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Month XX, 2012 • Stillorgan Dundrum • Churchtown • Nutgrove • Rathfarnham • Ballinteer • Sandyford • Leopardstown

INSIDE: Runners take steps at Marlay Park to help the Niall Mellon Township Trust P8-9

people: Success was never a black or white cert for pianist John O’Conor P5

Cian to help out: Launching the Leinster season Football:

Ballinteer progress in SFC after thriller Page 32

Soccer:

Dundrum win Special Olympics national title Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

DUBLIN footballer Cian O’Sullivan nonchalantly ignored the levitating Delaney Cup (courtesy of a little photographer trickery) at Croke Park where the Kilmacrud Crokes player was helping to launch the 2013 Leinster GAA Senior Championships recently. “Flying” trophy or not, sports fans are in for a magic GAA season with a number of keenlyawaited clashes on the cards, building up to the championship final at Croker on Sunday, July 14.

War of words over complex extension

Carrickmines plan’s rejection provokes conflict among councillors

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A DECISION by An Bord Pleanala not to grant permission to extend The Park, Carrickmines complex has sparked a war of words between local politicians in

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC).

The extension at Carrickmines was refused permission, despite a majority of councillors voting for it in 2010.

Councillor Richard Hum-

phreys (Lab) said that his party was the only group in DLRCC to vote against what he termed the “unsustainable increase in retail at Carrickmines” in the original council vote in 2010, while Cllr Gerry Horkan (FF) said: “It simply

demonstrates that Labour votes against everything.”

Developer, Tristor Ltd (care of John Spain Associates), who applied for the extension, expressed disappointment at the decision.

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUNDRUM Gazette 16 May 2013

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retail An Bord Pleanala turns down plan

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A rendering of the proposed enlargement of retail at The Park Carrickmines, which An Bord Pleanala has rejected

Carrickmines rejection sees councillors clash L O CA L p o l i t i c i a n s clashed last week over the refusal by An Bord Pleanala to grant permission for the enlargement of retail at the Carrickmines development by 10,000 sq m, despite a majority vote of 15 to 13 for the extension by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown county councillors in 2010.

The Park Carrickmines was built in 2006 due to a controversial rezoning passed by the council in 1997 that saw the value of the site skyrocket from an estimated €8 million to €61 million.

Carrickmines was thus converted from a semirural area into a suburban complex of shops, offices, apartment blocks and housing estates.

Councillors voted for the extension in direct opposition to a directive from the then minister for the environment, John

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

Gormley (GR) not to rezone the Carrickmines land further.

However, last week Tristor Ltd (care of John Spain Associates), the development company seeking the extension of Carrickmines, was refused permission.

An Bord Pleanala stated the reasons for its refusal to enlarge the retail site were that they jarred with planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area transport policy and the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan.

Cllr Richard Humphreys (Lab) said: “On April 12, 2010, all of the

Fianna Fail councillors and the vast majority of the Fine Gael group and the Independents voted for this huge and unsustainable increase in retail at Carrickmines.

“The Labour group was the only large group on the council to vote against this and we did so unanimously. I am delighted that our stance has been so comprehensively vindicated by the An Bord Pleanala decision.”

In response, Cllr Gerry Horkan (FF) said: “This is not a Labour issue, it simply demonstrates that Labour votes against everything – they even voted against Dundrum Town Centre.

“Cherrywood [SDZ] is not going to happen any time soon, and here we are with Carrickmines, which the majority of councillors voted for and it is refused.”

Cllr Victor Boyhan

(Ind) said: “Councillors clearly defined Dun Laoghaire and Dundrum as the two major retail centres for the county.

“If massive expansion at Carrickmines were to have been permitted, it would have undermined that policy and negatively impacted on the objective of our County Development Plan.”

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab) said: “Had this planning application gone ahead, it would have put undue pressure on already struggling retail outlets, probably causing many of them to close.”

A spokesperson for John Spain Associates, for Tristor Ltd, said: “We are clearly disappointed at the decision of An Bord Pleanala.

“The scheme would have created some 800 new jobs for the area and would have provided a range of high-quality

retail, leisure, entertainment and community facilities for the substantial existing and planned population of this fastgrowing area of the county, in accordance with the site’s District Centre designation.

“In light of the Bord’s decision, and the inspector’s assessment that a reduced scale of retail and leisure development would be more appropriate in the short-term, we now intend to engage and work with the council in relation to a revised proposal for the site.

“Any revised proposal will incorporate a new access directly out of The Park, to the Ballyogan Wood Luas stop, and will also incorporate a linear parkland area that will join up with the council’s new Jamestown Park proposal, and create a large, attractive green route for the wider community.”

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

survey EPA finds ‘good’ standard for bathing

Dun Laoghaire beaches do well in report  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

DUN Laoghaire beaches scored well in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s latest report, The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland – An Overview for the Year 2012.

The report found that 97.1% of bathing areas nationally (some 132 of the 136 bathing areas) complied with EU mandatory standards, and had “sufficient” water quality in 2012 compared to a figure of 98.5% in the 2011 bathing season.

Of the 18 local authorities with designated bathing areas, three achieved “good” water quality status for all of their identified bathing waters. These authorities were Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Sligo and Leitrim.

Cllr Niamh Bhreathnach (Lab) said: “Congratulations to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on retaining its excellence In water quality.

“With the full encouragement of the elected councillors, we have

striven to maintain a high standard of cleanliness.

“What an achievement for our residents, our visitors and our tourists – an award-winning bathing area within Dublin Bay,” she said.

Cllr Denis O’Callaghan (Lab) said: “I am delighted that both Seapoint and Killiney in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown have received good water quality status for bathing.

“While I am disappointed that only 6% of all bathing areas in the country have received the

arts Creative events at The Mill  hiromi mooney

Seapoint residents and vistors can enjoy the waters, knowing they’re deemed good quality for bathing, according to the EPA

good quality status, I have no doubt that the success in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown is due to the commissioning of the new waste treatment plant at Shanganagh Shankill.”

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are continuously carrying out works to improve the water quality along the

county’s coastline, and are delighted to be identified as one of the counties to achieve the ‘good’ water quality status in all its bathing waters.”

Four of the country’s 136 bathing areas (2.9%) failed to comply with the minimum mandatory standards, indicating “poor” bathing water

quality status, including Rush (Fingal).

Commenting on the bathing water quality results, Laura Burke, director general, EPA, said: “The quality of Irish bathing waters remains very high.

“Irish bathing waters continue to be among the best in northern Europe.”

THE Mill Theatre will be bursting with art and creativity next week. On Tuesday, May 21, Draw Out Your Talent – an art workshop for people aged over 55 – will take place from 11am in the studio.

Artist and tutor Veronica Heywood will conduct the workshop, and she aims to help participants reveal their hidden artistic talents, with admission priced at €3.

Meanwhile, the Taney Drama Society will perform the comedic play, The Odd Couple, on stage from Wednesday, May 22 to Saturday, May 25 at 8pm. Ticket prices range from €10 to €15.

For further information and for bookings, see www.milltheatre.ie.

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 16 May 2013

facility Plans reveal 51-space build to cater for range of transport options

New public car park to be constructed in Foxrock  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A NEW public car park is to be constructed for Foxrock village and notice has gone up along with the plans for the development at County Hall in Dun Laoghaire, and in the council’s Dundrum offices.

On May 9, Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council announced plans for the new car park, which will be located within lands belonging to Horse Racing Ireland (Leopardstown Racecourse).

Plans for the new car park allow for a total of 51 car park spaces. There will be

two disabled parking spaces, two electric recharging bays, 47 standard bays, and a covered cycle stand for 14 bikes.

New walls, height barriers, fences, screening and gates will be erected with public lighting, and a widened pedestrian entrance with

extensive landscaping.

According to the council’s website, the natural vegetation and trees on and around the proposed site will largely be retained, on foot of a survey completed by a tree surgeon employed by the council.

Trees and shrubbery iden-

tified for retention by the tree surgeon will be protected throughout the construction phase, and the old railway stone walls will be repaired and restored.

Plans for the proposed car park have been available for public inspection since Friday, May 10, and will remain

on display until Friday, June 21.

Alternatively, you can access all of the plans online at www.dlrcoco.ie.

Submissions or observations about the proposals may be made in writing and lodged with the council on or before Friday, July 5.

Enterprisenews Serving 8 thriving communities of suburban Dublin.

FOR UP TO D A TE NE W s f o l l o w u s : @ D u b l i n Ga z e t t e

Are you Ready to Export?

For all small companies, many issues need to be considered before going global! This 1-day workshop plans to challenge, to provoke strategic thinking and to give participants a practical guide to enable them to make the decision to begin exporting.

TOPICS covered on the day include: •Why Export?

•Is your product suitable for other markets?

•What do you know about overseas markets and how will you find the information you need?

•Routes to market •What’s different about export markets?

•Is your business ready to grow?

•Finance •Are you ready?

The workshop is aimed at small businesses in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown who are considering exporting as the next phase in their business development, and who are already trading in the domestic market, as well as start-up businesses who hope to export from the outset. Participants will be asked to engage in a number of written and verbal exercises during the day. The programme will challenge the businesses’ readiness to export, will provoke strategic thinking and will begin the process of preparing the businesses’ promoters for exporting.

The workshop is taking place on Wednesday, May 29th 2013, in Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel Killiney. It will run from 9am-4.30pm (registration at 8.30am) and the cost is €45 per person – which includes lunch, refreshments and course materials.

Places are very strictly limited so early booking is essential.

To book a place on this workshop, please visit www.dlrceb.ie/training.

Blustery weather and rain couldn’t dampen Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore’s enthusiasm for Europe in Bloom, where he met Cabinteely Community College students

festivals: flowers, flags focus

Highlighting EU ties with Ireland  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

AN EVENT entitled Europe in Bloom, which comprises a landscaping display and a flag festival entitled Bratacha, was launched on May 9 by the Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, in Cabinteely Park.

Europe in Bloom is being hailed as a celebration of this year’s Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

To mark the occasion, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s parks department created a floral representation of the EU and member states’ flags, using decorative foliage and flowers to mimic the flags.

Speaking at the event, the Tanaiste said: “I am delighted to be in Cabinteely Park for the unveiling

of Europe in Bloom and the start of the Bratacha 2013 festival.

“The display will serve as a reminder that Europe is a vibrant continent of creativity, culture and history. I hope that this stunning display will deepen the sense of connection users of Cabinteely Park have with Europe.”

The launch of Europe in Bloom coincided with the launch of Bratacha 2013 – a festival of flags and emblems – located in the National Maritime Institute of Ireland until the end of June.

There was controversy over the festival’s inclusion of the Nazi swastika, as the former German flag, used during the Second World War, has not flown anywhere publicly in Ireland for 68 years.

According to organisers, including the council, the National Maritime Institute of Ireland, the Genealogical Society of Ireland, and Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, the festival is being run to help people better understand the complexity, identities, allegiances and histories associated with flags and emblems.

Also at last week’s launch was An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tom Joyce (FG), who said: “I trust the floral display will bring interest and colour to the park, and I would like to thank all involved, parks staff, management, foreign embassies and outside bodies, such as the Bratacha 2013 stakeholders, for their assistance [in] implementing this attractive project.”

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM Gazette 5

R1

people Celebrated local pianist on his road to success

Accountancy’s loss was music’s gain  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

LOCAL concert pianist John O’Conor will be appearing in the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire later this month to play some of his favourite Beethoven pieces.

Speaking to The Gazette, he said: “I’m just back from America and this afternoon I’ll be on a flight to Istanbul.

It’s been really crazy.”

Life for a world-renowned concert pianist is a very transient existence. John is constantly on the go, giving concerts and lecturing in various universities throughout the world and, although

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he enjoys the excitement, he is grateful to get home to Dublin, even for a few days at a time.

The Beethoven concert will mark John’s 40th anniversary of professional playing, and he told The Gazette the story of how he got started in music.

He said: “My sisters are eight and ten years older than I am, and my mother sent them to everything – you know how Irish mothers do – to see if their children have any talent in anything at all!

“So, I was the runt of the litter, and when my sisters played the piano I’d be tugging at their sleeve asking them to

show me how to do it.

“I had some talent, and began to win at Feis Ceoils, and my parents were proud and boasted to the neighbours about me.

“However, when I announced at 18 that I wanted to be a professional musician, my mother was not happy – she wanted me to take over my uncle’s accountancy firm.

“He had no sons, and it was understood that’s what I’d do, and it would be a permanent, pensionable option for me,” he said.

Early on, John found it hard to gain a footing in the precarious world of

professional music.

“It’s a very difficult career, and there are no guarantees other than to teach for a living. I won a scholarship in 1973 to study in Vienna, and then won the Beethoven International Piano Competition in Vienna.

“So, I decided to really make a go it as a full-time career, to my mother’s disgust!”

Across the intervening 40 years, John’s playing and musical reputations have evolved into something that have seen him described as a national treasure for his contribution to the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Ireland.

Acclaimed international pianist John O’Conor, who will be playing some of his favourite Beethoven pieces at The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire

He said: “Over the years, I have gained a lot from travelling and meeting fantastic musicians along the way. I have a lot more understanding of how to communicate to an audience, too.

“There is, in fact, a direct lineage of connection from me and those teachers such as Wilhelm Kempff through the years back to Beethoven himself, which is fascinating.”

John O’Conor: In the Company of Beethoven, will be held at the Pavilion Theatre on Saturday, May 25, and tickets cost €20 and €18. To book, contact the box office at 01 231 2929.

6 DUNDRUM Gazette 16 May 2013

council 2012 figures reveal major drop in claims Serving 8 thriving communities of suburban Dublin.

FOR U P TO D ATE NE W s V i s i t : www . f a c e b o o k . c o m / D u b l i n G a z e t t e N e wsp a p e r s

Public liability payout figure down by €1.085m  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

PUBLIC liability figures measuring claims paid out by Dun LaoghaireRathdow n County Council (DLRCC) to individuals last year are down by €1,085,207.

The figures show that 130 people successfully

claimed €915,958 from the council last year, in contrast to €2,001,165 claimed by 142 people in 2011.

According to DLRCC, the figures were released by the council’s finance department in conjunction with the council’s insurance provider, and

represented payments made within 2012.

However, they do not take account of the value of any outstanding claims for the year.

Risk-management According to a council spokesperson, the council “engages in risk

management, whereby potential risks are identified and corrective action is scheduled”.

T he spokesperson added: “It is hoped this proactive approach will reduce the incidence of claims made against this council.

“This authority has

also implemented a number of initiatives with regard to [the improvement of] footpaths by way of the Footpath Restoration Scheme.

“The figures illustrate the effectiveness of this authority’s policies in the management of claims,” said the spokesperson.

Cyclists: Wheelie helpful IRELAND and Leinster

rugby player – and Milltown resident – Gordon D’Arcy (right) joined Peter Sherry and Siobhan O’Shea to help highlight the role that KBC Bank staff are playing in supporting children.

A special KBC “pelothon” will see 21 staff members cycle 760km throughout Belgium, France and Ireland, with the aim of raising €20,000 for the children’s charities, Barnardos and Barrettstown.

transport: project welcomed, boost for jobs predicted

Work has begun on €370m link-up of the Luas lines

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

WORK on the Luas Cross City line, which will link both Red and Green Line routes in the capital and suburbs, has begun in Sandyford.

The new line is expected to yield around 600 construction jobs until the work is completed in late 2017.

The new Cross City Line (formerly called Luas BXD) will connect the whole light rail system from Tallaght to Leopardstown, at a cost of €370 million.

The project will extend the Green Line by 5.6km from Sandyford right into

the city centre, and then from St Stephen’s Green to Broombridge, where it will link up with the Maynooth railway line.

The works will be jointly funded by the Department of Transport and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Cllr Gerry Horkan (FF) said: “At a cost of €370 million for a track length of 5.7km this proposal is costing a staggering €66,000 per metre of track.

“T he pre-enabling works start in 2013, with construction due to start in 2015 and finishing in 2017. It is essential that businesses affected by the

construction works are liaised with during the construction phase, to ensure their businesses are not adversely affected.

“When finished, I welcome the improved connectivity with other parts of the city, and hope that Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Business District and Cherrywood SDZ, in particular, as well as all residents close to the line, can benefit from the improved connectivity this proposal promises,” said Cllr Horkan.

Looking ahead to the effect such works will have on the Sandyford area, local councillor Lettie McCarthy (Lab) said:

“The 600 jobs being created is brilliant, and there will be some disruption, so local business will have to be patient during the construction phase.

“It’s great news at a time when people are looking for long-term commitment from business to provide jobs that will last for a while. These jobs will last for four years, and that continuity will have a huge knock-on effect locally as the sight of yellow jackets queuing up in shops and cafes at lunchtime returns.

“It will reinvigorate the area until 2017, and then, when the line is operational, a more mobile

Dublin population will be able to visit the Sandyford area at their ease,” she said.

Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) said: “I welcome that this project – one of the very few capital projects being progressed by the Government – has received funding, as it will enable further investment and make our county an attractive location for firms to establish within this area.

“This Luas line will provide additional connectivity around Dublin, and the 600 construction jobs that are as a result of the construction phase are equally welcome.”

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM Gazette 7

FastNews A festival for older people

A SERIES of workshops and talks for older people have been arranged for the Bealtaine Festival in Ballyroan Library in Rathfarnham this May. The free events are being laid on by South Dublin County Council and will start on May 16 with an interactive talk entitled, The Evolution Of A Garden, by renowned writer, lecturer and broadcaster, Helen Dillon at 7pm.

Other events include one run by the National Archives of Ireland, and a photography workshop.

Booking is essential for all the workshops as places are limited.

To secure your place, call Ballyroan Library at 01 494 1900.

Fair City actor to be Under Pressure FAIR City actor Geoff Minogue, from Stillorgan, is donning a surgeon’s gown this month for his part in a new play entitled, Under Pressure.

Geoff plays a character facing trial for the murder of his wife in the piece directed

by Gina Moxley and written by barrister Rachel Fehily.

Geoff began his acting career with Stillorgan Musical Company, before graduating to TV commercials, film, theatre and television. He is now most well-known for his role as the philandering Tommy Dillon in RTE’s Fair City.

Under Pressure runs from 27 May to 8 June in Bewleys Cafe Theatre. Tickets are priced €8 and €12, and can be booked online at www.bewleyscafetheatre.com.

community Plenty of ways to use your talents during special week

Volunteer your skills for others  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

NATIONAL Volunteer Week gets under way this week with a number of events lined up in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Karen Johnson, manager of Dun LaoghaireRathdown Volunteer Centre, said: “There are volunteering opportunities to cater for everyone’s interests, skills and availability.”

Some of the services that volunteers can offer include teaching literacy and numeracy, computers, running arts

and craft classes, operating helplines, providing counselling services, working in charity shops, running sports teams and much more, including the chance to be a steward at the Ceili Mor in Dun Laoghaire on July 6.

Organisers are particularly interested in those who have skills in website development or social media which they can share with a charity or voluntary organisation.

One such computerbased project is happening in aid of the Abbeyfield Dublin Society in

schools: students’ healthy meals impress

Hot tips on tasty dishes  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

TWO students – one each from St Joseph of Cluny in Killiney and Loreto College in Foxrock – made it to the finals in the Takeaway My Way schools cookery competition.

The young chefs were up against more than 1,000 entries in this year’s competition, which focused on creating tasty and healthy takes on takeaway favourites.

St Joseph of Cluny’s Grainne Fay’s recipe was called Cheeky Chickpea Burgers with Sweet Potato Delights, while Loreto College’s Alannah Hedderman created another vegetarian dish with her quorn chicken and vegetables in a peanut sauce.

Grainne and Alannah went to Sligo on May 8 for the finals, which were held in St Angela’s College, who ran the competition. Among the panel of expert judges was the multi award-winning Irish TV chef, Neven Maguire.

Alannah Hedderman’s Home Economics teacher, Carmel McGettrick, said: “Alannah was the only junior to get through to the last 16 in the competition, and she drew great interest from the judges, especially Neven Maguire, who asked her about her ingredients.

“She used ‘superfoods’ in her recipe, such as quinoa and fresh coconut oil.

Neven continued chatting to Alannah for a while and was fascinated with where she had sourced her ingredients, because they were all fresh. She got them in a health food store locally.”

The competition, now in its third year, is designed to help students think about healthy eating and provide them with the skills to create healthier alternative takeaway dishes in a creative way.

Fiona Gilligan of sponsors, Safefood, said: “All shortlisted students have demonstrated a real flair for creating delicious and healthy takeaway dishes.”

Blackrock – a charity which offers self-contained and secure private accommodation in apartments and bungalows for active retired citizens.

The computer course provides residents with an opportunity to practise keyboard skills, research topics and surf the web, all under the watchful eye of local volunteer Noreen O’Sullivan, who has been running this service for the past four years.

The service is also available to retired people outside of Abbeyfield. Those interested in participating

You could volunteer to help older members of the community get to grips with the internet – just one opportunity arising through National Volunteer Week

or volunteering can call 01 280 1314.

National Volunteer Week began this week and continues until next Monday, May 20. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Volunteer Centre matches

people interested in volunteering with voluntary organisations.

To learn more about av a i l a b l e vo l u n t a r y opportunities throughout the week, see www.volunteerdlr.ie.

There are approximately 300 organisations or charities registered with the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Volunteer Centre, and more than 100 local volunteering opportunities listed at any one time.

8 DUNDRUM Gazette 16 May 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Volunteers, Meriel Deane and Teresa Mackintosh

Marie Humby (in yellow) and friends, who wered happy to run with her before she heads out to Kenya. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Whether amateur or professional, the runners had a great time as they set off en masse, accompanied by glorious sunshine

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM Gazette 9

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Anita Condrat, first lady in, being congratulated by

The interior design students were happy to show their designs

Yvonne O’Dowd of Energie Fitness

sandycove sands: iadt students showCASE interior design skills

S

ANDYCOVE’S sands proved a natural setting to showcase the skills of interior design students from Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), who laid out a range of recycled/upcycled furniture recently. There were small-scale copies of Eileen Grey furniture alongside the colourful furniture, which were given new life after being rescued from charity shops or skips, thanks to a lick of paint, bright decals or reupholstering.

Ronan Wogan with Aodan Ryan

charity: RUNNERS ENJOY 5K NIALL MELLON RUN

Dillon Smith tables some interesting design ideas

Taking steps to help townships S

UNSHINE was a welcome addition to a 5k run at Marlay Park recently, which saw lots of runners and participants of all ages and abilities take part, all happy to help support the Niall Mellon Township Trust. The run – the second Energie Fitness event – proved a popular family day out, with many people enjoying a relaxed jaunt to the finish line. Of course, some experienced runners turned in respectable times from their runs, with Patrick Byrne, of Energie Rathfarnham, first man to the finish line with a time of 18.33 minutes, followed by Tony Whyte at 18.58 and Christopher Hudson at 19.19, while the first woman to the finish was Anita Condrat, with 21.28 mins, followed by Allison Nunes Concalves at 21.29.

Christopher Ingle encouraged the Saraa Malik

Aine Whelan

students

The colourful range of recycled/upcycled furniture at Sanycove’s sands, Anne Piercy and Kharia Teko

Lynn Larkin, Aoife Doyle and Sarah Doyle

Nikki Fry

showing a new life for old furnishings. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

10 DUNDRUM Gazette 16 May 2013

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Mareks Freidergs and Beatrise Leikuca

Many traditional Latvian dancers took to the streets of Dublin to celebrate Latvian Culture Day. Pictures: Leon Farrell

A taste of Latvia on the streets of Dublin

M

ANY people flocked to Temple Bar last Sunday, May 5, to join in the celebrations of Latvia Culture Day in Ireland.

There was lively entertainment on the streets of Temple Bar and the outdoor stage on East Essex Street

Elizabeth Barkus

by 170 folk dancers and choirs, as well as a market, a parade and face painting on the day from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Many of the festival participants also dressed up in traditional Latvian outfits.

UNCLAIMED TREASURES.IE

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SINGLE /UNATTACHED 50 TO ACTIVE RETIRED This girl tunes in to the

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This lady was amongst the many people who dressed in traditioanl Latvian outfits on the day

16 May 2013 Gazette 11

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dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

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Pedalling: national bike week to take place

Wheel-good events set to cycle across the country DUST down that saddle and get pedalling for National Bike Week this June.

National Bike Week takes place from Saturday to Sunday, June 15 to 23. The week will see cycling events organised by local authorities, community groups, charities and cycling groups to celebrate the two-wheeled sport. Events include free bike checks, fun cycles, lunchtime city rides, her-

itage cycles, electric bike races, school cycling events, road races and many, many more.

This is Ireland’s largest annual promotion of cycling. It began in 2009 and is coordinated by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

It has been revealed that over half our car journeys are less than five miles so if, like many, traffic is your pet hate, try swapping it for the bike to save time

and money.

Earlier this week, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council announced details of its Fun Family 6km Cycle for National Bike Week 2013, taking place in Deansgrange Linear Park, Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, at 3pm on Sunday, June 16. The event promises relaxing fun for all the family on Father’s Day, including music by DJ Electric Eddie. Pre-reg-

istration is essential with details at www.dlrcoco.ie and www.dlrsportspartnership.ie The local council is just one of many councils getting ready to promote cycling as part of bike week.

For further details on National Bike Week such as events or to register an event taking place, log on to www.bikeweek.ie or email: sustainabletransport@dttas.ie.

Pupils from Kill O’The Grange National School Katie Bell and Liam McGearailt at the launch of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Fun Family 6km Cycle for National Bike Week 2013

Gazette

12 Gazette 16 May 2013

dublinlife

diary

Festival of families to be celebrated at the Iveagh Gardens Bring the whole family to the beautiful surroundings of the Iveagh Gardens this weekend to celebrate their Family Day, which is becoming more popular every year.

The day-long festival

offers entertainment, fun activities and useful information for all types of families, young and old.

The aim of family day festival is to celebrate all types of family – one-

parent families, step families, the traditional two -parent married family, adoptive and foster families, blended and extended families, those with opposite and same sex parents.

The first Family Day in the Iveagh Gardens was in 2011 and last year it more than doubled in size, attracting over 5,000 people.

Entry and all activities are free of charge. Bring your own picnic or check out the various food vendors on site to purchase food or drinks.

Family Day at the Iveagh Gardens is happening this Sunday, May 19 from 11am until 5pm.

Lyons tea are helping loved ones abroad to come home Lyons Tea are encouraging people across Dublin to take part in their new Bring The Talk Home competition, where tea-drinkers can win the chance to bring loved ones home from abroad over the next year.

Launching the campaign last week, Lyons Tea unveiled their recent research into the tastes and trends of the Irish abroad, revealing that 69% of Irish people abroad say they miss enjoying a good auld cup of tea more than having a pint in the local pub.

To take part in the Lyons Tea Bring The Talk Home campaign, consumers can simply pick up a special promotional Lyons Tea pack and enter the Bring The Talk Home competition via Lyons’ Facebook page (www.

Facebook.com/lyons. ireland) or by post.

Lyons Tea will give eight people a month the chance to fly a friend or

Magic is in the air as Family Day is launched as magician Brian Daly makes O’Regan in the Iveagh Gardens

family member home.

They will be giving away flights every month for the next year. For more information, see www. lyonstea.ie.

Climb Ulster’s highest mountain in aid of Concern Reach new heights for a good cause by climbing Ulster’s highest mountain in aid of Concern.

The Climb 4 Concern campaign is looking for participants to climb 850 metres up Slieve

Donard later this month.

The climb was initially planned for last month, but was cancelled due to bad weather.

The rescheduled date is Saturday, May 25 and the climb is open to people of all fitness levels.

Registration fee is €25, and climbers are asked to raise €50 for Concern, the international humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest countries.

If you are interested, contact Tim Hanley at 01 417 8043, or email tim. hanley@concern.net.

For more information, check out www.

ShowYourConcern.net online or write to, Zoe Holyoak, Concern, 52 – 55 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2.

Sail Home To Your Roots comes to dublin docks Sails will be raised in Dublin this weekend when The Gathering

16 May 2013 Gazette 13

Gazette

feature

Reward your best teacher  Natalie Burke

S ch o o ls a c r o s s Dublin are officially on wind-down before the summer, and what better way to celebrate than thanking your teachers for all their hard work throughout the school year?

Do you think you have the best Maths teacher, or does your history teacher go out of their way to make sure their class is your favourite?

Parents and students

balloon animals for (l to r) Holly Smith and Maia

event, Sail Home To Your Roots, takes place at the Dublin Docks in the North Wall.

The event will be held from Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19.

This is part of a series of voyages on Tall Ships this year, organised by the registered charity Sail Training Ireland.

As many Irish people have emigrated by ships, Sail Training Ireland is sailing some of the Irish diaspora in Liverpool across the Irish Sea and back to Ireland

through this project for the weekend.

The fleet arrived in Drogheda on Friday, May 3, and departed on Monday, May 6, and they attracted over 30,000 people. They will visit Dublin, Belfast and Cobh amongst other ports.

There will be plenty of entertainment, genealogy and sport taking place while the ships are berthed.

For more information, log on to www.sailing.ie or www.thegatheringireland.com.

from across Dublin are being asked to nominate their favourite teacher as part of the Best Teacher in Leinster aspect of the annual One4all Thank You Teacher competition.

In an effort to celebrate the end of the school year, students in schools across Dublin can nominate any one of their teachers who will then be in with a chance of winning the title of Best Teacher in Leinster, along with a €200 One4all gift card.

The One4all Thank You Teacher competition will not only recognise and reward teachers across Ireland, but the crowned winner will receive a €200 One4all gift card and the nominator – or student who puts the teacher forward – will receive a €50 One4all gift card for their own use.

A winning teacher will be chosen from each province in Ireland.

At the launch of the campaign, marketing manager for One4all,

Aoife Davey, said the competition continues to grow on an annual basis.

“Our One4all Thank You Teacher competition gets more popular every year. We thought, w hy n o t c e l e b r a t e teachers by asking parents and students to tell us how amazing they are? We are really looking forward to seeing the entries and hearing about the best teachers in Ireland,” she said.

If you think you know a teacher worthy of the

title and wish to nominate them for the prize, simply visit the One4all Facebook page and say within 50 to 100 words why your teacher is the greatest.

The closing date for the Thank You Teacher competition is 12pm on Monday, May 20, 2013. The competition is open to students aged 13 years or older.

For fur ther information or to put your nomination for ward, visit w w w.facebook. com/one4all

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14 Gazette 16 May 2013

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Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@gazettegroup.com

schools

Irish and its importance   Dorothy Landers

Malahide Community School

In my Transition Year English class we were asked to write a plead/ opinion regarding subjects being taught in school.

Our teacher began asking the students which subjects they would change or eradicate completely.

I was shocked that quite a majority of the students in my class thought Irish should not be taught ever or only taught in ourJunior Cycle year. One girl said “No one speaks it anymore, what’s the point?” and I felt like shouting “Because it’s what makes Ireland Irish!”

If I were to change anything in primary and secondary schools, it would

be the way we are taught Irish. Many students are introduced to it in a very minimal connection with Irish culture. There is no history regarding traditions or folklore that may only be touched upon in our history classes.

We are taught it in quite a mechanical way in my opinion; read something printed out for us and being told to learn it off by heart. What some don’t realise is that many students are not acknowledging what they are writing but instead just putting words and phrases on paper in some cases. That is loosely what one student in my class admitted.

I was on a history trip once and we visited Trinity College and saw the Book of Kells, that alone was a great delight to see because it showed us the ancient western

Learning the Irish language made the list of subjects that some students at Malahide Community School would change or eradicate completely

calligraphy. When in the Gaeltacht, children and teens dramatically improve their Irish skills because they are immersed in it where as in classrooms it’s English and Irish.

I would ask the Board of Education to re-organise the teaching of Irish

nationwide so that children and teens learn their country’s true heritage and not its stereotypical image.

Irish students say drop Irish in school after the Junior Cert, but it breaks my heart to hear this because no proud Irish citizen would reject their

country’s language. Irish is unique and was around as far back as the 4th Century. It is also considered one of the most ancient languages spoken so I would hope people will understand the importance of learning Irish and keeping it alive for years to come.

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16 May 2013 Gazette 15

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feature

Fight goes on to bin gum litter problem The second year of a three-year programme to put a stop to gum littering was launched last week in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre by Mayor of Fingal County Council, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab).

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) campaign has been successful in cleaning up the country of gum littering, reducing its incidence by 28% last year.

In a nationwide survey to gauge attitudes and awareness after the first year of the campaign, there was a significant improvement in public

perception about how gum was disposed of and how unsightly it was on the streets.

The campaign also aims to reduce gum litter by alerting the public to the fact that dropping gum on the ground constitutes littering and carries a €150 fine.

Speaking at the launch in Blanchardstown, Cllr O’Callaghan said: “It is heartening to see local authorities, industry and the general public working together to make a tangible difference to Fingal’s streets and other towns and cities nationwide.

“For this year’s launch we will have the GLT Eco Cabs and GLT Ad-Tower present to promote the campaign’s messages. We also have Fingal litter wardens, members of Fingal’s Environmental Awareness Team and transition-year students from Blakestown Community School handing out gum wraps to visitors to the centre to raise awareness of the campaign.”

At the national launch of this year’s campaign, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said: “Last year, I stated that the only long-term sustainable way to deal with

the littering issue is to create a culture where littering of all forms is simply unacceptable. The positive results of the GLT campaign demonstrate that we are making good progress towards that goal.”

The theme of the threeyear advertising campaign is Bin It Your Way, and the campaign also includes a schools education programme aimed at first- and second-year post-primary pupils.

This will be delivered in the form of actor-led workshops in schools this autumn, and will provide materials and tools for

The Gum Litter Taskforce campaign was launched last week in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre by Mayor of Fingal County Council, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab)

teachers to download in the form of lesson plans.

Local authorities will also play a huge part in the campaign by monitoring gum litter in their areas and assessing its reduction on the streets as a result of the campaign.

GLT chairman Paul Kelly welcomed the significant increase in the

numbers of local authorities getting involved this year.

“Local authority involvement is absolutely critical to the success of the campaign, so I’m delighted we have reached 30 this year, including both new and returning councils.

“I look forward to

working closely with them to make the campaign a success.

“We were delighted with the results of the 2012 GLT campaign as it achieved its main goals of reducing the overall level of gum litter on our streets and promoting a change in the culture and attitude towards gum litter.”

Gazette

16 Gazette 16 May 2013

dublinlife

festival: Love To Grow

Q&A

Keelings to sponsor garden at Bloom 2013

gerry dooley, owner of the orchard

From a garden nursery to a style destination Gerry Dooley was born in Ballymahon, County Longford, to a farming family where his love for horticulture was developed.

He went on to study horticulture and graduated from the Botanic Gardens. His first job was with the Dublin County Parks department where he worked for 10 years developing parklands. In 1983, he bought The Orchard and it officially opened in

1987 as a garden nursery business.

The Orchard evolved into a FiveStar Gold home and garden lifestyle destination comprising the garden centre, home interior department, outdoor living, 200-seat cafe and pet department.

This year, The Orchard won the ultimate award Garden Centre of the Year 2013 at Bord Bia Quality Awards.

How long have you been in business?

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession? ?

We have just celebrated our 25th year in business

What makes your business successful?

The Orchard has evolved from being just a garden centre to what it is now – a home and garden lifestyle destination. Its unique setting within a five-acre Victorian walled garden and the 220-seat cafe have both contributed to its success.

Our well- informed staff and loyal customers continue driving us to success.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

We differ through our diversity and uniqueness of product. Buyers at The Orchard travel across Europe searching for new products, concepts and ideas. Recently, we introduced our Journey Man collection, created from recycled wooden elements into new formed furniture pieces.The collection accurately represents our desire for bringing back to The Orchard one-of-a-kind finds.

How has the recession impacted your business?

The recession has definitely affected our business, but not in the way we expected, as our footfall has increased year on year. The recession has focused customers on quality and quality is at the heart of The Orchard.

business

We were very conscious of how hard it is for people with less disposable income. The Orchard buying team have worked hard with suppliers and manufacturers to get better prices but not reneged on quality. What a great reaction we have received from our customers!

Furthermore we have reduced our overheads and operations to run more effectively and economically.

At The Orchard we believe that a happy informed team is crucial, our staff is our biggest asset we are constantly training and mentoring them.

How do you use social media (Facebook,Twitter,Linkedin,etc) to help your business?

We believe that social media is just as important as any other aspect of the business. We have a very active Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages that all help the business in providing customers with up-to-date and ever-changing material, be it offers, new arrivals or Orchard news

Keelings, Ireland’s leading producer and supplier of fresh produce, has announced the launch of their Love To Grow garden at this years’ Bloom In The Park.

The Swords-based company sponsored landscape architect and fivetime gold medal winner at Bloom, Jane McCorkell to design this year’s entry.

Bloom 2013 will take place in the Phoenix Park Dublin over the June bank holiday.

This is the fourth year that Keelings have sponsored a garden at Bloom and Jane has begun working closely with the company to ensure the garden design fits into the Love To Grow theme.

Keelings’ “Love To Grow” garden is 10 x 10 metres with a paved pathway running along the perimeter, which provides a convenient walkway to enjoy the space from all angles. Large raised beds line the path within which fresh signature Keelings’ produce such as raspberries, blueberries strawberries, gooseberries, redcurrants and lilies are grown.

The raised planters are made using willow and crafted by an Irish artist. The various plants and trees have all been sourced from Irish nurseries and suppliers.

Speaking about the concept for Keelings’ garden this year, David Keeling commented: “At Keelings our passion is for growing fresh produce to the highest level of best quality, taste and appearance.

“We wanted to share this passion by creating a garden that proves just how easy it is to incorporate some element of growing fruit and vegetables at home without compromising on design.

We are really pleased with Jane’s interpretation of the brief and hope the garden will inspire visitors to grow their own fruit and vegetables at home.”

Stressing the importance of listening to the client and delivering on the brief, Jane McCorkell added: “In the case of Keelings, the brief was to design a family friendly garden that combines traditional growing methods with modern design.”

What is your future ambition for the business? ?

At The Orchard, we have a fiveyear master plan for the site, focusing on maximising its potential. I believe that to drive any business, you need to be fresh while constantly evolving new ideas and concepts. Next month our new website will go live, which will provide online shopping.

Garden designer Jane McCorkell with Jake Church from Malahide at the launch of Keelings’ garden

16 May 2013 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

MOTORS P22

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



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style P19

Pets can you give roxy a new home?

Francesca Martinez : “Comedy is a great way to challenge an audience, because it’s so enjoyable. It’s that kind of potential that keeps me going.”

comedy: francesca brings acclaimed show to dublin

The magnificent Martinez  rob heigh

Francesca Martinez is an acclaimed comedian, actress, writer and activist.

She also happens to have cerebral palsy, a condition she has re-christened ‘wobbly’.

That kind of undercutting of people’s perceptions of her disability and her ability to be incredibly funny into the bargain has made her a sought-after performer internationally, and has seen her acclaimed at the Edinburgh, Montreal and Melbourne comedy festivals.

She is currently on a 50-plus date tour, and Francesca is coming to Dublin on June 7, bringing her What The **** Is Normal? show to Whelans, something she is very much looking forward to.

“The first time I came over to Ireland

was in 2001. When I was there, I met a lady called Caroline Casey, who runs a charity in Dublin (www.facebook. com/Kanchi.org). She’s an amazing woman, who set up the Ability Awards, and she works to encourage businesses to employ disabled people. She booked me for their annual gig, and we have been good friends ever since.”

Francesca is constantly busy, as our path to getting a few minutes of her time to talk proved, and looking at her career, she has always been working. Performing to an audience was something that started at a young age.

“I was one of those kids who always wanted to act. I was always putting on plays for my parents and their friends, which I’m sure were awful, but I just loved acting.

“When I was about 13 years old, I heard about this part going in Grange Hill, and I managed to get an audition.

Getting the part was a complete dream come true. It cemented my love of performing, though I had never considered doing comedy.”

Francesca’s path to becoming a standup came by an unusual route, which has its roots in her family, whom she regularly cites as being an inspiration and huge support in her career.

“At the time when Grange Hill was coming to an end, my dad, who is a great writer, said to me, why don’t I write you a film script? He wrote me this amazing script, and he made my character a comedian. I remember reading it and saying to him, I love this, but I can never be a comedian, it’s so scary. He said to

me, no, I think you’d be really good at it.

This company picked up the script and were keen on casting me, and I got really scared. I thought that if I was going to be playing a comedian, I thought I had better research it.

“I joined a comedy workshop in London, and I never said a word for six weeks, which was very unlike me. I had done five years of acting, but the standup was terrifying and there was nothing to hide behind. On the seventh week, I was able to get up and perform something I thought was really bad, but everyone laughed. It was kind of a magical moment. I realised there was this amazing power in the connection you can have with strangers in a room, and the ability to be able to say what you want.”

Continued on Page 23

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

This little beauty is looking for a quiet, loving home where she can have good experiences and realise that the world really isn’t such a scary place.

This pooch is a real lady who lacked socialisation and habituation as a puppy and as a result finds it difficult to be confident. Roxy struggles to cope in kennels and desperately wants a home she can call her own and a special owner who can take her under their wing to help her grow and learn. She would need to go to a family with no other dogs and would prefer to keep the company of adults rather than kids.

If you think you are that special owner, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook. com/dogstrustireland or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 16 May 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Autograph Eyeshadow Palette in Multi €16

Autograph Pure Luxe Powder Bronzer €19

Limited Collection Powder Brush €10

Be bold and beautiful Striking, bold and value for money, is how we would describe the spring colours of M&S’s signature makeup range, Autograph.

The 12-colour eyeshadow palette offers hues of pink, bold violets and sparkling gold, all in a convenient and compact box.

One thing that should be in every make-up bag during the spring months is, of course, a bronzing powder. The Autograph pure Luxe Powder Bronzer will

Limited Collection Heart Blusher in Rose €8

Limited Collection Mini Brush Set €8

lift dull skin, giving a great sun-kissed look. This beautiful bronzing powder also has a highlighter effect and is designed with a 3D linked metallic chain effect.

Lips are rose, while nails are a shade of nude.

Make-up brushes can be expensive to purchase and most of the time they don’t fit in your travel make-up bag, so to help with this dilemma, Autograph have a limited edition mini make-up brush set. These hot pink brushes bring will bring out the make-up artist in you and can be used with the limited edition heart blusher in a pink mix.

All beauty items are available from M&S stores or online at www.marksandspencer.ie

16 May 2013 Gazette 19

STYLE Monochrome jersey dress €59.95, Zapara, and handbag €95.95

Black, white and floral print jersey dress €245.95, Joseph Ribkoff

Mint jersey peplum dress €69.95, Zapara and silver embellished shoes €65.95

Jade faux leather biker jacket €69.95, Laura Jo, white longsleeved T €39.95, Sophie B, monochrome floral print jeans, NYDJ, and gold pumps €29.95

Family Black and nude lace dress €89.95, Sangria, and lace clutch bag €69.95, Olga Berg

of fashion and value Following the recent good news that Irish family-owned Pamela Scott stores are out of examinership and that their doors will remain open, Gazette Style has decided to take a look at what’s trending in-store and online at www.pamelascott.ie A visit to Pamela Scott this season will have you ticking all the right fashion boxes. They have rails aplenty of monochrome dresses, floral patterned slimming jeans, tailored boucle jackets, faux leath-

ers and pastel peplum dresses.

A spokeswoman for the store, said: “Now, more than ever, the buyers and designers at Pamela Scott understand that value is crucial and this season, as always, deliver on that front.

“Jersey monochrome elegant dresses from €60, tailored boucle jackets with gold detail from €60 and a range of pastel peplum dresses from €70 means that dressing up is an everyday luxury one can afford.

“Pamela Scott prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for three generations of women and this season is no different. Favourite brands among their more established customers like Olsen, Twist, Joseph Ribkoff and Gerry Weber make a welcome return alongside new more younger-focused collections like Sophie B, Zapara and Laura Jo,” she added.

Many of the labels go from a size 8 to a size 18 and some up to a 22.

Gazette

20 Gazette 16 May 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes

ALBERT Lee, by common consent one of the world’s finest guitar-players, needs no introduction to Country Music & Rock fans.

He has worked with some of the world’s top artists, from Emmylou Harris to the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton to Eric Clapton.May 21, tickets €25.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Neil Delamere

IN his eagerly awaited new show, Neil Delamere, the star of RTE’s The 2nd Republic, BBC’s The Blame Game and Fighting Talk, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week, comes to the realisation that he has now lived in Dublin as long as he has lived in his family home in Offaly. May 23, tickets €20/€17.

Mill THEATRE Dundrum 01 296 9340 The Odd Couple

Classic comedy opens as a group of guys assemble for cards in the apartment of Oscar Madison. If the mess is any indication, it is no wonder his wife left him.

Late to arrive is Felix Ungar, fastidious, depressed and none too tense. Another Taney Drama Society production very deftly directed by Niall Jordan. From May 22-25 tickets €15/€12.

In a boat high up in a tree, Mud, Ellis and Neckbone plot their escape

review: Matthew Mcconaughey turns in a career best performance

A dirty business A FEW years ago, it seemed that Matthew McConnaughey had been sacrificed at the altar of so-so romantic comedies.

Another great actor, confined to the bargain bin at Xtra-Vision, to be picked up whenever there is literally nothing left.

Then, without warning, he got his act together and star ted making excellent films.

In fact, and I will say this on record again, he was robbed at this year’s Oscars, his performance in Magic Mike bizarrely snubbed.

With Mud, he continues that run of form, turning in possibly the best performance of his career.

Teaming up with Jeff Nichols, the director of 2011’s Take Shelter, McConnaughey takes o n t h e e p o ny m o u s role of Mud, a fugitive

Film of the Week: Mud h h h h (12A) 130 mins Director: Jeff Nichols Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon, Michael Shannon

 Paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

stranded on an island in the Mississippi Delta.

When two 14-yearold boys, Ellis and Neckbone, take off on an adventure down the river, they end up swept ashore on Mud’s private island and the three strike up an unlikely alliance.

The two boys, Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland are excellent, meaning, that this isn’t just a film about a powerhouse performance from a resurgent star.

Sheridan pins down Ellis’ fierce idealism, putting his trust in the obvious nogoodnik Mud, while Lof land paints Neckbone with

OUR VERDICT:

AN ODD, brilliant little film.

While Kirk and Spock are taking all of the plaudits (with cause, Star Trek is awesome) this is brilliant counter-programming for those not into phasers, fist-fights and frantic action. There are shades of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, with a dash of Stand By Me thrown in. All in all, it’s excellent.

a more cautious pubesc e n t- j a d e d n e s s t h a t comes from a tough life at home That said, the Texan charmer’s Mud exudes an intense, deeply affecting charisma that touches ever y scene that he is in.

Key to his motivation is getting home to his girlfriend Juniper (a small, but effective role for Reese Witherspoon) while evading the authorities.

Using the boys, for fair means or foul, Mud is as reckless, charming and likeable as a McConnaughey character

ought to be, but this is all part of something bigger.

Mud is an almost ethereal figure, a supernatural Tom Saw yer, described as having “no daddy, no mommy neither” by Sam Shepard’s character.

The air hangs thick and Mud can almost vanish into it, making the film feel both reality and fantasy.

There are notes of Twain, of Stand By Me, of Whistle Down T he Wind and even of last year’s Beasts of the Southern Wild, but truly this is original film

making by a truly gifted writer and director.

Nichols has openly acknowledged the effect that Mark Twain has had on his style, but the voice and visual style that Nichols is developing has nothing to do with Huck, Tom or Jim. It is completely new and is a joy to watch.

Even when it is just wide shots of Arkansas riverbeds and flood plains, Nichols makes these scenes feel like something more than normal.

It is a fine effort from a film maker of some promise.

If the ending feels a little sentimental, that will be forgiven because the performances and characters on show are truly breathtaking and the film looks absolutely glorious.

As well as that, it is great to have McConnaughey on top form.

16 May 2013 Gazette 21

review: an uncompromising vision in metro: last light

You’ll be Russian over to this one

the first-person shooter (FPS) genre remains one of gaming’s most popular sections – and the easiest for non-gamers to take critical potshots at (pun intended) – with many additions seeming to be just more of the same.

Gamers know the overfamiliar drill by now: typically, some angry, scruffy guy (often a Cockney) will tell you to go somewhere, shoot other angry, scruffy guys (often Middle Eastern/Russian), and thus save the world, America, capitalism, the president, the queen, a kitten – whatever. Bang. Bang. Yawn.

So, given the legions of near-identical shooters popping up lately, it’s increasingly hard for a FPS to really hit the mark, and stand out.

Step forward Metro: Last Light (M:LL), the multi-platform sequel, out this Friday, to 2010’s Metro 2033; a generally

 shane dillon

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

well-received game that had numerous bugs and flaws, as well as broken AI in parts, yet which was liked for the strength of its characters and story.

Long story short: in M:LL, it’s the near future, a generation after World War III broke out, raining nuclear death down upon the whole world.

In the radioactive ruins of Moscow, her survivors eke out a living in the vast, labyrinthine remains of the city’s world-famous Metro system, with its different stops now acting as independent communities – as well as representing a wide range of political outlooks, from Nazism

Gazette

GAMING BYTES&PIECES

father of simcity makes a sharp point Original creator of hit franchise on current title

Moscow may be a radioactive, mutant-filled necropolis (above), but stoic survivors still drink in bars far under the surface (below) in the metro’s ruined system

to Fascism, Capitalism to, naturally, Communism, and more.

Given the scarcity of dwindling resources, and the wildly different political ideologies at the stops – not to mention the also present threat from dangerous mutants above and below the surface, caused by decades of radiation – conflict is inevitable, with civil war at hand.

However, there’s more than just the issue of hardpressed survivors looking to outgun each other to deal with as, of course, there’s a much bigger problem for you to deal with, thanks to a powerful doomsday device

THEWRITESTUFF NOTABLE QUALITY OF GAME’S STORY

Sequel draws upon the strong themes found in Russian author’s acclaimed novel AUTHOR Dmitry Glukhovsky provided the basis for Metro 2033, with the first game largely following key aspects of his highly-popular book, which draws on a wide range of life in modern Russia. The phrase “political scientist” has been used about his work, which often examines political aspects of life in Russia. A widely-travelled journalist, the multilingual Glukhovsky has also written for several international publications. Given the strength of his storyline in Metro 2033, there was plenty of source material for the makers of Metro: Last Light to draw upon, building on the foundations of the first game to flesh out life in Moscow’s ruins in the near future, and successfully mixing politics, philosophy and even the paranormal for the keenly-anticipated sequel. Not bad going for “just” a shooter ...

that’s at stake. I guess one Doomsday already wasn’t enough for some of the Muscovites ...

What makes M:LL stand out is its pretty singular vision, and strength of storyline (see panel, left). While apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic games are two-a-penny, few titles manage to create a memorable setting, or to make gamers think beyond the game.

This is a particular problem for FPS titles – sure, the Call of Duty series, for just one example, get acres of press coverage and sell shedloads of copies, but nobody really notices their stories, or recalls their individuality, after the bombastic set pieces have passed.

However, M:LL builds upon the strengths of the first title to create a strik-

ing world, whether from the claustrophobic world below ground, full of men and politics, or the stormlashed world above, full of ruined landmarks and dangerous mutants.

Thankfully, the lamentable AI of the first title has been beefed up, with the hardware providing a satisfying challenge for FPS fans, while the story, too, will appeal to a wide range of gamers.

Definitely an adult title for mature gamers, given its content and some provocative scenes, M:KK’s Ukranian developer 4A Games has produced a highly-accomplished title that deserves a shot at the top of the charts.

FROM a ruined city (see lead story) to SimCity, which has featured here a couple of times following its recent launch.

As a quick recap, the bungled launch of the online-only PC game saw legions of angry would-be city planners – and, yes, those words seem strange to me, too – set fire to the internet, being what you would call “damn angry” over endless server issues, game crashes, vanloads of bugs, and so on and on ...

Now, the one and only Will Wright (above), games designer and creator of the SimCity franchise, and a little game may have heard of – The Sims – has also added a brickbat or two to the debacle, further cementing the bad press that’s been built around the city-management sim.

Speaking to GamesIndustry International, some choice words from Mr Sim about such matters of the server issues that plagued the game’s initial launch period included the likes of: “That was basically inexcusable, that you charge somebody $60 for a game and they can’t play it ... I can understand the outrage. If I was a consumer buying the game and that happened to me, I’d feel the same.” Ouch.

To be fair, SimCity’s developer, Maxis, have been busy rolling out updates to resolve some of the game’s many bugs, particularly regarding the frequently bizarre traffic pathfinding problems and random pollution issues, while publisher, Electronic Arts, also appear to have the server connection issues fixed.

Still, when the original creator of a hit franchise weighs in to echo the highly voctal criticisms of many fans, that’s never going to be a good situation. For now, the biggest issue for gamers remains whether or not their biggest (and most vociferous) complaint – that SimCity requires an alwaysonline connection to play – will be fixed with an offline patch.

Perhaps gamers will need the Wright kind of high-profile industry figures on their side to make that point, too ...

financial results to chew over

Lurching results see Capcom profits fall 56%

ONCE absolutely theee definitive name for imaginative action titles, Capcom’s fortunes have been decidedly mixed, of late. Speaking of fortunes, the company’s annual financial results have staggered into view, with Capcom – particularly famous for its formerly zombie-riffic (but latterly lamentable) Resident Evil franchise – leaving plenty to moan and groan over, with profits down 56% year on year.

This won’t come as a surprise to investors, who had been warned recently of the expected results. Still, it wasn’t all bad news – while Resi 6 staggered about at retail, other titles (such as Dragon’s Dogma, left) did better than expected.

22 GAZETTE 16 May 2013

GAZETTE

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Superb award for the Skoda combi THE Skoda Superb Combi was recently announced as Fleet Car Estate of the Year at the presentation of the second annual Motorcheck.ie Fleet CarAwards 2013.

Over two days, 27 shortlisted cars from seven categories were assessed by an expert adjudication panel. Marks were awarded for the car’s styling, quality, engine and driving performance, equipment levels, safety, residuals and running costs. Skoda aims to sell 5,000 cars in 2013 with the Superb model range expected to account for 19% of this.

The Renault Captur will hit Irish roads this July

SUMMER LAUNCH: BLENDING OF MPV, SUV AND FAMILY HATCHBACK

Pictured with the award is Robert Guy, Head of Sales, Skoda

FORD WINS AWARD DOUBLE : FORD has won two awards for vehicle dynamics at the 2013 Vehicle Dynamics International (VDI) Awards: the Dynamics Team of the Year and Dynamicist of the Year.

The Ford vehicle dynamics department won for the development of Ford vehicles including the new B-MAX, all-new Kuga, Focus ST and new Fiesta ST. Ford Team RS vehicle dynamics specialist David Put – the star of The Ford Fiesta ST Versus Legendary Lommel Track 7 Video – won for his work on the Focus ST and new Fiesta ST. The jury of automotive journalists from around the world hailed the team’s

work “stand-out in all segments”, with vehicles that are “subtle, responsive, and an absolute pleasure to drive”, and Put’s contribution as offering “signature steering feel and precision”.

The awards recognise the best ideas, technology innovation and achievements in vehicle dynamics development.

Readers of Vehicle Dynamic International and the publication’s editorial team provided the nominations in advance of final judging.

“Our jury now includes journalists from 19 countries; their votes prove Ford is reaping the benefit of this approach in markets right around the world,” said Graham Heeps, editor, VDI.

Stylish and spacious, the new Renault Captur CAPTUR, the new urban crossover from Renault, will hit Irish roads this July bringing a welcome splash of colour and glamour to the B segment.

A unique blend of MPV, SUV and family hatchback, Captur will appeal to a particularly broad spectrum of customer tastes.

Though compact, it is very roomy thanks to a key feature, a sliding rear seat which has fore-andaft travel of 160mm and provides up to 215mm of knee room for rear passengers.

Here’s what to expect when Captur hits Irish roads this summer: • Two trim levels for Renault’s first supermini crossover: Life and Intense.

• Two engines available

in Ireland - 100% turbo including the Energy TCe 90 S&S (three cylinders and 898cc) and the Energy dCi 90 S&S engine which uses just 78.4mpg and emits just 95g of CO2 per km. These two engines will be available on both trim levels from launch with a dCi 90 EDC engine following in 2014.

• MediaNav will be available as standard on Intense trim, with R-Link available as an option.

• Impressive core specification: 16” alloy wheels, 60/40 split and sliding rear seat bench, body coloured bumpers, cruise control, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), front and rear electric windows, HSA (Hill Start Assist), speed

limiter, Bluetooth® connectivity, trip computer, hands-free key card, automatic climate control and leather steering wheel.

• Intense trim comes with MediaNav as standard in addition to: 17” alloy wheels, foglights with corner lighting, chromed design features and removable upholstery.

• Clever touches include zipped removable, wipeable and washable seat covers, dual height boot f loor with reversible cover and sliding rear seat bench (boot space from 377 to 455 litres, up to 1,235 when folded) Captur, the French marque’s new entrant, will be looking to emulate the impressive start for New Clio, with which it shares

its underpinnings and much of its style. With keen pricing and a series of life-simplifing features up its sleeve, it will also be looking to make serious inroads in the booming B-segment crossover class.

Powering Renault’s latest creation are two 100% turbo engines, including the TCe 90 and 1.5 dCi 90. An EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) version of the dCi 90 will follow later in 2014.

Improving fuel economy and helping to drive down emissions still further, Stop&Start is standard on every manual version.

Renault’s new entrant combines the best of three worlds: the style and driving position of an

SUV, the cabin space and versatility of an MPV and the driving experience of a compact hatchback.

With the rear seat bench slid forward, and including the storage area under its dual height boot floor, its 377-litre boot increases to a sizeable 455 litres.

With the rear seats folded it will swallow up to 1,235 litres. The boot floor not only allows valuables to be hidden away from prying eyes, it’s also reversible, carpeted on one side, with rubber on the other.

At launch, the Renault Captur is offered in a choice of two trim levels: Life and Intense. Further details of theses trims specs and pricing will be announced at launch.

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM gazette 23

Gazette

SHOWBIZ FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

New app opens ‘Doors’ to history behind the band ‘Wobbly’ comedian Francesca on stage - “I think part of changing people’s mindsets is changing the labels on things.”

interview: positively changing people’s perceptions

Making a difference Continued from Page 17

Not only did her first comedy experience give her the confidence to get up on stage and be funny, Francesca realised that doing so changed people’s perceptions of her.

“It was very powerful for me, as it was the first time for me that I had got up in public and acknowledged that I was wobbly.

I had been through that typical teenage phase of being embarassed and self-conscious, and I thought if you ignored who you were and didn’t talk about it, it would be invisible.

“But this new thing allowed me to actually talk about being wobbly, and rather than people being focussed on it more, people just relaxed and accepted me. It

taught me a huge lesson, which was that people take the lead from how you see yourself.

“Once they saw that I was cool and happy being me, and happy to talk about it, it wasn’t an issue any more. I remember coming home that night, and saying to my dad, forget the research, this is amazing, I want to do this comedy thing.”

‘This comedy thing’ was immediately clearly something Francesca was massively talented at doing, and after a year of doing open mic spots around Britain, she was in Edinburgh, winning an award as the best new comic in Britain in 2000.

“When I got the award, my dad said, I told you! so it’s really down to him.”

Something Francesca does to great effect in

her stand-up, and in all of her public appearances, is challenging people’s perceptions of disability, something she thinks that comedy has an unique power to be able to achieve.

“I think comedy is a great way to challenge an audience, because it’s so enjoyable. It’s not preachy or boring or worthy, often I think comedy allows people to open up in a way that allows comedians to communicate something else to them. Half the time, the audience maybe don’t realise they have been challenged, and they leave thinking, I haven’t thought about that subject that way before.”

F r a n c e s c a ’s p r e s ence in the media and on shows like Jonathan Ross and Ricky Gervais’

Extras, where many people will remember her from, is a head-on confrontation with perceptions of disability, something Francesca has lived with her whole life, and something that resonates with other people with disabilities who come to her shows.

“It’s great when I see other wobbly people in the audience, and I think it matters to them to be able to be able to relate to a comedian out there.

I have had really supportive reactions.

“When you’re born so-called ‘disabled’, the perception is that there is something wrong with you, and I struggled with that for a long time. But I met someone who said to me, that’s just a word that doctors have made up. You are perfectly you,

and it changed my whole life. I suddenly realised, I am not ‘wrong’, I’m Francesca, and I’m the way I meant to be.

“Everyone on earth has a disabilty, things that we struggle with.

I don’t see a difference in that sense. The only thing is that people can see what I struggle with, but it doesn’t make me different.

“My so-called suffering has not come from being wobbly, but from other people. Instead of being obsessed with the eradication of conditions, we should eradicate the fear of difference.”

For more information on Francesca’s show at Whelans, log on to www.whelanslive.com.

For more about Francesca herself, see www. francescamartinez.com

A new era is opening for Doors’ fans, and the good news is, it’s accessible to everyone. The Doors app has just been launched on the digital market and if you worship the Lizard King, this is a must.

This monstrous load of information on The Doors’ lifespan is a result of a year and half’s work by its creator, Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, who marries music, text, audio and photographs together with tons of extras. As you’d expect, the app contains a complete history of the band alongside song lyrics, photos and memorabilia. What you might not have realised is that it gets right into the heart of Jim Morrison, John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek’s life and work, with content only the most die-hard fans will appreciate. It includes photos of all equipment used in the recording of each of their albums from The Doors to An American Prayer.

You can also literally follow The Doors’ progress around LA with a map flagging the prime locations in the band’s history with stories to boot. And speaking of stories, you’ll also get the dirt on the antics that put the band in the papers, like ‘the Miami incident’ – where Jim Morrison allegedly got a little saucy on stage at the Dinner Key Auditorium in 1969. Despite being the era of so-called ‘free love’, the incident saw Jim Morrison arrested and almost broke up the band. Not even the mind of Morrison could have contemplated that 40 or so years on, that incident, and everything else The Doors ever did would be part of a history available to fans at the touch of a virtual button. You’ll see the app on iTunes for €4.49. If it could speak, it’d probably say “Touch Me”.

Dee Woods presents Nova Nights on Radio Nova Mon-Fri 7pm-12am & Sundays 12-2pm. Follow her on Twitter @radeeoh

24 DUNDRUM gazette 16 May 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL Ensure you’re insured before holidaying

‘Cover up’, to prepare for any bad outcomes  natalie burke

CHILL Insurance are ensuring happy holidays this summer by advising holiday makers to cover up in advance of their upcoming getaways.

According to a recent analysis carried out by the insurance company, emergency medical expenses abroad – such as a doctor’s visit, or treatment in an A&E – is the most common claim on travel insurance made by Irish holiday-makers.

Trip cancellations due to personal injury, serious illness, or the death of one of the insured party or a family member, is the next most frequent pay-out.

Highlighting the range and type of travel policies now available, Chill Insurance is promoting single-trip cover, from €20, and multi-trip travel policies, from €60, in good time for the start of the main Irish holiday season.

Stolen baggage or personal effects, as well as delayed baggage due to multiple travel connections, also feature high in holiday problems identified.

For further information, see www.chill.ie.

TRAVEL

turkey: beginners and experienced divers alike welcome for journey

Dive into a beautiful blue world on a diving holiday  natalie burke

WHILE most of our favourite summer destinations are famed for their sun-kissed beaches, clear seas, dining hotspots and great nightlife, you might be surprised to learn that, deep down, a whole new world quite literally awaits.

For some people, what lies beneath the surface is far more important than what is actually above it.

So, if you’re searching for a holiday with a bit more adventure this summer, perhaps a scuba diving based holiday in Bodrum, Turkey, could be just what you’re looking for.

WingsAbroad are offering some great diving courses in the beautiful turquoise waters of Bodrum.

The Bodrum Peninsula is home to the ancient port city of Bodrum, and is famed for its diving locations where you can discover the wonders of the Aegean Sea by swimming right in it.

This is an ideal point for both experts and beginners and provides amazing diving opportunities.

Divers have the chance to see schools of colour-

ful tropical fish, murray eels, octopuses, groupers and much more on every dive.

You can also visit some amazing wreck remains that line the seabed. And, with the water temperature staying around 20-26 degrees Celsius, it makes for very comfortable diving.

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

‘Even non-divers are welcome, as they can climb aboard the boat and enjoy the stunning waters on a day trip’ ---------------------------

WingsAbroad have fantastic package holiday deals departing in May, with many further options for June, July and later in the summer.

Travel on May 19 and stay at the Kaseria Hotel, Gumbet on a B&B basis from only €326 per person, or stay in the Baba Beach Hotel, Gumbet, also on a B&B basis, from just €346 per person.

Alternatively, stay in the Summer Gardens Apart-

ments, Bitez on a selfcatering basis from only €399 per person.

The price includes return flights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation as stated, return airport to accommodation transfers and charges.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing what diving course you want to take part in, with a one-day discovery scuba diving course starting from €49, which is aimed at the absolute beginner.

A two-day beginners’ course is also available, from €165, which is an entry-level certification course that can be completed in just two days, enabling you to dive with a professional to 12 metres.

A four-day beginners course is available from €305.

For divers who already hold a PADI Open Water diving certificate or an equivalent, a two-day PADI-advanced open water course is priced from €230, to further enhance your diving skills.

Rescue courses and a master course are also available, as well as daily

An underwater world awaits in Bodrum, Turkey with a range of packages and classes to suit divers of all abilities, or none, with the area’s lovely waters offering much to see and enjoy

dive tours and five-day packages.

Even non-divers are welcome on the diving trip, as, for as little as €21, they can climb aboard the boat and enjoy the stunning blue waters on a day trip, which also includes lunch.

For further information on WingsAbroad, see www.wingsabroad.ie, call 01 871 9444, or contact your local travel agent.

For another undersea option, many diving enthusiasts choose Egypt as their scuba-diving destination – one of the most famed locations for the sport in the world.

Direct Holidays are offering seven nights at the five-star Baron Palms in Sharm el Sheikh from €829 per person on an allinclusive basis, departing Dublin on May 29. Later dates are also available.

Set in tropical gardens

In Egypt, Sharm el Sheikh’s famous clear waters will certainly make a splash with divers

with access to a private, sandy beach the hotel offers bright and modern accommodation and a wealth of activities, including a health club.

The hotel can organise diving excursions with the PADI-approved Camel Dive Club, with prices starting from €95 for a half-day PADI Discover Scuba Diving excursion.

Note that Direct Holidays are not responsible

for any excursions booked through a third party during your holiday.

Price includes flights, accommodation and transfers. Direct Holidays have also increased their baggage allowance to 20kg, to allow passengers to bring diving gear.

To book, call Direct Holidays at 01 514 0341, see www.directholidays. ie, or visit your local travel agent.

16 May 2013 dundrum gazette 25

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I Mr. Robin Fisher, am applying for planning permission for the construction of a proposed two storey extension to the side of the existing semi-detached dwelling to include an attic conversion. Convert the existing garage to the rear of the dwelling and include as part of the new extension at ground floor level. Proposal to include ancillary works at 18 Glencairn Rise, Leopardstown, Dublin 18. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire.A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

18240

planning Notice dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Planning permission is sought for the proposed demolition of the existing original rear kitchen annex, and the construction of a 2 storey pitched roof extension and additional single storey pitched roof extension to the rear of the residence, with new side access from existing side passage, the addition of 2 No. skylights together with internal alterations and all associated site development works, to the existing residence at 5 Ferncarrig Court, Sandyford, Dublin 18, by Colette Hendrick & Ted Connolly . The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire during its public opening hours.

A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

18267

planning Notice dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

I, Fidelma Bergin intend to apply for retention permission for development at this site 56 Braemor Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14. The development consists of the retention of the front entrance porch roof canopy and single storey rear sun room extension and all associated site works.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

18261

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 16 May 2013

DUBLIN GAZETTERECRUITMENT DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPER HAVE 169,000 READERS EACH WEEK *based on TGI-ROI 2012

TO PLACE AN AD ON THE RECRUITMENT PAGE CALL FIDELMA ON 60 10 240

Summer Tour Guides – South Dublin We are looking for people with enthusiasm & interest in local history and heritage with excellent communication & interpersonal skills for part time tour guides positions at Heritage Sites in the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown area from end June to Sept.

Outdoor work at some locations.

Training or previous Guiding experience an advantage, fluent English essential.

Apply to info@diffusionevents.com. Closing date 17th May 2013.

No agency enquiries please.

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM Gazette 27

cycling P29

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 P28

FastSport Ireland calls for Campion and Hinkson:

Malahide native Kirstin Smith receives the Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year award from Geoff Lyons for her work with Railway Union RFC

rugby: annual awards dished out to local clubs and volunteers

Blackrock College school and club land Leinster honours LOCAL rugby clubs were celebrating last week at the Leinster Rugby Awards Ball with Blackrock College winning big at the event.

Out-half Ian Madigan received the coveted Players Player of the Year award, following in the footsteps of recent winners Gordon D’Arcy, Felipe Contepomi, Rocky Elsom, Isa Nacewa and Rob Kearney.

The academy graduate has played an influential role for the province in 28 appearances to date this season, scoring 226 points including eight

tries, and also made his Ireland debut against France during this year’s Six Nations.

Meanwhile, another Blackrock man, Spanish born Leinster Academy backrow forward Jordi Murphy was voted the Powerade Young Player of the Year.

He has been in consistent form for the senior side and though sidelined recently with a broken hand, he featured in 17 games so far this season.

In what was another remarkable year for Leinster Schools rugby, Blackrock College have been awarded the

Powerade School of the Year for winning both the Senior and Junior Cup competitions.

Their SCT triumph demonstrated great determination and self-belief in their late victories over Cistercian College Roscrea in the semi-final and St. Michael’s College in the final.

The JCT win was extremely impressive, playing entertaining and skilful rugby throughout their cup campaign.

Eugene Noble from Clondalkin RFC has been awarded this season’s Leinster Women’s Rugby Club Person of

the Year, sponsored by Cityjet. Eugene has put in a huge amount of hard work and effort into the promotion of women’s rugby within both his own club as well as working on the Women’s Competitions Committee in Leinster.

Railway Union’s Kirstin Smith, a Malahide native, set the benchmark this year by consistently promoting her club in a variety of media with fresh, innovative and interesting content and her voluntary efforts were rewarded with the Public Relations Officer of the Year.

LORETO’S Aisling Campion and Old Alex’s Erika Hinkson have both been called into the Irish senior women’s hockey panel for the first time for a 43-player training camp to take place on May 25 and 26.

The pair are among a group of eight uncapped players including former Loreto Dalkey students Kate Dillon and Kate Lloyd who both play with Railway Union.

After the training weekend, Irish head coach Smith will reduce the squad further to select a squad to train toward the European Championships and in to the latter part of 2013 as part of ongoing preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games.

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

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 DUNDRUM Gazette 16 May 2013

SPORT

FastSport Ireland’s u-16s claim third in tournament: The Republic of Ireland finished their UEFA Women’s Under-16 development tournament with a well-deserved win over Wales, a result which saw them claim third place in a toughly contested competition.

The Ireland panel had performed well in their two other matches in the competition, but unfortunately lost out in both of their other games in penalty shoot-outs against the Czech Republic, with whom they drew 3-3 in normal time, and to Belgium after a goalless second match.

Roma McLaughlin scored the vital goal against Wales in the 12th minute, heading the ball into the Welsh net after a corner from Megan Connolly to give Ireland a 0-1 lead which they held to the end.

Ireland finished in third place with Belgium the overall winners after beating the Czech Republic 2-1 on penalties after a 0-0 finish in Home Farm FC.

soccer: cerebral palsy tournament at peamount a big success

Gathered in name of sport  sport@gazettegroup.com

Peamount’s grounds in Newcastle last week hosted the inaugural Dublin Gathering international CP soccer tournament, with teams of competitors from

Republic of Ireland, USA, Scotland and the Netherlands battling for top honours.

The event saw (Ireland) emerge as overall winners, with victory over the Nethelands in the final on penalties

after normal time had ended 2-2.

The competitors represented some of the highest ranked teams from CP football in Europe and beyond, with the Netherlands ranked fifth, the USA

The teams gathered at Peamount for the Gathering-supported tournament

Ireland celebrate a goal against the Netherlands in the final

currently ranked ninth and Scotland sixth in the world.

Ireland are no strangers to hosting international CP tournaments having organised the CPISR A European Championships in UCD in 2006 and the St Patrick’s Day Cup international tournament in 2011, which was hosted by this year’s venue at Peamount United FC. Both the Netherlands and Scotland returned two years after the St Patrick’s Cup hoping to reverse results against their hosts in this year’s competition.

Oisin Jordan, national co-ordinator for the FAI’s Football for all programme said: “This event has been be a

spectacular exhibition of the very high standard of football in international CP soccer, but more importantly in line with 2011, the tournament will put CP football on the map in the Irish football community.

“Hopefully, this exposure might unearth a number of new players who in the coming years might represent their country at the Paralympics in Brazil 2016.

“I am really looking for ward to the final match and would like to thank our colleagues from the three other countries to Ireland and hope they enjoyed their time in South Dublin.”

Brenda O’Donnell, director of sport for

Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland said: “This event sees a ver y welcome return to the calendar following a succesful St Patrick’s Day Cup two years ago. The competition provided a huge opportunity for our own players to demonstrate their skills and talents against the top teams in the world.

“Undoubtedly, there will be plenty of opportunities for new players to experience the atmosphere of CP football.

“On behalf of CPSI, I thoroughly enjoyed the competition and was delighted to welcome the USA, Scotland and Netherlands to Dublin and hope they enjoyed their time here.”

Brogan calls on clubs to bring their A-game to Dublin Bay  sport@gazettegroup.com

Bernard Brogan at the launch of the Red Bull Cul 5 at Dublin Bay last week

DUBLIN and St Oliver Plunkett’s star Bernard Brogan was on hand last week to help launch the Red Bull Cul 5, a competition that will offer aspiring young footballers the opportunity to take part in a unique 5-a-side Gaelic football event on Saturday, May 25 in Dublin Port.

The Red Bull Cul 5 will see 32 teams compete in a purposebuilt arena with goals the only form of scoring, and five-a-side players competing over five-

minute halves to progress in the competition.

Brogan is looking forward to some high-energy action: “Red Bull Cul 5 will be a fantastic competition.

“We’ve worked hard to create a challenging format. The ball will always be in play and players will need to be at their sharpest. I’m looking forward to seeing some top young players compete in this fresh and exciting event.”

Cul 5 will also feature a number of rule changes, designed to promote a fast-

paced and exciting tournament, including unlimited substitutes, the ball being allowed to be picked off the ground, and the ball always in play.

The arena will feature a specially laid grass pitch (50 x 30m), which will be enclosed by storage containers from Dublin Port.

The competition is open to all players eligible to play minor football in 2013, with squads of seven being called upon to register their interest to take part via the entry form available via www.redbull.ie.

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM Gazette 29

Gazette

Gard-ing the future of cycling tradition The 2013 Garda Cycling Club gathered in Swords last week to launch their bid to race the Ras this year, though they are looking to learn from the experience and their heritage  ROB HEIGH

sport@gazettegroup.com

THE launch of the An Post Garda Cycling Club team was a cause for celebration in Swords last week when members of the five-man team gathered at Richies Bike Shop before their epic ride across Ireland begins this weekend.

The 2013 Ras will see riders from all over the world converge to take part in the annual, eightday, stage race that begins on May 19.

The epic race began in 1953 and has been held every year since, its worldwide reputation of being a gruelling challenge in the elite international calendar long established.

The open racing style allows amateur county and club riders to join the mix of professional cyclists, and the Garda Cycling Club are no exception. This year’s vintage, supported by Rich-

ies Bikestore, Ethos Engineering, Lillis O’Donnell Ford, Copper Face Jacks, RA Burke Shipping and Outdoor Trek, is made up of five riders who have made great sacrifices over the last eight months to prepare for the ride of their lives.

The club also have a tradition in the Ras, with two former members of the club having been Ras winners: Ben McKenna in 1959 and Brian Connaughton in 1969.

Gazette Sport spoke to both club PRO, David O’Connell and competitor Stephen Enright about what the Ras means to them and the Garda Cycling Club.

“The club have a long and distinguished history with the Ras, but haven’t entered a team since 2000, so we are very proud and excited to be involved this year,” explained O’Connell.

“With the boom in interest in cycling in Ire-

land in recent years, the club has attracted a lot of interest, and we are back with a bang.

“The Ras is the pinnacle of Irish racing, the race that any club in Ireland with desire wants to to ride in. It is a UCI 2.2 level race, which means it attracts a lot of international attention, and national squads from New Zealand, Canada, and pro teams all across Europe coming to participate.

It’s a chance for amateur riders to mix it with the big boys, and that’s why we are reentering: It’s the race to be in.”

The club has existed in its current form since 1977. It counts about 95 members in 2013, and is open to civilian members, not only members of the Gardai.

The club were celebrating last year with the bronze medal success of Caroline Ryan in the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in

the Hisense Arena in Melbourne.

“It’s fantastic having someone like that in the club and showing what we can achieve,” said O’Connell, who is looking forward to the challenge of the Ras. “The five lads taking part - Stephen Enright,

ing with Scott MacDonald from Winning Solutions, a guy from Dun Laoghaire who rode professionally in the early 90s in France. He has been creating programmes for me on a six-weekly basis since September. Things are coming around nicely, and just at the right time.”

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

‘The Ras is the pinnacle of Irish racing, the race every club in Ireland with desire wants to be in’ - David O’Connell

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

Neill O’Leary, Dave Dukes, Damien O’Farrell and Michael Doyle - have put in massive training over the last six months.”

In spite of having ridden the Ras in the past, and having finished fourth in the B category, Stephen Enright is taking no chances this time around.

“Every stage is being coached, and I am work-

At the launch of the Ras team for 2013 at Richies Bike Shop in Swords were Brendan Tracy of sponsor Lillis O’Donnell Ford, Stephen Enright, Neil O’Leary, Damien O’Farrell and David Dukes of Garda CC

Speaking at the end of a training session, Enright explained that the Ras is something he and his teammates have committed to, although they do not expect to be on the podium this time around “The Ras is a massive target for us this year. We are looking at ourselves, we know our limits and we know who we are competing against. There are over 100 professional riders, and young riders who have the potential to do well.

“The target for the five of us is basically to finish the Ras. That might not seem like a lot, but we are a young team, This year is mostly about gaining experience, finishing the Ras and finishing it well and comfortably. We want to progress into next year. We will take this as a learning experience and look then at next year,”

FastSport

Win tickets to Ireland vs Pakistan cricket match GAZETTESPORT has teamed up with Cricket Ireland to offer two free tickets for both days of the RSA Insurance ODI Series which sees Ireland play Pakistan at Clontarf Cricket Club on Thursday, May 23 and Sunday, May 26 in two One-Day Internationals.

The grounds are pushing towards a sell-out but there are still tickets available to purchase in advance – for more details visit www.cricketireland.ie.

To enter, simply answer this easy question: Who did Kevin O’Brien, pictured above, score his record-breaking century against in the Cricket World Cup in March 2011?

Email your answer to sport@gazettegroup. com with the subject line “Cricket Tickets” along with your phone number and home address by Monday, May 20.

Puspure looking forward to European bid KINSEALY resident Sanita Puspure has been selected in the women’s single scull to take part in the Irish team for the European rowing championships in four weeks time in Seville.

She is part of the team that departed for Copenhagen last Wednesday to take part in a training camp along with Claire Lambe in the lightweight single and Niall Kenny and Justin Ryan in a lightweight double.

John Keohane was also included after

the Lee Valley man was the fastest man home in the Irish trials last week.

Paul O’Donovan, an under-23 lightweight, was only 0.09 seconds behind Keohane in the time trial on Saturday.

He recorded 94.8 per cent of projected world best time for the lightweight single, though there was a strong tailwind.

Fionnan McQuillanTolan and Seán O’Connor were the fastest pair.

Ireland performance director Morten Espersen, meanwhile, said he will have “a very strong team” for the upcoming World Under-23 Championships in July.

Gazette

30 DUNDRUM gazette 16 May 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: banahan treble inspires local side to glory

Nacewa-inspired DLSP claim Irish silverware IN MARCH 1985, Palmerston FC were the first Irish rugby club to be invited over to take part in the London Irish Festival of Mini Youths rugby.

Since that inaugural visit, it is estimated that in excess of 2,500 children and parents, including future senior interprovincials Luke Fitzgerald, Eoghan Hickey, Malcolm O’Kelly, Damian McCabe and Neil Walsh, have travelled to represent De La Salle Palmerston at Sunbury and in 2013 for the 28th year a touring party in excess of 100 U-11 and U-12s travelled from Kirwan Park to this year’s festival.

On the Wednesday prior to departure, Leinster legend Isa Nacewa visited Salmo to individually present each of the players with their tour kit. After the presentations he did a questions and answer session about his rugby career to date and offered loads of tips on the importance of good nutrition and regular training.

During the tournament, the U-12s played five games in the plate competition, defeating London Welsh 5-0, drawing with Teddington and Chipstead 0-0 and then defeating Ealing 1-0 in the semi-final.

It set up a an all-Leinster final when they took on Clontarf, whom they then went on to defeat 3-0, remarkably going through the competition without conceding a try.

It meant, for the second time in three years, silverware came back to Salmo from London Irish.

Booth Road edge out Celts WAYSIDE Celtic just missed out on the U-11 DDSL Lee Kavanagh Cup title

in the AUL complex last Saturday as they fell on penalties to Booth Road Celtic.

Normal time had ended scoreless, leading to the shootout.

The Dundrum FC side celebrate their National Cup win at Gannon Park last Saturday as they saw off Sporting Fingal

Dundrum land Special title SO National cup final Dundrum FC 4 Sporting Fingal 2  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

BARRY Banahan’s superb hat-trick powered Dundrum to Special Olympics National Cup glory at the immaculate Gannon Park last Saturday as they saw off Sporting Fingal.

Two classy left-footed efforts in the first half put his side well on course at 2-0 up before Sporting rallied.

Peter Battersby gave his side a lifeline but Luke Murphy and Banahan shut the door with the lat-

ter scoring his third and a fourth for Dundrum before Nathan Finney got another one back nine minutes from the end with a smart poacher’s goal.

It was a classy all round performance from the south Dublin side who have been running for three years under the guidance of Paul McDonough, Warren Chua and Roy Connolly.

FAI chief executive John Delaney was on hand for the opening ceremony, adding to the sense of occasion and the side duly played out a cracking, high tempo game.

primary schools cup Castle set to host ninth edition of annual event castle golf club will host a stage of the ninth annual Primary Schools Cup on Monday, May 27. The cup now takes place across four venues in Leinster, namely at Delgany, Rosslare and Black Bush, as well as its original home of the Castle, celebrating its centenary this season.

Pictured at the launch of the 9th annual Castle Schools Cup series sponsored by Haydon Chartered Accountants (from left) Anne O’Sullivan, John Ferriter and Rory Leonard.

Dundrum made much of the early pace down the left flank as Murphy and Conor Mullally combined well. And they hit the front on the 20-minute mark when Banahan twisted onto his left foot on the edge of the box and arced in a delightful opener.

Fingal almost responded immediately as Aaron Byrne went on a mazy run through the Dundrum box and the ball broke for Stephen Regan whose shot clipped the top of the crossbar.

But, as the hail came down, they were stung for a second time as Banahan

capitalised on a ricochet in the box to calmly slot home, again with his artful left boot.

The game was back in the mix, however, early in the second half when Leon Keogh got a nudge in the back in the penalty area. Battersby clipped home a peach of a spotkick, placing the ball in the top right.

Dundrum replied brilliantly and restored their two-goal advantage when the influential Ricky Comerford battled for space in midfield before laying on a perfectly weighted pass for Murphy to run on to.

He just about beat Lau-

rence Keegan to the ball and delightfully dinked over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Mark McKenna then did likewise for Banahan who poked into the left corner for 4-1 with Dundrum flying high.

Sporting, motivated by Barry O’Neill at the back, did get one back when Nathan Finney chased up on a loose defensive clearance and slotted home.

But time was against a big comeback and Dundrum controlled the closing stages, even having a fifth effort ruled out for offside, to bring home the national title.

16 May 2013 DUNDRUM gazette 31

Gazette

Five-star Crokes see off Mary’s in SFC  sport@gazettegroup.com

K ILMACUD Crokes made a fantastic start to their Dublin senior football championship campaign last week, seeing off St Mary’s Saggart by a large margin, 5-16 to 2-05.

It was four goals just after the restart that put the writing on the wall

for St Mary’s last Friday as Crokes’ inter county talent flexed their muscle, with Cian O’Sullivan, Mark Vaughan, Kevin Nolan and Paul Mannion on point for last year’s Dublin finalists.

Despite Mar y’s opening the scoring at O’Toole Park, Crokes fired back and took the lead with two points

from Vaughan and one each for Mannion and Craig Dias.

Two m o r e p o i n t s for Mannion helped by points from Dias, Vaughan and Pat Burke put Kilmacud firmly in the lead by half time, 0-9 to 0-4.

The four goals after the break left Mary’s with an impossible task for the

remaining 20 minutes, and even though Declan Carrigan put one past Gavin Morris, Vaughan quickly struck back with superb goal of his own.

Blaine Kelly took the other Mary’s goal from a penalty with three minutes remaining, and further points from Crokes allowed them to finish the game at a canter.

football: experience key down final stretch

Club Noticeboard ballyboden st enda’s THERE was no winner of this week’s

It was a busy weekend of action

Ballyboden St Enda’s lotto draw which

for all codes around the club. All of

means the jackpot is €1,500.

our football teams won against their

Match first three winners are John and Carmel MacGabhann, Monalea

opposition – full results are on www. bodengaa.ie.

Grove , Jack Donaghy, Barton Drive,

Our senior hurlers are in action this

Grange Road, Jack Donaghy, Barton

Thursday night against St Vincent’s in

Road, Grange Road, Senior National

Parnell Park at 8.15pm. All supporters

School, St Colmcilles, Idrone Ave,

welcome.

Derek Byrne, Templeroan, Knocklyon,

We are looking for people to help

Caroline Daly, Ferncourt VIew, Bally-

out in our communications section of

cullen and Jim Mulkerrin from Cool-

Ballyboden St Enda’s – check out our

amber won the subscriber’s draw.

new promotional video by searching

Congr atulations to ever yone

Ballyboden St Enda’a Fun on Youtube

involved in the Dublin Meet Your

or copying this link: http://www.

Heroes night in Ballyboden St Enda’s

youtube.com/watch?v=FQLptVHoRL8

last Friday night. It was a great night

- thanks to everyone involved.

and a huge turnout from Dublin fans.

For any Ballyboden news or infor-

Check out all our photos from the

mation check out www.bodengaa.ie

night on our Ballyboden St Enda’s

or follow us on Facebook and on twit-

website.

ter @BodenG.

ballinteer st john’s

Ryan Basquel, pictured trying to evade Brian Collopy’s clutches, kicked two key goals for Ballyboden St Enda’s

Boden go the extra to topple Sarsfields dublin sfc round one Ballyboden St Enda’s 2-18 Lucan Sarsfields 3-9  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s experience stood to them as they somehow ran out six point winners after extra time having been four down on Lucan Sarsfields with a minute of normal time remaining.

In the extra 20 minutes, the likes of Cormac Smith and Kenny Naughton calmly added their knowhow to an often fiery affair in the Iveagh Grounds.

Boden kept Lucan scoreless during that

time, completing an unanswered 1-7 scoring run late on the night to end the tie with a slightly deceptive scoreline.

Sean Newcombe’s second minute goal had given Lucan a sublime start, palming in after a quickly worked turnover inside the 21m line.

Midfield duo of Declan O’Mahony and Michael Darragh Macauley set about turning the tide while Sean Gibbons kicked some classy points.

Their slick handpassing allowed them to snatch a 0-9 to 1-4 lead at half-time but Ciaran

O’Hare’s Lucan side, going up the hill in the second half, soon produced a good line in stifling those options.

Brendan Gallagher’s 37th minute penalty tied things up after Newcombe’s effort was footblocked by Stephen O’Connor.

Ryan Basquel cancelled out that effort soon after when he was found in acres of space and Sars were stung when influential half-back Johnny McCormack departed early through injury.

But the towering Brian Collopy and Brendan O’Neill started to boss the

kick-outs and kept Boden scoreless for 17 minutes while amassing 1-4 of their own. Stephen Garbutt came off the bench to punch home what looked the winner with five minutes of normal time.

Basquel, though, poked in off the back of a Hail Mary and Kerin’s delightful point in injury time, turning and clipping over in one short, sharp movement, tied things up.

It took seven minutes for a score to register in extra time but once Kerin got his first, it started a chain of six without reply to see Boden home and Lucan eliminated.

THERE was no winner of Thursday, May

mendous win on Thursday, knocking

9 lotto draw of €9,200. Next week’s

St Oliver Plunkett’s out of the cham-

draw will be for €9,400.

pionship.

Tickets are available online at www.

Congratulations to players and

ballinteerstjohns.com or from the

management. junior Bs a big win over

usual outlets.

St Margaret’s on Sunday morning.

Bingo every Monday night in the

The senior ladies footballers also

clubhouse starts at 8pm and all are

had a championship win over St Mar-

welcome for a great night’s enter-

garet’s. Well done to all involved. The

tainment.

minor A and Bs had great wins over

The golf classic fundraiser takes place on July 19 in the K Club. See the website for more information.

The senior footballers had a tre-

Fingallians and Brigids respectively.

Thanks to all who supported Fashion Show on Thursday. Great turnout and fun had by all.

stars of erin OUR men’s adult team had two great wins, one last Sunday against Robert

A fundraising clothes bank is in the club carpark. Please support.

Emmetts and one last Tuesday against

The lotto jackpot was not won;

St Vincent’s. The ladies team had a

numbers drawn were 11, 25 and 26; €20

good win over Scoil Ui Chonnail U-14s

winners were Sean Roe, Ciaran Keane,

won against Round Tower’s U-9s hurl-

and Orla, Mark, Ruairi and Ronan.

ers had a good over Crumlin.

Next week’s jackpot is €900 .

wanderers MEMBERSHIP is now due. All players

Frank Kelly Park.

and members reminded to ensure

Ladies training is on each Wednes-

they are fully paid up asap as they are

day in Frank Kelly Park at 7.30pm. All

neither insured nor eligible to play

new players welcome, for further

after April 30. Contact John for details

details please contact Louise on 086

on 087 9058568.

8333587. Juvenile training continues

Adult men’s football training con-

each Saturday at 11am at Frank Kelly

tinues throughout the week. All new

Park; all welcome. Contact Niall for

players welcome.

details on 086 8857303. The juvenile

For the first team, please contact

Under-11 and Under-13 teams are

John for details on 0868118372 and

looking for new players and all new

for the second team, please contact

comers are welcome. Contact Gabby

Mark on 087 6732628 or Damian on 086

on 087 2444444.

8632565. Training occurs weekly as follows: Tuesday and Thursday 7.15pm in

Check Facebook and the club website for all the latest fixtures.

GazetteSPORT all of your dundrum sports coverage from page 27-31

champions! Dundrum side defeat Sporting Fingal to claim national Special Olympics soccer title P30

may 16, 2013

riding the ras: Members of Garda Club take national challenge P29

Fearghal Duffy was among the Ballinteer St John’s players who pulled off a fine comeback win to reach the second round of the senior football championship last week

Ballinteer battle on St John’s side pull off epic comeback to consign St Oliver Plunkett’s to an early exit from the 2013 Dublin senior football championship

 peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

Ballinteer St John’s pulled off the biggest upset of the first round of the senior championship as they sent star-studded St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh out of the competition, with a dramatic last gasp win by one point, 1-11 to 2-09.

“The lads deserve a huge amount of credit,” said manager Declan Sheehan. “Myself and the other coaches put a system in place that we thought could cause St Oliver Plunkett’s some problems, but the lads had to go out there and implement it, and they never gave up.”

Trailing by a point heading into final passages of the game, Gareth “Nesty” Smith was given a bit too much space by Nicky Devereux, and once the Plunkett’s man was free he made no mistakes in bursting the net to put the Navan Road side two points up.

Then, Jason Sherlock found himself oneon-one with the Balinteer keeper, but when the shot was saved it spurred the AFL 2 side into life.

Fearghal Duffy, who helped the side go into the break at just 0-6 to 1-2 with a fantastic goal, looked to Sheehan on the line to tell him there was three minutes left.

Sheehan signalled for Duffy to shoot and when the ball dropped short, Peter O’Curry

rose above three markers to punch the ball into the Plunkett’s net to give his side a onepoint lead.

Plunkett’s were awarded a free kick shortly after O’Curry’s heroics and, just when it seemed Bernard Brogan would send his side into extra time, he hooked the shot wide and from the resulting kickout, O’Curry won the high ball again which allowed the underdogs to play out the final seconds of one of their most memorable games.

“We knew when we got to half time and we were just within one point of them that we could certainly challenge for the win,” said Sheehan.

“I doubt some of their players thought we’d

be able to hang in there with them, but in the end, I think the better team won.

“It was very nervy toward the end and although people will talk about Brogan’s miss, it was from a very difficult angle and there’s not a lot of people that would’ve been able to put it over,” said Sheehan.

“When Nesty got through on goal I certainly thought the worst. You can’t give a player of his quality that much room and when you do, he will make you pay.

“But, the lads can’t be praised enough. We have a difficult June ahead, some of them have been very busy with exams and other things, and they’ve really proved themselves as a unit with the win.”