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vox pops: Members of the public go to town when

expressing their anger over the Luas strikes Page 24

Motoring: Impressed by the Opel Performance Centre’s remodelled style and raw power Page 23

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April 21-27, 2016

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The future is local - the future is free

lack of play areas is a crime, say ‘prisoners’

DONABATE children Ava and Max Egan Richardson, from Beverton pre-school, staged a “prison break” at the Early Childhood Ireland gathering in Croke Park Conference Centre recently. They were demanding more outdoor play space for children, with their portable prison helping to make their point clear: that too many children do not have access to play areas across the nation, leaving them imprisoned in their communities. As a support body for early education and care in Ireland, Early Childhood Ireland has more than over 3,500 childcare members who support more than 100,000 children and their families through preschool, after-school and full day-care provision nationwide. Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennells

New runway plan hits a spot of local turbulence

Local representatives highlight impact of airport’s expansion on nearby residents

 emma nolan

DEPUTY Alan Farrell (FG) recently met with Kevin Toland, chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) regarding the development of a second runway at Dublin Airport.

Deputy Farrell has previously expressed concerns regarding the concerns of local residents who will be affected by the construction, particularly those in Portmarnock and St Margaret’s. He said: “It is of the utmost importance that

community engagement is placed at the heart of this development, as it is only through this that the concerns of nearby residents can be addressed.” Cllr Joe O’Brien (GP) also raised concerns about the development, in terms of

how it will affect local residents. He said: “The people of Portmarnock and St Margaret’s will be adversely affected by this expansion, and their welfare is not being adequately considered, in my view.” Full Story on Page 2

2 SWORDS Gazette 21 April 2016

airport | public representatives take different stance over expansion

Mixed reaction to new runway plan  emma nolan

DEPUTY Alan Farrell (FG) recently met with Kevin Toland, chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) regarding the development of a second runway at Dublin Airport. Deputy Farrell has previously expressed concerns on behalf of local residents who will be affected by the construction of the new runway, particularly those in Portmarnock and St Margaret’s. He said: “I am glad that the DAA is already fully engaging with local residents’ groups, and has committed to continu-

ing to meet, and engage, with interested parties throughout the development of the project. “It is of the utmost importance that community engagement is placed at the heart of this development, as it is only through this that the concerns of nearby residents can be addressed.” Deputy Farrell said that the second runway development will be beneficial to the north county, and the wider Irish economy. Approximately 1,200 jobs will be created during the construction process, with site preparation works due to begin at the end of this year, and the project to

be completed in 2020. It is projected that the new runway would result in a gain of 31,200 jobs by 2043, while also delivering an extra €2.2 billion in GDP. Deputy Farrell said: “This would greatly benefit the local economy in Fingal, both in terms of the increasing level of jobs, and the resultant increase in expenditure in our local towns and villages. “However, as this development proceeds, the concerns of local residents, and all of those who may be affected, must be given prominence in terms of the overall project.” Cllr Joe O’Brien (GP)

also raised concerns about the development, in terms of how it will affect local residents. He said: “The people of Portmarnock and St Margaret’s will be adversely affected by this expansion and their welfare is not been adequately considered, in my view. “Noise pollution from airports is a public health hazard and it needs to be recognised that many people’s lives will be adversely affected by an increase in air traffic and flight paths. “There is also a question as to how people on the south side of Malahide will be affected.” A spokesperson from

Plans for a new runway at Dublin Airport were welcomed by Deputy Alan Farrell (FG); however, Cllr Joe O’Brien (GP) raised concerns over noise. Picture: Google Maps

Fingal County Council previously told The Gazette that the current Fingal Development Plan 2011 – 2017 contains core objectives to “safeguard the current and future operational, safety, technical and developmental requirements of Dublin Airport, having regard to the environmental impact on local communities”.

DAA’s chief executive, Kevin Tolan, said that 2015 was the busiest ever year in the airport’s histo-

ry, with 25 million passengers passing through, and with numbers continuing to grow.

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21 April 2016 SWORDS Gazette 3

community | councillor seeks resource for donabate portrane

schools

Prizes for transport drawings

Call for two full-time gardai to police area

A LOCAL councillor for the Donabate Portrane area is calling for two full-time community gardai to be appointed to the area. Cllr Councillor (FF) Adrian Henchy spoke to The Gazette about the Garda presence on the Donabate Portrane peninsula following the Joint Policing Committee meeting that was held in the Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords last Wednesday. Cllr Henchy said that given the current population of the area stands at almost 10,000 people, and is set to increase with the construction of the new National Forensic Hospital at St Ita’s, Portrane, the appointment of two fulltime community garda

officers should be prioritised. He said he would like to see a Garda office where people can make appointments to drop in and discuss any issues in relation to crime with the two full-time community gardai. Cllr Henchy said that the current policing service on the peninsula is one of a “reaction to crime, and our community requires a visible and proactive policing model of intervention”. He said: “As well as campaigning for an increase in Garda presence, I would also like to see this work supported by the installation of a CCTV system as a crime prevention measure in supporting the work of

An Garda Siochana and the local authority. “The peninsula is also fortunate to have a very strong neighbourhood watch group that has developed strong links with An Garda Siochana. “As we approach the summer months, our area, as always, gets a lot busier with holiday makers, visitors to Newbridge Park, and both our beaches. “This, of course, brings its own challenges around law and order, and especially in the area of traffic management and enforcement. “What our area needs is not only a ‘blue light’ reaction, but gardai on the beat, on bicycles and on foot integrating and working within our local community,” he said.

worth giving two hoots

FINGAL Community College student Barry Laffey had an impressive win at the Fingal Student Enterprise Awards 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown recently. His company. Little Hoots cards and gifts, won the intermediate category in the competition, which meant that Barry was representing Fingal at the national Enteprise Awards finals held yesterday, April 20, at Croke Park. Co-ordinated by Local Enterprise Office Fingal, the awards encouraged Fingal secondary school students to demonstrate their businesses and inventions for the judging panels on the day. Picture: Joe Keogh

AS PART of the Fingal 2016 Centenary programme, Fingal County Council are inviting primary schools students throughout the county to enter the an art competition. Through the competition, the council is asking children to think about what life was like 100 years ago for people in Ireland. As transport has changed so much in the past century, the council would like students to draw a picture of what they imagine transport will look like in the next 100 years. To enter the competition, drawings (up to A3-size only) must be sent to Fingal County Council Centenary Office, County Hall, Swords, before Tuesday, May 3.

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council

Art award revealed A FINGAL artist has been awarded the Fingal County Council Studio Award. Fingal Arts Office, in partnership with the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) School, have announced Aoibheann Greenan as the successful recipient of the award. It offers an artist the opportunity to develop their practice and covers the cost of studio rental in the RHA for a year-long residency, commencing in September, as well as access to the ancillary activities of the school. Greenan is a multidisciplinary artist whose work critically examines the process by which culture and identity are evaluated in our digital and globalised era. She graduated from NCAD in 2010 with a first-class honours degree in Fine Art Painting.

concert | presenting traditional singers and songwriters

Song project reflects 1916  emma nolan news@gazettegroup.com

A concert to showcase a new body of 1916 songs in the traditional style relating to themes, events and figures connected to The Easter Rising will be taking place in Naul this Saturday. The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre will host the 1916 Song Project, a national research and performance project devised and produced by Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert for the 1916 Commemoration Programme. The event will feature some of the country’s most respected tradi-

tional singers and songwriters. The singers Paul O’Reilly, Rosie Ní Galloglaigh, Sandra Joyce, J o h n Tu n n e y, J e r r y O’Reilly, Fergus Russell, Paddy Berry, Aileen Lambert and Larry Joy have been working together since August 2015 to research and compose this new body of songs that commemorate the events of 1916. These songs invite listeners to reflect, challenge and introduce them to previously unsung heroes. The singers, many of whom are from places where there was significant activity in Easter 1916, will per-

form in a range of singing styles on a variety of different subjects. T hérese McInty re will present a free preconcert public talk at 6.30pm entitled ‘Who Fears to Sing of 1916? A Search for the Songs of the Rising’. The talk will examine the dichotomy between the 1798 Rebellion and the 1916 Rising, why one is more ‘singable’ than the other, explores common themes and focuses on local composers from the time of the Easter Rising. The concert will begin at 8.00 pm in the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, The Naul, Fingal on

Pictured in the National Library are Paddy Berry, Larry Joy, Paul O’ Reilly, Rosie Ní Gallóglaigh, Aileen Lambert and Therese McIntyre. Picture: Michael Fortune

Saturday, April 23. Tickets (€10/8 concession) are available online at w w w.tseac.ie/events or by phone on 01 802 0898.

The 1916 Song Project is part of Fingal County Council’s Centenar y Programme, which will see over 50 lectures, film screenings, perform-

ances, re-enactments, talks and exhibitions cumulate in a special Commemorative Day in Swords on Sunday April 24.

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malahide work | northside partnership event held at kilbarrack Tourist office set to open  emma nolan

A TOURIST information office is set to open in Malahide. Visitors to the town will now be able to find out information about the attractions that Malahide has to offer. The news was welcomed by newly elected TD Darragh O’Brien (FF). He said: “A tourist office is something that has been needed in Malahide for a long time. “This is a vibrant area and popular with visitors throughout the year, but particularly in the summer months. “The news that a tourism office will open in the next two to four weeks, just in time for the summer, is a great boost for the town.”

Recruitment drive targets Fingal workers  emma nolan

A RECRUITMENT event for North Dublin took place last week where employers seeking staff had a chance to meet candidates face to face. The event took place at Greendale Jobs Club at Kish House, Kilbarrack and was organised by Northside Partnership and hosted by RTE’s David McCullagh. Northside Partnership was originally established in 1991 to help long-term unemployed people find work.

The event included motivational talks, employer pitches and speed networking bringing together Jobs Club members and employers. Employers seeking staff at the event included Phone Watch, Swissport, Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Fab Cow Design, Aramark, Talent Partners and Butlers Chocolates, and the jobs on offer ranged from sales to aviation roles, customer service, life sciences and information technology. One company, Swiss-

port, is currently recruiting for 200 vacancies for customer service agents, ramp handling agents, flight operations, and cleaning operatives in Dublin Airport. The event also included motivational speaker Jim Nolan from the Irish Enterprise Network, who urged jobseekers to set goals from the start. He said: “People don’t buy what you do – they buy why you do it. The difference is doing something you love and getting paid for it.” Also present was

Jackie Rynn, Northside Partnership; Susan Melligan, Swissport; David McCullagh, RTE; Gerard Quinn, Jobs Club participant; John McCann, former Jobs Club participant and Paul Rogers, chief executive, Northside Partnership

Phone Watch sales manager Sean Geoghegan, who said that he was looking to recruit staff “with a good attitude who are looking for a change”. He told attendees that “Seven years ago, I was in the same position as many of you here today. I was a qualified engineer

but couldn’t find work; I needed to reskill and I moved into sales.” The Jobs Club team a l s o r u n t wo - we e k courses for job seekers throughout the year focusing on CV preparation, motivation, goalsetting and interview techniques. Jackie Rynn, Green-

dale Jobs Club coordinator, said: “We take each individual and teach them how to excel at competency-based interviews using star techniques.” In 2015, out of 350 Jobs Club participants, 40% have found work and 30% have gone into further education.

21 April 2016 SWORDS Gazette 7

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Gazettegallery

| students strut their stuff on the catwalk

Laura Lynch, head of youth business Bank of Ireland with Eleanor Dwyer

Celebrations as Eleanor Dwyer, wearing a dress entitled Jewel of Nylon designed by fellow students Jennifer

Stars step out for ‘Junk’ fashion show Siak and Emma Clarke, was named the overall winner. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Emma McCarron and Maureen Lucia McCawley and Maureen O’Donnell

O’Donnell

Vogue Williams, Louis Walsh and Glenda Gilson

ouis Walsh, Glenda Gilson and Vogue Williams were on hand to dish out the awards at the grand final of the Bank of Ireland Junk Koture at Dublin’s 3Arena recently. 80 students strutted their stuff down the catwalk in their creations fashioned by renewable materials. Louis and Vogue joined stylist Rob Condon, Lorna McGee and LSAD lecturer Tracy Fahey on the judging panel for the show. Over 1,100 designs were entered from all over Ireland, with Eleanor Dwyer, from Our Lady’s Bower emerging as the overall winner. Entertainment was from Louis’ pop band Hometown and Irish language group Seo Linn.

Christine Hamill, Gabriel Bannigan and Claire Tenwick

Ciara Doyle and Maeve Murray

21 April 2016 SWORDS Gazette 9

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Gazettegallery

| the inaugural UCD Festival launch event

Nicole Parks and Nicola Bailey Some of UCD’S most well-known and well-respected alumni Miriam O Callaghan, Fr Peter McVerry, Gordon Snell and Aoibheann Ni Shuilleabhain at the launch of the first ever UCD Festival. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Plenty to see and do on Campus Laura Shorten and Ashling O’Brien

HE first ever UCD Festival will take place across the Belfield Campus on June 18 and visitors will experience an enormous variety of talks and exhibitions, theatrical performances, live music, interactive workshops and family entertainment. The showcase event that will be an excellent opportunity for one and all to discover the state of the art facilities on campus, explore the new buildings and the wonderful parkland.

Clodagh Lannon and Aishling O’Connor

Gordon Snell and Prof Margaret Kelleher

Naomi Cassidy and Ciara Horgan

Toluse Akinladl, Molly Dillon Leetch and Brenda Mangwandi

Roisin Monks and Cillian Totterdell

21 April 2016 Gazette 11

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dublinlife

diary

Coming together to help break the cycle of suicide Dublin cyclists are invited to take part in the fourth annual Cycle Against Suicide event taking place over two weeks in April and May. This year’s Cycle will travel over 1,100 kilometres around the island

of Ireland over 14 days, beginning in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 24 and concluding back in the capital on Saturday, May 7. Jim Breen, founder of Cycle Against Suicide, said: “At Cycle Against

Suicide, we believe in solidarity; we believe that together, shoulder to shoulder, we can empower one another to create an island of Ireland where ‘It’s OK not to feel OK, and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help’.”

Colm Hayes, Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador and RTE 2FM DJ said: “Cycle Against Suicide acknowledges life’s difficulties, offers reassurance and hope, and meaningfully empowers individuals across the island of Ireland to seek help when necessary.” Approximately 7,000 cyclists are expected to participate. Register now at cycleagainstsuicide. com.

“big-hearted” volunteers being sought The Irish Heart Foundation is seeking “bighearted” volunteers in Dublin to give a few hours of their time, to sell Happy Heart pins on-street and raise much-needed funds for their Happy Hearts Appeal this May. Every day in Ireland 27 people are losing their lives to heart disease and stroke and some 300 new cases are diagnosed daily - yet 80% of these deaths are completely preventable. Irish Heart Foundation medical director and cardiologist Dr Angie Brown said: “It is well known by medical professionals that heart disease and stroke remains the number one killer in Ireland. “The good news is that 80% of this disease is preventable – and the Irish Heart Foundation is here to help.” To register your interest as a volunteer for the Happy Heart Appeal on May 5 and 6, call Anne Harrington at the Irish Heart Foundation on 01-6685001 or email happyheart@irishheart.ie.

Pictured at the launch of 2016 Cycle Against Suicide was Cycle Against Suicide founder Jim Breen with Cycle Against Suicide ambassadors rugby pundit Brent Pope, Irish actress Charlene McKenna, RTE 2FM presenter Colm Hayes and former Armagh Gaelic footballer Oisin McConville. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

recreating a 21-year-old project The Ark (the cultural centre for children in Temple Bar) recently put a call out for children to have their portrait photograph taken. These images of the nation’s children in 2016 have been placed in the windows of the building on Eustace street. The team at The Ark were setting out to recreate one of the first ever projects that took place 21 years ago when The Ark first opened. Back in 1995 for Faces in The Window, photographs of children were displayed in the windows of the building to show the world who The Ark had been created for. Now in 2016 as part of the recent Easter programme, 264 children

had their photographic portrait taken to become part of The Ark’s Faces in the Window 2016 project which features the faces of children in Ireland today. These children were selected from applications from all over Ireland. The photos are now in the windows - have a look as you pass by on Eustace Street.

Irish Cancer Society seeks team members The Irish Cancer Society is calling on women of all ages in Dublin to sign up to join their team ahead of this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon. Those joining Team Irish Cancer Society for the event will be supporting the society’s free nationwide services for cancer patients and their families.

The Mini Marathon, which takes place on Monday, June 6, will see over 40,000 women walk, jog and run the 10 kilometre route across Dublin City. Mark Mellett, head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Over 40,000 women will take part in the Mini Marathon in June and over 40,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland this year, a poignant reminder visually on the day of the vast numbers of people affected by cancer in this country. “The Mini Marathon offers a great goal for those looking to get fit ahead of the summer while also truly making a difference to those affected by cancer.” To join team Irish Cancer Society, visit cancer.ie/ getactive

21 April 2016 Gazette 13

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dublinlife Bealtaine 2016: hundreds of initiatives in festival

Help celebrate older creativity  Ian Begley

Bealtaine 2016 is almost upon us, which will once again provide the opportunity to celebrate older members of the community, and their living legacy

Age & Opportunity has announced Iconic Citizens as the theme for Bealtaine 2016, Ireland’s annual festival of creativity as we age which is celebrated during the month of May.

Bealtaine is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Arts Council and delivered by hundreds of organisations around the country. Last year, more than 125,000 people participated in Bealtaine, making it one of the most

important cultural events in the national arts calendar. This high level of engagement, married with the creativity and enthusiasm of all involved, makes Bealtaine the vibrant and energetic celebration of creativity that it is today. This year, Bealtaine will celebrate its 21st birthday with over 600 events in libraries, arts centres, care settings, galleries, local halls and community centres throughout the country. With a wide range of activities including poetry, writing workshops, traditional music events, art exhibitions and an important seminar about the use of creativity in planning our communities and care settings, there will definitely be something for everyone during Bealtaine 2016. Festival highlights include a visit from visual artist Deirdre O’Mahony who will present First Citizens Speak, a film that explores the lives of a community of older people in north Clare. T he Ark Cultural Centre for Children will host a reading event for grandparents and their grandchildren which will be led by Marita Conlon McKenna and her daughter Amanda Hearty. The seminar, This Is Not My Beautiful House, will examine how creativity, creatively charged communities and the arts contribute to better ways of living as we age. In particular, the seminar will seek to address how creativity should shape residential and community design in a

way that enhances human dignity and growth. Finally, Bealtaine, in partnership with glor Arts Centre, Ennis, and Clare County of Culture, announced VoltAge, a festival-within-a-festival. VoltAge will feature three days of exhibitions, discussions and events from Thursday, May 5 to Saturday, May 7. Alongside these programmes there will be a huge range of 600 local initiatives hosted by local authorities, arts centres, libraries, active retirement groups, care settings, community groups and clubs from every part of the country.

Commemorate Speaking about the festival, Karen Smyth, CEO of Age & Opportunity said: “We are delighted to unveil a very special programme for Bealtaine 2016 as we commemorate 100 years since the birth of modern Ireland with a celebration of Ireland’s iconic first citizens. “The festival combines the creative mediums of visual art, music, theatre and literature to explore the impact that Ireland’s first generation continues to have on our culture and identity today. “As Bealtaine enters its 21st year, we are thrilled that the festival continues to grow and with over 600 different arts events taking place nationwide, audiences of all ages and across Ireland will have plenty to choose from during the month of May.” For more information and for the full line up, see www.bealtaine.com.

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campaign: call for more support for sufferers

Summer adventure

Lifting the lid on Parkinson’s disease  Ian Begley To mark Parkinson’s Awareness Week recently, a national awareness campaign was organised by the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland (PAI) to lift the lid on Parkinson’s and highlight the difficulties experienced by the 12,000 people in Ireland living with the disease, and to call for more support for them and their families. The week kicked off with a Unity Walk in Dublin’s Merrion Square,

attended by almost 1,000 people from all over Ireland - including the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Criona Ni Dhalaigh. Richie Kavanagh, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease since 2008, performed his recently re-launched hit song Aon Focal Eile. He is encouraging all his supporters and those affected by Parkinson’s disease to show their support for the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease, which affects over 12,000

people in Ireland. An art auction took place on April 13 with pieces of art being provided by Harold Huberman, a former fashion designer and artist, who also lives with Parkinson’s disease. Creating awareness of the serious impact of Parkinson’s disease and the effect it has on so many people’s lives is vital, says Paula Gilmore, chief executive of the PAI. She said: “The high level of engagement with our members and their families around issues

relating to Parkinsons shows us not just the seriousness of the disease but also the importance to those who live with it of the need for proper access to services and treatments. “The PAI receives no government funding and depends on donations to provide services through our 16 branches and national office in Dublin. “We are seeing a significant increase in demand for our services, with increased calls for

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People from all over Ireland turned out in force to support the Parkinson’s Unity Walk 2016. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

our nurse call-back and support line services. We are also receiving more requests for information, publications and access to education, but there are simply not enough resources to deal with the 12,000 people in Ireland who have to live with Parkinsons every day.”

The Parkinson’s Unity Walk, as part of the Parkinson’s Awareness Week took place on April 10. Over the years, the walk has gained momentum with more than 1,000 people at this year’s event including Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh.

Get your kids out of Dublin this summer and send them to the renowned Delphi Resort in Connemara – Ireland’s leading resort for adventure. Running from July 3 to August 14, Delphi Resort’s S u m m e r A d ve n t u r e Camps are all-inclusive, so your kids will be fed and watered three times a day and given all the safety equipment they need. Three, five and seven night camp options are available plus they are running an early bird offer. Call or email to book before May 27 and receive 10% off when you quote “Dublin Gazette”. For information or to make an enquiry or booking, call Delphi Resort on +353 (0) 9542208 or visit www.delphiresort.com.

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business

Only half have a pension plan ONLY half of Irish people are in a pension plan, according to recent research conducted by Irish Life. Irish Life held a major pensions conference attended by almost 200 delegates in Dublin last week. On the theme, Empowering Retirement, speakers discussed new initiatives to engage members of defined contribution pension schemes. Presenting an analysis of the current pension landscape, Damian Fadden, Irish Life Corporate Business, discussed whether defined contribution schemes are ready to step up to ensure Irish workers are well-prepared for retirement.

“We know from our research that only half of people working in the private sector are in a pension plan, that the average contribution rate in defined contribution schemes is just 10%, and the average starting age in a workplace pension is in the mid-30s – so there is a mountain to climb. “However, these challenges can be resolved with the help of the behavioural insights we have built into our new Empower pension package. These are not just ideas – we have already successfully transformed pension scheme membership and savings levels for a number of our corporate clients,” he said.

Did you hear about the ninth Hearing Awareness Week? THE ninth annual Hearing Awareness Week recently saw five nationwide free health screening events take place during that time in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Athlone. The campaign highlighted the issue of

hearing loss and how it’s a key part of overall health and wellness. Pictured at the city centre launch of Hearing Awareness Week 2016, in association with Active Retirement Ireland, were Dolores Madden, marketing

director, Hidden Hearing; Stephen Leddy, managing director, Hidden Hearing; Mai Quaid, president, Active Retirement Ireland and Dr Nina Byrnes, medical advisor to Hidden Hearing.

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

resource: initiative to support communities

KBC Bank Ireland seeks groups to share €100k

 Ian Begley

KBC Bank Ireland is calling on community groups across Dublin to apply for financial support for their dream projects from its €100,000 funding initiative, Bright Ideas. KBC’s Bright Ideas community support initiative returns for a third year to support individuals and organisations which are transforming and improving the lives of others in their locality. This year’s initiative will be promoted across seven different geographic regions, including Dublin, reflecting KBC’s expanding network of retail banking hubs in Ireland. A new Green category has also been created, to recognise the importance of environmentallyfriendly projects in com-

munities nationwide. A dedicated prize of €2,500 will be given to the overall winner of this category. Over the past two years, 70 creative and innovative local community projects have received funding through Bright Ideas, breathing new life into a diverse range of schemes. These have included creating communitybased amenities for the elderly and people with special needs, sporting and educational activities for young people, community wellbeing resources, arts and culture initiatives, as well as urban renewal projects. Among last year’s winning projects in Dublin was Steps Together, a pilot programme to provide people with disabilities with greater opportunities to participate in physical activity, health awareness

Eoghan and Ferdiad O’Reilly at the Grow Dome in Rialto, Dublin 8 - one of last year’s winning projects in KBC’s Bright Ideas community fund

and sport in their local community, helping them to build meaningful, interdependent relationships with others as a result. Sarah Hewitt, of St Michael’s House in Clontarf, which developed the programme and received €2,910 in funding, said: “The pilot programme went really well. It made a huge impact on the individuals involved and as a result we are now running the programme again

with another group. “Having access to funding through Bright Ideas was really worthwhile; it really made a difference to the people who participated and made a significant contribution to developing a sense of community.” Applications for Bright Ideas funding can be submitted at www.kbcbrightideas.com. The closing date for applications is May 31.

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Pets cosmo will be a perfect pal

Betroffenheit touches on universal themes of loss, addiction and recovery

Festival: bringing unique and eye-opening experiences of dance

World-class entertainment

 Ian Begley

Extraordinary artists will present world-class dance as Dublin Dance Festival (DDF) comes to town from May 17 to 28. This is the first festival programme by new DDF director Benjamin Perchet, who promises 2016 audiences “an inspiring journey of aesthetic pleasure and intellectual stimulus”, exploring themes of migration, mobility and transformation. The programme will present work by artists who blur the lines between art forms and will offer unique and eyeopening experiences of dance, via world premieres, film screenings, exhibitions, discussions, master classes and more. DDF is the leading dance event on the Irish arts calendar, bringing together dance artists and choreographers from around the globe each May to

share vibrant, contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. The 2016 edition will feature work from the US, Canada, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, France and the UK, as well as showcasing and celebrating contemporary dance from Irish artists. One of the true ballet masters of our times, Alonzo King brings his celebrated contemporary ballet company on a first visit to Ireland. The twelve extraordinary dancers will be presenting two technically brilliant and sublimely beautiful works at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Sunday, May 22. Dublin Dance Festival are also thrilled to present the European premiere of Betroffenheit, an acclaimed new dance-theatre work by Olivier award-winning Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite and pioneering playwright/performer Jonathon Young.

The 2016 festival will open with the Irish premiere of Planites from Greek choreographer Patricia Apergi. This intensely physical, urban fusion piece for five dancers focuses on the foreigner, the immigrant - the person who travels, whether by choice or by force. Co-commissioned by Dublin Dance Festival and Siamsa Tire, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Anam, (meaning soul) will bring together the skills of world-class step dancers from the US, Canada and Ireland in an exhilarating fusion of styles. Authentic and raw, the world premiere of this percussive dance piece will be performed with live music and song by acclaimed musician Fergal O’Murchu. At the O’Reilly Theatre, The Akram Khan Company will present the heart-

warming Chotto Desh, a captivating experience for all the family from this multi-award-winning choreographer. Chotto Desh is thrilling and poignant tale of a young man’s dreams and memories from Britain to Bangladesh, told using a magical mix of dance, text, visuals and sound. Dublin Dance Festival box office at Festival House will be home to DRAFF: another exhibition, investigating the process of making dance work with a series of behind-the-scenes fragments from some of the shows in the 2016 programme. The festival will also offer an extensive schedule of seven master classes and workshops by festival artists for professional dancers, dance and performance students and children. For a full line-up of events taking place, visit www.dublindancefestival.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Cosmo. He came to us as a puppy and has been in a home before, but struggled hugely with being left alone and, sadly, his previous family just didn’t have the time to meet his needs. If you live in an adult-only home with someone there the vast majority of the time, then Cosmo could be the perfect companion for you. He will need a little help to learn to settle in to a home again, but when he does, you will see just how loving and wonderful he truly is. If you think you could offer Cosmo a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Dogs Trust are asking all ladies taking part in the VHi Women’s Mini Marathon 2016 to do so on behalf of #TeamDogsTrust – see www.dogstrust.ie for more information.

Gazette

18 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

Asos Public Desire Kat Grey Heeled Sock Boots €49.28

Topshop Hex Sock Fit Aankle Boots €98

Zara €65.95

Shade Adjusting Drops €17.00

A handy way to adjust the colour of your foundation The Body Shop have devised a handy way to adjust the colour of your foundation. The shade adjusting drops come in lightening and darkening shades so that foundation can be adjusted to suit your skin tone perfectly. This product will be particularly handy for those who tan in the summer and need a darker foundation while the tan lasts. They’re also a useful addition to any make-up bag for times when you forget your own foundation and need to borrow a friend’s, or if you just have bad luck selecting the right colour. Often, foundation can have that dreaded orange tinge on paler skin tones, the lightening drops use a con-

centration of white and pink pigments helps to lighten, while neutralising the yellowness of light-to-medium foundation shades. On darker skin tones, foundation can sometimes look too light or ashy. The darkening drops use a concentration of black and red pigments help to darken while keeping the natural depth of dark-to-deep foundation shades. One drop of the product will make a face worth of foundation either half a shade lighter or darker and it’s a great way to make an expensive bottle of foundation go a lot further and not go to waste if it isn’t exactly the right shade. At €17 each, the drops are available at the Body Shop.

Asos Public Desire Alexa Red Patent Sock Boots €46.46

River Island nude patent sock boot €95

There’s a new boot in town  emma nolan

River Island brown leopard print velvet heeled ankle boots €60

Since ankle boots rose to prominence a number of years ago, they have stayed as the most worn female boot style. From Chelsea, to cut out, to bucked, chunky, pointed, Western you name it – ankle height is where it’s at and while it’s here to stay, the sock boot is the style that enchanted on the autumn winter runways and is now translating to the high street somewhat. The skintight style were spotted on the Givenchy runway and also featured in recent Dior and Dries Van Norten collections and have been seen on the street style elite since then. Topshop have begun to emulate the look with their sock fit and suede styles and River Island’s offering comes in nude, leopard print and black leather. It’s time to cover up those ankles and embrace the newest It Boot.

21 April 2016 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

River Island Bursary winner William with Roz Purcell modelling his winning outfit

Templeogue’s William Shannon Doyle takes top fashion design bursary  emma nolan

Asos Daisy Street Iridescent Sock Ankle Boots €49.28 Topshop Suede Sock Boots €110

River Island Black tie back heeled ankle boots €65 Topshop Magnificent Suede Sock Boots in tan €110

A 22-year-old Dublin fashion designer from Templeogue has the River Island 2016 Fashion design bursary. William Shannon Doyle was chosen to receive a €3,500 bursary and a paid threemonth internship in River Island’s design studio in London. This is the thirteenth year of the River Island Bursary which offers final year fashion design students at the National College of Art and Design the chance to win a paid, threemonth internship at the company’s design studio in London. T his year R iver Island asked the NCAD students to create a capsule collection for River Island Spring Summer 2016. The students then submitted portfolios of designs which were judged by River Island

Design Controller Lucy Moller, who was the 2006 winner of the Bursary. Speaking on the announcement, Lucy said: “The River Island Bursary launched my fashion career 10 years ago. “It is always so exciting to see new and exciting talent emerging. Our industry thrives on fresh ideas and it is so important to inject new energy and life into our design studio and creative teams. “We are delighted to be amongst the first to witness and embrace the emergence of some of Ireland’s brightest new stars in the fashion industry.” William’s winning design consisted of a red skirt with black detailing, black top and bomber jacket with a silk clutch bag that were inspired by 1950’s vintage where “functionality meets luxury”.

Gazette

20 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

bargains: balmy breaks to leave you beaming

Yoga practitioners can take to sunnier climes without needing to strain their resources

Yoga getaways won’t stretch your budget  ian begley

IF YOU struggle to find tranquillity and peace of mind in Ireland, you will be happy to know that Travel Department are holding a range of yoga retreats in Europe.

Lake Garda Yoga Holiday Recharge in Lake Garda, Italy. Nestled in the tranquillity of Garda Trentino’s olive groves and vineyards, Torbole is the perfect place for a yoga retreat. Your hotel is located in the midst of nature and enjoys the healthy climate of Lake Garda, while being a short stroll from the centre of Torbole and near the beautiful Riva del Garda. Yoga on this holiday will be led by Emma Burke Kennedy, one of Yoga Dublin Studios’ regular Vinyasa Flow yoga teachers. Twice-daily yoga sessions will be held in the mornings and evenings, which will be suited to all levels of yoga practitioners. Afternoons are free to spend at your leisure. Prices star t from € 72 9 p p , i n cl u d i n g return flights from Dublin, transfers, five nights’ B&B accommodation, eight yoga sessions with

an expert instructor, and a half-day Lake Garda boat excursion, with the flight departing on September 14.

The Algarve Yoga Holiday Soak up the Portuguese sun and indulge in a relaxing yoga retreat in the fabulous surroundings of the Algarve. Your base for five nights will be the Memmo Baleeira – set inside a nature park and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this contemporary hotel is a two-minute walk from the closest beach and a 13-minute walk from Sagres Point. Yoga on this holiday will also be led by Burke Kennedy. Twice-daily yoga sessions will be held in the mornings and evenings, which will be suited to all levels of yoga practitioners. Afternoons are free to spend at your leisure. Prices star t from € 79 9 p p , i n cl u d i n g return flights from Dublin, transfers, five nights’ half-board accommodation and eight yoga sessions with an expert instructor, with the flight departing on October 19. To find out more about these offers, and to book, see www.tdactive.ie.

A range of affordable holidays invite you to set off to a range of sun-kissed shores, with great deals currently available to stay in Torremolinos (main), Fuerteventura and Malta (right)

The sun is closer – and cheaper – than you think  ian begley

Travel Editor

THE beaches of Europe have always been extremely popular with Irish holidaymakers, with the Algarve, Fuerteventura and Majorca remaining firm favourites for 2016. If you’re dreaming of a sunshine getaway, it’s closer and cheaper than you think. From only €189, you could spend a week lounging on a golden beach, soaking up the sunshine and letting life’s worries melt away. GoHop.ie have put together a list of sun holiday packages to some of the most popular destinations to help you escape reality and catch some rays this May.

Malta Spend seven nights

in Malta from €274pp. With return flights from Dublin airport on May 14, spend seven nights in a four-star accommodation on a self-catering basis. Located in the South of Europe in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a haven for those in search of tranquillity and relaxation. This beautiful island is relatively small in size; however, it undoubtedly delivers quality on all fronts. From buzzing nightlife, colourful festivals, delicious cuisines and spectacular, natural scenery, Malta is a compelling and exciting country. It comprises three separate islands, with the main one being Malta itself, followed closely by its counterparts, Gozo and Comino, which are

famous for their peaceful atmosphere and watersports facilities. As well as its yearround temperate climate, it is a country abundant with history and fascinating culture, with monuments such as Fort Rinella and the Church of St Mary being tourists’ favourites. However, no one can forget the iconic sanded beaches that cluster the area, and the all-around natural beauty that can be found in all areas of Malta.

Torremolinos Spend five nights in Torremolinos from €189pp. On May 16, fly to the Costa del Sol popular holiday resort and stay for five nights in three-star accommodation, on a self-catering basis.

Torremolinos is one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Costa del Sol. It is the perfect blend of a traditional fishing village and modern city. This holiday destination is home to several gorgeous beaches, leisure facilities, delicious food and much more. Summer is the most popular time to visit Torremolinos, so expect crowds. There is hardly any rainfall during the summer season, but temperatures can drop significantly in the evening; however, this is seen as a relief by most tourists.

Fuerteventura Spend seven nights in Fuerteventura from €293pp. On May 24, fly from Dublin to spend seven nights in three-star accommodation on a self-catering basis.

With the exciting Oasis Park, world-famous surfing, sun-soaked beaches, and a truly laid back atmosphere, Fuerteventura holidays are ideal for families, couples and groups. The best time to visit Fuerteventura would probably be from April to June, when the weather is gorgeous and the summer rush has yet to hit the island. Unwinding on a gorgeous beach, and with soft sands and warm, sparkling seas, and a dazzling backdrop of volcanic rock, you’ll soon discover why Fuerteventura beaches are renowned as being some of the finest in Europe. For the full holiday list of holiday offers from GoHop, see www.gohop.ie or call 01 241 2389.

21 April 2016 Gazette 21

eddie the eagle: britain’s plucky ski jumper gets an inspirational biopic

ReelReviews

Affectionately told underdog tale of a cool, if unlikely hero, wings it a bit

THERE must have been something in the air at the 1988 Winter Olympics. The event in Canada saw the world debut of Jamaica’s bobsleigh team – which of course became the basis for the plucky underdog classic, Cool Runnings. But a bigger star that year was Great Britain’s Michael “Eddie” Edwards – a ski-jumper who ecstatically took last place in the three jumps that he participated in. Retold with dollops of nostalgia and liberal helpings of Hollywood treatment, Eddie The Eagle (12A, 105mins) follows Eddie’s Olympic obsession from his early years. Growing up in Gloucestershire in the 70s, the young Eddie fawns over a treasured glossy almanac of the Games and becomes determined to become an Olympian. Undeterred by constrictive leg braces, a general lack of athletic prowess, and a tendency to injure himself, Eddie spends his childhood

 Dave phillips

recreating the Olympic Games in the alleyways and fields of his neighbourhood. Fast forward several years and many pairs of broken glasses later, and the patience of Mum (Jo Hartley) and Dad (Keith Allen) is thinning as the now almost-adult Eddie (Kingsman’s Taron Egerton) refuses to settle down and get a job, and persists with his dream – or at least, a more nuanced version of it. Realising that despite his best efforts he may never qualify for any of the Olympic events, Eddie changes tack. A little research shows that Great Britain has had far fewer athletes compete in the Winter Olympics, and nobody has ever represented the country in Ski Jumping. So, with cogs set in

motion, Eddie sets out to fulfil his dream. There is no denying the fact that Eddie the Eagle is a straightforward and predictable underdog story, and it takes a little while to settle into the sappy, mawkish tone set by director Dexter Fletcher. Things are stepped up a notch when Eddie heads to train in Norway, and meets washed-up former jumper Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman). Peary’s character – a hard-drinking former athlete who is bitter about his missed opportunities in life – adds a level of complexity to the story. And, while the story and roles remain pleasantly straightforward, the introduction of Jackman to the mix alongside Egerton brings a level of depth that is noticeably lacking in the film’s first act. Throw in some bullies to bypass, some officious snobbery from the committee, and a cameo from Christopher Walken, and you have more than

Gazette

CINEMA

the jungle book Go ape for this one

AN ALL-star cast add their weight to a wonderful retelling of The Jungle Book (Cert PG, 106 mins). Disney’s classic animation gets a modern reboot, with perfect animation bringing the jungle’s creatures to glorious life. While the likes of Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson add their voices, the luscious cinematography and action provide the centre of this enticing, bewitching film.

zootropolis

Disney’s roaring success Eddie, meet ‘Eddie’ ... The one and only Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards meeting Taron Egerton, portraying him in this warm-hearted film

FAMILIES have given their roar of approcal to Disney’s Zootropolis (Cert PG, 108 mins). The latest fully CG film for the studio takes a familiar cop trope – a fresh rookie trying to make their mark and solve a tough case, while teaming up with an unlikely ally – but creates something new and fresh. Warm-hearted, likeable performances add to the great design, making it a treat for audiences.

Trainer (Jackman) and jumper (Egerton) mentally prepare for the challenge

enough elements to help the story along through its almost two-hour running length. Eddie The Eagle, much like its subject matter, is a film that is clunky and ineffectual at times, but possesses something greater that causes its flaws to fade. D e x t e r F l e t c h e r ’s vision – which starts out so sickly sweet and overwrought with halcyon day sentimentality

– eventually transforms into a much more significant commentary on human potential. While the film never stops being light and whimsical, there is something in the story of a boy from Gloucestershire pursuing his dream at all costs that is endearing and undeniably heart-warming to watch. Just as films like Cool Runnings and The

Mighty Ducks captured an underdog spirit for a generation growing up in the 90s, Eddie The Eagle deserves to become an underdog classic for a new generation. The film is a guaranteed dose of feel-good vibes, and a reminder of that Olympian motto: the important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete.

Verdict: 7/10

the huntsman Snow thank you ...

THE Huntsman – Winter’s War (Cert 12A, 117mins) is the prequel to 2012’s lovely looking (but super dull) Snow White and The Huntsman. Charlize Theron is once again as cool as ice, while Emily Blunt and Chris Hemsworth gamely give their best. However, it’s once again all style, no substance, with a dreary heart that is likely to leave you even colder than Thereon’s Queen.

Gazette

22 Gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

WEEBYTES RACHET & CLANK: THIS colourful REBOOT PROVIDES some PAWS FOR THOUGHT

The Samsung Gear VR

Praising the virtues of new tech  Shane dillon

I’LL be taking quite a detailed look at virtual reality (VR) later this year, but for now, many readers will have already noticed the extensive advertising currently surrounding one of the first VR sets – the Samsung Gear VR headset, which has a price point aimed at a mass market (currently circa €249). It provides a pleasing, modestly-priced introduction to VR and, more importantly, it proves to the masses that VR works, and could wow as a new entertainment (or infotainment) format. You simply slot one of a number of Samsung phones (you can easily check for compatibility) into the front of the large but light headset, which is easily secured to the head, and can be adjusted. Then, by tilting or turning your head, the ‘screen’ (viewed a little as if through binoculars) changes the view to match, providing a great connection to the screen’s content – simply, it’s as though you’re really in that place you’re viewing, but you’re able to look all around you. While looking slightly pixelated, the tech is very impressive, and immersive, with Samsung likely to stay the forerunner in this exciting new tech sector for a while to come.

Cat-like Rachet and his pal, Clank, deliver an almost purrr-fect title

I REMEMBER Rachet & Clank (Cert 7, c. €35) when it first came out – in 2002 for the PlayStation 2. While the PS2 had no shortage of wannabe console icons (for a while, Crash Bandicoot was the face of the PS2), Rachet & Clank still stood out at the time. They were the stars of a lively platformer which saw the mismatched duo – an energetic catlike creature with aspirations to be a Space Ranger, and a diminutive but plucky no-nonsense robot pal that he found – team up to run around on several creatively rendered planets, with a host of wacky characters and even wackier weapons added to the mix. Simply, R&C, created by Insomniac Games, was a winning formula, and provided lots of fun in that first entry, and in many of the franchise’s additions afterwards. Flash forward to today, and Rachet & Clank are getting a full franchise

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

reboot, which has worked very well for a number of other games of old (sit down, Lara Croft – gamers know that the recent Tomb Raider reboot was particularly successful). To use the new game’s marketing tagline, it’s “the game based on the film based on the game”, seeing as the determined duo are also getting the big-screen treatment, with a film on the way very soon – making it perhaps perfect timing to get the hype machine going with this lively reboot and relaunch. At its basic level, Rachet & Clank goes back to its roots, to largely reimagine the very first game in the long-running franchise. (In fact, you’d need a third hand to count all

the entries in the longrunning series across the years.) However, it’s not a straightforward, beatfor-beat retelling of the original game and story, as it mixes things up a bit, adding in characters not seen until later entries in the franchise, and follows a slightly wayward story, thanks in part to its particularly unreliable narrator. Still, in essence, it’s classic Rachet & Clank – the pair once again travel around several planets, while a number of minigames, or changes to the game’s style, break up the action. Everything is presented with plenty of goofy jokes, sight gags, and an enthusiasm to provide plenty of fun always close to hand. Visually, the game’s a real winner, with terrific cinematics that indicate the quality of the upcoming film, but they’re just the icing on the cake – the game’s worlds and design are packed with detail.

Everything from the bustling cityscapes in part of the game to delicate light effects and material reflections all add up to help craft a very pretty title, making each world a joy to roam around, just taking in the sights. Not that gamers will be stopping for the views very much, as there’re a lot of bad guys to dispose of in each world, with plenty of weapons to do so. They deserve a special mention. When facing endless bad guys, Rachet and Clank have several weapons to use to even the playing field – with plenty of upgrades to make them ever more powerful. With weapons that, for example, turn enemies into placid sheep, or force them to start disco dancing, or even turn them into 2D ‘pixel’ versions of themselves, the game’s sense of silliness and lighthearted fun is always close to hand, even during some of the game’s

busier moments. However, while it perhaps stays a little too close to its overly familiar roots, that’s not a bad thing, as Rachet & Clank have delivered a great platformer for the PS4. Indeed, while the PS4 has tons of excellent games for older players, it’s a little less well served by games for younger players, or families – at least, based on what I’ve seen on the shelves around many Dublin shops at the moment, with more fam-

ily-friendly titles barely getting a look in. However, Rachet & Clank is likely to do very well, as despite its brevity – it’s not the longest, or biggest game in the world – it’s wonderful to look at, and is also lots of fun to play;. With its welcome delivery of a blast of family-friendly fun for the PS4 (or for any gamer who appreciates a wellcrafted title), Rachet & Clank is available this Friday, April 22.

Feline-feeling Rachet and his robot pal Clank (top) explore several colourful worlds, with plenty of silly Drawing on shared assets from the upcoming film about the duo, the game often looks fantastic

moments thanks to their creatively daft weapons

21 April 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

MOTORING

Already an impressive lineage, the Corsa’s Opel Performance Centre edition is a winner on all fronts

opel corsa opc: power and a dash of perfection create this memorable motor

A high-performance model that’s certain to turn heads

 dave phillips

THE new Corsa turned out to be one of our favourite cars to test last year, with the fifth-generation model – a solid drive that is full of pep – striking the right balance between fun and functionality. And, right on the heels of the regular release of Opel’s hot hatch was a very special OPC (Opel Performance Centre) edition that we had the pleasure of taking out this year. OPC editions are top of the line renditions of Opel models, pushing the cars to the maximum in terms of performance, engine technology, and design. With a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and Opel

claiming a top speed of 270kmph, there is no escaping the happy fact that the OPC Corsa is an out-and-out sports car. That said, it is a sports car that – if you were so inclined – you could also get away with nipping down to the shops in. Heads may turn if you do, as the test car we took out looked stunning. Decked out in Flash Blue (a colour unique to this OPC model), and sitting on 18-inch black alloys, the OPC Corsa builds on the model’s athletic look, and adds some extra flair with side sills, a rear roof spoiler, and a twin-pipe exhaust. The overall effect looks a breed apart from the traditional Corsa, boasting more of a mature and refined race-track look.

That polished aesthetic follows into the interior, where there is no souped-up, high-gloss sheen. Instead, things look clean, uncluttered, and sturdy. There is an elegant leather finish running across the heavy-stitched Recaro seats, the flat-bottomed racing wheel, and a short-throw gear lever. And that leather-clad lever, despite it being a small thing, is significant – the first thing you’ll notice are the specks of that vibrant OPC blue tastefully demarcating the gears. The second is the weight and robustness of it; this really feels like something that will stand the test of time and will still feel satisfyingly strong and firm 20 years

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‘The real selling point here lies under the bonnet ... the OPC Corsa is a machine that is built for highend performance. Every gear feels swift and powerful.’ --------------------------------------------------------

down the line. There is all the tech you can expect from the standard Corsa, with the simple to use IntelliLink system serving for entertainment and GPS demands. But, of course, the real selling point here lies under the bonnet. Getting to 100kmph in just 6.5 seconds (a statistic you won’t care to test, because it feels so evident), the OPC Corsa is a machine that is built for high-end performance.

Producing plenty of torque in lower revs, every gear in the OPC Corsa feels swift and powerful. The squat position (this model has dropped an extra 10mm since its last incarnation) and incredibly precise steering mean the car really hugs the road around bends and is a blast to drive in the open. The OPC Corsa starts at €29,995 (the model we tested with extras retails at €33,170) and falls into

Sturdy design elements are presented with luxurious touches, creating a cabin that feels robustly upmarket

the E tax band (€750), so this is going to be a car that will only ever appeal to a niche group of buyers – but for those in the

market, this is a stunning piece of work that feels like it still be humming smoothly a generation from now.

Gazette

24 swords gazette 21 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

Railing against all the Luas strikes affecting Dubliners

IN OUR vox pop, we sent our reporters out on two successive days to ask a random selection of people in the street about the ongoing Luas stoppages. Remarkably, having spoken to up to 50 people on and off the record, not one supported the union’s stance on this issue. Our reporters, Ian Begley and Emma Nolan, asked each respondent these two questions: “Do you support the Luas strikers’ action? Will you be affected by any more industrial action?” This is what they had to say ...

 JIM WALSH

I DON’T support the drivers, because I think they’re reasonably well paid as it is. I think they’re looking for the same wages as train drivers, who have more responsibility. I will be disrupted by further strike action – I use it to get out to Sandyford, and it’s hard to get out there without the Luas.

much, but I do not support the drivers’ strike. Number one – I think they really did terrible damage to themselves on the Easter weekend, but I just think they should have gone into it better with their eyes open. Number two – I actually don’t blame the drivers, I blame the union. I think they should have taken more responsibility and realised that it was way beyond their scope to get that amount.

 Josephine

Litchfield

I USE the Luas rarely to get into town, so it doesn’t affect me that

 Elaine Moriarty

 EDEL HOGAN

 pat cryan

I FIND it very disruptive, and the demands being made by the drivers are insane. The prospects into the future seem pretty dire, because their seems to be no middle ground or settlement on the horizon. T he strikes won’t affect me as much, because I’m retired, but we always use the Luas – we never take the car into town – so it would affect us, in that sense.

with the whole 53% thing – I just think it’s greedy. T hey should have started off at a lower rate and built up from there, whereas, because they publicised the 53%, I think everyone is against them because of that, unless you’re related to one of the drivers. Student doctors and nurses are getting paid less, and I don’t agree with that concept.

Also, I think if the company give into the Luas drivers, I think it will have a knock-on effect. All the others will start making noises and I’m not sure the country can afford the kind of increases they’re looking for.

I’M HALF and half. I just think, especially over the Easter Weekend, they sort of held the country to ransom – they knew it would be a busy weekend for tourism, and that kind of thing. They knew what they were getting into when they signed up for their job – the difficult hours and having to work bank holidays. My own husband is a taxi driver, and he works unsocial hours as well. So, in a way, I’m 90% against what they’re doing. It’s a great service, but if they get away with it, it opens a can of worms for any other people to go on strike.

I DON’T support them, because I work in Tallaght and have to get the first Luas. They always stop at the Red Cow for about 10 minutes in the morning, nearly making us all late. A junior doctor only starts on €31K a year, and gardai are at €23K when they start – the Luas driver’s job is so simple in comparison, yet they’re making so much.

looking for a 50% hike? I’ll be disrupted by further strike action and will have to walk, so it’s a bit mad, y’know.

 Kate O’Reilly

I FEEL disgusted at their behaviour. I think, given the political climate, they’re just asking for too much and are totally intolerant about what’s being offered already. As a member of the public, I feel totally discommoded with their behaviour. They’re not just going on strike, but are deliberately delaying their trams at peak times.

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‘I also think the amount of a raise they’re looking for is a bit over the top, because compared to some other professions, they don’t have to do much training’

 Michelle Horan

I THINK the whole thing is a disgrace. It’s terrible that they’re holding the public to ransom, because so many people depend on its service. I think it’s gone on for too long, and to strike on Easter Sunday didn’t do them any favours. A lot of people with no income at all have to survive, so why can’t they get by with what they’re on?

--------------------------------------------------------

 Aine O’Dwyer

 Emily Graham

 Jonathan

Richardson

 PAUL MORAN

I DON’T support the Luas drivers. If they wanted a small increase, then fair enough, but I don’t agree

I’M FROM the US and we don’t have strikes like this. I believe everyone has the right to strike, but I just think that it’s a little outrageous to ask for about a 40% increase when they’re already earning so much

MY OPINION from what I heard is that junior doctors and nurses are working twice as long for half the money, yet the Luas drivers only do what they do – sit there and drive the Luas, and they’re

I THINK a cer tain amount of it is okay, but some of the days they’ve been striking on – like during the Easter weekend and the Centenary celebrations – were a bit ridiculous, because it was a once in a century event and they caused a lot of hassle for people trying to get in and out of town. I also think the amount of a raise they’re looking for is a bit over the top, because compared to some other profes-

21 April 2016 swords gazette 25

sions, they don’t have to do much training. I’ll be affected by further strikes because I won’t be able to get to Heuston Station to get the train home.

 Ailish Durney

THEIR demands were too high to begin with and Transdev called their bluff, so I just don’t know where they’re going to go from here. They don’t have the people on their side, and I just find the whole thing ridiculous. --------------------------

‘Everyone deserves to be heard, I guess’

--------------------------

 Fiona Shannon

I SEE where they’re coming from, but what they’re asking for is a bit too much. But everyone deserves to be heard, I guess, and if they want more pay, then I guess they deserve it, but at the same time, they’re asking a bit too much. I will be inconvenienced by the strikes for getting to work and other activities.

Luas commuters who The Gazette spoke to were united with the same criticisms of the Luas drivers, their pay demands, and their union’s tactics

Gazette

VOX POPS

26 swords Gazette 21 April 2016

swordsCLASSIFIEDS paving

dvds

ACTIVE PAVING

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21 April 2016 swords Gazette 27

swordsCLASSIFIEDS

Gazette

28 swords gazette 21 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport Shelbourne sign former Ireland star: SHELBOURNE FC have signed former Irish international Stephen Elliott until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. The Dubliner played his early football with Belvedere FC and Stella Maris before signing for Manchester City in 2004. He later moved to Sunderland, where he worked under Mick McCarthy. The striker then followed McCarthy to Wolverhampton Wanderers before spells with Preston North End, Norwich City, Coventry City, Hearts and, most recently, Carlisle United. He ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for Carlisle back in October 2014 and underwent surgery. The 32-year-old represented the senior Ireland team on nine occasions, scoring once: the winning goal in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Cyprus in 2005.

soccer: over 1,300 students take part in Primary school festival

Ringsend abuzz for cup finale  sport@dublingazette.com

IRISHTOWN Stadium played host to the Dublin county finals of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme, the culmination of a programme that saw 1,376 students take

part. Indeed, 272 students from 34 schools played in the Dublin finals where just six schools earned progression to the provincial finals. The A Cup, open to boys and/or mixed

St Damian’s celebrate. Pictures: James Crombie/Inpho

teams, had 10 highly competitive schools with the final between the impressive St Joseph’s, East Wall and Our Lady of the Wayside, Bluebell. It proved a thrilling encounter with St Joseph’s, East Wall winning out in the end. The B Cup also proved to be a tense affair with four teams involved in this division. Mary Queen of Angels, Ballyfermot emerged on top with Taney Parish NS a close second. The C Cup was another hard fought contest between four passionate schools. St Mark’s from Springfield in Tallaght eventually came out on top ahead of St Molaga’s, Balbriggan, St

Mary Queen of Angels, Ballyfermotcelebrate their success

Benedict’s, Ongar and St Colmcille’s, Knocklyon. On the girls side, St D a m i a n ’s , Wa l k i n s town emerged victorious from eight participating schools in the A Cup, catering for small schools. They were too good for Scoil Treasa Naofa in the final. Gaelscoil Cholmcille came out on top in the B Cup ahead of St Patrick’s, Chapelizod while Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS, Johnstown sealed qualification in the girls C Cup for large schools, overtaking St Vincent de Paul Girls’ school in the final game. The girls division has continued to grow over the past number of years

with almost 500 students taking part in the Dublin competition. T he winners from each division will now progress to the Leinster finals on April 28 in Navan. The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s competition has been in existence since the mid 1990s and saw nearly 20,000 par ticipants from 1,069 schools involved last season. The competition is run across six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. Depending on their size, a school can enter several teams into the competition. Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is

a separate competition for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers. Fergus McDaid, secretary of FAI Schools stated: “T his is our second year with title sponsors SPAR and the competition is expanding year on year. The support shown by Spar ensured this grassroots initiative really supports Dublin’s local talent. “The event encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasises the fun aspect of the sport. FAI Schools are delighted to be hosting the finals on Wednesday, May 11 in Aviva Stadium, something which the children will relish I’m sure.”

Clohisey leads Raheny to national road relays success  sport@dublingazette.com

Raheny’s Mick Clohisey, Kieran Kelly, Mark Kirwan and Daire Bermingham. Picture: Tomas Greally /Sportsfile

RAHENY Shamrocks won their first senior men’s title in five years at the GloHealth National Road Relays on home soil last weekend in perfect running conditions in the north Dublin suburb. They greeted 33 clubs and over 80 teams on an excellent day of racing. The masters’ women (O-35 and O-50) got racing underway at 2pm and it was Sli Cualann were first to strike gold in the four-mile relay (1-2-1 mile legs)

in the O-35 section with 23.19. The F50 Raheny Shamrock women took top honours in 27.30. There was a great finish to the masters’ men’s O-35 race with Donore Harriers just holding off Rathfarnham WSAF in the final one-mile leg of the four-mile relay in 19.34 to 19.36. Mick Traynor led Raheny Shamrock’s M50 team to a comfortable win in 20.25. Leevale AC retained their women’s title in convincing style. Carol Finn got Leevale’s ladies off to a good start with a

5.11 opening mile leg, handing over to Lizzie Lee, who extended their advantage with a 10.38 two-mile leg. Next up was Michelle Finn, who took Leevale to victory with a 5.01 leg, giving them a 31-second winning margin over Crusaders, who edged Sli Cualann for second. In the men’s race, a recordbreaking three-mile leg from Raheny’s Mick Clohisey of 14.04 proved pivotal in helping them to gold for the first time in five years, with Mark Kirwan, Kieran Kelly and Daire Ber-

mingham also playing their part. Raheny came home 18 seconds clear of Ennis Track, who held off Kilkenny City Harriers for second. John Travers of Donore Harriers equalled Clohisey’s record on the three-mile leg, helping his team to fifth. Meanwhile in Santry at the Irish Universities Championships, DCU again took victory in both men’s and women’s team events, their tallies of 178 points in the men’s and 156.5 in the women’s more than double that of their closest challengers.

21 April 2016 swords gazette 29

Gazette

Bullish Bastick keen on more league glory

FastSport

Templeogue Synge Street midfielder talks about the fun of being part of a Dublin side in the midst of an incredible winning run in the national league ahead of Kerry final date Top line-up confirmed  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

HAVING already sold a substantial 50,000 tickets, with the promise of a 3,500-participant Easter Rising centenary event and the small matter of two league finals to play out, the finale of this year’s early-season GAA action is arguably the best prospect it has been in years. With Dublin and Kerry – the two main contenders for All-Ireland glory come September – facing off for the first time in a league final since 1987, however, the good natured ribbing between Dublin’s Denis Bastick and Kerry’s Bryan Sheehan can’t hide the edge to a final that has none

of the league’s usual early-season indifference. As Bastick and Sheehan sit next to each other in Croke Park a few days ahead of kick off, they both admit to an added “bite” to this particular fixture, with Dublin keen to maintain their astonishing run of 21 games undefeated in league and championship, and Kerry out for post-All Ireland revenge. “There’s a lot to be said for momentum,” B a s t i c k t h r ow s o u t cheekily when asked about the Dubs’ winning streak. “We still go by the same old cliche, though. It really is one game at a time. “Winning becomes a habit, and that’s the place we’re in now. But

we’re always trying to get better.” Dublin’s attempts to get better have been fairly evident throughout their undefeated league season, in fact, not least in the capital side’s use of 35 different players over the course of the eight games that have taken them to the final. With young star Jack McCaffrey out injured, Ror y O’Carroll New Zealand-bound and Alan Brogan having hung up his boots before it all got underway, the experimentation has been substantial. While Bastick jokes that the side have “not at all” missed them so far, he is keen to talk up the parade of youngsters battering down Jim

Denis Bastick will be hoping that the league can be a launchpad to another push for the All-Ireland senior championship title. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/ Sportsfile

Gavin’s door in search of a regular first team shirt. “T hey’re tough to catch in training,” the Te m p l e o g u e S y n g e Street midfielder says of the newcomers. “It’s really unfair to single any of them out. I think it’s important for the younger guys to continue on. They’re a real

explained. “We upped it a bit. But we were expecting things to be tough. “We each try to step up to the plate,” he adds. “We have a great panel, and we’re going to need every one of them to step up at some point this season. “We know they will be big challenges to come.”

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‘We’ll have fun now because that is what the GAA is all about but on Sunday it will be all business’ - Denis Bastick

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bonus.” Both Dublin and Kerry made light work of their semi-final opponents on the way to the league’s big night. Kerry brushed aside Roscommon, while the Dublin rematch with Donegal – a game given extra edge by the gritty nature of the league contest just two weeks before – proved far from an even contest. “The league game was tough, so it did surprise us a bit to win by the score we did,” Bastick said of the semi, which saw a Dubs side that made 11 changes and took to the field without the influential Cian O’Sullivan batter the Ulster side 1-20 to 0-13. “We did our homework, tweaked things around and improved a few things,” Bastick

Kerry are clearly up for things, too. Bastick declined to comment on the idea that Kerry might be more motivated, laughing as he did so, while Sheehan admitted his side were “still very hurt by losing the [2015] All Ireland final. It would be very nice to beat Dublin, especially when there’s silverware up for grabs.” As for the good-natured approach to the game? “It’s always been fair between us,” Bastick says of Sheehan. “It’s generally good natured, shoulder to shoulder. We’ll have fun now, because that’s what the GAA is all about, but once we cross the line on Sunday it’s all business. That’ll be a different story.”

for Dublin 7s tournament IRELAND’S premier rugby 7s competition, the Dublin 7s Festival, has announced further details of its impressive line-up with seven teams travelling from foreign shores to take part in the event. It will feature the national sides of Italy, Germany, Jamaica and Norway as well as the Samurai international team and European heavyweight clubs; Ulster, Biarritz and London Wasps. Tough opposition can be expected from the Samurai International team who have become known for their eye catching kit and display sublime skills as well as the Italian national side who are ranked in the top 15 in the world. Two-time European Cup winners, London Wasps, and Rio 2016 hopefuls, Jamaica and Germany, add plenty of fire power to the line-up and the power and skill of Ulster, Biarritz and team Norway are sure to entertain and thrill in equal measures. The festival will also boast a domestic competition with current AIL Champions, Lansdowne FC among the favourites. Old Belvedere, UCD, Trinity College, St Mary’s, Bective Rangers, Blackrock College and Old Wesley will have other ideas as they look to display their class in the fast paced 7s format. Alongside the on field spectacle, spectators of all ages can enjoy live music, festival favourite DJ sets, a family fun zone, artisan food stalls and for the adults, a craft beer zone featuring some of Ireland’s top brewers. Speaking about the team announcements, organiser Brian McDermott commented: “Some of the most talented and exciting teams in the world have confirmed for the Dublin 7s Festival and the addition of Samurai International and the Jamaican national team only adds to the excitement. “It’s more than just rugby, we’ve gathered the best in music, food, family entertainment and craft beer. Whether you’re a rugby fanatic or just learning about the game we have you covered.” Tickets start at €15 for general admission and are available at www.dublin7sfestival.ie. VIP and corporate hospitality packages are available on request.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 21 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport

Rivervalley leap-frog Premier B title rivals RIVERVALLEY Rangers produced another fine performance against fellow AUL title chasers Hardwicke FC to move into top spot in the division. They ran out 4-1 winners at Richmond Road, adding to their recent 3-0 success against the same opposition as they showed pace, power and skill in abundance combined with some superb finishing. Hardwicke took a deserved lead early on, smashing home from 15 yards after a smart turn. Rivervalley didn’t get going until the 25 minute mark, slowly getting a foot on the ball. But for a sloppy last pass or two, they may have created more before the half-time break but the signs were there that they could do plenty of damage on the resumption. Ronan Murtagh was a constant thorn in the Hardwicke back four’s side and what he did around the 50th minute mark tested the laws of physics. Seemingly with nowhere to go and heading out of play, he hit a volley from close to the Hardwicke bench back to the opposite post and it looped in over the floundering goalkeeper. Such was the disbelief in the audacious effort, the celebrations were delayed before reality sunk in as Rangers were back on terms. The Swords’ club’s tails were up and, shortly after, Paulie Ryan was taken out of the game on the line of the 18-yard box. There were calls for a penalty but the free was given just outside the box. No matter, Murtagh bent a screamer into the bottom corner to swap the lead. Paul Currivan was sent on in the last 15 minutes and instantly caused havoc. His flick-on released Murtagh to fire home for the hat-trick from the angle of the box. Minutes later, the striker turned provider for Ryan to steam through and score an almost identical goal to put the icing on the cake.

soccer: inter kingpins crumlin eventually make it to final

Crumlin moved within one game of winning back the FAI Intermediate Cup title

Ports epic FAI run ends

fai inter cup semi

Crumlin United Portmarnock AFC  sport@dublingazette.com

2 0

CRUMLIN United became the second Dublin side to confirm a date with destiny at the Aviva Stadium on May 14, seeing off their AUL opponents Portmarnock at the second time of asking to reach the FAI Intermediate Cup Final on Friday night. The replay, played at Crumlin’s Pearse Park, saw them overcome their battling lower-division opposition. A 13th minute goal gave the intermediate powerhouse their

first lead over the course of the tie, more than 100 minutes in. Crumlin had twice come from behind the first time around. Paddy Brophy – up from the back for a corner – scored a rare goal to put United in front, thumping in a soaring corner from Carl Forsyth with a powerful headed finish seconds after an earlier United corner had been messily cleared from the Portmarnock line. The early pressure came entirely from the home side, but Portmarnock were far from outclassed, and almost equalised straight after Crumlin’s opener.

kerr trophy Malahide celebrate 40th with prestigious victory malahide indoor bowls club enjoyed their best ever team victory, winning the prestigious Kerr Trophy in the same year that they will celebrate their 40th year of continuous existence. The trophy which was presented to them by the President of the Dublin and District United Parishes Indoor Bowling Association Fraser Pelley. The Kerr trophy was contested by a four person team from five clubs in a round-robin competition on a home and away basis.

Phillip Rusk – something of a free-kick specialist – almost repeated his first-leg trick, seeing his free fly past Crumlin’s man on the line, only to come back off the crossbar and the post and bounce back out. The action was frantic from the off in the second half, with Forsyth quickly winning the ball from the defence in the Portmarnock box, only to immediately have it taken back off him outside of the rules. Alan McGreal’s penalty was saved, but not before Portmarnock’s Ross Moran was shown a straight red card for his mistimed challenge.

While Portmarnock had been very much in the game, playing with 10 men against one of the finest sides in intermediate football was a step too far, and United found themselves in comfortable charge of the majority of the second half. A smart finish from Daniel McGuinness gave Crumlin a cushion with the north Dublin visitors never really looking like recreating the threat that they displayed in a strong first half display. The home side could have added to their lead in the final minutes, but spirited Portmarnock never looked outclassed,

leaving little doubt as to the visitor’s credentials to perform at a higher level than they’re managing currently. United are set for a busy end to the season, during which they’ll be hoping to make an impact at the national stadium, but will also be chasing hard through their numerous LSL Sunday Senior games in hand, where they’re in a title battle that still looks likely to involve at least four sides. Crumlin will now join Junior Cup final regulars Sheriff YC at the Aviva, with both set to face opponents from elsewhere in the country.

21 April 2016 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

strong victory

St Finian’s too good for Vincent’s in AFL4 tussle

Club Noticeboard FINGALLIANS

ST FINIAN’S recorded a 1-17 to 2-7 win

over St Vincent’s in Ridgewood Park last Saturday evening to rise up the AFL4 rankings. It was their second win of the campaign and lifted them to sixth place in the league, building on an opening day victory over Raheny as they seek to bounce back up to Division 3 following relegation last season.

HURLING Feile 2016: Our young hurlers

for all their help. Any information

did the club proud, playing in division

on our new playing area should be

1 v Kilmacud, Ballyboden and Castle-

emailed to chairmantonygordon68@

knock on Saturday.

yahoo.ie

Playing at the very highest level,

The very best of luck to the Paul and

they never got the rub of the green

the Dublin senior squad next Sunday

and failed to progress through the

in Croke Park at 3pm. Tickets for the

group stages.

game can be purchased by logging on

A big thank you to the parents, mentors and sponsors.

football: syl’s record fine win over Ravens

to www.gaa.ie. Our U-13 camogie team were defeat-

Our Division 3 footballers hit top of

ed at the weekend. Siobhan Sheppard,

the table with an away win against

Sarah Smith and Lucy O’Brien were

Ballymun 3-15 to 2-12. The next league

selected for the Dublin development

game will be at home v St Sylvesters

squad.

on May 25. Next up is the intermediate championship v Scoil Uí Chonaill on April 30 in Balgriffin at 6pm.

New players are always welcome with training taking place each Tuesday from 6-7pm in Balheary. Golf Society: The winner in Castle-

The committee are delighted to

knock GC on Friday afternoon was

announce we have secured additional

Peter Daly and Charlie Rogan was sec-

training and playing facilities at Ket-

ond. The next outing will be in St Anne’s

tle’s Lane. We would like to thank FCC

GC on Friday, June 24.

ST FINIAN’S IT WAS a busy week with fixtures at all

squad. Congratulations and best of

grades and codes. Wins for the adult

luck to Ellie Kane, Teagan Comber,

(Division 4) men and the senior six

Emma Howe, Grace Murray and Ciara

camogie girls are worthy of mention.

Laird.

Speaking of worthy mentions, we must

Gaelic4Mothers and Others are

include the U-14 lads who represented

relaunching the team under a new

the club in the hurling Feile on Satur-

coach/manager. The team are look-

day and the U-12 camogie girls who

ing for new members from all sections

Sweeney sweeps Syl’s to AFL1 win

had a fine win over St Pat’s.

of the club and particularly from our

afl division one

St Sylvester’s claimed their second AFL1 victory of the season

Fingal Ravens 2-7 St Sylvester’s 0-17  sport@dublingazette.com

ST SYLVESTER’S produced an impressive 2-7 to 0-17 point victory over north Dublin rivals Fingal Ravens in their AFL1 clash in Rolestown last Saturday evening. Sylvester’s flourished up front but it was their resolute and compact defence that made the four point victory complete with Barry Ryan and Ian St Ledger in par ticular providing standout performances

at the back. Sylvester’s’ talisman G a r y Swe e n e y w a s unmarkable throughout, registering a staggering seven points from play while Brian Sexton, Michael McCarthy and Niall Coughlan all got in on the act in a fine display of point kicking. In a largely one-sided affair, Ravens simply could not stem the flowing football of the visitors. Sylvester’s provided an assured display, which will be encouraging with championship fixtures coming up in a couple of weeks for the

club. The side’s midfield presence was assured featuring Ross Hazley, along with brother Jack, who was dominant throughout, while the hard-hitting Ryan and St Ledger gave Syls a reassured presence in defence while Sexton and Sweeney allowed an efficient attacking outlet up front. The win lifts Syl’s to fifth place in the table with two wins and a draw on their record af ter four rounds of matches. Ravens, meanwhile, are on one point after their four games,

leaving them under some early season pressure. Ravens face a tricky opening tie in the championship next week when they meet Clontarf, last year’s semi-finalists, while Syl’s face the always unknown entity of UCD. The students will be in the midst of their exams which may limit availability but that means they are assured of having their players in the country rather than being on summer sabbaticals abroad, often a factor that limits their progress.

Conor Lennon represented our club

juvenile section.

once again on the Dublin minor football

Our juvenile section is thriving so

team who had a fine win over Offaly in

there must be lots of ladies willing to

the first round of the All-Ireland minor

play Gaelic for fun and fitness. It’s a

football championship.

social team and a great way to meet

We also had five girls selected to the U-13 Dublin camogie development

FINGAL Ravens

new people. The team train every Thursday on the pitches in the valley.

PLEASE note 2016 club membership is

four numbers must be matched to win

now overdue; membership forms are

or share the jackpot of €17,000. When

available in the clubhouse and can be

the current jackpot is won, the new

downloaded from our Facebook page

jackpot will start at €3,936.

or can be done online on www.myclubfinances.com. All membership must be paid in full,

Anyone doing the lotto, please make sure to fill in your numbers, name and contact number.

by all sections of the club. No player

The next juvenile committee meet-

of any age will be permitted to play if

ing is May 3 at 9pm. It will be preceded

they do not have their membership

by a fundraising meeting of both sen-

played in full.

ior and juvenile committees at 8pm.

Only fully paid up members will be

Our U-8s played an exhibition game

able to avail of applications for Dublin

against St Sylvester’s U-8s at half time

game tickets.

in the senior game. This was a wonder-

Players, of all ages are required to

ful chance for supporters to see our

wear gum shields. This is an official

senior team and youngest team play

requirement by the GAA and will be

in the same event. Thanks to St Syl-

enforced by all referees.

vester’s, the Ravens young players

There was no winner of the lotto. Numbers drawn were 20, 26, 29 and 40; €20 to Mick Mansfield, Jack Walker and Sean McDonald. In accordance with our lotto licence,

and their families for helping to make this happen. Congratulations to Darren and Sarah Daly on the birth of the new baby son Odhran.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 28-31

super syl’s: Malahide side move up the rankings with strong win over Fingal Ravens in Division 1 P31

april 21-27, 2016

primary super stars: Ringsend abuzz for Dublin schools finals day P28

Ellen Keane is looking to add to her array of medals

Keane leads Irish team Aer Lingus swim club graduate hoping to add to her array of elite level medals when she takes on the European championships in Portugal

 sport@dublingazette.com

FORMER Aer Lingus swimmer and double Paralympian Ellen Keane will once again head up the Irish team as they named a very competitive team for the Paralympic (IPC) Swimming European Open Championships which will take place in Funchal, Portugal, from May 1 to 7. The Irish team is made up of Keane, a World Championship bronze medallist and double Paralympian (Beijing 2008 and London 2012), along with fellow London Paralympians, James Scully and Jonathan McGrath. The team also features Ailbhe Kelly, who will appear at her second European Champion-

ships, and Nicole Turner who made her debut on the international stage at the 2015 World Championships, while 14-year-old Barry McClements is competing in his first international championship. The championships are the last chance for swimmers to secure qualification times for the upcoming Games in Rio. However, due to the open nature of the event, it is not just limited to European athletes, but instead, some of the best swimmers from around the world will also be competing. “We’ve just returned from a really positive event in Holland, where the team trained hard and competed well. We have been fine-tuning

final preparations since, and we are now in good shape heading into these Championships,” stated team manager, Hayley Burke. Indeed, the upcoming event is set to be a tough but exciting test for the squad. 21-yearold Keane, who secured a World Championship bronze medal in the 200 IM in 2015, is hoping to compete at her third Paralympic Games in Rio this year having made her debut at the Games at Beijing in 2008 at the age of just 13. Fellow National Aquatic Centre swimmer Scully, who claimed two European bronze medals in 2014, will be targeting personal best performances in the 100m and 200m freestyle.

Meanwhile, McGrath is also looking to put in a big performance and hopes to achieve the Rio minimum qualification standard time in the 400m Freestyle. Elsewhere, 17-year-old Kelly is competing in her third major international, having debuted at the European Championships in 2014. She has achieved two Rio minimum Qualification Standard times in the S8 400m freestyle and 100m backstroke and will be hoping to final in these events. Turner, at just 13, is competing in her second major senior championships and will be aiming to challenge for a medal in the SB6 100m breaststroke and also to final in multiple events.