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INSIDE: Local man helps promote Blue September campaign P7

September 15, 2011

THE PLACE TO MEET: New Centre proves a hit with locals See Page 6

Big barbecue: Welcoming new year at ITB All-Ireland: Local stars set for Kerry test at Croke Park Page 32

INSTITUTE of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) first-year students came together to attend the first social gathering of their academic year at the annual ITB Welcome Barbecue. ITB welcomed 900 full-time, first- year students, which includes four students from India’s ITM University, who are doing a semester abroad at ITB. Taking time out to read all about what the school has to offer are students Aoife McKeown and Niamh Glynn.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Soccer: Soccerfest 2011 a huge success in Phoenix Park Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

McGuinness selected to hold Brian’s seat Local teacher is chosen after tense FF convention

Q LAURA WEBB

2 5 -Y E A R- OL D t e a c h e r and local councillor, David McGuinness, has been chosen to contest the Dublin West byelection in October after a tense Fianna Fail selection convention on Tuesday night.

The par ty was forced

to resort to draw lots after McGuinness and the late Minister Brian Lenihan’s director of elections, Edward McManus, tied with 25 votes each.

The draw was won by Councillor McGuinness, who vowed to “fight a positive election campaign”. Congratulating McGuinness, beleaguered

Party Leader Micheal Martin said: “David is a young, sincere and committed representative, who will make an extremely strong candidate. Brian Lenihan and Fianna Fail have a proud record in the service of the people of Dublin West.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

PROPERTY

Homes under the hammer A FOUR-bedroom semidetached house in Porterstown, with a reserve price of €130,000, is one of a number of local properties being auctioned at the latest distressed property auction.

In its September catalogue, Allsop Space Property is offering two properties in Blanchardstown, and two in Clonsilla.

Included in the properties is Lot 41; a three-bed, semi-detached house in Castlewood, Clonsilla, with a reserve to exceed €95,000.

Lot 59 is a two-bed, duplex apartment at Verdemont, Blanchardstown, with a reserve not to exceed €80,000.

The distressed property auction will take place on Friday, September 23, in The Shelbourne Hotel.

For a full list of local properties being auctioned, see www.auction. co.uk/irish/onlineCatalogue.asp.

POLITICS FF pin Dublin West hopes on 25-year-old

McGuinness is selected to contest seat Q LAURA WEBB

FIANNA Fail will be pinning its hopes on the younger generation in the upcoming Dublin West byelection after the late Brian Lenihan’s former running mate, David McGuinness, was selected at a party convention on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old Mulhuddart councillor was one of five party members seeking the nomination to run for the party in the forthcoming byelection on October 27.

In the tightly-won race, Cllr McGuinness was up against four other members – former Castleknock councillor,

Brenda Clifford; previous election director for Brian Lenihan, Edward McManus; Lenihan’s election agent in February Michael Gilvarry, and local party activist, Mary Martin.

During Tuesday night’s selection convention at the Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown, the young teacher tied in votes with Edward McManus, each having 25 votes.

This meant the party had to initiate a party rule which says that if votes are tied, lots must be drawn.

Councillor McGuinness was then chosen.

Fianna Fail said it was now eager to regain the seat left vacant by the

untimely death of Brian Lenihan, who served as a FF TD in the Dublin West constituency for 15 years.

The former Minister for Finance was said to be honoured when he took the last seat in Dublin West during the recent General Election, which was also the only seat Fianna Fail secured in Dublin.

Representation His death brought to an end the 34-year representation in Dublin West by the Lenihan family. His father, Brian Lenihan Snr, served as a Dublin West TD for 18 years.

Brian Jnr was elected in 1996 in a byelection caused by the death of his father, and was re-elected in the 1997 General Election.

He remained a TD in

Councillor David McGuinness, Cllr Margaret Richardson and the late Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan, pictured at the Fingal Count Centre in 2009

the area until he lost his battle against pancreatic cancer on June 10.

Now, the beleagured party says it is “fighting to win” the seat, and to continue the service that Lenihan gave to the people of Dublin West.

Speaking following the Dublin West byelection convention, party leader, Micheal Martin, congratulated Cllr McGuinness.

“I was very pleased to be present this evening for the nomination of

David McGuinness to contest the upcoming byelection, arising from the sad passing of the late Brian Lenihan.

“David is a young, sincere and committed representative, who will make an extremely strong candidate.

“Fianna Fail will put forward a vigorous campaign, right up to polling day on October 27.

“Brian Lenihan and Fianna Fail have a proud record in the service of

the people of Dublin West. We are fighting to win this seat and continue that service.”

A thrilled Cllr McGuinness said: “I am in politics because I want to make my community a better place to live. I will fight a positive election campaign, drawing on my experience in local education, and my knowledge of the challenges being faced by the many diverse communities within the constituency.”

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

MUSIC Jaker hosting gig for Irish Cancer Society

€11.25m to tackle icy roads

Playing a part to fundraise Q LAURA WEBB blanch@gazettegroup.com

AN ANNUAL charity gig organised by local band, Jaker, is getting a music overhaul this year, by becoming a bigger and better variety show that will appeal to the whole family.

Each year, the band hosts a charity gig to raise money for worthy causes.

Over the last number of years, they have played a solo gig, but, this year, they are bringing even more entertainment with a host of acts for Local Band Night – a variety gig at Draiocht Theatre.

Speaking to The

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Gazette this week, lead singer, Kevin Casey, said the show will cater for everyone.

“Once or twice a year we put on a charity gig and, normally, it is our own gig, and we donate the proceeds, but this time we are doing a variety night.

“So far, joining Jaker is new band, You Know Why; local band, Mulhuddart Twirlettes, and Irish dancing group, ARG (Acadamh Rince Gaelach), who are sending out a group of seven dancers, including a North American champion, Gavin Malone, and two Dublin champions, Leanne O’Connor and

COUNCIL: FUNDING

Each year, local band, Jaker, organises a charity fundraising gig, and, this year, they have organised an even bigger concert, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

Germaine McDaid.

“There is also a Garth Brooks’ tribute. Each act will get between 15-20 minutes to perform, and we are trying to cater for everyone,” he says.

With the success of last year’s show, Kevin decided to set a challenge and organise a bigger event.

“The last one was a

local one and we did it for the cystic fibrosis ward at Crumlin Hospital.

“That worked out well.

We made a lot more money than we thought we would, so I just had a feeling about this, and decided to go a little bit bigger.

“It was more of a challenge, so, hopefully, it

pays off.

“This year’s beneficiary is the Irish Cancer Society. The very first charity gig we did years back, we did it for them and I had always said I would do another one for them, and I just thought this would be it,” says Kevin.

With 280-plus seats at the venue, the band

hopes to make a significant amount for the Irish Cancer Society.

If this gig works out, Jaker will consider making the local band variety show an annual event.

Local Band Night takes place on Friday, October 14 at 8pm. Tickets for the show cost €5, and are available through Draiocht box office.

AN INCREASE in the Winter Maintenance Grant for local authorities to keep roads clear during severe weather has been welcomed.

Labour councillor, and Deputy Mayor, Patrick Nulty, welcomed the increased allocation for the grant, from €10 million to €11.25 million.

According to Cllr Nulty, this money will assist local authorities with winter maintenance and to keep important roads clear.

“The funding will help to cover the cost of purchasing, transporting, storing and spreading salt, and other works associated with extreme weather conditions.

“As someone who relies mainly on public transport, I remember the road conditions for commuters and drivers when the snow fell over the last few years,” said Cllr Nulty.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

HARTSTOWN PARK: DEPT APPROVES €300,000

Funding for new pitch Q LAURA WEBB

THE Depar tment of Sport has confirmed €300,000 in funding for the construction of an all-weather pitch in Hartstown Park.

Local TD and Minister for Sport, Leo Varadkar, has also approved funding to construct a mini pitch next to Mary Mother of Hope national school in Castaheany.

Last week, the gazette reported that the race is on for Fingal County Council to start and complete the construction of an all-weather pitch in Hartstown Park because grant funding is only available if it’s completed by the end of the year.

The cost of the project was confirmed this week as €300,000, which was

approved by the local TD. Meanwhile, Minister Varadkar has also provided €20,000 to construct an all-weather mini pitch on land between Mary Mother of Hope National School, the Castaheany Community Centre and Littlepace Shopping Centre. These facilities will be built by Fingal County Council, which will also pay for some of the cost. It is anticipated they will be built later this year.

“I am really pleased to be able to make money available for all-weather pitches in Hartstown Park and Castaheany. Both of these large residential areas are short of sporting facilities and I am pleased to be able to address that in my capacity as Minister for Sport,” he said.

Cheque it out: Fundraising efforts get €2,200 for Pieta House in Lucan PETER Alford, from Maynooth, along with colleagues and supporters, presenting the cheque of €2,200 to Pieta House in Lucan, a charity that works for the prevention of suicide and self-harm. The money raised was the result of two recent events carried out by employees of Johnson Controls and IBM, in partnership with The 1st Meath (Dunboyne) Scouts’ Club. The first event was a fundraising quiz night in Dunboyne village, while the second and

most notable event was Peter’s impressive Cross-Country Cycle from Dublin to Athlone and back, as he participated in the 2011 Tomas Mulligan Memorial Cycle on August 13 and 14. Pictured, left to right, are Peter Alford, Johnson Controls; Joe Smith, Johnson Controls; Marie Peelo, Pieta House; Joan Freeman, Pieta House; Janine Burke, Johnson Controls; Mick Daly, 1st Meath Scout’s Club Dunboyne and Willie Walshe, IBM.

COUNCIL: OWNERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH ENFORCEMENT NOTICE

Proceedings initiated against skating rink Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

PROSECUTION proceedings against an unauthorised roller skating rink operating out of a unit in a Dublin 15 business park have been initiated by Fingal County Council.

The roller disco at the Rosemount Business Park does not have proper planning permission from the council, and, according to a FCC spokesperson, using the warehouse unit as a roller skating rink does not fall within the zoning of the area, which is zoned for Science and Technology.

In a council report, the council said a written complaint was received in 2009 about the “unauthorised business” and after an inspection

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of the premises, it was deemed unauthorised.

“As this development does not have the benefit of planning permission, nor can it be considered exempted development, it is therefore unauthorised.”

A warning letter was served to the owners in August 2009.

The council later received a written submission by the occupiers the following month looking to lodge a retention application, which was officially lodged on September 24, 2009, but refused by the council on November 11, 2009.

Appeal An Bord Pleanala later upheld the council’s decision by refusing the application after an appeal was lodged.

‘However, following further inspection of the site carried out recently on August 26, 2011, it was revealed that the roller skating rink is still in use and that the Enforcement Notice has not been complied with’

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In August 2010, a letter was issued to the owners requiring them to cease operation of the unauthorised skating rink.

According to FCC no response was received to date and further inspection of the premises earlier this year revealed the situation was unchanged.

This prompted an enforcement notice to be issued again, in July of this year, requiring the roller skating rink to “cease

no later than one month from the date of the notice”.

However, following further inspection of the site carried out recently on August 26, 2011, it was revealed that the roller skating rink is still in use and that the Enforcement Notice has not been complied with.

Fingal County Council has now initiated prosecution proceedings against the owners of the roller skating rink.

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

FINGAL Election for ninth President

Make sure you use your vote Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council is urging residents to make sure they can use their vote in the upcoming Presidential election by checking their name on the register.

The date for the election for the ninth head of state has been confirmed as October 27, the same day two referenda will take place.

Voting for the President is open to all Irish citizens living in Ireland over the age of 18 on polling day and only if their name appears on the register.

Residents can check

to see if they are registered by logging onto www.checktheregister. ie If residents cannot find their name on the register, then they can apply to be added to the supplemental register which will allow you to vote in this election by downloading form RFA2 from www. checktheregister.ie and complete it.

I f r e s i d e n t s h ave recently moved address from one constituency to another then download and complete form RFA3 and return it to Fingal County Council before 5pm on Monday October 10, 2011.

Fingal County Council is urging residents to have their say

Fingal County Council’s Stephen Peppard said: “By analysing the increases in age groups in Census 1996 and 2011, we estimate that since the last Presidential Election in 1997, there are an additional 76,000 citizens of Fingal who are of voting age.

“These people may not all be eligible to vote, as this election is open to Irish citizens only.

“However, clearly there are tens of thousands of Fingal residents aged between 18 and 31 or 32, and this would be their first opportunity to vote in this type of election.”

He continues: “Many of these people would cer tainly be on the Electoral Register, and may have voted in local and general elections over the past 14 years,

but this is their first opportunity to vote in a Presidential election, and everyone should make sure that they are on the register and that their details are correct.”

It is the sole responsibility of each person over 18 years of age to ensure that they are on the Register of Electors, and that their details are correct.

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

BLANCHARDSTOWN ONGAR Surge of interest in community facility LIBRARY: ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrating culture night Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council celebrates culture night at Blanchardstown Library next on Friday, September 23.

The local library is one of many cultural and art centres around the country celebrating cultures from all over the world.

Senior Librarian, Betty Boardman, said: “This will be the library’s first ever venture into Culture Night, when, along with hundreds of other cultural and arts centres around the country, our doors will be open for a great night of family entertainment.

“For anyone who is not a member of the library, this is a wonderful opportunity to join and avail of all our free services.”

Cultural Night takes place on Friday, September 23, from 7pm until 10pm.

At 7pm kids aged 6-12 years can join in all the

fun of The Phantom Tollbooth storytelling and activity quest. This must be booked in advance by calling 8905563 At 7.30pm, adults and teenagers are invited to celebrate classic horror fiction, from Bram Stoker to Stephen King, at a talk by artist, Jonathan Barry and librarian Alan Dunne.

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‘For anyone who is not a member of the library, this is a wonderful opportunity to join and avail of all our free service’ --------------------------

Entertainment on the night is supplied by Luttrellstown Community College’s choral group.

Also there will be lots of spot prizes to win on the night and special tours of the Library.

Centre proves a hit with locals Q LAURA WEBB

blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

THE community of Ongar is truly spoiled for choice with activities as its newly opened state-of-the-art community centre is getting a surge of interest from local groups looking to hire out the facility that aims to cater for the entire neighbourhood.

Ongar Community Centre opened in June, and is a shared facility with St Benedict’s National School.

T he centre’s large sports hall, which caters for basketball, football, as well as other activities, is used by the school until 4pm Mon-

day to Friday. It is then open to local clubs and groups to hire out after that until 10pm. The modern sports hall has a sound-proof partition that allows the room be split into two.

The two-storey building also has a number of multi-purpose rooms, such as meeting rooms, a training room with an interactive board, and a dance room that is also built with a partition.

Running the show is general manager Jenny Gorman, who says there has been a big interest in the centre since it opened.

Showing their interest already is the Blanchardstown Youth Service’s book club, St John’s Ambulance, parent and infant groups and dance groups. Looking to the future, the centre is hoping to open a preschool and after-school care facility.

“We are catering for the whole community.

We are at the early stages and are looking for more groups. There’s just a great atmosphere when people come in to use it and there is great support for it.

“There is a huge number of bookings already. We already have a number of clubs signed up, such as Clonee and Pinebrook Celtics.

“There is a dance studio here, too, and we have classes in Samba, Irish dancing, ballet and hip hop, with most including adult and kids classes. We also have fitness classes, like bootcamp and kettlebells.

Ongar Community Centre is holding a registration day on September 20, from 5pm until 7pm.

The community centre is open seven days a week

A plaque to mark to opening of the centre

The centre boasts a modern sports hall as well as meeting and training rooms

“The registration day is to let people know we are here and open for business. It is also to give people an opportunity to see what is available. It looks good outside, but until you come in you don’t know what great facilities are here,” Jenny said.

At the moment the centre is running with minimal staff, but when the centre builds up

with bookings, this will change.

“We are still growing, so at the moment it’s myself and Derek Keegan, the centre attendant. Once we have more hours booked we will look at staffing it accordingly.”

A website is being developed for the centre, which will include a timetable of what’s on in the centre, and a print-

able timetable available at the centre’s reception is also coming soon.

The community centre is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday, from 10am until 10pm.

It also takes bookings for Saturday and Sunday, which caters for times suited to interested group bookings.

For further information Ongar Community Centre on 01 826 0366.

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

INITIATIVE Local man helps promote Blue September campaign

Helping to support cancer campaign Q LAURA WEBB blanch@gazettegroup.com

A BL A N C H A R D S TOWN man, who faced and overcame prostate cancer, is one of the people joining well-known faces, such as Taoiseach Enda Kenny, to support the Blue September campaign, which encourages men to “face up to cancer”.

In January of this year, David Rose was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the same cancer his brother died from two years earlier. Luckily, he was diagnosed at an early stage and, following an operation in May to remove his prostate, he continues to live life to the full.

Blue September was launched at the beginning of this month and

is a growing global initiative to encourage men to be more aware of their health and more proactive in protecting themselves against preventable and treatable diseases. It’s encouraging supporters to host a blue event day in September.

The 58-year-old is now sharing his story to urge men to bite the bullet and get checked for prostate cancer. He believes the Blue September campaign is “waking people up” and that more and more men will get checked because of it.

“Most blokes think: ‘I am only in my forties, fifties, I’m grand.’ But I was 57 when I got it and I am sure there are younger people who got it.”

Now he is encouraging every man he talks to get checked. “I just keep say-

ing it’s a simple blood test that is all it is. There were no symptoms and when you have no symptoms you think you are bullet proof, you think nothing is wrong with you. I had no symptoms; it was the blood test, [the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test] that I had that got it.

They gave me a biopsy two weeks later and then I went in for the operation.

“My brother died of it two years ago, it spread to his colon. I was more aware of it then, and then my best friend, his brother got it and when he got it his level of PSA was high, mine was low. The day I was getting my operation, he was being buried. His brother came outside the graveyard and said it is ironic that he is burying his brother the same day I am getting an opera-

tion to save my life – it’s strange.”

David was given the choice to have radiation treatment or remove the prostate. After discussing it with his wife he chose to have it removed.

“I thought the best option for me was to get rid of it altogether – so I did; I know if I hadn’t got anything done, I wouldn’t have lasted a year or two.

“I think doctors should automatically do a PSA test while they are doing blood, you shouldn’t have to ask for it. It’s only a click of a pen at the end of the day.

“I was very lucky when they caught it. I feel brilliant now. If there are no symptoms it probably means it’s in the early stages, so it likely you’ll catch it early and

CRIME: WHITESTOWN SHOOTING

Gardai appeal for any witness to attack

Pictured at Government Buildings for the launch of Blue September, are Taoiseach Enda Kenny, with prostate cancer survivor, David Rose

if you do symptoms get it checked because it can save your life. People just need to be encouraged. I am encouraging everyone I’m in contact with to get checked,” said David.

Blue September Ireland will raise awareness of bowel, lung, prostate and testicular cancer, while

fundraising for the following Irish charities: Cancer Care West, The Marie Keating Foundation, The Mater Foundation and The Mercy Hospital Foundation.

For further information on Blue September, log onto www.blueseptember.ie

GARDAI are appealing to witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a shooting in Whitestown on Monday night.

A 35-year-old sustained an injury to his leg when a lone gunman fired a number of shots during an incident at Whitestown Drive at 10.30pm on Monday September 12.

The man was taken to hospital and later discharged.

Gardai are asking anyone with information to contact Blanchardstow n Garda Station on 6667000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

EVENT

ITB first-year students come together to attend

International students, Vauvrely Loic, Diallo Jules, Arnaud Rodolphe, Chardon Maitthieu, Bellebo Anthony, Allaert Romain, from France

Students gather for welcome barbecue nstitute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) first-year students came together to attend its first social gathering of their academic year at the annual ITB Welcome Barbecue. ITB welcomed 900 full-time, firstyear students, which includes four students from India’s ITM University who are doing a semester abroad at ITB.

I

Students were welcomed by the Students Union along with its president, Darragh McGill and faculty where the students had the opportunity to tour the college and meet with their fellow classmates and find out more about what to expect in their first year. The new college year will see a total of more than 3,000 students attending ITB.

Satyam Dhingra, Lovish Jain, Chander Khanega and Aakash Bhardwaj, from India

Danny Roe from Dunboyne

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

the first social gathering of their new academic year

Eve Lynch, from Portmarnock, with Jerome Schetter, from Germany

International students, Marine Forestier, Lysiane Lafargue and Charlotte Via, from France

Aoife McKeown, from Templeogue, and Niamh Glynn, from Lucan

Aaron Hand, from Templeogue, and Michelle O’Connor,

Tara Foy, from Blanchardstown and Shannon Clarke,

from Knocklyon

from Duleek Co Meath

Rachel O’Donnell, Joey Byrne, both from Lucan, and Becky Hogarty, from Maynooth

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

BUSINESS Launching this year’s Fingal Enterprise Week

Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board; David O’Connor, county manager, Fingal County Council; Bobby Kerr; Cllr Gerry McGuire, Mayor of Fingal County Council; Ben Dunne; Nicola Byrne; Joe Harford, chairman, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Paddy Lonergan, Bank of Ireland and Siobhan Kinsella, Fingal Chamber

David O’Connor, county manager, Fingal County Council; Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Joe Harford, chairman, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Siobhan Kinsella, Fingal Chamber; Cllr Gerry

Fingal Enterprise Week sounds like a bright idea for Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Nicola

McGuire, Mayor of Fingal County Council and Paddy Lonergan, BOI

Byrne; Bobby Kerr and Ben Dunne, who came together at the Europa Academy, Swords to help launch the initiative

Pitching in to mark a key Fingal event

HREE of Ireland’s best-known entrepreneurs were on hand to launch a jam-packed programme of events for the upcoming Fingal Enterprise Week.

Ben Dunne, Bobby Kerr and Nicola Byrne came together to mark Fingal Enterprise week, which takes place from September 26 to September 30.

More than 800 businesses are expected to take part in the week’s events, which includes a pop-up bank, social media seminars, open days and business networking, mentoring clinics, a food forum and an export seminar, as well as talks around how to improve branding and client pitches for small business owners.

The highlight of the week is when four selected small businesses get to

T

pitch to Ben Dunne, Bobby Kerr and Nicola Byrne in front of a live audience at the Fingal Enterprise Awards on Thursday, September 29, at the Europa Academy.

One of the four businesses has a chance to go through to the National Enterprise Awards in November. This event is hosted by Richard Curran, from RTE’s Dragon’s Den series.

Speaking at the programme launch in Swords, Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of the Fingal County Enterprise Board, said that owner/managers of small businesses, and those looking to set up a new enterprise, need even greater access to information, advice and supports.

“During Fingal Enterprise Week, small businesses and new start-ups can meet industry experts, seek busi-

Oisin Geoghegan, Bobby Kerr, Ben Dunne and Nicola Byrne

ness advice, hear from experienced entrepreneurs and attend free mentor clinics.

“The events are designed to help visitors identify new business opportunities and markets, to encourage them to make new business contacts through networking, and to match them with experienced mentors to tackle their business queries.

“These are all vital issues for small business owners, to help them decide how to better develop their enterprise,” he said.

Most of the events during Fingal Enterprise Week are free of charge, and bookings can be made online through www.fingalenterpiseweek.ie.

Fingal Enterprise Week is supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of Ireland and Newstalk.

Oisin Geoghegan, Ben Dunne, Nicola Byrne and Bobby Kerr

Oisin Geoghegan, Nicola Byrne, Bobby Kerr and Ben Dunne point out Fingal’s strengths for business

The business and entreprenurial figures were happy to line up and extol Fingal’s virtues for enterprise

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 11

MILESTONE

MEASLES: WARNING TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN’S VACCINES UP-TO-DATE

Ten years for Go for Life

HSE call to have kids vaccinated Q STAFF REPORTER

THE HSE is calling on parents to protect their children from measles by having them vaccinated this September.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread by coughs and sneezes.

The only way to protect against measles is to get the MMR vaccine. Children need two doses of MMR vaccine at 12 months and again at 4 to 5 years of age.

“Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles. Since the beginning of this year there have been over 160 cases of measles and, over the summer, there has been a rapid increase.

These have occurred mainly in children less than four years of age

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‘Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles’

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who were never vaccinated and most of the cases were in north Dublin City,” a spokesperson for the HSE said.

“As normal routine kicks in, children are going back to creche, pre-school and primary school this week. This is a time when more children are mixing together and so the risk of spreading measles is increased.

“Make sure that your children are protected against infectious dis-

eases by ensuring they are up-to-date with their vaccines. If your child is starting school (aged 4 or 5 years) and has never had an MMR vaccine, they need to get it now. They should get it from their GP. MMR vaccine is free.

“Children who have had one dose of MMR, will get their second dose of MMR vaccine either at school or from their GP. “Any child between 6-12 years of age should already have had two doses of MMR vaccine. If they have not they need it now. Go to your GP for the vaccine. If your child has only had one dose, they should go for their second dose to the GP. MMR vaccine is free,” the spokesperson said.

For more information see www.immunisation. ie or www.hpsc.ie

Welcome home: Dubliner whiskey planning to take over the country GOLDEN Goddesses Holly Carpenter and Roz Purcell were on hand to welcome The Dubliner home as First Ireland Spirits announce that new Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, one of Ireland’s most exciting new exports, is now available in Dublin after seizing a golden opportunity in Australia and tasting success in the US. As well as Dublin Airport, Dubliner is also stocked in the Irish Celtic Whiskey shop on Dawson Street with plans to go nationwide over the next 12 months at a recommended retail price from €22 to €25. It is now sold in the US, Ireland, Britain, Germany, Holland, Ukraine, Israel and Australia.

OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week.

Go for Life is an Age and Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity.

Speaking at the event Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country.”

12 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

MEDIATE, OR NO? Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation – it’s the new kid on the block FOR THOSE considering going to court to solve a dispute, be it a business, family, or just the ordinary disputes that occur in day-to-day life, Alternative Dispute Resolution

(ADR) is now an alternative to court.

Until recently, people felt that their only recourse to justice, in dealing with civil/commercial or family issues was to “have their

day in court”.

This can often prove more of a hindrance than a problem solver.

Sometimes it resulted in the failure of viable companies and the destruction of good business relationships. This, in turn, caused a lot of stress resulting in marital problems, breakdown and, again, more court proceedings.

Under these circumstances, mediation is fast becoming the “light at the end of the tunnel”.

It is now mandatory in civil and commercial courts that parties considering going to court must be given the option of mediation and informed of its advantages prior to their court appearance.

The courts can take a “poor view” of parties who refuse to undertake mediation, and final decisions can be swayed by the reluctance of the parties to undertake same.

Mediation is equally as important in Family Law cases, where the cost of court may be very high,

Mediation is becoming a popular alternative to the courts when it comes to dispute resolution

both on an emotional and financial level.

Therefore the Family Law Courts are now in the process of advocating mediation as the least painful and most costeffective form of dispute resolution.

Mediation is becoming very popular in Ireland as both the judiciary and the disputing parties see the advantages of its flexibility, problem-solving and its ability in time-saving, both for the disputing parties and courts viewpoint.

Process of mediation

Mediation begins with either of the parties in dispute contacting the mediator directly or it may be a solicitor referral to mediation in order to comply with legal requirements.

Initially, a meeting is set up during which the mediator explains the process, the rules and role of the mediator. At this time the parties are informed that Mediation is voluntary,

confidential and its aim is to come up with an agreement satisfactory to all.

Clients are encouraged to have independent legal advice at all stages. However, they are obliged to refrain from litigation during the course of mediation. An agreement to mediate is signed and then the process can be continued in both joint/ single sessions. The mediator’s role is to guide the discussion and to remain impartial. Mediators do, of course, act as “devil’s advocate”, ask difficult questions and prompt replies that initiate solutions. Upon conclusion a “Memorandum of Understanding” is drawn up, signed by the parties and taken to their respective solicitors to make it legally binding. By this process the parties themselves have resolved their own issues.

Going to court to solve disputes, whether they arise in the course of someone’s business or pri-

vate lives, is an arduous, time-consuming, expensive and often traumatic process.

In court, judgments and adjournments can be time-consuming and, when a ruling is finally reached, it is often impossible to adhere to, due to the lack of input from the disputing parties.

From once you enter court there is little or no confidentiality. When your case is being heard anybody can walk into the courtroom, can hear all your business, and report on their findings.

When compared to the mediation process, it is obvious that many of the disadvantages of court are eliminated.

As a rule, mediation costs are substantially lower than those of court proceedings. Mediation can resolve complex disputes in as little as a day.

There are no waiting lists or adjournments.

The parties in the mediation control the process,

and the outcome. No agreement or solution will be imposed. This in itself helps to maintain friendships – mediation is a lot less destructive to private and commercial relationships as parties enter mediation in good faith and with the intention to settle.

Mediation items discussed, and their outcome, are completely confidential between the mediator and the parties concerned.

Another advantage is that parties come to a mutually beneficial solution that can become legally binding. This happens when parties have agreed some or, hopefully, all of the items on the agenda.

For instance, an accredited mediator has the authority to create with the parties a document called a Memorandum of Understanding. This document is then given to a solicitor who will take it to court on your behalf, to have it “rubber stamped”.

It then becomes legally binding, therefore, you personally never need to attend court.

In conclusion, it was asked at the start of the article should you “mediate or not”? It seems clear we would all agree to definitely mediate.

For further information, contact Citywide Consultants & Mediators, Rosie Gallagher FCPA, C Dip. AF, telephone: 01 219 4444, mobile: 087 666 9887, email: rosie@cwcm ie or visit www.cwcm.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 13

VOLUNTEER

SUPPORT: APPEAL TO HELP PAY FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENT’S TREATMENT

10 years on for Go for Life

Fundraiser is cabaret crazy A FANTASTIC night of vintage-inspired entertainment has been arranged for the upcoming fundraiser for the Marc Owens Medical Fund.

On September 22 at the Sugar Club, Fab Cabaret will take to the stage.

Headlining the night will be chanteuse Jeannette Byrne, with her 10-piece band performing classic French chansons a la Piaf, Aznavour and Brel.

On the bill also will be Liza Minnelli Tribute act, Sharon Sexton, and magician/comedian Jack Wise.

If you’re looking for an evening of classic romantic music, with some amazing magic tricks thrown in, then look no further.

Tickets, priced €15, are available from Shane

Lynch – 087 8317677, Paul Collins 087 2591508; or email marcowensmedicalfund@gmail.com.

At the age of just 18, Marc Owens was just about to embark on his final year in Belvedere College when he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of cancer.

There were no warning signs, just an acute stomach ache and, suddenly, this happy, sports-mad teenage was a cancer patient with very poor prospects.

His doctors sent him to the MD Anderson Cancer Care Clinic in Houston for cutting-edge, life-saving surgery last February.

After many complications, set-backs and not a little pain, Marc returned home in May and, for the moment, he is continu-

ing his treatment in the Mater Hospital.

To help fund the enormous cost of Marc’s ongoing treatment, a fund has been set up – the Marc Owens Medical Fund - to raise €1 million over the next three years.

In less than four months, €250,000 has already been raised through various fundraising activities.

Cathy Herbert, who is on the fundraising committee, said: “Marc is facing the kind of challenge that puts all other challenges into perspective. We all need to rally around him to ensure he can get the best medical care in the world.”

For more information about Marc, call Cathy Herbert, 087 2395393, or see website www.marcowensmedicalfund.com

Showdown: Turn the Aviva Blue for first RaboDirect Pro12 encounter LEINSTER RUGBY players Eoin O’Malley, left, and Dominic Ryan want to see the Blue Army descend on Landsdowne Road to support the Heineken Cup champions as they take on arch rivals, Munster, in November.

Following pre-sales, which incorporated a special Hour of Power reduced-price window last week, over 21,000 tickets for the match, dubbed Fever in Aviva 2, have been sold for the November 4 showdown.

The Leinster team are calling on all Dublin supporters to come and support the team. For more information, log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie

OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week.

Go for Life is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity. Last year, more than 40,000 elderly people took part.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country,” he said.

14 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Jay and Silent Bob strike Vicar Street for a live show FILMMAKER, comic-book author, actor and internet pioneer Kevin Smith, together with his longtime partner-in-crime, Jason Mewes, are coming to Vicar Street next February 21 to record a special Dublin edition of their internet radio show, Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. The iconic duo’s show is part of a catalogue of programming on the SModcast internet radio network that Smith has developed in recent years, that tours the US recording in theatres, comic-book conventions and comedy clubs.

The SIR network, available through iTunes, features podcasts and shows with many faces and voices familiar to fans of the Jersey boy’s movies, including Ralph Garman, and comedian and actor Jay Mohr.

Anyone who has seen Kevin Smith’s spoken word shows will know to expect the hilarious and the irreverent in equal measure.

For more information, see thesirmon.com

REVIEW: A CELEBRATION OF SURVIVAL AND COMMITMENT

Twenty years on and Pearl Jam still endure Q ROB HEIGH

A FRIEND tells a story of when he was working in the US as a roadie and tech for a few big-name bands. There was this kid who used to hang out, and then work with the crew he was with, an unassuming, quiet and polite lad with long hair and a love of surfing.

One day, he gave my friend a tape with demos of some songs he’d written, and asked what he thought. My friend listened, liked what he heard, and said he should stick at it. The kid was pleased, and they continued working together until my friend moved back to Britain.

One night, a few years later, he recognised a song by a new band making their television debut on BBC’s Late Show. It was

Pearl Jam are celebrating their anniversary with a series of events, including the release of Pearl Jam 20

one of the songs the kid he’d worked with in the US gave him, and he was singing with the band. The kid was Eddie Vedder, and the band was Pearl Jam, playing a blistering version of Alive.

Since 1991, Pearl Jam have been a constant force of rock nature, and 20 years on from the

release of Ten, they are celebrating their anniversary with a series of major events — a mini-festival in Wisconsin last weekend that featured The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden, as well as two epic closing sets

by PJ, a double album retrospective and PJ20, a motion picture documen-

tary by filmmaker and long-term friend of the band, Cameron Crowe (who cast them in his movie, Singles, in 1992).

The movie had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival last weekend, and I was lucky enough to catch a special screening this week.

The movie is a tribute to the enduring power of friendship, creativity and music that has seen the individuals go through some immensely tough times in their history, that shaped their work, themselves as people and as a band of brothers.

The movie goes right back through the history of Pearl Jam, to their genesis as Mookie Blaylock from the ashes of Mother Love Bone in Seattle in 1990, right through to the present day, where they are rightly regarded as one of the best live acts in the world, proven time and again through the archive and specially-filmed concert footage from the 2010 tour.

Individual interviews with the band members, both archive and recent, are interspersed with personal, TV and backstage

material, and contributions from their contemporaries, like Chis Cornell.

Cameron Crowe and his editors have made their way through an epic amount of archive footage to come up with the two hours of material that make up the movie, and if I had one quibble, it would simply by that it is not long enough. I left the cinema hoping that there will be a director’s cut.

But Cameron Crowe has told the story of Pearl Jam with sympathy and narrative flair, showing a group of very different people growing up and making the choice to stay committed to their project when most other bands would have broken up.

PJ20 shows across Dublin next week on September 20 for one day only at Vue Liffey Valley, the IFI, the Dun Laoghaire IMC and the Rathmines Omniplex.

If you are even a passing fan, or a rabid devotee, I urge you to go along. This illuminating and heartfelt salute to an enduring and important rock band is a great film in it’s own right.

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Winter months are coming soon and moisturising is key WITH the winter months almost upon us, it’s time to start taking extra-special care of your complexion, particularly if you are prone to dry, flaky and tight skin.

With ingredients that are almost good enough to eat, skin savvy shoppers are sure to love The Handmade Soap Co’s Body Butters. The Irish company’s highlyrestorative handmade body butters are effective on even the most dried out and parched skin. Perfect for putting on after the shower or bath, the thick, rich

butters are particularly great for elbows, knees and heels.

When the solid butters come into contact with the skin, they literally melt, providing a luxurious hydrating layer that locks in moisture. And, along with keeping your skin in tip-top shape, their delicious range of body butters are also ideal for massage.

Packed with natural goodness of whipped shea butter and cocoa butter, they get to work quickly to soften, moisturise and encourage skin restructuring and

rehydration. Meanwhile, sweet almond oil deeply moisturises, restoring elasticity to the skin, leaving it feeling fabulously silky and soft.

And, the best part for me is they are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and artificial colours or fragrances.

The Handmade Soap Company was founded by couple Donagh Quigley and Gemma McGowan in 2009 when, as a result of the recession, Donagh’s thatching business was left struggling. Looking for a new

50 years for Peter Mark

The Handmade Soap Co’s aloe vera, sweet almond and shea butter body butter

and exciting career, the couple were on holiday in the Australian rainforest when they seized upon the idea of creating a handmade soap company.

The couple set out with a passionate vision – that even seriously good skincare should be fun. And, in a short space of time, the couple’s company has an order book with

shoppers from as farflung as Japan and Brazil, that would make even a skincare giant green.

It’s no wonder then that the company is fast becoming an industry leader, winning a rake of awards for its range of skincare products and gorgeous, quirky, retropackaging.

Av a i l a b l e i n t wo yummy scents – Grape-

fruit, scented with citrus tones of grapefruit and may chang and Aloe Vera, scented with floral tones of palmorosa, ylang ylang and bergamot.

The Handmade Soap Co Body Butter range is priced at €22.95 for 200ml and is available from The Organic Supermarket in Blackrock, Skerries Mills in Fingal and The Kilkenny Shop.

IT’S 50 years now since Peter and Mark Keaveney opened their first salon on Dublin’s Grafton Street and, since then, 73 more salons have opened nationwide. To celebrate, Peter Mark has joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to ‘Support 50 Wishes’ with two weeks of activities in salons throughout the country, from September 18 to October 2.

From fancy dress days, to bargain blowdries, cross-training sessions to 80’s theme days – there’s plenty going on!

There’s also a €10 gift card for every client who avails of hairdressing services in any Peter Mark Salon during this time.

16 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

Getting interactive at Dublin Contemporary Pictured is Hugh O’Neill, age 3, enjoying artist Liam O’Callaghan’s installation, Tales from the Inside Out On Repeat, at Dublin Contemporary 2011 in Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

Toast time for Arthur THE DIARY has been keeping its ear to the ground to find some good Dublin venues to enjoy this year’s Arthur’s Day celebrations, and it appears The Glenside in Churchtown is set for a rollicking good session this year.

At 17.59 on September

DIARY 22, the famous Dublin pub will be bouncing to the sounds of the Christy Moore Tribute Show as well as Dublin’s finest balladeers, The Freewheelers.

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.

The Glenside is one of south Dublin’s finest Pubs. Owned by the Mangan Brothers it has a warm and friendly atmosphere.

From the outside, the pub looks like what you would have imagined a pub in times gone by, with its authentic thatch roof. The venue hosts traditional music every Sunday and live bands on Saturdays.

Contact Glenside on 01-2985932 for further information on event options.

And time to toddle...

THE Meningitis Trust is appealing for toddlers to take part in the annual Toddle Waddle throughout next month to raise vital funds and awareness about meningitis.

The national charity is hoping to raise €60,000 this year.

The Toddle Waddle has seen up to 32,000 toddlers waddle their way around Ireland, raising more than €560,000. It is a fun, sponsored walk for young children and their carers, and the sponsorship money they raise will help to provide on-going support to individuals and families who have been affected by meningitis.

To order a free Toddle Waddle organiser’s pack, call The Meningitis Trust on 01 2764269 or visit www.meningitis-trust.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: DOGS DON’T ‘SWEAT,’ OR PERSPIRE LIKE HUMANS DO TO KEEP COOL

Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly?

WAS asked an interesting question by a student during the week. “Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly?” My answer was, er, yes and no.

Dogs don’t “sweat”, or perspire the way we humans do but they can overheat and, yes, they can produce body odour.

As humans, when our body temperature builds up due to vigorous exercise, etc., we perspire and it becomes quite obvious – damp patches under the arm pits, moisture droplets on the skin and unpleasant body odour, because our sweat glands are all over our bodies.

However, a dog’s body is different. His sweat glands are located around his foot pads (merocrine glands), so, when he overheats due to hot weather or too much exercise, you will notice little wet pawshaped patches where he’s been walking.

When your pet overheats, in order to control his body temperature, he will pant quite a bit. This

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action makes the moisture on his tongue evaporate, and the heavy breathing that accompanies it allows the moist lining of his lungs to become a surface from which excess moisture can also evaporate. Hence, his body cools effectively.

A tip for those who own bulldogs and pugs.

These are breeds with a compromised respiration system, so are at a higher risk of overheating because they are unable to pant efficiently, so please keep this in mind when exercising.

However, sometimes, along with your pet’s panting, comes doggie body odour, which can be unpleasant for some pet owners.

It’s up to you to help alleviate his discomfort; this depends on the cause of his body odour and if you are unsure that it’s simply due to overheating, then it’s always best to contact your vet. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you help him remain a cool canine.

If you believe the odour was caused by your dog being in contact with something unpleasant like fox poo, then give him a bath with a normal dog shampoo, but clean and rinse him thoroughly.

If you believe it’s his diet then alter it. Some dog food can cause a build up of oils on his skin and a lower fat diet may help with this.

Always consult your vet before you change your dog’s diet.

Make sure you feed your pet a high-quality dog food. Some low-quality foods may not contain the essential vitamins your dog requires to maintain proper health and vitality.

Read the label.

Prevent your dog from eating dog faeces. One of my Jack Russells has a fascination with other dogs’ faeces. No, she’s not strange, many dogs do this, but you must watch them carefully and prevent it happening.

Here’s another tip! If your dog eats his own poo, add a tin of pineap-

ple chunks to his food.

Once the pineapple is absorbed, the dog goes to the toilet and then decides to eat it, the taste of the added pineapple will make his poo taste bitter and your dog should eventually stop.

Sorry, I’ve no tips for preventing him eating other dogs’ poo other than to keep him away from it.

Finally, If you’re uncertain as to what is causing your dog’s body odour, (as in you know it’s not over-heating or any of the above) then please take him to the vet for a full health check because serious health conditions need to be ruled out.

Conditions, such as an infection, mange, dental problems and cancer, can all cause unpleasant doggie odours, so it’s always best to get an expert opinion, and who better to provide this than your local vet.

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

A dog’s sweat glands are located around his foot pads to keep him cool and he will also pant, which allows moisture to evaporate from his tongue and lungs

18 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Warning – being towed can be scary AN AA survey of 2,500 Dublin motorists who have had their car towed on one or more occasions reveals that, while the majority of motorists had a reasonably satisfactory experience, a number reported a range of problems and bad experiences, from exorbitant onthe-spot charges by local garages, to white-knuckle fear while being towed on a rope by a friend or family member.

“Motorists stranded on the side of the road are in a highly vulnerable and dangerous situation, particularly if it’s on a motorway or at night,” said Conor Faughnan, director of policy, AA Ireland.

“While not the rule, we did hear from a regrettable number of drivers across the country who were left stranded for hours waiting for assistance to arrive. Others indicated they had difficulty getting through to their insurance provider on the phone. This is particularly worrying when it involves more vulnerable road users, such as an elderly motorist, a lone female or someone travelling with children.”

Exorbitant

While the AA reports that a driver who does not have roadside rescue cover such as AA Membership can expect to pay an average of €105 for a 50km tow (equivalent of Skerries to Rathcoole), and information which is readily available on AA Routeplanner, some motorists reported paying local garages exorbitant amounts for relatively short recoveries.

“One motorist, for example, told us that for

a miniscule two-mile tow, they were charged an astronomical €150,” said Faughnan.

“And this was far from an isolated incident, according to the feedback that we’ve received.

It seems that some local garages, are prepared to chance their arms and take advantage of the situation.”

Accepting a tow from family/friends – a cautionary message

Another concern the AA raises is well-meaning friends and family taking on a towing job without the correct equipment or knowledge.

“It’s not as intuitive as you’d imagine and we certainly wouldn’t recommend providing a tow if you’re ill-equipped and unsure of best practices. During the poll, we heard of bumpers --------------------------

‘Being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hair-raising and very scary experience’

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

being pulled off, a thirdparty vehicle unwittingly ploughing through an unseen towing line and motorists being towed in terror for miles as they couldn’t afford the ad hoc services of a local towing provider,” said Faughnan.

“A lot of people also said that being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hairraising and very scary experience.”

Mercedes Benz has a new M-Class on the way for 2012 with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine that will deliver more pace for a lower running cost. Prices have not been confirmed but expect it to be marginally cheaper than the current edition and with lots more features.

M-Class SUV luxury MICHAEL MORONEY went to Germany and drove into Austria to test the new M-Class and give it his appraisal MERCEDES Benz considers the 4x4 market very important and aims to get a bigger share of the premium end with its upgraded new M-Class.

The new model has claims of being more fuel-efficient and better equipped. Mercedes Benz has downsized the entry engine from a 3.0- litre to 2.2-litre in its quest for better fuel economy.

We drove two versions of the car during the recent European launch, driving out of Munich.

The first one was the petrol-powered M-Class, followed by the equivalent engine in diesel power, and the far more interesting ML 250, with 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet.

Called the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, this SUV delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 16.6km per litre (6l/100km or 47mpg).

That’s an impressive economy figure for a heavy 4x4 vehicle that

SPECS: MERCEDES BENZ ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC Top speed: 210 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 9.0 sec Economy: 16.6 km/litre (6.0 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 158g/km Road Tax Band: D (€447) Euro NCAP Rating: NA Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: NA

runs on a permanent four-wheel-drive arrangement.

Relative to the current model, that delivers about a 25% reduction in fuel consumption from the new model when pitched against the older, bigger engine version. There are few SUVs in this power and weight category that can come near to these new lower running-cost figures.

The M-Class with this entry-level diesel engine is also claimed to give an unmatched driving range on a full tank of diesel. The basic tank has a capacity of 70 litres giving a range of 1,170km.

You can opt for a bigger 93-litre tank and this will then give a range of 1,500km.

With low fuel usage comes lower CO2 emissions. The new entry-level M-Class delivers a figure of 158g/km provided by Mercedes Benz. This will put the new M-Class in the Band D for motor tax purposes, meaning a drop in rate to €447 from close to €2,000 for the current model. That alone is a significant saving, before you even venture near the pumps.

Mercedes Benz has opted for a smaller engine with lower levels of fuel consumption to develop similar power to the bigger engine of the past.

The new technology also ensures that the car’s torque is at its best, with a figure of 500Nm being quoted.

Taking the M-Class on the road gives a very pleasant driving experience. The car is smooth to accelerate and the controls are logical and

well-placed.

But despite its relatively high price, somewhere above the €60,000 mark, this 4x4 is not particularly big on the inside. The front seating is good with lots of adjustment, but those in the rear seem to get a slightly poorer result.

The safety package is impressive with nine airbags on board. The new M-Class uses improved Assistance Systems that are already available on the E-Class models. The standard buyer gets the drowsiness detection system, called Attention Assist, the anticipatory safety system, called PreSafe and a tyre pressure loss warning system, as well as adaptive brake lights and Brake Assist (BAS). There is also an extensive range of optional Assistance Systems.

With a high towing rating of almost 3.5 tonnes, if fitted with a factory hitch, the Mercedes Benz may be recruited for work, as

well as for pleasure. The ground clearance under the heavy-duty chassis is better than many others, at 191mm.

The M-Class will sport the Mercedes badge that always adds to the price.

But overall, it’s not a very big SUV, even if it is expensive.

For many existing M-Class drivers the change is good in terms of the running-cost value.

The comfort is enhanced and the car drives very well, even if the acceleration poke is a little slower than anticipated from the 2.2-litre engine.

The final part of the new M-Class story is that it will be reasonably competitive, not that this is a word often linked with Mercedes Benz prices.

While the final prices have not yet been agreed for the Irish market, it is expected that, with a higher specification, the new M-Class will be cheaper than the current model when it arrives in Ireland early in 2012.

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 19

Tubik is Citroen’s new comfort MPV

CITROEN will show off its new, highly innovative concept van-type vehicle at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Called Tubik, this is designed to be a high-tech executive shuttle based on one key idea – that travel should be fun.

The Tubik design has been inspired by Citroen’s Type H or ‘TUB’ van, but with all the styling and characteristics of modern Citroen design, Tubik is a nine-seater packed with entertaining technology.

This striking van design boasts offbeat, distinctive styling with colours and materials designed to meet the highest standards of sophistication and comfort.

To make travel enjoyable for its passengers, Tubik incorporates a lounge-style cocoon dedicated to comfort and relaxation. The modular seats are designed to be arranged in many

different ways (semireclined, face-to-face, etc.). Citroen claims that the onboard technology, which includes a giant semi-circular screen and high-definition surround sound, turns the cabin into an area that is perfect for sharing over long distances.

Nissan will be offering a new 1.6 litre turbo-diesel in the Qashqai models to improve fuel economy with a Stop/Start option due in 2012

A Pure Drive with the latest Qashqai option

Aerodynamics

This Tubik concept is powered by Citroen’s new Hybrid4 technology.

With this full-hybrid diesel drive and optimised aerodynamics, Citroen claims that the Tubik maintains CO2 emissions at a level comparable to a conventional saloon.

The full-hybrid diesel drive also offers more range than a stand-alone internal combustion engine and maximises traction in four wheeldrive mode. The front wheels are driven by the diesel engine and the rear wheels by the elec-

The new Citroen Tubik concept car shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show is designed as the ultimate in terms of people carrier design

tric motor. The 22-inch wheels feature deep, narrow, very low-rolling resistance tyres to further help optimise fuel consumption.

At 4.80m long, 2.08m wide and 2.05m tall, Tubik is big enough to carry up to nine passengers. The front end, which stands

apart from the main body, brings to mind the corrugated metal of the Type H van with its distinctive ribbing, while the windscreen pillars are reminiscent of the Type H’s two characteristic ridges.

To make the Tubik look even more protective,

Citroen’s designers have combined two contrasting colours. The metallic grey of the body shell enveloping the pearlescent white at either end marks the position of the diesel engine (at the front) and electric motor (at the rear) used by the full-hybrid diesel drive.

Peugeot teams up with IFA THE IFA Member Services and Peugeot will launch a new partnership on the occasion of the 80th National Ploughing Championships, Athy on September 20-22.

To celebrate the new venture, the IFA is launching a Peugeot 508 giveaway, to the value of €24,850, at the Ploughing Championships, details of which can be sought at both the IFA and the Peugeot stand.

T h e I FA / P e u g e o t partnership will bring to fruition many motoring benefits to IFA members, of which there are currently 87,000 in Ireland.

Effective from November 1, 2011, IFA members will enjoy excellent value service offers from Peugeot. They will be eligible to join the IFA Peugeot Service Club, offering

John Bryan, President of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Des Cannon, Peugeot Sales & Marketing Director, JJ Kavanagh, IFA National Treasurer and George Harbourne, Peugeot Managing Director.

every fourth service for free. A €250 rebate will be paid to IFA members on new Peugeot vehicle registration.

George Harbourne, Peugeot managing director said: “Peugeot has a very natural affiliation with Ireland’s farming

community and the IFA, thanks to our strong diesel heritage.

“We are very excited about this partnership and we very much look forward to working with the IFA in the coming years to make sure it is a success for Peugeot Ire-

land, The IFA and IFA members.”

John Bryan, president of the Irish Farmers’ Association said: “IFA is delighted to announce this partnership with Peugeot.

“We are committed to delivering the best range

of deals through our Member Services division, and the tie-up with Peugeot will bring added benefits to the existing package.

“I expect there will be strong interest at Ploughing, given the superb prize on offer.”

NISSAN has developed a new Pure Drive version of the top-selling Qashqai, which produces just 129g/km of CO2 with a fuel consumption of 20.km/litre (4.9l/100km).

This latest Qashqai is powered by a new 1.6litre diesel engine that claims to deliver strong fuel economy and low emissions, but which has the same levels of torque and top speed as the 2.0-litre dCi engine it replaces.

Peak power from the new engine is 130bhp, which is backed by a torque figure of 320Nm, available from as low as 1,750 rpm. And this is just the start. Early next year, a version of the model will be launched with Nissan’s Stop/Start System, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions still further to a 119 g/km and 22km/ litre (4.5l/100km) of fuel consumption.

To add to the new items of equipment including, for the first time on a C-segment car, Nissan will be offering the Around View Monitor (AVM) system. More usually found on luxury cars, AVM uses a series of small cameras located on the exterior of the vehicle to make parking and manoeuvring as safe as possible by giving the driver a real-time bird’s eye view of the environment around the car.

A new CVT gearbox

will also be available on 1.6-litre petrol models to bring further drive options to the range.

The Pure Drive designation is given to every Nissan product that emits 130g/km of CO2 or less.

On its introduction, the “cut off” point was 140g, but, as part of the Nissan Green Programme, membership of this exclusive club gets tougher all the time. The programme calls for a further drop to 120g in 2013.

20 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS EXHIBITION: OFFICIAL OPENING

Condren wins 2nd photo award THE AIB Photojournalism Exhibition 2011, a collection of some of the most remarkable press photographs from the past year, was officially opened in AIB Bank, Dame Street, last week,

by Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister forArts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The opening was marked by a reception hosted by Padraig McGowan, branch manager, AIB Bank, Dame Street.

This year, over 2,010 images were entered by 123 photographers from around the country, across nine categories - news, daily life, sports action, sports portfolio, portrait, environment, politics, arts and entertainment and reportage.

The overall AIB Photojournalist of the Year 2011 title was awarded to Mark Condren, for the second year in a row.

Opening the Exhibition, Minister Deenihan said: “This exhibition offers us a picture diary of life during 2010 covering everything from hard news stories, sporting events, politics and everyday life. The photography on display acts as a visual snapshot of public and private life during 2010, covering all aspects of life in Ireland and abroad during this time. The Awards help portray the craft of press photography and showcase the photographer’s skills for timing and preparation. I would like to offer my congratulations to Mark Condren for winning the AIB Photojournalist of the Year Award for the second year in succession.”

The images from this year’s Exhibition can be viewed by logging on to www.ppai.ie.

The Springboard programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services

EMPLOYMENT: NEW SKILLS FOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

Get a new start with FSI CareerStart programme WHILE the shock of unemployment is hitting thousands of people who never thought it could happen to them, however, there is some good news.

Speaking at the launch of the Springboard programme, earlier this year, Education and Skills Minister Ruairi Quinn said: “The Government put together the Springboard programme as part of our overall Jobs Initiative. Springboard aims to upskill and reskill unemployed people in order to allow them to change career and give them a real chance of re-entering the workforce” The FSI CareerStart programme, one of the programmes funded under the Springboard initiative, offers participants a combination of industry relevant professional qualifications, management training and work placements or mentoring while

still retaining their social welfare benefits. Whether switching to an entirely new career path or starting out in your career, FSI CareerStart could be the key to a range of employment opportunities in the growing financial services sector in Ireland.

Programme Over the course of six to 12 months (depending on your preferred option), the programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services, and provides an in-depth knowledge of the industry, the IFSC companies and the job opportunities in the sector. The places are offered free of charge to eligible jobseekers. One of the main attractions of the financial services sector is the diversity of skill sets and backgrounds that

can be accommodated.

Whether your strength is in numeracy, languages, science, technology or creative thinking, a career in the international financial services sector may be the perfect fit for you.

The course is industryled, so the education and skills that candidates will develop during the course are those identified as desirable by IFSC employers. “Much of the challenge for employers involves finding workers with the specialised skills and backgrounds they need,” says Brendan Bruen, director of Financial Services Ireland.

“FSI CareerStart is giving a real solution to employers and employees alike – identifying what each needs from the other, and getting the balance right and there are career opportunities in this sector.”

The programme

presents participants with a choice of four options.

Option 1: Certificate Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 2: Certificate Stream - Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management Option 3A: Diploma Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 3B: Diploma Stream – Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management You are not restricted to choosing one option, you may apply for more than one of these courses as availability may be limited on your first choice All of the courses are Level 7 higher education awards, which are highly valued by employers and considered core qualifications for working in the sector. The courses are delivered by IBEC Man-

agement Academy and the Institute of Bankers, a recognised college of University College Dublin and the leading education provider for those working in banking and financial services.

Opportunities Throughout the programme, participants will be offered either work experience opportunities in world-class IFSC companies, or mentoring by industry professionals. The placement and mentoring opportunities offer participants a great opportunity to gain extensive knowledge on employers and their requirements, and places participants in an ideal position to demonstrate their new skills and impress a prospective employer.

This is the second year of the programme.

According to Brian

McMahon, Programme Manager for the Careerstart programme, of those who undertook the programme last year, almost two-thirds of the participants are now working, more than half of them employed by the company in which they completed their work placement. “This encouraged us to expand the 2011 programme, which offers 160 places.”

To be eligible to take up a place on the FSI Careerstart programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria – be on the live register and claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Benefit, or signing for credits, or claiming One Parent Family Payment.

To apply for FSI CareerStart 2011, visit www.fsicareerstart.ie. For more information, contact 0818 333113or email info@fsicareerstart.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 21

Supported by AIB

Interview: Rosie Gallagher (F.C.P.A. C.Dip. A.F.) Accredited Mediator

Rosie rises to the top in mediation ROSIE Gallagher is an accredited mediator with her own accountancy business, Citywide Consultants and Mediators (CWCM), which she set up in 2001.

During the last ten years, she has built up her expertise as a mediator through her involvement with conciliation between people seeking loan deals and also working as a consultant for the banking industry.

In this role she acted as a mediator/conciliator between the banks and their clients.

She also worked with the Free Legal Advice Centre and (FLAC) and Money Advice Bureau Services (MABS).

She is also a Family Law Mediator and has expanded her service to cater this area.

She has many years of experience dealing in conflict situations, varying from issues in civil and commercial matters, such as business break-up, insurance and employee issues, right through to family matters such as separation and divorce, children’s issues and solutions for looking

after the elderly.

Prior to setting up her own business, she worked in banking, both domestic (TSB, where she was assistant manager) and in corporate banking as senior lending executive with ICC Bank.

While working as a senior lending executive with ICC Bank, she was head-hunted by the IDA --------------------------

‘This training was so successful that the staff were awarded Banking Diplomas bringing them up to European standards’ --------------------------

and was selected from a large number of nations to set up the lending arm of The Development Bank of the Seychelles.

Here she trained a staff of 250 people, through lectures and on-the-job training.

This training was so successful that the staff

were awarded Banking Diplomas, bringing them up to European standards.

During this time, she developed her mediation skills, as she managed international mediation between foreign banks.

Working in the Indian Ocean region, she was on the welcoming committee for diplomats arriving in the Seychelles.

She also attended business meetings in the various Embassies where she mediated on behalf of the Development Bank of the Seychelles, with heads of state and finance ministers of visiting countries.

Her company, CWCM, provides a confidential service, using experienced staff, to help those who are in dispute or experiencing conflict.

Citywide Consultants and Mediators boasts a team of professionals that include accredited mediators, accountants, barristers and social workers.

It also offers a choice of solicitors in order to legalise the agreements reached after a successful mediation.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

HAVE AN ARF Q – Recently retired, I have just taken out an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and have been told I must take this “imputed distribution” of 5% of the fund each year. Is this true – I don’t really want to touch the fund as I am still relatively solvent and don’t want to touch this fund ? John – Gormanstown A - Unfortunately, whether you take this income or not, you will be liable for income tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge on the 5% of the fund in the same way as if an actual ARF withdrawal or imputed distribution had been made. When you retire, depending on the scheme and the fund value, you have three choices of execution.

1. Annuity – basically a fixed deposit interest rate set at the time of retirement and that never changes. The insurance company gets to keep the fund when you pass away. So the idea is to outlive the interest e.g. € 200k fund at 5% will give a pension of € 10k. Live beyond 20 years and you have taken over €200k from the fund.

2. Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) – more choice with your investment options plus you MUST take 5% of the fund each year BUT when you die, the ARF goes into your estate for redistribution.

3. Cash – there are certain rules with this e.g. you MUST have € 120k in a Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) until age 75 over which amount you can encash at your marginal rate of tax AFTER you have taken your 25% tax-free lump sum ( maximum now € 200k). Therefore, I would take the imputed distribution and either invest the money in a medium-term deposit account ( best rate 4.29% AER for an 18-month account ) or spend it.

CREDIT CARD MESS Q – I have three credit cards, all of them maxed out. I am still able to pay the minimum amount each month for each card but it is getting more difficult as other debts are mounting. I have tried transferring them, but no credit card company will allow the transfer. I am at my wits end – any suggestions ? Rob - Adamstowns Rosie Gallagher

A - Most of the credit card companies offering credit card balances transfers have both relatively low limits and strict credit guidelines. The Irish

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

A: A Hairdresser Q: What was your first job?

A: Ansbacher bank Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £30 per week Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2000 Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Working with people. It is always challenging

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

Credit Bureau (ICB) in Clonskeagh Dublin 14 is their

A: The long hours Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Horse racing Q: What sport can you play?

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

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

A: Neither Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: All of the above

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Nobody, don’t believe in it

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Fashion, food and enter-

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: Do not know, probably

tainment

first port of call to check your credit history.

Any blemishes, a missed payment and the refusal is guaranteed. Your debts are starting to mount so now is the time to communicate and negotiate with your creditors. Speak to them individually and try and come to an agreed arrangement. You will

business promotion

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: 30+

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: On the French Riviera,

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Travel across Australia for

all your assets, liabilities, income and whether your

lots of wine with two good friends

2-5 years

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

A: Neither, could I swap for Bob Geldof?

Q: What would be your dream job?

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

A: Travel

need a fully detailed income and expenditure analysis plus a certified statement of affairs showing tax affairs are in order. For further information or a consultation, email me.

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

22 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Breaking up the DublinWest Cork highway!

Great deals on offer on top beach holiday destinations like the Maldives, St Lucia and Cuba

TRAILFINDERS is offering a complimentary upgrade to full-board at Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort in the Maldives from €1,629 per person (saving over €140 per person), based on two sharing. Available for selected departures from October 4 to 24, the price includes return flights from Dublin (via London Heathrow and Doha) with Qatar Airways, seven nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room on a full-board basis, resort speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges.

A beautiful and romantic island retreat located on the tip of South Malé Atoll, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort offers stunning beaches, abundant sandbanks and superb recreational activities. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools and an excellent watersports centre, with kite-surfing, wake boarding, big game fishing and dolphin safaris, to name but a few. A large, shallow blue lagoon surrounds the whole island, which also makes it great for snorkelling. For more information, see www.trailfind ers.ie or phone 01 677 7888 / 021 464 8800.

Tropical Sky

Tropical Sky is offering seven nights on an allinclusive basis at the four-star Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in St Lucia from €1,169 per person (save €410 per person). Valid for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with British Airways, accommodation with a complimentary room upgrade, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. Set along the exotic Savannes Bay, facilities include an on-site water park, three pools, four floodlit tennis courts, fitness room, spa with 12 treatment rooms, steam room, sauna and a selection of fine restaurants The same tour operator is offering a 10-night city and beach getaway to Cuba from €1,199 per person (save €390 per person). Available for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with Virgin Atlantic, accommodation split between three nights at Hotel Sevilla in Havana on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and seven nights at Breezes Varadero on an all-inclusive basis, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. The Hotel Sevilla is the ideal base for those wanting to explore Havana and offers a gym, swimming pool and rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. Breezes Varadero is located on the worldfamous Varadero Beach and offers a selection of watersports, jacuzzis and golf course. For more information, see www.tropicalsky.ie or phone 01 8077996 / 068 56800.

CORMAC CURTIS

After years, nay, decades, of complaining about the various bottlenecks on the Dublin-Cork road – Kildare, Monastervin, Abbeyleix, Mitchelstown etc. – the long-awaited motorway between the capital and the so-called ‘real’ capital of Ireland is now very much a reality.

So, the seven-hour drive to west Cork, for instance, has now been assigned to the “tell us about driving to Baltimore in the old days, granddad” category.

This is, in itself, a huge relief, but, along with satnav and GPS, the convenience of the non-stop drive has taken a little of the mystery out of holidaymaking at home.

In an effort to break up my family’s annual pilgrimage to West Cork for two weeks in August, we decided to stop off somewhere around Cork city for a night or two before descending on my mother-in-law’s house in the country.

As family attractions go, it’s hard to look past Fota Wildlife Park when it comes to getting kids excited.

The idea of seeing exotic animals from Go Diego Go up close and personal conjured up some magical anticipation in my four and fiveyear-old daughters.

Finding somewhere to stay was pretty straightforward; Cork city is not short of quality accommodation.

Instead of staying in the city itself, we decided to try the Radisson SAS on Little Island – it’s just off the Ring Road that brings you around the city and on to West Cork and Kerry, which meant we wouldn’t have to deal with any city traffic.

As usual, a few lastminute hiccups meant I was travelling with the kids while their mother took care of some business-related issues before catching up with us – translation: daddy brings the kids to the swimming pool at the hotel for an hour or two to use up some of their pent-up energy!

As I mentioned – the road to Cork is a good one these days, so after about two-and-a-half hours we pulled up at the hotel.

The Radisson SAS in Cork cannot be accused of boasting a scenic location – but that really isn’t the point.

Its neighbours may include Harvey Norman and KFC, but the hotel itself has a modern, contemporary design and, once inside, marble, glass and dark wood finishes complement each other and suggest a far more

CHILLING OUT AS well as a very child-friendly swimming area for the kids to enjoy, the Radisson SAS Hotel in Cork also offers a variety of beauty and spa treatments.

The spa offers a secure, unique environment of warmth, comfort and peace.

It features nine treatment rooms with a range of luxurious Elemis treatments and relaxation suites.

There is also a selection of packages available at the Retreat Spa, from oneday to two-night options.

For details, visit www.radissonblu.ie/ cork luxurious setting.

The staff, in true Cork fashion, couldn’t have been more welcoming, and the check-in only took moments; a real bonus when two little girls have just escaped from a car after a long drive!

As a family, it’s always nice to be booked in to a ground-floor room in a hotel, and that’s exactly what happened here – nice touch.

We were given a tworoom family suite, giving the kids the chance to

bounce on their double bed and eat the complimentary frosted cupcakes (like they needed any more energy!) while I unpacked and looked up the swimming pool information.

Bingo! The pool was open until six(ish) for the kids so it was swimming time.

A family changing room would have been nice – but the pool area was so close to our room it was no big deal.

The kids can’t get enough of bubbles and

waterfalls, so they had a blast. It was also nice to see a lifeguard on duty.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before Mama arrived, so we all got ready for dinner.

A good deal of thought has gone in to the design of the dining room, even if it has begun to look a touch worn here and there – the seats had lost some of their bounce, for instance.

This is easily overlooked, as our French waiter was charm personified, and the menu

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Becky, Sarah and dad, Cormac, go wild at Fota Wildlife Park, left, and, above, the kids tuck into cupcakes at the Radisson SAS in Little Island, Cork

GETTING BACK TO NATURE FOTA Wildlife Park is set on 70 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour only 15 minutes from Cork City (top 10 in the best cities to visit in the Lonely Planet guide’s ‘Best in Travel 2010’).

The park is not like an ordinary zoo; here you can come face-to-face with free-roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. So, whether it’s a kangaroo that hops in front of you, or a ring-tailed lemur that jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories.

For more, visit www.fotawildlife.ie, or call (021) 481 267

had a great selection of kids’ options – not just smaller portions of the main menu.

As for the grown-ups, starters of crispy duck leg confit with sautéed savoy cabbage, smoked bacon and a port wine reduction, along with a baked goat’s cheese salad with mixed grapes, fig and lime chutney and cherry balsamic dressing were delicious.

When it came to the main course I went for a slow braised shank of lamb with colcannon,

roast root vegetables and red wine gravy, while the other side of the table opted for roast breast of corn-fed chicken and confit leg with parsnip puree, broad beans and jus roti. To say we finished our meal completely satisfied would be a gross understatement to say the least.

The only distraction during our meal was the swing-and-slide set just outside that the kids had spotted – a very nice touch to have such a simple activity for the

little ones to burn off the ice-cream they devoured after dinner!

Parents and kids retired to our rooms, ready for a good night’s sleep.

I’m a big fan of blackout blinds and our rooms didn’t let in the slightest chink of light, so we all slept soundly and woke just in time for breakfast.

After a terrific feed, we set off to Fota Wildlife Park – and what an experience that was.

From the meerkats as you enter the park, to the cheetahs chasing their

lunch at feeding time, this was a huge success.

As I mentioned – a good grounding in Go Diego Go in recent years has made my daughters expert in everything from baby jaguars and penguins, to sloths and baboons; I was truly impressed with how much the kids recognised.

A family could spend a whole day here enjoying the wildlife, as well as the various arts and crafts that the kids can dip and out of along the way – there’s even a train if it gets a bit

much for the little ones.

After our long and busy day, including a family visit along the way, we all enjoyed another great night’s sleep, another great breakfast, and another great swim before we headed on to West Cork for the rest of the holiday.

It has to be said that, even though there were weddings on both nights at the hotel, it didn’t interrupt our visit in the slightest, and we’ll be hearing about the zoo for a long time to come!

Plan a getaway to the beautifully plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath STAY in the plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath any Wednesday and Thursday, and visit Newgrange followed by the battle of the Boyne site with the hotel’s compliments.

Immerse yourself in archaeology and history for the day and discuss what has been, and what might have been, over dinner in their A la Carte Restaurant that night, which is located in the Garden Village at Tankardstown. In keeping with the battlefields, sip a glass of Warres Warrior Special Reserve before a sumptuous sleep in one of their plush Main House Heritage bedrooms. Beautifully decorated and extremely spacious, they make for a relaxing night’s sleep.

It costs €180 per person sharing and this rate includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner to the value of €35 per person, followed by a nightcap before bed.

Contact Details: info@ tankardstown. ie or call 0419824621.

The Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness THE Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness month this October . The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin city centre is encouraging everyone to stop, relax and turn their lunch break into a charitable bite for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Radisson Blu Royals are making a donation of €1 to the Irish Cancer Society for every person who orders food, tea or coffee in the hotel’s much-loved Sure Bar during Pink Month.

During last October, Sure Bar served 1,922 customers and, this year, they are hoping even more peckish people stop by to help put a stop to breast cancer.

The hotel will also be selling the famous pink ribbons at reception throughout the month and holding special staff events to give the fundraising a boost on Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 7.

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Andrew Linnie and his Swing Orchestra WITH the help of his live jazz band, Andrew promises to bring the very best of Big Band, Broadway, Buble and beyond to the popular south Dublin venue, celebrating a wide range of crooner classics, Big Band standards, and much more, with music from samba to Sinatra sure to provide something for everyoone. The music starts at 8pm on Saturday, September 17, with admission costing €18.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Ger Carey Live THE workings of the teenage brain are a lost mystery ... unless you’re either A) a teenager, or B) Ger Carey, whose latest comic show is set to prove beyond a doubt that he knows what it’s like to be a teenager. Aimed at young people between the ages of 15 and 18, his one-man comic show is set to help teenagers laugh at themselves and the complexities of their lives, as well as seeing their place in the bigger picture of society. Ger also says that grown-ups are welcome. Catch Ger’s show on Monday, September 19; to make a booking, call the box office on 01 231 2929.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Stones in his Pockets THE award-winning comic tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot is sure to entertain, with two actors cleverly playing all 15 memorable characters in what guarantees to be a great night out. See Stones in his Pockets on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 at 8.15pm in Draiocht Studio, with admission costing €15/€13 conc.

Gary Oldman is back on top form as a cool-headed, somewhat ruthless intelligence agency figure in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

A deadly game of I-Spy Although something of an ironically-named character, Smiler is an intelligence agency’s best hope of finding a secret Soviet spy Q KATE CROWLEY

DISH du jour, Ryan Reynolds, returns to our screens this week with a new film. Or perhaps I’m mixing him, and that term, up with Ozzy Osbourne, who also graces our cinema screens with an equally Oscar-worthy film.

Reynolds, Osbourne ... you can see how a stunning cinema reviewer might get a little confused and mix them up, with a mind that has to remember ever y thing from reminding Mr Crowley to get going on clearing away autumn leaves in the back garden, to what one was doing back in the 1970s.

Fortunately, here’s something to give me – and a number of other old codgers (or codgerettes?)

– a mental blast from the past, with the release of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (based on the 1974 novel

by John Le Carre).

While younger readers

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy +++++ (15A) 127 mins Director: Tomas Alfredson Starring: MGary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt and some of the chilling aspects of life in the 1970s

OUR VERDICT: KATE’S summary note says that this film “has a refreshing reminder that the ’70s also had a lot of menace, in addition to the memorable wallpaper styles and flares”. And who are we to argue? Top marks from The Gazette’s reviewer for what she also describes as “a surprisingly cracking tale” which she also notes treats the audience as intelligent observers, who will enjoy its complexities.

may associate the decade, and the era, with amusing hairstyles and lots and lots – and lots – of orange and brown wallpaper, older readers (and gracefully maturing cinema reviewers) will associate the era with global paranoia.

Amongst other things, it was a time of frosty international relations, and the clinical, deadly Cold War that Soviet agents seemed to be embroiled in on a number of fronts (matched by counterpart British and American agents).

It’s in this icily cold setting of global chess

against Moscow spymasters that Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is set, as the film opens with British spy agency, Circus, in disarray, following a bloody mission in Budapest.

Its head, Control (Hurt) is forced to retire, along with Smiley (Oldman) ... except, of course, that one never retires from one’s duties, and the British government is quick to seek discreet help in uncovering a spy, with Smiley her crumpled choice of agentdetective, of sorts.

The unsmiling Smiley is set to work, one

of the few men to know that the Soviets have a deadly and highly-placed agent at work near the top of Circus, with all of the potentially disastrous and double-crossed consequences that implies.

It’s down to the slightly shabby, yet ruthless Smiley to find the mole, and eliminate him, with a small pool of suspects to monitor and investigate.

However, all the while, the Soviets and Circus continue plotting their next moves in their neverending game of chess, with deadly results for any players that cross paths ...

It’s been a long time indeed since the Cold War seemed like such a hot topic, with wisps of frosty air practically tumbling down from the screen.

Still, although mistrust in governments never quite goes out of fashion, perhaps it’s a timely release for this tale, as its group of shabby and shady pro-

tagonists somehow stepping through events with, potentially, international consequences has some resonance with current economic and political affairs.

As for the film’s 1970s setting, I remember only too well the “joys” of re-threading typewriter ribbons, whacking my fingers with metal keys, shouting into discoloured plastic phones, and creating barely-legible copies of documents using fluttering sheets of blue carbon paper – all of which is brought to life in this surprisingly cracking tale.

I also half-remember the late ’70s television version of Le Carre’s spy novel, but this reimagined version seems to be truer to the tale.

And so, although we now seem to live in a modern world of iPads and Apps, this lost world of I-Spy is certainly worth applying oneself to, given the chance ...

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING An interesting case to follow Another weebyte game took place in a standard (if meticulously researched and recreated late-1940s) open-world setting, the game’s main characters, played by a variety of real actors – in some cases, famous ones – were filmed with MotionScan, a proprietory system that digitally recorded and recreated every last little muscle tick, gesture and expression of the actor’s.

This created many scenes where, at last, game characters really emoted, on a par with television, theatre and cinema performances.

This enabled gamers to investigate several crimes, ranging from arson to a serial killer’s handiwork, all the while attempting to judge whether characters were being truthful, evasive or downright lying.

Zombie’s dead silly mistake

From boarding houses to shabby bars, old dears to tough gh dames (inset), the downbeat world of LA Noire was a far cry from then Hollywoodland’s heights

Released mere months ago to near universal critical acclaim, one could be forgiven for assuming the developer behind it, Team Bondi, would be riding high on the crest of glorious critical – and financial – waves. Not so.

While not dead, the company has been placed into administration after

incurring significant costs from spending several years developing the title.

However, perhaps more damaging to the company are the very vocal criticisms that have emerged, post-release, of various working practices and management styles at the studio, with significant numbers of complaints

by former staff members, and spouses, creating lots of negative stories in the specialised gaming press.

It will be ironic indeed if a company that developed a game primarily focused on complex investigations is, itself, the subject of a number of investigations, leaving this as an open case to keep an eye on ...

IN KEEPING with the open-world theme of o this week’s main artith cle, many were looking cl forward to the recent fo release of Dead Island re – a luxury hotel island turned deathtrap, filled tu with hungry zombies. w Unfortunately, many PC owners got a shock when the wrong version of the game was released online via Steam, the popular digital distribution service, complete with gamedestroying problems.

The game’s red-faced developers were quick to apologise for what, in hindsight, was a dead silly mistake to make.

gazette

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

.com

IF A week is a long time in politics, six months is, well, a long time for everybody, but can bookend a games company’s most triumphant moment, followed by its unexpectedly rapid decline.

Given the costs of games’ development, and their quarterly importance to parent companies, there is, usually, a tremendous amount of pressure behind the scenes of what may look like a solild-gold hit.

While not a brand-new release, there’s been a surge of renewed interest in the recently-released (and very high-profile) multiplatform title, LA Noire , thanks to the developer behind it entering administration, mere months after rolling out

what was a hit in most global gaming markets.

Set in a post-World War II Los Angeles, and, as the title suggests, LA Noire took part almost exclusively on the wrong side of the tracks in the starstruck city.

It tasked the player with investigating all manner of murders and crimes as a lowly cop, gradually rising through the ranks to uncover far-reaching, rotten conspiracies.

Played out as a very straight-faced title, free of the mischievous adult humour found in similar “sandbox” titles, such as the Grand Theft Auto series, LA Noire was a fascinating (if slightly dull) title, with a look at some superb new technologies that are likely to reappear in gaming.

While much of the

www.

SHANE DILLON

GAZETTE

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

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GazetteSPORT

ORIENT EXPRESS:

Local racer blazing trail on Japanese F3 circuit Page 29

COACHING SKILLS: LEGENDARY EXPERT COMING TO PORTMARNOCK FOR CLINIC

Soccer coaching gets a Horst boost next week sport@gazettegroup.com

THE White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock will host a special soccer clinic event from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, October 2, when they host renowned soccer coach, Horst Wein, who will give his unique take on coaching and mentoring young players.

The sessions are designed to help coaches help young players to reach their full potential

and even develop some future stars, while contributing to the playing of the beautiful game.

Horst Wein’s model promotes development over winning at all costs, so that creative, intelligent players flourish and all young footballers get a fair chance to develop to their full potential. It differs from traditional coaching methods in style, substance and in the structure of the competitions that the kids

play. Many of the key elements of the model have been in place in countries like Spain and Holland for many years and more recently in England, Germany, Scotland, Denmark, much of South America and even Australia.

In 1985, when Horst was a master hockey coach, he was invited

by Carles Reixach (who went on to serve as assistant coach to Johan Cruyff) to demonstrate his

Internationally renowned coach Horst Wein will be giving a masterclass in Portmarnock

methods at FC Barcelona.

They liked them so much that they purchased his hockey books, presumably to adapt some games and exercises for football.

The club then encouraged Horst to move from hockey to football where he created the youth football development model and he has never looked

back. To this day the youth coaches at Barcelona still use Horst’s football books.

A coach from Portmarnock, who undertook the course recently, said: “Horst gave a very interesting talk that focused on learning the game well, rather than just about winning the

game. If only all six-yearolds began their career this way then maybe they would reach teenage years loving and appreciating the skills needed, rather than checking their trophy cupboard.

And the same could be said for us coaches, too, if truth be told. Horst was a breath of very fresh and

invigorating air.”

Practical outdoor coaching sessions are at Portmarnock AFC, which is close to the hotel, and full-day attendees on either Saturday or Sunday will receive a certificate.

Prices start at €30 and more information on the event can be found at www.beautifulgame.ie

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: CUP ROUTS FOR FIRST AND SECOND XV SIDES

Mangan in Mexico in round-the world race METRO St Brigid’s athlete and ultra-runner Tony Mangan is soon to enter the next phase of his epic around-the-world race, which he started last October.

He has recently passed the 11,500km, or 7,100 mile, mark, and is currently traversing southern Mexico.

This epic World Run, which is raising money for depression charity, Aware, is set to take four years to complete, and Tony will be running over 50,000km.

He started the round-the-world adventure with the Dublin Marathon on October 25, 2010, and his is currently on schedule to complete the challenge at the finish line of the Dublin Marathon on October 28, 2014.

Corduff’s cup teams learn opponents CORDUFF FC’s underage teams recently learned their opponents in the North Leinster SFAI Cups when the draws were made last week in Abbotstown.

In the Under-11 Menton Seery Cup, Corduff will face off against the winners of Dunboyne or Balscadden in the second round.

In the Under-12 Norton Cup, second round tie, the side will play Glenmuir United’s B team.

In the second round of the Under-13 Troy Cup, Drogheda Town or Trim Celtic will be the opposition, while Maynooth Town B team will be the side to beat in the Under14 Goodson Cup. The Under-16s will face Drumin United in the Barry Cup. All matches are set to be played on Saturday, September 25.

Fionn Carr and Conor Hayes in action for Coolmine against Stillorgan in the Spencer Cup last week

Coolmine’s cup full SPENCER CUP Stillorgan Coolmine

3 47

sport@gazettegroup.com

A SUNNY but blustery day greeted both players and fans at Bird Avenue for Coolmine’s final Spencer Cup qualifier against Stillorgan last weekend.

A strong cross-field breeze made life difficult for both teams, but seemed to favour the home side slightly in the first half.

Coolmine started s t r o n g l y, w i t h t wo attacking plays resulting in knock-ons in the opening minutes.

But, after six minutes, their third foray into the opposition half paid dividends with the pack barging over for the first try of the game.

Donal Crotty’s conversion put the visitors

0-7 up and, only two minutes later, full-back Fionn Lacey took a high ball just outside his own 22 and ran the length of the pitch to touch down under the posts for Coolmine’s second.

It looked like the floodgates were about to open, but Stillorgan worked their way back into the game and frustrated the Coolmine attack.

A sustained period of pressure was eventually rewarded with a converted penalty for the home side, leaving the score at 3-14 going into the break.

The second half was also a stop-start affair, with Coolmine being deprived of possession for long periods of time, but still managing to pick up scores from turnover ball.

Seven minutes into the second half, Crotty made full use of a small gap that opened up in the home side’s defence and nipped in for Coolmine’s fourth try.

Coolmine elected to take a scrum for a penalty awarded inside the 22 after 13 minutes and, in a pre-planned move off the training ground, Crotty popped the ball to Alan Cousins, whose

pace took him over the whitewash.

Stillorgan were now under pressure and a deliberate knock-on from a Mick Kilduff offload earned them a yellow card.

Coolmine made use of the extra man and ran in another three tries shortly afterwards.

The first of these came from David Stacey who outpaced everyone

down the left wing after an offload from Keith M o l o n e y, f o l l o w e d by two fine back-line moves resulting in tries from Fionn Lacey and Conor Hayes.

T he seconds registered an even more emphatic victory over Tallaght in their match, putting 80 unanswered points on the board in the Jim Byrne Cup at Tymon Park.

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

in association with

From Mondello to Motegi, Japan Making a huge name for himself in F3 is local motor racing star, Gary Thompson. ROB HEIGH spoke to the prodigy on a recent trip back home WE’RE getting used to our talented sportsmen and women going abroad to achieve the success they deserve on a world stage. The opportunities to make a huge mark in your sport often requires you to leave the comforts of home and the limited facilities available to those with the skills to make their mark globally.

One man who has made that jump, and at a very young age, is Malahide motor racing wunderkind, Gary Thompson. The 19-yearold has gone from watching racing at Mondello to flying around the tracks of Japan in their F3 series.

GazetteSport spoke to Gary just after he claimed his first first-place podium finish he has been chasing

since he started racing in Japanese Forumla 3, and he was delighted with the win.

“It’s been a long time coming, for sure. It feels like a long time since the

sport in 2002, when he began to show his promise in the Irish and international cadet class. Even before that, he was desined to make his mark in motor racing.

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‘In Japan, the racing is at a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing’

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last win, so it was great to get that. Everyone’s been working really hard for the last few years, and it’s great for it all to finally come together.”

The young driver has shown immense talent since his debut in the

“My dad used to race at Mondello Park in the Formula Opel. I remember from a young age being there, being around the cars and watching racing, sitting in the car and asking if I could drive them when I was about five.

Gary Thompson celebrates his success at the Motegi race track in Japan

Then when I was nine, one day my dad came back from a motor show in Britain, and he had been talking to someone about racing cars, and he realised that was an opening for me to start racing at that age.

“I started driving cadet carts from age 8 to 12, which were 60cc or so. I did one year in Ireland. I ended up in England for races the next year, and I was doing really well, so we decided to keep racing over there as the standard and opportunities were much higher. I raced over there for about four years, before doing two years racing in Europe before I moved to Asia.”

Connections in Asia, through his father and the motor racing fraternity, meant that Gary was able to capitalise on the promise of his form in Europe.

“I started driving in Asia in 2009. Before that, my dad was managing a driver out there. From being out there, my dad had a lot of contacts, and ended up part-owning a team out there, racing Formula BMW Pacific cars. The plan was that I was going to go out there and drive for them in 2009, but, unfortunately, the team folded before the season began. I had all of the contacts, and that seemed to be the best place to develop my career.

“The Japanese part came about after my first

car race in 2009, in a support race to the Asian Grand Prix. I qualified on pole and won the main race. After that, the owner of the KPMG team that I drive for now approached me and offered me a place with their team in Japan, and I accepted.”

Gary is very clear about his ambitions, and how he will achieve them.

“The ultimate goal is to be F1 world champion.

In an ideal world, I would graduate to Formula Nippon next year, which is a place where a lot of drivers come through - Eddie Irvine drove there before he moved on to F1. It’s one step below F1, but it is not really considered on the ladder, from a European point of view.

It’s only solely based in Japan, but GP2 is classed as the main feeder for F1.

“In Nippon, the cars are slightly quicker, the drivers are getting paid. In GP2, you need to put in about €1.5m every year.

“From Nippon, you can progress straight to F1, but there would be a lot of work involved. It is in Japan, it is a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing. It also helps that the head of the KPMG team is really enthusiastic about motor racing, and he has dreams of putting together an F1 team. So this would seem to be the best road to go down at the moment.”

FastSport

Solheim excitement rises as teams are announced WITH the recent announcements of both the European and American teams, it is now all systems go for The 2011 Solheim Cup, which will be staged for the first time in Ireland on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle this September 23 to 25.

Up to 80,000 people are expected to attend over the six days – three practise days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the three days of competition, Friday through Sunday.

Solheim Cup Director, Roddy Carr said: “The Solheim Cup is a truly great golfing spectacle and, with players like Laura Davies and Michelle Wie competing, this unique event is a must-see for sports and entertainment fans.”

A range of anyday and season tickets are available on www.solheimcup.com, www.ticketmaster.ie or by calling with 0818719309.

HQ hosting unique prefinal night bash CROKE Park is hosting a prefootball final bash, FeverPitch, this Saturday, September 17.

Headquarters is opening its doors on the eve of the final to capture the unique atmosphere and offer supporters from Dublin, Kerry and Tipperary a focal point to gather in friendly rivalry on the eve of the final with the cream of

Irish entertainment.

The line-up for the night includes live music from Ryan Sheridan, The Inishturkbeg Collective and The Cuban All Stars, ,along with Dublin bands Royseven and The Riptide Movement, as well as comedy stand-up with Neil Delamere, Fred Cooke and Colm O’Regan, and insight from sporting legends Jimmy Magee and Peter Canavan.

The show begins at 7pm and, for more information, see gaa.ie

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Local exile aids Ireland to World Cup win sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL players and former Dubs now living in Australia, were to the fore when Ireland’s Aussie Rules team, the Warriors, won the International Cup in Melbourne recently.

Sean McGuinness, a former St Oliver Plunkett’s GA A player from the Navan Road, who now plays for UTS Bats in Sydney, was among the players who completed a clean sweep after the unbeaten Irish Banshees had won the women’s competition, at the most

famous stadium in Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The Warriors came back from a 28-point deficit midway through the second term to defeat the favourites, Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes, by 18 points.

It was an extraordinary tournament for the Irish Warriors in the 18-nation event that brings Aussie Rules playing nations from around the world to Australia for this prestigious event, held every three years.

The tournament also con-

nected the team with world issues such as the Japanese team losing two players in the tsunami there earlier this year and New Zealand players had their preparations interrupted by the Christchurch earthquake. Before the final victory, Ireland had wins over East Timor, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark and New Zealand to reach their first final since the inaugural tournament in 2002.

Warriors captain Cian Quigley said just getting to run out onto the MCG was a huge hon-

our for the players.

“For every Irish person, you dream of playing in Croke Park, for Aussies the dream is to play at the ‘G’. We realise how lucky we are to play out here. It’s a huge honour and a bit surreal really to be honest.”

The teacher who played in the cup in 2005 and captained the side in 2008 said the win was consolation for previous disappointments.

“I’ve lost out in two semifinals before this (in 2005 and 2008) so to finally get to a final and win it is unbelievable.”

McGee in second round SOCCER: ANTI-RACISM EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS ONCE MORE of Istanbul Challenger CASTLEKNOCK tennis club ace, James McGee, has qualified for the second round of the men’s singles main draw at the Istanbul Challenger Tour event, which is taking place in Turkey this week.

McGee defeated Carsten Ball of Australia in the men’s singles first round, 7-5 6-4, to earn a place in the second round.

McGee is also competing in the doubles event, in which he is teaming up with Mohamed Safwat from Egypt.

The pair had a 6-3, 6-1 win over Turkish duo Gokberk Ergeneman and Efe Yurtacan in the first round.

Summerfest set for next weekend THE 2011 Tesco mobile SARI Summerfest, the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland, is set to take part this year at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds, in Phoenix Park on September 10 and 11 from 11am to 5pm each day.

The Summerfest will also coinciude with the CONCERN kitefest, where kite flyers from around the world will display their kites and give kite workshops for children.

The two-day festival also includes a wide array of entertainment for all the family.

For more information, see www. facebook.com/sarireland.

Castleknock Celtic seeking ladies talent CASTLEKNOCK Celtic FC’s ladies and girls section are recruiting new talent to the cllub for the soccer season starting later this month.

If you were born in 1996 or earlier, visit the club’s website at www.castleknockceltic.com, and pass on your name and contact details in the How To Join section provided on the site.

The club are also looking to recruit girls born in 2001/2002 to play soccer in the DubliGirls Soccer League.

Winners of the SARI cup for 2011 were Ennis All-Stars, who defeated FC Dracula for the coveted title

SARI rules in the Park again sport@gazettegroup.com

LAST weekend, the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds in Phoenix Park once again played host to the TESCO Mobile SARI Soccerfest, the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland.

Over 50 teams from all over the country, with players representing more than 40 countries, competed for the SARI Cups.

Teams came from G a l w a y, L i m e r i c k , Ennis, Kildare and Northern Ireland, and also included were FC Cop, a mixed team of

Garda and PSNI members.

The SARI Cup was won by last year’s runners-up, Ennis All Stars, who beat Team Dracula 1-0 in the final.

The Women’s Respect Cup was won by Shelbourne Navy, who beat Shelbourne Reds 2-0 in the final.

The Under-13s’ Fair Play Cup was won by Glentoran Insaka.

O n S a t u r d ay, t h e Te s c o m o b i l e SA R I All-Stars lined out with teams captained by rugby great Malcolm O’Kelly and Shamrock Rovers’ Rohan Ricketts.

The sides featured an

array of Irish sporting talent, including snooker legend Ken Doherty, Joseph Ndo, of Sligo Rovers, Under-21 manager Noel King, boxer Eric Donovan, Shamrock Rovers’ goalkeeper Ryan Thompson and Louise Quinn, Stephanie Roche and Mary Waldron from the Irish women’s international soccer team.

Asked about the significance of the event, Tesco Mobile managing director, Noel Burrows, said: “Spor t Against Racism Ireland is a fantastic initiative, and we are delighted to be involved with the SARI

soccerfest. Tesco Mobile has an extremely strong ethnic following in Ireland, so the sponsorship makes complete sense.”

Tesco mobile SARI Soccerfest partnered with CONCERN Kitefest where a thousand kites were flown to highlight the issue

of global hunger and to symbolise the huge impor tance of good nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

SARI was formed in 1997 to promote and support cultural integration and social inclusion through sport.

John Devine presents the Player of the Tournament

15 September 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

in association with

ALL-IRELAND: FINAL SEES DUBS LOSE TO GALWAY .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S THE up for the match special is this

Clonshaugh. Big support needed.

Saturday night in the club bar with

Well done to our U-13 and U-14 foot-

the Sean Garvey Band. A great way

ballers who beat St Sylvesters and

to warm up for the big game.

Kilmacud in the league. The U-16s

There will be raffle for All-Ireland

were just edged out by Crokes.

football final tickets this Thursday

Congratulations to our U-12, U-14

at 9.30pm sharp in Russell Park.

and U-16 girls who all had good

Make sure you have your 2011 Mem-

wins.

bership paid. The guidelines for the

Well done to our ladies junior foot-

draw are available on the club web-

ballers who beat Kilmacud to reach

site. Please be aware there is a very

the final.

limited amount of tickets.

For people not lucky enough to get tickets, all drinks will be €3 on Sunday during the duration of the game.

The inter footballers face Craobh Charain this Saturday at 6pm in

Our junior hurlers were just edged out by St Maur’s in their quarterfinal.

Best of luck to Sean, Barry, Declan and the Dublin minor and senior footballers in their finals this Sunday.

ERIN GO BRAGH Daire Plunkett of St Brigid’s was one of the local players involved in the Under-21 huring All-Ireland final

Seniors back in action as local stars miss out sport@gazettegroup.com

THE DUBLIN SFC and SHC draws will finally get back into gear next week after being on hold since May due to the lengthy runs of the county’s senior and U-21 sides.

The reformatted hurling championship is the first to get underway and has reverted to a straight knock-out with the four rounds of group games abandoned to help Dublin produce a club for the Leinster championship.

It sees St Brigid’s, at Senior A level, drawn in a tough tie against Craobh Chiarain on the weekend of September 24 and 25 before a potential quarter-final date with St Vincents.

On the football side, the Russell Park club will face Na Fianna in the third round of the competition in the week of October 2, with a date against Kilmacud Crokes in the last 16 on offer. If Brigid’s were to make it through, it would set up a repeat of the 2010

county final.

Peregrine’s await the winners of a three-team dispute between Fingal Ravens, Ballyboden St Enda’s and St Mary’s, Saggart, for their third round date. The 2008 finalists, St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh, are in line to play either O’Tooles or Ballinteer St John’s.

The delay in getting these championships up and running has come as a result of Dublin’s lengthy runs in numerous competitions, but the hurlers are now clear to proceed.

That is down to the U-21 side’s 3-14 to 1-10 final defeat to Galway last Saturday in Thurles, their hopes dashed in a matter of three first-half minutes as the Tribesmen netted twice in the build-up to half-time.

It meant that Brigid’s man Daire Plunkett cam was denied making a little piece of history.

Despite an under par, first half performance, the side were still in the mix in the lead-up to half-time

but the Maroons grabbed those goals to put themselves firmly in control.

The was to be no heroic comeback by the Dubs in the second period as they continued to struggle to unlock the Galway defence and even secure enough possession to put together a sustained period of pressure against a very talented side.

In the 28th minute David Burke unselfishly placed one of Galway’s many outstanding performers on the night, David Glennon, who fired to the net.

Before the break it got worse of Dublin when James Regan used his pace to accelerate through on goal and give keeper Ger McManus no chance and for Galway to enter the

break eight points to the good, 3-6 to 1-4.

The half had started well for the Dubs when Thomas Connolly showed good opportunism in the third minute to raise a green flag after Kevin O’Loughlin’s angled point effort had cannoned back off the crossbar.

But that was as good as it got as Tadhg Haran drove home a penalty and Galway began to push on and cause greater problems for the Dublin defence.

Dublin rallied briefly in the second half with two points from sub Robbie Mahon but the Dubs needed his second to find the net but he was brilliantly denied by a full length save from Jamie Ryan in the Galway goal.

WELL done to our U-13 girls who

Park Plaza, Tyrrelstown. Tickets

beat Man of War in the champion-

are €60 per person (strictly Over-

ship last Saturday.

18s). Five-course meal, band, DJ,

Our U-14 boys beat St Vincent’s in the first of their top-five play-off.

bar extension until 2am. Deposit of €20 required and people can pay

Our U-8 hurling team took part in

in instalments over the coming

a hurling blitz at St Brigid’s, where

months. Contact Natasha on 087

Naomh Fionnbarra were also their

959 5048, Maria on 087 238 0741 or

opposition.

Carol-Ann on 087 629 2024.

Commiserations to our junior

There was no lotto jackpot win-

hurlers who went down to a good

ner. Numbers drawn were 5, 9, 11

Realt Dearg team in the champion-

and 26.

ship quarter-final last Sunday. The annual club dinner-dance takes place on Saturday, November 5 in

This Friday’s jackpot is €1,900.

Next week’s draw will be held in Kelly’s Lounge, Ongar village.

ST PEREGRINE’S HARD luck to the senior hurlers who

visit cnp.ie and support your club for

were narrowly beaten in champion-

only €2 a week and is also available to

ship.

play on-line using the link on the club

A brilliant day was had by all at the

website.

family fun day last Saturday; thanks

The club will be having a special

to all who took part and also to all

All-Ireland final day in the club on

those involved in the Parish leagues.

September 18 with the match been

Best of luck to Eric Lowndes in the

shown on a 30ft widescreen TV in the

Minor football final this Sunday in

hall and a puppet show and lots of

Croke Park.

other activities happening on the day.

Congratulations to Louise and Fergus and Gareth and Jennifer who got married recently.

Ballad band, Gypsey Lacey, will be on from 6.30 to 9pm.

Club shop is open on Mondays,

The draw for the All-Ireland final

Wednesdays and Fridays, from 6 to

tickets will commence at 9.30pm this

7pm, and on Saturdays, from 10am to

Thursday in the clubhouse.

12 noon.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 3, 14, 21

If anybody within the club would like

and 27; next week’s jackpot is €4,600.

to make a difference and join a com-

Any member not buying lotto tickets

mittee, please see club website.

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ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

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GazetteSPORT

Local heroes target All-Ireland STEPHEN FINDLATER blanchardstownsport@gazettegroup.com

FOR local stars Bernard and Alan Brogan, Ross McConnell and Barry Cahill, history beckons on Sunday as Dublin go in search of their 23rd All-Ireland senior football crown — the first since 1995.

Facing the only county to have won Sam Maguire on more occasions, Dublin take on Kerry in one of the most eagerly anticipated deciders in recent times as the auld enemies lock horns.

For each of the quartet, it has been an eventful summer with Alan Brogan finding a rich vein of form that has seen him mentioned in the All-Star circles, which his younger brother Bernard occupied last term.

Following his Player of the Year exploits in 2010, for Bernard, it has been a year of extra creativity as a marked man though he has still managed to tally 24 points in the campaign.

McConnell has battled injury to be on the edge of reclaiming a midfield berth while Cahill, a previous All-Star in the half-backs, was used to great effect at centre-forward en route to the final.

Their contributions will be key if Dublin are to spring an upset and they have already managed to secure the underdog role, downplaying to decent effect the ‘hype’ machine.

That reduced burden can be attributed to manager Pat Gilroy who says the Dublin public has played an equal part in this process.

“I’ve noticed that the general public have been good to us this year, giving us space, leaving players alone and not asking them for tickets the night before the game.

Things that were happening in the past.

“But I also think the hype is great.

It’s great for supporters, everybody who’s not associated with the team.

It should be enjoyed by people, but

we’ve so much work you don’t get time to get involved.

“That’s the important factor. To make sure that we don’t have that time. And we’ve talked to people well in advance and let them understand that side of things; that it’s not going to help the team.”

The Kingdom, meanwhile, will have to deal with that same issue from their own fans “There’s a huge expectancy in their county that they’re just going to win this game, because that’s what Kerry do. So I suppose there’s a fair bit of pressure on them too, to go out and perform because Kerry teams have done this all the time in the last 90 years, against Dublin.

They don’t want to be the first that doesn’t.

“There’s a fair bit of expectation on them to perform whereas with us it’s a new experience and people in Dublin are happy that we’ve got to a final. They see it as progress but, from our own point of view, we want to win the game.”

Alan and Bernard Brogan