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HODOR! Irish DJ – and much-loved Game of Thrones actor – Kristian Nairn speaks to The Gazette Page 14

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Portrane beach waves goodbye to Blue Flag Plea to bathers to keep swimming despite temporary dip in water quality

 EMMA NOLAN PORTRANE beach has been stripped of its Blue Flag status due to a drop in water quality, along with three other beaches nationwide. T he interna tiona lly

recognised award is presented to beaches and marinas that meet a specific set of criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and beach management. Fianna Fail Cllr Adrian

Henchy told The Gazette that “the message should still go out that Portrane is still a very safe and hygienic area to swim and enjoy the fantastic amenity of the beach”. “The result is disappointing especially when

you consider the results for 2012, 2013 and 2014 were excellent on water quality but in 2015 it was ‘good’ which because it’s not rated ‘excellent’ means Portrane loses its Blue flag status.” Full Story on Page 7

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CHARITIES | IRISH CANCER SOCIETY REACHES OUT TO FINGAL MOTORISTS

Council to stick it to gum users

Volunteers needed to drive chemo patients  emma nolan

THE Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers in Skerries, Balbriggan and Lusk. Motorists are needed for the charity’s Volunteer Driver Service to drive cancer patients to their chemotherapy appointments in Tallaght Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, St. James’s Hospital and the Mater Hospital. The Volunteer Driver Service is free to both the hospital and the patient with volunteers being paid a contribution towards their fuel allowance and road-toll costs. The Society recruits and trains volunteers and asks only that volunteers have free weekday availability, can commit to two

weekdays a month and have access to a car. The Volunteer Driver Service is now available from 18 hospitals nationwide with the Society’s drivers bringing 1,040 patients on 10,822 journeys in total last year. In Dublin, 3,639 journeys were facilitated for 349 patients in 2015 and the demand is increasing. Gail Flinter of the Irish Cancer Society said: “The Volunteer Driver Service gives cancer patients access to free transport to and from their chemotherapy treatments, removing the stress and difficulty of travelling at a challenging time. “The Irish Cancer Society is looking for drivers in Skerries, Balbriggan and Lusk who would be

willing to drive patients to and from their treatments which makes a direct impact on the lives of those living with cancer.” Gail said there are many reasons why a patient may need to use the Volunteer Driver Service. “They may have been advised not to drive by their doctor due to the aggressive nature of treatment, they may have no family in the immediate vicinity or they may be unable to take time off work,” she said. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer or would like further information should contact Gail at the Irish Cancer Society on (01) 231 05 66, email transport@ irishcancer.ie or see www. cancer.ie.

Memory makers on the Rise

FINGAL County Council’s Memory Makers Award Event has been hailed a success. The theme of this year’s competition, specifically designed for our active age community, was the memories of 1916, represented by craft and short story, and forms part of the national Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity as we age. Entries were received from all over Fingal, displaying a diverse range of artistic mediums. Preparations for the entries showed an enormous amount of skill -sharing between entrants, setting an example for all strands of community activity throughout Fingal. Deputy Fingal Mayor Eoghan O’Brien said at the event: “The arts, crafts and stories on exhibit are a unique part of Fingal’s culture. This is one of those occasions where a cliché such as ‘everyone is a winner’ is appropriate. I would like to thank each and every one of you for participating and hope that you continue to do so in the future.”

FINGALCounty Council have launched the 2016 Gum Litter Taskforce campaign. The campaigns results show that gum is only making up 11% of litter since the taskforce began. This is the second year of the campaign, the result of a new agreement between the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) representing the gum industry, to fund a national gum litter awareness programme from 2015-2017. Speaking at the official launch, Paul Kelly, Chairman of the GLT said: “The main goal of this campaign has always been to reduce the amount of gum litter and change people’s behaviour towards littering.”

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dublin | unexpected death of main attraction, Harry the silverback Western

Zoo’s ‘gentle and calm’ gorilla dies

 karl graham DUBLIN zoo was in mourning at the weekend when news broke that Harry the western lowland gorilla had sadly passed away after a short illness on Sunday morning. 29-year-old Harr y, also known as the ‘sil-

verback’, was the leader of Dublin Zoo’s gorilla troop, fathering six offspring during his time at the zoo. Dublin Zoo broke the news in a statement on their Facebook page on Monday leading to a flood of tributes from across the country. One user wrote:

“Awh No that’s awful news....I remember seeing Harry since I was a child..and then bringing my own two to see him..he was a Beautiful Proud Leader ...condolences to you all....things won’t be the same now... Dublin Zoo has lost its mascot.RIP Harry and thanks for all the childhood memories xxx.” While another wrote: Very very sad to hear that. He was the one creature I really loved watching in Dublin Zoo. No matter how bad a day it was, I always found watching him sitting in his spot to be a very calming influence. Dublin Zoo’s statement described Harry as “a very gentle and calm gorilla and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Dublin Zoo.”

“Things won’t be the same now... Dublin Zoo has lost its mascot.RIP Harry and thanks for all the childhood memories” “No matter how bad a day it was, I always found watching him sitting in his spot to be a very calming influence” “My kids are devastated -we all really loved Harry. My youngest girl would always go straight to his enclosure. I haven’t even told her yet” Harry the western lowland gorilla has sadly passed away after a short illness

lowland gorilla shot at zoo in Cincinnati

The news comes at a difficult time for gorillas in captivity – with the death of another western lowland gorilla from a zoo in Cincinnati, USA. Harambe was shot by zookeepers after a four-year-old boy climbed through a barrier and fell into the zoo’s gorilla enclosure. Video footage released showed the 17-year-old gorilla drag the young boy through the enclosure for 10 minutes, however new footage has led to claims the gorilla was acting protective of the child. The exact reason for Harry’s death is still unknown and Dublin Zoo is awaiting the final outcome of a post-mortem.

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Skerries | father-of-two dies

Choking incident causes tragic death

 emma nolan

A father of two from Skerries died after choking at a local restaurant - just a month after he almost choked at the same venue. Gerry Cunneen (58) from Shenick Park died after choking on a piece of steak at the Salty Dog Bar and Bistro on Strand Street in Skerries on December 9 2015. A witness named M a n d y G av i n s a i d that the father-of-two ordered a fillet steak and that he got into difficulty after taking just one mouthful. “The steak was cooked very rare. He took one bite and I knew he was in difficulty. “He kept nodding,

indicating he was okay. He got one piece of steak up and put it on his plate, but he was still in difficulty.” She also said that the deceased choked at the Salty Dog a month earlier but recovered after a “bang on the back” from a fellow diner. Staff at the restaurant called 999 when Mr Cunneen collapsed and Ms Gavin ran out and a taxi driver along with a friend of the deceased came in to assist. A passing doctor, Philip D’Arcy came in to help and removed a large piece of steak from Mr Cunneen’s airway before starting CPR. Dublin Fire Brigade paramedic Dermot Murray attended the scene.

Mr Cunneen was rushed to the Mater hospital before being transferred to the cardiology department in Beaumont Hospital where he later died surrounded by his family on December 11 2015. An MRI scan found that his brain would not recover from the choking incident and the official cause of death was hypoxic brain injury secondary to an acute cardiac arrest following a choking episode. Mr Cunneen suffered from heart disease but he was not aware of it. Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said: “I think the choking triggered a cardiac arrest,” and returned a verdict of death by misadventure.

Some like it mikado hot!

THE talented members of Malahide Musical Society brought the house down recently with their fantastic production of ‘Hot Mikado’ and once again members excelled on and off the stage. Directed by Barry Kavanagh, the show ran for five nights at Malahide Community School.

The musical director was Sarah Lynch Barrett and the choreographer was Jane Gill. The show combined a great mix of drama and comedy, based on Gilbert and Sullivans ‘Mikado, with a jazz twist. As a result Sarah Lynch Barrett has been nominated Best Musical Director.

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dispute | staff at Oberstown say that they are exposed to daily risk of violent assaults

Staff strike over safety concerns

 emma nolan

Staff at Oberstown Detention Centre in Lusk have served strike action amid a dispute surrounding safety concerns. The first four-hour work stoppage took place on Tuesday as residential care workers and night supervising staff withdrew their labour. SIPTU’s Ray Stanley said: “It’s not about pay, it’s about the general safe working environment for staff.” 95 per cent of the workers at the centre backed taking industrial action over concerns relating to the welfare of the staff following a number of violent incidents. The Oberstown campus currently caters for 48 under-18s, including a mix of vulnerable young offenders and violent criminals with multiple

convictions for serious offences and staff say that they are exposed to daily risk of violent assault. The unions, IMPACT and SIPTU, say staff and residents at the understaffed centre, are exposed to daily risk of violent assault. The industrial action comes against the background of a high and g r ow i n g n u m b e r o f attacks on staff since the expansion of the State’s only youth detention centre to facilitate the transfer of offenders from the prison service. The most recent official figures revealed over 100 violent incidents in Oberstown last year, almost half of which were classed as ‘critical’. Critical assaults and injuries necessitated a total of 3,005 employee sick days, involving 65 staff members.

A further four strikes have been planned for every Tuesday morning throughout the month of June (June 7, 14, 21 and 28) and they will all take place from 8am until 12 noon. IMPACT official Tom Hoare said: “Emergency cover will be provided across the campus, which means that 16 frontline staff will remain on duty during the stoppages. These will all be union members. Non-union or agency staff will be required to make their way to the picket line during the stoppage period. “Any off-campus trips, such as court dates or routine hospital visits, will not be staffed by union members, except in an emergency situation.” T h e u n i o n s h ave highlighted problems

with staff recruitment and retention. Coupled with absences due to assaults, these have left the facility understaffed and incapable of dealing safely with the numbers of offenders in the unit. They have also said the recent expansion and refurbishment of the complex was badly planned and implemented, resulting in a totally unsafe living and working environment, and that staff are denied appropriate personal protection and safety equipment. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD has expressed regret at the decision of care staff. Speaking on Tuesday she said: “The issues which are the subject of this dispute are best dealt with through a process of dialogue and agreement under the State’s independent industrial relations machinery.”

5th Southern Cross Day

The 5th annual Southern Cross Day, which celebrates Portmarnock’s amazing aviation history, is set to be a flyer this year. The very first successful Transatlantic flight took off from Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand. The Australian pilot, Charles Kingsford Smith and three others, including Irish navigator, Paddy Saul, took off from the beach and after 30 odd gruelling hours they landed in Newfoundland. The next day, after refuelling they took off again for New York where they received a Ticker Tape welcome. Portmarnock is rightly proud of this and other aviation firsts so the festival is a fun-filled afternoon celebrating in song and dance the mood of the times. The event takes place on Sunday 12th June 14:00 to 17:30. Dress up in the style of the times like the beautiful ladies pictured and listen to some Thirties music. Admission is free .

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seaside | portrane loses status as sun seekers flock to PortmARNOCK

A mixed flag for Fingal’s beaches  Emma Nolan

Portrane Beach has lost its Blue Flag status. The beach was stripped of its flag due to a drop in water quality along with three others nationwide - Redbarn and Garretstown in Cork and Ross Beach in Killala, Mayo. However, Portmarnock and Donabate beaches were presented with both the Blue Flag and Green Coast Award. Two local councillors have said that the decision to strip Portrane of its Blue Flag is “disappointing”. Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) told The Gazette that “the message should still go out that Portrane is still a very safe and hygienic area to swim and enjoy the fantastic amenity of the beach”. “The result is disappointing

especially when you consider the results for 2012, 2013 and 2014 were excellent on water quality but in 2015 it was ‘good’ which because it’s not rated ‘excellent’ means Portrane loses its Blue flag status. “In order to regain it you must have four consecutive years of Excellent water quality reports which is a very high bar,” he said. The Blue Flags were presented by Minister Simon Coveney at an awards ceremony at Portmarnock beach last week. The internationally recognised award is presented to beaches and marinas that meet a specific set of criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and beach management. An Taisce is responsible for the operation of the Blue Flag pro-

gramme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education. Independent councillor Paul Mulville, who lives in Portrane, echoed Cllr Henchy’s reassurance the beach is still “totally safe”. He attributes the loss of the award to a torrential rainstorm that hit the area during the August 2014 bank holiday, which caused run-off from local fields to get into the water. “It’s always been a source of pride locally and for local traders and for tourism in general in north county Dublin,” he said. Cllr Henchy is remaining positive despite the loss and is confident that Portrane will regain its blue flag status in a few years and said that the “community is looking forward to welcoming our own community and visitors during the summer season”.

Anna O’Hanlon enjoys the good weather at Portmarnock beach this week

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SWORDSGazettegallery | local families enjoy the fine weather

Grace, Hannah and Emily Dargan with their grandad

Amy, Kev and Sophie Rogan with Kathy Hollywood. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Eognan, Henry, Catherine and Matthew McGrane

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Trabolgan Holiday Village, Cork have used the Dublin Gazette Newspapers for the last few years to advertise various aspects of our holiday village including special offers. We have always had an excellent reader response from the advertisements run and have found the area’s covered by all 8 papers of great value to Trabolgan. The help and guidance we have received from the staff has made it easier for us to communicate our message efficiently and cost effectively ensuring we get the maximum from our budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending the Gazette to any business.

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Wayne Hand of Hand Catering

Cian, Ryan and Ciaran McMullan with Brendan Clarke

Emma Whelan

2 June 2016 SWORDS Gazette 11

and head to Newbridge House and Farm to enjoy its many attractions

Onur Musov, Nevena Zhekova, Beni Musova, Liam Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shea and Tristan Musov

Lauren Breen with Dominic and Ryleigh Mallinson

Eric Feighery Jnr and Eric Feighery with Connor and Sharon Houlahan

Ian Trimble and Tara Feehan

Cassie and Emma Curtis

Darren, Michael, Luke and Andrea Nolan

Farm fun on the cards at Newbridge F

UN on the farm was on the agenda for sun seekers as Newbridge House and Farm held a family day to show off the breath-taking beauty of the grounds and aiming to introduce a wider audience to the many sides of the amenity.

From the huge variety of animals on the farm, to the gorgeous Georgian mansion, the state-of-the-art adventure playground and the beautiful parkland, there was an array of things to see and do in the beautiful Dublin sunshine. Emma Hayden, Gary Grant, Olivia Hayden, Adam Grant, Sadhbh and Niall Hayden

Musician and singer Ken Brown

Maureen and Cochrane Kerr

Lucy Maguire, Keeley and Ashton Foy, Beth Maguire and Ryan Foy

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12 Gazette 2 June 2016

business

Twenty-six social entrepreneurs have been shortlisted for the annual Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Programme

Social entrepreneurs in the running for a €600,000 fund Twenty-six, Dublinbased social entrepreneurs are in the running for a €600,000 prize fund, having been shortlisted for the annual Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Programme. The prestigious socialfunding competition, now

in its 12th year, has supported 190 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €6.2m in direct funding to projects in areas including community and active citizenship, education and learning, environment and sustainability and mental

and physical health. This year the competition will be providing €420,000 in direct funding to nine social entrepreneurs.

Applicants In addition, direct support valued at €180,000

will be made available to successful applicants ensuring that they are equipped to bring their vision to fruition as soon as possible and have a positive impact on their respective communities and beyond. CEO of Social Entre-

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

Superstars set to bow out with a final tango

Strictly Come Dancing superstars Vincent S i m o n e a n d F l av i a Cacace (above) will grace the stage at Bord Gais Energy Theatre with their most moving production yet, as they prepare to dance in their final ever theatre tour. Twenty years of dancing together has seen them become Strictly Come Dancing favourites, World Dance titleholders, create and star in their own West End productions - but now it is time for the Argentine Tango Champions to say goodbye to the stage in a thrilling, new, live performance. T h e t wo l e g e n d s will perform a series of outstanding dances brought together in an incredible show. Choreographed by themselves and awardwinning director Karen Bruce, The Last Tango is the life story of two

people who find love through a chance meeting. The show opens with an old man climbing into his loft and finding a treasure trove of bits and pieces evoking strong and stirring memories of a past life with his wife, fondly, and humorously, remembering those days of love. The scene is pre-war England of the 1930s; a beach picnic taken with friends, and a simple game of cricket. The first dance sequence takes us into the old man’s world. As we move from the initial romance to the marriage proposal, wedding and honeymoon, onwards to the young man’s conscription and his demob, to the first home and the start of a family, the audience is whirled through an array of complex dance sequences, embracing Vincent and Flavia’s

Ballroom and Latin talents. Foxtrots, Quicksteps, an American Smooth and a Viennese Waltz follow, together with a Cha Cha and Rumba mix and an incredibly passionate Paso Doble by Flavia. And, of course, the Argentine Tango, the steamy and sultry dance that is synonymous with their shows. The Last Tango showcases Vincent and Flavia’s immense all round dance skills that have taken them right to the top. Don’t miss your last chance to see this passionate and explosive experience - it’s time for The Last Tango. The Last Tango runs from June 7 to 11 with tickets priced from €17.50. To book visit www. bordgaisenergytheatre. ie.

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FEATURE

Heroic Hodor – Kristian on life after Westeros  ian begley

Hodor’s early scenes (above) saw him as little more than a people carrier – literally. In time, the character became more nuanced, and much loved.

Irish Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has admitted that he shed some tears after discovering the fate of his character, Hodor, but said the show has “opened so many doors” for him. Episode 5 of Game of Thrones, Season 6, gave viewers a glimpse at Hodor’s fascinating back story. Spoiler alert – the episode explained what the word Hodor really means (derived from “hold the door”, and a key incident in his life as a lad, when he was still called by his real name – Wyllis), but unfortunately it concluded with the tragic death of the much-loved gentle giant. Although confessing to having “a little sob” upon his character’s untimely death, Kristian told The Gazette that he owes the show so much. He said: “Game of Thrones has opened so many doors for me. It’s definitely changed my life, and I’m definitely in a better place because of it. “I’ve just finished a movie for the Sci-Fi channel and will be filming another movie in New York at the end of the year. I’ve also got loads of offers for commercials, adverts and voiceover work.” Asked what it was like having to carry around a key

While known to millions around the world as the loyal and gentle giant Hodor in Game of Thrones, actor Kristian Nairn has also made a name as a DJ

character – the young Brandon Stark – for the majority of the series, Kristian admitted that disabled Bran got a lot heavier as the show progressed. “During season one, Isaac [Hempstead, the actor who plays Bran] was only nine years old, and light as a feather – now he’s 17, and fully grown. “I secretly hoped that he would stay the same size forever, but unfortunately I had no control over how big he got! “I really liked this season, because I got to learn a lot more about my character’s back s t o r y a n d h ow much

of a good guy Hodor really was.” Kristian added that he sometimes cringes watching himself on TV, saying: “It’s a weird process seeing yourself as the character and not as yourself, but since the show [Episode 5] was filmed all the way back in November, I felt somewhat disconnected from him. “I first got offered the part of Hodor by the show’s casting

agent who remembered me from another audition which I didn’t get, and the rest was history,” he said. Unknown to some, Kristian started off as a drag queen and DJ in Belfast’s Kremlin nightclub, and is a very good friend of Rory O’Neill (Miss Panti Bliss). He said: “I’ve been DJing in Belfast for about 17 years, but haven’t done drag in a very long time. “Rory is a great mate of mine and was instrumental when I first started working in Dublin all those years ago. I love drag, obviously, but it was a different time of my life which gave me many happy memories.” Kristin is coming to The Tivoli Theatre soon to DJ at the much anticipated “Rave of Thrones” on July 16. He will be utilising his years of DJing experience to keep everyone dancing until winter comes, with a number of special guests. Tickets are priced from €15 and can be purchased from www.fatsoma.com. A happy moment for Hodor, AKA Irish actor and DJ Kristian Nairn

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pluto is a real star – could you be his special someone? The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week looking for his #SpecialSomeone is Pluto, a stunning three-year-old male pit bull cross. He is basically a big puppy who is lovable to the people he knows, and they get to see his goofy, fun side. Pluto is, however, frightened of strangers, so he would be best suited to a relatively quiet home with somebody home most of the day, as he can find being on his own very overwhelming. He loves to play fetch and learn fun new tricks – could you be the one to teach him his next one? If you can be this handsome hound’s #SpecialSomeone, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Dogs Trust has launched their new TV ad – the #SpecialSomeone campaign aims to overcome the buying trend by bringing to life just how important a new owner is to the dogs they rehome.

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DIARY

Get Down with Jazz MEETING House Square in Temple Bar is the venue for a two-day music festival, Down With Jazz 2016, welcoming musicians and music lovers of all persuasions, from funk to folk. The festival starts on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30pm and concludes the following evening. Down With Jazz 2016 comes about in recognition of this year being 100 years since the birth of Jazz amongst AfricanAmerican communities in the United States, as well as the birth of a new state for Ireland. Artists due to take part are Stephen McHale’s Weird Glitches, awardwinning singer Edel

Meade, ReDiviDer, Toot Sweet and the Shadow Man, and Zaska, among many others. Tickets cost between €15 to €25 and are available at www. eventbrite.ie.

try an inflatable feel-good fun run EUROPE’S largest inflatable slide is coming to south Dublin next month as Cabinteely Park plays host to a brand-new fun run – the Wild Air Run. The event, which will take place from July 1-3, is billed as Ireland’s first inflatable 5k race, and is open to everyone over the age of seven. The course is aimed at all levels of fitness – from

fanatics to those who are more used to their armchairs, while also boasting a maze and ball-pit. There will also be a “Chill Zone” area for participants and spectators to relax and enjoy music, games and refreshments from local vendors. Tickets are available now at www.wildairrun. com, priced €28.50 for adults and €16.50 for children. Spectators can attend for free.

tivoli to host a hot block party JAKE Shears of Scissor Sisters fame will front this year’s Mother Pride Block Party at The Tivoli Theatre, Francis St on

Heavyweight lifter Suzanne Gray (centre) with keen runners Patrick and Dearbhla at the launch of Wild Air Run

Saturday, June 25. Shears of Scissor Sisters fame will front this year’s Mother Pride Block Party at The Tivoli Theatre, Francis St on Saturday, June 25. The event will also feature sets from Little Boots, Kelly-Anne Byrne, Wyvern Lingo, Faune, and a debut DJ performance from ‘the queen of

Ireland’, Miss Panti Bliss. The event takes place outdoors on the grounds of The Tivoli Theatre, which has been completely revamped to include multiple bars, food stalls, Smirnoff cocktails and a new monster main stage. Tickets cost €20, and are available now from www.eventbrite.ie.

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16 Gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

don’s dublin Who needs Egypt with Dublin’s very own pyramid? SO WHERE would you find a pyramid in Dublin? It was a question that our teacher asked one day, and none of us had an answer. After some serious head-scratching from the class, he told us, but we had to see it to believe. That was a while ago, and the memory of my first sighting of the pyramid, atop Killiney Hill, is a fond one. Killiney Hill is one of two hills – the other being Dalkey Hill – that are within Killiney Hill Park, which was opened to the public on June 30, 1887. A committee was set up to raise the necessary funds to buy the land, and it paid £4,000 to the owner, Robert Warren, in late June. The land had always been a popular spot for picnics and walks, and the committee was mindful of Sir Charles Cameron’s (the city health officer) comments that the benefits of “opening up new lungs in the city would be incalculable”. Colonel John Mapas owned the land in 1740, and built Mapas House soon afterwards. After the particularly harsh winter of 1741-42, he arranged for workers to build an obelisk on top of the hill. This helped to keep workers busy, and helped them to get some much- needed money. The men also erected the wall that still surrounds the park. The obelisk stands 173 metres (510 feet) above the sea, from where the viewer can enjoy a fantastic 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, it is possible to look to the east and see the coast of Wales. Just below the obelisk is the pyramid – a set of steps erected by Robert Warren, where the viewer can sit, relax and take in the sweep of Dublin Bay with the beautiful Sorrento Terrace and Dalkey Island beyond. There is much to see from here, but the park is also popular with walkers and those interested in local flora and fauna.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Step up Killiney Hill, and behold the pyramid – a set of stone steps that proves a perfect place from which to take in the sweep of Dublin Bay

report: the gazette learns more about the daily challenges

Stopping their “THERE will always be accidents, but that doesn’t mean there has to be drownings, or deaths.” This was some of the first-hand insight when The Gazette spoke to deputy second coxswain, David Branigan, and lifeboat operations m a n a g e r, c ox s w a i n and mechanic, Kieran O’Connell, of the RNLI at the Dun Laoghaire lifeboat station. Regarding seafaring in all its forms, David said: “What we’re not saying is: ‘Don’t do it’ – what we are saying is: ‘Know what you’re doing’.” As the charity that saves lives at sea, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (the RNLI) are an organisation comprising dedicated volunteers who are committed to ending preventable loss of life at sea. David said: “There have been lifeboats in Dun Loaghaire since 1803, so Dublin Bay had one of the oldest lifeboat services in the world even before the RNLI was founded.” He added that, back in those days before modern navigation and communication aids, there was “a terrible loss of life, particularly on the east coast”. In Ireland, the RNLI has upwards of 2,000 volunteers and 45 lifeboat stations around Ireland, including three in the Dublin area, at Skerries, Howth and Dun Laoghaire. T h e t wo s t a t i o n s in Howth and Dun Laoghaire are matched, which means they both have all-weather lifeboats and in-shore lifeboats for rescues in shallow areas, while the Skerries station has a very fast and large in-shore lifeboat.

 emma nolan enolan@dublingazette.com

On these setups, David said: “The whole idea is that there’s a ‘necklace’ of coverage. We look at each patch [of water] and the type of incidents that are likely to occur in that area, and equip it with a suitable type of boat. “The stations have the boat in place, they have the facilities and the training, so that when an incident occurs, everyone is ready to respond really quickly.” He has been volunteering with the RNLI since 1985, and Kieran since 1983.

Corkonian Kieran, from Youghal in Cork, started there with the RNLI before moving to Dun Laoghaire 18 years ago. When asked what brought the self-proclaimed proud Corkonian to Dun Laoghaire, he simply said: “Lifeboats.” He got involved in the RNLI through fishing, while David, from Dun Laoghaire, got involved through sailing. Kieran is the only fulltime volunteer based in Dun Laoghaire and is responsible for “pretty much everything”. There is a full-time person at each station throughout the country who deals with the dayto-day routine maintenance of the stations. While it is mostly a volunteer-led organisation, the full-time members are on hand at all times. Training for the RNLI is intense, but both Kiernan

From coming to the rescue of trapped beach walkers to emergency call-outs in severe storms, the RNLI’s volunteers risk all to help save others

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

‘There is a full-time person at each station throughout the country who deals with the day-to-day routine maintenance of the stations. While it is mostly a volunteerled organisation, the full-time members are on hand at all times.’ --------------------------------------------------------

and David say it is “vocational”, and each boat has a different training programme. “With the all-weather lifeboat, we train every

Monday evening at half six for usually two to three hours, while with the inshore lifeboat, they train mostly on Sundays with several sessions during

the day, as only three people fit on that at once.” As preparation is key for the RNLI, the two seasoned rescuers say that more training goes on than actual rescues. However, there are usually around 50 rescues a year, averaging one a week. David said: “You train to prepare for the callouts, which can be risky, so we train to prepare.” He said that volunteers who sign up with the RNLI can “expect to see pretty much everything –

2 June 2016 Gazette 17

Gazette

FEATURE

faced by rnli volunteers, forever poised and ready to drop everything for call-outs

lives to save yours ... Whether powering through stormy seas or heading out to lend assistance, the RNLI is a staple feature of the east coast’s life, not least when it’s called upon to save lives. Pictures: David Branigan

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‘We’re trying to get a consistent message out there, to try and raise awareness that when you’re going out on boats, or whether you’re going down to the beach, that basic precautions need to be taken’

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David Branigan, deputy second coxswain, Dun Laoghaire RNLI

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David Branigan, deputy second coxswain, and Kieran O’Connell, lifeboat operations manager, coxswain and mechanic, Dun Laoghaire RNLI

good and bad”, and new members should live and work within a two-mile radius of a station. “You could be at home or at work and when the pagers go off, we hurry down to the station. Our in-shore lifeboat launches typically in five or six minutes from when the pagers go off.” David says that employers are usually very understanding when he has to leave for a rescue during work hours. “We’re very grateful to our employers, who

understand the commitment and understand that it’s not going to happen every single day, although there have been the odd times when you might get call-outs a few in a row, but they’d be unusual.” There are 30 operations volunteers at the Dun Laoghaire station, so there’s “always someone available,” he said. Funding for the organisation comes 100% from charitable donations, and it is not government supported in any way. “It is truly a community

organisation and has been since 1824,” said David. Funds for the charity come from fundraising events and charitable donations, while “a lot of people remember the RNLI in their will”.

Benefactors Many of the boats are named after the benefactors who included the RNLI in their wills. As for accidents requiring an RNLI call-out, David said: “There isn’t one reason why accidents occur.

“There are so many accidents that occur as a combination of causes, so there isn’t really one thing you can say causes them.” He said that even with the best of planning, accidents will still happen, “but sometimes with a bit of preparation, the outcomes don’t have to be as serious”. The charity is starting their Respect The Water campaign in the coming weeks, which David said is “aimed at reducing drowning and incidents

at sea, beside the coast or on our waterways”. He added: “A big part of what RNLI does is prevention through education, and it’s had a huge impact.” T h e R N L I wo r k s alongside their colleagues in Irish Water Safety that run swimming rescue training, while the Irish Coast Guard service provides shore teams, coast radio stations and helicopters. David said: “We’re trying to get a consistent message out there, to try and raise awareness that when you’re going out on boats, or whether you’re going down to the beach, that basic precautions need to be taken. “So, when we do go out on a rescue, hopefully we’re dealing with something that’s a happy ending rather than a tragic one.” David and K ieran

said that the idea behind Respect The Water is finding different ways of getting people to “think about what they’re doing and the risks involved”. One of these ways is their Tonne Of Water stunt, which will see the RNLI place a large, transparent Perspex box filled with a tonne of water on Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier in the next few weeks.

Power The box of water is to show how heavy a tonne of water actually is, to demonstrate the power and strength of the water. David said that a common type of incident that occurs is people walking on the beach at Sandymount where the tide can come in really fast. “What happens is, people see that the tide is out, and it’s a lovely walk – who could blame them?

“You walk out, and the next thing you know, the tide comes in around you – we had three of these incidents at the start of the year. “People think that they have plenty of time before the tide comes in and next thing you know, you’re a mile out to sea, standing on a sandbank, hoping that somebody sees you,” he said. He said that the people they rescued on these occasions were lucky that they had phone coverage, so that they were able to call the emergency services. “They were rescued by a lifeboat, having just gone for a walk on the beach, so it’s not just about people who get into difficulty swimming or on boats – it can be anything. “ We ’r e a n i s l a n d nation, so we’re never too far away from the sea,” he said.

Gazette

18 Gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT A new scent from Tom Ford

Bobbi Brown’s latest hybrid lippy goes ‘modern’ Bobbi Brown’s latest offering to its lipstick range is the Nourishing Lip Color Oil-Infused Shine. With a hand-selected blend of five soothing natural oils and Vitamins C and E, this formula leaves lips with a silky feel and shining finish. The hybrid lip colour aims to leaves lips feeling hydrated by creating a hydrating barrier that helps seal in moisture. The “modern” lipstick formula helps to nourish chapped lips and comes in deeply pigmented shades, ranging from a beige gold to a black plum. Available now from Bobbi Brown counters, the lipstick costs €27.

The newest scent from Tom Ford will hit the shops at the start of August. Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum is described as “a radiant and sensual force of nature, that captures the seductive warmth and reflective bare skin of the Tom Ford woman”. It has floral top notes of bigarade and pink peppercorn with fresh cypress and base notes of vanilla, chestnut cream and patchouli. 30mls of the fragrance costs €70 and the 100ml bottle will retail for €138.

Dresses.ie red off-the-shoulder playsuit€37 and red and black chiffon Bardot dress €29

Get ‘festival fresh’ with Dresses.ie  emmanolan

Irish online clothing store, Dresses.ie has dropped a ‘festival fresh’ fashion story as part of its evolving SS16 collection. The range is affordable for the tightest of budgets and bold colours,

Top details TBA

tropical florals, graphic prints and simple silhouettes are on the menu. The current collection starts at just €35 and will continue to evolve as new trends hit Dresses.ie every week. Shoppers will also enjoy nextday, free-of-charge delivery on all ROI orders.

Dresses.ie is a fast-fashion brand and the current SS16 season has seen the brand move away from its niche as a specialist dress-only retailer, to embrace a wider wardrobe of high street looks. Visit dresses.ie to view the full collection.

Slinky maxi style rose gold dress €35 and beige dip-die long faux fur gilet €49

2 June 2016 Gazette 19

€4 Penneys feather clips

New Look blue bile patchwork print frill hem playsuit €22.99

New Look light blue denim high waist pinstripe shorts€22.99

New Look light blue denim high waist pinstripe shorts €22.99

Regatta Great Outdoors - Old Gold Bayeur Jacket €75

Penneys Eyelet Backpack €14

Play in a playsuit  emma nolan

FESTIVAL season is well and truly upon us. No matter how much you prepare, sometimes it can feel like you have absolutely nothing to wear while you’re sitting in the tent, rummaging through your rucksack. The key for festival dressing (from a seasoned festival goer who has been in this position many times) is to plan each outfit on a daily basis. I have a love/hate relationship with playsuits and jumpsuits at festivals; on one hand they provide an

all in one, secure, ready to go outfit, but on the other hand, they’re not so fun to grapple with in a portaloo, whist trying not to touch off any surface. So, they are dependent on the festival – rainy Irish festivals aren’t the most jumpsuit-friendly places when you’re juggling hoodies and raincoats the whole time, but they’re perfect for warm summer festivals abroad like Primavera, Melt and Dimensions. Here are a few festival outfit ideas to help with planning what goes in the rucksack this summer, helping you to look and feel good.

MANGO printed jumpsuit €22.95

Gazette

STYLE

Gazette

20 Gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS

Follow these tips to have plenty of flaming great barbecues over the coming months

Serve some barbecue bliss with these top tips EVERYONE knows how to cook burgers and sausages on the barbecue – often charred to within an inch of their lives! With just a bit of know-how and the right equipment, you can expand your barbecue repertoire to be the host with the most over any holiday season. Here are some great top tips to be the best at the barbecue, all courtesy of chef Dan Cooper (right), from The Weber Grill Academy at The Orchard, Celbridge ... Lid-on cooking: Don’t forget the importance of the lid – it has a key cooking function. It controls the flow of oxygen to the coals or fuel, minimising flare-ups and avoiding food that is black on the outside and raw in the middle. Heat is also contained inside your barbecue so circulates around the cookbox, which allows food to cook evenly. This creates a convection oven effect within your grill – perfect for roasting and baking. Knowing different cooking methods: A little bit of knowledge can go a long way. By understanding the difference between direct and indirect cooking, you can pretty much cook any recipe on the barbecue. Roast chicken, salmon fillets or even chocolate cake – the possibilities are endless. Direct cooking: Direct cooking – also known as grilling – occurs when the fuel source is directly underneath food. This technique can be used on a charcoal or gas barbecue for foods that take less than 20 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for barbeque staples including burgers, sausages, chicken breasts or steaks. Indirect cooking: Set up your barbecue so that the fuel source isn’t directly under the food, and create the perfect barbecue roast. This is perfect for whole chickens, joints of beef, lamb and pork. You can even get creative and bake a delicious cake for extra brownie points. Smoking: Master this year’s hottest food trend by using smoking wood chips or chunks. Weber’s Wood Chunks and Chips are available in a range of flavours, from sweet and mild fruit woods to hickory and whiskey. They provide a simple way to add that extra dimension to your barbecue. It’s so easy, too! For charcoal barbecues, just add a handful of soaked wood chips directly to the coals. This will create a delectably subtle flavour leaving your guests begging for seconds!

Meals provided plenty of value for money, with very ample portions rewarding hungry diners. Thankfully, the generous portions also served up plenty of taste, too, with Picky and partner appreciating McGettigans’ take on modern dining options

The Picky Eater  mimi murray

THERE has been a serious abundance of restaurant openings in Dublin, of late. I can’t turn a corner in my own neighbourhood of Dublin 8 without walking straight into a new eating establishment. Don’t get me wrong – it’s great. As long as they aren’t flash-in-the-pan venues (pardon the pun) and service, quality and tastes are all present. Outside of the city, a few new places have popped up, too. Kingswood, beside Citywest, isn’t a place that has had a trendy, neighbourhood restaurant before, but McGettigans Cookhouse, located in the Kingswood Hotel, has opened up and filled that gap. My other half and I dined there recently, on one of those hazy, sunny days we’ve been having.

I know the sun and an indigo blue sky gives everything that “We could be in the south of Spain” vibe, but McGettigan’s Cookhouse, located in a stone building beside the hotel, looked really inviting in the early evening rays. Inside it was dark and cool and it’s obvious they have put a lot of thought into the interiors, with sleek subway tiles on the walls and low-hanging mood lights above several of the booths and free-standing tables. The menu is what I would call “safe”, with some adventurous choices thrown in there. This means it’s going to be a winner with most diners. There is a choice of six starters. My tiger prawn tempura (€9.95) was a light dish, just the right amount of melt in the mouth batter, with juicy, succulent prawns. However, it was the

spicy soy dipping sauce, made from chillies that are fried just to the point of almost being burnt and then smashed and blended with soy sauce, that almost blew the taste buds out of my mouth. We even asked for seconds, later in the meal! A must-try. My partner, after much deliberation, went for the Cookhouse seafood chowder. He hummed and hawed as it isn’t a typical seafood chowder but more of a bouillabaisse; tomato based with lots – and I mean lots – of fish and plenty of good, strong flavours. This was almost a meal in itself, served with some crusty sourdough, and great value at €8.50. I was very much tempted by the duck cassoulet for my main course, but I’m trying to eat a little lighter at night, and so I went for the roast chicken au jus (€17). It was Sunday after all!

This was a perfectly cooked roast with nice, crunchy root vegetables. Again, their portions are very generous, and I couldn’t finish mine. My husband’s rib eye steak (€23.95) served with garlic butter and skinny fries was a fine hunk of meat that was cooked to his preference (medium-rare). It was nicely seared and charred and had a decent amount of flavour. Dessert was one vanilla bean cheesecake (€6) with two spoons and my mouthful was scrummy, although the other half cannot get past his mum’s version. It’s a tough one to beat,

but this one made a fine attempt. A glass of pinot grigio for me and a shiraz for him complemented both meals. A nod must be given to the very friendly service. Our waiter spent the time to explain dishes and kept a watchful eye on us throughout. This place is a great addition to a neighbourhood that must have been crying out for a go-to place, and I can see it being a regular spot for large groups too. There is ample space for parties and with a large bar and outdoor seating, it’s sure to be a busy spot all summer.

Conclusion TUCKED away in Kingswood, McGettigans Cookhouse (tel 01 461 9900) is a gastropub that’s well worth dropping in to. From its throughtfully designed interior to fare that even challenged Picky’s mother-in-law’s home cooking for sheer deliciousness, McGettigans was an unexpected treat.

2 June 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 swords gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

MOTORING

· 70% of new cars are diesel · insurance up 32% · 2.8% drop in cost of new cars

Toyota, Hyundai and VW at full throttle for sales

 dave phillips

It is impossible not to notice the increase of new cars on the road this year with over 93,000 vehicles newly registered in the first few months of the year and some 35,000 of those on the streets of Dublin. As we head towards the midpoint of 2016 the motor industry looks set to remain steady in its growth.

A report from the Society of the Irish Motor Industr y last month showed that there has been a 2.8% drop in the cost of new cars compared to last year, as well as significant drops in fuel, with petrol and diesel down 11% and 17% respectively. But declining costs aren’t the only factors driving the increase in sales. Personal Contract Plan finance deals and

manufacturer incentives on road tax and warranties are becoming increasingly prevalent, and acting as a stimulus for potential new buyers. From those who have made the purchase so far this year, there is little change in terms of who Irish drivers are choosing to shop with. Toyota, Hyundai and Volkswagen are virtually neck and neck in terms of sales since January, with

The Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai are proving extremely popular with Irish motorists

around 10,000 new passenger cars registered for each brand in the opening months of 2016. Quarterly SIMI figures place Toyota on top overall with its sales figures spread across several popular models including the Auris, Yaris, and Corolla. But the largest market share for a single model belongs to Hyundai - with the beefy Tucson counting for half of the Korean

manufacturer’s new sales this year. The appetite for compact SUVs is evident with the Nissan’s ever-popular Qashqai also appearing in the top sellers alongside the Tucson. But traditional hatchback favourites like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia are also some of the best sellers. While we might be choosing the same brands and models, the fuel that

we are using is changing. The vast majority of new buyers have chosen to follow fuel price and emission trends and move away from petrol. More than 70% of the cars registered this year have diesel engines. While declining fuel prices and other incentives are attractive, every driverwill also know that some costs continue to increase. In comparison to this time last year, motor insur-

ance costs have rocketed up 32%. SIMI estimates that new car sales in the first three months alone have brought in over €700m in Government revenue; and predicts that the sales, which have dropped since the January peak, will now remain steady until next year. It remains to be seen whether the current 162 registration deals will create another peak in the figures.

2 June 2016 swords Gazette 23

Gazette

TRAVEL

Father’s Day presents that your dad will really want With Father ’s Day approaching fast, now is the time to start thinking about the perfect gift for your auld fella. To celebrate the annual holiday which arrives in two weeks (June 19), many hotels and resorts across Ireland have come up with official Father’s Day packages that would suit any dads taste and personality. Trinity City Hotel has teamed up with the Irish Whiskey Museum to offer guests a true taste of Ireland in the heart of the capital. T his Father ’s Day package includes overnight accommodation, dinner for two with breakfast for two the following morning and a complimentary premium tour of the Irish Whiskey Museum with whiskey tasting. Prices start from €245 based on two people sharing. For more information on Trinity City Hotel contact 01-648 1000 or visit www.trinitycityhotel.com If your dad is an adrenaline junkie or a downtime dude give him the perfect present with an overnight stay at the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, Cork. Overlooking two magnificent stretches of Blue Flag beach just outside the pretty heritage town of Clonakilty, Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa is a warm, polished and welcoming seaside hotel. Understanding that every dad wants something different from his break away, Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa

have put together two different but equally fantastic packages to suit the main man in your life: The Adrenaline Junkie package (€210pps) for the daring dad who likes a bit of action and activity and The Downtime Dude package (€235pps) for the dad who would prefer to put his feet up, relax and unwind. To book contact: +353 23 883 3143 or visit www. inchydoneyisland.com Gather the gang and play like the pros this Father’s Day with a Golf Break at Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh. Enjoy a relaxing bonding weekend, staying in one of Lough Erne Resort’s private lodges. Spend the day playing like the pros on the championship Faldo course, returning to the lodges, a home away from home where you can cook up a storm or take a stroll to the Loughside Bar and Grill and enjoy delicious dishes with a spectacular view. Experience a relaxed weekend in a luxurious lodge with the whole gang, the highlight of your stay – a round of golf on the Champion-

ship Faldo course, prices start from €294 per person sharing, the perfect treat for dad to say thank you this Father’s Day. For more information on Lough Erne Resort contact: +44 28 6632 3230 or visit www.lougherneresort.com. Spend the all-important day exploring the great outdoors with your dad at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Galway. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a Victorian country house and estate full of authentic character, luxury, history and style. Spend time on the river at Ballynahinch, learning to fish in the heart of Connemara, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, take a boat trip to see grey seals or simply meander through the woods or along the river bank exploring the 10 miles of nature walks, there is something for all the family at Ballynahinch this Father’s Day. Packages start from €710 for two nights bed and breakfast in a superior room for two adults and two children (3-12 years) or from €490 for a two-night stay with bed and breakfast for one

adult and one child (3 – 12 years). For more information on Ballynahinch Castle Hotel contact: +353 (0)95 31006 or visit www. bally nahinch-castle. com. The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, are offering its guests who come for Father’s Day their Old Fashioned Spa Package. The package is the newest addition to the menu of treatments available for men and is available just in time for Father’s Day. This package includes a pine and eucaly ptus enriched moor mud back treatment, which will prepare the back for the best possible results from the tension relief back massage that follows as the heat and essential oils work to loosen the muscles. The deluxe spa at The Shelbourne Hotel has a complete menu of world-class experiences for both men and women including facials, purifying body wraps, intense body scrubs and intricate hand and foot care, the experienced spa therapists take care of ladies and gentlemen with dedication to create

Learning to fish in the stunning surrounds of Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

an effective and rewarding spa experience. This combination is a fantastically relaxing way to melt away tension and unknot tight muscles, perfect after a long day in the office or even a hard day on the golf course. The Gentleman’s Old Fashioned package is available for €179 per person. For further information on The Shelbourne Hotel call 01 6634500 or visit www.shelbournespa.ie.

Treat dad to a unique whiskey experience telling the history and tales of the rise and fall of Irish Whiskey

Gazette

24 SWORDS gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

From the depths of a long-lost pirate city to sun-kissed desert islands, Uncharted 4’s world is packed full of detail. Sreengrabs: Shane Dillon

uncharted 4: the last in a popular series goes out with a bang

The prettiest game yet  shane dillon

A slightly underwhelming in-game camera lets the player pause the game and play around with shots – and with many stunning locales, there’s lots to shoot throughout

LET me get this out of the way straight away – Uncharted 4 (Cert 16, PS4) is the best-looking game I have ever seen, anywhere. That’s quite a claim – but then, it’s quite a game. There’s a long list of ways in which U4 sets the benchmark for stunning graphics, but these still screenshots of fully detailed open areas certainly speak for themselves. Whether in still shots or in motion, U4 looks absolutely gorgeous throughout, with terrific modelling, details and textures everywhere, as well as all kinds of technical bells and whistles that more than deliver – and how! Not only that, but it also marks

the apex of developer Naughty Dog’s skills in just about every area, including storytelling, acting and character development. Neatly closing off the Uncharted series, protaganist Nathan Drake (a cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones – that is, a cross between an explorer, adventurer, archaeologist – and an occasional murderer and killer) is stirred from his slightlydull, settled-down life. Now married to long-time foil, reporter Elena, Nate is drawn into one last job, and is soon on the search for a pirate colony, where a potentially huge treasure haul awaits. Of course, Nate (and some familiar old pals of his) aren’t the only ones looking for long-lost Libertalia ...

Whether you’re new to the series, or are a long-time Uncharted fan, U4 presents plenty of bang for your buck, as Nate and pals run, gun, swing and climb their way through many beautifully-created environments around the world. With its mix of stealth, several highoctane action sequences, occasional head-scratching puzzles and lots of exploring, all with plenty of naturalistic conversation, curses and quips thrown in, U4 is a must-buy. The recently released game is certain to not only feature in many Best of 2016 awards, but also creates a true benchmark in gaming. So, if this really is Nathan Drake’s final adventure, he’s finished up with one hell of a highlight to go out on ...

meet some prominent people from ‘the uncanny valley’  shane dillon

NOT unlike wild-eyed explorers with tales of a mythical lost land, there’s a mysterious ‘place’ that gamers and cinemagoers alike are very familiar with, and know like the back of their hand – The Uncanny Valley. While you and I will never visit there, we often see its citizens stumbling around in games and in films alike – they’re com-

puter-animated characters who look uncannily real, and yet there’s just ... something about them that the eye instinctively recognises as fake. However, although Uncharted 4’s protaganists have not quite been able to leave this fabled land, they’ve certainly climbed to its peaks of near-realism. Despite slightly ‘off’ lip syncing, they represent the bleeding edge of character design, with some brilliant design and animation that veer the closest yet to realism in games.

(Far left) Nathan Drake; Elena Fisher and Victor Sullivan

2 June 2016 SWORDS gazette 25

Gazettegallery

| celebrating 30 years in the fitness business

Thomas and Bernie Henry

Fitness gurus Karl and Pat Henry with broadcaster Claire Byrne. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

This birthday bash shaped up nicely

Christian Firth and Alexsandra Vicentijevic

Carol Harols and Jim Rock

at and Karl Henry hosted the 30th anniversary party of The Henry Fitness Centre at Residence, by Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green, with over 150 members and friends. Established in 1986, Pat Henry has built up a

Suzanne McGann, Paul Murray and Stephen Murray

business and clientele that continues to thrive and grow. Over the past 30 years, the city centre gym has seen some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest celebrities train there, with many well-known faces in attendance at the party.

Alex Farrell

Fiona Durcan and Martin

Pat Whyte and John

Durcan

McDonagh

John Nagle and Tom

Tom Collins and Andrea

McNamara

Byrne

26 swords Gazette 2 June 2016

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Kinsealy Childcare Ltd seek permission for change of use from existing 110m2 ground floor retail unit to proposed child care facility including new lettering to existing signage panels at No. 8 Drynam Square, Drynam Hall, Kettles Lane, Kinsealy, Co. Dublin. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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Fingal County Council I, Brid Feehily, am applying for planning permission for development of a new ground floor extension to the rear of the existing dwelling incorporating a new en-suite to existing rear bedroom, a new extended dining area, new kitchen area, new living area and new bedroom with en-suite all together with associated site works at 3 Connolly Avenue, Kinsaley Lane, Malahide, Co. Dublin. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. 27104

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2 June 2016 swords Gazette 27

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Gazette

28 SWORDS gazette 2 June 2016

SPORT Byrne to debut on Hatton bill

FastSport

boxing: st margaret’s puncher answers call for stadium battle

McCarthy leads the way at poc fada:

NAOMH Jude’s Faye McCarthy won adult camogie’s annual Poc Fada in Beann Eadair last Friday evening with an impressive round of 21 pucks. She was just one point in front of Stephanie Carthy – who took the runners up spot as a result of playoff – Beth Whyte and Beinhinn O’Neill in a very competitive field. The event was exciting and compelling competition was played on a challenging mountainous course organised by Beann Eadair with the result in the balance right to the last puck of the competition on the Howth peninsula. In the Under-16 Poc Fada, after an enjoyable, sporting and hard fought battle, Megan Thomas (Erin’s Isle) emerged as winner. In second place was Siun Keating (Good Counsel) just one stroke behind.

 derek mckenna sport@dublingazette.com

LOUGHLINSTOWN man Jay Byrne will make his pro boxing debut on the Ricky Hatton and FS Promotions “The Future” Fight Night at the National Boxing stadium on June 25. Byrne, a former Irish novice champion will punch for pay as a pro

for the first time on a bill that includes a host of up and coming Irish boxing talent. The St Margaret’s Boxing Club coach decided to make to move to the full professional ranks after taking on a couple of semi-pro fights recently and is looking to impress and surprise a few people with his talent.

Turning professional was not something that was on the agenda for Byrne but when the opportunity arose to fight on a Ricky Hatton promoted card, with future dates planned after June, the chance was too good to resist. “It’s a great card to debut on,” he told Gazette Sport. “When I heard there was big things like this happening it gave me that final push to turn over. “The chance to be a part of this was too good to turn down. “I was sparring with former Irish champion Anthony Fitzgerald earlier in the year and when I showed the lads the videos they were saying

Jay Byrne with Ricky Hatton

I was holding my own with a seasoned and tough pro.” While Byrne is content to take things one fight at a time, his coaches already have a plan should he impress under the lights at the National Stadium. “If I had one fight and won it, it will be more than anyone thought I wo u l d d o . E d d i e [Hyland, Byrne’s coach] has mentioned a title path, but I don’t like to do that.

“I will focus on this first fight. I would be confident I can win my first few fights and then going into next year we will see. If there is a title shot there I will take it, but I am just thinking about June 25 now. “I am still learning a lot. I am constantly learning with Eddie and people haven’t seen what I can do. “I never had a coach before. I trained myself, s t ay e d f i t a n d j u s t sparred helping people

get ready for their fights. “So it will be all new and I am really looking forward to putting what I have learnt into practice. “I would like to take the chance to thank my sponsors Matt Britton Flooring, High Tech Spec, MC MOTORS, Ramblers Rest and GK Autopoint. They have been a great help.” T i c ke t s f o r ‘ T h e Future’ Fight Night on June 25 are still available on www.tickets.ie.

NAC Masters fill up the history books at London gala  sport@dublingazette.com

NAC Masters members Jackie O’Connor, Helena McGrath, Dan Golden and Neil Curran

NAC Masters swim team claimed three medals and brokw several national records at the 2016 LEN European Masters Swimming Championships in the London Aquatic Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The team consisted of Cian Connaughton, Neil Curran, Daniel Debtuch, Dan Golden, Michael Krivoruchko, Helena McGrath, Barry Murphy, Alan McCormack, Jackie O’Connor, Fergus O’Dwyer and Dara

Vaughan. Club coach Declan Harte was due to compete but could not travel due to injury. Golden was among the stars. He won a silver medal in both the 50m freestyle, in a time of 28.99 seconds, and 50m butterfly, in 31.37 seconds, and a bronze medal in the 100m butterfly, in 1.14.36. He broke several national Irish masters records with these swims. Jackie O’Connor, chairperson of NAC Masters said: “The club was delighted to send a team of 11 to compete against Europe’s

top masters’ swimmers. “This is the largest team we’ve ever sent and shows the great shape the club is in. I know all the team have been training hard in recent months and they were thrilled to represent Ireland. There were some great swims over the five competition days including Dan’s fantastic medal wins. “I’d encourage anyone with an interest in training and competing to come down to one of our sessions in the National Aquatic Centre or Westwood Clontarf. “In the pool we currently

have 11 Irish record holders: Dan Golden, Joanne Figala, Jack Meade, Julie Galloway, Helena McGrath, Liz McCarthy, Sandra O’Leary, Tom Healy, Richard Harding and Helen O’Leary and we also have 28 Irish relay records across the age groups. “We’re all really looking forward to more fun and success in 2016.” NAC Masters is one of the country’s largest and most successful masters swimming clubs. Founded in 1988, the club has grown steadily in membership numbers and reputation.

2 June 2016 swords gazette 29

Gazette

CBS’s silver service in top school award Lucan’s Colaiste Phadraig add school of the year honour to go with wealth of trophies won across soccer, basketball and hurling in an incredible show of strength and diversity COLAISTE Phadraig CBS Lucan were honoured with the prestigious Sports School of the Year Award at an end of year celebration held at the Aviva Stadium following a stellar year. The event is staged annually to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young sports stars in schools all

across the country. Twenty-four winners of the Sports Star of the Week award were invited to the ceremony along with parents, coaches and family to recognise and celebrate the brilliant sporting achievements of their young people in schools throughout the year. Lucan CBS were represented by Kris Arcilla

The Under-17 Leinster Junior Cup winning side

who won a Sports Star of the Weeks Award in March in recognition of his starring role in the Basketball Under-16 National Cup final. Arcilla has since gone on to claim the prestigious Under-16 basketballer of the year award from Basketball Ireland so we are very proud of his remarkable achievements. Colaiste Phadraig CBS Lucan were announced as the Sports School of the Year in recognition of their excellent achievements throughout the year. This year, the school won the Eastern League A title in basketball as well as the National Cup A title for the first time in their history. This group of players

have now amassed four major titles in three years in basketball. In soccer, the school claimed the Under-17 Leinster Junior Cup while the team narrowly lost in the All-Ireland final. The first year soccer team won the Dublin West Shield as well as the Dublin League Division 1 title. They also reached the Champions League final last week and were within three seconds of winning it when their opponents equalised with the last kick of the game before winning with a last minute gaol in extra time. The Under-15 soccer team reached the Leinster Minor Cup semifinals and only lost out to a last minute goal to

the eventual All-Ireland winners Kieran’s Kilkenny. Since 2012, they have been in 15 major soccer finals, six more than any other school in Leinster, winning 10 of them so this truly is a golden era for the school in soccer. In hurling, the Under14 team swept to success in the Dublin Colleges Juvenile B final with a 100% winning record. Six members of the team were also members of the successful Dublin South Colleges team that won this year ’s Leinster Juvenile A hurling league so the future is bright for this team. In football, the senior team reached the Dublin Final and performed exceptionally well throughout the campaign.

Representatives from Lucan CBS’s successful teams show off their silverware, left; the Under-16 basketball, right, celebrate their win

FastSport

Seventeen graduate from new Fingal progaramme SEVENTEEN participants graduated this week from the Fingal Football and Fitness Course, a joint project run by Fingal County Council, Blanchardstown Area Partnership and the Football Association of Ireland under the Project FUTSAL programme. A football-centred education initiative that has been running in Corduff Sports Centre for the past three years. The course delivers training in a number of football and general sports skills and also provides participants with an ITEC Professional Gym Instructor qualification as well as a range of FAI certified football coaching licences. The programme involved participants working in the community to deliver a wide range of sports projects designed to meet various community needs. These included Late Night Soccer, Disability Groups, After-School Drop-ins, Girls Only, Futsal, Youths Services and Schools. It provided over 4,500 additional coaching hours to the wider community and resulted in the participation of approximately 30,000 children and adults. The mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, said his council “recognises the huge value of sport in the community. It not only helps break down barriers, it also helps develop character in young people because it teaches them a whole range of skills, creates positive pastimes and provides role models. “Our course participants have been role models for a huge amount of children and adults during the work experience section of the course and earned some very positive feedback from the many schools and organisations they worked in.” Felix Gallaher of Blanchardstown Area Partnership added: “It is great for Blanchardstown Area Partnership to work with Fingal County Council and the FAI and everything ran very smoothly because a lot of the different work that we have done over the years has come into play in this project.” The graduates received their certificates from the mayor David O’Connor and the chief executive of Fingal, Paul Reid.

Gazette

30 swords gazette 2 June 2016

SPORT

FastSport

motorsport: swords man continues resurgent run of form

Peter Barrable in Supercar Championship action

McKenna classic set to add to huge charity haul THE annual Mary McKenna Golf Classic aims to raise €10,000 for Dyslexia Association of Ireland to add to the €35,000 raised by the charity over the past five years. The event is hosted by Donabate golf club, of whom Mary A McKenna MBE is a member, on Friday, June 3. Having raised over a €35k for the DAI to date, this year’s competition is aiming for its largest attendance ever with a target of 35 teams taking part. The golf classic and raffle features some great prizes including a beautiful watercolour painting by noted artist Frank Clarke, and four-balls for some of Ireland’s best golf clubs. Speaking at the launch, McKenna said: “Donabate Golf Club is home to one of the finest courses in Ireland and every year we look forward to the annual charity classic for Dyslexia Association of Ireland. “We have an ambitious target this year of €10,000 and are calling on all golfers across Dublin and surrounding counties to dust off their golf clubs and register for our charity fundraiser this Friday!” Adding comment, Rosie Bissett, CEO of Dyslexia Association of Ireland, said: “Mary McKenna has been an ongoing generous supporter of DAI and our members. “None of our services are fully funded – support from friends of the associations and fundraising events like the Mary McKenna MBE Golf Classic is crucial in helping us deliver supports for children and adults with dyslexia, setting them on the road to achieving their potential.”

Record-breaker Barrable  sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS native Peter Barrable smashed a 10-year lap record as he produced a dominant performance to win the first race of the Tool Dynamics Supercar Championship at the Kirkistown circuit in Northern Ireland. Sitting at the top of the timesheets in qualifying to secure the allimportant pole position, the 2015 champion never looked like losing as he led the race from the beginning. There was some added spice for the series regulars as ASK Racing had announced during the

previous week that double BTCC Champion Colin Turkington would be joining the grid in the Keogh’s Crisps celebrity car. Former Punto & Fiesta frontrunner Barry Hallion, in just his second weekend in the class, qualified his U-Pol Kellett Motorsport machine alongside Barrable on the front row. Series leader Andy O’Brien, who Motorsport Ireland named as Driver of the Month the previous week, was third with Jonathan Fildes fourth, the former class champion guesting in another ASK car. Bob Cameron was

skerries thronged Fankhauser leads way in historic Ras victory the crowds thronged Skerries last Sunday

to witness Clemens Fankhauser become the first rider since Chris Newton in 2003 and 2005 to be crowned a two-time winner of An Post Ras. The Austria Tirol Cycling rider put on a classy display on the final stage to finish in Skerries in the main bunch, maintaining his lead on the General Classification and lifting the coveted trophy for the second time in three years. Picture: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

fifth with Turkington sixth. The BTCC star was unable to test due to other commitments but changed the car setup after qualifying and was looking forward to the race. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be as his car stopped with an electrical problem on the warm-up lap. Barrable made no mistakes to lead away and pulled out a strong lead in the early laps. Continuing his impressive form, Hallion held second, just in front of Cameron and the charging O’Brien. The balance of the championship was

about to swing in Barrable’s favour though as O’Brien retired with a throttle linkage issue. As Barrable pulled clear, Jonathan Fildes closed down on the battling duo of Hallion and Cameron. Hallion and Cameron made contact at the hairpin, allowing Fildes through with Hallion dropping back. At the flag, it was Barrable by some margin from Cameron and Fildes. Barrable started race two from pole position but this time it was shortlived as he was sidelined, with an engine failure sending him back to the paddock. O’Brien

took over the lead, with Hallion back in second after opening out a gap to Cameron. Both though, were being caught by crowd favourite Turkington, who was particularly committed through the chicane as he attempted to rectify the disappointment of race one. As O’Brien pulled clear, Hallion came under attack from Cameron, with Turkington dropping back, having to avoid an errant BMW at Colonial. O’Brien took an untroubled win ahead of Hallion who just hung on for second after a drag-race to the line with Cameron.

2 June 2016 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

Joined-up thinking

Finian’s Under-11s get new sponsorship deal

Club Noticeboard FINGALLIANS

st finian’s Under-11 boys team were

presented with their new kit thanks to sponsor Join Me who were represented on the day by the company’s Stephen Duignan. Speaking about the support, the club said: “The long-term support of our sponsors is vital to the ongoing success of the club and the club and team would like to thank Join Me for this support”.

football: malahide side on fire in divisi0n one

OUR AFL Division 3 team drop to sec-

ball – August 2 to 5; Kellogg’s Cul Camp

ond place after a midweek win over St

– August 15 to 19.

Sylvester’s followed by a defeat at the

Mna Fins le Gaeilge - Fins ladies with

weekend away to Naomh Barrog. Next

Irish: Tyrone Productions will visited

up is Naomh Olaf on June 12 in Lawless

the club on The Dublin U-14 girls: Hard

Park at 10.30am.

to luck Hannah Murphy and Hannah

The boys’ Credit Union Cups will

Howard who represented their coun-

take place on Wednesday, June 15 and

ty but were beaten by Kildare in the

the girls’ competition will take place

Leinster final.

on Thursday, June 16. Thank you very

Well done to our U-13 girl footballers

much to Members First Credit Union

who finished their league as runners-

(formally Swords Credit Union).

up in their division.

Garda Vetting: The GAA has now

This week coming is a bank holiday

switched to E-Vetting (boys section

– the nursery will go ahead as normal,

only). Any person who carries out a

on Saturday from 10am to 12pm.

role of responsibility such as coach-

Our Irish language group: We will

ing, managing or training underage

finish for the summer period after

teams or indeed adult teams who play

the June bank holiday. The group will

minors must be vetted.

recommence in September. Further

Please check out the following online: http://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/ child-welfare-and-protection/vetting

Ross Hazley battles for a high ball during St Sylvester’s game with Ballymun Kickhams last week.

Back to back AFL wins see Syl’s move on up

afl division 1 Ballymun Kickhams 3-10 St Sylvester’s 2-16  sport@dublingazette.com

ST SYLVESTER’S AFL Division 1 season picked up some impor tant momentum as back-toback wins this week over Bally mun K ickhams and St Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh lifted them to fifth in the table. The results put them within touching distance of the playoff places at the halfway stage of the campaign. They started a big week with a strong three-point win away at Pairc Cic-

eam against a Ballymun side who were unable to take full advantage of their home status despite racking up a handy score of 3-10. Their total was underpinned by goals from Kevin Leahy (penalty), the evergreen Alan Hubbard and Cian Gerrard. It was Syl’s day with an incredible display from Gary Sweeney, which included a crucial goal in the second half amid a virtuoso display. He was helped by a strong defence with Stephen Cunningham as the lynch-pin and, in attack, he was ably assist-

ed by Ronan Palmer, Brian Sexton and Ciaran Roche. Ross Hazley was superb in midfield, too, and ultimately weighed in with a goal late in the game as well. They followed up with an eight-point win over Plunkett’s on a 0-14 to 0-8 scoreline. Michael McCarthy was the form player with some beautiful point scoring as they notched their fourth win of the campaign. Next on their agenda is a date with reigning All-Ireland club champions Ballyboden St Enda’s. Plunkett’s, meanwhile,

saw off Syl’s north county rivals Fingal Ravens 7-9 to 1-9 in a breathtaking second half display at Martin Savage Park. P l u n ke t t ’s t r a i l e d Ravens by two points at the half before Alan Brogan grabbed his side by the scruff of the neck and led them to a 17-point victory with six second half goals. Ravens, though, produced an incredible reversal of fortunes on Saturday evening in Rolestown as they managed to run up a 2-9 to 1-9 win over Ballyboden to secure their first win of the campaign.

info from fromliamoculbaird@gmail. com. Dublin v Laois tickets will be shown live in the club bar. Next up for Dub-

There is one month to go to race

lin hurlers is the Leinster semi-final

day. There are still a couple of tables

against Kilkenny on Saturday, June

remaining. Please email teresacol-

11 at 7pm in O’Moore Park – log on to

lins9@gmail.com for further details.

Dublingaa.ie for tickets.

The annual hurlers golf day is on

The Golf Society diary is as follows

Friday, June 17 in Balbriggan Golf club.

– June 24: St Anne’s; July 22: St Mar-

The cost per team of four is €200 and

garet’s; August 19: Roganstown and

includes a meal for all players. Tee

September 16: Balbriggan (Captain’s

times available are currently from

Day).

11am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. All

The mobile bloodbank clinic will visit

funds raised will go directly to the ever

the club this week on the follow days:

increasing coaching, medical and all

Thursday, June 2 from 3-5pm and

other associated expenses required

7-9pm. In addition, on Sunday, June 12,

to run the minor and adult teams. If

we will hold a clinic from 12 to 3.30pm.

you can’t enter a team, why not sponsor a hole for €100.

Each week, hospitals throughout the country need 3,000 units of blood

Summer Camps: football – July 4

to treat patients. To help meet this

to 8; hurling – July 11 to 15; advanced

demand, we appeal to you to encour-

hurling – July 26 to 29; advanced foot-

age all to help out.

ST FINIAN’S TIME to book those summer camp

two inter-county representatives

places. We have announced the dates

on the Dublin LGFA U-14 football team.

for the three summer camps in July

Rachel Fagan and Rachel Church were

and August.

part of the Dublin squad who were

The Kellogg’s Cul Camp is on July 4 to 8. Two further camps are planned

narrowly beaten by Kildare in the Leinster Championship on Saturday.

for August 16-19 and August 23-26.

It’s a big week for our adult football

Places can be booked by download-

coach Mark Murray as he marries Lisa

ing the camp form from our website

on Friday. Best wishes from all at St

www.stfinians.com or by registering

Finian’s.

through the website homepage. Performance of the week must go to our adult ladies football side who put in

Another date for the diary is June 25 when we are having our club fun day in River Valley.

a powerful team performance to win

The lotto jackpot was €1,900 this

their junior C Championship midweek

week and the numbers drawn were 4,

tie against Craobh Chiarain.

11, 15 and 20.

Our men’s adult footballers also had

There was no winner of the jackpot.

a great win over Craobh Chiarain on

The €25 lucky dip winners were Tony

Saturday evening in their AFL4 league

Clarke, Sean O’Neill, Noeleen Lawlor,

match.

Rosaleen/Patrick and Alison. Next

There was disappointment for our

week’s jackpot will be €2,000.

32 swords gazette 2 June 2016