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31ST. OCT. 2016 TEL: 01 451 3822 / 01 451 9000 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

ZAPPONE SEEKS WARMER HOMES EXPANSION

A Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme which makes the homes of older people with respiratory problems more energy efficient must be extended after it was confirmed that 147 homes in Tallaght and Crumlin are benefitting, according to Dublin South West Independent Minister, Dr Katherine Zappone.

The homes of eligible people are receiving Government funded upgrades averaging at €20,000. The Minister says the success of the scheme since it was launched early

in the summer will make the coming months a lot easier for many local people.

Confirming the figures Minister Zappone adds that those whose homes have been upgraded should have improved health this winter leading to a decrease in hospital admissions and less stress on the health service.

Minister Zappone added: “The decision to run a pilot of the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme in the Dublin 24 and Dublin 12 postal districts has paid off – with 147 local homes

already upgraded or in the process of having energy saving work carried out.

Following contacts with my colleague the Minister for Climate Change, Denis Naughten, TD, it has been confirmed that crews are taking advantage of the current mild weather to get as many upgrades as possible completed before winter.

Once it gets cold bigger work projects will stop until the Spring but minor indoor works can continue.

I have also asked

Minister Naughten to extend the timeline of the pilot schemes and to examine if there are other groups of vulnerable people who can benefit.

Everyone should be able to feel safe, warm and comfortable in their own home and this scheme has made that a reality for local people by improving temperature and air quality.

Not only are there health benefits but as the measures are energy efficient older people who are eligible can have the cost of heating dramatically cut.

All of those involved in the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme deserve to be congratulated for the huge difference they are making in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

The figures also come at a time when people with elderly neighbours should be reminded of the importance of checking in every now and again during the coming months.

In Government I will continue to fight to ensure that funding is available to deliver for vulnerable people in Tallaght and communities throughout the country.”

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COST OF INSURANCE WORKING GROUP MUST REPORT BACK WITH TANGIBLE AND PRACTICAL MEASURES TO REDUCE PREMIUMS - Urgency highlighted by predictions of further hikes of 10-15% by mid-2017 -

Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Printed by: Celtic Media Group.

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agency Standards and Poor’s predicted further premium increases of between 10% and 15% by the middle of 2017.

Deputy Curran was reacting to a response from the Chairperson of the Working Group, Minister of State Eoghan Murphy TD who was tasked with updating Fianna Fáil following questions during Leaders’ Questions

on October 5th.

“While undoubtedly much work is taking place by the Working Group, and its four sub-groups, the proof of the success of this endeavour will be seen when they put forward their suggestions for reducing the cost of insurance for Irish motorists.”

“Whatever the Working Group puts forward

ALCOHOL CHEAPER NOW THAN IN 2002

Fine Gael Dublin Senator Catherine Noone, said it was totally unacceptable that some alcohol is cheaper today than it was fourteen years ago.

“It is of huge concern that some alcohol products are actually cheaper today than they were fourteen years ago in 2002. This means that alcohol is more readily available to those suffering from drinking related health issues, or those who are underage drinking.

“According to an Irish Times report on pricing, a can of Budweiser in 2002 cost €1.97.

A simple comparison with the websites of Irish based supermarkets shows that the same can may cost as

little as €1.42 today (from a 12 pack of 500ml cans). Furthermore, when alco pops became available in 2007 they cost approximately €3 per bottle, while today they can be bought for €1.70 per bottle (from a 4 pack of 275ml bottles).

“Readily available and cheap alcohol is a contributing factor to the level of drinking here in Ireland, which sees numerous illnesses and diseases developing annually.

“A report by Action Alcohol Ireland argued that minimum pricing would target those with alcohol addiction issues, who generally seek out alcohol for the cheapest price.”

must have at their core practical measures that help reduce premiums in the short term.”

“Irish motorists have seen ridiculous increases in the cost of motor insurance over the past year.

In many situations, their premiums have doubled, causing

significant financial pressure on drivers, and their families.”

“This isn’t sustainable, and Irish motorists expect this Working Group to come back with tangible and practical solutions to lowering the cost of insurance,” concluded Curran.

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Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran has said that while he welcomes progress being made by the Cost of Insurance Working Group, more practical and tangible measures must be identified by the Working Group to help alleviate the pressure motorists are under.

Deputy Curran was commenting as ratings

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MINISTER PUTS CAP ON REFURBISHMENT AND LEASING INITIATIVE

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West and recent Chair of the Oireachtas Housing and Homelessness Committee has expressed disbelief that Minister Simon Coveney has capped the new Repair and Leasing Initiative to 150 units nationwide.

The new Repair and Leasing Initiative is to allow local authorities to provide financial

assistance to property owners to bring vacant properties up to standard which can then be leased for social housing.

Capital provision of €6 million in 2017 is to deliver 150 units under this new initiative.

Speaking in the Dáil

Deputy Curran said: “To cap the number of properties at 150 is totally inadequate in

my view. It is not half ambitious enough.

259,000 vacant properties sit idle across the country that could be utilised by local authorities to provide social housing to people who are on housing waiting lists and in emergency accommodation.

“Minister Coveney continues to claim that he is targeting vacant properties to

productive use as a priority for addressing the escalating h o m e l e s s n e s s crisis and housing shortages.

However his recent budget 2017 document falls short at adequately providing enough supply from this initiative given the number of vacant properties lying vacant across the country.

The Minister has not set the bar high enough

with this initiative and is set to underachieve in the delivery of suitable accommodation to the numbers of people on housing waiting lists and in emergency accommodation.”

Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin has written to senior Gardaí and Council Management urging the setting up of a Task Force to tackle ongoing problems in St Cuthberts Park. The call comes following a spate of joyriding and car burning in and close to the Council owned public amenity.

been a problem in St Cuthberts Park for some time. Illegal dumping and reckless use of quads and scramblers have caused significant damage to this valuable public amenity.

“However, in recent weeks, the situation in and near the park has deteriorated significantly. On an almost nightly basis, cars are being stolen, driven around the park

and then set alight.

“Cars are being burnt out and left at the side of the park. Residents are now simply too scared to use the park even during the day.

“Last April, I met with senior Council management and urged them to establish a high level Task Force to reclaim St Cuthberts Park. Such a forum must involve Council Management, Gardaí

“There are hundreds of thousands of vacant properties across the country. I am not suggesting that every one of them is suitable for occupation by

families.

However, based on this year’s budget, the plan for the Minister and the Department is that funding of €6 million will be provided in 2017 to deliver 150 units under a new repair and leasing initiative. At a time of crisis when we need to front-load our initiatives, to cap the number of properties at 150 is totally inadequate in my view.

In terms of a return on investment, 150 properties would not even accommodate those in emergency accommodation.

at Superintendent level, elected representatives, and the local community.

“The purpose of the task force would be to develop a plan to reclaim the park. It would not be a talking shop but a working group with agreed actions, timelines and resources.

“Since April, the situation has gone from bad to worse. I have contacted the Council again urging

them to establish the Task Force. I have also contacted the Gardaí at Superintendent and Community level seeking meetings.

“No one agency has the power to solve this problem, but unless we work together at a sufficiently senior level and take co-ordinated action then this valuable public amenity will remain a no-go area for residents. We cannot and must not allow this to happen.”

This initiative could go a long way in providing a large number of units, however it is not half ambitious enough; therefore, we need to revisit the issue as soon as possible”, concluded Deputy Curran.

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ELEVEN YOUNG PEOPLE FROM TALLAGHT GRADUATE FROM THE LEADERSHIP FOR LIFE PROGRAMME Eleven Tallaght teens, have graduated from Foróige’s Leadership for Life Programme.

The National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) awarded the young people with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action last Saturday October 15th.

270 graduated from the North and South of Ireland on Saturday having completed three modules in Leadership.

The programme develops the leadership capabilities and potential of young people and gives them an opportunity to harness their skills and attributes to contribute to their society in a fun and encouraging e n v i r o n m e n t .

Sean Campbell, CEO of Foróige said “The Leadership for Life Programme

enables young people acquire key life and employability skills such as communications, critical thinking, problem solving, empathy, resilience, self-reflection and teamwork. These are skills that empower young people and ones that are not acquired easily in schools.

“The young people that have graduated today should be extremely proud, not only for committing themselves to the programme but for taking their first steps in becoming the leaders of tomorrow,” Sean finished.

To learn more about the programme visit www. foroige.ie/leadership Pictured are Members of Foróige who received their Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership

and Community Action , NUIG. L-R back: Miceala Harrison, Grace Nestor, Lily Rose Chatham,

Caoimhe Dugan, L-R front: Jack Woolley, Jennifer Moody, Courtney McCarthy, Aoibhe

Thornton, Ruth Whelan, Sorcha Brennan and Liam Wilson Smyth.

(Photo Brian Farrell)

DELAY IN SUGAR-SWEETENED DRINKS LEVY “BITTERLY DISAPPOINTING” Responding to the Budget Statement by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, Irish Heart Foundation head of advocacy, Chris Macey said: “The decision to postpone the introduction of a sugar-sweetened drinks levy to 2018, despite it being a cornerstone measure of the new national obesity strategy, suggests there is still no genuine cross-Government commitment to tackling obesity.

“New figures released by the World Obesity Federation show there are now 54,280 obese, school-aged children in Ireland. They, and every other child in this country, have been badly let down in this Budget.”

However, Mr Macey welcomed the 50 cent increase in tax on cigarettes, saying the measure will continue to drive down smoking rates, particularly among teenagers, and thereby act as another nail in the coffin of the tobacco industry in Ireland.

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TWO-YEAR WAIT FOR MOTORISED IT’S SHOWTIME WITH CLONDALKIN WHEELCHAIRS A SAD INDICTMENT

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West Jack Chambers has called for immediate action to tackle the massive waiting lists for motorised wheelchairs.

Figures released to Deputy Chambers reveal huge variations for the waiting times in community health areas across the country for applications for the life changing equipment to be processed.

Deputy Chambers commented: “While there will always be some delay in carrying out assessments and processing applications for these chairs, these figures are totally unacceptable and are very alarming.

“Most worrying is the increase in waiting times in some areas; in my own constituency of Dublin West, people can be left waiting up to 8 months for a motorised wheelchair.

“In 2012, the average waiting time was up to 7 months. However this year, people who are incapacitated and desperately require a motorised wheelchair can now be waiting two years for their application to be processed. I have also been made aware of cases where people have been waiting up to four years for a motorised wheelchair.

“The fact that vulnerable people, many of whom will be entirely incapacitated without a motorised chair, have to wait so long is a sad indictment of our health service.

“People who require such equipment consistently tell me of the importance of motorised wheelchairs in allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity.

“For many, a motorised wheelchair is the difference between

going to the local shop or visiting family and friends, and remaining stuck indoors and entirely cut off from the outside world.

“It is clear to me that more resources are urgently needed to correct this problem.

“I understand much of this relates to a shortage of occupational therapists to carry out assessments. While I very much welcome the occupational therapy posts which have been allocated to the disabilities sector over 2015 and 2016, efforts to actually fill these posts needs to be ramped up immediately.”

He concluded, “I am calling on Minister McGrath, who has responsibility for this area, to address these delays as a priority. This issue is too important for the welfare and independence of vulnerable and must be addressed now.”

DRAMA GROUP

Three One-Act Comedy Plays To Be Performed from 23-26th November Rehearsals are under way for what promises to be a great night of theatrical entertainment.

Clondalkin Drama Group will take to the stage in Quinlans, Clondalkin in November, performing three One-Act comedy plays each night.

The plays will take place upstairs in Quinlan’s at 7.30pm from Wednesday – Saturday, November 23 – 26th. Tickets cost €10 and can be purchased at the door on the night of each performance.

“Sorry Satan it could have been good”, is a delightful short play about God and Satan going over the lives of three recently deceased women and deciding whether they should go to Heaven or Hell “The Kennel Club”, is a charming comedy about

four dogs in a rescue home trying to devise a plan of action for when someone comes looking for a dog.

“Last Tango in Little Grimley”, is a short play about Little Grimley’s amateur dramatic group, their AGM and last production.

More information about Clondalkin Drama Group and its performances can be found at www. clondalkindramagroup. com or on the Group Facebook Page – Clondalkin Drama Group.

Pictured top are: Claire Winder Spencer; Sinead Breen; Derek McGrath Below: Frances Tuffery (Group Chairperson), Sinead Breen, Gerry Daly, Alan McNally (Pics by John Turner of Clondalkin Camera Club)

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MINISTER ZAPPONE OPENS DUBLIN SOUTH WEST CONSTITUENCY OFFICE IN TALLAGHT VILLAGE

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Dr. Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth affairs and Independent T.D for Dublin South West was delighted to officially open her new constituency office in the heart of the constituency, Tallaght Village.

Minister Zappone and her team welcomed local residents, community groups, business people and Councillors to the office during an open day held on Monday October 17th.

Also joining Minister Zappone on the day was Professor Louise Gallagher from the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght, her team from Trinity College Dublin and members of the Tallaght Parents Autism Support Group (TPASG) to officially release a report on the experiences of service provision for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the Dublin South West Constituency. Compiled

by Professor Gallagher, the report is the result of a town hall meeting, convened by the Minister in June of this year, for parents and carers of children with ASD or those awaiting assessment.

The report outlines the experiences of parents and care givers of children with ASD in accessing services in the Dublin South West constituency. Minister Zappone looks forward to engaging with the various stakeholders identified in the report to address its recommendations.

Minister Zappone said “During my election campaign, as my team and I knocked on thousands of doors, we were taken aback by the number of people telling us about family members or friends who had children diagnosed – and awaiting diagnosis, with ASD. It became evident that there is great lack of information and support for these families, together with long waiting lists for the delivery of services. We

need to do better for our children, to ensure that we can provide crucial services not only in early years, but throughout their lives.”

As someone who has worked with the people of Dublin South West for over 30 years, Minister Zappone is passionately committed to engaging

with local residents and community groups to identify issues of local importance, to strategically address these and in doing so, to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families in the constituency.

Minister Zappone and her team very

much look forward to continuing to serve the people of Dublin South West from her new base in the constituency.

Located at 45 Main St, in the heart of Tallaght village, the office is open Monday to Friday with both appointments and walk in clinics available.

Minister Zappone and her team welcomed local residents, community groups, business people and Councillors to the office during an open day held on Monday October 17th.

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DUBLIN LOCAL AUTHORITIES HIT BY 7% CUT TO OPERATIONAL BUDGETS

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South West and Spokesperson for Dublin, John Lahart has slammed the decision of the Fine Gael Government to cut the operational budgets for Local Authorities in Dublin by 7% in Budget 2017.

Speaking on the cuts Deputy Lahart said,

“There is no doubt that this cut will severely restrict the ability of Dublin City Council and the three other local authorities to provide services, and in particular deliver social housing.

“While the budget for social housing has been increased, the true litmus test of this

government’s housing strategy will be how many new bricks and mortar housing units are delivered on the ground.

“Yes, more capital funding has been provided, but funding to actually enable the council plan, construct and maintain social housing, has been cut.

The operational budget allocations enable local authorities to employ planners, architects, and maintenance staff.

“This is a very short sighted decision by the Government, and shows that lack of ambition in Budget 2017 “Last year, the sum total of social houses built by Irish local authorities was 75.

The Government’s Rebuilding Ireland strategy for housing has committed the Government and local authorities in particular, to build 5000 new social homes in 2017,” added Lahart.

“Without adequate resources to pay for the services to deliver housing, the Government will fail once again when it comes to providing social housing.”

“There are currently

over 46,000 on housing lists in all four local authorities across Dublin city and county.

“There are almost 500 vacant housing units that require refurbishment throughout Dublin, yet this funding cut will impede the councils’ ability to turn these properties around, and get people off the housing list.

“The short-sighted Help to Buy Tax Rebate Scheme does nothing to help people in need of social housing.

Equally, it will do nothing to drive down the costs of housing.

“The grant is restrictive in that it is limited to new builds, so now we have a situation where tens of thousands of potential first-time buyers will be chasing fewer than 10,000 new builds which

are expected to be delivered next year.

“Without any accompanying measures to increase supply, this scheme could make the housing crisis much worse and

lead to overheating of house prices.

“I fear that the Tax Rebate Scheme will put home ownership out of the reach of even more people in Dublin,” concluded Lahart.

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MINISTER BRUTON WELCOMES THE ALLOCATION OF 430 ADDITIONAL RESOURCE TEACHERS TO SCHOOLS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D., has welcomed the allocation of 430 additional Resource Teachers to schools

to provide extra teaching support to children with special educational needs.

Resource Teachers are dedicated posts that support

students with special educational needs and are additional to the mainstream class teacher.

The total number of Resource Teachers

which have been allocated to schools by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), for the 2016/17 school year, is now 7,429 posts. These posts will provide additional teaching support for over 47,000 pupils with low incidence disabilities who attend mainstream schools.

The allocation of 430 posts now being made, provides for a second round of allocations to schools, subsequent to the allocations which were made in advance of September 2016.

The Minister said ‘This

Government’s basic aim is to use our economic progress to deliver a fair society. Our supports for children with special educational needs is at the very heart of this effort.

‘Resource teachers play a vital role in providing for the educational needs of students with special educational needs.

This substantial additional allocation of resources will meet the needs of students with Special Educational Needs who have been enrolled in schools, or who have been assessed as having additional

needs, since the first round of allocations which was made in May of this year.’

The allocation of 7429 posts represents an increase of almost 9%, or just over 600 posts above the allocation of 6822 posts made to schools at this time last year.

In June, Minister Bruton announced a 7% increase in the number of Special Needs Assistants, over a four month period this year. SNAs are a separate support for children with special educational needs.

In total, the number

of Resource Teaching posts which have been allocated to schools by the NCSE has increased by 41% since 2011/12, when 5265 posts were allocated, compared to 7429 posts for the current school year.

This increase is before the further increase of 900 Resource Teachers, announced in Budget 2017, takes effect in September 2017.

Details of the Resource Teaching allocations which have been made to each school, and on a per County basis, are available at the NCSE website www.ncse.ie

CONCERN AT STAFFLESS LIBRARIES ROLLOUT

Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin has expressed concern about plans to extend the staffless libraries pilot scheme.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “I share some of the concerns raised by the Staff Our Libraries campaign on the plan to continue the rollout of staffless libraries to approx. 20 branches after the initial trial of the service

in libraries in Tullamore, Banagher and Tubbercurry.

“The campaign group is calling for a full and independent analysis of the pilot scheme on which this roll out plan is based and I support this call.

“Furthermore, an iron clad guarantee needs to be given by Minister Coveney from the floor of the Dáil that the continued

rollout of this scheme will not result in staffing hours being cut.

“Professional librarians are an invaluable resource in all our local libraries and we need reassurances from the Minister that they will not be replaced by automated services. I have raised this matter with the Minister and I will do so again in the coming weeks.”

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Ó BROIN CALLS ON CONSTITUENCY COLLEAGUES TO FORGO PAY RISE Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-west Eoin Ó Broin has called on his constituency colleagues, Frances Fitzgerald, John Curran and Gino Kenny to forgo pay rises due.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “Sinn Féin is putting forward a motion that calls on the government to stop pay increases for TDs and senators due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

“We believe it is grossly unfair that politicians should see a pay rise of over €5,000 while those on an average wage will only see an increase of €1,000. This is even more unfair when you take into account the additional pay and expenses Frances Fitzgerald receives in her capacity as Minister and Tánaiste and John Curran receives acting as chair of the Social Protection committee.

“For example Frances Fitzgerald receives her TD wage of €87, 258 and her Tánaiste salary of €84, 051, she is entitled to claim expenses on top of

her salary of €171, 309. Another example is the payment John Curran receives as chair of the committee on social protection, which amounts to an additional €8, 740 per annum.

“When the figures are broken down we see that TDs and Ministers are not in need of any pay hikes. In Fact Sinn Féin believe that pay for Oireachtas members should be reduced the Taoiseach’s and ministerial allowances should be reduced 50%. In the meantime we hope that all the parties in the Dáil will our motion on the 15th of November and acknowledge that pay restoration for TDs is not, and should not be treated as, a top priority.

“Sinn Féin TDs will not take this pay increase regardless of whether our motion is successful or not. I will be calling on the TDs of Dublin Mid-West to make a similar commitment to voters that they will not be taking any unfair wage increments due.”

CELEBRITY SMOOCH

RTE’s Marty Morrissey and Dairyglen’s ever popular Smooch ice-cream brand ambassador Lola the Cow were in Dublin’s Marley Park to launch the #Smooch4JackandJill fundraising campaign. To get involved simply tweet a picture of you and your ‘Celebrity Smooch’ using the hashtag #Smooch4JackandJill and Dairyglen will donate €1 to The Jack & Jill Foundation (Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland)

MINISTER MUST ANNOUNCE DATE FOR SPORTS CAPITAL GRANT

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran says sports clubs in Clondalkin and Lucan are losing out on important funding because the Sports Minister has failed to announce when in 2107 the next round of the Sports Capital Grant will be open for applications.

Minister Ross has confirmed that no

decision has been taken on when the next round of the grant will be made available for clubs to apply.

Deputy Curran commented, “It is scandalous that there was no Sports Capital Grant funding for 2016.

The Grants have been announced in Budget 2017 and in order for local clubs and groups to get organised

in order to make successful applications a date would be hugely beneficial. I do not understand why the Minister is holding back on announcing a date.

This money is extremely important for sports clubs and communities across the country with many depending on this funding to buy new equipment and upgrade and improve facilities.

“It is not acceptable that clubs across the country are being left high and dry. The last round of applications for the scheme was in 2015. I am worried

by Minister Ross’ lax attitude that local clubs are unable to make plans for expansion or take on new members etc.

“This scheme should not be allowed to fall off

the Minister’s agenda.

It is a vital resource for communities the length and breadth of the country, who are now missing out on essential funding.

Minister Ross needs to address this issue without delay and announce the next round of applications”, concluded Deputy Curran

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LY GARDEN, TALLAGHT, VOTED BEST TAKEAWAY RESTAURANT IN IRELAND

JUST EAT, Ireland’s leading online food ordering and delivery service who have over 1800 takeaway

restaurants online, held the third annual JUST EAT National Takeaway Awards recently where leaders in the takeaway

TWEET OF THE WEEK ***by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly Our Tweet of the Week is from the South Dublin County Council’s Sports Development team which facilitated a Futsal Blitz in Clondalkin.

The blitz involved primary schools from across the area and was run by South Dublin County Council and the FAI. If you have a Tweet you would like us to feature send it to @Newsgroupirl or @Lynda_ ODonoghue and use #NewsgroupTweet.

restaurant sector gathered to celebrate the best takeaway restaurants and dishes.

There were over 20 categories this year with consumers able to vote for any take-out restaurant in Ireland.

The awards are the first in Ireland to recognise the quality of food, choice and service consistently delivered by this important sector of the food services industry. A DKM economic impact report published earlier this year found that the sector is responsible for 24,900 direct jobs in 2,995 establishments selling food to takeaway.

The annual JUST EAT National Takeaway Awards is the opportunity for consumers to recognise and reward their favourite restaurant and favourite dish.

The event took place in Fallon & Byrne where hosts Pippa O’Connor Ormond and Brian Dowling handed out

awards to winners in 20 categories including Best Takeaway Chinese, Best Takeaway Salad, Best Takeaway Mexican and Best Takeaway Indian.

Tallaght-based Chinese takeaway Ly Garden

received thousands of votes to be named the Best Takeaway in Ireland at the awards ceremony.

The popular takeaway also picked up awards for Best Takeaway Dublin and Best

Takeaway Chinese.

Ly Garden owner Luong Ly said: “We’re so thrilled to have been awarded the Ireland’s Best Takeaway, Best Takeaway Dublin and Best Takeaway Chinese here this evening at

the JUST EAT National Takeaway Awards.

We’re extremely grateful to all our loyal customers who voted for us – we’re already looking forward to competing again next year!”

Best Takeaway IRELAND winner LY GARDEN TALLAGHT pictured with Brian Dowling and Pippa O’Connor Ormond at the JUST EAT National Takeaway awards held in Fallon and Byrne Dublin (photo Kieran Harnett)

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL TO INCREASE TALLAGHT STADIUM SEATING CAPACITY TO 8000 Mayor Guss O’ Connell has welcomed plans to expand the seating capacity of Tallaght stadium from 6000 to 8000 at an estimated cost of €2m with the support

of the elected members.

Planning approval is to be sought immediately for the project which will ensure the stadium meets UEFA Category 4

standards and continue to host European matches in addition to being home to League of Ireland tenants Shamrock Rovers FC. The proposed development

Children and teenagers in are set to benefit from a 10% jump in funding for youth services, according to Dublin South West Independent TD and Minister for Children, Dr Katherine Zappone.

The Independent Minister says most of the €57m in funding she secured in Budget 2017 will be targeted at areas like Tallaght where there are big young populations.

The Minister says local services which are playing a vital role in supporting young people in their communities will be prioritised.

Announcing the youth funding Minister Zappone added: “The 10% increase in funding which has been secured in Budget 2017 will bring direct

benefits to young people in Tallaght and communities across the country.

Nationally an additional €5.5m is being made available, which reverses the cutbacks of recent years.

Existing Youth Projects and Services in our communities can look forward to an additional 5% in funding to be ploughed into youth cafes, sport, arts and services for those teens who face particular challenges.

In addition we will be working to identify gaps in services and use some of the extra money to develop new supports.

Building on the success of the Marriage Equality Referendum there will be funding to establish the first LGBT National Youth Strategy and I would

encourage young people in Tallaght to get involved.

In Dublin South West I continue to be hugely impressed by the impact frontline services are having through community activities and vital supports for those young people who need them most.

Volunteers and staff are transforming young lives and giving many an opportunity to start again.

This funding must be used to support that existing frontline work and also to identify challenges which are not currently being met.

I look forward to continuing my engagement not only with youth organisations nationally but with children and teenagers on the ground to hear their views on how we should progress.”

YOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM 10% JUMP IN FUNDING

will consist of the construction of a new single tier 2,195 seat, spectator stand, including associated ancillary and welfare facilities, within the boundaries of Tallaght Stadium to the south of the two existing spectator stands and pitch.

Stadium manager Nicola Coffey welcomed the decision “as part of the long term strategy of the Council to maximise the use of Tallaght Stadium as a sporting, recreation and cultural venue for national and international events”.

FAI CEO John Delaney paid

tribute to the Council for approving the development he said ‘South Dublin County Council enjoys a close working relationship with the FAI and currently co-funds the employment of four FAI Football Development Officers, who work in the community every day to deliver programmes aimed at young people, coaches, schools and clubs.

South Dublin County Council is an important stakeholder in Irish Football, and is a key supporter and driver for the development of the game through the provision of facilities such as Tallaght Stadium, more than 100

football pitches in their public parks throughout South Dublin County as well as the provision of numerous football training facilities.’

Drawings and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection up to Thursday 1st December 2016 at South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght and Tallaght Stadium.

Plans can also be viewed on South Dublin County Council’s website – www. sdcc.ie and the Council’s Public Consultation Portal https:// consult.sdublincoco.ie

An artist’s impression of the new stand

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The Legal Column Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS Main Street Tallaght, Dublin 24.

TEL 01 4599 506 FAX 01 4599 510 email: legal@scally.ie

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, discusses various areas concerning Family Law. As always please send your queries to Romaine Scally, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie.

Q. My Husband and I have agreed to separate and hope to keep everything as amicable as possible. We are going down the road of a Separation Agreement rather than going to Court. Are there any disadvantages?

A. Firstly, congratulations on your determination to keep thing amicable albeit in the background of a marriage breakdown. Nonetheless, it makes the parting far easier for both parties if matters can be kept as simple and amicable as possible. To answer your question, firstly, the simplest solution following marriage breakdown is to go down the road of Separation Agreement.

Such an Agreement may be negotiated even before you separate as there are no statutory preconditions to comply with. In other words, you do not need to be living apart for a certain period of time in order to sign off on a Separation Agreement. With Judicial Separation (JS), the couple need to have been living apart (But not necessary independently) for a period of one year prior to the institution of proceedings. This period is further extended to four years in divorce cases. There is no such requirement for a Separation Agreement. The main matters dealt with by a Separation Agreement are: (a) An agreement to live separately (b) A ‘Non-Molestation’ Clause which means spouses will not interfere in the life of the other. (c) Arrangement for Children, including Custody, Access, Holidays and Foreign Travel. (d) Ownership of any property. (e) Maintenance and Lump Sum Payment (if any). (f) Indemnity from the debts of the other spouse. (g) Taxable Status. (h) Succession Rights.

Separation Agreements are private contracts and accepted as a way of allowing a couple to make their own arrangements for Separation without the necessity for a Court battle. They may

be drawn up voluntarily and may be set aside if there is any suggestion of Duress, Undue Influence or Misrepresentation.

The Agreement, which formally ends the duty to Cohabit, should however be drawn up with the benefit of legal advice. Most issues can be resolved in the Separation Agreement although the law does not permit a spouse or civil partner to contract out of future maintenance payments. The 1964 Guardianship of Infants Act allowed parents to specify in a Separation Agreement who should have Custody of the children. If necessary, a Separation Agreement may subsequently be varied by the Court if there are substantial changes in a person’s circumstances.

The Courts however will be slow to make radical alterations where the parties are both well-educated intelligent people who have had the benefit of competent legal advice before entering into a recent Separation Agreement. However, circumstances can change dramatically for couples and in this event, in the absence of a couple agreeing changes, application can be made by one party to the Court for a Variation. With regard to maintenance, either party can subsequently apply to Court for a Variation and circumstances where such an application would be perfectly legitimate would be in the event of one spouse losing a job, one or more of the children requiring additional educational support or health issues affecting either of the spouses or the children. We wish you the best of luck with the Separation Agreement but would urge you both to go to your own independent solicitors to ensure that each party has the benefit of Independent Legal advice thus minimising any risk of the Separation Agreement being overturned at a later date.

Q. My Husband and I are separating and unfortunately, we cannot agree the terms of our separation. We do not yet qualify for a Divorce but may qualify for a Judicial Separation.

Is there much of a difference?

A. Firstly, we are sorry to hear that you are separating and that you cannot agree terms. However, you may at least be able to narrow down any areas of dispute and confine the contentious issues to a minimum. It is difficult to agree terms for a Separation Agreement in every case as the emotions which inevitably accompany the end of a relationship may make it impossible to negotiate an amicable agreement. The big difference between a Judicial Separation and a Divorce is that a Judicial Separation (JS) does not give a right to remarry, merely to live apart. The couple remain married so if both partners subsequently decide to give the relationship another chance,

they may resume living together without the necessity for a remarriage and without having to return to Court. Under the 1996 Divorce Act when the Court grants a Divorce, the valid subsisting civil marriage is dissolved. If the man and woman later decide they want to live together as husband and wife then, they will have to go through the whole marriage procedure again. This is not the case with Judicial Separation and the parties are free to resume their marriage again without legal formality except perhaps to extinguish maintenance orders. The principle effect of a decree of Judicial Separation is to free the spouses of their duty to cohabit. The Family Law Act of 1995 allowed couples to not only apply for a Judicial Separation but eliminated any limit to the number of occasions on which the Court can grant a Property Adjustment Order except that it cannot be granted after the death or remarriage of the other spouse. These Property Adjustment Orders are typically made in the course of JS proceeding dealing with not only the family home but also other properties which may be owned by one of both spouses jointly.

Until such time the couple divorce applications can be made to vary any such order in exceptional circumstances.

It is important that you seek independent advice for the purposes of commencing JS proceedings. Your solicitor must first discuss with each of you the possibility of reconciliation and if there is no prospect of reconciliation the solicitor must advice about mediation and provide a list of qualified Mediators. The Solicitors subsequently have to file a certificate to confirm that he or she has complied with the Act in this regard. The grounds for Judicial Separation are wide and include a simple statement by both parties that the marriage has broken down to the extent that the Court is satisfied that a normal marital relationship has not existed between the spouse for at least one year immediately prior to the date of the application. It is not necessary for the couples to be living apart merely that there has been no marital relationship between the couples for that one year period. We hope this has been helpful and that the outcome will be satisfactory for both of you.

Q. I have recently separated from my husband.

Is it important to redo my will now?

A. I assume by your question that you already have a will in place which predates your separation. It is vitally important that post separation, you redo your will. Separation, Divorce or Remarriage introduce all sorts of complications which need to be

addressed in a new will post separation.

I am unsure from your question whether or not you have simply entered into a Separation Agreement or have proceeded to Court and obtained a Judicial Separation or Divorce. In all three cases however, most parties renounce their mutual Succession Act rights. In other words neither can inherit from the estate of the other on death. Assuming therefore that you had previously made a will appointing your spouse as your Executor and Beneficiary then, a new will needs to be urgently prepared.

We would suggest that you attend with a Solicitor as soon as possible to prepare a new will.

Q. Could you explain exactly what is meant by the concept of Guardianship?

A. Guardianship gives a parent the right to get involved in the Physical, Religious, Intellectual, Social and Moral upbringing of a child, including the right to be involved in major issues such as the child’s Religion, Education, Country of Residence and other major life events such as medical treatment, passport applications and the right to apply to Court for Custody or Access. It is not to be confused with Custody or Access as there is no automatic right to Custody or Access confirmed on a Guardian. A Guardian’s consent is also required if the mother wants to put the child up for adoption. The 1964 Guardianship of Infants act gave married parents joint Guardianship of their children. The 1964 Act was updated in 1987 by the Status of Children’s Act which equalised the Status of legitimate or illegitimate children. It also addresses the question of the rights and duties of single fathers. The most important effects of the act were to: (a) Abolished the concept of Illegitimacy (b) Allow a child born of a voidable marriage to retain its legitimacy status (c) Give unmarried fathers legal rights to be appointed Guardian or to seek custody and or access. (d) Allow payments of birth and funeral expenses to the mother by the father. (e) Amend the Maintenance Act to allow payments by the father. (f) Allow a father to apply for a Declaration of Paternity. (h) Provide for blood test prove paternity. (i) Allow a presumption of paternity where a baby was born in a subsisting marriage within 10 months or if the father’s name was on the birth register.

There are currently plans to up-to-date the question of Guardianship of unmarried partners and we will deal with this in a later issue.

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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CLONDALKIN MUM APPEALS FOR BUTTERFLY SKIN DAUGHTER (4)

A Clondalkin mother whose young daughter has a rare and painful genetic skin condition is asking the people of Dublin west to help to ease her child’s suffering by wearing a special butterfly tattoo this week.

Four-year-old Casey Connors from St Marks has a severe form of the ‘butterfly skin’ disease EB (epidermolysis bullosa).

This incredibly painful condition causes the skin layers and internal body linings to blister and wound at the slightest touch.

One of only 300 people in Ireland with EB, Casey has to be bandaged almost from head to toe to protect her from everyday life.

“She can’t go out to play in the playground like other children, she is on painkillers and

every three days she has to have her bandages changed which is extremely painful,” said mum Rachel.

Debra Ireland, the charity which supports EB patients, is trying to raise vital funds to help people with EB through day to day family support and research to find a treatment for one of EB’s most harrowing side effects – extreme itch.

The Itch Project is being carried out at the Charles Institute of Dermatology at University College Dublin.

Now the Connors family, including grandmother Eileen, are asking the west Dublin community to help those living with this distressing condition by picking up a Debra

Ireland EB butterfly temporary tattoo at any Applegreen store and sharing a selfie of their new tattoo on social media.

“With EB every little bit can hurt, but in this case every little butterfly helps, so please show your support, go to any Applegreen, pick up a Debra Butterfly and text BUTTERFLY to 50300 to make a €4 donation,” said Rachel.

Dr. Avril Kennan, Head of Research at Debra Ireland, explains why more research is needed.

“EB brings a lot of pain and another major side effect is the awful itching that accompanies the healing process,” said Dr Kennan.

“We all know how much you want to

scratch a healing wound, so imagine having wounds all over your body that itch horrendously as soon as they start to heal.”

“The itch makes sleeping extremely difficult, parents can spend all night comforting their children.

“At night children with severe EB can scratch themselves so badly they wake in the morning to blood soaked sheets.”

answer like why did is her skin this way?”

As a mother Rachel knows there is currently no known cure for

Sharon’s consultant said “Don’t worry you’ll never see that number again,” and she was right. Sharon’s very first week she lost 4 and half pounds! As the weeks went on the pounds just dropped off. Sharon couldn’t believe how easy it was. She was cooking meals the whole family could enjoy, and now instead of ringing for a takeaway, the whole family could tuck into a homemade Jalfrezi curry or Singapore noodles (Sharon’s favourites).

Sharon originally set an end target of losing 3 stone. “To be honest, at the start I didn’t even know if that was achievable but I broke it down into 7 pound blocks and very quickly I was choosing a new lower target weight,” Sharon says beaming with pride. Slimming World has changed her life forever. She has gone on to lose an amazing 4 and half

stone to date. This has helped to greatly reduce her joint pain and she has more energy all thanks to Slimming World. Sharon is now so passionate about helping others to lose weight that she is opening her own Slimming World group in Knockmore Junior

“But now that she is getting bigger she is asking questions I can’t

Four-year-old Casey Connors from St Marks has a severe form of the ‘butterfly skin’ disease EB (epidermolysis bullosa)

School on November 1st at 7:30pm. Her goal is to inspire others to feel the way Slimming World has made

her in

feel… beautiful herself again.

Contact on

Sharon 0857103660

O’CONNOR WELCOMES DODDER VALLEY PARKS WORKS

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has welcomed confirmation from South Dublin County Council that works will be undertaken at the Weir in Dodder Valley Park at Old Bawn following representations from Parkwood Residents Association and residents of the general Old Bawn area.

He raised the matter at the October meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee and sought action in respect of what residents describe as the hidden Weir in Dodder Valley Park at Old Bawn bridge and he added that residents are upset at what they see as a beautiful waterfall lining hidden by dense shrubbery and trees that are overgrown.

Above: Sharon before her weight loss of 4st.7lbs.

Right: Sharon after her weight loss

hope, we have to find something that will help ease the pain, children like Casey depend on it.”

A lively youngster despite the enormous difficulties she faces Casey attends pre-school at Scoil Mochua, Clondalkin.

“She loves dancing, singing and playing with blocks,” said Rachel.

EAT YOURSELF HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER!

Sharon Coleman 36, suffers with arthritis and fibromyalgia. This combined with her excess weight was making her daily life a struggle. The mother of three decided enough was enough and she took the brave step in January 2016 to join Slimming World. This wasn’t Sharon’s first time to join Slimming World.

“I had joined in the past but I think this time I was just so determined to make it work for me.

I’d gotten rid of a lot of negativity in my life and now it was time to tackle my weight,” Sharon told us. “My life changed that morning when I met my lovely consultant. I sat there and listened to her explain Slimming World’s Food Optimising to me. I knew there and then that this was my time,” said Sharon. At the end of Image Therapy she was weighed in and Sharon was horrified at what the scales showed her.

many people with EB. The only treatment is constant painful bandaging of the skin.

“Research is our only

The response from Council Management was as follows: “The Council’s Public Realm Section gave a commitment in 2015

to address this matter by clearing overgrowth in the area, and while a certain amount of work was done in this regard it has not achieved the aim of exposing the bridge and weir to view from Dodder Valley Park. It is proposed that work will commence during the week commencing Monday October 24th to address this matter.

A tracked machine with flail head is required to be hired which will be able to access the river bank and do the necessary clearance. Once this aspect of the work is done Public Realm staff will then complete the works with handheld hedge trimmers and chainsaws. It is expected that this work will be completed within a period of three weeks approximately.”

According to Charlie O’Connor this is an important issue for the local community and he looks forward to the works being completed.

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SECURE PARKING FOR ST MARKS GAA/SOCCER CLUB

Sinn Fèin Councillors for Tallaght central and Tallaght south welcome the Managers report regarding securing the park from cars entering the parklands area.

This area has had a lot of problems from cars being burnt out in the park damaging pitches for the Gaa club and soccer club Cllr Cora McCann had

this on the agenda in September and with working with the clubs and Managment Cllr McCann secured this agreement from SDCC IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT BUTLER MCGEE PARK A commitment was given to the members of the Tallaght Area Committee at the

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September meeting that the request to erect fencing around Butler McGee Park would be examined in more detail with regard to a possible phasing of the works. This exercise has now been done.

While the park is already fenced off along the Outer Ring Road and in part along Cookstown Road there is no fencing in place at present along the park frontage at Drumcairn Parade, Drumcairn Avenue and along

the remaining part of Cookstown Road.

It is evident that access is currently being gained to the park at Drumcairn Parade, part of the low stub wall has been vandalised and demolished here for this purpose, and it is proposed that this issue will be addressed now as a first phase. It is proposed that the stub wall will be repaired at this location and that a 1.2m high railing will be erected on top of the wall over a length of approx 250m along

the park frontage at Drumcairn Parade to it’s junction with Drumcairn Avenue.

A tender has been advertised for supply and fixing of the railing and it is expected that tenders will be received early in the week of October 24th with an order placed with the successful tenderer by the end of that week.

It will be possible to establish a timeframe for completion of the work with the chosen supplier at the time of placing of the order.

NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS 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. H.B. 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. O.W. 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. Special thanks to the Angels and Our Lady of Mount Carmel G.L. 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. Please help Renay and Jessica. Please help me that I won’t be so nervous and worried. If anyone is reading this, please say a prayer for me, I will be most grateful. Please pray for me and my family. Y.F. PRAYER FOR HEALING Heavenly Father, I call on you right now in a very special way. It is through your power that I was created. Every breath I take, every morning that I wake, and every moment of every hour, I live under your power. Father, I ask you now to touch me with that same power. For if you created me from nothing you can certainly recreate me. Fill me with the healing power of your spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in me. Mend what is broken.

Root out any damaged cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas.

Remove all inflammation

and cleanse any infection.

Let the warmth of your healing pass through my body to make new any unhealthy areas so that my body will function the way you created it to function.

And Father, restore me to full health in mind and body so that I may serve you the rest of my life.

I ask this through Christ Our Lord Amen.

I.B 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.

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 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.

PEAMOUNT UNITED ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE PAT TREHY AS NEW WOMEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE MANAGER

By Aaron Clarke Peamount United is delighted to announce Pat Trehy as the clubs new Women’s National League manager after the recent departure of Christy Lougheed earlier this month.

The former League of Ireland goalkeeper who was a member of the Bray Wanderers side which won the First Division title in 1996 assumed the reigns as manager having previously been part of Lougheed’s management team as assistant manager/goalkeeper coach.

Speaking about the announce Trehy said, “I am delighted to take over as manager of Peamount United, but it is bittersweet taking over from my friend and mentor Christy Lougheed, who unfortunately took the decision to step down for personal reasons.

“I am looking forward to getting stuck into my new role and continuing the excellent progress we have in the past 18 months and I’m delighted to have both James O’Callaghan and Vinnie Patterson alongside me on this journey.”

Despite the recent blip in form which has seen the Peas eliminated from the Women’s FAI Cup at the semi-final stage and drop to fourth in the Women’s National League, the former Shamrock Rovers, St James Gate, Bray Wanderers, Limerick City and Cobh Ramblers shot-stopper believes his side are still capable of challenging for league glory in 2016.

“We have six games remaining this season and we are still in a very strong position in the league, just five points behind the leaders with a game in hand so it is important we keep a strong tight bond amongst our squad and continue fight until the last game of the short season. The players are up for the challenge and so are the management team.

“After Christy had to step down, the players were unsure of the future, but we assured them that nothing was going to change and we keep going as a team and we stay together as a unit.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peamount United and its board for giving me this opportunity and having faith in the system we have built. I would also like to thank our captain Clare Kinsella for pushing me to take up this role at such an iconic women’s football club and I look forward to our next Women’s National League outing against Kilkenny United on October 29th at Greenogue.”

Finally Peamount United would like to thank Kelly’s Texaco garage Newcastle for their sponsors of our new jerseys.

Application forms are available from our Office at 091 796622.

For more information on the Irish Pilgrimage Trust please contact us at 091 796622 or Email info@ irishpilgrimagetrust.com or visit our web page on http:// www.irishpilgrimagetrust. 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.

Pat Trehy with Club Chairmen Dennis Cummins

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CRUMLIN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SERVING SUGARY FOOD TO YOUNG CHILDREN UNACCEPTABLE

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has condemned Crumlin Children’s Hospital for serving sugary food to children as young as 15 months.

“This practice of serving foods with a high sugar content, such as pasta sauce and sugary jelly, to children under two years of age, is totally unacceptable.

“This is especially the case in light of recommendations from international health organisations, such as the WHO and the American Heart Association, that babies and children under two should have zero, or close to zero, sugar intake.

“In fact a prominent study

by the American Heart Association, revealed strong evidence supporting the association of added sugars with increased cardiovascular disease risk in children.

“Research has also shown that by adding sugar to a baby’s food you increase sweet cravings and as the baby grows, he or she will then want to eat only foods laced with sugar. High sugar in baby food also significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes in the future years.

“Unfortunately, at the moment, the 15 month old child of a friend of mine is being treated in

Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

She’s getting great care but regrettably is being served foods laden with sugar.

It is ironic and very disappointing that sick children are being served sugary foods, in a state health facility where a large sugar awareness poster hangs in its corridors.

“I strongly commend the commitment

by Minister Simon Harris to prioritise improving the quality of hospital food and I will continue to raise this issue and to work to ensure it is addressed as a matter of urgency.

In fact today I raised the issue with Eilísh Hardiman, Group CEO of the Children’s Hospital Group.”

DUBLIN’S SPICE COMPANY ON THE RISE Another win for Spice Devils at the first South Dublin County Business Awards 2016

Spice Devils won its fifth award for the year in the Start-up/ New Business Category of the inaugural South Dublin County Business Awards 2016 held at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on the 21st of October hosted by South Dublin Chamber.

The Awards were presented by the Mayor of South Dublin, Mr Guss O’Connell at a glittering gala night also attended by An Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, TD. Shakeel Jeeroburkan, founder of Spice Devils, who collected the award, said “We were thrilled to win our fifth award for the year, which clearly demonstrate that we are doing something great. We are currently supplying SuperValu stores, but there is also plan to export our multi award winning products too. A market has already been identified

and we are expecting the first export orders to be finalised before end of year.”

Spice Devils produces 100% natural, salt/ sugar and gluten free Mauritian-inspired spice blends which are currently being retailed in over 30 SuperValu

day, and night. Children contact Childline to talk about everything from everyday troubles to major life issues, with thousands of calls every year from children experiencing issues such as loneliness, isolation, bullying, distress and abuse. 69 per cent of calls are from boys, with girls using the text and online services more frequently.

Last year Childline answered 421,672 calls to the phone service and 18,304 contacts to its Childline online service options, 67% of those contacts were made by girls.

Pull the Trigger, while the incredible postproduction was done by Hubert Montag and Jake Walshe in Screenscene, with sound by Dean Jones.

Print photography was

by Liam Murphy and Lee Hickman.

The advertisement was acted by emerging actress Abby Fitzmorris and the voice over was by actress India Mullen.

stores across Leinster, through the Food Academy programme in conjunction with Bord Bia and with the support of the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin.

The Business Awards were organised by South Dublin Chamber and sponsored by South

Dublin County Council and Google. among others,the Awards are designed to celebrate companies who have gone above and beyond to address their own competitive interests and the interests of the community in the Dublin South County area.

Pictured from left to right: Helen Lyons of the Irish Quality Food Awards, Shakeel Jeeroburkan, and Rachel Allen.

ISPCC CHILDLINE LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL ANIMATION AD: “YOU’RE NOT ON YOUR OWN” HIGHLIGHTING ITS TEXT SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE The ISPCC has launched its new digital animation and print advertisement for Childline, reminding young people that “you’re not on your own”. The ad highlights the availability of Childline’s text service, which received over 18,000 contacts last year, and is growing in popularity; Childline received almost 440,000 contacts last year across its phone, text and online services.

The concept for the ad was created by the creative team in Ogilvy & Mather which has been a long-time supporter of the ISPCC. The development of the advertisement was supported by funding from the National Office for Suicide Prevention’s Connecting for Life programme.

Set in a typical teenager’s bedroom, with the posters and

pictures of teenage years and the soft toys of childhood still apparent, it contains dozens of separate animations, each singly brought to life to reflect the young person’s mood. The ad represents how, when you are feeling down, it can become overwhelming, with your whole environment seeming isolating and oppressing. But there is always help available.

You can watch the video here: https://youtu. be/vUFzN7Gvdu0 Grainia Long, ISPCC CEO, said “We are delighted to launch this creative and engaging advertisement for our Childline text service.

The children and young people who contact the ISPCC do so for a whole range of reasons, some life-changing, some more everyday, but all of those reasons are hugely

important to them.

When you feel down, your whole world can too. But we are here, always, to listen, and to help young people find the resilience that they need to cope with the challenges they face in life”.

We are extremely grateful to all of the immensely talented and creative people who gave so generously of their skills and their time to make this advertisement a reality.

We want young people all over Ireland to see this ad, so please like and share it as much as possible. We’d love to hear from anyone who is interested in helping us to share it and get the message out to as many young people as possible: “you’re not on your own”.

Childline answers over 1,200 contacts from children all over Ireland, every single

The ad was brought to life by a fabulous team of committed volunteers, including Marcus Hartung and Emma Fielding for Ogilvy, produced by Conor McGuinness of McGoo media, filmed

by Kieron J Walsh and Glen Collins in

The ad, “You’re not on your own”, is hosted on the ISPCC’s YouTube platforms and will run on some digital platforms for several weeks. Through the ISPCC’s partnership with Dublin Airport Authority, it is visible in terminal one and two and the ISPCC is seeking interested media partners to help push the ad through various channels.

The ISPCC is seeking to share and like it online with as many people as possible.

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Entertainment Guide

With

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly email: lynda@newsgroup.ie

Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle

TOP FIVE FILMS – Comedy Long, cold, dark nights call for something to lift the spirits and make us laugh so we have put together the perfect guide to help you shake off those Winter blues.

We have selected our Top Five Films – Comedy for your viewing pleasure and there is truly something for everyone in this hilarious bunch.

These options are perfect for getting the family together, catching up with friends or simply grabbing some alone time and putting a smile on your face.

So sit back and prepare to laugh your socks off with our Top Five Films – Comedy…

1. Deadpool – Certainly one of the funniest films of the year, Deadpool stars Ryan Reynolds as a sort of anti-superhero who is incredibly unlikable but very funny. There is lots of action and superhero antics along with violence and bad language so not one for the younger members of the family but the clever script and excellent performances will keep the older generation happy.

2. Minions – Family-friendly and very funny Minions is a movie that will have kids and adults alike laughing from start to finish. It tells the story of the Minions quest to find an evil master to serve – and highlights how the hapless little yellow creatures keep losing their masters to unfortunate incidents.

Lots to laugh at in this hilarious animated feature and the kids will go nuts for Bob, Kevin and Stuart.

3. The Hangover – This unexpected hit is still a classic and although the sequels failed to live up to the first movie the original is something that you can watch over and over and still get laughs. Zach Galifianakis is outstanding as Alan spawning many a Halloween outfit and endless one-liners which are quoted around the clock on social media. Four friends go to Vegas for a bachelor party and get much more than they bargained for.

Funny every single time.

4. American Pie – College humour that will make you laugh out loud – even

when you don’t want to.

Although some of the jokes are a little racy there is still a lot to like about this movie. There is a real sense of comradery between the cast and many of the themes are relatable.

Alyson Hannigan is very funny as band geek Michelle.

5. Bridesmaids – There is so much to like about this movie which was billed as a ‘female version’ of The Hangover but in reality it is a standalone film that will have you weeping tears of pure joy. Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne are incredibly funny with some classic oneliners that are delivered with perfect comic timing. The supporting cast is also top notch and this movie is definitely worth watching a second, third and fourth time.

There are plenty of other options but we believe these picks represent a little bit of what everyone likes!

So pick up a copy, start popping the popcorn and settle down for a hilarious night in front of the TV.

MAGICAL CELTIC TALES - UNA LEAVY The hardback book brings Celtic tales from Ireland, The Isle of Man, Brittany, Scotland, Cornwall and Wales to life – with dragons, heroes and magic in nine enchanting stories.

Long ago, when the Celts flourished across Europe,

storytelling was at the very heart of their society with folk tales containing humour and magic passed from generation to generation.

Magical Celtic Tales features some well-known legends of folklore including the story of Diarmuid and

Gráinne and The Changeling alongside lesser known tales such as The Magic Pail from Cornwall and The Silver Cup from the Isle of Man. These stories are rooted in the magic of long ago when the Celts concocted tales of fairies, dragons and magical

creatures – keeping the tales alive by passing them down through families.

Other folk tales about Conor the Brave, The Red Dragon and Clever Morag will have youngsters enthralled and captivated.

One such tale is The Seal Catcher’s Story from northern Scotland, a fable about seals shedding their skin and becoming human – with published fairy tales dating back as far as 1901.

Leavy has previously published seven books for children with The O’Brien Press including the best seller The O’Brien Book of Irish Fairy Tales and Legends – a must-read for all ages.

Illustrated by Kerry artist Fergal O’Connor Magical Celtic Tales is an ideal way to introduce children to the world of folklore from across Europe – with stories they are sure to remember.

Priced at €14.99 and published by The O’Brien Press Magical Celtic

Tales also includes an introduction from Leavy as well as information and further details about each story at the end of the book.

Released earlier this month the enthralling collection is sure to appear on many Christmas present lists over the next two months.

NEW MUSIC FOR NOVEMBER In the run up to Christmas lots of musicians and artists release new albums and 2016 is set to be a bumper year for chart music.

This November some of the most well-known artists of the last five years will bring out new music and go up against each other in the charts.

One of the most anticipated releases comes out on November 4th when Robbie Williams re-enters the music business with his album, The Heavy Entertainer.

The former Take That singer’s voice is instantly recognisable on the first two singles from the album, with the latest, Love My Life, released last week.

November 4th will also see a greatest hits album from American rockers The Fray – Through The Years features some of the bands brilliant songs including How To Save A Life, Over My Head (Cable Car) and Look After You. Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi and The Chainsmokers will also release albums on the same day heating up the competition for the number one album

charts around the world.

Former X Factor contestants James Arthur, Olly Murs and Little Mix will also put out their own albums over the next three weeks.

Off the back of his smash hit single Say You Won’t Let Go Arthur will return with a soulful new album aptly titled Back From The Edge.

Murs will release 24Hrs on November 11th while Glory Days from Little Mix will be out on November 18th – all just in time to make it on to Christmas lists around the country.

The brilliant Emeli Sandé will also return with a

new album in November; Long Live The Angels is the follow up to the incredibly successful Our Version of Events and will be released on the 11th.

As if all that wasn’t enough Bruno Mars is also back with his third studio album 24K Magic which is out on November 18th and is widely tipped to be one of the albums of the year.

So if you are in the market for some new music to see out 2016 you are in luck with these top picks and plenty more on the way over the next four weeks.

Emeli Sandé returns with a new album in November; Long Live The Angels

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