Gazette FINGAL
April 27 - May 3, 2017
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Metro North proposal is back on track – again Plans for light-rail link keep chugging along as its route set to be finalised
SYLVIA POWNALL METRO North is back on track with a route for the light-rail network set to be finalised before the end of the year. A steering group has held
several meetings and the project – which will connect Swords to the airport and the city centre – will go to public consultation in 2018. This puts plans for the transport hub back on schedule for a 2026/2027 comple-
tion date and will pave the way for Swords’ population to grow to 100,000 people. The National Transport Authority is considering station locations and metro alignments in conjunction with Transport Infrastruc-
ture Ireland. Fingal Chamber spokesman Tony Lambert told The Gazette: “This is great news and if possible we would like to see it come in on an even faster timescale.” Continued on Page 4
2 FINGAL GAZETTE 27 April 2017
SWORDS | STILL NO SPACE FOR TWO-THIRDS OF JUNIOR INFANTS
Time running out to fix school place crisis SYLVIA POWNALL
FEWER than one-third of families in Swords with no junior infant class space for their children this September have enrolled them in schools outside their catchment area. Parents are now calling on the Department of Education and the Archdiocese of Dublin to intervene and provide temporary classrooms at the Holy Family NS as a short-term solution to the problem of over-capacity. Last week, the Archdiocese confirmed there were now 75 children in River Valley without a school space – down from 107 – meaning 32 have taken up
Ashley Gill and his daughter, Sadie (4)
enrolment elsewhere. Parents and TDs have repeatedly raised the issue and warned that more needed to be done to cater for the town’s 68,000 residents – which is due to mushroom to 100,000 people once Metro North is operational.
Parents’ spokesman Ashley Gill, whose fouryear-old daughter Sadie is one of those who may have to postpone starting school, said his calls for the Archbishop or Minister for Education to intervene seemed to fall on deaf ears.
He revealed: “I handdelivered a letter to the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, asking him to intervene. I also requested a meeting with the Department of Education, but they said they didn’t feel it was appropriate. “It’s going to be extremely stressful for families like ours who will have to tell our children that they are not going to big school.” Deputy Louise O’Reilly (SF) met with some of the parents affected last week and said there needed to be a cross-party concerted effort made to put pressure on Education Minister Richard Bruton. She said: “Long-term,
he [Minister] needs to take a close look at the [latest] Census figures and the fact that we need at least one new school for the area.” The Department of Education said 11 of the 13 primary schools in the Swords area were enrolling junior infants – with some children on more than one waiting list. Its position, it said, would be clarified “when the schools concerned have completed their enrolment process”. Meanwhile, calls in the Dail to scrap the so-called ‘baptism barrier’ – which some claim is a form of discrimination – are expected to result in it being set aside by the Archdiocese.
Cultural hub design team to be chosen A DESIGN team for the multi-million euro Swords civic and cultural centre will be appointed within weeks. The project forms part of a €9 million initiative to create a pedestrianised Cultural Quarter with a new civic centre, theatre, library and the renovation of Swords Castle. The new civic and cultural centre and library will include spaces for theatre performances and an exhibition gallery. A new landscape garden with a water feature will also be designed for the area. The council hopes to begin construction of the landmark building in early 2019 on the site at the junction of Seatown Road and North Street. County architect Fionnuala May updated councillors on the project and said
the scheme was on target for a 2019 start, with a design team due to be appointed by the end of June.
FASTNews
Ice to see you ... GAA Legend Pat Spillane and friends help launch the ARI Trade and Tourism Show 2017
Active retirement show to keep elders very busy THIS year’s Active Retirement Ireland trade and tourism show at the RDS promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a dizzying amount of free content lined up for attendees to enjoy. Taking place from 10.30am to 5pm on May 23, the largest one-day extravaganza for the active retirement market has grown so big that the RDS is needed for the thousands of people expected to attend. The ARI Trade and Tourism Show will celebrate all that is good about ageing and will focus on health, activity, financial security, travel, holidays, lifelong learning, social connections, sports, cooking, fashion, investments, and legal advice, as well as plenty of fun and informative workshops and demo hubs.
Work begins on €120m mental health hospital WORK on the new National Forensic Mental Health Hospital at St Ita’s in Portrane got under way last week. The €120 million project – the largest public build in Fingal this year – will be carried out on a phased basis and is expected to take up to two years to complete. The HSE informed a local liaison committee that building work at the campus was due to start last Thursday, April 20. The project will be closely monitored locally by residents and public representatives, who fear construction traffic will cause congestion on the peninsula. Calls for CCTV cameras to be installed to ensure contractors did not operate outside of the hours permitted under their planning conditions were rejected.
27 April 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3
BEST OF DUBLIN | DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO NOMINATE YOUR CHOICE FOR 98FM’S LOCAL AWARDS
ategories The C
BIG UP THE DUBS
FOOD & DRINK
• Best Breakfast • Best Coffee • Best Takeaway • Best Restaurant
PLACES
• Best Shop • Best Salon • Best Butchers • Best Barber
PEOPLE
• Dublin Hero • Best Sportsperson • Best Sports Club • Best Dub
SOCIAL
• Best Gym • Best Bar • Best Taxi Driver • Best Bus Driver
98FM’s Luke O’Faolain on Moore Street with the 98FM Thunders at the launch of Best of Dublin 2017 – celebrating the great and good of our city. Picture: Patrick O’Leary
IT’S BACK! Now in its fourth year, 98FM’s Best of Dublin Awards will celebrate the great and good of Dublin, from taxi drivers, barbers and sportspeople to shops, local takeaways and even the best breakfast. A new addition this year is the Dublin Hero category, which aims to celebrate those fantastic Dubs who selflessly go over and above to protect the residents, communities and all the people who frequent and enjoy our beautiful city on a daily basis. The call for nominations is out now so get your votes in – just got to www.98fm.com/BestofDublin – but hurry, because the closing date for nominations is April 30. A final shortlist will then be announced and released for public vote on Tuesday 2nd May, with two full weeks for voting before the final ceremony in the RDS on May 23rd. Last year’s awards received over 500,000 public votes and this year the station aims to bring this to over 525,000! If you live in Dublin, you don’t need any convincing as to just how great it is – we have some of the best food, drink, places and people, making it one of the best cities in the world. This year the categories to vote include a mix of culture, places, food and drink venues, and of course the people that make up the fabric of our capital city! And don’t miss next week’s Gazette to see the full list of nominees across all four categories.
4 FINGAL GAZETTE 27 April 2017
Out and About
‘Crucial that Metro North is delivered’ Continued from Page 1
Eva and Alex Murphy. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON
A smashing time at an official opening Lia Mulcahy and Katie Moroney
Aidan O’Regan with daughter Rachel
D
Ava Marshall
ONABATE PORTRANE Tennis Club had its official opening last weekend – although the club has been up and running for several months with 380 members on its books. Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) did the honours and said: “The club has achieved so much in such a short space of time and continues to grow and grow.” He congratulated chairman Robbie Harrold and the committee, as well as Donabate Golf Club and its president Pat McNeill for supporting the initiative to create a combined sporting facility.
Peter Moroney, Aaron Hand, Rory O’Mahony and Nicolas O’Mahony
Isabell Malone
Richard Fahey, Tennis Ireland chief executive with his sons Jake and Adam
Lady vice captain Carol Rankin and Bob Dowling
Fingal County Council will host an information session on May 8, entitled Fingal on Track: Preparing for Metro North. Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) has also welcomed news that the project is progressing as there were fears it was being put on the back-burner. He said: “The delivery of a rail-based connection between Swords, the airport, and the city centre is vital, particularly as our local community continues to grow. “It is essential that no delays occur in its delivery.” Tony Lambert agreed
and said it was a crucial piece of infrastructure that would accommodate growth in Fingal and attract more investment. He said: “We can’t just keep building more houses in the likes of Swords and Donabate and putting more and more cars on already congested roads. “This is another piece of the public transport network that we so badly need in order to compete with other European cities.” When completed, the metro system will link up with the Luas in the city centre, relieving congestion along the M1 corridor.
One-year term for €144k theft A FORMER Bank of Ireland worker who stole €144,089 from the bank to put in her own accounts and those of family members has been jailed for a year. Alice Warnock (55), told gardai she was sorry and “felt like a fool” after the six-year fraud was uncovered while she was on sick leave in 2012. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Warnock’s family had been unaware she had lodged money into their accounts. The mother-of-two - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - of Rathbeale Court, Swords pleaded guilty to nine sample counts of stealing from bank branches on Talbot Street and Malahide Road, Coolock, between November 2004 and March 2012. Judge Melanie Greally said that Warnock, who had no previous convic- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - tions, had been in a position of considerable responsibility and noted that she had not confessed to the crime before it was detected. Judge Greally accepted that “evidence of a psychological upset” in Warnock’s life provided some insight into her actions, and she’d made “full restitution”. She added: “The offences were not committed in relation to a financial predicament, they were carried out to enhance her lifestyle.” A hearing last year heard that Warnock, who had been employed with Bank of Ireland since 1980, took amounts ranging from €600 to €5,000 out of the bank’s internal administration account.
‘The court heard that Warnock’s family had been unaware she had lodged money into their accounts’
27 April 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5
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GREENWAY LINK | REILLY BACKS PROJECT
‘Deliver a €200m win-win at coast’ SYLVIA POWNALL
MONEY promised for ‘greenways’ should be used to deliver the long-awaited Fingal Coastal Way so hikers and cyclists can travel the full length of the coastline from Howth to Balbriggan. Senator James Reilly raised the issue in the Seanad last week and called on the Government to honour its €200 million fund and use some of the money to fund the project. He said: “There are many active groups in Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Malahide, Portmarnock and elsewhere which are keen to progress a coastal walk. “They have a plan in place. The capital plan is under mid-term review
and it is planned to be published in September. “I am calling for a national greenway fund of €200 million to be put in place ... It is part of the programme for Government and it is something that we have a commitment to and that we should progress. “The benefits of this would be considerable. The funding involved is small.” Senator Reilly cited a greenway project in Westport which cost €6 million – all of which was recouped in the first year through tourism and other spin-offs. Fingal County Council also supports the idea of a continuous coastal route and has delivered parts of it. Other elements, including a link between Port-
marnock and Baldyole and across the estuary between Malahide and Donabate, need funding. Senator Reilly said: “God knows, people around Dublin will be aware there are few safe places where one could take young children cycling unless one goes to a public park. “The potential for jobs, but also for better health outcomes, both mental and physical, is considerable. We have a lovely link here along the coast. We also have Ardgillan Castle, Malahide Castle and Bremore Castle. “There is culture, there is exercise, there is nature and there is the benefit of families engaging in activity together. It is a win, win, win for everybody.”
Scouts are a dib-dib hand at helping a residents’ association with clean-up SWORDS Scouts lent a hand at the Glen Allen and Sandford Wood Residents’ Association (GASWRA) Spring Clean Up last weekend. Liam and George from Swords
Tidy Towns also helped out with the initiative – the first time residents have undertaken a coordinated clean-up. A large skip was available and bags and gloves were provided
by Fingal County Council and An Taisce’s National Spring Clean Initiative. GASWRA extended a huge thank-you to all who came out to help on the day.
27 April 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 7
FASTNews
Great fundraiser for kids’ hospice THE annual craft fair in aid of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice takes place at 2pm at the Old Borough pub in Swords this Sunday, April 30. Organisers promise a day of fun and surprises and fantastic gift ideas to suit all ages – so come along and support a worthy cause.
Skerries school gets works fund A SKERRIES national school has been allocated funding to carry out maintenance and repairs under the Emergency Works Programme. St Patrick’s senior NS at Beau Piers Lane was successful in its application for a capital grant. Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the news, saying the funding for maintenance was “vital”.
SKERRIES | LOCALS FRONT CAMPAIGN FOR VITAL SERVICE THAT NEEDS SUPPORT
Call to be a hero – donate blood, and help save lives SYLVIA POWNALL
A GROUP of blood donors from Skerries who are fronting a campaign for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service say it was “an honour” to be able to spread the message. The seven got together at a recent Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) clinic and decided to try and recruit more people to give blood – and have already brought 29 new donors on board. Dad-of-four Conor McNally (56), who has lived in Skerries all his life, says their success is down to the fact that they live in such a close-knit community. He told The Gazette: “I’m big into sports – sailing, swimming, rugby – and those groups tend
to help maintain a agreeing to donate close community. based on what I was “We were filmed telling them gave me trying to get people a huge buzz. involved from a “I did lots of my work, social or famrecruitment on ily perspective. Facebook, but I also “We just wanted talked to work colleagues, friends, and to get one or two in a few local shops. people each – a “Despite being gradual increase in The Skerries blood donors have already recruited 29 a donor for many regular donor num- other people to the potentially life-saving cause bers is better.” years, I had always Conor has been giving blood who got involved along with done it privately and not seen for years and says people are her 18-year-old daughter Sarah, the need to discuss it. put off due to the “fear of the first started giving blood when “But this project made me unknown”. she herself was 18. see that people need to be He added: “Personally, I feel Her husband’s uncle was a shouting from the rooftops. physically and mentally better haemophiliac and was kept There is a desperate shortage after I’ve given blood. For at alive for years from blood of blood most of the time, and least a couple of days I feel on transfusions. a need for more donors. top of the world, like I’m invinShe told The Gazette: “I “I talked to many people cible!” really enjoyed the experience. about the project and was surTeacher Grainne Enright, Talking to people who were prised how many people had
never considered donating before, or had considered it but just never got round to it.” The group recruited at least 29 new donors before the ITBS released a short film about their experience – but the attention it’s getting on social media indicates that many more will donate. The ITBS says just 3% of the population give blood regularly, though one in four of us will need a blood transfusion at some stage in our life. Mum-of-two Grainne said: “The average age of donors is 40.6 years and rising, so young donors are particularly needed. If anyone is considering donating – please, please, please just do it.” See www.giveblood.ie for further information.
8 FINGAL GAZETTE 27 April 2017
Out and About
Sanobar Beirth with Melissa and Sabina
Emilia Boland
Community celebrates culture and creativity
F
Niamh Laird and Holly Caffrey with 98 FMs Jeremy Dixon and Nova’s Colm Hayes. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON
INGAL County Council hosted a day of free family fun at their Cruinniu na Casca event in Swords Castle on Easter Monday. The event was a celebration of local culture and creativity with live music, children’s arts and crafts and an Easter Market, with local artists, craft-makers and artisan producers showcasing their products.
Robyn Harpur
Amy Cummins, Lucy O’Brien and Sarah Smith
Lisa Mooney and Kevin Corrigan
Orla McManus and Garry Nolan
Rory, Orla, Manus and Eva O Domhnaill. Pictures: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography
Sofija and Becket Petrovska with Iveta and Zeynep Ates with Arjin and Beray
Daniel Lavin
Graham ‘Sean Kelly’ Skelly
Paul Bonar and Stephen Hickey
27 April 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 9
Out and About
Heroes hit the road to raise awareness A
ROUND 2,000 cyclists set off from North Street in Swords last weekend to participate in Cycle Against Suicide. The event takes place across two weeks as the cyclists pass through Belfast, Mayo, Galway, Limerick, Tipperary and Carlow to raise
awareness for mental health. Cycle Against Suicide aims to promote mental health within schools, with events, projects, performances and motivational speakers due to visit 28 schools along the cycle route. The charity race was
started by Jim Breen back in 2012 after an appearance on Secret Millionaire on RTE television. He witnessed first-hand the devastation left behind after a suicide and the Tsunami of Grief that washes over a family and community.
Fingal Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler and Nova’s Al Porter at the start
Patrick and Eileen McErlean with their children Sean and Patrick
Colm Hayes
GAZETTE
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DUBLINLIFE
TRAVEL
SCOTLAND: EAGLE BRAE’S LUXURIOUS CABINS OFFER A PERFECT ESCAPE TO EXPLORE THE WILDERNESS Nature is on your doorstep and the beautiful landscape is matched by lots of activities for all ages to enjoy, with Eagle Brae’s luxuriously appointed cabins providing a truly luxurious getaway
You willnae find a more beautiful spot than the Highlands WIN
A THREE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE 4 STAR FITZWILTON HOTEL IN HISTORIC WATERFORD CITY
To enter, just Like and Share the Fitzwilton Hotel post on the Dublin Gazette Facebook page, or email competitions@dubingazette.com and put Fitzwilton Hotel in the subject line along with your details in the email. THIS fantastic prize includes: The city centre is a mere 5 minute stroll and Three nights B&B and one evening meal in the hotel is located just two minutes from the the plush Met Bar Café for two people. bus & train station. Bike Hire for one day on the new The renowned Met Bar Café and Chez K’s Bistro Waterford Greenway. offer scrumptious menus catering for all tastes. T&Cs Apply. Prize is subject to availability. Excludes Bank For the adventurous out there, the stunning Holidays and Saturday nights in July & August. Waterford Greenway starts beside our hotel Fitzwilton Hotel is the finest boutique 4 star and is ideal for walk, running and cycling. Failte Ireland-approved hotel in Waterford city. WEB: FitzwiltonHotel.ie All 90 rooms have recently been refurbished. PHONE: 051-846900
FANCY a Highland fling with a difference? Want to explore the untouched Scottish wilderness without sacrificing your creature comforts? If the notion of a luxurious five-star Highland holiday appeals, then read on ... When it comes to comfort, style and rustic charm, it’s hard not to fall in love with Eagle Brae. This plush log cabin village is hidden away on a remote Highland hillside amongst magnificent glens and towering munros. The resort combines the breath-taking scenery with uber-luxe accommodation and all the mod-con comforts of home. The enchanting cabins offer spectacular views and an abundance of wildlife on your doorstep. Each cedarwood cabin (all are named after rare bird species) is handmade from the ground up featuring quirky decor, hand-woven textiles and intricately carved balconies. Creature comforts include home cooked meals, complementary WiFi, family areas and an office space. All cabins have an open-plan design
with the sitting room, kitchen and dining area combined under a cathedral ceiling and open to an upper floor mezzanine overlooking the living space below. Bedrooms can be set up either as twin beds or a double, depending on each guest’s preference. The smaller cabins (Tringa, Parus, Sylvia and Strix) each have a double bedroom and a bathroom downstairs, and an open mezzanine upstairs that’s been set up as a second sitting room. Breathtaking The larger cabins – Buteo, Loxia and Aquila – have an additional en-suite bedroom upstairs, as well as an open plan mezzanine area for kids to play in. Eagle Brae sits at the very heart of the Highlands, just north of Loch Ness, so it’s the perfect base to explore breathtaking scenery in all directions. On a clear day, both the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean can be seen from the same spot atop the peak of Sgurr na Lapaich, 3,773ft above sea level. You won’t be short of outdoor pur-
suits either. If fishing floats your boat, the Highlands is renowned for its famous salmon rivers and wildnerness trout lochs. Eagle Brae offers salmon, trout and pike fishing all on its own water – the River Farrar, River Glass, Loch Monar and two beautiful hill lochs. There are no trespass laws in Scotland, so hikers are free to roam wherever they choose – just remember to dress for the weather, close gates behind you, and avoid private estate moorland hills during red deer stalking season (July 1 to Feb 15). Countless routes with properly formed paths can be found at the national nature reserve, Glen Affric, and there is plenty of hill climbing with views at the end of it that make the effort well worthwhile. Other popular pursuits include bird watching, canoeing and kayaking, deer stalking, pony trekking, golf and even black grouse safari. For further information and booking, see www.eaglebrae.co.uk.
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27 April 2017 GAZETTE 11
HOMES | DIY | GARDENING
GAZETTE
APRIL 27, 2017
POP-UP ADVICE DESIGNER SUZIE MCADAM TO HELP CHOOSE THE PERFECT DESIGNS P21
S
pring INTO ACTION!
Catherine Fulvio finds modern kitchen bliss P13
Miles of tiles impress P14
FIX UP, SPRUCE UP, CLEAN UP OR TRADE UP
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12 GAZETTE 27 April 2017
Look no further to find the best UPVC windows HERE at C&S UPVC Windows, we’re proud to run a family-owned and local-run business for more than 37 years. The Lucan-based company was taken over by Lorraine Collins and her husband, Sean, more than 21 years ago, with Lorraine taking over from her father, John Collins. During this time, she has focused on the company offering the very best in replacement highquality UPVC A-rated windows and doors. We also specialise in high-quality composite doors using only the Apeer and Palladio range. Mo s t p e o p l e w h o would have purchased their houses more than
Let our website help guide you to the right choice
20 years ago, and who currently have older type UPVC windows, now feel it is time to upgrade to our new high-energy efficient windows and doors. Here at C&S Windows, we take care and pride in our work and mainly focus on our customer’s needs. We offer free quotations, day or evening
appointments, and currently have our Lucan showrooms open six days a week, with more than 35 composite doors on display. For further information, see our website at www. candswindows.ie/, call us at 01 621 7639, or call in to our showrooms in the heart of Lucan village, just across the bridge.
Lorraine and Bernie will be delighted to help you choose from the excellent range of high-quality windows and doors at the Lucan showrooms
Even better style at a new-look Des Kelly’s THEY’VE been around for a long time, but they’ve never looked this good! Get on down and have a look at Des Kelly Interiors’ fantastic, newlook store on the Long Mile Road. Wander around and be inspired by their new room settings, finishing touches, and their fantastic NEW BEDS, CARPETS AND FLOORING departments. Des Kelly Interiors have put a huge amount of effort into the buying and merchandising of their beds, carpets and wood flooring section, working closely with suppliers and looking at infashion colours and designs. All the very best brand names and thousands of different colours are there to choose from in carpets, laminate, and engineered floors, but at the same old quality prices you have come to expect from Des Kelly. Their sales advisors are welltrained to advise you with what-
ever your ideas and dreams are, and needed, they’ll even come out and estimate your rooms for free! They have new beds, bed frames, new furniture ranges, bar stools, dining furniture, mirrors, pictures and a huge interior finishing touches area. They even have their own interior designer on board if you need a little help, and they boast their own uphol-
stery shop upstairs. You’re bound to love the newlook LONG MILE ROAD store, so come down and have a look – you might be surprised by what you see. And it does not stop here as they’re refurbishing them all one by one at the moment, so be sure to keep an eye on your local DES KELLY INTERIORS store.
27 April 2017 GAZETTE 13
GAZETTE
HOMES | DIY | GARDENING
A clever, stylish, designer kitchen ideal for families CASH & Carry Kitchens has launched the Shaker Dakar Kitchen with much-loved Irish superchef Catherine Fulvio (right). In the process of collaborating, Catherine has developed a core list of kitchen design musthaves which she believes are essential to facilitate modern family life in any kitchen. Cash & Carry Kitchens
Shaker Dakar kitchen encapsulates the connection between how family life is lived in 2017 with design features to make the practicalities of a busy life function better.
It is a modern yet classic kitchen in a contemporary shade of soft grey; an ideal family kitchen to facilitate easy maintenance in a busy life. The Shaker Dakar is on display in all of Cash & Carry Kitchens’s nationwide showrooms, where you can feel the quality of the materials, and speak to an expert designer. Whether you have ideas you would like to discuss,
The Shaker Dakar Kitchen is more than a beautiful kitchen – it’s full of clever touches to help make it the heart of the home for all the family
or simply need inspiration for your new kitchen, just drop by or go online to book a free design appointment. Catherine’s Top-three design essentials to con-
sider when designing your kitchen space: 1. Recycling bins; integrating waste sorting into the design process will keep your kitchen looking attractive, tidy and is better
for the environment. 2. Pop-up plug station; pop-up plug stations are handy for easy access when cooking and mean that you can use your appliances right in the
middle of your work space. 3. Hot water tap: Instant hot water means a quick cup of tea or pasta on the boil straight away, and this will also save energy in the kitchen.
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14 GAZETTE 27 April 2017
Chaise one of these down for your home
HOMES | DIY GARDENING
Argos - Heart of House Padstow fabric, duck egg chaise lounge €370 EMMA NOLAN
THERE’S something unbearably elegant about a chaise lounge. They evoke a sense of indulgence that’s hard to explain; an old Hollywood timeless sophistication combined with a lack of real necessity. When does one actually ever need a chaise lounge?
While they may not be the most practical piece of furniture, they are damned stylish and if you have the room for one, why not consider including one the next time you’re decorating? They’re fancy and never going out of style, so there’s nothing stopping you from taking that stylish step of adding a singular piece of signature furnishing.
Create your ideal outdoor space with Tobermore tiling OUTDOOR living has become an essential lifestyle requirement for the modern homeowner and this is the perfect time of year to give your garden, patio or driveway a little ‘TLC’! Let Tobermore lend a helping hand in creating your ideal outdoor space with their inspiring range of paving and walling products and design services. The benefits of an outdoor living space are endless. As well as enhancing the beauty, character, and of course, the value of your property, the creation of a landscaped outdoor space extends the size of your home in offering another living area for you and your family to unwind in over the glorious Spring/Summer months! It’s also ideal for entertaining and provides a safe play area for
children. Tobermore landscape designer and award-winning columnist Vanessa Drew offers some expert advice on crafting the outdoor space of your dreams: “With clever landscape design and the correct choice of products and colours, a paved patio or driveway can help create the outdoor space your home deserves. “Although we design a number of patios and driveways at Tobermore, we also believe that the incorporation of landscaping shouldn’t be limited to this – why not add linking paths and steps to connecting areas within your garden to create unique areas of interest?” Tobermore’s Paving and Walling Centre in Dublin is well worth a visit for some inspiration on getting started on your new and
improved outdoor space. Open from 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Saturday, the centre offers the opportunity to view the beautiful product colour blends, textures, sizes and laying patterns available in real-life landscaped environments. Free samples are also available for you to take home. In addition, the company offer free design clinics which can be booked in advance at the centre, as well as exclusive call-out services which involve a detailed assessment of your project. Fees apply for the call-out services but are refundable on purchase of Tobermore products (terms and conditions apply). For further information, call 01 843 7440, or see the site at www.tobermore.ie.
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TV | GARDENING SERIES
Get ready for a Super way to battle into 2017’s Bloom WOULD-BE garden gods and goddesses will be glued to their RTE One screens for the new series of Super Garden, which has just started back on our screens. The 8.30pm Tuesday night episodes will see budding green-fingered garden designers compete to showcase their talents at Ireland’s premier garden festival, Bloom by Bord Bia, with each designer allocated a real garden to transform. Given a tight budget and just five weeks to meet the homeowner’s needs and build a Super Garden worthy of the prestigious Bloom spot, the series follows each designer from the initial concept and design stage, through the reality of the construction process to the all-important judging day. The decision of which Super Garden will be recreated to represent Woodies and Cuprinol at Bloom 2017 lies in the hands of the judges: Bloom show manager, Gary Graham; Bloom gold medallist and Woodies Garden Design ambassador Leonie Cornelius, and representing Cuprinol, garden design lecturer Monica Alverez. Will they wilt or thrive under the pressure? (The designers, that is, as the gardens will no doubt impress viewers throughout the series.) Tune in to RTE One on Tuesdays to find out.
WIN A Wood Floor Gift Voucher worth from
€500
Des Kelly Interiors
There’s no excuse – spring for an update with Heaton’s range of cosy, comfortable furnishings
Renew your home with Heaton’s help EMMA NOLAN
TO ENTER this fantastic competition and be in with a chance of winning a €500 Wood Floor Gift Voucher from Des Kelly Interiors – Ireland’s leading supplier of quality floor coverings, beds and furniture – simply email your contact details to: competitions@dublingazette.com or go to the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and Like and Share our Des Kelly Interiors Competition post. VISIT YOUR LOCAL DES KELLY INTERIOR STORE NOW & GRAB YOURSELF A WELL DESERVED BARGAIN! Glasnevin - Walkinstown - Swords - Coolock - Donabate - Leixlip - Sallins - Clonsilla - Phibsborough - Ashbourne - Navan - Sandyford
THERE’S a reason spring cleaning is a thing – to revitalise the home after a long winter. We can finally start to crack open some windows, let some light in and enjoy the longer days, and nothing re-energises your home like a total Spring update. Heaton’s spring-summer homewares collection contains some very reasonably priced pieces for an easy overhaul – perfect to renew your home’s energy for the year. Natural and botanical themes are at the fore-
front of this collection – the selection of wall canvases start from just €4, and sugar-coated wooden picture frames from €8. Mix and match textured throws like the Cream Basket Weave throw (€18) with some 70s-inspired Jacquard cushions from €10. Fine dining goes a deeper shade of blue with Heaton’s new crockery ranges (from €3). Vibrant coloured glass and mango wood serving boards like the Acacia Paddle Board €10 will create a fresh table setting for entertaining. In the kitchen, keep your cool with
a mint makeover! Combine pretty cream and green enamel storage canisters from €5 and clever Household tidy boxes €10 for a retro look. In the bedroom, calming greys and pinks bring peaceful vibes. Add soft furnishings with the Damask Rug at €46, a selection of scatter cushions in velvets (from €8) and a super soft flannel fleece (€12). Finally, finish the look with a modern, contemporary bedside lamp in gun metal grey (just €15), and shed even more light on with the large Capiz Pendant shade (€14).
Dubs taking part in the series include rathgar woman Ashling Harrison (top), and Anna Grainger and her son Oran, from Stillorgan
GAZETTE
HOMES | DIY | GARDENING
FRESH!
18 GAZETTE 27 April 2017
HOMES | DIY GARDENING Large hurricane rope candle ne holder €65; Medium hurrica 5 €5 der rope candle hol
Herb keeper €35
Inspirational calm plants HARVEY NORMAN’S latest homeware collection is inspired by Botanical Gardens and Oriental Spring. Adding some house plants to a room is an easy and affordable way to create a calm haven at the heart of your home. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, house plants are actually good for your health. Apart from absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen in the home, house plants also help you to work better. Infact, being “under the influence of plants” can increase memory retention up to 20%, according to a University of Michigan study. So clear some corners and get some greenery in your home this Summer. The new SS17 collections is available in all Harvey Norman stores and online at www.harveynorman.ie.
Glazed pots €25 ea
Sea green pots €15 ea
Set of two plant pots €25
Hanging Macrame from €15 ea
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HOMEIMPROVEMENT
AND GARDEN BUSINESS GUIDE
Chairs for an insightful workshop
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FRESH!
27 April 2017 GAZETTE 21
Interior designer Suzie McAdam
Head to the city centre for interiors advice that’ll help a good cause, too EMMA NOLAN
THIS May, Walls To Workstations – providers of interiors for workplaces – are launching a new collection for the home called RESIDE. The pop-up interiors shop will open at the Fumbally Exchange on Dame Lane from May 4 to 6, where it will feature some of the world’s leading furniture brands including Fritz Hansen, with a spotlight on the brand’s all new Lune sofa, which was just unveiled at Milan Furniture Fair. As an iconic Danish design brand, Fritz Hansen are famous for their classic and contemporary pieces. The Lune sofa, by designer Jamie Hayon, is being stocked exclusively at this pop-up. In a quest to capture the “intersection of clean Nordic aesthetics and southern elegance”, Hayon has paired a playful design with Fritz Hanse’s
Designer Jamie Hayon’s Lune sofa, for the iconic Danish design brand, Fritz Hansen , will be on show at the pop-up in Dame Lane
renowned quality. The functional, modular system offers unlimited possibilities, from a straight two-seater to larger L-shapes, along with chaise longue options. Prices for the Lune sofa start at a twoseater from €3,500, three seater from €4,900 and L-shape from €5,600. As part of the pop-up, RESIDE will be hosting workshops from Irish interior designer, Suzie McAdam. Suzie’s workshops will focus on themes such as design trends and key looks for 2017, interior styling tips and tricks, choosing the perfect colour and understanding its impact on atmosphere and light, and how to expertly curate furniture in the home and the importance of good design. Tickets for the workshops are available from residebyw2w.eventbrite.ie for €10, with all proceeds going to the Jack & Jill Foundation.
FRESH!
22 GAZETTE 27 April 2017
GAZETTE
HOMES | DIY GARDENING
OUTDOOR LIVING | SPRUCE UP YOUR GARDEN OR OUTDOOR AREA FOR THE SUMMER ARGOS: Heart of House Hanbury Solar Wooden Lantern. PRICE: €19.99
€8 PENNEYS: Home Picnic Blanket with leather straps. PRICE:
ARGOS: Heart of House Argenta Rattan effect four-piece Sofa.
lm XX: Pa TK MA 5 € : E PRIC
PRICE: €699.99
n leaf fa
TK MAXX: Terracotta vase. PRICE: €7.99
NEPTUNE: Weber Sm okey Joe BBQ - Crim son. PRICE: €84
n Burner Gas HOMEBASE: Matador Ico 6.25 €66 E: PRIC . BBQ
S E T M H O E C S E U R N E H
otstools. er set with fo kridge reclin Oa E: UN PT NE 5 now just €1195 PRICE: Was €139
NEPTUNE: Rio Double Hanging Cocoon. PRICE: Was €850 now just €650
WE might not get the best summers but we sure know how to make the most of a sunny day! There’s nowhere better than Dublin when the sun comes out and having the back garden, patio or even a small balcony kitted out with some summer furniture really lets us enjoy all the good weather while it lasts. From small two-seater sets to table and chairs and benches to fit the whole family, these brands available all over Dublin have something to suit most outdoor areas – whether you’re looking to furnish the whole back garden or are simply in need of a picnic blanket. You never know, we might be in for a scorcher this summer ...
M50MOTORING The Dublin Gazette drives you through the motoring world on a tour of the latest models, technology and industry news
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27 April 2017 GAZETTE 23
The new Citroën C5 Aircross comes with SUV features including protective panels on the lower body and wheel arches are enhanced with the graphic contours of the Airbump inserts.
PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID WINS WORLD GREEN CAR AWARD
TOYOTA’S Prius Plugin Hybrid has won the World Green Car award for the second consecutive year. The car earned the World Green Car title from an initial entry list of 12 new vehicles from all over the world. In deciding the award tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle’s environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration. Vehicles in all award categories were selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprising 75 automotive journalists from 23 countries around the world, of which 13 are European countries. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid combines all the attributes of the new, full hybrid, fourth generation Prius with a classleading all-electric EV driving mode range of more than 50 km and achieves average fuel consumption of only 1.0 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 22 g/ km. Toyota’s new Prius Plug-in Hybrid also includes several new technologies such as an EV range-extending solar roof and a Battery Warming System.
Creature comforts CITROEN has unveiled its new generation C5 Aircross SUV as a ‘peopleminded’ SUV. This new model claims to benefit from the latest technologies that ensure easier driving and a modern approach to comfort including the new Citroen Advanced Comfort programme. This is claimed to be a revolutionary new suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, which aims to deliver a uniquely smooth and comfortable ride that is typically
Citroen. New C5 Aircross will also be the first Citroen available with PHEV Plug-In Hybrid technology, developing 300bhp a combination of a 2.0litre petrol engine and two electric motors. The car is scheduled to be launched in Europe early in 2018. The new C5 Aircross stands apart with its unique appearance designed around a high bonnet line, a 2.73m long wheelbase and short overhangs. On the inside there is a wide and tall central console.
There are front heated seats with massage functions and rear seats with extra leg room. The atmosphere inside the car is purified using an air quality treatment system. The car is equipped with a 12.3inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch HD touchscreen. The new C5 Aircross also features a wireless inductive charging function for smartphones as well as an array of driving aids, including Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warn-
ing and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function. The car also features Grip Control and Hill Assist Descent Control to help you enjoy an off-road adventure in safety. Citroen claims that the acoustic insulation of the car is excellent, thanks to laminated double glazed windows. An insulation layer helps to reduce road and wind noise and there has been particular emphasis placed on the sound insulation in the engine compartment.
Volvo Car Ireland offers up to €4,000 price support offer VOLVO Car Ireland has announced a series of competitive price contribution offers towards the purchase of a selected range of new Volvo cars. At the top of the range, Volvo is offering a €4,000 contribution towards the purchase of a new S90 or V90 car. The S60, V60 and V60 Cross Country are available with a €2,000 contribution. The Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country come with a €1,000 contribution. The classic XC60 comes with a €1,850 contribution offer and for a limited time it also comes with a free style pack worth €2,000.
Volvo is offering new car buyers tempting contribution offers of up to €4,000 on some models
Patricia Greene, of Volvo Ireland says: “The premium car market has become very competitive and we believe these transparent contributions will put Volvo
in a very strong position when consumers are considering their options and making a new car purchase. The Volvo Car brand is built on award-winning Swedish design and engineering. With our most innovative Volvo range in terms of design, safety and technology and our recently announced incentives, there has never been a better time to visit a Volvo car dealership.” The S90 is the only car in its class with the semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist, as standard. The system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motor-
way speeds of around 130 km/h and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is standard across Volvo’s 90s range and is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo. For a limited time only the classic Volvo XC60 also is also being offered with a complimentary Style Pack worth €2,000. The Volvo contribution offers are available at participating Volvo dealers and are applicable to retail sales only on new cars registered between April 11and 31 June 2017.
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M50MOTORING
FASTNews Renault helps Pieta House THERE was good news for Pieta House recently thanks to Renault Ireland, which presented the national suicide and self-harm support centre’s chief executive with a new 171 Renault Megane Grand Coupe. Brian Higgins regularly travels all across the country to visit Pieta House’s centres, with the branded vehicle helping to draw attention to its services. Patrick Magee, country operations manager, Renault Ireland, said: “We hope that this new Renault Megane Grand Coupe will benefit the amazing work that Pieta House do.”
New E-Class set to be the Estate of the nation While Irish car buyers tend to shy away from the estate car options, the new MercedesBenz E220d estate is one car that can change that. This is a luxury and spacious estate car that delivers predictable economy as Michael Moroney found when it took the German brand load carrier for a recent test drive. Irish car buyers have not been estate car fans to the same extent as their German counterparts. Saloons and hatchbacks dominate the market while estate cars with their perception of being awkward or unwieldy to drive, are seen as a minority interest. The new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class
estate can change that impression. Large luxury brand cars are often more likely to have estate car fans for a variety of good reasons. They combine a luxury car experience with some practical space features and modern designs have meant that there often just minuscule differences in vehicle
lengths between estates and saloons. Modern estate cars such as the E-Class estate are every bit as manoeuvrable as their saloon car counterparts. The E220d comparison shows that the estate car is just 10mm (less than half an inch) longer than the saloon model. This confirms just how the modern estate car design can be incorporated into a standard car body size while packing in more load space. The other manoeuvrability measure is the turning circle. With the E220d estate you’ll find that it measures up exactly the same as the saloon version, making the choice of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate an even more compelling one that some of the more expensive and less load spacious SUV’s. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class credentials have been justly confirmed with its award as Ireland’s Car of the Year 2017. Just like the saloon version, this new E-Class estate answers all of questions when it comes to luxury and performance with an entry price reduction. Mercedes-Benz has blended in the styling to give this estate car an almost coupé type look. This means that you no longer feel that you’re driving a load carrier, just a big and luxurious car with lots of load capacity. In engine performance terms, this new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel can deliv-
The new Mercedes-Benz E220d estate is an impressive car in terms of comfort and technology while it also proves its value as a large and economical estate car. Entry prices start at €56,310.
Mercedes Benz E-Class 220d Estate
1500rpm on the engine. That alone will guarantee economy and keeping that economy can be SPECIFICATIONS automatically set using the Engine 2.0 litre car’s range of automatic Engine power 194hp technology devices. 0 – 100km/hr 7.7 seconds This new E-Class MerEconomy 23.8km/litre cedes-Benz is a car that’s (4.2/100km or 67mpg) now firmly on the pathFuel Tank Capacity 66 litres/12 litres A Blue way toward autonomous CO2 emissions 120g/km driving. The benefits can Road Tax Band A4 €200 be safer driving and great Main Service 20,000km/12 months economy, I found out. Euro NCAP Rating 5 Star 2016 This new optional MerWarranty 2 years cedes Benz Drive Pilot sysEntry Price €56,310 tem comes with automatic functions such as remote parking, road guidance, speed control, braking, acceleration, gear changing. It also has the ability to anticipate road hazards ahead and to take corrective action. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with er very impressive econo- off this figure during my good seat adjustment up my figures, being only very test drive which covered front. The large boot with marginally less economical 966km across a range of a capacity of 640 litres than its saloon car coun- driving conditions. (100 litres more than the terpart. That keeps the That’s still an impres- saloon version) extends to estate in CO2 tax band A4 sive economy level for 1,820 with the rear seats with a low annual motor such a big car. The reason folded. why it’s so economical is tax rate of just €200. This spacious estate The official economy a combination of its nine is competitively priced figure is rated at 23.8km/ speed automatic gearbox relative to the Audi A6, litre (4.2/100km or 67mpg) with the engine perfor- BMW 5 Series and Volvo and that’s on par with the mance. This car can cruise V90 competition and the saloon car version. I found at the top motorway speed basic deal still has a lot to that I was about 25% of 120km/hr at a low offer.
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SPORT
FastSport CRICKET SIDE GRATEFUL FOR TITLE SPONSOR: THE Irish Women’s squad have been given a boost ahead of their tour of the UAE and South Africa with the news that Hanley Energy have been confirmed as team sponsor for the 2017 season. Hanley Energy’s support means the team will take on an England XI in three 50-over games next week ahead of their Quadrangular tournament involving South Africa, Zimbabwe and India next month. The news was welcomed by Irish Women team captain Laura Delany, who sees Hanley Energy as a lucky omen for the team, given past success. “They were our headline sponsor when we beat Bangladesh in the dramatic final of the T20 World Cup in Thailand,” said Delany. “Their ongoing investment in the Irish women’s team means we have been able to double our fixture list during the last two years. More fixtures against the best sides means more chances for us to grow and develop as players.”
HOCKEY: RATHFARNHAM CLUB MISS OUT ON NATIONAL TITLE ON GOAL DIFFERENCE
Rovers’ run comes three goals short of EYHL title
STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com
THREE Rock Rovers hammered Instonians 9-1 at Grange Road in their final men’s EY Hockey League game of the season but the result proved not quite enough for them to overhaul Banbridge. It was their 11th successive win and saw the Rathfarnham club end the regular season level with Bann but they missed out on the title by three goals on goal difference. Indeed, it was a fraught final day of the season with anxious checks of smart phones throughout the game as Rovers sought to overhaul the long-time leaders. Three Rock were led out for the match by the club’s Rockets, Ireland’s first Parahockey team for people with special needs who will represent the country at August’s European Championships. From the outset, Rovers needed to outscore Bann by six goals and they got off to the perfect start with Mitch Darling scoring inside two minutes. Kevin Mullins forced home a second in the seventh minute and a Jody
Three Rock were joined by their Parahockey team, the Rockets, for their walk-out last Saturday. Picture: Adrian Boehm
Hosking strike followed seconds later - a brilliant reverse stick effort - to build a 3-0 lead with just eight minutes gone. Luke Madeley’s drag-flick accounted for the fourth goal before Conor Empey slammed in the fifth on the half-hour mark after the ball bounced fortuitously off umpire Robert Johnston. Another Madeley drag made it 6-0 at the break. All the while, goals were raining down at Banbridge, too, extending the Rov-
ers’ required goals which slowed up somewhat in the second half as they built a 3-0 lead against Railway Union Madeley completed his hat trick before Ross Canning coolly slotted home from close range for 8-0 by the end of the third quarter as Banbridge extended their lead to 5-1. At this stage, 10 goals was the target but the killer blow to Rovers’ title hopes arrived when William Robinson scored from
Inst’s only corner. Mullins grabbed a second goal with time running out but Rovers ended three goals short of Banbridge, 6-1 winners, who ultimately landed the title and a place in the Euro Hockey League next season. Rovers will now look to bounce back next Saturday in the Champions Trophy semifinal when they face reigning champions Lisnagarvey, looking to repeat their January 3-1 win in
the league. Win that and they could earn a place in the final and, also, a place in Europe into the bargain. Earlier in the day at Grange Road, there was heartache for Leinster league winners as they lost to Ulster Premier champions Cookstown as they missed out on a promotion shot due to a 1-0 defeat in their provincial playoff tie. Captain Mark Crooks scored the all-important goal with 21 minutes remaining for the Co Tyrone side. It was a just reward as they dominated large swathes of the match but could not find a way past Ross Murray who made a glut of brilliant saves. For the Whitechurch side, they could not get full purchase from their trio of corners while Jack Perdue had a gilt-edged chance to go 1-0 up in the second half as the ball popped up to him a metre from goal but he miscued and his shot somehow spun around the right post. The Co Tyrone side won the tie when Crooks pounced on a rebound off Murray; they had plenty of chances to double the score before Corinthian made them sweat down the final stretch but to no avail.
Tallaght Rockets defy odds to win Association Cup BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com
The Tallaght Rockets side. Picture: Alana Cahill/iMyPhotography
THE TALLAGHT Rockets defied the odds to claim volleyball’s men’s Association Cup title last Saturday in Belfield on Saturday. The deicder brought together two clubs who had not been in contention for the Premier League. Garda VC finished fifth in the league while the Rockets ended two places below Garda to prop up the table with just two league wins all season. However, such form mattered little in the semi-finals played
three weeks ago in Naas. Garda beat Naas Eagles 3-0 and Tallaght Rockets upset UCD with a surprise 3-1 victory to take their place in the association’s show piece event of the season. Another surprise was on the cards in the final as Tallaght Rockets claimed victory. The match went the full five sets. Tallaght went one set down (2025) before Garda indiscipline gave them a lifeline in set two which Tallaght won 25-11. With powerful hitting delivered by player-coach Seweryn Furmansky and a series of blocks by
Luis Pereira, the Rockets began to believe. Despite Garda taking out the third set 25-19, the momentum was with Rockets. Wing man Israel Xavier made several killer spikes as the team fought back, playing with a quality not seen all season. Tallaght edged the fourth 25-22 and had too much energy in the last set, winning 15-9. Afterward Tallaght Rockets number two Fernando Calcada was not surprised with the victory when asked: “No, we have a really good bunch of players. “The problem is that we are a
small club and don’t have many players. Most struggled a little bit with availability hence we were bottom of the league. “But now, at the end of the season, we made it to the cup final, everybody finally showed up and we played the volleyball we know how. We came out with a pretty good win.” Earlier in the day, the ladies’ final was won by Galway VC, beating the home UCD team to claim the double after already winning the Premier League. They beat College in a tight encounter in three sets (25-21, 25-22, 25-22).
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FASTSport
Packed house in Ranelagh for Irish Squash Open
Tarf and Cork Con set up UBL final showdown Reigning champions sweep past the challenge of Munsters at Castle Avenue while Deasy’s last gasp kick sees off Lansdowne UBL DIVISION 1A SEMIS Clontarf 37 Young Munster 29 sport@dublingazette.com
BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com
THE Gillenmarkets PSA Irish Squash Open 2017 concluded to a full house at the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Ranelagh last Saturday. The event, now in its eleventh year, featured both a ladies’ and a men’s tournament which shared prizemoney of $15,000. The squash started the previous Monday with two days of qualifiers before the first round proper on Wednesday. An international field participated which included nine currently in the top 50 globally ranked players. Irish Squash coach Ed Dunne was happy with the week’s events, saying: “The close proximity to England really helped get a very strong pool of players on board. “With a tournament in the west of Ireland just last week, it was a chance for the professionals to win money and ranking points over the fortnight”. Irish involvement didn’t last beyond the first round, however. Ireland ladies number one Hannah Craig lost to Egyptian Hana Ramadan (world number 48). The Irish teenager will have gained valuable experience against the Egyptian who actually had turned pro at just 14 years of age back in 2011 such is the prominence of squash in Egypt. Men’s number one Arthur Gaskin lost to eventual finalist in this year’s open, England’s Adrian Waller. The semi-finals on Thursday was one of the best days of squash and was also played to a full house. The top two ladies seeds, Millie Tomlinson (England) and Belgium’s Nele Gilis, both won through to the final. Gilis, pictured above in black, had come from two sets to one down against England’s Julianne Courtice in an epic tie, just shy of 100 minutes. Waller dismissed Egyptian Youssef Soliman in the first men’s semi. He would be joined in the final by another Englishman, the second seed Declan James. James beat another Egyptian, Mazen Gamal, over four sets. Both finals went the full five sets. In the ladies, fatigue wasn’t a problem for Gilis who deposed of the 2016 champion Tomlinson (2-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 11-4). In the men’s finals, James’s power and reach was too much for Waller (11-9, 6-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-8).
DEFENDING Ulster Bank League Division 1A champions Clontarf continued their title retention bid as they proved too strong for Young Munster at Castle Avenue, winning 37-29. Clontarf ran in six tries, including a brace from former Leinster winger Mick McGrath, to claim an eight-point success and move within 80 minutes of their third Division 1A title in four years. The north Dubliners will face Cork Constitution in a repeat of last year’s final at the Aviva
Stadium on Sunday, May 7 after they eliminated Lansdowne 19-16. F o r Ta r f , i t t o o k McGrath just three minutes to get them up and running, breaking through a ruck to score under the posts in the third minute with David Joyce converting. T he Limerick side bounced back with teenage out-half Alan Tynan in inspirational form early on, cutting through for a brace of first half tries. The Tipperary starlet danced through the Tarf defence and converted his seventh minute try to bring the visitors level, before he sniped over for a second early in the second quarter.
Crucially, Andy Wood’s home side took advantage of a yellow card to score 10 points in the lead up to half-time, out-half Joyce landing a penalty and converting captain Ben Reilly’s late score after a terrific break from flanker Tony Ryan. A 17-12 interval deficit was suddenly 27-15 in the third quarter as Munsters, who had a 50th minute penalty from Tynan, dug deep to stay in contention. Either side of Tynan’s kick, McGrath burst through for his second try and centre Conor O’Brien also touched down in the corner. Bristol-bound hooker Jason Harris-Wright and current Leinster squad
members Mick Kearney and Bryan Byrne were part of a strong Clontarf pack, the latter coming in for the final half-an-hour along with Connacht’s Ivan Soroka. That strength in depth proved too much for Munsters to handle, Tarf replacement Rob McGrath duly joining his brother as a try scorer on the hour mark and scrum half Mark Sutton acrobatically diving over in the corner for the sixth try late on. A penalty try in the final play supplemented a 72nd-minute converted score from current Ireland Under-20 international Jack Lyons but it was not enough in the final run-in. Lansdowne 16 Cork Constitution 19
Mick McGrath on his way to one of his tries for Clontarf against Young Munster last Saturday at Castle Avenue. Picture: Deryck Vincent
At Lansdowne, the ice-cool Tomas Quinlan converted an 82nd minute penalty to guide Cork Constitution to a gripping 19-16 semi-final victory on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch, setting up a rematch with Clontarf in the stadium proper in two weeks’ time. 2015 league champions Lansdowne were quietly confident of avenging two regular seasons losses to Cork Con, with Ireland Sevens internationals John O’Donnell, Mark Roche and Matthew D’Arcy joining talismanic number 10 Scott Deasy in the back-line. And young winger Mark O’Keefe’s 10thminute try, inspired by a
bullocking run from lock Stephen Gardiner, gave Mike Ruddock’s men the early impetus. Lansdowne were still leading by the interval but three Quinlan penalties after 18, 24 and 28 minutes had the Leesiders hot on their heels at just 10-9 down. Deasy had turned a 22ndminute scrum penalty into three points amid some intense exchanges between the forwards. It was end-to-end stuff in the second half, Con briefly seizing control thanks to winger Liam O’Connell’s well-taken 53rd-minute try before Deasy answered back from the tee two minutes later. Extra-time was in the offing when Deasy found the target with a 75th minute penalty to square things up at 16-all and Quinlan missed a subsequent drop goal attempt from 25 metres. Nonetheless, the hard graft of his forwards ensured that Quinlan had a one last shot at the posts and he delivered in nerveless fashion, taking his season’s haul to 180 points but few more precious than those last three. Brian Hickey’s Con squad, who retained the Munster Senior Cup in February, will make two return trips to the capital in the next fortnight in search of a potential All-Ireland double – they visit Old Belvedere for next Saturday’s Bateman Cup decider before battling it out with Clontarf.
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SPORT
FASTSport
MOTORSPORT: SWORDS DRIVER LOOKING FOR BIG POINTS HAUL IN KERRY
Swords Celtic Under-15s shine in Costa Dauruda SWORDS Celtic’s Under-15s shone in the Spanish sun as they travelled to compete in the Costa Daurada Cup in Salou. After a day to settle in by the pool for the team, manager and parents, the action began in earnest on the Friday morning against the Scottish team Ross County before taking on Spanish team San Gabriel, in temperatures over 23 degrees. The opening ceremony on Friday night was a spectacular event, filled with dancing and fireworks. The team and management proudly carried the Swords Celtic flags out into the stadium in what could be described as Olympic or World Cup fashion. Day two of the tournament followed against another Spanish team, Martutene KE. Temperatures were high but, thankfully, the early kick off meant that the match was over before the real heat hit. It was back to the hotel for a swim, lunch and a nervous wait to hear the results of all the other games. The results would determine who they would meet in the semi-finals later that day. The news arrived that Swords would meet one of the two Balchory Boys teams who had travelled from Scotland to compete in the semi-final was scheduled to kick off at 5pm. There was great excitement, mixed with a can-do attitude on the coach on the way to the stadium. With a determined performance in a well fought match, the Swords lads who came away with a 1-0 win and a place in the final, setting up Sunday high noon showdown in the final. The Swords lads met with the second of the two Balchory Boys teams competing. In the first half, the Dubliners went a goal down but they equalised within five minutes. Everyone played their part on the day, players, management and supporters. There was the added bonus of support from an Under-18s team and their supporters from Athenry. With renditions of Amhran na bhFiann and The Fields of Athenry, the atmosphere was electric. The Swords lads left everything on the pitch and in the dying minutes of the game it paid off with a second goa to go in front. The tension waiting for the final whistle was palpable but soon, the Under-15 team were bringing home the silverware, touching down in Dublin where family members were waiting with banners and flags to give the lads a winning welcome home.
Robert Barrable is looking forward to the next stage of the Irish Tarmac Championships
Barrable’s Rally of the Lakes sport@dublingazette.com
SWORDS man Robert Barrable will contest the Cartell.ie International Rally of the Lakes from (April 28-30) in a Hyundai i20 R5 as he aims for a big Irish Tarmac Championship points haul. The 29-year old driver gave the i20 R5 its Irish rally debut in last month’s West Cork Rally, and was second in the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Championship until retirement two stages from the finish. After such a strong debut, Barrable and codriver Damien Connolly
will be looking for a similar performance when they head west to the famous Tarmac stages around the host town of Killarney. The Rally of the Lakes is an event he knows well. In 2015, he finished second overall in a Subaru WRC S14 and won the Bertie Fisher Cup for setting the fastest time over Moll’s Gap. This year’s event will only be Barrable’s third rally since then, however, having spent two years racing in the British GT and Volkswagen Racing Cup championships. He is currently sixth in
JUNIOR PARKRUN Balbriggan to host 2km runs every Sunday PARKRUN Ireland, in partnership with Vhi, have expanded their range of junior events to seven with the introduction of the Balbriggan junior parkrun on Sunday mornings. Junior parkruns are 2km long and cater for four to 14-year-olds free of charge, providing a fun and safe environment for children to enjoy exercise. Pictured, from left, is Ella and Liv Foley, both age 10 from Clontarf, along with Dean and Nathan Ryan, during the Parkrun at Bremore Castle Park, in Balbriggan. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile
the Irish Tarmac Championship drivers’ standings, after finishing third on the opening round of the 2017 series, the Galway International Rally, in a Fiesta R5. He said of the upcoming event: “We learnt an awful lot about the Hyundai i20 R5 in West Cork, and whilst we spent all the event experimenting with set-up we still managed to run inside the top three of the Irish Tarmac Championship for almost the full two days. “This fills us with confidence, and we head to Killarney with a much better understanding of
the car and a firm base on which we can build. The Rally of the Lakes stages are some of the very best in the world – they’re great fun to drive in any car, so I’m especially looking forward to competing on them in the i20 R5. “With one score dropped already, it’s important we reach the finish and score some good Tarmac Championship points. “We’d be pleased with a finish in the top three, although that won’t stop us trying to challenge for victory.” The 38th running of the Cartell.ie Interna-
tional Rally of the Lakes begins with a ceremonial start in Killarney’s town centre on Friday night where fans will be able to meet the drivers and enjoy local bands playing live on stage. The action takes place over the following two days, with eight spectacular Tarmac stages run on both Saturday and Sunday, which include legendary stages such as Cods Head, Ardgroom, Healy Pass, Caragh Lake and the event’s signature test of skill and bravery, Moll’s Gap. The rally finishes at The Gleneagle Hotel after all 16 stages have been completed.
27 April 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
CROWDED OUT
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
Dublin unable to turn back the Rebel tide
FINGALLIANS
ST SYLVESTER’S Niamh McEvoy is crowded out by Cork’s Brid Stack, left, and Marie Ambrose in their Lidl Ladies Football National League Division 1 semi-final. Cork claimed victory on a 1-16 to 0-13 scoreline, continuing their strong winning run over Dublin in the past few seasons, repeating last season’s result at the same stage of the competition
CAMOGIE Feile: The girls had one victory
(host club), Fingallians A, Erins Isle and
over the wonderful hosts Erin’s Isle and
Kilmacud Crokes B; Div 7: Trinity Gaels
two defeats. The squad would like to
(host club), Fingallians B, Skerries Harps
thank their mentors, parents and spon-
B, Naomh Olaf B and Na Fianna B
sors for all their support and a fantastic day. Hurling Feile: Next Saturday starting
Barrog in the second round. Our seniors
from 10.30am. We have two teams taking
were beaten by Division 1’s Skerries on
part in Division 3 and 7. Div 3: Naomh Olaf
Friday night in round one, 2-10 to 1-10.
ST FINIAN’S
Picture: Ramsey Cardy
FOOTBALL: FINGALLIANS, RAVENS AND MEARNOGS ALL OUT
CONGRATULAIONS to the adult camogie
Well done to the camogie Feile girls
team who beat Erins Isle in their league
who played very well on Saturday in
match in River Valley. The team now sit in
Erin’s Isle.
second place in their league table.
St Sylvester’s eased past the challenge of St Anne’s. Picture: GAAPics.com
Syl’s and Maur’s on the march in SFC SFC FIRST ROUND
sport@dublingazette.com
ST SYLVESTER’S were comprehensive 3-14 to 0-5 winners against St Anne’s in their Dublin SFC first round duel in O’Toole Park. Goals from Jack Hazley and top scorer Dylan Connolly saw the Malahide side in total control by the break when leading 2-6 to 0-1 and they scarcely looked back in one of a number of onesided first round games. In Garristown, goals form Sean Rocks and the impressive Collie Daly saw Skerries Harps over-
come Fingallians 2-11 to 1-10. Fingallians led 0-6 to 0-2 through points from Oisin Lynch, Ciaran Murtagh and Paul Flynn before Rocks’ goal had the sides level at the break, 1-5 to 0-8, on their return to the senior ranks. It was still all to play for down the final stretch but Daly’s goal as well as converted frees by Stephen Smith and Shane Davis saw Skerries progress to the second round. St Maur’s finished with a flurry of scores to defeat Ballinteer St John’s 1-15 to 0-13 at Parnell Park.
Football Championships: Congratulations to our U-16 team won beat Naomh
St John’s led 0-12 to 0-9 after 40 minutes after playing some very enterprising football. H o w e v e r, l e d b y Chris Carthy and Conor McGuire in attack, Maur’s were much the better in the closing stages with McGuire’s stunning finish for his goal central to their victory. Ballinteer had their chances too but found Mark Butterly in inspired form in the Maur’s goal for whom Alan Byrne impressed throughout. Naomh Mearnog bowed out to St Jude’s 1-20 to 0-6. The Tymon North men opened with
intent and a fifth minute penalty by Ross O’Brien had them 1-2 to 0-0 to the good. By the break, Jude’s led 1-8 to 0-2 with Declan Donnelly, who was introduced as a sub in the 45th minute, shooting four points from play to cruise to victory. Fingal Ravens were another north county side to bow out. Stephen Duffy was the hero for Parnell’s as the Coolock men defeated Ravens 1-13 to 0-10 in Balgriffin. Duffy scored 1-5 from play as well as one free in their Dublin SFC first round success.
The nursery and academy, spon-
Hard luck to the AFL4 team who were
sored by Sky Handling Partner, will not
beaten by Ballyboughal in the Naul on
take place on Saturday, April 29 but will
Saturday. The focus now switches to the
resume on Saturday, May 6 at the usual
league.
times, 10am and 11.30am respectively.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
BARRABLE’S BATTLE: Swords driver looking to score big points on next stage of Tarmac championships P30
APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2017
BULLS RUMBLE THROUGH: Clontarf advance to big Division 1A title decider P29
Dublin’s co-captain Cillian O’Shea with EirGrid’s Rosemary Steen at Croke Park to promote the Under-21 championship final. Picture: Iain White/Fennell Photography
Skerries trio in U-21 mix Smith, Rocks and McIlgorm all vying for All-Ireland glory with Dublin as they take on Galway in the last ever football championship at this level
sport@dublingazette.com
SKERRIES Harps trip Stephen Smith, Sean Rocks and Donal McIlgorm will all be hoping to be part of an historic Dublin Under-21 football side who will contest the last ever EirGrid All-Ireland championship final in this format. They take on Galway in O’Connor Park, Tullamore (5pm) on Saturday evening, meeting a side that defeated the red-hot pre-championship favourites Kerry in their semi-final – a Kingdom side comprising of their All-Ireland minor winning panels of the last three years. The competition will switch to an Under-20 age group next season as part of the GAA’s restructuring to try and address the burn-out
issue. It means there is an extra level to this week’s final tie. “They raced out of the blocks against Kerry and showed just how strong a team they are,” said Dublin manager Dessie Farrell, knowing his side are in for a big battle.. “I have watched that match back a number of times and the more times I look at it, the more impressed I am by them. They are strong in every line of the pitch with two excellent wing-backs and their midfield pairing offered a great platform against Kerry,” adds Farrell. Cillian O’Shea – one of his co-captains – concurs, saying Galway are something of an unknown quantity. “I don’t think any of the group have any experience of Galway so it will be interesting,”
O’Shea said while speaking at the launch of the final. “From what I’ve seen, they play very good football and they are a very talented side so it will be a big challenge. It comes in a hectic few weeks for the team in which there were suggestions the Under-21s may boycott playing for their clubs in the first round of the senior championship. O’Shea addressed those concerns: “We put in a request for the games involving the Under21 players to be deferred and the clubs fully supported that decision. “The clubs were writing in but that request wasn’t granted so the decision then on Tuesday night at the meeting was that we were going to make ourselves available. Individual cases were all different based on who was
playing who.” While O’Shea may not have been needed by his team as Kilmacud annihilated Erin’s Isle, his fellow Under-21 teammate Shane Clayton was and picked up an injury while playing for Ballyboden St Enda’s against Plunkett’s. It may well rule him out of the final on Saturday. “He was coming back from a hamstring injury and it looks as if he might have done a bit more damage on it. That’s disappointing. He would be a big loss. We’ll wait and see before we fully rule him out but it’s disappointing for him, definitely,” said O’Shea. When asked if the chance to be the last team to win an All-Ireland at Under-21 added extra incentive to game against Galway, O’Shea said simply: “It would be special.”