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Month XX, 2012 malahide • Balbriggan • Applewood • boroimhe • Airside • Portmarnock • Kinsealy • clarehall

INSIDE: Ireland’s first female funeral director Ann Bradley on a typical day in her life Page 11

eighth amendment: Ben Conroy defends it in the last of our two-part series P14

Juggling agenda: Laughs ring out on Main Street Fingallians: Lawless Park welcomes GAA President Page 31

Brian and Lyra Kilduff clown

around for the camera at Swords Festival recently. Held on Main Street the fab fest included a host of family fun activities such as face painting, bouncy castles, super slides, jugglers and stilt walking.

There were also performances from the FingalGospel Choir, We Were Giants and Bentley Boys. The main stage events included Sword Gets Talented.

Picture: Stephen Fleming

Golf:

Ireland call for Forrest Little’s McCarthy Page 30

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

Coalition blame game over medical card cut Up to 1,338 senior citizens lose out on health cover during 2014-15

 keith bellew

THE Department of Health has defended cuts which involved taking medical cards from 1,338 elderly people in north Dublin between April 2014 and

April 2015, saying these losses were a result of cuts imposed by the previous government in 2008.

Speaking to The Gazette, Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications at Age Action, said medical

cards are a lifeline for older people that should never be taken away.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health said the previous government took away the universal entitlement to medical

cards for over-70s in 2008.

They went on to say that the department is introducing free GP visits for over-70s from next month, which will benefit 36,000 older people.

Full Story on Page 2

2 swords gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

health Clare Daly slams Government’s ‘right-wing ideology’

Department defends medical card cuts THE Department of Health has defended cuts which saw medical cards taken away from 1,338 elderly people in north Dublin between April 2014 and April 2015, saying these medical card losses are a result of cuts imposed by the previous Government in 2008.

Deputy Clare Daly (Ind) said this is a result of regressive measures taken by the Govern-

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

ment in the last budget, which have caused huge hardship for many older citizens in poor health, with chronic illness and disabilities.

She said: “The fact

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

that they view medical cards and lone parent allowances as expendable is revealing of their right-wing ideolog y which puts the interests of financial organisations far ahead of the welfare of citizens.

“Older people have paid PAYE and PRSI for decades and deserve to have access to the health service that they have funded throughout their lives,” she said.

Speaking to The Gazette, Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications at Age Action, said medical cards are a lifeline for older people, which should never be taken

away.

He said: “Thousands of older people who had expected that in their later years a medical card would be there to help ensure they can get the healthcare they needed have lost out.

“The medical card should never have been taken off older people, and should be restored.

“In the meantime, we need to see the Government move ahead with rolling out the GP visit card for over-70s as a matter of urgency.”

In response, a spokesperson from the Department of Health said the last government took away the universal enti-

Despite criticism over medical card cuts, a Department of Health spokesperson said: “We are introducing free GP care for everyone aged 70 or over from next month”

tlement to the medical card for the over-70s in 2008, and there have been no changed income limits for medical cards for the over-70s since Leo Varadkar’s appointment as Minister for Health.

T he spokesperson

said: “We are introducing free GP care for everyone aged 70 or over from next month. This will benefit 36,000 older people who currently have to pay for their doctor but will no longer have to.

“The rules for discretionary medical cards have been relaxed further, meaning that the highest ever number of people who fall outside the means test have retained a medical card.”

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 swords gazette 3

swords

council: public submissions sought on proposal for pilot scheme

Hopes for a Purple Flag plan

Have your say on 30kph estate speed  keith bellew

FINGAL County Council is inviting public submissions on a pilot scheme for 30kph speed limits at a number of estates in Swords.

The proposed estates are Boroimhe, Ridgewood, St Cronan’s Avenue and Holywell.

In March, the Department of Transport published guidelines for setting and managing speed limits. These guidelines advised local authorities to consider 30kph speed limits, particularly where there are vulnerable road users on housing estate roads and local residential roads with no strategic or distributor function.

A key objective of the guidelines is to reduce vehicle speeds in housing estates in order to improve road safety for all road users, particularly children.

These proposals are now out on display and members of the public can make submission up to 4.30pm on Friday, August 28, and councillors will make their decision on whether to pilot the programme in these estates.

Cllr Justin Sinnott (Ind) welcomed the consultation process, saying he is particularly happy that Ridgewood and Boroimhe have been proposed to pilot the scheme.

He said: “What has been really telling for me

about it is the fact that it was the estates where residents’ groups put in submissions that were given the pilot option. It’s a credit to the residents in these estates.”

He went on to say that the scheme will be of particular benefit to Ridgewood residents, who have been highlighting traffic issues in their estate for quite some time, but he added that it will not solve the problem.

Submissions may be sent in writing to Rachel Lindsay, Administrative Officer, Operations Depa r tment, Finga l County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, or by emailing roads@fingal.ie.

Ready to rock ’n’ roll out: Calling on runners to help support Barnardos TOBY and Suzanne Alcock Thompson with Karen and Brooke Behan helped launch the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon, in partnership with Barnardos. The Swords kids and ladies were happy to highlight the upcoming event on Sunday, August 2, which will see the city’s streets filled with almost 8,000 runners taking part along the 13.1 mile route. The marathon is also playing host to the official AAI National Half Marathon Championships, organised in association with Athletics Ireland. For further information or to sign up, see www.rocknrolldublin.com.

THE Swords Purple Flag Working Group – which includes Fingal Dublin Chamber, Fingal County Council, and An Garda Siochana – recently finalised its application for Purple Flag status for Swords.

The Purple Flag recognises excellence in safe and vibrant nighttime economies. The Swords application will cover Main Street, North Street, the Pavilions Shopping Centre and Airside Retail and Business Park.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said the initiative was progressing well and will prove another big boost for Swords along with Swords Castle, the recent Swords festival, and tourism plans that have been put in place.

4 swords gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

funding Cautious welcome for north County Dublin units

Social housing to get €1.9m boost  keith bellew

SOME €9.1m in funding has been allocated to approved housing bodies for the provision of 47 social housing units in north County Dublin as part of a nationwide scheme announced by Environment Minister Alan Kelly Balglass Road, Howth will see 15 new units built

by Fold Housing Association Ireland Ltd, and four will be built at College St Baldoyle by Cluid Housing Association, all of which will be completed by 2017, and will be done in conjunction with the

council.

Additionally, 28 units have been acquired in various parts of the county and will be ready for people with housing needs this year.

This is part of a nationwide allocation of €151m, €84m of which will fund new builds, with the balance to be used for leasing units from private landlords.

Cllr Brian McDonagh (Lab) said he is happy to see social housing being built in his own constituency of Howth/Malahide, as there is a need for it in the area.

He said: “I’ve been

pushing for it and asking questions about the numbers. There’s a real need for social housing in Portmarnock, Baldoyle and the Howth/Malahide area.

“It’s not something people normally associate with it [the area], but there is [such a need], there are hundreds on the waiting list.

“The drawback is of course that it’s a problem that takes time to solve and the need is now, but at least we’re going in the right direction,” he said.

He went on to say that Cluid is a great organisation, and the housing

problem is only going to be solved by a combination of housing authorities and different programmes like these.

Cllr Eugene Coppinger (AAA) said any funding towards social housing is welcome, but what has been announced would barely cover the cases he is currently dealing with.

He said: “The approach being taken by the Government is not the right one, it’s very piecemeal, unfortunately, but any money that’s going towards social housing is to be welcomed.

“A lot of the things that they are introducing will facilitate private landlords – for example, councils doing deals with private landlords, taking out long-term leases, guaranteeing them rent and rent reviews.

“It’s costing us money which should be invested in social housing,” said Cllr Coppinger.

He went on to say that

North County Dublin has been allocated €9.1m in funding for the provision of 47 social housing units

the funding announced for the building of social houses has to be welcomed as it is what’s needed. “We can’t complain about that,” he said.

Speaking to The Gazette, a spokesperson for Peter McVerry Trust said they are happy

€112k approved for harbour wall SKERRIES Harbour is to receive €112,500 in funding under the 2015 Fishery Harbours Capital Investment Programme.

The funding will allow repairs to the outer harbour wall at Skerries Harbour and underwater repairs to sheet piles.

Sheet piling is an earth retention and excavation support technique that retains soil, using steel sheet sections with interlocking edges that create a wall.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the allocation, saying it will provide a real boost to the

local fishing industry.

He said: “This investment in the repair and upkeep of Skerries Harbour is essential in order to ensure its sustainability into the future.

It is great to see this funding being allocated for necessary works on our local harbours, following the allocation of €112,500 for the upkeep of Balbriggan harbour last month.

“Our fisheries sector is integral to that economic recovery in Dublin Fingal, and Fine Gael in Government will continue to prioritise and resource the sector.”

with the announcement because they have secured funding for 44 units for social housing delivery – the largest amount they have been able to secure, to date.

The spokesperson said: “We feel it’s a positive announcement. Obviously, in the scheme of

things, it’s one small step towards tackling the need that exists out there.

“We feel this is quite positive and we’re looking to move forward and bring the new units that we’ve been funded to acquire into the housing system as quickly as possible.”

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 swords gazette 5

don’sdublin All-Ireland academy is a right royal piece of living history The Royal Irish Academy is an allIreland learned society and was founded in 1785. The following year it was granted its royal charter, and its aims were “the promotion and investigation of the sciences, polite literature, and antiquities, as well as the encouragement of discussion and debate between scholars of diverse backgrounds and interests”.

The Earl of Charlemont – who described himself as a lifelong learner – was, appropriately, the first president. Today there are over 400 members, and notable honorary members of yore include Charles Darwin, Max Planck and Albert Einstein.

The academy’s first residence was at 114 Grafton Street (across from the Provost House, Trinity College), but it moved to its present address (19 Dawson Street) in 1851. The new premises had more space to accommodate the growing collections of antiquities, and the Reading and Meeting Rooms were added between 1852-54. Much of the collection was subsequently transferred to the new National Museum of Ireland in 1890, and included the Cross of Cong, the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice.

The library’s unique collection of manuscripts (over 1,500) began when it was presented with the 14th century Book of Ballymote. There are many other famous manuscripts in its care, and the most precious is the Cathach (Psalter of St Columba).

This is the oldest surviving Irish manuscript and dates from the sixth century. The facility is a research library for members, students, international scholars and members of the public. It holds the largest collection of Irish-language manuscripts and archives on Irish history, archaeology and 19th century Ordnance Survey records. It also holds the collection of Thomas Moore, the Irish singer and songwriter, who penned The Last Rose of Summer and The Minstrel Boy. His harp is on show in the library.

In the grand Meeting Room you can find chandeliers and benches from the Irish House of Lords which was abolished over 200 years ago. Now that’s living history!

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

The Royal Irish Academy

environment Prestigious public Green Flag for amenity

Top award for Malahide Demesne MALAHIDE Demesne bagged the Green Flag for Parks and Green Spaces Award at the 2015 Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland event on Thursday, July 23, at Antrim Castle Gardens.

A successful introduction of this scheme into the Republic of Ireland

has recently been piloted by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce with Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, and the Office of Public Works.

The award, which is managed internationally by Keep Britain Tidy, acknowledges and accredits best practice in

the sustainable management of parks and green spaces. It introduces a benchmark against which the quality of freely accessible public parks and green spaces can be measured.

Green Flag Awards for Parks and Green Spaces co-ordinator for the Republic of Ireland, Rob-

ert Moss, said the hard work of park staff over many years has provided a wealth of parks, gardens, and green spaces.

He said: “These important amenities provide us with a welcome refuge from the stress of urban life, and are major attractions for tourists and other visitors to Ireland.

“We have greatly benefited from working closely with our colleagues in Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the Green Flag for Parks and Spaces operator in Northern Ireland, and also with the park operators in Northern Ireland and the international co-ordination at Keep Britain Tidy.”

6 swords gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

policing Detention teens still on the run FOUR teenagers recently escaped from the Oberstown child detention facility in north Dublin, three of whom are still at large.

This is the third time a group has escaped from the €56m facility, which opened last year.

One of the boys has since been returned to the facility after handing himself in to gardai. The three missing teens are believed to be from Dublin, Cork and Tipperary and are aged 16 and 17.

They allegedly assaulted members of staff with broken pieces of furniture and cutlery before using ladders which were being used by builders on the site to escape.

Gardai have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

council Route could serve construction vehicles

Talks examine new road for St Ita’s works  keith bellew

THE Department of Health is currently in discussions with Fingal County Council about the possibility of building an alternative route for construction traffic during the building of the National Forensic Mental Health Hospital on the site of St Ita’s in Portrane.

Following representation from Deputy Brendan Ryan (Lab), a delegation of residents and public representatives, including Deputy Ryan, Cllr

Duncan Smith (Lab), Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF), and Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind), met Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch to discuss their concerns.

The delegation highlighted its concerns about serious health and safety risks construction traffic poses to local residents, particularly for school children and senior citizens using the very narrow footpaths along the Portrane Road.

Minister Lynch said she recently met senior Fingal County Council staff to

discuss the possibility of using an alternative route for construction traffic.

She is now waiting to hear back from the council about the possibility of a Part Eight planning application, which will allow for the construction of a haul road through the council’s lands at Ballymastone.

Part Eight planning applications relate to development by, on behalf of, or in partnership with local authorities. The council is due to report back to the Minister in

The Catholic Chapel at St Ita’s Hospital. Picture: Ophelie Ferlier

early August.

Cllr Henchy said the delegation informed Minister Lynch that the Government must find the funding to construct an alternative construction route, as they will not accept anything less.

The community has now formed The Peninsula Hospital Action

Group, and intends to hold a public meeting on September 2 in Donabate Portrane Community Centre, where the local community will get the opportunity to discuss their concerns with their local Minister, Dr James Reilly (Minister for Children), three TDs and a senator.

Cllr Henchy said: “The community group have worked together with great effort and determination over the last nine months. We are a fairminded community, but we are also preparing to step up our campaign to ensure this hospital is built to the highest safety standards.”

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 swords gazette 7

works Three new facilities to serve town’s needs

Water plant construction to start in 2016  keith bellew

THE Rush Wastewater Collection Network scheme is continuing to progress, with construction of the project due to commence in mid 2016.

This scheme will address the fact that 75% of the wastewater entering the Irish sea at Rush is untreated.

It will see three pumping stations constructed to serve Rush, including a pumping station at North Beach adjacent to the Golden Ridge hous-

ing development that will serve the north of the town and the Skerries Road. This station will pump flows to the Channel Road sewer.

A pumping station will also be constructed at East Shore, beside the Martello Tower, which will serve the east of the town. This station will direct flows west to the South Shore pumping station.

The third pumping station will be constructed at South Beach at the beach car park. This sta-

tion will pump flows into the Channel Road sewer.

Negotiations are currently ongoing with landowners to acquire land for the construction of this infrastructure. Permission is also being sought for construction to take place on privately owned land. Tender documents are being prepared and prequalified contractors will be invited to tender for the construction of the scheme in the coming weeks.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG): “The fact that sewage is being discharged into the Irish Sea, and adversely impacting on the water quality at South Beach, Rush is unacceptable”

progress of the project, saying the infrastructure is important as few changes have been made to the sewage infrastructure in Rush over the past two decades as the population of the local community has continued to grow.

He said: “Following the construction of essential wastewater infrastructure

in the north county over the past few years under the Portrane, Donabate, Rush and Lusk Wastewater Strategy, the issue of untreated waste entering the Irish Sea at Rush can finally be tackled in an effective manner after many years of infuriating delays.

“The fact that sewage is being discharged into the

Irish Sea, and adversely impacting on the water quality at South Beach, Rush is simply unacceptable. I am pleased to see that a resolution to this is now in sight.”

He went on to say that the detailed design stage of the process has already taken place and planning consents have been obtained.

funding €300,000 for pool upgrade PORTMARNOCK Sports and Leisure Centre has been granted €300,000 to upgrade its swimming pool to make it more accessible for disabled users.

The €300,000 funding has been allocated by Junior Sports Minister Michael Ring under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme energy efficiency upgrade and enhanced disabled access initiative.

In 2011, €10.94m was allocated to 56 pools under this initiative, followed by a further €3.36m in 2012.

Under the 2015 round of the initiative, all eligible applicants who had not previously received funding have been allocated grants.

8 swords gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Seana Sweeney, Faith Barnett, Holly Carpenter and Kerri-Nicole Blanc

Venue managers Gary Moody and Ventanius McKnight

Suzanne Jackson and Doireann Gately

Paul O’Neill, Philip Maloney, Martin Cooke and Gerard Smith. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 swords gazette 9

Sean Michaels and Sarah O’Shea

Shannen Reilly-McGrath

swords: venue celebrates 15 years in business

Another Wright good time out ...

T

HERE was an extra special evening at Wrights Cafe Bar Swords recently as the popular north Dublin venue marked 15 years of business with the launch of a new kitchen and menu. Models including Faith Barnett, Seana Sweeney and Kerri Nicole Blanc were in attendance, along with girls top blogger Suzanne Jackson, and blogger and model Holly Carpenter, who rubbed shoulders with lots of locals and friends of the Wrights to help mark the occasion.

With such a great gathering and a momentous business milestone to mark, Wrights had plenty to celebrate as they looked forward to many more years in business.

Faye Rooney

Shane Burke and Annie Keogh

Aoibhinn Stokes, Michael Wright and Holly Carpenter

10 gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Vittoria Colonna and Ashlie Brennan and Charlotte Chapman. Pictures: Patrick O’Leary

Andrew Dempsey and George Hutton

Hipsterverse rules S

tars from RTE reality television show Exiles celebrated at an exclusive wrap party for the show at The Meeting House recently.

Dylan Townsend, George Hutton, Alison Canavan and Brendan Sheehan were among the guests in attendance. Dylan

Alecia O’Regan Cazabon

Townsend, young brother of Irish actor Stuart treated guests to an exclusive screening of his latest documentary, Hipsterverse at the party.

There was also a musical performance from George Hutton who performed songs from his new album, My Beautiful.

Dylan Townsend and Brendan Sheehan

Alison Canavan

Meghann Scully

Yasmin H and Dylan Townsend

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 11

opinion P14

asdfsdaf escape the mayhemP27 P16

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



Gazette

diary P12

what’son faces of Irish men and women from WW1: An

Ann Bradley, manager of Massey Bros funeral home in Crumlin

day in the life: first female funeral director Ann Bradley loves her job

Caring for bereaved families  ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

Managing a funeral home can be quite an undertaking, but with thousands of people depending on their service each day there is no doubt that the funeral business is a vital amenity in our society.

This week, The Gazette caught up with Ann Bradley, manager of Massey Bros funeral home in Crumlin – The Haven, to see what a day in her life is like.

Bradley has been working in the funeral business for the past 30 years and became the one of Ireland’s first female funeral directors over 20 years ago.

“I came into the business straight from school. When I first started the funeral service was very male dominated and at the time I worked behind the scenes writing death notices and booking churches for funerals.

“Then in the early 90s one of the funeral directors retired and I was offered his position, which I gratefully accepted.

“Most mornings I would attend a funeral that we’d arrange a couple of days before hand. When a person dies the remains would either be in the funeral home or in the house where they died. I would then travel to where the remains are and would meet the family.

“I would tell them all the procedures

of the funeral because many people have never been to a funeral so it is my job to guide them along the way and give them the opportunity to pay their last respects and say a few prayers.

“I would then show them into their cars and after the mass I’d guide them to the cemetery or the crematorium.

Then around lunchtime by the time the funeral is over I would come back to the office and deal with other queries and funeral arrangements.”

When asked what her favourite part of her job was Bradley said that meeting the deceased’s family and comforting them.

“I come into contact with many lovely people. Some people think that this isn’t a nice job, but I get great satisfac-

tion helping people when they’re most vulnerable and looking after them. It is a great feeling when you know that they’re okay.

“The biggest challenge of my job is making sure it’s done correctly as you can’t afford to make mistakes because the deceased’s family members and friends want everything to go perfectly.”

What advice would Bradley give to anyone interested in going into her field of work?

“They have to have a nice, caring and warm personality. You have to be very understanding and patient and allow people to grieve. I also think female funeral directors can seem more sensitive and understanding than the men.”

exhibition which showcases images of Irish people who were involved in World War I was officially launched last week at the National Library of Ireland (NLI).

The NLI National Photographic Archive has collected a large variety of photographs from the era as part of the Portraits of the Invisible exhibition. Some of the photographs include images of soldiers and medics, nurses and stretcher bearers, drivers and cyclists, sailors and pilots, alongside stories, letters, postcards, and diaries from the era.

The exhibition is running in partnership with the British Embassy and Sara Smyth, exhibition curator at NLI, said: “Through our involvement with the European World War I project, we have been able to unearth and make publicly available an amazing body of material portraying the Irish experience of World War I.” Portraits of the Invisible is free to visit and is open seven days a week. The exhibition will run until January 2016.

Gazette

12 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

dublinlife

diary

Struggle to home abandoned pets A total of 481 puppies have found new homes over the last 12 months thanks to Dog’s Trust Ireland, Ireland’s l a r g e s t d o g we l f a r e charity.

The charity opened its new puppy wing facility one year ago at its rehoming centre in Dublin as a response to the surging levels of puppies and pregnant mums who are being cruelly abandoned in Ireland.

Currently, there are

an estimated 90,000 puppies bred in Ireland every year.

Mark Beazley, executive director at Dogs Tr ust Ireland, said: “Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine very kindly opened this facility for us one year ago a n d our ambitious rehoming figure was to save 500 puppies each year.

“To come so close to that figure and to have rescued and rehomed 481 pups in the last

12 months alone is a phenomenal result for the dedicated puppy rehoming team here at Dogs Trust.”

Dogs Trust currently has 208 dogs looking for their forever homes.

€56k bill for DAil fitness coach TDs and senators will be delighted to know that they need not worry about summer break excesses as a personal trainer worth €56,580 will be waiting

for them in the Leinster House gym when they get back.

TDs, senators and even Leinster House staff will be able to avail of the new trainer who is coming on a two-year contract, courtesy of the Irish tax payer.

They are off on their summer holidays now and after all of the beers and barbecues, many will be eager to feel the burn when they return in mid-September.

T his might spell a whole new era for Leinster House as TDs and Senators strut in to the houses of the Oireachtas sporting tank-tops, lycra and headbands.

Cronyism will take on a whole new meaning as they bump fists and call each other “bro”.

Rumour has it that tanning beds, complimentary baby oil and a masseuse are next on the Leinster House agenda.

it’s the summer of Cu Chulainn Since the launch of Tayto Park’s new Cu Chulainn rollercoaster at the start of June, over 100,000 have experienced the adrenaline fuelled ride.

Located in Ashbourne, the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe hurtled into action on June 4 and since then the demand from Tayto Park visitors to experience the terrifying speeds and heights is building more each day.

With speeds of over 100km per hour, heights of 32.05m and a drop zone of 31m, Tay to Park general manager Charles Coyle said:

Dog’s Trust Ireland has placed 481 puppies in new homes over the last 12 months

“We are thrilled to see that visitors’ excitement about the Cu Chulainn Coaster is only building as we get further into the summer months.

“We have had people visit Tayto Park from all corners of the country and from various parts of the world, specifically to experience the Cu

Chulainn Coaster.

“It’s great to see that news of Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster has travelled so far,” he said.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

dublinlife

opinion

Repeal of Eighth Amendment would be unconscionable

In the second of our two-part series, Ben Conroy of the Iona Institute defends Ireland’s abortion law WHAT do we all have in common that gives us equal rights? What puts the “universal” in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

People often answer that with close-but-nocigar answers. The ability to feel love? What about people who are extreme-

ly stunted emotionally?

Consciousness? Coma patients have human rights. Self-awareness?

Babies don’t have much.

Then they usually settle on the only possible answer. We have human rights, human dignity, because we’re human.

Equality for everybody.

Recently, a pro-life group posing as a research company filmed a series of sting videos. They reveal different people in Planned Parenthood, the world’s largest abortion provider, discussing the donation of foetal tissue procured by dissecting the products of concep-

tion.

In other words, the transport and sale of human organs for research.

Given that “a lot of people want liver”, as well as hearts and lungs, one senior doctor in Planned Parenthood said this about how to procure them during abortion: “I’m not gonna crush that part, I’m going to basically crush below, I’m gonna crush above, and I’m gonna see if I can get it all intact.”

Why do Planned Parenthood’s clients find these organs so useful for research and scientific experiments? Because they are human organs.

Unborn children are human children.

That makes things very simple. Our Constitution’s Eighth Amendment recognises a simple truth: no situation is improved by the deliberate killing of a child.

There are horrible, traumatic situations in which women find themselves pregnant; situations that present no easy answers, that require empathy, support and rage against injustice.

Rape must be prevented, rape culture ended and rapists punished.

The poverty and inequality that make women feel unable to support a child must be eradicated.

Sexist, family-unfriendly employment policies and a culture that’s quick to write off women who

Ben Conroy: “Our Constitution’s Eighth Amendment recognises a simple truth: no situation is improved by the deliberate killing of a child”

become pregnant unexpectedly must be combated.

None of these situations is improved by the killing of a child.

Those trying to repeal the amendment start by focusing on children with life-limiting conditions: pretending there is no kinder, more decent response to the real suffering their parents experience than abortion.

Refusal My cousin Louise was diagnosed in utero with severe birth defects in her brain and heart that threatened to make her life very short. Doctors immediately suggested a UK abortion, but Louise’s parents refused.

After birth, her brain function was completely normal, and after a series of heart operations she is now a happy, healthy five-year old. She deserved her chance.

I know another baby named Liam who only lived outside the womb for nine weeks, four days and three hours – which he deserved, too.

In his short life he both gave and received

an astronomical amount of love. Shor tening already-short lives is not the answer – proper perinatal hospice care that protects children from suffering and helps families through their grief is.

Repealing the Eighth A m e n d m e n t wo u l d mean that our abortion law would be precisely as strong as politicians wanted it to be. If you worry about any kind of abortion at any stage in pregnancy, look at how abortion laws around the world become weaker and weaker as time goes on.

Criminal penalties for women should end – not because abortion is not a horror, but because it more often than not has two victims rather than one. It is doctors like those in the sting videos (Google them) who should face charges.

The Fine Gael-Labour Government could revoke these penalties tomorrow, but it chooses not to – it was Lucinda Creighton who tried to amend the Government’s abortionon-grounds-of-suicide legislation to reduce the penalties for women.

If the Eighth Amendment is repealed, in Irish hospitals doctors will walk down a corridor having just saved one preterm baby, and then rend another’s baby’s body and dispose of it as medical waste.

The Minister for Health will assure us that everything is as expected. And perhaps in private, surgeons will discuss abortion in the way Planned Parenthood’s doctors already do, and will not flinch.

Trying to prevent that possible future is among the most noble things any of us could hope to do. Keeping the Eighth Amendment is only the start of a journey towards a truly pro-life culture.

But to repeal it would be unconscionable.

There is no situation that is improved by the killing of a child. ben conroy Spokesperson for the Iona Institute  Last week’s column

by Clare Daly arguing for repeal of the Eighth Amendment is on the Gazette website at www.dublingazette.com

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

dublinlife

feature

escape the mayhem: red rock actress ann skelly

Catching up with the classics to help relax  Keith bellew

EIGHTEEN-year-old Ann Skelly spent the first half of 2015 playing the controversial role of Rachel Reid in the first season of TV3’s acclaimed soap, Red Rock.

Red Rock REWIND will give viewers a chance to catch up with The Kielys and The Hennessys each weeknight ahead of Red Rock’s return on September 2.

This week, The Gazette spoke with Skelly about what she does to relax

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

‘I’m trying to watch all the classics that people talk about so much, so there’s a back log of films that I have to watch’ --------------------------------------------------------

after playing a schoolgirl embroiled in a love affair with an older man.

She said that she feels uncomfortable if she is not doing something related to acting, so one of her favourite means of escape is watching films.

She is currently working her way through a bucket-

list of the classics.

“Watching TV or a film would be the closest thing I do to getting away from it, but even at that I’m dissecting it.

“I don’t really like to watch TV in the daytime because I feel like I’m wasting my life, but sometimes I’ll give myself

a sick day and I’ll sit on the couch with a blanket and watch TV all day, like when I got the day off school when I was younger. I will give myself those [days] because I don’t get sick often,” she said.

She said that she used to think that she had seen a lot of films, but from hearing people making references to films she hadn’t seen, she realised that she had just been watching the same few over and over.

“I’m trying to watch all the classics that people

Red Rock actress Ann Skelly: “I don’t really like to watch TV in the daytime, but sometimes I’ll give myself a sick day and I’ll sit on the couch and watch TV all day”

talk about so much, so there’s a backlog of films that I have to watch.

“We just got Sky Movies, so I haven’t spoken to some people in a while because I’m just watching

all the films 24 hours a day,” she said, adding that she recently ticked Raging Bull and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest off her list, but is yet to see 12 Angry Men and Citizen

Kane.

You can catch Skelly on Red Rock REWIND, Monday to Thursday at 10pm, and Friday at 10.30pm on TV3, in the run up to series two.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

cinema P20

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



Gazette

style P18

Pets Sweet maggie may steal your heart

The Human League: Joanne Catherall, Philip Oakey and Susan Ann Sulley

the human league: susan ann sulley talks to the gazette

Yes, we want them, baby  aisling kennedy

SINCE the Human League first formed in 1977, they have remained a popular and much loved band throughout Ireland and the UK. As they return to Irish shores this month, The Gazette spoke to Susan Ann Sulley from the band to find out what it is like being part of a band that has spanned four decades. She also told us about how she initially got her big break.

“I didn’t want to be in a band at all,” says Sulley. “It was just something that happened to us, really.

“Philip [Oakey] and Adrian [Wright] had just split with the original member, Martyn [Ware] and as they were con-

tracted to do a tour of Europe, they decided to look for some female singers to join the band.

“Philip came to a nightclub in Sheffield where they used to play their music and he saw Joanne [Catherall] and me together and he asked us to do an audition.

“He also asked a couple of other people but he decided on Joanne and me and that’s how we joined.”

Since then, Sulley has gone on to enjoy huge success with The Human League, with the band perhaps being best known for their number-one hit, Don’t You Want Me Baby.

Sulley laughs when asked who the “waitress in the cocktail bar” was from the lyrics of the same hit, and says:

“There never was a waitress in a cocktail bar. That lyric was about a film called, A Star Is Born, with James Mason and Judy Garland.”

Sulley is looking forward to returning to play in Ireland during the upcoming Bulmers Live shows at Leopardstown, and said that she has been a regular visitor to Ireland over the past 35 years.

“We’ve been to Ireland lots of times, we love it there. It’s a fantastic place.

“Joanne and I like to go around Dublin and do some shopping and eat in nice restaurants. You have some fabulous restaurants! And we particularly love visiting Brown Thomas for the shopping.

“I’ve never been to the Guinness Storehouse, because I don’t drink Guin-

ness, but my boyfriend has been there and he loved it.”

At their upcoming Leopardstown gig, Sulley says she is excited to play some of the band’s greatest hits.

“We’ve got a huge back catalogue of songs that everybody knows and people seem to be really appreciative of them.

“We’ll be doing a lot of our greatest hits at this concert, because that’s what people have come for, really. We want people to leave with a smile on their face.”

The Human League will complete the year’s Bulmers Live At Leopardstown summer series on Thursday, August 13.

Tickets are priced €15; for further information, see www.bulmersliveatleopardstown.com.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Maggie, a six-year-old Labrador-cross.

Maggie needs help to build her confidence up as she’s suffered a few knockbacks in her time. Once you get to know her, she’ll lavish you with affection and love.

Maggie finds a lot about the world very frightening and needs a home in a quiet location with a loving family to slowly show her that she doesn’t need to be frightened anymore.

Maggie can live with older teenagers but would need to be the only dog in the home. Being an anxious girl, it’s important that her new family have infrequent visitors and the time to commit to helping her grow in confidence day by day.

If you think you could offer Maggie a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT Dolce & Gabbana Headphones

BROWNTHOMAS

Bridge collection, with

AU TU MN/ W I NT ER

engraving available at

 mimi murray

Thomas Sabo’s Love

some stockists

WITH terms such as retro futuristic, couture construction and Gothic girl, the new collection in Brown Thomas for autumn/winter is giving us plenty to think about.

With references to the 1950s right through to the 1980s, there is lots from every era to keep us fashionistas happy all the way till spring.

The box bag and the shoulder chain were leading stories from Alexander McQueen, Valentino and D&G, while the 1970s theme of bucket bags was seen in Alexander Wang and Mulberry.

The mid-calf boot is the leading shape for AW15, featuring on the runways of Chloe, Stella McCartney, Valentino and Isabel Marant, while Mary Janes made a comeback in many forms, from stiletto to block heels.

Again, the love affair with the 1970s continues into shoes, with ditsy floral prints, and round toes in a palette of brown and mustard.

Fall in love with Thomas Sabo range  mimi murray

ROSANNA Davison wowed crowds at the Marker Hotel last week when she previewed the new autumn/winter line from Thomas Sabo.

The new Love Bridge concept sent hearts all a-flutter, with Georgia May Jagger used once again for their beautiful ad campaign.

An idea taken from lovers who attach locks to famous bridges around the world and then throw away the key, this collection is sure to be a huge hit at Christmas and next Valentine’s.

Other themes include Fatima’s Garden, which is inspired

by Indian gardens full of blossoms and intensive colour hues.

The animal kingdom is also finding its way into the Thomas Sabo collection, with frog, squirrel, bear, hedgehog, owl and falcon karma beads.

New to Thomas Sabo regular customers is an engraving service while you wait, and this will be available in some stockists around Dublin.

Dolce & Gabbana Jumper, skirt and headphones

Victoria Beckham Dress

Peter Pilotto Jumper, skirt; Stella McCartney Coat

Alexander McQueen Dress

Peter Pilotto Dress

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 19

Dries Van Noten Coat; Dolce & Gabbana Dress; Dries Van Noten Dress, skirt (over dress)

Valentino Dress

Celine Dress; black knit

Gazette

STYLE

Gazette

20 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

inside out: pixar’s latest has surprising depth

A rollercoaster of emotions you’ll love

WE ARE living in a golden age of storytelling, if you know where to look.

This year’s list of summer blockbusters has featured its fair share of damp squibs, and there is a general sense that audiences are becoming restless with the perennial parade of superhero sequels and gormless action movies.

Of all the cinematic genres, it is kids’ films that are consistently nailing it. Creating a narrative for kids involves casting

 Dave phillips

aside anything superfluous, and distilling the plot and characters down to the purest possible level.

They are tough films to create, and Pixar is one of those studios that seem to have the knack.

Inside Out is the lat-

est original film from the award-winning Californian studio.

It follows Riley, an 11-year-old girl who is going through a tough time – her family have moved from Minnesota to San Francisco, and that means settling into a new school and a new house and establishing a new circle of friends.

But that is only the tip of the iceberg; while all these changes are happening in the outside world, we are mainly con-

cerned with the action that is going on internally for Riley.

Inside Out is a film that is all about emotions – well, five in particular: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust.

Joy (voiced by Parks and Recreation’s Amy Poehler) is the driving force in Riley’s internal world.

E f f e r ve s c e n t a n d unfailingly positive, Joy manages to spend most of her time at the helm, controlling the console that processes Riley’s day-to-day experiences, subsequently dictating how she will emotionally respond to them, and therefore influencing the kind of memories she will form.

Riley’s processed memories – little colour-coded orbs – zip around in her internal world, being stored appropriately in conscious or unconscious memory banks, and now and then big life experiences will produce

Joy (Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) are perhaps an unlikely pair of pals, but these two emotions are at the heart of much of Inside Out’s wonderful tale

a “core memory”, which causes a mental structure to sprout up.

These core memories and the structures they create inform the type of personality that Riley has.

It is a wonderful, stripped-down representation of a psychological framework that anybody can grasp, and one that is made all the better for some incredible casting – Lewis Black is perfect as Anger, as is Bill Hader for Fear.

The raucous interchanges between the emotions as they battle to control Riley’s reactions is written with such skill that kids and adults will often find the same joke appealing on entirely dif-

ferent levels.

Pete Docter, who writes and directs, brings the same balance of emotional intensity and comedy that made his earlier work – including Up, and Monsters Inc. – so formidable.

Here is another film that is unafraid to set foot in some of the darker recesses of the psyche, exploring massive and important themes in a clever and compassionate way.

Without divulging too much of the plot, it is hard to stress what an important film Inside Out is, but rest assured that not only is this a wonderfully entertaining 94 minutes, it will undoubtedly go on to be a rite of passage for

PIXELS

maggie

A zombie tale with brains ARNIE turns in one of his most nuanced performances in Maggie (Cert 15A, 95 mins). It’s hard to imagine Schwarzenegger doing anything subtle, but he gives it a go in this zombie tale. Arnie plays an old father trying to protect his teenage daughter who’s been infected in a pandemic, but time is running out – and they both know it ... A decent tale with an interesting turn by Arnie.

Verdict: 9/10

Terminator: Genisys

Lazily joins the dots ADAM Sandler returns with his latest comedy masterpiece: Pixels (Cert 12A, 100 mins). Sandler teams up with Kevin James and Peter Dinklage when aliens invade Earth in the guise of all your favourite videogame characters of yesteryear, and nerds must save the day. If you’re thinking that this sounds like an old, classic episode of Futurama – you’re right, but Pixels is nowhere near as good.

future generations.

In much the same way that Toy Story made us reflect on what childhood really means, and Up made us think about the importance of relationships and friendship, Inside Out will make you think about how and why you react to the world in the way that you do.

Do yourself a favour, and kids or no, go see this. It is an important film, a charming wake-up call for a culture obsessed with the mindless pursuit of happiness.

It is progressive, beautiful, and incredibly entertaining – a proud moment in storytelling, and an emotional education.

He’ll be back – we won’t

ant-man

Crawls a bit in places SEEING as Marvel seem able to do no wrong, here comes Ant-Man (Cert 12A, 117 mins) for a big adventure. Paul Rudd plays the pin-sized superhero, using his magic suit (oh, all right, some kind of technowhizz nonsense that lets him shrink to the size of an ant at will) and a mentor (an entertaining Michael Douglas) to fight some bad guys. It’s okay, despite some clumsy pacing.

OUR second review with Arnie sees him back in an iconic role in Terminator: Genisys (Cert 12A, 125 mins).

Emilia Clarke is badly miscast as Sarah Connor, with Arnie doing his best as her “Pops”, a ‘loveable’ reprogrammed Terminator bodyguard. The film attempts to reboot the ailing franchise, but the end result is a confusing mess.

Sorry, Arnie – this film is one to myss ...

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

readeroffer The Iron Man special offer pack for Dublin Gazette readers includes: - Bodyfirst Nutrition Shaker - Little Dragon Protein Water 375ml (Perfect for recovery after the race) - Shot Bloks (Easyto-chew sources of carbohydrates-your body’s preferred source of fuel during activity and electrolytes.)

- Jelly Bean Sports Beans (Each bean is loaded with carbs for fuel, electrolytes to help maintain fluid balance and vitamins to optimise energy release and protect cells against oxidative damage) - NUUN electrolyte tabs (Source of hydration. No sugar, no calories just pure electrolytes).

This special pack is for €15 so 25% off the normal price of €20.

Readers can buy this pack in Bodyfirst stores in Clontarf and Malahide or online at www.bodyfirst.ie/ product/iron-man-dublin-gazette-pack

The IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin feed stations including distance to the different locations. Visit www.ironman.com/ triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/dublin for more information.

Clontarf Store: 328 Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Phone: (01) 8055 911 Malahide Store: 1st Floor, New Street Mall, Malahide Village, Co Dublin.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin checklist £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Photo ID mandatory Wetsuit mandatory Trisuit/clothing Race number belt Bike helmet mandatory Nutrition Sunglasses Warm clothing Race licence or day licence mandatory Swim goggles

£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Cycle shoes Bike water bottles Spare inner tubes Running shoes mandatory Sun cream Lubricant Bike tools Bike mandatory Bike pump Socks Hat

Consuming the right amount of calories on the bike will leave you in better shape for the half marathon

ironman: Final part in your training guide

Get yourself in tiptop condition for the event  triathlon ireland

JUST over a week to Ironman 70.3 Dublin. And in the final of our threepart series GazetteHealth talks to Kevin Crossan of Triathlon Ireland on how to fling yourself into the triathlon in tiptop condition.

All the hard work should be done by now as the Half Ironman nears: pool lengths, hours on the bike and miles of running should be in the bag.

Crossan says this is the time to start reducing the training dramatically: this is the “tapering phase” where you freshen up the body and prepare it for race day.

So you cut back on training and energy levels should rise. Some athletes find this the hardest phase as all of a sudden you’ve more time on your hands.

You start thinking and analysing your training.

Jobs you’ve put off like

gardening, clearing out the garage slip into view.

But just because you’ve more time and energy does not mean you do them, he warns.

On the big day, Crossan recommends a small pre-race breakfast three to four hours before start time. Nothing can derail all the hours of training like a poor nutrition plan, he says. Your race day should include a well-planned and tested nutritional plan.

Such a strategy means you are more likely to get your energy requirem e n t s r i g h t . K n ow exactly what and when you are consuming during the race: for example a cup of water and a gel every 45 minutes.

Most beginners are not prepared for eating and drinking on the move.

Crossan suggests you practise eating a banana and drinking water while running.

You should be very familiar with all the food

you consume in the last three to four days before the race. This is not a time for being adventurous: stick to simple carbohydrates and a little protein. The bike is a great time to take in fuel.

Consuming the right amount of calories on the bike will leave you in better shape for the half marathon.

The best way to remind you to eat on the bike is setting a timer on your watch. When it beeps it

is time to eat. Stick to this plan and avoid the dreaded bonk or hitting the wall. Ideally you should consume 70g to 80g of carbohydrates for every hour you race.

Finally after the discipline, the getting up and going even when it hurts, Crossan urges participants in the first Ironman 70.3 Dublin, to get out there and enjoy being part of a great event. That’s what it’s all about!

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MUSIC THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS: BORN IN THE ECHOES

Resonates with real energy  CONOR MCGINN

ONE of the biggest electronic dance acts of the last 20 years, you could be forgiven for not realising that it’s been half a decade since Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons – aka The Chemical Brothers – released their last studio album.

After all, they haven’t exactly been keeping quiet in the interim – the duo have been involved in some of the biggest films of recent years, including writing songs for the Oscar-winning Black Swan and smash hit series The Hunger Games, not to mention scoring Hanna (starring

our own Saoirse Ronan).

Apparently, cracking Hollywood could only keep them occupied for so long and now that they’ve finally returned from the longest release drought of their careers, can we expect them to pick up where they left off?

Born in the Echoes is, by and large, a triumphant and atmospheric return, featuring inspired guest per formances leading to a much more vocally driven album than 2010’s Further.

In many ways, it feels infused with the excited, creative mind-set that was the driving force behind earlier electronic music.

In Rowland’s words: “At the moment, it feels like a lot of the groove has gone from dance music.

Everything can sound pumped-up – it’s like an arms race, now.”

In a world that’s oversaturated with Dubstep, being used to advertise everything from Microsoft to Childline, it’s a relief to hear true pioneers stick to their creative guns and continue to create their own psychedelic and experimentation-fuelled epic Big Beat sound.

They show their pop sensibilities on lead single, Go, featuring secondtime collaborator rapper Q-Tip, which builds ten-

sion perfectly in verses before climaxing in notes of electropop bliss.

Other notable guest appearances include Beck on the Caribou-esque Wide Open, while St Vincent lends her voice to the ominous and hypnotic Under Neon Lights.

Much of the album has the feel of a thumping cyberpunk soundtrack, lurching from song to song with only the occasional respite; necessary breathers for the listener.

Perhaps their time away working on film soundtracks has given them a flair for the dramatic.

Ultimately, Born in The Echoes shows The Chemical Brothers are

still the same creative force that has been consistently blowing dance music’s collective consciousness since the early 1990s.

Va r i e d but never disjointed, The Chemical Brothers and their collaborators come together to create an electronic album that has an oddly organic feel to it.

Simons and Rowland believe it’s from the live show-oriented mind-set they had going into the

recording studio: “It goes back to the way we made records at the start, wanting unique music that brings a roomful of people alive.

“In turn, the crowd reaction really helps shape the finished record. We make music

with so much technology now, but it’s about the moments where the music is just careering and you’re trying to hold on to it.”

Rest assured that after five years away from the studio, they haven’t lost their grip.

Gazette

24 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVELNEWS

Rendezvous with France FRANCE is a gorgeous country, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, amazing cuisine, interesting sights and fascinating culture.

Here are just some of the types of getaways you can enjoy in this wonderful destination.

Camping trips are a popular choice for families who want to build lifelong memories amidst the lush French countryside.

Foodies will have plenty to smile about as they dine in world-class restaurants and learn about winemaking in the country’s vineyards.

Try your hand at adventure activities, such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding and water sports, to really get a feel for this majestic land.

You’ll be spoiled for choice, thanks to the many cultural and historical attractions that cities such as Paris, Bordaux, Lille and Nantes have to offer.

Soak up the sun’s glorious rays on a beautiful beach in Biarritz, the French Riviera, SainteMarine, Gruissan, Cavalaire-sur-Mer. For further information, see www.rendezvousenfrance.com.

Enjoying the comfort of a room in Dunbrophy House, where the food matches the warm welcome

the southwest: find history, ales – and ghosts

There’s tons to do in County Wexford  mimi murray

ON A recent break in County Wexford, I discovered the provenance of a phrase, well known in the English language.

“By hook or by crook”, came about, so the story goes, when Loftus Hall in County Wexford was discovered by Oliver Cromwell.

At the time, this pile was known as Redmond Hall, and after two failed attempts to take the mansion, Cromwell hatched a plan that would involve the use of one of either two ports, Hook Head or Crook. Cromwell insisted “we will take this house, by hook or by crook”.

I was walking into the driving rain, just below the Hook Head light-

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

‘There is absolutely tons to do in Wexford, from the aforementioned and supposedly haunted Loftus Hall to the Famine Ship in New Ross’

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

house when my husband regaled me with the story.

“By hook or by crook, I will make it into the nearest pub,” I said, using the line in perfect context, I think.

Loftus Hall describes itself as “the most haunted house in Ireland”, and offers a range of tours for history buffs and the curious alike.

However, whether or not you’re a would-be ghostbuster or a fan of his-

tory, this area is steeped in history, from Cromwell’s time right up to recent history, and a visit from JFK, who we all know hails from this part of the world.

There is absolutely tons to do in Wexford, from the aforementioned and supposedly haunted Loftus Hall to the Famine Ship in New Ross.

On our first night in the Model County, we stayed in Dunbrody House. We had been promised a tour

of Kevin Dundon’s new brewery, which is built and ready to go on the grounds of Dunbrody.

He already has a micro brewery, where he makes Arthurstown Ale – a very drinkable pale ale which my husband gave the thumbs up to.

After a delicious dinner of rib of Irish beef, a constant and favourite on the menu, in the main or big house, as the locals call it, we made our way to the pub, a new addition to Dunbrody.

A spit on the floor joint, as Catherine Dundon herself puts it, but I wouldn’t quite call it that.

The outdoor seating area was lit up with twinkly fairy lights and a band was playing in the bar that night. This

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

TRAVEL

fastTravel Spoil yourself with a break later this year  ian begley

Some of the lovely gardens at Kilmokea House

Come rain or shine, Loftus Hall has an imposing, but fascinating, presence

Part of the micro brewery at Dunbrody House

is a lovely place to come after a ramble around the area, as you feel under no pressure to dress up and can relax with a beer and a burger or pizza.

After a restful sleep in one of Dunbrody’s superb rooms, we checked out the brewery, where Kevin will make the ale which will be stocked in four Dublin pubs to start off with.

They grow their own hops, and we were amazed to see the Jack and the beanstalk nature of these hops, which grow to about 20ft in a matter of weeks.

We said our goodbyes to Dunbrody and headed to Duncannon beach.

The inclement weather meant good times for the

kite surfers, but not so good for us beach walkers, and soon it was back indoors.

We drove to our next destination – Kilmokea House, a Hidden Ireland house run by Emma Hewlett. This house is an old rectory which belonged to Emma’s father. The stunning gardens are open to the public and are a must-see.

Gardens

A large water garden extends on to a planted woodland area and the walled garden is brimming with roses and iris.

Across the road, there is a magical fairy garden, a Norman fort and a Viking settlement, as well as the dragon from The Hobbit!

This garden is a real treat for adults and children.

After a swim in the pool, a great asset to this house, we ate in a small dining area with just four other couples who were staying in the house. Emma’s cooking is perfection, with lots of ingredients straight from the gardens.

The choice is limited, but who wants to make decisions when you are this relaxed? A starter of crab and shrimp baked in the shell was delicious whilst the rack of lamb and monkfish mains were fresh and cooked just right. My highlight was dessert, strawberry parfait made with in season Wexford strawberries.

The living room at historic Kilmokea House

Divine.

After dinner, we chatted to the owner, who shared many tales about the house and the area and made us feel really at home, in what is their home.

Therefore, it has that

really special feel of escaping to the country with friends.

After a cooked breakfast, we sadly packed up the car and made our way back to Dublin, vowing to return to a county where there is still so much left

to discover.

For further information on Wexford, see www.visitwexford.com. For information on Dunbrody, see www.dunbrodyhouse. com, or for Kilmokea, see www.hiddenireland. com.

IF YOU don’t have the opportunity to travel abroad this summer, then why not spoil yourself and book a holiday for two this October or November?

Visit Dubrovnik this October in the luxurious five-star More Hotel from €545pp.

This offer is for seven nights based on two adults and includes a double room with a balcony on a bed and breakfast basis.

From €549pp, you can spend seven allinclusive nights in the four-star Bahia de Lobos Hotel in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) this November.

In Fuerteventura, there are many bars and restaurants and good quality entertainment venues.

If you’re really looking to spoil yourself this October, then why not take a Boston city break from €869pp?

This offer includes a three night stay in the three-star Double Tree Club by Hilton Boston Bayside.

For further information on these deals, see www.clickandgo.com.

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

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Gazette

28 Gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

SPORT Mageean impresses at Morton

FastSport

Athletics: santry stadium lit up by jamaican sprinter blake

Diverse City organise nepal fundraiser:

DIVERSE City FC has announced that the Eid World Cup 2015 football tournament will take place on Aug 1 and 2 to raise funds for the people of Nepal.

Islamic Relief Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland are the group’s partners for this initiative.

The women’s fivea-side tournament kicks off at DCU, Glasnevin on August 1. Registration starts at 10am.

On August 2, the men’s seven-a-side tournament will be held at the Law Society, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. Registration starts at 10.30am. Supporters and donations welcome.

For further information contact Abdulkadir on 085 2850376 and Sarah on 086 6690053.

There is also a Facebook page for the event which can be accessed by going to: https://www. facebook.com/SARIMuslimSoccerteam.

 sport@dublingazette.com

CIARA Mageean of UCD was one of three Irish winners at the increasingly impressive Morton Games last Friday, July 24.

Mageean took the

women’s mile in a time of 4.30.64, beating off competition from American, Australian and British contingent as she continued her return from an extended period of injury in Santry. The Morton Games race was

only the County Down native’s second outdoor event in more than two years, and represents a promising comeback for a runner who regularly beat Sonia O’Sullivan’s age-group records earlier in her career.

Yohan Blake poses for pictures with young fans at Morton Stadium last Friday

Morton Mile winner Australian Jeff Riseley receives a trophy

Only recently, some feared Mageean might never return to the sport.

Having required surgery on a bone spur last year, she could only manage a 15-minute jog on softer grass surfaces six months ago. Understandably, her reaction to Friday’s victory was visibly ecstatic.

She completed the final lap of her race in under a minute.

The star of the show, though, was Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, nicknamed “The Beast”. The worldclass sprint star’s appearance was a huge coup for the championship, and he impressed with a winning 100m time of 10.12 seconds. The time is the fastest time ever run over the distance on Irish soil.

Blake is also returning from injury, and has already missed out on the incredibly strong Jamaican team for the World Championships, despite winning silver medals in both the 100m and 200m events at the London 2012 Olympics.

Blake is also the secondfasted man over 100m of all time. He took time out after his race to sign autographs, and told the crowd: “I’ve always wanted to come to Ireland.”

Junior Athlete of the Year 2014 and Donegal native Karl Griffin took the men’s 800m in a time of 1.47.64, while a third Irish victory came in the form of Waterford’s Kerry Proper, who took the women’s 200m in

23.54.

Hurdler Thomas Barr was a late withdrawal, with the World University Games Champion watching from the stands after a hip injury flared back up, and missing out on competing in his 400m hurdles event.

Dubliner Brian Gregan, however, returned to form in finishing second in the men’s 400m in a noteworthy time of 45.99. He just missed out on the line to Britain’s Jarryd Dunn.

The Morton Games’ increasing international draw is proving a huge deal for Irish athletics, offering local stars the chance to go up against some top-class international opposition on their own turf.

Gillick signed up to promote Dublin City Triathlon  sport@dublingazette.com

Ballinteer man David Gillick

WITH under 30 training days to Ireland’s largest triathlon, David Gillick, former Irish international athlete and Celebrity MasterChef winner, has been unveiled as the Vodafone Dublin City Triathlon ambassador for 2015.

From now until race day, participants will be able to benefit from the Ballinteer man’s talents on the track and in the kitchen as he shares his top fitness tips plus a tasty selection of his latest recipes on the

event website dublincitytriathlon.com.

He will also be helping Vodafone’s staff in their preparation for the triathlon as part of Think Well, Live Well, Feel Well programme, the company’s new employee wellbeing programme.

The Dublin City Triathlon takes place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, August 23.

Gillick said of his new role with the event: “I’m really excited to be involved in this year’s triathlon preparations, hopefully my experience as a pro-

fessional athlete and love for healthy food will help inspire the athletes in their training in the lead up to the event at the end of August.”

The Dublin City Triathlon offers courses for all different levels of participants.

There will be 1,500m (Olympic distance) and 500m (super sprint distance) swim courses on the nearby River Liffey, 40km Olympic distance and16km (super sprint) cycle courses as well as 10km and 4km run courses.

Gavin Duffy, race direc-

tor, said things were falling into place nicely for the event.

“Preparations are well under way for this year’s Dublin City Triathlon and it promises to be the best year ever,” he said.

“We’re delighted to have Vodafone as the headline sponsor again and we’re looking forward to seeing an even bigger team of Vodafone employees at this year’s starting line.

“It’s fantastic for an event to have a sponsor company that is so actively involved.”

For full details see dublincitytriathlon.com.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Hollywood star’s Special message Colin Farrell provides wonderful welcomes to Ireland’s Special Olympics 88-strong team to Los Angeles as festival of sport gets under way, writes JAMES HENDICOTT TEAM Ireland has sent a strong team of 88 athletes to compete in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles this week, an event for which Ireland is famed for its impressive preparation through a well-supported national network of clubs.

Castleknock native and Hollywood star Colin Farrell is a long-time supporter of the Special Olympics, having become involved when the event was hosted in Dublin 2003, and remained a regular part of the Irish team’s promotion.

The Los Angeles resident was joined by Irish Olympic marathon silver medallist John Treacy in heading up the Irish delegation at the opening ceremony. Treacy won his Olympic silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“I’m so excited to once more bear witness to

the spirit of competition amidst the solidarity that the 2015 World Summer Games will showcase,” Farrell said of the event.

“So many athletes from all over the world coming together and the Irish team front and centre.

Meeting all of the athletes and walking out amongst the Irish team is such a great honour. Let’s go Ireland! Let’s go world!”

Alongside the athletes, Ireland has sent a delegation of 40 coaches, 300 family members and 155 volunteers, with the team set to compete against over 7,000 athletes from 177 countries out in the States. The Irish team selection began as early as four years ago, with the Games coming at the conclusion of an extended and gruelling training schedule.

The Special Olympics are also the most recent culmination of ongoing work by Special Olympics

Ireland, which operates year-round with funding from the Irish Sports Council and Sports NI. Athletes will complete in thirteen different Olympic-style sports, with the competition representing the biggest gathering of athletes in Los Angeles since the Olympics was hosted there in 1984. Many of the events will take place at the same facilities that hosted that event 31 years ago.

The sports included are aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football (five and 11-a-side), golf, gymnastics, kayaking and table tennis.

Proceedings official got under way with an opening ceremony featuring performances from Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs Obama told the athletes “My husband and I, we

Assistant coach Clare Heffernan with Nathan Finney, Ballymun, Darren Bevins, Cabra, Francis Bilardi, Tallaght and Anthony Clarke, from Leixlip. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

are so proud of you, so incredibly proud of you, and we love you all from the bottom of our hearts,” also describing the athletes as “an example to millions” in her opening ceremony speech.

Matt English, the Special Olympics Ireland chief executive, said of the

in the pool, with Tallaght native Gary McEnroe taking a bronze medal in the 25m backstroke. Youghal, Cork native Sean Coleman (who took a silver) and Sarah Jane Johnston (from Armagh) also took backstroke medals.

The three medallists and their fellow team

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

‘I’m so excited to witness the spirit of competition amidst solidarity the Games will showcase’ - Colin Farrell

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

event: “Special Olympics Ireland has always relied on the support of friends across many different spectrums.

“Having individuals like John Treacy, with his connection to Los Angeles and his immensely supportive role through the Irish Sports Council, and Colin Farrell, a wellknown actor who has lent his support time and time again to our movement, is hugely important.

“Claudine Keane, togetherwith her husband, Robbie, helped galvanise our fundraising campaign to get Team Ireland to the World Games.

“They’re hugely important to both the organisation, and our athletes.

I would like to sincerely thank them for their ongoing and vital support.”

Irish athletes got off to a strong start in Los Angeles

members competed in front of an Irish contingent of more than 300 supporters, the largest backing for any country aside from the home nation at the pool events on the competition’s opening day.

Of the early days, English added: “Team Ireland is off to a great start at the World Games.

“We had some fantastic results in the pool and there has also been an array of personal bests as we progress through the preliminary phase of divisioning.

“We are very hopeful of a successful Games and are looking forward to the coming days of competition.”

The Games run until Sunday, August 2, and is expected to attract half a million spectators over the nine day duration.

FastSport

Brogan launches Cul 5 format to wider audience DUBLIN footballer and Red Bull athlete Bernard Brogan was on hand to launch Cul 5 this week, a high energy five-a-side football tournament that returns this August with leagues taking place in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Brogan was central to developing the project with Red Bull in 2013.

Due to its success in Dublin, which included a number of leagues and a weekend blitz event, the competition will now be rolled out to include Cork and Galway.

With a number of unique changes to Gaelic football’s traditional rules, Red Bull Cul 5 is a fast paced game where the ball is always in play.

It’s all about goals as there are no points in this five-a-side tournament.

Teams can field five players at any one time; use rolling subs and pick the ball cleanly off the ground.

All leagues will start on Wednesday, August 5 and run for seven weeks. Games will be played in St Brigid’s in Dublin 15, Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club, Galway, and Nemo Rangers GAA Club, Cork.

Co-founder Brogan said of the increased spread of the game: “We’ve worked hard to create a challenging format that is perfect for young players who want to get back into playing Gaelic football or who are looking for an alternative mid-week sport.”

Registrations for the Cork, Galway and Dublin leagues are now open at www.RedBull.ie/ Cul5.

Elsewhere, to get Dublin fans in the mood for Dublin’s All-Ireland quarter-final, Bavaria 0.0% is bringing the highly entertaining Dublin Talks GAA radio show to the Carpenter, Castleknock this Friday, July 31 from 7 to 8pm.

The show will be broadcast live on 98FM and will be the usual mixture of chat and craic around the upcoming game together with interviews with special guests including members of the famous Brogan family.

For more information, search on Facebook for Zero Alcohol Zero Limits Bavaria while you can register for the event, check out: http:// www.98fm.com/DublinTalksGAA.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015

SPORT

fastSport

McCarthy gets Ireland call for Royal Wimbledon FORREST Little golfer Julie McCarthy has been named in the Irish ladies team for the Home International matches at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club on September 9-11.

Following her recent good form with the Irish girls team which has seen her play a part in the European team championships, she received the call up to the competition.

It continues an exceptionally busy summer for McCarthy who will also play for the girls team in their version of the home internationals in Lanark on August 5-7.

On the domestic scene, McCarthy most recently reached the semi-final of the Irish close championships in Galway with victories over Douglas’s Aoife Ni Thuama, Cork’s Rachel Thompson and Royal Belfast’s Victoria Craig.

She eventually missed out in the semifinal against close friend and fellow international Annabel Wilson from Lurgan.

She is pictured above with Irene Poynton, the ILGU’s director of junior golf who is presenting her with the Munwick Cup for the best gross score at the event.

Picture: Pat Cashman

racing: portmarnock hosts special european visitor

Action from last Saturday’s harness racing meeting at Portmarnock

Raceway records tumble  sport@dublingazette.com

PORTMARNOCK raceway saw a series of records at the home of Irish harness racing last Saturday when Brywinsmagicpotion stormed home to beat heat one winner Meadowbranch DJ by a neck in gritty fashion.

Six runners started the second round of the series but it was the first two home from the previous round that battled it out over the 1,600m distance.

The pair drew well clear with Meadowbranch Romeo taking

third and Saunders Mach 3 fourth, the same positions they filled at York in leg one.

Ideally drawn on the inside, Brywinsmagicpotion held his position throughout the race sitting second or third behind early leader Sepia Sands.

Unlike the winner, Meadowbranch DJ had a tough trip being forced to come right around the field to gain to the lead which he didn’t manage to achieve until there was only half a lap to go.

It was a complete role reversal from stage one

and this showed in their finishing positions, suggesting how close in ability these two pacers are.

Brywinsmagicpotion clocked in at 1.56.0 shaving one tenth of a second off the previous track record held by Pans Landing.

This was a wonderful result for connections of Brywinsmagicpotion, whose ow ner James Gammie only has one horse in training.

After the race, driver Alan Haythornthwaite said: “It’s absolutely fantastic this series. It’s been a great booster to our racing over here.

The dream’s still alive, which is exactly what it is a dream to us.”

The series looks set for a terrific duel between Br y winsmagicpotion and Meadowbranch DJ now, with both on 16 points at the half way stage. The nearest pursuer, who has filled third spot in both races, is Meadowbranch Romeo on eight points.

The event was also the first time Ireland had hosted a full Trotter programme, marking the visit of the European Trotting Union (UET) general secretary Jacques Chartier as part

of an audit process for Ireland’s accession to UET. Having visited the main training establishments in the greater Dublin region on Wednesday, Chartier and his wife moved on to Cork and Kerry for a two -day trip on Thursday and Friday before making their way back to Portmarnock for Saturday’s engagement.

The third stage of the series will be run over 2,000m at York Harness Raceway on Saturday, August 1 before the finale back at Portmarnock on Sunday, August 9 a week later.

30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

ESb energy fund

St Finian’s rewarded for work in the community

Club Noticeboard st finian’s

st finian’s were presented with a cheque

for €1,500 from ESB, official energy partner to the GAA as part of ESB’s GAA Fund whereby ESB staff members nominated a local GAA club that is making a difference in the community.

Over the coming weeks, a grand total of €30,000 will be awarded to 20 clubs across the country. St Finian’s was nominated by ESB staff member Paddy Mulvey.

new pitch: gaa president opens astroturf

BOTH of our adult hurling teams had

just leave a small number of people to

good wins during the week. The first

cover all the hours.

team beat Ballyboden on Wednesday

The lotto jackpot was €4,100 this

evening and the second team had a

week and the numbers drawn were 1,

good win over Whitehall on Thursday.

17, 21 and 22. The jackpot was not won.

We need a few volunteers to give one

The €25 lucky dip winners were Col-

hour of their time to the club on Satur-

lette and Tony Kiernan, Mary White,

day, August 1 when we have our lotto

Bettty Cashin and Noel Murphy. Next

selling point in SuperValu Boriomhe.

week’s jackpot will be €4,200.

Please send a quick text to Kieran on

The Friday night bingo jackpot is

085 788 5935 if you can spare an hour

now €1,050, with lots of cash prizes to

to man the desk in SuperValu. We are

be won each week. First numbers get

there from 11am to 6pm so we need

called at 8.30pm each Friday upstairs

seven people to do one hour or split an

in Peacocks.

hour with a friend and do only 30 minutes each.

The next Summer Camp is on August 17 for boys and girls aged five- to

Please help out as it’s a great

13-years-old. Bookings can be made

opportunity that has been given to

through our website homepage www.

us by SuperValu and it’s not fair to

stfinians.com.

fingal ravens A BIG thank you to all who are support-

own Reaching Out video and to nomi-

ing our Reaching Out campaign online.

nate three people.

Don’t forget to like our Reaching Out page on Facebook & to create your

GAA president Aogan O Fearghail with Fingallians president John McGee. Picture: Stephen Fleming

Thronged Lawless Park for pitch launch  sport@dublingazette.com

FINGALLIANS GAA club opened their longawaited new all-weather pitch last Saturday, July 25, with GAA president Aogan O Fearghail doing the honours at Lawless Park.

The pitch will go a long way to improving the facilities for the sizeable and fast-growing Swords club, which hosts a substantial 67 teams vying for time across the facilities.

Club PRO Paul Gormley said: “The new turf, with the requisite lining and new posts, will pro-

vide a superb facility for the club’s ever-growing reach while also providing a facility for the several national schools in the area.”

The club’s proud history as one of the oldest GAA clubs in Ireland (founded in 1884, the same year as the GAA itself) includes the rise from schoolboy status of current Dublin star Paul Flynn. There is a strong and long-standing focus on promoting Gaelic Games to children in the Swords region.

The new pitch - which cost €150,000 and is

part-funded by a sports capital grant alongside funding by the club – replaces a 16-year-old turf that had become seriously worn over recent years.

A short programme on the launch of the new facility will feature on Sky (191), with a planned broadcast time of 7.30pm on Thursday, July 30. The launch featured music, underage games, dance and a history board for what was a memorable day for the club.

“The committee would also like to thank the large numbers who

attended and all who made the day a success,” Gormley added.

“It was great to see so many past members visiting and recounting stories from the good auld days.”

Elsewhere, the provisional dates for the junior B championship football final were pencilled in for the weekend of September 12 and 13 against Bank of Ireland.

Fins reached the final recently with an impressive win over Ballymun Kickhams to take up their place in the decider.

The ladies lost to a strong Parnell’s team in their championship game.

32 swords gazette 30 Jul - 12 Aug 2015