Dun laoghaire

Gazette DUN LAOGHAIRE

INSIDE: Stylist Roxanne Parker’s work with The Voice of Ireland means her average day is all sewn up P11

Feature:

Guests give a stamp of approval to GPO centre Page 8

Picture: Margaret Brown

Page 15

The Rising:

sport Football:

Foxrock claim Division Two Feile laurels Page 31

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end of an era as western marina shop relocates THERE was an air of mystery during the final day of trading for Western Marine at Bulloch Harbour last weekend – its final day at its longstanding premises, that is, as the Dalkey store is relocating to a new home for the next stage in its life. With its next address yet to be revealed, there was an upbeat atmosphere at the store as the staff, customers and wellwishers called in for a final shop.

Pictured are Marian Kavanagh, Evie Conway, Sean Magee, Seoinin Shaffrey, Hogan and Mairead Magee, who were delighted to look forward to Western Marine’s relocation and reopening in its new premises – as soon as it is revealed ...

CoderDojo children compute a great way to show their skills for awards

April 7-13, 2016

Bailey appoints father to her backroom team Fine Gael deputy rejects ‘nepotism’ criticism; experience and effectiveness cited

 emma nolan

NEWLY elected Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire Maria Bailey has appointed her father, Cllr John Bailey (FG), as her parliamentary assistant.

A spokesperson for

Fine Gael confirmed that the role is being shared between Cllr Bailey and Cllr Marie Baker.

Speaking to The Gazette, Deputy Bailey said: “Both councillors are 12 years on Dun Laoghaire Rathdow n-

County Council, have vast experience and knowledge of the constituency.

“I think the word ‘nepotism’ is used too freely.”

However, Cllr Karl Gill (PBP) criticised Deputy Bailey’s decision to hire Cllrs Bailey and Baker to

the role, deeming it “necessary nepotism for the Baileys”.

Deputy Bailey said: “This is not about nepotism – this is about being effective and having the right experience.”

Full Story on Page 6

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7 April 2016

children | inclusive choir in danger of closure

Members needed to help save choir  emma nolan news@dublingazette.com

The Music Matters Inclusive Choir in Cabinteely echoes the Music Matters (above) ethos of inclusivity and respect

A CHOIR for children with special needs in Cabinteely is in need of new members to stay open.

Music Matters Inclusive Choir meet weekly in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Grainstore Youth Centre in Cabinteely.

Children with and without intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions who love music all sing together every Thursday.

Group director Leanne O’Doherty spoke to The Gazette about the choir and their difficulty in keeping it running due to low attendance.

She said: “The choir is aimed towards children with and without special needs, so it has that inclusive element that’s different to any other choir in the area.”

T hey sing Disney songs and popular songs, depending on the age group present. “There’s always room to find out what songs the children want to see, and we create new song books accordingly.

“We encourage parents to stay with the kids and for the kids to bring their friends and siblings too.”

O’Doherty has a degree in applied music and is currently studying to be a special needs assistant.

She is also studying for a higher diploma in youth arts.

The choir is run through company Music Matters, which welcome singers from organisations such

as St Michael’s House, the National Council for the Blind, Enable Ireland and Irish Autism Action.

Approximately 70% of Music Matters’ singers have a disability or mental health condition, and their aim is that singers with and without disabilities learn from and work with each other.

The choir started last September and has been running once a week since then over 10-week terms, so O’Doherty and the other members are currently in the middle of their third term, which ends on June 3. It could be the last term for them.

Low numbers “Numbers are so low,” she said. “It started off with 15 [people] and it’s been whittled down to four or five now.”

On trying to keep the choir going, O’Doherty said that there’s nothing else like it in the area.

“Who doesn’t love music? It’s a great way to bring people together, especially for the kids that might not have had the opportunity to build up friendships with others.

“There’s real friendships developing in the choir, and you can see all the kids growing in confidence, especially when they get the chance to sing solos.

“It’s a great way for them to express themselves that might not be available in schools.”

To get involved in Music Matters Inclusive Choir, email lodoh10@ gmail.com.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

FastNews

Read all about the director from Dun Laoghaire who made his mark before ‘the Talkies’ A BIOGRAPHY on the life of a prolific Irish director from Dun Laoghaire is now available to read.

Herbert Brenon (above) was an Irish film director, actor and screenwriter, during the era of silent movies.

He was born in Dun Laoghaire in 1880 and was educated at Colet Court and King’s College London. He died in June, 1958, in Los Angeles.

Writer and filmmaker Ian Graham, from Dublin, published his book – Herbert Brenon: An American Cinema Odyssey – in January.

Classics For the first time, the story of how Brenon came to be so dominant in the heyday of the cinema, and the background to the filming of the Brenon silent classics – The Spanish Dancer, Peter Pan, Beau Geste and The Great Gatsby – are told for readers to enjoy.

In Herbert Brenon: An American Cinema Odyssey, Graham brings the man to life from his birth into a family whose friends included Parnell and Oscar Wilde, to his education in Britain, and his impressive career in the early days of the American movie business.

The biography is available as a Kindle download on Amazon, and is priced $12.60 (c. €11).

7 April 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 3

ARTS | glencullen-shot film in prestigious GERMAN film festival

theatre

Puckoon absurdity at Pavilion

Irish hopes going with ‘Rachel’ to Dresden  emma nolan

A short film commissioned by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council has been nominated for Best International Short at the Dresden International Short Film Festival.

Rachel Coming Home is directed by IADT graduate Sophia Tamburrini, and was filmed in the Glencullen area of the county in 2014/2015.

It is part of the current Public Art Programme managed by the council’s Arts Office.

The film was funded through the council’s environment and housing capital projects under the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Per

Cent for Art scheme.

The film tells the story of Rachel, who was neglected by her alcoholic mother and taken away by social services as a child and has led a troubled life since then.

Having checked herself into rehab for fear of going down the same road as her mother, at the end of her stay Rachel must return home for the first time in 15 years for her mother’s funeral.

As she r ummages through her mother’s possessions in a house where time appears to have stood still, she finds the traces of a broken woman who she can learn to accept.

Filmfest Dresden was founded in 1989 and it attracts 20,000 visitors annually. Each year, more

than 2,000 short films from 100 countries are submitted for selection in the National and International Competition sections.

This year, 35 films have been chosen to compete in the International Competition out of more than 2,000 entries.

Rachel Coming Home is the only Irish film at this year’s festival, and it has been invited to represent Ireland at the event.

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Saul (FG) said the council: “is delighted to see this film nominated for such a prestigious award”.

He added: “We are particularly pleased that Sophia is a graduate of IADT; it shows the wealth of talent in the county.”

art entries made a splash

THERE were waves of excitement at the National Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire recently when young winners were named in a children’s art competition, sponsored by Eason’s Dun Laoghaire. Pictured are some of the lucky winners, with many local children congratulated on creating some memorable and lovely artworks. Colin Hand, from Eason’s, and competition organiser Susan O Brolchain congratulated all of the winners, who created maritime-themed art based on the outline of a ship. The winners each received an Eason’s token, a National Treasure coin from the museum, and a certificate, with their pictures now on display in the museum and in Eason’s this month.

BIG Telly’s stage production of Spike Milligan’s Puckoon is taking to the stage in The Pavilion Theatrem Dun Laoghaire, tonight and tomorrow to start its Irish and UK tour.

With an all-star cast featuring Paddy Jenkins, of Game of Thrones fame, and John O’Mahony from Father Ted and Mrs Brown’s Boys, the show is set in the small Irish town of Puckoon in 1922 which has had the Ulster Border drawn straight through it.

The comic classic is an “irreverent and hilarious story which takes the mick, celebrates the absurd, and paints a picture of a simple life that borders on the ridiculous”. Tickets are €18/20 and are available at paviliontheatre.ie.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7 April 2016

health | Chasamba workout could get you moving back to great shape

Take steps to help get fit with dance classes DANCE your way to fitness – that’s the advice this spring of former champion dancer, Rosemary O’Grady as her popular Chasamba dance classes enter their second year.

Rosemary, who has also been an instructor in the Bray

Emmets popular Be Fit programme over the past four years, says she found that the dancing classes were the ideal way people could have a bit of fun in achieving their fitness goals.

“Chasamba is a full body workout where you work

at your own pace and get to enjoy yourself while getting into shape,” she said.

She is expanding her reach into south Dublin and is holding classes on Monday and Thursday night at 7pm in the Bray Bowl, or Wednesday in the Bray Emmets Cen-

tre on Old Conna Avenue at 7.30pm.

Dancing has been part of her life, and Rosemary is a former champion Irish dancer as well as a jazz dance teacher.

“What I like about Chasamba is that people who attend

will get the chance to pick up the steps for some great dances like the Cha Cha, Salsa and Samba, among others, and the music really makes it fun,” she said.

The mother-of-five added: “The routines are very easy to follow and they are designed

to appeal to all ages and fitness levels.”

For further information, or to register online, contact Rosemary by phone at 087 994 6787, by emailing chasambaireland@gmail.com, or see Chasamba Fitness, Ireland page on Facebook.

Step over to Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel for a wellness day event in Killiney  emma nolan

THE Club in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Killiney is set to host an International wellness day event next week.

Guests are invited to celebrate the day with the hotel to give a boost to body and mind.

Keith Judge, manager at The Club, will start its wellness day with a group run/ walk up Killiney Hill, which will start at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel at 10am.

Following the energetic trip, guests can join the team at The Club for a selection of wellness hints and tips.

Attendees will enjoy healthy nibbles

and nutritional advicem as well as fitness tips and tricks from Judge and The Club team to improve wellness for both body and mind.

This event is open to club members and also non-members, and offers the opportunity for non-members to meet the fitness team.

Judge said: “We are calling on everyone from the local area, no matter what your age or fitness level, to join us to celebrate wellness day at The Club. We hope to give everyone’s wellness levels a boost.” The event is taking place this Saturday. For further information, see www.fitzpatrickcastle.com.

Part of the stretch along Sallyglen Road that could see four new Dublin Bus stops added – however, the practicalities of adding the stops are now being examined. Picture: Google Maps

transport | wall, shrubs in focus

Concern over bus stop plan for road  emma nolan

DUBLIN Bus has identified preferred locations for bus stops along the Sallyglen Road in Sallynoggin in a plan that has been described as “not perfect” by CLlr Cormac Devlin (FF).

The Sallyglen Road build was completed in 1998 and was a contentious issue at the time due to numerous objections from residents.

Cllr Devlin spoke to The Gazette about the plan. He said that the land where the road stands today had been reserved for road infrastructure for 30 years, and when it was

finally constructed the county planners at the time made provisions for bus routes and provided space for four bus bays.

Cllr Devlin said the issue he is concerned with is that “the planners would be removing the wall and shrubs there that were so hard fought for.

“I put early warning shots out in the council to remove them at their peril, because there will be a huge uproar.

“However, when they proposed those four bus stops, they are now only proposing to use two of them in this current plan, and then proposing to

create four new ones.”

Cllr Devlin said that the four new stops are going to block the carriageway in some cases, and cause delays.

“My preference would be that the council and Dublin Bus work together to try and indent some of those bus lanes to put them into the green space where there’s room, and won’t interrupt the wall or trees.

“It would allow the bus to pull in and the cars to pass.”

A spokesperson from the council said: “The green verges along Sallyglen Road are not wide enough to accommodate

a 3m-wide bus layby, in addition to providing a paved area for bus passengers to wait.

“Two of the stops will utilise existing lay-bys on Sallyglen Road, and two of the stops are proposed at locations where there is a second traffic lane, which will facilitate overtaking of the bus if necessary.

“Dublin Bus carried out a survey on their Sallynoggin routes and confirmed to the council that during peak morning and evening services, the average dwell times [by waiting cars impeded by buses] at stops is 14 seconds.”

7 April 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

TRANSPLANT | LAURA IS NOW BACK PLAYING TENNIS, SWIMMING AND STUDYING

New lease of life for young woman  EMMA NOLAN news@gazettegroup.com

A 21-year-old woman is recovering well from a liver transplant which has given her back her “life and freedom”.

Laura Dolan from Glenageary received a liver transplant in September 2015 at St Vincent’s University Hospital.

She had been on the waiting for 10 months since November 2014.

Laura was diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis when she was in transition year at school and became a patient at Crumlin Hospital.

Speaking to The Gazette, she said that she

“owes everything to [her] donor”.

“I can start living normally now,” she said.

“I had my transplant in September and I was waiting 10 months before that for the call, which felt like a really long time.”

Laura said that the initial recovery has been great. “I spent 11 days in hospital so that was okay and then it was just a question of building the strength up again.”

She still has to attend the clinic regularly to get blood tests.

“It’s quite a bit of follow up,” she said. “But sure you don’t mind that when you’re so healthy now.”

While transplant

patients don’t usually find out about their donors, the hospital will contact the family of the donor by letter, and Laura wants them to know “how much they saved [her] life”.

Laura just returned from a holiday this week where she had “so much energy” and went swimming and played tennis for the first time in a long time. “I can’t remember the last time I played tennis because I just wouldn’t have had the energy.”

The 21-year-old has completed a level five course in Childcare in Sallynoggin College and is going back in September to complete level six, before she pursues pre-

school teaching.

“I missed a lot of school in the lead up to my diagnosis and afterwards.

When my liver disease took hold a couple of years ago I had to defer going to college. Thanks to my donor, I am now studying Childcare which I am really enjoying,” she said.

Laura says she now plans to travel and “enjoy her second chance at life”.

Speaking about her family, Laura said that they are “so thrilled” at how her recovery is going.

“It affected all of us,” she said. “it’s just such a weight off all of our shoulders and they’ve been so

Laura Dolan enjoying her second chance at life

supportive.

“My friends have just been brilliant as well, they’re always there for me and they’ve been com-

ing to hospital and keeping me company.”

Laura told The Gazette: “My transplant has given me my life back and my

freedom as it is such a change from being so sick. I am so grateful to my donor for this wonderful gift.”

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This offer is available on all new selected Rio and cee’d range models registered until XXXX. The credit provider is Bank of Ireland Finance which is a registered trading name of Bank of Ireland.

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7 April 2016

enterprise

politics | fg deputy defends controversial appointment

An open call for start-ups to share funding

Bailey rejects nepotism claim over father’s role

 emma nolan

 emma nolan

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) will be awarding €600,000 in funding shared across nine start-up businesses.

Every year, SEI hold an open call for applications, which is followed by a multi-stage selection process to determine the projects they will support that particular year.

Their two programmes cater for projects at various stages of development and aim to support social entrepreneurs with the greatest potential to bring about positive change to Ireland’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

Deputy Sean Barrett (FG) has urged his constituents in Dun Laoghaire to apply for the funding. The deadline is today, April 7.

NEWLY elected Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire Maria Bailey has appointed her father, Cllr John Bailey (FG), as her parliamentary assistant.

A spokesperson for Fine Gael confirmed that the role is being shared between Cllr Bailey and Cllr Marie Baker (FG).

The role has a salary of €49,000 per annum, which will be split between the pair.

Speaking to The Gazette, Deputy Bailey said: “Both councillors are 12 years on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, have vast experience, and knowledge of the constituency.

“I think the word ‘nepotism’ is used too freely,” she said.

Deputy Bailey did not hold interviews for the position. The role of parliamentary assistant consists of dealing with media queries, public relations and constituency functions, which include attending meetings and events.

Deputy Bailey said that she hired both councillors for the role because neither “want to do it fulltime because they’re both councillors as well”.

Cllr Karl Gill (PBP) criticised Deputy Bailey’s decision to hire Cllrs Bailey and Baker to the role, deeming it “necessary nepotism for the Baileys”.

When asked how she thinks the public will perceive this move, in light of the ongoing debate about cronyism and nepotism in Irish politics, Deputy Bailey said: “The exception to that is that my father has been a councillor for 12 years, and is well-known as being a

Contributing He said: “Social enterprise of this type forms a vital part of our economic and social infrastructure, while contributing on a very positive level to the achievement of significant growth in employment and output.”

Previous winner Colm Olwill was awarded funding for his Assistive Technology business and now works in IADT Dun Laoghaire as an assistive technologist.

Deputy Barrett said: “The nine successful social entrepreneurs, with their high-potential social start-ups, will be provided with access to professional supports, mentoring and training.

“Their start-up ideas will have the potential to change their communities for the better – something that Dun Laoghaire badly needs.”

Visit socialentrepreneurs.ie to apply.

Cllr John Bailey (FG) congratulates his daughter, Deputy Maria Bailey, following her success in Election 2016. Deputy Bailey appointed Cllr Bailey, and Cllr Marie Baker, as her parliamentary assistant – a move that has drawn criticism. Picture: Geraldine Woods

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‘I think the word “nepotism” is used too freely ... This is not about nepotism – this is about being effective, and having the right experience.’

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

Deputy Maria Bailey (FG)

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very hard worker on the ground.”

She said that based on the responses she’s received, “people just presumed that he would be working with me in

Leinster House”.

“Numerous people have said it to me, and they’re delighted – we’ve been by each other’s side for 12 years, and I’m very proud to have him work-

ing with me.”

She said that her constituents are “delighted” that she’s hired her father, and that she has provided a local link to her national status.

Cllr Gill said: “Maria Bailey picked John Bailey and Marie Baker as her PAs because she can’t trust anyone else in Dun Laoghaire Fine Gael.

“There is no sense of party camaraderie in Fine Gael – it’s all backbiting and internal squabbles, so in this sense Maria Bailey has safely insulated her-

self from competition within her own party.”

However, Deputy Bailey said: “Who is best placed to represent me if I can’t attend something?

“This is not about nepotism – this is about being effective, and having the right experience.”

When asked if people may still perceive this as nepotism, despite her intentions, she said: “People are always going to say that, but it’s not.

They [Cllrs Bailey and Baker] know me inside-

out; they know how I’m going to react, or what I think about certain situations. They know the way I think.

“My father is just over a hip replacement three weeks ago, and for the last 10 days he’s been out dropping [post-Election 2016] thank-you letters on crutches. That is commitment and determination – that’s not somebody clocking up hours and nepotism.

“I can stand over this decision,” said Deputy Bailey.

7 April 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7 April 2016

Gazettegallery

| an taoiseach opens state-of-the-art facility

Megan and Laura Jones with An Taoiseach, with the trio reflecting on the symbolism of the individual rocks, representing the children killed in the Rising

A fish-eye view of the inner courtyard at the GPO, now transformed into a commemorative 1916 space. Pictures: Maxwell Photography

GPO’s visitor centre brings the Rising to life Songwriter and vocal artist Jack Lukeman, aka Jack L

A

N TAOISEACH Enda Kenny was guest of honour at the GPO in the city centre recently, where he opened the communication hub’s new Witness History visitor centre. The multimillion state-of-the-art centre commemorates the GPO’s role at the

very heart of the Rising in 1916, with its exhibits and multimedia tracing the path of revolution. The stories of the leaders of the Rising are mixed with the tales of the ordinary men, women and children who were caught up in the extraordinary events, with their

lives (and deaths) given a respectful and thorough analysis. Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrove was also in attendence, with his father, WT Cosgrave – the first president of new Irish Free State – among those commemorated by the superb new visitor centre.

The first President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free

The hands of Jimmy Deenihan, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, with former Taoiseach

Minister for Diaspora Affairs,

Aidan Collins, dressed as an Irish Volunteer, and Sarah Kinlen,

State, William T Cosgrave - one of

Liam Cosgrave

holding commemorative stamps

dressed as a member of Cumann na MBan

the exhibition’s iconic figures

7 April 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 9

Gazettegallery

| celebrating the musical ties between allies

Simon Taylor and His Excellence, Kevin O’Malley, American ambassador to Ireland

Paul Brady in performance

Paul Muldoon and Lisa Dwane

Carmel and Michael McKeown. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Tanaiste Joan Burton and her husband, Pat Carroll

A lilting conversation with American friends

I

RISH-American ties were at the centre of a special musical evening at the National Concert Hall recently, drawing together a diverse range of musicians, artists and well-known faces to celebrate the long-standing links between the nations.

Described by many as “a musical conversation across the Atlantic”, the eclectic evening – entitled Imagining Home – was enjoyed by all, as the rich sounds of many music genres filled the air. Artists performing on the night included Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crow-

ell, Paul Brady, Andy Irvine, Maura O’Connell, Tim O’Brien, Mick Moloney and band, with their range greatly enjoyed by guests, which included the American ambassador, His Excellence Kevin O’Malley, and Tanaiste Joan Burton and her husband, Pat Carroll.

Athena Tergis

10 Gazette 7 April 2016

7 April 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11

asdfsdaf feature P27 P16

skills P15

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

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diary P12

a day in the life: behind the scenes with the voice of ireland stylist roxanne parkeR

Kept sew busy dressing stars  emma nolan

MAKING sure some of Ireland’s best-known presenters look the part is all in a day’s work for Dublin stylist, Roxanne Parker.

With the live shows for The Voice of Ireland currently under way, a day in Roxanne’s life consists of a gruelling schedule styling the ladies of the show – judges Una Healey from The Saturdays, Rachel Stevens of S Club 7 fame, and presenter Kathryn Thomas.

She said: “With television, you have to pump up the volume and things that might look lovely in real life can get lost on camera. There are lots of parameters that I have to deal with when deciding on outfits.

“Number one, the judge’s chairs are red,

so there loads of things that will clash with that.

Number two, they have to be sitting down, so I have to be careful about hemlines, because skirts can ride up.

“Number three, a lot of prints can pixelate on screen and they can actually start ‘strobing’.

So before I even start pulling clothes, there’s loads of things I have to take into consideration,” she said.

She also has to work with the girls’ figures.

“They may be celebrities, but they’re like every other woman – they have parts of themselves that they dislike as well as the parts they like, so I have to dress around that.”

With Rachel Stevens, Roxanne says she’s a “real lady with a natural, ladylike elegance and sexi-

ness about her,” so her wardrobe is a “tightrope” balance of the two.

“She doesn’t do short dresses at all; she loves maxi skir ts, longer lengths and showing off her shoulders,” she says of Rachel, who is also really “dainty”, and dressing her involves having many garments altered so as not to overwhelm her frame.

Speaking of Una Healy, Roxanne says that “rockchick is her go-to look”.

“As she’s been embarking on a solo career, we’ve really been carving out a new look for Una, which has been really exciting.

“Una is a big fan of metallics, studs and leather, but is also very feminine. On last week’s show, she wore a dress from Alex Perry in a fresh, lime green and pale pink

– she looked like Ariel the Little Mermaid; it’s been really fun styling her.”

As for Kathryn Thomas, Roxanne said: “She is under pressure – she’s on that stage for two hours and she needs to look good from a 360degree angle.”

A day on set filming the show in The Helix involves dress rehearsals, fittings and camera tests. “The day just goes so quickly.”

Roxanne stays in the wings during the show and stays on hand to ensure there are no wardrobe malfunctions.

As for balancing her work schedule with her personal life, Roxanne says it’s “out the window” at the moment, but once filming ends things will mellow out.

Dealing with criticism

from the public in an inevitable part of being in the public eye and there was some criticism for a dress Kathryn wore on the show a few weeks ago, which Roxanne has taken it in her stride.

“People were saying that the dress was inappropriate and I’m thinking: ‘Guys, she’s not in the Dail giving a speech – she’s a TV presenter and she’s supposed to be glam and sexy’. It would be inappropriate if she showed up at church dressed like that, but she’s an entertainer on a TV show.

“Part of the celebrity is the fact that they wear clothes that are amazing and different. The criticisms didn’t bother me – if you’re getting a reaction, you’re doing something right.”

Top stylist, Roxanne Parker, pictured at the Thomas Sabo SS16 collection event

12 Gazette 7 April 2016

Gazette

dublinlife Step out with Richie to help everyone with Parkinson’s ON APRIL 10, those who live with Parkinson’s disease and their supporters will convene in Merrion Square to take part in the annual Parkinson’s Association of Ireland Unity Walk.

Starting Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2016 in style is the one and only Richie Kavanagh, who is calling on all those in Dublin who want to learn a cupla focal about how they can support those living with Parkinson’s disease to come along on the day.

Richie, who lives with Parkinson’s disease (PD), will perform his recently re-launched hit song, Aon Focal Eile, as a part of the Unity Walk celebrations.

He is encouraging all his fans, supporters and those affected by Parkinson’s disease to show their support for the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland by coming out to join in the Unity Walk to raise awareness for the disease, which affects over 12,000 people in Ireland.

For further information, see www.parkinsons.ie.

a moving film on suicide in ireland THE classic Irish short film, A Day For The Fire, on the tragic theme of suicide in modern Ireland will be screened on

RTE 2 Shortscreen, on Monday, April 4 at midnight.

Featuring riveting performances by Jonathan Ryan (Patriot Games) and Jon Kenny (D’Unbelievables), this follows international screenings at festivals such as Palm Springs, Savannah, Boston, Cork, Fastnet, and at Los Angeles for the 2013 Oscar longlist.

The film is written and directed by Maurice O’Callaghan (Broken Harvest), and has played in selected cinemas in Ireland throughout 2014 and 2015 and may also be viewed on YouTube.

testing for better sexual health GLEN, the sexual health centre, recently launched KnowNow – Ireland’s first national free rapid HIV testing programme.

The testing is community-based and will be provided by a team of community volunteers in a variety of non-clinical venues in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. In Dublin, this will include Pantibar, on Capel Street.

The latest HIV diagnosis figures show that HIV remains an issue of critical concern for gay and bisexual men.

Tiernan Brady, director of Gay HIV strategies for GLEN, said: “KnowNow,

the new rapid HIV testing pilot, is an exciting and innovative new approach to enabling more people to know their HIV status.

“If people have HIV, then the earlier they become aware of their status the better it will be for their long-term health outcomes.

“In addition, most HIV is transmitted by people who are unaware that they have HIV, so early diagnosis can further reduce onward transmission rates.”

borrow a way to save home energy HOME energy saving kits are now available in all Dublin City public libraries.

The kits contain six useful tools to help homeowners save energy and cut costs and are available to borrow, free of charge.

The kits have been developed by Dublin’s energy agency, Codema, and contain six practical tools to help people save energy at home.

They are available to borrow from 10 library branches across the city.

T he items in the toolkits address three key areas of energy use in the home – space heating, hot water and electricity consumption – and can help identify common

diary

Paula Gilmore, Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, joined the one and only Richie Kavanagh to help promote the upcoming annual Parkinson’s Association of Ireland Unity Walk at Merrion Square, on April 10

problems, such as a lack of insulation, poor ventilation and the appliances in the home that might be driving up electricity bills.

The kit is also accompanied by a step-by-step user manual and demonstration video which easily explain how to use each tool correctly, so it can appeal to homeowners with even the most basic knowledge of energy-saving.

knowledge for a men’s health issue THIS April, the Movember Foundation is encouraging guys and their partners to get to Know Thy Nuts.

The mission of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is to educate the country about what’s

normal and most importantly, what’s not.

Though not always seen as such, testicular cancer is very much a young man’s disease and is most common in men aged 15-34.

Many men either never check their testicles, or don’t know how to perform a self-examination, making it all the more critical that awareness around the issue is improved.

The Movember Foundation has created a limited edition Know Thy Nuts soap-on-a-rope, to help spread awareness while raising vital funds for men’s health.

Neil Rooney, Movember country manager, says: “While testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young

men, it’s largely overlooked and many men simply aren’t aware of the signs they need to look out for.

“As the leading foundation for men’s health in Ireland, Movember is going all-out for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and asking guys and their partners to #KnowThyNuts.”

Visit Movember.com to purchase limited Testicular Cancer Awareness Month products, and to find out more information.

all aboard the ark for fun FROM June to August at Ireland’s only dedicated cultural centre for children, The Ark, in Temple Bar, young people can enjoy five-day summer

camps, one-off workshops and special events, as well as a free exhibition about the making of Cartoon Saloon’s hugely successful animation, Song of the Sea. Budding animators can gain insight and practical experience of the world of animation, try out different animation techniques, or become part of an animation film production team as they work in groups to create, storyboard and film a short animated film.

With events starting at age 2+ (the summer camps are for children aged from eight to 12), there is a chance for all the family to get involved.

Bookings can be made now. For further information, see ark.ie.

7 April 2016 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 7 April 2016

dublinlife

FEATURE

Run, walk or trek to support MS Ireland’s work  ian begley

THREE upcoming events will give people the opportunity to get active, take a challenge and have fun helping to raise funds for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their families locally.

MS Ireland, the national services, information and research organisation supporting people living with MS, is calling on people in Dublin city and county to choose an event and visit www.mssociety.ie to sign up and receive a Team MS Ireland pack.

Get active with the girls in the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, which takes place on June 6.

The VHI Women’s MiniMarathon is now open

for sign-up.

Women are three times as likely to be diagnosed with MS as men, making this a great chance for women across the country to take part and “Get Active for MS”, showing their support.

Alternatively, why not Trek the Camino Portuguese Route for MS from September 17 – 24 as part of MS Ireland’s 27th Camino Trek?

Camino, The Portuguese Route, promises an incredible experience. This year, Camino trekkers for MS will have the chance to walk the Portuguese Route – Tui to Santiago Compostela. The fundraising target is €2,950 per person.

The last section of the

Portuguese Way starts in the border town of Tui, separated from Portugal only by the River Minho and the International Bridge.

From Tui to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino trail passes wooded areas, farmlands and hamlets, as well as historic towns and cities, including the city of Pontevedra with its classic Galician old town, superb architecture and centre.

Then, later this year, MS Ireland was delighted to be one of two official charities for the 2015 Dublin Marathon. The organisation is asking anyone signing up for the Dublin City Marathon on October 30 to consider running for people

Eileen Drumgoole and Ann Marie Shevlin add a dash of fun to last year’s VHI Women’s Mini-Marathon, with MS Ireland one of the many causes being supported by participants in the popular annual event every June

with MS and raise funds for vital services.

MS is the most common disabling neurological condition of young adults in Ireland. The

condition is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.

Debilitating symptoms include impaired mobility, severe fatigue

and cognitive difficulties. There is currently no known cause or cure for the condition.

Funds raised by everyone taking part for people with MS will help to provide one-to-one and family support including newly diagnosed sessions, physiotherapy and symptom management programmes through ten regional offices across the country.

The funds will also help with the operation of the MS Information Line, to provide one-toone professional support to people with MS; and to continue to deliver specialised services in the MS Care Centre – Ireland’s only respite and therapy centre for people with MS.

Ava Battles, chief executive, MS Ireland said: “Getting active has great benefits for all of us. In my work I’m constantly inspired by people – people living with MS, people taking on challenges to fundraise for an important cause.

“It is always great to hear the positive feedback from those taking part in events like Women’s Mini-Marathon, Camino and Dublin City Marathon.

“It’s about the combination of a great personal experience while at the same time helping people with MS and their families.”

For further information on these, or to register, see www.ms-society. ie, or call 01 678 1600.

7 April 2016 Gazette 15

Gazette

FEATURE

Young blogger Lexi Schoene (above) and Harvey and Jasper Brezina Conniffe, with Lightron the robot – all helping to promote the fifth annual CoderDojo Coolest Projects awards. Pictures: Conor McCabe

children : popular annual coderdojo initiative

Young minds turn to coding awards  ian begley

MORE than 800 young innovators from across Ireland and Western Europe will take part in the fifth annual CoderDojo Coolest Projects awards, which look set to be the largest technology event held in the country this year, and demonstrate the popularity of coding for many young people.

This year’s awards will be held at the RDS on Saturday, June 18 and are expected to attract more than 10,000 spectators to witness demonstrations of the apps, websites, animation, games and robots among this year’s submissions.

The CoderDojo Coolest Projects awards are unique in Europe, have been embraced by the EU, and were established as a competition and exhibition to create, support and inspire a generation of

innovators, creators and entrepreneurs aged from seven to 17.

The Coolest Projects l a u n c h a t C HQ i n Dublin on March 29 was attended by some of Ireland’s brightest young innovators, who were flanked by a giant robot.

Eight-year-old blogger Lexi Schoene has entered the blog/website category at this year’s Coolest Projects awards with her site, lexililybelle.com.

Wordpress “I used the HTML and coding skills I learned at CoderDojo Dun Laoghaire to design my website using Wordpress,” said Lexi, who blogs on her life and interests across a range of platforms.

The awards create a unique platform for young people to develop a broad set of coding and digital skills by offering

them the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned at CoderDojo and other coding clubs.

“Coolest Projects provides the bridge from learning coding skills at CoderDojos to innovating and creating future employment.

“We are the piece in the middle which makes the connection,” said Coolest Projects cofounder, Noel King.

“These digital skills are vital if Europe is to address the coding skills shortage which has led to 500,000 open job postings across the region in 2015.”

Coolest Projects has seen young people deliver projects across the latest technologies, from Cloud-based tech to virtual reality, and has the real potential to drive vital digital skills across a pan-European platform.

T here are awards

across a range of age groups in the disciplines of websites, apps, animation and games, advanced languages, enterprise and hardware.

This year also sees the addition of Launch’d, a unique one-day event aimed at supporting the next generation of technology entrepreneurs.

Start-ups Running in parallel with Coolest Projects, it will feature Ireland’s 100 top tech start-ups and a host of top international speakers, in what will be the biggest technology event held in Ireland this year.

Muirne Laffan, RTE’s chief digital officer, said: “Equipping young people in Ireland with the skills to become the digital creators of tomorrow is vitally important.”

For further information, see www.coolestprojects.org.

Gazette

16 Gazette 7 April 2016

dublinlife

FEATURE

property: spacious gallowhill homes could be a perfect escape from the city

An exclusive development awaits in Athy EXPERTS now say the residential market is stabilising with property values in the Leinster region rising by 15.8%, but with regional variations.

As new homes are in short supply in the greater Dublin area, Gallowhill New Homes offers a unique opportunity to purchase a quality family home within walking distance of Athy train station.

The small and exclusive development is conveniently located in the Kildare heritage town, just one hour from Dublin and 10km from the M9, Exit 3.

The remaining detached homes are being

launched this Sunday by joint agents, Fingleton and Co and Brophy Farrell.

Gallowhill’s spacious interiors are well suited to modern day living and offer a choice of two different house types, Type A and Type B. Both house types have four bedrooms, with the larger house having two reception rooms and two en-suites.

Type B has a very large open plan kitchen with dining area and double doors leading to the rear garden. The kitchen in the larger house, Type A, offers a totally different kitchen layout along with two sets of double doors opening from the kitchen

and dining area onto the rear garden.

This offers great possibilities for the addition of a sun room at a later stage, without having to touch the main structure of the house.

The “B” house price has remained at €220,000, and will particularly appeal to first-time buyers to qualify for the new regulations on residential mortgage lending.

This development is architect designed with maintenance-free facades, and offer generous living space with excellent standard features including a stove, extensive tiling, cream Shaker-style painted kitchens, ward-

robes in four bedrooms, and tiling to the kitchen.

Gallowhill is located in a sought after area, within walking distance of Athy train station, Athy golf club and the four-star Clanard Court Hotel.

Athy, an ancient heritage market town, is located on the River Barrow and Grand Canal, and is rich in architectural and natural heritage.

Ardscull Moate, Mullaghmast Ring Fort, Mullachcreelin Woods, Moone Abbey and High Cross are all located in the vicinity and in the best of agricultural farmlands.

The town offers a superb choice of well-es-

Gallowhill’s spacious interiors have been finished to the highest standards

tablished modern schools, excellent clubs and sports facilities and numerous festivals throughout the yearly calendar

Gallowhill estate lies between the Kildare Road and the Kilcullen road, and has been well planned with a featured

driveway into the estate.

For further info, email info@reabrophyfarrell.ie or info@fingletonandco. com.

7 April 2016 Gazette 17

gaming P22

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

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Gazette

travel P20

city

MUSIC The Martin brothers

Cry Monster Cry to play in Temple Bar  ian begley

These colourful characters helped to give the eleventh annual International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival a picture-perfect launch recently. With a diverse range of events on this year’s programme, the festival’s reach is accessible to all, and is not just limited to LGBT people.

arts: inclusiveness at the heart of annual international event

All welcome at gay theatre fest  ian begley

THE eleventh annual International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival programme runs this year from May 5 to 17 at various locations across Dublin.

This year’s festival will also feature a record number of plays by Irish playwrights and supports the growing interest in LGBT issues and the gay community at home.

During the two weeks in May, the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy drama, comedy, music and cabaret at accessible prices, as well as a range of free events.

This annual event will also present plays from abroad, including the USA, Canada, South Africa, Israel and Australia, as well as plays from closer to

home, from Northern Ireland and Britain.

In his speech, the festival’s artistic director and chairman, Brian Merriman, highlighted the need for inclusion of all people in the festival events.

Although 50% of the festival audience is heterosexual, he pointed out that the festival is “suffering from goodwill”.

He explained: “So many people look at the event and go: ‘Well done’, and then self-exclude themselves from it because they are not LGBT, or they think they are not into theatre.

“We do not personally profit in any way from our voluntary work supporting professional artists, but I believe we all profit from this visibility, this diversity, this inclusiveness of all, regardless of their identity, in a unique artistic cel-

ebration of new voices, new work and new horizons in Dublin in May.” This year, the festival audience will have the opportunity to experience stories about family and gender, musings on love and happiness with a poignant look at gay marriage and divorce, love and loss.

There will be talks about gay rights, politics and sex in the 1980s, and a rethink of children’s tales and fairy tales.

Love will blossom in the trenches of World War 1, football pitches and Northern Ireland, and in spite of and despite religion.

There will be stories about privilege and assumed rights that go with it; of pure malice and perceived evil; of obsession and corruption of beauty.

1916’s heroes feature, as does the work of Wilde and Jean Genet and Stephen Sondheim, and even Margaret Thatcher will make an appearance on stage. However, without fail, the festival will show stories of and about that unpredictable and uncontrollable organ – the heart.

The festival was founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde, in his native city. With an emphasis on new or recent international and Irish works with a broadly gay theme or relevance, the festival has grown to become the largest event of its type in the world.

Booking is available online at www. gaytheatre.ie, or at the festival box office at The Arlington Hotel Temple Bar, Lord Edward Street, from April 28 at noon to 3pm daily.

JUST over a year since the release of their debut album in 2015, Rhythm of Dawn, brothers Jamie and Richie Martin (above) have had an incredible 12 months touring the UK and Ireland.

The record debuted at #1 in the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts, and their latest single, Atlas, has just smashed 165,000 streams on Spotify.

Fresh from a host of successful live gigs around Ireland and the UK, the band will return to play their last Dublin headline show, before taking some time off to return to the studio to work on some new material.

Their headline show takes place on April 8 in the Button Factory, from 7.30pm. Tickets are €16.50. For further information, see www. crymonstercry.com.

18 GAZETTE 7 April 2016

MANGO reversible sequin skirt €49.95, reversible seqiun top €29.95

OUT&ABOUT

Designers reign on Fashhood portal IRELAND’S top fashion designers are showcasing their work and interacting directly with a captive audience through a new online portal – fashhood.com.

The new online platform (above) features an exclusive collection of Irish fashion, focused on the working woman.

The site aims to promote and sell the work of Irish designers to a global audience and is also an up-and-coming online community where consumers can engage with the designers, share their thoughts, influence fashion and commission bespoke pieces.

Designers featured on fashhood.com include Zoe Carol, Helen Cody, Natalie B Coleman, Shirley Copperwhite, Jill De Burca, Tina Griffin, Jen Kelly, Carol Kennelly, Elaine Madigan Cashmere, Ommactive, Rant & Rave, Emma Sheridan, Helen Steele, Niall Tyrrell, We are Islanders, and others.

Designer Elizabeth McKay said that the site affords consumers a unique opportunity to learn more about the designers and engage with them.

She said: “We’ve given women a voice and a platform where they can let designers know what they feel,

what they are looking for and what they like.

It’s also a place where pictures of desirable or aspirational items can be posted, and a place where, at the press of a button, you can ask designers if they have similar [items] in stock or can make such an item.”

Markievicz Artist Emma Sheridan, who recently designed a 1916-inspired t-shirt, said: “My drawing of Countess Markievicz [screenshot, above] is my abstract version of a sketch I found of her by John Butler Yeats, and is aimed to represent what a colourful woman she was and life she led.

“By collaborating with the other designers in Fashhood, I believe we are all putting our strengths together for the future to create a team strengthened by our own colourful histories.”

Designer Helen Steele said: “I am delighted to be chosen to be a designer with Fashhood.

It is a site for like-minded women who want to connect with and cultivate a new way to explore fashion online.

“There are a treasure trove of Irish designers at your fingertips and the fact that we get to connect with the members of Fashhood is fantastic.”

Mango Metallics sweater €25.95, skirt €45.95

MANGO sequin dress €39.95

Metallic madness MANGO pleated top €9.95

MANGO skinny gloss jeans €39.95

 EMMA NOLAN

MANGO metallic sweater €45.95

It’s time  EMMA NOLAN

Style Editor

KARLIE Kloss is the face of Mango’s New Metallics campaign, which seeks to emulate the 90s Grunge era with a space-age twist. You know it’s starting to get warm again when you see the bikini display appear!

to shine

T h e combination of denims and leathers with the abundant sequin and metallic gloss textures delivers this mix of rock ’n’ roll and disco – neither of which are dead in Mango HQ this season.

Glimmering and shining, the look Mango has achieved is set to be a hit with festival goers with its flashy and chic sen-

sibilities in equal measures. Glam and casual at the same time, the styling of leather and denim over shimmering fabrics gives the collection a hard edge that’s seamlessly softened by the metallic accents.

Favourites include the high neck pleated top for only €9.95, and the sequin dresses (€39.95) paired with the cropped fitted leather jacket (€59.95).

7 April 2016 GAZETTE 19

River Island Paisley print frilly bardot top €37 Little Woods Ireland off the shoulder beach cover

GAZETTE

STYLE

Time for Tilbury’s magic help for your weary eyes

up dress €52  EMMA NOLAN

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HARD work and weather can take their toll

Expose those shoulders

on your hands, leaving them dry with cuts and hangnails, so a good hand cream is a worthwhile investment to prevent them from always feeling parched.

Crabtree and Evelyn’s Gardeners 60 Second Fix for Hands Kit is a simple two-step system that promises

 EMMA NOLAN

SHOULDERS are the new erogenous zone du jour with designers continuing to create bardot necklines and cold shoulder cut outs.

And what could be more subtly seductive than a glimpse of sunkissed shoulders and collar bone? More restrained than cleavage, everyone can pull of this uncomplicated trend that suits all shapes and outfits.

From oversized cold shoulder jumpers to delicate bardot bodysuits, this trend can be worn multiple ways. Pair with high waisted pants, a midi skirt or a full off the shoulder dress or jumpsuit.

All the high streets have variations and the likes of Asos and Missguided have a large number of pieces currently available.

So get the bronzer out, it’s shoulders’ time to shine.

to give visible results after a single treatment.

Step one is the Hand Recovery cream that cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises, followed by the hand therapy cream, which contains shea butter and nourishing macadamia nut oil. This cream wears like a glove to give protection from the elements.

The kit is priced at €34 and is available at Kildare Village and pharmacies nationwide.

Gazette

20 Gazette 7 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

getaways: stays in moscow, or the Cote d’Azur, will delight

This week, we have several deals from travel experts offering some great Maltese holidays

Make it marvellous Malta for a great trip  ian begley

WHY not make 2016 a year to remember by visiting the Mediterranean island of Malta?

With year-round sunshine, events and activities to suit all ages, Malta is certainly an ideal location for those who want to break away from Ireland.

Only a short flight away, Malta has a variety of events this April and May that will definitely keep you entertained.

Lowcostholidays is offering seven nights, departing on April 30, at the 4-Star Hotel Paradise Bay (B&B), from €562pp.

Alternatively, you can depart on May 14 and stay at the 5-Star Excelsior Grand Hotel (B&B), from €652pp.

With Budget Travel, you can depart on April 30 and stay at the 3-Star Topaz Hotel Apt, Bugibba (room only) for €523pp.

You could alternatively depart on May 19 and stay at the 4-Star Canifor Hotel, Qawra (B&B), for €369pp.

With Concorde Travel, you can depart on May 8 and stay for seven nights

at the 3-Star Blubay Apartments, Sliema (SC, one bedroom, three sharing) for €464pp.

On May 15, Concorde is offering seven nights at the 5-Star Intercontinental Hotel, St Julians (B&B, standard room, two sharing) for €864pp.

The 15th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival will take place on Saturday, April 1; Saturday, April 23; and Saturday, April 30.

A number of Maltese and foreign fireworks factories will be participating in this competitive event, presenting spectacular firework displays that will be synchronised to music.

The Valletta Green Festival, which takes place from May 6 to 9, is a weekend-long event that aims to inspire people to turn urban spaces into green oases.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Infiorata, a colourful floral display composed of thousands of flowering plants placed next to each other.

For further information and details of other events that will be taking place in Malta, see www. visitmalta.com.

A nine-night trip to Russia will take in some of the country’s cultural treasures, including Red Square in Moscow, and St Basil’s Cathedral

You’ll be Russian off to see some great sights  ian begley

Travel Editor

EXPERIENCE everything that the Land of the Tsars has to offer on a nine-night, solo-friendly holiday to Russia, from €1,789pp.

With flights departing from Dublin on September 15, travel to the regions where some of the world’s most famous art, literature and history were created, from the beautiful St Petersburg to the hustle and bustle of the capital, Moscow.

During the first half of your stay, you will visit St Petersburg, which has more of a Scandinavian feel than the capital and is home to the Winter Palace – the former residence of the Russian monarchs.

St Petersburg is also

home to Catherine’s Palace, in the town of Tzarskoye, which boasts some of the most opulent architecture and interior design you are ever likely to see.

For the second half of your trip, visit Moscow and see the iconic squares and palaces that make the city so renowned.

Here, you will see Red Square, which is the enormous plaza that houses St Basil’s Cathedral, amongst others.

Other highlights are the Kremlin, which is a huge compound of government buildings containing the seat of the president, and the Kremlin Armoury, which houses some of the most valuable jewels in the world.

You will also enjoy plenty of leisure time to explore these beautiful

cities at your own pace.

Alternatively, if you fancy a break a tad closer to home, then why not try a three-night city break in Cote d’Azur, better known as the French Riviera?

Priced from €499pp with flights leaving on November 10, the French Riviera has been the playground of the rich and famous since the 19th century, and all of its allure remains.

From the opulence of Nice to the tranquillity of St Paul-de-Vence, this three-night short city break is truly special.

You will visit Antibes, a town which was founded as a 5th century Greek colony due to its naturally protected port, and has historically been an important trade centre.

Today, it is home to a

Sun worshippers need no introduction to Cote d’Azur

number of noted museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Naval Museum of Napoleon.

Then you will set off for Nice, one of the most popular cities to visit in France, which boasts lots of cultural attractions, including a colourful flower market and the Promenade des Anglais, named after the earliest English visitors to the area.

There will also be plenty of time to discover the many hidden gems in Cannes at your own pace.

Relax with a drink by the seaside or take a stroll alonges Film Festival, or enjoy an al fresco lunch in the Old Town of Cannes, overlooking the bay.

For further information about these two offers, see www.traveldepartment.ie.

7 April 2016 Gazette 21

Cruising information event is sure to make some waves  ian begley

ON SUNDAY, from noon to 5pm at the Red Cow Morans Hotel, e-Travel.ie will host an exclusive cruise information afternoon event with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Silversea Cruiseline, Norweigen Cruiseline, Uniworld River Cruising and Riveria Travel.

The travel experts are offering great deals and unique show offers on the day, with free presentations from all of the cruise lines’ representatives, and Q&A sessions for all those nautical but nice cruise queries.

Discover fun-filled, action-packed holidays for the whole family on board luxury ships bursting with amenities such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, onboard surf parks, Broadway entertainment, great night life, shopping and gourmet cuisine.

Imagine the spectacular glaciers and silent fjords of Alaska, paradise on the Caribbean coasts, the cultural splendour of European cities on a Mediterranean cruise, b e a u t i f u l H aw a i i a n Islands with dramatic lava flows and tropical rainforests, or broaden your horizons even further to destinations such as Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, with exiting itineraries departing from the Middle East and Far East.

Established in 1997, e-Travel is now one of Ireland’s leading inde-

pendent travel agents, specialising in cruising as well as flights, long-haul and online bookings, and are the only 100% Irishowned and managed online agency in Ireland.

They have sailed away with numerous international awards for excellence in cruising, including top honours from Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

The e-Travel Cruise Show is free to attend for all the family and as well as great value with special booking discounts for reservations made on the day, e-Travel’s awardwinning team will be in attendance to offer expertise and advice, as well as offering early booking discounts, on-board credit, or champagne in your cabin.

TRAVEL The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Galway

The west is best for a relaxing trip  ian begley

HEAD west and discover why Lonely Planet have named Galway city as one of the “Top 21 things to do in Ireland”, with a trip to the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa. The popular guide book was released on March 11, and announced the coveted list of things to do in Ireland.

Changing technology and ever-improving ship design has seen the rise of super liners, with all the comforts

Sales up This January was a good month for Irish travel bookings, with sales up as much as 46% for some agents, with many holidaymakers cruising the luxury end of the market.

According to e-Travel. ie, almost 58% of cruise sales are for four-star ships, and 35% for fivestar ships, but the luxury cruise liners are fast becoming the preferred option for customers.

However, as the purse strings are loosening and luxury is back on the bucket list, enduring lessons learned during the recession mean that value for money is still a priority.

The world has changed, and tastes have changed.

Modern luxury means

Gazette

TRAVEL the aquatic life: set sail for a great gathering at Red Cow Morans Hotel fast

and attractions of a small city, providing a great range of activities to keep passengers entertained

airy spaces with all the right, tasteful details; restaurants where the design is just as important as the cuisine; intuitive service with a keen eye for detail, and doing as much or as little as you choose.

Cities Cruise ships are often referred to as floating hotels, and in some cases they are more like floating cities. You can choose from massive ships – such as Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, which can carry almost 8,000 passengers and crew – or smaller, intimate river cruises, which carry less than 100 passengers.

Among the statistics that e-Travel accumulated, $26bn is the glo-

The restful open-air solarium of Navigator of the Seas

bal value of preliminary ship orders until 2022, with 35,000 passengers from Ireland expected to cruise this year.

According to e-Travel’s latest figures, 42% of Irish cruisers are now aged under 40. This represents a 20% increase since

2014, and shows the rapidly changing profile of cruise passengers from Ireland.

The average price paid in 2015 for a fly-cruise package was €1,476, versus €1,383 in 2014, and stateroom sales breakdown to approximately

65% balconies, 28% inside, and 7% ocean view.

So far in 2016, the trend seems to be upwardly mobile, to the 5- and 6-star luxury liners such as Celebrity, Silversea, Cunard and Cr ystal Cruises.

Renowned Located at Lough Atalia, just a short stroll from the heart of Galway city, Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Galway is the perfect base to explore what the renowned travel guide publisher describes as “Ireland’s liveliest city”.

The Galway Getaway package at the Radisson Blu is available from €175 per person sharing, and includes a two-night stay, breakfast on both mornings, and dinner on the evening of your choice in Marina’s Grill, or Raw – Sushi in the Sky restaurant (below).

For further information, see www.radissonhotelgalway.com, or call 091 538 521.

Gazette

22 Gazette 7 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

break: this stylish title is WEEBYTES quantum certainly unique, and fun as well

Miitomo is a first step into apps for Nintendo

Nintendo’s “Mii too” in social apps NINTENDO have been quietly making headlines with a small, but important step the release of its first app, Miitomo (IOS, Android; free, IAP; Cert 3+).

Gamers have been clamouring for Nintendo to dip its toes in the app market for a long time now, as despite being a gaming giant, its hardware and software have all but disappeared from shops (here, at least).

However Mitttomo marks Nintendo’s take on a social network, which sees uses create their own Nintendostyled avatar (a Mii), and then let them loose to engage with other users (which I’ll dub Yee).

While the are a number of slight mini games, Miitomo users are most likely to see their bobble-headed characters while chatting with each other, or dressing them up in outfits for photo poses, and other silly, but fun, ways of creating character ownership, and socially interacting.

At the time of writing, with less than a week out of the gate Miitomo has already been grabbed by more than three million people worldwide, which suggests Nintendo still know exactly how to create fun and friendly content.

Just in time to help XBox One fight its corner

EVER since their respective releases, the PlayStation 4 (PS4) and XBone One (XBO) have been locked in battle, circling each other in the ring in a tireless right to be the top dog in the gaming arena.

So far, the PS4 has been nigh-on unstoppable, beating the XBO back towards a corner with one heavy blow after another, from its global sales tally to some of the platformexclusive titles set for the console. At times, the fight hasn’t been pretty ...

However, the XBO has no intention of throwing in the towel – and nor should it, as it’s an equally impressive platform that has, perhaps, been a little slow to warm up and fight back, but 2016 looks likely to be the round that puts it back on a confident, equal footing in the middle of the ring as the coaches (Sony and Microsoft) yell encouragement.

Indeed, the XBO has just landed an impres-

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

sive, powerful blow with its platform-exclusive title (albeit shared with the PC), Quantum Break (Cert 16).

Long in development, Quantum has been a title that aroused plenty of interest along the way to release, but the finished title has perhaps surpassed expectations, and has delivered a title that is not only a great showcase for the XBO, but also stands out as a top title for 2016.

It even makes a positive impression thanks to its mixed-media stylings – see boxout below – and, if nothing else, provides a much-needed dose of creative quirkiness to the XBO’s line-up.

As the title might sug-

gest, Quantum Break follows a familiar sci-fi trope: temporal anomalies, or hijinks messing about with time’s properties, following an experiment going awry at a lab.

Ah, scientists – will they never learn to leave quantum physics alone?

The game’s protagonist – whose brother was behind the unfortunate experiment – is caught up in the unfolding catastrophe, and becomes endowed with several impressive time-related powers, all of which become invaluable once the main plot kicks in, and the shadowy corporation at the heart of the tale starts trying to clean up the mess (largely by eliminating everyone involved).

The games’s dense plot is something of a McGuffin, however, as Quantum Break can largely be summed up as being a traditional third-person shooter (where you run and gun about various

With a hero able to manipulate time (above) or even wander through spectacular setpieces where time has frozen (below), Quantum Break is a pretty unique title

levels), with some cool time-related superpowers (such as freezing enemies in place in a time bubble, or effectively teleporting across areas), and interspersed with some very, very pretty and spectacular set pieces built around the notion of fractured, damaged time.

While we’ve seen timerelated powers before in a number of games – typically, involving slomo shootouts, or used to direct story-changing gameplay – there’s never been a title quite like Quantum Break.

On the one hand, it’s an accomplished shooter that hits all the right marks for the genre; on the other, the time-relat-

ed powers and abilities create something that’s a little more open-ended, with emergent gameplay that’s as messy, or fun, as the player wants it to be.

Add in the striking setpieces, and the slick plot interruptions detailed below, and Quantum Break manages the paradox of delivering something that will feel quite familiar to seasoned gamers, while frequently being

fresh and unique, with very strong art direction and production values.

Ultimately, this great, impressive title is just the kind of thing the XBO needs to land some impressive blows against the PS4, and reminds game and industry watchers that while Microsoft hasn’t fought like a champion in the ring, there’s still plenty of fight left, and everything to play for.

Some familiar faces add some thespian cred to QUANTUM break’s plot ONE of the things that makes Quantum Break so memorable, and unique, are how it delivers its plot – while there are all the usual in-game cinematics, it also features some glossy live action footage to help advance the plot.

Quantum Break’s high-quality footage not only looks the part, with great production values that make it feel like a cross between 24, and Spooks, but also has some great actors.

Sprinkled with a number of familiar

Whassisname faces, the most wellknown and recognisable actors include Aiden Gillen, Lance Reddick (both inset) and Dominic Monaghan, adding more than a dash of credibility to the well-shot scenes.

While gaming is littered with excrutiatingly poor acting, that’s not the case here, as these live action segments have been expertly created, making it feel like a mini-series or box set that you’re just catching up with now.

Indeed, those familiar with Quantum Break’s developer, Helsinki-based Remedy Entertainment, won’t be surprised at the vision and direction on display here.

Its precious titles have also had a singular impact, with its best-known title, Alan Wake, weighed down by a dour, dense narrative with cinematic overtones – yet sprinkled with moments of levity and silliness, too.

While Quantum Break could have

been a curate’s egg, the live-action segments complete the package, making it a great game that XBO owners should definitely find the time for.

7 April 2016 Gazette 23

midnight special: this attractive film evokes a welcome familiarity

ReelReviews

A road movie that harkens back to some sci-fi classics there is a cer tain strain of sci-fi films that took over cinema screens in the late 70s and early 80s – films such as Stephen Spielberg’s ET, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, or John Carpenter’s Starman – that tend to be emblazoned into the minds of the generation that was growing up at the time They are a far cry from the kind of grim and doom-laden sci-fi films that became popular in later decades; instead, these earlier films offered grand adventure entwined with a narrative of hope of redemption – a strange mix of what is most otherworldly, and what is most human.

It is in this same vein that Jeff Nichols’ Midnight Special must be watched.

Brooding and mysterious, Midnight Special is a film that likes to keep its audience ensconced snugly in the dark.

Roy (Michael Shannon) is the concerned father who goes on the run with his supernaturally gifted son, Alton (Jaeden Lieberher).

Alton’s got a myriad of inexplicable powers – but it’s his ability to tune

 Dave phillips

into messages being relayed by satellites that has him in trouble.

Murky government agencies want to run tests and find out exactly how Alton is accessing their information, while the remote evangelical community that claim Alton as a prophetic figurehead want to utilise him for their own devices.

Midnight Special plays out as a kind of peculiar road trip, as it falls on Roy and an old friend, Lucas (Joel Edgerton), to get the boy across the country to safety before the government or the church find them.

Things get more complex when Alton’s hypersensitivity to daylight comes into play – forcing him to spend much of the trip decked out in swimming goggles, and reading comics by torchlight in blackedout rooms.

Much of the action is driven (quite literally, as

we travel across several states) by Edgerton and Shannon.

Nichols keeps the screenplay fairly spartan, so much of the relationship between the two men is played out through their silences – and their performances are all the better for it, with Shannon exuding a kind of desperate determinism, while Edgerton continues on the trip with a kind of weary loyalty.

Kirsten Dunst comes on board in the second half as Alton’s mother, as does Girls’ Adam Driver, who plays the government researcher that develops a special connection to Alton.

There is an undeniable yearning to evoke a sense of nostalgia throughout Midnight Special. Despite being set in the present day, the clothing, the sets, and the shots all feel from the heyday of feelgood sci-fi.

Adam Stone, who worked as cinematographer on Nichols’ previous features (Mud, and Take Shelter) captures and evokes that “ET feeling” in scenes set in windswept cornfields and lush forests.

Gazette

CINEMA

dawn of justice A batty but okay tale

TO USE its full title, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (Cert 12A, 151 mins) has been roundly slated by critics and fanboys, but has been a financial hit at least, with impressive box office sales around the world. Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill give decent turns as Batman and Superman respectively, but Jesse Eisenberg’s woeful miscasting as Lex Luthor almost derails the film.

CloverfielD lane

Monstrously entertaining

Although set in modern times, there’s an almost timeless feeling to Midnight Special, which takes a familiar tale (people on the run) but creates something fresh

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

‘There is an undeniable yearning to evoke a sense of nostalgia throughout Midnight Special.

Despite being set in the present day, the clothing, the sets, and the shots all feel from the heyday of feel-good sci-fi’

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

However, the film remains concerned with light and dark, and Midnight Special introduces a darkness, both literal and figurative, that was not present in the earlier films that it aspires to emulate.

Alongside the light of

hope and human connection lies a darker strand of religious fervour, desperation, and violence.

Midnight Special keeps its cards close to its chest, teasing the audience along in the dark but never quite

enlightening them. As a result, it will be accused of having more style than substance, and it is hard to argue against that.

It is a simple story that is told well, but there is something more going on. We enjoy some films because they make us feel clever, others because they make us feel tension, but Midnight Special succeeds in trying to evoke those sci-fi films of the 80s, because watching it feels wholesome.

This is good, clean, cinematic fare for a new generation.

Verdict: 7/10

AT TIMES avuncular, at times intimidating, John Goodman is in great form in 10 Cloverfield Lane (Cert 15A, 103 mins), the surprise out-of-nowhere sequel of sorts to the cult 2008 film, Cloverfield. A young woman wakes up in a bunker after a car crash, where her captor/ protector is determined not to let her leave – but what’s happening outside? It’s a taut, generally great film.

greek wedding 2 An unappetising sequel

LAST and definitely least, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (Cert 12A, 94 mins) has been met with a Greek chorus of universal derision since its recent release.

While the original was a stereotypical but fun and breezy film, this 14-yearslate film serves up a very stale sequel that reheats key parts of the original.

Veering between charmless and predictable, Greek Wedding 2 is one to avoid.

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7 April 2016

census 2016 Sunday, April 24 is the day to fill out your form

It’s time to count everyone in the country – and you, too ON SUNDAY, April 24, every person in Dublin will make their mark by completing or being included on a census form.

By participating in the census, we are helping to shape our understanding about life in Ireland in 2016, and show how Ireland has changed since the last census was taken in 2011.

The census is a fundamental part of our national heritage and collective knowledge. The 2016 census will take place exactly 100 years to the day since the Easter Rising began, and the results will be of great interest to the historians of the future as they look back and reflect on life in Ireland in 2016.

Between now and April 24, census enumerators will hand-deliver census forms to every dwelling in Dublin.

Each household will be asked to fill out their census form on Sunday, April 24. This is known as census night, and everyone who is in Ireland on that night must be included on a census form.

Between April 25 and May 20, your enumerator will call back to collect your forms. The forms are then sent to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) warehouse, where the information on them is captured and analysed.

The census provides vital information on a wide range of topics and issues and is used by every government department and local authority in the country, along with a wide range of both public and private service providers.

Census data feeds into the planning stages of most aspects of Irish life

– for example, new primary schools or nursing homes, trains and tram lines, childcare facilities or shopping centres.

The greatest strength of the census is the provision of detailed population figures at a local level, and for minority groups.

This data is used to identify, for example, the most appropriate locations for new local roads and bus routes, new primary schools and hospitals, areas of relatively high unemployment and the best locations for new factories.

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

‘Each household will be asked to fill out their census form on Sunday, April 24. This is known as census night, and everyone who is in Ireland on that night must be included on a census form.’

North, south, east or west – no matter where you are in Dublin or across the country on Sunday, April 24, you must be included in the latest

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

national census. The information gleaned from Census 2016 will help to shape Dublin, and the country, for years to come. Picture: Shane Dillon

The census is also the only means of accurately measuring the exact extent of migration. By comparing the results of successive censuses, and taking account of the number of births and deaths that have occurred over the same period, we can get an accurate measure of net migration (the difference between inward and outward migration).

The last census was taken five years ago, in

2011. It showed that the population of Dublin was 1,273,069 people (619,902 males and 653,167 females) – an increase of 7.2% over the 2006 population.

Swords had the highest density population within Dublin, with 36,924 people living in the town.

The fastest growing town at the time was Saggart, which experienced 147% population growth between 2006 and 2011, making it the

fastest growing town in the country.

There were 42,854 more females than males in the state in April, 2011, resulting in an overall sex ratio of 98.1 males for every 100 females.

This trend is very evident in Dublin, where there were 94.9 males per 100 females.

Some 22.8% of the private dwellings in Dublin comprised apartments or flats, compared with the State figure of 10.7%. In

addition, 8.3% of dwellings were vacant in Dublin, compared with an average of 14.5% across the country.

That 2006 census also revealed that 74.8% of private households had a broadband connection in 2006. The number of persons whose religion was recorded as Catholic increased by 1.7% between 2006 and 2011, compared to 4.95% nationally.

Finally, 17.2% of com-

muters travelled to work in 15 minutes or less, compared to the national figure of 27.2%.

This level of information is very important in helping service providers to plan appropriately to meet the needs of the people of Dublin, and it shows why it matters that everyone completes their census form.

The first results from Census 2016 will be published this July. It will take a further nine months to

scan and capture the full set of data off the two million census forms.

The detailed results will be published in March, 2017.

Further information about Census 2016 can be found at www.census.ie.

Your census enumerator can also answer any questions you may have.  Deirdre Cullen

Senior statistician, Central Statistics Office

7 April 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 25

motoring An enjoyable ride whether on or off the beaten path mokka: an impressive crossover from opel

A spacious-feeling and powerful vehicle  dave phillips

THE past five years have seen a surge in the sales of crossovers – an influx of more affordable, and more emission-friendly cars across the board has meant that many people – particularly young families – are being attracted by the extra space and versatility that these vehicles can offer.

Opel’s Mokka may be one of the award-winning brand’s lesser spotted models, but on paper it seems to have plenty of

potential, so we took it on a test drive.

Sitting up on 18” alloys, the Mokka looks like the pumped-up older brother of Opel’s more popular Corsa. Designed more for practicality than style, the Mokka’s broad frame serves to bolster a sense of security and sturdiness.

Large bi-xenon headlights set off a chirpy front grille at the front, and while the more chunky looking rear may be simple on the outside, it hides one of the Mokka’s better features.

Up to 1,372 litres of boot space (that’s including dropping the rear seats) means that the Mokka offers plenty of room for a compact crossover.

Roominess is something that this model does well, with a decent amount of head and leg space in the back row.

The dash will feel familiar to anyone who has driven Opel’s Astra. The Intellilink entertainment system that is standard in many of Opel’s range was fitted in the model we took out.

While it’s perfectly functional, its plethora of buttons looks a little complex next to the newer and cleaner touchscreen systems that Opel has introduced in its latest range, but expect that to be overhauled in the next generation of Mokka.

With the current generation, there is the choice of 1.4- or 1.6-litre diesel engines, and four different trims starting from €20,995 for the most basic.

The SE model we took out was fitted with the 1.6-

Storage is one of the better features of Opel’s solid-looking Mokka, with its boot space – up to 1.372 litres – adding to its general feeling of spaciousness

litre engine and proved to be plenty of power for getting around town.

While the Mokka has 4-wheel drive options, realistically, this is not the kind of car that is going to go off-road.

The current generation of Mokka utilises Opel’s “whisper diesel” engine that significantly reduces the amount of in-cabin

engine noise.

Emission-friendly, it also drops the Mokka into the much more attractive A4 tax band, which works out at €200 per year.

With the potential of plenty of driver luxuries, including a descent control system (if you do decide to venture off the beaten path), hill start assist, and adaptive light-

ing, the Mokka turns out to be a pretty enjoyable ride.

For those seeking the more diminutive crossovers, the market may ultimately turn into a niche one – with the Mokka poised to be a big fish in a small pond.

(Base model from €20,995; test model, €30,561.)

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7 April 2016

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28 dun laoghaire gazette 7 April 2016

SPORT Arthur’s aim to be king of Rio

FastSport

pentathlon: donnybrook man’s multi-faceted approach to Olympics

creagh says shels will bounce back:

REBECCA Creagh believes Shelbourne Ladies can pick themselves up from the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Shield final defeat last week and land trophies.

“I don’t feel great to be honest,” admitted Creagh having seen her side lose out to Wexford Youths AFC

by Edel Kennedy’s solitary goal. “It’s unfortunate and you never like to lose, but we’ll suck it up and we’ll go for the big one [the League].”

Shels lie in fourth place in the Continental Tyres Women’s National League table five points behind UCD Waves, though they have a game in hand. They also have a WNL Cup semi-final to look forward to on April 27.

“We know we’re still in with a shot,” explained Creagh.

“Galway were on top of the League two weeks ago and look at what happened. The League is wide open and I know for sure we’ll bounce back.”

 james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

ARTHUR Lanigan O’Keeffe is the reigning European champion at the five-sport event of pentathlon and the 24-year-old Dub has every intention of grabbing Olympic glory this summer, too.

His training schedule currently hits six training sessions a day, five and a half days a week, and involves spending half of every day inside a purpose-built altitude simulation tent set at 2,150 metres, in order to turbo-charge his level of red blood cells. Lanigan O’Keeffe, who is prepping for his second Olympics, is leaving no stone unturned.

His recent trip to Rio for a rare competition has all been factored into preparation, with the former UCD student examining every aspect of the city’s facilities.

“I’ve already adapted my training,” he told GazetteSport. “I’m taking into account the light conditions at the shooting range, the height of the starting blocks at the swimming pool and the type of horses we’ll have access to.”

Of the five sports – running, swimming, shooting, show jumping and fencing – the Donnybrook man is particularly focused on the fencing, preparation which is a fine art.

“It’s the one area where you can directly take points off your

opponents,” he explains.

“Every area is important, but if you can do well in the fencing, you’re going to be up there.

“I’m being very careful where I fight, because ahead of the Olympics people are getting very clever with preparation.

“Coaches are filming each other fighting and taking it back so their athletes can go home and learn how to fight you,” he explains. “I won’t be fighting much in public ahead of the Olympics. I think it’ll help me if people don’t know what I’m doing.”

Inevitably, Lanigan O’Keeffe is an impressive all-around athlete. He was part of a Munster rugby development squad and, earlier, a national swim-

Irish pentathlete Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe

ming development squad before he relocated to the UK and focus on modern pentathlon during his late teenage years.

He describes his current condition as “doing everything I can to peak in a few months time”.

“I think gold is more than realistic,” he said.

“Everyone’s at a high standard, but the Olympics is something different.

“It’s important I had the experience in 2012 [when Lanigan O’Keeffe was

drafted in at late notice for London, after a Polish athlete received a drug ban]. The Olympics is different; there are cameras all over your face. There’s spectators times 10, more rules, more pressure.”

Lanigan O’Keeffe’s support comes in part from Nissan, who have included him in their Next Generation program as an ambassador.

In exchange, O’Keeffe drives a new Qashqai and joined a prestigious team of young people Lanigan

O’Keeffe says has helped with his belief. The program is now open for new applicants, both athletes and other young high achievers, until May 10 at www.nissangenerationnext.ie.

Lanigan O’Keeffe, meanwhile, has been on the podium at every major event over the last couple of years, and seems to be flying under the radar as a potentially huge Irish gold in Rio. What’s beyond doubt is that he’s got an eye on every fraction.

Rock keep alive survival hopes with Shannon victory  sport@dublingazette.com

Blackrock College ensured that their battle to avoid relegation will go down to the wire

BLACKROCK College consigned Shannon to their fifth defeat in a row in the Ulster Bank league Division 1B as the hosts triumphed 21-19 in another match that went right down to the wire.

Both of these sides are yet to confirm their place in Division 1B for next season, so it was no surprise that the first half was a tight and edgy affair.

Rock led 9-8 at half-time thanks to three penalties from goal-kicking scrum half Jack

O’Carroll, who struck the ball really well in the heavy conditions.

Shannon’s left winger Greg O’Shea tore clear to score an excellent individual try, and he completed his brace out wide early in the second half.

However, despite a combination nine-point tally from penalties converted by Ronan McKenna and replacement Tadhg Bennett (2), missed kicks came back to haunt Shannon in the end.

M c K e n n a a n d o u t- h a l f Shane Airey both misfired on

a couple of occasions and that allowed Blackrock to build pressure once again. Their well-organised maul forced a penalty try which was converted for 16-13.

Bennett squared things up for Marcus Horan’s men and added another penalty in the closing stages but, in between, Blackrock flanker Sam Cooke burst free on the left wing to run in the game’s decisive try.

Just two points in arrears, Shannon missed another shot at the posts in the dying minutes and Rock held on for a

gritty victory. A similar result will be needed away to Dublin University on April 16, as Emmet Farrell’s charges actually slipped to ninth place following UL Bohs’ bonus point success against Belfast Harlequins.

It makes for a thrilling final round of fixtures with four clubs covered by just two points between sixth place and ninth.

Dolphin and Shannon both sit on 34 points with UL Bohs and Blackrock looking to overhaul them, two points worse off on 32 points.

7 April 2016 dun laoghaire gazette 29

Gazette

Higgins races into whole new Galaxie Famous drummer claims laurels at the recent Vartry 100 mile event as the ultra-marathon bug bites hard. He tells GAZETTESPORT about the origins of his gruelling pastime  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

ALASTAIR Higgins is well known around Dublin as the drummer in boisterous dance-club band Le Galaxie.

As his day job, the longtime Dublin resident tours clubs and adds beats to festival stages in Ireland and abroad, with his band’s second album Le Club peaking at number eight in the Irish album charts.

Beside his musical ambitions, though, Higgins has been crafting notable ability as a distance runner, culminating in winning the Varty 100 mile (161km) race in Roundwood, County Wicklow in late March.

He finished the looped course in a time of 17

hours and 17 minutes.

It’s been a long journey, but Higgins start wasn’t quite so ambitious. “I fell off my bike, and I was having a little trouble with my knee.

“After a year, it still wasn’t right, and I went to a physio who pointed out that I was doing a lot of exercise, but not really putting any weight on the knee. He suggested running,” he tells GazetteSport.

From his first 5km race in 2011, Higgins progressed to marathons in 2012 and ultra-marathons a year later. The 100 miles in Wicklow was his longest race to date, one that he felt he’d prepared for “to a certain extent” through a series of 50 mile races.

“I knew to expect

despair and about when to expect it,” he explained.

“It came at about half way which, fortunately, was also when I found out I was leading, which offset that a bit.

“I had thought I was in second or third but, over this kind of distance, people drop out. Keith White, who is the Irish 100 mile world record holder, had had to drop out injured.

“I hadn’t really been thinking about winning,” he admits. “I was just concentrating on finishing in a good time. You get through the night with coffee and energy drinks.

In some races like this, you would stop for a half hour nap but only if you have to.”

In term of training, Higgins typically covers around 100 miles a week

Alastair Higgins with his winners trophy at the Vartry Lakes 100 miles race.

ahead of races like this before tapering his training in preparation for the race. The tapering process starting three to four weeks before a race. He describes 90 kilometres as a “light week”, and says he’s always the first up, even on tour, to fit in a

While many races call themselves the “world’s toughest”, Badwater is difficult to the point of dangerous, and has a genuine claim.

Less than 10 people have ever finished in under 24 hours, and by far the majority of starters don’t

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‘You get through the night with coffee and energy drinks. You only stop for a nap if you have to’ - Alastair Higgins

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couple of hours training.

“It means a lot of early mornings,” he says.

“I remember being mid-song during a Whelan’s residency – where it’s a real sweatbox – and my heart just racing,” Higgins says, thinking back to his pre-running days. His fitness ambitions are astonishingly lofty now, though, with famed ultra-distance race Badwater on the agenda.

“That’s long term,” Higgins admits, eyeing more ‘modest’ (eye-wateringly difficult) challenges in the meantime.

Badwater, Death Valley’s killer event, is notorious in ultra-marathon circles: 135 miles, 45 degree plus heat in the limited shade and thousands of feet of elevation gain, all starting at below sea level and finishing atop a peak.

finish at all. Targets, then, are extreme: there’s also the 100 mile world championship - taking place in Ireland in 2017 - to look forward to.

As Higgins polished off his win in Wicklow, his MP3 player spun towards the end of a 10-hour playlist he’d put together for the event. Having spent the early parts of the race chatting to other runners, he couldn’t have planned the track that would accompany his final strides: the only one he’d included from his own band.

Four days after his win, Higgins says he can “feel it. You always think you’re going to go home and have a burger and a beer. I think I had a bit of hypothermia, though, and I didn’t even want to eat properly until the next day.” Naturally, he’s already back running.

FastSport

UCD close in on sailing’s clean sweep over Trinity UCD Sailing Team won the 2016 Colours Sailing Championships in Dun Laoghaire, seeing off Trinity College last Saturday in a close-run contest.

The Belfield outfit also won the ladies competition, the alumni competition and the Gold Fleet. Indeed, UCD have won every national university sailing event so far this year Robbie Hynes, from UCD Sailing Club, said his club are looking to complete the clean sweep in the coming days: “UCD have won every national university sailing event so far this year, with the final event – the Student Yachting Nationals – this coming Friday so here’s hoping.”

Elsewhere, Howth Yacht Club hosted the ISA Youth Pathway National Championship and Optimist Trials over the four days in varied conditions, attracting 192 entries across five classes.

When Thursday’s racing got going after a wind delay, in the 420 class, local favourites Elmes/O’Sullivan had it their own way with two bullets, setting up their victory.

The laser radial top spot was shared by O’Beirne (Royal St George YC), Durcan and Nicole Hemeryck (National YC). Over on the topper course, the RStGYC was again dominating, with Jack Fahy burning up the course.

Day two fell victim to the elements with strong and increasing winds keeping the fleet ashore.

With a window of opportunity in the weather, the fleets headed afloat on Saturday, hoping to catch up on the schedule with a few additional races. On the 420/Laser Radial course, four races were crammed in, suiting Malahide 420 duo Gemma and Cara McDowell.

The sisters closed the gap to the leaders and ended the day only a point adrift of Elmes/ O’Sullivan and went on to claim the girls title.

Radial and 4.7 gurus O’Beirne and Higgins never fell outside the top three for the day and won their respective crowns.

On the topper course, Carroll was fighting off a strong challenge from another Hemeryck, this time Ella who was only a couple of points behind in the final reckoning on Sunday.

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 7 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport

australian rules: south dublin outfit take on champions league

Tyndall wins incredible third successive title MONKSTOWN Boxing Club’s schoolboy 60kg boxer Matthew Tyndall performed a remarkable achievement at the National Stadium at the AllIreland Schoolboy boxing championships, winning his third All-Ireland title in a row.

The 13-year-old notched his third crown off the back of three very hard contests, beating previous Irish champion Conor McKiernan (Castleblaney BC) 2-1 before seeing off 2014 Irish and Ulster champ Patrick McDonagh (Clonoe BC) 2-1. In the final, he had to work extremely hard to keep the very strong Leinster champion Martin O’Connor (Enniscorthy BC) at bay to eventually win out 3-0.

Tyndall’s father, Matthew Senior, is also a coach at Monkstown and a previous Leinster champion in the 1990s. Speaking afterwards about his son’s success, he said: “I always said it would be amazing if he won an All-Ireland title as they are so hard to come by. But three in three years is an amazing achievement.

“It goes without saying, the amount of work that has been put in by Matthew and all the other kids in the club is a testament to their success. He has been out jogging every morning before school along the seafront. He had to skip Easter and leave all the Easter eggs until these All-Irelands were over and, fair play to him, he did it; I am so proud of him.”

He was one of six Monkstown boxers taking part. At 29kg level, David O’Brien won his quarter final against Cody O’Reilly (St Brigids, Edenderry) 3-0 but lost a really close contest in the semi-finals to eventual champion David O’Neill (St Francis, Limerick) 2-1. In the 39kg category, Suffie Edris lost his quarter final to Stephen McCarthy (Charleville, Cork) 3-0. At 42kg, Oisin Treacy lost his quarter-final to John McDonagh (St Paul’s, Waterford) 2-1.

Jake Rapple won his 36kg quarter final against Padraig Cleary (Ardoyne Holy Cross) 2-1, but lost his semi-final after the coaches thought he had done more than enough against MJ O’Brien (Fr Horgans, Cork). Finally, at 63kg, Kian Andrews lost his quarter final to fellow Dub Patrick McDonnell (Crumlin) 3-0.Next up for Tyndall and the schoolboys is the All-Ireland Cadet championships in early June. The winners will be picked to represent Ireland in the Euros in Italy.

The South Dublin Swans in Amsterdam last week

Swans reach Euro semis sport@dublingazette.com

THE SOUTH Dublin Swans reached the semifinal of the Australian Rules European Champions League last week following a fine group stage performance in Amsterdam The Irish champions were representing the Australian Rules Football League of Ireland in the second edition of the continental competition.

The tournament was played at the impressive Dutch national rugby centre in suburban Amsterdam. It has grown significantly since the inaugural event with 13 men’s teams

and five women’s teams participating. The calibre of the competition was high with each team being their domestic league champion.

The Swans had the earliest start of the day at 10am in their four team group.

First up was the Russian representatives, the Koalas. This was a good opener for the Swans to find their rhythm and they won comfortably by a margin of 62-7 in the 24-minute game. The next tie was more difficult against the Zagreb Dockers who featured one of the strongest players playing in Europe, Tomislav

Champion’s league Dalkey United to host 300 at annual blitz dalkey United will host their third Champi-

on’s League on Sunday, May 1 in Hyde Park with Monday, May 2 as backup day in case of inclement weather conditions.

The club will hold seven blitzes throughout the day for boys aged U-7/U-8, U-9, U-10, U-11, and U-12 along with girls U-10 and Over-10s. They expect over 300 children to take part. On-line registration is now open to all members and non-members via their club website with the participation cost €20 per child.

Cvetko. Although Cvertko did some damage, the Swans won again 24-14.

The final group game turned into the pool decider for a place in the competition semi-finals.

This was against the dominant team in Sweden, Sodermalm. This was a very close encounter with nothing between the teams and goals being traded back and forward.

The Swans showed great determination to win this one by the slim margin of 28-26.

Having topped the group, the Swans had the difficult task to playing reigning Champions League holders, the West

London Wildcats in the semi-final.

At this stage, they had lost full back Peter Ross to injury and others were licking their wounds.

Although the Swans opened well, scoring the first goal they could not match the impressive Wildcats who soon took control on the scoreboard and ran out comfortable winners 76-6.

The Swans didn’t have long to think about that disappointing result as they then played the other beaten semi-finalists, the Hamburg Dockers in the third place playoff. This was a better performance from a tiring Swans team,

but they just fell short of another win going down 38-23.

The impressive Wildcats won the tournament for the second year in a row, beating the Manchester Mosquitoes in the Grand Final 43-13.

In the women’s tournament, the GB Swans won the Grand Final, beating the Swedish Ravens.

It was a great experience for the Swans to see the calibre of club teams from all over Europe.

Swans small forward Kevin Brennan was the Swans best and fairest over the competition and got onto the team of the tournament.

7 April 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

website launch

Crokes integrate all sections to new site

Club Noticeboard Cuala

april 1 marked a significant day in the life

of Kilmacud Crokes’ online presence as the club launched their redesigned website, integrating all the sections under one umbrella site rather than the four sites that existed previously.

The project was part of the club’s strategic plan and provides an enhanced platform to record and communicate, in digital form, all of the events in the club.

ladies football: division 2 title secured in style

OUR Cuala golf classic takes place on

Hard luck to Cuala’s Oisin Gough,

Friday, April 8 in Old Conna Golf Club;

Mark Schutte, Cian O’Callaghan,

it’s not too late to take part or be a

David Treacy, Darragh O’Connell and

sponsor. Check out all the details on

the Dublin hurlers after their League

our website: http://www.cualagaa.ie/

quarter-final loss to Limerick last

cuala-golf-masters-2016.

Saturday.

Well done to our feile A girls who

At the weekend, our second Foot-

qualified for the Division 3 semi-final

ballers lost to Round Tower (C) by a

after topping their group. Unfortu-

single point; our thirds had a good win

nately, they lost to eventual winners

away to Raheny and our fourths lost

Garristown by a single point. Feile Bs

to Clann Mhuire.

were unlucky to go out in group stage.

Hard luck to Cuala’s Sinead Murphy

Congratulations to our newest

and the Dublin minor camogie team

Leinster champions Martin Cahilan,

who were narrowly beaten by Kilkenny

Con O’Callaghan and Darragh Spillane

on Saturday.

who won the Leinster U-21 championship with Dublin on Saturday. They now play Mayo on April 16 in the semi final.

This week’s Cuala lotto jackpot will be a massive €5,200.

Our lucky dip winners last week

Well done to Michael Fitzsimons and

were Tony Bass and Donal Murphy.

the Dublin senior footballers on beat-

Buy your tickets online now at http://

ing Roscommon in Leitrim.

www.cualagaa.ie/lotto.

The Dubs will play Donegal next

Well done to Jennifer Dunne and

weekend in the league semi-final. They

the Dublin minor ladies footballers on

were cheered on by 60+ of our 06 and

making the Leinster final after defeat-

07 boys who made the trip down.

ing Kildare last Saturday

Shankill OUR juvenile academy, sponsored by

accounted for our adult team on Sun-

action every Saturday morning at

day in the Cliffs.

10am in our home ground at Shanganagh Castle.

Foxrock Cabinteely celebrate their Division 2 Feile success. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAApics.com

Egan’s flying Foxes soar at Feile festival

feile division 2 final Foxrock Cabinteely 1-5 St Olliver Plunkett’s/ER 1-3  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

AVA Egan’s surging runs and unerring accuracy, combined with Ciara McGoldrick’s devastating second half goal, powered Foxrock Cabinteely to victory in Division 2 of the Feile at Russell Park.

T he south Dublin side trailed 1-3 to 0-3 at the break but they put together a superb second half performance to hold Plunkett’s scoreless, crucially shutting down two last ditch, close range

frees that could have snatched a victory.

The Ashtown club had made much of the early running with Aine Donlon’s free getting the scoreboard rolling. Her point was augmented by Eimear Murphy with a fine score.

But Foxrock, and Egan in particular, served notice of the danger they could cause when the half-forward scored a brilliant point on the run from the right following a flowing move.

Plunkett’s, though, reasserted their control on the game with Roisin O’Neill Cunningham’s

physical strength a feature.

Aoife Walsh hammered to the net from close range, reacting quickest after Murphy’s initial shot was blocked.

Egan’s free pulled a point back and she would get another first half injury time, counter-acting Murphy’s second point of the tie, leaving three points in the difference.

The tide turned significantly, however, in the second half. Saoirse Moloney’s surging run earned a free from a backpedalling defence to give Egan the chance to kick over a free.

Then, crucially with six minutes to go, Jennifer Hamill brilliantly palmed a bouncing ball over the last defender into the path of McGoldrick who angled her shot into the top corner.

It gave Foxrock the lead for the first time and they never looked back.

Egan added a free to put two in the difference.

Plunkett’s threw everything forward in the last minutes, including a free right on the edge of the parallelogram but Donlon was unable to force a save from the masses on the goal line and the chance slipped by.

day in a cracking game of football and

O’Donnell’s Pharmacy, Shankill, is in

Fixtures for all teams will be available during the week. If you would like

Our kids are sure made of strong

your child to join the academy just

stuff. Despite the terrible weather

come along any Saturday morning or

conditions, the academy was all

contact us on secretary.shankill.dub-

action.

lin@gaa.ie or 086 4010438

Two U-8 girls’ teams travelled to Kil-

There are no trials, no selection

macud Crokes and two U-8 boys teams

processes and no annual subscrip-

went to Cuala both for blitz games.

tion. New players for all of out teams

Many thanks to both host clubs.

are always welcome.

The U-12 girls team lost a very

Adult football team contact is Kevin

competitive match away to Robert

on 086 8449902. Follow us on Facebook

Emmet’s, played in difficult condi-

and Twitter.

tions.

Join Shankill GAA Club. Your com-

The Good Counsel club seemed to

munity, your family friendly GAA Club

have us in their sights this weekend

where you’re not just a number and

as they beat our U-9 boys on Satur-

everybody knows your name.

kilmacud crokes CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin U-21

behind the Purple and Gold.

footballers who won the Leinster

Many congrats to all involved in the

championship after beating Kildare

girls feile football teams who repre-

over the weekend. Well done to Dara

sented the club over the weekend. The

Mullin, Andrew McGowan, Tom Fox and

first team got to the semi-final but

Cillian O’Shea who were the Crokes

lost out to Lucan. The second team

representatives.

did their best against very strong

Thanks to all who came along and contributed to the success of our fun-

opposition in Man O War but failed to progress beyond the group stage.

draising quiz held in the club on Satur-

Both squads and all those involved

day night. Thanks in particular to Ross

with them should be hugely proud of

and Bill O’Carroll who did a sublime job

their performances. These were the

as quiz masters. Monies raised from

first feile teams to wear our new BOI

the quiz and raffle went to aid Laura

sponsor’s gear and they did they did

Lynn and the publication of the Faces

the club and our sponsor proud.

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

april 7-13, 2016

to be king of rio: feile fever: Foxrock Cabinteely produce superb arthur Pentathlete aiming to make weekend of football to claim Division 2 title P31 big impact at Olympics P28

The St Joseph’s Boys/Bray Wanderers side ahead of their maiden fixture last weekend

Joeys make LOI debut Sallynoggin hosts its first national league game following their recent link-up with Bray Wanderers, offering an increased player pathway

 aaron gallagher

sport@dublingazette.com

ST JOSEPH’S Boys celebrated a significant milestone last week when Pearse Park hosted its first ever League of Ireland national league game following their recent link-up with Bray Wanderers.

Their Under-17 Bray Wanderers/St Joseph’s side entertained Kerry League, beating the visitors 5-1 on a historic day for the Sallynoggin club.

Goals courtesy of Jack Whelan, Conor Cummins, Luke Devlin and a brace from David Gilshenan earned Joey’s a maiden victory following their opening night loss away to Cobh

Ramblers.

The game builds on January’s partnership forged between Joeys and Bray which will see a player development path between the clubs from Under-8 up to senior level emerge.

Director of club operations Will Clarke says the game was hugely significant.

“From the club’s point of view, it was an important day because it was the first time we have competed at League of Ireland level”, he said.

The game attracted a sizeable crowd despite torrid weather conditions. Clarke says the merger between the clubs will be overtly practical in developing younger players in order to offer them the experience that Bray’s own play-

ers can bring to the table.

“I think it’s very important with the changes that have come about and the changes that have happened with elite football in this country, whether it’s schoolboy football or League of Ireland. We need to be involved at that level.

“From our point of view at the club, it’s important for a player’s development that they do play up through different levels. You can go through as many training sessions as you want, but when you are playing with more experienced players that can pass on that knowledge to you, you tend to pick things up a little bit quicker.”

The club has previously welcomed numerous top European clubs through the Hibernia

Cup, but the director says last weekend’s game represents a major shift toward enhancing and further progressing their own players toward an elite level.

“We’ve had a good relationship with Bray over the years. Seventy players from St. Josephs Boys have played in Bray Wanderers’ first-team over the last ten years, so it’s a long standing partnership.

“It’s important from an Under-17 point of view but it’s also important for us from an Under-15 point of view for the next couple of seasons. If you’re not competing at that level then you’re not really competing at an elite level, which is where we feel the club should be.”