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INTER MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FOR DDSL U12s
SOCCER Ports hit Bosco for six 30
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THE Dublin and District Schoolboys League Under-12s won the Subway Inter League last weekend, beating Cork 1-0 in the final at the Showgrounds in Sligo. A late winner
from Cillian Geraghty proved the difference in the annual inter-league competition. The DDSL also won the U-13s title, beating Cork 2-0 in their final.
Donabate locals swear they’ll get Blue Flag back Blow as top water status is revoked – but groups vow they’ll earn it back
SYLVIA POWNALL A GROUP of volunteers in Donabate have vowed to redouble their efforts in a bid to reclaim the beach’s Blue Flag status. An Taisce confirmed that
the popular strand had lost the prestigious international award due to a drop in annual bathing water classification, from excellent to good. Olive Gilsenan, a volunteer with the Portrane Donabate Clean Coast Group,
told The Gazette: “We knew it was coming, but I was still a bit gutted when I saw it gone. “It’s going to take four years to get the flag back, but we can do it if the community helps and if the council
does its bit. I won’t stop until that Blue Flag is back.” With two other Fingal beaches classed as ‘poor’ Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind) said: “We have to get to the bottom of the water quality issue.” Continued on Page 4
2 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
BUSINESS | ‘A NEW BEGINNING’ FOR FINGAL DUBLIN CHAMBER BOSS
Lambert to step down after 17 years at helm SYLVIA POWNALL
Outgoing Fingal Dublin Chamber chief executive Tony Lambert: “The time is right to hand over the reins to a new person”
FINGAL Dublin Chamber founder Tony Lambert is stepping down as its chief executive after 17 years in the role. Tony was the organisation’s first president when it started in 1994 and under his stewardship it has grown into largest business network in the region, with almost 350 members. He spearheaded the merger of the D15 and Fingal chambers, represented a strong voice for business interests at local government level, and championed the importance of Dublin Airport as a major economic hub for the area. Tony said he was stepping down to make way for new blood and to travel more – admitting he’s quietly counting down the days until he departs for a well-
earned holiday in Sicily on July 1. He told The Gazette: “I have decided to step down as CEO from June 30. I feel the time is right to hand over the reins to a new person who can take it to the next level. “The chamber needs to prepare for a smart technology-driven future for businesses, and that can best be done with a new CEO in place.
Travelling “This is something I have been planning for a while as I want to pursue a number of things I have been neglecting, including some business consultancy and some travelling which I was putting on the long finger. “This is a new beginning for me and I am looking forward to it.” On behalf of the board, Cham-
ber president Guy Thompson thanked Tony for his tireless dedication and his passion, energy and drive to lobbying on its behalf. Paul Reid, chief executive of Fingal County Council, said: “Tony Lambert has made a valuable contribution to business in Fingal over the past 23 years.” Meanwhile food group Aryzta has appointed Dublin Airport Authority boss Kevin Toland as its new chief executive. The daa board will now begin the process of recruiting a new chief executive. Toland said he had enjoyed his time with the company, adding: “I have learned so much from my time with daa and am so proud of the fantastic job that our staff do for our customers and passengers across the globe on a daily basis.”
AIRPORT | SEPARATE ACTIONS LAUNCHED
Two legal actions against planned new runway to be heard T WO separate legal actions taken against the planned new runway at Dublin Airport are set for hearing in the Commercial Court in October. A group of 22 residents of St Margaret’s opposed to the €320m project are taking one action while the other is in the name of the St Margaret’s Concerned Residents Group. T he first action is against Fingal County Council and the State, with the Dublin Airport Authority (daa) named as a notice party. Papers lodged seek a judicial review and challenge the legality of the extension of the planning permission, which was granted by the local authority. The second is against the daa and seeks an injunction preventing
any work on the project. It cites residents’ concerns over waste management procedures put in place by the daa during construction of the 3.1km strip. Following a successful application to the High Court from the daa, the case will now be heard in the Commercial Court and a date of October 3 has been set for that hearing.
Allege T he St Margaret’s residents allege that the development is illegal because the council failed to consider its effect on their homes before granting the extension of planning permission. It is understood the residents are arguing
that their homes are effectively being compulsorily purchased because the runway will make them uninhabitable, and the compensation deal for moving is not enough to buy a ‘like-for-like’ replacement. A five-year extension of the planning permission for Runway North, which was due to expire this August, was granted by in March. Legal representatives for the residents objected to the case being transferred to the Commercial Court, but the move was granted by Mr Justice Brian McGovern. The first phase of preparatory construction works for the new runway are under way and are expected to last for eight months.
FASTNews
Minister Damien English (second-right) with FCC’s chief executive Paul Reid, county architect Fionnuala May, and director of housing and community Margaret Geraghty at Racecourse Common, Lusk
Minister builds knowledge of FCC’s housing strategy FINGAL County Council is expected to exceed its social housing target by almost 50% this year, it has emerged. At a meeting with the local authority, Minister of State for Housing Damien English was told it will pass its target of delivering 1,376 units under the 2015-2017 programme, with 1,215 units already built and a further 705 approved. Minister English met with council chief executive Paul Reid, director of housing Margaret Geraghty, planning director Annmarie Farrelly and county architect Fionnuala May for an update on what is being done to alleviate the housing crisis. He was told the council has a construction programme that will deliver 582 houses, some in collaboration with approved housing bodies, while there are 49 active private development sites of 10 or more units across the county. His visit also included a site visit to Racecourse Common, Lusk (above), where the council is currently constructing 74 houses, and he was given a detailed run-down on what is planned.
Irish Water buys lands for €22m wastewater upgrade IRISH Water has confirmed the compulsory purchase of lands in Swords to progress an upgrade of the wastewater pipe at Broadmeadow Estuary. CPOs have been issued for land needed for the €22m upgrade of the Swords Wastewater Treatment Plant off Estuary Road in Seatown West and adjacent to Lissenhall Park and Gartan Drive. Irish Water says the upgrade of the outfall pipe – to facilitate increased capacity – will help to protect the estuary from wastewater pollution. The utility company now plans to open a tender competition for a contractor to complete the works.
Yogurt to admit Bryan’s adorable! BONNIE baby boy Bryan Wing Hao was in fine form when he was selected as one of 14 finalists in Glenisk’s search for a baby to appear on their yogurt packs. The 8-month-old Malahide tot was chosen out of more than 4,500 others entered in the company’s search for an adorable baby to be the face of its new range of Organic No-AddedSugar Baby Yogurts. While the photographers did their best to capture Bryan in charming action, he had only one thing on his mind – trying some more yummy yogurt. The winner’s face will appear on the new range when it launches next month.
Glittering gala dinner helped honour Ross Nugent’s wish MORE than a hundred people attended the glittering Ross Nugent Foundation’s annual gala dinner recently, which took place in the newly-opened Old Street restaurant in Malahide. Held to mark Ross’s seventh anniversary since he lost his five-month battle with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma, the fundraising evening was once again a celebration of his life, and a way to continue Ross’s wish to support St Clare’s Oncology Ward in Beaumont Hospital. TV presenter Marty Whelan hosted a raffle with more than €5,000 worth of prizes to win, including a five-day all-inclusive cruise from Verona.
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3
STUDENT THEATRE AWARDS | YOUNG DUBS MAKE THE CITY PROUD WITH THEIR TALENTS
School awards definitely worth making a song and dance about! ries de Barra, St Brendan’s NS, Sker Best Short Scene Script: Ben
Best Set: St Fin tan’s High Scho ol,
Sutton
THERE was great news for lots of talented Dublin children all across the city recently as pupils and students of all ages scooped some of the top prizes at the fourth annual Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards. More than 1,700 students from 63 schools across Ireland attended the annual awards at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre – but for a number of Dublin schools it was an extra-special event, thanks to
their impressive wins in several of the 12 categories. Whether pitch-perfect pupils or terrifically talented teens, the Dubs did their city and country proud, wowing judges and their peers with their impressive performances. You can see the Dublin winners below, and we’ve also singled out Fingal winners (right) we know you’ll join us in congratulating – well done to all involved!
PRIMARY Best Dramatic Review: Elliot Tuite, St Joseph’s BNS, Terenure Best Overall School Musical: St Mochta’s NS, Clonsilla Best Male Performance in a Leading Role: Darragh Malone, St Mochta’s NS, Clonsilla Best Short Scene Script: Ben de Barra, St Brendan’s NS, Skerries Judges’ Choice: St Finian’s NS, Newcastle
Best Overall Scho ol
Play: Belvedere Co llege SJ, Dublin 1
SECONDARY Best Female Performance in a Leading Role: Aimee Kearney, St Vincent’s Castleknock College (Miss Saigon, feat. Mount Sackville) Best Overall School Play: Belvedere College SJ, Dublin 1 Best Set: St Fintan’s High School, Sutton
4 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
CHARITY | FOUR SKERRIES MEN HOPING TO MAKE A SPLASH IN THE HISTORY BOOKS DOWNGRADE
Paddle do nicely! ---------------------------------------------------------
SYLVIA POWNALL
FOUR Skerries men are hoping to make history this summer – by crossing the Irish Sea on paddle boards. The gruelling 20-hour challenge will see them travel 100km to Holyhead and their aim is to raise funds for the RNLI. One of the four, Peter Carroll, says they’re committed to the task but did not realise what they had talked themselves into until they started training in earnest. He told The Gazette:
‘We’ve been training for the last seven or eight months. It’s a big challenge – we’re only realising how big it is the more we train. We hope to go in August once the weather conditions are right.’
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Peter Carroll
--------------------------------------------------------Paddleboarders in action – now, imagine crossing all the way over to Holyhead like this ...
“My uncle [Liam McMahon] was the first person to windsurf across the Irish Sea, in 1984. I’ve
been into paddling for years and always wanted to do the same journey. “We’ve been train-
ing for the last seven or eight months. It’s a big challenge – we’re only realising how big it is the more we train. We hope to go in August once the weather conditions are right.” Peter owns and runs the Outdoor Dublin water sport school and has trained as a lifeguard and a paddle board instructor. He said: “It’ll take around 20 hours of paddling, so it will be tough on the body for sure. The point of it is to raise awareness about water safety and it will be nice
to raise money for the RNLI because they do an amazing job. “My father and uncle were RNLI volunteers so there is a family connection.” Each of the four men – Peter, Killian Walsh, John Kieran and Stephen Sherwin – will be followed by a safety boat in case anything goes wrong, and they will also help with navigation across what is a busy shipping route. Peter said: “It is like a large surf board which you stand up on and you use a paddle to get
around on it, so it’s not like windsurfing because there’s no sail. Hawaiians used to use them a lot. “People here have star ted using paddle boards again as a way of keeping fit as it’s a great way of using all your muscles. It’s very relaxing to just switch off and paddle around the harbour after a day’s work.” Peter says they’re not too concerned about jellyfish and other marine life – but dehydration, over-exertion and literally getting cold feet as a result of having them immersed in water are things to look out for. “We are learning as we go,” he said. “We’ve all been working hard – even when the ground was freezing and there was ice on the water, we were out there paddling.” A fundraising page will be set up in coming weeks, so watch this space ...
PARK | MEL GIBSON ‘S LINK TO PROPOSAL
Follow ‘Braveheart’ – and find a heritage trail A HERITAGE trail is on the cards which will allow walkers to retrace the steps of 1916 Volunteers – and those of Mel Gibson as William Wallace in Braveheart. A public consultation process is due to start later this year to develop a longterm plan for the Ward River Valley in Swords. The forum will allow park users, dog walkers and hikers to have their say on what should happen along the river from the estuary to Rivermeade. Fingal Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), who is a regular user of the Ward River Valley Park, wants to see a trail of cycleways and walkways all along the river. He said: “I want to see a route from the estuary via Swords Castle to St Columba’s Church and towers, to St Columcille’s Well, through the Ward Valley. “This would then connect the Knocksedan estate with Swords, linking up with the historic Knocksedan Bridge where the Fingal 1916 Volunteers met up, on to Ridgewood and the sports
fields continuing all the way to Rivermeade. “Maybe it could even branch off to include Dunsoghly Castle, which was used in Braveheart. That’s the Ward River Heritage Trail that I would like to see put in place. “We also need to make our case for additional all-weather sporting facilities on both sides of the Valley and a playground on the River Valley side.” A council roadshow was held in the park recently as part of a wider programme of public consultation around proposed changes to the byelaws governing p a r k s a n d open spaces.
Locals vow to restore Blue Flags to beloved beaches Continued from Page 1
The beaches at The Brook in Portrane and Loughshinny are now classed as having poor water quality – meaning bathing restrictions apply for the entire season. A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “The bathing restriction details the precautions that beach users should take to reduce the risk of illness. “These are: avoid swallowing or splashing water, wash your hands before handling food, avoid swimming with an open cut or wound, and avoid swimming if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.” A beach management plan has been prepared for both beaches with measures to improve water quality including wasterwater system upgrades. Cllr Mulville said: “Irish Water and the council have to look at the outflows from Donabate, Rush and Swords to investigate if anything is leaking out that shouldn’t be.” Clean Coast is organising a mammoth beach clean-up on June 10 and is hoping for youth groups and local scouts to lend their support (see the Facebook page for details). Olive said: “We want to get the whole community involved. We’ve made progress but we’ve a lot more to do, especially when it comes to dog and horse faeces.” Fingal Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) told The Gazette: “This is really disappointing news for Donabate. Residents rightfully take great pride in their beautiful peninsula, and the loss of this Blue Flag will be hard-hitting. “We need to redouble our efforts and do everything we can to reverse this as quickly as we can.”
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5
6 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
Out and About
Kerri Nicole and Claire Malone
Lynn Kelly
A beautiful addition to Sword’s community Caroline Geraghty, Bespoke owners Noel Brennan and Tina Redmond. Pictures: Patrick O’Leary
Faith Barnett
Andrea Rooneyn
A
FTER nearly two months of construction and renovation, Bespoke Hair and Beauty Salon in Kinsealy celebrated their much anticipated grand opening in front of guests in association with Wrights Cafe Bar, Swords. Owner Martina Brennan said: “I am thrilled to open my salon in St Olave’s, this has been a dream come true for me. The diverse beauty backgrounds of our stylists and beauty staff help in creating new hair ideas and treatments without disregarding the classics. That’s what completes the whole concept of our beauty salon.”
Kim Wright, Noel Brennan and Tina Redmond-Brennan
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 7
8 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
INQUEST | VERDICT ON FATAL SHOOTING OF BALBRIGGAN MAN
Jury record unlawful killing in dad’s murder A DAD-OF-TWO was shot dead minutes after carrying his daughter’s school bag and walking her to her classroom, an inquest has heard. Benny Whitehouse (35), was in a good mood the morning he was gunned down in Balbriggan, his partner Natasha White told Dublin Coroner’s Court. Ms White said: “Benny went into class with our daughter. He carried her school bag for her. We didn’t stop and talk to anyone. We were flirting and playing. Benny was in good form.” T he inquest heard that on the morning of September 25, 2014, the couple sat into their car and were putting on their seat belts when a gunman
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‘A post mortem by Dr Michael Curtis determined the cause of Benny Whitehouse’s (left) death as multiple gunshot wounds. A file was sent to the DPP, who directed no prosecution due to a lack of evidence.’
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approached and opened fire. “I heard a loud bang and the driver’s window smashed,” Ms White said. “I saw Benny turn to the window and put his hands up to protect himself. Then I heard three or four loud bangs. I jumped out of the car.” She said she saw the gunman over the roof
of the car and described him as tall with a black hat, “like something a hunter would wear”, adding: “It all happened so fast. I realised there was blood on my boot and blood coming from my leg. I started screaming for help.” Witness Michael Brophy saw the shooting as he drove down Clonard
Street at around 9.20am. He said: “I saw a man hunkered down, carrying a hand gun in his right hand. There were two people sitting in a VW Polo car facing Deli Burger, putting their belts on. As he reached the VW the man raised the gun. “He shot through the window of the car about four or five times. I saw
the driver flinch and turn away from the person with the gun.” Witnesses heard screeching tyres as a Mayo-registered Ford Focus sped off. It was later found burned out. Mr Whitehouse was attended to by emergency services, but was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.41am. A post mortem by Dr Michael Curtis determined the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds. A file was sent to the DPP, who directed no prosecution due to a lack of evidence. Det Sgt Dave Kemp said the case remains open but gardai “have exhausted all current lines of inquiry”. The jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing by person or persons unknown.
Pub quiz to support CFR group SWORDS CFR (Community First Responders) are holding a table quiz to raise funds for a public access defibrillator for Swords this Friday, May 26 at 8pm in Grainger’s pub. SA table of four costs €40 with free finger food, and all proceeds going directly to purchasing a housed, coded, outdoor public access defibrillator, which will save lives in Swords. Swords CFR voluntary on-call group, which currently has 20 trained members, is also starting a second recruitment drive. If you are aged over 18, have a full, clean driver’s licence, reside in Swords and can offer a minimum of 12 hours volunteering per month, they would love to hear from you. Full day training in CPR and the basics of choking, stroke and heart attack is provided along with an individual kit bag. They have a buddy system in place, so two volunteers respond to a pager call, with a defibrillator in Swords area solely. For further information, email swordscfr@gmail.com.
FASTNews Owen Clifford, Bank of Ireland, award sponsor joins ShelfLife editor Gillian Hamill to congratulate Joe Thompson, store manager, Tesco Clarehall
Tesco checks out a top win at awards, serves up 85 jobs TESCO Ireland have served up a number of notable events at its Fingal stores, with its Tesco Clarehall manager, Joe Thompson, scooping a prestigious win at the Shelflife Grocery Management Awards 2017. Claiming the coveted Superstore Manager of The Year title, Joe was honoured by his peers in the grocery retail industry at Dublin’s Royal Marine Hotel. He said: “I’m delighted to accept this award, it’s a great honour to be recognised as a great manager. I would like to acknowledge that I have a fantastic team of colleagues in Clarehall who serve our customers every day.” His career with Tesco Ireland has spanned more than 22 years, rising from the shop floor to store manager, in a highly-experienced career that has led to him moving to Clarehall to manage a team of 240 colleagues. The impressive win was just part of Tesco’s good news in the region, with the chain’s new store at Airside Retail Park in Swords creating 85 jobs. The 22,358sq ft store, which opened on Monday, includes a bakery, butcher and fish counter as well as a salad and sandwich bar. The retail giant revealed that 70 of the store’s employees have been sourced from the local area, including 42 from Swords. The development features four ancillary units to include a cafe, pharmacy, medical centre, and takeaway, and has 229 free car parking spaces, including a dedicated electric car-charging point, and a click & collect service
You’ll be rally entertained at this car show
Steps to quit anti-smoking gives these gals plenty to smile about HAZEL Kehoe, Anne Freeman, Audrey O’Flaherty, Geraldine Kane, Brede Houlihan, Edel Dooley and Eimear Gormley had every reason to look pleased with themselves when they posed for this great group shot – the Swords women were among a group of nine
who successfully completed a We Can Quit course in the Rivervalley Community Centre recently. Following their course, five of the women have already completely stopped smoking, with their group effort and individual successes something to be rightfully proud of.
LEGENDARY rally driver Rosemary Smith will open the Malahide Classic and Vintage Motor Show on Sunday, May 28. This is the sixth running of the event, which now attracts car lovers and families from all across Dublin and Leinster. The action gets under way from 11am. Entrance will cost €5 per adult, or €15 for the whole family, with the entire proceeds going to the Alzheimers Society of Ireland and Parkinsons Association
of Ireland. With something for all the family, it promises to be a great-value event, and all in support of two very worthy causes.
Help the annual river clean-up SWORDS Tidy Towns is holding its annual river clean up this Saturday, May 27 and would like to invite non-members to join them on the day. Volunteers will meet at the Town Park gates at 10.45am. All are welcome for the fun day, waders will be provided for those who want to get into the river (wear old clothes, wellies or walking boots).
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 9
10 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
Out and About
Brona O’Sullivan and Sadhbh start the race
Fast and furious start to Ras 2017
The An Post Ras makes it’s way past Palmerston leaving Dublin. Pictures: Inpho.ie
Laura and Emily Clancy
F
Katie Reilly and Fionn Duffy at the start of the race
Caroline Doyle with Nicolai Nielsen, Sasha Weemaes, Dennis Bakker and Przemyslaw Kasperkiewicz
OR the second consecutive year, the An Post Ras rolled out from the historic surroundings of Dublin Castle for the 143 kilometre opening stage to Longford. A total of 193 riders made the start list, making it the largest Ras field since 2005. Danish rider Nicolai Nielsen (Denmark Riwal Platform) secured a hard-fought opening stage victory on this year’s An Post Ras, narrowly leading a breakaway of three riders over the finish line in Longford town. As has become tradition, the eightday race will finish up on Sunday in Skerries, where the local community association have organised a street party to welcome the riders to Ireland’s Tidiest Town.
25 May 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 11
Nicolai Nielsen celebrates winning Stage 1
Luke and Caoimhe Conaty
GAZETTE
12 GAZETTE 25 May 2017
DUBLINBUSINESS
KBC seeking Bright Ideas for business and social projects KBC’s Business Bright Ideas is back for 2017 and will assist for-profit organisations in the business of having a positive impact on a city or community by addressing a particular social need. Following a judging process a top award of €50,000 will be granted to the winning applicant who can show how the funding will help have a positive impact on communities. A total of €100,000 will be shared among the top entrants. Meanwhile, KBC’s Bright Ideas community support initiative returns for a fourth year to support individuals and organisations which are transforming and improving the lives of others in their locality. KBC is calling on community groups across the country to apply for financial support for their dream projects from a second fund of €100,000. Last year, four standout projects in the Dublin region were among a total Community groups who are transforming and improving the lives of others in their locality are of more than 50 projects from around urged to apply for support. Picture: Naoise Culhane Photography Ltd the country selected by KBC Bank to receive funding; CyberSafeIreland in Dun Laoghaire received €8,000 to educate parents and children on how to use and enjoy technology safely and responsibly; The Making Home Project from Crosscare CLAN Homelessness Services based on Arran Quay in Dublin SOCIAL Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) provides funding to projects that recognise 7 received €5,500; announced last week the launch of Animate social issues in their own communities and HARD/GR AF T Community 2017 – a €220,000 fund to support innovative, have a creative or innovative solution to address Orchard from Common Ground in early stage projects or organisations focused on them. Inchicore, Dublin 8 received €3,000 addressing a health or social issue in communito establish a Dublin Grafters Group, “Last year we received outstanding applities across Ireland. cations from a range of organisations. Save a a network of local grafters and planters The €220,000 fund will be shared between 11 Selfie for example, is an interactive mobile app who will work to plant a series of community orchards; successful applicants in 2017. The deadline for that allows members of the public to take selfies We Can Cook from Dundrum Arch applications is July 7, 2017 alongside emergency equipment to document Club in based in Ballinteer Community The Animate Fund is a commitment between its location, while CareBright village is Ireland’s Centre, Dublin 14 received €3,500 in SIFI, the Irish Government, and Medtronic, a first dementia friendly housing in a rural setting. funding to run a cookery course for global leader in medical technology. Now in its We are now calling for applications.” people with intellectual disabilities. second year, Animate has expanded to include Successful projects will receive an award that Head of marketing communicathe Healthy Community Awards, supported by is designed to help them to grow and develop tions at KBC, Caroline Donnellan, Medtronic, with 10 of the 11 awards granted to their ideas into powerful community solutions. said: “Our team of Business Bright projects promoting good health and wellbeing, Eleven awardees will receive a cash award as Ideas judges are particularly eager to and healthy lives for all. well as invaluable non-financial supports such hear from social enterprises, for- profit The Healthy Community Awards is designed as access to expert mentoring and assistance organisations that have the potential to create wide-reaching impact toward a health- with growth planning from a business consultier Ireland and contribute to solving global ant. They will also have access to SIFI’s extento positively impact a city or community by addressing a particular social or health issues as identified in the United Nation’s sive networks for on-going support and advice. community need.” Applications to the fund are encouraged from Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Applications for both Bright Ideas The fund invites applications with projects non-profit social organisations including chariand Business Bright Ideas funding related to SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing ties, community groups and social enterprises. Applicants can apply online through Social can be submitted through the bank’s – to address local health problems and remove Innovation Fund Ireland’s website www.socialeasy to use online application portal barriers to healthcare. at www.kbcbrightideas.com. Closing Deirdre Mortell, CEO of SIFI said: “Animate innovation.ie/open-for-applications date is May 31.
€220k fund for startup projects aimed at tacking social issues
Help is at hand to create a perfect CV YOUR CV outlines your career and maps your career path, to date. It is the tool that will get you an interview. Whether you’re writing your first CV or polishing one up for a career move, staring at a blank page can be daunting. The good news is, there’s a formula you can follow. Make sure you add the following sections to your document and work from there. Before you know it, you are no longer staring at a blank page, but at a document that will get you noticed by a recruiter or hiring manager
Profile The profile should be short enough to read quickly and concise enough to capture your skills and experience in a short paragraph. Chronological Order Most people list their most recent employment first, and the recruiter will probably appreciate you following this standard. Key Information Make sure your CV is easily readable. Three key pieces of information are titles, company names and dates of employment. Align all three so that it is easy to follow and read. Make sure managers can easily find your key information. Personal Details Your name, address, mobile number and email should all be listed at the top of your CV. You may consider also listing a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile. References There is no need to list referee contact details on your CV. Generally, we would recommend having your referee’s details to hand and to contact him/her to let them know your recruiter will be calling. Hopefully this short guide has been helpful. If you require additional information on CV writing or the next step in your career, contact RecruitmentPlus at 01 2788 610, or also see www.recruitmentplus.ie.
Technical Skills An understanding of Microsoft Office is almost compulsory for all roles, and you should indicate your expertise level. It is generally important to have skills in Outlook, Word and Excel, but roles do vary. Education If you’re entering the job market, then there is justification for listing your educational accomplishments at the beginning of the CV. If you’ve been working for at least 12 months, then a company may be more interested in your work history. However, certificates, diplomas, degrees should be listed. Additional Training and Qualifications The training should be relevant to the role for which you are applying. You may also have professional qualifications or licenses and it is important to list these clearly, generally best positioned with or next to your educational details. Volunteering, Hobbies and Interests While it’s not as popular to list these sections nowadays, if these relate to the job you want, by all means include them.
DUBLINLIFE
GAZETTE
25 May 2017 GAZETTE 13
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
MUSIC: CLASSIC SINGER HUGH CORNWELL CAN’T WAIT FOR PAVILION THEATRE SHOW
Strangler has Dun Laoghaire gig in his sights EMMA NOLAN WITH a career spanning almost five decades, legendary singer Hugh Cornwell is set to take to the stage in Dublin this month. The former guitarist and vocalist of iconic punk band The Stranglers has had a successful solo career and is busier than ever making new music and performing his hits. As the original guitarist, singer and main songwriter in The Stranglers, he’s enjoyed massive success, with 10 hit albums and 21 Top 40 singles, etching himself into Europe and the USA’s musical psyche with classic songs including Peaches, No More Heroes, Golden Brown, Nice N’ Sleazy, Always the Sun and Duchess. Hugh sat down with The Gazette ahead of his show in the Pavilion theatre in Dun Laoghaire this Saturday, May 27. Having played many shows in Dublin over the years, including a gig in Whelan’s last year, he said he has noticed a big change in the city. “That was the first time I’d been in Dublin in about three or four years, and I really noticed the change in atmosphere. It’s much more European that it ever was before, I couldn’t believe it!
Then and now ... Hugh Cornwell, The Stranglers
“It’s as cosmopolitan as London now – I really got the feeling that it’s gone through a change, it’s great.” With such an expansive career behind him, Hugh maintains that his taste and style have never changed, but that he has become more confident. “As time goes on, I get more confident so I get to the end result much quicker than I used to. “I pick what I play very carefully so that my new songs sit comfortably next to the Stranglers songs I’ve picked; there’s a thread in the songwriting from that time until now.”
For the Dun Laoghaire gig, however, Hugh said he plans to divide the show into two parts: a set of new songs and a set of Stranglers songs. He said: “I don’t normally do that but I think it it’ll work. I’ve been doing these acoustic sets for a few years, and it’s become clear which songs I enjoy playing the most, and which ones work the best.” Speaking on his upcoming show in Dun Laoghaire, Hugh said: “I’m looking forward to it – it looks like a fantastic place.” Tickets are priced €23.50 and are available at paviliontheatre.ie.
LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240
GAZETTE
14 GAZETTE 25 May 2017
DUBLINLIFE
DIARY DIARY
A unique way to get kids talking “HEADBOMZ” – a slightly gory, massively squelchy and ultimately standout schools programme was launched by ISPCC Childline in partnership with Vodafone Ireland last week. As part of a national awareness campaign aimed at children aged 8 to 10, the launch saw the roll-out of an innovative song and video animated by Oscar-award winning studio Aardman. The idea puts a unique and fun twist on talking through problems as they arise – talking with a friend, a relative, a teacher or with Childline. 95% of children who participated in the research agreed it is essential to have someone to listen to them and help them solve problems, citing bullying, limits to
freedom and parental problems as key areas for concern. This research revealed several insights on the age group which then led to the creative direction and approach to this Headbomz programme. The Headbomz song and video was created to deliver the important message of “Talking Makes Us Stronger” to classrooms across Ireland. Visit Headbomz.ie to download the song.
FUN, LARKS AND BARKS FOR A GOOD CAUSE THE Irish Blue Cross is holding the first of its four annual Bark in the Park events on May 28 in St Anne’s Park, Raheny. This sponsored walk for pets and their dogs will raise muchneeded funds to enable the Irish Blue Cross to provide low
cost veterinary care to pet owners on low income. Supporters of the charity and dog lovers alike are invited to take part with the fun, larks and barks kicking off at 3pm. Those interested in participating can register on www. barkinthepark.ie to receive a sponsorship pack. People can also join in on the day and make a donation. The dates for further Bark in the Parks are Marlay Park, Rathfarnham Sunday, June 18; Tymon Park, Templeogue Sunday, July 9; and Phoenix Park Sunday, August 27. Go to www. barkinthepark.ie for further information.
CHANCE TO ASSIST ALZHEIMER SOCIETY ICELAND, the supermarket brand is to provide fundrais-
TOP ADVICE TO GET YOU GROWING YOUR OWN
Model and mum Erin O’Connor with Sean Hughes, Karla Lyons, Matthew Nolan and Lara Sheehy at the launch of Headbomz. Picture: Naoise Culhane
ing collection points for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)at all stores in Dublin. As part of the corporate partnership agreement with the ASI, Iceland will provide fundraising collection points at the end of shopping tills in their stores in the heart of local communities across Ireland.
Support from corporate partners is a vital part of ASI’s fundraising and helps the organisation to provide dementia-specific services and supports and to advocate for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers across Ireland.
AWARD winning garden designer Diarmuid Gavin and a selection of experts will host a series of free gardening demonstrations as part of the GroMor 2017 initiative which aims to encourage budding gardeners to try their hand at gardening. Diarmuid will host a free demonstration at Windyridge Garden Centre, Dun Laoghaire on June 17 at 6-8pm while Jane McCorkell and Marie Staunton will be at Newlands Home and Garden Centre in Dublin 22 (May 27), Easy Garden in Templeogue and Jones Garden Centre Donabate (June17). For those who cannot attend the events the website www. gromor.ie contains easy to follow guides and videos. All demonstrations are free.
25 May 2017 GAZETTE 15
25 May 2017 GAZETTE 17
DUBLINLIFE
MUSIC
The Return of
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N EVE
with JAMES HENDICOTT
Something Happens
Bloom 2017
The annual garden festival returns to Phoenix Park for the June bank holiday weekend, exploring practical gardening and taking in reams of colourful displays, as well as talks on anything from health to politics, culture to cooking. June1-5
Tom Dunne’s pop-rockers are making their regular nostalgic return next week, but haven’t ruled out writing again, either... JAMES HENDICOTT TOM DUNNE is best known today as a jovial presenter on Newstalk radio, but in the late 80s and early 90s his band Something Happens were at the forefront of a burgeoning Irish indie music scene. Still active today - though infrequently, their shows an ecstatic celebration of what was Dunne recalls the heyday fondly. “Getting started at all was our greatest achievement,” he jokes. “It was an incredible dream, getting to do things you only think people like Paul McCartney get to do. “It was taken for granted back then, for example, that being in a rock band meant doing certain things. We played in the National Stadium, and went to LA to record an album. Those kind of things don’t happen except for really huge bands anymore. Back then you just popped by a different country. It was almost expected.” Something Happens picked up a huge record deal back then, with the pop-rockers signing up with Virgin to release debut album ‘Been There, See That, Done That’, and making a splash in the UK and the US. The band even had their own self-penned magazine, writing stories of their times on tour, and once featuring Daniel O’Donnell on the cover. “We had a lot of time on tour, and it was something to do,” Dunne recalls, “getting down all the funny things that happened to us. The Daniel O’Donnell one was definitely a highlight. We used to sell them at shows.” After several years of touring, the Virgin deal was eventually to turn sour: dropped from the label, Something Happens never reached quite
the same heights as they had with their debut release, but continued releasing new music much of it highly acclaimed - right up until 1997. “We’d just heard that we were getting dropped, and I walked into the newsagent and picked up NME, and we were ‘single of the week’, which was a big deal back then,” Dunne tells us. “We didn’t know about it. That was an odd week, and we felt a bit lost, I think. We ended up having a very long tail as a band.” That long tail involved another big contract with BMG, but Something Happens never reached quite the same heights, despite a link with U2 that even saw Bono’s band quote Something Happens lyrics in the track ‘Staring at the Sun’. Something Happens, though, was a platform, with the band giving all its members the experience to go on and do something else in a related industry. While Dunne has his presenting role, Ray Harman has gone on to be a composer, Eamonn Ryan works for music promoter MCD, and Alan Byrne is involved in the production of the Late Late Show. “You do a lot of radio stuff as the singer in a band,” Dunne says of his start in his current profession. “I liked what I saw, and I started asking around about working in radio. I started out with Today FM, and just spent an awful lot of time with good music. The band were a great door opening exercise.” It’s now been two decades since the last Something Happens album appeared, but for all that time, Dunne tells us the production of new music might not yet be over. “It would take a few things coming together to write a new record,” he explains. “Time is probably the biggest hurdle, with us all off doing different things, but we
GAZETTE
GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 25 May 2017
Dublin Flea Market
The monthly flea market series in Newmarket sees the fantastic Dublin Food Co-Op expand outside its front doors, with half of Newmarket square filled with treasures for sale. May 28
Guns N Roses
GUNS N ROSES
The legendary and notoriously unreliable American rockers are as close to their original form as they have been in years, and will turn up in Slane for the wonderfully named Not In This Lifetime tour. May 27.
Yanis Varoufakis
Once the controversial financial minister tasked with saving a collapsing Greek economy, Yanis Varoufakis’ reputation in the economic world precedes him. He’ll talk about economies and his new book at the Literature Festival at the RDS. May 28.
Damo Suzuki Network
The legendary Japanese artist - once the frontman of Can brings his musical improvisation to the Grand Social, where he’ll be accompanied by members of local star acts Girl Band and Meltybrains? as they explore the world of Krautrock. May 27.
Picture This
Fast-rising act from Kildare, Picture This are the hottest property in Irish music, having formed in just 2015. To date they only have a single EP, but will be playing their brand of pop rock in the Olympia Theatre for an incredible run. May 30-June 4.
IADT Graduate Exhibition
have no trouble writing. I’ve done a lot of other writing. It’s not impossible that they’ll be new music.” These days, Something Happens still get regular offers to perform, but with both time constraints and no particular need to get on stage, they’re pretty picky about agreeing. “We have a list of conditions,” Dunne explains, “and we wait for people to come to us, we’re not out there chasing gigs. We’ll play when the show suits us.”
“I’ve been down to Leopardstown over the last few years, and it’s a great show, so when they got in touch it made sense to us to head along. Aslan have been raving about it, and it’s always great to get back on stage. They’ll be lots of our old stuff, and a few covers. It should be a great night.” But keep your eyes peeled for more... Something Happens make their only planned appearance of 2017 to date at Live at Leopardstown, on June 8.
The artsy side of the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology put their work on display ahead of graduation, with works in photography, television production, art, 3D design on display from May 26 to June 1.
Opium Closing Party
NEW ORDER - NOMC15
The popular three-room nightlife venue on Wexford Street is having one last blow out before shutting down for a refurb that will take until the end of the summer, after which they say they’ll be ‘unrecognisable’. May 29.
New album of the week
New Order - NOMC15. A live album from the descendants of Joy Division, NOMC15 features live versions of many of the tracks from latest album, as well as delivering the classics .
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 25 May 2017
DUBLINLIFE
Worth trumpeting DUBLIN Zoo staff were thrilled to announce the birth last week of the latest arrival at the bustling tourist attraction – a male Asian elephant calf. Estimated to be a metre tall and weighing approximately 130kg, the calf was delivered last Monday at the end of a 22-month gestation period for his mum Yasmin. As her fourth calf, the as yet unnamed male is the sixth elephant calf born at Dublin Zoo in less than three years, and he will join the herd of 10 Asian elephants, including his dad, Upali, in the Kaziranga Forest Trail. It is estimated that only 30,000 to 60,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild, with the largest population found in India, leading to the latest birth at Dublin Zoo being hailed as part of the international breeding programme established to assist the breed’s survival.
‘Amazing spectacle’ Gerry Creighton, operations manager at Dublin Zoo, said: “The birth of an Asian elephant is an amazing spectacle and this was no exception. The arrival of the calf was greeted with celebratory trumpeting and each member of the herd, from the oldest to youngest, played a role in assisting with the birth. “We’ve been on an incredible journey over the past three years, overseeing the birth of six elephant calves, placing Dublin Zoo as one the most successful Asian elephant breeding programmes in the world. We’re very proud of the expanding herd and seeing the 11 elephants together will be a wonderful sight for visitors to the zoo over the summer.” The zoo is inviting the public to come up with a name for the new arrival, based on his Asian origin; names can be submitted online at www.DublinZoo.ie. To see the new arrival taking some of his first steps in the world, visit the Kaziranga Forest Trail in Dublin Zoo, which is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 6pm. For further information on the zoo, see www.facebook. com/dublinzoo, or www.dublinzoo.ie.
ANIMALS
Rare calf born at the zoo
PLEASE HELP QUEENIE GET THE CARING HOME SHE DESERVES OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Queenie, a four-yearold female Collie who arrived to Dogs Trust heavily pregnant. She went on to have seven beautiful puppies who have all since found perfect homes, so now it’s Queenie’s turn to find hers! Queenie is a sensitive soul who can be worried by unfamiliar people, but she really comes alive in the presence of other dogs and loves to play tug – she also has a special penchant for de-stuffing soft toys.
Confidence Queenie is looking for a quiet home where she will have a doggy pal and adopters who will understand that it may take her some time to grow in confidence in her new home. We have already seen how much potential Queenie has, given the right environment, so please consider adding this adorable dog to your family *If you can be Queenie’s #SpecialSomeone, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.
25 May 2017 GAZETTE 19
GAZETTE
20 GAZETTE 25 May 2017
DUBLINLIFE
FOOD
CITY CENTRE: A BIG, BLUE AND BEAUTIFUL CONTAINER GETS A NEW LEASE OF CAFE LIFE
Serving originality
GOT A CRAVING FOR...
EMMA NOLAN THE latest addition to ‘coffee culture’ in Dublin 8 is located in none other than a recycled shipping container on Thomas Street. The aptly named Container Cafe is the brainchild of entrepreneur Gordon Hickey. He joked: “It’s so funny – everyone has been calling me ‘an entrepreneur’, but I’m just a bleedin’ chancer!” Don’t let him fool you, however, as the cafe is a slick and modern conception at the Digital Hub that very cleverly uses an old container transformed into a comfortable yet environmentally-friendly space in a great location. And, while it appears small from the outside, it’s deceptively big inside. Gordon said: “I wanted to do something along this stretch of Thomas Street because I was cycling up and down every day and I noticed that there were so many empty units. “I wanted to try and revive this part of the street a little bit. I was looking at units, but then wanted to do something more novel, and I was working on a television programme where we used a shipping container as a mobile clinic, and I thought that the Digital Hub would be the perfect place for something like this.” Part of this vision is sustainability, and all of the
Red Velvet Swirl Brownies
INGREDIENTS
BROWNIES 100g (4oz) white chocolate, broken into squares 100g (4oz) butter 175g (6oz) Siúcra Light Golden Brown Sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp cocoa powder 2 medium eggs 1/2 tsp red food colouring 125g (4 1/2oz) plain flour Although he modestly says he’s “a bleedin’ chancer”, entrepreneur Gordon Hickey has served up a memorable addition to coffee culture in Thomas Street
cafe’s materials are recycled – down to the tables, which Gordon made from old doors from kitchen presses. He added: “I hate waste, so this was a very important aspect for me.” Even the coffee cups and lids are compostable and recyclable, unlike the majority of take-away coffee cups, which are coated in plastic. Gordon said: “You think of the amount of waste from normal coffee cups. A lot of people do try to recycle them, because they think they’re just made of paper. I didn’t want to be adding to that waste.” The coffee itself is Cloud Picker coffee and Gordon
With staff inside the deceptively large container
uses all-local suppliers for the food. Delicious treats from local bakeries are on offer, along with a menu of interesting sandwiches including a roast cauliflower and smoked cheese with bechamel and chilli. What’s most unique about the idea, however, is Gordon’s commitment to Dublin culture – and I don’t mean Joyce, Guin-
ness and The GPO. This is more the ‘Lady on the rock’, ‘Sherrup you, ye tick’ and ‘Gerrup outta dat’. With a vision that’s inherently inspired by its surroundings and the locals that fill it, Gordon has taken these Dublinisms and woven them through the business. The coffee cups have messages such as ‘Style of
ye’ and ‘Yer only massive’ on the lids, and the walls are adorned with prints from Dublin artist Jess Tobin that similarly wellknown sayings. Gordon has hired four staff so far, and hopes to eventually hire more. He said: “I’ve worked hard on this since last September, constantly plugging away. I didn’t have a project manager – I did it all myself, so it’s been a massive learning experience.” However, he said he has been overwhelmed with the response he’s received since opening Container Cafe. “There’s been such a nice response so far – hopefully, people keep coming in!”
The 1780 Restaurant earns its 2AA Rosette status IN just a few short months, The 1780 restaurant at the new Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links has earned its 2 AA Rosette status from AA Ireland. The luxurious coastal resort was officially unveiled earlier this year following an extensive 18-month refurbishment and multi-million euro investment. Each year AA Ireland scouts locations all over the country, recognising and award-
ing exceptionally high standards in culinary excellence with its Rosette scheme. The 1780 at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links is one of only four properties to have been newly awarded a 2 AA Rosette status in the last year. Chef Tom Walsh has cultivated a contemporary fine dining experience for patrons of The 1780, which welcomes both guests of the hotel and non-residents. A Tipperary native, Tom has carved a stellar reputation as one of
the industry’s most exciting and innovative figures with a career spanning over 20 years working at some of Dublin’s finest establishments. Tom oversees the hotel’s entire food and beverage offering – The 1780, The Seaview and Jameson Bar – and is joined by Derek Yu, formerly of Chapter One Restaurant, as restaurants manager. See review next week
CREAM CHEESE SWIRL 200g (7oz) cream cheese 2 tbsp plain flour 2 tbsp Siúcra Caster Sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 medium egg yolk
TO SERVE Vanilla ice-cream
METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4 and line an 18cm (7in) square cake tin with baking parchment. 2. Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (or use a microwave if you have one). Leave to cool a little. 3. Melt the butter and put into a large bowl. Leave to cool and then add the Siúcra Light Golden Brown Sugar, vanilla and cocoa powder and beat with a hand-held electric mixer. Add the eggs and food colouring and beat until well combined. Fold in the melted white chocolate, add the flour and using a large metal spoon, gently fold it all together with as few stirs as possible so you do not knock the air out of it. Gently spread into the prepared baking tin, leaving about two tablespoons behind in the bowl - you will use this later for the swirl pattern. Set aside. 4. Beat all of the ingredients for the cream cheese swirl in a bowl until the Siúcra Caster Sugar is evenly combined. Dollop spoonfuls of it on top of the brownie mixture that is already in the tin. Then add the remaining two tablespoons of the brownie mixture. Take a knife and swirl the brownie mixture around in the tin. Be sure not to over-swirl it otherwise the mixture will just look like a pink cake batter. But swirl deep into the tin so that the marble effect goes right throughout the brownie and is not just at the top. 5. Place the tin into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the centre of the brownie springs back slightly when touched but it is still nice and gooey in the middle. 6. Leave to cool a little in the tin, then cut into 9 even-sized squares and serve warm or cold with vanilla ice cream. Recipe courtesy of Siucra. For more information on Siucra products along with recipes, tips and videos visit www.siucra.ie.
25 May 2017 GAZETTE 21
GAZETTE
FEATURES
CAMPAIGN: MENTAL HEALTH
Five essential steps to really support others EMMA NOLAN
Last year’s Bloom (above) was a picture-perfect celebration of gardening and plants, setting a tough standard to beat this year. Pictures: Shane Dillon
CITY CENTRE: PHOENIX PARK TO PLAY HOST TO FANTASTIC FESTIVAL
You’re growing to love a Bloom-ing great line-up SHANE DILLON WHETHER you’re a gardening guru, a have-a-go horticulturalist or a floral follower, there’s only one place to be this upcoming bank holiday weekend – Bloom 2017. Organisers have carefully cultivated the seeds of success since Bloom’s humble origins in 2007, with the Bord Bia celebration of all that is good and green (and every other colour under the rainbow) quickly growing to become one of the city’s, and country’s, best-loved festivals. This year’s event looks set to be the best yet, with a dizzying range of events, showcases, demonstrations, activities – and, of course, a vast range of gorgeous gardens and perfect plants – to take in from Thursday, June 1 to Bank Holiday Monday, June 5.
Visitors at the sprawling festival will certainly have plenty to root out, with many people expected to make a beeline straight over to Bloom’s most popular attraction: the show gardens. Described as the heart and soul of Bloom, the gardens will once again showcase an inspiring range of gardens from some of the country’s top designers, while upand-coming students, as well as organisations and charities close to the public’s heart, have also created some superb sights. While every garden will have its fan, some of the many show garden highlights include a fun Despicable Me 3 garden (by Brid Conroy), which younger visitors will particularly enjoy; the Oxfam Goal Garden (by Niall Maxwell), promoting tolerance in a fractious
Gary Graham, Bord Bia’s Bloom manager, had help from Sophie Bracken and Lauren Keane to launch this year’s festival . Picture: Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennells
world; and My Land Your Land – Ireland (by Tunde Szentesi), which tells the story of Irish agriculture and food from farm to fork. However, away from the show gardens, Bloom has more than enough other attractions for all the family, with several themed zones to explore. Whether you’re looking for exotic plants, the perfect garden accesso-
ries (or even just a nice bunch of flowers to give to The Mammy traipsing around with you) Bloom’s organisers have brought together many of the city and country’s top retailers, specialists and garden centres to meet any need. And with Bloom aimed at all ages, kids will have plenty to keep themselves busy too, with everything from craft zones to friendly animals to meet.
After taking in everything from the gardens to the stalls to the Victorian walled garden, gardenedout visitors will be more than happy to plant themselves in the Bord Bia food village. Here, a vast range of produce providers will have enough food and drink to sate any appetite. Away from this village, foodies will once again be treated to several demonstrations from top chefs, while there will even be live fashion shows twice daily, as well as roaming entertainers and live music, with RTE once again broadcasting from the site. With so much to see and do, Bloom promises to a pretty tree-mendous festival! For the full list of Bloom’s events, prices and further information, see http://bloominthepark. com.
EARLIER this month, more than 150,000 people woke up and walked from Darkness Into Light with Pieta House, crossing the finish line in more than 150 locations around the globe. However, the hugely successful event doesn’t mark the end of that awareness journey – Electric Ireland and Pieta House have created The Essentials Of Empathy, a campaign to show that the way everyone treats each other has a direct impact on individuals’ well-being. The Essentials Of Empathy are five actionable guidelines to help create a healthier, happier Ireland. Marguerite Kiely, of Pieta House, said the guidelines: “ are for people to bring into their daily lives; if everyone takes one thing from this and brings it into their daily life, we’ll be able to live in a happier and healthier Ireland, where people are looking out for each other and show they care”. Paul Stapleton, general manager of Electric Ireland, said: “Our partnership with Pieta House is
of huge importance to our staff and customers, and we would encourage people to consider The Essentials Of Empathy as another step to ensure people look out for one another in their daily lives.” The Essentials Of Empathy 1. Slow Down and Check In: In a fast-paced world, we need to slow down, and check in with ourselves and those around us. 2. Listen and Connect: Listening is about more than just being present. Put down your phone and connect in real life through daily activities. Go for a walk or have a cup of tea together. 3. Ask Questions, Even The Hard Ones: Sometimes, asking how someone is really feeling can be a tough question, but it’s the best way to start a conversation. 4. Empathise and Be Understanding: By being more understanding, and seeing things from others’ points of view, we can help to make everyone feel more accepted. 5. Be Generous With Your Kindness: Small acts of kindness can make someone’s day – it is a gift that we can all give, and something we should give whenever and wherever we can.
Well done to everyone who took part in Darkness Into Light –now, keep up the good work on mental health
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 11
Nicolai Nielsen celebrates winning Stage 1
Luke and Caoimhe Conaty
GAZETTE
22 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
DUBLINLIFE
FASTNews
Gavin Hydes, newly elected president Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI)
Attracting top talent is priority for new motor industry president GAVIN Hydes, CEO of the Dublin-based Joe Duffy Group was elected president of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), last week at the organisation’s AGM. SIMI believes that the motor industry is a significant business sector in Ireland, contributing over €1.5 billion to the exchequer in taxation and providing over 41,000 jobs nationally. As CEO of Joe Duffy Group, Hydes has been very strongly focused on the development and progression of staff within his business and is passionate when it comes to recruiting the best personnel. He feels that it is critical for the motor industry to communicate the exciting and dynamic career opportunities that are available in so many diverse sectors. “It is important that we are able to attract the very top talent that our businesses will require going forward. It is a cutting edge, fast-paced and ever-changing industry that has a lot to offer its future employees and this should really appeal to those seeking a rewarding career.” Speaking at SIMI’s AGM Hydes said: “As an Industry we are in a stronger more sustainable position and have a more robust business model across all sectors as a result of the challenges faced by the motor industry over the last couple of years.” Having worked in all areas of the business, Gavin takes on his new role having gained in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in virtually all areas of the motor sector in Ireland.
Skoda returns to Scrappage to boost their 172 sales THIS July, for the start of the 172 registration
period, Skoda is allowing customers to transform their old car into €4,000 when buying a new Skoda at their local authorised Skoda dealer. The offering will be launched as part of their Open Event which runs from Saturday, May 27 until Saturday, 10 June. During that period, 0% finance will also be offered on selected models in the Fabia, Octavia and Superb ranges. Speaking ahead of the two-week long event, William Lee, head of sales at Skoda, said: “We are delighted to be launching our 172 Offers at our Open Events across the country over the next few weeks with two great offers; Skoda Scrappage and 0% finance. If you’re looking for great value then pop down and test drive one of our cars at any time over the course of the two weeks – you won’t be disappointed!”
Latest VW Golf is an estate of the nation
There is growing acceptance of the practical and inceasingly mod-con features offered in modern estate cars, where style and comfort are adding to the appeal, as MICHAEL MORONEY found when he took the new Volkswagen Golf Estate to the roads in a recent test drive. VOL K S WAGE N launched the new Golf in April of this year with claims of more technology and improved styling to give the car a new look. Like all things Volkswagen the changes are cautious and evolutionary, there’s no denying the Golf heritage. That’s evident across the full range and even more so in the Golf Estate version that I’ve had on the road in recent weeks. The new Golf styling is sharper and more modern. There’s a noticeable feeling of fine tuning, with careful styling details that retain the Golf appearance. The new look is mildly distinctive from the past with new bumpers, new radiator grille, new fullLED tail lights, new hidden exhaust pipes and new glass headlight covers that extend further up the wing of the car a sportier look. These new LED headlights which replace all
xenon headlights of the Golf models give better night time driving light, especially noticeable on rural roads. For estate car drivers the priorities are load, space and comfort coupled with sensible economy. In these features the Golf Estate delivers on most counts, while it’s important to pick your specification choices with care. The test car was the Highline version, which offers the highest specification in the range. That includes a host of safety features and the new more sophisticated touch-screen infotainment system. I was immediately impressed with the new interior design, the layout of the controls and the electronic dash that is instantly attractive to look at and use. This car was powered by the 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine with an 115bhp power rating, just one step up from the base
model in terms of power and torque. The disappointing feature of the specification was the fact that this was matched to a five-speed gearbox and that didn’t seem to allow for the full performance capacity of the 270Nm torque engine. Out on the road, that meant my motor way cruising speeds were pushing the engine into the 2,000+rpm zone and that always impacts on economy. Instead, I opted for more sedate driving to manage the revs and the fuel economy that bit better. The end result was a less exciting driving experience that I would have liked or expected. The positive side of that story is that my range exceeded the car’s expectations. When I sat in behind the wheel the car’s impressive computer system predicted that my range would be 720km on a full tank. In reality, I achieved a figure of more than 840km, which I was
The new generation Volkswagen Golf estate comes with sharper styling and some enhanced driver features including significant interior styling upgrades. Entry prices start at €25,770 for the Trendline models and Volkswagen has lots of tempting Innovation Pack offers for 172 buyers
Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.6 TDI
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 1.6 litre Engine power 115hp 0 – 100km/hr 10.7 seconds Economy 24km/litre (4.2/100km or 68mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres CO2 emissions 109g/km Road Tax Band A3 €190 Main Service 15,000km/12 mon Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2012) Warranty 3 years/100,000km Entry Price €25,770
impressed about, even if it was more than 30% higher than the official rate of 24km/litre (4.2/100km or 68mpg). Once I took my mind off the five-speed feature and relaxed into the driving, I soon became very comfortable with the new Golf Estate. This car has great
boot capacity with ease of use and a space saver spare under the boot floor. I began to enjoy the new Discover Navigation Pro radio-navigation and online system that features Volkswagen’s gesture control. This system features a large 9.2-inch screen and sits
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 23
GAZETTE
MOTORING
Seat sharpen the edges in sportier, new model Ibiza
The dash on the new Volkswagen Golf is very impressive with touch-screen features
alongside the Active Info Display which is standard on all Highline and Performance Golf’s. Just run your hand in front of the screen and the menu options appear. There is also a larger range of online services and apps available for the system to enhance its use. I found that following the easy set up of my mobile phone to the car’s Bluetooth system, I quickly got comfortable with the range of features of the new system.
This Golf is available in three specifications, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Volkswagen is offering additional well-priced specification packs to boost the specification levels across each of these grades. For estate car buyers there are a number of attractive looking options from the Ford Focus to the Opel Astra, equally fine cars. The new Golf estate beats both in terms of boot space with or without folding the rear
seats. For true estate car space seekers then the Skoda Octavia will be leading choice. It has all of the power features of the Golf with acres more boot space, especially when you fold the rear seats down the floor. Entry prices for the Golf estate are competitive with diesel models starting from €25,770. The new entry level 1.0 turbo-petrol version is now also worth considering as it has improved economy and similar run-
ning costs to diesel cars. This new Golf has to compete against the popular estate cars including the Ford Focus (€24,740) and Opel Astra (€24,995), both of which have impressive styling and are strong sellers in what is a smaller niche estate car market. If you want even more space than the Golf offering then the new Skoda Octavia (€24,695) with many of the Golf features including the same engine, a further option to consider.
The boot space on the new Volkswagen Golf Estate is spacious at 605 litres, extending to 1,620 litres with the rear seats folded, along with a space saver spare wheel under the floor
Subaru SV comes tops in Japanese safety THE new Subaru XV has recently won the Grand Prix Award for achieving the highest score on record in Japan’s New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP) crash safety evaluation tests. In addition, the XV received the Special Award for being fitted with a pedestrian protection airbag as standard. XV is fitted with a suite of active, passive and pre-crash safety technologies, including Subaru’s flagship EyeSight system. EyeSight is Subaru’s optical advanced Subaru SV0: Subaru’s new XV compact collision avoidance technology. Systems SUV has won the highest score on record from other manufacturers use various in the Japanese crash safety evaluation sensors, such as radar, microwave or tests camera. Subaru’s EyeSight functions via
two camera lenses to the left and right of the rear-view mirror that together create a stereoscopic image. One core feature of EyeSight is PreCollision braking which reliably captures pedestrians in dark clothing in unlit areas, as commonly found throughout rural areas of the UK, and when needed initiates emergency braking. Up to a speed of 28mph, accidents can be completely avoided and the severity significantly reduced at higher speeds. In 2015, Subaru released data from a survey of traffic accidents involving Subaru vehicles in Japan from 2010 to 2014. The data revealed a 61% reduc-
tion in crashes for vehicles equipped with EyeSight, compared to those without. Subaru’s Rear Vehicle Detection system is also fitted as standard – offering blind spot detection, lane change assistance and reversing assistance to enhance all-round preventative safety. Subaru claims that the XV is built on the new Subaru Global Platform which has been engineered to be 70% more rigid. It claims that impact energy absorption is improved by 40% over present models by using a frame structure that absorbs more energy and high-tensile steel plates.
FOUR generations after its initial launch the new Seat Ibiza comes loaded with the latest technology features, outstanding dynamics, and an impressive improvement in interior space and comfort. The new model Ibiza is easily recognisable as a genuine Seat design due to its full LED triangular headlights. The Ibiza is Seat’s most iconic model and the new version gets fresh styling to give it a sharper and sportier style. Seat claims that the new Ibiza is a completely new model. They claim that it has been created to go a major step ahead in safety, design, performance and comfort. This advance in quality was achieved thanks to the new MQB A0 modular platform. The new Seat Ibiza is the Volkswagen Group’s first model to use this platform. The new model comes with key factors including practicality, intelligent technology and connectivity. There are three connectivity options: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link. The Ibiza also features Beats sound-system and an eight-inch touchscreen representing Seat’s commitment to infotainment. Prices for new Ibiza start at €14,995 for the S range, €17,335 for the SE range, €18,745 for XCELLENCE and €19,465 for the FR range.
The new Seat Ibiza
GAZETTE
24 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
DUBLINLIFE
‘Cannes-do’ is the true spirit around town
CINEMA
INSIGHT: AUTEURS AND ACTORS FLOCK EN MASSE TO THE SOUTHERN FRENCH RESORT
LAWYER Antonio Ho is in Cannes as part of a Hong Kongbased production company, 72 Dragons. Here, he writes of the everyday hustle and bustle that 72 Dragons and thousands of other companies are engaging in as part of the busy Cannes experience, as deals are struck over films, TV series and online content. GLAMOUR, luxury, and awe are the three words that I have always associated with Cannes International Film Festival. This year, I was fortunate to attend as part of the 72 Dragons team. Cannes Film Festival is indeed a festival – everyone is busy every minute of the day, running around for their next meeting, screening or party. The experience is almost like film production on a tight schedule, where everyone is trying to make things happen – except they’re all much better dressed than a typical film crew! Even out of the camera frame and away from the red carpet, I didn’t find a single badly-dressed person at the festival (though that may be a French thing), while the festival staff look like models pulled from magazine ads. It’s all pretty overwhelming for a first-timer like me – Cannes is definitely not your typical south of France holiday, or destination. My schedule is almost
air-tight because of a whole village of people that I need to meet with, movies from all over the world that I’d like to see, and parties that I need to attend so that I can have more contacts to fit into my schedule of meetings. I’m not alone – everyone at Cannes is pushing their limits to get the most out of the festival for their job and business. However, although it’s set in France, the festival’s connections are global. People from all over the world are now more connected than ever to co-produce some of the best movies, thanks to technology which bridges the gap between film makers and audience. As a global citizen my s e l f – s o m e o n e attending with 72 Dragon’s team comprising people from the United States, the United Kingdom, Honduras and Hong Kong – I can truly see that this is the future of this industry. As they say: “There is no business like show business,” and that’s definitely the case in Cannes!
Cannes may look relaxing – but it’s humming with industry movers and shakers, while every inch feels plastered with posters for all kinds of weird, wonderful and world films. Pictures: Antonio Ho
Oui love this festival MARTIN MACNAMARA
THE 2017 Cannes Film Festival opened on May 17, and this year sees fresh faces alongside festival regulars alongside a batch of controversies unlike anything that’s rocked the Riviera in years gone by. The vast proliferation of ready-to-stream content (a-la Netflix) has caused a fuss amongst supporters of the big screen, while those who’ve decried the rapid development of virtual reality will be shocked by a multimedia installation by Birdman director, Alejandro G Inarritu. There’s little point in trying to cover the varied breadth of cinema that will play at this year’s festival.
Instead here are four of the films we’re most excited about in competition for the festival’s prestigious Palme D’or ...
Okja Why not start with the Netflix-produced South Korean-American coproduction that’s causing all the fuss? Tackling themes of animal cruelty and massmarket entertainment, this dystopian fairytale follows a young girl (newcomer Ahn Seo-hyun) and her best friend, an enormous mutant animal called Okja, as they attempt to flee from a multi-national corporation led by Tilda Swinton. Director Bong Joon-ho
may have split audiences with his recent film, Snowpiercer, but has previously displayed a brilliant and original prowess for dark humour with 2006’s The Host.
Happy End Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke is one of only seven directors to have won the Palme D’or twice, for 2009’s The White Ribbon and 2012’s Amour. His cold, detached, yet intimate approach to filmmaking tackles the darkness, alienation and estrangement that underlines modern society; Happy End stars Emmanuel Beart and Louis Trintignant in a
family drama set against the backdrop of the Calais refugee crisis.
Loveless Despite tackling heavy themes of corruption, religion and national identitiy, 2014’s Leviathan was a success in director Andrey Zvyagintsev’s home country of Russia, and also picked up an award for best screenplay at Cannes . The fearless director returns with Loveless, the story of a husband and wife whose child goes missing while they’re on the verge of divorce. As with all of Zvyagintsev’s work, expect Loveless to take aim at the societal problems of modern Russia.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos returns to work with Colin Farrell following the wonderfully bizarre success of The Lobster, with this film set to be the second of three cinematic collaborations from the pairing. Farrell plays a brilliant surgeon who takes a teenage boy under his wing, a development that has devastating effects on his personal life. Also starring Nicole Kidman and Alicia Silverstone, The Killing of a Sacred Deer looks set to be run through with Lanthimos’s brilliant directing style and off-beat, matterof-fact performances.
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25
Witcher has cast its spell on Netflix CONTINUING its habit of creating quirky content, Netflix has started production on a series based on the massively successful Witcher titles, which millions of gamers know are based on the smash-hit books by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The current hunger for complex, triple-M (Mediveval, magic, monarchs) tales a-la Game of Thrones sees a proven audience already in place for a TV adaptation of Sapkowski’s brutal but decent hero – a character who has starred in smash-hit games, not least in developer CD Projekt Red’s absolutely superb Witcher 3 from a little while back. Geralt is a name that won’t mean anything to many people, but his gen-
uinely complex, flawed character has made quite an impression on gamers, not least because of the understated yet distinctive tones of his VO actor, Doug Cockle. For many, Doug IS Geralt – but not so for Netflix, who have perhaps decided that no matter how great he sounds, Doug may not quite look as stone-cold deadly as Geralt does ... Still, Doug’s taken the news in his stride, echoiing CD Projekt Red’s similarly sidelined stance to wish Netflix all the best. He’s been joking about who he might play instead, but as Doug puts it himself: “ I think [Geralt’s lover] Keira Metz is out.” Look out for Witcher appearing on Netflix in the near future.
Spot the difference: Witcher, skilled killer and dragon slayer Geralt of Rivia, and all-round nice guy voice actor Doug Cockle (or possibly vice versa)
Laptop travel plans scrapped by the US IN A move that many will welcome, US authorities have finally decided not to proceed with the proposed ban on laptops on EU planes they’d been mulling over. EU officials had been very vocal in expressing opposition to the proposals, with objections ranging from the marginal (the inconvenience to business people, poor lambs) to the more worrying (notably, the potential danger of putting lots of items with potentially unstable, combustible batteries in the hold). However, while the proposed ban was scrapped, the US authorities are said to be considering other, further security steps. The ban on electronics in flights from several mostly Muslim countries remains in place.
GAZETTE
TECH
SOCIAL MEDIA: CHANGING NATURE OF ONLINE LIFE HITS FACEBOOK
Facing up to new challenges in our connected world ANOTHER week, and another story that dominated tech headlines around the world – the leaking of internal documents revealing how Facebook is coping – or struggling to cope – with the scale of adjusting to moderating content. As reported in a Guardian investigation, and then flashed around the world, Facebook is engaged in a rolling battle against a ceaseless tide of inappropriate content, while at the same time its moderation staff find some of its rules confusing, and the task challenging. Removing revenge porn and sexual content are a growing priority, but the moderators face a huge range of content deemed as violent, aggressive, sexualised or otherwise inappropriate – except that it’s not always clear that the content is indeed ‘wrong’. For example, problems arise with classifying several types of content, with art and historical content often crossing the line into ‘inappropriate’ territory – perhaps best demonstrat-
Facebook’s days of seeming immune to damage are over – now, the company finds itself battling everything from revenge porn to live-streamed SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com
murders to bullying. It’s a huge task that would challenge any platform and site to cope with.
ed by Facebook brifely censoring late last year one of the most iconic photos of the 20th Century, that of a naked girl Kim Phuc (9) running away from a napalm attack during The Vietnam War. That photo was swiftly reinstated after an international outcry, with Facebook shortly afterwards revealing that it would begin to monitor content both more closely, and more sensitively. However, according to the Guardian, the scale and nature of content to check is staggering – with the reports showing almost 54,000 potential cases of revenge pornography and “sextortion” were dealt with in a single month alone – and that’s just reported content. In January, Facebook disabled more than 14,000
WeeBytes... WannaCry ransomeware led to surge in upgrades THE global attack by WannaCry on IT systems around the world wasn’t all bad news – several cybersecurity firms reported a spike in revenue after the ransomware’s rampage, as companies hurried to patch up their
accounts related to these types of grotesque sexual abuse, with 33 cases relating to children. With its absolutely enormous user base, there’s no way for the company (or any other huge company or site) to actively track, monitor or
defences and upgrade their systems. Typical revenue surges of between 4-8% were widely reported by several high-profile firms, even as the impact of the cyberattack faded. WannaCry’s effects showed not only that companies and governments alike can’t afford to be complacent in the face of continuous threats, but that even bad news can have an unintended positive impact for some companies and sectors.
moderate content, with it largely relying on userreported content to act. However, the leaked report gives an insight into the scale of problems Facebook now faces as it adjusts to its growing role as a digital and news content provider.
Hacker hero blasts a new enemy – the press STAYING with WannaCry, and a key figure in that story – a young coder who helped spot it, and helped to stop its spread – found himself facing unwanted attention. Modest Marcus Hutchins (22) spotted a vulnerability that largely curtailed its spread, and initially sought to stay anonymous.
It’s a story that we’re all likely to read more about, as Facebook, and other tech titans, find themselves increasingly fighting malicious content that no company would endorse. Facebook’s battles represent a content war that looks set to rage on.
However, it wasn’t long before he found his face and address plastered all over a variety of front pages. Joking at first about having to climb over his back wall to escape journalists, Marcus was soon reporting that everyone around him was being hounded, and that anoyingly he has to find a new place to live, now that he has been identified. You know what they say about no good deed going unpunished ...
26 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
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GAZETTE
28 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
SPORT
AS IT HAPPENED THE MINUTE BY MINUTE TWISTS AND TURNS OF THE FINAL DAY OF THE LSL SUNDAY SENIOR DIVISION: 7.30pm Both games get underway. As it stands: Bluebell are champions with an advantage over St Mochta’s on goal difference 7.47 Bluebell penalty, Crumlin down to ten men for a handball clearance by David Vickery.
SOCCER: BLUEBELL WIN BATTLE BUT LOSE THE SUNDAY SENIOR WAR
Super Saints soar to leave Bell feeling Blue
7.48 Tony Griffiths fires Bluebell’s penalty a foot over the Crumlin bar. 7.57 Karl Somers puts St Mochta’s in front at Wayside Celtic. As it stands: Mochta’s ahead. 8.20 Half time in both games. Mochta’s in pole position but Bluebell arguably still favourites facing ten men. 8.43 David Kelly puts Mochta’s 2-0 up. 9.11 Gareth Cooney hooks Bluebell in front at Crumlin. As it stands: Bluebell lead by one goal on goal difference 9.12 Conor Murphy immediately equalises for Crumlin. As it stands: Mochta’s 9.13 Denis Moran scores from distance to put Mochta’s 3-0 up, bringing goal difference into play. As it stands: Mochta’s St Mochta’s players and management alike celebrate their LSL Sunday Senior success at Jackson Park last Saturday
9.15 Karl Russell strike deflects in for Bluebell, they lead 2-1. As it stands: Mochta’s lead on goals scored. 9.20 90th minute Dean Kelly penalty for Mochta’s leaves Bluebell needing two more in Crumlin. 4-0. The game concludes shortly afterwards. As it stands: Mochta’s on goal difference. 9.27 The game has a long tail in Crumlin, but Bluebell never seriously threaten to net; the final whistle goes to wild celebration at Wayside. Mochta’s are LSL Sunday Senior champions.
CLASS Act BLUEBELL BOSS ANDY NOONAN REFLECTS ON THE SEASON: “First of all congratulations to Brian McCarthy, who I’ve the utmost respect for, and St Mochtas for winning the league tonight. It’s a great feeling and you should be proud of your achievement. “How do I talk about my own lads? The craziest group of players ever assembled who tonight gave it there all. To go to Crumlin and win is never easy and to do it and accepting the league position I do not feel disappointed. “In the words of Vince Lombardi: ‘I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.’”
LSL SUNDAY SENIOR Wayside Celtic St Mochta’s
0 4
Crumlin 1 Bluebell United 2 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
A DRAMATIC FINAL day in the Leinster Senior League saw St Mochta’s crowned champions of Leinster’s top tier on goal difference after the Clonsilla club thrashed Wayside Celtic away, ove r c o m i n g h o l d e r s Bluebell United on goal difference. Going into the evening dubbed Super Saturday, Bluebell sat ahead of St Mochta’s by virtue of a two better goal difference, having missed the chance to take the title a week earlier. Mochta’s defeated the reigning champions to take the race to the final day. Bluebell travelled to
arch rivals Crumlin United - who at two points behind, still had a slim shot at the title themselves - while St Mochta’s faced a seemingly tricky trip up the Dublin mountains. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, things got off to a slightly scrappy start in both contests. Bluebell opened well against Crumlin, taking a lot of the early possession without making any real inroads on their rival’s goal. Mochta’s looked more likely at Wayside but weren’t able to break the resistance of their hosts early on. The first major event came 17 minutes in, in Crumlin. A pacey attacking move from Bluebell United saw some less-thanconvincing goalkeeping by Michael Quinn, who should probably have cut out a cross from the right.
Instead the ball spun up in the air and, with Gareth Cooney shaping to turn home, David Vickery smashed the ball away from the midfielder with his fist. It was the only really major moment of an angsty first half; Vickery saw red, and Tony Griffiths blasted the resulting penalty a foot over the Crumlin bar. Ten minutes later in Kilternan, a Karl Somers volley put St Mochta’s top of the ‘as-it-stands’ table. Despite a slightly indifferent first half, however, Bluebell – now facing ten men – still had their destiny in their own hands. The contests came alive in the second half. Ten man Crumlin were posing a significant threat against Bluebell, creating more on the break than the possession-dominating holders were managing at the
other end. Shane Stritch was a terror in the Crumlin defence for Bluebell, while Conor Murphy put the pressure on at the other end, and Crumlin had a convincing looking call for a penalty turned down off the ball. Mochta’s, meanwhile, were cementing their three points. Dean Kelly volleyed in for a second and goal difference began to look like a potentially decisive factor. It took until ten minutes from time for Bluebell to finally make numbers count with Cooney turning in a scrambled ball to the back post. Straight from kick off, though, a fired-up Crumlin netted at the near post via the impressive Murphy. Bluebell had been in a position to take the title for just over a minute. Three minutes after the Crumlin equaliser, Blue-
bell were to net again via a Karl Russell effort, finished at the second attempt. But, by then, a Denis Moran strike from distance in Wayside had put Mochta’s ahead on goals scored. The news had clearly already filtered to Andy Noonan’s bench. Urging his men forward, Noonan soon visibly to have foreseen the end of their title chances. A 90th minute penalty for Dean Kelly at Wayside meant that even with seven minutes of added on time at Crumlin, Bluebell needed two quickfire goals that Crumlin never really looked like conceding. News filtered on to the pitch and Bluebell heads dropped. A victory over local rivals normally worth celebrating was met at full time with a subdued silence as both sides strolled off, Mochta’s being both a goal up on goal difference and ahead on goals scored. S t Mo c h t a ’s we r e crowned champions in Wayside - after a period waiting on the pitch for the contest in Crumlin to conclude - to wild celebrations. Their achievement is all the more remarkable given the Clonsilla side are completing in only their second season at this level and played out a season in mid table last time out. This year, consistency and grit at the last helped them overcome the LSL’s traditional power clubs to take the title.
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
FASTSport
Basketball masters roll back years across Dublin THE fifth Dublin Masters basketball tournament proved a huge success, culminating in three exciting finals in a packed Oblate Hall. It was a weekend jam packed of basketball with 75 games spread over a number of venues featuring former stars of Irish and European basketball who proved as competitive as ever. In total, 38 teams took part in an event partly sponsored by Failte Ireland with 14 travelling from overseas countries such as Russia, Estonia, Italy, Belgium, England, Scotland and Lithuania. First up, the Over-50 men’s final was contested by two foreign teams with Cus Bari of Italy coming from behind to beat E-Tehno of Estonia, sparking wild team celebrations reminiscent of an underage schools final. This was followed by a fantastic ladies Over-40s final between Wild Rovers going for their fourth title in a row and Oblate Dynamoes looking to win their first title having been runners-up on three previous occasions. Oblates played superb for the first three quarters and took a seven-point lead into the fourth quarter creating an exciting and emotional atmosphere in their home gym/ But Wild Rovers are not three time champions for nothing and came roaring back in the final quarter. With mounting injuries and tired bodies, Oblates couldn’t get over the finish line and Wild Rovers retained their trophy on a 38-30 score line. By this time, the famous Oblate Hall was packed and ready for a Dublin Derby final featuring two staunch opponents from the National League from back in the 1980s, St Vincent’s & St. Declan’s. In a fantastic game with little to choose between both teams, the lead changed hands several times and it was Declan’s who took a four-point lead into the final quarter. St Vincent’s had a couple of chances to close the gap but a couple of vital misses let Declan’s slowly extend the lead with just a minute remaining and took the Tom McLoughlin Trophy 42-34.
Peat brings the heat to Irish rugby fifteen
Artane woman throwing everything into her latest sport having previously excelled at soccer, basketball and for the Dublin ladies footballers with a World Cup now the focus DAVID DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com
ARTANE’S Lindsay Peat has put her career on hold in order to throw everything she has at a once-in-a-lifetime shot at winning a Rugby World Cup title in her home town. Indeed, it’s an opportunity Peat wouldn’t even have contemplated as, aged 35, she wound down her GAA career with Parnells and Dublin, one that had seen her typically decorated at all levels. After welcoming baby Barra into the world with wife Claire late in 2015, Peat was suddenly thrust into the world
of test rugby and has scarcely had time to look back since. “I spoke to my wife and she said, ‘it’s Ireland calling and you can’t say no’,” she told reporters at the AIG Heroes event at Bluebell Community College. “We gave it a chance and thankfully I’ve settled in well and people have had great patience with me and invested so much time. “You only get one chance to play in the World Cup so you just have to give it everything. I’ve cut down my days [at work] to two days a week to try and give it my full commitment.
“At the minute, I’m working in the HSE and I’ve an 18-month-old, so I stay at home three days a week and try and balance family life and training. Work are very good.” Illustrating her schedule, she said: “From last night finishing at 8.30, doing a bit of passing ourselves after, I didn’t get home until nine, had dinner, got showered, and then I was back up at 5.15 this morning. “To recover and be at the level you can be to get the best out of that gym, that’s where the imbalance is [with fullyprofessional sides like England].” While the IRFU has a
Irish rugby international Lindsay Peat in Bluebell Community Centre at the AIG Heroes event along with pupils from Our Lady of the Wayside School. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
noted policy of identifying players across sports who have the potential to prosper in rugby, Peat was unusual in that she had a long and successful career already behind her. She had been an underage soccer international, had captained her country in basketball and was part of the
going to throw you in at the deep end again in the Six Nations.’” The impetus had come from the trainer Graham Byrne – who has been credited as one of the main factors in Dundalk FC’s incredible succcess in recent years – but not even he could have predicted how seamlessly she’d take to the game.
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‘When I played in the Stoop [for my debut], it was my eighth ever rugby match. It’s ridiculous to say’ - Lindsay Peat
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Dublin football squad that won the 2010 AllIreland Championship before turning her hand to the oval ball. She had moved to south Dublin and retired from active GAA in 2015 when she accepted a long-extended invitation to try her hand at rugby with the Railway Union club in Sandymount. Within months, she had been fast-tracked into Tom Tierney’s test side and made her debut as a sub in a November international against England at the Stoop. “When I played in the Stoop it was my eighth ever rugby match. It’s ridiculous to say. “ To m s a i d , ‘ I ’ v e thrown you in at the deep end, you’ve had a steep learning curve, and to be honest I’m
“We had a guy, Graham By rne, who’s wo r ke d w i t h D u n d alk – he’s their S&C [strength and conditioning coach]. “He was our basketball S&C and his cousin is Shirley Corcoran who is director of rugby and player with Railway Union. “For two years, Shirley was like, ‘please come down, Graham recommended you to give it a go,’ and at the time I was living in the northside. “I was totally immersed in what I was doing: I was back in college’ I was trying to win an O’Connor Cup. “When we did eventually move to Dundrum, I was too loyal – I wasn’t going to leave Parnells or go play with any other basketball clubs.”
GAZETTE
30 FINGAL GAZETTE 25 May 2017
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: COMPREHENSIVE WIN SEES COASTAL SIDE LAND PROMOTION
Twenty-five graduates from TY football scheme IRELAND’S first ever Football and Fitness Course for Transition Year students held its inaugural graduation ceremony at the Fingal County Council Civic Offices in Blanchardstown Twenty-five TY students received their certificates in front of an audience that included their parents and family members. The ground-breaking course provides young students with the opportunity to meet their educational requirements while developing a range of football skills and also gaining a full Fitness Instructor’s qualification from Litton Lane Training. This football centred education initiative was run in Corduff Sports Centre over the course of the 2016-17 academic year with all students getting permission from their respective schools to attend. The Mayor of Fingal Councillor Darragh Butler, Fingal County Council Chief Executive, Paul Reid, and Ireland Under-21 team manager Noel King, attended the event along with representatives of Blanchardstown Area Partnership, Sport Ireland and elected members of Fingal County Council. Speaking at the event, Reid congratulated the 25 students who attended the course and added: “Within Fingal County Council, we have a ‘cando’ attitude and this is another excellent initiative by our Sports Office. “We are aware that young people within our community have sporting ambitions and this programme gave the students an excellent opportunity to develop and enhance their sporting skills while staying within the education system and also giving something back to their local communities through the work experience module of the course. The course, run in partnership with the Football Association of Ireland and supported by Blanchardstown Area Partnership and Sport Ireland, was well-attended and recorded an impressive average attendance rate of 93% throughout the school year. In his address, King spoke to the graduates about the unique opportunity that they had been given. He encouraged them to follow their dreams and said that the skills they had gained will stand to them in all walks of life including whatever sport or sporting role they may decide to pursue in the future.
Portmarnock AFC celebrate their promotion up to the top tier of the Leinster Senior League
Ports pay perfect tribute LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1 Portmarnock AFC St John Bosco KARL GRAHAM
6 0
sport@dublingazette.com
PORTMARNOCK secured promotion to the LSL Sunday Senior division in style with a 6-0 win away to St John Bosco last week – a victory manager Willie O’Leary dedicated to the late Brian Gregan. Assistant manager Gregan, who spent his life playing for or managing a Portmarnock side, died suddenly in March so promotion for the man who helped the side reach this stage was a fitting tribute.
“It was well deserved. The lads did well and it was a team effort,” O’Leary told GazetteSport. “This season was exceptionally tough after a few personal setbacks. Our assistant manager Brian Gregan passed away so it was tough for everyone but we were delighted to get over the line for him.” After looking good for promotion with five games to go, Portmarnock suffered a stumble by losing back-to-back games against Newbridge Town and Glenville. However, they recovered with two wins and a draw, showing a resolve that impressed
FINAL FANTASY Rangers clean up with Nivea Cup semi success RIVERVALLEY Rangers have a Nivea Cup final
to look forward to following their penalties win over Castleknock Celtic last weekend. Rangers took the lead early on through Ronan Murtagh, pouncing on a rebound from John O’Donoghue’s initial shot. Celtic equalised soon after to ultimately send the game to extra time and the shoot-out where Gavin Whelan, Mark O’Brien and Alex Ryan scored before Brian O’Neil made a crucial save. Ciaran Lattin smashed home the winner off the underside of the bar for a 4-2 success.
O’Leary. “We were annoyed with ourselves because we had a bit of a slip up; a couple of injuries at crucial times and a couple of lads losing a bit of form but we regrouped and were fully motivated. We had a couple of lads back who had been injured so that helped as well.” The Fingal side will now dine at the top table of intermediate football next season after the win saw them finish second in a competitive Senior Sunday 1 division. They finished four points behind Newbridge but took the runner-up spot ahead Leixlip United FC in third
on goal difference. Bosco went into the game rooted to the bottom of the division after only three wins and five draws all season so Portmarnock would have been confident of securing the three points they needed. A two-goal win would secure promotion regardless of results elsewhere and they got off to a great start after five minutes when Graham Rusk converted a pass from Mark Cassidy. Alan O’Shaughnessy made it 2-0 shortly afterwards when he put the ball into the top corner from 25 yards. The game
was more or less over three minutes later when Rusk turned provider for Noel McGinity to grab Portmarnock’s third. Rusk then returned to the job of goal scorer with his second of the game before half-time after rounding the keeper to finish. Chris “Budgie” Burgess added a brace in the second half to round off an excellent season on the pitch for Portmarnock. “If we had of been told you’d go into the last game of the season needing a win by two goals to get promotion we would have taken it at the start,” said O’Leary.
25 May 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
SUPER SYL’S
Malahide side fight back with second half goals
CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS
ST SYLVESTER’S Under-13s got the beat of Kilmacud Crokes in Malahide last Saturday with a cracking 4-6 to 2-6 win from an evenly matched tie. Kilmacud made the early running, building a 1-5 to 0-1 lead at the break with Syls unable to make the best of their chances. But, with the wind at their backs, Syls dominated the second half, netting four times to turn the tide.
SENIOR ladies Football Champion-
and girls aged four to 13 years. Hurl-
ship: The ladies drew in their opening
ing and Paul Flynn school of Excellence
pool game v Na Fianna. Next up, will be
is on July 25-28 and August 1-4 for
Kilmacud Crokes followed by Clanna
boys and girls aged 13 – 18 years. Kel-
Gael away on Wednesday, May 31 and
logg’s Cul Camp is August 14-18; four to
St Sylvester’s at home on Wednesday,
13-year-old boys and girls. Application
July 12.
forms are available at the bar or on
Adult football and hurling: The hurlers beat Cuala on Saturday evening to go top of Division 4.
LADIES FOOTBALL: HONOURS EVEN ON OPENING NIGHT
All Ireland: The footballers will play
Saturday, June 10. It will include Bren’s team mates from both clubs, compet-
on Saturday, June 3 at 7pm in Portlao-
ing on the field and then joining forces,
ise. The hurlers will meet Galway, this
for a trad night in the bar.
Sunday (May 28) in Tullamore at 4pm.
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 4, 8, 15,
Please log on to www.dublingaa.ie for
18 and 30. We had three winners Angela
ticket information.
Callaghan, Catherine Russell and Tere-
3-7 and hurling is July 10-14 for boys
ST FINIAN’S
Fins and Na Fianna inseparable in SFC SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP Na Fianna 0-9 Fingallians 0-9 sport@dublingazette.com
FINGALLIANS kicked off their ladies senior championship campaign with a 0-9 to 0-9 draw against Na Fianna in Mobhi Road last week. Fins started with attacking intent but Na Fianna were doing well to nullify the danger through tight man-marking. The two teams were, to a certain degree, cancelling each other out and the score stood at two points apiece after the opening 15 minutes.
The Swords side took the lead through Denise McKenna after a quick break from the back but Na Fianna then reeled off three unanswered scores. Sorcha Turnbull’s save then denied Fingallians when McKenna was put through one-on-one by Fiona Hudson. As the half drew to a close, Fingallians finished strongly scoring three points to Na Fianna’s one to leave the sides level at 0-6 to 0-6 going into the break. Fins outscored Na Fianna at the start of the second half to lead by a point as the game revert-
ed to a more defensive set-up. The threat from both forward lines was effectively nullified by each defence with only three more scores during the remainder of the game. Fingallians kicked the first from the boot of substitute Amy McGuinness but Na Fianna hit back with three frees. Dublin star Leah Caffrey, having clearly decided the game was there for the taking, picked up the ball and burst forward at lightning speed from her half-back position and sauntered past Sinead Finnegan.
She passed off into the path of Lucy Collins who kicked from 35 yards but despaired as the ball came back off the upper post. Aoife Ward then had a chance to seal the win for Fingallians when she found herself in a goalscoring position but her strike hit the underside of the bar and off the head of the goalkeeper. The game wasn’t a classic example of free-flowing, open football but it was a joy to behold for those GAA fans who take pleasure indulging in the fine art of defensive superiority.
Brendan O’Reilly Classic: Fingallians V Columba’s Rovers will be held on
Carlow in the Leinster championship
Summer Camp Dates: football is July
Fingallians ladies footballers drew their first senior championship game of the summer.
www.fingallians.com.
sa Lyons. The jackpot on Tuesday evening will be €2,146.
IT WAS mixed fortunes for the adult hurl-
around their sheds which they are no
ing teams this weekend. The AHL9 team
longer using, donate the hurleys to the
beat Civil Service on Sunday afternoon
club so that they could be reused with
in River Valley with Peter O’Connor and
newly formed younger juvenile teams
Mark Walsh dominant at the back and
while they are getting established, this
Sean White very influential at midfield.
would be greatly appreciated.
Hard luck to the AHL4 team who were
A reminder that comedian Rory
beaten away by St Jude’s on Saturday
O’Connor, the man behind Rory’s Sto-
evening.
ries, is coming to the Peacocks on Sat-
Congratulations to the adult camogie
urday, June 17. Tickets are €20 and are
team who beat Commercials in River
available from team mentors, the club
Valley on Tuesday, finishing second in the
office and are now available to purchase
league, unlucky not to finish top if other
on the club website.
results elsewhere had gone their way.
A reminder also that the Family Fun-
Well done to the U-15 LGFA Team who
day will take place on Saturday, June 17
had a fantastic win over Castleknock in
from 3pm until 6pm. This year, the club
Ridgewood.
will be hosting an Ice Cream Funday in
Congratulations to Ellie Kane, Grace Murray, Ciara Laird, Teagen Comber
aid of Down Syndrome Ireland so please support this worthy cause.
and Emma Howe from the U-15 camogie
The Kellogg’s Cul camp will take place
team who represented the club in the
from Monday, July 3 to Friday, July 7. The
U-14 Dublin team who won Leinster blitz
second summer camp will take place
shield last weekend.
Tuesday, August 15 to Friday, August 18
Well done to the U-13 boys football
and the third camp will take place from
team who beat Parnells away on Satur-
Tuesday, August 22 to Friday, August 25.
day with an excellent display. The Dublin LGFA Referees Development Committee are hosting a club men-
Online payments can be made under the Summer Camps 2017 side menu on the club website.
tor information evening on Friday, May
There are Boxercise classes taking
2h at 8pm in Fingallians GAA Swords for
place in the clubhouse activity room
club mentors from U-13 up to and includ-
every Monday evening. For further
ing adult.
details, please contact Karen at 087 776
Playing rules and interpretation of the
5165.
rules will be explained with any queries
The club lotto jackpot on May 19 was
answered and addressed by some of our
€2,400 and the numbers drawn were 2,
top officials.
8, 12 and 23. There was no winner. Lucky
Mentors will be advised on the correct
dip winners of €25 were Claire Orr, Mar-
procedures in relation to fixtures, com-
garet Kane, Una Woodnaffe, Grainne/
munication with other clubs, communi-
James Sullivan. Next week’s jackpot is
cation with referees, the gum shield rule,
€2,500.
returning match results etc. Basically
The club bingo takes place this and
everything one needs and should know
every Friday upstairs in Peacocks at
as a team mentor. All club mentors are
8.30pm. The jackpot is €1,150.
welcome to attend. Could parents with older children who have smaller child’s hurleys lying
The coffee shop is open this and every Saturday from 10am to 1pm. All are welcome for a cuppa and a chat.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
SIX OF THE BEST: Portmarnock run riot on final day of the season to nick promotion berth to top tier P30
MAY 25 - 31, 2017
BURNING AT BOTH ENDS: Peat putting everything she has into World Cup bid P29
Gerard Cranks it up Gerard Whitehouse coaching kids as part of the Fingal Schools Boxing programme in Bracken BC
Balbriggan fighter hoping for a step up in the quality of opposition after five wins to start his pro boxing career as he takes on Hungary’s Kovacs
sport@dublingazette.com
BALBRIGGAN’S Gerard “Crank” Whitehouse says he is ready for an Irish title fight as he looks forward to his sixth professional boxing bout this weekend when he takes on Hungary’s Gabor Kovacs in the National Stadium on Saturday evening. Whitehouse is hopeful that a sixth successive win will put him the frame for a shot at the Irish welterweight belt with fellow Dubliner Jay Byrne a potential opponent. Southsider Byrne had been touted as his rival for an eight-rounder at Saturday’s Celtic Clash event but with no deal in place, both will meet eastern European fighters on the
16-fight card. Explaining the situation to Irish-Boxing. com, Whitehouse explained: “This was meant to be for a title but things didn’t go to plan. There was a fight meant to be set but, for whatever reason, it hasn’t come off.”
Bigger targets Nonetheless, the Fingal native says that bigger things are in the pipeline after a slightly stop-start five-win career since making his debut in November 2014 with injury and calloffs playing a role. The 19-year-old Kovacs represents a potentially tricky rival with seven wins from nine outings already on his record and a win
for Whitehouse would be a big move forward. Indeed, the Bracken man also has youth on his side at just 21 with a European Schoolboys bronze medal on his mantelpiece. “I think I’m ready now for the Irish title. I’m looking at all the welterweights in Ireland and I think that, if I perform to the best of my ability, I’m up there with any of them, if not ahead of them. “I can see it in myself, I can see it in the gym, in my spars, I’m ready to go.” Whitehouse believes a classier opponent will also bring the best out of him. “Going in with some fellas, they’re just there to make you look bad, and you won’t really look outstanding until you’re in there
with a guy who’s coming to win and looking to knock you out. Hopefully this fella comes on May 27 and he’s game and he wants to fight. “Since I’ve been a kid, 16 or 17, I’ve been boxing men and beating them, winning major titles. Going back on my amateur career, I’ve fought at a high level for a very long time.” The card next week is headlined by Eric Donovan, with further support from Mike Perez, Jay Byrne, Stephen Carroll, Sean Creagh, Vladimir Belujsky, Rohan Date, Carl McDonald, Allan Phelan, and Lynn Harvey, as well as debutants Liam Gaynor, John Joyce, Regan Buckley, John Corcoran, Stephen McAfee, and Keane McMahon.