Blanch

Blanch GAZET TE FREE

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Teena takes up dare to raise funds for charity P2-3

July 7, 2011

CLASSY OPENING: St Benedict’s National School event See Pages 8-9

Some strongarm tactics: Barry is set for Leinster finals Football: Local quintet can’t hold back Royal progress Page 32

Sports Awards: June winners are announced inside Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................8-10 MOTORS ........................18 PROPERTY ................... 20 BUSINESS .....................21 GOING OUT ................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

ST BRIGID’S GAA Club star and

Dublin footballer, Barry Cahill, is pictured with Dublin Rose, Siobheal Nic Eochaidh and Wexford Rose, Mary Kehoe, ahead on this Sunday’s Leinster Senior football final between Dublin and Wexford.

Siobheal is from Clondalkin and plays for Round Towers, while Mary is from Rathgarogue/Cushinstown, near New Ross.

Fingal waste service set to be scrapped Review says the Council is facing up to a €7m loss

Q LAURA WEBB

FINGAL County Council’s waste service is set to be scrapped after an independent review projected that the local authority will lose a massive €7 million in 2012 if it continues to provide the service, the Gazette can reveal.

Following the publication

of the report last week, Fingal said the service was simply no longer “viable”. The issue is set to top the agenda at a meeting at County Hall next week.

In the memorandum, the county manager, David O’Connor, said: “The report concluded unequivocally that there was no prospect of the

service being made cost-neutral to the council in the current competitive context.

“The loss of customers, the increasing demand for waivers, and the inroads of competition from private operators, combined to project a minimum loss of €7 million,” he said.

Full Story on Page 6

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

TRANSPORT IT’S YOUR STORY West Dublin Access Radio

Massive year for group A DUBLIN 15 transport group is keeping its head well above recessionary waters with the announcement that it has increased turnover for a third year in a row to a massive €16m.

This week, Blanchardstown-based The Pallet Network (TPN) and Independent Express Cargo Ltd, two of Ireland’s leading freight, transport and logistics services providers, and part of the Independent Express Group, announced a combined turnover of €16.1 million for 2010.

This marks the third year in a row that the group has reported yearon-year increases in turnover. The transport group has also reported a further 9% increase in activity for 2011.

Independent Express Group, incorporating TPN, employs over 50 people at its €10 million 100,000 sq ft hub.

The announcement came in the wake of TPN’s recent €750,000, threeyear deal with Weber UK & Ireland.

EVENT Local

Teena raise Q HIROMI MOONEY

Singer Sinead McNally and Keith McLoughlin

Supporting our music talent COMMUNITY radio presenter Keith McLoughlin has been interviewing local music talent for the past year and a half on West Dublin Access Radio 96FM. One of Keith’s guests, singer Sinead McNally, is quickly making a name for herself and is about to release her second single.

Keith believes that sup-

porting music talent from around the country is an important thing to do.

“I think there is brilliant music talent and such wonderful people. They deserved to be known about.”

Sinead has had huge success with her debut single, Moody Blues, getting airplay on LMFM, KFM, Spirit Radio, C103

and Northern Sound. Her new single, The Green Eyed Monster (Leave Us Alone), is also getting airplay. The song is about two people in a relationship, with a former girlfriend trying to interrupt proceedings.

The video for this song is out in a few weeks time and Keith is an extra in it. He got to be in the audience watching Sinead perform and there are two other main characters as well as Sinead who play a key role in the video.

“Sinead has a really nice voice and is very skilled on piano. The songs are catchy and easy to sing along to once you give them a good listen. She has nailed good pop songs that are radio friendly type of songs that have captured radio-presenters attention.”

Keith is hoping to hear more success stories like Sinead and hopes that his programme and his involvement with music artists in Ireland will help see them do well in their careers. Keith’s show does

feature well-established and well-known singer/ songwriters and bands but it has also been a great platform for people who have never been on radio before.

The presenters of West Dublin Access Radio are hosting an outdoor concert on Sunday, August 21, from 1pm till late evening. The concert will be in a little park located at the back of the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre on the Ballyfermot Road where the station is based.

“It’s a fundraiser for the station and local businesses and shops in Ballyfermot are supporting us.

Admin is free so it would be great if you could come along on the day and support our radio station and support local talent.

“Keith and other presenters in the station are organising guests to play and these will be named soon!”

You can listen to Keith’s show, During the Week, on Wednesdays from 4pm - 5pm on West Dublin Access Radio 96FM and on www.wdar.ie.

INTREPID journalist and Blanchardstown native, Teena Gates, has survived the dare of a lifetime and raised €2,500 for charity in the process.

Gates, who is Head of News at 98FM, sailed across the Irish Sea with two men in a small boat in aid of Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International.

When she asked Donnchadh Mac Cobb, from Adventure Training Ireland, to help her fundraise for the charity, he dared her to sail across the Irish Sea from Howth to Holyhead.

Although she had no previous sailing experience, Gates took up the challenge and did two “crash course” sailing lessons and braved the waves with Mac Cobb and his colleague, Mick Byrne. They named the challenge Donnchadh’s Dare.

Gates said that it took them more than 11 hours to sail across.

“I didn’t know how I was going to mentally put up with the boredom.

“I thought I might be bored sitting on a boat, an enclosed space for that amount of time,” she said.

“But the reality was that there was so much to do and so much to talk about and think about, and we had a GPS piece of equipment to help us to keep on course.

“But we were also trying to properly sail, so it meant that I was looking at the currents and the direction of the waves and watching where the sun was and keeping an eye on a compass, and it was actually quite a lot.”

Donnchadh said the 98FM presenter had “worked f lat out” in preparation for the challenge and that she did not get seasick.

“We sailed out in a

19ft Hunter. That’s a very tiny boat for a novice sailor in a very big sea.

It was always possible that Teena would take one look at the vessel and say ‘no way’. No one would have blamed her for walking away, but, in fairness, she took it in her stride,” he said.

S ke r r i e s S e a t o u r s provided the team with a support vessel armed with a paramedic crew, food, radio and other necessary equipment in case of an emergency.

Stena Line brought their two boats home for them, as well as their trailers and vehicles that they needed to tow them over.

Gates said that everyone involved was incredibly supportive and wonderful.

“Everybody was marvellous. I totally underestimated the interest that there would be in Wales when we arrived, when we sailed into Holyhead,” she said.

“There were people there waiting for us to come in and they all knew about our story.

“We had a map up on the 98FM website charting our course – the coastguard had helped us to chart the course across the Irish Sea. And we had this little graphic map and a boat on it moving across on the 98FM website, so that link to that website was up on a big screen in Holyhead, so everybody was watching our progress.

“It was brilliant and they were giving us money when we got there. I really didn’t see that coming. It was lovely.”

And the presenter isn’t content to leave it there and says she will be partaking in a number of fundraising events this year, including their Mont Blanc 25 challenge.

She calls it Mont Blanc

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

journalist sails through her challenge

takes up dare to €2.5k for charity

Teena Gates sailed across the Irish Sea from Howth to Holyhead for 11 hours

25 because it has been 25 years since the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster and they want to raise money and awareness for the people who are still suffering in the wake of the disaster by climbing to the summit of Mont Blanc. Training every weekend, Gates admits she is slightly nervous about the gruel-

ling challenge ahead.

“I’m not worried about getting into trouble on the mountains. I know that’s a possibility, but that’s not what I’m worried about,” she said.

“I just don’t want to let people down through a lack of being prepared, so I want to do everything that I can and to

give the best possible shot that I can give.”

The charity’s Adi Roche said Mont Blanc 25 has an important job to do.

“Twenty-five years on it is still as important as ever to understand that Chernobyl has not gone away. A new generation has been born into the most toxic environment

in the world and is paying the price with their fragile bodies” she said.

“Birth defects have increased by 200 percent in affected areas, and congenital deformities have increased by 250 percent.

“Chernobyl’s children carry genetic markers whose long-term effects

no one can predict, and the consequences of ongoing radioactive contamination will not be fully seen for another 50 years.

“Mont Blanc 25 is helping us keep hope alive for the children of Chernobyl and you can help. Don’t let the world forget.”

ELECTION: ALL ABIDE

BY POSTER RULES

No fines as the political parties stick to the rules POLITICAL party representatives and independent candidates running during the General Election were compliant with the rule that all election posters should be taken down a week after polling day.

That’s according to Fingal County Council, which said this week that they did not issue any “litter fines to members of political parties, and non political parties in respect of non-removal of election posters after the deadline date”.

In the run-up to the election on February 25, hundreds of election posters from local candidates looking to gain a seat in the Dail flooded constituencies throughout Fingal.

Posters were seen on lamp-posts, bridges, and railings across Dublin West and Dublin North, while some were also seen littering the roads of Fingal during the high-wind weather.

Removed But it seems candidates were conscious to keep their constituency clean and made sure that all the posters distributed throughout the county were removed

before the deadline, seven days after polling day on February 25.

If candidates are found to have posters on display after the deadline date, they were liable to a litter fine by Fingal.

“We are satisfied that posters in Fingal’s administrative area were removed in accordance with the legislation, and our proactive approach to communications with the relevant candidates in this regard ensured a timely and satisfactory removal of posters,” a Council spokeswoman said.

Announcement Before the announcement of this year’s election, candidates were also warned that they could face litter fines if they were found to put up posters before the election was called.

In 2009, a provision was enacted forbidding candidates to erect election posters before an election is called, or 30 days before polling day, whichever is sooner.

If candidates were found to be in breach of the regulation, local authorities had the power to issue on-thespot fines of €150 for each breach.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

SHOP LOCAL The Gazette examines why we should be careful

How supporting and enterprise HE Gazette is never backward about coming forward when it comes to our support for the local community – in fact, it is the very essence of what we do.

By bringing together news, features, pictures and reports about local politics, sport, social events and enterprise, we do what we can to support all of these areas.

Support is the key to a thriving local community, and every member of the public can contribute to this support.

Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area.

By shopping locally, without any of the expedition involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry, all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one might imagine.

On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay, goes directly to our local council.

T

Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks and playgrounds to sports facilities and community groups, would simply not be of

the standard we currently enjoy.

Taking this train of thought a little further - by keeping one local business open when we shop local,

we are supporting local jobs for local people.

On top of this, every local business, and their employees, will naturally tend to support their

neighbouring businesses – be it by buying a sandwich, renting a DVD, getting their dry cleaning done, or filling a prescription – the hustle and bustle that goes hand in hand with local business is mutually beneficial.

The Coolmine Industrial Estate provides a vibrant hub of business, with a vast array of local, home-grown businesses running in the area.

Local business owner Trudy Carberry, of Go Kids Go, located in the Coolmine Industrial Estate, talks of supporting local businesses and local employment. “We employ 30 people who are all from the local area. As a local business, we try to support the community as much as we can, because they are supporting us too. We have had great support from Dublin 15, and most of our custom-

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

to spend our money a little closer to home whenever we can

local business helps our area

ers are from the area.

“We get all our supplies, food and things, locally. As well as employing people we are keeping everything within the community, we don’t need to look elsewhere because everything is here in the area.

“We have a really good communication with the customers, and we have so many regulars coming in every week there is a real sense of community spirit because everyone knows everyone,” Trudy added.

Commenting on shopping local, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, said: “I like to encourage people to shop local wherever they can. It supports jobs and benefits the community. You can also rely on good local service. I always try to shop local whenever I can, as it’s much more convenient.”

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

PLANNING: TWO NEW PRIMARY BUILDINGS

Applications for schools

THE BOARDS of mana g e m e n t f r o m t wo national schools in Blanchardstown have applied for planning permission to construct two new primary school buildings.

Scoil Bhride Boys’ NS and Scoil Bhride Girls’ NS, on Church Avenue in Blanchardstown, are seeking permission to demolish the existing one- to two-storey school building and link, as well as dismantling and removing eight existing single-storey prefab units.

The school seeks permission to construct two

primary schools, one a 16-classroom school with seven special tuition rooms, general purpose hall over two floors, while the separate, second school, comprises 12 classrooms with four special tuition rooms, PE facilities, located over two floors.

The planning description also includes a proposal to construct a new one-way road accessing the site, four visitor car parking spaces and parent drop-off area, 50 staff parking spaces and four ball courts.

Ride on: Blanch centre cycle raises €13,000 STAFF AT Tech Group Europe in Dublin celebrate raising

€13,000 for St Michael’s House, one of Ireland’s largest providers of community-based services for children and adults with an intellectual disability, as part of their 2011 West Without Borders global charitable campaign.

As part of their activity to raise funds, the staff at Tech Group Europe collectively cycled the equivalent of the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head (500 km) on stationary bikes at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre,

as well as organising smaller in-house initiatives in the Dublin-based campus.

Don O’Callaghan, vice-president and general manager, Tech Group Europe, said: “We would like to thank everyone who came down to the Blanchardstown Centre to cheer on and sponsor our staff. We are delighted to be able to make a contribution to this charity, as they provide an invaluable service to those with an intellectual disability, and their families, within the community.”

COUNCIL: MEMO REVEALS MANAGER’S DECISION

Cutting FCC waste service ‘inevitable’ Q LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council has informed local councillors that withdrawing its waste collection service next year is “inevitable” following continual losses in the service.

An independent review, published on Wednesday, June 29, claims the waste service provided by Fingal is “not viable” and a projected minimum loss of €7 million in 2012 has forced the council to admit that cutting the service is inevitable.

In May 2011, FCC and SIPTU commissioned Ampersand Consultants to undertake an examination and evaluation of the viability of the kerbside collection and disposal service of FCC. In its findings the consultants verified the “extent of losses” identified by

council management in respect of year ending December 31, 2010.

According to the report, the most significant determining factor in evaluation of the service is the “steady and substantial rate of decline in the number of paying customers” and it’s the opinion of the consultants that losses will continue to rise, making the service “not viable”.

This week, management at FCC sent a memorandum to councillors outlining its position on the refuse collection service ahead of a council debate on the issue, scheduled for next week’s council meeting.

In the memorandum, the county manager David O’Connor said: “The report concluded unequivocally that there was no prospect of the service being made cost-

neutral to the council in the current competitive context. It is the opinion of the consultant that the level of loss could not be recovered through efficiencies of operation for that period.

“It is the case that the decision to withdraw from the service is inevitable. The sole alternative to this course of action is to remove €7m from all other budget areas for Budget 2012.”

Bin service staff have been informed, and the manager said there will be “no compulsory redundancies and that redeployment into areas where there is need for staff will be arranged.

Discussions on the detail of such arrangements are now commencing with SIPTU on behalf of the bin service workers in this regard.”

Fine Gael Councillor

Kieran Dennison, chairman of the council’s Environment Committee said: “The service is losing a lot of money and projecting a lot more [losses]. Since being elected I have been saying that, if the council didn’t get its act together on the refuse collection service, then, inevitably, we will be driven out of it by private operators, and that is what’s happened.

“This is not the time when they should have been looking at a report on this, if they looked at this maybe four or five years ago, then we might have been able to head the inevitable,” Cllr Dennison said.

Fingal County Council declined to comment further on the report “in advance of a full discussion on this matter at the council meeting on July 11.”

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

IT’S YOUR STORY First steps in cooking

Some food fun on the hunt for filo pastry Q CONOR LYNCH

I CAN’T cook. There, I’ve said it, and already I can see you wincing and tuttutting at my ineptitude.

Or some of you, who are of a more callous disposition, will say I am just plain lazy! But, dear reader, I honestly feel, as this tale will tell, that some men are pre-destined to cook, (as some women are pre-destined to shop) and some men are not.

My story begins a couple of weeks ago when I was invited to a dinner party with the present Mrs Lynch. The hosts, a lovely couple, were offering both a meat dish and a fish option. Imagine. You had a choice. In someone’s kitchen!

However, let me rewind to 45 minutes earlier, as I am walking up the driveway with my good lady and she informs me that “Terry” (that’s not his real name, but the Gazette’s budget doesn’t cover libel), the husband was doing all of the cooking.

Apparently, he had just completed one of those weekend cookery courses in Ballymacookalot, or somewhere.

I gave an indifferent shrug of the shoulders as I pressed the doorbell.

When the door opened, I almost laughed. For there standing before us holding the door open with one hand, the other holding some type of “kitchen instrument thingy” was Terry. It was what he was wearing that made my ribs tickle. For after his three-day course, he was now bedecked in a navy apron from his oxters to his ankles and emblazoned in bright orange letters over his left breast was “TERRY”.

My point here is, men who cook are great, but don’t they tend to go on about it? To be honest, the food was lovely and, a few days later, I began to get engrossed in cookery programmes. ”Only takes about t we n t y m i n u t e s t o make…” “You’ll whip this one up while they are

Conor Lynch

having their starter…”, the presenters boasted.

So, I decided I would take my first steps into the world of culinary delectations. It all started to go wrong when I went shopping for the ingredients for this “simple dish”. I had downloaded the recipe from the internet and was heading out the door when Mrs Lynch whizzed past mumbling something to the effect of “can you bring the kids with you,

I’m going to get my hair done?”

My great meal involved filo pastry, and there was none to be found anywhere. So, rather than go through the whole rigmarole again, I bought the ingredients I had and resigned myself to not cooking today. We went home. But I was not to be defeated! On unpacking my wares, I said: “No!” Let’s go elsewhere on the hunt for filo pastry!” The

kids groaned.

I bribed them with promises of comics.

When we arrived at supermarket number two, there was no parking and it started to rain. We ran, drenched, to the shops to get comics. I had left my wallet at home. Rooting frantically, I found a fiver in my pocket which paid for the negotiated magazines, leaving no money for filo pastry. They had shelves of it!

So, as I sat with a bowl of tomato soup watching Jamie Oliver disembowel a duck, and turn it into a design similar to a small garden, I reflected that I am just not meant to cook.

“And this one is so simple to do,” Jamie’s assured.

He looked funny as tomato soup drizzled down his face from the bread I flung at the television.

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

EVENT Mayor of Fingal, Ken Farrell and the Archbishop Dr

This new facility’s a class act

ayor of Fingal, Councillor Ken Farrell, and the Most Reverend Dr Diarmuid Martin Archbishop of Dublin officially opened St Benedict’s National School and Ongar Community Centre on Friday, June 17. They were greeted by a guard of honour by the pupils of the school and 300 invited guests from various State bodies and the local community.

St Benedict’s NS is a Catholic co-educational school which was opened on August 30, 2006, with an enrolment of 58 pupils. Initially the school was located in prefabs in the grounds of Mary Mother of Hope National Schools. After many moves over the five years of its existence St Benedict’s finally moved into this wonderful new facility in the heart of Ongar Village on November 1, 2010.

It is now a 24-classroom school catering for classes from junior infants to sixth class. At present St Benedict’s has an enrolment of 373 up to 3rd class and will reach a pupil population of 700 at full capacity.

M

Mags Murray, Mayor Ken Farrell, David McGuiness, Kieran Dennison and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. Picture: Peter Doyle

Diarmuid Moylan and David O’Connor, county manager

Principal Noreen Behan and Diarmuid Moylan former PA to Brian Members of the school choir

Mayor Ken Farrrell and the Archbishop Diarmuid Martin take a tour of the new facility

The school choir put on a show

Lenihan

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

Diarmuid Martin open St Benedict’s National School

Mayor Ken Farrrell and the Archbishop Diarmuid Martin unveil a commemorative stone

Diarmuid Moylan planted a tree in Brian Lenihan’s name

Members of Ongar Youth Club put on a dace routine

Mary Ward BOM speaking

The school choir and musicians play their part

A photograph of Brian Lenihan, RIP, turning the sod for the school building some years back

Members of Ongar Youth Club show their dance moves

Showing off some fantastic steps

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

EVENT D15 Charity holds its annual presentation ceremony

Presentation of a cheque for €1,000 on behalf of the D15 Charity to Castleknock

Presentation of a cheque for €3,000 on behalf of the D15 Charity to D 15 Senior Citizen’s Group. Back (l to r):

Celtic … back (l to r): David Hughes of D15 Charity; Tony Jordan, of Castleknock

David Hughes of D15 Charity; Peggy Cooke, Phil McNamara, Irene Colgan, Sally Burke and Chris Singh, of D15

Celtic, and Chris Singh, of D15 Charity

Charity. Front: Brenda McFeeley and Marie Doran. Picture: Ronan Quinlan

Presentation of a cheque for €5,000 on behalf of the D15 Charity to the Suicide Awareness Programme, (l to r): Kathleen McMahon, Theresa Rocca, Catherine Kearney and Lillian Parker, of the Suicide Awareness Programme, and Jacqui Curley, of D15 Charity

Presentation of a cheque for €5,000 on behalf of the D15 Charity to Ladyswell National School … (l to r): Kathleen McMahon, Theresa Rocca, Valerie Lyons, of Ladyswell National School, and Jacqui Curley, of D15 Charity

Cheque it out FTER another busy year of fundraising with a number of events, including a charity luncheon, a fashion show and a golf classic, the D15 charity held their cheque presentation. Last year was the 4th year for the D15 Charity Luncheon Fashion Show and Golf Classic and they are looking forward to another successful year. The charity is going from strength to strength, due to the ongoing support from the local community. The proceeds from the events continue in no small way to aid and support local charities and needy groups within the community

A

Presentation of a cheque for €3,000 on behalf of the D15 Charity to D 15 Cross Care … (l to r): David Hughes, of D15 Charity; Jean Martin, Derek Leonard and Marty Crawford, winners of the Golf Classic and Chris Singh of D15 Charity. Derek, of Leonard Potato Merchants Ltd, sponsored the event

7 July 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 7 July 2011

THE ARTS: STORY OF COPPELIA

EVENT A cool week of music and festival-going

Classic ballet comes to Dublin LAURA WEBB

ONE of the world’s leading classic ballet companies will pirouette its way to the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin when it performs its enchanting production, Coppelia.

This will be the first time Birmingham Royal Ballet has performed in Dublin. The company is set to electrify its audience with the amazing talents by their ballet dancers.

Artistic director, David Kingley, of the Birmingham Royal Ballet has been with the company since leaving the Royal College of Ballet in the 70s and has been artistic director for 16 years.

Excited about coming to Dublin for the first time, David is confident that everyone, young and old, will enjoy the story of toymaker Dr Coppelius, who wants nothing more than for his life-like doll to come to life.

“It is one of our most popular full-length ballets, it is a particular favourite of the audience because it has wonderful music, it has a really good story and it is a comedy as well, audiences like it because of that. It is very much for the younger generation, too. I hesitate to use the term, but it is a family ballet, it appeals to everybody from young children to senior citizens.

“There is a feisty village girl, for one reason and another, ends up impersonating the doll and so the doctor Coppelius believes that he has brought this doll to life, but, in fact, it is this cheeky girl that is playing a trick on him. This particular production is Sir Peter Wrights,” David told the Gazette Coppelia comes to the Grand Canal Theatre from July 7 until July 9.

Check out www.grandcanaltheatre.ie for further information or book tickets through Ticketmaster on 0818 719 377.

Heineken unveils its grandest plans yet for Europe’s biggest rock and roll weekend, with ice cold drinks, surprise DJ sets and some of the biggest names in music

Heineken’s ultimate Oxegen experience is set to rock THIS year sees title sponsor, Heineken, unveil its grandest plans yet for Europe’s biggest rock and roll weekend.

Ice cold drinks, surprise DJ sets, the Heineken Cold Rooms and, of course, some of the biggest names in music under the Heineken Green Spheres’ canopy,are some of the treats in store for this year’s Oxegen-goers.

Heineken Greenspace

Heineken’s Greenspace returns to the festival once more, prom-

ising eclectic, surprise DJ sets and audio visual performances from some of Oxegen ‘11’s biggest international names.

As surprise guests are expected to drop in throughout the weekend, updates are available by free texting ‘GREENS PA C E ’ t o 5 0 01 5 t h r o u g h o u t O xe g e n weekend.

Greenspace also offers panoramic views of the festival on the open air terrace, as well as Oxegen’s coldest pint with Heineken Extra Cold served on tap.

The Heineken Cold Rooms return to Oxegen after a phenomenal ice-cold can experience at the festival last year.

They will be located at the entrance to each of the three campsites at Oxegen, and free to use for all who arrive with cans of Heineken during the festival weekend.

Ninety minutes is all that is needed to chill cans to optimum temperature and cans can be collected any time between 12pm and 2am during the festival, ensuring cold cans for the

duration of the fun-filled weekend.

To avoid the hassle of losing tokens, biometric fingerprint scans are used by festival goers to claim their chilled cans of Heineken.

Heineken Green Spheres stage

Renowned for providing multi-sensory music experiences, the Heineken Green Spheres stage continues to raise music fans to paranormal musical levels with its stellar line up.

This year, Heineken

unveils headliners Leftfield, Brandon Flowers and Primal Scream as part of the line up of the Heineken Green Spheres stage. Also on the line-up are The Vaccines, Chase & Status, Crystal Castles, Odd Future, Example and Calvin Harris.

The line-up

• Friday, July 8: Leftfield, Calvin Harris, Example, Whipping Boy, Bressie, Her Majesty & The Wolves, The Riptide Movement, Gypsies On The Autobahn and more to be announced.

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

• Saturday, July 9: Brandon Flowers, The Vaccines, Professor Green, The Pretty Reckless, Cashier No.9, Fox Avenue, Propaganda DJs. • Sunday, July 10: Primal Scream, Chase & Status, Crystal Castles, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, Ocean Colour Scene, The Saturdays, GROUPLOVE and more to be announced.

For full details of cold room locations and all the latest information on Oxegen visit www. heinekenmusic.ie.

7 July 2011 GAZETTE 13

A few simple steps toward tackling the effects of debt THE Phoenix Process is a group of individuals who came together with a vision of National Recovery. The Phoenix Process articles focus on different issues, the intention behind all of which will be to encourage, inspire, motivate and to bring much-needed hope.

Each writer is a professional, who has been affected by the economic crisis in different ways. One of the most important aspects of dealing with any crisis is positive and proactive support systems.

This column will be printed weekly, and, if you feel you would like to join in this process, please contact www.phoenixprocess.ie This week, we present the second piece from Tara O’Grady. Tara was a restaurateur who lost everything financially in recent times, following the closure of her business.

She has actively been seeking debt law reform to protect people’s homes, minds and lives for some time now. Having suffered from a stress-related disorder due to the pressures that were put upon her, she decided to put Tara O’Grady together a survival package for those suffering from debt despair. She is positive and proactive about dealing with the ramifications of debt, both on an individual and national level.

A friend in need?

WE must support each other... It can be completely overwhelming to face the paperwork end of things when it comes to debt, especially when massive personal losses have occurred. This is the time to reach out your hand to help your friend or family member.

We are in a temporary crisis situation; If you are not in difficulty, you can be sure someone you care for is. (Whether or not they are telling you about it, is another matter).

If you are concerned that someone close to you may be suffering from severe debt-related stress, please look for the signs - some examples include the following: 1. Isolation from social activity 2. Sleepless nights and or difficulty in sleeping with worry 3. Increased tension and or arguing over money issues 4. Fears about losing income and how to pay bills 5. Solicitors and debt collection letters arriving, phone calls or

OPINION Most cases happen in family home

Elder abuse where to turn FLORENCE HORSMAN–HOGAN Gazette columnist

I KNOW as a writer for various media outlets that many people expect me to be self-dramatising in any area I want to highlight. For me – the area of elder abuse has always been front and foremost of my work. While I’m an opinion writer – I’m also a nurse – and have actually sought training from the HSE in this field. In my field as a response to abuse trainer – abuses have been uncoverered.

In the homes of the HSE staff.

Various governmentts and State bodies have ignored this for so long – I wanted to become expert before I sought to comment. Now that I'm a specially trained trainer for the HSE on how to show our workers how to recognise and respond to elder abuse – there are

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

doorstep visits – concern about opening the mail or answering the telephone 6. Increased irritability and feelings of lack of self-worth 7. Increased drinking or smoking as a stress reliever 8. Asking family and friends for loans to help out 9. Cheques and bank payments being returned regularly 10. Surviving on an overdraft facility Severe stress from debt-related pressure is an extremely serious mental health issue. In recent times, Mental Health & Suicide Awareness organisations have been acknowledging just how serious this issue is becoming. Just as a limb can break, so can the mind if put under enough pressure. Once the signs have been noticed action can be taken, a management programme put in place and a recovery process begin.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

even more worrying and horrific facts that have come to my attention.

No matter how badly nursing homes and care facilities have been exposed/portrayed in the media – it's far worse in their own homes. It's conservativly estimated that 70% of abuse happens in the parent/significant other’s own home.

And here’s the crunch – even though social workers, public health workers and other family members might try to help them – if they don't want help – the abuse will continue – and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

But the other thing is actually recognising the abuse. Granny/dad/sister no longer appears to have any money to go out. No money for make-up, cigs, new clothes. Excuses made for bruises, burns, scars.

If you were a 70–year–

old mother with a farm and one son, two daughters. The son manages the farm the daughters visit. Who are you going to pick if he’s hitting you or taking your pension?

You only have one son – don’t you?

If you’re a father with only one daughter – she says she's got finiancial problems – but you've given her all of your pension and now can’t afford new clothes – what are you going to pick?

What about if your husband has died and you’re a farmer’s wife? You have two or three daughters and a son or two. But you're nervous because they all fight. You turn to a favoured neighbour.

Your best friend. The solicitor comes in, you're confused as to what you should do, you've no one to talk to.

What do you do?.

First of all – do nothing.

Say something.

I’ve been there as a child, I know the importance of secrecy and shielding.

But finding someone you can trust is an oxymoron in Irish society – trust a social worker – hell yeah!

Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) is investigating the 1,760 cases of elder abuse, with 477 of these reported in 2011. As there is no dedicated elder abuse officer in the southern region of Ireland the authority believe this figure is likely to be higher.

In the Executive’s annual elder abuse report, to be published next week, they will reveal that there were 2,046 referrals in 2010, which was up from 1,870 in 2009. It will show that neglect and financial abuse claims have risen by 14 percent and nine percent, respectively.

14 GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY A milestone for Ceramide Gold Edited by Dawn Love

Artful Swatch: Rankin creates eight watches

THE never-ending love story between Swatch and art continues to delight followers of the popular Swiss brand with new creations from leading international artists. Famed British fashion photographer, Rankin, has created eight new watches in the classic Gent Original format to enrich the Swatch & Art Collection.

Launched at Carton House recently, five of the watches are presented in the form of a set in their own special packaging, available in a limited and numbered edition of 777 pieces. Three additional Gents, designed by the British photographer, are sold separately in unlimited editions and cost €45 each.

Talking about the range, Rankin said: “When Swatch approached me to design a range of watches, I was immensely flattered. Like so many people, my first watch was

T’S a cult classic, loved by a host of celebrities and, this August, Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules will celebrate its 21st anniversary.

To celebrate reaching this milestone, Elizabeth Arden are offering customers at every counter nationwide a complimentary skincare consultation and a sevenday trial of the capsules, with a discount voucher for the full-size product throughout August and September.

When Elizabeth Arden discovered the revolutionary Ceramides in August 1990, they created the first single-dose skincare capsules. Since then, Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules have been delivering bio-engineered, skinidentical ceramides to the skin to leave a silky, smooth and glowing complexion, and work to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

These capsules contain Borage Seed Extract to soothe and calm sensitive skin, and the antioxidant Vitamin E, which conditions the skin and protects it from environmental stress. They also contain retinyls,

I a Swatch – it’s an iconic brand that holds such a special place in people’s hearts. So it was an exciting challenge to be given the opportunity to design a Swatch watch myself.”

Swatch have recently begun a partnership with Tower Jewellers in Blanchardstown, where a wide range of their pieces are now available.

Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules will celebrate its 21st anniversary

which are proven to be anti-aging by smoothing out lines and wrinkles, give an even-toned look

and help enhance natural collagen for a firmer look.

Ceramide Gold Ultra

Restorative Capsules are available at Boots and Elizabeth Arden counters nationwide.

Get radiant, kissable lips for summer THIS summer, radiant, kissable lips are a must-have. Pink is the new red this season and gorgeous, bright lips makes you stand out from the crowd. So, why not try a Rouge D’Armani Hot Summer 2011 Limited Edition lipstick?

These vibrant lipsticks’ patented Color-FilTM technology gives each shade 360 degrees of lasting radiance. The secret lies in the Color bond polymer, which traps refined pigments and intensifies and retains the colour’s radiance for over six

hours. With six bright shades of pink to choose from, there is one to suit every look.

Rouge d’Armani Hot lipsticks have innovative, new-generation pearlescent fine particles called Light Reflecting Tints. These particles can be incorporated into lipstick at a higher concentration than standard pearlescent particles, and give off a greater reflective sheen.

So, as you step out into the sun, you can flaunt your brighter, vibrant pink lips.

Rouge D’Armani Hot Summer 2011 Limited Edition lipstick

7 July 2011 GAZETTE 15

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

B&Q’s fundraiser for Youth Work Ireland Home store giants B&Q teamed up with its official charity partner, Youth Work Ireland, recently and arranged a cycling fundraising event in stores, appropriately called B&Q Bike It! B&Q Swords accepted the challenge and took part in a sponsored cycle for Youth Work Ireland on Saturday, June 18 last at Airside Retail Park in Swords.

Children from the Swords Youth Service participated in the cycle and also collected donations on behalf of Youth Work Ireland.

Staff members in B&Q Swords would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated and helped raise a fantastic €608.42 for Youth Work Ireland.

Noeleen O’Gorman, from B&Q Swords, said: “We loved every minute of our B&Q Bike

DIARY It! event. It is great that such a fun event like a bike ride has helped raise lots of money for such an important cause.”

Patrick Burke, CEO of Youth Work Ireland said: “We are delighted that B&Q is supporting Youth Work Ireland by organising its own Bike It! events. Each euro raised helps us work with more young people to build better, brighter futures.”

Film Fatale THE Sugar Club will be transformed into a 1950’s Little Italy for a screening of the perfect classic summer film, Roman Holiday, on Saturday, August 6.

Join the young and radiant Audrey Hepburn as princess Ann who breaks free from her regal duties to spend the day frolicking in Rome with handsome reporter Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). Eat gelato on the Spanish Steps; place your hand in the mouth of truth, hop on a Vespa and ride around this vibrant city.

All from the comfort of your seat as you enjoy pizza, wine and other Italian delights.

The screening will be followed by a Italian-themed after-party with live performances and Film Fatale’s resident DJs, The Andrews Sisters’ Brothers, who will play music from the era.

The audience is invited to set the scene by dressing up in their vintage finest, paying homage to 1950’s Italian style or mirroring the characters.

Tickets are €15 and are available at www.tickets.ie. Doors open at 8pm. After-party from 11pm with tickets at the door (€5).

Wing it to Bray TENS of thousands of spectators are expected to gather along Ireland’s east coast on Sunday, July 24, for the country’s largest free air show – the Air Spectacular as part of Bray Summerfest.

During the 140-minute aerial show, spectators will be treated to close formation aerobatics, beach parachuting, search and rescue demonstrations at sea, pirouette spins, knife edge rolls and nose-down spiral descents.

More information around the Air Spectacular is available from www.airspectacular.com or www.braysummerfest.com

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.

16 GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC A new power soul revelation from Janelle Q ROB HEIGH

LAST week, before Glastonbury drew everyone’s attention to the fields of Worthy Farm, the Guardian published a rare and surprisingly revealing interview with my personal musical hero, Prince.

The normally reclusive and press-averse megastar spoke, albeit briefly, about his favourite current artists. He called out two by name.

One was Adele. The other was Janelle Monae.

When the Minneapolis maestro speaks, you know it’s time to listen up.

Her show at Tripod last week was a perfect illustration of a brave new artist on the brink of much wider success, with her roots and influences squarely apparent and fully on show wonderful covers of Prince, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and Sly and the Family Stone in the mix with her own already impressive material and a live band so well-drilled and on the mark that they were a huge part of the show, as much as Janelle herself.

So much so that the theatrical aspects of this “emotion picture”, on top of some of the best future funk/soul you are likely to hear, made for one of the most mesmerising shows to hit Dublin for a long time, and probably for a long time to come.

After the bandleader had us call Janelle to the stage, the infectious energy and apparent joy of playing instantly transferred to the crowd as soon as the band broke in to Dance Or Die - an appropriate opener, because if you didn’t dance during the show, you probably were dead. That buzz did not flag until even after the main show, when the assembled ArchOrchestra returned to the stage for a hugely-deserved curtain call.

In between, Janelle’s vibrant and powerful soul voice weaved it’s way around Tripod, capturing all in its wake, as the band - made up of a string quartet, brass section, guitar, bass, keys, backing singers, dancers, MC, and drummer - put on a polished, soul revue-style performance that was utterly entrancing.

HerArchAndroid was one of the best records of last year, and this live show will go down as one of the best of 2011.

Janelle promised at the end that they would be back - when she does return, don’t miss it.

Janelle Monae: The live show of the year

Get festival ready: Comfort and style at Tesco THE sun is set to be out at Oxegen next week and Tesco have a wide range of essentials for festival-goers, from special offers on air-beds and sleeping bags, tents from only €28, and other camping essentials such as a LED head-torch for €7.75. As well as these, there is an array of health and beauty basics, such as baby wipes, Tresemme’s waterless foam shampoo for €4, and a range of festival chic clothing with everything from sunglasses, hats and wellies to floral maxi dresses from €23.

REVIEW: NEW RELEASES FROM TWO HEROES OF AMERICAN MUSIC

Nicks and Simon show time’s right for renewal Q ROB HEIGH

FOR as long as I can remember, there has been an album by Simon and Garfunkel or Fleetwood Mac around somewhere.

My parents loved both, and I remember well the sounds of voices in harmony coming from the record player as they played Rumours and Bookends.

Of course, the approaches of the two acts could not have been any more different: Fleetwood Mac’s driving American rock, propelled by Mick Fleetwood’s hard-hitting drum sound and John McVie’s rolling bass; compared to the whispered incantations of Paul and Art, underpinned with their deep love of the folk tradition, as well as the rock’n’roll roots that bore their partnership.

While Stevie Nicks, the epic and distinct voice of Fleetwood Mac for most of the Seventies, took on solo duties away from Mac when she realised there were avenues she couldn’t pursue within the confines and conflicting demands of

Two different results from two new releases from Stevie Nicks and Paul Simon

the band, Paul Simon was a solo act for the majority of that decade, and the decades since.

Both released what were classic albums in the Eighties, with Bella Donna and Graceland still up there with some of the most memorable and iconic music of that decade.

Now, more than 20 years on, both Nicks and Simon have released new records this month, and it’s interesting to compare progressions and passage into new stages of their respective careers.

Nicks has brought on board uber-producer and former Eurythmic, Dave Stewart, to helm her latest release, In Your Dreams.

His hand at the tiller has given Nicks another wall-of-sound production that fits with her unique, and sometimes achingly beautiful, voice.

Having both Mick Fleetwood and Lyndsey Buckingham on board for two of the tracks adds a certain frisson to proceedings, given Nicks’ sometimes tumultous relationship with her former Mac mates.

But, in the end, the record is simply a Stevie Nicks’ record. There are no huge leaps of faith, no career redefining changes of direction. It is just what it is, and that’s a shame, as this was surely an opportunity to do something a little more left-field and appeal to a whole new generation.

Paul Simon’s So Beautiful Or So What, equally, is no huge leap forward.

What it is, however, is a grand statement of an artist doing what he does best — lyrics that demand a second listen, and reference to the liner notes

because they are simply so good that they work as poetry, and music that wraps you up in bouncing guitar figures and African rythyms that propel you back to highpoints of Simon’s solo career, while moving forward with reflection and sensitivity.

Tracks like The Afterlife and Love and Hard Times are immersive and great fun, grooves and words and melodies weaving into your consciousness and leaving enough hooks to make you listen again, and again.

7 July 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

DEALING WITH BAD NEWS: ADVICE TO HELP PREPARE FOR THE DEATH OF YOUR FAMILY PET

Coping with the death of your pet EATH is one of the most difficult things you will ever explain to a child.

So, when confronted by the owners of a deceased cat who asked: “How will we explain the cat’s death to our daughter?”

The following was my advice.

When a pet dies, it may be the first experience a child has when it comes to coping with death.

As their parent, you will be the best judge as to how much information your child can handle and I would advise you to keep in mind, at this stage, that the child may also worr y that other beloved members of their family will also die.

However, trying to protect them by saying the pet ran away may cause them to expect the animal to return.

Expressing your own grief and encouraging your child to express theirs will help them understand it’s ok to be sad.

This will enable them work through their feelings.

As a mom, I believe a child’s ability to understand what death is all about depends on his/ her cognitive development and emotional environment; not to mention the way you explain situations.

Remember, the older the child the more he/ she understands.

D

For example: Under 5: The child will certainly miss the pet but only as a playmate – recently my grand-daughter’s goldfish, Nemo, died and although she missed feeding him and helping her mom change his water, she didn’t actually miss him because she loved him. She missed the routine of caring for him.

Up to 10: Explain to your child exactly what “death” means. Tell them gently and honestly that their pet’s body has stopped working and will not work anymore and that the pet had to be helped to die peacefully and without any pain or suffering.

Don’t use the term “put to sleep”, as children may confuse death with sleeping and this may trigger sleeping problems for your child.

Over 10/Teens: The child now realises people and pets die and will go through the normal stages of grieving.

However, sometimes this loss can trigger other problems such as poor concentration at school, anxiety, insecurity or certain juvenile behaviours, so it’s important to engage in open and honest conversation with your child regarding his/her pet’s death.

Never blame the vet.

Your child may grow up to resent the good work veterinarians and other animal and human care

givers provide.

Now we’ve got your kids sorted, what about you? How does mom cope?

When a pet dies, people may consider offering support as being inappropriate because they view the loss as “just a pet.”

Here at the Dublin SPCA we believe nothing could be further from the truth.

We love our pets and consider them as family.

Lots of people celebrate their pets’ birthdays, buy them presents and carry their pictures in wallets, purses, on mobile ‘phones, even posting them on social sites like Facebook.

Therefore, when a pet dies, we understand it’s normal to feel over whelmed by the intensity of your sorrow; after all, haven’t they provided you with emotional support and unconditional love?

The grieving process is as individual as the person. Sometimes it begins with denial, sometimes anger; often guilt - What did I do?

Should I have done more? Is it inappropriate to feel so upset?

When these feelings subside, true sadness may set in.

Acceptance will only occur when you begin to remember the animal with decreasing sadness.

Here are a few tips to help you cope.

Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to grieve.

When a pet dies, it may be the first experience a child has when it comes to coping with death

Reach out to those who can lend a helping, compassionate, hand.

Write down your feelings. (Compose a poem or write a story or a letter to your pet) Call your local animal shelter or vet to see if they can offer a helpline to a pet loss support group.

Arrange a memorial for your pet.

For those pet parents who have lost a pet and who are coping with this scenario at present, I understand how you feel.

Your companion may be gone from your life but never from your heart.

When you are ready, (and please do give yourself enough time to grieve), only then should you introduce a new companion into your life – and don’t worry, it’s not a betrayal to love another pet; your compassion and humanity to give a loving home to a deserving animal is to your eternal credit.

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

A PICTURE CAPTURES THE MOMENT

FIND YOUR MOMENT ONLINE WITH

GAZETTE PHOTOS Buy online all the pictures that appear in your local Gazette and those taken by your local Gazette photographer

www.gazettephotos.com

18 GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs KOPING JOINS THE CITROEN NETWORK: CITROEN Motors Ireland is delighted to welcome Koping, Naas Road, Dublin 12 to the Citroen dealer network. Headed up by Paul Mooney, Koping have been in business since 1992 operating from the same site on the Naas Road throughout this time. With an experienced and stable team, (Paddy Lynam, service manager, has been with Paul since the start) Koping have brought service and expert product knowledge to customers for nearly 20 years. The strategic addition of Koping to the Citroen dealer network strengthens Citroen’s brand presence in the key Dublin area.

Skoda provides the option of Greenline technology, with an economical 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine in the big Superb Estate. The car costs from €25,895, plus delivery charges, and is ranked as the most economical big estate car on the market.

Skoda goes Greenline MICHAEL MORONEY has been on the road with the big

Superb estate car, where comfort meets economy SKODA’S Greenline range includes the big Superb Estate, and that was the car that I took to the roads in recent weeks. The Superb is a giant of a car, both in terms of seating space and boot space. And what a new surprise to learn that you can also get Greenline economy with the Superb that gives exceptional motoring value.

That probably sums up how I felt after a week with the Skoda Superb Estate. Skoda is aiming for economy as a priority – that shines through in the Greenline version of the Superb. Here is a giant of a car, fitted with

SPECS: SKODA SUPERB GREENLINE ESTATE 1.6 TDI Top speed: 109km/hr 0-100km/hr:12.6 secs Economy: 22.7 km/litre (4.4 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 114g km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €25,895

a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine.

But, there’s a whole lot more to the Superb Greenline than just a tidy, small engine. While the economical 1.6-litre tur-

bo-diesel engine is a significant part of the story, there’s a lot more to this car besides economy.

The key to its impressive economy figure of 22km/litre of diesel (64mpg) claim is that Skoda uses five new technology options to get the end result. They are startstop, gear shift indicator, new aerodynamics, lowrolling resistance tyres and brake energy regeneration.

The start-stop system automatically switches off the engine when stationary. The engine immediately restarts when the driver presses the clutch to put the car in gear.

The gear shift indicator lets the driver know if the current gear is appropriate. It recommends changing to a lower or higher gear to achieve optimum engine speed, thereby attaining lower fuel consumption.

Aero-dynamics

The modified aerodynamics means that the car sits some 25mm lower to the road, a feature that is designed to reduce wind drag. And, the low rolling resistance with higher than normal air pressure gives extra economy.

And, lastly, Skoda uses a brake-energ y

regeneration process to generate electrical energy every time that you hit the brakes. The fact that battery energy is generated when the car decelerates reduces the burden placed on the engine by the alternator.

The downside is that, in the efforts to improve economy, Skoda is supplying a tyre-repair kit in place of the spare wheel. That bit does not impress me, as I consider that, in a car such as thi,s and with our miserable roads, a spare wheel is simply an essential.

Despite the relatively small engine size, it still produces 105bhp. That

gives an acceleration figure of 12.6 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr dash, which is 20% slower than the 2.0 litre competition.

In practise, the car can accelerate well, and it’s not the type of car that makes you want to behave like a boy-racer.

So, it’s just about poweradequate and practical, as well as economical.

The big bonus is the economy figure – the claim is 22km/litre (4.4 litres/100km) which I failed to achieve. Maybe I wasn’t following the g e a r i n d i c a t o r we l l enough, but, overall, I returned a figure closer to 20% poorer. I’ll just have to do better!

Orders to open for Audi’s new and efficient Q3 SUV THE NEW Audi Q3 is Audi’s first foray into the smaller SUV segment, while attempting to retain a premium image. Orders for the third, and smallest, Q-model in the series will begin at the end of August with deliveries due by October.

The Q3 will have the distinction of being the first Audi SUV to offer the efficiency-focused option of a 19.1km/litre (54mpg) front-wheel-

drive variant. Pricing for the Q3 starts at €34,650 on the road for the 2.0-litre TDI 140 SE version, which is expected to account for the majority of orders.

Four engines will initially be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging. They will come with start-stop and energy recuperation systems. The 2.0-litre TDI is rated at 140bhp and 177bhp

and the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170bhp and 211bhp power outputs.

The 2.0-litre TDI 140bhp unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, with a Quattro version joining the offer early in 2012.

With emissions of just 133g/km, the 2.0-litre TDI 140 variant resides in tax band B, qualifying the purchaser for annual road tax of just €156 per annum.

The Audi Q3 will be available for order next month

7 July 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY MALAHIDE: THREE-BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION FOR €310,000

Mid-terrace manor in Malahide

Number 44, Carriglea Gardens

DUN LAOGHAIRE: TWOBED HOME FOR €285,000

Carriglea living for home seekers GUNNE Residential are presenting No. 44 Carriglea Gardens, Dun Laoghaire, a twobedroom modernised and extended two-bathroom mid-terrace property to the market for €285,000.

The property boasts a bright, modern interior and is complemented by a mature private rear garden.

The property extends to 70 sq m and comprises entrance porch with Chinese slate floor, lounge/dining room that overlooks the front garden, and which has a timber floor, a feature fireplace with gas fire and recessed lighting.

The first bathroom has fully tiled walls and floor, a bath with Triton T80si power shower, a wash-hand basin with vanity mirror and wc.

The kitchen overlooks the rear garden and has an ample range of built-in wall and floor units, as well as a tiled floor and part tiled walls.

It features a built-in oven, a hob and extractor, single bowl and half Franke sink. It is plumbed for a washing machine and dishwasher, and there is a door to the rear garden.

The bedrooms are to the front and rear of the property, with built-in wardrobes, timber floorboards and recessed lighting, and one is en suite.

To the front of the property is a gated, paved front garden providing off-street parking.

The suntrap rear garden is very large, a private, low-maintenance space bordered by mature hedges and shrubs. The patio areas are bordered by railway sleepers and are perfect for outdoor dining. The two Barna sheds provide excellent studio, or additional storage space.

To arrange a viewing, contact Gunne Residential on 01 280 1719.

PROPERTYTeam Noel Kelly Auctioneers are bringing No. 66, Inbhir Ide, Malahide to the market for an asking price of €310,000.

This instantly appealing three-bedroom midterrace home has been lavished with care and attention by its present owners, which is evident from the moment you walk in the front door.

The main features of the property are Upvc double-glazed windows, a 72-foot rear garden which is not overlooked.

There are decorative timber floors, and the property is sold with all carpets, curtains and light fittings Situated in a prime

Number 66, Inbhir Ide, Malahide, is presented to the market for €310,000

location, the property comprises a porch with an aluminium sliding door and tiled floor, an entrance hall with understair storage area.

The lounge has a decorative timber floor, as well as a feature fireplace with

hardwood surround.

T he kitchen-cumbreakfast area has a tiled floor, oak floor and wall units, as well as a cooker, dishwasher, extractor fan, and recessed lighting.

The bathroom has tiled walls and flooring,

a whb, wc, and a Triton shower. There is also a mirror with light strip.

The three bedrooms are well appointed and have decorative timber floors and recessed lights.

The rear garden is 72ft

long, with a timber shed, a patio area, and an outside tap and external lighting.

For further details, and to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Noel Kelly on (01) 846 2752.

RATHMINES: ASKING PRICE OF €510,000 FOR THREE-BED HOUSE

Attractive family home in Rathmines

NEW to the market is No. 18 Rathmines Park, Dublin 6, a mid-terrace period residence, incroporating c1,310 sq ft accommodation, which is set in spacious, wellcared for gardens, with the added benefit of garage to the rear with vehicular access from Stone Mews.

Brought to the market by Douglas Newman Good, for an asking price of €510,000, the property has been excellently cared for over many years by its present ow ners, full of light with room to extend, subject to planning permission, the property is in an ideal location in this soughtafter area of south Dublin.

The accommodation is well laid out and comprises lounge, livingroom with open

fireplace and gas fire, breakfast room with extended kitchen, upstairs are three bedrooms, bathroom and large attic room ideally suited for a study, playroom, etc.

This sale represents an ideal opportunity for those wishing to trade up or trade down in this area. It provides all the facilities and amenities required for a young couple wishing to rear a family in this area.

It is situated in a quiet peaceful enclave off Upper Rathmines Road where houses rarely come to the market.

T he proper ty is a short walk to Rathmines village, where there is a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars, cinemas, Rathmines Plaza and other amenities.

A host of buses pass

through the village and the property is within walking distance of the Luas line.

There is a variety of sports facilities in the immediate area, parks to include Belgrave Square and Palmerston Park and a wide selection of primary and secondary schools, including Kildare Place, St Mary’s, Alexandra College, Gonzaga, St Louis, and many others besides.

The city centre is within walking distance and the property is a short drive from the M50.

Alternatively it is also suitable for a retired family where everything is within walking distance yet the setting is off the main road, idyllic and peaceful.

Douglas Newman Good are handling the sale and can be contacted to arrange a viewing on Number 18, Rathmines Park, Dublin 6, has an asking 490 9000. price of €510,000

7 July 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Interview: Jessica Daves, a Duty Manager at Newpark School Sports Centre

Life in busy Sports and Leisure Centre

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS MEDICAL CARDS I RECEIVE a great many queries from people

AFTER starting her career in the Leisure industry as a gymnastics coach, Jessica Davies has been a Duty Manager at Newpark School Sports Centre since 2002. She is married with two children (three-year-old twins) and lives in Wexford having moved there from Deansgrange earlier this year.

all over County Dublin, and beyond, about their eligibility for Medical Cards. Obviously, it would not be possible for me to answer them all individually and, indeed, it would be difficult to briefly summarise the qualifying conditions, but let me try and simplify the structure.

Habits She recently qualified as a GP referral co-ordinator, a new initiative launched by the HSE to get GPs to refer clients to affiliated Leisure centres to improve their lifestyle habits rather than the option of long-term medication. Newpark School Sports Centre, one of very few facilities offering this new scheme in Ireland, is located on Newtownpark Avenue, in Blackrock, and has been open to the public since 1973. Activities include a wide range of fitness classes, public swimming, fitness centre sessions with tailor-made programmes to suit all ages and levels of fitness.

Medical Card applicants are divided into 2 categories – those under 70 and over 70.

OVER 70 You qualify if your gross income, from all sources, is less than €700 per week for a single person, or €1,400 per week for a married or co-habiting couple. It is the gross income that is taken into consideration and no standard deductions such as income tax are allowable.

UNDER 70 To qualify, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash

Interest Jessica’s interest in health and fitness began when she qualified as a fitness instructor in 2001 and then a personal trainer in 2002. She currently teaches Aqua-aerobics, swimming and fitness classes, along with co-ordinating the GP referral programme.

income, savings over a certain threshold, investments and property (except for your family home) are taken into account in the means test.

If you wish to establish your eligibility, or if you feel that your application for a medical card was unfairly rejected, you can check out

Contact If you would like to learn more about the activities and facilities on offer at Newpark School Sports Centre, or for more information on the GP referral programme, call in to see them or visit theiir website www.newparksportscentre.ie.

all the parameters on www.citizensinformation.ie or call to one of the many Citizens Information offices which are located throughout the country. Alternatively your local social welfare office ( www.welfare.ie ) you will find Jessica Davies qualified as a GP referral co-ordinator

most helpful in dealing with any of these individual queries.

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

A: Olympic gymnast.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Summer camp helper.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: The Grange.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: Started gymnastics here in 1991 and have been here since!

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Get to wear tracksuits and runners to work.

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

A: Not enough.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Gymnastics and Formula 1.

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at

Q: What sport can you play?

A: All sports.

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

A: Disney films.

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

A: Jedward, as they have the fun factor.

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Don’t know, my brother robbed it.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: No, I’m not a stalker.

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: My curfew was the street

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

lights coming on, my mum didn’t call my mobile, she yelled my name, I played outside, not online. If I didn’t eat what my mum cooked then I didn’t eat.

Sanitisers didn’t exist, but you could get your mouth washed out with soap. I rode a bike with no helmet, getting dirty was OK, and the neighbours cared as much as your parents did. Repost if you drank water from the garden hose and survived.

runners.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

dives.

A: Sausages, beans and mash in a volcano shape made by my dad.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Being a trainer on the Big-

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

A: Dame Edna.

A: The Disney Store.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Don’t own any shoes, just Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Having to use public toi-

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

lets in China.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Water Villa in the Mal-

gest Loser.

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

A: Travel.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240

22 GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL LovelyLisbon Magnificent Madeira is not a typical sun holiday PORTUGUESE HAVEN: OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Pestana Palace in Lisbon

Living like royalty at the Pestana Palace in Lisbon

PAUL HOSFORD

PAUL HOSFORD

THERE is not a whole lot that makes me selfconscious about my appearance. I’m a handsome man, after all.

But, standing in the lobby of a national monument palace that’s been turned into a five-star hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World in a tatty pair of three-quarter lengths and a t-shirt that’s seen better days, is one time I will admit to feeling a little uncomfortable.

To be fair, I had travelled from Madeira that morning in sweltering heat, and the Pestana Palace in Lisbon would make anyone but Madonna feel self-conscious.

Which is good, as she uses the hotel’s royal suites when she’s in the Portuguese capital.

The beautifully-restored palace adjoins two modern wings and is a stunning piece of architecture. Nineteenth-century elegance abounds with dining rooms and drawing rooms making this feel like something completely other-worldly.

The hotel itself runs a shuttle bus to take guests the 10-minute drive into the centre of Lisbon, but a taxi is only €6.

Once in the city itself, I was in awe. Beautiful architecture, such as Praca do Comercio, a jaw-dropping square on the banks of the Tagus, whose Rua Augusta Arch is the gateway to the modern, thriving city that Lisbon has become.

Avenida da Liberdade, a 90-metre wide boulevard, features some beautiful buildings and is the central artery heading into the city. At its head is Marquis of Pombal Square and King Edward VII Park, two celebrations of Portuguese identity that, perched upon a hill, give a gorgeous view of the Tagus bay.

The Belem area of the city, near the mouth of the Tagus, is another gem.

Quiet and relaxed, it features some of the most stunning buildings Lisbon has to offer.

Belem Tower, a 16th-century defence tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument of The Discoveries all sit within a short walk of each other, making this part of the city a walking dream and an history buffs heaven.

LAST year was a year to forget for Madeira.

Freak flooding, forest fires and Icelandic ash combined to make last year an annus horribilis for the Portuguese island, located 1,000km from the south-west coast of the country.

But, this year, the island is keen to send a message, echoing our own leader, that Madeira is open for business.

And what a business it truly is.

Though it survives on an economy that is roughly 65% based on tourism, Madeira is unlike a typical sun-holiday destination.

Part of that is because the location of the island, parked in the Atlantic, means that it gets more cloud than, say, the Canaries.

But more than that, it is just, at its core, completely

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

‘Visually stunning, warm and welcoming, Madeira is a real treat for someone looking for good weather, and seeking to avoid neon lights and flying patio furniture’

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

different.

Visually stunning, architecturally mind-blowing, warm and welcoming, Madeira is a real treat for someone looking for good weather, and seeking to avoid neon lights and flying patio furniture.

Touching down in Funchal itself is an experience – the runway perched over the sea and on the side of a cliff makes this a breathtaking landing. Nervous fliers would do well to avoid the window seat, however.

What to do

Our stay had us based

in Funchal, the capital of the island and main tourist hub. From here, any part of the island is reachable within two hours and it is a good thing, as all of the island holds attractions.

Rota dos CetáceosThe Way of the Cetacean, (Marina Shopping Centre, Avenida Arriaga, Tel.: +351 291 280 600, http://www.rota-doscetaceos.pt/) offer trips on semi-solid boats, where you can view dolphins, whales and all of the assorted sea life that lives in and around the island. (Swimming with dolmi phins €65, Adult ph non-swimming no €48, children €4 €33) €3 Madeira, having no contiin nental shelf, is n home to a vast h array of these a

Finding some shade to relax in in the centre of Funchal

creatures and Rota dos Cetáceos offer a free trip if you don’t see something.

The thrill of seeing a pod of Bottle-nosed dolphins swim yards from your boat makes this trip a must-do.

The Madeira Cable Car (www.madeiracablecar. com) offers a relatively cheap way to get a birdseye view of the beautiful scenery on the island, connecting Funchal with Monte Palace Gardens.

At €15 for an adult round-trip, the exhilarating ride will leave speechless and some clinging to the handrails.

Once you reach the top of the cable car, Monte Palace (http://www.montepalace.com/) awaits in all it’s splendour. Rescued

by Jose Berardo, the tropical gardens are a dream for gardening enthusiasts.

You can take the cable car back to Funchal, but why do that when you can have two men with rubber shoes push you down a hill in a wicker chair?

Toboggan rides operate from outside Monte Church and, though pricey (€20 single, €25 double), it is great fun and, after all, you are on vacation.

After all, what’s a holiday without hurtling downhill on a road that’s open to traffic?

Getting off-road,

Madeira Jeep Safari (http://www.madeirajeep-safari.info/) are experts in navigating the tight, heart-stopping roads of the island’s lesser-seen spots. A highlight of these tours are the levada walks.

Levadas are roadside waterways that carry water to the farms that climb mountains and hills on the island.

Taking a walk along one, one really gets the chance to see how people on the island live; indeed, we came across one woman, easily 70 years old, planting on a small farm that was at least 40 minutes walk from a roadway.

Prices vary, but a halfday private tour will cost €195, with room for six passengers, and I cannot recommend this enough, for something different.

There are more attractions of course, The Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal, the stunning natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz, the Art Deco collection at Casa Das Mudas and the awe-inspiring scenes

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

Travel Briefs New digitallyenhanced food lovers guide to Ireland

Madeira is famous for its embroidery

From Funchal, any part of the island of Madeira is reachable within two hours, so places like the Ponta do Sol and São Vicente can be explored

from Cabo Girao, the second highest sea cliff in Europe.

In a space of 57 kilometres by 22 kilometres, Madeira packs it in.

Where to eat

Madeiran food itself consists of a lot of fish, which makes sense, it being an island. Black scabbard, tuna and cod are served in abundance and fresh, colourful vegetables abound.

In the centre of Funchal, Armazem Do Sal (Rua da Alfandega, 135, Funchal, Madeira 9000059, Portugal (+351) 291 241 285 www.armazemdosal.com/) stands head and shoulders above the other restaurants we sampled. Which, given the level of food available across the island, is saying something.

A platter of appetisers, comprising of caviar, passion fruit, duck breast and shrimp dishes, set the tone magnificently, before a starter of Foie Gras and apple chutney had me in heaven.

A main of cod confit and mash was perfect.

Light, yet absolutely flavoursome and cooked to perfection.

Were the dessert of raspberry panacotta with spun sugar not also absolutely amazing, I might have struggled to finish the whole thing. As it was, we had no such problem.

Adega da Quinta is about 15 minutes outside the centre of Funchal, but the scenic views and hearty, rustic food make it a perfect choice for an evening meal.

Espetada, a local dish of fillet beef on a skewer, barbecue chicken in a pot, sweet potato bread and an array of desserts combined to make this another gastronomic highlight of the island.

Where to stay

The island is replete with fabulous hotels, with three being part of Portugal’s largest hotel group, Pestana.

We stayed in the Pestana Casino Hotel, which is a luxurious throwback

to the glamour of travel.

Designed in the 1960s

by Oscar Niemayer, it’s bright, open spacess Travelling by wicker chair: Tobo ggan rides operate outside Monte Ch from urch in Funchal are suited to everyone, the health spa a perfect retreat for stressed bodies and the casino offers a chance to experience the glamour of Twomileborris. Sorry, Monte Carlo.

All in all, I can’t recommend Madeira enough.

Easygoing enough to offer a break, interesting enough to offer stories for home, Madeira is open for business and we’re luckier for that fact.

Paul travelled to Madeira and Lisbon with Concorde Travel & Tours. Concorde Travel specialise in the Mediterranean, specifically Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Italy and Portugal.

Seven nights in Madeira start at €560pp, including tax, and seven-night packages to Lisbon Coast start at €599pp, including tax. For more information, visit www.concordetravel.ie, or call 01-77 59 300.

Praça Municipio in Funchal

Fresh food at Funchal’s The beautiful Porto Santo Beach

municipal market

GOOD Food Ireland once again leads the way with a new digitally enhanced food lovers’ guide to Ireland.

You will find a carefully selected collection of the best places to visit that are committed to using local Irish food on a new touring guide being released this weekend. The guide reveals a range of the best culinary experiences from restaurants, pubs, cafes, hotels and cookery schools, all centred on an Irish ingredient-led food experience.

Taking on board new technology, Good Food Ireland has digitally enhanced the guide with the use of QR codes. Each culinary destination listed has a QR code beside their contact details and, when a smartphone user scans the code, a local Google map is displayed on their mobile device.

The guide is on release this weekend and will be distributed in some national newspapers, the Hertz rental car network and through Good Food Ireland members.

If you would like your own personal copy, simply email the Good Food Ireland head office info@goodfoodireland.ie and they will post one out to you.

For more information on Good Food Ireland, visit www. goodfoodireland.ie

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Liz Taylor Film Season THE Helix continues its Liz Taylor Film Season until July 16, with the season’s second film, National Velvet, showing on Saturday July 9 at 2pm, followed by Cat On A Hot Tin Roof on Wednesday July 13 at 7.30pm.

All screenings take place in The Theatre. Season tickets are €20, or €12 concession. Entry to each showing is €4/€6.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Dun Laoghaire School of Music extravaganza LOOKING ahead a little, The Mill Theatre will soon feature some delightful music and performances from some of the area’s littlest citizens – with big talents Students from the Dun Laoghaire School of Music staging a musical extravaganza at the popular south Dublin evenue on Thursday, July 14, featuring music, theatre, dance and instrumental numbers, and more, creating a musical performance to remember, and showcasing the truly diverse and commendable range of talents of students at the popular school. The show starts at 5.30pm, with tickets priced at €13/€8.50.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Cormuin O’Raghallaigh - Mozart and Chopin recital Come along to this unique recital of Mozart and Chopin classics, from the award-winning Cormuin O Raghallaigh,a local teacher for Newpark Music Centre and Churchtown School of music. Recitals for the night will include Mozart: Sonata in C minor K.457, Sonata in B flat K.333, Chopin: Prelude in D flat Op. 28 (Raindrop) Ballade no.3 in A flat Op. 47. The two-hour show takes place on Saturday, July 9 at 1pm. Tickets: €10

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Past and Present Dublin 15-based artist, Desmond Kenny’s exhibition Past and Present, which opened last month, will continue until late August. Don’t miss this opportunity to view some of Kenny’s stunning abstract paintings, spread across two floors - New Work and Retrospective. This is the Hartstown artist’s first major solo exhibition of his abstract painting. The exhibition can be seen on the ground and first-floor galleries and is free admission.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 Pokey LaFarge and The South City Three St. Louis roots musician Pokey LaFarge, along with his band, The South City Three, comes to the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre on Friday July 8. LaFarge’s creative blend of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing has been widely lauded of late. This is one not to be missed. Friday, July 8 at 8:30pm. Admission: €20.

Sunday Sessions The Sunday Sessions continue every Sunday afternoon at the Seamus Ennis Cultural centre. The sessions always feature a host of local traditional musicians as well as some special guests. All musicians are welcome.

Free admission.

If you’re close enough to see one of these Transformers, you’re either in very big trouble, or just in luck, as Transformers 3 features one big scrap after another between clanking adversaries, while Humanity – and audiences – look on ...

No change in formula The latest Transformers film hasn’t changed the previous films’ secret of success, loaded with big bangs and little wit Q JONATHAN KEANE

IT’S only been about four years, but in that fairly short space of time, Michael Bay has managed to churn out his third Transformers film, this time: Dark of the Moon.

After the blinding success of the predecessor, it only makes sense for the franchise to do a third lap.

A heady cast is in tow for this one, with John Malkovich, Hugo Weaving and Josh Duhamel along with, of course, our central character, Sam Witwicky, brought to us

by Shia LeBeouf.

The important thing to remember here is that this is a Michael Bay flick so there’s little in the way of a captivating script and acting.

But, it can’t be denied that Dark of the Moon is rife with jaw-dropping special effects and 3D shots that well and truly

FILM OF THE WEEK: Transformers 3 +++ (12A) 154 mins Director: Michael Bay Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, John Malkovich, Hugo Weaving, lots of robots

OUR VERDICT: MICHAEL Bay’s third outing with the robots in disguise is everything one would expect it to be, with colossal action scenes and hugely impressive special effects. If verbose carnage is your thing and it holds your attention for the entire bloated running time, then, this could be your film of the year, although Kate – who returns from holiday, next week – is unlikely to rate this as one to savour ...

shove the action in your face.

It’s all rather impressive and will be up there with some of the most impressive action scenes this summer, or even for some years.

Howe ve r, a t f i l m number three in the franchise, it still doesn’t deliver anything staggering in the way of something new.

You know you’re getting explosions – and explosions are exactly what you get.

This third instalment clocks in at an overwhelming 154 minutes.

The bloated, drawn-out running time serves to only remind you of how easily scenes can become one-dimensional and predictable.

It’s not all bad though, far from it.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon won’t delight in regard to script but the standout actions are truly unforgettable.

Only the truly dull and monotonous of cinemagoers would find themselves bored with Bay’s bombastically crafted action scenes.

Conspicuous by her absence though is

Megan Fox, who departed the franchise after the sequel.

Whether she was present for the third film or not, doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

Nothing too big has been changed and the portrayal of the rest of the cast remains as simple as ever.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Or, in the case of Michael Bay, blow it up.

Without giving away too much, the plot is rooted in the 1969 Moon Landing as well as the Cold War, which creates the latest strife between Optimus Prime’s Autobots and the Decepticons that has carried through to modern day.

Meanwhile, Shia LeBeouf is his usual self in the role as Sam, who’s fresh out of college, unemployed and ticked off about his whole situation in life, frustrations that are adversely affect-

ing his relationship with girlfriend, Carly, played by fresh-faced British actress, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Overall, the 154-minute running time is the sore thumb of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. A couple of scenes could easily have had a few minutes shaved off and with it, making the overblown action less drawn out.

Quality of quantity, as the old adage goes.

The die-hard fans of the Transformers franchise, as in the faithful that existed before Michael Bay scurried onto the scene, could be divided on how their beloved Autobots and Decepticons are portrayed here. Meanwhile, those who are looking for non-stop explosions, fire and action will undoubtedly lap this up. Either way, there’s enjoyment to be found, in some way, in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

Wares you might feel wary about ADAM MAGUIRE

TECHNOLOGY is laden with words ending in “ware”. Most people are familiar with software and hardware, and maybe one or two others, but the ever-increasing number of “wares” can get confusing at the best of times.

Here are explanations for some of the more common “wares”.

install on a piece of hardware, and is also called programmes, applications or simply apps. That could mean an operating system, such as Windows, or an internet browser, game or word processor.

Hardware Hardware is any physical piece of technology – so, your computer is the hardware, as are all the bits and pieces inside the box (such as the hard drive, processor and so on). More recently, this has been applied to phones and tablets.

Freeware A combination of “free” and “software”, this is, used to describe free, legal versions of software. This freeware is often a basic variety of something, and encourages you to buy the full version.

Software Software is what you

Malware A combination of

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

“malicious” and “software”, this term is a catchall for any type of dangerous software designed to damage your computer or steal your information.

Good virus scan software and a firewall is crucial. McAfee and Norton offer good paidfor options, while AVG and Avast are good, free alternatives.

Spyware This malicious software tries to secretly install itself on your computer and spy on your activities, to try to gain access to passwords, credit card details and so on.

A free programme, called Spybot – Search & Destroy is a good option for those looking to see if there is spyware on their computer. Scarily enough, there usually is.

Adware This is a virus that causes adverts to pop-up at every turn on your computer. If every website you visit seems to have obtrusive ads popping up all the time, this may be the reason why.

The previously mentioned Spybot is good at clearing these threats, as is another free programme, Adaware.

Scareware A relatively new threat, this is a dangerous piece of software that tries to shock or scare you into handing over money or credit card details.

One tactic, for example, is to tell you that there is a virus on your computer, and that you need to buy a certain piece of software to fix this.

This can often be made

to look like a legitimate warning but, if it is not coming from your own anti-virus software, ignore it.

HP Touchpad

IN A market dominated by the iPad, HP’s first attempt at a tablet is a strong one – the big question is: Can it can get the apps to back it up?

While Apple’s competitors, such as HP, have been slow to get to market with their tablet alternatives, the last few weeks has seen that change.

Motorola’s Xoom is hitting shelves, Samsung has updated its Galaxy Tab and Blackberry’s Playbook is on the horizon.

The HPTouchpad joins that list, and offers some-

thing a little different.

It runs on HP’s own WebOS software, which is extremely stylish and user-friendly. It is gesture-based, so it’s perfect for touch, and, while it was designed initially for phones, it looks well on the bigger screen.

Overall, the Touchpad feels good in the hand. It is slim and comfortable to

use, but does not feel flimsy.

It also manages to strike the same balance of the iPad, where it feels like a serious, even business-friendly device, without being boring.

However, as it runs on WebOS – which is way behind Android and Apple’s IOS – it does not have an awful lot of apps to offer.

This is something that HP will need to address – fast, as even the best tablet is nothing without the apps to install on it.

The HP Touchpad is available in Ireland from early July, from €479.

Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

GAZETTE

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

BLANCHclassifieds

BATHROOMS

To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com

RECYCLING

DENTAL PLUMBING

PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL I, Philippa Hudson intend to apply for permission for development at this site No. 103 Georgian Village, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

The development consists of demolition of existing conservatory to rear of house and construction of single story extension to rear and two storey extension to side along with alterations to front façade, new porch, internal alterations and associated site works. 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 (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

RECRUITMENT

13075

documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple.

Separation Agreements fixed fee €500 per couple.

Contact: Damien Mara at 086-1211820 Email: damienmara@eircom.net Website: www. divorcebyconsent.com

DRESSES

ENERGY SERVICES

CARPENTRY

ENTERTAINMENT/PARTIES

WOODHAVEN. Lucan Based. Floors, Doors, Stair, Wardrobes & Decking, Sidegates, Attic Stairs and Ladders, Attic Flooring Skirtings & Dado Rails.

Very Tidy Work. email maguire.robin@gmail.com Mobile 086 8466161 Ph:01-6105349

CLASSES/LEARNING SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices. We

reline and re-pleat all curtains, full selection of poles and rails available.

Beginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing Classes on Dress Making and Home Furnishings resuming in September. Half Day workshops also resuming in September. Contact us at www.sewgreat.ie or www.pressxpress.ie, call 01 8227650 or email info@ sewgreat.ie

DIVORCE SERVICES DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce

BER CERTS If you are selling or renting a property or require grant approval and require a BER cert, Compliance Certificate, Snag lists, Structural Advice for extensions, House inspection Reports, Insurance Claims. Please call Tony on 0866698706 anytime or email energyratingstogo@gmail. com

PAINTERS POLISH PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING Best quality.

Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY. IE find us on FACEBOOK Please phone Mark on 0879442445

PIANOS O’BRIEN PIANO’S Small professional business

PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

K ieran O’Neill Secetary Castleknock Community Centre Associaltion apply for Variation to existing conditions to permission F02A/0007 for all weather facility by extending hours of opperation to new time 7 am until 10 pm. Scoil Thomais NS will continue to retain preferantial access but variation to make faciity available to other users during school hours. 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 Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

I, Christopher Knight, intend to apply for Permission for development at No. 24 Forest Court Swords, County Dublin. The development will consist of one no. additional four bedroom, two storey dormer style detached dwellinghouse (area 108m2) in south side garden of existing house; a new boundary division wall; existing vehicular entrance is proposed to be widened and used for both the new house and the existing house. The site boundary facing the Forest Court and Forest Grove is proposed to have new piers and low walls to provide screening, with new driveways & four no. car-parkings spaces, two to each front garden. Also included are alterations to existing site drainage and additional surface water drainage measures and associated siteworks. This 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.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

13018

13054

PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Janet and Ken Leech, intend to apply for Planning Permission at 14 Cherry Avenue, Carpenterstown, Dublin 15. The development consists of works to the existing dormer bungalow, which include the removal of the existing conservatory and glazed link to the existing single storey chalet, all to the rear of the building, and it’s replacement with a single storey extension, with rooflights, linking the existing chalet with the main house; the replacement of the existing flat roof of the chalet with a tiled pitched roof, to match the existing; the extension of the first floor master bedroom out into the existing balcony to the front; the installation of solar panels to the main roof; and alterations to the existing accommodations.

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 (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

13060

We, Keith & Colette Cooney intend to apply for Planning permission for the construction of a new two storey extension to the side and rear of existing house to include new kitchen dining and living area at ground floor and new bedroom and study at first floor with some internal alterations, construction of 3no. Dormer hips to the sides to form new space, with new dormer windows to large roof, new windows & doors throughout extension and 7no. New roof lights to new roof; all at No. 45 Hollystown Park, Hollystown, 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 (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application

specialist in good 2nd hand up right pianos, for sale from €700 regulated, tuned, delivered and guaranteed.

Pianos from as little as €450 sometimes available. We also sell new Pianos, trade-ins accepted. We offer a home tuning & repair service.

Phone: 01 2983284 10am8pm www.obrienpianos.ie

PET SERVICES DOG TRAINING AND KENNELING Residential training in Obedience and behaviour problems for all breeds, ie pulling on lead, housetraining, aggression, recall, chewing, jumping up

13050

etc also personal protection training. Over 20 years experience, having trained in the UK, USA and Germany.

Qualified master dog trainer, veterinarian + dog shelter recommended. Highly trained security dogs for sale.

References available, watch our dogs in action and read our many references at www.Topdog-Training.com or phone 087 0514467.

PET MINDERS Safe, Cosy, Pet Boarding.

5 minutes from Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Lucan.

Call now for early booking.

Call 086 8126387/01 8223690. Reasonable rates.

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

STAR TURN: Dublin Sports Awards winners for June are announced: Page 29

TOUCH RUGBY: IRELAND ‘EXHAUSTED’ AFTER THEIR WORLD CUP ENCOUNTERS

Touch teams get back from Edinburgh epics sport@gazettegroup.com

AF TER a gruelling five-day Touch World Cup tournament in Edinburgh, the Ireland Touch teams returned home on Monday proud of their achievements. “ We ’r e a b s o l u t e l y exhausted, but incredi b l y p r o u d t o h ave competed for Ireland against the best in the world in our spor t,” said president of the Ireland Touch Associa-

tion, Michael Davies.

“It was a tough tournament, with teams playing up to three matches a day. Every player gave their absolute best on the pitch and played right to the end.

“We had a great support team over there, and a big thank you should go to the coaches, managers, physios and support staff who coordinated our teams and kept the players

out on the pitch,” said Davies.

Twenty-seven countries participated in the event, with over 500 matches being played during the course of the tournament.

Australia took the honours in most categories, with many finals involving Australia and New Zealand, where touch rugby is a common social sport.

Ireland competed in four divisions in the

The amassed teams who represented Ireland at the Touch Rugby World Cup in Scotland last week

Mixed Open, Men’s Open, Men’s over 35s and Men’s over 40s categories.

Ireland finished 16th in the Open Category, and 11th in the senior age division. The Mixed Open team came 15th and the Mens’ Open

finished 12th in their category.

In the senior division, the Mens’ Over-35s finished 11th and the Mens’ Over-40s had the best result of all of the Irish teams, finishing fifth in their pool.

“There was some

great matches and each team had great support as they went out onto the pitches.

“For many of us, to compete at a World Cup was a dream. But to achieve it has been an oppor tunity of a lifetime. We trained

incredibly hard for this tournament, and each team should be proud of their efforts at the World Cup,” said Davies.

For more information about the sport, see www.irelandtouchassociation.com.

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Sarah and Stuart Logan were all smiles

Mini-league St Brigid’s mini-league was a week of sporting fun

LL generations, from all walks of life – including the grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, members of the executive and senior players – came out in force to support the St Brigid’s mini-league event that took place recently.

Nearly 500 players between the ages of four and 12 turned out at Russell Park for a great week of sport, topped off by a family day on the Saturday.

The teams were mixed and the emphasis was on all the children participating, with everyone getting to play, and every player got a prize.

Event co-ordinator Noel McLoughlin wishes to thank everyone who took part in the mini-leagues, his organising team, parents, mentors, managers, everyone locally that helped out on the day and, most of all, the boys and girls who came and played their hearts out every day.

Maria Lawlor, Grace Boyle, James O’Connell, David Foley and Mikey O’Reilly enjoyed the festivities. Picture: Nora Doyle

The O’Hara family

A

Sophie O’Shea, Zoe O’Brien, Anna Kenny Byrne, Grace Moore Niamh Cuddy, Emily Windsor and Isabelle Foley

Danish Bin Arifuzzaman, Ashwin Mathew, Daniel Bin Nearly 500 players between ages four and 12 joined the event in Russell Park for a week of sport

Arifuzzaman

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

in association with

GOLF: ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL OUTING FOR SHEENA

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS JUNE WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH

LEEANNE ROYLE KARATE and martial arts generally do not see many stars emerging on an international stage so young, but Leeanne Royle, from Corduff Karate Club, is a such a star in the making, with a showing that earned her the prestigious Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding child competitor at the Karate Union of Great Britain’s National Championships at the NIA Birmingham, Royle won the girls’ kumite event at the championships.

TEAMof theMONTH

MOUNTVIEW BOYS

MOUNTVIEW Boys’ Under11s are deserving winners of the team of the month after they came out at the summit of 900 teams who took part in the 2011 Danone Nations Cup, winning the national final at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh. That performance earned them the right to represent Ireland in the world finals, which are held in Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium in October.

SUMMER is starting to heat up, and the sporting success of our teams and individuals continues to impress.

Our sports stars of the month for June are young stars very much on the rise.

Leeanne Royle has made an impression on the world of karate at a very young age, and will be a prospect to keep an eye on in the years to come, especially after winning the Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding child competitor last month.

Mountview Boys showed their promise after coming out on top in

the Danone Nations’ Cup event at the AUL in a competition that saw 900 of the best young soccer sides in the country compete for the right to represent Ireland in October.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport.

Sheena McElroy with Rita Maher (Lady Capt Adare Manor)and Marjorie McCorduck (ILGU President)

McElroy secures third national title sport@gazettegroup.com

GRANGE Golf Club’s Sheena McElroy defeated Headfort’s Pauline Walsh to secure her third Irish Senior Women’s Close Championship title in four years at Adare Manor Golf Club last week.

The southside golfer raced to an early lead over Walsh and, at one under par, held a fivehole advantage at the turn. McElroy continued to underline her dominance of this event in recent years and closed out the match on the 13th green.

Throughout the tour-

nament, McElroy showed herself to be a force to be reckoned with.

She got off to a flying start in her semi-final match against Pat Doran from Donabate, and never looked back after turning into the back nine with a two-hole advantage.

Doran holed out solidly on the 15th to reduce the gap to one hole but McElroy immediately responded winning the 16th and a two putt par on the 17th ended the affair.

After leading the qualifiers in the morning, McElroy saw off eight qualifier Marilyn Hend-

erson (Royal Belfast) on the penultimate green in the quarter-finals the previous day.

In the Senior’s Plate Final, Gertie McMullen, of The Island Golf Club, defeated ILGU Chief Executive, Sinead Heraty, from Castle, on the 16th to win the secondtier title.

McElroy repeated her impressive showing at last year’s seniors’ championship when she defeated debutante Niamh Giblin, of Dun Laoghaire, at Tullamore Golf Club.

McElroy went on to lead the Irish Seniors Team at the European

Senior Team Championships in Berlin last August.

This year has been another successful one for the Grange member, winning the Portuguese Senior Ladies’ Golf Competition at Vilamoura in the Algarve in January.

In challenging wet and windy conditions, McElroy was thrilled to secure a two-stroke victory, which was made extra special with husband, Eamon, caddying.

She also finished as the top British or Irish player in joint third place at the Spanish Senior Championships at Santa Ponsa in February.

Win tickets to see UCD in friendlies UCD AFC have announced recently that they will host two friendly matches at the Belfield Bowl against Scotland’s St Johnstone FC on July 10, and Spain’s Villarreal CF on July 16.

St Johnstone finished eighth in the SLP last season, and have a long tradition in Scottish football. Former players include Sir Alex Ferguson and Ally McCoist.

Villarreal finished fourth in last seasons La Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Champions League. As well as this, they have a wide range of talented footballers at their disposal with Barcelona target and former Manchester United player, Giuseppe Rossi, on the top of the list.

GazetteSpor t and UCD are giving lucky

readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches.

Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born?

Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.

UCD’s Robbie Benson

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 7 July 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Plucky Plunkett’s pair at Parnell: Ella and Caoimhe ST OLIVER Plunkett’s Ella

O’Shaughnessy and Caoimhe Byrne were two of the lucky young stars given a hurling masterclass by Centra’s GAA Hurling Ambassadors for 2011, David O’Callaghan and Eoin Kelly, who hosted a skills tour event last weekend in Parnell Park.

David and Eoin passed on their skills tips to 60 of Ireland’s future hurlers as the Centra Skills Tour kicked off.

Get Messi at Dublin’s FC BLANCH: DUBLIN 15 SIDE CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY Barca summer camps IN AUGUST, the FC Barcelona Academy coaches are coming to Portmarnock to pass on some of their Champions League-standard of knowledge of the game to young players from Dublin.

The camp caters for kids of all abilities, from ages seven to 16, and also helps educate coaches with the emphasis on players’ technical development, having fun and teaching the fundamentals of the game.

The new camp follows on the heels of the success of the workshop held with Barcelona’s coaches at Carton House earlier this year.

The camp takes place at Portmarnock AFC from Thursday, August 18 to Saturday, August 20 and runs from 9am to 12 noon for players aged from seven to 11 years, and from 2pm to 5pm for players aged from 12 to 16.

For more information, or to register for the courses, see www.dbsportstours.ie

As well as this being their anniversary year, FC Blanch have a lot to celebrate after their 2010/11 season

Special year for Blanch RONAN MOYLES sport@gazettegroup.com

LIFE is good for everyone associated with FC Blanch at the moment as the club marked their 10-year anniversar y with success both on and off the pitch.

“The club grew very big this year — from having one team, we now have two teams,” manager Dave Meehan tells Gazette Sport.

Blanch captured the AUL Premier C title in their first season, securing the honours with four games to spare.

There was also a cup win, as well as last-32 berths in both the FAI Junior Cup and Leinster

Junior Cup. The club have expanded from having one team to two, with the Sunday side securing a respectable midtable position when the final shake-down came around.

“We have come from being a team of nobodies to Sunday Senior champions within the space of two years,” says Meehan. “We have the makings of a good side and a smashing little club.”

There are other reasons for celebration.

“We had no dressingrooms last year, but we purchased a forty-foot container, which we kitted out. We also got

one of the best sponsorship deals in amateur football this year. This means we have been to kit out everyone in tracksuits and new gear and shirts.

“We really appreciate all the help from all our sponsors.”

The 10-year anniversary was recently celebrated with a black-tie event in Dunboyne, and there are plenty of reasons for optimism going forward.

“The volunteers here are basically the players, and we have a very young committee.

“They are young people of 22, 23, and 24 years old that’ve never been in this position

before, but are learning very quickly.”

On the pitch the aims are ambitious but, Meehan believes, achievable.

“The biggest aim of the club is one day to play Premier A football in the AUL. “That’s our goal; how we achieve it or how soon we achieve it, only time will tell.

“Our aim for next season would be to win Premier C. “Realistically, can we get there? Yes, very much so. You don’t get to the last 32 in the land and in Leinster unless you have a good side.”

There will of course be challenges, not least

the admiring eyes of bigger teams.

“Now the bigger clubs start looking at our players. It will be a problem in the future – the more success we get, the more the bigger clubs come down saying, ‘how are they doing this, they must have some good players’.

That’s the way it goes.

“I think we definitely have the players to cope.”

B l a n c h ’s p r e - s e a son preparations are already well under way and will include friendlies against Monaghan United the week after next, and against Bohemians on a date which has yet to be arranged.

7 July 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

in association with

AFL 2: LOWER TABLE CLASH SEES D15 SIDE DRAW

.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S SENIOR footballers’ fundraising

Wexford.

night featuring the Irish trad band,

Plenty of games in Russell Park

The Players Brigade, is this Friday

this week: Senior footballers face

night. Music starts at 9pm. Tick-

TSS on Thursday at 7.30pm. Junior

ets €10 and big raffle on the night.

hurlers also face Maur’s on Thurs-

Framed signed Dubs’ jersey and

day in the league.

many more spot prizes.

U-13 footballers face Clontarf in a

Congratulations to Paul Winters

Div 1 league decider on Saturday at

and the Dublin minor hurlers on

3.30pm in Russell Park. Big support

their tremendous Leinster final

needed. Check out the club website

triumph over Kilkenny. Hard luck to

for many more fixtures.

Daire and Alan on their senior final defeat to Kilkenny.

Hard luck to our five girls who

Club lotto takes place in Russell Park this Thursday with a jackpot of €14,600.

started for the Dublin ladies sen-

Summer camp dates are as fol-

iors in their one-point defeat to

lows: July 18 to 22, August 15 to 19

Meath.

and August 22 to 25 (four days).

Best of luck to Barry, Sean, Declan and Paddy this Sunday against

Get your application form from www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

This draw for St Peregrine’s against Naomh mearnog will give them confidence for the rest of the season

Peregrine’s pick up point at Port’ AFL 2 Naomh Mearnog St Peregrine’s PETER CARROLL

0-9 0-9

sport@gazettegroup.com

BLANCHARDSTOWN’S St Peregrine’s drew with Naomh Mearnog last Saturday in a hard-fought AFL 2 match played out in Portmarnock.

Peregrine’s have been lying in the bottom half of the AFL 2 for the majority of the season, but still remain out of the danger zone, with Naomh Fionnbarra and St Mark’s holding the bottom two places, giving the Blanchardstown side some breathing space in the upper bottom half of the table.

Naomh Mearnog have found themselves in a similar position to that of St Peregrine’s, and the only thing separating the two sides was St Peregrine’s greater points differential heading into the game.

The Portmarnock side’s last outing was

against St Brigid’s, local rivals to Peregrine’s, who they also drew with.

Ver y bluster y conditions made it a very hard game to predict, with the Mearnog side playing with the wind in the first half.

Peregrine’s had to work harder for the ball in the conditions, and they found it difficult to collect scores in the opening half.

Naomh Mearnog didn’t gain a sizeable advantage in the first half, leading by only two points coming up to the break.

Lynch influence T his was par ticularly down to the hardgrafting David Lynch at half back, who was up and down the pitch, supporting the attacking play and defending diligently when needed, and being wherever he needed to be at all times.

The Portmarnock side were awarded two frees

in the last two plays of the half, which were both converted, to give them a four-point lead going into the second half. The first half finished at 0-6 to 0-2, with the Blanchardstow n team’s points coming from Ciaran McGuinness and Karl Walsh.

Playing with the wind in the second half, Peregrine’s found it hard to get the ball into scoring positions.

As Peregrine’s added wides to their game, Naomh Mearnog broke away, scoring two points to give them a sizeable advantage in the last 15 minutes.

Fight-back Peregrine’s began the fight-back in the closing 15 minutes, and managed to pin the Portmarnock men back.

Ciaran Mur tagh a n d D av i d W h e l a n impressed with two fine scores to pull the game level at 0-8 all with only a few minutes remaining on the clock.

In a dramatic finish, Mearnog grabbed a point that looked to be the winning score, until Ciaran McGuinness put over a fine shot to secure Peregrine’s a point, the game finishing 0-9 apiece.

Peregrine’s manager, John Lowndes, shared his thoughts on the game, and its possible after-effects, afterwards with GazetteSport. “ We ’ v e d r o p p e d points we shouldn’t have lately but, in the last fifteen minutes of this game, we showed great determination, work rate and drive, and the lads deserved their point out of this match.

“We’ll look to use this result and our performance as a starting point and get ourselves into the play-offs. “ We ’r e aw a y t o O ’ To o l e ’s a n d t h e n away to Raheny next, but we’ve been working hard and we’ll be looking for four points,” said Lowndes.

ST PEREGRINE’S FOUNDATION award course for new

bers drawn were 2, 5, 17 and 24.

mentors and parents, juvenile play-

Next week’s jackpot is €2,400.

ers over 16 years and adult players

Any member not buying lotto

with an interest in coaching should

tickets, visit CNP.ie and support

register for the course. This course

your club for only €2 a week.

is now compulsory for everyone

Lotto is also available to play on-

involved with juvenile teams, so

line using the link on the club web-

please encourage anyone who has

site.

not completed it to attend.

Senior and junior hurlers were unlucky in their league games last week.

Entertainment in the clubhouse this Saturda y is from Smashin’ Monkeys.

Club shop is open on Mondays,

Back to football this week: Senior

Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 to

footballers play Fingallians at home

7pm, and on Saturdays from 10am

and are away to Naomh Mearnog

to 12pm.

on Saturday at 6.30pm.

Junior football teams are also in

Bingo is on Wednesday nights at 8:30pm.

action this week, details on notice-

If anybody within the club would

board and email will be sent to club

like to make a difference and join a

mailing list.

committee please see club website

The club lotto was not won. Num-

for details and contacts.

ERIN GO BRAGH HARD luck to the Dublin hurlers

decker bus is planned for the Thurs-

in the Leinster hurling final at the

day.

weekend.

For more information you can con-

A big well done to the Ballymun Kick-

tact David Needham GPO on 086 310

hams Under-14 Football team who

1034.

won the All Ireland football feile in Cork over the weekend.

Good luck to the Dublin footballers on Sunday in Croke Park.

The club will be holding a fundraising camel race night this Friday, July 8 at 8.30pm upstairs in the Paddocks.

It costs €20 to sponsor a camel and

Completed application forms and

€100 to sponsor a race. If you fancy

full/part payment for the Erin Go

yourself as a camel owner, please

Bragh summer camps can be given

contact John Kinsella on 086 818

to any mentor or our GPO David

4054. You can view the fun at www.

Needham. The football camp runs

camelracingireland.com.

from July 18 to 22 (10am to 2.30pm

Our junior hurlers are looking for

each day). The hurling camp will run

new players. Training is at 7pm on

from August 8 to 11 (10am to 2pm

Wednesday in Beech Park. Please

each day). Surprise trip on a double

contact Pat on 087 060 1567.