Dun laoghaire

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Blackrock • Cornelscourt • Deansgrange • Dalkey • Glasthule • Monkstown • Glenageary

INSIDE: Sean Penn takes aim at a popular action genre with his new film, The Gunman See P25

marvellous malta: Sunny melting pot offers a delightful destination P18-19

Hurling:

Kilmacud off to flying start in AHL Division 1 Page 31

Soccer:

Seaford Rock pick up big win in league Page 30

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

Kathleen Naughton, Ursula Swords and Gail Park putting their best feet forward on the Harbour 2 Harbour walk between Dun Laoghaire and Howth. Picture: Margaret Brown

Forty shades of green Thousands attend St Patrick’s Day celebrations all across the area

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THOUSANDS of people in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown came out in force to don the green at the second Stepaside St Patrick’s Day parade, and the sixth St Patrick’s Day Forgotten Irish Coffee

Morning in Glasthule.

At the Stepaside parade, the grand marshal was Olympic gold medal winner Ronnie Delaney, who led the proceedings, waving from an open-topped vintage car.

Thousands of locals lent their support to a host of

floats celebrating clubs and businesses throughout the Stepaside area.

Dun Laoghaire saw lots of colourfully dressed walkers set off on the annual Harbour 2 Harbour walk, setting off around the bay to Howth to fundraise for Aware.

Meanwhile, in Glasthule, Margaret Browne – organiser of the Forgotten Irish event in aid of the LondonIrish Centre – said around 300 people supported the event, with coffee drinkers raising around €4,000.

Full Story on Page 3

2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 19 March 2015

heritage A focus on Irish at home and abroad in celebrations

Thousands party for St Pat in Stepaside  ian begley and Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE St Patrick’s Day Forgotten Irish Coffee Morning for the LondonIrish Centre was a roaring success this year at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Glasthule.

The organiser of the fundraiser, Margaret Browne, told The Gazette: “It was a huge success. Between 250 to 300 people were coming

and going all the time and the place was jammed.

“There weren’t just a few from Glasthule – they came from everywhere. A lot made a long journey. One man read about it from London and came to see what it was all about.”

Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in Stepaside to support its second ever St Patrick’s Day parade, with Olympic gold medal winner

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Ronnie Delaney acting as grand marshal, leading the participants out in an open-topped vintage car.

More than 60 groups took part in the Stepaside parade, which started at 12.30pm and continued until 5pm. Some of the groups included Kilternan ICA and the organisers of the event, the Stepaside Business Association. Representing Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council was An Cathaoirleach Marie Baker (FG).

Over in the city centre, a sea of green, white and orange poured through the streets for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities.

Approximately half a million people lined the city streets between Parnell Square and St Patrick’s Cathedral to witness the nation’s largest celebration.

This year’s parade adopted the theme of Celebrate Now, in recognition of Ireland’s contemporary arts and culture exploits. Featuring bands and performers from around the world, this year’s procession was led by the grand marshal, comedian Brendan O’Carroll.

There was a remarkable buzz of excitement on everyone’s faces waiting for the parade to begin. Hundreds of tour-

Sophie O’Connor and Erin Williams taking in Stepaside’s St Patrick’s Day parade

ists coming to Dublin especially for the parade made sure to get a good vantage point, and also seemed to be praying for the weather to remain calm.

At noon on the dot, the Lord Mayor’s horsedrawn carriage started the parade, trailing behind St Patrick himself

Loud cheers then followed as O’Carroll and his wife, Jennifer Gibney, rode past in a vintage car, waving and shouting classic Mrs Brown’s lines that many know so well.

The day was soon brought to life by leading pageant companies from around the world, displaying some fantastic creations and thrilling

performances, inspired by the present, which enthralled and excited the crowds.

Amidst the colourful pageantry, bands from the USA, Mexico, Germany and Ireland delivered uplifting scores.

This spectacular procession then proceeded its way through the heart of Dublin city.

19 March 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3

politics Fianna Fail opens fight for Dun Laoghaire

I’ll challenge Hanafin for seat – Devlin  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

CLLR Cormac Devlin (FF) announced last week that he will challenge former Minister for Education Mar y Hanafin for the nomination to contest the next General Election on behalf of Fianna Fail in the Dun Laoghaire constituency.

Cllr Devlin made the announcement ahead of official FF party nominations.

He announced he was putting his name

forward for nomination for the Dun Laoghaire constituency in the next election at a constituency event in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, where former deputy leader Mary O’Rourke was the keynote speaker.

Cllr Devlin told The Gazette: “Mary Hanafin has stated her intention to run and will put herself forward for nomination for Dun Laoghaire, so it will be Mary, myself, and there could be others too, probably Kate

Feeney contesting the [selection] convention.

“I want to clarify to my supporters that I’ll be contesting.”

Cllr Devlin addressed more than 100 Fianna Fail par ty members at the event. Of Mary O’Rourke’s support, he said: “I was delighted to be endorsed by Mary O’Rourke. Fianna Fail is ready for the fight.”

The Fianna Fail selection convention including the nomination for the Dun Laoghaire constituency is expected to

arts

Seniors to dance at LexIcon  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Cllr Cormac Devlin with Fianna Fail stalwart Mary O’Rourke, who lent her support to his campaign to run for the party in the next General Election in Dun Laoghaire

take place prior to the party’s Ard Fheis on April 24.

W hen asked what changes Fianna Fail has gone through and if the electorate is ready to forgive and forget the mistakes of the previous FF government, he said: “We have formulated an

array of policies over the past four years, from justice to health and education, and the campaign will be a long one.

“T here have been problems in the past, but how the party is structured now ensures a change from those days of the past.

“In government, we have also created higher standards for public representatives to adhere to and this will be demonstrated in the next General Election.”

Cllr Hanafin could not be contacted for comment by the time of going to print.

SENIOR citizens involved in a newly formed dance group, entitled Vintage Youth, will be strutting their stuff at DLR LexIcon for a one-off performance of five short dance pieces on March 20.

Vintage Youth is a Dance Theatre of Ireland (DTI) seniors’ group, comprising 16 dancers who have been participating in Well Dance for Seniors Modern Dance Classes.

Performed to a wide variety of music including Singin’ in the Rain, the council-commissioned per formance will be free of charge at DLR LexIcon on Friday, March 20, from 3-4.30pm.

4 DUN laoghaire Gazette 19 March 2015

fundraising Purchase of state-of-the-art tablets will support nurses’ work

Council staff donate €5,000 to Jack & Jill charity  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation were donated €5,000 recently by staff at Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The council staff raised the charity funding through an

initiative entitled HUG [Hope u Give], established through Workplace Partnership in 2012. The €5,000 donated to the foundation will enable the charity to upgrade its IT capability by purchasing five new state-of-the-art tablets.

These will help their liaison

nurses work and communicate more effectively with their client families.

Of replacing the charity’s outdated laptops, Jack & Jill’s chief executive Jonathan Irwin said: “The funding provided by the staff of Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council

will enable the foundation to purchase-brand new professional tablets for five of our liaison nurses based all around the country.

“These tablets will ... allow the nurses to focus more of their time on the families under our wing, where their time

makes most difference.”

The council said their staff commit to making regular voluntary contributions into the HUG fund. A spokesperson said: “When joining HUG, each member can nominate one or more charities to be included on the HUG chari-

ties database. The successful charities are selected based on strict criteria, which includes a timeframe and how the funding is spent.

“There are currently just over 300 members in HUG, and every cent collected is given out in donations.”

50 new social houses may be built in Dun Laoghaire  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

FIFTY new council houses could be on the way for Dun Laoghaire once the public consultation process has been completed in April.

The council’s plans for the new social homes were unveiled at the launch of the public consultation earlier this month.

The proposed new units will consist of 24 one-bedroomed units, six two-beds, 18 three-beds and two four-beds, all to be located at Fitzgerald Park, Lower Mounttown Road in Dun Laoghaire.

The housing units will be built on a vacant council-owned site.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) said the proposed quality and design of the housing units is “impressive” and will be of a “very high quality, energy efficient and well landscaped”.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development are now available for inspection up to and including April 23, at the Housing and Community Department and Planning and Enterprise Department at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire, from 10am to 4pm.

Residents can also submit feedback on the plan by accessing the DLR Consultations – Citizens Engagement link on the council’s website at www.dlrcoco.ie A council spokesperson said it “has been very successful over the past four years in its pursuit of outstanding [development] levies, collecting approximately €40m during this period”

local authority: ‘debts are vigorously pursued’

€26m due in unpaid development levies  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A TOTAL of €26m is owed to Dun LaoghaireRathdow n County Council in unpaid development levies, with another €61m owed to the council for invoices issued relating to work never carried out.

The council told The Gazette that the amount of development levies due to the council in respect of buildings currently constructed in the county is in the region of €26m.

Of this amount, approximately €5m is the subject of phased payment agreements, while €16.2m is being actively pursued under enforcement measures

open to the council, which means the planning section’s enforcement department will send out letters of warning and then letters of enforcement to debtors.

The balance – €4.8m – has either been recently invoiced, or is the subject of reminder letters.

A further €61m is due which relates to invoices that have issued by the council in respect of units which have not yet been constructed.

On a more positive note, a spokesperson for the council said: “Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council vigorously pursues development levies owed to the

council, and has been very successful over the past four years in its pursuit of outstanding levies, collecting approximately €40m of levies during this period.”

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) said the council has an outstanding bad debit provision of €26m in development levies, and another €61m remains due on invoices relating to planning permissions granted but not yet constructed.

He said: “We must be realistic in our expectation about netting €86m in revenue from development levies. The council must remain focused on trying to recover as much of the €26m in development

levies actually due to us for development works completed.

“I want to commend the planning and finance teams in County Hall for securing a substantial amount of financial levies due, to date. It’s a difficult job under desperate circumstance in main cases.

“I am confident that the [council] executive have all the resources available to them to rigorously pursue, through many channels, all bad debtors.

“It is my intention to request from the chief executive of the council a bimonthly progress report on debit recovery associated with development levies,” he said.

19 March 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

community: clubs urged to act as grant deadline approaches

council Draft DLR plan to go on show

Apply now for a share of sport fund  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

SPORTS clubs are being urged to apply for funding through this year’s Sports Capital Programme, recently announced

by Minister for Sport Michael Ring.

The programme is open to local sports clubs all over the country and funds facilities and equipment such as natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts, floodlighting, tracks, showers, toilets, sports halls and gyms and any other sports capital projects.

On announcing an additional €40m under the latest round of funding, Minister Ring said the new round is “key” to facilitating participa-

tion in sport among local communities.

He said: “With 90% of grantees telling us that the facilities we have funded helped them increase the numbers involved in sport, the value of the programme can be in no doubt.”

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) has called on local sports clubs and community groups to register their interest soon in order to avail of the funding “for local sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment”.

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab) said: “A sports capital grant can make a huge difference to a struggling club and allow them to enhance their facilities and enable their clubs to

grow.”

The 2015 Sports Capital Programme is now open for applications, with a deadline for applications on April 24 at 5pm. However, initial registrations will close on April 10.

Applications for the Spor ts Capital Programme (SCP) can be made through an online portal, which provides a guide to registration informing applicants of how best to fill in their applications to ensure success.

The portal can be accessed at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie, and provides information on all aspects of the SCP. Registered users can also ask questions and get answers about the SCP.

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A united front: And back, and centre, to show support for marriage equality POLITICIANS of all political persuasions and outlooks set aside their differences to show some rare unity at Dun Laoghaire pier recently, where they found common ground in calling on the people of Dun Laoghaire, and beyond, to vote Yes in the upcoming marriage equality referendum on May 22. An Cathaoirleach, Marie Baker (front, centre) was joined by councillors Karl Gill (PBP), Kate Feeney (FF), Melisa Halpin (PBP), Mary Fayne (FF), Michael Merrigan (Ind), Deirdre Kingston (Lab), Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG), Patricia Stewart (FG), Hugh Lewis (PBP), Ossian Smyth (GP), Carrie Smyth (Lab), Victor Boyhan (Ind) and Shane O’Brien (SF).

AN INFORMATION session to clarify details in the draft County Development Plan for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown is set to take place on April 23 at Blackrock Library.

Staff from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s planning department will be on hand to assist the public during the event, which takes place 2-8pm.

Submissions can be made on or before Monday, May 11 and can be sent in writing to Senior Executive Officer, Planning and Enterprise Department, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, or by email to devplan@dlrcoco.ie.

6 DUN laoghaire Gazette 19 March 2015

planning Sixty objections lodged over proposal for 57-unit Dalkey facility

Firm unfazed by retirement complex reaction  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

PEGASUS Life Ltd has said 60 objections lodged against planning permission for a retirement complex in Dalkey was “not unexpected”.

The retirement homes specialist said it welcomed feed-

back and would continue to liaise with locals in Dalkey about the proposed 57-unit complex.

Last week, The Gazette carried a story outlining the objections raised to the fivestorey complex.

One objection to the pro-

posed development came from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht over its possible impact on nearby Dalkey Lodge, calling for a visual impact assessment.

A spokesperson for Pegasus said: “It is correct that no specific verified views were cre-

ated of the development from the grounds of the [Dalkey] Lodge, however this is in line with visual impact assessment practice for creation of verified views, where images from third party properties are not the norm.

“Existing screen planting

around the perimeter of the lodge, which is to be retained, offers full protection to the lodge.

“The application was accompanied by a series of verified views from the Barnhill Road and a conservation assessment prepared by Aughey

O’Flaherty Architects.”

The company said it also modified its Dalkey plans by moving the eastern block 2.5m north to reduce its impact on nearby houses, following feedback at a meeting with more than 200 local residents last December.

King Laoghaire could be honoured with a memorial  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THREE memorials awaiting consideration by the council’s memorials committee include one commemorating fifth-century High King of Ireland, King Laoghaire, and two others honouring Dun Laoghaire residents’ involvement in World War One. Proposed memorials, which have been agreed but are awaiting suitable locations to be found, include plaques to Stillorgan resident and architect Edward Lovett Pearce, and George Johnston Stoney, the physicist who introduced the concept of the electron

and is buried in St Nahi’s Cemetery, Churchtown.

At a recent Dun Laoghaire area meeting, Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) asked the chief executive to provide details on public memorials in the county and the progress of those under consideration.

As well as providing details of memorials yet to be erected, the council also furnished information on those which have been completed in the Dun Laoghaire ward. This includes a plaque, at Holly Park Boys National School in Blackrock, that honours statistician William Sealy Gossett.

Don’t give plans to dig into the An Taisce National Spring Clean the brush off just yet – volunteering your help, like these ladies, would be a great way to give something back to the community

litter: take part in 17th annual an taisce event

Community call to join a spring clean  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

COMMUNITY groups and individuals are being urged to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the council’s anti-litter initiative as part of this year’s National Spring Clean.

Now in its 17th year, the An Taisce National Spring Clean sees civicminded people all across the country play their part in keeping their community tidy throughout the whole month of April.

The council is supporting this campaign

by providing litter pickers and gloves to anyone interested in taking part or helping out. The council will also be arranging extra resources to pick up waste from weekend clean-ups within the month of April.

According to the council, getting involved is easy. A spokesperson said: “Groups who wish to be involved in the National Spring Clean should nominate a particular weekend in April for their area so that the council can schedule a pick-up on the following Monday or Tuesday.”

Organisers of the National Spring Clean said that last year’s campaign was hugely successful, with 5,112 cleanup events held nationwide, and an estimated 500 tonnes of litter collected.

All participating groups in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown have to register with the council in advance of their clean-up event.

Only the allocated cleanup bags provided by the council can be used by registered teams.

Waste presented in bags that are not provid-

ed by the council will not be collected, and green waste products – such as grass, flower cuttings or hedge trimmings – are not eligible for collection.

If any group or individual is interested in getting involved in this year’s spring clean, you can register your community clean-up by emailing environ@dlrcoco.ie.

Alternatively, you can ring the council at 01 205 4817 with your choice of weekend, choosing from April 5 and 6, April 11 and 12, April 18 and 19 or April 25 and 26.

19 March 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7

8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 19 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

The Broughan family at the march. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

Breda Moran, Eoghan Kenny and Mary Kenny marching to a different drum

Aspects of the protests staged in the centre of Dun Laoghaire

Speaker Anne-Marie Murtagh

People Power: march expresses public anger

Water protest pressure rising P

EOPLE opposed to the installation of water-meter took to the streets in Dun Laoghaire to protest about the new water charge. According to the organisers, the marchers wanted to send a clear message to the Government about resisting metering. The rain stayed away and the atmosphere was relaxed with many families out on the protest together. .

Dublin Bus services through the town were disrupted while about 1,500 protesters made their way through the town to the People’s Park where they were addressed by protest leaders, including Ann-Marie Murtagh.

Anna and Mark Byrne

Patrick McGovern and Paul Murdock

19 March 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9

Colum Mac Giollaphadraig

Principal Bean Ui Uiginn

Maistir Mairtin, Bean Ui Uiginn, GAA president Liam O’Neill and Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG). Pictures: Geraldine Woods

any answers? gAA President fields students’ questions

G

AA president Liam O’Neill visited Scoil Eoin and Scoil Iosagain recently on the invitation of Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG). Gaelscoil principals Bean Ui Uiginn and Maistir Mairtin welcomed Mr O’Neill, and thanked him for coming to talk to the pupils as Gaeilge. The students were happy to show off their sports trophies and their school GAA jerseys to the visitor. O’ Neill took part in a question and answer session and talked about his own experiences in sport.

Rachel Ni Bhaoil, Aoife Nic Reannachain and Fiona Nic Gamhna

Cillian Mac Gearailt with Ian O Riabhaigh

10 gazette 19 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Paul Fitzsimons, Henry Anderson, Robbie Smith, Marieclaire Sabogal, Denis O’Brien, Martin Mulholland and Gerald Robbie and Helen Smyth

McCavanagh. Pictures: David O’Shea

key to success: Clefs d’or serves up honours

Five-star gala for top concierges

T Valerie Bagnall, Rachel Meehan, John Goldrick and Jacqueline Goldrick

here was no sign of the Grand Budapest Hotel’s Gustave H at a recent gala dinner to pay homage to the work of the top tier of hotel concierges in the Clontarf Castle Hotel. But then the annual Les Clefs d’Or was an exclusive affair and confined to the Irish

hotel sector. Among those honoured on the night was Clontarf’s own Vijay Shetye, who was nominated for an award. Overall the night was a huge success with more than 100 guests in attendance and celebrations running into the early hours.

Paul and Laura Kavanagh Jason Ormston saying well done to employee Vijay Shetye for his work on the event

23390

Paul Fitzsimons, Antony Lynch and Jim Clayton

Tom and Teresa Doyle

Declan and Keiva Mc Farlane

19 March 2015 Gazette 11

escape the mayhem p13

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

asdfsdaf P27 interview P14



Gazette

diary p12

a day in the life: ireland’s number 1 Badminton player, Scott Evans

what’son

Courting a place at the top

a celebration of dublin’s music

 keith bellew

Dubliner and twotime Olympian Scott Ev a n s i s I r e l a n d ’s number 1 ranking Badminton player and following his recent performance at the AllEngland Open Championships has climbed to number 24 in the world.

This week, the Gazette caught up with Evans to find out what an average Day in the Life of a professional badminton player consists of.

He likes to get up at 7am and take his dog for a quick walk before he has his breakfast which usually consists of porridge, muesli and bananas. No greasy fryups for him as he needs to keep fit for competitions which he competes in very regularly.

Originally from Ballinteer, Evans now lives in Denmark where he trains.

He said: “My club is only about 10 minutes away. I normally train at 9am or 9.30 so I always

have to leave a little bit before because I have a programme I do to warm up which takes a bit of time.

“From 9 to 11 everything I do would be badminton based. That can be everything from exercises which are physically tough to technical exercises which are a little bit easier where you focus on the technical side of your game.

“That’s always normally two or two and a half hours.

“I probably get home around 12 or 12.30 and then I have lunch and relax for a while. I like going to cafes and having a coffee and meeting friends and stuff like that.”

He said that during the week he usually doesn’t get up to much because he has further training sessions later in the day.

“On the days that he has evenings free he goes to concerts or football matches to watch FC Copenhagen.

“Monday, Wednesday

and Friday I go to the gym in the afternoon at about 3pm to do a physical session, that’s like biking or running or weights.

“On these days I usually have dinner at about 7pm and go to bed a lot earlier because I have the whole evening to relax. “ O n Tu e s d ay a n d Thursday evenings I have another badminton session, so I won’t do anything during the day, I’ll just relax all day.

“There’s not much time to do anything during the day because otherwise you are not really rested for your next session. I usually eat about 5pm and then eat again at 9.30 when I finish training. I don’t normally get home until 10pm or 10.30 and then I’ve got to go out with the dog, so generally 11pm would be a normal time for me to go to bed.”

In the coming weeks Evans will travel to Asia to compete in competitions in Malaysia and Singapore.

Scott Evans: “There’s not much time to do anything during the day because you are not really rested for your next session.”

THERE’S a new music festival coming to town, and it’s set to take place in Dublin next month with more than 50 musical events taking centre stage.

The inaugural MusicTown Festival will run from April 10-19, with musical events for all ages and tastes – all inspired by the capital’s musical heritage and vibrant music scene.

Being organised by Dublin City Council, there will be live and contemporary opera performances from Wide Open Opera on the streets, while buskers will be celebrated in a Busker of the Year competition being organised by DublinTown.ie. The festival aims to develop a greater appreciation of Dublin’s music.

The Deputy Lord Mayor, Larry O’Toole, said: “The festival is about discovery, exploration and education.

Whatever your taste, we want to encourage people to experience new genres of music and to journey deeper into their preferred music of choice.”

Some events are free, while others have a nominal charge.

For further information, see www.musictown.ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 19 March 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

Novelist and TV personality Amanda Brunker was on hand at Il Posto restaurant on Stephen’s Green to launch the first ever PAWS for a Cuppa campaign, a week of tea in aid of PAWS Animal Rescue this April. PAWS founder Gina Hetherington (left) is encouraging people to register online to host a tea party. Picture: Susan Kennedy / Paul Sherwood Photography

Time to paws for a cuppa Novelist and TV personality Amanda Brunker was on hand recently to launch the first ever PAWS for a Cuppa campaign at Il Posto restaurant in Stephen’s Green.

PAWS for a Cuppa is a week of tea parties being held in aid of PAWS Animal Rescue running from April 13 to 19.

PAWS founder Gina Hetherington is urging people to register online to host a tea party and those who do so will receive an organiser’s pack containing everything needed for it.

She said: “At the moment, we have over 100 dogs in our care and as you can imagine that’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed!

“Hosting a PAWS for a Cuppa tea party gives you the opportunity to

spend some quality time together with family and friends, but the money you raise will help us in our never-ending struggle to find forever homes for wonderful dogs.”

To register online visit: www.paws.ie/paws-fora-cuppa/

bring your dream dress to reality What girl hasn’t, at some point in their childhood lives, drawn their dream Cinderella dress and wished they could see it become a reality?

Well Disney is giving Cinderella fans the chance to do just that.

To mark the release of the new film based on the classic fairytale, Disney is inviting fans to submit a creative design for their ultimate Cinderella dress and one lucky winner will

see their design brought to life when it is made to wear and keep forever.

Fans can also vote for their favourite dresses, with the top 10 being judged by a panel who will choose the dress they feel should be brought to life.

The winner will have their dress presented to them at an enchanting afternoon tea at London’s beautiful Langham Hotel.

View designs, vote and submit your dream dress at: www.disneycinderella.co.uk

volunteers sought for fundraiser Special Oly mpics Ireland’s national Collection Day fundraiser is coming up on April 24 and organisers are now looking for volunteers to

lend a hand.

This is the biggest fundraising event in aid of Special Olympics Ireland, as they aim to raise over €500,000 for athletes with an intellectual disability.

Special Olympics Ireland launched its Volunteer Recruitment Drive and needs over 3,000 volunteers for the fundraising day.

All the money raised on April 24 will be used to ensure that Special Olympics Ireland can continue to realise its mission of offering people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in sport in their area.

Special OIympics Ireland is looking for volunteers for the entire day, so whether you can commit to the full day or even just an hour, organisers

would be pleased to hear from you.

Volunteer by contacting Emma Horgan on 085 803 1112 or by emailing eastern. region@specialolympics.ie.”

National Yokes Day shortlived During the recent temporary legalisation of a number of class-A drugs including ecstasy, magic mushrooms, “head shop” drugs and methamphetamine, a strange individual appeared outside Leinster House wearing a sign which read “I have yokes”.

For those not familiar with the parlance of the drug trade, yokes is a slang term for ecstasy.

A Government regulation declaring these drugs illegal was found to be unconstitutional by

a ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The ruling provided a two-day window where it was legal to possess these drugs, though sale or supply remained illegal.

The ruling prompted Twitter users to dub March 10 as National Yokes Day. The madness didn’t last long however as an emergency Dail sitting recriminalised possession of the drugs on Thursday, March 12.

SAying farewell to a legend Celebrities of all sorts took to Twitter last week to pay their last respects to Tony Fenton, a legend of the Irish airwaves, who died on March 11 at the age of 53.

F r o m Ho l l y wo o d A-lister Chris O’Dowd to radio presenter Matt

Cooper, the stars came out to honour the memory of Fenton, who had been such a strong presence in their lives through his radio shows on RTE’s 2FM and more recently on Today FM. Chris O’Dowd tweeted: “Thanks for the chuuuunes Tony”, while The Script tweeted: “Just heard the sad news about Tony Fenton :( We grew up to him on our Airwaves. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family X” and Pat Kenny, who echoed Dave Fanning’s tribute to Fenton: “He was a pilot of the airwaves.”

Others who took to Twitter to say farewell to Fenton, were Amy Huberman, Kodaline, Jason Byrne and Ronan Keating, all of whom remembered the well-loved DJ with great fondness.

19 March 2015 Gazette 13

escape the mayhem: celebrity stylist zandra Rhodes

Gazette

FEATURE

Cooking up a recipe to stay stress free  Laura Webb

Travelling between continents for work and pleasure, it’s little wonder that celebrity stylist and designer Zandra Rhodes needs to remember to take a break and cooking is one of her “escapes”.

Recently in town to promote her capsule collection for Colebrooke by Windsmoor at Arnotts, Rhodes took some time out of her busy schedule to sit down and tell The Gazette about what she does to take her mind off the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“Cooking and gardening. In London, I look outside my terrace, and I

have a terrace and towering above it is the Shard and there is ivy on the walls and my camellias are sitting there in the rain, I have white camellias and pink ones – they are just lovely. I also have a cactus in my house that was in the wrong light.

So I got that moved and now have an orange tree in its place. I just love to sit around and watch them,” she said.

When it comes to cooking her favourite dish is simple yet tasty.

“I just love making soups, dead easy soups at that. I can make a pea soup where you use frozen peas. You put the onion in, lightly fry it, add

the frozen peas, water, a Knorr vegetable or chicken cube and I always add a teaspoon of fennel seeds, with a tiny bit of sugar, blend it – delicious.”

And what is the point in making such lovely dishes without enjoying them with friends?

Rhodes likes to entertain - and often.

“If I am in London, I would do a dinner party for about 15 people.

“The other day I had friends over and we had hot pea soup, salmon and salad and then homemade bread and butter pudding. It was great.”

If she’s not cooking or in the garden, Rhodes

likes to draw, something she doesn’t get enough time to do.

“I like cooking and I like drawing, I never get enough time to do it.

“In my spare time I am doing a book with my sister, like the flower fairy books.

“They were done in the 30s, I think, and I was given one when I was little and it helped me know all the flowers. I am in California a lot so I am doing one on the flower fairies of California.

“They are little baby flowers, tiny little flowers.

I am really enjoying it.”

Rhodes latest collection is available in Arnotts now.

Zandra Rhodes: ““I just love making soups, dead easy soups at that.”

14 Gazette 19 March 2015

politics ‘I gave a commitment to a full term in Europe’

Hayes steadfast to election vow

 laura webb

BRIAN Hayes, Minister for State at the Department of Finance, is happy with his current position and will remain in the European Parliament despite a General Election coming up next year.

“I will not be standing in the next Dail election.

No one believes me but I am not.

“I gave a commitment to a full term in the European Parliament,” he tells The Gazette.

The political system at home can, according to Hayes, be very “Punch and Judy-ish”, which is

not what he experiences in Europe.

“If you go and shout and roar and scream your head off in the European Parliament looking for a headline, they are just not bothered by it. It is a bit more serious than that.”

He says his former post as Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works has helped him in Europe.

“I spent three-and-half years when in government, every second week in Brussels because of the negotiation we had with the troika, and I learned a lot from that.

“So going into the European Parliament, I had some background and experience in that, so that helps me understand what the bottom line issues are for Ireland,” he says.

The key task for Hayes in Europe is to represent the city and county of Dublin and the people who elected him. A key issue for him is social housing.

In recent months he has had meetings with the European Investment Bank to get funding for social housing initiatives.

“The Department of the Environment has to

plan out additional housing across the country and I am trying to argue that they should draw down European Investment Bank funding for that…

Up to now, EIB funding has been for things like Grangegorman and Luas.

This EIB funding is hugely important for Dublin right now, and the comeback of Dublin in economic terms.”

One regular complaint involves the steep prices for car rental abroad.

Hayes has heard this from a number of Dubliners and he is working to “get a better package” for people. He says the European Commission is bringing in a new voluntary code in May that will “make sure consumers in Dublin know exactly what they are entitled to” when it comes to such packages.

Hayes says he enjoys the “freedom” of the European Parliament. “There is a view that whatever your party says you will back it.

I believe I am fundamentally first and foremost, a Dublin MEP. Secondly I am a Fine Gael MEP so I see myself in the first instance trying to get the best outcome [for the people I represent].”

On water charges in Europe, he says a meter system is the most common way of charging.

Such charges, he says, are a reality throughout the EU but it is not up to Europe to tell us what to do here, it’s a national thing. Supply is a crucial issue in Dublin. Huge amounts of water are wasted, he says, and we need to invest in a public utility. He accepts that it is difficult for people to pay.

For Hayes, being an MEP means he has to work with the Government no matter who holds the reins. “The issues don’t change and the solutions, by and large, don’t change either. It is hugely important that you work with Government on the key issues, no matter who it is.”

Brian Hayes: “If you go and .. scream your head off looking for a headline, the European Parliament is just not bothered by it. It’s a bit more serious than that.”

12 March 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 19 March 2015

dublinlife

business

Dun Laoghaire company wins big at Dockland’s Innovation Awards A young company based in IADT’s Media Cube in Dun Laoghgaire has won the Best Investment Proposal 2015 award and a prize of €10,000 at the Docklands Innovation Awards last week.

CheckVentor y is a cloud-based auditing service for the banking industry to check that inventory at such companies as car dealerships tallies with loans acquired for them.

CheckVentory was a winner at the Docklands Innovation Awards, which is sponsored by PwC (audit, tax and advisory services), Docklands Innovation and DIT Hothouse. Adrian Walsh, the chief executive of CheckVentor y, made

his winning pitch at the PwC offices on March 11, 2015, competing against Artomatrix, an early-stage company that develops art tools, for the video game and animation industries and FenestraPro, which provide a software tool for designing building facades.

Adrian Walsh said it was “a real honour to win the Best Investment Proposal”.

“I would like thank my incredible team for their hard work over the last 12 months and Enterprise Ireland, DIT Hothouse and Media Cube, IADT for the support I received. I would recommend the New Frontiers programme to anyone thinking of starting their own business.”

Walsh, originally from Malahide but now living in Foxrock, told The Gazette he moved to the southside after marrying his wife Niamh, a director of CheckVentory. He said: “I crossed the Liffey for love.”

The company is currently working with 11 customers in Ireland and plans to expand to Britain by the end of 2015.

It is a graduate company from the 2014 Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme for entrepreneurs.

The company has also been supported by the Local Enterprise Board, Dun Laoghaire and has secured an investment of €50,000 from Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund.

Kevin Sheehan, Deloitte, with Oonagh O’Hagan of Meaghers Pharmacy at the awards. Picture: Jason Clarke Photography

management: high standards of excellence awarded

Companies honoured for top performance Eleven Dublin companies were among 110 companies from across Ireland honoured at the recent Deloitte Best Managed Awards.

Now in its seventh year the awards were attended by over 800 members of the Irish business community. Winning companies from Dublin included Extraspace Solutions Ltd, IT Force Ltd, Meaghers Pharmacy, Openmind Networks, IIS Ltd, System Dynamics and Eason and Son Ltd. Easons and Openmind, both of which are first time recipients of the award, were singled out for special recognition in the areas of commitment and excellence in strat-

egy respectively. Both of these areas are cornerstones of the Best Managed Companies Awards criteria.

Eighteen companies were also presented with the gold standard accolade having all secured Best Managed status for the fourth consecutive year. An additional 64 companies re-qualified as a Best Managed Company, having upheld the standard of a Deloitte Best Managed Company, following a comprehensive review process.

These companies have a combined turnover of almost €10bn and the largest proportion, 21%, are drawn from the technology, media and tel-

ecommunication industries. This group is made up of companies from all around Ireland, in industries including construction, manufacturing, ICT, hospitality and catering, among others. Former chief executive of Enterprise Ireland Frank Ryan chaired the independent judging panel that took a holistic approach to measuring the complete company performance that went beyond a focus on financials.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton congratulated the winning companies saying: “At the heart of our jobs plan is creating a powerful engine of Irish enterprise alongside the multinational sector. Over

the past three years we have seen major progress in this area, with well over 15,000 extra people at work in these companies over that time.

“The quality of management in Irish companies is an area which we have specifically targeted, as it makes a major difference to the performance of our indigenous businesses.

“This programme shows what is possible in Irish businesses with improved management and I congratulate all involved on their excellent achievement,” he said.

For a full list of winners, see www.deloitte bestmanaged.ie.

Bank survey shows lending rates are increasing Bank lending rates to SMEs increased in the first quarter of 2015 according to the latest ISME, Quarterly Bank Watch Survey.

This is the fourth successive quarter of improvement in the success rates of SMEs which apply for bank loans. The survey also showed that demand for credit

has remained high at 43%; which ISME says is proof that SMEs are attempting to expand and develop their businesses as the economy shows signs of recovery.

ISME chief executive Mark Fielding said: “Bank credit was largely unavailable to SMEs during the recession. This made a difficult business environment even

more perilous for small businesses. It seems improvements in the economy have inspired the banks to reopen their purses and move towards healthier lending policies. SMEs are currently exploring ways to improve and expand their businesses and greater access to credit will certainly help this process.”

19 March 2015 Gazette 17

style P20

asdfsdaf P27 arts P22

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



Gazette

travel P18

Pets

who is super sweet and brainy? Bailey!

Cinderella director Kenneth Branagh will be a special guest for the showing of his movie on Saturday

jameson film festival: Russell Crowe and Julie Andrews to attend event

Celebrating diverse cinema

 Keith Bellew

The 13th Jameson Dublin International Film Festival will take place from March 19 to 29, offering attendees the chance to visit over 38 countries including Korea, Denmark, the US, Brazil, and Russia from the comfort of their cinema seat.

Events will be held throughout Dublin in places like: Smithfield Square, the Pavilion Theatre, Riverbank Arts Centre, Movies@Dundrum, and the Board Gais Energy Theatre, showcasing both homegrown and international talent. With a galaxy of stars in attendance including Russell Crowe and Julie Andrews, it promises to be a fantastic few weeks.

This week the Gazette caught up with festival director Grainne Humphreys who filled us in on what’s new

about this year’s festival and what the main highlights are.

For her, what’s great about the festival is that every year the organisers try to make things different. She said: “One of the things that I’m really delighted about is that our South American strand is significantly bigger this year.

“That in a way kind of inspired the theme of the festival which is the idea you can travel to nearly 40 countries around the world without actually leaving Dublin.”

She went on to say that cinema is a very comfortable way to see new countries and experience new cultures.

“This year we’ve tried to find ways of giving people maps and pathways.

That’s the thing that’s interesting this year, that idea of celebrating

the diversity of it rather than putting things into various strands and focuses.”

Of the main highlights of this year’s festival she said: “The South American strand is fantastic, there are some beautiful films, August Winds for instance. We have Portuguese film maker Pedro Costa, who’s fantastic.

He’s going to be in with a film called Horse Money. Kim Cattrall is coming with her new series Sensitive Skin.

“We also have a wonderful programme of French films [like] Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart – which is a really, really smart thriller. I think it will be one of the films everyone is going to be talking about in a couple of months.

“We have a really strong documentary strand, there is a doc called Last Man on the Moon about an a astro-

naut called Eugene Cernan who was the last man on the moon and it’s one of those huge, big epic 2001 [A Space Odyssey] like stories.”

Hollywood heavyweight Russell Crowe will once again grace the festival, this year with his directorial debut The Water Diviner.

Speaking about some of the other stars who will attend the festival she said: “Kenneth Branagh is coming for Cinderella. He is going to be talking about his films both in front of and behind the camera.

“We’ve got Danny Huston, we’ve got Alan Rickman, and we also have Julie Andrews who is going to be here for the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music.”

For more information on the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival visit: www.jdiff.com

the Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week this week is handsome crossbreed Bailey, who is just over a year old.

He is a super sweet dog, who has been working really hard with his carers to build up his confidence.

He is a super brainy young man and playing fetch with his tennis ball is just one of his favourite things to do!

With the right family, we just know that Bailey will be a happy, loyal and lovable dog.

For more information on beautiful Bailey and his Dogs Trust pals, please call Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 or pop into the centre. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

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

Gazette

18 Gazette 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

malta: a definite place for your bucket list

Sea, sun and culture, the Maltese Islands are like nowhere else

 Ian Begley

When I first revealed my plans of escaping to Malta for a three-day break the main response I received from people was “that’s an Island near Spain, right?” and “Isn’t Malta a very quiet holiday destination?”

To be perfectly honest I couldn’t give them a straightforward answer, but to be even more honest I was just thrilled about getting away from the bitterly cold climate of Ireland.

A quick Google search revealed that Malta lies 93km from the south of Sicily and its archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino

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‘The Ggantija Temples, which are the oldest freestanding structures in the world, are potentially Gozo’s single most marketable landmark, dating back to 3,500BC’

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with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants. I was also delighted to learn that most of the locals speak English, use the euro and drive on the left-hand side of the road – sold!

I slept like a baby during the three-and-a-halfhour flight and when we landed my party hopped onto a coach which took us directly to the elegant

five-star Corinthia Hotel, which was a majestic spectacle overlooking the entrance to St George’s Bay in the seaside town of St Julian’s.

T he hotel offered breathtaking views of the bustling town of St Julian’s and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. I must have spent over 20 minutes the next morning gazing at the fantastic

sight before me, letting my mind wander and drift away from faraway Ireland.

We took a ferry to Malta’s sister island of Gozo, which according to legend was the home of the beautiful nymph Calypso depicted in Homer’s Odyssey. Here, Odysseus was imprisoned for several years, but given the remarkable cliffface views and dramatic orange-red beaches I found it very hard to pity him.

We were then treated to a Segway tour of the Qbajjar Salt Pans along the coastal regions of island. Exhilarated at the prospect of exploring the island on a Segway

The Corinthia Hotel offers spectacular views overlooking the entrance to St George’s seaside town of St Julian’s

our party took in all the charms that Gozo had to offer, while whizzing past the locals on our super high-tech vehicles.

Immersed in the marvels of the past and present, we then proceeded to the Ggantija Temples, which are the oldest freestanding structures in the world and potentially Gozo’s single most marketable landmark, dating back to 3,500BC. Building up a hearty appetite, we then found ourselves at Ta’Mena

Estate for an outdoor lunch and wine tasting session. This traditional Maltese estate welcomed us with a grand display of typical Maltese foods, wines and extra virgin olive oil. I found the food very rustic in character and full of the flavour, typical of a central Mediterranean island.

Proceeding onwards to Dwejra we then gazed upon the Azure Window - an impressive natural arch standing some 20m high. Being a Game of

Thrones fan I was also very pleasantly surprised to recognise this site from the TV series.

After a long afternoon, our party retreated to an Irish pub (of all places) in St Julian’s to see the second half of the England – Ireland rugby match. The bar was swarming with both Irish and English fans and in those brief 80 minutes we couldn’t have been further away from Malta.

Celebrating our landslide victory, we proceed-

Take a hands-on approach to relaxing  aishling phelan

THE drive into the picturesque village of Borris, Co Carlow was a treat in itself as the sun sliced through the clouds and beamed on the glorious mountains.

Sitting in the valley of the river Barrow, the Step House Hotel faces the main gate to the Tudorstyle ancestral home of the former Irish Kings of Leinster.

The spacious bedroom was of a dainty old-world design and the cream decor, with gold accents in every piece of furniture and sweeping mint-green curtains, made for the perfect atmosphere of

tranquillity.

I stepped out onto the large private balcony and took in the magnificent view. As small clouds floated across the expanse of Mount Leinster, it truly took my breath away.

Surrounded by luxury and character in every pocket of the hotel, it made for an extra special weekend trip away.

First, it was time for a hands-on bread-making demonstration in the ballroom with head chef Alan Foley: curry bread.

No, I hadn’t heard of it either, but I would later experience that culinary sensation at dinner.

Later, it was on to the

opulent surroundings of the private cocktail lounge for some bubbly treats and then the small but intimate restaurant.

After scanning the menu, filled with an array of local produce, I chose organic herb risotto and succulent roast plaice.

I passed on the luscious dessert offerings, and opted for the selection of ice-creams instead.

Sound boring? Not at the Step House Hotel, where I was presented with a divine combination of coconut, caramel and passion fruit flavours.

The following morning, we delved into the widespread woodlands

Enjoy perfectly pitched luxury at the Step House Hotel

of the 16-acre Blackstairs Ecotrails to take part in a foraging workshop.

We ducked under swinging branches, crossed wooden planks and tip-toed over mossy carpets, discovering the Celtic history of the towering trees and picking wild garlic, enjoying its tangy aroma.

We later returned to the workshop to make mouth-watering wild garlic pesto and sweet sloe gin.

Back at the hotel, I collected my brown bread made the previous day, and left feeling like a master chef after my culinary weekend at the Step House Hotel.

19 March 2015 Gazette 19

Ian at the Azure Window - an impressive natural arch

Bay in the The Ggantija Temples date back to 3,500BC

ed to nearby Paceville which is essentially Malta’s take on Ibiza. The strip was literally dotted with discos, lounge bars, and clubs which we vis-

ited for a few sensible drinks. If you’re looking for a wild holiday away then this place is certainly worth your while as most of the clubs have

free admission.

Up bright and early the next day, we took a trip to Malta’s capital city Valletta, which was nothing short of an

open-air museum. With an unsurpassed collection of original Baroque architecture, fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the spectacular CoCathedral of St John, we were overwhelmed with the sights before us.

We took a short trip to the three cities of of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, via “dghajsa” a typical Maltese gondola shaped boat, used extensively at Grand Harbour to ferry sailors and seamen. Again, the sites of these towns were beautiful and the boat ride really gave us an authentic feel of the Maltese culture.

On the final day of my Maltese adventure my party proceeded to Mdina, which was Malta’s first capital city during the time of the Knights of Malta. The town itself was a joy to stroll around

and many of the alleys really gave the sense that nothing had changed here for more than a millennium.

It’s a mix of medieval and baroque architecture and its fortification walls and its location on high grounds make it one of the most enchanting places on the island.

The Maltese islands are like nowhere else I’ve ever been to.

Here you’ll find great prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, beautiful blue lagoons, and incredible nightlife and wonderful Mediterranean cuisine.

I found the people very warm, hospitable and it is definitely a destination to put on your bucket list.

Visit www.visitmalta. com for further information and details of events that will be taking place in Malta.

Gazette

TRAVEL

Tugs greet Stena Superfast X at Dublin Port

Stena Line ready to make waves with its new ferry  ian begley

STENA Line has officially launched a new ferry on its Dublin-Holyhead route at Dublin Port which will operate on an all-year-round sailing schedule.

The launch and naming ceremony of Stena Superfast X was performed by Stena Line chairman Dan Sten Olsson, and Irish broadcasting personality Kathryn Thomas, along with more than 170 guests at Dublin Port on March 9.

Welcoming the launch, Sten Olsson said: “As the leading ferry operator on the Irish Sea, we are confident in our ability to help stimulate this upward trend further.”

Stena Superfast X will operate a twice daily return sailing schedule departing Dublin Port at 2.15am and 3.10pm, and departing Holyhead at 8.55am and 8.30pm.

Gazette

20 Gazette 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Time to leave your orange streak behind, thanks to Elizabeth Arden’s help  mimi murray

SO MANY Irish wo m e n we a r t h e wrong shade of foundation and there is nothing worse than that orange streak running along the neckline/face – a faroff shade from the rest of the body!

Elizabeth Arden now offer a shade match service, which is absolutely brilliant if you are always looking for the correct foundation colour for your skin.

24 hours coverage Their Flawless Finish, Perfectly Satin make-up offers up to 24 hours coverage and I can attest to this.

This make-up stays on my face throughout the day, and when I scrub my face at night, it almost looks as good as it did at 8am. Unbelievable, but true.

It provides quite a lot of coverage, which I don’t normally like, but with the correct shade matching it really doesn’t look like I am wearing that much make-up.

It also feels lightweight and flawless on my skin, making it a winner all round.

This retails at €38 in Debenhams.

Duster jacket €50; lace crop top €56; culottes €47

Navy top €38; striped culottes €47

Abby Harris wears lemon lime crop top €35; lemon lime skirt €53 Krystal Mahon wears strawberry print dress €45

Fresh styles bloom in Oasis collection

 laura webb

Beige military shirt €42; khaki trousers €56

Pink floral dress €60

TO SHOWCASE its very colourful SS15 collection, Oasis Ireland teamed up with the winners of the Shoot Style Smile 2014 competition for a very stylish photoshoot.

Shot by Dublin-based photographer Alex Sheridan, the looks were styled by Laura

O’Brien and modelled by Krystal Mahon.

The trio were chosen from hundreds of entrants to shoot style and star in the Oasis Christmas campaign.

Professional model Abby Harris joined Krystal for her commercial shoot debut, and we think the results are fabulous, dahling!

19 March 2015 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

STYLE

White embellished shirt €47; floral midi skirt €50

Urban Decay manager at Debenhams Blackrock, Meg Young expertly tends to Laura Webb

Time to face some Urban Decay for a beautiful look  LAURA WEBB

The all-Irish, all-natural skincare range to refresh and revive skin  LAURA WEBB

NATURE is a wonderful thing and for some people, the only thing they look for in a skincare product is natural ingredients.

With this in mind, Irish-owned skincare company Bia Beauty, founded by Herbal Science graduate Tracey Ryan, use all-natural ingredients, including nut and seed oils, fruits, herbs, spices, cocoa butter and avocado butter in the range.

Basically, all of nature’s goodness is condensed into a delightful skincare range that feeds the skin with vitamins and goodness.

Two of their best sellers are Natural Skin Repair Cream – Skin Superfood 50ml (€12.95), and Orange and Grapefruit Exfoliant and Cleanser 60ml (€16.95).

The natural skin repair cream is being

used by a lot of people as a night cream or a serum.

This product is great for dehydrated skin, as it really moisturises and plumps up skin.

Meanwhile, the orange and grapefruit exfoliant and cleanser is gentle enough to use every day, yet strong enough to remove even the most stubborn mascara.

To find out more about their full range of products, as well as stockists or to buy online, see www.biabeauty.com.

WHEN there is a special occasion coming up, or you just feel like treating yourself before going on a night out, there is nothing better than getting your make-up done by a professional.

I recently had the opportunity to have my make-up done dation (€34) in 3.5 – a

by Urban Decay’s manager at light shade for a pale face like Debenhams Blackrock, Meg mine. Naked Skin Concealer Young.

(3) in light neutral and Naked Not only did I feel like a Skin Powder Foundation (2) star with my own make-up in light warm was also used for artist, Meg was also a bundle that matte finish.

Flushed Palette of knowledge, offering great advice about what products Naked (1, €29.50) to use and how each product was next; a great threesome with can benefit my skin type.

This is exactly what you bronzer, highneed when it comes to make- lighter and blush all in one. up – advice, rather than The brand’s trial and error – so leave it eyeshadow primto the professional to tell er potion original you what suits. (€21/€11) was put on For my look, Meg before colours from all prepped the skin with B6 the Naked Basics palette Prep Spray (€28/€14), (€30) were applied. with vitamin B6 which Then, 24/7 waterabsorbs oil, minimises proof liquid eyeliner pores and reduces redPerversion (€19.50) was ness. subtly administered for From there, she used my look and the eyes Brightening and Tightenfinished off with Subing Primer (€27) to make version eyelash primer sure the skin was prepped (€18.50) and Perversion before foundation was Mascara (€22). applied.

Not forgetting the The foundation used 3 eyebrows, Meg used was Naked Skin foun-

1 Brow Box Brow n Sugar €25 to enhance their colour and shape.

And the piece de resistance – the lips – were lined with Lip Liner in Rush (€18.50) and Lipstick in Rapture (€19,) before a little Lipgloss (€19) was

2

applied.

To set it all and make it last, Setting Spray Chill (€29) was lightly sprayed on. I loved the look, and it lasted the whole day and well into the night (excluding some more lipstick applications).

A make-up appointment with Urban Decay is €40, but the cost is redeemable against products based on a two-product purchase. Find out more from your nearest Urban Decay counter.

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

ARTS

Step up to a spectacular Chinese show  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A SPECTACULAR Chinese dance show, Shen Yun, comes to the Convention Centre for two nights only this month.

Shen Yun performs classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and story-based dance, with orchestral accompaniment and solo performers.

The show takes place at The Convention Centre Dublin on Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 26 at 7.30pm.

Mythical lost land Shen Yun will take audience members on an extraordinary journey to the mythical lost land of the ancient Middle Kingdom.

The story is told through classi-

cal Chinese dance, which is one of the most rigorous and athletic dance forms in the world.

Not only is the event a unique treat visually, but also aurally, as the orchestra combines music of the east and west.

The show is backed with stunning animated backdrops and exquisite costumes which bring the magical Chinese legends to life, and 5,000 years of civilization.

Tickets cost from €53 to €126, through www.ticketmaster.ie.

The Harry Clarke original stained glass piece, Mr Gilhooley (above), has equisite detail throughout

ART: STUNNING HARRY CLARKE WORK ACQUIRED

Rare beauty wows  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A “SCANDALOUS” stained glass panel by famous Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke, which was recently acquired for €40,000 by the State, has gone on public display this week at the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square.

T he work depicts a scene from Liam O’Flaherty’s controversial novel, Mr Gilhooley, and was created by Clarke as a section of his Panel No 6 for the Geneva Window.

It was commissioned by the Irish Government for the League of Nations building in Geneva – the UN’s forerunner – in the late 1920s.

Clarke chose scenes of novels by contemporary Irish writers as his themes for the window.

Hailed as a masterpiece, the sumptuouslycoloured panel shows the figure of a nude female dancer draped in diapha-

nous pink. The work’s striking colour cannot be reproduced in print, and must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

It is a glorious work, and a perfect physical rendering of the dancer, Nelly, described so beautifully by O’Flaherty in the novel as pale, slender, lithe and Bacchanalian with “a thick mass of sparkling golden curls”, advancing across the floor, barefoot, wearing “nothing but a veil”.

Dr Margarita Cappock, head of collections at the Hugh Lane Gallery, told The Gazette: “This is an acquisition that had been in a private collection in the UK, and the gallery acquired it before [last] Christmas. We bought it through the Fine Art Society.

“It’s a very important piece, because it was done for the Geneva Window, [and was] the first panel that was done for it in 1926. The window was a

commission that Harry Clarke got from the State [via] President Liam Cosgrave. He was asked to produce this window for the League of Nations in Geneva as a gift from the Irish State. “[Clarke] decided he would look at literary themes and ran into controversy with this particular panel, [inspired by] Mr Gilhooley by Liam O’Flaherty, and Cosgrave got cold feet because of the naked female.

“So, he was asked to redo it, and at that time Harry Clarke had been suffering from TB and had spent time in a sanatorium in Switzerland. He was reluctant to change it and was very disappointed [being asked to redo it],” she said.

“This panel was actually cracked – a hairline crack developed when he was making it, and it’s [still] a beautiful panel. He did a second panel, and that is the version that is in the

Geneva Window.

“Unfortunately, the Geneva Window never ended up in the League of Nations [building] in Geneva and instead, ended up being purchased back by Clarke’s widow in 1931.

“She bought it back from the State for the same amount they had paid [Clarke] for it: IR£450. It eventually ended up being sold [to a buyer] in Miami in the States, and that’s where it is now. So, it’s wonderful to have this little piece.”

Clarke had been given free reign by the Irish State for the commission, and wanted to represent a literary theme depicting the work of 15 writers.

WB Yeats was very enthusiastic about the Geneva Window at the time, but the Irish Government found that it wouldn’t have been an appropriate gift to the League of Nations for a number of reasons,

19 March 2015 GAZETTE 23

FESTIVAL: CELEBRATION OF FOOD HITS 10-YEAR MARK

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK RECIPECORNER CORNER

serves up Get ready for Taste M&S a dish that will  LAURA WEBB

IT’S the most anticpated food event of the calendar, and this year Taste of Dublin event has something extra to dish out as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

Returning to the Iveagh Gardens from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday 14,Taste of Dublin has an unbeatable line-up to celebrate the milestone event.

The four-day festival will showcase the best of Dublin’s culinary scene, including top restaurants and artisan producers, as well as home-grown and international chefs.

Due to popular demand,

Taste of Dublin is launching an extra session at 12pm on Thursday 11.

Chefs making an appearance this year include Clodagh McKenna, Edward Hayden, Kevin Dundon, Mark Moriarty, Michel Roux Jr, Monica Galetti, Neven Maguire, Paul Flynn, Paul Kelly, Rachel Allen, Richard Corrigan, Ross Lewis and Sunil Ghai.

Meanwhile, restaurants at the event include Brioche, Diep Le Shaker, East Side Tavern, Jaipur, Pichet, Rock Lobster, and The Chop House, to name but a few. Exciting features returning to the festival include the Electrolux

go swimmingly

Demonstrations by top chefs are set to return

Secret Ingredient, Chef’s Secrets, and Taste Theatre demonstrations, as well as Chapter One Dessert bar, Taste of Thailand, O’Brien’s Wine Experience and Aldi, as the exclusive retailer partner of Taste of Dublin.

New features in 2015 include the Sony Japa-

nese Dining Experience, Skillery by the National Dairy Council, Station Works Brewery, Rioja Tapas Fantastica, and more to be announced.

Food fanatics can buy a ticket to Dublin’s hottest summer social event from April via Tasteofdublin.ie.

THIS week, we have a delicious recipe from M&S that’s easy to make and thoroughly delicious.

Note that this recipe for Super Wheatberry with Roasted Carrots and Salmon serves four, and is ready in 40 minutes.

Ingredients 300g baby carrots 2 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds 200g Super Wheatberry 125g Arbroath honey roast salmon slices, flaked 25g pack fresh dill, roughly chopped 50g pomegranate seeds 3 tbsp buttermilk

Preparation • Preheat the oven to 190˚C/375˚F/gas 5 (170˚C for fan ovens). Put the carrots in a roasting tin and drizzle over half the oil. Scatter over the garlic and cumin seeds, then season. Roast for 30 minutes, until the carrots are just tender.

• Cook the Super Wheatberry according to the packet instructions. Gently mix together with the carrots, salmon and dill, and arrange on a serving dish.

Scatter over the pomegranate seeds.

• To make the dressing, mix together the buttermilk, remaining olive oil and 1 tbsp warm water, then season. Drizzle the dressing over the dish to serve.

Gazette

24 Gazette 19 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

glittering ceremony shows WEEBYTES baftas: some surprise wins and losses

Baymax – a financial hero for Disney

Fat robot waddles to a global hit SEEING as it’s a computer-animated film, that’s enough of a link to this page to point out that Disney’s Big Hero 6 was the highestgrossing animated film of 2014, with a haul of $620m, which is about, oh, an awful lot of euro.

In fact, for a fairly low profile film, the tale of an unlikely friendship between a teenage genius and a fat, inflatable medical robot, BH6 has waddled its way towards the top with comparative ease and at a very quick pace.

Its six-month or so release window has seen it land in third place behind unstoppable Frozen, and the fondly remembered The Lion King, with its worldwide take.

That’s a massive achievement for the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, but a welldeserved result for one of the best-looking animated films of recent years.

With its fusion of Japanese design and very American details, its animators created not only the most visually-detailed animated world the studio have yet created, but also developed some cutting edge lighting and software programs.

Their next film should be even more visually stunning, and well worth catching.

A night for the underdog at annual awards

THERE aren’t many littleknown actors who could beat Hollywood and TV heavyhitter Kevin Spacey to win a best performance award, but that’s exactly what happened at the annual Bafta Gaming Awards, which have just been held.

I’ll return to Spacey later, but for now, the 2015 British Academy Game Awards threw up some surprises across the wideranging awards, which took in everything from the usual main categories (Best Game, Best Audio) to more esoteric topics (Artistic Achievement).

Let’s look at a few of the categories ...

With enormous amounts of people still insisting that they’re not gamers and don’t have any interest in games – before quietly playing the likes of Bubble Witch 2 on the bus/Luas home – the win for (best) Mobile and Handheld saw IOS/ Android title Monument Valley add yet another top

 shane dillon

sdillon@dublingazette.com

international award to its already sizable haul.

Mobile gaming saw further huge advances during 2014, with mobile gaming becoming ever more pervasive and creeping further into mainstream media – even President Underwood plays Monument Valley in the American remake of House of Cards (see pic, right) – so it was perhaps fitting that one of the finest and best known examples of mobile, tactile gaming took the top title.

Speaking of President Underwood – or Kevin Spacey – he faced stiff competition in the Baftas’ Performer category, where his much-hyped role in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare saw

him square up to some gaming heavyweights, such as Troy Baker, one of the best-known and most skilled gaming voices on the planet.

However, they were both defeated by outside bet Ashley Johnson, who, as teenage heroine Ellie in the marvellous The Last Of Us, helped to create a character that would be outstanding in any media platform, not just gaming.

With The Great War returning to public interest in the past couple of years, it was perhaps fitting that a puzzle adventure title set during World War One scooped Original Property.

It provided some real food for thought for the experiences of those on all sides during that war, Another surprise on the night was the comparative lack of success for Alien: Isolation; the night’s overall favourite at the awards, yet in the end it “only” won Audio

The team behind smash-hit Monument Valley were celebrating winning the Bafta in the Mobile and Handheld category – a game which even fellow Bafta gaming nominee Kevin Spacey plays in UV hit House of Cards (below). Main pic: Bafta

Achievement.

As someone who’s spent upwards of 15 minutes at a time hiding inside lockers or under tables in the game, listening to ... something crawling in the air vents outside the room, I can certainly vouch for its brilliantly unsettling use of audio, but unfortunately it didn’t win in its nominated Bafta categories.

Indeed, there was something of an underdog feel to this year’s Baftas, with “smaller” titles beating much bigger ones in a variety of categories. The latest Far Cry, Assassin’s Creed, Fifa and Horza Horizon releases were all defeated by lesser-known

titles in their respective categories, while Johnson’s win – against Spacey and Baker – was also unexpected, if richly deserved.

With these nominations and wins, it was clear that despite some severe turbulence during 2014.

The year saw the shuttering of several wellknown development studios, controversies over

underperforming Kickstarter-funded titles, some notable financial losses at major companies, and the industry’s usual spats and collapsed deals – still, gaming is still on the rise.

With the newer consoles now up and running, and some big games and exciting developments on the way in 2015, next year’s Baftas should be even more interesting ...

Android offers users Lollipop, but KitKat may still be sweeter FOR some time now, Android has been rolling out its latest OS update, Android 5.0, or Lollipop, in keeping with its naming conventions of picking sweet titles, with Lollipop succeeding KitKat. While Android is normally pretty good at global updates, Lollipop has been a little slow to roll out, having been available in India for several months now, yet only reaching our shores recently, for example.

Lollipop 5.0 promised users a wide range of upgrades and boosts; some of which are cosmetic – such as its slicker-looking, more swipe-friendly interface – while others are designed at integrating features better, streamlining some internal routines,

and extending battery life, amongst some features.

So, Android users should keep an eye out for news of the update’s availability on their chosen platform and device. And now a note of warning.

While users have been delighted with Lollipop, complaints about it are also emerging, too, with some who’ve upgraded to 5.0 highlighting subsequent complaints, from the trivial to the serious.

I can attest to that – last week, when prompted, I updated Android on my great budget smartphone, the surprisingly powerful and fast Moto G (first gen).

However, after updating from KitKat to Lollipop, my previously terrific phone has turned into a

barely usable device – one that’s endlessly prone to freezing, crashing and reboots, and creating huge personal frustration and annoyance – mine – making my phone now about as useful as a brick.

As such, with rumours of Android 5.01 being on the way soon – presumably, patching some of the problems that people have reported – it could be best to hold off on automatically updating from Android KitKat just yet.

After all, you wouldn’t want Lollipop to leave you with a sour taste...

19 March 2015 gazette 25

Gazette

CINEMA REELINGTHEMIN focus

Just about worth a look

chappie

Run, robot, run ...

ROBOTS take centrestage in a “family” with a difference in Chappie (Cert 15A, 120 mins), which sees the director of the brilliant District 9 (and the not so good Elysium) return with another sci-fi driven tale.

Here, the star is Chappie – an increasingly self-aware robot who one group of people are trying to protect, and another group are trying to destroy, in a film that doesn’t quite work.

Penn is great as ever, but despite the popularity of “ageing action hero” films a la Taken, this one isn’t a winner

the gunman: takes aim at too many genre points

Misses the target  dave phillips

WITH a career full of intense, left of centre performances, The Gunman sees Penn take an unusual turn, picking up the mantle of a middleaged action hero.

In much the same vein as Taken, The Gunman bases itself around that popular masculine myth wherein an ageing and dormant killing machine has a long buried murky past that’s suddenly reactivated.

Jim Terrier is the exkilling machine in question. Terrier’s murky past involves some assassination and espionage in the Democratic Republic of Congo – a mission which caused him to go on the run, abandoning his colleagues and love interest, Annie (Jasmine Trinca).

Fast forward eight years, and Terrier is back

in the DRC, this time with clean hands as part of a humanitarian mission. An attempt on his life makes him realise his past will continue to haunt him.

We then zip between Africa, London, and Barcelona as Terrier tries to sniff out exactly who is trying to take him out ...

Despite an exceptionally impressive supporting cast (Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Ray Winstone, and Mark Rylance) there’s more ham and cheese on display here than a wellstocked deli – and that includes Penn too.

Sometimes, earnest attempts to bring more depth to a role can backfire and simply highlight the flimsiness of the affair.

As director, Pierre Morel is just as guilty of this. Interspersing the film with actual footage of violence and poverty

in the DRC, and with some subversive narrative undertones that point out the shady connections between businesses and governments, The Gunman tries at several points to escape its action film pigeon hole.

The attempts remain unconvincing – a thin cerebral veneer cannot hide the fact that it is all muscle underneath.

Perhaps the epitome of this is Terrier’s struggle with PTSD – a contrived plot device that effectively means a propensity for the camera to go blurry and cause him to drop his gun at just about every crucial moment.

It is quite unfortunate that the film takes itself so seriously because beneath the austere exterior there is some exciting action.

Penn may overplay his stern face, but there is no denying he is more

than physically capable of delivering the action hero role.

In the moments when it does come to life, the set pieces in The Gunman are vibrant, violent, and bone-shatteringly visceral.

A little of the genreawareness that is lacking throughout creeps in at the film’s finale, where Morel sets up a gloriously OTT face-off in a bullring.

Aside from providing a satisfying pay-off, it displays an indulgent and cartoonish attitude to the action that, had it been embraced throughout, would have undoubtedly made for a much stronger film.

It’s enjoyable on some level, but The Gunman provides more misses than hits.

Verdict: 5/10

WILL Smith (below) returns with Focus (Cert 15A, 105 mins), in a film that’s overblown, but has some undeniable screen chemistry between him and co-star Margot Robbie.

We’re on familiar ground here with a tale of a master con artist (Smith) crossing paths with an up-andcoming wannabe (Robbie).

However, who’s conning who? The plot loses its way halfway through, but the pair impress.

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28 Gazette 19 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport St Pat’s to run Penalty king competition: ST PATRICK’S Athletic will host an inaugural penalty king competition for Dublin schools. The competition is designed to find the best penalty taker among the secondary schools soccer players in Dublin.

The first competition will involve six invited schools and is open to all secondary level pupils to enter.

Each school will first run its own internal Penalty King competition. Then the six school champions will advance to the semifinals which will take place at the half-time interval of an important league game at Richmond Park.

The winner will receive two season tickets for St Pat’s plus the opportunity for their school team to play any of their own league or cup games at the home of the Saints.

Pat’s midfielder Killian Brennan, the official penalty taker for St Patrick’s Athletic, said: “It’s a free kick from 12 yards out, how hard can it be?”

cricket: lewis, little, garth and grassi set for elevated training

Four Dubs added to academy  sport@dublingazette.com

PE M BR OK E ’ S K i m Garth and Josh Little, YMCA’s Gaby Lewis and Nor th County’s Jamie Grassi are among eight additions to the Shapoorji Pallonji

Cricket Ireland academy.

The new inductees will join the existing 22 academy members as part of the pathway for the next generation of Irish cricketers as they look to continue the

improvements on the world stage.

Lewis, aged just 14, last year became the youngest player to represent Ireland when she lined out for the senior side in the 2014 ICC European Champion-

The Shapoorji Pallonji Irish cricket academy was launched last September

YMCA’s Gaby Lewis receiving her first international cap from Trent Johnston

ships in the UK. She will be joined by promising North County batsman Jamie Grassi who was the stand-out performer with the bat for Ireland Under-15s in 2014, whom he helped to victory in the European Championship as Ireland completed a clean sweep across all European competitions.

The National Academy players are under the stewardship of academy manager Craig Hogan, who said of the latest batch.

“Over the past 12 months since the inauguration of the national academy, performance coach Ryan Eagleson and the Cricket Ireland coaches have been iden-

tifying young cricketers who have demonstrated the ability, attitude and desire to learn and be challenged.

“With the suppor t from Shapoorji Pallonji [who have recently invested heavily in the academy] these young players have a unique opportunity to develop as people through a programme that we trust produces future Ireland international cricketers. It is ver y exciting for the players and coaching staff.”

Commenting on the new intake, Cricket Ireland performance director Richard Holdsworth outlined that the academy would play a key role in the future of Irish cricket on the

international stage. ”T he Ireland senior squad is putting in some excellent performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup, but we are not resting on our laurels.

“Of that squad, seven of the players are aged 24 or under which shows the future of Irish cricket is looking really strong.

“Hopefully we will soon see some of our academy players taking the step up to the senior set-up in all formats as we plan for the possibility of playing test cricket, for playing more ODIs as part of ICC’s 12-team rankings table, and for qualification to WorldT20 events in 2016 and 2020.”

Woods motivated by selection for Luxembourg trip  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU’s Sarah Woods

DCU Mercy’s Sarah Woods is looking forward to representing Basketball Ireland’s women’s select team following a superb year with her club.

She has been named in the panel from the Women’s Premier to travel to Luxembourg in May to take on a number of international sides preparing for FIBA Eurobasket 2017, including Luxembourg and Scotland.

This isn’t the first time the Women’s National League

has been represented. An Irish ladies Superleague select squad travelled to Luxembourg in 2013.

A member of the squad back in 2013, Woods added that her inclusion would provide huge motivation for the coming months.

“Going to Luxembourg was huge in terms of having something else to train for,” she said.

“There are plenty of players who don’t have playoffs to look forward to and now everyone has something to focus on. It

can be easy to go through the motions sometimes when you don’t have something to aim for.

“This will help players to compare themselves against the best in other countries in order to develop.

“I learned from that trip just how much work I had to do to be a better player,” she continued.

“They have a lot more of a running game in Europe and it’s a different level of fitness.

We don’t see a lot of that in Ireland and you need those

oppor tunities in order to improve.”

Captain of the squad back in 2013 Aoife McDermott added: “It’s great to be able to play against people you’re normally up against. It’s about the quality of the training and going hard in practice as much as going out there.

“That’s what makes you better. I hope the best of the best go for it. It’s a huge honour.

A squad of 12 players as well as management will fly to Luxembourg on May 22, playing three games over four days.

19 March 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

The Coach House’s active approach

ken’sDiary

Antonio Mantero is set to combine his coaching knowledge and experience to provide a unique after-school option that looks to get kids more active, writes Stephen Findlater THE BRAINS behind The Coach Diary (www. thecoachdiar y.com) , Antonio Mantero, is in the midst of setting up a new venture to get kids away from the television and on the road to a more active life.

Along with Robert Ryan, Mantero has recently developed The Coach House, a unique facility in the Rosemount Business Park in Dublin 15, an “after-school development centre” for kids aged five to 12.

The genesis came from his own experiences and his belief that, if we want children to be active for life, they need to develop movement skills at a young age.

“My daughter goes to an after school and the lady that runs it is fantastic,” he told GazetteSport.

“But, anytime I go to pick her up, there could be 15 to 20 kids watching a television, some are on their

touch screens. They aren’t really interacting and are all sitting down.

“Kids just aren’t moving enough. From the minute they wake up, they’re sitting. Sitting in the car; sitting in the classroom.

Some schools don’t allow kids to run anymore so have to stay in a small space.

“Fingal County Council were going into schools and giving exercise that kids can do in small spaces; it’s quite progressive by them but kids need to move to burn energy and improve themselves.”

To t h i s e n d , h e is launching a new approach to after-school centres which provide a work space for children to complete their homework before taking part in an hour of activity.

For this, the Coach House has a unique indoor Astroturf pitch where kids can take part in all-manner of activities

from football, volleyball, basketball to table-tennis and snag-golf – a sport played with soft balls and Velcro targets.

Television is out as are touch-screen tablets and phones are also left aside.

The emphasis is on developing children through play, both from providing the building blocks to movement, balance and core strength but also from the social interaction side.

Mantero’s background is initially as a PE teacher before getting involved in coaching six years ago. Quickly hooked, he started to educate himself to be “the best coach he can be”, rising to UEFA B standard.

That journey has seen him bring over coaches from Barcelona to Dublin for hugely successful workshops with as many as 250 coaches, working to raise the knowledge base of coaches within the

The unique astroturf play area at the Coach House in Dublin 15 where Antonio Mantero is looking to provide an active after school area for kids

NDSL and beyond.

The Coach House takes up some of the principles from Barca as well as Sporting Lisbon.

“European football clubs, in terms of how they educate children – it’s very much playercentred. It’s not all about winning although they do

for kids to do lots of different sports to develop their movement, co-ordination and balance.”

The Coach House will open fully next September for after-school sessions while they will have their first Easter camps in the coming weeks. At all times, the emphasis is on

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

‘From research, we know it is better for kids to do lots of different sports to develop movement and balance’

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

give the kids the tools to prepare them to win.

“I would look at a lot of what they do. They work with them in different areas, doing judo and yoga while education is the most important thing, like any kid involved in sport.

“My background would be soccer specific but this would be about introducing kids to all sorts of sports. Basketball, tabletennis, uni-hockey and so on; kids circuit-training for their core and even meditation.

“It is just to open them up to lots of things to maybe focus on sport in the future. It is very hard for parents to bring their kids around to lots of different sports and so they can tend to push them only into one. “ We k n ow, f r o m research, that it is better

creativity and exercise.

“This is about trying to get them up and moving.

They will move when they get here.

“We will do an hour of rigorous exercise every day; there will be a programme.

“But, if they are already active, there is no point in me disturbing them and messing up their games if they are being creative and imaginative which is also really important to help build their self esteem.

“When the child leaves here at 7pm, they will be tired, have their homework done and will have eaten a snack. That’s the aim, that the child will be tired and have got their exercise in.

“It is all about play and learning something every single day and preparing for life.”

Free For All as Ken makes high pace split from pack Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurels Charity Crew Cycle from Galway to Dublin on April 19. In the run-up to the event, Egan has partnered with Gazette Sport to document his preparation for the big day, and here is his latest report from the road.

WELL, the headline for this week’s piece is “Free For All”.

We began again at the Laurels this time at the earlier time of 9.30am as the wether has picked up.

Saggart, Slade Valley, was the first hill and it would certainly put hairs on your chest. There were 30 bodies this morning at the start but not all 30 got to the top of Slade Valley as the remainder continued on towards Blessington.

The weather was perfect and I had filled my engine with a massive bowl of porridge this morning; I was going to make a statement.

We cycled through Blessington and on towards Naas where we took a quick pitstop.

We must be six weeks in as far as training is concerned and there were some new faces on the cycle so 100km on their debut was not an easy feat.

Kilcock was approaching and there was a break in the group; this was new to me. Six of us decided to motor on as we had a target to get back for the rugby match at 2.30pm.

The famous six picked up the pace and went on up through Celbridge and towards Newcastle and up to Rathcoole, down past Saggart and off to the Laurels once again. I covered 96km.

I picked up my sponsor card there on arrival so, people, if you see anyone with this type of card similar to mine, please donate because we are actually working hard for this charity.

Training for Galway to Dublin is truly on.

Watch out!

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 19 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport

Soccer: blackrock side pick off crucial lsl victory

Waves roll over Raheny to build WNL ambitions UCD Waves moved within five points of the top of Continental Tyres Women’s National League thanks to a 3-2 win over reigning champions Raheny United.

It was a first home defeat for Raheny since November 2012 in a five-goal thriller at Morton Stadium.

The visitors took the lead on 17 minutes with a fantastic strike from Aine O’Gorman after Raheny had been making most of the early running then Julie Ann Russell’s 30-yard free-kick rattled the United crossbar on 21 minutes with Pandas keeper Niamh Reid Burke beaten all ends up.

Raheny were back on level terms after 33 minutes after Waves keeper Monica McGuirk failed to collect Siobhan Killeen’s corner then Niamh Walsh hooked in a shot which came off the crossbar before Rebecca Creagh’s diving header sent the ball home.

Waves regained the lead three minutes before half-time as O’Gorman’s corner found an unmarked Orlaigh Nolan and she headed past Reid Burke. The visitors went further ahead 12 minutes into the second half in an unusual goal as O’Gorman’s corner ended up in the net off the hands of Burke.

Burke protested to referee Olivia Sneyd for a foul, but the goal stood and things got worse for Raheny as Pearl Slattery received her marching orders two minutes later. Raheny got a glimmer of hope 13 minutes before the end as Creagh smashed home from the spot after Siobhan Killeen was brought down in the box.

The result leaves Waves in second place, five points behind Wexford Youths women’s with three games remaining although Youths have one game in hand on Waves. Champions Raheny United remain in third place, 10 points behind the leaders.

There was no luck, though, for the other Dublin side in the division as Castlebar Celtic picked up their third win of the season with a 2-1 win over Peamount United on Saturday evening.

Celtic took the lead with the game just five minutes old as Yvonne Hedigan drove home.

They doubled their advantage 11 minutes later with Emma Hannsberry before the Peas got back into the game on 67 minutes with Hayley Nolan picking up her second of the season.

Jamie Brennan from Seaford Rock United on the ball

Rock keep head above water lsl sunday major 1 Athy Town Seaford Rock  nathan kelly

0 2

sport@dublingazette.com

THE term six-pointer in football is often thrown about when a team fighting for survival meets one of their fellow relegation contenders and the result is vital.

For Seaford Rock United, those six-pointers are coming thick and fast in their fight to survive in LSL Sunday Major Division 1.

Alan Burns’s side sit in eighth place in the 13-team division, thanks

to a 2-0 win away to Athy last Friday night, who now sit one place below them in ninth.

Rock took just six minutes to take the lead in Kildare when their striking partnership brilliantly combined and rattled the Athy defence.

Harry Crowe provided the assist and Gav Connolly was on hand to finish in a combination that would disrupt the host’s rearguard once again later in the contest.

With the deadlock broken, the game became quite a scrappy affair on what was a big wide pitch in Athy. The major-

Cup winners CBC Monkstown take down Fr Godfrey Cup the sharper finishing of CBC Monkstown guaranteed the Bank of Ireland Fr Godfrey Cup against Wesley at Donnybrook last week.

Two tries from Max Read along with one a piece from Conor Byrne and Tadgh Quinn laide the base for the victory while they showed great strength to stay ahead in spite of a couple of yellow cards, showing the spirit that has stood to them throughout the competition.

ity of the play from both teams was quite direct, with long balls aplenty; much of what happened on the ground did not involve the ball as the match carried a bit of needle, with the referee involved quite often.

The second goal came deep into injury time of the second half and this time Connolly turned provider and Crowe provided the finish to ensure his side took the much needed three points back to Rockfield Park and made it two wins on the bounce for Seaford having beaten fourth placed Blessington 5-3

two weeks ago.

On the win in Athy, manager Burns told GazetteSport: “It was a big three points. We’ve two wins in a row now after failing to catch a break in the first half of the season.

“We were losing a lot of games that we deserved more from so we’re turning it around recently and getting the better of our opposition. I think it was only a matter of time before we started getting some more points on the board.”

On whether or not he is targeting a particular finishing position in

the table, Burns insisted there was work to be done before those kinds of thoughts cross his mind.

“It’s quite crowded around the bottom of the table,” he said.

“We had a very tough first half of the season so I think if we can just make sure we get enough points to stay up then after that we’ll worry about targeting somewhere to finish.”

The big games keep coming for the Blackrock outfit with the visit of neighbours Rathmichael Shankill this Sunday also key.

19 March 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

safe as houses

Club Noticeboard

Foxrock Cabinteely land new sponsor for 2015

cuala HARD luck to the senior hurlers who

0-8 in Shanganah on Sunday. Earlier

FOXROCK Cabinteely’s Under-12 foot-

lost to a strong St Jude’s side in AHL1

the same day, the U-15 hurlers had a

on Sunday. There was better news

big 4-7 to 0-0 win over St Vincent’s in

for the junior As who beat St Mark’s

Division 1.

ball team received a huge boost when they secured the support of Sherry Fitzgerald as team sponsor for the upcoming season.

Pictured are Jill O’Neill, communications director with Sherry FitzGerald, along with Under-12 player Ali and Under-12 manager David Kiely.

The U-15 camogie team lost out to

in AHL5. The junior Bs lost narrowly to Lucan in AHL8 in Hyde Park.

Naomh Mearnog by 3-6 to 4-1 at the

Good luck to the senior footballers

weekend. The U-13s had better luck in

who take on Ballymun Kikhams in AFL1

their win over Good Counsel in Division

next Sunday at Pairc Ciceam. All sup-

2.

Hard luck to Cian O’Callaghan, Paul

port welcome.

Hard luck also to the U-16 hurlers

hurling: kilmacud seniors land two big wins

who lost out to Ballyboden by 2-9 to

& Mark Schutte, Colm Cronin and the Dublin senior hurlers.

kilmacud crokes THE minor A footballers continue to

available from your managers and

lead the way and the league, with an

committee.

An event to open the club conversa-

impressive 2-09 to 1-11 win over St Brigid’s.

tion on mental health and wellbeing is

McIlory? Kilkenny? Leinster? Madrid?

on Thursday, March 19. Kevin Foley will

Could you predict the winners of 13

outline the club approach and strat-

sporting events? Play the Whistle is

egy. Donal Scanlan, a health promo-

back, a fun competition, easy to play

tion nurse specialist, will give a short

and all funds raised will go towards

presentation emphasising achieving

funding weekly expenditure on ref-

well-being through sport.

The hurling teams got off to a fine

erees, footballs and hiring of training pitches - everybody benefits. Tickets

start in their respective leagues.

shankill THE juvenile academy is in action every

great game against St Jude’s.

Training on Saturday is at 10am in

Saturday morning at 10am in Rathmichael School. The academy caters Kilmacud Crokes Lorcan McMullen. Picture: Diarmuid O’Gallachobhair

Crokes off to flying start in AFL top tier afl division one Kilmacud Crokes 2-15 St Vincent’s 1-9  sport@dublingazette.com

K ILMACUD Crokes stormed to a fine 12-point win in their opening game of the Dublin AHL Division 1 season, seeing off St Vincent’s with plenty to spare at Pairc de Burca last Sunday morning.

Dublin senior Ross O’Carroll was the key man with a 1-5 haul as they were rarely in trouble against the Marino men Ryan O’Dwyer got the other goal in a 1-1 salvo

while there were also strong showings from Lorcan McMullen with three points while Jude Sweeney also made an impact when coming off the bench.

T he result was in contrast to the corresponding fixture last year which finished in a draw.

Leading by 1-11 to 0-05 at the short whistle, Crokes maintained the momentum in the second half and, despite finishing with 14 men, won out in the end by a margin of 12 points.

Elsewhere, Cuala were undone 1-16 to 0-12 by

a strong St Jude’s who were the pacesetters last year in the league en route to the senior championship final.

Next on the agenda for Kilmacud’s first side is an away tie on March 29 at O’Toole’s – who were 0-23 to 0-17 winners over Lucan Sarsfields at the 12th Lock.

Cuala, meanwhile, will have a home tie against recently promoted St Brigid’s. They saw off Naomh Fionnbarra, the other side to have moved up, with a 2-11 to 0-16 victory.

On an impressive weekend for Kilmacud,

the senior Bs got off to a winning start in their 2015 AHL2 league campaign, in a dry but cold Silverpark on Saturday, beating St Sylvester’s 3-7 to 0-7.

Aided by two wellcrafted goals in the first half, and a third after the short whistle, the young Crokes team looked comfortable throughout.

However, Sylvester’s proved to be tough and physical opponents and fought tenaciously to the final whistle – by which stage they had been reduced to 13 men.

Shanganagh Castle.

for children from four- to eight-

There was no winner of our Chase

years-old at only €2 per week, there

the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s

is no annual subscription and covers

of Shankill, which currently has a jack-

Gaelic football, hurling and camogie.

pot of €2,000. The €50 prize went to Pat

All equipment is supplied. New mem-

Feery.

Training for the adult football team

bers are always welcome.

Please note there will be no academy,

is in Rathmichael School on Thursday

training or games on the Easter week-

night at 9pm. The match against Tho-

end. Girls U-11 have an away game at

mas Davis was postponed.

10am against Garda/Westmanstown

Our next match this Sunday is at 3pm

on Saturday. Girls U-9 meet in Scoil

against Lucan Sarsfields in Shangan-

Mhuire at 10am. The U-12 boys lost a

agh Cliffs.

foxrock cabinteely THE refixed U-14 game against Bal-

and the U-14s beat Longford.

lyboden took place on Friday evening

Many thanks to Sherry FitzGerald

and the team turned in a magnificent

who have sponsored jerseys for our

performance to win by 4-11 to 3-5.

U-12 team.

The minor A team and U-16 teams

Just a reminder about membership;

also had good victories over the

this can now be paid online. To pay

weekend with the minors overcoming

your membership, just visit the club

Ballyboden and the U-16s beating St

website and click on the link to access

Sylvester’s.

the online membership application

The minor B team were unlucky to

system.

lose to a very good Man O War team

The numbers attending the academy

and a last minute goal by Na Fianna

continue to grow week by week so well

saw the U-13s missing out on a vic-

done to all concerned.

tory.

If you know of other players who

Well done to the club players who

might be interested in attending,

were involved with the Dublin senior

please let them know that the acad-

and U-14 teams who had great wins

emy starts every Saturday morning

on Sunday. The senior team beat Laois

at 9.50am.

GazetteSPORT all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 28-31

super crokes: Kilmacud’s senior hurlers get AHL1 season off to the perfect start with St Vincent’s win P31

march 19-25, 2015

academy additions: Four Dubliners join Irish cricket’s elite group P28

The Hermes side that won the Leinster Senior Mills Cup Picture: Deryck Vincent

Hermes’ Leinster double Booterstown club adds Jacqui Potter Cup title to Leinster league gong while two more trophies could be possibly added to their collection

 stephen findlater

sport@dublingazette.com

AISLING Naughton’s third minute goal saw Hermes claim the second leg of a potential quadruple as they won their ninth Jacqui Potter Leinster Senior Cup hockey title at Grange Road on St Patrick’s Day. She got on the end of Sarah Patton’s superb run and cross to snatch her 23rd goal of the season, helping the Booterstown club add this title to the Leinster league they won a fortnight ago.

With an Irish Senior Cup final and an Irish Hockey League semi-final on the horizon, it is shaping up to be some season for Rudi

Wortmann’s side.

That early salvo had been preceded by a penalty corner inside 20 seconds that was crowded out by the Railway defence. Soon after the goal, Grace O’Flanagan made a great save, the first of quite a few in the game as the tie swung from end to end.

Kate Lloyd hit the side-netting of the goal tended by Hermes’ Liz Murphy – standing in for Ireland number one Emma Gray – who also made some great interventions.

When O’Flanagan was not employed, Sarah Canning came to the rescue to clear her side’s lines. In similar vein, Megan Tennant-Humphreys was also proving a defensive rock for Hermes, keeping a youthful

Railway at bay.

Indeed, the Dublin 4 side featured six teenagers including a couple who helped them win the Junior Jacqui Potter Cup earlier in the day against Corinthian with Grace McLoughlin nestling into the defence after a stint in midfield in the Under-16 decider.

There were plenty of cards with Lauren Thomas, Canning and Tennant-Humphreys all spending time in the bin in the first half.

Railway went close a couple of times early in the second half with Lloyd again the fulcrum of their attack but Murphy was equal to one great chance from Zara Delany’s baseline pull-back.

Hermes countered with Caitriona McGilp

firing a tester at the far end while Patton continued to show plenty of menace in attack with the Booterstown club pushing on in the closing stages, seeing out the victory.

Next on their agenda is the Irish Senior on March 29 when they meet the Ulster Elks in Belfield. For that tie, they should have their Irish international duo Emma Gray and Aine Connery back in the team following their exploits with at World League Round 2, part of the Olympic qualifying process, which is currently being played in Dublin.

Then, on April 11 and 12, they contest the Irish Hockey League finals weekend with a game against Loreto in the semi-final the main focus.