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PALS Aine Clancy and Naoise Finn shared some giddy shyness ahead of the start of the Irish League of Credit Unions All Ireland School Quiz finals at the RDS recently, where one wasn’t quite ready for their close-up. Some 100 schools drawn from all across Ireland took part in the hotly contested quiz, with several south Dublin schools acquitting themselves well in the big final. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

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DublinGazette APRIL 12-18, 2018

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Local Area Plan set to transform Dundrum REBECCA RYAN

LOCALS have welcomed the announcement that work will start on a Local Area Plan (LAP) for Dundrum in the second half of 2018.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan told Dublin Gazette she has been calling for this since 2016, and that it is great news for the area.

She said: “Effective, strategic planning from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown is essential to ensure that the continued growth and development of Dundrum is harnessed to best meet

the needs of its people.

“A LAP Plan will be vital with the expected redevelopment of Dundrum village in the coming years.”

Local residents’ group, Imagine Dundrum – which has been campaigning for a LAP for Dundrum in light of re-development in the area – is also delighted with the announcement.

Chairperson of the community group, Anne Colgan told Dublin Gazette: “The LAP will be a huge benefit in ensuring that there is balanced development.”

Continued on Page 11

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

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THE PROPOSAL IS PART OF A NEW FLOOD DEFENCE PLAN

Coastal route vital for proposed new flood defence plan REBECCA RYAN rryan@dublingazette.com

THE Poolbeg to Sandycove cycleway should be prioritised as part of a new flood defence plan, according to TD for Dublin Bay South and leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan.

He said: “We are calling on the National Transport Authority (NTA) to proceed with the planned coastal cycle and walkway from Poolbeg to Sandycove as part of a new coastal defence plan.

“The NTA is saying that environmental regulations would restrict such a transport project, but we believe

The flood defence zone maps. Picture:Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

the need for coastal flood protection measures can get the development over

the line.

“The recent breach of the sea wall and the flood-

ing of Salthill Dart station show the need for such coastal defenses.

“Rather than proceeding with flood protection measures on their own, we should include them in the construction of a new coastal green way, as has already been done on the Northside as part of the cycle route along the northern side of Dublin Bay.” Deputy Ryan added that the NTA joined the issue of the cycle route to the question of whether a new relief road was needed to help traffic get over the Merrion Gates at the end of the Strand road.

“There is no public support for their solution to that issue but that should not stop us proceeding with the coastal cycle route.

“We have been talking about building the Sutton to Sandycove cycle route for over a decade now. It would bring huge benefits for both commuters and people looking to walk and cycle around the Bay for their own recreation.

“We believe it will get widespread public support and that it is time it was built with a design that is fit for the long-term changes coming our way.”

FASTNews

Dublin Painting and sketching club set for move A national artists organisation is set to revisit their original location for two weeks only for their 140th annual group exhibition.

The Dublin Painting and Sketching Club is moving from Dun Laoghaire, where it held its annual exhibitions for many years at the Concourse Gallery, Dun Laoghaire County Hall, back to Dublin City Centre.

The exhibition at CHQ on Custom House Dock takes place from April 16th to 29th, with the theme surrounding the River Liffey as a celebration of their return to Dublin.

There will be a number of works on show and for sale, starting at €250 and going up to €4,000.

Roughly 170 works will be on display by over 100 different artists.

Artists taking part include Margo Banks, Patrick Cahill and Betty Christie.

The display is open to the public free of charge from 10am to 5pm each day of the exhibition.

Meet your peers on networking walk FOLLOWING on from its great success in March, the second ‘Peer to Pier’ Networking Walk will take place April 20 – with more than 300 entrepreneurs and business people expected to take part.

Owen Laverty, Head of Enterprise, LEO dlr, said: “We’re inviting entrepreneurs and business people from all over Dublin to participate in this unique networking experience.

“The East Pier is a great walk at the best of times so why not combine it with the chance to meet and develop new connections and business opportunities. And then there’s the free Teddy’s ice cream as well!”

Richard Strahan, Bike Locker.ie said: “I think been in the social setting of the pier meant everyone was more relaxed and open than if we were all crammed in an office environment. By the time we finished I had met four businesses that I am now in contact with that would never have been on the radar before the walk.”

The Peer to Pier walk takes place on the 20th of April at 3.30 pm on the Dun Laoghaire East Pier.

More details can be found at www.peertopier.ie/

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

MOUNT MERRION: LOCAL STUDENT HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR FOR WASHINGTON IRELAND PROGRAMME

Southside volunteers trip to rebuild Haiti REBECCA RYAN rryan@dublingazette.com

FIVE heroes from South Dublin are travelling to Haiti for Haven’s 2018 Volunteer Programme.

The Irish NGO who work on the ground in Haiti, is undertaking its 12th annual volunteer trip to Haiti from 13-22 April 2018.

Dermot Heffernan (Cabinteely), James Codd (Cabinteely), Catherine Sweeney (Loughlinstown), and Brendan and Agatha White (Glenageary), along with 31 other volunteers, are setting off on the life-changing experience.

This year’s Volunteer Programme sees the group travel to the small commune of Gressier,

who will play an important role in supporting the people of Gressier, who are still working to rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake in 2010.

Volunteers will lead the refurbishment and upgrade of the main building of the local Jean Jean School, which has six classrooms and serves 160 children.

The enhancement of the school facilities will ensure local children have access to education that will lead to

bright, self-sufficient futures.

Over the course of their time in Haiti, Haven’s volunteers will work together to replace the school roof, and repair and plaster the walls of the buildings that were badly damaged by the 2010 earthquake.

In addition to the construction element of the programme, the team will provide equipment and furniture to enable improved learning and education.

These include new bookshelves, blackboards, desks as well as a playground.

Brendan White, from Glenageary, Haven’s Volunteer Leader, said: “I’m delighted to be heading back to Haiti for a 12th time with Haven.

“This year’s trip will be especially meaningful for me, as my daughter Agatha will be joining the Volunteer Programme for the first time.

“Each year, the experience in Haiti is completely different, but the impact volunteers make is always incredible.

“Haiti continues to face difficult challenges, but I can see the positive changes its people have felt since my first trip in 2009, and it’s fantastic to think that the Volunteer Programme .has played a part in that.”

Local girl selected for prestigious programme

REBECCA RYAN rryan@dublingazette.com

A local student has been selected for this year’s Washington Ireland Programme (WIP).

Mary Kate Slattery from Mount Merrion will join a class of 30 student participants representing Ireland and Northern Ireland at WIP this year.

WIP inspires and develops promising leaders through a programme committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for the north and south of Ireland.

For over two decades, WIP has brought together young leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for the leadership and skillsdevelopment programme.

Each year, WIP selects 30 talented students to join its network of leaders and influencers by completing a 12-month programme of service and leadership development, which includes a summer in Washington DC or New York City.

The Washington Ireland Programme has notable alums serving as Taoiseach (Leo Varadkar, WIP Class of 2000), Lord Mayor of Belfast (Nuala McAllister, WIP Class of 2010), and in Westminster (Emma Little-

Pengelly, WIP Class of 2002).

Mary Kate Slattery is a third-year law student at Trinity College and was chosen for WIP from over 300 applications from 19 different Universities and Colleges. Mary is also a full time amateur Irish boxer.

The 21-year-old told Dublin Gazette she will be going from June 2nd to August 4th and is very excited.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted and very fortunate to have been selected for this year’s WIP class, I am excited to learn so much and work with some incredible professionals in Washington this summer.”

She told us, as part of the internship, she will be working in places like the White House and Capitol Hill.

“We will be focusing on the areas of administrative law and political research.

“I am really looking forward to meeting all the incredible legal and political figures in D.C and gaining a better understanding of how exactly the U.S political and legal regime works.

“It is a very turbulent time for American politics and I feel so privileged to be offered an inside view and look for-

Mary Kate Slattery will be one of 30 student participants representing Ireland and Northern Ireland at WIP this year.

FASTNews Spring into summer free DUN Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have launched their Spring into Heritage 2018 free guided tours.

A series of tours across many heritage sites will take place until May 27 to celebrate their owners, their stories, and our local heritage.

The buildings included in the tours are: James Joyce Tower and Museum, The Oratory, Cabinteely House, Marlay House, The National Maritime Museum, Seapoint Martello Tower, Laurelmere Cottage and Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre.

There will also be two valuation days, Herman & Wilkenson’s valuers will be conducting free valuing and appraising antiques, curiosities and collectables.

Lexlcon exhibition

ward to embracing a new and very contrasting culture to Ireland.

“I am also very excited to bring all my experience and knowledge back to Ireland and car-

rying it with me for my entire legal career.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar recently launched WIP’s New York Program meby speaking about his experience on WIP at the

Irish Consulate in New York City: “It helped me develop my view of the wider world…and without it perhaps I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

If you would like to follow the progress of Mary-Kate Slattery and others this summer, you can follow their blogs and view photos at www. wiprogram.org

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, in association with AIB, are presenting ‘And The Women Voted’ exhibition of work by women artists from the AIB Art Collection.

There will be work from artists including Dorothy Cross, Tracy Staunton, Sarah Walker and Jackie Nickerson.

The exhibition takes place at the dlr LexIcon from 8th April until the 27th of May, along with a variety of events, workshops and tours for all ages.

There is also an International Women’s Breakfasts in dlr LexIcon on April 25.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

NEW PLANNING APPLICATION FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Planned new development calls for LUAS improvements in Carrickmines REBECCA RYAN rryan@dublingazette.com

THERE is a call for LUAS improvements in Carrickmines, following a new planning application for a major commercial and residential development at The Park.

Local Fine Gael Senator, Neale Richmond said

that transport links need to be looked at if this development goes ahead.

He said: “This past week a Planning Site notice has just been erected at The Park, Carrickmines for phase three of the development. If planning permission is granted, this will see the development of two

supermarkets, a number of restaurants and cafes, a seven-screen cinema, a gym, an indoor skydiving facility and 300 residential units.

“All of these new amenities and resources are needed for this growing area close to the M50 and the LUAS line.

“However, if the devel-

Future plans for the Park Carrickmines.

opment is to be managed correctly and given the amount of other development taking place nearby on the Ballyogan Road, on Glenamuck Road and in Cherrywood; it is vital that the transport links in the area are operating to the highest possible levels.”

S e n a to r R i c h m o n d

added than recent problems with the Luas also needs to be ironed out.

“Since December, commuters have faced daily battles with the LUAS due to overcrowding, delays and stoppages.

It is vital that these further new developments in Carrickmines are met with improvements to

the LUAS. “The new, larger carriages must be fully deployed in a manner that will allow them to actually operate properly, a new timetable must be put in place to ensure commuters are not left waiting endlessly for trams while the array of outstanding repairs to

the line and trams themselves must be completed rapidly.”

“LUAS is the main transport link for the area and if it is not improved it will force more and more people into their cars added to already heavy levels of congestion on local roads and on the M50.”

Soft surface play area opened

by Minister Shane Ross STAFF REPORTER news@dublingazette.com

Divine Word National School has launched a soft surface yard with Minister Shane Ross.

It’s been almost a year since the staff and parents of the Divine Word National School in Rathfarnham donned their dancing shoes and raised more than €50,000 to install a soft surface play area in the school grounds.

The ribbon to open the playground was cut on Monday by Minister Shane Ross pictured as the children returned from their Easter holidays, to a brand new and safe environ-

ment for all. Principal John Williams said: “This playground is a combined effort of everyone in the school and shows the strength of the community that surrounds the Divine Word School, bringing everyone together for a common goal.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with everyone on this project and what’s most wonderful for me personally is that the benefit will continue for many generations of Divine Word pupils.’

The Divine Word National School serves the parish of Marley Grange and its surrounding areas. It is a mainstream, co-educational school catering for all pupils aged 4-12.

IAN MC NEILL AND CLLR. LETTIE MC CARTHY ENJOYING A CHAT IN MARLAY PARK A motion at a recent Dundrum AreaCouncil meeting calling for Conversation Benches to be put into our parks got unanimous support.

Councillor Lettie Mc Carthy, who tabled the motion, told Dublin Gazette: “We’re sociable creatures at heart and there’s a time to switch our phones off and have a conversation, good old fashioned small talk.

“If we sit on park-bench and the person beside us is on their phone, we are not inclined to engage with them but can be forced to overhear their phone conversation, which isn’t always pleasant.

“If we sit at a conversation bench, the understanding is that we are interested in having a conversation with anyone else who sits there.

“I am delighted my motion received support from all Councillors and the Parks Department and I look forward to the pilot project because it’s good to talk.”

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Katja Grud from Stillorgan. Svetlana Szarikova from Sandyford. Taya Simakova from Sandyford are pictured at the launch of ‘and the Women voted’; an exhibition of female artists from the AIB art collection at the Lexicon Library in Dún Laoghaire. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

piece ie with her nagh. rrina Earl o va C Ca r d te an Pe ose Picture: , Owen, R or Open’.

Matthew ‘Back Do

‘And the women voted’ an exhibition of female artists

T

he Lexicon Library in Dun Loaghaire presented this exhibition of work by women artists from the AIB Art Collection. The exhibition has been specially selected for the Municipal Gallery by a group of women from Women4Women Network Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.

The group involved in the collection selected 40 artworks with a variety of media and styles, including photography, print, painting and three-dimensional works. Featuring work by Jackie Nickerson, Elizabeth Cope, Dorothy Cross, Sarah Walker, Amelia Stein and many others.

With a variety of work on display from paintings to 3D wpieces there really was something for everyone.

Agnes, Tamas and Laura Szababi from Sandyford admiring the artwork on display. Picture: Peter Cavanagh.

Councillor Kate Feeney, Leas Cathaoirleach for DLRCOCO with Máirín Halpin and artist Claire Halpin.

Picture:Peter Cavanagh.

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

DUN LAOGHAIRE BATHS: OFFICIALS TO MARK THE SIGNING OF THE €9M CONTRACT

MUSIC

New baths to make a splash in Dun Laoghaire

Summer music festival Longitude makes call for all bands

REBECCA RYAN rryan@dublingazette.com

NEWS that the redevelopment of the old Dun Laoghaire Baths site is to commence soon has been welcomed.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council signed a €9 million contract with the joint venture of SIAC and Mantovani Group on Tuesday.

The approved plans will see the retention of the existing baths building and include a new pedestrian walkway between the promenade at Newtownsmith and the rear of

the East Pier.

Proposed new amenities include a small cafe, public toilets, an artist space, up-grading of the existing maritime gardens and a new jetty for access to the sea for kayaks, canoes and small crafts.

Speaking at the contract signing, An Cathaoirleach of dlr, Cllr Tom Murphy, said: “This investment will see a rebirth of the area between the East Pier and Newtownsmith, which has been derelict since the old baths closed in 1997.

“This is a very exciting

time for the county of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

The Dun Laoghaire Baths is a renowned landmark in Dun Laoghaire town and the development of An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Murphy joins dlr councillors and officials to mark the the Baths site represents signing of the €9m contract with SIAC-Mantovani for the redevelopment of the old a significant long-term Dun Laoghaire Baths site. investment in this public facility for residents and interim several plans have of people would have liked ing for many years for come and gone. to have seen the retention the redevelopment of the visitors to our county.”

“They proved unaccept- of a public swimming Baths which will bring Local councillor Cormac Devlin told Dublin able due to their high-rise facility on the site, how- a whole new lease of life Gazette that he also wel- nature and unsuitability ever he added the propos- to the seafront in Dun al includes provision for a Laoghaire.” comes the investment in to the site.

“This proposal is in jetty which will provide Dun Laoghaire RathDun Laoghaire Town. down County Council said He said: “It has been a keeping with the low- access into the bay.

Dun Laoghaire Fine the development will start very long road, the Baths rise built environment and the Rainbow Rapids surrounding the site and Gael TD Sean Barrett also in the coming weeks.

It will take approxiclosed in 1997 and in the ensures that the site told Dublin Gazette: “I remains in public owner- very much look forward mately 22 months to ship.” to work commencing on complete and will open to C o u n c i l l o r D ev l i n this site. the public in the spring of acknowledged that a lot “I have been campaign- 2020.

REBECCA RYAN rryan@dublingazette.com

Bands and solo artists are being called to battle it out to be in with a chance to perform at the Longitude festival in Marlay Park this July.

CANVAS Youth Arts Committee, in partnership with the Grainstore, dlr’s Youth Arts Facility and MCD Productions presents Long Road to Longitude, their yearly Battle of the Bands where the winners get to play at Longitude.

Winning acts will also have the opportunity to do a recording session with the Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute (DFEi) music production course in September 2018.

The competition is open to bands and solo artists aged 13 to 25 years who are from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County.

The heats will take place on Saturday 5, 12, 19 of May, the semi-finals on Saturday 26 May and Friday 1 June and the Grand Final on Friday 8 June.

CANVAS is a group of young people who help choose and run different arts projects that happen in the Grainstore, dlr’s youth arts facility.

The Grainstore, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Youth Arts Fac ility, offers unique arts experiences to young people, through workshops and projects.

Application forms for Long Road to Longitude can be found online at www.dlrgrainstore.ie/ youth-arts/long-roadlongitude-2018 The closing date is Friday 28th April 2018.

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Future tennis stars show their skills. Picture: R Comiskey.

The group participating at the LC Tennis Easter Camp at Rosemount School in Sandyford. Picture: R Comiskey.

Kids play ball at LC Easter Tennis Camp

L

C Tennis Academy took over Rosemount School in Sandyford over Easter to hold its annual Easter Camp.

Each day, the boys and girls were given the opportunity to participate in physical activity while learning new skills and playing fun games on the tennis court. it also included all aspects of tennis from fundamental stroke production, agility, co-ordination and match play tactics.

Whether a complete beginner or experienced competitor, young or old LC Tennis Camps have something for everyone.

Tennis coaches at the LC Easter Camp enjoying the fun. Picture: R Comiskey.

Taking a quick break after busy week at at the LC Tennis Easter Camp. Picture: R Comiskey.

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

VOX POPS: DUBLINERS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON A CERTAIN INCIDENT IN NEW YORK...

From Notorious to infamous – your thoughts on that bus attack THE whole coun- “AAARGH!” try was agog late Conor attacks last week at Conor a bus window McGregor’s actions in New York – several angles of the ‘Notorious’ one hurling a trolley through a bus window in New York (right), made headlines around the world, drawing widespread sharp criticism at home.

Dublin Gazette asked several Dubs out and about at Grafton Street on Monday their thoughts on the unsettling incident. Here’s what some of you had to say to the following questions: 1) What did you make of the incident involving Conor McGregor last week?

2) Do you think he’s a good ambassador for Ireland?

3) Do you think he’s a good role model for young people?

4) Do you think his success has changed him?

5) Would you like to go out on a night on the town with Conor McGregor?

Eanna Flanagan 1) TO BE honest with you, I think it’s a bit unprofessional of him, but then again, he’s in the newspapers again, right?

Conor McGregor will do whatever he can to get in front of the media. My opinion is that he’s probably playing it up a bit, and he should be a bit more professional.

But, at the same time, his name’s been spread around the media again, which I’m sure he wants.

2) Not really, no. I don’t think so. Not for me. Not in the way he behaves.

3) I wouldn’t say so. Not personally.

4) I think the power has certainly gone to his head a bit. But, I think he’s always had an aggressive streak to him. I think that’s the way he carried himself before he became famous.

5) I probably would, just to see what the craic would be like!

But I’m not sure I’d want to get involved in any of the things he’s been getting involved with last weekend.

Kev i n O’Connor 1) H E ’S a pretty controversial figure u s u a l l y.

He tends to pro-

Broad welcome for new Dundrum LAP Continued from Page1

She added the LAP would help to ensure: “a people-friendly and accessible environment, and will ensure that the future Dundrum is thriving, attractive and welcoming, and [provide] a proper planning framework for private development”.

The Independent councillor also highlighted the need for local people to contribute to the LAP. “The council will offer important opportunities for local input into the plan, and we urge residents to make maximum use of those opportunities when they arise, so that the community can help shape the future of the village.”

Minister Madigan reiterated her call for a new civic space in Dundrum. She said: “Having seen many other towns across Ireland

and Europe, I believe that Dundrum needs a dedicated civic space.

“This would be a major, active community centre with usable space to serve the needs of all the community – mother and toddler mornings; wellness workshops; social media workshops; art classes for all age groups and anything else to meet the needs and wants of Dundrum as a community could be hosted in such a space.

“I call on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown [county Council] to place the community of Dundrum at the heart of the forthcoming local area plan and to include provision for the development of a new, dedicated civic space.”

However, reacting to the call, dlr Mill Theatre manager Kate Canning,

told Dublin Gazette she believes that the area already has a civic space.

She said: “To us, a ‘civic space’ is an extension of the community. A setting where celebrations are held, where social and economic exchanges take place, where friends run into each other, and where cultures mix. In that, we are 100% a relevant civic space.

“In 2017 alone, we welcomed 45,000 patrons to the venue, many of whom came to one of the 54 performances presented by the local drama groups.

“There are several active programmes hosted in the venue during the week, including a youth theatre and a +65 public art project.

“Our spaces are used as resources for a wide range of groups throughout our community.”

She added, however, that she would not oppose another community space.

“We would, of course, welcome another worthwhile resource for the community. The community of Dundrum and beyond is bursting with life, creativity and a desire for engagement.

“In the current sociological climate, cementing a strong community is essential to everyone’s wellbeing, so therefore any venue or building which supports this is of huge significance.”

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown-County Council’s chief executive, Philomena Poole, made the announcement at Monday’s council meeting that preliminary research and preparatory work will start on the LAP in the second half of 2018.

mote himself that way, so it’s to be expected I suppose.

2) Not particularly – I think he’s a great sportsperson; he’s very capable at what he does and he’s worked very hard to become that way. But, no, he doesn’t act particularly well.

3) If they get inspiration from him, then good for them, but I don’t.

4) I’m sure success has changed him; I think it does that to pretty much anyone who’s successful. But I think he’s earned his success, so good for him.

5) I’ve no opinion either way on that; wouldn’t bother me.

Sean Joyce 1) I CAN’T say I was surprised – mortified, but not surprised.

This stuff just seems to happen

around fighters – you don’t see this kind of thing [bus attacks] with golfers or knitters, do you?

2) Of course not! Who wants to send out people talking and swearing like that to represent the country, or making those kinds of headlines?

3) Not any of the young people I know. It’s not about money or fame, but how you behave – I know what my mam and dad would think if I’d done anything like that, or said half of what he’s said.

4) Not really. I’d think he was always like that. Maybe fame just amplifies that behaviour?

5) God, no. And I think I’d be nervous now if I was on a bus and saw McGregor standing outside it – but I don’t think he has to queue for many buses now, with his millions!

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BREAKDOWN OF THE BEST HANG OUTS AND HISTORICAL GEMS

THE HUGUENOT CEMETERY, ST STEPHEN’S GREEN

DUBLIN MADE EASY AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME OF THE CITY’S BEST CULTURAL HOTSPOTS

W

ALKING through the city, it’s very easy to take the many churches for granted.

However, Dublin’s churches have a rich history, with some featuring some very interesting yet little-known attractions. It’s amazing what’s hidden in plain sight in our city and if you’ve never paid a visit to these churches, then you’re in for some surprises. For starters, note the quiet Huguenot cemetery (inset, main) from 1693 set at the northeast corner of bustling Saint Stephen’s Green ...

THE WHITEFRIAR STREET CARMELITE CHURCH LOCATION: No 56, Aungier Street, Dublin 2 BEST FEATURE: The relics of St Valentine THIS church is a must-visit for lovers and those that believe in romance, for it is where the relics of St Valentine himself can be found.

The relics were donated to Carmelite John Spratt by Pope Gergory XVI in 1835 and they have remained at Whitefriar Street ever since. The church also features a number of other shrines, including shrines to Our Lady of Dublin, Albert of Sicily and The Infant of Prague.

The church also has a beautiful collection of stained glass windows, some of which are nearly 180 years old, which were expertly restored in the 1990s. Some of the most beautiful are the ones depicting scenes from the life of Our Lady (the Rosary Windows).

THE UNITARIAN CHURCH

ST MICHAN’S CHURCH

LOCATION: St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 BEST FEATURE: The magnificent stained glass window

LOCATION: Church Street, Dublin 7 BEST FEATURE: The ancient burial crypts

LOCATED just past the Royal College of Surgeons at St Stephen’s Green, the Unitarian Church is welcoming to people of all faiths and has become known over the past number of years as an incredible, intimate gig venue.

Renowned musicians such as Duke Special, Cathy Davey and Jack Lukeman have all taken to the altar of this unique gig venue over the years.

At 8pm on Friday, April 27, Padraig Brady will launch his new memoir, Keeping Sketch: From Dublin To Nepal, in the church.

Admission is free.

The church is also a proudly Fairtrade church, providing Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar at Sunday services alongside a range of Fairtrade sales throughout the year.

WHILE Smithfield has some well-known attractions, such as the Lighthouse Cinema and the Jameson Distillery, a fascinating tourist attraction can be found just around the corner, at St Michan’s.

Deep in the vaults of the church lie a number of bodies that have barely decomposed because of the dry atmosphere created by the church’s magnesian limestone walls.

However, the wooden caskets have partially opened, revealing perfectly preserved bodies.

Among those thought to have been mummified in this way are the brothers Henry and John Sheares, leaders of the 1798 rebellion.

The church also houses an organ that Handel is said to have played on.

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

HOME & STYLE

DUBLIN

QUIET PRAISE FOR SPIRITUAL CALM ALONG THE A NEW FILM P20 CAMINO DE SANTIAGO P24 PAGES 26-27



SPRING HAS SPRUNG: THERE’S still a slight chill in the air, but there’s no two ways about it – Spring is well and truly here, and it’s time to start looking ahead, and looking outward, to where to head out to make the most of these better days.

Now that there’s a grand stretch in the evening, stretch to getting some Regatta Great Outdoors gear, which has all you need to take to the hills and highways to explore the great outdoors – or just the nearest park.

MAGAZINE

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY

THE GIFT OF GAZ | DA HOOD SEEMS NICE

Down them mean streets of Crumlin a quiet fella like meself must sometimes go I HAD a few auld bits to do around the place last week later that day when I nip in for a quiet one. and didn’t I find meself in Crumlin!

“Yeah, but he’s gone a bit far with all this wrecking I hadn’t been there for a while and I was a bit wor- the bus business,” I says. “Even all the young fellas ried after reading that American article about yer man who thought he was the mutt’s nuts are starting to McGregor. say he’s a bit of a tulip. Think all that money is going That was saying that the place is a “project” – like to his head.”

South Central LA or one of them places – and ye “Going to his head!?!” says Paschal, laughing at couldn’t even walk on certain parts of the street for me. “He’s overdone the whole showman thing a bit fear of getting a hiding. and acted the maggot, but I bet you if you had all that So, I think I had every right to be wormoney at his age, you wouldn’t be ried, given that I thought I was walking sitting here to tell the tale.”

If I’d had all that through a scene from Boyz In The Hood, “If I had all that money I money I’d probably but ye know wha’? It was grand. Same as wouldn’t be drinking in here,” I have ended up on it ever is. says, taking the wind out of his No drive-bys or any of that carry-on. A first-name terms sails a bit. young fella even held a shop door open with the staff in the He’s right though, if I’d have for me. Them Americans get some mad Betty Ford Clinic had all that money in me twenideas at times. ties I’d probably have ended up on But then I was thinking, maybe first-name terms with the staff in McGregor fed yer man a bit of a yarn. Him the Betty Ford Clinic. and his mates were probably winding yer “Still though,” says Paschal. man up a bit, having a laugh, like.

“I’d rather have money going to And the McGregor fella seems to live in me head and more importantly, a bit of a fantasy world. Paschal reckons me pocket, than be queuing for he’s a genius. a week to try and buy a gaff in “Look at the publicity he gets.

Blanch.”

And all the money,” he says to me Which is a fair point, I suppose.

“

Just green and bear it...

Peter O’Brien Gleeson had a look of intense concentration as he pushed himself to the limit in the one millionth Parkrun in Ireland, which was held last weekend at Brickfield Park, in Drimnagh. Thousands ran across the country in other Parkruns that day. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

FAMILIES

BRING MAN’S – OR WOMAN’S – BEST FRIEND ALONG

FIFTH ANNUAL EVENT TO CATER FOR ANIMALS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES THE fifth annual Pets in A range of stalls will heara Micheal MacDonthe City event takes place offer pet lovers great deals ncha said: “This event is at Smithfield Square in on a variety of pet acces- the perfect opportunity for the city centre on Sunday, sories, grooming products, the entire family, and their April 29, offering families toys and novelty items. pets, to enjoy a day out in The DSPCA will be the centre of Dublin city. and their furry friends the on hand to provide vital purr-fect day out.

“Apart from learning to Presented better care for

by Dublin City your own family Co u n c i l a n d pet, there will be supported by lots to discover, the DSPCA, from reptiles King of Paws to Irish Wolfhounds.” and 98FM, the Brian Gillen, free event promises animal lovchief executive ers a wide range of the DSPCA, of activities and Natasha Eames, fundraising and events coordi- said: “We’re live entertain- nator, DSPCA with Teddy delighted that ment.

Pets in the City Hosted by the DSPCA, services such as micro- is in its fifth year. The and the King of Paws chipping and pet health event is a brilliant day out, Training Team, visitors advice. offering the perfect opporare invited to bring their Pets in the City will fea- tunity to interact and learn four-legged friends to take ture an exotic animal area, about animals. part in Agility workshops reptile corner and animal “For pet owners, it’s a and the Scruffs Dog Show. farm for visitors to inter- great chance to get pets A DSPCA adoption act with and learn about micro-chipped and get parade will also take place, a variety of different ani- advice on how to look after highlighting the wonder- mals. their loved pets.” ful animals available for Speaking at the launch For further information rescue. of Pets in the City, Ardm- see www.petsinthecity.ie.

Pawfect pals

It’s ruff work but someone has to do it ... Shane and Eoin Carroll from Sandymount get help from their pooch pals Shannon, Seoidin, MJ, Teddy, Ruby, Cuddles and Fraggles to launch the event. Pictures: Jason Clarke

Well done to another lucky Gazette winner CONGRATULATIONS to Madeline

Andrews, the winner of our recent Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross competition.

She is pictured with her grandson, Adam Andrews, after receiving her prize of two nights’ bed and breakfast (for two adults and two children) in the Maldron Hotel, a family ticket to Dublin Zoo, and a picnic for all the family to bring along on their adventures.

Remember to keep reading your Dublin Gazette, and to look out for more great giveaways – keep reading, keep winning!

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

WAYS TO HELP OTHERS, AND TO HELP YOURSELF, TOO

PEOPLE

EXPERIMENTAL CAFE HIGHLIGHTS WHAT LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CAN BE LIKE

Serving up a slice of MS life REBECCA RYAN

A NEW experimental pop-up cafe has opened at Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, giving customers a small taste of the daily challenges faced by people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

When a customer walks in to MSunderstood Cafe, they will experience things like the ground beneath them being uneven, the menus being blurry and the chairs being heavy, which the chief executive from MS Ireland, Ava Battles, says are some of the symptoms that people with MS experience.

She said: “That unsteadiness on the feet, the visual disturbances, the inability to hold a cup properly – simple things

that lots of people take for granted – you can experience those things in the coffee shop.”

At its recent opening, MSunderstood Cafe also highlighted the urgent need for improved access to medicine and treatment for the management of MS. More than 9,000 people are living with MS in Ireland, with thousands more family members affected.

One of those people is 39-year-old Karen Hynes from Blackrock, who was diagnosed with MS on her 20th birthday, and was involved in creating the cafe.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, Karen said she started getting pins and needles in her left leg and her mother encouraged

her to see a doctor. After numerous tests, within a matter of weeks she was told she had MS. Getting the news wasn’t easy: “There was a lot of fear around it, I didn’t know what MS was and

“

thing like this’.”

On living with MS, Karen said: “Symptoms vary from day to day, so no day is the same for me. But I don’t sit around and have a ‘pity party’, I just get up and go.

Karen Hynes, who was diagnosed with MS on her 20th birthday, was involved in creating the cafe when I thought of MS, all I pictured was someone in a wheelchair.

“I was terrified. I couldn’t get my head around it and the only thing I could think of was: ‘I’m only 20 and that I shouldn’t be getting some-

Pictured at the MSunderstood Cafe opening are Ava Battles, chief executive, MS Ireland; Pierre-Alain Delley, general manager, Roche Ireland; Karen Hynes; Cllr Mark Ward (SF), who like Karen also lives with MS, and Aoife Kirwan, MS Ireland

“I make a point of doing the little t h i n g s, l i k e going to t h e superm a r ke t .

You learn to monitor yourself and figure out what you need to do to take care of yourself.”

She has this advice for anyone going through MS: “The first thing I would recommend is getting in touch with MS Ireland – they’ve provided great help and

support to me and many others living with MS. “Another thing I will say is, don’t shut your family out, keep them in the loop.

Diagnosis is a very scary time for them too and they can be a great support if they know what is going on.”

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com

HIGHLIGHTING A HOST OF DAFFODILS

Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com

NEXT time you’re in the city centre, look out for the gazillions of glowing, golden harbingers of spring flourishing at St Stephen’s Green – daffodils, in other words!

If you have great, high-res shots of the city that you’d love to share with our readers, email them to news@dublingazette.com. Photos: Shane Dillon

Commercial Director: Sue Griffith sgriffith@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Have a ball helping hospice’s little heroes ALAN Hughes and Miriam O’Callaghan are calling on companies to dig deep for the annual LauraLynn Heroes Ball, with this year’s fundraising gala event taking place on Saturday, May 12 at the Intercontinental Hotel.

As the State’s only d e d i c a te d c h i l d re n’s hospice, the LauraLynn

Foundation provides clinical care, healthcare support, and palliative care services to children with exceptional and lifelimiting conditions.

As MC of the upcoming bash, Miriam said: “It’s a great excuse to put on the glad rags, have a night on the town, and do it all for a wonderful cause.

See a startling piece of new physical theatre AHEAD of an appearance at the Galway Theatre Festival, writer, actor and director Ronan Dempsey brings The Words Are There to the Mill Theatre in Dundrum – a compelling and timely new piece of innovative physical theatre that delves into domestic abuse.

The performance takes place on Friday, April 13, with tickets priced €18 available from milltheatre.ie.

“I’m urging people to put May 12 in the diary for what will be a tremendous night out.”

A corporate package costs €2,500 per table of 12, with a limited quantity of individual tickets available for €175 each. Contact Claire or Jacqui at 01 289 3151, or see www.lauralynn.ie.

Help make a creative day

DUBLIN City Council have launched an open call for artists, creative and cultural venues in the city in response to the announcement by Minister fo r Cu l t u re Jo s e p h a Madigan of Cruinniu na nOg – a day of creativity for

children and young people set for June 23.

The focus for Cruinniu na nOg 2018 will be on activities taking place in the city’s suburbs, ne ighbourhoods and villages, enabling young people to access creativity

where they live, in their communities, with their friends and family.

In te re s te d a r t i s t s, groups and creative organisations can find out more and read the open call guidelines at www. dublinscultureconnects.ie.

TRAVEL, PAGE 24

Down Rio way

Let us point you towards a great trip



Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN Reach for the skies with yoga on top of Croker FO L LOW I NG t h e success of the skyhigh yoga classes in 2017, Croke Park h ave a n n o u n c e d more limited-edition yoga classes on the Ericsson Skyline, from Saturday, May 5.

At 17 storeys above the city, the Skyline is Croke Park’s rooftop walkway and Dublin’s highest open viewing platform – and now one of Ireland’s highest outdoor yoga experiences. The Skyline has an overhang right over the famous pitch, so it’s definitely one for thrill seekers looking for an alternative Yoga experience.

The classes, which will run every Saturday at 10am for five weeks commencing on May 5, are with instructor Aisling Conn of Aisling Conn Yoga and Pilates Aisling’s sky-high sessions will be intimate, with no more than 15 participants, and will last approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

The Ericsson Skyline Yoga classes cost €25 per session, including a juice afterwards. As there are limited places, book in advance at crokepark.ie/yoga.

DIARY

BENJI - OUR DOG OF THE WEEK

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Benji is a handsome and laid-back nineye a r- o l d A l a s k a n Malamute who has quickly stolen the hearts of all the canine carers who look after him.

He is a real couch potato, and loves to snuggle into people and lap up lots of attention.

Benji is a cuddle monster who loves his belly being rubbed and his coat being brushed.

He came to Dogs Trust after living with his previous family for a few years, so he is used to living in a home environment and he should settle into his new home with no problems.

Benji is such a sweetheart and very gentle so he should be happy living with very young children. He loves attention from humans so much that he would prefer to be the only dog in the family, and get your undivided attention.

Benji is a very good boy who will make a wonderful addition to most families.

If you have room in your heart and on your couch for Benji, then please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions c a n b e fo u n d o n their website www. d o g s t r u s t . i e. Yo u can also find them on Facebook www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

GOINGOUTOUT

PICKWEEK Hot OF THE

APRIL 16 (MONDAY)

Harry Styles @ 3Arena, €50-€70 We can’t quite say that we’re just wild about Harry – but about two bazillion other people are, with the latest former One Direction man to drop in on Dublin being the ‘cheeky boy’ of the bunch, with his self-titled debut album in tow.

Expect screams. (Clock-checking chaperones and patient other halves in tow, we salute you.)

APRIL 12 (THURSDAY) Calum Scott @ The Academy, €19 Music Currents 2018 @ Smock Alley Theatre, €10 A three-day festival of contemporary electronic music comes to Temple Bar, featuring four concerts across the weekend, as well as workshops and talks.

APRIL 13 (FRIDAY) Music Currents 2018 @ Smock Alley Theatre, €10 Walk The Moon @ The Academy, €30 Eve Belle @ Project Arts Centre, €10 Goal Girl @ The Grand Social, €12.50 Bryde @ Whelan’s, €15 Crazy Town @ The Bowery, €15

APRIL 14 (SATURDAY) Music Currents 2018 @ Smock Alley Theatre, €10 Nick JD Hodgson (of Kaiser Chiefs) @ The Grand Social, €17 Francesco Turrisi @ Fumbally Stables Dusky @ District 8, €17

APRIL 15 (SUNDAY) Frank Turner @ The Academy, €27 Folk-punk troubadour Frank Turner sings of England’s soul and his own struggles, and utterly excels live. He brings his ‘Be More Kind’ tour to North Dublin.

Fenne Lily @ The Wiley Fox August Wells @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Samarkind, Jailbird + Ophelias @ Whelan’s, €16

APRIL 17 (TUESDAY) Aston Merrygold @ The Button Factory, €20 The Unthanks @ Abbey Theatre, €32 Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €7 We Banjo 3 @ Whelan’s, €16

APRIL 18 (WEDNESDAY) The Unthanks @ Abbey Theatre, €32 Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats @ Olympia Theatre, €30 The Wonder Years @ The Button Factory, €23 Nahko + Trevor Hall @ Whelan’s

Want some brilliant Blues?

You need the...

Sprockets

DUBLIN isn’t known for groups of friends clad out in the latest in Blues-inspired charity store chic, focused on producing timeless, harmonised melodies.

The Hot Sprockets are out of step with the scene and forging their own path, but evolving into their newly psychedelic phase, they win plaudits simply by being great at what they do...

IF YOU heard a track o f t wo o f T h e Ho t Sprockets’ music, and were then asked to stick a pin in a map identifying where they come from, you’d probably stick the point somewhere on the fringes of a Texan city, a spot with plenty of raucous rock influences, but a distinct country twang known for effortless, whisky-bar showmanship.

The five-piece actually h a i l f ro m d i f fe re n t corners of Dublin, having spent much of the ir p er fo r ma nce -l ov in g c a re e r e n te r t a i n i n g their own niche with a thunderous live show.

They rumble between gigs in an aging Nissan Micra and very much live for their music. Newlyreleased third album, Dream Mover, is the latest

 JAMES HENDICOTT

stage in a slow-paced and precisely crafted evolution.

Of the new release, multi-instrumentalist Frankie Kelly tells us: “It’s a bit more psychedelic – the production is a real step up from [second album] Brother Nature, and the song writing’s better than the last record.

We feel like we’re really evolving as songwriters.

“We had a lot more than just the ten songs on the album, but we picked the best ones and spent a lot of time working on them, improving them and developing the sound.

Much more went into

it then anything we did before.

“There are three writers in the band, so between us we’re always writing at home. Some of the tracks we might look at once and never see again. Others make demo stage and the best make it all the way.

There are hundreds of songs. We’ve done threehour setlists of original material before.”

As for the image, that’s become the band’s thing.

“It’s just our normal attire,” pipes up vocalist Tim Cullen.

“It’s just from stuff that influenced us, bands we’re influenced by; mainly 60s and 70s American bands. We wear our best stuff on stage, like going on a date or something.

We don’t really pay too much attention to it, but to a certain extent it’s important. You dress up.”

Kelly adds: “Years ago, Tim used to work in a vintage clothing store, so he just got sweet clothes for free. We just kind of got mad into the clothes together, and kept on

doing it.”

The result can feel like an authentic shift in time and place: The Hot Sprockets wardrobe would be genuinely hard to track down in Dublin, and sits perfectly alongside their sound.

As well as their local su c c e s s e s, T h e Ho t Sprockets have also been touring fairly extensively in Spain – their very own ‘big in Japan’ moment.

“We’re on playlists with both of their national radio stations, so we get quite a lot of radioplay ove r t h e re, ” Cu l l e n explains.

“We got a Spanish release of Brother Nature through a company called Folk Records, so we put two tracks of the Licks From The Vault release on it.

“It goes really well out there. We’re b a c k a ga i n this summer, to play a few shows, and

we’ve been a few times now.”

For now, though, The Hot Sprockets will be pleasing the local crowd – one they profess a real love for.

They sit naturally in the messy realm of dwellers at Wicklow’s wo n d e r f u l l y s h a b by festival, Knockanstockan, with those whose hearts screams for the Blues, and those who simply can’t miss something so effortlessly, raucously entertaining.

The Hot Sprockets’ latest, Dream Mover, is out now, and launches at The Button Factory in Temple Bar this Saturday, April 14.

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

ENTERTAINMENT DELAMERE DADDY HAS A STARRING NARRATIVE ROLE IN HILARIOUS COMIC MATERIAL

Neil’s happy to trot out his new show that involves his dad MARK O’BRIEN

THE intriguingly-titled Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Pensioner represents something of a new approach for Neil Delamere.

The show is framed around a single narrative – a day last year when Neil helped his 82-yearold father deliver the local meals-on-wheels to the elderly, which they had to finish in time for a horse race.

While hilariously describing the experience, and the various characters they meet on their outing, Neil deviates with some uproarious side-stories before bringing everything together in a rewarding finale.

The show – which comes to Blanchardstown and Dun Laoghaire next month – has been a huge success, selling out across the country and drawing a standing ovation when it came to Vicar Street.

Ne il told Dublin Gazette that the Vicar Street performance was particularly memorable because his dad was in attendance.

He said: “Dad came to the Vicar Street show and he stood up at the end and sure he got a standing ovation, and he’s getting

groupies.

“Like, he’s in his eighties and he has young women asking him for selfies, so he was in his element; he had great craic.

“He had his walking stick with him, and he said: ‘Do you know what that’s for? That’s for warding off young women,’ so he really enjoyed himself.”

Neil is well-known for his observational and topical comedy, so was writing a show with such a narrative arc a harder challenge for him?

“Easier in one way, and harder in another,” he said.

“Harder in the way that it has to have a beginning, a middle and an end, and if you want to tell the story well then you can veer away from it [such conventions], but you have to come back to it so there’s a framework within which you have to operate.

“So, it’s a bit more difficult from that point of view, rather just you going out and getting the weirdest stories that have happened in the last year, which is my normal show.

“But easier in another way because as it was happening I was like okay, this is something

interesting because I have an interesting relationship to cover but also because also it has mad stuff happening.”

One of the characters had a rather peculiar request of the Delameres before she would let them leave.

“There was a woman who made me say the Angelus with her,” he says.

“And we were trying to get home in time for horse racing, she made me say the Angelus. So, I’m looking at the clock over her shoulder and she’s saying it as slowly as humanly possible.”

With the tour reaching its final dates, Neil will soon make a welcome return to TV screens this Autumn with the 11th season of the ever-popular topical news and current affairs panel show The Blame Game on BBC Northern Ireland.

Neil stars alongside Co l i n M u r p hy, J a ke O’Kane and host Tim McGarry on a show that regularly gets more audience share than Graham Norton.

“It’s just gotten bigger and bigger and bigger and the appetite for it is growing and growing and growing,” he says and he credits the BBC for allow-

ing the show to grow.

“Sometimes when you leave something on or certainly when you leave something on, the people on it – like a good football team or something – get to know each other’s rhythms and they start fitting into roles and it just gets better and better and better.”

Social media has also played a role in keeping the stars on their toes.

“Twitter and Facebook has made people work harder on a topical show,” says Neil.

“On a topical show years ago, you could just think of a joke on a subject but now you might have to think of the third or fourth more obscure joke because if you’re filming on a Friday and it happened on a Tuesday, well then maybe Twitter and Facebook have done a lot of jokes on Tuesday and Wednesday so that can elevate the game a little bit more, which is a good thing.”

Ne il Delamere will appear at The Pavillion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on Friday, March 18 and at Draiocht Theatre, Blanchardstown on Saturday, March 19.

Tickets from €21 are available from www. neildelamere.com/gigs.

Neil knows great jokes like the back of his hand – and maybe even a bit better than that

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

ENTERTAINMENT

IT’S QUIETLY ENGROSSING

It’s quiet well done for a creepy creature feature

LESS is more. We’ve all heard that mantra applied to one thing after another, though cinema tends to go very much the other way, where there’s no such thing as too much, too excessive, too loud and too crazy.

 SHANE DILLON

This has become particularly prevalent in

recent years, with an endless conveyor belt of bombastic blockbusters that have made blazing cities and planetary destruction something of a yawnfest.

Sometimes it’s a relief to just sit back and soak up a quieter film and experi-

StillShowing...

PACIFIC RIM UPRISING

Not quite the monster of a sequel fans had hoped for IT’S hard to make a mess of a film about giant robots (more or less) fighting giant Kaiju (monsters) in dense urban cityscapes, but there’s just something a little derivative about Pacific Rim Uprising (Cert 12A, 111 mins). Leading the troops is John Boyega, who turns in a nicely charismatic performance, but as sequels go it’s missing a little of the sly wit of its impressive predecessor. Still, at least the visuals are great, and it’s not as offensively dumb as the terrible T**********s films.

TOMB RAIDER

Successfully unearthing new adventures for Lara Coft AS the film franchise reboot based on the game frachise reboot based on the long-running Tomb Raider games and films, Tomb Raider (Cert 12A, 120 mins) does a decent job in digging up Lara Croft for modern audiences. Frankly, it’s not quite as good as the game it’s largely based on, but it’s close enough, with some great action set-pieces that’re inspired by the best bits of the rebooted game. There’s plenty of room to improve, but it’s a decent enough return to form for the franchise.

PETER RABBIT

Not worth rabbitting on about – far from it NOT many people know that Paddington 2 is one of the bestreviewed films of all time (well, you do now), but although critics adored it, the kind-hearted bear from darkest Peru was usurped at the box office by Peter Rabbit (Cert G, 95 mins), a largely charmless update of the classic character. Peter and pals – including Domhnall Gleeson as one of the humans – dig in to some chaotic action here and there, but if you must watch one talking animal film, seek out Paddington instead.

ISLE OF DOGS

Canny canines save the day in this stop-motion romp FROM one largely unlovable creature to a whole pack of largely uncatchable canines. Isle of Dogs (Cert PG, 101 mins) is director Wes Anderson’s latest and, as usual, brings a typically quirky style to his second stop-motion movie. A tale of a kid ganging up with exiled animals to tackle corruption (there’s a lot more than that going on, but it’s generally hard to pin down a theme in an Anderson film), the end result is pawfect enough for two hours, thanks to the efforts of a very impressive cast.

ence instead, to find some calm, not a storm.

If that’s the kind of film you’re looking for with A Quiet Place (Cert 15A, 90 mins) – sorry, this isn’t the soothing spot you’re looking for, but rather a place of creeping dread, punctuated by tension and a tightening of the screws that largely eschews conventional cinema scares for other traumas instead.

As you’d expect from the title, quiet – or rather, unforgiving silence – is at the heart of the film, as a force which not only impels the characters and plot forward, but creeps into the cinema as an oppressive agent, drawing the viewer along as an unwilling accomplice to the action.

At its heart, the film takes an all too familiar trope – the struggle to survive in a world that’s fallen to an overpowering force – and brings it down to the personal and identifiable, following a small family eking out an existence in the rural depths of nowheresville at their carefully modified home.

It’s a quiet place indeed, or rather, a silent place, as the Abbotts are forced to live in utter silence, lest they draw the attention of This isn’t star Emily Blunt’s first foray into sci-fi, but she brings a lot of grounded emotion to her maternal role

SUDOKU

Wheat trouble are the kids in here? Millicent Simmond and Noah Jupe are excellent as the siblings trying to just survive

CINEMA | SSH! A QUIET PLACE DEMANDS YOUR ATTENTION

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

TOP TWEETS EASY

MODERATE

PUZZLES

CODEWORDS in association with

In Herbert Park today at the food market. A Dad to his three kids all under 8, in the queue for a crepe. “If you don’t stop misbehaving you’ll be getting vegan food”. @murphy4087

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Nice try, Conor – wonder if that worked with the kids?

Speaking of Conors ...

omnipresent deadly creatures which have somehow decimated the planet (as set up in the film’s preamble, before joining the family some time later after they’ve adjusted to this new life).

The horrible hunters are seemingly blind, but they’re drawn with startling, deadly speed to any noise – particularly the sounds that any crunchy, delicious, noisy humans might make.

Even quiet talking and whispering is dangerous now, with the terror of discovery and sudden, violent death stalking the characters’ every footstep along carefully marked trails.

As a helpful plot device the family communicate in sign language (with special kudos for deaf actress Millicent Simmonds, as the resourceful daughter).

However, although a conventional dialogue is mostly missing here, you’re never in any doubt as to what the cast are fe e l i n g, w i t h t h e relentl e s s , gruel-

ling silence needing every nuanced emotion, tic, stressed look and gesture to gain a weight that’s missing in a standard dialogue-driven film.

Emily Blunt is pretty mesmerising in a role that pushes emotion to the fore instead, with excellent support from John Krasinski as the husband also desperately trying to keep them all quiet – and alive.

However, that quietness practically oozes off the screen for much of the film, snaking and coiling around the audience under director John Krasinki’s expert touch, making them complicit in the family’s blunders, decisions and occasional terror as they quietly fight for survival.

The characters and film alike sometimes put a foot wrong, but for the most part it’s an imaginative creature-feature that takes a simple concept and a slow-burning pace, but ultimately it’s something you’ll want to praise.

Just don’t s h o u t about it from the rooftops ...

Verdict: 8/10

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

WORD SEARCH In Temple Bar - Taximan: “I see Conor McGregor has been acting the maggot.” Confused American: “Acting the what?” Taximan: “Ya know, being a fecking eejit!” Even more confused American: “Being a what???”

HOW TO SOLVE

@OverheardDublin Makes perfect sense to us – a bit more than Conor’s regular musings, anyway

We had the Repeal mural and Stormzy and Kendrick Lamar We had loads of great art but that has to go.

Meanwhile Dublin City Council are allowed to put up wrote off banners that look like they got them for a fiver in Mr Price. @earley Controversial Up The Dubs banner across the Liffey sees Earley ripples of anger

Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS account

merit

calculate

note

charge

rate

chronicle

reckoning

computation

record

detail

substance

estimate

think

inventory

weigh up

invoice

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

GALLERIES

Jess Scanlan and Sara Fitzpatrick

Romy Carroll

Cathy O’Connor

Sarah Lenihan

Emily Loughnane and James Daly

Tara O’Farrell

Serdzan Simsek and Robert Loughnane

Melanie Murphy and Brian McKenna

Monika Walsh

Shane Carey and Robyn Carey

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

Alan and Liz Bailey

Robbie Kane and David T Kelly

A great screening of a great love story L

OVE, Simon, a film about a teenager discovering the world as he tries to come out, had a special preview screening at the Odeon Point Village for competition winners and invited guests. The film is produced by the same team behind The Fault in Our Stars, and is already receiving rave reviews. Love, Simon is out in cinemas across the country now.

Denise Grigore, Helena Apetroaei and Aoife Fox

Sophie O Hanlon and Emma Chalkley. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Daniella Gibney and Niamh Martin. Pic: Brian McEvoy

Madison Cawley

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

SOUTH AMERICA | THESE BRAZIL, ARGENTINA TRIPS WILL THRILL

Head down Rio way for a truly amazing break

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor KILLING two birds with one stone is every seasoned traveller’s dream – so a trip to Brazil and Argentina ticks all the boxes.

Irish experts at The Travel Department have put together an incredible 13-night holiday dividing time between these vibrant South American countries.

The enviable itinerary includes exploring the hidden gems of Brazil, starting with a trip to the thundering Iguazu Falls.

Then it’s an up close and personal visit to the giant Christ the Redeemer statue at the Corcovado Mountain before taking a cable car up to the Sugar Loaf.

A historic tour of Rio de Janeiro by day is followed by a vibrant ‘Rio at Night’ show which demonstrates why it is the carnival capital of the world.

Enjoy free time between excursions to relax, shop and explore at your own pace, before moving on to discover the pulsating Latin passion of Argentina.

A f u l l day excursion to a typical Argentinian farmhouse will open your eyes to traditional dance, music a n d awe - i n s p i r i n g horseback skills.

Later you get to relax on a leisurely cruise along the Parana River before getting to grips with some sightseeing in Buenos Aires. The guided tour of the city takes in La Boca, Palermo and Recoleta – and

finishes with a mesmerising tango display with a traditional dinner.

Prices start from €3,699pp including return f lights from Dublin, 13 nights’ 3-star and 4-star B&B hotel

accommodation, transfers, taxes & charges and excursions, departing September 12.

To book this dream getaway, just visit www.traveldepartment/ argentinaandbrazil, or call 01 637 1600.

Ah, it’s himself ... See for yourself the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, welcoming visitors to Rio

Whether you’re making a spiritual pilgrimage or looking to take in some incredible scenery, all are welcome to take to the ancient Camino de Santiago

World-weary travellers should step off the beaten path – and walk along the Camino de Santiago trail ALTERNATIVELY, if it’s something a bit more active you’re after, why not complete the final 100km of the Camino de Santiago in Spain?

The last leg of the trail is the most popular walking tour and a week-long tour offers a chance for some great walking, good food and wine, meeting fellow pilgrims, discovering local customs and soaking up the unique atmosphere of it all.

This section of the Camino starts in Sarria and covers the last 100km of the Camino Frances – the minimum required to apply for your Compostela certificate.

The Camino will take you across woodlands, farmland and rustic hamlets, following tracks and paths lined by granite stone walls.

The green rolling landscape of Galicia is part of each day’s walk, until

you approach your final destination: the mythical city of Santiago de Compostela.

Here you can explore the magic of Santiago’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a half-day guided tour and enjoy some free time to relax or sightsee at your own pace.

This trip is ideal for experienced walkers, with an average walking distance of 21-23km per day.

Prices start from €829pp for seven nights including return flights from Dublin, 3-star & 4-star half-board accommodation, transfers, excursions, expert local guides and all taxes & charges, departing this May, September and October.

For further information, see www.tdactiveholidays.ie/camino-desantiago or call 01 637 1633.

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

FOOD & TRAVEL

BY ‘ECK, THIS YORKSHIRE PUDDING AND BEEF DISH WILL HIT THE SPOT

A meatylicious roast rib THIS week we have another delicious recipe (to serve 6-8) again courtesy of Neven Maguire: roast rib of beef on the bone with yorkshire puddings.

This roast rib of beef recipe is perfect for when you’ve got to feed a crowd. Always allow a joint to come back up to temperature before roasting to achieve the best flavour.

The key to its success is to start with a fantastic piece of beef that has been hung for 21 days to improve the flavour and texture.

INGREDIENTS 1 tsp black peppercorns 1 tbsp English mustard 2 tsp sea salt 1.5kg (3lb 5oz) French trimmed rib of beef on the bone, at room temperature 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 2 large onions, peeled and quartered with root left intact 2 large carrots, halved lengthways 1 garlic bulb, broken into cloves (not peeled) Small handful of soft thyme leaves 2 tsp plain flour

400ml (14fl oz) beef or chicken stock Horseradish cream, to serve FOR THE YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS 3 eggs 100g (4oz) plain flour 250ml (9fl oz) milk Pinch of sea salt Rapeseed oil, for cooking Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper PREPARATION Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F/gas mark 8). Heat a small frying pan and toast the peppercorns until aromatic, then place in a pestle and mortar and grind until cracked.

Mix in the mustard and salt. Wipe the meat with damp kitchen paper and rub with the mustard mixture.

Pour the oil into a roasting tin and add the onions, carrots, garlic and thyme, tossing to coat.

Season to taste, then push to the edges and sit the beef in the middle of the vegetables.

Roast for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6) and

roast for 10 minutes per 450g (1lb) for rare, 12 minutes for medium-rare and 20–25 minutes for well done. A joint this size will take just under 1 hour. Take out and baste halfway through the cooking.

Meanwhile, make the Yorkshire pudding batter.

Whisk the eggs, flour, milk

and salt together in a bowl until well combined.

Pour the batter into a Pyrex jug and let it rest for 30 minutes before you use it – this will help to make it smoother, giving you fantastic light and crispy puddings.

When the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the tin along with

the onions and carrots and place on a platter. Cover with tin foil and leave to rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Now it’s time to cook the Yorkshire puddings.

Increase the oven temperature to its highest temperature and put a muffin tin in a baking tin on the top shelf. When the

oven is up to temperature, carefully remove the tins, close the oven door and add a tablespoon of oil to each hole in the muffin tin.

Pop the tins back in the oven for a couple of minutes, until the oil is smoking hot. Open the oven door and slide the shelf with the tins halfway out.

Quickly fill each muffin hole with batter, then carefully slide the shelf back into the oven. Cook for 15 minutes without opening the oven door, u n t i l t h e Yo r ks h i re puddings are crisp and golden with a soft, fluffy centre.

Meanwhile, quickly make the gravy. Pour the juices from the roasting tin into a jug, discarding the garlic and thyme, and leave the fat to settle on top, then skim off the fat and discard. Reserve the juices.

Stir the flour into the roasting tin, scraping the bottom of the tin with a wooden spoon to remove any residue, then gradually stir in the stock and reserved juices.

Place directly on the hob and simmer for five minutes, stirring. Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a gravy boat.

To serve, carve the rested beef into slices and arrange o n wa r m e d s e r v i n g plates with a dollop of horseradish cream. Add the roasted onions, carrots and Yorkshire puddings.

Hand round the gravy separately.

Ketchup with a major new tomato deal signed Orange you glad to hear that this

by Aldi with a north County Dublin supplier classic summer lolly is back again?

ALDI has announced it will sell €1.8 million-worth of Irish-grown tomatoes this year, as it becomes the first supermarket to introduce new season Irish tomatoes to its stores.

The first of this season’s Irish tomatoes have reached Aldi’s 130 stores nationwide, with varieties including Piccolo, Sunstream, Vine, Cherry and Plum tomatoes.

Aldi is sourcing the tomato range from Flynn Nurseries, north County Dublin, as part of a 2015 €8m five-year deal with Flynn Nurseries to see more than 5.5 million packs of its tomatoes sold in Aldi stores.

Finbar McCarthy, Aldi’s group buying director, said: “We are delighted to be the first supermarket to offer new season Bord Bia-approved Irish tomatoes. When given the choice, Irish consumers will

always opt for Irish produce. In terms of quality and taste, Martin Flynn’s tomatoes are second to none.”

Martin Flynn said: “Production is at peak level from May to August, with a number of different varieties being produced, including Sunstream, Piccolo, along with a spectacular, colourful rainbow blend.

“Quality, sustainability, experience and taste are all vitally important and our long-term partnership with Aldi ensures that we can deliver on these attributes within every pack.”

Last year, Aldi spent more than €700 million with Irish producers, manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 50% of Aldi’s sales coming from products sourced from Irish-based suppliers.

In 2017, Aldi increased its support for small Irish suppliers by reducing its payment terms to help them grow and invest.

THE legendary Super Split is set to make a return to Irish stores, with HB planning to bring the classic Irish summer snack with a twist – by relaunching it as the SPLIT. The classic ice cream has a place in many hearts across Ireland, with the relaunch of the SPLIT giving the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious nostalgia over the upcoming months, with HB point-

ing out that, at 65kcal, it’s the ideal snack to enjoy with very little guilt.

A HB spokesperson said: “We’ve received several heartfelt emails,

hand-written letters and social media messages asking us to bring back this legend, and we listened.

“We’ve decide to give the name a makeover – from Super Split to SPLIT – but fans old and new can rest assured that the great taste they’ve come to know and love is still the same.”

HB SPLIT is now available in multipack format in stores nationwide.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 Apri 2018

HOME | USING COLOUR TO CALM

Be still my pastel

heart…

A HOME can have many personalities when it comes to style and colour is major player. If you want your home to be a haven and

Next Watercolour Floral Rug €65

encourage an aura of calm, HOMESENSE choosing a pastel palette (top right) has perfected creates a cosy environthe look pastel look with: ment in which to relax Pastel floor lamp €9.99, blue in, even if it is a just a hair €179.99, cushion €34.99, favourite room in large ceramic mug €26.99, pink ceramic bowl €12.99, your house. candle (see below)

COLOUR Accessorising with aqua, lilac, pale yellows, creams, sea foam greens and pale pinks will transform any room into an oasis of calm.

Also consider plush fabrics like velvet for sofas or chairs, area rugs to keep the noise down, candles for their soft glow and comforting scents and, of course, plenty of throws and pillows to add more texture and pattern.

Next Lyla Petite Sofa (2 Seats) €425 Aldi Jacquard Cushion €10.99

LET THERE BE LIGHT | NOTHING MAKES A ROOM COSIER THAN CANDLELIGHT OR A FAVE SCENT… OR BOTH! AROMAWORKS offer a fantastic range of natural home

TO KEEP the

GET YOUR room

fragrance products, which are chemical free, animal cruelty

homefires

energised with

free, nut free and vegan friendly. All AromaWorks products

burning, light up

Penney’s Energise

are available in pharmacies, garden centres and gift shops

Homesense’s large

reed diffuser. This

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white scented

rosemary and jew-

candle which will

elled fig scent lasts

last and last.

up to eight weeks.

Homesense Large White Scented Candle €6.99

Diffuser from Penneys €4

AromaWorks Serenity three-wick candle 35 is mix of lemongrass and neroli to help revive or relax €52

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE Regatta Great Outdoors Womens Calandra Jumper 60.00

Regatta Great Outdoors Navy Stripe Bayeur II Jacket €100

Regatta Great Outdoors Womens Birchdale Jacket Peach 120

SPRING INTO ACTION!

 Jessica Maile, Style Editor

HOME & STYLE

BeautyBITS

Launch: Getting the J-Lodown at Inglot

AFTER DECADES serving as a muse for the makeup industry and a beauty inspiration for women all over the world, Jennifer Lopez is now stepping behind the scenes and debuting a limited-edition collection in partnership with global beauty brand Inglot Cosmetics. Launching in stores and online on April 26th, the extensive colour line will bring Jennifer’s and Inglot’s shared vision of strong femininity to life and offer women diverse ways to express themselves through beauty. Finally, everyone can now achieve their own authentic “J Lo Glow.”

“The capsule collection we created with Inglot is filled with all my go-to products in my favorite colours. We have everything from mascara, lipsticks, eyelashes, blush, eye shadow and of course…bronzers” said Lopez.

The 70-piece collection ranges from powders to lipsticks, shadows to eyelashes and cosmetic palettes. All colours in the line were created and handpicked by Jennifer herself. The star of the collection is the Freedom System that allows consumers to create unique palettes with over 300,000 combination possibilities. The line launches globally on April 26th on jenniferlopezinglot.com, www.inglot.ie, and Inglot stores and kiosks.

SPRINGTIME is here... well, kind of! It still may be a bit chilly out but the longer days should be beckoning us humans to spend more time in the great outdoors and start getting ready for summer. Regatta Great Outdoors have everything to make it a summer to remember.

Regatta Great Outdoors Womens Pura Jacket, Grey 60

Whether soaking up the sun abroad or in Ireland their Outdoor Active and Outdoor Lifestyle ranges have got you covered. The Outdoor Active range offers performance Tshirts, jackets, fleeces, body warmers and trousers. The Outdoors Lifestyle range features bright and bold colours for

Regatta Great Outdoors Womens Sakari Costume Navy 50

the season ahead with rain jackets, casual clothes, swim wear and knits for comfort and style at any occasion.

STYLE WITH A HEART REGATTA GREAT OUTDOORS has announced a partnership with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, which will include the sponsorship of a puppy for one year and the placement of donation boxes in Regatta Great Outdoors stores nationwide.

As part of their sponsorship Regatta are funding the first year of training for their own dog, Wanda. The €5,000 sponsorship covers the dogs vitally important first year of training where they begin their journey to providing life changing services. As part of the sponsorship Regatta are providing over €2,000 in muchneeded clothing for the sponsorship team, keeping them warm and dry while they fulfil the various jobs, including fundraising, dog walking and events.

Alongside the announcement, Regatta Great Outdoors has also launched a range of dog accessories including leads, coats and toys. There are a selection of waterproof and windproof jackets, as well as a harness and selection of leads.

They also have a pack away dog bowl which is ideal for long days out in the hills or long trip Whether it’s a small donation or a foreign trek, or even raising puppies, there are many ways to support the Irish Guide Dogs and bring independence, mobility and hope to the people who need it most. For more see https:// guidedogs.ie/give-support/.

Regatta team members with Irish Director of Regatta Great Outdoors, Brian Fox,and puppy Wanda. Picture:Daragh McSweeney/Provision

Japanese inspiration gets a kick start THE OFFICIAL launch of ASICS new collection, SAKURA, was held at Intersport Elverys, the newly developed concept store on Henry Street.

Guests were greeted by beautiful cherry blossom trees, which link back to the Japanese inspiration for the collection, before enjoying a light breakfast of multi-seed protein bars, fruit skewers, green juices and yoghurt and granola from Naomi’s Kitchen. Guests then prepared to take part in an energy HIIT class hosted by Hayley Killen of Project Revive, which truly showcased the agility, style and comfort of the range.

The 20-minute class by Hayley in the new Elverys store was the perfect kick start to the morning. Attendees included, RTÉ’s Rebecca Brady, stylist Justine King and former Miss Ireland, Aoife Walsh. The SAKURA Collection is now available from Intersport Elverys stores and Camille Chapman and online at www.elverys.ie.

Ericia Bracken

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 April 2018

TECH TIME When groups appeal for a sensitive approach to the ‘Repeal’ referendum SHANE DILLON

WITH social media continuing to be held up as something that divides us – as well as uniting people, and also being a great platform to help people – I’m currently in some to-and-fro with one social media giant over content connected to the upcoming ‘Repeal’ referendum.

As a disclaimer, I previously held a senior role within Special Olympics, and thus may be sensitive to the portrayal of people with Down syndrome, and I’ve personally noted a number of social media ads referring specifically to such individuals and the referendum.

One leading charity and advocacy group, Down Syndrome Ireland, specifically noted earlier this year: “People with Down syndrome should not be used as an argument for either side of this debate.

“Down Syndrome Ireland believes that it is up to each individual to make their own decision about which way to vote in the upcoming refer-

endum.

“We are respectfully asking both sides of the campaign debate, all political parties and any other interested groups to stop exploiting children and adults with Down syndrome to promote their campaign views.

“We would also like to remind campaigners on both sides of the debate that

people with Down syndrome listen to the news and read media articles, including social media content. We ask that the tone of the debate is respectful towards all people with disabilities.”

Despite such a clarion call to stop, effectively, weaponising Down syndrome for use in either side of this divisive debate (in a call widely

repeated by similar groups), at this stage I’ve seen several different social media ads and videos ignoring such groups’ calls to explicitly refer to people with Down syndrome in relation to the looming referendum, as I suspect and expect many readers also have.

Regardless of your views on the upcoming referendum, there’s an interesting and important issue h e re to n o te whether or not any group should refer to another one to further its opinions, when advocates ask not to do so.

If and when I can get that tech giant’s approach to presenting s u c h co n t e n t clearly outlined, I’ll report it back.

I think we’d all like to know how, exactly, social media platforms are approaching their role in this upcoming referendum, and to have even one of them explain their view would be helpful and interesting, especially with the power and responsibility of social media platforms in any such complex issue.

Facebook boss faced a mild toasting in spotlight AT THE time of writing, the explosive Facebook data mining saga has just seen Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg hauled before the US Senate – the irony of a company with one of its core purposes being to bring people together ending up with a lone, solitary individual under intense global scrutiny must be noted.

From the revelations that many tens more millions of Facebook users were caught up in the data mining scandal than initially reported, to news that Facebook higher-ups have access to permanent data deletion tools and settings which ordinary users can’t use, Mark certainly must have had a lot on his mind as he faced the political grilling.

I say ‘grilling’, but ‘mild toasting’ is probably more accurate, given that senators just had five minutes each to ask him a question.

Five minutes. Ask an Irish person about the weather and five minutes later they’d have warmed up enough to think about answering, so five minutes to respond to complex questions needing big answers...

It’ll be an interesting few days ahead to dig down into Mark’s answers, and to explore what he said – at this stage, the suddenly embattled company must feel like it’s dodging icebergs in an asteroid storm.

What’s the next bad news ‘berg hurtling towards Facebook – or towards any of the tech titans? Let’s keep watching...

MACHINE OF THE WEEK

Rockstar’s LA-set crime capers are an incredible financial hit NUMBER of the week: 6,000,000,000. As in, six billyunn dollars – a staggering amount of money indeed, reported (just before the time of writing) as the remarkable milestone that’s now been achieved by Grand Theft Auto V. You can forget things like Star Wars, Avatar, Titanic or Gone With The Wind, mate – even when adjusted for inflation and adding up revenues from their various releases and platform availability, their individual revenues fall far, far, far short of GTAV’s mindboggling success for its developer, Rockstar Games.

The Dr Evil-ish total revenue achieved from the five-year-old game, to date, effortlessly dwarfs all kinds of other mass media releases, with GTAV still continuing to hover in and around top ten sales, even though it’s hard to think who doesn’t have a copy by now.

Billion dollars True, GTAV cost some $265 million to develop across a few years, but then again it made a billion dollars for Rockstar within the first three days of its release alone.

With these financials, gamers, bankers and industry watchers alike are currently waiting for Rockstar’s latest expected masterpiece, Red Dead Redemption 2, to be released later this year.

Even if the Wild West-set cowboy capers in RDR2 inexplicably fails on release – not very likely – Rockstar have already made out like bandits with the loot from GTAV, making them one of the very wealthiest companies in gaming, and also one of the most important consumer tech companies that many people don’t particularly notice.

Toyota’s latest SUV excels in hybrid C-HR Toyota’s success with hybrid drive systems is seen in the sales of the relatively new C-HR compact SUV. The hybrid drive option makes most sense with the new compact SUV both in terms of performance and economy as MICHAEL MORONEY found out on his 800km test drive.

TOYOTA’S hybrid drive in the new C-HR SUV makes a clear statement in terms of hybrid drive that’s difficult to argue with. The car itself is modern in design and appears to have been designed for a hybrid drive in mind as a turbo-petrol engine is the only other power option.

Sales of the Toyota C-HR have jumped by 25% this year making the car the Japanese brand’s second most popular car in Ireland. I’ve driven the petrol engine version of the C-HR in the past and following my hybrid drive test, I’m not surprised that 62% of all new C-HR’s sold in 2018 were hybrid drive and the Dublin region recorded the highest sales at over 33% of the total.

In a design sense the

C-HR is a break from Toyota tradition in the shape of a four door hatchback and it sits high enough to give the feeling of being a compact SUV. The design is unique and allows the car to stand out from the crowd, with its flowing

design style.

The Toyota hybrid drive is the clear winner with the C-HR in terms of driving comfort and performance. From my experience, the hybrid drive version in clearly far ahead in terms of economy and

Toyota C-HR 1.8 hybrid petrol Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

1.8 litre Hybrid 122hp 11 seconds 26km/litre

(3.8l/100km or 74mpg)

43 litres 86g/km A2 €180 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2017) 3 years (100,000km) €29,350

Audi RS 5 Sportback

AUDI SPORT has unveiled the all new Audi RS 5 Sportback which it claims is the latest high-performance model that combines both superior design and performance.

The new Audi RS 5 Sportback has a longer wheelbase, short overhangs and long, wraparound engine bonnet with power dome all to emphasise the dynamism of the model. At the front, the Audi RS 5 Sportback features a wide, flat single-frame grille, solid air intakes with a honeycomb structure typical of an RS, and a front spoiler with matte aluminium quattro lettering. An RSspecific diffuser insert and exhaust system with oval tailpipes and fixed spoiler lip give the rear end its sportiness.

The sporty nature of the five-door, high-performance coupé is emphasised by details such as the RS sport seats with optional honeycomb pattern in fine Nappa leather, and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sports leather steering wheel. Other highlights of the RS design package include the contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel and selector lever, the Alcantara knee pads, and the red-trimmed seat belts and floor mats featuring the RS logo. Special RS information displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tire pressure, torque and G forces.

The Audi RS 5 Sportback 2.9 TFSI V6 twin turbo engine has a maximum

12 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

WHAT’S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY AND ON WHEELS

TECH & MOTORS

Business development manager for Topaz, Fergal Egan, and managing director of GoCar, Colm Brady

Topaz announces new partnership with GoCar TOPAZ, now claimed as the country’s largest fuels and convenience retailer has announced a new partnership with GoCar, one of Ireland’s car sharing com-

Toyota’s C-HR in petrol hybrid drive retains the striking new design look that makes the compact SUV instantly recognisable while also more economical. Entry prices start at €29,350 for the hybrid drive version.

running costs.

This car is smooth and easy to drive. The interior is modern and clear to use and I was comfortable quickly after the Bluetooth phone set-up and ready to go. The large 8-inch Toyota Touch is the most obvious interior feature that just jumps out at you. Set-up here was easy and intuitive and I found it easy to get to grips with the features that it offered. For me that meant a set-up without having to resort to the owner’s manual, which means it’s a system that’s clear to follow.

In every sense, the hybrid version comes out

on top, with diesel engine type efficiency and a cleaner burn of the fuel for a lower CO2 rating and more importantly a lower running cost. My 800km test drive confirmed the hybrid version, which has a €3,000 premium over the entry petrol version, to have almost double the official economy performance giving you 26km/litre (3.8l/100km or 74mpg) versus 17km/ litre (47mpg) in the 1.2litre turbo-petrol version.

The economy level that I achieved was impressive even relative to diesel engine similar size SUV’s.

The fuel tank capacity is lower than the petrol ver-

sion and for good reason.

I found that I achieved a range of over 700km from the full tank and that’s impressive for a petrol/ hybrid car.

OBVIOUS That makes the hybrid choice in the new C-HR to obvious one, even if you have to pay a little extra at the beginning. The economy difference of more than 35% is significant and overshadows the extra 10% cost of the purchase price.

Toyota is one of the new car brands to offer a hybrid option in this segment of the SUV market, so other brand comparisons are not

available. This makes the C-HR stand out for other reasons, and many comparisons will be made with similar diesel powered compact SUVs. For Toyota these diesel comparisons are no longer valid as Toyota will not be offering diesel engines in any of its cars from the start of 2019.

The hybrid C-HR comes with an entry price of €29,350, just €3,000 more than the entry level petrol powered version. While Toyota is offering a change option from a 181 hybrid to a 182 petrol version if customers are not happy with the hybrid experience, I would be very surprised if any make that change.

The Toyota C-HR provides good legroom front and back; although the front seats are shade short, while they have good and easy to use adjustment. The headroom was impressive so despite the short window glass height, the car never felt claustrophobic. The boot door is light and the base height means easy loading, but lacks a spare wheel.

The C-HR comes with an impressive safety package that ensured that it achieved a EuroNCAP five star rating in the recent testing programme. There are two Iso-Fix units for child seats that fit comfortably into place.

unleashed torque of 600 Nm is deployed throughout a wide speed range from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The two turbochargers of the 2.9 TFSI V6 twin turbo generate up to 1.5 bar of charge pressure, claiming to provide for instant acceleration responses to the movements of the right pedal.

As with all new Audi V6 and V8 engines, the turbochargers are mounted at a 90-degree angle to the cylinder banks, which means that the exhaust side of the cylinder heads is inside, and the intake side is outside. This layout enables a compact design and short fuel paths with minimal flow loss. The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection contributes to the overall efficiency.

panies, to make car sharing easier for more people across the country. The partnership will create four new GoCar bases at Topaz stations in Dalkey, Bray, Limerick, and Navan. The newly installed GoCar vehicles will provide Topaz customers with a sustainable and affordable transport option, allowing them to avail of car sharing for short-term vehicle journeys.

The announcement builds on the existing relationship between Topaz and GoCar, which began in 2014 with a Fuel Card deal that made Topaz the exclusive fuel provider for all GoCar vehicles. The new GoCar bases at Topaz forecourts will offer a convenient mode of transport for people in need of a car or van on a short-term basis. The move comes as Topaz gears up to rebrand to Circle K Ireland and is part of an ongoing investment in innovating and expanding its offering beyond traditional services.

The new GoCars are a mix of passenger cars and vans, and are now live on site. Cars are at the Topaz stations in Topaz Ulverton Road Dalkey and Topaz Dublin Road Bray, while vans are located at Topaz in Navan and Limerick.

SsangYong unveils its fresh look Musso KOREAN SUV specialist

a five-seat crew-cab

photographs of the new

body style with a

Musso pick-up which is

workman-like load deck

due on the Irish market

that will transport a

later this year.

full-sized Euro pallet.

This new Musso is built

It also carries over

on the same architec-

1-tonne in load weight,

ture as the new Rexton,

and tows trailers of up

and the company claims

to 3.5 tonnes.

that its body-on-frame

The new Audi RS 5 Sportback comes with new design lines and impressive boosted engine performance

The Musso combines

SsangYong has revealed

This combination of

construction gives a

utility pick-up and SUV

strong vehicle that

means Musso offers a

delivers off-road driv-

blend of functionality,

ing performance and

practicality, perfor-

safety from its quad-

mance and comfort to

frame and four-wheel-

the driver and family or

drive system.

workmates.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

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32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

FEATURES BOOZE AND BOOKS COLLIDE IN A FUN NIGHT OUT

On the pub trail of literary greats (and one T-shirt) JORDAN UPSHAW

SINCE I arrived in Dublin from America four months ago, two of my favourite pastimes have been drinking in Irish pubs and reading Irish literature.

So, naturally, I jumped at the chance to attend the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl with a group of my fellow study abroad students.

We began at The Duke pub on Duke Street where we had a pint and were regaled with a scene from Waiting for Godot and a “Waxie’s Dargle” singalong.

Our esteemed performers then explained there would be a trivia contest at the end of the night, with first prize set as a T-shirt that read: ‘Dublin Literary Pub Crawl’.

Second place was a miniature bottle of whiskey described as: ‘The finest Irish full body lotion—for external use only’.

Now, I’m far from competitive about most things, but when it comes to a trivia contest or something similarly nerdy, that’s my time to shine.

As soon as I saw that T-shirt the words, “IT WILL BE MINE” entered my brain as if uttered by some sleeping, competitive troll (or maybe the cider was just starting to go to my head).

Either way, I rolled up my metaphorical sleeves and prepared to take no prisoners.

The lead performer explained the very simple rules: “I will make them up as we go along.”

He then proceeded to educate us on Samuel

Dark and mysterious, topped off by a pale head – but enough about Samuel Beckett, here’s a pint of the black stuff, with alcohol and the arts colliding in an enjoyable Dublin literary pub crawl

Beckett – the first of many Irish authors we’d be learning about. We were told to pay attention so we’d be ready for the quiz at the end.

Our next stop was Trinity. No, that isn’t a pub, but the delightful performance of an Oscar Wilde letter describing Colorado miners more than made up for it. Neither I nor my compatriots were from Colorado so we got a good chuckle at Coloradans’ expense.

We next shuffled into O’Neill’s, where my roommate and I had a pint in ‘the snug’ – or ‘the what?’, as I’m sure more than one

foreign visitor (or roaming students) have remarked about this strange yet cozy concept.

I’m sure the experience of drinking in the snug was made all the more enjoyable for us as we’d chosen to drink in it rather than being compelled to in order to protect any male morality, or something.

However, I must admit that the snug seemed to be the nicest and most private spot in the pub in which to drink and gossip. (Why did we ever let

men in to it?)

The Old Stand was the third pub we “crawled” to. On the way there, we stopped for some more singing and trivia.

Instead of having another pint at this pub (it was a school night, after all), I studied the photographs on the wall which we were told contained an answer to one of the upcoming quiz questions.

Eventually our guides rang the bell and it was off to our final destination: Davy Byrne’s.

Before going inside, I had a competition to win.

Most of the questions were trivia about the Irish authors we’d been learning about all night.

Fortunately I’d been paying rapt attention and so I knew nearly all of the answers.

The real challenge was saying them faster than anyone else. But I’m happy to report that I emerged triumphant with three correct answers.

I suppose I should say the real prize was the cultural experience and learning about Irish authors, and getting to drink in the pubs they drank in—and it was.

The performers were funny, witty and educational. I loved every minute of it.

But I really, really wanted that T-shirt – winning that was ultimately my highlight of the night!

Lynne McGrail (above) is part of the Slimming World team running in London

Super slimmer goes running to help fight cancer QUINN KANNER

A KILMACUD woman who has lost 6st 7lbs is continuing her inspirational journey by taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for cancer.

Lynne McGrail takes to the streets of London on April 22 as part of a team of 10 Slimming World members, which has raised thousands for the Irish Cancer Society and Cancer Research UK She joined Slimming World in 2014 and spent the first few years losing weight by following one of its healthy eating plans before she decided to take up running.

Lynne said: “I had lost about 5 stone, and I was kind of like thinking I’d like to start exercising. So, I got one of my friends, and I was like, ‘Right, we’re gonna start [using] this Couch To 5k app’. It was January, and it was that kind of new year, new start kind of thing.”

That June, she successfully ran her first 10k, and was looking into running longer distances when she saw an ad to join the Slimming World team for the London Marathon.

At first, she was hesitant to apply, but ultimately sent in her application at the last minute, wanting to do it for her aunt who had recently died from cancer.

Lynne said: “It wasn’t about doing

the running; it was because it was for the Irish Cancer Society and Cancer Research UK. That was more the reason I applied for it.”

A few weeks later Lynne was accepted on the team, at which point the farthest she had ever run was 10km.

Lynne said: “I had six months to train, so I wasn’t worried. With the application for the Slimming World team, they said they would support you the whole way and that you’d be given advice and training plans, and they really did support us. The support throughout the past six months has been brilliant.”

Lynne adapted the training plans to fit her lifestyle and stuck to them, ramping up the distance until she was running 13, 15 and eventually 22 miles at a time.

She said: “At one point, I didn’t think I’d get past the 17 miles. I kept hitting a wall every time I got to 15, 17. I kept hitting this ‘I can’t go any further’ kind of feeling. But it’s more like a mental struggle that you just need to push through.

“Eventually, I did break that, and I got to 20 miles. I didn’t think I was going to get any further than 20.”

A week ago, Lynne reached 22 miles in a run – a milestone that left her feeling ready for the race. Now she’s tapering out her training so that she can rest and recover for the marathon.

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

ST PAT’S EDGED OUT ON MAD-CAP MONDAY P35

GAZETTE

SHELBOUNE COACH’S 10 MARATHONS P34

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

ALL THE BEST IN DUBLIN GAA P39

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | THE 1A RELEGATION BATTLE BETWEEN FOUR CLUBS

Wesley UBL season goes down to wire  sport@dublingazette.com

OLD Wesley drew 14-all with second placed Ballynahinch, setting up a big final day of the UBL Division 1B with a wealth of permutations in place as they look to avoid the dreaded drop.

They sit in eighth place but four sides – between sixth and ninth – are covered by just three points, making for plenty of swings in fortune.

At Donnybrook, Wesley started well with the main attacking intent but they did go behind to a long range penalty which was put over by Richard Reaney.

Shortly after, Jack Maybury had a second opportunity from the tee for Wesley and this time he converted to level the sides.

The same pair exchanged penalties before half-time, leaving the game locked at six points each. The rain eased up for the second half, making

for a different game. Again the home side started with enthusiasm with some strong assaults on the Hinch goal line Then it was their turn to attack the Wesley line from a line out deep inside the 22. Wesley defended with desperation but conceded a penalty goal under the posts and a yellow card for JJ O’Dea. Breaking out of defence, a Wes counter attack by Rory Stynes and a pass to Maybury give him some space down the wing. He kicked ahead but was just beaten to the touchdown by the ‘Hinch defender.

Maybury also ended a metre short from a kick-chase and, after a number of phases, Paul Harte was able to beat the defence to score a try in the corner.

The conversion was missed but for the first time in the match Wesley were in the lead.

Maybury did add another penalty

Old Wesley prop Cronan Gleeson storms at the Ballynahinch defence with Adam Kennedy in close attendance. Picture: Ken Richardson

for a five-point lead and further possession was confident but not transformed into points.

Ballynahinch soon restored their composure and again started to gain the upper hand. A rare poor Wesley lineout was turned over and the Northerners were again putting the Wesley defence to the test.

Following a number of penalties and a yellow card to James O’Donovan, they opted for a scrum, resulting in a try by Conal Boomer to level the scores once more. Crucially the conversion was missed.

Wesley threw everything forward after that but they could not break through and had to settle for the draw.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results - numbers were 7, 20, 21 and 23. No winner. Next Thursday’s jackpot is €4,200 and the Joker is €800.

Winner of €100 is Anthony Denton c/o The Willows, €50 is John Smyth and Noel & Keith c/o The Coach House. Joker consolation prize for Terry Carpenter and the Rat Pack. Bingo continues every Monday at 8pm.

Well done to our senior hurlers who had a very hard fought win against Setanta by a point in the championship.

Our Junior A team were beaten by three points in a classic against Clanna Gael on Saturday. Hard luck to our third hurling team who unfortunately were beaten by a strong Joseph’s OCB. Football championship this coming week. First up is our seniors who play last year’s A championship semi-finalist St Judes in O’Toole Park on Saturday at 4pm.

On Sunday, our Junior A team play Whitehall in the Junior A Championship in Marlay at 11am. Also on Sunday at 11am, the Junior B team play Scoil Ui Chonaill in Clontarf. Junior C team have a bye.

GOPA The Garda Older Persons Association are holding a workshop on Safety and Security of Older People in our clubhouse on Thursday, April 12 at 1.30 to 4pm. All welcome.

Charity Fashion show in the clubhouse on Friday next at 8pm in aid of Irish Kidney Association.

Congratulations to senior hurler Keith Nolan and senior camogie player Niamh Ni Chinneide on their wedding over the weekend.

CUALA OUR senior and intermediate hurlers got their championship campaigns off to a good start.

The seniors beat St Brigid’s by 1-14 to 1-7 in Parnell Park while our intermediates beat St Kevins 3-21 to 3-11.

The junior championship matches were postponed due to weather.

The Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council invited the Cuala senior hurlers to a civic reception in the Town Hall.

Good luck to all our Leaving Cert students getting their exams underway with Orals this week.

Congrats to all the Cuala ladies featuring on Dublin teams at the moment.

Eimear Loughlin, Grainne O’Driscoll, Sinéad Wylde, Rachel Hartnett and the Dublin minor footballers are through to the Leinster

final after their win over Kildare while Jennifer Dunne and Martha Byrne face a league semi final with the Seniors.

The Dublin camogie Senior B team are also through to the league semi-final with Hannah O’Dea and Sinead Murphy playing staring roles.

There was no winner of the €12,500 Cuala lotto jackpot.

Our lucky dip winners last week were Eric Tompkins and Gerry Byrne. Get your tickets now at www.cualagaa. ie/lotto.

Keep an eye out for our academy members if you’re on Killiney Hill next Saturday morning.

They’ll be doing their annual sponsored walk fundraiser.

Plenty of matches this week for our adult ladies.

Here’s hoping for a few dry days!

Senior 3 camogie v Clanna Gael, Thursday, 6.45pm in Meadowvale (if playable)

MARATHON CHALLENGE: 10 IN 10 DAYS

O’Connor to push the limits for Aware

Shelbourne FC coach takes on big challenge toward the end of April, running ten marathons in ten days at ALSAA track, looking to raise funds and awareness for mental health charity with LOI backing  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

SHELBOURNE FC coach David O’Connor is set to push himself with an epic marathon challenge in late April, aiming for no less than a marathon a day over the course of ten days, all completed around a running track near Dublin airport.

O’Connor, who also works in personal fitness, has chosen the monotony of the running track – 105 and a half laps a day, to be specific – to symbolise his own experiences around mental health. He’ll be raising money for Aware, running at the ALSAA running track near Dublin airport for ten consecutive days from April 20.

O’Connor has chosen Aware as

his charity fundraiser of choice because of his own experiences growing up.

“I was bullied a lot as a teenager,” he recalls. “I was also mugged using a syringe when I was 14. I thought that was how it was supposed to be, because I watched all the movies where the chubby kid gets picked on, and I was the chubby kid.

“It really hit me far worse later and I suffered a lot from depression, which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to. I was angry at myself for not doing anything about it at the time and I found life really difficult.

It hit me a lot in my early 20s.”

O ’C o n n o r ’s r u n n i n g i n circles for this challenge, then, symbolises the darkness and repetitiveness he found came

David O’Connor will be running 10 marathons in 10 days for Aware

with depression, the feeling of moving in circles.

“I’ll have to rotate directions to allow for the affect it will have

“

I thought it was how it was supposed to be; I watched all the movies where the chubby kid gets picked on and I was the chubby kid.

on my legs,” he admits. “I’ll also have people running with me

at various times, which I think nicely symbolises the need for help when you’re suffering from depression.”

As well as the symbolism, however, this is also a nice chance for O’Connor to test the practical side of much of what he does, especially when it comes to sports nutrition and maintaining the body’s condition.

“It’s fair to say I won’t be going for good marathon times. It’ll be about finishing the distance each day and then preparing myself properly for the next day,” he says. “I’ll probably be looking at times of between four and a half and five hours per race.

“I’ve done a few marathons before and a normal time for me is between 3.30 and 3.45, so that is quite slow for me, but I’ve never done races on consecutive days before, so I have to make allowances for that.

“I’m not really sure how well it will work, but it’s a great chance to put the recovery theory and nutritional stuff I work on into practise, to test the science, I suppose.

I’ve never run back-to-back marathons before, so it’ll be an interesting test to do the ten.

I’m taking time off work for it, so it’ll just be the marathons and recovery.”

O’Connor was been receiving support from throughout the League of Ireland in recent weeks, with team pictures of his own Shelbourne Rovers s i d e, B o h e m i a n s a n d S t Patrick’s Athletic wearing Aware shirts in support of his endeavours posted online. ** You can follow O’Connor’s running through his page by searching Aware 10 in 10 on Facebook, where you’ll also find links to donate to O’Connor’s campaign.

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LEAGUE OF IRELAND: EA SPORTS CUP CRACKER

LEAGUE OF IRELAND Bohs Friday stalemate BOHEMIANS played out a stale scoreless draw with Limerick at Dalymount Park on Friday night. Bohs dominated the ball and created a hatful of chances but couldn’t break down a stubborn Blues side.

Dylan Watts forced a good save from the excellent Brendan Clarke with a dipping shot, while Eoghan Stokes forced the keeper into an acrobatic stop after the break.

Keith Ward did finally beat Clarke late on, only to see his shot cleared off Picture: Martin Doherty the line by Shaun Kelly.

“I’m really pleased with the overall performance,” manager Keith Long told the Dublin Gazette despite their wastefulness in front of goal.

“We should have won the game. We showed a lot of ambition in terms of our play. I’d like to see a bit more cutting edge about us, but we’ve done everything we could to try and win.”

SHELS UNVEIL U-17 BOSS Everyone looks on as Dane Massey’s header goes in at the far post. Picture: Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile

St Pat’s pay the penalty in mad-cap Monday tie EA SPORTS CUP St Patrick’s Athletic Dundalk Dundalk win 8-7 on penalties  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

4 4

S T PAT R I C K ’ S A t h l e t i c bowed out of the EA Sports Cup in the most dramatic of circumstances, losing a sudden death penalty shoot-out to holders Dundalk on Monday night.

I n a g a m e re s c h e d u l e d after be ing rained off two weeks ago, both managers made nine changes from their respective league wins over Bray Wanderers and Shamrock Rovers on Friday.

The Lilywhites’ deeper squad appeared to hold the upper hand in that regard, a point that was made starkly with just over two minutes on the clock.

Canadian goalkeeper Tyson Farago – making his debut after signing from Edmonton last

month – was given an early chance to get into the game when he accepted a backpass from Lee Desmond.

Farago was slow to get the ball out of his feet, however, and was quickly closed down

by Dundalk striker Marco Tagbajumi, who blocked his clearance and watched it roll into the net.

So far, so disastrous for Liam Buckley’s side, but they did work their way back into the game, despite Ronan Murray going close with a free kick that glanced the top of the net.

Ian Turner forced a fine stop from Gabriel Sava from a free kick before the keeper again had to be acrobatic to deny the lively Darragh Markey from distance.

Pat’s looked to have finished the half on top, but they were punished by the clinical Murray when the striker cut in from the right and hit a low shot into the corner to make it 2-0.

Tagbajumi had a good chance to make it three just after the break, but his curling effort couldn’t beat Farago, and it proved to be something of a turning point.

On the hour mark, Christy Fagan – who has dropped to the bench in recent weeks – met an Ian Turner cross with a furious first-time volley that arrowed into the top corner.

Diversion Minutes later, the Saints were level when Dundalk failed to clear a set-piece and James Doona drove the ball goalwards and Graham Kelly diverted the ball past Sava.

Both sides had chances to win it in normal time, but Pats continued to have the better of the play in extra time and deservedly led when Mick Leahy sent a header looping over Sava.

That began a bizarre sequence of seven minutes

for the defender, who turned Georgie Poynton’s cross past his own keeper before netting a diving header at the other end to make it 4-3.

That looked to have won the game, but substitute Dane Massey headed home to bring about a penalty shoot-out.

Massey and Dean Clarke both missed from the spot to set up sudden death, and when Markey hit his over, it was left to Tagbajumi to seal an 8-7 shout-out win for Dundalk.

“I think we’ve outplayed them tonight,” Buckley told the Dublin Gazette. “Our keeper hadn’t a huge amount to do bar the goals – which it’s stupid bearing in mind they bagged four!

“If we play like that every week, and we’ve got that drive and enthusiasm, we’ll win our fair share of matches.”

The Saints travel to Cork on Friday night to face champions Cork City.

SHELBOURNE have unveiled Women’s National Leaguewinning manager Laura Heffernan as head coach for their new Under-17 National League side.

The FAI will launch their inaugural underage women’s league in July with 11 sides set to take part, including seven representing senior Women’s National League clubs.

Heffernan has named current Shelbourne defender Seanna Cooke as one of her assistants, while Under-15s manager Karen O’Connell will also assist her during the first truncated season.

Heffernan led Wexford Youths to the title in 2017 in her first year in charge, before resigned from her post, citing “different views on the best way forward.”

The 33-year-old had a successful playing career in the Women’s National League with Wexford Youths and helped them to their first ever trophy, the WNL Cup, in 2014.

She was part of the backroom staff that won the league title under Will Doyle in 2015 before moving to the US, where she worked full-time with Abbey Villa SC in Massachussetts.

Rovers undone by two goals just after break SHAMROCK Rovers succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Dundalk last Friday night in the League of Ireland Premier Division, as Robbie Benson and Chris Shields scored in quick succession.

Dan Carr pulled one back as Shamrock Rovers took the game to Dundalk near the end but to no avail.

Carr scored from a corner as Shamrock Rovers turned the screw to get back into the game. A brilliant corner sent in by Brandon Miele was headed with real venom to send the away end into raptures as Dundalk were truly on the back foot. The equaliser nearly came when Graham Burke hit a smashing left footed volley goalwards only for his shot to be tipped onto the bar.

Dundalk and Rovers did have chances near the end but its a case of fortune favouring the brave for Dundalk as they look to head the SSE Airtricity League table.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

GERALDINE P MORANS CLUB Membership is overdue; please pay asap if you haven’t already.

Our annual golf classic will be held again at Old Conna on May 31. Teams of four cost €400 including steak dinner.

Sponsorship opportunities also available, visit the website for further details.

Well done to our minor team on their 2-16 to 2-9 win over St Annes.

This weekend sees our adult teams in championship action: adult A are home to Wanderers on Sunday at 11am with the B team also playing in Cornelscourt on Sunday at 3pm against Thomas Davis. Please come out and support our teams.

On Saturday, the U-14s are in Cornelscourt vs St Patricks (P) at 3.30pm, the U-12 hurlers are in Meadowvale at 12.15pm vs Raheny, the U-11 hurlers are away to Naomh Fionnbarra at 12.15pm, the U-10 hurlers home to St Judes at 10.45am in Cornelscourt , the U-9 hurlers home to Faughs at 9.45am ib Cornelscourt ,the U-8 hurlers are away to Crokes at 9.30am; good luck to all teams playing.

Don’t forget our Sponsorship walk from Bray to Greystones (Coastal walk) takes place on Sunday, April 22. Visit www.geraldinesgaa.ie for more details.

Picture: Steven Dagg

KILMACUD CROKES CONGRATULATIONS to the senior hurlers who won their opening championship game after beating Naomh Fionnbarra 0-24 to 1-6 during the week.

Congratulations to the senior B hurlers who also won their opening championship group game against Oliver Plunket’s.

Hard luck to the intermediate hurlers who lost to St Mark’s, 4-13 to 1-11. Well done to the Minor A Footballers who had a hard fought away win against Thomas Davis, winning by five points.

Congrats to the minor B footballers who beat Castleknock by nine points.

Hard luck to the Minor C footballers who just lost out to Thomas Davis by two points.

Thanks to all who attended the special evening with Jim Gavin in the Talbot Hotel on Friday.

The event was hosted by our own Oisin Langan and special guests included Cian O’Sullivan and Paul Mannion.

All proceeds (€2,000) were donated to Laura Lynn.

Well done to Karl O’Neill and his team of folks from the U-9 boys in organising.

Adult football championship starts next weekend. The senior footballers open their campaign against Ballyboden on Saturday in Parnell Park at 5.45pm.

Watch for details of all the team schedules and get out and show your support.

Table Quiz - Friday, April 20 - in aid of Brain Tumor Ireland and the camogie section of Kilmacud Crokes at 8pm in Glenalbyn/Club Function Room.

Best wishes to all involved in the girls football Feile which is scheduled for the weekend.

HOCKEY: RATHFARNHAM CLUB ADD THE IRISH SENIOR CUP TO

Madeley magic as TRR add fifth title to super season IRISH SENIOR CUP FINAL  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sfindlater@dublingazette.com

THREE Rock Rovers’ penalty corner machine saw them land the Irish Senior Cup for the 11th time as Luke Madeley struck three times from the set piece to see off Pembroke 5-2 at Belfield.

It backed up their 5-1 Saturday win against Glenanne in the semi-final, making it their fifth trophy of the campaign already, adding to Mills Cup, Neville Cup, National Indoor Trophy and EuroHockey Challenge II crowns.

It might have been more comfortable but for Mark Ingram producing a series of good saves between the posts that kept them in the game.

Alternatively, though, the Dublin 4 side will rue a disallowed goal to make it 3-3 when Alan Sothern’s ball across looked set to dribble over the line until

Tim Hill tipped in with his back-stick.

It was a pivotal moment.

Six minutes later, Rovers got the game-breaking goal when John Mullins deflected in another corner to put them out of range.

Rovers went in front in the 14th minute with Madeley shooting home the first corner at the second attempt. Three minutes later, he went direct to make it 2-0 and there was a danger of them running away with the game.

But, in Kirk Shimmins, Pembroke have a midfield machine capable of serious inspiration and he produced a glorious run down the left wing before flicking into the top corner from a near impossible angle.

Pembroke got back level from their second corner via Sothern’s low dragflick.

That made it 2-2 at half-time but Three Rock

returned to the front within two minutes.

Again, it was a corner with Madeley going down the stick side for 3-2 and his hat trick.

Ingram made a stunning low save from Kevin Mullins at close quarters as Pembroke hung in the contest and should have had their leveller in the 53rd minute but for the rogue backstick.

Rovers took the reprieve with open arms with Mullins deflecting in their

seventh corner from Jody Hosking’s slap. A trio of chances to make it safer were spurned, Ingram sliding out to block Ben Walker one-on-one and intercepting a Daragh Walsh cross key.

When he departed for an extra outfielder, Ross Canning clipped in the fifth into an open net and Rovers had the title wrapped up.

Winning capatin Jody Hosking said afterwards: “It was very close. We

started really well, took a bit of momentum from the semi-final where we finished on a high.

“Kicking on from the Euro Hockey League, the lads were disappointed not to get a result there so it was nice to do this for our supporters. They deserve this; we had close to 200 people travelling with us [to Rotterdam] and results didn’t go the way we wanted so it was nice to bounce back and give them a trophy.”

UCD cruise to Senior Cup win

UCD swept to the women’s Irish Senior Cup title – their fourth in seven years – with an excellent 4-0 win over Pegasus as they proved too strong for the Ulster side at Belfield.

The students, off the back of a great defensive platform, played some lovely stuff at times and eventually pulled away in the second half, showing why they are in such great shape to land the EY Hockey League, too.

“We were extremely effective when we kept it simple,” said coach Miles Warren. “We had UCD celebrate retaining their women’s Irish Senior Cup title. Picture: Adrian Boehm threat from the back straight to the forwards

and then some lovely finishing. Three were lovely touches in at the back post. You don’t score those unless your players are brave and in the right place.

“Everyone looks at UCD and think we are an incredibly attacking team but you can’t attack with the freedom we have if you don’t have the rock-solid defence.

Emma Russell got the only goal of the first half before her younger sister Abbie made it 2-0.

Katie Mullan’s drag-flick and a Sorcha Clarke finish completed the victory.

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

LIST OF TROPHIES Three Rock Rovers captain Jody Hosking leads the celebrations.

Picture: Adrian Boehm

CYCLING: SCOTT-ORWELL WHEELERS MAN WINS TWO OF FOUR

Forristal in flying form at Gorey stage race GOREY THREE DAY  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

GUESTS OF HONOUR

Porter brings Grand Slam to Old Wesley

OLD Wesley’s pre-match lunch last Saturday ahead of their Ballynahinch game saw club president, Paul Short host the Six Nations and Triple Crown trophies.

To accompany this glittering array, the club were honoured to have Grand Slam winner, Andrew Porter in attendance along with his Dad, Ernie, and IRFU President, Philip Orr. Andrew played all his mini rugby in Old Wesley, following in the footsteps of his dad, himself a former Leinster Senior Interprovincial and Leinster Cup Winner in 1985.

SCOTT-Orwell Wheelers rider, Paul Forristal was on fire over the Easter weekend when he won two stages of the prestigious Gorey Three Day cycling event run by The Irish Road Club.

The Scott-Orwell Team of Paul Forristal, Alan Hickey, Cahir O’Higgins, Ken O’Neill, Mihai Paveliu, Michael Hanley, Paul O’Toole, Daniel McIlory & CallumO’Toole were supported by Team Manager, Stephen O’Shea, and a strong back up team Gen Sheridan, Uisneach Sheridan and Ruth O’Shea.

Stage one from Blessington to Cranford on Saturday saw Forristal finish strongly to come home fifth in a bunch sprint 1.55mins down on the leader, Dylan Hughes of Spokes Racing UK. Easter Sunday was a big day of racing with a morning time trial and an afternoon 96.5km stage. Forristal was among the favourites for the Time Trial having won the time trial stage in Ras Mhaigh Eo a week earlier.

However, on this occasion, Forristal could only manage 12th with a time of 8 minutes and 46 seconds – 31 seconds down on-stage winner Hughes.

After what was by his own standards a disappointing time trial, Forristal made up for it by winning stage three in fine sprinting style. He was part of a breakaway group from early in the 96km stage and was unbeatable in the sprint for the line.

The final day of racing from Gorey to Blessington on Easter Monday was a miserable wet and windy day, racing into a headwind most of the day.

There was lot of aggressive racing right from the start with a six-man break finally sticking which included two Scott-Orwell Wheelers – Paul Forristal and Callum O’Toole.

Paul Forristal crosses the line on stage four in Gorey.

Picture:Sean Rowe

O’Toole took the King Of the Mountains on this stage.

The breakaway group held a gap which went out to one minute and 30 seconds at its best and Forristal put in a few digs to try and shake things up. O’Toole stayed with the break until a few kilometres to go before dropping back to the fast approaching bunch.

In the end it was a two-man race to the line with Paul Forristal getting the better of Spokes Racing’s Ben Barlow to take the sage win.

Ben Barlow of Spokes Racing UK took second on the stage with Kevin McCambridge of Mellow Velo Bicycle Club two seconds further back.

Taylor shoots his way to World Cup ARCHERY WORLD CUP  sport@dublingazette.com

DUNDRUM Archer, Adam Taylor has been selected to re p re s e n t I re l a n d a t t h e A rc h e r y Wo r l d Cu p competition.

The competition, which entails a number of qualifying co m p e t i t i o n s a c ro s s t h e world will see the top archers competing for a place in the finals this autumn.

Taylor, shooting recurve, will travel to qualifying

tournaments in Shanghai, Antalya, Salt Lake City and Berlin.

He secured his spot on the shooting line by exceeding the minimum qualification scores set by Archery Ireland in order to travel to this prestigous competition.

The first round of the Outdoor World Cup takes place in China beginning April 24, with the finals taking place April 29.

Ninety athletes competed in the Male Recurve section

of this competition in 2017, a similar number are expected to start the competition in Shanghai. The top finishers gain valuable world cup points in the search for a place in the world cup final which will take place in Samsun in Turkey, September 29 and 30.

This is the second year that Taylor will compete in the competition in the Irish jersey, having completed a number of legs in 2017. He narrowly missing out on a place in the knock out stages in Berlin.

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 12 April 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

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NAOMH OLAF WE ARE in the run in to the AIG I’m a Celebrity extravaganza which takes place on Saturday, April 21. Get your ticket fast as they are running out.

Get behind our contestants as well and support them in their fundraising endeavours. Advertise your product, business, school etc in the programme by contacting barry@fade.ie.

Great work by the U-8s with their cake sale raising money for contestant Jenny Maher last Saturday.

The U-12 boys are having a sponsored Pilates class courtesy of Paul Hickey’s Pilates Performance in the Function Room on April 17 to support their rep Tony Morrissey.

Other contestants are all finding ways to support their involvement in the I’m a Celeb night and they need our support.

Great winning start and a fantastic display of camogie from the senior team in their first fixture in Division 4 last Thursday.

The U-15 camogie team also had a good win against Crumlin. The junior hurlers produced a great display in championship to beat St Brendan’s with a big second half comeback.

The club will have two teams in the U-14 girls football Féile this coming weekend. One team will play in Division 7 in O’Dwyers’s club in Balbriggan while the Naomh Olaf Club will host the Division 2 Féile in Páirc Uí Bhriain.

A lot of help will be needed with hosting this event. Please contact Tara O’Brien (tobrien @gmail.com) if you can assist. Best of luck girls.

Senior footballers play St Anne’s in the first round championship match next Sunday at 2.15pm in O’Toole Park. Come along and give them a shout.

The Chairman and Naomh Olaf club extend their sympathies to the family of Noel Cullen who died last week. As dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam.

The Dublin minor side that swept past Kildare 5-11 to 0-9, setting up a final date against Meath. Picture: GAAPics.com

SHANKILL THE juvenile academy, sponsored by O’Donnell’s Pharmacy, is back in action this Saturday at 10am in our new home on Stonebridge Road.

Why not give the Academy a try? The coaches are ready, the equipment is waiting and ready to be used, the cost is only €2 per child and there is no annual subscription.

There was lots of action over the weekend, far too much to mention every match.

Well done to everybody for getting the teams out in such bad weather conditions.

Now that the bright evenings are back, could all players please check with your team manager for details of training?

Our Golf Classic is in Delgany Golf Club on Friday, June 29, 2018. The cost is €300 per team of four people which includes a meal in Brady’s Pub and plenty of craic during the evening.

The time sheet is open now, contact Jimmy Nolan on 087 2633203.

Gaelic 4 Girls is a FREE six week programme for new comers to our club aged between 11 and 14 years.

It is being held from 7 to 8pm on Thursday evenings from April 26 to May 31.

Dublin Ladies Senior All Ireland medal winner Molly Lamb will direct the sessions. Interested? Contact Steve Davis 087 6414123.

For details of our Ladies football team, check out our Facebook page and follow the link to the ladies Facebook group, e-mail stevedavis203@gmail.com or contact Steve 087 6414123.

The men’s adult football team are looking for new players which are always welcome contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

For more information on the club, contact, secretary.shankill.dublingaa. ie or call 086 4010438. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club where everybody knows your name.

SOCCER : UCD AFC BEAT SOUTHSIDE RIVALS

UCD promotion hopes still rolling in Sunday Senior 1 LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1 UCD AFC Verona  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

4 3

UCD kept their chances of promotion back to the top level of the Leinster Senior League with a high-scoring 4-3 win over Verona in Belfield.

The Students remain eighth in LSL Sunday Senior 1 but are one of six sides who still have design on the third promotion spot with little over a month to go in the season.

UCD raced into a twogoal lead without doing an awful lot, thanks to a solo effort from Sean Byrne and a tidy finish from Sean Doughan.

Ve r o n a m a n a g e r Declan O’Brien pulled one back after 25 minutes and they deservedly drew level before the break when Ian Croft’s shot deceived UCD keeper Gavin Sheridan.

Dy l a n M a l o n e p u t bottom-placed Verona in front from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to

play, but Colm Feeney levelled before Fran Moran headed home in the final minute to seal an unlikely win.

“It was a game we could have very easily lost - a very exciting game,” said UCD manager Diarmuid McNally.

“I have to give Verona credit as well. For a team that’s bottom of the league they certainly put it up to us.

Either way “We never controlled the game.

“It could have went either way, and we got a little bit of luck at the end.”

McNally continued: “We have a long shot of getting that third spot. You’d have to say Ballymun, despite losing, and Liffeys are going to get up there.

“In my opinion they’re the two best teams in the league.

“But that third spot is up for grabs.

“We’re five games unbeaten now. It’s still very much alive for us.”

UCD face a trip to local

ALL-IRELAND RUN Cabo’s superb run in SFAI Cup ended in Cork

CABINTEELY’S stunning run in the SFAI Under-16 Skechers Cup came to an end last weekend in Cork at the hands of Douglas Hall at the semi-final stage 3-1.

Cabo had battled through their regional qualifiers before beating Belvedere, Crumlin and North End United en route to the final four of the national competition.

Picture: paul lundy

UCD manager Damien McNally. Picture: Barry Cregg/ Sportsfile

rivals Wayside Celtic on Sunday – another side still in the hunt for the final promotion spot.

“We drew with them in the league just after Christmas in the Cup and they beat us 1-0 out there.

“They’re on a very go o d r u n , a n d gave Crumlin a good game.

“To bring Crumlin to penalties in the Charlie Cahill Cup final is no joke.

“They’ll be eyeing up that third spot too.”

12 April 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

HURLING: TWO WEEKS AFTER ALL-IRELAND, CUALA BACK IN SHC ACTION

FOOTBALL

Shankill ladies make debut

Cuala’s senior hurlers were given a civic reception on Monday evening by DLR County Council following their All-Ireland senior hurling exploits

Cuala straight back on SHC treadmill DUBLIN SHC GROUP 3 Cuala St Brigid’s  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

0-0 0-0

CUALA got off to a, perhaps predictably, slightly jittery start in the early stages of their first Dublin Senior Hurling Championship contest of 2018 before pulling clear of St Brigid’s.

It was played last Saturday, just two weeks after the inspired Dalkey men saw off Na Piarsaigh to take their second consecutive All Ireland title.

There’s no rest for the men in red, who have drawn a monster of a Senior A Group, featuring opening opponents Brigid’s, Ballyboden St Enda’s and Parnell Park locals Craobh Chiarain, all contenders for the latter stages in the course of a normal season.

Key men Paul Schutte and John Sheanon were both rested from the contest two weeks ago, a necessary risk, perhaps, despite Brigid’s clear pedigree: the Blanchardstown side had given Cuala a real scare at the Dublin quarter final stage last October, with

Cuala eventually winning out 3-14 to 2-15.

Brigid’s were up for this one, too, and looked the sharper early on in absolutely torrential rain. Brigid’s had four wides while Cuala – clad in black for this one – saw David Treacy hit a rare couple of poor frees. Donnacha Ryan finally notched the first point on nine minutes.

Johnny McGuirk added a second from distance for St Brigid’s shortly afterwards, but as he did so the rain finally started to fade, and a soggy opening 15 minutes had benefited a dominant St Brigid’s to the tune of only a 0-2 to 0-0 lead.

Small margins Treacy and Darragh O’Connell needed only two minutes to draw in that gap, and two Treacy frees knocked Cuala in front by 0-4 to 0-2 towards half time.

They were to go in behind, though, after a clever pass from Donnacha Ryan played in Derry Murphy, who somehow got a shot away under extreme pressure to lash into the Cuala

net.

After an exchange of points, Murphy’s goal was worth a point lead for Brigid’s at half time, though they probably should have led by more than 1-3 to 0-5 after having the better of the early balance of play.

It was a different story in the second half, as Cuala seemed to shake off the cobwe b s, a n d b l a s te d Brigid’s away.

A Brian Fitzgerald goal, a hockey-style hit on the floor from the tightest of angles, quickly turned the game in Cuala’s favour on 33 minutes.

Co n O ’C a l l a g h a n was starting to cause hassle up top, too, and won a free for Treacy, while Cronin added another from distance. Fitzgerald could have added another goal on 42 minutes, but Treacy kept chipping away with the frees instead, while Sean Moran also added a massive free

“

from well inside his own half.

At this point, Cuala were rampant, with O’Connell in particular doing plenty of damage on the run, covering great swathes of ground for Cuala as they charged forward.

Darragh Plunkett’s second yellow for Brigid’s came with ten minutes left on the clock, at which point Brigid’s had added only two points in the second half, and Cuala had marched into a 1-12 to 1-5 lead, O’Callaghan could have added another goal had he been handed an advantage after be ing fouled on the edge of the box, but had to settle for a free after putting the ball in the Brigid’s net.

Nevertheless, the Dalkey men were at their fluent best come full time, and ultimately looked every bit the All Ireland champions, winning out 1-14 to 1-7.

The Blanch side gave Cuala a real scare last October and Brigid’s were up for this one, too, looking sharper early on.

SHANKILL ladies football team played their first league match since introducing the team when they lined out against St Finian’s in their new ground at Stonebridge Road.

A big crowd of club members and friends turned out for the event together with a large number of Shankill’s Under-12 and Under-13 girls football teams.

Although the result did not go the home club’s way, all of the Shankill ladies acquitted themselves very well in what was a very exciting match and they are looking forward to the next game and an exciting summer.

If you would like to become involved with the team, contact Steve Davis on 087 6414123.

BSJ get winning start BALLINTEERSt John’s edged out Setanta, 0-17 to 1-13, in their Dublin SHC Group 4 contest in O’Toole Park.

The deadball accuracy of Danny McCarthy was crucial for St John’s as he converted six frees as well as a ‘65’.

John’s led by six points before a Fionntán McGib goal in the 55th minute and points from Dara de Búrca and Ryan Clarke saw Setanta roar back into contention but Ballinteer held on to win by the minimum.

GazetteSPORT APRIL 12-18, 2018

ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 33-39

FORRISTAL IN FLYING FORM

CYCLING: Orwell

Wheelers man produces two stage victories at the gruelling Gorey stage race over the Easter weekend SEE Page 37

CUALA CLASS HURLING: Just two weeks after All-Ireland glory, Cuala are back on the championship trail. SEE P39

ROVERS ROCK TO FIFTH TITLE HOCKEY: Three Rock Rovers land their fifth trophy of an already incredible season with their latest a big one - the Irish Senior Cup crown SEE P36

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Firhouse in the Clover and in the Inter final  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

FIRHOUSE Clover made history on Sunday afternoon as they booked a place in their first-ever FAI Intermediate Cup final with a 2-0 replay win over Letterkenny Rovers in Killinarden.

Goals in either half from Rory O’Connor and Conor were enough to earn Clover a day out at the Aviva Stadium on May 12, where they’ll face Maynooth University Town.

The LSL Sunday Senior side fell at the final hurdle in 2015, losing to eventual winners Crumlin United in the semis, when current manager Keith Baker was part of Peter Flood’s coaching staff.

There was little doubt in Killinarden – the game having been moved from IT Tallaght due to an unfit pitch – as Clover led early and never looked like surrendering it.

O’Connor – injured in the first game and only back in training since Thursday night – opened the scoring with barely five minutes on the clock.

Carl Forsyth intercepted after goalkeeper Rory Kelly telegraphed a short kick-out and played it to O’Connor, who showed composure to guide the ball into the bottom corner.

Byrne and Michael Doyle went close during a one-sided opening period, before O’Connor was inches from doubling his tally from Doyle’s low cross.

The striker lasted just half an hour before suffering a recurrence of the

The Firhouse Clover side that beat Letterkenny last weekend. Picture: Anto O’Brien/LSL

“Up there, there wasn’t a kick of the ball between the two teams but we were a different animal at home“ - Firhouse manager Keith Baker

hamstring injury that plagued him in Letterkenny and was replaced by the experienced Gerry Bambrick.

Clover continued to press high and force mistakes, and they put the game beyond Letterkenny six minutes into the second half as Byrne drilled his shot into the corner.

“We started on the front foot and didn’t let them settle into the game,” Baker told the Dublin

Gazette.

“After seeing them in the first game, we knew pressing them high up the pitch would suit us. We forced them into a lot of mistakes from the back.

“Up there, there wasn’t a kick of the ball between the two teams. I thought both teams were very good. But we were a different animal at home.

“We were very good going forward and we were a solid unit as usual at the

back. That’s our seventh clean sheet in the competition, which speaks for itself.”

What was more impressive about Clover’s performance was that they did it without captain Darren Forsyth, who was suspended after getting two yellow cards in Letterkenny.

Letterkenny were missing a man of their own in midfielder Pajo Rafferty, who shipped a 12-month

ban from the FAI following an altercation with the referee in the wake of his dismissal two weeks ago.

Forsyth will be back for the final, while Baker expects O’Connor to be fit for the showcase in Lansdowne Road, having rushed himself to be fit for Sunday’s game.

They have games to make up in Sunday Senior – where they’re not clear of relegation but could also conceivably finish in the

top three – but a first Intermediate Cup win would be something special.

“A few lads on the committee have been with the club for years and have put so much hard work into the club: Kevin Flynn, John Cullen, Dennis Murphy and Paul Behan.

“It’s great for the club that we can get the final for them, because they’ve done so much work for the club and for the community.”