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INSIDE: Wouldn’t it be good to hear how 1980s pop singer Nik Kershaw escapes the mayhem? Page 15

Swimming:

NAC stars make splash in national event Page 32

Handball:

Kennedy comeback continues with doubles win Page 30

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

opinion: MS Ireland’s chief executive on cuts fallout for the sick and vulnerable P6

Project refused but fear persists  Keith Bellew

Planning permission for the proposed development of a Lidl supermarket and shopping centre in Castleknock Village has been refused

by Fingal County Council.

Local residents and representatives alike had opposed the development at the site adjacent to the village flower shop. However, their concerns have not been completely allayed, as one of the council’s reasons for refusal was

that it considered that “the proposed development would represent the underutilisation and the inefficient use of serviced and zoned lands”.

Cllr Eithne Loftus (FG) who was a champion of local opposition to the development said: “I am delighted that it was refused, but the conditions on which it was refused worry me considerably.”

The council declined to comment further.

Full Story on Page 3

Baby steps: Mother elephant keeps watch over son’s big day meet Dublin Zoo’s newest arrival.

This 1.2 metre tall baby Asian bull elephant calf was born to mother Yasmin on Thursday, July 17, and he made his first public appearance this week. He will now join the rest of the herd: Yasmin,

father Upali, Bernhardine, Anak and Asha in the Kaziranga Forest Trail at Dublin Zoo, which is now sponsored by The Natural Confectionery Company. They are also calling on the public to help name the calf. Picture: Patrick Bolger

2 BLANCH Gazette 24 July 2014

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

council Borrowing ‘not currently feasible’

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A motion calling on Fingal County Council to apply for a loan in order to fund the building of social housing has been rejected

Anger as AAA housing loan proposal rejected A motion calling on Fingal County Council to apply for a loan in order to fund the building of social housing was rejected at the recent council meeting.

The motion, tabled by Cllr Sandra Kavanagh (AAA), called on chief executive Paul Reid to seek approval for this loan as a matter of urgency in light of the large number of people seeking to be housed in Fingal.

The motion was rejected and a report on the issue was supplied to councillors which said that direct Government borrowing for social housing, which includes local authority loans, adds to the Government debt and is not currently feasible.

The report concluded: “Fingal County Council

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

continues to increase social housing supply by construction, purchase, leasing and in collaboration with the approved housing bodies.”

This response was met with anger by AAA councillors Kavanagh and Matt Waine.

Cllr Kavanagh said that a large number of those on the housing list are families. “I have learned that some families are living in tents in their neighbour’s back gardens. Previously they were living in their cars.

T hir ty-nine families

have lost their homes in June, that’s at least one a day. We are now in the grip of a housing emergency and the Government plan is to build a measly 449 homes in the coming years. Quite frankly, it’s an insult to the people who put us and the present Government in the positions we are now.”

Cllr Duncan Smith (Lab) said: “I want to welcome the thrust of this motion. This is the crisis of our time, something we need to work hard on.”

He went on to ask if there was any other approach that the council could take in regards to getting a loan to tackle the problem.

Cllr Matt Waine said: “We [AAA] are often accused of not coming up with a solution, well here

is a solution, take out a loan, ‘You can’t take a loan out’. Well a number of years ago, this council did take out a loan to refurbish this facility (Malahide Castle). If I’m not mistaken the total cost was around €10.5m, nearly €4m of which was coughed up by this council through a loan, and, if I’m not mistaken, a similar loan was taken out for the development of Balheary dump. If we can do it for castles and dumps, can we not do it for homes?

“We fully realise the size of this problem, we are engaging with every Government department and body, and we would be perceived as being very pro-active and being part of a solution. I just want to reassure that we totally understand

it’s a major crisis, we’re doing everything we can with our powers at council level.”

Cllr David McGuinness (FF) said the council have borrowed in the past for projects, so it is not unprecedented.

“However, in typical Socialist Party style they haven’t identified who will pay for the borrowing. A better system might be to continue rent supplement payments after someone has received a council home and allow this €1,000 per month to build up a housing fund which could then be used to buy back council properties which are currently private, as these represent the cheapest houses on the market currently ranging from €90,000 to €150,000 on average.”

24 July 2014 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

BIG TODDLE

UPGRADES: FUNDING BOOST FOR WIDE RANGE OF FINGAL COMMUNITIES

Little heroes on the move

€4.2m to support energy projects A NUMBER of community energy projects in Fingal will receive financial support resulting in substantial improvements in homes, community buildings, local authority premises and sports facilities throughout the county.

This comes as part of a Dublin-wide Better Energy programme from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which will see communities receive more than €4.2m in financial support.

Fingal projects that will receive financial support this year include the National Association of Building Co-operatives, that will carry out upgrades to 24 houses

and a community room at Castlegrange Heights in Swords.

Airtricity, Fingal County Council and KN Home Energy Upgrades will energy retrofit 69 councilowned homes in the Blanchardstown and Swords areas over two estates.

Respond Housing Association is leading a project which involves energy upgrades for 40 social housing apartments for elderly people and those with special needs, in La Verna Baldoyle, Co Dublin.

Fingal County Council, par tnering with Blanchardstown Travellers Group and Bord na Mona, will carry out energy upgrades in 12 local authority, energy-poor

homes in the Fingal area.

Future Fit is leading a project which aims to improve energy performance of 15 GAA clubs around the country, including Naomh Mearnog, Portmarnock, by installing a range of measures such as energyefficient flood and internal lighting, heating and cooling system upgrades, insulation upgrades and solar technology.

Declan Meally, head of emerging sectors, SEAI, said: “Organisations around the country like those benefiting in Dublin are alert to the high cost of energy in their facilities and that every euro saved can be diverted back into valuable services for the community.”

Achievement: Water Babies make a splash with two national awards WATER Babies has been named the Best National Baby and Pre-Schooler Development Activity (up to five years) at the What’s On 4 Junior 2014 Awards. The baby and toddler swim school has its headquarters in Blanchardstown, and Therese McNally and Claire Hogan collected the award. Claire was also named the most Outstanding Activity Leader for Children. The annual awards celebrate the best children’s activity providers in Ireland, the UK and Australia, and this year over 100,000 votes were received.

LITTLE heroes from Rosetta’s Crazy Kids in Hartstown took part in the Cow and Gate Big Toddle in aid of Barnardos recently.

The Big Toddle is a fun sponsored walk in which toddlers have the opportunity to help create positive change for disadvantaged children.

The kids donned their superhero costumes and raised €240 for vulnerable children their own age in the creche’s seventh annual Big Toddle event.

Claire Hoyne of Rosetta’s Crazy Kids said: “All the kids had a fantastic day with everyone aged one to 11 taking part, winning medals and trophies.

We also had a picnic and everyone had a brilliant day. Well done everyone.”

2 0 1 4 FURTHER EDUCATION GUIDE On August 21, 2014 Dublin Gazette Newspapers will publish our highly sought after guide to help you when choosing Further Education. This information guide will be full of useful information on part-time and full-time courses and will be an invaluable reference for all considering re-training or continued learning.

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4 BLANCH Gazette 24 July 2014

LocalMatters

castleknock Shopping centre controversy service:

family support

S u p p o r t l o c a l b u s i n e ss

Martine retires after 13 years

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Planning permission for a development in Castleknock Village which included a Lidl supermarket has been refused. Picture: James Horan/Photocall Ireland

Reasons for planning refusal worry locals  Keith Bellew

Planning permission for the proposed development of a Lidl supermarket, medical centre and a number of other shops at the site adjacent to the flower shop in Castleknock Village has been refused by Fingal County Council.

Residents of the area were vehemently opposed to this development, with traffic issues being cited as one of the key causes of concern. While these residents may be happy that the development has been refused permission, many are worried about the reasons set out by Fingal County Council, for the refusal.

One of the reasons for refusal set out by the council was that it considered that “the proposed development would represent the underutilisa-

tion and the inefficient use of serviced and zoned lands”.

Another reason cited by the council was that the plan was not consistent with the Urban Centre Strategy. It said: “It is an objective of the Fingal Development Plan 20112017 and the Castleknock Urban Centre Strategy to provide for mixed uses in any redevelopment of this site to enhance and develop the urban fabric of Castleknock. It is considered that the proposed development would be inconsistent with the Castleknock Urban Centre Strategy.”

Cllr Eithne Loftus (FG) was at the forefront of opposition to the site.

She said that while she is glad that permission was refused, the reasons for refusal are worrying.

She said that the Urban Centre Strategy is very

unpopular with residents, and implied that the reasons for refusal have ominous implications for future developments at the site.

“I am delighted that it was refused, but the conditions on which it was refused worry me considerably. As we all know, the Castleknock Urban Centre Strategy is a questionable document, and the community would have a lot of objections to it.

All in all, I am very disappointed with the reasons for refusing the application.

“Another disappointing feature of this, is that I got acknowledgement of my objection to the application, on the day that they made the decision. Decisions are never made as quickly as this in the council, so I felt that it was a bit strange in the extreme, and all in all I am

very worried about it.”

Former councillor for the area and current Labour Party representative John Walsh said: “It is extraordinary that one of the reasons given is that the Lidl application involved ‘underutilisation’ of the zoned site – this is a worrying indication that high density development of the site is still on the cards at a future date.

“This decision should be only the beginning of an open dialogue between the council and the community on future development in the area: local residents deserve the same level of consultation and engagement from their council as a developer receives in the pre-planning process.”

Fingal County Council declined to comment on the statements made

by Cllr Loftus and Mr Walsh.

After 13 years of outstanding service as a family support worker, at Blakestown/Mountview Neighbourhood Youth Project, Martine Murphy has decided to retire.

Martine joined the NYP on June 17, 2001, bringing a new dynamic to the project, and quickly building respectful and lasting relationships with the families and staff. According to her colleagues, Martine has become an integral part of the NYP and has developed the family support service by providing a safe, nurturing and holistic environment.

Blanchardstown NYP was founded in 1992 to support the young people of the area and their families.

The project specialises in encouraging and enabling young people to stay in school, to reach their educational potential, and to develop positive aspects of their lives.

Family support and project youth worker Derek Sheridan said: “Martine’s gentle personality has over the years made her many friends in the community, her professional, nonjudgemental approach epitomises the ethos of what family support is all about.

“She has guided families through harrowing crises and is respected by all support agencies in the Dublin 15 area.

“It would be hard to gauge the valuable and c o n s c i e n t i o u s wo r k she has done, above and beyond the call of duty.”

24 July 2014 BLANCH Gazette 5

documentary Contrasting Dublin’s inner slums and the Five Points, New York

Series explores Dublin’s working class history  Keith Bellew

A Dublin 15 man is creating a documentary series on the working class people of Dublin, from the 1700s up until the mid 20th century.

The documentary titled The Irish in a Tale of Two Cities was written and directed

by George Fitzgerald, and explores the conditions of the

workhouses in the Victorian era, and in the Monto area of Dublin right up through the Easter Rising, the War of Independence/Civil War and World War Two. Also examined in the documentary is the contrast between Dublin’s inner city slums, and those of the Five Points area of New York which had a large Irish pop-

golf club: no cash was recovered from theft

Man robbed over €49,000 A former gambling addict who stole over €49,000 from one Dublin golf club and produced false income and expenditure accounts for another has been given a two-andhalf-year sentence.

Alan Williamson (53) had volunteered as treasurer for Elmgreen Golf Club when he furnished false accounts at club AGMs from 2004 to 2007.

The father-of-four then stole €49,679 from Silloge Park Golf Club while he was employed as manager.

Williamson, of W hitechapel Grove, Clonsilla, pleaded guilty to producing false income and expenditure accounts to make gain or cause loss at Elmgreen Golf Club, Dunsink Lane, Castleknock, from January 31, 2004 to January 24, 2007.

He also pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sample charges of stealing between €1,168 and €4,108 from Silloge Park Golf Club from May 14, 2007 to June 18, 2007.

Williamson further pleaded guilty to stealing a €3,250 cheque from Elmgreen Golf Club on June 17, 2006. He has no previous convictions.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring commented that the golf clubs are small companies and suffered a significant

loss. She imposed a twoand-a-half-year sentence and suspended the final two years.

Sergeant Alan Brown of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation said that Williamson had been on holiday in 2007 when Elmgreen’s honorary secretary got a call from the bank about a cheque bouncing.

The secretary contacted Williamson, who said he had made lodgements in a night safe. Gardai were contacted when it was discovered this never happened.

Williamson told authorities at Silloge Park Golf Club, where he worked as manager from February 2007, that he lodged money in error to Elmgreen. He said he would “chase it up”.

T he sergeant told Grainne O’Neill BL, prosecuting, that Elmgreen confirmed no money had been lodged and informed Silloge there had been previous problems with Williamson. When questioned by gardai, Williamson said that he had kept all the money for his own use. None of the cash was recovered.

Sgt Brown agreed with John Fitzgerald BL, defending, that his client had not come to adverse attention in the seven years since the offences.

ulation.

In the beginning George Fitzgerald was hampered by substandard editing equipment. The programme he was using would crash continually, which slowed him down considerably. He then bought a new computer which was incompatible with the software he was using, but after what he described

as a “battle”, he eventually overcame the problem and has published the first two parts of his documentary on YouTube.

When asked why he decided to embark on this project, Fitzgerald said: “I decided to make it because I think the working class history of Dublin needs to be told.

“I’ve been working on it for

about three or four months now. I’m working on number three now at the moment and in total there will be about 12 (parts). The situation can change day by day, but I’m hoping to have them all done by October.”

He says that the editing process has been the most difficult aspect of the documentary but adds that he is

really enjoying the process: “It really opens your mind,” he says, adding that you think you know about something until you really start to delve into it,.

“Then you realise that you haven’t got a clue about it really.”

The documentaries can be viewed on the George Fitgerald channel at YouTube.com

6 BLANCH Gazette 24 July 2014

opinion Organisation’s concerns over providing assistance

Maintaining funding is vital to help people living with MS As head of MS Ireland, Ava Battles sees first-hand the importance of providing neurological and support services for sufferers ON JULY 19, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government restored €1.2m in funding through the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) for 23 of the 26 disability organisations from which funding was originally withdrawn.

For a period of 12 months, these 23 disability organisations will continue to receive funding while the department attempts to come up with a permanent solution.

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) – the only national group (statutory or voluntary)

representing 700,000 Irish people with neurological conditions, and 10 of their members – have had funding temporarily restored.

Without this core funding, the NAI and a number of the neurological organisations would have to cease operations.

As a member of the board of NAI and chief executive of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland (MS Ireland), I am gravely concerned about the overall impact of the potential funding cuts in accelerating the issue of neurological care in Ireland.

Neurological services here fall dramatically

short of what is available in all other developed countries.

The NAI is the only coordinated voice in Ireland representing these people and their families and the organisation would be a great loss.

Member organisations of the NAI would be impacted differently by funding cuts, all of them actively providing vital services and already operating within a challenging funding environment.

Among the 10 members of the NAI which would be affected by cuts to funding is MS Ireland – the only national organisation providing information, support and services to the whole MS community.

MS is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young people in Ireland.

Ireland has one of the highest rates of MS per capita of any country in the world, with more than 8,000 people living with MS – or one in every 500 people.

Affecting the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body, the variance in presence, severity and duration of symptoms, coupled with the intermittent and progressive nature of MS, impacts not only the person with MS, but also their family.

MS Ireland provides a wide range of specialised services and resources on a national, regional and local level.

Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to the goals

Ava Battles, chief executive, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland

of services provision, information and advocacy, and our job to support people living with MS, their families and carers.

More than two-thirds of the 8,000 people living with MS in Ireland access these vital services and resources.

All of those affected by the condition rely on MS Ireland to advocate on their behalf on any issues which will impact their quality of life.

MS Ireland’s key objectives as an organisation, in addition to services provision, are information, advocacy and research.

The impetus of our proposal was based on the principles of self-management, which encour-

ages anyone managing a chronic condition to inform themselves so as to be co-participants in the health decisions that affect their quality of life.

The SSNO funding cuts would jeopardise the vital work MS Ireland does in relation to: 1. The provision of information for people to make informed decisions about their lives with MS. Identifying, developing and disseminating information that is accessible timely and accurate and to a wide and diverse population of people is crucial.

2. Further development and maintenance of the existing MS information line and the MS website.

3. Promote and dissem-

inate research finding.

MS Ireland advocates at an individual level through the casework service offered regionally as well as campaigning on a national level on issues that affect all or significant groups of people who use the services.

The organisation offers a platform for people affected by MS to have their voices heard on the issues that affect them the most and, through submissions to an ongoing communication with governmental departments, MS Ireland ensures these issues are addressed.

MS Ireland fully supports the Disability Federation of Ireland and the NAI in their efforts

towards getting the Government to restore the SSNO funding permanently.

These organisations are providing crucial services which the State does not currently provide.

If this funding is withdrawn, not only will services to those people living with these conditions be severely affected, but some organisations will have to cease operations completely.

Furthermore, those affected will expect the HSE to provide the essential services which will be lost.

Ava Battles Chief executive, MS Ireland

24 July 2014 BLANCH Gazette 7

level crossings Proposed closures on hold until 2018

Minister asked to restate assurance  Keith Bellew

Shortly before he moved from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar made assurances that no further attempts to close level crossings in Dublin 15 would be undertaken before the end of 2018 and that local communities would be fully consulted on any such plans.

There had been a lot of concern locally about the proposals to close the level crossings at Porterstown and Coolmine, situated on the Maynooth rail-line between Maynooth and Connolly station. They were to be

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closed as it is intended that the line be “electrified to DART” as part of the DART Underground project, which aims to greatly increase the capacity of Dublin’s rail service.

A number of weeks ago, Minister Varadkar announced that due to a lack of funding, the proposed closures would be put on hold until 2018 at the earliest.

Roderic O’Gorman (Greens) has written to the new Minister for Transport Pascal Donohoe and requested that he restate this commitment.

He said: “I’ve written to Minister Donohoe in

relation to a commitment made by his predecessor, Minister Varadkar, in June of this year.

“In response to concerns being expressed across Dublin 15 about the potential closure of level crossings, Minister Varadkar circulated a leaflet locally in which he stated that no further efforts to close level crossings on the Maynooth line would be made prior to the end of 2018. He further stated that, in future, “consultation with local residents will take place long before any plans are put on public display”.

“The attempt to close the Porterstown Road

level crossing in late 2013 – early 2014, with minimal engagement with local residents, deeply angered the community in the Clonsilla area.

“It has generated concerns in communities such as Coolmine and Ashtown that a similar top-down approach will be adopted towards the level crossings in these areas.

“On behalf of residents living in the area, I have asked Minister Donohoe to restate the commitments given by Minister Varadkar that a) no further attempts to close these level crossings will be made before late 2018 and b) where there are

An artist’s impression of a proposed pedestrian crossing at Porterstown level crossing

proposals to close level crossings, residents will be consulted before planning documents go on public display.

“Having already revealed Irish Rail’s longterm plans for these level crossings through my

freedom of information request, I will continue to work with residents to ensure that they are fully involved in any proposals for these level crossings.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

has responded saying that Minister Donohoe has only just received Cllr O’Gorman’s correspondence, and will respond in due course once he has had time to review the necessary documents.

8 BLANCH Gazette 24 July 2014

gazetteGALLERIES

Michelle and James Waddock and Katie O’Connor. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

ON YOUR MARKS: INAUGURAL CASTLEKNOCK 5KM SETS OFF

Alan Nolan and Amee Molloy

A

lmost 1,300 took part in the inaugural Castleknock 5km race recently which raised over €35,000 for Cystic Fibrosis.

Footballer Alan Brogan was the official starter of the race which saw Irish greats Catherina McKiernan and Eamon Coghlan line-out along with Minister for Health Leo Varadkar in a hugely successful event. McKiernan won the women’s event, ahead of race organiser Kate O’Neill and Kieron Peters won the men’s event. The charity event will result in the opening of a Dublin West branch of Cystic Fibrosis from money raised from the event.

Keith Gleeson and Lesley Bergin Best who took part in Westmanstown Golf Club recently. The event proved teen couple took part and the dancing was get a ticket. This is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers Dorothy Lennon and Wayne Byrne

Westmanstown: Strictly Peregrine’s fundraiser

Ciana and Margaret Spelman

Farah Duffy

and Megan O’Sullivan. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Kandan Loganathan with his sons Matthew and Daniel supporting wife Deborah

It’s all go-go for the happy hoofers

Brendan and Katie O’Connor with their children Emma and Brendan Germaine McDaid, Edel Yumar and Roisin Aspin

Judge Dave Harrington

24 July 2014 BLANCH Gazette 9

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

Dancers Janice Kavanagh and Barry Judge Ger Brennan

Iva Sever and Amanda McDonagh

Caesar Hunt

Sinead Ennis, Anita Smith, Anne Smith, Susan Cullen and Suzanne Smith

the Strictly Peregrine’s event which was held at hugely popular with around 700 tickets being sold. Sixbeamed back to the clubhouse for people who couldn’t of the year. Congratulations to winners Dessie Molloy Kirsty Lindsay and Roy Lindsay

Janice Kiernan Enright

Anita Cass and Kerrie Bracken

David Dunne and Karen Doyle

MC Martin Lonegan

Orla Griffin and Suzanne Carroll

10 BLANCH Gazette 24 July 2014

gazetteGALLERY

Cathal Delany with his mum Denise Doorley

Fair City actor Maclean Burke with his daughter Beau

Bears in spotlight T

The children pose with their teddy bears and cuddly toys ahead of their audition.

Pictures: Aishling Phelan

HESE children wanted to give something back to their loyal cuddly friends.

So they put their teddy bears forward in the open casting The Teddy Audition for the new play Joe Prop, which will tour Ireland in the coming months in support of children’s charity Barnardos.

The audition took place at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin on Monday, July 21, and the chosen bear will go on to star in the

play alongside Fair City’s Maclean Burke.

The play was written by Gemma Doorly, and tells the story of 12-year-old Joe Kavanagh who dreams big of being hte captain of a winning Irish Rugby World Cup team in his his bedroom, away from bullies and illness. The only witness to his dream is his confidante and best friend, Teddy.

The star teddy for the play will be announced soon.

24 July 2014 Gazette 11

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

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what’son A unique experience:

Stephen Faloon of Bord Gais Energy Theatre tells us about his hectic routine

a day in the life: Stephen Faloon takes centre stage as theatre manager

This is no ‘nine to five job’  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

This week The Gazette follows a day in the life of one of Dublin’s busiest managers, Stephen Faloon of Bord Gais Energy Theatre, as he tells us about his hectic routine.

As the general manager of one of the most high-profile theatres in the country, Stephen has to multi-task like a master as he deals with bookings, producers and staff. He spoke to The Gazette about how he fits it all in.

“The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is to reach for my phone and check my emails [received] overnight. I’ll also check

my sales reports and this gives me a moment to reflect on what I have to do that day.”

“Breakfast consists of porridge with a little bit of honey and sunflower seeds every day. Then I go into the office and I have this thing that measures my footsteps and makes me take 10,000 footsteps a day.

“So I’ll either walk to work which takes 35 minutes, or if I’m in a hurry I’ll cycle into work. So I try to make that part of my daily exercise routine and it buzzes when I reach my 10,000 steps target “At around 10.30am is the start of people knocking on my door and I have about seven departments in the

theatre. That takes me up to the afternoon. At any one time, I’m dealing with about 25 to 30 producers.

“Unfortunately, lunch is just a wrap at my desk. I’ll run out and grab something and it’s always at my desk.

“Then I continue on and you don’t know what’s going to come up during the day there’ll always be things you weren’t expecting and you have to deal with it straight away.

“I would never leave before the show starts (7.30pm) and a lot of nights I’d stay until the end of the show and take off the odd night.

“I try to be good and only work five days a week but it never works out.

Theatre is a vocation, not a nine to

five job.

“For dinner, if I’m working, I’ll go over to the local supermarket and get something to stick in the microwave, which I hate or the chef in our kitchens will give me something to eat “When I get home, it’s very hard to switch off sometimes and I keep promising myself I won’t check my emails but that doesn’t tend to happen so the winding down process takes quite a while.

“During the summertime I love to go for a walk in the evening if I haven’t done my 10,000 steps.

“I like to watch films too and try to get to bed before 1am, I’m a bit nocturnal, but so is the theatre.”

Those wishing to see something a bit unusual will be entertained by comedy improvisation group Kill The Monster, which is putting on one of their long form shows this month at the Centre for Creative Practices. As with all improv shows, this is one that takes on a life of its own as each unique improvisation unfolds before a live audience. The actors in Kill The Monster are masters at building a full dramatic story around a hint or a word from the audience. The show is then propelled by its own momentum as each idea leads to another and the actors react instinctively to each other.

Each show is therefore very different from the last and lasts at least 30 minutes. Kill The Monster perform on July 25 at 8pm in the Centre for Creative Practices centre for creative practices, 15 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2. Tickets cost €10/€7 and can be booked by calling 01 7995416.

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 24 July 2014

DUBLINLIFE

APPEAL: MEDICINE, AID SOUGHT FOR GAZA STRIP RELIEF

Palestine’s urgent need for humanitarian support  IAN BEGLEY

WITH many Palestinians living in Ireland and watching tragedy unfold in Gaza from afar, this week The Gazette spoke to Dublin-based Dr Bassam Naser, a spokesperson for the Irish Palestinian community.

Dr Naser, who has been living in Ireland

for more than 30 years, has several family members living in Gaza, and said he is extremely concerned about their safety, along with every other Palestinian citizen living there.

He is asking the Irish community to support the country with humanitarian aid. Dr Naser said: “Unfortu-

nately, they have gone through so much turmoil by what’s happening at the moment.

“My aunt, who is 74, was going to be taken to an elderly geriatric unit in the north of Gaza, but it is very fortunate that she wasn’t because it was bombarded about four days ago, and many of the patients were

killed.

“Many houses in the vicinity where my aunt lived in Rafah have been completely demolished.”

The death toll and the number of injured are mounting daily said Dr Naser.

“The problem is that these injured people are not getting the medical expertise or medicine they urgently require.

“Many people who manage to live with their [medical] defects believe that it would be better off for them to be dead or killed rather than staying alive because of the lack of support and rehabilitation centres in Gaza,” he said.

“The Hamas rockets would be the equivalent, in my opinion, to fireworks which are facing the might of M16s and bombs. This is an inhumane situation that’s happening day to day, and it’s disgraceful that world leaders are standing by and allowing this to happen.

“We always look upon Ireland as a great nation to support and sympathise with our cause.

Palestinians are the underdogs, and are people who just want to live in peace.

“We hope that the people of Ireland could help us supply the Pal-

Dr Bassam Naser (inset) said: “[Gaza is] an inhumane situation that’s happening today, and it’s disgraceful that world leaders are standing by and allowing this to happen”

estinian people in Gaza with humanitarian aid.

Eamonn Meehan, executive director of Trocaire, said: “When I visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory in January of this year, I witnessed first-hand the devastation that prolonged occupation is having on Palestinian communities. In Gaza I witnessed the effects of ongoing cycles of violence and the economic impoverishment of the people by the economic blockade imposed by Israel.

“Israel’s current military operations in Gaza strike me as ultimately

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self-defeating for their ow n security. Israel should recognise tha t collectively punishing and impoverishing the people of Gaza, including conducting extensive airstrikes in dense urban areas which inevitably result in large numbers of civilian casualties, will only create anger, bitterness and hopelessness among the ordinary people of Gaza. Such resentment regrettably results in further violence.

“The actions of both Hamas and Israel contravene international law. Both sides are acting recklessly and with-

IF YOU ARE READING THIS SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS!

out regard for the safety of either Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

“Ultimately, the sort of cyclical violence that we have seen over recent days will only lead to a continuation of the situation whereby millions of Israelis live in daily fear of rocket attack and millions of Palestinians are impoverished and live without hope.

“Making meaningful efforts towards ending violence and building peace will do far more to ensure security and safety for Israel’s citizens.

As His Holiness Pope Francis stated on his recent visit to the Holy Land, there is a need to create a stable peace based on justice, the recognition of the rights of every individual, and on mutual security.”

Donations to the work in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories can be made through trocaire.org or else by telephoning 1850 408 408.

24 July 2014 Gazette 13

Gazette

featureS

Grandmaster Alexander Baburin: “The point was to raise the profile of the game and I think in that way it was a complete success”

Dublin Castle: Grandmaster attempts irish record

Blindfold chess makes for a moving event  keith bellew

IRELAND’S highestranking chess player, Grandmaster Alexander Baburin, attempted to set an Irish record by playing 16 of the country’s best chess players at the same time while blindfolded!

T he event, which took place at the Poddle Room in the Printworks, at Dublin Castle on Wednesday July 16 and was organised by The Dublin Chess Club, was a re-enactment of a similar match that took place in Dublin 135 years ago when the world’s best player Johannes Zukertort visited Dublin and played 12 people.

During all 16 games the Dublin-based Russian native had no sight of any of the boards he was playing on and relied solely on his memory to make his moves.

Unfortunately things did not go to plan as

some of Alex’s opponents were unaware of the blindfolded chess exhibition etiquette, which dictates that when you are in a position where you cannot possibly win, you forfeit.

As some of his opponents would not forfeit, the exhibition went past the expected timeframe and had to be ended in somewhat of a stalemate just after 11pm.

Baburin said: “Basically we were playing for close to six hours. Around 11pm I decided to abort the attempt because it was getting very late.

“There were quite a few games in progress, and a couple of gentlemen were really just dragging their feet, even though we talked about it before we started playing and decided that if you are lost and you know that you have no hope in the world, be courteous and just give up.”

“It’s not considered right [to continue] because if someone is in a hopeless situation they should get out of it. They were basically dragging everything down because they were taking up time and resources.

“I could have continued and tried to squeeze every possible point I could, but I didn’t see the point in that because it would be unfair to the players so I just stopped the whole thing.

“The opposition was way too strong, and I really don’t think that Zukertort who played 135 years ago played anything close to the opposition I was facing.”

“The point was to raise the profile of the game and I think in that way it was a complete success, because people really enjoyed it and it generated a lot of publicity. So from that point of view I am very happy.”

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 24 July 2014

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

Stage set for a dream show FOR the first time ever the Office of Public Works (OPW) will open up the stunning landscaped gardens of Dublin Castle to stage Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

From July 23 to August 3 at 7.30pm, there will be performances of one of the bard’s most loved plays by the well-known theatre company Mouth on Fire in the enclosed gardens. In inclement weather the performance will be housed in the Printworks, located beside the gardens.

Producer Melissa Nolan described the production as “Shakespeare with a twist”.

She said: “We are going for an exciting Glam Rock feel for this production, with music from such 70s legends as David Bowie, T-Rex and Queen.

“This production will be a riot for all the family to enjoy. Children will love the slapstick and energy, the adults will love the music the beautiful language and the glorious setting of Dublin Castle gardens.”

Tickets for this event are €6 and can be booked at www.entertainment.ie.

NEW SHOW MIGHT FLOAT YOUR BOAT CAPE Town Opera’s highly acclaimed production of Show Boat will

visit Dublin’s Bord Gais Energy Theatre from July 19 to August 2.

Show Boat tells the story of the old American South, rich with nostalgia, humour, love stories and well-loved melodies such as Ol’ Man River and Can’t Help Lovin Dat Man. The story follows the lives of the performers, stagehands, and dock workers on the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi River Show Boat, over a 40-year period from 1887 to 1927.

Show Boat, which premiered on Broadway in 1927, has all the glamour and flourish of a big family musical but with a

story that highlights the real life of people at that time, including the racial tensions that they faced.

This is rarely performed so is a real treat.

Tickets are priced from €20 and can be purchased through www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

PRIEST’S AMAZING WAR RECORD FATHER Browne’s First World War, a book chronicling the role played by distinguished Jesuit priest Father Francis Browne during the First World War, was released earlier this week.

Written by Father Eddie O’Donnell, the book is described as “fascinating and moving” and brings the account of Father Browne’s war vividly to life with extracts from his letters, and illustrated throughout with photographs taken by Father

Actors Neill Fleming, Matthew Ralli and Paul Marron set to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the gardens of Dublin Castle

Browne.

In 1916 Father Browne joined the British Army as a Jesuit chaplain, and served for most of the war with the Irish Guards at the front in the trenches and on the battlefields of Flanders.

Father Browne’s First World War gives an account of his wartime

experiences and contains 100 photos from his remarkable collection.

There are also extracts from his letters home describing his experiences.

Father Browne’s First World War is available from Messenger Publications, and a documentary on the book will be

broadcast on RTE TV on Wednesday, July 30.

TWENTY YEARS OF FANTASTIC PHOTOS PHOTOGR APHS of some of the most recognisable and iconic stars of stage, screen, music and fashion are all part of an exhibition entitled Pho20graphy by Barry McCall, currently running in Noshington Cafe on South Circular Road, Dublin.

The show features a choice selection of McCall’s portrait and live shots taken over the last 20 years.

Among the images are a pensive black and white shot of Liam Neeson, John Hurt, Colin Farrell and John Banville.

The reproduced images from McCall’s book of the same name are now available to buy as prints in the cafe and all proceeds from their sale will go to children’s charity Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).

Pho20ography was launched in May in the Copperhouse Gallery before moving on to Noshington Cafe where it will stay until August 29.

Barry McCall is one of the most successful and influential photographers working in Ireland today.

24 July 2014 Gazette 15

Gazette

feature escape the mayhem: a very busy family life keeps pop singer on his toes

Nik Kershaw on kids, music and a golf ball  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Eighties pop singer Nik Kershaw is making a return to the Irish stage this September, starting in Belfast and moving on to Letterkenny, Enniskillen and one Dublin venue, Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire.

Nik spoke to T he Gazette about his favourite ways to escape the mayhem of his busy life as a performing singer/ songwriter.

“Having another fam-

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ily takes up most of my time. I married again and have children from my first marriage who are 26, 24 and 21 [years old] and now I’ve an 11-year- old stepdaughter and a fouryear-old boy. They keep me pretty occupied, in fact it’s quite hard to find the time to work “To get away from it, I think golf is what I do with my free time. It has nothing to do with anything else and is something I’m absolutely rubbish at. I’m not at all

competitive and the only stress involved is between me and a golf ball. That’s the only kind of struggle going on.

“About six of us bought a house in West Cork near Clonakilty. We were planning to rent it out and take people to play golf at Old Head. It was a great plan but didn’t work out and I never got to play golf in Ireland which is a shame because there are some pretty amazing golf courses over there. We sold the house earlier this

year.

“Between marriages I decided I was going to keep marine fish. It takes up a huge amount of time to look after these fish and when I got married again the fish tank had to go.”

On playing with his young son, Nik said: “He decides what we’re going to do, he’s the boss. He’s fantastic and a complete handful, an absolute delight. So we play and it’s great giving someone that kind of attention,

Eighties pop singer Nik Kershaw is bringing his Me, Myself and I Tour to the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire

letting him decide what we’re going to do and being part of his fantastic imagination. It’s great to get involved in that and encourage it.

“I get to escape anyway by writing music. That’s not part of the real world either and I’ve always lived in an imaginary world, like a kid.”

“It’s always been music [for me]. Even when my record deal finished in 1989 and I decided not to make records anymore I always intended to stay in music and spent the next nine years writing and producing for other people.

“My biggest hit was The One and Only for Ches-

ney Hawke but I worked with Bonnie Tyler, Cliff Richard, Ronan Keating and many others.”

Nik Kershaw’s Me, Myself and I Tour – A solo retrospective comes to Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire on September 6. Tickets, costing €22, are available from www. paviliontheatre.ie.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 24 July 2014

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

BUSINESS Goods exports’ worth up 9% in a year THE latest trade figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that goods exports, at €7.87bn, were up 9% in May compared to May, 2013.

On an overall basis, the EU accounted for €4,119m (52%) of total exports this May, while the USA was the main

non-EU destination, accounting for 23%.

The main drivers of the increase were a rise in the value of exports of organic chemicals, which are up by 14% when compared to May 2013, and medical and pharmaceutical products, up 12% in the same period.

In addition, the figures released show that exports in May to the US increased by 30% and to China by 29% when compared to the previous year.

On the figures, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, said: “[These]

figures are very encouraging, with goods exports showing impressive yearon-year and month-onmonth growth.

“What is encouraging is that they appear to be driven by the pharmaceutical sector, which has faced such challenges in recent months.”

SHERRY GAO, RED DIAMOND ACCESSORIES

Multi-faceted jewellery business hopes to expand I AM originally from China and I am living in Ireland since 2004. I graduated from Dublin Business School as a marketing and business studies.

I opened my first shop after I graduated. It was a €2 shop in Dublin city and, after a year, I also started working in the import/export business as a wholesaler.

In 2009, I opened a beauty salon which grew to three salons located

in Dublin 2, 7 and 8.

During this time, I was very interested in fashion and accessories. So from the beginning of 2013, I started to prepare my accessories company with my Irish business partner and we successfully have it set up as Red Diamond Accessories in Dublin. We have been really successful to date and we plan to open our next outlet very soon.

How long have you been in business?

day party, etc. Of course, customers do not have the spending money they used to have, so they are more particular than in the past on value for money and need.

I have been in business for six years, opening a €2 shop in 2008 and I am now celebrating opening my new shop in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre.

What makes your business successful?

We offer exceptionally beautiful jewellery and accessories at very reasonable prices. We have pieces you may not find anywhere else in Dublin. We pride ourselves on great customer care and attention to detail.

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

Our product range is second-tonone, with various different pieces of jewellery to suit every occasion.

Our prices are very competitive and our stock list covers everything from €1.50 all the way up to €45. We at Red Diamond sell every kind of jewellery and accessories, bracelets, earrings, elaborate neck pieces, watches etc.

How has the recession impacted your business?

The recession has not really impacted on my business, as I have a good customer base and regular customers who come back to my shop when they have an event such as a wedding, christening, 21st birth-

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

I am building up a presence on social media. At the moment, I am working on my website which will be going live very soon. I am also working on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, which will add to my customer base.

What is your ambition for the business?

My ambition is to have an outlet in all cities, towns and villages of Ireland and be the biggest accessories company in all of Ireland.

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

I quite enjoy meeting the customers and building good relationships with them, so when they need accessories, they will stay local in Dun Laoghaire and not venture into town.

What living person do you most admire?

I really admire Beyonce. She loves life and fashion. She has worked tirelessly to get to where she is today and is a very strong, successful lady.

Given the slowly recovering Irish economy and its impact on many sectors, real estate specialists Jones Lang Lasalle have said: “This is one of the most exciting times to be involved in [commercial] property in Ireland”

ECONOMY: RESEARCH EXPLORES DUBLIN BOUNCEBACK

‘Property market is tempting investors’  KEITH BELLEW

AFTER years of limited activity, Dublin property markets are rebounding, and Dublin is back on the radar of investors across the world says Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL).

The professional services and investment management company that specialises in real estate says the market is showing real depth in liquidity, and activity is strong.

There is also a clear sign of recovery in labour markets, with decreasing unemployment rates from a peak of 15.1% in 2012 to 11.6% in 2014 (Central Statistics Office figure) According to research carried out by the firm,

the property recovery is being driven by increasing stability in the economy, the strength of Dublin and Ireland as an investment location, and the significant opportunities available in real estate.

With office capital values still almost 60% below the Celtic Tiger peak period, and rental growth forecast to be ahead of any city in Europe, Dublin offers a significant opportunity to avail of one of the most robust property markets in Europe.

Compared to other cities across Europe, prime Dublin office yields continue to offer strong returns ahead of similar stable markets.

The research also indi-

cated that in terms of recovery, Ireland’s prime office rental growth is forecast to be number one across Europe.

There is a great opportunity for investment as the recovery has started, but prime office capital values are still 59% lower than at the peak period.

Additionally, recovery is expected to be sustainable, and with liquidity in the market, investment volumes for 2014 are forecast to be ahead of the peak of the property market, in 2006.

John Moran, managing director and head of investment at JLL Ireland, said: “Ireland is an established modern open economy with a long tra-

dition of successful foreign direct investment.

“As an independent country with its own economy, and as part of the Eurozone, Ireland has many impressive achievements, particularly for a country of its size.

“It is not just that Dublin is a great city to invest in – timing is key, and that time is now. There are significant opportunities in Dublin real estate to avail of the low capital values and Ireland’s recovery story.

“JLL has been in Ireland for 50 years, acting for landlords, tenants, investors and vendors. This is one of the most exciting times to be involved in property in Ireland.”

24 July 2014 Gazette 17

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ISn’t he lovely?

Musicians Clara Rose and NC Lawlor with Ministers Paschal Donohue and Michael Ring

Dublin Goes Country: music initiative aims to keep brooks fans coming

The show must go on  Ian Begley

Garth may not be coming to Ireland and the hopes of him ever doing so again look doubtful, but thankfully Failte Ireland has come up with an “ingenious” alternative to ensure that no country and western fan is left in the dust with a series of City and Western events.

Our new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe stuck on his Stetson and hung himself over a hay bale, all to encourage people to come to Dublin on the fateful weekend Garth was supposed to play.

Draped in the Stars and Stripes, the Minister emphasised: “Garth may not be coming but Dublin is still here and there’s a lot happening in Dublin that

week. The tourism industry is working hard to ensure Garth Brooks fans will still have a reason to come.”

These series of events are expected to take place July 25-27. The highlights include: a bluegrass, country and roots festival in Whelan’s pub, live outdoor music in Dame Street, an OK Corral Busking Trail (July 26) from the Grafton quarter to Wolf Tone Square, and Stetson and the City (Friday 25) – a one-day music trail, which will showcase some of the best new country and folk bands in Ireland right now.

Booking manager of Whelan’s pub Dave Allen told The Gazette that the venue will host a free festival showcasing the best up and coming talent emerging from Ireland.

Four bands with a mixture of roots, trad and rock will play each night starting at 8pm and finishing at 11pm.

The festival will have a roots bias, catering to the tastes of the many Garth Brooks fans in town while giving visitors the opportunity to experience new Irish music amongst Irish music fans and to have a real taste of an Irish pub/session.

Allen said: “It’s still a last minute thing so we’re trying to put it all together. We had been looking at doing a Whelan’s summer roots festival anyway and it’ll tie in nicely with what’s going on at the moment.

“I suppose we see it as an opportunity to showcase good roots music from Ireland and we hope it will encourage people to come in with an

open mind and listen to some good music.

“Failte Ireland and the city’s tourism industry have pulled out all the stops to add extra country and western themed events to make it a weekend to remember for all fans that come.

“And Tourism Ireland is spreading the message to fans in key markets overseas through social media advertising and targeted publicity.

“Aer Lingus and Ryanair have also agreed to promote Dublin Goes Country to millions of their customers,” he said.

Visit www.Ireland.com or www.

VisitDublin.com or check out #DublinGoesCountry to keep up with all the latest news for the event.

The Gazette Newspaper Group has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. This week’s dog is is Stevie Wonder, a 15-week-old male Shih Tzu. This very special boy was unwanted and brought to Dogs Trust because he is blind. Stevie does not let this slow him down in the least. In fact, his supersonic hearing and amazing sense of smell more than make up for his loss of sight. This friendly fella needs a patient owner who is sensitive to his special needs.

Stevie adapts well to new surroundings and would make the perfect addition to a family looking to extend their brood, as he enjoys the company of canine pals.

If you think you could give Stevie Wonder, or any of the other wonderful dogs at the centre, the loving home they deserve, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50 and would love to show you around. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie

18 Gazette 24 July 2014

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL Millions of sardines are here for you  ian begley

EVERY year, one of the world’s greatest underwater events – known as the “Sardine Run” – takes place off the South African coast.

This incredible marine migration occurs between May and July and sees millions of silvery sardines move northwards along South Africa’s Eastern Cape to the warmer waters of the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

There are lots of ways to experience the amazing Sardine Run. Experienced divers can pick up a snorkel and witness the event unfold in front of their eyes while also getting the opportunity to swim with some of the ocean’s most incredible creatures.

However, for those who would like to remain out of the water, observing the sardine’s amazing feeding frenzy from a boat is just as exciting.

A boat trip also allows spectators the chance to take in the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape.

This amazing event is an example of nature at its most impressive and is a truly magical experience that is not to be missed.

For further information, see www.southafrica.net.

Overlooking Lough Bo and not a million miles away from striking Ben Bulben, Cromleach is a delightful country retreat – and even boasts Ireland’s second-oldest dolmen

sligo: cromleach provides an equally historic and scenic getaway

A lovely link to the past

 mimi murray

WAY out west, along the wild Atlantic way, Sligo is tucked between Leitrim and Mayo, and sitting as it does in the shadow of Ben Bulben, the county is great for surfing, hiking, cycling and horseriding.

Ben Bulben sits majestically in the middle of the county, like a table adorned with a lush green cloth, perhaps waiting for that famous giant of Irish folklore, Finn McCool, to sit down to tea.

As you drive through the county, this stunning mountain, blessed as it is with one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the island of Ireland, changes

shape before your eyes and the shadows cast from clouds floating by make it dance in the sunlight.

I love Sligo, and every time I go there I feel it has more and more to offer. It’s great for surfing and sea swimming, and also has some very nice places to stay, including Cromleach Lodge.

Cromleach is situated up a winding country road, and overlooks Lough Bo. Needless to say, the views from the hotel are incredible.

We stayed there recently and were amazed to discover we were sleeping right next to Ireland’s second-largest dolmen, The Labby Rock.

Situated on grounds to the back of Cromleach, this is a jaw-dropping portal dDolmen with a 70-tonne capstone, and was built during the Neolithic period (about 4,000-2,500BC).

Balor of the Evil Eye The Labby Rock is associated with the burial place of Nuada of the Silver Arm, a King of the Tuatha de Danann who was killed by Balor of the Evil Eye. After strolling through a forest at the back of Cromleach, we emerged at the rock, with no one around but the humming bees and a solitary grasshopper.

Without another human as far as the eye could see, we sat in

peace, taking in the spectacle.

As the second largest dolmen in Ireland, The Labby Rock is unique in that it is located in a deep valley, capped with dense vegetation, including heather. It is something not to be missed, and visitors should just sit in the presence of this amazing memorial.

After working up an appetite walking around the grounds, we ate in Moira’s restaurant, which overlooks the lake. The food is really excellent.

From a pan-fried Donegal sea trout with tarragon butter to scallops in samphire and preserved lemon to start with, we were spoilt with seafood choices.

Main courses included monkfish with lobster, and sweet corn parcel and rack of lamb. Everything was fresh and local.

Desserts were an unusual take on tried and tested desserts, and stewed rhubarb, cheese mousse and milk crumble and a caramelized creme brulee tart caught our eye and ended an outstanding meal.

After dinner, we watched the sun set over Lough Bo and contemplated those ancient ancestors who lifted a 70-tonne stone above their heads, and wondered if they enjoyed the same sights as us, those thousands of years ago. I hope so ...

For further information, see www.cromleach.com.

24 July 2014 Gazette 19

fast

Coopershill: stay in georgian splendour

TRAVEL NEWS

A deerly loved country house

 mimi murray

A slightly different experience to Cromleach is the lovely old world charm of Coopershill, just down the road.

Nestled in 300 acres of beautiful rolling countryside, one gets the sense immediately that Coopershill Country House is a special place from the moment you start the mile long drive along winding entrance.

Welcomed by a wonderfully curious and active herd of deer, both young and old, the drive takes you over the river Unshin and around the immaculately kept estate offering glimpses of the house through the many hardwood trees planted over the generations. The sense of anticipations does not disappoint on arrival at the entrance to the ornate 18th century Georgian pile.

We were greeted by our most charming and friendly host, Simon, the latest in a long line of O’Hara custodians. Led through the large entrance hall and upstairs to our well lit and spacious bedroom (four-poster bed included), we passed paintings of the many family

ancestors, stuffed heads of deer and ancient fighting equipment. The gentle aroma of a log and turf fire only added to the homely atmosphere of the house.

After a stretching our legs and some failed attempts at striking up friendship with the resident deer, we retired to the drawing room for a well-earned apperitif.

Dinner was served in the dining room with the finest family china. With only eight bedrooms, dinner is always going to be an intimate affair and we were joined by three other tables of guests on this particular night. The menu offered two choices per course which did not disappoint.

The starters consisted of a hearty spinach and rosemary soup, served from an antique serving soup dish, with the ingredients all freshly sourced from the adjacent garden.

The second option consisted of Killybegs crab mixed with fragrant herbs and avocado crab which offered a nice summer alternative which was very pleasing to my other half.

Coopershill prides itself on sourcing all its ingredients as locally as possible,

Gazette

TRAVEL

Head to the sun with a Budget Travel break IF YOU are longing for a week in the sun this summer – the real sun, that is, unlike our hit-andmiss summers – Budget Travel has a great selection of offers at budgetfriendly prices.

With late summer deals from just €289PP, and “Super September/October” specials from €209PP, prices are for two, based on seven nights’ accommodation and include Aer Lingus flights.

First up is Coso Viejo in Antequera, Costa del Sol, which is just €289PP from August 8.

Following closely behind is Tenerife’s Tejuma Apartments, in Puerto de la Cruz, which costs €359PP departing on August 23, while Caso do Alto in Loule, the Algarve, is €379PP from August 20.

Lanzarote (above), which remains a very popular destination with Irish holidaymakers, is a fantastic place to visit in August, with the Tabaiba Centre in Costa Teguise costing €389PP from August 11.

However, Budget Travel also have some fantastic September/October specials that also won’t break the bank. Departing Cork on September 30, the Algarve’s Clube Praia da Rocha costs €209PP. Alternatively, if you are interested in departing from Shannon, the Solmonte Apartments in Praia da Rocha is priced €249PP from September 10.

Meanwhile, Veramar, in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol, is priced €309PP from September 20, while Natura Garden in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, is priced €319PP from October 7.

For further information on these great deals and a range of other sun breaks, don’t forget to check out www.budgettravel.ie.

Coopershill Country House in Riverstown, Co Sligo is full of Old World charm and has 300 acres of lush country side, which includes its own herd of deer. The hosts are Christina McCauley and Simon O’Hara, seen here with their dog Alice.

there was none more local than the succulent loin of venison served up for my main course, which was perfectly cooked with a tender juicy bite and offering none of the heavy gamey taste from wild venison. Monkfish served in a traditional creamy sauce was very much to the satisfaction

of my hubby. The main courses were served with garden picked green vegetables with melted butter and just harvested new potatoes.

With just enough room left for a two-course dessert, homemade gooseberry pie and ice cream followed by a cheese plate offering a selection of the

best of Irish cheese along with homemade chutneys rounded off the meal nicely. We finished off the evening in the drawing room mingling with the other guests and chatting with the owners before retiring.

For more information, see, www.coopershill. com

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20 Gazette 24 July 2014

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

Jinsensa coat €155

10 30 irt € T-sh skirt €2 Elfina

A beautiful way to try new products  ian begley

Nina embellished dress €TBA

dress €90

Olena print top €60

Sandyha embroidered jacket €109

Let’s get ethnic  laura webb

cuff €TBA Lace filigree

Monthly plan Subscription to the beauty-box monthly service is three-tiered: €12 (plus P&P) for a monthly plan; €60 (plus P&P) for a sixmonth subscription, which includes one free box; or €120 (plus P&P) for a 12-month subscription, which includes two free boxes.

Gift subscriptions are also available for three-, six- and 12-month periods.

For further information or to sign up, see www.PowderPocket. com.

Fusion elissa

IRELAND’S newest monthly beauty subscription service, PowderPocket.com, is a convenient and costeffective way of introducing beauty fanatics to an array of premium beauty brand products, from haircare and cosmetics to skincare, helping them to sample them without buying the full-size items.

T he fully Irishowned business will deliver five beautifully packaged beauty products straight to the subscriber’s door each month.

Each product is a deluxe travel size or sample product, and will include at least one full-size sample in each box, which also comes with expert product reviews, helpful hints and links to purchase full-size products.

Half-flower statement stud €6.90

MAIN Street stores across the city are showcasing their autumn/winter collection, and this week Gazette Style takes a look at Monsoon and what the chain has to offer for the coming season.

This collection is taking a relaxed and feminine direction with styling that will fit perfectly into everyday life. Prints are everywhere this sum-

mer, and they intend to stay for the autumn and winter months ahead.

Monsoon’s ethnic print trend is continuing, and remains a strong look in this collection, while digital print florals and small-scale ditsy prints also play an important role for the Monsoon woman.

Here, we showcase some of Monsoon’s striking print styles, while its autumn/winter collection hits stores from August.

24 July 2014 Gazette 21

22 GAZETTE 24 July 2014

GAZETTE

MUSIC OUT&ABOUT FASTtunes Competition: Get A Manic July with two on your Beats, Desperados powerful new releases REVIEW: MOZ AND MANIC STREET PREACHERS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DESPERADOS’ year-long RAID interactive initiative is still going strong, and as an added incentive, they are offering GazetteMusic readers the chance to win a pair of Beats by Dre headphones.

Fans can compete against like-minded Raiders all over the country using their smartphones, laptops or tablets. Log on to Facebook (www.facebook.com/Desperados) and Twitter (@desperadosbeer) and go online to raid.desperadosbeer. com to take part in the game and play for daily prizes which include festival tickets to DJ decks.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of Beats headphones, just answer this simple question: What was the title of Dr Dre’s debut solo album?

Send your answer to competitions@dublingazette.com with the subject line “Desperados for Dre”, and don’t forget to like and share the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

Dublin star asks fans to download and donate HOWTH musician Paul Byrne has taken a leaf out of Radiohead’s book for his debut solo album, Cruel and Tender Ways, asking fans to make a donation when they download the record via the Noisetrade website.

Paul, a well-known and respected figure on the Dublin music scene for many years, was drummer for classic band InTua Nua, Rocky DeValera and the Gravediggers as well as Shane

McGowan’s The Shane Gang.

The tracks that make up Cruel And Tender Ways are songs Paul has collected through his years in the business as well as newlypenned songs for the project, and include a duet with Bronagh Gallagher.

To download and donate, log on to noisetrade.com/paulbyrne/ cruel-and-tender-ways.

 ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com

JULY tends to be a quiet month in a lot of ways on the release front, as the silly summer season shushes the schedules.

However, this year, two releases, Morrissey’s World Peace Is None Of Your Business and Manic Street Preachers’ Futurology, disprove that theory and provide noisy, profound and powerful releases from acts who many have considered as being past their prime.

But, far from it. Oh, so far from it.

Morrissey has been, over the years, an increasingly maligned international treasure, but World Peace Is None Of Your Business is Moz at his most Mozishness for many a year, and so much the better it is for that.

Snarling vocals, lyrics full of bile and unabashed wit, and a refreshed backing band that lend a Latino flamenco inflection to the patent stomp that has been the Manchester maestro’s canvas of sound makes this easily, simply, completely, Morrissey’s best release since his last return from extended hiatus, the passionate You Are The Quarry.

Really, who would have the blithe spirit to open a record with a critique of obseqious conformity (“World peace is none of your business, you must not tamper with arrange-

The Manic Street Preachers (above) and latest album, Futurology

Morrissey (right) is back with World Peace Is None Of Your Business

ments / Work hard and sweetly pay your taxes, never asking what for”) and follow up with a masterfully playful hymn about beat poet Neal Cassady’s sudden demise (“Neal Cassady drops dead, and Allen Ginsberg’s howl becomes a growl”).

The release of writing his autobiography seems to have loosened Stephen Patrick’s poison pen, while World Peace’s diversity of backings, from the epic I’m Not A Man’s eight minute descent into cacophony to the melodica-led interlude The Bullfighter Dies, all provide perfect backdrops to Moz in fine and feisty voice.

Meanwhile, Futurology sees Manic Street

Preachers more vital and inventive than they have been since the album they released 20 years ago this year, The Holy Bible.

Bassist and polemicist Nicky Wire has said many times over the years that the band were set to release their “European” album, taking in Berlinera Bowie, Krautrockers Can and John Lydon’s PiL as starting points, influences so specific that when the relevant release arrived, it would have taken fine-tooth combs to discern the exact presence of those flavours amongst the tracks.

But Futurology delivers on all of those promises, in spades. Recorded in Hansa Studios in Ber-

lin, like another epochal 12th album by another enduring artist – David Bowie’s Heroes – Futurology runs on precision tooled rails from the sleek opening title track to the instrumental closer Mayakovsky.

Direct and polished, shot through with electronic flourishes and Germanic overtones, while all the while maintaining their essential essence, this is a band refreshed and reborn anew after last year’s resigned and understated companion piece to

this release, Rewind The Film. Classic Eighties electro rock influences abound, from classic era Simple Minds to ZTT masters of drama, Propaganda, but this is essential and undoubtedly the Manics.

What you can see from these albums is that there is more life and invention in these new dogs than their naysayers would have you believe.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. Embrace the past and advance into the shining dawn.

24 July 2014 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA

ReelReviews

planet of apes Not monkeying about

IT’S debatable whether Andy Serkis or the incredible CG effects are the true star of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, but either way, it’s a pretty stunning blockbuster.

Not only does it raise the bar even higher for CG effects, but unlike, say, Transformers (see below) there’s a pretty decent plot here, too, as humanity stares into the abyss – and finds apes staring back ...

In this unidentified frivolous object, Colin and Chloe (Romain Duris and Audrey Tautou) undertake one of the film’s frequent flights of fancy – in this case, quite literally

mood indigo: amelie’s star adds to film’s fluffy, lightweight appeal

Unbalanced but fascinating DO YOU remember what falling in love feels like? It is a wonderful and kooky experience – the coming together (when it works out) of two frames of reference that overlap to create a new private world view, one with its own language, mythologies and unique vision.

Wa t c h i n g M i c h e l Gondry’s latest film, Mood Indigo can feel a little like stepping into the surreal and unfamiliar intimacies of somebody else’s already established space.

The shared secret life of lovers is a familiar theme for Gondry.

It is 10 years since the visionary director gave us Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; a film that was undoubtedly his most well-received film, to date, and that acts as an interesting counterpoint

 Dave phillips

to Mood Indigo.

While Eternal Sunshine brought us the story of a couple who, through their effort of trying to split apart, end up moving closer together, Mood Indigo is a film about people desperately attempting to be together despite the inevitability of separation.

Colin (Romain Duris) is an affluent bachelor, who lives a life of luxury in the kind of pad that would make Willy Wonka turn green.

In between churning out boozy tunes with his best friend, Chick (Gad

Emelah), on the “pianocktail” (that’s right – it’s a piano that mixes up alcoholic concoctions based on your musical input), and having all manner of incredible animated treats cooked up by his chef, Nicolas (Omar Sy, from the excellent Untouchable), Colin realises that he needs to find a lover to make his life complete.

He meets Chloe (Audrey Tautou) at a party and things are set in stop-motion.

While the source is based on a novel (Boris Vian’s L’Ecume des jours – which is a classic in France, apparently) Mood Indigo shows Gondry at his most Gondry-esque by far.

Grab a single still frame from Colin’s apartment and there will be enough optical ingenuity

crammed in to make your head spin.

Watching it all in action can be overwhelming.

The front doorbell rings and sets off a stop-motion ringing bell bug who proceeds to whizz about the chemistry lab kitchen where Nicolas is cooking eels that run like water in and out of the taps, while a celebrity chef on TV reaches through the screen to pass the salt, and a miniature manmouse who lives in a tube that runs around the house watches on.

It is visually stunning, and at times beautiful, but the sheer relentlessness can also become mindnumbing.

Amid all the clock-

work chaos of Mood Indigo, there is very little space for anything meaningful to develop.

Colin and Chloe’s love affair is one that is plagued by incessant novelty, and both Duris and Tautou seem a little washed out in Gondry’s world.

With Eternal Sunshine, Gondry’s vision coalesced with Carrey and Winslet’s performances to create an on-screen chemistry that is noticeably lacking here.

This release of the film appears to drop a good 30 minutes of footage from the French release last year, and one can only wonder (until the DVD release, at least) what elements were cut, and if the longer edit could offer a more balanced experience.

Despite the feeling of imbalance, Mood Indigo is a great visual achievement and a fascinating piece of film, particularly for fans of Gondry.

While you may not fall head over heels for Mood Indigo, you’ll no doubt enjoy its company, while it lasts.

Verdict: 6/10 It wouldn’t be a typical Michel Gondry film without some striking visual inventiveness

transformers 4 Unfolding awfulness

ANOTHER film that packs impressive CG effects is Transformers: Age of Extinction, as those robots in disguise – now with added Dinobots – battle it out in America and China in scenes that are sure to delight audiences ... in America and China. But the plot and characters have even less depth than the 2D screens most will see this on, with T4 even worse than its predecessors ...

boyhood

A one-off wonder CRITICS have been falling over themselves to praise this bolt-from-the-blue film

by Richard Linklater, which is like nothing they – or you – have ever seen. Filmed with the same cast over 12 years, Boyhood follows a boy’s life from childhood into early manhood, presenting a tale of family dramas and individual growth that should strike a chord with pretty much any audience, anywhere ...

GAZETTE

24 GAZETTE 24 July 2014

OUT&ABOUT

Festival Just one of the vibrant events at the imminent IMMA Festival

Rising to feature lots of activities  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THIS month saw the launch of an array of exhibitions and events at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), appropriately entitled Summer Rising: The IMMA Festival.

The programme is packed with all kinds of activities for young and old, and will continue until July 26.

On Saturday, July 26, IMMA’s formal gardens at Kilmainham will be alive with sounds as a series of free musical performances pop up on the lawns, with site-responsive performances by Sean Mac Erlaine, The BQ Trio, Roland Gomez and rock and pop covers choir, The Line Up, as well as an interactive installation by Jimmy Eadie, entitled Wow and Flutter.

Join in with foodie workshops including butter making with Imen McDonnell, of Modern Farmette; fish smoking, with Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokery; and learn how to forage for Irish seaweed with Sally McKenna.

For further information on the festival events and the full line-up, see www.imma.ie.

ARTS

THEATRE: BEEZIE – A TOUR DE FORCE

The wesht is besht for a riveting production

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

WE OFTEN hear the term “little gem” bandied about casually for this or that, but the phrase has never been more appropriate than when applied to Beezie – a new play currently running at Powerscourt Theatre.

Written by mother and son Sheila and David Flitton, and acted by Sheila, this one-woman piece charts the life of Beezie Gallagher, who was the sole resident on Gallagher’s (or Beezie’s) island on Lough Gill near the Sligo coast until the late 1940s.

A Spartan set with atmospheric lighting framed the black-shawled figure of Sheila as Beezie took to the stage in the medium-sized theatre on the top floor of the Powerscourt Town Centre.

Beezie introduces herself to the audience and right away lays a foundation of intimate confession, which is built upon throughout the play.

The first thing that hits you is her wonderful accent: a sonorous, rolling sound that personifies the west of Ireland.

Beezie’s face, too, is strong and weathered,

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

‘Beezie looks like an islander in a Paul Henry painting, and uses language like a character from a Synge play. It is not often you see this kind of theatre any more’

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

with a good rosy hue on the cheeks indicative of sea air and outdoor living.

The story of Beezie’s life is one of fierce, defiant independence. She is like the island on which she was born, lived and died – self-possessed, beautiful and wild.

Born on Lough Gill in the 1870s, Beezie ended up as the sole resident on the island, and her determination to remain is very moving and tragic.

She is unapologetically happy with her lot, despite living out the majority of her life alone, and she has a deep philosophy

about life born of a keen sense of self and honest appraisal of the motives of other people.

William Butler Yeats became a friend and visited her often. She observed one day that he looked happy but troubled, and quickly discerned the source of the confusion: “If there’s one thing that makes a poet discontented, it’s being happy.”

Beezie looks like an islander in a Paul Henry painting, and uses language like a character from a Synge play.

It is not often you see this kind of theatre any more, and even back in the heyday of Irish peasant romanticism, it was rare to come across the real thing, so imagine my surprise to find such an authentic portrayal of island life today.

Sheila Flitton is one of those actresses who, at 81 years old, seems at the height of her artistic and charismatic powers.

She has a strange, visionary gleam in her eyes as she recalls a distant memory when Beezie was a young girl, which is mesmering to watch.

Flitton is utterly compelling as a performer,

As tough, weathered, strong and free as the island near the Sligo coast where she was the sole inhabitant, Beezie Gallagher (played by Sheila Flitton) casts a mesmerising spell as she reminisces about her hardy life

and you believe every word she says.

Indeed, the writing of Beezie is highly lyrical, and so well written that it strays into the realms of pure poetry.

One of the many examples is a memory of when Beezie was young and sitting quietly absorbing the atmosphere among visitors to the island.

“I was close enough to hear the beat of their hearts, and all they’d hear is the rustle of the grass.”

At other times, the tone is more bawdy and mocking, as when Beezie slates a fellow Sligo man who extols WB Yeats in front of visitors, but calls him “a versifying eejit in the specs” when at home.

There are echoes not only of Synge, but also of

Actress Sheila Flitton, who co-wrote the play with her son, David

O’Casey and even Wilde in this piece, and yet the whole thing is an independent thing of artistic beauty.

Beezie runs at Power-

scourt Theatre for lunchtime performances at 1pm until July 26. Tickets cost €10, and can be booked by calling 01 611 1060.

24 July 2014 GAZETTE 25

Dacia’s family of cars is capturing attention FULL -TIME actress Anne Doyle from Rathfarnham was lusting after a brand new car and, after shopping around, she is now the proud owner of a 141 Dacia Sandero Stepway in Fire Red. “I have saved a fortune since purchasing my new Dacia Sandero Stepway.

My annual road tax is now a quarter of what I paid on my 2005 Ford Fiesta and I save an average of €20 a week on fuel costs. I travel all over the country with my job and I can’t believe how little fuel I use! I went for Dacia because of the affordability and because I genuinely liked the car.

After I test drove the Sandero, I was in love.”

Doyle is one of the over 3,000 Dacia owners in Ireland, after just two years since the brand was announced here.

The brand caused a stir in the Irish motor industry when Dacia’s arrival was announced on July 15, 2012 in the midst of one of the worst recessions, some may have doubted their ability to capture Irish consumer’s attention, but they are silencing the doubters.

With their affordable, bulky yet unpretentious cars, Dacia instantly caught the attention of the recession-struck Irish motorist and even though brand knowledge was not high at this time, Dacia started to make its mark on the Irish car market with Duster arriving in January 2013.

In the 18 months that Dacia have been on Irish roads, they have changed perceptions,

GAZETTE

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: A FULL RANGE OF AFFORDABLE VEHICLES

MOTORING road

NOISE

Rathfarnham Ford ‘strengthen’ team with a new appointment RATHFARNHAM Ford in Whitechurch Road has announced the appointment to its sales team of Dave Finn. Well known in motoring circles, Dave boasts an impressive track record in corporate and fleet sales in particular, both car and commercial. Most recently Dave Finn with Finglas Ford, he brings over 25 years of knowledge of the sector to the expanding operation at Rathfarnham Ford. A resident of Knocklyon, Dave enjoys strong roots in the Rathfarnham locality, and is a past chairman of the Knocklyon Utd football club.

“We are delighted to welcome Dave to the team in Whitechurch Road, and look forward to his experience, not least in the business-to-business area, contributing to continued growth at Rathfarnham Ford,” said sales colleagues Aidan Kane and Ian Callaghan.

Ford names Duffy as an EcoSport Advocate Actress Anne Doyle from Rathfarnham with her new fuel-efficient Dacia Sandero Stepway

made its own individual stamp on the market, and brought a full range of affordable cars to Ireland changing the way the Irish consumer buys a new car today.

Dacia set out to offer an unbeatable combination of price and size versus competitors, functional cleverly designed cars, reliability with proven engine technology, robust and built to stand the test of time and a smart buy.

From the start, the Duster has been a bestseller in its class,

The roomy Logan MCV and the sporty Duster are part of the Dacia family

performing ahead of wellestablished and more premium brands… not bad for a newbie.

The Sandero was second to arrive on our shores and offered impressive cabin space for up to five adults, and a boot capacity of 320 litres, yet came at a price tag The Dacia Sandero

of a segment below offering an unrivalled price/ size ratio.

The Sandero Crossover Stepway, its bulkier sibling arrived in November 2013 and has all the style of a SUV and all the practicality of a family hatchback.

The spacious Logan MCV arrived in September 2013 and had taxi drivers, and families with lots of kids and dogs salivating at its 573-litre

boot.

Expanding to 1,518 litres with the rear seats folded down, the Logan MCV has the best in class boot capacity and ample space for five adults.

All Dacia engines are Band A or B meaning low road tax, and come with a standard three-year, 100,000KM warranty, extendable to five years unlimited mileage warranty.

FORD in Whitechurch Road has designated Louise Duffy, host of Today FM’s Louise Duffy Show, as an EcoSport Advocate for the launch of Ford’s sporty new smart SUV. Over a three-week period, Louise and her EcoSport will star in a series of webisodes (short video clips made available for download or streaming) which highlight the great capabilities of the EcoSport, Ford’s new compact SUV that offers drivers the perfect combination of small car agility, affordability, high technology and fuel efficiency.

Listeners to the show will also have the chance to win prizes up to a value of €5,000 as part of the promotion. Full details are on the Louise Duffy section of the Today FM website: www.todayfm. com/Ford.

Today FM’s Louise Duffy is a Ford EcoSport Advocate

26 GAZETTE 24 July 2014

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Planning permission is sought by Maxol Ltd. for a petrol filling station development on lands at Old Navan Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 (on foot of planning permission granted under Reg. Ref. FW12A/0146).

The proposed development will consist of a two storey building unit (994sq.m.) incorporating retail area, food franchise, barista and deli area, seating areas - all at ground floor level, with offices, toilets and stores at first floor level; a forecourt area to provide petrol/ diesel dispensing pumps and forecourt canopy, paving, car wash facility, eight underground fuel storage tanks, HGV fill point area, picnic area; and 1 no. esb substation.

Planning permission is also sought for 2 no. new vehicular and pedestrian accesses onto Old Navan Road; car, HGV and coach parking; hard and soft landscaping including boundar y treatments; signage (including monolith sign, poster box signage, and signage to unit’s facades); and all associated engineering and site works necessary to facilitate the development. 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) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

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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

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cricket P28

FastSport U-19 league’s format change:

Jack Brezette from Jesuit Prep Dallas was one of the players who featured at Donnybrook Stadium in the GIFT 2012 event. Picture: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

american football: cedar cliff and penn manor a taster for croker classic

A GIFT for gridiron fans with high school match at UCD In prepar ation for the Penn State vs UCF American Football match at Croke Park on August 30, two teams from Pennsylvania high schools Cedar Cliff and Penn Manor will face off at UCD on Friday, August 29 at 7pm.

T he match sees a showdow n between two high-quality sides which will provide a taster for the big match the next day. The Cedar Cliff Colts from Harrisburg and Penn Manor Comets from Lancaster last met

in the first round of the 2013 PIAA playoffs, when Penn Manor rallied from 21 points down to narrowly win 35-34.

Former Penn State and NFL veteran tight end Kyle Brady will serve as honorary chairman for GIFT 2014 and will perform the coin toss before his alma mater Cedar Cliff takes on Penn Manor.

“The night before Penn State and UCF meet in the Croke Park Classic just down the road, we will provide

American football fans with a great spectacle featuring athletes who will go on to be stars of the game in the future,” said Global Football president,” Patrick Steenberge.

“We hope that Irish fans excited at the prospect of watching top college American football will whet their appetites by watching this game and that travelling fans from the United States will enjoy a unique Dublin Friday Night Lights event while they are visiting the Irish capital.”

The GIFT 2014 event follows on from the highly-successful 2012 event staged in several venues across Ireland alongside the Notre DameNavy game.

Tickets for the Cedar Cliff and Penn Manor match are available at www.

TicketGroup.ie, priced €10 for adults and €5 for students.

For more information, you can log on to www.globalfootball.com/ gift-2014-2 and www.facebook.com/ GlobalFootballLTD.

THE format for the 2014-15 SSE Airtricity Under-19 League has been changed following a review of the first three years of the competition, with the event being divided into a northern and southern section.

Bohemians, Shelbourne and St Patrick’s Athletic have been placed in the northern elite divison of 11 teams while Shamrock Rovers and UCD will participate in the southern elite.

The U-19 League will be played over two rounds on a home and away basis and top team in each division will be crowned as northern or southern divisional winners.

The top four teams in each division will then go forward to the play-offs for the National U-19 League Championship.

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 6230

Gazette

28 Gazette 24 July 2014

SPORT

FastSport garth parties on as pembroke win cup: KIM Garth scored an unbeaten 61 and took three wickets as Pembroke beat YMCA comfortably to win the Leinster women’s cricket Senior Cup final.

YMCA could only manage 119 all out, with only Gaby Lewis showing her true form with the bat. The teenager hit five boundaries in her 52 from just 45 deliveries.

Garth (3-15) was the most successful of the Pembroke attack, with Louise McCarthy also bowling well, taking 2 for 19.

Chasing 120 for victory, Pembroke lost Irish internationals Shauna Kavanagh and Louise McCarthy with just three runs on the board, but their nerves were soon settled as Garth and overseas player Meg Kendal soon set about the modest target.

Garth struck five fours and a six in her unbeaten 61 from just 54 balls while Kendal rotated the strike brilliantly as she scored 35 not out from 37 balls (5 fours).

cricket: ireland to face top-class opponents in internationals

Malahide to host England ODI

 sport@dublingazette.com

CRICKET IRELAND last week announced that Malahide Cricket Club will be one of the venues to host a brace of one-day internationals against England next May. Malahide will host the clash on Friday, May 8,

and hopes are high for another memorable day to match the last visit of England in 2013 which saw some 10,000 fans attend.

That record crowd enjoyed the unique atmosphere created by the scenic surroundings of Malahide along with a large worldwide TV

audience. The other ODI against England will be played at Stormont.

This year, the Northern Ireland venue welcomes Australia for their ODI on Thursday, August 27.

Speaking after the announcement, Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: “It’s a fantastic boost for Irish cricket to

Malahide cricket ground on England’s last visit. Picture:INPHO/Presseye/Rowland White

Ireland captain William Porterfield making a century against England. Picture: INPHO/

have these two high profile clashes.

“We’re always looking to test ourselves against top quality opposition, and they don’t come much bigger than England and Australia.

“Next year is shaping up to be the most exciting in Irish cricketing history. We’ve got the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, these high-profile ODIs, and we’re also co-hosting the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers along with Scotland.

“That’s a fantastic lineup of cricketing action, and I’m sure there will be a lot of support for these games,” added Simmons.

Ireland captain William Porterfield was

clearly enthused about the prospect of facing England and Australia again.

“There’s a real buzz around the squad with everyone really looking forward to next year.

The fact that we’ve these ODI’s too has given everyone a real boost.

“Malahide obviously holds special memories for me with my hundred there against England last year. It was one of the highlights of my career, and it was made extra special by the fact it was in front of a sell-out crowd.

“I’m sure that there will be huge crowds at both games, and given the fact that it’s an Ashes year next summer, I’d expect a large number

of travelling supporters too, giving the games an incredible atmosphere in both Dublin and Belfast.”

Tickets for the England match at Malahide on May 8​ will be sold through the usual channels including www.ticketmaster.ie.

Fur ther details of pricing and date public ticket release will be announced on the Cricket Ireland website, www. cricketireland.ie Given the unprecedented interest in last year’s fixture against England, Cricket Ireland is taking expressions of interest for tickets from Cricket Ireland members, clubs and bulk orders of ten or more via ticketsales@cricketireland.ie.

Watkins’ hundred caps second-place outing for Ireland  sport@dublingazette.com

Action from the concluding match of the Four Nations competition between Ireland and New Zealand

CHLOE Watkins earned her 100th cap for the Irish women’s senior hockey team last week in their 1-0 win over Chile en route to a second place finish in the Electric Ireland Four Nations in Belfield.

The 22-year-old UCD player, an alumni of St Andrew’s College in Booterstown, was among a wealth of Dublin based players to line out in the competition that saw Ireland beat Canada 5-0 before ultimately coming unstuck against

world number four side and Olympic semi-finalists New Zealand 3-0 in the final.

She was presented with her 100th cap by UCD club mate and Rathgar resident Anna O’Flanagan while the side also featured Hermes goalkeeper Emma Gray, Railway Union’s Alex Speers, Kate Dillon and Emma Smyth, Loreto’s Hannah Matthews and Alison Meeke, Old Alex’s Shirley McCay, Pembroke’s Stella Davis as well as UCD’s Gillian Pinder, Nikki Evans and Deirdre Duke.

Speers scored the only goal

in the win over Chile, getting on the end of a Pinder pass.

Duke, meanwhile, was on the mark twice against Canada with O’Flanagan opening the scoring.

The final against New Zealand, though, was a baptism of fire for Ireland, ranked 11 places lower in the world.

K r ystal Forgesson twice intercepted before punishing the Irish defence to create a 2-0 lead with a pair of emphatic finishes. But Smith’s side improved markedly thereafter with Emma Gray immense

between the posts while the penalty corner defence also had to be strong.

They did attack frequently and dangerously while four corners of their own could have changed matters while Sally Rutherford produced a wonder save to deny Anna O’Flanagan’s deflected effort.

Sophie Cocks fired home the third with seven minutes to go but Smith was content with the set up made in five days against a side fancied to medal at the Commonwealth Games in the coming fortnight.

24 July 2014 Gazette 29

Gazette

Next generation on point for Leinster Dublin players are among the academy panel for the provincial rugby giants, setting them on the path to being part of the dominant team in Irish rugby in the coming years SIX Dubliners have been included in the latest Leinster Rugby Academy panel for 2014-15 with Harrison Brewer (Terenure College), Ian Fitzpatrick (King’s Hospital), Garry Ringrose (Blackrock College) , Ross Byrne, Cian Kelleher and Rory O’Loughlin (all St Michael’s) added to the year one roster.

They join Nick McCarthy and Peadar Timmins, both of Clongowes Wood, in the latest panel following the graduation of six Leinster Academy players who have received professional contracts from the province and will be part of the senior team squad for the new season.

Of the eight year one recruits, seven appeared for the Ireland Under-

20s team that reached the semi-finals of the 2 014 J u n i o r Wo r l d Championship in New Zealand back in June.

Discussing the Academy roster for the new season, Leinster Academy manager, Girvan Dempsey, spoke of the impact the new Academy recruits had in the recent Junior World Championship.

“They are really exciting players, they had big influences on the tournament and on the Irish Under-20s through the Six Nations. I think they’re a really good bunch and they’ve all come through our subAcademy programme as well and gained the benefits of that year.”

There are eight players in their final year

with the Leinster Academy, including UCD’s Jordan Coghlan who has had his time in the Academy extended by one year after a series of injuries last season.

“Jordan Coghlan, like Sam Coghlan-Murray last year, has had his Academy term extended by a year due to a series of lengthy injuries during his time at the Academy. His development was hampered and the precedent was there with Sam Coghlan-Murray who was in a similar situation in his Academy term. Sam had a number of injuries and illnesses and he missed out on big chunks of his development.

“Last year he played in the region of 26 games, was a prominent player

New Leinster Academy members Gary Ringrose and Ian Fitzgerald

for the A team in the British & Irish Cup, got recognised on the back of that, and got a development contract until the end of the year.”

As well as CoghlanMurray, Jack Conan, Tadhg Furlong, Luke McGrath, Colm O’Shea and James Tracy have

impress Matt and the new coaches, and hopefully get some game time during the pre-season matches against Northampton and Ulster.

“We had 12 Academy players playing in the pre-season friendlies last year, we’d hope to have a number of play-

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‘This is a great opportunity for the players to show their capabilities to the senior coaches’ – Girvan Dempsey

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also received professional contracts.

Of the two remaining Year 3 Academy players, Conor Gilsenan and Andrew Boyle were both released. Gilsenan has since gone on to sign a professional contract with London Irish.

With pre-season now well under way for the Academy, Dempsey was pleased to report that his players are fit and hungry for the new season to begin, with many hopeful of impressing Matt O’Connor ahead of the pre-season friendlies against Northampton Saints and Ulster.

“Pre-season’s gone really well. T hey’ve all come back in good shape. Fitness testing the first week went well.

They’ve all shown a really good appetite and hunger, and they’re looking forward to trying to

ers again involved in the pre-season friendly games in a few weeks’ time. I think it’s a great opportunity for them to show their capabilities to the senior coaches.”

Dempsey is also looking forward to the challenges of a new season that will see all six British & Irish Cup pool matches completed before the turn of the year.

Looking to the new season, Dempsey added: “It’s exciting and challenging because it’s condensed. Our first game will be the first weekend in October. That will be an A interprovincial, the same weekend the seniors play Munster. Then we lead into three B&I Cup games: Plymouth, Jersey and the Welsh qualifier team. It’s challenging but it’s going to be exciting.”

FastSport

European Optimist sailing ends with foggy finish The final race of the Optimist European Sailing Championship had to be cancelled last week as fog thickened on Dublin Bay, but the elements could not dim what had been a fine week of racing off the coast of Dun Laoghaire for visitors to the Royal St George Yacht Club.

In the girls’ event, Ebru Bolat, sailing for the Royal Romanian Yacht Club, had virtually secured the title the previous day with a superbly sailed second place in the penultimate race, and could only have been defeated if her main rival, Spain’s Iset Segura (Arenys de Mar), had come in the top two.

Ebru Bolat could be an inspiration to younger sailors disappointed this year. Just two years ago in this event, she placed 99th out of 105. She signed up for training courses in Slovenia, the home of the then European girls’ champion, and progressed rapidly to place 10th last year.

Boys’ winner Enzo Balanger is from the Cataraibes club on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. His first international experience came from the Semaine Nautique de Schoelcher in nearby Martinique but already at the age of nine he was qualifying to sail in national regattas in metropolitan France. He placed 13th in the 2013 European Championship and will still be eligible to compete next year.

Of the Irish, Royal Cork’s James McCann’s 10th place was a tribute to his resilience as he had earlier moved up and down the rankings before his final result, one of the best Irish placings in the history of the event.

The Irish girls showed good strength in depth, being one of only three countries to get three sailors into the Gold (top half) fleet. Clare Gorman sailed an excellent final race to raise her over-all ranking from 32nd to 23rd, while Gemma McDowell of Malahide and Alix Buckley of Skerries retained their placings. In the silver fleet, Dara Donnelly placed 13th.

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 24 July 2014

SPORT

FastSport

handball: return to title form continues for brigid’s man

Treacy shines in Morton 3km steeplechase final DUNBOYNE AC’s Sarah Treacy was one of the big winners at last weekend’s GloHealth Senior Track and Field Championships in Morton Stadium as she won the 3,000m steeplechase in a personal best time of 9:59.75.

In breaking the 10-minute barrier, she was almost 30 seconds clear of the field, with Leevale’s Michelle Finn coming in second while Dooneen’s Jessica Coyne completed the podium.

Elsewhere, there were plenty of good results for Dublin athletes with Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers AC), Jamie Davis (Raheny Shamrock AC) and Ian Rogers among those to excel.

In the men’s 400m, there was a real battle with athletes wanting to show form in advance of final selection of the 4x400m team for the European Championships.

Gregan was the clear winner in 46.56. Craig Lynch (Shercock AC) set a personal best of 47.37 improving on his 47.42 set in the heats with last year’s champion Brian Murphy of Crusaders AC third in 47.39.

Davis stormed to victory in the men’s 100m in a time of 10.83 seconds; it was a first national title for north Dublin athlete Davis.

Rogers was involved in a titanic battle in the men’s pole vault competition with Waterford athlete Thomas Houlilhan. Rogers came out on top with a clearance of 4.70m to be crowned 2014 GloHealth senior pole vault champion.

Elsewhere, there was more success for Raheny’s Zoe Brown who recorded victory over Tori Pena in the women’s pole vault when she cleared 4.30m at the first attempt, her third straight clearance in the competition.

Her club mate Michael Clohisey was a clear winner of the 10,000m with 17 seconds to spare over Annadale Striders’ Eddie McGinley.

The Raheny man broke the tape in a time of 29.58.31 with Rathfarnham’s Sean Hehir coming home in third place.

Clonliffe’s Liam Zamel-Paez took the men’s high jump title with a 2.16m clearance ahead of rising star Kourosh Foroughi, his third attempt at the height proving decisive.

There was also success for Clonliffe’s 4x100m relay team who saw off county rivals Tallaght AC and Raheny with a time of 41.48 seconds.

Eoin Kennedy and doubles partner Carl Browne celebrate their success in the 60x30 event in Kilkenny last week

Doubles joy for Kennedy  sport@dublingazette.com

S t Br igi d ’ s GA A Club’s Eoin Kennedy’s return to the heights of handball continued last week when he and doubles partner Carl Browne secured the men’s open national 60x30 title when they defeated reigning AllIreland champions, Meath’s Brian Carroll and Tom Sheridan, in an dramatic final at the Talbot’s Inch HC in Kilkenny.

The victory means that Kennedy has secured two major titles in recent months after his return to the court following

a three-year hiatus. In late May, he secured the All-Ireland hardball title against Kerry’s Dominic Lynch in Cashell, bringing his record seventh senior hardball title.

This softball tournament, however, brought together the top players in the sport from around the country and saw the first major outing for the new pairing of Browne a n d K e n n e d y. H i s former doubles partner, Egin Jensen, tore his Achilles tendon which put him out of contention for the season and led to his retirement from the senior level of the sport, meaning that

d15 goes westside Dublin stars attend new gym opening event ST brigid’s Paddy Andrews and St

Oliver Plunkett’s Alan Brogan were among the local stars who took the time to attend the very successful opening of the new Strength and Fitness Westside Gym at the Verona Sports Complex on Grove Road.

For more information, log on to www. facebook.com/strengthfitnesswestside.

Picture: Simon Jeacle

Kennedy would have to find a new blend with Browne.

But the new duo proved a formidable combination in Kilkenny, taking the title after an impressive march to the final against strong opposition.

Carroll and Sheridan had seen off Dominic Lynch and CJ Fitzpatrick in their semi-final with a straightforward 31-14 win, af ter they had defeated singles champion Robbie McCarthy and his partner for the weekend Martin Mulkerrins by a single point in the quarter-finals.

Kennedy and Browne,

meanwhile, defeated local duo Michael Walsh and Ciaran Neary to reach the decider, their opponents having seen off the second seeds Dessie Keegan and Joe McCann to reach the last four.

The final was a cracker, and with the scores tied at 19-19, all in attendance were expecting it to go to the wire. But it was Kennedy and Browne who made a break, pulling ahead 24-19, before eventually sealing victory 31-19 after a series of mammoth rallies.

This softball success sets up Kennedy well in preparation for the All-

Ireland championships which take place in September.

Kennedy’s overall count of All-Ireland senior titles now stands at 26 over all three handball codes - softball, hardball and 40x20 - and he remains the only player in history to win singles and doubles titles in all three codes.

In the ladies’ section, it was Kilkenny’s Rebecca Mulholland and Marie Walsh who defeated Sabrina Hughes and Lisa McKenna of Dublin 31-11, with the local ladies looking strong through the tournament.

24 July 2014 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

croker debut

Erin Go Bragh U-7s and U-8s play at HQ

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s

a great day was had by the Erin Go

Bragh Under-7 and Under-8s hurling team when they took to the hallowed turf of Croke Park last week. The team wish to thank the club, the Dublin County Board and the GAA for creating a very special memory for the children.

St Brigid’s Cul Camps / Summer Camp

knock and Blanchardstown area and

Application Forms now online under

new members are especially welcome!

downloadable forms section of web-

Contact Paul on 0879154748 or email

site. The Kellogg’s Cul Camp runs from

info@stbrigidsgaa.com for more info!

August 11 to 15, while our nursery camp

Busy week of league hurling and

runs from August 19 to 22. All welcome

football ahead, with all of our six adult

and bring a friend.

football teams in action at the week-

There was no winner of last week’s

hurling: fingallians defeated at blakestown

end.

club lotto jackpot, the jackpot now

Brilliant league wins for our junior

rises to €13,800 and the draw will be

ladies footballers and our senior and

Roseawn Inn on Thursday, July 24.

inter hurlers last week.

Our club nursery is now on its sum-

All Twist Classes only €6 for June and

mer break and will resume on August

July. Make sure you give our classes

23 from 9.30 to 11am. We welcome all

a try. Call Damian on 086 381 9585 and

four to seven year olds in the Castle-

follow Twist on Facebook.

st peregrine’s Congratulations to Eric Lowndes

beat Garda in the league, 1-10 to

and the Dublin team on retaining

1-08.

their Leinster senior football title.

The inter hurlers had a good win at home in the championship against

The footballers are away to Templeogue Synge Street on Sunday at 10.30am.

Fingallians. The lads will now play

Strictly Peregrine’s DVDs are

a home game to Clanna Gael in the

available to order for €10. If you

quarter-finals.

would like to order one, please con-

The senior ladies football team

tact Aileen Boyd on 087 945 8285.

castleknock Registration for the Castleknock 6k

Joe, on getting married over the week-

Run is now available on the website.

end.

The Get Moving team continue train-

The second summer camp takes

ing every Tuesday and Thursday at

place from August 18 to 22. Details of

St Peregrine’s were in goal scoring mood in their championship match against Fingallians

6.30pm for the main event on Septem-

how to register on the website.

Peregrine’s progress to ICH quarter-finals

ber 6. Remember to follow the event

There was a great win for the adult

pages on Twitter and Facebook for all

hurlers this weeked over St Kevin’s,

updates.

putting them back on track in Division

ihc group 2

daughter of club stalwarts Ger and

St Peregrine’s 3-13 Fingallians 1-11  sport@dublingazette.com

ST PEREGRINE’S produced a fine performance to confirm their place in the quarterfinals of the Dublin intermediate hurling championship as they raced into a big lead and stayed out of range of Fingallians.

Goals from Declan Cody, Kieran O’Sullivan and Fiachra Byrnes put them 10 points to the good in the early phases of the second half and, despite a concer ted

effort from the visitors, they were never in contention from then on.

It meant the Blakestown club rose above Fins in the group as well as moving ahead of Castleknock on points difference having drawn with their near neighbours earlier in the competition.

Early on, it went point for point as Cillian Byrnes’ trio of points and one from Brian Kelleher saw the sides share a 0-4 tie after 14 minutes of the tie.

But a pair of Colm Foley efforts helped eke out the first lead of any

significance and they built on that further when Cody popped up with the opening goal in the 21st minute.

It put five between the sides before Fins fought back with two scores of their own to reel in the gap with a well-taken 65.

Peregrine’s replied well, however, and a 2-2 blitz around the half-time break proved the game breaker, kickstarted by Brian Kelleher’s score. O’Sullivan’s goal sent them into the interval on a high and Fiachra Byrnes nabbed the third major of the

game to stretch out an imposing lead.

From there, the sides went pretty much point for point with two Fins’ frees counter-acted by Cillian and Fiachra Byrnes’ efforts while Mark Sweeney also cleared the bar.

Fingallians did score a goal four minutes into injury time but it was too little too late to affect the outcome of the tie.

Castleknock will also progress but concluded the group phase with a pair of losses having gone unbeaten in their first three games.

The senior footballers play away to

3.

Erin’s Isle this Saturday at 6.30pm,

Please continue to send in all tax

with the second team at home to St

donation and bond scheme forms for

Maur’s at Sunday at 11.30am, and the

the clubhouse fund, as we look to push

third team away to Fingal Ravens at

on after the awarding of the sports

4pm.

capital grant recently.

Congratulations to Tara O’Reilly,

There was no winner of the lotto jackpot, which now stands at €2,600.

erin go bragh Well done to Alannah Kenny and the

Hard luck to our junior hurlers who

U-16 Dublin camogie team in their

lost to Naomh Olaf in the championship

game at the weekend.

on Thursday night. They now exit the

Thanks to everyone who supported

championship but they are currently

our football summer camp last week.

top of their league division. Their next

We hope all the boys and girls had

game is on Thursday, July 24 at 7.30pm

a great time. A big thank you to our

against Realt Dearg in Drimnagh Cas-

GPO Paul Faughnan and his team of

tle. Anyone interested in playing hurl-

coaches.

ing can contact Karl on 087 235 2074.

Our U-7 and -8 hurlers took to the

There was no winner of our weekly

field at Croke Park during the week to

lotto. Numbers drawn were 7, 15, 17 and

show their hurling skills.

23. Next week’s jackpot is €2,600. The

Anyone interested in playing foot-

draw will take place in The Paddocks.

ball can call George on 087 970 9795.

Tickets are on sale at training, in the

Training continues on Mondays and

Paddocks, The Vineyard, The Straw-

Wednesdays in Hazelbury Park at

berry Hall and The Grasshopper. Tick-

7.30pm.

ets cost €2 each or three for €5.

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

at the double: Handball legend Eoin Kennedy adds second national title in two months in Kilkenny P30

July 24, 2014

taking it back to school: Dublin players added to ranks of Leinster Academy P29

NAC swimmer Brendan Hyland was one of the homegrown stars in action at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin 15 last weekend

NAC stars shine at home National age group championships at D15 home of Irish swimming sees club swimmers in top form at largest-ever event held by Swim Ireland  sport@dublingazette.com

NAC swimmers produced fine performances last weekend at the Swim Ireland national age group championships in the National Aquatic Centre, an event with over 900 entrants taking part, representing over 100 clubs.

It was the biggest championships Swim Ireland has ever run at the Dublin 15 venue with 3,762 individual and 151 relay swims taking place over the five days. The competition caters for swimmers from as young as eight right up to an open age group with the oldest competitor being 43 this year.

High performance swimmer Melanie

Houghton was among the stars, picking off four titles, the sprint specialist closing out the weekend with the 50m butterfly on Sunday to add to the 50m and 100m freestyle, as well as the 100m butterfly.

Earlier in the meet, Houghton had led home a 1,2,3 finish for the NAC High Performance Centre swimmers with a 56.97 in the 100m freestyle, followed by Bethany Carson (58.50) and in third place was Clodagh Flood (58.76).

Carson has been working hard to come back from a serious ankle injury and is starting to see the awards of her recent move to living on the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown.

Living so close to her support team in the National Aquatic Centre and Irish Institute of Sport, including physiotherapist Sarah Jane McDonnell, has helped her to recover quickly and prepare for the challenge of next season.

Clodagh Flood won the gold medal she has been looking for in the girls 400m freestyle. The Tallaght native had two bronze and two silver medals earlier in the competition but there was no stopping her in the 400m freestyle as she put in a great second 200m to win in a time of 4.24.16.

On day one, Houghton had two seconds to spare over Clodagh Flood in the 100m butterfly before adding the 50m breast-

stroke while she also played her part in Aer Lingus’s 4x100m bronze medal winning relay team.

In the men’s 50m breaststroke, Olympian Barry Murphy returned to the pool after a busy year to retain his breaststroke sprinting title. Murphy will also be heading to next month’s Senior European Championships and the win will give him confidence before heading to Germany.

Brendan Hyland saw off his NAC team mate Brendan Gibbons, meanwhile, in the 400m freestyle final in a close run battle, Hyland edging it in a time of 4.01.60 just 0.45 seconds ahead of Gibbons in one of the closest races of the gala.