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castleknock • Blakestown • Hartstown • Tyrrelstown • Laurel Lodge • Corduff • Mulhuddart • Ongar

INSIDE: To Russia With Love founder Debbie Deegan on how she escapes the mayhem of her hectic life P15

Soccer:

St Mochta’s to face Cork City in FAI Ford Cup Page 30

beatlemania: ‘Paul McCartney’ tells us about their upcoming Bord Gais gig P19

Baby’s first step: Giraffe calf walks in to Dublin Zoo dublin Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its animal kingdom recently, as a male Rothschild giraffe was born on Wednesday, May 7. The giraffe calf was born in the zoo at 11.10pm to experienced parents Maeve and Robin, and stands 1.7 metres tall and weighs 70kg. He made his first outside appearance on Monday, May 12, and joins a herd of eight giraffes at the Zoo. Less than 670 Rothschild giraffes exist in the wild.

Picture: Patrick Bolger

Hurling:

Erin Go Bragh bounce back in championship Page 29

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE................... 13 OUT&ABOUT.................. 19 CLASSIFIEDS.................24 SPORT............................25

Men appear in court over taxi hijacking Pair remanded on bail of €100 and ordered to appear at court on June 6

 Laura Webb and Bairbre NiBhraonain

Two men have appeared in cour t charged with the hijacking of a taxi in Laurel Lodge last week.

Andrew Byrne (28) from Fortlawn Avenue, Clonsilla and Ross Cahill (19) from Portrane Road, Donabate, appeared before Blanchardtown District Court on May 9.

They were charged in connection to the hijacking of a taxi in the early hours of May 8. They were arrested on the Howth Road at about 3.20am.

Both men were detained

at Blanchardstown Garda Station. They appeared in court on May 9 and were remanded on bail of €100 and have been ordered to appear at Blanchardstown District Court on June 6.

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4 BLANCH Gazette 15 May 2014

dublin GAZETTe grants New supports for Fingal enterprise newspapers i n f o r m at i o n Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes seven weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from the city centre to Dun Laoghaire

Online initiative a boost for business

 laura webb

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Hiromi Mooney picturedesk@dublingazette.com Group Advertising Manager: Conor Mahon cmahon@dublingazette.com Direct Ad Sales Manager: Tatum Rooney trooney@dublingazette.com Advertising Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@dublingazette.com

Find us on

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

THE Fingal Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has officially opened, with grants set to help 25 small businesses get online trading.

Mayor of Fingal Kieran Dennison (FG) joined the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton in Swords this week to officially open the LEO office, which serves the entire Fingal area, including Dublin 15.

To coincide with opening of the LEO at County Office, which replaces the Fingal County Enterprise Board, news that a new online trading voucher is in line for small businesses in Fingal to help them start trading online was also announced.

Under the Online Trading Voucher scheme, 25 small businesses will be able to spend up to €2,500 on this voucher (or up to planning Notice fingal county COUNCIL

We, Paul and Veronica McPar tlin intend to apply for planning permission at No. 5 Hayworth Drive, Ongar Park, Dublin 15. The development will consist of the conversion of the existing car port at the front of the dwelling into a study and games room at ground floor level, site works to include modifications to the steel railing on the front boundary of the property, extend dishing of existing public footpath, relocating the gas metre and all associated and ancillary 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 Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

20810

a maximum of 50% of the relevant costs) to develop or upgrade their websites, or to roll-out digital marketing strategies.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Bruton said: “The Fingal LEO will deliver more services and better services to the start-ups and small businesses across the county that we rely on to create the jobs we need – with more staff and more funding. Today is a good day for business in Fingal.”

Funding for the new LEO is provided by Enterprise Ireland, under a service level agreement with Fingal County Council.

Oisin Geoghegan, head of the Fingal LEO, said the new online trading voucher scheme is just one example of the types of services that local start-ups and businesses can now access.

He said: “The needs of small businesses and start-ups are ever-changing, and the range of support services available locally is also changing,

At the official opening of the new Fingal Local Enterprise Office were its head, Oisin Geoghegan, who praise a new online trading voucher scheme for local start-ups and small business. He was joined by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton and Paul Reid, Fingal county manager

to meet those needs.

“Through the LEO, we’re helping to create a positive entrepreneurial environment, where small businesses can succeed and employment will be created.

“Through the new voucher scheme, we’re encouraging more small business owners and new start-ups to reap the business benefits of trading

online. Research shows that small- to mediumsized businesses with a stronger internet presence can grow faster and export more goods and services,” he said.

Also speaking at the launch, Cllr Dennison said: “This council is taking a lead role in driving Ireland’s growth and employment in the years ahead.

“Suppor ting small business is crucial if an entrepreneurial culture is to develop and thrive, and Fingal LEO will be of a key element of this support,” he said.

Further information about the enterprise supports available to small businesses and new start-ups in Fingal is available at http:// www.localenterprise.ie/ Fingal.

The deadline for applications under the new Online Trading Voucher scheme is June 1.

Paul Reid, Fingal county manager, said: “Fingal LEO will be at the frontline [in] assisting business growth and jobs, providing direct support and pulling together all the players – agencies, the council and the private sector – to support everyone with a good business idea, and strengthen the enterprise sector in Fingal.

“With Fingal LEO [in] Fingal County Council, I know we can offer a more streamlined service for clients,” he said.

15 May 2014 BLANCH Gazette 5

promotion

projects: highlighting crucial work carried out by Irish Aid

Fridge freezer left out in the cold

Fingal schools into aid award finals  Keith Bellew

THREE schools from Fingal have been selected from hundreds of entries for the regional finals in the Our World Irish Aid Awards 2014.

St Ciaran’s National School, Hartstown, Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe, Swords, and Mary Help of Christian’s National School, Navan Road, will have their projects on display at regional finals taking place in Sligo, Dublin, Limerick and Cork.

The Our World Irish Aid Awards has been running since 2005 in an effort to increase primary pupils’ awareness and understanding of global development issues, in particular the millennium

development goals and the work of Irish Aid. At the announcement, Junior Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello said: “It is heartening to see the level of work the students of Ireland have taken on with these projects. In highlighting the crucial work carried out by Irish Aid, and the scale of the problems in the developing world that we as a nation, and as a global community are facing, we can all look forward to a brighter future as Ireland pushes forward to reach the 2015 millennium development goals.”

These goals include eliminating hunger, promoting gender equality and achieving universal

primary education. The leaders of 189 signatory nations have agreed to try to achieve the eight goals by the year 2015. This year’s OurWorld Irish Aid Awards theme – A Better Future for All the World’s Children – relates to all the goals and enables children to explore all aspects of Irish Aid’s overseas work.

The 12 chosen schools from the regional finals will go forward to the national finals in Dublin Castle on Tuesday, June 17. Each school at the national finals will get a special trophy in recognition of their work and the winning school will take home the Our World Irish Aid Awards overall winners’ trophy.

Smart studies: Mount Sackville girls awarded for investigative project mount Sackville students Caelin Cooke and Nicole McManus were presented with the Runner Up Best Project Award for their project Cyberbullying and the possible solution from a student’s perspective at SciFest 2014 at IT Blanchardstown.

They received the award from Scifest’s chief executive Sheila Porter. The SciFest@ITB programme is part of a series of one-day science fairs that takes place at Institutes of Technology across Ireland, and saw over 260 students exhibit over 120 projects. Picture: Andres Poveda

EDWINA Hogan, from Porterstown in Dublin 15 recently “blew up” the most irritating and annoying item in her household – her fridge freezer.

She was subsequently furnished with a brand new one, courtesy of AA Ireland as part of its home membership product promotion.

AA Ireland has teamed up with TV3’s Ireland AM to promote its home membership product by inviting viewers all over the country to apply for the opportunity to “blow up” the most hated item in their house and replace it with a brand new one.

6 BLANCH Gazette 15 May 2014

election Sinn Fein asks Fingal mayor to withdraw ‘racist’ remark

Campaign slogan source of trouble  Keith Bellew

A war of words has erupted between Fine Gael and Sinn Fein this week with FG Mayor of Fingal Kieran Dennison calling Sinn Fein “racist”.

While welcoming a number of new Irish Citizens to Fingal at County Council Offices in the Civic Centre, Blanchardstown, last week, Mayor Dennison took the opportunity to level allegations of racism at Sinn Fein candi-

date Natalie Treacy.

He said: “In the local election ward of Mulhuddart they have a Congolese candidate running with Paul Donnelly to garner the ethnic vote.

“But across the canal in the Castleknock ward their candidate Natalie Tracey declares herself as ‘one of our own’ in what seems an obvious reference to some of the migrant candidates running there.”

He added: “Now that Sinn Fein has airbrushed

Gerry Adams from their election material perhaps they could airbrush Ms Treacy from the local elections for this obvious racist remark.”

Treacy hit back at Mayor Dennison’s statement, describing it as “deeply offensive” and “ill-informed”.

She said: “I am absolutely disgusted by the remarks made by Cllr Dennison. He was making reference to my campaign slogan ‘one of our own’.

“His insinuation that

honoured

Locals named heroes

Sinn Fein’s candidate for Castleknock ward Natalie Tracey

this term can only be applied to Irish born candidates is farcical. It is clear that the slogan is referring to the fact that I am a local resident of the area which I am seeking to represent.

“It is wrong of him to play party politics with an issue as serious as this and I am outraged that the Mayor of Fingal, who claims to rep-

resent all of the people of Fingal, would use his address to new Irish citizens to smear me and my party.

“I am demanding that Cllr Dennison formally withdraw his remarks and apologise to me immediately.”

Cllr Dennison replied saying: “A number of people contacted me and sent me photographs of

Ms Treacy’s slogan on her election material.

They brought it to my attention because they considered it to be a reference to her nationality and they found it offensive.”

He added: “Whatever her intention, many people find the slogan offensive and in the interests of community harmony she should withdraw it.”

Cora Magee and Brid Dowd, who have been volunteering and raising money endlessly for St Francis Hospice Raheny and Blanchardstown for over 20 years, were recently named as Hospice Sunflower Heroes at an event in Dublin to mark the launch of National Sunflower Days in June.

Their nomination stated: “Cora and Brid are a fantastic fundraising partnership. Their commitment, flexibility and ongoing support of St Francis Hospice are deeply appreciated.”

T h e aw a r d s we r e presented to Cora and Brid along with another 16 hospice volunteers nationwide. The Hospice Sunflower Heroes initiative honours the work of volunteers throughout the country, who work tirelessly on behalf of their local hospice service.

The Hospice Sunflower Heroes were announced at the launch of the 2014 Sunflower Days campaign which takes place on June 6 and 7. During the campaign, people can support their local hospice service by purchasing pieces of Sunflower merchandise from collectors on streets around the country. planning Notice fingal county COUNCIL

We, Carol and Stephen McQuaid intend to apply for Planning Permission for development at this site address: 4 Warren Green, Carpenterstown, Dublin 15. The development will consist of the construction of an extension at first floor level and associated roof modifications to the rear of the existing two storey house and comprises of the extension of an existing bedroom on first floor.

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.

20856

15 May 2014 BLANCH Gazette 7

gazetteGALLERY

Lotti Brady cheers on the cyclists

Cyclists race through the final stage of the

Kalum O’Reilly

Giro d’Italia on Lombard Street in Dublin.

Pictures: Conor McCabe

Giro in the pink

T

HE 97th Giro d’Italia cycle race rolled into the streets of Dublin on Sunday, May 11.

The race from Belfast to Dublin attracted

thousands of people who lined the streets dressed in pink, the official colour of the race, and these pictures show spectators at the final stage on Lombard Street.

Elliot and Isabel Warnock

Jon Jerromes

8 BLANCH Gazette 15 May 2014

election Local candidates talk to The Gazette Castleknock local election candidates T.J Clare Non-Party Memet Uludag People Before Profit Dermot Casey Non-Party Roderic O’Gorman Green John Walsh Labour Sean Lyons Non-Party Matt Waine Anti-Austerity Alliance Eithne Loftus Fine Gael Ted Leddy Fine Gael Sandra Kavanagh Anti-Austerity Alliance Henry Minogue Fine Gael Edward McManus Fine Fail Jack Chambers Fianna Fail Mags Murray Fianna Fail Natalie Tracey Sinn Fein John Kidd Non-Party Mary Martin Non-Party Robert Long Direct Democracy Ireland

Mulhuddart local election candidates Mary Cooper Non-Party Dermot Casey Non-Party Mary McCamley Labour Rita Haugh Labour Jimmy Keenan AntiAusterity Alliance Bernadette Rynne AntiAusterity Alliance Annette Hughes AntiAusterity Alliance Ruth Coppinger AntiAusterity Alliance Kieran Dennison Fine Gael Maria McGrail Fine Gael Philip O’Callaghan Fine Gael David McGuinness Fianna Fail Edmond Lukusa Sinn Fein Paul Donnelly Sinn Fein Margaret Richardson Fianna Fail Louise Bayliss People Before Profit Lorna Nolan Non-Party

Local

Matters S u pp o r t l o c al b u sin e ss

Advertise with the Gazet te call 60 10 240

Hear why people are running WITH the local elections just over one week away, The Gazette joined local election candidates on the campaign trail for election 2014,or spoke to them about their intentions if they are successfully voted in.

The campaign has been a tough one for this slew of candidates, with Government party contenders having

to explain themselves on water charges and property tax, as well as homelessness which is an issue to the forefront of many voters’ minds.

There have also been changes to the electoral boundaries, and many areas are gaining a number of council seats.

For those voters who still haven’t made up their minds, Keith Bellew is continuing to examine the local election candidates running in your area. This week and next, the election hopefuls are continuing to let you know what they stand for and, hopefully, will help you to make your decision.

By-election

Cllr David McGuinness: Fianna Fail candidate for Dublin West and local election candidate

I’ve got a good positive message to sell FIANNA Fail candidate for the Dublin West by-election Cllr David McGuinness has been canvassing extensively in D15 since the last poll in which he came second. He is hoping to “go one better this time”, adding “I’ve always felt that the 2011 by-election was setting me up for the next general election.

The fact that we have a by-election was

unexpected but I feel well poised. It’s going well, I’ve got a good positive message to sell on the doors and I’m just going to have to keep trucking away.”

While water charges and the household tax are big issues in this election, McGuinness says that another major concern is crime.

“We don’t have the police coverage.

Ballyfermot, Cabra, Finglas and all of the Blanchardstown area are under the remit of Blanchardstown Garda Station, the K-District They don’t have the resources to police the area, and if people don’t feel safe in their homes, it rocks the fundamentals of their family.

The other thing is Connolly Hospital.

They’d close A&E tomorrow if they

could. It’s only that we’re all constantly hammering the local ministers saying: ‘ Yo u c a n ’t close Connolly’s A&E. People need it’.

It’s a major issue.”

Lorraine Mulligan: Labour Party candidate for the Dublin West area

It’s really important we protect our older people Lorraine Mulligan is the Labour Party chairperson and candidate for the Dublin West by-election. As she is not a local councillor and announced her campaign later than most of her rivals, she has not been canvassing for very long, but says that so far she has had “a very positive response on the doors, I’ve been very well received”.

When it was put to her that a large portion of the older population are angry and feel betrayed by the hike in prescription charges along with cuts to their free telephone service, bereavement grant among others, she replied: “There’s no doubt that everybody and certainly older people have felt the impact of tough meas-

ures, and the situation we have come from in terms of bringing the country from near bankruptcy to some level of normality.

“I was proud to see Labour hold out on the water charge issue, so that now we have €100 that will go to older people who benefit from the household package, and that will allow them some

scope to manage bills, and I think it’s really important that we protect our older people. It’s a really key issue for the Labour Party that the State pension has not and will not be cut.”

Local election

Cllr John Walsh: Labour Party candidate for the Castleknock area

A key focus is keeping up investment in schools Labour Party candidate for the Castleknock area Cllr John Walsh is very interested in the area of education.

He says: “I’m involved in education myself, I work in the education department at Trinity College so a key focus for me is keeping up investment in schools, particularly in both primary

and secondary level. We have had good investment in schools in D15. Scoil Bhride girls and boys were both fully rebuilt. I was at the opening of Scoil Bhride girls, it’s a fantastic new school.

There has been a lot of investment, and we need to keep that up, and I think the council has a role to play. We deal with a huge population boom in the

D15 area, which has the largest young population in Dublin and one of the largest in the state. A key challenge for the council is meeting the demand for education and ensuring that our children get the best start in life.”

He goes on to say that another big priority for him is to ensure high quality planning: “Building is beginning to

resume. There is a new development near College Gate, the Brackenwood development.

There is some building going on in both Mulhuddart and Castleknock.”

Louise Bayliss: People Before Profit candidate for Mulhuddart

Housing crisis in D15 is one of the key issues People Before Profit candidate for Mulhuddart Louise Bayliss has been canvassing since November and admits that her campaign has been much harder than she thought, but says that the reception has been very good.

She says that at first people can be wary, but once she tells them: “I’m with the People Before Profit alliance, I’m really an independent person but was

approached to stand for PBP, it’s what I believe in – that people really should come before profit”, they are willing to engage.

She has worked for the national housing charity Threshold, so the housing crisis in D15 is one of the key issues for her, particularly rent caps.

She believes that some of the policies of the Government are ridiculous and

make no sense.

She says: “If someone on rent allowance’s rent goes up by €50, the Government won’t give them the extra money, won’t let them pay for it out of their own pocket they just take them out of their home. One woman I met was being put in the Travelodge.

“The Government were paying €1,000 a week to house her and her

family there.

Her rent had gone up by €70 a month, which she was willing to pay, but they wouldn’t let her, so she was forced out and the State ends up paying four times more. It’s ridiculous.”

15 May 2014 BLANCH Gazette 9

10 BLANCH Gazette 15 May 2014

gazetteGALLERIES

Ryan Thomas and mam Sunny Thomas

Andrea Lennon

Mam Elham Esmaeili with her children Lida and Kurosh Alebari. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

graduation: a proud day for budding musicians

In a class of its own

I

t was a proud day for Mini Music Academy pupils at The Castleknock School of Music recently as they enjoyed a special graduation ceremony.

The event started with a short presentation for parents demonstrating what the students did this semester and then the actual graduation itself. Our photographer popped along

to the yellow bunnies class who donned their grad hats for photos. Mini Music Academy is an structured and educational music programme for children aged nine months to seven years.

It provides for children a fantastic opportunity to develop a love and understanding of music through an innovative and proven method of teaching.

Cantafaro family: Luca with cert and sister Emily, mam Lisa, dad Paco, grandparents Giorgio and Marilena

C o m m e rci a l F e a t u r e

Why should you vote for me in the local elections next week?

WHY should you vote for me in the local elections next week? The local elections are basically a job interview with you the electors making the decision as to who will represent you and your interests over the next 5 years. Part of the job of a councillor is overseeing a budget which in 2014 is €213 million, ensuring

road improvements to housing are maintained and improved.

This is a very challenging job I believe that I have the business, legal and life experience to deliver on these tasks.

It involves working with council officials to deliver for the public but never to forget that the public are the employer

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“I have worked as a local area representative for Fianna Fáil for the last year, canvassed extensively throughout the electoral area …..”

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the tax payer gets value for money and ensuring that local services ranging from footpaths to

and their concerns are paramount.

I have worked as a local area representa-

tive for Fianna Fáil for the last year, canvassed extensively throughout the electoral area and delivered over 5 leaflets highlighting local and

huge pressure on school places both primary and secondary in Castleknock, Carpenterstown and Clonsilla, the rise in burglaries and anti-so-

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“The fundamental problem currently is the squeezing of the middle class and the creation of the working poor. This needs to be reversed and I will work might and main to reverse it. ”

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national issues that have been raised by constituents. These range from derelict sites in Castleknock and Clonsilla, the proposed Porterrstown Road closure, the

cial activities throughout the different areas.

At the request of constituents concerned about the new universal health charge I held a very successful health

meeting addressed by Dr Brian Turner a leading expert on this area.

The fundamental difficulty that Fianna Fáil faces is that it moved away from old fashioned republican values.

Values such as community involvement, looking after pensioners, small business and small farmers, prioritising education and respecting those on modest incomes.

The fundamental problem currently is the squeezing of the middle class and the creation of the working poor.

This needs to be reversed and I will work might and main to reverse it.

15 May 2014 BLANCH Gazette 11

Christian Agustin, Rox Remolacio, Aliya and mam Catherine and Doug Banville with kids Joseph and Ruby

Joanna Smit

Eleanor and mam Andrea Lennon

Grainne and John McGloughlin with their daughter Niamh

planning Notice fingal county COUNCIL

Next Plc. are applying for planning permission for development at Next, Unit 11, West End Retail Park, Blanchards t ow n , D u b l i n 15 .

The proposed development comprises change of use of part of the first floor of the unit from storage area / stock room and sales area to café with associated internal fit out works and alterations to eternal signage. The proposed café will have a floorspace of c.140sq.m.

The signage alterations include removal of the existing black rectangular ‘Next’ sign at first floor level on the elevation facing the main car park, and replacement with a new internally illuminated box sign featuring the ‘Ground Espresso Bar’ logo (3.25m wide by 0.95m high) fixed to the existing glazing.

Provision of a new ‘Next’ logo in individual internally illuminated letters (overall 3.87m wide by 1m high) affixed to the glazing at first floor level above the main double entrance doors on the car park elevation.

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 Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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John and Joanne Claffey with son Jack

Fern and parents Karen and Trevor O’Toole

12 BLANCH Gazette 15 May 2014

15 May 2014 Gazette 13

asdfsdaf Business P27 P16

diary P14

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

a day in the life: andrea horan on finding time to work and play

what’son

It’s a busy Tropical Popical life  laura webb

MANY sleeping beauties out there have made a friend of the alarm clock’s snooze button and for Tropical Popical owner Andrea Horan, that button is starting to be her new BFF (best friend forever).

Running a busy nail bar in the heart of the city centre on South William Street means Andrea tries to find her zzz’s early in the morning.

Speaking to The Gazette about her busy life it seems every day brings something different for her to do.

“I would usually put the alarm clock on for about 7am, then 7.15am, 7.30am, 8am and usually fall back asleep and don’t end up get up until 9am.

“When I do get up, I would usually wait to eat.

I have a supply of lemon and hot water that is the winner for me.

“If I am working from home, I will make something later but if I am going into Trop Pop I would usually grab a yoghurt on the way in, grab a coffee and usually remember to eat later in the afternoon – only when I am in there because it is usually hectic.

“You really don’t get a minute, so it’s more when you have a chance to eat rather than when you want to eat.

“The day is so busy in Trop Pop. I was in there yesterday and we had a wedding party in getting their nails done, so there was champagne, strawberries and all that hap-

imelda and ava say frock out to help a great charity event

pens. Then it was backto-back appointments and by the time I looked around it was 5pm – so the day really flies in,” she said.

At home

If she is at home, Andrea takes time out to go to a cafe down the road from where she lives.

Working late nights at Tropical Popical means meeting friends after work is usually how she spends her evenings, but two nights a week she dedicates her time to special clubs – which is really just an excuse to meet up with some buddies.

“I have a group of friends called the Cinema Club so we go to the cinema once a week and another group of friends call the Concert Club



Gazette

bloom P12

Andrea Horan, owner of Tropical Popical Nail Bar

so we go to a gig every week.

“We are mad for the clubs so that takes up two weekdays. I can be busy – I suppose that is why I can’t get up in the morning.

“I tr y to do some

activities during the day too. I was hoping to go on an open top tour bus of Dublin yesterday but it was raining, but I would try to do things like that or I would stroll into town with my dog.

My days vary so much

that I really don’t have a typical day. It’s great because I get bored fast so it is good that I have lots to do.”

For further details on Tropical Popical, see www.tropicalpopical. com.

SINGER Imelda May is rocking up support for the Down Syndrome Centre’s Buy My Dress campaign, which is taking place in the RDS this month.

Six-year-old Ava Leahy was with Imelda this week to help her let people know about the event, which takes place on Sunday, May 25.

Now in its sixth year, Buy My Dress invites women of all ages to dig out onceloved and lightly worn dresses from their wardrobes and donate to the oneday, pop-up sales taking place around the country – including in the RDS – in aid of the Down Syndrome Centre.

For further information, and to find the centre closet to you, see www.buymydress.ie.

Gazette

14 Gazette 15 May 2014

dublinlife

theatre: add your favourite memory

Help mark the Abbey’s 110th year

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IN CELEBRATION of the 110th anniversary of our national theatre, The Abbey has launched a novel digital micro-site on which patrons over the years can recount their memories of the theatre.

The site aims to capture 110 funny, historical or poignant moments of Abbey life.

Launched on May 7, the interactive site allows people to add their own memories and share their personal experiences of the theatre.

The site is intended to become an archival treasure-trove of information, from the foundation of the national theatre in 1904 right up to today.

Organisers are encouraging people to go online at w w w.abbey theatre. ie/110moments, where a new user-submitted moment will be added every month until the

Abbey Theatre’s birthday on December 27.

Speaking about the initiative, Fiach Mac Conghail, director of the Abbey Theatre, said: “This is an opportune time for us to delve into our rich archive to remember the major moments that make the Abbey Theatre what it is today.

“T his is another way to experience the spirit of the theatre and its role in Irish life.

I would love people to share their Abbey Theatre moments with us to mark our 110th anniversary.”

T he theatre was founded by WB Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904 to “bring upon the stage the deeper thoughts and emotions of Ireland”.

Over the years, the Abbey has nurtured and premiered work of major playwrights such as JM Synge and Sean O’Casey, as well as contemporary classics from Brian Friel, Frank Mc Guinness, Thomas Kilroy and

The Abbey Theatre was founded in 1904 to show the best of Ireland’s theatre

Lilly Kapele daintily takes a closer look at some of the vibrant flowers that can be seen at the upcoming Bloom 2014 festival. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

phoenix park: annual event gearing up to be even better

Flower festival will be Bloom-ing great  ian begley

BLOOM, the much anticipated anual gardening, food and family festival, is returning this summer with a strong programme of activities on offer.

Ireland’s largest garden and food festival runs for five days over the June bank holiday weekend in the Phoenix Park, running from May 29 until June 2.

Now in its eighth year, Bloom continues to attract a nationwide audience, with last year’s festival attracting more than 110,000 people, who wandered around soaking up the atmosphere.

Bloom 2014 will showcase 30 exquisite show gardens from the very best of Ireland’s landscape gardeners and designers.

This year’s bespoke garden creations will include the Crumlin Children’s Hospital Garden, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Garden, and a 10ft-high Mr Tayto, which will overlook the Tayto Garden.

Visitors to Bloom will also see what can be achieved with a limited budget, and gardens which reflect new trends affecting and influencing garden design today, such as new approaches to horticulture, ecology and sustainability in garden design.

For the second year, Bloom will also host a number of “postcard” gardens designed and constructed by some of the country’s most passionate amateur gardeners.

T hese provide an opportunity for garden

clubs and societies to demonstrate their abilities and to inspire other nonprofessional gardeners to experience the joys and benefits of gardening.

A team of expert judges from the world of horticulture will once again preside over this year’s event, including Andrew Wilson, award-winning garden designer, lecturer and writer; Mark Gregory, winner of 55 Chelsea Flower Show medals; Karen Foley, landscape architect and educator; and Paul Maher, curator of the National Botanic Gardens, Drumcondra.

They will be joined by guest judge, award-winning landscape architect and garden designer, Feargus McGarvey.

Food enthusiasts will also be delighted to hear that Bloom’s food village

will be making a return with an even greater choice of tasty treats and culinary delights to savour.

A wide range of dining options will be available at Bloom, from Bistro (Bloom’s restaurant, cafe and seafood bar) to the all-new Donnelly Fresh Food Parlour.

A host of other options will be available in the picnic and outdoor entertainment area, along with numerous pit-stops for coffee and delectable nibbles, showcasing the very best of Irish artisan food.

Lovers of Irish cheese will also enjoy the Irish Cheese Awards 2014, which will be taking place at Bloom to display Ireland’s renowned farmhouse cheese producers.

Guests are also invited to try some of Ireland’s

craft beers and spirits in the Bloom Inn. In addition, the Quality Kitchen stage – a firm favourite with Bloom regulars – is sure to once again be a major attraction in the food village Some of Ireland’s most loved chefs, including Neven Maguire, Kevin Dundon, Donal Skehan and Catherine Fulvio, will host a number of daily demonstrations showcasing a range of new recipes made from Bord Bia Quality Assured products, and the best of local ingredients.

Tickets for Bloom 2014 are on sale now at www. bloominthepark.com.

For further information, see www.facebook. com/bloominthepark, or join the conversation on Twitter using the tag @Bloominthepark.

15 May 2014 Gazette 15

feature escape the mayhem: from russia with love founder debbie deegan

Happy to be Russian off to a quiet Cork house IN THIS week’s Escape The Mayhem, Debbie Deegan, the founder of the charity To Russia with Love, talks about how she gets away from the busy life she is currently used to as she helps children in orphanages in Russia S PE A K I N G t o T h e Gazette just before heading off to Ballyconneely, Debbie was in high spirits, thinking about her quiet weekend away with just her thoughts and two dogs – an escape that got us asking if we could join.

“It is literally out in the

middle of nowhere! Out on the bog, I don’t talk to anybody, I don’t talk to my neighbours – I just absolutely listen to silence. It is the only time in my life that I do that.

“I go maybe five or six times a year. My husband bought it [the house] about 15 years ago, in the hope that it would cut me off from the rest of the world – there was no email and there was no landline.

“When I went down, initially my hands were shaking and I thought: ‘My God – I have no

phone, no coverage and I have no email!’

“I absolutely detested it, but as Russia got more and more manic, I was travelling so much spending so much time in airports and orphanages it became sort of a mystical place for me.

“I would be in an airport, thinking: ‘God, I could be on a beach in Ballyconneely now!’

“I don’t care if it is lashing rain, thunder or lightning there – I just light the fire, open a bottle of wine, and it is my only time in the world that I get down-

time.

“It is just lakes, the smell of heather, with sandy beaches and no people – I love it,” said Debbie.

To Russia With Love has just launched a short animation with the help of Brown Bag Films to highlight the work of the charity. It is available to see at www.torussiawithlove.ie, and charts 20 years in the life of Anya, a Russian orphan.

To donate €4 to support the work of To Russia With Love, text HUG to 50300.

To Russia with Love founder Debbie Deegan

Gazette

16 Gazette 15 May 2014

dublinlife

diary

Going gold to support fight against cancer Mairead Farrell and Des Bishop have cosied up on a sofa – but all for a good cause, as Ballygowan goes gold in a fundraising drive.

They have paired up to help support a new campaign to raise much-needed funds and awareness on vital cancer support services.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Des said: “Both my family and I

know only too well how tough this fight can be.

For this very reason, the campaign from the Irish Cancer Society and Ballygowan really struck a chord with me.

“It allows everyone to play their part in the fight against cancer, both through raising awareness and most importantly, raising money to fund vital nursing services.”

From now until Sep-

tember, Ballygowan Gold bottles will bear a specially designed label promoting the Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline.

A donation will be made to the charity for every Gold bottle sold.

Malaria Museum creates a buzz DUBLIN now has it own Malaria museum, based on the top floor of Tropical Medical Bureau’s Grafton

Street headquarters.

The non-profit museum aims to highlight the vital work of organisations which continue to advocate and educate the public on the dangers of the mosquito-borne illness.

Combining scientific information with a visual style, the facility aims to educate and entertain visitors in the life cycle of the parasite, the history and medications

used to combat it, and the ground-breaking innovations promising a malaria vaccine with the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Admission to the museum is free and it is open to the general public from 11am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.

colin’s piling on the pounds Since coming home to Ireland a month ago to shoot his new film, The Lobster, Colin Farrell has been piling on the pounds to transform himself into a pudgy, moustachioed and bespectacled man.

Farrell was spotted on set in Dublin last week, looking nothing like his usual glamorous self as he and co-star Rachel Weisz

Colin Farrell offers a handshake from a distance

began shooting scenes.

The film is a romance set in a dystopian future where single people are arrested and ordered to find a mate within 45 days or they will be turned into an animal and set free to roam the forests.

Dublin 15 resident Rachel Banks snapped

this picture of Farrell from a distance in Blanchardstown Centre as security did not allow people take pictures with him while he was in character.

“He thanked everyone and apologised, and then gave a thumbs up for a pic. He was dead sound,” she said.

15 May 2014 Gazette 17

Gazette

18 Gazette 15 May 2014

dublinlife business Upbeat Ilac Centre nears full capacity retail: national economic lift reflected at key shopping hub

 laura webb

networking breakfast

An on-the-ball leadership talk from rugby ace Ronan O’Gara  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A FREE business networking breakfast, complete with a talk on leadership and management by none other than Irish rugby ace Ronan O’Gara, is being held at the Aviva Stadium on May 21.

Lincoln Recruitment Specialists is organising the event, during which attendees will have the opportunity to question the sports star on the strategies he has used to achieve success both on and off the playing field.

O’Gara sets great store by maintaining a unique focus and dedication to hard work – a philosophy that has made him one of the most significant and admired icons that rugby has known.

Lincoln Recruitment is inviting business people to attend the complimentary breakfast presentation with O’Gara as he re-lives the glory of the drop goal that clinched Ire-

land’s first Grand Slam title for 61 years.

He will detail the successful techniques he learned from rugby colleagues such as John Langford, Jim Williams and Rua Tipoki, and how they changed his attitude to training, leadership, management, performing and winning.

O’Gara will also share his thoughts on his experience with Munster and Ireland, and talk about his relationship with Brian O’Driscoll over the years.

Booking To attend the discussion and breakfast on May 21 in the Havelock Suite of the Aviva Stadium, interested attendees are advised to book a place by contacting the organisers at www.eventbrite.ie.

Registration for the breakfast is from 7.30am, with the talk beginning at 7.50am and continuing until 9am.

THE extent of businesses taking up retail space at the Ilac Centre means the well-known shopping district is now almost operating at full capacity.

Pharmacy chain Boots recently reopened in a new spot, while TK Maxx – set to open in June – will become a flagship store, following in the footsteps of Dunnes Stores and Debenhams.

“We very rarely have empty units,” says the centre’s marketing manager, Ann Sheehy. “TK Maxx [located at the Moore Street entrance] is the first phase of some wonder ful plans we have to transform this entrance.”

A walk through the centre shows that there seems to be pretty much something for everyone, from unusual gift shops to home-stores, fitness and health supplement outlets to PC repair areas.

Several international brands are found within the bright Ilac Centre, adding to the districts’s shopping allure

It isn’t just a repository for the fashion outlets, and there are also about 13 eateries scattered around the centre, which means taking a break from shopping is easy to do.

According to Sheehy, the Ilac’s footfall aver-

ages a weekly 350,000 people, thanks to its many entrances – at Parnell Street, Moore Street, Mary Street and Coles Lane – along with ample car parking spaces.

Familiar brands remain loyal to the centre, with Catch – a

young fashion retail outlet; Gerard – for the older shopper; Unique menswear, and jewellers Thomas Gear all longterm residents, to name but a few.

Sheehy said: “Stores often move from premises to upgrade, but they

seldom move out of the centre. There is very little we don’t have here.”

With the Henry Street area set to be re-branded as a prime shopping destination, the Ilac Centre certainly seems to hit the right spot with shoppers.

Taxback.com urges taxpayers to file early and avoid fines ANY Irish taxpayer who falls into the self-assessed tax return category is obliged to file a tax return before the October 31 deadline. That may seem like a long way off but global tax specialists Taxback.com is encouraging taxpayers to file now to avoid a last-minute panic later in the year.

Many people may not realise they are obliged to file a tax return and think it’s only selfemployed people or contractors who need to do this. However, if you receive any additional

income such as rental or investment income, you are obliged to report this to Revenue in the form of a self-assessed tax return.

Colm Murray, Irish marketing manager with Taxback.com, says: “The deadline is in October but you can file your tax return any time. We encourage people to start thinking about their tax returns now. Sometimes the preparation of a tax return can be a bit more complicated than people think so it’s worth getting it organised

in good time. We have a team of tax specialists that can put together your tax return and make sure your tax liability is minimised.”

The Taxback.com Irish tax return service sets out to offer an affordable solution for people who may want help with their tax situation but are not in a position to pay an accountant to do so.

Murray says: “A lot of traditional accountancy firms charge by the clock. If you’re running your own business and

perhaps a one-person operation, the last thing you want is to be shelling out big money to an accountant. We have a flat fee structure and will give a free quote at the outset so you know exactly what you’re paying.”

To reward early bird customers, Taxback.com is offering a 10% discount on its tax return filing service for people who register for the service during this month, May. To get your no-obligation quote, call 1800 991 805 or check out our website, www.taxback.com.

15 May 2014 Gazette 19

travel P20

asdfsdaf P27 motors P25

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

food P18

Pets

How about a loving home for Hubble

The carefully groomed cast of Beatlemania go through the classic Beatles repertoire, which fans are sure to love in their upcoming show at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre

music: beatlemania star discusses his key role ahead of bord gais gig

‘Easy to be Paul McCartney’  laura webb

BEATLEMANIA is coming this way with renowned musical Let It Be taking centre stage later this summer.

Showcasing the music of the world’s most successful rock ’n’ roll band, The Beatles, the show goes through the Fab Four’s legendary back catalogue, from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club through to the height of Beatlemania and their studio masterpieces.

John Lennon and George Harrison may have passed on, but Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are still rocking on.

Playing the role of McCartney is singer/songwriter James Fox. The Cardiff man got his first national break on

BBC’s Fame Academy in 2003, coming fifth, and went on to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 before signing to Sony Music with a solo career.

Ahead of his Dublin arrival, Fox told The Gazette that his audition had a modern twist.

“This audition was slightly different to a normal audition, in that I sent a video, so I didn’t actually meet anyone before being offered the part.

“It was very strange – I literally sat in my room, filmed myself singing a few Beatle records, sent it on and I got offered the part – it was all done over the internet.”

Playing McCartney was an easy enough task – he’d been a fan of the superstar for years, and could play the

same instruments.

“I can play [the piano and guitar] so that was okay, and I found it easy enough learn the music. With many acting parts, you can put your own stamp on things, but with this role it is more of an impression really.

‘Mannerisms’ “It is an endless study to get the talking voice right, the singing voice, his mannerisms – even his eyebrows, you could never stop studying to be like someone.”

When he is not starring in the show, he works on his own music. “You do miss playing your own music when you are doing someone else’s.

“I try to balance it out. I took four months off from the show last year to

do my own music, and then I went back on tour. I hope to go back to do my tour in July, but it is a lot of fun being in the band,” he said.

According to James, this show has wide appeal with many different generations coming to see it and singing along to the 44 songs squeezed into the performance.

“It’s like a pop concert. It is like The Beatles concert that never happened.

Within five minutes the audience are on their feet really getting into it.

“We put everything into it but you get it back from the crowd which is great,” he said.

Let It Be rings out at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from June 16-18. For further information and ticket prices, see www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

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

Hubble is a recent arrival at Dogs Trust and she’s finding life a little overwhelming.

She will need an active home, which can commit 100% to her training and who will understand that her fears are very real to her, and that she will need time to settle in. Hubble would love if there were another confident dog already in the home.

If you think you can give Hubble all the cuddles and love she deserves then why not give the Dogs Trust reception a call on 01-879 1000 or pop in to their rehoming centre based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie<http://www. dogstrust.ie/>. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland<http:// www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland> or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

20 Gazette 15 May 2014

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS

Harmony of Creamy Goat’s Cheese

Dishing the news on a delicious starter One of the appetisers which feature on Uisce’s new and exciting menu is Harmony of Creamy Goat’s Cheese. Here executive chef Jason Banyon shares his recipe for this delicious dish. Serves 4

Ingredients Panna Cotta 142ml whole milk 142ml double cream 100g goat’s cheese (crumbled) Thee gelatine leaves Fondant 225g double cream 120g goats cheese (crumbled) One lemon zest Candied Walnuts 100g walnuts 100g caster sugar

Bon Bon 50g goat’s cheese 1 medium egg Breadcrumbs 30g plain flour Beetroot Puree and Carpaccio 2 medium beetroots Lemon juice Garnish Chicory and pea shoots

Preparation Panna Cotta • Warm the milk and cream in a pan.

Soak the gelatine in cold water for approximately five minutes. Bring the milk and cream mixture to about 90C then pull off the heat. Add the crumbled goat’s cheese and leave the mixture for a couple of minutes to infuse. Whisk until smooth and silky.

Season then pass through a fine strainer. Mix in the lemon zest and set in the fridge for two to three hours.

Candied Walnuts • Soak the walnuts in some warm water for approximately 30 minutes. Drain and toss them in the sugar. Bake at 180C for 10 minutes and turn frequently. Crush with knife when cooled.

Bon Bon • Blitz the goat’s cheese in a food processor. Roll into balls the size of a cherry tomato. Place into fridge to set. Arrange three containers; one with beaten egg, one with seasoned flour and another with the crumbs. Take out the set goat’s cheese balls.

Use one hand to pass them through the egg mix, then the four, then finally using your clean hand to roll through the crumbs. Repeat this process a second time as this double coating will prevent the bon bon from bursting. Deep fry at 180C then season with rock salt.

Beetroot Puree And Carpaccio • Wash the beetroot then simmer in seasoned hot water for two hours. Slice the cooled beetroot into thin slices and then use a cutter to get a perfect round. Puree all the trimmings in a processor with seasoning and lemon juice. Pass through a fine strainer and season.

Uisce Restaurant at The Hilton Dublin is just a short distance from St Stephen’s Green and overlooks the Grand Canal

Testing the waters  hiromi mooney

If you’re looking for a memorable fine dining experience, look no further than Uisce Restaurant at The Hilton Dublin in Charlemont Place.

Just two Luas stops away from St Stephen’s Green and overlooking the Grand Canal, the hotel’s restaurant boasts a new and exciting menu by their executive chef Jason Banyon.

The Wimbledon man joined Uisce Restaurant in October and carries 23 years of culinary experience, of which he spent 10 years working at sea on celebrity cruises where he served thousands of people every day.

Now that he’s back on land, he has revamped Uisce Restaurant’s menu and has many ambitious plans, which he has shared with the Gazette.

Can you name some of the most famous people you have ever cooked

for?

I’ve actually worked alongside some top chefs; I’ve worked next to french chef Hubert Keller. We did have a few celebrities coming in. In the past I’ve worked in a lot of hotels where, in New Zealand for instance, I’ve cooked for President George W Bush and singer songwriter Anastasia.

What was it like working on celebrit y cruises?

They call it celebrity cruises because of the standard that they wanted to implement. We looked at ourselves as a five-star luxury cruise line where we provided top quality food.

You’ ve cooked for around 3,000 people a day when you were working on celebrit y cruises. Did you feel much pressure cooking for that many people?

I’ve never looked at kitchens as pressure to

be honest. I have a good motto, and I say “Happy cooks is happy food, and happy food is a happy guest.” So whenever my cooks have cooked - be it having 160 cooks on the ship or having 12 cooks here at The Hilton, I’ve always tried to make sure that they work happy, and I believe that way that if they work happy, they’re going to really put a lot of passion into the food they make. So I never really looked at pressure.

W hat makes this restaurant different to other restaurants?

With Uisce, for the food I want to put out, I need a good plate.

For instance, some people have a black plate or a white plate, some people have a long plate or a square plate, some people had a different bowl to the other bowls.

So I wanted to change the food to make it more fun and more home-

Executive chef Jason Banyon

cooking with a little twist to it, so that was really important to me.

I’m trying to bring a lot more traditional dishes with a lot more creativity towards it and a lot more fun.

What would you say to encourage people to dine at Uisce Restaurant?

At the end of the day, if you want to tantalise your taste buds, then come along to The Hilton Dublin because Uisce is a restaurant which is changing.

This hotel, when it comes to food, is changing. I’m working to try and bring a completely different experience to the culinary side and the service side.

We ’r e l o o k i n g t o bring some cooking classes here; hands-on cooking classes and things like that, so it’s something for the future we’re looking at. So come here to enjoy the food, enjoy your time.

There’s a nice buzz here, and that’s what we need to bring here. It’s a fantastic restaurant.

15 May 2014 Gazette 21

Gazette

TRAVEL westmeath: wineport lodge is a hit in athlone

A lakeside retreat to soothe and relax you  dave phillips

A RECENT visit to the Wineport Lodge and a day trip around its surrounding area served as a reminder as to why Co Westmeath is a must-see for lovers of the Irish scenery – especially when you don’t want a long drive to be part of your weekend.

The Wineport Lodge, resting quietly on the shores of Lough Ree just outside Athlone, is reason enough to make the trip.

Less than an hour from

Dublin and surrounded by an array of walks in the wilderness, a stay here will appeal to both the active and the more easygoing guest alike.

The cedar-clad, log cabin-style exterior follows along the curve of the lake, allowing the rooms to take in the view through wide windows and balconies.

A small reception area leads into a network of cosy connected communal spaces – curling up with a book and a drink

seemed to be the order of the day when we visited, and there are more than enough nooks and cushioned corners to make yourself at home.

The bedrooms are spacious and gorgeously designed, with some great touches – our suite had a Sono music player installed, which streamed songs through the living area and bathroom; a nice treat if you fancy a soak in the bath.

However, a bath isn’t the only treat you can

have at Wineport. Before dinner, we decided to try out the outdoor hot tubs, these are in a warm, sheltered area and look out onto the lake.

Watching dusk settle from the comfort of a hot tub is a rare treat, and added a nice touch of glamour to the stay.

An evening meal at the restaurant is definitely recommended. Head chef Cathal Moran has curated a menu that is laid back, yet has very definite touches of a fine

Wineport Lodge has a fabulous lake view across lovely Lough Ree

dining experience.

The atmosphere is very enjoyable and the service was both professional and homely at the same time. Talking to other diners, we found it is also one of the most sought after Saturday night restaurant bookings in Athlone; something that came as no surprise to learn.

After dinner, we settled into the nooks. Lakeside seats are also an option, and there’s a ready supply of blankets and chiminea for the evenings.

Another special touch at Wineport is that breakfast can be delivered to your bedroom at no extra cost. There’s no better way to gear up for a day

of walking.

For those looking to take a one- or two-night break without heading too far from home, Wineport is an incredible option.

Beautiful, modern, and unfussy – everything has been designed with relaxation in mind, making it the perfect spot for couples to get away.

Gazette

22 Gazette 15 May 2014

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

songs for amy

Hits a few dud notes THE latest in a streak of Irish films hitting the cinema this season, Songs For Amy tells the story of Sean (ex-Eastender Sean Maguire), a struggling Galwegian musician who is due to tie the knot with the love of his life when disaster strikes.

A stag night gone wrong sees Sean and his crew missing the wedding, so Amy flees to America and hooks up with a bona-fide rock star. Sean is forced to record an album of songs – for her ears only – in an attempt to win her back. If you’re thinking it sounds like a mash-up of The Hangover and Once, you’re not far off.

Director Konrad Begg has an eye for detail; the Rizla and Buckfast are offset by gorgeous softfocused shots and hazy harbour-side vistas that capture a more tender side to Galway.

Outrageous However, efforts to tastefully capture the heartbreak and romance are scuppered by the film’s more outrageous comedy elements. It ends up as a bit of a Jeckyl and Hyde situation, with an earthy love story trying to unfold within a booze-filled caper.

Maintaining the balance is a difficult task to set and, unfortunately, not one that the film manages to achieve.

It’s the more outlandish high jinks that work the best, with Sean’s bandmates forming a good supporting cast – you can’t help but wonder whether a much better film could have been made by ditching some of the sentimentality.

A flawed film that showcases encouraging work, Songs For Amy never quite hits the right notes, but may leave you holding out hope for the second album.

Verdict: 5/10

It’s very much a case of mayhem in the middle for Bryan Cranston, continuing his unlikely but brilliant transformation from a top comedic actor into a leading man on the small and big screen alike. Here, his slightly unhinged but likeable character adds some humanity to the updated version using Godzilla lore.

godzilla: CONTEMPORARY TALE Crushes the 1998 film into the dirt

Set to be a roaring success in 2010, Hollywood sat up and took notice when Gareth Edwards’ lowbudget film, Monsters, delivered a long-overdue overhaul to the monsterfilm genre.

Edwards was quickly snapped up as director of Godzilla – a reboot of the familiar city-wrecking story, this time with a fittingly goliath budget.

Monsters focused on the human relationship amid an alien invasion, and a passable attempt is made at that again in Godzilla.

The story takes place 15 years after a nuclear disaster in Japan, which leaves a massive area offlimits due to radiation.

Joe Brody (Br yan Cranston), a plant engineer at the time of the

 Dave phillips

accident, isn’t buying the official line that seismic activity caused the meltdown.

A newspaper-clipping collecting obsessive, string-linking incidents together, he sets out to discover what the government is hiding in the evacuated area, along with his son, an all-American hero, Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

Fans of Monsters expecting the teased-out, nuanced style of storytelling that Edwards

showcased in his 2010 film will be immediately disappointed.

W hether Edwards was bullied into it by the studio, or whether he is wilfully embracing the spirit of previous Godzilla films, will remain a mystery for now – but it becomes instantly apparent that we are dealing with stock characters in stock situations.

It is a bit of a let-down, considering the level of talent on board – Ken Watanabe and Sally Watkins play a pair of gormless researchers in charge of the Godzilla project, adding to a line-up of great actors in incredibly restrictive roles.

Thankfully, the quibbles are quashed once the real star of the show

makes his appearance.

Godzilla is a film that demands to be seen in the cinema. There is a real terror triggered by the sheer scale of destruction accompanied by the blasting horns of the soundtrack.

Edwards masterfully crafts the action. Our first MUTO (massive unidentified terrestrial object) meeting comes through the foggedu p f i r s tperson lens of a gas mask.

From here, a n d throughout

the film, we are treated to incredible, chaotic scenes – from tsunamis roaring down streets, to jet fighters plummeting from the skies – in shots that capture the perspective of the onlooker.

W h e t h e r l o o king through windows, through binocul a r s , through wind-

screens, Edwards constantly makes us aware of the potent theatrical spectacle he has concocted.

Those going to see Godzilla and expecting a gripping story, or a new level of depth, will be disappointed by this latest version.

However, once you embrace the fact that you are going to see a film about giant monsters thumping one another, you’ll have one of the best cinema experiences of the year.

Verdict: 8/10 Inquisitive scientists are both heroes and villains alike in this slightly darkhearted reboot

15 May 2014 Gazette 23

24 GAZETTE 15 May 2014

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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 (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

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PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission sought for a single storey extension to the side and rear at 6 Riverwood Grove, Castleknock, Dublin 15 for Frank Kelly. This 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 Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (â&#x201A;Ź20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

20817

PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL Permission sought for a two storey extension to the east side, a single storey garage extension to the west side and a part two storey and part single storey extension to the south side of an existing residential dwelling to also include a detached single storey games room extension in the rear garden area. All at 1 Woodberry, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

For Dan Creedon. This 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 Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (â&#x201A;Ź20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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15 May 2014 Gazette 25

rugby awards P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

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



Gazette

cycling P29

FastSport GOAL’s penalty fundraiser:

Stackstown golf club’s Padraig Harrington who hopes the newly formed Confederation of Golf in Ireland will build the sport in the coming years

golf: three time major winner padraig harrington gets behind initiative

New confederation sets out to shape golf’s development THREE-time major winner Padraig Harrington has lent his support to the development plan of the recently launched Confederation of Golf in Ireland.

The Stackstown man said of the initiative: “Promoting the game of golf in Ireland at every level is hugely important, from the beginner to the keen amateur, as well as those players who are looking to turn professional.”

The Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI), the new body set up to support, promote and develop the game on the

island of Ireland, presented its plan which outlines the organisation’s strategic vision for the game’s future here.

The CGI was created last year by the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golfing Union and the Professional Golfers Association to complement the work of the three associations in advancing the sport.

The aim is for the CGI to work in partnership with Irish golf clubs to help them broaden their membership base by offering services, training, education and promotional programmes designed

to create and drive participation in the sport at every level.

Speaking at the launch, Harrington added: “Accessing the right level of support structures is essential for players at all levels and it’s great to know that the CGI will be on hand to make this process as easy as possible in the coming years.

“There really is no doubt that golf has a very bright future in Ireland and I wish the CGI the very best of luck in its endeavours.”

The development plan includes the

roll-out of a range of service programmes for golf clubs which will enhance the day-to-day activities of the club, support existing members and encourage new participants to the sport.

It aims to provide support and a “spiritual home” for aspiring Irish tournament professionals and develop a high performance programme for early stage professional golfers The CGI will also act as a single port of call for the Irish Sports Council and Sport Northern Ireland as well as the Olympic Council of Ireland.

RUGBY star Ian Madigan along with Irish soccer international Stephanie Roche are calling on schools from all over Dublin to compete with each other (and their teachers) in a race or a penalty shoot-out for charity.

The fundraiser hopes to boost fitness levels among children and teenagers, and also raise money for some of Goal’s programmes for vulnerable children.

Schools can run their Goal Sports Challenge at any stage before the end of the school term.

For schools interested in signing up, please email schools@goal.ie, contact Alan Vard at Goal on 01-2809 779 or visit www.goal.ie.

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

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

Gazette

26 Gazette 15 May 2014

SPORT

FastSport russia never lose their grip in irish game: The Republic of Ireland women’s senior team suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Russia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier at Tallaght Stadium.

Two early goals from Ekaterina Sochneva and Ekaterina Pantyukhina put the Russians firmly in control and, although Fiona O’Sullivan pulled a goal back after 35 minutes, the visitors regained their grip on the game with a third goal just before half-time when Pantyukhina got her second of the night.

The introduction of Stephanie Roche midway through the first half certainly lifted the Irish performance and the Peamount United striker almost got them back into the game during the second period when her long-range effort came crashing off the crossbar.

The result consolidates Russia’s position in second place in Group 1, five points ahead of Ireland.

rugby: kearney, toner and jennings win big at annual irupa awards

Leinster stars top of class  sport@gazettegroup.com

THE Hibernia College IRUPA Rugby Players’ Awards for 2014 took place last week with an array of Dublin and Leinster rugby stars saluted for their achieve-

ments in the season just ended at the Double Tree

by Hilton on Burlington Road.

The event is Ireland’s only national awards ceremony for the sport and celebrates the best in Irish rugby and the

achievements of the professional players both on and off of the field.

Among the local players hailed for their 2013-14 performances were Rob Kearney, who won the VW Try of the Year for his intercept try

Mike Ross, Supporters’ Player of the Year Devin Toner and Kevin McLaughlin

Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Dr Sean Rowland with Omar Hassanein, IRUPA

against New Zealand during Ireland’s heartbreaking defeat to the world champions in the Autumn International series. Devin Toner was presented with the Newstalk 106-108fm Supporters’ Player of the Year as chosen by listeners of Off the Ball.

Additionally, Leinster’s Shane Jennings was awarded the Hibernia College Medal for Excellence, which rewards on field effort combined with off field commitment to the game.

Nominees were voted by their peers but were also judged on their contribution to the sport through community involvement, education, work and charitable initiatives.

The inaugural BNY Mellon Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2014 as voted by members of the Sevens squad was presented to Nicole Cronin.

She won for her consistent performances during the qualification tournaments for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.

In a season of standout performances and memories, members of the public voted Ireland’s 6 Nations title win as the Powerscourt Hotel Rugby Moment of the Year via Twitter.

The award was collected by Gordon D’Arcy and Ireland team manager Michael Kearney.

Omar Hassanein, c h i e f e xe c u t i ve o f IRUPA, said: “Winning an IRUPA award is the

highest honour a player can receive in this country, and all the winners and nominees should be congratulated for the high recognition they have received amongst their peers.”

Dr Sean Rowland, president and founder of Hibernia College, said: “It has been an excellent year for Irish rugby and Hibernia College students Andrew Trimble, Michael Swift, TJ Anderson and Tommy Bowe.

“Andrew’s success at the awards highlights the continuing need to design and provide flexible graduate and postgraduate programmes to meet the ever-changing needs of these individuals and their demanding lifestyles.”

O’Neill on hand to launch Etihad’s memorabilia box  sport@gazettegroup.com

Uachtaran Chumann Luthchleas Gael Liam O’Neill with Lisa O’Leary, Etihad lounge manager

ETIHAD Airways added some GAA history to the first and business class lounge in Terminal 2, Dublin Airport recently and Uachtaran Chumann Luthchleas Gael Liam O’Neill was on hand to launch the first GAA Museum memorabilia box in the world.

President O Neill said “This novel innovation has now placed Gaelic games and some of our treasured memorabilia in the middle of Dublin Airport, which is not exactly the first

place that springs to mind on mention of such items.

“Etihad Airways have helped us to raise the profile of hurling in particular overseas.

“And I hope many of their passengers will take the opportunity to view what are important GA A historical items before setting out on their journeys.”

Guests travelling now admire the historical objects dating back to the early 20th century.

The features include official match programmes and admission tickets from the 1961 and

1962 All-Ireland Hurling Finals.

1961 was the last time Dublin appeared in an All-Ireland hurling final when they were beaten

by Tipperary.

An antique hurley from the early 20th century which was used in New York stands proudly beside sliotars from the 1940s and from the 2002 All Ireland Hurling Final in Croke Park.

Another hurley displayed in the GAA Museum box is signed by members from the 2001 and 2002 All-Star teams.

GAA fans will remember the 2002 All-Ireland hurling final

which saw Kilkenny beating Clare and the legendary DJ Carey scoring 1-6.

The most recent items in the GAA Museum box which will go down in history, are official match programmes and admission tickets from the 2010 AllIreland Hurling Final.

Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways’ general manager Ireland, said: “We hope our guests will enjoy viewing the latest addition of historical GAA hurling memorabilia to the Etihad first and business class lounge”.

15 May 2014 Gazette 27

Gazette

Roche revels as Irish fans paint Giro pink Dundrum native Nicolas Roche conceded he was ‘speechless’ at the reception he received on the streets of both Belfast and Dublin as the Grande Partenza sets local cycling pulses racing NICOLAS Roche, taking the stage at Belfast City Hall, entered the arena at Thursday’s team presentation beaming from ear to ear, stating he was near “speechless” at the welcome.

As team leader, his team mates walked to the stage before he followed them up the ramparts on his bike to a rapturous ovation.

“It is such a huge surprise. I had thought wouldn’t it be great to line out in front of my home crowd in Ireland? Maybe for a Tour of Ireland but to do it at one of the biggest sporting events in the world is amazing.

“I have made a big change in my programme for 2014 in order to be part of this.”

Speaking ahead of the race, he said he was keen to end up in the top 10 of

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

the second biggest event in world cycling, a gruelling three-week tour to rival the Tour de France.

Every two years, the Grande Partenza sees the first three stages of the tour take place outside of Italy, turning Belfast and the road to Dublin pink to honour the occasion.

“My condition is good,” said Roche.

“I did everything I could to arrive here in a good shape. The team has really been supportive after my injury and bringing me here in the best condition.

“Hopefully things will

go well and I will be competitive. A good result would be a top 10 in the general classification. I have worked hard and I think I can make the top 10, and I will be disappointed if I don’t make it.”

From there, the Dundrum native enjoyed a superstar status with his Tinkoff Saxo team bus thronged in the paddocks prior to Friday’s team time trial with Irish cycling fans from Lucan and Skerries cycling clubs conspicuous in trying to get a glimpse of Roche.

While he was fully focused on his warm-up, Roche took time to shake hands and sign umpteen autographs following a strong team time trial.

His Tinkoff team of allrounders ended in fourth place, traversing the route from the rejuvenated

Titanic quarter under the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes toward Stormont before returning to city hall for the finish with Roche’s family and friends in the audience.

There was awful news, though, for Roche’s cousin Dan Martin, a fancied contender to take a stage

the Causeway coast saw Roche finish safely in the bunch, a feat he also managed on the roll into Dublin albeit having to chase down the pack 6km from the finish with a flat tyre.

Having negotiated the crowds of his hometown, traversing the Fingal roads via Balbriggan, Skerries,

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

‘I have worked hard and think I can make the top team and will be disappointed if I don’t make it’ - Nicolas Roche --------------------------------------------------------

win or potentially a top three overall finish.

But a slippery manhole cover just over halfway around the course saw him sent flying and a broken collar bone ended his Giro before it had started in earnest.

Day two’s stage around

The crowds gather around Nicolas Roche as he warms up prior to the Giro d’Italia’s start in Belfast

Lusk, Swords, Malahide and Portmarnock, dicing with the rain throughout, he endured the puncture at the worst possible time.

It came as the peloton whipped into top gear for a big sprint finish after a lap of Merrion square.

Nonetheless, he replaced his bike quickly and his team helped him link up with the rest of the bunch with only minimal damage.

Overall, that left Roche in 27th place in general classification following a memorable three days in Ireland for the sport and one not likely to be replicated in his career, lining out in a grand tour in front of his home crowd.

As such, he flew out to Italy on Tuesday with 37 seconds to make up, a manageable tally when the racing continues in earnest in Italy.

FastSport

Dublin set to host high profile cricket fixtures IRISH CRICKET has been handed a massive boost with the news that both Australia and England have agreed to play one-day internationals here as part of their 2015 itineraries.

The exact date of the England clash has still to be confirmed, but Australia will meet Ireland on Thursday, August 27 following the conclusion of the 5th Ashes Test at The Oval.

Ireland last week lined out against World T20 champions Sri Lanka, pictured above, in a oneday international but the second tie was washed out by the weather.

2015 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever for Irish fans, starting with their third ICC Cricket World Cup, which begins in Australia and New Zealand in February and March.

In addition to the home fixtures against England and Australia, Ireland are co-hosting the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers with Scotland, a competition which will see 14 countries battling it out for six qualification slots. The event runs from July 9 until August 2 for the right to reach the finals in India in 2016.

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom was clearly delighted at securing further high profile fixtures: “We are thrilled to welcome both England and Australia to Ireland once again,” he said.

“Although opportunities to find space in the Future Tours Programme are rare against the world’s leading teams, it is apparent that Cricket Australia and the ECB are committed to ensuring that the top associates, like Scotland and Ireland, have a chance to test themselves against the best and to help us to improve.

“Off the field, the visit of such teams gives a massive boost to the profile of the sport, gives a terrific injection to the local economy and provides a wonderful day out for our fans.

“2015 promises to be a landmark year for Irish cricket with the World Cup, home ODI’s against two of the world’s top teams, and cohosting the World Twenty20 Qualifiers.

“All these events represent a wonderful business opportunity for a potential sponsor as our highly successful seven year association with RSA draws to an end.”

Gazette

28 BLANCH gazette 15 May 2014

SPORT

FastSport Royle captains irish team in Birmingham: CORDUFF Karate Club’s Leeanne Royle captained the USKFI squad that travelled to the KUGB National Championships at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham last week.

The exceptional standard of the competitors saw many outstanding matches in both kata and kumite.

There were some fine performances from squad newcomer Sophie Farrell who won four out of five matches but just missed out on the girl’s kumite final.

soccer: dublin 15 side hope switch will benefit club’s growth

Corduff make move from AUL to LSL  aron hegarty sport@gazettegroup.com

CORDUFF Football Club has announced they will be joining the Leinster Senior League (LSL) next season.

The Blanchardstown club, who currently ply their trade in the Athletic Union League (AUL), will join local teams Hartstown Huntstown FC and Ballymun United in making the move to the LSL. According to the club’s statement, the decision had been made a number of months ago in an effort to develop their sen-

ior teams and progress younger players.

“In our move to the LSL we aim to continue the improvement of our senior squad.

“Nowwe aim to encourage a mix of upcoming young players with a mix of experienced players for our next challenge - to break in to intermediate football.

“This [decision to join the LSL] follows 14 excellent years in the AUL,” said the club. “We went from Division 2A all the way to Premier A over an eight-year period.

“We did so on the back

of two schoolboy teams in that period. This also peaked with a showing in the All-Ireland FAI Junior Cup semi-final in 2008.”

Corduff FC, established in 1976, is the largest football club in the area and has a total of 22 teams on it’s books catering for all ages and levels.

Famous past players include League of Ireland star Declan “Fabio” O’Brien of Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers B and Under-19 right-back Nathan Brown and ex-St. Patrick’s Athletic defender Thomas Crawley.

The West Dublin outfit

On the field, Corduff won three NDSL cup titles last weekend including the U-15 Cup

are currently fourth in the AUL Premier B league, but they now have a team completing schoolboy football every year and are looking to transfer this to the senior stage.

John McGuinness, Corduff FC PRO, said: “The move to the LSL gives us a chance to rebuild our ageing senior squad and

breed in younger players to what is a very stable and competitive league.

“We are a growing club and we would like to be more competitive in the next three to five years and feel this move will benefit us as it covers all angles.

“From a secretarial point of view too it makes

sense as Abbotstown is just across the way from us,” he joked.

The club will make history this weekend when they become the first Dublin 15 club to compete in an All-Ireland final when their Under-12 side take on St Joseph’s Boys in Kilternan on Saturday at 11am.

15 May 2014 BLANCH gazette 29

Gazette

hurling: positive result at monastery road

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s ST BRIGID’S GAA annual mini leagues

Any member with issues regarding

- June 9-14th. Save the dates. Book-

membership can contact our club

ing forms will be on the club website

treasurer Trish O’Reilly in private at

this week.

086 6026229 or 8reillyp@ie.ibm.com.

Summer camp application forms

A huge week of adult champion-

are also online under the download-

ship football ahead with all six adult

able forms section of the website.

teams in action. See all fixtures on

Final call for players for our golf classic in Royal Tara on Friday, May

Some great wins last week includ-

afternoon, €400 per team of four

ing wins for our senior hurlers, sen-

and/or €200 to sponsor a tee box.

ior ladies football and camogie teams

tact Paddy Davey for more info on 086 8229312.

Go Bragh get back on track in junior D junior d hurling Round Tower, Clondalkin 1-8 Erin Go Bragh 4-13  sport@gazettegroup.com

Erin Go Br agh’s hurlers travelled to Clondalkin last weekend and made amends for their defeat to W hitehall Colmcille in the first round of the Junior D Hurling Championship with an assured and positive performance against Round Tower in which they prevailed by 4-13 to 1-8.

Both sides had lost their opening ties of the championship and were keen to get their

campaigns back on track, but it was the visitors who got off to the best possible start with an Aidan Watson goal, shortly before Kevin Larkin extended their lead to four points.

To w e r ’ s o p e n e d their scoring account with a point but Go Bragh were to enjoy a dominant spell with Dave Kennedy, Robert Watson, Aidan Watson and Kevin Larkin all registering scores.

Tower’s came back into the game in the final 10 minutes scoring a goal and two points without reply to reduce the deficit at half time to six

points, the score 2-6 to 1-3 at the turn.

The second half proved to be a tight affair with both teams going point for point with only goals from Aidan and Robert Watson proving to be the difference between the sides.

The flow of the match slowed as it proceeded through the second half, with both sides conceding a large number of frees, but ultimately it was Erin Go Bragh who got their championship confidence back with a good away win against Tower’s.

Their next match

in the Adult Hurling League Division 8 is against fellow top-ofthe-table contenders Wild Geese on May 25 at St Catherine’s Park, while they prepare for the next round of the Junior D championship match against Skerries Harps on June 5 at the same venue.

Erin Go Bragh: G Dalton, S Healy, M Duf f y, K Scanlon, J Monaghan, K Kenny, J Harding, C Caughan, D Kennedy (0-1), K Larkin (0-7), R Watson (1-2), D O’Donoghue, M Wanjigo, A Watson (3-3), D Mulcahy (T Kennedy)

our teams.

23. Shotgun Start in the morning and

Four-course dinner included. Con-

Erin Go Bragh brough their positive league form to bear on their championship tie with Round Tower

the club website and please support

as well as our U-15 and U-13 hurlers and minor A footballers.

There was no winner of last Thurs-

Annual club membership for 2014 is

day’s club lotto; the jackpot now

now long overdue. Any player who is

rises to €11,800 and the draw will be

injured at training or matches is now

in The Vineyard on Thursday evening,

not insured.

May 15.

castleknock WELL done to the intermediate hurl-

hosted by Naomh Mearnog, with full

ers who made it two from two after

details of fixtures to follow on the

a good win against Na Fianna on Sat-

website later in the week.

urday.

The cash for clobber scheme is back,

The second team hurlers narrowly

with full details on the website about

lost out to Liffey Gaels, while the third

how to donate clothes. There will also

team had a great win against White-

be specific drop-off times organised

hall, in their respective champion-

at the nursery for the next few Sun-

ships.

days, and the closing date is May 27.

The second football team have their

If you or anyone you know would

next round this Sunday in Somerton

like to take up Adult Camogie, then

against Fingal Ravens at 3pm.

please get in touch with John Griffin

Also on next weekend is the boy’s hurling feile. Castleknock are being

at chairpersonladies@castleknock. net. All levels of skill are welcome.

erin go bragh THANKS to everyone who supported

Hard luck to our second team U-12

our ladies section’s clothing collec-

hurlers who lost to Cuala. Hard luck

tion.

to our U-14 hurlers who lost to St Vin-

Our camel race night takes place

cent’s.

June 13 in the Paddocks. Camels are

Well done to our U-15 footballers who

€10 each and its €100 to advertise a

beat Na Fianna during the week. Well

full page in the night’s programme. For

done to our U-10 and U-12 ladies foot-

more contact John on 087 7541948.

ball teams who were in action over the

Well done to our U-8 hurlers on Sat-

weekend.

urday. Our first team U-12 hurlers

Well done also to our U-13 camogie

won their game against Erin’s Isle, well

team who beat Kilmacud Crokes and

done to all.

U-16 ladies football team.

GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 25-29

may 15, 2014

erin bounce back: Go Bragh bring their A game in junior D championship against Round Tower’s P29

roche on tour: Huge reception for Giro as Dublin’s finest rides in P27

Mochta’s ready for Cork City test  aron hegarty

sport@gazettegroup.com

St MochTa’s FC’s manager Brian McCarthy believes his team has nothing to lose when they face Airtricity League giants Cork City next month.

His West Dublin team will face a fierce reception at Turner’s Cross when they play the Leesiders in the FAI Ford Cup second round on the weekend ending June 8.

John Caulfield’s side are fourth in the SSE Airtricity League table having lost just two of their opening 11 league games, and have won the competition twice before in 1998 and 2007.

But with former League of Ireland players Rocko Reilly, Paul McNally

and Glen Crowe – who has bagged 28 goals so far this season – in his arsenal, McCarthy believes his side has every chance of causing an upset.

“It is the easiest team-talk I will have to give this season,” he said. “We have nothing to lose going down there, and they have everything to lose.

“We’re over the moon about the draw. It’s a big day out for the team and our supporters who have been great all season.

“Cork City is a huge club and they usually bring a very big crowd down to home games, which should add to the occasion.”

The Clonsilla outfit, established in 1949, are currently sixth in the LSL Senior Sunday Division 1A league on

40 points with three matches left.

A goal deep into injury-time from Craig Sheridan gave Mochta’s a thrilling 4-3 home league win over Dunboyne AFC last weekend.

Gavin Smith opened the scoring in the fifth minute, while further goals from Jordan Lancaster and a lastminute own-goal set up a dramatic finale that saw Sheridan head the winner and the visitors reduced to 10 men.

That result means if McCarthy’s side win their three remaining league games, they will be promoted to Division 1.

“It has been a cracking season for us so far,” he said. “The lads have been fantastic as last weekend’s win over

St Mochta’s face Cork City in the FAI Cup in early June

Dunboyne showed.

“Our focus is primarily on the league; that is our bread and butter.

This cup draw with Cork is a bonus and I’m delighted for the club, the team and the supporters.”

Next week, the Dublin 15 club are

contesting two semi-finals.

The first is on Sunday at home to Broadford Rovers in the George Moore Cup at 11am, and the second is on Thursday against St James’ Gate in the Joe Gilligan Cup at the Iveagh Grounds kicking-off at 7.45pm.