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INSIDE: Dublin man is the overall Irish winner of the international Wings For Life World Run See P24

Cycling:

Skerries all set to host annual Ras finale Page 29

Hurling:

Fingallians to face Olafs in Feile decider Page 31

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

equality: Two opposing views call for a Yes or No vote in the referendum P14

Group of tourists mugged at park  keith bellew

A SMALL group of American tourists were attacked and mugged at Swords Town Park recently, while out taking photos.

The group, which consisted of a man and woman in their 20s and a woman in her 80s, were attacked by a group of youths at about 8.45pm on Saturday, May 2.

The man was injured in the attack, during which a camera bag contain-

ing a camera was stolen. He was later taken to Beaumont Hospital by ambulance for treatment of a suspected fractured shoulder.

On hearing about the incident, local business owner Michael Wright said: “We as a community need to make sure we look after the tourists that come to Swords.”

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to contact Swords Garda Station.

Full Story on Page 2

Viva VILA! Celebrations as a top fashion outlet turns two in style WITH their roles as “live mannequins”, Assets models Jo Archbold and Laura Scanlon did a great job of showcasing some of VILA’s top fashions when they helped the flagship store celebrate its second birthday at The Pavilions recently.

Guests for the birthday bash were treated to a range of special offers and discounts, with an evening of pampering and beauty advice laid on to complement the Danish high street brand’s latest collections at its stylish Swords store. Picture: Niall Griffin

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 7 May 2015

EDUCATION Long-awaited project for major upgrade greenlit

Balbriggan CC to get new building WORK is to go ahead on the long-awaited school building project at Balbriggan Community College in the coming months.

In 2012, a major capital project for Balbriggan Community College was announced as part of the five-year building programme, but was stalled due to a lack of funding.

It was agreed that in view of the condition of the existing community college building, coupled with other site issues, the most economical solution was to demolish the existing singlestorey school building

 KEITH BELLEW kbellew@dublingazette.com

and build a multi-storey building on the site.

The new building will also incorporate a new PE hall. This is great news for the school because, when the original planning permission was granted in 2012, the school demolished the old hall and students have been without facilities for three years.

In addition to providing a new school building, this project will also incorporate and retain the existing Drogheda Street building. When completed, it is envisaged that Balbriggan Community College will cater for 1,000 pupils and will include a two-classroom special needs unit.

Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) has welcomed the commitment from the Government to press ahead the development.

Raising a special debate on the issue in the Seanad, he demanded urgent action, saying

it was completely unacceptable that more than 500 students had been left without any PE facilities for three years.

He said: “It is an unacceptable situation that such a well-respected secondary school with more than 500 pupils would be left without any PE or recreational facilities for three years now.

“Despite the best efforts of staff, parents and the pupils themselves, it is impossible for a school to run properly on a long-term basis without these vital facilities.

“They have a right to know why there have been such protracted delays with this project, and when they can expect the situation to be rectified,” he said.

In response to Senator O’Brien, Minister of State for Education Damien English said that work would begin on both the PE hall and a wider redevelopment of the school in the coming months.

On Balbriggan Community College (inset), Minister of State for Education Damien English said that work would begin on both a PE hall and a wider redevelopment of the school in the coming months

Senator O’Brien welcomed this response and urged the Government “not to drop the ball” on this issue again.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) also welcomed the news, saying that while permission was granted for the rebuild in 2012, the school had actually been waiting about 11 years for a new building.

He said: “It’s clearly a necessary project that

was delayed through a lack of funding through Government coffers, and through some delays in getting the go-ahead for it.

Infrastructure “School capital programmes are among the most important responsibilities in the Department of Education, and social infrastructures like schools are one of

the priorities of Government, and was one of the planks of my campaign in 2011.”

He went on to say that making sure school facilities were up to the standards expected in 2015 is essential, and added: “I’m pleased for the board of management, the staff and the students that this project has been given the green light.”

Appeal for witnesses to park assault  KEITH BELLEW

A SMALL group of American tourists were attacked and mugged at Swords Town Park recently while out taking photos in the area.

T he group, which consisted of a man and woman in their 20s and a woman in her 80s, were attacked by a group of youths at about 8.45pm

on Saturday, May 2, while out taking photos of Swords Castle.

The man suffered a possible fractured shoulder in the attack and the younger woman was also struck a number of times, while the older woman looked on, terrified. The man was taken to Beaumont Hospital by ambulance for treatment of a suspected fracture.

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A bag, containing a camera, was taken during the attack and gardai are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have been in the park between 6pm and 8.45pm to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700.

On hearing about the incident, local business owner Michael Wright, of the Wright Venue, sought out the group and treated them to a free meal at his establishment.

Speaking to The Gazette, he said that this type of thing could not be allowed to happen again, as all the work to promote Swords as a tourist desti-

nation would be in vain if the tourists could not be protected when they visit the town.

“Fingal [County Council] have developed the castle as an attraction and it’s great to have it, but we as a community need to get together and make sure we look after the tourists that come to Swords,” he said.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) echoed Wright’s views of the detriment incidents such as this could have on the reputation of Swords as a tourist destination, and appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

7 May 2015 swords gazette 3

santry

swords: this would be an ideal way to engage with community – cllr

€100k drug haul is seized

Calls to reinstate the local policing forum  keith bellew

THE Department of Justice has said the Swords Community Policing Forum will not be reinstated, as the regional Joint Policing Committees adequately engage with local communities.

T he remarks were made in response to calls from Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind) for the forum to be reinstated.

He said he had received many representations about policing issues from constituents, and believed the forum would provide them with an opportunity to liaise personally with gardai.

“The local community policing forum was a good start in building

links between the local community and An Garda Siochana and in helping to address local policing issues,” he said, adding that before the scheme was scrapped in 2013, a number of useful public meetings were held around Swords.

“It was hoped that the scheme, which included the Balbriggan Community Policing Forum, would have been extended to allow a DonabatePortrane Community Policing Forum be set up.

“The Community Policing Forum staff had been working on this when it was wound up, due to lack of funds,” said Cllr Mulville.

He went on to call on

the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald to put funding in place to allow the Swords and Balbriggan forums be re-established, and the Donabate-Portrane forum to be set up.

In response, a spokesperson from the Department of Justice said: “An Garda Siochana engages extensively with local communities throughout the country, including through bodies such as joint policing committees as well as more informal and voluntary neighbourhood groups of many types.

“This department has not provided direct funding to local groups of this type, in north Dublin or elsewhere.”

Hey, take a hike! Calling on fundraisers to climb Africa’s highest mountain CAREFULLY studying a map of Mount Kilimanjaro, Swords woman Christina Meehan took a moment to tell The Gazette about her work for children’s development charity Plan Ireland, and its upcoming seven-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in late September, one of its three annual fundraising trips. The charity is calling on people to “take a hike” and join them on an unforgettable fundraising event, ascending to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. With fundraising events also in Nepal and Ethiopia later this year, Christina said: “I’d really encourage the runners and walkers of Swords to get involved in these spectacular events.” For further information, Freephone Plan Ireland at 1800 829 829, or see www.plan.ie/challenges.

GARDAI from Swords recently seized cannabis herb with an estimated street value of €100,000 at a house in Santry as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale and supply of drugs in the north Dublin area.

A 19-year-old male was arrested at the scene as part of the investigation and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at Swords Garda Station. He was subsequently released without charge on Sunday, May 3. A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A garda spokesperson said: “Drug seizures play a critical role in targeting the livelihood of criminals and reducing their ability to carry out illegal activities.”

4 swords gazette 7 May 2015

swords Fundraiser at Cottage Cafe helps local group

Coffee morning serves up €410 for Tidy Towns A TOTAL of €410 was raised for the Swords Tidy Towns Committee recently through a coffee morning and raffle at the Cottage Cafe in Swords.

The raffle, which was

organised by Tidy Towns built environment and landscape officer Liam Rooney, was for a hamper supplied by the cafe.

It was won by the youngest Tidy Towns volunteer – six-year-old

Aymin Ait El Hadj, the son of committee member Saida Khemira.

Tidy Towns chairman Ken Duff y said that Aymin’s win was greeted by tongue-in-cheek allegations of “a fix”!

He went on to thank the proprietors and staff of the cafe for allowing the Tidy Towns team to use the premises for the event.

He said: “We would like to give a massive

big ‘thank-you’ to Rosie McNerney and Alan Purcell, the proprietors of the Cottage, for providing their premises and their staff for making our event such a fun day for us all.”

The Catholic chapel of St Ita’s Hospital. Local Portrane residents are concerned about the impact of heavy construction traffic relating to building the National Forensic Hospital on the grounds of St Ita’s. Picture: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

works: construction impact on donabate, portrane raised

Concern mounts at plan to let HGVs pass in villages  keith bellew

MINISTER for Health Leo Varadkar has given a commitment to make representations to the HSE about the concerns of Donabate and Portrane residents about the construction of the National Forensic Hospital on the grounds of St Ita’s in Portrane.

While the residents are not opposed to the construction of the hospital itself, they are opposed to plans to bring construction traffic through Donabate and Portrane villages during construction.

The concerns relate to congestion and the damage heavy construction

traffic could cause the village streets, as was the case during construction of the Donabate/Portrane sewage plant, several years ago.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) raised his opposition to construction vehicles using the bridge into and out of Donabate with Minister Varadkar in the Dail.

He said: “I am strongly opposed to construction vehicles using the bridge into and out of Donabate village. Should these vehicles be allowed to use this route, they will pass nearby schools, residential areas, and sports centres and clubs.

“I believe that this proposal may inadvertently

put the safety of local residents and children at risk.”

Noting the irony that the route the HSE construction project is proposed to take could, through increasing risk to residents, put somebody in the care of the HSE as a result of the construction process itself, Deputy Farrell said he sincerely hoped that An Bord Pleanala take into consideration the important health and safety issues surrounding the route proposed by the HSE. In response to Deputy Farrell, Minister Varadkar said: “I can very much understand the concerns about heavy goods vehicles in the village and the

impact on the bridge during what is a very substantial construction period.

“Obviously, I can’t interfere with the planning process now that it is before An Bord Pleanala, but I have discussed the matter with the chief executive of Fingal County Council, and I certainly will discuss it further with the HSE once the decision is made by An Bord Pleanala so the impact on residents in Donabate can be minimised and any safety concerns allayed.”

Deputy Farrell said: “I have urged Minister Varadkar to impress upon the HSE the concerns of local residents, both in terms of safety and the potential damage to road

infrastructure in the area.

“I am pleased that he has taken these concerns on board, especially given that the HSE did not allow these concerns to inform their plans during the consultation process.”

Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind) was more cautious in welcoming the Minister’s commitment, saying: “I’d welcome ministers’ comments, but Minister Varadkar and the HSE’s estates office must understand that the community simply will not accept heavy construction traffic coming through our village past our schools, houses, shops, churches and community facilities.”

7 May 2015 swords gazette 5

don’sdublin

heritage Initiatives to mark impact on Fingal planned

Council announces events to mark the Rising  keith bellew

A beautiful building we have all loved in Dublin THE Custom House is one of Dublin’s most important and beautiful buildings, and the first major work designed by James Gandon.

He was also responsible for such iconic buildings as The Four Courts, King’s Inns and the curved screen and portico for the Irish Houses of Parliament facing College Street.

John Beresford, who was appointed the Commissioner for Revenue in Ireland in 1780, was determined to have the new building further east and away from the Parliament Street–Capel Street axis.

This decision met with great resistance from merchants, who felt that it would reduce trade and property values.

Construction was halted by members of Dublin Corporation and the High Sheriff, who led a demonstration of many thousands.

Beresford, however, was determined to have the building situated on the newly reclaimed land on the north quays, and appointed Thomas Cooley as architect.

When he died suddenly, Beresford contacted Gandon, who came from London and began work in 1781.

Work continued for 10 years, providing employment for the city’s carpenters and stonemasons, and was officially opened on November 7, 1791. It cost £200,000 – a huge sum at the time.

The building is 375 feet in length and 205 feet in depth, and has four fronts, of which the south (facing the Liffey) is entirely of Portland stone, and the others of granite. The exterior is adorned with sculptures and coats-of-arms by Thomas Banks, Agnostino Carlini and Edward Smyth, who carved a series of sculpted keystones symbolising the rivers of Ireland.

The building was destroyed in May 1921 during the Civil War, with centuries of records irrevocably lost. The dome, with the statue of Commerce atop, was replaced using Ardbraccan limestone that is darker than the original Portland stone.

Sadly, most of Gandon’s original interior was destroyed and impossible to replace, but the building is still one of the city’s favourites.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

THE 1916–2016 Commemoration Steering Committee of Fingal County Council is developing a programme of events to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising in Fingal.

The draft programme was presented at the April meeting of the full

council for consideration and a number of public information sessions will be held in the Dublin 15 and Swords areas.

Invitations to attend will be issued to all groups on the Fingal County register, local heritage network members, and to the wider public.

The council’s heritage office is already engaged

with local historical societies in relation to commemorating volunteers who are interred in burial grounds across the county, with a view to recording these burials and to commemorating them in 2016 as part of a countywide project.

Memorabilia days will be held in September and October this year, at which

members of the public will be invited to bring along any 1916 memorabilia they have, which will be photographed, scanned and put on digital record by council officials, and included in a centenary exhibition that will be displayed around Swords Castle. It is also planned to carry out re-enactments of a number of key

events from the rising.

In 2016, Fingal libraries will host a series of lectures on the history of the Rising; schools will be provided with information packs, and a number of cultural events will take place in Draiocht and the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre throughout the year.

For further information, see www.fingal.ie.

6 swords gazette 7 May 2015

crime Fingal chief executive says local authority has a limited role in matter

Council defends joint policing committee’s work  keith bellew

FINGAL County Council has stressed the importance and adequacy of the work carried out by the joint policing committee after a councillor questioned whether enough was being done to

combat crime.

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) questioned what steps were being taken to reassure the Balbriggan-Swords community that crime was being taken seriously, following representations from constituents.

He cited a “very obvious increase [in crime] with a number of very serious incidents of crime and notable increase in house burglaries across the BalbrigganSwords area”.

Fingal chief executive Paul Reid responded, saying that

Fingal County Council had a limited role in the matter of crime prevention and was guided by requests from An Garda Siochana to ensure public safety.

He said the joint policing committee was a structured mechanism for engagement

between the local authority, An Garda Siochana, citizens, business representatives and members of the community on the matters of crime, antisocial behaviour and underlying factors.

He added: “The Fingal joint policing committee

serves as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority’s administrative area.”

For further information, see www.fingal.ie, or email jpc@fingal.ie.

Help artistically express the legacy of the Rising in Fingal FINGAL County Council is seeking interest from artists to make new work that will reflect and re-imagine the unique Fingal experiences of the 1916 Rising.

All types of art, including visual art, dance, literature, music, opera, theatre and film are being sought to bring the Fingal 1916 experience to life.

Fingal chief executive Paul Reid said it was important that the role played by the people of Fingal in the Rising be highlighted and commemorated during 2016.

Caroline Cowley, the council’s public art co-ordinator, said she was “excited by the possibility of imagination and vision

that the arts can bring to our unique 1916 story, and the selected artists will have the support of the dedicated expert commemorations committee”.

The commission will be a two-stage competition, with the artists invited to submit expressions of interest and outline the proposal and budget by June 8.

These will be shortlisted to stage two by an expert panel and invited to further develop their projects.

A full commission brief and criteria is available from the arts office. Contact Caroline Cowley, public art co-ordinator, by emailing caroline.cowley@fingal. ie, or phoning 01 870 8449.

With more days of strikes planned this month, Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann are challenging the unions

transport: unions, companies escalate actions

Legal challenges on way after bus strike

 keith bellew

DUBLIN Bus and Bus Eireann will legally challenge SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union (NRBU) for loss of revenue and damage to reputation as a result of the two-day strike on May 1 and 2.

SIP TU and NBRU bus drivers engaged in strike action in opposition to the proposed privatisation of 10% of their routes and five more days of strikes are planned this month.

Three of the 23 Dublin Bus routes put out to tender service areas in

Fingal.

SIP TU divisional organiser Owen Reidy said the dispute went well and was very well supported by members as well as the public, despite the disruption to commuters.

He went on to say that there had been no contact from the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) about renewing talks.

Chief executives of both bus companies said the first two-day strike was illegal and were taking unprecedented legal action to challenge the unions.

A spokesperson for the

bus companies stressed that they were not taking action directly against their employees, but were seeking to recover losses from the NBRU and SIPTU. This followed the latest walk-out by both unions from emergency talks held ahead of the strikes at the LRC on April 28.

Legal letters have been sent to the unions telling of this move to seek compensation and the bus companies will follow this by initiating proceedings in the High Court.

NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary said it was unfortunate that

the companies had chosen this course of action, and that it would be better if they concentrated on working to resolving the dispute.

Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe gave the unions a guarantee that Dublin Bus employees would not have to transfer to other bus operators, and that no change would be made to their employment terms and conditions.

He said he was extremely disappointed the unions had gone on strike as it would cause considerable damage to the economy.

7 May 2015 swords gazette 7

plan Mixed reaction to new Government initiative

€19m agreed to fund Fingal social housing  keith bellew

FOUR housing projects in Fingal, totalling €18.97m, have been announced by Environment Minister Alan Kelly.

Fifty houses will be built at Racecourse Commons, Lusk; eight hous at The Grange, Ballyboughill; 24 houses at Castlelands, Balbriggan and 25 houses at Rathbeale Road, Swords.

This is the first phase in a six-year plan to reduce the numbers on housing lists throughout the

country.

Earlier this year, Minister Kelly allocated €81m to Fingal County Council as part of the social housing strategy.

However, not everyone is satisfied with the plan, as figures show that 75% of the units which will be made available to families on Fingal’s housing list will be subsidised private rented accommodation, and only 396 units will be council houses.

The council plans to house 1,566 families

from the housing list over the next three years, 1,170 of whom are to be housed in Governmentsubsidised private rented schemes.

With the introduction of the housing assistance payment scheme, it is predicted that the ratio of private rented accommodation to social housing will climb to 9:1.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said: “I know the council are doing as much as they can with the resources they have, and do have a plan for

Funding has been announced for four projects across Fingal as part of the nationwide drive to tackle the housing crisis

social housing, but certainly we need a lot more funding and help from central Government.

“I think the average wait on the housing list is up [to] eight or nine years, so it’s certainly an area where a lot more funding needs to be made available,” he said.

A spokesperson from

the Department of Environment responded, saying the Department was confident that the social housing strategy would adequately address the housing needs in Fingal, and the council would be given housing targets “over and above what they proposed to the department to ensure

strong delivery where the need is greatest”.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Fingal County Council will continue to avail of all social housing delivery mechanisms in order to deliver secure, good quality housing to those in need of housing in the Fingal area.”

transport Engineer to revise cycyleway A CONSULTING engineer is to be commissioned to revise the design of the Skerries to Balbriggan cycleway.

The first phase of the cycleway has been completed, between Balrothery and Balbriggan in 2012.

In order to complete the remainder of the scheme, a compulsory purchase order was made in 2013 to acquire the necessary lands.

Following the design revision, the scheme will be put on public display and submissions will be invited from members of the public.

Fingal County Council has confirmed that the remainder of the scheme will be completed when a suitable source of funding is available.

8 swords gazette 7 May 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Barry, Ian, Mia Belle, Dylan and Christian Gray with Christine, Eva and Cole Dillon

howth: Dublin Bay Prawn Festival is a hit again

A cracking good time by the sea

Marcolia and Rodrigo Rocha with Victor Amaral, Camila Carvalho and Madonna, the dog. Pic

H

OWTH’S annual Dublin Bay Prawn Festival was another great success recently, with a weekend of celebrations by the shoreline that welcomed lots of locals and visitors to one of the country’s most popular foodie festivals. Visitors were once again treated to a wide range of treats and activities, with culinary delights and fairground rides competing for attention among a wide range of fun events, providing food for the mind – as well as for hungry diners, of course. Offshore, the invaluable work of the RNLI and coast guard was demonstrated, with the landlubbers and food-fans left in no doubt what a great festival had been held in Howth.

Making a furry good entrance

Suzanna, Sabhbh and Nora Cooper with Monty, the dog

Alline Ayumi Taba, Adriana Versolato, Enzo Rocha and RafaelaVersolato Liaroca

7 May 2015 swords gazette 9

ctures: Simon Jeacle

Having a screamingly good time on one of the rides

Avril Donohue, Hannah Ruttledge, Zara Donohue and Mary Ruttledge

Oksana Osiniene and a lovely friend

There were lots of great rides at the fun festival

10 Gazette 7 May 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Building Blocks is modelled by Aideen Rafferty

Frayed in the Dark, a dress made from black plastic bags, is modelled by Paulina Vilimaite from Loreto, Balbriggan, at the final of the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture Competition in association with Repak at the 3 Arena, Dublin. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

funky junk: fashion show takes recycling to a new level

Students sweep boards in not so shabby attire

E

IGHTY secondary school students sported their couture designs fashioned from junk on the [alley] catwalk at the 3 Arena recently. They were centre stage at the grand finale of the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture competition in association with the Repak Recycled

Fashion Competition 2015. After months of preparations the teenagers strutted their carefully choreographed routine in the hope of impressing the judges in front of thousands of screaming fans.

Louis Walsh gave the judging panel the X-factor when he joined Vogue

Williams, Rob Condon, Tracey Fahey and Laura Murphy The Laura Larkin Community School took the best performance prize for Supercalifashionisticexpialidocious. It was one of a number of winners from the Dublin area, including Loreto, Balbriggan.

Woven Data is worn by Bronwyn Linnane

Nadine Doherty, Andrea Hutchinson Lara McGee and Sienna Hutchinson

Kate O’Brien, Heather O’Connor and Grainne Wilson

Louis Walsh

Aurica Syrbu is the Queen of the Forest

7 May 2015 Gazette 11

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

referendum p14

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

a day in the life: senator david norris, colourful and robust

what’son

‘I always find myself getting fired up by ideas’  ian begley

David Norris, an individual who has stirred up the very fabric of Irish society on many occasions, has a vast array of accomplishments to his name and has earned much admiration throughout his 70 years.

His colour ful and r ob ust p erso na has made him an institution in himself, and being an Irish scholar, senator, gay and civil rights a c t i vi st and fo rmer presidential candidate it is no surprise that we asked Norris what a typical day in his life is like.

“I get out of bed quite early at 7am and begin my day by listening to the news.

“For breakfast I always have the same thing – a cup of coffee and a bowl of Kellogs Fruit and Fibre.

“Since my liver trans-

plant I don’t have a lot of physical energy, but I have lots of intellectual energy and always find myself getting fired up by ideas.

“I always bring a lot of my documents home from Leinster House and pile them up in my kitchen, which is where I do most of my work.”

Norris, who has lived on North Great G e o r g e ’s S t r e e t f o r nearly 40 years, adds that he is in the Senate nearly every day and wishes it would reopen on the weekends.

“I campaigned to get the Senate open at the weekends, which it was but then they closed it again because of the recession and I was the only one who used it,” he laughs.

“I don’t do very much socialising, but when I come back home I like feed the birds in the garden and feed my goldfish in their pond,

and love watching them while I’m having my breakfast or evening dinner.

“In my free time I have a wonderful old car [Jaguar XJ6] that I love to drive around in. I sometimes drive to Bull Island and get out to take a little walk or even to Howth to pick up some crab claws in Wrights.”

Norris confesses to being computer illiterate, never having turned one on in his life.

“I don’t know anything about them but for political purposes Miriam [his secretary] handles that for me.

“I have 41,000 followers on Twitter and again I don’t do any of the mechanics, but the words are all mine.”

After a long day, Norris adds, he heads to bed between 9.30pm and 10pm, after partaking in some night time reading or TV watching.



Gazette

diary p12

an outlandish opera with a modern theme

David Norris has built up a vast array of accomplishments and admiration throughout his 70 years

“I read a lot before heading to bed and also like to watch a bit of television. I have really gotten interested

in watching the detective drama, Endeavor, which is the story about a young inspector in Oxford.

“In the old days I wouldn’t fall asleep until maybe 3am but these days I tend to get tired more easily.”

OUTLANDISH Theatre Platform (OTP) will perform a mini-opera, EX-hib-IT-US 2015, at Filmbase in Temple Bar from May 14 – 16.

FEX-hib-IT-US 2015 is a contemporary mini opera about Dublin today, featuring professional actors performing alongside residents of St Teresa’s Gardens.

For two years, OTP worked on a collaborative arts project with the remaining residents of St Teresa’s Gardens in Dublin 8 – a social housing estate on the brink of demolition.

This collaboration resulted in a one off inter-media performance installation, and a film, entitled: Come into The Gardens.

EX-hib-IT-US 2015 is the concluding piece in this long-term project.

For this latest production, OTP has written new songs and scores, which reveal an artistic exploration of the human structure of Dublin’s ever-changing social city landscape.

The final performance will be followed by a post-show discussion: “From the real to the stage, full-circle”.

For further information, see www.outlandishtheatre.com.

Gazette

12 Gazette 7 May 2015

dublinlife

diary

A candlelight vigil to commemorate migrants, who died trying to get to Europe, took place in the Dublin Unitarian Church and was organised by the Jesuit organisation, Dialogue and Diversity

Migrants lost at sea recalled A CANDLELIGHT vigil to commemorate migrants, who died trying to get to Europe, took place recently, in Dublin Unitarian Church.

The event was organised by the Jesuit organisation, Dialogue and Diversity, to highlight a humanitarian problem after more than 900 people drowned trying to make the crossing from north Africa. In the past 20 years more than 25,000 immigrants lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea. Piotr Gawlik, chair of Dialogue and Diversity, said: “We must not forget that those who passed away were somebody’s loved ones.”

He said there was undoubtedly a border crisis, with irregular migration from a large geographic area, involving hundreds of thousands of people every year, who

risked their lives trying to get to Europe.

The vigil was attended

by Cllr Ciaran Cuffe (GP) and representatives of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Amnesty International and Crosscare.

Students to show off their liguistics skills THREE secondary school students from Dublin along with one from Donegal have been selected to test their language decoding skills against the world’s best at the International Linguistics Olympiad in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, in July.

The students finished ahead of 120 opponents in the All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad finals recently at Dublin City University.

Samuel Barron of Sutton Park School was the overall winner of the individual competition. He will be joined in Bulgaria

by fellow team members Luke Gardiner of Gonzaga College, Ranelagh; Ethan Hamman of Newpark Comprehensive, Blackrock; and Niamh Lynch of Loreto Letterkenny, Donegal.

From a starting line-up of 4,000 students from 161 secondary schools spanning 29 counties, the top 123 battled it out during individual and team contests. Competitors engaged in codebreaking challenges to unlock information in unfamiliar languages.

This year’s individual contests included puzzles in Evenki, an inner Mongolian language; Murrinhpatha, an indigenous Australian language spoken by only 3,000 people; and the Georgian writing system.

Meet the entire family on the library website THE National Library of

Ireland has announced plans to enable people to investigate their genealogy with relative ease from July onwards.

The entire collection of Catholic parish register microfilms held by the library will be made available online, at no charge, from July 8.

The dedicated website will make available more than 390,000 digital images of the microfilm reels on which the parish registers are recorded.

The library has been working to digitise the microfilms for more than three years under its most ambitious digitisation programme.

The parish register records are considered the single most important source of information on Irish family history prior to the 1901 census.

Dating from the 1740s to the 1880s, they cover

1,091 parishes throughout the island of Ireland, and consist primarily of baptismal and marriage records. For more information see www.nli.ie

ivan yates happy to eat ice cream for good cause IVAN Yates and Lottie Ryan both screamed for ice cream as they launched this year’s HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.

They are calling on people in Dublin to organise their own ice cream party this summer to raise much needed funds for the organisation.

HB provides everything needed for the party in a comprehensive pack, and all funds raised go to front line services.

P a t C l a r ke , c h i e f

executive of Down Syndrome Ireland, said: “The HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign is a fantastic and fun way of raising funds for our organisation.

“The support from both HB and the public means that we can maintain the level and quality of essential services that we provide to our members.”

For more information visit w w w.dow nsy ndrome.ie or email sandrab@downsyndrome. ie, for your ice cream fundays pack.

Bruton reeling after selection rejection JOBS Minister Richard Bruton was faced with shock and embarrassment last week, when he failed to be chosen to run for Fine Gael in the next general election in his own constituency,

Dublin Bay North.

The shock followed a dramatic selection convention in the constituency.

Fine Gael members voted to select Cllr Naoise O Muiri and former local election candidate Stephanie Regan to run for the party at the next election.

Unfortunately for Bruton, he was not selected alongside Regan as previously expected, after members were directed to select one male and one female candidate in order to comply with new gender quota rules.

The party’s executive council has now added Bruton to the ticket in ,k,lwhat was a setback and embarrassment for the Minister and the party.

Reports indicated that Bruton was described as being visibly shocked when the result was announced.

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dublinlife

Different views on why This week, two people with opposing opinions give us their views on how they would like to see the electorate vote in the upcoming referendum on marriage equality

Vote Yes to extend true equality to all families

 Conor Pendergrast The blogger writes about his personal experience of being raised by two lesbian parents

MY BROTHER Daragh and I are the children of two wonderful women, Ann and Bernadette.

As a child, I spent my early years in London. I was fortunate to have a diverse group of friends and to meet people from every walk of life.

Our neighbours were also a family headed by two mums, and we were far from the only similar families in the city.

Even that long ago, there were parenting groups for lesbian and gay people, which my parents attended.

Moving back to Ireland (where Bern was born and raised) was a bit of a change; whereas once my brother’s skin colour meant little (his sperm donor was a British Indian man, whereas mine was a white British man), now he was the only person who wasn’t white in the school.

Our English accents also made us stick out a mile. In comparison with those barriers we faced, the fact that our parents

are two women was pretty insignificant to onlookers!

Our classmates didn’t think us having two mums was weird; in fact, they thought it was really cool!

Overall, my family is similar to a lot of other families, and yet there are those who think that my mums shouldn’t have the option to marry. Luck-

ily, we’ve seen incredible progress over the past 20 years in rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

The decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 1990s meant that, from one perspective, their love was no longer illegal.

Equality legislation was introduced, which means that discrimination based on sexuality is no longer

7 May 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

same sex marriage

the May 22 vote matters tolerated (in most, but sadly not all, cases).

Civil Partnership led to the option for people in same-sex couples to have their relationships recognised, to a degree.

This year, the Child and Family Relationships Act finally granted the option for me to have a legal relationship with both of my parents.

And then, there were the lesser-known pieces of legislation that have led to much greater support and recognition of families like mine.

And yet, inequality still exists.

My mums have, as you can see, raised a family despite the lack of marriage equality. It is a great falsehood to make the discussion on this referendum about the families that same-sex couples will raise: there have, and will continue to be, children like me raised in families headed by lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

To vote “No” on that basis is to ignore the reality: we’re already living

in communities around Ireland.

Sadly, those campaigning in opposition to the referendum have shown no interest in listening to me and my brother’s perspectives, and have effectively ignored us and families like us for years, only to rise up now and scream: “Won’t someone think of the children?”

I’m getting to the stage of my life where a number of my friends are starting to marry. I myself am engaged to a wonderful woman, with whom so far I have spent eight happy years, and with whom I intend to spend my life.

The idea of my parents not having the option to marry each other, after being together for more than 30 years, saddens me. The idea that my wonderful lesbian, gay and bisexual friends can’t marry the people they love feels deeply wrong.

I can’t help but wonder what it is that makes my love for Alana legitimate and deserving of recognition by society, but Ann

and Bern’s love for each other undeserving?

In the end, the referendum on marriage equality is not about lofty hypothetical situations or philosophical debates; it’s not about whether same-sex couples will raise families (they have for decades, and will continue to do so).

It’s not about whether you’re annoyed by the current Government; it’s not about where you’re from.

The referendum on marriage equality simply comes down to one question: will we decide to treat our people equally, or not? Should your sons and daughters, your parents, your aunts and uncles, your cousins, your friends, your neighbours, your teachers, your nurses, and everyone else you know who happens to be lesbian, gay or bisexual, be able to marry the person they love?

The outcome of the referendum will demonstrate this: are we all equal, or are we not?

Daragh Pendergrast-Manning, Conor Pendergrast, Bernadette Manning and Ann Pendergrast. Picture: Alan Betson, courtesy of The Irish Times

Anne Murray: “This debate is not about equality and rights, but about changing the meaning of marriage”

Vote No to protect the meaning of marriage

 Anne Murray Mothers and Fathers Association

THINK before you vote.

I believe we need to support rights. As a woman, I understand discrimination, and as a mother, I understand what it is to fight for the needs of a child.

This debate needs to broaden to include rights of all. People make wellintentioned general statements about rights, but we need to look at universal rights and what they say.

On July 16, 2014, the European Cour t of Human Rights confirmed that there is no right to grant access to marriage to same-sex couples.

The Referendum Commission states that the vote is about marriage.

So this debate is not about equality and rights, but about changing the meaning of marriage

from between one man and one woman to one between any two people, without distinction as to their sex.

There has always been limitations to marriage, eg age, one cannot marry close family members, and one has to be of sound mind.

What we have in Ireland to give legal recognition to same sex relationships is Civil Partnership, which is specifically for gay people.

The Constitution belongs to the people of Ireland and it reflects as a country what we believe, and our laws have to reflect what is in our Constitution.

Article 41.3.1 is the part of the Constitution that links family and marriage and this is the section we are being asked to change.

We cannot have this debate without consider-

ing the rights of children.

Children have a right to know their mother and father, as per the UN convention of the Rights of the Child, as they are an integral part of a child’s identity.

Human beings have a right to their mother and father, and we are designed to long for a relationship with both of our biological parents.

If we vote Yes, it will mean that any two men or any two women have the same constitutional right as a man and woman to have a family if they are married.

We know a man and a woman together can produce a baby. However, if two men or two women have no children from a previous relationship, or by adoption, then how can they have a baby, given that they are not biologically designed to do so?

For the male couple, they will have to contact a surrogacy agency, arrange to buy an egg and pay a woman to carry the baby to birth, when the baby will then be given to the couple.

After the birth, this baby then will have no connection with its mother. The baby will never know what it is like to be held in her mother’s arms.

I certainly, as a new mother, remember with great joy and wonder looking at my newborn baby.

There is no denying same-sex parents can be great parents. The problem is not the gay parent, but rather the missing parent.

We Irish know the value of family, and this proposed change will have serious consequences for future generations of our children. Please vote No.

dublinlife

Norwegian dry ice firm open a Dublin manufacturing site NORWEGIAN-based international chemical company Yara has officially opened a dry ice manufacturing site in Dublin, with the creation of five jobs.

Yara Ireland provides dry ice in Ireland across a variety of sectors including aviation, refrigeration, food storage, medical services and the entertainment industry.

Petter Østbø, vice president of Gas & Industrial Applications, Yara, said: “While Yara have been operating for some time in Ireland, we decided to invest in this new strategically

located manufacturing site in Dublin, to serve the Irish market on demand, in small or large quantities of dry ice as required.”

T he Nor wegian Charge d’Affaires in Ireland, Sølve Steinhovden, was welcomed to the plant by Irish and Norwegian Yara personnel at the official opening, which was presided over by representatives from IDA Ireland.

Yara market manager for Ireland Gerard Dore said the company expected to increase its workforce as market demand increases.

business

forecast: government bullish about the economy

‘Lost jobs back by 2018’

MINISTER for Finance Michael Noonan has said all of the jobs lost in the recession would be replaced by 2018.

He made his remarks recently on the publication of the Government’s Spring Economic Statement, and added that 200,000 jobs would be created between now and 2020, forecasting that two million people would be employed nationwide by next year.

Overall, his remarks m ay b e v i e we d a s extremely hopeful as he believed the Government may be in a position to introduce expansionary budgets from now until 2020.

He said there would be no return to the boomand-bust-budget model of the past.

Noonan said: “Over the period 2011 to 2015, the deficit was reduced from €15bn to €4.5bn.

However, we were in a position to achieve these targets with less tax increases and expenditure cuts than originally envisaged, and to bring an end to the era of austerity budgets much earlier than originally planned.”

On another positive note, he said that having peaked in 2013, the national debt was now on a firm downward path, and was expected

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to drop below 100% of GDP and move towards the EU average in the coming years.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin also had some good news, in the form of intended spending increases of between €600m and €750m for 2016.

He said the expansion would enable the Government to deal with underlying demographic pressures in social protection, education and health.

He said the Government was commitment to pension provision, and intended to increase the current national

Minister Michael Noonan: “Over the period 2011 to 2015, the deficit was reduced from €15bn to €4.5bn”

spend of €6.5bn a year by €200m as the population aged.

He went on to hint at forthcoming public service pay increases, saying the Government had agreed to his proposal to enter into discussions with trade unions on

public service pay.

He believed it was wise to plan for a steady winding down of the emergency provisions that had been introduced to deal with the gap in the public finances, which included pay cuts for public servants.

7 May 2015 Gazette 17

food P21

asdfsdaf P27 health P24

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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travel P20

Pets A golden oldie with a heART OF GOLD

There was neigh-one better than George to help dancer Emma O’Kane announce details of Dublin Dance Festival

2015. Emma will star in WillFredd

Theatre`s new production, Jockey, which premieres during the festival. Picture: Photocall Ireland

dance: exciting events promised over an energetic fortnight in dublin

Step up to a great festival

 keith bellew

AN EXCITING and diverse array of dancers from around the world with expertise in a range of different styles will descend on Dublin from May 19 -31 for the Dublin Dance Festival 2015.

This year’s programme promises to be one of the best yet, with artists from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada and Spain, among others, gracing the event.

The festival will be opened at the Abbey Theatre on Tuesday, May 19 by choreographer Meg Stuart. With her company, Damaged Goods, she will officially open the festival with their new show, Built to Last, in their first ever visit to Ireland.

The show is described as an epic journey of movement and music through the

history of dance and beyond.

Other highlights of this year’s packed programme include Dublin Dance Festival and the Goethe-Institut Irland’s collaboration on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 to perform exhibitions of fearless dance from Germany for all tastes and ages on the stages, streets and screens of Dublin.

Later, the festival and the Abbey Theatre will co-present the world premiere of choreographer Liz Roche’s major new work, Bastard Amber, on Tuesday, 26.

This event marks the first time that an Irish choreographer has been commissioned to create a work for the Abbey Theatre’s main stage.

Fiach MacConghail, Abbey Theatre director said: “It has been a long-term ambition of mine to premiere the work

of an Irish choreographer at The Abbey.

“I am delighted to welcome Liz Roche and Dublin Dance Festival to present this exciting new dance work on our main stage.”

Families are also well catered for this year, with Family Season at The Ark. Here, Barrowland Ballet will present Tiger Tale – a tale of a tiger who invades a troubled family’s world and helps them to rediscover their wild sides.

For younger children, Celestine Hennermann‘s Elephant Walk will see dozens of multi-coloured buckets transform the stage of the Ark as two dancers bring an array of familiar creatures to life on stage.

Speaking about this year’s programme, which will be the last in her four-year tenure as festival director, Julia Carruthers

said: “Dance artists are moving like brilliant magpies across tradition, and I hope this programme captures the ‘right-now’ of international and Irish dance.

“This year, our national theatre amplifies the importance of dance with an ambitious programme of three dance performances on the Abbey stage, including leading work from Europe, cutting-edge contemporary flamenco and a major Irish premiere.”

The festival is also offering opportunities to engage with dance through masterclasses, talks, and Fast Track to Dance – a weekend programme for those who would like to learn more about dance, run by Niamh McCann and Lynnette Moran of Live Collision.

For further information about the festival, see www.dublindancefestival.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is week is golden oldie, Takara, who’s a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier.

Takara is one of our TLC dogs, which means that she needs a little extra time, love and commitment from her new home. Takara is a little worried in kennels, so we’d really love to get this little dog into her new home as soon as possible.

Takara is a busy lady, who would like a relaxed home with maybe one person or a couple, who will allow her time and space to settle in – oh, and who will provide her with lots of tennis balls!

If you think you could give this fabulous dog her perfect home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. It is based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50.

A map and directions can be found on www. dogstrust.ie.

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18 Gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Beautybits Treat your skin to the Ultrasonic Facial  mimi murray

Viva La Beauty Salon on Marlborough Street is run by 22-year-old Barbara Carter and the salon offers an amazing treatment, the Ultrasonic Facial.

Barbara Carter

This is a gentle, non-invasive

treatment that is safe and suitable for all skin types, from acne to rosacea and mature skin. Even the most sensitive skin will benefit from this treatment. The promise is that increased blood flow stimulates collagen plumping up the skin and ironing out fine lines and wrinkles. This advanced anti-aging procedure gives your skin a much healthier, more youthful look and feel and the therapist told me that if done regularly it can emulate the effects of a facelift. So far, so what’s not to love!

Barbara started off by cleansing my face with organic oil cleanser with lavender and ylang ylang to prepare it for the machine, which sends ultrasound vibrations into the skin to penetrate into the pores and remove everything from dirt or make up to blackheads. This gives a really deep-cleanse providing a mini microdermabrasion that is so unobtrusive it can be used weekly. The ultrasound waves are then used on another setting to penetrate organic aloe vera gel products into the skin to soothe after this deep cleanse.

The machine penetrates the products into the skin more effectively than a regular facial. Increased oxygen and blood circulation to underlying tissues from the current leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed, revitalized and glowing. I noticed a uniform look to my face instantly.

An organic face mask is applied for 10 minutes.

Finally the machine uses a micro current setting that sends minor pulses into the skin to stimulate the facial muscles, toning them and giving the face a lift.

I found it great around the neck area and under the eyes for crows feet.

The treatment takes an hour and was the perfect mix of soothing and science.

Aurelia cardigan €116

Azura dress €65

Natural beauty

Flora Beau dress €52

Sustainable and eco-friendly fashion brand, Braintree Clothing, has arrived at Dublin’s most iconic department store, Clerys.

Braintree is a natural clothing company born is Sydney and now based in London. It is a unique independent fashion outfit with a simple philosophy – to design and make beautiful, timeless fashion while caring for our environment.

Braintree has been championing eco fibres since its humble beginnings in the mid-1990s and all ranges are made with sustainability in Marley batwing sweater €65 mind with fabrics such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton.

Zinnia plaid skirt €78

For more info go to www.vivalabeauty.biz

Juvi launches new jewellery range for the summer

Juvi has launched its new jewellery range for summer 2015, made up of two lines, the Boho Collection and the Antibes Collection

Irish design company Juvi, founded by Julie Danz and Vincent Tynan, has launched its new jewellery range for Summer 2015, made up of two lines, the Boho Collection and the Antibes Collection.

Inspired by their travels and the natural beauty of the places they have visited, the new range showcases exquisite gemstones in summertime colours reminiscent of sea, sand, sunsets and beautiful vistas.

The Boho Collection has a

relaxed vibe that is perfect for everyday wear, while the Antibes Collection exudes the grown-up elegance and sophistication of the Cote d’Azur. Both new lines feature gemstones sourced all over the world and brought back to Ireland, from cool aqua chalcedony to radiant blue topaz, all set in sterling silver- or 18ct gold-plated jewellery.

Julie and Vincent are a husband and wife duo who combine their talents and backgrounds as an interior designer and silversmith

to create unique, striking pieces at their studio in Dublin. Vincent has more than 20 years’ experience working as a silversmith, while Julie’s bold approach to design is influenced by her time in New York, working under Carleton Varney, one of America’s most adventurous and colourful interior designers.

They share a passion for finding beauty in the raw, and are enthralled by the natural purity of colour in precious stones.

Speaking about the collection, Julie explains: “We use very high quality stones, they speak for themselves; people are attracted to their colour, tactility and weight. Our philosophy is quite simple – we want to offer affordable luxury. We believe it is important for women to spoil themselves on occasion.”

Juvi is available at House of Fraser, Arnotts, Kilkenny and independent retailers throughout Ireland, or online at www.juvidesigns.com.

7 May 2015 Gazette 19

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STYLE

Artistry’s Multi Protect SPF 30 €25.35. It is a Lightweight moisturizer shielding the skin from harmful UVA and UVB exposure as it combats free radicals and environmental pollutants. Visit www.amway.ie

4

3

2

Eight Hour Cream Targeted Sun Defense Stick SPF 50 €20 is water and perspiration-resistant, ophthalmologically, clinically and dermatologically tested, oil and PABA-free, suitable for all skin types and offers the hydrating benefits for up to eight hours.

Sun!

Fun in the

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Cream €19.50 for sensitive and sunintolerant skin. Protection from UVA and UVB exposure.

1

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection WetForce broad spectrum SPF 50+ face cream €39.

Water resistent for up to 80 minutes.

5

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF 30 Day Lotion provides up to eight hours moisturisation, SPF 30 protection and pampering vitamins, combined with a non-greasy formula and retails at €12.89 RRP. Available nationwide. See www.olay.ie

Gazette

20 gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

FastTravel Get the latest on top cruises ON MAY 10 at the Red Cow Morans Hotel, e-Travel.ie are hosting an exclusive cruise event with top holiday deals and unique shows from some of the world’s most luxurious cruise liners.

Taking place from 12 – 5pm, the event will boast fun-filled, actionpacked holidays for the whole family on board top luxury ships.

In addition, e-travel will also exhibit free presentations from all of the cruise lines attending, including Q&A sessions. For further information, see www.etravel.ie.

Whether in high summer or any time of the year, Gregans Castle Hotel, Clare (above) will delight – just one of a number of terrific holiday getaways right here in Ireland

ireland: a wonderful break awaits right here

Summer getaways  ian begley

THERE’S no better way to indulge yourself in the sights and sounds of Ireland now that summertime is almost here.

With lots of offers and picturesque places to visit this summer, an Irish weekend break away is certainly a great way to roll in the long evenings.

With Ireland’s Blue Book, why not give yourself some peace and quiet by heading as far west as you can go, to beautiful Connemara?

Breathe in the pure air and see the stars in a velvety sky and enjoy a day trip to the Aran Islands and Inish Lacken. This offer includes three nights’ accommodation and breakfast with dinner on two evenings, ferry tickets to Aran and a boat trip to Inish Lacken in this little bit of paradise, from €295pps.

Over at Coopershill House, Sligo, majestic

mountains, ancient ruins and miles of sandy beach lie at its doorstep.

Nestled in the centre of a 500-acre private estate of mature hardwoods, deer pastures and its own river you can certainly expect a relaxing and tranquil summer escape.

Built in 1774, Coopershill has been the family home to eight generations of the O’Haras and is the perfect base for exploring the stunning northwest of Ireland.

From €360pp, you can spend three nights in this iconic country house throughout the summer until October 31.

For bird lovers, a short visit to Longueville House in Cork is the perfect setting to explore and expand your interest in ornithology with professional bird-watching guide Michael Cobley.

Cobley – chair of the West Cork branch of Bird Watch Ireland – has

years of experience guiding groups of various experience levels, including newcomers.

This overnight package for €355 for two is valid from May 16 – 18 and includes a gourmet dinner, plus maps of local country strolls and hikes.

For three nights from €405pps, a getaway to the Gregans Castle Hotel, Clare will help you witness the astonishing array of flowering plants to be found growing in the Burren.

Glorious As part of this package, you can join local guide Shane Connolly on a half day’s walking adventure, where you will see the glorious gentians, mountain avens, violets, orchids and a myriad of floral delights.

Afterwards, visit the B u r r e n P e r f u m e r y, where the floral theme continues – you may

be tempted to purchase some scented potion to ease the blisters on your feet!

This three-night bed and breakfast package comes with a six-course dinner on two evenings and includes a half day’s guided walk at an easy pace.

If you have had enough exertion, return to the pampering environment of Gregans Castle Hotel where, amid their own garden landscape setting, you can enjoy three nights of tranquil indulgence and culinary treats.

Alternatively, if you fancy a luxury weekend break away with your partner or to spend some quality time with your family, Killashee House Hotel is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

For further information on these offers, see w w w. i r e l a n d s - b l u e book.ie or contact the hotels directly.

7 May 2015 gazette 21

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this yummy favourite from Boutique Bakes and Cakes

The perfect brownie cheesecake combo HERE is one of Boutique Bakes’ favourite recipes, Cheesecake Brownies. It is easy to make and goes down a treat with family and friends. You can use any fruit.

Ingredients Cedar Tree, St Andrew’s Street, Dublin, wrap €5

FAB Fabulous falafels

Taste Cafe, South William Street, Dublin, €12

Whether you are a dedicated veggie or a meat muncher looking for a lighter bite, falafel is a perfectly pleasing comfort food. It can be served on its own with dips like hummus or tahini, included in a warmed wrap or perched with pride of place atop a fresh salad.

This month we have featured our top five falafel places in Dublin. Do you agree? Have we missed a place? Let us know on the Gazette Newspaper’s Facebook page or on Twitter at @DublinGazette. Next month we will be searching for the best coffee in the city.

Brownie Layer 1 Boutique Bake brownie mix 150g melted butter 3 eggs Or 400g caster sugar 225g butter, melted 60g cocoa powder 4 eggs 225g self-raising flour 1/2 teaspoon salt Cheesecake Layer 100g icing sugar 250g cream cheese 150ml cream 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract/scraping of 1 pod 1 small punnet of raspberries (washed)

Preparation Brownie Layer • Preheat your oven to 180C (160 Fan) • Mix our brownie mix with 3 eggs and 150g of melted butter (or if using alternative recipe mix all required ingredients) until well combined.

• Spoon mixture into a greased/lined square tin (10 x 7 inch) • Bake for 20 to 25 mins

UMI Dame Street, €7

The Fumbally, Fumbally Lane, Dublin, €8

Little Jerusalem, Rathmines, €7.50

Cheesecake Layer • Whip the cream cheese with an electric whisk until creamy. In separate bowl, whip the cream until it starts to become stiff.

• Add the icing sugar to the whipped cheese and fold in the cream. Add in the vanilla.

• Cut up the raspberries and fold into the mixture.

• When the brownie is cool, gently spread the cheesecake mixture evenly on top.

• Pop into the fridge for about 4 hours to set before taking out of tin.

• Remove from the tin and slice into squares.

• Serve with more raspberries and some lightly whipped cream for a real treat.

For more go to www.cakesandbakes.co.uk

Gazette

22 Gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Fused

Donal Lunny, Playing

Donal Lunny hangs out in National Gallery  Bairbre ni bhraonain

THIS week saw the National Gallery of Ireland unveil a new portrait commission, Donal Lunny, Playing.

This addition to the gallery is a celebration of the multi-talented musician, composer and Tullamore, County Offaly man and was painted by Sligo-based artist Nick Miller.

It went on public display on April 17 at a special launch event in the gallery.

T he commission was part of the inaugural Hennessy Portrait Prize, which Miller won.

Lunny was among those who attended the recent unveiling of the piece in the Beit wing of the gallery.

In addition to having a place in the prestigious National Galler y of Ireland, M i l l e r ’s p o r t r a i t , Donal Lunny, Playing, won the artist a cash prize of €15,000 through the Hennessy prize.

The new commission, valued at €5,000, is now part of the the National Portrait Collection at the gallery.

The National Gallery of Ireland chose the subject matter of the portrait.

ARTS

hedda gabler: a triumph at the abbey

A wounded creature who still captivates  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IRISH playwright Mark O’Rowe described Hedda Gabler as a “mass of contradictions” and an enigmatic figure so powerful she had endured as a dramatic staple since the play first premiered in 1891.

Such fascination about this theatrical metacharacter led O’Rowe to undertake a reworking of the original Henrik Ibsen play, and the fruits of this can be seen at the Abbey Theatre this May. O’Rowe’s adaptation takes Gabler into the 21st century with great ease. Such a modern play easily lends itself to an updating, and seems most natural.

It is achieved through O’Rowe’s delicate use of language. Gabler, had she been written today, would certainly have used the odd expletive, so volatile is her tormented nature at times.

This, O’Rowe does, but does not overdo; he thereby maintains the shock value of a general’s daughter with pristine manners dressed in impeccable 19th century garb using foul language.

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

‘Ibsen deserves most adulation for summoning up something so wounded and lost in the main character that it is enough to feed future imaginations for centuries’ --------------------------

Gabler, played solidly if wanting in nuance

by Catherine Walker, returns to the house she chose on a whim after six months honeymooning in Europe.

She does not particularly like the house, but said she wanted to live there during a lull in the conversation with her then future husband.

Though she constantly surprises in her actions and decisions; impulsiveness is a trait threaded through her character as a desperate effort to feel alive.

She is gifted, intelligent, wry and original,

but Gabler lives in a time where the only tool she can use to carve a name for herself in the world is a husband.

Of her decision to marry, she says: “I felt I’d been putting it off long enough.”

The husband she has chosen is a dull, unexciting academic. She refers to him by his surname, Tesman, is sorry she married him, and has no attraction to him.

Tesman is played lightly and innocently

by Peter Gaynor, and the audience feels an affinity for him right away.

Yet the audience also feels deep sympathy for Gabler, as she suffocates under social restriction and the burden of her own difficult psychology.

Like Tesman, the other characters in the play never seem as alive or as real as Gabler. Instead, they have found their groove in the world and are happy enough to plough along. The most interesting of these are Gabler’s old flame, Ejlert Lovborg (Keith McErlean), who mirrors a passionate idealism in Gabler, and Judge Brack (Declan Conlon), who

Peter Gaynor and Catherine Walker bring life to their complex roles, with Walker, in particular, excelling in her role as the titular Hedda Gabler. Pictures: Ros Kavanagh

reflects back to Gabler her cruel and manipulating side.

Both think they are akin to Gabler, but neither is. She toys with them all, while urgently looking for an identity and a valid role in life. She is like a child hoping to stumble upon the meaning of life through action.

Lovborg’s helpmeet is Thea Elfsted (Kate Stanley Brennan) has left her magistrate husband to be with the great artistic genius.

She has arduously assisted Lovborg on his latest work on history and is madly devoted to him; a trait dominant in her nature. Yet, Lovborg prefers the savage mystery of Gabler.

In the meantime, the judge seeks to have a “tri-

As Ejlert Lovborg, Keith McErlean also creates a memorable, fleshed-out character

angular arrangement” in the Tesman household, much to Gabler’s horror.

The Abbey Theatre and Mark O’Rowe have done justice to the Norwegian playwright in this new version of Hedda Gabler, and the two-and-a-half hours fly by.

Yet Ibsen created Hedda Gabler, and therefore deserves most

adulation for summoning up something so psychologically primal, wounded and lost in the main character that it is enough to feed future imaginations for centuries to come.

Hedda Gabler runs until May 16 in the Abbey Theatre. Tickets cost from €13 to €45 and are available from the box office at www.abbeytheatre.ie.

7 May 2015 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MUSIC BLUR: THE MAGIC WHIP

From idle jams to their tasty first album in 12 years  COLM MURRAY

On their way to global success, Mumford and Sons have come a long way, with their new album, Wilder Mind, showing the musical journey the band has also embarked on

MUMFORD AND SONS: WILDER MIND

Collaborating creates a robust new album  COLM MURRAY

BACK in the autumn of 2009, Mumford and Sons were playing to maybe a couple of dozen customers of Tower Records in Wicklow St. We l l , m ay b e j u s t browsers, as it was lunchtime on a wet Tuesday and most of the punters present were either looking for shelter or whiling away the minutes until they returned to their workplaces.

The band had just embarked on the promotional duties and five years non-stop work for their debut album, Sigh No More, that would send them global (and, until recently, a place on the Sunday Times rich list).

Fast forward to 2015, and the waistcoats, banjos and braces have been ditched for full drum kits

and fenders on Wilder Mind (Island/Universal). As Marcus Mumford himself states: “We fell back in love with drums.”

Right from the opening bars of Tompkins Square Park, it’s apparent that those early sessions in New York and London witnessed a change in the band’s approach not just to writing and recording, but to texture and dynamics, too.

There is a minimalist yet panoramic feel to the new album, taking up from where Kings of Leon left off after taking a wrong turn after Only

By The Night.

Current single, Believe, is a big room stadium anthem with elements of The Edge’s chiming keyboard sounds, which were previously borrowed by their contemporaries, Coldplay.

Producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, Klaxons) is a key component here, earning his fee with the updated sound but also positioning them for the next stage alongside supposed contemporaries.

There are a clutch of new songs – Only Love, Believe, Ditmus, The Wolf, Wilder Mind, Just Smoke – that will soar in a live setting, the latter, still encapsulating the sound of the past five years with a more robust and mature dynamic.

In another development, the new album is the band’s most collaborative to date, with all four musicians putting their shoulders to the wheel, and much of the writing taking place in the studio.

Moreover, in stark contrast to Babel, none of

the new songs have been road-tested live: fans will come to them fresh.

Those live settings will come in various guises over the summer. Gentlemen of the Road is their travelling festival, borne out of a desire to play non conventional or places less travelled.

Since 2012, they have visited the likes of Dungog (Australia), Portland, Maine; places with rich history (Bristol, Virginia) or ancient tradition (Lewes, UK); and gems waiting to be discovered (Dixon, Illinois).

A visit to Galway h a p p e n e d i n 2 013 , with further visits to these shores hopefully being announced in the future.

Key tracks: Believe, Tomkins Square Park, Only Love.

Release date: May 1.

DA MO N A l b a r n recently spoke on Irish radio about the origins of the first Blur album in 16 years (The Magic Whip , Parlophone/ Warners) with the completed line up.

While touring Asia in the spring of 2013, a music festival – Tokyo Rock – was abruptly called off due to disorganised management.

With a five-day break in their schedule and no dates to attend to, they took shelter in a tiny recording studio in Hong Kong, jamming with no goal in mind.

The 15 songs they drafted up were set aside once they got back on tour.

Almost a year later, Graham Coxon revisited the tracks and, after roping in Blur’s early producer Stephen Street, presented the material to the band.

Last year, they set about editing and cobbling together the ideas that were born from these sessions.

This was in contrast to social media updates previously distributed a year before by on/off producer William Orbit that relations within the band were less than cordial.

In an era that is coming to be defined by surprise releases, maybe the most surprising of all –apart from Bowie’s – is Blur’s latest; surprising because in contrast to, say, The Stone Roses, it’s always felt (no matter how much they might have denied it) that there was always creative ground still to be covered.

This was proven by the superb Under The Westway single from 2012, which was their anthem of that summer tour.

The gigs of that time,

Blur fans won’t need 99 reasons to pick up The Magic Whip (right) – their new album, inspired by songs they whipped together in Hong Kong. Picture: Linda Brownlee

including an appearance at Oxegen 2011, could only have been supported by nostalgia for a brief period.

No more looking back, then, as this is an album bulging with as many ideas and as much energy as any of Blur’s, or – perhaps more importantly – any of their now contemporaries.

Key tracks include My Terracotta Heart, which deals with Albarn’s and Cox’s oftentimes difficult relationship; the single, Lonesome Street, which is undeniably Blur; and New World Towers, echoing the themes of paranoia to the dubby Ghost Ship – with these, there’s plenty to keep the listener engaged.

Key tracks: Lonesome Street, My Terracotta Heart, Mirrorball.

Release date: April 27.

Gazette

24 Gazette 7 May 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

Find your way in to health TRYING to lose weight and be healthy can be a struggle for most. Finding the correct method is just as hard but one weight-management clinic is offering a tailor-made option to clients.

Your Way In, located in Blackrock, was set up after Marie Healy had spent years working with people who struggled with health and weight issues that could be remedied through alternative, nutritious food options.

Healy worked at Conefrey’s Pharmacy in Pearse Street before becoming personal assistant to Dr Eva Orsmond, and then manager of five weight-management Orsmond clinics.

There she gained experience in weight management, which helped her to discover that the most successful way of dealing with being over-weight, obesity and related issues is through a healthy, natural food diet.

Healy said: “I believe our easyto-follow, no-gimmicks approach to healthy eating that involves only natural, real food is the most successful route and our results speak for themselves.”

Your Way In recognises the unique needs of each individual, and offers a professional weight loss programme in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The small and personal team offer a choice of nutritional diet programmes, and one-to one-private consultations or small group sessions.

The clinic’s healthy eating programmes are tailor made and experienced nutritionists can design a plan suitable to specific dietary needs, such as gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets. Student Lynsey, lost a stone in weight and, said she felt happy in her own skin again.

She said: “The team were there for support every week… I never dreaded coming in to hop on the scales...each week we worked on small tweaks that were manageable, and not overwhelming.”

Your Way In believes healthy eating and physical activity go hand in hand, and offers weekly fitness classes, including zumba and pilates, in the fitness studio. For more details on Your Way In see: www.yourwayin.ie

Running without a finish line AN EVENT like no other! On Sunday, May 3, more than 73,000 athletes across 35 locations worldwide took part in the Wings For Life World Run, which had no traditional finish line.

In this race, participants keep running until they are passed by “the Catcher Car”, which takes off 30 minutes after the start.

All of the entry fee went towards Wings For Life – a foundation that funds research into finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

The Wings For Life run was all about running for those who can’t, and was accessible to, and achievable by, people of all levels of fitness.

The Irish race began at Dun Laoghaire. The course was picturesque and the sun was shining down on more than 2,000 participants.

The winner of the women’s category was Orna Dilworth who ran 39.2km. The overall winner was David Sheehy (pictured) who ran 52.1km.

Sheehy completed the 2013 Dublin Marathon

in 2hrs 39mins, and in 2014 took part in The Race – a 250km endurance event in Donegal.

Now, he has the opportunity to race wherever he likes in the next Wings For Life World Run – a prize beyond price! Make 2016 your year to take part in this truly global event.

Staying healthy is crucial for pregnant women, who have a number of exercise routines to support their bodies

pregnancy: make sure the workout suits

Taking a weight off with exercise  Matthieu jalet

IT is good to stay active and relatively fit during pregnancy as it helps towards having an easier birth and a healthy baby.

Some woman may not take part physical activity if they have been misinformed about how light to moderate their training regime should be. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backache. If you were not fit before you were pregnant, don’t give up! Begin slowly and build gradually as you become stronger.

During the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks), it is best to keep your exercise sessions no longer than 45 minutes, unless they

are part of a class. Always listen to your body when exercising, and slow down or stop if you feel tired or unwell. If you are just starting, begin with a moderately brisk pace, three days a week. Try for a combination of cardio (aerobic), strength and flexibility exercises, and avoid bouncing. As part of strength training modify some exercises; instead of squatting with a barbell try using an assisted ball squat, and most importantly make sure its comfortable for you.

During the second trimester (14 to 26 weeks) avoid any overhead exercises as they can put pressure on the lower back and increase the heart rate. Try to vary your routine, so that you use

different muscle groups.

For example, at one session, exercise your arms and shoulders, and at another, focus on your legs, hips and bottom muscles. Swimming is an ideal and safe form of exercise in pregnancy. It exercises your arms and legs, and works your heart and lungs. The bigger your bump gets, the more you will enjoy feeling weightless in the water. Yoga and pilates also help to maintain muscle tone and flexibility, and improve your posture, which is a good all over body balance, without putting too much strain on the joints.

In the third trimester (27 to 40 weeks) exercise may become too difficult and too uncomfortable.

If you are on bed rest, you

will probably need to stop exercising. But otherwise, you may just need to make more adjustments to your workouts.

You should not lie flat on your back from the second trimester on. At this stage you may need more recovery time between workouts and you can also incorporate birth preparation exercises into your routine. “Keeping up with training is key to feeling great throughout your pregnancy,” said Siobhan Byrne, trainer and owner of BodyByrne Fitness, which launches a pregnancy training app next month that aims to take you through each trimester.Visit http://www. bodybyrne.ie/bodybyrnefitness-the-team/ for more information.

7 May 2015 gazette 25

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28 Gazette 7 May 2015

SPORT Fear a key factor for Murphy

FastSport

swimming: ucd to fore at irish open long course championships

dublin duo reach belgian grand final:

TEMPLEOGUE’S Shane O’Donoghue and Shankill man Kyle Good are looking forward to playing in the Belgian Audi Hockey League’s final next week with their Antwerp-based club Dragons.

The pair were both part of the side that won their twolegged battle with KHC Leuven – who topped the regular season standings – in the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate having won the first tie last Friday 3-1 before closing out the victory 2-0 on Sunday in the reverse fixture.

The Irish internationals moved to Belgium last summer to join Dragons and have impressed during their time with the club. They helped the side reach the quarter-finals of the Euro Hockey League at Easter with Good netting a couple of times in ousting the reigning champions Harvestehuder THC from Germany.

 sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN swimmers were on top form for the Irish Open Swimming Championships at the National Aquatic Centre last weekend, with a number grabbing their last chance to

post a qualifying time for international competitions taking place this summer.

UCD Swimming Club had a particularly successful event, with Alex Murphy ducking just under the qualifying time

Alex Murphy, centre, with his medal

for Russia’s World Swimming Championship this summer in the 50m breast stroke. His day one time topped the qualifying standard by just two hundredths of a second.

A delighted Murphy admitted to approaching the race feeling uncertain, having missed out on the time in the semi-final, but embraced his coaching philosophy of “feel the fear and do it anyway” to edge in by a finger tip.

Shauna O’Brien - also of UCD - was one of the stars of the weekend, taking home the 100m butterfly gold in a time of 1.00.56, just a fraction slower than her own Irish senior record set in the semi final. O’Brien had already qualified to compete at the World Univer-

Aer Lingus’s 400m medley relay silver medal winning team. Picture: Stephen McCarthy

sity Games taking place in Gwangju, South Korea in early July.

Andrew Meegan, of Aer Lingus, took home his first national title, with the Irish record holder touching out Athlone’s Brendan Gibbons by 0.12 of a second to take the 800m freestyle final.

Aer Lingus team mate Ben Griffins claimed third in the 200m individual medley, while the NAC’s own Brian O’Sullivan grabbed second in the 50m backstroke final.

Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland came close to his own Irish record, taking home the men’s 100m butterfly title ahead of a strong American field, while Hyland’s 200m win in the same stroke was also a highlight of day one

and capped an impressive individual performance.

Shani Stallard, 400m individual medley, and David Prendergast, 50m backstroke, also placed in their events, with both edged out by the championships’ American contingent, but taking home the respective Irish titles.

A significant American visiting crew pushed the locals to the edge over the course of the championships, dominating day two of the three-day event in particular with a clean sweep of the eight races.

The local contingent will be more than happy with the impressive array of qualification marks posted, however.

The results bring the total number of Irish swimmers and divers

reaching qualifying standards for this summer’s world-level events to 28.

Off the back of these races, a group will head off to events including the World Championships, World University Games, European Games, European Youth Olympics and World Junior Championships throughout the summer.

Final selection for events in South Korea, Georgia, Russia and Singapore will be made based on these qualifying times at a later date.

Swim Ireland national performance director Peter Banks is also looking further forward, highlighting the strength of the team building towards the Olympics in Brazil in 2016.

Bracewell takes reins ahead of England tie in Malahide  sport@dublingazette.com

Ireland’s Alex Cusack, John Mooney, Max Sorensen and Kevin O’Brien promoting Friday’s tie

JOHN Bracewell was confirmed as the new Irish cricket coach in time to see Ireland take on England this Friday in Malahide in the marquee one-day international fixture.

The 57-year-old has a track record of success with both New Zealand and in English domestic cricket and is seen as the ideal man to deliver the target of test cricket for Ireland by 2019.

Cricket Ireland performance director Richard Holdsworth

commented on the appointment. “We are delighted to welcome John to the Irish cricket family, to take the team through new challenges towards our vision of Test cricket.

“He has substantial international experience, not only playing in 41 tests and 53 ODIs, but also as New Zealand coach in 41 Tests and 106 ODIs over five years.

“During his tenure the Black Caps qualified for three semi-finals in ICC global events, while he also won six trophies with Gloucestershire. The interview

panel was impressed by John’s passion, commitment and knowledge, but more importantly his international experience both as a player and coach.”

Speaking about his appointment, Bracewell added: “I am delighted to accept the position as Cricket Ireland’s head coach.

There is nothing I enjoy more than fighting for a cause and, in cricket terms, there is none better than obtaining test status.

“A l r e a d y I r e l a n d h ave achieved tremendous international results given its financial resources and has gained respect

at international tournaments, to the point where they are no longer regarded as a banana skin match but true qualifying contenders.”

Ireland assistant coach and performance analyst Peter Johnston will lead the Ireland coaching team for the Royal London One-Day International against England with Bracewell at the game in an observer capacity.

His first match as head coach will be the home Inter Continental Cup game against the UAE starting on June 2, subject to receiving a work permit.

7 May 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Prestige stage set for tenth birthday With the An Post Ras coming to Skerries for its thrilling finale for a 10th successive year, James Hendicott spoke to organiser Michael O’Donoghue about Irish cycling’s big event SUNDAY, May 24 will see Skerries host the final stage of the An Post Ras for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year, on the event’s 63rd edition.

Ireland’s most significant international cycling race takes place over eight stages, setting off from Dunboyne, Co Meath, on Sunday, May 17.

It subsequently takes in 14 counties, with stops including Carlow, Tipperary, Ballina and Drogheda along the route.

Organiser Michael O’Donoghue is the sportsman on the race committee, but sees the event in a far wider context than simply as a cycling event, focusing instead on the street party that the Ras brings to the town.

“I’m one of very few people on the committee who’s into cycling”, O’Donoghue explains.

“The focus is very much on being part of the Skerries social calendar, so most of the committee are local community organisers.

“It’s built around the cycling, but we’ll be focusing on the atmosphere, not the race. It’s become Skerries’ largest street festival.”

The theme of the festival for 2015 will be Fitness and Fun for All, with static bikes, fitness testing and healthy eating stalls added to the festival’s annual attractions.

“There are over 50 community groups involved, and we try to lay on a lot of attractions.

“This year those will include a farmers’ market, street entertainers, bouncy castles, magic performers and craft stalls.

“We’ll be spending more on it than we ever

have before, with loads of community involvement.

There will be a lot to do.”

That expansive finalstage party has drawn between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators to the sprint finish over the past few years.

However, O’Donoghue hopes the extra planning efforts for the 10th anniversary may lead to a still greater turn out this year.

“We hope it will be the best-attended final stage yet”, O’Donoghue says.

“Fingal County Council has been great in their funding and support.

There’s strong community support.

“The route really shows off Skerries. It’s a beautiful route taking in the castle, the town centre and the coast.

“It’s fantastic for Skerries to be able to bring an influx of international visitors. The teams come

Rozanna Purcell pictured with, from left, Irish riders Damien Shaw, David McCann, former Ras winner, Sean McKenna and Eoin Morton at the launch of the An Post Ras

complete with doctors, mechanics and managers, so it’s a significant tourism boost for the town.”

Among cycling fanatics, the Ras has developed a reputation as a proving ground for world class athletes, with previous winners including three-time world

event is already clear, riders want to take the cheers of the crowd. It’s the best attended stage and the one people remember.”

Major teams competing this year include the Team Novo Nordisk development squad, who will feature only type 1 diabetic riders, who are aiming

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

‘Skerries is the prestige, homecoming stage so the riders want to be the one to take the crowd’s cheers’

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

time trial champion and Olympic silver medallist Tony Martin, and winner of this year’s notorious Paris-Roubaix race John Degenkolb, both of Germany.

The final stage is spectator friendly, looping three times through the Black Hills and back into the city to enable plenty of access to all the action for spectators. The third loop has been added this year as a special spectator-friendly 10th anniversary extra. The racers are expected to arrive in Skerries shortly after 2pm, with the winner crowned at a trophy presentation at 4pm.

Things should be competitive. The final “prestige” stage is “generally the one people want to win”, O’Donogue says. “It’s the homecoming stage, so even if the winner of the

to prove that sportsmen can compete alongside controlled type 1 diabetes. The Canadian and New Zealand national teams will attend, while the previously successful Azerbaijan Synergy Baku Team will return to chase further stage wins.

“The Ras coming to the same town for a 10th consecutive year is unprecedented. Obviously, it’s a huge boost for the local area.” O’Donoghue concludes. “We’re hoping it will be huge.”

This year’s full route of 1,200kms omits many of the previous year’s tougher climbs, featuring no category one and just two category two ascents.

This is expected to open up the 2015 circuit to attacks over windy routes providing little shelter, so hopes for a thrilling festival finish are high.

FastSport

Werahiko back on board as Salmo aim to bounce back DE LA Salle Palmerston has appointed Phil Werahiko as their new director of rugby for the 2015/16 season as they look to put plans in place to bounce back up to all-Ireland league status.

Werahiko previously played and worked as head coach for DLSP where he guided them into top tier of the AIL. After his successful period at the Kirwan Park club, his career then took him to further success’s at Clontarf and English Division one side Rotherham, before returning to Dublin to coach Old Belvedere, where he won the AIL title in 2011.

In recent years, he has taken up a role at Belvedere College where he oversees all aspects of rugby and this season guided their senior cup team to reach the Leinster schools final.

Speaking about the new appointment, a club statement said: “We are genuinely delighted that someone with Phil’s vast experience has given such a vote of confidence to our club by accepting this role and we are confident that his appointment sends out a clear message about our intentions for the 2015-16 season.

“Phil is currently conducting a review of our rugby structures and resources.”

It comes in the wake of DLSP dropping out of the national league in dramatic fashion as they fell 22-10 to Dundalk in a playoff game after they finished the Division 2B season in 14th place overall.

It followed a last season rally that almost saw them escape the playoff places with a 17-6 win over Wanderers, a 17-all draw with Midleton before closing out the campaign with a 41-0 home win against Ards.

But it was enough to reel in Boyne, who finished three points clear of them in the rankings, in front of big crowds and the club are hopeful they can replicate that in the coming seasons as they bid to bounce back.

“We would also like to thank all of our club members who got out in such large and vocal numbers to support our team when really needed.

It was genuinely appreciated by the whole squad.

“We face many difficult challenges but we would like to use this opportunity to reassure the members that the club is absolutely committed to regaining AIL status.”

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 7 May 2015

SPORT

fastSport

soccer: celtic face three key battles in five days

Sutton duo get GP14 season off to top start SWORDS Sailing Club hosted the first event of the GP14s sailing season, the Riocard O’Tiarnaigh Challenge, recently with Sutton Dinghy Club’s Peter Boyle and his crew and father Peter Boyle the best of the Dublin finishers in a competitive final day.

A total of 20 boats came out to compete in the championships, which developed through a split competition in which the leading four competitors from the gold, silver and bronze fleets fought it out for a place in an overall finale, making a Sunday sail-off.

Sunday morning left much still to be decided, with only Lough Foyle, Donegal brothers Gareth and Richard Gallagher having already secured their passage to the final race.

The brothers elected to race anyway on Sunday morning to get to grips with conditions, but it was to be the more competitive groups that eventually produced the winners.

Shane MacCarthy and Damian Bracken of Greystones sailing club, who came through a competitive gold fleet, were to go on and take the title. They overturned a deficit at the earlier group stages to surpass their closest rivals and take the title in the final race of the series.

The pair were pushed the limit by Niall Herny and Ossian Geraghty, who won the first of the three finale races and chased MacCarthy and Bracken home in a close second in race two.

The final, double-point race was the prove the decider, with the two in-form crews going head to head, and the Greystones lads holding out to take home their prize.

Swords Sailing Club will host a plethora of events over the summer, including a regular Wednesday evening and Sunday morning race series that run for 17 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively.

The Wednesday series saw its first action on Wednesday, May 6, while the Sunday series is due to start on May 10.

The Wednesday event will also feature the Commodore’s Prize and the Sailing Secretary’s Prize.

Swords Celtic are set for a busy close to the season

Swords’ promotion push  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS Celtic face a challenging season-ending schedule, but remain confident in their bid to gain a second successive promotion in the Leinster Senior League.

A strong end to the season will see the side reach the heights of Sunday Division 1.

Celtic are in action three times this week.

Having seen off Lucan United 2-1 to reach the Gilligan Cup semi finals on Sunday, May 3, the ambitious young club face off against Ballyfermot United followed by

a crucial match against fellow promotion battlers Mount Merrion on Friday, May 8. That’s three critical games in just five days.

With three promotion slots available, and Celtic sitting fourth with several games in hand on the teams above them, assistant manager Paul Lally is bold enough to suggest he expects promotion.

Though not, of course, without first acknowledging the league’s challenges.

“Our league is a lot like the Championship in England”, Lally explains.

“Anyone can beat

powering play Dublin’s Davey on hand to launch Cul Camps skerries footballer Lyndsey Davey, pictured with twins Conor and Tadhg Scanlon and sisters Alice and Hannah Brannigan, launched Kellogg’s renewed sponsorship deal with GAA Cul camps.

The launch also saw the introduction of Kellogg’s Powering Play, a new fun, game-based nutritional workshop that will be piloted at selected Cul Camps to help promote the benefits of physical activity and eating well.

anyone. Ballyfermot, for example, haven’t been up to much in the league this season, but we’re expecting a tough match on Wednesday. There have been some strange results. Still, we’re very positive.”

It’s Swords’ young squad that’s proven one of their greatest assets.

“We’re full of 20 and 21 year olds”, Lally said.

“T hey’ve really stepped up, particularly in defence. We’re fielding a team of youngsters in a fairly physical league, and they’ve stood up to things really well.

“Having a large squad is great for overcoming

fixture congestion, too, though they’ll always be a few lads missing. Our Saturday team play their last games over the coming weekend, so we’ll be able to pick from both squads. That’ll really help with the final few games of the season. There’s still a long way to go.”

The Fingal side claimed the title and their current Division 1A status on the final day of last season, and have ambitions to do more than just survive should they make it up again this year.

“We accept it’s going to be tough, but we have a good young squad, and we’ll be going into the

season looking to go up again”, Lally said.

“Things are looking good for Celtic. We offer opportunities for young players now, and don’t have to worry so much about losing them to the likes of Malahide United.”

Managed by former striker Robbie Farrell, Celtic’s progress seems well set to keep them climbing the leagues.

With promotion dependent on strong season-closing results against closely matched rivals Edenderry, Dunboyne and Mount Merrion, however, it’s not going to be a free ride.

7 May 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

Fingal meet Louth after Rossies defeat  sport@dublingazette.com

FINGAL face Louth in Round 2B of the Nicky Rackard Cup on Saturday looking to get back on track after an opening day defeat to Roscommon on a 3-12 to 0-9 scoreline last Saturday evening at Lawless Park.

Roscommon ran out

convincing winners away in the battle of the last two runners-up. Fingal stayed in touch early on, with John Matthew Sheridan, Niall Ring, Cillian O’Flynn and Danny Butterly on target, but Jerry Fallon’s five points and a Ronan O’Meara goal helped Roscommon lead by 1-8 to 0-4 by the end of the first half.

At that stage, the north-Dublin side were reduced to 14 after Paul Graves got a second booking. Second-half goals by Fallon and Cathal Kenny saw Roscommon pull away.

Fallon – a former AllIreland Poc Fada champions – ended with 1-6 to his name to celebrate his 29th birthday in style

as his goal in the 49th minute opened up an 11 point gap, while Kenny’s major came six minutes before the end.

Sheridan ended with six points for Fingal – five of them from frees – but they face a quick turnaround to try and bounce back from this tough loss. Defeat to Louth will see them eliminated.

football: swords side through to feile decider

Club Noticeboard fingallians WELL done to the U-14 hurling Feile

derers at 11am at home in Lawless

squad on winning their group and then

Park; junior D: Fingallains v Raheny at

going on to win the semi-final in very

3pm at home in Lawless Park.

testing weather conditions.

A big thank you to all who partici-

Unfortunately, the final on Sunday

pated in the workshop, including our

was called off, due to an unplayable

hosts Niall Cooper and Emer Dignam.

pitch. The game will now be played

Participation in the workshop was

this Saturday, May 9, away in Pairc Uí

very positive and there was excellent

Bhriain at 2pm against Naomh Olaf.

engagement on all topics.

A big thank you to all who helped out

As a result, eight priority areas have

at the Feile hosted by our club on Sat-

been identified for the team to work

urday. The squad would like to thank

on. A smaller work group will be cre-

the mentors, parents, supporters and

ated for each of the priority areas and

sponsors.

members have already volunteered to

A great week for the adult foot-

participate and work on these teams.

ballers with three league wins. The

Meetings will be set up in the next

focus turns to the championship first

two to three weeks for each work

rounds: Friday, May 8 – inter champi-

group and work will begin on creating

onship: Fingallians v Naomh Fionna-

a strategy proposal for each. If inter-

barra at 7pm at Garristown; Sunday,

ested in joining one of these, e-mail us

May 10 – junior B: Fingallians v Wan-

at Strategy@fingallians.com.

st finian’s A BIG thank you goes out to Anne-

Our U-13 girls had another great

Mary Murray and Catherine Apple-

win, awa y against Ballinteer St

yard, who all helped out at our new

John’s, during last week, which

lotto desk in SuperValu on Satur-

leaves them on top of football Divi-

day.

sion 2 and into a league play-off

The desk will be a feature outside Supervalu Boroimhe from 11am – 6pm on one Saturday per month.

Fingallians are looking forward to their final rematch against Naomh Olaf. Picture: Kyran O’Brien

Fins made to wait for final showdown  sport@dublingazette.com

FINGALLIANS Under14 hurlers were made to wait for their Division 4 Feile final after their final against Naomh Olaf last Sunday was postponed – along with the Division 2 and 6 deciders – due to overnight rain at Blakestown.

The Swords side were in fine form in Saturday’s group stages of the annual festival, winning four games from four outings at Balheary in spite of the tough conditions.

T hey got through an initial battle with

O’Toole’s, transforming a first half 1-1 each draw before running up an unanswered 2-3 in the second half en route to a 3-4 to 1-1 victory.

They followed up with a narrow 2-3 to 1-4 over Naomh Olaf – their upcoming final opposition – before closing out the group with a 100% record when they nicked a 3-5 to 1-4 victory over Commercials.

It put them through to a semi-final battle with Rialto Gaels in a tie that ebbed and flowed throughout with the Swords side just about shading the tie by a sin-

gle point, 2-3 to 2-2 in the final reckoning.

They had to do plenty of defending but goalkeeper Shane McKittrick was superb as was defensive aide Aidan Kinnear. Strong performances from Eoin O’Connor and Cathal Lynch kept them motoring, and they will hope to carry that momentum into the rematch with Naomh Olaf in Sandyford next Saturday.

Olaf’s defeated Clanna Gael Fontenoy in their semi-final.

Elsewhere, Skerries Harps were also made to wait as their Division

2 final against Raheny was put on hold by the inclement conditions.

Their route to the final saw them top Group B at Townparks as they negotiated a group that featured Ballinteer St John’s, St Sylvester’s and Ros-Lusca.

A subsequent 2-6 to 0-2 win over Group A runners-up Round Towe r, C l o n d a l k i n , ensured their passage to the final with David Boyd and Matthew Dooley key factors in their progression.

Their refix is set for St Anne’s Park on Saturday.

Next week’s jackpot will be €3,000.

Marie McGuirk, Anne O’Connor,

series.

It was a busy week for our U-13 boys, starting last Saturday with

Volunteers to operate the desk,

a great footballing display against

for one hour e ach mon th , ar e

Craobh Chiarain, surviving a last

required and asked to contact

minute penalty to win by one point.

Grace Murray on 087 265 9400.

The lotto jackpot was €2,900 this week and the numbers drawn were

The lads came out the wrong side of the result in hurling against Wild Geese on Thursday night.

3, 5, 10, and 17. There was no jackpot

In between, Conor Kavanagh and

winner. The €25 lucky dip winners

Liam Kiernan represented the club

were Bernard Kennealy, Alan Doyle,

at the U-13 Dublin hurling develop-

Catherine Grice and A Sandelance.

ment squad.

fingal ravens WELL done to our junior team who

contact Lisa on 085 7300934. Please

drew with Bank of Ireland in the

note that membership can be paid

league and also to our senior team

online via myclubfinances.com;

who beat Cuala in horrible conditions.

please see the club Facebook page

The seniors now have seven points

for further information.

from four games – a brilliant start to the league.

Our summer camp will take place from June 29 to July 3.

Our club shop has reopened. The

There was no winner of this week’s

shop will be open for most home fix-

lotto. Numbers drawn were 3, 9, 24

tures so please drop in.

and 25; €20 went to Pat Connell, Dan

Thanks to all who supported our fundraising table quiz in Kettle’s last Thursday. Special thanks to Kettle’s for the use of their facilities.

The deadline for memberships for 2015 has now passed. Any player who

Kavanagh and Karen Mellot. Next week’s jackpot is €14,386.

Our senior team play Clontarf in the first round of the Championship on Friday, May 8 in Balgriffin. Throw in at 7pm.

has not paid membership will be una-

Our junior A team play Templeogue

ble to train or play games until mem-

Synge Street at home in the prelimi-

bership has been received.

nary round of the championship on

If anyone has any queries, please

Sunday, May 10. Throw in 11am.

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

week of reckoning: Swords Celtic face critical week in their promotion push with three fixtures P31

may 7-13, 2015

The race to skerries: North Dublin village hosts Ras finale for 10th year P29

Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney and Max Sorensen are looking forward to renewing rivalries with England at Malahide

Fortress Malahide

Fingal venue set to host international date between Ireland and England as cricket looks to continue to make waves in the wake of the World Cup

 james hendicott

sport@gazettegroup.com

IRELAND’S impressive one-day international cricket side will play their first post-World Cup match in Malahide this Friday, where they’ll rekindle a fast-developing rivalry with their arch nemesis England.

Ireland have opted for a strong squad. World Cup captain William Porterfield will again lead the line, earning his 200th international cap, and will be joined by a host of World Cup stars including Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney, George Dockrell, Niall O’Brien and Gary Wilson.

Tim Murtagh, meanwhile, has been withdrawn from the Ireland squad after suffering

an injury playing for his county side Middlesex over the weekend. His absence – alongside that of Max Sorensen – is one of few setbacks.

Disappointingly, England are sending an inexperienced side to Dublin, with up to five players lined up to make their full debuts. James Taylor will captain the tourists in his 18th one day international and, despite the absence of a number of high-profile names, his side – which experiences more consistently competitive cricket - will go into the game as odds-on favourites.

Tim Bresnan and Steven Finn provide England’s heftier names in a strong bowling attack, while Johnny Bairstow will keep wicket and the prolific Alex Hales will be looking to provide

some much needed batting firepower.

Nevertheless, at the ground now dubbed Fortress Malahide, Ireland will fancy their chances against a floundering England side, some of whom arrive fresh from a final test match defeat to the West Indies last weekend.

England’s recent loss levelled a three match series they’ll feel they should have won, and continued the side’s miserable 2015.

Ireland’s impressive boundary hitting and ability to deal with England’s fast bowlers are likely to be key aspects in determining the outcome of the 50 over match.

An Ireland victory would also further strengthen the increasingly tough-to-refute argument for Cricket Ireland being granted the

sports’ most important honour, test-playing status. Ireland’s lesser affiliate status has proven a major stumbling block in keeping key players within the Ireland set up, and away from the temptation of England’s more established testplaying set up.

Temporary coach Peter Johnston will remain in charge of the boys in green for the game, with experienced Kiwi coach John Bracewell set to take over following work permit approval over the coming month.

Ireland narrowly missed out on qualifying from their group at the Cricket World Cup in March, losing their vital final game to Pakistan after impressive victories over test playing nations the West Indies and Zimbabwe.