Lucan

Gazette LUCAN

May 18 - 24, 2017

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Lucan Men’s Shed plea for a permanent home Group asks locals to back Esker proposal in council’s ‘Have Your Say’ initiative

 MARK O’BRIEN

LUCAN Men’s Shed are asking local residents to help them find a permanent premises.

The group say they have “great ambitions” but nowhere to meet.

They are proposing to convert

the old caretaker’s cottage at Esker Cemetery for the council’s “Have Your Say” initiative, but need locals to vote in their favour.

“The central tenet of Men’s Shed is that we are striving to provide a place in which all men have the opportunity to maintain and

improve their well-being on their own terms and in their own community,” says Eamon Brennan one of the members of the group.

“We have no premises, no place to meet as Shedders.”

Full Story on Page 8

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

CAMPAIGN | ‘GROUP SHOULD FOCUS ON NEEDS OF RESIDENTS’

Growing support for reintroduction of a Community Council  MARK O’BRIEN A CAMPAIGN to reintroduce a Community Council in Lucan is gaining support from locals.

The Lucan Community Council was previously in operation for many years before folding in the early 2000s.

The old Council was an apolitical group that focussed on issues affecting people in the area and drove early campaigns for the Lucan swimming pool and

community centre.

Similar community councils are currently in place in Palmerstown and Celbridge.

A spokesperson for the campaign told the Gazette: “It would be great if the Community Council could be set up again as a hub for all that is going on in our community and a focal point for identif ying and campaigning for the most pressing needs.”

As with the previous Council, the group feel that the new Council should be free from pol-

itics and focus only on the needs of residents.

“All of our elected reps do great work,” said the spokesperson.

“But they should not be involved in the running of a Lucan Community Council but should rather work with it.

“It would be open to ordinary people of all political persuasions and none to get involved, with the only caveat being a signed declaration from office holders that they will not seek to run for elect-

ed office within two years of being members of a Community Council Executive.”

The group say that they hope to involve people from all over Lucan to ensure that everyone is represented fairly.

T hey are currently looking for expressions of interest and plan to hold a meeting once a critical mass of expressions has been reached.

Once that meeting is held, it is hoped that a committee or interim committee would be set

up.

Support for the idea has so far been overw h e l m i n g l y p o s i t i ve online and the group hope to continue to spread the word with the likes of leaflet drops.

The group say that they are happy with the response so far but they believe it will take time to build up support.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the campaign can visit the Lucan Needs A Community Council Facebook page (@LucanCCCampaign).

FASTNews

Locals make Griffeen Park clean-up a success LOCALS were out in force on Sunday for the cleanup of Griffeen Valley Park. Residents turned up on a fine day to lend a hand picking rubbish and cleaning up the park. Cllr Liona O’Toole, who helped organise the event, said: “There was a great turn out and lots was done.”

Cllr O’Toole also thanked everyone who got involved to help make the clean-up such a successful event.

“We had Centra Griffeen involved as they sponsored the event by supplying the water which was a treat as it was thirsty work,” she said.

“We would also like to thank the park rangers for ensuring the bags were collected on the day and the council for supplying the bags and pickers, but most of all the residents and children for joining us.”

Places are filling up for Lucan summer camp CHILDREN’S nationwide performing arts network Starcamp is reminding parents that places are filling up for its sumer camps in Scoil Aine Naofa, Lucan from July 10-14 and August 14-18 next.

Now in its 10th year and supported once again by Swords-based banana importers Fyffes, the weeklong camps for boys and girls aged 4-12 are designed to teach performance and build confidence amongst those taking part through song, dance, drama and games. Interested parents can obtain further information on their website starcamp.ie

TV chef launches showroom WELL-KNOWN chef Catherine Fulvio was on hand to launch the new Cash & Carry Kitchens flagship kitchen and bedroom showroom at Fonthill Retail Park in Dublin. The showroom will showcase stunning new wardrobe and kitchen designs in contemporary colours and finishes, as well as established favourites. Photos: Ken Kelly

Planting the seeds of good education

TANAISTE Frances Fitzgerald officially opened Kishoge Community College last week. The event was attended by Paddy Lavelle and CEO Educate Together Paul Rowe as well as members of the Board of Management, teachers, parents, pupils and Principal Niall Hare and Deputy Principal Maeve Joyce.

To mark the official opening, Fitzgerald unveiled a plaque and planted a tree at the entrance to the school. A commemorative art piece ‘The School Door’ was also unveiled, to highlight to students and the community that the door is always opening in Kishoge.

Pictured are Dwayne O’ Connor, Catherine Fulvio, Ivan Treacy, Liz Hanratty, Keith Magill and Hugh Christie from Cash & Carry Kitchens Fonthill

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18 May 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

JUNE BANK HOLIDAY | BORD BIA’S HUGELY POPULAR ANNUAL FESTIVAL AT THE PHOENIX PARK

It’ll be Blooming brilliant!

IT’S almost time to plant yourself in the heart of the Phoenix Park for the evergreen Bloom festival, which once again promises to be an absolutely fantastic festival and celebration of much, much more than ‘just’ gardening. Whether you’re a green-fingered garden guru or are looking to branch out into pastures new, Bloom’s stunning show gardens, dizzying range of experts and hands-on demonstrations, and acres and acres of plants, stalls, events, talks and attractions will make it an absolutely unmissable festival this June Bank Holiday Weekend. See you there!

Above: Some of last year’s terrific gardens; right: Sophie Bracken and Lauren Keane help to launch Bloom 2017.

Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennells

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Thanks to our friends at Bloom 2017, we have TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS to give away to lucky readers! To win, just email your contact details to competitions@dublingazette.com, or visit the Bloom competition post on our Facebook page. Best of luck!

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

FASTNews

Annual fashion graduate showcase

Kings of Leinster

GRIFFEEN Valley Educate Together, Lucan, have just completed a fantastic season of schools table tennis with a double win. Both the boys and girls teams represented the school last week at the Leinster Schools Cup Finals in UCD. Coached by Philip McLaughlin, they battled against both primary and secondary school teams in the U13 category

to walk away with both Leinster Cups!

Pictured are both teams with all their silverware from the season: School principal (Therese Gamble). Girls left to right – Anna Conlan, Anna Gellert, Sadbh McLaughlin and Chelsea Olumba. Boys left to right – Sean Langton, Masem Ali, Adam Banim, Alex Dinkov and Tim Mullaney.

THE National College of Art and Design will hold its annual fashion graduate showcase at 12.30pm on May 23 at NCAD’s Harry Clarke Theatre, 100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8.

In a break with the traditional catwalk show, the students’ work will be showcased with the exclusive screening of a high-end fashion film, featuring the creations of 18 students graduating from NCAD’s Fashion Design degree.

Start-up aims to be the Airbnb of parking  MARK O’BRIEN A YOUNG Lucan entrepreneur is hoping to help alleviate Dublin’s parking problems with his new business venture.

Daniel Paul (23) is one of the founders of Parkpnp, a website and app that allows people to rent out parking spaces that they are not using.

Daniel told The Gazette that the idea came about not long after co-founder Gareth Flower bought his first car.

Daniel said: “The idea started when my cofounder Gareth got his first car.

“He was driving in Ranelagh, driving past all of these houses which had empty driveways.”

Gareth called into one and asked the owner if he could park in the driveway for a few hours in exchange for a small fee.

This became the inspiration for Parkpnp, which operates in a similar fashion to Airbnb.

Users who have parking spaces – such as driveways – that they don’t use

can rent the space out to people for a fee of their choosing.

The company started two years ago and secured their first full round of funding in December last year before officially launching this month.

In spite of his tender years, Daniel has a wealth of experience to draw on as he embarks on his new venture.

He first began coding not long after he moved to Lucan from India at the age of 12, teaching himself as he went along.

“I would learn stuff as I needed it,” he said.

“If I had to build something that I couldn’t do, I’d go and learn something to make what I wanted to build happen.”

It wasn’t long before he was building websites for friends and neighbours and he even set up an agency that provided client websites while he was still in secondary school.

He also built StudyNotes.ie, a free-to-use site where students can upload their study notes to help other students doing

the Leaving and Junior Certs.

This site now has over 85,000 registered users.

After leaving secondary school, Daniel continued his studies in college but dropped out to concentrate on his career.

“I found myself being involved in the start-up scene in first year so that opened up an entirely new world of people having these great ideas but they were looking for tech founders who could build stuff,” he said.

This led to him becoming involved in a number of start-ups that ultimately failed but acted as a steep learning curve.

“Even though I failed, I learned a lot from them,” he said.

“It was a journey where I learned what not to do and that gave me a huge amount of experience that I wouldn’t have gotten in college.”

To find out more about Parkpnp visit parkpnp. com. The app is also available for iOS and Android.

18 May 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

Out and About

Get set for a summer of singing and dancing

D

ANCE and musical theatre school Dance LA is encouraging local families to avail of their early bird price of â‚Ź70 for their summer camps. The camps will be held in Leixlip Community Centre on July 17 to 21 and in Scoil na Mainstreach Celbridge July 24 to 28.

Dance LA believe it is very important to teach and encourage students in a fun-filled atmosphere and to enhance their social skills and self-confidence.

Lorna and Adele Dempsey

18 May 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Bríd Connolly and Miriam Smithers

Paintings by Regina Weber

Ellen Weber and Grace O Sullivan of “Glitz n Pieces”

Lucan Art Fair arrives T

Miriam Smithers on Stephen’s Green

HE Lucan Art Fair will take place this weekend (May 19 – 21) in Devine Mercy SNS, Balgaddy.

This is the seventh art fair and features the work of professional and amateur artists, photographers and creatives. Miriam Smithers is one of the founding members of the Art Fair and has exhibited every year since it began in 2010.

The event evolved after the principal Regina Weber approached well-known Lucan artist Miriam to give an oil painting class to parents in the school. The art work produced in the class was exhibited and this started the annual event. More information may be found on Facebook page Lucan Art Fair or email lucanartfair1@gmail.com. The opening times are Friday 7pm-9pm launching with a drinks reception. The fair will continue Saturday 12pm-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

SHEDDERS | PROPOSAL TO CONVERT OLD CARETAKER’S COTTAGE FOR GROUP

Men’s Shed seeking support to secure permanent premises  MARK O’BRIEN THE new Lucan Men’s Shed group are appealing for residents’ help in securing a permanent premises.

The group’s proposal to convert the old caretaker’s cottage at Esker Cemetery has been shortlisted as part of South Dublin County Council’s “Have Your Say” initiative. “ C u r r e n t l y M e n ’s S h e d Lucan consists of a start-up group of some 14 men and also several fantastic women advisors,” says Eamon Brennan one of the members of the group.

“We have great ambitions but lack a key item for a successful Men’s Shed group - we have no premises, no place to meet as Shedders.”

The group are asking locals to support their proposal when the public vote opens between May 22 and May 26.

Men’s Sheds have become increasingly popular in Ireland in recent years.

The sheds act as a space where men can gather and work on projects or just have a chat and a cup of tea.

Isolated The aim is to prevent men from becoming isolated and to encourage them to talk.

“The central tenet of Men’s Sheds is that we are striving to provide a place in which

all men have the opportunity to maintain and improve their well-being on their own terms and in their own community,” says Eamon.

“It’s a place where they can talk about things that are important to them and improve their wellbeing by being physically, mentally and socially active.”

The concept for Men’s Sheds originated in Australia in 2007.

Since then, the Australian Men’s Shed Association has grown to support over 1,000 Men’s Sheds in the country and is recognised as a hugely successful male-based community organisation.

The Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) was formed in January 2011 and has seen rapid growth with more Men’s Sheds being established every year.

Eamon says that he is excited by the project and is encouraging other men to join the new group.

“We put great emphasis on informal learning, relaxed, not muddled, and an atmosphere of ‘doing stuff together, learning and having fun’,” he says.

“Whether it’s a chat, a cup of tea or a complex project that attracts you, Men’s Shed is the place to be.”

More information on the Lucan Men’s Shed can be found on their Facebook page.

Public urged to vote in historic budget ELECTRONIC voting in the historic Participative Budgeting Pilot will open from Monday 22 to Friday 26 with ballot-style voting taking place in Palmerstown Community and Youth Centre, St John the Evangelist School, Adamstown and Lucan Leisure Centre Griffeen Valley Park from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday, May 25.

T h e M ay o r o f S o u t h Dublin, Councillor Guss O’Connell, speaking to The Gazette about the Participative Budgeting Pilot urged everyone to vote for their selected project and said: “The residents of Palmerstown, Lucan and Adams-

Councillor Guss O’Connell

town have an opportunity open to no other community on the Island of Ireland: to decide by popular vote how €300k is spent in improving their area.

“The items they are asked to choose between have been proposed by the people of their area and all are equally worthy of consideration.”

When voting, each voter starts with a credit of €300k.

As the person votes for a proposal that amount will be deducted from their credit.

This will continue until all the €300k is used.

So each person may vote for as many projects as they want so long as they do not exceed their credit.

The proposals that gets the most votes will be carried out.

There is no age limit once a person is of a reading age they can vote.

On June 1 at 7pm, a special event will be held to announce the results in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley to which all are invited.

Celebrating diversity of families in Ireland ONE Family – Ireland’s organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating – celebrates the wonderful diversity of families in Ireland with its seventh annual Family Day Festival in Smithfield Square.

Taking place on May 27 from 1-5pm, all families are welcome for a host of free fun and festivities including workshops, magic,

comedy, art, games, storytelling and lots more.

Following on from last’s years Biggest Family Tree, in which over 500 children decorated a specially crafted wooden tree, this year children are invited to create Ireland’s Biggest Family Tree.

Full event information is on www.familyday.ie

FASTNews

Grand opening to start with amazing giveaways THE new Range superstore at The Retail Park Liffey Valley will officially open this Friday (May 19).

It will be the British retailer’s third store in Ireland, following the opening of a store in Limerick towards the end of last year, and Cork earlier this year.

The doors will be officially opened at 9am by special guest, Mayor of South Dublin Guss O’Connell, who will be there to officially open the new store.

The grand opening will start with amazing giveaways for the first 50 people in the queue, including a Lay-Z-Spa Paris worth €700 for the first in line.

The Range’s very own mascot, Captain Range, will be attending to provide balloons and entertainment for the young and young at heart.

The celebrations are set to continue over the weekend with free face painting for children by Snazaroo on Saturday, May 20, and a free craft demo

by Trimcraft on Sunday, May 21.

The new store is expected to create around 80 jobs, from warehouse staff and sales assistants to store and office managers.

18 May 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

It’s a Grand night for Crosscare as films scoop awards TWO groups from Clondalkin Youth Service Crosscare walked the red carpet before scooping awards at the Cast Film Festival two weeks ago.

The event took place at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield on Thursday, May 4.

The two groups made short films highlighting mental health awareness and their efforts were rewarded with a string of awards on the night.

‘Grand’ won best ICT for its use of technology and the group’s other film ‘Let Yourself Shine’ won Best Community Film and Best Achievement in Music with Chloe O Connor

Residents to get high security cylinder locks HIGH security cylinder locks will be provided to 500 vulnerable residents living alone under a €44,000 scheme announced by South Dublin County Council.

The local authority has allocated €85, including VAT and installation by Crothers Security, for each front door lock fitted and they will be doled out on a first come first served basis.

The deadline to apply for the scheme, which replaces the European Profile Lock initiative, is Friday June 9 and Clondalkin Cllr Trevor Gilligan is urging those eligible to get their submission in.

The scheme is open to residents aged 55 and over and vulnerable residents living alone in privately owned accommodation.

Only certain doors and locks are suitable for the scheme. This scheme is not open to people living in private rented accommodation council tenants.

The locks are anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-pick and antibump.

Cllr Gilligan said: “I would strongly urge residents to apply as a matter of urgency.

“Whilst the long summer days are upon us, Hallowe’en and winter is when these locks will really help protect the elderly and vulnerable in our society.”

See www.sdcc.ie for an application form. Residents can return the form to the Community Services Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 or email comdevof@sdublincoco.ie.

picking up the award for Best Actress.

“We are very proud of the young people that have been involved in the process of making their films over the past 6 months,” said Youth Development Officer Emma Tyrrell.

“They’ve learnt new skills and gotten the opportunity to explore mental health and understand the importance of talking to each other and erasing the stigma which can sometimes be attached to it amongst our society young and old.”

MACRA NA FEIRME | BROAD RANGE OF ACTIVITIES ON OFFER

Group aiming to help youth develop skills  MARK O’BRIEN YOUNG people in Lucan who are looking to develop new skills are being encouraged to join the new Macra na Feirme group that has just been established in the area.

Macra na Feirme is a nationwide is a voluntary rural youth organisation that aims to help young people develop skills such as agricultural skills, performing arts and debating.

Although primarily thought of as a rural organisation, Macra have now established four clubs in the Dublin area.

Jacqui Walsh from Macra told the Gazette that the aim of the organisation is to develop leaders and help the community.

“Primarily, Macra is about developing personal skills and developing leaders,” she said.

“Every community depends on having people that work w i t h i n t h e c o m m u n i t y, whether it be on different societies or running events within the community.

“Without people like that coming up through different organisations, you don’t have strong communities.”

Macra is open to anybody between the ages of 17 and 35.

There are a broad range of activities that people can get involved in and Jacqui says that there are many reasons that people get involved.

S o m e g e t i nvo l ve d t o improve their debating and

public speaking skills, while some in Dublin get involved to learn farming skills that may coming in useful – such as putting up fences or hanging gates.

“They’re not only things that apply to farming but if you have a garden, you might want to hang a gate at some stage,” she said.

The clubs compete in sporting, debating and agricultural competitions throughout the year, with the winners going through to national finals.

Members get to meet people from all walks of life at these finals.

“It’s about broadening your network of friends,” said Jacqui.

“A lot of the time, we tend to go out with workmates and

sometimes everything reverts back to work, whereas nowadays, people just want to have a broader section of friends.”

And Jacqui promises that once someone joins Macra: “You do make friends for life.”

The next meeting of the Lucan branch of Macra na Ferime is on Tuesday, May 23 at 8pm in St Mary’s Parish Centre. Membership costs €25 per year.

Fundraising The group will also host its first fundraising quiz in Kenny’s of Lucan at 9pm on Wednesday, May 24.

Anyone wishing to join the group or looking to find out more information can do so by contacting Jacqui 087 7735659.

10 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

CHARITY CD

Out and About St Dominics College, Cabra

Castleknock College

Big-hearted Dublin dad’s passing the inspiration for new Don Baker single BLUES legend Don Baker has recorded a special CD to raise much needed funds for the Fr Peter McVerry Foundation.

‘The Homeless’ is a joint collaboration between the famed harmonica ace and Helen McGrath, a Dublin mother of four who sadly lost her husband Tony on New Year’s Eve, 2015.

Helen told The Gazette she penned the song as a way to commemorate Tony, who had always given a lot to charity.

She said: “My husband was a very kind and generous man and contributed to a lot of charities.

“I really wanted to do something to commemo-

Taking sc

to the N

LEVEL

Helen McGrath with her late husband Tony

rate him so I tried to write a song about the homeless situation in Ireland.

“The song turned into a poem, so I went to Don Baker, and gave my words to him, he took them, worked his magic and wrote this beautiful song.”

Don enlisted the help of old pal Joe Jewell of Aslan fame, who produced what Helen hopes will be a fitting tribute to her beloved Tony, and raise money for those who need it most. The new single will be launched at a special benefit night for the Peter McVerry Trust at Don and his wife Maureen’s well-known pub, Brogan’s in Trim, Co Meath, this Saturday (May 20). Come along and show your support.

Wesley College

Liam Prior and Oscar Burke Mullaney from Blackrock Mick Hagan, ITB Lecturer pre College who won 2nd in the senting Joey ces Scien Life Ha ughan and Ben Ryan from Bla Junior Group ckrock College who won 3rd in the Jun Award for their project ior Group Life Sciences Award for their pro ‘Can Toilet Germs Reach ject Does Time ’ brush Per ception Change as You Get Old Your Tooth er

Darragh Clarke and Eibhilin O’Reardon fro Skerries Community College won 1st in the Junior Group Life Sciences Award for their project Bug Brains

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Mick Hagan, ITB Lecturer presenting Andrew McWeeney from Castleknock College who won 1st in the Junior Individual Award for Life Sciences for his project Just Eat It

Mary Mullaghy Irish Science Teachers (ISTA) presenting Eoghan Kavanagh and Dylan Vaughan, from Castleknock College with the Irish Science Teachers’s Association Award for their project Electromagnets

Blackrock College

cience

NEXT L

om e r

Mick Hagan presentin g Conor Slattery, Blackrock College wi th 1st in the Junior Individual Award for Physical Sciences for his project The Pr evention of Sodium Chloride Build-Up on Glass Windows

AS one of the 16 regional venues hosting a SciFest science fair, SciFest@ITB saw more than 150 students from schools all over the region exhibit almost 70 projects at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and put their knowledge of science to the test.

SciFest is an all-inclusive, all-island science initiative, which fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among secondary-level students.

The winners from each regional science fair go on to compete at a national final in November 2017.

Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

Castleknock College Pobailscoil Iosolde, Palmerstown

Halima Usman and Precious Daramola from Pobailscoil Iosolde won 2nd in the Intermediate Group for Life Sciences for their project To Investigate if Your Testosterone Level Affect Your Athletic Ability

Sarah Sexton of Intel presenting Enya Nordon and Grainne Lawlor from Scoil Mhuire Community School with the Intel Award (Best Physical Science or Technology Project)

Kishoge Comm unity College Lu can

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

SuperValu scoops award for innovation at Business Awards SUPERVALU has announced that its Food Academy programme has won a Ruban d’Honneur award for Innovation at the highly prestigious European Business Awards that took place in Dubrovnik.

There was stiff competition and out of 30,000 entries, ten companies across Europe were awarded a Ruban d’Honneur Award for Innovation including the SuperValu Food Academy programme which was commended by the panel of judges for being ‘the most socially innovative initiatives in the competition’ presenting strong community benefits.

Since 2007, the European Business Awards has been shining a light on the most innovative businesses on the continent by promoting success, innovation and ethics in the European business community.

This highly regarded international competition attracts participants from all over Europe and winners of the awards are congratulated by an audience compromising heads of state, leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media owners and academics from across 30 European nations.

SuperValu Food Academy entered an extensive 2,500-word submission for the European Award in June 2016 and in September 2016, the Food Academy programme was awarded the National Champion for Innovation.

This was followed by the next phase which required public voting and a video submission. After a very competitive competition, the SuperValu Food Academy advanced to the final stage which required a 15-minute presentation followed by 20 minutes of Q&A.

Networking events to growing your business TO mark the 16th National Enterprise Week, themed “Scaling Your Business”, Bank of Ireland will host over 40 networking events nationwide for SMEs with an interest in growing their business during National Enterprise Week from May 12 to 19.

Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprise Week aims to promote and drive business momentum for SMEs across a range of sectors including tourism, hospitality, agri, food, finance and export markets.

This years’ national initiative will give small and medium sized businesses across the country the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs at events along the theme of “Scaling Your Business”.

Bank of Ireland branches in Dublin City Centre will host a “True Blue” event for SMEs in Dublin on May 19 from 8am to 10am in the Mansion House where attendees will discuss the leadership qualities and motivation required for success.

Guest speakers will include Dublin GAA senior football manager Jim Galvin, entrepreneur Nicola Byrne and Garvan Callan, Digital and Innovation at Bank of Ireland.

Musgrave Marketplace reveals new €2.5 million investment

PICTURED is Michelle Fennell, Musgrave MarketPlace marketing director and Matt Lee, general manager of Musgrave MarketPlace Robinhood at Musgrave MarketPlace ... wait for it ... Robinhood. Musgrave MarketPlace, one of Ireland’s leading

wholesale suppliers to retail, foodservice and SME businesses, announced a €2.5 million upgrade of its Robinhood store, located in Clondalkin and a €1m upgrade of its Duncrue store in Belfast. This follows the hugely successful relaunch of the

Musgrave MarketPlace Ballymun store in November 2016.

Features include new speciality areas and state-of-the art technology to offer retail and foodservice customers a best in class visitor experience.

Lidl invests €250k in Irish suppliers LIDL is calling out to Irish food and drink suppliers in Dublin to apply to their brand new Supplier Development Programme, Kick Start, a programme designed to give small suppliers the chance to supply Lidl with a guaranteed volume of their products for a limited edition “Best of Ireland” food promotion in September 2017.

Lidl will select up to 100 of Ireland’s best products which will be available in all 153 stores throughout the Republic of Ireland.

The programme which is run

by Lidl Ireland and supported

by Bord Bia, is designed to help small and medium Irish food and drink businesses that need support in growing their brand

John Paul Scally and Tara McCarthy. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

and building their supply network.

The final product selection will complement the portfolio of Irish products currently available in Lidl stores.

Some of Lidl’s current Irish suppliers started off as small

start-ups who with the help of Lidl have grown significantly and now supply products to all stores across Ireland on an ongoing basis.

Successful suppliers that are selected to be part of the Kick Start programme will attend a series of free, comprehensive seminars aimed at guiding them through the process and teaching them skills to help grow their business ahead of their products going on sale at Lidl.

The seminars will be carried out by panel of industry experts from Lidl Ireland and Bord Bia and will include topics around quality control, packaging, marketing and PR and brand building.

John Paul Scally, managing director at Lidl Ireland commented: “We are looking to build on our already strong Irish supply base and expand our network of over 200 Irish suppliers.

“We will be investing over €250,000 in the first year to support new suppliers who will be joining our programme.

This is a fantastic opportunity for small suppliers who will get to have their products in 153 stores throughout Ireland.

“In September, we want to showcase the very best of Irish food and drink so if you think your product fits the bill, we want to hear from you.”

See www.lidl.ie/en/kickstart. htm to register.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 13

STYLE P20

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

Rock and Seoul

 JAMES HENDICOTT ONE of Korea’s most distinct cultural outputs, KPop is world renowned, and - led by the comic satire of Psy in recent years - has established a genuinely global audience, with the US in particular a huge market. Its stars, though, rarely appear in Ireland.

Rarer is a showing from a Korean rock act - in fact, it’s probably not even an annual event - and it’s a genre that two years living in Korea taught me is genuinely impressive.

The arrival of Seoul act Billy Carter on our shores this May, then, marks an unusual event for the Dublin music scene. We caught up with singer Kim Ji Won ahead of their Whelan’s show at the end of this month.

A lively bunch, Korean psychedelic psychobilly rockers Billy Carter find their spiritual home in the Seoul student district of Hongdae.

Continued on pages 16-17

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GAZETTE

DIARY P14

OH, ALFIE – HE’S A COOL COLLIE AND A CHARMER OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Alfie, a delightful oneyear-old male collie.

Like most collies, Alfie is very clever and knows a few cool tricks such as Paw, Roll over, and High five. He also enjoys sunbathing and exciting walks in the woods and going to the beach where he can investigate lots of new sounds and smells.

Alfie likes his own space and is not a fan of being fussed over too much, so he is looking for a quiet, adult home.

He would especially like to live in an area with low traffic as he can struggle when he sees cars, but we are working on this and would be delighted to show you the training we are doing to help you continue it. *If you can be Alfie’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.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

Hardly a skip and a jump away from Dublin, Killruddery House and Gardens have a week-long festival to entice families away from the city hustle and bustle to the beautiful house and gardens instead

SUMMER FUN: LOTS OF ACTIVITIES AHEAD AS THE CITY LOOKS FORWARD TO A BUSY FEW MONTHS

A groovy family festival THE Groove Family Festival is back again this summer at Killruddery House and Gardens.

Taking place across a week in August, guests can come and go as they please.

Children can enjoy a full schedule of free activities: puppet shows, magic and science shows, facepainting, giant games, balloon modelling and a petting zoo, while bigger children will have a dedicated area of fun activities including zorbing on the lake, kid’s yoga, archery and a climbing wall.

Musical highlights on the main stage include UB40, Primal Scream, Hudson Taylor, Hothouse Flowers, Cr y Before Dawn, Columbia Mills, Jerry Fish, Stomptown Brass, Spring Break and

Na Fianna.

Killruddery House and Gardens are only 40 minutes from Dublin – and less if you’re on the southside.

See www.groovefestival.ie for more information and ticket prices, with kids aged 12 and under going free when booked online before August 1.

DIP IN THE NIP AND HELP CANCER GROUP DO YOU dare to bare all and raise funds for cancer? ARC Cancer Support Centres are appealing to anyone who has been affected by cancer to join them for their annual ARC Dip in the Nip, which is taking place in Dublin on Sunday, June 18.

The exact location will be a closely guarded secret until the day of the event.

Speaking about the challenge, Mairead Mangan, head of fundraising said: “The ARC Dip in the Nip reconnects ‘dippers’ with their bodies – it’s as though they fall in love with their bodies yet again.

“It gives dippers something joyous, life-affirming, personal and unique. It is a real equaliser and truly puts everything into perspective.

“Most have never skinny-dipped before, and they do for a variety of reasons, whether that’s helping ARC as a charity close to their heart, doing something that pushes their own boundaries, giving themselves a challenge, or simply ticking something off their bucket list.”

This is the fourth year of the event, which is open to everyone aged over 18.

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‘Musical highlights on the main stage include UB40, Primal Scream, Hudson Taylor, Hothouse Flowers, Cry Before Dawn, Columbia Mills, Jerry Fish, Stomptown Brass, Spring Break and Na Fianna’

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To register, contact Jessica Sheehan at 085 731 1532, or 01 830 7333.

FIND THE CODE TO SUCCESS AT THE RDS CODERDOJO Coolest Projects has announced its sixth annual showcase will take place in the RDS on Saturday, June 17, with more than 15,000 people expected to attend.

CoderDojo is both a competition and an exhibition to showcase, inspire and enable innovation,

creativity, entrepreneurship and technology skills in youth innovators aged from six to 17.

T h e m e s f o r 2 017 include Smart City and the STEAM Experience, while a Games Arena will be a fun, educational and interactive arena for young people and adults interested in the videogames industry.

Tickets for the CoderDojo Coolest Projects Showcase in the RDS are now available – and

free of charge if booked in advance. Book now at tickets.coolestprojects.org.

PREPARE TO FACE THE BATTLE FOR THE BAY BATTLE for the Bay is back this weekend, may 20-21, and it promises to deliver the usual fun, entertainment and aerial acrobatics which has helped it become one of the best free family weekends in the summer calendar.

Battle of the Bay is an entertaining weekend for all the family, young and old, where audiences will be entertained and captivated by kite surfers from across the world as they weave across Dublin Bay. Entertainment on dry land will see live music all day from DJs and bands; a beach market selling every-

thing from vintage clothes and vinyl records to arts and crafts and jewellery; a farmers’ market food village; a Kids Zone with fairground rides, big wheel and beach volleyball, and a biodiversity village where people can explore the wildlife of Dublin Bay with some very friendly experts.

Other activities include the Global City Balance Challenge, where visitors to Dollymount will be encouraged to balance on a slackline for 10 seconds.

This global challenge will pit city against city to see which can gather the highest number of people who can stay 10 seconds on the slackline without falling off.

Taking place on Dollymount Strand, Dublin 3, the fun event has free entry from 10am to 6pm.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

FEATURE INTERVIEW: MUM ON HOW SHE, ROBBIE AND THE KIDS HAVE COPED SINCE LEAVING BEVERLY HILLS

Claudine’s on the ball when it comes to settling back into Irish life again

 EMMA NOLAN HAVING just returned from five years living in Beverly Hills, Claudine Keane says she is happy to be back where the craic is – Dublin!

“It’s lovely to be back, and on a sunny day like this, Ireland is the most beautiful place ever.”

Speaking to The Gazette at the launch of SPAR’s summer advertising campaign, the mum-of-two opened up about her supporting her husband Robbie Keane’s football career moves, and said she is up for the next adventure, wherever that may take them.

“I loved LA, but I love being back in Dublin, it’s a nice balance,” she said.

“It’s great to see my family, spend some time here and let the kids see what it’s like in Ireland.”

Claudine fronts SPAR’s Better Living campaign

The couple’s two children, Robert Jr and baby Hudson, have spent most of their lives in LA until now, but Claudine says she is “impressed” at Robert’s ability to adapt between the two countries.

She said: “He’s very adaptive – I’ve really realised that in the last few weeks and I’m very impressed by the fact that he can go between one and the other without too much stress or strain, which is fantastic because it was something I was worried about.”

Robert Jr went to school in LA until last December, but has had no problem slotting back in here.

As for herself, and for many other Dubliners adjusting to life back home after living abroad, settling in has largely gone okay for Claudine, though not without a few bumps.

She said: “Rob finished up with LA Galaxy in December and since then we’ve been travelling a lot, and back and forward between here and LA, so I haven’t really had a huge transition period yet – but it is a big deal to take your child out of school and send them to a new one.

“As a mam, you’re always worrying about them settling in, and making sure that it’s not traumatic in any way.

“The fact that I’ve been able to spend more than two weeks at a time here

has been really fantastic for me.”

One of the best parts about being back, said Claudine, is that her family have been able to spend time with Hudson and be a part of milestones, like seeing his first steps.

“All those little things, they get to see him and see his character – it’s not just me telling them over the phone, they get to be part of his little experiences.”

While she loved life in LA, the Malahide native said that nowhere compares to Dublin when it comes to socialising and having craic.

She said: “I have to say, Dublin is great craic, Ireland too! I did miss that a lot – people socialise very differently in America; you’d miss the sing-song and banter we have here.

“We have our own humour here, we’re very

light-hearted, and I missed that sense of Irishness.”

While abroad, Claudine also missed how Irish people love to dress up.

“I can honestly vouch for that – nobody gets dressed up [in America]!

“It was funny – when I came home, I had to readjust. I was asking my friends if people still wear dresses out, because everyone just wears jeans over there. I find it much more glam here,” she joked.

The thing she missed the least about Dublin, however, was the weather – of course.

“It’s insane the amount of outdoor and sporty activities you can do in LA,” she continued. “The beach life, eating outdoors, making plans and knowing that the weather is going to be good.

“We could even go to the beach around Christ-

Claudine with Robbie and their kids, Hudson and Robert Jr

mastime, so I will definitely miss that.”

At the moment, Claudine is the face of SPAR’s Better Choices campaign, and she praised the healthy options on offer in

stores at the moment.

She said: “It’s perfect for our family because we’re always on the go – they’ve made it so simple and easy to pick up something healthy.”

OPINION: TANAISTE FRANCES FITZGERALD ON A NEW STRATEGY TO SUPPORT WOMEN

We must continue campaigning for equality

The Tanaiste launching the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020

WE LIVE in an age where nothing can be taken for granted. It is time to put aside the complacent notion that women’s equality has been achieved, that we can rest on our laurels, that feminism is a relic of a bygone age.

The courageous actions of women and men across Ireland over the past 50 years have secured key rights for women. I am proud to have been part of the campaign for women’s equality.

Women are making spectacular strides in the educational system, in the workplace, in active participation

in Irish society.

However, we have to recognise that inequalities still exist in key areas. We have a persistent gender pay gap.

Women still do much of the unpaid caring work for children and older people.

Women are not as visible as men in key areas of Irish life. Specific groups of women – such as lone parents, women with disabilities, and migrant women – can find the door to opportunity closed.

Now is the time for renewed action on women’s equality. We need to tackle both the structural

barriers which eat away at women’s potential, and the new equality issues that are emerging.

Last week, I launched the National Strategy for Women and Girls 20172020 (left), which provides a comprehensive framework for action by the Government, public bodies, business and civil society for the next four years.

It includes actions that will benefit a wide range of women, young and old, urban and rural, homemakers, entrepreneurs, community leaders.

The strategy will drive

action to address the gender pay gap, to tackle precarious employment, to increase opportunities for lone parents, to promote rural female entrepreneurship.

The strategy’s key theme is visibility. Action will be taken to promote greater visibility for women across all areas of Irish life, from the workplace to community structures to sport.

It is time for their contribution to be recognised and for them to have an equal place at the decision-making table.

The strategy has actions for the different stages

of women’s lives, from increased investment in childcare for young parents to ensuring that future pension policy takes account of women’s distinct needs.

The Government is making a strong commitment to advancing women’s equality.

However, we cannot achieve women’s equality on our own.

For lasting change to happen, equality for women and girls needs to be a priority in families, workplaces and communities. Working together, women and men alike, we can create a society which is better for all.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

Riotous Korean band drop in on Dublin

MUSIC

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16 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N EVE

with JAMES HENDICOTT

Morning Gloryville Weekender

Putting aside their usual ‘before work’ dates, Morning Gloryville brings clean-living raving to a Saturday, with music, yoga, massage, arts and crafts and a haiku station all coming to the Opium Rooms on the morning of May 20. Even kids are welcome.

May 20

Werner Herzog

The winner of more than 50 awards (including best director at Cannes) for his 70+ films as director, the German comes to Dublin to speak as part of International Literature Festival. May 21.

WERNER HERZOG

Africa Day

This fantastic annual celebration of African culture is one of the best freebies on the Dublin event calendar. The all-day event lets multinational Irish-resident Africans present their food, arts and cultures, alongside live music and family-themed fun.

Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park. May 21.

Yestival Mother Dublin and ThisIsPopBaby

Combining to present a huge celebration in honour of the two year anniversary of the gay marriage referendum. Yestival’s beat-heavy, lively late-night offering takes place at District 9.

May 19.

 FROM PAGE 13 That means they’re born out of Korea’s young rebellion: an escape from cultural conservatism, they developed amid an arts-focused drinking district, a party spot where the soju flows like water, and sweaty basement rock gigs are long the norm.

Breaking out is less common.

Speaking of the rarity of getting gigs around the world for Korean acts - and particularly for Korean acts that fall distinctly apart from the Kpop genre Billy Carter vocalist Kim Ji Won explains “Hongdae got extremely huge and full of tourists and local people who want to hang out.

Rents got very, very expensive, and so many live venues had to shut down or move. Still there are more venues in the Hongdae area than in any other part of Seoul, but we can find good venues in other areas too. Hongdae is our local but the atmosphere changed a lot. Maybe it’s time to move on to the bigger world.”

That bigger world has turned out to be quite welcoming: as well as Dublin, Billy Carter’s European trek will see them perform at Primavera, one of Europe’s biggest festivals.

Relatively newly formed, it’s quite a rise for the band, who are keen to talk through a few of the tracks that have got them where they are.

“I’d like to introduce two songs from our album ‘Here I Am’,” Kim tells us, mentioning their latest

Battle For The Bay

Dollymount Strand hosts what organisers say is the biggest watersports and beach festival in the world, with kitesurfing, beach volleyball, paddle boarding, land-yachting, and events for the family on offer all weekend. May 19-21.

Herstory

Ireland’s Lost Muses Speakers celebrate the concept of a muse, exploring the women behind Wilde, Yeats and Joyce with those in the know. Smock Alley Theatre. May 25.

Wicklow Mountains Cycle Challenge

record. “One is ‘The Dog’, written when I was drunk. In Korea, there is saying that goes ‘when people get drunk, they become a dog’ which is kind of negative meaning but I think dogs are better than people.”

“So the song says, ‘when you’re drunk, be a dog rather than a bad person and love others’.

Well... nah, I lied. The song ain’t nothing but a drinking song. Another one’s called ‘We Can Fight’.

“Everyone is fighting in some way to get something precious for themselves. Some will fight to get something material and some will

fight for their ideals or rights. The song is about the fight we all fight.”

Though her talk of fighting isn’t literal - rather it links with a common ‘Konglish’ cultural rallying call often shared socially, a motivation shout of ‘fighting’ - Kim certainly doesn’t shy away from on-stage drama, something Billy Carter call getting “emotionally naked.”

The band are particularly known for once playing a show dressed entirely as Ronald McDonald’s, and for Kim’s tendency to drop to the floor as she belts out their lyrics.

The three-piece are deliberately not what their

name would suggest. “We made an imaginary person who’s totally different from us (gender, race, nationality, looks and so on) to make people never imagine us when they hear the name for the first time. And we named him ‘Billy Carter’,” Kim explains, “which is a combination of a very common name and surname.”

Progress outside of Korea is a huge barrier to Billy Carter, as it proves for many Asian acts, and their presence in Dublin is unlikely to be a regular one, meaning the gig is a real ‘once off’ to check out.

Claiming Iggy Pop as a key inspiration, Kim

says “it’s definitely a challenge [to progress abroad]. But music is universal so if the music is good, I don’t think it’s impossible.

Of course we need money to book flights, and time to book good shows but it’s worth a try for many reasons.”

“It’s our first LP so we wanted to tell people about ourselves. Something more emotional and deep.

Each song shows our different inner selves in a different way. We started as an acoustic duo and since we became a three-piece, and the sound’s got totally different. Now we are more a

rocking and rolling kind of band enjoying crazy moments on the stage, but we still sometimes play acoustic sets with [drummer] Lee’s percussion”.

As for the night at Whelan’s?

“Irish people are crazy partiers, right?” Kim asks us.

“We want a lovely pint of Guinness and some Jameson, and if we have a chance to visit Cork, some Murphy’s. Because I love Murphy’s, too.

Let’s enjoy some music and booze, and let’s love each other.”

Billy Carter play Whelan’s on May 29th.

Explore Wicklow from the saddle of a bike, with 50km and 100km routes taking in the garden county’s scenery from Russborough House.

May 20.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

SNOOP DOGG

The Irish premiere of the Harry Potter concert series comes to the 3Arena, with the RTE Concert Orchestra performing alongside a super-sized cinematic showing. May 23.

New album of the week

Snoop Dogg - Neva Left. Snoop might be 15 albums deep at this point, but with the dubious Snoop Lion phase behind him and guest slots here for Method Man and Redman, this promises to be his best outing in a while.

18 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE MUSIC EXTRA

QUICK BREAK | MAGICAL CLONTARF CASTLE’S THE ULTIMATE CITY ESCAPE

Dublin-based electro legends Le Galaxie

Forget Fairytale of New York: there’s one just up the road!

Summer festival fever takes grip as Leixlip gets ready to take Rock the Yard to another Galaxie  MARK O’BRIEN

THE 28th annual Leixlip Festival is just around the corner and for music lovers that can only mean one thing – Rock the Yard.

The four-star Court Yard Hotel in the heart of Leixlip has a cracking line up of gigs including the Blizzards and the Luna Boys as the four-day festival rings in the month of June with a bang.

Dublin-based electronic sensation Le Galaxie kick things off, headlining Rock the Yard on Friday, June 2.

Their debut album “Laserdisc Nights II” released in 2011, and they have spent the past six years claiming their title as Ireland’s best live act.

The nation’s favourite dance-floor tear jerkers took their live shows to even greater heights last year when they supported Faithless on their Irish

Ro, Bee and TeddyC of Chasing Abbey

tour, sold out the Olympia Theatre, and as usual, had the audience of major European festivals like Lovebox, Benicassim and Electric Picnic on their feet and dancing.

In the past, Le Galaxie have played SXSW, CMJ, The Great Escape and Transmusicales.

The four-piece will be backed up by Tullamore trio Chasing Abbey, whose unique brand of pop dance and hi-hop sound has been making waves in recent months, with latest single That Good Thing getting a big thumbs up from none other than music bible Hot Press. n Built on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, the Court Yard Hotel offers old world charm, beautiful original stone work with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling.

For more information or to book tickets to Rock The Yard, visit www.courtyard.ie .

 ALISON O’HANLON IF you ever wanted to get away from it all and live like fairytale royalty for a night, the romantic setting of Clontarf Castle is the picture-perfect destination you’ve always dreamed of.

Though this unique hotel – Dublin’s only castle hotel – is just two DART stops from town, once you arrive, you’ll be transformed into a Disney-princess land of make-believe where the hustle and bustle of Dublin is but a distant dream.

The four-star Clontarf Castle offers the perfect blend of history and tradition with all the comfort and luxuries of the 21st century, including an art collection that’d have any Disney villain donning his black and white burglar suit and reaching for his swag bag.

The newly revamped hotel’s special Castle Collection package is the perfect way to experience the enchanting fusion of old and new, an experience that begins as soon as you arrive up the enchanting leafy driveway to the breathtaking 12th century facade and in through the dramatic, uber-modern atrium lobby.

The incredibly friendly staff are clearly proud to demonstrate how the old can enrich the new – and never is this more

evident than when taking in the ancient hotel’s contemporary gallery.

Follow their impressive art trail you uncover a series of intriguing pieces from celebrated artists including Ed Freeman, Ingrid Bugge and Marjorie Kaye, many of which have an element of mischief, humour and often a hidden layer of detail.

Once you’ve taken in the art trail, continue to indulge the senses over Fusion Tea, where contemporary meets traditional with sweet and savoury delights.

Step out for a stroll along Clontarf’s promenade or unwind in the splenid comfort of Knights Bar over a drink.

As the night draws in relax and take in the historic space, make your way to the awardwinning Fahrenheit restaurant for dinner where locally sourced ingredients take pride of place under executive head chef Stuart Heeney, who’s as talented as he is charming.

Speaking of which the only thing Clontarf Castle didn’t deliver was a Prince Charming, but then I wasn’t looking! nThe eclectic Castle Collection package is priced from €269 per night and includes the art trail, decadent afternoon tea experience ‘Fusion Tea’ and Artisan Castle breakfast the following morning for two. Visit clontarfcastle.ie or call 01 8332321 for more information on the Castle Collection package.

The plush Knights Bar is a great spot to unwind in

Comfort and luxury are guaranteed at the castle

Fusion Tea is an experience not to be missed

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Exquisite Ecuador will take your breath away

 SYLVIA POWNALL PICTURE the scene: you are travelling by gondola 600 feet above the rain forest floor as the canopy of trees around you dissolves in a swirl of mist and birds of prey.

This is just one of the eye-opening experiences you can expect at the Mashpi Lodge in the Ecuadorian rain forest – a five-star retreat in the clouds.

The magical resort opened five years ago just 68 miles north west of Quito and lies within a 3,200acre nature reserve that is home to the Yumbo tribe.

Nature meets luxury at the Mashpi Lodge. Located deep in the cloud forests of Ecuador, it’s one of the planet’s most biodiverse hotspots.

As soon as you pass through the imposing bamboo gates and reach the modern steel and glass prefab structure on stilts you know you have entered another realm.

This chic hotel is like no other – you can sip coffee on the terrace as dawn breaks and witness the abundant wildlife stir below you, getting a close-up and personal experience with one of the most pristine forests in the world.

Mashpi lies at 3,100 feet above sea level on the gentle western slopes of the Andes with an average temperature in the low 20s.

Its 22 rooms are spread out down long, wide corridors with floor to ceiling glass walls bringing you ever closer to the forest right outside your window.

But the breathtaking and unspoiled setting doesn’t mean you have to compromise on creature comforts. The lodge is very much all mod cons with full-length electronic shades to block out the sunlight if you fancy some shut-eye.

The lodge offers a multitude of activities from guided hikes and waterfall swims to wildlife spotting and the amazing canopy sky bike.

Hiking along the steep and at times muddy trails your guide will point out flora and fauna from grasshoppers to huge millipedes and iguanas – and even fresh puma tracks.

Catering is buffet-style but the dishes on offer would not look out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and there are countless ways to unwind after a day’s exploring whether you fancy a spa treatment, an evening lecture, or a wander around the Life Centre atrium which is filled with butterflies.

This really is bucket list stuff and it’s a considered purchase, but it’s an experience that will stay with you.

As if the lodge itself wasn’t enough you’ll also get to explore the beautiful colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca on a private tour.

THE DEAL Nine nights at the 3-star Mashpi Lodge from €3,995 per person. Includes: All flights, transfers, tours, accommodation in all-inclusive Mashpi Lodge. For more information or to book visit www.

NuevoMundo.ie or call the South American expert, Michael Harrington, at 01 241 2360.

The Mashpi Torrenteer

The vibrant cock of the rock is just one of hundreds of bird species around Mashpi Lodge

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20 GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Logo earrings €79; blue leather wrap bracelet €49 (with summer charms starting from €39); blue radiant hearts bangle €79; radiant hearts rings €59

Summer time Sparkles Radiant hearts rings €59; Hearts band ring €79

 EMMA NOLAN

BRIGHT colours and hints of sparkle – if that doesn’t make you feel summery, I don’t know what will..

Affordable jewellery brand PANDORA is just about to launch its summer collection, and it is a delight of colour and summer vibes.

Sweetly coloured ice cream-

tinged pastels, bright whites and coloured gemstones combine with sterling silver for a fresh approach to accessorising for warm weather.

The collection is elegant and timeless and pieces bought now will still look great next summer and the one after.

In store from June 1, prices range from €22 to €99.

Pearlescent hearts band ring €79; Pave drops earrings €99

Light blue radiant hearts ring €59; light blue radiant hearts bangle €79; droplet rings starting from €45; summer charms starting from €39; tropical paradise petites €29; floating locket €99

White orchids earrings €39; orchid dangle €45 worn on sterling silver necklace from €29; leather wrap bracelet €49 with charms starting from €39; pearlescent hearts band ring €79

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 21

Mint Velvet Clossome tencel bralet €85; blossom tencel belted tapered trouser €109

Mint Velvet Clean wide leg trouser €165; double-breasted minimal blazer €219; penny buckle sandal €125

Mint Velvet Blossom tencel bralet €185; blossom tencel belted tapered trouser €109; penny buckle sandal €125

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

PLANNING holiday outfits is one of life’s nicest pleasures: you’ve got a holiday coming up, time off work and some new clothes to debut.

As a long-time lover of jumpsuits and playsuits, I can’t recommend co-ords enough when it comes to summer/holiday dressing.

As separates, allow

yourself the ease of an all-in-one outfit but the freedom to mix and match, thus allowing for more variety in your holiday wardrobe (especially if you’re only bringing hand luggage).

So, with a set containing a top and bottoms, you essentially have three outfits – wearing it all together, wearing the top with different bottoms and wearing the bottoms with a different

Mint Velvet Stripe bralet €85; stripe trouser €125; penny buckle sandal €125

Penneys Embroidered co-ord top €9; embroidered co-ord shorts €9

Co-ord, mix & Match

top – capsule dressing at its simplest!

The usual suspects like Asos, Missguided and Pretty Little Thing always have an abundance of co-ords available online, but Penneys has some great ones in stock at the moment and Mint Velvet (which is in Dundrum Town Centre and in BT2 in Blanchardstown) currently has a gorgeous range.

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STYLE

Mint Velvet Stripe bralet €85; stripe trouser €125

Mint Velvet Lace shell top €125; lace skirt €179; penny buckle sandal €125

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FASTNews

The new Peugeot 308 is due here in autumn

Peugeot brings new style and technology to 308 PEUGEOT’S new 308 model boasts new styling, advanced driver assistance systems, the latestgeneration Peugeot engines and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The new car will be available to view in Dublin dealer showrooms this autumn, ahead of the 181-registration period. The car will be available in six trim versions: Access, Active, Allure, GT Line, GT and GTi. The new exterior design styling features a redesigned bonnet and vertical grille with new LED lighting. On the inside Peugeot uses its latest i-Cockpit touch-screen system combined with some new advanced driver assistance systems and 3D sat nav.

Depending on trim, features can include Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Visiopark with 180 degree rear camera and Park Assist function, which measures the parking space available and actually steers the car in.

For the new 308, Peugeot claims that the PureTech petrol engine has undergone a major upgrade to deliver low fuel consumption and more efficient pollution reduction. For the PureTech 130 S&S petrol engine the exhaust gases go through a catalytic converter, then a passive-regeneration gasoline particle filter. This is matched to a new six-speed manual gearbox.

LDV adds minibus to range IRELAND’S revived LDV van range has added the Mini B van to the range as a mini bus for long road trips, airport transfers and city driving.

Mini B van is based on the LDV V80 van and come with electronic brake force distribution and anti-lock braking system plus park assist, which is very helpful when parking a larger vehicle in tight spaces.

The Mini B comes with a digital dashboard. The Mini B is powered by a 136bhp engine and is teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox. Safety features include driver and passenger airbags, remote central locking and reverse parking sensors together with LED parking lamps, emergency roof hatch and fire exit.

The Mini B is a 14+1 seat vehicle and a 5+1 version will soon be available. They both come with an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and three seat cabin.

Audi gets sporty with the new A5

Audi have long been renowned for the sporty feel of their car designs and performance. That reputation is especially obvious in the Audi A5 Sportback, which Michael Moroney found both economical and great to drive.

THE world of coupe cars has changed and expanded so that it’s now possible to indulge in the sporty ambiance that these cars offer while still having some family car values.

That message comes clearly into focus when you drive the new Audi A5 – a car that blends modern coupe styling with space.

Audi has upgraded the A5, sharpening its lines and adding some impressive new technology features. The A5 coupe look is strongly retained while the styling is more crisp and modern, so that you know that the car is new.

Under the skin Audi engineers have worked hard to shave 85kg from the car’s weight and that adds to the improved fuel economy. After some days behind the wheel you can appreciate the level of engineering and technology that has underpinned the car’s comfort and

road manners.

That appreciation comes in the form of ease of driving, smooth power flow, good economy and just an all-round great car to drive. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is a perfect match for the seven speed automatic gearbox that was a feature of the S-Line version that I drove. You get the option of experiencing a more exciting drive when you opt for the Sport mode in the gearbox and its does deliver an obvious difference in driving pace.

The gearbox also allows a low engine rev cruising speed so on longer runs it is possible to drive at 120km/hr on the motorway at just 1,750rpm engine speed. This makes for smooth and quiet motorway cruising that’s truly economical.

Compared with the previous model, Audi claims to have reduced the A5 fuel consumption

by as much as 22% while increasing power output by up to 17%. All engines comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard. The standard, updated start-stop system includes changes that reduce fuel consumption and lowers average CO2 to 109g/km. The system deactivates the engine when coasting up to traffic signals at less than seven km/h.

I found that the Audi A5 Sportback was able to achieve a range of over 900km and that impressed me. The official economy figure is 23.8km/litre (4.2/100km or 67mpg) and I almost achieved that over the full 1304km that I drove the car. That was a unique economy figure even if much of my driving was on motorways of national primary roads.

On the inside this A5 Sportback blends comfort with great design.

The new Audi A5 is an impressive car to look at and to drive. The engine performance coupled with a smooth driveline makes this car an ultimate pleasure to drive. Entry prices start at €49,600 and there are some impressive PCP finance offers available.

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TD

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power Engine Torque 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

2.0 litre 190hp 400Nm 7.9 seconds 23.8km/litre (4.2/100km or 67mpg) 40 litres 109g/km A3 €190 20,000km/12 mon 5 star (2015) 3 years (100,000km) €49,600

The dash layout has been modernised for the new Audi A5

The seating has easy adjustment and I was in a comfortable position with my phone Bluetooth connected within minutes.

Audi claims that there is slightly more legroom in the rear and the seat design means that other than the tallest people, your rear passengers will

never complain.

The four doors mean that this is an accessible car with Iso-fix couplings on the two outer rear seats. The centre seat position is a little tight, meaning that this is in reality a very comfortable four seat car that has impressive style.

18 May 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Birthday deal for iconic 500

The car comes equipped with an impressive array of equipment as standard. These include Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights to give impressive visibility on the road in all conditions. The interior LED lights illuminate key features.

This new A5 Sportback has Audi’s latest infotainment features. These include the Audi MMI navigation system with seven-inch colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging functionality, a dedicated smartphone interface for iOS and Android devices and a three-month free trial of Audi Connect. The fact that these systems were easy to engage with in a logical manner makes that attractive and very driver friendly.

The range of Audi connect services is impressive, from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View to travel information, traffic information online and searching for a parking space

or even Twitter. Audi has developed a purposedesigned interface for the social network.

The A5 comes with some new driver assistance systems, like Audi pre-sense city, and front and rear parking sensors.

Spending some time with the latest Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows the driver to select specific profiles ideally suited to their preferences and driving conditions.

The test car was the Audi A5 Sportback S-Line version and that comes with some additional premium features, such as LED headlights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats, 18-inch alloys running on Pirelli Centurauto P7 245/40 R18 tyres and the sports suspension.

Audi cars come with a premium and the likes of the A5 Sportback will be viewed against the BMW and Mercedes-Benz competition. While I have yet to drive BMW’s 4 Grand Coupe, it will have to cross a high bar if it is to

TO MARK the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Fiat 500 back in 1957, Fiat in Ireland is offering new Fiat 500 buyers the choice of 0% APR finance (PCP or HP) or three years’ free servicing when they purchase a Fiat 500 registered by July 16.

The deal allows customers to buy a Fiat 500 Pop 1.2 69hp for just €151 a month (RRP €13,600 with a deposit of €4,080 and optional final payment of €4,080).

Since its launch on July 4, 1957, the Fiat 500 has proved itself to be

a much-loved global success. The popular city car sets trends with its iconic chic style, advanced technologies and range of powerful, yet efficient engines.

Paul Hunt, managing director of FCA Group Ireland, said: “The Fiat 500 is a popular option for customers thanks to the large amount of choice it offers.

“From its range of eye-catching colours to the never-ending amount of personalisation options, each 500 can be made unique to the buyer.”

AA says more motorists are opting for comprehensive car insurance One of the more impressive features of the new Audi A5 is the electronic dial system that’s great to use and clear with lots of functionality

The centre console with the Audi MMi controller is very comfortable to use with great functionality and you quickly get at ease with the controls

surpass Audi’s combination of style, performance, economy and great driving comfort.

Entry prices for the Audi A5 range start from €49,600 and the options choices are tempting and equally expensive. Few

if any A5 buyers will opt for the basic package, so the true buying price will rise significantly so make your options choices with care and some thought.

The end result will be an impressive car, of that you can be in doubt.

MORE than eight-in-10 motorists are now opting for comprehensive motor insurance over a third party policy, a year on year increase of over 5%, according to AA Ireland. An analysis of AA Ireland’s car insurance books found that 81.86% of motorists are now opting for a comprehensive policy, up from 76.25% in 2016.

The analysis found that just 18.11% of AA customers are now opting to take a third-party, fire and theft policy compared to 23.74% in 2016.

“While 2016 saw a drop of about 2% in terms of those opting for comprehensive cover, likely as a result of rising premiums, it appears that more and more motorists are now opting for this higher level of cover as the current rate of those opting for a comprehensive policy is the highest seen in the last four years,” Conor Faughnan, AA director of consumer affairs stated.

“While we have no way of knowing what the future holds when it comes to

insurance prices, it does appear on the back of this analysis that people feel a little more economically secure than they have in previous years and are, as a result, opting to take out additional cover at a higher rate than seen in the past.”

Despite the rise in demand for comprehensive car insurance cover, the AA is advising motorists who may be trying to lower their premium costs to ensure they are purchasing the correct level of cover to meet their needs.

“In recent months we’ve seen a reduction in the number of young people applying for provisional licenses and a big factor in this is the cost of learning to drive and insurance,” Faughnan added.

“While getting on the road has always been a front loaded cost, with average premiums reducing as you get older and more experienced, for first time drivers a third-party policy is likely to be more affordable and suitable to what they require.”

GAZETTE

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews GUARDIANS 2

Volumes of character ANYTHING with Kurt Russell is worth watching, and his enjoyably hammy turn here is just one highlight of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 (Cert 12A, 120 mins), the neon-soaked sequel to the popular first film. It’s more of the same, as the cast build up their characters a little more, delivering a frantic sci-fi that’s full of violence, vulgarity and fun, making it a welcome addition to the usually dour genre.

KING ARTHUR

What goes around ...

DIRECTOR Guy Richie has turned out a fairly gritty but underwhelming take on the whole King Arthur legend, with Charlie Hunnam gamely stepping up to star in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (Cert 12A, 126 mins). It looks okay, but just doesn’t bring anything new to the legend, despite some nice visuals in parts.

Hunnam is decent in the a-beefcake-with-destiny role, but it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.

GHOST IN THE SHELL A flawed reinvention

SCARLETT Johansson’s time as the Major at the heart of Ghost in The Shell (Cert 15A, 107 mins) is nearly up, as it edges towards the exit at cinema complexes. In a future world where cybernetically modified or augmented humans are commonplace, she’s one herself, on the trail of dangerous hackers.

It often looks absolutely spectacular, but doesn’t live up to the source material.

CINEMA

SUMMER PREVIEW: SOME MORE OF THE BLOCKBUSTERS COMING TO CINEMAS

It’s another selection of sizzlers to look out for  SHANE DILLON

WITH the great weather we had recently, you could be forgiven for thinking that summer has arrived.

Well, not quite – as we all know, summer in Ireland usually seems to be ‘the good two weeks’ that land around the Leaving Cert exams, as well as going to the cinema much more often to catch the latest summer sizzler (or occasional turkey).

Speaking of which ...

Colossal (May 19) Fusing Anne Hathaway with Pacific Rift, Colossal takes the standard monsterattacks-city trope to deliver a comedy (with added dashes of alcoholism).

The kaiju (giant monsters) at the heart of 2013’s Pacific Rim were that film’s biggest feature – pun intended – and, here, director Nacho Vigalondo has put his own twist on their appeal, casting Hathaway as a troubled woman who starts manifesting highly-destructive kaiju in downtown Seoul.

A f t e r 2 014 ’s d o u r

Godzilla (a film which audiences still haven’t forgiven for killing off Bryan Cranston in the first act, after bigging him up in the trailers), there’s a definite gap in the market for big, stompy monsters to make their mark on cinema screens.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (May 25) With Johnny Depp’s recent career seemingly cast adrift in one cinema shipwreck after another (the less said about SS Mortdecai, the better), it’s unsurprising that he’s returned to don the boots, hat and eyeliner of Captain Jack Sparrow.

While the franchise was in danger of hitting the rocks during its last outing, the addition of the charismatic Javier Bardem as a new nemesis – the eponymous Captain Salazar – may be enough of a jolt to get the series back on course, with early indications that the film is ticking all the right boxes to leave timbers well and truly shivered again.

The Mummy (June 09) Tom Cruise stars as Universal attempts to reboot the faded franchise that many cinemagoers still associate with Brendan Fraser (remember him?)

Updated to modern times, and now with an ancient princess as its Big Bad, you can expect a decent blockbuster that’s deftly delivered on Cruise control, with some heavily CG-led setpieces.

If nothing else, it could work as a welcome alternative to the superheroheavy release schedule, as well as the latest in stale sequels. Which leads to ...

Transformers: The Last Knight (June 23) Director Michael Bay’s latest film looks set to be a thoughtful, introspective piece that gradually explores the complex psychological and emotional impact of being a bloody big robot smashing and shooting things in slow motion* while the American flag flutters a lot in front of giant explosions and sunsets.

You’re either a fan of

2

1

3

5

4

6

From top-left: 1 Colossal; 2 Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge; 3 The Mummy; 4 Transformers: The Last Knight; 5 The Dark Tower, and 6 Atomic Blonde

the truly atrocious Transformers films, or you’re not – fans know exactly what they’ll be getting here, while everyone else knows what to avoid. (*Now with added King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table flashbacks, for extra cheese!)

The Dark Tower (July 28) With Stephen King’s It reboot on TV soon to make a whole new generation terrified of clowns,

King fans can also take in the long-awaited film based on his Dark Tower series.

The formidable Idris Elba leads opposite Matthew McConaughey as his nemesis, with high expectations for the film to do justice to the themes and complexity of the books.

Atomic Blonde (August 11) With her bravura turn in 2015’s Mad Max showing an unexpected flair

for an action-heavy role, Charlize Theron goes even further with Atomic Blonde, delving into Cold War-era cat and mouse games in divided Berlin.

With its uber-stylish, energetic, violent trailers seeing the film already dubbed ‘Jane Wick’ by some wags, the talented actress could be on the cusp of creating an impressive new franchise to leave action fans shaken and stirred.

18 May 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH

TECH ATTACK: RANSOMWARE WORM CHEWED THROUGH WORLDWIDE IT DEFENCES “It’s the pirate’s life for me”

Disney’s ‘Pirates’ hijacked?

WITH hackers and global tech piracy taking centre-stage around the world this week, some other pirates have reportedly been busy attacking the landlubber execs at Disney, arrrr.

While they haven’t been waving cutlasses about, they’ve nonetheless been engaged in pretty modern piracy – demanding a king’s ransom to prevent a hacked big budget blockbuster from being released online, bit by bit, until the ransom is paid.

With the film widely reported to be the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (above), the choppedup release threat poses an unwanted irritant to ‘The Mouse House’, not least as the film is slated for release very soon.

Hackers However, with the hackers demanding a healthy haul of Bitcoins – otherwise, increasingly large segments will be posted online – time is running out while the pressure is rising to resolve the issue, although Disney are also reported as refusing to pay the demand.

It’s not an empty threat – similar hijacking issues have arisen before, with a slew of Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black episodes posted online last yeat after a similar bit of attempted piracy.

The best way to see Disney’s ‘Pirates’ is at the cinema, of course, but it’s possible they’ll be making an illegal landfall sooner than expected, or wanted ...

While the criminal hackers behind WannaCry are demanding Bitcoins (right) rather than conventional money, the principle is the same – having hijacked/encrypted data, they demand a ransom be paid to release it

WannaCry’s rampage creates a global mess THE world has been gripped by a single tech story this week like never before, as malicious ‘ransomware’ wreaked havoc across the globe, leading to a domino chain of disaster in one sector after another – a chain which still hasn’t finished its tumbling yet.

Literally hundreds of thousands of companies all around the world were affected by the ransomware virus commonly known as WannaCry (and a WannaCry2 variant), which certainly left plenty of people ready to cry – with rage, given the mess it created for many.

While ransomware is a common enough IT threat to look out for – indeed, even Gazette Towers fell prey to one pesky worm

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

some time back (which, true to form, blocked access to a huge amount of files by encrypting them, then demanded payment to unlock the files, just as WannaCry has been doing) – the scale and speed of WannaCry’s path to global mayhem was unprecedented.

From entire healthcare systems to banking networks, right down to several Mom-n-Pop local businesses, the ransomeware worm hijacked

individual computers and entire networks at a global level with startling speed and ease, effectively shouting “Stick ’em up – now hand over the loot!” at its victims.

Here at home, the Government was as quick to react as its peers around the world, putting out warnings and advising industry/the public about the threat posed by WannaCry, although by that stage, the damage was done.

Echoing the warnings of international experts, the National Cyber Security Centre in the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment pointed out how WannaCry exploited a particular Microsoft Win-

dows vulnerability.

This allowed it to easily self-replicate and spread – alarmingly, it didn’t need to be triggered by a user – with experts all around the world rushing to try to fix the issue and stop WannaCry in its tracks, but even this global effort was just a little too late.

W hile WannaCr y’s impact in Ireland (at the time of writing) was pretty limted compared to several other countries, reports suggested that Russian and Chinese computers had been particularly badly impacted.

From ATMs to hospitals, colleges to telephone networks, a very dievrse amount of systems everywhere were hijacked and held to ransom.

Furious accusations have already been thrown about in several countries about who was to blame for the scale of the crisis, while governments and political parties alike have bickered about their defences in the face of the attacks.

It’s a story that’s still unfolding at the time of going to print, with the alarming incident underscoring the surprisingly wobbly state of global IT systems despite literally decades of research, training and expensive tech already in place to stop such an attack – all of which utterly failed in the face of an attack by a sneaky but not especially sophisticated virus.

Governments, corpora-

tions, tech and national security agencies, and Joe Public alike have all been asking the same question: who was behind the attack?

Analysts have started to point the finger at North Korea, with initial reports emerging of similarities between the ransomware and previous antics linked to well-known NK hackers.

However, while it’s still too early to know the full story and impact of WannaCry’s rampage, it has perhaps served as a harsh reminder that IT threats are very real, with even one ‘simple’ attack having had the ability to impact on hundreds of millions of people, while governments stood by helplessly.

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

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28 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

SPORT

FastSport IRISH WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SQUAD NAMED: METEORS’ Aoife Whelan, DCU Mercy’s Sarah Woods, Pyrobel Killester’s Emma Sherwood and Michelle Clarke and Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ Aine O’Connor and Sorcha Tiernan were all part of an initial Irish women’s basketball panel of 18 players.

It follows a successful trial held in Cork recently with the players subsequently lining out in a trial game against the Irish Under-18 women’s team in the Mardyke.

From there, a reduced selection will travel to Luxembourg this weekend fo three friendly games against the hosts.

Speaking about the news, coach Mark Scannell said: “It gave us vital court time before we head to Luxembourg next weekend and will be good preparation for the Mardyke Series which will take place in Ireland in June and will see the squad face off against Iceland in two friendly games on June 9 and 10.”

SOCCER: RODDY COLLINS TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE AT CONTROVERSY-HIT CLUB

Cabra’s finest believes he can change Athlone’s world

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

RODDY Collins is back in the League of Ireland with Athlone Town and, in true Roddy style, he walks into a club who have had their fair share of controversy lately.

Since the turn of the year, a Portuguese consortium has invested in the club while R icardo Monsanto was appointed manager before mutually agreeing to leave the club after failing to win for eight games in succession.

Worst of all, an investigation has been opened into matchfixing allegations aimed at the team.

Now former Bohemians, Dublin City, and Shamrock Rovers manager Collins is back at the helm he occupied for one season in 2013.

In doing so, the Cabra man is taking his first job in management since parting ways with Waterford United in 2016. He was present at Tolka Park for Athlone’s 2-1 defeat to Shelbourne last Friday night and claimed afterwards that meeting the club’s mysterious investor is not some-

Roddy Collins is looking forward to the challenge at Athlone Town

thing he is bothered about.

“No, I don’t care. I only want to meet him if he doesn’t pay us,” Collins joked. “Why would I want to meet him?

It’s nothing to do with me,” he said afte the result that leaves the side seventh in the eight team league.

“I met Marc [Fourmeaux],

who is running the show. I understand football and he understands football, so it is business. We spoke football.”

No reservations Collins also has no reservations over taking charge of a team in the midst of an investigation into three of their

games this season. “Sure, it had nothing to do with me but I’m used to investigations!”

Another aspect of controversy that has engulfed the club is how many foreign players have been brought in since the new investors took over but Collins believes if you are good enough to play

then it shouldn’t matter where you come from.

“We’ll get whoever the best players are. Honestly now, it doesn’t bother me. If a player can play, he can play. The keeper [Igor Labuts] took some stick during the week but I thought he was brilliant tonight. It doesn’t matter where they are from, and there will be options to bring players in from abroad. That’s good.

“The beauty is if you are getting someone from outside, you’re not competing with other clubs because they don’t know who he is.”

Many football men might have run a mile if approached

by Athlone to take over the team but, as Collins attests to, his own self-believe can often be to his detriment.

“I knew the potential of the club was there before and the investors coming in have assured me there is plenty of revenue there to get it going, and plenty of players out there to bring in.

“I believe I can change the world – that’s my problem,” Collins concluded with a wry smile.

Castle Father and Son all set for 50th anniversary  sport@dublingazette.com

Lee Healion, Dawson Jewellers’ Ken McDonagh, and Barry McConville (captain, Castle GC). Picture: Pat Cashman

CASTLE Golf Club have confirmed Dawson Jewellers will be the sponsors of the 57th year of the All Ireland Father & Son Foursomes competition which will be held at the club in July.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the year when Joe Carr won this event along with his son Jody.

Captain Barry McConville said of the event: “This is one of those great tournaments in Ireland that builds and nourishes future talent, relation-

ships and values which are all important to our club and to golf in general.”

Qualifying will take place on an 18-hole strokes format on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2. The cost of entry is €70 per pair.

Castle welcome It is expected that this year’s event will once again attract over 500 hopefuls on the two qualif ying days, representing over 100 different clubs who will all experience the renowned Castle welcome.

Sixty-four pairs will qualify for the match-play stages of the event, which will run from Monday, July 3 until the final on Sunday, July 9.

Last season saw former Walker Cup player Jody Fanagan reach his first All-Ireland Father and Son final along with his son Harry.

Peter and Graham O’Connor of Foxrock had the best gross score in the qualifiers and their fine golf continued all the way through the matchplay stages to the final.

Both pairs treated spectators

to fine golf right throughout the week and a large crowd were treated to a fantastic final played in the spirit that this competition is renowned for.

In the final, the Fanagans (Milltown) defeated the O’Connors (Foxrock) 4&3 in a hard fought final.

For more information and for updates throughout the week of the tournament, visit the club website at www.castlegc. ie. Entries can be made through the website from May 16 or by calling Castle Golf Club on (01) 4904207.

18 May 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Liffey and Sheriff at the heart of inner-city life

Pearse Street club win the battle of the Wanderers to land FAI Intermediate Cup title, making for an epic day out for innercity Dublin clubs at the Aviva Stadium in the national finals FAI INTER CUP FINAL

Murphy boys lead way in fourth win in six seasons

Liffey Wanderers 2 Cobh Wanderers 2 Liffey won 5-4 on penalties  sport@dublingazette.com

SHERIFF YC lifted their fourth Aviva/Umbro sponsored FAI Junior Cup in six years as a goal in each half earned them victory against Evergreen in Saturday’s final at the Aviva Stadium.

At the end of a first half they dominated, the holders forged ahead through Stephen Murphy’s free-kick and, despite the Kilkenny side mounting a comeback after the break, another of the four Murphy brothers, Paul, sealed the triumph with a second goal.

It looked to be a frustrating afternoon for the Dublin side when their constant pressure failed to deliver the breakthrough until the final moments of the half.

When John Rock had been denied from close-range by a superb Packie Holden save, the ball broke and Evergreen conceded a free on the edge of their box.

Up stepped Stephen Murphy to curl his low shot around the wall and past Holden despite the goalkeeper getting a hand on the effort.

By that stage, Sheriff had missed a litany of chances mainly through Sean and Stephen Murphy but Evergreen, contesting their first final since 1984, enjoyed their moments too.

A surge by Mikey Drennan to the end-line on the half hour resulted in a left-wing cross which Daryl Walshe was prevented from getting a touch to by the advancing Lee Murphy The Sheriff goalkeeper was also at his best in batting away a thunderous shot from Chris Whearty after the winger cut in from the left.

Still, once Sheriff edged into the lead, they held control. Apart from Whearty’s shot with 20 minutes left which flew over the crossbar and another effort late on by substitute Lee Delaney, Evergreen couldn’t convert their superiority of possession into clearcut chances.

As they gambled in pursuit of an equaliser late on, gaps appeared at the back and the clinical Sheriff profited. Darren Dunne teed up the overlapping Paul Murphy with a superb pass and the rampaging right-back beat Holden with a crisp shot.

L I F F E Y Wa n d e r e r s emerged victorious in the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup Final after a hardfought victory against Cobh Wanderers which was decided after a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

It ensured an inner-city double in the national cup finals, adding to Sheriff YC’s success in the Junior Cup, their near neighbours from just across the river joining them for memorable celebrations later on Saturday evening.

Cobh started the better of the two sides at the Aviva Stadium, registering the first shot on target

when danger man Ian Stapleton was played into the box before firing towards the near post only for his shot to be saved.

Stapleton thought he had scored the first goal of the game after 15 minutes. A 25-yard shot from Eoin Hastings produced a good save from Philip O’Connor and Stapleton was the quickest to react, firing in from close range only to be ruled offside.

Liffey managed their first effort on target with 33 minutes on the clock.

Cobh cleared multiple crosses before one finally found its intended target. Lee Roche’s header proved to be a fairly routine save for Michael Devine.

In what was an even first 45 minutes, the sides went in level. Cobh had

the better chances and seemed the more likely side to break the deadlock but Liffey were holding up to their challenge well.

The second half kicked off in a lively fashion with both sides eager to capitalise on their half-time break. Liffey striker Aidan Roche was troubling the Cobh defence with his pace and he looked a constant threat.

Liffey were having the better of the opening second-half exchanges but Cobh still looked dangerous going forward.

They almost took the lead before the 60-minute mark when David Andrews went close with a header.

Aidan Roche was continuing to cause the Cobh defence problems, controlling excellently inside

the box and forcing a good save from Devine.

Minutes later he repeated the same feat, but once again he was denied by Devine.

Liffey opened the scoring after 71 minutes with a headed goal from 19-yearold Clay ton Maher.

The youngster first rattled the crossbar with a header, and he was first to react, capitalising on the rebound to head Liffey in front.

Liffey almost made it two shortly afterwards, this time Lee Roche failing to get the ball into the Cobh net after a threaded through ball.

Cobh pressed for an equaliser and they were rewarded with 85 minutes gone. A flicked effort by substitute Stephen Griffin was saved by O’Connor,

Players and fans from Liffey Wanderers and Sheriff YC celebrate together on Pearse Street with their respective FAI Intermediate and Junior Cup titles.

but Conor Meade was on hand at the back post to level the game with five minutes to play.

The tie finished level and extra-time was required to separate the sides.

Liffey took the lead after just four minutes. Aidan Roche drove at the Cobh defence, turning two defenders before slotting passed the Cobh keeper to give Liffey a precious lead.

Cobh almost got an equaliser just before halftime. Substitute Alan O’Flynn half-volleyed from outside the crowded Liffey penalty area, but Liffey keeper O’Connor saved and then showed good reflexes and claimed the rebound.

Liffey almost ensured victory with a minute left to play. Cobh had committed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, and a counter attack saw Lee Roche’s through on goal but his curled effort was denied by Devine.

In the dying seconds of extra-time, Cobh found a precious equaliser. Committing large numbers in to the box proved fruitful, and Conor Meade finished in to the roof of the net with virtually the last kick of the game following a set-piece. The FAI Intermediate Cup final would be decided on penalties.

It was Liffey Wanderers who showed the most nerve in the deciding penalties, edging out their rivals 5-4 in what was a tense shootout to go on and lift the cup.

GAZETTE

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 18 May 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: UCD GO TOP WITH STRONG WNL WIN AT GREENOGUE

Harriers Kearney breaks Over-50 national record LUCAN Harriers are the proud owners of a new Irish national record holder in the women’s Over-50 200m following the exploits of Carol Kearney, pictured above.

She ran the record at the Dublin County Athletics Board Track and Field graded meeting held in Tallaght last week.

Kearney has been running for four years and, having run the Dublin Marathon twice, was advised to try out sprinting by her coach who recognised her speed ability and the rest is history.

She has been a multi-medalist at Dublin, Leinster and National Championships in recent times while, on February 26, she won silver in 400m and bronze in 60m and 200m in the Leinster Indoor Championships.

Elsewhere, there was a great turnout of 25 athletes from Lucan athletes, pictured below, at the local Leixlip 5k Road Race organised by Le Cheile Athletics Club.

The race moved from its traditional Saturday morning date to avoid clashing with parkrun and they were rewarded with a beautiful sunny evening.

Damien O’Sullivan was first Lucan athlete home in 38th place in a time of 18.53 with Bernie Stapleton leading the Lucan ladies home in 29th lady overall and second in her age category in a time of 22.29.

Eileen O’Brien was first in her age category in 25.45. There were also 5k personal bests for a number of the Lucan Harriers fit4life athletes with Maggie Russell home in 28.23, Edel Fogarty in 31.26 and Trish Byrne in 33.49.

The Peamount United women’s national league side prior to their tie with UCD Waves

Peas unable to halt Waves WOMEN’S NAT. LEAGUE Peamount United UCD Waves  KARL GRAHAM

1 2

sport@dublingazette.com

UCD Waves moved to the top of the Women’s National League on goal difference thanks to an impressive 2-1 win away to Peamount United last weekend.

The visitors dominated for large parts of the game and got off to the perfect start by taking the lead after just two minutes.

Dearbhaile Beirne was the scorer after Orlagh Nolan’s free kick bounced all the way through to her and she prodded past the

keeper from eight yards.

Lone striker Kerri Letmon had a great chance to double their advantage shortly afterwards when she found herself free in the box but her attempt was straight at the keeper.

The impressive JulieAnn Russell then came close for UCD midway through the first half when she picked up the ball and ran through the middle of the pitch before unleashing a shot from 25 yards that had the keeper beaten but not the crossbar.

Peamount were struggling to cope with UCD’s constant pressing and striker Amber Barrett was becoming increasingly

IRELAND’S CALL Lucan and Peamount quintet in Under-16 side LUCAN United’s Nicole Smyth, Kayla Brady and Leah Brady all started for the Republic of Ireland Under-16s as did Peamount United’s Louisa Masterson while Peas club mate Aoife Brophy also came off the bench earlier this week in a 6-0 win over Northern Ireland in Mayo.

It started their tournament which also features Lithuania and Denmark as part of the sides preparation for participating in next season’s UEFA WU17 Championships qualifying round.

isolated up front. They did almost manage to pull a goal back before halftime, however, but Megan Lynch’s in-swinging free to the back post was just too high for Chloe Moloney to get on the end of.

UCD had dominated the first half but they found themselves holding just a 1-0 lead going into the break.

Peamount attacked the visitors from the start of the second period in an attempt to get themselves back into the game and they almost managed it when Heather Payne won the ball on the edge of the UCD box. Rebekah Carroll attempted to win the

ball but Payne nudged it past her before taking a shot that was deflected onto the outside of the post.

The Greenogue club had another chance to equalise from the resultant corner but Eleanor Ryan Doyle’s header towards goal, via a deflection, was prevented from crossing the line by keeper Brooke Dunne.

Barrett then had her first real opportunity of the second half but Emily Cahill raced back and produced an excellent tackle just inside the box to stop her getting her shot away.

UCD made it 2-0 after 62 minutes when Beirne

got her second of the game through fortunate circumstances. Her strike appeared to slip through the hands of Naoisha McAloon in the Peamount goal, and into the back of the net.

Peamount gave themselves a lifeline with seven minutes remaining when Barrett raced clear of her marker and waited for Dunne to leave her goal, before coolly poking past her.

They were right back in the game but they couldn’t find another and it was in fact UCD who should have scored with a late chance to make the game safe.

18 May 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: MALAHIDE MEN GET THE BETTER OF LUCAN

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS LAST week, there was no winner of the

U-14s, Katie Wisdom and Laura Quinn

€3,400 lotto and the numbers were 6, 8,

helped Dublin’s U-16s to a Leinster title

10 and 23. This week’s €3,800 draw will

with a win over Meath.

be managed by Team Hugh McGonigle

Both minor hurling teams in league

and will be sponsored by REA McDonald

action this weekend and both tasted

Auctioneers. Tickets can be purchased

defeat. The minor As lost their unbeaten

online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsa-

league run, going down by five points to

gents, in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar.

Na Fianna and the minor Bs were well

This weekend was mainly a football championship weekend. For Lucan, it was a case of one out of four.

The senior footballers champion-

DUBLIN SFC 2ND ROUND St Sylvester’s 1-16 Lucan Sarsfields 1-12  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN Sarsfields crashed out of the Dublin Senior Football Championship on Friday night at Erin’s Isle despite a late comeback that saw them draw level after slipping to an eightpoint deficit to St Sylvester’s.

The Malahide club had dominated the early stages of the second round contest, dominating the opening minutes before Sarsfields got a real foothold on the game, a lead they largely held until the closing stages, but eventually had to restore in extra time.

So dominant were Syls in the opening 14 minutes that Sarsfields hadn’t even had an effort on the posts before Syl-

vester’s had 1-5 on the scoreboard.

By that stage, the Malahide men had a goal made by Gary Sweeney and touched in by Glen Hazley which was added to by a series of points by Dylan Connolly.

While Sarsfields grew into the game, an evenly-matched contest emerged. There were a series of goal chances with Michael Shiels in the Syls’ nets denying Stephen O’Shaughnessy with a diving save before the Malahide club smashed the underside of the crossbar through Jack Hazley at the other end.

Lucan were creeping back into it but their goalkeeper Philip Greene was arguably the key man with a tipped save from Ed Walsh before half time just one of several.

Connolly was Sylvester’s main scorer while

Sars responded though Emmet O’Conghaile and Darren Gavin, to bring the score at the end of a fantastic first half to 1-8 to 0-5 in Sylvester’s favour.

As conditions deteriorated, the second half proved less impressive.

With just over 10 minutes left, Hazley had Sylvester’s back at six points in front.

Comeback Then came the Lucan charge, propelled by a Brendan Gallagher penalty and some fantastic points from tight angles

by Tommy Brennan.

They drew level at 1-11 each with almost the last kick of the game.

Contrary to sporting convention, however, that momentum seemed to count for very little, with Sylvester’s taking control in extra time.

Their substitute Shane Doyle took charge as

Sarsfields lost a little of the discipline that had dragged them back into the game, his energy amid the tired bodies key in both winning and converting a series of frees.

When an attempt at an equalising point for Sarsfields hit the outside of the post in the opening seconds of the second period, their game seemed to fall apart, with Sylvester’s racking up a couple of extra scores to win 1-16 to 1-12.

The game concluded in dark conditions that warranted plenty of comment amid the crowd but the quality of the game was outstanding and, on another day, it could easily have seen three or four goals a piece.

That Sylvester’s kept their heads after Sarsfield’s late comeback is to their massive credit.

footballer play St Brigid’s on May 24.

Fancy a new car? The club are having a

St Sylvester’s; the intermediates lost

summer draw with a €30,000 prize fund

out to O’Tooles in a relegation playoff

including the first prize of a brand-new

(although confusion remains as to what

Seat Ataca.

Lucan Sarsfields Golf Society’s next

Junior As were the stars of the week-

outing will take place at Kilcock Golf

end, continuing their unbeaten run with

Club on Saturday, May 20 from 11am to

a win over Liffey Gaels while the Junior

12.30pm. New members are always very

Bs were unlucky with a one point loss to

welcome.

Thomas Davis.

Sars’ succumb as Syls find extra gear in SFC

Senior hurlers play Faughs at home on Saturday at 6.30pm while the senior

ship run came to an end at the hands of

that means).

St Sylvester’s Ronan Palmer, referee James King and Lucan Sarsfields’ Dermot Gallagher

beaten by St Pat’s.

Premium ticket draw: every week

A busy intercounty weekend for some

when there is a game or a concert in

Lucan players. In hurling, the Dublin

Croke Park, there is a draw in the club

minors overcame Laois with the help of

of two premium tickets. €20 gets you in

Luke Walsh, Ben Coffey and Emmet Allen

to every draw for the year. Contact Paul

along with Rob Ward, Andy Carroll and

McGann on 087 2546555.

Herkus Sviglinskas.

In ladies football, following on Mia Dunne’s Leinster success with Dublin

The club shop opening times are Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm and Thursdays from 7-8.30pm.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN WELL done on a great win to our junior

Thanks to Lidl who presented St Pat-

footballers in their championship match

rick’s GAA with €500 worth of vouchers

on Sunday against St Brigid’s in Glenau-

as winners in the ladies’ football compe-

lin.

tition in our local store.

The minor hurlers had a great win on Sunday morning, also in Glenaulin, with a 15 point win over Lucan Sarsfields.

Well done to John Maguire on his €500 win in last man standing.

The U-16s are in their football final on

The U-13 hurlers had another brilliant

Saturday, May 20 in O’Toole Park at 2pm

win this Saturday against Niamh Olaf at

against Ballyboden. Best of luck to the

home with a score of 10-2 to 0-0, great

team and managers. Please try to go

team performance.

along and support the lads

Our U-13 camogie team continued

OsKars preparations are well under-

their winning formula against Kilmacud

way with training continuing Monday

Crokes with a score of 6-7 to 3-3.

nights. Don’t forget to keep June 17 free

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN WELL done to our intermediates who

Ciaran Murray. Clash of colours had the

beat St Marks in the second round of the

boys wearing the Garda shirts for the

Championship at O’Toole Park last Sat-

first time; sign of things to come lads.

urday evening.

The U-11s hosted a football blitz on

They dug deep to win by a point in a

Saturday morning against St Sylvest-

hard-fought encounter final score 1-16

er’s, Malahide with both clubs fielding

to 2-12 with Padraig giving a Man of the

three teams. Great days football and

Match performance. Th next outing is

well done to all involved. The U-8 boys

a league fixture away to Parnells on

travelled to Sandyford on Saturday for

Wednesday, May 24.

a very useful outing against St Olaf’s

No minor fixtures till after the Leaving Cert exams. Best of luck to all our players who are sitting important examinations over the next while.

and the U-14 hurlers beat Erin go Bragh by 3-6 to 3-2.

U-9 girls took on Foxrock Cabinteely with a great turnout of 24 players show-

Lots of action on the juvenile front

ing wonderful skill and commitment.U13

with the U-15 footballers drawing with

girls received walkover from Naomh Olaf

Skerries Harps in Westmanstown 3-8

on Saturday.

to 2-11 with a superb performance from

They currently lead Division 5.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

MAJOR BATTLE: Peamount come close but find UCD unstoppable in their bid for women’s league lead P30

MAY 18 - 24, 2017

INNER-CITY LIFE: Liffey Wanderers and Sheriff sweep to FAI Cup titles P29

Lucan minor hurlers buzz to Wexford win  sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN Sarsfields trio Luke Walsh, Ben Coffey and Emmet Allen all played their parts for Dublin as they got the best of Wexford in their Electric Ireland Leinster minor hurling championship semi-final victory over Wexford, 0-20 to 1-12.

The trio all started in a tie that Dublin led 0-10 to 0-6 at the break before pulling away into a seven point gap before Wexford landed a late goal to make things interesting for a while down the closing stretch.

The performance was an improvement on their first round

win over Laois and now means they will face Kilkenny in the provincial final on Sunday, July 2.

Indeed, the side has a strong Lucan presence with manager Fintan Clandillon also hailing from the 12th Lock club.

And he felt his side played some superb hurling at times in Parnell Park last Saturday and had enough scores in their account when Wexford came with a strong finish.

“We are delighted with how the lads played,” Clandillon said. “I thought that they started brilliantly and, to be honest, I thought that we were excellent

in the first-half.

“We were only four points up at half-time and that really should have been a bit more as we hurled very well during that period but just struck too many wides than we would have liked.

Character “There have been a couple of tests in some of our matches so far where we had to show character and conceding that goal when we were well on top was another one of those.

“That goal offered Wexford a lifeline of sorts but like in other instances, the lads stood up and did what they had to do.

“We have spoken all year about not going into your shell when setbacks occur and every panel needs strong characters.

“We are buzzing to have the opportunity of working with the lads for at least another couple of months and that was the most important aspect of Saturday’s victory.

“They have improved in every game of hurling that they have played this year and although we’ll have a massive challenge ahead of us in terms of Kilkenny in the Leinster Final, that was the opportunity that we all wanted before Saturday’s game,” Clandillon added.

Lucan’s Ben Coffey rises high to make a catch in Dublin’s minor tie against Laois