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INSIDE: From Twelve Angry Men to gazillions of smiles, Bord Gais Energy Theatre marks five years P12

cracking times: The Gazette guide to family activities over Easter Pages 14-15

Summer sighted: A fine entry for Texaco art prize Hurling:

Kilmacud claim honours from minor derby Page 31

Hockey:

Belfield packed out as Ireland on Road to Rio Page 29

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

BRONAGH Carron, marketing manager with Valero Ireland, had a striking Dundrum entry to hand at the recent media reception for the closure of the 61st annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Caoimhe Coveney McKeown, a student at Artzone, Rathfarnham, submitted The Summer Butterfly, with her colourful entry being one of the many terrific pieces submitted for the popular contest. Judging is now under way and the winners will be announced in April, with the award ceremony to be held in May.

Greens call for action on lead levels in water Cllr Ossian Smyth claims issue affects 10% of DLR homes

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

ALMOST 10% of drinking water in homes in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown may contain lead, according to Cllr Ossian Smyth (GP).

Cllr Smyth received infor-

mation from Irish Water that during the metering installation in DLR, it was reported that 9.7% of the pipes were made of lead. This percentage equates to 8,500 homes in the county.

Irish Water told T he

Gazette no official survey was done by water meter installers, but that the company was at present liaising with the HSE and the Environmental Protection Agency to formulate a national policy regarding lead in

drinking water.

Cllr Smyth is now calling for action to be taken by Irish Water to combat possible lead contamination in the drinking water as it is a health hazard.

Full Story on Page 6

2 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 March 2015

aid Self Help Africa co-founder on his 22-year mission

Honouring man’s work for Ethiopia CLONSKEAGH man Dr Noel McDonagh, founder of one of Ireland’s oldest development charities, was recently honoured at a reception hosted by the President, Michael D Higgins, at Aras an Uachtarain.

Dr McDonagh cofounded Self Help Africa, which merged last year with Gorta, another aid agency battling poverty and hunger worldwide.

Both charities celebrated anniversaries at the function in the Phoenix Park, as well as the recent merger which

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@dublingazette.com

sees the two organisations come together as Gorta – Self Help Africa.

The Gazette spoke to Dr McDonagh on his initial involvement in working with indigenous people in Ethiopia in the lead-up to, during and after the Ethiopian famine of 1984.

He said: “In March,

1984, I went out to Ethiopia to investigate the possibility of being involved in a World Bank project there.

“When I was there I met a Holy Ghost priest called Fr Owen Lambert. He was convinced that a major famine was happening in Ethiopia, but couldn’t get anybody to really listen to him.

Resources “When the famine became world news, massive resources were sent to address the results of the famine, but nobody focused on addressing the causes

of it, so there wouldn’t be a repeat of it in the future.

“That was all ver y stimulating to me, intellectually. Then I came home and I got on with my life.

“Three months later in June, Fr Owen rang me and asked me to give him some help and I was very reluctant, as I’d plenty of other things on my schedule.

“I agreed to meet with him with a group of people who were prepared to come together and form some sort of an organisation.

“I could see those involved were very good, well-meaning people but they didn’t have any feel for how to set up an organisation, or to do what they wanted to do,” he said.

The group then asked Dr McDonagh to be the chairman of the group’s board, and he responded: “I said I’d take it on for a year, and the year turned into around 22 years.

Pictured at Aras an Uachtarain are President Michael D Higgins with Michael Hoevel, a member of the board of directors of Gorta Self Help Africa, and Dr Noel McDonagh and his wife, Moira

“We studied the causes of famine and, as Irish people, it occurred to us that maybe we could do something very quickly to have an impact, so the first thing we did was export around 2,000 tonnes of Irish seed potato to Ethiopia.

“That had an immense impact, because we did it on a very simple basis where we gave each farmer four stone of seed potato which, when sown, he’d get 50 to 60 stone of crop.”

Dr McDonagh said that although massive

amounts of money had been invested in Africa, it hadn’t been very effective. He said the aid coming to Africa at the time was done in an imposed, neo-colonial way.

Listened T his was not how D r M c D o n a g h s aw i m p r ove m e n t b e i n g effective in Africa, so Self Help Africa adopted a “bottom-up” approach, listening to peasant farmers about what they wanted to achieve.

Dr McDonagh

recalled a poignant moment during his work digging wells in Ethiopia.

“We’d a big ceremony for turning on the well.

When the water flowed, an elderly man came over and put his arms around me.

“With tears streaming down his face, he said: ‘My grandfather prayed for this, and never saw it; my father prayed for this, and never saw it. I prayed for it, and now I see it. I want to thank Self Help for providing that for me,’,” he said.

Mail House site rejected for parking  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE possibility of using a site at the Mail House in Sandyford as an overflow car park for the Sandyford Community Centre was rejected at a recent Dundrum area committee meeting.

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab) asked the chief executive to allow com-

munity centre users to use the nearby Mail House site, which is councilowned, as an over flow car park.

The Mail House is due to be demolished in the future.

However, in response, the council said the Mail House site was acquired to facilitate the widening of the Enniskerry Road and the reconstruction

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

of Lamb’s Cross junction as part of the proposed Blackglen Road/Harold’s Grange Road Improvement Scheme.

The scheme is part of a three-year Capital Programme 2015-2017, and its construction could start in 2016 or early 2017.

The council continued: “The main issue of concern is that the existing entrance/exit is too close to the busy Lamb’s Cross junction and would pose a serious safety risk for traffic on Hillcrest Road and for traffic turning in and out of the Mail House site.

“It would also pose a risk for pedestrians using the adjoining pedestrian crossings.”

Cllr McCarthy said: “The community centre at Lamb’s Cross is so successful, but is compromised for parking space and the Mail House across the road has parking.

“The council is just sitting on it until such time as it’s demolished to upgrade Lamb’s Cross and the Blackglen Road.

“We’re saying, in the meantime, can it not be used? It’s sitting there and is vacant. I would like to see it used, if it

26 March 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

music Shayne Ward to visit HMV

tourism: national drive to boost community events available

Apply now for a share of €1m fund  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

ORGANISERS of local events in Dun LaoghaireRathdown are being urged by the council to apply for community tourism funding.

Applications are now open for funding through the Community Tourism Initiative for the Diaspora, which is the result of a collaboration between local authorities, Irish Public Bodies Insurance and Failte Ireland.

Building on the legacy of The Gathering 2013, the scheme provides a national fund of €1m to support local community-based events and festivals.

Richard Shakespeare, the council’s director of environment, said: “The

Community Tourism Initiative allows us to sustain many of the grassroots networks which sprang to life during The Gathering in Dun LaoghaireRathdown, and sustain an infrastructure of events and relationships which will have long-term tourism and social benefits for this region for many years to come.”

Cllr Neale Richmond (FG) said: “We have great natural resources such as the Dublin Mountains, which are of interest to local and foreign tourists alike.

“It is now over to local groups to come up with ideas for events that could benefit from this funding and bring more visitors to our county.”

Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) said: “I would urge organisers of all relevant events around our county to make an application as soon as possible in the hope of offsetting some of the cost of running these types of events.”

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab) said: “People are prepared to volunteer and put their shoulders behind their community to turn these ideas into realities.

“The Stepaside St Patrick’s Day Parade is a perfect example of how a community will come out in force to celebrate events in their areas.”

Interested parties can contact William Morton at 01 204 7942, or email wmorton@dlrcoco.ie before March 31.

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Innovative thinking: Young people highlight a wide range of concerns WHETHER addressing issues of nationality and identity, physical

differences and societal standards, or marriage equality, and more, a wide range of topics was highlighted and discussed at the recent Young Social Innovators (YSI) Speak Out event at the Mansion House recently. These participants from St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan – Sarah Ciara Hardy, Aoife McIntyre, Kerrie Palmer and Nicole Dalton – joined 700 of their peers at the Dublin event, with more than 6,500 teenagers from all across Ireland taking part in the YSI initiative. Rachel Collier, chief executive, YSI, hailed the participants’ efforts as a key part of engaging with young people, who will lead the communities of tomorrow, and helping to highlight the issues that will help to shape the future of Ireland. Picture: Derek Speirs

X-FACTOR winner Shayne Ward is coming to HMV in Dundrum Town Centre this April to meet fans and sign copies of his new album, Closer.

Ward will be stopping off in Dundrum as part of an album-signing tour around Ireland timed for the release of his new album on April 12.

The Manchester-born popstar has sold over three million albums, achieved 14 platinum discs and clocked up number-one albums in nine countries.

It has been five years since Ward released an album, having concentrated instead on his career in musical theatre.

Ward will be at HMV in Dundrum on April 19 at 1pm.

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 March 2015

nutgrove New screen for culvert at park to help protection

New flood defence to protect avenue  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

NEW flood defences are to be installed by the autumn for Nutgrove Avenue, the scene of severe flooding during heavy rain last year.

Local resident and senator Mary White (FF) announced that defences to prevent flooding at Nutgrove Avenue are to be in place to prevent flooding of the Little Dargle River in Loreto Park, which resulted in Nutgrove Avenue’s flood last November.

Senator White said: “I personally witnessed the devastating effects of the flooding on Nut-

grove Avenue last year.

My heart went out to the local business owners and residents who were souldestroyed by the severe damage caused to their homes and companies.”

She went on to say that she has been in contact with the council’s water and drainage department to make sure similar flooding on Nutgrove Avenue does not recur.

“I am delighted to say that new flood alleviation measures are now going to tender as a matter of priority,” she said.

The new flood defence plan includes a substantially bigger new screen, which will be positioned

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‘I personally witnessed the devastating effects of the flooding on Nutgrove Avenue last year’

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Senator Mary White

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at the culvert in Loreto Park to prevent the buildup of debris which can result in flooding.

Meanwhile, a public consultation day to allow locals to view CFRAM (Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management) draft flood maps for areas in Dun LaoghaireRathdown is being set up this week.

The maps were compiled by Rural Planning

Services for the Eastern CFRAM study into several areas in the county most at risk from flooding.

Draft flood maps have now been compiled for areas in the county affected by the Deansgrange and Shanganagh-Carrickmines watercourses, including the Loughlinstown area; and from the Carysfort-Maretimo, Old Connaught and Wilford

Top plays over at the Mill  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

TWO talented drama groups from Dundrum are taking to the stage of the Mill Theatre this month and next.

First up is Glencullen Dundrum Musical Society’s production of Anything Goes by Cole Porter. The musical’s plot follows the madcap antics of stowaway Billy Crocker aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London.

Next up is Move Over Mrs Markham, by Balally Players. This farce is complete with plenty of hilarious misunderstandings.

Anything Goes is on at The Mill Theatre until March 28 with tickets costing €20, or €18 for concessions. Move Over Mrs Markham runs from April 14 until 18, and tickets for this show cost €15. Both are available through the box office at 01 296 9340.

Flooding at Nutgrove Avenue last year. Picture: Senator Mary White

watercourses.

Those interested in viewing the maps and speaking to members of the CFRAM scheme can do so on March 26 at County Hall in Dun Laoghaire from 12-8pm.

If you can not get down to see the maps, you can

view them online at www. eastcframstudy.ie, where you can also make observations via a questionnaire on the site.

T he CFR AM pro gramme is being undertaken by the Office of Public Works to meet national flood policy

needs and the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. It involves a comprehensive flood risk assessment focused on 300 areas of potentially significant flood risk and the development of longterm, sustainable flood risk management plans.

26 March 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 5

Expert fitting service, bringing value to Irish consumers for over 45 years

Transform your home for less at Des Kelly Interiors At Des Kelly Interiors, they have a real passion for flooring.

They have a huge focus on stocking all the up to date ranges and colours from all the leading manufacturers which makes it no wonder they are Ireland’s Number One Flooring retailer. New floors can completely transform a room, Des Kelly have personal staff members dedicated to helping you find the floor solutions that will work best for you.

Grey flooring seems to really be the trend at the moment and they really do have Fifty Shades of Grey flooring to suit everyone in store. Grey flooring

offers timeless style and long-lasting beauty with a modern industrial twist, add little hints of colour with a single red rug can work wonders , as could a stunning red vase or light and this is because one block of colour or a playful splash makes a huge impact in your room. Stocking all the

flooring in their newly renovated warehouse, means Des Kelly again is striving to bring value to the Irish home.

Quickstep floors are no doubt the best laminate floors on the market at the moment. They have FREE FITTING of the Creo Jungle Plum and Rustic Oak for the month of March, so pop in and grab yourself a bargain.

They supply and fit your floor from start to finish hassle free.

Stocking a full range of carefully selected accessories for a perfectly finished floor, Des Kelly has the solution for every floor and situation.

Installing the right

underlay has a major impact on the final look, quality and comfort of your floor. Based on their experience for the past 45 years they have selected a collection of high quality underlays to provide excellent acoustic and thermal insulation for your new f loor .

Whether you are looking for Hardwood or Laminate flooring, Des has got you covered.

There is a floor to suit every home. No matter your application, living room, dining room, stairs, Yes, Stairs, or bathroom, Des Kelly Interiors offers the best value for money and affordable options on the market.

6 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 March 2015

council: junction set amended

water ‘10% of DLR homes may be affected’

Unanimous vote to alter traffic lights  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

COUNCILLORS voted unanimously to amend the sequence of traffic lights at the junction of Harold’s Grange Road at a Dundrum area committee meeting this week.

Cllr Peter O’Brien (Lab) submitted a motion requesting the council to adjust the light sequence to allow more time for traffic on roads which are more used at the junction of Harold’s Grange Road, Kellystown Road and College Road, to improve the flow of traffic.

At present, all arms of the junction get the same time allowance at the lights, even though some roads, like Grange Road, have much heavier usage than others.

In response, the coun-

cil said the light sequence was changed on September 10, 2014 to facilitate the additional approach road of Kellystown Road onto the junction.

The council said its “traffic section is monitoring the junction and has recently installed additional technology into the junction to reduce delays to motorists while maintaining easy pedestrian access to Marlay Park for pedestrians”.

The council said more monitoring of the junction will continue and further alterations could be made to improve the traffic flow.

Cllr O’Brien said: “While the new junction is a welcome improvement, as it makes pedestrians and other road users safer and provides greater

access to Marlay Park, it has had a knock-on effect to increased traffic jams.

“It particularly affects residences of Pine Valley exiting out of their own estate. During weekends and at peak times, traffic is backed up in both directions and the existing yellow box will only allow one or two cars max out at a time.

“All the local councillors in the area are united that improvements need to be made at this junction.

“I have requested that rather than being provided with just facts and figures at the next meeting, we will be provided with a solution that will improve the traffic flow for all road users and ensure residents will have access to their homes.”

Cllr Ossian Smyth (GP has claimed that drinking water in 10% of homes in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown may be contaminated by lead – a figure refuted by Irish Water, as it says a national survey has not been conducted

Fears for scale of lead contamination  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

DRINKING water in nearly 10% of homes in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown could be contaminated by lead, according to Cllr Ossian Smyth (GP).

He was informed by Irish Water meter installers that 8,500 homes in the county could be affected.

The information followed Cllr Smy th’s request for information on water quality in the local authority area.

He is calling for action on possible lead contamination in drinking water as this could cause serious health problems to brain development in children and pregnant women in the areas of kidney function and blood pressure.

Irish Water told the councillor that although there were no lead water mains in Dun LaoghaireRathdown, “service connections are not recorded in the Irish Water geographical information system in Dun LaoghaireRathdown, so no exact figure can be given for lead service pipes in the area.

“However, as part of the metering programme, out of a total of 14,963 meters installed in DLR, 1,453 of installations reported lead service pipes (9.7%).”

Rockford Park, Blackrock resident Susanne Barry told The Gazette: “Since we moved in [January], the water coming from the tap tastes bitter and [has an odour] like smelly socks. It really puts me off drinking it “The house was built around 1955. I rang Irish Water to get the water tested; they told me some works were being done and to run the tap for an hour before drinking, and see if there was a change, but there was none.

“I rang them back about this, and was told taste was down to the individual, but they confirmed the water would be tested. That was on March 3.

“I want to know what’s in the water, and to change whatever needs to be done. I’ve been buying bottled water since, as I’m worried about the health [aspects] as I’ve two small children – a four-year-old and a nine-month-old.”

Cllr Smyth said: “Peo-

ple have the expectation that the water they pay for is clean and safe to drink, but the latest figures provided to me by Irish Water prove that the problem of lead contamination has been seriously underestimated.

“My research has shown that as many as 8,500 homes in Dun Laoghaire may be affected by lead-contaminated drinking water supplies.”

An Irish Water spokesperson said no official survey was carried out by water installers. The utility is liaising with the Environmental Protection Agency and the HSE to finalise a national policy for lead in drinking water which will involve targeted replacement of any remaining Irish Water lead service pipes.

The spokesperson said: “Lead was the main material used in connections to buildings and internal plumbing in homes up to the 1960s.

“Proper ty ow ners are responsible for the water distribution system on their own property, including all domestic internal plumbing.

“Irish Water is respon-

sible for the maintenance and renewal of water mains on the public water distribution network. The amount of lead distribution pipe in the public water distribution system is negligible.

“Any estimate on levels of lead in internal plumbing of private houses is based on the average age of housing stock nationally. Such a survey has not been carried out by meter installers.”

However, Cllr Smyth said: “The HSE have stated that even low levels of lead can have small but significant effects on health, and that no level of lead in drinking water is now considered to be completely safe.

“Disseminating information about this risk is critically important for those caring for bottle-fed infants, young children and pregnant women. It is my intention to inform households affected.”

About 15,431 children live in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area and Cllr Smyth said any households affected by the issue would need financial support to help get rid of the lead pipes.

26 March 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 7

8 dundrum Gazette 26 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Chloe McWilliams with Clodagh O’Leary and Jodie Boylan of Springfield Montessori School

Abbie Kiernan and Tory Timmons

The Encore School Banner making its way down the street. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

parade: SECOND OUTING A GREAT GREEN SUCCESS

Stepaside shimmers in tri-colour shades T

HOUSANDS of people wore their shades of green for the second Stepaside St Patrick’s Day parade. Grand Marshal and Olympic gold medal winner Ronnie Delany led the festivities. Everyone attending made great effort with emerald green leprechaun hats and tri-colour face

paint and curly wigs. Parade highlights included Disney and Pixar characters, circus performers on stilts, a magician with his big white rabbit and vibrant Japanese dancers. More than 60 groups took part in the parade, which was deemed a great success all round.

The Walsh Family at the parade

Ashley Dowling with Sebastian and Victoria Kurpiers

Parade Grand Master Ronnie Delaney -Olympic Gold

Derek O’Connor with

winner

Hannah the dog

26 March 2015 dundrum Gazette 9

10 Gazette 26 March 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Morah and Lottie Ryan

Ali Hewson and Adi Roche at Liz O Donnell’s (centre) annual fundraising lunch. Picture: Brian McEvoy

fundraiser: Liz’s Lunch for Chernobyl at Fire restaurant

Liz’s desire to help others catches fire

A

li Hewson was among the homegrown glitterati who turned out to support Liz’s Lunch for Chernobyl.

Hosted by RSA chief and Chernobyl Children International (CCI) board director Liz O’Donnell, with

Eva Orsmond

businessman, talent manager and CCI board director Noel Kelly, the event took place in Dublin’s Fire restaurant.

The charity plays a major role in helping to save the lives of hundreds of children born with genetic heart

Aidan Power and Tara Carey

defects in Eastern Ukraine.

Liz O’Donnell said: “This event is a fantastic example of how the concern and generosity of everyone here today will help save the lives of those babies and children in serious need of medical intervention.”

Claire Byrne

Kathryn Thomas and Padraig McLoughlin

Ursula and Dave Fanning

26 March 2015 Gazette 11

asdfsdaf easter camps P27 P14

escape the mayhem p13

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

a day in the life: award-winning blogger Sinead Burke

what’son

Dinner time with the family feeds the soul  keith bellew

Sinead Burke, aka Minnie Melange, has many strings to her bow: she is an award-winning blogger, PhD student and an ambassador for the ISPCC’s Shield AntiBullying campaign.

This week the Gazette caught up with her to find out what she does on an average day.

Her packed schedule necessitates an early rise, which is not always easy: “I wake at about 6am, though that rarely occurs without at least three alarms shrieking at me to get up.

“The snooze button is also pressed quite frequently but the less we say about that, the better.

Attempting to attain the most amount of sleep, I have a regimented routine in the morning that most definitely includes breakfast.

“A typical meal for me in the morning is a bowl of granola with some sliced fruit and a yoghurt.”

She is currently studying in Trinity College for a PhD, the subject of which is the experiences of children in primary school. She says the research involved is very time consuming which makes it difficult to find a balance with her blogging.

“In the midst of academia, allotting time for consistent blog posts can be a challenge but I’ve begun to achieve a balance of research, transcribing interviews for the blog’s Extraordinary Women series, updating social media and engaging with the blogging community.

“It’s not an easy feat but one which has been extremely fruitful, thus far.”

A family dinner is an important part of her day: “I’m fortunate to live at home with my parents and siblings.

“Collectively having dinner is something which is really important to us. The dining room table is where we assemble to announce our news and the various activities we are engaged in.

“Thus, the set time for dinner is when we are all home. It’s one of my favourite parts of the day.”

While she has a lot of work to do each day, that doesn’t stop her from taking the time to relax every evening.

“I’m really fortunate to have lots of work and activities that keep me occupied during the day but I firmly believe that it’s essential to wind down at night time.

“Typically, I try to do



Gazette

diary p12

Jersey Boys making an appearance in Dublin: The

Sinead Burke: “I’m enamoured by Wyvern Lingo, Louise O’Neill’s excellent book Only Ever Yours and the hilarious Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix.”

this either through music, reading or television. I’m currently enamoured by [Bray band] Wyvern Lingo, Louise O’Neill’s excellent book Only Ever Yours and the hilarious Unbreakable K immy Schmidt on Netflix.

“I aim to be in bed early but it’s always at the point of the night, when you know you should be making your way to bed, that an amazing plot twist occurs in a book or on a television programme and you think to

yourself – just one more chapter or episode.”

Burke will continue in her ambassadorial role with the ISPCC Shield campaign for the remainder of March. For more information visit: www. ispcc.ie/shield

award-winning and highly-acclaimed production of Jersey Boys is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from April 1 to 18.

Jersey Boys is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks.

These four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sold 175 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30.

The producers of the tour are also delighted to announce that West End star Tim Driesen will be heading the cast as Frankie Valli, a role he previously played for a short season at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. Tickets are on sale now from €20 to €60 and can be purchased from www. bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

It’s ofishial – Jedward land first film roles

Their hair may be more on the flat side these days but Jedward could soon be back to their hair raising days when they battle it out with a shark in their first movie – Sharknado 3.

The Lucan duo, known for their love of high hair, are set to share the screen with Bo Derek, Jerry Springer and David Hasselhof in the satirical disaster

made-for-TV movie.

Rumour has it that they could also feature in the fourth movie and are in talks to write music for it.

They are teaming up with their new BFF Tara Reid who features in the franchise. The twins met the Hollywood actress during their stint on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2011 and have remained friends since

then.

bristling with anger at bord gais theatre The whole of Montrose seemed to have decamped to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this week to see a new production of classic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men, which came direct from its successful run in London’s West

Over the moon: Lucan duo team up with new BFF Tara Reid

Claire Whelan with Stephen Faloon, general manager of The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, celebrating five years of the well-known Dublin Theatre. The theatre has had 2.5 million visitors viewing 250 productions since 2010.

Picture: Brian McEvoy

End. On March 16, RTE broadcaster Gay Byrne, former newsreader Ann Doyle and weather presenter Nuala Carey were all in attendance on opening night. Also there were some of RTE soap Fair City actors such as Ciara O’Callaghan, who plays Yvonne Doyle and Aoibheann McCaul who is Caoimhe Dillon in the show.

Twelve Angry Men featured Olivier and Tony Award winner Tom Conti, who came to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre last week for a short run.

Conti took on the role made famous by Henry Fonda in the movie version of the play, as juror number eight, the charismatic man who sways the other 11 jurors to his way of thinking about a murder case.

The cast did a good job of recreating the dissension and fraught atmosphere that fills the

jury room as personal prejudices and selfish motives are thrashed out against the backdrop of a 16-year-old black boy facing the electric chair.

The Bord Gais Energy Theatre also celebrated its fifth birthday last week with a special celebration recognising all the great performances held in the Grand Canal venue since 2010.

enda’s tense moment with us president It’s fairly safe to say that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has a great admiration for US president Barack Obama.

From fawning over him during his visit to Ireland a few years ago and his quoting almost word for word his “Yes we can” speech, to the poster of him hanging in his office in Leinster House.

How painful it must have been for him then when during his St

Patrick’s Day visit to the states, Obama accidentally snubbed Enda when he went to shake his hand prior to a sit down with the press.

Just as the two sat down for a press conference, Enda reached over to shake Obama’s hand, but the US president just happened to turn towards the reporters at that very moment.

Enda tried to save himself embarrassment by looking at his hand as if he were examining his nails, but unfortunately this act didn’t help the disappointed Taoiseach.

Rihanna is radiant in rocha design She is famous for wearing next to nothing, but when pop singer Rihanna does decide to don some threads, at least she has good taste.

Recently seen wearing a white two-piece outfit with scalloped hemline by Dublin designer

Simone Rocha, Rihanna stepped out in fine Irish style at a promo for her new film Home, in New York.

The jacket, skirt and white shoes she wore, are all part of Simone Rocha’s latest collection, which, if Rihanna paid for the ensemble, would have set her back more than €2,000.

This is the second time Rihanna has favoured Rocha’s fashion creations, having previously worn a sheer white skirt with statement pink underwear which drew more than a few gasps last year.

28-year-old Simone is the daughter of famous fashion designer John Rocha and is currently blazing a trail among A-listers in Hollywood.

Actress and writer Lena Dunham was also seen in Rocha’s designs at a recent gala event in Los Angeles when she wore an off-the-shoulder black dress by Rocha.

26 March 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

news

dispute: low-hour contracts, fair pay, job security and union representation behind action

Thousands of Dunnes Stores workers set to strike  gazette reporters

Around 3,000 Dunnes Stores workers will take industrial action at branches throughout Dublin on Thursday, April 2.

The striking workers are members of Mandate Trade Union which represents about 50% of the 10,000 Dunnes employees throughout the country. Over 75% of the workforce is female.

The one-day strike goes ahead in 109 stores across the country. This follows a ballot of workers in dispute with the company over low-hour contracts, fair pay, job security and union representation.

A picket will be put on all Dunnes Stores out-

lets across the country, which will remain open.

It is likely the action will “severely” affect business on the day.

Various branches in the city and surrounding areas will be picketed by hundreds of staff members.

Those stores affected by the strike in Dundrum include Beacon South Quarter, Cornelscourt in Foxrock, Leopardstown, Nutgrove Avenue in Rathfarnham and Stillorgan, while Georges Street is the only branch in Dun Laoghaire. Around 58% of staff at the Dundrum stores will picket while in Dun Laoghaire the figure is 75%.

In Dublin 15 both

Blanch Shopping Centre and Ongar branches will be affected. About 160 (70%) members of staff at the former will strike and 20 (23-24%) in Ongar.

Both Swords Pavilions and Rathbeale Road branches will strike with 50 and 15 members of staff taking part respectively. Meanwhile, in Clondalkin, 200 Dunnes Stores staff at the Mill Centre will engage in industrial strike action.

Mandate representative Dave Moran, said the union is trying to negotiate better terms and conditions for staff and that the company refuses to enter discussions to avert strike action.

“We have been trying

to negotiate over the last number of years to get better terms and conditions.

At the moment most workers are employed on 15 hours or temporary contracts for three months. There is no guarantee of what earnings they get from one week to the next. Some weeks they get 15 hours some 30 hours and some 20 hours, you just can’t plan a lifestyle on fluctuating wages.”

These contracts have implications for social welfare and family income supplement entitlements.

Moran added: “We have asked the company to attend both conciliating in the LRC and we have had two Labour Court

Around 3, 000 workers will take part in a one-day strike at store branches throughout Dublin on Thursday, April 2

hearings; both times the company has refused to attend,” he said.

According to Moran, the Labour Court in its most recent recommendation urged both sides to sit down and discuss all

issues but “unfortunately” Dunnes has “refused”.

If nothing has been resolved from this strike, Moran said the union’s national dispute committee made up of Dunnes Stores representatives

will meet after April 2 to decide on the next course of action.

Dunnes Stores has been contacted, but at the time of going to press had not come back with comment.

Gazette

14 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

Easter isn’t just about It’s that eggstra special time of year when schoolkids can enjoy some time out from the books to build on budding skills or whet their appetite for a new hobby and have fun  staff reporters

Dun LaoghaireRathdown

This Easter Dun Laoghaire-Rathdow n has plenty to occupy and entertain children during their time off school.

DLR Leisure Services hosts its Kids’ MultiSport Camps for boys and girls aged four to 13.

During the Easter holiday, children can let off steam and get active at DLR leisure centres in Monkstown, Meadowbrook and Loughlinstown from 9am until

3pm, Monday to Friday.

Activities include swimming, basketball, tennis, dodgeball, football and more. Prices are €80 per child per week or €20 per day. Book at www.dlrleisureservices. ie.

For smaller children, Imaginosity in Sandy-

ford has lined up unusual Easter camps: an Elsa and Olaf Camp and a CSI Investigator camp.

From March 30 to April 3, Elsa and Olaf, based on the popular Frozen characters, offers activities based on the movie featuring arts and crafts, dance and drama.

There will be snowmenbuilding, ice castle design, singing and storytelling.

C SI I n v e s t i g a t o r explores what it is like to be a real detective. Children follow clues, solve riddles, check fingerprints and more.

The camp runs April 7 to 10 from 9.30am to 1pm and costs €80 a week or €25 a day. Places for both are limited, so booking is essential: call 01 2176130.

In Dublin 15

CAMPS running in the area are sure to capture kids’ imagination.

A Soccer Camp in Coolmine Rugby Club r uns April 6 to 10, 10.30am to 2pm for all aged four to 13. It costs €95 for the week. For info, go to www.skillzsoccercamp.com.

For budding scientists, Eggcellent science camp in Castleknock is a must.

Starting March 30 and ending April 10, Eggsperiments allow kids to find out all they ever wanted to know about eggs: investigate them as a food source; dissect an egg; dissolve the shells; find out if they’re strong enough to walk on. Would they be good heat insulators?

It costs €70 a child, aged four to 12. For more

Dillon Shinbach and Emily Darley were eggs-tremely happy to help announce that

info, visit www.anyoneforscience.com.

For the young Van Goghs and Da Vincis Artzone camps at Castleknock Parish Centre from March 30 to April 10 are the answer. Open 10am to 2pm, organisers say this year’s event will feature the best portfolios of crafts, stories and games yet experienced.

Projects include painting, drawing, collage, clay and 3D construction, print and graphics. More information at www.artzone.ie.

In North Dublin

At the Old Stables, Drynam Road, Swords, Badgers Den is running a cracking Easter Egg camp, jammed with Easter activities: arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, science, games, cooking and baking, trips and outings and more.

Past outings include the wax museum, Newbridge Farm, the zoo, cinema, Kidszone play centre, to name a few.

The camp runs March 30 to April 10 with half day (9am-1pm) and full day (9am-6pm) options.

More information at www.badgersden.ie For sporty kids, Buzz – Ball Parties is running a sports camp at St Helen’s Senior National School Portmarnock March 30 to April 10. The Buzz – Ball programme teaches kids the basic skills they need before signing up to organised sport.

This Easter camp, for five- to six-year-olds, runs from 9.30am to 1.30pm. More information at www.facebook. com/buzzballparties.

Malahide Castle Golf & Tennis club hosts a Junior Golf Camp at Malahide Castle for those aged six to 13, March 30 to April 3, from 9.30am

to 12.30pm. It is provided by PGA Professional Jason Somers. More information at www. mcgt.ie.

In Lucan and Clondalkin

Lucan Leisure Centre hosts an Easter Kids Camp for kids aged three to 10. A mini camp for children aged three to four takes place 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Those a little older (five to 10) can partake in an Easter camp from 9.30am to 2pm, April 7 to 10.

Activities include basketball, football, hockey, tennis, rounders, bench ball, volley ball, arts and crafts, team games and treasure hunts. The minicamp costs €35 per child and €52 for older children. More info at www. lucanleisure.com, or call 01 6241930.

At Clondalkin Leisure Centre, an Easter Splash Camp caters for those

26 March 2015 Gazette 15

chocolate, you know

Gazette

easter camps

The upcoming Eggcellent science camp in Castleknock will delve into the mysteries and goodness of eggs, glorious eggs

Join “Elsa” in Imaginosity to delve into a cool world of Tayto Park has added Dinosaurs Alive to its attractions

Frozen-related fun and games

aged six to 12. Activities include swimming, rock climbing (10+), archery, basketball, football, unihockey, tennis, rounders, bench ball, volley ball, arts and crafts, team games and treasure hunts.

All activities are fully insured with small numbers in each group. These camps take place April 3-5 and April 7-10 from 9.30am to 2pm. The fiveday camp costs €65 per child and the four-day is €52. More info at www. clondalkinleisure.com, or call 01-4574858.

activities from a Viking House Dig, day tours, leather working, pottery, archery and weaponry.

In Dublin City

The Gaiety School of Acting on Essex Street West, Temple Bar runs its Make a Movie! Lights. Camera.

Action from March 30 to April 2. Kids learn from the experts how to write, act, light and do the sound in a movie. Footage is professionally edit-

ed and kids then receive a DVD of their own movie.

Admission is €200 for the week. More info at www. gaietyschool.com or call 6799277.

For the budding chefs, the Whisk Cookery camp shows kids how to cook soup, breads, Thai curry, beef bourguignon, lemon drizzle cake, falafel veg burgers, hummus, brownies and more. It runs March 30 to April 2 or April 7-10 in Templeogue/Terenure and suits those aged seven to 14.

Admission is €100 per week. More info from whiskcooker ycamp@ gmail.com or call Susan on 086 602 8336.

The Big Dig Archaeology Camp in Harold’s Cross allows children aged to 12 get their hands dirty as they get introduced to the mysteries and adventures of archaeology in a fun and relaxing environment.

Children also enjoy

For further information, see www.sia.ie This camp runs from March 30 to April 10.

Gazette

16 Gazette 26 March 2015

dublinlife

Q&A

business Range of impressive conference rooms With up to 400 complimentary car parking spaces, direct access to/ from Dublin Airport via Dublin Coach and in close proximity to the Luas facility into Dublin City Centre, the Green Isle Conference and Leisure hotel on the Naas

Road is a great place for business conferences.

Clients may choose from a broad range of meeting rooms including 40 fully equipped boardrooms, all with natural daylight, airconditioning and high speed WiFi. The con-

ference centre offers a range of impressive conference rooms for up to 750 delegates theatre style or 550 banqueting style and located on the ground floor of the hotel making it easily accessible for all delegates.

For those travelling

from afar the option of staying overnight is open. The executive style guestrooms have ample work space and complimentary internet access.

For more information visit www.greenislehotel.com.

Chris Robinson of CR Bodyworx

Doing his best to make clients feel their best CHRIS Robinson is a personal trainer and owner of CR Bodyworx in Dundrum. He has been working in the health and fitness industry for the past eight years.

During this time, he has helped many clients achieve great results and transform their bodies.

Robinson specialises in weight loss

and body conditioning.

He provides tailored nutrition plans, one-to-one personal training, group training, boxing and can help with motivation.

Robinson, a highly experienced trainer, dedicates his time solely to helping clients look and feel their best.

How long have you been in business?

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

We have been open for two years in March.

What makes your business successful?

Our experienced team of trainers who are personable and professional make our business successful.

Our staff are very dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

Our unique programmes which are specifically tailored for our clients’ individual needs are what make us different from our competitors.

We are focused on our clients specific goals and want our clients to get the best results possible.

How has the recession affected your business?

We have had to find the right balance between competitive pricing and the value of the services we provide.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recessions?

We have devised different payments options for our clients to suit their needs.

We want rates to be determined on the success of a business – this would help new businesses grow.

How do you use social media to help your business?

We use social media for connecting with our clients.

We also post our clients amazing results and progress. It is also a great way to connect with potential clients.

What is your ambition for the business?

We would like to expand our business throughout Dublin. .

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Believe in yourself and forget the doubters.

What is our favourite thing about doing business in your local area

Dundrum has an excellent transport network: the Luas, many bus routes – plus it’s just off the M50.

The multitude of transport options make it easy for our clients to get to us.

What living person do you most admire?

My parents – they taught me that anything worth getting takes work.

SHaRE Reading board of management members Maura McMahon and Stephen Moran receiving a Dublin Bus grant from Niall Quinn

education: combat difficulties in the inner city

Helping to build reading skills and knowledge SHaRE Reading is continuing to celebrate with four inner city schools in the weeks after World Book Day. The 40 children who work directly with volunteers twice weekly on a paired reading programme that promotes reading comprehension and vocabulary building, have read 639 additional books since September.

With the support of ESB and JP Morgan, the first and second classes at St Mary’s Primary School, George’s Hill Presentation School, Gardiner Street National School, and St Kevin’s Boys National School in Finglas West are being challenged to read 160 additional books

per class.

Their reward will be an age appropriate book to take home, and an invitation to a storytelling workshop by Irish author Liam Farrell in late April.

According to the group: “We know from research that the more children read, the better readers they become and what better way to encourage this than to gift children age appropriate books.

“Research tells us that literacy difficulties are a serious problem in disadvantaged areas like north inner city Dublin: this affects children’s vocabulary and motivation to read as early as first class.

In 2013, SHaRE Reading

was founded to combat the serious reading difficulties apparent in Dublin’s north inner city.”

In 2013, SHaRE established a partnership with Belvedere College’s fifth year students to assist even more children with their reading in schools as part of Belvedere’s pastoral studies programme and commitment to social justice.

The group has an upcoming pilot project in which the children will use iPads funded by Dublin Bus to further motivate them to revise their literacy skills in spelling and reading using learning objects. It is also running workshops in the north

inner city for parents to teach them how to help their child read.

Tutoring and literacy testing are also available from SHaRE’s office at Spade Enterprise Centre in Smithfield.

“Before school, we offer a Bookfest programme which provides children with a healthy breakfast over vocabulary games. Our afterschool programmes include the mini reporters club which is run in conjunction with Dublin City Council, and Book Buddies which runs with the support of South Dublin City Council.”

For more information visit www.sharedreading. ie.

26 March 2015 Gazette 17

travel P21

asdfsdaf P27 food and drink P23

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

interiors P20

Radio Tune in for upbeat mental health news  laura webb

Strasbourg’s Auditive Connection will open this year’s festival

music Festival: young, creative and ambitious artists coming to town

Twelve Points about jazz

 keith bellew

The 12 Points Jazz Festival returns to Dublin this year for its ninth instalment at Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar, from April 15 to18.

Based in Dublin, with partner’s right across Europe, 12 Points showcases 12 young, creative and ambitious artists in jazz and related music each from a different European city.

12 Points Festival alternates between Dublin and other vibrant, young European cities. In previous years it has taken place in Porto, Portugal, and Umea in Sweden.

12 Points is programmed via an open call to the European jazz community, and with almost 500 applicants for this year’s festival, the 12 top acts have now

been selected, representing the top acts in Europe in 2015.

This year’s festival opens with Strasbourg’s Auditive Connection; followed over the next few days by piano trio Moskus (Oslo), groove-based band Stuff (Brussels), improv jazz group AMP Trio (Budapest), Berlin-based pianist Elias Stemeseder, Finnish trio Virta (Helsinki), Laura Jurd Quartet (London), SVIN (Copenhagen), Swiss uber-jazz group Hildegard Lernt Fliegen, BRUUT! (Amsterdam), jazz / punk-rock hybrid Black Dough (Gothenburg) and Dublin group Umbra which mixes jazz with Aphex Twin style electronica.

12 Points organiser Aoife Concannon says the aim is to create a closer knit network of members of the jazz communities across Europe.

There is also an emphasis on keeping the festival young and giving young musicians a chance to break through.

For that reason all performers must be under the age of 35.

Concannon said: “It’s [about] emerging acts at the beginning of their careers that we’re trying to push up to the next level by supporting them through this festival.

“It’s four great nights of really diverse music, from traditional jazz to very experimental stuff, with fusions of electronica or rock music and very different sounds from the different countries.

For example between Norway and Italy you would have very different styles of playing.

“It’s a bit unusual because it’s a European kind of thing. Every second year

it leaves Dublin and goes to a random European city, so it means that it builds a community across Europe of these young jazz musicians. It’s kind of unusual in Dublin to get a chance to hear a band from a country that otherwise wouldn’t have gotten here doing something very experimental.

“It’s a great chance for people with open minds to open their ears and hear what’s happening in Europe.”

She said that since the first instalment of the festival in 2006 it has grown from strength to strength: “There’s great interest in the festival within the music community in Europe because it’s seen as a place to go to, to see what’s the next hot new act.”

For more information on the festival visit: www.12points.ie

UPBEAT Radio, a popup radio station aimed at promoting positive mental health on the airwaves, will broadcast its last day on March 27 in time for Wellness in The Workplace Day. From March 23-27, well-known personalities such as model Alison Canavan, TV and radio presenter Aidan Power and comedian Alan Shortt have presented shows live from St Patrick’s University Hospital, on James’s Street, with broadcasters Ruth Scott and Theresa Lowe (below) also urging the public to tune in.

Run by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, listeners in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and further afield have been tuning in to the station online or through FM radio between 7am and 9pm to hear discussions, music and information on positive mental health.

For further information on the station, see www.upbeat.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

River Island Faux fur gilet €80

Penneys Straw hat €5 River Island Brooke flare jeans €50

H&M Jumpsuit €29.99

H&M

Kimo

no €

24.9 9

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9

River Island Pink sunglasses €17

Next Culottes €44

that

s 1970 look

Warehouse Suede duffel bag €40

 laura webb

New Look Tribal print playsuit €17.99

JUST like the hit American TV sitcom, That 70s Show, we are falling in love with this generation and its bohemian-like trend all over again. All across the high street, fashionistas can see this trend come on stream as we get closer and closer to the summer.

Culottes, denim, suede, flares, bo-ho dresses and platform shoes are just some of the 70s fashion style making their way to our SS15 wardrobes.

For anyone whose mum may have some vintage clothing hanging out in the attic, now is the time to get it down and make a fashion statement that can’t be seen elsewhere.

So, embrace this relaxed style that is taking a modern twist on the groovy 70s ...

H&M Leather shoes €49.99

26 March 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

It’s a g’day for Aussie beauty range

Mango is opening its first Irish megastore on Henry Street in Dublin

Mango opens megastore BIG news for Mango with the opening of its first Irish megastore, located at one of Dublin’s bestloved high streets: Henry Street.

The Spanish brand opened the store at 46-47 Henry Street recent-

ly, occupying an impressive space of 1,390sq m, and stocked with Mango, Mango Kid, Mango Sports and Intimates lines.

This is the latest megastore to open for the fashion brand that

continues to expand its stores.

Mango has 95 megastores worldwide, and the brand currently has eight stores in the Irish market since it was first launched here back in 1998.

KNOWN for its irresistible scents and caring formula that leaves hair in great condition, the Aussie hair range has now got the whole body covered.

The Aussie Brilliant Body Wash Collection is going to make you feel amazing from top to toe, and smelling even better!

This collection is available in four variants, including Shower Smoothie Body Wash (for skin in need of sensational smoothness – this wash includes Macadamia nut oil); Mega

Watt Body Wash (for skin that needs a bit of a boost – ingredients include energising ingredients such as Australian ginseng): Fresh Mate Body Wash (offering skin a blast of freshness with the coolest botanical ingredient, Eucalyptus extract) and No Rush Body Wash (which allows you to relax and let your skin savour the pampering Jojoba oil).

All body washes retail at €3.99 for 250ml and €6.49ml for 400ml, and are available at stockists nationwide.

Happy birthday to H&M Ireland

were all among the guests who enjoyed the stunning views of the city, as well as the brand’s latest Conscious collection. Happy birthday, H&M!

SOPHIE’S Bar at The Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street was awash with fashion last week when it hosted the 10-year birthday bash for H&M in Ireland. Glenda Gilson, singer Janet Devlin, fashion editors and stylists from across Dublin

Gazette

20 gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

INTERIORS

For those looking to make a statement, Harvey Norman offer a seven-piece Le Mont dining set, at €1,193

Cracking good kitchen help with Easter Luxury cabinet maker Smallbone of Devizes undertakes

commissions worldwide. Clients in Ireland are invited to

Arnotts Tic & Tac clock €85

discuss their needs with Alessi at Brown Thomas.

Kilkenny Shop Ulster Weavers T-Towel in a Jar €12.95

EASTER is a time to have the family over and what’s vitally important for the big day is a well-run kitchen.

So, it’s important to have all the appliances and accoutrements needed to roast the joint, mix the drinks and lay the table.

Gazette Interiors has trawled the shops to bring you the best kitchen equipment that will have you whipping up a storm, Jamie Oliver-style.

From high-end gadgets to more traditional products, Gazette Interiors has something for everyone ...

Kilkenny Shop Ulster Weavers Sheep tea cosy €19.95 Aldi Mini deep fat fryer €19.99

Littlewoods Mini kitchen scales €11

tts B Arno

u

s board nbury

5

€15.9

Arnotts Kartel Lizz chair €229

Alessi Electric kettle €119

Alessi Electric citrus-squeezer €169

26 March 2015 gazette 21

Gazette

TRAVEL

Stockholm, Sweden’s trend-setting capital

Culture galore in Stockholm  Ian Begley

Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region of mainland, is renowned for its sandy beaches and certainly a destination worth visiting

mid-season breaks: skiiing or sunning, there’s plenty of options

Easter hop is on the cards  Ian Begley

Easter can be the perfect time of year to hop off on a mid-season getaway.

Whether it’s a skiing trip in France or a well-earned break on the beach, picking your destination is easy with plenty of options to choose from this year.

With Highlife Ski and Snowboard, swap the daily school run and rush hour traffic jams for the slopes and make for a family-friendly adventure in Morzine, France, with departures on March 29 and April 5.

Here, you’ll find the Highlife Marmotte Club, designed to let parents enjoy their day on the slopes without rushing back to meet children from lessons.

The Highlife Marmotte Club is for children aged four to 11

and is free to Highlife customers.

Highlife hosts will meet the kids after lessons from 12 noon and take them for lunch at the local cafe for an additional €75 to cover the cost of lunches and certain activities such as ice-skating.

Easter breaks with Highlife Ski and Snowboard start from €910 per adult and €742 for children under the age of 12. Check out www. highlife.ie for further information.

Famous for its sandy beaches, the Por tuguese coastal region of Algarve is certainly a destination that’s worth visiting, and on April 6 you can spend seven nights in the three-star Janelas do Mar from €147pp.

With the Prague Easter getaway, starting on March 27, spend three nights in the three-

star Slavia Hotel from €185pp.

Spend four nights in Barcelona’s four-star Travelodge Valencia Aeropuerto from only €189pp on March 29.

A four-day visit to Barcelona is perfect for a short but powerful introduction to the Mediterranean lifestyle.

If you’re in the mood for visiting some of Spain’s most impressive beaches, architecture, artwork and food, then Barcelona is definitely a city that you can’t afford to miss.

Want a beach?

Then what about an escape to Fuerteventua in the Canary Islands for nine nights at the three-star Club Montecastillo from €447pp?

With f lights leaving April 2, this island attracts visitors generally interested in a quiet relaxing holiday.

But, of course, there

are many bars and restaurants and good quality entertainment venues, along with welcoming Irish bars around its resorts.

You can also spend five nights in Nice, France at the four-star A p o g i a Ho t e l f r o m €243pp on March, 29.

Nice has a cosmopolitan Riviera vibe, and you’ll enjoy exploring its fashionable boutiques and restaurants and sunning yourself on its popular beaches.

Walk up to Castle Hill for a beautiful view of the city, the Bay of Angels and of course, the bright blue water t h a t g ave t h e C o t e d’Azur its name.

For more information or to book – visit w w w. G o h o p . i e o r call GoHop.ie on 01-2412389.

Budget Travel also has a range of fantastic Easter Family Specials

Head for the slopes and make for a family-friendly adventure in Morzine, France

from €559.

For a two plus one family, Majorca’s Hotel Cala Gran in Cala d’Or is priced at €559 with f lights depar ting on April 8.

With an endless, sparkling coastline that is home to a collection of luxurious yachting harbours, sublime beaches, non-stop sun-rays and the abounding passion of its Spanish locals, Majorca is definitely a

must-go to place this Easter. Spend seven nights in Malta at the Qawra Palace at €859 from April 7.

With superbly sunny we a t h e r, a t t r a c t i ve beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do this Easter in Malta.

Visit w w w.budgettravel.ie for more information on these deals.

Dreaming of a cultural European g e t aw a y b u t n o t sure where to go?

Look no further than Stockholm, Sweden’s trend-setting capital city.

April is the perfect time to visit this stylish destination with Stockholm Art Week and Culture Night taking place in venues all across the city.

Art lovers will have a fantastic time at Stockholm Art Week, hosted in museums and galleries from April 14 to 19.

Visitors can take par t in innovative workshops, browse the works of up-andcoming artists and attend fun networking events.

On April 25, you can lose yourself in the best culture, music and dance the Swedes have to offer. Culture Night consists of over 400 events, all completely free.

Fly from Dublin to Stockholm up to eight days a week with SAS Go fares starting from as little as €76pp one-way.

For more information, visit www.flysas.ie.

22 Gazette 26 March 2015

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT Literature A chilling tale of business in new Russia

ARTS

books: money and power collide

Author John Banville: due to attend

A oui festival about writing

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A NEW York Times and Sunday Times best-seller, Red Notice is the true story of how hedge fund manager Bill Browder – an American working in Russia – changed US law to impose visa bans and asset freezes on 28 Russian officials.

The officials, says the author, were implicated in the death of Browder’s Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, in 2009.

This is the gripping story of how Browder became Vladimir Putin’s

number-one enemy, by exposing corruption in Russian politics and business.

Browder comes from a family of maths professors; his grandfather, a Russian immigrant to America, was a Communist who ran for the presidency of America in the 1930s.

He bucked both family trends when he decided to study business and embrace capitalism. He became so successful that in 1997, when he was 33 years old, his hedge fund company was ranked the

best performing hedge fund in the world, with assets under management of $1bn. He was, however, drawn to Russia and lived in Moscow for a large part of his life.

In the early 1990s, Russia was wide open for investment as stateowned companies were up for grabs and were being privatised at knockdown prices.

When he first arrived in Moscow, fewer than 20 such deals had been done in the Soviet Bloc so Browder got to work identifying those whose shares

The cover of Red Notice, published by Simon & Schuster

were cheapest to guarantee the greatest return for investors.Browder set up his own company, The

Why advertise with the Gazette?

Let our advertisers tell you why:

“

Trabolgan Holiday Village, Cork have used the Dublin Gazette Newspapers for the last few years to advertise various aspects of our holiday village including special offers. We have always had an excellent reader response from the advertisements run and have found the area’s covered by all 8 papers of great value to Trabolgan. The help and guidance we have received from the staff has made it easier for us to communicate our message efficiently and cost effectively ensuring we get the maximum from our budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending the Gazette to any business.

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THIS year’s FrancoIrish Literary Festival takes place over the weekend of April 25 and 26. A special preview event, entitled Education Day, is lined up for Friday, April 24 where students get the opportunity to meet writers at the National Library of Ireland on Kildare Street and the Lycee Francais of Ireland in Clonskeagh.

The crime fictionthemed festival takes place in Dublin Castle on April 25, and in the Alliance Francaise, Kildare Street on April 26.

All events are free and open to the public.

B e c a u s e L o c a l M at t e r s

Hermitage Fund, and as his business prospered more investors came on board.

He soon came up against several corrupt Russian oligarchs, who tried to bully him out of millions of shares in several oil companies in Russia. Browder describes the way Russian business worked at the time as being like the politics employed in a prison yard.

Unlike the majority of Russians who acquiesced to the oligarchs’ shady tactics of diluting shares and stealing companies by force, Browder would not be cowed. Instead, he went to the international media to expose the corruption and successfully hold off the assault on his company.

Browder is one of those fabled characters in history who seems to be in the eye of every great political and historical storm.

At first, as Putin’s power took hold in Russia, he

and Browder seemed to be temporarily on the same side as both wanted to oust the 22 oligarchs who owned 39% of the wealth in the Russian economy.

However, unlike Browder, who wants a free market, Putin had more personal ambitions for the wealth ...

Browder’s style of writing is superbly apt for his subject matter. It is punchy, muscular and has a blow-by-blow nature, with no nonsense to it.

His style paints an accurate picture of the cut-and-thrust of high finance where the stakes are the highest and the benefits the greatest.

Like Browder himself, his writing is really punchy and that creates a very strong bond between author and reader, because he holds nothing back.

Red Notice is published

by Simon & Schuster, and is available now in bookshops, priced €20.85.

26 March 2015 Gazette 23

Saba’s Garrigue €10.95

777’s Margarita €11

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

RESTAURANTREVIEW

Making Gusto’s delicious pizza. Picture: Kevin McFeely

Gusto by name, and an experience to match Coppinger Row’s Flo & Basy €12

Take5 THE Gazette Food team has been busy this week sampling yummy cocktails from around the city.

From the finest Margharita, to a delicious Virgin Mary cocktail, we have trawled the city and come up with the best on offer.

Summer is on the horizon and what better time to pull up a pew in some of the loveliest establishments in Dublin to sip on something sumptuous. Next month, we slice up the city in search of the tastiest pizzas on offer. Slainte mhor!

The Dean Hotel’s Virgin Mary €6

Rock Lobster’s Red October €9

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

GUSTO restaurant in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, staged a launch to remember recently with a taster menu, cocktails and an array of edible treats, all praised by celebrity comperes/broadcasters Marty Whelan and Nuala Carey The festival, organised by the Alliance Française Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy, is supported by The Arts Council, Foras na Gaeilge, Poetry Ireland, Ireland Literature Exchange and the Irish Writers’ Centre.

A trio of musicians went around the well-appointed and ultra-modern though comfortable restaurant, with guitars and a double bass taking requests from the diners. Food on offer included mostly Italian, homemade fare such as pasta, pizzas and gloriously fresh stone-baked breads with tapenade.

Gusto’s relaxed vibe is ideal for both young and more mature diners and their prices are very reasonable. As a vegetarian and proponent of gluten-free food, I was delighted to see an array of options suitable for me on the menu.

I had gluten-free bread with basil and tomato soup, plenty of fresh black and green marinated olives, and gluten-free pizza with buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and peppers.

Those around the table enjoyed free rein, with a selection of Gusto pizzas such as the house special, containing Sicilian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salami, chorizo and basil pesto.

This Casa Speciale pizza cost €15.95, while a Gusto homemade beef burger made from 100% Irish beef with spicy tomatoes, red pepper relish and smoked cheese is priced at €16.95.

There was complete silence as platters of food were handed around and diners tucked into dishes such as Linguine Al Frutti di Mare (€16.95), which included prawns, mussels, salmon and fire-roasted sweet peppers in a white wine and garlic sauce.

As well as this, there was chicken with Sicilian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella served with basil pesto mash and red pepper coulis – all of which resulted in more devout silence from the diners.

The taster meal was interspersed with wooden platters carrying grapes, a selection of Italian and Irish cheeses and olives. For further information on Gusto restaurant, see www.clarionhotelliffeyvalley. com/eat-drink/gusto-restaurant.

Gazette

24 Gazette 26 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

RaceTime By participating, you can help fund research into spinal cord injuries

Ireland to host one of 35 Wings for Life runs

HEALTH

advice: empathy, support matter

Practical tips to help your relationship

 suzanne sheehy  maeve halpin

THERE is a new and unique type of challenge called Wings for Life run, that is being held in 35 locations worldwide and is open to athletes of all abilities. So, you have no excuse but to do it!

An event that ticks all boxes, and that combines fun with physical effort and a good cause, Wings for Life is a nonprofit run that funds research into finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

But this is no ordinar y fun race – a “catcher car” will start the chase 30 minutes after the race starts, and speed up slowly until everyone is caught.

You could run 5km, 10km or a marathon, but at 11.30am, the catcher car starts, setting a pace of 15km/hr (9.3mph), then getting faster ...

The run takes places at 11am on Sunday, May 3, with the Irish race starting in Dun Laoghaire town centre.

Why should you do it? 100% of all worldwide Wings for Life world run registration fees, proceeds, sponsorships and donations go straight to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

For further information, see www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

Be satisfied you helped play your part in this worthy event, and see you there!

Counselling psychologist

EVEN in the happiest and most stable of relationships, difficulties will inevitably arise from time to time. Luckily, many skills and techniques can be learned to help improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Enhancing communication The single-most useful skill to bring to a relationship is that of active listening. This means listening with full attention without having any agenda of our own, listening purely to hear, understand and empathise.

Questions are used only to gain a deeper sense of the other person’s experience, not to advise, criti-

cise or score points.

In conversation, we often may be half-listening, thinking of our own ideas or worrying about other tasks and demands.

For couples, making time to be together, taking turns to share, confide in each other and listen can enhance the bonding and caring in their relationship.

Destructive behaviours When arguments occur, certain behaviours have been shown to be destructive to the relationship.

Stonewalling means shutting down, withdrawing and refusing to engage.

Stonewalling leaves the other person feeling rejected and unheard.

Criticism refers to making global statements

about the other person, such as: “You are so selfish” or “You never listen”.

Contempt is using sneering or sarcastic language, such as: “Of course, your family are perfect”, which humiliates and belittles.

Defensiveness occurs when we feel we have to justify our actions, such as: “You haven’t got a clue just how much I have to get through every day.”

The other person feels alienated and becomes defensive in response.

Defusing arguments To avoid repetitive, damaging arguments, start discussions amicably, with the goal of achieving a “win-win” situation.

Listen carefully and compassionately and be prepared to compromise.

Maeve Halpin: “Many skills and techniques can be learned to help improve communication and resolve conflicts”

A healthy relationship will accommodate both people’s needs, allowing each person to be themselves.

Remaining rational, caring and solution-focused contributes greatly to diminishing the hurt that can be caused.

Concentrate on the positive We are hardwired to be more aware of the negative – it is a survival mechanism. But we can

build up our “positivity bank account” every day, by giving compliments to our partner, being affectionate with hugs, kisses and small gifts, and saying thanks.

The everyday but essential things can be taken for granted. Appreciating the benefits and comfort of a relationship and the uniqueness of our partner can help us see our problems in perspective.

Short-term counsel-

ling can be a first step to understanding recurring difficulties and developing useful tools to resolve issues into the future.

Maeve’’s recent publication, How to be Happy and Healthy : The Seven Natural Elements of Mental Health, is available from local bookshops and online from www. amazon.co.uk.

You can contact Maeve at maeve@maevehalpincounselling.com.

testing: comprehensively monitor your all-round health at home

Now you can discreetly check your STI status

 suzanne sheehy

THERE are many steps you can take to improve your overall health. Some are more obvious than others, such as regular exercise and eating well.

STI testing is also an important aspect to your health, however. The stigma associated with it, along with symptomless infections, can keep people from getting tested which is the only way to know for sure that you do not have an STI. LetsGetChecked.com (right) is a new online platform allowing customers to order an STI

test kit, to test themselves in the privacy of their own home.

The service’s chief executive, Peter Foley, discussed the various benefits of LetsGetChecked’s home STI testing.

He said: “A real benefit is the convenience factor, so you don’t need to take time off work; you have the kit waiting for you at home.

“You don’t have to deviate from your day-to-day life, which is difficult taking a full day off work.

“You have convenience and you remove the whole embarrassing factor, as some

people are reluctant to get tested because they don’t like the physical interaction [with medical staff]. So, you do it on your own and get the results to your phone.”

There are up to seven tests available online, such as for HIV, syphilis or chlamydia.

According to Foley, chlamydia is one of the most frequently reported STIs in those aged 25 and under, and can cause infertility in women.

In the event of a positive result for a STI, Foley said: “There’s a team of support nurses who specialise in this

area. With a positive result, they will give you a call; your results will not go to your phone in this instance, and they will provide you with a sameday consultation in a private clinic.”

STIs can affect men and women of all ages who are having sex, as the dynamics of life have changed.

Foley said: “With online dating – one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner – people find themselves single,

and that little bit older than traditionally they might have in the past. It’s a lot more transient, and you don’t know where the other person has been.”

For further information, see letsgetchecked.com, or email: admin@letsgetchecked.com.

26 March 2015 Gazette 25

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 March 2015

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26 March 2015 dundrum gazette 27

DundrumCLASSIFIEDS planning Notice

planning Notice

planning Notice

planning Notice

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

We, Dalus Developments Ltd., intend to apply for PERMISSION & RETENTION PERMISSION for development at this site at Sydenham House, Sydenham Villas, Dundrum, Dublin 14. The development consists of Retention Permission for 43.3 linear metres of 1.3m high stone front boundary wall with granite capping to Sydenham Villas (rising to 2.6m at vehicular entrance) and; Planning Permission for 0.44m high decorative metal railing to top of existing granite capping along stone front boundary wall to Sydenham Villas. 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, Dún Laoghaire, during its public opening hours. A submission or 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.

23472

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

Mr Ian Frawley intends to apply for planning permission for development at no. 95 Ballinteer Park, Ballinteer, Dublin 16. The development will consist of: The construction of a new 22M2 first floor extension to the rear of the house which will incorporate 2No. Bedrooms and a bathroom. The extension is to be built on the existing ground f loor extension to the rear.

The 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 during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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Retention Permission is sought for changes to previously approved alterations (Ref: D05B/0723) including retention of existing front window, use of slate to lean-to roof to front and change from flat to lean-to roof to rear extension at 100 Landscape Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14 by Mark & Jillian Faulkner. The planning application may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding a reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún 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.

Planning Permission is sought for the provision of a new vehicular entrance and new gates, the infill of the existing open porch area to the front of the existing two storey dwelling and all ancillary site works at “Lismore”, 4 Wynnsward Drive, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14

by Teresa LeGear Keane.

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 or 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 26 March 2015

SPORT Peat glad of Ireland comeback

FastSport

basketball: dual star looking forward to luxembourg after time out

Cool hand luke eyeing may return: LUKE

Keeler is set for a spot on the Matchroom Resurrection fight night at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham in May as he looks to overcome a hand injury sustained in the recent Prizefighter series.

Keeler impressed Matchroom boxing’s Eddie Hearn in Dublin last November in the 3Arena to get signed up to the promotion group.

At Prizefighter, the Ballyfermot man won his quarter-final convincingly over Luke Crowcroft but sustained the injury, meaning he was half-cocked for the semi-final with Tom Doran.

But Keeler says he is on the mend and looking to get back into action as he told Irish Boxing.

“With the tear in the ligament I haven’t been able to do much, but I am back in training this week. I have been doing pads with left and working hard so I will be in good form for May.”

 dylan murray sport@dublingazette.com

LINDSAY Peat is hoping to make up for lost time in an Irish basketball jersey following her selection as part of a representative side from the women’s

national league that travel to Luxembourg in May. There, the side will take on a number of international sides preparing for FIBA Eurobasket 2017, including Luxembourg and Scotland.

The 34-year-old, in

2013, was part of a select team that played in the Gathering Shield against Wales and she is hungry for more of the same after a frustrating five years.

“It was a fantastic experience and an opportunity to play as part of some

Lindsay Peat in action for Dublin against Monaghan last summer

Lindsay Peat in basketball action for DCU

sort of Irish representative team which I had not had the opportunity to do since the Irish senior women’s team was pulled from competition in 2010.

“We had a seriously talented team that day that simply blew Wales away, which was fantastic but also very sad reminder that talent was going to waste.”

The DCU Mercy woman co-captained the Irish senior side then, saying it was “the highest level I’ve played at.”

The withdrawal of the senior team came at a time when Irish basketball’s governing body had to repay over €120,000 to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“T he organisation

pulled us in 2010 due to lack of funding, I’d been in that senior squad since 2006, and we were one win off a play-off to Division A, which would have been huge.

“Basketball Ireland ran out of money basically and weren’t willing to let us try to raise funds to get us back into competition because they were simply so much in debt they couldn’t support us in any way possible.”

Since then, Peat has got her summer fix of elite sport solely as a mainstay with the Dublin senior footballers, winning an All-Ireland in 2011.

The Parnell’s clubwoman was also part of the Dublin team that narrowly lost to Cork in the All-Ireland final last Sep-

tember with Peat scoring two goals.

Peat said managing to balance playing both Gaelic Games and basketball in high levels is not quite the balancing act due to the lack of international matches in the latter code.

“Other than one match, against Kerry in the AllIreland quarter-finals, and the Irish women’s basketball team playing Switzerland at home, nothing really clashed but that was in 2010, the last year of the Irish basketball team.

“As for the club, the basketball season commandeers the winter months with football taking up the summer. I do miss the league season playing with Dublin due to basketball.”

Benildus student Robinson on the mark for Ireland  sport@dublingazette.com

St Benildus student Aaron Robinson

ST BENILDUS student Aaron Robinson was on the mark as Paddy O’Reilly’s Republic of Ireland schools side picked up three points in their opening game in this season’s Centenary Shield against a much fancied Northern Ireland side.

There will no doubt be a few talking points with the awarding of three penalties in this actionpacked thriller which saw the visitors just edge the local derby.

The hosts applied the pressure early but it was the Republic

who took the lead on 17 minutes courtesy of Robinson.

The Stillorgan native thumped the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the box following a great piece of play with Conor Melody.

Adam Sally’s low driven cross was unlucky not to get a connection as the North pressed for an equaliser.

Evan Osam, from Colaiste Chilliain, Clondalkin, came very close to securing a second for the Republic but his free kick skimmed the post on 26 minutes.

The North continued to press high up the field but there were missed opportunities for this talented Northern Ireland side.

Conor Ellis, however, doubled the Republic’s lead on 44 minutes when he converted coolly from the penalty spot just before half time.

McCarron pulled off another wonderful save six minutes into the second period as Ryan Noble Walker’s header was on target.

The hosts made it game on with Skye poking the ball into the corner of the net to make to 2-1 on 53 minutes.

It was agony for Sally as his half volley cannoned off the post denying the youngster the equaliser.

The Republic were awarded a second penalty deep into the second half as Ellis converted his second penalty to put the Republic further ahead.

However, there was drama to follow as Sally converted his penalty to get the Northern side back in it and set up a tense finale.

The Republic, though, held out to claim the win following nine minutes of injury time.

26 March 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Irish hockey on top of the World League

ken’sDiary

Ireland’s national team moved a big step closer to qualifying for a first ever Olympic Games last Sunday in UCD; the key players tell STEPHEN FINDLATER about a special week ON A weekend of high Irish sporting achievement, the Irish women’s hockey team went in slightly under the radar but took a huge step toward Olympic qualification last weekend in Belfield, winning the World League Round 2.

The victory sees the side advance to Round 3 of the competition which acts as the qualifying process for Rio in 2016 with Ireland among 20 remaining teams battling for 12 spots later this summer at a tournament in Valencia.

Two years ago, during the World Cup qualifiers, Ireland bowed out in low key fashion at this stage. This time around, Darren Smith’s charges showed how far they have developed

with some breathtaking performances over the course of six games in nine days, crucially beating Belarus 7-0 in last Saturday’s semifinal.

Captain Megan Frazer, named player of the tournament, said of the win: “It’s always nice to come out like that in a high pressure game, a great performance. We had spoken about picking up the speed and intensity throughout the tournament and hit the nail on the head.”

The conviction of the performance is a far cry from 2013 when Ireland struggled against the same opposition, showing how far the side have come since then. Frazer added that her side were confident in their own methods.

“We obviously have some history with them but we did this in a really professional manner.

You can carry baggage against teams like that but we nipped that in the bud, gave them nothing and got a clean sheet. It was a great performance.

“We all knew it was a high pressure game and have played in them before. It’s a testament to the girls who kept their composure and kept it simple. Our passing rate, speed of play and our basics were on point. It’s something we are building up to.”

Frazer added that the crowd was “phenomenal” on days when there were plenty of other sporting options on the table.

“Every time we come

Irish captain Megan Frazer with President Michael D Higgins who presented the World League Round 2 trophy. Picture: Adrian Boehm

out, the stands are full even when the Six Nations rugby match was on. It is an honour to perform when everyone supports us like that and we really appreciate it.”

The Belarus result – against a team they had lost to back in

Former Old Alex player Shirley McCay spoke of the sense of trying to make history and qualify Ireland for a first ever Olympic Games.

“The level of our general play and our basics has improved hugely and I think we are very clear in our jobs which

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

‘It’s enjoyabe to play with freedom and flow and maybe we can go and build something special’ - Shirley McCay

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

2013 – ensured Ireland advanced to Round 3 along with fellow finalists Canada. It rendered the final on Sunday something of a lap of honour, albeit one played out in front of a giant crowd that included the President Michael D Higgins.

In a tense final, UCD’s Nikki Evans gave Ireland the lead 38 seconds into the second half only for Canada’s Holly Stewart to level seven minutes later in the tie.

That tied the game at 1-1, ultimately leading to a penalty shoot-out.

Coach Smith swapped i n Ay e i s h a M c F e rran between the posts and she kept out two Canadian efforts before Hermes star Aine Connery coolly rolled home the winner.

allows us to play with freedom and flow,” she said.

“It’s really enjoyable to play this way and we know each other’s game so well, making it easy to play off each other and maybe build something special.”

Coach Smith, meanwhile, said it was a superb end to a great week for the Irish team.

“Fantastic crowd, the President of Ireland, friends and family all here and a chance to win a tournament. The girls were really excited for the final and, in the end, it was good spectacle. Canada did a good job but we got the result in the end.

“World League 2, from my perspective, was a great advertisement for hockey and a lot of fun.”

Bleeding for the cause as Egan suffers first crash Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurels Charity Crew Cycle from Galway to Dublin on April 19. In the run-up to the event, Egan has partnered with Gazette Sport to document his preparation for the big day, and here is his latest report from the road.

SO HERE we go again, 9.30am start for 100km on the menu. Thirty-six die-hards turned up last Saturday morning for the challenge ahead.

I managed to rope my good friend Frances into signing up for the gig and he was up for the challenge.

I had a good feeling in my bones for the cycle and was looking forward to a good session.

We made our way out of the usual Laurels starting point and up towards Newcastle with our target of Enfield.

We set off at a decent pace and in pairs which was the order of the day on account of there being 36 of us.

We were 50km in and some chap had the bright idea of swerving past my front wheel and, as I was clipped in, I had my first official crash and I sure hit the ground hard!

I kept my cool and didn’t resort back to my old sport of boxing.

I wiped myself down and mounted my bike again and, thank god, it was still in perfect condition.

I picked up a nice eight-inch graze on my right arm and a bruise on my hip but I am literally bleeding for this charity.

We soldiered on and got back to base in good time and my good friend managed his first cycle 106km on a mountain bike so I must say “well done Frances”.

To be continued, just four weeks to go.

30 DUNDRUM gazette 26 March 2015

Gazette

26 March 2015 DUNDRUM gazette 31

SPORT

under-21 focus

Naomh Olaf star all set for Leinster FC final

Club Noticeboard ballyboden st enda’s

NAOMH Olaf’s Davey Byrne, pictured right,

and Kildare’s David Hyland are set to showdown in the EirGrid GAA football Under-21 Leinster final on Wednesday, April 2.

It means he will be one of eight Under21s who will continue to focus on this age group rather than line out as part of Jim Gavin’s senior panel against Derry.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin hurl-

Enda’s GAA, Camogie and Ladies Foot-

ers and the Ballyboden St Enda’s rep-

ball Club will take place on Monday,

resentatives who overcame Galway

April 13 at 8.30 in the club hall.

in the National Hurling League with a scoreline of 0-26 to 2-14.

Ballyboden St Enda’s lotto is back get yourself down to the clubhouse every Sunday for a chance to win the jackpot.

This week’s lotto was not won

Picture: Pat Murphy

hurling: kilmacud minors strike late in mhl3

KILMACUD Crokes’ minor B hurlers powered home in the second half at Pairc de Burca last Sunday to see off a brave Naomh Olaf performance after they suffered a series of injuries that curtailed their chances.

A tight and evenly contested first half saw just three points in the difference at half time with Kilmacud leading 2-6 to 2-3. Crokes enjoyed a much stronger second half and began to domi-

nate the exchanges.

Notable goal contributions came from fullforwards Ronan Boyce, who netted twice, and Sean O’Sullivan while there was a good spread of scores from Ben Rafter, Mattie Hogan, Sean Gorman, Adam Tuck among others.

For Olaf’s, they were led well by Evan Cahill who put in a storming performance in defence but their ranks were reduced to 14-men in the second half due to injury.

It allowed more space and time for the Kilmacud side to fully assert

their control and pull much further clear.

Elsewhere, Naomh Olaf’s Under-15s produced a real display of teamwork from one to 15 to leave a good Clontarf team chasing shadows.

The midfield unit of captain Rory Geoghegan, Gavin Soroghan and Adam Byrne dominated the game. All players took full responsibility and stifled the opposition throughout the game as they ended up winning out 5-15 to Clontarf’s 1-4.

Olaf’s senior footballers produced another

good win in AFL Division 3 against Ballyboughal on Sunday morning, running out 2-14 to 1-7 winners.

It was their third straight win of the campaign, having previously proven too strong for St Sylvester’s by 12 points while they also saw off St Jude’s with something to spare, running up a 1-10 to 0-6 victory.

Their next outing in the league is on April 11 when they take on Na Fianna who have also had a decent start to the second with two wins from three games to date.

until March 28 in the club hall.

Each night, the show will begin at

Ni Coitir, Ballycullen and Tom Keogh,

night’s entertainment.

Whitechurch Road.

general meeting of Ballyboden St

Kilmacud Crokes 5-10 Naomh Olaf 2-3  sport@dublingazette.com

The group kick start their 10th year with Brian Friel’s classic this week

8pm and it’s guaranteed to be a great

For all members, the 45th annual

Mfl division 3

Joe Kearney.

3s: Gerry O’Brien, Rathmines; Ceara

St Enda’s, log onto www.bodengaa.ie

Crokes second half blitz undoes Olaf’s

tion Dancing At Lughnasa, directed by

although there were three match

For more information on Ballyboden

Kilmacud Crokes in action last Sunday against Naomh Olaf. Picture: Steven Dagg

The Boden Theatre Group are back rehearsing for their spring produc-

For ticket enquiries and reservations, please call Ger on 086 8516387 or Carol on 086 4070015.

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter by searching Boden GAA.

32 DUNDRUM gazette 26 March 2015