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Month XX, 2012 MALAHIDE • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • PORTMARNOCK • KINSEALY • CLAREHALL

INSIDE: Check out our Mother and Baby guide with top tips about being a mum P20-22

MAKING HISTORY: Voters step into polling booths and give equality thumbs up P8-9

Rainbow day: Capital party for a capital Yes Basketball: Thundering success for Swords club Page 30

EIGHTY-year-old Charlie Mooney waves the rainbow flag outside Dublin Castle as the Marriage Equality Referendum gets a rousing Yes. Crowds gathered in Dublin to hear the tally as votes from all over the country were counted. The historic day saw Ireland become the first country in the world to approve same sex marriage by populare vote.

Picture: James Martin

See Gallery on Page 8 & 12

Soccer:

Malahide and Dundalk make new agreement Page 32

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE.................. 13 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................28

Fall in garda numbers blamed for crime rise There are 20% fewer gardai on the beat compared with five years ago

 KEITH BELLEW

GARDA numbers have dropped by more than 20% in the north Dublin Garda region in the past five years from 825 to

673, according to figures released to Fianna Fail.

Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) said the Government was not committed to community policing, and there had been a surge in crime in

Fingal as a result of the cuts.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said since September 2014, 300 new recruits had entered Garda training college, with the first of these joining the force as

sworn members this month.

She said a further 250 gardai would be recruited by September 2015, bringing the total number to 550 in 12 months.

Full Story on Page 4

2 swords gazette 28 May 2015

education Government is accused of ‘messing around’

Community college delay is slammed THE Government has been accused of “messing around” with the people of Balbriggan after it emerged that it had pushed back the area’s community college redevelopment plan. Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) said: “The people of Balbriggan are being treated appallingly on this issue.

At the end of last month, I called a special Seanad debate on the issue and Junior Minister Damien

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

English promised that the project is now a priority. It now seems that this wasn’t true. In reality, the project has been kicked back to the drawing board.”

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

Earlier this month, Junior Minister for Education English said work would begin on the redevelopment in the coming months. But following a recent meeting between the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Educational Training Board and the Department of Education the project has been delayed.

In 2012, a major capital project for Balbriggan community college was announced. It was agreed that the best solution was to demolish the existing school building and build a multi-storey building on the site. The school’s PE hall was demolished at the time but the project

was stalled due to a lack of funding and the school has been without sports facilities since.

Senator O’Brien questioned the Government’s commitment to the school as no local Government TDs attended a recent meeting on the redevelopment plans.

A spokesperson for Deputy Brendan Ryan (Lab) said he had received no invitation to the meeting and was only made aware of it afterwards.

“We’ve been pushing for the provision of improved facilities at Balbriggan Community College, especially a new gym and we continue to

The school has been without a PE hall since 2012

do that, both through the Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan, and through the educational training board. That work is ongoing,” said the spokesperson.

A spokesperson for the Department of Educa-

tion said the project had been devolved to the educational training board for delivery. The Department and the board at a recent meeting considered suitable options for progressing the projects concerned.

“At this meeting, both parties agreed to consider the options put forward and a further meeting with the ETB is proposed to expedite the matter in coming days,” said the spokesperson.

28 May 2015 swords gazette 3

pedestrian

Musical: DCU student’s work has been chosen by fringe festival

Man dies in traffic accident

Malahide Big Shot is off to San Diego  keith bellew

THE San Diego Fringe Festival is set to feature an original musical written by a Malahide woman this July, where Ireland’s entry will enjoy a five-night run. It is also destined for Hollywood before heading to Mexico with dates to be confirmed.

Big Shot, the work of Lauryn Gaffney (22) from Malahide and performed by a cast of mostly Malahide and Swords natives aged 21 to 25, tells the story of a New York city defence lawyer whose career is threatened when a love affair with a struggling Irish artist compromises a new case he has taken on.

Speaking to The Gazette, Gaffney, who studied music in Dublin City University, said it was a great surprise to be accepted by the festival: “We’re so happy about it and we’re just working really hard at the moment [fundraising] to try to get us there.”

She started writing the piece two years ago, while spending the summer in Boston. “I spent the summer over in Boston and there was a grand piano in the frat house I was staying in, and I’d get up in the morning and write on the piano there.

Then throughout college instead of doing assignments I’d run into the practice rooms and write songs there!”

She decided to use her time in college wisely to recruit people interested in musicals for her cast and after several workshops, the show was performed at DCU. This gave her an idea of what worked and what did not. She then spent time tweaking it to perfection before performing it at the O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin in February to great acclaim.

Gaffney and her cast jet off to San Diego on July 19 and are fundraising for the trip. To donate to help them get there visit http://bit.do/ BigShotIndieGoGo. For more information on Big Shot visit https://www. facebook.com/bigshotthemusical.

Taking a weight off: Carrie takes on fitness marathon to aid Snowflakes pictured is Carrie Brown (bottom left) with Louise Quinn of Louise Quinn Fitness (bottom right), Snowflakes autism support group members and friends at a group TRX session on April 19th in Platinum Gym, Balbriggan. April was World Autism Month, and to mark it Brown completed 24 hours of TRX to raise funds for Snowflakes and to spread awareness of autism spectrum condition. Halfway through the challenge, she was joined by these fellow committee members, friends and Snowflakes members for the group TRX session. She successfully completed the challenge on April 29, raising more than €1,500 for Snowflakes in the process.

A PEDESTRIAN in his 80s died as a result of injuries sustained when he was involved in a collision with an articulated truck in Swords on Friday, May 22. The man has been named locally as Billy Carrick of Turnapin Lane in Santry.

Gardai are investigating the incident, which occurred on the Swords Road close to Dublin Airport shortly after 1pm.

The road at the scene was closed after the incident. Diversions were put in place by gardai for a number of hours in order to facilitate a forensic collision investigation of the area.

Gardai are now appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact them at Santry Garda Station at 01 666 4000.

4 swords gazette 28 May 2015

don’sdublin Sculptor born in Monto who rose to top of his profession John Henry Foley (usually referred to as JH Foley) was born on May 24, 1818 at 6 Montgomery Street, Dublin. It was better known as The Monto, the street at the centre of the city’s red-light district and called Nighttown in Joyce’s Ulysses. It was made famous by the Dubliners when they sang George Desmond Hodnett’s song, Monto (Take Her Up To Monto). It was later renamed in honour of Foley’s work as the preeminent sculptor of his time.

The young Foley had plenty of artistic influence around him as his father, Jesse, who came from Winchester, was a glass-blower and his step grandfather, Benjamin Schrowder, a sculptor. His older brother, Edward, showed him the way as he had taken up a career in sculptor, and JH entered the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in 1831. He was an ardent student and before long won a number of prizes and recognition, and left to join his brother in London three years later. He studied at the prestigious Royal Academy from 1835, and he exhibited his first piece there in 1839. In 1844 his sculpture Youth at a Stream won him fame and a steady line of commissions that remained for the rest of his life.

As he was based in London his studio was always busy and he won some very favourable commissions that included sculptures for the Mansion House; and one of

the four stone groups on the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens.

Afterwards he was asked to make the bronze statue of the prince that was the centrepiece of the memorial. His sculptures of military men, most noticeably his carving of their horses, is considered exceptional.

In Dublin his most prominent works are those of Daniel O’Connell on O’Connell Street, and Edmund Burke, Oliver Goldsmith and Henry Grattan on College Green.

A number of his statues, however, were considered “hostile” to the newly emerging Ireland in the 1920s and they were either damaged or removed. He died on August 27, 1874, buried in St Paul’s Cathedral and left all his models to the RDS.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

One of the city’s landmarks, JH Foley’s statue of Daniel O’Connell

crime Minister says recruitment will help

Garda numbers fall 20% in five years  keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

GARDA numbers have dropped by more than 20% in the north Dublin Garda region in the past five years from 825 to 673, according to figures released to Fianna Fail.

This amounts to the loss of almost a fifth of gardai in the North Dublin Metropolitan Region. Garda numbers at some stations in the area are down more than 20% over the past five years.

The North Dublin Garda Region covers Balbriggan, Garristown, Lusk, Rush, Skerries, Malahide, Swords, Howth, Coolock, Clontarf, Raheny, Ballymun, Santry and Dublin Airport Garda stations.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, meanwhile, said since September 2014, 300 new recruits had entered Garda training college, with the first of these joining the force as sworn members this month.

She said this increased investment, across the board, would be vital to supporting and underpinning the new transformation programme and anti-crime strategy currently being finalised

by Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan. The Minister said: “I promised seamless ongoing recruitment, and I am happy to

Increase in burglaries and other crime being attributed to the shortage of gardai. Picture: Declan Masterson

confirm the recruitment of a further 250 new gardai over the coming months. I can also confirm that the next two rounds will see increased intakes of 125 new recruits.

“The additional recruitment will bring to 550 the total number of gardai that will have been recruited by this Government between September 2014 and 2015.”

Her comments follow accusations by Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) that the Government was not committed to community policing: “Not only did Fine Gael shut down Rush Garda station, downgrade Malahide Garda station and cut resources across

our other local stations, they have also cut Garda numbers to dangerously low levels. And communities across north Dublin are suffering the consequences,” he said, adding that there was a surge in burglaries, thefts, anti-social behaviour and drug related crime in Fingal communities which, he claimed, was directly linked to these cuts.

“Despite going above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, the bottom line is that the gardai are stretched beyond their limit and they simply do not have the manpower to maintain a strong presence on our streets and engage in robust crime prevention

measures.” He went on to say that Garda numbers had been cut year-on-year since 2011 and frontline community policing had been undermined.

A spokesperson from the Department of Justice responded following the resumption of Garda recruitment in September 2014, the Commissioner had the capacity to deploy new gardai for the first time since 2009.

“Similarly, investments are being made in vehicles and IT, and in the recruitment of specialist professional staff, which will be to the benefit of crime prevention and policing in all local communities.”

Health centre work to start  keith bellew

WORK is expected to begin on the new primary care centre in Balbriggan within the next two months.

Deputy Brendan Ryan (Lab) has received confirmation from the Department of Health that Rhonellen Developments, the preferred provider for Balbriggan Primary Care Centre, is currently reviewing tenders received for the construction of the project The 4,614 sq m centre will be at

Dublin Street, Balbriggan, and will include 50 parking spaces.

Facilities will include: doctors’ surgeries, a pharmacy, a shop and a restaurant. The HSE will also provide rooms for nurses, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social workers, dental services, community mental health teams, bookable consulting rooms and a mental health day hospital.

Meanwhile, construction of the Swords Primary Care Centre has

been put on hold as the chosen site has been sold. The HSE is currently awaiting an update on the project from the preferred provider.

Deputy Ryan said: “I welcome the news that construction for the Balbriggan centre will begin very shortly and I will continue to pressure the Minister with regards to Swords. The rolling out of primary care centres throughout the country is a pillar of this Government’s health agenda and it is vital Fingal is not left behind”.

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8 swords gazette 28 May 2015

in the pink Voters flock to give equality the thumbs up

The George’s rainbow flag

Anna Ni Ghallachair and Bebhinn NiChiosain

Archie Norris and Ruth McNally

Crowds gathering outside Dublin Castle

Thomas McDermott and Sara Jane Flynn pose in body paint

Cailin Foi and Austin Dunne

The power of Yes  keith bellew

Stephen Murphy and Jackie Williams

IRELAND made history on May 22, 2015, as the first country in the world to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote. The overall Yes tally – 62% as opposed to 38% for the No – was strongest in Dublin, with Dublin South East coming in at an impressive 74%.

The outcome was celebrated both at home and globally with thousands gathering in Dublin Castle for a result that has been welcomed as a great victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender (LGBT) community.

Speaking to The Gazette, Tiernan Brady, director of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Net-

work (Glen), said: “It’s a wonderful result. It’s phenomenal. The Dublin result is fantastic, it’s so emphatic, and sends a wonderful message to lesbian and gay people right across Dublin about how they belong here and how the rest of Dublin knows that, sees that and thinks it’s important that our laws reflect that.”

LGBT Noise was the one of first groups in Ireland to campaign for marriage equality starting from humble beginnings with just a few hundred supporters and growing and building momentum over several years, culminating in a march in August, which was supported by 10,000 people.

S p o ke s p e r s o n f o r LGBT Noise Max

Krzyzanowski told The Gazette the result was “a personal vindication on the level of our equal level as citizens of this Republic”.

Brian Sheehan and Grainne Healy, co-directors of Yes Equality, said the result was the fruition of the extraordinary input of Yes Equality groups all across the country, who knocked on thousands of doors and asked people for their vote.

“Thanks to this tireless work, Irish people have given a new sense of belonging to their lesbian and gay family members, friends and neighbours,” they said.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar told the Gazette: “Last weekend Ireland did something

e x t r a o r d i n a r y. T h i s wasn’t just a vote for liberty and equality. It was a vote that said: ‘We believe in all our citizens; we believe in marriage; we support families in all their forms and we believe in love’.”

He said he was pleased the result was not Dublin and the east coast against the rest of the country, as has been the case in previous referendums. “I felt we were – or at least could be – one nation.

“The atmosphere around Dublin Castle at the time of the announcement was electric. The poignant moment for me was when the crowd, many of whom had not always felt welcome in their own country, spontaneously broke out in

the national anthem.”

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald spoke of her “sincere delight” at the passing of the referendum.

She said: “Ireland is the first country to vote for equal marriage; this result sends a great message to the world. This is a clear statement to our gay and lesbian citizens that we view them as equals.

“As Minister for Justice and Equality I will be introducing the Marriage Bill 2015 into the Oireachtas in the coming weeks. The Bill will have to pass through the Dail and the Seanad and I am hopeful this will happen before the end of summer.”

See more photos on P12

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

28 May 2015 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

fabulousFASHION

Ellen and Jack McGill. Pictures: Niall Griffin

What a show!

F The models showed a wid e range of styles from the

Ina and Andrea Lungu

centre’s many stores

INGAL fashionistas were del ighted by a great show at Swords Pavilions recently as models took to the catwalk to showcase many spring/summer styles available at retailers in the busy centre. Queen of the fashionistas Glenda Gilson was there for one day of the two-day event, with Mc Cabes hosting a Make-Up

Aishling Gargan of McCabes Pharmacy and Ian Hunter Pavilions SC

Studio beauty masterclass, while Fuschia also held a make-up masterclass. With an Elizabeth Arden demon stration outside the Boots out let, and great advice from the beauty experts in attend ance, fashion fans were left impressed by the fashion and beauty options available at the Pavilions.

Glenda Gilson with Paula Lukcsiunaite and Michaela Hammond

Lisa Heather of Kilkenny Shop and Deirdre King of Pavilions SC

10 swords gazette 28 May 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Ciara Motherway, Aoife Gibbons, Anne O’Loughlin, Joanna O’Byrne and Lorna Byrne. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Paul Dixon and Ryan Brennan

Tim Cooper with Francine and Peter Cooper

Max Whelan of Swords Scouts

Dan Ryan and Colin McGill

malahide: thousands walk in darkness into light

Welcoming the hope of a new day

O Like all the other participants, Ruth Rooney and Marion Ryan were tired but happy to have taken part

NCE again, the annual Darkness into Light fundraiser and awareness campaign for Pieta House passed off with great support in the grounds of Malahide Castle. Mirroring similar events across the country, thousands took to the paths and parkways at the castle to walk through the night until dawn broke, symbolising the hope and help that is always available for people who need it. Many carried pictures of loved ones lost to suicide. Others took part out of natural empathy and a willingness to help support Pieta House’s work with those who have attempted or experienced suicide and self-harm. The event was hailed as another great success.

28 May 2015 swords gazette 11

Sean Collier, Matthew Boyle, Jordan O’Brien and Stephen Power

Marc Smith and James Comiskey

Walkers reflected on the message of hope that Darkness into Light presents

Andrew Brant and Patrick Calvey

Dylan White, Marc Lynn, Samson Yemi Asarakun, Tony McGuinness and Stephen Larmon

12 gazette 28 May 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Young and old turned up to mark the historic day

Niamh Beirne joins the celebrations at Dublin Castle. Pictures: James Martin

Equality rules, okay!

David Walsh and Edward Flynn

Deirdre Garvey and Rory O’Donnell

Dublin Castle courtyard was jam-packed with colour

28 May 2015 Gazette 13

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

a day in the life: how karl bowe – also known as mr ireland – relaxes

what’son

A model approach to living  dairne black

KARL Bowe, this year’s Mr Ireland, is an actor, model, presenter, host and, of course, a true Dub at heart, hailing from Crumlin.

Bowe has had a varied career and most recently appeared on our screens playing an estate agent in TV3’s Red Rock.

Having conquered the Irish scene, Bowe has plans to make the move across the pond and kickstart his career in London.

With so much going on, it’s no surprise we asked Mr Ireland what a typical day in his life is like.

He said: “I’m a bad sleeper, so I’m always awake early. I hit the gym at 9am every morning without fail, usually spend about an hour and half there and then come

back and get some breakfast.

“After that, you never know where the day can lead; it could be a casting or auditions, TV commercials.

“Some of my Mr Ireland duties would include photo shoots, too.”

Bowe is not represented by anyone in Ireland, and everything goes through him.

However, since his appearance on Take Me Out in the UK, he has had some work over there.

“The work over here in Ireland isn’t consistent enough at the moment, I’m planning a move over to the UK to sign with BMA [models agency in London] – they have sent me for a lot of castings and the work is starting to pile up over in London.

“I’m a trained actor and the dream would be

to play James Bond, but the aim is to get into a soap.

“I just want to make a living doing something I love. It’s a big step up and a gamble, but acting is what I want to do,” he said.

Bowe takes a break at weekends. “I always visit my granny in Terenure, and go to mass every Saturday night, then I might go and have a few pints somewhere and really just relax and take it handy.”

For nights out, Bowe has a few choice places.

“Fire Restaurant at the Mansion House is my favourite place. I prefer cocktail bars over clubs, so Copan Rathmines, or Capitol Bar, Lillies Bordello would be my club of choice; I might go there on a bank holiday weekend.”

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you’re growing to love bloom

Mr Ireland, Karl Bowe plans to make a move and start a career in London

NOW running until June 1, the Bord Bia Bloom Festival and garden show in the Phoenix Park is an ideal day out with plenty of sights, smells, tastes and entertainment for the whole family.

The show gardens on display this year are full of surprise, with themes including Peter Pan, stiletto heels and WB Yeats.

As well as the 25 Bloom show gardens, the Banter at Bloom marquee is a new feature for this year’s festival, and will host a series of discussions, talks, and conversations on topical issues around food, sustainability, agriculture, and everything in between.

The Food Village at Bloom is also on hand offering a wide range of artisan produce and onsite dining options. Guests can also dine at Bistro Bloom restaurant, cafe and seafood bar, or visit the all-new Country Crest Food Fayre.

This is just a small sample of the variety of fare available this year. Tickets, priced from €18 per adult, are available at www. bloominthepark.com, and children go free.

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14 Gazette 28 May 2015

dublinlife

diary

Ewe must be joking!

Gardai stumble on woolly wanderer Gardai at Kevin Street station were baaaffled recently when they discovered a sheep in Oliver Bond Street flat complex in Dublin 8.

T h e wo o l l y w a n d e r e r w a s t a ke n t o Kevin Street Station for safekeeping until the DSPCA arrived This is not the first

time that a Garda station has had to double up as an animal shelter.

Earlier this year Finglas Garda station was invaded by a brazen cat

who refused to leave.

T he mischievous moggy made its way into the station and was feline right at home within minutes stretched out on a swivel chair it commandeered from one of the sergeants.

Blanchardstown Garda Station briefly became a makeshift aviary on another occasion a number of months ago when a budgie flew in the window of the superintendent’s window and perched himself above the office door like Edgar Allen Poe’s Raven.

fry to fly in for bloomsday fest The wonderfully wordy Stephen Fry is coming to Dublin for this year’s James Joyce Centre’s Bloomsday Festival.

Fry will be interviewed by the equally eloquent Senator David Norris about all things Joycean to be staged in the O’Reilly Theatre, Dublin on Bloomsday, June 16, 8pm.

Fry said he was very much looking forward to coming to Ireland and discussing the incompa-

The woolly wanderer baaaffled gardai

rable Ulysses.

This year’s festival will run over six days, from June 11 to 16, with walking tours, bizarre brunches, an evening of music and poetry and talks all lined up to enchant visitor and celebrate one of Dublin’s most famous literary sons.

Tickets for the Bloomsday interview with Stephen Fry, cost €25-€22.50 and are available from Ticketmaster.

Fry also showed his love of the Irish language and for the gay people of Ireland last week by tweeting a video as Gaeilge, urging voters to vote yes in the marriage equality referendum (www.votewithus. org/video/stephen-fry-qiguests).

disused computer equipment wanted Inte r n a t i on a l charity organisation Camara Education is seeking donations of disused computer equipment from the public to

support its work in developing countries.

Camara is dedicated to using technology to improve education and livelihood skills in disadvantaged communities around the world.

The organisation believes that with better education these communities can break the cycle of poverty they find themselves in.

Camara has shipped 63,000 computers since its inception 10 years ago and has improved the education of 900,000 students and trained 16,000 teachers.

Each computer donated provides 21 children with digital literacy as well as the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.

Camara is unable to meet the growing demand from schools for computers equipment such as flat screen monitors, desktops and laptops in disadvantaged communities.

The organisation is appealing to the people of Dublin to drop any disused computer equipment at Camara in Chapelizod Industrial Estate, Dublin 20.

Opening times are between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.

For more information: visit www.camara.org/

give-computers/.

a journey through tapas Fans of Spanish cuisine and wine are in for a treat this June as the Campo Viejo Tapas Trail returns to the streets of Dublin.

From June 3 to 28 guests on the trail discover “tapeo”, the art of enjoying tapas with friends and family at four of the best tapas restaurants Dublin has to offer.

Participating restaurants in Dublin are: Bagots Hutton, Drury Buildings, Salamanca, and Zaragoza.

Trailers can spend an afternoon or evening sharing a selection of authentic Spanish tapas created to complement Campo Viejo Reserva wine.

Guests will be guided along the route by hosts who will regale them with Spanish anecdotes.

Colourful art installations by renowned urban artists will be on display in each of the participating restaurants, and this year a giant outdoor mural has been created at Busy Feet and Coco Company on South William Street especially for the Tapas Trail.

For further information visit: www.campoviejotapastrail.ie.

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dublinlife

FEATURE

escape the mayhem: the power of meditation

A calm and clear head is key to staying stress free Irish actress and theatre star Caroline Morahan admits to having quite the hectic life learning lines for upcoming productions and dealing with all the stresses that come with her profession.

Fortunately, Morahan has unlocked the secret of escaping the mayhem of her life through the power of meditation.

Speaking to The Gazette she said: “Escaping the mayhem is some-

thing that’s very important to me as an actress.

You spend so much time in your head preparing for roles and everything that goes with it, which is very mentally challenging.

“I meditate every single day and always feel better afterwards and I don’t listen to music and I don’t have to be by myself. I sometimes wear ear plugs while sitting in the makeup chair or while I’m getting my hair done to just clear my head.

“I can meditate just about anywhere from my own bed to the airport surrounded by people. I think meditation is really good because you can tackle everything much better when you have a calm and clear head.”

Morahan added that Homeopathy, a natural form of treating ailments, has been a central part in her life for mental health.

“I discovered homeopathy when I nearly had a nervous breakdown during my Leav-

ing Cert many years ago.

I nearly lost it entirely with the pre-exam nerves and stress so I went to a homeopath and just kept it up afterwards.

“When I started my TV career and had really debilitating nerves homeopathy came to the rescue.

“I also like yoga a lot which really clears my head, it’s fantastic physically and mentally. When I was preparing for She Stoops to Conquer I would do a yoga warm up before I left the house

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Caroline with Liam Tolan and Lorna Dolan, calling on people across Ireland to take part in the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays. Picture: Shane O’Neill

or even in the dressing room to calm down before the madness of the show,” she said.

Morahan is currently working with Down Syndrome Ireland and is calling on the public to host an ice cream party as part of the HB Hazelbrook

Farm Funday’s campaign to raise much needed funds for the charity.

“It’s a really cool campaign which has being going on for about 13 years and they’ve raised a couple of million at this point. It’s so central because they’re relying

on donations in order to do all the crucial work they do,” she said.

To get involved register online at www.downsyndrome.ie to receive your party pack, which includes vouchers for free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream.

28 May 2015 Gazette 17

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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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Pets Happy chappy hank loves his teddies

Dublin will be a hot bed of live music this June Bank Holiday weekend with over 50 acts performing at Bulmers Forbidden Fruit. Picture: Naoise Culhane

music and arts festival : plenty to see, hear and do in Kilmainham

Forbidden Fruit is sweetest

 Keith Bellew

Forbidden Fruit, Dublin’s multistage music and arts festival, comes to the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, from May 29 to 31.

With over 70 music acts across five stages and a comedy tent line-up bringing the laughs, there’s plenty to see, hear and do at this year’s Forbidden Fruit Festival!

The event, presented by Bulmers and POD, features a host of amazing acts from the Wu-Tang Clan, to Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada.

Organisers are particularly excited about the appearance of pioneering DJ, producer, and legend of underground dance music Richie Hawtin, who is returning to Ireland for the first time in

four years to play Forbidden Fruit.

Prolific producer and remix artist Jamie XX returns this year on Saturday along with dancefloor heavyweights Groove Armada with some of electronic music’s most enduring tracks. Influential Crosstown Rebels founder Damian Lazarus will also be on hand to perform his live show, Damian Lazarus and the Ancient Moons.

Also in the electronic category on Saturday, Mount Krimbie, Waze and Odyssey and London trio Disciples will all take to the stage for what promises to be an epic DJ set.

Saturday won’t be a strictly electronic affair however as “straight from the slums of Shaolin”, Brooklyn’s own Wu-Tang Clan with their unique brand of old-skool rap/hip-hop.

As part of the indie line-up, vocalist and songwriter Kelela joins Forbidden Fruit all the way from LA. Home grown groups are well represented as well with the ever-popular Booka Brass Band who have just released their amazing debut EP. Music isn’t the only attraction at Forbidden Fruit as organisers have announced a side-splitting line-up sure to have the audience rolling in the aisles.

Some of this year’s main comedy attractions include the marmite-like David McSavage who is guaranteed to stir up a sensation, Kildare comic and winner of iTunes’ Best New Podcast in 2013 Jarlath Regan and Republic of Telly presenter Kevin McGahern.

Patrick McDonnell, best known for

his roles on Naked Camera and as Eoin McLove on Father Ted will also take to the stage and with any luck he will sing My Lovely Mayo Mammy.

Some of the best of the newcomers on the circuit including: Steve Bennett, Allison Spittle, and Danny O Brien will be given their chance to shine on the biggest stage of their fledgling careers.

Belinda Kelly of Bulmers said: “Bulmers is very excited to kick start the summer with the fifth instalment of Bulmers Forbidden Fruit. This year we’re delighted that our partners, POD, have once again secured incredible acts.

We’re pretty sure that the line-up will make the RHK the place to be on June Bank holiday weekend.”

For more information on the Festival Line up visit: www.forbiddenfruit.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Hank, who’s a bulldog of about two to three years old. Hank is a happy chappy, who loves tearing around his kennel with his teddies and also getting out for a good rough and tumble with his friend Darcy! Hank is a big guy, and for this reason, he’ll need to go to a home with someone who can manage his strength, older kids would be advisable if any.

All his carers are very fond of Hank, and would love to see him find an amazing forever home. If you think you could offer Hank a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 28 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK Coffee Angel With three locations in the city centre, it’s an up-and comer in the flat white wars €2.60

BITESIZEDNEWS

Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon demonstrated the high quality of SuperValu’s meat at a pop-up beef bistro

Here’s the beef on tasty SuperValu cuts SUPERVALU has launched its ‘best beef ever’ across its 221 stores throughout Ireland and to celebrate the store has set up its Pop Up Beef Bistro to showcase the real quality and taste of its product.

Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon was on hand to prepare his famous rib of beef with all the trimmings for the lucky diners who were picked at random to eat at the pop-up eatery in Dawson Street bar, 37.

The beef was expertly cooked and the cut superb. SuperValu is already synonymous with the best of Irish beef, with consumers rating SuperValu as the most trusted for quality in the market.

Quality continues to be top of the agenda, demonstrated through its strong focus on sourcing, processing and ageing.

250 Square In Rathmines, try a Vietnamese iced coffee; delicious espresso poured over ice and condensed milk €4

FAB

Illustrating a new type We spill the beans of Sclavi’s Valdo rose VALDO Floral Edition Rose has been designed by Fabrizio Sclavi, an eminent fashion editor with a special passion for illustration, and is the perfect tipple for summer.

The design is described as a tribute to nature, to beauty, to colours, to the joy of living.

This new limited edition bottle was revealed at the Milano Design Week 2015 and displayed at the Superstudio Selected Gallery Design Exhibition.

Valdo Floral Edition Rose Brut is on special promotion with an RSP of €20 for May and June while stocks last.

It is available at independent off-licences including Donnybrook Fair, Dublin and Greystones; The Grape Vine, Dalkey; Kelly’s Wine Vault, Clontarf, Dublin 3; Martin’s Off Licence, Fairview, Dublin 3; Liston’s, Camden Street, Dublin 2, and Dublin Airport Duty Free.

FROM the humble filter coffee to the exceedingly trendy flat white, to the decadent and sweet cafe bon bon, there’s something for everyone who’s a coffee lover. In recent times, coffee in Dublin has gone through somewhat of a renaissance. Where once we struggled to find a good aul’ cuppa joe, we now have boutique baristas supplying their own revolutionary roasts. This month, we have compiled some of our favourite coffee experiences in the city. What do you think? Have we neglected a joyish java joint from our list? Let us know your favourite on The Gazette’s Facebook page, or on Twitter: @ DublinGazette. Next Month we will be searching for the perfect steak ...

Bald Barista Grab an espresso in Aungier Street €2

Clement & Pekoe Try a great flat white in South William Street €2.80

3FE Grand canal Street One of the most popular and best established names and roasters in the city; they do barista classes. Coffee Trio tasting tray €6

28 May 2015 Gazette 19

the west: high tea treats for two

TRAVEL

Oh, G – a great hotel you’ll love

by Galway city  mimi murraY

GALWAY has always been a difficult town to get into – quite literally.

Traffic is always somewhat of a problem, so on a recent trip to the city I decided on the G Hotel, which is just outside and before the gridlock starts!

When it opened in 2005, the G made waves with its bold colours, sleek lines and unusual touches, such as the origami birds swarming over your head in the spa.

Designed by milliner Philip Treacy – one of Galway’s favourite sons – this hotel really is striking, from its pink parlour (where myself and my sister enjoyed afternoon tea) to the expansive restaurant with its lush purple seating.

We had 24 hours in the city and planned to make the most of it. Pink afternoon tea on arrival was being taken by lots of Galwegian ladies, and consisted of some pink bubbles and plenty of tasty morsels that more than see you through until dinner.

I was determined to make it into the Latin Quarter before dinner and to have at least one glass of the black stuff.

Galway was buzzing, as always, with plenty of people willing to engage us in conversation and have some craic.

After a short walk back to the hotel, we changed for dinner and glammed it up ever so slightly, as the place almost commands it.

The restaurant is headed by Cedric Bottarlini,

who was appointed the G Hotel’s new head chef in October 2014.

He brings more than 15 years of international experience to his role, having returned to Galway from the Dead Sea in Jordan, where he worked as the executive sous chef in a leading luxury five-star international resort.

Bottarlini trained in France and you can really see it in his food.

Myself and my sister went for fishy starters – hers being seared scallops with watercress, radish and passion fruit, and mine being crab tian, crab bavarois, asparagus and pickled dillisk salad.

We both wanted the rib eye steak and normally, in the name of research, would have tried something differ-

Copenhagen is set to be a Ryanair destination

Ryanair sets up new routes for winter 2015

Afternoon tea in the G Hotel’s Grand Salon is a refined experience, while its deluxe rooms offer pure comfort for travellers to the western city

ent but it looked so good that we both decided to go for that.

This steak did not disappoint and was like butter to cut through, with the right amount of char and a delicious bearnaise on the side.

A signature dessert in the G, the basil meringue, was an amazingly light treat after a big meal, but my sister made the wrong choice and death

by chocolate it was! She couldn’t move afterwards.

The next morning, we were more than pleased to see that the spa was bathed in very dark light, good for the pot bellies and dark circles from the previous night.

I had a fitness massage with a lovely therapist who used some reviving espa oils, and I walked away feeling renewed by

Stena Line trips to family breaks  ian begley

IRISH ferry company Stena Line is offering families the chance to enjoy a fun-filled summer break in July at a Pontins Holiday Park, Wales from €459 per family for seven nights when booked by May 31.

The price, which offers holidaymakers up to 30% off pre-sale prices, includes return Stena Line travel from Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, Belfast to Liverpool or Belfast to Cairn-

ryan for a car, two adults and up to two children, and seven nights’ selfcatering accommodation in Pontins Prestatyn in north Wales or Southport in Merseyside.

Ian Bailie, key account and product sales manager for Stena Line, said: “From zoos to sea parks, castles to stately homes and walking trails to amusement parks, there really is something for everyone.”

Prestatyn Sands is renowned for its beautiful beaches and is ideal

for families as it has a wealth of exciting things to see and do, including Prestatyn Castle, ancient cathedrals, stately homes such as Bodrhyhyddan Hall and lots of walks and trails in areas of outstanding beauty.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a firm favourite with visitors, as it is home to many interesting animals from around the world including snow leopards, chimpanzees, red pandas and Sumatran tigers, while the Llanberis Lake Railway is ideal for a

Gazette

TRAVEL fast

the whole experience.

My sister said the sauna had almost killed her before it cured her, but we both left feeling the benefits of 24 hours in the west.

The summer berrylicious afternoon tea at the G is priced €26 for one/€44 for two. Dinner is priced €48 for three courses. For fur ther information, see www. theghotel.ie.

RYANAIR has recently added extra flights from Dublin to Alicante, Faro, Tenerife and Warsaw as part of a significantly expanded winter 2015 schedule.

The airline’s winter schedule is also expected to deliver two new routes to Copenhagen and Lublin and an extension to the Venice Treviso route.

Irish customers and visitors can choose from 63 destinations across Europe this winter with Ryanair while also enjoying allocated seating, a free second carry-on bag, reduced fees, a new website, and a brand-new app with mobile boarding passes.

Local

Matters S u p p or t lo c a l b u s i n e ss

IRISH ferry company Stena Line is offering the chance of a summer break a Pontins Holiday Park, Wales

fun day out as families can travel onboard a steam train. Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that Southport is described as “England’s golfing capital” due to its high concentra-

tion of championship link courses, so budding golfers should be sure to bring their clubs.

For further information, and to book, see www.stenaline.co.ie/pontins.

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20 Gazette 28 May 2015

mOTHER

& bABY

Bespoke baby bundles for your bundle of joy  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A new shop for baby’s needs, providing prams, buggies, cots and everything in between, has opened in Finglas. Pitter Patter Prams is now offering a unique service to new mothers in Finglas village.

The shop, on 1 Jamestown Road, will provide bespoke baby bundles including everything an expectant mother needs ahead of the baby’s arrival.

Owner of Pitter Patter Prams Toni McKernan said of the new shop: “We aim to provide a very personal service that is tailored to what you need from your pram and baby necessities.

“I have nearly 10 years’ experience in the pram and nursery industry. It’s a happy but confusing time as there are so many prams and my experience may help you select the pram for your everyday needs.

Our aim is to guide you through to ensure you buy the correct pram for you and your family.”

McKernan is also trained in fitting car baby seats which he will do for free and because many parents install car seats incorrectly, he will also check that your seat fits your car.

The tailor-made baby bundles special to Pitter Patter Prams are also tailored to suit everyone’s budget.

The shop also provides free delivery of cots or prams and has a payment plan in place to suit all. If you prefer to discuss this privately, or cannot visit the shop during normal office hours, a one-to-one and by appointment only meeting can be arranged.

For more information on the services provided by Pitter Patter Prams, you can go to www.facebook.com/www.pitterpatterprams. ie/info?tab=overview. You can contact the shop at info@pitterpatterprams.ie or by calling 01 8140810.

Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged by medical experts for the first six months of a baby’s life

development: the pros and cons

To breastfeed or not to breastfeed  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

To breastfeed or not to breastfeed, that has been a controversial question for new mothers over the years. Yet, nowadays there has been a rise in the number of women choosing to breastfeed, given that research shows it to be of the best for baby’s development.

Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged by medical experts for the first six months of the baby’s life.

This, however, is the ideal, and do not fret if you cannot sustain breastfeeding for quite so long. A lot of mothers get upset when they cannot breastfeed, but this only puts additional pressure on new mothers and causes stress,

which is no good for the baby either.

Therefore, if you can breastfeed, even for a little while, your child will be receiving a good portion of antibodies that will sustain them against infections for a significant amount of time.

If you are one of the lucky ones, and can breastfeed your baby for the full six months, experts recommend weaning the baby off the breast with a combination of breast milk and solid food for a while.

The benefits of breastfeeding for babies include less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting, less chance of constipation, less chance of developing type-two diabetes in later life and less chance of developing eczema.

Breastfeeding is also good for mothers as it lowers the risk of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer, it saves money otherwise spent on infant formula and joy of joys, it also uses up to 500 calories a day.

Another welcome fea-

ture of breastfeeding is that it can stave off the return of menstruation.

The fear of breastfeeding in public is a common concern. However, according to www.breastfeeding.ie: “You are entitled to breastfeed in public places and you don’t have to ask. Some places may offer a private area if you would like this, but you do not have to use it. Your baby can look for food or comfort anywhere and at any time. Feel free to offer your baby a breastfeed whenever and wherever he or she needs it.”

Finally, there is plenty of support out there for a new mother setting out to breastfeed.

Websites such as www. friendsofbreastfeeding. ie, www.rollercoaster.ie, www.cuidiu-ict.ie and www.lalecheleagueireland.com, are all a click away to offer help and tips for Irish mothers who are breastfeeding.

But don’t forget that if it doesn’t come naturally, bottle is a perfectly good way for baby to get all the nutrition it needs.

28 May 2015 Gazette 21

Developing a sleep routine  ian begley

For parents with young infants the joys of getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep at night may seem like a distant memory.

Although newborns sleep for an average of 18 hours a day, they do it in short bursts around the clock.

This sleep routine can certainly drive new parents up the wall, but by following a few helpful tips getting your baby to sleep can be a lot less stressful than it needs to be.

According to baby care expert and former presenter of the RTE show Baby on Board, Doreen Buckley, said

every baby is different and by monitoring your own infant’s behaviour and activity during the day, it will be a lot easier to develop a sleeping routine for them.

Speaking to The Gazette she said: “If you want your baby to sleep well at night the training begins at about six weeks old. Babies require 18 hours of sleep a day for the first few weeks of their life and you need to start trying to learn how to settle them down.

“Passing the baby around from one person to another is not good for the baby in the early weeks of its life and could disrupt sleeping patterns.

“A baby under 12

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

‘Babies require 18 hours of sleep a day for the first few weeks of their life ’ --------------------------

weeks old should be taking five or six naps a day and you should expect the baby to wake up twice during the night for feeding.

“I think breastfeeding is my number one tip in helping your baby get to sleep. It’s not just about the act of feeding your baby, it’s the whole technique of settling it down and creating a calm, relaxing atmos-

phere between mother and baby.”

Buckley went on to say that creating an ambience of dimmed lights in your home will also help settle your baby down.

“Having your lights dimmed and also blackout lining in the room your baby sleeps in will help provide a healthy flow of sleep for your baby.

“The cot your baby sleeps in should also be close to their parent’s bed. You can actually get a cot that attaches to the bed so that your baby is at the same level as you, but not actually sleeping with you. You can then meet their needs straight away and not cause them too much disruption.”

Newborns sleep for an average of 18 hours a day but they do it in short bursts around the clock

Gazette

22 Gazette 28 May 2015

mOTHER

& bABY

17 years of commitment to their mission at the Merrion Fertility Clinic Merrion Fertility was established in 1998 by Dr Mary Wingfield at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin and is Ireland’s only not-for-profit fertility clinic that is partnered with a large maternity hospital.

Over 17 years ago, Dr Wingfield along with staff at the National Maternity Hospital undertook to provide couples with affordable access to reproductive care where decisions are based solely on best medical practice and supported evidence.

Today the clinic is proud to be a leader in the area of reproductive medicine and surgery, providing over 500 assisted reproduction treatment cycles for couples per annum and achieving record pregnancy rates.

Offering a wide range of advanced treatments, its current overall success rate for IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) is 52.4%, increasing to 55% for women under 37 (for more information on its success rates visit www.merrionfertility.ie).

Other couples are helped to achieve pregnancy with simpler treatments and with surgery. Dr Wingfield has a particular interest and expertise in endometriosis and she and Dr Allen manage a wide range of gynaecological

conditions including fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome and pelvic adhesions. Male fertility treatment is also provided including surgical sperm retrieval where required.

The clinic has maintained its close relationship with the National Maternity Hospital with all of its doctors continuing to work there as consultant obstetrician gynaecologists. As part of the hospital, the clinic benefits from a range of expert medical and surgical services, including early pregnancy services, consultant anaesthetists who provide sedation for IVF cycles, full laboratory services, operating theatres and access to Ireland’s best obstetric in-patient care. Once pregnant, the clinic’s patients have the option of continuing their pregnancy care at the hospital.

Dr Wingfield and her team remain committed to the founding mission of the clinic by continuing to lead the way in research and quality in the area of assisted reproduction and by advocating for people in Ireland who have medical conditions that affect their fertility.

If you would like more information on Merrion Fertility Clinic, please contact them on 01 6635000 or visit www.merrionfertility.ie

Pregnant women are advised to consume at least two portions of fish per week

nutrition: foods for brain growth

A healthy diet for you and baby  keith bellew

While a healthy diet is imperative for the development of your child once it is born, the right kind of diet during pregnancy can make an enormous contribution to your baby’s brain growth.

According to experts, a baby’s brain begins to form three weeks after conception and the food you eat plays a vital role how it develops. A baby’s brain changes very quickly between the 24th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, with significant brain growth occurring from the 34th week.

A wide range of nutrients are necessary to facilitate this development, so eating as healthy and varied a diet as possible is advised.

The following is a list of super brain foods which will contribute to your baby’s brain development

and increase your chances of giving birth to a little Einstein.

Pregnant women are advised to consume at least two portions of fish per week, and one of these should be oily.

Oily fish is a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which helps the

weight.

We all know that spinach provides Popeye with the strength necessary to save Olive Oil from Bluto, but it also provides your baby with the natural folate necessary for the production of new DNA and the regulation of cell metabolism (on top

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

‘A baby’s brain begins to form three weeks after conception and the food you eat plays a vital role how it develops’

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

brain and central nervous system develop. Sardines and tuna are an excellent source of DHA. According to the World Health Organisation, iodine deficiency during pregnancy is the primary cause of preventable mental health problems.

Yoghurt is rich in iodine, and Greek yoghurt is also packed with protein, which is imperative to ensuring a healthy birth

of your folic acid supplement). It also contains antioxidants which protect the baby’s brain tissue from damage.

Eggs are a well known super food as they are a great source of lean protein and iron, which are crucial for brain development. Along with iron and protein, eggs also contain high levels of choline, which aids the development of memory and a

life-long ability to learn.

Nuts are handy for snacking on the go, and Brazil nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats and selenium. A selenium deficiency can alter brain development in your baby, so Brazil nuts are a definite must.

Peanuts are surprisingly beneficial to your baby’s brain development as they contain protein, niacin, monounsaturated fats and folate. Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is their high levels of Vitamin E and supports DHA and also protects brain cell membranes. The roasted and unsalted variety are also a good source of antioxidants.

As essential fats make up approximately 60% of the developing brain, avocados are rich in oleic acid which helps to create and maintain myelin, which is a fatty protective layer around nerves in the central nervous system.

28 May 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

24 Gazette 28 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Concert Celebration of Yeats THE Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire is hosting an unusual and melodic celebration of the 150th birthday of WB Yeats with a concert. Entitled Songs from the Swans at Coole, it’s based on the work of the great modern poet.

Composer Michael Scott has created a new song cycle exploring Yeats’s poetry, with a particular focus on the development of the Irish State and his unrequited love for Maude Gonne.

The poems being treated include Innisfree, Sailing to Byzantium, When You Are Old, The Sorrow Of Love, No Second Troy, September 1913.

A selection of poetry will be read by actors Deirdre Donnelly and Des Cave, and singers Yvonne Brennan (soprano) and Anthony Norton (tenor) will put some selected poems to music.

The musical style will be operatic and classical accompanied by a traditional Irish orchestra, complete with Irish harp, whistle, percussion, fiddle, cello, French horn, uilleann pipes and pianoforte. The concert takes place on June 13, and tickets are on sale for €21 from boxoffice@paviliontheatre. ie.

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ARTS

books: all over ireland

Short but effective looks at ourselves  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

ALL Over Ireland, edited by novelist Deirdre Madden, is Faber and Faber’s fifth volume of short stories.

In the introduction to this anthology, Madden makes the usual disclaimer that her selection of new short stories does not try to be definitive or form a literary canon.

However, Madden need not be so circumspect, as she has done a fine job in choosing stories of great variety, innovation and artistry.

Madden does draw our attention in the introduction to certain themes cropping up in many of the stories, such as emigration, as seen from various angles.

In her selection, Madden shows us a good slice of Irish society and the “rude health of the Irish short story”.

The breadth of style and subject matter in the anthology is wonderful, and there really is something for every literary taste.

In My New Life, by Andrew Fox, we are met with a traditional style – very reminiscent of the

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

‘In All Over Ireland, edited by novelist Deirdre Madden, our attention is drawn in the introduction to certain themes cropping up in many of the stories, such as emigration, as seen from various angles’

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

1950s – as a young boy tries to adjust to a new life in America.

Fox’s use of language is economical and appropriate to the subject matter.

His descriptions are spot on and often funny; for instance, when the young boy sees his father passed out on the sofa, he describes it as “his mouth hanging in a vague, unspoken vowel”.

From childhood to

ageing, all stations of life are also covered in the book. In For Keeps,

by Belinda McKeon, we are welcomed into a real snapshot of a brief moment in the life of the female protagonist.

As she gets older, she notices that she no longer draws glances from men on the street; many women meet this cold fact of life with shock.

On first encountering this, the character’s mind is stalled for a while and she is at a loss, even imagining that everyone is especially busy and distracted that day ...

One of my favourite stories is Sean O’Reilly’s Ceremony, as it uses the short story form to present the essence of primal need.

We discover over time that the character, Nathan, has a dark history.

The story moves from slang-ridden and somewhat shallow developing into an exploration of the deep-end of the character’s subconscious with a simultaneous change in language to something more enduring.

As Nathan becomes more philosophical, we become more attracted

All Over Ireland, published by Faber and Faber

to him as a character and O’Reilly lets some of the character’s propensities for destruction leak out.

Nathan tells us of a friend who has found his calling in life. “He had found what we all need, a reason, a rock to smash ourselves against,” he says.

O’Reilly’s final image of Nathan is one of the most extraordinary I can recall in any short story.

Another favourite of mine in the collection is Frank McGuinness’s The Widow’s Ferret.

It is about a Catholic widow of a murdered RUC man living in Coleraine.

The widow’s interior life is fascinating as she tries to create a reason for continuing after her husband’s death.

She is at war with herself as she swings from paranoia to rage. The

In this anthology, novelist Deirdre Madden has edited a fine collection of Irish writing from diverse voices

author’s poetic flair is on show and, in keeping with the subject matter, we are transported back to O’Casey’s histor y plays.

The widow curses the violence of The Troubles, saying: “You are damned

in this country because you eat your own. You down the blood of your brothers. You devour your sister’s skin.”

All Over Ireland, published by Faber and Faber, is on sale priced €13.99.

28 May 2015 gazette 25

Stylish new breed of Opel Astra is here

Gazette

new generation: saloon a big part of fresh-faced fleet

MOTORING MOTORING road

NOISE

 dave phillips

With good reason, Opel has long enjoyed a stable place in the Irish market.

With a logo that is filed in our national psyche next to memories of Jack Charlton’s halcyon days, the brand has long been associated with that golden era of Ireland when we were proud to be a robust, dependable, and functional people – and arguably no other car captured that spirit more than the Astra.

Fast forward 20 years and the collective identity crises of both Opel and the Irish nation have settled into sync once again. A single glance at the new saloon model is enough to make it clear that here is a new breed of Astra in town.

The latest generation of Opel cars signifies a boost of new energy in the brand, and the new Astra sits stylishly among the fresh-faced fleet.

Without a doubt it is the visual leap from the hatchback that is most immediately noticeable in this model. The saloon version of the Astra boasts a sleek and distinguished aesthetic that flows from the burnished exterior to the subdued interior finish. This iteration seems to be less of a benevolent workhorse and more elegant executive, closer in style though smaller in stature to Opel’s stalwart Insignia.

The test car offered came with the standard 1.6 CDTi engine, which performs incredibly quietly, particularly in com-

Versatile Vito van range from Mercedes-Benz invades Dublin streets

The Opel Astra saloon is a smooth, solid drive with prices starting at €19,495

parison to the last generation’s 1.7-litre engine.

It’s a smooth ride getting around the city and suburbs, with a fairly economical fuel consumption thanks to the start/ stop set up.

Take the car out onto long stretches though, and you can really get a feel for what the Astra is built for. An optional Flex Ride system adds to the enjoyment: sport mode stiffens the shock absorbers, so the car grips more firmly to the road surface, steering support is lessened as

it is intended for straight line driving, and acceleration becomes noticeably more responsive – it also switches all the main instrument lighting to red, which, it must be said, does make you feel at least three times as cool.

Comfortable

A tour mode does practically the opposite with the shocks, allowing a more comfortable drive, but even on the standard set up, the Astra is exceptionally comfortable on the motorway.

The interior is classy and understated, with perforated leather facing seats and a clean matte finish on the dash. Housing a seven-inch sat nav unit, the Navi950 system will also stream your music, handle calls, and read your texts aloud.

Combined with the climate controls (including heated seats) and radio, the array of buttons is daunting at first look, but you’ll have it down within the day.

There’s ample space in the back seats, and

an absolutely massive boot that will no doubt make this car appealing to those looking for a functional family car that offers more style than most.

Overall a solid drive, the new Astra saloon should carve out its own niche in the market. A base price from €19,495 makes it more attractive, but much of the long haul comfortable appeal is tied up in the extras which can bump this model up to around €25,000.

The latest Mercedes-Benz van range has been finding its way onto Dublin streets. Promising an unsurpassed level of versatility, commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady suggests the new Mercedes-Benz Vito “will send shockwaves through the mid-size van segment”.

The Vito range currently comprises three models – the Vito panel van, which concentrates on maximising storage space with 6.9 cubic metres of cargo space in the back. The Mixto adds some additional seating, catering for up to six people while maintaining a cargo volume of up to 4.1 cubic metres. Finally, the Tourer is marketed as a crewbus that can seat up to nine people and still boasts significant storage.

Six-speed manual transmission is standard, and there is the choice of rear-wheel or front-wheel drive formats.

The Vito looks to be a smooth combination, melding together the best of robust haulage with in car comfort – the cockpit is redesigned, high quality, and airy. Meanwhile, power comes from two, fourcylinder turbo-diesel engines available in five power ratings.

A long list of safety features land as standard on all models including, attention assist to monitor the driver’s condition and crosswind assist to eliminate the effects of wind gusts. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard, so too are twin driver and passenger airbags.

In panel van format, prices for the range begin at €18,650 (ex taxes and delivery related charges). The Mixto range starts from €37,790 (inc VAT and VRT).

The Tourer range starts from €47,950 (inc VAT and VRT).

The Mercedes-Benz Vito van range

26 swords gazette 28 May 2015

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Gazette

28 Gazette 28 May 2015

SPORT Passing of RTE legend O’Herlihy

FastSport

soccer: bill set to be honoured by the fai for services to sport

three rock finish fourth in europe: THREE Rock Rovers ended fourth in the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy as the ran out of legs against Azerbaijan’s Atasport yesterday at Grange Road, Rathfarnham.

They ultimately fell 3-2, ending a tournament they started superbly on a low note. Friday saw a 5-2 win over Ukraine’s professional outfit OKS Vinnitsa before Ross Canning’s late goal saw them beat Scottish champions Grange 3-2.

But Sunday’s agonising loss to eventual winner SC Stroitel Brest 2-1 denied them a final berth as they could not break through despite an overwhelming dominance of chances and possession.

It left them playing for bronze against an Azeri side powered by nine players of Pakistani origin. The Dubliners looked good early on with Jody Hosking firing home a drag-flick inside two minutes but ultimately fell to a second last minute goal.

 aaron gallagher sport@dublingazette.com

FORMER RTE broadcaster Bill O’Herlihy has died aged 76. The presenter passed away peacefully at his home on Monday and is survived by his wife Hilary

and two daughters.

O’Herlihy was a household name across the country for his decades of beloved presenting of RTÉ’s coverage of sporting events, namely 10 World Cups and 10 Olympic Games in a career spanning over

O’Herlihy with John Giles and Eamon Dunphy

Bill O’Herlihy in the RTE studio

four decades.

He retired last summer following the 2014 World Cup after announcing it would be his final appearance as presenter on RTE some months earlier.

His coverage of football alongside pundits and life-long friends Liam Brady, John Giles and Eamon Dunphy won the acclaim and hear ts of people all over the countr y for their insightful analysis, years of experience and professional presence on screen.

Bill began his career in media aged 16 when he was taken on as a journalist for the Cork Examiner, while his first appearance on television came in 1965 when

he presented a report on the sinking of the Lusitania off the Cork coast for Newsbeat.

He went on to work on the programme 7 Days but left following an episode that dealt with illegal money lending that would go on to become a subject of inquiry through tribunal.

He would go on to found the O’Herlihy Communications Group in 1973.

O’Herlihy was synonymous with Italia ’90, and is remembered fondly for his work on RTE’s panel for Republic of Ireland games.

Bill was held in high regard by Irish football fans for his unique

approach to his role as presenter, opening football up to both young and old, sporting and non-sporting.

He had worked in broadcasting since the 1960s and was RTE’s chief sports presenter for the UEFA Champions League, World Track Championships as well as Republic of Ireland international games and Oly mpic Games.

Speaking about O’Herlihy’s passing, John Delaney, FAI chief executive, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened at the passing of Bill O’Herlihy.

“A t r u e n a t i o n a l treasure, he was a fantastic journalist and

interviewer, who made a unique contribution to Irish sports journalism.

“I have known him for over 20 years. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, his wife Hilary, and his daughters Jill and Sally.”

The FAI will honour Bill O’Herlihy’s contribution to Irish football at its international matches in June.

He received the Jacob’s Award for his presentation of the 1990 World Cup, won Irish Sports Journalist of the Year in 2003 and was named Irish Film and Television Academy’s Television Personality of the Year in 2007.

Blackrock man Macken leaves Leinster for Wasps  sport@dublingazette.com

Brendan Macken on the run for Leinster against Connacht. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/ SPORTSFILE

FORMER Blackrock College centre Brendan Macken has left Leinster for Coventry-based Aviva Premiership side Wasps, where he’ll play the 2015-16 season.

Macken has already familiarised himself with the Premiership, having joined Gloucester after Christmas, a move the Blackrock man says was “an enjoyable experience” and no doubt played a role in his decision to move more permanently.

In part due to the loan, Mack-

en has made only five starting appearances for Leinster this season.

“I’m delighted to sign for Wasps,” he says. “They’re a massive club and their reputation is only getting better.

“I hope to get as much experience as I can and will try to maximise any opportunities I have.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the Wasps set-up, working hard and contributing as best I can to help the team continue to improve.

Macken’s been part of the Leinster system for five years,

since leaving school, though he’s often been kept out of the side by the strength of the Leinster centre which has included Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Fergus McFadden.

“I am incredibly grateful for my time with Leinster Rugby,” he says. “I have been proud to represent them, and I would like to thanks everyone involved with Leinster for everything they have done for me. It has been an incredible part of my life.”

Wasps had a mixed 2014-15 season, which included a controversial move up to the Ricoh

Arena from their old home in Wycombe.

Their current back row is full of international talent, including Kiwi star Piri Weepu, Scotland’s Ruaridh Jackson and England’s Joe Simpson and Christian Wade.

Macken will be joining up with former Leinster man Jimmy Gopperth at the Ricoh Arena.

Wasps finished sixth in the Aviva Premiership last season, 15 points behind league winners Northampton Saints, doing just enough to qualify for the European Champions Cup.

28 May 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

‘Ais the Bash’ saving UFC return for Dublin Aisling Daly talks to James Hendicott about her move to UFC, The Ultimate Fighter experience and her struggles in the developing world of female MMA DRIMNAGH’S Aisling Daly - Ireland’s only female professional mixed martial arts fighter - plans to save her next big outing for the UFC’s return to Dublin in October, telling GazetteSport “I don’t think I want to risk missing a second Dublin card. I’d rather not risk another injury.”

Daly is currently nursing a minor niggle following her recent loss to Randa Markos, but expects to return to full training in the coming couple of weeks. She sees herself as two or three fights away from a title belt fight in a division that’s still taking shape.

“It definitely makes a difference fighting away from home a lot. I’d much prefer to fight in Dublin,” she says. “I’m used to the travel now, but it makes a big difference to wake up in your

own bed. The travel is an occupational hazard.”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt Daly’s previous fights include appearances in Canada, the US, the UK and an impressive last-minute stand-in win in Amman, Jordan, in which she defeated Angela Hayes having excepted the fight at just three days’ notice.

Her overall record currently stands at 15 wins and six losses.

T he Dubliner has gained far more recognition in recent years as MMA has come to ever increasing prominence in Ireland through the exploits of Conor McGregor, but she still feels the women’s sport is under-appreciated, both here and abroad.

“When I beat Jessica Eye, I was the first Irish fighter to hold a world title”, she tells GazetteSport. “Nobody knew

Aisling Daly signs autographs at Wildcat Ink last Saturday.

who either of us was back then, but I don’t think it got quite the recognition it deserved.

“Conor obviously raised the bar in Ireland, but not getting the recognition was a little bit usual.

“The women’s sport generally is still in its infancy, however.

“The women are still underpaid in the UFC. It’s partly the contracts you can only fight every three months. But UFC also recognises fighters based on how many fights they’ve had within the organisation.”

Daly is currently ranked number 11 in UFC’s women’s strawweight division, a class that was only added to the championship in late 2014. Early rankings were determined by results in reality TV show The Ultimate F i g h t e r. D a l y w a s

defeated in the show’s quarter final.

“I’ve had 21 professional fights, but I’m fairly new to UFC, because women’s MMA is fairly new to UFC. We’re still behind the men as a result, but it’s a take it or leave it kind of deal.”

anyone in the division.

Daly recently moved down a division to the 115lb straw weight level, a weight at which she finds herself “pretty depleted”, but faces up against fighters her own size, rather than bulkier opponents who might take fights from Daly

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

‘I was the first Irish fighter to hold a world title. I don’t think it got quite the recognition it deserved.’ - Aisling Daly --------------------------------------------------------

Poland’s Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the reigning belt holder in a division that’s yet to see a successful title defence, and Daly fancies her chances against the Pole’s kickboxing style.

“I’m a jiu-jitsu girl,” she says. “So the ideal opponent for me is a wrestler. Someone like Carla Esparza would be the most difficult fight for me, because I’m always looking to get the take down, and Carla would be able to defend the takedown well.

“Maybe Joanna wouldn’t be able to defend the takedown quite so well. But I think at this stage you just need to be well rounded and able to deal with all styles. You can’t afford to be too one dimensional.

I’d feel fairly comfortable matching up with

on pure physical power rather than technical ability.

It’s a bold move, but one that raise the fighter’s profile still further after her televised appearances on The Ultimate Fighter, and allows her to compete at the top of the international game.

“The top two or three girls at 125lb are a lot bigger, a lot stronger than me,” Daly explains.

“I want to be the best in the world. If I’m going to achieve that, I felt this was the right move, especially with the weight divisions available in the UFC.” Despite her recent defeat to Randa Markos, “Ais the Bash” is full of hope, and looking to harness Ireland’s growing affection for her sport.

Come autumn, she’ll be back on the warpath.

FastSport

Tattarsalls Horse Trials set for world-class field EIGHT Dublin riders are set to represent Ireland at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair this coming weekend. The trials get under way this Wednesday, May 27 and continue until Sunday, May 31.

Entries are at an all time high for the event, taking place in Ratoath, County Meath, with 364 individual entries representing an increase of 9% on last year.

Eight of the world’s top 13 riders will feature, including William Fox-Pitt, currently number two in the world, from the UK, while 2014 winner Tim Price will return to defend his title.

Irish entries Aoife Daly of Castleknock, Peter Garrigan of Baldurgan and Symone Brown of Dublin 13 will compete in the preliminary level, CCI one category, while Geoff Curran will compete in the intermediate CCI two.

Nicola Ennis will compete at the highest level of the Dublin entries, with the Howth rider expected to compete at CCI three level, just below the highest international standard.

Ennis has an impressive record in Irish eventing, including a fourth place finish in Ballindenisk earlier this year. She’ll ride her eight-year-old mount Westwinds Jack of Hearts.

“We are overwhelmed with the calibre of entries received for the 10th running of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair,” director Roger Casey said. “The World’s Best Event riders will all converge in Ireland.”

“This gives the public the exciting opportunity to witness the very best competitors in this sport.

The increase in entry numbers is a testament to the event and how it has grown since its inception in 2006. ” Three equestrian disciplines will feature- dressage, cross country and show jumping. Dressage takes place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Cross country on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and show jumping on Saturday and Sunday.

The grounds are opposite Fairyhouse Racecourse, and the action will take place between 9am and 5.30pm daily. Entry prices vary by day, from free entry on Wednesday and Thursday to €17 for adults for the prestigious Saturday schedule.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 28 May 2015

SPORT

fastSport

Portmarnock’s Caldwell named R&A captain GAVIN Caldwell has been nominated as Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club by the past captains of the club and will begin his year in office with the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course on Friday, September 25.

A former Trustee of Portmarnock Golf Club, Caldwell was club captain and chairman of the Walker Cup committee when it hosted the 1991 match. He enjoyed a successful university golf career and is President of Dublin University Golfing Society. He plays to a handicap of 12.

He has also served on the Amateur Status and Championship Committees of The R&A and was a member of the general committee from 2010-2013. He has been a member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club since 1996.

Caldwell was educated at St Columba’s College and Trinity College, Dublin and embarked on a career in investment management. In 1980, he was appointed as the founding Chief Executive of Ulster Bank Investment Managers, the Irish subsidiary of NatWest Group, a role he held until 2003.

He is currently a non-executive director of several Irish subsidiaries of international investment companies.

Residing in Howth, County Dublin, Mr Caldwell lives with his wife Jane and has five children, Robert, Sarah, Sonia, Jennifer and Gillian.

Swords Celtic close in on LSL promotion spot SWORDS Celtic inched a couple of steps closer to potential promotion from the LSL Sunday Senior 1A division despite

not taking the field last weekend.

Nearest rivals Dublin University drew 2-2 with St James’s Gate while Dunboyne tied 3-3 with St Joseph’s Boys to strengthen Swords’ hold on second place. If they beat Dunboyne, they will be assured of moving up.

soccer: swords starlet to captain under-17 panel

Swords Thunder celebrate their latest triumph in Nantes, a second European tournament triumph in two years.

Thunder take French Trophy  sport@dublingazette.com

TRAVELODGE Swords Thunder took another t r o p hy a b r o a d t h i s weekend, winning the OSB Fait Son Eurobasket 2015 basketball competition in France.

The team travelled to Nantes attempting to repeat their success in Italy last May, going on to beat a well regarded Belgian D2 team in the final.

Swords Thunder finished in second place in the Irish Premier League, surprising fellow league opponents in what is the club’s first season in Ireland’s top

flight of basketball The side’s captain I s a a c We s t b r o o k s , who lead the league in assists, was named Euro Basketball domestic player of the year, firstteam league All Star and also Guard of the Year.

We s t b r o o k s a n d Swords team-mate Kevin Lacey were both selected to represent Ireland in an international tournament in China this summer.

Spanish forward Juan Torres and swing-man Mike Goj were named players of the week and month during the season while coach Dave Baker was also voted

SAIL AWAY? Malahide Yacht Club offer trial day SIX EVENINGS of sailing are on offer at Malahide Yacht Club, through a new course designed to offer friendly instruction on the basics of sailing and navigation.

The course will cost €60 and start on Wednesday, June 3, with fees part deductable from membership should partcipants choose to join up at the end of the course.

You can sign on at http://www.ctb.ie/ trysail.myc/

coach of the month for November.

Swords have a structured link for the past few years with Griffith College Dublin, where through an elite basketball scholarship p r o g r a m m e p l ay e r s will attend college in Griffith and also play for the Thunder. Both programs are being run under coach Dave Baker.

T his year Griffith College had four players linked with both and went on to win the National College Championships and Varsities tournament, so overall this has been

an incredible season for Swords and exciting times ahead.

Swords also have their successful Summer Basketball camp (for ages six to 17 years) taking place from Tuesday, August 11 to Friday, August 14.

At the camp, they’ll have an Orlando Magic coach from the NBA coming in and top college players from America also working to develop the skills of participants.

In only a week, the camp is selling at quite a pace, and booked to half full.

As an extra promo-

tion all players that book and pay before Tuesday, June 2 receivi n g t wo t i c ke t s t o Swords Thunder’s first preseason game on Saturday, August 22. They will host Belmont College from the NCA A D1 in America in what promises to be an exciting game.

Swords Thunder won 13 of their 18 games in the Premier League this season, ending as the league’s second-highest scorers with 1412.

They also achieved an eight-game winning streak stretching from November of last year to February 2015.

28 May 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

syl’s on the rise

Malahide club claim second win of league

Club Noticeboard fingallians

st sylvester’s ran up a nine-point win

over Fingal Ravens at Broomfield to move up to 11th place in the AFL1 table, winning out 2-18 to 2-9.

John Coughlan was a big presence in midfield with Ross Hazley and Brian Sexton also putting in big performances.

It sets the Malahide club up nicely for their championship tie with St Pat’s Palmerstown on June 5.

WORKS will commence on Tuesday

Artane. After two group games, we

morning, June 2. There may also be a

are now top of the group.

small disruption to car parking, over

The ladies beat Thomas Davis on

the first couple of days, as a security

Wednesday night away 4-14 to 3-5.

fence is erected around the site.

There will be a break now until June 24

A special thanks to all those who supported the festival. It was great to see so many of our underage players out playing hurling on both nights.

football: fins’ star to the fore in dublin victory

when Na Fianna will be the opposition in Swords.

A hurling coaching workshop will be held in the club on Friday, May 29

The annual Swords schools compe-

at 7.30pm. The theme of the session

tition (13-a-side) will take place on June

is how to coach during the game. This

4 for boys and on June 11 for girls.

is an open session for all club coaches

The winners will then represent Swords against the winning school from the Coolock/Artane area.

which will be delivered by Damien Quigley.

The best of luck to Paul Flynn as

Once again, we would like to thank

Dublin footballers start there champi-

Swords Credit Union who are now

onship campaign this Sunday against

better known in the financial world

Longford.

as Members First Credit Union. www.

Emer Ni Eafa and Niamh Rickard

mfcu.ie Swords Credit Union has joined

represented the Dublin U-21s on Sat-

forces with Northside/Coolock and

urday.

st finian’s ONCE again, we must highlight the

The summer camp dates have

performances by our U-13 girls.

been released, with four different

The football team drew their match

weeks being available, for all levels

against Clontarf on Satuday, in what

of boys and girls ages five to 17 being

was a thrilling game, with fantastic

catered for.

home support.

The application form is available

Emma Howe stopped a Clontarf

from the Downloads section of our

penalty late in the game to save the

website or by contacting the office

draw and they now play Oliver Plun-

on 01 813 2656.

kett’s on Thursday in the play-off to

Friday Bingo continues to grow in

Niamh Rickard played a huge part in Dublin’s dismissal of Meath. Picture: Peter Hockey/GAAPics.com

decide promotion to Division 1. Let’s

popularity and we remind members

Dubs’ magnificent seven

ensure they have lots of support.

to spread the word among friends,

LEINSTER LADIES U-21 Dublin 7-10 Meath 0-5  sport@dublingazette.com

REIGNING Under-21 All-Ireland champions Dublin got their title defence under way on Sunday afternoon when they delivered a resounding 7-10 to 0-5 victory over rivals Meath in Dunboyne.

Fingallians’ Niamh Rickard was a constant threat while St Margaret’s Muireann ni Scannaill also played a key role from the start.

Dublin’s dominance was soon reflected on the scoreboard as within eight minutes of the game starting Dublin had hit Meath for three goals, one of which was a pen-

alty converted by captain Carla Rowe.

With 13 of last year’s All-Ireland winning panel still eligible for the Under21 grade this season, Dublin would have been many pundits’ favourites coming into the clash in Dunboyne.

The game soon ran away from Meath, as the Blues first three pointer came from the boot of Fingallians’ forward Niamh Rickard while the second was an unfortunate own goal scored by Meath fullback Michelle Peel.

Meath’s opening score of the game came in the 20th minute from a converted Kelly Harris free.

Just before the interval Dubs’ midfielder Sarah McCaffrey hit Meath again with a well taken

goal to bring the halftime score to Dublin 4-3 Meath 0-2.

Meath’s second point was taken by Maeve Downey while the aforementioned Rowe (2) and Rickard (1) both registered points for the Blues.

Dublin began the second half as they had completed the first – in a fiercely dominant manner of play, with well-taken points from Rickard (1) and McCaffrey (2). The Dublin forwards were backed up by the superb midfield partnership of Molly Lamb and McCaffrey, putting the Meath defence under severe continuous pressure.

Meath buckled and gave away a second penalty when Meath goalkeeper Sarah Powderly pulled

back Eabha Rutledge in the 42nd minute.

Skipper Carla Rowe stood up to the test and dispatched the ball past Powderly to put her side 19 points up with a little under 20 minutes to go. Meath kept plugging away however, ending the game with a heightened sense of dignity with Kate Byrne and Shauna Ennis tagging on a couple of well taken points for the Royals.

But a Dublin win was never in doubt and the victory was signed, sealed and delivered for the Blues when they added two further goals courtesy of full-forward Siobhan Woods and second-half sub, Ciara McGuigan in the 44th and 59th minutes.

The U-13 camogie team also had a

family and neighbours. With the

great win against Cuala on Sunday

bank holiday weekend coming up, we

morning, a result which makes it

need to see some new faces this week

almost certain they have won Divi-

as some of the regulars may be away

sion 2. Well done girls and mentors.

for the weekend.

Our U-7 academy played a series of

There’s €1,600 to be won so get

games on Saturday morning at Trin-

yourself organised to come along

ity Gaels and reports of some great

to Peacocks for an 8.30pm (sharp)

skills and fun were received.

start.

fingal ravens OUR senior team lost to St Sylvester’s

and Brian Duffy/Adam Donohue. Next

in the league on Saturday night in

week’s jackpot is €14,757.

Malahide.

The second team narrowly lost to Clontarf in the league on Sunday morning.

Commiserations to our boys’ U-16s

Please note that our summer camp will take place from June 29 to July 3.

The club are now live on Twitter please follow @FingalRavensGFC for live match updates and much more.

who lost their shield final against

The deadline for memberships for

Oliver Plunketts by one point last Sat-

2015 has now passed. Any player who

urday.

has not paid membership will be una-

Our U-15 boys had a great win against St Vincent’s in the league on Sunday morning.

The U-13 boys lost to a strong Oliver Plunketts on Saturday afternoon.

ble to train or play games until membership has been received.

If anyone has any queries please contact Lisa on 085 7300934. Please note that membership can be paid

There was no winner of this week’s

online via myclubfinances.com -

lotto. Numbers drawn were 11, 26, 27

please see the club Facebook page for

and 30; €20 to Betty Fox, Carmel Moore

further information.

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

Rickard on fire: Fingallians’ starlet on target as Dublin Under-21s run up huge win over Meath P31

may 28-june 3, 2015

ais the bash’s dublin calling: Ireland’s only female MMA pro keen to to miss home date P29

Malahide agree link-up with Dundalk  James Hendicott

sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE UNITED AFC have announced an exciting player development partnership with reigning League of Ireland champions and current league leaders Dundalk FC. The programme, announced this week at Gannon Park, is aimed at giving local players a pathway to a higher level of football.

It will do so by offering Malahide players opportunities to feature in Dundalk sides in the Under-19 and newly announced Under-17 Airtricity leagues. Both clubs hope the deal will lead to players progressing

to Dundalk’s first side.

The partnership is well suited to both clubs, with Malahide developing players from age four to 16, while Dundalk compete at the highest senior level.

This natural affinity had already seen four former Malahide players progress to age group Dundalk sides before the plan was finalised, while Dundalk assistant manager Vinny Perth can also trace his roots to the red and blacks.

As part of the deal, Malahide United will have access to scholarship programmes at Dundalk Institute of Technology, currently run in partnership with Dundalk FC. United chairman Don Butler sees

the move as a critical development for the future of the club.

“This is vital to making the club successful long term,” he says. “Our big issue is that we don’t have anywhere to send players of elite quality to. Up until recently, we were losing a lot of our best players.

“This possibility comes through our director of coaching Kevin Craven and Martin Connolly from Dundalk FC, who’ve developed this relationship. Now we can safely say we have a clear pathway for players running from our nipper section right up to adult level.”

Dundalk general manager Connolly adds: “We quickly realised that we have a lot of similarities,

such as that we share a good coaching ethos. We are looking to spread our wings to a wider area.

“Now with the national Under17 league, we need to be in a position where we can attract quality 17-year-olds into our club, so this development programme has ticked a lot of boxes for both clubs.

“Malahide are one of the biggest schoolboy league clubs in the country with 56 teams. The facilities at Gannon Park are absolutely fantastic.”

The Airtricity Under-17 league will start in August, running a shortened first season before aligning with the summer League of Ireland season from 2016.

Dundalk’s Martin Connolly and Malahide United’s Kevin Craven. Picture: Liam Donnelly