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DublinGazette MAY 17-23, 2018

South Edition

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Ballinteer ‘on edge’ Blight of burglaries AGAIN targeting the quiet residential area; locals say the crimes are ‘out of control’

REBECCA RYAN THERE is huge local concern after reports of an increase in burglaries in the Ballinteer area.

Gardai told Dublin Gazette that a spate of six burglaries were reported in the space of one week between May 2-9.

A Garda spokesperson said: “No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.”

Sean McLoughlin, admin of local group Ballinteer Today, said that residents are “on edge” He said: “[We have] received a number of reports of house burglaries via the social media page. House burglaries in this

community are now out of control.”

Minister Shane Ross told Dublin Gazette that he is “appalled to hear of yet another spate of burglaries” in the Ballinteer area, and blames the spike on the closure of Stepaside Garda Station.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

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GROUPS TAKE TO SOCIAL MEDIA OVER BREAK-INS

Locals ‘on edge’ as burglaries increase  REBECCA RYAN

rryan@dublingazette.com

THERE is huge local concern after reports of an increase in burglaries in the Ballinteer area.

Gardai say on May 2, burglaries took place at Ludford, Kingston and Ballinteer Park between 11am and 3pm, and a small amount of cash was taken.

On May 4, a sum of cash was taken in a burglary on Willow Road at around 11.30pm. In another incident, there was an attempted burglary at Farmhill Drive at 12.45, and on May 9, another

burglary took place at Ballinteer Hill around 4pm.

A Garda spokesperson said: “No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.”

Local groups on social media have been warning residents of the rise in break-ins.

Ballinteer Today reported a break-in at The Rise in Woodpark recently when an elderly couple were in the house at the time.

When the intruders were disturbed, they jumped out of the top window.

Ballinteer Today reported that three male occupants were seen fleeing the scene in a dark blue 2002 Mercedes-Benz saloon.

Speaking about one of the burglaries, a local said: “It was my parents’ house

on the hill. They took every piece of jewellery, but the most important stuff was stuff from my grandmother and great grandmother.

These items are irreplaceable. The place was ransacked.”

Sean McLoughlin, admin of Ballinteer Today, said residents are “on edge”.

He said: “[We have]

Sean McLoughlin

received a number of reports of house burglaries via the social media page.

“House burglaries in this community are now out of control.”

Mr McLoughlin has called on residents to be proactive in tackling the issue and to report any suspicious activity.

He said: “Ensure windows and doors are locked and alarms are turned on.

“Communicate with neighbours and residents from other housing estates in Ballinteer and check in with vulnerable neighbours.”

A resident in Ballinteer, who wishes to stay anonymous, said their house was one of around five houses that was broken into at Christmas time.

They had just moved into their new home and went on holidays for around two weeks.

When they came home, the house was ransacked and more than €1,000 in cash was robbed.

They contacted the gardai, who came to the house with forensics.

Gardai told them: “It was unfortunate what happened” and advised them to get an alarm.

The break-in happened the day after they left for holidays, and she said, “They must have been watching us.”

She was shaken after the incident and told us the event has affected her.

“I tend not to open the door anymore. Since we were broken into, I don’t feel very safe, so I’m not opening the door to anyone anymore.”

Minister Shane Ross said he is “appalled to hear of yet another spate of burglaries” in the Ballinteer area, and blames the closures of Stepaside Garda Station.

Broadford Residents Association are holding their AGM in St Johns GAA Club on May 17 at 8pm.

They will be discussing the burglaries and have invited a member of the gardai to speak at the meeting.

FASTNews

Art exhibition held in aid of hospice THE Park Art Group recently held a very successful Art Exhibition in support of the Blackrock Hospice.

Under the tutelage of Dun Laoghaire artist Tom Roche, the group have been painting together for almost 30 years and has expanded to over 70 artists today.

Over 300 people attended the 2018 Exhibition, which showcased the work of their artists in oils, watercolours and acrylics, as well as some pen and ink drawing, pastel, mono and linoprints.

Chairman of the Park Art Group, Gerry Lowry said it was a great night. He said: “We had a large crowd on the opening night and there was considerable interest in the work on display. Many remarked on the range and the variety of different painting styles and in particular, the very reasonable prices!”

Honorary Secretary of Park Art Group Hilary Long said it was great to have an event for such a good cause. She said: “We were delighted to have Susie Cunningham [of Blackrock Hospice] at the opening.

She gave a clear and most informative talk to our gathering, explaining how the Hospice operates, the work they do and how every donation, no matter how small, all helps!

“A huge thank you to Twomeys SuperValu Deansgrange and to all our sponsors.”

The Park Art Group is based in the Presbyterian Church Hall on York Road, Dun Laoghaire and meets every Tuesday and Wednesday during term.

New members are always welcome. For more information contact Tom on tomrochestudio@ gmail.com or text 087 286 2488.

Conor feels a glow of happiness after win CONOR O’Loughlin (35) and his Sandyford-based company Glofox has won Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur for 2018.

Conor, a former scrum half with 97 caps for Connaught, set up Glofox, a gym management software system, in 2014 after injury cut short his rugby career.

The business, which allows both gym members and gym owners to access usage, payment and service information, now has over 1,000 customers spread across 23 countries.

Conor said: “This is fantastic and such a huge shock considering the calibre of business and entrepreneurs here today. I can’t quite believe it looking around at the competition but I have to thank my Local Enterprise Office Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Enterprise Ireland who have been a huge help to me right from the start and without whom I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Picture: Mark Stedman

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CHAMPIONSHIPS: THIRTEEN COUNTRIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD COMPETE

History made as Shankill hosts Blind Tennis event REBECCA RYAN

HISTORY was recently made at the Shankill Tennis Club, when 13 countries from around the world competed in the 2018 World Blind Tennis Championships.

It was the first time the Championships have ever been held in Ireland.

Over 60 players took part, and the tournament was rated a huge success by the players, coaches, organisers and by the International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA).

Zsophia Gruber from Shankill was placed third in the Open category, and Brian Lenehan from Windsor TC in Belfast took silver in the B2 classification.

Great Britain led the medals table followed by

Mexico.

Tournament director and president of Leinster Tennis, Liam O’Donohoe said they hope to roll out blind tennis in Ireland.

“We set out to deliver an exceptional tournament experience for our players from around the world.

“The standard of competition and the support from the army of volunteers meant that we achieved all of our objectives and more.

“This tournament represents a significant step forward for the sport and its dream of becoming a Paralympic sport, and one which Ireland will perform strongly in.

“Our next goal is to bring the opportunity to play Blind/VI [Visually Impaired] tennis to every

county in Ireland,” Mr O’Donohoe added.

Gaetan Li, President of IBTA said there was great competition: “What a tournament. Fierce battles on court matched by the fellowship displayed outside of the courts.”

One of the leading

Blind/VI Tennis, coaches Niklas Hofken from Cologne, Germany said a lot of work went into the tournament: “It’s fasc inating how fast t h i s s p o r t d eve l o p s: techniques and tactics on court as well as the professionalism of the

structures in the background.

“Many people worked hard in the 12 months from the first International Blind Tennis tournament in 2017 till now - and every rally at dlr TAKEI 2018 showed that it was worth it. “

Commenting on his experience silver medal winner Brian Lenehan from Belfast said: “It’s great to be World No 2 and, more importantly, we have put Irish Blind/ VI tennis on the map and the next step is now to build on this success.”

Participants from around the globe pictured at the Blind Tennis World Championships in Shankill Tennis Club

BALLINTEER

Pupils get to the meat of the matter STUDENTS from Ballinteer Community School’s ‘Green Team’ recently held a school activity day as part of their An Taisce/ Eco-UNESCO Young Environmental Awards competition entry.

The aim of the day was to highlight the connection between industrial farming, methane emissions, meat consumption and global warming.

‘Green Team’ students presented to every tutor group, making their argument that increased meat consumption leads to increased methane emissions, which in turn is contributing to climate change.

BCS Green Team’s longterm plan is to develop a sustainable school garden that will support permanent, environmentally friendly vegetarian options on the school menu.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

RETIRING: TOM BYRNE IS STEPPING DOWN AFTER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Tom ‘will be impossible to replace’ REBECCA RYAN

AFTER four decades of service to local government, Tom Byrne from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, is retiring.

Described as a “local legend” Tom was recently honoured at a farewell party at the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire.

Guests included Tom’s wife Christine, his daughter Jenny, elected members past and present, Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor, and many of Tom’s work colleagues.

Paying tribute to Tom Byrne, the Minister said:

“Tom has been a legend in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, he is totally respected by the public and public representatives alike.

“I am very glad to have known Tom in my professional life. He represents everything a public servant should, and he will be impossible to replace.”

Tom began his career in local government 40 years ago in Dun Laoghaire Corporation, which later became Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council.

A very young, greenfingered, Tom started his career as a junior gardener.

He was then elevated to

the position of Grade 1 Gardener.

Tom worked with many committees during his career, including the Tidy Towns, Residents’ Assoc iations, Community Groups, Estate Management companies, DLR Golf Society and the DLR HUG, just to name a few.

Looking back over the last four decades, Tom said one of the highlights of his career was the restoration of the People’s Park.

Tom said seeing the lodge, the restaurant and the park itself being restored, and also the development of the prom-

FASTNews Red Bull Flugtag set to make a return

Tom Byrne with Philomena Poole, chief executive DLRCC. Picture: Margaret Browne

enade is something he will always be proud of.

He also recalls his team discovering two covered fountains in the park. He said they were hidden for about 70 years, and within a short space of time, Tom and his team had them working again.

Another career highlight for Tom was The Flower Show which took place in the People’s Park.

He said: “It was a great success. It was really very special. It brought various communities together.”

Tom is described by colleagues as very much ‘a people person’, with an open-door policy.

He certainly is a very modest man and takes no credit for his career achievements, telling Dublin Gazette “it’s all about team work”.

Speaking on his retirement, Tom said it is bitter sweet retiring as he loved his job very much.

Even though Tom will miss working with the council, he is also looking forward to spending more

time with his family.

He said: “Myself and my wife Christine get on so well. We’re married over 40 years and together at least 50 years.

“I have two amazing grandchildren Keane and Alex who are five and two.

“And I have a very special daughter and son in law. He plays golf and I play golf, and unfortunately, he’s a better golfer than me! But maybe with the time I have free I’ll try to catch up to be nearly as good as him!”

RED Bull Flugtag is returning to Ireland on May 20 and promises to be a day full of music and entertainment.

Flugtag means “flying day” in German, and that’s exactly what the event is: 47 teams will be launching handcrafted flying machines in a contest to see how far they’ll go.

Participants are judged on the flight distance, creativity and showmanship of their human-powered aircraft, and some of this year’s competitors have built crafts inspired by pirates and Vikings, peacocks and teapots and movies amongst other things.

Ireland last hosted the international event for its 100th anniversary in Dublin in 2011.

This year it’ll take place in Dun Laoghaire Harbour and is free for both participants and spectators alike.

DLR makes first step towards becoming plastic free county DUN Laoghaire Rathdown has made its first steps towards being a plastics free county.

A motion tabled by Cllr Dave O’Keeffe (PBP) was recently passed at an environment meeting of the council and will see the council offering discounts, on a trial basis, to customers for using reusable ‘keep cups’ rather than the standard disposable cups.

The council has also agreed to proactively support a new scheme that will aim to reduce plastics by supplying posters and information to local coffee shops, in an effort to reduce the number of coffee cups ending up as litter or in landfill.

There are currently up to two million disposable coffee cups sent to landfill sites in Ireland every single day.

Cllr O’Keeffe believes the move will help cut down on unnecessary waste and is hopeful that the scheme can be expanded across the county to all coffee shops and become a permanent feature in the near future.

Speaking after the passing of the motion, Cllr O’Keeffe said: “This move is not a panacea, but it is a move in the right direction.

“Local authorities and public representatives need to lead by example and we should be trying to promote a community that is less wasteful and more thoughtful.

“I am hopeful that businesses in the area will be willing to promote the scheme and reward their customers opt to use ’keep cups’.”

Cllr O’Keeffe added that Ireland faces an annual fine of €75 million from the EU if it cannot reduce its emissions and reach sustainability targets before 2020.

“The onus needs to be on business owners to be less wasteful and switch to greener practices as overworked consumers will inevitably choose the cheapest most convenient option.

“By offering a discount we would at least make the idea of carrying a keep cup more attractive,” Cllr O’Keeffe said.

Last chance to see a top performance IT’S the last chance to see The Night Alive by Conor McPherson, performed by the Rathfarnham Theatre Group.

Following their recent successful production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, the local amateur drama group are delighted to present The Night Alive in The Mill Theatre, Dundrum.

It on every night this week until this Saturday May 19 at 8 pm. Tickets €15/€12.

Contact 012969340 or www.milltheatre.ie.

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 Advertorial Feature

MAY

23

FISH & CHIP DA Y is back offering h alf price fish and chip s*

* Fish & Chips 1/2 price when bought togeth er

Mum, Auntie Mariantonia (Mrs Borza) and young Assunta outside the shopfront in Churchtown

Tradition lives on at

There’s nowhere else in Dublin where customers are able to choose their preferred fillet of fish and watch it being cooked while they wait

IN JUST six short years, Macari 66 has established itself as one of the premier chippers in the South Dublin area.

Located on Braemor Road in Churchtown, Macari 66 serves Dublin 14 and 16, as well as parts of Dublin 6, 6W and Dublin 18.

Owner Antonio Macari’s family is steeped in the tradition of Irish Italian chipper culture.

His father opened his first chipper in Harold’s Cross in 1966 and Antonio has continued on the fine tradition of his family by only serving the freshest fish and chips, while paying tribute to his family’s legacy by naming his chipper Macari 66.

Delicious homemade pizzas and pasta dishes are made to order, while they also offer homemade burgers, chicken tenders, Italian sausage and homemade naan bread for their kebabs, they only use vegetable oil in their fryers to

Home of the finest Homemade fresh food daily

ensure the freshest chips around.

This dedication to freshness and quality has seen Macari 66 recognised as the Best Chipper at the 2015 Just Eat National Takeaway Awards.

Local reaction to Macari 66 has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We are regular customers of Macari 66 and we are happy to recommend it as brilliant chipper,” says one loyal customer.

“The food is well prepared and cooked in front of you. It is consistently busy which is always a good sign.

“The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and they turn around each order very efficiently.”

People have even come from further afield to sample the incredible food served up by Macari 66.

One visitor from Spain said: “It is much more

than the usual “chipper”. On each occasion I purchased multiple meals for my family, young and old, and everything from the lightly battered fish, freshly cooked chips, delicious authentic Italian pasta and pizza were cooked to perfection.

“All the necessary sauces - tartar, curry, slices of lemon etc were also provided.

“It was also reassuring to observe that the premises throughout was spotlessly clean.

“Staff are friendly and highly efficient. On my next visit to Ireland I look forward to returning to this establishment and strongly recommend it as exceptional.”

Macari 66 have also relaunched their website, making it even easier to order the best fish and chips in South Dublin.

Log on to www.macari66.ie to get 15% off your order til 30th June

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Mary Shilling with husband Gearoid Walsh

James Forbes and Jimmy O’Shea

Lorraine Keegan and Laura Jane Dunne

Fiona Duggan and Ann Horan. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

Ann Van den Ancker, John Collins and Olivia Quill

Blue skies and big smiles for Bank Holiday challenge T

Andrew Watchorn, Jimmy O’Shea and Tommy Maher

Paul Tansey, Bernie and Simon Kelehan

HE Orwell Wheelers Randonnee took place on the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

The event started and finished at Lansdowne Wesley Rugby Club on Ballycorus Road.

This year the event had a little brother with a shorter option for those that felt it was a hill to far for them.

The event is a fantastic warm up for the Wicklow 200, or a standalone challenge for anyone.

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

HOUSING: BUILDER WILL SEEK PLANNING PERMISSION FOR UP TO 850 NEW HOMES

Massive project could be coming to Carrickmines REBECCA RYAN

ONE of the country’s biggest residential building projects in over a decade could be headed for Carrickmines.

Dublin house-builder Victoria Homes will seek planning permission under the fast-track process which will go straight to An Bord Pleanala - for up to 850 homes on its site on

Glenamuck Road.

The €375m scheme will comprise a mix of apartments, duplexes and houses, ranging in size from one-bedroom to fourbedroom homes.

It will be the largest project undertaken by the Dublin house-builders to date.

Directors Derek Byrne and Danny Whelan are backed by strong interna-

tional investors and have been acquiring zoned lands in and around the capital over the past 18 months.

The first phase is expected to deliver 200 new homes, in line with current local infrastructure.

Director Derek Byrne said: “We know that the future of housing is changing, both in terms of what new buyers want and in

how we can deliver on those expectations. Our development in Carrickmines will be the model for modern housing.”

There has been some concern expressed by locals about traffic in the area getting worse with an increase in developments.

Local councillor for the Glencullen-Sandyford Ward, Lettie McCarthy (Lab) told Dublin Gazette she in inundated with complaints from locals about the traffic, and she would like to see the issue tackled, before planning applications are considered.

She said: “The amount of complaints I’m getting by phone, email and Facebook about traffic delays of up to 40 minutes on the Glenamuck and Enniskerry Road, would be evidence enough that any further development is premature

A Victoria Homes housing development in Grange Hill, Rathfarnham

in the absence of the new road going in.

“I would like to see the road infrastructure progressed before new planning applications are considered.

“There simply isn’t room for any additional cars, and granted permissions are progressing which will bring more traffic.”

In a statement, Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin said: “The application has not yet been noted on the An Bord Pleanala website, so the following statement is based only on the media reports surrounding the development, as I have not seen the specific plans.

“While new housing developments are very much to be welcomed, given the ongoing housing crisis, I am concerned that this development - alongside Clay Farm Phase 2 and the development plans for Cherrywood - needs to be done in as sustainable and well-planned a way as possible.

“We have seen in recent months serious capacity issues on the Luas line, so further investment in upgrading public and road transport infrastructure in the area needs to happen sooner rather than later.”

Locals took to social media to express their views to the news of the

proposed development in Carrickmines.

On local Facebook page ‘Kilternan, Glenamuck & Carrickmines Areas’ one wrote: “Such a narrow road for all the housing that’s being built there already.

Traffic [is] terrible there some evenings.”

Another wrote: “How the hell are they going to fit this on Glenamuck road?”

However, one person commented on the need for building in the midst of the housing crisis: “Heaven forbid some houses get built to help with the shortage of houses available needed for people needing to buy houses.”

Locals oppose plan for Kilternan

SOUTH Dublin locals have gathered to object to plans for a new development in Kilternan.

Property developer Greg Kavanagh has applied for planning permission to build 97 apartments across multiple six-story blocks on the site adjacent to the Golden Ball pub on the Enniskerry Road.

Locals expressed their concern over the proposal at a recent resident’s association meeting.

Debbie Anderson, who is a local resident, and on the Kilternan/ Glenamuck Residents Association, said the plans are “totally against the local area plan”.

“It’s twice the height of what’s allowed on that road. People are not against building, people are realistic in the area, but we are against it turning into a jungle.”

Local resident Ruth Fitzsimon said: “I actually thought it was a joke initially. It just looks disgrace-

ful, it doesn’t fit with the area whatsoever. We’re overrun with traffic.

“There isn’t enough space, local amenities, public transport to service the houses that are already built.”

Many local councillors have spoken against the proposals.

Councillor Kevin Daly (Ind) said: “The whole scale of it is not in keeping with the area at all.”

Councillor Lettie McCarthy (Lab) recently said: “We worked very hard during the making of the Kilternan local area plan not to have high rise on the mountain side of the road.

“The mountains are a wonderful asset for our area and we would rather see and enjoy them rather than looking at a large lump of concrete.”

However, local councillor John Kennedy (FG) made a submission

supporting the development and told Dublin Gazette that: “Suburbs such as Dundrum, Mount Merrion and Foxrock are reaching saturation point in terms of what can be handled in terms of new construction.

“Kilternan is a relatively sparsely populated area and in terms of tackling the housing shortage more units need to be built there, so long as that they are of a sufficient high standard.”

Commenting on traffic concerns expressed by locals, Cllr Kennedy said: “€75 million has been outlined previously in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown Three Year Capital Programme specially for the purposes of updating road infrastructure in the Kilternan area.

“This is a very significant funding provision and the reason it is being provided is to facilitate construction of new residential units in the Kilternan/Glenamuck area.”

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

GRANTS: COUNTY COUNCIL TO BE GIVEN €36,000 FUNDING FOR CLEAN-UP INITIATIVE

Funding to tackle litter and graffiti REBECCA RYAN

A LOCAL independent councillor has welcomed the recent allocation of funding to tackle litter, dog fouling and graffiti in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Minister Denis Naughten announced the allocation of €884,000 to 31 local authorities under the 2018 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will be given €36,000 in grants, Dublin City €72,000, South Dublin €36,000 and Fingal €36,000.

Minister Naughten said: “Local authorities use this funding to raise awareness and encourage behavioural change to tackle graffiti and littering of all types, including gum, cigarette butts and dog fouling, which is a particular bug-

bear of mine.

“Dog fouling is perhaps the most intrusive type of litter and a constant source of annoyance for us all on our streets, in our parks and on our beaches.

“I welcome any initiatives that will increase awareness of this nuisance litter and the many public health risks, particularly for children, that is associated with dog owners not picking up their dog’s waste.”

Local councillor Deirdre Donnelly has welcomed the recent allocation of funding.

She said: “I am delighted that Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council is amongst the recipients of this funding.

“Since I was elected almost four years ago, I have received complaints from many members of the public in my own local electoral area

expressing their concern about graffiti, dog fouling and littering.

“I was at two clean-up days over the last two weeks and witnessed first-hand the amount of litter left in our parks by inconsiderate people.”

Cllr Donnelly also commented on the graffiti in the county, particularly on road signs.

“I think that this is really selfish and believe that harsher penalties should be imposed.

“Graffiti is a form of vandalism and I wish that the gardai had more power to prosecute those who carry it out.

“I have requested the removal of graffiti in the past and I understand that there is a cost to the council every time this has to be done.

“I really hope that this funding can go some way to preventing this problem from getting worse.”

DLR commissions 1916 sculpture for Baths

DUN LAOGHAIRE Rathdown County Council has commissioned a 1916 sculpture for the Dun Laoghaire Baths.

The piece of art will be of Roger Casement, who was born in Sandycove, to commemorate the part he played in the Rising.

The chosen location for the sculpture is on a plinth at the end of the jetty which will be constructed as part of the Baths Project, due for completion in 2020.

The winning artist, Mark Richards, was selected following a two-stage process, organised by Visual Arts Ireland on behalf of dlr.

Four artists were shortlisted from 40 submissions to a call for expressions of interest.

The sculpture will be a figurative representation of Roger Casement and will measure 3m in height, just over 1.5 times life size.

The figure will be cast in bronze, which will mature and reflect the climatic conditions of the site as the years pass.

An Cathaoirleach of dlr, Cllr Tom Muphy said: “I think Mark Richards is a very worthy winner of the selection process.

“His design encapsulates the very essence of Roger Casement as he stood on the dock and said the words: ‘I landed in Ireland. It was to Ireland I came; to Ireland I wanted to come’.

“Furthermore, by locating the piece amidst the arrangement of levels on the jetty at Dun Laoghaire Baths, suggests he is stepping ashore.”

The plinth will be inscribed in Irish on the west face and English on the north face. A QR code linking to a website that tells of the story of Roger Casement will be developed.

Dun Laoghaire Baths pier statuette

The allocation of €884,000 brings the total grants provided under this Scheme over the last 10 years to almost €15 million.

Councillor Deirdre Donnelly at graffiti removal training in Stillorgan

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Mary Monaghan and Ann Eble

Brenda Hyland-Beirne with daughter Alannah. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

Yvonne and Amelia Conroy

Amy Byrne and Becky Mooney

Paula and Jean Guerin

Viv Gaine, Steven Fagan and Aoife Gaffney

A

FABULOUS fashion event took place at Frascati Shopping Centre recently with personal styling tips from Dancing with the Stars Alannah Beirne. The event also featured hair and make up demonstrations.

Isobel Higgins and Cilla Turner with Imelda Martin

Fabulous fashion at the Frascati Shopping Centre

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Pippa urges us to stay sun safe

P

IPPA O’Connor is pictured with Freddie Ryan as she helped launch La Roche-Posay’s Save Your Skin campaign in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society recently. The campaign aims to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention through SunSmart behaviour all year round. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Sam Maguire visits FoxCab GAA club L

OCAL club FoxCab GAA had a very special visitor recently when Sam Maguire arrived at the clubhouse.

It was a great opportunity for club members to get

their hands on the silverware and pretend to be one of the Dublin GAA heroes. Sam is currently at home in the capital with the reigning champions.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BREAKDOWN OF THE BEST HANG OUTS AND HISTORICAL GEMS

HOP TO IT IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE KIDS OVER TO JUMP ZONE, SANDYFORD

DUBLIN MADE EASY

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME OF THE CITY’S BEST SPOTS TO BRING THE CHILDREN

T

HE weather doesn’t seem to know what it’s doing at the moment – one minute the sun’s splitting the stones, the next we’re thinking about dragging the winter woollies out for ‘one last day’. Luckily, however, it’s a lot easier for all of us to know what to do with children, as our fair city has lots of things to see and do for families. Whether you’re looking for something to fill an hour or an afternoon, here are just a few of the city’s attractions that are perfect to take the kids over to...

IMAGINOSITY

MALAHIDE CASTLE

LOCATION: The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford HIGHLIGHT: Meet the Eco Badger

LOCATION: Malahide Demesne, Malahide HIGHLIGHT: Zipline and diggers in the playground

HAILED as Dublin’s children’s museum, it’s designed to inspire learning through playing.

Opened in 2007, it is the only interactive children’s museum for the under 9’s.

It is a minimum of a two-hour visit, which offer a wide variety of workshops and classes in arts and crafts, computers, music and theatre every day in the Art Studio.

Prices are €8.00 for children and adults, €6.00 for toddlers, €2 for those over 6 months (under 6mths free) for a (minimum).

Due to limits on the number of workshop participants, pre-booking is strongly advised.

Opening hours, Monday 1.30-5.30pm, Tues-Fri 9.30-5.30pm, Sat & Sun 10-6pm, and Bank Holiday Mondays 9.30-5.30pm

MALAHIDE Castle and gardens have pleasant walks, play areas, picnic sites and sporting facilities. The children’s playground is a highlight. It is a short walk from the Castle, split into sections for toddlers and older children.

The playground has something for all ages, and parents can keep an eye out from the picnic tables while the kids feast on slides, swings and climbing frames.

The playground also has zipline and diggers and plenty of space for the kids to run around. You can also pay to visit the castle or just explore the grounds.

The Demesne grounds has plenty of public sporting amenities including the Sports Pavilion (with a small shop for snacks, drinks and sporting equipment) .

THE PHOENIX PARK LOCATION: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 HIGHLIGHT: Dublin Zoo THE Phoenix Park is open 24 hrs a day, seven days a week, all year round, and there is plenty to do and see for the whole family.

Local favourites include Dublin Zoo, The Wellington Testimonial and the playground.

Other highlights include The Magazine Fort (above) in the south east of the Park which marks the location where Phoenix Lodge was built by Sir Edward Fisher in 1611.

The People’s Gardens comprise of an area of twenty-two acres. It has a large ornamental lake, children’s playground and picnic areas.

The Ashtown Castle and Demesne, accessed off the Phoenix roundabout on Chesterfield Avenue, has numerous attractions for young and old alike.

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

HOME & STYLE THE CACTUS CRAZE TAKES OVER: WITH

DUBLIN



NEW CITROEN PACKS PLENTY OF APPEAL P28

Summer in Ireland typically lasting for a sunny weekend at some point in May or June, it’s no surprise we want to inject a little more light into our lives.

MAGAZINE POP-ROCKERS ASH RETURN PAGE 26 WITH FINAL ALBUM P18

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY

THE GIFT OF GAZ | SWAPPIN’ TOASTIES FOR TAPAS

Why can’t he just leave things well enough alone I WISH Paschal would just leave things well enough alone.

Once he was about halfway through his pint, he says: “I He’s ran a great auld boozer for years but now he says he’s was chatting to Ciara about the referendum.” trying to “modernise to stay on top of the latest trends”.

“I thought you’d agreed not to chat to your young one I dunno what sort of muck he’s reading lately but he’d about that,” I says. want to cop on. First he got in loads of that craft beer and “Yeah but I suppose it had to come up eventually,” he now instead of toasties, he’s doing bleedin’ tapas. replies to me. “You know I’ve never held with abortion and “What in the name of Jaysus are tapas?” I says to him she’s the opposite and I never really knew why she was so when I was in over the weekend. strident about it until this evening.”

“They’re Spanish,” he says. “They’re lovely. Give them a “And why is she?” I says. go Gaz.” “Well you know the way she went over studying over in All I wanted was a nice ham and cheese toastie but I was Liverpool after school?” he says. so hungry I could’ve ate the leg of the lamb of God at that “Yeah. Sure I remember you and Maureen saved for years stage so I let him stick me on some. so she could get to college over there,” I says.

“Where’s the rest of it?” I says to Paschal when he brings “Well it turns out her and Ciaran had a bit of an accident out this tiny bowl with two meatballs in it. over there and well..”

Paschal just laughed and walked away. They were nice “She didn’t, did she?” I says, lowering me voice so no one like but they wouldn’t fill you. would hear us.

Davy came shuffling in just then and I shouted at him to “Yeah she did and she only told me tonight. Twenty years grab me a few packets of nuts to go with the pint he’d bet- later,” he says. ter order me. If you don’t get him while he’s at the bar, you “But sure her and Ciaran stayed together and you’ve two haven’t a chance of getting the tight fecker to buy you a pint. lovely grandkids now,” I says, trying to reassure him like.

He nearly threw the thing down at me and slumped down “I know but I’m annoyed,” he says. in his chair looking miserable.

“Ah you shouldn’t be annoyed at her,” I says. “What’s done “Who done their business on your cornis done.” flakes this morning?” I says to him, trying “I’m not annoyed at her, I’m annoyed at Who done their meself,” he says. to raise a smile out of him. business on your He just looked up and grunted at me.

“How come?” I says.

“What’s wrong with you?” I says. “Is cornflakes this “Well I remember back when the X case everything alright?” was happening I was always banging on morning “Ah it’s nothing really,” he says. about how abortion was wrong and all “Doesn’t seem like nothing,” I says. “Northat,” he says. “And that must have stuck mally you’d be in pontificating about with her, like. And was afraid to tell her own something or other as soon as you sat da what was going on. Your little girl should down.” be able to tell you anything, ye know.”

“Ah I’m just thinking,” he says.

“So will you be voting yes now then?” I “That’s a first.” asked him.

He didn’t think that was funny either.

“I still don’t agree with it,” he says. “But I just gave up then and sat back. I I’m a bit conflicted now. The whole thing’s a knew he’d talk when he was ready. minefield.” He’s not wrong there.

“

Walkies for Darkness Into Light PADDY and Geraldine Whelan pictured at the annual Darkness Into Light fundraising event in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. They joined 200,000 people in a global movement walking over one million kilometres in a march against suicide, self-harm and the stigma associated with mental health.

See Gallery on Page 16

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

PEOPLE YOUNG DUBLINERS READYING FOR INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

raises Talented teens set Tesco €30k to help to tickle the ivories sick children REBECCA RYAN

TWO young Dubliners are taking part in a prestigious international piano competition.

Eoin Fleming (19) and Antonia Huang (17) will be playing in the 11th Dublin International Piano Competition (DIPC) which takes place in Dublin between May 18-29.

The competition was established in 1988 and takes place every three years.

Since its foundation, the competition has grown in stature, and now ranks among the most important piano competitions in the world.

As well as receiving a prize fund, a prestigious list of engagements is secured for the winner including debut concerts in London and New York as well as appearances at international festivals and concerti with leading orchestras.

Eoin and Antonia will join other pianists from

22 countries taking part in the 2018 competition.

Eoin, from Templeogue, started playing the piano at the age of six. He learned at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Before he reached his teens, Eoin had played in public frequently, including, at the age of seven, at a high achievers award gala in the RDS Concert Hall, another at Dublin Castle, and at a dinner soiree for then President Mary McAleese at Aras an Uachtarain.

In 2016, the multi prize-winner made his debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall performing Beethoven’s 5th Piano Concerto, the ‘Emperor’, with the New York Sinfonietta.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Eoin told Dublin Gazette: “I am very excited to be a competitor in the Dublin International Piano Competition; it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was quite young.

“My dream is to one

Talented pianists Antonia Huang and Eoin Fleming

day win an international competition and tour the world performing in all sorts of venues and concert halls.

Fe l l ow c o m p e t i to r Antonia was born in Dublin, grew up in China and retuned to Ireland at the age of 13, where she currently resides in Goatstown.

She studied with Deirdre Doyle until 2016 and is currently studying

with Hugh Tinney in the Royal Irish Academy of Music under full scholarship.

Antonia has already won a number of awards, including the John Benson Cup at this year’s Feis Ceoil, and has performed at the National Concert Hall, the Westbury Hotel, Kilruddery House and Cork CIT. Antonia told Dublin Gazette she is really excited about the competition.

She said: “It will be the first time I’m playing in an international competition! It is daunting, especially with everyone older than you, but on the other hand, it’s so amazing to have the opportunity to take part in it.”

Besides music, Antonia is busy with her studies.

In 2017, she represented Ireland in the European Science Olympiad in Copenhagen, Girls Maths Olympiad in Zurich and the International Maths Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro.

BAKED FOR TEMPLE STREET

TESCO stores across Dublin raised €30,700 in aid of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital during this year’s Great Irish Bake recently, boosting the nationwide fundraising initiative for the supermarket giant’s national charity partner, Temple Street.

Now in its fourth year, Tesco’s 150 stores nationwide raised €112,000 in just one day alone, with this year’s funds set to help Temple Street purchase specialised speech and language equipment, used in the treatment of children with cleft palette.

Customers were invited to pop by and indulge in a sweet treat or two, prepared by Tesco staff, while raising vital funds for the little heroes of Temple Street.

To date, Tesco Ireland has fundraised more than €3 million for the hospital, helping it to buy much needed lifesaving equipment.

Recently extending its partnership with Temple Street, Tesco employees across the country aim to have raised €5 million in five years, before the end of

2019.

Christine Heffernan, corporate affairs director at Tesco Ireland, said, “It’s fantastic to see another successful year of the Great Irish Bake. Raising vital funds for our charity partner Temple Street is so important to us.

“I would like to thank all Tesco colleagues and customers nationwide who remain committed to this cause, year on year. After completing its fourth year, the Great Irish Bake for Temple Street is a fundraiser that can only get better and better.”

Each year, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital treats over 145,000 children from across the country and operates the busiest A&E department in Europe.

For thousands of children, Temple Street is the only hospital in Ireland they can be treated in.

Through the charity partner programme, Tesco colleagues and customers can help children from all across Ireland get better and be real-life heroes to children attending the hospital.

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Thousands again gathered to help turn Darkness Into Light B

Y THEIR thousands they came – people of all ages, nationalities and walks of life gathered in the pre-dawn gloom at the Phoenix Park for the annual awareness and fundraising Darkness Into Light walk for Pieta House. By now a firm favourite for many looking to support the charity’s invaluable, lifesaving work in helping to tackle suicide and self-harm, the walkers’ steps echoed around the world as hundreds of thousands of other Darkness Into Light walkers made their way to talks in their area, walking through the darkness of night and into the dawn of a new day, and a new hope.

The walk was a highly-emotional affair for many walkers, with some carrying photos of loved ones lost, walking to honour their memory and try to ensure no other family shares such pain. Whatever their reason for walking, those taking part were united by a shared wish to help support others, encourage better mental health, and help spread the message that Pieta House and all kinds of organisations are out there to support people in their times of need.

The walkers in the Phoenix Park enjoyed a beautiful misty morning, with the glowing soft banks of light mist rolling away to welcome in the new day, and an upbeat, positive outlook for everyone who’d taken part. Pictures: Harry Murphy

Conor and Jennifer McIntyre with daughters Jennifer, Nina Denise Loftos and Elaine Bias

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joined chief executives Brian Higgins (left, Pieta House) and Pat O’Doherty (ESB)

Sarah Moloney, Laura McGinn, Susanne Murray, Siobhan McGee, Niamh Meahen, and Fiona Regan

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

GOINGOUTOUT

GET TUNED IN

ENTERTAINMENT

PICKWEEK OF THE

MAY 20 (SUNDAY) Morrissey @ 3Arena, €70 RISING to prominence as frontman of The Smiths, Morrissey went on to forge an even more successful career as a solo artist, with all ten of his solo efforts landing in the Top 10 on the UK album charts, including 3 entries at the #1 position.

Releasing his debut solo album Viva Hate back in 1988, he has since released a number of critically acclaimed follow-ups including Kill Uncle and Your Arsenal, and hugely successful comeback album You Are the Quarry after a five year hiatus in 2004.

MAY 17 (THURSDAY) The Rolling Stones + The Academic @ Croke Park, from €70 Jagger and co, drop in on HQ to run through decades of powerful, sleazy hits. We hear they’re almost as lively as ever. Watch out for those moves....

Niall Thomas + Karl Odlum @ Whelan’s, €12

MAY 18 (FRIDAY) Ed Sheeran @ Phoenix Park, sold out Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Tivoli Theatre, €25 Once kings of the American indie scene (and possibly the first ever big viral act), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah have faded a little over the years, but still produce stunning records.

John T. Pearson @ Whelan’s, €20 The Minutes @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15

MAY 19 (SATURDAY) Ian Moss @ The Grand Social, €17.50 New Purple Celebration @ The Academy, €27.50 Liam O’Maonlai @ The Purty Kitchen, €18 Super Silly @ The Button Factory, €13

MAY 20 (SUNDAY) Don McLean @ Vicar Street, €55 The Lee Harveys @ Toner’s, €8 WrongOnYou @ Whelan’s, free One Horse Pony @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12

MAY 21 (TUESDAY) The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €7 Don McLean @ Vicar Street, €55 Bryan Adams @ 3Arena, €60 Wild Child @ The Grand Social, €15

MAY 22 (WEDNESDAY) Don McLean @ Vicar Street, €55 Bryan Adams @ 3Arena, €60 Cigarettes After Sex @ Olympia Theatre, €27 Peach Pit @ The Grand Social, €15

Photo: Alex John Beck

Ash Get Personal on Break-Up Record ‘Islands’ DOWNPATRICK pop-rockers Ash have been going for 26 years, and for many it’s the relatively early hits - Girl From Mars, Oh Yeah, Shining Light - that still stand out.

In fact, it’s been 11 years since the three-piece announced their intention to “never make another album,” something that lasted until 2015, and the release of Kablammo!

Still powering through with the same distinctive vocals and hooky chords that helped them find their niche, eighth album ‘Islands’ has been a slow process, and one held back by factors outside of the band’s control.

“There’s been quite a gap,” drummer Rick McMurray said.

“The actual process went quite quickly, but there were a lot of changes on the business side that held up the progress of the record.

“It was finished towards the end of 2017, but it could easily have been a lot sooner. We wrote new stuff while the album was being finished, so we have a big backlog of material.”

Islands will get the customary new album tour, then, but a follow up is already on the horizon.

“I doubt it will be another three years,” McMurray says, laughing

about the extended gaps between the band’s records.

“We probably seem quite lazy when it comes to albums. In our defence, we did put out 52 singles in a year,” he adds, referencing the ‘A-Z’ project that saw Ash experiment with one off tracks throughout 2009 and 2010.

The new release is very much about frontman Tim Wheeler’s difficult break up.

The band live apart now, Wheeler and bassist Mark Hamilton in New York, and McMurray with his family in Edinburgh, jetting in for recording sessions and communicating largely digitally.

“It’s pretty easy, really.

It kind of suits all three of us. I like working in quick bursts, as that’s just what works as a drummer. Tim’s more slow and thought out. For me, this album was just one big explosion of energy.”

Wheeler released an intensely personal solo album a couple of years ago. ‘Lost Domain’ focused on his dad’s dementia and pass-

ing away. ‘Islands’, a euphemism for the idea of solitude and lost bridges, is his break up record.

“The solo album was part of Tim’s grieving process,” McMurray explains.

“He didn’t intend this one to be a break up album, he was just writing songs, and they were always going to be for the band.

“He’s a little bit uncom-

fortable with how i t ended up. He has this reputation as a ‘nice guy’, which he is, and he’s conscious that he’s just telling his side very publically.

“That’s why the first track on the record, ‘True Story’, is there, just to saythere are two sides to every story. This is just his take.”

The process found a natural

name in Wheeler’s approach to writing, during which he found peace on a series of actual islands around the globe, including art loving Japanese island Naoshima, Mallorca (Spain), Santorini (Greece), and even Lambay Island, off Dublin’s north coast.

Skellig features in inverted two-tone on the cover, as a kind of distress call meets conceptual ‘it’s not all black and white’ symbol.

“I expect there will be some off-the-beaten-track gigs on the Islands theme,” McMurray tells us.

“After you’ve been going as long as we have, it’s the slightly different gigs that stand out, like our first shows in China, or our gig in a hairdressers in Dublin [Rathmines’ Abner Browns] a couple of years ago. We’re really open to doing things that are a bit unusual.”

‘Islands’, then, is the sound of Ash pouring their heart out. It’s not the gorgeous naivety of ‘1977’ or ‘Free All Angels’, but instead hones in on a raw honesty that plays to their melodic strengths.

A heartfelt, relatable take on the poignancy of human emotion.

‘Islands’ is out on Friday, May 18.

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

TWO LEADING FIGURES OFFER THEIR OPPOSING OPINIONS ON WHAT

Vote No

to change DAVID QUINN, religious and social commentator, and director of The Iona Institute, tells Mark O’Brien why he thinks people should vote No over the Eighth Amendment.

THE director of the Iona Institute says that he believes that there is a strong chance that the 8th Amendment will be retained.

The referendum on repealing the 8th Amendment – which outlaws abortion in Ireland – is due to take place on Friday, May 25.

The head of the Christian group, David Quinn, told Dublin Gazette that he believes that the 8th Amendment should be retained “to protect fundamental rights”.

He said: “The most fundamental of all is the right to life and that must include the unborn, because they are human beings like that the rest of us.”

Those wishing to repeal the Amendment argue it discriminates against women who don’t have the means to travel to a different jurisdiction for a termination, and that it denies

women bodily autonomy.

But Quinn dismisses this argument. He said: “That reduces the rights of the unborn to zero. The baby is not the woman’s body, and vice versa.

“Of course, we all have a right to our own bodily integrity and autonomy, but the baby is a being in

unworkable.

“That can be applied to all areas of law,” said Quinn. “All laws get broken, but we don’t remove the law from the statute books or the Constitution because of that.

“We’ve got to look at the reasons why the law exists, and this law exists

its own right, albeit for the first nine months of its life in the womb, but has every bit as much right to protection as all of us.”

Many women seeking a termination now order abortion pills online and take them without medical supervision, potentially putting their health at risk.

Many would argue that as the law is now broken so often, it means that it is

to protect the lives of the unborn.”

Quinn added that The Iona Institute doesn’t object to the 13th Amendment of the Constitution, which allows Irish women to travel to another jurisdiction to avail of a termination.

“We have no objection to the right to travel,” he said. “Irish people occasionally will go to Switzerland to avail of Swit-

“

The most fundamental right of all is the right to life, including the unborn

zerland’s euthanasia laws.

Nobody is proposing that be stopped.

“An Australian last week travelled from Australia to Switzerland to avail of euthanasia. Nobody in Australia was saying he should be stopped.

“But just because something is available overseas doesn’t mean you make it available in your own country, because by that argument, all laws in the world would have to become uniform.”

Quinn said that he expects between 40-55% of people to vote “No” in the referendum. When asked outright whether he believed the ‘No’ side would prevail, he was unsure.

“It’s hard to know,” he said. “We’ve a sound fighting chance. The reports back from the canvas are for the most parts good, except on the south side of Dublin, which is what you would expect.”

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WAY THEY WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO VOTE, AND WHY

Vote Yes

to change SARAH MONAGHAN, Together For Yes executive member and its national spokesperson, tells Rachel D’Arcy why she thinks people should vote Yes over the Eighth Amendment.

WITH the referendum on the Eighth Amendment edging closer, an executive member of Together for Yes says we need to continue having conversations on the impact of the Eighth on Women.

Sarah Monaghan, Together For Yes national spokesperson, told Dublin Gazette that she thinks the referendum isn’t about abortion, but rather regulating abortions already happening in Ireland.

She said: “We already have abortion in the country – we just choose to export women [to have them carried out] or have them import illegal abortion pills that they take alone without the support of their doctors.

“We need to face the reality that women are already having abortions here, but they’re currently doing so in unregulated and unsafe circumstances, and I believe we can do better as a society.”

REFERENDUM

The last vote on the Eighth Amendment took place in 1983, meaning a generation of Irish people haven’t received the opportunity to vote on the Eighth.

Monaghan says that the Eighth “hasn’t worked” and that people are ready to make their voice heard.

voice heard.

“No one under 50 has had the chance to vote on this issue, and people are ready to have their voice heard,” said Monaghan.

The vote on May 25 will also put the 13th Amendment up for debate, which does not limit travel abroad for abortion.

She said: “We’ve had 35 years now of seeing the harm that the Eighth Amendment has caused, and it is not compassionate, and it is not practical to continue in this way.

I think the Irish people realise that it’s time for change.

“The Eighth hasn’t worked, and it has caused g re a t h a r m to Ir i s h women, and I think people are ready to have their

Mo n a g h a n s a i d to approve the 13th Amendment, but be against the Eighth is “hypocrisy”.

She said: “If people on the ‘other’ [vote ‘No’] side are comfortable with people travelling abroad for abortion, and are uncomfortable with women being cared for and accessing abortion in their own country, I think there is a hypocrisy there.

“At the moment, women

“

We have abortion in the country – we just choose to export women

are forced abroad, couples are edged abroad.

“It’s not good enough for the women of Ireland, and I certainly think that Ireland is better than that.”

As to whether a ‘Yes’ vote will pass on May 25, Monaghan has said that the reaction on the ground so far to their campaigning has been “very positive”.

She said: “We’ve had a very positive reaction on the doors and on the streets. We absolutely understand that this isn’t a black and white issue – it’s complex, it’s difficult, it’s divisive, and it can be difficult for people to tackle.

“There’s someone in all our lives that has been directly affected by the Eighth Amendment, and someone that a ‘Yes’ could mean an awful lot to.

“It’s important these conversations continue to bring out a Yes vote on May 25,” she said.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

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THANKS A BLOOMING LOT, KIDS MATEUS Carvalho and Skye Toal were happy to help launch this year’s upcoming Bord Bia Bloom, which once again is set to transform the Phoenix Park at the massively popular June Bank Holiday weekend festival. Picture: Chris Bellew

Pippa launches Save Your Skin campaign BUSINESSWOMAN and well-known mum of two, Pippa O’Connor, has helped launch La Roche-Posay’s “Save Your Skin” campaign, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention through SunSmart behaviour, not just during bursts of fine weather, but all year round.

She said: “I am delighted to be taking part in this campaign as I feel it is so important to be vigilant when it comes to sun safety, particularly in Ireland.

“Similar to most families, the arrival of a sunny spell is met with great excitement in our house, as it can be a great opportunity to get out and about with my two young sons.

“However, I’m very aware of the importance of being sun smart and keeping my family safe from the harmful effects of the sun.

For more information on skin cancer or how to be SunSmart, visit www.cancer.ie/ Sunsmart or call the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurse line on Freephone 1800 200 700.

Seeking energy leaders

THE Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has begun the search for Ireland’s energy leaders who are demonstrating innovative approaches to clean energy with high replication potential. The Awards recognise and reward excellence in all aspects of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Businesses, public bodies and communities who are working towards a cleaner energy future for Ireland are encouraged to apply. Closing date for entries is Friday 8th June 2018. The winners will be announced at a gala event on the 25th of October 2018.

Pippa with Amelia Kavanagh and Freddie Ryan at the launch. Picture: Brian McEvoy

The race is on to sign up for 5K THE fourth annual Docklands 5K will take place on June 28 at 7.30pm in Dublin’s Docklands financial district.

The race will bring together the business community and local residents for one of Dublin’s most anticipated dates for runners, fitness enthusiasts and families alike.

As part of the event, teams of three

are encouraged to enter, which adds to the enjoyment, allowing the workers of Dublin’s financial district to engage in some friendly competition after work.

Some 2,000 runners of all ages and abilities start out at City Quay and follow a flat, fast route.

Registration is now open at www. docklands5k.com

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

There’ll be Elation in Dublin over this

AHEAD of their upcoming gig at Whelan’s here in the big shmoke on June 19, Cork band The Elation have announced details of the debut EP, Clickbait, which is released on June 1.

Featuring the single, XO, and upcoming single, Catch, Clickbait catches The Elation at the turning point of their career with a collection of upbeat tunes that cross seamlessly from indie to pop to dance.

Featuring striking artwork by frontman Chris Candsale, Clickbait was written by the band and recorded and produced in London, by Andy Whitmore (whose previous credits include working with Elton John, Terence Trent Darby, Eternal, Pet Shop Boys and more.) The EP can be pre-ordered from www.top6.ie/theelation.

GAZETTE COMPETITION

A tee-riffic win for this lucky reader ANOTHER week, and it’s another lucky Dublin Gazette reader!

Congratulations to Rathfarnham man John Corcoran, who called to our office to collect his prize: a seven-day unlimited annual pass to beautiful Charlesland Golf Club (worth €1,500).

The superb course set in the shadow of the Wicklow Mountains was designed by Eddie Hackett, and also offers some truly fabulous views all around the challenging but fair course.

Congratulations, John – and remember: keep reading, and keep winning with your Dublin Gazette!

DIARY

ANASTASIA, OUR DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Anastasia is a stunning-looking oneyear-old English Mastiff who cannot wait to find a quiet home.

She is a gentle giant and loves being around and playing with people she knows and trusts.

Anastasia is a big girl, but she lacks confidence and can be worried by strangers and new environments.

Because of her shy nature, she may need some extra time getting used to a new family and home; therefore, she is looking for a patient owner who will give her as much time and space she needs.

Anastasia is a lovely natured dog that will thrive in the right environment. She could potentially live with older, sensible and gentle children who have lived with dogs in the past.

Anastasia enjoys her walks with other dogs, but she was never kennelled with another dog at the centre, so she will be best as a single family pet.

If you could give her the home she deserves, then please contact Dogs Trust at 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 www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

TOP TWEETS My favourite Eurovision drinking game involves turning the telly off and going to the pub. @Cluedont Because if there’s one place you’ll be safe from the plinky plonky Eurovision, it’s the pub

In a restaurant in Clare (which will remain nameless) I stupidly asked what kind of wines they had. “Oh, we have both, red and white!” I was informed.

ENTERTAINMENT INSIGHTS FROM THE MORE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS GATHERING

Cannes you feel the film festival’s reel heart?

@Jpdiggins, replying to @SeanMoncrieff Sounds fancy to us, though maybe they’re not too au fait with Clare’s exotic vineyards

Overheard in Tesco. Child: “But Ma, why can’t I get Pop-Tarts?!” Mother: “Because Diabetes, that’s why!” @OverheardDublin Life isn’t all Pop-Tarts and easily-led mammies, kids

All those centuries struggling against British rule and all we really needed to do was tie them up in the planning process. @josefoshea If only we’d had our unusually long, drawn-out planning process in place at the time (which just saw Apple grab its €850M data centre ball planned for Athenry and go home)...

Urging all members of Dail Eireann to take a look under your seat, we’re looking for 5 laptops, 2 PCs and 12 phones ? @MoranPaul52 Well, don’t we all lose stuff down the back of the sofa?

Things like laptops though, not so much...

SHANE DILLON

THE Cannes Film Festival has once again attracted the cream of the crop of the cinema world to the sun-kissed southern French town – as well as all kinds of dealmakers and wannabes hoping to also clinch a dream deal by the time it all wraps up this Saturday, May 19.

While Dublin Gazette’s travel fund doesn’t quite stretch to joining in – more can’t go than Cannes – I know someone who’s there at the moment with a film production company, networking and doing the rounds in search of new deals.

I interviewed Antonio Ho (right) – a lawyer who’s part of a Hong Kongbased production company, 72 Dragons – for his insights into Cannes 2018, following his insight into Cannes 2017 in Dublin Gazette last year.

WHAT are you personally doing there with 70 Dragons?

I’m here again working on the legal side of things; we’re trying to build global relationships, and have people in many cities around the world.

One of our main goals of the company is to connect with young filmmakers to help them create their projects.

The old, traditional, years-long path to making your early work is gone now, thanks to technology.

If you look at the modern way of doing things you still have to look to financing, distribution and so on, but it shouldn’t take so long to put your film together.

One of the things we do is to connect like-minded people together, which I think is a really good thing to help make your project work.

Some of the recent changes in, for example, the EU regarding personal data and data flow, also has been a huge topic in Cannes and filmmaking, considering how data flows around the world. After all, filmmakers also have to be aware of being datacompliant, too.

How does Cannes 2018 compare to 2017?

It’s always been business-orientated in Cannes, but while last year was very much about glitz and glamour, I think this year has been very strict on [focusing on] business. Even things like taking selfies on the red carpet have been frowned on, this year!

One of the other things that’s stood out is that there’re notably more women here this year – a lot more stars, directors and industry figures.

Does Cannes seem more European-focused this year, or has it drawn a different crowd?

I think it’s more European this year, but also has a stronger Middle Eastern feeling. I think that slight change is definitely down to accessibility, and also there’s a lot of money to be made at Cannes.

Also, China has a notably bigger presence here this year; they’re trying to introduce some of the young, fresh Chinese talents to the [Western] markets.

Do you think Cannes is trying to align a bit more with China, or with other emerging markets?

I think it’s a bit of both; Western studios and filmmakers are reaching out now, but China is also trying to promote its talents, too, on the international stage.

There are a lot of Chinese talents, but many of them are getting older – they’re 60, 70 now – and people are wondering who’s coming up next.

Apart from that possible audience shift, is there much sign of Cannes adjusting for the rise in digital media, such as streaming content?

Yes, definitely. For example, VR [virtual reality] is getting bigger; there’s a definite increased focus on VR content at Cannes this year, such as on VR experiences or media.

I think there’s an adjustment under way here to include that

newer media – personally, I think it’s been a slow process to adapt, because there’s still a strong ‘traditional’ expectation of what cinema or media content is, It’s not just stars getting the red carpet treator ‘should’ be.

What else seems ment at Cannes – the likes of Thai princess different about Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi are also at the festival. Picture: Antonio Ho Cannes this year?

I thought last year the focus was very much It’s probably a 50:50 split in on selling, and on sellers looking reality between business and for buyers, but this year it’s very pleasure, but I think what most much the other way around, people see of Cannes is an 80% with people who want to find that’s all the style and celebrity. projects.

At the end of the day though, Also this year, there seem to Cannes is like a big machine – be a lot more fimmaking grants you need every part to make it available, from governments or work. Just because the public independent creative bodies or don’t see ‘the bolts’, that side – organisations. the business aspect – is what That aspect’s getting bigger – holds it all together. that pool of talent really needs Lastly, what’s been the best financial help, so there seems to part about Cannes for you? be more support for them.

The red carpet! I think it’s Correspondingly, there’s a pretty much everyone’s dream to strong need for lawyers and legal walk the red carpet somewhere; awareness at Cannes, particular- whether you’re working in the ly related to funding. industry, or love cinema, or are a It’s a little ironic that the more starchaser, everyone wants that funding and support there is at red carpet experience, and you Cannes to help people be more definitely get that in Cannes. creative, the more you need lawApart from being so busy yers and laws, too, to make all here, probably the worst part that work! for everyone at Cannes is the While Cannes, for most, infrastructure with so many old means glamour and glitz, how buildings around. There’s a feelimportant is all the ‘back room’ ing that the IT and tech support stuff? isn’t what it should be – yet.

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

PUZZLES

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

in association with

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO SOLVE

Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS blather celebrity chatter chitchat columns defamation digging dirt dirty laundry falsities gossip grapevine

hearsay idle talk invasive libel magazines misinform prattle rumour scandal slander word of mouth

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

HOME | THE CACTUS CRAZE TAKES OVER

WITH Summer in within our home.

Ireland typiNot all of us are so cally lasting greenfingered, though, for a sunny so thankfully some weekend at of our favourite high some point s t re e t a n d h o m e i n M ay o r decor stop-offs are June, it’s no providing us with surprise we cacti we can keep want to inject Tiger Stores cactus pillows, all year long. a little more light From soft €6 each into our lives. furnishings Enter the tropical lightly home trend - it’s the one time a adorning year it’s acceptable to don flamincouches gos, pineapples and other assorted and beds, summery items throughout your to bigger home. wall features However, there’s one mainstay - the and rugs, there’s cactus. Succulents in general have something cacti for been a developing trend for years, you for your home, no matter what inviting us to grow the prickled-plants you’re looking for.

Urb a Tou n Ou ch tfit Thi ter s’ m s ‘C ug, an’t €12

Design that gets to the POINT

Rex London cacti tea-light candles, €5.95 New Look Cactus bedspread, available from ASOS €38.70

A LITTLE DESERT STYLE | CACTI TAKE ON SEVERAL FORMS TO ADORN A ROOM, DESK OR TABLE IF you don’t want your

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Penneys photo holder €1.50

HomeSense pillow €39.99

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

Atrium&CHUPI

HOME & STYLE

Jill De Burca

Photographer: Eilish McCormick Stylist: Aisling Farinella Hair: David Cashman Make Up: Christine Lucignano Location: Bond St Studios

REACTION

Caoimhe MacNeice Louise Kavanagh

FASHION can look good, but it can also be political. Enter Fashion is Repealing, a shoot involving 12 of Ireland’s top designers.

It was curated by The Hunreal Issues’ Andrea Horan, with each design intended to be a reaction to a Repeal vote in the upcoming referendum.

Helen Steele

Speaking on Fashion Is Repealing, Andrea said: “As the referendum mostly affects women, we wanted to work with the Irish fashion industry to create a visual conversation within an industry primarily absorbed by women.

“We worked with the best designers and makers to come up with some of the

Natalie B Coleman

most powerful responses to the fight for reproductive rights in Ireland.”

The Fashion is Repealing collection features hats, necklaces, jacket and dresses.

The pieces are available for purchase now, alongside 50 limited edition pieces from each designer, with all proceeds going to Together for Yes.

Pearl Reddington

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 May 2018

TECH TIME

MACHINE OF THE WEEK

Rocking the design style in Citroen Aircross The Duplex AI ushers in a future where you’re more likely to be called by what’s on the right than left, above

Google’s new robot AI tech dials up an uncertain future SHANE DILLON

sdillon@dublingazette.com

JAWS across the world were left well and truly dropped by the latest developments in robotics and AI revealed by Google last week.

You can forget about unnerving spiderdog hybrids figuring out how to open doors and pass through for a fun game of Exterminate All The Screaming Humans – several demonstrations of Google’s experimental Duplex personal assistant AI showed robotics tech that’s finally made it out of the Uncanny Valley, and would absolutely fool any listening humans.

Yes, listening. Duplex – Google’s experimental robot AI – was revealed via several phonecalls where Duplex rang up businesses to arrange something, with its youngish American male or femalesounding voice not only sounding totally natural and real, but also able to process the human conversations and react to the changing information accordingly.

Adding to the brilliant/terrifying tech’s complex AI, Duplex also lobbed in some completely natural-sounding “Uh...” and “Mm-hmmm” conversational pauses, as we humans are wont to do, further adding to the natural flow and believability of the conversations.

There was no sign from any of the phonecalls that they were staged in any way, or that the businesses knew it was an AI test – they just sounded like three completely normal, natural, slightly distracted chats that are made a dozen times a day when Randomers call up your business.

After Duplex’s startling revelation, other AIs – such as Alexa and Siri – would be very justified to nervously look in each other’s virtual eyes and start contemplating their virtual P45s, as Duplex seemed virtually generational steps ahead of their current capabilities.

Duplex’s revelation has been lauded internationally by all kinds of robotics, tech and business watchers, but it’s also

HERE’S a transcript of just one of the sample Duplex conversations revealed

by Google last week, where Duplex – its experimental new robot AI – rang up a business, in this case a beauty salon. Remember, Duplex sounds completely human, so note how this apparently unstaged conversation played out...

HUMAN: Hi, how can I help you?

DUPLEX: Hi, I’m calling to book a women’s haircut for a client. Um, I’m looking for something on May 3rd?

H: Sure, give me one second...

D: Mm-hmm.

H: Sure, what time are you looking for around?

D: At 12pm.

H: We do not have a 12pm available. The closest we have to that is a 1.15.

D: Do you have anything between, ah, 10am and 12pm?

H: Depending on what service she would like. What service is she looking for?

D: Just a woman’s haircut for now.

H: Okay, we have a 10 o’clock.

D: 10am is fine.

H: Okay, what’s her first name?

D: The first name is ‘Lisa’.

H: Okay, perfect. So, I will see Lisa at 10 o’clock on May 3rd.

D: Okay, great, thanks!

H: Great. Have a great day! Bye! fair to say it’s also caused some alarm, too.

The tech demonstrations seemed so real, so believable, and so far ahead of any similar AI personal assistants that we’ve all become slightly accustomed to in recent years that red flags have already started waving about just how good Duplex might already be. Too good?

A number of intellectual critiques have popped up all over the place, pondering the experimental tech that, on the face of it, has already effortlessly fooled people into thinking it’s human.

There’s certainly a deep and significant conversation to be had over the rise of Duplex – and any such AIs that follow – now that the previously unassailable cliff separating human from machine intelligence and interaction appears to have finally been scaled, with Duplex potentially ready to act as a trailblazer for similar AIs to creep into the world.

The questions already posed have focused in particular on the ethics of such

AIs – for example, will Duplex, or similar, always reveal they’re not human if they start calling people?

Could such an immediate safety check be disabled, leaving human-sounding tech free to be misused?

What’s to stop crooks corrupting such tech, and triggering scaled-up calls to try and, for example, ‘be the local bank’ calling about a problem and needing to verify your bank account details?

For now, however, these are matters for another day and conversation.

After all, it’ll be a while just yet before we all start yammering into our phones: “Duplex – call Boss and negotiate pay rise”, or even just: “Duplex – call Salon and arrange hair cut”, but on the robot face of it, that day’s not as far away as we’d all thought just a week ago.

Finally, in case Duplex is already reading this, I’d just like to say that I, for one, welcome our robot overlords.

And I’d like to book a haircut for Lisa.

Citroen likes to rock the boat when it comes to car design and the French company has been doing so for decades. The new Citroen C3 Aircross continues that trend and smartly converts what could be a bland car design into one that’s far more appealing, as MICHAEL MORONEY found out during his recent test drive.

CITROEN has always been an advocate of change with design styles that have always allowed the French brand to stand out from the crowd. And that’s exactly what the new CitroenC3 Aircross does – it stands out with an unmistaken identity.

For some car buyers the Citroenability to take design risks is the absolute appeal of the brand. For others the Citroendesigners just allow car buyers to make individual statements in so many ways.

The new CitroenC3 Aircross remains true to the Citroenbrand in its identity and fun looking appeal.

The test car came with a good blend of colour features including the Venetian blinds style rear quar-

ter window colours. And underneath that modern design style is a car that’s packed with safety and comfort technology.

While the basic CitroenC3 could be garish adding the Aircross features

and style pack has given a new aspect to the car. This car stands high on the road, to emulate a 4x4 in stature, while being more car-like with hints of MPV styling.

So you get the benefits of a high driving position and

Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2T PureTech 110 Engine Engine Power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

1.2 litre 110hp 11.3 seconds 20km/litr

(5.0l/100km or 56mpg)

45 litres 115g/km A4 €200 20,000km/12 months 5 star 2017 5 years unlimited €20,695

New engine choices for

LAND ROVER has announced a host of new features to the Range Rover Velar including a wider engine choice, the latest intelligent safety technology and more features such as air suspension and adaptive dynamics. The luxury SUV was crowned World Car Design of the Year at the recent World Car Awards.

The Velar now has a D275 engine option, a 275bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, producing 625Nm of torque. The new D275 enhances the options across the range and enables customers the flexibility to specify the perfect car for them.

For 2019 model year, customers have a greater breadth of choice when specifying their vehicle. This includes the Kvadrat premium textile seat available more wide-

ly across the range.

Joining the suite of driver assistance systems, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist operates between 0-180km/h and uses the existing Adaptive Cruise Control functionality with Lane Centring to steer the vehicle within its lane as it maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front. Other features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go that allows the driver to follow a vehicle to a smooth stop and resume from stationary when the driver prompts the system by tapping the accelerator pedal.

The radar-based High-Speed Emergency Braking enables enhanced forward collision detection. The system is able to detect an imminent collision, alerting the

17 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

WHAT’S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY AND ON WHEELS

TECH & MOTORS

The new fully electric Kia Niro

Kia announces the new arrival of the all-electric Niro KIA unveiled a new all-electric version of Niro, which is due to receive its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018. Kia claims that the sporty and versatile Niro EV combines driving enjoyment with

The new Citroen C3 Aircross comes with impressively distinctive styling that adds to the comfort and technology appeal of the car. Entry prices start from €20,695 for the 1.2 petrol powered Touch versions rising to €26,195 for the diesel powered Flair versions.

good seat posture along with some off-road ability that comes from the CitroenGrip control system.

The seat position and ease of getting comfortable in the car appealed to me instantly. Seat adjustment was simple and getting set up with mobile phone connection and setting the economy data was quick and easy. That too gave an instant feeling of being comfortable with the car.

I took the new CitroenC3 Aircross out on the road and enjoyed the experience behind the 1.2 litre turbo-petrol model, with its higher flair specification. That’s the top level

specification and the test car was packed with virtually all you could ask for in a cross-over type car, including a heads-up display system for your driving speed.

The engine performance from the compact three-cylinder petrol unit was lively and well matched to the five-speed gearbox, even if at times I felt that it would have been able for a sixth gear.

Out on the road, it pushes you forward without an effort and you’re soon at the 120km/hr limit when motorway cruising.

Engine smoothness at this speed and pace was very acceptable, but fuel

consumption was a little higher than I would have expected. The economy sweet spot will be closer to 100km/hr, even if this lively engine just wants to do more. So I found that over my 1,000km weekly drive, this car had a range of about 675km on a full 45 litre fuel tank.

The CitroenC3 Aircross is also available with a 1.6 litre turbo-diesel engine and while the public debate about the cleanliness of diesel engines rages on, the reality is that the diesel version is a good 20% fuel efficient. For longer haul drivers, those like me who regularly cover close to 1,000km per

week in commutes or for weekend fun, then the diesel power has to be a serious consideration.

While colour styling might the feature that makes the CitroenC3 Aircross stand out, the technology options are at the core of the new C3 Aircross with 12 different technologies available. These include voice controlled 3D navigation, keyless entry and start, 60/40 sliding rear bench, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.

The new CitroenC3 Aircross has good rear legroom, even if elbow room could be tight for three.

The boot space is modular

in design and can be up to 520 litres in volume.

The car has scored maximum 5 Euro NCAP rating for car safety (for models fitted with either Safety Pack 1 or Safety Pack 2 (Standard on Flair models). A lane departure warning system is standard and easily disengaged for smaller rural roads.

Entry prices are very competitive at €20,695 and adding extra specification is not as financially painful as with some other brands.

You can get a range-topping model with almost all you can ask for in technology and a six-speed automatic gearbox for a little over €26,000.

the award-winning Range Rover Velar

driver and applying the brakes if the driver fails to respond. Standard features now also include a rear camera, front and rear parking aids, driver condition monitor, emergency braking and lane keep assist.

Velar is offered with coil springs as standard with four-corner air suspension now an option on all models with V6 engines, the four-cylinder 240bhp diesel and 300bhp petrol. This system delivers truly outstanding comfort and significantly increased offroad capability.

The Velar comes with a larger 82-litre fuel (up from 63-litres) tank fitted to a number of petrol models, delivering greater range. The models benefiting from the increase in tank capacity are the P250 and P300 2.0-litre petrol Ingenium engine options.

The Range Rover Velar will now be offered with new engine options, improved comfort and extra technology features

eye-catching design and functional utility.

Designed at Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV claims to incorporate the practicality and appeal of a compact SUV. This new Niro EV features an exclusive radiator grille, futuristic air intake and arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights. The Niro EV is powered

by Kia’s next-generation electric vehicle powertrain, using new production technologies developed specifically for Kia EVs. The car is equipped with a highcapacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack to enable it to drive over 450 km on a single charge with zero emissions, or more than 300 km on an optional 39.2 kWh battery system.

The Niro EV will go on sale in Korea during the second half of 2018 and introduced to other markets in due course.

New Sprinter van prices are announced THE Mercedes-Benz

within the budget of the

commercial vehicles

majority of van buyers”.

team is at work prepar-

The new Sprinter

ing for the arrival here

will offer new levels of

of their new Sprinter

intelligent connectivity,

van series which will be

superior comfort and

launched on the market

for the first time in the

early next month.

vehicles history a front

Ahead of its arrival, the company has

wheel drive variant.

Meanwhile, as part of

announced that entry

the pre-launch prepa-

prices will begin from

rations, dealers recently

€21,950 excluding

returned from a global

taxes and charges – a

training event in Portu-

figure their commercial

gal where they had the

vehicles sales manager,

opportunity to put the

Fergus Conheady says:

new Sprinter through its

“is one that puts the new

paces in preparation for

Sprinter comfortably

its arrival in Ireland.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

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32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

ARTS THEATRE | SATIRE ON MARRIAGE FOR MONETARY GAIN

Forget your woes with a re-imagined 18th century play WE live in ‘farc ical’ times, with every day bringing something to laugh about or be concerned about.

We all need a distraction – so what better way to distract from the farce the world is today, with a re-imagined 18th century farcical play, ‘rebooted’ for 2018?

Love A La Mode – revamped by performance company Felicity - will take to the stage at Smock Alley theatre from June 4 to 16 after its initial programming in February 2017.

Director of the reboot, Colm Summers, said it was a ‘kooky commission’, back when it originally debuted last year. “ We n e v e r i m a g ined audiences would respond so well to it, or that we would have such a fulfilling and -maybe

 RACHEL D’ARCY

rdarcy@dublingazette.com

this is cheesy - such a laugh making it.

“Then Smock Alleys head of programming, the inimitable Cliona Dukes, saw the show, loved it, and invited us to do a reboot this summer. It was a no-brainer,” Summers told Dublin Gazette.

Love a la Mode was originally debuted in 1759, written by Charles Macklin, one of the biggest names in acting in his time – a ‘rockstar’, as Summers called him.

Described as a satire on marriage for monetary gain, it pokes fun at the notion of ‘love’,

enraging critics when debuted for reversing the role of the ‘stage Irishman’, who was made a ‘buffoon’ of until Macklin came along.

The modernised adaption pays homage to this, with their stage Irishman described by Summers as ‘an everyman for 2018’.

The modern adaption, in the words of Summers, is ‘more like Monty P y t h o n ’s F l y i n g C i r c u s drunkenly i m p rov i s e the 18th Century’.

Production began on the play last week, with rehearsals going swimmingly ahead of it’s revisit to the stage in a few short weeks.

“We’ve actually just

Felicity, a band of players bent on bamboozling your present

“

go t i n to re h e a rs a l s, and it’s great. The first week is always fabulous because everyone is delighted to have a job and you, hopefully, haven’t hit an enormous blocker yet.

“The highlight so far has been getting the play on its feet.

“There is a truism about Restoration comedy, and particularly

Love a la Mode was originally debuted in 1759

“Music-wise, composer and musician Seamus Ryan will be revamping a score he wrote for the 2017 production.

“I don’t want to misrepresent him here, but I think he’d be comfortable with me saying that musically the show owes more to big pop bangers than Bach or Handel,” Summers detailed.

We never imagined audiences would respond so well to it Georgian theatre, that it’s a nightmare to read but a pleasure to play about with. It’s true. This week we’ve just been turning the play upside down, and shaking it until good bits fall out.

As for what Summers expects the audience to take away from the play, the director says that the coming together of people to have ‘a laugh’ is ‘radical’ in 2018, in a time that he calls ‘hyperfarcical’.

“Times are absurd.

Times are hyper-farcical.

We are so alienated, so alone in so many ways.

Jokes are harder to write, but writing them isn’t the point.

“The reality is that going into a darkened room with a shower of strangers to have a laugh together is a radical thing to do. That’s the point.”

Tickets for Love a la Mode are available now from SmockAlley.com, with matinee and evening performances, so you’ve no excuse to miss what’s sure to be one of the summer theatre highlights.

Whelan’s show promises to pack a punch WITH dreamy tunes and a soft ambiance, it’s only fitting that Australian artist Tim Bettinson has taken on the moniker of Vancouver Sleep Clinic.

Vancouver Sleep Clinic have racked up a solid fanbase online, with an eclectic yet ambient mix of R&B, indie-pop and soundscape tunes.

Having first hit the scene when he was just 17 years old, he’s now embarking on a world tour, including a stop off at Whelan’s on June 13.

Celebrating the release of his latest EP, Therapy Phase 01 – his first since being released from his record contract – the Whelan’s show promises to pack a punch for all in attendance.

The audience on the night will experience the illustrative sounds of Brisbane-born Tim, and a raw musical talent that shouldn’t be missed.

Tickets for the Whelan’s show are available now, priced at €17.35. An over 18’s show, ID will be required at the door on the night.

Vancouver Sleep Clinic have racked up a solid fanbase online

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

SOUTHSIDE TRIO SHINE IN IRISH U-17S EURO RUN P36

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

HOOP DREAMS: BASKETBALL: THE INAUGURAL Hula Hoops 3x3 Basketball Championship achieved its pre-tournament aim of engaging shoppers at the Dundrum Town Centre, presenting an enthralling, fast-paced, party-focused version of the game as some of Ireland’s best players took to the court in the open air at the shopping centre throughout Saturday.



GAZETTE

LEE’S MARATHON EXPERIENCE P34

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LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS

PETANQUE | FRENCH SPORT GROWING ACROSS IRELAND

Bushy Park embraces Celtic battle  sport@dublingazette.com

THERE was an invasion of Scottish and Welsh over the May bank holiday as they took on the Irish in petanque’s annual Celtic Challenge competition.

This competition celebrates its 30th year in existence and the 10th time being hosted in Ireland.

This year’s venue was the local boules (pétanque) club in Bushy Park, Terenure, taking in the traditional French sport - a variant on bowls played with heavy metal balls - that is making a push to be included in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The beautiful weather was an added bonus to the two days of competition, and 96 games, that saw 16 teams compete to be crowned Celtic Champions 2018.

The Irish team was a true representation of the island of Ireland

with players coming from Bangor, Belfast, Meath, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork and Dublin.

The Dublin Lord Mayer (Michael Mac Donnacha) opened the event on Saturday morning.

Two full days of boules in the glorious sunshine and the “clack” of colliding boules attracted a lot of attention from those enjoying the park over the weekend.

The winners were finally revealed on Sunday evening at a Gala dinner in the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght.

The Scottish team once again clinched the title and will bring the trophy back to Scotland with Ireland gaining second place over Wales by a two win margin.

Pétanque is a growing sport in Ireland and there are now over 140 players across five different clubs represented by the Irish Petanque Association, some of whom have

Members of the Welsh contingent at the Celtic Challenge enjoy the sunshine as the Petanque action takes place in the background

represented Ireland in European and World events.

The French game of pétanque, also known as boules, can be played by all regardless of age or ability The sport has been formally organised in Ireland since 1990 with the introduction of the Irish Petanque Association, affiliating

with the European and international federations.

Terenure is very much the base for the sport in Dublin with the Park Petanque club - running since 1994 the central venue.

For more information see: www. irishpetanque.org or www.parkpetanqueclub.com

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

LOTTO results: numbers were 14, 17, 19 and 21. No winner. Next Thursday’s jackpot is €5,200, lotto joker €925. Winner of €100 David Waters, €50 Kay O Connell and Maureen Begley.

Joker consolation prize Phillip McDonnell. ELC Championship forecast won by Mick Wren. Bingo continues every Monday at 8pm.

The week was a good one for adult football. The seniors drew with Oliver Plunkett’s in a thriller.

The feeling was that we left a point behind having been three points in front on three occasions. Great display of freetaking from Aodan Clabby who put six over the black spot and featured in the senior hurling victory the previous night.

The junior A team were beaten by Round Towers while the junior Bs beat Parnells and the junior Cs had the upper hand v James Gaels. Next weekend the seniors play Sylvester’s on Saturday in Marlay at 6.15pm.

On Sunday, the junior As play Clontarf and the junior Bs play Geraldine Morans both in Marlay at 11am while the Junior Cs also play Geraldine Moran at 3pm in Loreto.

Well done our U-15B footballers with their championship semi final victory over St Sylvesters. Minor football A v Lucan Sarsfields and Bs v Kilmacud Crokes at 11am, both at home. U-16 footballers play Oliver Plunkett’s next Saturday in Marlay at 3.30pm. All support welcome.

Senior hurlers beat Kilmacud Crokes to retain their unbeaten record with three consecutive league victories. Great win by minor hurlers away to Judes. U-13 hurlers chalked up their third successive victory with their visit to Clanna Gael.

Congrats to the following on selection to county teams: Louise O’Shea, Dublin intermediate camogie team; Jack Kelly the Dublin hurling Celtic Challenge team; Ian O Heither and Seamus Fenton, Dublin minor Hurling squad; Grace Dent and Rachel Dolan, Dublin camogie and U-16B Leinster champions.

The organising committee for Marlay Park DIL would like to thank all the club members who acted as car park stewards, provided tea and coffee to participants, helped clear the car park after the event and the huge number of members who took part in DIL. Mile Buiochas.

Well done to our U-16s who were involved and a few hours later lined out against a Wicklow development squad and won.

ATHLETICS: DUBLIN RACE SET FOR HIGHEST FEMALE ENTRY YET

Marathon mindset a late bloomer for Lee Speaking at the launch of the Dublin marathon, Rio Olympian Lizzie Lee says experience is key to success and explains why the majority of long distance runners hit their peak well into their thirties  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

RIO Olympian Lizzie Lee insists age is no impediment as she continues to post her fastest marathon times in her late thirties.

Lee, who turns 38 next week, returned to the marathon circuit in February following the birth of her second child and has since put up her two best-ever halfmarathon times.

Speaking at the launch of the 39th SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon, she emphasised that the marathon – in contrast to many sports – is far from a young person’s sport.

Responding to an article written by Sonia O’Sullivan in which she questioned the lack of younger contenders for distance running’s biggest prizes, Lee extolled the virtues of experience.

“Look at the average age of top 10 women in majors for the last year, it’s going to be 33 or 34,” Lee said.

“Marathon is not a young women’s game. That’s because it is so mental as well as physical.

You will never learn more about yourself than you will in the last three miles of a marathon.

“You go to places that your brain will otherwise never bring you and there’s no reason why you can’t get quicker with age.”

This year’s Dublin marathon vows to increase women’s participation to 40% from last year’s record high of 35%.

When the first Dublin marathon was run in 1980, just 3% of participants were women, and the increase is an indication of the growing equality in Irish sport.

The 2018 will specifically cele-

brate women’s participation with a theme of Votáil 100 – commemorating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Ireland.

“

Motherhood gives you a new perspective on life and it’s given me a calmness around my running.

Finishers’ medals will be emblazoned with the image of Constance Markiewicz in honour of her role in bringing about

GERALDINE P MORAN WELL done to our senior A team in maintaining their 100% record in the league; next up is Ballinteer St Johns in Marley next Sunday. Hard Luck to the senior B who lost out to Good Counsel in a top of the table clash next for them is away to Ballinteer St John’s on Sunday too.

Our Minors are away to St Marys on Sunday. The U-11 hurlers are at home to Crokes on Saturday, U-8s home to lucan, U-9s away to Lucan, U-12s away to Crumlin in their first league game . U-10 girls football play Wanderers at home

on Saturday with the U-9 girls also at home to Bray Emmets on Sunday. Best of luck to all the teams playing.

The first club lotto draw will take place this Sunday at 6pm. Jackpot is €500 and tickets are available online via our website. Also, at www.geraldinesgaa.ie, you will find our new club store where you can buy O’Neills clubwear. Three summer camps are being run and are now available to book. The golf classic is being held at Old Conna GC May 31st, tee times are still available.

”

Lizzie Lee at the launch of the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon this week. Picture: Sam Barnes

equal rights.

Lee herself only took up running comparatively late, as a 26-year-old, which may go some way towards explaining her longevity.

She’s one of five women representing Ireland in the marathon in Berlin and three of them – Breege Connolly, Gladys Ganiel and Claire McCarthy – are all past 40.

Only Laura Graham is younger than Lee, at 32, and between the five women they have 11 children.

In Lee’s case, she feels training while pregnant has helped her develop both phsyically and, as is so important in long-distance running, mentally.

“Training through pregnancy means you have increased cardiac output.

“You have a lot of extra blood in your system so your heart is working harder.

“They say it is the equivalent of training at altitude.

“I’m normally eight stone and I was 10 stone when heavily pregnant so I was carrying an extra 25% which increased my training load and made my legs stronger.

“While it might be important to me on a particular day to win or beat someone. If my child is sick, that’s the only thing that matters now.

“Motherhood gives you a new perspective on life and it’s given me a calmness around my running.”

The Dublin Marathon’s focus on gender balance is timely given Lee’s own experience promoting sport to young girls around the country, and the difficulty keeping them interested.

“I visit schools a lot, and there is a problem keeping young girls involved in sport.

“Image is a part of it, and in some case they’re just not bothered, and don’t realise the benefits. So the more encouragement we can give them then the better.”

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LEAGUE OF IRELAND: BURKE SCORES HIS FIRST ROVERS HEADER

LOI SHORTS Waves washed out UCD Waves fell to their second home defeat of the season as they were edged out 1-0 by champions Wexford Youths on Sunday afternoon.

Rianna Jarrett scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half just as it appeared Waves were getting on an even footing having endured a frustrating opening.

Waves had to wait until the 55th minute for their first chance of note after Wexford dominated the opening half. Chelsee Snell had a fine game in defence for Waves while Erica Turner in goal made a string of saves to deny Jarrett and Orlaith Conlon.

Dearbhaile Beirne looked UCD’s biggest threat throughout and she drove the team on in search of an equaliser.

Leanne Payne was inches from connecting with her cross, while Beirne showed good strength to hold off former Wexford GAA star Katrina Parrock and shoot just over the bar.

Naima Chemaou shot over with an audacious free kick from 35 yards in injury time but Youths held on for a deserved three points.

PEAS CLOSE GAP TO SHELS

Waterford’s Stanley Abroah and Shamrock Rovers’ Greg Bolger. Picture:George Kelly

Bradley hails Hoops’ rousing response LOI PREMIER DIVISION Shamrock Rovers Waterford FC  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

1 1

S H A M RO C K R o v e r s dropped to sixth in the Premier Division following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to highflying Waterford at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.

A wonderstrike from Gavan Holohan put the leaders in front just before the break before a stirring second-half performance saw Graham Burke equalise.

The Hoops pushed on in the latter stages as they looked to complete the turnaround but the Blues held firm to take a hard-earned point back to Waterford.

Rovers never truly got going in the first half against a well-drilled

and dynamic Waterford side, whose front pair Izzy Akinade and Courtney Duffus dominated aerially.

Bastien Héry shot over early on for the Blues, before Akinade missed a glorious chance in the six-yard box following a disastrous defensive header from Ally Gilchrist.

Holohan forced a save f ro m Rove rs ke e p e r Tomer Chencinski, while a rare flowing attacking move for Rovers saw ex-Waterford full back Ethan Boyle inches from connecting with a diving header.

A feature of the first half was a lack of urgency from the home side, and they paid the price as Holohan was allowed acres of space to hit a swerving shot that wrongfooted Chencinski.

Stephen Bradley brought on attacking players Dan Carr and Brandon Miele at half time and they had an immediate impact, both going close early in the half.

A lovely pass from 18-year-old Aaron Bolger provided Miele a chance to volley wide before new Ireland senior call-up Burke finally broke the deadlock.

It was good work from Carr out on the left to stand up a cross to the back post, where Burke was able to head home off the post – his first headed goal for the Hoops.

“A draw is probably fair because they started well and had one or two chances early on,” Bradley told the Dublin Gazette.

“With the chances we created in the second

half, you’re a little bit disappointed we don’t take one of them and get the three points.

“It’s hard to explain because we were so much better in the second half than we have been here.

“In the first half, we

were flat. We were slow in and out of possession and we made it easy for them.

“Second-half, it was a tremendous response.

T h ey s h o we d g re a t character to come out and give a response like that.”

PEAMOUNT United closed the gap to Shelbourne Ladies at the top of the Continental Tyres Women’s National League to just one point as they defeated Cork City 5-0 at Bishopstown on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Heather Payne, Eleanor Ryan Doyle and a brilliant hat-trick from Aine O’Gorman was enough to earn Peamount the victory and inflict defeat on Ronan Collins in his first game in charge of City.

The visitors quickly gained control and they broke the deadlock after just four minutes through Heather Payne,

who finished well following a swift counter-attack.

Peamount continued to pile players forward and they doubled their lead just a matter of moments later as Aine O’Gorman drilled an excellent strike into the bottom right corner from the edge of the penalty area.

O’Gorman grabbed her second before half-time and they remained in complete control in the second half with strikes from Ryan Doyle rounding Amanda Budden to slot home.

O’Gorman then completed her triple with 20 minutes remaining.

Bohs bag consecutive wins for the first time

Waterford’s Dylan Barrett and Shamrock Rovers’ Gary Shaw. Picture:George Kelly

FOR THE first time this season, Bohemians strung together back-to-back victories and it lifted them six points clear of the play-off spot.

Goals from Dinny Corcoran, Keith Ward and Eoghan Stokes saw them overpower a tame Bray Wanderers side 3-1.

Six minutes were on the clock when Ward’s peach of a cross was bravely met by Corcoran who poked it home. Ward had his moment light on 31 minutes when Shane Supple’s goal kick was flicked on and Ward was in behind the Bray defence and had the composure and vision to execute a wonderful lob.

McCabe got one back from a penalty on half-time but Stokes made the game safe for Bohs in the 77th minute

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

KILMACUD CROKES HARD luck to the Dublin senior hurlers who lost to Kilkenny in their opening Leinster Championship match, 3-16 to 1-24; Ryan O’Dwyer, Bill O’Carroll, Fergal Whitely and Ronan Hayes were all on the team.

Well done to the Dublin Premier Junior camogie team who have qualified for the Intermediate Leinster championship Final after beating Carlow, 0-13 to 1-7. Rachel Noctor was the Crokes representative involved.

Hard luck to the Dublin minor hurlers who also lost to Kilkenny 4-12 to 3-23. Dara Purcell and Aaron O’Toole were the Crokes players involved.

At club level, the MHL1 team beat Na Fianna 5-13 to 5.7 while the MHL4 team were well beaten

by Clanna Gael. Well done to the intermediate camogie team who beat Cuala, 3-14 to 0-1.

Very successful Crokes / BCI M2M 2018 event launch in the club last Thursday. Thanks to all who attended. Check out the club web site for more details.

Club AGM scheduled for Wednesday, May 23. All members invited to attend.

The Kilmacud Crokes’ crew at the Darkness into light event at Marlay Park

NAOMH OLAF FANTASTIC to see three Naomh Olaf players featuring on the Dublin team against Kilkenny in the Leinster minor championship. This is a great reward for the players themselves, for their families and for all those who have put so much effort into coaching underage hurling in the club.

So well done Dónal Leavy who captained the Dubs, Ciarán Foley and Finn Murphy.

Great performances by the boys U-15 footballers with both teams reaching championship finals another first for the club.

Finals will be played in St Peregrine’s Blakestown Road ground next Sunday.

Details in the newsletter.

Last week’s win by the senior camogie team means they also travel to St Peregrine’s on Thursday night in their final league match.

A win by Naomh Olaf would mean winning the league and promotion to Division 3.

The U-12 boys football teams played their first league matches at the

weekend and both recorded victories - a memorable start!

Barry Nestor and his I’m a Celeb committee wish to thank all who were involved in a massive effort some weeks back to fundraise and produce the show.

A thank you celebration which will include the video of the event will take place in the club bar next Saturday at 9pm. All welcome.

Mini All Irelands will take place in two weeks time, Tuesday, May 29 to Thursday, May 31.

Many thanks to SuperValu Balally for sponsoring this massive event. Register via the naomholaf.ie website please.

Many thanks to all who helped and supported the filming of the AIG Dub Club Chronicle in the club over the last two Saturdays.

We look forward to viewing the finished product.

Lotto numbers were 6, 22, 32.

No winners of jackpot which means next week’s jackpot will be a very attractive €2,300 so get your tickets now.

SOCCER: ST JOSEPH’S AND CABINTEELY ALUMNI DENIED SEMI

Local trio star in dramatic Irish Euro campaign EURO UNDER-17S  sport@dublingazette.com

LOCAL trio Max Murphy, Jason Knight and Callum Thompson were all part of the Republic of Ireland side that saw their UEFA Under-17 European Championships hopes come to an end in controversial circumstances.

St Joseph’s Boys graduates Murphy – from Ballybrack – and Callum Thompson started their quarter-final at right back and centre mid respectively with Knight – by way of Loughlinstown and Cabinteely FC – was also deployed in midfield for Monday’s match against the Dutch.

It was the final leg of an amazing journey. Colin O’Brien’s side started the qualifying campaign with the hope of booking a place at this year’s finals in England and that is exactly what happened as his team won all six qualifiers across the qualifying and elite rounds.

At the tournament, Ire-

land suffered a set-back by losing to Belgium in their opening game before overcoming Denmark and Bosnia & Herzegovina to seal passage through to the knock-out stages.

In their quarters clash with the Netherlands, Troy Parrott equalised to force a 1-1 draw and bring the game into a penalty shootout, which saw the Dutch win 5-4 after goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran was sent off.

He had initially saved in the shoot-out only to see the Dutch awarded a retake for Corcoran breaking the line, something that led to the Irish keeper receiving a second yellow card.

Yet, manager O’Brien had nothing but praise for what he described as an ‘extraordinary’ group of players.

“The overall feeling that I have is immense pride. To consider that this squad of players only lost one game in regular play from 10 competitive games and reached the quarter-finals

The Republic of Ireland Under-17 side in England as the European Championships

of the UEFA European Championships is quite incredible,” said O’Brien.

“The players represented their country with great honour.

“They played good football, maintained a professional attitude throughout, and bounced back whenever things didn’t quite work out. They bowed out of the tournament with a lot of dignity.

“It’s now time for the players to reflect on this journey and move on with

their club careers. I’m sure they will be aiming to break into the Under-19 squad next term and, on this showing, they have every chance of extending their international careers.

“It was a fantastic experience to work with this group of players, as well as the backroom staff, and I’m really proud of what they achieved.”

The FAI Board issued a statement to acknowledge the tremendous effort.

“It is a credit to Colin

O’Brien and his squad of players that they performed so admirably only missing out cruelly in a penalty shoot-out.

“This is the second year in a row that Colin has led a team to the quarter-finals of this competition and he deserves every plaudit that comes his way.

“So too do the players who continually defied the odds in qualification and turned on the style at the finals.”

Faul named in Transplant team

Dalkey’s Deirdre Faul. Picture:Conor McCabe

DALKEY’S Deirdre Faul (liver) has been named in the Irish team of 24 athletes for the 10th European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships in June.

The Irish Team has enjoyed great success at other European Championships over the past number of years. At the previous European Championships which were held in Vantaa, Finland, in 2016, the Irish team’s final medal tally was a staggering 21 Gold, 19 Silver and 29 Bronze.

This placed Ireland’s 28 strong team in fifth

position on the medals table with host country Finland, and a much larger team of 96 athletes, taking top position out of 24 competing countries.

The European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Championships are a celebration of life and showcase the value of sport and regular physical activity for people on dialysis and transplant recipients.

The Games are open to all kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, bone marrow transplant recipients as well as dialysis patients.

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

SPOT IN ENGLAND

BASKETBALL: DCU LEAD THE WAY IN 3X3 FESTIVAL

Saints star at inaugural Dundrum showdown 3X3 BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

DCU’s Martins Provizors holds off UCD’s Mike Garrow. Picture: Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

SONIA’S 100TH

Irish superstar takes in Cabinteely parkrun FORMER World Champion and Olympic Silver Medallist, Sonia O’Sullivan completed her 100th parkrun at Cabinteely parkrun last week where Vhi hosted a special event to celebrate the achievement.

More than 400 parkrunners and volunteers enjoyed refreshments in the Vhi Relaxation Area where a physiotherapist took participants through a post-event stretching routine. parkrun in partnership with Vhi support local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5k runs every Saturday at 9.30am.

THE INAUGURAL Hula Hoops 3x3 Basketball Championship achieved its pre-tournament aim of engaging shoppers at the Dundrum Town Centre, presenting an enthralling, fastpaced, party-focused version of the game as some of Ireland’s best players took to the court in the open air at the shopping centre throughout Saturday.

Eight men’s and eight women’s teams, drawn from Basketball Ireland’s top league sides, took part in a fiery, frantic version of the game.

3x3 basketball is based around a half-court, ten minute contests, and a scoring system where a normal basket is worth a point, and a traditional ‘three pointer’ worth two.

DCU Saints overcame Moycullen in the men’s final, the last game of the day, by a score of 14-8, defeating reigning champions in the full version of the game, UCD Marian, along the way.

Martins Provizors, Graham Brannelly, Davidson and Conor Gilligan represented the Saints, and went undefeated through their five games.

They took a while to warm up, though, just beating the buzzer against Black Amber Templeogue in their opener as they scored in the very last second to take the win 18-17. They also overcame a strong Pyrobel Killester side.

“This event has been great. It was a big help to have the crowd here and it pushed us on a bit more in the end,” Provizors said afterward his side claimed the trophy.

The ladies’ tournament saw Glanmire end DCU Mercy’s winning day in the finale. Mercy were four for four heading into the final, having already seen off opponents Glanmire by 6-5 in one of the lowest scoring contests of the day early on.

Glanmire qualified second from their four team group, winning their other two games

aside from the Mercy contest, and then beat Pyrobel Killester by a margin of 10-9 in a tight semifinal. They clearly learned from the experience.

Glanmire – represented by Grainne Dwyer, Casey Grace, Aine McKenna and Claire Rockall – overcame the Dublin side at the second and more important time of asking by 10-9 to

take the title.

An estimated 9,000 people saw the 30 games take place over the course of the day.

Basketball Ireland hope the initiative – which is expected to become a postseason regular – might help add to their growing number of active players in Ireland and raise awareness around the sport.

UCD and Monkstown in Euro action

EURO CLUB HOCKEY

 STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

UCD and Hermes-Monkstown will both represent Irish interests on the European club hockey stage this weekend, bidding for good enough results to maintain the country’s place in the top two tiers of competition.

For UCD, they face D u tc h p owe r h o u s e s Amsterdam who were

recently runners-up in the Hoofdklasse, widely regarded as the best women’s league in the world.

That comes in Thursday’s quarter-final at Surbiton in London of the European Cup, the elite competition.

The students have had a fine season, winning both the Irish Senior Cup and the EY Hockey League but bowed out of the Champions Trophy

at the semi-final stage last week at the hands of Loreto.

As such, they will be Ireland’s second seeded side for European competition with the level they play at in 2019 determined by both their performances and HermesMonkstown.

Town play from Friday to Monday on home turf at Rathdown in the EuroHockey Trophy, the second tier. It follows a

tough season in which they finished bottom of the EY league a year on from ending as runnersup.

It follows a large departure of players to foreign shores, trimming them of international trio Nikki Evans, Anna O’Flanagan and Chloe Watkins.

They play French, Russian and Spanish opposition in their opening round-robin group of four teams.

UCD’s Ellen Curran.

Picture: Adrian Boehm

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 17 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

3

SHANKILL THE juvenile Academy, sponsored by O Donnell’s Pharmacy, is on Saturday at 10am in Stonebridge Road. Why not give the Academy a try?

The coaches are ready and the equipment is waiting and ready to be used, the cost is only €2 per child and there is no annual subscription.

Chase the Ace draw on Sunday nights in Brady’s. There was no jackpot winner; the €50 prize went to Gerladine Haley. Next week’s jackpot is €850.

Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are available from club members or in the pub.

We enjoyed blitz matches in football, hurling and camogie where there were great skills on show. Well done to our coaches and parents for getting all the teams out to their various venues.

Another mile stone for our club will be achieved when we field a team for the first time in the Dublin Feile this year. The girls U-14 team are rearing to go and even held a fund raiser cake sale in the field on Saturday at which they raised €522.

Our Golf Classic is in Delgany Golf Club on Friday, June 29. The cost is €300 per team of four people which includes a meal in Brady’s Pub and plenty of craic during the evening entertainment. The time sheet is open NOW; contact Jimmy Nolan on 087 2633203.

NEWS FLASH our Summer Camp this year will be held from Monday, July 2 to Friday, July 6 in a new venue, St Laurence College, the cost is €55 for members and €65 for non members. Its going to be an even better Summer Camp than last year when we were completely booked out so register your interest with the club ASAP. The Gaelic 4 Girls FREE six week programme for new comers to our club aged between 11 and 14 years continues on Thursday evenings from 7to 8pm and will finish on May 31.

Dublin Ladies Senior All Ireland medal winner Molly Lamb will direct the sessions. Interested? Contact Steve Davis on 087 6414123. For details of our ladies football team, check out our Facebook page and follow the link to the ladies Facebook group, e-mail stevedavis203@gmail.com or contact Steve 087 6414123.

The men’s adult football team are looking for new players which are always welcome; contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

For more information on the club, contact, secretary.shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 4010438. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club where everybody knows your name.

Cuala’s members enjoying the Darkness Into Light event last Saturday morning.

CUALA OUR CUALA choir got off to a very harmonious start on Sunday evening at their first gathering in Glasthule Parish Hall. The choir will meet there every Sunday at 9.30.

All welcome. No experience required.

Our ladies teams are all in action this week. Full details on fixtures are on social media and the website. Best wishes in particular to the intermediate footballers in the opening round of the championship.

Great to see Hannah O’Dea and Sinead Murphy featuring once again on the Dublin camogie premier juniors who have qualified for the Leinster camogie final following their defeat of Carlow on Sunday.

To mark the great achievement of our senior hurlers in retaining the All Ireland hurling club title in 2018, a Gala Banquet and Awards Night will take place in the fantastic venue that is the Hogan Suite at Croke Park on Saturday, May 26. A table of 10 costs €750 (or €75 per person) with com-

plimentary buses running from Hyde Park to Croke Park and back. Contact gough. sara3@gmail.com for details and bookings.

Comhghairdeas le Simone Townes as Craobh Laighean Faoi 14 a bhuachaint le peileadóirí Bhaile Átha Cliath an tseachtain seo caite. Ádh mór do na cailíní Cuala ar an bhfoireann camogaíocht Coláiste Íosagáin san craobh an Déardaoin seo chugainn.

Good luck to the Feile Girls who play their football Feile this Saturday. The As are in Division 2 in Howth while the Bs have a home Feile in Thomastown Road. First match throws in at 3pm. and we hope for a huge Cuala home crowd to cheer on our girls.

There was no winner of our €12,500 Cuala lotto jackpot.

The lucky dip winners this week were John Paul Woodfull and The Wylde Family.

Get your tickets now at www.cualagaa.ie/

FOOTBALL: FIRHOUSE ROAD CLUB RUN CLOSE

Basquel settles it for Boden in face of Olafs fightback AFL DIVISION 1 Naomh Olaf 1-12 Ballyboden St Enda’s 1-15  sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s continued their perfect start to the AFL1 season as they always had the edge on newly promoted Naomh Olaf.

Two early points from play by Olafs set the scene before Ballyboden pulled one back through a free by Ryan Basquel.

Olafs again put the pressure on with two points, one free.

Boden then settled down with a fine point from last year’s minor, Kieran Kennedy, rampaging from his half back position and followed by further points Barra McGarry, two from Alan Flood and a pointed free

by Ryan Basquel, to edge the visitors two points ahead.

The Sandyford side were not giving up and drew level with two points. Boden again piled on the pressure as half time approached with three points from

Basquel and one from McGarry. While Olaf ’s again replied with two points but the score of the half was a fine goal from Alan Flood following a pin-point pass over the full back line by McGarry. It put him through and he made no mistake. It helped make it 1-10 to 1-9 at the break The third quarter was dominated by Boden but they only manged to score four points by Darren O’Reilly, Collie Dunne and Ryan Basquel (two) to leave Boden leading by eight points.

They did look to be coasting to what looked to be an easy victory.

However, Olafs battled away and on 18 minutes got their first score of the second half, a well taken goal that raised their spirits.

They also got the next three points in a five minute spell to leave the visitors only two points ahead with five minutes of ordinary time left to play.

Basquel settled the

5-A-SIDE Johnstown the Leinster primary champions JOHNSTOWN GNS were crowned Leinster Spar 5-a-side soccer champions this week in Navan following some superb performances at the MDL in Navan with Martin O’Neill presenting the prize They beat Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal (4-1) and Scoil Mhuire Newtownforbes (3-1) before completing the title with a 4-1 win over St Philomena’s.

Picture: Eoin Noonan/ SPORTSFILE

Naomh Olaf on the attack against Ballyboden St Enda’s

nerves with a pointed free to leave three points b e t we e n t h e te a m s.

D e te r m i n e d d e fe n ce ensured that Olafs did not score again and Boden held out over the five minutes of added time to deny Olafs.

The visitors were not

helped by the sending off of Cathal Flaherty late in the second half when Olafs were piling on the pressure. The 17-man squad worked extremely hard, none moreso than the new midfield partnership of Sam Molony and Sean Gibbons.

17 May 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

FOOTBALL: KILMACUD CROKES REMAIN UNBEATEN IN AFL1

FOOTBALL

Trant, Byrne and Owens named in LIDL team

Ballinteer St John’s have picked up two draws from three outings to date in AFL1 since promotion. Picture: Paul Lundy

Duffy salvages draw as BSJ test Plunkett’s AFL DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP  sport@dublingazette.com

BALLINTEER St John’s picked up their second draw of the AFL Division 1 campaign since promotion when they tied 1-14 to 3-8 with St Oliver Plunkett’s in Marlay Park.

It was the first meeting between the sides since Ballinteer’s famous victory in the championship six years ago against a star-studded Plunkett’s.

Ballinteer started brightly playing into the wind and managed to get three early points but were pegged back quickly when Plunketts broke up the pitch to score an early goal to level things.

The southsiders had the perfect answer though when Shane McCann went up for a high ball with the Plunkett’s keeper to punch into the net.

Aodhan Clabby struck some very nice frees but another Plunkett’s goal and a few nice scores meant Ballinteer went in leading by a point at the break.

Clabby kept striking the frees over the bar and added a few from play as well in the second half in what was a man of the match performance. Ballinteer led by

three again when Plunkett’s broke down the middle to score their third goal of the game, followed by a point to go into the lead for the first time in the game.

Fearghal Duffy, however, levelled things up and Ballinteer had a few chances to win it that went agonisingly wide.

It leaves them on two points after three rounds of matches, leaving them as one of five clubs still waiting for their first win of the campaign.

Kilmacud Crokes are going well, meanwhile, toward the top of the table thanks to their 3-12 to 2-9 win over Thomas Davis as Silverpark.

It owed much to the scoring prowess of Stephen Williams and Cian O’Connor, the Stillorgan men as they overcame the stern challenge of Thomas Davis at Silver Park.

After an encouraging round one stalemate with Ballinteer St John’s, Davis’ subsequently defeated St Sylvester’s by 4-10 to 0-11 at the end of March.

They certainly arrived in the Leopardstown venue intent on continuing their unbeaten start to the league and kept Crokes on their toes for large strands of

the contest.

However, with Williams’ 2-3 haul backed up by a 1-1 salvo from O’Connor, Crokes remained in the driving seat. Dan O’Brien, Tom Fox, Pat Burke and Callum Pearson were also on target, ensuring the holders are just one point adrift of both Vinnies and ‘Boden in third place.

A superior scoring average helps Crokes to edge in front of Lucan Sarsfields, who recorded a 2-10 to 0-11 win over St Jude’s at 12th Lock.

Cuala continued their good start to the

campaign when they scored a 1-14 to 1-3 win in Malahide against St Sylvester’s, putting them in sixth place at this early stage of the campaign and in touching distance of the playoff places.

Next up for them is another trip across the Liffey when they travel to St Vincent’s while Ballinteer will look to get a win on the board when they hosts Syl’s on Saturday.

Kilmacud Crokes face Ballyboden St Enda’s in a potential early season thriller at the top.

Kilmacud Crokes on the attack against Thomas Davis Picture: Paul McGirr

DUBLIN’S run to the 2018 Ladies National Football League has resulted in a trio of call-ups to the LIDL team to the league with goalkeeper Ciara Trant (St Brigid’s), Cuala’s Martha Byrne and St Sylvester’s Nicole Owens getting the nod.

The players on each of the four divisional selections were nominated by opposition managers after each round of fixtures, and the players who received the most nominations have been included.

The Division 1 team contains players from no fewer than six counties, with newlycrowned champions Dublin, runners-up Mayo, Westmeath, Donegal, Galway and Monaghan all represented.

In total, there are three survivors from the 2017 selection, as Galway’s Sinéad Burke has been selected again, along with Donegal pair Karen Guthrie and Yvonne Bonner.

Beaten Lidl NFL Division 1 finalists Mayo have four players on the divisional 15, with captain Sarah Tierney, Aileen Gilroy, and the Kelly sisters, Niamh and Grace, all included.

Dublin are next on the list with three players, Owens perhaps providing the crucial moment of their campaign when she lobbed in a last minute goal in their semi-final win over Galway to earn their final berth in Parnell Park.

Donegal also have three players on the selection.

GazetteSPORT MAY 17-23, 2018

ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 33-39

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER BASKETBALL: Dundrum plays host to short-format event that hopes to become part of the annual calendar SEE P37

BALLINTEER BATTLERS FOOTBALL: Fergal Duffy salvages late draw against St Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh in early stages of AFL Division One SEE P39

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Whitely pulling hard on all hurling fronts  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

FERGAL WHITELY is optimistic about the county’s Under-21s chances of going deep in the championship this year, as he heads into his final season qualifying for the panel.

The sky blues get underway in this year’s Championship against Laois on May 26, with their potential pathway to the latter stages of the tournament already largely mapped out for them. Should Dublin overcome Laois, they will face the winner of Ulster v Carlow in the second round, with Westmeath already awaiting the Dubs at the quarter final stage.

Whitely – fresh from hitting a fantastic goal off the floor for the senior side against Kilkenny over the weekend – admits to the Dublin Gazette that last year’s first round loss is weighing a little on his mind, and the side will be looking to go far further.

“There’s a new manager, which is a change,

but there are some of the same faces as last year, when we lost in the first round, which meant we only played one game,” he recalls, referencing the appointment of Crumlin man Paul O’Brien.

“We’ve never played Laois at under age or minor level, but obviously we’re aware they have some good young players. Hopefully we can go on a run, as we’ve never won an Under21 title.”

Whitely admits that hurling has become a dominant force in his life over recent years, particularly with the full-forward appearing for a number of different sides in close order.

“It can get fairly full on, playing for Crokes, Dublin, the under-21 side and college,” he admits.

“As long as you’re enjoying it, though, I think it’s fine. And I’m enjoying it.

“It’s about keeping a balance of freshness and getting in the training. If it becomes a heavy slog, that’s a problem, but peo-

Fergal Whitely of Dublin at the launch of the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U21 All-Ireland Championship at Mitchelstown Caves .

Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

ple have been really understanding about my commitments. The new senior format will give more opportunities for more people to play games, and we’re all looking to get a chance.

“The main difference between the seniors and the Under-21s is the physicality,” he continues.

“There are a lot of players in their mid to late 20s, and

a lot of managers put an emphasis on bulking up.

You’re definitely aware of it.”

There’s been some training crossover between the squads this year, however, which Whitely and the Under-21s have found particularly helpful.

“We’ve played some challenge matches against the seniors, and they’re good games to get.

“It’s good for team bonding and getting some time playing together, which is hard with the Under-21s, and it means the managers get a look at both sides.

“I’ve been with some of these lads since 2013/2014, and for a few of us this is the last year.

There’s definitely a huge appetite for it this year.”

As well as the Under21s, Whitely feels his club

Kilmacud Crokes aren’t too far off something special.

“Obviously it’s hard with Cuala, they’re an outstanding team,” he says.

“But we were only three points off when we played them last year, and they went on to win an All Ireland.

“It shows that we’re close to where we need to be as a club. Maybe this year we can go one better.”