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Millions of euro to be returned to brussels unspent

As documents obtained by Sinn Féin under Freedom of Information indicate the return of millions of euro of unemployed supports to European the Commission, Sinn Féin Dublin Mid-West TD Eoin Ó Broin has called on the Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan and her Minister for State

Damien English to “do everything in their power to ensure that €4.15m European Globalisation Funding programme for redundant Lufthansa Technik workers in Co Dublin is spent by the deadline of September 2016.” Ó Broin has also called for “urgent reforms of

the way the European Globalisation Fund is managed to ensure no funding is returned unspent in future.”

Ó Broin said: “The European Globalisation Fund is a European Commission run programme aimed to help get redundant workers back into employment. It also

provides funding for young people not in education, training or employment. “Government applies for funding on behalf of named individual workers who have recently lost their jobs. The European Commission provides 65% of the programme funds which must be spent within two years. The programme funds are intended to provide individualised education and training above and beyond what would ordinarily be available to unemployed people.

“In 2014 the Government applied for European Globalisation Funding for the 424 redundant workers from Lufthansa Technik in Rathcoole Co Dublin. A programme fund of €4.15 million was agreed of which €2.49m would come from the European Commission. The programme deadline is September 2016. “Since last October I have been trying to

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Millions of euro to be returned to brussels unspent .....froM pAGe1

discover how much of the €4.15 million had been spent to date and what the estimated final spend for the programme is. “In reply to a Parliamentary Question submitted by my colleague Pearse Doherty on November 10th 2015 Minister of State Damien English said that ‘it is difficult to accurately forecast the final expenditure’ and that ‘I am not currently is a position to indicate the level of EGF programme expenditure.’ “However documents released to me under Freedom of Information in February this year flatly contradict the Minister of State’s claim. The European Globalisation Fund Unit, a unit within Solas, who administer the programme, keep a spread sheet of actual and estimated

expenditure for each programme.

most recent “The expenditure spreadsheet for the Lufthansa Technik programme was produced by the EGF Unit on November 5th 2015, five days prior to English’s Damien Parliamentary Question reply.

“That spreadsheet estimates that the Lufthansa programme will only spend €1.5m of the €4.15m by the closing date of September 2016. This means that only €975,000 of the European Commission’s €2.49m contribution will be spent. The remaining €1.5m will have to be returned to Brussels.

“It is shocking that 63% of this fund will remain unspent according to the Departments own figures. This is money

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that should be used to provide education and training not only to workers who lost their jobs in Lufthansa Technik but also to hundreds of young people from the Dublin Mid-West and South West areas currently not in education or training employment.

“The spread sheet also highlights which state agency is spending the least amount of their allocated funds. The Education and Training Board have an estimated final expenditure of just 8%. Solas has an estimated expenditure of 11%. The Local Employment Office look set to spend 28% of their allocation and the Higher Education Authority are on target to spend just 46% of their allocation.

“Only the EGF Unit itself looks close to using all of its allocation with an estimated spend of 98%.

“It is unacceptable that the Minister or his Departmental Staff deliberately withheld this information from the Oireachtas. However what is truly shocking is that hundreds of people who should be benefiting from these funds are being denied the opportunity of education and training because of maladministration of the programme and what appears to be political indifference by the Minister. “Worse still is that the Government has known about these problems since it took office.

“The problems with the EGF were first raised by Sinn Féin in 2011. Pearse Doherty exposed the problems with an EGF application for 9000 named construction workers. During a Topical Issues Debate on 26 October 2011 the then Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn apologised to the workers who were denied the opportunity to access the fund, describing them as ‘victims of maladministration by the Department under the previous Administration’. He also said that it was his Governments ‘responsibility to clear it up.’

“As a result of the maladministration of the construction workers EGF programme up to 40% of the fund was returned unspent to Brussels. However the internal EGF documents secured through Freedom of Information clearly demonstrate that things have gotten worse.

“At this late stage we need the Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan and her Minister of State Damien English to do everything in their power to ensure that as much of the €4.15m from the Lufthansa Technik programme is spent by the programme deadline of September of this year. “We also need to see reforms of the way in which the EGF programmes are managed.

“The EGF Unit needs to be expanded as it is currently too small to

tree plAntinG Week

coordinate multiple multi-million euro programmes. pressure Ministerial needs to be brought to bear on the Education and Training Board, the Local employment Office, Solas and the Higher Education Authority to use the funds that have been made available to them. “Crucially community based training, employment and youth groups must be given a seat at the EGF table as these are the groups with the most experience working with young people not in education, training and employment.

“There are two other EGF programmes currently running, Andersen in Limerick and PWA International in Dublin. It is highly likely that the problems with the Lufthansa Technik programme are replicated in these programmes. This means that there is a real risk of millions of euros being returned to the European Commission. At a time when so many people remain out of work, particularly young people, the idea of every single cent of this money may not be spent is unacceptable.

“We need an urgent statement from the Minister on this matter outlining what she is going to do to ensure all of the current funding in the three open EGF programmes will be spent and what reforms she intends to put in place to ensure that future EGF programmes do not experience similar problems.”

Enjoying planting tree's for tree week sponsored by the ESB in Blessington Co.Wicklow was Niamh Craul,withDillon Keating,Sarah Keating,Ruby Keating and Jack Keating. (Pic Tony Parkes)

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cAlls for Mobile providers to ditch roAMinG chArGes for suMMer 2016

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, has called on Irish mobile phone providers to abolish roaming charges by Summer 2016. The Dublin MEP made his comments as mobile provider EIR (formerly Eircom) confirmed they were abolishing their roaming charges in time for this Summer. "Under EU law the abolition of roaming charges will become a reality from Summer 2017. From next month the cost of roaming will

be reduced again, as part of the phasing out agreement. Irish people who use their mobile phones abroad after 30th April will now pay the domestic price plus a maximum of 5 cent a minute to make a call, 2 cent to send a text and 5 cent per megabyte of data.

"While any reduction is welcome I am calling on providers to bring forward the abolition of these rip-off charges.

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scoil Aoife hAs MAde siGnificAnt leAps since openinG As the sMAllest school in irelAnd

Despite its small start – opening with just one student in 2014 – Scoil Aoife in Citywest has grown steadily in the last 24 months. Now with 20 students, two teachers and a Special Needs Assistant the school is getting ready to move into its own state-of-the-art building this September. Principal Stacey McAuley told

Newsgroup that the school has made significant leaps since opening as the smallest school in Ireland. She said: “We have a wonderful school growing here in which we foster the Arts. Children are learning to play the violin, we are having singing lessons with the Music Generation Programme and dance lessons with Aoife Carney from

Gotta Dance School.” Lessons are conducted through English and students of all backgrounds are welcome at Scoil Aoife which is under the patronage of the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board. There has been increased interest in the school since construction started on the new premises near

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly

Citywest Shopping Centre. Ms McAuley said: “This school will be a great asset to the area and will be a school of excellence where every will be child encouraged to ‘do the best that they can do’. “Next year we have places for Junior and Senior Infants as well as First Class. We are also planning a preschool in the building as well as

before and after school care. There will be 20 classrooms initially and a Special Education Unit.”

Scoil Aoife is expected to move into the new building in September and can accommodate still places left in First Class, Senior Infants and Junior Infants. Contact the school on 01 4523538 for more information.

clondAlkin librArY to host uniQue event to MArk the 1916 concert thAt never hAppened

“Clondalkin Library is hosting a really exciting event on April 30th, 100 years on from a concert that never happened in the venue.

On the 30th of April 1916, Carnegie Library, as it was then called, was due to host a concert of three musicians who never made it because of the role they played in the Easter Rising. Two of the

musicians spent that night imprisoned and one gave his life that day. Now, 100 years on South Dublin County Council and the staff of Clondalkin Library are honouring that event by hosting a Grand Irish Concert in that very venue – one hundred years to the day of the concert that never happened,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins. “Tickets are free of charge and will be

available from the start of April but make sure to get yours as soon as possible as a limited number of tickets will be available for this exclusive commemorative event. Well done to the historians and librarians who have put together this exciting and unique event which I’m sure will be a really special celebration of 1916,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins.

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Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, has welcomed the vote in the European Parliament’s Employment Committee that calls for the introduction of paid leave for people experiencing domestic violence. Ms Boylan, a member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, authored the Committee’s opinion on the links between poverty and gender in which she proposed the idea. The opinion will be taken on board by the Women’s Rights committee which will propose a final report to the plenary of the parliament. The Sinn Féin MEP said: “Paid leave for survivors of domestic violence is a valuable new idea that has been introduced in Australia and the US, and this vote is the first time MEPs have made a call for its introduction in Europe. “My report stresses the need for determined efforts to combat domestic violence, and calls on the Commission and Member States to look at introducing a system of paid special leave for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This would ensure their employment – and their economic independence – is protected when dealing with the impact of domestic violence, for example, by allowing people to have the time to manage medical appointments, court appearances and other duties that must be addressed in such situations. “This issue affects millions of people, mostly women, across the EU. We know that one in five women experience domestic abuse. A British government study in 2009 found that 20 per cent of employed women had to take a month or more off work in the previous year due to domestic violence, and that 2 per cent of working women actually lost their jobs as a result of it. “In 2013 and 2014, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, British Trade Union Congress and other

unions carried out an extensive survey of their members about this issue which confirmed these figures; and they have called on governments and employers to do more. “It’s important that we recognise the pressure that domestic violence places on women who are trying to maintain their employment and their economic independence. This economic independence in fact plays a crucial role in their ability to extricate themselves from situations of domestic violence. Women who have exhausted paid leave are at risk of losing their jobs, losing their security and becoming more at risk of poverty. “I’m very pleased that Sinn Féin has successfully placed this proposal firmly on the agenda of the European Parliament, and call on Irish policymakers to take this on board.”

keen to live Green? WhAt households cAn do

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the new Livegreen.ie online resource for householders and families. Livegreen.ie provides trusted and reliable advice and guidance on a range of environmental and health matters, supporting the public in accessing up to date environmental information. Live Green was developed by the EPA with expert knowledge and advice from Healthy Ireland, Irish Water and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Livegreen.ie provides practical information across the following household themes: Water Conservation - Waste Prevention Energy Efficiency Health & Community projects

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eu WAnts to stop cheAp lAbour froM undercuttinG irish jobs

Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes has welcomed the publication of revised proposals for posted workers in the EU. The revised Directive, which affects workers temporarily transferred from one EU country to another, will for the first time ensure fair wage and working conditions.

"We all remember the scandal some years ago of the GAMA construction worker case. This case highlighted the way in which EU citizens from poorer Member States could

be exploited. Irish construction workers have for many years highlighted an abuse whereby their work was been undercut by cheap labour from other EU Member States. This abuse needs to be tackled and the revised Directive from the EU Commission will help in this regard. "In 2014, close to 2 million European workers were posted to other EU Member States. As things stand, these workers, such as Latvians working in Ireland, do not have the same protections as their Irish

colleagues. For example, the employer is not obliged to pay the posted worker more than the minimum wage in Ireland. "This has led to serious problems in some countries where workers were hired from another EU Member State and paid substantially less than their colleagues doing the same job. In some cases employers only hired posted workers in order to avoid paying higher wages. "The revised Directive proposed will eliminate this problem. Posted workers from

other EU countries will now be obliged to receive the same pay, as well as any other benefits applicable to their colleagues such as bonuses and allowances.

"I believe the proposed changes are an important step in facilitating respect for the rights of workers. It is unfair on workers from one country to be treated differently for doing the same job as other workers. It is equally unfair for employers to abuse the system in order to obtain cheaper labour."

dAvid (dotsY) o’cAllAGhAn on hAnd to help st MArk’s

Dublin hurling star ‘Dotsy’ David O’Callaghan is to take

up a newly established role with St Mark’s GAA Club aimed at

encouraging more local of the members community to get

Pictured: left to right – Michael Toomey, Roadstone; Dotsy O’Callaghan, St Mark’s GAA; Cillian Canavan, Roadstone; Larry Byrne, Roadstone; Paul Burke, St Mark’s GAA (Pic: Peter Houlihan Photography)

involved in gaelic and other games activities at the Club. As the newly appointed Community Liaison Officer, Dotsy will be tasked with enhancing links between St Mark’s and local schools and the community as a whole as well as promoting the positive health benefits associated with ongoing participation in sporting activity. To build on its sporting success, St Mark’s wants to create a community hub which aims to achieve increased participation by all people living in the local catchment of Springfield, Fettercairn and Jobstown. This move is part of a wider five year strategy to strengthen relationships with local schools and community groups, increase the playing participation from a young age and to increase the social inclusion of all members of the community. This new community initiative is also being assisted by Roadstone, the construction and building materials suppliers based on the Cookstown Road. The company is making a contribution in support of the new Community Liaison Officer role.

Dotsy O’Callaghan said: “I am really delighted with this new opportunity and very excited at the prospect of helping St Mark’s promote and develop GAA in the area, to increase player participation particularly amongst the younger age groups of this diverse community. St Mark’s is a fantastic local resource and has been a key part of my life, and

so this is a great opportunity for me to offer young people in the area the fantastic chances I have had and to feel part of the welcoming community which St Mark’s provides.”

Larry Byrne, CEO of Roadstone said: “St Mark’s GAA club is an important hub in the local community and

Roadstone is proud to support the excellent work being done by the staff. As a neighbour in the Tallaght area, we very much recognise the value of having a Community Liaison Officer like Dotsy who will no doubt be a great assistance in helping build greater connections between St Mark’s and the wider community.”

Patsy McCann, St Mark’s Club Chairman said: “We would like to thank Roadstone for their contribution in support of the new role. We’re very excited to have Dotsy on board to not only promote St Mark’s as a sports club but also as a place where all members of the community young and old can feel included.”

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south dublin countY sports pArtnership sports inclusion disAbilitY proGrAMMe

South Dublin County Sports Partnership is delighted to announce the launch of its Sports Inclusion Disability Programme and the appointment of Áine Coogan as Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) to oversee the management of the programme. The programme is financially

supported by South Dublin County Council and Sport Ireland.

The overall aim of the programme is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in sport and recreational physical activity. This will be achieved through working in partnership with statutory agencies, sports

clubs, community groups, facility providers, schools, disability service providers and people with disabilities. Key elements of the programme include sustainable physical recreation, information provision, training and education.

South Dublin County Sports Partnership is delighted to

have Áine on board to help address the needs of a very important audience and encourages any group or individual looking for information additional regarding sport and physical activity for people with disabilities to contact Aine on 01-41492000 Ext: 4220 or email acoogan@sdublincoco.ie

nAtionAl crYstAl GroWinG coMpetition

Following the great success of the 2014 SSPC National Crystal Growing Competition, which was launched as part of Science Week to celebrate the International Year of Crystallography 2014, the Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), announced the winners of the 2015 SSPC National Crystal Growing Competition at the University of Limerick. Professor Michael Zaworotko, SSPC collaborator and University of Limerick's Bernal Chair of Crystal Engineering is pictured with third runner-up prize winner Megha Theresa James, St. Paul's Secondary School, Dublin. (Picture: Alan Place/Fusionshooters)

TWEET OF THE WEEK

***by lynda o’Donoghue It is a special year in Irish history as the centenary of the 1916 Rising looms and across the country we take note of how far Ireland has travelled in 100 years. There are tons of things going on in every part of Ireland to mark this year and the Photos of Dublin Twitter account paid a special tribute on Proclamation Day. This picture is a visual representation of how the passage of time can change so much so we have selected it as our Tweet of the Week.

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the WoMen of 1916 MurAl on GeorGe’s street 10

Irish artist Gearoid O’Dea has installed a 35 foot street art installation inspired by the Women of 1916. The piece was unveiled on International Women’s Day. The installation is on the corner of South Great George’s Street, the same location as Joe Caslin’s iconic Marriage Equality mural.

The title of Gearoid’s piece is ‘Le Che ́ile I Ngruaig’, translates as which ‘Together in the hair’. It features three women who each played an important role in the Easter Rising: Countess Markievicz (left), Margaret Pearse (right) and Grace Gifford-Plunkett

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(bottom). The piece was drawn in full colour using the mediums of colouring pencil and gouache, with a focus on meticulous detail. It was then scanned and digitally reproduced on a large scale. Speaking about his installation, artist Gearoid O’Dea said: “This 1916 Easter Rising centenary year seems like a great opportunity to re-imagine the kind of Ireland we could live in. Following the example of the drafters of the Proclamation and their landmark declaration of equal rights for men and women, I want to explore the role that women played in the 1916 Rising.”

“Countess Markievicz is the icon. She is often depicted as a revolutionary gure (having taken an active role in the Rising as second in command to Michael Mallin at St Stephen’s Green), but I wanted to portray her in contemplative passivity. Her re ective pose shows another side to this famous gure.” “Margaret Pearse gave her son, Patrick to the Rising. Her sacrifice might have been greater than his, her sense of loss more enduring. She had to witness the Civil War, and see an Ireland emerge that fell far short of the Rising’s ideals.” “Grace Gifford-Plunkett was a political cartoonist. Her

husband Joseph was executed in Kilmainham Gaol on the day of their marriage. His execution began to turn the public in favour of the rebels.” “I feel that, taken together, each of these women strike a balance. Each played a different kind of role in the Rising. Some are well remembered, others not. These portraits will be woven together by strands of hair. For me, the texture of the hair suggests a toughness, a gentleness, and something more mysterious. Hair was an important symbol in Celtic mythology, empowering and magical. As a composing element in this piece, it feels right.”

dentists to take ‘bite’ out of business with new low-cost 3dental model

With more than 40 years’ dental experience between them Paul O’Connell, Peter Doherty and Niall Vallely are dedicated to ushering in a

€6 million investment brings 35 jobs & affordable dentistry to Dublin

new era for dentistry in Ireland. After being inspired by a Conor Pope interview addressing the thousands of people travelling Irish

abroad for dental work each year Niall contacted his Trinity College classmates Paul and Peter about offering a cost-effective

model which would allow those people to be treated in Ireland. The average cost of a crown in Dublin is €750 but thanks to the new economical model 3Dental will be doing the work for €400; as well as offering €25 scale and polish treatments – making low-cost dentistry available and accessible to people right across the country using 3Dental’s Three Core Values; 1. QUALITY 2. AFFORDABILITY 3. SERVICE! Based at Red Cow House on the Naas Road 3Dental is set to open its doors at the end of March – after an initial €3 million investment to ensure a top quality service for clients. The spacious, bright and welcoming surgery has been specially fitted-out with large procedure rooms, high-spec furnishings and state-ofthe-art equipment. 3Dental will also offer payment plans for clients to make sure the service is available to all. The facility has onsite parking for more than 30 cars and is just a fiveminute walk from the Red Luas Line. Paul opened his own practice in Limerick in 2005 and soon realised that the huge costs involved – for both customers and dentists – could be addressed with some minor changes and a new way of thinking. His reworked dentistry model is more cost effective because the experienced professionals are now pooling skills and sharing costs. Paul said: “This idea really worked in Limerick

and I think there is a great opportunity for it to be successful in Dublin.” Niall, who has worked in Knocklyon Dental Surgery for 10 years, said: “Listening to that Conor Pope radio interview was a real eye-opener because he asked the question why one or two young dentists hadn't created an affordable dental surgery with a broad range of treatments. I met with Paul and Peter to discuss it and things started from there – so I guess we really do owe Conor Pope a debt of gratitude!” Kilkenny man Peter currently carries out specialized treatments across the country and believes that 3Dental can make a real difference in the Irish market. He said: “We want to put a stop to people travelling abroad for dental treatment - there is no need now when you can get excellent quality

dentistry on your own doorstep for fees which are competitive with Eastern Europe.” Together Paul, Niall and Peter are determined to revolutionize dentistry in the capital and also have plans to turn their West Dublin base into a comprehensive medical facility. Red Cow House has space for private GP, chiropractor, physiotherapy and weight-loss services – making it an ideal location for an all-encompassing medical village. To date the venture has created 20 construction jobs as well as 15 staff jobs & has the capacity to add to that number during the planned expansion.

To find out more about the services available visit the 3Dental website or see the 3Dental Facebook and Twitter accounts for opening offers

With more than 40 years’ dental experience between them Niall Vallely, Peter Doherty and Paul O’Connell are dedicated to ushering in a new era for dentistry in Ireland

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free educAtion is A viAble option At third level

The Union of Students in Ireland has claimed that it is no longer reasonable for political parties to pretend free third level education is not viable. It comes on the wake of reports that the Cassells report on Higher Education Funding will include free education as one of three options to be considered by the next government. “Political parties struggled

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USI has maintained that Higher Education should be free and that Ireland should follow the example of some

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of our continental EU partners as opposed to introducing the much touted loan scheme.

“Sweden can do it, Germany can do it and now the Cassells report is saying we can do it. The writing is on the walls and in the paper free education is a viable option and not the pipe dream so many people would make it out to be.” Donoghue maintains that should be politicians delighted at the news. “Time and again politicians have argued that free third level education would be great if it was viable. Well now we are being told that it is.” USI is calling on political groups to ensure that a move to fully publically education is funded included in programme for government. “Considering our reliance on a highly educated work force for economic growth, the value it brings in a social and economic sense, and the opportunities it creates where there otherwise might be none it is crucial that we secure investment in the sector now.” said Donoghue.

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sinn féin tAble bill on rent certAintY As prices skYrocket

Sinn Féin has introduced a Bill to provide for measures to prevent homelessness and limit rent

increases. Speaking outside Leinster House today, Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin said that this is particularly timely as

reports today show that Dublin rents have passed 2007 peak levels. The Dublin MidWest TD said that not

only was the spike in rents forcing families out of their homes, but also the predications of vulture funds as the Cruise Park families of Tyrrelstown learned last week. Deputy Ó Broin outlined the emergency legislation needed to give families like those of Cruise Park the protection they need when they are facing forced eviction of this kind. Deputy O Broin said: “Over the last 5 years, housing in Ireland has become an increasingly unstable system with growing numbers relying on a private market that is both unaffordable and unable to meet their needs. As a direct result, many people are struggling desperately to afford rent and many have lost their homes. The state failed these people twice in not

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regulating rent levels to any degree and not recognising the need to address people at risk of homelessness.

“Rents across the country has risen 10% in a year and Dublin rents have now surpassed 2007 peak levels. The risk of rent uncertainty is greater now than ever before. Rent might increase by 10%, but people wages will not.

“This is borne out by the nearly 6,000 people sleeping every night in B&B’s, hostels and hotel rooms because they have nowhere to call a home. Hundreds sleep rough on the floor of night cafes. Many more invisible homeless sleep in abandoned buildings, dark street corners or on the sofas or floors of a friend or relative. At least 1,800 of our homeless are children; children who must get up, go to school and learn about life through

the prism of desperate need, isolation, and insecurity.

“Last week, 208 families in Tyrrelstown were informed that rented their accommodation had been bought en masse and that Goldman Sachs vacant required possession of their homes. Some of these families had spent a decade living in these homes and a letter through the door is all it takes to throw them homelessness. into Vulture funds are the new absentee landlords of centuries past. We have seen similar behaviour right across the city and country in past months but not on the scale seen in

Tyrrelstown.

“We need emergency legislation creating a compulsory code of conduct for banks and funds, where they are buy-to-let selling properties that are rented. The code of conduct needs to give tenants an sitting extended notice-to-quit period of up to twelve months and first option on becoming tenants in the property if is bought by a new landlord. We also need a legislative change to the mortgage to rent scheme to make it easy for local authorities and housing associations to keep people in family homes facing repossession by banks and property funds.”

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proposAl for neW flAGship tourisM developMent for dublin MountAins

South Dublin County Council and Coillte note that proposals for a Dublin Mountains

Interpretation/Visitor Centre were welcomed by the elected members at the Council

meeting held on the 14th March 2016. The draft proposal is being designed jointly by

South Dublin County Council and Coillte and is driven by the vision outlined for the Dublin

AppeAl for help in findinG irish suffrAGette objects

A researcher is currently undertaking a nationwide public appeal for information on surviving objects related to the Irish women suffragists who fought for the right to vote nationally almost a hundred years ago. Donna Gilligan is a museum

archaeologist and material culture historian who is compiling a research thesis on the visual and material culture of the Irish women’s suffrage movement. The year 2018 will mark the centenary of the first granting of the right of national vote to Irish women. Donna hopes to record any surviving suffrage material in her research catalogue, with the aim of publishing this record by the time of the centenary.

Her early research has uncovered very few surviving objects present in our museums and archives, and it appears that the ongoing nationalist movement formed the main focus of contemporary collection of objects from this period. The numerous Irish suffragist groups are known to have produced a range of promotional objects for their cause, with many of these displaying the national colours, as well as suffrage slogans and organisational acronyms. A large number of domestic objects are also known to have been used by suffragists during public demonstrations and militant protests. It is Donna’s hope that many suffragist objects may today be held in private and family collections, and may not yet have been officially documented. Donna aims to use her research to address, and hopefully enhance, the surviving physical record for this important period of Irish women’s history.

Mountains in South Dublin County Council’s Tourism Strategy 20152020 and the Fáilte Ireland, ”A breath of fresh air” marketing strategy. Last year, South Dublin County Council, in association with Coillte who are the owners of the site, commissioned

Paul Keogh Architects to identify a potential tourism flagship project in the Dublin Mountains and to look at the development of a first class visitor destination for South Dublin County. The study has identified a location for the proposed flagship project at Massey’s

Wood and Montpelier Hill, more popularly known by Dubliners as the location of the Hellfire Club.

South Dublin County Council and Coillte will now move to the planning and detailed design phases of the project.

tesco bAG pAck rAises vitAl funds for people With MusculAr dYstrophY

Pictured undertaking a bag pack recently at Tesco Lucan to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland were (L-R) Patrick Flanagan, Fiach Andrews, Kate Power, Ashling Mooney, Hubert McCormack, Alan O’Brien. A total of €658.04 was raised in the store, in conjunction with other bag pack held across the country, raised over €3,600 in total. All funds raised will go to support the charity's vital respite services and research projects. Muscular Dystrophy Ireland supports people affected by muscle-wasting conditions, and their families, across the country. For more information on muscular dystrophy, visit www.mdi.ie

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Suffragette illustration copyright of The Irish Citizen Newspaper, 1912

For anyone who has, or knows of, any associated suffrage objects, she asks that they please contact her at donnapgilligan@gmail.com.

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lucAn Girl to represent irelAnd At internAtionAl pAGeAnt Monica Matei, a second year student in Lucan Community College, will represent Ireland at the international Face of the Globe pageant. The event will take place in Disneyland Paris from 2-8 April. The pageant aims to have participants embrace new experiences and try new

challenges, all whilst meeting girls from all over the globe. The pageant focuses on the inner beauty of the participants who must a demonstrate commitment to voluntary work and working for the good of others. Monica is a volunteer in her church, regularly

helping with younger children. She also organised a non-uniform day at her school to raise money to support the work of an overseas development charity in Malawi which provides irrigation projects, HIV/AIDS education and early childhood development.

In her spare time Monica is a student of the Kids stage Talented school. Last year she performed in a the school's annual production in the Olympia Theatre which she thoroughly enjoyed. Monica is also a talented tennis player with Leixlip Tennis Club.

Monica hopes to become an actor in the future but also intends to travel the world as seeing new places and meeting people from different cultures is a huge passion.

Hopefully Monica will bring the Face of the Globe title back to Ireland on 8th April!

The Legal Column

by Romaine Scally

Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS Main Street Tallaght, Dublin 24 TEL 4599506

IN THIS EDITION OF YOUR FREE LOCAL PAPER ROMAINE SCALLY SOLICITOR OF ROMAINE SCALLY & COMPANY, SOLICITORS, MAIN STREET, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24, DEALS WITH THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A WILL AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS ROMAINE SCALLY & CO. SOLICITORS, MAIN STREET, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24 TEL: 01 45 99 506 FAX: 01 45 99 510 EMAIL: legal@scally.ie WEB: www.romainescally.ie

Q. My husband and i have been thinking about making a Will. However, our house is in negative equity and we only have an overdraft in the bank so my husband said that it seems pointless. We do not have any children at the moment. is it worth making a will in these circumstances?

A. It is a fairly common misconception for people who perceive themselves as having no assets and think there is no point in making a Will. However, this is not in fact the case. Firstly, the idea of making a Will is, to a large extent, to make it easier for your family to deal with your affairs after your death. It would only add to the complications if you were unfortunate enough not only to leave some debts behind but to have no Will. It is a fact that many of us, particularly homeowners, are actually worth more ‘dead than alive’. What this means is that whereas we may be struggling with large mortgages now and may also be in negative equity, as long as we have a mortgage protection policy covering the mortgage and maintain these payments then, the likelihood is that on the death of a joint owner of the property,

the mortgage will be paid off in its entirety. Whereas this is not obviously something to look forward to, nonetheless, it does reinforce the absolute importance of making a Will in circumstances where presently any couple may feel that their financial situation is hopeless. This is far from being the case if one spouse or indeed both spouses die during the lifetime of a mortgage protection policy. The same may be the case with any credit union loan. It is worth checking with each individual credit union where you may have your account but, it is often the case that nominal life cover writes off a credit union loan on death and indeed can result in a credit balance being doubled. This is subject to confirmation of each account holders credit union branch and conditions. But, again, it is a further example of how we can currently become so bogged down with financial worries that we also include the worry about what might happen after we are gone, whereas, this is not necessarily the case. Obviously, if couples have subsequently gone on to buy holiday homes or ‘buy to lets’ then there is no compulsory mortgage protection policy on these mortgages so the situation may not be so clear-cut. However, it is extremely important in the circumstances which you describe that you would make a Will to clarify exactly who you would like to benefit from what may well be a very substantial estate after you are gone.

Q. My children are all grown up and i am a widower. i would like to leave some money to charity. How do i go about doing this? Would my children be able to object?

A. The only people you cannot exclude from your Will are your Spouse, Civil Partner or dependant children. Apart from that, we are all free to do as we wish with whatever we have left in our estate. You say that your children are grown up and independent. In those circumstances, there is no legal obligation on you to leave anything to them. However it is open to any adult child to make a claim on the estate of a deceased parent if he or she feels that either they had been promised something from the estate or, for

FAX 4599510 email: legal@scally.ie

whatever reason that they have not been adequately provided for. If, as you say, your children are independent and adult, then it would be hard for them to prove that they have not been adequately provided for. Claims can be made on the estates of a deceased in circumstances where an adult child, perhaps still living at home with their surviving parent, believes that they were promised the family home on the death of that parent. Nothing needs to be put in writing to establish this fact and the circumstances alone can establish such a promise. In other words, did the adult child living at home give up a career opportunity to look after an elderly parent? Did they give up the opportunity to buy their own home for the same reason? Assuming that these answers are in the negative then you are free to do as you wish in your Will. Most people like to include their children in their Will, independent or otherwise but it is entirely your decision. You can decide to leave either a Residuary bequest or a Pecuniary bequest to the charity or charities of your choice. A residuary gift means that you are leaving an unspecified part of your estate to the particular charity or charities. The usual wording is

‘I give to (insert name of organisation) of (insert address of organisation) all (or a percentage) of the residue (remaining balance) of my Estate whatsoever and wheresoever and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said organisation shall be a full and sufficient discharge of same’

A Pecuniary bequest is the direction of a specific sum of Money to go to a particular charity or charities of your choice. If making a gift of a fixed sum, or a specific item, the following text can be used in your Will.

‘I give the sum of € or I bequeath (the item specified) to (insert name of organisation) of (insert address of organisation) and I direct that the Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said organisation shall be proper and sufficient discharge for same’

It would be advisable for you to give this some thought and to attend with your solicitor to amend or execute your Will with the benefit of legal advice and your own decisions. We hope that this has been helpful. Q. i have a ten-year-old child who is being brought up by his mother. i have since got married and have two children with my wife. i am not actively involved in my ten-year-old son’s life although i do pay maintenance. My wife feels that we should now make wills and that i should favour my two children with her rather than this other child. What is the position legally?

A. The simple answer to this question is that all children are viewed equally in the eyes of the Law and your ten year old son has the same rights as the children of your marriage. All three children are dependant and are therefore equally entitled to your support. For that reason it would be pointless to leave this child out of your Will as his mother would certainly have a legitimate cause of action against your estate if anything where to happen to you. The question arises of course as to whether or not there is much in your estate to leave to your beneficiaries. For most couples, family homes are purchased in the joint names of both husband and wife. In this event, if one spouse predeceases the other, then the house automatically passes to the surviving spouse and does not go through the estate of the deceased. The same is the situation with bank accounts. It is only in a situation where you might be the surviving spouse that a problem might arise in relation to your beneficiaries. For most couples, certainly in the present climate, there really is little to fight about unless you are the surviving spouse and the mortgage has been paid off on foot of a mortgage protection policy. However, the law is absolutely clear and all children are treated equally in the eyes of the law and you need to explain to your Wife that you could be exposing your estate to a costly legal challenge in the event that this child is deliberately excluded from your Will. We hope that this clarifies the situation.

In contentious business a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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Motoring with newsgroup Your free local newspaper

APRIL DATE FOR NEW E-CLASS INTRODUCTION

Motorists awaiting the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class can set their clocks for April as plans for its arrival take shape. Fitted with an array of standard specifications and high-tech features that puts it ahead of anything in the three-pointed-star stable and a leap ahead of its rivals in the luxury segment, it boasts what their sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen, says is ‘a combination of stylish design, competitive pricing, standard specifications, high-tech safety and driving dynamics that redefine standards in the businessclass segment’. Available in three style and equipment lines, Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG, it maintains what is Mercedes-Benz’s established price-value offering whereby features that previously came only as options are now included as standard. Bringing this approach to what Ciaran

Allen says is ‘a completely new level’, the entry level Avantgarde model will come decked with over €7,000 worth of standard features compared to the outgoing version. Include in these will be Parktronic parking assist, heated front seats, full leather upholstery, reversing camera, LED static lights, satellite navigation, mirror pack, ambient lighting, stowage pack, ‘through loading’ feature, seat comfort pack, alarm pack and a ‘connect me’ function. As before, buyers can choose between models with a bonnetmounted star and louvered grille preferred by traditional E-Class owners or one with the more youthful, sporty grille inset star.

Automatic version. The allnew E220d engine has lower CC (1950 compared to 2143 for the previous model), lower C02 (102g/km), lower fuel consumption (4.3 litres/100Km combined), lower road tax (€190), increased horsepower (194 HP) and 400Nm of torque. All models available at market launch are equipped with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.

First model to be marketed here – and the one most likely to find favour with Irish owners - will be a E220d Avantgarde

Despite its vastly increased level of standard specification, it will launch at €52.850 ex works - a price decrease of €850 compared to the model it replaces. Also available to order will be Exclusive (€55.210) and AMG versions (€57.650). Mirrored in their description of the E-Class as a ‘masterpiece of intelligence’, MercedesBenz has set out to give owners an insight into what motoring will be like for

his new SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI SE Select Petrol. Rick visited

his local SEAT dealership, McCoy Motors of Lucan,

future generations. Showcasing a number of features that electronics and mobile technology make possible – features that may well become standard issue in the future - the new E-Class moves the era of ‘autonomous motoring’ even closer. One that every motorist will applaud (optional in all markets) is a feature that

allows the car to be manoeuvred remotely via a mobile phone without the driver being inside – a development likely to appeal to all who ever found themselves hemmed in within a narrow parking space and unable to gain entry to their car. This movement towards ‘autonomous driving’ is seen also in systems such as

Remote Parking and Drive Pilot (also optional in all markets) that demonstrate its ability to travel on ‘auto pilot’ while essential functions - such as speed control, braking, acceleration, gear changing and an ability to anticipate hazards ahead and take whatever corrective action may be necessary - are all carried out automatically.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class arrives in April

New SEAT Leon Proves to be a Hit with RTE Radio DJ Rick O’Shea

RTE 2FM DJ Rick O’Shea today picked up the keys to

RTE DJ and SEAT Brand Ambassador Rick O'Shea collecting his SEAT Leon from SEAT Dealer McCoy Motors, Lucan, Co.Dublin. (Pic: Paul Sherwood)

where SEAT Brand Director Niall Phillips presented him with the state-of-the-art model. The new Leon 1.2 TSi SE Select petrol comes with 17” alloy wheels, rear view camera and front and rear LED lights now as standard for just €23,530 with annual road tax only €200. It is currently available with 0% PCP finance as part of SEAT’s extended 161 offers which continue until the end of March. Customers will be pleased to hear that this practical hatchback is not just brimming with style but is also packed with advanced technology that makes safety a priority. The SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI SE Select boasts a host of technological features to make roadtrips and daily trips easier, safer and even more comfortable. High tech add-ons include lane assistance, SEAT Full Link Technology, traffic sign

recognition and tiredness recognition system available as options. On receiving his new SEAT Leon, Rick said; “I am thrilled to continue my role as brand ambassador for SEAT in 2016 and to be driving away today in this incredibly impressive model. The SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI SE Select is sleek, fully equipped with an abundance of high tech features and so easy to drive. As a father of three young children with a busy work schedule, it’s not only perfect for my day to day needs but also puts safety at the forefront of the driving experience.” Niall Phillips, Brand Director of SEAT Ireland also commented; “We are delighted to have Rick on board again as a brand ambassador. As a busy family man whose job requires regular travel, we feel the SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI SE Select is an ideal fit for

him. We look forward to working with Rick throughout 2016 and we’re sure he will enjoy his brand new SEAT.” Customers who purchase a SEAT in March will receive a number of added bonuses as SEAT Ireland’s 161 finance offers continue until the end of the month. Until March 31st, motorists who order a 161 Leon or Ibiza from any of SEAT’s 22 strong dealer network can avail of 0% PCP finance on selected models from Volkswagen Bank. As well as this, there are also a number of further money saving offers in-store including 3 year servicing for only €299 across the range. The full 2016 range is now available to test drive and order at any of SEAT’s 22 strong dealer network nationwide. To book your test drive and to find a full list of dealers visit www.seat.ie.

fitness with newsgroup 22

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Get the Friday feeling!...Tallaght are getting their very first Slimming World Friday group

Each week from Monday to Thursday Slimming World groups have been helping

the people of Tallaght lose weight for several years now. It is the abundance

Unit 10, St. Dominic’s Shopping Centre, Tallaght

and variety of food that can be enjoyed while following the plan and the ease in which it fits into family life that has seen Slimming World became so popular in Tallaght. In fact Slimming World is so popular that four days a week just aren’t enough and the people of Tallaght are getting their very first Friday group, in the Maldron Hotel. Sandra who currently runs three groups in the area is delighted to be able to bring this exciting development to Tallaght. “I’m thrilled to be opening Tallaght’s first Friday group in the Maldron Hotel. In the two years that I’ve been a consultant with Slimming World I’ve been privileged to have helped members to lose over 1,350 stone!! It’s such a rewarding job. I’ve seen members have their medications reduced, their confidence blossom and they have literally transformed before my eyes each week.” says Sandra.

“I know from personal how very experience difficult it can be to walk in the doors of a slimming group, but Slimming World is different. There is never any judgement, only support and caring. I myself have lost 5 stone with Slimming World by eating normal family meals such as a nice roast dinner, steak & chips and my favourite, spaghetti Bolognese. It’s just small changes in the way we prepare our meals that will see big results on the scales.” she tells me. As she begins to talk about life before Slimming World I can see just how much losing 5 stone has affected Sandra’s life. “I was miserable before I joined Slimming World. I hated getting into photos and going out to parties would send me into a panic, what I could wear, I felt nothing looked good on me. As a result I would make excuses not to attend social events. The final straw was when I

had to order a size 28 uniform in work. I made the decision then that I would no longer let my weight imprison me.” “I joined Slimming World and to be honest I’ve never looked back. It has given me back my life and my confidence. It has literally changed my life. So much so that I now currently run 3 slimming world groups in Tallaght. This new Friday morning group with its central location at the Maldron Hotel will give the people of Tallaght a further opportunity to achieve their weight loss dreams. Setting them up to have a great weekend on plan.” says Sandra. Friday 1st April 9.30am Maldron Hotel opposite shamrock Rovers stadium sandra’s other groups are in st Marks GAA Club springfield Tuesdays 5.30 & 7.30pm. Wednesday mornings 9.30am Contact sandra 0851484669

MiRAClE PRAyER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. J.C.

As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the last few years including nCbi solas Centre in Clondalkin, Tir na nog (Cheeverstown House) and laura lynn Children’s Hospice . These charities have all been involved in providing vital services to children with special needs and their families. We would like to thank all readers who have supported our chosen charities to date and while we will still be supporting laura lynn Children’s Hospice going forward, we are delighted to support THE iRisH PilGRiMAGE TRusT.

Number: 5992), and for over 40 years the Trust has been travelling on pilgrimage/holiday to Lourdes with young people with special needs, from all over Ireland. The Trust has over 1100 people travelling at Easter time and it is divided into small groups of approx 10 young people and 12 volunteer carers who stay in one of the many Hotels in Lourdes. In June we bring a group of 110 people to Hosanna House in Lourdes for what is a unique experience both Carer and Guest. We have two facilities in Kilcuan, Co. Galway and Cois Cuain, Co. Wexford each offering different opportunities. Both facilities provide Friendship weeks during the Summer. Application forms are available from our office at 091 796622.

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We are appealing to you our loyal newspaper readers to show your generosity in helping us to support an equally worthy charity, THE iRisH PilGRiMAGE TRusT. THE iRisH PilGRiMAGE TRusT is a registered charity in Ireland (Charity

Sandra lost 5 stone with Slimming World by eating normal family meals

novenAs

For more information on the Irish Pilgrimage Trust please contact us at 091 796622 or

Email info@irishpilgrimagetrust.c om or visit our web page on http://www.irishpilgrimage trust.com for more information.. if you would like a novena published please send a postal order or cheque made payable to THE iRisH PilGRiMAGE TRusT and send it, along with your novena to: nEWsGRouP, uniT 3, FlooR 2, sT. DoMiniC's sHoPPinG CEnTRE, sT DoMiniC's RoAD, TAllAGHT, Dublin 24 if you require any further information call us on 087 6535443.

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by Lynda O'Donoghue Donnelly

email: lynda@newsgroup.ie

TOP FIVE FILMS – Animated

It is one of the great triumphs of cinema that so many of the recent animated movies that are usually made for children can appeal so strongly to adults – keeping the whole family satisfied. Much of the subtext in socalled children’s movies have subtle jokes and themes that are sure to raise a smile from adults making an animated movie the perfect choice for a family night in. We have selected the best all-rounders to make sure that older and younger kids are happy with the movie choice in our picks for Top Five Films – Animated.

1. inside out – One of the most celebrated movies in the animated genre the film tells the story of Riley, a young girl who moves house and how her emotions – Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anger and Disgust – deal with the new situation she finds herself in. It is a film that will take you through the gauntlet of emotions alongside Riley and make you laugh and cry. Plus, the animation is top notch. 2. up – A sad story, but an uplifting one. 78-year-old Carl is dealing with the death of his beloved wife, Ellie. He is told he must go to a retirement home but instead equips his house

with balloons and flies away to see a lost paradise that he promised Ellie he would visit. A young scout, Russell, in caught up in the escape and the two begin quite the adventure. One for the whole family to enjoy. 3. Monsters inc./Monsters university – One of the most adult-friendly animated movies around the story of Monsters Inc. is a brilliant concept; a ‘scare factory’ where monsters go to extract screams from children to help power their city. However, at its core this is a cleverly scripted buddy-movie. Sully and Mike have known each other since college and work together at Monsters Inc. They are at the top of their game but an accident on the scare floor could change everything. The prequel, which tells the story of how they met, is also a super family comedy. 4. Despicable Me – Steve Carell stars as the voice of Gru, the most likable bad guy to ever grace the big screen. Gru is planning to steal the moon and prove he is an evil genius but chaos seems to follow him everywhere. Enter three orphans who change everything; Agnes, Edith and Margo see the best in Gru and want him to be their dad. Although resistant at first their love

changes Gru’s outlook on life. This is also the film that introduced the world to Minions! 5. Toy story – It is hard to believe that this movie is more than 20 years old but it is one of the original animated movies that brought adults back to the cinema. Although the idea of toys coming alive at night is mildly terrifying the antics of Woody, Buzz and the gang can’t help but make you smile. Woody the cowboy has always been Andy’s favourite toy but his position is threatened by Buzz Lightyear – a shiny, high-tech addition to the toy chest. The sequels are also brilliant, with Toy Story 3 particularly good. These animated movies prove that cartoons are not just for kids – there is a lot to love about getting the whole family together for a movie night that is aimed at the youngsters.

Children will love these colourful films with themes and situations that they can relate to and learn from while adults will be entertained by the famous voices and comedy. There is literally something for the whole family so start popping the corn and spend some quality time with your brood.

A scene from Inside Out

Second Chance To See Groundbreaking Play

Successful play Bring Me Back Alive, which addresses the issue of suicide amongst young people, will return to Clondalkin on April 14 at Neilstown Church.

Focusing on issues of mental health, sexuality and the devastating aftermath of suicide more than 700 people attended a performance of the play

locally in January. The play, by Patricia McCann, is set in a youth centre and tells the story of a conversation between three young adults who

have lost a friend to suicide. The group of friends is struggling to come to terms with some of the issues that affect their lives – including mental health, homosexuality and suicidal ideation. Clondalkin woman Carol Cosgrove hosted a special performance of the play in the Church of the Transfiguration in Bawnogue earlier this year. Carol lost her own son, 21year-old Daniel Dempsey, to suicide in 2014 and wants every young person in Ireland to see Bring Me Back Alive. She believes that the play, and its actors, can help teenagers and young adults to start talking about the

issue of suicide and is part of Community Action on Suicide which will, along with Jigsaw, host the play in Neilstown. Carol said: “We are putting it on free of charge again. I am part of Community Action on Suicide and myself, Fr Davis and Susan Doyle from Jigsaw are helping to get the play on again. There is a high rate of suicide amongst young adults and I believe they need to see the devastation that is left behind.”

The play will begin at 7.30pm on April 14 and doors at Neilstown Church will open at 7.15pm. All are welcome and admission to the event is free.

Clondalkin woman Carol Cosgrove hosted a special performance of the play in the Church of the Transfiguration in Bawnogue earlier this year.

The Where’s Larry series is back with a new book and creator and illustrator Philip Barrett has once again captured the essence of Ireland brilliantly. The concept of the colourful children’s book is to follow Larry the Leprechaun on his adventures across Ireland – visiting iconic towns, landmarks and monuments along the way. The original book, Where’s Larry, was released in 2012 and was a huge success with illustrations of Croke Park, Newgrange, College Green, the Cliffs of Moher and the Rock of Cashel. Now Larry is off on his holidays once again, taking in more of what Ireland has to offer and visiting Cobh Harbour, Skellig Michael, the National Museum and Hook Lighthouse amongst others. In Where’s Larry This Time?, which will be released by the O’Brien Press on March 7th, Larry the Leprechaun also travels to Northern Ireland taking in the sights at the Titanic Museum in Belfast and Derry City Walls. Illustrator, designer and comic artist Barrett is originally from Donegal but now lives in Dublin and has, once again, created a very special book which will entertain children of all ages. Not only is this book entertaining but it is also

educational for youngsters and offers a great chance to learn more about the emerald isle. Once you catch up with Larry in each of the locations there is a checklist of other characters to go back and find – ensuring hours of fun in this colourful and well-thought out book. Where’s Larry This Time? also introduces us to Larry’s relatives who have travelled

with Larry to the different locations – and are also hiding in the busy scenes. There are 24 pages of fun in 12 stunning Irish locations so get those thinking caps on and find Larry the Leprechaun as he travels around the country. The book, which is aimed at children aged 6+, is out this week priced €9.99 and is available from all good bookstores.

Where’s Larry This Time?

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