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DublinGazette MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2018

West Edition FREE

SF call on HSE to ‘end council discrimination’

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

MARK O’BRIEN THE HSE has been accused of discriminating against disabled residents living in council housing in the Clondalkin and Lucan area.

Cllr Mark Ward (SF) made the comments after it emerged that the HSE does not provide Occupational Therapy (OT) reports for council tenants in the area.

The reports are required for those applying for disabled persons’ grant (DPG) and are provided to people living in other parts of the

South Dublin County Council area.

Cllr Ward said that he has been informed by council tenants in Clondalkin that they were told the HSE does not have sufficient staff to provide the OT reports.

This is despite that fact that the reports are being provided to council tenants in other parts of the county.

He said: “I find that the fact that all residents of South Dublin County Council are not treated the same absurd.”

FULL STORY ON PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

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MIXED REACTION TO GRANGE CASTLE RE-ZONING

Re-zoning of Grange Castle land criticised MARK O’BRIEN

THERE has been mixed reaction to the decision of South Dublin County Council to re-zone land near Grange Castle.

At a special meeting of the council on Monday, May 21, elected members agreed to re-zone approximately 500 acres of council owned land from agricultural use to industrial use.

The move was welcomed by Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), who said it would bring much needed employment to the area.

He said: “The rezoning of Lands at Grange Castle West has the potential to bring thousands of jobs to our area. We need employment for the thousands of new houses that are being

FASTNews

Nutgrove firm to design Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme

Grange Castle Business Park, near the re-zoned land. Picture: Diana Elena

built in Adamstown and Clonburris and for all the people that have to travel outside of SDCC to work.”

Cllr Timmons added

that there are also additional houses being built in Newcastle and Rathcoole.

“It would be reckless

and bad planning to build so many houses and not to provide for industry, so I am glad that the majority have voted for the re zoning the 193 hectares of land from zoning objective RU (Rural and Agriculture) to objective EE (Enterprise and Employment),” he said.

People Before ProfitSolidarity councillors had proposed to re-zone some of the lands near Peamount Hospital for housing.

Clondalkin Cllr Madeleine Johansson said she was disappointed with the outcome. “It is very disappointing that the proposal by management to re-zone all the lands for industrial use was passed by a majority of councillors,” she said.

“There was no facility for us to put forward a counter-proposal for consideration of councillors and there was no engagement from management to discuss plans for large scale housing construction in the area.

“The housing crisis is continuing to worsen while there is no serious plan by the Government to solve this crisis. Unfortunately, South Dublin County Council management are not prioritising the construction of social housing.”

Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd has been appointed by South Dublin County Council to lead the design of the landmark Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme.

This project is an adaptation action by South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council in response to future threats posed by climate change.

The scheme is estimated to cost in the region of €7 million. This project is funded by the Office of Public Works.

The Poddle River has caused extensive flooding in the region in the past, costing life and causing damage to resources and businesses. The Alleviation Scheme aims to address this and provide added protection to property along the river.

Cllr Pamela Kearns, Chair of the Environment Public Realm and Climate Change Strategic Policy Committee of South Dublin County Council, said, “This is a welcome development as the work on the Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme is hugely important to the residents in the area.”

Kids in DEIS Tesco Liffey schools Valley suffering opened FIANNA Fail TD John Curran claims schools in Dublin MidWest are running at significant deficits, and children from areas of economic disadvantage are suffering.

Speaking in Dáil, Deputy Curran said; “I recently visited two DEIS schools in my local area that have just over 200 pupils each and therefore receive annual capitation fees of approximately €35,000.

“This is the only funding available for each school’s operational budget, from which the cost of lighting, heating, insurance and cleaning, has to be deducted.

“Speaking with two principals on this issue, they informed me that €20,000 of this €35k budget can go on cleaning, while a further €20k on electricity and insurance costs.

“As both of these schools are located in areas of economic disadvantage, they cannot raise funds to meet the significant deficits at which they are running.”

TESCO Extra opened to much fan-fair this week at the retail centre in Liffey Valley.

The €30m store is the largest in Ireland and has created 75 local jobs.

Cllr. Emer Higgins attended the official opening alongside RTEs Lucy Kennedy.

Speaking at the opening Cllr. Emer Higgins said: “I’m so impressed by the new Tesco – it’s absolutely huge and offers great parking, a massive fresh fruit and veg section, the largest clothing selection of any Tesco and even a Costa Coffee shop.

“It’s fantastic to see such investment locally. The Store Manager, Robbie Kelly, told me that about 80% of the 175 jobs created were filled by people in the local area.

“Creating local jobs is something I’m really passionate about and it’s fantastic to see Tesco so committed to ensuring that the store plays a positive role in the local community.”

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

2018 EASON SPELLING BEE LEINSTER WINNER GONE TO CELBRIDGE PUPIL

Celbridge student wins Spelling Bee Competition MARK O’BRIEN

CELBRIDGE pupil Charlotte Stevens has won the Leinster Provincial Spelling Bee. The much-anticipated final took place in Eason O’Connell Street and Charlotte from Primrose Hill National School came out on top.

She took first place against 11 talented young Bees with the word, Facultative.

Charlotte will now move forward to compete in the All-Ireland Eason Spelling Bee final in The Helix on Thursday, June 14.

Speaking about her win, the 6th class student said: “I am delighted and cannot believe I have won!”

The Eason Spelling Bee encourages kids throughout the country to practice their spelling, to read more and strives to

instil greater confidence when it comes to literacy and spelling, from a young age.

Brendan Corbett, Group Head of Marketing at Eason, said: “We are thrilled to see the continued success of the Eason Spelling Bee over the past eight years.

“The children and their schools should be extremely proud to represent their counties in this hugely talented competition.

Today FM’s Alison Curtis, who was reporting live to Ian Dempsey in studio, said: “Once again I am thrilled to be here at the Leinster Spelling Bee final .The standard of spellers continues to amaze me and it is brilliant to see how dedicated each person is to this competition.

“This initiative is both a great day out for the schools but it is also hugely important to devel-

oping children’s reading and literacy skills.”

Each year the competition begins with registered schools hosting their own in-school Bee competitions, to find their school champion.

From there, the Eason Spelling Bee team hits the road to host the County Final Bees, which then leads to four Provincial Finals.

The All-Ireland Final will take place on Thursday, June 14, where the champion speller will be crowned.

The winning school will receive a collection of books for their library to the value of €7,500.

The Spelling Bee winner will be awarded books worth €500 and the prestigious title of the 2018 Eason Spelling Bee champion.

2018 Eason Spelling Bee Leinster Winner Charlotte Stevens with Today FM’s Alison Curtis

LUCAN

Two Lucan nurses win award LUCAN nurses Teresa O’Dowd and Anne Marie Kelly were joint-winners at the 2018 Institute of Community Health Nursing (ICHN) Awards.

At its annual nursing conference, the ICHN rewarded public health nurses for their dedication to community care across the country Speaking at the awards ceremony, Theresa and Anne Marie said: “It’s fantastic to win the ICHN Nurse Award. We’ve never won anything before, so for ICHN acknowledge the work that we do is fantastic.”

Teresa works as a registered general nurse at the Lucan Health Centre in Esker, while Anne Marie works in the Continence Promotion Unit at Dr. Steevens’ Hospital in Dublin 8.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

CLONDALKIN: COUNCIL HOUSE RESIDENTS ACCUSE HSE OF DISCRIMINATION

HSE accused of discrimination against disabled residents MARK O’BRIEN

THE HSE has been accused of discriminating against disabled residents living in council housing in the Clondalkin and Lucan area.

Councillor Mark Ward (SF) made the comments after it emerged that the HSE does not provide Occupational Therapy (OT) reports for council tenants in the area.

The reports are required

for those applying for disabled person’s grant (DPG) and are provided to people living in other parts of the South Dublin County Council (SDCC) area.

Cllr Ward said: “Last year I had a motion passed that saw SDCC cover the cost of the reports for residents in Clondalkin on an interim basis.

“However, this has ceased and South Dublin County Council have in-

formed me that this intervention is not sustainable going forward.”

Cllr Ward said that he has been informed by council tenants in Clondalkin that they were told the HSE does not have sufficient staff to provide the OT reports.

This is despite that fact that the reports are being provided to council tenants elsewhere.

“I find that the fact that all residents of SDCC are

not treated the same absurd,” said Cllr Ward.

“Basically, someone living in Tallaght has enhanced services compared to someone living in Clondalkin. This situation has led to a twotiered system.

“People apply for a DPG as their situation has changed to such an extent that they need their homes adapted to enable them to live comfortably in their homes.

“A lot of times their financial situation has changed because of their deteriorating health.

An OT report can cost anything up to €300 and some Clondalkin residents are left without the required modification to their homes.”

Cllr Ward raised the issue directly with the HSE and was told that they would speak with SDCC to resolve the issue.

He said: “Talk is cheap

The HSE Clondalkin/Lucan Centre on St. Loman’s Road

and I want to see action from the HSE so vulnerable members of our society have the same level of service as others.

A spokesperson for the HSE said that in 2017, it undertook a collaborative initiative with South Dublin County Council to assess tenants awaiting OT assessments. 54 referrals were received by the HSE and these reports were completed.

The HSE spokesperson added: “Following this collaboration a report was completed by the HSE and further discussion between South Dublin County Council and HSE was recommended to determine a sustainable model for the assessment and grant reports for homeowners and tenants who are seeking grant assistance from SDCC. “The HSE will continue to work with South Dublin County Council in regard to this report.”

EZ Living launches bank holiday summer sale EZ Living Furniture has announced the start of its 2018 summer sale, which takes place in-store and online.

Starting this June Bank Holiday weekend,everything is reduced until Sunday 10th June, with reductions on a range of furniture, as well as discounts on home accessories. There will be special offers on dining sets, leather and fabric sofas, bed frames, mattress-

es and occasional furniture such as coffee tables, TV units and bedside lockers.

EZ Living Furniture has ten stores across Ireland in Galway, Sligo, Castlebar, Clonmel, Limerick, Kilkenny and Dublin, with a new store in Tallaght opening later this summer.

It is also expanding its online e-commerce platform, and will aim to create more Irish jobs over

the coming years.

This sale will take place in all ten stores and online. For further information, and to view the range of furniture and accessories online and for store opening hours and locations, visit www.ezlivingfurniture.ie.

Be sure to follow EZ Living Furniture on Facebook and instagram for updates on special offers, instore events and competitions.

FASTNews Social Democrats selects its Dublin SW candidate CARLY Bailey has been chosen as the Social Democrats’ General Election candidate for Dublin South West.

Ms Bailey lives in Firhouse and was co-convenor of Dublin South West Together for Yes group and was the national co-ordinator for the SocDems repeal campaign.

She is currently a mature student at Trinity College Dublin, studying law and political science.

She said: “It’s an absolute honour and to have been selected to contest the general election for the Social Democrats in Dublin SW. “This area has so much going for it. Everyone here has welcomed me with open arms since I arrived five years ago.”

Support for startups encouraged A local councillor has said that South Dublin County should support local start-up businesses to develop and expand by providing additional enterprise space in Tallaght.

Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) was commenting following this month’s meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee where he raised the need to confirm plans for the establishment of new Enterprise Units in the Tallaght region.

Tallaght Town Centre, Bolbrook Enterprise Centre and the Greenfield site at Grange Castle Business Park will be considered as potential locations for the development of enterprise space.

Cllr O’Connor said: “We need to maximise on the opportunities presented in the enterprise sector and support new and existing startup’s to expand and grow.

“Indigenous business has real potential to contribute to our local economy and creating a vibrant and dynamic environment can help these enterprises to develop.” By providing a hub, our Council can help nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that is so essential in our community.”

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

CONCERNS OVER INVASIVE JAPANESE KNOTWEED

Monastery Road nursing home under threat from invasive weeds MARK O’BRIEN

A MOTION has been passed calling on South Dublin County Council to ensure that plans to build a nursing home on Monastery Road were being conducted in line with the permission granted.

The motion was raised

by Cllr Breeda Bonner (Lab) at the recent Clondalkin Area Committee meeting of the council.

Planning permission had been granted to build the nursing home at Lexington on Monastery Road subject to a number of conditions.

The most pressing concern was the removal of the invasive plant, Japanese knotweed.

In a report issued in response to Cllr Bonner’s motion, the council said they were satisfied that the developer was doing all it could to remove the plant prior to commencing construction work.

The report stated: “A detailed invasive species management plan was submitted to the Planning Department and its programme of works deemed appropriate and acceptable to discharge this condition.

“Japanese knotweed is an extremely aggressive invasive species, the removal of which is a priority for the South Dublin County Council.

“In that regard, the mitigation plan was both appropriate and thorough.

“The Council received copies of this plan prior to its representatives meeting with the developer in February.”

Further conditions were to check the site for archaeological remains. This has been done and, according to the report, nothing of any significance was found.

A further condition was to ensure that there were no bats on the site before construction commences.

The Monastery Road nursing home site

The report said: “The developer engaged a competent qualified person with whom the Council has arranged a methodology for conducting a bat survey.

“As part of that process, it was agreed that carrying out the survey at that time was unlikely to return an accurate indication of bat activity as a consequence of the late cold spring delaying the emergence of bats from hibernation.

“The Council and the developer’s consultant agreed to postpone the

survey until a more accurate result could be expected as weather conditions improve.

“The Planning Department considered this as the appropriate response to the condition which simply stated that a survey needed to occur, prior to development beginning, without regard to the most suitable time.”

Cllr Bonner said she was asd afs sdaf af asf asf daf satisfied with the council’s response, but emphasised that it was essential that any trace of the Japanese knotweed be removed.

O’Dwyer Real Estate to manage primary care centre in Tallaght MARK O’BRIEN

O’Dwyer Real Estate Management (ODREM) has won the contract to manage a new state of the art primary health care centre in Tallaght.

The Tallaght Integrated Academic Primary Care Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland, was opened by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Minister for Health Simon Harris recently.

ODREM was awarded the contract to manage the seven-storey building for the next three years.

Siobhan O’Dwyer, CEO of ODREM, said: “This innovative care centre is first and foremost an excellent resource for the people of Tallaght and south west Dublin.

“However, it also shows the direction primary care

is going - that is the provision of multi-disciplinary health services on a single site.

“Open access multipurpose buildings like this bring their own particular challenges but these are challenges which ODREM has embraced.

“We currently have ten staff involved in the management of this building

and our experience to date has been hugely positive.”

In his address the Taoiseach pointed out that for the first time the three major healthcare activities of professional education, research and patient care were being brought together under one roof.

The Integrated Academic Primary Care Centre building at Tallaght

Cross was developed by Talacare, an Irish company specialising in the promotion and development of modern primary healthcare centres.

The Ditchley Group and Glenbrier Construction were also involved with the Integrated Academic Primary Care Centre project at the Russell Centre in Tallaght Cross West.

ODREM Director of Facilities Management John Madden with Minister for Health Simon Harris at the opening of the Integrated Primary Care Centre. Picture: Iain White

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Declan Maxwell (centre) with the staff of Luna’s who gave up their free time to help out at the event, which raised vital funds for Pieta House.

Aileen Boland, Geraldine Coughlan and Jane Prendergast. Pictures: Alan Rowlette

Bernie and Pat Miller

Malachy Callan and Tom Smyth

Luna’s hosts lunch in aid of mental health charity Pieta House

P

OPULAR Dublin 2 restaurant Luna’s hosted its annual luncheon in aid of mental health charity Pieta House. The charity, which organises the annual ‘Darkness into Light’ 5km walk, received 100% of the proceeds from the luncheon, courtesy of the New-York-inspired Italian restaurant. The glamorous lunch began with a prosecco welcome reception, followed by a four-course meal, with tickets priced at €85.

Ruth Allen and Sharon Plunkett

Maria Callanan and Michell McEntee

Barry McCall and Kari Rocca

Karl Cleare, Brian Crawley and Donal Garrihy.

Sorca O’Farrell and Jean Dix

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

THE RESULT

VOTE GIVES AN EMPHATIC ‘YES’ FOR REPEAL

Some of the crowd of Repeal supporters gathered at Dublin Castle for the official Yes verdict from the referendum

Together for ‘Yes’: West Dublin vote for repeal of the 8th MARK O’BRIEN

ALMOST three quarters of voters in West Dublin voted to repeal the Eighth Amendment on Friday.

The Amendment, which effectively banned abortion in Ireland, was repealed after 66.4% of voters to remove it from the Constitution.

In West Dublin, almost 75% of voters were in favour of repeal.

The Dublin Mid-West c o n s t i t u e n c y vo te d 73.27% in favour of repeal, while 74.91% voted Yes in Dublin South-West.

Co-Conveyer of Dublin South West Together For Yes, Cllr Emma Hendrick, told Dublin Gazette she was “overwhelmed” by the result.

She said: “It still hasn’t sunk in to be perfectly honest but it’s a brilliant result.

“It was definitely above and beyond what I expected.

“I think we all had our doubts at times throughout the campaign. I think we thought we were going to win but only by one or two per cent.”

Cllr Hendrick added that she hopes the campaign will attract more young people to become involved in politics, particularly young women.

“There’s been a whole generation of people woken up by this,” she said.

“It’s unfortunate that the likes of Simon Harris and Leo Varadkar are getting all the praise when it’s been the activists on the ground for years that have fought for this.

“There is an awakening there with young women, which is fantastic.”

Another Co-Conveyer of Dublin South West Together For Yes, Carly Bailey, echoed Cllr Hendrick’s call for more people to get involved in activism and politics.

In a statement on Facebook, she said: “It has been an absolute privilege and an honour to organise and work alongside so many great women and supportive men.

“I’m so proud of the work we achieved in Dub-

“

Women have fought for years for this

lin South West Together For Yes and Parents For Choice.

To see so many willing to volunteer their time for a cause they believe in offers this country hope.

It proves that people can make a difference.”

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt. Rev. Dr. Noble McNeely, along with former Moderator and min-

ister emeritus of Lucan Presbyterian Church, Dr. Trevor Morrow, and the Clerk of the denomination’s General Assembly, Rev. Trevor Gribben expressed their “profound sense of sadness” at the result of the referendum.

In a joint statement, they said: “The result of this referendum hasn’t changed the fact that human life is still just as sacred and special as it was before Friday’s vote.

“There should be no place for unrestricted abortion in a society that claims to cherish human life.

“We would encourage both the Government and wider society to place a greater focus on the provision of world-leading, compassionate care for women, children and families, including comprehensive support in the perinatal period for those facing pregnancy crisis.”

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

GALLERIES

Chairman of the Board of Management Seamas O’Cathasaigh with student Ciaran Briscoe

Christopher Marnell

Michael Carruth with Students Josh Sullivan, Lucca S and Christoper Marnell. Pictures: Simon Peare

Daire Newcombe and Aaron Foley

Colaiste Phadraig CBS student awards night

Michael Carruth with students Elee Kalee and Jamie Doolan

A

GREAT night was had at the Colaiste Phadraig CBS awards night on the school grounds in Ballydowd, Lucan Students of all years were awarded for various achievements picked up over the year, be it in sports, music or academia.

Among those in attendance was Seamas O’Cathasaigh, Chairman of the Board of Management and school principal Tony Brady, who were there for a night of performances and displays from students of 1st to 6th years.

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Andy Carroll, Eoin King and David Scully. Pictures: Simon Peare

Sixth year students graduate from Colaiste Phadraig

S

TICKING with the theme of Colaiste Phadraig Lucan, the sixth year students of CBS in Ballydowd, Lucan recently got dressed up for their graduation ceremony.

It marks one of the last times the sixth year pupils will walk through the CBS corridors before they begin studying for the all important Leaving Certificate exams.

After the Leaving Cert, these CBS seniors will embark on their next big adventure, whatever that might be.

Some will aim for Maynooth or Trinity, while other students might go straight into the workforce or take up an apprenticeship.

Whatever that might be, they all got their cue from the teachers and fellow Colaiste Phadraig students, which helped shape their lives and interests.

The night was also a great opportunity for the students and teachers to let their hair down and enjoy a night of laughter, before they begin the dreaded Leaving Cert cramming.

Cian Scully, Ciaran Scully, Paul Murtagh and James O’Neill

Paul Murtagh, Rian Fenning and Josh Sullivan

Aaron Foley

Ahmed Kalle Astle Cutinha, Benedict Mbamu and Ben Coffey

Daire Byrne

Clinton Adegemi, Conor Melia, Oisin Loughrane, Raphael Caras, Craig Chikono and Izz Syahmie

Principal Tony Brady

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BEST OF THE JUNE BANK HOLIDAY FESTIVALS

BLOOM FEATURES AN ECLECTIC MIX OF STUNNING SHOW GARDENS, TANTALISING FOOD FEATURES AND FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Picture Chris Bellew

DUBLIN MADE EASY

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME OF THE CITY’S BEST EVENTS TO BRING YOURSELF (OR OTHER GROWN-UPS)

S

UMMER is a great time for children, and Dublin has plenty of fun things to take the kids to. However, as much as we all love spending time with the kids, there’s plenty going on across town to hire a babysitter for and head off for some quality ‘me time’, too. This week, we take a look at some of the things going on that are perfect for grown-ups (although greenfingered kids will like Bloom).

Come rain (inset) or, hopefully, shine, these different events are well worth going along to.

BLOOM 2018

BULMERS FORBIDDEN FRUIT

GINFUSION 2018

LOCATION: The Phoenix Park HIGHLIGHT: Cookery demonstrations with Ireland’s best loved chefs

LOCATION: The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham HIGHLIGHT: The 100% Irish stage

LOCATION: The Bernard Shaw and The Eatyard HIGHLIGHT: Afternoon G+Tea

DUBLIN city centre’s multi-stage music and arts festival is set to return for its 8th instalment on the June Bank Holiday weekend, June 2-4.

The spectacular grounds of Irish Museum of Modern Art will once again play host to the hotly anticipated three-day festival, which combines music, art, fashion, food and simple good vibes.

Set across six stages offering a wide selection of different styles of music, to suit all tastes, you can expect the usual fruity cocktail of great cutting-edge sound, comedy, art, good food, and festival fun.

Acts include; the War on Drugs, Grizzly Bear, Warpaint, Thundercat, Spoon, Glass Animals, Bonobo, Vincent Stables, Superorganism, Idris Elba and David Kitt.

Tickets on Ticketmaster.

THE Dublin Gin Festival Gin Fusion is back again this year taking over The Bernard Shaw and The Eatyard from May 31 – June 3.

The festival spans across four days and four nights with events, tastings, workshops, pop up markets, classes, cocktail bars, pairings, food, DJs, live music, craic and lots more.

On Saturday, Whitley Neill are hosting a Gin Blending Workshop which will take place in the Eatyard Bunker Kitchen where you can forage for your own botanicals on the roof top and blend your own gin.

Then on Sunday, the hugely popular Afternoon G+Tea will be back as Bloom Gin partner again with The Cupcake Bloke for a decadent gin-based afternoon tea.

See www.thebernardshaw.com/ginfusion/

HAIRY Gardeners, Moving Statues and Climate Change, it’s just another June Bank Holiday weekend at Bord Bia’s Bloom! The festival returns from May 31to June 4.

The five-day event which showcases the best of Ireland’s horticulture and food industry will feature 20 spectacular show gardens and endless garden and floral features.

Bloom offers a great day out for all the family featuring arts, crafts, music, food and drink as well as talks, debates, workshops and live cookery demonstrations with some of Ireland’s best loved chefs.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster and can also be purchased on the gate. Ticket prices vary from €16 - €25 and children under 16 go free. For more information visit www.bloominthepark.com

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

HOME & STYLE

DUBLIN

LATEST START WARS FILM ISN’T QUITE EASTERN DELIGHTS WILL A SOLO HIT P20 CHARM ANY VISITOR P24

Husband-and-wife team House of Hackney team up with chic high street store & Other Stories to launch a unique colab collection.

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WHAT’S YOUR FASHION SIGN?

MAGAZINE PAGE 26

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY

THE GIFT OF GAZ | SHOCKIN’ STATEMENTS

The world’s in a terrible state of chassis when even Davy makes sense

“YOU’D have to feel sorry for the poor ius’, not ‘Caritas’, ye bleedin’ span- never know. He could save the winGerman lad,” I says to Davy when I ner.” ning peno in the shootout in next met him on Sunday afternoon.

“Well, whatever his name is, I season’s final and be the hero. And We’d normally meet up on a Sat- still feel sorry for the lad. I’ve made sure, doesn’t everybody love an auld urday evening but we knew the pub plenty of mistakes in me time but for- redemption story?” would be bedlam with everything tunately not many people have seen I’m not used to Davy making this going on. them.” much sense with consecutive sen“Ah, yeah,” he says to me. “The He’s not wrong there. I’ve seen tences. poor young fella must be devastated Davy get up to all sorts but he had a “I suppose you’re right,” I says to after that but Jaysus, ye wouldn’t see point – imagine making two massive him. “Still though, yesterday was an it in the Phoenix Park of a Sunday mistakes like that with the whole interesting day all round, wasn’t it?” morning Gaz, would ye?” world watching?

“Ah it was,” he says. “The country’s Davy used to be a goalkeeper “I suppose yer man Klopp will get all changed now from when we were when we played ball when we were rid of him now,” I says. young fellas.” young fellas and he still thinks he’s “Probably,” says Davy. “But you “It has indeed,” I nodded. “And an authority on the subject. that may be no bad thing, Problem is, I remember Davy used to be a goalkeeper really.” him doing almost exactly “Ah yeah,” he says. that. On a Sunday morning. when we played ball when we “So did you vote ‘Yes’ in In the bleedin’ Phoenix Park were young fellas and he still the end then?” I ask him. and all, it was.

“I did, yeah,” he says. “I’m thinks he’s an authority on the I reminded him of this not sure I agree with it all, and he laughs and says: “Oh subject but after what the daughyeah. But there was only ter told me and everything, about seven people watchI figured I had to vote Yes. ing me. There was millions “I may be a bit uneasy watching young Caritas.” with it all but sure I’m never “Karius,” I says, correctgonna have to go through ing him. with it and I suppose they “I couldn’t carry you Gaz, all have their reasons for the bleedin’ size of ye,” he doing it.” says to me.

Three sensible state“Karius!” I roar at him. ments in a row. A new Davy “The keeper’s name is ‘Karrecord!

“

Showing they care for CARI TERRY McCoy and Miriam Ahern were delighted to help support CARI with an annual summer lunch at The Shelbourne Hotel. CARI provides a professional child therapy and counselling service to children and families who have been affected by child sexual abuse. Many well-known faces came along to tuck in, and dish out some support for CARI’s work. See Gallery on Pages 22-23

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

LEGAL EAGLE

BY WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS

It really is best to tackle your bank debt early OVER the past number of years, and particularly since the recession, bank debt has become increasingly common.

If there are significant arrears in respect of this debt, the bank will normally endeavour to recover it which may result in legal proceedings brought by the bank.

It is advisable to deal with this at an early stage and to seek the advice of a professional.

Bank debt can arise out of a number of different scenarios. The most common bank debt is mortgage debt.

It is recommended that the bank or financ ial institution are approached with a view to renegotiating the debt.

This would normally entail changing the repayment structure based on what you can afford to pay.

A write-down of the debt may be considered by selling some assets with a view to paying off the debt at a reduced figure.

You will normally be required to provide the bank with a statement of means which sets out all your assets, income, liabilities, and expenses and will show your net worth.

This assists the parties in ascertaining what a viable payment structure would be.

It is important that you keep up-to-date finan-

cial records including copies of all receipts and invoices and engage an accountant to prepare financial accounts if this is necessary.

If you do not do this, you are potentially in a considerably weaker position and it is important to keep all financial records as you may need to produce these in court at a later stage.

If you can show that efforts are being made to pay the debt, it is advisable to approach an accountant, financial advisor, or a personal insolvency practitioner to advise you in this regard with a view to putting a proposal to the bank.

Restructuring They will advise you as to what the best means are to restructuring the debt, based on what you can afford to pay.

In the event that the debt becomes significant, the bank or financial institution are likely to bring court proceedings against you to recover the debt.

There are a number of courts – the District Court, Circuit Court and High Court.

As to which court the proceedings are brought to, this will depend on the amount of the debt. The bank normally brings two types of proceedings: 1) Debt claim, or 2) Possession

The former is where banks seek to recover the amount due to them and the latter is where they are seeking an Order for Possession of the mortgaged property, with a view to selling the property.

There is a possibility to renegotiate with the bank after court proceedings have been issued, and it is advisable to do so and endeavour to reach an amicable solution.

A judge will not normally give an order unless they believe there is no other option and a complete lack of engagement of cooperation from the borrower.

Judges often stay orders for a number of months in order that you have time to put your affairs in order and sell the property without the necessity of the bank doing so.

There is always a solution to bank debt, and it is best to tackle it early on rather than leaving it to the last moment.

It is recommended that you should get professional advice from a solicitor, accountant, or personal insolvency practitioner to advise you, and to assist in making an approach to the bank regarding restructuring the debt.

In the event that there are court proceedings, you should immediately consult with a solicitor.

WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS specialise in litigation, personal injuries, probate, conveyancing, employment law and family law. Their offices are located at Unit 7E, Nutgrove Office Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. For further information, please call 01 291 0300, email info@walshandpartners.ie, or else visit the site at www.walshandpartners.ie.

DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in this article, Walsh & Partners Solicitors do not accept responsibility for errors or omissions howsoever arising, and you should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

Caroline Huller-Wallace, Alone BNI coordinator (centre) with Lolanda Pearse and Katlin McNamara. Pictures: Arthur Carron

ALONE CONFERENCE BRINGS LIKE-MINDED GROUPS TOGETHER

Volunteers gather to help befriending RACHEL D’ARCY

MORE than 20 organisations from across Ireland attended the Befriending Network Ireland (BNI) conference in Dublin last week, organised by the charity, ALONE. Organisations including Dublin’s Depaul, LGBT Ireland, Elder Homecare and more attended the conference, which was held in the Ashling hotel.

Established by several ‘befriending’ organisations across Ireland in 2015, Befriending Network Ireland (BNI) has grown to a national network of more than 60 organisations.

The seminar comes at the end of a week of celebrating the central role such BNI organisations have in communities across the country.

The seminar was opened by the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community

Caroline Huller-Wallace with Saoirse Sheridan and Lucie Cunningham

Development, Sean Kyne.

It also included an address from Professor Brian Lawlor, consultant psychiatrist at St James’ Hospital.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Kyne said: “I am delighted to be here to open the BNI seminar and to celebrate the role befriending can play in creating friendships and combating loneliness across the country.

“Our ageing demographic and changing society means that initiatives like BNI are more

vital than ever. These befriending organisations, and their volunteers, play a huge role in building stronger communities across Ireland.”

The importance of technology in supporting older people was emphasised as ALONE launched its new befriending app, BFriend, at BNI. The new mobile app will allow volunteers and staff to record their visits to people in the community, feedback any concerns or good news about the older person,

allow them to stay up to date with events such as volunteer socials, and to communicate with other volunteers.

Developed by ALONE in partnership with Netwell CASALA, it is a key element of ALONE’s wider BConnect service for training and technology.

Sean Moynihan, ALONE’s chief executive, said: “Every volunteer will have access to BFriend when they are out on their visits. This will help us to keep our volunteers safe.

“It will also help us to better support older people as we receive important updates from our volunteers in real-time.”

Following a six-month trial period last year, BFriend is now available for befriending organisations as a web application, on Android and iOS platforms.

The aim is to have 15,000 volunteers using the app by 2022.

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

PEOPLE MALAYSIAN MASTER MUSICIANS TO FUSE SOUNDS OF EAST AND WEST TOGETHER AT DRAIOCHT

Lose yourself in the unique melodies of veena strings MARK O’BRIEN

FOR the first time in Ireland, Sri Ragam Fine Arts Music Academy from Malaysia is performing Magical Strings of Veena.

The veena is a traditional classical Indian instrument used to accompany Carnatic music, with this striking musical show set to feature 17 musicians ranging in ages from 11- to 50-year-old students.

The show will include Carnatic fusion, Indian cinema music, Malaysian and other famous hits bringing the music of the East and West together.

The selection of music ranges from the famous Carnatic track, Raghuvamsa Sudha, as well as Six-ties, Seventies and Eighties Indian movie songs, through to legendary hits of Malaysian band Alleycats, famous Michael Jackson songs and many more.

The Indian veena has always been considered as an instrument of the Gods; hence the name, Divine Instrument, has been attributed to it.

The traditional veena has been modified and refined over the centuries, having been used since

ancient times. From the earliest times, the veena has been a guiding star for the development of Indian music.

The instrument has

been developed to keep up with current trends, which has made it possible to be used for cinema songs as well as many other song compositions.

Unfortunately, the veena’s usage is decreasing day by day, with the aim of the show also to motivate veena students and nurture their interest.

The other aim of the show is to help create awareness of this wonderful, nearly forgotten musical instrument, and to delight music lovers and a young generation from modern, multicultural Ireland about the veena’s ancient heritage, helping to support the classical instrument in the future by encouraging people to learn how to play it.

Sri Ragam Fine Arts Music Academy’s vision is to create as many veena artists around the world with certificates, diplomas and degrees, in order to master the art of perform-

ing with the veena.

The school has been conducting veena lessons to students far outside Malaysia through online music lessons, and is working towards achieving its vision with ongoing online lessons from students from Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada.

Magical Strings of Veena takes place on Saturday, June 2 at 7.30pm in Draiocht theatre, Blanchardstown.

Tickets are available via the box office (01 885 2622) or online at https:// draiocht.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173587236.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N

SOME OF THE LATEST DUBLIN EVENTS

DIARY

Wooderful work, lads

Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Group Advertising Manager: Sue Griffith sgriffith@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

STUART Martin, Niall Carroll, JP Foy and Thomas Whelan were happy to put their handiwork skills to the test when 140 Aer Lingus staff flew over to the grounds of Holy Family School for the Deaf, Cabra. The lads and all the other helpers were delighted to help create a great sensory garden at the school. Picture: Chris Bellew

Showcasing social entrepreneurship HOPEFUL social entrepreneurs were joined by Irish writer and activist Sinead Burke to officially launch the 2018 Enactus Ireland National Competition.

Enactus is a global social entrepreneurship movement which partners students, academics and business leaders to develop socially responsible business models with the potential to benefit people in

need.

The students will present their proposed business models to a panel of judges at the Enactus Ireland National Competition which will take place in The Chartered Accountants House today This year’s winning team will go on to represent Ireland at the Enactus World Cup, in Silicon Valley in October 2018.

Sinead Burke with L-students Dylan Grimes Larkin and Kate Dowling

A captivating show Seeking “The Next Niall Horan” Up and coming production company, Loft Productions Ireland in conjunction with Princess Frannie Productions, is bringing, Arnica Was My Eyecream by Fran Winston to The International Bar this June. This fast-paced performance will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, as you follow the relationship of Nancy and Marcus.

Running from June 5 to 9, the production is a captivating one-woman show, tapping into the psyche of modern audiences. Tickets from Eventbrite, € 10.50 – €12.50.

A noteworthy event

THE Irish International A Cappella Festival returns for the second year taking place across various venues in Dublin city between the 22-24 June 2018.

Modest! Management, the team behind One Direction, Niall Horan, Little Mix and 5 Seconds Of Summer are coming to Dublin to hold an open casting call for male singer / songwriters aged between 15 and 19 to join a brand new international group.

The auditions will be held on June 8 and 9 at Dublin’s legendary live music

The biggest singing event of the summer, IIACF showcases the best a cappella that Ireland has to offer.

Festival hosts Ardu will launch the festival at the Sugar Club, Dublin with a brand new

venue The Button Factory, Temple Bar. Those interested in auditioning must have strong vocal ability and be able to play guitar or keyboard.

The open auditions will run from 9am to 3pm each day, please arrive early to avoid missing out.

For all enquiries please contact talent@modestmanagement.com

show, launching their first full album in two years on the same night.

Full programme details are available from https://www.irishacappella. com/#programme-section

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

FESTIVAL

The Court Yard getting ready to Rock in style MUSIC fans will be spoilt for choice at an upcoming music festival right on the city’s doorstep, which is going from strength to strength – as this year’s highcalibre line-up again showcases.

Bringing together an eclectic line-up of artists and bands, both home-grown and from farther afield, Rock The Yard at the Leixlip Festival will see The Court Yard Hotel rock out to music to suit all interests across the June bank holiday weekend.

From Friday, June 1, four evenings and nights of great gigs in the heart of Main Street, Leixlip, will see some newcomers join local favourites, as well as several artists who’ve made quite a name for themselves in international festivals.

Below, you can read about just two of the acts, but for the full details of lineups, times and prices, see https://www.courtyard.ie/.

Secret Garden: Naas native Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian writer Rolf Lovland

Raising a Celtic bar Secret Garden’s songwriting legacy

Four-piece band should be a Giant hit SUNDAY, June 3, sees Brave Giant take to the stage. The new single, Dakota, follows last October’s Way To Love.

The Time I Met the Devil single from 2017 has enjoyed almost 100,000 views alone (featuring Irish actor and comedian, Joe Rooney) adding to the band’s impressive overall tally of 1,000,000 online video views. It’s the song that also resulted in a Late Late

Show invite last spring for the boys!

The Longford-based four-piece have an impressive pedigree, having sold out a number of regional headline Irish shows, and a headline show in Rockwood Music Hall, in New York, amongst others. Their love of Irish music is evident in their sound, described as a skilfully achieved blend of Rock, Folk and Alternative influences.

Waves of approval for the Riptide lads ALSO playing on Sunday, The Riptide Movement need little introduction to music fans, with the hard-working band playing The Court Yard and looking ahead to their coast-to-coast tour of Ireland.

The popular four-piece will sweep old and few fans along on some brilliant currents, while also helping to tackle some environmental issues with

the planned summer release of their next single, Plastic Oceans.

With the single recently recorded in London with producer Chris Coady (Future Islands/Slowdive), and having signed a global publishing deal with IMAGEM/CONCORD Music in 2017, The Riptide Movement have certainly started making ripples in the right circles, and should be a big hit on the night.

PERHAPS Ireland’s most famous Eurovision took place in 1994.

As well as an Irish win through Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Kids, a far more lasting legacy came through the first-ever performance of Riverdance at The Point.

At the same event, Secret Garden – Naas native Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian writer and contestant Rolf Lovland – first met.

Following the Irish victory, the contest returned to Dublin in 1995. That particular Eurovision has long been thought a deliberate loss by the ‘home team’, due to the potential cost of hosting yet another finale.

Secret Garden’s Noct u r n e, n o n e t h e l e s s, brought a little Irish glory through winning violinist Sherry.

Some 23 years after forming, and following Sherry’s recovery from two horrendous broken arms back in 2015, the pair are still steaming on.

They’ve just released the first ever version of hit, You Raise Me Up, to feature the vocals of Johnny Logan, who

 JAMES HENDICOTT

had made the original recordings back in the 90s, only to be controversially bumped in favour of Brian Kennedy on the final version.

“It’s like a full circle being back,” Sherry says ahead of the pair’s recent The Late Late Show perfor-mance.

“I’ve actually played in a lot of Eurovisions with the orchestra, as we were having that nice run of wins at the time.

“I don’t think there’s been another song like ours since. We juxtaposed instrumentals with words.

“The vocal part was the introduction to Nocturne, and the outro.

“It was planned for the album, really.

“It was halfway produced, and then it was suggested Norway go with something very different for Eurovision. It was almost an accident.”

In the 90s, Eurovision was more suited to the Secret Garden style.

“There was an orchestra back then. Now, it’s more on the lighting and staging than the music.

Maybe we won because it was the right time for it. There was this ‘Celtic wave’, which helped.”

The result, ultimately, was a career that’s taken the pair around the world.

The new release is a best-of, in essence. “It’s a teaser while we wait for the new album, which is in production,” Sherry explains.

“There are three main things with it, really. One is to release the Johnny Logan [title] track that has never been released.

It’s a big thing to get out.

“There have been all kinds of problems behind it, but I think we have some reconciliation now.

“We’ve sort of landed that conflict, a few years ago, actually. It feels very good.

“Then we have another vocal song that we h ave n’t re a l l y d o n e before, and that’s a new thing for an album, plus lots of bits and pieces, piano solos, stuff like that.”

Lovland adds: “Really, the melody is the story.

You are the ones to add

some pictures of words to it.

“I think that’s true for all instrumental music.

We lead the listener into their own stories, and hope it opens up some pictures and some imagination in them.

“It could be uplifting, or suit you when you’re in a dark mood, or whatever.”

As for those two broken arms? “It was a very big drama at the time,” Sherry recalls. “I’m back play-ing, and nobody would hear the difference.

“I say sometimes it’s like asking a professional golfer to hit the same distance with a shorter club.

“They were very bad breaks. I feel the difference, but you wouldn’t be able to sense the damage that I’ve done to myself.”

Broken bones, living in different countries, and even Johnny Logan’s objections simply couldn’t hold this pair back.

Secret Garden’s new song collection, You Raise Me Up (which includes the first release of the title track to feature Johnny Logan’s vocals) is out now.

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

COMPETITION

ENTERTAINMENT

Taylor’s reputation preceeds her as she heads for Croker AFTER starting her Reputation World Tour earlier this month in Phoenix, Arizona, Taylor Swift will be making her way to Dublin to take over Croker for two nights this June.

She’s set to perform hits from her back catalogue, like ‘Bad Blood’ and ‘Shake It Off’, as well as tracks from her brand-new album ‘Reputation’, like the smash ‘Look What You Made

Taylor’s newest album, Reputation

Me Do’ which went straight to number one on the Irish charts.

The Reputation tour sees Taylor play stadiums across the world, in some countries for the first time including Ireland. A second date had to be added due to demand, showing that we’re still as Swift-obsessed of a country as ever.

Taylor released her newest album Reputation - the sixth in her impressive back catalogue - last November to rave reviews.

It marked a distinct change in direction for the songstress. Her first handful of albums saw her maintain her country-esque roots with twangy guitars a key feature in some of her most legendary tracks, like her breakthrough ‘Love Story’.

While her album ‘1989’ saw her propell onto pop charts across the globe, Reputation solidified her ven-

ture into genres previously unexplored for Taylor.

Reputation features a more R’N’B edge, with rap verses a key feature on some of the album’s heaviest hitters something previously unheard of for the former Disney princess.

Joining her on the night is British ‘Boom Clap’ songstress Charli XCX, and ‘Havana’ hitmaker and former Fifth Harmony starlet Camila Cabello, who will get the party started at Croke Park.

To celebrate Taylor’s return to Ireland next month, the lovely folks at Universal Music Ireland have given us a Taylor Swift prize pack including official Reputation merchandise, a ‘Reputation’ album magazine signed

by Taylor, a copy of the new album, and to top it all off - two standing tickets for her June 15th gig at Croke Park, all for one lucky winner!

To win tickets for Taylor’s June 15 gig at Croke Park, answer the following question: What song from Taylor Swift’s new album, Reputation, went to number-one on the Irish Charts?

Love Story Shake It Off Look What You Made Me Do

To enter, email your answer along with your name, location and contact details to competition@dublingazette.com or visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page.

Competition terms and conditions apply, visit dublingazette.com/competitions.

XX Month 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

TOP TWEETS

PREQUEL TALE MISFIRES

CINEMA | SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY ISN’T QUITE AS STELLAR AS PERHAPS IT SHOULD BE ...

Yesterday in the park I saw a toddler screaming “BAD DOG” at a goose & I can’t stop thinking about it.

Not the Solo hit that was hoped for THIS actually touched down at cinemas last week, but when you’ve a film as big as Solo: A Star Wars Story (Cert 12A, 135 mins), you need a little bit more room to park a decent-sized review. Et voila.

It is, of course, the latest – and slightly baffling – addition and edition in the long-running Star Wars saga, as the financiallyfriendly franchise continues to get mercilessly milked for every last drop of filthy lucre and lore.

So, another prequel, this time picking up on the eponymous, beloved, titular space rogue, because hey, who doesn’t want to see exactly how Solo got that legendary name and reputation, nabbed the Millennium Falcon, made The Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, and so on?

Well, park it there, Chewie, for an exploratory aside before returning to the film proper.

There’s no doubt that prequels can work as a very effective tool for fleshing out a cinematic universe, filling in key details and conclusively developing a story in perhaps unex-

 SHANE DILLON

pected ways.

For example, I loved the dour, desperate Rogue One a few years ago, which pretty effectively fleshed out exactly how The Rebels got their hands on the plans to the Death Star, turning a rudimentary, throwaway plot device in the first film into an effective, complex prequel.

However, what worked so well in Rogue One can’t be repeated in Solo, as the former film had one key advantage that the latter, later film lacks: the unknown, and the element of uncertainty.

Yes, Solo introduces plenty of new characters and set pieces that are fresh for the franchise, alongside plenty of easter eggs and established canon to stay on track.

However, there’s an inescapable, fatal flaw at the film’s heart: all the core, key characters have to survive, and everyone else is expendable.

As such, whether caught up in troublesome train heists or super space battles, Solo (and non-solo sidekicks) have to scrape by, numbing any narrative tension.

It’s a core problem that has plagued filmmakers since year dot, forced to safely ensure that the heroes/villains will always escape their once literal cliffhangers, and it’s a problem that lingers throughout Solo, with his inevitable (albeit bungled) success assured, sucking a lot of tension from the film.

Still, there’s plenty of space for an enjoyable enough film here, with director Ron Howard doing well to patch up the troubled film shoot he inherited.

The handsomely shot and edited film feels like the more grounded Star Donald Glover clearly had a lot of fun with his role as Lando Calrissian (originally played by “Billy Dee” Williams Jr in the originals)

@fairfairisles Maybe that little kid was just winging it, Sophie Mackintosh

The young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) and Wookie pal, Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo, replacing Peter Mayhew)

Wars films we’ve seen lately, repeating a grungier take on the series that suits this down-at-heel origins story for the man eventually known as Solo.

The film pretty much ticks all the required boxes – that Kessel Run, yadda yadda – that anyone even half familiar with Harrison Ford’s iconic character will know, but it’s fun enough watching the film click its way along to tick off all the legendary lore.

Ford’s a tough, grizzled cookie to follow, but Alden Ehrenreich does his best at picking up on some of the character’s traits, while trying to present his own take.

Does he succeed? Alas, no.

He’s okay, but trying to

fill the space boots of such an established character is a thankless task that would bedevil any actor.

Alden’s aided and abetted by a competent cast here; the likes of Woody Harrelson hams it up in a role he could do in his sleep, while Donald Glover’s slightly flamboyant take on old frienemy Lando Calrissian is pretty fun.

However, barely a wet weekend after its release, there‘s already lots of studio grumbling about the film’s success – or lack of – at the box office, with a

slightly underwhelming take so far that’s come in under, say, even Rogue One’s launch, and that film wasn’t exactly beloved.

With more spin-off films on the way, perhaps there’s a dash of Star Wars fatigue setting in.

Also, Ehrenreich is fine, but he’s far from the kind of marquee name that may have sold the film and character better; and maybe the biggest problem Solo faces is that it’s a film that just didn’t need to be made, and which consequently fans weren’t clamouring for.

In taking the known, legendary aspects of Solo’s lore and then just showing them, warts and all, it’s a look behind the curtain that demystifies and humanises the legend, and turns a hero into a man.

As such, if you’ll excuse the pun, this could yet be the Solo prequel outing we see for this iconic character. (Sorry, Alden...)

Ve r d i c t : 6/10

I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans.

I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me - my joke was in bad taste. @therealroseanne Roseanne – that Roseanne – tucks into a bit of humble pie after her stupid, racist tweet, which saw her rebooted show get axed

Thinking of making a bread reviewing blog called Fantastic Yeasts and Where to Find Them. @TheDonnerKebab You never know, there could be some dough to be made from that, Adam Donnelly

I just got a GDPR email from a company with every single recipient accidentally CCd in.

Great start lads. @b3nfox Tech no notice of those endless emails, Ben – we don’t (but maybe we should)

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

PUZZLES

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

in association with

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS a long while aeons ages centuries decades dotage endless eternity epoch era forever

gigayear life span lifetime mature millenia never-ending old age seasoned time yonks

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Cecelia Ahern, Miriam Ahern and Georgina Byrne

Claudine Keane

Assets Models ahead of the fashion show which was also part of the event. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Megan Connery and Amanda Davitt

Suzanne Jackson

Joan Palmer and Roz Flanagan

Valerie Reilly

Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick

Dining out in style to help fundraise for CARI A HOST of stylish people donned their glad rags for the annual summer lunch in aid of CARI at The Shelbourne Hotel, hosted

by Miriam Ahern. CARI provides a professional child therapy and counselling service to children and families who have been affected by child sexual abuse. Marks & Spencer Ireland were on hand to support the cause, hosting a pre-lunch drinks reception along with wine to accompany a delicious four-course gourmet lunch. Alan Hughes lent his reliable skills to the task as MC, with The Runaways entertaining guests after lunch, with a fun-filled raffle adding to the upbeat mood. Guests included Miriam Ahern and Terry Mc Coy, Cecelia Ahern, Georgina Byrne, Karl Broderick, Norah Casey, Claudine Keane and Suzanne Jackson.

Terry McCoy and Miriam Ahern

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

Snapshots of history W

HILE the final result of the referendum proved divisive for many, there was one overwhelming emotion on show at Dublin Castle courtyard last Saturday when the final, official tally was revealed – one of delight, and joy. Politicians from across the political divide joined An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and a host

Carol Murray, James Brown and Margaret Murray

of activists to mark the historical occasion. However, the moment belonged to the people of Ireland, with thousands of men and women gathered for the result.Here are just a small selection of images from the gathering, as history was made and the way was cleared for the 8th Amendment to be removed from the Constitution.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

latitude&longitude Halong Bay is a vision of ethereal beauty.

Inset: Bangkok and the Imperial Citadel of Hue

St John’s, a city on Newfoundland island off Canada’s Atlantic coast

A colourful Canadian coastal town overflowing with Irish influence IT’S not just European beaches that are on our doorstep - did you know that the stunning Canadian destination St John’s, is just a 4.5 hour flight away?

This colourful coastal town is nestled at the most eastern point of North America.

A culture overflowing with Irish influences and history, it’s no wonder this cousin to the east is a must-see destination for the Irish.

With its perfect blend of city and nature, St John’s offers its visitors a wide array of activities.

From hiking through Terra Nova National Park and sampling the craft beer from the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company to climbing up to enjoy the views at Signal Hill and taking a boat tour out to go whale watching, St John’s is a destination with plenty to see and do.

You can fly direct from Dublin in less than five hours, with fights from only €423pp return. So what are you waiting for?

Book your Canadian adventure today with GoHop and explore North America’s oldest city for yourself.

For more information or to book visit www.

GoHop.ie, or call the experts on 01-2412389.

Enjoy the views from Signal Hill

Kayaking at Terra Nova National Park

GO EAST | CULTURE, BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND WORLD-CLASS CUISINE

A Far East escape will leave you enchanted SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor OFFERING the perfect blend of intoxicating culture, beautiful beaches and world-class cuisine, the Far East is hard to beat.

Aside from boasting some of the world’s best scenery and heritage sites – from China’s Terracotta Army to the stunning Mount Fuji and Vietnam’s ancient ruins – it is also renowned for its amazing service and fantastic value for money.

Multi-destination holidays are popular and with such an array of locations on offer it’s easy to see why.

Vi s i to rs ca n b u i l d t h e i r bespoke holiday of a lifetime and hop from Bangkok to Cambodia – and anywhere in between – to feast their eyes on this beautiful corner of the earth.

Whether it’s a bustling city break you’re after, an idyllic beach escape or a cultural adventure, the captivating Far

East has you covered.

Experts at Hayes & Jarvis Ireland will tailor-make your trip for a magical experience. Feast your eyes on some of the tempting itineraries below: Bali has a rich variety of beaches to wow

Bangkok, Phuket and Phi Phi MultiCentre: The perfect city and beach combination in Thailand from only €2,059pp (travel

November 2018).

Price includes: Return British Airways flights, four nights in Bangkok, five nights in Phuket, and five nights in Phi Phi, transfers, taxes and charges.

A Journey Through Vietnam: Travel from north to south taking in the culture and beauty of Vi e t n a m f ro m only €2,139pp (travel August 2018).

P r i c e includes r e t u r n f lights with Emirates, 10-day tour with nine nights’ accommodation, transfers, English speaking local driver/guide, meals as per itinerary, taxes and charges.

This trip of a lifetime takes in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An

and Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore French and Chinese heritage as well as cultural treasures such as Hoi An town and the Imperial Citadel of Hue. The stunning lakes found within busy cities and powdery beaches along the coastline of this mesmerising country are truly breath-taking.

Experience the rural life of villagers among the Paddy fields and relax on an overnight boat trip in spectacular Halong Bay. Singapore and Bali Multi Centre: Cosmopolitan c ity meets romantic island escape from only €1,939pp (travel October 2018).

Price includes: Return flights with Etihad, three nights B&B in Singapore and eight nights B&B in Bali, taxes and charges.

For more information visit www.hayesandjarvis.ie or call into the office just off Grafton Street - 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 - where expert staff will help you create your dream holiday.

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

TRAVEL & FOOD Hong Kong chefs get an insight into top-quality Irish meats Beaumont House, Dublin – last year’s winner of the Great Carvery Pub of the Year title

Carveries readying to compete for a slice of success at top awards THE 2018 KNORR Great Carvery Competition is now open for entries, with Dubs invited to mull over the best eaterie in the city – or beyond!

Now in its ninth year, the hunt is on to find the best carvery offered by pubs and hotels on the is-land of Ireland.

Launching this year’s competition, Jim Reeves, customer director at Unilever Food Solutions, said: “The core values of the competition are about celebrating and rewarding teams who can make a great car-very and meet the standards of excellence – great quality food and service, cleanliness and value for money.”

Last year, Beaumont House (pictured), Dublin

won the Great Carvery Pub of the Year title.

Dermot Carew, Beaumont House, said: “In 2016 we won the Leinster title, but it’s even better to have won the All-Ireland one.

“As the largest carvery in the country, we pride ourselves on delivering fresh, hearty food to our customers. It’s great to be recognised for that service.”

For the hotels, the Great Carvery Hotel of the Year 2017 went to Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel, Enniskillen.

To enter, simply complete an online form at www.ufs.com/carvery describing why your carvery is the best. Competition entry closes on June 30.

Make time to break out these new KitKats THERE’S one thing in life that many of us find hard to share – chocolate. (Well, two things perhaps – chocolate and ‘chipper’ chips.)

There’s a brand-new chocolate product out that comes in boxes of 20 individually-wrapped bite-size treats, that would simply be too selfish to keep all to yourself.

Nestle have just announced KitKat Senses, which are available in three indulgent flavours: Double Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Hazelnut.

Each has the combination of the classic KitKat chocolate and wafer, and either a layer of indulgent praline and crunchy pieces of hazelnut, salted caramel filling infused with crunchy caramel flakes or rich chocolate ganache and crunchy cocoa nibs. You can get a box with a mix of all three, or a box of each flavour separately.

Prices start from around €5.99, and are available nationwide.

A recipe to pore over ...

AS PART of the Alpro Planquet, which took place in the city centre recently, Alpro teamed up with doctor, personal trainer and food fanatic, Hazel Wallace – AKA ‘The Food Medic’ – to create a delicious Banana and Flax Smoothie.

What’s a planquet, you may ask? It’s any meal that puts plants first; making veggies, fruit, whole grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and seeds the star of the dietary show.

Ingredients: 200ml of Alpro Oat Original 1 frozen banana (Peel the banana and chop into small pieces; place in a sandwich bag or tupperware box and pop in the freezer.)

1 tablespoon of almond butter (or peanut butter) 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed Quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract A drizzle of maple syrup Sprinkle of cinnamon

Preparation: Making the smoothie couldn’t be simpler – all you need to do is blend all of the ingredients to-gether in a blender, then sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

ALPRO has a full range of delicious recipes available over at www.alpro.com to help you put plants first at every meal, helping to create a tasty planquet any time.

ON THE final day of a recent trade mission, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, met with some of Hong Kong’s top chefs at ‘East Meats West’ – a high-end culinary event organised by Bord Bia to promote Irish and European grass-fed beef and lamb.

The initiative involved more than 40 local HK chefs who were required to design a two-course menu with European beef and lamb.

The top six entrants competed in a live cookoff to win the overall title, while all six finalists will travel to Ireland in June.

As part of the trip, the chefs will visit Irish farms, factories and processors to experience EU food safety, quality and sustainability controls first-hand.

The prestigious judging panel included Kwanghi Chan, an award-winning chef born in Hong Kong, and raised in Donegal.

Kwanghi rose to fame representing Ireland in international cooking competitions, and most recently masterminded Dublin’s fusion restaurant, Soder+Ko. Speaking in Hong Kong, Minister Creed said: “We are here to celebrate the very best of EU beef and lamb, to tell you how it is produced and why is the best in the world.

“We in Ireland are very proud of our farm produce. We are also committed members of the European Union, with all of the advantages it brings for investors and traders.”

There’s plenty to chew over in a report on Irish eating habits MORE than a third of Irish people go out for dinner at least once a week, according to new research by Musgrave MarketPlace.

Their survey into dining habits reveals that 36% of Irish people dine

out at least once a week, with dinner the most popular meal to go out for (79%), while one in four people say they go out for lunch once a week.

Unsurprisingly, weekends are the most popular time to go out for some-

thing to eat, with 44% saying they like to dine out at the weekend.

When it comes to splitting the bill, 42% take it in turns to pay with their dining companion, while 30% say they “go Dutch” and split the bill equally.

However, a pet peeve for people is apparently when dining out with a large group of people and companions only paying for what they ordered, with a third of people calling this exacting approach “irritating”.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

HOME | GETTING READY FOR SUMMER

HOME | THE LATEST DESIGN CRAZE

Massed tulips provide a blaze of colour in a teracotta pot

The spiky foliage of an evergreen grass complements the tulips in this border.

Viva la Diva!

DIVA



AQUARIUS



CAPRICORN



ARIES



GEMINI



CANCER



Leo

Anne Byrne Garden Design provides easy to follow garden plans that you can implement right away or in stages.

Her design flair and passion for plants brings a touch of magic to gardens of all sizes.

Anne Byrne Garden Design – Creative Ideas  ANNE BYRNE – Practical Solutions – Stunning Gardens. info@dublingazette.com

AS I WRITE, the tulips are making a wonderful show in the garden and every time I look out the window they lift the spirits. They have to be one of my favourite flowers, both for growing and cutting and I could never have too many. Which is just as well, as in our climate they are the least reliable of spring bulbs – hence the diva reputation.

For every dozen you plant, eleven or twelve will perform beautifully the following spring, but in the year after that you would be lucky if two or three bother to show up.

This is because tulips are natives of the middle east and the bulbs are accustomed, in their native habitat, to a good baking each summer from the sun once the foliage has died down, which they rarely get in Western Europe. You might be inclined to associate them with Holland, which indeed produces vast numbers of the bulbs we plant in our gardens, but actually their natural home is further south and much, much hotter. All of which makes them rather an indulgence to the domestic gardener as the most beautiful and desirable varieties are naturally the most expen-

sive, and can’t be relied on to flower annually like most other spring bulbs.

But what a way to indulge! What other flower give such a spectacular show as spring edges towards summer – although the display might only last three to four weeks, to my mind, they are worth every cent. You’ll see them displayed in serried ranks in municipal flowerbeds and on roundabouts at this time of year, but in a garden, I think a natural approach is better. I like to scatter them amongst perennials and grasses in a more natural way – I think this displays them to best advantage and they look particularly elegant emerging from the fresh new perennial foliage.

They’re a brilliantly colourful way to bridge the gap from the end of the early spring bulbs and the first of the summer flowers. It’s lovely as well to plant them en masse in terracotta pots or glazed containers, which complement them really well. This allows you to move them out of sight when they’ve gone over, and also allows you to enjoy them if garden space is tight. Divas they may be, but they’re worth it!

FOR further information on Anne Byrne Garden Design, call 086 683 8098, or see www.annebyrnegardendesign.com

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

HOME & STYLE

Beauty

BITS

Just a few items on offer in Kat Von D’s new collection

LIBRA



PISCES



Hey, what’s your sign?  RACHEL D’ARCY

KNOWN for taking the beige out of interiors, husband-and-wife team House of Hackney have teamed up with chic high street store & Other Stories to launch a unique co-lab collection.

The collection was launched with the aim of celebrating each individual star sign’s unique style – the feminine, boho collection features effortless dresses, wide trousers and a range of accessories.

The entire zodiac family is decked out in twelve different, decadent looks from & Other Stories’ latest collab, which hit stores last Thursday.

Anna Nyrén, Head of Co-labs at & Other Stories said: “House of Hackney transcends trends and plays in a quirky world of their own.

We wanted to add to the playfulness of the co-lab collection by styling the pieces to fit the personality of each zodiac sign. Horoscopes can be wildly intriguing and so much fun.”

The brand got theirs in interiors, but have since successfully expanded into fashion and lifestyle design, with an emphasis on quality, design and ‘Made in England’.

Irish-born Frieda Gormley, one half of the team behind House of Hackney, said: “We love & Other Stories’ silhouettes, print treatments and how meaningful the brand’s social messaging feels.

“The collection that we created together is a heightened version of nature. We were inspired

by British psychedelia, vibrant fabrics from our local Ridley Road Market, and the bohemian mood of the Bloomsbury Group.”

The concept of the ‘free spirit’ is noted throughout the collection, highlighted by the notion that every woman should feel free to move, play and blossom.

Prices vary from a €59 bustier and a €69 skirt to a €99 blazer and €145 dress.

House of Hackney’s co-lab collection is available at & Other Stories on Grafton Street now.

VIRGO



SAGITTARIUS



SCORPIO



TAURUS



Celebrating Ten years of tattoothemed beauty THIS month saw the launch of Kat Von D’s 10th anniversary collection, celebrating a decade of the tattoo artist being in the beauty business.

To commemorate the occasion, a series of limited edtion gold products were launched; some new, and some redesigns of cult favourites within Kat’s collection.

One of the stand-out products is the 10th Anniversary Eyeshadow Palette. Comprised of 16 shades, each eyeshadow is named after a different one of Kat’s ‘muses’, from her mother, to her husband, to models she has worked with.

Shades in the palette include a dark duo-chrome with a teal shift, a vibrant green as well as more neutral tones.

As well as the palette, she has launched a limited edition gold packaged version of her iconic Tattoo Liner.

There’s also a limited edition Metal Crush highlighter, a gold brush, a gold-coloured ‘Everlasting’ liquid lipstick, and a gold ‘Studded Kiss’ lipstick in Santa Sangre The full collection is currently available from Debenhams, with prices ranging from €20 to €115.

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

TECH TIME A digital divide – tech’s role in the May 25 referendum SHANE DILLON

sdillon@dublingazette.com

NOW that the big referendum is over, it’s possible to dig into a couple of interesting aspects to how it partially played out, with tech – and social media in particular – playing key roles and raising some serious issues.

As a disclaimer, these are anecdotal, personal, off-the-cuff observations based on what I saw, and also on how a wide variety of international media reports also reported events in Ireland.

First up, and social media proved a key influencer in getting the vote out, with young people in particular enthusiastically embracing and utilising tech to spread their message, spur on others, and create some momentum.

Frankly, the Yes side had this one in the bag – tagged with #HomeToVote (largely aligned to voting Yes), social media platforms were awash with images and posts charting emigrants’ temporary journeys home to vote in Ireland.

The No side had a similar rallying call to prompt equally passionate voters to head home, but – anecdotally – there just wasn’t the same fizz and energy in that side’s clarion call.

Clearly, lessons had been learned after a similar campaign was waged in the Marriage Equality referendum a few years ago, which also saw an affirmative #HomeToVote initiative seize young voters’ imagination, though not quite on this scale.

Whatever the next referendum will be, it’ll be interesting to see if a similar

#HomeToVote, possibly aligned with a Yes viewpoint, will make it three for three with social media ‘wins’.

Secondly, if the Yes side ‘won’ social media, the No side ‘won’ online advertising, with a significant presence of Vote No ads dominating internet sites in Ireland, and even beyond.

As someone who hates online ads of any kind – sorry, advertisers – I do my damndest to leave no digital footholds to drive or direct any kind of advertising, but everywhere I went, I was greeted by No, No, No, No, in a significant online push.

It’s absolutely vital for both (or more) ‘sides’ in any such referendum to make their voices clear, and for people to express themselves and to be able to get their message across.

However, in this case, the No side were perhaps a little too successful – we’ve all read how the tech titans ended up halting externally funded Vote No ads, prompted by concerns over external manipulation of the Irish electorate.

It’s one thing to have social media campaigns asking people to head home to vote Yes or No, but quite another for

external actors to heavily invest in trying to direct a referendum down one path.

Tech watchers, and general news sites around the world, noted the world-first move by the big tech companies as any externally sourced and funded ads were halted, with the move echoing increasing global concerns over data transparency, political interference, and tech’s role as a tool to sway politics.

As a side note, it’s also been reported how a number of international gaming sites are also investigating how graphic Vote No ads ended up linked to their sites, with advertisers sidestepping the bigger tech players’ ban to get their message delivered via such unexpected sources instead.

Ultimately, whether for Yes or No, it’s been made very clear that tech is now a voting tool to be reckoned with, with its success as a message driver being something that all sides, groups and politicians will have to become more adept at using, tuning and even exploiting in future.

It’s also been made clear that tech can be a little too successful, leaving those using it the risk of being hoist by their own petard, but as we’re still in the comparatively early years of this bold new digital and political frontier, there’s a lot still to be worked out.

At least the social media and online ads alike proved yet again one key, inarguable point: every vote counts, so whether you’re a Yes or No person on any given issue, always exercise that vote whenever you can.

When good intentions bring ‘unintended consequences’

BY NOW, the well-intentioned but somewhat annoying EU GDPR

legislation is beginning to take hold, already prompting what might be called ‘unintended consequences’.

We’ve all been under siege from GDPR-related emails from companies all over the place in the past couple of weeks, swearing that they take data protection very seriously, will never sell your data to Martians, and you can opt-in or out to stop or start getting emails and free squirrels etc.

Joking aside, it’s a serious issue – there’s a growing global unease not just at the role that almost completely unaccountable tech giants have in harvesting and exploiting user data, but also in how even generic user profiles can be targeted and exploited by foreign actors for desired political or societal outcomes.

However, it’s now being reported that EU citizens are being blocked from accessing various American newspaper sites, with warnings that under EU data protection laws they can’t see them

because, basically, of data protection concerns and related issues. Oh-oh...

It’s bad enough that the US-instigated crazy end of net neutrality looms in June (giving internet service providers the right to slow-down internet access speeds for cheapskates who won’t cough up to access ‘better’ packages), but the very real risk of other countries, or companies, deciding to block EU access to all kinds of sites over GDPR concerns is pretty alarming.

We’re already seeing some US news sites going dark, so one can only imagine that ashen-faced mandarins in Brussels are busy scurrying around trying to work out such kinks in the GDPR system, rather than risk the unintended consequence of a suddenly fracturing internet.

Keep an eye out for any more foreign sites suddenly ‘disappearing’ from your view or access – if this happens, at least now you’ll have a pretty good idea why...

MACHINE OF THE WEEK

Arona adds small car charm to SEAT range Small compact crossover cars are the new market growth area and SEAT has joined this space with the new Arona model that capitalises on the technology resources of the giant Volkswagen Group. MICHAEL MORONEY took the Arona on test and came away seeking better economy from a desirable small car.

SEAT’s claim to be one of the fastest growing car brands in Ireland will be further enhanced with the addition of the new small crossover Arona model.

This car is the fourth new model from the Spanish brand that’s wholly owned by the giant Volkswagen Group.

The Arona is named after a town on the sunkissed island of Tenerife.

This car is smaller than the Ateca SUV and will be looking to build on the success which its larger sibling has had in its own class. It adds a new dimension of small car charm to the SEAT range and was recently singled out as Best Product Design 2018 by the prestigious Red Dot Award design competition.

SEAT claims the Arona is the first compact crossover in the Volkswagen Group to use the state-ofthe-art vehicle platform, MQB A0.

This is the same platform used in the new SEAT Ibiza, drawing on the technology expertise of the German car giant.

While the Arona is noticeably smaller than the Ateca, SEAT has fitted it with compact crossover with all of the driving assistance and infotainment systems you would expect, such as front assist,

adaptive cruise control, hill hold control, fatigue detection, rain and headlight sensors and multi-collision brake. But not all that specification is included in the entry models.

Also included were rear traffic alert, blind spot detection and park assistance system, which works for both parallel and angle parking.

T h e ca r wa s we l l equipped in terms of connectivity, with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and

with keyless entry and start/stop system, rear view camera, premium 8” black panel touchscreen.

Out on the road, this Volkswagen Group threecylinder engine was lively and responsive to drive. My test drives normally cover more than 700km and that includes quite a few longer motorway runs.

In the Arona, the driving experience was good, while the easily adjustable seats mirrored the com-

Seat Arona 1.0 TSI Petrol Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price Mirror Link.

I recently drove the petrol powered and turbocharged 1.0 litre TSI version that’s rated at 115bhp.

The specification was the Excellence grade so that meant I was able to sample almost all of the above features along

1.0 litre 115hp 9.3 seconds 20.4km/litre

(4.9l/100km or 56mpg)

40 litres 113g/km A4 €200 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2017) 3 years/90,000km €18,595 pact nature of the car.

This type of driving shows economy differences where the aim is to drive the car at its most economical, while not compromising on performance.

For the 1.0-litre TSI SEAT Arona, the 120km/ hr motorway speed pushed

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

WHAT’S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY AND ON WHEELS

TECH & MOTORS

Can fashion and driving mix well?

HAVE you ever given some thought about how the clothes your wear can impact the way you drive? For most people, they get ready for the day, get into their car and drive to their destination without thinking about what they’re wearing. It’s worth taking some

The new SEAT Arona is a compact crossover that has the attractive looks of a modern small SUV with a raised platform and distinctive styling. Entry prices for the S models start from €18,595.

time to making sure you’re wearing the right gear when driving.

Choose the right shoes. Never go bare foot as you have to put pressure on the pedals which your shoes can do a lot easier. Don’t wear flip flops or open-toed

the car into a higher and less economical zone.

This meant that over a 1,100km test drive I was overall 20% less economical than the rated figure of 20.4km/litre (4.9l/100km or 56mpg).

For longer distance drivers, this proved once again why we need to re-think our views about diesel engines.

SEAT’s diesel version of the Arona is 20%, with its 1.6-litre clean turbo-diesel engine more economical, even if its €2,300 more expensive to buy.

I don’t think that it’s

time to dispense with modern clean diesel engines when we have to burn more than 25% extra petrol to complete the same journey.

The six-speed gearbox is smooth to use with a light touch feel that makes for easy driving. But the extra ratios were not enough to deliver diesel engine economy for the longer distance, commuter drivers.

For them the economy sweet spot is with the engine at 2000rpm and that will deliver a steady m o to r way s p e e d o f 100km/hr.

The Arona is well equipped on the safety front and its recent Euro NCAP five-star safety rating does confirm its credentials.

However, the slight concern is the recent recall issued by SEAT because of the possibility that in rare situations (e.g. sudden quick lane changes with five passengers on board) and when the rear centre seat and the rear left seat are occupied at the same time, the left seat belt could be unintentionally released.

SEAT has identified a technical solution which will prevent this from happening and advised not to use the middle seat of the new Ibiza and Arona until the car has been equipped with the redesigned belt lock fixture.

The SEAT Arona has been designed to appeal to young and fun generation with lots of colour and specification choices to personalise the car. This is supported by a 3 year warranty deal that’s limited to 90,000km.

Entry prices for the SEAT Arona start at

€18,995 with 16in steel wheels and roof rails to enhance the car’s stance and appeal.

Entry level Arona S models get a good safety package.

The SEAT Arona competes is a compact crossover sector that getting packed with new models by the month.

The Arona styling package is good, the economy features of diesel power need some serious consideration because the 40 litre capacity fuel tank for the petrol model emptied far too quickly for my liking.

New Opel Corsa GSi bring a promise of driving fun

WHEN the new Opel Corsa GSi follows the Insignia GSi onto the market this summer, it will be powered by the brand’s punchy 1.4-litre turbo engine with 110 kW/150 hp and 220 Nm of torque.

This Opel hot hatchback is not only quick off the mark (zero to 100 km/h is covered in only 8.9 seconds), it also impresses with great elasticity, on its way to the maximum speed of 207 km/h, the Corsa GSi takes just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear.

When configuring the engine, which delivers a specific power output of more than 100hp/ litre, Opel engineers claimed to have specifically optimised responsiveness for great driving fun on winding country roads.

The turbo-charged engine with short-ratio, six-speed gearbox is bound to impresses with punch in second and third gears as well as a maximum torque plateau of 3,000 to 4,500 rpm tailor-made for spirited driving.

The Corsa GSi with its sport chassis known from the OPC version and the brakes with red

sandals as they can get caught between the pedals. Wearing a sturdy pair of runners or shoes is the best option when driving; you can always leave your favourite shoes in the boot of your car once you arrive at your destination.

Do you have enough leg room? Your trousers can restrict your movement. For example, skinny jeans are designed to be upright and barely bend. Go for trousers that are loose enough for your legs to move around in.

Following on from skinny jeans, before getting into your car, think about the type of clothes you’re wearing. If they’re tight fitting, then this will limit your movement in your car.

Fashion accessories such as smart watches have the ability to connect to your phone. So even if you’ve put your phone out of sight and on silent, will your watch vibrate when you receive a message or call?

Either change your settings to avoid this or put this away with your phone.

Sometimes a change of clothes may be required at your destination to make the journey more comfortable.

European Commission targets lower road accidents THE European Commission has announced details of its Third Mobility Package.

The package is wide-ranging and includes, a target to reduce deaths and serious injuries on EU roads by 50% between 2020 and 2030 and a proposal that within three years all new models introduced on the market must have 11 advanced safety features, such as advanced emergency braking, lane-keeping system, over-ridable intelligent speed assistance or driver’s distraction

callipers ensure precise athleticism, claims outstanding handling and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with high-grip 215/40 R18 tyres.

From the front, the cheeky Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-

ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of road-clinging athlete.

The vibrant styling is also present at the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

recognition.

Vehicle technology is just one piece of the complex safety puzzle, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. To make progress on the Commission’s new objective of reducing fatalities and serious injuries by half between 2020 and 2030, we need put more emphasis on an integrated road safety strategy.

This is the only way to ensure that safe vehicles are driven by safe drivers on safe roads,” according to the ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

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32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

Because no match is too small...

Gazette Dublin Your #1 paper for local sport

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

JAMES’ LONG VIEW P39

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

LATE LATE SHOW: SOCCER: BOHEMIANS maintained

their unbeaten record over fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers thanks to a last-gasp Rob Cornwall equaliser in this week’s League of Ireland derby battle.

Rovers captain Ronan Finn had given the visitors the lead with eight minutes remaining, a goal that looked to have earned Stephen Bradley’s side a second win in four days.

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GAZETTE

MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT P34

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LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS PENTATHLON | ARTHUR LANIGAN-O’KEEFFE CONQUERS

AOK for Irish star with first world gold  sport@dublingazette.com

DONNYBROOK-based Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe won individual gold at an UIPM competition for the first time after a breakthrough performance at the Pentathlon World Cup in Sofia.

It continued a spectacular week for one of pentathlon’s most progressive nations, coming 24 hours after Natalya Coyle – a former King’s Hospital student – claimed her first individual medal with silver in the Women’s Individual Final.

For Lanigan-O’Keeffe, there was a 14 second gap between gold and silver, and the identity of the silver medallist underlined the quality of the winning performance. It was Jun Woongate of Korea, the world No.1, who secured silver 5sec ahead of Pierre Dejardin of France.

Lanigan-O’Keeffe, the 2015 European champion, said: “I was feeling

pretty beaten up after the semi-final and I was worried my legs wouldn’t hold up but I’m delighted. It’s a bit of an outer-body experience.

“To make things even better my girlfriend medalled yesterday and this is the first time we have won individual medals at the World Cup so it’s a great result all round.

“As you can see I’m pretty red in the face but thankfully my body held up today. We’ve come through some hard times and now the results are starting to show.

“I’ll dust off my legs, get into the plunge pool and get ready for tomorrow’s Mixed Relay because we mean business.”

It was another day of success for Jun, who will be the man to beat at next month’s Pentathlon World Cup Final in Kazakhstan. The world No.1 started the Laser-Run in 3rd place but had too much ground to make up on

Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe celebrates as he won a World Cup event for the first time last weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Lanigan-O’Keeffe.

Jun and Lanigan-O’Keeffe immediately made their intentions clear in the pool with times of 2.01.83 and 2.01.92 respectively.

In the fencing, the Irishman emerged as the main man with 23V/12D in the ranking round plus two points in the Bonus Round.

A series of high-class performances on horseback enabled a number of athletes to get back into contention but Lanigan-O’Keeffe (IRL) protected his overall lead with a clean round (297).

He went into the Laser-Run with an 11 second lead which he maintained and saw off the job on the shooting range.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S WELL done to everyone involved in Ballyboden St Enda’s Golf Classic. It was a great day had by all.

There was no winner of this week’s jackpot in the Boden Lotto. This week’s jackpot is €3,500. The numbers drawn were 18, 24, 11 and 3.

Well down to our Ballyboden St Enda’s and Dublin minor hurlers on their win over Wexford and the U-21 hurlers on their win over Laois.

Well done to our Boden players on the Dublin senior football team on their win over Wicklow in the football championship.

The biggest and best Summer Camp in the country starts on Monday, July 9 Ballyboden St Enda’s excellent Summer Camp is now taking bookings.For more information log onto www.bodengaa.ie.

FAUGHS U-16 hurlers defeated Division 3 league leaders O’Tooles with Man of the Match Cian O’Sullivan scoring 4-3!

U-15As had great wins over Ballyboden St Enda’s and Lucan Sarsfields this week to enter the Summer break on maximum points and top of Division 1. U-15Bs also had a great week with a win v na Fianna and a draw with Cuala to put them top of Division 6. U14s had a comprehensive win over table-toppers OPER, Sean McDonald was outstanding in this game. U-13As lost to Kilmacud Crokes in their Div 1 encounter. U-13Bs had a narrow one point win over St Sylvester’s in Division 5. U-12s hurlers had a magnificent day on Sunday by winning the Ballyboden St Enda’s U-12 tournament.

Well done to all players, mentors and parents.

Congratulations and best wishes to Shane and Olivia, the new Mr and Mrs Brew. Every good wish for a long and happy life together. Congratulations also to Aodh and Ann Marie O’Connor who celebrated landmark birthdays.

Next Irish music night in the members’ bar on Thursday, June 7. All welcome Faughs Golf Classic takes place on Thursday, June 28 in Grange GC Rathfarnham.

Fun table quiz every Wednesday night in the Members’ bar.

Lotto – Jackpot €4,500 –Numbers 7, 16, 19 & 22. No Winner, Two ‘Match 3’ winners (share €200), Monica Spellman and Lorcan Heavy.

Next week’s jackpot will be €4,600.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN INTERS, juniors and ladies were in action last week with mixed results; two wins and a loss.

Ladies beat Man O War away by 5-5 to 2-2 in the championship to qualify for semi final spot.

Juniors got back to winning ways with a 3-9 to 1-8 result against St Finbarrs in their league tie at Westmanstown. Intermediates recent run of good form came to an end losing at home to St Brigids in the league by 2-12 to 1-10. U16 boys played Dublin U-15s in Westmanstown on Friday night-great workout for everybody with some great talent on display.

The U-12 footballers drew with Naomh Mearnog

in their home league match last Thursday night, 1-11 to 2-8.

The club annual golf classic takes place next week on Thursday, June 7. This is an important club fundraiser and all club members are asked to make a big effort this week to support with teams,t boxes and green sponsorship.

This years Club Summer Camp takes place at Westmanstown from August 20-24th from 10am to 2.30pm each day.The camp is open to children from 5-14 years of age beginners and advanced. The fee for the camp is €60 per child and bookings can be made online.

BASKETBALL: FORTY TEAMS BATTLE IT OUT AT DUBLIN MASTERS

Portland’s tribute to Dave O’Brien

Emotional victory for American team following brilliant weekend of action at four venues across the city for the annual Masters festival  DECLAN KING

sport@dublingazette.com

THE Dublin Master’s Basketball 2018 Tournament attracted its biggest field ever with 40 men’s and women’s teams from all over the world taking part in four venues in West Dublin.

Teams from the USA, Canada, Slovenia, Spain, Belgium, Croatia, England and Scotland as well as a host of teams from the four corners of Ireland strutted their stuff.

Sunday’s finals day created a cracking atmosphere for the packed arena at the re-furbished Oblate Hall in Inchicore.

The big titles went to the American debutants Portland Old School who beat BNAF in the Tom McLaughlin Over-40s men’s final while Wild Rovers made it five wins in a row with victory over Mustangs in the Joe Kavanagh women’s cup final.

The men’s Over-40s decider was a real dog fight with nothing between the sides throughout as Portland Old School just pipped Brother’s Near and Far 31-30 in a titanic battle on the buzzer.

Portland is a side put together by the former Killester player Kevin McLoughlin who left Ireland in the mid 90’s and joined the US Marines.

The Dubliner was overcome after the final when he spoke to the Dublin Gazette.

“This is an amazing tournament and a credit to the organisers and the venues,” he said.

“When I made contact initially with John Walsh almost a year ago, I never thought firstly that we would be here as a team let alone be winners of the men’s tournament.

“Dave O’Brien and I set things in motion with these wonderful guys and within a few months we

were well on our way to having the trip set up.

“Dave is one of the integral parts of our group but just a couple of months ago he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and unable to make the trip to the homeland.

“This was shattering news for Dave, his family and for us as a group and that is why we wore the ‘David O’Brien’ green warm-up tops to honour our friend.

“When we were told that each team in the final would have an MVP, the guys automatically picked Dave to honour him with us” said McLoughlin as he tried to hold back the tears.

Jerome Westbrooks BNAF or Brother’s Near and Far who included Ed Randolph, Ger Kennedy, Damion Morbley and a host of other players certainly put it up to their American opponents.

The women’s title went to Wild Rovers who beat Siobhan Kilkenny’s Mustangs 62-43 in the decider. This was Wild Rovers fifth year in a row to win the big one.

The team is a who’s who of former SuperLeague players including Caitriona White, Suzanne Maguire, Gillian Hayes, Karen Hennessy and of course the amazing Lindsay Peat who has just finished a gruelling international rugby season with Ireland.

Peat loves her basketball and represented Ireland on many

occasions; she is also a soccer and rugby international while if that isn’t enough she also won an AllIreland football title with the Dublin ladies.

After the final, Peat told the Dublin Gazette what this weekend meant to her. “It was fantastic to put on the basketball boots for the weekend and to play with these amazing girls. This is a fabulous tournament and I am so thrilled that I was able to help the girls,” said the MVP. The Over 50’s Men’s final saw a new name going on the Mick Brew Cup as newcomers DM Ballers just edged out Inchicore 40-31 in a close fought final.

Former NBA player Anthony Bonner was the star attraction with many of the fans as he lined out for Checkmate Knights.

Unfortunately the finals day crowd at the Oblate Hall didn’t get a chance to see Bonner in the flesh as his side didn’t make the finals but he did lead the Knights to a Plate victory and also picked up the MVP award in the final against St Declan’s.

Mayo ladies won the women’s plate beating Maol Oldies in the final.

After the last basket was scored and the final trophies were given out Dublin Masters John Walsh was quick to point out to the Dublin Gazette that the 2019 event is already in the planning stages.

The Wild Rovers, top left, Dublin Masters Mike Murray, and, right, the winning Portland Old School team. Picture: JohN Walsh

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LEAGUE OF IRELAND: CORNWALL STUNS FORMER CLUB

LOI SHORTS Peamount’s player of the match Claire Walsh receives her prize from Advance Pitstop’s Eddie Ryan

Bohemians Dylan Watts tries to escape a tight spot in their league tie with Shamrock Rovers. Picture: Martin Doherty

All star guest list miss the Hoops and Bohs late show LOI PREMIER DIVISION Bohemians Shamrock Rovers  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

1 1

BOHEMIANS maintained their unbeaten record over fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers thanks to a last-gasp Rob Cornwall equaliser.

Rovers captain Ronan Finn had given the visitors the lead with eight minutes remaining, a goal that looked to have earned Stephen Bradley’s side a second win in four days.

Former Hoop Cornwall had other ideas, however, powering home a header with just over a minute remaining to send the Dalymount Park faithful into raptures.

Martin O’Neill and his backroom staff, as well as several members of the first-team squad including Seamus Coleman and James McClean, were in attendance on the day.

They had come to see two of the latest call-ups to the international side, Rovers striker Graham

Burke and Bohs keeper Shane Supple, face each other in Ireland’s feistiest derby.

All had left, however, by the time Finn broke the deadlock on the counterattack and would miss Cornwall’s dramatic leveller.

The Gypsies scored late in both the sides’ previous meetings this season, at Dalymount and at Tallaght Stadium, with Darragh Leahy netting a winner in the eighth minute of injury last time out.

The home side didn’t leave it quite so late on this occasion, but a draw was a fair result in a game of relatively few chances and little to entertain the guests, including exRovers defender Enda Stevens.

Rovers controlled possession in the first half but were unable to turn the pressure into chances, with a glancing Dave McAllister header, easily gathered by Supple, their sole effort of the opening period.

A Hoops side so dominant at home against

St Patrick’s Athletic on Tuesday were unable to apply the same pressure against their mostintense rivals.

McAllister again went close with a half-cross, half-shot that whistled over the bar with Supple looking somewhat concerned between the home side’s sticks.

Burke was doing his best to impress the watching O’Neill and had a great chance when played through by Finn, but Supple stayed on his feet and managed to bat away the striker’s shot.

Cornwall registered the home side’s first effort on goal ten minutes before the break as he let fly following a half-cleared corner, but his low shot whistled past the post.

Rovers felt they should have had a penalty after the break as Dan Carr was sent through on goal and tumbled under the challenge of Supple, but referee Rob Hennessey wasn’t buying it.

They did get their goal as the clocked ticked into the final minutes, Finn

applying the cool finish after Dylan Watts had given the ball away in midfield.

Finn had given Rovers the lead here on the opening day, while the Hoops also led in Tallaght in April, but once more they let a lead slip in circumstances depressingly familiar for Bradley’s charges.

Their lead lasted just six minutes, however, as

Keith Ward delivered an inviting free kick for Cornwall – who spent three seasons with the Hoops before being released in 2016 – powered a header home.

The result will not particularly suit either team, both of whom remain in the bottom half, Rovers missing a chance to close the gap on the European places and Bohs to move clear of relegation.

Rovers Graham Burke and Bohs Keith Ward tangle.

Picture: Martin Doherty

Shels nick late point ISIBEAL Atkinson’s late goal earned Shelbourne Ladies a point in the Dublin derby against Peamount United at Greenogue on Saturday.

Sarah McKevitt had given the home side the lead early on and, for much of the game, it appeared the Peas were on course for a third win of the season over their title rivals.

McKevitt’s shot cannoned off the crossbar and was deemed to crossed the line, while Áine O’Gorman wasted a chance to extend the lead before the break.

Shels pushed on after the break and equalised with Leanne Kiernan linked up to provide Atkinson with the simplest finish.

PAT’S UN-CORKED BY CITY ST PATRICK’S Athletic conceded three for the second time in four days as they fell to an unfortunate 3-1 defeat to Cork City on Friday night.

Conan Byrne had put the Saints in position to take at least a point when he cancelled out former Ireland Under-21 international Kieran Sadlier’s early opener.

A stunning effort from Jimmy Keohane and an evenmore remarkable third from Sadlier, struck from within his own penalty box, ensured the three points went back to Cork.

There were just 13 seconds on the clock when Sadlier strolled into the box and went to ground under the challenge of Kevin Toner, and he converted the penalty himself.

The Saints were the better side for the next hour, but Cork should have gone into the break 2-0 up as former

Shamrock Rovers man Karl Sheppard headed over with the goal gaping.

Byrne levelled just past the hour mark with a well-taken finish after Mark McNulty could only parry James Doona’s low-struck effort into the winger’s path.

And it was Doona’s low cross that teed up captain Ian Bermingham for an audacious effort that crashed back off the Cork bar.

There was controversy as a foul on Ryan Brennan wasn’t spotted and Cork took full advantage, Keohane curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner of Tyson Farago’s goal.

Sadlier made sure of the win in the fourth minute of injury time when, with Farago up for a corner, he hooked a ball from the edge of his own box that ran all the way into the Saints goal.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to the junior A ladies footballers who opened their championship with a comprehensive win away from home.

Well done to Ciaran Dowling, Paul Crummey and Fintan Clandillon with the Dublin U-21 hurlers who won well in the first round of Leinster.

Also to Colm Walsh who was part of the Dublin minor hurling panel that beat Wexford. Congratulations also to Sinead Daly and Sophie McIntyre who have qualified for the U-14 All-Ireland football final with Dublin.

Hard luck to Mark Lavin, Matthew Dunne and Jake Rooney who lost to Meath with the Dublin minor footballers. Hard luck also to Emer Keenan and Emma O’Flynn who lost the Inter Camogie Leinster final.

Our deepest sympathies to the Donohue family on the recent loss; Mary Donohue, mother of Tony and mother-in-law of Josephine. Also condolences to the Kavanagh and Mulligan families on their recent losses.

Ladies Night - The Healthy Club committee hosted the very successful “Ladies Night In on Friday”, with the function room full to capacity.

Lotto: There was no winner of the €20,000 lotto on May 24, the numbers were 10, 14, 20 and 26.

Next draw will be managed by Gerry McAndrew and is sponsored by REA McDonald Auctioneers.

Play Online or tickets can be purchased online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsagents, in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar. Golf Society: A date for your diary. The annual golf classic will take place in Lucan Golf Club on Friday, June 15. This is a key fundraiser for the club each year and your continued support is greatly appreciated. The format will be a team of four and to request a place on the timesheet, please contact Seamus Fagan at 086 8168984.

Summer Camp Registration and Details now available on the website. Limited numbers so registering early is recommended.

‘GAA for All’ continues Tuesday at 5pm.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN BOOKINGS are now being accepted for Round Tower GAA Club Summer Camp.

It will take place Monday, July 9 to Friday, July 13, 10am to 2pm at Monastery Road. Boys and girls aged four to 12 years of age are welcome to attend.

The fee is €60-€55 if booked in advance. You can book at Towers Óg 10am to 11.30am Saturday morning (not run on bank holiday weekends) or by calling into the club Monday evening 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Furthermore, we will host the Kellogg’s Cúl Camp on July 2 to 6, also at Monastery Road 10am to 2pm. It is again for children four to 12 years of age.

The fee is €60 and register online at www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps.

On the playing pitches, last week it was league action for our adult footballers, with our seniors defeating O’Tooles, junior As Lucan Sarsfields.

Our junior Bs were beaten by Beann Eadair but Junior Cs defeated St James Gaels.

Round Tower Lotto (May 21): Jackpot €3,500. Numbers drawn were 14, 16, 25 and 26, bonus ball 8.

No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. Three €100 winners: Lorraine Fahy, Helen Stapleton, Frank Cosgrove. Thanks to all who support the lotto.

Bingo continues every Tuesday in the club, with first call at 8.30pm and a jackpot of €1,000 on offer if checked within 50 numbers. All welcome.

SOCCER: TALLAGHT CLUB HANDED TITLE ON A PLATTER, ENDING

Kings of the Castle crowned Division 3 league AUL DIVISION 3  MARK O'BRIEN

sport@dublingazette.com

KINGSWOOD Castle celebrated their second league success in three seasons when they lifted the AUL Division 3 Saturday title on Saturday.

Hav i n g o n l y b e e n founded four years ago, The Castle joined the AUL in the 2015-16 season and won Division 3A at the first time of asking.

The Tallaght side now add the Division 3 crown to their list of honours and can look forward to Division 2 football next season.

Going in to the last round of fixtures, Kingswood were three points ahead of title rivals St Columban’s.

Both sides were due to face Celtic Park in their remaining fixtures.

But with the Beaumont side unable to field a team for either fixture, Kingswood were crowned champions in manager John Hanratty’s first season at the helm.

Kingswood Castle Chairman Emmet Kavanagh

was understandably delighted with the club’s achievement.

He told Dublin Gazette: “I’m so proud of our group of players. It’s a long slog.

Nine months of training and travelling northside every week or second week, so they deserve the reward at the end of it.

“I’d like to congratulate our management team of John Hanratty and Darren Kennedy, along with our club secretary Sharlene Kennedy and other committee members for all of their efforts this year.

“We move forward now to next season and look to improve the squad, bring more players in and build on the success of this season.

“I’d also like to thank our main sponsors, Frank Keane Volkswagen, as well as all of the companies that sponsored our Man of the Match prizes throughout the season.

“Their support has been invaluable throughout the year.”

Kingswood dropped just eight points in the league

all season but were pushed all the way by St Columban’s and Mourne Celtic.

Back to back league victories against secured against Columbans ultimately proved decisive.

Kingswood ran out 3-1 victors at Ballymount Park in April, with a sublime free kick from Stephen Sheerin the pick of the goals.

The return game two and a half weeks later was an event tighter affair.

Kingswood prevailed 1-0 thanks to a close-range

finish from top scorer Ian “Beano” Corrigan.

While Kingswood may have thought they had one hand on the trophy, they were given an almighty scare three days later at home to Hot Press.

In a game they would have expected to win, The Castle found themselves 3-1 down with just 10 minutes left to play.

But goals from Stephen Sheerin, Paul Maxwell and Des McGrath sealed an epic comeback victory.

Kingswood ran out 3-2 winners in the reverse fixture in Grangegorman two weeks later in what would ultimately prove to be the last league fixture of the season.

The league title marks a fitting way for club founder Stephen Kennedy to end his career.

The veteran defender retires at the end of the season and goes out on a high having added one more medal to his glittering collection.

Merrigan nicks if for Booth

The Booth Road Celtic LSL Saturday Major 1A side that moved within a point of the title

BOOTH Road Celtic moved within a point of winning the LSL Saturday Major 1A thanks to a 3-2 win over relegation-threatened Portmarnock AFC. The northsiders started off in slick fashion and took the lead only for the Clondalkin side to get level via Dan Whitefield with a well taken goal.

Then up stepped Ryan O’Callaghan to put the bhoys in front with a cracking shot.

With minutes remaining, the away side got their equaliser and had a couple of chances to

take the lead as Booth Road looked set to hold on for a draw.

With the referee looking at his watch, though, Shane Merrigan took things into his own hands and raced through to round the Portmarnock keeper to slot home the winner and claim all three points.

They now need one point from their final game at home to Greystones next Saturday to leap-frog above Pegasus and Broadford Rovers who have both already finished their respective campaigns.

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

COLUMBAN BATTLE

The Kingswood Castle squad that won the AUL Division 3 title.

ATHLETICS: DONORE MAN HITTING FORM OUTDOORS

Travers one second off 5k European mark IFAM OORDEGEM 5,000M  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

MAY FESTIVAL

Community Games sees 3,500 take part

DENISA Miculas from Deansrath competed in the table tennis Under-16 and Over13 girls event during the Aldi Community Games May Festival, which saw over 3,500 children take part in a fun-filled weekend at University of Limerick.

The event saw the children take part in 28 different events, raning from cross country running to music and drama to debating to indoor soccer and many more besides.

Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

DONORE HARRIERS’ athlete John Travers got his season off to a superb start at the IFAM Oordegem meet in Belgium over the weekend, breaking the tape in his busy 5,000 metres event in a personal best of 13.43.

The time falls just short of the qualifying standard for the European Championships – by a single second – a target for the season which Travers is remarkably laid back about achieving.

The personal best comes in the midst of an interesting time for the runner, who is currently on paternity leave after the birth of his child.

He admits his own tiredness, but nevertheless is on flying form on the track.

“I’m more happy than disappointed,” Travers said of the bittersweet combo that saw him grab a PB but fall short of the European mark.

“It was a big PB, about ten seconds, so I really can’t complain. I could have gone harder from the off, I hung back a bit as I didn’t want to get too involved.

“It was a really big field, 35 runners without a staggered start, so I started at the back and came through. I could have run a little bit quicker at the start, in hindsight, and I probably ran an extra 40 or 50 metres overtaking people, too, so I’m confident enough I can build on things and get the time later.”

Whether he does get the time or not, however, is not all that critical to Travers, who is taking a relaxed approach to the season.

“Obviously I’d love to get it,” he says, mentioning the late July cut off for qualification.

“But I’m also trying for the 1,500 metre times, so I’ll be setting the 5,000 aside until the Morton Games, I expect.

“I was thinking about traveling out to a couple more races in Belgium over the next couple of weekends, but I think I’ll take a break as the start lists aren’t looking too strong.

“I’m really running to enjoy running now,” Travers explained of his relaxed take on it all.

“If you go chasing times too hard it just doesn’t

Donore Harriers John Travers has enjoyed an exceptional start to 2018 Picture: Eoin Noonan/ Sportsfile

really work a lot of the time. Instead I’m just trying to enjoy it for what it is.”

There are certain parts of the season the middle-distance athlete doesn’t particularly love.

The cross country season in particular seems to stand out – “I do it for the club, and

because it does benefit you from a fitness point of view” – but, overall, Travers’ new approach has taken him to the form of his life over the 5k.

The European Championships are there in the periphery, a tempting distraction he glances through his side window.

Stritch stars in win over England AMATEUR INTERNATIONAL B LU E B E L L Un i te d s t r i ke r Shane Stritch was on the scoresheet as the Ireland Amateur side beat England C 4-2 in Whitehall on Sunday evening.

There were goals too from Paul Murphy and a brace from Eoin Hayes as Gerry Davis’ side twice let leads slip before pulling away late on.

Dagenham and Redbridge

defender Luke Pennell and Salford City midfielder Tom Walker scored equalisers in either half for a strong English side.

Stritch opened the scoring in comical fashion early on, the Bluebell United striker hitting a hopeful shot with the outside of his right boot that England goalkeeper Tom McHale let slip through his legs.

England levelled six minutes before the break with Pennell’s

brilliantly-taken header from Ky Marsh-Brown’s near-post cross.

Former Wexford Youths striker Paul Murphy put Ireland back in front within a minute of the resumptions as he got on the end of a quick free kick before squeezing the ball into the corner.

England drew level once more in spectacular fashion as the former Bolton Wanderers man

Walker was allowed too much space to stroll forward and pick his spot in the top corner from 25 yards.

Substitute Hayes put Ireland back in the lead, this time for good, when he slotted home following a good run and cross from Glebe North’s Adam Foley.

Hayes added his second and Ireland’s fourth with four minutes to go for a memorable victory.

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 31 May 2018

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

3

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN OUR next Town Hall meeting towards developing a strategic plan will be held in the Clubhouse on Thursday, May 31 at 8pm. This is an open invitation to all club members and interested parties within the community. All are welcome.

Plenty of action on the playing fields again this weekend. Our senior footballers had a solid win over Naomh Mearnóg while our junior footballers drew against Fingallians. The U-15 hurlers were unfortunate to lose out to a strong Ballyboden side on Sunday morning.

Well done to our U-11 girls who played a very tough camogie match against St Jude’s. A special mention for the two girls of the game – Evelyn Jith and Calia Tracey. Our U-7 boys put in a great performance when playing their first competitive match against Na Gael Óga.

Our U-14 camogie team also had a great win over Na Fianna. They had already beaten Setanta earlier in the week.

Well done to Cathal Flood, Conor McDonagh, Adam Devitt and Ryan McAuley who refereed their first matches on Saturday morning.

Details on all fixtures will be published later in the week on our website and Facebook page.

The Academy for younger players is now training at the Clubhouse on Monday evenings at 6pm. New members always welcome.

Gaelic4mothers continues on Thursday from 7-8 pm. All newcomers welcome. Contact Gill Pickett on 087 2269059 for further details.

St Patricks GAA Cúl Camp starts on July 9. Booking can be made on-line at https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie Our Lotto numbers this week were 1, 9, 23 and 27 in the first draw; and 5, 14, 15 and 22 in the second draw. There was no winner. There was one Match 3 winner – Joan Maguire. The jackpot next week will be €10,000 plus a second jackpot of €2,000. One ticket gets you entry into both draws.

ST MARY’S CONGRATULATIONS to Lulu (JoAnne Reilly) on winning our Lip Sync Together on Friday, and to 2nd place Joe Dolan (Peter Elliott) and 3rd place Beyonce (Ashling Magee).

Our thanks to all our contestants, their sponsors, advertisers and supporters, Kevin Rowe Events, Adrian Kennedy (98FM), our judges Dave Young, Claudette Dwyer and Colm Walsh, David Byrne of Spectrum Print for the excellent programme and the staff of Citywest Hotel. Our greatest thanks are to our organisers from both St Marys and Commercials for all their hard work over the past few months.

Results from last week seniors lost to Whitehall Colmcille and juniors lost to Geraldine Morans. There are no adult football fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend

and minors have their Leaving Cert break.

Next league matches are seniors against Na Fianna on Wednesday, June 6 at 7.30pm and juniors play St Annes on Tuesday, June 5 at 7.30pm, both in Saggart.

St Marys are hosting the Annual Kellogg’s Cul Camp from July 9-13 in Saggart. You can get details and register your child/ children online on www. kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/ booking.

St Marys has made it to the final 5 of 98FM Best of Dublin. We are in the category of Best Sports Club in Dublin and are the only GAA club nominated.

The 98FM Best of Dublin winners will be announced at awards ceremony on Thursday, May 31 at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.

ST MARK’S MEMBERSHIP is overdue, please pay ASAP. Get well soon to Maura Quinn and Maureen Doyle.

Congratulations to all our teams last weekend, great performances and some great wins.

Special mention to our U-9 footballers who performed fantastically at the weekend. Well done to all involved.

Longford Slashers draw is back. Tickets €60 for three draws. First draw May 31. Please support! All juvenile section training has returned to date, contact the relevant mentors for info.

The adult section has returned to training, Tuesday and Thursdays. Music every Saturday in the club. Music this Sat by TBC. Live sport every weekend.

Set dancing classes every Monday from 8pm. Bingo Thursday night, starts at 8.45pm, open to everyone.

Slimming World every Tuesday at 5pm and 7pm and Wednesday morning at 9am in the main lounge. Weight Watchers every Tuesday morning.

Please continue to support the club lotto. Tickets €2 each or three for €5, Jackpot €6,500 - not won. Numbers drawn were 4, 5, 15 and 17; €50 winners 1. Joan White 2. Goff Blake 3. Bridie O Connor c/o Bingo 4. Kathleen Coventry 5. Colm Waters 6. Tony Keegan.

CAMOGIE: DRAMA GALORE IN CLOSING STAGES

Gregg snatches sixth win from six for Round Tower U-15C LEAGUE Round Tower, Clondalkin 3-3 Kilmacud Crokes 2-5  MICK MCGLYNN sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Tower’s U-15 Camógs came out victorious in a thriller at the death at the Community Centre on Sunday.

In a match full of tension and nerves, where there was a goal for either team in second half injury time, the Towers girls maintained their 100% league record.

Kilmacud opened the scoring after 10 minutes with an amazing catch in the forwards, leading to a sweet strike over the bar.

This was quickly equalised by a Kate Whelan free after Holly Gregg was fouled. From the resultant puck-out, Whelan won the ball and pointed again. They could have been further ahead except for a number of saves by the Kilmacud keeper with Gregg, Whelan and Aoife Kennedy all drawing saves.

A breakaway move by Crokes led to the first goal

Round Tower’s Under-15s are continuing to develop following their fine Feile run a year ago

when a follow up to a number of saves by Karla Meehan and Abbie Maher on the Towers line was driven low to the net.

Again, Towers came back and a great run and low shot by Gregg to the net put Towers back up a point at half-time, 1-2 to 1-1.

Towers looked set to pull away when Kate Whelan’s speculative shot from 40 metres took a cruel bounce past the Crokes’ keeper to

COMMUNITY Lucan U-10s reach final of Dublin games

LUCAN’S Under-10 football community games team, pictured, enjoyed a busy week, getting to the final of the competition following a fine run.

They saw off St Jude’s in the semi-final with a 3-4 to 2-4 victory with Davis Quinn scoring 2-1 in the opening quarter. A day later, they played a great battle with Clontarf, losing out 1-4 to 1-3 to a very late score.

the back of the net.

But Kilmacud really dug deep and, in the next 15 minutes, scored four unanswered points. The run was ended by some great work from Lucy Cullen when she soloed 40 metres and struck over the bar from 30 meters.

But Towers had to soak up a huge amount of pressure, with great defensive work by Megan Hoyte, Saoirse Ng and Aoife Kelly, to stay ahead.

Then with the game ebbing into injury time, Crokes struck with another goal and it looked to have given them a late victory.

They also won the resultant puck but a shot went wide, allowing Hoyte to make a long clearance.

She found Kate Whelan who turned her player and carried the ball before releasing Gregg who then hit a beautifully low shot to give Towers the victory at the death.

31 May 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

FOOTBALL: BALLYMUN MAN SAYS O’FARRELL COUNTY HOLD THREAT

FOOTBALL

Boden keep up pressure on Vins

Dublin’s Long’ shot LEINSTER SEMI-FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

JAMES McCarthy expects Longford to rattle Dublin in their Leinster semifinal in a novel pairing between the reigning champions and massive underdogs.

The midlanders qualified for a first provincial semi-final since 1988 after beating Meath on Sunday and few will fancy Denis Connerton’s side on June 10 at Croke Park.

When the teams last met during the 2015 championship, a group then managed by Dublin native Jack Sheedy were beaten by Dublin by 27 points.

Longford finished third in Division 3 of the National Football league this term and might well have been promoted had they overcome Armagh.

In fact, many feel that the Leinster side should’ve won the game, and there was controversy as the Orchard County were awarded a questionable

free out before Ethan Rafferty’s 68thminute winning point.

“The Leinster championship is always one of the big competitions we go after every year,” Ballymun Kickhams man McCarthy said at the announcement of AIB’s extension of their five-year Backing Club and County initiative.

“The biggest respect you can give a team is to go out and do your best and play your best out there, and that’s what we try to do every day.

“It will be no different in two weeks’ time and you see Longford had a great win against Meath, and a great league, and should’ve gone up to Division 2.

“They had a controversial loss in one of their games and there was something about a late point in Armagh, I think. They’re a coming team and you can see there’s a buzz about them, so they will definitely give us a good rattle in a few weeks’ time.”

McCarthy has now collected five All-Ireland titles, and the 28-year-old

could well add to that tally in the coming seasons.

Despite collecting so much silverware, the Dubs continue to set the tempo in Gaelic football, and McCarthy tries to explain their ravenous hunger.

“When I think back to when we first started winning All-Irelands with Dublin (in 2011), the following year we came back and lost. Then we came back in ’13 and won, and then the next year we lost.

“We couldn’t figure out how to be more consistent, and how to go backto-back. Once you win one, you want to win two and three, and you’re really hungry and mad for it.

“It’s so enjoyable because you’re playing with guys you’re really close with, and you’re going playing these big games that are going down to the wire, and it’s very hard feeling to describe, those moments.

“It’s such a powerful feeling to play with a team that works so hard together, and it’s a great journey you’re on.

“It goes by in the blink of an eye; I’ve been playing for seven or eight years now and I just can’t believe how fast it’s going. So it’s about enjoying it as much as you can because it will be over soon enough.”

Last weekend, Dublin ran up a 23-point win over Wicklow in the Leinster quarter-final at O’Moore Park.

Dublin had 11 different scorers and the outcome was decided by the break, following late first half goals from Ciarán Kilkenny and Con O’Callaghan, and in the second half Dublin introduced subs with Conor McHugh and Colm Basquel both getting on the scoresheet.

Paul Flynn also got championship action under his belt after missing the entire league campaign following a back operation.

Dublin took a 18-point lead, 4-13 to 1-4, into the half-time interval after concluding the opening half with two late goals in front of an attendance of 11,786.

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s ran up a healthy win over St Maur’s on a 3-11 to 0-10 scoreline as they remain two points off leaders St Vincent’s.

An early Sam Molony point from play was cancelled out by a pointed free by Maurs.

The home side’s first goal followed with a clinical finish by Barra McGarry after an excellent move that saw Declan O’Mahony, collect the ball in his own half.

He delivered it up the line to Sam Molony who crossed to Alan Flood who quickly laid it off to Warren Egan who, in turn, found the scorer charging towards goal and finished clinically.

It led to a 1-7 to 0-3 half-time lead and another two goals came in the first few minutes of the second half to spin out the lead further.

They were scored

by McGarry and Alan Flood with Egan laying off the final pass on both occasions. Two enforced substitutions caused some disruption to the flow of the team and allowed Maurs back into contention to score the next three points, two from frees.

But Boden were well clear and they also enjoyed the sight Bob Dwan returning after the guts of a year out of action to score a trademark point.

GazetteSPORT MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2018

ALL OF YOUR WEST DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 33-39

KINGS OF THE CASTLE SOCCER: Tallaght

club land AUL league crown without having to take the pitch against Celtic Park, continuing their series of success SEE P36

MCCARTHY’S HIGH BAR FOOTBALL: Dublin star on finding consistency to become the serial winning side on the All-Ireland stage. SEE P39

GREGG HIT GOLDEN GOAL

CAMOGIE: Round Tower’s Under-15 side continued their superb run of form in their league, snatching a sixth win out of six with an injury time goal to see off Kilmacud SEE P38

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Burke dream comes true with Ireland call  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

GRAHAM Burke put his name in the history books as he became the first League of Ireland player to line out in an official match for the senior international team in 11 years.

The Shamrock Rovers frontman played the final 20 minutes of Ireland’s 2-0 defeat to France in the Stade de France in Paris as a substitute for Bristol City’s Callum O’Dowda.

It was the second time Burke has taken the field for the seniors – he also appeared against Celtic for Scott Brown’s testimonial two weeks ago – but this time he’ll get a cap.

It’s the culmination of a rollercoaster couple of weeks for the Sean McDermott Street native, who played five games in the space of ten days, including two in under 24 hours, after getting the call.

“It’s a brilliant feeling” Burke told RTE Sport after his debut in Paris.

“I’m over the moon and I can’t really put it into words how I’m feeling right now. But it’s a dream come true. I’m proud to say I’ve made a senior cap for the Republic of Ireland.

“About 55 minutes, or something like that, I was told to warm up and then you get the call from the sideline to say you’re going to be coming on and the heart start beating a bit faster.”

Burke was a talented

Shamrock Rovers Graham Burke made his Ireland debut just a couple of days after lining out against Bohs. Picture: Martin Doherty

“It’s crazy to go on the pitch and turn around

and see all these world class stars going around, it’s unbelievable.” - Graham Burke underage player where he mixed with Europe’s best young players as he finished top scorer in Aston Villa’s NextGen Series – a forerunner to the UEFA Youth League – win.

The 24-year-old has taken his rapid ascent in his stride, but even so he admitted to having a double-take when he saw himself sharing a pitch with the likes of

Paul Pogba.

He continued: “To go on the pitch was brilliant. It’s crazy to go on the pitch and turn around and see all these world class stars going around, it’s unbelievable.

“To think of the players they had coming off the bench: the likes of [Thomas] Lemar, [Ousmane] Dembélé, [Ngolo] Kanté, Pogba, just to name off a few. That’s

serious talent.”

An unhappy stint in the lower leagues in England led him to return to Ireland to revive his fortunes with Rovers.

And Burke has been one of the standout player in the league this season with ten goals from 20 appearances, including four in a 6-1 thumping of Derry City in Tallaght.

He’s developed a repu-

tation for spectacular goals, and it was one such effort in the 3-0 win over champions Cork City that caught the eye of the watching Martin O’Neill.

For Burke – who was joined in the squad by Bohemians goalkeeper Shane Supple – it’s proof that players can realise their international ambitions without having to leave home.

“For everyone playing in the League of Ireland, you can see that if you’re playing well you can go and achieve a senior cap.

It just goes to show you can go out and do it.

“I had a few [of the family] out there in the stands. I’d say they’re proud. I’m not too sure [if I’ll be involved in the USA game]. Hopefully I will be. Fingers crossed I am.”