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INSIDE: Focus Ireland calls on voters to back their

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February 18-24, 2016

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€42,000 set for trafficcalming  emma nolan

AN INJECTION of €42,000 in funding has been granted for traffic-calming measures in the Swords area. The site identified is either side of the junction of the Brackenstown Road and Murrough Road (at Park Avenue and St Cronan’s) and safer crossing points for children coming from estates across this busy section of the road. Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) raised the motion in March 2014, and now €42,000 has been allocated as part of Fingal County Council’s works programme for 2016, presented to the Balbriggan/Swords Area Committee on February 11.

Move to make Brackenstown Road, Park Avenue stretch marie antoinette leads safer in Swords to a oui bit of success Cllr Butler highlighted the motion to ensure that children are provided with “a safe crossing point to the new playground and will also ensure that traffic will have to slow down along Brackenstown village and Park Avenue”. Full Story on Page 3

THERE was nothing rubbish about a prize presented to Skerries Community College’s Emer Kennedy (right) recently, when Georgina Howard, Bank of Ireland Skerries and model Rebecca Carron presented the school with a prestigious silver ticket, securing it a place in the regional finals of the 2016 Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture contest.

The Skerries students’ entry – Marie Antoinette – was created by Emer and Rebecca, and in the spirit of the popular Junk Kouture contest saw recycled materials and junk given a new life. Their striking Marie Antoinette outfit and design will be among 80 designs in the eastern regional final, which takes place on March 7.

2 SWORDS Gazette 18 February 2016

council | on burials capacity, polling and traffic flows

Just 130 graves left at Donabate graveyard  emma nolan AT PRESENT, Donabate Graveyard only has capacity for an additional 130 graves, each of which will take three burials. At a recent Swords/ Balbriggan Area Committee meeting, Cllr Adrain Henchy (FF) asked the chief executive to provide an update on the planned expansion of Donabate graveyard. Cllr Henchy said that the existing cemetery is inadequate to cater for the proposed expansion of the population in Donabate. He said that given the current graveyard’s central location within the community, and its close proximity to all houses and churches, “every effort needs to be made to facilitate an expansion at this location to cater for the significant growth in the area”. At present, the council’s operations department does not have any plans to extend the burial ground. A report presented at the meeting stated that an assessment of land availability and suitability would be required in

the first instance before a commitment for such an extension could be made. The report also noted that: “The council, due to the substantial costs of developing burial grounds, now favours a more regional approach to cemetery provision of larger high-quality sites.” At present, there is capacity for an additional 130 graves, and based on recent numbers, it is estimated that this is adequate capacity for another 10 years. This is in addition to a number of purchased graves which have capacity for additional burials.

Polling Centres In other council matters, there were calls from a local politician to facilitate polling within community centres instead of schools at a recent Swords/Balbriggan Area Committee meeting. Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) asked the chief executive for an update – with the upcoming General Election being held on a school day – if the previous arrangements of polling within local schools can instead be facilitated at community

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AIRPORT: NEW JOBS FOR THE AREA WILL HAVE A GREAT economic IMPACT

Employment opportunity for Fingal Dublin Airport has had a strong start to the year

 EMMA NOLAN

Fingal County Council has outlined its stance on a number of issues, ranging from burials capacity at Donabate Graveyard to alternative polling centres to adjusting traffic flows at the Pavilions roundabout

centres, or similar type properties, to prevent unnecessary school closures. In response, the council said: “Fingal County Council has no statutory role in determining which buildings are used as polling locations. “This function is u n d e r t a ke n b y t h e Dublin city and Dublin county returning officers, which in the case of general elections , is the city or county sherriff, depending on the location of the constituency. “There is regular contact with the offices of the returning officer(s) pre [the] election to advise of any possible

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alternative locations to schools and, in recent years, use has been made of community centres by the returning officers, to take account of new population centres and to adapt to citizens’ requirements and minimise disruption.”

Traffic flow According to the council, due to the volume of traffic at the Pavilions roundabout, it is not possible to improve the flow of traffic out of the Drynam exit without major alterations to the geometry of the junction. Cllr Duncan Smith (Lab) asked the council to ask the chief executive to examine the sequencing of lights at the Pavillons roundabout, with a view to alleviating traffic build-up on the Drynam road, up to the roundabout, as there is a buildup of traffic at peak times in particular.

In response, the council said: “The Malahide Road roundabout on the R132 Swords Road near the Pavilions is a fivearm roundabout, and is at saturation capacity during the morning and afternoon peak time. “The traffic signals at this roundabout have been configured to allow priority to traffic on the Swords Road. “As with many fivearm roundabouts, not all arms are signalised, in order to reduce delays. The volume of traffic exiting at Drynam is far less than at the other arms and this exit is unsignalised. “Cars exit during gaps in the traffic. Due to the volume of traffic at the Pavilions roundabout, it is not possible to improve the flow of traffic out of the Drynam exit without major alterations to the geometry of the junction.”

Swissport, the service company to airlines and airports, has announced plans to recruit over 200 staff at Dublin Airport, in the areas of customer service agents, ramp handling agents, flight operations, Security and aircraft appearance operatives. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor said: “I welcome this employment opportunity for the highly skilled and motivated young people of the Fingal region, and the positive effect which it will have on the local economy.” Over the course of 2015, Swissport’s ground handling business at Dublin Airport has seen substantial growth and is expected to grow further in 2016. They have been operating at Dublin Airport since its takeover of Servisair in 2013 which operated at Dublin Airport since 1995. Today Swissport provides ground handling services to 46 airlines employing over 570 staff. In 2015, the aviation ground handler provided services for four million passengers

on 20 long haul and 34 short haul routes. Dublin Airpor t welcomed the announcement, saying it was delighted to see Swissport’s business go from strength to strength. Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison said: “The recruitment of a further 200 jobs, on top of the 350 recently announced by Dublin Airport further endorses the economic impact of the airport.” Dublin Airport has had a strong start to 2016, following on from its busiest year ever in 2015, which saw 25 million passengers passing through the airport and now has direct flights to 170 destination in 38 countries. Welcoming the announcement Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid said: “I am delighted to welcome this announcement from Swissport of further job creation in Dublin Airport, which serves to further emphasise the economic importance of the airport in the Fingal region and provides a great employment opportunity for the people of Fingal.”

18 February 2016 SWORDS Gazette 3

FUNDING | traffic calming is introduced as part of the plans

business

Creating jobs for the area

€42,000 approved for improvements

 emma nolan

MUCH-needed funding has been granted for traffic calming measures in the Swords area. The site identified is either side of the junction of the Brackenstown Road and Murrough Road (at ParkAvenue and St. Cronan’s) and safer crossing points for children coming from estates across this busy section of the road. Councillor Darragh Butler (FF) raised the motion in March 2014 and now €42,000 has been allocated as part of the Fingal County Council works programme for 2016. This was presented to the Balbriggan/Swords Area Committee on February 11 2016.

Butler raised the motion in 2014 to ensure that children are provided with “a safe crossing point to the new playground and will also ensure that traffic will have to slow down along Brackenstown Village and Park Avenue”. Commenting on the funding, Butler said: “I’m delighted to report that having raised this issue back in 2014, that €42,000 has been included in the Fingal County Council works programme for 2016.” He added that €12,500 will be allocated for a pedestrian crossing at St Cronan’s Open Space and a further €12,500 for a safe pathway at St Cronan’s Open Space along Brackenstown Road is really needed and great to

see this included. “The footpath will provide a safe path for pedestrians and for local school children going to and from the church and schools. “A pathway here is most welcome and will prove extremely useful.” Butler commended Fingal County Council for the funding, he said: “Having met with residents here last summer, it is great for their hardworking residents association to see these works getting the go ahead and I would like to commend the residents and Fingal County Council for this.” €35,000 has also been allocated to improve footpaths at Forest Road, Dublin Road and North Street in Swords.

COMPANIES TAKE HEART

Five North Dublin organisatio ns are leading the charge for heart health in the north of the county after each winning an Irish Heart Foundation Healthy Eating award for their organisations. Discovery Community Training Centre in Darndale, Corporate Catering Services, Dublin Bus at Earl Place, Corporate Catering Services for Dublin Bus at Harristown, Aramark Ireland at Irish Life, and Sodexo Catering in VHI, were all awarded for their implementation of the Irish Heart Foundation programme. Vice President of the Irish Heart Foundation Prof Declan Sugrue said: “Serious health problems face us as a nation with heart disease and stroke at the top of the list claiming more lives than any other cause of death in this country. The good news is that 80% of cardiovascular disease is largely preventable but tackling these diseases is more than a matter of individual responsibility.”

Fingal Local Enterprise Office have announced details of the new Local Enterprise Week initiative scheduled for March 7 – 13 to stimulate job creation in the area. All 31 LEOs around the country have agreed to run hundreds of events during March 7 - 13, including a public procurement event in Balbriggan, business advice clinics and a Fingal Enterprising Women networking event.

Aim The aim is to create jobs among small businesses and to encourage those with a business idea to pursue their dream. Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise in Fingal said: “We want to help small businesses to identify opportunities for growth.”

4 SWORDS Gazette 18 February 2016

election 2016 | who’s hoping to claim a seat

dublin west 4 sEATS 11 CANDIDATES

dublin rATHDOWN duN LAOGHAIRE 3 sEATS 9 CANDIDATES 4 sEATS 11 CANDIDATES LOST A SEAT

OUTGOING

Clockwise from top left: Joan Burton (Lab) TD / Tanaiste, Ruth Coppinger (AAA - PBP) TD, Leo Varadkar (FG)TD / Minister, Joe Higgins (SP) TD [Not Running]

Peter Mathews (Ind), Shane Ross (Ind), Alan Shatter (FG), Alex White (Lab)

Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP), Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) Sean Barrett (FG), Eamon Gilmore (Lab)

CANDIDATES

Peter Mathews (Ind) TD Shane Ross (Ind) TD Alan Shatter (FG) TD Alex White (Lab) TD Joespha Madigan (FG) Councillor Sorcha Nic Cormaic (SF) Councillor Catherine Martin (GP) Councillor Mary White (FF) Senator Alan Daveron (Renua)

www.

Maria Bailey (FG) Cllr Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) TD Frank Cronin (Renua) Cormac Devlin (FF) Councillor Mary Hanafin (FF) Councillor Carol Hunt (Ind) Shane O’Brien (SF) Carrie Smyth (Lab) Councillor Ossian Smyth (GP) Councillor Raymond Whitehead (DDI) **Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett (FG) is automatically re-elected

dublin

gazette

.com

Joan Burton (Lab) TD / Tanaiste Ruth Coppinger (AAA - PBP) TD Leo Varadkar (FG) TD / Minister Jack Chambers (FF) Councillor Paul Donnelly (SF) Councillor David McGuinness (Ind) Councillor Roderic O’Gorman (GP) Councillor TJ Clare (Ind) Dermot Casey (Ind) Jo O’Brien (Renua) Catherine Noone (FG) Senator

OUTGOING

All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

18 February 2016 SWORDS Gazette 5

| election 2016

duBLIN MID-WEST 4 sEATS 16 CANDIDATES OUTGOING

Frances Fitzgerald (FG) TD / Minister, Derek Keating (FG) TD, Joanna Tuffy (Lab) TD, Robert Dowds (Lab) [not running] TD

CANDIDATES Frances Fitzgerald (FG) TD / Minister Derek Keating (FG) TD Joanna Tuffy (Lab) TD Eoin O Broin (SF) Councillor Gino Kenny (PBP) Councillor Lorraine Hennessy (WP) Councillor Clare Leonard (Ind) Councillor Francis Timmons (Ind) Councillor Paul Gogarty (Ind) Councillor Patrick Akpoveta (Ind) Anne-Marie McNally (SD) John Curran (FF) Christopher Healy (DDI) Haroon Khan (Ind) Tom Kivlehan (GP) Ronan Fafferty (GP)

duBLIN fingal 5 sEATS 14 CANDIDATES OUTGOING

GAINED A SEAT

Clare Daly (Ind), James Reilly (FG), Alan Farrell (FG), Brendan Ryan (Labour)

CANDIDATES Clare Daly (Ind) TD Barry Martin (PBP) Councillor Joe O’Brien (GP) Alan Farrell (FG) TD Louise O’Reilly (SF) Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) Terry Kelleher (AAA-PBP) Darragh O’Brien (FF) Seantor Roslyn Fuller (Ind) James Reilly (FG) TD Brendan Ryan (Lab) TD Enda Ryan (United Left) Gerry Molly (Renua) Councillor Tony Murphy (Ind) Councillor Marcus De Brun (Ind) Feargal O’Connell (Ind)

6 SWORDS Gazette 18 February 2016

election 2016 | who’s hoping to claim a seat in dublin fingal

Hopefuls focusing on key personal, community issues joe o’brien (GP) JOE O’Brien is the Fingal Green Party representative. Originally from Cork, he now lives in Skerries with his wife and two young children. His background is in economics and sociology and he has a special interest in social justice and ecologi-cal issues. Having previously worked as a policy officer for Crosscare, O’Brien has said that he hopes to address inequality, provide secure homes for people and bring further transparency to politics in his role. enda reynolds (UP) ENDA Reynolds is contesting for newly formed left-wing party, United People. GERRY MOLLOY (Ren) FINGAL’S Renua candidate is Gerry Molloy, a Malahide-based practising doctor who also serves as an aviation medical examiner with the Irish Aviation Authority. MARCUS DE BRUN (Ind) MARCUS De Brun is a Rush-based GP and firsttime Independent election candidate. FEARGAL O’CONNELL (Ind) FEARGAL O’Connell is a first time Independent election candidate. louise o’reilly (SF) SINN Fein candidate Louise O’Reilly is contesting in the upcoming general election for Dublin Fingal for the first time. A full-time trade union organiser and a lifelong union activist, O’Reilly is a member of the ICTU Public Services Committee. TERRY KELLEHER (AAA) ANTI-Austerity Alliance candidate for Fingal,

Terry Kelleher is a former Balbriggan town councillor who has a record of 25 years as a trade union representative, a community activist fighting developers, estate management fees, bin charges and water charges in the 1990s. A former Socialist Party member, he is a long-time supporter of Clare Daly (Ind) and Ruth Coppinger (AAA). TONY MURPHY (Ind) TONY Mur phy was elected councillor in May 2014 and is contesting for a Dail seat as an Independent candi-date in the upcoming General Election. He is a member of the Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce. CLARE DALY (Ind Soc) CLARE Daly is one of the current sitting TDs for Dublin Fingal. An Independent Socialist, she was first elected to Fingal County Council in 1999, and was subsequently reelected in 2004 and 2009 before being elected to the Dail in February 2011. Originally from Newbridge in Kildare, she studied accountancy at DCU and was elected president of the Students’ Union twice. She was then a shop steward for over ten years at Dublin Airport and was elected to the Labour Party’s Administrative Committee as a youth representative before being expelled in 1989. In 2012, she was the first TD in the history of the State to introduce pro-choice legislation to the houses of the Oireachtas. In 2013, she publicly criticised the Government’s stance on the use of Shannon Airport by US military aircraft and

was subsequently jailed (briefly) last December for non-payment of a fine for charges of breaching security at Shannon Airport in July, 2014. lorraine clifford lee (FF) FIANNA Fail have added solicitor Lorraine Clifford Lee to the party ticket for Dublin Fingal alongside Senator Darragh O’Brien. A member of the party’s Ard Chomhairle, she was unsuccessful in the 2014 local elec-tions for the Pembroke South Dock ward in Dublin City. Her priorities include affordable quality childcare, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, increased investment in quality family housing, creating a sustainable health system, job creation, better infra-structure and public transport, protecting the environment and developing tourism. BARRY MARTIN (PBP) CLARE Daly’s running mate, Barry Martin is a councillor and People Before Profit spokesperson on youth af-fairs running for a seat in the upcoming General Election under the Independents 4 Change umbrella title. DARRAGH O’BRIEN (FF) SENATOR Darragh O’Brien is contesting for Fianna Fail in the upcoming election. Having been a member of the Seanad since 2011, he was previously a TD for the old Dublin North constituency from 2007 to 2011. He currently serves as leader of the Opposition and leader and spokesperson for finance of Fianna Fail in Seanad Eireann. He is also a front bench party member. Before the 2007 election, Senator O’Brien was

Dublin Fingal’s General Election candidates have a keen interest in the area’s business supports and economic growth, with candidates sharing an interest in developing the county’s transport links for the future

senior area manager with Friends First Assurance Com-pany in Financial Services, in the pensions sector. He lives in Malahide with his wife and young daughter and is an active member of a number of local sports clubs. DR ROSLYN FULLER (Ind) DR ROSLYN Fuller is contesting in the General Election as an Independent candidate for Fingal. Originally from Canada, she is a writer and researcher on foreign affairs and international law with a PhD in International Law from Trinity College. Having worked as a model while pursuing her PhD, Dr Fuller has extensive media experience and is perhaps best known for her “Wikilicious whistleblower” calendar, for which she combined her aca-demic background with her modelling portfolio to support the rights of whistleblowers. She has worked as a

law lecturer at Trinity College, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth and Griffith College. She is currently a research associate. alan farrell (FG) SITTING TD for Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael’s Alan Farrell was elected to the Dail in 2011. Prior to this he served as a councillor and was elected mayor of Fingal in 2007. He is a former member of the Fingal County Enterprise Board, the Fingal Development Board, and the Drinan Enterprise Centre. He was also chairperson of the Fingal Joint Policing Committee for two years, chairperson of Corporate Policy Group and chairperson of the Organisational and Procedural Commit-tee. Deputy Farrell serves on a number of committees in the Dail including Justice, Equality and Defence, Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Public Service Over-

sight and Petitions. He also serves on the internal committee on Environment, Community and Local Government as well as European Affairs and was appointed to chair the internal committee on Public Expenditure and Re-form in 2011. Originally from the Coast Road in Malahide, Deputy Farrell has owned his own letting and estate agen-cy since 2004, having worked in accounts previously. DR JAMES REILLY (FG) DR JAMES Reilly has been the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs since 2014 and is the deputy leader of Fine Gael. He was the Minister of Health from 2011 to 2014 and has been a TD since the 2007 general elec-tion. Dr Reilly has worked as a GP in North County Dublin in Lusk and DOnabate for the past 25 years and was president of the Irish Medical

Organisation prior to his election. He served served on the former Eastern Health Board, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the Northern Area Health Board. BRENDAN RYAN (Lab) BRENDAN Ryan is currently a sitting Labour TD for Dublin Fingal. He first contested in the 2007 general election for the Dublin North constituency when he was elected to the Seanad. He was elected to the 31st Dail in 2011 where he has served on the Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. Originally from the Donabate/Portrane area, his working background was in the food and chemical industry and he has been involved in a number of local organisations in Skerries where he currently lives, such as a member and treasurer of Skerries Community Association and secretary of the Hills and District Residents’ Association.

18 February 2016 SWORDS 7

8 SWORDS Gazette 18 February 2016

election 2016 | who’s hoping to claim a seat in the city

dublin nortH WEST dublin CENTRAL dublin bay north 3 sEATS 11 CANDIDATES 3 sEATS 15 CANDIDATES 5 sEATS 21 CANDIDATES OUTGOING

OUTGOING

LOST A SEAT

OUTGOING

From top left: Finian McGrath (Ind), Aodhan O’Riordan (Lab), Tommy Broughan (Ind), Richard Bruton (FG)

From top left: Dessie Ellis (SF), John Lyons (Lab), Roisin Shorthall (SD)

CANDIDATES

Joe Costello (Lab), Paschal Donohoe (FG), Mary Lou McDonald (SF), Maureen O’Sullivan (Ind)

CANDIDATES

Cathleen Carney Boud (SF) Dessie Ellis (SF) Andrew Keegan (AAA -PBPA) John Lyons (Lab) Paul McAuliffe (FF) Noel Rock (FG) Roisin Shortall (SD) Caroline Conroy (GP) Jimmy Dignam (Ind) Cormac McKay (Direct Democracy Ireland) Bernie Hughes (Ind)

Christy Burke (Ind) Joe Costello (Lab) Paschal Donohoe (FG) Mary Fitzpatrick (FF) Gary Gannon (SD) Mary Lou McDonald (SF) Maureen O’Sullivan (Ind) Cieran Perry (Ind) Eilis Ryan (Ind) Diana O’Dwyer (AAA - PBPA) Ian Noel Smyth (GP) Cormac McKay (Direct Democracy Ireland) William DJ Gorman (Ind) Kerry Guinan (Ind) Jacqui Gilbourne (Renua)

Jimmy Guerin (Ind) Sean Haughey (FF) Deirdre Heney (FF) John Lyons (AAA - PBPA) Michael McDonncha (SF) Finian McGrath (Ind) Denise Mitchell (SF) Naoise O Muiri (FG) Aodhain O’Riordan (Lab) Averil Power (Ind) Tommy Broughan (Ind) Richard Bruton (FG) Stephanie Regan (FG0 Cian O’Callaghan (Social Democrats) Michael O’Brien (AAA - PBPA) Donna Cooney (GP) Paul Clarke (Ind) Tom D’Arcy (Direct Democracy Ireland) Damien O’Neill (Ind) Proinsias O Conarain (Ind) Terence Flanagan (Renua)

GAINED A SEAT

18 February 2016 SWORDS Gazette 9

we look at who will get your vote | election 2016

dublin SOUTHCENTRAL 4 sEATS 13 CANDIDATES

dublin BAY SOUTH

OUTGOING

4 sEATS 14 CANDIDATES

GAINED A SEAT

Lucinda Creighton (Renua), Kevin Humphreys (Lab), Eoghan Murphy (FG) Catherine Byrne (FG), Eric Byrne (Lab), Joan Collins (Ind), Aenghus O’Snodaigh (SF)

CANDIDATES Catherine Ardagh (FF) Catherine Byrne (FG) Eric Byrne (Lab) Joan Collins (Ind) Maire Devine (SF) Paul Hand (Ind) Aenghus O’Snodaigh (SF) Brid Smith (AAA - PBPA) Liam Coyne (Social Democrats) Oisin O hAlmhain (GP) Richard Murray (Ind) Neville Brady (Ind) Michael Gargan (Renua)

CANDIDATES Chris Andrews (SF) Lucinda Creighton (Renua) Kevin Humphreys (Lab) Eoghan Murphy (FG) Jim O’Callaghan (FF) Kate O’Connell (FG) Eamon Ryan (GP) Mannix Flynn (Ind) Glenna Lynch (Social Democrats) Annette Mooney (AAA PBPA) William DJ Gorman (Ind) Alan MacStiofain (Ind) John Keigher (Ind) Eoin Tierney (Ind)

10 SWORDS Gazette 18 February 2016

Gazettegallery

| The Gazette catches up with candidates as they

Darragh O’Brien (FF) braves the rain Off and running: Senator Eamonn Coghlan and Senator Catherine Noone

Members of Independent Socialists Clare Daly and Cormac Devlin (FF) shares a joke with a constituent

Barry Martin’s team were tickled pink to help out

Canvassers for Brid Smith (People Before Profit Alliance) outside the candidate’s home after a hard day’s work

Liam Coyne of the Social Democrats with his team

Purple rain: Anne-Marie McNally (Social Democrat)

Labour’s Cllr Carrie Smyth is stopped in her tracks

Labour’s Alex White shows his sweet

at Dun Laoghaire DART station

side

On the rise: Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams with Cllr Sarah Holland

18 February 2016 SWORDS Gazette 11

canvass across Dublin city in the run up to the general election

Alan Shatter (FG) talks to a young constituent

Time for a selfie: Fianna Fail General Election candidate Lorraine CliffordLee

Independent Roslyn Fuller takes a selfie while canvassing with her team

Leo Varadkar (FG) goes under cover

Poster boy : Independent TJ Clare

Enda Kenny (FG) gets a lesson

Joe O’Brien of the Green Party

Any question? Andrew Keegan (PBP)

Fianna Fail candidate Jack Chambers is joined

Pecks appeal: Roderic O’Gorman (Green Party) and his

Cllr Josepha Madigan (FG) with YMCA

by Mary O’Rourke and Conor Lenihan

team

Hockey Club players at Wesley College

Councillor Gino Kenny (PBP)

12 swords Gazette 18 February 2016

Gazettegallery

| special preview screening of Zoolander 2 at

Leia Holmes and Charlene Reilly

Lyn Johnson and Catherine White

Norman Pratt and Jess Corcoran

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so hot right now

Joshua Edwards, Taylor Fisher, Brianna Creighton and Jenny Byrne. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

18 February 2016 swords Gazette 13

the Savoy Cinema attracts a very fashionable audience

Timmi and Graham O’Hare

Tatianna Fortune Woods and Emily Jade Elliott

Lisa McLoughlin and Alexandra Ryan

Lauren Lapwood and Stephanie O’Riordan

Louise Byrne and Suzy Blunden

Gazette

14 Gazette 18 February 2016

dublinlife

FEATURE

A day in the life: Sophie Jo Wasson just finished touring the Poor Little Boy With No Arm

‘We wanted to do something dynamic’

Ian Begley

Sophie Jo Wasson is a young Irish actress who recently finished up with the touring production of The Poor Little Boy With No Arms, which she devised and co-wrote. T his week, T he Gazette caught up with Sophie to see what a day in her life was like while preparing for this unique and bizarre dark comedy.

“We did four weeks of rehearsals, which would be pretty much standard for every show. While touring we basically arrived at each venue a couple of hours before the play began to do checks until the show started at 8pm. “It all depends what time I get up at in the morning. Many actors have meetings, auditions and are maybe prepping for another show so their day-to-day

schedule would change a lot. “I work part-time in a bakery and if I have a show on the night I would probably get up around nine. “Every actor seems to have different ways of making things work for them. “The way in which this play was thought up was through us wanting to make something really entertaining and also something a little

spooky. “We thought that a lot of the theatre shows that we’ve seen were a little diluted and safe. We wanted to do something a little dynamic and challenging for an audience. “The Poor Little Boy With No Arms is a play on the common Irish empathy that many people have towards those who have something wrong with them. “He’s the name of one of the characters, but he certainly doesn’t sum it up the play – there’s a lot more to it. The play constantly changes between two and six characters. I play a woman and a couple of other characters, including a donkey.” Asking if it is hard to constantly change characters, Sophie said: “No, it’s the best craic ever and it’s so much fun. As an actor it’s such a gift to be able to just get on stage and play multiple roles and have a bit of craic creating them and making them different. “It’s fun for the audience as well because of the whole nature of the play. “ We e ve n c h a n g e characters in front of them, but eventually they just accept it and accept that there are more than six characters on stage.” Asked how she unwinds after a night of giving it socks on stage, Sophie said “Pints”. “It’s such a stereotype for actors to enjoy having a few drinks after a show, but when you come off stage you’re just filled with adrenaline. “It’s also just nice to sit down with your fellow actors and debrief and have a bit of a laugh.”

Sophie Jo Wasson is a young Irish actress

18 February 2016 Gazette 15

A little lolly goes a long way to help raise funds for charity an Annual Lollipop Day in aid of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), is taking place on February 26 and 27 to help raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer. Lollipop Day involves thousands of people selling lollipops (€2) nationwide. Without the generosity and support from volunteers, the OCF would not be able to provide the vital role it does in terms of awareness, research and better outcomes for patients and their families in Ireland. Businesses, companies and schools can support the OCF by holding Lollipop Day events and/or by selling lollipops on their premises. Noelle Ryan, OCF chairperson said: “We are very fortunate to have an ever increasing number of dedicated volunteers, all of whom make Lollipop Day possible and a success every

year, but we still need more volunteers.” Visit lollipopday.ie for more information.

stamps issued to mark centenary of the Easter Rising A set of 16 stamps marking the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising has been issued by An Post. Huge national and international demand is expected for the “19162016 Eighth Definitive Stamp Series” commemorating the key founding event of the modern Irish state. The stamps are grouped into four categories: Leaders and Icons; Participants; Easter Week and The Aftermath. Although each image represents an individual subject, the themes also reflect a chronological progression from the lead-up to the Rising through to its aftermath. The stamps have been

Got a picture? share it with us! A picture tells a story Got a great picture, email it to us! email your photo to picturedesk@dublingazette.com Or call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2

designed as a narrative rather than as 16 individual images. An Post’s Anna McHugh said: “These will be the ‘everyday’ stamps, available for the rest of this year at all post offices and in special souvenir packs and booklets too at www.irishstamps. ie.”

promoting sustainable modes of transport The Green Schools Big Travel Challenge 2016 has begun and schools across the country are already switching their travel modes. An Taisce has been working on the national Green-Schools Travel programme, which focuses on promoting sustainable travel on the school run, since September 2008. The ultimate aim of the Green Schools Travel programme is to encourage students, parents and teachers to walk, cycle, scoot, Park ‘n’ Stride, use public transport or car pool. During February, the Green Schools pro gramme is calling on over 1,500 eligible schools to challenge students, teachers and parents to try walking, cycling, scooting, carpooling, or taking public transport to school. “What change can you achieve in two weeks?” is the question posed. Schools are asked to concentrate on one sustainable transport mode for two weeks this month to see if they can achieve real, lasting change in the travel behaviour of their staff and students.

Following a judging process one school will be awarded the title “Ireland’s Travel School of the Year” with schools also awarded in categories related to the mode they chose to promote. Visit greenschoolsireland.org

Trocaire’s 43rd Lenten campaign gets underway Last Wednesday, February 10, marked the start of the Lenten Campaign when almost one million Trocaire boxes were delivered across the country. Last year, thanks to support from people in Ireland, Trocaire supported over 2.4 million people across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. This included 45,000 poor families who got access to local resources, including land and water. Trocaire protected over 700 human rights defenders who were abused and attacked in Guatemala and over 6,000 women, who survived abuse, got healthcare, counselling and legal aid to get justice. This year is Trocaire’s 43rd Lenten campaign. Tr o c a i r e b oxe s a r e available from parishes throughout Dublin, through trocaire.org or by phoning 1850 408 408. As well as donating through the Trocaire box and trocaire.org, people can download a free Trocaire box app for their mobile phones or tablets. The app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Playstore.

Lollipop Day will take place on February 26 and 27

Gazette

DIARY

16 Gazette 18 February 2016

18 February 2016 Gazette 17

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

Bord Gais Energy Theatre: playful mixture of madness and intrigue

A banging musical treat  Emma Nolan

One of the world’s favourite musicals — Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is running at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from this month until March 13. The film, made from Ian Fleming’s classic story, has been adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, based on the

MGM Motion Picture licensed script adapted by Ray Roderick which has left audiences flying high with its playful mixture of madness and intrigue. The star-studded cast consists of comedian Jason Manford (The Producers, Sweeney Todd) as Caractacus Potts, Michelle Collins (Coronation Street,

EastEnders,) as Baroness Bomburst, Phill Jupitus (The Producers, Hairspray) as Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst and Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet, EastEnders and The Krays) as The Childcatcher. The show also features Amy Griffiths (Ever y man, Stephen Wa r d , T h e P a j a m a

Game) as Truly Scrumptious and Andy Hockley (The Phantom Of The Opera) as Grandpa Potts. T he lovable but whacky inventor, Potts, along with his two children and the gorgeous Truly Scrumptious, try to outwit the bombastic Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children should be banished from his kingdom? What happens when the children are caught and imprisoned with the other youngsters by the evil Child Catcher? Will it all end happilyever-after? Having broken all box office records in the West End, this funfilled production from the team that brought you Fiddler on the Roof and The King and I

promises laughs and magic galore – and Chitty herself! The production has music and ly rics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, who were also responsible for Mary Poppins, The Slipper and the Rose, The Aristocats and The Jungle Book. The Sherman Brothers have won two Academy Awards with a further nine nominations, two Grammy Awards and they have received 21 gold and platinum albums. This new production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is directed by West Yorkshire Playhouse artistic director James Brining, with new choreography by Stephen Mear. There is a live orchestra with musical super-

vision by Stephen Ridley. Set and costume design is by Simon Higlett, lighting design is by Tim Mitchell, sound design is by Ben Harrison and video design is by Simon Wainwright. The sensational sets and special effects and, of course, the memorable score by the Sherman Brothers, which includes such standards as Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Prices range from €20 to €60 for the show at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre at Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Jason Manford (centre) as Caractacus Potts and the cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre until March 13



Gazette

18 Gazette 18 February 2016

Pets 50 cent IS A VOCAL LITTLE HUSKY PUPPY

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is 50 Cent, a male Husky Cross, aged six months. He came to Dogs Trust with his mom, sisters and brothers, who have all found homes — so now it’s his turn. 50 Cent is a very playful and clever little boy with loads of energy and as a typical Husky can get a little bit vocal sometimes. He will grow to be a very big boy, so would benefit from starting training classes while young. These would be a great and fun way for his new family to get to know him better. If you’re interested in this amazing boy please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

18 February 2016 Gazette 19

BITESIZEDNEWS

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

easy recipes: CHEF LIAM BOLAND MAKES SOME TASTY DISHES

Try some good food made simple  AUDREY KANE

IRELAND’S fastest growing and most popular food websites BiaMaith was established in December 2014 by chef Liam Boland.

T he site has quickly become a go-to resource for families and foodies who want to make amazing food on a budget. Liam’s simple, healthy and delicious recipes are quick and easy to follow

and can turn anyone into a confident and accomplished home cook. BiaMaith was born after Liam started posting recipes on Facebook for his friends, who were amazed that he

could cook such fantastic food on such a tight budget. They quickly started being shared and in just a few months, Liam’s online following had grown to over 20k likes and hundreds of thou-

sands of views. In December 2015, he released his debut cookbook, Good Food Made Simple, which was one of the bestselling cook books in Ireland over the festive period. Check out www.biamaith.ie.

This butter chicken curry will get your tastebuds flowing Simple to make yet one of the nicest curries you will ever eat. One all the family can enjoy. Ingredients THE MARINADE Chicken Fillets - 4 Low-Fat Natural Yogurt - 7 tbsp Fresh Ginger - 1 inch piece finely chopped Garlic Cloves 4 finely chopped Garam Masala - 3 tsp Ground Clove - 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin - 2 tsp

• • •

Butter Chicken (murgh makhani)

• • •

•

THE SAUCE Green Cardamom - 4 Sugar - 2 tsp/salt - 1 tsp Vegetable Oil - 3 tbsp Coconut Milk - 1 tin Tomato Passata - 250g Ground Almownds 100g Chicken Stock Cube Fresh Coriander

• • • • • • • •

Getting Ready... You will need - 1 wok or medium pot, 1 wooden spoon, 1 medium

tupperware container or bowl, 1 sharp knife, 1 raw meat chopping board and 1 ladle. METHOD Cut the chicken into 2.5cm cubes. Mix all the marinade ingredients, including the chicken, in the tupperware container. Coat all the chicken. Cover with the lid and leave in the fridge for 4 hours . Heat the oil in the wok, pan or

• • • •

pot then add the chicken and all the marinade. Cook for about 5 minutes giving it a little stir every now and then. Add the tomato passata, coconut milk, green cardamom pods, salt and sugar then stir in, bring to the boil then turn the heat right down and let it simmer, uncovered for 20 - 25 minutes. Add the stock cube, ground almonds and half the chopped coriander, stir well.

•

20 Gazette 18 February 2016

18 February 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

STYLE

Let’s get blog to fashion basics  sarah foster

THERE are so many fashion blogs to follow, it’s not always easy to find one that suits your style. Here are some worth a look ...

www.retro-flame. com Erika Fox is a Kerry girl currently living in New York City. She has worked in fashion PR, with Whitney Port at NYFW, and recently with oliviapalermo.com. This blog is a compact diary of her outfits, travel, work & inspirations. www.pennyandpolaroids.com This visual journal is Nuala Gorham’s creative outlet to express her inspirations and love of Whether following some of the main trends and styles, or singular fashions – such as pieces from Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2016 collection, above – there are lots of fresh styles to transition into away from the gloomy winter wear we’ve all been used to for too many months now

Let’s transition to fresher fashions  sarah foster

FEBRUARY is a time of transition for fashionistas. We are so over winter, and ready to welcome the spring! Way back in September 2015, the spring/summer ’16 fashion trends graced the catwalks in Paris, New York, Milan and London. The weather might still be freezing, but that’s even more reason to introduce new colours, shapes and patterns to kick-start the spring with these top trends ... Strength: Mixing tailoring with sportswear for kick-ass combinations, military jackets give a strong sculpted silhouette.

Team with metallic safety buckle belts to give waist definition. Counterbalance the masculinity of blazers and bomber jackets with feminine blousons and dresses. The colour pallet for this trend is camouflage and jungle green, offset by flashes of tangerine and hot pink (as seen at Versace, Moschino, Balmain and Louis Vuitton). This trend has been spotted on Gigi Hadid, Heidi Klum and Kendal Jenner. Tropical : This trend is all about good-time-girl vibes. Acid Brights are key to this trend; a magenta pink pleated dress can be layered with warmer items – tone it down with neutral colours.

As seen at Stella McCartney, Oscar de la Renta and Christopher Kane; find neon brights at any of your High Street favourites this season. Gym to street: For women living in the real world who like to get things done, perfect the art of smart casual with sleek panelled leggings, metallic gym bags and, of course, the crop top. Match runners with a tennis skirt and a jersey sweater for an urban look. As seen at Stella McCartney, Chanel, Lacoste and Chloe, this look is worn by Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Vanessa Hudgens. Victoriana: A continuation of the hit winter trend, key features include high collars, full sleeves,

textures and floor-sweeping skirts. Lighter fabrics and delicate pastel colours will be seen in this trend for the new season. Generous pussy bows in a contrasting colour add flare to the high-collared white shirts. Designer collections include Alexander McQueen and Chloe. 70s Sensation: Designers can’t get enough of this trend and it’s here to stay for the spring. Key pieces are high waists, suede coords, light denim and floral prints. Pair with shaggy fur in pastel hues for a bohemian touch. Popular with Sienna Miller, Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo; as seen at Versace, Burberry and Coach.

fashion. She has been part of features for many leading publications in the industry. Find style inspiration from her daily edited “shop the style list feature”, which includes the most coveted styles of the season.

www.heartsheelsandhandbags. blogspot.ie Rosie Connolly is a 24-year-old living and working in Dublin. Her first break into fashion came through winning a reality competition on TV3’s Ireland AM. Five years on, and she has worked on a range of media, magazine and TV projects. Rosie had her first baby, Harry, in 2015. Since then, she adds posts for mums and mums-to-be.

www.thunderandthreads. com Leanne Woodfull is a 22-year-old Dublinbased student, freelance writer and sometimestylist. She studies visual culture at NCAD. Her style is a pick and mix of high end, high street and independent brands which she showcases on her blog and social site. www.stylemecurvy. net Louise O’Reilly is an international plus-size model. Style Me Curvy is all about fashion diversity and positive body image. Having travelled the world, Louise has developed a fashion-forward style and shares her looks with her readers.

Gazette

22 Gazette 18 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

iceland: direct flights now going for €79 each way

A mesmerising country waiting to be explored  ian begley

There could not be a better time for Irish people travelling to Iceland as direct flights to Reykjavik are now going for as little as €79 each way. In June, 2015, Icelandic airline WOW started providing lost-cost direct flights from Dublin to Reykjavik, saving hundreds of euros for those wishing to explore the vast and beautiful country. Known as the “Land of Fire and Ice”, there are not many places in the world which have such contrasting dramatic landscapes as Iceland. This truly amazing destination is home to the fantastic city of Reykjavik, as well as numerous natural wonders and

stunning scenery. From the Blue Lagoon to spouting geysers, glaciers and fjords, it is a mesmerizing country just waiting to be explored. Iceland is one of few places in the world where it is possible to see the amazing Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights - a natural light phenomenon.

Unusual The unusual and versatile landscape of Iceland with its black volcanic beaches, waterfalls, bird cliffs, volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and more, will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. One of the most must do activities in Iceland is to explore the inside of a real volcano. This tour will let you travel down

inside the Prihnjukagigur volcano through an opening just wide enough for the window cleaner’s pulley lift you will be on to get in and out of. The Inside the Volcano Iceland day tour from €256pp is a great mix of nature, history and adventure, featuring a hike across the moonscape of the ragged lava field, and great views across Reykjavik. From €59pp you can take a dip in the world’s favourite volcanic spa, the Blue Lagoon, and soak all your stresses away. The Blue Lagoon water contains a unique cocktail of natural mineral ingredients which help you relax and unwind while the Blue Lagoon white silica mud gently cleanses and exfoliates

your skin. For €146, you can visit a real-life glacier and experience raw nature in a winter wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses. You’ll take off eastwards out of Reykjavik where you’ll see the unforgettable Eyjafjallajokull glacier after about two hours on the road. You may remember that name because of the 2010 eruption which shut down air travel in all of Europe. To make the most out of your trip to Iceland, the Northern Lights tour is without a doubt a must-do. This tour, from €49pp will take you away from the city lights so that you can observe this astonishing atmospheric effect

Some of the stunning scenery in Iceland (above top) the Blue Lagoon where you can soak all your stresses away, and the picturesque city of Reykjavik (above)

without distraction. The ghostly light shadows of high energy solar rays as they pound the upper atmosphere sound pretty scary; but from down here they look like peace, happiness, won-

der and wellbeing rolled into one. Visit wowair.ie for more information on your lowcost trip to Iceland. Irish travel companies Travel Department and Click and Go are also

providing holiday package deals to Iceland in some of the country’s top hotels. For more information, visit www.traveldepartment.ie or www.clickandgo.ie.

First luxury sleeper train to take to the tracks in August 2016  ian begley

Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train will take to the tracks in August 2016, and already there has been a lot of interest in the 2, 4 and 6 night itineraries from Dublin through the Republic and Northern Ireland. The first images of Belmond Grand Hibernian’s carriages have now been released as the transformation into 20 luxury ensuite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car gets under way in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A team of 40 multi-skilled craftsmen at specialist outfitters Mivan Marine Ltd, w i l l u n d e r t a ke 35 , 0 0 0 hours of work at the worldclass production facility in

County Antrim preparing the train for its inaugural journey from Dublin on August 9, 2016. Belmond has a legacy of operating some of the world’s most famous trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman; building the company’s seventh luxury train to exacting standards requires cutting edge technology mixed with traditional skills. “We chose to work with Mivan not only for their extensive experience but they have also shared our passion and vision for Belmond Grand Hibernian from the outset - it is very important to Belmond that we work with local experts and craftsman to create a

truly authentic train that reflects the spirit of the countries through which it will travel,” said Gary Franklin, managing director of Belmond Trains and Cruises. Belmond purchased the 10 carriages and locomotive from Irish Rail earlier this year and began transformation of the mark three carriages into Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train. The work started with the mechanical engineering and painting of the exterior midnight blue and silver livery at Brodie’s in Kilmarnock, Scotland. The carriages have been carefully transported back across the Irish Sea for this next stage in development. The interior design of the

10 carriages, by James Park Associates, reflects Dublin’s Georgian Architecture with inspiration taken from the flora and fauna of Irish landscape. All interior furnishings are supplied by local businesses including hand-

crafted stone counters in the observation car from a Dublin based company and wool blended carpets from Ulster. The designs all feature Belmond Grand Hibernian’s Celtic knot weaved throughout in colours

matching the tartan of the counties after which the carriages are named including sleeper car Waterford and dining car Sligo. For more information or to make a reservation visit Belmond.com/grandhibernian.

18 February 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

24 Gazette 18 February 2016

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

TRIPLE 9

An impossible heist (Cert 16, 116 mins) Triple 9 is the story of a group of criminals and corrupt cops, blackmailed by the Russian mafia, who try to pull off a dangerous heist so they can escape. While half of them try to take down a rookie cop in a 999, police code for “officer down”, to keep the rest of the force busy, the other half will steal the loot. Opens this weekend February 19.

GOOSEBUMPS Fun horror romp

(Cert PG, 103 mins) A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R L Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware. Goosebumps boasts more than enough of its spooky source material’s kid-friendly charm to make up for some slightly scattershot humor and a hurried pace.

DEADPOOL

Unconventional anti-hero (Cert R, 108mins) Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. A former special forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego, Deadpool. Starring Ryan Reynolds.

Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Penelope Cruz and Kristin Wiig in the all-star line-up for Zoolander 2

ZOOLANDER 2: DEREK AND HANSEL STRUT THEIR STUFF ONCE MORE

The beautiful people are back  AUDREY KANE

Ben Stiller returns both in front of and behind the camera for Zoolander 2, a comedy that finds the beloved model Derek Zoolander (Stiller) and his rival-turnedpartner Hansel (Owen Wilson) facing a threat to their continued success. Thrust back into the spotlight after living in seclusion for years, they are invited to a major fashion event in Rome. The estranged friends are surprised to see how much the business has changed. Even more shocking is their encounter with Valentina Valencia, a special agent who needs their help. Someone is killing famous pop stars, and it’s up to Derek and

Hansel to help save the world’s most beautiful people from a similar fate. Just before the celebrity dies, he takes a selfie, picks a good Instagram filter, and posts it on the internet. His face is scrunched in a familiar expression – Zoolander’s trademark, Blue Steel. Zoolander comes out of self-imposed exile. Now a widower, his son taken away from him – he resides in a cabin on a blizzardswept mountainside in Northern New Jersey. Hansel is needed too, and he dwells in the vast desert wasteland of the Uncharted Malibu Territories, a falconer in an impossibly pretzeled yoga pose atop a sand dune, his orgy of lovers

in a nearby tent home. He wears a golden mask over his cheek to hide a half-inch scar, which he considers a tragic disfigurement, because he’s a superficial twit. I really wanted to enjoy this movie as much as the first one but unfortunately Zoolander 2 has more celebrity cameos than laughs. Amidst subplots about Hansel’s paternity issues and Zoolander’s reunion with his longlost son, Derek junior (Cyrus Arnold), a chubby, smart boy holed up in a Roman orphanage who despises his father, Derek senior. In the first, and much funnier original Zoolander, we got a delightfully throwaway cameo from the late David Bowie;

now we suffer from umpteen famous faces eager to be in on the joke. Benedict Cumberbatch and Justin Bieber among them. Whilst the first film had a clear focus, Derek being brainwashed to kill the Malaysian Prime Minister, everything in the sequel is all over the place. At some points they’re looking for the assassins, sometimes they’re just trying to do fashion, sometimes they want to find Derek’s son, and all sorts of other bizarre stuff that made this a hugely messy film that fails to keep the audience engaged. So the outdated models are dispatched to Rome, where Alexanya Atoz (K risten Wiig, unrecognisable) rules the fashion world as a

Donatella Versace-like fashion empress whose pretentious diction is so comically clotted as to be unintelligible. Her latest protege, Don Atari (Kyle Mooney), is an anti-fashion hipster and sour little twerp whose idea of a fashion-show locale is a garbage dump. Another protege is a bald transgender supermodel (Benedict Cumberbatch) known as All. Alexanya’s only other tic is her bizarre taste in unwearable clothes. The movie’s humor relies heavily on the outlandish creations of the costume designer, Leesa Evans, to evoke the fashion world’s insane excesses. The tepid satire is undercut by cameo

appearances by fashion giants like Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Anna Wintour and Tommy Hilfiger. Because they are in on the joke, their very presence robs the movie of any remaining edge. While there are laughs to be had with the sequel alas not as many as the first one, maybe wait for this one to watch at home. For every laugh that Zoolander 2 elicits, there’s a pang that all this was funnier the first time around. There are some moments of brilliance, like the climactic scene featuring Will Ferrell reprising his role as Mugatu, which may be worth the ticket price alone. Verdict: 5/10

18 February 2016 Gazette 25

Gazette

FEATURE opinion: Focus Ireland wants the government to Create equality

Sister Stan focuses on the continued housing crisis As the election countdown continues the stark reality is that a record number of over 5,000 people are homeless. Shockingly one in every three people who are homeless is a child. Meanwhile, one in every 16 households is in need of a home as they are one of the over 100,000 households stuck on social housing waiting lists nationwide. Sadly the problem hits home in every county but the most people who are homeless and in need of housing are in our capital city. Focus Ireland is working hard to help families and people who are homeless and to prevent many others from becoming homeless in the first place. Our Family Team in Dublin helps one family a day to secure a home (in partnership with the Dublin Regional Housing Executive & Local Authorities) and escape the nightmare of homelessness. However, at the same time at least two more

families are still losing their homes and becoming homeless every day. More single people are also being forced into homelessness due to rising rents and poverty. --------------------------

‘Focus Ireland wants to say loud and clear that the housing crisis impacts on people across the country and in all walks of life’

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

Sister Stan

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

How can we stand by while families and their children who are homeless are forced to live in one hotel room for months at a time? There is nowhere safe for the children to play, do their homework or for the family to even cook a meal. This is causing terrible damage for these families and also the many single people

who are homeless stuck in hostels or some even sleeping on the streets. Focus Ireland is always working hard to put forward realistic policy solutions to help prevent and end homelessness. We do this work through our 70 lifeline services in Dublin and around the country. We also have a proud track record of changing many government p o l i c i e s a c r o s s ke y areas. This work may be mostly behind the scenes but it has played a vital role over the years in bringing forward many important policies in the area of supported housing and also in the provision of aftercare for young people leaving State Care at the age of 18. Our work in recent months we hope will play a part in developing the policy responses of the next Government on these impor tant issues. We have lobbied all key parties and independents and submitted a very comprehensive policy document which not only outlines

Sister Stanislaus Kennedy

our demands but even breaks this down to the specific actions required by each Minister in the next Government to end homelessness. We are now calling on voters to add their support to our work. We have drafted an Election Demands document which highlights five key commitments we are asking ever y candidate to make to help the next Government end the crisis. Our campaign is calling on voters to email 5 key demands to all their local candidates and demand to know each

politicians position on the issues. These demands include calling for the next Government to deliver 40,000 social homes over its five-year term and to set a firm target date for ending long-term homelessness and rough sleeping. We are also calling for all candidates to make a commitment to end family homelessness and take action to support holding a referendum on the ‘right to a home’. I would ask people to please add your own voice to the campaign

at www.focusireland. ie/get-involved/takeaction Focus Ireland wants to say loud and clear to every candidate standing in this General Election that the housing crisis impacts on people across the country and in all walks of life. This is a terrible crisis but it’s vital to stress that there are solutions to these problems but they will only be delivered if the next elected Government knows that this is a national priority. Focus Ireland is calling on all voters to make sure they use the election cam-

paign to mark the cards of all their local candidates on this issue. I am asking you to please take action now and after the election to let the next Government know that you want to live in a more equal Ireland. As we approach the centenary of 1916 Rising and Proclamation it would be a proud legacy for our nation to be able to stand over the promise that we really do cherish all children equally.  sr stan Founder, Focus Ireland

26 swords Gazette 18 February 2016

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18 February 2016 swords Gazette 27

SWORDSCLASSIFIEDS

Gazette

28 gazette 18 February 2016

SPORT

FastSport Soccer sisters camps launch 2016 dates: THE 2016 SportsWorld FAI Soccer Sisters Easter Camps were launched at the FAI national training centre with participation numbers set to reach new heights. The hugely popular programme will be spread into even more communities around the country this year due to 30 more venues being added to the calendar. A fantastic way for girls aged between seven to 12 years to get involved with football in a fun and friendly environment, the Soccer Sisters Easter Camps also helps to continue the excellent work of developing women’s football. Republic of Ireland women’s senior head coach Sue Ronan helped to launch this year’s programme, along with internationals Aine O’Gorman and Rianna Jarrett. Last year saw a 40% increase in participation.

hockey: belfield side make big move up to second in women’s league

UCD run up double victories  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

UCD made the big move in the women’s EY Hockey League as their double victory over the weekend saw them jump into second place ahead of Railway Union and Pegasus. They got the best of Railway 3-2 on Saturday afternoon thanks to goals from Emily Beatty, Deirdre Duke and Elaine Carey before running up a 3-1 win over UCC on Sunday in Cork. It comes at an important time in the race for the guaranteed EY Champions Trophy playoff places which will be handed to the top three finishers.

Miles Warren’s side had fallen behind on Saturday against Railway early on but bounced back to lead 3-1 and they duly held off a concerted late fightback from their Sandymount rivals. The win against UCC was more routine. Hermes dropped points for the first time in the campaign in a stunning 3-3 draw with Pegasus at Queen’s, their perfect run falling in game 13. Hannah Grieve’s deflected shot earned the Ulster side a share of the spoils after Hermes had led three times in a fantastically open, attacking tie. The draw does not ove r l y d a m a g e t h e B o o t e r s t ow n cl u b ’s chances of landing the

title due to results elsewhere. They now need four points from their remaining five games to land the title. Cork Harlequins produced a brilliant 16 minute spell that yielded four goals to see them get the better of Pembroke 5-1, leap-frogging their opponents in the process. Karen Bateman started the run in the 26th minute before Miriam Crowley, Yvonne O’Byrne and Cliodhna Sargent’s penalty stroke extended the gap to 4-0 and game over with 18 minutes left to set up the win. On the men’s side, T h r e e R o c k R ove r s returned to the top four thanks to a 1-0 win over

UCD’s Deidre Duke gets away from Railway Union’s Zara Delany. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Railway Union as their counter-attack game proved the difference. Harry Morris deflected home the winner in the third quarter from turnover ball for the game’s only goal. It moves them back above Tallaght side Glenanne who were beaten 3-2 by bottomplaced Cookstown in Tallaght. Indeed, the Co Tyrone side’s only points this season have come against the Glens,

winning 5-1 in the first series of fixtures before Christmas. Greg Allen and Shannon Boucher exchanged early goals while Ryan Millar and Joe Brennan did likewise before Andrew McWhirter carried the day for Cookstown. T h e r e s u l t m ove s Cookstown level with Annadale on points but they are behind on goal difference in the battle to avoid automatic rel-

egation. Monkstown, meanwhile, were comfortable winners over Pembroke for a third time this season, this time running up a 3-0 scoreline at Serpentine Avenue. Peter Caruth and Geoff Cole made it 2-0 by the 11th minute while Lee Cole closed out the tie with a corner push. It strengthens their place in the EY Champions Trophy play-off places.

Gonzaga’s Saturn racers through qualifying round  sport@dublingazette.com

Entrants in last year’s Schools Technology Challenge in the RDS

SAT U R N R AC I N G f r o m Gonzaga College, Ranelagh, are thrilled to see their hard work in research and preparation for their project plan has paid off as they have successfully advanced passed the qualifying stage of the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge, powered in Ireland by Irish Computer Society. The competition has a long history in Ireland and is now in its ninth year. Team manager Callan Egan describes the hard work and dedication their team

has put in so far to get to this stage in the competition: “We all hope the large amount of work we’ve put in will pay off. This team gives 100% every week and we all work for each other, for the team.” The Qualifying Stage is composed of a five-page plan on how Saturn Racing intended to create their 25cm balsa wood Formula One car by showing their research, proposed budgets, designs and so on. In order to encourage creativity and originality amongst the entrants, extra points were given

to teams who submitted one additional item along side their mandatory five-page plan. This item could be anything from an additional page in the plan, a PowerPoint slide or a video. Marketing and communications manager of Saturn Racing, Joost Peeters, was very proud of her team and also gives key details on their team’s originality piece and explains why it sets their team apart from their competitors in the challenge. “We have the knowledge of cars and wisdom in marketing. Each member brings something

different yet when it all comes together, you get six TY students pushing the limits in this competition.” Every team that has entered this challenge are looking forward to the Regional finals and watching the event and Dublin team Saturn Racing looks forward to participating in the regional finals on February 25 and 26 in the Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Co. Dublin. The F1 in Schools National Finals will be taken place during the Tech Week showcase in the RDS on April 28.

18 February 2016 gazette 29

Gazette

Igiehon pursuing the American hoops dream Former Moyle Park College student has made the switch to the US with a very clear goal of landing a place in the NBA, using his time at Lawrence Woodmere College as a crucial stepping stone  adam doherty sport@dublingazette.com

CLONDALK IN has bred a lot of sporting talent over the years. The local gyms and school halls have produced boxers who have performed at Olympic and World Championship level. The pitches and streets have developed a number of international footballers, some of whom are around the current Republic of Ireland setup. There’s been dozens more success stories in different sporting fields but a genuine basketball star is something Dublin 22 can yet associate it’s name too. That may change in the near future, however, as

former Moyle Park student Aidan Harris Igiehon progresses through the development ranks stateside in search of his dream of reaching the NBA. Now 17, Igiehon is a scholar of the Lawrence Woodmere Academy, a “premier college preparatory school for students, families and educators who embrace quality education with shared priorities, passions and commitment in an environment that values wisdom and nurtures personal, community and global responsibility.” GazetteSport caught up with Igiehon, firstly asking what he misses about home, unsurprisingly there are a couple of things he prefers in New

York. “The main things I miss about Ireland are my friends and my mother,” he said. “I do not miss the weather at all though! But it was extremely tough to leave my friends and community. “The thing that I liked about Moyle Park is that it was close to home. My school here in New York is two hours away from home. “But I feel that leaving Ireland when I was young was the best choice for me. I left Ireland in pursuit of my dream of becoming a professional. “When I moved to America, the one major lifestyle change was the amount of work I was forced to put in. “As the competition got

Aidan Harris Igiehon has been signed up by the Lawrence Woodmere Academy

tougher it made me realise I have to change physically and mentally. “It was easy to adapt to the climate change, but America is much bigger than Ireland and the lifestyle is faster, that was tough to get used to.” In his time at Moyle Park, the talented power forward, standing at an

Sporting talent runs strong in the Igiehon genes it would seem as Aidan’s older brother Brandon is also stateside, although playing soccer. Having initially crossed the Atlantic to play at Brooklyn Italian’s soccer club, Brandon Igiehon is now at Manhattan soccer club.

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‘Because I am 6’9’’, I don’t get treated like a freshman at all; people look up to me’ Aidan Harris Igiehon

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imposing 6’9’’, was part of a team that reached an All-Ireland final and was a popular figure around the school. But what is it like being a freshman from another country in New York? “To be an athlete in Lawrence Woodmere Academy is fun,” he says. “But I don’t get treated like a freshman at all. Because I am 6’ 9’’, people look up to me and see me as a leader. “I settled in pretty quickly as the school has very much a family orientated atmosphere. I made friends really quickly.” On the court, Igiehon has impressed too, with Jeff Weiss, Head Basketball Coach at LWA recently praising the youngster by saying “he has things to learn but is blessed with height and talent”.

The MSC is seen as a strong feeder club for players looking to take the step into MLS. While the MLS may be the goal for Brandon, the NBA is the endzone in Aidan’s eyes. “My main goal is to become one of the greats that played this game; I see myself in the NBA in five years,” he told us confidently. On a final note on his old school, this Igiehon spoke of a possible return one day. “I know if I visited they would welcome me back with open arms, I am very proud to be Irish.” Should his hardwork keep-up and he continues to impress on the courts stateside, we may not have to wait too long until Clondalkin can claim an LA Laker, Miami Heat or probably more fitting, a Boston Celtic.

FastSport

St Vincent’s U-16s fulfil favourite’s tag ST VINCENT’S girls’ water polo team from Glasnevin took gold as they won the Irish Under-16 cup final in Lisburn while their boys’ team took bronze. Going into the girls’ final, St Vincent’s were clear favourites and had not been beaten in any match during the season. They came into this competition as Leinster cup winners and were also winning the Leinster and national leagues this season as well as national league Division 2. On finals weekend, they duly emerged from group A with wins over North Dublin as well as Tribes A and Tribes B with a cumulative total of 34 goals scored to five conceded. In the semi-final, they beat Clontarf 6-0, setting up a final against Tribes A. It proved an exciting match in the first quarter as St Vincent’s scored first from Sadbh Kindlon. Tribes A replied with two goals from Maedhbh Hannon and went ahead 2-1. The response was quick from St Vincent’s in the second quarter, scoring a goal by Aoife Hennessy and a third from Niamh O’ Meara. Tribes A replied with a goal from Sophie Moran but St Vincent’s scored again by Kindlon and another goal by Molly Reilly eked out a 5-3 lead at half time. In the second half, Kindlon put further daylight between the teams only for Moran to reel in the gap once more. Tribes replied with another goal from Ciara Pagden but St Vincent’s closed off the game with goal from Ciara Kindlon to win by 7-5. On the boys’ side, St Vincent’s won their group winning against North Dublin and Lisburn and beat Cathal Brugha from Belfast in the quarter-final. They subsequently fell to Corrib in the semi-final, leaving to play Grads from Belfast for bronze, a result they duly landed on an 11-6 scoreline. St Vincent’s Water Polo team train in the National Aquatic Centre on Mondays, and Wednesdays from 8.15 pm to 10.15pm for senior men and women.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 18 February 2016

SPORT

FastSport

DCU Mercy claim women’s Premier League silverware DCU Mercy claimed the women’s basketball Premier League regular season title with two games to spare to raise their first piece of silverware in five years. The Coolock side have 12 wins to date in the season - enough to earn the trophy despite defeat to Maxol WIT Wildcats at home. “We know now we’re the most consistent team,” said captain Sarah Woods. “The best team is the one that brings home the most trophies but this means a lot to the players and the club and we’re delighted to be hanging another banner from the rafters.” Maxol WIT Wildcats won the game 76-55 to retain hopes of a home quarter-final in the playoffs while Singleton SuperValu Brunell beat Courtyard Liffey Celtics 59-44. The result guarantees the Cork side an away quarter-final in the post-season. Templeogue returned to winning ways and the top of the Men’s Premier League, beating Belfast Star 81-63. January’s Player of the Month Michael Bonaparte finished with 31 points. Eanna’s third ever Premier League win came courtesy of a buzzer beat in overtime against UL Eagles. Luke Thompson hit the decisive basket in the 97-96 win. “It’s made our season to be honest,” said Eanna’s Ciaran MacEvilly. “The main thing is that we’re in it for the long term, but when you start losing 10 games in row you become desparate for a win.” Pyrobel Killester are closer to a place in the post-season Champions Trophy thanks to a 68-65 win at home to UCD Marian. Coach Brian O’Malley drew up a game winning play for Paul Dick to finish in style with 17 seconds left. “We have high standards and we like to live up to them,” said O’Malley. “Ultimately the character and strength of the guys in the room meant we were able to come out on top.”

soccer: seaside club hoping for replay success in fai inter

Portmarnock are getting set for their huge date with Carrigaline United at Paddy’s Hill

Ports’ biggest ever match  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

THE biggest day in PortmarnockAFC’s FAI Intermediate Cup history will take place this Sunday as the club’s first team welcome Carrigaline United to Paddy’s Hill in their last 16 replay. The sides met in Cork at the end of January in the original tie but have to do battle again after playing out a 2-2 draw on a messy pitch in Carrigaline. Speaking to GazetteSport ahead of the replay, Portmarnock manager Willie O’Leary expects this game to be a different affair altogether.

“The pitch was in a bad state in the first game, it affected both teams,” he said. “As long as the weather holds for the rest of the week, our pitch should be in good condition this weekend, with a much nicer surface, but I think that will benefit both teams, not just ourselves. “Carrigaline have a number of technically good players, the likes of Dennis Behan and Danny O’Connell. The pitch restricted them last time out, even though Behan scored a brilliant free-kick. “But we don’t want to spend too much

cross country Lusk’s Ryan produces best ever 6,000m finish lusk’s Darren Ryan produced his best win to date in the junior men’s 6,000m in the GloHealth Inter County Cross Country Championships at the Palace Grounds in Tuam last weekend He finished the course in 22.29 with William Hynes (Swinford/Mayo) second in 22.51 while Joseph Tannian (Galway City Harriers/Galway) was third in 22.53. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

time thinking about them, come Sunday we will focus on our own strengths and look to play the football we know we can and hopefully it will get us through,” added O’Leary. Should Portmarnock get through, Cherr y Orchard are already awaiting them in the quarter-final, a game which would replace this one as the club’s biggest in recent history. O’Lear y, however, insists he has spent little or no time thinking about their potential opponents. “Obviously we’re aware of the draw and know

Cherry Orchard are a good side, but of course our focus has been on this game and this game only,” he said. “You can’t allow yourself to be drawn in to thoughts of a big quarterfinal before you earn your place so we’ll look to win Sunday and then can turn our attention to the next round.” Sunday’s game, as mentioned, is a massive one for the North Dublin club and the senior manager has issued a rallying cry for its big membership to come out and support his troops. “It’s a huge day no doubt about it,” O’Leary

insisted. “Word has been spreading around the club the last week or so about getting anyone and everyone available out there in club colours to show their support. “We normally play our home games at 11am which means we clash a lot with the schoolboy fixtures meaning the young players and committee members can’t watch us regularly. “The 2pm kick-off this weekend changes that and myself and the players would love to see as many Portmarnock players, parents and officials at Paddy’s Hill to cheer on their team.”

18 February 2016 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

all-ireland semi-final

Loreto, Balbriggan’s run ended by St Augustine’s

Club Noticeboard FINGALLIANS

loreto Balbriggan’s run in the O’Neill’s

All-Ireland schools senior D camogie championship came to an end at the semifinal stage as they were undone 4-0 to 1-1 by St Augustine’s, Dungarvan at O’Dwyer’s last Saturday. The Fingal outfit had won the Dublin county final at the end of January with success against Holy Faith, Clontarf, continuing the club’s upward trend in recent years.

MID-TERM coaching will take place

the University Games in Athlone. She

on Thursday and Friday, February 18

also achieved a personal best and a

and 19. Each age group from U-10 to

new university record in a time of

U-16 will get a designated hour each

7.46 seconds.

day, covering boy and girls football,

The Fingallians primary school art

camogie and hurling. The cost per kid

competition will be held again this

will be €3.

year. Prizes will be awarded to win-

In addition to the team managers, the club will have GPOs Peter

ladies football: rowe dominant in dublin victory

Winners will be selected during

Shane Howard and Nicola Fitzgerald.

Seachtain na Gaeilge by a celebrity

Please contact your team manager

judge. Max size will be A3. Entries

for the timetable as the day will run

must be received by the club by

from 9am to 4.15pm.

March 1. Entries will be on display

underway and doors already being

Monaghan 0-6 Dublin 5-18  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

CLANN MHUIRE star Carla Rowe was a dominant force for the Dublin Ladies as they demolished Monaghan in their latest league outing, with the capital side racking up five pre-half time goals when they travelled to Emyvale on Sunday, February. The Valentine’s Day victory could easily have been more substantial, with Dublin’s eventual 5-18 to 0-6 victory reflec-

tive of a side very much going for points rather than goals in the second half, after their early flurry had utterly blown away the Ulster side. Carla Rowe - scoring two goals having been switched to half forward from the wing for the game - Amy Ring, Niamh McEvoy and Nicole Owens did the goal damage in the first period, with the girls in blue fast out of the blocks, netting their first three goals inside ten minutes. Owens set things underway, but the Dubs attacking play was little short of a parade in

a fiery first half display, with fluid moves against a rabbit in the headlights Monaghan defence seeing 4-6 on the board for the visiting All-Ireland finalists before Monaghan notched their first point of the game. Things were to be marginally more even from then on, with Rowe’s second on 21 minutes rounding off the goals in a clinical display, one that perhaps benefitted from Dublin manager Gregory McGonigle’s previous experience with the Monaghan side. Come the second half, McGonigle took

the chance to blood his bench in preparation for the visit of Cork to Parnell Park on the 28th of this month, with the All-Ireland champions despite having yet to pick up a victory in the early days of their title defense - sure to provide a sterner test. The 27-point victory marks an important return to form in NFL Division 1, with the ladies having been turned over by Mayo against the odds in their previous outing. It showcases the girls in blue’s power in a league in which nobody seems in real control.

March 1-17. The theme this year is: Eiri Amach

that, from the club’s perspective the

na Casca, 1916. Tuilleadh eolais o

key question that should be asked of

liamoculbaird@gmail.com.

TDs and hopefuls, arriving on door-

The bloodbank will be in the club on

steps should be around the continu-

Thursday, February 18 from 3–5pm

ing provision of playing facilities and

and 7–9pm. They will also attend on

what commitments and support

Sunday from 12.30pm to 4pm. For

they are prepared to offer.

further information, please go to www.giveblood.ie

ers could be: “Fingallians is the big-

Responders will hold a public

gest sports club in this area and are

information meeting on February 23

struggling to provide pitches for our

in the Old School House bar at 7.30pm

increasing membership. What can

where we will have speakers from

you do for us?”

CFR Ireland and the national ambu-

Feile Fundraiser: The U-14 boys’

NFL division one

during Seachtain na Gaeilge from

knocked on. Members are reminded

A specific question for canvass-

Jackies sweep aside Monaghan challenge

sixth class groups.

Browne and David Galway as well as

The election campaign is now

Carla Rowe in action against Monaghan’s Lianne Ward. Picture: Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile

ners of third/fourth class and fifth/

lance service.

quiz night is on Friday, February 19

We are asking club members to

at 8.30pm. Tables of four to five peo-

support this important addition to

ple is €50.

the community and help raise the

Congratulations to the three players who made the Dublin U-21

profile of the group to the wider community.

squads: Oisin Lynch and Cillian Power

For more information, please see

(U-21 football) and Sean Hickey (U-21

their Facebook page Swords Com-

hurling).

munity First Responders, or see

Congratulations to Sarah Murray, representing DCU, who won gold at

www.cfrireland.ie and www.hse.ie/ firstresponderschemes.

FINGAL Ravens THE GAA national club draw 2016 tick-

Apologies for the miss-print of last

ets are only €10 each and are on sale

week’s (February 7) lotto results. The

now, contact Maura Norton on 087

numbers were 22, 28 and 35, 38. Num-

9936458 , Bernadette Kavanagh on 087

bers drawn this week are: 1, 3, 11 and

9397642 or any committee member.

35.

Some fabulous prizes including top

There was no jackpot winner; €20 to

prize of a new Opel Corsa. Anyone who

Simon Maguire, Kiddo and Leigh, Vin-

purchases a ticket for the GAA nation-

nie Convery. Next week’s jackpot is

al club draw 2016 from Fingal Ravens

€17,000.

will be entered into a separate draw

All enquiries regarding pitch avail-

with a chance to win two tickets to the

ability and playability to our pitch

All-Ireland football final 2016.

co-ordinator John McCarthy on 087

A big reminder that 2016 club mem-

6599348.

bership is now due; forms are available

Our Easter camp starts on Tuesday,

in the clubhouse or can be download-

March 29 in the school hall for three

ed from our Facebook page or can be

days from 10am to 2pm. It costs €25

done online on www.myclubfinances.

per child.

com.

Congratulations to our U-8 team

All membership must be paid in full

and their management who played

by March 31. No player, at any level will

their first official game on Saturday

be permitted to play if they do not have

against St Brigid’s, a special occasion

their membership paid in full.

for our young Ravens.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 28-31

february 18-24, 2016

ports in a storm: Coastal side ready for biggest Aidan’s hoop dreams: Dubliner makes a big step game in recent history as Cork side come to visit P30 toward NBA target P29

Rivervalley Rangers’ Ciaran Lattin with former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane during the FAI Junior Cup quarter-final draw. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

Valley’s comeback kings

Rivervalley produce yet another fightback from a goal down to reach the last eight of the FAI Junior Cup, setting up a date with St Peter’s

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers’ habit of coming behind to win in this season’s FAI Junior Cup continued last Saturday as the Swords side rocked into the last eight in the country. Monday night’s quarter-final draw in the Aviva Stadium revealed that the north Dubliners will welcome St Peter’s from Athlone to the AUL next month, meaning they managed to get a crucial home draw. Stephen Doran’s side found themselves a goal down at half-time in the AUL last Saturday against Limerick giants Carew Park. The Munster side benefitted from a deflected freekick that their centre-back poked in through a

crowded box. It remained 1-0 at the break but Rangers came out fighting in the second half. The equaliser game through an unlikely source as Bren Turley leapt like a salmon to head home from a set-piece on the hour. Shortly after, Ronan Murtagh put the hosts in front with a wonderful effort from 25 yards. The lead could have been stretched almost immediately but Daniel Murphy, Colly O’Brien and Murtagh all squandered chances. A third did come, however, as Carew piled forward at the death and were caught napping on the break. Paul Currivan strode forward and, where many would have headed for the comfort of the corner, the Valley man crossed to the awaiting Mark O’Brien who just nipped in ahead of the defender and prodded the ball

home to send his side into the quarter-final. “They probably started the game better,” said Doran afterwards in an honest assessment of the game. “I think the free-kick they won was a bit soft; it took a deflection on the way in and their centre-back poked it in. They had one or two other chances in the half but our keeper made a number of top saves. They probably shaded the first-half.” What turned the tie around was more down to his own players than tactical genius according to the talented young manager. “There wasn’t any magical or inspirational speech or anything if that’s what you mean,” he laughed. “We got them in, settled them down and told them to believe in themselves. I’d seen Carew

Park a couple of times but the players hadn’t and took a bit of time to settle. I said if they were going to go out of the competition, then go out the right way but reminded them that if we moved the ball like we can, we wouldn’t be going out.” Ahead of the game, Rangers were the 33/1 outsiders to win the competition, while Carew were a much more fancied 10/1, but being underdogs is something which seems to suit this side. “Yeah we respond well to things going against us which is a good sign,” admitted Doran. “At the start of this competition, we were 2-0 down to Glasnevin and down to nine-men, yet came back and won the game. We went to Monaghan and came back again, and we’ve done the same against a really good side in Carew Park.”