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June 30-July 6, 2016

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 Sylvia Pownall

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Locals saddened as 113-year-old pub closes down

STAFF at the Star pub in Swords were told it was closing down just hours before it shut its doors on Monday.

The landmark Main Street boozer – trading under the Taylor family for the past 113 years – has been up for sale for more than a year.

Up to 30 jobs will be lost and some staff were

said to be “in tears” at the shock announcement.

The downstairs carvery will continue to serve food for the next for tnight before the doors shut for good.

A source at the pub said: “I feel sorry for the owners but I don’t like the way they did it.”

Management were unavailable for comment.

Full Story on Page 2

2 FINGAL Gazette 30 June 2016

shell-shocked | 30 jobs gone due to closure

‘Staff gutted’ as Star pub in Swords School’s fourth flag joy shuts its doors  Sylvia Pownall THE Star pub in Swords closed down on Monday with the loss of up to 30 jobs.

T he hostelr y – an institution in the town – will remain open for food only for the next few weeks before it closes its doors for good.

The pub, which is one of the oldest in north Dublin, has been up for sale as a going concern since May of last year but the €1.5 million price tag has yet to

attract a buyer.

T he closure was announced out of the blue on Monday evening and some staff were left shell-shocked at the news.

One source told the Gazette: “All the staff are gutted. Some were in tears last night.

“It is very sad. It’s not easy to see a business that’s been on the main street for over 100 years come to an abrupt end like this.”

The pub, located on the corner of Main

Street and Chapel Lane, was owned by the Taylor family who have traded there for the past 113 years.

It expanded in the 1990s to incorporate a nightclub upstairs and a carvery lounge extension downstairs.

A post on The Star Bar and Restaurant Facebook page states that the carvery will be open for at least the next two weeks.

Cllr Philip Ly nam said on Tuesday: “Very sad to hear one of the

oldest pubs in Swords is closing.

“I also heard up to 30 jobs have been lost and bar staff only received notice last night which is quite shocking considering they have families to feed and mortgages to pay.

“Let’s hope whoever takes over or opens up a new venture will consider these employees as part of their team.”

Management were unavailable for comment at time of going to press.

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Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor was on hand at Swords Educate Together to raise the school’s 4th Green Flag award. It was a fantastic day with singing dancing and fun had by all. The school has wasted no time in starting to work on their 5th Green Flag for Biodiversity.

Fears of construction traffic affects allayed PORTRANE and Donabate residents have given a cautious welcome to news that construction traffic at St Ita’s Hospital will not impact on two local sports clubs. Last week the HSE gave a commitment to realign the temporary haul road in order to bypass St Patrick’s GAA and St Ita’s AFC. This means all building site traffic will not impact on sports grounds at Ballymastone when construction of the new National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital gets under way in October. Cllr

Adrian Henchy, joint chair of a liaison committee representing the community, said: “While late in the day this decision is still a very welcome one for the local community who consistently highlighted this concern. Thankfully the right decision has prevailed.”

The HSE has also offered to extend the road and build a footpath along the lane, with work due to commence shortly. They are also considering a request for a displayed timer on the traffic lights.

30 June 2016 FINGAL Gazette 3

Gazettegallery

| Flavours of Fingal in Newbridge House, Donabate

Enjoying a family fun experience

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Darragh Butler (FF) with event volunteers. Pictures: Tim Ralph Photography

D

A traditional agricultural show was enjoyed by visitors. Pictures: Ray Watts

espite the cold and wet weather, thousands of people attended Flavours of Fingal in Newbridge House, Donabate. The event featured a traditional agricultural show along with a food festival, Kids Play Zone and various other activities.

County Mayor, Cllr Darragh Butler, said:

“I would like to congratulate Fingal Farmers and Fingal County Council on putting together an excellent event. Newbridge House is the perfect venue for an event of this type and it was great to see so many families from across the county and beyond really enjoying themselves.�

4 fingal Gazette 30 June 2016

Malahide | Noise pollution to top agenda

Farrell delighted in new role

‘Lots of unrest’ over new airport runway  Sylvia Pownall

HUNDREDS are expected to voice their opposition to the new airport runway at two public information meetings in Malahide this weekend.

Noise pollution due to increased air traffic is the issue expected to dominate the debate – particularly among residents living along the flight path.

Dave Kelly, spokesman for Portmarnock Community Association, told the Gazette: “People recognise that the runway is needed and that it will create jobs, but the noise will cause a lot of grief.

“People are worried about certain aspects of the plan and my only hope is that we have our

say at the meetings this weekend.

“We want an independent company to professionally monitor noise within flight-noise contours to ensure sound insulation is provided to those people under the flight path.”

The DAA insists measures will be taken to reduce engine noise. But it concedes that there will be some disruption from increased traffic and it has offered insulation to some schools and homes.

The authority has also indicated it will be willing to buy houses within a 69 decibel range of the runway if residents find the noise levels overbearing. This offer will remain for 12 months after the

runway opens (in 2020).

There are currently no restrictions on planning at Dublin Airport. But two planning conditions attached to the North Runway project – restricting the number of flights between 11pm and 7 am – are problematic for the airport authority.

It is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to examine how changing these restrictions would affect neighbouring areas. The council says the restrictions can only be overturned if a fresh planning application comes in.

A DAA spokesperson said yesterday: “We are currently looking at the best way to address the two planning conditions

which are problematic.

About 180 people attended the initial information sessions in Roganstown at which the Airport outlined its plans for the runway. We listened to the issues raised, discussed them with residents and we will also be responding directly to a number of specific items raised during the two days.”

He said DAA was also inviting contributions for the new EIS to assess the impact of removing the two restrictive planning conditions. This process is open until July 22.

Two more public meetings take place at the Grand Hotel, Malahide, this Friday, July 1 from 1pm to 8pm and Saturday, July 2 from 10am to 6pm.

Taking a shine to reading books Schoolchildren from St Andrew’s National School and St John Paul 2 attended the launch of Summer Stars Reading Programme at Malahide Library.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, Fingal CE Paul Reid and author Alan Nolan were on hand for the launch. Summer Stars is a free national reading programme for children which will run in public libraries throughout the country this summer. At the end of the programme, all children who have participated will be invited to attend an awards event. Picture: Brian MacCormaic

FINE Gael TD Alan Farrell has been appointed to the Dail Public Accounts Committee.

The Fingal deputy said he was “delighted” to take on the challenge as part of the public spending watchdog.

He added: “I look forward to taking on this role and ensuring that every euro of public funds spent is accounted for.

“I will do my utmost to pursue greater transparency in the way Government agencies allocate and manage their money.

If cases arise where evidence suggests wrongdoing has occurred, I will work with the relevant bodies to make sure it is pursued.”

Deputy Farrell has also been reappointed to the Oireachtas Justice and Equality committee.

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Gazettegallery

| Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society

Taking centre stage at awards

M

alahide Musical and Dramatic Society joined over 1,000 other musical society members to celebrate the best of amateur musical theatre at the AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) Awards Weekend hosted in the Gleneagle hotel in Killarney.

The awards weekend is a chance for societies from around the country to mingle, party and celebrate the people and societies who have been nominated. Malahide were very proud of Sarah Lynch Barrett who was nominated for best Musical Director in the Gilbert Section for Malahide’s “Hot Mikado”. The weekend began with a fancy dress night, the theme of which was “Over the Rainbow” and the weekend culminated with a blacktie awards dinner followed by a night of dancing and singing which continued well into the Sunday morning.

30 June 2016 fingal Gazette 7

Baldoyle spinal cord injury | swords man meets with public representatives goes wild A new community group, Baldoyle Nature and Wildlife Society, is holding a public meeting at 8pm on Tuesday, July 5 in Baldoyle Community Hall.

The group is hoping to attract new members who share an interest in the flora and fauna of the local area.

BNWS acting secretary Treasa Kerrigan said: “We aim to promote awareness of the rich diversity of flora and fauna, especially around Baldoyle Estuary and Baldoyle Racecourse, and hope to get all members of the local community involved in this project, from recording sightings of birds, animals and plants, getting involved in tree planting, to organising a clean up of the estuary.”

For more information contact Treasa on 086 6069201 or follow look up the Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/BaldoyleNatureandWildlifeSociety/

Stephen appeals for key issues to be implemented  Emma Nolan

A Swords man living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) has asked TDs and Senators to deliver on three key issues which affect the 1,800 people living in Ireland with a SCI. Stephen, from Swords visited Leinster House along with others affected by SCIs to highlight the main issues they face each day.

Stephen is calling on the public representatives to list a SCI as a long-term illness, to

deliver on essential services by 2020 and to enable Spinal Injuries Ireland to provide relevant supports and education so people with a SCI participate fully in society.

In Ireland, 76% of people with a SCI are unemployed and 40% live on or below the poverty line.

An injury to the spinal cord can be sustained either traumatically as a result of an accident or sporting injury; or non-traumatically, as a result of illness, such as cancer.

On average, one person sustains a spinal cord injury every week. It can happen to anyone at any stage.

Fiona Bolger of Spinal Injuries Ireland, said: “We estimate that for every person with a SCI, there are an additional 10 people in their community of family and friends directly impacted. When a life changing injury occurs the consequences are felt right through the local community, the injured person, family, friends, colleagues.”

Local families flock to an entertaining fun day

Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Club’s fun day in aid of St Francis Hospice in Raheny, featured plenty of entertainment for local families who came to enjoy face painting, balloon modelling, music, food stalls and games to name but a few.

Funding boost EIGHT Portmarnock residents are set to benefit from a €20m funding boost to integrate people with disabilities into the wider community.

The eight, from HSE services in Daughters of Charity, St Rosalie’s, Portmarnock, are set to move to community living in the coming weeks.

TD Darragh O’Brien ( F F ) we l c o m e d t h e move, but warned it was just the tip of the iceberg.

He said: “While it is just a start, I am relieved that the Government has finally placed some much needed investment to support people with a disability to move to homes in the community. “ We n e e d t o p u t patients at the heart of the system.

“T his funding will allow people to live and flourish as a part of the community.”

Evie McNamee and Isabell Molloy

Paddy Kenny in the dunk tank

Emily Hurst. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Kalie May

Fiona Bolger and Stephen Cluskey

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Gazettegallery

| The Cottage Montessori School wraps up for summer

Celebrating the last day of montessori at The Cottage Montessori School. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Final day is a classy affair

I

t was a day of mixed emotions at The Cottage Montessori School based on Kinsealy Lane in Malahide as pupils celebrated their last day of an exciting year. Everyone enjoyed a range of fun activities and games before saying goodbye to their pals and looking forward to the summer months ahead.

Amelia Hourican and Bethany Stanley

Patrick Fegan

Max McKernan

Niall Keane

Anna O’Hanlon and Bethany Stanley with their medals and prizes

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Gazettegallery | at the premiere concert of Starboard Home

Mairead McElvaney and Lisa McKenny Jezzi

Karen Greene, Elizabeth Nolan and Nicola Murphy Rose. Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

Jenny White and Mark Colbert

Sandra Santos

All hands on deck for a celebration

S

ome of Ireland’s leading musicians and songwriters including Paul Noonan (Bell X1), Paul Cleary (The Blades), Cathy Davey, Duke Special, Gemma Hayes and John Sheahan came together to create Starboard Home, a commission by Dublin

Port Company in collaboration with the National Concert Hall to celebrate the Port, City, and River Liffey. The event featured 12 new songs about stories of the river and port portraying Dublin’s resonant past as well as its dynamic present.

Danile Coleman and Marie Claire Bethan Leonard and Emma White

Liv and Ger McNaughton

Daly

Eileen O’Sullivan and Eimear Murphy

Catherine Lynch and Edel Currie

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- a musical tribute

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Andrew Hetherington and Helen Carroll

Oonagh O’Sullivan and Sinead Healy

Sean Laoide-Kemp and Aine Corrigan

Sinead Carroll and Jonathan O’Brien

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12 Gazette 30 June 2016

dublinBUSINESS

You better be Quik - Skillar create new app to accelerate recruitment  Ian Begley

Skillar, an early-stage University College Dublin student venture, has won the 2016 UCD Startup Stars Programme.

Skillar is developing Quik, a new mobile application to accelerate the part-time recruitment process.

Quik will allow employers to streamline the hiring and job-search process by enabling them to advertise part-time jobs and subsequently shortlist and talk to locally-available applicants who apply through the application.

Quik will also provide validation of the previous work experience of applicants to shorten the recruitment and interview process.

The founders of Skillar are UCD students, Laurence McNally (Masters, Mechanical Engineering), Stephen Jones (4th year, Chemical Engineering) and Andrew Desmond (Masters, Digital Innovation).

UCD Startup Stars is an entrepreneurship programme developed by NovaUCD, UCD Innovation Academy and UCD Michael Smurfit Gradu-

ate Business School to provide a framework and support for UCD undergraduate and postgraduate students working together to develop and grow start-up companies.

UCD Startup Stars began earlier this year when students undertaking workshops and modules at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and at UCD Innovation Academy explored and evaluated a variety of real world problems before forming teams to develop start-up solutions to address the

Founders of Skillar Laurence McNally, Stephen Jones and Andrew Desmond

identified problems.

Six student ventures, with 14 team members, were then selected to participate in an intensive mentoring programme which has taken place over the last 4 weeks at NovaUCD. The aim of this men-

toring programme was to assist the participants in refining their start-up ideas through a series of structured workshops including taught content from industry experts, interactive workshops and regular pitching sessions.

In addition each team also received a cash stipend and office space at NovaUCD. Following final pitches Skillar was selected as the overall winner, as it was judged to have the most commercial potential, and the founders

received a cash prize of €3,000 sponsored by Xilinx. Each of the five runners-up also received a cash prize of €500.

Laurence McNally, Skillar co-founder said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed our last 4 weeks at NovaUCD during which we have further developed our start-up idea and we are delighted that Skillar has won the 2016 UCD Startup Stars Programme.

“Skillar is currently at the feasibility phase and we plan to use our prize to further develop our product.

“Our aim is that Quik will be a more attractive and faster solution than traditional CVs and online applications for employers who are seeking part-time staff and individuals who are seeking part-time jobs.”

Dublin companies dominate awards  Ian Begley

Dublin companies have dominated the shor tlist of greatest new innovations in The Irish Times Innovation Awards.

With 13 of the 21 nominations hailing from the capital, the shortlist features entries from established companies, innovators, startups and academia from across the island and in seven different industry categories.

The aim of the awards, which are now in their seventh year, is to showcase and reward excellence in innovation

across a range of products and services.

Taney based company Moocall was shortlisted in the agri-tech category while three city centre based companies (Melosity, Scriba and Vstream) dominated the creative industries and design sector.

In the Fin Tech category, Aid:Tech from Dublin 8 and Coalface Capital from UCD were represented while Hub Controls and PM Group from Tallaght were represented in the manufacturing category.

The winners will be announced at a high profile awards ceremo-

ny in early October in Dublin.

Each category winner will secure a €10,000 media package with The Irish Times and an iPad with a subscription to The Irish Times e paper.

The overall winner of ‘Innovation of the Year’ will win a communications and advertising package, worth in excess of €150,000. In addition, they’ll also win a UCD Smurfit Business School scholarship for an Executive Education programme commencing in 2017 and a state of the art laptop with subscription to The Irish Times e paper.

Micheal OMuircheartaigh

A true legend At a recent North Dublin Chamber lunch in the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport, the legend that is Micheal O Muircheartaigh entertained the packed audience with stories and facts of a career that spans six decades. The ‘Voice of GAA’ held the attention of the audience from start to finish as he regaled a lifetime of sporting memories.

30 June 2016 Gazette 13

dublin pride P16

style P18

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

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diary P14

a day in the life: Room to Improve’s Ian hart sheds light on popular show Claude’s a

The Hart of the matter  Ian Begley

Ian Hart, the popular contractor and foreman on RTE’s Room to Improve, has a nononsense approach when it comes to design and renovation, and his evident skills and creativity makes it no surprise that he has secured a longstanding role in the TV home renovation series.

Specialist advice Aside from TV work, Ian also operates his own construction business Hart Of The Home, and produces a helpful blog of specialist advice on construction and home improvement.

For this week’s Day in the Life we caught up with Ian to get a feel of what it’s really like to be involved in the hit TV show, alongside architect Dermot Bannon.

I first got onto the show back in 2007 when myself and Dermot were approached while working in the same office in Dublin.

“When you’re on the programme it’s not easy by any means and Dermot is certainly not the easiest man to work with.

“It can be brutal at times, but you just have to keep the head down for three or four months and think of the end result.

“The biggest challenges are probably when we have to price projects.

“A lot of people think you’re getting loads of money for it because just because you’re on a TV show, but that’s anything but the truth.

“You have to go through a tender process and get the most competitive price for the project.

“You don’t just get handed a job, you have to go through the entire rigmarole of pricing everything.

“Keeping tabs on Dermot is actually the hardest thing. My no-nonsense attitude around him doesn’t work at all.

“He doesn’t care who you are or what you do he’s just a very hard man to get through to.”

Ian added that at times there is conflict on the show, especially when he doesn’t meet eye to eye with architects.

“Every job we do is for an architect. An architect has their own vision for a project and obviously the clients get to see the plans at the very beginning, but to see something in a plan and to visualise it is two different things altogether.

“Dermot mightn’t show up for two or three weeks at a time when the development has already been built, but at times he comes in and wants it completely different which gets very frustrating.

“I’d say the most gratifying part of my job is the whole buzz around a job when the cameras are rolling – it’s great for morale and I think everyone gets a kick out of it.

“It’s also really great seeing the homeowners moving into their new house and loving it, which is very satisfying. It gives you such a great sense of achievement.

Popular contractor and foreman on RTE’s Room to Improve Ian Hart

clear top pooch

OUR Dog of the Week looking for his #SpecialSomeone* is Claude, a gorgeous fiveyear-old male Pit-bull cross with possibly a Boxer.

He is basically a wriggly, snuggly playful ball of giddiness and fun! Claude is a real people person and would happily snuggle up to you all day. Unfortunately he had to have his tail amputated as he injured it badly from constantly wagging it and banging it off things.

To compensate for this, he now wags his rear end and is affectionately know as wiggle bottom.

If you can be Claude’s #SpecialSomeone*, then 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, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. *Dogs Trust has launched their new TV ad; the #SpecialSomeone campaign aims to bring to life just how important a new owner is to the dogs they rehome.

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14 Gazette 30 June 2016

dublinlife

DIARY

Books, heroes & wisdom nurturing the love of books

The Bord Gais Energy Little Readers campaign is back for 2016 with 5,000 books for children nationwide to enjoy for free.

Now in its third year, the Little Readers campaign aims to inspire a love of reading from an early age by encouraging parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents and older siblings to register with the book club and pass on the love of reading.

Early childhood development expert David Carey said: “Getting children aged five and under acquainted with books and reading from a young age is so helpful to their development.”

As part of the campaign, Bord Gais Energy are also supporting Focus Ireland by donating books for children under five living in emergency homeless accommodation across the country.

Books are free for all

Those who are interested can email wisewords@ bbc.co.uk or call 00 44 7711 000 040.

children under five whose parents/guardians are members of the Bord Gais Energy Book Club. Visit bordgaisenergybookclub. ie to register.

insightful, wise and characterful The BBC are currently casting in Dublin for a new TV series.

The new series will see people from different cultures and backgrounds give advice and insight to individuals who are going

the search is on for local heroes The People of the Year Awards, Ireland’s top honours system which celebrates some of the country’s most inspiring people, has launched its Little Readers Millie (4) from Tallaght, Zane (5) from search for the heroes of Raheny and Doireann (5) from Dundalk, let their 2016, calling on those in imaginations run wild as they launch the Bord Gais Dublin to get involved.

Energy Little Readers programme.

Now in its 42nd year, the awards, which are through a pivotal change ask others. organised by Rehab, will in their lives (a new baby, a Researchers are look- be broadcast this year on wedding, a new job, etc.). ing for “wise and insight- RTE One on December 3.

The idea behind the ful people who are of great A host of former winners show is that in our hectic character and have signifi- gathered in the historical modern lives we are more cant life experience”. Pair Collins Barracks in Dublikely to turn to Google and small groups will also lin, to reflect on this spewith our problems than be accepted. cial year in Ireland’s histo-

ry, and one hundred years on from 1916, to launch a search for more of our country’s heroes.

The ceremony is a special opportunity for the Irish public to honour and celebrate those extraordinary people among us; those who have shown courage, bravery, determination and those who have contributed to our society and to their local communities in their own unique way in the past 12 months.

Nominating someone is easy – the public can submit details of their chosen nominee online at www. peopleoftheyear.com or www.facebook.com/PeopleOfTheYearAwards.

The closing date for entries is September 12.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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If you are in need of some creative ideas to get started on your Summer home improvement plans, pop down to Tobermore’s Dublin Paving and Walling Centre, open from Monday – Saturday, to check out the extensive range of block paving, paving flags, walling and kerbing products available.

Visiting the centre is an invaluable experience as it offers the opportunity to view the stunning product colours, textures and laying patterns available in real-life landscaped environments.

Free samples are also available for you to take home.

Call 01 8437440 or visit www.tobermore.ie for more information.

30 June 2016 Gazette 15

Gazettegallery | beauty abound in dublin waiting to be discovered

The beauty of nature N

o matter where you live in the city you don’t have to travel far to get an eyeful of nature.

Skerries photographer Ray Watts has sent us in another array of his fantastic pictures: The beautiful Corballis sunset and the family life of the swans with a buzzard hovering above. It looks like that starling is tickled having picked up one of the cygnet’s feathers. We’d love you to send us your photos of what you’ve spotted when you’re out and about - why not email your pics to news@dublingazette.com

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dublinlife

gallery

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16 Gazette 30 June 2016

pride parades across the world

Bologna, Italy

Chicago, Illinois

a proud day for dublin Jesse Dunne (centre) with all Bank of Ireland staff and dancers from dance troupe Diamont Twirlers from Bluebell. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Millie Cunningham and Jake Branagan with dance troupe Diamont Twirlers

The annual Dublin LGBTQ Pride parade was a loud and joyful event, drawing tens of thousands of people, young and old, to the streets of the capital for a day of dancing and after parties.

Thousands of rainbow flags fluttered in the breeze as the parade began at the Garden of Remembrance before passing O’Connell Street, the Custom House Quay and Westland Row towards Mer-

rion Square. The theme of this year’s parade was “Rebel Rebel” honouring the events of 1916 and David Bowie. Celebrations mark a year since the passing of the historic marriage referendum.

Manila, Philippines

Ciara Amstrong, Jesse Dunne and Caoimhe Dowling

New York

Rachel Kearns and Caoimhe Dowling

“LeeYonce” from Diamont Twirlers

Kim Doran and Robyn Dunne

Paul Nugent, Millie Cunningham and Ciara Amstrong

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gallery

pride parades across the world

Bologna, Italy

Chicago, Illinois

ay for dublin

t Twirlers from Bluebell. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Manila, Philippines

Ciara Amstrong, Jesse Dunne and Caoimhe Dowling

New York

Kim Doran and Robyn Dunne

Paul Nugent, Millie Cunningham and Ciara Amstrong

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OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

A model wears Conaill O’Dwyer’s “The Default Man” suit jacket.

Into the future ...  emma nolan

Coat €35, Blouse €16, Skirt €16

The winners of the Future Makers Awards and Supports Programme for 2016 have been announced.

Key Awards in the Recent Graduates/ Emerging Practitioners Category included Dublin fashion designer Edel Traynor and furniture designer Simon Doyle.

Visual Communications graduate James Delaney from Dublin was the recipient of the Imagined Futures Award of €1,000, a new category introduced for 2016.

Key Awards in the Student Category included Ciana Keating from Dublin who is studying fashion design at NCAD was announced as the winner of the Design Award of €1,000.

The total prize fund for 2016 is €24,500.

All applications were assessed by a judging panel including internationally renowned designer makers Michael Eden and Sasha Sykes, resulting in a short list of 76 for the final assessment and subsequently the selection of 30 winners and recipients.

Jacket €25, Hoodie €12

Jacket €19, Dress €18, Choker €3

 emma nolan

Style Editor

“You’d never think it was Penneys!” is a phrase that sums up the ubiquitous Irish girl brand - Pennys and their Autumn Winter offering.

Hitting the shelves in late August/early September, the four main themes that run throughout the collection are; Winter Garden, Downtown, Studio 54 and Artisan.

The Winter Garden story

Dress €20, Belt €4

combines romantic opulence with lady-like chic. Layering is key here, as polo necks and t-shirts are styled under slinky spaghetti strap dresses, which are then juxtaposed with masculine tailoring for the outerwear.

Moody winter florals and delicate pyjama style pants are protected under chunky shearling and knitwear, while faux fur stoles and silky vintage print scarves go hand in hand for maximalist mismatching.

The Bowie-esque nod of the Studio 54 story combines metallics and sequins with patent fabrics, cinched waists and over the knee boots, harking back to disco glam.

Creative, nomadic influences are clear in Artisan, a folkloric collection that embodies the bohemian lifestyle. It mixes opulent fabrics and clashing prints in bold colours to create outfits that look effortlessly thrown together.

Downtown is all about 90s nostalgia, the catalyst for the urban health goth aesthetic that combines sportswear with bodycon. Accessories develop the cool girl vibe in the form of quirky pins and badges, chokers, classic trainers, and backpacks.

Shiny shell tracksuits, oversized puffa jackets and slogan jerseys are the standout items to complete this look to its truest sports luxe origins.

Coat €40, Dress €22, Boots €21

Jacket €11, Skirt €16

Jacket €30, Jumper €8

Jacket €23, Top €13

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OUT&ABOUT

BITESIZEDNEWS

FOOD&DRINK

Delicious lunches with a spicy twist  aishling kennedy

New range is loaded with tasty goodness

A m iddl e e a s t ern inspired cafe has opened on Dublin’s Dawson Street which offers delicious lunches with a spicy twist.

Tang, which was set up by the same company behind frozen yoghurt spot Yogism, opened its doors at 23c Dawson Street a few weeks ago and is mainly a lunchfocused cafe.

It offers both breakfast and lunch offerings, however, and includes Indian and Greek flavoured foods such as lamb kofta wraps with tzatziki, hummus and tomato salsa (€6.95), middle eastern chicken wraps (€6.95) , a

Abrakebabra has launched its long awaited Loaded Fries range which are inspired by the original Abra Taco Fries.

The new range includes the Rodeo Fries which is a combination of beer battered onion rings with bacon, garlic sauce, sweet barbecue sauce and fresh spring onions; the Chicken Katsu Curry Fries which combines crispy chicken fillet, curry sauce and fresh spring onions; and the Aussie Fries which combines crispy chicken fillet, sweet chilli sauce, sour cream sauce and fresh spring onions.

All of the Loaded Fries range are freshly made and prepared to order.

Abrakebabra is currently running an offer across all of its outlets to choose any one of the Loaded Fries range with a coca cola for €4.95.

New steak sauce has plenty of sizzle Ballymaloe Foods has launched a range of new products to coincide with its 26th year in business and our favourite has to be the Steak Sauce with Irish Stout.

As it’s the barbecue season it’s not hard to go wrong by stocking this for the summer months.

Yasmin Hyde who brought Ballymaloe Relish to shop shelves using her mother Myrtle Allen’s recipe, has now developed this sauce which infuses a rich tomato base, with tarragon and wholegrain mustard.

It also has a unique stout flavour from the addition of the Dungarvan Brewing Company “Black Rock Stout”.

The Steak Sauce with Irish Stout (€2.99) is made from all natural ingredients and is gluten free, dairy free and suitable for vegetarians. It is available nationwide now.

salad box with a choice of three salads (and meats) , ser ved with yoghurt dressing of the day, choice of hummus and flat bread (€7.25), and daily soup served with Greek yoghur t and flatbread (€4.75).

Stephen O’Dw yer, owner of Tang, said: “The premises Tang is in, used to be Yogism #2, but we decided to revamp and rename it to suit the fast-lunch demand this D2 location has.

“We’re still dishing up breakfasts, but people want healthy, on-the-go lunches that don’t comprise on deliciousness.”

Tang is open every day except Sunday.

Get hooked on this perfect summer seafood treat THIS week, we have a perfect summer seafood treat - Pan Fried Sea Bass fillets with creamed cabbage and bacon.

• 2 tbsp capers • 2 tbsp diced tomato, skin and seeds removed

Preparation • Heat two table spoons of

Ingredients

olive oil in a large saucepan.

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• Add the chopped bacon and

• 4 x rashers of unsmoked

fry for few minutes, then stir

streaky bacon, derinded and

in the carrot and celeriac.

chopped

• Cover with a lid, reduce to

• 1 large carrot, peeled and

a medium heat and cook for a

diced

further eight minutes, stirring

• celeriac, peeled & diced

occasionally.

then season with salt and pep-

• Place the creamed cabbage

• half head of Savoy cabbage,

• Add the shredded cab-

per.

in the centre of four warmed

core removed, finely shredded

bage and cook for a further

• Once the pan is hot, add the

serving plates topped with the

• 200ml Clonbawn

three minutes, then pour in

fish, skin side down and fry for

bass fillets.

pouring cream

the cream. • Simmer until the

two minutes until golden brown

• Spoon any remaining pan

• 4 Skellig Bay Seabass fillets,

cream begins to thicken and the

in colour underneath.

juices over the bass fillets,

170 – 200g each

cabbage is tender.

• Turn the fish over onto its

garnish with the caper berries,

• 100g Kilkeely Pure Irish

• Remove from the heat and

other side and add the butter.

diced tomato and serve.

creamery butter, diced

keep warm.

• Squeeze over the lemon juice

• Recipe by #HookedByAldi

• half a fresh lemon

Heat a large non stick fry pan

and once the butter begins to

beach hut style restaurant

• small bunch of curly or flat

and add the remaining olive oil.

foam, add the chopped parsley.

which featured at Taste of Dub-

parsley, roughly chopped.

• Pat the fish fillets dry with

• Spoon the butter over the fish

lin 2016. Seafood range available

Garnish: (optional)

some absorbent kitchen paper,

and remove from the heat.

in Aldi stores nationwide now.

30 June 2016 Gazette 21

Delay compensation being left unclaimed Airline passengers are losing out on millions of euros in unclaimed compensation for delayed flights, according to a recent survey.

The total amount of unclaimed money for delayed flights amounts to about €145m, with less than a third of it being paid out by the airlines. The survey, conducted by money.co.uk, revealed that less than one-in-three passengers affected by delays have made a claim for compensation.

Making such claims is relatively easy since the introduction of strict EU

regulations on delayed and disrupted flights, according to Hannah Maundrell editor of the website.

The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and the time you are delayed. For flights up to 932 miles delayed for more than three hours, passengers are entitled to €250. For flights over 932 miles for the same time delay, it’s €400. The top rate is for flights over 2,175 miles, set at €600.

For full details visit the EU’s passenger rights information checklist on www.europa.eu.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Malta

This August bank holiday why not do something different by taking in the sights and sounds of Malta.

The five-time Tony Aw a r d n o m i n a t e d Broadway rock-musical Rock of Ages, by Chris D’Arienzo, takes place on August 3 in Valletta’s City Theatre. The Delicata Classic Wine Festival also returns for its 15th year, at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta from August 4 to 7.

Le Meridien St Julian’s Hotel and Spa is a 20-minute drive

from baroque Valletta, European Capital of Culture 2018. This is the ideal spot for those looking for a relaxing short break. It has some fantastic offers for the August bank holiday.

You can stay in a superior city view room for three nights and enjoy two free spa treatments from €649 per person.

Alternatively, you can stay in a deluxe sea view room for three nights and avail of two free spa treatments from €739 per person.

Visit www.lemridienmalta.com/malta.

Gazette

TRAVEL

Galway: let the little ones loose this summer at delphi resort

An adventure that all the family can enjoy

 Ian Begley

This summer, give your children a fun-filled experience and the ultimate adventure in Connemara and let them create unforgettable memories that will last forever.

There’s no playground in the world that can match what Ireland’s great outdoors has to offer so why not let the little ones loose this summer at Ireland’s leading adventure resort – Delphi Resort, who have over 30 years of experience in outdoor education and fully qualified camp leaders.

There are two amazing camps available at Delphi. They all include full board, meals and supervision, plus fun-filled activities and action packed agendas.

The Multi-Activity Camp features a range of water and land activities and is suitable for children and teens aged from 8 to 17 - your children will experience the great outdoors like never before, while making new friendships and lifelong memories.

For children who want to learn to build

confidence, be a team player and learn valuable life skills, the all new Teen Building Camp is not only full of fun and action-packed adventure, but also includes an extra focus on evolving life skills and encouraging the personal development of teens.

This camp will also feature a fun overnight expedition and is suitable for kids aged 12 to 17. Teens will be encouraged to identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve their interpersonal skills, all while having a fun at an action packed adventure-based camp.

Camps are available from July 3 to August 14 and admission begins from €229 - price includes meals, full board and all activities.

With luxurious 4-Star hotel accommodation, a tranquil spa surrounded by breath-taking mountains and excellent food by award-winning executive head chef Stefan Matz, try one of Delphi Resort’s incredible Family Summer Packages, designed to cater for families of all ages and sizes.

Family friendly activities include kayaking

With up to 20 daily family friendly activities to experience (indoor and outdoor) such as kayaking on Killary Fjord and the Zip n Trek tree top adventure, there are adventures that all the family can enjoy together.

Family activities are suitable for kids from as young as four right up to those sometimes difficult to please teenagers.

There is also a range of ‘fun for the little ones’ activities, designed to keep three to seven-yearolds occupied including a free kids club with arts and crafts, nature walks and mini bush craft survival to entertain the little ones for hours.

Parents can join the kids on their daily activities or leave them in the expert hands of Delphi Resort staff while they relax, cosy up with a good book, embrace the outdoors or visit the Delphi Spa for some time to themselves, with one hour complimentary access to the Thermal Suite included as part of the package.

The three-night family summer break at Delphi Resort is based on two adults and two children sharing and is available from €727 which includes 4-Star accommodation and full Irish breakfast each morning for the family, a three-course dinner in the 814 restaurant and

a full day of adventure activities and free Kids Club.

Parents can also enjoy one hour’s complimentary access to Delphi Spa with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna where they can relax and unwind while enjoying picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

Why not get even better value and extend your stay to five nights with the same offerings all from €829.

To make a booking or get more information on the range of packages and activities on offer, call +353 95 42208 or visit website www.delphiresort.com.

Gazette

22 Gazette 30 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

TECH

WEEBYTES cameras: fujifilm updates a classic piece of technology

These fighters are now worth billions

It’s a great Finnish for a buyout deal MANY of you have probably seen plenty of ads on television or your tablet for Clash of Clans – a mobile strategy war game; just one of a range of popular titles created by Supercell.

Gamers aren’t the only ones who’ve been eyeing up the Finnish company’s games – Chinese internet giant Tencent has just coughed up a wee bit more than ten cent for the company, thanks to a close to ten billion dollar buyout.

It’s small change for the Chinese colossus, with Tencent – behind WeChat, a Chinese alternative to all kinds of Western content providers such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and many, many more – itself already valued at $207bn.

However, the 84.3% stake buyout in Supercell has pushed the company’s worth past the Dr Evil-ish sounding ten beelyunn dollars mark, underscoring the staggering financial power that mobile gaming has quietly built up over the past few years.

Now taking its place in an elite group of EU companies worth more than $10bn (which my calculator suggests is equal to an awful lot of euro), the Tencent/ Supercell deal further shows how much ‘just’ games contribute to the global economy.

Take another shot at falling in love with Polaroid pics ONE of the great ironies of the recent surge in selfies is that, well, when was the last time you actually printed out that (cough) adorable shot of yourself pouting like a duck?

Come to think of it, when was the last time you printed out any photos – and I do mean, any?

Younger readers may need to be told that, back in Ye Olde Days, people used to – and I can hardly recall it myself – actually print out photos, rather than simply post, Tweet, share or forward digitalonly content.

Imagine that – having hundreds of photos to hand that you could actually pick up, touch, share or give away, rather than potentially hundreds of thousands of shots that you need to fire up a PC, tablet or phone to see!

How quaint!

Well, while a variety of photography giants of old have been slain by the mass migration to largely digital content, a few stalwarts remain, with Fujifilm refusing to go quiet into the filtered and digitally-stickered night.

Capitalising on the same lingering, stubborn

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

Already a hit with Polaroid fans around the world, Fujifilm’s

interest not to abandon Ye Olde Wayes that has kept vinyl and wristwatches alive, Fujifilm is chasing the Polaroid fan.

Its Instax Mini 8 Polaroid camera (I’ll call it the Instax, for short) seeks to both build on nostalgia for Polaroids, and create new interest, by offering the modern version of Polaroids courtesy of its credit-card-sized (and thus super-sharable) Polaroid photos.

Available in a variety of colours, the Instax (RRP: €89.99; film packs €24.99 for 20 shots) is distinctly low-tech in nature – grab the chunky yet lightweight camera, point at the subject, click, and then hope for the best after the Polaroid has whirred out of the machine and begun to self-develop – but then, that’d always been part of the Polaroid charm.

It’s a one-time-only shot; no editing, no do-

lightweight Instax Mini 8 camera (above, left) is a reimagined Polaroid camera for a new generation looking to fall in love with instant, portable pics all over again

overs – just a handy, portable pic from a camera with some obvious attractions.

Whether for parents looking for quirky takehome souvenirs of parties or events, clubbers or partygoers happy to grab spur-of-the-moment shots with their ‘besties’ around them – whatever, the plucky Polaroid still has its use and attractions.

As you’d expect, the Instax is very easy to use, although correspondingly basic in operation, yet there’s no doubt that such simplicity has its charms.

With a limited aperture dial for lighting condi-

tions, there’s a little trial and error to get a feel for the kind of shots that will work – or won’t – while the flash is compulsory for all shots.

With such a decidedly old-skool practicality driving the camera, its low-tech approach to shots may seem like a step backwards to some, with many people today used to fiddling about with a hundred settings on their camera or phone as they chase their perfect pic.

However, not so with the Instax – you take your shot (by looking through

the small viewfinder (remember those?) and then wait to see how the credit card-sized pic will develop over the next minute or so.

And that’s it – that’s all you need to do. No fiddling about with settings, no mucking about with focus points – just click, grab the shot, and wait to see how it comes out. It’s a snap! (Sorry.)

Of course, while the Instax is a decidedly retro product, Fujifilm have of course also moved with the times, with its Fujifilm Imagine app (free; IOS, Android) catering for contemporary photographers.

It offers a wide range of printing options for those looking to pick up prints, posters, gifts and more, rather than try using a Polaroid camera.

With plenty of options to tinker with, the Imagine app offers a decent way to do something a little different with all those shots sitting there on your phone, gathering virtual dust.

So, whether reminding people of the fun of real Polaroids, or simply presenting a suite of options to do something with all those digital shots you’ve been accumulating, Fujifilm’s got options worth taking a shot at.

30 June 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

MOTORING

Fiat are offering up to €4,000 trade-in allowance across the Fiat 500 range, while Jeep are offering up to €4,000 off the Renegade Trailhawk

mid-year buying trends: we check out the manufacturer offers to tempt you to buy

Drive away with a bargain as major deals hit the market

 dave phillips

Car sales have always hit their peak at the start of a new calendar year, but since the adjustment to the registration system in 2013, a mid-year buying trend has been created.

And along with this year’s new 162 registration plates, there are plenty of manufacturer offers on the market.

This week we take a run down through some of the best.

Opel are offering the “smart switch” across their passenger range.

Opel’s package coincides with their focus on rolling out their OnStar communication and safety system – which we saw earlier this year

on the Astra – across the rest of their models.

The Opel manufacturer deals aren’t offering a cash incentive on new models (though individual dealers may well be), instead they are focusing on their current suite of finance deals.

If you want to go down the PCP route then they are offering leaner finance options on 162 registrations – though as with any motor finance offers, a magnifying glass and pencil are recommended.

Fiat are offering a more straightforward incentive – with up to €4,000 trade-in allowance across the nifty Fiat 500 range.

Bear in mind that you’ll only get a full €4,000 if you are trading against their top l e ve l 5 0 0 L M P W – but you can get up to €2,500 against the base model Fiat 500, dropping the cost down to €11,100 – which makes it a pretty attractive option if you’re in that market.

Again, there are some competitive PCP deals being offered across the Fiat fleet, with APR from 6.9% In the mid size market, that deal follows across to some of Alfa Romeo’s offerings.

While the snazzier Alfa Giulia retains its regular price tags, the still attractive Giulietta also offers trade-

ins, knocking €3,000 to €4,000 off the cost depending on configurations.

That can bring the sporty hatchback down under the €20,000 price mark.

For those eyeing up something a little larger in the crossover and SUV market, Jeep are offering up to €3,000 off the base model Renegade, and up to €4,000 off the higher end models like the impressive Renegade Trailhawk.

This market is pushing to be to the most competitive with midyear deals as Ford are also offering up to €4,750 off their Kuga models – again the maximum trade-in is reser ved against the

higher end configurations and trims.

However Nissan are also running some interesting deals on their Qashqai and X-Trail models that are definitely worth checking out.

While some manufacturers have pushed towards trade-ins, and others are pushing towards PCP, Nissan is offering a multiple choice option.

Either a trade-in offer, or an extra low rate for PCP, or a free servicing offer. For the month of July, they are offering a guaranteed €4,000 trade-in, and that not limited to their higher end configurations, but against all of their passenger range (and they

Ford are offering up to €4,750 off their Kuga models

are r unning similar deals on commercial fleet too).

Likewise their PCP (normally 6.9%) is dropping to 4% for new passenger deals, or you can choose three years free servicing.

As manufacturers embrace the new system, there are plenty of deals to be found and savings to be made over

the next month – but if you’re looking for the best value for money then it seems tough to beat the guaranteed trade-in deals.

A full breakdown of sales expected to be released from SIMI in the coming weeks will reveal whose mid-year incentives proved the most tempting for Irish buyers.

Gazette

24 fingal gazette 30 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT  helen o’connor

 glen fitzpatrick

I WENT along with the bookies and really thought they’d [Britain] remain [in the EU] but to see the result was really shocking.

Regardless of what everyone is saying, nobody really knows what’s going to happen next. I think there’s no doubt that it will have many bad repercussions for Ireland.

I also don’t think it’s fair to say everyone who voted to leave is a racist, because I think that will only deepen the divide between communities.

I WOKE up this morning and couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the news on the radio. I do think Brexit is going to have a big effect on Ireland.

We’re just a small little country and it feels like we’re out on a limb now that the UK has pulled out of the EU. I hope there won’t be too many negative repercussions for us, but I guess we have no choice but to wait and see.

 conor callaghan

MY BOYFRIEND is from Belfast and he woke up this morning nearly in tears at the result. He immediately applied for an Irish passport and isn’t sure what he’s going to do now.

There’s talk about holding a referendum for a united Ireland, which I would very much support, but I think it’s an unlikely possibility.

WITH the country focused on a single hot topic – Ireland’s defeat at the Euros – Gazette reporters Ian Begley and Emma Nolan asked Dubliners about the other burning issue of the day: “What do you think about Brexit?” This is what you said...  tommy owens

THE result was unexpected. I really thought that the remain side would have won. It’s hard to know what will happen, there’s been scaremon-

gering from both sides but they’ll just have to live with it.

I don’t think there will be any negative repercussions for Irish people, because I think we’ve settled in to the Euro-

pean family.

The only concern I have is that it might have a knock-on effect with some of the right-wing groups in other countries. I think we’re better together than separate.

30 June 2016 fingal Gazette 25

 neo morake

I GUESS if you look at it from the UK’s perspective, in terms of their economy and society they’re pretty far ahead compared to other EU countries.

They can try to make their country work without being part of the EU, but down the line if they want to get back in, there will be a lot of complications.  emma gallagher

 alex white

I’M A bit surprised, yeah. I’m from Donegal, so I think we will feel a big impact up in the North. Northern Ireland voted to remain, so they’ll be dragged along now with the rest of the UK, so that could be negative for them and their economy.  ciara finnegan

I THINK there will be a lot of negative repercussions for Ireland, especially in the North where they voted to stay. With the calls for referendums from Scotland to leave the UK, I just think it will have a domino effect.

Former Labour TD for Dublin Bay South

WELL, I think it’s deadly serious and as [Minister] Brendan Howlin said this morn-

Gazette

VOX POPS  doireann o’sullivan

 alan shine

I REMEMBER seeing how close the votes were on the television and knew when the results came out that so many people were going to be unhappy.

I wonder now what’s going to happen, regarding all of the changes that will have to be made. I think Ireland should stay in the EU because being such a small country I think they can offer us a lot of benefits.

I’M DELIGHTED for them – I would have voted leave. I think that the European project started as a good idea – it being a trade agreement – but it has become an entirely different animal; it’s politicised.

I don’t think there will be any negative repercussions for Irish people living in England.

ing, I think it’s tragic. I think it will have a big implication, not just for the UK but for Ireland, and maybe ultimately for the EU. I don’t think we can understate how serious it is.

 richard stearn

I’M from Cambridge, but live and work here. I voted to remain in the EU. I feel everyone in the UK is shocked by the result, even the people who voted out.

I love the idea of having an independent country so

we can buy and sell to any country in the world.

I think the main reason why people voted out was because of immigration reasons and, yes, I feel there is a problem with immigration in the UK. Leaving the EU isn’t going to change that, though.

 Alton Anderson

COMING from Tyrone, I was completely shocked at the result. I’m going to America next Friday and was convinced it wasn’t going to go through, so I went ahead and changed my sterling into dollars.

I took a gamble and am now completely screwed and am at a loss of about €500.

Nobody in the North thought the UK was going to leave, and I think if more people realised that it was a possibility then more people would have come out to vote.

26 fingal Gazette 30 June 2016

fingalCLASSIFIEDS announcement

paving

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30 June 2016 fingal Gazette 27

fingalCLASSIFIEDS

Gazette

28 gazette 30 June 2016

SPORT

FastSport Castleknock hosts mater charity match: LOCAL legends of the GAA past and present descend on Somerton Park for a charity football match on Saturday at 3pm in aid of St Francis Hospice and the Mater Foundation.

Organised by members of Castleknock GAA, this free event is inspired by the memory of the late Aine Chawke, an ardent Castleknock supporter whose family are part of the fabric of Castleknock.

Peadar Andrews, Senan Connell and Jason Sherlock will all play while Ciaran Kilkenny will be referee.

Somerton will also greet a range of entertainers including the Garda band. The match will be followed by a mega auction in the Carpenter Pub at 8pm with an amazing array of memorabilia on offer ranging from a signed Tiger Woods flag, Katie Taylor and Mike Tyson gloves, an Ireland-signed jersey, All-Black rugby ball and a signed Dublin football in a presentation case. The fun starts at 2pm.

cycling: roche the star of the show at national road championships

Nico races to Kilcullen double glory  sport@dublingazette.com

NICOLAS Roche claimed both the national road race and national time trial champion in the past week as he produced a series of brilliant rides at the event hosted

by Orwell Wheelers in Kilcullen.

First up, in the time trial, the Dundrum man was too strong for Eddie Dunbar and Ryan Mullen at the end of the 40km course from Kilcullen to Athy and back.

Mullen was looking to claim back-to-back titles but a crash in the Netherlands a week earlier perhaps took its toll on his chances.

Roche, meanwhile, set the benchmark with 47.14 seconds with Mullen over a minute back on 48.39 and Dunbar shy of the mark, too.

Roche last won this title back in 2007 and means he will get to wear the national champions jersey for the next year.

It will provide some solace for the Team Sky man who was omitted from their squad for the Tour de France – the first time he will not be in the marquee event since 2008.

He duly followed up with elite national road race title, again claiming the crown for the second time in his career despite rotten conditions on the road.

Roche did it in particularly trademark attacking style, pushing early and often to stretch out the field.

After one lap of the course, the main bunch lost heav y numbers while Roche’s breaks saw him go off the front

a couple of times.

The main jump that stuck saw Roche lead a group of eight riders go clear including four-time champion Matt Brammeier, building a oneminute lead over the peloton who attempted to bridge the gap.

But, in harsh conditions, they struggled to make major headway.

The gap did come down to 30 seconds at one stage but this served as the impetus for the leading pack to respond.

Going into the last loop of seven 26km laps, Roche made another bid for the front, one which dropped three more riders, leaving a bunch of five. He was joined only by Damien Shaw in this latest push for the line but he, too, would eventually be dropped as Roche put 34 seconds

Mark Conlon during one of his previous extreme challenges

between the two to go free for victory.

This pair of wins came just a couple of days after the Stephen Roche GP took place in the Meadowbrook estate in Dundrum.

In the main event, 80 participants took part.

Last year’s winner Jake Gray established the first break with four others, including Patrick Goszczyk, Gareth Enright and Freddie Stevens.

Gray and Stevens between them snaffled

up the first two primes before that group began to shell riders, leaving Gray, Goszczyk and Enright. Gray took the third prime before Goszczyk won the fourth.

Phil Lavery closed the gap to the leaders and then went on a solo attack with 10 minutes still remaining in the race, taking the final prime.

He then counter-attacked with Eoin Morton, and the duo built up a six second lead. With

two laps to go, it was clear they couldn’t work together well enough to hold off the baying hounds.

As the lead group came down the home stretch, it was anyone’s guess as to who would be at the head, but the National Criterium skin suit of ASEA’s Mark Dowling was fastest to the line. He was followed close behind by Cigala and the aggressive pair of Lavery and Morton in third and fourth.

Fitzgerald calls time on rugby career due to injury  sport@dublingazette.com

Luke Fitzgerald has announced his retirement

SANDYFORD man Luke Fitzgerald announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect on Tuesday morning.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury during the Guinness PRO12 Final against Connacht and has been advised to retire on medical grounds.

Speaking about the retirement, the now former Leinster, Ireland and Lion said, “I’ve had a wonderful rugby career which makes it easy for me to move on to the

next stage of my life.

“It’s been an amazing journey in which I got to experience the highs and lows that come with professional sport and I have learned a huge amount from each experience. I’m now building on that foundation through completing my business degree.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunities I have had, the people with whom I’ve worked and the lifelong friends I have made. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the medical staff and coaches I’ve worked with throughout my

career and at Blackrock College.

It’s been an honour and a privilege to represent my province, my country and the British and Irish Lions during my career and I’m glad to finish my career as a one club man.

The Blackrock College man made his Leinster debut in September 2006 against Edinburgh.

He would go on to make a further 17 appearances for Leinster in his debut season, including three off the bench in the Heineken Cup. On the back of these performances in blue, only months after finishing his Leaving Certificate,

Fitzgerald made his debut for Ireland against the Pacific Islands in November 2006 in a 61-17 win.

Over the course of his career he would win 154 caps for Leinster, 34 for Ireland – the same number as his father Des won as a prop with Ireland – and also played for the British & Irish Lions in their tour of South Africa in 2009.

Most recently he was a part of the Ireland World Cup squad.

Fitzgerald’s achievements include a 6 Nations title with Ireland in 2015 and a Grand Slam in 2009 where he started every game on the wing.

30 June 2016 gazette 29

Gazette

Flynn steeples just shy of Santry gold

FastSport

Clonliffe Harriers man’s pursuit of national championship glory falls just short despite epic late fightback; he was one of a series of Dubliners to shine at Morton Stadium last weekend  karl graham sport@dublingazette.com

DAVID Flynn had to settle for a silver medal after he ran out of track when chasing Rory Chesser in the final of the 3,000m steeplechase at the Glohealth National Championships at Morton Stadium in Santry but it proved one of the highlights of a spectacular meet.

Chesser, who finished in a time of 9.07.83, set a fierce pace that proved too much for most of his rivals but as he tired over the last lap, Flynn was giving it his all to try and pip him on the line. However, he left his surge too late and had to be content with second place.

Flynn spoke to the Gazette after the race about his disappointment

of not winning.

“This race was tough to swallow. I ran the race with a plan from the start to sit on the fastest guy in the field and when he makes a move I follow because I was confident that if I was with him with a lap to go there was only one winner. But with two and half laps to go he drops out.”

The man Flynn is talking about is Tomas Cotter, the fastest marathon man in Ireland and winner of the race last year. He had to pull out of the race after a virus proved too much to deal with at the pace the race was run.

“I was put in a completely different scenario with two guys ahead of me. I went in chase of them but, with a very strong wind, it was hard to commit 100 percent to

reeling them in.

“So with a lap to go I really went for it, caught second place and kicked again in pursuit of first.

“Over the last water jump, I could see him coming back to me but I stuttered over the last barrier and lost a bit of momentum so when I got in full flight again it was too late,” said Flynn who finished just a few strides back from Chesser who held a 30m lead at one stage.

Next up for Flynn, who recently signed a sponsorship deal with Skechers, will be to test himself against some of the best internationals at a 5k in Birmingham, before returning to Morton Stadium for the games on July 22.

It was a successful weekend for the Clon-

Clonliffe Harriers on his way to silver in the 3,000m steeplechase at the national athletics championships last Saturday. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

liffe Harriers, landing 12 medals over the two days – two gold, five silver, and six bronze.

National javelin champion Ror y Gunning won gold with a best of 61.15m, while Brian Gregan produced an excellent performance to win the men’s 400m race.

went to Simon Galligan who set a distance of 59.51m in the hammer.

It was bronze for Ciara McCallion after she ran an excellent race in the women`s 400m in a new personal best of 54.48, and for Christopher Sibanda who completed the 100m in a time of

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

‘This was tough to swallow; I ran with a plan from the start but I was put in a completely different scenario’ - David Flynn --------------------------------------------------------

Gregan needed to be at his best as he was challenged all the way down the home straight

by Craig Lynch and the returning David Gillick.

He stayed strong to claim his third national in succession with a seasonal best time of 46.28 Declan Murray was close to winning his first national title in the men’s 800m but just when it looked like victory was his, he was over hauled

by Mark English.

There was also silver for Ian Rogers in the pole vault (4.60m) after missing out on gold after count back. Ausra Jerumbauskyte set a new personal best of 12.00m to take silver, while Andrii Marin finished second in the men’s triple jump with distance of 14.45m.

The club’s final silver

10.93.

Leah Moore put two long years of injur y behind by making a stunning comeback to nationals with a bronze in the 200m in a time of 24.77, while in the junior 3000m Sean Carrig put together the best race of his young career with a personal best of 8.56.26 for third place.

Crusaders’ Matthew Behan won silver in the men’s 110m hurdles in a time of 14.69, Jason Harvey also won silver in the 400m hurdles, while Anna Reddin took home bronze in the women’s 5,000m.

Pierre Murchan won 3,000m gold for the Dublin City Harriers, while his club mate Catherine McManus took silver in the women’s 200m after crossing the line on 24.23.

English foot injury no issue in nationals win  karl graham sport@dublingazette.com

MARK English, picture in jersey 194, made a successful return to action as he won 800m gold at the Glohealth National Championships at Morton Stadium.

The UCD man’s time of 1.51.58 put him just ahead of Declan Murray, with English’s club mate Karl Griffin taking the bronze medal.

The win comes in English’s first race in four months, following a stress reaction in his fourth metatarsal in early March - an injury which forced him to miss the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

He sustained the injury after stepping into a pothole but has undergone a rigorous rehab programme to get himself back fit in time for the Rio Olympics in August.

English, one of Ireland’s leading track hopes, has opted not to compete at the European Championships in July, instead preferring to train at home in order to get himself in peak fitness for Rio. He spoke to the Gazette trackside after the race about his return to competitive action: “My aim was just to try and control the race, to go out and lead it the whole way and I managed to do that today.

“It’s my first race in about four months so training has been going well but you always need a race to get that difference and today worked out very well. The foot feels good, there is finally no more pain in it,” said English.

The 23-year-old will be hoping that this victory will put to bed any fears over his fitness with so many people excited about seeing him line out for Ireland at the Olympics.

There were other good performers from UCD with Ciara Mageean the pick of the bunch by landing gold in the women’s 1500m in a time of 4.24.33.

Alanna Lally also came away from the weekend with a bronze medal in her pocket in the women’s 800m after posting a time of 2.10.28.

Gazette

30 fingal gazette 30 June 2016

SPORT

FastSport

sailing: howth man making waves on international circuit

Fingallians enjoy fine results at Santry meet FINGALLIANS Athletics Club were well represented at the recent Dublin graded championships in Santry with Bronwyn Keogh among the stars when she ran an impressive time in the 100m A race.

Megan Keogh and Orla Kavanagh placed first and second respectively in the B race while Pascal Ryan, pictured, won the C race.

Jake Robinson had a convincing win in the hammer event and Anne-Marie Torsney came second in the shot putt.

In Tallaght, Ryan ran the 200m C event where he placed first while the club’s masters’ competitor Katherine Markey ran a great race to finish fourth.

The second weekend of the Dublin juveniles saw more great results for our individuals and relay teams.

In the U-13 60m, Ava Keogh placed third with Laura Constantine fourth and, in the 60m hurdles, the former came first with Constantine in third.

Ciara Markey competed in the U-14 javelin, finishing second by just 1cm and, in her first hammer competition, she finished fourth.

Orla Kavanagh came third in the U-17 200m and, with a change from her usual disciplines, ran a great 400m to claim first place.

Rivervalley trial dates released RIVERVALLEY Rangers will host a series of open days from Friday, July 1 to Wednesday, July 6 to invite new players of all ages to join the club for the upcoming season.

On Friday, the U-12s (born in 2005) are on at 7pm in Rivervalley Park.

Saturday’s U-8, 9, 10 and 11s are on from 10am with the U-14

and U-15s on Sundat 10am.

Tuesday, July 5 is the U-17s (2000) from 7.30pm while the U-16s (2001) are on Wednesday, July 6.

Players are asked to bring a drink, appropriate footwear and shinpads and encouraged to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to register with the relevant manager.

For more information, contact Paul O’Rourke on 087 224 5101 or Paul Kelly on 087 280 5930.

Shane Diviney, third from left, has taken on extra responsibility in the China One crew

Diviney’s extreme sailing  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

AS THE only Irishman on the Extreme Sailing tour, Howth’s Shane Diviney – an experienced expert in foil sailing – has been forced to make a step up as the global series has progressed.

With the tour arriving in Cardiff in time for Wales’ Euro 2016 quarter final win against Northern Ireland, Diviney found himself shifted in the boat from his traditional position in trimming the sale to bowman, as his China One team began to show

quick progression in their rookie season.

It had been a baptism of fire for China One, with previous events in both Oman and Qingdao proving to be low-wind, which made for a tough racing experience in the boats that are designed to lift aerodynamically above the water and travel on their foils.

Having been down the field in the first two events, China One came into Cardiff lying sixth of eight boats, but grabbed wins consistently across each day in Wales. “ C o n d i t i o n s h ave been great,” Diviney told GazetteSport midway

Leinster leader LeBlanc and Purcell ready for interpros the island’s Kevin LeBlanc, pictured,

and Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell are both in the Leinster team for the upcoming interprovincial championships which will take place from Monday, July 4 to Wednesday, July 6 at Fota Island GC. They are joined by Castle’s Daniel Holland, Co Louth’s Thomas Mulligan, Dundalk’s Caolan Rafferty, Naas’s Jonathan Yates and late addition Eugene Smith from Ardee. Picture: Pat Cashman

through the weekend’s racing. “The foiling has been really good, and it’s important we get that after the first two races.

After three races it feels like we’re competing at the top of the field rather than the bottom. It’s spectacular for spectators in Cardiff, as the bay is enclosed by buildings and they can get really close to the action.”

Being a small area, Diviney emphasized the tiring side of the Cardiff course, which is heavy on turns, as well as the quirks of the nearby buildings’ influence on wind.

“The buildings can be

frustrating, especially as the finish is in the shadow of a building, which creates strange wind conditions. Everyone slows right down, and sometimes the results turn on that. It’s frustrating if you’re on the wrong end of it, but it evens up at the end of the meet, so you just have to think of the good races.”

The Extreme Sailing teams are rarely backto-back – it was almost two months between the meet in Cardiff and the previous event in China – which means strategy is planned digitally, and the pre-race practise day is absolutely key.

“If there’s no incidents in a race – no damage – we’ll get about five or six minutes between races to have a quick chat and go again,” Diviney explains, adding that time on the water averages around four to five hours a day.

“Coming into a new role as bowman is challenging but makes it exciting.

“My job now is to control the foils, which obviously is key to the speed of the boat.”

Extreme Sailing heads to Hamburg next, in late July. Three races into an eight race season, it feels like Diviney and his team have arrived.

30 June 2016 FINGAL gazette 31

Gazette

six of the best

Dempsey and Holland continue Dublin’s run

Club Noticeboard FINGALLIANS

fingallians’ Laura Dempsey and Naomh

Mearnog’s Ciara Holland were both in the starting line-up for the Dublin Under-16 side that won their Leinster championship for the seventh year in a row.

They were caught up in a ding-dong battle with old rivals Meath and eventually prevailed 1-15 to 2-7. They now go on to face Armagh in the All-Ireland semi-final on either July 9 or 13.

football: malahide men’s mixed afl1 fortunes

WELL done to Paul and the Dubs as

evening. Next up, we are away to St

they overcame Meath in the Leinster

Vincents on July 9.

football championship semi-final.

The academy signed off on Satur-

They will now meet Westmeath on

day morning for summer holidays

Sunday, July 17 at 4pm in Croke Park.

and will resume on September 10. A

Our ladies with Emer, Sinead and

big thank you to Nicola and her team

Fiona will also play Westmeath in the

of coaches on another very success-

final on July 10 in O’Moore Park, Port-

ful season.

laoise after winning all three of their

The Credit Union Cup regional finals

group games. Members can now

were held in Fingallians on Thursday

order tickets from the club bar.

afternoon. The girls final at 12.30pm

Finally, the Dublin ladies U-16s won

saw GSBB beat St Catherines Girls

a Leinster title at the weekend – well

and, in the boys final, St Cronan’s

done to our three representatives,

beat St David’s (Artane). A big thank

Ciara Thorburn, Emma McCormack

you to the Members First Credit Union

and Laura Dempsey.

(branches in Swords, Northside/

Summer Camps: football – July 4-8; hurling – July 11-15; advanced hurl-

Coolock) for the ongoing sponsorship with the schools.

ing – July 26-29; advanced football

Social football each Friday football

– August 2-5; and Kellogg’s Cul camp

will continue on the all-weather pitch

- August 15-19th.

from 8pm. New members are most

Applications are at the club bar each evening; camp discount will close this Friday, July 1 at 8pm.

welcome.

Lotto numbers were 9, 16, 23, 25 and 26. There were six winners: Frances

Our AFL3 adult footballers got

Finnegan, Lynsey Holmes, Anne Fox-

back to winning ways on Wednesday

ton, Karen Gallagher, Patrica Ellision

evening with a win over St Jude’s and,

and Tina McGealy. Tuesday’s jackpot

again, versus Ballyboden on Saturday

will be €1,916.

naomh mearnog St Sylvester’s on the attack against St Maur’s.

Syl’s derby delight in slick Maur’s win

afl division one

St Sylvester’s 0-16 St Maur’s 1-6  sport@dublingazette.com

S T S Y LV E S T E R ’ S enjoyed mixed fortunes in their pursuit of an AFL1 campaign as an impressive win over St Maur’s was followed by a defeat against Kilmacud Crokes on Saturday evening.

It leaves them in sixth place with five rounds of the regular season to go with a point between them to fourth in the table.

Against their Fingal rivals from Rush, Syl’s

raced into an early 0-6 to 0-2 lead and looked comfortable before Maur’s bounced back with a goal and a few points made things interesting.

They got within three points at one stage but the Malahide men kicked on again to win by seven. Syl’s welcomed back Alan Foy while Conor Meaney and the roving Conor Quinn hit good points in the victory. Frees from Daniel St Ledger kept them moving on the scoreboard and Kerry native Edmund Walsh commanded the middle of the field in the absence of Ross and

Glenn Hazley and Fionn Carney.

T heir momentum, however, was stalled on Saturday evening in Silverpark at the hands of Kilmacud Crokes in a 2-8 to 1-7 defeat.

Syl’s got off to perfect a start racing into a 1-2 to no score lead. The sides were tit-for-tat until the half-time break and then, in the second half, Crokes went up a gear and goals for Pat Burke and a penalty from Mark Vaughan saw them home.

Maur’s, meanwhile, beat St Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh 1-12 to 1-9 in their second match

of the week on Saturday evening.

The Rush side, on home turf, blitzed Plunkett’s in the first half with a strong wind on their backs. It started with a Ronny Maguire goal moments in and Maurs pushed on picking off scores at will from Ciaran Reddin, Eoin Fletcher, Danny Byrne and David Carrick. The half time score was 1-8 to 0-4.

Plunkett’s had the wind and started their resurgence in the second half, but Reddin, Mikey O’Reilly and David Carrick points kept Maur’s in front.

THE Paddy McConnell select versus

the weekend and to Jack Keogh who

the Naomh Mearnog Dublin Stars

gave gave an impressive display for

takes place this Saturday at 6pm in

the Dublin U-15 hurlers in their game

the club.

against Cork.

The game will be preceded by a

Our hurlers are back in action this

ladies game involving our girls who

week. The seniors have a vital league

contested the 2006 All-Ireland inter-

games on Sunday morning against

mediate final. All monies raised at this

Whitehall at 10.15am.

event will go to the Crumlin Children’s

Our juniors are away to Erin’s Isle on Thursday and at home to St Jude’s

hospital.

Well done to our minor hurlers who had an impressive win over Oliver Plunkett’s during the week.

on Sunday morning at 11.45am.

Congratulations to the Dublin men and ladies football teams who have

Our senior footballers had a mixed

reached the Leinster final where

week, losing to Skerries but bouncing

coincidentally they will both play

back well to defeat O’Tooles. Our jun-

Westmeath. Any chance of a double

ior footballers drew.

header?

A feature of this game was the

Our underage games room is back

excellent display of young Stan Kin-

in action and all our young club mem-

nane.

bers are welcome to use it.

Congratulations to Ciara Holland

Orders for tickets for the Leinster

who was on the Dublin U-16 ladies

final must be given to Dan Linehan

football that won the Leinster title at

immediately.



Got a story? we want to know!

Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

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

june 30 - july 6, 2016

derby days: St Sylvester’s condemn Maur’s to AFL1 Roche’s point: Nico wins pair of national defeat to aid their potential league playoff hopes P31 cycling titles in Kilcullen P28

Sarah Murray, left, with her Fingallians AC training group and, right, in action during her youth days

Fins’ flyer in sprint squad Sarah Murray named in the Irish 4x100m relay team for the European championships, joining a short but illustrious list from the Swords club

 karl graham

sport@dublingazette.com

FINGALLIANS AC star Sarah Murray has been included in Ireland’s 4x100m women’s team for the European Athletics Championships taking place in Amsterdam in July.

The 22-year-old joins Catherine McManus, Joan Healy, Niamh Whelan, and Phil Healy on the relay team that hopes to leave its mark on Europe.

Speaking to the Gazette, Murray described how delighted she is to be picked to represent her country for the first time at senior level.

“It’s my first time to represent Ireland at senior level in a big championship so I’m delighted.

We had to be in the top 16 in Europe to qualify

so we were racing away in Geneva and Belgium over the last few weeks to try and stay in the top 16.

Murray has pulled on the green vest for Ireland at junior level but this pales into insignificance compared to doing it at the highest level.

“I’ve represented Ireland before on junior teams but this will be the first time at senior level so to be officially named on the team going away to represent Ireland is great,” said Murray.

“At the moment we are ranked 13th in Europe and we have to improve our time by about half a second to get into the final but you never what could happen,” said Murray.

Starting out with her local community games at Under-10 level before joining the Fingallians Athletic Club, Murray didn’t grow up idolising

previous Irish stars such as Sonia O’Sullivan like many other young athletes, she instead credits her long time coach Joe Evans for inspiring her.

Evans, however, is modest about his impact, praising the work done by Murray at youth level with Damian Wall to lay a perfect platform for her progress.

He took on the role of main coach when she was 13 and works with her in tandem with Dolores Evans and Grainne McCall who help with core work while John Stacey provides sports science support.

Evans says “it is a very special moment for the club” adding that Murray is “going to improve even more next year. She has the dedication and the internal motivation”.

She joins a rare group of athletes to be select-

ed for this elite level of competition. In so doing, she follows in the footsteps of the Swords’ club’s Mark Howard who represented them on the European stage at Under-23 level, winning a bronze medal in the 200m in 2000.

Fiona Tuite and Ann-Marie Torsney have both represented the club at youth level on the international stage.

Murray’s career is still in its infancy but she hopes this July will not be the one and only time she gets to represent her country. “I hope this isn’t the only time I’ll represent Ireland at senior level, on a relay team or individually.”

And Evans believes she will push on, saying the target for 2016 was simply to get in the senior squad with hopes to be there as an individual in the pipeline for 2017.