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October 6, 2011
YOUR PENSION: Our essential guide for planning your future See Pages 19-22
Election posters bring a risk of fines Q LAURA WEBB
DUBLIN West byelection candidates are so eager to get their campaign started that they risk facing a €150 litter fine for putting up election posters days before the writ was officially called. Election posters from a number of candidates in the upcoming Dublin West byelection have been spotted by local residents across
D15, days before the Dublin County returning officer officially called the election. Under legislation, election posters are only allowed to be erected 30 days before the polling date, or the date the writ is formally ordered, which ever is the lesser. The writ was formally moved on Tuesday, October 4.
Full Story on Page 4
On yer bike: Taking part in a charity cycle for the hospice LAST week we brought you a great
story about a fantastic charity cycle involving 130 gardai in aid of St Francis Hospice which had local Hollywood star Brendan Gleeson showing up to wave them off on their journey.
This week, we are bringing you a whole gallery which shows the great support this worthwhile event attracted. Pictured taking part were Rebecca Doohan and Mervyn Henson. Full Galley on Page 8
2 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
MEETING: LOCALS LOBBY FINGAL COUNCIL
SOCIAL ‘A hot issue during the byelection campaign’
Petition to restore D15 park ranger Q LAURA WEBB
FINGAL county council “acknowledges” a residents’ petition calling on the local authority to restore a full-time park ranger in Hartstown Park, but believes the new mobile service is working successfully. There has been huge opposition from Hartstown residents to the recent changes in the park ranger services. The service was changed from a static service to a mobile service, meaning park rangers are not stationed at just one park. Signatures were gathered from residents in Hartstown calling on the council to restore a full-time park ranger to their local park. Local Labour councillor and Dublin West byelection candidate, Patrick Nulty, handed the petition to council officials. During a recent area committee meeting in Blanchardstown, Cllr Nulty asked FCC management to restore a full-time ranger to Hartstown Park. Responding to the councillor, a spokesperson for FCC said the council “acknowledged” the petition signed by local residents, but did not agree to make changes to the new system. “As previously reported to the area committee, the park ranger system in Dublin 15 was recently changed from a static service to a more mobile visible service. As a result of the changes
the rangers are no longer permanently stationed in Hartstown Park, but visit a number of parks in Dublin 15,” the spokesperson said. “The indications since these changes have been made are that they have been successful so far, particularly with regard to the new areas which we can now cover. There has also been no noticeable deterioration in the condition of Hartstown Park. It is still widely used during the day by the public, and the sports clubs have not registered any complaints to the council in this regard. --------------------------
‘Seven new litter bins have been installed in the last month at convenient locations’ --------------------------
“Seven new litter bins have been installed in the park in the last month at strategic and convenient locations. This is a huge improvement on the previous situation, and the park rangers are responsible for the emptying of the bins when in the park. “Other improvements are also planned for the park in 2011, particularly around the boundaries, which are a continuation of the extensive programme of park improvements commenced in 2009,” the spokesperson added.
An official visit to Blanchardstown Hospital by Health Minister James Reilly (inset) was greeted with a protest this week
A&E cuts protested as Minister visits hospital Q LAURA WEBB
AN official visit by the Health Minister, James Reilly, to open a new unit at Connolly Hospital was interrupted by protestors opposing cuts to services at the D15 hospital. The Health Minister was on site at Connolly Hospital on Monday to officially open the 20,000 sq ft state-of-theart Endoscopy unit, one of the largest facilities in Ireland. However, his visit was not welcomed by all as a number of protestors lobbying against cuts to the services at the hospital were there to make their feelings known. Socialist Party bye-
lection candidate and Mulhuddart Councillor, Ruth Coppinger, was at the protest. According to Cllr Coppinger there are threats to services in the hospital and to the 24-hour Accident and Emergency department there. “This protest coincides with a visit by Minister Reilly who is here to open an Endoscopy unit. The opening of this unit is welcome, but there is a plain irony that it is taking place against a backdrop of cuts in other services and the downgrading of an A and E that services a catchment area with a population over 100,000. “I am committed to making the downgrad-
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‘Minister Reilly is here to open an Endoscopy unit ’
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ing of the hospital a hot issue during the impending byelection campaign. There are positive indications that the community want to get active on this issue. The campaign will be hosting a debate on the issue of the future of Blanchardstown hospital to which all candidates and the two ministers in the constituency will be invited,” Cllr Coppinger said. But Fine Gael byelection candidate Eithne
Loftus believes it’s time Sinn Fein and the Socialists “stop scare-mongering” because there is “no plans to downgrade the A&E service at Connolly”. “T he Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly, today stated that there will be no changes to the level of services operating at Blanchardstown Hospital A&E. He made his comments while performing the official opening of the new Endoscopy department,” Councillor Loftus said. “I attended the opening along with my other constituency colleague, Minister Leo Varadkar, and Minster Reilly was unequivocal in his
comments – he said the idea was not even in the back of his mind, that it simply was not practical to reduce services,” she added. “I am calling on representatives from Sinn Féin and the Socialist parties to accept the Minister’s statement and to put an end to their scare-mongering. The A&E service is to remain intact and any reports to the contrary on this is simply an attempt to scramble for votes, ahead of the bye-election at the end of this month. “Today’s announcement is great news for the people of Dublin West and indeed the wider Dublin community,” she said.
6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 3
SPORT Council, FAI launch innovative new Stay Active programme
Car park planning
Teaming up with free events to aid local jobless Q MIMI MURRAY news@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL County Council have teamed up with the FAI to launch a new innovative Stay Active programme aimed at men and women aged 18-50 years who are job seekers, unemployed and particularly long-term unemployed . This free programme will take place at three locations across the county and is run over three phases, starting with week-day recreational five-a-side football, progressing to FAI Coach education courses for interested participants and finishing with linking to local clubs to assist with coaching underage
teams. Co-ordinated by Fingal County Council/FAI development officers Paul Keogh, Michael Pender and Sharon Boyle, the programme will be rolled out in Balbriggan, Swords and Mulhuddart, and is fully supported by Fingal Leader partnership, Community Gardai, and Rapid in Blanchardstown and Fingal County Council’s sports unit. Capture
Chief Executive of the FAI, John Delaney, said: “The Stay Active League pilot scheme is one that I hope will capture the interest of people who are currently out of work. As we all know, the unemployment rate is increas-
ing and we are happy to use our game, in partnership with local authorities, to address this difficult social issue. Sport, and the motivation it provides, has an important role to play in assisting people, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a job. If the pilot schemes prove successful we hope to be able to roll it out in other areas through our co-funded development officers.” Commenting on the programme, Marion Brown, Principal Sports officer with Fingal County Council said: “We can’t underestimate the huge social benefit of an initiative such as this, which allows people to develop and improve their sports
TRANSPORT
Q LAURA WEBB
news@gazettegroup.com
Giovanni Trapattoni, oversees team training
and fitness skills, and encourages them to become involved in their communities. Unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment can be damaging to people’s confidence and selfesteem, and the proven health and social benefits of sport and active lifestyles can help reduce
these issues in a positive manner. Fingal County Council fully support this initiative.” The programme will start in Glebe North All-Weather, Balbriggan on October 12 between 12pm and 1.30pm and will run every Wednesday. Contact paul.keogh@fai. ie or call 086-0444435; Rivervalley All-Weather,
Swords starts October 12 between 12pm and 1.30pm and runs every Wednesday. Contact mpender@fai. ie or call 087-1273258. At Mulhuddart All Weather it begins on October 27 and runs every Thursday from 12pm to 1.30pm. Contact Sharon. boyle@fai.ie or call 0871323260.
FINGAL County Council has received a planning application from Irish Rail for a temporary car park adjacent to Hansfield Train Station. The train station has been lying idle for over a year because an access road to it has not been built. Recently it was announced that building on the access road is to start this year. Now a planning application from Irish Rail has been submitted to the planning department of Fingal County Council seeking permission for a temporary 198-space car park adjacent to the train station in Hansfield, Dublin 15. In the planning description, Irish Rail also intends to alter the original planning application for the access road (F08A/0488) by increasing the six car parking spaces to nine spaces.
4 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
POLITICS ‘Should be classified as litter’
Campaign posters adorn the lamppost
Socialist Ruth Coppinger poster
Candidates jumping the gun with posters Q LAURA WEBB
news@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN West byelection candidates could face litter fines for putting up election posters days before the byelection was officially called. Election posters from a number of candidates have been seen by local residents up to three days before the byelection was officially called by the Dublin County returning officer on Tuesday, October 4. One Dublin 15 resident was on his way home on October 1 and noticed Socialist Party candidate Councillor Ruth Coppinger’s election posters up on the Blanchardstown Road South and said “it is illegal to have
posters up before the byelection is called which is on Tuesday evening”. Sinn Fein’s byelection candidate, Paul Donnelly, had posters up around Dublin 15 for a few days before the official announcement, promoting his election campaign launch. Another Dublin 15 resident noticed Labour’s candidate Cllr Patrick Nulty’s posters on the Ongar Road roundabout a day before the byelection was officially called. “I think that until the election has been called, these [posters] should be classified as litter and those responsible should be fined,” the resident told the Gazette. Fianna Fail candidate, Cllr David McGuinness,
had put up election posters in Dublin 15 on the morning of the official announcement. Under legislation for the governing of election posters, posters are only allowed to be erected for a certain specified time period before an election – either 30 days before the poll date or (b) from the date the polling day order (or equivalent) for the election has been completed, whichever provides the shorter period of time. The byelection was officially called by the Dublin County returning officer on Tuesday, October 4. An on-the-spot fine of €150 for breach of legislation could be served to candidates by the local authority. Responding to the issue, Socialist Party Director of Elections and Dublin West TD Joe Higgins said it’s “a non-issue” and that critical issues like unemployment, cuts to Connolly Hospital and withdrawal of special needs assistants from schools, are issues “that must take precedence”. “The notice of motion of the Writ was given in the Dail last week and should have been moved last week but both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael delayed for their own reasons of not having
candidates long enough in place or wanting the shortest possible window for the election. This is a manipulation of the law for party political reasons, is undemocratic and highly unfair on the people of Dublin West who deserve ample notice of the byelection and adequate time to engage with the campaigns,” the director said. Councillor Patrick Nulty (Lab) said he sought permission from Fingal County Council to put up poster before the writ. “On Monday morning I rang FCC, who regulate the postering, and said that two other parties had posters up before the writ, and did I have permission to put up posters. The Director of Services in FCC gave me permission to put up posters. None of my posters went up without prior consent from the authority that regulates it.” Campaign spokesperson for Fianna Fail candidate David McGuinness said: “Our posters were put up overnight in anticipation of the writ being moved for the byelection today [Tuesday]. This was in response to the actions of the Coppinger, Nulty and Donnelly campaigns, who had already erected their posters throughout the constituency.”
6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 5
COUNCIL
IT’S YOUR POETRY
Nursing home
Splendid Little Nation (Apologies to Louis McNeice) It’s all gone from Tigerland, all gone forever, The builders and the bankers say, “We’re all in this together”. They must have necks of rhino hide or balls of pure titanium, Yet when they yank the puppet strings we all rush in to save them.
The Cunning One, he tamed the beast; at least that’s what he told us, He threw a saddle on her back and a harness o’er her shoulders. He rode in pomp from west to east, dispensing wealth and favour, He flogged the Magic Beast to death, nothing now can save her. It’s all gone to Kingdom Come, all gone to FTSE Hades, All we want is a couple of bob and a home to raise our babies. The Queen of Tarts, some thought her smart, her Big Plan was a folly, She left a trail of broken hearts and patients on a trolley. Don’t fall off the gravy train or develop a condition, This is no land for the sick or old as it tumbles towards perdition. The ghost boys on the merry go round were born to times of plenty, They stripped the gilded horses bare, now their pockets are all empty. The stride with hands behind their backs and smiling double faces, All they want is a corporate trough and a tent at the Galway Races. It’s all gone to idle hands, all gone to casual malice, All we need is little bread, some red wine in the chalice. It’s all gone to penury for this splendid little nation, No milk left, the Tiger’s tit has shrivelled with deflation. It’s all gone for the babes in arms, all gone to indentured labour, The water rises hour by hour, but the ships have left the harbour.
D.O’Laighin, Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15
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Healthy times: TV talent launches Kellogg’s All-Bran New road show IRELAND AM presenter Sinead Desmond
helped to launch the Kellogg’s Feel AllBran New road show this week. The road show will visit six regional centres across the country throughout October, kicking off at the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on October 15.
ADDITIONAL information on a planning application for a new nursing home facility situated north of the Waterville Housing development has been submitted to Fingal County Council. The Adroit Company submitted the clarification of additional information to the planning department of the local authority on September 20. The proposed development consists of the demolition of an existing disused hospital boiler house complex and the construction of a nursing home facility, including 104 single en-suite bedrooms.
6 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
INVESTMENT: JOBS CREATION
EVENT Discussing issues of concern to older people
Vital funding boost for Dublin North DUBLIN Nor th has received some muchneeded direct funding for job creation, according to Fine Gael TD, Alan Farrell. “Fingal County Enterprise board will receive extra funding for job creation over the coming months,” Deputy Farrell said whilst commenting on the announcement by Minister for Small Business, John Perry, this week, that a further €3.1 million will be allocated to City and County Enterprise Boards for direct investment in job creation, as a result of savings in his department this year. “This is great news for the Fingal County Enterprise Board, who will be in receipt of an extra €175,000 this year, which, in turn, will create up to 18 jobs in Dublin North. “Having previously served as both director and a member of the Fingal County Enterprise Board, I find it very encouraging that there is sufficient demand from projects in Dublin North to justify these requests, and this shows that the start-up spirit is alive and well in the area.
Support “The provision of this additional funding to support businesses is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to the small business sector. “If we are to get out of this crisis, it is crucial that we strive in every way possible to encourage the start-up and expanding businesses that will create the jobs of the future. “The County and City Enterprise Boards around the countr y have a key role to play in providing muchneeded capital for these businesses,” he said.
Minister for Health, James Reilly, attended the event which launched Fingal as an age-friendly county
Fingal County Council first for age-friendly FINGAL County Council has become the first county in the Dublin region to go age-friendly and will support any future developments under its new age-friendly county initiative. A special event at the Europa Academy in Swords, and hosted by RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan, launched Fingal as an age-friendly county. On the day, representatives from Active Retirement/Senior Citizen’s and Over 55 groups, and representatives from statutor y
and state-funded agencies and organisations attended the event, where it discussed issues of concern to older people and explored new ways of dealing with these concerns. T he initiative is described as a new opportunity, both for Statutory and StateFunded Agencies, Community and Voluntary Organisations and older people themselves, to plan differently by consulting with older people and by delivering on services for older people in the county in a col-
laborative way. Fingal County manager, David O’Connor thanked everyone for their commitment to the initiative. He assured participants that all of the issues, concerns and ideas raised as part of the day’s event would be considered and acted upon where possible. He promised that Fingal County Council, in collaboration with State and State-funded agencies and community and voluntary organisations, were committed to delivering on an age-friendly
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‘It is only through consulting that we really know what older people want, but that this should not just be about older people, but for all of Fingal to ask’ --------------------------------------------------------
strategy for Fingal. Minister for Health, James Reilly reminded participants that Ireland was going to have substantially greater numbers of older people in the future and that we needed to challenge the assumption that this might be a negative
prospect. “Playing our cards right, means having age-friendly policies and programmes in place so people enjoy the possible quality of life as they grow older; older people should be able to live healthily and independently.
They should be active par ticipants in their own communities,” said Minister Reilly Noel Mulvihill, HSE, assistant national director of Services to Older People, welcomed the collaboration of all statutory, voluntary and private agencies coming together with a shared vision to make age friendly happen in Fingal. “It is only through consulting that we really know what older people want, but that this should not just be about older people, but for all of Fingal to ask.”
6 October 2011 011 BLANCH GAZETTE 7
Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown
With Jim Lacey Phone: 087-2401308 Email: jimlacey@eircom.net
Under starter’s orders in the West was fingering the small change in my pocket wondering if it was worth my while having a little punt on the Dublin West byelection. Paddy Power was giving the following odds last Saturday – Patrick Nulty, Labour 5/4, Ruth Coppinger, Socialist Party 9/4, Eithne Loftus, Fine Gael 9/4, David McGuinness, Fianna Fail 11/2, Paul Donnelly, Sinn Fein 22/1 and Roderick O’Gorman, Green Party 80/1. I tried to second-guess Paddy Power and looked at the candidates and decided to eliminate the long shots. I hasten to add I mean eliminate them from my choice in the betting stakes - nothing else intended. One has to be careful of one’s words when we see the dissection of phrases, sentences, even punctuation in the Presidential debate. So I eliminated Roderick O’Gorman, a decent guy and a hard worker,
I
but I don’t think the Greens have been forgiven yet for their participation in an administration that did so much damage to the country. I am also discounting David McGuinness for the same reason. The late Brian Lenihan’s retention of his seat was purely a personality vote and owed nothing to his membership of Fianna Fail – in fact it was in spite of that membership that he retained his seat. Curiously David may benefit from people mixing up their McGuinness’s, on the other hand he could lose votes for the same reason. Paul Donnelly is also unlikely to get a seat on this occasion from a rise in Sinn Fein support as the increase required would have to treble his last vote of 6.1% to leave him in with a chance. On the other hand, Martin McGuinness’s par ticipation may encourage more Sinn Fein voters out. However, Sinn Fein are
Benefit night and auction THE Niall Mellon Township Trust is the largest provider of social housing in South Africa. Over the past 10 years they have provided homes for 80,000 shanty dwellers. Alan O’Rafferty and friends are hosting a Gala Dinner and auction/raffle on Saturday, October 22 at 8pm in Castleknock Golf Club. The Simple Side will provide music on the night. Tickets for a great night’s entertainment and for a very good cause are only €30 per person. Contact Alan O’Rafferty at 087-6241361 for tickets.
New radio show I AM presenting a regular programme of yarns, history and
not yet as transfer friendly so that leaves us with Patrick Nulty Labour, Ruth Coppinger, Socialist Party and Eithne Loftus, Fine Gael. Last time Labour got 29% first preferences, Fine Gael got 27.2% first preferences and the Socialist Party got 19%. Eithne Loftus would be well known in the Castleknock/Park Ward and secured 3,023 votes in the council elections. However, the eliminations of the Sinn Fein, Fianna Fail and Green candidates are unlikely to favour her as much as the other two remaining candidates from Labour and the Socialist Party. So, Eithne Lof tus needs to secure at least every percentage point of the 27.2% Fine Gael got last time and, as she has not stood as a Dail candidate since 1989, it will be some trick to pull off. Ruth Coppinger is better known in the Mulhuddart Ward and needs to keep the 19% Joe Higgins secured in the last
music every second Tuesday at 11.30am on Phoenix FM. My next program will be on Tuesday, October 18 on Phoenix FM. The program is entitled Rambles in Dublin West with Jim Lacey, and is a lighthearted look at history and heritage, with a few yarns and some light music. Tune in to Phoenix FM at 92.5 and have a listen.
Hamilton Walk THE annual Hamilton Walk takes place on Sunday, October 16 and is organised by Fiacre O’Cairbre of the Mathematics faculty of Maynooth College. The walk is scheduled to leave Dunsink Observatory between 2pm and 2.30pm and the route is through the fields to Dunsinea Cross, Ashtown, and along the
General Election. I believe most of Joe Higgins vote was a personal vote and Ruth Coppinger is unlikely to get 19% first preferences, for those reasons I am eliminating both Ruth Coppinger and Eithne Loftus from my choices and going to put my loose change on Patrick Nulty the Labour candidate. The Labour Party got 29% of the first preferences in the last General Election, of which Patrick Nulty got 6.3%. That is the highest percentage achieved previously by any of the standing candidates. (Kieran Dennison of Fine Gael got 7.5% last time but is not standing). So, my money is on Patrick Nulty to capture the seat for Labour and a great tussle for second place between Loftus and Coppinger. In any event, if nothing else it will be an insightful foretaste of what is in store for us in the next General Election.
Royal Canal from the 10th lock at Ashtown to Hamilton Bridge, Cabra (formerly Broome Bridge and still not designated it’s correct name in signposting by local authorities and Irish Rail). The walk commemorates William Rowan Hamilton’s discovery of quaternions while walking along the canal with his wife on October 16, 1843. Without this important mathematical discovery we would not have radio, television, space exploration, radar or, heaven forbid, computer games. It’s an idyllic walk across a pathway through the fields and along the pleasant waters of the Royal Canal. To participate telephone the organiser Fiacre O’Cairbre at 7083763 and he will book your place on the walk.
The group held a similar event this time last year which was very well received
Songs for a winter’s evening
AN evening of music and song will be hosted by Mary Flynn (soprano) and friends in St Mochta’s Church, Porterstown, on Friday, October 21 at 8pm. Tickets at €15 each are available from the Parish Office at St Mochta’s or contact Sally at 085-2869380 or Mary at 087-2585398. The concert is in aid of two very good charities, St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown and The Rise Foundation, a support group for families with a loved one in addiction.
The performers on the night will be Mary Flynn soprano, Mary and Teresa O’Donnell harpists, Jane Hughes cellist, Eoin Tierney on keyboard, Jon Henderson on guitar and vocalists Fr Marino Nguekam, Susan Dowling and Patricia Bourke. Mary Flynn and harpists Mary and Teresa O’Donnell have been performing together over the last 10 years. The group have performed in three continents and have appeared on RTE, BBC, CNN and NBC.
8 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
EVENT 130 gardai participate in a cycle for local hospice
Actor shows support
OLLYWOOD star Brendan Gleeson took time out from his busy career to show his support for a local charity when he was on hand to wave off 130 gardai who were participating in a charity cycle in aid of St Francis Hospice. The cycle started at the new St Francis Hospice in Dublin 15 and went to Kilkenny in one day. Both Brendan’s father and mother were cared for by the team at hospice in Raheny so he was only to happy to help the fantastic work he says that the staff and the hospice do. Visiting the new state-of-the-art hospice in Blanchardstown, he said he was amazed to see how it looks. “It is phenomenal, light, air and space, I was staggered by it. I have been trying to get out during the summer and I haven’t been able to, but being here today I couldn’t believe it, its phenomenal.”
H
Garda Paul Doona, William Sharkey, Brendan Gleeson, Chief Superintendent Declan Coburn, Inspestor John Kelly
Rebecca Doohan and Mervyn Henson
Dan Joe O’Mahony and Barry Hreffernan
Mayor Gerry Maguire with Paul Donna and William Sharkey
Gerry Keogh and Greg Reddin
Bernadette Gillis, Darah Hannigan, Ethel McKenna (CEO), Sr Patricia Walsh, Brendan Gleeson, Bernie O’Hare, Aine MacCallan, Jamie Dernisse and Gemma Brown
Nora McCarrick, Dee Kinnane and Sr Margaret Cashman
6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 9
10 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
R1
EVENT Pop-Up Bank opens at Fingal’s Europa Academy
Motorcycle touring company owner and Fingal Enterprise Award finalist, Paul Rawlins, from celticrider.com, Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board and Garrett Maher, GPM Distributors
Popping in for top financial advice COLLABORATION “with a difference” between state support agencies, financial institutions and BES investment companies took place during Fingal Enterprise Week. Aimed at small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for advice around loans, grants,
A
venture capital funds and Business Expansion Scheme investments, the Pop-Up Bank was the brainchild of the Fingal County Enterprise Board. Billed as a drop-in exhibition of financing options for new start-ups and existing businesses, the free event also
offered enterprise workshops and confidential mentoring sessions with experienced business people. Organisers also gave business owners and managers the opportunity to meet financial advisors, accountants and legal professionals.
Neal Morrison and Ruth Bereton, from McInerney Saunders
Fingal Mayor Gerry McGuire and Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County
Eric Chaloner, mentor with Finglas County Enterprise board, mark Zhant who was receiving advice on setting up
Enterprise Board checking out the Heineken Cup
a new company
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 11
GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION FEEDING THE BODY AND MIND: LEILA JOHARI EXPLAINS HOW FOOD EFFECTS MOOD
Kick the autumn blues with some healthy eating LEILA JOHARI
F O R m a ny p e o p l e autumn can be a gloomy time. Summer has ended, holidays are over, days are getting darker and colder. There is not much to look forward to and often people feel slightly depressed and low. Autumn doesn’t have to be this way. It can be seen as a second new year. It is the perfect time to rev up your energy levels and prepare for those winter months. Poor eating habits can lead to lack of energy, anxiety and depression. By understanding balanced eating, it is easy improve your energy levels and boost your mood. To function properly, your body needs a daily intake of a full range of essential nutrients, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, lowfat dairy products, lean meats, fish and healthy oils such as olive. The foods we eat contain two main categories
of nutrients. Macronutrients include proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and provide energy. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients found in fruit and vegetables. They play a critical role in maintaining the body’s normal functions and processes. The key to achieving a healthy, well-balanced diet is to eat a wide variety of different foods. Raw materials
Levels of depression are higher among people eating mostly junk food. These foods are heavily processed and contain additives. People who eat lots of junk foods tend not to eat enough healthy food. In simple terms, your body and brain are made from the foods you eat – if you don’t give it the basic raw materials then nothing will work the way it should. If you put unleaded petrol in a car that runs on diesel the consequences would not be good! So, what foods are best
to avoid and what foods are best to eat in order to achieve optimum health? A high-sugar diet can affect our mood. While high levels of sugar in the blood make us feel better temporarily it is followed by a sugar crash that causes a severe dip in mood. Instead of snacking on sugary foods, such as cakes and biscuits, choose foods, such as oatcakes, which help balance blood sugar levels by releasing energy slowly. Junk foods contain saturated fats. Such fats are unhealthy and on digestion can release a lot of toxins into your body. Saturated fats are found in foods, such as red meat, cheese, butter and cakes. There are certain nutrients that are particularly beneficial for keeping the brain, and so our moods, healthy. Iron is essential for healthy brain development and is found in lean red meat, chicken, turkey, green vegetables, such as
spinach and pulses. Antioxidants help to protect the body from toxins and keep blood vessels healthy. The best sources of antioxidants are fresh fruit and vegetables. It is the perfect season for apples which help fight the effects of bad cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Next time you want dessert, why not try a stewed apple with cinnamon? Omega-3 fats are essential for healthy brain function. They can be as effective as some antidepressants in treating mild depression. Oil-rich fish such as mackerel, salmon and trout are good sources. Finally, B vitamins, especially thiamine, improve mood. The best sources are B vitamins are found in high-fibre foods, such as whole grain cereals and bread, and in fortified milk and yogurt. This autumn don’t let your mood fall like the leaves!
The Gazette’s new nutrition expert, Leila Johari
12 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
WEDDINGS
A big day at Green Isle Hotel THE Green Isle Hotel Dublin offers an innovative and elegant wedding programme with a trained, professional team to ensure that every wedding is truly memorable. A combination of excellent menus and wines, the loveliest linens and floral arrangements and a choice of banqueting suites make choosing the perfect venue easy. The team will work tirelessly to ensure the big day is a special one for all involved. The staff will help choose the best menu to suit every budget, and, with their years of experience, can advise on entertainment, wines or ideas on table decorations and photography. All-inclusive packages, such as a wedding reception for 100 guests for only €3,300, are available. Call 01 4593406 to make an appointment to meet the team and see the room set for a wedding.
EDUCATION Student spends six weeks in Singapore
An internship of a lifetime Q PAUL HOSFORD
FOR any 18-year old, spending six weeks in a foreign country is an intimidating prospect, but for Seth Smith the chance to spend the summer after completing his Leaving Cert in Singapore was one that was too good to refuse. The confident youngster, who begins studying Computer Science in Trinity this month, was part of the Digital Life Academy (DLA) an intensive six-week programme designed to inspire young people to start up their own companies. Even so, he bristles at the notion of being labelled an entrepreneur. “I think an entrepreneur is someone who takes on a risk. It’s a word that is thrown around a lot, but I would like to be a successful businessman. “To be completely honest, it was quite random becoming involved. My friend got an email from his brother about the internship and I looked at it and thought it sounded
amazing. “So I went home and made a video presentation and sent it off. “Then I got a few missed calls and checked my email at about midnight and there was one saying I’d got the internship.” Given that Singapore has spent S$1 billion setting up the Technopreneurship Investment Fund (TIF) to attract and encourage companies to undertake risks of backing promising ideas, it is the ideal place to kick off the DLA and a place Seth had no problem going to. “I’ve always been an independent type and I quite like that. I’m currently looking for an apartment myself for college.” The DLA aims to educate a new class of entrepreneurs, who thrive on the usage of social media. Interns are given training in areas like company formation, fundraising, product development, marketing and financial management. Talks feature key figures in internet
and business, including Yahoo! Inc’s David Gowdey, Google’s Julian Persaud and Ocean Group International’s Timur Sardarov. The whole experience is one that left Seth in awe. “It was mind-blowing. There was 33 people from 17 different countries and the atmosphere created was a serious buzz. “We were all running around, working on various projects and it was amazing. “I think Singapore is much more upbeat. We’d work from 9am to 8pm and you wouldn’t even notice. We’d all go for dinner and then go back to work. It was never forced on us, but we felt obliged to do it because we enjoyed it. “The DLA is an unforgettable experience that will change your whole perspective on what it takes to start a company. I feel so fortunate in being given the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals who share the same passion as myself. Hopefully,
I will work with people like this in the future. “ T h e DL A is going to be repeated between January and March and I will be very involved and, hopefully, we’ll have an Irish person involved.” For more, see here http://w w w.digitallifeacademy.com/ about
Dubliner Seth Smith took part in a six-week programme with the Digital Life Academy in Singapore
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 13
Wedding bliss: Ideal location for the big day EVERY one wants to be somewhere special for their Wedding Day. The five-star Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel is very special, centered on a fine 18th-century mansion set in four acres of formal gardens. Guests get all the advantages of a world-class, five-star hotel with all of the character of a Georgian stately home, with stunning photo opportunities! For that special wedding day, be it an intimate or large, traditional gathering, the Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel can cater for both in the perfect surroundings of the magnificent garden. The hotel recently hosted a Wedding Fair including a fashion show on the lawns that featured newly crowned Miss Ireland, Holly Carpenter. For further information contact Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan, on 01 218 6000 or visit www.radissonblu. ie/sthelenshotel-dublin, or see their facebook page on www.facebook.com/ radissonblusthelensdublin.
14 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
PETS AND FAMILIES: DON’T FORGET, THERE IS MORE TO OWNING A DOG THAN WALKS
Kids, do you have what it takes to own a dog? S A small child, I grew up with dogs, and, as an awkward, geeky teenager, most of the time the only friend who totally understood me was Kimmie, my beautiful, faithful, chocolate brown Wheaten Terrier whom my dad bought for me when I came home from hospital as a one-year-old toddler. Kimmie remained my
A
Almost all kids dream of having their very own dog, but answer our questions to see if they have what it takes to take care of their new best friend
faithful best friend until his death from testicular cancer when I was 17 years old. So, it’s fair to say I love dogs; (regular readers will know this), and I always knew when I became a mom, my kids (now adults) would have dogs and would be brought up to love, care, nurture and cherish them, just as I was. And, no, we’re not the Brady Bunch; we’re more like The Simpsons. So, when parents ask me if I believe kids and dogs go together, my answer is always going to be a resounding YES! But I also ask the parents if they personally want a dog and if the answer is “NO,” then I advise them to consider asking their child who will “absolutely love and walk and care for the dog,” the following questions in order to help them plan effectively for their new best friend. So, if you’re a kid who’s trying to prove to your parents you’re capable of taking care of a dog, see how many of the following questions you can answer: • Am I kind and gentle
someone needs help and
• When you take your
do I help them?
dog for a walk you must
• During the past
pick up the poo. You
week, how many times
must carry poo bags
and ways have I been
and you must bin them
responsible?
properly. • Dogs shed hair.
And then… I know I’m responsible, but how do I let my family know I’m responsible enough to have a dog as a pet?
• Dogs can vomit.
• Tell them about a time
carpet.
when you were kind to
• Dogs can jump up
an animal. For example,
and down on your new
did you help an injured
clothes and chew your
animal? Did you feed
favourite toys.
the birds who visit your
• Dogs need to be taken
garden?
to the vet, they need to
• Decide how much time
be groomed and bathed
you’ll have to spend with
and they need their nails
your dog and tell your
clipped.
mom how you plan to
• Dogs get worms, ear
spend it. How much time
mites and fleas.
will you have to walk,
• Dogs can run away
groom and play with
from home so they must
your dog?
be microchipped.
• Find out what type of
• Dogs need to be put
food you’ll feed your dog
into boarding kennels
and how much it will cost
when you go on holiday,
each week.
or they need a pet sitter.
• Read the Dublin SPCA’s
• Dogs need lots of
special information
things, like leads,
on the importance of
collars, a kennel, a bed
spaying and neutering
for the house because
your dog.
a dog must be allowed
• Ask your family if
access to your home; he
everyone else living in
cannot be left outside all
the house is happy to
of the time.
have a dog.
• And… the saddest fact
when it comes to dealing with animals?
• During the past week, how many times and
• Puppies are cute but
ways have I shown
they grow into big dogs.
kindness to people and
Not all dogs grow big but
animals?
some do; so check with
• Am I responsible? (This
your vet and find out
means, that I can think
what type of dog is likely
for myself).
to be large and what
• Do I know when the
type is likely to remain
right thing needs to be
small.
done and do I do it?
• Dogs bark. Some bark
• Do I know when
an awful lot of the time.
to spend with a dog?
furniture; especially a teething puppy. • Dogs can pee and poo and make a mess on the
of all kids; some day,
When your child has read and understood the above, ask them to keep the following in mind:
• Have I got lots of time
• Dogs can chew
sadly, your dog will die.
So, boys and girls, you’ve answered all of the above and are happy you still want a dog as a pet. Wonderful. Get Mom to get in touch with the Dublin SPCA; at www.dspca.ie we’ve lots of cuties just waiting on their forever homes. For more information email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC INTERVIEW: DUBLIN 15 BAND LEARNING THE ROPES ON THE ROAD AND ONLINE
Magic and hard graft the keys to music success Q ROB HEIGH
THE playing field for new bands keeps changing as new media avenues open up, but one thing that stays true is that hard graft and dedication will get you to the next level. This is especially true of local band, Last Second Magic, who are travelling to Canada next week to take part in Toronto Indie Week for the second consecutive year. The hardest working band in Dublin 15 have built up a dedicated following across the city and across the wider world with their melodic stylings, exciting gigs and inspired cover versions. But their ongoing success is based on more than just those strengths, as GazetteMusic found out when we spoke to lead singer, Paul Hosford. “More and more people are getting interested in the band. We’re keen to make sure we know and understand what is working for us, because there are thousands of bands out there, and you need to be smarter about that kind of thing to make sure you are seen.” The band came from the ashes of Blanchardstown band, A Careless Thief, and the collective have seen a number of personnel changes, which have led to a settled lineup who are reaping the rewards of hard work and understanding how to reach their audience. “Since we went to Toronto last year, we have had a lot of change; we have had a member leave and two new ones join us, so we are a different band in many ways, including the way we approach making music. “We were looking at
our sets, and we have only two or three songs that are still in the set from this time last year. We are still playing to our melodic and clever strengths, but there is a more crafted approach in what we do. “This will be our third Indie Week, as we did Toronto last year, Indie Week Ireland in March and now back to Toronto. We’re playing a gig in Niagara Falls, and there will be a week of gigs for us. “We learned a huge amount the last time we were there as a band. In terms of the business side of things — PR, design, how you portray yourself in the media and social media, getting things organised.” The band came back
inspired by their last trip to Canada, and recorded and released their last EP, We Miss You, Black Stalin, and the expectation is that all they have learned since then, together with another great experience in front of international audiences, will see another burst of creativity and career building. “T he last EP was recorded with Lee Boylan, drummer with Fight Like Apes, and taking time to put a bit of effort and care into what we do is really important, as we learned in Toronto last year. “When we come back, we’re planning to record a full album. We have a set of songs that we’re happy with, and our enthusiasm and energy is rising with
Last Second Magic are on their way to Toronto to take part in the Indie Week showcase
16 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Masterpieces re-released in HD TWO “new” PlayStation 3 titles have been rereleased that are practically reason enough to buy Sony’s console. Conveniently bundled together, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus (below) are two titles that, individually and collectively, come as close to defining pure genius in gaming as anything else in the past 30-odd years or so. Both titles were released on the PlayStation 2 several years ago to universal acclaim – and universally underwhelming sales. Critics adored the titles, but gamut the general gam ing public ignored them (as the comprehensive reviews of both titles on Wikipedia may explain). However, with both titles constantly appearing near the top in critics’ Best Games of All Time lists, Ico, and Shadow of the Colossus, have been re-released in HD. There’s no highly-polished redesign; the games re-use the same assets – but, presented in crisp, widescreen glory, there’s no excuse for PS3 gamers not to grab a copy now of these two singularly memorable titles. My reason to just buy a new PlayStation 3 has hit the shelves ...
A highly-polished Gears SHANE DILLON
ALTHOUGH I certainly don’t want to get in the habit of returning to previously mentioned titles, or to seem like I favour one console over another (as I don’t), I’m returning tto Gears of War 3, as I said I would do so in my previous column. p By now, Gears has swept aside all opposittion in the charts, which was a sure-fire certainty w ffor Microsoft, with Gears being a key franchise for the XBox in ways that, say, the Metal Gear Solid franchise is for PlayStation. So, having blitzed through the single-player campaign, as well as stormed through the multiplayer modes, how does this conclusion to the trilogy play out?
Fortunately, the series has reached a satisfying conclusion, along with all of the manic set pieces and all-out action fans could expect, with an hour spent with Gears generally providing more action than many a film director’s entire canon. And yet, lest nongamers or mildly curious readers dismiss the game as just another frantic shooter, there’s a noticeably thoughtful undercurrent underpinning the trilogy’s conclusion, thanks to the series writer, Karen Traviss. Sensibly deciding that, even in such a hectic action game, the good guys don’t always win – and that heroes die just like everybody else – she’s given emotional and intellectual depth to the conclusion, for those
Things don’t look good for Marcus and his friends as mutated Lambent attack, in a fairly typical scene from Gears of War 3
who look behind the visuals and gameplay. And what gameplay. The single-player mode is, of course, packed full of memorable pieces, but the mutiplayer is pretty striking, In addition to the usual player-vs-player, team-vs-team modes, the most interesting, Horde,
sees a random group of people team up to fight through progressively tougher waves of enemies, requiring teamwork, skill –and a little luck. I have to make special mention of the multiplayer maps, with some, such as the Overpass level, providing superb visuals.
The artistry of Gears’ “destroyed beauty” in its environmental design has simply never looked better. In short, while gamers wait for the likes of Battlefield 3, and Skyrim, Gears of War 3 is a frantically entertaining title for adult gamers to enjoy.
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 17
OPINION A candidate’s Presidential vision
‘It’s about all of us working together’ I AM running for President of Ireland because I want to do for jobs and enterprise what President Mary McAleese did for peace. Fourteen years ago, Mary McAleese chose building bridges as her central theme and she used her background, work history and life experience to help to build and consolidate peace on our island, despite there being no political or constitutional role for President McAleese to do this. I have a background in farming and agriculture, youth and community work, public service, enterprise and entrepreneurship. I have worked hard to overcome many challenges, including unemployment and a visual impairment. Yet, I have always focused on what I can do and what I am good at. When I travel around the country, as I have done for the past few years, mentoring, advising and supporting groups of young people, those unemployed, business
Sean Gallagher
networks, entrepreneurs, community, voluntary and advocacy groups, my message is always the same: We all must put our strengths to work to achieve our goals. When I decided, to run for the Presidency, it was because, after years of challenging others to be leaders in their own communities, I felt I had to stand forward myself. After I launched my website, www.seangallagher.com in July and I embarked on a listening tour of the country. I wanted to hear from people in community groups, in businesses, in shopping
centres and at festivals what they wanted to see in their next President. It has been a wonderful journey. I have visited 22 counties, over 60 locations and travelled almost 20,000kms. Those I met have told me of their greatest concerns and that has been for their jobs and for their families. They have told me that they want a President who will believe in them and in the future of our country. I heard that people want a President who is beyond politics, who is truly independent and who will be the voice and face of Ireland – not just now, but the Ireland we want to see in the future. As President, I want to focus on what we do well. I want to highlight and celebrate the work done by enterprise groups, business networks, Chambers of Commerce, those supporting unemployed people and entrepreneurs. I want the excellent work that is being done to inspire others to create jobs in their local towns
and villages. These jobs provide the glue that holds the community together – it provides money to keep the school open, the services running and the sports team on the field. Abroad, I want to use my enterprise background to lead trade missions to help open new markets for Irish businesses, attract tourists and bring foreign investment to Ireland. All of this has the potential to increase jobs at home. I believe that, as a country, we must focus on what we do well, including food production, tourism and new innovative industries such as technology and pharmaceuticals. We need to tell the world the story of our success and stop wallowing in our failures. That is why I want to put enterprise at the heart of the next Presidency. While this focus on enterprise and job creation is important, it is even more essential for what it can do for our local communities. As our economy has suffered,
so have our communities. Yet, what I have seen on my listening tour is a fantastic reliance and a giving spirit as people have more time to offer. Just last week, I was at a World Suicide Prevention Day with Pieta House, and I was heartened by the work and energy of the volunteers who were coming together to support those in real distress. These are the real heroes in country, who need to be commended and celebrated as they can inspire such great work in others. I am not a politician and I do not have the war chest or resources of a political party behind me. That is why I value those volunteers who are coming forward to work on our campaign, to canvass and fundraise. This campaign is not about me, it is about all of us working together to secure the Presidency for the people.
Sean Gallagher Presidential Candidate
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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.
18 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
HEATING: TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING THE FAMILY WARM THIS WINTER ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS
DROPPING THE MORTGAGE GUARANTOR Q – Seven years ago, my mother, who is now 76, guaranteed my mortgage – I was a little shy of the required income level then but the bank insisted she be put on the mortgage. Even with a recent salary reduction, I am nearly at the level where my own income now is sufficient for the mortgage while I also have
The team at Topaz Local Fuels is ready for a busy winter
savings that could reduce my mortgage to even more acceptable levels. I now want to take my mother off the loan while my mortgage is also on a fixed interest rate with my bank. What’s the best way to proceed with this ? Jenny – Malahide A - Hindsight is a wonderful thing – accepting a 69-year-old mother to guarantee a daughter’s 30+ year home loan should never have been allowed in the first place. You have a number of steps to take : Make an appointment to meet your lender ( the sooner the better ) Bring your P60 from 2010, your last 3 pay slips and ideally an up-to-date status employment note from your employer First you should request that, based on your current income and job security, your mortgage be placed solely in your name and that Your mother’s name be deleted from the mortgage deed – with the repayment and loan amount to remain the same If they deem your income insufficient to warrant the request ( and parameters are changing all the time ), ask them what level of borrowing would satisfy them based on your current income that would allow your mother’s guarantee to be waived ? If you have savings, offer to either pay off the amount to the level they desire – the bank should be delighted with the lump sum - or if they are going to charge a fee for breaking the fixed rate, then place that amount in a deposit account with the bank when they can attach a lien as security for the mortgage until the fixed rate matures and it can be repaid against the mortgage at that stage. In the interim, ensure you are receiving top deposit rates with that bank. If you are allowed to repay without penalty, it will also reduce your monthly mortgage pro rata. Better for your cash flow. You will need to brief your solicitor to make the necessary legal changes.
Contact John Lowe 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
IF YOU’VE felt the chill that has crept into the autumn air over the last few days, you know that winter is well and truly on its way. There are even predictions that there will be a cold snap as early as October, this year. Last year, many people did not realise that their oil tanks were so low and the increased demand during the cold snaps put pressure on oil companies, meaning many people had to endure the harsh cold while they waited days or even weeks for their delivery. With this in mind, the message from
fuel distributors nationwide is strong and simple. Prepare and order early. With Christmas edging ever closer on the horizon, getting the expense of home heating out of the way now will ensure you are in a much better financial position come the festive season, not to mention the reassurance it brings that you and your family won’t be experiencing a truly cold wintry night. First things first, get your boiler serviced. An efficient boiler will save you considerable money over the winter months. Next,
Don’t be left out in the cold this winter make sure that draughts are eliminated. Often, we waste more heat than we enjoy. Finally, set your thermostat to a pleasant background level, somewhere between 18 – 20 degrees. Reducing temperature by 1 degree can decrease fuel usage by 10%. Also, set your timer so you can enjoy the benefits of a warm house. You should
be able to rise in the morning to a chill free bathroom and kitchen. And if you are out all day, is there anything more enjoyable than returning to a warm, welcoming home? Last winter, Keith McGouran, the Depot Manager for Topaz Local Fuels, Dublin took the decision not to let any of their customers endure
the freezing temperatures. A lot of learnings were gleaned from last year’s experience and Topaz Local Fuels have pulled out all the stops to ensure their product offering has diversified to cater for the worsening economic and weather climates. Visit www.topazlocalfuels.ie or call 1850 250 650 for more information.
New legislation affecting couples living together NOREEN MULDOON
FROM January 1, 2011, the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 came into effect. There are over 120,000 co-habitants in Ireland who are possibly affected by this Act. This new act allows unmarried couples apply to court for financial relief similar to that allowed under the Judicial Separation and Divorce Act. To qualify the adult individuals must have been living together as a couple for a period of: Two years or more in the case where they are the parents of one or more dependant children Five years or more in any other
case. Under the Act an “ex” may now look to court for an order of maintenance, pension and/or an interest in a property (property adjustment order). They must meet certain criteria. For example, they need to show they have been financially dependant on the other party as a result of the relationship. An application must be brought before the court within two years “save in exceptional circumstances” from the time of the breakdown of the relationship regardless of how the relationship ends. A party can also apply to court to look for a share of a deceased partner's estate, although there
is not an automatic entitlement to this. To stop rights being established a “co-habitant agreement” can be entered into, which can set out any financial arrangements between the parties. If a couple decide to opt out of the provisions of the Act and draft such an agreement, independent legal advice needs to be obtained from a solicitor by both people. Also be aware that, if such an agreement is fundamentally unfair and unjust, a court can set the agreement aside or vary it. In summary, it is important to note that previously unmarried couples had no legal rights to the assets or the estate of their partner; now, however, couples
living together can automatically obtain rights under the Act even if they have not taken steps to register their relationship. Maguire Muldoon Solicitors Clonskeagh Dublin 14 Tel (01) 296 4266 www.maguiremuldoon.ie
G A Z E T T E G R O U P N E W S P A P E R S
13 January 2011 GAZETTE 19
OCT 2011
YOUR
PENSION YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
GETTING THE RIGHT ADVICE: Are pensions still a good option? Page 20
Jedward factor: Roisin Ni Mhorain THE FAMILY on how there BUSINESS: are far worse Providing for role models than the your company’s twins from Lucan future Page Page 2229
Safety first for pensions in 2011 Q SUSAN GIBSON Head of Pensions, Irish Life Retail
FOR most people starting a pension was just something we did when we started working or when we set up our business. It just seemed sensible to start putting money by while we had it, to take account of the years ahead when we wouldn’t have it! Saving for a more secure future
Despite the challenging financial environment we all face, the critical fact remains – saving for our retirement is as important and as sensible as ever. And, for those who put plans in place, the
benefit is immediate. A recent study by Amarach Research showed that people who are saving for their retirement with a pension were twice as confident about their future compared to those who weren’t putting anything by. Know your pension options
It’s important to understand that not all pension plans are the same. There’s actually a range of options to choose from when investing into a pension plan. So you should be able to choose from safer, lower-risk options right the way though to more adventurous ones. Then, as your circumstances change over time, you should be able to switch
between funds easily, whenever you need to. At Irish Life we’ve a wide range of options so we’ve got something to suit all tastes. Put your pension in good hands
More than 1 million people choose Irish Life to help them look after their financial futures. In fact we currently manage pensions and investments of over €31 billion. As Ireland’s leading provider it may not surprise you that we look after the pensions of most of Ireland’s leading companies. However, you may not be aware that seven of the 10 biggest US companies choose Irish Life pensions for their Irish employees.
Get some advice
Getting your pension sorted is one of the most important decisions you can make. With so much at stake, choosing your pension provider, and understanding all the options available, has never been more important. For advice on planning for your retirement, talk to your independent broker, or contact your local Irish Life Financial Adviser to help you plan ahead for a more secure future.
Information is correct August 2011. Pensions are long-term savings plans that can only be taken at retirement. Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Susan Gibson, head of pensions, Irish Life Retail
20 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
YOUR
PENSION
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
l G ET TI NG T H E R I GH T A DV I CE l
A pension? I’d be better off in the Post Office DAMIAN EVANS
Fingal Financial
OVER the last few months, I have heard a number of discussions relating to the continued use of private pension plans. This is usually related to the falls in fund values, negative sentiment regarding global economies and taxation changes. My advice is that, for most people
funding long-term for retirement, pensions are still the best game in town. Some of the key points to remember are: 1. Security
IT IS important to remember that insurance companies are not banks. The liquidity requirements for insurance companies are much, much more onerous than for the banking sector. An insurance com-
pany must at least match assets and liabilities and, indeed, most insurers exceed this. If you have a Self Administered Fund with a Pensioneer trustee, your assets are held in a ring-fenced trust, so should the Trustee company face difficulties or indeed become insolvent, your assets are protected. 2. Investment Performance
YES, it has been a pretty torrid time for global equity and bond markets. The credit crunch that started in the US has now turned into a European Sovereign Debt Crisis and we have had our own property and banking problems along the way. Advisers can’t pretend to be able to predict the future; however, we can plan a portfolio and guide our clients through the various behaviours of assets so that there are fewer surprises. Investment markets will rise and fall. It is their nature. You can, however, have a lot of influence over how your overall investment portfolio rises and falls comapred with global market benchmarks.
3. Investment strategy
MATCHING your invest-
For most people, pensions are still one of the best options for saving for your retirement
ment portfolio to your investment term, and taking into account your attitude to risk, should lead to fewer surprises when receiving your fund valuations. There have never been more investment options out there, ranging from 100% capital protected to riskier leveraged investments, and everything in between. 4. Tax Benefits
TAX relief at up to 41% is still available. Ignoring charges and investment performance, to accumulate a fund of €500,000 outside of a pension, it would cost you nearly €850,000. Compare that to saving into a pension
plan where the equivalent cost would be €500,000 and you can access 25% of that tax-free upon maturity. 5. Review – Regularly
INVESTMENT markets change. Attitude to risk changes. In my experience, during the boom years, investors became overly aggressive about their own capacity for risk and many have subsequently come to realise this, to their cost. Experieneced independent professional advice can offer diversification solutions and offer an impartial view to ensure that both the investment growth potential and risk
profile are within specific agreed criteria. Damian Evans is Account Director with Fingal Financial. He can be contacted at 018404012 or damian@fingalfinancial. ie Not all recommendations are necessarily suitable for all investors and Fingal Financial recommend that specific independent advice should always be sought prior to entering any financial contract, based on the particular circumstances of the individual. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise. Any person acting on the information contained in this article does so entirely at his or her own risk. All estimates, views and opinions included in this article constitute Fingal Financial’s judgment as of the date of the article but may be subject to change without notice.
What, exactly, is QROPS? ON moving abroad, many British expatriates will have left their UK pension rights retained in their existing arrangements. These private pensions remain subject to UK pensions law with the effective requirement to purchase an annuity at a later stage (and in any case no later than attaining 75 years of age without the later prospect of huge tax charges otherwise). Additionally, UK taxation may be suffered on pension payments. Under UK legislation introduced in 2004, effective from April 2006, expatriates or UK residents who have a demonstrable intention to reside outside of the UK may transfer the value of their UK pension rights to a non-UK pension scheme and thus avoid all the normal restrictions imposed on the pension fund if it remained in
the UK. The transfer must be made to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS for short) that is approved by HMRC. Do I qualify for this scheme?
Cases should be examined on an individual basis but the basic rules are: The pension holder must become non-resident of the UK and remain so for at least five complete UK tax years. The existing UK pension scheme can be in drawdown (i.e. benefit is being paid from the fund directly – an approach now referred to as “unsecured income”) before transferring to a QROPS. However, there are restrictions and, if the permitted lump sum has been taken, no further lump sums are allowed.
Characteristics of QROPS
QROPS are established so that the underlying investments are not subject to tax and, with careful planning, the pension fund can be continued until retirement date on a tax-free basis. The other principal benefit in transferring a UK Pension to QROPS is that the member can use the pension fund for his lifetime and any remaining balance can be passed on to their heirs upon the member’s death. What do I do next?
If you have worked in the UK and left your pension behind, please contact Imperius Asset Management by telephone: 01 437 088 or by email: office@ImperiusAM. com, to find out how to take advantage of the benefits that may be available to you.
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 21
l F I NA N C I AL S E R V I CE S l
Hardiman’s offer real choice and security THE Hardiman name is a tried and trusted one in financial services, where Pat Hardiman has been providing financial advice since 1976. Pat says: “The most important point that we want to make customers aware of is: Reviewing where your pension is invested could make a substantial difference to the value of your retirement fund. “Do you know where your pension is invested? “We will review your attitude to risk and invest
your pension accordingly. Daniel Hardiman, Chartered Accountant and Qualified Financial Advisor, who has recently joined the team has observed various types of investment strategies used by the leading fund managers in his career to date and will ensure the investment funds selected will be suitable to the individual’s age and risk profile. Example
“For example, it is important that when an individual is approaching
retirement, their pension is invested in a low-risk secure fund. “We now have a platform to invest individuals’ pensions in a range of 100% Capital Guaranteed investments. For example, our customers can now invest their pension in the best deposit interest rates on offer in the market and get a guaranteed return of 4.5% AER and not expose themselves to any investment risk. For lowrisk individuals, we have access to invest pensions in banks who have made
the top 50 safest banks in the world. “There are some good reasons why Hardiman’s free reviews should be considered: “The process for our review is quite simple and we do not charge our customers an initial consultation fee. If we can’t improve your existing arrangements, or reduce the charges on your pension, we will make you
aware of this from the start. We will provide our clients with a concise report tailored to your personal circumstances, which will outline our recommendations. “We can arrange house appointments at a time convenient to you. Call 0877662657, e-mail us at info@hardimans.ie or visit our website www. hardimans.ie for further details.”
Finding someone you can trust to help you with your pension needs is extremely important
22 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
YOUR
PENSION
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
l PL A N N I N G FO R T H E F U T U R E l
Taking care of family firms DO YOU own a family firm and worry about providing for the future? Is your pension fund significantly depleted and/ or property portfolio now floored? “It’s time to act to ensure you get the business disposal tax relief, which may be reduced in next Budget.” Business owners who are over 55 years of age, and over 10 years in business, can currently avail of substantial tax reliefs when selling their business or passing it on to family members. How-
ever, these are under attack. Currently, if a business owner sells his or her business (within guidelines) for up to €750,000, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) payable – but it is likely that the tax benefits will be reduced in the next Budget – possibly down to €500,000. Businesses held by husband and wife could avail of €1.5m. Over the last three years in particular, many people have seen their pension funds significantly eroded and many own-
ers of small family firms despair of ever being able to afford to retire. “But there is a very viable way to enable business owners to retire even if their pensions are substantially diminished,” says Gerry O’Reilly, of Newmarket Partnership. One of Gerry’s clients, who he helped with this problem, is Moneywise. ie – a boutique wealthmanagement family firm. Moneywise was established by Owen Morton in 1986 and, in more recent times, he and his two sons shared owner-
ship with each owning a one-third share. Owen was approaching retirement but, like many people over the past three years, his pension fund has suffered badly. Although the business is sound and profitable, neither of his two sons – Alan and Richard – had the money to buy out his shares from him. “Richard and I were really stressing about this as we wanted to enable Dad to retire when he chose to do so – safe in the knowledge that he would have adequate resources with which to enjoy his retirement. The company had some reserves, but, having a young family, we had no spare cash personally to buy him out. So we spoke to Gerry O’Reilly at Newmarket, who has been advising Moneywise for a number of years now. We had known about the relief – as, in a twin strategy with pension funding, we had advised clients on it ourselves but Gerry really approaches the problem in an innovative way,” says Alan. Future
“Gerry advised us how we could use the company’s current reserves and future cashflow to fund Owen’s retirement. “He said there were several ways to structure this, but bottom line is that Owen ended up with a good fund over time and Richard and I ended up in control of the business. We agreed a value on the shares and are paying him this in regular monthly installments – tax-efficiently, thanks to CGT Retirement Relief. Gerry calls this WIN, WIN, WIN and we agree. “My Dad’s retirement
Owen Morton, of Moneywise.ie, client of Gerry O’Reilly of Newmarket Partnership
issue is significantly eased –WIN. We get to take over the business with little outlay –WIN. The outcome is tax friendly – WIN. Collectively, Richard and I and the Company save the tax my Dad would have paid on PAYE – WIN. In summary, Newmarket saved our family €750,000, which certainly makes for a better quality retirement for Dad. This was not something we ever envisaged a relatively small company could achieve.” Complex
However, Alan warned that it is not as simple a transaction as it sounds. “It’s actually pretty complex,” he says, “and this is why we needed Newmarket’s thorough knowledge of the Taxation Code, as well as good legal advice to guide us through share-
holders’ agreements, and what would happen in the case of default for whatever reason.” Gerry O’Reilly comments: “We used the Capital Gains Tax Retirement Relief for this transaction. This means that people can sell their business without incurring tax up to a maximum value of €750,000 once they are over 55 years of age, have worked for 10 years or more and are a shareholder/director in the business. “This is ideal for small family-owned businesses in particular. In certain circumstances, people have found they have not actually retired but just passed on their shares to the next generation and realised some or all of the value.” However, Gerry warns that this €750k figure
could be reduced to €500k in the next Budget as the Government has to claw back money from wherever it can. This measure will particularly affect business owners who have seen their pension fund substantially reduced in value, or who were relying on a property portfolio, which is now in negative equity.” So the advice to owners of family businesses who want to retire, or want to plan their retirement, is to act now. “Don’t leave it until near the end of the year and Budget time, as you need to allow time for the complexities to be worked through,” Gerry concludes. Gerry O’Reilly can be contacted on 01 429 3600 or by email: gerry.oreilly@ newmarket.ie or log on to www.newmarket.ie for further information.
6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 23
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES NEW TIGUAN MODELS:
The new Renault Grand Scenic is a competitive people carrier with an entry price of €26,790
Renault’s space machine The market for family cars that have more than five seats remains as strong as ever. MICHAEL MORONEY reports on the Renault Grand Scenic HEN it comes to our children’s safety takes priority. And, for many families, that means that when you sit down to look at what’s on offer in the MPV market you need to start by considering cars with three rows of seats. No matter what options you examine the Renault Grand Scenic will almost always come into the final running. And that’s why I took the Grand Scenic for a test drive. The Grand Scenic is a family oriented car. It is a big car as it’s longer and wider than most of the
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SPECS: RENAULT GRAND SCENIC 1.5 Top speed: 180 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 14.3 secs Economy: 20 km/litre (5.0l/100km) CO2 emissions: 124g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Entry Price: €26,790
competition. I took it with the slightly higher power 110bhp 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine for a recent test drive. It was the TomTom version so it had all of the best features, especially the TomTom satellite navi-
gation system. And the car was fitted with Renault’s six-speed automatic gearbox that delivers extra driving comfort. The test car was the ultimate in the Grand Scenic range, called the top-of-the-range TomTom model. This car comes with a TomTom satellite navigation system as standard, along with an impressive host of extra goodies. The seating is very flexible and easy to use. The second row of seats consists of individual seats, all of which can slide and fold individually to suit the needs. They can be
folded forward for extra boot space. And, while the third-row seats are not really for adults they are very suitable for children or short runs. You can be sure that with a Euro NCAP five-star rating for the car they will all travel in safety, with proper seat belts and IsoFix fittings for baby seats in the middle row. The third row of seats is easily folded to give a flat boot area. That makes it more spacious than the Opel Zafira or Toyota Verso. Renault is using an easy-to-read digital type layout for the dash infor-
mation, with speed and other features clearly visible for the driver and passengers. Radio controls are on the steering wheel stalk for added safety and there is an iPod connection for those who want their own music. I’m glad to see that Renault still fits a space saver space wheel in all Grand Scenic models, which is the only option in our road conditions. Renault uses a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine in the Grand Scenic where there is an option of either 95bhp or 110bhp without much compromise in performance or economy.
The car has reasonable acceleration at 14.3 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr dash. It’s not the fastest midrange MPV around but you can hold a steady 120km/hr on the motorway at just over the 2,500rpm figure on the engine. The Renault Grand Scenic has impressive safety features and the seating is comfortable and supported by a good suspension ride. The car is reasonably thrifty, and very spacious while being good to drive with the benefit of the automatic gearbox.
Honda boosts the Accord range with a new Type S HONDA in Ireland has introduced a new 180bhp Type S diesel version of the Accord for 2012. The car aims to be an alternative to the BMW and Audi options with a more powerful engine and improved driving feel and plenty of extras as standard for a list price of €39,465, plus delivery charges. The exterior of the Type S 180PS, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and aero bumpers and side sills, has a sporty look that reflects the power under the bonnet. The car is equipped with a high beam sup-
port system with Bi Xenon headlights and active cornering lights. Standard features include leather seating and electrically adjustable heated front seats. The car has an advanced dual-zone climate control linked to the satellite navigation system to detect the position of the sun and set the temperature accordingly. Cabin noise has also been reduced through a new floating sub-frame structure with insulated carpets, all adding to an enriched driving experience. Type S 180bhp is combined with a six-
speed manual gearbox. Honda claims that the aim of the engine and transmission development was to maintain the high-performance driving experience whilst improving the overall efficiency of the engine and resulting in lower running costs. Power output is at 180bhp at 4,000 rpm while peak torque is 380Nm at between 2,000 and 2,750rpm. That delivers an improved acceleration performance of 8.8 seconds in a 0-100km/ hr race and a top speed of 220km/h. Despite the extra power the CO2 emis-
sions are below Euro 5 levels at 147g/km putting the car into Road Tax Band C with an annual road tax cost of €302.
VOLKSWAGEN’S latest version of the company SUV, the four-door and five-seat Tiguan is now available in the Irish market, with prices starting from €27,995. The Volkswagen Tiguan features a new look dominated by horizontal lines on the front grille, bringing the model into line with other new Volkswagen models. The Tiguan once again bears a strong resemblance to the bigger Touareg. At the rear, new two-part light clusters give the Tiguan a distinctive appearance. Again, similar to those of the Touareg, they form an ‘L’ shape, while the lower border of the lights also follows a horizontal geometry. Volkswagen offers three trim levels, Trend and Fun, Track and Field and Sport and Style. All will be available with Blue Motion technology diesel engines ranging from 2.0-litre 110hp, 2.0-litre 140hp and 2.0 litre 140hp BMT 4Motion. They all feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions.
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24 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL What’sOn
Tourism Ireland’s Brian Harte and Mark Henry celebrate reaching a half-million Facebook fans
Land of a thousand welcomes reaches 500,000 Facebook fans TOURISM Ireland has reached a half-million fans on Facebook, making it the third most popular tourism board in the world on the popular social networking site, after Australia and the UK. Social media played an important role in increasing the impact of high-profile TV programmes featuring Ireland this year, including BBC’s Terry Wogan’s Ireland and Monty Halls’ Great Irish Escape; as viewers were tweeting while they watched, Tourism Ireland communicated with them, highlighting some of the great places to visit that featured in the programmes. Mark Henry, Tourism Ireland’s Central Marketing Director, said: “For Tourism Ireland, effective use of social media is about building online communities and starting conversations that allow word of mouth about Ireland as a holiday destination to reach a truly global audience. “When you consider that each of our fans has in turn an average of 130 friends, this fan base for Ireland means that we can potentially engage with 65 million people world-wide each day,” he said. Tourism Ireland took the top eMarketing award at the Marketing Institute of Ireland’s All-Ireland Marketing (AIM) awards in May, primarily for their social media successes.
Organic beauty brand VOYA arrives at The Ice House THE Chill Spa at The Ice House in Co. Mayo drew a host of familiar local faces to the official launch of VOYA last week. Almost 100 people attended the event, with general manager Claire O’Sullivan welcoming guests and treating all to a sophisticated soiree. Spa specialists, including Chill Spa’s award-winning thera-
pist Elaine Armstrong, showcased the new VOYA products and treatments and treated guests to complimentary mini treatments, including mini-manicures, hand, arm and head massages. VOYA expert Michelle Roche was on hand to demonstrate the amazing VOYA Seaweed wraps. For full details on all treatments and offers please see www.theicehouse.ie or phone Chill Spa at 096-23500.
Edited by Mimi Murray
BREAKAWAY: TAKE A SHORT TRAIN RIDE THIS AUTUMN
Rail-ax in style - head north EAVE t h e c a r at home this autumn and enjoy a relaxing break in Northern Ireland from only £75pps* and avail of 1st Plus rail travel on the Enterprise. That is the message from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) following the launch of a selection of short breaks that include breakfast and NIR Travel. People can sit back and relax on the Enterprise from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Central Station, enjoy accommodation in a selection of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels across Northern Ireland and three days unlimited Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways travel. “The launch of the
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rail breaks from only £75pps* not only represent an affordable way for visitors to enjoy a short break in Northern Ireland, but also provide a relaxing way to get there given that rail travel is included. “Travelling 1st Plus on the Enterprise is a fantastic way to start a short break as you can really relax in style and even enjoy a nice meal and a glass of wine,” said NITB’s market manager (ROI) Fiona Cunningham. “There’s a great selection of hotels available across Northern Ireland with something to suit everyone, for example visit Belfast for a cosmopolitan city break with a spot of shopping, Portrush and Bushmills if you
Fiona Cunningham, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s market manager, is encouraging people to leave the car at home this autumn
would like to explore the breathtaking Co Antrim coast; Derry to find out more about the historic City Walls or Newcastle to enjoy a short break by the seaside. “With breakfast and three days unlimited NIR travel included in the price, visitors will
be spoilt for choice on where to go and what to do, and they can really take the time to explore more of Northern Ireland at their leisure,” Fiona said. To find out more information on these great value breaks, or for further information on
things to see and do in Northern Ireland, check out the free booking and advice service and callsave 1850 230 230, visit NITB’s Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com. * Subject to availability
Frightening fun at Westport House HAVE A howl of a Halloween this year at Westport House’s annual Halloween Fest, which runs for the duration of the mid-term break from October 29 to November 6. A total of 5% of all proceeds from the freaky festival will be donated to Childline. Families with monsters will have a hauntingly good time as they experience the thrills ‘n’ chills of the Pirate Adventure Park – they will board the eerie Westport House Express train ride, get into high ‘spirits’ on the swinging ship and swan boats on the lake, have a devilish time on the cannonball run slide, and take an exciting trip on the log flume water ride.
To really bite the Halloween apple, guests will step into the stunning 18th-century Westport House, which will be transformed into a (not too) scary haunted house for the week. The little devils will be mesmerised by the captivating White Witch’s story time, while Scrooge and his friends will paint their faces to ensure they’re looking frighteningly good for the family workshops that are taking place all day. Not only that, but for guests who are there over the October Bank holiday weekend, there will definitely be a treat in store (no tricks, promise) with an explosive Fireworks
Extravaganza and haunting Halloween dance on the front lawn of Westport House. Make sure to dress to impress and look scarily good if you plan on joining in the fun, as you could be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes in the costume competition – adults too! All of these additional activities are included in the regular Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park ticket prices, other than the fireworks extravaganza, making Halloween Fest and the Fireworks Extravaganza fantastic value for the family. For further information see www.westporthouse.ie
6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 25
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1
GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 We’ve Only Just Begun
THE enduring beauty of the songs left behind by The Carpenters will be expertly brought to lilfe by talented singer, Kim Dickinson, and her band, in a show set to delight Carpenter fans, with everything from Yesterday Once More, We’ve Only Just Begun, (They Long To Be) Close To You and many, many more for fans to listen out for. The show is at 8pm on Friday, October 7, with tickets priced at €18/€15.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way
Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson), MI-7’s greatest spy, has a licence to – well, ineptly stumble through one crisis after another, as he attempts to save the Chinese premier’s life in the face of a deadly conspiracy, with English’s “skills” just one of many obstacles to beat
Just hasn’t a Clouseau This isn’t the sequel that Atkinson fans have Bean waiting for, as the bumbling spy genre has been better done in other films Q KATE CROWLEY
READERS may recall that, a few weeks ago, I reviewed Tinker, tailor, Soldier, Spy - the masterful tale of the spy game played out in the 1970s by icily-cold spymasters. Well, the 1970s – just like a few weeks back – was aaaaages ago, and the spy game’s moved on a lot since then. Right along to Johnny English, it would seem – or so the filmmakers would have you believe. A curious sequel to the 2003 film that started this series (not that I’m entirely convinced that a two-film series is really a series, any more than someone riding a bicycle expects to see any further developments or wheels appearing at the back), this sees Rowan Atkinson returning to the role of a deadly, if incompetent, British spy. After all, it’s not like we haven’t seen spy spoof tales before, right, dear readers? (Let’s ignore everyone who starts shouting out that spy spoofs have been a lazy cinematic cliche since the likes of television’s Get Smart show – from 1965 – or even
FILM OF THE WEEK: Johnny English Reborn ++ (PG) 101 mins Director: Oliver Parker Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Rosamund Pike, Dominic West, Gillian Anderson
OUR VERDICT: PERHAPS best described as a sequel that nobody was looking for, Johnny English returns with a mildly amusing – yet highly derivative – spy spoof tale. Deadly villains? Check. Ingenious gadgets? Check. Explosions? Check. Audience interest? Err ... It’s difficult to see how English can return after this adventure, which, much like English, stumbles along, but isn’t quite as entertaining as similar spoofs.
Morecambe and Wise’s The Intelligence Men, from the same year. Hush, Mr Crowley, hush.) Reprising his role as the brilliant but bungling British superagent, Atkinson returns as English – the only man who could take on J***s B**d and win – albeit not without
lots of chaotic messing about. Perhaps in a nod to the slightly long gap between the films, the film sees MI-7’s (see what they did there, folks?) top agent living life away from the agency, having retired to Ye Olde Monastery in deepest, orangest Asia.
There, English can meditate, learn more about who he is – and train in pretty predictable ways, messing up ancient oriental skills as he goes. Oh, English! However, with this new-found affinity with Asian ways, English seems to be MI-7’s best hope of getting to the bottom of an impending catastrophe, as a plot against the Chinese premier’s life is uncovered, with deadly assassins on the loose for nefarious reasons. Semi-retirement can wait, as the agency’s best spy is needed back on the beat, with – shock, horror –a sinister conspiracy at
work within a number of intelligence agencies. With the clock working against him almost as much as his lack of skills, English has to uncover the truth before an allimportant heads-of-state conference, at which the premier’s life is at risk. Now, pay attention, English! It’s very much more of the same for this sequel, with Atkinson mugging, glaring, staring and stumbling his way as the frosty agent who, despite everything – including his own ineptness – manages to get the job done, thanks to his super gadgets, super sidekicks, and a super amount of luck.
GARVAN Gallagher’s commendable exhibition examines the “invisible” status of older citizens, with a diverse range of work examing the status and self-image of our elders. Whether personal texts, short films, or even fashion shoots replacing younger models with more mature citizens, My Way is an excellent, diverse project underlining how valuable our “invisible” citizens are. My Way runs at Driaocht’s ground floor gallery until Saturday, November 5.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 When Jolie Met Christie
THIS imaginative production marries the music of the late, great Christie Hennessy with the legendary Al Jolson. As a boy, Hennessy was fascinated with Jolson, and this toe-tapping production reunites the two in Heaven, where a meditation of their lives – and music – can play out in what’s described as “a quirky, funny and sometimes dark meditation on the price of fame”. Catch the show on Friday, October 7, or Saturday, October 8, at 8pm, with tickets priced at €19/€17.
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26 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
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DVD SERVICES DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@ eircom.net
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HANDYMAN HANDYMAN From a leaking tap to a dream bathroom. We carry out all aspects of household maintenance inside and out, no jobs to small. Fully insured and registered with 35 years experience. For more information call Joe 0868256004
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PET SERVICES DOG TRAINING AND KENNELING Residential training in obedience and behaviour problems for all breeds ie pulling on lead, housetraining, aggression, recall, chewing, jumping up etc., also personal protection training. Over 20 years experience having trained in the UK, USA & Germany. Qualified master dog trainer, veterinarian & dog shelter recommended. Highly trained security dogs for sale. References available, watch our dogs in action and read our many references at www.topdogtraining.com or phone 087 051 4467
PET MINDERS Safe, Cosy, Pet Boarding. 5 minutes from Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Lucan. Call now for early booking. Call 086 8126387/01 8223690. Reasonable rates.
RECRUITMENT CHILDMINDER WANTED Beginning of December for 10 ½ month baby, In baby’s home @ Phoenix Park Racecourse Development, Castleknock. Contact Joyce @ 086 820 5554
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6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
SEPTEMBER STARS: This month’s Dublin Sport Awards winners announced Page 29
GAA CHARITY: AFRICA AID ORGANISATION TRAVELLING TO ASSIST IN ETHIOPIA
Playing for Life gets backing as official charity sport@gazettegroup.com
GA A stars past and present lined out at Croke Park recently to declare their support for the GAA’s official charity for 2011, the Playing For Life organisation, when it announced the launch of its next project in Ethiopia. Dublin’s Eamonn Fennell, Niall Corcoran and Barney Rock attended the launch along with Limerick’s Gavin O’Mahony
and Kilkenny hurler, Tommy Walsh. Playing for Life has worked in Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi since 2005. The charity’s work focuses on self-development by providing education facilities, skills training and HIV/Aids awareness through sport. Tracy Piggott, founder of Playing for Life, said: “As a team, we are extremely honoured, proud and pleased to have been named as an official GAA
charity. Over the years, we have had tremendous support from the GAA community throughout the country. “On both a national and international level, Playing for Life’s success is a tribute to the support and sponsorship it receives; we are so thankful to the GAA for providing us with a platform this year to ensure that this success continues.” Having been selected as an official GAA Charity
Dublin footballer Eamon Fennell with nine-year-old Behailu O’Chonaill, of Ballyboden St Enda’s, at Croke Park
for 2011, Playing for Life’s Ethiopia Trip will take the opportunity to bring Irish and Ethiopian communities together. While the two countries may seem worlds apart, there is an uncanny similarity – a passion for hurling! In Ethiopia, a similar
game is played with a wooden hurl-like stick and a ball, called Karsa. The Irish GAA players and the Ethiopian Karsa team will challenge each other to what is bound to be a thrilling hurling match on Ethiopian soil. Criostoir O’Cuana
lauded the work undertaken by the Association’s newest official charity and wished it every success in its on-going endeavours. “It’s worth noting the plans that Playing for Life has for the remainder of 2011 are most worthwhile and I hope we can sup-
port them in a tangible way with this excellent work. If you are interested in joining in the charity’s efforts on this charity trip of a life time, log onto www.playingforlife.ie or email info@playingforlife.ie.
28 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: DOUBLE WINS FOR COOLMINE TEAMS IN LOCAL DERBY
Fins’ Flynn one of 12 Dubs on All-Star list FINGALLIANS’ man Paul Flynn was named among a dozen Dublin nominees on the GAA GPA All Stars, sponsored by Opel, 45-man shortlist. Just four members of Dublin’s All-Ireland starting team did not make the nominations list – Mick Fitzsimons and James McCarthy in defence, along with captain Bryan Cullen and Barry Cahill in the forward division. Super-sub Kevin McManamon has been rewarded for the influence he had in the All-Ireland decider and semi-final as well as his league displays, with a nomination in the half-forward sector. After the Dubs, beaten All-Ireland finalists, Kerry, come next in terms of representation with nine followed by Donegal with seven nominees, ahead of Mayo and Kildare with five apiece, league champions Cork with three, Tyrone with two and Wexford and Derry with one each. Flynn was included on the list along with player-of-the-year elect Alan Brogan with whom the Fins’ man dove-tailed with superbly this summer. Bernard Brogan is up for one of the fullforward berths while Kilmacud Crokes’ backs Kevin Nolan, Rory O’Carroll and Cian O’Sullivan are also up for a gong. It follows a few days after ten Dublin hurlers were short-listed for their equivalent honour. The Dubs had an impressive year, winning the Allianz NHL Division 1 and Walsh Cups and were narrowly beaten by Tipperary in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final. Goalkeeper Gary Maguire, full-backs Niall Corcoran and Peter Kelly, half-backs Joey Boland and Shane Durkin, midfielders Liam Rushe and John McCaffrey, half-forwards Conal Keaney and Ryan O’Dwyer, along with Paul Ryan in the full-forward line are the Dubs nominated.
Coolmine RFC were tested but not bested when their first and second XVs faced Garda at Westmanstown last weekend
’Mine cop victories LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 2 Garda Coolmine RFC
22 32
sport@gazettegroup.com
COOLMINE’S first and second XVs both faced local rivals, Garda, in We s t m a n s t ow n l a s t weekend in the first of this year’s derby matches, and came away with a brace of wins. Garda firsts came into this competition as the form team, having easily secured the Division 2 title last season with games to spare and beat Coolmine in the cup. However, they have lost their opening two games and were hoping to put things right on home ground. However, it was the visitors who star ted the stronger and, after nine minutes, Donal Crotty found a gap in
the Garda defence after receiving the ball from the back of the scrum deep inside Garda territory, and went over for the first try of the game, and converted his own touchdown. Six minutes later, Garda narrowed the gap with a converted penalty, but Coolmine responded with a second try from a wide sweeping solo run from Fionn Lacey. Soon after, Coolmine were on the attack again, this time soft hands between Donal Crotty and Geoff Mullen led to the final-off load to Sean Lee for the third try of the game. At 3-19 up, it looked like Coolmine could secure the bonus point before half time, but Garda pulled back a try from the back of a driv-
ing maul, leaving only nine points separating the teams going into the break. Five minutes into the second half and Garda further reduced the deficit to only four points with another penalty, but Coolmine soon slotted two of their own to restore their advantage. However, Coolmine had lost their momentum, and Garda had come into the game more as the minutes ticked on. The visitors eventually got the bonus point on the 35th minute of the second half with a show-and-go from Crotty that left the defence wrong-footed, and he ran in for his second try of the game. A yellow card for Coolmine with three minutes to go left them
a man down, and Garda capitilised on the situation with a try in the dying seconds. The win moves Coolmine up to third place, sharing with Enniscorthy just ahead on points difference. At the same venue, Coolmine’s seconds did not have such a tough time, scoring 20 unanswered points to take the spoils. With the rain pouring down, the conditions did not make for free-flowing expansive rugby, which appeared to favour the home side. However, scrum-half Morgan Smy th pro duced a penalty with seven minutes on the clock to open the scoring, with David Fagan stepping forward to put the ball between the
posts. Richie Armstrong scored a try, and Fagan once again slotted a penalty to give the visitors a 13-point advantage at the turn. The second half continued as the first had ended with Coolmine bossing the game and, after just 13 minutes, Coolmine scored another converted try when Darren Kenna crossed the try line after some good work from the forwards. Garda began to come back at Coolmine and long periods of the second half were played in Coolmine’s half. Garda came very close to scoring after a kick and chase from the backs was almost perfectly executed only for the touchdown to be adjudged to have been knocked on by the referee.
6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 29
in association with
ATHLETICS : PLACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS
2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS SEPTEMBER WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
STARof theMONTH
DEIRDRE RYAN DUNDRUM South Dublin athlete Ryan secured her berth at the 2012 London Olympics, reaching the A standard in Daegu where she claimed sixth place in the high jump world championships this month, against the best athletes in the sport, and the people she will face when chasing the gold medal in London next year.
TEAMof theMONTH
DUBLIN FOOTBALLERS
THE sons of Dublin football finally achieved their potential on the national stage when they put 16 years of hurt behind them to lift the Sam Maguire trophy at Croke Park in front of a jubilant home support. Stephen Cluxton’s icecold last-minute free to claim the title in front of a jubilant Hill 16 will be one of the most memorable moments of the year in sport.
THE INDIAN summer has been and gone, but the sun is still shining for our star and team of the month for September. In a year such as this, they have achieved two of the highest possible achievements in sport - a place in the London Olympics next year, and the highest honour in the land in Gaelic games. Deirdre Ryan’s success at Daegu was impressive, not only for the fact that she will be going to London next year, but also that she achieved sixth place in the world against the best competitors in the high jump.
Dublin have been on the cusp of Sam Maguire success for several years, and they finally took the honour at Croke Park last month with an epic performance.
Let us know! Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/gazettesportII.
Schoolchildren taking part in the Fingal Athletics League will take part in the finals at Morton Stadium next year
Fingal league ready to run this month sport@gazettegroup.com
The Fingal Athletics League, organised by Fingal County Council’s Sports Office in partnership with Athletics Ireland, is set to start this year on Tuesday, October 11, in Porterstown Park for schools in the Dublin 15 area, and on Tuesday, October 18, in Balheary Park for schools in the north Fingal area. The league has been running for five years, with the number of schools participating increasing every year. Last year, 26 schools took part in the league,
w i t h a p p r ox i m a t e l y 1,000 students participating. Already this year, 30 schools have registered to take part in what will be the biggest league to date. Schools will have four race meets in their respective venue before a Fingal Athletics League Finals Day next May 2012 in Morton Stadium, Santry, which sees both leagues coming together to race at Ireland’s premier athletics facility.
Fun phys-ed Niall McGuirk, Senior Spor ts Development Officer for Fingal
County Council, said: “This programme was aimed at creating a fun environment for children to become physically active. “It is important that at this stage of a child’s sporting development that the emphasis should be on participation and learning fundamental skills, rather than competition and elitism. “I have to give special thanks to Bart Rodgers from Athletics Ireland, who works tirelessly on the project and I’d also like to thank the teachers for getting involved, promoting athletics
and who are all developing a strong sporting ethos in their respective schools.” Schools can enter a maximum of 50 pupils, both boys and girls from third to sixth class, with race distances ranging from 300 to 600 metres, depending on the age group. Race days star t at 11.30am sharp and finish at 1pm. Places are still available for schools to take part in the league, and to register or, for more information, contact Niall McGuirk at niall. mcguirk@fingalcoco.ie or 01-890 6232.
Barking for to see UCD in friendlies Win tickets charity: Dublin ladies walk on
Villarreal finished UCD AFC have announced recently that fourth in last seasons La they will host two friend- Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Chamly matches the Belfield DUBLIN at Ladies’ Gaelic Football, in associapions League. As Bowl against Scotland’s tion with our official charity, Irish Guide well as this, theyclubs, have a wide St Dogs, Johnstone FC on all JulyDublin is inviting ladies range of talented 10,teams, and Spain’s Villarreal players and mentors to join in the footballers disposal CFGuide on JulyDogs’ 16. Family Dog Walkatontheir Saturwith Barcelona target St Johnstone finished day, October 8. and former Manchester eighth in the SLP last Dublin LGFA are encouraging clubs to United player, Giuseppe season, and have aguide long dogs sell the official high-viz wrist Rossi, on the top of the tradition in Scottish bands to players and members in order to list. football. Former players raise funds for the charity. For more inforGazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson mation, see www.guidedogs.ie UCD are giving lucky and Ally McCoist.
readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches. Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born? Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.
UCD’s Robbie Benson
30 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Corduff stars on the rise: Locals get trials CORDUFF players Dylan Travers and Alex Wright, pictured here with FF leader, Micheal Martin, Councillor David McGuinness and fellow player Johny Pomme, have been invited to Manchester United at the end of the month for a week-long assessment. Pomme has also been asked by Birmingham City to attend for a trial. Their team is supported and sponsored by Councillor McGuinness.
MSB stars take Berlin SOCCER: LEINSTER FALL AT FINAL HURDLE IN NATIONAL CUP marathon plaudits METRO St Brigid’s had an impressive representation in last week’s Berlin Marathon as Dave Fitzpatrick took his racing to a new level, recording a fantastic new personal best of 2:36:45, to place 122nd overall. Special mention goes to Paddy Parrott clocking 3:07:28, for 23rd in his category, while the rest of the club’s entrants were pleased with their personal performances, with John Whelan clocking 3:13:15, while Mel Hilliard was just over a minute behind. Gerry Quinn was in the 3:18 range, while Vincent Brady, David Goodall, Robert Murray, Raymond Wright and Martin Wright all completed the gruelling course.
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.
Phoenix’s Danny Giffney was one of the Leinster League stars who brought the representative side to within one with of the national title
LSL miss out on Interpro sport@gazettegroup.com
PHOENIX star Danny Giffney was part of the Leinster Senior League side that just missed out on the interprovincial title when they fell 1-0 to Munster last Sunday in Tullamore, after big wins against Connacht and Ulster. They stormed to a 5-2 success against their western rivals, while the northern province was undone 5-1, to leave them needing just a draw to retain the title. Karl Caulfield’s goal, however, saw the Blues fall behind in the first half of the decisive
game and while Wayne Callaghan was felled by Brendan O’Connell on the hour to see Munster reduced to ten men, Leinster could not break through and eventually fell by that single goal. It meant the MSL won their first title since 2008, with a typically determined and hardworking performance. Leinster were seeking to complete a third consecutive success in the FAI Umbro Intermediate Inter-League competition. Against Connacht, the LSL were pushed hard and had to wait for a two goals scoring burst in
the closing ten minutes to make sure of victory over a determined Connacht in Edenderry. Leinster were given an early boost when Connacht centre-back Stephen Ryan conceded an own goal within five minutes of kick-off. Peter Sherlock scored a second after 41 minutes to suggest that Leinster were well on their way to three points but Connacht struck back as centre-forward Liam Lynch cut the arrears in the 57th minute. D av i d O ’ S u l l i v a n restored Leinster’s two goals cushion after 61 minutes but a game
Connacht responded once again as Ronan O’Boyle scored three minutes later. Leinster made their position secure with two goals in the last ten minutes from Lee Roche of St Patrick’s CYM. He scored in the 82nd and 90th minutes. Roche was again to the fore against the Ulster League as he brought his personal goals tally to four from two games as Leinster followed up their win over Connacht on Friday in Portlaoise. Carl Forsyth was also in good scoring form for Leinster and he scored twice in a match which
found Leinster in charge for long periods. He opened the scoring after 25 minutes to settle any ner ves that Leinster might have been experiencing. Roche then added a second in double quick time in the 29th minute and he had Leinster three in front with his second goal after 47 minutes. Richard Moore cut the deficit for Ulster with a goal after 66 minutes but Leinster confirmed their superiority with goals from Dan Loughran, after 73 minutes and Carl Forsyth, again, in the 90th minute.
6 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: BRIGID’S EASE PAST NA FIANNA IN SFC .
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S CONGRATULATIONS to the U-13A hurlers who captured their league title, beating Faughs.
on Friday at 6.45pm in Parnell Park. Plenty of games this Saturday in Russell Park at 3.30pm with our
The U-16 hurlers progressed to
U-13, U-14 and U-16 footballers all in
their semi-final, beating Thomas
action. U-15 footballers face Syl’s on
Davis. Hard luck to the U-15 hurlers
Sunday at 11.30am in Bridgefield in
who were beaten by Lucan in their
the A Shield semi-final.
semi-final. The senior footballers edged out Na Fianna, the inter footballers beat St Peregrine’s to reach their semifinals. The minor hurlers had a good win over St Vincent’s.
The minor footballers face Naomh Mearnog at 11am this Sunday in Russell Park. Club lotto takes place in Russell Park this Thursday with a jackpot of €15,000. We have collect 110 old mobile
New opening hours for the new club
phones so far. We need 90 more to
shop are Friday from 7 to 8pm and
get our new AED. No matter how old
Saturday from 10 to 11.30am.
the phone is please drop it into the
The senior hurlers face Vincent’s
club bar.
TYRRELSTOWN JUNIOR: Training takes place every Thursday evening from 6pm on the St Brigid’s will get another shot at facing Kilmacud Crokes in the Dublin senior championship
Brigid’s set up rerun final against Crokes
pitch at Belgree.
St Brigid’s Na Fianna
0-14 0-11
sport@gazettegroup.com
ST BRIGID’S set up a repeat of the 2010 Dublin senior football championship final with Kilmacud Crokes after they got the better of Na Fianna last Saturday in Parnell Park. B r i g i d ’s d i d j u s t enough to get past a battling Glasnevin outfit who were never fully out of sight in a decent, quality encounter that was appealing to the fans and the neutral observers. The Russell Park men had built a 0-9 to 0-6 at half-time, but their Na Fianna opposition stormed back into the game early in the second half, benefiting fron a string of points from Adam Caffrey, Niall Cooper and Johnny Cooper, to achieve parity going into the final third.
But a bumper spell from Brigid’s followed when they snagged the next four points, with Paddy Andrews starting the run, to get themselves back into the box seat and, while Na Fianna fought back late, it was not enough to threaten St Brigid’s lead, and the home side took their place in the next round of the championship.
Final date It means a high-quality last 16 date on the cards, and Brigid’s will aim for instant revenge against Crokes for the defeat at their hands in the 2010 final. They made it to the final without the services of Dublin senior player, Declan Lally, w h i l e S e a n Mu r r ay and Cian Mullins were only introduced from the bench, the former coming on to the field of play after 19 minutes had elapsed.
However, they had a flying start, with scores from Ken Darcy, Gavin McIntyre and Gavin Kane seeing them charge into a threepoint lead inside seven minutes. H o w e v e r, D u b l i n U-21 star David Quinn was showing well for Na Fianna to kick two points and, by the 15th minute, the minimum, 0-4 to 0-3, divided the sides. And, in a flowing first half, Brigid’s then took the momentum back with Mark Cahill on the mark. Na Fianna stole back into the game when they enjoyed their purple patch soon after the break to get back on terms and make for an intriguing closing period. But Barr y Cahill’s mazy runs through the heart of the Na Fianna defences were proving irresistible and the rest of the forward line fed
off his energy. Andrews recovered the lead with his side’s tenth point, with Lorcan McCarthy’s 45 and scores from both Philly Ryan and Mark Cahill putting the side four points up. That spell was the game-breaker, leaving four points in the difference with 12 minutes remaining and Na Fianna could not find a goal threat to reel in the gap.
Plunkett’s Meanwhile, St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh found out they will play O’Toole’s in the next round after the Larriers swept by Ballinteer St John’s at the weekend. St Peregrine’s, though, are still awaiting a last 16 opponent after Ballyboden St Enda’s and Fingal Ravens drew 0-12 after extra time in Lawless Park last Sunday afternoon.
Training takes place on the pitch at Blanch IT.
We play both Gaelic football and
New members are always wel-
hurling, and there has been a mas-
come. There are some important
sive increase in numbers in recent
matches coming up so why not
months.
come along, get fit and be part of a
Due to this, we are always on the
very strong and growing club.
lookout for mentors. It may be just
For information please contact
to throw a ball or even make the tea.
Clare ( juniors) on 085 161 7 7 18,
Come along and have some fun.
Charlie (Seniors) or why not like
Seniors: Training takes place every Thursday at 7pm and Sunday
DUBLIN SFC ROUND 3
at 11am.
our page on Facebook for regular updates.
ST PEREGRINE’S JUNIOR A footballers and minor hurlers were unlucky in championship
Entertainment this Saturday from Blindside.
action. Junior hurlers are in league
If anybody has any submissions
action this Sunday at 3pm and the
for this year’s yearbook, could you
minor footballers continue their
please email pro.stperegrines.dub-
championship campaign on Sunday
lin@gaa.ie, no matter how small or
at 11am away to Naomh Barrog.
big the reports are.
Club lotto was not won. Numbers drawn were 2, 11, 14 and 25. Next week’s jackpot is €5,200. Any member not buying lotto tickets should visit cnp.ie and support
Annual race night will take place at Shelbourne Park on October 29. Peregrine’s Christmas ball is on December 3, details and contacts on the club website cnp.ie.
your club for only €2 a week and is
There is a Christmas fair on in the
also available to play online using
club on December 10, please contact
the link on the club website.
Cara for futher details.
ERIN GO BRAGH LAST Sunday, our junior football-
ahead due to the weather.
ers travelled to Somerton and beat
We need your unwanted clothes: We
our local rivals, Castleknock, in the
will recycle your unwanted clothes,
championship.
shoes, handbags, belts, curtains,
Thanks to the many supporters
bedding, towels, and raise vital funds
who travelled to watch the boys in
for the club. Bags can be left outside
green. The quarter-final details will
clubhouse from Monday to Friday
be confirmed over the coming weeks.
before 2pm.
Pictures are now on Facebook. Our U-11 boys beat Clontarf in one of the only home matches that went
Drop location is at our clubhouse in the grounds of Mary Mother of Hope National School.
ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
REPEAT APPOINTMENT: Brigid’s set up championship match with Crokes P31
OCTOBER 6, 2011
SEPTEMBER STARS Sports Awards winners are announced P29
GazetteSPORT
On the up: Erin Go Bragh’s junior footballers are looking forward to the next phase of the competition after their win over Castleknock
Erin Go Bragh go into quarters
Determined performance from Littlepace men sees them reach last eight of junior championships Q blanchardstownsport@gazettegroup.com
ERIN Go Bragh advanced to the quarter-finals of the junior D football championship last week when they defeated a hard-working Castleknock side at Somerton Park. It proved to be a game that was more closely contested than the final scoreline of 4-10 to 1-8 would suggest. Erin Go Bragh signalled their intent almost straight from the throw-in and got a dream start to the game, racking up 1-1 in the opening minutes, with full forward Darren McFaul sliding home the goal after a lovely pass from Mick Burke that split the Castleknock defence. Castleknock replied with a pointed free soon afterwards to reduce the deficit to three. However, this score only temporarily halted the early Erin Go Bragh onslaught, and a free from Paul Nulty, quickly followed by a goal from corner forward Martin O’Callaghan, gave Go Bragh a seven-point lead after only ten minutes.
This signalled the beginning of Castleknock’s best spell in the match as they tagged on a goal and four unanswered points before Darren McFaul replied for Go Bragh just before half time, to leave the scores at 2-4 to 1-5 in favour of the men in green at the break. Castleknock began like men possessed at the start of the second half and were level within five minutes. This was the last time they would manage to gain parity, however, as Erin Go Bragh embarked on a scoring spree that would prove decisive. Paul Nulty slotted over two frees and Darren McFaul also added a point to provide a threepoint cushion midway through the second half, and Go Bragh began to play with confidence. The superior fitness of the likes of Conor Quinn and Mick Burke around midfield began to show, and substitutes Paul Goodall and Dermot Moloney combined with Steve Walsh to create a third goal for Erin Go Bragh, opening up a six-point gap.
The sending-off of Castleknock’s centre-half back soon after this goal dented their hopes even further, and the gap could have been even greater had Paul Nulty managed to convert a penalty. However, he made amends with another two points for a personal tally of 0-6. Corner forward Dylan Stephens added a late goal, and a solitary point was all that Castleknock could manage in reply, meaning that Erin Go Bragh emerged victorious by an eleven-point margin and secured their place in the quarter-finals. Speaking after the game, club spokesman Keith Edgley said: “It is great for the community of Erin go Bragh that our junior footballers have reached the quarter-finals in the 25th anniversary year of the re-emergence of this iconic club. “The squad has been working hard since last November and their hard work is paying off. We are still in with a shout of promotion, and this would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the squad of players.”