Dun laoghaire

Gazette DUN LAOGHAIRE

HODOR! Irish DJ – and much-loved Game of Thrones actor – Kristian Nairn speaks to The Gazette Page 14

June 2-8, 2016

Find us on

Liverpool come calling as Joeys McAuley signs formal terms

see page 30

The future is local - the future is free

iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE s ’ 2 U WIN NEW Live In Paris DVD SEE

PAGE 2 1 T O ENT

ER

food

Try our top tips for the best barbie cooking Page 20

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Teen smashed boy in face with hammer over drugs Schoolboy’s skull

 EMMA NOLAN

fractured in row over

A south Dublin schoolboy who fractured another teen’s skull with a hammer over €50 worth of cannabis has avoided a custodial sentence.

€50 worth of cannabis

The 17-year-old boy from Foxrock, Dublin, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his victim, who also can’t be named, at Blackrock, Co Dublin on January 25 last year.

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 2 June 2016

Dun Laoghaire | Webb will bring a huge variety of skills to residency

Sarah spins her web for writer in residence  emma nolan

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have announced their new writer in residence for 2016-2017.

Sarah Webb is an award-winning writer for both children and adults. She has written eleven bestselling novels for adults. Her books have been published in many different countries including the US, Australia, Poland, Italy and Indonesia.

The Dun Laoghaire native has also written many children’s books,

has contributed short stories to several collections and has compiled and edited three charity collections of her own.

Her ‘Ask Amy Green’ series has been shortlisted for the Queen of Teen Award and the Irish Book Awards. Her latest series for age 8+ is called The Songbird Café Girls.

Sarah worked in the book trade for many years as a children’s bookseller and buyer.

She now combines writing with schools visits, reading and giving workshops at festivals,

teaching creative writing and reviewing children’s books. She is also the Children’s Curator of the Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival, Children’s Literary Advisor to Listowel Writers’ Week and in 2015 was awarded the Children’s Books Ireland Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Books.

Throughout her term as writer in residence, Sarah will work on her new novel for children age 9+, a picture book and a children’s theatre script.

During her resi-

Sarah Webb announced as new writer in residence

dency, Sarah will focus on encouraging and suppor ting children and teenagers’ creativity through reading and writing. She will also give advice and support to those who wish to write for children.

Sarah will host book

clubs for young readers and bring both new and established children’s writers to meet school and community groups through the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown libraries. Sarah hopes to introduce a novel and vibrant series of ‘teen

creative sessions’ to the LexIcon Lab that will include writing, journalism & blogging, illustration, as well as other topics such as social media where it is envisioned teenagers will curate and be intrinsically involved throughout.

Take the Maeve Binchy trail Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre are hosting a Maeve Binchy and Famous Irish Writers Guided Walk every Friday from June to September this summer.

From Dalkey Castle, guests will pass locations that were special to Maeve and famous Irish writers and listen to anecdotes, readings and references.

Visitors will also enjoy extracts from Maeve’s work in The Maeve Binchy Garden at Dalkey Library which displays the Gordon Snell rose.

The late Maeve Binchy lived in Dalkey for most of her life and organisers say that this walk gives her readers a chance to pass the places that were special to her and made her the “contented sunny person” she was.

2 June 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 3

dublin | unexpected death of main attraction, Harry the silverback Western

Zoo’s ‘gentle and calm’ gorilla dies

 karl graham DUBLIN zoo was in mourning at the weekend when news broke that Harry the western lowland gorilla had sadly passed away after a short illness on Sunday morning.

29-year-old Harr y, also known as the ‘sil-

verback’, was the leader of Dublin Zoo’s gorilla troop, fathering six offspring during his time at the zoo.

Dublin Zoo broke the news in a statement on their Facebook page on Monday leading to a flood of tributes from across the country.

One user wrote:

“Awh No that’s awful news....I remember seeing Harry since I was a child..and then bringing my own two to see him..he was a Beautiful Proud Leader ...condolences to you all....things won’t be the same now...

Dublin Zoo has lost its mascot.RIP Harry and thanks for all the childhood memories xxx.”

While another wrote: Very very sad to hear that. He was the one creature I really loved watching in Dublin Zoo. No matter how bad a day it was, I always found watching him sitting in his spot to be a very calming influence.

Dublin Zoo’s statement described Harry as “a very gentle and calm gorilla and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Dublin Zoo.”

“Things won’t be the same now...

Dublin Zoo has lost its mascot.RIP Harry and thanks for all the childhood memories” “No matter how bad a day it was, I always found watching him sitting in his spot to be a very calming influence” “My kids are devastated -we all really loved Harry. My youngest girl would always go straight to his enclosure. I haven’t even told her yet” Harry the western lowland gorilla has sadly passed away after a short illness

lowland gorilla shot at zoo in Cincinnati

The news comes at a difficult time for gorillas in captivity – with the death of another western lowland gorilla from a zoo in Cincinnati, USA. Harambe was shot by zookeepers after a four-year-old boy climbed through a barrier and fell into the zoo’s gorilla enclosure.

Video footage released showed the 17-year-old gorilla drag the young boy through the enclosure for 10 minutes, however new footage has led to claims the gorilla was acting protective of the child.

The exact reason for Harry’s death is still unknown and Dublin Zoo is awaiting the final outcome of a post-mortem.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 2 June 2016

SELLING YOUR GNOME HOME? Tidy nests sell faster

Appreciation for selfless volunteers  emma nolan

The good work of 103 volunteers from across Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has been celebrated at an event hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Saul (FG).

The event recognised the volunteers for giving up their valuable time and expertise for the betterment of their community and in turn the betterment of society.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Saul said: “The community believed that each person in attendance should be recognised for consist-

ently and unselfishly offering up their time and effort for the good of their community, group or club.

“This is indeed a high honour, I hope they take every encouragement from it.”

The celebration honoured the individuals who are representative of the body of volunteers that contribute their time and effort to help their own communities in areas such as sports, arts, local affairs, environment and heritage.

Each volunteer at the event was nominated by members of their community.

Pictured with An Cathaoirleach is Jamie Downer who established and supports a Disability Group.

She is part of Holly House, Community Development Project.

Cllr Saul thanked e ve r y o n e f o r t h e i r dedication and said he hopes the volunteers know their efforts are “greatly appreciated by

other volunteers, by the people you help in so many ways, by the wider society and by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council”.

Courts | victim had to drop down a level in school

Schoolboy fractured teen’s skull with hammer over €50 worth of cannabis

You might love your gnome collection but your buyers may not. For handy tips on showing your home at its best, download our guide.

Clear the clutter

nesta.ie/store SANDYFORD

DEANSGRANGE

SANTRY

KYLEMORE

1850 772233

1850 772237

1850 772235

1850 772236

�50 off Any Room

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY AND QUOTE THE PROMOTIONAL CODE GNOME164

T&C’S OFFER NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTION. ONE PER CUSTOMER. OFFER VALID UNTIL 30/6/16. OFFER VALID ON NEW ROOMS ONLY, WHILE STOCKS LAST.

Continued from Page 1 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the boy, then 16, armed himself with his father’s hammer and struck his victim, a fourth year secondary school student, on the forehead, causing a fractured skull and internal bleeding. The pair had never met before.

Afterwards his victim was left with serious injuries and had to drop down a level in school.

Judge Martin Nolan had remanded the boy in custody over the weekend, telling him “I want you to take note of your surroundings over the next two or three days because that may be your future.”

Earlier this week he imposed a three and a half year suspended sentence along with two years probation supervision.

Judge Nolan called it a “deeply reprehensible” assault. “For no apparent reason and without any legitimate provocation, (he) attacked the injured party with a hammer. He intended to cause serious injury to that young boy”.

Addressing the teen he said: “If you have a conscience, what you did should affect you greatly. I think you have to carry it with you and you should carry it.”

The teen smiled and shook hands

with his legal team and the garda after the sentence was handed down.

Prosecuting counsel Paul Carroll, BL, said the incident occurred after two opposing groups of teenage boys arranged to meet at Blackrock in relation to a dispute over a €50 cannabis deal.

The court heard the accused’s friend had reneged on a deal to supply cannabis to the victim’s friends ahead of a party. After a series of calls and texts between both groups of boys, it was arranged they would meet up in Blackrock.

The boy told gardaí he initially brought the hammer to the meeting “for protection” and because it was “better to be safe than sorry”, the court heard.

But Mr Carroll said the boy told gardaí he “got angrier during the day” after he took a phone call from a member of the other gang who shouted at him.

After the groups met in a laneway around 6pm, the boy hit the victim on the forehead once and attempted to strike him another couple of times. When asked by gardaí why he did it, the boy said: “I was stupid enough to think it was a good idea to hit him with it.”

When asked by gardaí if there was

an argument beforehand, the boy said, “There had been an awk-ward atmosphere but no argument really”, Mr Carroll told the court. He said he had never seen his victim before.

The victim was rushed to hospital with a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain. The accused was arrested at his home by gardaí after several boys identified him from the scene.

He immediately showed them the hammer and a bat – which one of his friends had brought to the meeting – hidden in bushes in his front garden.

The victim read out a victim impact statement in court in which he said his injury had given him “a great deal of stress and pain” over the last year.

“Over the last year, I’ve had terrible trouble leaving my house without a friend or family member,” he said.

The victim said he had had to drop down from honours level Leaving Cert to do the Leaving Cert Applied course, which meant he would miss out on going to university.

“It’s put my future on hold,” he said.

Defence barrister Sandra Frayne, BL, said her client was extremely sorry and she asked the judge not to impose a custodial sentence.

2 June 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 5

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 2 June 2016

waste | reduced packaging needed

Scrappage of green bin charges gets thumbs up  emma nolan

A number of public representatives from the Dun Laoghaire constituency have welcomed the government’s back down over “disgraceful” green waste charges.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett welcomed the government’s decision to withdraw on the plan of former environment Minister Alan Kelly to impose for the first time charges on Green Bin recycled waste.

Deputy Boyd Barrett said that Alan Kelly’s plan to introduce the charges was “regressive” and that the government’s deci-

sion to back down “blows apart any environmental credentials that former Minister Alan Kelly might have claimed to have”.

“Kelly’s plan could only have benefited and was almost certainly prompted by the private for profit waste industry. It would have done immense damage to the environment by effectively removing the incentive for householders to recycle green waste.”

Minister Simon Coveney (FG) made the announcem ent that the charges would be scrapped last week as he welcomed the launch of an awareness campaign for the pay-by-weight system for the collection of

household waste.

Minister Coveney said the system “will mean that the majority of households will be charged in a new, fairer and more transparent way”.

Cllr Carrie Smyth (Lab) also welcomed the decision to scrap the charges.

Cllr Smyth said that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council was “progressive when they introduced the pay by weight on their black bin collection in 2005, hence residents got involved in reduce, reuse and recycle”.

“Business and companies should be encouraged to reduce their packaging,” she said.

magic of Disney comes to capital Dubliners felt the magic of Disney last week as a spectacular 300m cruise ship docked at Dublin Port. This was the first and only Irish port of call for Disney Magic on her maiden voyage to Irish shores. The ship’s 3,650 passengers, cast and crew were greeted by an entertainment spectacle on the quayside. The 11-deck luxury liner is one of 113 cruise ships scheduled to call at Dublin Port in 2016. Picture: Conor McCabe

2 June 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 2 June 2016

DUN LAOGHAIREGazettegallery | National Convention of

Mary Blowick and Bernie Donnellan

Maureen Hayes, Eithne Mallin and Siobhain O’Rourke

Mary Deery

Caroline McCamley

Helen O’Hara, Florence Gillen and Anne Dempsey

2 June 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 9

Older Persons’ Councils takes place at the Killiney Castle Hotel

Ensuring older voices are heard T

he 2016 National Convention of Older People’s Councils took place in the Killiney Castle Hotel last weekend. The event commenced with the Age Friendly Ireland Achievement Awards which were followed by a number of speakers who talked on a range of sujects including the way in which the Older People’s Councils can tie in with all other networks/groups and improving well-being and health.

Mary Russell and Mary Losty

Ita Killany, Bob Gilbert and Margaret O’Toole

Laura O’Mahony and Gerry Scully

Delegates at the conference

Hugh O’Connor and Margaret Sweeney

Eva Gannon and Anne Drury

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 2 June 2016

Gazettegallery

| recognising Africa’s diversity and links with

Hrm Saheed Ibrahim and Richard Oyewde, Founder of the African Irish Sports Association. Picture: Pearl Phelan

Marianna Dantas and Gislamara Maia. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Tina Akinola. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Zola Xaji, Amma Jakiel, Michelle Atobra and Josy Brown. Picture: Pearl Phelan

Ajoke and Donotella Petrova. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Jannifer Fox, Ava Carroll and Ana Farrell. Picture: Pearl Phelan

Naima and Naomi Nkosi. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Bonan Niaho, Exodus Annin and Maryam Niaho. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

2 June 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 11

Ireland at africa day celebrations at farmleigh in the phoenix park

A cascade of colour and sound P

resident Michael D Higgins was joined by Minister of State for the Diaspora Joe McHugh as he visited Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park last weekend to mark Africa Day, a celebration of the culture, diversity and links with Ireland of the continent’s 54 countries.

Around 30,000 people came to enjoy some of the dozens of stands, stalls and entertainment areas. This is the ninth year of this celebration.

Bonan Niaho and Maryam Niaho. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

A sea of colour and vibrancy. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

The President and Joe McHugh visit the tent of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Gazette

12 Gazette 2 June 2016

business

Twenty-six social entrepreneurs have been shortlisted for the annual Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Programme

Social entrepreneurs in the running for a €600,000 fund Twenty-six, Dublinbased social entrepreneurs are in the running for a €600,000 prize fund, having been shortlisted for the annual Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Programme.

The prestigious socialfunding competition, now

in its 12th year, has supported 190 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €6.2m in direct funding to projects in areas including community and active citizenship, education and learning, environment and sustainability and mental

and physical health.

This year the competition will be providing €420,000 in direct funding to nine social entrepreneurs.

Applicants In addition, direct support valued at €180,000

will be made available to successful applicants ensuring that they are equipped to bring their vision to fruition as soon as possible and have a positive impact on their respective communities and beyond.

CEO of Social Entre-

TO BOOK CALL

1890 269 969 BISTRO DEAL Wed/Thurs

€19.50pp

Sat

€25pp

Z Admission & Racecard (normally €10) Z Main Course Option from the restaurant menu Z 5HVHUYHG VHDWLQJ RQ ÀUVW ÁRRU UHVWDXUDQW DUHD

TERM’S & CONDITION’S APPLY ON ALL PACKAGES & DEALS

WED/THURS NIGHTS Doors open 6.30pm | 1st race 7.40pm

preneurs Ireland, Darren Ryan, said that the supports from SEI, along with the backing of main partner Dublin County Council, will help the successful entrants to “build sustainable organisations”.

He said: “In Ireland

today we aren’t solving our social problems quickly enough and this process is all about empowering people to bring about change right across Ireland.

“The challenges we face are vast and complex, and so we need to

support people to develop innovative approaches to solve them. “ We h av e b e e n inspired by the calibre of applicants for this year’s awards and the incredible impact that social entrepreneurs are having all over the island.”

JUNE SUPERSAVER DEAL OF THE MONTH

INCS: Admission & Race Card, Classic ¼ Pounder Burger, Chips, Bottle of House Beer OR Glass of House Wine OR Soft Drink

10

ONLY

€

.95 PER PERSON

SATURDAY NIGHTS Doors open 6.00pm | 1st race 7.55pm

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

Superstars set to bow out with a final tango

Strictly Come Dancing superstars Vincent S i m o n e a n d F l av i a Cacace (above) will grace the stage at Bord Gais Energy Theatre with their most moving production yet, as they prepare to dance in their final ever theatre tour.

Twenty years of dancing together has seen them become Strictly Come Dancing favourites, World Dance titleholders, create and star in their own West End productions - but now it is time for the Argentine Tango Champions to say goodbye to the stage in a thrilling, new, live performance.

T h e t wo l e g e n d s will perform a series of outstanding dances brought together in an incredible show.

Choreographed by themselves and awardwinning director Karen Bruce, The Last Tango is the life story of two

people who find love through a chance meeting. The show opens with an old man climbing into his loft and finding a treasure trove of bits and pieces evoking strong and stirring memories of a past life with his wife, fondly, and humorously, remembering those days of love.

The scene is pre-war England of the 1930s; a beach picnic taken with friends, and a simple game of cricket. The first dance sequence takes us into the old man’s world.

As we move from the initial romance to the marriage proposal, wedding and honeymoon, onwards to the young man’s conscription and his demob, to the first home and the start of a family, the audience is whirled through an array of complex dance sequences, embracing Vincent and Flavia’s

Ballroom and Latin talents.

Foxtrots, Quicksteps, an American Smooth and a Viennese Waltz follow, together with a Cha Cha and Rumba mix and an incredibly passionate Paso Doble by Flavia. And, of course, the Argentine Tango, the steamy and sultry dance that is synonymous with their shows.

The Last Tango showcases Vincent and Flavia’s immense all round dance skills that have taken them right to the top.

Don’t miss your last chance to see this passionate and explosive experience - it’s time for The Last Tango.

The Last Tango runs from June 7 to 11 with tickets priced from €17.50.

To book visit www. bordgaisenergytheatre. ie.

promote your CLUB

tell us about your C LUB ’ s e v e n t s



Gazette

dublinlife

2 June 2016 Gazette 13

c o n tac t t h e G a z e t t e call 60 10 240

Gazette

14 Gazette 2 June 2016

dublinlife

FEATURE

Heroic Hodor – Kristian on life after Westeros  ian begley

Hodor’s early scenes (above) saw him as little more than a people carrier – literally. In time, the character became more nuanced, and much loved.

Irish Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has admitted that he shed some tears after discovering the fate of his character, Hodor, but said the show has “opened so many doors” for him.

Episode 5 of Game of Thrones, Season 6, gave viewers a glimpse at Hodor’s fascinating back story.

Spoiler alert – the episode explained what the word Hodor really means (derived from “hold the door”, and a key incident in his life as a lad, when he was still called by his real name – Wyllis), but unfortunately it concluded with the tragic death of the much-loved gentle giant.

Although confessing to having “a little sob” upon his character’s untimely death, Kristian told The Gazette that he owes the show so much.

He said: “Game of Thrones has opened so many doors for me. It’s definitely changed my life, and I’m definitely in a better place because of it.

“I’ve just finished a movie for the Sci-Fi channel and will be filming another movie in New York at the end of the year. I’ve also got loads of offers for commercials, adverts and voiceover work.”

Asked what it was like having to carry around a key

While known to millions around the world as the loyal and gentle giant Hodor in Game of Thrones, actor Kristian Nairn has also made a name as a DJ

character – the young Brandon Stark – for the majority of the series, Kristian admitted that disabled Bran got a lot heavier as the show progressed.

“During season one, Isaac [Hempstead, the actor who plays Bran] was only nine years old, and light as a feather – now he’s 17, and fully grown.

“I secretly hoped that he would stay the same size forever, but unfortunately I had no control over how big he got!

“I really liked this season, because I got to learn a lot more about my character’s back s t o r y a n d h ow much

of a good guy Hodor really was.”

Kristian added that he sometimes cringes watching himself on TV, saying: “It’s a weird process seeing yourself as the character and not as yourself, but since the show [Episode 5] was filmed all the way back in November, I felt somewhat disconnected from him.

“I first got offered the part of Hodor by the show’s casting

agent who remembered me from another audition which I didn’t get, and the rest was history,” he said.

Unknown to some, Kristian started off as a drag queen and DJ in Belfast’s Kremlin nightclub, and is a very good friend of Rory O’Neill (Miss Panti Bliss).

He said: “I’ve been DJing in Belfast for about 17 years, but haven’t done drag in a very long time.

“Rory is a great mate of mine and was instrumental when I first started working in Dublin all those years ago. I love drag, obviously, but it was a different time of my life which gave me many happy memories.”

Kristin is coming to The Tivoli Theatre soon to DJ at the much anticipated “Rave of Thrones” on July 16.

He will be utilising his years of DJing experience to keep everyone dancing until winter comes, with a number of special guests. Tickets are priced from €15 and can be purchased from www.fatsoma.com.

A happy moment for Hodor, AKA Irish actor and DJ Kristian Nairn

2 June 2016 Gazette 15

pluto is a real star – could you be his special someone?

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week looking for his #SpecialSomeone is Pluto, a stunning three-year-old male pit bull cross.

He is basically a big puppy who is lovable to the people he knows, and they get to see his goofy, fun side. Pluto is, however, frightened of strangers, so he would be best suited to a relatively quiet home with somebody home most of the day, as he can find being on his own very overwhelming.

He loves to play fetch and learn fun new tricks – could you be the one to teach him his next one?

If you can be this handsome hound’s #SpecialSomeone, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Dogs Trust has launched their new TV ad – the #SpecialSomeone campaign aims to overcome the buying trend by bringing to life just how important a new owner is to the dogs they rehome.

Gazette

DIARY

Get Down with Jazz MEETING House Square in Temple Bar is the venue for a two-day music festival, Down With Jazz 2016, welcoming musicians and music lovers of all persuasions, from funk to folk.

The festival starts on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30pm and concludes the following evening.

Down With Jazz 2016 comes about in recognition of this year being 100 years since the birth of Jazz amongst AfricanAmerican communities in the United States, as well as the birth of a new state for Ireland.

Artists due to take part are Stephen McHale’s Weird Glitches, awardwinning singer Edel

Meade, ReDiviDer, Toot Sweet and the Shadow Man, and Zaska, among many others. Tickets cost between €15 to €25 and are available at www. eventbrite.ie.

try an inflatable feel-good fun run EUROPE’S largest inflatable slide is coming to south Dublin next month as Cabinteely Park plays host to a brand-new fun run – the Wild Air Run. The event, which will take place from July 1-3, is billed as Ireland’s first inflatable 5k race, and is open to everyone over the age of seven.

The course is aimed at all levels of fitness – from

fanatics to those who are more used to their armchairs, while also boasting a maze and ball-pit.

There will also be a “Chill Zone” area for participants and spectators to relax and enjoy music, games and refreshments from local vendors.

Tickets are available now at www.wildairrun. com, priced €28.50 for adults and €16.50 for children. Spectators can attend for free.

tivoli to host a hot block party JAKE Shears of Scissor Sisters fame will front this year’s Mother Pride Block Party at The Tivoli Theatre, Francis St on

Heavyweight lifter Suzanne Gray (centre) with keen runners Patrick and Dearbhla at the launch of Wild Air Run

Saturday, June 25. Shears of Scissor Sisters fame will front this year’s Mother Pride Block Party at The Tivoli Theatre, Francis St on Saturday, June 25.

The event will also feature sets from Little Boots, Kelly-Anne Byrne, Wyvern Lingo, Faune, and a debut DJ performance from ‘the queen of

Ireland’, Miss Panti Bliss.

The event takes place outdoors on the grounds of The Tivoli Theatre, which has been completely revamped to include multiple bars, food stalls, Smirnoff cocktails and a new monster main stage.

Tickets cost €20, and are available now from www.eventbrite.ie.

Gazette

16 Gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

don’s dublin Who needs Egypt with Dublin’s very own pyramid?

SO WHERE would you find a pyramid in Dublin? It was a question that our teacher asked one day, and none of us had an answer.

After some serious head-scratching from the class, he told us, but we had to see it to believe.

That was a while ago, and the memory of my first sighting of the pyramid, atop Killiney Hill, is a fond one.

Killiney Hill is one of two hills – the other being Dalkey Hill – that are within Killiney Hill Park, which was opened to the public on June 30, 1887.

A committee was set up to raise the necessary funds to buy the land, and it paid £4,000 to the owner, Robert Warren, in late June.

The land had always been a popular spot for picnics and walks, and the committee was mindful of Sir Charles Cameron’s (the city health officer) comments that the benefits of “opening up new lungs in the city would be incalculable”.

Colonel John Mapas owned the land in 1740, and built Mapas House soon afterwards. After the particularly harsh winter of 1741-42, he arranged for workers to build an obelisk on top of the hill.

This helped to keep workers busy, and helped them to get some much- needed money. The men also erected the wall that still surrounds the park.

The obelisk stands 173 metres (510 feet) above the sea, from where the viewer can enjoy a fantastic 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, it is possible to look to the east and see the coast of Wales.

Just below the obelisk is the pyramid – a set of steps erected by Robert Warren, where the viewer can sit, relax and take in the sweep of Dublin Bay with the beautiful Sorrento Terrace and Dalkey Island beyond.

There is much to see from here, but the park is also popular with walkers and those interested in local flora and fauna.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Step up Killiney Hill, and behold the pyramid – a set of stone steps that proves a perfect place from which to take in the sweep of Dublin Bay

report: the gazette learns more about the daily challenges

Stopping their “THERE will always be accidents, but that doesn’t mean there has to be drownings, or deaths.”

This was some of the first-hand insight when The Gazette spoke to deputy second coxswain, David Branigan, and lifeboat operations m a n a g e r, c ox s w a i n and mechanic, Kieran O’Connell, of the RNLI at the Dun Laoghaire lifeboat station.

Regarding seafaring in all its forms, David said: “What we’re not saying is: ‘Don’t do it’ – what we are saying is: ‘Know what you’re doing’.”

As the charity that saves lives at sea, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (the RNLI) are an organisation comprising dedicated volunteers who are committed to ending preventable loss of life at sea.

David said: “There have been lifeboats in Dun Loaghaire since 1803, so Dublin Bay had one of the oldest lifeboat services in the world even before the RNLI was founded.”

He added that, back in those days before modern navigation and communication aids, there was “a terrible loss of life, particularly on the east coast”.

In Ireland, the RNLI has upwards of 2,000 volunteers and 45 lifeboat stations around Ireland, including three in the Dublin area, at Skerries, Howth and Dun Laoghaire.

T h e t wo s t a t i o n s in Howth and Dun Laoghaire are matched, which means they both have all-weather lifeboats and in-shore lifeboats for rescues in shallow areas, while the Skerries station has a very fast and large in-shore lifeboat.

 emma nolan enolan@dublingazette.com

On these setups, David said: “The whole idea is that there’s a ‘necklace’ of coverage. We look at each patch [of water] and the type of incidents that are likely to occur in that area, and equip it with a suitable type of boat.

“The stations have the boat in place, they have the facilities and the training, so that when an incident occurs, everyone is ready to respond really quickly.”

He has been volunteering with the RNLI since 1985, and Kieran since 1983.

Corkonian Kieran, from Youghal in Cork, started there with the RNLI before moving to Dun Laoghaire 18 years ago. When asked what brought the self-proclaimed proud Corkonian to Dun Laoghaire, he simply said: “Lifeboats.”

He got involved in the RNLI through fishing, while David, from Dun Laoghaire, got involved through sailing.

Kieran is the only fulltime volunteer based in Dun Laoghaire and is responsible for “pretty much everything”.

There is a full-time person at each station throughout the country who deals with the dayto-day routine maintenance of the stations.

While it is mostly a volunteer-led organisation, the full-time members are on hand at all times.

Training for the RNLI is intense, but both Kiernan

From coming to the rescue of trapped beach walkers to emergency call-outs in severe storms, the RNLI’s volunteers risk all to help save others

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

‘There is a full-time person at each station throughout the country who deals with the day-to-day routine maintenance of the stations.

While it is mostly a volunteerled organisation, the full-time members are on hand at all times.’

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

and David say it is “vocational”, and each boat has a different training programme.

“With the all-weather lifeboat, we train every

Monday evening at half six for usually two to three hours, while with the inshore lifeboat, they train mostly on Sundays with several sessions during

the day, as only three people fit on that at once.”

As preparation is key for the RNLI, the two seasoned rescuers say that more training goes on than actual rescues.

However, there are usually around 50 rescues a year, averaging one a week.

David said: “You train to prepare for the callouts, which can be risky, so we train to prepare.”

He said that volunteers who sign up with the RNLI can “expect to see pretty much everything –

2 June 2016 Gazette 17

Gazette

FEATURE

faced by rnli volunteers, forever poised and ready to drop everything for call-outs

lives to save yours ...

Whether powering through stormy seas or heading out to lend assistance, the RNLI is a staple feature of the east coast’s life, not least when it’s called upon to save lives. Pictures: David Branigan

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

‘We’re trying to get a consistent message out there, to try and raise awareness that when you’re going out on boats, or whether you’re going down to the beach, that basic precautions need to be taken’

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

David Branigan, deputy second coxswain, Dun Laoghaire RNLI

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

David Branigan, deputy second coxswain, and Kieran O’Connell, lifeboat operations manager, coxswain and mechanic, Dun Laoghaire RNLI

good and bad”, and new members should live and work within a two-mile radius of a station.

“You could be at home or at work and when the pagers go off, we hurry down to the station. Our in-shore lifeboat launches typically in five or six minutes from when the pagers go off.”

David says that employers are usually very understanding when he has to leave for a rescue during work hours.

“We’re very grateful to our employers, who

understand the commitment and understand that it’s not going to happen every single day, although there have been the odd times when you might get call-outs a few in a row, but they’d be unusual.”

There are 30 operations volunteers at the Dun Laoghaire station, so there’s “always someone available,” he said.

Funding for the organisation comes 100% from charitable donations, and it is not government supported in any way.

“It is truly a community

organisation and has been since 1824,” said David.

Funds for the charity come from fundraising events and charitable donations, while “a lot of people remember the RNLI in their will”.

Benefactors Many of the boats are named after the benefactors who included the RNLI in their wills.

As for accidents requiring an RNLI call-out, David said: “There isn’t one reason why accidents occur.

“There are so many accidents that occur as a combination of causes, so there isn’t really one thing you can say causes them.”

He said that even with the best of planning, accidents will still happen, “but sometimes with a bit of preparation, the outcomes don’t have to be as serious”.

The charity is starting their Respect The Water campaign in the coming weeks, which David said is “aimed at reducing drowning and incidents

at sea, beside the coast or on our waterways”.

He added: “A big part of what RNLI does is prevention through education, and it’s had a huge impact.”

T h e R N L I wo r k s alongside their colleagues in Irish Water Safety that run swimming rescue training, while the Irish Coast Guard service provides shore teams, coast radio stations and helicopters.

David said: “We’re trying to get a consistent message out there, to try and raise awareness that when you’re going out on boats, or whether you’re going down to the beach, that basic precautions need to be taken.

“So, when we do go out on a rescue, hopefully we’re dealing with something that’s a happy ending rather than a tragic one.”

David and K ieran

said that the idea behind Respect The Water is finding different ways of getting people to “think about what they’re doing and the risks involved”.

One of these ways is their Tonne Of Water stunt, which will see the RNLI place a large, transparent Perspex box filled with a tonne of water on Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier in the next few weeks.

Power The box of water is to show how heavy a tonne of water actually is, to demonstrate the power and strength of the water.

David said that a common type of incident that occurs is people walking on the beach at Sandymount where the tide can come in really fast.

“What happens is, people see that the tide is out, and it’s a lovely walk – who could blame them?

“You walk out, and the next thing you know, the tide comes in around you – we had three of these incidents at the start of the year.

“People think that they have plenty of time before the tide comes in and next thing you know, you’re a mile out to sea, standing on a sandbank, hoping that somebody sees you,” he said.

He said that the people they rescued on these occasions were lucky that they had phone coverage, so that they were able to call the emergency services.

“They were rescued by a lifeboat, having just gone for a walk on the beach, so it’s not just about people who get into difficulty swimming or on boats – it can be anything. “ We ’r e a n i s l a n d nation, so we’re never too far away from the sea,” he said.

Gazette

18 Gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT A new scent from Tom Ford

Bobbi Brown’s latest hybrid lippy goes ‘modern’ Bobbi Brown’s latest offering to its lipstick range is the Nourishing Lip Color Oil-Infused Shine.

With a hand-selected blend of five soothing natural oils and Vitamins C and E, this formula leaves lips with a silky feel and shining finish. The hybrid lip colour aims to leaves lips feeling hydrated by creating a hydrating barrier that helps seal in moisture.

The “modern” lipstick formula helps to nourish chapped lips and comes in deeply pigmented shades, ranging from a beige gold to a black plum.

Available now from Bobbi Brown counters, the lipstick costs €27.

The newest scent from Tom Ford will hit the shops at the start of August.

Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum is described as “a radiant and sensual force of nature, that captures the seductive warmth and reflective bare skin of the Tom Ford woman”.

It has floral top notes of bigarade and pink peppercorn with fresh cypress and base notes of vanilla, chestnut cream and patchouli.

30mls of the fragrance costs €70 and the 100ml bottle will retail for €138.

Dresses.ie red off-the-shoulder playsuit€37 and red and black chiffon Bardot dress €29

Get ‘festival fresh’ with Dresses.ie  emmanolan

Irish online clothing store, Dresses.ie has dropped a ‘festival fresh’ fashion story as part of its evolving SS16 collection.

The range is affordable for the tightest of budgets and bold colours,

Top details TBA

tropical florals, graphic prints and simple silhouettes are on the menu.

The current collection starts at just €35 and will continue to evolve as new trends hit Dresses.ie every week. Shoppers will also enjoy nextday, free-of-charge delivery on all ROI orders.

Dresses.ie is a fast-fashion brand and the current SS16 season has seen the brand move away from its niche as a specialist dress-only retailer, to embrace a wider wardrobe of high street looks.

Visit dresses.ie to view the full collection.

Slinky maxi style rose gold dress €35 and beige dip-die long faux fur gilet €49

2 June 2016 Gazette 19

€4 Penneys feather clips

New Look blue bile patchwork print frill hem playsuit €22.99

New Look light blue denim high waist pinstripe shorts€22.99

New Look light blue denim high waist pinstripe shorts €22.99

Regatta Great Outdoors - Old Gold Bayeur Jacket €75

Penneys Eyelet Backpack €14

Play in a playsuit  emma nolan

FESTIVAL season is well and truly upon us. No matter how much you prepare, sometimes it can feel like you have absolutely nothing to wear while you’re sitting in the tent, rummaging through your rucksack.

The key for festival dressing (from a seasoned festival goer who has been in this position many times) is to plan each outfit on a daily basis.

I have a love/hate relationship with playsuits and jumpsuits at festivals; on one hand they provide an

all in one, secure, ready to go outfit, but on the other hand, they’re not so fun to grapple with in a portaloo, whist trying not to touch off any surface.

So, they are dependent on the festival – rainy Irish festivals aren’t the most jumpsuit-friendly places when you’re juggling hoodies and raincoats the whole time, but they’re perfect for warm summer festivals abroad like Primavera, Melt and Dimensions.

Here are a few festival outfit ideas to help with planning what goes in the rucksack this summer, helping you to look and feel good.

MANGO printed jumpsuit €22.95

Gazette

STYLE

Gazette

20 Gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS

Follow these tips to have plenty of flaming great barbecues over the coming months

Serve some barbecue bliss with these top tips EVERYONE knows how to cook burgers and sausages on the barbecue – often charred to within an inch of their lives! With just a bit of know-how and the right equipment, you can expand your barbecue repertoire to be the host with the most over any holiday season.

Here are some great top tips to be the best at the barbecue, all courtesy of chef Dan Cooper (right), from The Weber Grill Academy at The Orchard, Celbridge ...

Lid-on cooking: Don’t forget the importance of the lid – it has a key cooking function. It controls the flow of oxygen to the coals or fuel, minimising flare-ups and avoiding food that is black on the outside and raw in the middle.

Heat is also contained inside your barbecue so circulates around the cookbox, which allows food to cook evenly. This creates a convection oven effect within your grill – perfect for roasting and baking.

Knowing different cooking methods: A little bit of knowledge can go a long way. By understanding the difference between direct and indirect cooking, you can pretty much cook any recipe on the barbecue. Roast chicken, salmon fillets or even chocolate cake – the possibilities are endless.

Direct cooking: Direct cooking – also known as grilling – occurs when the fuel source is directly underneath food. This technique can be used on a charcoal or gas barbecue for foods that take less than 20 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for barbeque staples including burgers, sausages, chicken breasts or steaks.

Indirect cooking: Set up your barbecue so that the fuel source isn’t directly under the food, and create the perfect barbecue roast.

This is perfect for whole chickens, joints of beef, lamb and pork. You can even get creative and bake a delicious cake for extra brownie points.

Smoking: Master this year’s hottest food trend by using smoking wood chips or chunks. Weber’s Wood Chunks and Chips are available in a range of flavours, from sweet and mild fruit woods to hickory and whiskey. They provide a simple way to add that extra dimension to your barbecue. It’s so easy, too!

For charcoal barbecues, just add a handful of soaked wood chips directly to the coals. This will create a delectably subtle flavour leaving your guests begging for seconds!

Meals provided plenty of value for money, with very ample portions rewarding hungry diners. Thankfully, the generous portions also served up plenty of taste, too, with Picky and partner appreciating McGettigans’ take on modern dining options

The Picky Eater  mimi murray

THERE has been a serious abundance of restaurant openings in Dublin, of late.

I can’t turn a corner in my own neighbourhood of Dublin 8 without walking straight into a new eating establishment. Don’t get me wrong – it’s great.

As long as they aren’t flash-in-the-pan venues (pardon the pun) and service, quality and tastes are all present.

Outside of the city, a few new places have popped up, too. Kingswood, beside Citywest, isn’t a place that has had a trendy, neighbourhood restaurant before, but McGettigans Cookhouse, located in the Kingswood Hotel, has opened up and filled that gap.

My other half and I dined there recently, on one of those hazy, sunny days we’ve been having.

I know the sun and an indigo blue sky gives everything that “We could be in the south of Spain” vibe, but McGettigan’s Cookhouse, located in a stone building beside the hotel, looked really inviting in the early evening rays.

Inside it was dark and cool and it’s obvious they have put a lot of thought into the interiors, with sleek subway tiles on the walls and low-hanging mood lights above several of the booths and free-standing tables.

The menu is what I would call “safe”, with some adventurous choices thrown in there. This means it’s going to be a winner with most diners.

There is a choice of six starters.

My tiger prawn tempura (€9.95) was a light dish, just the right amount of melt in the mouth batter, with juicy, succulent prawns.

However, it was the

spicy soy dipping sauce, made from chillies that are fried just to the point of almost being burnt and then smashed and blended with soy sauce, that almost blew the taste buds out of my mouth. We even asked for seconds, later in the meal! A must-try.

My partner, after much deliberation, went for the Cookhouse seafood chowder. He hummed and hawed as it isn’t a typical seafood chowder but more of a bouillabaisse; tomato based with lots – and I mean lots – of fish and plenty of good, strong flavours.

This was almost a meal in itself, served with some crusty sourdough, and great value at €8.50.

I was very much tempted by the duck cassoulet for my main course, but I’m trying to eat a little lighter at night, and so I went for the roast chicken au jus (€17). It was Sunday after all!

This was a perfectly cooked roast with nice, crunchy root vegetables.

Again, their portions are very generous, and I couldn’t finish mine.

My husband’s rib eye steak (€23.95) served with garlic butter and skinny fries was a fine hunk of meat that was cooked to his preference (medium-rare). It was nicely seared and charred and had a decent amount of flavour.

Dessert was one vanilla bean cheesecake (€6) with two spoons and my mouthful was scrummy, although the other half cannot get past his mum’s version.

It’s a tough one to beat,

but this one made a fine attempt.

A glass of pinot grigio for me and a shiraz for him complemented both meals. A nod must be given to the very friendly service.

Our waiter spent the time to explain dishes and kept a watchful eye on us throughout.

This place is a great addition to a neighbourhood that must have been crying out for a go-to place, and I can see it being a regular spot for large groups too. There is ample space for parties and with a large bar and outdoor seating, it’s sure to be a busy spot all summer.

Conclusion TUCKED away in Kingswood, McGettigans Cookhouse (tel 01 461 9900) is a gastropub that’s well worth dropping in to. From its throughtfully designed interior to fare that even challenged Picky’s mother-in-law’s home cooking for sheer deliciousness, McGettigans was an unexpected treat.

2 June 2016 Gazette 21

22 dun laoghaire gazette 2 June 2016

Gazette

MOTORING OUT&ABOUT Toyota, Hyundai and VW at full throttle for sales

· 70% of new cars are diesel · insurance up 32% · 2.8% drop in cost of new cars

 dave phillips

It is impossible not to notice the increase of new cars on the road t h i s y e a r w i t h ove r 93,000 vehicles newly registered in the first few months of the year and some 35,000 of those on the streets of Dublin.

As we head towards the midpoint of 2016 the motor industry looks set to remain steady in

its growth.

A repor t from the Society of the Irish Motor Industr y last month showed that there has been a 2.8% drop in the cost of new cars compared to last year, as well as significant drops in fuel, with petrol and diesel down 11% and 17% respectively.

But declining costs aren’t the only factors driving the increase in

sales. Personal Contract Plan finance deals and manufacturer incentives on road tax and warranties are becoming increasingly prevalent, and acting as a stimulus for potential new buyers.

From those who have made the purchase so far this year, there is little change in terms of who Irish drivers are choosing to shop with.

Toyota, Hyundai and

Volkswagen are virtually neck and neck in terms of sales since January, with around 10,000 new passenger cars registered for each brand in the opening months of 2016.

Quarterly SIMI figures place Toyota on top overall with its sales figures spread across several popular models including the Auris, Yaris, and Corolla.

But the largest market share for a single model belongs to Hyundai -

with the beefy Tucson counting for half of the Korean manufacturer’s new sales this year. The appetite for compact SUVs is evident with the Nissan’s ever-popular Qashqai also appearing in the top sellers alongside the Tucson.

But traditional hatchback favourites like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia are also some of the best sellers.

While we might be choosing the same

brands and models, the fuel that we are using is changing.

The vast majority of new buyers have chosen to follow fuel price and emission trends and move away from petrol.

More than 70% of the cars registered this year have diesel engines.

While declining fuel prices and other incentives are attractive, every driver will also know that some costs continue to increase.

In comparison to this

time last year, motor insurance costs have rocketed up 32%.

SIMI estimates that new car sales in the first three months alone have brought in over €700m in Government revenue; and predicts that the sales, which have dropped since the January peak, will now remain steady until next year. It remains to be seen whether the current 162 registration deals will create another peak in the figures.

The Hyundai Tucson (top), Nissan Qashqai (middle) and Ford Focus (bottom) are proving extremely popular with Irish motorists

2 June 2016 dun laoghaire Gazette 23

Gazette

TRAVEL father’s day: the gazette presents a fantastic selection of presents and Ideas

Gifts your dad will really want With Father ’s Day approaching fast, now is the time to start thinking about the perfect gift for your auld fella.

To celebrate the annual holiday which arrives in two weeks (June 19), many hotels and resorts across Ireland have come up with official Father’s Day packages that would suit any dads taste and personality.

Trinity City Hotel has teamed up with the Irish Whiskey Museum to offer guests a true taste of Ireland in the heart of the capital.

This package includes accommodation, dinner for two with breakfast for two the following morn-

ing and a complimentary premium tour of the Irish Whiskey Museum with whiskey tasting. Prices start from €245 based on two people sharing.

Contact 01-648 1000 or visit www.trinitycityhotel.com.

If your dad is an adrenaline junkie give him the perfect present with an stay at the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, Cork. Overlooking two magnificent stretches of Blue Flag beach just outside the pretty heritage town of Clonakilty, Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa is a warm, polished and welcoming seaside hotel.

They have put together

two different but equally fantastic packages to suit the main man in your life: The Adrenaline Junkie

prefer to put his feet up, relax and unwind.

To b o o k c o n t a c t : +353 23 883 3143 or visit

Treat dad to a unique whiskey experience telling the history and tales of the rise and fall of Irish Whiskey

package (€210pps) for the daring dad who likes a bit of action and activity and The Downtime Dude package (€235pps) for the dad who would

www.inchydoneyisland. com Play like the pros with a Golf Break at Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh.

Enjoy a relaxing bonding

weekend, staying in one of Lough Erne Resort’s private lodges. Spend the day playing like the pros on the championship Faldo course, returning to the lodges, where you can cook up a storm or take a stroll to the Loughside Bar and Grill and enjoy delicious dishes with a spectacular view.

Prices start from €294 per person sharing, the perfect treat for dad to say thank you.

For more information on Lough Erne Resort contact: +44 28 6632 3230 or visit www.lougherneresort.com.

Explore the great outdoors with your dad

at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Galway.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a Victorian country house and estate full of authentic character, luxury, history and style.

Spend time on the river at Ballynahinch, learn to fish in the heart of Connemara, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, take a boat trip to see grey seals or simply meander through the woods or along the river bank exploring the 10 miles of nature walks, there is something for all the family at Ballynahinch. Packages start from €710 for two nights bed and breakfast in a supe-

rior room for two adults and two children (3-12 years) or from €490 for a two-night stay with bed and breakfast for one adult and one child (3 – 12 years).

Contact: +353 (0)95 31006 or visit www.ballynahinch-castle.com.

The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, are offering guests who come for Father’s Day their Old Fashioned Spa Package.

The Gentleman’s Old Fashioned package is available for €179 per person.

For further information on The Shelbourne Hotel call 01 6634500 or visit www.shelbournespa.ie.

Gazette

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 2 June 2016

OUT&ABOUT

From the depths of a long-lost pirate city to sun-kissed desert islands, Uncharted 4’s world is packed full of detail. Sreengrabs: Shane Dillon

uncharted 4: the last in a popular series goes out with a bang

The prettiest game yet  shane dillon

A slightly underwhelming in-game camera lets the player pause the game and play around with shots – and with many stunning locales, there’s lots to shoot throughout

LET me get this out of the way straight away – Uncharted 4 (Cert 16, PS4) is the best-looking game I have ever seen, anywhere. That’s quite a claim – but then, it’s quite a game.

There’s a long list of ways in which U4 sets the benchmark for stunning graphics, but these still screenshots of fully detailed open areas certainly speak for themselves.

Whether in still shots or in motion, U4 looks absolutely gorgeous throughout, with terrific modelling, details and textures everywhere, as well as all kinds of technical bells and whistles that more than deliver – and how!

Not only that, but it also marks

the apex of developer Naughty Dog’s skills in just about every area, including storytelling, acting and character development.

Neatly closing off the Uncharted series, protaganist Nathan Drake (a cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones – that is, a cross between an explorer, adventurer, archaeologist – and an occasional murderer and killer) is stirred from his slightlydull, settled-down life.

Now married to long-time foil, reporter Elena, Nate is drawn into one last job, and is soon on the search for a pirate colony, where a potentially huge treasure haul awaits. Of course, Nate (and some familiar old pals of his) aren’t the only ones looking for long-lost Libertalia ...

Whether you’re new to the series, or are a long-time Uncharted fan, U4 presents plenty of bang for your buck, as Nate and pals run, gun, swing and climb their way through many beautifully-created environments around the world.

With its mix of stealth, several highoctane action sequences, occasional head-scratching puzzles and lots of exploring, all with plenty of naturalistic conversation, curses and quips thrown in, U4 is a must-buy.

The recently released game is certain to not only feature in many Best of 2016 awards, but also creates a true benchmark in gaming. So, if this really is Nathan Drake’s final adventure, he’s finished up with one hell of a highlight to go out on ...

meet some prominent people from ‘the uncanny valley’  shane dillon

NOT unlike wild-eyed explorers with tales of a mythical lost land, there’s a mysterious ‘place’ that gamers and cinemagoers alike are very familiar with, and know like the back of their hand – The Uncanny Valley.

While you and I will never visit there, we often see its citizens stumbling around in games and in films alike – they’re com-

puter-animated characters who look uncannily real, and yet there’s just ... something about them that the eye instinctively recognises as fake.

However, although Uncharted 4’s protaganists have not quite been able to leave this fabled land, they’ve certainly climbed to its peaks of near-realism.

Despite slightly ‘off’ lip syncing, they represent the bleeding edge of character design, with some brilliant design and animation that veer the closest yet to realism in games.

(Far left) Nathan Drake; Elena Fisher and Victor Sullivan

2 June 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 25

Gazettegallery

| celebrating 30 years in the fitness business

Thomas and Bernie Henry

Fitness gurus Karl and Pat Henry with broadcaster Claire Byrne. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

This birthday bash shaped up nicely

Christian Firth and Alexsandra Vicentijevic

Carol Harols and Jim Rock

P

at and Karl Henry hosted the 30th anniversary party of The Henry Fitness Centre at Residence, by Stephen’s Green, with over 150 members and friends.

Established in 1986, Pat Henry has built up a

Suzanne McGann, Paul Murray and Stephen Murray

business and clientele that continues to thrive and grow. Over the past 30 years, the city centre gym has seen some of the world’s biggest celebrities train there, with many well-known faces in attendance at the party.

Alex Farrell

Fiona Durcan and Martin

Pat Whyte and John

Durcan

McDonagh

John Nagle and Tom

Tom Collins and Andrea

McNamara

Byrne

26 dun laoghaire Gazette 2 June 2016

dun laoghaireCLASSIFIEDS courses

recruitment

landscaping

Green Team

TREES & GARDEN SERVICES

FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS

9Over Grown Garden 9NRE Shed Supplied & Erect 9Tress Felled and Pruned 9Hedges Trimmed

9Specialty Brickwork 9Gutters Cleaned & Sealed 9Old Sheds Removed 9Block Paving 9LmjÚf_

9Driveways & Walls Painting 9Garage & House Clearance

15 YEARS EXPERIENCE/30% DISCOUNT For a free no obligation quote call:

T: 01-8678791 M: 085 1474725 W: www.greeteamtrees.com

DUBLIN Gazette newspaper HAVE OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK

paving

ACTIVE PAVING

dvds

roofing

DVD TRANSFERS

BOSS PAVING & LANDSCAPING

Video & Camera Tapes CineFilms Photos & Slides converted to DVD Music & Titles added

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

• DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • FENCING • ASPHALT • DECORATIVE WALLING • IMPRINT • GRAVEL Quality Paving at affordable prices, just a phone call away. Highly recommended by Clients.

Testimonials available.

*Publishers Statement

Contact: John Maloney 087 3591000 / 01 6972087 Email: bosshomeimprovements@gmail.com Web: www.bosspaving.ie Dundrum Bus Park: Ph. 01 6971896 Pearse St, D2

Why advertise with the Gazette?

LEGAL & PLANNING APPLICATION

ANNOUNCEMENT

Let our advertisers tell you why:

We can now officially accept planning & legal notices from all four County Councils in greater Dublin region

“

Trabolgan Holiday Village, Cork have used the Dublin Gazette Newspapers for the last few years to advertise various aspects of our holiday village including special offers. We have always had an excellent reader response from the advertisements run and have found the area’s covered by all 8 papers of great value to Trabolgan. The help and guidance we have received from the staff has made it easier for us to communicate our message efficiently and cost effectively ensuring we get the maximum from our budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending the Gazette to any business.

· Standard rate from €75 + VAT · Payment in advance

Ph.01 601 0240 roofing

“

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

Got a photo?

Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@dublingazette.com



Unit E2 Nutgrove Office Park

0''*$&

Boombridge Business Park Dublin 7

advertise your business to our readers call 01 60 10 240

2 June 2016 DUn laoghaire Gazette 27

dun laoghaireCLASSIFIEDS %" % '

ZZ YY ^ YY &.D &E>

2 Antiques & Decorations 2 Collectables 2 Unique Jewellery 2 Children’s Toys 2 International Products 2 Bean Bags 2 Books Barbers 2 Comic & Records 2 Smartphone Accessories 2 Artisan Foods 2 Falafel 2 Indian Foods 2 Tasty Foods 2 Tasty Cakes 2 Tarot Reader 2 Italian Foods 2 International Cusine 2 Designer/Vintage Clothing

' YZ [a\ \^[[

GGG /<.0;B?0;=.B;2D 0?=

NEED A GOOD

BUILDER? New Builds Renovations Extensions General Building TEL:

+353 (0)1 9060800 +353 (0)87 9532581

www.fitzheavey.com

Zb. .8> &DB22D <.0;B?0; ? E/<8>

reach your target audience in Dun laoghaire Gazette To advertise in your local area c a l l t h e g a z e tt e ph.60 10 240

Unit 8 Willow Business Park, Knockmitten Lane, Dublin 12

Gazette

28 dun laoghaire gazette 2 June 2016

SPORT Byrne to debut on Hatton bill

FastSport

boxing: st margaret’s puncher answers call for stadium battle

McCarthy leads the way at poc fada:

NAOMH Jude’s Faye McCarthy won adult camogie’s annual Poc Fada in Beann Eadair last Friday evening with an impressive round of 21 pucks.

She was just one point in front of Stephanie Carthy – who took the runners up spot as a result of playoff – Beth Whyte and Beinhinn O’Neill in a very competitive field.

The event was exciting and compelling competition was played on a challenging mountainous course organised by Beann Eadair with the result in the balance right to the last puck of the competition on the Howth peninsula.

In the Under-16 Poc Fada, after an enjoyable, sporting and hard fought battle, Megan Thomas (Erin’s Isle) emerged as winner.

In second place was Siun Keating (Good Counsel) just one stroke behind.

 derek mckenna sport@dublingazette.com

LOUGHLINSTOWN man Jay Byrne will make his pro boxing debut on the Ricky Hatton and FS Promotions “The Future” Fight Night at the National Boxing stadium on June 25.

Byrne, a former Irish novice champion will punch for pay as a pro

for the first time on a bill that includes a host of up and coming Irish boxing talent.

The St Margaret’s Boxing Club coach decided to make to move to the full professional ranks after taking on a couple of semi-pro fights recently and is looking to impress and surprise a few people with his talent.

Turning professional was not something that was on the agenda for Byrne but when the opportunity arose to fight on a Ricky Hatton promoted card, with future dates planned after June, the chance was too good to resist.

“It’s a great card to debut on,” he told Gazette Sport.

“When I heard there was big things like this happening it gave me that final push to turn over.

“The chance to be a part of this was too good to turn down.

“I was sparring with former Irish champion Anthony Fitzgerald earlier in the year and when I showed the lads the videos they were saying

Jay Byrne with Ricky Hatton

I was holding my own with a seasoned and tough pro.”

While Byrne is content to take things one fight at a time, his coaches already have a plan should he impress under the lights at the National Stadium.

“If I had one fight and won it, it will be more than anyone thought I wo u l d d o . E d d i e [Hyland, Byrne’s coach] has mentioned a title path, but I don’t like to do that.

“I will focus on this first fight. I would be confident I can win my first few fights and then going into next year we will see. If there is a title shot there I will take it, but I am just thinking about June 25 now.

“I am still learning a lot. I am constantly learning with Eddie and people haven’t seen what I can do.

“I never had a coach before. I trained myself, s t ay e d f i t a n d j u s t sparred helping people

get ready for their fights.

“So it will be all new and I am really looking forward to putting what I have learnt into practice.

“I would like to take the chance to thank my sponsors Matt Britton Flooring, High Tech Spec, MC MOTORS, Ramblers Rest and GK Autopoint. They have been a great help.”

T i c ke t s f o r ‘ T h e Future’ Fight Night on June 25 are still available on www.tickets.ie.

NAC Masters fill up the history books at London gala  sport@dublingazette.com

NAC Masters members Jackie O’Connor, Helena McGrath, Dan Golden and Neil Curran

NAC Masters swim team claimed three medals and brokw several national records at the 2016 LEN European Masters Swimming Championships in the London Aquatic Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The team consisted of Cian Connaughton, Neil Curran, Daniel Debtuch, Dan Golden, Michael Krivoruchko, Helena McGrath, Barry Murphy, Alan McCormack, Jackie O’Connor, Fergus O’Dwyer and Dara

Vaughan.

Club coach Declan Harte was due to compete but could not travel due to injury.

Golden was among the stars.

He won a silver medal in both the 50m freestyle, in a time of 28.99 seconds, and 50m butterfly, in 31.37 seconds, and a bronze medal in the 100m butterfly, in 1.14.36. He broke several national Irish masters records with these swims.

Jackie O’Connor, chairperson of NAC Masters said: “The club was delighted to send a team of 11 to compete against Europe’s

top masters’ swimmers.

“This is the largest team we’ve ever sent and shows the great shape the club is in. I know all the team have been training hard in recent months and they were thrilled to represent Ireland. There were some great swims over the five competition days including Dan’s fantastic medal wins.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in training and competing to come down to one of our sessions in the National Aquatic Centre or Westwood Clontarf.

“In the pool we currently

have 11 Irish record holders: Dan Golden, Joanne Figala, Jack Meade, Julie Galloway, Helena McGrath, Liz McCarthy, Sandra O’Leary, Tom Healy, Richard Harding and Helen O’Leary and we also have 28 Irish relay records across the age groups.

“We’re all really looking forward to more fun and success in 2016.”

NAC Masters is one of the country’s largest and most successful masters swimming clubs.

Founded in 1988, the club has grown steadily in membership numbers and reputation.

2 June 2016 dun laoghaire gazette 29

Gazette

CBS’s silver service in top school award Lucan’s Colaiste Phadraig add school of the year honour to go with wealth of trophies won across soccer, basketball and hurling in an incredible show of strength and diversity COLAISTE Phadraig CBS Lucan were honoured with the prestigious Sports School of the Year Award at an end of year celebration held at the Aviva Stadium following a stellar year.

The event is staged annually to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young sports stars in schools all

across the country.

Twenty-four winners of the Sports Star of the Week award were invited to the ceremony along with parents, coaches and family to recognise and celebrate the brilliant sporting achievements of their young people in schools throughout the year.

Lucan CBS were represented by Kris Arcilla

The Under-17 Leinster Junior Cup winning side

who won a Sports Star of the Weeks Award in March in recognition of his starring role in the Basketball Under-16 National Cup final.

Arcilla has since gone on to claim the prestigious Under-16 basketballer of the year award from Basketball Ireland so we are very proud of his remarkable achievements.

Colaiste Phadraig CBS Lucan were announced as the Sports School of the Year in recognition of their excellent achievements throughout the year.

This year, the school won the Eastern League A title in basketball as well as the National Cup A title for the first time in their history.

This group of players

have now amassed four major titles in three years in basketball.

In soccer, the school claimed the Under-17 Leinster Junior Cup while the team narrowly lost in the All-Ireland final.

The first year soccer team won the Dublin West Shield as well as the Dublin League Division 1 title.

They also reached the Champions League final last week and were within three seconds of winning it when their opponents equalised with the last kick of the game before winning with a last minute gaol in extra time.

The Under-15 soccer team reached the Leinster Minor Cup semifinals and only lost out to a last minute goal to

the eventual All-Ireland winners Kieran’s Kilkenny.

Since 2012, they have been in 15 major soccer finals, six more than any other school in Leinster, winning 10 of them so this truly is a golden era for the school in soccer.

In hurling, the Under14 team swept to success in the Dublin Colleges Juvenile B final with a 100% winning record.

Six members of the team were also members of the successful Dublin South Colleges team that won this year ’s Leinster Juvenile A hurling league so the future is bright for this team.

In football, the senior team reached the Dublin Final and performed exceptionally well throughout the campaign.

Representatives from Lucan CBS’s successful teams show off their silverware, left; the Under-16 basketball, right, celebrate their win

FastSport

Seventeen graduate from new Fingal progaramme SEVENTEEN participants graduated this week from the Fingal Football and Fitness Course, a joint project run by Fingal County Council, Blanchardstown Area Partnership and the Football Association of Ireland under the Project FUTSAL programme.

A football-centred education initiative that has been running in Corduff Sports Centre for the past three years.

The course delivers training in a number of football and general sports skills and also provides participants with an ITEC Professional Gym Instructor qualification as well as a range of FAI certified football coaching licences.

The programme involved participants working in the community to deliver a wide range of sports projects designed to meet various community needs.

These included Late Night Soccer, Disability Groups, After-School Drop-ins, Girls Only, Futsal, Youths Services and Schools. It provided over 4,500 additional coaching hours to the wider community and resulted in the participation of approximately 30,000 children and adults.

The mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, said his council “recognises the huge value of sport in the community. It not only helps break down barriers, it also helps develop character in young people because it teaches them a whole range of skills, creates positive pastimes and provides role models.

“Our course participants have been role models for a huge amount of children and adults during the work experience section of the course and earned some very positive feedback from the many schools and organisations they worked in.”

Felix Gallaher of Blanchardstown Area Partnership added: “It is great for Blanchardstown Area Partnership to work with Fingal County Council and the FAI and everything ran very smoothly because a lot of the different work that we have done over the years has come into play in this project.”

The graduates received their certificates from the mayor David O’Connor and the chief executive of Fingal, Paul Reid.

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 2 June 2016

SPORT

FastSport

Monkstown’s Mari makes club history MONKSTOWN Boxing Club’s teenager Sean Mari made history in the National Stadium on Saturday evening by winning his fifth All-Ireland title and the club’s eighth All-Ireland of 2016, beating the club’s previous record of seven in 2015.

Mari, aged 15 at 42kg, had to work hard to beat Conor Horrigan (Cherry Orchard BC, Ballyfermot) by unanimous decision 3-0 in the semi-finals.

On finals day, Mari had to up his performance to overcome multiple Irish champion and hot favourite Cian Doyle (Crumlin BC, Dublin) by a split decision, 2-1.

On the historic occasion, the club’s head coach JP Kinsella had this to say about his performance.

“Sean is, without doubt, one of the most talented teenagers in the country.

“If he keeps progressing like he is, he will turn out to be one of Ireland’s top senior boxers. Sean’s goal is to one day win an Olympic gold medal at light flyweight.”

The club is in hot pursuit of more Irish titles with five Monkstown schoolboys entered into the All-Ireland cadets (boys aged 12 and 13) starting on Friday, June 3.

The champions will then go on to Croatia to represent Ireland at the European Schoolboys.

The representatives are Jake Rapple, Suffie Edris, Liam Kearns, Jack Marley and Matthew Tyndall.

It follows hot on the heels of a quartet of female champions from the club with Amy O’Brien, Saoirse Kearns, Sara Edris and Kelly Shannon all landing top honours in their national finals.

Soccer: st joseph’s boys star makes formal move to england

Glen McAuley signing terms for Liverpool this week, left; right, the all-conquering St Joseph’s Boys Under-16 team

McAuley signs for Liverpool  derek mckenna sport@dublingazette.com

ST JOSEPH’S Boys Under-16 prodigy Glen McAuley finally put pen to paper with Liverpool this week after agreeing a move in principle to the Merseyside club two years ago.

The talented attacker is understood to have a signed a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool when he was 14-years-old after being hotly pursued by a host of major clubs across the water.

In 2014, it was report-

ed that clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and City were in the hunt for the youngster, with ex-United boss Alex Ferguson said to have held private talks with the youngster and his family in a bid to lure him to Old Trafford.

However, ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers also became involved in the pursuit of the talented Clondalkin native, spoke personally with McAuley and his family and convinced him to make the move to the five-time European champions.

ready to rock Leopardstown launch Bulmers live series Leopardstown is set to rock in the coming weeks as the racecourse prepares for its annual Bulmer’s Live summer series.

Jack L, left, and Aslan’s Billy McGuinness helped launch the event earlier this week.

Bulmers Live At Leopardstown series begins on Thursday, June 9 with Aslan. Jack L plays the racecourse stage on July 7. For more info, see www.leopardstown.com. Leopardstown Racecourse.

Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile

McAuley first began to attract the interest of UK club scouts with his performance in the 2012 Under-12 SFAI Cup final while playing for Crumlin United in their victory over St Kevin’s Boys.

In 2013, he and a number of his Crumlin teammates made the move to St Joseph’s Boys to link up with former manager John Bolger.

Since making the move to the Sallynoggin based club, McAuley has added a further two SFAI All-Ireland titles to his medal collect after the hugely successful side

claimed the crown for the past two seasons in a row. He has also claimed a number of league and league cup titles during his time with Joeys.

Speaking to GazetteSport about the young striker’s move across the water, club secretary Niall O’Driscoll was full of praise for the talented youngster.

“The whole club is delighted that young Glen’s ability has been recognised by one of the top clubs in England and Europe.

“He has been very successful during his time

here winning a lot of trophies, including two SFAI All Ireland Cups.

“He is a very talented kid and has been part of a very successful group.

“There are three of his teammates also going across to UK clubs and a couple of others still in negotiations to make the move too.

“A lot of the other lads will be playing in the League of Ireland Under-17 division next season for Bray Wanderers. We wish Glen all the best at Liverpool, it’s a fantastic opportunity for him.”

2 June 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

laura lynn event

Kilmacud Crokes host children’s hospice week

Club Noticeboard Cuala

kilmacud Crokes hosted Laura Lynn’s

latest fundraising challenge in Pairc de Burca last weekend with the Children’s Hospice week helping raise just over €114,000 with some monies still to come in.

LauraLynn is Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice providing pediatric palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

OUR senior footballers had a great

to learn of the death of Ros Bean ui

away win over AFL1 table toppers St

Ghiollain, mother of our great friend

Vincent’s on Saturday evening.

Colm and grandmother to players

On Sunday morning, our seconds beat Ballinteer St John’s in AFL5 and

football: dalkey side pull away from bottom

Darach, Luc, Cathal, Conal, Ruadhrai and Sadbh.

our thirds beat St Kevin’s Killian’s in

Cuala are running a Euro 2016 pre-

AFL8. Our fourths were beaten by

diction game; €5 entry with €500 to

a point by Rosmini Gaels in AFL10 on

the winner(s). More details on the

Sunday afternoon.

website.

Please support the Mick Holden golf

Con O’Callaghan has been nominat-

classic to be held on Friday, June 3 in

ed for U-21 footballer of the year. You

Glen of the Downs – details are on the

can vote for him at the Official GAA

website.

Facebook page.

There’s championship action on

The 2016 mini All-Ireland will run

Thursday when the junior Ds play

from June 20 to 25 involving all acad-

Commercials in Rathcoole and the

emy groups from 2007 to 2010. Infor-

junior Es play Round Towers in Shankill

mation and online registration are

at 7.15pm. All support welcome.

available at http://www.cualagaa.ie/

Cuala members will be saddened

mini-all-ireland-2016/.

Shankill THE academy is closed for the bank

The club summer camp will be held

holiday weekend as everyone takes a

from July 4–8. The camp leader is

well-earned rest. The boys U-8 foot-

Stephen Davis; the fee €45 for mem-

ball teams travelled to Thomas Davis

bers, €60 for non-members with an

on Saturday where our two teams

€5 reduction for siblings and includes

played really well and competed

club camp top.

strongly in both matches.

Meanwhile, back at the Castle on

Luke Keating played a key role for Cuala in their draw with Thomas Davis. Picture: Colin Behan

Three out of four ain’t bad for Cuala

afl division 1

Cuala 2-18 Thomas Davis 4-12  sport@dublingazette.com

CUALA claimed three points out of four from their two games in AFL Division 1 in the past week, giving them an important boost away from the bottom end of the table to 12th place.

First up, they drew 2-18 to 4-12 with Thomas Davis on a perfect evening for football in Dalkey with attacking football the order of the day.

Cuala got off to a good start and got scores on

the board early om with a couple of long range frees from their goalkeeper Darren McBrien and scores from Luke Keating, Niall Carty, Matthew Clancy and Darragh Spillane.

But, at the other end, they conceded four goals from the dynamic duo of Paul Hudson and Ciaran Farrelly. Cuala’s comeback was spearheaded

by Luke Keating with two goals either side of the half and points from play and frees close in.

McBrien landed his sixth free late on, which looked to give Cuala a crucial win but a last

minute equaliser meant the spoils were shared for a second year running.

The Dalkey side followed up with a spectacular win over recent AllIreland winner St Vincent’s as they recorded a 2-14 to 0-16 win at Pairc Naomh Uinsionn.

Second half goals from Ryan Scollard and Carty powered them to the win while Keating, Clancy and John Sheanon also weighed in.

Goalkeeper MacBrien kicked a further four frees to lift them clear of the Marino men.

There remains little

breathing room, though, with just two points separating Cuala from the bottom rung of the ladder.

K ilmacud Crokes, meanwhile, moved top ahead of Vincent’s on points difference after the weekend’s action.

They swept to a 5-17 to 0-9 win over Raheny with Cian O’Connor landing a hat trick of goals while Ross McGowan and Alex Mulvey also hit the net.

They had lost 1-18 to 0-18 three days earlier in the league to Vincent’s but bounced back in ebullient form.

Book early as the number of available places is limited.

Sunday morning, the girls’ U-8 foot-

Our juvenile academy, sponsored by

ball team hosted St Mary’s of Saggart

O’Donnell’s Pharmacy Shankill – closed

where there was a creaking game of

for this weekend – is in action every

football between two well matched

Saturday morning at 10am in our home

teams.

ground at Shanganagh Castle.

The adult football team went down

If you would like your child to join

to Thomas Davis when our forwards

the academy, just come along any

tried to reshape their opponent’s

Saturday morning or contact us by

goal with three thunderous shots

telephone on 086 4010438 or e-mail on

rebounding of the crossbar.

secretary.shankill.dublin@gaa.ie.

Our golf classic, sponsored by

There are no trials, no selection

Brady’s of Shankill in Powerscourt Golf

processes and no annual subscrip-

Club, is on Friday, June 24.

tion.

Team of four is €300. Great prizes to

Fixtures and training times for

be won. Contact John Doherty on 086

all teams will be available during the

3215087.

week.

This is a major club fundraiser and

New players for all of our teams are

we are asking everyone to get behind

always welcome. For the adult football

the venture.

team, contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

kilmacud crokes WELL done to our AFL1, AFL2, AFL8 and

on Thursday, the secretaries report

AFL9 adult football teams who had

and chairman’s address is available

wins in their respective games over

on the club website: kilmacudcrokes.

the weekend. The U-16A hurlers had

com.

a big win over local rivals Cuala while

Chris Lynch (sports psychologist)

the U-16 B hurlers lost out to Naomh

presentation to mentors, parents and

Barrog.

adult players on the topic of Growth

Our U-13A camoige players had a

Mindsets and Athlete Development

big win over Naomh Mearnog in the

next Thursday, June 2 at 8pm in the

league. The Faces behind the Purple

function room.

and Gold book launch took place over

Best of luck to the crew doing the

the weekend. Well done to Paul Collins

Mizen to Malin Cycle for Kilmacud

on this project.

Crokes and Breast Cancer Ireland. We

If any member missed the club AGM

wish them a safe and enjoyable trip.

32 dun laoghaire gazette 2 June 2016