Dundrum

Gazette DUNDRUM

vox pops: Members of the public go to town when

expressing their anger over the Luas strikes Page 24

April 21-27, 2016

Find us on

The future is local - the future is free

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

Don’t forget!

Sunday, April 24 is Census day; so fill out the form you recently received

sport Soccer:

Broadford fire twice in injury time comeback Page 30

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Ballinteer Community School was broken into and vandalised last weekend – an event which Deputy Shane Ross (Ind) described as “repulsive behaviour”

School vandalism adds to policing pressure Incident at Ballinteer Community School sees Dundrum crime at “intolerable” level, says Deputy Ross

 emma nolan DEPUTY Shane Ross (Ind) said that the rise in crime is now at an “intolerable” level in Dundrum and adjoining areas since the closure of Stepaside Garda Station..

Speaking to The Gazette he said: “Crime in the Dun-

drum and Stepaside areas has reached a new low with the news that Ballinteer Community School was broken into last week.

Vandalising classrooms is repulsive behaviour.”

Gardai have confirmed to The Gazette that they are investigating a burglary

at the school. This is the second burglary to happen there in five months, following a previous break-in last December.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: “We are investigating a burglary at Ballinteer Community School. The premises were

entered on the early hours of April 15 over the weekend.”

School principal David O’Connell spoke to The Gazette about the incident that caused “extensive damage to the school”.

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUNDRUM Gazette 21 April 2016

arts

Theatre celebrates 10 years

The Mill Theatre Dundrum are celebrating their 10th anniversary next week and are marking it with a special production of Good Evening Mr. Collins by Tom McIntyre.

The play is a lighthearted yet truthful look at the life of a young man who lived in very turbulent times following the 1916 Rising. Through music, comedy, drama and movement, it traces his life, loves and relationships in the final years of his life until his death at Beal na mBlath in 1922.

Directed by Padraic McIntyre and produced

by Mill Productions, this production marks the tenth anniversary of the Mill Theatre which opened in May 2006.

Running from May 11 to 21, tickets are €18 and available at milltheatre.ie.

crime | Call to reinstate Garda station

Vandals break into school

 emma nolan

Ballinteer Community School was broken into and vandalised over the weekend.

Gardai have confirmed to The Gazette that they are investigating a burglary at the school. This is the second burglary to happen at the school in five months following a previous break in in December.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochaina said: “We are investigating a burglary at Ballinteer Community School. The premises were entered in the early hours of April 15 over the weekend.”

They confirmed that there was damage to the alarm, interior of the school and vending machines but it is not clear what was stolen at this stage.

School principal David O’Connell spoke to The Gazette about the incident that caused “extensive damage to the school”.

“They broke into offices, classrooms and there was a small amount of cash taken but we don’t hold cash at the school.”

O’Connell said he and other staff members are currently tallying up the damage.

“Doors and glass panes were broken and just a lot of damage in general,” he said and estimated that fixing the damage will cost “several thousand euro”.

Despite the damage caused, O’Connell said that the school was “fully functional again on Monday morning” and there was no disruption to students following caretaking staff working extensively to clean up the damage

over the weekend.

Speaking on the incident, local TD Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG) said: “The latest burglary and vandalism of a local school is very upsetting. I wish the gardai every success in investigating the matter.”

Independent TD Shane Ross said that the situation has become “intolerable” in light of rising crime in the area since the closure of Stepaside Garda Station.

Speaking to The Gazette he said: “Crime in the Dundrum and Stepaside areas has reached a new low with the news that Ballinteer Community School was broken into last week. Vandalising classrooms is repulsive behaviour.

“In the last two weeks I have raised crime in the area at the talks to form

Ballinteer Community School

a government. Any new government should reopen Stepaside Garda Station and insist on more community gardai and increased policing in Dundrum, Ballinteer and all the neighbouring estates.

“The situation has become intolerable.”

Gardai from Dundrum Garda Station are inves-

tigating the incident and will be examining CCTV footage. No arrests have been made and gardai are

appealing to anyone who may have information to contact Dundrum Garda Station.

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

21 April 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

Literacy | Finding inspiration not a problem for Alan Weadick

lucy’s

Calls for Halawa’s release

Local poet shortlisted for Hennessy Awards  emma nolan

Having been shortlisted for the 45th Hennessy Literary Awards in the Emerging Poetry category for his poems, Hunger’s Mother, and Neglect, The Gazette spoke to Goatstown native Alan Weadick on his love of writing.

Weadick told T he Gazette that “patience is required” in terms of getting published.

“I have been writing for many years, and have written for and worked in theatre previously, but it’s only over the last six or seven years that my poetry and prose work has begun to be published more regularly.”

He says that finding inspiration isn’t really a problem and that he has

“many notebooks filled with ideas, titles, first lines, etc, but the tricky bit seems to be finding the one that has legs, as they say, and will allow you to develop it into something that might eventually be publishable”.

Based in the Taney area, Weadick lives with his wife and two children, one of whom – Rosanne, aged six – is following in her father’s footsteps, having won a national “Write a Book” competition.

We a d i c k h a s h a d poetry published widely over the last number of yearsand most recently in Cyphers, Skylight 47 and The Irish Times New Irish Writing.

He has also been shortlisted for a number of competitions recently,

including The Strokestown Poetry Festival, Listowel Writer’s Week, The Red Line Book Festival and Hungry Hill Poets Meet Politics competitions.

“I also write fiction and have had two of my short stories shortlisted and broadcast on RTE Radio for the Francis McManus Short Story competition,” he said.

Speaking on his Hennessy Award nomination, he says “just to be a nominee is a great honour”.

“Winning in my category for the Hennessy Literary Awards would be a great boost for someone like myself who, although I have been publishing consistently for a while, have yet to publish a collection.”

justice

 emma nolan

lucy’s red-dy to help

PRESENTER Lucy Kennedy was delighted to join Leinster Captain Isa Nacewa at the launch of the third Shop For Good fundraising initiative in aid of Console at Dundrum Town Centre recently. Taking place at the centre from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 1, 100% of all the special coupon sales – priced €1 each, and available at special kiosks – will be donated to Console, and its national suicide support and bereavement services. The initiative is a practical way for shoppers to help do some real good for others, while browsing the wares at the bustling shopping centre. For further information on the Shop for Good initiative, see www.dundrum.ie. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

SINN Fein’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Deputy Sean Crowe, is attending a summit of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg this week to call on European support for the release of Dundrum teenager Ibrahim Halawa.

Deputy Crowe said: “An Irish and EU citizen, Ibrahim Halawa, has been imprisoned without trial in Egypt since August, 2013, for 986 days.

“When he was arrested, he was 17 years of age – legally a minor. I am calling on the [assembly] and its members to ensure that this Irish and EU citizen is released unconditionally and allowed to return to his family and loved ones in Ireland.”

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 21 April 2016

new broker politics | Martin and madigan express their concerns

A win for Bellwether start-up

A R athfarnham man has received industry recognition for his business start-up, Bellwether Financial Planning.

Barry Mooney won the award for Best New Broker 2016 at the recent Irish Broker Associations Awards held in the Mansion House.

Speaking on his win, he said: “I’m delighted to win this award, particularly as we were up against broker firms throughout Ireland.

“It’s recognition of the innovative approach that Bellwether brings to financial planning.”

Although Bellwether is a relatively new firm, Barry has over 20 years’ experience in the life and pensions industry, having previously worked for independent brokerages and accountancy firms.

Two opposing speeches from new deputies  emma nolan news@gazettegroup.com

The two recently elected Dublin Rathdown TDs, Deputies Catherine Martin (GP) and Josepha Madigan (FG) delivered their maiden speeches in the Dail last week.

Deputy Madigan’s speech was a reflection on her role as part of the Fine Gael government formation negotiation team. The solicitor and author discussed her commitment to “issues such as housing, childcare, crime, support for the self-em-

ployed and of course the closure of Stepaside Garda Station”.

She also said that as part of the Fine Gael negotiating team, she has been working to “create a government that would last, and deal with key issues facing the country, such as housing”, and said that she was proud to be a part of a “progressive” party.

Deputy Madigan also said that she supports a repeal of the Eight Amendment and wants it to be “re-examined in a mature manner, taking

into account the complexity of people’s lives”.

Deputy Martin’s speech was a passionate criticism of the inaction and failed negotiations to decide on a government since February’s general election.

In a scathing condemnation, she called out Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for “this shameful 47 days and counting delay that is obstructing and impeding us from doing the work we were elected to do”.

She compared the current state of affairs to the “obstructionist tactics employed by Irish Par-

Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG)

liamentary MP Joseph Biggar in the House of Commons in the late 19th Century”.

The former music teacher said that while the obstruction then was due to “excessive talking,” this one now is “due to a refusal to talk and seek solutions”.

Deputy Martin said: “How can the current

Deputy Catherine Martin (GP)

strangulation of representative democracy, a choking of the workings of Dail Eireann be in the national interest? This reckless approach cares little for the tackling of the unprecedented crisis of homelessness, the escalating rental crisis, hospital waiting lists and climate justice.”

She also said that

government formation should not be “hijacked by self-serving party political concerns,” and implored elected members to “lead and not be led by a cohort of party political membership whose only concern for stability appears to be the concern for party political stability, party consolidation or party growth”.

21 April 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 5

6 DUNDRUM Gazette 21 April 2016

Teens showcase business acumen at contest in RDS ENTERPRISING young teenagers from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown showcased their inventions and real-life businesses at the Student E n t e r p r i s e Aw a r d s National Finals 2016.

Teens from 76 student enterprises, drawn from every county, won a place at this year’s national final in Croke Park held yesterday on Wednesday, April 20.

There were three student enterprises representing all schools in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region. The Junior Category finalists included Therese Reilly, Cliona Moore and Sophie Anderson of Plug IT!, who are students in St Raphaela’s Secondary School.

The Intermediate Category finalists included Abdullah Ahmed, of Joker Clothing, who is a student

in Ballinteer Community School. The Senior Category finalists included Jack Manning, Johnnie Bell and Eamonn Flannery, of JC Learn, who are students in Clonkeen College.

Praising the students’ succeses, An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Saul (FG), said: “Our local schools are very committed to supporting youth entrepreneurship.”

Eugene Cashell, from Mount Anville, with his dog Sam, which he credits as being a big help in getting on with his life despite his diagnosis of Parkinson’s

health | man on living with parkinson’s

‘Illness won’t stop my independence’  emma nolan FOLLOWING Parkinson’s Awareness Week, The Gazette spoke to Mount Anville local Eugene Cashell about his personal experiences of living with the disease, the challenges that come along with the illness and his dog, Sam, who helped him regain his independence.

Eugene was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009 – a week before his 54th birthday.

“At the time, I had had a tremor for a few years, which I thought was caused by a car accident I was in back in 2001,” he said.

Eugene talked about the “crushing fatigue” that he felt prior to his diagnosis while he was still working.

“Doing things like putting cuff links on to a shirt sleeve starts to take a long time – you become slower at doing intricate things like that.”

Eugene was advised by his doctor to go to the Movement Disorder Clinic in St Vincent’s, where he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“From there, I started the medication cycle, which takes about two years to settle into a good rhythm. People who hadn’t seen me for a few years were saying I look better now than I did before,” he laughed.

Eugene left his job in a telecommunications company after his diagnosis. “Because of the various symptoms – fatigue, in particular – and the fact that it was very detailed work, I ended

up having problems with mym memory, but when I finished work about eight months after [the diagnosis], my memory came back.

“Once you take away the external stressors, you’re able to handle things much better again because there isn’t that extra strain.”

After being diagnosed, Eugene adopted a rescue dog – Sam – something he always wanted to do.

Because of Sam, Eugene has to walk an hour every single day, no matter what way he’s feeling or what the weather is like, and he said he feels great as a result.

“When I got Sam I knew that I had to walk him every day because they need exercise, and he’s a collie, and when I look back now, I think it’s

the most beneficial thing I did without knowing.

“You have to go out for a walk with him whether there’s snow, ice, hailstones or if you’re feeling poorly. I walked at least two or three miles every single day, and it proved to be the best thing because I wouldn’t have done it without him.”

Eugene said he finds the Parkinson’s Dublin Branch very supportive, but that there’s only about 2,000 people in the Parkinson’s Association nationwide, although there are actually nine or 10,000 people affected by it.

Of the branch, he said: “It’s trying to get more people to join and the awareness week was to show those affected that the support is there for them.”

21 April 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 7

sandyford | different views expressed on sentinel project history Talk on Martello Towers

Council, SF at odds over unfinished site  emma nolan

CONFLICTING opinions surrounding an unfinished building development in the Sandyford Business District have arisen between local councillors and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The 13-story unfinished Sentinel building is an “eye-sore” that overlooks Sandyford, Stillorgan and Dundrum.

Sinn Fein councillor for Glencullen/Sandyford Chris Curran has called for immediate action to

revitalise the skeleton development which, he says, “gives the impression that the area is run-down, when quite the opposite is true”.

He said that the building is a “symbolic headstone for the Celtic Tiger”.

“The building is no longer in the ownership of NAMA, and has planning permission for own-door office units. However, that planning permission is due to expire in July, and it’s time to act.

“In my opinion, under the Derelict Sites Acts,

the Sentinel building meets the requirements to be declared a derelict site. It looks unsightly, it looks neglected, and it’s most definitely objectionable to those living in its shadow,” he said.

The site was left unfinished when Cork developer John Fleming declared bankruptcy in England due to debts of more than €1 billion in 2010.

The site remained idle and was first declared derelict in late 2013, when the empty building was bought for less than €1 million by Galway

File photo of the unfinished Sentinel site, and the distinctive ‘tower’, which Cllr Chris Curran (SF) has branded an “eyesore” that the council should act over

developers, the Comer Brothers.

The Gazette contacted the Comer Brothers for a comment on their future plans for the building, but a spokesperson said they were unable to comment by the time of going to print.

Catalyst Cllr Curran said that the council needs to take a “firmer approach” towards this development and that “it should be declared a derelict site, if even to act as a catalyst to its completion”.

However, a spokesperson for Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council spoke to The Gazette about the Sentinel building, and said that the council deems it to be “non-derelict”.

The spokesperson said: “The Sentinel development was inspected on February 5 this year and deemed non-derelict, and while it remains an incomplete development/ structure, it does not constitute a derelict site in accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990.”

Cllr Curran thinks it is “absurd, given the current housing situation, that a building of this stature is lying idle in the heart of such a residential and commercially-cherished district”.

He added: “If the developers aren’t serious about

the site, then the council should be, and it should be made clear that it will act appropriately and proportionately to see the completion of this eyesore, in the interest of the broader community.

“Sinn Fein is urging the council to take action that could see the imposition of a fine, have it demolished, or be taken over by the council.

“Enough is enough with this building.”

The Mount Merrion Historical Society are holding their last talk of the season on Tuesday May 5.

Taking place at 8pm at the Community Centre in Mount Merrion, author Rob Goodbody will be delivering a talk on the Martello Towers of Dublin.

Goodbody lives locally and has delivered hundreds of talks on various topics with the society.

He has co-authored an illustrated historic book on the Martello Towers.

The Martello Towers of Dublin talk will tell the story of Dublin’s wellloved towers, explaining why they were built and how they worked.

Admission is free for members and €4 for nonmembers.

8 DUNDRUM Gazette 21 April 2016

Gazettegallery

| students strut their stuff on the catwalk

Emma McCarron and Maureen Lucia McCawley and Maureen O’Donnell

O’Donnell

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

Stars step out for ‘Junk’ fashion show Siak and Emma Clarke, was named the overall winner. Picture: Brian McEvoy

L

Vogue Williams, Louis Walsh and Glenda Gilson

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

21 April 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 9

10 Gazette 21 April 2016

Gazettegallery

| the inaugural UCD Festival launch event

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

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

T

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

Clodagh Lannon and Aishling O’Connor

Gordon Snell and Prof Margaret Kelleher

Naomi Cassidy and Ciara Horgan

Toluse Akinladl, Molly Dillon Leetch and Brenda Mangwandi

Roisin Monks and Cillian Totterdell

21 April 2016 Gazette 11

Gazette

12 Gazette 21 April 2016

dublinlife

diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These children were selected from applications from all over Ireland.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 April 2016 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 21 April 2016

dublinlife Bealtaine 2016: hundreds of initiatives in festival

Help celebrate older creativity  Ian Begley

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

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

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

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

important cultural events in the national arts calendar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

way that enhances human dignity and growth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 April 2016 Gazette 15

campaign: call for more support for sufferers

Summer adventure

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

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

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

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

people in Ireland.

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

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

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

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

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

Gazette

FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gazette

16 Gazette 21 April 2016

dublinlife

business

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did you hear about the ninth Hearing Awareness Week?

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

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

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

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

resource: initiative to support communities

KBC Bank Ireland seeks groups to share €100k

 Ian Begley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

with another group.

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

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

21 April 2016 Gazette 17

travel P20

asdfsdaf cinema P27 P21

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



Gazette

style P18

Pets cosmo will be a perfect pal

Betroffenheit touches on universal themes of loss, addiction and recovery

Festival: bringing unique and eye-opening experiences of dance

World-class entertainment

 Ian Begley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Cosmo.

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

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

If you think you could offer Cosmo a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Dogs Trust are asking all ladies taking part in the VHi Women’s Mini Marathon 2016 to do so on behalf of #TeamDogsTrust – see www.dogstrust.ie for more information.

Gazette

18 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

Asos Public Desire Kat Grey Heeled Sock Boots €49.28

Topshop Hex Sock Fit Aankle Boots €98

Zara €65.95

Shade Adjusting Drops €17.00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asos Public Desire Alexa Red Patent Sock Boots €46.46

River Island nude patent sock boot €95

There’s a new boot in town  emma nolan

River Island brown leopard print velvet heeled ankle boots €60

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

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

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

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

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

21 April 2016 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gazette

20 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

bargains: balmy breaks to leave you beaming

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

Yoga getaways won’t stretch your budget  ian begley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Editor

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

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

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

Malta Spend seven nights

in Malta from €274pp.

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

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

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

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

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

famous for their peaceful atmosphere and watersports facilities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 April 2016 Gazette 21

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

ReelReviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Dave phillips

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

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

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

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

motion, Eddie sets out to fulfil his dream.

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

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

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

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

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

Gazette

CINEMA

the jungle book Go ape for this one

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

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

zootropolis

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

FAMILIES have given their roar of approcal to Disney’s Zootropolis (Cert PG, 108 mins). The latest fully CG film for the studio takes a familiar cop trope – a fresh rookie trying to make their mark and solve a tough case, while teaming up with an unlikely ally – but creates something new and fresh. Warm-hearted, likeable performances add to the great design, making it a treat for audiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just as films like Cool Runnings and The

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

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

Verdict: 7/10

the huntsman Snow thank you ...

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

Gazette

22 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

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

The Samsung Gear VR

Praising the virtues of new tech  Shane dillon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simply, R&C, created

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

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

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

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

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

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

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

the entries in the longrunning series across the years.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

busier moments.

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

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

ily-friendly titles barely getting a look in.

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

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

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

moments thanks to their creatively daft weapons

21 April 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

MOTORING

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

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

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

 dave phillips

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

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

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

With a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and Opel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

down the line.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gazette

24 dundrum gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

Railing against all the Luas strikes affecting Dubliners

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

 JIM WALSH

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

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

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

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

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

 Josephine

Litchfield

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

 Elaine Moriarty

 EDEL HOGAN

 pat cryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

looking for a 50% hike?

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

 Kate O’Reilly

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

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

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

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

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

 Michelle Horan

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

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

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

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

 Aine O’Dwyer

 Emily Graham

 Jonathan

Richardson

 PAUL MORAN

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

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

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

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

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

21 April 2016 dundrum gazette 25

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

 Ailish Durney

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

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

‘Everyone deserves to be heard, I guess’

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

 Fiona Shannon

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

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

Gazette

VOX POPS

26 dundrum Gazette 21 April 2016

dundrumCLASSIFIEDS dvds

roofing

recruitment

DVD TRANSFERS ďƒźVideo & Camera Tapes

Matters

ďƒźCineFilms ďƒźPhotos & Slides converted to DVD ďƒźMusic & Titles added

Local Support l o cal b u si n ess

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

landscaping

Green Team

TREES & GARDEN SERVICES

FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS

9Over Grown Garden 9NRE Shed Supplied & Erect 9Tress Felled and Pruned 9Hedges Trimmed

9Specialty Brickwork 9Gutters Cleaned & Sealed 9Old Sheds Removed 9Block Paving 9LmjĂšf_

9Driveways & Walls Painting 9Garage & House Clearance

15 YEARS EXPERIENCE/30% DISCOUNT For a free no obligation quote call:

T: 01-8678791 M: 085 1474725 W: www.greeteamtrees.com

paving

WE’RE ON

ACTIVE PAVING

Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

Got a photo?

Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@dublingazette.com

BOSS PAVING & LANDSCAPING



roofing

• DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • FENCING • ASPHALT • DECORATIVE WALLING • IMPRINT • GRAVEL Quality Paving at affordable prices, just a phone call away. Highly recommended by Clients.

Testimonials available.

Contact: John Maloney 087 3591000 / 01 6972087 Email: bosshomeimprovements@gmail.com Web: www.bosspaving.ie Dundrum Bus Park: Ph. 01 6971896 Pearse St, D2

Unit E2 Nutgrove Office Park

0''*$&

Boombridge Business Park Dublin 7

Advertise with the Gazette call

6010240

21 April 2016 dundrum Gazette 27

dundrumCLASSIFIEDS Advertise your business to over 280,000* readers each week *Publishers statement

call 01 60 10 240

DUBLIN Gazette newspaper HAVE OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK *Publishers Statement

advertise your business to our readers call 01 60 10 240

Gazette

28 dundrum gazette 21 April 2016

SPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ringsend abuzz for cup finale  sport@dublingazette.com

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

part.

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

The A Cup, open to boys and/or mixed

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

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

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

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

Mary Queen of Angels, Ballyfermotcelebrate their success

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

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

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

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

with almost 500 students taking part in the Dublin competition.

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

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

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

Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in the O-35 section with 23.19.

The F50 Raheny Shamrock women took top honours in 27.30.

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

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

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

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

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

mingham also playing their part.

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

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

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

21 April 2016 dundrum gazette 29

Gazette

30 DUNDRUM gazette 21 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: broadford under-15A1’s fire double in injury time

Wesley just two points shy of playoff position OLD Wesley finished their Ulster Bank Division 1B campaign, coming up just two points short of a victory that would have put us into a promotion play off, falling 24-23 to UL Bohemians.

To be fair the better team won, certainly based on their first half performance when UL Bohs looked more controlled, won some key turnovers and enjoyed a lower error count.

Nevertheless, Wesley can be proud of a fifth place finish in their first season in Division 1B. Bohs spent most of the early stages in the Old Wesley half and out half Rick McKenna opened the scoring with a penalty after five minutes before Barry McLoughlin evened matters after 20 minutes.

Soon after, Rory White crossed for the first try of the match for UL which was converted

by McKenna to make it 10-3 to the visitors.

McLoughlin was wide with another penalty attempt before McKenna struck again just before half time to make it 13-3 to the Limerick side at the break, an imposing lead.

Wesley started the second half with more gusto as the kickers exchanged penalty goals before Bohs prop Philip Poillet crossed for a second try for the Munster men after Old Wesley were guilty of conceding a turnover.

It all seemed to be going pear-shaped for Old Wesley. However, Ian Cassidy eventually got over for a try under the posts to give Wesley a glimmer of hope.

A minute later, a knock on by Bohs was picked up winger Paul Harte who sprinted from the half way to cross for a second try. The glimmer was now a real chance with just one point separating the sides.

The kickers again exchanged penalty goals and, with five minutes to go, the score was 24-23 to UL Bohemians. With Wesley anxious to get play into the opposition half and with the wind in their favour, a massive kick by Adam Kennedy from inside his own 22 went a metre too far.

The ball went dead and play was brought back. With the clock now in red Wesley’s last hope was a penalty from a scrum on the opposition 10-metre line. The penalty came ok but the referee decided to award it to Bohs, denying Wesley their chance.

Broadford Rovers’ Under-15s , in action earlier this season, produced a memorable performance

O’Leary summons epic draw ddsl Under-15 A1 Broadford Rovers Collinstown sport@dublingazette.com

4 4

BROADFORD Rovers played their part in an incredible 4-4 draw in their Under 15 league clash away to Collinstown FC on Saturday thanks to a hat-trick from man-of-the-match Adam O’Leary.

Rovers had previously knocked their opponents out of the Cox Cup but Collinstown set out their stall again from the off and began at a vicious tempo.

Against the run of play, Rovers took the

lead. A searching pass from winger Shane Dillon found central midfielder Adam O’Leary who raced through on goal before coolly slotting home on 23 minutes.

Collinstown equalised nine minutes later when a free-kick was not dealt with by the Rovers defence as the ball was allowed bounce and catch goalkeeper Luke Cohen off guard.

He more than made up for it two minutes later however, when he pulled off a magnificent one-on-one stop that kept it honours even heading toward the

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

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

Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

break.

The second half opened with the same high intensity as the first. Substitute Adam Skelly cut in toward the 18-yard box but was taken off his feet from behind.

The referee without hesitation awarded the spot kick with O’Leary stepping up to stroke the penalty home, giving Rovers a 2-1 lead.

Ten minutes later, the goal of the game was scored when a Collinstown midfielder struck the ball from 25 yards out and hit the top right of the Broadford net after a slight deflection

for 2-2.

Collinstown tails were up and they pounced on the restart. Within a minute, they had scored again. Rovers were left shell-shocked at the sudden double but had to endure even more woe before the game was out.

On 71 minutes, Collinstown stretched their lead by another goal when their striker took the ball around the onrushing Cohen to make it 4-2. It now seemed to be damaged limitation for Broadford.

But, as the referee indicated four minutes of injury time, Broad-

ford summoned a huge response and pressed high.Their pressure paid off as a mis-judged back pass rolled past the Collinstown goalkeeper and into the net for 4-3.

Broadford raced back for the restart and immediately pressed. Again, it paid off as O’Leary rippled the back of the net for his hat-trick and the all-important equaliser as Collinstown stood crestfallen while the final whistle sounded.

Broadford celebrated ecstatically, the result just as significant as any other victory for the green and yellows.

21 April 2016 DUNDRUM gazette 31

Gazette

25-card drive

Donegan emerges the winner at Kilmacud

Club Noticeboard naomh olaf IN AFL3, Naomh Olaf defeated St

kilmacud Crokes annual 25 card drive for

Jude’s 1-14 to 3-4 on Saturda y

2016 was won by Dymphna Donegan who is pictured being presented with the trophy

by Yvonne Burke.

She claimed the trophy in first place ahead of Joan McCabe who was second overall while Ann Hughes came in third.

John Sheridan was one of the key players in the organising committee of the popular competition.

evening . The junior footballers

Great result for the minor hurl-

defeated Ballyboden in the league

ers against Rialto Gaels on Sunday

on Sunday, 3-16 to 1-1.

morning, winning 0-17 to 2-9.

Well done to Naomh Olaf’s Tom

The Naomh Olaf biggest fundrais-

Keane, Luke Doran and the Dub-

ing event of the year is getting close.

lin minors on their first win of the

Less than a month to go the KUBE on

championship, defeating Offaly on

May 14 in the Leopardstown Pavil-

Saturday in Parnell Park.

ion; 36 contestants signed up and

Our brilliant boys Feile hurling

football: 14-man boden hold off challenge

Thanks to all the parents and supporters.

ready to go.

team topped their group in Divi-

Tickets are on sale in the bar and

sion 2 on Saturday winning all their

from Jenny Murray. Sponsorship

matches.

opportunities still available.

They defeated Cuala in the semifinal on Saturday in a tight game.

Cake sale at the clubhouse on Saturday, April 30 from 9.30am to 1pm.

On Sunday, they played the final

Come along and relax with a cup of

against St Oliver Plunkett’s in Par-

tea or coffee and enjoy some home

nell Park but it was not to be.

baking, cakes, buns, cookies etc.

It was a great achievement for

This is a fundraiser for the U-14

this superb bunch of boys and their

girls Kube volunteer, James Hughes.

mentors.

Please come along and support.

kilmacud crokes HARD luck to our two Feile hurling

came Ballinteer in their league

teams. They were beaten at the

game on Saturday, winning by a

semi-final stage in both Division

goal.

1 and 3 by the eventual winners, having both impressed in the group stages.

The Bs lost out to Raheny in their semi-final and the As were beaten Ballyboden St Enda’s featured just six of the side that started the All-Ireland final

Flood and Basquel undo Raheny bid

afl division one Raheny 2-11 Ballyboden St Enda’s 2-16  sport@dublingazette.com

B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s claimed their second AFL1 win of the season as they held at bay Raheny in St Anne’s Park in spite of a red card for Declan O’Mahony 12 minutes into the second half.

By that stage, they had a healthy advantage and took a good win.

Due to county commitments, Boden only fielded just six of their starting All-Ireland team but the replacements didn’t

disappoint. After three minutes, Alan Flood had the ball in the back of the Raheny net after great work by Sam Molony.

From the tenth to 20th minute, Boden added eight points with just one in reply by Raheny. Conal Keaney started with two points in a minute before Stephen O’Connor, two from Molony and Barra McGarry chipped in while Keaney subsequently brought his tally to 0-4.

Another Sam Molony free was followed by two from play by Raheny before McGarry showed his class when, following

a long run with the ball he popped over a great point from about 30 yards out.

It helped build a 1-12 to 0-5 half-time lead and the signs were even more ominous when Flood intercepted a short Raheny kick out, which was eventually finished to the net by Ryan Basquel.

This view was reinf o r c e d w h e n To m Hanafin popped over a point three minutes later.

O’Mahony was sent off soon after and it slowed the momentum somewhat.

A pointed free by

Raheny was cancelled out by Darragh Nelson on 16 minutes and Boden seemed to have weathered the loss as the game entered the last 10 minutes.

Eventually, the extra man seemed to be having an effect for Raheny as they hit two points and a goal in two minutes. McGarry settled the nerves with a point on 26 minutes.

Howe ve r, R a h e ny continued to press hard and scored another two points and a goal to leave just five points between the sides as the final whistle sounded.

by Lucan.

Our Division 1 minor hurlers lost out to Cuala by two points.

The AFL8 side had a good league win over St Peregrine’s.

The AFL4 side beat St Finian’s in their league game.

A huge amount of work went into

A study skills workshop will take

the preparation of both teams and

place in the club on Thursday, April

we thank all involved for their com-

21 at 8pm. All are welcome.

mitment and efforts.

Our club sponsor Bank Of Ireland

Our U-16 Division 1 ladies foot-

brought their Ollie The Owl road-

ballers had a close one-point league

show to the club for our younger

win over local rivals Ballyboden.

members on Saturday. Great fun

Our U-16 Division 1 hurlers over-

was had by all.

ballyboden st enda’s THERE was no winner of the lotto

day. The Bs fell to a very strong

jackpot. Match first three winners

Whitehall Colmcilles in a Division 5

include Emmet Pullan, Daletree

semi-final in St Anne’s Park on Sat-

Close, Ballycullen; Jimmy Woulfe,

urday afternoon while the As were

Clos Naomh Brenndain; Brian Byrne,

unlucky not to make it out of their

Idrone Drive, Knocklyon; Rodger

group stage when the second semi-

Faherty, Willbrook Lawn, Rathfarn-

finalist was decided on score differ-

ham; Thomas Hennessy, Glenbrook

ences.

Park, Rathfarnham; Stephen Nagle,

The boys played with great heart

Woodstown Parade, Knocklyon; Fer-

and are a credit to our club, their

gus Reid, C/O BBSE; Seamie O’Neill,

mentors and parents. Well done

Ballytore Road, Rathfarnham.

lads.

Congratulations to our repre-

Congratulations to our Ballybod-

sentatives on the Dublin minor team

en St Enda’s hurlers who overcame

who overcame Offaly in the Leinster

Clara to reach the Leinster league

minor championship.

final.

Hard luck to Colm Basquel and

If you want any information on

Shane Clayton on the Dublin U-21

Ballyboden St Enda’s, log onto www.

team who narrowly lost against

bodengaa.ie or follow us by search-

Mayo.

ing @bodengaa or BodenGAA on

Hard luck to the lads on their Feile

Facebook.

32 DUNDRUM gazette 21 April 2016