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July 10, 2014 Month XX, 2012

AVAILABLE IN: DUBLIN CITY CENTRE • FINGLAS • COOLOCK • BALLYMUN • RAHENY • FAIRVIEW • SANTRY • WHITEHALL • DRUMCONDRA

INCHICORE • RINGSEND • SANDYMOUNT • BALLSBRIDGE • RATHMINES • DRIMNAGH • TERENURE • WALKINSTOWN • BALLYFERMOT • CRUMLIN

INSIDE: Fringe festival maestro Kris Nelson gives an insight into a day in his life P11

SPORT: Former European champion David Gillick’s new horizons P28

Bowled over: Central Hotel is blooming great THE Central Hotel has raised €2,200 for ARC Cancer Support Centre from their recent Joycean Afternoon Tea Party. More than 70 guests dressed up in Joycean style and attended the fundraising charity event, including the co-founder of ARC Barbara Cosgrave, Maura Murphy of ARC, Brian Murphy who dressed up as James Joyce, and Joe Murray who dressed up as Leopold Bloom. Picture: Angela Halpin

Concern over future 57,356 PAPERS Croker events quelled *ABC Figures for March & April

Rugby World Cup not subject to the same licensing laws

 LAURA WEBB

FEARS that major events such as the Rugby World Cup, which Ireland plans to bid for, could be jeopardised because of the recent concert debacle at Croke Park

have been put to rest. According to Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar such events, which would need the use of stadiums like Croke Park, are not subject to the same form of licensing. “We

plan them years, not weeks, in advance.” Dublin Chamber of Commerce cautioned that the fiasco could “hinder” Ireland’s ability to attract large events in the future and called for an overhaul of Ire-

land’s licensing. “Events are now a key driver of tourism and this threatens to damage our international reputation,” chief executive of Dublin Chamber Gina Quin said. Full Story on Page 2

2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 10 July 2014

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CROKE PARK ‘Licensing review needed’

Fears allayed that fiasco could ruin future events  LAURA WEBB lwebb@dublingazette.com

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FEARS that the debacle over five cancelled Garth Brooks concerts could jeopardise major events being held in Croke Park in the future, such as Ireland’s bid for the Rugby World Cup or European Championship 2020 application, have been allayed as such events come under different planning laws. Licensing legislation for concerts and events has come under fire since a promoter sold tickets for five concerts in a row before a license was approved which is allowed under law. Last week, Dublin City Council granted a licence for three of the five Garth Brooks concerts but Aiken Promotions issued a statement on Tuesday to say all five would be cancelled. The programme first hit a low note earlier this year when residents in the area voiced their opposition to the concerts. There is an understanding between the GAA and residents that only three concerts a year can be played there, however, eight concerts were planned for this year with three One Direction concerts already held and five Garth Brooks concerts due to be held later this month. Cautioning that this fiasco could have a lasting detrimental impact on vital tourism events for the city, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said this will “hinder” Ireland’s ability to attract large concerts and events in the future. Dublin Chamber estimates that the five con-

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar (inset) said the Euros or Rugby World cup will not be subject to the same form of licensing. Picture: Laura Hutton/ Photocall Ireland

certs would have been worth over €50m to the Irish economy. Dublin Chamber chief executive Gina Quin said: “This revenue has now been lost and the worry is that the Garth Brooks debacle, which has created headlines around the world, will hinder Ireland’s ability to attract large concerts and events in the future. Events are now a key driver of tourism and this threatens to damage our international reputation.” Dublin Chamber has called for a complete review and overhaul of Ireland’s licencing legislation to ensure this episode is never repeated. “Similar to exports, large sporting events and concert tourism have the capacity to generate much-needed growth for the economy. Our reputation as a country that

is able to stage world class events has been severely jeopardised. At a time when Ireland is bidding to host the Rugby World Cup and European Championship 2020 matches, this is particularly concerning,” she said. However, according to Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar proposed Euro 2020 games or Rugby World Cup will not be subject to the same form of licensing. “We plan them years, not weeks, in advance so that there are no surprises,” he said. “This is at heart a licensing issue and demonstrates that we need to review the system to ensure that something like this does not recur. “Fans are deeply disappointed and they are right to be. It was badly handled all round.

“The department has been facilitating discussions among tourism agencies, hoteliers and the hospitality industry to see how the sector can encourage overseas visitors to come to Dublin anyway. “I am also calling on hotels and restaurants to give full refunds and not to impose cancellation charges on reservations connected with the Garth Brooks concerts. “From a tourism perspective it is a real setback that these concerts have been cancelled but 2014 is still shaping up to be a great year for tourism,” he said. Rugby pundit George Hook said that stating that our international reputation is ruined is “ghastly overstated”. “I don’t think anybody around the world is worrying about this. “There is a big differ-

ence between some promoter in Belfast asking a country and western singer to perform concerts in Croke Park and the Irish Rugby Union backed by the Irish Government seeking to hold the rugby world cup - that is the difference. “And the single difference is that things will be sorted out in advance not after it. “You can be absolutely certain that if we bid for the Rugby World Cup, things will be sorted out way in advance… the licence will be sorted before the event. “This whole debacle is caused by the fact that there is a complete disregard for the planning laws. The GAA knew and the promoter knew that planning for that stadium was given on the basis of three events a year…. Planning laws are there for a reason,” he said.

10 July 2014 dublin city gazette 3

swimming

trains: zero tolerance for alcohol on DARTs and in stations

Bathing sports review

Rail chiefs take on problem conduct  Laura Webb

INCREASED security has been initiated across DART and rail networks to avert anti-social behaviour along the commuter belt during the summer period. Irish Rail is advertising a no-alcohol policy across the DART network, and is altering and enhancing the presence of its security contractor to “assist in policing of the same”. The public transport service is also introducing a management presence at known “hot spots” to provide early warning system for Irish Rail and local gardai. According to a spokesperson for the Depart-

ment of Transport, stations throughout the DART and commuter network will benefit from the increased security, in particular Howth, Sutton and Portmarnock. The upgrade comes following a large gathering planned in June. “ Ia r n r o d E i r e a n n became aware of a planned gathering of a large number of youths in Portmarnock for the following day. They became aware of this through monitoring social media sites. They were then in a position to work in tandem with gardai to confiscate large quantities of alcohol, and prevent anti-social behaviour and vandalism. “This approach has

been received very warmly by An Garda Siochana, who were very complimentary towards Irish Rail’s efforts. It is in this way they will continue to monitor such gatherings during the summer months.” Deputy Sean Kenny (Lab) said: “Increased security measures have been needed to deal directly with different forms of anti-social behaviour and vandalism that were experienced in the last year. Anti-social behaviour has to be stopped, no matter where it occurs. It places the safety of people at risk and is a cause of inconvenience, worry and financial loss to communities.”

Stars and stripes: Independence Day is marked at Crumlin Hospital star of RTE’s drama Love/Hate Aoibhinn McGinnity joined

Holly Holton and Liam Jennings in Captain America’s celebration of Independence Day at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. To mark the occasion, she presented a cheque for €10,000 to The Children’s Medical and Research Foundation on behalf of the staff and customers of Captain America’s. She enjoyed the annual event with the hospital’s staff and young patients, families and friends. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

CITY and county councils are inviting the public to participate in identifying bathing waters within their area. Under the Bathing Water Regulations 2008 local authorities are required to identify bathing waters, annually. This consultation process allows the public to comment on existing designated bathing areas and comment on other bathing waters not designated that may be considered for designation. Dublin City Council has three designated beaches: Dollymount, Sandymount and Merrion strands. Comments may be submitted by post to the council’s Wood Quay offices or email: engineering@dublincity. ie by July 29.

4 dublin city gazette 10 July 2014

don’sdublin

marathon Funds drive for kids’ hospital festival:

free event in the city

Merrion Square – a gem in the heart of Dublin Dublin is famed for its fine squares and Merrion Square is the real gem in the collection. It was laid out in 1762, and its landscaping took over 30 years to complete. And we are still able to enjoy the fruit of that work in the magnificent space today. The square (11.7 acres) is beautifully maintained and the central flower plot is a joy to behold, especially in the sunshine. During the warm, sunny months it is a haven for all those who work in the surrounding offices. And if you time it right, you may hear some live music or even a play. Recently they have begun to hold a lunchtime market every Thursday. It’s a busy place. The square is surrounded on three sides (north, east and south) by unbroken Georgian terraces, and by the National Gallery, Leinster House and the National History Museum on the west side. Nowadays, most of the houses are occupied by professional offices; namely, The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (No 8), The Goethe-Institut Irland (No 37), The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA – No 73) and many more besides. Its central location has always attracted people, many of whom have made significant contributions to Irish life. Daniel O’Connell, affectionately known as The Liberator for his championing the cause of Catholic Emancipation (granted in 1829) lived in No 58 (south). A short walk away, also on the South side, WB Yeats, the Nobel award winner and co-founder of The Abbey Theatre, lived at No 82. And, of course, Oscar Wilde lived, appropriately enough, in No 1 (north). There are many statues and pieces of sculpture in the square and that of a reclining Wilde (opposite his home) is a favourite with visitors and photographers. And close to the central flower plot is the unique, bronze Joker’s Chair. This was erected in memory of actor/comedian Dermot Morgan who played the part of Father Ted Crilly in the hit TV series, Father Ted. Sit awhile and have a laugh, you’ll feel better!

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Feast of fun on the square  Laura Webb

DJ Norberto Loco will attempt a 200-hour DJ set at the Underground club at Citi Hotel on Dame Street

DJ is in a spin over 200 hour record bid

 Laura webb

A DUBLIN-BASED DJ is preparing himself for a challenge of a lifetime as he gets set to break the current Guinness world record of consecutive DJing at an event. DJ Norberto Loco will attempt a 200-hour DJ set at the Underground club at Citi Hotel on Dame Street from November 19 to 27. Loco, who is known for his DJ sets in clubs like the Underground and Vanilla nightclubs, as well as internationally, aims to raise funds for much needed equipment for Temple Street

Children’s Hospital. In preparation for the mammoth event, Loco must undertake seven months of rigorous physical and mental training. Since March he has been under the supervision of personal trainers from Regency Leisure Club in Santry. Doctors at Tallaght hospital recently passed him fit after tests that followed three months of training. Loco said: “I am so excited about this event and about raising money for Temple Street Children’s Hospital. “Everyone has been

so helpful, volunteering their time and energy so far, I know this event will be a success. “I never thought it would be that hard work to be physically prepared for the event. “I need to make a lots of sacrifices, but thinking about final results drives me forward.” As part of a promotion plan, he will start an all-Ireland tour this summer. This will involve DJing at clubs and events to promote his attempt at the Guinness world record and raising funds for Temple Street. “We want to get all of

Ireland involved and caring about the great staff and patients at Temple Street Children’s Hospital. “An event like this should bring everyone together. I can’t to wait to hit the road and start the tour.” Previous Guinness winners of the category have included Brisbane’s DJ Her tz, with 152 hours and DJ Smokin Joe Mekhael, with 168 hours. Loco is confident that his proposal to DJ for 200 consecutive hours should earn him the title of Longest Marathon Club Dj-ing.

THOUSANDS of people are expected to descend on Merrion Square this weekend for Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular. The weekend event, from July 11-13, is expected to entertain thousands of people with performances, music, artisan food, outdoor screenings and much more. The event is also home to the world’s biggest street performance competition, promising spectacular sights for those attending. The free festival is being hosted in collaboration with local businesses, arts organisations, city councils and performance artists. The festival will visit Cork’s Fitzgerald Park the weekend after its Dublin visit. For the duration of the festival in Dublin, a citywide programme of events is planned for the capital, with events for all the family taking place at a number of locations. A full programme list of all the events taking place over the weekend is available at www.cityspectacular.com

National Gallery strike off to allow talks  Laura Webb

A reclining Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square

FURTHER strike action planned by staff at the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI) has been averted pending further discussions with management. Strike action was planned for July 7 and 14 in a dispute relating to a change in their conditions of employment. However, following last ditch

attempts to avoid the strike action, SIPTU members and management entered talks on July 4, which have resulted in the strike action being suspended. In a statement to The Gazette, a spokesperson for management at the gallery said: “NGI management is pleased to advise that planned industrial action by SIPTU members

of attendant staff for July 7 and 14 has been suspended pending further discussions with attendant staff over the coming weeks.” The planned strike action would have followed an initial day of industrial action on June 5, when SIPTU members placed pickets outside the National Gallery. A spokesperson for trade

uniion SIPTU told The Gazette that the planned strike action had been suspended to allow “intensive negotiations” to take place over the next three weeks. “Both sides have agreed it. “The union is entering into talks with a positive view and we hope the issue can be resolved in a satisfactory way for both parties.”

10 July 2014 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5

GRANTS Capital gets 20% of total national allocation

Dublin sports clubs net €8m in funding  LAURA WEBB

SPORTS clubs across Dublin will benefit from new funding through this year’s sport capital programme with more than €8m allocated to the capital’s local clubs. Dublin’s allocation is part of a national funding programme of €40.5m for 880 sports projects. In Dublin, more than 100 clubs are set to benefit from the funding, ranging in grants of €700 to €200,000. Funding is being given to a number of clubs, including €200,000 to Old Wesley RFC; Sailing in Dublin, €25,000; St Kevin’s Boys club,

€200,000; Dublin Dragon’s American Football Club, €1,704; Trojan Swimming Club, €9,875; Erin’s Isle GAA Club, €147,565 and Spor t Against Racism Ireland, €4,400. A total of 2,036 applications were made under the 2014 programme, the second-highest number ever received under a sports capital programme. Of the successful applicants, 821 grants go to local sports clubs and organisations, with the remaining 59 allocated to regional or national projects. Cabra-Finglas Cllr Anthony Connaghan

(SF) and member of Erin’s Isle GAA club said the allocation for the club would benefit the whole community. “This will help to upgrade the facility that caters for a large section of the community… adults and children. “We are delighted to have finally got it. We have been looking for this grant for the past number of years. “People don’t have the money to support [clubs] through fundraising anymore as much as they did during the boom. It’s perfect timing really.” Dublin South Central TD Catherine Byrne (FG) welcomed the announcement and is “delighted”

clubs in her constituency are to benefit from the programme. “I know that it will be of real benefit to members of the local community. “It assists clubs to build or improve their facilities, and also enables them to buy much needed sports equipment. This in turn increases their capacity to cater to larger numbers of local people. “Sport brings local people together in towns and villages across the country, fostering a sense of solidarity in communities. Unfortunately, due to the huge demand for the programme, not all clubs and organisations that applied were successful this year. I

Sport Against Racism Ireland is to receive €4,400 from the sports funding package

encourage any clubs that have been disappointed to reapply for the next round of funding.” The facilities being funded range from smallscale equipment grants to regionally significant centres of sporting excel-

lence. The allocations announced include funding for natural grass sport pitches, tracks and courts; floodlighting; artificial sports pitches, and multiuse games areas; security fencing and ball stop netting; hurling walls/ hand-

ball alleys; building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets, and of sports halls and gyms; shared facilities; non-personal sports equipment and permanently fixed outdoor gym equipment.

6 dublin city gazette 10 July 2014

food safety Regulatory body warns on need to ensure standards are met

Four Dublin food outlets given orders to close FOUR Dublin food businesses were served closure orders by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland last month. Nine closures were served in June, including four in Dublin, for breaches of food safety legislation. China House Food Stall, trading at Charlemont

FastNews

Conference on hernia condition MEDICAL professionals will be present to talk to families affected by congential diaphragmatic hernia at the first international CDH conference in Dublin next month. CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form. The event will take place at Bewley’s Hotel Ballsbridge on August 12, 13 and 14. More information is availabe on Cherubs UK Facebook page.

Family cycle goes wheely well The third annual family cycle event went down a treat with over 125 children participating in the Ballymun event. The event took place at Poppintree Park and was organised by Global Action Plan (GAP) and the Rediscovery Centre during Bike Week. The entertaining day included jewellery making from recycled bike parts and a 2.5km cycle treasure trail. Orla Kelly, from GAP Ireland, said it aimed to get families exercising and bring back cycling for the long bright summer evenings.

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Food Market, Charlemont Jetty; Apache Pizza, Old Bawn Shopping Centre, Tallaght; Lisa’s Trattoria Restaurant, Terenure Road North; and Ruposhi Indian Restaurant, Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, were all served with closure orders.

Professor Alan Reilly, chief executive of FSAI, said food businesses needed to be vigilant about food safety, ensure full compliance with food regulations and demand high standards from suppliers. He said: “Each enforcement order sends a clear mes-

sage to food businesses that unsafe food safety practices or noncompliance with food legislation is not tolerated by the inspection officers. Again and again, we encounter cases involving improper storage of foodstuffs and poor cleaning and sanitising. These breach-

es are completely avoidable when food businesses have proper food safety management systems in place. “Food businesses must recognise that the legal onus is on them to make sure the food they serve is safe to eat. This requires ongoing compliance

with food safety practices and hygiene standards. “There is absolutely no excuse for negligent practices.” Details of food businesses served with enforcement orders are published on www. fsai.ie

ballymun: ‘this is a disaster for the regeneration of this area’

No logical reason to shut motor tax office – Ellis  laura webb

THE “imminent” closure of the motor tax office in Ballymun makes no sense and should not happen. That is according to Dublin North West TD Dessie Ellis (SF), who said the closure would “affect businesses” around the area. “We have a major problem in Ballymun,” he said. “The tax office is one of the busiest in the country. “It has been the lifeblood of the area.” He said its imminent closure was going to “affect hugely the amount of business around the main street in Ballymun. “I think we have a very big problem on our hands. “There is no logical reason why they should close this tax office because the crowds that are in there are huge. “There are huge crowds going in there daily, it’s non-stop, now they want to centralise this. “It is going to be like the medical card situation – an absolute disaster.” The local TD has put the issue up for discussion in the Dail. “Since I found out I

have had it on the [Dail] agenda. “I have put in ministerial questions on it but we now know for certain that it is closing. “We talk about a regeneration for Ballymun but this is a disaster in terms of the regeneration, which businesses were enticed into when coming in to Ballymun. “Ballymun is an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, and now we are seeing a tax office, which has been delivering very well for a lot of people on the northside, close. “Business non-stop – now it is going to be centralised? It think it is madness.” Cllr Noel Rock (FG) said it that would be a huge “hammer blow for an area that is losing vital services and organisations on a month-by-month basis and I think the closure of this tax office is another blow.” He added: “It is meant to be happening in the next eight weeks. “A certain amount of urban regeneration happened in terms of where people lived, tearing down the flats and replacing them with houses. That has been a

Local politicians say the Ballymun motor tax office is busy. Picture: Photocall Ireland

good move for the area. “But the final step in the process was to bring about a retail element, a commercial element, an office element so people could not only just live there but be employed there, have their lives there. “The problem is the

retail and the commercial element never happened in the way it was envisaged… “It’s a great area and what people need are the resources they deserve and what they were promised from the outset of this [regeneration] project,” he said.

Ballymun motor tax office is under the remit of Dublin City Council, which administers motor tax for all four Dublin authorities. When contacted by The Gazette, a spokesperson for Dublin City Council said they were unable to comment at

this time. “Any decisions relating to service provision are taken in a consultation process under the Haddington Road Agreement. “As no discussions have taken place Dublin City Council has no comment to make.”

10 July 2014 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7

HOUSING €3,963,000 going to help refurbish 236 homes

Funding announced to fix vacant units  LAURA WEBB

DUBLIN is to get funding for the refurbishment of 325 vacant housing units under the ownership of the four local authorities within the capital. As part of a national funding of €15m, Dublin is getting €5,281,000 in funding to bring 325 vacant local authority units or voids as they are also known back into use. Dublin City Council received the highest funding allocation within the capital with €3,963,000 going to help refurbish 236 units at an average cost of €16,792. Fingal County Council

received €823,000 for 52 units at an average cost of €15,827. South Dublin County Council received funding for 35 units with an average cost of €12,571 making their allocation €440,000. Meanwhile, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council received €55,000 for just two units at an average cost of €27,500. The funding is part of a year-long campaign driven by Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan that will see €30m invested and nearly 2,000 vacant houses returned to beneficial use. Labour councillor Der-

mot Lacey welcomed the announcement but said it was not enough. “It is a welcomed start but we need about eight times that over the next couple of years, but as I said it is a start.” When asked where the money should go he said the biggest element of the housing list is single men, which he said needs to be addressed. “[They are] by far the biggest category of people on the [housing] list and if we start to tackle that problem we can at least reduce the numbers on the list. “The bottom line really is we need to build houses again,” he said.

Minister O’Sullivan said she is “determined to use every lever available to me to increase the number of social homes. “One of the biggest scandals of recent years has been the high number of vacant, boarded up local authority homes. The allocations will refurbish 1,008 of these units and transform them into family homes. “It brings to €30m the amount invested in this

This investment will transform vacant house into family homes. Picture: Photocall Ireland

important programme this year. This investment will see nearly 2,000 local authority homes coming on stream over the coming months.” In April 2014 the Min-

ister announced €15m to kickstart the refurbishment of vacant local authority houses with funding provided for in Budget 2014 to bring back into use 953 homes.

The funding announced this week is part of the Government’s stimulus package announced in May which contained €50m social housing.

8 dublin city gazette 10 July 2014

gazetteGALLERIES

Ellie and Erin Flood, and Christina Byrne test their strength

DJ Damian Smyth

Members of the Ballyfermot Elite Taekwon-do strike a pose. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

ballyfermot: COMMUNITY CELEBRATES SPORTS DAY

Clubs showcase diverse activities

Josh Oprey

Lee Barry, Adam Cole and Matthew Rice

Maisie Norton

HE Ballyfermot Community Sports and Activity Day was recently held for its first time at Ballyfermot Leisure Centre to celebrate the start of the summer holidays. Young people from Ballyfermot, Chapelizod and other nearby areas

gathered at the centre to sample activities run by various local summer projects and leisure groups. A wide range of activities took place on the day, including soccer, athletics, rock climbing, games and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment.

Adrienne Miller

Abi Coughlin

10 July 2014 dublin city gazette 9

Craig Purcell leaps over a hurdle

Patrick Bradly with Chelsey, Daisy and Lisa

Abby Conroy, Ethan Mooney and Rebekah Grace

Cian Tormey breakdances

10 dublin city gazette 10 July 2014

gazetteGALLERY

Sam Elliott and Laura O’Neill

Remy Naidoo Keith Young, Elena Canavan, Kate Daly Ni Bhroin and Dave Sheehan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Dubliners glam up for June Ball O

VER €60,000 was raised for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Associationat The June Ball, which recently took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin. The funds raised will go towards the organisation’s key services, which include home visits by a dedicated nurse, financial assistance towards

home care, funding towards research and the provision of specialist medical equipment on loan to clients. The blacktie event attracted some wellknown personalities amongst the 650 guests, including Miss Ireland Aoife Walsh and models from the Andrea Roche Model Agency.

Model Kerrie Nicole Blanc

Sarah Tormey, Berbie Byrne and Jackie Given

Kate Cronin, Eileen Wilson and Maureen McGrath

Miss Ireland Aoife Walsh

10 July 2014 Gazette 11

diary P14

business P16

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

A DAY IN THE LIFE: kris nelson, artistic director, outlines his working day

what’son

Fringe maestro enjoys endless cycle of shows  Ian Begley

He spends most of his day meeting ar tists, watching shows, seeing rehearsals and frantically preparing for this y e a r ’s Ti ger Du bl i n Fringe festival. T his week, T he Gazette caught up with the Canadian born ar tistic director and chief executive of the Fringe, Kris Nelson, to find out just how a day in his life goes. Like many working people, Kris is usually up by 7.30am and cannot leave his home in Dublin 8 without going through a pot of coffee and catching up with the news. “Usually, when I get up I go through news because I’m a bit of a news, sports and political junkie. I catch up with everything that’s going on in my home country and also my

comedians all set for festival: Dara

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‘I believe this process is one of the busiest periods in any festival maker’s life’

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new home which is Dublin. “I regularly do all this while eating a light breakfast, and usually end up going through a pot of coffee before I leave for work. “I have a really speedy bike and cycle into work every morning. I cycle a hybrid seven-speed bike that I got through the bike-to-work programme – I really love it and am mad about it. “I arrive in my office in Temple Bar by about 9.30am and once I get in I fire up the computer and get ready for the very full day ahead. “This usually includes meeting with artists, seeing rehearsals, doing studio visits and plan-

ning for the festival. “At the moment we’re at our final stages of making our brochure for this September’s Dublin Fringe and I’m up to all hours trying to get it done. I believe this process is one of the busiest periods in any festival maker’s life.” Kris admits that he needs a lot of energy to keep going throughout the day and says that he recharges himself by going for walks or cycles around the quays. “I tr y my best to arrange my meetings outside so I can hop on my bike and get a bit of air. I’ve been loving the summer so far and find the afternoons really nice compared to the



Gazette

comedian P12

Kris Nelson, artistic director and chief executive of the Fringe

cold and the rain. “When I get home at the end of the day I make myself dinner and just relax. During the summer months I’ve also being going for runs or cycles at night. “I try and catch up with my family in Cana-

da on Skype as often as I can. My brother lives in Vancouver and it’s an eight-hour time difference so I have to stay up pretty late if I want to catch him. “I usually hit the hay around midnight and watch a couple of

shows, the news or read before finally going to bed.” This year’s Tiger Dublin Fringe festival runs from September 5 to September 20. For more information, visit w w w.fringefest. com

O Briain, Russell Howard, and Jason Byrne will feature as part of a line-up of 85 comedians who will perform at this year’s Vodafone Comedy Festival. The festival, which runs from July 24 to 27 will be held in four fully seated, indoor theatres in the Iveagh Gardens with 20,000 people expected to attend over the four days. The festival will also have its biggest number of American and international acts yet, including Chappelle’s Show co-creator Neal Brennan, best-selling author and Chelsea Lately panellist Jen Kirkman and the inimitable Pajama Men who has won awards all over the world. The blackhearted joke-slinger, Anthony Jeselnik, will also be returning along with Rory Scovel and the Bitter Buddha himself, Mr Eddie Pepitone. Tickets are sold on a show-by-show basis from €28 and the festival is strictly over 18s. For more information, visit www.vodafonecomedy.com

Gazette

12 Gazette 10 July 2014

dublinlife

feature

escape the mayhem: Al likes old-fashioned cinemas or a night out

Comedy shows no joke for rising stand up ‘king of camp’ funny man AL PORTER is a rising young star on the Irish comedy circuit, known as Ireland’s Ascendant King of Camp. He has appeared on RTE’s Savage Eye and Republic of Telly, and is a regular performer at all of Ireland’s top clubs, including the Laughter

Lounge and the International in Dublin, and the Empire in Belfast. This week, the Gazette caught up with Al to find out how he escapes the mayhem of his showbiz career. “One thing I really love to do to unwind is to go to the movies. I love old-fashioned cinemas like the pic-

ture house. It’s good because I like to go and see films that take me out of myself, take me out of my own world, so anything that’s not too realistic, that takes you to another place and really takes your mind off yourself. “I go to the cinema really regularly, at least once a week.

“ O b v i o u s l y I l ove stand up comedy, but I

can’t watch it to relax, because I would be watching other comedians and part of me would be enjoying it, but part of me would be jealous. “Another part of me would be trying to find out what they’re doing and what makes them so funny, so if I want to see a live gig I go to see live music. Some very good friends of mine are in the music industry. People like Bi-polar Empire or Leaders of

Men, who are a brilliant band. We all hang out and spend a lot of time together and that’s great. “I go and see their concerts for an hour or two, and they have me completely mesmerised by their music and then we’ll talk music afterwards and we’ll all play a few tunes. “Everybody likes to go out and party, and I have to admit, I describe myself as a socialite on a social welfare budget. “I think there’s nothing better than going

Rising young star Al Porter. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

out, and I’m not advocating heavy drinking but if you go on a night out and make some mistakes, that’s good because that’s part of life anyway.” On Saturday, August 2, Al will co-host the

comedy club for families and children at the Ark in the Temple Bar. Marcus Olaoire and Kevin Gildea are also MC-ing as part of Funny Fest, Ireland’s first dedicated comedy festival for children.

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10 July 2014 Gazette 13

website: informing of statutory mental health services

Emphasis is on ‘social inclusion and recovery’

 Keith Bellew

THE MENTAL Health C o m m i s s i o n ’s 2 013 Annual Report, including the Report of the Inspector of Mental Health Services was launched late last month. Commission chief executive Patricia Gilheaney said: “T here have been significant improvements in many areas of patient care. Human rights principles have been incorporated more and more into the care and treatment of service users; older psychiatric hospitals have closed; some new build facilities have emerged; individual care planning has been adopted patchily but progress can be

seen; and compliance with rules, regulations and codes of practice has grown.” Along with the report, last month a website created by Mental Health Reform went live. Introduced by Junior Minister for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch (Lab) it aims to inform people of statutory mental health services. MentalHelp.ie is a guide to the services and supports offered by Mental Health Reform’s 45 member organisations. The site also provides those seeking information on what to expect from a good quality mental health service The MentalHelp web directory also aims to

be a resource for people experiencing mental health difficulties, their family members and carers, and the general public. It also provides an overview of how the sector’s health services are organised and what to expect from them. Dr Shari McDaid, director of Mental Health Reform, said: “[We] frequently hear from people who don’t know where to go to get information on mental health services, or who are unsure of what services and supports are available to them or their family member. The website’s emphasis on social inclusion and recovery brings a positive and hopeful

message. Our member organisations offer a wealth of supports and services, from support groups and helplines to training, supported housing and advocacy. MentalHelp.ie brings those services and supports together in a userfriendly website.” Minister Lynch said: “I’m delighted to see the services and supports of so many voluntary groups brought together in one place. The website’s emphasis on social inclusion and recover y brings a positive and hopeful message. Wherever people are in their journey towards recovery, MentalHelp.ie will give them clear information

At the launch was Dr Shari McDaid, director of Mental Health Reform and Minister of State for Disability, Equality and Mental Health Kathleen Lynch. Picture: Conor McCabe

on a range of supports available.” Established in 2006, Mental Health Reform is the national coalition

promoting improved mental health services and social inclusion of people with mental health conditions. The

group works towards achieving a system of good health and social care that is available to everyone.

Gazette

14 Gazette 10 July 2014

dublinlife

diary

A national awareness day to help mothers and babies A N A WA R E N E S S day for pre-eclampsia aims to inform expectant mothers about the potentially fatal condition for them and their little treasures. National awareness day for pre-eclampsia was launched in collaboration with industry, research, Government and charitable bodies. This often unnoticed

condition affects almost 10% of pregnancies. Typically diagnosed by increased blood pressure or protein in urine, pre-eclampsia can strike quickly so awareness is key to limiting serious health consequences through early medical intervention. There is no representative body in Ireland specifically providing awareness, support or information for pre-eclampsia survivors. Eleni Tsigas, a preeclampsia survivor and executive director of the Pre-eclampsia Foundation in the USA, was in Ireland this week to meet Government and industry representatives to highlight the need for greater awareness of the condition in Ireland. “Making people in Ireland aware of the warning signs for preeclampsia will save lives,” she said at the launch of the awareness day. For further information see: www. preeclampsia.org

dog trust wing

to save more puppies THE DOGS Trust has opened a new puppy wing. The extension to the rehoming centre is expected to help save the lives of more than 500 more puppies every year. The newly-designed new wing is in response to surging levels of puppies being abandoned. A new labour ward now offers everything a mum and her pups need for a healthy and safe start in life. Seven jobs were created by the expansion, i n cl u d i n g s p e c i a l i s t puppy canine carers and veterinary staff. Mark Beazley executive director of Dogs Tr u s t , s a i d : “ T h e r e is much to be done in improving welfare standards [for dogs] and the new puppy wing is a huge step forward.”

wine pairing by food bloggers CONO SUR, the Chilean wine brand, has begun a search to find the ultimate dish to match its single vineyard sauvignon blanc and

Pictured at the launch of National Pre-eclampsia Awareness Day were Minister of State for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock; Eleni Tsigas, executive director, Pre-eclampsia Foundation USA and Diarmuid Cahalane, director, Metabolomis Diagnostics, with baby Isabela , born at 32 weeks , in the neonatal ward of the Rotunda Hospital. Pictures: Naoise Culhane

pinot noir. Until August 11, Irish food bloggers can upload an original recipe they feel pairs best with either wine to www.conosur. ie/blog. Voting is open to the public from August 18 to September 22. The three recipes with the most votes will go on to the semi-finals in Paris. The successful Irish blogger will travel with a friend, compliments of Cono Sur, to compete in the final in November against finalists from Finland, Sweden and the UK. Top prize is a trip for two to Cono Sur’s vineyards and winery in Chile.

TESCo sponsors top tot selection TESCO is the title sponsor of the Mums and Tots Awards 2014, which celebrates popular baby products and the people who make a difference to their daily lives. Mums and Tots read-

ers are invited to nominate their favourite baby brands in 12 product categories. Readers will also have the chance to nominate a top midwife, grandparent, mum and dad, as well as a top tot, top baby, mumtrepreneur and top story. Voters will be entered into a draw to win a Mothercare Xpedior Travel System. The winners will be announced at the Mums and Tots Awards gala dinner on September 26 at the Radisson Blu, St Helen’s. Tickets are €65. To book, email hello@mumsandtots.ie. To nominate through Facebook, go to www. facebook.com/mumsandtots

picnic puts soul back into summer THE EIGHTH annual Dublin City Soul Festival is taking place on July 26 and 27.

T he free-to -attend festival features a number of events and activities, including the soul picnic. The picnicthemed event features an exciting line-up of local, national and international artists. Attendees can also enjoy tasty treats and BBQ food from festival picnic vendors. The festival is a fundraiser for children’s charity the Musical Yo u t h F o u n d a t i o n , which helps at-risk young people access music education programmes. Love the City Music Trail is also a popular event that guides people along Dublin’s streets, going from venue to venue checking out all the entertainment the city has to offer. For more information about the soul festival, visit www.dublincitysoulfestival.com

free swimming classes for kids IN LIGHT of three separate drowning tragedies in Ireland in recent weeks, the need for children and teenagers to be aware of the risks and dangers associated with water has been highlighted. Westwood Club Leopardstown is now offering free lifesaving classes, which will cover issues such as what to do if you get into difficulty in the water on your own; what to do if your friend gets into difficulty; where is safe to swim; how to throw a ring buoy and save a life; and safety awareness in and around the water. The 60-minute free classes for children aged eight-16 years will be given on July 14, 15, 16, and 17 July from 5pm in Westwood Leopardstown. Pre-registration is necessary by emailing lisa. farrell@westwood.ie

10 July 2014 Gazette 15

Gazette

feature Seen a century? That is something worth celebrating

Film crew wants invite to 100th birthday party  laura webb

AN IRISH film company is trawling the country to speak to the nation’s oldest citizens for a documentary that celebrates the life of a centenarian. Snackbox Films has already spoken to a number of centenarian’s but are still looking to speak to more who have reached the milestone age of 100. The documentary, The Centenarian Bounty, will see the filmmakers find out what it’s like to have

lived a century in Ireland. The man behind the documentary is awardwinning director Alex Fegan, who brought acclaimed feature documentary The Irish Pub to the screen. Speaking to The Gazette, Fegan explained how the idea for the documentary came about. “I met a lady who was celebrating her 100th birthday. She was a greatgrandmother of a friend of mine. I was on my way to a wedding and on my way down I thought, God

I would love to interview her. “T h e n I t h o u g h t : ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting to get a point of view from people around Ireland who are 100’. Also, the fact we are coming up to the anniversary of 1916; these are the last people born before 1916. It just seemed like an interesting documentary.” Colm Nicell, writer and producer at Snackbox Films, said from research there seemed to be more women than men alive over 100. “It’s an interest-

ing one really… and it’s something we have wondered about and something we will be looking into. “It’s interesting that when you ask some of them what their diet was, you would expect them to say something like ‘I really took care of myself, I ate salad’, but they don’t. They eat potatoes every day – things like that. We are finding doing the documentary that some things you think you know the answer to or you think is obvious, is not.”

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Centenarian director Alex Fegan with 102-year-old Margaret Heffernan

When asked about what the biggest change over the past 100 years has been there was a “wide variety” of perspectives with one person saying farming machinery and another saying men and women living togeth-

er before marriage. Funded through the Irish Film Board, the company is still looking for potential interviewees and also hopes they will be able to attend a centenarian birthday party.

Anyone who is turning 100 over the next six months or is over 100 who would like to be interviewed can contact Snackbox Films on 01 4100500 or see www. snackboxfilms.com for further details.

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16 Gazette 10 July 2014

dublinlife

business

Increased business for tech distributor TO MEET the growing demand for interactive technologies in the corporate market, Steljes Ireland, the technology distributor, has moved to larger premises. The new office in the Greenogue Business Centre near Clondalkin,

has a pur pose-built executive briefing centre equipped with the latest in interactive technologies, including a broad range of solutions from SMART Technologies, and Christie Digital connectivity solutions. The facility is available

for use by Steljes’ resellers to demonstrate a live working solution to customers before they buy. Conor McGrogan, managing director of Steljes Ireland, said: “Our increased investment in Ireland stems from growing demand for

SMART’s visual collaboration solutions and the SMART Room System™ for Microsoft® Lync®, technologies that are helping Irish companies stay ahead of the competition and thrive in an increasingly global marketplace.”

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Suzanne Lynch and Catherine Buggy of Boutique Bake. Picture: Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland

Enterprise: New service provides aid and advice

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Support for start-up and growing business A WIDER range of budding entrepreneurs can access State supports following the recent opening of the Dublin City Local Enterprise Office. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, launched the service, which will provide financial support and advice to those who want to start or expand a business. ‘‘We have to get in behind our enterprises. Our biggest challenge in all our communities is around employment,’’ the minister said. ‘‘We have to step up and try and do things in a new way that makes it more enabling.’’

The LEO will work with all categories of business, from sole traders to small and medium-sized businesses. It aims to target struggling businesses that were previously too large to access Enterprise Ireland supports. Businessman Daniel Plewman fostered an idea for a uniform company in 2009 after he lost his job in construction. ‘‘I had to find something else. My wife found these uniforms in America; she’s a dentist and when she came back to Ireland, everyone loved them,’’ he said. With the help of the Dublin City Enterprise

Board, his company Happy Threads has developed, over four years, from being run from the spare room of his home to a two-storey office premises. It is expected to have turnover of €1m in 2015. ‘‘When I set up this business initially I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I’m not a natural entrepreneur. ‘‘They gave me support first in mentoring, which is invaluable, then financial support and employment grants,’’ he added. Best friends Suzanne Lynch and Catherine Buggy cofounded gourmet Irish food company

Boutique Bake with the help of the enterprise board. ‘‘After three months, we knew we had something that was going to work so we got in touch with the Dublin City Enterprise Board,” Lynch said. ‘‘We were delighted to get a grant and a business mentor. It really helped us scale up and gave us the confidence to think, let’s approach the supermarkets.’’ State support will be provided from a range of official bodies including Dublin City Council, Enterprise Ireland, Revenue and the Department of Social Protection.

10 July 2014 Gazette 17

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Reuben Harris from Dublin taking part in a stand-up comedy workshop as part of FunnyFest, Ireland’s first dedicated comedy festival for children at The Ark in Temple Bar. Picture: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

slapstick: Something for all the family to get a laugh out of this summer

Comedy fest a hit for kids  Laura webb

IRELAND’S first children’s comedy festival has arrived, and is making children and adults alike laugh their socks off thanks to its varied and entertaining programme. The Ark, a children’s cultural centre in Temple Bar, is known for its big festivals, such as last year’s circus-themed event Roll Up, Roll Up, which celebrated the circus and the life of performers within it. In an effort to make its summer programme bigger and better this year, Funny Fest, a comedy festival for kids is under way at the theatre. Avril Ryan general manager at the Ark said the festival had something for all the family to do during the summer.

“It is a fun event that will reach all age ranges from two- to three-year-olds right up to 12-year-olds. “Kids have a huge sense of comedy, as we all know; they come out with some of the greatest stuff. “We have slapstick comedy workshops that will see children really use the natural ability they have [for comedy], and they will be working with people who have a real flare for that – Amy Conroy and Niamh McGrath. “A lot of the events, like the stand-up comedy gigs, are for a family with children aged six-plus. “There is so much enjoyment for them and their parents. We have fantastic people like Kevin Guildea, Bec Hill, Reuben and Marcus Olaoire. It really is just a cool event,” Ryan said.

The festival will also home in on comedy writing with Tony Curtis and illustrating workshops with Patrick Saunders to bring out the comedy artists, while Emmy award-winning animation studio Brown Bag Films has come on board for a comedy animation workshop. When it comes to children’s shows, Ryan says it is important to have as much interaction as possible. “Children, when they come to the Ark, do get very involved; it’s not like an adult’s show. “Children really respond so that is really fun for us to see.” Despite the festival already being a success, the Ark does not tend to do things more than once so an annual festival is not likely.

“Our mantra is a different experience every visit so our remit is to continuously come up with new work, new commissions. “That’s not to say if it proves highly successful it couldn’t be something we might consider in the future, but maybe not for a whole summer. “But we do try to give something different all year round, and it is the children’s expectation to see something different every time they come here.” Already the programme is jam packed with events, but there will be some surprises along the way so make sure to keep an eye out on www.theark.ie for updates. Funny Fest runs at the Ark throughout the rest of this month and until August 24.

The Gazette Newspaper Group has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Bess, a six-month-old male crossbreed. He is a happy, playful young man, typical of any pup his age! Bess does have a condition which means he has to be fed in a particular way – but this is totally manageable and doesn’t limit him in the slightest! He would love to go to an active family who will enjoy getting out and about with him and who would be happy to commit to some training with him. If you think that sounds like you, please call the centre on 01 879 1000 and speak to our Rehoming Team. You can also pop up for a visit, we’re open six days a week from 12 noon to 4pm. The centre is closed all day Tuesday. You can follow the work of Dogs Trust on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland or on Twitter @dogstrust_ie Please remember donations are always welcome! Dogs Trust always needs bedding and toys for the 190+ dogs that are being care for in the centre.

10 July 2014 Gazette 17

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asdfsdaf P27 motors P25

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Pets

Believe in young Bess

slapstick: Something for all the family to get a laugh out of this summer

Comedy fest a hit for kids  Laura webb

18 Gazette 10 July 2014

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS Cruise from New York to Bahamas Click and Go have teamed up with Norwegian Cruise Lines to offer a fantastic nine-night cruise on board, the newest and largest ship to sail from NYC, the luxurious Norwegian Breakaway. Departing on February 11, 2015, this cruise gives travellers the opportunity to shop till they drop in the Big Apple and soak up some rays in the Bahamas, from the comfort of their own luxurious solo studio for just €1,459. The Norwegian Breakaway is a modern, luxurious cruise liner fully equipped with waterparks, state-of-the-art gyms, exciting entertainment and fantastic restaurants for the ultimate cruise experience. Their studio suites, specially designed for the solo passenger, feature a full-size bed, a one-way window to the corridor and separate areas for your bathroom, sink and shower. The solo package also includes access to the private studio lounge. This price also includes a two-night stay in the luscious Row hotel in New York’s Times Square.

New party package at The Courtyard The Courtyard Hotel in Leixlip has recently launched a new party package of tempting deals. The Function Room party plan, priced at €590, offers gourmet finger food for a minimum of 60 guests, which includes free room hire and decorations, a large cake, 10 cocktails, and a late bar. The Piano Bar party package offers exclusive use of its private lounge bar, which is fully decorated, with three choices of finger food and a bottle of bubbly for the host. Available from Sunday to Thursday, and including a late bar, this premium party option, based on 50 guests or more, is priced from €6 per person. The Court Yard is also offering a combination of al fresco dining, cocktails, and a stylish setting for a tasty BBQ event in the hotel’s courtyard and heated terrace from €13.50 per person. For more information, call 01-629 5100 or email sales@courtyard.ie.

Gran Canaria: a beautiful island with a dramatic variation of terrain

A ‘miniature continent’ with a whole lot to offer

 mimi murray

It really is no surprise that they call Gran Canaria a “miniature continent”. This island in the middle of a very famous archipelago, the Canary Islands, has so much to offer, yet most just transport themselves from airport to beach resort, and happily stay there. And there is nothing wrong with that but there is so much to see on Gran Canaria, it seems a shame not to move around. I stayed on the south coast recently, in the Seaside Palm Beach resort, right next to the stunning sand dunes in Maspalomas. This is the next

resort down from Playa Del Ingles but is much less bustling. With a two-year-old in tow we needed to make sure the place we stayed in had adequate facilities and Palm Beach offers this, with a kids club and a lovely water area for children, complete with permanent paddling pool and slide. The hotel is divided off nicely, with a relaxation area, translation – no kids allowed, and then a busier pool in the centre of the resort which is a real focal point. I preferred this set up as you knew screaming kids were not going to disturb people who wanted to truly switch off on their

The stunning sand dunes in Maspalomas

break so the hotel caters for all ages very well. The resort was also a great base to tour the island. I took a day trip with my tour guide, Juan Carlos, who knew absolutely everything there is to know about the island, its flora, fauna, its rock formations and plenty about the Spanish royal family! The latter was the topic of conversation on a hike we took through the centre of the island. Leaving Maspalomas we headed for the Fataga Valley with several palm groves, farms with vines on hilltops and a canyon like landscape. We then drove to the Caldera de Tirajana where

A 68m tall lighthouse towers over the tourist town

we stopped to take in the breathtaking views of the small town of San Bartolome de Tirajana. The central part of the island has the landmark “Roque Nublo”, which looks like a monk praying. It may have been a little bit stupid to attempt my first hike in the searing 30 degree heat but it was worth it. Juan Carlos was a pro, having completed the Camino de Santiago in 28 days. We did a walk near Cruz de Tejeda with stunning views over the Caldera de Tejeda. The thing that got me was the sheer quiet of this place, apart from the sounds of all of nature going about its daily routine. This is also the biggest protected region of the island. UNESCO awarded the island the Biosphere Reserve label and nearly half the island’s geo-

graphical space has been included in this reserve. We left the hiking track and drove further north along very windy roads to a lovely little town called Teror - not as scary as it sounds. We stopped to take in another jaw dropping scene at the view point at the small crater of Pinos de Galdar. In Teror the focal point is the Basilica. We dined in a fabulous little tapas restaurant called Encuentro which served some of the best food I sampled in Gran Canaria. A roasted cheese from El Hierro came with homemade pumpkin chutney and walnuts, something I’ve been hankering after ever since. It was also inexpensive and comes highly recommended. Back at the resort, I relaxed at the spa with sauna, steam and plunge pool. Perfect to ease aching muscles.

10 July 2014 Gazette 19

Gazette

Travel fast

TRAVEL NEWS

A whole host of great offers for an ideal getaway

Roque Nublo, a famous landmark in Gran Canaria

The town of Teror is situated in the central eastern region of the island

of Maspalomas. Inset: The Seaside Palm Beach resort

Leisurely stroll

Las Palmas is the biggest city in the Canary Islands with 450,000 inhabitants and is a must. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the old town, bumping into Shirley McLaine and Billy Connolly on the way. They were shooting a movie at the time. Food in the hotel is very good with lots of really good Spanish meats and cheeses on offer as well as prawns, mussels, fresh fish and a barbecue every second night. Breakfast is buffet style but there is so much on offer you will never get bored. But if you do get a little bored eating at the same place every night, there are lots of nice restaurants close by. We ate in El Senador on the beach front, a little pricey but they do delicious prawns in garlic and jamon iberico. Mogan is a stunning white washed town just

north of Maspalomas with boats moored in a little marina. It is picture postcard loveliness and the perfect place for a romantic dinner or to while away an afternoon, when you get fed up of the beach. You can also go ocean fishing from here, something we didn’t attempt but not for the lack of trying from my two year old who was obsessed with clambering aboard a fishing boat whilst we were trying to eat! For shopping, Maspalomas has lots of higher end shops, if that is your thing, and also the lesser expensive, but equally sought after Zara. Good for days when it may cloud over or rain (a rarity in the southern part of the island). Nightlife, although we didn’t get to sample it is really lively in some of the bigger resorts but we found Maspalomas

The Caldera de Tirajana offers breathtaking views

a lot quieter and suited our needs much more. So when taking a holiday this winter, it’s worth remembering there is much more to Gran Canaria than sun and sea. Take a trip inland and discover what this magical island has to uncover. T homson holidays have the following offers for couples: Dublin to Las Palmas on August 23 for seven nights: Maspalomas Princess, Maspalomas, half board, 5-star €799pp.

Lopesan Baobab, Meloneras, half board, 5-star €879pp. Clubhotel Riu Vistamar, Amadores, all inclusive, 4-star €989pp. Falcon and Thomson holidays have the following offers for families: Dublin to Las Palmas on August 23 for seven nights. Falcon Holidays: Terraza Mar Suites, Puerto Rico, self catering 3-star two adults and one child €1,326, two adults and two children €1,757. Revoli Playa, Puerto

Rico, self catering, 3-star from €1,467. Marina Suite, Puerto Rico, self catering, 4-star from €1,723. Taurito Valle, Playa Taurito, all inclusive 4-star from €2,361. Thomson Holidays: Barcelo Margaritas, Playa Del Ingles, all inclusive, 4-star from €1,850. Hotel Orquidea, Bahia Feliz, all-inclusive 4-star from €2,130. For the latest deals at the Seaside Palm Beach Hotel check www. sunway.ie

Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) have some great offers on their website this week. A seven-night Western Mediterranean Cruise in January and February, 2015 costs from €599 per person. This winter cruise will be aboard the MSC Splendida. Passengers will depart from Barcelona, Spain and take in the sights of Marseille, France; Genoa, Italy; Rome, Italy; Sicily, Palermo, Italy; and La Goulette, Tunisia during the daily stops. The MSC Splendida offers numerous accommodations and includes four swimming pools, an adult-only pool deck, a squash court, full service spa, four restaurants, and much more. Another holiday deal on offer is a sevennight stay in Orlando, Florida on August, 25 from €569 per person. Soak up the Florida sun at the four-star Rosen Centre Hotel located in the heart of beautiful Orlando. Enjoy time relaxing at the hotel pool or take advantage of the complimentary transportation to nearby Universal Orlando, Sea World Adventure Park and Wet ’n’ Wild Water Park for some family fun adventures. Disney World is also close by with only a 10-minute commute. Rosen Centre Hotel offers a variety of dining experiences with four on-site restaurants, a coffee shop and hotel bar. Another is a 10-night stay in Bali, Indonesia, with travel dates from October 1 – December 19. Spend your first five nights in a deluxe room at the three-star Puri Bambu Hotel and then relax for five more nights in a onebedroom villa at the four-star Bebek Tepi Sawah Villa and Spa. Both hotels offer a taste of traditional Balinese culture with a relaxing and serene backdrop. Travel between the two hotels is complimentary in an AC vehicle. This offer is priced from €1,160 per person. For more information on these offers, visit www.itaa.ie

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20 Gazette 10 July 2014

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Every month, Shiseido make-up artistic director Dick Page offers words of wisdom on make-up trends, looks and beauty tips. For the month of July he is showing how to Sculpt your Face. One important highlight from the expert is: Use dark colours to sculpt and create dimension, and use light colours to highlight. 1 – Mix your shade of Sheer and Perfect foundation with a small amount of shimmering cream eye color in Techno Gold (GD803) to transform your foundation into a highlighter. Apply selectively around the eye and across the cheekbones with your hand or a brush. 2 – To sculpt your face, apply the bronzer under the cheekbones, on your forehead, on your jawline and neck. It will add some structure to your makeup. 3 – To illuminate your eyes, take a small amount of shimmering cream eye color in Pale Shell (PK214) and put it on the inner corner of the eye and right under the eyebrow. 4 – Use the Luminizing Satin Face colour in Soft Beam (BE206) or in white around the outer lip line for a halo of highlight. 5 – Make it simple and use the New Face Color Enhancing Trio to create complexion, dimension and harmonise. A three-in-one product to contour and highlight. Shiseido is available at Arnott’s, Clery’s, Harvey Nichols, Debenham’s in Blanchardstown and independent retailers nationwide.

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 laura webb

THE sun may still be here but as fashion followers know the fashion industry is always way ahead of itself when it comes to having collections ready for the next season so autumn winter 2014 is already getting some attention. Gazette Style

attended the Bestseller A/W 2014 launch show recently at the offices in Ballymount which showed off key pieces in their brands, including Vero Moda, YAS, Only and Pieces. Faux fur, monochrome, leather, pops of colour and layering were all to be seen at the event. This week, Gazette Style looks at a few of the new collections coming on stream.

10 July 2014 Gazette 21

The K itchen in the Castle Cookery School, located in the beautifully restored Georgian kitchens of the historic Howth Castle is offering an exciting selection of summer-themed daylong and evening cookery skills classes. Participants of all levels are invited to come along and learn to cook for summer with courses such as A Mediterranean Dinner Party to Pizza Workshops, Knife Skills and Barbecue with Beer Tasting on offer. Established by Edwina St Lawrence in 2008, the St Lawrence Family have resided at Howth Castle since 1177 and now Edwina shares her passion and knowledge for food, teaching practical skills in the art of cooking delicious food in a truly unique space that blends a state of the art cookery school with the old world charm of

Edwina St Lawrence will share her passion and knowledge for food

The Kitchen in the Castle Cookery School at Howth Castle. “We did a lot of thinking to come up with summer courses that would be accessible to everyone and fun to cook! From fresh Irish fish with salad for those light summer meals, to our popular

Barbecue with Beer Tasting there is something for everybody. “We have given the courses a holiday feel with Turkish, Spanish, French and Mediterranean nights so the meals you enjoyed on holiday can be cooked by you at home, often with a

Kitchen in the Castle twist,” said Edwina. Many of the courses include a sit-down dinner with a glass of wine; the perfect way to enjoy a special celebration or corporate event. For more see: www. thekitcheninthecastle. com

Gazette Gazette

Summer cooking

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS AS PART of its Summer of Flavour Marks and Spencer brings us this delicous recipe of turkey thigh marinated in low fat greek yoghurt. Easy to prepare and ready to pop on the BBQ or grill with very little hassle, the kebabs are perfect for sharing whether your’re watching football or lazing on the patio.

You’ll need ... 500g diced turkey thigh 2 tsp olive oil 2 tbsp Cook with Mexican spice mix 2 limes 500ml low fat Greek style yoghurt A handful of freshly torn mint leaves Sea salt, to taste Preparation • In a large bowl, massage the turkey with the olive oil, spice mix and the zest and juice of 1 lime. Add 1-2-tbsp yogurt and season with a little salt. Now cover and leave in a cool place until required, allow-

These bite-sized snacks are perfect for sharing

Turkey kebabs put sizzle into summer ing for the flavours to develop. • Divide the turkey between 4 wooden skewers (see tip below) then pop under a hot grill or over hot BBQ coals and cook, turning once or twice, for 7-9 minutes or

until the turkey is tender, tinged brown. • Enjoy with cooling yogurt as an accompanying dip, juicy lime wedges for squeezing...and a sprinkling of fresh mint leaves over the kebabs or stirred into the yogurt.

Gazette

22 Gazette 10 July 2014

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

surf yoga: a new take on stretching

Race review: Waterways Ireland triAthlone  suzanne sheehy

Last weekend I took part in the Waterways Ireland triAthlone 2014, consisting of the Irish Sprint National Series, the Irish Paratri Champs and the Super Sprint Race and Relays. Catering for elite athletes, novices and also first-timers, the event’s organisation is really impressive. Blessed with sunshine on the day, the run route was flat, out and back, with a greatly appreciated water station and terrific support en route from people cheering at the sidelines. All in all, an enjoyable triathlon experience. Registration opens soon for 2015 and I’m urging you to sign up. But if you’re a first timer and a little nervous then go for the Howth Aquathon series which consists of two different distance combined swimming and running races on Monday evening July 21, 2014 in Howth. Online registration is €20 with light refreshments at the finish line. Gets a fivestar from me! For more info, www.howthaquathon.com

Get the body of a surfer without getting wet  suzanne sheehy

FOR SOME people, stretching is a bore. I am one of those people. I always feel the time I spend stretching could be put to better use: on a run or in the gym. We all have a limited time to work out. So I choose to ignore stretching. But I recently discovered a more efficient and better way to maintain flexibility and prevent injury. It’s called Surf Yoga! Yep, you heard right. It doesn’t involve crashing waves or, sadly, US professional surfer Kelly Slater! But it definitely has benefits. To convince me of the importance of maintaining good flexibility I spoke to yoga instructor Suzanne Kenny. “Practising yoga can lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion, injury prevention and rehab, better breathing techniques and strength. “Many studies have shown yoga can help reduce stress and anxi-

ety. “To really see, feel and enjoy the benefits of yoga, one should try doing yoga at least two to three times a week,” says Kenny. So with that in mind I began my first surf yoga class. Kenny describes surf youga as an ingenious surf-inspired dynamic fitness training system for body and mind. Originally created by surfer Barry O’Flanagan, it features a multi-functional exercise board designed for on-land training. --------------------------

‘Studies show yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety’

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

I hardly call it cheating but I did have a few surfing lessons while on vacation in Bali. The only thing I mastered here was the odd pop up on the surfboard and a fall seconds later. But it certainly tested my strength and stability.

So surf yoga helped me to practise various famed yoga moves such as pop up, downward dog, plank and cobra. If I lost my balance and came off the board, remounting was no problem. Also, the class is fun, a product of exercising on an unsteady board. Kenny says these wo r ko u t s p r ov i d e dynamic, compact full body and mind balance training, particularly good for improving strength, flexibilty, balance and agility. After the class I chatted with Kenny and O’Flanagan, who are b o t h d e vo t e d y o g a instructors with a passion for teaching. During their careers, they have seen how yoga, most recently the surf variety, has enhanced lives, their own and others. O’Flanagan credits yoga with helping to alleviate his cramping issues. Irish surfing champion Fergal Smith includes yoga in his training, from regular to surf yoga, giving him

Kenny and O’Flanagan doing some functional on land exercises on the board

The Cobra Pose is one of many famed yoga poses practised in Surf Yoga classes

both strength and flexibility. I was surprised at how stiff I was – and am! Persevere

But persevering means the activity will give you the body of a surfer without getting you wet. Although tougher than everyday yoga due

to the unsteady board, beginners can do it as well as advanced practitoners and the instructor will tailor the class to suit the level of those attending. Six classes cost €90 , with a maximum of 10 people per class. Surf yoga is a fun way to unwind and afterwards I realised I’d

totally switched off as I focused on mind-body workout. Already, I’ve altered my weekly schedule to make more time for surf yoga. Soon I’ll be a practising yogi. Watch this space! For more information visit yoga4all.ie, www. surfingyogafit.com

10 July 2014 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA

With just 24 years between Sarandon and McCarthy, it’s hard to see how the grandma-granddaughter relationship could work.

tammy: sarandon buckles up again but this is no sequel to Thelma and louise

On the road movie missing vital element of comic duo TWO decades on from the iconic Thelma and Louise, Susan Sarandon buckles up for another epic road trip. This time she is joining Melissa McCarthy in Tammy. The directorial debut of McCarthy’s husband Ben Falcone, Tammy follows the misadventures of the eponymous heroine on the worst day of her life. Her car is wrecked, her job serving burgers at the local fast food joint is lost, and her husband leaves her for the next-door neighbour. Ta m my ’s o n l y r e f u g e involves taking her alcoholic

 Dave phillips

grandmother Pearl (Sarandon) on a road-trip to Niagara Falls. It is the beginning of a string of bad luck that tails Tammy through the film; misfor tune that is only matched by the meta-tragedy of the film repeatedly falling short. Falcone has some solid

comedy credentials as an actor; we know McCarthy is more than capable of getting the audience laughing; and even Dan Aykroyd stops by for a cameo role. But while it looks good on paper, it feels as if a vital element is missing from Tammy. Good comedy needs something to bounce off; it is the basis of the most fundamental of all comic relationships, the double act. The pairing of McCarthy and Sandra Bullock in 2013’s The Heat worked so well because both characters had radically different

styles that conflicted comically. It is a formula that is not applied in Tammy, where both Tammy and Pearl are equally brash and selfish. On top of that, Sarandon never seems to sit comfortably or convincingly into her role as the grandma from hell. With only a 24-year age gap between the two actors, it is hard to envision how this casting could work out. Even rigged out in a grey wig and prosthetic cankles, Sarandon never looks the part. As a character, Tammy

is written to be difficult to like. Her qualities are buried so deep that by the time a redemptive turnaround appears it is too late to care. The film doesn’t fail for lack of trying. If there is one thing that can be said in its defence it is that it makes consistent efforts to make the audience laugh. The problem is it seems powerless to do so. For the most part, McCarthy attempts to carry scenes with a deluge of that kind of obnoxious, over-the-top comic performance that Jack

Black milked dry around 2006. Without a convincing reason to root for her, and with little or no chance to develop the character, the film meanders and unravels more than it progresses. A late-in-the-game appearance by Kathy Bates as Pearl’s cousin steers things in the right direction, but by that stage there is no saving it. While this road-trip doesn’t end up with the characters careening over a cliffedge, you will probably wish it did.

Verdict: 3/10

Gazette

24 swords gazette 10 July 2014

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

FASTtunes Initiative aims to support new Irish bands Guinness last week unveiled their new music programme, Guinness Amplify, and Dublin bands are being called on to join in the campaign which aims to support upcoming Irish bands and talent. The initiative, which was launched at 4 Dame Lane with a performance by Swords’ favourite sons, Kodaline, has four separate strands, each designed to help new acts to develop their potential and connect them with local and potentially national audiences, as well as providing them with some of the resources and expertise they need to help them along the way. Guinness Amplify Live offers acts the chance to perform in pubs across the country across five weekends, starting on September 11 in Leinster and ending in Dublin on the weekend October 9 to 12. Guinness Amplify Studios will present 60 days of free studio time to record or rehearse to musicians chosen by the Amplify panel, which includes David Kitt, Jonny Quinn, Nialler9, Sinead Troy and Stuart Clark. The cream of the crop, as decided by the expert music panel, will get the chance to perform at Guinness Amplify Live Stages, five showcase events in some of Ireland’s most renowned music venues in February 2015. In addition, the Guinness Amplify Workshops, a series of intimate music workshops around Ireland will be developed and delivered by First Music Contact and will feature music industry experts. Places at the workshops will be offered to musicians on a first come, first served basis. Music blogger Niall Byrne of Nialler9 said: “Championing great Irish music is a big part of what I do so it’s great to be involved with Guinness Amplify to help further champion and uncover the wealth of Irish music talent. Guinness Amplify is a great opportunity for emerging artists looking to take the next step forward in their music careers.” Bands and musicians interested in taking part in Guinness Amplify have until July 31 to log on to www.guinnessamplify.com and upload their details and register their interest in taking part in the process.

Championing Irish music: Kodaline

The Stunning will make their return to the Dublin stage at Bulmers Live at Leopardstown

MUSIC REVIEW: one of ireland’s most popular acts play gig

A stunning return July 17will see the return to the Dublin stage of one of the most perennially popular acts to come out of Ireland in the late 1980s and early 90s, The Stunning. Led by brothers Steve and Joe Wall, the band became massively beloved by a whole generation through their infectious melodies and constant touring. However, the members went their separate ways in 1994 when international acclaim eluded them to the extent it was deserved, but The Stunning have come back together regularly over the last decade to celebrate their legacy with their fanbase. Hence their appearance at the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown next Thursday. Speaking to GazetteMusic recently, Steve Wall spoke about The Stunning’s enduring popularity and how hard the

 ROB heigh rheigh@dublingazette.com

band worked to secure it. “Paradise was such a big seller, practically every house in the country had a copy of it. Any family with teenagers had a copy - we were then what The Coronas are today. “Our audience was around the Leaving Cert, first year of college kind of age, and once kids left school and went to college, they were free to go and see the band. “What’s great about a college audience is that you have them for about three or four years, and they became lifelong fans. “People say to us, you were the soundtrack to my teenage and college

years, even when they went off to London or Britain, the album was a little bit of home they brought with them.” Their resurgence in recent years, including a 20th anniversary celebration of the album, was down to that fanbase’s ongoing affection for the band and the Paradise In The Picturehouse record in particular, which Steve and the lads re-released in 2003. “W hen T he Walls started to get more well known, and people realised we used to be in The Stunning, we were getting requests via email, hundreds of them, from people asking if we could release it on CD. “We made some enquiries, and of the sales, 90% were on cassette. So we decided we’d reissue it on our own label, with some bonus tracks. “Friends of ours used to run events, and they

rang me up to ask what we were doing to promote the reissue. They were adamant it was a big deal, that maybe we didn’t realise how much it meant to so many people. “They agreed to help us promote the record as long as we agreed to get the band back together and tour. “All the lads were up for the tour, it was all put together, and the album came out. The record label suggested that we press 5,000 copies, which sold out in three days which meant we missed out on two more days of sales, which would have put it back at Number 1 again. “We didn’t think there was that kind of demand to see the band, but we did 18 dates, including four nights at Vicar Street, and there was this whole new generation of kids who had grown up with the record through their

parents who were coming to see us for the first time. “It was after that we decided we would do it once a year, and that’s what we have done ever since.” As far as the show at Leopardstown is concerned, Steve explained why shows such as this one are the type of shows that he and the band enjoy so much. “We enjoy gigging because we’re not doing it all the time. We’re all good friends, and it is a big part of it that we all get along. We enjoy it. If we were gigging every weekend, it wouldn’t be the same. We do a better type of gig, because it’s more of an occasion, for us as much as the people who come along.” The Stunning play Bulmers Live at Leopardstown on July 17. For more information, log on to www.bulmersliveatleopardstown.com.

10 July 2014 gazette 25

Insignia: far more than a luxurious interior on offer here

Opel’s limited edition lavishes luxury

 cormac curtis

Car manufacturers are always at pains to point out the extra features that are being “loaded” into the cars they have on the market – especially electronic features. Let’s take, for example, the reversing camera. If you consider that the vast majority of cars now have some manner of screen on the dashboard, it beggars belief why they then go and make a big song and dance about the addition of such a simple device. It’s a tiny piece of equipment that costs less than the price of a pint to manufacture, and it’s being connected to a system that comes with the car anyway. It doesn’t sound quite so generous now, does it? For real, long-term driving satisfaction, a car that will stand the test of time offers one quality above all else… comfort. Not just comfortable to sit in, even though that is essential in itself, it’s the overall comfort level of the car’s interior that will always shine through. And when that comfort level reaches luxurious levels – you know you’re on to a winner. This is where a few manufacturers have been quietly raising the bar. Making a truly special edition of any car, with a cockpit and interior that just breathes luxury, will never lose its appeal. And, for me at least, the latest example of a car that brings this kind of comfort, luxury and

A host of driving aids, performance modifications, styling highlights and electronic features all combine to make this Opel an exceptionally complete car

Gazette

MOTORS road

NOISE Motor fans excited as new Audi TT is revealed Excitement is revving up among Ireland’s motor enthusiasts after the all-new Audi TT was revealed at an exclusive preview event in a re-imagined RDS, Dublin this month. Guests were the first in Ireland to experience the third generation Audi TT in advance of its much-anticipated launch later this year. For the third TT generation, the Audi designers have returned to many of these ideas and placed them in a new context that is as dynamic as it is diverse. While the all new Audi TT stays true to its heritage, it embraces the digital age. It is on sitting into the car that Audi TT fans, old and new, really get to experience the full extent of digital innovation. In particular, the new virtual cockpit, a multi-media interactive 12.3-inch panel which sits in front of the driver is a unique infotainment platform. The virtual cockpit is powered by two quad-core processors, one for the virtual cockpit including digital rev counters and speedo, the other for the infotainment functionality like mapping, media playback and high-level search. The all new Audi TT will have its market introduction in the fourth quarter of 2014. To register for a test-drive please visit audi.ie/TT.

Trip to finals for Chris

build quality is the Opel Insignia – more specifically, the Opel Insignia SRi Limited Edition 2.0CDTi. This is an example of a car that is going to feel just as special to drive years from now as it does the day it leaves the forecourt. In recent months I sang the praises of a Peugeot 308 that came with an upgraded interior that just lifted the car to an entirely different level – and this is exactly what Opel have done with the Insignia SRi. Naturally, for a special edition, there is far more

than a luxurious interior on offer here, far from it. A host of driving aids, performance modifications, styling highlights and electronic features all combine to make an exceptionally complete car – something I genuinely wasn’t expecting when I was handed the keys. Among the extras are a number of Opel’s OPC style elements including body-colour front lower spoiler, side sills, rear lip spoiler and rear lower skirt, a leather-covered flat bottomed sports steering wheel (that I loved – I have a thing

about a good steering wheel!), and a leather gear knob. But most importantly, in terms of performance, the suspension is uprated and lowered, giving the car far more security on the road while tapping into the 163bhp that’s available from the engine. The car has an attractive profile that is not just designed to be pleasing on the eye, but also contributes to efficiency. In fact, its design makes it the most streamlined production car in its class. An ultra-modern feature is the active front air shutter for the diesel models,

including the model on test here (163hp). This shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes to prevent air entering and causing turbulence, which in turn increases fuel efficiency. Naturally, this level of comfort, luxury, performance and efficiency is going to cost, and you won’t get too much change out of €40,000 for this car – but if you want a car that will keep you smiling long after the novelty of the reversing camera has worn off, then you really ought to take look.

Chris O’Rourke from Swords has won a dreamcome-true prize of a trip to the FIFA World Cup final in Rio on July 13 courtesy of official World Cup sponsor Continental Tyres. Chris is the lucky winner of the top prize in a Continental Tyressponsored competition that was run on RTE TV Sport coverage of the early World Cup matches. Chris who works with Aer Lingus at Dublin Airport said: “This is truly a once in a lifetime trip to not only see the world’s best football players close up at a World Cup final match, but also to experience the electric atmosphere of the event in Brazil.” The prize includes flights, hotels and match tickets for Chris and a friend with a three night stay in Rio.

Chris O’Rourke receiving his prize of a trip to the FIFA World Cup final

26 GAZETTE 10 July 2014

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10 July 2014 Gazette 27

athletics P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

soccer P29

FastSport locals shine at bray u-13 tournament:

Beann Eadair GAA chairman Kevin Kellett, Poc Fada chairman Humphrey Kellegher, winner Conor Dooleyand Tom Ryan from the Dublin County Board

poc fada: ballyboden and lucan players at summit of howth competition

Locals power to top places in traditional hurling contest Two local hurlers were crowned the winner and runner-up in this year’s Dublin Poc Fada final which was held at and around the Howth clubhouse of Beann Eadair CLG for the second year running. This year’s competition was won by Dublin Under-21 goalkeeper Conor Dooley of Ballyboden St Enda’s, with Tommy Somers of Lucan Sarsfields in second place. Twelve competitors from around Dublin set off in pairs to hit a sliotar around a course in the fewest number

of shots. The 4km course took competitors off from the club grounds across the adjoining Deer Park Golf and Foot Golf Club before ascending the Hill of Howth. The terrain and various turns on the course challenged not just the distance of the competitors’ shots but also their accuracy and decision making. Beann Eadair will host the Leinster competition final this Saturday, July 12, with competitors getting underway at 4pm.

The Leinster Poc Fada final will bring winning county representatives, together with their supporters, from the 12 Leinster counties. Competitors will compete on the same course and it is hoped that an Under16s competition over a shorter course will also be held. The winners of the Leinster competition will then go on to represent the province in the All-Ireland finals. The All-Ireland final itself will be held in the traditional location of the Cooley Mountains, Co Louth where

Tipperary’s Brendan Cummins took the honours in 2013. Beann Eadair which draws primarily from Howth and Sutton is one the oldest GAA clubs in Dublin formed in 1885. It is currently going through a significant rejuvenation both in terms of player numbers and facility development. The club is currently redeveloping its main pitch with works due to be finished before the Poc Fada finals take place. For more information, log on to www.beanneadair.net.

ELM Park GC’s Ronan Cowhey, Black Bush’s Sean Doyle and Ashbourne’s Stephan Campbell all emerged as winners last week of their respective events at the Leinster Under-13 Boys golf qualifier series. Cowhey finished with 31 from the first of the three events, seeing off Greystones Rory Reid and Rosslare’s Martin Roche’s at Bray golf club. Doyle succeeded on his home course with a 30 to beat Roganstown’s Joshua McCabe and Dundalk’s Josh Mackin. Campbell was the third winner, succeeding at Portlaoise Golf Club with a gross of 29 playing off a 10 handicap.

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@dublingazette.com

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

Gazette

28 Gazette 10 July 2014

SPORT

FastSport Old belvedere seeking new women’s coach: OLD Belvedere women’s rugby first 15 are recruiting a backs coach to help build on the success of the 2013-14 season in which the team won the All Ireland League (AIL) Division 1 title. The club are seeking a coach who can deliver high-quality training sessions and effectively manage the requirements of an AIL Division 1 team. Old Belvedere women’s rugby has seen huge growth in the past 20 years. The applicant must be minimum IRFU accredited Level 1 (or equivalent) and have experience of planning and delivering sessions in a high performance environment with a player centred / game related approach to coaching and developing players. Prior experience would be advantageous. Deadline for applications is July 18. To apply, or for more detailed information e-mail oldbelvocoach@gmail.com

football: 400m champion sets sights on new challenge in GAA arena

Sprinting in a different direction  sport@dublingazette.com

DAVID Gillick says he is loving the new challenge of lining out for Ballinteer St John’s senior footballers having decided to step away from the athletics scene after a glittering career.

He retired last week as one of a recent vanguard of Irish athletics along with the likes of Der val O’Rourke and Paul Hession who stood out as leaders of their sport. Gillick won two European indoor champion-

ship 400m gold medals as well as finishing sixth in the world in the 2009 outdoors in Berlin while also competing at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. He became the first Irishman to reach the European outdoors championships final in

David Gillick in action in Berlin in 2009

A career beyond athletics has led to David Gillick lining out for Ballinteer St John’s

2010. But, with the last few years blighted by injury, he has formally announced his retirement from athletics.

New horizon Since the start of the year, he had been back working with his local GAA club in a training role but soon got back into playing and has been making a mark in midfield. And it is an experience that he is thoroughly enjoying. “It’s nice to be part of a team and it’s a new challenge,” he told GazetteSpor t. We’re going well and got a good win over St Anne’s

at the weekend after beating Round Tower’s. The first thing in sport – once you’re enjoying it, it makes it all a bit easier.” Despite only having played a handful of games for the senior footballers, he has already broken his nose and twinged a hamstring, injuries he did not fall victim to during his athletics career. He says, though, that there has not been a massive change in outlook despite switching from the professional ranks to amateur sport. “I still want to do a sport with a goal to it. Every second week, you have that goal. The lads

take it seriously and its nice to be part of that. “It’s different on so many levels and in regard to training and the intensity. But you still don’t want to let anyone down. “W hen I was racing, it was all about me performing. In the heat of battle with 14 other lads, you have to perform and not be the lad who gives away a bad ball or whatever. “I’m learning as well; I would be very naive to just walk in and think I knew everything and bark orders. I’m willing to learn and ask the lads to shout at me where to go. There’s a different skillset.”

Four Dublin stars appear in national lacrosse team  sport@dublingazette.com

The Irish men’s lacrosse team will play in the world championships in Denver, USA, this month

THE IRISH men’s lacrosse team, featuring a quartet of Dubliners, jet out to Denver, Colorado to take part in the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships. Stepaside’s Sean Gibson, Terenure’s Tadhg Bolger, Dundrum’s Cillian Murphy and Conor Walsh have all been included in the panel who play in the Yellow Division of the competition with Uganda, France and Bermuda. Ireland starts play on Friday against Uganda, the first African nation ever to participate

in a lacrosse world championship. Ireland then play France on Saturday and meet Bermuda the following day. Their schedule of games following that will depend on results, with the semifinals to be played on Thursday, July 17 and the final on Saturday, July 19. The squad is largely made up of American-based players and others with connections to the US but the quartet are among a smattering of Irish based players. Midfielder Bolger plays with the UCD lacrosse team and

made his debut for Ireland at the 2013 Celtic Cup while he has also played lacrosse with the Roma Leones club in Italy. Gibson began playing the game aged 20 in Alberta, Canada both indoors and outdoors at St Xavier University while earning his degree. He is currently the captain of the Dublin Avengers club and is due to overtake former Irish captain and current Ireland Lacrosse chief executive Michael Kennedy in the all-time appearances rankings when he lines out in Denver. Murphy started his career with

UCD but now plies his trade in Cambridge where he now lives and works as a staff nurse in Papworth Hospital. Hailing from the Dublin Bay Prawns club, Walsh is another who completed a degree in UCD. The team travels to the US following some fine showings in recent years. In 2012, the side made it to the final of the European championships in Amsterdam while, in 2013, they beat France to win the Celtic Cup, a tournament hosted in University Limerick, ending a seven-year wait.

10 July 2014 Gazette 29

Gazette

Stars to come out in the name of Fair Play Ballyfermot man Paul O’Brien’s book on Cherry Orchard’s success story is to be launched later this month with a high quality match and famous faces, writes Aron Hegarty FORMER Irish international and League of Ireland players will line out to support Ballyfermot man Paul O’Brien in launching his book Fair Play and raise funds for Crumlin Children’s Hospital. The challenge match between the PFAI Over40s and a John Cleary Selection takes place at Cherry Orchard Football Club on Sunday, July 20 and will feature an array of ex-domestic football stars. Marc Kenny (Liverpool), Eddie Gormley (Tottenham), Paul McGee (Wimbledon), Derek Tracey (Shamrock Rovers) and Paul Osman (St Patrick’s Athletic) are just some of the names who will be on show. Ex-Huddersfield Town man Mark O’Neill, now general manager of the

Republic of Ireland Over40s, said the cause is a “fantastic demonstration of generosity”. “It’s so lovely,” said O’Neill, who has known O’Brien since he was six years old. “He is an amazing individual; so dedicated and an inspiration. “It’s people like Paul who inspire young kids to play the game. He gives up his time to support players and I am proud of what he has done for local football and the wider community.” He added: “Paul has put a serious amount of his time into helping young players develop through high level 5-aside and 7-a-side tournaments and he deserves to be acknowledged.” PFAI 40s founder O’Neill was full of praise for O’Brien, who he cred-

its with helping him to rebuild his career after returning home from England. He anticipates the event will attract the attention of several highprofile people such as businessman Bill Cullen and that the match itself will be competitive. O’Brien himself was flattered but delighted with the “overwhelming” support from his peers and encouraged people to come down to the event. “I am truly grateful and honoured by all the support received,” said O’Brien. “I would ask supporters to come out on the day to support the teams and enjoy a fantastic day out for a great cause.” His book traces his involvement with developing 5-a-side and 7-a-

side football in West Dublin from the 1970s to the 1990s as a tribute to the teams and players he coached. Each chapter is devoted to a particular competition, ranging from schoolboy to adult level, with recollections and photographs of the teams

Republic of Ireland Over40s team manager, said both he and the players involved were keen to lend a hand to O’Brien and promote his story for a noble cause. “It is great to be involved in this challenge game to help Paul get his book out there and bring

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‘He is amazing. It is people like Paul O’Brien who inspire young kids to play the game.’ - Mark O’Neill

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and players he managed plus their views and experiences of working under him. The book is expected to be completed by the end of this year and go on bookshelves by early 2015. Mick By rne, the

Joe Byrne, Mark O’Neill, James Brennan, Paul O’Brien and John Cleary at the event launch

funding to the Crumlin Children’s Hospital,” he said. “I have no doubts the book will be a great success and we wish Paul and his family huge success in the future.” Gerry Cully, senior fundraising manager at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, also commended local sportsman O’Brien for his support which will help aid the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation. “We are delighted to be the beneficiaries of all the sales from Paul O’Brien’s book,” he said. “The proceeds will go into the building of our new outpatients department at Crumlin Hospital.” The match kicks-off at 1pm. Gates open from 11.30am and tickets are €5 with free car parking available.

FastSport

Dublin stars launch 2014 TM Cycle for Pieta House Dublin footballers James McCarthy and David Byrne, pictured, last week helped to launch the annual TM Cycle in aid of Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis centre. The fun cycle, which is now in its seventh year, aims to raise awareness of the work carried out by Pieta House and to commemorate the lives of those lost to suicide. The event takes place on Saturday August 9 and Sunday, August 10. The route begins at the Good Counsel GAA club in Drimnagh and will make its way to Mullingar going through counties Kildare, Meath and Westmeath before returning to Dublin. Last year, 80 cyclists took part in the cycle, and over €250,000 has been raised for Pieta House since the cycle began in 2008. “Our vision is that no one in Ireland should be more than 100 km from a Pieta House centre and we are moving ever closer to that goal,” said Joan Freeman, chief executive of Pieta House. “80% of our funding comes from public support and we are so grateful to fundraisers like the TM Cycle which continue to raise vital funds for Pieta House. We’d like to encourage people to sign up for this fun cycle and we wish everyone the very best of luck.” People can get involved by registering their involvement on tmcycle.com and are called on to raise sponsorship funds while joining the cycle from Dublin to Mullingar on Saturday and then back to Dublin on Sunday.

Local tennis ace on target in Oz CARRICKMINES June Ann Byrne, who partnered Kar Liang of China, saw off German pair Marleis Jennis and Edgar Pohle to win the final of the Austrian Over-80s tennis championships last week. The 81-year-old Byrne currently holds

a world mixed 80 ranking of four and has been enjoying a busy schedule in the Super Seniors arena. She picked up three straight wins in the European Seniors open a week earlier in partnership with Britain’s Ann Williams and also reached the final of the women’s doubles Werzer Generali Cup in Poertschach.

Gazette

30 dublin city gazette 10 July 2014

SPORT

FastSport

rugby: Blackrock college star back in the irish fold

Muckross head home to traditional location MUCKROSS Hockey Club will go back to their roots in the 2014-15 season, returning to their historical home in Muckross College as part of the next phase of their strategic plan, switching back after 11 years at the Teresian school at the far end of Donnybrook. The 2013-2014 IHA club of the year nominee has shown strong resolve towards re-establishing itself as a dominant force in Irish club hockey in recent years. Their junior section has undergone huge growth while they rose back to Leinster women’s Division 2, pictured above, last season and almost got promoted to the top tier at the first attempt, only missing out in a play-off with North Kildare. Indeed, a series of key coaching appointments over the past few seasons have brought divisional promotions across the Leinster league spectrum, cup final appearances, a wealth of new playing talent and “an overall resurgence in club pride – all testament to the club’s ambition for the future”. Re-establishing their link with the college is seen as another key tenet. The club was founded in 1918 by the past pupils of Muckross Park College and went on to become one of the most decorated in Irish hockey with over 30 Leinster league titles, 29 Leinster Senior (Jacqui Potter) Cup wins, 15 Irish Senior Cup wins as well as a record seven past players being inducted into the IHA Hall of Fame. Since those heady days, the club dropped out of the senior league at the turn of the century but has been bouncing back quickly in recent years with he likes of former Irish senior and underage coaches Dave Passmore and Una McCarthy, as well as current internationals Peter Caruth and Conor Harte, among the recent coaching staff at the Dublin 4 club, seeing promotions all the way down the adult section of the club. Club president Sarah Green believes that the landmark move is key to Muckross’ continuing success: “Each year we want to develop our players, improve our teams’ performances and be more competitive as a club. The move back to Muckross Park College is part of a long-term strategic plan for Muckross Hockey Club to compete at the highest level of provincial and national hockey. It’s a very exciting time for us.”

Tania Rosser, left, has been called up to the Irish women’s squad for the rugby world cup in August

Rosser’s surprise return  sport@dublingazette.com

BL AC K R O C K C o l lege’s Tania Rosser is set to make an incredible return to the Irish women’s rugby side four years after she retired following the naming of the squad for the World Cup which gets under way in France on August 1. Ireland are placed in pool B alongside USA, New Zealand and Kazakhstan with the squad set to be captained by Fiona Coghlan and contains an even split of 13 forwards and 13 backs. The 35-year-old, New Zealand born half-back

– who has made close to 50 appearances for her adopted country – will provide cover for Larissa Muldoon and out-half Nora Stapleton. Scrumhalf Amy Davis, a regular in the squad during the RBS 6 Nations, has been ruled out through injury which means a recall for the experienced Rosser. “Tania is fitter than ever and in the best form of her career,” said Ireland backs coach Greg McWilliams. Speaking of the selection head coach, Philip Doyle added “We have just come off the back of

fighting for st james Drimnagh get in the running for Liberties members from Drimnagh Boxing Club

gathered last week to sign up to Run The Liberties in aid of St James’s Hospital. The 6km race, which takes place on Thursday, July 17 July at 7.45pm, starts and finishes in the grounds of IMMA/ Royal Hospital Kilmainham, and if you are interested in taking part, you can register online at www.stjames.ie/funrun or on the night. Picture: Cian Redmond Photography

three weekends of intensive training and unfortunately we had to cut the squad to just 26 players which has been difficult. Everybody applied themselves brilliantly and I would like to congratulate all for their involvement. “Women’s rugby is at an all-time high in Ireland and with that comes great expectation. We are well placed for the tournament and are all looking forward to heading to France and getting started.” The 26-strong squad contains just one new cap with Old Belvedere’s

Sharon Lynch named in the forwards and she is one of several players from the capital involved in the set-up. She is joined in the pack selection by club mates Marie Louise Reilly, Sophie Spence and Ailis Egan while St Mary’s College’s Orla Fitzsimons is another to be called into the panel from Leinster. In the backs, Swords woman Lynne Cantwell – who plays with Richmond in London – is selected along with St Mary’s Paula Fitzpatrick and Old Belvedere’s Jenny Murphy.

Ireland open their campaign on August 1 with a tough encounter against USA whom Ireland played twice in the previous Women’s Rugby World Cup. TG4 have confirmed they are to broadcast Ireland’s pool games live as well as both semi-finals and finals. Ireland’s game against New Zealand will be televised live on Sky Sports. The panel were in Spain to play a challenge match last weekend and they will play their final warm-up game against Wales in Malahide in the coming week.

10 July 2014 DUBLIN CITY gazette 31

Gazette

Two wins from two for Dublin U-16 stars  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN made it two wins from two starts when defeating Westmeath in the Gerry Reilly Memorial Under-16 Football Tournament in Oldcastle on Saturday evening. A Ciaran Dowling goal awoke Dublin from a slow start as he car-

ried the ball through the middle of the Westmeath defence and finished low to the net. With 20 minutes played the sides were level 1-1 to 0-4 but Dublin, with midfielders Sean Gibbons and Aaron Bradshaw on top, dominated the close of the opening half when scoring 1-5 without reply. Full-forward Michael

Courtney (0-2), centreforward Dowling (0-2) and Eric Rowan slotted the points while Courtney delivered the goal following good play from the influential Jeff Rafter. On the restart points from Rafter, half-time sub Conor Lennon, Cormac Howley and Courtney extended Dublin’s lead to 2-10 to 0-4 after 38

minutes. With just inside 10 minutes remaining Bradshaw scored an excellent goal to the roof of net from 20m to make it 3-12 to 0-8. Points from Rafter, second half sub Mark Donnelly following good play by Howley and a Donnelly goal ensured Dublin’s 4-16 to 0-8 win.

FastGAA

football: foxrock and Na Fianna set up rematch

Daly left frustrated as Dubs fall flat to Kilkenny

Foxrock Cabinteely’s Marla Candon closes down St Sylvester’s Sinead Treacy. Pic: GAAPics.com

Murphy’s 1-7 sees Syl’s overwhelmed  aron hegarty sport@dublingazette.com

FOXROCK Cabinteely will face Na Fianna in the senior championship final at Parnell Park on July 23 after demolishing St Sylvester’s in the semi-final last week. C a b i n t e e l y o v e rwhelmed a young Sylvesters’ team 5-17 to 0-9 at Kilbogget Park, while Na Fianna overcame St Brigid’s in the other last four clash. The club previously defeated Na Fianna in the 2012 final and will be looking for a repeat of that in this year’s county

final but Cabinteely manager Pat Ring reckons his team are “underdogs” going into the game. “That’s a tough one,” said Ring of his team’s final date with Na Fianna. “It will be tight, competitive and it could go either way. “They’ve been the most successful side in Dublin the last five or so years and we would go into it as underdogs. “They have intercounty players in all positions across the field and they’ve a very experienced side.” Ann-Marie Murphy led the way against Sylvest-

er’s with a personal tally of 1-7 as Foxrock blitzed the Malahide side. Na Fianna had just about too much in the tank for St Brigid’s in their semi-final as they shaded their tie 2-13 to 1-14 to reach yet another final, setting up a repeat of the 2012 decider. The Glasnevin side have been a dominant force in ladies football in recent times reaching no fewer than six finals in the last 14 years and have two county titles to their name. In 2009, the Mobhi Road girls saw off the challenge from Naomh

Mearnog to win their first senior county championship crown. In 2011, having defeated Ballyboden St Enda’s in the Dublin final Na Fianna went all the way to the All-Ireland club final only to lose out to Carnacon of Mayo. Na Fianna bounced back from that All-Ireland final defeat to contest the last two county finals only to lose to Foxrock Cabinteely in 2012 and to Fingallians last year following a replayed final. They will be hoping to make amends this time around.

ANTHONY Daly says his Dublin senior hurlers need to bounce back quickly following a deflating loss in the Leinster senior hurling championship final against Kilkenny. They were seen off 0-24 to 1-9 at Croke Park last Sunday, offering a limp effort at retaining the crown they won a year ago against Galway. Indeed, they were unable to score for the last 20 minutes of the game and were thankful to a top performance from Alan Nolan to keep the score from being even more emphatic. Speaking afterwards, Daly said it was a flat performance and one that will not suffice when they play their All-Ireland quarter-final on the weekend of July 27. “I can’t really explain this defeat. Kilkenny were dominant in so many positions. They got into their rhythm pretty quickly,” he said. “We dropped simple ball out of our hands early on and didn’t take the right options. When we did take the right options, our first touch was off. You wouldn’t think that in training. “We never seemed to get to the pitch of the play. We were lucky to be within four points at half-time. We did take consolation from that at the break, in that we hadn’t played but we were still in with a shout.” Daly said that his side had a couple of chances to force an unlikely comeback in the second half but when half-chances did not transform into scores, the writing was on the wall. “We had a couple of goal chances in the second half and didn’t take them. “The better team won and the scoreline reflected that at the finish. There is the old adage of going to the wall and absolutely making it happen. We didn’t do enough of that today and have no real excuses. “A lot of people will be writing our epitaph and so it’s up to us now to respond and give a massive quarter-final performance,” he added. “We have to show character. There’s another day around the corner and we have to lift it.” They will now wait to see if they are drawn from one of the winners of either Tipperary and Offaly or else once of Wexford, All-Ireland champions Clare or Waterford.

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GazetteSPORT all of your DUBLIN CITY sports coverage from page 27-31

poc fada: Local stars hit the hills of Howth, bidding to become the county’s All-Ireland challenger P27

july 10, 2014

Life after athletics: Former European 400m indoor champ switches codes P28

The Dublin ladies footballers will Lace Up For A Cure on Sunday in their Leinster final to promote their link-up with Breast Cancer Ireland

Jackies eyes on the prize Dublin manager Greg McGonigle set to have experienced heads back from injury but says young stars have staked serious claim to line out  stephen findlater

sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN ladies football manager Gregory McGonigle says that his side will not be phased by a late change of pitch for next Sunday’s Leinster championship final that could give Laois a big boost. The tie was initially pencilled in to be played in Dr Cullen Park in Carlow but, due to a clash with Clare and Carlow’s All-Ireland qualifier being set for the venue, Portlaoise was chosen as the replacement last Monday. But any notion that this will disadvantage the Jackies – who beat Laois by eight points in the league – are not playing on McGonigle’s

mind. “Obviously it’s very close for them but a pitch is a pitch,” he told GazetteSport. “It’s a big expansive open pitch and the facilities for the players and spectators could actually be better than Dr Cullen Park so it’s up to us to raise our performance going into their own back garden.” He was speaking at the launch of the Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association link up with Breast Cancer Ireland to help raise awareness of breast cancer whilst also supporting the charity’s Lace Up For A Cure campaign. And he is confident no matter what side he puts out in Sunday’s final, they will be in the right frame of mind despite two relatively easy

matches to date in the competition that have yielded 13 goals. “We know we are in for a battle; Dublin and Laois have had some notoriously difficult games and they have always been tight. But with the depth we have in the squad, we have serious competition for places so there is a good mentality for the girls with a good bond and no complacency.” To that end, Denise Masterson and Nicole Owens are both back training after injury as is captain Sinead Goldrick though how much availability they have to play will only be decided later this week. Siobhan McGrath is another on the recovery road with a pin removed from her finger and

she is likely to rejoin the panel next week. It has left McGonigle with a selection dilemma after a couple of players impressed hugely with the Under-21 side who won the All-Ireland crown. “The players who came in did very well against Westmeath. If any of the [injured players] are available, they will be a big addition but it’s great credit to Martha Byrne and Sinead Finnegan as well as Sarah McCaffrey and Molly Lamb in midfield. “We would be happy enough with our side at the moment but, ideally, every team in Ireland would want Sinead Goldrick in their team - not only for her leadership but also her footballing ability.”