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INSIDE: Joan is still keeping an eye on finance P6

June 23, 2011

WALK THE WALK: 60-mile charity

walk for breast cancer See Page 4

In the good books: Students’ creative side Soccer: Mountview set to represent Ireland in Spain Page 32

CHIDINMA Ogueogu, Aaron McCann and Deborah Morenigbae, from Ladyswell National School, proudly show off their very own bound books, which were written by them after completing a creative writing workshop.

Anita Sloan, a teacher at Ladyswell National School, said: “The creative writing project provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to discover the author/artist within themselves.

Full Story on Page 2

Soccer: Corduff reflect on their 2010/11 season Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES .............8 & 10 PETS..............................12 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 16 BUSINESS ................... 23 MOTORS ....................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Garda probe into death of man in fire Scene preserved for forensic and technical tests

Q PAUL HOSFORD

GARDAI are investigating the death of a man in his 30s following a house fire in Whitestown.

The fire is believed to have started sometime before 10pm and firefighters from both Phibsboro and Cool-

mine stations rushed to the scene in Whitestown Avenue.

The body of a man, believed to be in his late 30s, was discovered in the house and remained there until Wednesday lunchtime.

The scene has been preserved for forensic technical

examination.

The man has been named locally, but at the time of going to press, gardai were unable to confirm his identity.

Gardai were also unable to confirm or deny whether foul play is suspected in the incident.

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

TRANSPORT: EDUCATING

SCHOOLS Pupils create their very own bound books

Online video on safety

Children start new chapter in creativity

AN ONLINE video to mark the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) Bike Week puts cyclists and truck drivers in each others’ shoes.

National Bike Week runs this week until Sunday, June 26, and the RSA is relaunching an online video that aims to educate cyclists and truck drivers on how to share the road safely.

Noel Brett, chief executive, RSA, praised the video, saying that it was a great way for cyclists to see the difficulties truck drivers have in negotiating Ireland’s towns and villages.

In return, he said that it was a great resource to help make truck drivers aware of the dangers that cyclists face on the nation’s roads, and how both can appreciate each other’s position on our roads.

The film is available to download from the RSA website at www.rsa.ie; the RSA’s YouTube page; a Facebook page for Road Safety Authority Ireland, and Twitter, at RSAIreland.

Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

STUDENTS from schools in Dublin 15 celebrated completing a creative writing workshop with a bound copy of their very own book.

On Thursday, June 16, the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown (ITB) presented the sixth-class students of Ladyswell National School, and St Patrick’s National School in Corduff, with bound copies of their own individual book, which was written by them during their recent creative writing workshop.

In celebration of the end of their workshop, Mary Meaney, president, ITB, presented each of the 40 participating sixth-

class students with a copy of their own hand-written and illustrated book they wrote during the workshop.

Meaney said: “This has been a mar vellous project, and we are delighted to celebrate it with the pupils, staff and parents of Ladyswell and St Patrick’s.

“This project shows how creativity and learning go hand-in-hand, and it has been a wonderful experience for the children,” she said.

The creative writing workshop was developed

by Emer Martin and Hannah Maguire, and run in conjunction with ITB on one day per week, over a six-week period.

The duo helped and assisted the students to

Chidinma Ogueogu, Aaron McCann and Deborah Morenigbae, from Ladyswell National School

create their own books.

Traditional notions of creating a set-up, turning point, action and conclusion were used in the workshop to show the children how to structure a book of their own.

They mapped out the structure of familiar stories, such as the Harry Potter series, Avatar, Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz.

Freedom Students were then given the freedom to write from their own imagination. The results were 40 books full of magical worlds.

Anita Sloan, a teacher at Ladyswell National School, said: “The creative writing project provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to discover the author/artist within themselves.

“Emer and Hannah were inspirational; their enthusiasm was contagious, and their guidance and advice was invaluable. The children surprised themselves, and caught a glimpse of what they are capable of.

For some, I’m sure it will prove to have been a lifechanging experience.

“The sense of pride was obvious when, at the end of the six workshops, each of the children had a book worth shouting about,” she said.

Yasmyne Makengo, Balikis Falado, Candice Crichlow, Shanna Emerson, Karen Miezi and Lauryn Bradley, from St Patrick’s National School

Sammy Animashaul, Stephen Kelly and Grace Baptista

Yasmyne Makengo

Eldad Mellonda and Kirsty Brady

Stephen Keogh, from Ladyswell National School

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown

FUNDS: ST JOSEPH’S With Jim Lacey Phone: 087-2401308 Email: jimlacey@eircom.net

Heritage Network’s night of culture and ‘the craic’ L

AST Friday week was a night of music, song, poetry, dancing and story for the members of Fingal’s Heritage Network of 14 historical and heritage societies, who were assembled at Luttrellstown Golf Club for their annual celebration.

This was the first occasion that the Heritage Network came to Dublin 15 or, as I like to call it, South West Fingal. I heartily detest calling our native home after a postal district – Greater Castleknock, Blanchardstown and District or whatever, but not Dublin 15 or, even worse, D15.

The many historical and heritage societies in Fingal numbering about 200 people attended.

They came from Balbriggan, Cloghran, Donabate, Garrristown, Howth, Loughshinney, Lusk, Malahide, Rolestown, Rush, Skerries and Swords.

Hosting the event were the two local heritage societies – Liffey Valley Alliance and Fingal South West Heritage Society. Mary Eustace ,and her colleagues in Liffey Valley Alliance, were responsible for the superb organisation.

There were two traditional/folk groups – our

own Clonsilla-based Fionn Uisce, headed up

by Dave McClelland, kicked off the proceedings with a series of Irish reels, jigs and hornpipes.

Caroline Heery, a member of the group, gave a spectacular display of Irish dancing.

Bernadette Marks, from Swords, gave us a rendition of a poem celebrating the Fingallian language; the poem was written by Niall McCoitir, of Fingal County Council. Bernadette also told a few humorous Swords stories.

Thrilling

Pat Kelly, from Lusk, then recited some evocative poems relating to Lusk, accompanied with a beautiful selection of background music.

Diarmuid O’Cathasaigh gave a thrilling monologue relating to a famous race in Baldoyle Racecourse; he also sang a couple of songs as Gaeilge, including Cill Chais.

Cuimhneamh ar na focail i ‘Cad a dheánfaimid feasta gan adhmad? Ta deireadh na gcoillte ar lar.”

I am pleased to report everyone joined in, word perfect, or so it seemed to me.

Peadar Bates, from

Donabate, frightened the life out of the audience with a couple of ghost stories. Brigid Heffernan sang The Rigs O’ Barley, a haunting Scottish ballad from the pen of Robbie Burns and a couple of contemporary pieces.

Her singing was absolutely beautiful and she brought the house down.

The Lusk Folk Group, on top form as always, entertained us with a variety of music and melody, including a couple of classical pieces.

Cathal Moore, from the Swords group, sang a ballad about a Cabra man’s revenge on a Portuguese man, who ran way with his missus after seducing her with Babycham.

Yours truly, who was doing MC, told a couple of yarns about growing up in north-side Dublin in the 1950s/60s and some of the characters that frequented the area, such as Bang Bang, Johnny Forty Coats and Razor Blades, and other knights of the road.

The gathering included Cllr Peadar O’Kelly, from Balbriggan Town Council, and councillors Peggy Hamill, Eithne Loftus, from Castleknock Ward, Cllr Kieran Dennison from Mulhuddart Ward and Cllr Ken Farrell, Mayor of Fingal.

Luttrellstown Golf Club was a great venue for Fingal Heritage Network’s event

Cllr Ken Farrell, Mayor of Fingal, gave a fine speech praising the work of the Fingal Network and thanked Heritage Officers Gerry Clabby and Niall McCoiter, also of Fingal Heritage Network, for their efforts and hard work.

Speaking to Gerry Clabby afterwards, he told me that it was not only a most successful night, but it was very enjoyable and thanked all who organised the event and provided the entertainment.

Finally, it was agreed by all that Luttrellstown Golf Club was a great venue and there was much praise for the management and staff who were very helpful.

Leo launches Bike Week LOCAL TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar was encouraging locals to get on their bike when he attended Castleknock Educate Together National School this week.

The Minister was at the school to help mark National Bike Week, which is being celebrated in schools around the country.

National Bike Week kicked off last Saturday, and the Minister

joined some of the large number of regular cyclists in Castleknock Educate Together National School to mark the varied programme of events.

“Castleknock Educate Together is one of many schools across Ireland taking part in National Bike Week. This school is already blazing a trail by encouraging its pupils to walk or cycle to school.

It was recently awarded a Green

Travel Flag from An Taisce under the Green Schools – Travel Programme, which promotes sustainable transport and is funded by my Department. I would like to congratulate this school, and all the other schools taking part this week,” he said.

For other Bike Week events in Dublin or around the country, check out www.bikeweek.ie or Like bikeweek.ie on Facebook.

Family fun in Kildare MOYGLARE Stud in Co Kildare is to be the setting for a fun-filled garden open day aimed at raising funds for St Joseph’s Centre, in Clonsilla, this July.

The event will be held on July 17, from 1.30pm until 5.30pm.

It’s the first time in several years the gardens have been opened to members of the public.

Brass band There is a charge of €10 per car and the Blanchardstown Brass Band will be on hand to play many well-known tunes.

There will be facepainting and balloons for the children and plenty of refreshments.

Meanwhile, handmade pottery, made by service users at St Joseph’s, will also be for sale.

For more information call 01-8248627.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

HERE COMES THE BRIDE!

From the hottest honeymoon deals, to the ultimate fish pedicure for silky-smooth feet on the big day, our special five-page wedding supplement is bursting with up-to-the minute advice SEE OUR WEDDING SUPPLEMENT, PAGES 18-22

EVENT: OVER €14K RAISED FOR ST JAMES’S HOSPITAL

A truly fun day in memory of Emma LAURA WEBB

A FUNDRAISING event organised by a local family in memory of their beloved daughter, Emma, has raised over €14,000 for St James’s Hospital, and, with more to be counted, the family are overwhelmed by the support they’ve received.

Family, friends and neighbours gathered at St Peregrine’s GAA club in Blakestown on May 28 to take part in a fundraising event to help raise money to buy TVs for the chemotherapy rooms in hospital, where 22-yearold Emma Dowling spent hours fighting against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Emma passed away on May 3, 2011, just a few weeks before a fundraising event, organised by her mother Noirin, and cousin Laura, was due to take place to buy a wheelchair for her.

With the venue booked, her family decided they would still host the event in Emma’s memory, with proceeds going to the hospital for small TVs in the chemotherapy rooms

there.

The occasion had a children’s event during the day, followed by a night of entertainment for grown-ups, including live music, sponsored waxing and shaving, raffles and auctions.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Emma’s dad, Peter Dowling, said his family was “overwhelmed” by the turnout and support on the night.

Great time

“It was a great night, about 400 people were there on the night. The kids had a great time that day, too. We stood to make €14,000. Initially, we were only talking €5,000, and we would be doing well, but then it snowballed into what it is now. We still have to wait for the final count, because there is still money coming in. I would say the final count will come in next week.

“Family, friends and neighbours were all there, and they had a great time.

We are all really thankful for everyone’s support,” Peter said.

Mother and daughter, Rachael and Sarah Prouse, will walk 60 miles in a charity walk for breast cancer. Picture: Peter Doyle

CHARITY: GRAB YOURSELF A HANDFUL OF TICKETS TO THE BOOBY BALL

Walking the walk for a cure for breast cancer LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

HOPE, encouragement, bravery and loss are some of the rollercoaster emotions felt by the thousands of people taking part in a walk in aid of breast cancer research in America, two of whom will travel from Dublin to be part of this amazing event to see if such a walk would work on Irish grounds.

This September, mother and daughter, Rachael and Sarah Prouse, will, for the second time in recent years, walk 60 miles in the Susan G Komen Three Day for Cure charity walk for breast cancer.

Since its inception in 2003, the three-day event has raised nearly $600 million. The walk is split into three days, walking 20 miles a day. Women and men must raise at least $2,300 and spend

months training for the big event, taking place in Washington this year.

When Rachael’s mum, Phil, was diagnosed with breast cancer she was given six months to live.

Her determination and bravery saw her through another four years.

In the year that she died, Rachael’s cousin Orla, who lives in America, wanted to walk for cancer research and asked Rachael’s mum if she could walk in honour of her. Unfortunately, Rachael’s mum passed away before Orla could tell how it went.

For the fifth anniversary of her mum’s death, Rachael decided she would go to America and join her cousin’s walking team and see for herself just how “amazing” the walk is.

The Dublin 15 creche owner is now hoping to

bring a similar walk, solely in aid of breast cancer research, to Ireland. As part of her fundraising efforts, Rachael and Sarah have organised “The Booby Ball” to raise money for breast cancer research in America and in Ireland.

For Rachael, it doesn’t matter what country the money is raised for because they are all searching for a cure for breast cancer. “If you raise money for a charity in America, Germany, here, wherever, it is still going to the same cause – to find a cure for breast cancer. If any of these countries find that cure, they will pass it on,” Rachel said.

“The three-day walk is amazing. The stories you hear, the people you meet, they are all so inspirational and have so many different stories to tell.

“When we went over the first time, we went completely unprepared, but I was blown away by the organisation of it and the whole emotion of it.

“There I was on day two, giving out about how tired I felt and how aching my feet were; then to hear the stories of what people have gone through or are going through, it just puts everything into perceptive. It opens your eyes to how people can fight it.

“I think that is why Orla did it for mam. She couldn’t believe how strong mammy was.

She dealt with the pain and she fought toothand-nail to make sure she was ok. That was an inspiration for Orla to do the walk. It’s an inspiration for my daughter and I,” she said.

Rachael would love to see this walk over here.

When she contacted the

Breast Cancer Ireland to explain what she was doing, she was asked to liaise with them after the event as they are considering setting up a similar walk here, and would love some feedback on it. “I would be proud to know I helped get it off the ground and make people aware of it.”

Family and friends have helped to organise lots of different events, but the big event is the masquerade ball, The Booby Ball, on Saturday, June 25, in the Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place.

The Hilton Hotel is putting on a red carpet and cocktail reception for the formal event that is giving many an excuse to wear their debs’ attire again.

For further information or to book a ticket for €45 phone 0879057730.

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

IT’S YOUR STORY Commemorative booklet is launched

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‘The Project could not operate without the undue dedication of the many volunteers who bring so much enthusiasm and strength to the Project. ’ ------------------------------------------------------Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton visiting the project. Right: Bernie Moloney presenting flowers to Karen Gorman for her ten years of involvement in the Youth Project

Bernie Moloney, Youth Officer

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Youth Project marks tenth anniversary Q BERNIE MOLONEY

Youth Officer

O N T h u r s d ay, J u n e 2, Mulhuddart Community Youth Project (MCYP) celebrated the tenth anniversar y of the project and its huge success over the years through the launch of its commemorative booklet, Through The Years in MCYP. MCYP has been the heart of the Mulhuddart community since its establishment in 2001 when it was set up in a small room in the local church and since 2002 its move to Mulhuddar t Community Centre. The project has seen hundreds of young people walk through its doors, each with their own unique personalities, talents and cultures. Currently there

are approximately 300 young people engaged on a regular basis.

On Friday, June 3, the young people celebrated the project in style. MCYP organised a party for their hard work and participation in the project, which included a disco (Hartstown DJ club), table quiz and group-ofthe-year award. As the standard was so high, the award was given to two groups, Something Kool for Afterschool, 5th class afterschools group, and the Internet Cafe, Mulhuddart Crimewatch group.

MCYP was set up in 2001 to involve young people from the Mulhuddart area in activities, programmes and groups that enhance their personal development and enable them

to contribute to the growth and development of their community.

MCYP engages young people, aged 10–18 years old, and this is organised by the project staff and local voluntary youth leaders recruited by the project staff.

Initiatives include summer programmes, af ter-school groups, sports groups, computer clubs, photography groups, art and crafts groups, drama groups, activity groups, youth cafe’s, establishment of voluntary youth groups and support services to existing youth groups.

The staff of MCYP includes Karen Gorman, senior youth officer; Siobhan Hennessy, youth officer; Bernie M o l o n e y, o u t r e a c h youth officer and Deir-

dre Walsh, outreach youth officer.

Karen has been involved in the Youth Project from the very beginning and has seen a lot of positive changes over the years.

Siobhan joined the team in 2006 and has seen the project grow from strength to strength, including the opening of the all-weather facility in 2009.

The outreach workers specifically target young people, aged 14-18 years old, who find it difficult to engage or who have become disengaged.

Young people become engaged with the project through outreach on the streets two nights a week and through our open-door policy where young people call into the office enquir-

ing about groups, seek advice and information and for informal chats.

The young people grow and develop through the various educational and recreational programmes we provide.

We also link in with other youth and community services in the area, like WEB (Garda Yo u t h D i v e r s i o n Project) and the HSE, to target more at-risk young people.

Throughout the last ten years, young people in MCYP have made a significant contribution to their community.

They have organised various events to actively encourage community spirit and also to raise money for muchneeded charities.

Eve n t s t h e y h ave organised over the years include community fun-

days, litter cleanups, a community fun run, discos, raffles, cake sales and craft fairs.

They have also lobbied on behalf of their community for a new football pitch, postbox and bus shelters.

They have been successful in the Blanchardstown Youth Citizenship Awards on many occasions and have even reached the Regional and National events, more recently with the Internet Cafe’s “Mulhuddart Crimewatch” video project and the Vintage Car’s “Fiat 500” project.

T he young people have made significant achievements in other areas of the project.

These include reaching the Dublin finals in the Community Games f o r m a ny c o n s e c u tive years, represent-

ing Blanchardstown in the Dublin Late Night Futsal League finals in 2010 and 2011, and winning the Dublin Angling Initiative Fishing Competition in 2009 and 2010.

The Project could not operate without the undue dedication of the many volunteers who bring so much enthusiasm and strength to the project.

There are currently four volunteer-led youth clubs, namely Team Vision, the Mulhuddart Foroige ODD Club, the Mulhuddar t Foroige Photography Club and the Mulhuddart Foroige Fishing Club.

The project has seen many of its members f lourish to become active volunteers and youth leaders themselves.

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

R1

POLITICS Joan Burton speaks about her political career

Reporter Laura Webb who interviewed the Minister

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In a sit down interview with the Gazette , the poll topping Dublin West TD admitted she was “surprised” and “bemused” not to be given a position within the Department of Finance. But, she says, she had no hesitation in getting her teeth stuck into her role as the new Minister for Social Protection -------------------------------------------------------

Joan Burton had no hesitation in accepting the post as Minister for Social Protection

Joan is both stimulated and challenged by her new role Q LAURA WEBB

SHE is a force to be reckoned with in Irish politics and, although, Joan Burton may not have been awarded the ministerial portfolio she was widely expected to take up in the new Government, she says, tongue firmly in cheek, that she isn’t going anywhere and is keeping an eye on Finance.

In a sit-down interview with the Gazette, the poll-topping Dublin West TD, whose constituency includes parts of Swords, admitted she was “surprised” and “bemused” not to be given a position within the Department of Finance.

She had, after all been Labour’s Finance Spokesperson for over a decade, with many regarding her as a saviour of the party during its years in the wilderness, following the

demise of the Rainbow coalition.

But, she says, she had no hesitation in getting her teeth stuck into her role as the new Minister for Social Protection.

“In the Irish system, it’s the decision for the leaders of the political parties who are in government.

I accepted the request from Eamon Gilmore to become Minister in this Department, but I am keeping my eye on finance and on financial issues,” chuckles Burton, who is a former lecturer in accountancy.

Social Welfare “I have a strong interest in Social Welfare and in job creation, because, while banking and finance are critical to the economy, on the other side a really good social welfare system that is strong, and targeted at people who need support, is really

important for a civilised modern country.

“The one thing about a recession is, like booms, they come to an end and we need to assure people who have lost their jobs, or come out of school and can’t get a job, that they don’t end up so long on social welfare, that when the recession ends they really can’t compete against the new entrants coming into the labour market.”

So far, Burton says, she has found her new role both “stimulating and challenging”, but also exciting. “I have really had to come to grips with a whole new area, which counts for about €20 billion of spending. It pays income and money to 1.4 million people a week, so a lot of Irish families and individuals, rely in wholeness or in part for support on the Department of Social Protection.

“I am overseeing what I hope will be very exciting and effective changes in the Department, which is to bring in the community welfare officers into the Department and the Labour service side of FAS to make a one-stopshop where, if somebody

experience, that they can use on their CV and get a foot in the door.”

On a personal note, the mum of one says that while balancing motherhood and politics can be a “challenge” she still believes it’s vital important to encourage more

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‘I accepted the request from Eamon Gilmore to become Minister in this department, but I am keeping my eye on finance and on financial issues’ -------------------------------------------------------

Joan Burton, the new Minister for Social Protection

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goes into to get jobseekers, they will also be guided into advice about options.

“I have also been working on a new national intern scheme, which will offer people on the register more than three months, an opportunity to get six to nine months work

women to get involved in Dail Eireann.

She says that being part of a government cabinet with only three senior women figures, it’s clear that the gender balance is still not there “by a long shot”.

“I suppose Eamon Gilmore did try to com-

pensate, he appointed the Attorney General [Maire Whelan], the first woman to ever hold the post and my job, so there are two women coming from the Labour side around that table but I don’t think three women in all is enough; and he did of course, appoint Kathleen Lynch, Roisin Shorthall and Jan O’Sullivan as Ministers of State.”

Married to Pat, she says her husband is “very supportive” of her career choice, even if it means getting up early and coming home late.

On the recent State visits by Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama, Burton says she felt “quite privileged to be there when both visits were taking place”.

She described the Queen as “very charming” and “very focussed on the visit”.

“I got the impression

that it was of enormous historical significance to her. She was extraordinary well briefed about the different events that I attended; I think there was a moment, when the Queen’s opening words [during her speech at the State dinner] were in Irish, it was a very strong indication of both her respect for Ireland and her determination to make the visit a success.”

As for American President Barack Obama, Burton says he is a “serious rock star” and thought that his wife was “stunning”. “I thought they were really a remarkable magnetic couple.”

“I felt quite privileged to be there when both visits were taking place, so, hopefully, that positive image of Ireland will tell a slightly different story to all the gloomy economic news.”

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

AWARD Local students are very wise with water

SCHEME: APPRENTICES

Council applies to FAS to recruit Q LAURA WEBB

Blakestown Community School won the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist of the Year water category, with their project, Be Wise with Water

Blakestown make a big splash Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

BLAKESTOWN Community School have been crowned the winner at the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist of the Year water category, with their project Be Wise with Water.

The Dublin 15 school group’s project picked up the honour last week during the annual award ceremony.

The project raised awareness about water in the school through their water week. Students were taught about water in each curriculum subject during water week.

Some 55 groups were

selected from almost 4,000 youngsters from schools all over Ireland, including Northern Ireland to go through to the finals.

The young groups were honoured at the 12th annual ECO-UNESCO young environmentalist awards showcase and ceremony attended by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, and President of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, and over 600 young people in the Mansion House.

The talented groups’ projects ranged from Carbon Footprint apps to recycling awareness song ‘It’s a (w)rap!’, guer-

rilla gardening, a dambuilding project on the river Corrib, Biodiversity Trails, and even a climate change campaign involving polar bears made of recycled materials being placed around Dublin city.

Passion

Commenting on the event, Mary Robinson said: “It is inspiring to see the passion and talent of young people from every county in the island of Ireland on display at the 2011 Young Environmentalist Awards Showcase.

“T he innovative projects are a testament to the hard work and

effort put in by all the groups involved, who make a real difference in their local communities and beyond.”

The National Director of Eco Unesco, Elaine Nevin, said: “We are extremely impressed by all the young environmentalists participating in this year’s awards programme. All of the young people attending show tremendous creativity and innovation in their approach to protecting the environment and promoting environmental awareness among their peers, their schools and youth groups and the community as a whole.”

T h e aw a r d s p r o gramme is run by ECOUNESCO, Ireland’s environmental education and youth organisation. The programme recognises and rewards young people for that carry out local environ-

mental action projects.

It providesd thousands of young people, aged between 10-18, with an opportunity to take action and raise awareness in their own community on issues that matters most to them.

FINGAL County Council has submitted an application to FAS to recruit eight apprentices under the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme.

During a recent Fingal county council meeting, Labour Party councillor for the Mulhuddart Ward, Patrick Nulty, asked council management “if it is in a position to avail of the recent national apprenticeships scheme launched by the government and if it intends to do so?”

In response to the councillor, a spokesperson for FCC said the council has formally submitted an application to FAS under the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2011 “to recruit eight apprentices”.

However, the council is still “awaiting” a reply to the application.

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

COMMUNITY Aiming to cultivate community relationships at Coolmine Lodge

There was plenty of tasty treats to satisfy visitors

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, takes a look at some of the vegetables on offer. Picture: Peter Doyle

Minister pops into the local farmers’ market

LMOST 200 people attended the launch the Coolmine Therapeutic Community’s Farmers’ Market recently. The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, was on hand to launch the market, which will be held every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Coolmine Lodge in Clonsilla. The market is the culmination of a horticulture pro-

A

gramme at the Coolmine Lodge site which began in 2008. The market aims to help the centre’s clients develop relationships with the local community and to grow their horticulture project, Growing for Growth. This programme teaches the clients to grow their own fruit and vegetables, as well as helping them to develop teamwork skills and confidence.

Cooking up a storm

The market was a fun event for all the family

Thai food anyone?

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

TAKE TWO

A great event for young and old

Another look at the Blanchardstown Farmers’ Market

The Minister was very impressed with the range of fresh food and fruit at the market

Wealth of food on offer

Sweet treats

A tasty hotdog

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 23 June 2011

PETS Saving your sanity and furniture

Keeping those Kitty claws up to scratch MIRIAM KERINS Education Officer, Dublin SPCA

E V E RYO N E k n ow s that cats like to claw and scratch – that’s why I’m amazed when, very often, some people enquiring about adopting a kitten insist they don’t want one that will “scratch” their top- grain leather furniture. Oh, grow up!

It’s no secret that, as part of their daily routine, our feline friends instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance – this unfortunately includes prized possessions like leather furniture! It’s a cat thing

– get over it!

A cat’s claws are the Swiss army knife of her tool box and an integral part of who she is – an exceptional hunter, climber and expert in personal defence. Kitty’s one paw swat is usually enough to send other cats running for cover, let alone the new family dog who swaggers onto her territory thinking he’s the dominant alpha male on the block. Big mistake!

A cat will also use her claws to communicate and leave messages for other cats by scratching on surfaces. You see, Kitty’s claws will engrave a visual territorial mark,

Cats instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance

while the scent glands in her paw pads will brush on an olfactory mark signaling to other cats that she’s in da house!

Ok, if your cat is an outdoorsy type, then she’ll probably use tree trunks as part of her daily clawing ritual. But when she’s indoors, then she’ll go for everything from the curtains to the bed linen and beyond.

So, if Kitty is an indoor cat (and, here’s a bit of trivia - thanks to the invention of cat litter back in the 1940s, more and more felines are staying in, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives) she may be determined to feng shui your home in her own particular style of, er, “claw chic” well, then, what’s a pet parent to do?

• Encourage Kitty to use posts by scenting them with her favourite cat food, or hang or place toys in areas where she’ll climb. Also, gently rub your own hands on the scratching post’s surface and then gently rub Kitty’s paws onto the surface and praise her for using it.

• If your budget allows it, then get a multi-level scratching post that incorporates climbing and resting platforms with tree trunk-style stilts built in.

• Reward your cat every time she uses her scratching post. Remember, security is essential here, so make sure the scratching post is stable because if it topples or shakes, Kitty won’t want to use it.

• Cover objects that are out of bounds – better still, move them.

• If you manage to catch Kitty in the act of scratching a forbidden object, distract her by clapping your hands or by squirting her, very gently, with clean water from a child’s small toy water pistol. Never, ever hit her.

For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

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Gazette Contacts Block 3A Mill Bank Business Park Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. - Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette.

The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

Calling all snappers!

AN Taisce are inviting entries from Dublin to their annual Clean Coast Photography Competition, which was launched last week as part of Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week.

Dublin has some of the most beautiful and spectacular coastlines in Ireland and, last year, a photograph of Dollymount, taken by Jonathan Mallin, took third prize in the Under-18s’ category of the competition, while Jamie Saunder’s photograph of Dublin Bay took third prize in the Over-18s’ category.

The Clean Coasts Photography Competition is a key part of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ programme, which encourages communities to manage and conserve some of the 3,000 miles of Irish coastline.

There were over 600 entries last year with a very high standard of photography as

Annabel Fitzgerald, Coastal Programmes Manager with An Taisce commented: “The photography competition is in its second year.

“Last year’s competition was so successful, an exhibition of some of the entries has been touring Ireland, a real snapshot of the beauty

of Ireland’s coastline.”

The theme of this year’s competition is, I Love My Coast, and entries are invited under four categories: 1) Coastal Landscape; 2) Coastal Heritage; 3) Nature & Wildlife; 4) People & the Coast.

The total prize fund is

€3,000 and the chance to be part of the Clean Coasts Photography Exhibition.

If you would like to enter the Clean Coast Photography Competition, log on to the website www.cleancoastphoto.org The Clean Coasts’ programme is owned and oper-

ated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and is supported by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Coca-Cola.

To learn more about An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ Programme visit www.cleancoastsireland.org

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R1

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

A film ready to take flight Based on a ‘kind of’ true story, Ian Power’s directorial debut, The Runway, is a triumph for the whole family Q JONATHAN KEANE

Jamie Kierans and Demian Bichir star in Ian Power’s feel-good debut feature length film, The Runway, showing in cinemas now

THE Runaway is the partially true story of a small quiet town in rural Cork called Drumasheen, with little or nothing going on, spelling utter boredom for the children living there and particularly our protagonist Paco (Jamie Kierans). However, that all swiftly changes with, literally, a bang.

Ernesto, a Columbian pilot played by Demian Bichir, crashes his plane outside the town, and, lucky to survive, meets Paco who rallies the residents together to build

a runway for Ernesto to fly home.

Set in 1983, The Runway has all the hallmarks of feel-good film; the town is stuck in the doldrums of the recession of the 80s and this unlikely arrival is what brings the populace together, even if some have ulterior motives.

Some have looked beyond the goodwill of the other residents to get Ernesto home and see the situation as a PR and money-making gold -mine.

The different motives of these minor characters keep things a lit-

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Runway ++++ (PG) 101 mins Director: Ian Power Starring: Demian Bichir, Kerry Condon, Jamie Kierans, James Cosmo

OUR VERDICT: THE Runway is a simple family film filled with laughs and warming moments. There’s still plenty here for any age to enjoy from the development of the different relationships to various characters’ quirks. Ian Power has taken this true story, and well and truly, made it his with his own well-scripted subplots. The script and acting are solid and affecting, so there’s little to really fault with in The Runway.

tle more interesting as there is always something under the surface.

Director Ian Power keeps the plot simple overall and easy to follow from the opening to closing credits, which is the film’s greatest strength.

The relationship b e t we e n P a c o a n d Ernesto is the centrepiece of the film, striking a bond that is both heartwarming as well as funny when it needs to be.

Paco has been raised by his single mother (Kerry Condon) and the arrival of Ernesto marks something of a father figure for him, especially with Paco’s only knowledge of his father being that he “lives in Spain”.

Under this belief of his father’s whereabouts, Paco learns Spanish and when Ernesto lands in Dr umasheen, he attempts to establish a rapport with the Columbian stranger and soon finds himself acting as interpreter for the rest of the town.

This is Power’s debut feature film and it proves to be a more than impressive debut, with him taking this true story and mixing in and integrating his own sub-plots and quirks to the film.

It is easy to see why The Runway has been gathering acclaim, seemingly across the board ,including scooping up the gong for Best Irish

Feature Film at the Galway Film Fleadh.

The film has been likened to E.T. with an outsider entering a small community and bonding with a child, and the two building an affecting relationship. Spielberg’s influence is quite evident in Power’s work here.

Debut

Power is not the only debut here, as Jamie Kierans too is making his debut as the touching and cheery Paco.

It seems that Kierans adapted quickly and easily to Power’s plot, with the youngster depicting Paco with little or no flaws, and with ease, creating a character that the audience can relate to.

The star performance comes from Demian Bichir though, in his portrayal of the almost dark and reluctant hero of the film.

The Mexican actor is heavily acclaimed too, particularly in his role in Che (2008) and his presence in the cast gives the film just a little bit more credibility, for those perhaps reluctant to watch the film.

The Runway, as cliched as it sounds, is one for all ages, with its bubbly comedic moments as well as poignant scenes, and is certainly a victory for Irish film that shouldn’t be overlooked.

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BRIDE& GROOM

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Be the best best man on the day WHEN it comes to public speaking, most people would admit that they hate the thought of standing up and addressing any kind of a gathering.

The best man’s speech is almost as important as the wedding ceremony itself – everyone knows it’s going to happen, the preparations are desperately nerve-wracking, and there’s no escaping it once you’ve signed up to the event.

You’ll be honoured, of course, to be best man.

But, your words will not be forgotten. They will

be etched in everyone’s minds for years to come.

We can all remember the kinds of car-crash speeches we’ve heard in the past.

Advice

The best advice is to be yourself and remember what the speech is all about. You probably don’t do stand up-comedy for a living, so don’t try. Be humorous, but remember that the most important people in the room are sitting next to you; it’s their day and they should be the main focus.

l M UM S -TO - B E l

Serious style to dress your bump AT THIS time of the year there are so many wedding’s to attend, women purchasing fabulous dresses and men buying suits or heading down to Blacktie.

But what about mumsto-be? It is just as important they feel and look fabulous wearing a beautiful dress for their special occasion day.

That’s where Stylemama comes in, helping mums-to-be find that perfect maternity dress without the expense of buying one that may only be worn once or twice throughout their pregnancy. And, for a fraction of the price, they offer a fantastic collection of dresses by well-known designers, many of which are worn by some of our favourite celebrities.

Clients can browse through the collection of dresses at the show-

room, taking as much time as they desire. With the option of their mobile service – shopping for maternity dresses has never been easier.

The selection of Nicole Michelle dresses are a very popular choice this season, truly beautiful dresses made with luxurious lace, a fabric which gives a perfect silhouette shape and, of course, lots of comfort, too, and allowing you to show off your beautiful bump, not conceal it.

Dresses from this range of have been worn by celebrity Emma Bunton this year, and many more of our dresses from other designers have been worn by Myleene Klass, Danielle Lloyd and Tess Daly.

Mums-to-be will be really spoilt for choice when visiting Stylemama.

All-inclusive package from Green Isle Hotel THE Green Isle Hotel on the Naas road has just teamed up with wedding specialist Laura Leigh, and is excited to announce their new exclusive, and all-inclusive, wedding package.

The Green Isle Hotel offers an innovative and elegant wedding programme with a trained, professional team to see that every wedding is truly special. Exquisite cuisine and wines, the loveliest linens, floral arrangements and a range of suites all help to take the stress out of your big day. The Green Isle Hotel offers a convenient location for a wedding reception and will make for a very memorable occasion.

From the moment a couple decides to hold their special day at the Green Isle Conference & Leisure Hotel, the hotel’s team will be happy to assist; ensuring attention to detail is of the utmost importance. The hotel will work to create a wonderful and unforgettable occasion for the happy couple, their families and guests.

The hotel’s new all-inclusive wedding package features tea/ coffee, biscuits and mulled wine or fruit punch on arrival, followed by a sumptuous fivecourse evening meal for all guests.

Each guest enjoys one glass of wine with their meal, which is

enjoyed at tables featuring chair covers and floral centrepieces.

The happy couple enjoy one month leisure membership and a complimentary bridal suite.

This offer applies to minimum numbers of 100 people, Monday – Friday.

For Saturday weddings, a charge of €10 extra per person applies, and the offer includes and evening reception buffet, two guests bedrooms provided by the Green Isle Hotel.

Also provided by “I Do” Weddings – by Laura Leigh – is a choice of wedding gown from top designers, two bridesmaid dresses, tiara, veil and bridal

shoes.

Other wedding essentials, including a total of 60 day invitations, a two- or three-tier cake, photographer and album, videographer, one car hire and unity candle and stand are also included.

See www.idoweddings.ie for examples.

This offer is available from €9,500 and is subject to availability. Upgrades are possible at a surcharge.

For further information, please contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator, Suzanne McCabe, on (01) 4123708 or email sales@ greenislehotel.com.

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 19

l LO O K I N G A M I L L I O N D O L L A R S l

Planning your bridal beauty regime ARE YOU five or six months away from your wedding? While you’re addressing invitations and picking out bridesmaids’ dresses, it will definitely pay off to take some time to work on your beauty regimen.

Making an investment now will pay off big on your wedding day.

Skin Care Now is the time to start working on your skin. On your wedding day, you’ll be having your picture taken close-up and many people getting close to your skin as they hug and kiss you. Even a relatively nice complexion can get extra benefit from six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition, and added water-drinking.

First, start a good cleansing programme.

You should be using a multi-step system, including a good cleanser

(Sothys Morning Cleanser for all skin types) in the morning, eye makeup remover and cleanser and toner at night, daily moisturiser (Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream) and an exfoliant and mask once a week.

(Sothys Desquacrem and Oxyliance Mask).

If you can afford it, this is a great time to consult a professional beauty therapist. Tell them your wedding date, and your skin-care goals. They may recommend treatments such as microdermabrasion or regular facials that will help you have pictureperfect skin.

Examine how much water you drink daily.

Drinking up to eight glasses daily may help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous. Try filling a bottle and keeping it on your desk at work. Have another water bottle in

the TV room (or wherever you tend to relax at night). While drinking this much water may be a challenge at first, keep at it, and it will get easier and easier.

While you’re increasing your water consumption, it’s a great time to be decreasing your caffeine consumption. Not only will less caffeine help your skin, it will also help you to be less stressed out.

You know if you’re better off going cold turkey or decreasing gradually.

Body Treatments Regular body massages will help to relax you during this stressful time!

Most beauty salons offer massage therapy treatments.

As well as massages, salons and spas offer full body and beauty treatments for brides-to-be and their parties, so look around and see where

Take the time between now and your wedding to focus on your beauty health

offers the best value – you might think about taking a day off with your hens and pampering yourself before the big day.

All kinds of treatments are available, from Body

treatments, including Swedish, stone therapy, lymphatic and deeptissue massage, Holistic therapies, including Hopi ear candling, reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian

head massage – think about which one will be right for you, and enjoy the downtime.

Make-up At least a month before

the wedding, visit a beauty salon and ask about a trial make up.

It is best to get two each for hair and make-up to make sure you know what you are getting. And make sure your trials are with the people who will be doing your hair/makeup on the day You need to know exactly what your make up will look like on your big day, and taking the time to think it through with your beautician beforehand is a very good idea.

Consider using this make-up session when you get ready for your hen night – you’ll also get to see how well your makeup performs on a night out, good practise for the big day itself.

Remember it’s your wedding day, one of the best days of your life, so, once all the preparations are done, sit back and enjoy, and be beautiful.

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l HONEYMOON OFFERS l

A heavenly Honeymoon FROM lazing on a deserted Caribbean beach to gazing on wild African game in their natural environment, it is important that you get the right advice when choosing your honeymoon.

The run-up to a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, but it can also be quite stressful!

Once the happy couple have said their “I do’s” and partied the night away with friends and family, they are often exhausted from all of the anticipation and planning and are ready for the per-

fect honeymoon.

Tour operators and travel agents have cottoned on to the fact that honeymooners no longer want just a week on the beach somewhere, but are often after a once-ina-lifetime experience.

“We are talking to a lot of honeymooners who say that they want a week on the beach to relax followed by an experience, such as a wildlife safari or a blowout in Las Vegas,” says Stephen McKenna, Founder of GoHop.ie.

“Twin centre holidays are increasingly popular, with a few days in Dubai

followed by a South African safari and or Garden Route trip – a firm favourite” he says.

Asia is also another haven for honeymooners, thanks to the affordability of the resorts in Thailand and Bali. It is possible to get excellent value for money without having to scrimp on luxury. Lisa Byrne, Travelmood, comments: “More and more honeymooners are opting for all-inclusive package deals to Thailand or the Caribbean. There are lots of all-inclusive deals around that offer the very best value for money. After

After the big day, the couple want to relax without having to worry about money

the big expense of a wedding, the couple want to kick back and relax without having to worry about the cost of their honeymoon.”

In the run-up to the wedding, practical planning for the honeymoon can get overlooked. It is important to research whether you need specific visas or vaccinations for the countries you will be visiting. Remember, that for vaccines to have the maximum effect, it is important to get them

well in advance of the trip. The Tropical Medical Bureau have over 23 clinics nationwide.

Travel insurance is also another important factor when travelling abroad.

Multitrip.ie offers cheap travel insurance that provides comprehensive holiday insurance cover, and ,with prices starting from as little as €19.99, should definitely be a priority when planning.

Top Honeymoon Offers

1) Travelmood – Pat-

taya, Thailand. Ten nights at the 3-star Green Park Resort in a standard room from €875.50pp inc tax (€570pp without tax).

P a c k a g e i n cl u d e s accommodation on a room-only basis, return flights with SAS ex-Dublin.

Must book before July 14. Travel: October 2 2011. Quote Ref: 156376 Visit www.travelmood.ie or call 01 433 1040.

2) GoHop.ie – Tanzania & Zanzibar. Tanzania – Safari + Zanzibar Honey-

moon package price from €2,990pp sharing, including flights from Ireland.

Package price includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives. Private transport while on safari with a naturalist driver/guide. Internal flights from Arusha to Zanzibar and from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam.

Visit www.gohop.ie or call 01 2412389.

3) Joe Walsh Tours Antigua. Seven nights in Antigua on an all-inclusive basis at the Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua from €1,320 plus tax.

Includes: Return flights from Dublin, seven nights accommodation at the 3-star Grand Pineapple in a standard room on an all-inclusive basis (all meals, drinks and entertainment included) and transfers. Visit www.joewalshtours.ie or call 01 241 0888.

4) Concorde Travel Croatia. Stay seven nights at the 5-star Hotel Croatia in Cavtat on a B&B basis from €930pp inc tax.

Includes; flights, accommodation and transfers.

Travel: July 17 and 24 from Dublin. Includes €100 off offer. Visit www. concordetravel.ie or call 01 775 9300 5) American Holidays – Hawaii & Las Vegas.

Stay three nights at the 4-star Treasure Island in Las Vegas and 7 nights at 5* Hilton Hawaiian Village on a room only basis from €1,729pp. Quote ref 712829. Visit www.americanholidays.ie or call 01 673 3840.

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 21

l FLOWER POWER l

Special flower, special meaning, special day SAY it with flowers, the old advertising slogan used to chime.

But, if you’re planning to get married soon, you should bear in mind that the flowers might have something to say themselves on your special day.

Flowers carry a special meaning, passed down from generations gone by and before you start choosing the make up of your bouquets and table decorations, you might take a moment to reflect on the messages that your marigolds and rhododendrons might be sending.

In ancient times, people believed that the car-

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rying of strongly smelling flowers and herbs and spices repelled bad luck and ill health on their wedding day. In early Roman civilisation, brides and grooms used to wear floral garlands to signify hope of fertility. But the syntax of your shrubbery came into it’s own during Victorian times, when lovers exchanged different flowers to pass on their messages to each other.

Each flower symbolised a special meaning, and the recipient understood the message as clearly as if it were written on a piece of paper.

Today, most people

don’t speak flower, but on a day as important as your wedding, placing emphasis on what your flowers are saying can add another level of meaning to the subtext of your special day.

Let’s look at a few of the most appealing wedding flowers and their meanings.

Roses Roses have always been the most regularly chosen flower by brides throughout the world. Roses come in many colours, each of them with their own different meanings. White stands for innocence, beauty and charm, while

them in their wedding arrangements. However, they might if they understood their significance – daisies stand for romance and an innocent spirit.

Roses come in many different colours, each with their own meaning

red expresses a bride’s zeal and unending love towards her man.

Dark pink denotes thankfulness towards God that the bride and groom are made the man and wife, and an ivy-

coloured rose represents fidelity in marriage.

Tulips There are over 500 varieties of tulips, and they are considered the best for spring weddings

and are well recognised for the undying love and affection that they represent.

Daisies Everyone loves daisies.

But not many brides use

Calla Lilies These graceful flowers are reminders of past generations when grace and beauty were the rule.

Associated with elegance and charm, a calla lily would be the perfect flower if you wanted to create a sophisticated atmosphere for your wedding.

They also come in many different colours and varieties.

All graceful. All elegant.

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D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l P E D I C U R E T R E AT M E N T M A K E S A S P L AS H l

A fishtastic experience to remember Q ANITA WARD

I THINK I can safely say that I don’t give my feet an easy time of it.

So, when we were discussing the new fish pedicure craze that seems to be everywhere at the moment, the consensus was that I would benefit the most.

Considering that I have a love of high-heeled shoes and horse-riding in equal measures, I’m not surprised that my feet are in a state.

I spend the better part of my day walking around the office in anything from four- to six-inch heels, and then, come the evening, I change into leather jodhpur boots and proceed to sweat a lot in them for the rest of the evening – very attractive!

I don’t even give my feet the luxury of some TLC, because I’m not overly fond of actually touching my feet, or having them touched. In fact, I’ve never even had a pedicure before – I know, the shame ...

Ealu Spa However, I was ridiculously curious about whether it was worth the hype, and what it would feel like, so I headed over to the Ealu Spa Therapy Salon in Naas, Co Kildare, to see what the fuss was all about.

Entering Ealu from a deluge of rain, I was greeted by the friendly staff and stepped into a little oasis of calm.

I was quickly introduced to the pedicure fish – Garra Rufa fish, I

was informed – and just hoped they were hungry, because my feet were a banquet of dead skin!

These little guys don’t get too full, apparently, despite the pedicure, and they are very happy in their job.

Their tank is placed on the floor beside a very comfortable looking recliner chair, with a built-in foot spa.

I met the lovely therapist, and she asked me to get comfortable on the chair and take off my shoes, and proceeded to wash my feet.

Your feet have to be free from any creams or chemicals (so, fake tan is a big no-no), but nail polish is fine.

The 150 little Garra Rufas got very excited at the prospect of a slap-up

Despite counting her toes before and after lowering them into a tank full of hungry Garra Rufa fish at Ealu Spa Therapy Salon, our writer swears by the marvellous pedicure treatment that they gave

meal on my tootsies as I lowered them into the water ...

To say it is an unusual feeling is an understatement – it’s not quite like someone touching your feet; it’s not unpleasant – it’s just bizarre! If anything, I could describe it like hundreds of little mini-vibrations, all working away together in different places on your feet.

These fish don’t nibble

at your feet, a common misconception – they don’t have teeth; it’s more like a sucking action.

They went to town on my feet – oh, and not just on my feet, but on my legs, too. Your leg goes up to mid-calf into the tank, so the fish were more than happy to give my legs a good clean as well.

I was fascinated with the fish as they busied themselves, with some of them even getting right in

Part of the welcoming environment at Ealu Spa

between my toes or, even funnier, fighting with each other to get the best position!

Experience The therapist offered me a magazine or something to drink, but I was quite happy to sit and soak up the experience by watching the little guys go to work.

The treatment lasts about 25 to 35 minutes, and it was strangely relax-

ing. Despite my reservations, I was actually excited to feel my feet afterwards, once the fish had finished happily working away on them.

I didn’t know if I expected them to turn their noses up at my foul feet, or to have a taste and then keel over and die.

Interestingly, the therapist told me about the benefits for people with skin conditions.

On lifting my feet out of the tank, I felt like I should be thanking the little guys for all of their hard work. Already I could feel that there was something different about my feet.

I was treated to another foot spa wash, and a massage, from the comfort of the comfy chair, and I got to touch my new feet.

I say “new” because, I swear, it was like I had baby skin on my feet – they had been reborn!

The skin was soft and smooth, and felt absolutely brand new!

I was very proud to show off all of the hard work of the little Garra Rufa fishies.

Ealu Spa are experts at making this odd craze of having fish make-over your feet seem perfectly normal, and at putting you at ease, and are offering a great deal of just €10 for 25 minutes in the tank – so you have no excuse not to try it out for yourself.

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Grainne Lowe, Malahide Books & Gifts

Opening a chapter on local book excellence GRAINNE Lowe opened Malahide Books & Gifts in July, 2009. She opened the Malahide shop after the success of her shop in Ratoath, which she opened in 2004.

Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran, and they pride themselves on excellent customer service, which became clear when Malahide Books & Gifts won the Friendliest Business Award, 2009 from the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Grainne and Ciaran are running a very successful business, selling schoolbooks, school stationery, art and craft supplies and gifts.

They offer an online service, and have also introduced a savings scheme to help parents with the financial burden of backto-school purchases.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS WHAT WELFARE ENTITLEMENTS CAN A SINGLE MOTHER CLAIM? Q – I am a single mother, and am due my baby in five months. Can you confirm exactly my welfare entitlements, as there seems to be some confusion. I am also unemployed, having been made redundant six months ago – it was my first job, and I was only there for 10 months.

Sharon – Terenure A - CONGRATULATIONS on the baby, first of all.

Raising children is a costly exercise. Some of the benefits payable by the State are based on PRSI contributions you may have made, so some of these you will be ineligible to claim Presumably, you are still claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance, or unemployment assistance. However, there are currently three main payments due to you on the arrival of your baby. Firstly, child benefit is the most common payment to families with children.

You are entitled to it because you satisfy a habitual residency test, and will have a dependent child that meets the criteria. Currently, this is €140 per month for the first and second child, and slightly more for subsequent children.

Secondly, Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) was

Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran

a payment to families with children under five years of age. This was €41.50 per month, up to December,

Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

A: I wanted to be a vet, as I loved animals and petted every dog and cat I saw.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Woolworths on Henry Street when I was in school.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: I think it was €5 per day from Woolworths.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I opened my first shop, Ratoath Books & Gifts, seven years ago, and I opened Malahide Books & Gifts two years ago.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I get great job satisfaction when things go well, and being my own boss is nice, too.

2009.

can’t pack a box – this is true!

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Gaelic football and soccer (because my children play these sports).

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I was very athletic, in my day. I played camogie and basketball, and I was a sprinter, and I did the long jump. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time or energy for sport these days, but I hope to take up golf in a few years.

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?

A: I love 80’s music; in fact, if you visit our shops, you will hear my favourites on my iPod. My favourite movie so far is Avatar; I could watch it over and over, and my favourite TV programme is Greys Anatomy.

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

A: I am not very good at

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: I would have to say David

shop displays and keeping things tidy, so, Amber and my daughter, Amanda, look after that side of the business for me.

There is a standing joke that I

Norris. I really enjoy listening to him on the radio, and I think his views are refreshing in these dire times. He would be a great ambassador for the

country if he made it to Aras an Uachtarain.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I have a good selection; mostly 80’s stuff, but I also have modern music on it, such as Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry etc.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Just my friends on Facebook.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Beware of viruses.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: My favourite dinner is chicken with mushrooms and apricot in a brandy sauce – yum, yum.

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Dame Edna, as at least I

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Way too many.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: My worst holiday experience was the year my sister and I rented a mobile [home] in Wexford with our kids – I was six months pregnant, and got a tummy bug.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Somewhere that I didn’t have to lift a finger, and where I could eat and eat and not gain a pound.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: You know, I have always worked, so I guess my dream would be not to work at all, and just potter around the house and garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I felt like it, and cook and bake.

wouldn’t have to listen to more depressing news about our failing economy. Also, I could get a few fashion tips from her!

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: Potter around the house and

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On the garden.

garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I feel like it and cook and bake!

But, [as official information has previously said], “from January, 2010, ECS will be replaced with a free pre-school year of early childhood care and education for all children between the ages of three years, three months, and four years, six months.

Details of this scheme are available from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; Locall 1890 30 30 39”.

Thirdly, One-Parent Family Payment (OPF) is paid to men and women in Ireland who are bringing children up without the support of a partner.

You must satisfy a means test, and a habitual residence test. Currently, this is for €188 per week.

If you are working, you can also get a OPF tax credit; you do not have to get OPF to claim this tax credit.

Finally, I would talk to your local social welfare office for definitive answers on your particular circumstances – I have always found them helpful.

Their web site is: www.welfare.ie. Best of luck next September.

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

GOT A MATCH REPORT? Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs HYUNDAI RESPONDS TO I40 REPORTS: HYUNDAI in Ireland has responded to reports about the specification and prices featured in this column last week for the new i40 car.

Hyundai emphasises that the prices quoted are not yet agreed and that the cars will come with a full five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Unfortunately, Hyundai will not be offering a full spare wheel, as reported, in the new i40, which will be available later this summer. And the company claims that the car does not replace the Sonata model, but in fact is geared for a different market segment.

Ibiza gets stretched for ST appeal MICHAEL MORONEY drove the Ibiza, and here’s his verdict I’VE had the Seat Ibiza ST, the estate version of the small Spanish-built car, out on test recently.

This is a stylish-looking small estate car built around the standard Ibiza model, with a new three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the power source.

The car scores well on style and design; it’s a Seat thing, they are now designing cars that look distinctive, even if they use the same engines and gearboxes as Skoda and Volkswagen cars. Those combined ingredients should make for a car worth having and a car that’s good to drive.

Add to that package the neat Volkswagen design 1.2-litre turbodiesel engine and you can expect thrift and low-cost motoring. And that’s just what you get.

This is a car that looks well and should be easy to buy and own. The addition of the estate concept gives more internal space for bigger loads, while built around the same wheelbase as the standard car.

The STversion is almost 200mm (8in) longer than the standard five-door hatchback and that’s significant enough when it comes to providing additional space.

Seat has added an ST, or mini estate version, to the Ibiza range to give more space and a family appeal

The rear seats fold down easily to increase the load area, making the car more attractive as a family choice where there are always awkward loads to be shifted, bikes included.

I liked the 60/40 split folding rear sears, roof rails in either black or chrome finish, a low load height

and wide rear hatch, a flat boot floor and some good storage areas throughout the ST’s interior, which allowed for ease of use on longer journeys.

That’s the outline of the Seat Ibiza ST package, which includes three specification options, either Reference, Style or Sport. Out on the road,

the car is more sluggish than I would have expected.

The 1.2-litre, three cylinder engine develops an impressive 75bhp, but you can feel that it’s doing the work. It’s a shade noisy and feels less smooth than you would like and this aspect of the car lets it down a little.

That’s a pity because this car has plenty going for it in terms of its space, flexibility and style. And the price is competitive too at €16,495 for the entry model, before delivery charges.

And while I don’t expect pace from such a small engine, its acceleration figure of 14.5 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr race is reasonable. It’s just that it’s hard work getting there and there’s an unnecessary harshness to the car as a result.

This car scores highly in terms of value-for-money motoring with an impressive economy figure of 25 km/litre (4.0l/100km or 70mpg). That’s very good even in this segment of the market and it also helps the car to get into Band A for road tax purposes, giving an annual tax charge of just €104.

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

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I Eileen Francis intend to apply for planning permission for additional opening hours/session of 12.30pm to 3.15pm Monday to Friday for a previously granted single story Montessori to the rear of an existing dwelling at 39 Willow Wood Grove Hartstown, Dublin 15.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

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FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL Paul and Eileen Corr intend to apply for permission for development at a site on the corner of Woodval Grove and Woodvale Avenue, part of the rear garden of 2 Woodvale Grove, Clonsilla, Dublin 15. The development will consist of (i) building a single storey detached house with vehicular access from Woodvale Avenue, (ii) moving the existing rear boundary walls of 2A and 2b Woodvale Grove back in a northerly direction by 1 metre to comply with Condition 4 of Registry Reference F06A/1125 and (iii) all associated site and drainage works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the cost of making a copy between 9.30 15.30 Monday to Friday at Fingal county Council, Fingal County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the application.Philip Boyd & Associates, 1A Slademore Court, Árd Na Gréine, Dublin 13 12936

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

MAKING THE RULES:

Ireland get set for Aussie Rules international cup: Page 29

SOCCER: DO ONE THING UNHCR INTERNATIONAL EVENT TAKES PLACE IN DUBLIN

Fair Play Cup sees SARI side take the spoils sport@gazettegroup.com

WORLD Refugee Day’s Do 1 Thing soccer celebrations kicked off in style when the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) held its second annual Fair Play Football Cup in Dublin’s Law Society gardens.

On a day which also saw UNHCR commemorating the 60th anniver-

sary of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees, this year’s Fair Play Football Cup was won

by SARI Insaka when they beat the holders, Hot Press 1-0, courtesy of a first-half goal from Eddie Sirbu.

In a repeat of last year’s final it was SARI Insaka who started the brighter with early efforts coming from Sirbu and Chris Amour, with Hot Press, led by Niall Stokes, chasing the game. With very

little space or time given on the ball neither team seemed like breaking the deadlock until Sirbu popped up to score the decisive goal with a wonder individual low drive just before half time.

Hot Press chased the game after the restart, with Rafael Souto having their best opportunity but he blasted his shot just over the bar from close range, leaving the SARI Insaka captain Toheeb ‘Tiger’ Adigun

Action from the final between SARI Insaka and Hot Press at the World Refugee Day event last week

to lift the cup aloft after Newstalk’s Global Village presenter Dil Wickremasinghe presented the 2011 winners with the Fair Play Football Cup. “It was a brilliant tournament, we all really had fun, it’s not just about

winning but to take part was ver y impor tant.

Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we’re all looking forward to coming back next year to defend the cup,” said a jubilant Adigun after the final whistle.

Sophie Magennis, of

UNHCR Ireland, said: “We had a brilliant day today. It was great that lots of kids and families came down, and SARI Insaka were very worthy winners.

“It was also a great way to mark the 60th anniversary of the UN

convention on the status of refugees and we’d like to mark the importance of the convention in offering protection to refugees. But it’s also a day to mark the contribution refugees and asylum seekers make to Irish society.”

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport

A Green-shirted team Power Rangers runs off with the ball

Tag Rugby Summer Tag League finishes first phase

A team member from team John Candy’s Jockstrap tries to steal a tag from a team 3 girls 1 tag member. Pictures: Voicu Duma

DESPITE some rain late Sunday evening, the competition continued as the last week of phase one of the Summer Tag League finished in Coolmine when the tag rugby teams battled it out between them.

The first phase is followed by a second phase named “Round Robin” in which the organisers are expecting more close matches with more even levels of skills between competitiors.

Tag Rugby has grown phenomenally in Ireland, with over 20,000 adults playing the game each summer and participating in events in over 40 venues around the country. The game is an exciting, mixed, seven-a-side, non-contact sport.

For more information visit www.tagrugby.ie.

A Super Injunction player

A Terminalator player

showing off his skills

tries to dodge an opponent

Team work: Team X-rated work together

Doyler’s Dreamboats’ members pressed on in a long

A Pay Pal Untouchables player is testing how untouchable he really is as a Hell’s

game

Angels opponent goes for the yellow tag

A 3 girls 1 tag team member tries to rip of a tag

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

in association with

Following Rules all the way to Oz

FastSport

Competing at the highest level in the sport, Ireland is sending a team to the International Aussie Rules cup in August, ROB HEIGH discovers

Touch squad heading for World Cup destiny

IRELAND is set to send a group of players to Australia later in the summer, who will compete for honours in the sport that the Australians themselves created — Aussie Rules Football.

The fast-paced, hardhitting and stamina-sapping sport so beloved in the Antipodes has been popular in Ireland for many years, and has been a fixture here since around 2000.

The links between the codes of Gaelic football and AFL are clearly defined, the clear connection being the compromise rules series that takes place between the two countries being very keenly contested.

However, playing the pure version of Aussie Rules was so appealing that the game has

spawned clubs across the country, with three teams based in Dublin, the South Dublin Swans, based in Bushey Park, the Dublin Demons, who are based in Islandbridge, and the North Dublin Saints, who play their games at Coolock.

Peter Ross, player with the South Dublin Swans and the Irish Warriors Aussie Rules Football team, spoke to Gazette Sport last week ahead of the serious preparation for the International Cup tournament, which takes place this year in Sydney from August 13 to 27.

“This year, the team will probably be the strongest ever sent to represent Ireland in the competition. We have rising stars, such as Richmond Tigers’ inter-

A team talk for the Ireland AFL team in London recently

national rookie and Westmeath GAA senior, John Heslin, playing for the Warriors, as well as David Stynes, a former Ballyboden St

the competitions, having previously won the event on its debut in 2002, and reaching the semi-final of the event in 2005 and 2008. The

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

‘A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport similar to the one they play already when they move there.’

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

Enda’s man and brother of Dublin star, Jim, who has lived in Melbourne for a number of years.”

Fourth tournament This is the fourth running of the tournament, that brings together the biggest international teams in Aussie Rules outside of Australia.

Ireland are among the top-seeded sides for

Irish side are on a roll following their victory in the European championships last year.

“In Ireland, there is a lot of media attention as there are so many GAA players out there. A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport very similar to the one they play already when they move there.

“The game is a huge professional sport in Australia, the players are well rewarded, not the same as you would get as a professional soccer player, but about the same as a professional r ugby player would receive.”

Australia will be absent from the event, as Peter says: “It would be like Ireland taking part in a world series of GAA event.” However, the tournament will visit some of the most famous stadiums in the

world with games being played in Sydney’s ANZ Stadium (where the Sydney Olympics were held) and the most iconic ground of them all, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Asked who the contenders for the crown would be in Sydney, Peter said: “There are some countries who are very strong in the sport, like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Africa, which is seen as a big pool of talent for Aussie Rules. The AFL are looking to expand the game beyond Australia, and take it all over the world.”

When asked about what’s involved in playing the sport, Peter said: “Aussie rules is for allround athletes, and these countries produce very strong rugby players, but not everyone is built for rugby.

“Stamina is as important as strength, and there are a lot of players from these countries who are picked up by the Aussie Rules teams.

“T he average AFL player does a lot of catching and kicking, and will run over 14km per game. If you come to AFL from rugby, it’s a big shock to the system.”

To find out more about the sport in Ireland, see w w w.ar f li.com, and rishwarriorsaussierules. wordpress.com.

LOCAL faces from around Dublin will be competing against the best in the world this week when they take the field in Edinburgh at the 2011 Touch Rugby World Cup. Cllr Neale Richmond of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council presented the players, managers, coaches and physios with their jerseys at Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge last Saturday.

President of the Ireland Touch Association, Michael Davies, has high hopes for the teams as they head over to Edinburgh this week.

“Coming home from last year’s European Championships with titles in the Mixed Open and the Men’s Over-40 divisions has provided a great foundation going into the World Cup,” he said. “Handing the green jerseys to the players is recognition of their dedication to training and their ability in the sport.”

Ireland will be competing in four categories: Mixed Open (men and women of any age), Men’s Open (men of any age), Men’s Over-35 and Men’s Over-40.

For more, see irelandtouchassociation.com

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Another winner: at Community Games MULHUDDART resident Toba Obiyayo was placed fourth in the U-10 100m at at the Dublin Commuinity Games Athletics finals at Morton Stadium last weekend.

Over 3,000 children, from 53 areas around the city and county filled the ground with energy and excitement as they competed in the full range of athletics disciplines on track and field.

Tony Feeney, president of Dublin Community Games said: “Well done to everyone who participated, and we wish those who qualified for the National Finals in Athlone the very best of luck.”

SOCCER: DUBLIN 15 SIDE SHOW PROMISE AT ALL LEVELS St Margaret’s Muireann Ni Scannail in action for Dublin against Meath. PIcture: GAApics.com

U-16 Jackies claim the Leinster title once more ST MARGARET ‘S Muireann Ni Scannail was one of the star players as she helped guide Dublin Under-16 ladies’ footballing side to the Leinster title last weekend after a deluged and delayed final against Meath.

Twenty minutes into the tie, the mother and father of all thunderstorms broke overhead and there was a significant delay in proceedings.

Before the storm had begun, Dublin had opened the scoring with a point in the second minute from Ciara McGuigan, and Molly Lambe, from Kilmacud Crokes, added another shortly afterward.

The Royals levelled the score at two points apiece with two frees, before going ahead when Dublin conceded a penalty.

By the time the heavens opened, Meath were ahead by 1-3 to 5 points.

Then, there was a flash of lightning and the heavens opened. Dublin managed to register a goal and two points before the referee called a halt to proceedings until after the deluge abated.

On resumption, it was a different Dublin side which took to the field, and they took control of the game, finishing out the half at 3-7 to Meath’s 1-3.

The second half started with both teams firing on all cylinders, keen to establish themselves in what were wet and muddy conditions underfoot.

Dublin’s goalkeeper, Danielle Aylmer, from Ballyboden St Enda’s, made some fine saves to keep the Jackies in contention, including a brilliant double save out at the edge of the large rectangle, which kept Dublin ahead of the Meath chasers.

With only two points in the difference, Dublin thought they had a nailed-on goal in their sights, only for the shot to somehow go wide.

The last ten minutes, with both sides back to full strength, was played with gusto and Dublin did find that elusive goal to stretch the slim lead.

At the final whistle the tally went Dublin’s way with 4-9 on the board to Meath’s 3-5.

The return of club stalwart, Keith Mooney, was to turn around the Dublin 15 side’s season in the Premier division

Corduff reflect on 2011 PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

COMMUNIT Y spirit was the strange but effective catalyst behind Corduff’s successful 20102011 campaign.

The local side have benefited greatly from coaching volunteers, local county council services, the local sports centre facilities and a general feel-good factor around the Blanchardstown club.

That spirit inspired a first team safety push as well as a host of success at under-age level.

An Under-12s’ double was complimented by a league title at Under-9 level.

The Under-14s were, unfortunately, league and cup bridesmaids, losing out in the later stages of the competitions, and a good number of the underage teams at Corduff were competing at the right end of the table come time for the season’s end-of-term deciders.

“T here is a great atmosphere around the club at present,” secretary for over 20 years Johny Bootman told GazetteSport.

“We have lots of coaches, who have all benefited from taking the Kick-Start course, giving a lot of their free time to the club.

“The underage set up

is great and they have enjoyed a lot of success this past season.

“All the kids are from the local area. It is a tight community here, and there is great support for the club.

“The local sports centre has been an amazing boost to us. We have facilities at our disposal that are second-to-none, and it has helped us push on. The kids’ sides really did well this season — we won a few leagues, and made it to a host of finals.”

Come mid-season, it didn’t seem like the Corduff faithful would be speaking as glowingly about the first team come season’s end.

However, club favourite Keith Mooney returned to coach the side and transformed them from relegation candidates to mid-table contenders.

T hey have now brought back another club favourite, Paddy Stapleton, and are hoping for a more successful term next season.

“The senior side finished the season well.

It looked like they were going to go down at one stage, but Keith came in and turned things round.

He is a super coach. We ended up finishing quite comfortably, and even finished the season with a win over Killester.”

“It is only our third

season in Premier football, so we wouldn’t be expecting too much next term. Maybe just to build on this year, and maybe grab a finish in the top six.

“We are looking to maintain the growth, but we are under no pressure to go up.

“Paddy Stapleton has come back now with Keith and they have enjoyed success here before so, hopefully, they can bring more good times to the club,” Bootman said, before giving an overall synopsis of last season.

“It was a positive season all round and one we can build on to achieve more.”

23 June 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

in association with

AFL DIVISION 2: SAINTS FAIL TO FIND FORM IN TIE .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S EOIN Kennedy cemented his legend

Davis in league. Senior 2s drew with

status in the handball game winning

Naomh Mearnog.

his 25th All-Ireland senior title. Eoin

U13A footballers stay on course

and Egin Jenson won the 60*30 All-

for promotion to Div1 defeating

Ireland Hardball Doubles title in a

Setanta and Erin’s Isle.

cracking final.

The annual club Mini-Lea gues were a huge success with over 450 kids taking part.

Special thanks to everyone who helped organise such a successful event.

The annual Julie Long memorial tournament was a great success.

Junior A footballers progressed in the championship, beating Starlights, and also drawing with Boden in league.

Inter footballers beat TSS and drew with Garda in league.

Junior C footballers were just St Brigid’s were no match for Fingallians in their AFL 2 encounter at Russell Park last week

Brigid’s bulldozed by fizzling Fins AFL DIVISION 2 Fingallians 1-12 St Brigid’s 0-7 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S str uggled again in the league in the absence of their intercounty contingent at Russell Park last week as Fingallians, currently on a significant roll, cut them apart with their accurate long game.

On nights in the season like this, with St Brigid’s filtering up AFL 2 players to the panel, there was scarce similarity to the team that won promotion last season. They never gained much fluidity, despite the promptings of Dabhach Dineen.

For Fins, Gary Donnelly won a huge portion of primar y ball around the midfield, David Short kept Seamus Bonner and Anto Briody largely under wraps with a swashbuckling performance.

Eddie Sweeney’s raking passes, meanwhile,

caused umpteen problems with the forceful Donal Keane, David Killeen and Barry Keane feeding off his contributions and causing Brigid’s to turn on their heels.

An early trade of scores saw parity remain until McLoughlin strode through the Brigid’s defence from the halfforward line, and he drilled the ball low with his lef t across Eoin Lysaght’s bows.

A fine Killeen score kept three in the difference after Bonner had briefly pegged one back, before Brigid’s discipline began to cost them dear.

Four Fins frees to two from Brigid’s – Killeen kicking two of them – left a 1-5 to 0-4 gap between the sides at the turnaround.

With a slight crosswind picking up, the game was still in the melting pot, but neither side took full advantage of their turns in the ascendancy, both kick-

ing five first-half wides.

T he Swords’ side, though, was carving out the better opportunities as the hosts’ shooting came with a healthy dollop of pressure.

But when Fins hit their stride to clear the bar with their next four attempts, the vital momentum shift had taken place.

Killeen’s fourth of the night was a peach, completing a backs-tofront move while Keane bullied his way past a marker hanging off his shoulder to score another fine effort.

When Killeen snuck

another just over, the margin was at eight and, while Brigid’s rallied briefly, Briody ending an 18-minute scoreless spree with a pair in a minute, the game was up.

There was still time for another Keane beauty from McLoughlin’s soccer style pass to the corner while Chris Dorney’s night almost ended early as he was yellow-carded and ticked in quick succession.

Lysaght denied McLoughlin a second goal in the dying stages, but it was academic in a comfortable end-game.

edged out by Boden.

Senior footballers beat Thomas

Well done to Daire and Alan on their fantastic win over Galway.

Best of luck to Daire vs Offaly in the Leinster U-21 semi-final in Parnell Park on Thursday.

Best of luck to Paul Winters and the Dublin minor hurlers vs Westmeath on Saturday in Parnell Park.

Best of luck to Barry, Sean, Paddy and Declan vs Kildare this Sunday in Croke Park.

Senior hurlers have two crucial league games this week. They face Na Fianna in Mobhi Rd at 6.30pm on Sat.urday.

Club lotto takes place in The Vineyard this Thursday with a jackpot of €14,200.

ST PEREGRINE’S HARD luck to Junior B and C football-

visit CNP.ie and support your club for

ers after defeats in the champion-

only €2 a week, and is also available

ship; Seniors also narrowly beaten

to play online using the link on the

in league action.

club website.

Best of luck to senior and junior

Important notice -Can anybody

hurlers who return to championship

who has a function booked this year

action this week.

and early next year please contact

Congratulations to our 25 members who completed their level 1 coaching course, and thanks to Val Andrews for presenting the certs and giving a talk at the end.

We have a club summer academy for U-8s to U-12s from July 25 to 29 and an advance camp for U-12 to U-14 boys and girls from August 22 to 26.

the bar.

Entertainment in clubhouse this Saturday in club from Be Bop Gold.

Club shop is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm.

Bingo is on Wednesday nights at 8:30pm.

Club lotto was not won: Numbers

If anybody within the club would

drawn were 1, 18, 22 and 26. Next

like to make a difference and join a

week’s jackpot is €2,200. Any mem-

committee please see club website

ber not buying lotto tickets, please

for details and contacts.

ERIN GO BRAGH WELL done to our junior footballers

4054 or Sean Flood on 086 124 7585.

who beat Rounds Towers of Lusk in the

Annual club dinner dance is taking

first round of the championship last

place on Saturday, November 5 in Park

Thursday.

Plaza, Tyrrelstown. Tickets are €60

Our junior hurlers are looking for

per person (strictly over 18s). Five-

new players. Training is at 7pm on

course meal, band, DJ. Bar extension

Wednesdays in Beech Park. Please

until 2am.

contact Pat on 087 060 1567.

Deposit of €20 required, and peo-

Erin go Bragh Camel Race Night is on

ple can pay in instalments over the

Friday, July 8 at 8.30pm, upstairs in

coming months. Contact Natasha on

the Paddocks. It costs €20 to sponsor

087 959 50 48, Maria on 087 238 0741 or

a camel and €100 to sponsor a race. All

Carol - Ann on 087 629 20 24.

funds raised will go directly the future

There was no winner of last week’s

development of facilities for the club.

lotto jackpot. Numbers were 1 4 11

If you fancy yourself as a camel owner,

18. This week’s draw jackpot will be

please contact John Kinsella on 086 818

€12,000.

ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

TAG-TASTIC DAY: Coolmine host the final preliminary rounds of Dublin tag rugby P28

JUNE 23, 2011

KICK IT! Ireland prepare for Aussie Rules tournament P29

GazetteSPORT

Mountview Boys’ Under-11 side celebrate after they won the right to represent Ireland in the international Danone Cup in Madrid in October

Mountview boys take Danone title Bernabeu the next port of call for Dublin 15 team after defeating the best in Ireland to claim honour RONAN MOYLES blanchardstownsport@gazettegroup.com

IT WAS joy unconfined for Mountview Boys Under-11s when they triumphed in the national final of the Danone Nations’ Cup held in AUL Complex in Clonshaugh last Sunday.

They now go onto represent Ireland in the world finals, which are held in Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium in October.

An early goal from Conan Rooney against Kerry’s Killarney Celtic was enough to secure victory in the final and gave underdogs Mountview their first ever national title. It was a tight game that ebbed and flowed and which could have gone either way.

Both sides were clearly tired after a gruelling day which saw them play four, 10-minute games, with barely five minutes’ break between each. In the end, though, Mountview held out for a historic win.

“To get to the finals was a momentous achievement in itself,” said assistant manager,

Shay Tracey. “You dream of things like this.”

Mountview had overcome the likes of Cabinteely FC and Knocklyon United in the DDSL qualifiers, which were held in Pearse Park, home of Crumlin United, in April of this year.

There were an initially around 900 entrants for the tournament nationally. The Dublin and District Schoolboys league had two representatives and Mountview were paired with their fellow Dubliners, Belvedere, in one of two, four-team groups. The winners of each group would advance to the final.

The Dublin 15 side started the finals with two draws; 1-1 against Cork side, Mallow, followed by a 2-2 stalemate with Belvedere.

A 3-1 victory over Clonmel of Tipperary was enough to see them top the group on goals scored, having finished on the same goal difference as Belvedere.

This set the stage for their momentous final.

Mountview can now look forward to a

five-day stay in Madrid. They will travel on Wednesday, October 6, with the draw being held the following day.

The tournament commences in the Bernabeu on October 8 and runs until the following Sunday. There will be a total of 48 countries represented.

The Danone Nations Cup has run every year since 2000, with Mexico being the current holders.

It is sponsored by French football legend, Zinedine Zidane, and it is estimated that 2.5 million children from the Under-11 and Under12 age groups take part each year worldwide.

Assistant manager Tracey describes the opportunity to play on such a wonderful stage as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

“There is always the hope that some of these young Dubliners will grace the Bernabeu again in years to come.

“For now, they will no doubt do themselves, their families and their country proud in October.”