Swords

Gazette

Wrestling star Drew McIntyre on the upcoming WWE gig at the O2

SWORDS

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Month XX, 2012 MALAHIDE • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • PORTMARNOCK • KINSEALY • CLAREHALL

INSIDE: Let our guide help you to find some of the best rests and the right diet See Page 20

RIVERDANCE AT 20: The smash hit is ready to set fans reeling at the Gaiety See Page 17

Coast is clear: Give sand a hand to help clean our beaches Cycling:

Giro d’Italia takes route through Fingal Page 32

Football:

Local minor stars demolish Westmeath Page 31

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27

RUGBY legend and managing director of waste company AWD Group Shane Byrne (second-left) recently helped launch the Coca Cola Clean Coasts Week initiative at Portmarnock Strand. He was joined

by Erica Roseingrave, public affairs and communications manager, Coca-Cola Hellenic Ireland; Annabel FitzGerald, coastal programmes manager, An Taisce, and Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Fergus O’Dowd. The Clean Coasts week takes place from May 9 to 18, with coastal dwellers called on to help clean our beaches. Picture: Naoise Culhane

Bio-tech plant opens main office in Swords Edina, a renewable energy power specialist, praised for ‘leading the way’

 KEITH BELLEW

THE new group headquarters of renewable energy power generation specialists Edina was officially opened

by Minister of State for the

bio-energy sector, Fergus O’Dowd, at Swords Business Park recently.

The opening of the site, which is home to 40 staff, doubled up as a showcase for local organisations, com-

panies and other interested parties to learn about anaerobic digestion – a process to create energy from organic waste – and to promote Irish technological solutions.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF)

welcomed the opening, saying: “It is great to see an Irish-based renewable energy power generation company leading the way across Europe and the world.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 swords gazette 8 May 2014

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

business New site is home to 40 staff

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Minister of State for the bio-energy sector Fergus O’Dowd cut the ribbon at the new site which is home to 40 staff

Edina headquarters opened by Minister

 keith bellew

THE new group headquarters of renewable energy power generation specialists Edina was officially opened at Swords Business Park on May 1.

Minister of State for the bio-energy sector Fergus O’Dowd was on hand to cut the ribbon at the new site which is home to 40 staff working in administration, workshop and stores.

Minister O’Dowd was recently given responsibility for the bio-energy sector at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Already, he has held meetings with local

organisations promoting the benefits of anaerobic digestion. In lay man’s terms, AD is the process of using the bio-gas from organic waste to create energy in the form of electricity and heat. And the Minister has shown a keen interest in how these can help both the economy of Ireland and the wellbeing of its citizens.

The official opening doubled up as a showcase for local organisations, companies and other interested parties to learn about AD and promote Irish technological solutions.

M i n i s t e r O ’ D owd congratulated Edina on its success in the energy market and highlighted the benefits to agriculture, saying: “Bioenergy

will play a critical role in achieving the ambitious renewable energy 2020 target set for Ireland and displacing expensive fossil fuel imports and enhancing our energy supply security.”

Turnover

With a turnover of €55m in 2013, Edina has had a 40% turnover increase year on year over the past four years, and the workforce has doubled since 2006 to 164 staff.

Edina’s joint managing director Tony Fenton, said: “To top it all off, this month we received an innovation award in the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2014 in the UK. It is a very prestigious honour to receive.”.

He added: “We won it for

the design and operation of power generation from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste.”

Manufacturing output doubled in size since 2012 and is forecast to increase by a further 50% by 2015, to which Fenton said: “We are delighted. Our order intake is 110% up on the same time in 2013.”

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) welcomed the news: “It is great to see businesses coming to Swords and in particular Edina. It is great to see an Irish-based renewable energy power generation company leading the way across Europe and the world. I would wish them and their 160 employees every success at their new Swords headquarters. On top of the recent opening of

Ryanair, it is great to see more and more positive news in this regard for Swords and Fingal.”

Set up with five staff in 1985 by late Clontarf native Paul Gibbons, Edina which is 80% Irish-owned has grown consistently even during the worst of recessions, and exports its products manufactured in Ireland to places such as Australia, Europe and the Baltic States.

Edina has been a leading exponent of developing AD power plants in the UK and recently Australia. It also built the first AD projects in Ireland. The company has offices at Little Island, Co Cork, and all manufacturing is done in Ireland at its plant in Lisburn, Co Antrim.

8 May 2014 swords gazette 3

sport Complex readies for passing race

The Green goes pink for the Giro RYAN Tubridy broadcasted live on Wednesday, April 30 as The Green, Malahide donned the pink and turned Italian ahead of Giro d’Italia.

Pink attire was a must, and pink treats and Giro

d’Italia goodies were dished out on the day on a first-come, first-served basis as local businesses and restaurateurs got in gear ahead of the arrival of the competition on Sunday, May 11.

Thousands of people will line the streets of Dundalk, Drogheda, Malahide and Dublin city centre for the final stage of the second-biggest cycling race in the world.

The event is expected to

attract 775 million viewers worldwide, with the section passing through Dublin and its environs hailed by tourism chiefs as a prime opportunity to showcase Ireland to a global tourism market.

Letter go: Support the An Post race

MODEL Katie Larmour joined postman Keith Lally to help launch the 2014 An Post Ras recently, which will soon get under way. The famous race will see participants trying to stamp their name in the history books as a winner of the eight-day road cycling race, which will finish up in Skerries on Sunday, May 25.

With the annual race attracting a range of national, regional and top-level sponsored amateur cycling teams, participants will really have to push the envelope to claim success in the highly-competitive event, with locals urged to come out and cheer on the participants as they pass by on their way to the finish.

community: praise for state-of-the-art facility

Donabate/Portrane opens a new library  keith bellew

DONABATE/Portrane Community Library, at the Donabate/Portrane Community and Leisure Centre, was officially opened by the Mayor of Fingal Kieran Dennison (FG) on Wednesday, April 30.

The delivery of the council’s newest library provides a full range of services, from a collection of lending material including books, CDs, DVDs, prints and gaming, to programmes of events for adults and children, alongside free WiFi and substantial IT resources for the 9,000-strong community in the region.

Laid out across one floor, the library is bright, modern and spacious with comfortable seating for studying or reading.

Borrowers will be able to take items using stateof-the-art “self-service totems”, and use other technologies such as an interactive smart board in the Quiet Room.

Members can also avail of many online services on a 24/7 basis, including book renewals and reservations, free ebooks, downloadable audio books, and educational and language courses.

Designed as a community space to meet the educational, cultural, and leisure needs of the

public, Fingal Libraries services are free of charge and had a collective total of 157,403 registered borrowers in 2013, with 1,077,122 transactions from its nine libraries servicing the Fingal area Director of services with the council AnnMarie Farrelly said: “This new project is unique as it is the first co-location of a public library with a community and leisure centre in Ireland, thereby maximising the efficient use of existing space.

“This allows us to deliver a sustainable community library to the residents on the Donabate/ Portrane peninsula.”

Cllr Dennison said: “I

am very proud that Fingal County Council has one of the highest library memberships in the country. We also have one of the most innovative and proactive library services.”

Already a great success, the new library opened its doors on Monday, April 14 and within the first fortnight had 2,124, visitors and recorded 3,640 transactions.

Senior executive librarian with Fingal Library Service Yvonne O’Brien said: “This library ... located in the centre of the schools campus in Donabate is set to become the heart of the community, accessible to all.”

4 swords gazette 8 May 2014

fundraiser Transition year students thanked and hailed for work on show

Fashion show raises €2,600 for school musical  keith bellew

TRANSITION year students at St Mary’s School, Baldoyle recently held a fashion fundraiser for their show, Seussical The Musical, that is due to be held from May 20 to 22.

Seussical is a musical origi-

nally written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, based on the books of Dr Seuss.

Most of the show is based on Horton Hears a Who!, Horton Hatches The Egg, and The One Feather Tail of Gertrude McFuzz.

The fundraiser show com-

pletely sold out, with more than €2,600 raised on the night.

John Moore, deputy principal, congratulated the students, and said: “Thanks to all those who helped out, including Irish Diaries, who sponsored the tickets and posters, those

who sold admission tickets/ raffle tickets and to those who put up posters and did PR on advertising the show.

“Special thanks to Jimmy O’Byrne for being compere for the night, and to Vanessa Greene, sixth year, for providing sound. A big thanks to all

the teachers involved in the show, which made the night such a success.”

He went on to thank all those who supported the show. “Many thanks to everyone for their support, particularly the Marine Hotel, Sutton for hosting the event, and to all

the fashion suppliers.

“These included Manila in Malahide, Gents of Distinction in Malahide, Only in Santry, Love in Northside Shopping Centre, Pat O’Farrell in Portmarnock, Kathy De Staffords, Bridal Wear in Howth and Dresscode.ie from Finglas.”

Make tracks to Malahide’s third annual classic car show FANS of classic and vintage cars will be in for a real treat on May 18, when around 100 cars will be on display at the third Malahide Classic and Vintage Car Show, where a wide variety of cars from diverse manufacturers and eras will delight all car fans.

One of the stars of the show will be an exact, working replica of the world’s first motor car – the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen. The vehicle is currently owned by Motor Distributors Ltd, concessionaires for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland.

This specific car was engineered by apprentices at the Mercedes-Benz

headquarters in Stuttgart to mark the centenary of the motorcar.

The Malahide Classic and Vintage Car Show is being organised by Malahide Lions Club and will take place at the Grand Hotel in Malahide village on Sunday, May 18.

Entrance to the event costs €5 per adult, or €10 for a family ticket, with all proceeds going to St Francis Hospice in Raheny and other charitable causes.

Adding to the fun, comedy star June Rodgers will officially open the family- friendly event, which runs from 12 noon until 6pm.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF): “Fingal has one of the highest local property tax compliance rates in the country and we should see a greater pay-back and reward to Fingal residents as a result of this”

charge: ‘use a percentage for local issues’

Call for property tax to fund areas

 keith bellew

UNDER a new financing plan proposed by Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), residential estates in Swords and Fingal would be provided with new funding over the next five years to tackle local issues.

The plan would essentially ringfence up to 10% of the total property tax paid in each estate or road for essential works that are required in each area.

Key local issues such as poor lighting, removing prominent graffiti, addressing potholes and

road maintenance, tackling anti-social behaviour in alleyways, the upkeep of green areas and upkeep of social housing in each estate would be identified as areas which would be tackled by this funding.

Cllr Butler said: “The scheme would enable local resident committees across Swords and Fingal to apply for funding to outline the key issues in their area which need to be tackled.

“It would include the likely cost, the proposed suppliers subject to a tender process and the

feedback from local residents on why they want these issues tackled.”

He continued: “The basic premise of the plan is that the substantial property tax, which these estates will be paying in 2014, should be used to service the very areas it is collected from.

“Fingal has one of the highest local property tax compliance rates in the country and we should see a greater payback and reward to Fingal residents as a result of this.”

However, Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) said he

would go one better and proposed that 15% be allocated to local issues, and that on top of this, he would also seek a reduction in commercial rates.

He said: “There should be a reduction in commercial rates to ease the burden on the business community. This would give businesses an incentive to expand and hire more people and it would encourage investment in the area.

“The business community has been carrying Fingal for years,” he said.

8 May 2014 swords gazette 5

arts Locals write a musical about a New York lawyer’s life

Students taking a Big Shot at success  keith bellew

ST PATRICK’S College student Lauryn Gaffney from Malahide, and Dunboyne native and Dublin City University student Bob Mc Quaid, have spent the past 18 months writing the script and score for a new original musical, Big Shot.

Both students have vast experience when it comes to the stage.

Between performances in shows ranging from Rent to Oliver, to Royal Irish Academy of Music Musical Theatre grades, to tours of Germany, the pair are no strangers to music and, in particular, to musical theatre.

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

‘I had never written a script before, but I started writing and it turned out much better than I thought.’

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

Lauryn Gaffney

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

However, Big Shot is the first show that they have written and directed.

When asked about the success of the show, to date, Lauryn, who has been involved in the theatre since she was a

child, said: “The cast is amazing. We have been really lucky. We actually oversold both shows and the reviews have been great.”

Big Shot tells the tale of New York lawyer Jeremy Crocker, who is caught up in an enthralling love triangle loaded with murder, passion and justice.

Catchy chorus songs such as The Coffee Shop Song, and The Thrill of the Kill – an intense song portraying the lead villains’ love for committing murder – alongside powerful love ballads such as I Need You. Lauryn said: “I had written a lot of the songs

first and I showed them to my friend, Bob, and he said: ‘I want in on this’, so I started writing a script.

“I had never written a script before, and I didn’t think I would be able to do it, but I started writing and it just kind of came to me, and it turned out much better than I thought.”

After months of workshops and rehearsals, the show was performed for the first time in DCU’s The Venue on April 1.

That, and the following performance in Bewley’`s Cafe Theatre on April 15, were both sell-out successes.

The next show will be staged at St Pat’s Audi-

The Big Shot cast in full swing at DCU’s The Venue recently

torium, Drumcondra on May 8, and promises to be their best performance to date.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets can be bought on the night, or reserved by emailing big-

shotthemusical@gmail. com, while updates can also be found on the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/bigshotthemusical.

Plans are currently being put in place for the summer season, with

plans to bring Big Shot as far as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Of this, Lauryn said: “We would love to go. We’re just looking for investment.

We have a few directors coming to the next show.”

6 swords gazette 8 May 2014

election Local candidates talk to The Gazette about what Rathfarnham local election candidates (SDCC)

Mark Savage Non-Party Philip Lynam Sinn Fein Tom Kelleher Labour Lech Szczecinski Non-Party

Joe Newman Non-Party

Howth/Malahide local election candidates

Darragh Butler Fianna Fail

Cian O’Callaghan Non-Party

Adrian Henchy Fianna Fail-

Eoghan O’Brien Fianna Fail

John Hennessy Fianna Fail

Aileen Woods Fianna Fail

Anne Devitt Non-Party

David Healy Greens

Duane Browne Non-Party

Judy Dunne Labour

Valerie Harvey Non-Party Joe O’Neill Non-Party Frank Mulville Non-Party Ian Croft Non-Party

Ken Duffy Greens

Brian Mc Donagh Labour

Gerry McGuire Labour

Anthony Lavin Fine Gael

Duncan Smith Labour

Marie O’Toole Fine Gael

Diane Sexton Fine Gael

Keith Redmond Fine Gael

Robert Dowling Fine Gael

Daire Ni Laoi Sinn Fein

Eugene Coppinger Anti

Lech Szczecinski Non-Party

Austerity Alliance

David O’Connor Non-Party

Fergal O’Connell Non-Party

Jimmy Guerin Non-Party

Contenders set out their stalls for ballot WITH the local elections just over two weeks away, The Gazette joined local election candidates on the campaign trail for election 2014,or spoke to them about their intentions if they are successfully voted in.

The campaign has been a tough one for this slew of candidates, with Government party

contenders having to explain themselves on water charges and property tax, as well as homelessness which is an issue to the forefront of many voters’ minds.

There have also been changes to the electoral boundaries, and many areas are gaining a number of council seats.

For those voters who still haven’t made up their minds, over the next three weeks Keith Bellew will focus on the local election candidates running in your area, with candidates laying out their stalls and letting you know what they stand for and, hopefully, helping you to make your decision.

anne devitt: independent candidate for swords

Canvassing has been positive INDEPENDENT candidate Anne Devitt has been canvassing the local area for months, and in the past couple of weeks has been going door to door to meet voters, who according to her, “only really got engaged when the posters came up”.

She says that the response from voters to her personally has been positive but, on the whole, they are quite annoyed.

“I’ve had the door slammed in my face four times, but 95% of people are extraordinarily polite. Overall, the response has been wonderful,” says Cllr Devitt.

She says that people are very supportive of her as an Independent candidate, and that while she has no wish to speak badly of her former Fine Gael colleagues, with whom she parted ways in 2012, being an Independent candidate has been positive for her.

Along with the housing crisis, which she maintains is often a “hidden” problem, one of the big issues for Cllr Devitt is the state of Swords’ Main Street and the County Hall building, which she describes as “dilapidated”, and believes should be properly maintained.

Other important issues for her relate to transport. She believes that, as it is growing, Swords needs a train route to the city, and that the issue of car parking and speeding in residential areas needs to be tackled.

Although BMX cyclists can avail of skatepark facilities quite easily, she has suggested the construction of a park designated specifically for BMXs akin to those used for skateboards. She has seen many BMX enthusiasts around Swords, and suggested that such a park could be built in the Brack-

enstown area.

She has also suggested that, given the success of the recent Viking 1014 commemorations, the area around Swords Castle be used for further community events.

If re-elected, Cllr Devitt says that she will “continue to work on the same issues like Main Street Swords, engage with the public about community facilities, and think smartly about how facilities are used”.

cian o’callaghan: independent candidate for malahide

Lots of disillusioned voters CLLR Cian O’Callaghan has hit the streets of his ward, knocking on doors and finding out just what residents are looking for in a local councillor.

The Independent candidate says: “In general, people aren’t very happy with the current Government and are very disappointed in politics,” adding that despite this, he has personally received a positive response.

“There has been a positive reaction to me as an Independent. Because of people’s heavy disillusionment with the parties, there is a lot of support for Independents,” he says.

Planning and zoning are the issues that most concern Cllr O’Callaghan, and that is the area he intends to focus much of his attention on, if elected to the council.

He firmly believes that the green belt

in the area must be kept intact, and that “breathing space” between communities is essential, as opposed to endless concrete links which would amount to complete suburban sprawl.

By maintaining the green belt, he believes that each community would be able to retain its own individual identity.

One of the big issues he has encountered through his canvassing is the water tax. He says that many people, particularly those on a fixed income like pensions, say that they would not mind the water charge as much if not for the local property tax, and those who are working have cited pay cuts as another factor.

He says that there is a lack of political reform that needs to be dealt with at a national level, but the beginnings of which can be made locally. One aspect of this that

he mentions – and which other Independents have echoed – is the money spent by councillors attending conferences.

He believes that this money should be spent locally, citing the maintenance of footpaths as an excellent use of funds.

Many older residents have spoken to him of their fears of falling due to a lack of footpaths in certain areas, which forces them to either traverse ground that could be treacherous to them or remain immobile.

8 May 2014 swords gazette 7

they stand for, and the issues the electorate is raising judy dunne: labour candidate for malahide

justin sinnott: independent candidate for swords

Housing issues are on the rise Voters are very receptive LABOUR Party candidate for Howth/Malahide Judy Dunne says that while, on the whole, things have been going very well, there have been times when people were less than friendly: “When people don’t know you, they just see you as a member of the Labour Party.”

Some of the main issues raised by local residents include right-of-way issues in Howth, and across-the-board issues of local amenities, dog fouling, and the provision of local council services such as grass-cutting.

Water services are an issue of particular importance in Portmarnock, she says, with little to no water pressure there due to increased use at the weekends. “The system is unable to cater for the demand,” she says, adding that there is a need for housing but that “water and sewerage services need to be provided first”.

She also highlighted the housing crisis, asserting that it was becoming very difficult for people on rent allowance to find accommodation as many landlords will not lease to tenants who avail of it.

She also drew attention to the plight of

young mothers, saying: “I know of two or three cases in Portmarnock alone of young mothers being told by landlords that they are selling up and they have to leave.”

Along with Age Action, Dunne has been at bi-monthly senior citizen forums, at which she receives feedback on issues affecting the elderly, and says that this is something she is committed to continuing.

The delivery of frontline services is the most important thing to her, she says: “I want to put citizens and the community first. I’m advocating for them – it’s not about what I want, it’s what they want.”

JUSTIN Sinnott is current chairperson of the Parklands Residents’ Committee and one of the founding members of the Northwood Apartment Owners’ Alliance.

The Independent candidate has been canvassing since January and says that things have been going “very solidly”, and he has found that people are “very disillusioned with local government”.

When asked whether or not people were receptive to him, considering that he is an Independent as opposed to a party candidate, he says: “People are very receptive. If it were a Dail election, it might be different, but at a local level they are very receptive.”

He maintains that his main objectives are to ensure tax money is spent locally and also to establish a watchdog to make sure tax money is not wasted and is spent properly.

He believes that wastage within local Government is a problem, citing training and conferences attended by councillors.

To this end, he would like to see the introduction of a councillors’ community fund:

“Each new councillor donates €1,000 of their salary towards improving the community.”

He maintains that people who live in estates that were built during the past decade have to fight continually for basic services and therefore need a representative on Fingal County Council. “I will oppose any increase in the local property tax. The property tax is particularly unfair – [such as for] those of us who live on estates built during the boom and [who] have to pay a service charge. Unlike political party candidates, I can guarantee I will keep this [property tax] promise.”

8 SWORDS Gazette 8 May 2014

gazetteGALLERIES

Ciara Regan with her son, Aaron

Deirdre Moran

Angela Day, Emily Noonan, Lauren Fagan and Julie Lynch

joining in the Vila celebrations were Jackie Oglesby, Nicola Smith and Grainne Maguire. Pictures: David O’Shea

Laura Watson and Ciara Tully

8 May 2014 SWORDS Gazette 9

Ailson McGilligan and Serena Lawlor

Abi and Zoe Moran with friends. Pictures: Ana Kazadojeva

come in: more to swords library than books on a shelf

S

WORDS Library held an informative social and information evening recently, at which the community was able to learn first-hand about the vital facility’s diverse range of services, as well as its new stock.

Poet Maighread Medbh was on hand to deliver readings, while the winners of recent competitions at the library were announced, while children, in particular, were treated to a great look at what is available to them. The evening was a great way to show how Swords Library, and Fingal’s libraries, engage with the wider community in a number of ways.

Tara O’Brien

birthday: women’s fashion outlet turns one

Vila throws party in fine fashion

Toby Mbanusi

T

HE Gazette had to brush past plenty of fashion fans when it called to the Swords Pavilions recently, where Vila was celebrating its first birthday. The women’s fashion outlet drew plenty of well-wishers and fashionistas throughout the day, happy to celebrate the milestone event at the busy shopping centre. Vila’s wares were the star of the day, as always, as the shoppers and wellwishers were able to look back on the past year in business, as well as looking ahead to some of the latest styles and trends covered by the stylish clothing.

Isaac and Margaret Findley

David Tynan and Aoife Bourke

Gillian Cox and Eve Wright VIP Molly Kingston

The Vila boutique commanded great attention

Ella Fitzsimons and Una Meers

10 swords gazette 8 May 2014

gazetteGALLERY

Nora Tiernan and Gillian Corbally

Actor Idris Elba with U2 bassist Adam Clayton at Buck’s Townhouse. Idris was in town for his third DJ set at the venue. Under his DJ name Big Driis, he got the crowd in a right spin as he pumped out the biggest hits for the bank holiday party crew. Pictures: Patrick O’Leary

Buck’s Townhouse: Actor Idris Elba takes to the decks

Superstar DJ sets the Dublin crowd spinning

Bronwyn Keane, Caroline Malone and Clodagh Byrne

Manini Linuza

Asheena Naidoo

Corina Arcus

Jodie Woods, Michelle McGrath and Holly Keating

Emily MacKeogh and Faith Barnett

8 May 2014 Gazette 11

diary P14

asdfsdaf businessP27 P16

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



Gazette

feature P12

what’son celebrating a much-loved book: One of the

Ballinteer man David Gillick is one of Ireland’s most decorated athletes. Picture: Geraldine Woods

a day in the life: top irish athlete david gillick on a typical day

‘Life has changed a lot’  stephen finlater

SINCE returning to Dublin, life has been hectic for Ballinteer man David Gillick.

One of Ireland’s most decorated athletes – a two-time European indoor 400m champion – he has come back to Ireland following stints in the US and England and, while he is still intending to compete at a high level, he is currently pursuing a string of new challenges off the track.

“Life has changed a lot since I have come back and I am looking for other opportunities,” he said of his schedule.

“Right now, it’s straight up and start the day with my standard porridge in a bowl! I try to get my training done early; depending on the day, it could be a running session or be in the gym.

“That takes a couple of hours and then I look at my plan for the day, whether it’s looking at my schools healthy eating initiative or whether I am preparing for my TV slot with Ireland AM on healthy cooking.”

That part of his life developed from his star turn on Celebrity Masterchef, winning the title in August 2013 and is something that is forming a sizeable portion of his daily routine.

Recently, he helped launch the Aviva Healthy Schools Challenge while he also runs initiatives with local schools to promote healthy eating and nutritional information.

He has also been working with Athletics Ireland to liaise with their emerging athletes to give advice on managing their lives in an elite environment.

Once that is complete, though, it is straight back to the training paddock as the 2008 Olympian harbours hopes of qualifying for the European championships which take place later this year in Zurich, Switzerland.

“There’s always something big in

the middle of the day to keep my mind active which is important.

“In the afternoon, I am usually back into the gym for a core session of pilates or yoga or something like that.

“Then, in the evening, in recent times, I have been helping the St John’s senior team as a trainer in Ballinteer, taking them through drills. That would be the gist of most days.

“By the end of it, I am knackered but planning once again for what to do the next day!

“It goes pretty quick and there are not enough hours in the day but I am enjoying it. I am getting training done and have lots of other things going on.”

modern day’s best loved children’s books, the Gruffalo, is celebrating its 15th anniversary and to mark the occasion a Dublin bookstore is hosting a day of free activities.

Join the Gutter Bookshop in Cow’s Lane, Dublin 2, for the special day of celebration to mark the Gruffalo’s milestone birthday. On the day there will be stories and activities and all kinds of fun at this family event that is suitable for children aged one to five who must be accompanied by an adult. The event, which takes place at 11am on May 17, lasts about one hour and is free.

No booking is required, drop in only.

This event is part of a number of events taking place across Dublin this month as part of the Dublin Writers Festival. The festival takes place from May 17 to 25. The Gutter Bookshop is located in Cow’s Lane, Dublin 2.

For further information on other events see: www. dublinwritersfestival.com

Gazette

12 Gazette 8 May 2014

dublinlife

support: new social welfare strategy

Anti-fraud initiative is rolled out

 keith bellew

A N E W s t r a t e g y, apparently aimed at clamping down on fraud within the social welfare system, has just been introduced by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton.

Launching the strategy, Minister Burton said her department and the Revenue Commissioners now have a “very detailed capacity” to tie in data about people claiming benefits.

She added that around €10m had been recovered from such investigations on fraud, and an additional €23m in payments that would otherwise have been made in such cases had been saved.

She went on to say that her department’s recently published annual report said that the “vast majority” of people on social welfare are claiming the correct entitlement that is due to them, but added: “however, a small minority is not, and a range of measures is employed by the

department to ensure that social welfare fraud and abuse is minimised, and that its control activity is appropriately focused.”

However, Socialist MEP Paul Murphy has accused Minister Burton of spinning a cynical ruse. He said: “This latest plan is nothing more than a charade which is being used to prepare the ground for more attacks on unemployed people. “€10m has been ‘saved’ so far, apparently, and they plan to save €510m. These figures give the impression that there is massive fraud going on.

“In 2011, for instance, we were told that €645m had been saved through anti-fraud measures – yet when the figures were dug into, it emerged that 78.9% of that was due to errors on the department’s side in relation to overpayments, rather than fraud.

“The cases of fraud which she uses are to cynically demonise everyone on welfare,” he said.

The latest move to tackle social welfare fraud has attracted mixed reaction

Just some of the superb African fashions and make-up that will be among the From Africa With Love showcase. Pictures: Ricky Mangala Photography

party: sample the continent’s food, fashion and fun

Vibrant celebration of African nations

 keith bellew

FROM Africa With Love (FAWL) – a chic celebration of African people, achievements, cultural heritage, traditions and values – will take place at The Gresham Hotel on Saturday, May 31.

This annual event illuminates the beauty, creativity, innovative practices and diversity of the African people, and is inspired and influenced

by Africa Day. The celebration is aimed at educating, challenging stereotypes, and writing its own stories through a presentation of the continent of Africa’s diverse cultures.

F AW L o r g a n i s e r Tolu Omoyele said: “We believe the African community adds to the

vibrant, cosmopolitan nature of Dublin city, and From Africa With Love is the platform dedicated to showcasing the creative and enterprising African.

“Our mission is to use this platform for a positive representation of the people of African ancestry. This will be achieved by investing in ourselves, and the younger generation.

“FAWL seeks to highlight the diversity of African culture, and the creativity and innovation of African people using multiple mediums including arts, fashion, entrepreneurship, design, entertainment, culture and innovation,” she said.

The inaugural From Africa With Love took place in May 2012 at the Clarence Hotel, where the

event was a fashion and exhibition showcase presented by international high-end African fashion designers from across Europe. The guests were wowed with musical performances and enjoyed sampling of African finger food and drinks This year’s event will be an evening of fashion, culture and beautiful living hosted by former Mr World, Kamal Ibrahim, with Vanessa Stout.

There will be exhibitions of fashion, arts, and culture featuring local and international businesses, who source their Fair Trade goods from African nations, thus creating jobs there.

The Irish launch of the multi-award winning budget management book, Recession Buster:

10 Steps to Managing Your Household Budget: (A Little at a Time), by scholar Tokie Laotan Brown, takes place at the event, where guests will have the opportunity of meeting and greeting the author throughout the night.

Meanwhile, Afrobeats music will be performed by artists including Jazz Trio headliner Jess Kav, Kempes and DJ Daley.

The evening starts at 6pm, and continues until 11pm. At 7pm, guests will be treated to dancing demonstrations courtesy of Dance Dance Dance, and Kizomba, the Angola Rhythm.

A fashion show starts at 7.45pm and will feature local fashion designers Akani Collection, The Muffler - Clothing Line

Brand, FashionShed Int, Simply Glamorous, Tola Vintage and Mullalo, and special guest designer, Adella_Ma..keup.

Much of the clothing is made from traditional material sourced from African nations.

This will be followed at 9pm by the Irish Fashion Diversity Award. For the first time in the Irish fashion industry, FAWL will recognise outstanding contributions to diversity within the industry.

This special award will be presented to the couturist fashionista, Claire Garvey.

Tickets for this unique event are available from w w w.eventbrite.com, under the From Africa With Love Dublin section, and are priced €20, or €15 for students.

8 May 2014 Gazette 13

feature escape the mayhem: pieta house founder joan freeman

A Longford retreat to recuperate and relax IN THIS week’s Escape The Mayhem, Joan Freeman, the founder of self-harm and suicide prevention centre Pieta House, talks about her getaway in Longford A COUNTRY haven facing a lake in Longford is the place Pieta House founder, Joan Freeman, finds tranquillity from her demanding workload.

“We have a little cottage in Longford that overlooks a lake. It is the only place I can sleep a full night.

“There is no internet and the signal is rubbish for the phone, which is all the reasons my mind stops! I just slow down completely when I go there.

“It looks out over Lough Gowna. I haven’t been there since November; I used to be able to go down once a month, but we have opened three new centres, so it will probably be the end of May before I do get down there again.

“When I am there, I would cut the grass or I potter around. Pat, my husband, and I would usually go out for something to eat, looking like wrecks because we have been in the garden all day!

“We would eat in the local pub, [just have] a drink and that for me is

pure bliss,” she said.

“Sometimes I would go on my own just for the quiet, and I would recuperate there. I think everyone needs to do it; the ideal is to do it every day.

“One thing I am trying to do is to have 15 minutes or half an hour in the morning to meditate or pray – it is one way to start your day, and another way to end it.

“It brings that balance back and that quiet back.

It sets me up for the day,” she said.

The Darkness Into Light 5km annual fundraising walk/run in aid of the charity takes place this Saturday, May 10, starting at 4.15am.

In this, participants will begin their journey in darkness, but finish as the new day dawns.

Pieta House now has six centres across the country dedicated to the prevention of self-harm or suicide. For further information, see www. pieta.ie.

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14 Gazette 8 May 2014

dublinlife

Oisin throws his weight behind an old tradition Ahoy there me hearties – Lord Mayor Oisin Quinn tried out his sea legs on board the MV St Bridget to perform the Casting of the Spear ceremony recently.

Facing the camera for the photo opportunity, the Honorary Admiral of the Dublin Port – aka Oisin Quinn – gave a, doyou-seriously-want-meto-do-this-look before throwing the spear out into the calm waters of Dublin Bay. The casting of the spear is a Dublin Port tradition dating back 526 years.

The ceremony was reenacted last week as part of the launch of the Dublin - Land and Sea ticket

by Dublin Bay Cruises and Dublin Sightseeing.

This ceremony marks just one of the many famous moments in Dublin Port’s long and remarkable history since its establishment as a trading centre some 1,200 years ago.

teacher training opportunities available in uk Irish graduates and aspiring teachers can find out about attractive teacher training opportunities on offer in the UK at the upcoming Train to Teach event at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham on May 10.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet rep-

resentatives from both schools and universities that offer teacher training programmes, including those involved in the School Direct route, and discuss the different training options available.

The event will also showcase opportunities for career progression and provide information on the substantial taxfree bursaries of up to €24,000, scholarships of up to €30,000 for candidates who train to teach certain subjects, and a competitive starting salary.

The Train and Teach event will r un from 9.30am to 4pm at the Royal Hospital in Kil-

Launching Walk in My Shoes in support of St Patrick’s Hospital Foundation were Brent Pope, Adam Clayton, Alison Canavan, Original Rude Boys members Sean Walsh and Robert Birch, Ray Foley and ORB member Sean Arkins. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Lord Mayor of Dublin Oisin Quinn with Lucy McCaffrey, chairperson, Dublin Port Company, performing the five centuries old tradition of Casting the Spear into Dublin Bay

mainham, Dublin on May 10.

Entrance to the events is free. Registering in advance is advised by going to w w w.traintoteach.education.gov. uk/sign-up, however you can also register at the venue on the day.

big names put their funky feet forward U2’s Adam Clayton and a host of Irish celebrities put their best foot forward to launch Walk in My Shoes, an annual fundraiser in aid of St Patrick’s Hospital.

Model Alison Canavan, TV and radio presenter Ray Foley, rugby pundit Brent Pope and The Original Rude Boys joined the superstar to call on the Irish public to join them, in supporting the annual fundraiser by wearing funky or mismatched shoes on May 9.

Inspired by a 16-yearold in St Patrick’s University Hospital who wished his friends could “walk in his shoes” to

understand what he was going through, Walk in My Shoes raises funds to provide mental health support, information and services to vulnerable young adults in Ireland.

Support Walk in My Shoes by hosting a funky shoe day in work, school or in your local community; snap your shoes and share the pic online through #walkinmyshoes or text Shoes to 57802 to donate €2 Get involved/make a donation, visit www. walkinmyshoes.ie.

over 300 to get on their bikes for charity Three hundred plus people will participate in the 25th annual Willow Wheelers Cycling Club 160km cycle this Sunday in aid of water, health and education projects in the developing world.

The annual cycle has raised almost €2m in funding to date.

T he club engages directly with Irish missionaries working in deprived areas of the

world who are in need of funding for local projects.

Participants will leave Blackrock and travel via Trim and Ballivor en route to Kinnegad, where they will take a short rest-stop before returning to Blackrock where 1987 Tour de France winner Stephen Roche will greet them.

W i l l ow W h e e l e r s founder Christy McDaid said: “This will be the 25th 160km cycle since the club was founded in 1989. Since then, the number of participants has grown from just 20 to over 300, which has resulted in a significant amount of money being raised for the Third World projects we support.”

any excuse for a portion of fish and chips Chipper lovers would be well advised to loosen a couple of notches on their belt come May 28, as the 129-year-old tradition of a “one and one” will be celebrated

with the fifth annual Irish Traditional Italian Chippers Association (ITICA), National Fish and Chips Day. All members of ITICA nationwide will offer their customers half price fish and chips to celebrate the momentous occasion.

The Irish Italian chipper culture was started by members of the Irish Italian community who arrived in Ireland in the 1880s from the villages in Val Di Comino in southern Italy.

Established in December 2009 and n ow w i t h ove r 18 0 members throughout the country, ITICA was created to promote and build on the traditional values and ethos of the Irish Italian chipper community.

Peter Borza, chairman, ITICA, commented: “We are truly overwhelmed by the response each year and look forward to celebrating the tradition of a ‘one and one’ in our local communities again this May.”

8 May 2014 Gazette 15

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 8 May 2014

DUBLINLIFE

BUSINESS

The exterior of the new Cos store on Wicklow Street – the first standalone outlet in Ireland for the international brand; below, part of the interior

Boost for Grafton area as Cos opens  MIMI MURRAY

Dublin 15 mother of two and entrepreneur Christine Carolan (inset) has launched a range of reversible baby

THE first Cos standalone store in Ireland has officially opened in Dublin, marking a new chapter for the fashion brand.

The brand, known for its functional design, quality and affordability, opened the new store on Wicklow Street, taking over the former Tower Records site in the city centre’s main shopping area.

It sits alongside highend brands and boutiques.

The 574sq m store is laid out across two floors and features full collections of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.

The store has opened with the fresh and dynamic Cos spring summer 2014 collection, com-

products, making them ideal for those looking to buy in confidence for expected babies, or as gifts

ENTREPRENEUR: COMPANY’S UNISEX CLOTHING RANGE

Beat the tricky baby gender guessing game  LAURA WEBB

prising bold shapes and soft colours.

Remaining aligned with the Cos aesthetic, the store’s interior focuses on the use of natural materials and stylish minimal features, creating a relaxing and enjoyable shopping environment for all.

Of the expansion, Marie Honda, Cos overall brand responsible,

said: “Since opening our first Cos concession in Ireland in 2010, we have been fortunate that the brand received positive response.

“We are pleased to have opened our first store in Ireland. Dublin is a unique, vibrant and exciting city, and the opening marks an exciting step for the brand.”

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

A DUBLIN 15 mother has turned entrepreneur with her new baby wear business, that aims to solve the problem of people guessing baby genders.

Christine Carolan, from Tyrrelstown, launched Happynest – a range of reversible baby products that are perfect for both baby boys and girls, meaning that passing down baby products to siblings is no longer a problem.

She came up with the idea when she was deciding what to do with the huge selection of clothes, sleeping bags and wraps that her two baby daughters (Eve and Sophie) had quickly grown out of.

She said: “I had some beautiful items that were practically new, and I would have loved to gift them to friends who had new baby boys – but they were all pink!

“I contacted one friend who was pregnant, and asked if she knew what she was having, as I had some lovely pink items.

“She didn’t know what she was having, and I thought to myself: ‘Isn’t it a shame there are no products out there that you could gift to people ahead of the birth of the child?” said Carolan.

She thought it would be great if baby products came in reversible blue and pink designs, and she began sketching ideas.

However, as a senior

communications manager with a multinational company, and juggling the demands of being a mother to two energetic girls, her ideas were little more than a hobby – until the economic downturn delivered a blessing in disguise.

In 2012, Carolan was made redundant. After the initial shock, she realised this might just be the opportunity she was waiting for.

She now had the time to focus on her idea and, before long, Carolan had designed a range of baby bedding and accessories in reversible pink and blue colours.

And so, Happynest was born, and after months of preparation, it was time

to launch its own website, too.

The business officially went live earlier this year on March 14, with three products to start off with – a super-soft fleece cosynest for newborns, a swaddle for babies from three months, and a warm, cuddly sleeping bag that grows with the baby.

Carolan has a complete catalogue of designs coming down the line.

She said: “I love managing the business and promoting the brand. My background is PR and communications, so I am always thinking of new ways of getting my new baby wear out there.”

For further information, see www.happynest.ie.

8 May 2014 GAZETTE 17

MUSIC P24

ASDFSDAF P25 P27 MOTORING

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

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GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK P18

Pets

A LOVING HOME NEEDED FOR FINN

Whether compared to the staid image of Irish dancing before its spectacular first showing in 1994, or when compared to the invasive creep of fake ringlets and wigs in subsequent years, Riverdance’s legacy cannot be underestimated – not least thanks to its central, bravura dancing from both Michael Flatley and Jean Butler (inset)

THEATRE: ICONIC PRODUCTION GEARING UP FOR ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Step back to Riverdance

 IAN BEGLEY

RIVERDANCE is returning to the Gaiety Theatre in June, and to celebrate its 20th anniversary, people are being asked to share their own Riverdance memories online.

From June 23 to August 31 the iconic Irish performance will emerge at the Gaiety Theatre and showcase an extensive line-up of Irish dancers and music.

Since its origins in Eurovision 1994, Riverdance has been experienced live by more than 23 million people worldwide across six continents, and boasts a worldwide television audience of more than two billion people.

Riverdance senior executive producer Julian Erskine spoke to The Gazette

about the show and the impact it has had since its beginning.

He said: “It just struck us that whenever there’s talk about Riverdance, and especially about the beginning of Riverdance in 1994, people always seem to remember where they were when they watched it.

“We thought it would be interesting to ask people for their thoughts or their memories, and we’re trying to build up a whole file of those on our website for people to read and enjoy.

“If you think back 20 years, it was even more stunning, because the only image of Irish dancing in those days was the competition dresses, the ringlets and the curls, and the boys in kilts, but what people experienced with Riverdance was just completely shocking.

“It was so different and so fresh, and when Michael Flatley burst out onto the stage – no one had ever done that before in an Irish dance production.

“What people sometimes forget is that before Riverdance, there was no such thing as a professional Irish dancer, and now there are people who make their living from Irish dancing and get paid for it,” he said.

Erskine got involved with Riverdance only several months after the Eurovision show in 1994, and he began to work on putting together a full-length show, which launched in February 1995.

He said: “There are certain parts of the show that we would never touch, and there are particular parts that people want to see when they come to it.

“There are also parts of the show that we changed over the years, but largely the show this year is very similar to the show that went on in 1995.

“The lead dancers are a guy from Cavan named James Grenan, and his female partner is a lady named Chloey Turner, from England.

“This is our 11th year in the Gaiety, which has proved to be an enormous success,” he said.

Riverdance, the full-length show, will run at the Gaiety Theatre from June 23 to August 31, and tickets are available now.

You can share your memories of Riverdance online at www.riverdance. com, or by using the tag #riverdance20 on a number of social media platforms such as Instagram.

THE Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is handsome crossbreed Finn. Finn is about five years old.

He arrived here at Dogs Trust recently and is quite overwhelmed after being in a loving home all of his life.

He absolutely adores his food and has a really sharp brain, so he would love to be engaged in training with tasty treats to help keep him focused. He just loves company and would love a home where he is the only dog. If you think that could be you, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50 and would love to show you around. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie

FOR UP TO DAT E N E W S FOLLOW US:

Gazette

18 Gazette 8 May 2014

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

La Maison

French restaurant

Castle Market Street La Maison makes a indulge in a little

EATING outdoors is so nice – I mean, it can be so nice, if the weather permits, and if the sun is beaming down on you as you sip a cold glass of rose, preferably in France.

Okay, so I have let myself drift off into one of my regular fantasies, about a life lived in Provence, or Ibiza, or anywhere that regularly guarantees four to five months of consistent sunshine.

In this fantasy, I am sitting overlooking the bay in the old town of Eivissa, with the orange trees lightly swishing in the breeze, and wearing very little ...

However, this fantasy is never going to become a reality in Ireland – and definitely not in Dublin – but I love when a restaurant attempts to make their outdoor dining space a place where I want to eat.

La Maison, a French

great impression from le start, with an inviting outdoor eating area making it a semi-secluded spot to bit of people-watching, whether waiting for or during your delicious meal

The Picky Eater restaurant on Castle Market Street, does just that. They have a lovely enclosed outdoor dining space on the walkway between Drury Street and South William Street – an area that’s choc-a-bloc with decent restaurants.

On a busy Saturday night recently, I was only too delighted to get a table in this area, which offers a good view for people-watching and snug blankets to throw over your person when the temperature drops.

The waiting staff really are lovely and go above and beyond. Bread and dips are always welcome to nibble on, and the restaurant offers this in abundance, almost leaving us not requiring a starter.

But, for the purpose of this article – and with downright greediness – we sampled the platter of mediterranean dips, with lots of tasty bits and

pieces from that region (which cost €7.50).

I decided to share Pat McLoughin’s Rib of Irish Beef with my sister.

This masterpiece comes with chunky chips and a green salad.

It was presented on a beautiful platter, and there was plenty of food left over, enough for a pretty tinfoil doggy bag!

The meat cut like butter, and was cooked exactly how we asked for it; medium-rare. This cost €59 to share.

The second sister dining with us went for a classic sole meuniere, pan-fried black sole with lemon and capers (€33).

She went for this dish on my recommendation, and I recoiled in horror when she told me she had never sampled this fish before.

However, she wasn’t disappointed, and she was chuffed with an interesting selection of

The interior is just as conducive to a good evening as the company-friendly outdoor area

potatoes and vegetables on the side.

All this was washed down with a bottle of Moulin Montarels sauvignon blanc, from the Languedoc region (€23).

This was a perfectly fine wine; nothing special, but very drinkable.

I really recommend trying this place as it offers value for money, insofar as you are guaranteed good-quality food with a decent food providence.

It may not be cheap, but what you are getting is worth every penny.

Conclusion THE prices might make some gulp a little, but you certainly get what you pay for at La Maison (at 15 Castle Market Street, Dublin 2; tel 01 672 7258). A great setting, good staff – and, of course, top-notch cuisine – make it an ooh-la-lovely spot for a great meal.

8 May 2014 Gazette 19

theatre: twelfth night at the abbey

Poetry

Audiences won’t grow Bard of this lively work  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IT IS no surprise that it has been 30 years since one of Shakespeare’s plays was performed on the stage of our national theatre, the Abbey.

The Abbey was established, after all, to provide a platform for Irish plays and Irish players.

However, this month the Bard returns to Dublin with a decidedly Irish twist as the Abbey takes on one of Shakespeare’s most popular and accessible comedies, Twelfth Night.

The cast of this production is mainly young actors using their own accents, which range from working class Dublin to a northern-Irish lilt.

H owe ve r, S h a ke speare’s text is unaltered and the cast do a good job of interpreting it intelligently.

The whole production is modern – there are no period costumes but plain modern dress; the set is bare and nonintrusive, with four large speakers dominating the scene, which are moved about by the cast between scenes.

Mu s i c a n d dance play a large part in the show, too, with songs sung by Ger Kelly who plays the clown, Feste.

The story of Twelfth Night is a typical comedy of errors, replete with impossible coincidence, mistaken identities and playful trickery.

Love is the main theme as Viola (played by Sophie Robinson), disguised as a boy, must woo Olivia (Natalie RadmallQuirke) on behalf of her master the duke Orsino, as though she is herself in love with Orsino.

Complicate To further complicate matters, Olivia falls for Viola as the disguised boy, Cessario.

Viola believes her twin brother, Sebastian (Gavin Fullam) died during a shipwreck, yet he was rescued by Antonio, a sea captain (Conor Madden), who becomes his lover and is then rebuffed

by Sebastian.

This homosexual relationship is not depicted so clearly by Shakespeare, of course, but director Wayne Jordan has included it very

believably in the present production.

The play is a long one, lasting almost three and a half hours, and although the mainly inexperienced cast delivers a brave attempt to keep the audience captive throughout, the effort is sometimes unsuccessful.

Some reasons for this include a distinctly low energy at times during scenes, which loses the audience’s attention, and a static element which sees the actors all standing like statues while speaking or listening as a scene rolls out.

Those who do not fall into this trap are the two more mature and seasoned members of the cast – Nick Dunning, as the drunken reprobate Sir Toby, and Mark Lambert, as his comrade in cups, Sir Andrew Aguecheek.

These two bounce delightfully off each other and are the real comedy duo of the piece. Together they hatch a plot to ensnare the lady Olivia’s steward Malvolio (Mark O’Halloran) in his own delusions of grandeur.

Gazette

ARTS

The cover of Eavan Boland’s new book

Celebrate A Poet’s Dublin  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Natalie Radmall-Quirke and Ger Kelly – two members of a cast successfully transferring Shakespeare into a contemporary Irish style

Along with a gentlewoman, Maria (played very convincingly by Ruth McGill), they hatch a device which convinces the preening Malvolio that his mistress, Olivia, is secretly in love with him.

This ends in disaster and shame for Malvolio to such a degree that everyone in the audience not only feels sorry for him, but also uncomfortable that they were in on the cruel ruse all along.

As Malvolio, O’Halloran really gets under the skin of the fastidious and superior character, and is one of the best actors in the play.

To sum up, the present Abbey production of Twelfth Night offers a

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

‘It is great to see a complete Shakespearian play attempted in our national theatre by Irish actors interpreting it in an Irish way, and the effort is a worthy one’

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very enjoyable night out with plenty of laughs, songs and dance.

T his was a grand undertaking by the director and cast members as, unlike audiences in Shakespeare’s day, who stood in the pit eating and drinking and hanging on every word dropped from each actor’s lips, modern audiences tire a lot more easily and expect more.

It is great to see a complete Shakespearian play attempted in our national

theatre by Irish actors interpreting it in an Irish way, and the effort is a worthy one.

The attempt to introduce the play into contemporary life was largely successful, too, and I would recommend all go and see it.

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare runs until May 24 and tickets, available at the Abbey box office at www.abbeytheatre.ie, range from €13 to €45.

A NEW collection of poetry by acclaimed I r i s h p o e t E av a n Boland has now been published by Carcanet, and is available at all good bookstores now, priced €9.59.

A Poet’s Dublin was published to celebrate Boland’s 70th birthday, bringing together many of her best-known poems, and illustrated with her own striking photographs of her native city, Dublin.

The book also includes an introduction by Jody Allen Randolph and a conversation between Boland and Paula Meehan, in which the two poets discuss the important influence that Dublin has on their poetry.

Boland was born in Dublin in 1944 and studied in Ireland, London and New York.

Her first book was published in 1967.

She has taught at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and Bowdoin College Dublin, and at the University of Iowa.

Boland is also currently Mabury Knapp Professor in the Humanities at Stanford University, California.

A pioneering figure in Irish poetry, her previous works include The Journey and Other Poems (1987), Night Feed (1994), The Lost Land (1998) and Code (2001).

Gazette

20 Gazette 8 May 2014

SPA+WELLBEING

State-of-the-art health club to revive or relax in The Pier Health Club at the Royal Marine Hotel is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reenergise or get in shape this summer.

This club features state-of-the-art cardio and resistance equip-

ment, a luxury 18m pool heated to 31 degrees, steam room, sauna and hydro pool.

For those looking to get fit, individual fitness programmes and classes are also available at the health club.

The Pier Health Club features state-of-the-art cardio and resistance equipment, a luxury 18-metre pool, steam room, sauna and hydro pool

Their team of fitness experts provide programmes to suit individual requirements such as swimming, yoga, pilates and more.

Facilities

The team also offer fitness assessments and gym programmes. Facilities include individual TV entertainment; cardio and resistance equipment, steam room, sauna and hydro pool, pool, free weight area, complimentary car parking and all hotel residents have complimentary use of The Pier Health Club.

For further information, see www.royalmarine.ie/en/dublin-hotelspa/pier-health-club/ Johnstown House Hotel and Spa in Enfield, Co Meath, is situated just off the M4

getaway: getting your mind and body in focus

Get pampered with a top-to-toe massage  laura webb

Life in the 21st century is, let’s face it, busy and the best way to unwind for many is booking a welldeserved spa treatment to help get your mind and body refocused.

This was exactly what was needed recently and so off to the Johnstown House Hotel it was. Just 40 minutes from the city centre, Johnstown House Hotel and Spa in Enfield, Co Meath, is situated just off the M4. The picturesque setting offers tranquillity to those seeking peace, either for a night away or just a day break.

I was booked in for a top-to-toe massage at the hotel’s luxury spa.

Walking into the spa was like walking into an exotic rainforest where stones, candles and plant life greet you. There are a number of rooms in which to sit and relax before a treatment and to unwind afterwards too.

The team at this spa use Elemis products, which not only smell amazing, but offer products for all different skin types, whether you have dry or oily skin there are products available to help rejuvenate your skin.

First for the top-to-toe back massage. Although I only had one masseuse, it felt as though there were three people working on the knots and I think taking the time out to get

pampered is something that needs to be done every couple of months, or every month if you can.

Once I was revitalised, it was on to the hotel’s outdoor jacuzzi and a little swim. This hotel also offers a gym, for those who like exercising more than relaxing.

Thankfully, my crew opted for some relaxation. For anyone thinking of a night or day away with the girls, or a more relaxed hens’ party, this is the perfect spot for a bride-to-be who prefers pampering rather than crazy nights out.

We then watched a movie with afternoon tea, popcorn and sweets all catered for us in a spe-

cial suite that can hold six to 10 people, a great way to end a very relaxing morning. This is all part of The Spa Suite, a new experience at the hotel. It gives you access to your very own suite from 10am to 3pm where you can change for the spa, lounge in your robe and just enjoy.

The Spa Suite @Johnstown House Hotel and Spa recently launched and is available from €85 per person. Now open for bookings, vouchers can also be purchased as a gift. For more information, or to book, call 046 954 0000, email info@ johnstownhouse.com or visit www.johnstownhouse.com.

8 May 2014 Gazette 21

Gazette

healthy lifestyle: Nutritionist Paula Mee on getting your vitamins and minerals

Eating the right foods to fuel the body

 laura webb

Health and well-being are found through many different routes, but the first thing that should be on the list of things to do each day is eating the right foods and avoiding, where possible, the wrong ones.

Food is the one thing we can’t live without and with busy lifestyles, it can be hard not to eat for convenience rather than what is good for you.

This week, The Gazette talks to nutritionist, Paula Mee, about what foods we should be eating more of to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“One green vegetable

a day is a good motto to have, for folic acid and iron, as well as fibre.

“There are so many plants, chemicals called fighting nutrients that will protect us in fruit and vegetables that we don’t even know what their play is but the synergistic make-up of these fruit and vegetables help protect against disease and also fight inflammation, many of them. Berries, in particular in terms of fruit, would be great to have and they are available now coming into the summer.

Get your veggies

“Three vegetables a day would be good. Try to get

them fresh and try not to juice them. There is a big craze about juicing at the moment but more isn’t necessarily better, you just need a small glass of juice not pints of it.

“Anti-inflammatory groups like salmon and oily fish are always critical, and it is one nutrient we don’t get enough of – Vitamin D and Omega 3 – those two in particular we can get them from oily fish.

“With barbecue season coming, I would recommend that instead of putting on large amounts of meat, particularly processed meats, it would be great if people could look to barbecue or searing

tuna and some salmon steaks. They can be really nice with some lemongrass, chilli and ginger, or lime and coriander dressing, those kind of things.

You really can’t go wrong.

It is not supplying any of the wrong things, it is fantastic in terms of its nutrient profile. One to two portions a week would be brilliant,” she said.

Water please …

It goes without saying that water is important, but Paula what your body needs and obviously when active try to have that much more.

When it comes to avoiding foods, it’s anything burnt, particularly

meats from a barbecue.

Added sugars found in processed foods and cereals should also be avoided, and prepare salads yourself rather than picking up pre-packs.

Breads with low-fibre and added fat should also be avoided and alcohol should be taken in moderation – 11 units per week (a bottle and a half of wine) for a woman and 17 units for men.

If you can take up some – preferably all - of these tips maintaining a healthy mind and body will be easy to do.

For further information on practical nutrition see: www.paulamee.com Nutritionist Paula Mee

22 Gazette 8 May 2014

Gazette

8 May 2014 Gazette 23

OUT&ABOUT

FEATURE

Drew McIntyre (right) with fellow professional WWE wrestlers Jinder Mahal and Heath Slater

wrestling: scottish star speaks to the gazette ahead of wwe’s coming to dublin

Getting to grips with the O2 AT 15, Drew McIntyre was already training to become a World Wrestling Enter tainment superstar. By 22, McIntyre had skyrocketed from the independent scene to the big show, WWE contract in hand.

With the WWE Wrestlemania Revenge tour set to hit the O2 in Dublin this month, we caught up with the Scottish superstar for a chat.

stacks and Big Daddy. But I think the first match that had a big effect on me was Bret “The Hitman” Hart versus the British Bulldog at Summerslam 1992 in Wembley Stadium.

I was about seven, and I just remember being amazed by the Americanstyle wrestling, and the size of the crowd. That event, and that match in particular, just really got my attention as a kid, and I became morbidly obsessed.

You’ve had a long career in the ring at this point, what was your first encounter with wrestling?

I remember watching some British wrestling when I was very young – the ones with Giant Hay-

How soon after did you decide you wanted to be a wrestler?

I decided when I was way too young – probably when I was about 10 years old. I sent off to America for a series of books about wrestling,

 dave phillips

and I kept everything in a secret briefcase on top of my wardrobe, hoping to hide it from my parents.

I then tried to convince my parent to let me go to train in England, but they were having none of it.

So, I had to figure out things myself, I kept watching tapes obsessively. A few years later, when I was just turning 15, I finally convinced my mother to let me go train in a place in Portsmouth – which was just 12 hours away on the train.

How did people react to that?

Some of my friends thought it was normal, others thought it was odd – they thought it was a waste of my time. I didn’t take any notice. I suppose

I was so much bigger than everybody that there was only so much that they could say to me.

Once they started coming along to the independent shows, then they started to get behind it.

And then getting a contract with WWE in 2007 sealed it.

You’ve been very busy since then, what has been your proudest moment with WWE so far?

I have a few stand-out moments. [Denis]McMahon, [chief executive of WWE] personally introducing me to the show was one. Winning the Intercontinental title was phenomenal.

I’ve had some really special moments with

the shows in Scotland too, getting on the microphone to make fun of my parents, who were part of the sold-out crowd. I don’t think I could single one out.

Have you any favourite stops on the upcoming WWE tour?

I’m based in Tampa, Florida most of the year, and I really like getting away on tour. The UK and Ireland without a doubt are my favourite because it is a chance to get back home and see everybody.

Dublin is definitely a highlight, as I spent so much time there when I was younger with Irish Whip Wrestling.

The people are amazing – and the Guinness tastes like Guinness – and the

fans are nice and rowdy.

Was there anyone you were nervous about meeting in WWE? I suppose Mr McMahon himself. How do I describe him? He is a very competent individual, and he maintains viscous eye contact.I learned quickly to never break eye contact with the boss! I think he sees it as a competition.

The Undertaker [seasoned veteran] is formidable as well, especially when I wrestled him; I was a bag of nerves.

If you had creative control over the Dublin event, who would you set yourself up against?

That’s an easy one.

Dublin is going to be an

awesome event – there’s John Cena, Bray Wyatt and lots of other great guys there. But, of course, the man himself – big Sheamus – will be making a homecoming.

Sheamus and I have had many amazing battles through the years, beating the tar out of each other.

We’ve left blood and teeth behind in Dublin when we were younger, so 100% it would be that match again, for old times’ sake.  Tickets for the upcoming WWE show at the O2 at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 22 are still available, with prices ranging from €33.50 to €76. For further information, or to make a booking, see www. ticketmaster.ie.

Gazette

24 Gazette 8 May 2014

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

FastMusic

Singing legend Nana Mouskouri comes to National Concert Hall

Tickets are now on sale for the return of the legendary Greek songstress Nana Mouskouri at the National Concert Hall on Saturday, September 27.

The year-long Happy Birthday tour celebrates Mouskouri’s 80th year as well as her remarkable career in the music industry, which has seen her record over 1,300 songs on her albums that have delivered her over 300 platinum and gold discs.

Mouskouri has worked with the greats during her life in music, recording her first album with Quincy Jones and touring with Harry Belafonte before becoming a perennial favourite down through the years.

“Since I had the chance to come so far in my life, I thought it would be worth celebrating, singing songs from my favourite composers and writers, for all my dear friends, the audience,” said Mouskouri ahead of the 2014 tour.

For more information, contact the National Concert Hall via www.nch.ie.

Popular festival returns to celebrate all things folk The Spirit of Folk festival in County Meath has issued a call to folk, traditional Irish, bluegrass or country bands and musicians to make their applications to be part of the bill which will play at the event which takes place at Dunderry Park in September.

The popular festival, which took a Glastonbury-eque hiatus last year, is coming back to entertain event-goers with the finest and freshest acts that folk music has to offer at the festival which will also be a celebration of all things folk: folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore, folk philosophy and much more.

For more information on the festival which runs from September 19 to 21, and to submit your information for consideration on the musical line-up, log on to www.spiritoffolk.com.

Tickets for the event go on sale at the end of June but due to a limited supply you can reserve in advance by emailing hello@spiritoffolk.com.

Got a story?

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



The brothers Dewaele, the Belgian duo collectively known to music lovers as both Soulwax and 2ManyDJs

interview: ‘We just feel if you don’t innovate you stagnate’

The Belgian brothers who keep breaking new ground It’s hard to estimate the influence of the brothers Dewaele, the Belgian duo collectively known to music lovers as both Soulwax and 2ManyDJs, on the landscape of modern music.

Their unparalleled ability to create, merge and remix tracks from the last five decades has led them to being hailed as the premier mixmasters when bands are looking for credible reworkings of their material, while they have maintained their place at the vanguard of innovation in music and the way we experience music.

They were among the first to use the smartphone app revolution to deliver Radio Soulwax, a 24-hour remix experience, and more recently created the Despacio sound system with former LCD Soundsys-

tem main man James Murphy, which delivers vinyl only DJ-ing via custom-built audio stacks that change the audience’s experience depending on the different environment that it is installed in and the listeners place in that environment.

GazetteMusic caught up with David and Stephen recently as they prepared to take their 2ManyDJs show out on the festival circuit over the summer, with a headline appearance at this year’s Forbidden Fruit in Dublin one of the many highlights.

How did your musical journey begin?

We were surrounded by music growing up because of our father, so somewhere between nature and nurture we became fully immersed from a very young age.

What was your first big break?

Well, our first release as Soulwax was the second Handsome Blues EP in 1995. Although it didn’t exactly set the world on fire, it did set us on a path we have been on ever since. Did we actually have a “big break”? I think we’re still waiting…

The live, festival and club set experiences are very different - do you prefer one or the other? What’s your approach to putting together sets for each environment?

Ever y situation is different which is why it’s also very important to react to the situation right in front of you rather than have a preconceived notion of what a crowd wants. If you’re in the moment, you can see it and feel it, you don’t need to

anticipate it. The audience will always inform you, you just have to respond.

How did the Despacio project come about?

It was originally conceived as an idea to do an old school sound system in Ibiza but evolved into something way beyond our expectations.

It has grown into a behemoth of a creation which seems to have a life of its own as it’s very reactive to the environment it is in. We are starting to worry that it might very soon become self-aware and star t to control itself… and then you can interview it instead.

The Despacio project is super innovative, as was the RSWX app project - how important is it to you to be at the forefront

of new ideas in presenting music to your fans and music-lovers alike?

We are always looking for something new and interesting to do.

We just feel if you don’t innovate you stagnate.

What’s the point of retreading territory you have already been in?

We want to explore and keep things stimulating for ourselves and for our audience.

It’s been a long time since the last album - can we expect any new Soulwax music soon?

We are trying to beat Axl Rose’s record for the longest gestation period for an album which was about 11 years…so as soon as that milestone is passed we will be releasing “Belgian Democracy”!

For more information, log on to www.forbiddenfruit.ie.

8 May 2014 gazette 25

Get comfortable with the new 308

 cormac curtis

In the coming weeks Gazette motors will feature a road test of the incredible Peugeot 308 – a car that really caught me on the hop with its extraordinary level of comfort and finish.

But just to keep up to speed on what’s coming up from the French brand, we’re giving you a taste of what else is happening.

The larger version of Peugeot’s 308, the 308 SW, has been completely restyled, sharing only its name with its predecessor, to reveal a modern and refined estate car with a low, classy and sporty allure.

Featuring the same innovative i-Cockpit as the hatchback version and indeed the same stylish front face, Peugeot engineers and designers have together conceived an estate with exemplary road holding, spaciousness and class leading

performance.

A n aw a r d - w i n n e r even before launch, it shares the prestigious European Car of the Year 2014 accolade with its hatchback sister and was awarded the maximum five star Euro NCAP safety rating. It arrives in Ireland this July.

Peugeot designers have created a sporty estate with a wide stance, the new size allows for more rear passenger room and of course, a bigger boot.

“Magic flat” rear seats allow instant folding of the rear seats, to result in a total load volume of 1,660 dm3.

The reduced height works to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Together with a longer wheelbase, the lower centre of gravity also assures better body rigidity and improves vehicle weight distribution, to offer better ride and handling, even when fully loaded.

Inside, the Peugeot

Peugeot designers have created a sporty estate with a wide stance which arrives in Ireland this July

i-Cockpit is made up of four elements: a compact steering wheel for maximum control and driver involvement, a head-up instrument panel so that information can be read without taking your eyes off the road, a tall centre console and a large 9.7”

touch screen for an intuitive drive.

The new Peugeot 308 SW has successfully passed many quality tests, including 2.5 million kilometres of test driving covered before launch, 2,500 hours on test beds, 250,000 tem-

perature cycle tests, 4.3 million presses on the touch screen without failure, etc. The quality of design and the care in the production of the new Peugeot 308 SW gives its occupants a feeling of safety and durability.

Gazette

peugeot: the latest sw estate is completely restyled

MOTORING road

NOISE

Rosanna helps celebrate Volkswagen’s new partnership with museum Well if the idea of Rosanna Davison and a vintage Volkswagen Beetle doesn’t grab the attention of the petrol heads then I don’t know what will.

To mark the new partnership of VW and the National Museum of Ireland, the former Miss World took advantage of the fabulous weather and posed up with the classic car this week.

The three-year sponsorship represents a six figure investment from Volkswagen Ireland and will see the automotive brand become official partner to the national museum. Volkswagen Ireland plan to support the partnership with a through the line campaign, including advertising, digital and PR support.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan attended the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History at Collins Barracks to launch the partnership.

Minister Deenihan said: “This new sponsorship deal is a wonderful example of how our cultural institutions can work with the private sector to improve services to the public. Since becoming Minister, I have consistently encouraged philanthropy in the arts and heritage sectors and I am confident that this new sponsorship deal between the National Museum and Volkswagen Ireland will prove to be a great success.”

Last year the museum welcomed over one million visitors to its four sites; the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Country Life, the Museum of Decorative Arts and History and the Natural History Museum. This summer the facility will exhibit a range of events and projects and details can be found on www.museum.ie

Tyred out: Specialists certified

Blanchardstown tyre dealer Robert Ferguson (centre) of Discount Tyres is one of 15 tyre specialists to have their status as Michelin Certified Centre operators endorsed. He is pictured with Michelin’s head of distribution Martyn Pointer (left) and account manager David Brassington at a recent seminar held in Mullingar. Established in 2005, Discount Tyres is a ninebay operation employing a staff of 10 persons.

Volkswagen brand ambassador Rosanna Davison and Simon Elliott, CEO, Volkswagen Group Ireland

26 GAZETTE 8 May 2014

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dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community

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FastSport still time to enter minirugby fest:

Ireland star Elena Tice with players from St Gerard’s School in Bray and Cricket Ireland’s Brian O’Rourke at the announcement of the 2014 Leprechaun Cup

cricket: dublin player tice’s international status demonstrates value of cup

Elena shows how to graduate from Leprechaun to Ireland CRICKET Leinster received a timely boost with the announcement of a three-year sponsorship deal with Antalis Ltd. To launch the event, Ireland Women’s international Elena Tice was present. Elena, at 16 years old, is the second youngest member of the Ireland women’s squad that recently returned from Bangladesh for their ICC World Twenty20 event. She has already made over 30 appearances for her country.

The Merrion All-Rounder began her cricket in the Leprechaun Cup and sees the vital link in the Leinster Youth Competitions in getting kids

involved in cricket. “If it wasn’t for the Leprechaun Cup I would never have even started playing cricket and never received the superb opportunities I’ve been afforded by representing my country.”

The agreement will support the running of the union’s three main competitions for primary schools – The Leprechaun Cup, The Super league and the Leprechaun Cup Cailini.

Antalis’ involvement will lead to more coaches visiting new primary schools encouraging them to start cricket programmes within their schools and offer further support to

schools participating in these three events.

Marketing manager at Antalis Maura Hoey commented at the announcement: “Antalis is delighted to be involved with Cricket Leinster and Irish cricket in general, to help support their efforts to further develop cricket and encourage team sport in our schools.

“It is wonderful to see an increase in the number of primary schools participating and we would like to wish all players well in their forthcoming matches” Cricket Ireland development man-

ager for Leinster, Brian O’Rourke was clearly delighted with the new deal that will make big inroads into the Union’s grassroots development efforts.

“At this stage it looks as if there will be close to 70 schools participating in cricket events in the coming weeks and this reflects very well on the work of our development staff and schools coaches along with the assistance of the local councils.

“Now with Antalis on board we can take the schools programme to the next level offering hardball cricket to far more boys and girls during the April, May and June periods.”

Local rugby teams are being given the chance of a lifetime to play at the Aviva national mini-rugby festival will take place at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, May 17.

Rugby legends Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip and Peter O’Mahony were on hand to launch the festival, and teams hoping to take part still have time to register in the national draw to be one of the lucky 16 sides to take part.

Rugby clubs all over Dublin with Under-10 mini-rugby teams are encouraged to enter by sending an email with the club name and contact information to AvivaMinis@ IrishRugby.ie before midday on Friday, May 9.

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 Gazette 8 May 2014

SPORT Get behind the Giro for charity

FastSport

cycling: caroline ryan helps promote special women’s event

success for bowtell in egyptian event:

FORMER St Andrew’s student Amy Bowtell claimed the $10,000 women’s ITF tournament in El Sheikh, Egypt.

On her way to the final, Bowtell beat the number three and number one seeds before ultimately taking the prize when she beat her opponent Katie Boulter of Great Britain, 6-7, 6-0, 7-6 in the final.

This is Bowtell’s first singles title win since she defeated Polina Vinogradova in Tallinn, Estonia in 2012.

The current number one ranked Irish female tennis player, Bowtell has also recently raised almost €14,000 on the sport funding website, pledgesports.org.

After Bowtell’s win, Stephen McKenna, managing director of sponsor GoHop.ie, said: “We are thrilled for Amy. She has worked extremely hard and we could not be prouder to sponsor such a dedicated and talented young athlete.”

 sport@gazettegroup.com

Garda Club cyclist and world number one individual pursuit rider Caroline Ryan calling on local women to get

on their bikes and take part in a special stage of the Giro d’Italia this weekend while raising funds for the event’s charity partner, Oxfam.

Female cyclists will

have the opportunity to cycle part of the official Giro route in Dublin on Saturday, May 10, the day before 200 of the world’s elite cyclists will pedal into town on their

Cycling Ireland’s Heather Boyle and Oxfam Ireland’s Sorcha Nic Mhathuna get a helping hand from Caroline ahead of the cycle on May 10

International cyclist Caroline Ryan gearing up for the One4all Women on Wheels Giro cycle. Pictures: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

way from Armagh in the second largest cycle race in the world takes to the roads of Ireland.

The route of the One4all Women On Wheels Giro Cycle is a mostly flat 22km or hour-and-a-half loop from Dublin’s Merrion Square to Bull Island, Clontarf and back.

Caroline Ryan, also a Bike for Life ambassador, says: “I am passionate about making cycling a more accessible sport, one that can be part of an everyday active lifestyle with numerous health benefits.

“This event is a unique opportunity for women, especially beginner cyclists, to get on their

bikes and cycle part of the official Giro route, supporting a worthy cause and having some fun along the way.”

Heather Boyle from Cycling Ireland said: “With only 16% of Cycling Ireland members being female, we need to get the wheels in motion on closing that gender gap. At 22km this is an ideal distance and a welcoming environment for everyone to get involved and cycle part of the Giro route.”

Registration costs €25, with €5 going directly to Oxfam Ireland, helping to raise funds to support Oxfam’s work worldwide of which women’s rights is a key area.

All participating

cyclists will receive a Wo m e n o n W h e e l s goody bag which will include a commemorative high vis vest, and will also be in with a chance of winning a prize of €1,000 worth of One4all gift cards.

To register and for more information, log on to w w w.one4allwomenonwheels.com, and registration is also available on the day at 7.30am, before the event begins at 8.30am.

Cyclists will arrive back into Merrion Square just as the Irish Cycling Show starts.

Cyclists can leave their bikes in the dedicated bike park for Women on Wheels participants and enjoy the show.

Leinster stars on hand to help launch summer camps  sport@gazettegroup.com

Leinster’s Rob Kearney about to be tackled by St Patrick’s Boys’ fourth class pupil James Boland. Picture: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

Members of the Leinster rugby team took time out from their busy training schedule to a host a surprise training session at St Patrick’s Boys National School in Hollypark to help launch this year’s Leinster Rugby summer camps.

Rob Kearney, Eoin Reddan, Darragh Fanning, Brendan Macken and Noel Reid were on hand to help put the children

through their paces under the watchful eye of members of the Leinster Rugby coaching staff.

The camps are open to boys and girls aged six to 12 and are run by fully accredited IRFU coaches.

The camps will take p l a c e i n 21 v e n u e s throughout the province in July and August. The camps run Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

As well as learning new skills, each child will

receive a Canterbury of New Zealand pack including a t-shirt, a ball, a boot bag and a water bottle.

They will also get one free junior ticket to a selected Leinster game.

An early bird rate of €70 is available for children who enrol before June 6.

After this date, the cost of attending the camp will be €89 per child. Parents can book a second camp for their child for €50 per additional camp.

Speaking at the launch,

Leinster full back Rob Kearney said: “This is a great way for kids to learn what it’s like to be part of the Leinster culture and get expert skills training in a fun environment.

The Leinster players love being involved in these camps. It’s a great chance for us to meet supporters and, who knows, maybe see future Leinster stars in the making.”

For more information, log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie

8 May 2014 Gazette 29

Gazette

Soccer milestone reached by Corduff

FastSport

Dublin 15 side make club and local history by reaching the last stage of the All-Ireland SFAI Cup, vindicating the years of hard work done by the team and the club to reach this level

Clubs called on to sign up for K Club Lombard final

AFTER years of blazing a trail in the local community, Corduff FC are finally through to an AllIreland final that they have been knocking on the door of for the past few years.

Their Danone Under12 Cup side held their nerve last week to beat Limerick’s Pike Rovers on penalties after normal time had ended 1-1 at Blanch IT. Tony Kamara’s late equaliser earned them a chance in extra time before they prevailed 4-3 in the shoot-out, Robert Rechitean scoring the crucial spot-kick to see the ’Duff over the line.

It saw the club create history on a number of levels, accolades that club PRO John McGuinness was not aware of until the aftermath of the tie.

“Not only are they the

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

first Dublin 15 football team to reach the final of an SFAI Cup, they are also the first North Dublin Schoolboy League side to reach an All-Ireland final,” he told GazetteSport.

“Add to that, every one of the players is from within a half a mile of the ground in Corduff Park, which is also very unusual for an All-Ireland finalist.”

While the side had finally reached the decider of a national competition, the club’s current Under15s have twice been to the last four at Under-12

and -14 level.

Similarly, last year’s Under-15 side reached a semi-final, while the senior team reached the FAI Junior Cup semi-final in 2008.

These are literally huge competitions, with over 300 sides entering and with eight or nine wins in succession required to reach the final, making them some of the toughest tournaments to win in Irish soccer.

Corduff’s Under-12s started their campaign with a pair of 6-0 wins in the early North Leinster regional phases, beating Bellurgan and Portmarnock AFC. Dromin United and Glenmuir United were next to exit at the hands of the Dublin 15 side, results which put them through to the national stages and the final 32 teams.

Corduff FC’s Under-12 side with coach and manager Christopher Richards and Alan McIlroy recently

Colga and Tuam Celtic were both sent away from D15 with defeats before Corduff were on the road in the quarter-finals, prevailing over Southend United on penalties, the same method used to push through the semifinal.

McGuinness is relieved his side can have a final

superstar or some exceptional individual players.

There was no exceptional, individual player in that team. Every player works hard for each other; they don’t bicker or moan at each other even when the chips are down.

“They keep the head and stay patient. They have come back on three

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‘They’re the first D15 football team to reach the final of an SFAI Cup and the first NDSL side to reach an All-Ireland final’ - John McGuinness --------------------------------------------------------

day out after some memorable semi-final encounters, a recognition for all the work that goes into the club.

“Thankfully on this occasion, it happened.

We didn’t realise how significant an occasion it was. Every manager and every member of the club has been working hard for the last 15 years since we re-emerged. All the voluntary hard work shows; this club is 100% voluntary – we don’t pay anyone.”

Asked what has been different for the side to get over the line after a couple of near misses, McGuinness says the Under-12 side has shown an incredible unity this season.

“In the past, we always had what you would call a

different occasions in the last few rounds to pull the game out of the fire. Discipline is everything and they are all hard grafters.”

At this stage, the club do not have a confirmed date for their final but McGuinness says that there is little doubt they will be going all out for glory.

“We had hefty support but special mention has to go to our manager and coach. They train that team throughout the season believe it or not.

“They don’t take a break in the summer; it goes to show, a bit of dedication, a bit of commitment – most of the time, it will pay off. For Christopher Richards and Alan McIlroy, they deserve great credit.”

Local golf clubs are being called upon to take the chance to tread in the footsteps of Ryder Cup legends and take part in this year’s Lombard Trophy regional final at The K Club on Tuesday, June 17.

PGA pro and amateur partners will compete with each other over the Palmer course, with the winning pair going through to the grand final at Gleneagles on September 2 and 3.

With total prize money of £80,000, including £12,000 to the winning PGA pro, the tournament remains one of the most popular on the PGA schedule and entries are still being taken for The K Club.

Among the clubs already signed up are Killeen who reached the grand final last year.

PGA head of tournaments, Simon Higginbottom, said: “The K Club remains one of the most iconic courses in Ireland, and the jubilant scenes when Ian Woosnam’s European team won the Ryder Cup there remain vivid.

“We look forward to seeing more clubs compete in what will be a memorable day for all the teams whatever the result.”

Clubs can enter the qualifier at The K Club, and more details are available at http://img. bluegolf.org/forms/pgagbi/2014_Lombard_Trophy_Entry_Pack.pdf

Runners place third at Penn Relays 2014 An Irish team comprising runners from across Dublin and Leinster finished in an impressive third place at this year’s iteration of the Penn Relays event in Philadelphia recently.

John Travers (Donore Harriers AC), Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers AC), Paul Robinson (St Coca’s AC) and John Coghlan (MSB

AC) combined to record a time of 9.42.83 for the distance medley relay event.

The relay is made up of four legs: 1,200m, 400m, 800m and one mile.

The Irish team came in behind very strong teams from the USA in first (9.28.27) and Australia second in a time of 9.30.74.

The Penn Relays are one of the world’s longest running athletics events, first run in 1895 and one of the best attended track events in the world.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 8 May 2014

SPORT

FastSport

cycling: swords club a big contributor to day’s success

Swiss test for local U-16 soccer stars MALAHIDE United’s Jonathan Lunney and Zachary Elbouzedi (above) have both been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-16 squad for the forthcoming UEFA Development tournament which takes place in Switzerland later this month.

Ireland hosted the same tournament last year and topped a group including Germany and while team manager Tom O’Connor would be pleased to repeat that performance he is not focused on the results in Switzerland.

“It’s a different bunch of players so what happened last season will have little bearing on how we do this year,” said O’Connor.

“It’s a UEFA tournament. They are trying to replicate a qualifying tournament so it’ll be a great opportunity for the players who go Under-17 next year to know what to expect when they have competitive qualifying games.

“The standard of opposition is very good, Austria, Switzerland and Croatia, and the whole objective is that everybody gets playing time to learn.”

O’Connor has drafted two players from the Under-15 squad into his travelling party in the form of West Ham’s Anthony Scully, son of the former Cardiff player of the same name, and Cherry Orchard’s Aaron O’Driscoll, the son of former St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians defender Maurice O’Driscoll.

“We brought in Anthony and Aaron from the year younger and we’ll see how they perform a year up,” said O’Connor.

“You’ll only know whether they are up to this challenge by trying them out but a year can be a big jump mentally and physically for a young player. We’re bringing them in so they can become adjusted to that level.”

O’Connor has been pleased with the progress the players under his watch have made this year with four Under-16s already stepping up to Under-17 level earlier this season.

“We were in Holland recently without some of the players who were with the Under17s and that test stood to the other players – they now know what it’s like to play against excellent opposition,” he said.

An Post cyclists Sam Bennett, Nicholas Vereecken and Shane Archbold cross the finish line in Skerries in 2013. Picture: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE

Skerries again welcomes Ras  sport@gazettegroup.com

SKERRIES will play host to the finish of the An Post Ras for the ninth successive year with a star-studded line-up of international teams set to compete.

The north county town will host the final stage on Sunday, May 25, where one rider will write Ras history and be crowned 2014 champion.

Locals came out in their droves last year, lining the streets as they cheered on the riders for the final few kilometres of the gruelling eight-day race and An Post Ras organiser Tony Campbell is expect-

ing to see similar crowd this year.

“The reception the riders get in Skerries every year is nothing short of phenomenal. The atmosphere is electric and the riders always talk about it after the race. After such a tough eight days, it really spurs them on for one final push and it makes for a great spectacle.”

The final stage of the race sets off from Newbridge that morning with the peloton making its way to the finish in the seaside town, and Campbell believes this has the potential to be one of the most exciting Ras finishes in recent years.

look who’s back Swords Thunder stars line out for Ireland swords Thunder players KC Rodenburg (representing Griffith College) and Alec Zurn (representing DBS) were both selected to play for the Irish Colleges Select team who played against the Scotland Colleges selection in the Carroll Arena at Killbarrack last week. The Irish team, under the guidance of coaches Yiannis Liapakis, Pat O’Neill and Mark O’Leary, claimed victory with a narrow 55-53 win.

“Despite a lot of tired legs, riders will be giving everything to get that yellow jersey.

“The Swords Cycling Club, the Skerries Community Association, the Chamber of Commerce and others always put in a lot of hard work each year to ensure a wonderful end to the race, so the riders can expect an incredible reception as they make their way in to the town.”

Skerries will again host a street party, which will kick-off at 1pm. This year’s theme is Fitness For All to celebrate all that Skerries offers for an active and healthy lifestyle.

There will be fun for

all the family on Strand Street with sports clubs, static bikes, fitness testing and healthy eating stalls plus all the usual fairground games, face painting, street entertainers, magic shows and much more. The racing action begins from 2pm on Strand Street followed by trophy presentations made by Skerries Miss Ras, Jill Jenkinson.

In addition to the county rider classification jersey introduced last year on the race, race sponsors An Post are running a C-Factor competition for county riders this year.

The rider who best exemplifies the spirit of the

race not only through his riding performance over the eight days, but also by his use of social media will be rewarded with the newly-designed chapeau jersey after the final stage in Skerries.

The successful rider will also earn a VIP spot at an An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly team training camp in Calpe, Spain at the end of the year.

The eight-day international cycling road race takes place from May 18 to 25 and as well as the global feel to the event the emphasis will again be on national, regional and top level sponsored amateur cycling teams.

8 May 2014 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

fins in feile form Balheary sees side reach Division 4 semi-final

Club Noticeboard fingallians

fingallians’ Under-14 footballers put in a

creditable performance in their 2014 Feile Division 4 campaign which was played out at Balheary last weekend. The team’s three wins over Kilmacud Crokes, Naomh Barrog and Geraldine Morans meant they topped their group, earning themselves a semi-final place against Clann na Gael, who prevailed on the day. Picture: Kyran O’Brien

Congratulations to our 46 cyclists

wonderful cultural experience that

who completed the 300km from Dublin

we will all remember forever.

to Clifden over the bank holiday week-

The adult footballers got their cham-

end. The funds raised will go to the club

pionship season off to a winning start

and our partner, the Irish Heart Foun-

with the intermediates beating Cuala

dation. A special thanks to co-ordina-

and our juniors beat Naomh Barrog.

tor and cyclist Jarlath Lennon and his team on months of hard work.

The mentors of the U-14 Feile team would like to thank the players, all

football: young jackies claim leinster title

The club wishes to express its thanks to one of our sponsors, Swords Pavilions on the donation of equipment: www.pavilions.ie.

those who helped, our loyal support

Well done to the Dublin U-21 foot-

and our sponsors (Total Produce and

ballers who captured their third All-

Abco Kovex) on Saturday afternoon.

Ireland title in five years over Ros-

The team recorded wins over Kilma-

common. Monday was a great day for

cud Crokes, Naomh Barrog and Geral-

the Dublin ladies minors who regained

dine Moran’s to top their group. In the

their Leinster title in Clane with Rach-

semi-final they were narrowly beaten

ael Brogan playing.

by Clann Na Gael after a fine display.

The Dublin senior ladies, including

The U-12 boys and their families

Sinead Finnegan and Denise McKenna,

wish to express our sincere thanks

will take on National League holders

for the invitation to take part in what

Cork in the league final next Saturday,

could only be described as a fantastic

May 10 in Parnell Park (throw-in time

youth football tournament in Brittany,

TBA).

France last weekend. Fingallians wish

The club would like to congratulation

to thank the Liffre club and its mem-

Donall Keane, our senior footballer, on

bers. The experience was more than

winning a National League medal with

just a football tournament it was a

Roscommon last weekend.

st sylvester’s Dublin’s minor ladies celebrate after securing the Leinster football title against Westmeath. Picture: GAApics.com

Magnificent minors crush West in final

leinster minor final Dublin 7-12 Westmeath 0-2  sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS’ Rachael Brogan and St Sylvester’s Louise Ryan put in relentless performances in midfield for the Dublin’s minor ladies footballers as they produced a remarkable performance to win the Leinster championship with plenty to spare.

It concluded an incredible run that saw them run up big scores against Kildare, Westmeath and Offaly before seeing off Laois in the semi-finals.

The first match with the Lakesiders had

ended 5-9 to 2-7 in Dublin’s favour, making them clear favourites but they conceded the first score of the final.

But that was as good as it got for them and proved their only point of the first half while Dublin replied with a run of 3-5 unanswered. Leah Mullins’ goal gave Dublin the perfect riposte before Katie Murphy weighed in with three points in quick succession to race into a 1-3 to 0-1 lead.

Murphy raised her first green flag while her impressive double-act with Mullins continued with the Brigid’s club member clearing the bar

with her first point.

Rebecca McDonnell was introduced as a first half substitute and, with one of her first involvements, tagged on a point before Holly Greer closed out the scoring before the intervals with the third goal, capping a dominant performance.

The Dublin back six did not give Westmeath a sniff and turned the ball over time after time while the blocking from Dublin was a sight to behold while the midfielders won all the breaks.

The second half produced more of the same as Kate Fitzgibbon and Murphy started the sec-

ond half scoring with a point each before Murphy nabbed her second goal though Westmeath did get a point of their own in between.

The hat-trick arrived soon later while Eabha Rutledge – one of the Colaiste Iosagain starlets – posted Dublin’s eighth point before Mullins’ second goal made it a halfdozen goals.

Fitzgibbon, Greer and Emma Colgan – part of a raft of subs – helped to extended the lead out to 28 points before another replacement, Kilmacud Crokes Kim Garth, fired home to close out the rout.

What a terrific buzz in the club, with

the double: the As in the shield semi-

the launch of #StrictlySyls Come

final against Fingallians and the Bs at

Dancing in the clubhouse last Friday

home to Clontarf in the championship,

night combining with some fantastic

both on Thursday evening.

results on the playing fields.

Congratulations to our own Scooby

Both the intermediate and junior A

Cunningham and Conor Meaney for

footballers got their respective cham-

their parts in Dublin’s relentless

pionship campaigns off to flying starts

march towards capturing the All-Ire-

with wins over Ballymun Kickhams and

land U-21 football title, and best wishes

St Maur’s respectively, and there were

to our women players involved in Dub-

also fine wins for the U-16As and -15As

lin’s National League final against Cork

and -15Bs in the league.

this weekend.

Injuries to some key players hit our

There is a Texas Hold’em fundraiser

Feile teams but we were extremely

in aid of the junior footballers in the

proud of their fine efforts and con-

club on May 9, starting at 8.30pm.

gratulations to Raheny who went on to win out in Division 2.

There was a fantastic launch of the club’s Strictly Come Dancing in the

There are some important games

club and well done to all concerned: 30

coming up this week with the senior

of Syls’ finest are in strict training for

hurlers back in championship action

the big dance-off in the Regency Hotel

and the U-16 footballers involved on

on June 7.

fingal ravens Well done to the first and third team

helped out on Saturday with the host-

on good wins last week.

ing of the Feile.

Congratulations to Cian Daly and the

The club extends its deepest sym-

Dublin U-21 team on their All-Ireland

pathy to Charlie Redmond on the

victory at the weekend.

death of his mother.

Good luck to our U-16 team in the shield semi-final on Thursday away to Templeogue Synge Street.

The club wishes Paul Newman all the best with a speedy recovery.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 4, 10,

Best of luck to our second team who

12 and 19. Two people matched three

play at home in the junior champion-

numbers, winning €125 each: Gwen

ship on Wednesday evening.

Kinsella and Matt Rooney.

Many thanks to everyone that

Next week’s jackpot is €9,780.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 27-31

swiss selection: Malahide United pair chosen to join Ireland squad to compete in UEFA contest P30

may 8, 2014

grass roots returns: Corduff testament to investment in local sport P29

Nicolas Roche will be back on the roads of Ireland as part of the Saxo Tinkoff team taking part in the Giro D’Italia that will see the race pass through Swords and Malahide this weekend

Fingal get set for the Giro Roche, Martin and Deignan bring Irish talent to special stage of Grande Partenza as it runs through the north county this weekend  stephen findlater

sport@gazettegroup.com

THE local area is gearing up to the biggest cycling event in Ireland since 1998 with the Giro d’Italia’s Grande Partenza coming to town on Sunday.

Starting in Armagh earlier in the day, the route travels south down through Balbriggan and works its way through Skerries – the recent home of the Ras finish-line – Rush and Lusk before hitting Swords.

From there, it skates out towards Malahide and Portmarnock before setting a course for Dublin city centre.

It all comes as part of the Giro’s first ever start

off mainland Europe and is set to attract massive international media coverage. Last year’s Giro was broadcast in 174 countries, reaching 125 million households and a global audience of about 775 million people.

Until 1960 the Grande Partenza (the Big Start) took place in Milan each year, but since then it has moved to other cities across Italy and since 1996 there has been a tradition for it to be hosted outside Italy.

This includes Athens, Nice, Amsterdam and Herning in Denmark in 2012.

The race features over 200 of the world’s best cyclists who hope to follow in the footsteps of Dubliner Stephen Roche to land the famous pink jersey at the end of a gruelling three weeks.

And his son Nicolas is among that list of hopefuls and cannot wait for the race to get under way.

“As soon as I heard the Giro was coming to Ireland, I told the team I wanted to ride it,” said 29-year-old Roche.

“I can’t wait for the team presentation on Thursday. From the amount of support I get at the Tour de France every year I can only imagine what it’s going to be like in Ireland.”

He is one of three Irish riders to hit the starting line with Roche’s cousin Dan Martin and Philip Deignan the other riders.

Roche warmed up for the event with a stint at the Tour de Romandie, using it to tighten his form ahead of the first of the three grand tours

of 2014.

That finished with a tough time trial in Neuchatel last Sunday but, speaking afterwards, he did not expect it to take too much of an edge off his performance for when he hits the local streets later this week.

“I think the accumulation of the hard week’s racing and the previous three weeks at altitude caught up with me but while things didn’t go as well as they might have in Switzerland, hopefully a few days of relaxing and recovering before the Giro start on Friday night will see me line up, fresh and ready to go.”

He will be among some of the major attractions for the fans as the race hits the roads of Fingal.