprint distance) swim courses on the nearby River Liffey, 40km Olympic distance and16km (super sprint) cycle courses as well as 10km and 4km run courses.

Gavin Duffy, race direc-

tor, said things were falling into place nicely for the event.

“Preparations are well under way for this year’s Dublin City Triathlon and it promises to be the best year ever,” he said.

“We’re delighted to have Vodafone as the headline sponsor again and we’re looking forward to seeing an even bigger team of Vodafone employees at this year’s starting line.

“It’s fantastic for an event to have a sponsor company that is so actively involved.”

For full details see dublincitytriathlon.com.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Hollywood star’s Special message Colin Farrell provides wonderful welcomes to Ireland’s Special Olympics 88-strong team to Los Angeles as festival of sport gets under way, writes JAMES HENDICOTT TEAM Ireland has sent a strong team of 88 athletes to compete in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles this week, an event for which Ireland is famed for its impressive preparation through a well-supported national network of clubs.

Castleknock native and Hollywood star Colin Farrell is a long-time supporter of the Special Olympics, having become involved when the event was hosted in Dublin 2003, and remained a regular part of the Irish team’s promotion.

The Los Angeles resident was joined by Irish Olympic marathon silver medallist John Treacy in heading up the Irish delegation at the opening ceremony. Treacy won his Olympic silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“I’m so excited to once more bear witness to

the spirit of competition amidst the solidarity that the 2015 World Summer Games will showcase,” Farrell said of the event.

“So many athletes from all over the world coming together and the Irish team front and centre.

Meeting all of the athletes and walking out amongst the Irish team is such a great honour. Let’s go Ireland! Let’s go world!”

Alongside the athletes, Ireland has sent a delegation of 40 coaches, 300 family members and 155 volunteers, with the team set to compete against over 7,000 athletes from 177 countries out in the States. The Irish team selection began as early as four years ago, with the Games coming at the conclusion of an extended and gruelling training schedule.

The Special Olympics are also the most recent culmination of ongoing work by Special Olympics

Ireland, which operates year-round with funding from the Irish Sports Council and Sports NI. Athletes will complete in thirteen different Olympic-style sports, with the competition representing the biggest gathering of athletes in Los Angeles since the Olympics was hosted there in 1984. Many of the events will take place at the same facilities that hosted that event 31 years ago.

The sports included are aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football (five and 11-a-side), golf, gymnastics, kayaking and table tennis.

Proceedings official got under way with an opening ceremony featuring performances from Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs Obama told the athletes “My husband and I, we

Assistant coach Clare Heffernan with Nathan Finney, Ballymun, Darren Bevins, Cabra, Francis Bilardi, Tallaght and Anthony Clarke, from Leixlip. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

are so proud of you, so incredibly proud of you, and we love you all from the bottom of our hearts,” also describing the athletes as “an example to millions” in her opening ceremony speech.

Matt English, the Special Olympics Ireland chief executive, said of the

in the pool, with Tallaght native Gary McEnroe taking a bronze medal in the 25m backstroke. Youghal, Cork native Sean Coleman (who took a silver) and Sarah Jane Johnston (from Armagh) also took backstroke medals.

The three medallists and their fellow team

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

‘I’m so excited to witness the spirit of competition amidst solidarity the Games will showcase’ - Colin Farrell

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

event: “Special Olympics Ireland has always relied on the support of friends across many different spectrums.

“Having individuals like John Treacy, with his connection to Los Angeles and his immensely supportive role through the Irish Sports Council, and Colin Farrell, a wellknown actor who has lent his support time and time again to our movement, is hugely important.

“Claudine Keane, togetherwith her husband, Robbie, helped galvanise our fundraising campaign to get Team Ireland to the World Games.

“They’re hugely important to both the organisation, and our athletes.

I would like to sincerely thank them for their ongoing and vital support.”

Irish athletes got off to a strong start in Los Angeles

members competed in front of an Irish contingent of more than 300 supporters, the largest backing for any country aside from the home nation at the pool events on the competition’s opening day.

Of the early days, English added: “Team Ireland is off to a great start at the World Games.

“We had some fantastic results in the pool and there has also been an array of personal bests as we progress through the preliminary phase of divisioning.

“We are very hopeful of a successful Games and are looking forward to the coming days of competition.”

The Games run until Sunday, August 2, and is expected to attract half a million spectators over the nine day duration.

FastSport

Brogan launches Cul 5 format to wider audience DUBLIN footballer and Red Bull athlete Bernard Brogan was on hand to launch Cul 5 this week, a high energy five-a-side football tournament that returns this August with leagues taking place in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Brogan was central to developing the project with Red Bull in 2013.

Due to its success in Dublin, which included a number of leagues and a weekend blitz event, the competition will now be rolled out to include Cork and Galway.

With a number of unique changes to Gaelic football’s traditional rules, Red Bull Cul 5 is a fast paced game where the ball is always in play.

It’s all about goals as there are no points in this five-a-side tournament.

Teams can field five players at any one time; use rolling subs and pick the ball cleanly off the ground.

All leagues will start on Wednesday, August 5 and run for seven weeks. Games will be played in St Brigid’s in Dublin 15, Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club, Galway, and Nemo Rangers GAA Club, Cork.

Co-founder Brogan said of the increased spread of the game: “We’ve worked hard to create a challenging format that is perfect for young players who want to get back into playing Gaelic football or who are looking for an alternative mid-week sport.”

Registrations for the Cork, Galway and Dublin leagues are now open at www.RedBull.ie/ Cul5.

Elsewhere, to get Dublin fans in the mood for Dublin’s All-Ireland quarter-final, Bavaria 0.0% is bringing the highly entertaining Dublin Talks GAA radio show to the Carpenter, Castleknock this Friday, July 31 from 7 to 8pm.

The show will be broadcast live on 98FM and will be the usual mixture of chat and craic around the upcoming game together with interviews with special guests including members of the famous Brogan family.

For more information, search on Facebook for Zero Alcohol Zero Limits Bavaria while you can register for the event, check out: http:// www.98fm.com/DublinTalksGAA.

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

SPORT

fastSport

soccer: belfielders bow out but content with run

UCD boss hails Students as Euro adventure ends Europa league UCD Slocan Bratislava  nathan kelly

1 5

sport@dublingazette.com

Caren the new coach at Monkstown club MONKSTOWN hockey club have hired Irish assistant coach Jonny Caren as their new head coach as the club look to continue their run of three national league titles in succession.

Caren moves south from Belfast Harlequins where he has been based for the past number of season following a ten year stint in Australia.

There, he began coaching at club, provincial and state level with the New South Wales’ AHL men’s team. Since returning to Ireland, Caren has been working with IHA teams for almost six years, originally as part of the strength and conditioning programme.

More recently, he was head coach for the successful Irish Under-21 team, taking gold in the European B division in Lousada, Portugal last July and an advisor to the other national underage teams.

He has also regularly worked as the Irish men’s assistant coach and will be aiming to use his experience to extend Town’s reign as national champions into a fourth year, carrying on the work of Graham Shaw.

Caren will also be charged with building a development programme for the club’s youth academy. His squad will be bolstered by the return of Kyle Good following a year in Belgium with Dragons and they will look forward to playing at a new water-based pitch in Rathdown in the coming season, One of the new coach’s first challenges is likely to be on preparation for the Euro Hockey League where Town have been handed a tough group but will see opportunity in the fact they have avoided a big dog from either Germany, the Netherlands or Belgium.

They have been placed in a three-team group with Spain’s third ranked side Egara and English runners-up East Grinstead for Round 1 which will be hosted in Hamburg from October 9-11, 2015; only the top finisher goes through to the KO16.

While Town are the group outsider, they will hope they can cause an upset against the Spanish side and an English outfit that has seen four of its top stars move on during the summer.

A 5-1 HOME defeat never looks too good, but there was a still a sense of pride ringing around B elf ield a f ter UCD crashed out of Europe at the hands of Slovan Bratislava last week.

Speaking after the game, Collie O’Neill was disappointed but proud of his sides effort in their month-long European adventure that saw them eliminate Luxembourg’s F91 Dudelange.

“I really am proud of how they’ve conducted themselves over the last month, and that kind of experience, you can’t pay money for,” he said.

“We’d love to go and put everything that we’ve learned over the last month to good use and get us back to that Premier Division as soon as possible.”

“We have good players, the only problem is that they’re young and lack a bit of experience but if we can keep this bunch together for a

couple of years I think we can be competitive not only in the First Division, but maybe the Premier Division.”

Trailing 1-0 from the away leg, the Students started this second leg against Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava ok, and even had the first half chance on five minutes when Chris Mulhall dragged his shot from 30 yards just wide of Jan Mucha’s right hand post.

The visitors soon settled into the game however and began to show their superior quality. Attacking quartet of Marko Milinkovic, Frantisek Kubik, Adam Zrelak and Robert Vittek’s movement were causing UCD real problems.

At the other end, Ryan Swan was looking an isolated figure up front, despite some neat play in the middle from Robbie Benson and O’Neill.

On 41 minutes, the deadlock was broken and UCD will be a little disappointed in how it came. Kubik broke free just inside the opposing half and switched the ball over towards

carrickmines classic Lohan lands laurels at County Dublin event sinead Lohan was the winner at the

recent Hunters Estate Agent sponsored Tennis Championship of County Dublin which took place at Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club.

She is pictured at the presentation with, from left to right, Rowena Quinn, Managing Partner, Hunters Estate Agent and Graham Sedgwick, Tournament Director.

Ed Sleator was the men’s champion at the event, one of Dublin’s most regarded tennis classics.

UCD AFC line out before their match with Slovan Bratislava last week

Milinkovic out-right and the tricky number 10 got in behind Mark Langtry to send a header back across goal which Vittek reached first to hammer an effort past Corbet.

Slovan came out flying after the break and added a second on 49 minutes after Milinkovic finished a neat move which he began on the edge of UCD’s box. The

College now needed four.

They got one at least on 58 minutes when frontman Swan closed down Dobrotka, stole possession before surging forward and cooly beating former Everton keeper Mucha.

But for all their brave efforts, they couldn’t keep out the quality of Slovan for good for too

long as Komel Miklos headed in his sides third of the night from a Milinkovic corner on 81 minutes.

Tired legs and tired heads were everywhere in the UCD team which allowed Slovakian international Vittek, who has over 80 caps for his country, to add his second and third in added time.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

regatta makes waves

St Michael’s rowers take to seas of Salthill

Club Noticeboard cuala

st michael’s rowing club hosted a hugely

successful regatta last week with the home club producing some fine performances on the seas at Salthill and Monkstown.

The senior men are pictured with Cllr Deirdre Donnelly (Ind). They were one of a series of strong showings with the Michael’s Under-18 men, mixed Under-18s, junior ladies, inter men and senior ladies all impressing.

Hurling: kilmacud men to the fore in Dubs’ win

HARD luck to Cuala’s Paul Schutte,

Hard luck to Cuala’s adult lady

Cian O’Callaghan, David Treacy, Mark

footballers who were beaten by

Schutte, Darragh O’Connell, Colm

Lucan in the junior A championship

Cronin and all the Dublin hurlers on

by 4-5 to 2-6 last Wednesday. Sadly,

their All-Ireland quarter-final loss to

they lost out on a place in the semi-

Waterford in Thurles on Sunday.

finals by score difference.

Our lotto jackpot will be €1,700 this

Congratulations and best wishes

week. Our three €50 lucky dip win-

to Cuala GPO Barry Burke and Amy

ners were: Turlough Sheehan, Mar-

on their recent wedding.

garet Fitzsimons and Derek Dunne.

Good luck to Michael Fitzsimons

Get your tickets at www.cualagaa.

and the Dublin footballers in their All-

ie/lotto.

Ireland quarter-final against Fer-

Hard luck to the senior hurlers who lost out to Craobh Ciaran by 0-20 to 1-13 in AHL1 last Saturday.

managh in Croke Park next Sunday.

Well done to all the Cuala members who took part in the Aoife Beary fun-

Well done to the second and third

raiser tag rugby event in Donnybrook

hurlers who both had good wins

last Saturday. A fantastic day out

recently.

and wonderful cause.

The seconds had a 0-20 to 0-14 win

Camogie chiefs have deferred the

over Kilmacud last Friday in AHL5,

draw for deciding the All-Ireland

while the thirds defeated Fingalli-

senior championship quarter-finals,

ans in AHL8 on Sunday. Final score on

following appeals by both Clare and

Sunday: Cuala 5-17 Fingallians 1-6.

Dublin.

shankill THE juvenile academy is taking a well

Gaels; there is next match is against

earned break. It will be back in action

St Brigid’s on this Thursday evening at

on Saturday, August 15 in Shanganagh

7.30pm in Shanganagh Cliffs.

Castle at 10am catering for 4-8 year old boys and girls.

Cian O’Sullivan lined out in the half-backs for Dublin. Picture: Kyran O’Brien

Dublin Under-21s fly past Antrim challenge  sport@dublingazette.com

THE DUBLIN minor hurlers made the AllIreland semi-final with a comfortable victory over Antrim on Saturday, July 25, beating the Ulster side by 2-22 to 2-11 at Breffni Park, Cavan.

Crokes man Fergal Whitley hit a vital first half goal for the Boys in blue, while club mate Alex Considine chipped in with a point. Crokes defender Darragh Butler also started at three, while Naomh Olaf’s Eoin Foley also chipped in with a point from half back.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, however, it was the final 10 minutes that saw Dublin really pull away, as the boys in blue put away seven unanswered points to confirm a semi-final clash with Munster champions Tipperary.

Na Fianna star Matthew Oliver was the key man for the Dubs, with his impressive free-taking, adding 0-11 to the score, as former Dublin hurler Johnny McGuirk Senior saw his men recover from their narrow Leinster final defeat to Kilkenny three weeks ago.

The early 10 minutes saw Dublin make their mark with Whitley, Mark Maguire, Carl Sammon and Oliver notching early points before Eoghan Conroy knocked in Dublin’s first goal, giving the Leinster runners up an early 1-6 to 0-1 lead.

Antrim enjoyed a similar period of dominance to bring themselves back into proceedings at 1-6 to 1-4, with Conor Small getting the goal.

The game ebbed and flowed similarly throughout, with Whitley’s 18th minute goal getting the Dubs back on track before Daire Gray and

two more Oliver frees gave the Dubs a 2-11 to 1-8 half time lead.

Oliver’s frees continued to offer vital relief on the scoreboard as Antrim closed the gap in the second half, with the Ulster side knocking in a second goal to reduce the gap to just four points going into the final quarter of the match.

That narrow margin was the cue for Dublin to take over, hitting those seven unanswered points to secure victory.

They’ll go on to face Tipperary at Croke Park on Sunday, August 16 in the semi-final.

New players always welcome; contact Damien on 085 2327359. For

Learn the skills of Gaelic football,

more information contact secretary.

hurling and camogie while having fun

shankill.dublin@gaa.ie or call 086

with your friends. The cost is only €2

3215087.

for each child and there is no annual subscription.

Girls U-9 had a great match playing Ballyboden St Endas.

The men’s adult team lost to St James

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Join Shankill GAA Club. Your community, your GAA club where you’re not just a number and everybody knows your name.

ahl division 1

Kilmacud and Cuala undone in league ballinteer St John’s secured a vital league victory against local rivals Kilmacud Crokes to move away from the danger zone in Dublin AHL1, winning 0-16 to 1-10.

Crokes did get off to a strong start, charging into a 1-3 to a single point lead early in the first half but St John’s were able to force themselves back into the game midway through the first half and began to reel in the deficit which they subsequently overhauled in the second half.

Elsewhere, Cuala’s seniors lost out to Craobh Ciaran by 0-20 to 1-13 in AHL1 last Saturday to leave them in fourth place in the division.

32 dun laoghaire gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015