Fingal

Gazette FINGAL

June 8 - 14, 2017

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Oberstown set to almost double its capacity to 80 Facility for young offenders confirms it plans to significantly increase head count

 SYLVIA POWNALL OBERSTOWN detention centre plans to almost double its capacity to 80 young offenders, it has emerged.

Director of the Lusk campus Pat Bergin confirmed on Tuesday that the capacity

of the facility will rise from 48 to 80, at an annual cost of €350,000 per teenager housed there.

Mr Bergin, who was injured during an incident last week, admitted that the centre would “always face challenges” but was taking

steps to improve security.

Another member of staff was reportedly assaulted with a crowbar and two teens fled the facility having cut through the fence using an angle grinder.

Neighbours have called for prison officers to keep

order at the campus, which is run by a staff of 265 residential youth care workers.

Local Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) warned: “The situation at Oberstown has been out of control for some time.”

See Story on Page 9

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 June 2017

TRANSPORT | ROUTES ARE AIMED AT REDUCING CONGESTION

Swords to benefit from a new express service  SYLVIA POWNALL AN EXPRESS service from Swords to the city centre is one of three Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes being introduced in a bid to reduce congestion.

An ambitious €1bn ‘BusConnects’ scheme unveiled last week includes provision for a network of faster routes with the first piloted from Swords to the city, Blanchardstown to UCD and Clongriffin to Tallaght.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) plans to redesign the city’s bus system with continuous bus corridors and cashless fare payments.

In addition to the three

The statistics suggest the main “If any situation arises, a person, Malahide commuters bus corridors in the city are prov- who is sitting in front of a screen face the longest delays ing ineffective in rush-hour and face bank can call the gardai and also COMMUTERS in Malahide face the longest delays if travelling by bus to the city centre, new figures show.

A report published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) reveals that passengers travelling that route face a 69% longer journey time at peak times compared to off-peak.

The coastal Fingal town tops a list of destinations which fall fowl of rush-hour congestion – with Howth and Finglas in second place.

Other top-10 slowest routes in the city are Lucan and Bray; Blanchardstown and Clondalkin; Stillorgan and Clontarf; North Clondalkin; Swords; Ballymun and Rathfarnham; Templeogue; and Blackrock.

BRTs, there are also plans for 11 radial bus routes (crossing the city) and

severe delays because of the sheer volumes of cars on those routes.

Staffless train stations criticised by Ryan (Lab)

STAFFLESS train stations increase the risk of anti-social behaviour and crime, it’s been claimed.

Labour’s transport spokesman Brendan Ryan has called for stations to be re-staffed in a bid to stamp out the worrying trend.

Speaking in the Dail, the Fingal TD said: “At a recent public joint policing committee meeting it arose that Irish Rail will be employing a system in which stations are monitored remotely through CCTV cameras.

three orbital bus corridors which will avoid city centre congestion altogether.

through a speaker system on the train platform, warn any vandals to cease their actions.”

He added: “If this is a strategic decision to cut costs and keep staff out of train stations, it is not acceptable. Quite simply, it is no substitute for having a staffed station.”

Deputy Ryan claimed young people were being “ferried free of charge” to “coastal communities on rail lines at weekends across the north county” including Donabate, Portmarnock, Malahide, Skerries and Balbriggan.

He added: “In many cases, they are travelling to cause vandalism and to commit crime against these communities.”

Construction of the new bus corridors is due to commence in late 2019 but no completion date has been set and the entire system has yet to get planning permission.

The BRT system will use multi-door vehicles, higher platforms for level boarding and fewer stops, meaning they can cater for more passengers with fewer pick-up delays.

The ticketing system will use credit and debit cards or mobile phones to link with payment accounts – moving to a cashless “tag-on tag-off system”.

NTA chief executive officer Anne Graham said the BRT was designed to provide extra passenger capacity on busier routes and Swords, with a popu-

lation in excess of 60,000 people, was an obvious choice.

She added: “One of the delays in movement of buses is boarding and paying your fare. Without changing the fare structure, we’re moving to a cashless trial and investing in new ticketing systems.

“Fares will be made simpler and the financial penalty of taking a second bus will be removed. We will consider a single-fare structure.

“We’re more likely to move to a tag-on and tagoff arrangement and this will remove the current major delay at bus stops where a high proportion of passengers have to interact with the driver, even when paying by Leap Card.”

The proposed BRT corridors, which could make a big difference to travelling from Swords to the city

FASTNews Driver who left a toddler scarred gets licence back AN OCCUPATIONAL therapist who left a toddler with permanent facial scars after she drove dangerously through a busy junction has had her driver’s licence restored.

Rachel Breen (49), of Shenick Avenue, Skerries, was disqualified from driving for four years in December 2014 and ordered to pay €5,000 after the accident in October 2012.

Breen pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to the then two-year-old boy at Naul Road, Balbriggan on October 6, 2012.

The court heard she had been travelling below the 80kmph speed limit and was found at the scene administering first aid to the injured toddler. She claimed she didn’t see the upcoming junction and gardai agreed it was a poorly-marked and badlysurfaced secondary road.

Judge Desmond Hogan described Breen at the original sentence hearing in 2014 as a “decent woman” who had made a “serious error of judgement, with serious consequences”.

At a brief hearing in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, counsel applied for restoration of Ms Breen’s licence and said it was vital for her work in “a very responsible job”.

The court heard the prosecution had no objection to the application and Judge Karen O’Connor granted it. The child’s mother described her son, who was left with scars to his face, as a “happy child” but said the accident had affected her psychologically.

Apply now for a share of Fingal LEO’s €1.5m fund FINGAL Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is inviting applications from small businesses or start-ups for grants under a national €1.5m Innovation Investment Fund.

The fund is open to “innovative” businesses with up to 10 staff that have previously availed of LEO Fingal services and grants up to a maximum of €25k will be offered, with a closing date for online applications via www.liif.ie set at July 31. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a four-week investor-ready programme before pitching to a panel.

Pictured launching the initiative are the Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eithne Loftus, with Fingal LEO head of enterprise Oisin Geoghegan and Fingal County Council’s chief executive, Paul Reid.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

8 June 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

THEY say Guinness is good for you, but it’s also very good for tourist numbers as the Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate was Ireland’s most visited attraction in 2016, according to figures released by Failte Ireland.

In its annual list of top visitor attractions, the Guinness Storehouse welcomed 1.6m visitors last year - a 10% increase on the year before.

Open since 2000 it is celebrating 17 years of welcoming visitors to the home of Guinness Located on part of the Guinness brewery, the storehouse takes visitors through the history of the stout as well as outlining the brewing process.

The tour ends with a free pint in the Gravity Bar on the top floor of the storehouse.

Around 20% of visitors taste Guinness for the first time at the Storehouse, quite amazing considering it’s the most exported stout across the globe.

IN THE BLACK

Guinness Storehouse tops the list of Ireland’s tourist attractions

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 June 2017

SCHOOLS | PALS PAY TRIBUTE TO SADLY MISSED TEEN

Balloons set free to honour ‘Shay’

 SYLVIA POWNALL

Balloons are released in tribute to the late Shetemi Ayetigbo (16), who died two years ago

STUDENTS at Donabate Community College have paid an emotional tribute to Shetemi Ayetigbo, who collapsed and died while playing a football match two years ago.

Last week, sixth year classmates of Shetemi – or ‘Shay’ as he was known – released balloons to remember the popular teen who would have been graduating in their midst.

Friends and family came together ahead of their Leaving Cert exams to remember Shay and the school posted a touching tribute on Facebook.

It read: “Today was a special day. It is two years since our student Shetemi Ayetigbo tragically died during a football match, while he played for his beloved Belvedere FC. “Friends and family came together to remember him today by releasing balloons together from the outdoor classroom ...

“The sun shone for us and we laughed and smiled as we gathered to remember a special young man, who touched so many lives.”

On his two-year anniversary last week, Shetemi’s mother, Lola, told of her heartache and thanked the local community for their support since his tragic death.

She said: “It’s been two years since he passed away and it’s been so hard for me and my two boys to move on with our lives. We think of Shetemi every day.

“The people of Donabate have been remarkable. I’m so grateful to them for all they have done. I will always remember my beloved boy and miss him dearly every day.”

During Donabate Community College’s gradua-

tion night, sixth year head Ms Ni Bhrolchain also recalled the loss of Shetemi, who would have celebrated his 18th birthday last month. She said staff and students had been strengthened and united through tragedy.

School principal Anthony Creevey told The Gazette: “Graduation night was a wonderful success. It’s a pivotal moment in the lives of these young people.

“It was a very positive experience and we had wonderful singers, wonderful speeches, and a massive turnout from parents and families. All in all, it was a really successful night.”

FASTNews

Application for 90-bed care home lodged A PLANNING application has been lodged for a 90-bed residential care home at the old Sea Mills hosiery factory site at Baths Road in Balbriggan.

The plans are lodged with Fingal County Council on behalf of Colm Mohan and Sinead Mohan, and includes a new vehicular access at Baths Road, 23 car parking spaces and 16 bicycle spaces.

A previous application was refused due to issues around emergency services access and construction issues considering its location beyond a railway bridge covering the main Dublin to Belfast line.

Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF) said: “I very much welcome new job opportunities, but I believe a site in Balbriggan located closer to the M1, therefore closer to our hospitals, would be a more suitable location.”

Airport up for two top awards

Celebrating their school’s efforts to promote Irish

MORE than 600 pupils from both primary and secondary schools gathered in the pavilion at Leopardstown racecourse to attend the presentation of An Ghaelbhratach on Monday, May 29.

The Gaelbhratach scheme, funded

by Foras na Gaeilge and organised by Gael Linn, with the support of Conradh na Gaeilge and Glor na nGael, recognises the promotion of the Irish language in schools around the country.

Eoghan Mac Dermott from 2FM presented the event for the third year running, with the group Seo Linn easily getting the huge crowd to sing along.

Among the schools being awarded the flag was Holy Family Senior National School, Swords, with pupils Lucia De Brun and Fionn Mac Leid proudly accepting the flag on behalf of the school.

DUBLIN Airport has been shortlisted in the ACI Europe Best Airport Awards for the second year in a row.

The Fingal transport hub is nominated alongside London Heathrow and Madrid Barajas airports in the category for large airports handling more than 25 million passengers a year.

Managing director Vincent Harrison said: “It is a tremendous honour for Dublin Airport to be shortlisted for such a major international award.”

The airport has also been nominated for the ACI’s Accessible Airport Award for the second year running, having won the inaugural accessible award last year.

8 June 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 June 2017

Out and About

Wild Air run comes to Malahide Castle T

HE Super Milk Wild Air Run saw almost 3,000 people partake in the inflatable 5k obstacle course at Malahide Castle last week. This was the touring events first venue of the 2017 summer season. The dynamic fun run features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5k course. The obstacles combine agility, creativity and a vast amount of fun. The event is for both adults and children. Future Dublin dates include St. Catherine’s Park Lucan, July 8 and Marlay Park, August 5 which will include new obstacles and attractions.

8 June 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

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DONABATE | WEEKEND SET TO SHOWCASE THE BEST OF COUNTY’S FARMING AND ARTISAN PRODUCE

50,000 expected to savour Fingal’s finest food festival  SYLVIA POWNALL THE eagerly-awaited annual event dubbed a “farming festival for foodies” is expected to draw crowds of more than 50,000 people later this month.

Flavours of Fingal takes place on 40 acres in the sprawling grounds of Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, and preparations are well under way for the county show.

The weekend celebration showcases the best of Irish farming and artisan foods just a few miles from the city – with local farmers working with Fingal County Council and Fingal Tourism to host the expo.

There are six distinct

enter tainment zones combining the sights and sounds of a traditional agricultural show with an unforgettable food experience and a family fun day out.

The two-day festival on June 24 and 25 hosts a mix of attractions, including food stalls stocked with locally produced delicacies, craft and cookery demonstrations, sheepdog trials, equestrian displays, horse ploughing, and even sheep racing.

The festival, now in its fifth year, has built a reputation as a youngster’s delight with bouncy castles, face painting, archaeological digs, obstacle courses, kids golf, music, magicians and lots more.

The Victorian walled garden will house a host

of Fingal food stalls, while the green in front of the Georgian house itself will be transformed into a vintage arena with re-enactments from the Great Irish War, Vikings, and even a spot of jousting.

Fingal County Council chief Paul Reid said: “This is our f lagship event focusing on rural life and its economy. It’s an opportunity for us to show the different facets

of Fingal life – from farming to food production, family fun and heritage.”

Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said: “It highlights the diverse components of the county and its people in an interactive way. I encourage people to come along and enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours this event will offer.”

For further information, see www.flavoursoffingal. ie.

Aoilleann Ni Chinneide, Luke Rigney and Tom Kilroy ducked in to last year’s fun festival

County’s green-fingered artists scoop a terrific haul of medals at Bloom 2017 FINGAL’S finest garden designers and floral artists scooped a haul of medals between them at the prestigious Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park at the weekend.

Niall Maxwell from Oldtown was one of five best-in-show award winners and his Oxfam Ireland and GOAL garden, A World Beyond Walls, was named Best Concept Garden.

Judges loved the vibrant, social garden

space which was cleverly used to highlight the need for tolerance and acceptance in an increasingly divided world.

Each of the show gardens, nursery displays, floral artistry and postcard gardens were adjudicated over two days by an independent panel of judges, and festival manager Gary Graham of Bord Bia said after 30 days of building the site, it was exciting to share the “stunning displays” with the pub-

lic. Sharon O’Sullivan from Malahide and Karen O’Farrell from Rush both won gold medals for their entries in the Floral Art Competition, while Fingal County Council and IT Blanchardstown picked up a bronze for their Fluirse Fingal garden.

Meanwhile, in the A.O.I.F.A Floral Competition, there were bronze medals for Maura Quirke from Portrane and Adrienne Flood from Donabate.

Mayor Darragh Butler with President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, and the president of ITB, Diarmuid O’Callaghan

The Fingal County Council and ITB garden, An Mayor Butler at the World Beyond Walls gardens, designed by Niall Maxwell and

Abundance of Land & Sea, which won a Bronze in the

Marina Andreeva

People’s Choice category. Pictures: Kevin McFeely

8 June 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

FASTNews

Dig into Swords Castle’s past by joining an archaeology project THE Swords Castle digging history project will return for a third season this summer, subject to consent.

The project, which sees an army of volunteers join archaeologists for a supervised dig at the historic site, was a huge success in 2015 and 2016.

Season three is provisionally pencilled in from Friday, August 18 to Wednesday, September 6, excluding Mondays. All (over 18s) are welcome, and training, tea and t-shirt will be provided.

For further information, see www.fingal.ie or visit the Swords Castle: Digging History page on Facebook.

Further six estates to be added to 30kmph speed limit scheme SIX more estates in the Swords and Balbriggan electoral areas are being earmarked for the extension of a 30kmph speed limit in residential areas.

The council wants to add Castleview, Berwick/ Abbeyvale, Chapel Lane, Castle Park and Castle Avenue in Swords as well as Rosepark, Balrothery, Cardy Rock in Balbriggan and Cois Inbhir in Donabate.

The local authority revealed at a recent meeting that public consultation will be held in coming weeks. Council officials said there would be a leaflet drop in affected estates.

OBERSTOWN | DIRECTOR DEFENDS CENTRE AFTER LATEST INCIDENT

‘We are committed to our efforts to improve’  SYLVIA POWNALL OBERSTOWN director Pat Bergin admitted this week that the youth detention centre in Lusk would “always face challenges” but was taking steps to improve security.

Mr Bergin – who was injured during an incident at the campus last week – issued a statement confirming that two escaped detainees had since been returned.

Another member of staff was attacked with a crowbar during the disturbance and the offenders used an angle grinder to escape – just hours after a Building The Future event heard good progress was being made

Oberstown Youth Detention Centre. Picture: Google Earth

at the centre.

Mr Bergin said: “We will not be issuing further detail on the particulars of the incident, as it is the subject of a live Garda investigation.”

He added: “The incident followed an event held to mark the first anniversary, providing a stark reminder of the con-

stant challenges an environment like Oberstown presents us with. We are committed to our efforts to improve.”

Mr Bergin said an implementation plan would bring about “positive change on a number of fronts.

“This positive change is reflected in the fact

that until May 30 we were seven months without any major incident at the campus. This is progress.

It will continue.”

The interim recommendations include tougher policing of the use of a range of illicit drugs.

Mr Bergin admitted: “It raises a challenge for the night supervising officer or the care staff because when the young person is taking some of this stuff, it’s more difficult to reason with them.”

Five other key recommendations include replacing bedroom doors with “a more robust-type door and lock”, weekly safety reviews, fostering a “positive no-blame incident-reporting cul-

ture”, moving a smoking area away from the gate, and strengthening barrier fences.

Last October, local residents met with Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone to voice their concerns over rioting, break-outs, industrial action by staff and other disturbances at the neighbouring campus.

This week, Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) warned: “The situation at Oberstown has been out of control for some time.

“Despite some progress and the best efforts of staff at the unit, Minister Zappone’s assertion that the facility is fit for purpose is clearly incorrect.”

10 GAZETTE 8 June 2017

Out and About

Nearly 33,000 participants took to the streets of Dublin. Picture: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE

Winner Anne Marie McGlynn from Tyrone, centre, is presented with her prize by Vhi CEO John O’Dwyer, right, and Kathy Endersen, left, CEO of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Runners celebrate crossing the finish line. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Ciara Smyth and Megan Counihan

Thousands take to the streets for good causes N

EARLY 33,000 participants took to the streets of Dublin to run, walk and jog the 10km route in the women’s mini-marathon, raising much-needed funds for hundreds of charities around the country. The winner of Monday’s race was Ann-Marie McGlynn from Strabane in Tyrone who crossed the finish line in a time of 00.33.55. She was followed by Laura Shaughnessy from Rathfarnham in Dublin who came second and Catherina Mullen from Dunboyne, Co Meath in third place.

Mona-Lxsa Tauras, Holly Da Costa, Soule and Ghaliah Conroy

Forbidden Fruit is the sweetest for festival-goers

Lorna Danaher and Rob McCann. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

T

HE June Bank Holiday saw festival season get underway when the Bulmers Forbidden Fruit Festival returned to the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art at Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The changing weather didn’t dampen festival-goers’ spirits, with thousands enjoying a range of top acts including Orbital, Bon Iver and many more.

Olivia Hogan and Claire Craig

Sarah Tighe and Sarah

Aoibhe Devlin and

Curran

Vanessa Williams

8 June 2017 GAZETTE 11

Runners celebrate crossing the finish line

Tadhg, Barry, Aisling and Liam Judge from Dublin

Friends from Clondalkin walk for Spinal Injuries Ireland

Caroline Shesgreen, Eileen Murphy and Kate O’Brien

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 8 June 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Orlagh O’Connor, GRENKE Leasing, presents Michael O’Hara, managing director, and a number of the Data Solutions team with the 2017 Distributor of the Year Award at the Tech Excellence Awards in Citywest Hotel

Dublin tech firm scoops a top distributor award A CLONDALKIN-based IT distributor has claimed the 2017 Distributor of the Year Award at the Irish Tech Excellence awards held at Citywest Hotel.

Data Solutions claimed the top title in recognition of its business performance and customer service, with the award going to the company following a poll of resellers and other industry figures.

The award win marked the third win out of four years for the company at what was the 17th annual outing for the awards.

Driving Data Solutions’ success on the night were its business achievements throughout 2016, in addition to its €5 million investment and expansion into the UK market.

T h e c o m p a ny h a s also signed a number of partnerships with leading vendors in the UK, including Nutanix and

Cohesity, and is looking to replicate its success in Ireland in the competitive UK market.

The company’s annual IT security event, The Secure Computing Forum, also factored into its win, with peers praising the initiative.

The Secure Computing Forum is Ireland’s largest annual conference dedicated to IT security, with last year’s event attended by more than 400 people from a range of industries.

Michael O’Hara, managing director, Data Solutions, said: “The Tech Excellence Awards is Ireland’s pre-eminent technology awards programme. We are humbled to receive this award for three of the last four years.

“The Data Solutions’ team is absolutely chuffed as it is a real endorsement of the service we provide from those who know it best – our reseller cus-

tomers, and partners.

“We are exceptionally proud of our great rela-

tionships with our resellers and vendor partners, and this award highlights

our ongoing commitment to both our customers and the market.”

United we stand ... for a shared tourism vision

A DIVERSE group of characters came together at Collins Barracks to help launch the new national representative Association for the Visitor Attractions and Experiences (AVEA) sector in Ireland, which is a single unified body representing the key contributor to the economy.

Joining the newly appointed AVEA

chairman, Paul Carty and Ann Daly, marketing director, The National Museum of Ireland were Carmel Rowe (Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience), Tom Coll (drummer, Guinness Storehouse), Dallan Kenny (viking, Dublinia) and Tom Coll (GPO Witness History experience). Picture: Julien Behal

Have you ever considered a career in hospitality?

THERE are many benefits to a career in hospitality.

One of the major benefits is job security.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Ireland. In 2016, 8.8 million international visitors arrived in the country. That’s a 10% increase on the year before.

The hospitality sector plays a vital role in that industry. There will always be a need for hospitality jobs in Ireland.

Another benefit is career advancement.

Hotels tend to promote from within.

Far from being a “summer job” or a stopgap until something better comes along, a hospitality job could lead down many career paths - marketing, catering or management to name a few.

There are also flexible hours to consider. Some people would go insane if they were stuck in a cubicle for eight hours a day Monday to Friday.

Are you a night owl or an early bird? There’s a shift to suit you.

Do you enjoy social interaction and get a buzz from meeting new people?

A job in hospitality is a perfect role for a real “people person”.

Now for the fun stuff. Meals, uniforms and hotelier discounts are standard for most positions.

But the real perks are all thanks to your friends in “The Industry”.

Because you are all tourism ambassadors, your friends will know the hot new restaurant or bar to try out and will most likely know someone who can get you in.

Have you considered a career in hospitality?

If you want to talk to someone about opportunities in this sector, contact RecruitmentPlus on 01 2788610 or visit www.recruitmentplus.ie.

Remember this key info, and you’ll wow when you work! If you’re interested in temping or want to talk to someone about your career, contact RecruitmentPlus at 01 2788 610, or also see www.recruitmentplus.ie.

8 June 2017 GAZETTE 13

TRAVEL: SEE THE WORLD P20

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

FOOD: SAY ALOHA TO A HAWAIIAN POKE P21



GAZETTE

INTERVIEW: LOVE/HATE STAR JOHN CONNORS P19

LET LILLY HELP KEEP YOU BUSY AND ACTIVE OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Lilly, a friendly and bouncy 8-month-old, female Collie cross.

She is a curious girl but can get a little worried by new things so she will need gentle and patient owners to help build up her confidence.

Lilly is very affectionate with people she knows well but can be overwhelmed if strangers fuss over her too much, so if there are children in her new home, they would need to be at least 10 years of age, or older.

Lilly is very social with other dogs and she would be more than happy with sharing her furever home with another canine pal.

Being a clever Collie cross she will need lots of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise to keep her brain busy.

If you can help Lilly then contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

Come On Live Long return with a stunning new album

 JAMES HENDICOTT FOUR YEARS after the release of their acclaimed debut album “Everything Fall”, and with an ocean of water under the bridge, Dubliners Come On Live Long formalise their return next week with the official launch of a follow up, “In The Still”.

The four-piece are an eclectic lot, seemingly grabbing their inspiration from old-school fuzzy jazz tracks, delicate, fashionable beats and gentle pop sensibilities all at the same time. Their style has become ever more creative, and in “In The Still”, they’ve taken directly from their surrounds, drawing on a series of imaginative samples and playful field recordings.

Continued on pages 16-17

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 8 June 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

CONTEST: SEARCH IS ON TO FIND THE FACE OF A NEW TEETHING CHARACTER

By gum – your baby could be a Calpol star

TO SUPPORT the fun side of teething and its milestones, Calpol has launched a nationwide search for a little teething character.

Despite the ups and downs of the teething period, there are precious moments to capture and look forward to as well ... cute gappy grins and funny faces.

To enter, see www.littlecharacterscompetition. ie and upload a picture of the very first tooth, the dribbling, or a satisfying chomp on the perfect teething toy to be in with a chance of winning a professional family photoshoot, a family pass for a leading Irish attraction, and a chance to feature as

Get your ticket now for The K Club’s ultra glamorous fundraiser for the Jack and Jill Foundation

Calpol’s Facebook star for 2017.

As this can be an uncomfortable process for your toddler, Calpol has put together some teething tips to help soothe the pain, including to cool baby’s teething ring in the fridge, if suitable; cool drinks or soft foods such as yogurt; and play with baby to distract them from the pain of their gums.

RACE TO THE K CLUB TO SUPPORT ILL KIDS LOTS of people will be gallop over to The K Club in Straffan at the end of the month where a spectacular black tie gala event is being held in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball is a key fundraiser for the charity, which needs to raise €3.5m each year to help care for seriously ill children and their families.

The stylish evening will be hosted by RTE sports presenter Tracy Piggott, and will be attended by some of the country’s leading horse racing, sports and entertainment figures.

Tickets are priced €145, and include a drinks reception, four-course dinner, music and entertainment and an auction and raffle.

For further information, call 045 894 538 or email edelle@jackandjill.ie.

HORSES GALORE AT THE RDS IN AUGUST STAYING with a horsey theme, and the 2017 Dublin Horse Show will take place in the RDS from Wednesday, August 9 to Sunday, August 13.

Now in its 144th year, the show promises to be an exciting mix of all things equestrian and more.

Each year the show offers visitors a chance to view national and international showjumping competitions and world-class

equestrian entertainment, browse through more than 300 trade stands, taste a wide array of food and drink in the many bars and restaurants, and enjoy some entertainment with everything from music to circus acts.

For the third year running, Dundrum Town Centre will be the title sponsor for Ladies Day, which takes place on Thursday, August 10.

Admission starts at €22, while hospitality packages are also available offering uninterrupted views and fine dining experiences.

eral population, and that men with MS have a 5% lower quality of life than women with MS. The research was based on findings of a nationally representative study to understand the impact of MS on the 9,000 people with the disease.

The research also reported that Ireland is below the rest of the EU in terms of the number of people working – 60% of people in the EU liv-

ing with MS are at work, whereas the figure is just 43% in Ireland.

Ava Battles, chief executive, MS Ireland said: “MS is generally diagnosed at a young age and weighs heavily on a person’s life. Family, work, social and personal life can all be impacted by the disease and for the first time we can now quantify this.

“We need everyone involved in the care of

MS – people with MS and their loved ones, healthcare professionals, the Government – to work together to improve access to services, treatment and supports so we can improve life outcomes for people with the disease.

“We have also unveiled our #LifeWithMS campaign featuring top tips for improving daily life when living with MS which we sourced directly from people living with the disease.”

A CALL TO DO MORE TO HELP THOSE WITH MS TO MARK the recent World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day on May 31, MS Ireland and Novartis released research on the quality of life of people living with MS in Ireland.

The research revealed that quality of life of people living with MS was 32% lower than the gen-

Aoife Kirwan, MS Ireland patient advocate, is pictured with her son, Adam Kirwan

8 June 2017 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

FEATURE

BLOOMSDAY: A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH SEAMUS HEANEY MAKES AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT

You should meet your heroes!  DON CAMERON

PEOPLE say that you should never meet your heroes, but I suspect sometimes they’re wrong – I know this, because when I met one of mine, it was a brief but beautiful moment.

It was on Bloomsday, a few years ago, and I went to Sandycove to sample the atmosphere and get my copy of Ulysses datestamped in the James Joyce Museum in the old Martello Tower.

The place was alive with people, with many dressed in Edwardian-era attire, and lively chat filled the sea air.

James Joyce lookalikes were everywhere, and a few very attractive Molly Blooms caught the eye. “Yes, yes,” one said in a sultry voice, like her famous namesake, and the crowd laughed and cheered.

Inside, the curator stamped postcards that I was going to send to friends who were Joyce friends. Then she flicked open the cover of my book, put ink on the date-stamp and pressed down hard.

I was delighted, thanked her and eased my way past the colourful crowds overlooking swimmers in the nearby Forty Foot, and headed home.

I got off the train at Booterstown and headed up the road, book and postcards safely tucked under my arm.

I had only recently finished reading the great book after numerous false starts, and had decided to get it stamped on Bloomsday as a reminder of my long-delayed achievement.

Yes, I had finally finished it, and it seemed like a good idea to get it stamped in the place where the story begins, and also to enjoy the merriment at Sandycove.

It was a good decision, and a few photographs and a luscious ice cream

helped make the day.

As I neared the local shops and thinking about finding a proper place for the book on a shelf at home I looked up, and stopped dead in my tracks.

I had to be seeing things, I thought, and quickly headed to the newsagents where none other than Seamus Heaney was buying a copy of The Irish Times.

I waited at the door, heart beating fast, and when he stepped outside I stuck out my hand, saying: “Happy Bloomsday.”

“And a very Happy Bloomsday to you, too,” he replied, giving me a firm and friendly handshake.

He noticed my book (above). “Good day for it,” he said, smiling.

“Yes,” I managed, “and I’ve just been to Sandycove to have it datestamped.”

“Good idea,” he said, “and a nice reminder of the day.”

I nodded. “Yes ... and I wonder if you would be so good as to sign it. That

would be terrific!”

So, standing in the sunshine, I handed my book to the great man and the cover was flicked open again. Moments later he handed the book back and again bid me a “Happy Bloomsday.”

Then he pushed his spectacles up his nose, fixed the newspaper under his arm and walked to his car. He gave a final, friendly wave and was gone.

I stood there for a few moments looking at my book, a smile as broad as Dublin Bay on my face.

It had indeed been the briefest of encounters, but I was very happy to have met my hero.

8 June 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E EV

with JAMES HENDICOTT

Arundhati Roy

The Man Booker Prize winner speaks at ILF Dublin on the back of her second novel ‘The Ministry Of The Utmost Happiness’, no doubt touching along her arrest for the political content of her writing along the way. June 11 at the RDS

Arcade Fire

Mellow Canadians drop in on Malahide Castle, with what’s sure to be a massive stage show riddled with hits. The show, part of a European tour, is likely to include glances at new tracks such as the newly unveiled ‘Everything Now’. June 14

“If I wasn’t writing music, I would lose my mind” - the reincarnation of Come On Live Long

Dublin act Come On Live Long’s comeback brings with it evolution, and a stunning new album  FROM PAGE 13

ARCADE FIRE, MALAHIDE CASTLE

Ireland v Austria

Martin O’Neill’s side bring Austria back to the Aviva Stadium for a contest that could set the tone for the rest of the campaign, as Ireland seek to challenge Serbia for a table-topping slot currently held only on goal difference. June 11

Colour Dash Dublin

Combine a 5km run with the colorful world of the Indian festival of Holi, as joggers in Phoenix Park arm themselves with paint to pound the streets and splatter each other. The charitable Sunday morning run takes place on June 11.

24hr Opera

Many of Ireland’s finest talents in a fast-growing opera scene will take part in a 24hr event in which they put together a performance from scratch. The live performance from a no-doubt tired cast will take place on June 9, and will be as fresh as an opera could ever hope to be. June 9.

Liam Gallagher

The former Oasis frontman has been rumoured to be turning out with his brother in a reformation in recent weeks. That’s probably wishful thinking, but he will play a few old classics alongside his newer material as he plays the Olympia Theatre in an unusually small show on June 10.

Glendalough Guided Moonlight Hike

See Glendalough in a whole new light, as a guided tour taking in the history of the site goes late into the night, finishing around 1am. The 4-5 hour hike gets underway at 8pm on June 9, and will be led by Wild Summits and their qualified mountain leaders.

June 9.

Taste of Dublin

The annual foodie festival returns to the Iveagh Gardens, with 20 restaurants, 60 exhibitors and over 160 masterclasses and demos to skip lunch or dinner for. June 15-18.

New album of the week

MUSIC

Alt-J - Relaxer. Imaginative indie-pop stars Alt-J will appear in Dublin as part of the new Trinity College gig series this summer.

New album ‘Relaxer’ is only eight-tracks long, but as always we can expect carefully crafted, delicately wonderful abstract storytelling.

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 8 June 2017

The Still”.

“There was this church just down the road from a town we were staying, and it has this organ, the most beautiful sounding organ I’ve ever heard,” McCabe explains.

“We went down in the middle of the night, brought all our recording gear and recorded the organ.

It’s on a couple of tracks, most notably on ‘Little Hedgehog’.

Since the last album, vocalist Rob Ardiff spent six weeks in Paris producing a solo EP, and became a father. Bassist Ken McCabe relocated to Malta for a while and worked as a producer on a number of records, not least Loah’s highly-acclaimed new album, and also left the country for two years to complete a teaching qualification. Keyboard player Louise Gaffney created music videos for sadly-deceased pianist Conor Walsh. A real contributor to the new record, then, is the bringing together of their varied recent lives.

“We got together for a weekend jamming, and we had an absolute tonne of material,” McCabe told The Gazette of the process.

“We almost had an album from that one weekend,” Ardiff Come On Live Long: In The Still continues.

“There were a couple of tracks Right at the end of the track, you written later in the studio, but a can hear the creaking of the pedlot of it was there straight away. als on the organ and the wind A lot of the songs were quite outside in the middle of the night. individual projects, written away “When we got out of there, from the band. They were less we’d taken pictures of everything jammed out than the first album; to make sure we put everything we just jammed together to fin- back where it was. We got back ish it off. to the house and realised we’d “It’s really hard ducking in and left a little knob off a controller out of music,” Ardiff said of the behind. We went back the next time away. day and got it. Apparently since “That’s why we all had our own then they’ve installed CCTV camthings going on, though. Music’s eras in the church. really good for mental health, “We bring a little recorder evedefinitely in my case. If I wasn’t rywhere,” he adds of the band’s writing music I’d be losing my imaginative sonic backdrops. mind.”

“We spent a day in the forest The varied process of making recording the sound of breakmusic is clearly a huge part of the ing wood, to use as percussion. appeal for the band, with McCabe There are no real rules on the and Ardiff recalling a particularly sound we make in this band.” madcap recording experience in Naturally, reproducing those Mayo during the making of “In quirky sounds live can be pretty

tricky, but it’s something that Come On Live Long are focusing on for their launch date. “ We can play nine of the ten tracks on the album live, though ‘Peak’ will have to be our walk on music,” Ardiff tells us.

“Ken got a choir at his school to perform on some tracks, and we can’t get them on, obviously.

“We recorded some of the songs with Rian Trench [formerly of Solar Bears], and he’ll be warming up for us at the launch show.”

U n u s u a l l y, “ I n t h e S t i l l ” appeared online well ahead of the physical launch date, having been available on Spotify since mid May. “This album was funded by Spotify,” McCabe says of the release’s digital-only initial launch.

“The people who complain about Spotify tend to be the ones that have a lot to lose in potential sales. New bands, bands like us who aren’t backed by anybody, we’re only gaining from Spotify.

Unless a label are going to do a lot for us, there’s not a lot to be gained from signing for record label, and it means we get to keep all the income.

“I 100% want to make a living out of this,” Ardiff concludes, “but we 100% do it for the love of it, too. If it wasn’t for the love of it, it’d be hard to write it at all.” In the release of a colourful, textured and subtly produced sophomore album, Come On Live Long are taking large steps along that road.

‘In The Still’ is out now, with the official launch taking place at Whelan’s on June 17, with support from Trenchurion. Non-digital versions of the album will be available on the same date.

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18 GAZETTE 8 June 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE

sweet summer dresses

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

THE sun is shining, so that can only mean one thing, dress season has officially begun. Carraig Donn has a wide range of dresses for summer 2017. Whether it’s sheer cap sleeves, frilled detailing or wrap dresses, Carraig Donn has a wide range of dresses with beautiful details across its 37 stores, online on its new look website, www.carraigdonn.com or from Carraig Donn’s “Shop Our Instagram” page.

Frill sleeved dress

Cape sleeve dress

Pleat detail dress

add a pop of colour SUMMER is all about being bright and breezy, so why not add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with Carraig Donn’s Pala D’oro pink, three quarter length sleeved dress with frill detail (€39.95). The coral Pala D’oro frill sleeved dress (€39.95) is perfect for work or play, and will leave you feeling cool this summer. Pala D’oro’s gorgeous pink floral cape sleeved dress (€39.95) is the perfect occasion dress for this season - simply add a gold sandal and clutch for extra glamour

Black floral pink and yellow wrap dress

Out with the old, in with the new

TO celebrate the launch of their #Summer 100 campaign, Life Style Sports at Arnotts will keep your feet looking lit’ this summer thanks to the Trainer Exchange.

Exclusive to Life Style Sports at Arnotts, the Trainer Exchange takes place from June 1-12.

Customers who drop their old trainers into the special Trainer Exchange box in store, will receive 20% off any new pair of fashion or running and fitness trainers of their choice, perfect to funk up your feet this summer!

This epic exchange gives everyone the chance to look slick this summer in some top-quality sneakers from International brands like Nike, Adidas originals, Reebok, Puma and Converse.

When in store, customers will also be invited to try on their favourite trainers and ‘Snap ‘n’ Share’ pictures using the hashtags #TrainerExchange and #ArnottsLifeStyleSports. Customers who upload their images to Twitter or Instagram will be chosen at random to win €100 to spend on the summer range in Life Style Sports.

Life Style Sports is located on the lower basement level in Arnotts with direct access through the Liffey Street entrance.

pretty prints MAKE a stylish statement this summer with Carraig Donn’s printed tunic dresses, wrap dresses and check dresses. Whether it’s the Pala D’oro gorgeous print tunic dress (€39.95) accented by a pink floral pattern, the Pala D’oro black, pink and blue circular patterned tunic dress (€39.95) or the Pala D’oro black floral pink and yellow wrap dress (€39.95) updating your wardrobe will be easy this summer with Carraig Donn.

Print tunic dress

Frill Bottom Dress

8 June 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Wannabe gangsters take centre-stage in this gritty new Irish film, with its Darndale setting framing the action of lives spiralling out of control as amidst drugs, violence and tension

INTERVIEW: STAR AND DIRECTOR OF CARDBOARD GANGSTERS TEAM UP TO TALK ABOUT NEW FILM

Darndale setting delivers a dark trip through Dublin’s underbelly  DARRAGH MCKIERNAN THE Gazette caught up with Love/Hate star John Connors recently to hear all about his team-up with director Mark O’Connor, with their third film together on course to be the Irish film of the year.

Set in Darndale, the upcoming Cardboard Gangsters follows smalltime drug dealer Jay (Connors) and his gang – Cobbie (Ryan Lincoln), Dano (Fionn Walton) and Glenner (Paul Alwright) – as they plan their move into the higher ranks of the Dublin gangland scene.

Cut off from social welfare payments and with the ultimate dream of leaving the life he leads behind, Jay plans on becoming a big-time heroin dealer, with the hope of earning enough to pay off his family debts and start a new life for

Actor John Connors has an imposing presence throughout the film (above, and top centre), delivering a compelling character to match

himself and his pregnant girlfriend (Gemma-Leah Devereux) in Spain.

However, heroin kingpin Derra Murphy (Jimmy Smallhorne) doesn’t take kindly to the idea of another competitor in the Darndale area. Combine this with Jay’s romantic fling with Derra’s wife, Kim (Kierston Wareing) and Jay’s dream suddenly doesn’t looks shaky ...

Co-written by Connors, the film boasts an intense,

humorous and entertaining script. John’s acting talent shines throughout, as he stands out in some of the more vivid and explosive scenes.

John grew up in the Darndale area. He said: “I grew up in the area, I’ve seen a lot of things. I always wanted to make a film about where I came from, and also how you get into that sort of life.

“Instead of looking at it from a narrow point

of view, just show that sometimes you’re pushed in a corner and it could be difficult.”

The film is full of young and up and coming talent. With young Irish actors like Barry Keoghan beginning to make a name for himself, it seems to be a good time for young actors to be getting involved in the Irish film scene.

John said: “There’s some amazing talent in

the film – I loved it! Me and the gang had a great time together; we lived together for seven weeks.

“The casting process was a really long and drawn-out thing where we really made sure that people fought for their roles before we gave them to them.”

Director Mark O’Connor is quickly becoming one of Ireland’s finest directors. His filmography holds a number

of films that fall into the crime drama genre.

Like Cardboard Gangsters, his other recent films (Between the Canals, and Stalker) depict similar scenes of Dublin’s dark criminal underbelly.

When asked what it is about these Dublin crime dramas that seems to do so well with cinemagoers, Mark said: “I suppose it’s just the connection, the criminal lifestyle that goes back to the 1920s. People

get fascinated by that.

“Entering into that world ... getting an insight into it is almost glamourous. You’re almost living in that world for an hour and a half; it’s kind of the fascination of it.”

The film’s energetic soundtrack contains a number of Dublin-based artists and lends a feeling of authenticity to some of the vibrant montage scenes.

Mark added: “We tried to find the soundtrack that fit Darndale. John knew some rappers, I had some ideas, and over the course of the development it was just finding the right soundtrack and then also the right composer to build the whole score and the whole sound of the film.”

Cardboard Gangsters hits cinemas on June 16.

See our Main Cinema review on Page 24

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 8 June 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Nip around nature in Nicaragua

Last minute deals for a trip to remember in Italy or Austria CRYSTAL Summer Holidays are offering €50 off per booking on lake and mountain destinations throughout Europe departing in July or August.

Whether you want to relax beside the lake or spend your days walking, cycling and sailing, a holiday to Italy or Austria could be the perfect choice for you.

The beauty of Italy cannot be overstated.

The magnificent country is surrounded by crisp waters, pretty lakeside towns and ancient fishing villages set beneath the Alps.

Austria is recognised for its scenic beauty as well as its cultural activities. Visitors can raise a glass with the hosts at one of the many traditional summer festivals and sample the wholesome delicacies.

The following are just a few of the many deals on offer. For full details of these or bookings, see www.TravelMedia.ie.

Italy: • Depart June 17, stay at the 3* Hotel Rododendro, Val Di Fassa, for seven nights, on a half-board basis, from €599pp.

• Depart June 17, stay at the 3* Chalet Salvan, Selva, for seven nights, on a catered basis, from €629pp.

Austria: • Depart June 21, stay at the 3* Hotel Obermair, Mayrhofen, for seven nights, on a B&B basis, from €529pp.

• Depart June 21, stay at the 3* Hotel Gansleit, Soll, for seven nights, on a half-board basis, from €599pp.

You’ll hanker for Hong Kong after making your way to the slick city

With its vast size, China is home to some of the planet’s most incredible scenery – so why not take in some of the sights at your own pace on a bicycle tour?

TOURS: TAKE TO TWO WHEELS FOR A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON LOTS OF SPECTACULAR

Saddle up and see the  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

EXPLORING far-flung destinations is on most people’s bucket list, but have you ever thought of doing it on a bicycle?

Seeing new places from a saddle offers a close-up perspective of the landscape and way of life, which can’t always be enjoyed from a vehicle.

Adventure holiday experts Explore offer more than 70 cycling trips worldwide, from a picturesque tour around Lake Constance to pedalling past the powering volcanoes in Central America, or even cycling through the rural backroads of China.

Great haul of China They’ve just launched a new 12-day trip to China on what are classed moderate to challenging graded

c y cl i n g r o u t e s f r o m Chengdu to Guilin.

Join the trip in the sprawling city of Chengdu and visit the Giant Panda breeding centre and follow the route past terraced rice paddies and mountainous backdrops through the remote villages of rural China.

Learn to cook local delicacies before finishing the trip with cycle rides and cruises along the Li River amid stunning Karst scenery.

Trips depart this September and from next May, June, September and October, and cost from €3,105 per person.

This price includes return flights, 11 nights’ hotel and one overnight train accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, bike hire, transport and the services of an Explore leader, cycle guide, bike mechanic and driver.

• Prices quoted include return flights to London but other airports can be arranged at time of booking.

• The cost of bike hire is included in all prices.

• For more information about all these trips, or to book, see www.explore.co.uk

Have your fill of fabulous flowers in South Africa

Alpine adventure Alternatively, the seven-day self-guided Lake Constance by bike is an easy graded trip set in the beautiful alpine setting of Lake Constance, shared by Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

Stop off en-route at the thermal spas and cycle through idyllic lakeside villages and huge apple orchards.

Discover the baroque tow n of Meersburg, home to Germany’s

oldest inhabited castle, pedal through vineyards and spend time at the 15th century gothic cathedral in Radolfzell.

Departures run until this October and cost from €727 per person.

This price includes six nights’ hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, bike hire and luggage transfers.

Tibetan wonders Another trip just launched is the Tagong

Horse Festival of Ancient Kham – an 18-day trip to the southeastern area of the Tibetan Plateau which is home to striking mountain scenery and fascinating people.

Journey onwards to the Tagong grasslands for the annual Horse Festival.

This trip departs on next June 14, 2018 and costs from €3,984 per person.

This price includes

return flights, 17 nights’ hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore leader, driver and local guides.

Hong Kong Kunming to Hong Kong and the Buffalo God Festival offers a 16-day journey across southern China to explore ethnic minority villages and experience the Buffalo God Festival

8 June 2017 GAZETTE 21

FOOD&DRINK DINING OUT: KLAW POKE OPENS AT CAPEL STREET

Closer to home, an Alpine adventure takes in pretty, historic towns

CITIES AND SIGHTS

world!

of the Miao people.

This trip departs on next May 16 and costs from €3,956 per person for return flights, accommodation, transfers, services of an Explore leader, driver and local guides.

Panama E x p l o r e ’ s 14 - d a y C y cl e N i c a r a g u a t o the Panama Canal is a moderate to challenging graded cycle trip that explores the spectacular scenery of Central America and the tropical Caribbean island of Bocas del Toro.

Pedal past Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, cycle around the expansive Lake Nicaragua and visit the extraordinary Panama Canal.

While visiting Bocas del Toro, relax on the stunning beaches, snorkel or dive the colourful coral reefs and take a boat trip to one of the

outlying islands.

This trip departs on October 20 and costs from €2,573 per person.

This price includes return flights; 12 nights’ hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; bike hire; transport and the services of an Explore leader, driver and cycle guide.

Flowers of the Cape A 12-day journey from South A frica’s Cape Town to Windhoek during the wildflower season.

Tr i p s d e p a r t o n August 5 and 16 and cost from €3,088 per person.

This price includes return flights to London, five nights’ hotel, five nights’ lodge and one night guesthouse accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore leader, driver and local guides.

Say Aloha to this Hawaiian staple IRELAND’S food revolution is continuing with the opening of Klaw Poke on Capel Street.

Niall Sabongi, of Temple Bar’s wildly successful restaurant Klaw, has created a destination for fans of this Hawaiian dish at a time when raw and nutritious food is more in demand than ever.

Poke (pronounced Po-kay) is a raw fish salad widely served across Hawaii, which since 2012 has caught the imagination of food enthusiasts across mainland US and now Europe.

The menu offers a number of suggested Poke bowl mixes, or customers are welcome to create their own dish by choosing a base of either brown rice, quinoa, rice noodles or wild leaves, adding sauces such as house ponzu, sriracha aioli, namjim or gochujang.

There is a wide selection of toppings to finish including sunomono cucumber, nori, macadamia nut, fried onion and kimchi.

The final price of the Poke bowl is based on the diner’s choice of protein,

from €8 for yellowfin tuna to €15 for lobster. They also offer Irish salmon, octopus, crab and shrimp.

Klaw Poke also serves all of the Klaw favorites with chowder, crab, Irish oysters and the famous Klaw lobster roll.

A 25-seater restaurant, Klaw Poke is an attractive addition to the Capel

Street area which is enjoying a renaissance with an eclectic selection of bars, cafes and vintage and antique shops.

Inside the interior has been stripped back to bare brick, with the rear featuring the old “Walsh’s” shop sign.

For further information, see www.klaw.ie, or follow @KlawPoke on Twitter.

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Celebrating our island’s diverse gins THE Irish Gin & Tonic Fest – a 32-county celebration of Ireland’s finest gins – will run in bars throughout the country from June 25 to July 1 for its second year.

There are 14 Irish gins on board for the festival including Dingle Gin, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin and Hapenny Gin. In addition to all the venue activities, each of the brands will be hosting their own festival event, such as the ultimate gin & tonic demo at IdleWild at Fade Street.

Facebook The public can vote for their favourite Irish G&T the festival by using the #IrishGnT tag on Twitter or by going to the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/GreatIrishBeverages.

Irish gins are proving to be very popular at the moment, with many bars throughout the country claiming that they are outselling Irish whiskies.

A sneak preview of the Irish gins will be on show at a special party on the rooftop bar of Odessa Club, Dame Court D2 on June 16.

Tickets are available online, at www.greatirishbeverages.com.

Help to ‘turn up the heat on cancer’ with a special BBQ campaign BALLYMALOE Foods and the Marie Keating Foundation have joined forces to “turn up the heat on cancer” with their BBQ To Beat Cancer campaign this summer.

This year the initiative is focusing on raising awareness on issues surrounding men’s health and prostate cancer.

Running throughout the whole summer, they are invit-

ing BBQ lovers to host a fundraising BBQ in aid of the charity.

Ballymaloe have created special BBQ recipes to help BBQ to Beat Cancer hosts prepare the most delicious meals on the day.

Entered into draw T hose who register will receive a BBQ pack in the post

with the chance to be entered into a draw to win great Ballymaloe goodies.

More than 3,400 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland each year and the funds raised from the campaign will be used to help those on their prostate cancer journey, while also raising awareness.

Commenting on the partnership, Maxine Hyde, sales and

marketing manager for Ballymaloe Foods said: “We are so happy to have the opportunity to partner with the Marie Keating Foundation. We truly admire the important work the foundation does to raise awareness of cancer and fight the disease in Ireland.”

For more information or to register, see http://www. mariekeating.ie/bbq/.

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DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Honda is offering an option for buyers of the CR-V for 172 registrations up until the end of July

Honda 172 ‘High Five’ Offer - Celebrating the Honda CR-V TO celebrate the Honda CR-V being the “Overall Best Selling SUV in the World” Honda want to give everyone a High Five.

The latest generation of Honda CR-V will now be available at Honda dealers with a choice of five highly competitive offers for the July 172 selling period.

The offer includes either 3.9% APR PCP finance or €4,000 guaranteed minimum trade-in value or complimentary leather up-grade or three years road tax and platinum service plan or a €1,000 deal booster.

Standard Honda VR-V features include Citybrake active system, Bluetooth, Cruise control, Alloy wheels and Dual-zone Climate Control.

Upgrading to the CR-V ES grade brings the internet-enabled Honda Connect infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, front fog lights and auto lights and wipers.

New environmental tyre levy on the way IT appears that the new Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) for recycling tyres will come into effect this year, with July 1 being a starting date, according to tyre industry sources who met with representatives of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Denis Naughten last week. The scheme to be operated by Repak Ireland will mean an additional recycling charge of €3.44 incl. VAT for each car tyre, when changing tyres, amounting to a levy of €13.75 when changing a set of four car tyres.

The regulations will insist that the Visible Environmental Management Charge (vEMC) must be shown on all invoices, credit notes and delivery dockets issued by producers to retailers, and retailers to consumers, in a similar way that VAT appears on invoices.

The rate for a motorcycle tyre will be set at €1.85 while tyres for lighter trucks and 4x4’s will be charged between €8.20 and €8.60 (€6.70 to €7.00 plus 23% VAT). Heavy truck tyres will be levied at between €10.50 - €11, plus 23% VAT. All retailers will have to register with and report to Repak ELT Ltd. All tyre sales websites operating in Ireland will be obliged to have their compliance scheme registration number displayed at the point of sale.

New Kodiaq gives Skoda the SUV space edge

Skoda’s new Kodiaq joins the market for mid-range SUVs with bigger size that offers more space. The Kodiaq is good to drive and competitive to own in terms of fuel economy as MICHAEL MORONEY found out during his recent test drive.

FOR a new entrant to be seen and stand out in the bulging mid-size SUV market it needs to have something very special.

That’s what Skoda’s new Kodiaq needs to do.

For Skoda that challenge has been met by a combination of fresh design, generous space, good functionality, coupled with the latest driver assistance systems and new connectivity solutions.

This new SUV has obviously ticked the boxes of the competition and came out with more on offer at a price that’s sure to be competitive.

The Kodiaq is not quite the stand-out fresh design, but it has identity and size to make it different.

More and more midsize SUV drivers are looking for space and flexibility and the Kodiaq goes a longer way than most in achieving these. I took it for a lengthy test run that included some modest offroad, but mainly tarmac

driving.

That experience was memorable not in a fast car motoring excitement sort of way, but more in that I was almost instantly comfortable in the car.

The complete driving dynamic seemed to be just right; a combination of engine power, six-speed gearbox and comfort were all included in a package that has genuine family appeal.

Skoda has built on the Volkswagen Tiguan experience and added some extras to give the Kodiaq more appetite. For starters, the Kodiaq is longer and has a longer wheelbase than all five of the other mid-range SUV’s that I’ve looked at when comparing its key features.

And the wheelbase, the distance between front and back wheels, is also the longest and that’s part of the reason why the Kodiaq delivers well on driving comfort. The extra length ensures better passenger leg space

too, compliments of the sliding middle row of seat.

And for the Kodiaq, extra vehicle length has ensured that it has the biggest boot capacity in the segment at 630 litres, extending to 2,005 litres when all three rows of seats were folded down.

The Kodiaq performs well in terms of economy.

I drove more than 700km and found that the range was well in excess of 850km.

The six-speed gearbox was easy to use and allowed a motor way cruising speed of 120km/ hr to be achieved at relatively low engine revs of 2,250rpm approx. That gearbox ratio, along with the smooth start/stop system for city driving, are both helping to keep fuel economy levels under control.

I was impressed with the economy figures, given that the version that I drove was fitted with Skoda’s automatic 4x4 system. This adds additional

The new Skoda Kodiaq is a solid looking SUV that combines all of the technical features of the VW range along with some very impressive Skoda features that make it especially attractive

VSkoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 SPECIFICATIONS Engine 2.0 litre Engine power 150hp 0 – 100km/hr 9.3 seconds Economy 19km/litre

(5.3l/100km or 53mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres CO2 emissions 141g/km Road Tax Band C €390 Main Service 20,000km/12 mnths Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2012) Warranty 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €35,495

weight to the Kodiaq and engages when the front wheel shows signs of even the most minor levels of slippage.

Dry roads meant that a run across the field was the only way to ensure its engagement, but it would be useful in now much forgotten snow and ice

driving conditions.

The Kodiaq comes with solid seating and the test car was fitted with three rows, enough for seven passengers. There were only two Iso-Fix seats, which is a pity as younger families often need the third and some now come fitted in the third seat row

8 June 2017 GAZETTE 23

as well.

It is well equipped in the safety sense and just recently came out with a top score in the Euro NCAP crash test assessment. The new Skoda Connect is an annual subscription option for Kodiaq buyers and this offers additional online infotainment services and navigation in real time.

The system also provides remote access for increased connectivity and driver assistance. One such driver assistance feature is the emergency call (e-Call) function which will automatically call the emergency services once an airbag is activated to ensure occupant safety.

The Kodiaq claims to offer over 30 simply clever features that offer practical and convenient assistance in everyday life.

These include split folding and length adjustable rear seats as standard, the

optional third row of seats costing an additional €1,000, a crafty door-edge protection system, electric child safety locks. The Superb model feature of Skoda umbrellas fitted to the front door pockets comes on the mid-spec Ambition model.

This new Skoda SUV choice is impressive in terms of value with the entry prices starting at €35,495 for the entry level two-wheel-drive diesel version that’s offered as standard with the DSG automatic gearbox.

That puts it more expen-

GAZETTE

MOTORING

sive than Volkswagen’s entry level Tiguan or the Nissan Qashqai with the third row of seats opportunity that they can’t offer.

The extra’s listing from Skoda is now growing, so choose wisely based on practical use opportunities.

The Kodiaq is bigger than some of the competition; I believe that many families will appreciate that extra space. It offers good comfort and the extra length, while adding marginally to the turning circle, is well worthwhile for needs of a busy family.

The reversing camera on the Skoda Kodiaq

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 June 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

WAR MACHINE: NETFLIX UPS ITS GAME WITH BIG-NAME, MID-BUDGET FILM

ReelReviews

Takes aim at various war tropes, but misses IN NETFLIX’S War Machine , Brad Pitt plays the charismatic general Glen McMahon, newly appointed the command of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Beloved by his men, baffling to most everyone else, McMahon sets about ramping up the war effort when all anyone really expects of him is a quick, painless exit strategy.

Based on the true-life events recounted in the book, The Operators, by Michael Hastings, about the rise and fall of General Stanley McChrystal, War Machine also stars Topher Grace, Anthony Michael Hall, Ben Kinsgley (brilliant as Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai) and a blink and you’ll miss her appearance from Tilda Swinton.

Director David Michod has previously tackled familial crime in the critically acclaimed, Animal Kingdom (2010), and dystopian drama with 2014’s The Rover – two powerfully dark films showcasing a young director with incred-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

ible talent and promise.

T hose who’ve followed Michod’s career, then, have been eagerly awaiting this adaptation, through the controversy of Netf lix’s distribution acquisition and the somewhat off-putting first glimpse of Pitt’s offbeat performance in the first trailers.

War Machine sets itself up as an oddball satire grounded in reality.

As that first taste indicated, Pitt plays it anything but straight.

In many ways, McMahon echoes his brilliant performance as Lieutenant Aldo

Raine in 2009’s Inglorious Basterds, full of good-natured stoicism, a man-out-of-time innocence paired with an insatiable hunger for war.

It works, for perhaps the film’s first act, when War Machine begins to tackle heavier subject matter – the moral fog of war – Pitt’s comedic handling jars horribly.

It’s that very imbalance that ultimately drags War Machine down. Despite a strong start, this is a very confused film, kicking things off with winks and nods to Strangelove before going down a winding, tiresome road.

A subplot involving a worn-out m a r i n e squad led by Will Poulter shoulders the film’s

ALIEN: COVENANT

Facehugger fun for all THERE’S plenty here for fans of Alien lore to dig into, and Covenant (Cert 16, 122 mins) delivers some decent chills, gore and setpieces. It’s hard not to think that the more you know about the Alien, the less scary it is, but director Ridley Scott keeps the tension high and the action leaping along in a decent prequel. It’s a bonus that it’s better than its rambling prequel, Prometheus.

WONDER WOMAN

Not so wondrous, sadly

Brad Pitt plays his role with gusto, but there’s an uneasy balance between comedy

THERE’S a definite market and goodwill for a female superhero film, but Wonder Woman (Cert 12A, 141 mins) doesn’t quite fill the gap.

Gal Gadot is great in the titular role, while several other strong female leads (including Robin Wright) also impress. However, playing second fiddle to the mess created by men beyond their island home doesn’t do the character, or the film, much good.

and drama at the heart of War Machine that never quite gels successfully

dramatic burden and feels like it belongs in an entirely different film.

There are great war movies that meander between satire and severity with definite success; War Machine isn’t one of them.

T h a t ’s n o t t o s ay War Machine is without its charms. There are some quality comic performances here – the aforementioned Kingsley, as well as Anthony Michael Hall as McMah o n ’s r i g h thand man, f iring of f

hilarious, gung-ho verbal assaults in support of his commander whenever the chance arises.

T h e r e ’s a c e r t a i n degree of affection in War Machine not often seen in this kind of film – still, despite being occasionally thoughtful, War Machine fails to truly affect.

In attempting to communicate the stagnation of modern warfare, “the slow shuffle toward freedom,” War Machine spends much of its twohour run time vacillating between command centres, military dinners

and press conferences; consequently it feels more like a sequence of occasionally funny, occasionally disturbing scenes with little or no unifying coherence.

There’s certainly an interesting, uniquely American story here, buried beneath a few two many layers of awkward moral brooding and misplaced comedy.

While War Machine d o e s n ’t k n ow q u i t e exactly what it is, it’s not a total waste of time – just an unfortunate misuse of talent.

Verdict: 5/10

BAYWATCH

A Hoff-baked reboot BUSY flopping about at cinemas, Baywatch (Cert 15A, 116 mins) is sinking like a stone across the world.

The affection that some people have for the daft old TV show hasn’t translated well for The Rock and Zac Efron, with the coarse modern reboot proving less popular than swimming near the old pier despite shark warnings. There are a few laughs, but it’s still a pretty poor remake.

8 June 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH SOCIAL MEDIA: COULD THESE BE A WINNER?

Glasses fit for the 50,000 helpers to make/lose money Snapchat generation It may look like a clunky old Ceefax screen, but this is

a very active view of a programmer ‘playing’ a $50,000 stake on the stock market with his own money

THOSE of you with 50,000 bucks (or euro) to spare – yes, yes, who doesn’t have that kind of dosh burning a hole in their pocket – might like to follow Mike’s example.

W ho’s Mike, you ask? He’s the plucky programmer who’s put $50,000 of his own money into the stock market in a currently ongoing ‘game’ of sorts.

Using his own automated algorithm that regularly tallies the instructions that viewers of his live-streaming account (https://www. twitch.tv/stockstream) at Twitch enter, his code then buys or sells accordingly.

It’s an automated punt on the stock market, with Mike hoping that the trades makes some

money (well, you’d hope so), as well as providing an interesting look at how crowdsourcing can even effect the markets.

With his own app (appropriately named Robinhood), Mike and the viewers are able to monitor what’s happening, as his $50,000 stake wobbles up and down in value.

I’m not so sure I’d like to run the ‘World’s First Multiplayer Stock Market Game Using Real Money’ – let alone with my money – but Mike’s still happy to let the world play away.

If his stake falls below $25, 000, it’s gam e over (as per official FINR A/SEC trading regulations), but for the moment it’s certainly one of the stranger live streams you can watch.

Monumental title has an IOS sequel LITER ALLY just announced at the time of going to press, Monument Valley 2

Monument Valley 2 could be another towering success

(IOS-only, Android to follow) has hit the Apple store. As Apple’s 2014 Game of the Year, the beautiful isometric puzzler was short but very sweet, with its sequel looking like more of the same – a real must buy!

OKAY, so glasses with cameras in them aren’t exactly a revolutionary idea (the less said about the quirky but doomed Google Glass, the better) – but could the Snapchat Glasses succeed where others have failed?

Recent years have seen “wearables” take off in the consumer tech sector, most typically exemplified by the fitness trackers that lots of people use.

However, the popular notion of glasses that record what you see has never quite taken off, with Google’s recent doomed Glass project just the latest weable-camera tech that caught lots of media attention, only to get yanked from shelves fairly soon after release.

Whatever about the potentially cool aspects that augmented reality or video-recording glasses might have offered users, their typically steep price and muddled feature sets have generally left ordinary consumers cold.

Enter Snap Inc, the parent company of Snapchat, with their take on creating tech-enabled glasses – or sunglasses, in their case.

They’ve thrown away all the augmented real-

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

ity stuff – so, no getting emails flashed from your phone into your view, or maps showing where you are, or similar quirky but distracting stuff.

Instead, they’ve gone for a simpler, consumerfriendly and ‘purer’ product – they’re just sunglasses that record what you see, making clips that can be easily viewed within Snapchat itself, or saved as video clips for other applications and social media sharing.

Tap a button and they start recording, with an external light turning on to show others that you’re recording, with video that can be sent to your phone or later downloaded.

That’s it – no forwarding calls, no GPS tracking, no

email alerts: just portable video recording, in tensecond bursts (with regularly tapping a button on the camera side keeping the recording going for longer bursts.)

Stripping away all the bells and whistles to market it as a cool piece of wearables – with a strong social media aspect – was a great idea to help give the glasses a boost, and make them more palatable to consumers.

It’s a simple concept, but one that’s proved very popular since the US-only launch several months back, where it wasn’t unheard of to find queues

of early tech adopters lining up to buy the glasses from special vending machines.

Now, the machines have started to pop up at a number of key European capitals, and while Dublin doesn’t have any – yet – I’d be very surprised if one doesn’t pop up here some time soon.

Adding to their potential allure is a reasonable price for a firstwave piece of new kit – €150, from Snapchat’s website, where

they’re available in a limited range of colours.

It’s an interesting move for Snap Inc, with Snapchat’s clearly defined demographic and user base (primarily young females) creating what could be a pretty very lucrative group to target for sales and further spreading the tech.

Look out for these on the streets of Dublin soon.

The videos appear to be circular if viewed outside Snapchat itself, but appear much more naturalistic from inside the app The case that the sunglasses come in offers a number of full recharges, with a charging cable also provided

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 June 2017

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SPORT

FastSport DEVINE THE NEW PRO AT SUTTON: PADDY Devine has been appointed head professional at Sutton Golf Club. He joins the club from Royal Dublin where he has been assistant professional for the past nine years.

He becomes only the fourth ever professional at Sutton. Joe Nangle was appointed the club’s first professional in the early 1950’s. He was followed by Nicky Lynch, who held the position for over 50 years, before Conor Russell took over.

Devine is a fully qualified AA PGA professional who not alone has worked as a club assistant professional but who also played on the PGA Europro Development Tour for a number of years. Amongst his achievements was victory in the PGA National Fourball Championship in 2009 where he and his partner recorded a 59 on their way to a record winning score of 31 under. He also regularly competes on the Irish Region circuit, finishing in second place in the 2013 Irish Club Professional Championship.

BOXING: CASTLEKNOCK MAN RISING QUICKLY SINCE SWITH FROM RUGBY

Collins Junior looking to forge own route in the fight game

 DARRAGH MCKIERNAN sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK native Steve Collins Jr, son of former two weight world champion Steve Collins, is set to take on Paddy McDonagh for the vacant Irish light heavyweight title on June 24 in the National Stadium.

The night will also see Ballyfermot man Luke Keeler fight for the Irish middleweight title against Darren Cruise on what promises to be the best professional fight card since the Bernard Dunne era.

Collins, who had no amateur experience, has only been boxing for four years and is undefeated after eleven fights.

A win on June 24 will cement his place in the European rankings as he progresses towards a European title shot.

Collins has brushed aside a number of competitors in the past. Earlier this year, he went the distance with Spaniard Pablo Sosa who previously held former world title challenger Eduard Gutknecht to a draw in his home town.

The only blip on Collins’ record is in the form of a draw

Steve Collins Junior, centre, takes on Paddy McDonagh for the vacant Irish light heavyweight title. Picture: Enya Martin

that came against Tommy Gifford in 2015, however this was put down to Collins suffering an injury to his right shoulder in the early stages of the fight.

Despite the clear link to the ring in his family, Collins opted for the rugby pitch in early life, starting out with

Coolmine RFC and progressing through the ranks with Castleknock College.

He had a promising young rugby career before life inside the ropes, with stints at Wasps, Connacht, Lansdowne and London Irish to name a few.

However, at 23, the dream

of life of a as pro rugby player ended abruptly, not due to injury, but of his own accord.

Speaking about his time at the Wasps academy, Collins said: “I was working in my uncle’s pub over there at the time because I had no income; you’d be in the gym for seven

in the morning, you’d train during the day then I’d come home, eat, then I’d go to work until one or two in the morning.

“It was really, really getting to me, my weight was dropping. Guys were coming in so I thought this is kind of inevitable... I’m constantly being fatigued, I’m going to nip this in the bud, I’m going to go home.”

T he dream to box was always present for Collins.

Having a former two weight world champion as a father, it would be tough to not want to follow in his footsteps.

Despite this, Collins Jr tries to steer clear of any comparison to his father.

“It’s enough that I have my dad’s name. I didn’t want to be like him, putting a shamrock in my head, using the same music. I don’t even fight similarly to him.”

The announcement of this June 24 card is set to be the biggest night in Irish boxing since Bernard Dunne retired in 2010.

Tickets for the night are now on sale through Red Corner promotions.

Pentathlon duo fence their way to World Cup gold  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe and Natalya Coyle on the podium

NATALYA COYLE and Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe took gold for Ireland in the modern pentathlon mixed relay World Cup in Drzonkow, Poland, converting a dominant start into a medal that Coyle told the Gazette earlier this month was amongst her main aims for the year.

The pair won the fencing competition to take charge in an area both have focused on since before the Rio Olympics as key to working their way up

the field. Both scored top-ten finishes in Rio individually with the fencing proving costly in both cases.

They had previously been beaten by only the Japanese pair in the swim and had their worst round on the horses as they accumulated penalty points.

It meant they finished some way short of the Hungarian leaders.

The Dublin-based duo were determined to get back on top, however, and led from start to finish in the laser run, establishing a substantial lead over the

Polish, Korean and German teams and eventually taking the key run/shoot round by a full 15 seconds.

The pair have always worked well together, with Coyle talking of the energy O’Keeffe brings to the relay partnership, describing herself a mellower competitor and O’Keeffe as her rambunctious, energy-lifting partner.

The Polish victory was the fourth round of a World Cup series that’s previously visited the US, Egypt and Hungary, and will conclude in Lithuania, taking place from June 22 to 25.

A f t e r t h e e ve n t , C o y l e described the pair as a “dream team,” while O’Keeffe described the first event he’s competed in since the Rio Olympics as shaking off the demons of the Brazilian Olympics, tweeting “here comes Tokyo 2020” after the win.

The relay event is not currently an Olympic event in its own right, however, with the showcase featuring only the individual versions of the sport.

Coyle had earlier come home in 13th in the individual event over the course of the weekend.

8 June 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Handball hero Kennedy finds CJ too hot to handle Dublin legend remains on 31 All-Ireland titles as he falls to Limerick’s rising star of the alley, CJ Fitzpatrick, who won out in the hardball decider for the second year in succession  sport@dublingazette.com

Hermes-Monkstown’s Nikki Evans celebrates with goalkeeper Liz Murphy . Picture: Ady Kerry

Hermes-Monkstown end Euro campaign on a high  STEPHEN FINDLATER

HERMES-Monkstown closed out their European challenge on a high as they beat Russia’s CSP Krylatskoye on a shoot-out to end seventh at the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup in s’Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.

The victory, after a 4-4 draw in normal time, was enough to retain Ireland’s place in the top tier of European club competition for 2018.

Anna O’Flanagan gave the Dubliners a lead when she found a brilliant finish from the right of the circle in just the third minute for a 1-0 lead.

Krylatskoye, though, bounced back quickly with Bogdana Sadovaia levelling almost immediately and Alina Khalimova made it 2-1 in the second quarter from a corner rebound despite Liz Murphy’s excellent first up save.

Nikki Evans tied the game for a second time with another top finish, this time from the left of the circle over the goalkeeper, making it 2-2 at half-time.

Khalimova’s second of the game restored the Russian side’s lead only for Hermes-Monkstown to fight back once more. O’Flanagan cracked in a corner strike from a switch left for 3-3 and then, with 10 minutes to go, Sinead Loughran ended up firing home for the lead.

It came from a swift counter-attack and while Evans’ reverse-stick cross was intercepted, the clearance fell nicely for Loughran who picked out the backboard.

There was a nasty sting in the tail with 110 seconds to go as a loose free-out went straight to Iuliia Kazakova who intercepted and shot home for 4-4.

But Suzie Kelly, O’Flanagan and a delicious Laura Pinder effort in the shoot-out, combined with a trio of Liz Murphy saves, earned HermesMonkstown the victory.

Earlier in the competition, Hermes-Monkstown had been beaten by the eventual champions and hosts Den Bosch before falling 4-1 to Spain’s Complutense – O’Flanagan on the mark – in the first phase of the 5th to 8th place playoffs.

ST BRIGID’S Eoin Kennedy had to be satisfied with the silver medal in his All-Ireland Senior Singles hardball match held at Lahorna Tipperary on Sunday.

Having won the first of his eight hardball senior singles as far back as 2003, Kennedy was attempting to defy his years when taking on the 2016 champion CJ Fitzpatrick from Limerick.

Fitzpatrick, a full 10 years younger, had

overcome Kennedy for the first time in the 2016 final, in a terrifically competitive match 17-12, 21-17, 21-16.

Both players came t h r o u g h t h i s y e a r ’s championship earlier rounds showing good form to meet in the 2017 All-Ireland final and the crowd were again expecting fireworks.

The players did not disappoint as they put on a display of serving and long range killing showing all that is best in this code of handball.

K nown as the “alley

cracker” the ball has a distinctive sharp sound when it meets the front wall adding to the sense of power and precision.

Key to the match was the first game. Recovering from a mid-week infection and still on anti-biotics it was important that Kennedy win the first. Unfortunately for the Dublin player, Fitzpatrick had other ideas and forged an early lead 7-2.

He built on this to lead 14-7 and Kennedy had to dig deep to bring the scores back to 15-10.

CJ Fitzpatrick, Joe Masterson (President Irish Handball Council) and Eoin Kennedy following their All-Ireland final last weekend

Again Fitzpatrick succeeded in keeping his lead intact bringing it to 18-13 before Kennedy took him out.

He needed to get some points but Fitzpatrick rolled a ball out of the front corner to regain the hand and served out the game 21-13.

The second game began better for Kennedy and with precision serving down the right and flat killing the returns, he led 7-3 before Fitzpatrick fought back to 9-7.

This game was even tougher than the first as both players fought for supremacy. The St Brigid’s player called on all his experience to make aces and led 18-13, before a Fitzpatrick fight-back brought the scores back to 19-17. The crowd were on their feet acclaiming the efforts of both players.

T he galler y were enthralled by the quality of the rallies and Fitzpatrick’s incredible speed around the court to pick up what seemed to be rally winning kills

by Kennedy.

This was balanced by Kennedy’s tenacity and court control as he commanded the centre of the court and through a combination of kills and effective passing shots succeeded in fighting his way to the second game win on a score of 21-17.

T he match seemed finely poised for the third game shoot-out.

On the resumption after the five minute break, it was clear from the start that Kennedy had pulled out all the stops to win the second game and that this had taken too much out of him.

He needed to make aces in the first few hands but his serving power had diminished and Fitzpatrick was able to take him out too easily.

Once he established an early lead the Lime r i c k p l ay e r p l ay e d extremely confidentally and was killing spectacularly from all parts of the court with either hand.

Kennedy had to take an injury time-out due to bruising of his left hand but this only briefly delayed the inevitable with Fitzpatrick running out the third game easily.

Fitzpatrick’s two wins in a row show his real credentials as a hardball champion and he was a worthy winner in denying Kennedy’s efforts to win his ninth title.

The sheer speed of the hardball code makes refereeing difficult and both players were complimented on showing outstanding sportsmanship in calling double bounces against themselves.

T h e y h ave p r ove d again to be Ireland’s two best hardballers and we look forward to future clashes between these two great champions.

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 June 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: RIVERVALLEY FACE MASSIVE CLOSING PAIR OF AUL FIXTURES

World Cup comes into sharp focus for Ward PORTMARNOCK native Stephen Ward, pictured above by Martin Doherty, hopes Sunday’s game against Austria at the Aviva Stadium will see him take a step closer to the biggest achievement of his career – qualifying with the Republic of Ireland for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 31-year-old has become an ever-present in Martin O’Neill’s squad and donned the captain’s armband against Uruguay last weekend when Jon Walters was substituted.

Ward, one of four Burnley players in the squad, missed just one game in the Premier League last season but things haven’t always been plain sailing for the versatile defender.

Injury blighted his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers and two successive relegations saw his reputation suffer a blow.

However, a successful loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion led to Sean Dyche providing him with another pop at the Premiers league.

Ward has also suffered tough times representing Ireland but he believes the team are more than capable of reaching next year’s finals.

“The World Cup is what we want – the biggest competition in the world. It would probably be the biggest achievement of ¬everyone’s careers if we can qualify.

“We’ve had a good start and if we can get a good result, we’ll be in a great position. Austria are a good side. I thought we were brilliant on the night over there but I don’t think you can underestimate anyone in this group - it is so tight.

“I think it’s going to the wire anyway. People are going to take points off each other so the home games are going to be vital.”

Ward is also glad to finally be able to concentrate on just Ireland after helping Burnley secure their Premiership status.

“Mentally, you’re on edge trying to get results to stay in the league and you know you’ve some massive games coming up with Ireland.

“It’s nice to get away to switch off for a few days and the focus turns to coming back in here. We’ve got a big week now and the lads will be raring to go.”

Rivervalley Rangers play their Nivea Cup final on Sunday and then meet Sheriff in their final league tie two days later.

Doran blasts June schedule  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers start the most important period of their season this weekend severely understrength this weekend ahead of two huge games against Sheriff YC. T hey meet in the Nivea Cup final at the AUL Complex on Sunday before facing a tie to decide whether they stay in Premier A two days later.

Manager Stephen Doran told GazetteSport his players are looking forward to ending on a possible high but says that it comes amid wider con-

cerns.

“It is a nice way to finish the season off, getting to a cup final, especially with it being the biggest one the AUL have. It will be an exciting day, no doubt about it.

“We are looking forward to testing ourselves against the best junior outfit in the country and our players will be absolutely ready for it.

“We’ve had a massively frustrating year with injuries and we are fighting against it again. We have players injured and players on summer holidays.

It’s that time of the year and you don’t expect to be still playing now.”

INTERNATIONAL CUP Swords add Partners title to strong league run SWORDS Celtic’s Under-14 premier side produced the goods as they won the Celtic International Academy Partners Cup last weekend, beating a very spirited Ballymun United in the final hosted by Newbridge Town.

It continues the team’s excellent run of results in 2017, starting their NDSL campaign with eight wins from eight. This includes a fine 3-1 win over Clonee United a couple of days before they landed their latest piece of silverware.

Doran’s side have waited three weeks to play the final. To add to the frustration, Rivervalley are due to play their final league game just two days later.

“It’s a bit of short-sightedness from the AUL. They’ve been caught out and we’re to suffer for it because we’ve had to wait around. We haven’t played a game since May 20. Then – in their wisdom again – they have put us in to play the final game of the season against Sheriff two days later. Professional footballers don’t even have that quick of a turnaround.”

Rivervalley have met with the AUL in a bid to

sort out the problem but their concerns have seemingly fallen on deaf ears.

“We went in and had a chat with them and told them we couldn’t play anymore games after June 7, saying that we literally do not have a squad but they didn’t heed that advice.”

R iver valley’s final league game isn’t a meaningless one either as they need three points to avoid relegation.

“We currently have eight players available.

I asked the AUL do you want me to bring out third and fourth team players to play Sheriff and their response was we don’t

actually care who you bring out.

“We started the season with three games in eight days after us asking to start the league a week later because we had so many injuries after playing in the Tommy Clements Cup – which the AUL asked us to play in.

We picked up so many injuries because we were playing three games in a week in that.

“It’s a frustration that is massively shared amongst the teams in the league.

“There is a level of frustration but what can we do – we’re only little old Rivervalley,” Doran concluded.

8 June 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

WILD AIR RUN

Fins’ camogie side take on different challenge

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS

FINGALLIANS Under-14 camogie side took a different approach to team fitness last week when they took part in the Wild Air Run in Malahide Castle.

The team enjoyed the five kilometre adventure race that included climbing over and through inflatable barriers, sliding down slides and bouncing over obstacles as part of a fun day out for the Swords side.

U-14 BOYS national hurling Feile: This will

Classes are €5 per session and all you

take place is on from Friday, June 16 to

have to do is turn up five minutes before-

Sunday, June 18 in Kilkenny with Glen-

hand on the day.

more GAA being the host club.

Friday – Pairc NaRatha, Glenmore at 5pm, Fingallians v Dunamaggin (Kilk-

LADIES FOOTBALL: SYL’S O’SULLIVAN NETS PENALTY

Brendan O’Reilly Classic: Fingallians v

(Kerry); Saturday – Pairc NaRatha at

Columba’s Rovers will be held on Satur-

11am Fingallians v Glenmore (Kilkenny).

day, June 10. It will include Bren’s team

The Shield and Cup quarter-final will

mates from both clubs, competing on the

take place in McGrath Park, Bagenals-

field and then joining forces, for a trad

town on Saturday evening and the semi

night in the bar.

and final are on the Sunday should we

Brigid’s to put them on top of the table.

Their next game is at home on June 14 v unbeaten Naomh Barrog at 7.30pm.

Ladies football update: the senior ladies got back on track beating Clanna Bootcamp with Noel: Every Tuesday

Galway 6-23 Dublin 3-3  sport@dublingazette.com

ST SYLVESTER’S star Katie O’Sullivan scored from the penalty spot for Dublin but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from crashing out of the Under-14 All-Ireland football championship at the semi-final stage after a 6-23 to 3-3 loss to Galway at Moate GAA in Westmeath.

Dublin were crowned Leinster champions this year but their opponents from the West proved too strong on the day and

Emma Howe scored goals for Dublin but the consistent kicking from Galway made sure their opponents never got close enough to threaten their lead.

St Finian’s Swords player Teegan Comber and Sara Willis from Ballyboughal were also involved in the Dubs squad who reached the semi-final stage.

It was a tough outing and they will look to bounce back next year but as the referee blew his whistle for the final time, it is Galway who will go on to play Kerry in the final next month after their 3-16 to 4-3 win over Cavan.

The very best of luck to all our members who are studying for their exams that take place in the coming weeks.

Lotto numbers drawn were 10, 18, 26, The jackpot this Tuesday will be €3,582.

Fingallians extends deepest sympa-

be a bootcamp for any members inter-

thy to the Fitzsimons family on the death

ested in improving their fitness levels. All

of Thomas (Dribs). Ar dheis De go raibh a

fitness levels are welcome.

hAnam dilis.

IT WAS was a successful week for the

of goal. They were laying siege at this point and the score might have been even greater if it weren’t for impressive performances by full back Aoife O’Sullivan and centre back Lucy Crowe.

Goalkeeper Rugile Auskalnyte also stood out for Dublin after putting in an outstanding performance to deny Galway further glory. However, the likes of Kate Slevin were too strong and her goal, alongside three-pointers from Aoibheann Costello and Kara McClene helped them keep Dublin at arm’s length.

Aishling O’Neill and

Junior and Leaving Cert: It is that time of year again.

morning from 9.30-10.30am; there will

ST FINIAN’S

reached the final thanks to a number of star performances, as well as an impressive team display.

Galway were on top from the start and dominated the game to take a 14-point lead into the break with the score standing at 3-9 to 1-1.

O’Sullivan had grabbed Dublin’s first goal in the 16th minute but strikes from Ellen Power and Eva Noone saw the Connacht champions comfortably in control.

Dublin needed a strong reaction in the second half but it only saw the Tribeswomen become even more clinical in front

the summer. Last orders will be June 10.

30 and 31. We had no winner last week.

Gael Fontenoy.

U-14 ALL-IRELAND SEMI

Fins shop sale: This starts on June 10.

The shop closes on Saturday, June 24 for

progress.

Adult footballers: Our Division 3 team

Galway prove too strong for Dublin

ahead rain/hail/shine.

enny) and 6pm Fingallians v Ballyheigue

continued their good form with a win v St

Katie O’Sullivan scores her penalty for Dublin against Galway. Picture: GAAPics.com

The bootcamp will be on the allweather pitch in Fingallians and will go

support this worthy cause.

adult football teams. The AFL8 team had

This year’s theme is a Giant Picnic fun

a great win over Ballyboughal in Ridge-

day so if all families could bring a blanket

wood while the AFL4 team beat St Oliver

and have a picnic with their kids (weath-

Plunkett’s away.

er permitting). There will also be activi-

A reminder that comedian Rory O’Connor, the man behind Rory’s Sto-

ties dispersed throughout the juvenile pitch.

ries, is coming to the Peacocks on Sat-

The Kellogg’s Cul camp will take place

urday, June 17. Tickets are €20 and are

from Monday, July 3 to Friday, July 7. The

available from team mentors, the club

second summer camp will take place

office and are now available to purchase

Tuesday, August 15 to Friday, August 18

on the club website.

and the third camp will take place from

The nursery (four to five-year-old

Tuesday, August 22 to Friday, August 25.

boys and girls) and the academy (six-

Online payments can be made under

year-old boys and girls), sponsored by

the Summer Camps 2017 side menu on

Sky Handling Partner, will resume on

the club website.

Saturday, June 10 at the usual times 10am and 11.30am respectively.

Fhionn’s afterschool and breakfast club operates in the clubhouse activ-

New members are always welcome,

ity room daily on Monday to Friday. For

please contact James Devlin on 086 400

further details, please contact Karen at

0324 for further details.

087 771 1856.

A reminder also that the family fun

The club bingo takes place this and

day will take place on Saturday, June 17

every Friday upstairs in Peacocks at

from 3pm until 6pm. This year, the club

8.30pm. The jackpot is €1,100.

will be hosting an Ice Cream Fun day in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland, so please

The coffee shop will reopen as normal this Saturday, June 10. All are welcome.



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32 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 June 2017