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It’s a g’day as sisters meet for the first time Woman united with older sibling from Australia after being apart for 60 years
ian begley
DUBLIN Airport was bursting with emotion this week after a woman was finally united with her long-lost sister after a 28-year search. Lesley Fagan (64)
arrived at Dublin Airport on Tuesday morning with her husband, Steve, to meet her older half-sister Joan Crawford-Murray (67), who was put up for adoption shortly after she was born. Joan, who travelled all
the way from Perth to meet Lesley, never even knew she had a sibling until Lesley tracked her down using social media. Speaking exclusively to The Gazette, the siblings expressed their sheer joy and delight after final-
ly meeting each other in a highly-emotional moment. Echoing Lesley’s words, Joan said: “Embracing her at last after all this time was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.” Full Story on P24-25
2 SWORDS Gazette 12 May 2016
courts | man jailed over balbriggan death, injury
Woman was killed by ‘micro-sleep’ driver A MAN who killed a young mother and seriously injured her 15-weekold child when he hit them with his car while in “a micro-sleep” has been jailed for two years. Gardai believe Anthony Handley (64), of Whitethorn Grove, Artane, drifted off momentarily before his off-road jeep veered from the road and hit the two victims near Balbriggan. He had no alcohol or drugs in his system. Judge Patrick McCartan refused a defence plea for a suspended sentence. He said Handley was a good man with a blameless record, but that he
should have been alert to the fact that he was becoming tired behind the wheel. He said he was imposing the two-year sentence “to send out the clear message to the community that fatigue must be a phenomenon in the minds of all drivers”. He also banned Handley from driving for ten years. The judge said the offence was “in no way in the same bracket as someone who had taken alcohol and drugs”, but that Handley’s tiredness was an aggravating factor. Handley pleaded guilty
at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Olivia Dunne and serious bodily harm to Eabha Dunne in Balbriggan on January 17, 2014. Olivia (31) was killed instantly by the impact. Baby Eabha was thrown from her pram and landed underneath the jeep in her cot. The pram was completely destroyed. She had multiple broken bones and would have died if she did not receive medical attention, the court heard. She was in a coma afterwards and continues to suffer the effects of her injuries.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
FastNews Rush couple’s garden gets a blooming great makeover
A COUPLE from Rush have had their garden transformed by a fellow Rush native for RTE’s Super Gardens, sponsored by Woodie’s. Rosaleen and Marc Ebbs, first-time homeowners, moved into their house in 2007 at the height of the housing boom and soon discovered that it had pyrite, and ever since, they have not been in a financial position to resolve this. The family now has a new addition, with twoyear-old Caitlin, and they hope that their new garden will give them a space where they can invite family and friends around for relaxing evenings. Artist and aspiring crafter from Rush, Glenn Keelan, designed a garden for the family to suit their needs.
Plan for modular housing by Pinewood Estate on hold PLANS to build 40 modular or “rapid build” homes
Sergeant Brian Kavanagh told Dominic McGinn SC, prosecuting, that Handley said he got four hours’ sleep the night before, which was not unusual for him. He had taken some antiinflammatories for his arthritis, but appeared alert and orientated after the crash. A motorist who was behind him said he saw Handley’s jeep take off to the right “like a rocket” with no warning. He did not see any brake lights. The jeep went into the ongoing traffic where another driver had to swerve to avoid it. It then hit the mother and daughter who were on the footpath before crashing into a fence. Parents and children were coming out of a nearby creche at the time. One man found Eabha in her cot under the jeep. He moved her away when he noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. Handley was dazed and in shock but uninjured. A witness said he asked one of them: “How was the chap I hit?” He later said all he remembered was travelling along “then a
flash and bang, and then the fence”. Investigators found no brake marks from the jeep at the scene. They concluded that Handley had not been distracted and did not suffer from a medical condition which could have led to the crash. They said he must have entered a short sleep state before the crash. Handley accepted this was possible. He wrote a letter of remorse shortly afterwards, but the family did not want to receive it. He said he wished it was him who was killed that day instead of Ms Dunne. Handley initially took a trial date while awaiting medical reports. He entered a guilty plea on the morning of his trial. Judge McCartan said this late plea meant the victims’ family had to come to court many times before they knew there would be no trial. Defence counsel Colm O’Briain SC said Handley was deeply remorseful. He said Handley is a father of three and is a carer for his estranged wife, who suffers from several health problems.
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
near Pinewood Estate in Balbriggan are still on hold following the refusal of local councillors to agree on the viability of the project. At a recent Fingal County Council meeting, councillors sent the project back to the drawing board for review, insisting the homes are not good value for money. An unprecedented number of submissions were also made by local residents opposing the plans for the houses, with many residents stating that they were “very happy” that the proposal is currently undergoing a review.
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12 May 2016 SWORDS Gazette 3
enterprise
Study on family business
Gazettegallery
| at Room 12 bar and Spirit Grocer
emma nolan
TWELVE family businesses have taken part in a study undertaken by Fingal County Council and DCU’s Centre for Family Business. The report, entitled Lessons in Resilience and Success: A Snapshot of Multigenerational Family Businesses in Fingal, will launch on Wednesday, May 18 at 8.30am in Swords County Hall. The report examined Fingal-based multi-generational, family-owned businesses and their unique position in the marketplace, and makes practical recommendations for their growth. Keelings, Wrights of Howth, Keogh’s and the Grand Hotel Malahide were among the participants.
Blogger James Patrice and Aoibhinn Stokes
Eve Ryan, Kim Keneghan, Becky Flynn and Mandi Flood
Alva Marie was standing by with a refreshing cocktail at Room 12 bar and Spirit Grocer – the latest jewel in the Wright crown, which has just opened in Swords
Model Lynn Kelly
Another Wright good night out
4 SWORDS Gazette 12 May 2016
crime | ridgewood facility targeted
Burglars hit Tiger creche emma nolan
A STATE-of-the-ar t creche in Ridgewood, Swords was broken into last weekend. Gardai confirmed to The Gazette that the burglary occurred in the early hours on May 6 at Tiger Early Years Centre off the Rathoath Road. Minor damage to the property was recorded and petty cash was stolen. Cllr Philip Lynam (SF) has spoken about his shock and anger upon hearing of the incident. He said: “This is a brandnew creche that facilitates many local families with young children in Swords. “My thoughts are with the employees who work tirelessly to provide qual-
ity childcare. “We know now due to government cuts over the last few years, garda numbers have been slashed across the State. Some local community guards have been taken off their areas and put in different units in some districts.” Cllr Lynam called on the newly-formed Government to “release more recruits to Fingal to curb the ongoing break-ins and anti-social behaviour across north county Dublin”. He also appealed to anyone who might have seen or witnessed the break-in to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700 with any information. No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.
portmarnock walkway plan steps closer
THE long-awaited Portmarnock to Baldoyle cycling track and walkway is a step closer with news that planning permission is to be finalised by June 10. The route will be constructed off-road on land that is in public
ownership at the former Baldoyle Racecourse and on land due to be transferred shortly to the council north of the Moyne Road. Praising the walkway, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan, of the Social Democrats, said the route will provide “a
Fingal-wide council app wins award emma nolan
LocalMatters S u p p o r t l o c a l b u s i n e ss
Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240
AN APP developed by Fingal County Council has won a competition held by the Economic and Social Research Institute. Unfolding News Story is an app that updates users on all of the latest news in relation to water disruptions, road closures, severe weather, floods, planning applications and community events in Fingal. This service is accessible to customers on the council’s website and on mobile devices. It is also presented in the interactive digital atrium of County Hall in Swords on large multiple touchscreens. At any time, the content is relevant for the current week. Claire McIntyre, of the project’s management team, said: “This was a team effort from myself, Hazel Farley and Brendan Cunningham of Pinpoint Alerts, and we are delighted to have won.”
wonderful amenity for the local community and a much safer and pleasant route for cyclists”.
“There will also be economic benefits as this will become the first part of a coastal walking and cycling route in Fingal, which
will attract tourists to the area.
“I am hopeful that the necessary planning permission for this project can be secured quickly so that construction on this important infrastructure can commence without delay.”
12 May 2016 SWORDS Gazette 5
6 SWORDS Gazette 12 May 2016
exclusive | minister for transport talks about enda kenny, fine gael
Ross defiant despite new role emma nolan
“IT DOESN’T mean I’m a fan of Fine Gael,” Shane Ross of the Independent Alliance (IA) told The Gazette in his first interview since striking a deal with Fine Gael and gaining the title of Minister for Transport. The minister spoke to The Gazette about his new role and his relationship with Enda Kenny. He said: “We hammered out the best possible deal. I regard this as a vote for our programme and this was the only way to get it implemented.” The outspoken politician and journalist was the first TD to be elected in General Election 2016 and made no qualms at the time about his opinion of the Taoiseach,
who he famously called a “political corpse”. Now that they’re Cabinet colleagues, however, Minister Ross has “accepted” the Taoiseach’s leadership. Laughing as he considered his response to his “political corpse” quip, he said: “Enda Kenny is still the leader of his party and I accept that he is the leader of the country as a result of that. “Fine Gael was the only vehicle offering a road to radical progress who had agreed to radical changes in the Programme for Government, and I would have been voting against those changes if I’d walked away from that deal. “We were faced with a choice – either vote Enda Kenny and FG back into office, or be faced with
another general election and no government. “We decided that we would have to take our responsibilities seriously, and not do what all the other small groups had done, which was to walk away from government.”
he said, while acknowledging his relief at not being assigned the dreaded Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht ministry. “I have virtually no Irish at all, it would have been a cruel blow!” He maintains that
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‘We were faced with a choice – either vote Enda Kenny and FG back into office, or be faced with another general election and no government’
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Minister Ross told The Gazette that he was interested in the Transport portfolio prior to being assigned it. “It’s a challenge, and it was certainly in my top three or four [ministries],”
it would have been an “unlikely and inappropriate” appointment and said that he thinks the other appointments are “pretty good”. When asked if the current situation was his ideal
outcome, Minister Ross said that he is really happy with the “parts of the Programme for Government which we put in”.
Garda stations In particular, he is pleased about the possibility of reopening garda stations, especially his local one of Stepaside, which Minister Ross has campaigned alongside locals to see reopened since its closure in 2013. He revealed to The Gazette that there is going to be a pilot scheme put in place which will “in the very near future” see six stations across the country reopened. He is confident that Stepaside Garda Station will be one of them. “We had to fight really long and hard for that,” he said.
New Minister for Transport Shane Ross (IA)
When asked if the IA would end up being accused of “propping up” Fine Gael as Labour were, Minister Ross was adamant that will not be the case for them, and that he and his IA colleagues see the coalition as a “road to reform”.
To sum up his feelings on his new post as Minister for Transport, Minister Ross says that he hopes that “in five years’ time, Irish politics has changed absolutely radically, and that the grip of the main parties has been loosened, if not destroyed”.
12 May 2016 SWORDS Gazette 7
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Gazettegallery
| Millbank Theatre hosts eventful evening
Aiden and Oonagh Coughlan
Local 28-piece singing group Singsation sang to a packed house at the Millbank Theatre, Rush, recently with their new musical director Frank McNamara, the internationally known arranger, conductor, composer and pianist. Pictured at the event are Paula Moriarty, Grainne O’Driscoll, Mary Hanson and Emer Cullen. Picture: Ronan O’Sullivan
Niamh McGuinness and Gavin Judge
Patricia McGrath and Debbie Deegan
Singsational night for music and song
Sian, Emer and Briana Cullen
Frank McNamara
12 May 2016 SWORDS Gazette 9
10 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 12 May 2016
Gazettegallery
Model, author and
| The annual Peter Mark VIP Style Awards
Model Sarah Morrissey
blogger Rosanna Davison
Personal trainer Leanne Moore Model Roz Purcell
Conor McGregor and partner Dee Devlin, who was awarded the prize of most stylish newcomer, Vogue Williams and model Louise O’Reilly. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Theresa Mannion, Darren Kennedy and Jodi Albert
Fashionistas flock to a night of glitz I
Sean Musnanje and Storm and Missie Keating
Chris Doyle
Grace Mongey
reland’s most glamorous grown-ups came out to play recently for the Peter Mark VIP Style Awards. As usual the red carpet was filled with stylish celebs for the celebration of Irish style. Vogue Williams took home the coveted Most Stylish Woman of the Year award. Conor McGregor arrived back in Dublin to support girlfriend Dee Devlin, who won out in the Most Stylish Newcomer category. Blogger and social media influencer Rosie Connolly picked up the Most Stylish Social Influencer award. In the Most Stylish Male category, Eurovision hopeful Nicky Byrne came out on top ahead of Baz Ashmawy, Brian McFadden, Leo Varadker and Nathan Carter among others.
Gazette
12 May 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11
dublinLIFE
Chicago: it would be a crime to miss this musical
Get set to have a razzle dazzle time ian begley
Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…” T he international award-winning musical Chicago is taking to the stage in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this week and it would be a crime a to miss it. Starring John Partridge as Billy Flynn, Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie Hart and Sam Bailey as Mama Morton, this production is based on the 2002 Oscar winning movie. Set in the roaring 20s,
nightclub, sensation Velma murders her philandering husband, and slick Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn is set to defend her. But when Roxie also winds up in prison, Billy takes on her case as well – turning her into a media circus of headlines. Neither woman will be outdone in their fight against each other and the public for fame and celebrity. John Partridge is probably best known for playing the role of Christian Clarke in EastEnders. His many musical theatre credits include Rum Tum
Tugger in Cats in the West End, on tour and the official film of the show, John in Miss Saigon on the first UK national tour and most recently Zach in A Chorus Line at the London Palladium. John was also a judge on BBC1’s Over the Rainbow, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search to find a Dorothy for the musical The Wizard of Oz. Hayley Tamaddon has just finished playing Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street. She also played Del Dingle in Emmerdale. Her
numerous theatre credits include The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show. Sam Bailey worked as a prison officer for three years until 2013. At the end of that year Sam won the tenth series of the X-Factor receiving more than a million votes over the course of the final weekend. Following her win, her debut single Skyscraper was released and achieved the Christmas Number One. Created by the musical theatre talents of John
Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie Hart, John Partridge as Billy Flynn and Sam Bailey as Mama Morton
Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics) and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. The musical originally opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London in November 1997 to rave
reviews, winning the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for “Outstanding Musical Production” as well as the 1998 Critics Circle Drama Award for Best Musical, and immediately became a sell-out hit running for 15 years. It is currently playing in
New York where it holds the record as the longest running musical revival and also the second longest running musical in Broadway history. Running until May 21, tickets are available at bordgaisenerygtheatre. ie.
Gazette
12 Gazette 12 May 2016
dublinlife
diary
Can you take a shot worth €1,000? IRELAND Alive has been announced as the theme for this year’s Top Oil Amateur Photo Competition. Top Oil are calling on Dublin’s talented amateur photographers to grab their cameras and capture what they believe represents the life and soul of Ireland through the theme. For the 2016 competition, Ireland Alive encourages Dublin’s amateur photographers to capture Ireland in all its glory, full of life and bursting with spirit. From the indigenous flora and fauna found from The Burren to Dublin Bay, to the spectacular coastal views on offer along The Wild Atlantic
Way, snap and send it in. The overall winner of the Top Oil Amateur Photography Competition will feature on the coveted calendar cover, as well as winning a €1,000 voucher. The 11 runner-up winners will each receive a €200 voucher. To keep up to date with the competition, see Top Oil’s Facebook page www.facebook/topoilfuelingireland. The closing date is May 31.
win one of 20,000 holidays abroad THIS summer, Walkers is giving crisp and sunshine lovers alike the chance to win one of 20,000 holidays. With 26 worldwide
destinations up for grabs, Walkers will be sending winners and three friends on a 4-star, seven-night holiday. To enter, find a code inside every promotional pack of Walkers Crisps and just enter it online at www.walkers.co.uk/ spellandgo to unveil a letter. Keep collecting letters to spell one of 26 destinations and win a holiday to that destination. To i n c r e a s e y o u r chances, get family and friends to register online and swap letters to bag a dream trip. Walkers are also currently hosting one of the biggest letter hunts that Dublin has ever seen. Each day, Walkers
are asking the people of Dublin to hunt for one giant letter in the city centre in a different location – but hurry to the hunt, as it ends this Friday, May 13. For further information, see www.walkers. co.uk/spellandgo.
no codding – it’s fish and chips day The 131-year tradition of fish and chips in Ireland will be celebrated later this month with half-price fish and chips at participating eateries. Organised by The Irish Traditional Italian Chippers Association (ITICA), National Fish And Chips Day takes place on Wednesday, May 25. Established in Decem-
ber, 2009, and now with more than 180 members throughout the country, ITICA was created to promote and build on the traditional values and ethos of the Irish-Italian chipper community. In their first six months, I T ICA s u c c e s s f u l l y launched the national day to celebrate the tradition of fish and chips. The Irish-Italian chipper culture was started by members of the IrishItalian community who arrived in Ireland in the 1880s. All members of this community come from the villages in Val Di Comino in Southern Italy. To find out what chippers will be taking part, see itica.ie.
Brooke Briscoe was happy to help launch this year’s Top Oil Amateur Photo Competition. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan
12 May 2016 Gazette 13
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Entertainment broadcaster Colum McCormack Crowe: “With live radio, you just do not know what’s going to happen”
a day in the life: Colum McCormack CROWE
Happy to face the random nature of live radio work ian begley
CORK native Colum McCormack Crowe is a rising star when it comes to entertainment news. Presenting as an entertainment presenter on Dublin’s Classic Hits 4FM on the Niall Boylan Show, and also as a freelance journalist, every day for the media all-rounder is very different. Colum said that there is no such thing as an average day for him. He said: “I usually get up around 6.30am and sit on the sofa for a while, then head out for a walk before I start working. “Because I’m a freelance journalist, I never know what the next day might throw at me. “One day I could be doing nothing but drinking coffee, but the next could have me bogged dow n with multiple assignments. “I have also a barbershop and a hairdresser in Cork, but on Fridays when I’m doing the Niall
Boylan Show I have to travel three and a half hours from Cork to Dublin by bus. “I would consider the bus as my office, because I have the opportunity to get a lot of my research done for the show while travelling to Dublin. “I actually love taking the bus because it’s certainly a lot more relaxing and easier than driving.” Colum added that up until recently he ran his own magazine in Cork, but decided to “lay it to rest” due to the stress and undivided commitment involved. “I much prefer working for someone else because when you’re running your own publication you have no time at all to do anything else. “It was literally a 24 hour a day job, and didn’t offer any variation. I prefer freelancing a whole lot more because of the versatility involved. “If you’re in the media industry, it’s very important to enjoy your job
and all the variations that come with it.” Asked if anything out of the ordinary every happened while live on air, Colum said: “All the time. With live radio, you just do not know what’s going to happen. Only two weeks ago when we were just about to go on air my computer just crashed. “I went completely blank because I didn’t have my notes in front of me, but luckily Niall had a couple of his notes on his computer so he just turned it around so I could have an idea what I was supposed to talk about, which was gas! “After the show, and after the long journey home to Cork, I would usually get in the door around 7.40pm. From then on I get into something more comfortable, maybe order a Chinese and just chill out. “I’m not as young as I used to be, and usually find myself getting tired by 10,” said the 39-yearold.
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FEATURE
Gazette
14 Gazette 12 May 2016
dublinlife
business
tie-in: imma connection announced
Art partnership at Dean Hotel emma nolan
ULTR A-trendy hotel Dean Dublin say they are thrilled to announce that they are IMMA’s major hotel partner for 2016. Since first opening its doors in 2014, Dean Dublin say they have strived to create a fun and vibrant space for their guests, right in the heart of the city. T he Dean Dublin IMMA partnership begins with the opening of a new work by Simon Fujiwara, opening at IMMA on Friday, May 20.
Entitled The Humanizer, this new commission is an imagined Hollywood biopic of Roger Casement, with contributions from scriptwriter Michael Lesslie (Macbeth, 2015; Assassin’s Creed, 2016) and Oscarwinning designer Annie Atkins (Grand Budapest Hotel, 2013). This partnership will also allow Dean Dublin to offer their guests the unique opportunity to engage with IMMA’s creative and experimental programmes, while it
enables IMMA to invite some of the most influential figures in the Irish and international art world. IMMA director Sarah Glennie said: “IMMA’s partnership with Dean Dublin is one of our most important and significant relationships for 2016. “A major factor in the delivery of our ambitious programme is the ability to offer hospitality to our artists, enabling us to host some of the most influential figures in the Irish and International art world here in Dublin.”
Optimism returning to businesses – survey SOME 81% of Irish employees are looking to change jobs within the next two years, according to a new salary survey by Hays, Ireland’s recruitment specialist. The Hays Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide 2016 found that less than half (47%) of all employees were satisfied with their salaries, but almost two-thirds (62%) expect to receive a pay rise in the next 12 months.
The report, which surveyed 1,300 employers and employees, suggests that Irish businesses are increasingly optimistic about the future. It noted that 79% of organisations expect increased business activity in 2016, and 86% plan to recruit in the coming 12 months. This positive outlook is particularly apparent across sectors such as IT, construction, life sciences, financial services and insurance.
awards: prestigious aib win for dublin 12 firm
Nasal Medical founder knows a good product
emma nolan
MARTIN O’Connell, founder of Dublin 12-based company Nasal Medical, was celebrating this week after being named the winner of the 2016 AIB Start-up Academy. O’Connell will receive a prize valued at €250,000, which includes a cash injection of €20,000, an advertising and marketing package, as well as business development support and PR training. The final, which was held in front of a packed crowd in Dublin’s Sugar Club, saw 11 start-ups deliver a five-minute business pitch to an expert judging panel. T he AIB Star t-up Academy, which is run in conjunction with The Irish Times, invited entre-
preneurs from all across Ireland to apply for an intensive eight-week training programme. From the start-ups, eleven were selected to take part in the Academy, the search culminated with a final pitch. The finalists, drawn from varying sectors, all delivered outstanding pitches which left the judging panel with the unenviable task of selecting a winner. O’Connell, a native of Kerry, has developed a medical device which e n c o u r a g e s h e a l t hy breathing and helps people who suffer from snoring or sleep apnoea. The unique device fits inside the nasal cavity and is both comfortable and discreet. His pitch displayed a depth of knowledge of the medical device industry, an
Martin O’Connell celebrates after being named as the winner of the 2016 AIB Start-up Academy
understanding of his target market, and a strong desire to develop his product and business. Speaking after his win, O’Connell said: “I really can’t believe it! The last few weeks with the AIB Start-up Academy have been an invaluable experience and I would recommend any start-up to apply for it. “A lot of hard work
has gone into this company and I’m delighted that the judging panel believes in its potential.” Brian Keating, group brands director of AIB, and a member of the judging panel, said: “The standard of the presentations was incredible. We heard from some brilliant companies who are absolutely passionate about their products.”
12 May 2016 Gazette 15
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16 Gazette 12 May 2016
dublinlife
memories: commemorating 60 years of great work
Write your chapter in the story of hospital
ibegley@dublingazette.com
Crumlin Hospital have started a campaign that invites the nation to share any stories of their time in the hospital since it first opened 60 years ago. Crumlin’s Big Book of Memories is an initiative that aims to commemorate all of the great work Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin has done through their virtual memory book – crumlinmemories.ie. This designated web-
site will enable members of the public to share and read the touching stories which illustrate the hospital’s 60-year existence. From past patients and their loved ones to hospital workers and donors - anyone with a memory of the hospital can get involved, share their memories and help to shape the hospital’s future by donating online. Funds raised through this campaign will be used to make urgent renovations to the outpatients depar tment
which was built in the 1960s to accommodate 500 patients per week. Today, three times that amount (1,500 children) pass through its doors every week, leading to considerable overcrowding and insufficient resources. Another area of focus for campaign donations will be the refurbishment of The Nazareth Ward which treats the hospital’s youngest and sickest babies, many of whom have never left the hospital since birth. A portion of the funds
will also cover a range of equipment wor th over €2 million which is urgently required by the hospital, including cancer detection equipment, CF detection equipment and cardiac echo machines. Crumlin ambassador and Irish rugby player Rob Kearney said: “Having the opportunity to visit CMRF Crumlin has opened my eyes to the fantastic care that Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin provides the 150,000 children who pass through its doors every year.
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CMRF Crumlin ambassador and Irish Rugby player Rob Kearney joined Ollie O’Connell
“The hospital and its staff have touched so many lives over the past 60 years so Crumlin’s
Big Book of Memories is a fantastic way for those people to honour the work of the hospital
and contribute positively to its future by sharing their own stories and donating online.”
12 May 2016 Gazette 17
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cinema P18
Vladimir, the virtuoso violinist Pets
Draiocht is delighted to announce the return of Vladimir Jablokov’s warmly received classical show, One Night In Vienna, to their main stage on Thursday, May 26 at 8pm. Join Vladimir as he plays some of the most beautiful classical melodies from the Romantic era of the Strauss family. Expect to hear The Blue Danube, The Voices of Spring, the Merry Widow Waltz and many more favourites you know and love. As well as being a showcase for Vladimir’s virtuoso violin skills, One Night in Vienna also features an ensemble of hand-picked musicians, including Vladimir’s sister, Olga, and his father, Alexander. With a growing reputation, Vladimir has now played some of Ireland’s most prestigious venues, including The Mansion House, The Gaiety Theatre, The Olympia Theatre, Marlay Park, Cork Opera House, Limerick University Concert Hall and Wexford Opera House. He has headlined the National Concert Hall on seven separate occasions. He said: “I am in Ireland for nearly 12 years now. Starting from busking in Grafton Street and progressing to playing the National Concert Hall in Dublin, I want to thank all my fans and supporters. The Irish people have been really good to me, and so welcoming. “So this show, One Night in Vienna, takes me back to my early days in Dublin 12 years ago, and is a way for me to thank all my fans. Myself and my brother, Anton, have now signed with United Talent Agency in London and will soon begin touring in the UK. “I owe my extended Irish family, friends and Irish fans a huge thankyou – without their support I could still be busking on Grafton Street!” Tickets are €25/€23 conc and can be booked from Draiocht’s Box Office at 01 8852622, or online at www. draiocht.ie.
this foxy lady would love a home with company most of the time
However you catch him performing, Vladimir Jablokov’s skill as a violinist is terrific, as his upcoming Draiocht show will show
win win win A pair of tickets to Vladimir Jablokov’s spectacular show at Draiocht, as well as a CD To win, just “like” and “share” our Facebook Vladimir post. That’s it! Winner announced on Friday, May 20 on our Facebook page! Ready steady SHARE!
The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Foxy, a five-year-old female Labrador cross. She is a very affectionate dog and has lived with young children, is housetrained and loves to play. Foxy would love a home where she will have company for most of the day as she can find being alone quite overwhelming. If you think you could offer Foxy a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.
Gazette
18 Gazette 12 May 2016
OUT&ABOUT
CINEMA
ReelReviews
florence foster By Jenkins, it’s fun
WHILE not exactly a name that rolls off the tongue, Florence Foster Jenkins (Cert PG, 110 mins) sees Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant star in a kindly film about the one and only Jenkins. With her place in history secured as being, quite possibly, the world’s worst singer, the New York heiress and would-be star from the early days of the 20th century gets an affectionate film treatment.
i saw the lIght Hanks, but no thanks
STAYING with the bigscreen biopic theme, and Hank Williams gets a film about him in I Saw The Light (Cert 15A, 124 mins). Unfortunately, it’s a dull tale with even more flat notes than the one about Florence Foster Jenkins, above. Tom Hiddleston takes a decent stab at playing the early country music legend, but the film never rises above madefor-television mediocrity.
demolition
The story falls apart HERE comes another film with an only-in-Hollywood premise. In Demoliltion, (Cert 15A, 101 mins) Jake Gyllenhaal’s life falls apart after the tragic loss of his wife. However, he learns to rebuild himself – largely be tearing down (literally) plenty of ties to his old life, and past. Gyllenhaal’s as good as always, but the central premise of the story is just way too flimsy to build a solid film on.
While set in 1980, the timeless themes of bromance and jock obsessions make Everybody Wants Some!! just as relatable today as it will be to those who lived in the era
everybody wants some!! linklater’s latest is another affectionate tale
A juvenile film with heart
IT’S hard to believe that Richard Linklater’s coming of age classic, Dazed And Confused, is 23 years old this year. Laden with low-brow humour and some very high philosophy, Linklater’s seminal film foggily explored that frontier between adolescence and adulthood. What made it such a success was that it captured so poignantly a rich and vibrant stage of life. Adolescence is a time that is full of existential musing, trying out roles and beliefs, testing boundaries, and learning about where we might fit into the world. In a way, it is a shame that coming of age films like Dazed And Confused, that were watched by many of us as a rite of
Dave phillips
passage in our teenage years, tend to become synonymous with that time and stay mentally relegated to a shelf that we’re unlikely to visit very often. Evidently (and thankfully), that adolescent part of Linklater is alive and well – and after the much deeper masterpiece that was Boyhood, he is returning to some wilder and more familiar ground with Everybody Wants Some!! (Cert 15A, 116 mins). W hile Dazed And Confused focused on the
last day of high school, Everybody Wants Some!! chronicles the weekend before class begins in college for a group of freshman students in Texas in 1980. Linklater may have a tendency to focus on the freak and geek fringes, but this time around we are thrust into the alphamale world of college baseball. Despite the more macho surrounds, we still maintain the outsider’s perspective through Jake (Glee’s Blake Jenner), who is new to the team and must find his footing amid his ultracompetitive housemates, who are concerned above all else with three things: training hard, partying, and hooking up with women. The hours pass by in
the weekend, and we follow Jake through night clubs, house parties, baseball practice and eventually into class. At each step we are meeting the motley crew that makes up the social scene in college. There’s a throwaway love interest for Jake, some necessary boundary setting among the housemates, and a couple of moments for him to prove himself. But like most of Linklater’s work, this is a film that is thin on plot points, where the beauty is to be found in the casual interactions and conversations between characters. While the bulk of the story follows Jake, there is time given to each member of the team – who each in their own distinctive way develops
a solution to the perennial problem of trying to get laid. If you’re expecting a more refined portrayal of women (or men) to develop as the film moves on, you’ll be disappointed. Eve r y b o d y Wa n t s Some!! is unrepentantly a film about the singlemindedness of people at a certain age. Linklater is content to let the juvenile, testosteronefuelled environment play out with little nuance and without any moral rebuke. That will inevitably be a stumbling block for viewers, but if you can embrace the laddish nature, you’ll find some pearls of wisdom amid the jockstraps and sweat socks. Think of this as an
incredibly well-written sport comedy with some heart and insight, and you’ll be close to the mark. The comedy is helped along by a tight cast, and by characters who may never develop, but who seem oddly perfect and instantly relatable. Eve r y b o d y Wa n t s Some!! is Linklater laying aside the deeper issues explored in films such as Boyhood, and Before Midnight, and instead embracing the gleeful freedom of youth – with all the stupidity and wonder that it entails. Sitting through a screening is like taking a journey back to simpler times, and for that reason it’s a highly recommended watch. Verdict: 8/10
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12 May 2016 Gazette 19
Beat the heat!
Windows provide our home with light, warmth and ventilation but they can also have a massive impact on your homes energy efficiency. We spend thousands of euro every year to try and keep our houses warm. The high price of electricity, gas and other home heating sources means that consumers are now looking into other effective methods of temperature control. That is why it is so important to understand the impact that healthy windows can have on our homes energy efficiency. There are a few very obvious signs that a window is broken down and needs to be either replaced or repaired. These signs include; condensation or fogging between glass panes, difficulty opening or closing the windows, black mould forming on the frame and chipping or rotting of the frame. You can reduce energy costs and the above problems by installing energy efficient windows in your home. Budget
If your budget is tight you may be able to make repairs to the existing windows. Windows let in light and let people see out but they also interact with the environment around them. Windows react with the outside temperatures, sunlight and wind and also react with indoor temperature and occupant use. One of the best ways to measure the efficiency of a window is through its thermal efficiency or U-Value. The U-Value refers to the units of heat transferred through a product and is measured in watt per metre squared per kelvin (W m-2 K-1). The lower the U-Value the more thermally efficient the product is. Triple glazed units can give you a U-Value as low as 0.7 W m-2 K-1*, while double glazed units will give a U-value between 1.2 W m-2 K-1 and 1.3 W m-2 K-1. U-Values take into account the airflow around the window and the solar emissivity of the glass into account. Emissivity is the ability of a product to absorb energy and radiate the same energy through itself and out into the room. A single pane of glass contains high emissivity and therefore will transfer approximately 84% of the heat in a room to outside. This is why is is important to minimise heat loss by adding panes to become either double or triple glazed units, thereby lowering the U-Value. The technology and engineering for windows and doors has advanced dramatically over the last 15 years. Glass units typically come either double glazed or triple glazed, if you’re trying to achieve a more energy efficient home. In addition glass units are argon filled and have a low-e coating on them. Argon is a gas that is denser then the atmosphere. It is a colourless, odourless and non-toxic gas that fills the space between the panes. Argon gas prevents frost forming at the bottom of the glass as well as adding extra insula-
escape through the glass. All of the glass in our windows and doors are argon filled and low-e coated as standard. Our windows and doors can be chosen in either triple or double glazed and all of our windows and doors are sealed with specific expanding foam or silicone to ensure that the window or door is air tight throughout the entire frame. Performance
tion, as argon is heavier than air. Due to argon being used to fill the space between each glass pane triple glazing offers huge benefits over double glazed units. Argon gas is often used in conjunction with low-emissivity or low-e coatings. A low-e coating is a microscopic coating that reflects long wave heat. In other words it reflects the room’s heat back into the room instead of allowing it to
With Low-e glass, combined with argon filled units and an air tight frame you can be sure that your windows and doors will perform at their very best against Ireland’s harsh elements. In addition, you will save money by reducing your energy bills by up to 30%! Drop into our 5000sq ft showroom, just off the Nangor road, where we have over 100 products on display including Timber, Aluclad, Aluminium and PVC windows and doors and composite doors. Our talented project managers will be able to show you how you can make your home energy efficient and save money! Visit our showroom at Unit C, Westland Business Park, Willow Road (off Nangor Rd), Dublin 12 or contact us on T: 01 424 2067 or E:sales@dkwindows.ie
Gazette
20 Gazette 12 May 2016
OUT&ABOUT
fast
TRAVEL NEWS
TRAVEL
Game of Thrones: visit some key locations from top tv show
The thatched restroom is nestled in the stunning 1,000-acre County Cork forest park
Cork bog voted No 1 for number twos If the magnificent scenery of Gougane Barra in Cork doesn’t appeal to you then maybe you would be more impressed with visiting one of the world’s top 100 toilets at the site. Travel bible Lonely Planet has singled out the thatched restroom, nestled in the stunning 1,000-acre County Cork forest park, as one of the planet’s most “stunning lavatories” in its new publication, Toilets: A Spotter’s Guide. The book highlights the most memorable outdoor public lavatories in the world, including a remote toilet island in Belize, a waterfall washroom in Taiwan, and an Arctic outhouse in Lapland. The book’s introduction states: “As any experienced traveller knows, you can tell a whole lot about a place by its bathrooms. Whatever you prefer to call them — lavatory, loo, bog, khasi, thunderbox, dunny, washroom, or water closet — toilets are a window into the soul of a destination.” When describing Gourgane Barra’s eye-
catching restroom, which is the only Irish toilet to make it in the coveted list, Lonely Planet’s writers say: “Gougane Barra in Cork has been a retreat from the cruel world and a spot for quiet contemplation — since St Finbarr established an island monastery on the lake during the sixth century. These thatched toilets, tucked away in the forest park, continue that tradition.” Lonely Planet adds: “The lavatory is a great leveller.” Other global recommendations over where to spend a penny include the lobster loos in Wellington, New Zealand, a prototype space toilet, the Tardis in Warmley in Gloucestershire, a hi-tech interactive loo in Tokyo, and a remote jungle toilet in Laos. Globe-trotting toilet enthusiasts are also urged to check out an ultra-remote outhouse in British Columbia, which “features an automatic flush, powered by the moon, which washes away all waste twice a day”.
The intertwining beech trees of the Dark Hedges date back to the 18th century. Inset: The famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Go North for an epic tour Ian Begley
Travel Editor
If you’re from Ireland and also a massive Game of Thrones fan there is no excuse for not travelling to the North of Ireland this summer and taking part in the official Game of Thrones tour. T hanks to HBO’s adaptation of George RR Martin’s epic tale, Northern Ireland’s stunning mountains, forests, lakes and countryside are now familiar to millions of people around the world, having helped create the magical backdrop that much of the show’s action is filmed against. Below is a list of destinations you can visit which have helped create some of the most noteworthy and remarkable scenes from the show.
County Down From the home of Ned Stark to the formidable Haunted Forest, what better place to start your Game of Thrones adventure than in County Down with its ancient gothic forests and historic ruins.
The Haunted Forest Tollymore Forest Park holds the honour of being host to the first ever Game of Thrones scene aired in 2011 when some Night Watchmen deserters were killed by a White Walker in the snow. Other famous scenes filmed in the forest include Ramsey Snow’s chase and recapture of Theon Greyjoy as well as many forest scenes North of Winterfell. The Riverlands Close by you’ll find the historic ruins of Inch Abbey, dating from 1193. The abbey provided the backdrop to the Twins, two identical castles joined by a bridge which are the seat of House Frey. It is here that Catelyn Stark crosses the bridge to agree a treaty with Walder Frey which resulted in an arranged marriage proposal between Robb Stark and one of his daughters. Causeway Coastal Route Hailed as one of the world’s most spectacular road journeys, this stretch
of coastline plays host to some of the most dramatic scenery seen in Game of Thrones due to its rugged cliffs and sweeping valleys.
Iron Islands This quaint coastal nook was used in the show to depict Lordsport Harbour in the Iron Islands – home to the Greyjoys. Stormlands The headlands leading down to the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge are better known in the show as The Stormlands – Renly Baratheon’s camp. This is where we are first introduced to Brienne of Tarth. King’s Road Although only in the show for a few seconds, the Dark Hedges has become one of the most recognisable Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. This intertwining beech tree lined avenue dating back to the 18th century features as King’s Road where Arya Stark makes her escape from King’s
Landing with Gendry.
Dragonstone One of Northern Ireland’s most stunning beaches, Downhill Beach in Derry is the spot where Melissandre burned the seven old golds as a sacrifice to The Lord of the Light and prompted Stannis Baratheon to draw a sword from the flames at Dragonstone. Dothraki Camp Set against Slemish Mountain in County Antrim and with its green grassy hills, Shillanavogy Valley provided the perfect camp for Daenerys Targaryen, Ser Jorah Mormont and the Dorthraki horsemen to pitch camp on their journey to Vaes Dothrak. Beric Dondarrion’s Hideout You may recognise Pollnagollum Cave, found in the picturesque Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, from series three of the hit TV show. The waterfall cave was used by Beric Dondarrion’s Brotherhood Without Banners as their secret
hideout where Arya Stark discovers Beric’s resurrecting powers. For more information on the official Game of Thrones tour and to book, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/ gameofthrones.
Robb’s Camp Found within the grounds of Castle Ward Estate, beside Strangford Lough, you may recognise Audley’s Field and Castle as the backdrop to Robb Stark’s camp where he first met his future wife, Talisa. It was here that Robb caught and imprisoned Jamie Lannister. Winterfell Overlooking Strangford Lough, the grounds of Castle Ward were used as the backdrop of Winterfell, affectionately known as the home to House Stark. Surrounded by acres of forest, one of the most memorable scenes filmed within the walled courtyard is when Rob Stark and Jon Snow taught a young Brandon Stark how to shoot a bow and arrow.
12 May 2016 Gazette 21
Gazette
STYLE interview: designer Conaill O’Dwyer on his vision for a wardrobe staple
Updating some classic style to suit his identity
emma nolan
Style Editor
COMING of age, masculinity and gay identity are the themes behind one young designer’s collection ahead of his graduation from NCAD this month. The Gazette spoke to Dublin designer Conaill O’Dwyer about his degree collection, Default Man, which was showcased at the NCAD graduate fashion show this week. “My menswear collection is inspired by my own coming of age and coming out story,” he says. Using the traditional tailored suit as a catalyst, Conaill’s aim was to create a “new masculine identity” using the ultimate symbol of masculinity – the suit – to represent a different kind of masculinity. Originally from Firhouse, Conaill’s fam-
ily moved to Enniscorthy when he was seven, but the 24-year-old has been back living in Dublin for the last six years. “I used to wear loads of suits so I did the collection in a way that within this ‘Default Man’, there can be a gay identity as well. “Growing up, any ideas of a gay man I had were always quite feminine, so with this collection I’m moving away from that and saying, just because you’re a gay man doesn’t mean you have to be a certain way.” Conaill’s collection consists of three different suits. “I looked at how to use the suit and looked at different fabrication methods and patterns. “All the suits are quite big and oversized; the first one consists of bonded wool and I used printing and dying methods to get the desired look.”
Traditional tailoring methods and menswear staples underpin the collection, yet Conaill has reinvented them and added a sense of freedom to the rigid perception of the suit. Texture is a key element of his work, and the unusual use of materials are typical of his style, including his use of handknitted plastic bags to create jumpers. “It’s amazing how many different types of plastic bags there are,” he joked. “It takes the suit one step further, and provides a new layered language of masculinity and the gay identity.” Having previously interned with Irish designers Sean Byrne and Zoe Carroll, Conaill plan to eventually take his skill further and hopes to work in London in the coming years.
Your chance to go for a scholarship emma nolan
Part of the Default Man collection showcased by designer Conaill O’Dwyer (inset) at the recent NCAD graduate fashion show
WHO’S-WHO OF DESIGNERS GATHER TO HELP SUPPORT FIRST DEMENTIA VILLAGE emma nolan
IRELAND’S rich design heritage was celebrated last week at Trinity College. The Lexus Irish Fashion Collective brought together collections from Ireland’s leading designers, including Philip Treacy, Simone Rocha, Orla Kiely, Deborah Veale and Sharon Hoey. The collective also includ-
ed designers such as Mariad Whisker, Umit Kutluk, Helen Steele, Aideen Bodkin and Mary Donoghue for Ireland’s Eye Knitwear, and Roisin Linnane featuring Melissa Curry Jewellery. Each designer showcased their seasonal collections, with the support of Lexus, to raise funds towards the vision of creating Ireland’s first dementia village at Saint
Joseph’s Shankill. Speaking at the event, designer Deborah Veale said: “I am very happy that some of Ireland’s most talented designers have generously agreed to show at this amazing event. “Saint Joseph’s Shankill is an amazing facility and myself and my family are very grateful for the loving care my father receives [there].”
Milliner Philip Treacy puts the finishing touch to model Sarah Morrissey’s look at Trinity College. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan
LEAVING Cert students looking to pursue a career in the beauty industry have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship with one of Ireland’s leading beauty schools. The Galligan College of Hair and Beauty have launched a scholarship for school leavers to create the next generation of top Irish beauty professionals. The scholarship offers a coveted place on the CIDESCO Beauty Diploma course, ensuring graduates are among the elite of their profession. The college combines in class curricula with an on-site commercial salon with spa on Grafton Street, so students can gain essential first-hand and practical experience. Commenting on the scholarship Launch, Careena Galligan said that a qualification in beauty is a “passport to a lifetime career and gives a wide choice of potential professional pathways”. The scholarship will pay the private fees for CIDESCO Beauty Diploma course, which would usually cost €5,800, plus €1,270 in exam fees. Entrants must submit a video application. For further information, see The Galligan College of Hair and Beauty Facebook page.
Gazette
22 Gazette 12 May 2016
OUT&ABOUT
MOTORING
The Nissan Qashqai offers a very comfortable road position, with an interior designed to put you at ease as you take in a number of its refined features
Nissan: the compact crossover builds on the popular model’s strengths
Updated Qashqai adds even more to an impressive range
dave phillips
THE Nissan Qashqai is a trend-setter, effectively popularising the compact crossover movement with its introduction to roads in 2007. But not only did it spark a demand, it has managed to keep up with the pack, remaining one of the best-selling cars of recent years. This second generation of the car beefs out the exterior, making the Qashqai sit well alongside Nissan’s larger X-Trail. The new generation brought along a wider range of engines too, with 1.2- and 1.6-litre options in petrol, and 1.5- and 1.6-litre options in diesel. With lower emissions and fuel costs, it is no surprise that the diesel con-
figurations have turned out being so popular, with the 1.5-litre model promising the best fuel economy across the range – so that was the model we took out for a test (with the SV Premium trim, it retails from €32,470, but with the standard trim this starts at €27,520). The first thing to notice from the car is the incredibly comfortable road position. From the moment you sit in it, the Qashqai instantly makes you feel at ease. The interior, fitted out with sturdy soft plastic and leather, is unfussy and you can tell it has been designed with function in mind. As well as feeling clean and simple, the Qashqai also feels safe – part of the upgraded trim includes a
camera pack and parking sensors that provides an easy-to-read, top-down display. If there’s one niggle, design-wise, it is the thick pillars at the rear – while they don’t make much difference to your driving, they can be an impediment when reversing in tight spots, so the cameras can really come into play here. Storage-wise, the Qashqai’s got a decent amount of room. There’s a slightly smaller boot than rivals such as the Sportage, but there’s a greater amount of versatility. A false floor in the boot opens up extra storage configurations, and the back row is easily dropped down. Seating in the back row
While offering a little less storage than rivals, the Qashqai offers plenty of versatility to meet your needs
is simple and comfortable – while the Qashqai offers ample head and leg space, the back row seems a little basic. The lack of little features such as rear climate control, or extra charging points for the back seats,
seems out of sorts, given the higher-spec trim. Any quibbles with the set-up tend to fade away once you get the Qashqai out on the road, where the diesel engine, combined with a well-insulated cabin, give one of the
quietest rides in the class. Nissan have hit a fine balance with this engine, with an unhurried, wellpaced feel. Motorway cruising is relaxed, while the Qashqai feels great on tighter country roads where the superb for-
ward visibility and solid handling combine perfectly. There’s a reason so many people have invested in the Qashqai, and the newest generation cements an already solid legacy.
12 May 2016 Gazette 23
Gazette
24 swords gazette 12 May 2016
OUT&ABOUT
EXCLUSIVE: the gazette
Cloud Lesley TWO sisters from other sides of the planet ended a lifelong search for each other with an emotional first meeting at Dublin Airport. Ian Begley reports on their unforgettable reunion, ending more than 60 years of being apart after one was given up for adoption soon after being born.
Tears of joy ... Sisters Joan Crawford-Murray and Lesley Fagan, after meeting each other for the first time. Pictures and video: Ian Begley
DUBLIN Airport was bursting with emotion this week after two sisters from opposite ends of the earth finally met each other for the first time after a 28-year search. Lesley Fagan (64) arrived in Dublin Airport on Tuesday morning with her husband, Steve, to meet her older sister, Joan Crawford-Murray (67), who was put up for adoption shortly after she was born. Joan, who had travelled all the way from Perth to meet her sister, who lives in Enniskillen, never even knew she had a sibling until Lesley tracked her down using social media. Speaking exclusively to The Gazette, Lesley described the fascinating story about her extensive search. “In 1989, whilst still living in Warrington, my mum said that she had something to tell me. She said I have a half-sister which she had to give up for adoption in 1948. “Although my mum was not a teenager at the time, she belonged to
a very devout Catholic family of six daughters. One of her sisters put my mum under a lot of pressure, saying that if her dad was to find out about her pregnancy, it would bring great shame upon the family. “She then decided to hide the pregnancy and put the child into a Catholic Mother and Babies home in Prestwich, Manchester,” said Lesley.
Documents “She stayed with her baby for six weeks, which must have been awful, knowing that she would have to give her up. When the day finally came, she had to sign some documents to authorise the adoption. “At this point, the nun left the room and mum saw on the desk the name and address of the prospective parents. She never forgot this information. Mum was able to recite exactly both parent’s names and their address, which was unbelievable, after 50 years. “With this informa-
12 May 2016 swords Gazette 25
Gazette
FEATURE is on hand for an extra-special reunion at dublin airport
nine delight as finds her sister tion, I immediately began my search, starting with The Salvation Army, but unfortunately they were unable to help me track her down. “I eventually started searching every adoption facility to find my sister, and upon checking the electoral records, I discovered that the family disappeared off the electoral roll in 1958. “In hindsight, I probably should have known that they emigrated, but at the time I didn’t follow it up because I was so busy with my career and raising a family,” she said. In October, 2015, Lesley, who has two daughters and a granddaughter, read a story about how
Chinese twins separated at birth found each other via Facebook. This inspired her to continue her search and publish an online appeal on the social networking site with the hopes that someone would lead her in the right direction. Eventually, two genealogists – Jill Harrington, in the UK, and Terri O’Neill, in Perth – managed to track her sister down in just one week. “The search was difficult and complicated, but eventually I found myself staring at a photograph of a lady who looked like myself, but also the model of our mother. “With the help of Terri O’Neill, I was talking to
her on the telephone by the end of that very week. “My sister always wondered about her natural family in England, and her husband, Les, had been recently badgering her to start the search. Now, she doesn’t have to! “Steve and I are blessed with two wonderful daughters, and an 11-yearold grandchild, Emily. “Jo has two children from her first marriage, and two granddaughters that I’m very much looking forward to getting to know,” said Lesley. Despite her jetlag, Joan was delighted to talk to The Gazette about meeting Lesley. She said: “It was just such an incredible feeling, meeting Les-
ley for the very first time. “The moment I walked through the departure gates I immediately recognised her and started to cry with tears of joy. “Embracing her at last after all this time was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I felt an immediate connection to her and her husband, who I’ve been dying to meet. “The build-up over the past couple of weeks has been just so emotional and surreal. I never even realised that I even had a sister until Lesley managed to contact me on Facebook. “They actually messaged my daughter, who then broke the news to me that I have a sister!
FROM nervous anticipation to tearful delight, here are the moments around when Lesley and Joan finally met.
For our exclusive video of their meeting, see the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Facebook page.
“We’re now staying with Lesley and her family for 20 days, which will give us plenty of time to catch up and learn all about each other. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I know both of our families will have a wonderful relationship into the future.”
From the continent of Australia to the island of Ireland - Joan crossed the planet to meet Lesley
Lesley Fagan and her husband, Steve
26 swords Gazette 12 May 2016
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28 swords gazette 12 May 2016
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FastSport Coolmine to host first ever long pass bid: COOLMINE rugby club are hosting the world’s first longest pass competition at their Ashbrook home, an event that is being run for players of all levels from Under-6s right the way up to senior. It takes place on Sunday, May 15 with the action getting under way at 12pm. The competition coincides with the club’s end of season party featuring awards, music, food and fun activities for all the family. There will be prizes for all levels and a cup to the player with the overall longest pass. All welcome to join in on the day. You can register in advance online or register on the day. Pass must be completed and between two players and it cannot be “a throw. That’s NFL!” For full details and registration go to www.coolminerugby.com or email coolmineinfo@ gmail.com.
rugby: coach andy wood hails high skill level in ubl final victory
Tarf Bulls’ first half rampage ubl division 1a final Clontarf Cork Constitution sport@dublingazette.com
28 25
CLONTARF survived a second half onslaught to claim their second Ulster Bank League title in three years, ultimately prevailing 28-25 in a cracking final at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday. The Bulls raced into a 21-3 half-time lead with player of the match Joey Carbery landing 11 points before the break to go with tries from Matt D’Arcy and Tony Ryan in a helter-skelter run up to the break. But 10 quick points from Cork Con in the second half suddenly closed the gap. Mick
McGrath, the league’s top try scorer, raced through for a classy try to re-establish Tarf’s control but further tries from Rob Jermyn and Darren Sweetnam made for a nervy last 20 minutes. The north Dubliners held on, however, and claimed the top flight crown to add to their 2013/14 success by virtue of finishing at the top of the Division 1A table. While acknowledging that it has been a long time for the club to win via the play-off route, Tarf head coach Andy Wood was delighted that his side were able to get over the line. “It’s been a long time coming to win it through the play-offs. It’s very satisfying, in fairness. If
you sum up the game, the fact that we continued to play stood to us in the end. Regardless of the situation and the match points we backed our skills, and took one very important chance in the second half just after they’d scored,” he Wood. “We knew Con would come back after halftime. We knew they’d get close. I didn’t quite expect them to get that close, if I’m 100% honest. They went after our breakdown on the first two phases and really messed up our momentum on two or three occasions, which got them back into the game. “Some of the skills on display from both teams,
Joseph Carbery, Clontarf, being presented with the Man of the Match award by Gary Prior from Ulster Bank, Malahide. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile
particularly in our backline, came to the fore. That is literally what got us the result in the end. Some really good work in the first half and then being able to punch it 10 minutes into the second half. Very, very pleasing.” This was the second year in succession that ‘Ta r f were contes ting the Ulster Bank League decider, and
although many would have seen their defeat to Lansdowne in that game 12 months ago as a motivational factor, Wood revealed that there was not much reference to it in the build-up to last Sunday’s encounter. “There wasn’t a lot of reference to last year’s game because you don’t want to dwell on negatives. Again, we had a lead in that one which
didn’t come to a good finish. We must like doing it because Con almost caught up with us. “It would be easier on the heart if we managed to extend our lead and left the ground running at the start of the second half. “Look, that’s rugby. Con are an excellent side with super young talents themselves.”
Castle’s Gleeson breaks top ten at Royal Dublin sport@dublingazette.com
Castle GC’s Alex Gleeson on the eighth hole at Royal Dublin last weekend. Picture: Pat Cashman
CASTLE Golf Club’s Alex Gleeson on five under par, ended the week inside the top 10 thanks to a final round 71, at the Flogas Irish Amateur Open Championship at Royal Dublin last Sunday. He was among a number of fine finishers. His club mate, Daniel Holland, posted a final round 72 to finish in a tie for 31st on one over. Edmondstown’s Barry Daly was in contention after an opening round 69 but he failed to make the cut after rounds of 78 and 76.
Indeed, there was an Irish one-two as Warrenpoint’s Colm Campbell edged out Walker Cup star Jack Hume. A final round 70 left Campbell on 16 under for the tournament, a record winning total at Royal Dublin, yet he had just one shot to spare. Hume, the world number 10, mounted a back-nine charge to push Campbell all the way but not even a 60-foot birdie at the last could deny the Ulsterman. “It was a very, very hard fought victory I can tell you,” said Campbell, who was six shots clear after
just five holes of the final round. Hume’s back-nine charge featured birdies at 13, 14 and 16 but Campbell sank a crucial birdie putt on 17 to restore a two-shot cushion heading down the 18th. Hume produced a stunning birdie at the last, holing from 60 feet, but Campbell made two putts for victory. “I knew Jack was going to come hard at me on the back nine. I stayed patient, kept trying to make good swings and picked good targets,” said 29-year-old Campbell. “It shows I’m heading in the right direction. If you
can hold guys like Jack off, who’s a phenomenal player and a guy that I really respect, who knows what can happen in the near future.” This was Campbell’s second major victory, having won the East of Ireland in 2014 when he beat Paul Dunne to the title. “It’s good to get another win under the belt. “It’s been two years nearly and you sort or always doubt yourself that will you ever get another championship because they’re so hard to come by,” said Campbell.
12 May 2016 swords gazette 29
Gazette
FootGolf Open for all for second edition FootGolf’s Irish Open going from strength to strength with the Highfield golf course welcoming all-comers for the second edition of the innovative and developing sport THE second ever Irish FootGolf Open will take place this weekend, May 13-15, at the Highfield Golf Course, Co Kildare. FootGolf, a game that brings together the sports of football and golf, has been on the rise since it was first introduced into Ireland back in 2013. Since then, the popularity of the sport has grown massively with a further 18 FootGolf courses opening throughout the country. Now, after the success of the inaugural 2015 Irish Open which was won by Nick Iron from Britain, the 2016 tournament, sponsored by Carzone.ie, will take
place with over one hundred players from 17 countries already registered. This year the event will be staged at an upgraded Highfield Golf Course that has invested in new championship tees and redesigned holes that have incorporated challenging new water hazards and a unique first tee off from the roof of the clubhouse which will provide a real test to participants. President of the Irish FootGolf Association Ronan Cunningham was the first to introduce the game to Irish shores back in 2013 when he opened the Footee course in Tal-
laght, and he has seen it grow at an impressive rate ever since. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s event, Cunningham said: “The game has been growing at a great rate nationally. “Last year we had 16 registered players for the National League and this season we have increased that to 58. We play twice a month on the Irish tour and we are increasing the numbers all the time.” Cunningham is looking forward to a successful tournament with an increased level of participants from around the world. “Last year was the first ever Irish Open
The Irish FootGolf team that will form a large part of the field at next weekend’s Irish Open in Kildare.
and we staged the event at Footee in Tallaght with 68 players from eight countries. “This year we already have close to double the amount of players and we will have 17 countries represented. This year’s event will be totally different with an
“Anyone of all ages and ability can enter the Irish Open but they should also be aware that they will be mixing it with some of the best in the business including Irish champion Gary Mullin who recently came 14th in the world, and European cham-
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‘FootGolf can be seen as a bit of craic but there is also a competitive side to the game’ - Ronan Cunningham --------------------------------------------------------
increased level of Irish players too.” In regular golf, players who par ticipate in an Irish Open are always at an elite level but, at the Irish FootGolf Open, any level of player can enter and play alongside the top stars. “FootGolf can be seen as a bit of craic and a kick about for a lot of people but there is also a different, competitive side to the game. “We don’t want to move away from the craic side of the game but we also want people to know that they can compete at a higher level in the game. “This tournament is part of the European FootGolf Tour so there will be really good players on show.
pion Lionel Jacot.” This weekend’s tournament will be staged ove r t wo d ay s a n d Cunningham is hopeful of getting more participants involved, and more spectators to attend the fun filled days out. “We are still accepting entries for players up until Friday at 6pm and it costs just €50 for an Irish player. “We are hoping for some good weather so hopefully we will see good numbers out to watch the action and suppor t the players as they go around the course. “Our sponsors Carzone have been brilliant and have helped us put on what we hope will be a brilliant two days of FootGolf.”
FastSport
Gillick continuing to roll back years in Belfast DAVID Gillick continued to roll back the years with a big season’s best at the Belfast International for a second place finish on Saturday, May 7. The Dundrum South Dublin AC man has been adopting a “one race at a time” approach to his comeback and posted an impressive 47.24 behind England’s Theo Campbell in 46.24. In Belfast, Clonliffe Harriers’ Timmy Crowe rounded out the top three with a 47.37 second clocking. For Gillick, the Beijing Olympian retired from athletics back in July 2012 but returned to competitive action in the past few weeks and could have an outside chance of running at his second games as part of the 4x400m Irish relay team in Rio de Janeiro. The 32-year-old began his comeback in Pavia, Italy, running 48.05 to finish fifth in the 400m. Gillick’s 47.24 improved significantly on his this opener in damp and inclement conditions at the Mary Peters Track. There were a number of good performances in Belfast despite the less than favourable track weather. John Travers (Donore Harriers) coasted to victory in the men’s 3,000m in 8:03.69 but led home three World junior qualifying times. Pierre Murchan (DCH), Jack O’Leary and James Edgar all clocked world junior B qualifiers for the 5,000m – a 3,000m time is taken for qualification. Murchan finished third overall in 8.11.77, O’Leary was fifth in 8.14.13 and Edgar was a place behind in 8:14.55. Ciara Mageean (UCD) was first woman home in the mixed 3,000m in 9.07.47. Laura Crowe (An Riocht) was just pipped for second in the women’s 800m by Scotland’s Katy Brown – Crowe running 2.04.21 to Brown’s 2.04.05. Carla Sweeney (WSAF) clocked her second world junior B qualifier which should seal her selection – she finished 10th in 2.08.47 with Rose Finnegan (Bohermeen) running her first B qualifying time with a personal best of 2.08.93.
Gazette
30 SWORDS gazette 12 May 2016
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: match abandoned but swords club likely to take points
McKee plays his part for Paralympic squad SWORDS man Carl McKee, pictured, was part of the Irish team that competed well at the CP Football Pre-Paralympic Games tournament in Salou, Spain last week. They closed out the competition in fifth place, winning their final game against USA 4-1 to finish on a high with Dillon Sheridan scoring hat-trick. Sheridan was the hero of the hour having netted three goals before the break ensuring his place as the tournament’s top goal scorer, Tom Badun secured Ireland’s fourth goal just before the full-time whistle. Earlier on, an own goal for Ireland gave the USA their only glimmer of hope in a game that was completely dominated by the talented Irish squad. Brilliant performances from Luke Evans, Gary Messett, Joe Markey and Conor Tuite kept any hint of an American offensive break at bay, and with the fire power of Sheridan and later, Badun, up front, Ireland quickly sealed their third consecutive victory to claim fifth in the tournament. They finished behind Great Britain (fourth) and the Netherlands (third), with Brazil and Ukraine fighting it out for top honours. Earlier games this week saw them lose out to Brazil (3-0) and Great Britain (3-1) before hitting a winning streak against the USA (twice: 5-0, 4-1) and Argentina (3-0). Speaking about the tournament, team manager Barry Ferguson stated: “We’re delighted with how the tournament has gone, the performance level of the players was very high, and one of the main goals of coming here was to learn as much as we could about ourselves, and about our opposition – and that goal was achieved. “Our focus turns to Rio now, with the confirmation of the group line-ups, we have a big task ahead of us, but I feel that what we have learned at this tournament will help us a great deal with our Rio preparations,” he concluded.
Rivervalley Rangers’ Paul Ryan and Ronan Murtagh have been in deadly shooting form
Valley shoot down Sheriff
aul premier b
Sheriff YC Rivervalley Rangers
0 4
Match abandoned after 75 mins
derek mckenna sport@dublingazette.com
RIVERVALLEY Rangers look set to move a step closer to claiming the AUL Premier B title with the likelihood they will be awarded the points from their tie against last season’s champions Sheriff YC at Chanel Leisure Centre last week. Paul Ryan hit a hat trick hero as the Stephen Doran managed side followed up their four goal victory over Ashbourne
the week previously with a same scoreline over Sheriff. The tie, however, was wrapped up early by the referee after Sheriff had three players shown red cards. Following consultation with the home side’s management after the third red, the referee blew the game up early and the result has yet to be officially confirmed on the AUL website. However, it is almost certain that Rivervalley will get the three points and move within touching distance of the title. League leaders ‘Valley started the stronger
pro-am qualifier Donabate duo through to All-Ireland qualifier aisling Reid and Andrew Thompson,
Donabate GC, took part in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Pro-Am qualifying competition at Hollystown Golf Club, earning a final qualifier round ticket. The European Tour gave clubs around Ireland the chance to play with international golf superstars and world famous celebrities in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Pro-Am. The winning club will send a team to compete in the Pro-Am. Picture: Thos Caffrey/Golflie
and took the lead after 15 minutes when Paul Currivan got his head to a corner and it nestled into the net. Soon af ter up the other end Sheriff’s were reduced to 10 men after their keeper clipped Mark O’Brien on the edge of the area and as he was the last man, he was sent for an early bath. The game remained competitive for the rest of the half with Rivervalley taking a slender one goal lead into the break. With 55 on the clock Sheriff’s chances of getting something from the game were severely
diminished when they had another player sent off, this time for handball on the edge of the box. Paul Ryan stepped up and sailed his free kick over the wall and into the net. Ryan got a taste for goals and added a further two soon after to complete his hat-trick. His first found the net by way of a slight deflection and the second was another cracking free kick, this time from the angle of the box. With Rivervalley four goals up Sheriff then had a third player sent off, this time for dissent and the game descended
into chaos. Some Sheriff players began to remove their shirts and walk off the field of play, and after the referee consulted with their management, he blew up with 15 minutes left on the clock. Rivervalley are confident they will be awarded the three points and if that happens they will sit 13 points ahead of the only side who can catch them, Real Transilvania. Valley have two league games left to play but their title rivals, who currently sit fourth, have six still to go, one of which is against the current leaders in what could be an exciting finale.
12 May 2016 SWORDS gazette 31
Gazette
maiden victory
Ormonde inspires Syl’s to first ever derby win
Club Noticeboard FINGALLIANS
martin Ormonde scored a mammoth
0-13 from 13 frees and 65s to help St Sylvester’s win their senior B hurling championship tie with local rivals Naomh Mearnog 1-18 to 1-16. It was their first ever win over the Portmarnock side in either senior or inter hurling and came in a cracking contest that never saw more than a couple of points between the sides.
INGALLIANS have drawn Good Counsel
The club’s race date in Bellewstown
in the intermediate championship last
is on Saturday, July 2. There are some
16. The game was due to be played this
places still available; no group too
Friday but has been postponed due to
small. Please email teresacollins9@
the opposition having a player on the
gmail.com for enquiries/bookings.
Dublin senior hurling panel.
tee that will oversee the maintenance
Commercials on Saturday evening
and enhancement of the club facilities.
and our junior hurlers beat Na Fianna
If you are interested, please contact
on Sunday afternoon.
Brendan McGrath on 087 2747127 or
U-16 football championship semi-
football: fingallians denied in epic encounter
The club wants to set up a commit-
Our Inter hurlers were beaten by
brendanmcgr@gmail.com
final: Fingallians were beaten after
Bank Holiday draw winners: first
extra time v Round Tower, Clondalkin
– Elena Diez; second – Shirley Quinn;
after finishing 5-12 each in a trilling
third – Paul O’Neill; fourth – Ciaran
encounter.
Redmond; fifth – Gerard Magan.
U-13 camogie had a great win in mid-
Check out our new upgraded web-
week versus Lucan Sarsfields and, on
site: www.fingallians.com. Thank you
Sunday, they drew with Good Counsel.
to Colin Foley for all his hard work on
On Saturday, there was a team build-
completing this project.
ing day for the U-13 and U-11 teams
Last week’s lotto numbers were 2,
travelling to mini muckers in Punch-
10, 18, 20 and 26. We had four winners
estown. Training is on Tuesday eve-
– Pat Colgan, Caoimhe Dillon, B Keogh
nings from 6-7pm. New players most
and Aidan Brehony. The jackpot this
welcome.
week will be €2,072.
ST FINIAN’S IT WAS championship fixtures for both
final in Feile last week, playing another
our adult junior hurling teams this
two matches. Wins against Kilmacud
week. The junior A side had a narrow
Crokes and Man O War leaves the lads
loss to Kilmacud on Saturday evening.
top of the table with eight wins from
The junior F side had to aban-
Round Tower attempt to block a Fingallians’ shot. Picture: Kyran O’Brien
Fins left stunned by Tower’s big fightback
u-16c fc semi-final Fingallians 5-13 Round Tower 7-15 sport@dublingazette.com
FINGALLIANS played their part in an absolute Under-16 classic but will ultimately look back on their C championship semi-final date with Round Tower with frustration as they fell to Round Tower, Clondalkin in extra time last weekend at Lawless Park. The hoops ended up winning by eight points but that barely tells the tale of a 12-goal epic last Saturday which saw the momentum swing back
and forward throughout. It was a heroic display by the Tower’s lads who overcame significant adversity to book their place in the final. Fins started brilliantly with two early goals helping them run up a 2-7 to 0-6 at half-time. Indeed, they held a massive 13-point lead which was briefly whittled back to six points before an 11-point advantage was re-established going into the final quarter. But Round Tower summoned an amazing late salvo to level the game at 5-12 a piece to force extra time where they
outscored their rivals 2-3 to 0-1. “The lads thought at one stage they had the game lost but they showed tremendous resilience to bring themselves back into the game and overturn such a sizeable lead,” said Mark Casey, Tower’s manager. “At the end of normal time the spirits were high. The lads had brought themselves right back into it and they felt they could push on and win it. “We asked if anybody wanted to be subbed and if legs were giving in but all the lads wanted to play on and go and win the
game.” The Sean double act – Casey and Bermigham – did the most damage. Casey registered 2-4 and Bermingham 3-1. Padraig McNamara followed up with an impressive 1-2 tally and Caimin Byrne also netted. Crucially, Tom Cannon produced a superb penalty save to keep Tower’s just about in the mix. Casey added. “It’s important to mention our defenders had excellent displays against a very strong forward line with Jack Slattery, Alex Doyle, Thomas Greenhalgh and Lee Moran standing out.”
eigh. Keep up the good work boys.
don their match versus Realt Dearg
The team would also like to thank
when our forward Stephen Donnelly
Brian Farrell from Airways Motor
had to be taken to hospital. Stephen
Company for their continued sup-
has since had a series of tests and is
port.
recovering well.
The U-14 camogie and girls foot-
We all wish him a speedy recovery
ball teams had another win each last
and also express sincere thanks to
week. The footballers are now in sec-
all at Realt Dearg for their assistance
ond place in Division 1, just one point
and care.
behind the leaders St Brigid’s.
Our U-14 boys had a very busy week
The U-12 camogie team had a fine
after narrowly missing out on a semi-
win away against Naomh Fhionbarra.
FINGAL Ravens THANKS to our neighbours Donaghmore Ashbourne for inviting us to their family fun day last Sunday. Well
recently. Our Summer Cul Camp takes place on July 4 to 8, 10am – 2.30pm daily.
done to our senior team on winning the
There was no jackpot winner of
Thomas Ashe trophy after an enter-
the lotto. Numbers were 11, 13, 31 and
taining game that they won by a single
38. Hannah Cosgrave matched three
point.
numbers and wins €250; the jackpot
Well done to our minor team on a
remains at €17,000. When the current
good win at home on Sunday morning
Jackpot is won the new jackpot will
in the league against Naomh Olaf.
start at €4,066.
Congratulations to the ladies team
Anyone looking for club gear, please
on their fantastic win against Clon-
contact Ann Fox on 086 1771027, new
tarf in the league last week, final score
stock available.
Clontarf 2-11, Fingal Ravens 4-10. Our U-11s girls team showed great improvement in their skills away to St Monica’s on Sunday.
Well done to all our members who took part in the Darkness into Light walk last Saturday. We would like to wish the best of luck
Thanks to Rolestown Motors who
all the boys and girls from Rolestown
kindly sponsored gear for our U-14
NS making their Confirmation this Fri-
players for their Feile competition
day.
GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 28-31
seeing red: Rivervalley facing wait to confirm they have won points after Sheriff trio all sent off P30
may 12 - 18, 2016
Can you kick it?: FootGolf Irish Open set for huge growth in year two P29
Malahide United’s hugely successful NDSL Under-15 side
Malahide’s perfect 10 United provide huge contingent to the NDSL Under-15 representative side that reached the final of the SFAI inter-league cup last weekend
derek mckenna
sport@dublingazette.com
MALAHIDE United provided an incredible 10 players to the NDSL squad that defeated the Donegal Schoolboy League last weekend in Donegal to book their spot in the SFAI Under-15 Inter-League Cup Final. The NDSL will now face the Limerick Desmond League in the final on May 21 in Cahir, Tipperary. In last Saturday’s semi-final, six of the starting 11 were Malahide players while the winning goal also came by way of a Malahide boot in an entertaining game. In a close fight half, the hosts just about
shaded the early exchanges and could have went in front if not for some resolute defending from United trio Matthew Kinahan, Ciaran Daly and Ben Gaynor. As the half progressed, the NDSL grew into the game and came close with a couple of chances but couldn’t find the net and the sides went into the break level. After the turn, the NDSL hit the ground running and went in front when St Kevin’s Boys youngster Sean Enright drove forward from half way and fired low into the bottom left corner. The second came soon after when Malahide’s Colm McGrady came off the bench to latch onto club-mate Liam McGrath’s pull
back and fire home to double the advantage. With 10 minutes left to play Donegal set up an exciting finale when they found the net but the NDSL held firm and claimed the victory that booked their spot on the final. Speaking after the win team manager David Sheridan was full of praise for the Malahide United contingent in his squad. “The bulk of the squad is made up of Malahide United and St Kevin’s Boys players with a few from other clubs. “From Malahide there are Sean Bohan, Matthew K inahan, Ciaran Daly, Ben Gaynor, Carl Rooney, Liam McGrath, Callum Buchan, Danny Taaffe, Sean O’Connor
and Colm McGrady. “They are a great group of players with a few of the squad on the FAI’s Emerging Talent programme and a few having trials with the Irish team. We would hope that the players keep progressing and maybe go on to play in the League of Ireland Under-17 division in a couple of years.” Looking towards the final with the Limerick Desmond League, Sheridan has a confident outlook. “We played them last summer and beat them in the Kennedy Cup to secure third place but they are a strong side and we will be expecting a tough game on May 21,” said the NDSL boss.