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Leinster line-up includes four Fingal stars Page 30

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Master plan for cultural quarter  keith bellew

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A r ange of projects for the planned Swords Cultural Quarter centring around Swords Castle have been announced by Fingal County Council.

The council has commissioned a master plan for the cultural quarter which features projects which include a new major central public and civic space outside Swords Castle, a new library civic centre building to sit alongside County Hall and the

creation of a hub or cultural quarter on North-Main Street.

Some projects have already been undertaken as part of the conservation plan for Swords Castle, including safety works to allow the public to safely access the castle.

Fingal chief executive Paul Reid said: “This new development will provide a civic and cultural space which will benefit citizens, the business community and visitors.”

Full Story on Page 2

It’s a winner: Cliona’s still life catches judges’ attention Pictured are proud winner Cliona Fitzpatrick, a pupil at Malahide Community School, with her winning work, Tomatoes And More, brothers Darragh and Fionn and mother Veronica.

They attended a function at the

Dublin City Hugh Lane Gallery, to announce the Dublin winners of the 61st Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Prizes will be presented to 126 prize winners at an awards ceremony in Dublin next month.

2 swords gazette 23 April 2015

heritage

Council’s cultural quarter project takes shape

Swords Castle plans gain pace A RANGE of projects for the planned Swords Cultural Quarter centred around Swords Castle has been announced by Fingal County Council.

The council has commissioned a master plan for the cultural quarter, which features projects to include new major central public and civic space outside Swords Castle, a new librarycivic centre building to sit alongside County Hall, new landscape inter ventions in the park and the tow n, and the creation of a hub or cultural quarter on North Street-Main

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

Street.

A number of projects has already been undertaken as part of the conservation plan for Swords Castle.

The plan, which was announced late last year, identifies actions to take the castle into the future and ensure its conservation.

Some of the projects

u n d e r t a ke n s o f a r include the stabilisation of the gatehouse, a safety audit and works carried out to allow the public to safely access the castle, new panels displaying information that incorporate information about the conservation plan.

Other projects include surveys that identified some sub surfaces in the central area that are regarded as warranting excavation.

Should excavation work take place, the public will be kept up to date with the process.

A design team has

been procured to start work associated with the reconstruction of the vault over the main entrance and a programme of ivy removal has just begun.

Residents, stakeholders and local representatives have been waiting for these projects for a number of years now and it is hoped that they will help to boost tourism, bring more trade to the main street and revitalise the entire area.

Fingal chief executive Paul Reid said: “This new development will provide a civic and cultural space, which will benefit citizens, the business community and visitors.”

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) welcomed the announcement saying: “I really am delighted to see great progress being made with regards to Swords Castle and the cultural quarter.

Excavation work may be necessary around the Swords Castle area

“Swords Castle and Swords Main Street were two big issues when knocking on doors this time last year before the council and European elections.”

He went on to commend the council for the time and effort put into these plans, saying it was “simply fantastic to think what might be when these are completed”.

He added: “It is estimated that 3,000 people

took the opportunity to see inside the castle grounds and inside the refurbished chapel on St Patrick’s Day, and I look forward to the castle being opened up again to Swords residents and visitors over the summer months.”

Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind) also welcomed the plans. She said: “I am absolutely delighted that the pressure that Swords councillors have put on the

management has been responded to in such a positive way.”

She said she was cautiously optimistic because plans like these had been made before and never implemented.

She said she had faith in Paul Reid’s commitment to the projects.

The Swords Masterplan Report can be viewed on the council’s website at www.fingal.ie/planning-and-buildings.

Bus chaos looms as talks collapse  keith bellew

CHAOS is expected for commuters next month when bus services are suspended over seven non-consecutive days due to Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann drivers taking strike action.

The drivers, who are represented by SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers’ Union (NBRU), are taking the action in protest at the planned privatisation of

10% of bus routes.

SIPTU drivers will strike on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2. They will be joined by NBRU drivers on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16.

Services will also be hit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 29, 30 and 31, as NBRU drivers hold additional strikes.

In February, the Natiional Transport Authority (NTA) decided to allow private operators to tender for 23 Dublin

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

Bus routes.

Dublin Bus routes affected by this in north County Dublin are the 33a, 33b and 102, which have been put out to competitive tender.

Bus Eireann’s route 120 (Dublin toEdenderry and Tullamore); 123 (Dublin to Naas); 124 (Dublin to Naas to Portlaoise); 126 (Dublin to Naas); and 130 (Dublin to Naas to Athy) will also be hit.

SIPTU’s Owen Reidy said the bus companies had refused to agree to a meeting and merely recommended that the Labour Relations Commission process be reconstituted after talks broke down this month. He said until SIPTU met

with both companies, no progress could be made in allaying the concerns of its members; and drivers had no choice but to strike. NBRU general security Dermot O’Leary said while it had planned to keep disruption to a minimum with a one-day strike on May 1, the inaction of Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe had prompted firmer action.

A spokesperson for Dublin Bus urged the unions not to take industrial action and to re-engage with the process. A spokesperson for the NTA said the strike would mean enormous disruption and it regretted that the unions had decided to strike.

23 April 2015 swords gazette 3

internet

diversity: Bracken pupils use art project to promote difference

Online speeds to increase

School shows red card to racism  keith bellew

PUPILS from Bracken Educate Together National School were at the Aviva Stadium for the annual prize-giving ceremony of the Show Racism the Red Card programme this week.

The school’s art club came up with visual representations of diversity with the fifth class students matching quotes to these images in the context of the “Red Card” programme.

Ten-year-old pupil Laura King McDonnell said: “We did anti-bullying month and racism stuff, and I was hoping we’d do a project one day, so here we all are.

“I learned we should

treat each other the same no matter what. Even if you don’t get along with a person, at least try.

“And you shouldn’t treat anyone differently because of the way they look, the way they appear.

You should treat them the same way.”

She went on to say that when deciding on what images to use, she and her schoolmates thought of the animal kingdom.

“We started off with birds, how they fly free, different ways they fly and look; they all build their nests differently.”

She went on to say that birds can be difficult to draw and to study due to their elusiveness, so the class

decided to look at fish as well.

“Fish all look differently, they don’t all go one way [upstream or downstream], they don’t all go the other way.

“They all swim together. And they all live in different places.”

Eileen Keane, fifthclass teacher and art club leader the school, said her role in the project was one of facilitator.

“You have such a wealth of ideas there in front of you in the community.

“I think there are 36 or 37 different nationalities represented, so really the experience is there in front of you; it needn’t come from me.”

Young entrepreneurs: Show off their talents at Croke Park awards pictured are teenage entrepreneur Aviva Kearney with Minister

for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton. Aviva of Holly’s Pets Patisserie, is a pupil at Sutton Park School, Fingal, where students won places at the Student Enterprise Awards National Finals in Croke Park recently. The awards were co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Offices and 300 secondary school students from 74 different student enterprises won a place at the 13th annual day out. Overall the competition involved 17,000 students from 370 schools nationally. Further details are available from www.studententerprise.ie. Pictures: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

SWORDS, Balbriggan, Malahide, Portmarnock, Rush and Skerries will be among the first 50 towns in Ireland to get a new super-fast broadband service this year under a joint venture between the ESB and Vodafone. This new service will be about four times faster than what is currently available.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said this would be a positive development for homeowners and businesses: “The provision of broadband speeds which are on a par with some of the world’s leading cities will support local businesses and will increase their potential for growth.”

He said it would assist in attracting more businesses to Fingal, which would increase job creation in local communities.

4 swords gazette 23 April 2015

transport Shortlist also includes a rapid transit bus service and Dart

Minister stays mum on Luas link option  keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com

TRANSPORT Minister Paschal Donohoe has refused to comment on his preferred transport option for north Dublin.

This comes amid claims made in the media recently that he would like to see a Luas link from Dublin city centre to the airport.

The article that recently appeared in a national publication claimed that

the Luas link was his preferred option, attributing the information to unnamed sources close to the Department of Transport.

However, a spokesperson for the Minister said he was still awaiting the report from the National Transpor t Authority (NTA) and would give consideration to the recommendation made by the authority once he had received the report.

The spokesperson said

the Minister had “no comment to make on what will transpire to be the preferred option”.

Shortlist

Late last year, Minister Donohoe announced a shortlist of six transport options for north Dublin for public consultation.

The shortlist included the Luas link; two heavy rail options, both of which would be Dart links; an optimised

Metro North proposal from St Stephen’s Green to the airport and Swords; and a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) option comprising a number of proposed BRT ser vices; and a combination of a Dart and Luas line.

The NTA is now preparing a report with recommendations for Minister Donohoe, who expects to have it soon.

He will then decide and bring his preferred

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe will make his decision for north Dublin based on an NTA report setting out a series of recommendations

option to Cabinet for approval.

It is expected that this decision will be made by the summer.

A spokesperson for the Minister said: “The project that will be identified for north Dublin, and brought to Cabinet, will be the one that best suits the needs of the travelling public in that area.”

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said that he believed that what was needed for north Dublin was either the Luas link or the

optimised Metro North option.

Available

He said he was “vehemently” opposed to the BRT solution and said it was unfair for people on the northside of Dublin to have to do without Luas when it was widely available on the southside.

H e a s ke d : “ W hy should the southside get Luas and not us?”

Meanwhile in Dublin West, Senator Catherine Noone (FG) said

she would like to see a Luas link from Dublin city centre to the airport, saying it would greatly benefit commuters in Ashtown.

She said this would serve as a close, frequent link with the airport and Swords, in addition to the city centre.

She said: “There is no logistical reason why this project couldn’t be done in parallel to Luas Cross City in terms of construction, from what I can see.”

Fingal to get 50 new jobs  keith bellew

FIFTY jobs will be created throughout Fingal in the next year as the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has approved a further €260,000 for 14 start-up and growing small businesses.

The announcement was made to mark the first birthday of the Fingal LEO last week.

Twenty jobs will be created immediately increasing to 50 over the year.

Of the 14 Fingal small businesses approved for a share of the €260,000 investment, 11 are startup businesses while three are existing small businesses.

The businesses and new jobs will be spread throughout the Fingal region including Howth,

Sutton, Portmarnock, Skerries, Clonsilla, Baldoyle, Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Balbriggan and Lusk.

The grant approval letters were presented to the businesses by Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray (FF) and chief executive Paul Reid at the LEO First Birthday Networking Celebration in Malahide Castle recently.

Head of enterprise in

Fingal Oisin Geoghegan said: “These small businesses are creating 20 much needed new jobs immediately.

“But it will not end there because we anticipate that employment numbers in these 14 businesses will grow to 50 new jobs after year one, with prospects for further growth and job creation over the next three years in these businesses.”

23 April 2015 swords gazette 5

holywell ‘It is about celebrating difference in culture, not just tolerating it’

School proud of 40 nationalities on rollbook  keith bellew

AN EVENT to celebrate the cultural diversity of the school population of Holywell Educate Together National School will be held at the school on Saturday, April 25, from 6pm to 8pm.

The event is being organised by members of the school’s parent teacher asso-

ciation – Amanda Downes, Aine Maguire and Saida Khemira.

Speaking to The Gazette, Khemira said: “We have over 40 different nationalities in our school, and we are very pleased to be able to have this multicultural night as the ethos of the school is about celebrating the difference in culture, not just tol-

Mayday: fundraiser for RNLI volunteers

All hoping for a welly good day  keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com

THE RNLI is calling on the public to join it in recognising the lifesaving work of its volunteer crews in north Dublin by supporting Mayday, the charity’s national fundraising campaign.

From Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 4, collections and fundraising events will take place in Skerries and Howth.

Events will have a welly theme, in keeping with the yellow wellies worn by the RNLI’s volunteer crew members.

The charity is encouraging people to show their support by buying and wearing a yellow welly pin badge, which will be on sale on streets and in local businesses, or by holding a welly-themed fundraising event.

Funds raised go to the training of the volunteer rescue team, and the upkeep, maintenance and provision of new kits and equipment.

Last year, RNLI lifeboat crews in north Dublin, at Skerries and Howth, launched 81 times and brought 130

people to safety.

Howth RNLI station mechanic and crew member Ian Sheridan said: “I am one of the 1,500 lifeboat crew in Ireland who relies on the generosity of the public to help my lifeboat station to save lives at sea.

“From crew kit to training and fuel for our lifeboats, every cent raised this Mayday will help us to continue to rescue people ever y day.

“So hop on board and be part of the crew and wear a welly.”

The Skerries RNLI Welly Mayday Event takes place at the bandstand in Skerries Harbour on Sunday, May 3, from 3pm to 5pm.

Events on the day will include tug of war, guess the jellies in the wellies, sponge throwing, face painting and a welly disco.

To donate, and for ideas about how to get involved in Mayday, visit www.rnli.org/mayday.

There is also a text to donate option whereby people can text RNLIMAYDAY to 50300 to donate €4.

erating it.”

She went on to say that the day was as much for parents as it was for students.

“Every day our children have the privilege of embracing cultures from around the world without leaving the community of their school.

“Now, as their parents and guardians this is an opportunity [for the adults] to do

the same, through traditional food, dance, music, dress, stories and games at the Holywell Educate Together multicultural event.”

The event will serve as a platform for Swords’ residents from many countries and cultural backgrounds to share their culture and learn about that of others.

Parents will dress in the

traditional costumes of their respective countries for the occasion.

In addition,there will be exhibitions of native music and dances from many places inlcuding Africa, India, Pakistan, Lithuania and Algeria.

There will also be a Polish version of the seanchai (storyteller) on hand to regale everyone with native Polish

folklore.

A range of unique native games from around the world will be played on the day.

There will also be articles and objects of cultural significance on display during the event. Parents from different international backgrounds will bring a range of native dishes to tickle the tastebuds of all present.

6 swords gazette 23 April 2015

Meetings Chief executive tells councillors to be professional

Protests disrupt council business  keith bellew

FINGAL chief executive Paul Reid said he had real concerns with how the chamber was dealing with matters of strategic importance to the council.

He was referring to protests taking place outside the offices and disrupting meetings.

In a circular email sent to councillors and seen

by The Gazette, Reid said: “Over the last two meetings we have had presentations on key matters led by external consultants, ie the Draft

Tourism Strategy and the Swords Cultural Quarter. On both occasions, frankly, it was quite embarrassing the lack of respect for the presenters on these items.”

Anti-water charge protesters have been demonstrating outside County Hall in Swords during council meetings for several months.

At this month’s meeting a pane of glass was smashed on an entrance door to the hall during a scuffle between gardai and protesters in which one woman received

cuts to her head. This caused disruption in the chamber during the presentation on the Swords Cultural Quarter.

Reid said: “On the presentation this week, the chamber was completely distracted with councillors walking in and out and passing mobile phones and laptops. This doesn’t reflect a level of professionalism that I believe we should show to visiting presenters. It also doesn’t demonstrate to the public that we are acting in their best interests.”

Another issue that has arisen as a result of the protests is safety and security, with some councillors, officials and outside consultants feeling intimidated by the protesters, according to Reid.

“On the tourism strategy, one presenter advised me afterwards that she found it quite intimidating as protesters were banging on the shutters during the presentation. We will continue to put in place whatever arrangements are necessary to protect staff.

A woman was injured by a broken window during a recent protest. Picture: Peter Doyle

“However, I have to advise that staff have reported to me their concerns, this week, about walking out of work through protesters and having their picture taken by camera phones.

“Personally, I had comments made to me going to my car the other evening. While I don’t have any concern in this regard, others may.”

D e p u t y M ay o r o f Fingal Ted Leddy (FG) agreed with Reid about the need to give due

attention and respect to outside consultants giving presentations in the chamber.

“There’s no question that during the last council meeting the noise outside was a huge distraction. When the incident happened some councillors went out to see it and then others had it on their laptops. For about an hour the council business didn’t seem to have the attention of the councillors. I agree with the chief executive, it’s very unfair to the people who

come in to do their presentations.”

Cllr Eugene Coppinger (AAA) said: “I received a picture text from one of the protesters outside, which showed the bloodied face of the injured women. I showed the photo to Cllr [Matt] Waine (AAA) and CllrBarry Martin (PBP) who were beside me. I’m sure this is what the chief executive is referring to. I’ll make no apology to anyone for leaving the meeting as I was really concerned for the woman.”

All-weather pitches open  keith bellew

THE new full-sized Gaelic and soccer floodlit all-weather pitches at Bremore, Balbriggan, were officially opened recently by Mayor of Fingal Mags Murray (FF).

Fingal County Council funded the majority of the €1m plus project along with the help of a sports capital grant of €120,000 from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

The sod was turned on site in May 2014 by then Mayor of Fingal, Kieran Dennison (FG), along with then Health Minister, James Reilly, and chief executive of the council, Paul Reid, and took just under a year to complete.

The facility will be operated on behalf of the council by a company made up of members of O’Dwyers GAA Club and Balbriggan FC, who have come together to manage the new facility.

The facility will be available for rent by clubs and groups.

Local schools in the area can also avail of the facility free of charge.

President of the GAA Aogan O Fearghail and vice-president of the Football Association of Ireland Donal Conway attended the opening.

Conway said he recognised “the significance of this great facility which will serve the Community and all the children of Balbriggan and support the development of sport in the area”.

Mayor Murray said: “Over the past decade Fingal County Council has been involved in the design, support, operation and management of community facilities across the county of Fingal.

“This facility will be a big asset to the people of Balbriggan and beyond.”

To rent one of the pitches visit: www.balbrigganallweather.ie

23 April 2015 swords gazette 7

8 swords gazette 23 April 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Jamie Cullen shows off his bowling skills

Chris Deacon bowls

Mary Waldron, incoming cricket development officer Pictures: Niall Griffin

Beatrice Ni Chongaile and Juliet Malone

Padraig Rock on bat

Malahide Cricket: easter camp well attended Ben Kearney

Having a wicket time with sport L

Jamie Allen

ocal children had a wicket time at Malahide Cricket Club recently when the club hosted an Easter Camp with over 50 children aged six to 13 attending.

The event was a great opportunity for the youngsters to get some physical activity

while learning the many skills of cricket and having fun. It was also a great chance for them to develop their social skills. Their coaches included Chris Siddell and Mary Waldron, who play pivotal roles in the Ireland senior men’s and women’s teams.

23 April 2015 swords gazette 9

JJ Tobin, Natan Loughran and Daniel Connolly

and Chris Siddell, outgoing development officer.

Rebecca Clarke, Saibh Mitchell, Cliodhna Rushe

Lienkies de Klerk, Isobel Jeffrey, Ellie Richardson and Cara O’Donnell

Beth Deacon, Katie Brophy, Juliette Evans and Gemma Devally

10 gazette 23 April 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Ciara Cramer and Katie Davenport

Declan Cantwell, Oonagh Desire and David O’Sullivan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Kelly Phelan and Poldark star Aidan Turner

Hedda Gabler launch at the Abbey Theatre

T

HE ABBEY Theatre celebrated the opening of Mark O’Rowe’s new version of the iconic Henrik Ibsen play Hedda Gabler recently. He has teamed up with Director Annabelle Comyn to bring the highly anticipated version to the stage this month.

The play stars Catherine Walker as the

Oisin Murphy and Megan Nolan

title character and includes an ensemble cast including Declan Conlon, Peter Gaynor and members of the Brennan acting dynasty, Jane Brennan and her niece, Kate Stanley Brennan.

Designer Peter O’Brien is on board as costume designer, bringing a neo contemporary take on 19th century

Fiach Mac Conghail and Jonathan Irwin

fashion while Paul O’Mahony and Chahine Yavroyan have made their mark with set and lighting designs.

Enjoying the launch were celebrities including Eamon and Ann Morrissey, Paul Cusack, Julian Erskine and Anita Reeves. The play will run at The Abbey Theatre until Saturday May 16th.

Olivia O’Leary and Olive Braiden

23 April 2015 Gazette 11

Opinion P14

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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

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Gazette

diary P12

what’son a Lennon and beatles treat:

Louise Heraghty is a weather presenter for RTE, a radio presenter for 98FM and a fitness instructor for pregnant and post-pregnant women

day in the life: multitasker enjoys eating out and is a netflix junkie

Forecasting a busy future  ian begley

HAVING a thriving career as a weather presenter for RTE, a radio presenter for 98FM and a fitness instructor for pregnant and post-pregnant women, it is no guess that Louise Heraghty’s dayto-day life is full of variety.

This week The Gazette caught up with Heraghty to see what a day in her life entails.

“Depending on my day ahead, it would really vary on the time I’d wake up at, but it would never be after 8am.

“I love having breakfast, but very often I would be in such a rush to get out the door that all I’d have time to grab is a smoothie.

“A cup of coffee in the mornings is

always a must.

“But I wouldn’t have it before I do the weather or before I teach a fitness class because I like to sit down and just enjoy it.

“With the lovely weather we’ve being having lately I’d usually go for a walk around lunch time because it’s really nice to get out of the studio.

“I also teach a running class sometimes in the evenings with a few core girls that I’ve been training for the past year.

“We would go to the Phoenix Park and do 5km, which is really fun and rewarding.

“Since I first met them over a year ago they’ve become really good friends and we always have the craic.”

Hegarty said she usually gets back to her home in Clontarf at about 6pm or 7pm to relax and unwind after her busy day.

“I love to cook when I get home and since I’m really into fitness I try my best to prepare healthy food.

“On the weekends I really love eating out, but then there are times when I just like to pig out.

“I’m also a big Netflix junkie and I watch everything including, House of Cards, Breaking Bad and Orange is the New Black.

“I’m also a huge movie fan but these days I don’t usually go out to the cinema because I’m so busy.

“I’m usually so exhausted at the end of the day that I would fall asleep

before 11pm.

“I don’t even get a lie in on a Sunday morning because I have to be on 98FM from 9am to12 noon.”

Louise Heraghty is part of the VHI Support Team, providing fitness support and advice to women training for the 2015 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon on June 1.

You can follow Louise’s weekly training plans for walkers, beginners and improvers on the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon 2015 app, which is available free from the App Store and Playstore.

Entries for the 2015 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon will close very soon.

It is possible to register to enter online at www.vhiwomensminimarathon.

A SPECIAL treat is in store for all fans of John Lennon and The Beatles in a special concert at the National Concert Hall on April 30.

The John Lennon Songbook will see the RTE Concert Orchestra conducted by John Wilson perform a collection of classics from Lennon’s catalogue, including Imagine, A Day in the Life, Ticket to Ride and Strawberry Fields Forever.

The orchestra will be joined by musicians Claire Martin, Charlie Wood and Mark McGann.

McGann has r e c e i ve d c r i t i c a l acclaim for his portrayal of Lennon on stage in the play Lennon, and on screen in John and Yoko.

The show was a sellout when it last visited Dublin, and has been praised by Lennon’s family.

“It’s always a comfort to know Dad’s words and music are in the hands of an artist such as Mark McGann,” said Julian Lennon.

For more information about the show and booking tickets visi: www.nch.ie

Gazette

12 Gazette 23 April 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

TDs get a taste of what life on the dole is like

ARGUABLY the best idea for a TV show ever is the newTV3 Dail on the Dole series, where TDs get a chance to spend time with an unemployed person and witness how they make ends meet.

The four TDs taking part are Willie O’Dea (FF), Catherine Byrne (FG), Joanna Tuffy (Lab) and John Halligan (Ind).

T he genius of the show, which began on April 20, is that we get to see the TDs’ eyes prised open to the reality of those who have to scrimp and save on what the Government, which they represent, has deemed a liveable wage.

The new Landmark produced documentary show is broadcast for four weeks on TV3, with a different deputy taking part each Monday.

Audience figures are expected to be huge for the series, which is an Irish TV first. The show gives us the opportunity to see how our politicians react to the harsh reality of their policies.

Dail on the Dole on April 27, features Deputy Willie O’Dea shadowing homeless Limerick man Jamie O’Sullivan.

On May 4, Dublin MidWest TD Joanna Tuffy will meet Lucan resident Mandy Boggans, whose lone parent allowance is due to be cut this July.

Let’s see them spin their way out of these situations!

Get on side for Soccer challenge for kids DON Bosco Care staff are

issuing an open challenge to any group of friends or co-workers to take them on in a five-a-side soccer game in Clontarf.

T he football challenge takes place at 5pm on Thursday evenings at the Clontarf all-weather pitches, Clontarf Road Dart station.

Male, female or mixed teams are welcome to take part.

The challenge costs €100 per team. This money goes to cover the hire of the football pitch for the challenge match plus the regular weekly football session as well as some light refreshment afterwards.

Don Bosco Care’s football team is made up of young adults who have grown up in care.

T hey have all come from extremely difficult backgrounds and were unable to remain living in the family home.

T he football pro gramme plays a key role in rebuilding their lives.

To arrange a date for your team to take on Don Bosco Care contact Saoirse at fundraising@donboscocare.ie

REnua TD talks about ‘that’ radio interview D E P U T Y Te r e n c e Flanagan (Renua), now famous for his infamous inter view with Mary Wilson on RTE Radio One’s Drivetime programme, has finally spoken out about the experience.

Flanagan froze during the exchange and was unable to answer any of the questions put to him

The four TDs taking part in the new TV3 Dail on the Dole are Joanna Tuffy (Lab), Willie O’Dea (FF), Catherine Byrne (FG) and John Halligan (Ind). Picture: Brian McEvoy

about the new party’s policies.

He recently told Miriam O’Callaghan, again on Radio One, that the interview with Wilson had felt like an out of body experience.

He said he felt he had let his colleagues and his family down.

Flanagan blamed his abysmal performance on tiredness, saying he had been awake from 5am on the morning of the interview. He said he had not been feeling 100% because of a hectic day and that his adrenaline was low. The result was that he gave a dismal account of himself, which still haunts him. “I was searching for the words and they just weren’t there,” he said.

Since then, he has been reviewing his work-life balance.

The experience has not been all bad, as many people have since stopped him in the street to sympathise and to share their own embarrassing moments.

Fast cars take a break ahead of championship THE world’s oldest motorsport, speed hillclimbing, took centre stage in Dublin City recently when a selection of Ireland’s fastest cars and drivers were on hand to mark the launch of the Naylor Engineering Hillclimb Championship 2015.

Motorsport enthusiasts from across the city

were drawn to the Mansion House to check out the rare machinery on display. These cars are usually seen racing up steep country roads during the Naylor championship, which starts in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, on Saturday, April 25.

Four-time Irish champion, Dubliner Simon McKinley, presented his Lant RT4 racing car on the day.

Rory Stephens was also on hand to present his 460HP Radical SR8, LeMans Style car, along with Deirdre McKinley, whose purple Reynard Opel Lotus was also on show.

The championship will draw together competitors from all over Ireland for round one in

Ballyvaughan on April 25.

your home plan can help the homeless THE Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Simon Community have launched the 11th annual RIAI Simon Open Door campaign, which takes place on Saturday 9 and Sunday, 10 May. Architects in Dublin and nationwide will offer one-hour consultations to the public for a donation of €55, every cent of which goes directly to the Simon Community in Ireland.

To date, €400,000 has been raised by the initiative.

Niamh Randall,

national spokesperson for the Simon Comm unity, said: “RIAI Simon Open Door is a wonderful initiative which raises much needed funds for the Simon communities, and supports our work addressing the housing and homelessness crisis all around Ireland.

“Homelessness and rough sleeping are growing rapidly; if we don’t move quickly and wisely long-term homelessness will become an epidemic.”

L o g o n t o w w w. simonopendoor.ie to book your one-hour consultation with an RIAI registered architect in your area.

All architects give their time and expertise for free.

23 April 2015 Gazette 13

14 Gazette 23 April 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Free GP care plan is good for families for: most important development since the 1970s

An extra 270,000 children now entitled to free GP care, says Minister Kathleen Lynch THE announcement last week that the Government has agreed a free GP care service with doctors for children under six years is good news for families across Dublin.

It means that, in a short few months, parents of children in this age group can go to their doctor and

not have to worry about paying for the visit.

When the scheme is rolled out, it will mean that more than 62,000 Dublin children under six will have access to free GP care. See panel for breakdown.

These figures include those children who are already on medical

cards.

It is expected that the free service will be available in July.

Parents wishing to sign their child up will be able to do so in the coming weeks, when the HSE will have an online registration facility up and running.

Local people aged over 70 who don’t have medical cards will also now be entitled to attend their GP free of charge.

I know it will make a massive difference to the lives of the youngest and the oldest in our local community.

In further good news, specific programmes for asthma and diabetes

patients have been agreed because they cater for people struggling with these often difficult conditions.

As part of the agreement for the under-sixes, GPs who have diagnosed asthma must carry out an annual review. Similarly, patients with a medical card or GP visit card and who have type 2 diabetes will be able to avail of two free annual visits to their GP practice.

These are significant steps forward, which will each in their own way deliver real savings for Dublin families and pensioners, while also helping to promote health and well-being in com-

Minister for Primary Care Kathleen Lynch on the merits of the free GP care plan

munities.

The scheme is the most important development in primary care since the introduction of medical cards in the 1970s.

This Government is the first in history of the State to have committed itself to implementing a universal GP service for the entire population.

As Labour Minister for Primary Care, I was pleased to play a key role in delivering this agreement and helping to make this long-held Labour Party vision a reality.

As a party, we have campaigned for this measure for some time.

The net result is that, nationally, 270,000 additional children are now entitled to free GP care.

Overall, 436,000 children under six years will have either free GP care or a medical card when this scheme is delivered.

The success of this initiative will now see families able to bring their sick child to the doctor free of charge from this

summer.

For a family with a child who suffers from any condition that require sfrequent GP care but not hospitalisation, this will make a real difference.

This measure is also part of a wider plan to provide universal GP care for all Irish people.

We are introducing this on a phased basis, looking after the most vulnerable groups of people as our priority.

That is why we have prioritised free GP care for children aged six and under and those aged over 70 in the first instance.

This means not only that pensioners and families will make real savings, but also that we are removing cost as one of the factors in accessing vital healthcare.

W hen we first announced that we were going to introduce free GP care, many doubted our capacity to deliver.

Yes, it was an ambitious programme. And negotiations have taken longer than we would have liked. But very soon

families and pensioners will be the first to feel the benefits of our vision.

At the outset of 2015, the Labour Party promised that we would help working families share in the economic recovery that is now under way, and ensure that people feel a turnaround in their everyday lives.

Introducing free GP care ser vice for the under-sixes and over-70s is one clear example of how Labour can deliver better living standards for people when resources permit.

breakdown: healthcare for dublin children under age of 6

Number of AREA Children Dublin Bay North.............6,300 Dublin Bay South.............3,400 Dublin Central..................2,800 Dublin Fingal....................9,000 Dublin Mid-West.............. 7,000 Dublin North West............ 4,100 Dublin Rathdown..............4,000 Dublin South Central........4,700 Dublin South West............8,000 Dublin West..................... 7,500 Dun Laoghaire.................4,800

23 April 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

opinion against: plan is easy but not right

This initiative is a naked appeal to the electorate It is unjust to fund a healthy four-year-old rather than an ill eight-year-old , argues Chris Goodey WHEN GPs refuse to back the Government’s feel-good election plan of providing free GP care for children under six, the public has a right to know why.

Free care sounds like something wonderful, and when it’s for children, who could possibly oppose that?

Why would GPs be almost unanimously against it?

The truth is that this is about doing what is right rather than what is easy.

The provision of care to all children under-six comes with the promise of an extra €67m a year for GPs, at a time when general practice is in dire need of investment.

The easy thing would be for GPs to accept this money and move on.

The right thing to do is for them to stand together and demand that vulnerable and sick patients are given priority.

On a daily basis, GPs all over the country see seriously ill people who are already struggling financially in the wake of the recession and are suddenly faced with a health crisis, which brings with it the added burden of medical bills.

They see cancer patients who are being forced to pay for expensive medication.

They are seeing suicidal patients who simply can-

not afford to see a counsellor.

They see families who may be €20 over the medical card threshold but have a child with a disability and are sacrificing other essentials to pay medical costs.

In many cases, GPs are already providing free visits to these patients because they have been abandoned by our public health system.

Even for those patients who do have medical cards, the service is woefully under-resourced.

Slashed

Over the past few years, the funding provided by Government to deliver a general practice service to medical card patients has been slashed by €220m a year.

The Government and the Health Service Executive have discouraged GPs from providing house calls to medical card patients by making the GP meet the travel cost.

GPs are being required to put patients on lengthy waiting lists for simple tests because the Government will not provide GPs with the equipment necessary to carry out these tests in general practice.

Patients are waiting months to go to a hospital for minor surgery or joint injections which, again, GPs are not being sup-

ported to do even though they are trained and experienced.

In contrast, a private patient can often get these tests and treatments in private centres within days because they can afford to pay for health insurance.

They say a society is judged by how it cares for its most vulnerable. Those who have a life-threatening illness; those who cannot afford to pay for their own health care and medication; those who have chronic conditions that require frequent doctor visits – these are our vulnerable.

It is simply unjust to spend scarce health funds on free care for a healthy four-year-old when an eight-year-old with leukaemia cannot get a medical card.

It is unjust to have one diabetic patient waiting 12 months to see a consultant because they are on minimum wage when another can be seen within a week because they can afford to go privately.

Providing free care to all citizens is a commendable goal.

Reality

The reality is that it requires major increases in staff and other essential resources.

The evidence shows that when people have access to free care, they attend their doctor more often – sometimes up to five times more often.

General practice simply cannot absorb that level of additional workload in its current state.

For the past number of years it has fallen on GPs to shelter patients from the effects of unprecedented cuts to the medical card system.

GPs have striven to deliver the same highquality, same-day service regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. This has come at enormous personal and financial cost for many GPs. Sustainable

That situation was only ever going to be sustainable for so long. Doctors have shouldered the Government’s responsibilities for long enough.

GPs cannot allow the Government to spend money on a scheme that not only will not benefit patients, but will seriously lower the overall standard of care.

This under-sixes initiative has more to do with optics and elections than genuine reform and improvement in the health service.

It is based on a naked appeal to the electorate rather than health need.

We must remember in all of this that already 50% of our children have an automatic right to a medical card, and therefore free GP care, but sick children do not.

We need to provide free care to those that need it before we start spending money on policies that look good.

Health policy cannot continue to be dictated by electoral goals rather than the needs of seriously ill patients.

The NAGP’s 1,300 GPs will continue to advocate

for fairness and decency in health policy.

If this Government really wants to create a health system that is based on fairness, as it stated in the Programme for Government, it is time to put politics aside and engage in an open-minded dialogue with us.

Chris Goodey is the chief executive of the National Association of General Practitioners

Chris Goodey is the chief executive of the NAGP, which opposes the plan for free GP care for the under-sixes

Gazette

16 Gazette 23 April 2015

dublinlife

Q&A

business Spending up as DIY boom takes hold WITh summer just around the corner, DIY aficionados are gearing up to take on some serious home improvement.

New research from KBC Bank Ireland shows that Irish consumers are on a home improvement buzz with 41% planning

to tackle some projects over the next 12 to 18 months.

The majority (68%) plan to spend up to €5,000 on these projects, while 32% expect to pay more than that.

The number of customers planning to use a

personal loan to finance home improvements has doubled in the last year to 8%, with 5% planning to put the cost on a credit card and 69% intending to finance the upgrades from savings.

KBC has launched a home improvement loan

for amounts of €1,500 up to €50,000. Customers can avail of the lowest rate in the market for loans of more than €10,000 and a fixed rate of repayment each month.

For more information see www.kbc.ie

survey: dissatisfaction high on business costs

SMEs now Bringing the best of Kiwi back to Ireland happier with level official aid elizabeth mcguinness, kiwi country clothing

Elizabeth McGuinness hails from Monaghan town. She took a career break from teaching to visit New Zealand, where she met her husband.

Through his involvement as a largescale franchisee she got involved in his business. She gradually became an integral part of the operation, which she loved, from customer service and

staff management to designing and building/renovating drive thru outlets.

She also ran a very successful charity operation in New Zealand. She received a Governor General award for her communitywork after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. After her husband retired she decided to “bring the best of Kiwi” to Ireland.

How long have you been in business?

and quite often I am billed in USD instead of NZD, which is different by 17% at times. It is most frustrating.

What makes your business successful?

How has the recession affected your business?

Since June 2012.

The business is growing every quarter. I put my success down to the uniqueness of the product mix, the high performance aspect to everything I retail to the level of customer service I offer. I am available seven days from 9am-7pm (for phone sales and queries), and offer overnight delivery anywhere in Ireland at minimal cost to client. I have a solid belief in the performance level of every iota I sell. That along with dedication, hard work, long hours...and a bit of craic!

I started the business during the recession and have a product line of high calibre, so I predicted that things would only get better and that my first two years would be tough... little did I know how tough! However, I believe the gradual building of a base, defining my core client and offering the best possible customer service, yields dividends on bottom line sales but positive word of mouth reports.

What is your ambition for the business?

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

To grow it to a level that people automatically associate Kiwi Country Clothing with high quality, high performance cold and wet weather clothing. Also as our health products expand, I hope to be high in people’s thinking when it comes to diabetes, Raynaud’s, and other medical/clothing requirements. I hope to eventually supply other retail outlets, and ease off on my time commitments (a 40 hour week would be amazing!)

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

What living person do you most admire?

Unique products that cannot be found anywhere else in Ireland (or most of Europe). All calls and queries are always taken by me. The customers are always right... even when they are not! I take the products to the people by travelling all over Ireland and parts of the UK, so that customers do not have to travel to Monaghan or Dublin to find us.

Reduce VAT on sales to 18%.

While import duty is not excessive at12%, it is marred by fact that the “powers that be” have always inflated rates of currency exchange...

Joe Schmidt (Irish rugby manager). He comes from my home town in New Zealand. A staggeringly modest, gentle and genuine guy. His inner strength, personality and generousity is to be so admired.

IRISH small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have shown increased satisfaction in Government supports for the sector in the first quarter of 2015, a new survey has shown.

The latest Government Satisfaction Survey conducted by ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, shows all four indicators moving in a positive direction.

The survey was conducted in the last week of March and first week of April, with 932 SME respondents from nine main sectors.

Fifty-one per cent of the respondents employ fewer than 10 people, while a further 41% employ between 11 and 50 and the remaining 8% employ between 51 and 250.

Geographically, 37% are from Dublin with a 63% spread across the country, giving a good reflection of the country as a whole, by sector, by

geographical area and by employee numbers.

This is the first positive overall rating for SMEs since the survey began.

SMEs reported increased satisfaction in the area of jobs, while banking and costs show less dissatisfaction.

The association warned that improvements in the economy could soon be negated if Ireland’s competitiveness levels continued to decrease.

The satisfaction rating on the Government’s jobs initiatives has improved from +8 to +11, which reflects the decline in numbers on the Live Register.

The banking score has improved marginally from -44 to -43.

Delays in the opening of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and the decision to channel lending through the banks have contributed to dissatisfaction in this area.

SME access to

ISME boss Mark Fielding said there was no room for complacency despite the improved situation

finance is improving but the delays in decision making by banks continues to be an issue for SMEs. The business costs indicator has improved from -60 to -56 but still continues to be the highest-rated reason for dissatisfaction.

The issue of high business costs is a key concern for ISME members.

ISME chief executive Mark Fielding said the overall increase in

government satisfaction among SMEs was likely to be welcomed by the current administration, but, he said, there was no room for complacency.

However, he went on to highlight the fact that many SME’s remain dissatisfied with business costs and banking.

He also said that improving the levels of competitiveness levels is pivotal as Ireland strives towards an export-led recovery.

23 April 2015 Gazette 17

music P22

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P24

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week

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food P21

Pets Help archie learn to trust again

One of the participants showing off his skills to an enhusiastic public during a previous festival at the Docklands Picture: Sean Brosnan, Pixillume Photography

summer festival: Great activities and events in line-up at docklands

Fun docks at Grand Canal  keith bellew

FROM water sports to street performers and fun fair attractions, there is something for all the family at the fourth annual Dublin Docklands Summer Festival at Grand Canal Dock taking place on May 16 and 17.

A large prograamme of activities are planned over the course of the weekend, with wakeboarding, kayaking and paddle boarding for water sport enthusiasts; face-painting, carnival rides and the Docklands Rubber Duck Race for the kids; as well as street performances and music.

Foodies are well catered for too with a veritable smorgasbord of quality fresh and exciting food courtesy of ALA Markets.

Speaking to The Gazette about this year’s programme of activities, festival director Ciaran Flanagan said: “Three years ago we introduced wakeboarding to the whole thing and this year it’s going to be the centre of attention because we’re getting 10 international wakeboarders coming over from all over the world to compete in a wakeboarding extravaganza.

“We’re bringing in jumps and sliders onto the dock, so it will be quite dramatic for the two days.”

He went on to say that people who would like to try their hand at wakeboarding could do that on the wakeboarding zip-line, which will be set up at the dock.

Meanwhile, in the lower dock there will be Come Try It sessions where peo-

ple of all ages will be able to have a go at kayaking and paddle boarding.

“There’s also quite a large number of canal barges coming in on display so people can see and visit them.

“There will be a couple of guys bringing people out on the barges as well,” he said.

The duck race was one of the most popular attractions every year, he said.

“We’ll have a series of duck races with prizes for weekends away and it’s all for charity [cancer charity Biobank Ireland Trust].

“The kids can also take a duck and decorate it as well.”

There will be facilities within the Waterways Ireland Centre for the kids to decorate their ducks, which they can either race or bring home with them.

Street performance champions from around the world will exhibit their talents over the course of the weekend, doing everything from escapology to comedy and magic.

“We’ll have markets and amusements all around the Grand Canal Dock area.

There’s a lot happening with DJs and competitions and that type of thing as well. On top of that we have raft races for which we’re encouraging people to get together in groups of friends or working buddies or whatever,” said Flanagan.

All funds raised through the raft races will go towards the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

For more information on the Dublin Docklands Summer Festival visit: www. docklandssummerfestival.com

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is is Archie, a three-year-old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. He is one of what we term our “TLC” dogs, which means that he’ll need a little extra time, love and commitment from his new family.

Archie’s carers believe he didn’t have the greatest start in life and that he may have been subjected to inappropriate handling.

We’d love to find him a kind, loving and most of all, understanding home.

Adopters would need to come meet Archie several times before taking him home, to build up a trusting relationship. When he does get to know you, Archie will be a friend for life.

If you think you could offer Archie 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.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 23 April 2015

OUT&ABOUT

BEAUTYbits Lidl bringing back its Macadamia Oil range just in time for summer

Oasis top €106 and skirt €88

LIDL has brought back its hugely popular Macadamia Oil range to its 143 stores nationwide.

From Thursday, April 30, treat yourself to some tender-loving-care with a selection of five luxurious products guaranteed to leave your hair and skin feeling nourished and revitalised, just in time for summer. Each product in the range costs only €1.99.

Pollution, sun damage and over-styling can wreak havoc with hair, but restoring your tresses to their natural glory doesn’t have to break the bank. Each product in this ultra-hydrating range has been specially formulated with a unique blend of ingredients to revive and nourish dry, damaged hair for visibly improved results.

For smooth, supple, manageable hair, massage a small amount of Macadamia Shampoo (€1.99) into wet hair before rinsing. Suitable for all hair types, it will leave strands feeling cleansed and rejuvenated. For best results, follow with Macadamia Conditioner (€1.99) – hair will be soft, shiny and full of life.

Inject some moisture into tired tresses with the help of Macadamia Oil Extract Hair Treatment (€1.99) – the perfect weapon for dry hair repair! This concentrated leave-in oil contains conditioning properties and vitamin E to help protect hair from root to tip whilst also adding shine and keeping frizzy strands on lockdown.

For added nourishing and moisturising benefits, treat your hair to an ultra-hydrating Macadamia Hair Mask (€1.99) once a week. Enriched with proteins, keratin and macadamia nut oil,

ds Littlewoo d Fringe 1 Jacket €19

t s u L

Harvey Nichols Isa bel Marant Vest €2,106

this intensive treatment will help to strengthen and restore elasticity, for healthy, shiny hair.

Finally, skin baring season is almost upon us! Get beach ready with the help of the

House of ry Fraser Ma Portas Soft r Suede Bike 6 4 €2

luxurious Macadamia Body Butter (€1.99). This rich formula combines a blend of macadamia oil, shea butter and vitamin E to relieve dryness and keep skin feeling silky smooth to the touch all day long. Quick absorbing with a sinfully delicious scent, it’s the perfect summer time skin solution.

Macadamia Hair Mask

Must

23 April 2015 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE Bro w Sued n Tho m e Gi let € as Th 3,68 e Row 5

Richard E Grant is launching a new fragrance

e Oasis Sued 7 1 1 € Kimono

No Persuedeing needed e Warehous 72 ts € r o h s e Sued

ots Mango bo

119.95

nd River Isla € Bag 94

Richard E Grant to launch second unisex fragrance at Brown Thomas RICHARD E Grant’s second unisex fragrance, Jack Covent Garden launches exclusively at Brown Thomas on Saturday, April 25. Jack Covent Garden is inspired by the London fruit and flower market with notes of orange, lime, iris and musk, is the second scent from Richard E Grant after the success of Jack last year.

Richard E Grant will be in store in the Beauty Hall at Brown Thomas Dublin on Saturday, April 25 from 1.30pm onwards to meet customers, to sign bottles and to explain more about the inspiration behind Jack Covent Garden.

“When I emigrated to England from Swaziland in 1982, my first job was as a waiter in Covent Garden - which up until 1973 was the fruit, flower and vegetable market iconically celebrated in the opening scenes of My Fair Lady and historically, the centre of the theatre district of London.

“Nell Gwynn, orange seller and mistress of King Charles II, was the first woman to legally become an actress when the king decreed that both sexes could be professional thespians. So, even though I was waiting tables, whilst hustling for acting work, I felt like I had landed in the right place. Annie Lennox’s first hit ‘Sweet Dreams are Made of This’ was the soundtrack of my days, and has proved auspicious!

“As actors always receive fruit and flowers on opening nights, and like opera singers, use ginger to keep their throats in good order, my idea was to create a scent that conjured up this fresh fruit, flower and vegetable combination.

“With the success of Jack, which instantly became a best-seller when it launched last April, I’ve been able to pursue my dream of creating a second scent.”

Jack Covent Garden 100ml is €120.

20 Gazette 23 April 2015

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT fast TRAVEL What’s hot in holiday fun this summer

TRAVEL

destination 2015: we have top picks

Ethiopian’s Dublin stop

DUBLIN Airport is to become Ethiopian Airlines’ European hub from next month.

Ten Ethiopian flights a week will transit through the airport to destinations in the US and Canada.

The flights will stop for refuelling on the westbound leg of the journey, as high altitude at Addis Ababa means planes use more fuel on take-off there. Flights to Washington and Toronto will stop at Dublin from May 10.

 ian begley

IF you are looking for inspiration about where to travel this summer, look no further. The Gazette has selected some of the most sought after and reasonably priced getaway

destinations available in 2015.

Why not make May a month to remember by visiting the Mediterranean island of Malta?

With year-round sunshine, events and activities to suit every interest

and only a short flight from Ireland, Malta is the ideal holiday destination.

From €289pp you can stay at the four star Bella Vista, Qawra, for seven nights from May 7.

With clickandgo.com, spend seven nights in Lanzarote at the five star Volan Lanzarote from €599pp in June. Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands, with a distinctive identity. With spectacular beaches and volcanic landscape, and an average annual temperature of 22 degrees, Lanzarote is definitely a must-go-to destination this summer.

For those who want to treat themselves this summer, Thomson Cruises is offering a full-board, seven-night Mediterranean cruise in May for €659pp.

On May 9, start your cruise in Palma, Majorca, before travelling to Africa for a day in Morocco.

Then it’s off to Seville to experience authentic Spanish architecture and cuisine. You’ll then be heading to Gibraltar for a visit to the Rock and its famous Barbary Apes. To finish up, there are stops in Cartagena and Valencia before returning to Palma.

With Travel Mood, spend an exotic eightnight getaway in Bali at the four star Bali Dynasty Hotel for €999pp. This May, relax in stunning

The Mediterranean island of Malta has year-round sun and hosts plenty of events to make sure your trip is unforgettable

resorts like Seminyak, enjoy a spot of scuba diving at Tulamben or have your own Eat Pray Love adventure in cultural Ubud. Bali has beaches, surfing, diving, and resorts great and small, but it’s the essence of Bali – and the Balinese – that makes it so much more than just a summer holiday retreat.

For €969pp this June, you can spend eight nights at the Centara Villas Samui in Koh Samui, an island off the east coast of Thailand. For decades, Koh Samui’s natural beauty and charm have captivated holidaymakers who can’t resist the beautiful white sandy beaches, clear warm waters and lush tropical gardens.

From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach to the timeless feel of Bophut’s fisherman’s village to the tropical beach paradise of Maenam, Koh Samui is unique among Thailand’s

islands in maintaining a broad appeal.

Famous for its sandy beaches, the Portuguese mainland of Algarve is certainly a destination that’s worth visiting this summer. From June 15 you can spend seven nights in the three star Clube dos Arcos from €241pp.

Boasting some of Europe’s best sandy beaches, top golf courses, stunning scenery and year-round warm climate it’s easy to see why the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost province, became the country’s most popular holiday destination.

If you fancy an exotic, island getaway then Tenerife is the ideal location for your summer escape.

For seven nights from June 17 you can stay in the three star La Carabela Apartments from €253pp.

Tenerife is an island of dazzling contrasts. From the dry, barren mountains in the south to the tropical splendour of the fertile valleys in the north

which is dominated by the peak of Mount Teide.

From tiny, unspoilt mountain villages to historical colonial towns and lively, sophisticated resorts.

With an excellent yearround climate, Tenerife is a sun-worshipper’s paradise.

Also on the list of must-go-to summer destinations is Gran Canaria.

From July 17 spend 15 nights in the three star Parque Golf Bungalows from €457pp. A dream destination for beach fanatics, with wonderful sands to enjoy the blazing sunshine on, the most spectacular spot for sunbathing is Maspalomas’s jaw-dropping sand dunes, which will leave you stunned, while the warm, friendly atmosphere and spectacular shopping brings tourists back year after year.

To find out more about these summer getaway deals, visit www.thomsonholidays.ie, www.clickandgo.com, and www.travelmood.ie

23 April 2015 Gazette 21

M&S cafe taking dining to brand new heights  mimi murray

THE M&S Rooftop Cafe opened this week at Marks & Spencer’s flagship store on Grafton Street.

The rooftop space has undergone a complete refurbishment, and boasts new decor, layout and menu.

A key feature is the installation of booth seating, and the 150-seat dining area offers al fres-

co dining, with a 30-seat roof-top terrace boasting views onto Grafton Street and across the Dublin skyline.

The cafe is a great post-shopping destination, offering a delicious new menu throughout the day.

For lunch and dinner, choices range from light bites, such as jacket potatoes and soup to main meals from the M&S Food Hall.

These include superfood Italian chicken with orzo pasta and kale and the taste spicy wok fried shaking beef.

Young diners are also well catered for at the cafe.

There is a new kids’ menu featuring toasties, hot meals and healthy snacks, including carrot and cucumber pots.

The cafe also offers customers a selection of hot and cold drinks,

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

Innovative chef to take over the kitchen at the Morrison

Sushil Kumar, executive head chef at the Morrison Hotel

The refurbished RooftopCafe at M&S on Grafton Street offers respite from the hurly-burly of the streets below

including Fairtrade tea and coffee, for that apresshop pick-me-up.

Store manager Billy Reid said: “We are thrilled to be opening our new M&S Rooftop Cafe and look forward to welcoming shoppers

and passersby to experience quality M&S food in a superb location.

“We are confident that the redesigned M&S Rooftop Cafe will make shopping trips even more enjoyable for our customers.”

THE Morrison Hotel, on Dublin’s Lower Ormond Quay has appointed Sushil Kumar as new executive head chef. Chef Sushil Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Over his 15 years in Ireland, he has worked in some of the finest restaurants and hotels, most recently as head chef at The Kilronan Castle Hotel in Roscommon, earning a coveted second

AA Rosette.

Describing his food ethos as a celebration of fresh local produce, served up with innovation, Chef Sushil added: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to create great food in such impressive surroundings.”

Patrick Joyce, general manager at The Morrison, added: “These are exciting new menus, building on our classics, but with some very tempting additions.”

22 Gazette 23 April 2015

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT Le Galaxie back in the club with a new offering

MUSIC

music: four piece’s new album

 Colm Murray

Four years on from their 2011 debut Laserdisc Nights II, Dublin electronic four piece Le Galaxie, return with their highly anticipated follow up Le Club.

They haven’t been sitting on their laurels in the intervening years, however, building an ever growing fan-base and almost doubling this overnight as a result of a now legendary late night Electric Picnic slot in 2013.

I find Michael Pope in surprisingly chipper form given the fact he came off stage a few hours earlier.

L e Gal axi e’s first li ve show thi s year was the annual Trinity Ball, arriving on stage at 3.30am which suits them perfectly.

This is the beginning of the campaign around the release of the hotly anticipated new album by the band and their first with major label Universal.

How was last night Michael?

“It was great – those kids sure know how to get into it and were well up for it. We were

last on after Basement Jaxx, who were great so we had a blast. I looked at the clock coming offstage and I think it was 4.35 am. But gigs like this really suit us and our sets.”

How long were you working on the album – the last two to three years or did it come together in a six-month block?

“We actually completed the album fully mixed this time last year. Myself and Dave from the band went out

was happy with it.

“So we said let’s sit back and do it properly with the weight of Universal behind it. We were really happy with the album so it also gave us time and space to begin writing new songs and we are now currently working on our third album.”

Did Le Club start out as a concept or did it evolve as you were writing it?

“We were writing the songs with the dance

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

‘The album takes you on a journey so it’s not just confined to a club setting even though those elements are there’

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

to LA and mixed the album with a guy called Eric Broucek.

“We planned to play some festivals during the summer and then maybe release it ourselves around October /November time.

“But then the Universal deal began to come together around September time after Electric Picnic so we wanted make sure we got that right and ever ybody

floor in mind but we also wanted to show different sides to the music in the form of textures such as light and dark and create peaks and troughs within. T he album takes you on a journey so it’s not just confined to a club setting even though those elements are there.”

Are those new songs easier to translate for a live setting?

Electronic four piece Le Galaxie release Le Club

“We are always conscious of that and being able to play the songs fully live and not over complicating things.

“The audience is not interested in you turning up and pressing play but we were also committed to getting it right in the studio first.”

What influences did you have during this period?

“I have been listening to a lot of Caribou, Hot Chip, the Brian Eno and Karl Hyde album was great also.

“We are all big science fiction fans and Battlestar Galactica in particular. I even remember the original series! Also the idea of futurism as a concept appeals to us and is reflected in the music and our artwork.”

Any plans for live dates and summer festivals?

“Yes the launch of Le Club is on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25 at the Academy so we’re looking forward to these and then we

follow that with an Irish tour.

“We recently signed with a new booking agency which will give us more opportunities to play with other artists and to play further so lots to look forward to later this year.”

Any surprises lined up for these upcoming shows?

“Songs fully live and not over complicating things. The audience is not interested in you turning up and pressing play but we were also committed to getting it right in the studio first.”

Peak time opener Put the Chain on transports you straight down in front of the big speakers and so the ride begins. Shimmery synths and tough drums resonate throughout this tune with the catchy chorus sure to be the call and response from field to venue this summer. The tempo is kept steady with the dance-floor chugger Humanise, echoes of LCD Soundsystem seep through. While Streetheart showcases the range of songwriting on offer here. With its spacy swirls and Italio piano breakdown the tune Le Club segues nicely to ‘Tell me Twice‘ with lead vocals lent here by guest vocalist Senita.

LA AM and LA PM both provide the light and dark textures to complement each other, with LA PM surely offering the eurphoric break downs in a live setting.

Clocking in at just over an hour there is plenty to keep the witching hour at bay.

23 April 2015 Gazette 23

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24 gazette 23 April 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

john Wicks: defies expectations and is the best action movie in years

ReelReviews

Everyman as a killing machine

THINGS haven’t been going great for Keanu Reeves’ career lately; the 2013’s hit-and-miss samurai flick 47 Ronin marked the most recent high point since his turn of the century Matrix success. But everything has

just changed with John Wick.

Judge this one by its trailer and you’d be forgiven for thinking this will be more middle of the road action, but this is a film that defies expectations.

This may be the direc-

torial debut of Chad Stahelski but you would never guess it.

Perhaps learning by osmosis over the years, Stahelski has a long career in stunts, and he clearly brings that experience with him because the end

mall cop 2

One to steer clear of

Keanu Reeves does many of the close-action stunts himself in the role of Wicks,

KEVIN James is a pretty likeable comic actor – but that’s more than can be said to this unexpected and redundant sequel to Paul Blart: Mall Cop. The sequel (Cert PG, 93 mins) takes the fat-security-guard-foilscrooks plot and transplants it to Vegas – because everything’s better when set in Vegas, right? Wrong.

James does his best, but it’s thin material for his large comic presence.

who evolves from heart-broken husband to legendary killer over 101 minutes

result is 101 minutes of very solid action.

But what is so refreshing about John Wick is that it delivers the action in tandem with so much more.

Keanu plays Wick, who when we first meet him has just lost his wife to illness.

Isolated and in deep mourning, his only source of hope is a puppy that his wife left him, and I’m sure you can guess where this is going.

Some dastardly Russian gangsters led by the brazen and cocksure Iosef (Alfie Allen) break into Wick’s house to steal his car, and in the process Wick’s yappy but convenient symbol of hope is snuffed out.

It sounds ridiculous, and it partly is – John Wick manages to hit this very lovely comic book feel.

It is surprising when you learn that it is an original story, there is the feel that the world presented in the film is incredibly complete – replete with its own cast of characters, underground rules, and lingo.

The end result is something that manages to strike a tone that remains light enough for you to want to cheer for

 Dave phillips

Wick and his mission of revenge, and dark enough to strike the emotional chords that make you feel that retribution is crucial.

You wouldn’t guess it to look at him, but it quickly becomes clear that John Wick is the most legendary killer the criminal underworld has ever known.

Possessed by an almost supernatural ability to kill while avoiding being killed, a mere mention of Wick’s name is enough to cause a tremor in the voice of even the most established Russian mob bosses.

When Iosef’s father (Michael Nyqvist) catches wind of what his son has done (it is not “what you have done son, but who you did it to”) he realises that a storm is coming that cannot be escaped.

Once we are into the thick of things, the action is unrelenting, but never exhausting.

Filled with bombastic hand-to-hand scenes and

featuring its fair share of gory headshots, the kill count quickly racks up.

And there’s a rare authenticity to the violence, due to Keanu doing a lot of the close combat stunt-work himself.

John Wick manages to make the action genre feel fresh in a way that The Raid did back in 2011.

The bloodshed, of course, will not be for everybody, but no doubt it will find a certain appeal in the market.

John Wick taps into that perennial story of retribution in the way that Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven does – a story where hidden inside the benign facade of every man is a dormant killing machine waiting to be ignited.

And no doubt, there is a cathartic payoff in watching that Wick burn down to the point of detonation.

A well-made, very satisfying blend of fun and revenge, John Wick has unexpectedly stamped out its own ground.

This may be the best performance we have seen from Keanu Reeves, and the best action film in recent years.

Verdict: 8/10

child 44

A dark Russian drama SOVIET power and brutality comes to the fore in Child 44 (Cert 16, 137 mins) which takes a long, dark look at a series of child murders that are linked to someone in authority. With Stalin in absolute control, the grim crimes are being kept covered up – which is a good starting point for this unusual pre-Cold War thriller. Tom Hardy and Gary Oldman give solid, reliable turns in their roles.

get hard

One to say get lost to ...

THIS ill advised comedy with an unlikely bromance at its core has drawn criticism from many quarters about homophobic and dated comedy. While Will Ferrell can be comedy gold, he also picks some real stinkers – Get Hard (Cert 16, 100 mins) sees him desperately getting advice from Kevin Hart on how to survive prison life ahead of his imminent incarceration for white collar crime. Mildly amusing.

23 April 2015 GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING

WEEBYTES

Phil Harrison, the now former corporate vice president for Xbox in Europe

Harrison leaves Xbox With players free to wander at will around sprawling Los Santos - a city that’s very closely based on Los Angeles - and its surrounding countryside, GTAV on the PC delivers the definitive version of the smash-hit title

 SHANE DILLON

SO THE game of the year has just been released – again. Confused? Grand Theft Auto V has finally arrived for the PC, following its spectacular success on the console front.

Already a pretty spectacular title to look at – even on the lowest consoles, like my “humble” Xbox 360 – those with a heavyweight gaming rig are in for a treat, as the PC iteration looks pretty

incredible.

As ever, the graphics will vary depending on the power of your own PC’s abilities, but if it’s up to the task, and if you have a great graphics card, GTAV on PC is not only a brilliant, clever, complex (and fun) game to play, but looks absolutely terrific.

For the chosen few with ultra-powerful PCs, it even supports 4K ultraHD resolutions, while running all kinds of sub-

tle effects, creating a title that’s on top of its game – literally.

So, this week, instead of returning to GTAV with a normal review, here are some PC-captured “postcards” from Los Santos and surrounding Blaine County.

Gamers and screenshot/digital art fans can look out for some pretty stunning PC images to come from Scottish developer Rockstar’s superlative masterpiece ...

With day/night cycles and shifting weather cycles all presented with top-notch graphics, many players will lose many hours wandering about, just taking in the sights

CHANGE is afoot at Microsoft, where corporate vice president for Xbox in Europe Phil Harrison has moved on after three years in a key role within Microsoft Studios Europe.

Harrison was a highprofile scoop for Microsoft when he joined, having been instrumental in the success of PlayStation for arch rivals, Sony, with his 16 years at Sony helping the PS brand become a global success.

That experience was needed at Microsoft’s Xbox division, where the Xbox One has been turning the tide on the marketing mess that followed its launch.

The past 18 months have seen Microsoft fighting back to reposition the Xbox One, with a clearer focus on the console’s gaming chops rather than its multipurpose entertainment uses, while its Kinect sensor has been quietly relegated further into the background, as many gamers wanted.

Harrison’s exit wasn’t a complete surprise – rumours first began circulating in March that he was leaving – but although he’s left Microsoft, Harrison will be remembered for his stalwart support for the Xbox One during his brief tenure, while gamers wonder what his next move will be.

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 April 2015

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Gazette

28 Gazette 23 April 2015

SPORT Harriers end long relay wait

FastSport

athletics: keogh leads donore home for famous victory in Raheny

Clontarf fall just short in bateman cup:

CLONTARF missed out on rugby’s Bateman Cup at the hands of Cork Con 24-9 last Saturday in Temple Hill.

The Castle Avenue club were in touch at half-time but a Darren Sweetnam intercept try with six minutes to go, in addition to a Darragh Lyons drop goal saw Con pull away to secure their third successive victory.

David Joyce had given Tarf a good start with a penalty in the 22nd minute. But Luke Cahill and James Ryan crossed for the hosts to put them 14-3 ahead before Joyce landed a penalty and a drop goal to reduce the gap to 14-9 three minutes into the second half before Con pulled away.

A late injury to Joyce, which prompted an earlier than expected conclusion to the game, will be of immediate concern for the Tarf coaches ahead of next Saturday’s Division 1A semi-final trip to Terenure College.

 sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER a 15-year wait, Donore Harriers romped to an impressive victory in the senior men’s race at the GloHealth Road Relay Championships of Ireland.

Twenty-five club teams toed the line including defending champions Sligo AC, host club Raheny Shamrock and last year’s silver medallists Ennis Track.

European indoor 1,500m finalist John

Raheny’s Over-35s Ann-Marie Woods, Jenny Mulry and Annette Kealy. Picture: Piaras O’Midheach

Travers was on the allimportant three-mile leg for Donore as he scorched around the loop in a time of 14.07, the fastest split of the day.

Anchor leg runner Eric Keogh maintained the lead as he comfortably brought his club home to victory in an overall time of 37.52.

Junior athlete Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track) showed his class by moving Ennis into second place over the final leg to cross the line in a time of 38.41 with the host club Raheny Shamrock in third in a time of 39.05.

The senior women’s event turned into a battle between defending champions Leevale AC

Eric Keogh, Donore Harriers, crosses the line to win the Senior men’s relay.

and Letterkenny AC. The formidable Cork trio of Carol Finn, Lizzie Lee and Michelle Finn were always in command as they stormed to victory in a time of 20.39 with Letterkenny second in a time of 21.08 and Crusaders third in a time of 21.37.

The two-mile leg of the race was a close affair with Lee recording a time of 10.35 and Annemarie McGlynn of Letterkenny only a second slower with a time of 10.36.

However Leevale athlete Finn was untouchable on the last leg as she sealed the title for the Cork club.

The women’s Over-35 race was a tight tussle between Raheny Sham-

rocks and Letterkenny AC with Raheny coming out on top in a time of 23.29 and Letterkenny holding on for second in a time of 23.41.

Donore Harriers AC completed the podium positions finishing in third place in a time of 23.54. Clonliffe Harriers won the women’s 50+ national title.

Newbridge AC were the popular winners of the M35+ national title as Paul Archbold, Paul Campbell and David Keenan combined to win in a time of 19.27.

Crusaders AC came through over the second half of the race for a well-deserved silver medal with Letterkenny AC finishing in third place. Raheny Sham-

rock were victorious in the M50+ category winning the national title in a time of 21.01.

Away from the action in Raheny, Mathew Behan, Crusaders AC, a c h i e ve d q u a l i f i c a tion standards for the upcoming European Under-23 and junior championships.

He was competing at the 2015 Leevale Track and Field Meet which took place last Saturday. Behan ran a time of 13.99 seconds for the 110m hurdles which was inside the European junior standard of 14.25.

The time was also a new national junior record for Behan, breaking the old mark of 14.11 held by rival Sam Healy.

O’Brien calls on home support for Malahide battle  sport@dublingazette.com

Kevin O’Brien, centre, with international team mates Alex Cusack, left, and Max Sorensen

IRELAND all-rounder Kevin O’Brien is relishing the prospect of taking on England in front of a capacity home crowd at Malahide on May 8, where 10,000 fans are anticipated for the Royal London One-Day International.

The Sandymount man was joined at the venue this week

by Ireland team mates John Mooney, Alex Cusack and Max Sorensen as the team ramp up their preparations ahead of the season opener.

And he’s looking forward to huge home support for the marquee game.

“The importance of a big vocal crowd getting behind the team can’t be stated enough,” he said.

“We played England here at the same venue in 2013, and the crowd that day were immense – how great would it be to get a win in front of a crowd like that?”

He urged fans to be part of the 10,000 and make sure they don’t miss out on one of the biggest sporting events of the

summer: “Having missed out against England two years ago after being in such a strong position, the boys are really up for this one and we’re confident we can get a win here; I’d urge all fans to get their tickets to avoid disappointment.”

Preparations for the match are also well under way off the field to accommodate the 10,000 fans at the Dublin venue.

With a 50ft big screen, the Royal London Cricket Ireland Village, live music and a chance to have a go at one

of Ireland’s fastest growing sports, it makes for a big family day out.

Ticket sales for the marquee fixture are extremely strong, and the match is well on course for another sellout as Ireland fans prepare to give the Boys in Green a big welcome home in what will be their first fixture since the recent World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

There, Ireland beat the West Indies, UAE and Zimbabwe but just missed out on a place in the knock-out phases.

23 April 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Hiney’s Boden focus after dozen Dub years Stephen Hiney tells Stephen Findlater about how he is adapting to life after the Dublin captaincy and intercounty hurling on the eve of the club senior hurling championship AFTER a dozen years in sky-blue, Stephen Hiney is looking forward to his first club senior hurling championship with a different background but the same steely determination.

The Ballyboden St Enda’s man retired from the intercounty scene in December after a fine career, leading the Dubs to their first National League in 72 years in 2011 before the crowning moment, the Leinster championship title in 2013.

His focus now is solely on the club with sights on further building on their ominous recent record, landing six of the last eight Dublin senior championships.

The campaign begins with a group tie against Crumlin on Friday night in O’Toole Park at 7pm. St Pat’s, Palmerstown follow

in May before a marquee date with St Jude’s, last year’s runners-up, completes the initial phase of the competition.

With no county concerns over the winter and the early months of the year to occupy him, Hiney says it is a very different experience.

“Being with the club from the start of the year, you see more of the hard work the lads put in while you are away with the county. It’s definitely a change but I am enjoying it massively,” he told GazetteSport.

“Being realistic, with the amount you focus on the intercounty side of things for a lot of the season, you get back to the club as often as you can but it still would only be a handful of times over a long period. Being there, every week, it’s definitely different. The lads are

working very hard and it’s great, playing with the boys you grew up with.”

With Dublin through to the league playoffs, it means Boden’s Gary Maguire, Shane Durkin, Niall McMorrow, Paul Ryan and Dotsy O’Callaghan have yet to be seen too much in club colours to date in 2015.

That level of talent coming back into the fold means it is tricky to know exactly how well the side is going at the moment, in spite of the meticulous planning that the club lays down.

And Hiney reckons they will only have an idea when the sliotar is thrown in on Friday.

“We’ve played a couple of league games and have a lot of people out with the county. Each time, we are going out without a couple of our starting line-up for the league.

Ballyboden St Enda’s hurler Stephen Hiney at the 2015 Dublin club senior football and hurling championships launch in Parnell Park. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

“We’ve had some good results, some not so good, but are happy with where we are and the big focus is next Friday night.

“It’s hard to know exactly where you are until you get out on the field for the championship. It can be a bit disjointed, coming back into

fixtures in this year’s competition.

“There’s a massive rivalry between ourselves and Crokes. It’s a healthy one in football and hurling. We had a great run and it took a while to get our first one but once we had our hands on the cup, we didn’t want to let

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

‘Seeing Crokes lift the SHC title this year, it hurts and it definitely hurt the club too – Stephen Hiney’

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

a team that has so many with the county. You have very little time to prepare as your club team.

“This year, I see the other side of things where we are preparing with the guys away who will come back in next week for a short turnaround before Friday. You have to hope things gel. You don’t know before the game; all you can do is work with what you have at the time. We’ll see how things go!”

Should they find top gear, it looks likely to be another year in which they will fight it out with their near neighbours. The rise of Jude’s to be a major contender has upped the ante while Kilmacud are the only team to have broken Boden’s run in the past eight years.

Hiney relishes those challenges and reckons that they could be the key

it go.

Six out of eight, it’s funny. Once you have won it, you really appreciate it but when you lose one, you know you have to work twice as hard to get it back.

“It’s only after seeing Crokes lift it this year, you know how much it hurts.

It definitely did, it hurt the club. We’re really going to go hard for it this year.

“Jude’s is building as a rivalry. It was a great final last year [between them and Crokes], very close, and some would say Jude’s were unfortunate but Crokes showed the experience they have to grind out the result.

“It was no fluke they got to the final last year and they are only going to get stronger. It’s now about them focusing in on it and getting the best out of their team.”

FastSport

Irish Open’s trophy tour offers unique opportunity SCHOOLCHILDREN throughout Ireland are being invited to create a little piece of Irish Open history for their school as part of a nationwide competition organised by The European Tour and the Rory Foundation.

The inaugural Irish Open Trophy Tour competition will give four schools across the island of Ireland an opportunity to host a visit not from the trophy but also the world famous Claret Jug, which, as reigning Open Champion, currently resides with Rory McIlroy.

The competition invites children aged nine to5 to tell The European Tour why their class or school deserves a visit from the two trophies.

The four winning schools will also participate in a Q&A session with representatives of The European Tour, Rory Foundation and Royal County Down Golf Club – as well as taking part in a CGI Golf Awareness Clinic.

This will give children a fun introduction to the sport through a variety of golf-related games including putting games and hitting real golf balls into a blow up net, and virtual golf on the Wii console.

To enter, schoolchildren should simply send an email to trophytour@irishopen.ie outlining in no more than 250 words why their class or school deserves to win this unique and historic prize – clearly stating their name, age, address and school. Closing date for entries is Thursday April 30 with the prize to be taken between May 4 and 15.

“Professional sport can really inspire individuals and a trophy is the ultimate aim for many in sport,” said The European Tour’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Championship director Antonia Beggs, “which is why we’ve decided to give schools in Ireland a chance to host the prestigious Irish Open trophy which has been held aloft by so many golfing legends over the years.

“Not only that, our winning schools will also get to see and have their picture taken with the world famous ‘Claret Jug’ which has been kindly donated by the current Open Champion Rory McIlroy.”

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 23 April 2015

SPORT

fastSport

Roganstown plays host to thrilling open finale EXCITEMENT and trepidation consumed Roganstown Golf and Country Club last Sunday for the final round of the Irish Girls Open Strokeplay Championship with Royal County Down’s Olivia Mehaffey, pictured above receiving the trophy, eventually prevailing.

Overnight leader Isabella Holpfer, from Austria, was two shots clear of her closest competitors going into the final round.

However, two bogeys and a double bogey on the front nine cost the Austrian player her leading position. Low scores prevailed from the chasing pack as Mehaffey shot level par 71 to take the clubhouse lead for a mere moment.

England’s Samantha Fuller was in full flow as she made her only birdie of the day on 18, holing a 10ft putt to card a one over par 72 and find herself in a sudden death playoff.

Mehaffey and Fuller resumed play a short time later on the par three, ninth hole where both players carded pars. Adrenalin was pumping as Mehaffey overshot the long par five tenth in two but chipped dead to inside 2ft to secure her birdie four.

As a result she was duly crowned the Irish Girls Open Champion for the third consecutive year.

Impressive golf was on display from many of the Irish players as Ciara Casey, from Hermitage, finished only two shots off the pace after rounds of 73, 74 and 73. Mairead Martin continued her steady performance having shot 76 on the final day after excellent opening rounds of 76, 70 for a total of 222.

Forrest Little’s Julie McCarthy also finished inside the top 20 with combined rounds of 74, 74, 79 (227).

The international team event was dominated by Sweden (Beatrice Wallin, Linn Grant and Els Lundquist) as they finished on a total of 441, one shot clear of both England and Scotland (442). The Irish team carded a combined total of 445.

cricket: leinster start season with danish delight

North County man John Mooney gets Leinster off to an aggressive start in their two game series with Denmark. Picture: Deryck Vincent

Mooney leads Lightning  sport@dublingazette.com

FINGAL cricketers John Mooney – in the captain’s role – Fintan McAllister, Cormac McLoughlin and Eddie Richardson helped the Leinster Lightning side beat Denmark twice over the weekend in YMCA. In game one, Tyrone Kane blasted 51 from 41 balls at the top of the order, as the Lightning got their 2015 season off to a winning start with a five wicket win over Denmark.

With his side chasing Denmark’s 126, the Merrion all-rounder was

in impressive form as he struck three fours and three maximums, sharing a second wicket stand of 88 with Clontarf skipper Eoghan Delaney (35) following the departure of captain Mooney (14 off six balls).

Despite losing the wickets of Andrew Poynter (0) and Simmi Singh (6), the experienced Dom Joyce (18) struck the winning runs in the 19th over.

Earlier, young seamer David Murphy got the Lightning off to a perfect start by trapping dangerman, and former Warwickshire player, Freddie

third place finish Rangers end campaign just outside top two RIVERVAlley Rangers’ AUL Saturday

Division 1A side completed their season last weekend with a 2-0 loss to league title chasing Railway Union.

The result leaves them in third place in the league table with Railway set to battle it out with Raheen Celtic for the overall league title.

Rangers ended up with 10 wins from their 16 leagues games with three draws from a productive campaign.

Klokker lbw with the first ball of the match.

Hamid Shah was the standout performer with the bat for the visitors, his 56 coming off 51 balls and included five fours and a six. Ahmed (23) and Pedersen (27) both made starts, but Denmark’s total of 126 was below par on the good batting deck at Claremont Road.

In game two, the crowd were treated to the Kenny Carroll show as the former international blasted his way to an impressive 121 from just 68 balls, including 15 fours and 3 maximums, as the Lightning raced to

187-3 off their 20 overs.

The next highest scorer, another man who has worn the shamrock, was Joyce who hit 35, while Singh hit 15.

The Danish chase never looked like getting close to the Lightning’s target, and they ran out of time with 129 on the board and eight wickets lost. Yaqoob Ali was the pick of the Lightning bowling attack taking 3-14 off his four overs.

Richardson claimed one for 24 from his spell Elsewhere, Balbriggan Educate Together, Donabate ET, Swords ET, St Patrick’s Skerries, Mil-

verton NS, St Andrew’s Malahide, St Brendan’s Loughshinny, Balrothery and St Catherine’s Rush are among 41 teams taking part in this year’s Leprechaun Cup. The cricket competition for primary schools gets under way this week with a wealth of new schools participating.

The growth in schools has come about through suppor t from local authorities – Fingal, South Dublin, Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown county councils – that has seen more coaching visits to schools throughout the winter.

23 April 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

jumping for joy

County prepares for ladies football Feile

fingallians

naomh Mearnog’s Ella Griffen, second

from left, was on hand to help launch AIG’s sponsorship of the Dublin ladies football Feile next weekend.

Over 1,200 players take part at seven venues across Dublin on April 25 and 26.

Naomh Mearnog will play in Division 1 of the competition in Ballyboden with games against the hosts, Cuala, Kilmacud Crokes, Lucan Sarsfields and Foxrock/Cabinteely.

THE anthem Here Come the Girls should probably be boomed around Rivervalley Park every time St Finian’s Under-12 girls footballers take to the field these days.

Why? Warren Hanley’s side beat Beann Eadair 7-11 to nil last weekend, leaving their record for the past two years at 32 games played, 30 wins.

Amazingly, one of the two defeats they have had came against Beann Eadair, which shows this promising side’s ability to put mistakes behind

played their first competitive games

– 10pm) in the club hall and are invit-

when they travelled to St Anne’s park

ing all members to come along and to

on Saturday to take on Raheny.

to say that already just shows the level they are at.”

As mentioned already, the side do not technically play competitively at the moment, but are raring to start playing for silverware, and the manager insisted they are ready for the step-up. “We’ll go competitive next year,” he said.

“To be honest, I think it should be competitive now, there was a vote at the start of the year for all the managers to possibly bring it in but 60 per cent voted against and the majority ruled.”

The only other defeat

the side has suffered in the past two years came against an Under-13 Oliver Plunkett’s side, in what was a match strictly organised to give the team a bigger challenge.

Hanley himself is a St Finian’s stalwart, and having worked with this team for the past two years, he admitted he looks forward to watching this blossoming side from the dugout just as much as playing matches himself.

“It’s just a pleasure to work with this group,” he said. “I’ve a panel of 23 to work with and at every training session I’d get at least 20, they just love it.”

With a squad of 50 players, broken

The results of the survey and the

into six teams, it was all hands on deck

output from the workshop will form

for the mentors, coaches, helpers and

the building blocks of the club strate-

parents. A big thank you to Raheny for

gic plan for the next three years.

their hospitality and supplying the

teams but one big positive was the

Finian’s girls loving life in Rivervalley them and also displays a ruthless streak, leaving their opposition scoreless in what is officially noncompetitive football.

But what’s the secret? A slice of luck that a bunch of extremely talented girls were born at the same time around Swords perhaps, or maybe just good coaching? “Probably a bit of both, and more,” laughed Hanley.

“Seriously though, they are an outstanding team, it’s hard to describe just how good they are for their age. There is definitely at least four or five future inter-county footballers in this squad, and

Our U-7 football and hurling squad

a workshop on Monday, April 27 (7pm

It was a mixed week for our county

The St Finian’s Under-12 girls footballers shake hands with Beann Eadair

sport@dublingazette.com

THE strategic committee are holding

participate.

football: young stars continue impressive run

 nathan kelly

Club Noticeboard

referees. Please check out our Facebook page for all the action.

Dublin minor footballers overcoming

Good luck to our U-14 girls this

Offaly in their opening game of the

weekend as they travel to Skerries for

championship.

Feile 2015.

Our sharpshooter Shane Howard, a

There will be a coaching workshop

minor hurler in 2014, contributed two

this Friday night in the club hall start-

points before retiring with injury in

ing at 8.30pm. All mentors are encour-

the first half.

aged to attend.

32 SWORDS gazette 23 April 2015