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INSIDE: Dublin man is the overall Irish winner of the international Wings For Life World Run See P24

equality: Two opposing views call for a Yes or No vote in the referendum P14

And they’re off ...

Racing to help support children

Swimming:

Dubliners to the fore at national championships Page 28

Hurling:

Cuala go close in annual Feile festival Page 31

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

WITH some enthusiastic younger runners at the front, and more relaxed (and older) runners at the back, participants set off on one of the charity races held in the grounds of Blackrock College recently.

The third annual Rock Run, sponsored by business advisors Grant Thornton, saw a great turnout on the day, with a 1k run for children and a 5k run for adults helping to support the Mission Fund, which helps to fund educational projects for children living in poverty in many of the poorest parts of the Third World.

Campaigners launch action against berth 170 at meeting to oppose proposed €18m cruise liner facility in harbour

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A NEW campaign was launched last week to oppose a proposed €18m cruise liner berth, which would be 390m long and located in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

A meeting arranged by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) was attended by about 170 people in the Kingston Hotel.

Deputy Boyd Barrett said the campaign was launched to oppose the berth pro-

posals as “people think it is dangerous to borrow €18m using the public assets of the harbour as collateral”.

He said this could lead to the harbour’s privatisation if the harbour does not get enough cruise liner business

to pay back the loan.

However, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said a comprehensive report from a firm of economists on the benefits of cruise visits to the town was planned.

Full Story on Page 3

2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7 May 2015

transport Two-day action had ‘little effect’ on town

Mixed reaction to the impact of bus strike  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

DUBLIN Bus and Bus Eireann will legally challenge SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union (NRBU) for loss of revenue and damage to reputation due to the recent strikes on May 1 and 2 over the proposed privatisation of 10% of their routes.

This followed the latest walk-out by both unions from exploratory talks held ahead of the strikes at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on April 28. Eight of the 23 Dublin Bus routes put out to private tender service areas in Dun LaoghaireRathdown.

Dublin Bus estimated daily losses of €600,000,

while Bus Eireann said about €1.5m was lost over the two days, which includes a daily National Transport Authority fine of €80,000 for not providing public transport services under their contractual obligations.

Chief executives of both bus companies said they would take legal action against the unions “to

recover losses from the two unions, NBRU and SIPTU, for taking what we believe is not only a reckless but illegal action”.

In response to the bus companies’ threat of legal action, NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary said : “It is unfortunate that the companies have chosen this course of action to threaten our

Dun Laoghaire councillors reported different reactions of local people to the strike

members; we balloted our members in relation to what we contend is a genuine trade dispute.”

On April 28, Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe guaranteed Dublin Bus employees they would not have to transfer to other bus operators, and that their terms and conditions would be unchanged.

SIP TU’s divisional organiser Owen Reidy said: “The dispute went well and was very well supported by members on Friday and Saturday.”

The effect of the two-

day bus strike on business in Dun LaoghaireRathdown, however, was minimal, according to local businesses, with some even recording a boost in sales.

Peter Kerrigan, the chairman of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Ratepayers’ Association, said the bus strike had “little effect” as people opted to shop locally.

Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) said most people he spoke to in Dun Laoghaire supported the bus drivers’ strike, while Cllr Neale Richmond

(FG) said a number of locals told him they had been forced to cancel medical appointments because of the strike.

Cllr Shay Brennan (FF) said he was at odds with his party’s stance opposing the route tendering, adding that it would be beneficial to commuters.

He said: “T his is something that my late father [Seamus Brennan] attempted to do when he was Minister for Transport. However, FF wrongly shied away from this in the face of union pressure.”

7 May 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

FUNDING

OBJECTION: ‘DANGEROUS TO BORROW €18M FOR A SPECULATIVE GAMBLE’

‘Avail of grant scheme’

Campaign against berth plan begins  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

ABOUT 170 people attended a meeting organised by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) in the Kingston Hotel last week, to launch a campaign against the planned €18m cruise liner berth for the town.

The 390m long berth in Dun Laoghaire Harbour is planned to allow passengers to disembark.

Deputy Boyd Barrett told The Gazette: “The meeting was absolutely packed to the rafters.

There was an overwhelming vote of opposition against the berth plan.

“People think it is very dangerous to borrow €18m using the public assets of the harbour as

collateral for what is a speculative gamble which could go belly-up and threaten the public ownership of the harbour.

“If they don’t get the business required to repay that money, then the assets of the harbour are on the line and the public will end up paying.

This would almost certainly lead in the direction of privatisation of the harbour,” he said.

He added that no solid business case for benefits of cruise liner visits to Dun Laoghaire had been put forward.

However, a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) said a planned Environmental Impact Study would contain a

comprehensive report from a firm of independent economists addressing the economic potential of increasing the number of cruise visitors coming to Dun Laoghaire.

Deputy Boyd Barrett said a letter-writing campaign was planned, asking Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe to abandon the berth proposal. Also planned is a petition and demonstration through the streets of Dun Laoghaire on May 24.

Peter Kerrigan, the chairman of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Ratepayers’ Association , organised an earlier meeting against cruise ships on April 27.

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’Bot seriously ... Computing the best way to win in a game of ‘RoboRugby’ CONOR Pearse, Sophie Vaughan, Holly Loughman and Liam Smith

had some colourful creations at the annual Siemens RoboRugby competition, which was held recently in the Clinton Auditorium at UCD’s Belfield Campus. The 11th such competition challenged 62 first-year UCD engineering students to create “rugby robots”, with their bespoke creations demonstrating creative thinking in an innovative and fun way, as their lovingly-crafted hardware and carefully-coded software came together to compete against other creations in a game of “RoboRugby”. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

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Local event, Celebration or Function

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THE second round of this year’s Dun LaoghaireRathdown Grant Scheme is now open to community or sports groups seeking funding around the county.

Applications for grants in the arts, business, sports and winter festivals can now be downloaded from the council’s website at www. dlrcoco.ie, under grants schemes.

Those wishing to avail of any of the upcoming community grants have until the closing date of June 5 to apply, with local politicians urging groups to make an application for such funding.

For further information on eligibility and grant categories, email grantschemes@dlrcoco. ie, or call 01 204 7024.

4 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7 May 2015

strategy €21.m earmarked for Dun Laoghaire schemes

Councillors give mixed reaction to housing fund  Bairbre Ni

Bhraonain

THERE was a mixed reaction to Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly’s announcement that €21.4m in funding is being allocated for 89 social housing projects in Dun Laoghaire-Rath-

down.

DLR housing schemes due to receive the first tranche of social housing funding include €3.3m for 14 units for R o c h e s t ow n Ho u s e (phase three), €12m for 50 units for Fitzgerald Park, €5.1m for 21 social housing units at Broad-

ford Rise and €1m for four units at St Michael’s Terrace.

Cllr Neale Richmond (FG): “Obviously, this announcement is welcome and it might help the huge housing shortage in our area. There are three developments identified for this fund-

€21.4m in funding is being allocated for 89 social housing projects in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

ing, and each will need to be properly evaluated from a planning perspective.

“The proposed development of 21 units at Broadford seems a bit high to me for such a small site, but I await the planning permission.”

Cllr Kate Feeney (FF) said: “Any funding should be welcomed, but given the scale of the crisis in Dun LaoghaireRathdown, the provision for 89 housing units just does not go far enough.

“I thought we would have seen a better and speedier response from Minister Kelly on this issue.

“The fact the housing crisis did not feature in the heralded Spring Statement last week speaks volumes as to where this issue stands

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

‘Given the scale of the crisis in Dun LaoghaireRathdown, the provision for 89 housing units just does not go far enough’

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

Cllr Kate Feeney (FF)

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on the Government’s priority list.”

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) said the announcement would bring investment and jobs to Dun Laoghaire.

She added: “I am delighted that we will receive €21.4m funding as part of this first phase of investment.”

However, Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) said the latest funding announcement by Minister Kelly was “a minimalist response”, and said: “There is no willingness by this Coalition to commit to a long-term investment in the provision of social housing on the scale required to provide the much needed homes for people in our Republic.”

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) said that, of the nearly 5,500 people on the housing list, “not one will get a key in 2015, and only some will by 2016.”

Meanwhile, a motion

by Cllr Boyhan calling on the council to make resources available for the construction of 150 social residential units for 2015 revealed the

council’s current social housing plans.

In a report, the council stated that 34 units at Rochestown House (phase two) are due to be completed by April of next year; and the construction of 15 new units at Cromlech Close in Kilternan was to begin last month, and the construction period is estimated to be 16 months, with the handover expected in August 2016.

In addition, there are a number of other schemes in earlier stages of development, including tenders being sought for the construction of four onebedroom units at Clontibret House, Blackrock and several Part 8 (public consultation) schemes approved by the council, but awaiting funding.

Road safety campaigns to roll out AS PART of Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council’s Spring Casualty Reduction Campaign, a number of road safety events are to take place in the county.

On Monday, May 25, Street Smart will take place from 10am to 3pm in County Hall.

The Road Safety Authority will

install a large street scene at the venue to deliver an age-appropriate road safety message to local primary school children.

The following month, on June 14, Blackrock village will host a Bike Week Public Cycle at 3pm along Frascati Road. This familyfocused cycle will also feature entertainment, refreshments and

goodie-bags for all participants.

The council’s Back to School, How Bright are You? initiative was launched on April 25 when Dun Laoghaire Fire Station was opened to the public, with 1,200 visitors allowed to check out the emergency vehicles.

For further details of future events, see www.dlrcoco.ie.

7 May 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

don’sdublin

community A hundred people thanked for their work

Commitment of volunteers is celebrated  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A CELEBRATION was held recently in Dun Laoghaire for about 100 nominated volunteers from across the county.

The event was held to honour and recognise those who give up their time and make a great effort to assist their own communities in areas

A beautiful building we have all loved in Dublin THE Custom House is one of Dublin’s most important and beautiful buildings, and the first major work designed by James Gandon.

He was also responsible for such iconic buildings as The Four Courts, King’s Inns and the curved screen and portico for the Irish Houses of Parliament facing College Street.

John Beresford, who was appointed the Commissioner for Revenue in Ireland in 1780, was determined to have the new building further east and away from the Parliament Street–Capel Street axis.

This decision met with great resistance from merchants, who felt that it would reduce trade and property values.

Construction was halted by members of Dublin Corporation and the High Sheriff, who led a demonstration of many thousands.

Beresford, however, was determined to have the building situated on the newly reclaimed land on the north quays, and appointed Thomas Cooley as architect.

When he died suddenly, Beresford contacted Gandon, who came from London and began work in 1781.

Work continued for 10 years, providing employment for the city’s carpenters and stonemasons, and was officially opened on November 7, 1791. It cost £200,000 – a huge sum at the time.

The building is 375 feet in length and 205 feet in depth, and has four fronts, of which the south (facing the Liffey) is entirely of Portland stone, and the others of granite. The exterior is adorned with sculptures and coats-of-arms by Thomas Banks, Agnostino Carlini and Edward Smyth, who carved a series of sculpted keystones symbolising the rivers of Ireland.

The building was destroyed in May 1921 during the Civil War, with centuries of records irrevocably lost. The dome, with the statue of Commerce atop, was replaced using Ardbraccan limestone that is darker than the original Portland stone.

Sadly, most of Gandon’s original interior was destroyed and impossible to replace, but the building is still one of the city’s favourites.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

such as sports, arts, community environment and heritage.

Every volunteer at the event had been put forward for nomination by members of their community so that they could be recognised for their unfailing dedication to their communities.

An Cathaoirleach, Marie Baker recognised

the individuals who had donated their time and experience to volunteering and improving their locality.

C l l r B a ke r ( F G ) said: “The community believed that each person in attendance should be recognised for consistently and unselfishly offering up their time and effort for the good of their commu-

nity, group or club.”

She also acknowledged and thanked everyone for their dedication by adding: “I hope that what you take from this event is the sincere and clear message that your efforts are greatly appreciated by other volunteers, by the people you help in so many ways, by the wider society and

by Dun Laoghaire-Rath-

down County Council.”

T he volunteers in attendance received a certificate to remember the special occasion. Their names are now displayed on a Volunteer Recognition Wall, which was unveiled at the event.

This was then moved to DLR LexIcon Library in Dun Laoghaire for display throughout the year.

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7 May 2015

SANDYCOVE ‘A wonderful and caring GP’ – Cllr Boyhan

Tributes are paid to the late Dr Niall Webb THE death has occurred of Dr Niall Webb of Sandycove. Dr Webb was an active member in the community and ran his practice in the heart of Sandycove for nearly 50 years.

He was also a great advocate of all things nautical, with a passion for maritime history. Dr Webb was equally wellknown for being extremely giving of his time, often seeing some patients for

free, and worked with many children’s homes.

His RNLI work as a voluntary medical officer saw him often take part in rescue missions with the Dun Laoghaire lifeboat crew.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind), who first met Dr Webb at the Miss Smiley Children’s Home as a child, said: “Niall was a wonderful and caring GP with a big practice that spanned the greater Dun

Laoghaire area. He never said no to someone in trouble.”

Dr Webb died peacefully on April 26 in St Vincent’s Hospital. He is survived by his wife Johanna, and his six children.

LOCAL MATTERS

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A local graffiti artist suggested the use of designated graffiti walls, perhaps in a public space, to facilitate controlled artistic expression

VANDALISM: COUNCIL DETERMINED TO TACKLE EPIDEMIC

Writing’s on the wall for scourge of local graffiti  DAIRNE BLACK

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is to make an active effort to eradicate graffiti in the area. Last year, a sizeable amount of graffiti was removed.

Commenting on the issue, Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) said: “There is an indeed an issue of graffiti. I attended a meeting in Dalkey recently which highlighted the epidemic.

It’s costing the taxpayer a fortune to get rid of it.

“I also have a serious concern with Iarnrod Eireann – there’s an enormous issue with it along the bridges and on the tracks, and I would be calling on them to tackle the problem.

“It’s about being proac-

tive. If the graffiti is left in place, then more will be added to it. There needs to be a co-ordinated effort between all parties, paid and unpaid,” he said.

W hen asked what areas he felt were the worst affected by graffiti, Cllr Devin mentioned Glenageary, Sallynoggin, Monkstown and Shankill, saying that it was “strewn everywhere”.

He said: “Some of it could be argued as art, but art is commissioned primarily with the permission of the individual.”

A council spokesperson said: “Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council removed approximately 10,000 sq m of graffiti in the county during 2014.

“In response to this growing vandalism, the council has increased its budget for CCTV surveillance in 2015 to combat this wave of antisocial activity.

“The council strives to remove graffiti promptly and, where possible, to install CCTV in black spots to deter further incidents.

“We also work closely with local community groups in our ongoing efforts to combat the scourge of graffiti. In addition to providing paint and graffiti removal kits, we encourage reporting of such incidents to local gardai.

“As a result of quick removal, local community involvement, CCTV footage and prosecution

by gardai, the incidents of graffiti vandalism appear to be reducing in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

“However, the council will remain vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation,” said the spokesperson.

Commenting on the issue, Cllr Karl Gill (PBP) said: “There has been a slight increase in tagging [small scribbled graffiti] in the area lately.

Clearly, most of this cannot be considered to be artwork, but we need to remember that even the best of artists start out as amateurs.”

He suggested measures to help local artists.

“I think that there needs to be a local wall established for graffiti in the area so that young art-

ists can practise their art without causing hassle to home owners.”

A local graffiti artist said: “There should definitely be areas that could be designated and benefit from [artistic] expression, and a choice for some buildings [to do so] if the surrounding people approved.

“One idea could be a blank concrete sculpture or interesting wall or building as a centrepiece to a park or area that could be filled in by the people.

“It would be a free and easy way of bringing beauty and culture to run-down areas, which would then in turn draw people to an area to view it and improve the area’s economy.”

7 May 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7

8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7 May 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Marion and Ultan O’Gorman

Brideen Hickey, Sheila Macken, Jane Hayden and Marie Hickey are pictured at the exhibition of the Dublin Painting and Sketching Club recently. Some 280 paintings by 80 artists were on show, including a unique display of almost 50 paintings inspired by WB Yeats to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. In conjunction with the exhibition there was a live painting event in response to a poem by Yeats, a guided tour of the paintings inspired by his poetry, a portrait painting demonstration and painting critiques for amateur artists. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

ARt: 137th annual exhibition in dun laoghaire

Kate Bedell, Annie Rowe and exhibiting artist Jenny Rowe

Celebration for sketching club

Sisters Joanne and Louise Whelan toast

Exhibiting artist Olivis hayes with Anne Burns

Darragh Treacy and exhibiting artist Mary Duffy

Marion McAvoy

7 May 2015 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9

Michael and Elizabeth Doherty, son and wife of the late Thomas Doherty, with Fred Espey, president, Forty-Foot Bathing Association.

The Doherty family were presented with a framed photograph Sandycove Panorama. Pictures: Margaret Brown

Maurice Byrne, Michael Doherty, Elizabeth Ivers, Fred Espey, Frank Mullen, Elizabeth and Paula Doherty

Bench mark: Seat with a view honours lost local swimmer Elizabeth Doherty, with grandson Thomas

Tom Byrne and Eamonn Elliott, DLR Parks Department, who organised the event

Elizabeth Ivers, daughter of the late Thomas Doherty

F

amily and friends of the late Thomas Doherty gathered for the unveiling of a new bench to remember him on Dun Laoghaire sea front recently. The bench faces the beautiful Forty Foot where Thomas swam and died on August 11, 1987.

10 Gazette 7 May 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Building Blocks is modelled by Aideen Rafferty

Frayed in the Dark, a dress made from black plastic bags, is modelled by Paulina Vilimaite from Loreto, Balbriggan, at the final of the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture Competition in association with Repak at the 3 Arena, Dublin. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

funky junk: fashion show takes recycling to a new level

Students sweep boards in not so shabby attire

E

IGHTY secondary school students sported their couture designs fashioned from junk on the [alley] catwalk at the 3 Arena recently. They were centre stage at the grand finale of the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture competition in association with the Repak Recycled

Fashion Competition 2015. After months of preparations the teenagers strutted their carefully choreographed routine in the hope of impressing the judges in front of thousands of screaming fans.

Louis Walsh gave the judging panel the X-factor when he joined Vogue

Williams, Rob Condon, Tracey Fahey and Laura Murphy The Laura Larkin Community School took the best performance prize for Supercalifashionisticexpialidocious. It was one of a number of winners from the Dublin area, including Loreto, Balbriggan.

Woven Data is worn by Bronwyn Linnane

Nadine Doherty, Andrea Hutchinson Lara McGee and Sienna Hutchinson

Kate O’Brien, Heather O’Connor and Grainne Wilson

Louis Walsh

Aurica Syrbu is the Queen of the Forest

7 May 2015 Gazette 11

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

referendum p14

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

a day in the life: senator david norris, colourful and robust

what’son

‘I always find myself getting fired up by ideas’  ian begley

David Norris, an individual who has stirred up the very fabric of Irish society on many occasions, has a vast array of accomplishments to his name and has earned much admiration throughout his 70 years.

His colour ful and r ob ust p erso na has made him an institution in himself, and being an Irish scholar, senator, gay and civil rights a c t i vi st and fo rmer presidential candidate it is no surprise that we asked Norris what a typical day in his life is like.

“I get out of bed quite early at 7am and begin my day by listening to the news.

“For breakfast I always have the same thing – a cup of coffee and a bowl of Kellogs Fruit and Fibre.

“Since my liver trans-

plant I don’t have a lot of physical energy, but I have lots of intellectual energy and always find myself getting fired up by ideas.

“I always bring a lot of my documents home from Leinster House and pile them up in my kitchen, which is where I do most of my work.”

Norris, who has lived on North Great G e o r g e ’s S t r e e t f o r nearly 40 years, adds that he is in the Senate nearly every day and wishes it would reopen on the weekends.

“I campaigned to get the Senate open at the weekends, which it was but then they closed it again because of the recession and I was the only one who used it,” he laughs.

“I don’t do very much socialising, but when I come back home I like feed the birds in the garden and feed my goldfish in their pond,

and love watching them while I’m having my breakfast or evening dinner.

“In my free time I have a wonderful old car [Jaguar XJ6] that I love to drive around in. I sometimes drive to Bull Island and get out to take a little walk or even to Howth to pick up some crab claws in Wrights.”

Norris confesses to being computer illiterate, never having turned one on in his life.

“I don’t know anything about them but for political purposes Miriam [his secretary] handles that for me.

“I have 41,000 followers on Twitter and again I don’t do any of the mechanics, but the words are all mine.”

After a long day, Norris adds, he heads to bed between 9.30pm and 10pm, after partaking in some night time reading or TV watching.



Gazette

diary p12

an outlandish opera with a modern theme

David Norris has built up a vast array of accomplishments and admiration throughout his 70 years

“I read a lot before heading to bed and also like to watch a bit of television. I have really gotten interested

in watching the detective drama, Endeavor, which is the story about a young inspector in Oxford.

“In the old days I wouldn’t fall asleep until maybe 3am but these days I tend to get tired more easily.”

OUTLANDISH Theatre Platform (OTP) will perform a mini-opera, EX-hib-IT-US 2015, at Filmbase in Temple Bar from May 14 – 16.

FEX-hib-IT-US 2015 is a contemporary mini opera about Dublin today, featuring professional actors performing alongside residents of St Teresa’s Gardens.

For two years, OTP worked on a collaborative arts project with the remaining residents of St Teresa’s Gardens in Dublin 8 – a social housing estate on the brink of demolition.

This collaboration resulted in a one off inter-media performance installation, and a film, entitled: Come into The Gardens.

EX-hib-IT-US 2015 is the concluding piece in this long-term project.

For this latest production, OTP has written new songs and scores, which reveal an artistic exploration of the human structure of Dublin’s ever-changing social city landscape.

The final performance will be followed by a post-show discussion: “From the real to the stage, full-circle”.

For further information, see www.outlandishtheatre.com.

Gazette

12 Gazette 7 May 2015

dublinlife

diary

A candlelight vigil to commemorate migrants, who died trying to get to Europe, took place in the Dublin Unitarian Church and was organised by the Jesuit organisation, Dialogue and Diversity

Migrants lost at sea recalled A CANDLELIGHT vigil to commemorate migrants, who died trying to get to Europe, took place recently, in Dublin Unitarian Church.

The event was organised by the Jesuit organisation, Dialogue and Diversity, to highlight a humanitarian problem after more than 900 people drowned trying to make the crossing from north Africa. In the past 20 years more than 25,000 immigrants lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea. Piotr Gawlik, chair of Dialogue and Diversity, said: “We must not forget that those who passed away were somebody’s loved ones.”

He said there was undoubtedly a border crisis, with irregular migration from a large geographic area, involving hundreds of thousands of people every year, who

risked their lives trying to get to Europe.

The vigil was attended

by Cllr Ciaran Cuffe (GP) and representatives of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Amnesty International and Crosscare.

Students to show off their liguistics skills THREE secondary school students from Dublin along with one from Donegal have been selected to test their language decoding skills against the world’s best at the International Linguistics Olympiad in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, in July.

The students finished ahead of 120 opponents in the All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad finals recently at Dublin City University.

Samuel Barron of Sutton Park School was the overall winner of the individual competition. He will be joined in Bulgaria

by fellow team members Luke Gardiner of Gonzaga College, Ranelagh; Ethan Hamman of Newpark Comprehensive, Blackrock; and Niamh Lynch of Loreto Letterkenny, Donegal.

From a starting line-up of 4,000 students from 161 secondary schools spanning 29 counties, the top 123 battled it out during individual and team contests. Competitors engaged in codebreaking challenges to unlock information in unfamiliar languages.

This year’s individual contests included puzzles in Evenki, an inner Mongolian language; Murrinhpatha, an indigenous Australian language spoken by only 3,000 people; and the Georgian writing system.

Meet the entire family on the library website THE National Library of

Ireland has announced plans to enable people to investigate their genealogy with relative ease from July onwards.

The entire collection of Catholic parish register microfilms held by the library will be made available online, at no charge, from July 8.

The dedicated website will make available more than 390,000 digital images of the microfilm reels on which the parish registers are recorded.

The library has been working to digitise the microfilms for more than three years under its most ambitious digitisation programme.

The parish register records are considered the single most important source of information on Irish family history prior to the 1901 census.

Dating from the 1740s to the 1880s, they cover

1,091 parishes throughout the island of Ireland, and consist primarily of baptismal and marriage records. For more information see www.nli.ie

ivan yates happy to eat ice cream for good cause IVAN Yates and Lottie Ryan both screamed for ice cream as they launched this year’s HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.

They are calling on people in Dublin to organise their own ice cream party this summer to raise much needed funds for the organisation.

HB provides everything needed for the party in a comprehensive pack, and all funds raised go to front line services.

P a t C l a r ke , c h i e f

executive of Down Syndrome Ireland, said: “The HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign is a fantastic and fun way of raising funds for our organisation.

“The support from both HB and the public means that we can maintain the level and quality of essential services that we provide to our members.”

For more information visit w w w.dow nsy ndrome.ie or email sandrab@downsyndrome. ie, for your ice cream fundays pack.

Bruton reeling after selection rejection JOBS Minister Richard Bruton was faced with shock and embarrassment last week, when he failed to be chosen to run for Fine Gael in the next general election in his own constituency,

Dublin Bay North.

The shock followed a dramatic selection convention in the constituency.

Fine Gael members voted to select Cllr Naoise O Muiri and former local election candidate Stephanie Regan to run for the party at the next election.

Unfortunately for Bruton, he was not selected alongside Regan as previously expected, after members were directed to select one male and one female candidate in order to comply with new gender quota rules.

The party’s executive council has now added Bruton to the ticket in ,k,lwhat was a setback and embarrassment for the Minister and the party.

Reports indicated that Bruton was described as being visibly shocked when the result was announced.

7 May 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 7 May 2015

dublinlife

Different views on why This week, two people with opposing opinions give us their views on how they would like to see the electorate vote in the upcoming referendum on marriage equality

Vote Yes to extend true equality to all families

 Conor Pendergrast The blogger writes about his personal experience of being raised by two lesbian parents

MY BROTHER Daragh and I are the children of two wonderful women, Ann and Bernadette.

As a child, I spent my early years in London. I was fortunate to have a diverse group of friends and to meet people from every walk of life.

Our neighbours were also a family headed by two mums, and we were far from the only similar families in the city.

Even that long ago, there were parenting groups for lesbian and gay people, which my parents attended.

Moving back to Ireland (where Bern was born and raised) was a bit of a change; whereas once my brother’s skin colour meant little (his sperm donor was a British Indian man, whereas mine was a white British man), now he was the only person who wasn’t white in the school.

Our English accents also made us stick out a mile. In comparison with those barriers we faced, the fact that our parents

are two women was pretty insignificant to onlookers!

Our classmates didn’t think us having two mums was weird; in fact, they thought it was really cool!

Overall, my family is similar to a lot of other families, and yet there are those who think that my mums shouldn’t have the option to marry. Luck-

ily, we’ve seen incredible progress over the past 20 years in rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

The decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 1990s meant that, from one perspective, their love was no longer illegal.

Equality legislation was introduced, which means that discrimination based on sexuality is no longer

7 May 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

same sex marriage

the May 22 vote matters tolerated (in most, but sadly not all, cases).

Civil Partnership led to the option for people in same-sex couples to have their relationships recognised, to a degree.

This year, the Child and Family Relationships Act finally granted the option for me to have a legal relationship with both of my parents.

And then, there were the lesser-known pieces of legislation that have led to much greater support and recognition of families like mine.

And yet, inequality still exists.

My mums have, as you can see, raised a family despite the lack of marriage equality. It is a great falsehood to make the discussion on this referendum about the families that same-sex couples will raise: there have, and will continue to be, children like me raised in families headed by lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

To vote “No” on that basis is to ignore the reality: we’re already living

in communities around Ireland.

Sadly, those campaigning in opposition to the referendum have shown no interest in listening to me and my brother’s perspectives, and have effectively ignored us and families like us for years, only to rise up now and scream: “Won’t someone think of the children?”

I’m getting to the stage of my life where a number of my friends are starting to marry. I myself am engaged to a wonderful woman, with whom so far I have spent eight happy years, and with whom I intend to spend my life.

The idea of my parents not having the option to marry each other, after being together for more than 30 years, saddens me. The idea that my wonderful lesbian, gay and bisexual friends can’t marry the people they love feels deeply wrong.

I can’t help but wonder what it is that makes my love for Alana legitimate and deserving of recognition by society, but Ann

and Bern’s love for each other undeserving?

In the end, the referendum on marriage equality is not about lofty hypothetical situations or philosophical debates; it’s not about whether same-sex couples will raise families (they have for decades, and will continue to do so).

It’s not about whether you’re annoyed by the current Government; it’s not about where you’re from.

The referendum on marriage equality simply comes down to one question: will we decide to treat our people equally, or not? Should your sons and daughters, your parents, your aunts and uncles, your cousins, your friends, your neighbours, your teachers, your nurses, and everyone else you know who happens to be lesbian, gay or bisexual, be able to marry the person they love?

The outcome of the referendum will demonstrate this: are we all equal, or are we not?

Daragh Pendergrast-Manning, Conor Pendergrast, Bernadette Manning and Ann Pendergrast. Picture: Alan Betson, courtesy of The Irish Times

Anne Murray: “This debate is not about equality and rights, but about changing the meaning of marriage”

Vote No to protect the meaning of marriage

 Anne Murray Mothers and Fathers Association

THINK before you vote.

I believe we need to support rights. As a woman, I understand discrimination, and as a mother, I understand what it is to fight for the needs of a child.

This debate needs to broaden to include rights of all. People make wellintentioned general statements about rights, but we need to look at universal rights and what they say.

On July 16, 2014, the European Cour t of Human Rights confirmed that there is no right to grant access to marriage to same-sex couples.

The Referendum Commission states that the vote is about marriage.

So this debate is not about equality and rights, but about changing the meaning of marriage

from between one man and one woman to one between any two people, without distinction as to their sex.

There has always been limitations to marriage, eg age, one cannot marry close family members, and one has to be of sound mind.

What we have in Ireland to give legal recognition to same sex relationships is Civil Partnership, which is specifically for gay people.

The Constitution belongs to the people of Ireland and it reflects as a country what we believe, and our laws have to reflect what is in our Constitution.

Article 41.3.1 is the part of the Constitution that links family and marriage and this is the section we are being asked to change.

We cannot have this debate without consider-

ing the rights of children.

Children have a right to know their mother and father, as per the UN convention of the Rights of the Child, as they are an integral part of a child’s identity.

Human beings have a right to their mother and father, and we are designed to long for a relationship with both of our biological parents.

If we vote Yes, it will mean that any two men or any two women have the same constitutional right as a man and woman to have a family if they are married.

We know a man and a woman together can produce a baby. However, if two men or two women have no children from a previous relationship, or by adoption, then how can they have a baby, given that they are not biologically designed to do so?

For the male couple, they will have to contact a surrogacy agency, arrange to buy an egg and pay a woman to carry the baby to birth, when the baby will then be given to the couple.

After the birth, this baby then will have no connection with its mother. The baby will never know what it is like to be held in her mother’s arms.

I certainly, as a new mother, remember with great joy and wonder looking at my newborn baby.

There is no denying same-sex parents can be great parents. The problem is not the gay parent, but rather the missing parent.

We Irish know the value of family, and this proposed change will have serious consequences for future generations of our children. Please vote No.

dublinlife

Norwegian dry ice firm open a Dublin manufacturing site NORWEGIAN-based international chemical company Yara has officially opened a dry ice manufacturing site in Dublin, with the creation of five jobs.

Yara Ireland provides dry ice in Ireland across a variety of sectors including aviation, refrigeration, food storage, medical services and the entertainment industry.

Petter Østbø, vice president of Gas & Industrial Applications, Yara, said: “While Yara have been operating for some time in Ireland, we decided to invest in this new strategically

located manufacturing site in Dublin, to serve the Irish market on demand, in small or large quantities of dry ice as required.”

T he Nor wegian Charge d’Affaires in Ireland, Sølve Steinhovden, was welcomed to the plant by Irish and Norwegian Yara personnel at the official opening, which was presided over by representatives from IDA Ireland.

Yara market manager for Ireland Gerard Dore said the company expected to increase its workforce as market demand increases.

business

forecast: government bullish about the economy

‘Lost jobs back by 2018’

MINISTER for Finance Michael Noonan has said all of the jobs lost in the recession would be replaced by 2018.

He made his remarks recently on the publication of the Government’s Spring Economic Statement, and added that 200,000 jobs would be created between now and 2020, forecasting that two million people would be employed nationwide by next year.

Overall, his remarks m ay b e v i e we d a s extremely hopeful as he believed the Government may be in a position to introduce expansionary budgets from now until 2020.

He said there would be no return to the boomand-bust-budget model of the past.

Noonan said: “Over the period 2011 to 2015, the deficit was reduced from €15bn to €4.5bn.

However, we were in a position to achieve these targets with less tax increases and expenditure cuts than originally envisaged, and to bring an end to the era of austerity budgets much earlier than originally planned.”

On another positive note, he said that having peaked in 2013, the national debt was now on a firm downward path, and was expected

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to drop below 100% of GDP and move towards the EU average in the coming years.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin also had some good news, in the form of intended spending increases of between €600m and €750m for 2016.

He said the expansion would enable the Government to deal with underlying demographic pressures in social protection, education and health.

He said the Government was commitment to pension provision, and intended to increase the current national

Minister Michael Noonan: “Over the period 2011 to 2015, the deficit was reduced from €15bn to €4.5bn”

spend of €6.5bn a year by €200m as the population aged.

He went on to hint at forthcoming public service pay increases, saying the Government had agreed to his proposal to enter into discussions with trade unions on

public service pay.

He believed it was wise to plan for a steady winding down of the emergency provisions that had been introduced to deal with the gap in the public finances, which included pay cuts for public servants.

7 May 2015 Gazette 17

food P21

asdfsdaf P27 health P24

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

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travel P20

Pets A golden oldie with a heART OF GOLD

There was neigh-one better than George to help dancer Emma O’Kane announce details of Dublin Dance Festival

2015. Emma will star in WillFredd

Theatre`s new production, Jockey, which premieres during the festival. Picture: Photocall Ireland

dance: exciting events promised over an energetic fortnight in dublin

Step up to a great festival

 keith bellew

AN EXCITING and diverse array of dancers from around the world with expertise in a range of different styles will descend on Dublin from May 19 -31 for the Dublin Dance Festival 2015.

This year’s programme promises to be one of the best yet, with artists from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada and Spain, among others, gracing the event.

The festival will be opened at the Abbey Theatre on Tuesday, May 19 by choreographer Meg Stuart. With her company, Damaged Goods, she will officially open the festival with their new show, Built to Last, in their first ever visit to Ireland.

The show is described as an epic journey of movement and music through the

history of dance and beyond.

Other highlights of this year’s packed programme include Dublin Dance Festival and the Goethe-Institut Irland’s collaboration on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 to perform exhibitions of fearless dance from Germany for all tastes and ages on the stages, streets and screens of Dublin.

Later, the festival and the Abbey Theatre will co-present the world premiere of choreographer Liz Roche’s major new work, Bastard Amber, on Tuesday, 26.

This event marks the first time that an Irish choreographer has been commissioned to create a work for the Abbey Theatre’s main stage.

Fiach MacConghail, Abbey Theatre director said: “It has been a long-term ambition of mine to premiere the work

of an Irish choreographer at The Abbey.

“I am delighted to welcome Liz Roche and Dublin Dance Festival to present this exciting new dance work on our main stage.”

Families are also well catered for this year, with Family Season at The Ark. Here, Barrowland Ballet will present Tiger Tale – a tale of a tiger who invades a troubled family’s world and helps them to rediscover their wild sides.

For younger children, Celestine Hennermann‘s Elephant Walk will see dozens of multi-coloured buckets transform the stage of the Ark as two dancers bring an array of familiar creatures to life on stage.

Speaking about this year’s programme, which will be the last in her four-year tenure as festival director, Julia Carruthers

said: “Dance artists are moving like brilliant magpies across tradition, and I hope this programme captures the ‘right-now’ of international and Irish dance.

“This year, our national theatre amplifies the importance of dance with an ambitious programme of three dance performances on the Abbey stage, including leading work from Europe, cutting-edge contemporary flamenco and a major Irish premiere.”

The festival is also offering opportunities to engage with dance through masterclasses, talks, and Fast Track to Dance – a weekend programme for those who would like to learn more about dance, run by Niamh McCann and Lynnette Moran of Live Collision.

For further information about the festival, see www.dublindancefestival.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is week is golden oldie, Takara, who’s a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier.

Takara is one of our TLC dogs, which means that she needs a little extra time, love and commitment from her new home. Takara is a little worried in kennels, so we’d really love to get this little dog into her new home as soon as possible.

Takara is a busy lady, who would like a relaxed home with maybe one person or a couple, who will allow her time and space to settle in – oh, and who will provide her with lots of tennis balls!

If you think you could give this fabulous dog her perfect home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. It is based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50.

A map and directions can be found on www. dogstrust.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Beautybits Treat your skin to the Ultrasonic Facial  mimi murray

Viva La Beauty Salon on Marlborough Street is run by 22-year-old Barbara Carter and the salon offers an amazing treatment, the Ultrasonic Facial.

Barbara Carter

This is a gentle, non-invasive

treatment that is safe and suitable for all skin types, from acne to rosacea and mature skin. Even the most sensitive skin will benefit from this treatment. The promise is that increased blood flow stimulates collagen plumping up the skin and ironing out fine lines and wrinkles. This advanced anti-aging procedure gives your skin a much healthier, more youthful look and feel and the therapist told me that if done regularly it can emulate the effects of a facelift. So far, so what’s not to love!

Barbara started off by cleansing my face with organic oil cleanser with lavender and ylang ylang to prepare it for the machine, which sends ultrasound vibrations into the skin to penetrate into the pores and remove everything from dirt or make up to blackheads. This gives a really deep-cleanse providing a mini microdermabrasion that is so unobtrusive it can be used weekly. The ultrasound waves are then used on another setting to penetrate organic aloe vera gel products into the skin to soothe after this deep cleanse.

The machine penetrates the products into the skin more effectively than a regular facial. Increased oxygen and blood circulation to underlying tissues from the current leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed, revitalized and glowing. I noticed a uniform look to my face instantly.

An organic face mask is applied for 10 minutes.

Finally the machine uses a micro current setting that sends minor pulses into the skin to stimulate the facial muscles, toning them and giving the face a lift.

I found it great around the neck area and under the eyes for crows feet.

The treatment takes an hour and was the perfect mix of soothing and science.

Aurelia cardigan €116

Azura dress €65

Natural beauty

Flora Beau dress €52

Sustainable and eco-friendly fashion brand, Braintree Clothing, has arrived at Dublin’s most iconic department store, Clerys.

Braintree is a natural clothing company born is Sydney and now based in London. It is a unique independent fashion outfit with a simple philosophy – to design and make beautiful, timeless fashion while caring for our environment.

Braintree has been championing eco fibres since its humble beginnings in the mid-1990s and all ranges are made with sustainability in Marley batwing sweater €65 mind with fabrics such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton.

Zinnia plaid skirt €78

For more info go to www.vivalabeauty.biz

Juvi launches new jewellery range for the summer

Juvi has launched its new jewellery range for summer 2015, made up of two lines, the Boho Collection and the Antibes Collection

Irish design company Juvi, founded by Julie Danz and Vincent Tynan, has launched its new jewellery range for Summer 2015, made up of two lines, the Boho Collection and the Antibes Collection.

Inspired by their travels and the natural beauty of the places they have visited, the new range showcases exquisite gemstones in summertime colours reminiscent of sea, sand, sunsets and beautiful vistas.

The Boho Collection has a

relaxed vibe that is perfect for everyday wear, while the Antibes Collection exudes the grown-up elegance and sophistication of the Cote d’Azur. Both new lines feature gemstones sourced all over the world and brought back to Ireland, from cool aqua chalcedony to radiant blue topaz, all set in sterling silver- or 18ct gold-plated jewellery.

Julie and Vincent are a husband and wife duo who combine their talents and backgrounds as an interior designer and silversmith

to create unique, striking pieces at their studio in Dublin. Vincent has more than 20 years’ experience working as a silversmith, while Julie’s bold approach to design is influenced by her time in New York, working under Carleton Varney, one of America’s most adventurous and colourful interior designers.

They share a passion for finding beauty in the raw, and are enthralled by the natural purity of colour in precious stones.

Speaking about the collection, Julie explains: “We use very high quality stones, they speak for themselves; people are attracted to their colour, tactility and weight. Our philosophy is quite simple – we want to offer affordable luxury. We believe it is important for women to spoil themselves on occasion.”

Juvi is available at House of Fraser, Arnotts, Kilkenny and independent retailers throughout Ireland, or online at www.juvidesigns.com.

7 May 2015 Gazette 19

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STYLE

Artistry’s Multi Protect SPF 30 €25.35. It is a Lightweight moisturizer shielding the skin from harmful UVA and UVB exposure as it combats free radicals and environmental pollutants. Visit www.amway.ie

4

3

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Eight Hour Cream Targeted Sun Defense Stick SPF 50 €20 is water and perspiration-resistant, ophthalmologically, clinically and dermatologically tested, oil and PABA-free, suitable for all skin types and offers the hydrating benefits for up to eight hours.

Sun!

Fun in the

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Cream €19.50 for sensitive and sunintolerant skin. Protection from UVA and UVB exposure.

1

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection WetForce broad spectrum SPF 50+ face cream €39.

Water resistent for up to 80 minutes.

5

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF 30 Day Lotion provides up to eight hours moisturisation, SPF 30 protection and pampering vitamins, combined with a non-greasy formula and retails at €12.89 RRP. Available nationwide. See www.olay.ie

Gazette

20 gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

FastTravel Get the latest on top cruises ON MAY 10 at the Red Cow Morans Hotel, e-Travel.ie are hosting an exclusive cruise event with top holiday deals and unique shows from some of the world’s most luxurious cruise liners.

Taking place from 12 – 5pm, the event will boast fun-filled, actionpacked holidays for the whole family on board top luxury ships.

In addition, e-travel will also exhibit free presentations from all of the cruise lines attending, including Q&A sessions. For further information, see www.etravel.ie.

Whether in high summer or any time of the year, Gregans Castle Hotel, Clare (above) will delight – just one of a number of terrific holiday getaways right here in Ireland

ireland: a wonderful break awaits right here

Summer getaways  ian begley

THERE’S no better way to indulge yourself in the sights and sounds of Ireland now that summertime is almost here.

With lots of offers and picturesque places to visit this summer, an Irish weekend break away is certainly a great way to roll in the long evenings.

With Ireland’s Blue Book, why not give yourself some peace and quiet by heading as far west as you can go, to beautiful Connemara?

Breathe in the pure air and see the stars in a velvety sky and enjoy a day trip to the Aran Islands and Inish Lacken. This offer includes three nights’ accommodation and breakfast with dinner on two evenings, ferry tickets to Aran and a boat trip to Inish Lacken in this little bit of paradise, from €295pps.

Over at Coopershill House, Sligo, majestic

mountains, ancient ruins and miles of sandy beach lie at its doorstep.

Nestled in the centre of a 500-acre private estate of mature hardwoods, deer pastures and its own river you can certainly expect a relaxing and tranquil summer escape.

Built in 1774, Coopershill has been the family home to eight generations of the O’Haras and is the perfect base for exploring the stunning northwest of Ireland.

From €360pp, you can spend three nights in this iconic country house throughout the summer until October 31.

For bird lovers, a short visit to Longueville House in Cork is the perfect setting to explore and expand your interest in ornithology with professional bird-watching guide Michael Cobley.

Cobley – chair of the West Cork branch of Bird Watch Ireland – has

years of experience guiding groups of various experience levels, including newcomers.

This overnight package for €355 for two is valid from May 16 – 18 and includes a gourmet dinner, plus maps of local country strolls and hikes.

For three nights from €405pps, a getaway to the Gregans Castle Hotel, Clare will help you witness the astonishing array of flowering plants to be found growing in the Burren.

Glorious As part of this package, you can join local guide Shane Connolly on a half day’s walking adventure, where you will see the glorious gentians, mountain avens, violets, orchids and a myriad of floral delights.

Afterwards, visit the B u r r e n P e r f u m e r y, where the floral theme continues – you may

be tempted to purchase some scented potion to ease the blisters on your feet!

This three-night bed and breakfast package comes with a six-course dinner on two evenings and includes a half day’s guided walk at an easy pace.

If you have had enough exertion, return to the pampering environment of Gregans Castle Hotel where, amid their own garden landscape setting, you can enjoy three nights of tranquil indulgence and culinary treats.

Alternatively, if you fancy a luxury weekend break away with your partner or to spend some quality time with your family, Killashee House Hotel is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

For further information on these offers, see w w w. i r e l a n d s - b l u e book.ie or contact the hotels directly.

7 May 2015 gazette 21

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this yummy favourite from Boutique Bakes and Cakes

The perfect brownie cheesecake combo HERE is one of Boutique Bakes’ favourite recipes, Cheesecake Brownies. It is easy to make and goes down a treat with family and friends. You can use any fruit.

Ingredients Cedar Tree, St Andrew’s Street, Dublin, wrap €5

FAB Fabulous falafels

Taste Cafe, South William Street, Dublin, €12

Whether you are a dedicated veggie or a meat muncher looking for a lighter bite, falafel is a perfectly pleasing comfort food. It can be served on its own with dips like hummus or tahini, included in a warmed wrap or perched with pride of place atop a fresh salad.

This month we have featured our top five falafel places in Dublin. Do you agree? Have we missed a place? Let us know on the Gazette Newspaper’s Facebook page or on Twitter at @DublinGazette. Next month we will be searching for the best coffee in the city.

Brownie Layer 1 Boutique Bake brownie mix 150g melted butter 3 eggs Or 400g caster sugar 225g butter, melted 60g cocoa powder 4 eggs 225g self-raising flour 1/2 teaspoon salt Cheesecake Layer 100g icing sugar 250g cream cheese 150ml cream 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract/scraping of 1 pod 1 small punnet of raspberries (washed)

Preparation Brownie Layer • Preheat your oven to 180C (160 Fan) • Mix our brownie mix with 3 eggs and 150g of melted butter (or if using alternative recipe mix all required ingredients) until well combined.

• Spoon mixture into a greased/lined square tin (10 x 7 inch) • Bake for 20 to 25 mins

UMI Dame Street, €7

The Fumbally, Fumbally Lane, Dublin, €8

Little Jerusalem, Rathmines, €7.50

Cheesecake Layer • Whip the cream cheese with an electric whisk until creamy. In separate bowl, whip the cream until it starts to become stiff.

• Add the icing sugar to the whipped cheese and fold in the cream. Add in the vanilla.

• Cut up the raspberries and fold into the mixture.

• When the brownie is cool, gently spread the cheesecake mixture evenly on top.

• Pop into the fridge for about 4 hours to set before taking out of tin.

• Remove from the tin and slice into squares.

• Serve with more raspberries and some lightly whipped cream for a real treat.

For more go to www.cakesandbakes.co.uk

Gazette

22 Gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Fused

Donal Lunny, Playing

Donal Lunny hangs out in National Gallery  Bairbre ni bhraonain

THIS week saw the National Gallery of Ireland unveil a new portrait commission, Donal Lunny, Playing.

This addition to the gallery is a celebration of the multi-talented musician, composer and Tullamore, County Offaly man and was painted by Sligo-based artist Nick Miller.

It went on public display on April 17 at a special launch event in the gallery.

T he commission was part of the inaugural Hennessy Portrait Prize, which Miller won.

Lunny was among those who attended the recent unveiling of the piece in the Beit wing of the gallery.

In addition to having a place in the prestigious National Galler y of Ireland, M i l l e r ’s p o r t r a i t , Donal Lunny, Playing, won the artist a cash prize of €15,000 through the Hennessy prize.

The new commission, valued at €5,000, is now part of the the National Portrait Collection at the gallery.

The National Gallery of Ireland chose the subject matter of the portrait.

ARTS

hedda gabler: a triumph at the abbey

A wounded creature who still captivates  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IRISH playwright Mark O’Rowe described Hedda Gabler as a “mass of contradictions” and an enigmatic figure so powerful she had endured as a dramatic staple since the play first premiered in 1891.

Such fascination about this theatrical metacharacter led O’Rowe to undertake a reworking of the original Henrik Ibsen play, and the fruits of this can be seen at the Abbey Theatre this May. O’Rowe’s adaptation takes Gabler into the 21st century with great ease. Such a modern play easily lends itself to an updating, and seems most natural.

It is achieved through O’Rowe’s delicate use of language. Gabler, had she been written today, would certainly have used the odd expletive, so volatile is her tormented nature at times.

This, O’Rowe does, but does not overdo; he thereby maintains the shock value of a general’s daughter with pristine manners dressed in impeccable 19th century garb using foul language.

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

‘Ibsen deserves most adulation for summoning up something so wounded and lost in the main character that it is enough to feed future imaginations for centuries’ --------------------------

Gabler, played solidly if wanting in nuance

by Catherine Walker, returns to the house she chose on a whim after six months honeymooning in Europe.

She does not particularly like the house, but said she wanted to live there during a lull in the conversation with her then future husband.

Though she constantly surprises in her actions and decisions; impulsiveness is a trait threaded through her character as a desperate effort to feel alive.

She is gifted, intelligent, wry and original,

but Gabler lives in a time where the only tool she can use to carve a name for herself in the world is a husband.

Of her decision to marry, she says: “I felt I’d been putting it off long enough.”

The husband she has chosen is a dull, unexciting academic. She refers to him by his surname, Tesman, is sorry she married him, and has no attraction to him.

Tesman is played lightly and innocently

by Peter Gaynor, and the audience feels an affinity for him right away.

Yet the audience also feels deep sympathy for Gabler, as she suffocates under social restriction and the burden of her own difficult psychology.

Like Tesman, the other characters in the play never seem as alive or as real as Gabler. Instead, they have found their groove in the world and are happy enough to plough along. The most interesting of these are Gabler’s old flame, Ejlert Lovborg (Keith McErlean), who mirrors a passionate idealism in Gabler, and Judge Brack (Declan Conlon), who

Peter Gaynor and Catherine Walker bring life to their complex roles, with Walker, in particular, excelling in her role as the titular Hedda Gabler. Pictures: Ros Kavanagh

reflects back to Gabler her cruel and manipulating side.

Both think they are akin to Gabler, but neither is. She toys with them all, while urgently looking for an identity and a valid role in life. She is like a child hoping to stumble upon the meaning of life through action.

Lovborg’s helpmeet is Thea Elfsted (Kate Stanley Brennan) has left her magistrate husband to be with the great artistic genius.

She has arduously assisted Lovborg on his latest work on history and is madly devoted to him; a trait dominant in her nature. Yet, Lovborg prefers the savage mystery of Gabler.

In the meantime, the judge seeks to have a “tri-

As Ejlert Lovborg, Keith McErlean also creates a memorable, fleshed-out character

angular arrangement” in the Tesman household, much to Gabler’s horror.

The Abbey Theatre and Mark O’Rowe have done justice to the Norwegian playwright in this new version of Hedda Gabler, and the two-and-a-half hours fly by.

Yet Ibsen created Hedda Gabler, and therefore deserves most

adulation for summoning up something so psychologically primal, wounded and lost in the main character that it is enough to feed future imaginations for centuries to come.

Hedda Gabler runs until May 16 in the Abbey Theatre. Tickets cost from €13 to €45 and are available from the box office at www.abbeytheatre.ie.

7 May 2015 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MUSIC BLUR: THE MAGIC WHIP

From idle jams to their tasty first album in 12 years  COLM MURRAY

On their way to global success, Mumford and Sons have come a long way, with their new album, Wilder Mind, showing the musical journey the band has also embarked on

MUMFORD AND SONS: WILDER MIND

Collaborating creates a robust new album  COLM MURRAY

BACK in the autumn of 2009, Mumford and Sons were playing to maybe a couple of dozen customers of Tower Records in Wicklow St. We l l , m ay b e j u s t browsers, as it was lunchtime on a wet Tuesday and most of the punters present were either looking for shelter or whiling away the minutes until they returned to their workplaces.

The band had just embarked on the promotional duties and five years non-stop work for their debut album, Sigh No More, that would send them global (and, until recently, a place on the Sunday Times rich list).

Fast forward to 2015, and the waistcoats, banjos and braces have been ditched for full drum kits

and fenders on Wilder Mind (Island/Universal). As Marcus Mumford himself states: “We fell back in love with drums.”

Right from the opening bars of Tompkins Square Park, it’s apparent that those early sessions in New York and London witnessed a change in the band’s approach not just to writing and recording, but to texture and dynamics, too.

There is a minimalist yet panoramic feel to the new album, taking up from where Kings of Leon left off after taking a wrong turn after Only

By The Night.

Current single, Believe, is a big room stadium anthem with elements of The Edge’s chiming keyboard sounds, which were previously borrowed by their contemporaries, Coldplay.

Producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, Klaxons) is a key component here, earning his fee with the updated sound but also positioning them for the next stage alongside supposed contemporaries.

There are a clutch of new songs – Only Love, Believe, Ditmus, The Wolf, Wilder Mind, Just Smoke – that will soar in a live setting, the latter, still encapsulating the sound of the past five years with a more robust and mature dynamic.

In another development, the new album is the band’s most collaborative to date, with all four musicians putting their shoulders to the wheel, and much of the writing taking place in the studio.

Moreover, in stark contrast to Babel, none of

the new songs have been road-tested live: fans will come to them fresh.

Those live settings will come in various guises over the summer. Gentlemen of the Road is their travelling festival, borne out of a desire to play non conventional or places less travelled.

Since 2012, they have visited the likes of Dungog (Australia), Portland, Maine; places with rich history (Bristol, Virginia) or ancient tradition (Lewes, UK); and gems waiting to be discovered (Dixon, Illinois).

A visit to Galway h a p p e n e d i n 2 013 , with further visits to these shores hopefully being announced in the future.

Key tracks: Believe, Tomkins Square Park, Only Love.

Release date: May 1.

DA MO N A l b a r n recently spoke on Irish radio about the origins of the first Blur album in 16 years (The Magic Whip , Parlophone/ Warners) with the completed line up.

While touring Asia in the spring of 2013, a music festival – Tokyo Rock – was abruptly called off due to disorganised management.

With a five-day break in their schedule and no dates to attend to, they took shelter in a tiny recording studio in Hong Kong, jamming with no goal in mind.

The 15 songs they drafted up were set aside once they got back on tour.

Almost a year later, Graham Coxon revisited the tracks and, after roping in Blur’s early producer Stephen Street, presented the material to the band.

Last year, they set about editing and cobbling together the ideas that were born from these sessions.

This was in contrast to social media updates previously distributed a year before by on/off producer William Orbit that relations within the band were less than cordial.

In an era that is coming to be defined by surprise releases, maybe the most surprising of all –apart from Bowie’s – is Blur’s latest; surprising because in contrast to, say, The Stone Roses, it’s always felt (no matter how much they might have denied it) that there was always creative ground still to be covered.

This was proven by the superb Under The Westway single from 2012, which was their anthem of that summer tour.

The gigs of that time,

Blur fans won’t need 99 reasons to pick up The Magic Whip (right) – their new album, inspired by songs they whipped together in Hong Kong. Picture: Linda Brownlee

including an appearance at Oxegen 2011, could only have been supported by nostalgia for a brief period.

No more looking back, then, as this is an album bulging with as many ideas and as much energy as any of Blur’s, or – perhaps more importantly – any of their now contemporaries.

Key tracks include My Terracotta Heart, which deals with Albarn’s and Cox’s oftentimes difficult relationship; the single, Lonesome Street, which is undeniably Blur; and New World Towers, echoing the themes of paranoia to the dubby Ghost Ship – with these, there’s plenty to keep the listener engaged.

Key tracks: Lonesome Street, My Terracotta Heart, Mirrorball.

Release date: April 27.

Gazette

24 Gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

Find your way in to health TRYING to lose weight and be healthy can be a struggle for most. Finding the correct method is just as hard but one weight-management clinic is offering a tailor-made option to clients.

Your Way In, located in Blackrock, was set up after Marie Healy had spent years working with people who struggled with health and weight issues that could be remedied through alternative, nutritious food options.

Healy worked at Conefrey’s Pharmacy in Pearse Street before becoming personal assistant to Dr Eva Orsmond, and then manager of five weight-management Orsmond clinics.

There she gained experience in weight management, which helped her to discover that the most successful way of dealing with being over-weight, obesity and related issues is through a healthy, natural food diet.

Healy said: “I believe our easyto-follow, no-gimmicks approach to healthy eating that involves only natural, real food is the most successful route and our results speak for themselves.”

Your Way In recognises the unique needs of each individual, and offers a professional weight loss programme in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The small and personal team offer a choice of nutritional diet programmes, and one-to one-private consultations or small group sessions.

The clinic’s healthy eating programmes are tailor made and experienced nutritionists can design a plan suitable to specific dietary needs, such as gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets. Student Lynsey, lost a stone in weight and, said she felt happy in her own skin again.

She said: “The team were there for support every week… I never dreaded coming in to hop on the scales...each week we worked on small tweaks that were manageable, and not overwhelming.”

Your Way In believes healthy eating and physical activity go hand in hand, and offers weekly fitness classes, including zumba and pilates, in the fitness studio. For more details on Your Way In see: www.yourwayin.ie

Running without a finish line AN EVENT like no other! On Sunday, May 3, more than 73,000 athletes across 35 locations worldwide took part in the Wings For Life World Run, which had no traditional finish line.

In this race, participants keep running until they are passed by “the Catcher Car”, which takes off 30 minutes after the start.

All of the entry fee went towards Wings For Life – a foundation that funds research into finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

The Wings For Life run was all about running for those who can’t, and was accessible to, and achievable by, people of all levels of fitness.

The Irish race began at Dun Laoghaire. The course was picturesque and the sun was shining down on more than 2,000 participants.

The winner of the women’s category was Orna Dilworth who ran 39.2km. The overall winner was David Sheehy (pictured) who ran 52.1km.

Sheehy completed the 2013 Dublin Marathon

in 2hrs 39mins, and in 2014 took part in The Race – a 250km endurance event in Donegal.

Now, he has the opportunity to race wherever he likes in the next Wings For Life World Run – a prize beyond price! Make 2016 your year to take part in this truly global event.

Staying healthy is crucial for pregnant women, who have a number of exercise routines to support their bodies

pregnancy: make sure the workout suits

Taking a weight off with exercise  Matthieu jalet

IT is good to stay active and relatively fit during pregnancy as it helps towards having an easier birth and a healthy baby.

Some woman may not take part physical activity if they have been misinformed about how light to moderate their training regime should be. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backache. If you were not fit before you were pregnant, don’t give up! Begin slowly and build gradually as you become stronger.

During the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks), it is best to keep your exercise sessions no longer than 45 minutes, unless they

are part of a class. Always listen to your body when exercising, and slow down or stop if you feel tired or unwell. If you are just starting, begin with a moderately brisk pace, three days a week. Try for a combination of cardio (aerobic), strength and flexibility exercises, and avoid bouncing. As part of strength training modify some exercises; instead of squatting with a barbell try using an assisted ball squat, and most importantly make sure its comfortable for you.

During the second trimester (14 to 26 weeks) avoid any overhead exercises as they can put pressure on the lower back and increase the heart rate. Try to vary your routine, so that you use

different muscle groups.

For example, at one session, exercise your arms and shoulders, and at another, focus on your legs, hips and bottom muscles. Swimming is an ideal and safe form of exercise in pregnancy. It exercises your arms and legs, and works your heart and lungs. The bigger your bump gets, the more you will enjoy feeling weightless in the water. Yoga and pilates also help to maintain muscle tone and flexibility, and improve your posture, which is a good all over body balance, without putting too much strain on the joints.

In the third trimester (27 to 40 weeks) exercise may become too difficult and too uncomfortable.

If you are on bed rest, you

will probably need to stop exercising. But otherwise, you may just need to make more adjustments to your workouts.

You should not lie flat on your back from the second trimester on. At this stage you may need more recovery time between workouts and you can also incorporate birth preparation exercises into your routine. “Keeping up with training is key to feeling great throughout your pregnancy,” said Siobhan Byrne, trainer and owner of BodyByrne Fitness, which launches a pregnancy training app next month that aims to take you through each trimester.Visit http://www. bodybyrne.ie/bodybyrnefitness-the-team/ for more information.

7 May 2015 gazette 25

26 dun laoghaire gazette 7 May 2015

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Gazette

28 Gazette 7 May 2015

SPORT Fear a key factor for Murphy

FastSport

swimming: ucd to fore at irish open long course championships

dublin duo reach belgian grand final:

TEMPLEOGUE’S Shane O’Donoghue and Shankill man Kyle Good are looking forward to playing in the Belgian Audi Hockey League’s final next week with their Antwerp-based club Dragons.

The pair were both part of the side that won their twolegged battle with KHC Leuven – who topped the regular season standings – in the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate having won the first tie last Friday 3-1 before closing out the victory 2-0 on Sunday in the reverse fixture.

The Irish internationals moved to Belgium last summer to join Dragons and have impressed during their time with the club. They helped the side reach the quarter-finals of the Euro Hockey League at Easter with Good netting a couple of times in ousting the reigning champions Harvestehuder THC from Germany.

 sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN swimmers were on top form for the Irish Open Swimming Championships at the National Aquatic Centre last weekend, with a number grabbing their last chance to

post a qualifying time for international competitions taking place this summer.

UCD Swimming Club had a particularly successful event, with Alex Murphy ducking just under the qualifying time

Alex Murphy, centre, with his medal

for Russia’s World Swimming Championship this summer in the 50m breast stroke. His day one time topped the qualifying standard by just two hundredths of a second.

A delighted Murphy admitted to approaching the race feeling uncertain, having missed out on the time in the semi-final, but embraced his coaching philosophy of “feel the fear and do it anyway” to edge in by a finger tip.

Shauna O’Brien - also of UCD - was one of the stars of the weekend, taking home the 100m butterfly gold in a time of 1.00.56, just a fraction slower than her own Irish senior record set in the semi final. O’Brien had already qualified to compete at the World Univer-

Aer Lingus’s 400m medley relay silver medal winning team. Picture: Stephen McCarthy

sity Games taking place in Gwangju, South Korea in early July.

Andrew Meegan, of Aer Lingus, took home his first national title, with the Irish record holder touching out Athlone’s Brendan Gibbons by 0.12 of a second to take the 800m freestyle final.

Aer Lingus team mate Ben Griffins claimed third in the 200m individual medley, while the NAC’s own Brian O’Sullivan grabbed second in the 50m backstroke final.

Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland came close to his own Irish record, taking home the men’s 100m butterfly title ahead of a strong American field, while Hyland’s 200m win in the same stroke was also a highlight of day one

and capped an impressive individual performance.

Shani Stallard, 400m individual medley, and David Prendergast, 50m backstroke, also placed in their events, with both edged out by the championships’ American contingent, but taking home the respective Irish titles.

A significant American visiting crew pushed the locals to the edge over the course of the championships, dominating day two of the three-day event in particular with a clean sweep of the eight races.

The local contingent will be more than happy with the impressive array of qualification marks posted, however.

The results bring the total number of Irish swimmers and divers

reaching qualifying standards for this summer’s world-level events to 28.

Off the back of these races, a group will head off to events including the World Championships, World University Games, European Games, European Youth Olympics and World Junior Championships throughout the summer.

Final selection for events in South Korea, Georgia, Russia and Singapore will be made based on these qualifying times at a later date.

Swim Ireland national performance director Peter Banks is also looking further forward, highlighting the strength of the team building towards the Olympics in Brazil in 2016.

Bracewell takes reins ahead of England tie in Malahide  sport@dublingazette.com

Ireland’s Alex Cusack, John Mooney, Max Sorensen and Kevin O’Brien promoting Friday’s tie

JOHN Bracewell was confirmed as the new Irish cricket coach in time to see Ireland take on England this Friday in Malahide in the marquee one-day international fixture.

The 57-year-old has a track record of success with both New Zealand and in English domestic cricket and is seen as the ideal man to deliver the target of test cricket for Ireland by 2019.

Cricket Ireland performance director Richard Holdsworth

commented on the appointment. “We are delighted to welcome John to the Irish cricket family, to take the team through new challenges towards our vision of Test cricket.

“He has substantial international experience, not only playing in 41 tests and 53 ODIs, but also as New Zealand coach in 41 Tests and 106 ODIs over five years.

“During his tenure the Black Caps qualified for three semi-finals in ICC global events, while he also won six trophies with Gloucestershire. The interview

panel was impressed by John’s passion, commitment and knowledge, but more importantly his international experience both as a player and coach.”

Speaking about his appointment, Bracewell added: “I am delighted to accept the position as Cricket Ireland’s head coach.

There is nothing I enjoy more than fighting for a cause and, in cricket terms, there is none better than obtaining test status.

“A l r e a d y I r e l a n d h ave achieved tremendous international results given its financial resources and has gained respect

at international tournaments, to the point where they are no longer regarded as a banana skin match but true qualifying contenders.”

Ireland assistant coach and performance analyst Peter Johnston will lead the Ireland coaching team for the Royal London One-Day International against England with Bracewell at the game in an observer capacity.

His first match as head coach will be the home Inter Continental Cup game against the UAE starting on June 2, subject to receiving a work permit.

7 May 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Prestige stage set for tenth birthday With the An Post Ras coming to Skerries for its thrilling finale for a 10th successive year, James Hendicott spoke to organiser Michael O’Donoghue about Irish cycling’s big event SUNDAY, May 24 will see Skerries host the final stage of the An Post Ras for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year, on the event’s 63rd edition.

Ireland’s most significant international cycling race takes place over eight stages, setting off from Dunboyne, Co Meath, on Sunday, May 17.

It subsequently takes in 14 counties, with stops including Carlow, Tipperary, Ballina and Drogheda along the route.

Organiser Michael O’Donoghue is the sportsman on the race committee, but sees the event in a far wider context than simply as a cycling event, focusing instead on the street party that the Ras brings to the town.

“I’m one of very few people on the committee who’s into cycling”, O’Donoghue explains.

“The focus is very much on being part of the Skerries social calendar, so most of the committee are local community organisers.

“It’s built around the cycling, but we’ll be focusing on the atmosphere, not the race. It’s become Skerries’ largest street festival.”

The theme of the festival for 2015 will be Fitness and Fun for All, with static bikes, fitness testing and healthy eating stalls added to the festival’s annual attractions.

“There are over 50 community groups involved, and we try to lay on a lot of attractions.

“This year those will include a farmers’ market, street entertainers, bouncy castles, magic performers and craft stalls.

“We’ll be spending more on it than we ever

have before, with loads of community involvement.

There will be a lot to do.”

That expansive finalstage party has drawn between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators to the sprint finish over the past few years.

However, O’Donoghue hopes the extra planning efforts for the 10th anniversary may lead to a still greater turn out this year.

“We hope it will be the best-attended final stage yet”, O’Donoghue says.

“Fingal County Council has been great in their funding and support.

There’s strong community support.

“The route really shows off Skerries. It’s a beautiful route taking in the castle, the town centre and the coast.

“It’s fantastic for Skerries to be able to bring an influx of international visitors. The teams come

Rozanna Purcell pictured with, from left, Irish riders Damien Shaw, David McCann, former Ras winner, Sean McKenna and Eoin Morton at the launch of the An Post Ras

complete with doctors, mechanics and managers, so it’s a significant tourism boost for the town.”

Among cycling fanatics, the Ras has developed a reputation as a proving ground for world class athletes, with previous winners including three-time world

event is already clear, riders want to take the cheers of the crowd. It’s the best attended stage and the one people remember.”

Major teams competing this year include the Team Novo Nordisk development squad, who will feature only type 1 diabetic riders, who are aiming

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

‘Skerries is the prestige, homecoming stage so the riders want to be the one to take the crowd’s cheers’

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

time trial champion and Olympic silver medallist Tony Martin, and winner of this year’s notorious Paris-Roubaix race John Degenkolb, both of Germany.

The final stage is spectator friendly, looping three times through the Black Hills and back into the city to enable plenty of access to all the action for spectators. The third loop has been added this year as a special spectator-friendly 10th anniversary extra. The racers are expected to arrive in Skerries shortly after 2pm, with the winner crowned at a trophy presentation at 4pm.

Things should be competitive. The final “prestige” stage is “generally the one people want to win”, O’Donogue says. “It’s the homecoming stage, so even if the winner of the

to prove that sportsmen can compete alongside controlled type 1 diabetes. The Canadian and New Zealand national teams will attend, while the previously successful Azerbaijan Synergy Baku Team will return to chase further stage wins.

“The Ras coming to the same town for a 10th consecutive year is unprecedented. Obviously, it’s a huge boost for the local area.” O’Donoghue concludes. “We’re hoping it will be huge.”

This year’s full route of 1,200kms omits many of the previous year’s tougher climbs, featuring no category one and just two category two ascents.

This is expected to open up the 2015 circuit to attacks over windy routes providing little shelter, so hopes for a thrilling festival finish are high.

FastSport

Werahiko back on board as Salmo aim to bounce back DE LA Salle Palmerston has appointed Phil Werahiko as their new director of rugby for the 2015/16 season as they look to put plans in place to bounce back up to all-Ireland league status.

Werahiko previously played and worked as head coach for DLSP where he guided them into top tier of the AIL. After his successful period at the Kirwan Park club, his career then took him to further success’s at Clontarf and English Division one side Rotherham, before returning to Dublin to coach Old Belvedere, where he won the AIL title in 2011.

In recent years, he has taken up a role at Belvedere College where he oversees all aspects of rugby and this season guided their senior cup team to reach the Leinster schools final.

Speaking about the new appointment, a club statement said: “We are genuinely delighted that someone with Phil’s vast experience has given such a vote of confidence to our club by accepting this role and we are confident that his appointment sends out a clear message about our intentions for the 2015-16 season.

“Phil is currently conducting a review of our rugby structures and resources.”

It comes in the wake of DLSP dropping out of the national league in dramatic fashion as they fell 22-10 to Dundalk in a playoff game after they finished the Division 2B season in 14th place overall.

It followed a last season rally that almost saw them escape the playoff places with a 17-6 win over Wanderers, a 17-all draw with Midleton before closing out the campaign with a 41-0 home win against Ards.

But it was enough to reel in Boyne, who finished three points clear of them in the rankings, in front of big crowds and the club are hopeful they can replicate that in the coming seasons as they bid to bounce back.

“We would also like to thank all of our club members who got out in such large and vocal numbers to support our team when really needed.

It was genuinely appreciated by the whole squad.

“We face many difficult challenges but we would like to use this opportunity to reassure the members that the club is absolutely committed to regaining AIL status.”

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 7 May 2015

SPORT

fastSport

soccer: cabo salvage last ditch draw against harps

Dalkey United through to Hackett Cup decider DALKEY United set up a final date with Finglas Celtic in the Under-11 Hackett Cup as they got the better of Manortown 4-2 last week in cold and wet conditions at Hyde Park.

The slippery pitch aided Dalkey’s slick passing and moving game, though. Oscar Woods was particularly solid in defence during the first half while some great combination play between captain Caoimhin Cronin, Joe Ballance, Sam Greaney and Charlie McLaughlin resulted in Dalkey taking the lead from a McLaughlin shot.

Wonderful work from Ballance down the left resulted in a beautifully floated cross that McLaughlin headed on target but great goalkeeping prevented the goal.

Sam Greaney then put Dalkey further ahead with another well-worked goal. Into the second half, McLaughlin and Sam Greaney combined well to set up a well taken goal for Thomas Wride.

Greaney, in particular, was full of tricks and skills while Adam Greaney had a great game in goal but Manortown fought back hard to score a couple of scrambled goals despite the best efforts of defenders Liam Norton and Joe McCarthy.

Wride, though, scored his second following a perfect cross in from a hard working and determined McLaughlin from the right wing to seal their place in the final.

Mount Merrion all set for big fundraiser MOUNT Merrion Football Club’s 18th annual golf classic will take place on Friday, May 15 in Powerscourt Golf Club. The event will be played on a stableford format with a shotgun start getting under way at 2pm.

The price for a

team of four is €450, which includes lunch, dinner, green fees and prizes for the top six finishers.

Hole sponsorship is available, too, for €100.

If you would like to get involved, contact TJ Maher on 087 286 3092, Paul Higgins on 087 252 2150 or Pat Maher on 087 318 3333 for more information on this big fundraiser for the club.

Cabinteely in action against Finn Harps last Friday at Stradbrook.

McKeown snatches a point sse first division Cabinteely Finn Harps  sport@dublingazette.com

1 1

CABINTEELY bounced back from last week’s 7-0 thrashing at Wexford Youths to grab a wellearned point at Stradbrook Park against Airtricity League Division One leaders Finn Harps.

Conceding a goal right from kick off against the unbeaten leaders can’t have filled home fans with hope. Ruari Keating headed Harps in front from one of their first moves of the game, nodding in

from an early corner at the back post and setting alarm bells ringing.

Cabo heads didn’t drop, though, and the Stradbrook club went on to have a strong first half, fighting their way into a tight, scrappy encounter with growing confidence and gusto.

T heir finest early moment came via a strong claim for a penalty, turned down after Bobinel Mazono looked to be dragged to the ground in the Harps penalty area but referee Ryan Matthews waved away the protests.

mini world cup Lakelands annual event open for registration stillorgan’s Lakelands FC will again stage a Mini World Cup at Balally Hill from Monday, June 22, to Saturday, June 27.

Open to boys and girls born in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, the event will be staged in the evenings and will finish with finals and a presentation party for all players on ​Saturday, June 27.

Registrations will be taken in The Goat Grill, Goatstown, from 7pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, May 26, and Thursday, May 28.

Harps, similarly, had a claim for hand ball in the penalty area dismissed, despite feeling it hit Daniel Campbell in the arm.

Perhaps unfortunate to go in behind at the break, Cabinteely upped their game further in the second half, taking the game to Harps with increased intensity.

A physical tackling display from a much improved defence stood out, though a series of long-distance efforts failed to overly worry Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher.

It was to take until the

95th and final minute of injury time for Cabo to finally grab their equaliser and a hard-earned point.

Jamie McGlynn’s hopeful launch into the box from centre field was won in the Harps penalty area by captain Rob Maloney.

He nodded down to John McKeown, who finished with a sharp volley on the turn and via the away side’s crossbar, prompting ecstatic celebrations.

The equaliser signalled the end of a tough run for Cabo, who picked up just a point from April’s three league fixtures as well as

exiting the EA Sports Cup at Premier League Shamrock Rovers. The scrappy nature of the game will matter little to the home side given Harps previous unbeaten record, and the morale boosting nature of that late equaliser.

They can now look forward to playing some of the sides around them in the First Division, having picked up eight points from their first nine games at this level.

Shelbourne, Cobh Ramblers and Waterford United – the other three of the division’s strugglers – are up next.

7 May 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

Foxrock minor Bs win League Cup title  sport@dublingazette.com

FOXROCK Cabinteely’s Minor B footballers nicked a 3-3 to 0-11 victory over Man O War, nicking a memorable victory to land the League Cup title.

They found themselves two points behind inside seven minutes but soon settled. After near misses

from Lucy Hartigan and Bea Jackson, Ciara Begley found the net to get Foxrock on the board.

Rebecca Tonge followed up with a classy second major while points from Eimear Hickey and Tonge established a six-point lead at half-time.

The second half was all about courage and concentration. Roared on by

a large home crowd, Man O’War picked off points and, with 15 minutes to go, were a point up.

Determined running from Rebecca Clarke, Erin Walshe and Catriona Murdiff eventually saw the ball worked into Clea Culloty, who smashed home a goal.

Back came Man O’War and picked off two points

to tie things up with five minute remaining. Tonge, however, was fouled 20 yards out to open the chance for Hickey to step up and, facing into the strong wind, showed nerves of steel to split the posts.

Foxrock subsequently defended with huge heart to cling on for the famous win and the trophy.

hurling: st brigid’s prove too strong in the final

Club Noticeboard cuala TWO good wins for our U-16 girls this

up a strong first-half lead. All the lads

week. They played St Peregrine’s in

played great hurling all weekend and

Hyde Park and scored a massive 7-17

did Cuala and their families proud.

Congratulations to Jennifer Dunne

against a strong opposition, who scored 4-5.

The girls were back in action on Sunday in Meadowvale against Na Fianna,

and the Dublin U-16 ladies footballers who defeated Westmeath to qualify for the Leinster final.

who were level with them on league

Congratulations also to Rachel

points. The Cuala team fought hard

Hartnett who came off the bench to

and, despite being down at half time,

score 0-3 for the Dublin U-14 ladies

they finished victorious on a score line

Footballers against Louth.

of 2-12 to 2-9. Girls and mentors would

Good luck to the adult football-

like to wish the injured Na Fianna girl a

ers who face into championship next

swift recovery.

week. The second team are out first on

Hard luck to our Feile A hurlers who

Friday, May 8, against St Sylvester’s

lost to a strong St Brigid’s side in the

in O’Toole Park in the intermediate

Division 3 final. They still go through to

championship, while the seniors face

the regional finals in Ulster. The Feile B

Ballinteer on Saturday, May 9.

This week’s jackpot will be €3,900.

hurlers did very well too in atrocious conditions in Thomastown.

Winning both their group games to top the group, they faced a strong

Our three €50 lucky dip winners were Brian McGrath, Claire Lawlor and Eithne Thompson.

Lucan side in the semi-final. Despite

Tickets for this week’s draw can be

some Trojan work from one to 15 they

bought online at http://www.cuala-

couldn’t catch Lucan, who had built

gaa.ie/lotto.

shankill

Cuala in action against St Brigid’s in Parnell Park last Sunday

Cuala’s U14s reach annual Feile final feile division 3 final Cuala St Brigid’s  sport@dublingazette.com

1-1 4-4

CUALA found the final a bridge too far as their fine run in the Dublin hurling Feile came to a lowkey end in Parnell Park against a strong St Brigid’s side in the final.

The Dalkey side tore through the group phase of the competition with wins over Naomh Mearnog, Craobh Chiarain and Thomas Davis at Naomh Mearnog last Saturday.

They duly ran up an emphatic 5-6 to no score semi-final win over St

Mark’s to reach Sunday’s decider. Their B side came close to making it two Cuala sides in their respective finals but fell to Lucan Sarsfields in their Division 6 semi-final.

TheirA side succumbed to first-half goals from Mark Coyne, Daniel Hawkshaw and Matt Grogan that propelled St Brigid’s to the Division 3 title.

The Dublin 15 side got off to a flying start when Coyne’s long free dipped in dangerously and found the net just three minutes in.

Cuala replied quickly via Cal Doran, who

thrashed home a rebound after Tighernan Shaffrey’s shot was well saved by Aoghan Hourican.

But Brigid’s were back in the ascendancy with their second goal in the 13th minute with Hawkshaw providing a delightful finish, lifting the sliotar high before applying a tennis-style backhand volley to the net.

Grogan then continued the goal rush just before half-time as feverish harrying from Liam Doherty and Padraig McGlynn created the chance by turning over ball less than 20m from the Cuala goal.

It was eventually

worked over to the waiting Grogan on the right post, who smashed home, with plenty of power.

With Doherty and McGlynn weighing in with a couple of points, too, it helped the Russell Park side build a 3-3 to 1-1 halftime lead – Shaffrey adding the point.

Cuala had slightly the better of proceedings after the break amid a deluge of rain but could not land their scores while Brigid’s nailed their chances with Ruairi O’Neill getting their fourth goal, pouncing after an initial shot hit the bar to add an extra gloss on the scoreline.

THE juvenile academy is in action every

Saturday morning at 10am in Shanga-

Saturday at 10am in Shanganagh Cas-

nagh Castle when there is no match.

tle. The academy caters for children

It was a complete wash out for a sec-

from four to eight years of age at only

ond Saturday. There was no winner of

€2 per week.

our Chase the Ace Sunday night draw

There is no annual subscription and

in Brady’s of Shankill, which currently

covers Gaelic football, hurling and

has a jackpot of €2,350. The €50 prize

camogie. All equipment is supplied. New

went to Thomas Murphy.

Training for the adult team is at

members are always welcome.

The club summer camp will take

7.30pm on Thursday in Shanganagh

place from July 6 to 10 at a cost €45 per

Cliffs. There is no match this week. If

member, €50 per non member with €5

you would like to join the team, please

reduction for siblings. Book early as

contact Damien 085 2327359 or any club

places are limited.

member.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Training for both boys and girls teams is on Wednesday evening at 7pm and

Join Shankill GAA club.

foxrock cabinteely CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin U-16 and U-14 teams who have qualified for their respective Leinster finals.

tive.

The academy continues every Saturday morning from 9.45 to 11.15am

Well done in particular to Jessica

in Kilbogget Park. The feedback from

Connolly who scored 1-8 for the U-14s

the new members has been fantastic

in their win over Louth.

so well done to Derek, Naomi, Paul and

Both teams will meet Meath in the

the rest of the Academy crew. If you

Leinster finals with the U-16 game

know of players born between 2007

being played on May 17 and the U-14

and 2010 please do let them know

game happening on May 30.

about this.

Various members of the executive

The club Facebook page also has

have been asked if the club will have a

information on the various activities

Family Day this year and the answer

in the club. Have a look at the academy

is yes.

page and the Gaelic 4 Mothers page.

Organising an event like this is a

The club has a Twitter account - @

huge task and is something that the

OFFICIALFoxCabGAA. Please follow

executive cannot do on their own. If

this to get the latest updates from

you’d like to get involved in helping

the club. Get your family and friends

out, please contact any of the execu-

to follow it too.

32 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7 May 2015