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April 11, 2013

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Month XX, 2012 Blanchardstown • Blakestown • Hartstown • Coolmine • Tyrrelstown • Dunboyne • Corduff • Mulhuddart • Ongar

INSIDE: All dressed up for inaugural charity ball to help beat cancer P6

politics: Members call for conference amid fears of crisis in Labour Party P7

Athletics:

Bekele leads field for Great Ireland Run Page 32

Hurling:

St Brigid’s sides record opening wins Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

What’s the beef?  laura webb

The HSE has received a complaint from a Dublin 15 resident about unusual meat being hung from a washing line in a neighbour’s back garden.

“This is quite a unique situation, it’s just very unpleasant,” the Clonsilla resident said. Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) says it is a worrying situation and it could attract vermin, which is “one concern”

but there is also “a major public health issue” attached with it. In a response to The Gazette, the HSE said its environmental health officer has investigated the complaint and says there is “no breach” of food regulation

as the food is for domestic use. Fingal County Council’s environmental health unit said they are investigating the matter and are concerned this activity “may attract vermin”. Full Story on Page 8


2 BLANCH Gazette 11 April 2013

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

roadworthy Teenagers restore 1970s car

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Volunteer mechanic Stewart Walsh, Foroige Fiat 500 project participant Shane Murray, Kevin O’Reilly who bought the car, Anto Dunne

News Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

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

and Paul Dunne from Knife Edge along with participant Aaron Thompson. Inset: Bernie Moloney, youth officer, Foroige MCYP, Edel Lambe, fundraising manager, NRH, Shane Murray and Stewart Walsh.

Drive to help charities puts Foroige on the map

Members of the Foroige Fiat 500 car project have sold the car they worked hard on restoring over the last two years and have given the money to two well worthy causes. A group of young males from Mulhuddart took on the challenge of restoring an old 1970 Fiat 500 car with the help of two volunteer leaders, Stewart Walsh and Brian Jennings. They worked tirelessly over the last number of years to make the car road-worthy. T he project, conducted by a group from Foroige’s Mulhuddart C o m m u n i t y Yo u t h Project (MCYP), featured on TV3’s Ireland’s Top Teens in November 2011. After years of work, the car was officially handed over to car enthusiast Kevin O’Reilly last

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

month. Part of the money raised from this unique initiative went to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, with the remainder going back into Foroige’s MCYP for future educational initiatives for the young people of Mulhuddart. Shane Murray, one of the Fiat 500 group members stated: “We decided to donate half the money raised to the National Rehabilitation Hospital as we were looking at road safety when doing our project and felt this was the most relevant place to donate due to the excellent work it does for

patients affected by road traffic accidents.” The young males visited the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) on March 26 to donate the money raised through the sale. The Fiat 500 car group consisted of Aaron Thompson, Shane Murray and Jason Sinnott. The group learned some valuable mechanical and panel beating skills in the process as well as developing a greater level of confidence in their own abilities. One of them is now in the process of applying for mechanical courses as a result of the positive guidance and skills he developed from the Fiat 500 Project. Support and mentoring was provided by volunteers, Stewart Walsh and Brian Jennings, Stewart said: “The Fiat

500 Project was undertaken to encourage a group of young people to develop their interest and skills in a possible career in engineering or motor mechanics and this was done through the purchase of a Fiat 500 in need of complete restoration. The young people learned various skills in mechanics under qualified supervision and achieved a great sense of pride in their complete restoration of the car.” Members of MCYP went on to offer a sincere thank you to Stewart and Brian and to the many sponsors who kindly donated both funds and materials to aid the project including Merlin Car Auctions, Gangly Craigie Ltd, Starbucks, Irish Youth Foundation, 3M Ltd and Spectrum Paints Ltd, and to Anto and

Paul Dunne from Knife Edge who donated the use of a garage space in Mulhuddart to conduct the workshop for four months. Edel Lambe, fundraising manager of the NRH Foundation said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Foroige’s Mulhuddart Community Youth Project as one of their chosen beneficiary charities of this fantastic restoration project – this very generous donation will make a real difference and will be of direct benefit to the patients at the NRH now and in the future. “We would like to say a big thank you to all the teams who participated in this challenge – your support of the NRH is greatly appreciated.” To find out more about the NRH, visit the website www.nrh.ie


11 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 3

donation 13 projects benefit from foundation

eBay, PayPal channel €50k into charities  Laura Webb

Dublin 15 based businesses have given back to the community by donating almost €50,000 to charities last year. Auction website eBay and online payment service PayPal raised the funds for 13 Irish charities through fundraising initiatives. During a special ceremony at PayPal’s Blanchardstown office on Thursday, April 4, Louise Phelan, vice president of global operations for

Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at PayPal and Gary Hagel, senior director, eBay customer experience, Europe, were on hand to present the cheques to the beneficiaries. Employees of the two companies nominated the beneficiaries with the GIVE grants helping to fund a number of projects, both in the Dublin and Louth areas and nationally. Examples of projects include funding of €5,000 to Cystic Fibrosis Associa-

tion of Ireland to provide new born screening for cystic fibrosis, Console received €4,000 in funding for the fitting and furnishing of child therapy and family rooms, while the Irish Therapy Dogs received €2,000 to update their volunteer team uniforms. Louise Phelan said: “At PayPal we pride ourselves on being an organisation that gives back to our local communities. “We are delighted to work with our employees to identify and assist

Brian O’Sullivan with his dog Donna from the Irish Therapy Dogs with Gary Hagel, senior director customer experience, Europe, at eBay and Louise Phelan, vice president global operations EMEA, PayPal

these 13 organisations, with whom they are closely involved through our GIVE teams and the eBay Foundation. These charities are carrying out hugely important work, and I hope that our contributions are beneficial in terms of helping them to continue their projects in local communities around Ireland.” Gary Hagel said: “Ire-

land’s got an impressive record of giving as a nation and every day people’s lives are transformed because of that charitable spirit. “eBay also has a culture of giving, particularly in Ireland. Our employees are generous with their money and their time, and since 1998 our GIVE Foundation has contributed to local projects in

the communities where we’re located. It’s another reason why we love doing business in Ireland. Our people here are fantastic in so many ways and this is just one more example of that.” Other charities include: Move4Parkinson’s which received €5,000 to develop a speech therapy based choir for people with Parkinson’s.

N2-N3 Link road to open in May The long-awaited N2-N3 link road is scheduled to be officially opened in May. Work on the road began in September 2011 with an estimated schedule of 70 weeks. According to Fingal County Council, the N2-N3 link road linking Tyrrelstown R121 to the N2 at Cherryhound is due to open on May 17. The opening date was extended slightly due to additional instructed works which were required during the course of the project, and also because of instances of “inclement weather”. A number of outstanding items including landscaping will need to be undertaken post opening when “the site conditions are more favourable for planting”.


4 BLANCH Gazette 11 April 2013

politics Call for full party conference

Reps say Labour Party ‘is in crisis’  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

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B e c a u s e L o c a l M at t e r s

The Labour Party “is in crisis” and a full party conference should be called, say local representatives. A number of Labour member meetings took place over the weekend, one in Gorey, where councillors from across the country met to discuss the future direction of the party and the other in Dublin’s Gresham hotel, where a group called the Campaign for Labour Policies, who oppose Government policies, spoke of their upset. Local Labour councillor Michael O’Donovan told The Gazette that at the Gorey meeting there was talk about the junior Government party pulling out of the coalition. While he said he didn’t see the point of doing that “now”, he said the Labour Party “is in crisis at the moment”. “I think there is self doubt in the party as regards to whether or not our policies are being implemented and whether or not we are protecting, to the extent we should, people on lower incomes.” He said when entering the coalition, members were told that there were “going to be tough choices” but that the feeling now was that “Labour seems to have gotten less of its policies through than Fine Gael has”. “If we pull out… the question arises, where do you go? We are in a situation where a number of years ago, the country, even under the previous government, signed up to

a bailout with the European Monetary Fund, the Troika and so on, and now until such time as we get out of that bailout, we are kind of stuck with certain restrictions - we are not fully the masters of our own destiny in that matter. “There are a number of people in Labour who are willing to stay in the Labour Party and try to make the fight, staying within Government, for a stronger Labour Party input. But is there a crisis in the party? I don’t see how there wouldn’t be.” He went on to say there is a definite “feeling” that the party leader, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, should return to a home ministry and give up his post as Minister for Foreign Affairs. This meeting was followed by another with Minister for P ublic Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin, who he called their “link man to the Cabinet” to relay concerns about a number of issues including water taxes. Meanwhile, Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty said the mood of the members at the meeting in the Gresham on Saturday, April 6 was that they are “bitterly disappointed” with the performance of the Government and feel the party is “not pulling its weight” in terms of getting its policies delivered in. “Not just members of the party, but citizens and voters of the country campaigned in the general election in February 2011 for fundamental change in the country, but in reality the Govern-

Labour councillor Michael O’Donovan: Labour party “is in crisis at the moment”

Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty: The party is “not pulling its weight”

ment was following the exact same policies of Fianna Fail and the economic strategy was being driven by Fine Gael. “So the meeting passed two resolutions unanimously – the first one was that there would be an immediate party conference called to discuss the future of the Government and of the country. The second was a series of economic proposals that were put to the meeting around job stimulus and job creation that

we would seek to pressure the Government to implement very quickly. Time is running out in terms of any sort of progressive input into the Government and people weren’t prepared to simply accept the status quo for the three years.” On his party leader, Eamon Gilmore, he said, the consensus at the meeting is that just changing the leadership, is “not good enough”. “The problem is not with any individual person, the

problem is with the policies of the Government, so a cosmetic change of leadership is nowhere near good enough the problem with the Government is fundamental, and if the Labour party continues to support policies that it campaigned against… then really the Labour Party is not viable in the long term. “Unless there is a really fundamental shift in policy then I will have to continue to oppose the Government,” he added.


11 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 5

magic The story of The Drifters comes to life

Stand By Me to ‘Drift’ onto Draiocht stage The unforgettable story of vocal group harmony, The Drifters, is being told to Irish audiences for one night only at Draiocht Theatre this Saturday night. Stand By Me, The Story of the Drifters, is a show that will dazzle and inspire all who go to see it. According to the Irish producer of the show Tommy Swarbrigg, audiences can expect “all the hits” from the band’s successful back catalogue. Richie Sampson’s Drifters Show has been touring for many years, performing in theatres and festivals throughout Ireland, Britain and Europe

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to great acclaim. During a successful tour of Britain, the show is taking time out to come to Dublin for one night to play Draiocht Theatre in Blanchardstown on Saturday, April 13. Commenting on the show, Tommy said: “There are so many to mention but many will know, Stand by Me, Under the Boardwalk, Saturday Night at the Movies, Up On The Roof and many more.” The Drif ters were formed in 1953 in Downtown New York and soon became one of the most successful vocal harmony groups. “The Drifters came

to Britain in 1976 when things were slack for them in the US and they forged a whole new career in Britain. They had a load of hits in Britain after the American hits,” Tommy told The Gazette. “This is a theatre show, telling the story of The Drifters. The four vocalists sing the songs of The Drifters and tell their story, plus there is audio visual through the show. “The Drifters had 78 different members down through the years, an amazing statistic. For example, Ben E King was in The Drifters when he recorded Stand By Me and he was later replaced.

The story of The Drifters is being told to Irish audiences for one night only at Draiocht Theatre

“It’s a great show and the hits go on and on. There are some great classic hits… which are never off the radio,” he added. Tommy went on to say the Draiocht is a “terrific” venue for shows. “It is a wonderful venue, I book a lot of shows here, it’s great,” he added. The Drifters show has been coming to Ireland

for many years, performing in theatres and festivals. They have now built up a faithful following for the show wherever they go. Expect an evening of nostalgia at this show,

as the singers blast out hit after hit. Audiences might also be surprised by the amount of songs they will know throughout the performance. See www.draiocht.ie for further information.

schools

Speed limit review An 80kph speed limit on roads leading to two local schools is set to be examined by the local authority. According to Fingal County Council the speed limit at the Educate Together and Gaelscoil at Powerstown Road is being examined as part of a speed limit review that is currently under way and an advisory speed limit sign of 55kph is in place to “caution” motorists to slow down on approach to the schools. The report was issued following a question by Mulhuddart councillor Mary McCamley (Lab) at a recent area committee meeting asking council management to investigate a limit of 50kph on the road outside the two schools.


6 BLANCH Gazette 11 April 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Karl Henry of Operation Transformation

Jean Kenny Lieutenants Jimmy Norman, Darragh McNally, Ashley O’Connor and Conor Kirwan with Jennifer Ree, Fr Robert McCabe and Sgt Gavin Coventry.

Avril Foley

Jennifer Ree and Sinead Ryan

Bernie Whelan, Nicola Hearte, Amy Byrne and Mary Donoghue

Lieutenant Conor Kirwan


11 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 7

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Susan NicReamoinn and Lieutenant Ashley O’Connor

Meeting a couple of new friends from the farm

furry happy: children’s delight as farm visits blanch centre

T

here was plenty of great entertainment at Blanchardstown Centre over the Easter break for all the family including a visit from Wooly Wards mobile petting farm which brought a whole host of furry friends for the children to meet. Rabbits, chicks, hamsters and more brought smiles to the children who were fascinated to get up close to these cute creatures. There was also an Easter Mad Hatter Disco Party with magic shows, spot prizes, sweet treats, arts and crafts and face painting.

Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Lieutenant Darragh McNally

tickled pink: INAUGURAL CHARITY BALL A SUCCESS

All dressed up to help beat cancer A

OIBHEANN’S Pink Tie, the charity that helps and support children and their families during their Child’s battle to beat cancer, recently held their inaugural Pink Tie Ball at Dunboyne Castle. Karl Henry of Operation Transformation

was their guest on the evening. Many parents of children attending St John’s Oncology Ward, and five recently qualified army cadets in full dress army uniform also attended. The cadets helped raise over €10,000 for Crumlin Children’s hospital.

Children meet some new-born chicks

Children enjoy a fun and engaging experience with bunny rabbits. Pictures: James Devon


8 BLANCH Gazette 11 April 2013

crime Several local shops robbed over the last two weeks at knife point

Three people charged in spate of armed robberies  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Three people have been charged in relation to a spate of armed robberies in the Blanchardstown area in recent weeks. Three shops have been robbed over the past two

weeks with knives being produced. The robberies took place at a Centra store in Huntstown on March 27, a shop in Ongar on April 6 and at the Xtra-vision in Blanchardstown on April 7. As part of a planned operation, gardai investigating the incidents arrested three peo-

ple, a 25-year-old male and two females, one aged 34 and the other aged 39. All three were later charged and were due to appear before Blanchardstown District Court on April 10. Meanwhile, three males arrested in connection to an armed hold-up in Clonee

have been released. On April, 5 at approximately 4.40pm two males armed with a sawn-off shotgun and a screwdriver held up staff in a commercial premises at Bracetown Industrial Estate in Clonee. One shot was fired and an amount of cash was taken

before the raiders fled the scene in a waiting car. Noone was injured during the incident. Abandoned

The car used in the raid was found abandoned by gardai a short distance away. A firearm was also recovered.

During a follow-up operation in the Finglas area three males were arrested in connection with the incident. All three were released on April 7 and a file is being prepared for the DPP. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact their local Garda station.

FastNews

Phoenix Park road restrictions THE OPW has commissioned restrictions to the Phoenix Park to facilitate the Aware 10k run. Roads will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8am to 12.30pm on April 20. They include Chesterfield Avenue from Phoenix to Mountjoy roundabouts and the Ordnance Survey Road. Gates closed between those times are Knockmaroon Gate, Ashtown Gate (left turn only) and Chapelizod Gate (right turn only).

ITB Open Evening IT Blanchardstown will host its open evening on Thursday, April 11 from 5pm to 7pm. This open evening aims to inform anyone who is interested in taking up a course at ITB, as well as guidance counsellors, teachers and parents / guardians. Visitors can attend the various talks, tours and demos, and find out more about the courses. For more information, log on to www.itb.ie.

Run for charity A LOCAL student has organised a 5k charity run at ITB in aid of DSPCA on Friday, April 12 at 4pm. Run or walk for a good cause. Registration is €5. Medals and prizes for the first three past the finish line. For more details call Cindy on 0851411842.

Meat on a clothes line in Dublin 15: Local Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) says environmental health officers in the council are taking the issue very seriously

Health: local resident is looking for help to stop this happening again

Meat hanging from washing line in Clonsilla reported to HSE  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

A Dublin 15 resident has made a complaint to the HSE after she saw a washing line filled with unusual meats in her neighbour’s back garden. The Clonsilla resident, who has been living in the area for the past 12 years, said there were about eight meats hanging from a washing line, beside another line that was filled with clothes. The resident is now looking for help from the HSE to stop this

from happening again. “This is a rented property. “We have had incredible anti-social behaviour for some time, but this is the worst case so far... I am so mad,” said the resident, who did not wish to be named. The resident has been in touch with the gardai, the HSE and the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) to report it, but says she “keeps getting stoned walled”. “This is the second time this has happened with the meats being

hung within days of each other. “I emailed all the photographs to the HSE and I haven’t heard anything back from them. I have been in touch with the landlord, telephone communication, face to face. “The landlord has called in and talked to us, but nothing has been done. “I have been on to my local councillors to get on the case now. One councillor, Kieran Dennison, has been very good in the last few days checking out

things for me,” the resident added. “It is sickening. I am there since 2001 and I haven’t seen anything like this before… This is quite a unique situation. I am hoping this will just stop… It’s just very unpleasant.” Local councillor Kieran Dennison (FG) says it is a worr ying situation and it could attract vermin, which is “one concern” but there is also “a major public health issue” attached with it. “I have been in contact with the environ-

mental health officers in the council and they are taking it very seriously,” he added. A spokesperson for Fingal County Council’s Environmental Health unit confirmed they are “investigating this matter” and have been “in close contact” with their counterparts in the HSE regarding it. “ We u n d e r s t a n d that this activity is not being carried out on a commercial scale, and therefore does not pose a large scale public health risk. “The main concern

would be from a locali s e d e nv i r o n m e n t a l nuisance perspective as this activity may attract vermin including birds such as magpies/seagulls, and we will ensure that this is addressed,” the spokesperson added. In response, the HSE said its environmental health office has investigated this complaint. “There is no breach of Food Safety Legislation as the food is for domestic use and there is no evidence to suggest that the meat was slaughtered illegally.”


11 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 9

amenities Works at Millennium Park completed

D15 kids can slide once again  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Dublin 15 kids can enjoy their local playground’s tower slide again following the completion of works to reinstate it after it was vandalised just two weeks after being installed. The tower slide at Millennium Park has been fenced off for the past number of months in anticipation of it being renovated after the staircase was set on fire last November. Fingal employed a contractor to reinstate the playground equipment and work began recently. Works have now been complete and children

throughout Dublin 15 can use the slide again. Welcoming the reopening of the tower Mulhuddart councillor David McGuinness (FF) said the slide is a fantastic addition to the many amenities in the park. “I would like to thank council officials for upholding their commitment to me that the slide would reopen. I hope their time is not wasted again in future repairing fire damage on children’s facilities. We all need to play our part in reporting suspicious activity to the gardai to ensure this does not happen again.” Cllr Michael O’Donovan (Lab) said it was

“good to see it open after being closed for so long”. “It was enjoyed and fun for the kids, including the bigger kids when it was opened. “I am hopeful that the fact it was out of action for so long, might bring it across to the people who did the vandalism that they have deprived other people from having some fun. I am delighted, on a more practical sense, that we have a bit of steel now at the base of the staircase, so that if someone does try it, it will be harder to break. Sometimes you can’t beat the vandals entirely but you can make it difficult for them,” he said.

The tower slide at Millennium Park has been renovated and is open for fun!

He went on to say that he is also looking forward to seeing the dog run at the Millennium Park open as well. “It has taken

a bit longer to open and this time last year we were basking in the sunshine, so we are coming into April and the weather is

improving, so I am hoping that one morning soon we will officially open both the dog run and the slide.”

activity Kids art workshop The Phoenix Park is hosting the Children’s Art Cart Workshops every Sunday. The workshops are held at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and children must be supervised. On Sunday, April 14, they will host a workshop to make animal masks. The following Sunday, April 21, they will host the workshop entitled Trees – what would we do without them? On Sunday, April 28, they will host the workshop Make a Surprise. Call 01 677 0095 or log on to www.phoenixpark. ie/newsevents.


10 BLANCH Gazette 11 April 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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Aisling O’Brien

Paddy Casey and Lily Villa

David Keegan

John Murray, Anna McCarthy and Declan J Gardiner. Pictures: Sasko Lazarov

Glitterati gather to view ‘dramedy’ in Temple Bar

T

HE Irish premier of the Woolgatherer was recently staged at the New Theatre in Temple Bar. The play by William Mastrosimone and directed by David Byrne, artistic director of Blue Moon Theatre Company, is set in South Phila-

delphia, and is an award-winning “dramedy”. It centres around Rose and Cliff, two neurotic people who are searching for love. Many theatre-goers attended the premiere, including Irish singer-

songwriter Paddy Casey. The play runs until Saturday, April 13, and tickets cost €15 and €12 for concession. For more information about The Woolgatherer, log on to www. thenewtheatre.com.

Mary Maguire and Joan Fleetwood


11 April 2013 Gazette 11

schools P14

dublinlife

asdfsdaf P27 the saturdays P15

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

Gazette

diary P12

recipe: search for Ireland’s top fish soup cook

Call goes out to all corners for country’s best chowder The people of Dublin are being called on to help represent their county at this year’s All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off in Kinsale this month. The Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Kinsale’s Good Food Circle are on the hunt for Ireland’s best chowder, and are calling out to all corners of the country to find a representative from each of the 32 counties to compete in the Cook-Off 2013.

Following on from the phenomenal success of last year’s competition; this year’s event is set to take place on Sunday April 21, in a bid to find Ireland’s top chowder chef. The cook-off will see a mix of 32 top professional restaurant chefs, fishermen and those producing popular commercial chowders, represent their county and compete for the coveted title of All-Ireland Chowder

Champion. If you think you’ve got what it takes, simply tell the Kinsale Good Food Circle why. Email maria@ kinsalerestaurants.com and in 50 words or fewer, explain why you or your restaurant deserves to fly your county’s flag. Closing date for entries is Monday, April 15. The final will take place on Sunday, April 21 and the winning chef will receive a customised tro-

phy and have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Newport, Rhode Island Great Chowder Cook-Off next summer. “Being renowned as Ireland’s gourmet capital, this competition offers the perfect platform to showcase the wealth of talent that exists amongst Ireland’s chefs when it comes to chowder recipes,” said Hal McElroy, chairman of Kinsale Chamber of Tourism.

Chef Peter Caviston testing the ingredients with Philip Sheffrey from Cavistons of Glasthule, at last year’s Cook-Off


Gazette

12 Gazette 11 April 2013

dublinlife

diary

Stand-up comedian and TV presenter Neil Delamere hitched a lift home in his wheel barrow helped by Fr Peter McVerry as part of the launch of The Long Walk Home Challenge

A grand walk home to raise €50k An Irish charity hopes to raise €50,000 through a fundraising event that follows the path of the Grand Canal between Shannon Harbour in Offaly to Grand Canal Dock in Dublin. Last week, the Peter McVerry Trust, the charity working with homeless youths, launched The Long Walk Home – Grand Canal Challenge. This fundraising event will take place over the May bank holiday from Friday, May 3 until Monday, May 6. Money raised will help provide services and support to those experiencing homelessness. Each night participants will stay in fourstar hotels such as Barberstown Castle which will be the scene of the celebrations to mark the last night of the walk.

On the final stretch of the journey on day four participants will step onto the replica Guinness barge, the MV Cadhla, and travel in style along the canal from Portobello to Grand Canal Basin. For more information visit www.pmvtrust.ie.

Georgian Museum shut until June 20 The Georgian House Museum on Lower Fitzwilliam Street temporarily closed its doors on April 5 and will only reopen on June 20 due to cost-saving measures. Once it reopens, the museum will be accessible to the public for 140 days this year. Storyboards will inform visitors of the history behind the beautiful townhouse. Number 29 Lower Fit-

zwilliam Street’s architecture and decorative style is very typical of the neo-classical period (1790-1820), apparent in such Dublin landmarks as the Customs House and Four Courts by the English architect James Gandon. For more information on the museum and for a virtual tour, you can go to http://www.esb. i e / m a i n / a b o u t- e s b / n u m b e r t we n t y n i n e / default.htm.

Major acting coach to lead masterclass One of the world’s most sought-after acting coaches is coming to Ireland this month to lead an acting masterclass at Dunderry Park, Trim, Co Meath. Having spent 17 years as senior teacher at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in Lon-

don, Dee Cannon has worked with a wide array of stars ranging from Jon Voight to the Spice Girls. Today, Dee runs masterclasses around the world and has penned many of her key ideas in a highly-acclaimed book, In Depth Acting. Pierce Brosnan described it as “a book for those who are just starting out on the path with a burning passion, and for those like me, who have come down the road so far and still need direction”. Suitable for both beginners and experienced actors, Dee will host a residential weekend at Dunderry Park from April 26-28. Weekend residential costs €250 for tuition, accommodation and all meals. For more information contact natasha@spiritoffolk.com.

Online search for talent for show A theatrical production company is, for the first time ever, hosting an online talent search for its show later this year. From the producers of Riverdance comes Heartbeat of Home, a new music and dance stage spectacular that will grace Dublin stages

this September. Producers are now looking for an abundance of dancers to star in the show. Irish, Latin (tango, salsa) , flamenco, Afro-Cuban (tap, lyrical) and street dancers are being asked to film their auditions and upload their video online. Performers are being asked to be original,

creative and put on a wow performance that makes them stand out from the others. The final date to upload auditions is April 26. Heartbeat of Home will be at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for 21 performances from September 25 until October 12. See w w w.hear tbeatof home.com for further information.

Dee Cannon is running an acting masterclass at Dunderry Park, Trim, Co Meath


11 April 2013 Gazette 13

Competition: 96% score for teams’ model application

Students secure their spot in national finals

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Six transition year students from Templeogue College have made it through to the national finals of an international competition to design and make a compressed air powered racing car model. F1 in Schools is a competition sponsored by the Irish Computer Society in partnership with Discover Science and Engineering and is open to all secondary schools. The six young south Dublin engineers in the making are called the Templeogue Superluminals. One of the team, marketing manager Brendan Maher, told The Gazette that the students submitted a five-page application form on their car and received 96% for their efforts. This high score launched the Templeogue Superluminals into the Leinster regional finals and now on to the

The Templeogue Superluminals have made it through to the national finals of an international competition

national finals on April 30, which will see teams from all over the country compete against each other to determine the best-engineered and fastest model car in Ireland. The Templeogue students will run a stand at the finals and race their car against other finalists in front of the general public. “To finance the building

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of the car we are required to obtain sponsorship through businesses. “We are also required to conduct a media campaign to raise awareness of our brand and we plan to donate 10% of any income we make to the National Council for the Blind and the Irish Deaf Society,” said Brendan. Team manager Sean Morrin said: “All six

members of the team have put in a tremendous amount of work, on the business end we have already secured sponsorship from local businesses and we have a very innovative car design.” The winner of the national competition will travel to Texas, USA in November to participate in the F1 in Schools international finals

against teams from all over the world.

Gazette

FEATURE

Over 12m eggs eaten at Easter Dubliners went all out this Easter chomping through an estimated 365,316 tonnes of chocolate, with Ireland consuming over 12 million Easter eggs and chocolate confectionery; an average of six per household. T h a t ’s a c c o r d i n g to figures released by Repak, which also say Irish consumers are breaking Easter packaging recycling records on previous years by targeting the recovery of over 22,500 tonnes of used packaging. However, despite the large amount of chocolate eggs being consumed this year, Easter egg packaging counted for less than 2% of all packaging generated over the Easter period. Repak reported that Irish households generated over 35,000 tonnes

of used packaging waste over the Easter period, with Dublin households generating 10,513,784 kilos of Easter packaging waste or 139 kilos of Easter packaging waste per household. Last year Dublin households recovered and recycled the equivalent of 5,860,000 kilos of used packaging over the Easter period. In 2012, Repak helped to recover and recycle over 21,000 tonnes of used packaging, an increase of 14% over 2011. This generated carbon savings of over 19,500 tonnes which is the equivalent of taking 10,058 cars off the road annually. After a record 2012, Repak is targeting the recovery of over 22,500 tonnes in used Easter packaging waste this year.


Gazette

14 Gazette 11 April 2013

dublinlife

schools

schoolLife

Get involved with our Gazette schools pages

CALLING all students! Dublin Gazette Newspapers continue to reach out to schools in our catchment areas so that we become a closer part of our community than ever before. Schools are the beating hearts of communities; one of the last places around which a community can gather. We want all budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards. For more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup.com or telephone Rob Heigh at 01 601 0240.

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE We have 142,000* 142,000 READERS IN readers DUBLIN ALONEin dublin

*based on standard industry measurements

*based on TGI-ROI 2012

To place an ad call our sales team on 60 10 240 or email sales@ g a z e tt e g r o u p. c o m

Dublin band inspire teenagers to talk about suicide prevention

Friends of Emmet: Using music and videos to help teens

Bidding to beat suicide A Dublin band are making headlines in the US and Canada, inspiring teenagers to talk about suicide prevention. Friends of Emmet, who have members from Dun Laoghaire and Cabinteely, are based in Los Angeles, having reformed in 2009, as bass player Keith Geraghty explains. “We were in a band in the late 90s, based in LA. Myself, Brian and

 paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

Mark [the singer and guitarist in Friends of Emmet] were living with the other two members of the band in a onebedroom apartment in Hollywood that had no air conditioning.

“It was like a pressure cooker, so we called it a day. “Then four years ago, we were asked to reform for a TV show that never came together. We started writing songs together over the internet and the first song was Coming Apart.” Coming Apar t has been a global hit since, with the lyrics echoing the story of Kevin Hines. Survive

Kevin is one of the few people to survive the plunge from San F r a n c i s c o ’s G o l d e n Gate Bridge. Hines’s stor y, captured in the documentary The Bridge, so captured FOE singer Mark Leddy that he penned the lyrics to the song immediately. Having been told the story of Hines, Keith set out to find him. “I just wanted him to hear the song. He’s a really good friend now and is a great guy. “Ever y thing that

we’re doing comes back to Kevin Hines standing on that bridge for 40 minutes with nobody asking if he was okay. “We want people to know it’s okay to talk if you’re not feeling good.” Kevin appears in the video for Coming Apart, which led to the song being picked up by a school organisation in New York: You Are Never Alone. Videos with the acronym YANA, all using Coming Apar t, have been viewed thousands of times on YouTube, with teens encouraged to write the acronym on their wrists. Using the music and videos is key to alerting teens to the presence of help agencies, says Keith. To that end, the band are campaigning to have logos and numbers for suicide awareness organisations put into school journals by law. “I was going into the Garda station and there were pamphlets for help organisations,

but by the time you get there, you’re probably too late. “I started thinking about the idea of the homework journal. Kids all have to go to school until they’re at least 15, five days a week for most of the year. Save lives

“Putting the number and logo [of help organisations] in the journal seems like a no-brainer. It would cost nothing to do because printers would have to do it, but it would save lives. “It would sink in, whereas it’s stuff that you can’t talk to kids about. They get interested in the Kevin Hines story and the song and the videos. “It’s really important that you speak the language of people who are that age, otherwise they won’t respond to it. “If they see it every day, they’ll know there’s help there.” For more on the band, visit www.friendsofemmet.com.


11 April 2013 Gazette 15

feature

Keeping up with The Saturdays  natalie burke

nburke@gazettegroup.com

DE S PI T E b e i n g i n the midst of celebrating their first ever UK number one, recovering from their recent trip to LA to shoot their reality TV show Chasing The Saturdays for E! Entertainment, as well as preparing for the birth of bandmate Rochelle’s first baby, The Saturdays still had time to visit Dublin’s fair city last week to help raise money for an important Irish charity. Four-fifths of The Saturdays – minus pregnant Rochelle – took to the stage at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre last week and performed to a sold out venue, raising funds for the Society of St Vincent de Paul. T he special charity event marked the first anniversary of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, and saw a total of €150,000 raised for the charity. Before the girls took to the stage however, they took some time out to chat to the Gazette about what they love about Dublin, why blonde bombshell Mollie King might be tempted by the Irish accent, and, of course, their first ever number one single. While Mollie sported a glitter sequin skirt, Vanessa White a red dress and Frankie Sand-

ford showed off her legs in a black playsuit, it was Tipperary native Una Healy that really stole the show thanks to a red ruffle skirt and an obvious excitement at being back in her home country to perform. “I love to come back and visit all the time. I think it’s definitely a place I’d like to return to one day. I always get homesick, even still!” she said. The 31-year-old, who gave birth to daughter Aoife Belle last year, said she was delighted to bring her baby back to Ireland for her first Christmas recently. “We’re over and back all the time, but one day I would love to live back here again,” she said. “We love [coming over to Dublin] because Una gets so passionate,” explained bandmate Mollie. “Each time we’re here, she teaches us a new fact. She loves to tell us what the Irish say and how they say it. She was teaching us today!” Putting on her best Irish accent she says “Thanks a million”, much to the enjoyment of her band mates. “How are you Mollie?” asks Una. “Well?” Mollie responds. “Oh no – that’s hello isn’t it?” she laughs. “I’m ‘grand’. I’ve learnt that one!” Missing bandmate Rochelle Humes, married

to JLS’s Marvin Humes, is set to be the second member of the band to become a mother. “It always feels weird when one of us isn’t here,” said Una. “It’s never the same, no matter who it is. She still has to have the baby yet so she felt she was at that point where she just couldn’t be on stage any longer.” When asked if she had any advice for Rochelle and her impending motherhood, Una said she looks forward to helping her friend learn the ropes. “For me, I’m still learning. I still feel like a new mum. When Aoife was born, myself and Ben had never even changed a nappy in our lives. Rochelle has seen how I’ve done it and I guess she’ll adapt whatever way she can balance it best herself. Together we’ll do it!” While keeping mum is on the agenda for two of The Saturdays, it seems the remaining band members are making no such similar plans any time in the near future. “T here’s always a rumour around – I’m married, I’m engaged - but no, not at the moment,” says Frankie. “Definitely not for a long, long time,” nodded Vanessa. “The ball’s in the man’s court. They need to ask us to marry and the guy

The Saturdays performed at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre without their fifth member, Rochelle Humes, who is pregnant with her first child

needs to ask me on a date, so we’ll wait,” said Molly, confirming once again that she is “just friends” with Prince Harry. When it comes to finding the right man however, she does admit she wouldn’t rule out a Dublin man. “I love the Dublin accent, definitely! The Irish accent is actually one of my favourites.” So for the moment, it seems all the girls can think about is their number one single, What About Us, featuring Sean Paul. “For any band it’s a dream to go number one all around the world but to be number one at home for four of the Saturdays was incredible. But we would love to be number one here definitely. Especially for Una!” said Mollie.


Gazette

16 Gazette 11 April 2013

dublinlife

Q&A

jim doherty, Doherty Flooring & Wood Products

Laying the foundation for a good business plan Doherty Flooring and Wood Products was established in 1999. Managing director Jim Doherty has over 40 years’ experience in the timber and allied trades. His fellow directors are his sons Gavin and Rory, who are both qualified carpenters, as are all their fitters.

Before setting up Doherty Flooring Jim was managing director of the James McMahon Group, Ireland’s largest timber importers. Jim began his career in McMahons as a junior in the office and became the first non-family director in six generations of the business, which was established in 1830.

How long have you been in business?

(solid and herringbone); carpets; decking (composite, solid hardwood and treated pine); doors, frames, skirting and architraves; banisters and stairs; wardrobes; made-tomeasure alcove units; kitchen refurbishment and radiator cabinets.

Doherty Flooring & Wood Products was established in 1999. We have extensive showrooms with all our products on display.

What makes your business successful?

We are a family-owned business with customer satisfaction to the fore. Every job is signed off, and we ensure that our client is satisfied in every way. More than 50% of our business arises from recommendations from happy clients.

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

Personal attention and an honest desire to fulfil our customer needs. We have the added advantage of being a one-stop shop for all their timber products and carpentry needs. We also recognise that, as well as customer satisfaction, our prices have to be very competitive.

Has the recession impacted your business?

Yes, very much so – activity has slowed considerably since 2008.

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

We have extended our range of activity. In 2008, our main business was supplying and fitting flooring. We now specialise in flooring (solid, semi-solid and laminates); junckers

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

Grant aid for home improvement. This would give an immediate boost to indigenous employment, as well as keeping activity outside the black economy. More activity would lead to more jobs, and more revenue for everyone. The Government spoke about this prior to the last budget, but nothing came of it. Hopefully, they will revisit it in the next budget.

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

Have just recently started [using such media]; too early to say how this will impact on our business.

What is your ambition for the business?

To continue to expand our range of activity. The recession has driven us forward in this regard. What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Keep a close and constant watch on your overheads and, to quote retailer Fergal Quinn: “The customer is king.”

business

Top tips on getting your CV read Some experts say that it takes up to six hours to construct the perfect CV. I think that’s a bit excessive, but not by much. There is a plethora of information and thousands of templates on the internet to help you; but a paint by numbers CV with no considered thought results in a bad picture. Unless you are absolutely adept at writing and amending your CV, don’t expect results from a document you only spent an hour on. You need to consider your presentation, format and content/language. Here are some presentation basics to keep in mind. Firstly, your CV should be no more than two pages in length. There are a number of exceptions eg academic positions. Find out what the standard is for your profession or industry and adhere to it. There’s no need to write CV at the top, it takes up too much valuable space and it’s stating the obvious. Leave out your date of birth and marital status. Use a conservative typeface and a font size no smaller than 11 point. Your CV should stand out because of its content, not because it is typed in Comic Sans on pink paper, and yes, I have come across a CV presented in this manner. Spell your qualifications correctly. You would be amazed how many university graduates think they have a Batchelors degree. Computer spell-checks are not good enough. They’re fine for an initial clean-up,

but I guarantee that if you read over your CV carefully three times, you will find three more mistakes. Write in bullet-points. Recruiters and employers don’t have time to read through paragraphs of text, no matter how well it’s written. Don’t include referee contact details unless they are specifically asked for. These are great sales leads for recruitment consultants and headhunters, but they waste space that you could be using to sell yourself. Instead say “excellent references available”. Add a header to each page in the top right-hand corner with your name and number, in case the first page of your CV is misplaced. All of the above are extremely simple to achieve. Do this and from the outset, you are signalling to an employer that you are a credible candidate. In today’s labour market, getting your CV read is half the battle.  Rachael Kilgallon is a qualified career coach and founder of

The Career Hub. Contact Rachael at hello@thecareerhub.ie or visit www.thecareerhub.ie.

launch: importance of keeping business local

Bathroom Boutique ranges from modern to traditional A South Dublin business has launched its new bathroom showroom in Churchtown, which is now open to the public. Bathroom Boutique, located at Earlscourt Industrial Estate in Churchtown is run by Robert Prestage, who has over 25 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry. He ran his own company in Cape Town, South Africa, before moving to Dublin 13 years ago. What was meant to be a holiday soon turned into a big career move before the holiday was over, Robert was working for a couple in Shankill and ended up staying in Dublin. Prestage Plumbers and Renovators was established soon afterward, with the business going

from strength to strength. Robert’s latest business venture is the new showroom at Bathroom Boutique. Designed and fitted to the highest standard, it is influenced by styles and concepts from Europe’s leading brands, such as Duravit, Merlyn, Catalano, Grohe, Scanbad, Aqualisa, Geberit, Elements, Isa Bagno, Fiora, Roca, Jika, Clearwater, Gessi, Mira, Crosswater, Bette, Sonas, Heritage and many more. Products range from contemporary to traditional and everything in between. Customers will find a wide range of baths, wet-room showers, shower enclosures, washbasins, toilets, furniture and a large selection of tiles. It specialises in retail and offers full installation

Bathroom Boutique in Churchtown

service and maintenance service by their sister company, Prestage Plumbers and Renovators. Bathroom Boutique’s ethos is based on delivering superior quality and outstanding service. Products are sourced through Irish companies, mindful of Robert’s belief

in keeping business local. The official opening of Bathroom Boutique takes place on April 13 between 11am and 4pm. For further information on the event, contact Bathroom Boutique on 01 2156075, or log on to www.thebathroombou tique.ie.


11 April 2013 GAZETTE 17

MUSIC P23

ASDFSDAF P27 TRAVEL P24

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

GAZETTE

MOTORS P22

Pets CAN YOU GIVE BOBBIE A NEW HOME?

Starring as the legendary actor in the titular Oliver Reed – Wild Thing at the Pavilion Theatre, actor and writer Rob Crouch (main) had help from Reed’s son, Mark (inset)

THEATRE: THE LEGENDARY OLIVER REED IS CELEBRATED IN A NEW ONE-MAN SHOW

Wild Thing to delight you  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A REAL movie great is coming back to life this month at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire. Oliver Reed – Wild Thing is a new, one-man play that depicts the whole life of the flamboyant character and actor who is now as famous for playing Bill Sykes in 1968’s Oliver! as he is for playing out his own rambunctious character in bars and on chat shows throughout his 100-film career. The Gazette spoke to Reed’s son, Mark, who was in Dublin with the actor and writer of the new play, Rob Crouch. Rob co-wrote the piece with his friend Mike Davis, and has studied Reed’s life, character and mannerisms

to an uncanny degree of accuracy. Mark and Rob were publicising the play together and, although they had never met before the play, have since become fast friends. Rob said: “I wasn’t a big fan of Oliver Reed before this, but I am now. I wanted to dramatise the life of a real character, and he seemed the most ideal.” With Mark along as an invaluable resource, Rob’s depiction of the rebellious English actor has all the more authenticity. “I play Reed from a four-year-old boy up until his last days, as he relates the story of his life to an audience in the form of barstool anecdotes. “I wanted people to feel like they had actually met him in person, and that was a big challenge, theatrically.

“Reed was a film actor who eschewed the theatre, so his method was all about the close-up, and stillness and soft-spoken danger. I had to project and magnify all this for the theatre.” Mark is still taken aback at the level of his father’s appeal. “It’s almost 14 years since his death, and people are still fascinated by him. “Women loved him not only for his masculinity and dangerous unpredictability, but also because he had a real softness and a perfect polish when he behaved himself. “It would have been interesting to see what would have happened after [his final film] Gladiator.” Rob told the story of Reed’s decision to play the old gladiator, Proximo, after

some advice from director Michael Winner. “He told Reed: ‘You have to have a last act’, and he was right – [Reed] hadn’t played an older character, and he was a real gladiator in life himself. “I always think of that role like he was giving advice to the younger actor [Russell Crowe] about how to tackle life,” he said. Reed is buried in Cork, his final home. “There was never any question about that. He was going home to Cork, and there is always a fresh pint or gin and tonic [there] for my father,” said Mark, with a smile full of his dad’s old mischief. Oliver Reed – Wild Thing premieres in The Pavilion Theatre on Wednesday, April 24.

THE Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Bobbie, a seven-year-old female German Shepherd. This beautiful older lady thinks she is still a little puppy and loves when the lead appears, ready to head off on an adventure. Bobbie has become a regular helper in the training and behaviour adviser’s office in Dogs Trust, is always on hand to give a warm welcome to visitors, and even sings a little song when the photocopier starts going! This lady missed out on exercise and stimulation in her life, therefore it is so important that her new owners are looking for a dog that they can help get back on all four paws. If you think you are that special person, then please contact Dogs Trust at 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 11 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT Accessorize Corsage Upbrim Floppy €34

Myleene Klass for Littlewoods Animal Print Briefs, €18 and Underwired Bandeau Bikini Top

Penneys €10

Awear €25

Penneys €17 Heatons €14

Accessorize Neon Salinas Tote €59

Bring on Summer! Next €18 Myleene Klass for Littlewoods Belted Bikini Set, €30 Next €40

APRIL is here and it’s already making us feel like there is hope for the summer. It may be a bit chilly, but once the sun makes an appearance there is no stopping us. Even if the weather decides to take a turn for the Arctic, summer dressing is still an essential look, so this week Gazette Style is getting that Summer Feeling and showing readers what’s available this season. Model wears: floral crop top €11, floral print shorts €13, two tone sandals €18, sunglasses €1.50, bracelet €3 – all available in Penneys.


11 April 2013 Gazette 19

Unlock the power of oats with Aveeno Dry skin can cause major upsets to adults and children alike, so Aveeno Dermexa has unlocked the power of oats to help soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive dry skin. This product is suitable for adults and for babies as young as three months. It can be very irritating for babies to have dry skin, as it leaves them with little itches that can lead to bigger upsets. Unique

Aveeno Dermexa is made of a unique formula that contains oat extracts and ceramides that help to prevent the recurrence of extremely dry, irritated skin with regular use. This product is used in two simple steps as part of a daily routine.

The first step is to try Aveeno Dermexa Soothing Emollient Body Wash. T his is used for gentle cleansing. It is then followed up by Aveeno Dermexa Soothing Emollient Moisturising Cream to help soothe irritated skin and help to restore

and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Babies’ skin can become dry and irritated throughout the day, so it is recommended by Aveeno to re-apply their Soothing Emollient Moisturising Cream to help keep babies skin moisturised and hydrat-

ed all day. For happier babies, r e l i e ve d m u m s a n d soothed dry skin, try Aveeno Dermexa. Available from leading pharmacies nationwide: Av e e n o D e r m e x a Soothing Emollient Body Wash €9.39 – this creamy body wash is specifically formulated to gently cleanse without over drying. Leaves skin clean, softer and soothes the discomfort and itching sensation of dry skin. Ave e n o D e r m e x a Soothing Emollient Moisturising Cream €12.10 – soothes and moisturises very dry, irritated skin. It moisturises skin for 24 hours, reinforces the skin barrier and provides relief from the discomfort and itching sensation of dry skin.

Summer make-up goes bold and beautiful Yves Saint Laurent showcases its summer look and it is glowing with shades of violet, bronze, coral and gold. The fashion and beauty expert launched its latest look, and unsurprisingly it is bold and beautiful. The look is a matte complexion, sunset eyes, sensual lips and bold coloured nails. Get the look with YSL creative director make-up artist Lloyd Simmonds: Sunset eyes: The Marrakesh Sunset Palette contains warm shades gilded by a Saharienne sunset. For day, mix the brown and rosy shades for a smoldering nude look. At night, apply the violet in a smoky effect and add a touch of

gold to the inner corners of the eyes to brighten your look. Lip fever: To enhance a matte complexion and add an ultra sultry touch to the lips use Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre N°115 Brun Sultan. Nail tension: With the face made up in a variation on nude shades, an exciting contrast is created with nails in strong colours, full of personality and fantasy. Green, violet, taupe, on the beach and in the city, they give radiance to the look and allow you to create matching twinsets on fingertips and toes. The YSL summer collection will be available from May.

Gazette

STYLE

Indulge in a So Yummy Chocolate and Hazelnut Delight hot wax from Brazilia Easter may be over, but it doesn’t mean we still can’t indulge in the greatness of chocolate and be treated to a Chocolate and Hazelnut Delight hot wax. Yes, you heard right, chocolate waxing. The So Yummy Chocolate and Hazelnut Delight hot and strip waxes from Brazilia have proven popular over the Easter holidays, and beyond. Indulge the senses with both the smell and the feel of this wax - really who doesn’t like the smell of chocolate? Cocoa is known for its antioxidising effect due to the presence of Vitamin E, so it is relatively pain free waxing. Moreover, it prevents skin dehydration by supplying litheness, softness and tonicity. It suits all hair and skin types too. Brazilia salons aim to make their customers feel pampered and cared for in a relaxed environment. Each

treatment room features an individual decor with plump beds for comfort. The chocolate and hazelnut fragrance double action oil and the soothing lotion allow for complete treatments using quality products. Brazilia salons also use Lycon, Australia’s premier wax. Lycon uses the conditioning properties of azulene, aloe vera, chamomile, rose and lavender – all beautifully combined to soothe and exfoliate. Brazilia salons are located at 50 South William Street, Dublin 2 (01-6750000) and 4 Sandyford Office Park, Dublin 18 (01-2934858).

Tantalising new Roger and Gallet lotion Roger and Gallet have launched a new body lotion with a tantalising fragrance of blood orange. Lait des bienfaits is the latest product from the company who brought us Eau des bienfaits. The product’s amazing fragrance is inspired by the refreshing citrus fruits of an Italian garden and uplifts the senses, while the lotion hydrates, nourishes and soothes. It is absorbed quickly and contains natural active ingredients that are paraben-free and colourant-free, making it a gentle yet effective part of body care routine. Five

red berries including cranberry, pomegranate, blueberry, blackcurrant and cherry provide antioxidant benefits. Aloe vera is used to hydrate and soften, while kiwi extract acts as a thirst quencher for the cells and has been added to the formula to help improve the skin’s suppleness. Ginseng extract provides a strong stimulating effect and the signature blood orange tantalises and invigorates. Lait des bienfaits costs €14.75 – 200ml and is available in selected Marks & Spencer beauty halls and independent pharmacies.

Don’t forget to send in your style question for our Style Q&A with Littlewoods Ireland Ambassador, Caroline Morahan. The Star Question will win €50 voucher for Littlewoods Ireland. Email style@gazettegroup.com The next Q&A is out April 25.


Gazette

20 Gazette 11 April 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929

Blaze Away! The Incredible Story of Josef Locke JOSEF Locke was one of the most popular entertainers ever in Ireland and Britain in the 40s, 50s and 60s. His story was immortalised in the film Hear My Song which was a huge international success. The Incredible Story of Josef Locke chronicles the scandalous life of the Derry born singing legend who performed in no less than five Royal Variety Performances, such was his popularity. April 13, tickets €22/€19.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Big Maggie

ANOTHER classic from one of Ireland’s best loved playwrights, John B. Keane’s play Big Maggie is set in rural Ireland in the late 60s. Maggie Polpin has just buried her husband, and after 30 years of suffering his waywardness, she sets about laying down the law for her grown-up children. April 18, tickets €15.

Mill THEATRE Dundrum 01 296 9340 For Club and County

DESCRIBED as a sure-fire hit Seamus O’Rourke’s latest play follows a desperate manager’s efforts to win the county football final and end the team’s 23-year run of bad form. Their only hope lies with their dual star player Ritchie Browney. April 17 tickets are priced at €16/€14.

The girls channel their inner Lindsay Lohan on a particularly wild night out

review: The most deliriously brilliant teen movie of the year

Mental breakdown EVERY now and then a film comes along that seems so mental that it demands to be seen. T h i s y e a r, S p r i n g Breakers takes that title for a number of reasons. First, it features the next steps by two Disney starlets, Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez. Secondly, it is effectively the major Hollywood debut of Harmony Korine, the intriguing and slightly bonkers director of Mister Lonely and Trash Humpers. Thirdly, it features James Franco wearing a grill made entirely of silver teeth, his hair in cornrows and wielding two hand guns at once. If the name Harmony Korine means nothing to you, that’s not particularly surprising. His particular brand of mind-bending weirdness has been pretty

Film of the Week: Spring Breakers h h h (18) 94 mins Director: Harmony Korine Starring: James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine, Jeff Jarrett

 Paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

much confined to the States for much of his career, though he did pen the 1995 indie classic Kids. How weird you ask? Take this synopsis of an unreleased film called What Makes Pistachio Nuts? about a pig named Pistachio. “The film was to take place during a race war in Florida and have a boy who would saddle the pig, put adhesive on its feet, climb up walls and throw molotovcocktails. “It was going to be my masterpiece,” Korine comments. The script burnt in a fire and Korine spent $11,000 trying to recov-

OUR VERDICT:

EASILY the most insane teen film that you’ll see this year. Or any other year for that matter. Seeing former Disney stars tear up the rulebook on-screen is satisfying, though not the only attraction here. Franco, who has done an excellent line in weirdness in recent times, is on top form as Alien, the hip-hop caricature who acts as the catalyst for the girls’ descent into madness.

er it from his computer. This came after he had spent a number of months with illusionist David Blaine making a quasi-snuff film which revolved around Korine getting into fights with unsuspecting members of the public. After six fights, he was hospitalized and abandoned the project. L u c k i l y, S p r i n g Breakers takes all of his talent and finds it concentrated. In a way. For this is no straightforward story of a group of girls on spring break. It is not, in any way, a female Hangover.

It is a lurid, frenetic and really quite violent film that shifts gears from hedonism to nihilism in a seemless manner at the close of the second act. T he biggest problem that the film does encounter, however, is the shallow characterisation of its leading ladies. Only Gomez’s Faith is properly convincing in her role as the God-fearing girl caught between her Lord and Alien, Franco’s absurdly fun rap-artist/criminal/ father figure to the four girls.

From their initial meeting with Alien, a pervading sense of dread fills the film. As the film careens, seemingly unstoppably, to its inevitable ending, Korine ratchets up the doom, signing scenes off with the clicking of a gun. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t expect the third act to come off the rails completely, such is the early set up. It just feels like a film that will lose itself in a bloodbath or a sermon. Luckily, Korine manages to avoid either and still keeps the absolute insanity rolling right along. Having already turned in over six times its $2 million budget, there is no doubt that Korine will be in high demand. Whether the next film features a pig, we’ll all just have to wait and see.


11 April 2013 Gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING a shambling tie-in: THE WALKING DEAD: SURVIVAL INSTINCT

Should Walker away from it ANOTHER Walking Dead game? Deja-vu for readers, or perhaps I should say, zombie-view. Definitely not to be confused with the acclaimed, multi-award-winning Telltale 2012 game, The

Walking Dead: Survival Instinct (TWD:SI) is

developer Terminal Reality’s stab at taking a bite at some of the zombie apocalypse fun, with this cross-platform title. Unfortunately, it’s more of a shot in the foot than a shot in the arm for gamers, as I’ll get to. But first, let’s examine the pedigree of the game, before the game’s zombies (Walkers) stroll, stagger and lurch into view... Based on the same setting as the cult hit TV show of the same name, TWD:SI is a prequel, using the popular red-

 shane dillon

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

getting ready to visit los santos Grand Theft Auto V’s cover art revealed

Perhaps Merle Dixon here is pointing at some of the excellent games that gamers have been privvy to so far this year – alas, he’s trapped on a rooftop in a dull game that looks like it was rushed out six or seven years ago. (Sorry, Merle ...)

neck brothers from the show, Daryl Dixon and his tough-nut big bro, Merle (both voiced by their actors, Norman Reedus and the incomparable Michael Rooker, respectively). While TWD has been presented by other developers as, say, a complex adventure story, or a Facebook social strategy game, amongst others, here we’re presented with a marginally innovative first-person shooter. After all, creeping around a zombie-infested world from a FPS view-

BYTES&PIECES

gamers make their mark on classic FM Legendary games composer put on Hall of Fame 2013

RADIO station beloved of just about every taxi driver I seem to end up with, Classic FM has just seen the singularly brilliant games composer Nobuo Uematsu (right) parachuted in to third-place on the listener’s Hall of Fame 2013 list. Uematsu-san even beat the likes of Beethoven in the top five, with the Japanese driving force behind much of the music in the exhaustive Final Fantasy games continuing to wow gamers, and, latterly, a wider range of music fans, with his diverse range taking in orchestral scores to J-pop. Kudos, too, to Jeremy Soule – who I’ve also featured here before – for being the second (and only other) games composer on the list, at fifth place, with his Skyrim score.

BYTES&PIECES

point should be a natural fit, right? Sadly for Daryl and Merle, the Dixon boys’ world has a lot more problems than just zombies to contend with. Obstensibly following the brother’s attempts to survive in an apocalyptic America (in the period before they would meet the fellow survivors at the start of the first series of the hit TV show), TWD:SI follows primarily Daryl, aided by Merle, as they scavenge resources, explore, press forward and occasionally meet

other survivors, all the while trying to avoid – or eliminate – Walkers. With familiar scavenge/ escort/eliminate missions to undertake, and with slight – I said, slight – freedom in how to approach situations, it’s a standard FPS that has a familiar resonance with the show. Stay silent, don’t attract lots of Walkers, distract them with noises – Daryl and Merle (and you) know the score. Fans will certainly appreciate some of these efforts that Terminal Reality have taken to capture the essence of the characters, and the show’s general setting. Unfor tunately, the game’s problems are obvious from the get-go. Frankly, it’s one of the most visually unappealing titles I’ve seen in a while. Uninspiring environments. Lifeless textures (no pun intended). That’lldo levels of animation and character design. And, worst of all, even

for a game primarily built around zombies, the game’s AI is particularly brainless, with danger tending to come from clumsily implemented strength-of-number scenarios rather than expressly from the enemies themselves. Considering the stunning games we’ve been treated to recently – and while games certainly don’t need amazing graphics to impress, by any means – it’s very hard not to see TWD:SI as a cheap-and-not-so-cheerful rush job. When presented with such an underwhelming title – and one that looks like it was bashed out several years ago, I might add – it’s hard not to shrug at yet another missed opportunity to make a great film/TV show tie-in with more than just a rudimentary lick of paint over the game. Much like the show’s and game’s Walkers, this is one to avoid ...

AS A long-term gamer, there are few things more depressing than when you’re playing games that are designed expressely for adults, only to note that some six- or seven-year-old kid is running around in that game’s violent mutliplayer modes. Parents! Can you really be so unconcerned about what kind of violent game Little Timmy may be playing, or what kind of potentially-weird people he’s playing with, online? Dear oh dear – what a depressing thought ... On the other hand, something that cheered me – and many other gamers – right up is the sight of the recentlyreleased artwork cover for Grand Theft Auto V, which is inching ever closer to its September 17 release. Once again following the strong graphic design of previous GTA title covers, it provides a knowing nod at some of the characters, gameplay elements and ancillary details to be found within the game’s pretty vast “Los Santos” version of Los Angeles. With an awful lot of gamers looking forward to visiting Los Santos in September, here’s hoping that Little Timmy won’t be one of them ...

mouse house moves on star wars

Large-scale job cuts, projects on hold at LucasArts THERE was (possibly) a great disturbance in The Force this week with the news that Disney, owner of LucasArts – the games wing of Star Wars, to put it simply – has announced large-scale job cuts in line with a fundamental shift in LucasArt’s importance to the Disney group. Not only that, but a number of titles in development – including the heavily-promoted Star Wars 1313 – have also been put on hold, which could make their eventual completion about as likely as an Ewok version of Hamlet. While anything associated with Star Wars is still more or less a licence to print money, the Star Wars games haven’t quite been warmly embraced by many, and LucasArts titles haven’t had the same critical acclaim in recent years as many older titles since its founding in 1982. With Disney happy to promote LucasArts as a licensing model rather than as an internal development wing, it’ll be interesting to see what’s next for the august brand ...

appealing new CORE for apple?

New IOS rumoured to feature radical overhaul LAST but not least, idle chit-chat has it that Apple are working on a pretty different, overhauled mobile OS with its upcoming IOS 7. Perhaps given the sharp rise of other phones in popularity, for example (cough Samsung products cough), Apple are expected to slightly reinvent the wheel with a new, somehow even slicker interface. Let’s hope they don’t get pipped to the post by any rivals ...


22 Gazette 11 April 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Kearney launches Audi Bespoke Sales Event Audi Ireland is going the extra mile this April and offering its customers a selection of bespoke offers to suit every Audi driver. Effective until April 30, the Audi Bespoke Sales Event will take place at Audi dealerships across the country, giving motorists the opportunity to avail of exceptional savings on a range of limited edition packages. Audi brand ambassador and rugby star, Rob Kearney, was on hand to officially launch the event which is currently taking place throughout the country. Audi is also offering a personal contract plan (PCP) which is available to both existing and prospective customers, offering low monthly rates and a guaranteed future value on the vehicle. Orna Conway, general manager of product and marketing at Audi Ireland, commented: “We are delighted to be in a position to offer these special edition packages. Customers visiting our dealerships from April 5 will enjoy unbeatable savings on Audi models that have been specifically built with this unique sales event in mind.”

Rob Kearney

This is a car with everything in terms of looks, but it also drives like a dream

Mazda6 Sport Tourer: an unforgettable driving experience

Well-made, user-friendly and smartly styled… n Cormac Curtis

Micra - Mini Marathon’s official car: Nissan have announced a threeyear partnership to supply the Nissan Micra as the official car for the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon. The Nissan Micra has been and still remains one of Ireland’s most popular city cars with just short of 100,000 Micras sold in Ireland since its launch in 1983. 2013 is the 30th anniversary of the Nissan Micra, and the association with one of the sporting highlights of the summer being a fitting tribute to celebrate the car’s continuing success and popularity. As part of the partnership a

fleet of vehicles will be supplied to the event organisers to assist with the vast operational requirements involved in running one of the largest women’s events of its kind in the world. In addition, Nissan will also be giving away a special edition Micra 30 to one lucky entrant in this year’s race. All entrants in the marathon will be automatically entered into a competition to win the Micra when they register for the event. The Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon takes place this year on Monday, June 3 at 2pm. Full details of the competition and how to enter it is available on www.nissan.ie

They say the secret to entertainment is to always leave them wanting more. If this is true, then Mazda has seriously hit the nail on the head with the new generation Mazda6, and the version that tickles my fancy in particular is the Sport Tourer. Most of the time those lucky enough to write about cars as part of their working life, get to try out the models they drive for a week at a time – unfortunately, I was left short when it came to the Mazda6 Sport Tourer. Just before the weekend – which is when I usually get to give the cars a proper going over – I had to hand the keys of the Mazda6 back

without properly putting it through its paces. Having enjoyed the Tourer for about five days, all I can say is that it is arguably the most perfect car in terms of per formance, looks, practicality and value for money in this country. What are my reasons for such an accolade? Well, for starters, Mazda’s looks have reached an all-time high. They call their latest approach KODO - Soul of Motion, a design theme inspired by the movements of animals in the wild – and the look for all new generation Mazdas. Mazda believes it has captured KODO’s purest essence in the all-new Mazda6, the production model born of the Mazda Takeri concept first showcased at the

Tokyo Motor Show in late 2011. It combines a muscular anatomy and vitality with a functional allure that is certain to gain broad market appreciation – and a level of quality that sets it apart. And the quality feel of this car is yet another pinnacle for Mazda. Materials, design, feel, all simply hit the mark. Switches and controls are positioned for optimum usability, and the symmetrical gauges (with clean white lighting replacing the current model’s red and the addition of LED backlighting) inspire enthusiasm as soon as you get behind the wheel. But despite its proximity to the cockpit, the front passenger environment engenders peace of mind. The seats, especially

at the front, have a simple, contoured shape with a w raparound sports car feel providing vertical, longitudinal or lateral support when it’s needed. Leather upholstery (perforated in the middle for better sound absorption and breathability as well as texture) comes in sporty yet warm offwhite with matching stitching, or black with red stitching, which subtly shows off the rich textures and details. Tastefully coordinated and expertly crafted, Mazda’s interior designers achieved an instantly recognisable level of high quality and elegance that truly match the sporty yet distinguished exterior. Just look at the pictures of this car to appreciate how much individ-

ual character and beautiful design are at play. In a word, gorgeous. This is a car with everything in terms of looks, but it also drives like a dream. With less weight, a lower centre of gravity and low rolling resistance tyres, the Mazda6 gets even more from its SKYACTIV engines and transmissions. For exceptional linearity and responsiveness, and an unforgettable driving experience, exceptional fuel efficiency included. Sporty yet civilised is what you get with the new Tourer. The Mazda6 starts at a very competitive €28,745 for the Executive Spec saloon, with the Sport Tourer kicking off at €30,095. Engines range from a 2.0-litre petrol to a 2.2-litre diesel.


11 April 2013 BLANCH gazette 23

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Rush to judgement at last for Canucks The Sheepdogs self-titled major label debut is a real revelation, combining a variety of influences to maximum effect

review: shaggy-dog songs and classic sounds for 2013

Trial by rock ’n’ roll

The best band you’ve never heard of come from Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is vast, and the Canadian prarie province is home to major cities like Saskatoon and the magnificently named Moose Jaw. Straight outta Saskatoon have come the equally magnificently monikered Sheepdogs, who ventured forth and brought their brand of classic downhome rock ’n’ roll to the masses. Building a sizeable fanbase in their home country, and winning the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys for Best Rock Album, Best New Group and Single of the Year last year, The Sheepdogs are on

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

a roll. Somewhat appropriately, they couldn’t be there on the night to collect their honours, given that they were on tour with one of their undoubted heroes and major influences, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival. That success came on the back of their previous independent release, Learn And B u r n , w h i c h s aw a fine set of songs being honed to rocking per-

fection and the band’s clear love and respect for The Beatles on display throughout. Their self-titled release is the band’s major label debut on Atlantic records, home of such rock luminaries as Led Zeppelin, Cream and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and considering their style and sound, there is no more appropriate home for these puppies. Listening to this on your car’s sound system is like shutting the modern world outside a n d t i m e - t r ave l l i n g back to the golden age of 70s radio, such is the pristine classic rock on offer here. Opening with a Creedence-recalling

(and unironically titled) Laid Back, this eponymous effort delivers a perfect encapsulation of the post-60s rock scene, with a twist of psych and a bowlful of sweet melodies. It doesn’t linger or meander into the realms of noodly eightminute jams, it delivers just as much as it needs to, which leaves you wanting more. Feeling Good has a huge fuzzy rolling vibe reminiscent of Black Keys’ Lonely Boy, and that is no small wonder, with the album produced by the Keys’ Patrick Carney. Carney has clearly coralled the band to play to their undoubted strengths, and this continues throughout

the record. The CSNYesque Ewan’s Blues, with its harmonising vocal and bluesy stroll, is a mid-paced highlight, and the band’s capacity to slide effortlessly into other styles is demonstrated on tracks like Javelina (an acidflecked jazz workout) and on the treble threat of Is Your Dream Worth Dying For?, How Late How Long and Sharp Sounds, where the band pull all the threads of their various influences together to create something fresh but ver y, very familiar. They might not be hip, but they sure are groov y. T he Sheep dogs deserve to be the soundtrack to your fleecy moments.

Just one week to go until a massive wrong is put right! The 28th Annual Rock and Rock Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place in Los Angeles on April 18 and, for Rush fans, that day will mark the end of a long campaign for justice. The Canadian trio of Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson will finally be making permanent waves in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after a 14-year wait. And if you’re thinking, well they don’t just let anyone in there, they sometimes do. The Hall of Fame, since its foundation in 1986, has inducted 279 artists and bands, or 701 people in total - one of them being Neil Diamond, so you see making excellent music isn’t a given. What artists do require, however, is an album that is a quarter-of-a-century old. Musicians aren’t eligible for the Hall of Fame until 25 years from the release of their first record, but with Rush releasing their self-titled debut in 1974, they’ve been eligible for induction since 1999. The reason for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions on any given year seems to be a bit of a mystery, with many music fans asking why some bands and artists haven’t made it while others are in more than once. Eric Clapton’s solo career along with his work with The Yardbirds and Cream has earned him a hat trick of inductions, while Beatles John, Paul and George are each in twice for both their solo and Beatles’ music. At least Rush fans can sleep easy after this year’s ceremony, and watching the band being inducted by Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters should be the icing on the bittersweet cake. Justice will be done! Dee Woods presents Nova Nights on Radio Nova Mon-Fri 7pm-12am & Sundays 12-2pm Follow her on Twitter @radeeoh


OUT&ABOUT

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TRAVEL

Perfect sunshine getaway in Turkey

IF you are looking for the perfect getaway for the June bank holiday weekend, why not catch a few rays of sunshine in Turkey. WingsAbroad, the Turkish holiday specialists have some great offers on departures from Dublin for the week of the June Bank Holiday. Departing Dublin on June 2, 2013, stay at the three-star Melissa Apartments in Kusadasi on a self-catering basis from only €329 per person, the three-star Sami Beach Hotel in Gumbet on a B&B basis from just €389 per person, or the Special Category Kaseria Hotel, Gumbet on a B&B basis from only €369 per person. The prices stated include return flights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation as stated, return airport transfers and charges. Prices are per person and are based on two people sharing. For more information or to book, check out www.wingsabroad.ie, call 01 8719444 or contact your local travel agent.

Gather together at Lisloughrey Lodge THERE’S no Gathering as memorable and fun as the gathering together of family, relatives or friends, so to celebrate the Gathering 2013, Lisloughrey Lodge are offering a special designed to allow you to do just that. Gather your favourite people together to enjoy a two-night stay at the lovely Lisloughrey Lodge, which is set on 10 acres of woodland estate overlooking the beautiful Lough Corrib. The package is based on a booking of four deluxe courtyard rooms, and includes breakfast each morning and dinner for your party in Wilde’s Restaurant, where head chef Jonathan Keane is deservedly earning a name for himself as one of the best chefs in the west. The Gathering 2013 package is available from €165 for two nights’ B&B and one evening meal, based on a minimum booking of four bedrooms, each with two people sharing. For further information, call 094 954 5400 or see www. lisloughreylodge.com

TRAVEL

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 11 April 2013

REVIEW: CLARION HOTEL OFFERING PRE-SUMMER PACKAGES

Enjoy a weekend of indulgence in Sligo

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

I RECENTLY enjoyed a two-night stay at the remarkably imposing looking Clarion Hotel in Sligo. Our small party was given a very spacious suite comprising two rooms with three beds, a bathroom and a wide entrance hall. Indeed it was more like a one bedroom apartment than a hotel room. The style and layout of the suite suited our purposes to a T. On our first night we had dinner in the lovely Sinergie restaurant, which was full of family atmosphere. I had a vegetable strudel, which was a flaky pastry parcel of vegetables in a red spicy sauce. It was a really delicious vegetarian meal which is always the test of a talented chef. My companion had pork in a sticky gravy sauce and mash which she enjoyed thoroughly. The two children, one 16 and the other nine, enjoyed cod on a bed of pesto mash and chicken nuggets and chips respectively. The youngest child was well taken care of and the staff engaged her in direct conversation on matters of food and drink reference which I found quite refreshing and unpatronising. The hotel’s Kudos bar was our next stop and again, the place was full of families and the ambience was very relaxed. After the children went to bed at around 9pm, we stayed up for a while as the music took us back to

The stately Clarion Hotel in Sligo and one of its comfortable and family-friendly suites

the 80s and 90s with many favourites piped into the lounge all night long. The following night in the bar, there was a singer and musician to entertain the crowd. The next morning we were offered breakfast in bed. When the trays arrived at our door, we were treated to complimentary extra portions all round as there had been an earlier mistake with our order. I thought this a nice touch My companion and the 16-year-old then decided to check out the shopping in Sligo town while I went to the pool with the nine-year-old. Essence Spa and pool is a lovely haven of calm ambience and gorgeous treatments to relax the

hotel’s guests. The pool was small but perfect for our needs and there were very few using it. The nine-year-old, who cannot swim, even felt comfortable enough to try using one of the floats provided and under my instruction had her first swimming lesson. Later that afternoon, we all went to visit the famous Rosses Point to see the sad bronze statue on shore of the lady reaching out to sea in a vain lament for her relatives who have been lost at sea. The statue was very moving to behold and we were all moved by the inscription on the plaque about the strength of the local people over the years in the face of tragic loss.

We then went to have hot whiskeys in the Yeats Country Hotel as the day was ferociously wild and the wind whipped us indoors to a glorious fire. As we made our way up the long driveway back to the Clarion, we took in the beauty of that stately edifice built in 1847. The history of the building was intriguing as it started out as a great workhouse and then became a psychiatric hospital before settling into its present occupation as a luxury hotel. In its heyday in 1883, St Columba’s Lunatic Asylum held 1,100 inmates. The hospital closed in 1992 and remained so for 10 years before the Clarion group took it over and

pumped €45 million into its refurbishment. There are currently a number of good deals on offer at the Clarion in Sligo. Pre-summer packages include a twonight bed and breakfast, with one evening meal for €109 per person, or a three night B&B with two nights’ dinners for €175 per person. Weekend rates of two-night B&B with one evening meal is available at €139 per person. There are even cocktail-making classes on offer for the exuberant lassies. Sounds like fun to me! For more details and prices or to book, contact the Clarion Hotel in Sligo on 071 9119000 or email info@clarionhotelsligo. com.


11 April 2013 blanch gazette 25

blanchRECRUITMENT Dun Laoghaire Tourism Information officer: Job description We are looking for a Tourism officer to develop and promote tourism in Dun Laoghaire in order to attract visitors and produce significant economic benefits for the local area.

Typical work activities As well as maintaining visitor services and attractions, the tourism officers will be involved in strategic planning and development. Their work involves liaising with the public and with local and public agencies, as well as behind-the-scenes preparation and planning.

Typical activities include • Producing tourist information, including art work, and writing press releases and copy for tourism guides /newsletters; • Setting up and attending exhibitions and holiday shows when needed; • Organising special and seasonal events and festivals; • Devising and planning tours, and arranging itineraries; • Liaising with local operators, the media, designers and printers; • Managing budgets and staff training when needed; • Ordering products and services; • Providing funding and business advice support and sending e-newsletters to local businesses; • Developing e-tourism platforms, including websites, and constructing business databases; • Writing and presenting reports for management; • Product development; • Talks to local parties, community groups and schools, and handling media enquiries. • Undertaking market research with members of the public and visitors to particular attractions; • Supporting the local tourism industry through providing promotional opportunities;

Salary and Working Hours • Excellent Salary and full time contract

Requirements Candidates are required to have: • Local knowledge; • Positive attitude • Will to engage with visitors • Tourism management; • Archive and museum studies; • Business/management; Candidates will need to show evidence of the following: • Flexibility; • Resourcefulness; • The ability to produce a quality product on a limited budget; • Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; • Creativity; • An eye for design; • IT skills; • Local knowledge and a lively interest in the sector.

Anyone who may feel that they fit this role can please contact Conal Keaney on 087-980 3201. No Recruiters or Agencies please

Nurse Manager - Elderly Care South Dublin This elderly care facility in South Dublin are looking for a Nursing Home Manager for their facility in Blackrock to ensure the home delivers a commercially viable quality services which meets HSC, legislative and organisational requirements.

100+ IT jobs all across Dublin interviewing now! •For Java contact Louise on 01-6694044 •For Network contact Wes on 01-6694045 •For QA contact Alan on 01-669406 •For C++/ .Net contact Coman on 01-669408 •For Inside Sales contact Emma on 01-6694051 www.AllenRec.com info@allenrec.com

This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading software solutions company. Top daily rates available If interested in applying for this position please forward your CV to Glenda@simpsonstech.ie If Interested in this role and available for immediate interview please forward your CV for consideration to matron@homecarehealth.ie

UI/UX Designer. Dublin Southside. One of the fastest growing companies in Ireland’s telecoms industry is looking for an experience UI/UX designer. Essential Skills •5+ Years experience in UI/UX design for customer facing websites •3+ Years experience working with flash, HTML, Adobe CS, CSS, JavaScript AND HTML5 •1+ Years experience working on mobile and facebook apps •Must have EU passport •Fluent English at International Level. If interested in the above position please forward your CV to Anita@appsandroid.ie No Agency assistance please


26 BLANCH GAZETTE 11 April 2013

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INSIDE: St Brigid’s GAA sets up camp and HIGH NOTE: Frank McNamara plays has summer fun P2 to raise funds for Temple Street Page 3

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Second level school breaks mould ďż˝ LAURA WEBB

EDUCATE Together opened a new chapter this week when its long-awaited second-level school model became a reality for Blanchardstown West parents. Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn announced 14 new post-primary schools for 2013 and 2014, with Educate Together having patronage of a new school in Blanchardstown West and a joint patronage with Co Louth VEC in

Drogheda. Over the past decade, ET has been progressing to open its first second-level education school. Michael McLoughlin, chair of the Dublin 15 ET Secondlevel Campaign Group, said: “We are delighted. After all the hard work parents in the area have put in, the dream that our children will be able to attend an ET second-level school is to become a reality.� Full Story Next Week

Too Cul: Action-packed week at GAA Camps for children RYAN AND SAM ENRIGHT of Naomh Peregrine enjoy a day out at Kellogg’s Cul Camp, which included a visit from Dublin stars Eamon Fennell and Bernard Brogan. Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps provide boys and girls – between the ages of six and 13 – with

an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays. This revolves around maximising enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic games. Picture: Ian Fleming

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Planning permission is sought by E.P. Lynam Properties Ltd. for development of a residential institution (nursing home) on lands at Scribblestown Road, Ashtown, Dublin 15. The development proposed relates to Local Objective 580 of the Fingal Development Plan 2011 – 2017 which seeks to “provide for a residential institution (nursing home)‌â€?. The development will comprise of a two-storey split level (part single-storey/part two-storey) building consisting of 85 no. bedrooms with associated ancillary/common facilities and office/administration areas. The development also provides for 53 no. car parking spaces, 1 no. new vehicular access onto Scribblestown Road, 2 no. pumping stations, 1 no. ESB substation, upgrading of sewer network and footpath along Scribblestown Road, landscaping, and all associated site development 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 during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (â‚Ź20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application. 18015

PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL We, Rory and Sandra McCullagh intend to apply for permission for development at 30 Broadway Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The development will consist of the construction of an extension to the side of our dwelling at first floor level over the existing garage incorporating a bedroom and bathroom facilities; a single story extension across the front of our dwelling and increasing the width of the existing vehicular access entrance to the site. 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 during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of â‚Ź20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of this application. 17999

PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

We, D. Kelly, A. Kelly and V. Burakova, intend to apply for planning permission for widening of existing combined vehicular access to create 2 separate vehicular entrances at front of nos. 10 & 11 St Brigid’s Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. 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 during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20 Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application. 17996


11 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 27

ciaran carr foundation 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 lucan to be out in fore-ce:

Attending the GAA e-Learning portal launch at Croke Park were Dublin hurler Johnny McCaffrey and referee Maurice Deegan. Picture: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

supporting sport: gaa online initiative brings resources to community

Sporting portal launched to help local volunteers and clubs The GAA has last week launched a learning and development community portal to support people who are actively promoting Gaelic games both within the association and across the educational sector. GAA volunteers make up 42% of all sports volunteers in Ireland, while the association employs over 300 fulltime officers to supplement organisation and development. The portal will provide an additional means of providing key resources and information to support members

and non-members in their various capacities. The website, found at learning.gaa. ie, will be used to publish e-learning content and resources from the association’s coach, referee, player and administrator development programmes, as well as providing an opportunity for registered users to share and learn from one another. The portal, built with Enovation Solutions, an Irish integrator of open source software, uses the popular Moodle eLearning product, and will

also be used to publicise local events and information relevant to the various development programmes, by presenting calendars and news to members based on their club registration. Uachtaran Cumann Luthchleas Gael Liam O’Neill launching the portal said: “Our mission statement clearly identifies us as ‘a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation’, and in this regard it is essential that we support our members to participate to the best of their

ability in whatever role they aspire to. Central to this is increasing access to key resources for our active members. “This development, using cutting edge information technology, will allow individuals to learn at their own pace, from home or school, and in tandem with the great work of our coach, referee and comhairle (administrator) programme tutors on the ground we aim to provide a ‘blended learning’ solution in tune with best practice in education in the 21st century.”

THERE will be a healthy Lucan golf club contingent taking part in the Brabazon Trophy at Formby GC in England from June 26 to 29, following the selection of the six Irish competitors for the tournament by the Golfing Union of Ireland this week. The team will be managed by Lucan’s Tony Goode, while Richard O’Donovan is on the list of players along with Gary Hurley (NUIM), Dermot McElroy (Ballymena), Rory McNamara (Headfort), Chris Selfridge (Moyola Park) and Reeve Whitson (Mourne). Past winners include Sandy Lyle, Gordon Brand Jnr, Ronan Rafferty, Peter McEvoy, Peter Hanson from Sweden and Charl Schwartzel from South Africa.

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 BLANCH Gazette 11 April 2013

SPORT Ireland pipped to cup honour

FastSport

soccer: scotland take bob docherty title on goal difference

Seminar on new Garda vetting rules:

Dun LaoghaireRathdown and South Dublin County Sports Partnerships and the Irish Sports Council are organising an information evening for sporting clubs in the area to help them understand the new regulations regarding Garda vetting for sports clubs. This seminar, which takes place at Bewleys Hotel, Leopardstown, on Monday, April 22 from 7 to 9pm, will set out to answer questions such as these that many sport clubs have. Experts from the Irish Sports Council and a national sporting body will outline the procedures sports clubs are required to take to ensure all appropriate volunteers and coaches are vetted, and to address any questions. Admission to this seminar is free, but places are limited and you must preregister at www. gardavettingseminar. eventbrite.ie.

 sport@gazettegroup.com

The Republic of Ireland Under-15 girls, featuring a number of Gazette Country players among the extended squad, were pipped to the Bob Docherty Cup title last week by Scotland on a goal difference of one. The five-nations international soccer competition, which was held in Shaw’s Bridge in Belfast throughout the week, saw Ireland make impressive showings in all of their outings, winning their opening match against Wales 4-0, before a trio of 1-1 draws against England, Northern Ireland

and Scotland seeing them level on points with their Celtic neighbours. Only goal difference could separate them, which saw Scotland’s narrowly superior tally declare them the winners. Team boss Richelle O’Neill’s charges’ win against the Welsh in their opening encounter saw two goals in either half give Ireland maximum points out of the blocks. Sinead Ryan gave the Republic the lead on the 10-minute mark with a strike from close range. This lead was doubled when Roma McLaughlin headed home inside the box following a cross

Ireland’s Under-15 girls were impressive and organised in their four matches in the Bob Docherty tournament which was held in Belfast last week

courtesy of Swords native, captain Jamie Finn from St Finian’s CC. Jessica Nolan got her name on the score sheet with Ireland’s third goal on 41 minutes, and Lucan student Eleanor Ryan Doyle headed home a ball into the box from Nolan on the stroke of full time. The Republic of Ireland had a tougher test as they took to the field on Tuesday afternoon against England. The starting 11 saw Dearbhaile Beirne replace Lucan’s Niamh Farrelly. This was a physical game that saw the Irish under pressure for long periods of the first half. Ryan Doyle was unfortunate not to convert her effort goal bound as she went one on one with the Eng-

lish keeper early on. However, the deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Natasha Fenton converted from a set piece to give England the advantage. The Irish made a positive start in the second half as centre half Erica Byrne from Balbriggan got her head onto an excellent delivery from Nolan, only to see her effort go just wide. The equaliser came seconds from the final whistle as the industrious Jessica Nolan swept the ball into the danger zone from the final corner kick of the game, and an own goal from Amber Tullett saw a deserved draw as the result. McLoughlin was on hand to give the side

another late equaliser when they faced Northern Ireland in their third match of the cup, meeting another Nolan cross and beating the keeper to bring the sides level once again, as they had against England. Going into the final day’s matches, Scotland, England and Republic of Ireland were all in with a chance of clinching the trophy, locked on five points apiece, with Scotland ahead of Ireland by a single goal on goal difference, with England two further back. The sides were inseparable in the first half but Republic of Ireland took an early second half lead to move into pole position when Jamie Finn hit a cross into the box

which found Ryan free at the back post to open the scoring. However, Scotland’s Amy Gallacher chose a fine time to strike her first goal of the tournament, levelling the scores and ensuring Scotland would finish above their finalday opponents on goal difference. This result meant England needed a win to come out on top, but Wales chose the final day to pull off their best performance of the tournament, beating England 3-1 to send the championship to Scotland. However, it was the Scots’ 5-0 win against Northern Ireland that proved the difference between the teams in the final reckoning.

FAI brings Soccer Sisters football to Fingal Girls’ football was in focus over the Easter weekend, with the running of a number of the FAI Aviva Soccer Sisters camps. In Fingal, over 250 girls took part in camps in Balbriggan, Blancharstown, Malahide, Lusk and Skerries, representing the next generation of stars while the Under-17 and Under-19 sides were in international action in Austria and Holland. The biggest FAI camp in the country took place in Balbriggan at Gormanston

College, with 86 girls taking part. The Aviva Soccer Sister Easter camps in Fingal were strategically linked to local clubs to assist them in increasing their girls’ participation within their club. Commenting on the camps FAI/Fingal development officer Paul Keogh said: “This year saw our most successful girls’ camps in Fingal to date. It is fantastic to see clubs such as Malahide United, Skerries Town, Balbriggan FC, Lusk

United, Rush Athletic and Stamullen FC being so proactive and supportive of the camps. Each has a training program linked to the camp where the girls can continue to play for their local team. We are currently finalising a number of FAI girls-only festivals over the summer which proved such a success last year. It is also great to hear clubs such as Home Farm and Swords Celtic are keen to add girls football to their clubs. It should also be mentioned that without the

support of local authorities in this case Fingal County Council, these camps would not be possible” Malahide United’s girls’ training programme continues every Saturday in Gannon Park from 1 to 2pm. Malahide United are continuously looking for new girls to come along and experience soccer with the club. For more information on the Malahide United girls training programme, contact Michael O’Hara on 086 854 8592.

Some of the girls who attended the Soccer Sisters camp last weekend


11 April 2013 BLANCH Gazette 29

Gazette

A force for good in Ciaran’s honour

Round Tower player Ciaran Carr died at a training session last year. His family have launched a bold new initiative to make sure such a tragedy can be prevented in future In January last year, Ciaran Carr collapsed and died while training with Round Tower in Clondalkin. This unexpected and tragic event brought Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) to the forefront of the minds of many in the local community and beyond. Last week saw a new initiative launched that aims to ensure that a tragic case like Ciaran’s never happens again. The Ciaran Carr Foundation was launched at Croke Park by Dublin senior football manager and Round Tower man Jim Gavin, alongside Ciaran’s parents, Gemma and Philip Carr, who are the driving force behind the foundation. Speaking to Gazette Sport last week, Philip explained the purpose of the foundation. “The foundation has

 rob heigh sport@gazettegroup.com

been established to ensure that a tragedy like Ciaran’s does not happen within our community again. “We are launching this initiative to not only honour Ciaran but also in the hope of making a tangible difference by informing people about SADS, and also by educating them about how to deal with it. “We want as many people as possible, especially those involved with teams, to know how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and how to perform CPR. We’d encourage clubs and teams to have defibrillators on site, that it

is known where they are and people know how to use them. “At Round Tower, at our home venues at Moyle Park, at Monastery Road and at Corkagh Park all have AED devices. The senior team carry a portable defibrillator with them.” In addition to AED training and provision, the foundation aims to encourage the screening of every player at a club at least every two years, which consists of each playing member completing a GAA approved cardiac questionnaire and in turn being screened by a medical professional. Round Tower incorporated the health questionnaire into their annual enrolment procedures recently, and initially, Philip and the foundation are keen to ensure that all players from

Pictured at the launch of the Ciaran Carr Foundation at Croke Park last week are Dublin footballer Kevin O’Brien, Ciaran’s parents Gemma and Philip and Dublin football manager, Jim Gavin. Picture: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE

Under-12 to minor level receive the opportunity to avail of health checks should the results of the questionnaires return anything that may suggest an underlying health condition. The foundation also wants to set an example

cal training.” Unfortunately, it can take a tragic case like Ciaran’s to show the lack of medical facilities and training in amateur sports. “Ciaran’s case is not the only one that happened last year. There were cases

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

‘We set up the foundation to honour Ciaran and make a tangible difference by educating people about SADS and how to deal with it’ - Philip Carr --------------------------------------------------------

for other clubs, regardless of the sport, as Philip explained. “Although the foundation has been set up in conjunction with the GAA, it’s not a GAA foundation. It can help out with any sporting body, and we would be delighted to help out any sporting organisation and work with them on developing their procedures so they can do a similar thing. “We would love to see as many AEDs out there as possible, in accessible locations, and those who have trained with them, who are managing teams, that it is ingrained in the back of their heads that they know it is there and how to use it. “If it were up to me, I would ensure that everyone involved in sporting clubs had a level of medi-

in Mayo, in Kilkenny, in Cork. We were driven to do something positive. If we can highlight SADS, if we can somehow get a thought into a young person’s head to say something to an older person or an adult or a mentor if they are not feeling well, then we are making a difference. “Young people feel they are invincible, and they don’t think they could have heart problems. But as we know to our cost, they do. “By setting an example to other sporting clubs and organisations we hope they will come on board and join in our battle.” For more information on the foundation and its aims, see the Ciaran Carr Foundation on Facebook, or email ciarancarrfoundation@gmail.com.

FastSport

Take part and win with Gazette Sport and SPAR Great Ireland Run Dublin Gazette Newspapers have teamed up again this year with the SPAR Great Ireland Run to recognise the top runners in each of our local areas. The Gazette will recognise the fastest man and woman from each paper’s circulation area with a specially designed plaque as well as prizes of sports gear. After the run, we will also be publishing a results list of the top local male and female finishers. The SPAR Great Ireland Run 2013 will take place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 14, at 1pm. Up to 12,000 entries are expected and every adult entrant will receive an exclusive technical T shirt as well as a medal and a generous goody bag after completing the run. Entries can still be made online at www. greatirelandrun.org, and from Thursday, April 11, at Lifestlye Sports in Blanchardstown.

Dokter bringing his cure to Irish national soccer Dutch national coach Ruud Dokter has been appointed the FAI’s high performance director, it was announced last week. Dokter has wide-ranging international experience, most recently with the KNVB, the Dutch football association, where he held a variety of senior coaching positions at men’s U-15 to U-21 level, as well as coaching the senior women’s team, and has built up a wealth of experience in delivering the world famous Dutch model of player development. Dokter will oversee the non-senior international men’s programme, the women’s senior and underage international programme, coach education and player development. Speaking about his appointment, Ruud Dokter said: “I am really looking forward to taking up the role of high performance director for the FAI. I will be getting involved in Irish football at an exciting time for the game here with the emergence of many promising young players and solid performances at underage international level.”


Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 11 April 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: dublin 15 side denied place in final after defeat

Get the bowling bug at Westmanstown WESTMANSTOWN bowling club will hold their annual open day on Sunday, April 21 from 2 to 6pm. People can drop in at anytime to the fourhour event and enjoy a free afternoon of bowling in the Westmanstown Sports Centre in Clonsilla, with the bowls and other equipment provided. There will be coaches to offer guidance and light refreshments are also provided. It is a great opportunity for people who have never tried bowling. The afternoon promises to be lots of fun. You can turn up on the day or contact one of the club captains in advance — Kevin Byrne on 086 1204507 and Bernadette Ui Dhuill on 086 881 3682 — for more information. Captain Kevin Byrne said: “We hope to have lots of people there on April 21 as we are convinced that once you try the sport of bowls, you will see that it is a great game both socially and competitively.”

Corduff pair called into Irish Under-15 panel CORDUFF’S Ismael Diallo and Jean Yves Poame have both been included in the Republic of Ireland U-15 panel to play two friendly internationals against Finland in Dublin next week. The Irish will meet the Finns on Tuesday, April 16 (7pm) at the Oscar Traynor Centre in Coolock then meet again on Thursday, April 18 (12 noon) with manager Niall Harrison set to use 25 players across the two matches. “Some players will

feature in one game and some players will feature in both games,” explained Harrison, whose side are unbeaten this season, seen off the international challenges offered by both Juventus and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and having drawn with the Aspire Academy and Brighton and Hove Albion in development matches. “We’re looking to build and continue on what we’ve done so far this season - to continue playing the way we’ve been playing and hopefully winning the games which is part of the development process too.”

Bluebell capitalised on their chances to take their place in the FAI Intermediate Cup final, defeating Phoenix FC in a hard-fought encounter

Phoenix fall in flames in cup FAI Intermediate cup Bluebell United Phoenix FC  carl duffy

2 0

sport@gazettegroup.com

PHOENIX FC were denied a place in the FAI Intermediate Cup final last week when they were unable to get the better of a well-organised Bluebell United in an even and hardfought semi-final at the Red Cow. Both LSL Sunday Senior sides were virtually at full strength for the game and it had all the drama and excitement you would expect from a cup semi-final.

The first half opened up tentatively with neither side giving much away. Bluebell though looked the more composed of the two sides and had their first chance when the experienced Trevor Molloy was denied a goal at the near post by Phoenix keeper Tadhg Murphy. W i t h 15 m i n u t e s played and the home side continuing to press, Bluebell were rewarded for their efforts. Trevor Molloy showed his experience to open up space for himself on the edge of the box, where he was able to pick out his cap-

Supporting soccer Mountview receive cheque from politician Mountview Boys and Girls FC, repre-

sented by Johnathan Ronan, were celebrating last week after they received a cheque from local Sinn Fein representative Natalie Treacy to assist in the purchase of a new training kit for the club’s Under-8 side. The club have 15 teams ranging from Under-8 to Under-17 who compete in the DDSL, and an Academy section for kids aged four to seven. For more information, log on to www.mbgfc.ie.

tain Glen Madden, who turned his marker and fired an unstoppable effort past Murphy. The Dublin15 outfit found themselves a goal down, but they responded with Gareth Cooney and Sean Gleeson leading the charge. But they were unable to open up a clear goal-scoring opportunity past a well-organised Bluebell defence. Both sides had penalty appeals turned down the first coming when Molloy’s cross was cleared by Victor Eakenam. The home side claimed it struck an arm, but the match official adjudged

it to be accidental. Minutes later Phoenix had their claims turned dow n when Cooney went down inside the area following a challenge by Adrian Harper, with the official again waving away the protests. F r o m t h e r e s u l ting goal-kick, Bluebell played a long ball into the Phoenix penalty box. With the Nix defence looking to have it under c o n t r o l , B l u e b e l l ’s Shane Stritch jumped highest where his glancing header proceeded to loop over both Eakenam and Murphy right into the roof of the net to put

his side two goals to the good. With the first half drawing to a close, Bluebell found themselves down to 10 men, when goal scorer Stritch was sent off, and left everything to play for in the next 45 minutes. The second half failed to live up to the action packed first, Bluebell putting all their men back and sitting deep in their area of the pitch, a tactic which clearly was effective as the Nix despite the best efforts of Cooney and co were unable to find a way back into the tie as the match drew to a close.


11 April 2013 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

County board defer football fixture plans  sport@gazettegroup.com

THE Dublin senior and inter football first round dates have been deferred f o l l ow i n g a D u b l i n county board decision this week. The opening phase of the competition was due to be played this week but Dublin’s continued involvement in

the national leagues playoff phases in both football and hurling saw the board push back the fixtures to allow the senior panel full access to their players for these key games. Should Jim Gavin’s footballers lose at the semi-final stage of the NFL, first round fixtures will be moved back

to the week of May 8-11 but if the Dubs fall at the semi-final stage, games will be played from April 24-27. With the new dates, the county board are hopeful of having at least one round of the SFC and IFC played before allowing Gavin three weeks to prepare for Dublin’s opening

Leinster championship date on June 1 against Carlow or Westmeath. Speaking about the decision, board chairman Andy Kettle said: “There were two things we had to look at. There was player welfare and the second thing was club availability before a knock-out championship.”

hurling: russell park sides’ comeback wins

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s IT WAS a weekend of comeback wins

New members and families welcome.

in the league for our inter and jun-

Contact Paul on 087 915 4748 or email

ior hurlers, as well as our junior C

info@stbrigidsgaa.com.

footballers, who came back from

Club lotto is in Myo’s on Friday

15 points down to beat Raheny by a

evening. Jackpot remains at €15,000

point in the cup.

and the reserve will be €2,000.

Great wins also for our inter 1, 2

Watch out for our new fitness

and junior A footballers, as well as

classes in our new High Perform-

the minor, U-15 and U-14A and B hurl-

ance Centre. Full memberships for

ers.

gym now available online.

Congratulations to Tadhg Brana-

Best of luck to our adult ladies

gan on his handball finals win last

football teams who begin their

weekend.

league campaigns this week, while

2013 membership is now overdue. Any player without their member-

there is also a full round of AFL fixtures.

ship paid will not be allowed to train

Annual golf classic takes place

or play for insurance reasons. Any

on May 24 in Royal Tara. Morning

member with issues regarding mem-

and afternoon slots available, €100

bership can contact our club secre-

per player or €400 per team, meal

tary, Mary O’Connor, at maryaoc@

included. Contact Phil Kelly on 086

hotmail.com. The club nursery for

773 3693 to book your place.

four- to seven-year-olds continues

Congratulations to Alan Nolan and

this Saturday morning (and every

the Dublin hurlers on their great NHL

Saturday morning) from 9.30 to 11am.

final win.

st peregrine’s A great day was had by all last Sunday in the club at the Gaelic for Mams blitz. Thanks to Aileen and Charlie for organising it. There were good wins last week-

St Brigid’s hurlers also recorded victory against Round Tower at Russell Park last week by 1-17 to 1-04

Brigid’s hurlers back in business in league

AHL 5 St Brigid’s 0-14 St Oliver Plunkett’s 2-6  sport@gazettegroup.com

St Brigid’s intermediate hurlers got their league campaign off to a winning start in Russell Park last week after they fought back in the second period to beat local rivals, St Oliver Plunkett’s. The visitors started the better and goaled midway through the first half, but scores from Keith Morris and Brendan Lyng kept the score board ticking over, before a second Plunkett’s goal with the final action of the half

saw the home side trailing by five at half time. Undeterred, the home side went on to dominate the second half, led by the free-taking of Kieran O’Sullivan, before points from Brian Mulcahy and Willie Madden edged the home side in front. The final few minutes saw some stout defending, with Cormac O’Meara, Glen Markey and goalkeeper Ciaran Cahill keeping Plunkett’s at bay with several vital blocks. The result will set up the side well ahead of their opening championship match in two weeks’

time. Meanwhile, in AHL 7, St Brigid’s juniors’ newlypromoted league winners got their league campaign off to a great start with a comeback victory over Whitehall Colmcilles. It was very much a game of two halves. Whitehall dominated the first half, leading 1-8 to 0-6 at half time. Brigid’s came out a different team in the second half and the momentum of the game began to change following a great save from Brigid’s keeper, Tim O’Leary. His long clearance to Damien Fitzsimmons led to Brigid’s

first goal, which lifted the home side and left three points between the teams. Neil Plunkett added a point from a free and two more goals from Fitzsimmons had the home side in a strong position as the game entered its final quarter. Whitehall fought back to reduce the margin to four but were met with strong resistance from Brigid’s half back line of Aaron Carolan, Ciaran Dunne and Rory Dunne, who dealt with the threat from Colmcilles, ending on a score of 3-12 to 1-14.

Finian’s in Rivervalley at 10.30am. A l l s u p p o r t we l co m e fo r a l l games. The Penguin Waddle is coming soon; stay tuned for details.

end for the senior and junior A foot-

Membership is now overdue. Play-

ballers, The adult and minor hurlers

ers are only allowed to play and train

were unlucky in their games.

after they have paid. Please contact

There is a big week of adult games

your team mentor for details.

ahead: Seniors take on Cuala on Main

Club lotto was not won. Numbers

Pitch on Saturday at 6pm. On Sun-

drawn were 5, 20, 26 and 27. Next

day, the junior As are home to Bar-

week’s jackpot is €3,800.

rog at 10.30am, junior Bs are home to St Monica’s at 12pm, and junior Cs are away to Lusk, also at 12. Our minor footballers take on St

Entertainment in the club this week is from The Mutts. Bingo is on Wednesday at 8.30pm and the jackpot is €950.

westmanstown gaels The ladies were the only club team in

town on Sunday morning to Fingallians

action last week when they started

with a 10.30am start.

their season with a good away win in

It was a busy weekend for the Gaels

the cup at Clontarf. In a closely-fought

with the U-8s hosting their annual blitz

encounter, they succeeded against

in Westmanstown. Thank you to the

the home side by a point on a scoreline

coaches and parents involved.

of 2-6 to 1-8. Their first league fixture

The U-11s completed their grading

of the season against Lucan Sars-

league with another win. The U-11 and

fields takes place in Westmanstown

U-13 girls fought hard in their league

this week.

encounters but lost to Ballymum and

Ladies training continues on Saturday mornings at 9am and on Mondays at 7pm.

St Monica’s respectively. A big thank you to club GPO Declan Jennings and his team of mentors for

Both the men’s intermediate and

making the GAA skills Easter Camp a

junior teams resume their league

week of fun and frolics for all involved.

campaigns next weekend, with the

Almost 100 children participated over

intermediates away to Garristown on

the week from Clonsilla, Lucan, Clonee

Saturday evening with a 6pm start,

and Blanchardstown. See www.west-

and the juniors at home in Westmans-

manstowngaels.ie.


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

back in business: St Brigid’s inter and junior hurlers start season with series of league wins P31

April 11, 2013

Ciaran’s legacy: Launch of new foundation to prevent SADS in sport P29

Olympic double gold medallist at 5,000 and 10,000 in 2004 and 2008, Kenenisa Bekele will be in action to defend his title in the Great Ireland Run this weekend

Race legends in the park Gold medallists, marathon and cross-country champions converge on Phoenix Park for the 2013 SPAR Great Ireland Run this weekend  sport@gazettegroup.com

DOUBLE Olympics gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele will be the star attraction at this year’s Spar Great Ireland Run next Sunday in the Phoenix Park. The Ethiopian returns to the city looking to defend the title he won a year ago in a course record time of 27 minutes and 49 seconds, adding to a glittering list of wins during his career. He claimed the Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 metres doubles on two occasions, 2004 and 2008, and was fourth place finisher in the London Olympics last year. As such, he is considered by many as the greatest distance runner of all time is the current world record holder at 5,000 metres and

10,000 metres. He took a break after London and is now focusing his training on qualifying for and then competing in the World Championships 10,000 metres in Moscow in August. Dublin represents an important phase in his preparations for his qualifying bid in the US next month, but he will face a stern test as he defends his title against current world 10,000 metre champion and fellow Ethiopian Ibrahim Jeilan, who has a personal best time of 27 minutes and two seconds. He will also face the rapidly improving Australian Collis Birmingham who finished in eighth place in the World Cross Country Championships last week, Abderrahim Bouramdane from Morocco, fourth placed in the 2011 World Championships marathon and

nine times European crosscountry champion Sergiy Lebid of Ukraine. The home challenge will be led by Mark Kenneally of Clonliffe Harriers, Ireland’s top marathon runner and 2012 Olympian, and Paul Robinson (St Coca’s AC), the fastest Irish 1,500 metre runner in 2012. On the women’s side, Fionnuala Britton has had to withdraw from the event due to fatigue following a long, successful cross-country and indoor season. After consultations with her coach, she has decided that a very competitive road 10k at this time could adversely affect her preparations for the forthcoming track season and she has regretfully decided not to compete. Defending champion Gemma Steel of Great

Britain will still face a very stiff challenge from Ireland’s European Championships gold-medal team members Linda Byrne, Ava Hutchinson and Lizzie Lee. Meanwhile, as part of the SPAR Great Ireland Run’s commitment to keeping athletics in the public eye, an elite men’s mile has been added to the event programme and will precede the 10k run on Chesterfield Avenue in the Park. This new race will bring competition out of the stadium and is intended to make the sport more accessible. The mile will feature 15 top runners from Ireland and Britain including Robinson, Colin Costello, and former European Junior 1,500 metre champion, Anthony Whitehead.


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