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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................19 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
October 20, 2011
LADY LIKE: Local ladies realise their lifelong dream See Page 10
Hospital protest is taken to the streets Q LAURA WEBB
A LOCAL group campaigning to reverse the cuts at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown will take to the streets of Dublin 15 this Saturday in protest over what it said, were continuing “attacks” on the hospital. Members of Defend Blanchardstown Hospital Campaign will hold the march this Saturday, October 22, assembling at Fingal County Council offices in Blanchard-
stown at 1pm. The cuts, that include the closure of 28 beds, have already become a defining issue in the upcoming byelection, with many candidates calling on both local ministers to reverse the cuts and pledging to fight against any further cutbacks. Members of the campaign committee are calling on local residents and byelection voters to join the march. Full Story on Page 4
A Fashion Bash: Fundraiser for Mulhuddart Community Centre THERE WAS a special treat for followers
of fashion in D15 recently, when a special fundraising fashion show was held for Mulhuddart Community Centre in aid of their building extension. The organisers had been very hard at work recently, getting everything
ready for the big night. And all that hard work paid off, as local people turned up to show their support and were rewarded with a great show. Picture: Ania Sherlock
Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
2 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EVENT Coolmine Therapeutic Community playing football
Coolmine put best feet forward to win match
Q LAURA WEBB
STAFF and clients at the Coolmine Therapeutic Community put their best feet forward to take part in the first friendly football match against a local business team last week. And, following the hugely successful sporting event, Coolmine is hoping to make it a regular fixture. Playing against local business IBM, the Coolmine Therapeutic Community showed off their
talents when they won 3-2 against the eight-aside team. Over the coming weeks the centre will be busy organising a number of football matches with teams from local businesses. The idea behind the initiative is to encourage motivation and confidence within their clients. The centre has approached a number of businesses to take part. Speaking to the Gazette, Garrett Redmond, fundraising assistant at Coolmine Thera-
peutic Centre said it was a great match: “It went really well. We got the third goal with the last kick of the game. It was great. The lift everyone got from it was fantastic. There was great team spirit between everyone and they were all believing in themselves saying, ‘we can do it’, and we did,” Garrett said. “We are hoping to have our next match in two weeks against a team from Q-Park, again, it will be in the Coolmine Community Centre,” he added. Not only is the initiative
boosting confidence and motivation, but it is also building relationships with other businesses in the area. “We are trying to build relationships in the locality and to give off a good, positive image of it [the centre]. We would love to hear from more businesses to play a match. Any local businesses looking to play against us should just pick up the phone and give us a call on 8214545,” Garrett said. The Coolmine Therapeutic Community is
based on a therapeutic model that has a treatment and rehabilitation approach, where clients live in small, structured, drug-free communities. It aims to encourage psychological and lifestyle changes to enable people to maintain a drug-free existence based on peer support. Participants are expected to contribute to the general running of the community, and to their own recovery, by participating in educational activities and in group and individual therapy.
DRAIOCHT THEATRE: TAKING THE STAGE
Get free acting classes Q LAURA WEBB
IF YOU’VE ever dreamed of taking to the stage, then now could be your chance. Draiocht Theatre is offering free acting classes to residents in Dublin 15 as part of its Theatre Director in Residence Programme. The programme is a year long residence funded by the local theatre and the Arts Council. Theatre director, actor and tutor, Liam Halligan, has been chosen as the theatre director in residence. As part of the programme, the popular theatre is offering a drama project that includes free acting classes for residents in the D15 area. No acting experience is required, and anyone over
the age of 16 can participate. The theatre is looking for a good mix of ages, background and gender. Halligan will take up his position as theatre director in Draiocht this November. He is an established actor, tutor and director and theatre maker and was nominated as Best Director for two productions by the Irish Times Theatre Awards. He trained as an actor at the Stanislavski Studio at the Focus Theatre Dublin, and has worked with internationally renowned directors like Lindsay Anderson, Sir Hugh Hunt, Declan Donnellan, Phyllida Lloyd and James Macdonald. Those interested in the acting classes will meet
Draiocht Theatre is offering free acting classes to Dublin 15 residents
with Halligan over the coming months to discuss the project in detail. Groups of eight to ten people will then be formed and the free-acting workshops will take place in Draiocht from March to May 2012. Class times will be arranged to suit the schedule of participants. Halligan will then create a piece of theatre based on issues that come up during the acting workshops. The piece will come from research and consultation with the participants.
Approximately 15 people from the various groups will be invited to work with Halligan for a further six workshops during the month of June 2012. These workshops will take place in the evening time. Halligan will write the final script over the summer months, and the final group of 15 will come back in September 2012 to rehearse and perform the play in Draiocht’s Studio Space in November 2012. “There is no charge for participants - noth-
ing but time, commitment and a sense of adventure,” said Emer M c G ow a n , d i r e c t o r Draiocht Anyone interested in getting involved should get in touch with Emer McGowan, Draiocht’s director by phone tel: 01-8098027 or by e-mail emer@draiocht.ie. Further information on Liam Halligan can be found on www.liamhalligan.ie and further info on the workshop at www. draiocht.ie/blog/entry/ do_you_like_acting
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 3
R1
ELECTION Benny Cooney running for Dublin West
‘I will be honest with the people’ Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com
AN Independent byelection candidate is urging the people of Dublin West to use their vote this October 27, when they take to the polls to elect a new TD for the area. Independent candidate Benny Cooney, from Athlone, is running in the Dublin West byelection and is urging voters to come out and vote on polling day. Speaking to the Gazette a week before residents take to the polling stations, Benny, a FAS employee who has run in three Gen-
eral Elections, outlined his campaign. “The issues at the moment in Dublin West are the closure of the beds in Connolly Hospital and threats to its Accident and Emergency service. “The national issues, which affect local issues, are those who are in mortgage difficulties at the moment, people who have lost their jobs and people who are being forced to emigrate, these are issues that need to be dealt with seriously. “I will be calling on the Government to hold a debate within Dail Eireann with all politi-
cal parties and independents in the Dail, because they need to go back out with people and take a sample out there and find out what the problems are. “There is no point having a statistic, there are human beings living behind these statistics, they should be at the top of the priority list and they need to start looking after these people. “I am not know n in the area that well, I don’t have a big campaign. “I will be honest with the people in Dublin West and say that I am up here with their
Independent candidate Benny Cooney
cause, as I am for the rest of the country. I am running genuinely on the issues concerned by a lot of ordinary people in Ireland. “The cost of gas has gone up 22%, electricity has gone up 12% and
the cost of refuse collection has gone up, this is already hitting people hard before the budget comes along. “There are plenty of candidates in the election to vote for, but a lot of people I am trying
to target are the people who wouldn’t vote in this election, I want them to come out and give a man a vote who is no different from over three million people out there at the moment,” Benny said.
4 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
FUNDRAISING: GETTING MUCH-NEEDED LAUGHS
Order of Malta’s night of comedy THE Clonsilla Unit of the Order of Malta Ireland is hosting a fundraiser in the Laughter Lounge in Dublin’s City Centre this month. With the winter months upon us, most are in need of a bit of a laugh to lift spirits, and what better way then a comedy night. The Clonsilla unit of the Order of Malta Ireland are hosting the event that will raise much needed funds to help maintain and run their ambulance service. Rising fuel costs and insurance has meant fundraising is needed to maintain the community service, fund the youth development work and
to continue training the public in life-saving first aid skills. The event takes place in the Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay, Dublin 1 on Thursday, October 20, from 8:30pm. Acts on the night will include Eleanor Teirnan, Gerry McBride and Gar Murran. Tickets are available from Cath O’Beirne on 085 7161318 at a cost of €25. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Order of Malta Ireland or getting involved, can contact the Clonsilla unit on clonsilla@ orderofmalta.ie or pop into The Huntstown Community Centre any Tuesday from 8pm.
GOT A PICTURE? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com
HEALTHCARE Local group plans to take it to the streets
Campaign for cuts at hospital intensifies Q LAURA WEBB
THE campaign to have cuts at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown reversed intensified this week, as a local group announced that they plan to take to the streets in protest of continuing “attacks” on the hospital. The cuts at the hospital have already become a major issue in the upcoming byelection, with Socialist candidate Ruth Coppinger calling on both of the local Ministers to reverse recently announced cutbacks. Meanwhile, Green Party candidate Roderic O’Gorman has said he
is committed to “firstly maintaining the full 24-hour A&E service onsite in Connolly and, secondly, to fight against other damaging cutbacks within the hospital” if elected. The matter became a national issue last week when Fianna Fail Leader Michael Martin raised the cuts in the Dail. According to Fianna Fail’s byelection candidate, David McGuinness, Taoiseach Enda Kenny confirmed that cuts to the hospital service that will take place between now and the end of the year will amount to €180,000. The byelection candi-
Green Party candidate Roderic O’Gorman (right) has said he is committed to ‘maintaining the full 24-hour A&E service onsite in Connolly’
date said: “It’s not good enough that both Labour and Fine Gael were committing to protecting services in Connolly Hospital and days later the Taoiseach is confirming bed closures and the downgrading of other services.” The Defend Blanchardstown Hospital campaign will hold a march on Saturday, October 22, in protest of cuts being made to the local hospital. Members of the campaign committee are calling on local resi-
dents and byelection voters to join the march, which will assemble at 1pm this his Saturday at the Fingal County Council offices in Blanchardstown. The march will leave there to go to the hospital through Blanchardstown Village. Speakers will include consultant doctors, staff nurses, community and byelection candidates. Members of the Defend Blanchardstown Hospital Campaign committee, say the march follows a public meeting held on October
13, where 13 here local TD and government Minister Leo Varadkar told the audience that “cuts to the hospital and reconfiguration will go ahead”. In a statement the Defend Blanchardstown Hospital campaign committee said: “We call on the electorate of Dublin West to use their vote in the byelection on October 27 to oppose the cuts in Blanchardstown Hospital.”
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 5
SALE Council opt out because of ‘unsustainable losses’ OPPORTUNITY: AT BASE ENTERPRISE CENTRE
Units available for businesses
Panda Waste management has been awarded the contract to take over Fingal County Council’s waste collection service
FCC’s waste contract is awarded to Panda Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
PANDA Waste management has been awarded the contract to take over Fingal County Council’s waste collection service following a competitive sale process. The local authority is now the third Dublin council to opt out of the waste service. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council was the first to opt out of its collection service in May 2010 because of “unsustainable losses” and later sold it to Panda. Earlier this year, South Dublin County Council sold it to Greyhound Recycling and Recovery. Dublin City Council is also considering getting out of the waste service that is deemed ‘not viable’. Last week, FCC officials announced that it reached an agreement with Panda Waste Management, for the sale of its residential and commercial waste collection service, following a “competitive sale process” involving a number of waste management companies operating in the private sector. Fingal county manager David O’Connor said: “In November of
this year, Fingal County Council will have had three successive years of cost reductions and falling income levels across our range of services. “The challenge of continuing to deliver core services becomes greater each year. “With this in mind, an independent review on the viability of our waste collection service was carried out earlier this year; and it concluded unequivocally, that there was no prospect of this service being delivered by the Council on a costneutral basis in the current competitive waste services market. “It is with regret, therefore, that the Council has had to withdraw from the waste collection service. Today’s decision will allow Fingal County Council to deploy our staff and resources to other key service areas,” he said. The county manager went on to thank council staff involved in FCC’s waste services over the years, thanking them for their “committment and loyalty”. He also thanked the many thousands of residents who availed of the service, assuring them that they will continue to receive the “normal waste
collection service during the transition process to your new service provider. “We will be working closely with Panda to ensure that the switchover is as seamless as possible,” the manager said.
Managing director at Panda, Eamon Waters, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to take care of all of Fingal’s household waste and recycling needs. We strive to deliver the highest standard of service at
all times at competitive prices. “Fingal County Council are a very environmentally focused County Council, and we hope to continue this tradition on their behalf for the people of Fingal,” he said.
BASE Enterprise Centre has a number of units available for new and expanding businesses in the Greater Blanchardstown Area. The centre, located in Mulhuddar t, currently has a variety of incubator offices, light industrial and workshop units available on flexible licence terms for new and expanding businesses in the Blanchardstown area. The centre is currently home to over 30 small businesses and sole traders. The location of the centre is ideal for start-up or expanding businesses, conveniently located just off the
N3/M3 and only five minutes from the Blanchardstown centre. BASE also offers clients the opportunity to network and provides direct links to publicsector agencies involved in enterprise support, including access to mentoring services. Other services include assisting a variety of community based organisations and providing training space for adult education courses. For further information, visit www.basecentre.com or contact BASE at reception@ base-centre.com or telephone 01 8203020 for more information.
6 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
COMEDY: BUSY WITH HER ACTING CAREER
Comedian O’Kane has new show Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
COMEDIAN Deirdre O’Kane is back in Dublin West this November with her stand-up show – the Best of Deirdre O’Kane. The Irish comedian has been busy pursuing her acting career and raising a growing family, as well as touring with her successful show My Brilliant Divorce. Now she is back with her best bits delivering some of many favourite comedy moments on stage at Draiocht Theatre in Blanchardstown. Originally from Drogheda, Deirdre has been a stand-up comic for 15 yeas and has television credits, include hosting the ten-part TV series of stand-up comedy and sketches The
Lounge (RTÉ). She also played the role of Fiona in Owen O’Neill’s sitcom, The Fitz (BBC). Leading role
I n 2 0 01 O ’ K a n e played the leading role of Helen in Paths to Freedom, a six-par t spoof-documentary for RTÉ/BBC Choice and also starred in the RTÉ comedy series, Fergus’s Wedding. Her show takes place on Sunday, November 20 at 8pm. Tickets cost €20/€16 (conc) and are available to buy on www.draiocht.ie This is a rare opportunity to catch up with one of this country’s b r i g h t e s t a n d b e s tloved comics as Deirdre returns to deliver some of her our favourite comedy moments.
EVENT Dublin 15 Chamber Business and
Innovative business winners are awarded Q LAURA WEBB
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news@gazettegroup.com
‘There was a really exciting atmosphere at the glittering D15 Business Gala ’
BUSINESSES from all over Dublin 15 were out in force last week to find out the winners of this year’s D15 Chamber Business and Community award ceremony in Blanchardstown. The Crowne Plaza was the place to be for local businesses and members of the D15 chamber as the annual business and
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community award gala announced its award winners on October 7. A number of businesses from the Blanchardstown were celebrating their win, including the host of the event - the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown. The popular hotel took home the award for Sales and Marketing Campaign of the year. Imaginarium, in the Blanchardstown Centre, won the award for Retail Premises of Year. The winner was judged by a mystery shopper who looked at how well the product range and services reflect the type and size of the store, and how the staff interacted. The mystery shopper said the store “has a very clear focus on pleasing their customers and achieves this with an interesting and exciting store designed to delight”. T he Star t-Up/New Business of the Year Award went to Safefood 360, based in the LINC Centre in Blanchardstown. The judges were impressed with the innovative product and the methodical and comprehensive business development approach. Judges said: “Plans are very firmly in place to encourage strategic and sustainable growth.” Commenting on the awards night, D15
Chamber President, David Donnelly said: “There was a really exciting atmosphere at the glittering D15 Business and Community Gala Presentation Ball in the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown Hotel. The two hundred people present came together to celebrate all that is best in Business and the Community in the area and celebrate they did with many staying on into the wee small hours to dance and network following a wonderful meal and awards ceremony.” Other winners on the night include: the award for Best Food and Drink Experience, sponsored by D15 Chamber, was Wrights Anglers Rest Bar and Restaurant in the Strawberry Beds. The winner of the Customer Service Team of the Year Award was Castleknock Hotel & Country Club in Castleknock. The award for SME/Sole Trader of the Year, sponsored by FBD hotels, went to Limos for Less in Blanchardstown. The Medium/Large/Corporate Award, sponsored by VHI Healthcare, went to Symantec. Emydex Technology brought home the award for Innovation in IT, sponsored by IBM. The Recycling in Action Award went to BASE Enterprise Centre and the winner of the Contribution to Community by a Business award was IBM. Jim Flynn won the award for Contribution to Community by an Individual. Finally, the D15 Chamber President’s Award went to Blanchardstown Ford in Coolmine for their Unsung Heroes Project.
Contribution to Community by an Individual award: Jim Flynn with his family
Medium - Large Corporate award: Symantec
Recycling in Action award: BASE Enterprise Centre
SME - Sole Trader of the Year: Limos for Less
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 7
Community award Gala Presentation Ball
CHARITY: CHRISTMAS FAIR IN CASTLEKNOCK
Ladies with disability get vital support Q LAURA WEBB
news@gazettegroup.com
Start-Up New Business award: Safefood 360
Customer Service Team of the Year award: Castleknock Hotel & Country Club
Food & Drink Experience award: Wrights Anglers Rest Bar and Restaurant in the Strawberry Beds
‘Two hundred people came to celebrate the best in Business’ --------------------------
Innovation in IT award: Emydex Technology
SUPPORT BLANCH BUSINESS
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60 10 240
THE St. Louise’s Support Group is hosting a Christmas Craft and Cake Fair at Our Lady’s Parish Centre in Castleknock in November to help raise funds for the vital service. The support group is made up of family members and friends of service users of the St. Louise’s Centre, Glenmaroon, Chapelizod, a residential centre for 54 ladies with intellectual disability, operated by the Daughters of Charity Service. The upcoming event in Our Lady’s Parish Centre, off Auburn Avenue in Castleknock, is in aid of the service. On the day there will be cakes, Christmas puddings and a host of home-made crafts. There will also be a host of activities for children and a fantastic raffle.
Residents of the St. Louise’s Centre are currently busy making crafts and Christmas cards, which will also be on sale at the Fair. All are welcome to the event, which takes place on Sunday, November 27 after Sunday morning Mass. Since the opening of the centre in 2008, the support group has provided four 8-seater people carriers, funding for equipment and materials for the Day Care Centre and funding and volunteers for social events. According to a member of the support group, a fifth vehicle, adapted for a wheelchair, is now being sourced. “We are actively encouraging and facilitating volunteerism and integration into the community. These are very important factors in the lives of these ladies who have been marginalised for so long,” he said.
8 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EVENT Local people show their support for a fashion show
Enjoying a feast of fashion
HERE was a special treat for followers of fashion in D15 recently when a special fundraising fashion show was held for Mulhuddart Community Centre in aid of their building extension. The organisers had been very hard at work recently getting everything ready for the big night. And all that hard work paid off as local people turned up to show their support and were rewarded with a great show, which featured all the latest fashion trends from stores like Dunnes Stores and Marks and Spencer.
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Local volunteers Shannon Matthews, Jodie Farrell and Leanne Oxby. Pictures: Ania Sherlock
Anne Raj, the main organiser of the fashion show in aid of Mulhuddart Community Centre
Mulhuddart Community Youth Project staff, Bernie Moloney, Deidre Walsh Ealu Thomas, a backstage co-ordinator at the show
and Niamh Quinn
Strutting her stuff
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 9
to raise money for Mulhuddart Community Centre
Elaina Cimmins, Bernie Moloney, Ann Osbourne, Anne Raj and Eamonn O’Brien, the main organisers of the Mulhuddart Community Centre Fashion Show
Model Laura Butler strikes a pose
One of the models at the show
Sharon, Elaina, Rachel and Shauna
10 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
POLITICS: COPPINGER HITS OUT AT CLAIMS
PEOPLE Local ladies realise their lifelong dream
Local councillor Ruth Coppinger
Cllr angry over tax accusation THE Socialist Party’s Dublin West byelection candidate has hit out at claims that she proposed to increase the Irish Corporation tax from 12.5% to 25% during a debate on national radio. Local councillor Ruth Coppinger, said the comments made by Fianna Fail byelection candidate, Cllr David McGuinness, stating she outlined a policy proposal to increase Ireland’s corporation tax range, is a lie. “Councillor McGuinness is lying when he says that I proposed an increase in the corporation rate on RTE Radio’s This Week - no figures were used, in fact.” This week, Councillor David McGuinness called for immediate clarification from Cllr Coppinger on her stance in relation to increasing the current Irish Corporation Tax. He said: “This tax rate is of vital importance to thousands of jobs in the Dublin West region. Large employers such as IBM, PayPal, Ebay, Symantec and Covidien have located in Dublin 15 due to the competitive rate of Corporation Tax. “If Ruth Coppinger gets the opportunity to implement her policy of raising Corporation Tax to 25%, it would be disastrous for employment in Dublin West and Ireland in general. While Cllr Coppinger talks a lot about fighting for working people, the irony is that if her policy was pursued it would
have a devastating effect on those people working in multi-nationals in our area. “While Labour and Fine Gael in Government have worryingly shown themselves more than ready to engage in negotiations on our 12.5% rate at EU level, the proposal by Ruth Coppinger is a new departure altogether and would be akin to economic suicide,” he said. Responding to the comments, Coppinger said this was an attack on the Socialist Party and that the Fianna Fail candidate is “clutching at straws”. “I will fight to protect every job in this country whether in multi-national or Irish-owned companies,” she said. She went on to outline her position with an excerpt from the Socialist Party amendment on Corporation Tax which “notes the substantial extra revenue that would be raised each year for every percentage point increase in the corporation tax rate; believes that setting an appropriate rate of corporation tax is a matter for the Irish people and condemns the opportunism of EU leaders, like French President Sarkhozy and German Chancellor Merkel, in linking this issue with renegotiation of the EU/ IMF austerity pact, and calls for a major debate on what the appropriate rate of corporation tax should be in this State”.
Julia and Anna want to share the secrets of elegance, beauty and success
Sharing the secrets of lady like behaviour IT has been a lifelong dream for two businesswomen to share the secrets of elegance, beauty and success, by opening a school of etiquette, and that dream is about to become reality, when they launch the Lady Like School this November in Dublin 15. It’s the fulfilment of a dream for friends Julia Makarova, from Blanchardstown, and Anna Rubin, from Castleknock, who say the lessons are ideal for girls aged between 12 and 16. As a child, Julia attended an etiquette school in her home country of Latvia, and she says the concept is very popular among other countries in Eastern Europe, and also in France.
T he new school – Lady Like School – takes etiquette school to a new level, by introducing students other m o d u l e s , i n cl u d i n g active classes in dance and drama. The aim of the school is to help young girls develop into confident young ladies, who can promote themselves graciously. The school believes that having impeccable manners and posture, being able to relate to different personality types, and possessing moderate drama and acting skills will greatly help any young lady on her way to life and career success. “It’s all around modeling, etiquette and to keep active drama, dance and defile (catwalk).
“There is also basic introduction to psychology, it’s about getting to know yourself, getting to know your personality, and being able to know other personality types. “It also boosts confidence,” says Anna. “ We d o n ’t e x p e c t ever yone to become a model or an actor or teach psychology, but what it is designed to do is to create that confidence about being able to express yourself and recognise situations and how to act in situations. “It would take into account what finishing school teaches you, what modelling school teaches you, combining that and adding extra classes to it as well,” she says. “It’s very popular in
Eastern Europe and in France, but for some reason it hasn’t really got to Ireland yet. “There are modelling schools, but access to them would be very restricted. “You have a very good modelling potential to be accepted, so you don’t get to experience any of it. “Then there are etiquette schools, but there is no active side to it, so we are combining it all. It’s a new venture for us. We are really excited about it and really can’t wait to meet our first students,” she said. T he school’s four teachers come from various backgrounds including, catwalk teacher, Louise Hannigan; a trained actor and model who has worked
with Assets Modelling; and dance teacher Nicole McDonald, who has been teaching for 15 years, specialising in jazz and tap. She has worked alongside various celebrities, including Celine Dion and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Lady Like School is suitable for girls aged 12-16 years and is based in the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown. Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30 to 8.30 with four different classes a week. Each semester is 11 weeks and classes are €10 per hour. To find out more about Lady Like School, log onto www.ladylikeschool.com or search for Lady Like school on Facebook.
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 11
FESTIVE Tesco launches a choice selection of treats
Q STAFF REPORTER
THIS Christmas Tesco have everything on hand to take the hassle out of your family Christmas dinner or festive party celebrations, with an extensive range of food and drink in-store to suit every taste, and pocket. From festive fizz and canapes, to traditional Christmas favourites and meal accompaniments, Tesco has something to make this Christmas one to remember. Party Favourites/ Sophisticated Starters
No festive party is complete without the addition of some chic canapes to set the tone for the evening. Why not add a touch of class with some Tesco Finest canapes… the taste without the luxury price tag!
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‘From festive fizz and canapes, to traditional Christmas favourites’
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joint with honey and wholegrain mustard. For those looking for a different choice for the dinner table this Christmas, try Tesco’s Finest* Rib Roast Beef with Mixed Peppercorn Crumb or the Tesco Finest* Leg of Lamb. Every accompaniment to finish off Christmas dinner from Finest* Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts to Tesco’s Carrot and Parsnip Selection and Carrots all of which are Irish grown, are available this year.
Christmas Dinner
The main event of the day is sure to be a hassle-free show-stopper with the selection of traditional meats and alternatives on sale this year. Traditionalists will love the selection of fresh Irish turkeys and turkey crowns, which will be in stores from December. Look out for some real dinner table treats, such as the Tesco Finest Bronze Turkey and the Tesco Fresh Turkey Joint with Orange and Cranberry Stuffing Wrapped in Parma Ham from Grove Farm in Monaghan. Accompany the turkey with a choice of ham joints from Hilton Foods, Drogheda, such as smoked ham on the bone, dry cured loin ham joint with brown sugar, pear and bay leaf or dry cured premium ham
Delicious Desserts
There is also an extensive range of range of puddings, cakes and desserts, perfect for families and friends. For the traditional ending to Christmas dinner, try Tesco’s Finest* Christmas Pudding with Courvosier VS Cognac (908g) or Tesco Finest*’s Christmas Pudding (454g). For a dessert with a light European flavour, finish with Tesco Finest* Pannetone Pudding (227g). T h e e ve r- p o p u l a r mince pies are another family favourite, treat everyone with Tesco Finest* Deep Filled Mince Pies with Courvosier VS Cognac or Tesco Finest* 12 Mini Mince Pies with Courvosier VS Cognac, for a little bit of what you fancy!
Post Dinner treats
For those who still have room left after such an amazing feast, their is also an array of post-dinner delights to enjoy. Why not finish Christmas dinner with a choice of exquisite Irish farmhouse cheeses from suppliers across the country, including Cashel Irish Cheese Selection, the Old Irish Creamery, Carrigaline Farmhouse Cheese Gift Box selection, Ardsallagh Cranberry Roulade, Horgan’s Value Selection or Horgan’s Executive Selection. Tesco’s Finest* Irish Farmhouse Cheese Selection, will also impress family and friends.
Tesco launched their Christmas range of foods and fashion last week, Heather is pictured at the event, wearing a dress from the autumn/winter fashion range Festive Tipples
No Christmas would be complete without a touch of fizz, and, this year, no matter what your budget, there is something to suit all pockets. Tesco Finest* Premier Cru Champagne NV 75cl is the perfect addition to any party. For those looking for a
nice wine to accompany Christmas dinner, the Tesco Finest* Duorois, a medium-bodied red would go well with meat main dishes such as turkey and beef. There is also Tesco Finest* Picpoul de Pinet, a crisp French white from the Languedoc which partners fish start-
ers perfectly. So, whether you are looking for a stress free Christmas dinner with all the trimmings or a Christmas Party with all the festive accompaniments get down to your local Tesco store for an exciting range of treats, mains, desserts and nibbles for all the family.
Giving the X3 the M Factor: This is a powerful, 3.0 litre M Sport performance version of the machine, with all the style, safety and luxury features thrown in
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Make your Christmas a tasty and stylish one
MOTORING PAGE 19
12 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
SPORT: STAR PLAYER, ONLINE GAME
GASTRONOMY Food experiences in Ireland
Time to give us predictions MIMI MURRAY news@gazettegroup.com
This is the eighth consecutive year that Heineken, the world’s most international beer brand, has sponsored the prestigious UCL. Walter Drenth, marketing director at Heineken Ireland, said: “Star Player will really change the way in which Irish football fans interact with the UEFA Champions League; it has created a more social, ‘play and watch’ experience during matches. The appetite for UCL in Ireland continues to be huge and, with the introduction of Star Player, Heineken brings fans another truly premium, innovative experience.” The Heineken Star Player is available to play on Heineken.ie.
Celebrity Maitre‘D, John Healy at Ivan’s Oyster Bar and Grill in Howth
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HEINEKEN Star Player is back for another round of matches. Star Player is a world-first innovation online game that lets fans interact with realtime football matches on Heineken.ie while they watch UEFA Champions League matches on television. Star Player is transforming how fans watch the UEFA Champions League by allowing them to anticipate events unfolding on the pitch. By making second-bysecond predictions in realtime, UEFA Champions League fans build points by predicting goals, corner kicks and
free kicks. Using unique timedependent technology, with every correct forecast, fans gain points. Through the Interactive Champions League, fans can also compete and share Star player results with their friends via Facebook and with other players around the world. Irish fans will have a weekly chance to win a VIP trip to a UEFA Champions League match by topping the Star Player Irish league table. Soccer fans can log on to Heineken.ie and register for their chance to win. Each week the runnerup in the Star Player Irish league table will win a Heineken Fusball table.
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CELEBRITY Maitre‘D, John Healy was at Ivan’s Oyster Bar and Grill in Howth last week to demonstrate that there is no need to “make a meal” out of sourcing the best quality food experiences in Ireland, simply log onto www.discoverireland.ie/food. The website is a virtual haven for foodies and is a one-stop-shop for information on food festivals, food trails, cookery schools, farmer’s markets, food attractions, eating out and even Foodie TV. John is very familiar with demanding critics, having worked front of house in the food industry for the last 20 years, and is happy to give the website its own five-star rating! Commenting about what Ireland has to offer foodies throughout the country, John said:
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‘It’s a virtual haven for foodies and is a one-stop-shop for information’ --------------------------
“The Irish Food industry is currently thriving and it appears that the country’s palette has collectively woken up to the amazing range of foodie experiences available to both connoisseurs and novices alike. Ireland can compare very favourably with our European neighbours and anyone can try their hand at an afternoon in a cookery schools, uncover some hidden gems on a tasty food trail or meet the makers of some of the top artisan food. I want to encourage people to get out there and discover exactly what Ireland has to offer!” An example of some of the gastronomic high-
lights that are coming up this autumn include Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, which takes place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend and features a bustling open-air market against the spectacular backdrop of Kilkenny Castle; Slow Foods Ireland’s Wild & Slow Festival will take place in a winter fest style market at Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow on November 19-20, and the Listowel Food Fair, which runs from the November 3-6 and showcases everything from cheese making to baking and beer tasting to beekeeping. If you would like to get some inspirational ideas on eating out, or find out where to go for the best markets to stock up on some home-made artisan goodies, or if you are simply interested in experiencing some of Ireland’s fantastic food festivals and events, check out www.discoverireland.ie/ food
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 13
GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Foods that will help you win! LEILA JOHARI
ON MONDAY, October 31, the Dublin City Marathon will take place. For those of you taking part this is the day that you have been working towards for weeks, even months, so the last thing you want to do is to miss out on that gold medal due to poor nutrition! In addition to physical training you need a nutritional plan to ensure you are meeting your body’s increased nutrient requirements to optimise your performance in competition. Needs of runners
Carbohydrates are the most important nutrient. Some marathon runners practise “carbohydrate loading”, an approach that maximises stores of glycogen, which is the first fuel to be used during intense exercise. To achieve this, you limit your intake of carbohydrates for a couple of weeks before the event. The initial reduction in carbohydrates makes the body extremely sensitive to them when they enter the body, allowing glycogen stores to be replenished. When competing for over 90 minutes normal glycogen stores will not be enough to maintain exercise so the goal of carbohydrate loading is to superload muscles with glycogen to delay fatigue and enable you to exercise for longer. It is best to eat a variety of food from each of the four major food groups each day so that you get a
good supply of the nutrients a marathon runner needs. These nutrients include carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium and zinc.
drinks have similar benefits. Marathon runners should choose isotonic sports drinks as these quickly replace fluids lost by sweating and supply carbohydrates. Examples include Lucozade Sport.
Before the event
After the event
Exercising on a full stomach is not ideal. Food takes about 1-4 hours to fully digest, depending on how much you have eaten. On the day of the event it is best to eat a light breakfast, such as a cereal or toast and fruit juice. Drink water in small amounts after breakfast at regular intervals so that you start the race fully hydrated. You may also consider a liquid meal if you find it hard to eat solid meals before a competition as they are quickly emptied from the stomach. Fibre should be avoided precompetition as they can result in stomach upsets. Choose lower-fibre foods such as cornflakes, white bread and soft fruits with no skin.
Following the event, it is vital to ensure fast recovery. It is essential to replace lost fluids and replace sodium losses to ensure maximum fluid retention. You need to drink 1.5 times the amount of body weight you have lost from sweat and urination. Even if you are celebrating try to avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol after competing! A large, carbohydrate meal should be eaten within two hours of the finish. It should consist of high GI foods. Bananas and dried fruit are good immediately following a marathon. A main meal might consist of bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. It is also an opportunity for you to enjoy foods that you would usually avoid such cakes and sweets. Don’t go too crazy though! Combining protein and carbohydrate will enhance your recovery. Athletes who refuel with carbohydrate and protein have 100% greater muscle glycogen stores than those who ate only carbohydrates so try to include a good source of protein such as chicken or eggs. Remember that your nutritional plan is part of your first-place formula and will help ensure you bring home the gold!
Sheena Crotty, from Lucan, celebrates completing the Lifestyle Sports - adidas Dublin Marathon 2010
During the event
During the marathon you must prevent dehydration, prevent depletion of glycogen/energy stores, maintain blood glucose levels and electrolyte balance. Examples of suitable foods that can be consumed during the event include bananas and sports bars. Sports bars boost carbohydrate levels, help improve endurance levels, help maintain blood sugar levels and provide a sustained release of energy. Sports
14 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: WHETHER CATS, BATS OR RATS, SOME PEOPLE COLLECT TOO MANY ANIMALS
Horror animal hoarding signs to look out for Although it’s commonplace for many animal lovers to care for two or more pets, some people can accumulate far too many animals to properly tend to their needs, unintentionally creating a menagerie of ill, diseased and distressed creatures
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THE other night, whilst trawling through T V channels, I came across a programme dealing with compulsive hoarding. Now, it’s my understanding that “hoarding” is the acquisition of possessions – which a person fails to use or discard – and which are in excess of what would be deemed “normal” amounts. It‘s a serious, debilitating disorder for the sufferer. However, when the hoarding compulsion involves animals, then it‘s a very real concern – the effects of which are a mental health, animal health and public safety issue. At the DSPCA, we investigate and deal with incidents of animal hoarding. Here are just some of the markers that would give us cause for concern – more than the usual number of companion pets; an inability to provide even the minimum standards of nutrition, shelter, veterinary care and sanitary conditions for the animals, and a denial of this inability, and the impact that it has on the animals and the home environment for both them and the human occupants of the home. So, why hoard animals? From what I’ve studied, some research points toward a number of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Newer studies lead toward attachment disorders, in conjunction with personality disor-
ders, paranoia, delusional thinking, depression and other mental illnesses. For example, some animal hoarders began collecting following a traumatic loss or event; then again, others see themselves as “rescuers” Very often, hoarders appear to be intelligent people, believing they’re helping animals. Many even possess the ability to garner sympathy, and can even deceive others into thinking their situation is under control. They become ignorant to the fact they’re not helping the animals, but are inflicting extreme suffering upon them. How do you spot a hoarder? Animal hoarders range in age and gender. The elderly tend to be more at risk, and this is possibly due to their own deteriorating health, and isolation either from family, community or social groups. One common denominator between them is the lack of understanding of the pain and suffering they are inflicting upon the animals. They have many animals, and may not even know the total number in their care. Their homes are in a state of deterioration, (broken furniture, in need of repair, lots of clutter). A strong smell of ammonia is present, and floors may be covered in animal poo, urine, vomit, etc. Animals in their care are emaciated, poorly
groomed, and not properly socialised. Vermin are present. The person is isolated and has neglected themselves. Despite the signs of distress, the individual insists all is well, and the animals are well cared for. Do hoarders ever pass themselves off as rescue shelters? Unfortunately, sometimes they can set themselves up as “rescue” facilities, and may appear to be sensible individuals. They convey their love for those animals that have special needs. Lately, the internet has become a tool for such solicitation. How do you know if it’s a hoarder or a rescue shelter? The hoarder is unwilling to allow visitors to see the location where animals are kept. (The rescue shelter will have no such problem.) The hoarder will not disclose the number of animals in its care. (The rescue shelter will be able to provide facts and sta-
tistics.) Little or no effort is made by the hoarder to adopt animals out. (Rescue shelters actively seek to re-home animals in their care.) Legitimate rescue shelters are viewed as “the enemy” by hoarders. Animals may be picked up or handed over at a remote location, such as at a car park, field or street corner, rather than at the hoarder’s facilities. The legitimate rescue shelter will have a headquarters. Please bear in mind that not everyone who has multiple animals is a hoarder. An individual may have many animals, have them spayed/neutered, and provide them with regular veterinary care, a correct diet, proper living conditions and a sanitary environment. Such a person would not be considered a hoarder. For more info log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
All these cats – and many more – were found swarming one small apartment in an extreme hoarding case
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
Edited by Dawn Love
Transform your life, transform you hair JOHN Frieda is giving 15 Irish women the chance to commemorate a transformation in their life. On November 8, top stylist and Dublin native, Jake Davis, will travel to Dublin to host the John Frieda Transformation Day. From the 15 finalists, there will be one overall winner, who will travel to the John Frieda Salon in London for the ultimate hair transformation. Friends and family of the finalists will have a chance to vote on their makeovers, as the campaign will roll out on John Frieda Ireland facebook page from December until February 2012. Facebook votes will go towards the overall winner’s selection by a panel of judges from John Frieda and selected beauty media. John Frieda Transformation is a campaign to celebrate the achievements of women’s lives – how they have transformed the way they live, work or love. To enter women have to send the story of their life trans-
formation to John Frieda. From these stories, 15 finalists will be selected to attend the Dublin Transformation Day. The closing date for sending transformation stories to transformation@johnfrieda.ie is Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Stories must be based on one of the following three categories: 1) Business and Work Transformations Stories showing examples of entrepreneurial business ideas or opportunities seized to overcome financial difficulty or job loss, retraining or returning to study to transform your career. 2) Health Transformations Stories based on triumphs over personal ill health or caring for someone with ill health. 3) Life Transformations Stories based on a life event – from matters of the heart, helping a charity, lifestyle changes, inspirational encounters with groups or individuals – that have turned your life around for the better .
Transformation stories should be no longer than 300 words, and should include a recent portrait (head and shoulders only) emailable picture in jpeg format. Entrants must be available to attend the John Frieda Transformation Day on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, in Dublin. 80th Anniversary of Sudocrem It’s one of Ireland’s bestloved products, and this year, Sudocrem will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Developed as an antiseptic healing cream, it has been the first choice for generations of mums and healthcare professionals in its native Ireland and internationally since its formulation in 1931. Dublin pharmacist Thomas Smith’s Sudocrem fast became popular with Irish midwives and mothers for treating
nappy rash, becoming the market leader for soothing, healing and protecting the skin of babies’ sensitive bottoms. Clinically proven in this category, Sudocrem leads the market in over 30 countries all over the world. Sweetly scented with lavender, with a soft texture, the nostalgia inducing white cream has a water-repellent base which forms a protective barrier. Hypoallergenic lanolin provides its emollient effect and Peru Balsam its healing properties. And for 80 years, Thomas Smith’s original formulation has remained unchanged. Sudocrem is available from independent pharmacies, major pharmacy chains, supermarkets and selected children’s department stores nationwide.
John Frieda is giving 15 Irish women the chance to commemorate a transformation in their life
A comforted complexion THE changing seasons can play havoc with your complexion. Loved by celebrities, VOYA’s Maskerade is an intensely moisturising face mask with the hydrating power of hand harvested seaweed, Maskerade will rescue and replenish skin. Prepare your skin for winter by treating it to a hydrating and antioxidant-rich Maskerade face mask. Take 10 minutes to sit back and relax while VOYA’s Maskerade Mask sooths and repairs your skin. Price: €35.00 VOYA products can be purchased online at www.voya.ie. For stockist information, call VOYA on 071 9168956 & sales@ voya.ie.
16 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes High-flying Noel back on unclipped wings RECORD REVIEW: THE TALENT BEHIND OASIS RETURNS
TO THE abject horror of many, news emerges that the divisive figure of Skrillex is to work with the remaining members of The Doors to produce a new track as part of RE:Generation, a new movie project that teams up unexpected artists to create fresh collaborations. Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Robbie Kreiger were teamed with the dubstep producer on a new track that is “hot as hell”, according to Manzarek. Other collaborations include rappers Nas and DJ Premier with the Berlklee College of Music Orchestra and the Crystal Method with Martha Reeves. Rock legend and officially the nicest bloke in the universe, Dave Grohl, added to his hero status last week when he stepped in to drum for Cage The Elephant when their regular drummer, Jared Champion, fell sick during the Foo Fighters’ US tour. Grohl approached Elephant’s management when he heard Champion had been admitted for surgery after suffering a burst appendix.
A bullet dodged or opportunity missed? Noel Gallagher last week revealed that he was approached, more than once, by Simon Cowell to take a place on the UK judging panel of this season’s X Factor. Noel turned the offer down, and the place was taken by Take That’s Gary Barlow. How Noel would have fared is undertain, but the man who once called Coldplay “music for bedwetters” would surely be well able to skewer the raging egos of some of this year’s contestants. Laughing Leonard Cohen, the buddhist monk of rock and roll, is to release a new record in 2012. He is currently in the studio with son, Adam, on a new body of work, which would be his first new set of songs since 2007’s Dear Heather. Earlier this year, Leonard Cohen was awarded Spain’s esteemed Prince Of Asturias Award for literature, joining previous winners of the prestigious prize such as the playwright Arthur Miller and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
Leonard Cohen: Make em laugh...
Q ROB HEIGH
JUST after the fruit and guitars started flying in Paris, music lovers everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when Noel Gallagher called it a day on his career in Oasis. This act of humanitarian euthanasia brought to an end what had been a horrible period for all involved, most of all the fans who had watched as the fetid corpse of a formerly legendary band lumbered around the world for a decade. They had, at last, been put all of us out of their misery. Having seen Oasis at their peak at Earl’s Cour t in London in 1995, everything that came after was a massive disappointment. Had they imploded then, that would have been a fitting end and would have cemented them as one of the best bands of a generation. Unfortunately, they kept going on a cycle of ever-diminishing returns, dialling in facsimilies of former glories, ending with a fiasco at Slane, where the effort of even being
there at all seemed too much, and then the final nail in the coffin came at Rock En Seine in 2009. Liam insisted on keeping the horror show on the road, inflicting the Sixties’ zombie of Beady Eye on a public who ought to have known better, and now, after shying away from the limelight, Noel has returned to the fray with his first outing on record as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The question being... is it any good? I’m pleased to report that being out of the knuckle-dragging shadow of Oasis’ legacy has loosened Noel up somewhat, and the record features easily the best set of songs he has been responsible for in many, many years. Albeit featuring several songs written, and even two previously recorded but not released, for Oasis, the record is a stroll through the styles that have made Gallagher a folk hero throughout his career. There is the classic Britpop sensibilities of the opener, Every-
Competition time: Win tickets to see Brendan Grace Comedian Brendan Grace is bringing his comedy stylings to the Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley, and we have four pairs of tickets to give away. “The greatest family comedian of our generation” presents a show to celebrate 39 years in the business. To win one of the sets of tickets, simply answer the following question: What was the name of the drum and bass-loving priest Brendan played in Father Ted? Send your answer to competition@ gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Grace”, before Friday, October 28.
Noel Gallgher back with familiar but welcome set of songs
body’s On The Run, the understated guitar of If I Had A Gun, and, for me the best moment on the record, the Chemical Brothers-esque What A Life, that recalls his contribution to the Chemicals’ classic album, Surrender, the perennial, Let Forever Be. Being Noel Gallagher, the record is wholly familiar, like a pair of old slippers, but so comfortably fresh that
the hints of new directions make you salivating to hear more from the young codger. Although even that will not be far off, as early next year will see the release of an album with Amorphous Androgynous, the techno-ambient pioneers formerly known as the Future Sound Of London - expect a psychf lavoured wig-out of some epic proportions.
For the moment, however, just settle back and enjoy one of the best songwriters of the past 20 years enjoying the freedom to be himself. You are getting exactly what it says on the tin - Noel and a set of songs that aim high and fly on their classic melodies and arrangements — but rather this tin than the tin-eared tedium of the other Gallagher’s gallumphers.
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 17
THEATRE A hilarious take on the top talk show host
Springer is not for the faint-hearted Q LAURA WEBB
THE TV show is known for its controversial guests and funny antics, so what better dialogue to get inspiration for a hilarious and contentious opera than the Jerry Springer show and it’s coming to Dublin with an all-Irish cast. He was one of the most talked about talk show hosts of this generation and, when it was transformed into an opera, that buzz was reignited when Jerry Springer the Opera took London’s West End by storm with over 600 performances. Not for the faint-hearted, the show has everything you would expect from the show itself, including men in diapers, tap-dancing Klu Klux Klan members, and all in
front of a wild audience. The Irish production of Jerry Springer the Opera is the first all-Irish production and cast at the Grand Canal Theatre. Dubliner Derek Collins, who plays a Klu Klux Klan member in the first act and Adam (Adam and Eve) in the second act, says the show is brilliantly funny. “One of my characters is a redneck hillbilly and I will have a big, bushy beard by then. I haven’t shaved in about six weeks,” he laughed. Shocking
“It will be great fun. He is not a very nice character, but he gets his just desserts – it has all of the shocking aspects of the show, and it really isn’t for the soft-hearted. It is recommended for mature audiences only,
there is extremely coarse language. But if we don’t offend you, we are doing something wrong. It is the funniest show I have ever been involved in,” Derek said. “When I heard about the show, I just wanted to get in there and get an audition. There are so many reasons why you would want to do it – it’s Jerry Springer,” he joked. “I worked with John Donnelly before. He is a landmark director in Ireland – this is the first 100% Irish show that is going to be in the Grand Canal Theatre, which is hard to believe. “It is very exciting, it’s my first opera and it’s on at the Grand Canal Theatre. It’s one hell of a show. We are doing the show on a big scale. We have got an epic sound,
two musical directors, Dermot O’Callaghan and Kevin Walsh. The music is incredible.” Before the Jerry Springer Show, Derek was in Michael Collins the Musical, and nd has made variious appearancess on stage over hiss acting and sing-ing career. He iss delighted to be part of the show among cast members like Simon Delaney, playing Jerr y Springer, and Eoin Canno. The cast also includes Joe Walsh Walsh, Emma Wigglesworth, Anthony Blake, Helene Hutchinson, Jean Wallace and a chorus of over 60 singers and dancers. “Apart from Simon, the
The Irish production of Jerry Springer the Opera is the Th firs first all- Irish production and cast at the Grand Canal The Theatre which includes Dubliner Derek Collins (left)
majority of the leads are split roles, we all have at least two roles to play. There is an incredibly diverse amount of material there for the audience,” he said.
The opening night of T Jerry Springer the Opera Jerr takes place Halloween tak night, October 31 and audiences can come in fancy dress. It runs from October 31 until November 5, with tickets priced €17.50, which can be
purchased through Ticketmaster. Log onto www. grandcanaltheatre.ie for further information. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to extremely coarse language and adult situations.
18 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 19
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
FAMILIES CAN PARK AND CHARGE AT CLERYS:
Putting the M in X3 MICHAEL MORONEY took the powerful 3.0-litre M Sport Sport version version 3.0 litre M of the BMW X3 for a run in recent weeks – the exhilaration was palpable behind the wheel. Simply put, this is a performance machine with all of the safety and luxury features thrown in S THE extra power and money really worth it for the 3.0-litre M Sport version of the BMW X3, I asked myself after just one day behind the wheel of the powerful SUV? By the end of a few days driving the battle between my heart and my head remained unresolved. I enjoyed the drive, loved the power but would I feel that strongly to spend the extra money that this car commands? The M Sport styling from BMW is obviously distinctive. To a motorhead everything about this X3 is special, from the stronger, more powerful, look to the bigger wheels and tyres. The styling on its own might have been strong enough to convince
I
SPECS: BMW X3 M SPORT Top speed: 230 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 6.2 secs Economy: 16.6km/litre (6.0l/100km) CO2 emissions: 159g/km Road Tax Band: D (€447) Price: €61,480
me but some of my passengers were not as much in awe. I was impressed with the engine sound and performance; they looked at the creature fittings, and the road comfort, and were not as impressed. This X3 M Sport BMW is very powerful with its six cylin-
der 3.0-litre twin turbo-charged diesel engine under the bonnet. The engine has massive power at 258bhp to propel the car to 100km/hr in just six seconds. The diesel power torque is even more impressive at over 550Nm and that’s where the 6.2 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr pace comes from. I wondered was there too much power on tap; there is limited application for such power, apart from over-taking acceleration at which I have to say, it excelled. But you’ll feel it when you get the chance to put the acceleration to the best. This is sports car performance in SUV clothing. It remains solid through the acceleration so you get the feeling of balance
in a modest size SUV that oozes with power and torque. This extra power means poorer economy, although relative to some of the bigger 4x4s the X3 3.0 M Sport figure is acceptable. The official economy figure is 16.6 km/litre (6.0l/100km or 47mpg) and that’s about 15% less economical than the entrylevel 2.0-litre version of the X3, which is rated with about 15% slower acceleration. In this sense the powerto-economy curve appears a straight line. Rising power and acceleration also means rising fuel usage. My test drive was a little less impressive in terms of economy as I returned an average figure of about 12km/ litre (8.5l/100km) on the car’s
computer. That was about 25% lower than the rated figure and I didn’t expect much more as I was driving across a range of road conditions. It was more noticeable as I refilled the 67-litre capacity tank and I soon realised that that 900km range on a full tank was going to be outside my reach. M Sport X3 was only marginally less economical than the entry-model, 2.0-litre turbodiesel version. The economy is helped by a stop/start system and brake energy regeneration. So, even with its massive power and impressive acceleration, and the €145 difference in annual road tax, it won’t cost you a whole more to run!
Drivers believe in dog restraints MORE than 60% of drivers believe it should be compulsory to restrain dogs in cars when driving. That’s the result of a new British poll on an issue that supports passenger and dog safety in cars. The poll was carried out by GEM Motoring Assist to find out driver’s views on dogs wearing seat belts/harnesses in cars, after the issue became a hot topic over the summer. Ex -Eastenders actor Todd Carty appeared on TV campaign-
ing for a new law to be introduced to make dog seatbelts compulsory after he had a near tragic accident with his Labrador. While it has been proven that unnecessary accidents are caused by unrestrained animals in the car, the consequences in a crash can be severe. If a motorist is travelling at just 50km/hr (30mph), in the case of impact, an unrestrained average sized dog weighing approximately 25kg (50lbs) would be projected
forward with a force equal to a baby elephant. The potential danger to both pets and passengers from driving with an unrestrained animal should not to be ignored and the company urges drivers to be aware of the consequences. Dog harnesses are available for dogs of all sizes. It is wise to consider the safety of the dog as well as the rest of the family when it comes to car safety.
Consider getting a dog harness to keep your dog safe during transport
ESB ecars now provides electric car charge points in Q-Park Clerys multistorey car park, in the heart of Dublin city centre. This will enable motorists to charge their car while they are shopping, dining or carrying out business in the city centre. The charge points are part of the ESB charging infrastructure network,which is being rolled out in retail parks, service stations as well as on-street and off-street car parks and in the homes of electric car motorists. Drivers can pre-book a designated electric car parking space online www.q-park.ie or call 01 8788957.
20 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY LUCAN: NEW SHOWHOUSE ADDED TO RANGE OF HOMES ON OFFER
Offers galore at Adamstown Park
The Solace dining set from Belleek Living
CLASSIC HOMEWARES: FOR THE CHRISTMAS LIST
Belleek Living add style to interior design BELLEEK Living’s range of classy homewares has something for everyone, and here we have picked some of the top items from their range that might just appear on a Christmas list or two... Belleek’s Solace tableware is a distinctive square tableware design that will add a touch of style to any dining table. The 12-piece set includes 4 bowls, 4 dinner plates and 4 side plates and retails for €140. Designed to complement the Solace tableware is a 44-piece Solace cutlery set, for €99, comprising of six table forks, table knives, soup spoons, dessert forks, dessert knives, dessert spoons, teaspoons and two serving spoons Lighting has proven a highly popular recent addition to the Belleek Living Homeware and Christmas 2011 sees the introduction of a number of new lamp designs, including the Rose lamp and shade, which features a floral relief design on the ceramic base for €70, and the Eclipse lamp and shade for €75, which features a lined design which emerges from the bottom of the base. At 49 centimetres high, this lamp will create an impact in a living room or hallway. There is also the Elegance Frame and Lines Champagne Flutes gift set, a combination of an 8 x 10 Silver Elegance photo frame and a pair of Lines Champagne flutes for €140, The perfect gift for a special couple at Christmas The Belleek Living range is available from leading giftware and tableware retailers. For futher information, visit www.belleek.ie.
CASTLETHORN Homes have revealed their latest showhouse, a four-bedroom home at the Adamstown Park development in Lucan for the bargain price of £215,000. The development is a small cul-de-sac of just 16 four-bed houses, which are generously sized at over 1,550 sq ft and extend over three floors. To the front a featured wrought-iron gate leads through a landscaped front garden to an attractive hall door. The ground floor comprises a wellappointed kitchen with all appliances included, and a family room. The first floor is dominated by a spacious sit-
ting room with featured bay window. This floor also contains the main bedroom and en suite. The upper floor contains three further bedrooms and a large family bathroom. To the rear is a private garden and parking spaces. Competitively priced, the developers have also made buying easy by permitting no deposit to be paid until purchasers actually move in; very handy if you are currently renting, saving, or have a smaller house to sell. In addition, Castlethorn has reduced the prices of its remaining homes in Adamstown
One of the attractive kitchens at Adamstown Park
Castle and Adamstown Square. You can now buy a two-bedroom apartment from €135,000, a three-bedroom duplex home from €165,000, or a three-bedroom ground level duplex from
£185,000. All homes are designed to comply with Sustainable Energy Ireland’s House of Tomorrow in terms of their energy efficiency ratios. Viewing times are
daily from 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 3 to 5pm, and viewings can be arranged by contacting Martina Dillon at mdillon@leahyproperty. ie or by telephone on 01 601 1811.
CARRICKMINES: RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN DEVELOPMENT
All Manor of homes for sale in Carrick DOUGLAS Newman Good are bringing to the market a selection of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom duplexes and four-bedroom townhouses in Carrickmines Manor, on Glenamuck Road. T he proper ties on offer are in a highly sought after area that benefits from a multitude of amenities and facilities, sporting and leisure pursuits, numerous shopping centres and reknowned primary and secondary schools, as well as transpor t links to the city and beyond. T he proper ties on offer are at a range of price points, from €160,000 for the twobedroom apartments, from €257,500 for the three-bedroom duplexes and from €295,000 for the four-bedroom
townhouses. All of the units are built to a high standard and have a number of common features. The apartments have highgloss ivor y kitchens and there are cherrywood kitchens fitted in the duplexes, while both apartments and duplexes have black granite worktops and integrated appliances.
Fittings The townhouses feature fitted high-gloss units combined with frosted glass units, complemented by stylish brushed chrome handles and polished stone worktops. The bathrooms and en suites are all fitted with stylish white sanitary ware, with heated towel rails and extensive floor and wall tiling.
Heating in the properties range from energy-efficient electric storage heating in apartments, to natural gas-fired central heating in the houses and
duplexes. There is recessed lighting in the kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites, while the properties also come with a Premier Structural
Guarantee or Global Home Warranties. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Gina Kennedy of Douglas Newman Good on 01 4912600.
A range of apartments, duplexes and townhouses are being brought to the market by Douglas Newman Good at Carrickmines Manor
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Aidan Mahon, Just Classes creator
Getting fit, one class at a time AIDAN Mahon is from a very old Malahide family, which had a newsagent, Maurice Mahons, in Malahide for many years. His grandmother even sold newspapers there at the turn of the century. The family closed Maurice Mahons in 2004. It was the same year that Aidan started doing personnel training in a studio in his home. Aidan recently brought a revolutionary diet system, the System 10
Plan, to his Malahide fitness studio, Just Classses. Aidan played football with St Sylvesters for 25 years, and he is currently doing a degree in strength and conditioning. He is also involved with a company that does GPS fitness testing, and has worked with Cork and Dublin hurlers, Munster and Connaught rugby and is currently monitoring Kilmacud Crokes senior footballers.
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS SUB PRIME LOAN Q – I have a €240,000 loan with a sub-prime lender taken out six years ago. At that time, I had missed a couple of repayments on my car loan and my adviser said the mainstream lenders would not consider me for a loan. I did not really understand the consequences – all I wanted was a home for my family. I have maintained the repayments every month but am now beginning to feel the pinch – my interest rate is 7.5% and I am paying €1,678 per month at the moment. I could save over € 600 a month by moving to a high street lender. What are my chances ? David - Clontarf A – The Irish Credit Bureau (ICB) in Clonskeagh Dublin 14 is a lender’s first port of call to check your credit history. Missed payments stay on record for five years, but, if you have kept the nose clean these past five Aidan Mahon of Malahide’s Just Classes
years, then you may have a case to swap back to a normal lender. The whole idea of sub-prime was a kind of
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A jockey Q: What was your first job? A: Delivering newspapers Q: And your first pay cheque? A: 2 and 6 Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: no Q: When did you start your present job? A: 2004
purgatory – you did your penance but after a while, you were allowed to come back into the fold. Here is your
A: I don’t delegate
A: Beethovens 5th symphony,
A: Dame edna, no change that
checklist to see if you qualify with a high-street lender :
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: My dog
karaoke version
to enda, aussies very disingenuous when we beat them in rugby world cup
1. Check with the ICB to see if your credit record is now
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: TK Maxx
valuation of your home should be in excess of €300,000
Q: Is there anything about yoursefl that you would like to set the record straight on? A: The money was resting in my account
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Gaelic football Q: What sport can you play? A: Gaelic football
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Seeing and helping people
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Being untidy
achieve their weightloss goals
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: Dublin winning the all Ire-
Q: Have you ever achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: No Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?
land again next year
Q: What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure?
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward, no one writes letters anymore
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Don’t have either Q: Who do you follow on twitter/facebook? A: Don’t do either Q: What was your last tweet/ facebook status? A: As above Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Burger and chips in the diamond burger bar malahide
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Five Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Joey the Lips’ stag
This offer aims to provide new AIB Business Start-up customers with the support and advice they need to help them get their business up and running by giving customers access to an established local business network to build sound business connections for the future. Local Chamber membership provides excellent networking and business development opportunities for AIB Business Start-up customers.
These start-ups will have the prospect to join a unique network focused on representing the interests of member businesses and growing sales opportunities for all members.
Support This support offer provided by the Chamber Network is one element of the AIB Business Start-up Package which has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of new and early stage businesses.
2. Ensure the loan to value is less than 80% - so the based on your € 240,000 mortgage. 3. Your joint income should be between € 53,000 to €60,000, or the same amount if the only earner in the home. 4. You will need P60, pay slips and status enquiry form along with 12 months current account bank statements AND your sub prime loan statements plus any other current loan statements.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: A month in Argentina
ONE-YEAR INVESTMENT
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Racehorse trainer
you suggest – An Post, bank deposit or would I be
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Get fat
A – Unless your cash flow is poor, then you can certainly
Q – Where can I get the best return on € 15,000? I don’t need this sum for at least a year. What would better off putting a lump sum off my interest-only tracker mortgage ? Mollie – Lucan better the return on a deposit account than paying off your tracker mortgage (ECB is 1.5% currently – and going down too - and with your margin say 1%, a total of
AIB getting on board with start-ups AIB has announced details of a new initiative with the Chamber Network in Ireland. This initiative provides new AIB Business Start-Up customers with a 50% discount on their first year’s annual membership of their local affiliated Chamber. The affiliated Chamber Network is the largest Irish business network with 45 affiliated Chambers around the country, and 13,000 business members.
clear.
Other elements of the package include:
2.5%). Add the DIRT tax, and you would have to earn less than 3.42% for the year to justify paying off the mortgage. I would warn you though you should try and start capital repayments – interest-only payments only kick the can down the road. You will eventually have to pay the capital over a shorter period ( therefore greater repayments). Best one-year deposits in the meantime? AIB Bank and
Special two-year Current Account fee offer Online banking services -
Permanent TSB offer a 12 month fixed at 3.95%. After that at 3.75% is Investec Bank and Nationwide UK at 3,65%. Stretching it out for a further year to three-
two years free subscription
years investment would include An Post’s Savings
to iBusiness Banking or
Bond – 10% tax free, equivalent to 4.42% from a DIRT
registration to AIB Phone and
deducting deposit taker.
Internet Banking AIB Classic Visa Business Card
Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
AIB Business Overdraft
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the
SME Loan for Start-up
Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing
Businesses
director of Money Doctor
22 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL What’sHappening
In October, Spain celebrates the Safron Rose Fiesta
October in Spain, a good time for festivals, parties, gastronomy and traditions AUTUMN is a fantastic time in Spain for fiestas, with many on offer. Choose from the Saffron Rose Fiesta, All SaintsHallowee’n or Festival of St Martin. Consuegra, in the province of Toledo, celebrates the Saffron Rose Fiesta at the end of October. It aims to promote the cultural essence of Castile-La Mancha through its gastronomy, crafts, history and traditions. The event offers a highly varied programme, starting with the proclamation by Dulcinea and the Maids of Honour. Especially outstanding during the celebrations are the Grinding of Peace and Love, where a 16th-century windmill grinds wheat to make flour; the traditional La Mancha gastronomy event; the Saffron Rose harvesting competition, where participants have to separate the saffron from the flower in the least time possible, and a Folk Festival with groups from all over the region. Saffronproducers are the main protagonists of this fiesta, which has been held since 1963. Exhibitions, cultural activities and sporting competitions complete the programme. On All Saints day, Spanish families visit the local cemeteries in order to remember their dead relatives and friends. Floral offerings, particularly chrysanthemums, are placed on the graves. It is a ritual to remembrance and homage the ancestors.
The Catholic Church believes that the holiday stems from the decision of Pope Boniface IV to enshrine the “Pantheon” the cult of the Virgin and the martyrs. “It commemorated the saints thus anonymous and unknown to most of Christendom”. The current celebration of Halloween has little to do with its origins. It has become the festival of the dead but with a totally different character and adding elements that have distorted the party. Among the additions is the tradition of dressing up, possibly born in France between the XIV and XV to celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Every November 11, Aller celebrates one of the most popular autumn folklore festivals in Asturias. The festival is organised by the San Martin Humanitarian Association and begins with the traditional sung Mass of San Martin, accompanied by the sound of the typical Asturian bagpipes. Then, the auction, known as the Puya del Ramu begins, where people are invited to bid for the emmer bread which has previously been blessed in the religious service. The high point of the festivity is the great communal feast of San Martin, which consists of fabada, typical Asturian white bean stew casadiellas, and panchon typical sweets from Aller.
Roving Gazette reporter, Hiromi Mooney, has just returned from a fact-finding mission to the island of Malta. In what turned out to be a most revealing visit, she experienced far more than just stunning blue sea, golden beaches and a balmy 300C. THE GREY clouds are well and truly gathering here in Ireland, but you can escape it all and enjoy some last-minute rays of sunshine in Malta. A stunning island, that’s only a three-and-a-half hour flight away, Malta has lots to offer in the way of beaches, culture and food. Malta, Gozo and Comino make up the Maltese islands in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The islands are bursting with culture and are rooted with deep traditions – being ruled in the past by Normans, Roman Catholics and Arabs, to name but a few. Everywhere you look is another golden-beige building shimmering in the heat. Surrounded by a crystal clear, aqua-blue sea dotted with white sails of yachts, the Maltese islands are a sunshine paradise. For Irish holidaymakers, the added bonuses are that the currency is the euro and the official language is both English and Maltese. With 40% of the population working in the tourism sector, the Maltese are a friendly people and are extremely helpful and deliver excellent service to ensure that you enjoy all that the islands have to offer. The peak summer months in Malta reach 500C, so, for anyone looking for a warm but tolerable climate, anytime from late September is
Palazzo Parisio garden
ideal, as temperatures range between 20 and 300C. With more than 365 churches and chapels dotted around the islands, the Maltese islands offer a spiritual retreat away from the highpaced city life. The beaches and the sea are an obvious attraction in Malta, but the islands are also bursting with historical and cultural sites. A must-see place is Mdina. This town is set in a walled fort, and was Malta’s first capital city during the time of the Knights of Malta, and is often called The Silent City. Since only around 400 people live here, only residents are allowed to drive their cars inside the town, so you can enjoy a nice walk. Malta’s capital city, Valletta, has many tourist attractions, including St John’s Co-Cathedral. The Cathedral is known as Home of The Knights (Grand Masters) of Malta for a good reason. It was built in 1571 and there are almost 400 tombstones of the knights buried beneath its floors. The walls are gilded with 24-carat gold leaf, the ceilings are elaborately decorated and there are many carved statues. There are also two paintings here by Caravaggio – one of which is his only signed painting.
The island of Gozo is a 25-minute ferry ride from Malta. It is smaller and more rural, with most of the island’s inhabitants involved in farming or fishing
-------------------------------
Surrounded by a crystal clear, aqua blue sea dotted with white sails of yachts, the Maltese islands are a sunshine paradise.
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Also in Valletta is the Grand Master’s Palace, where the Maltese Parliament and President sit. The corridors are lined with knight armoury and portrait paintings. The Church of St. Mary in Mosta cannot be skipped, as it is considered to be home to a miracle. In 1942, during World War II, a German bomb fell through the dome ceiling and skidded across the floor. However, it did not explode, and although the church was crowded at the time, no one was killed or injured. The
bomb has been defused and is on display for visitors to see the potential damage it could have caused. For a beautiful view of the harbour, visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Exciting A new tourist attraction in Malta is the segway tours. It’s an exciting and unique to see the city, and are commonly seen used by police men in Malta. Full instructions, a practise run and helmets will be provided, and prices start from €60 for 90 minutes. For booking information, visit www.segwaymalta.com. The slogan, Once Seen, Never Forgotten, of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar really says it all. It is a family-owned house and gardens that have been passed down through the generations, and the present owners have opened it up for the public to enjoy. The house has a captivating beauty about it, and is full
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
The beauty and joy of Malta
TravelBriefs Super ski bundle deal for January getaway THIS offer from travel counsellor Dairine McGarrity includes return flights, seven nights accommodation, transfers, skis or snowboard, boots, lift pass and all taxes. Austria: Depart from Dublin or Cork on January 7, and spend a week skiing in the pretty village of Westendorf. Stay in the Angerer apartments on
contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on callsave 1850 230 230, or visit www.discovernorthernireland.com
Rail-y good breaks in Northern Ireland LEAVE the car at home this autumn and enjoy a relaxing break in Northern Ireland from only £75pps* and avail of 1st Plus rail travel on the Enter-
Special ski deals from Dairine McGarrity
Staying there: RADISSON Blu Resort at St Julians in Malta is a luxurious getaway suitable for families, couples or for business trips. The five-star hotel features rooms with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the outdoor pool. The buffet breakfast gives you the option to sit indoors or in the sunshine at the poolside, and there are three restaurants and two bars to choose from. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from the nightlife in St Julians. Phoenicia Hotel Malta in Valletta is a beautiful five-star hotel for both business and pleasure. It is also a romantic spot for an unforgettable fairy-tale wedding experience.
of elaborate chandeliers and decorations. Outside is just as spectacular, with a walled garden full of hibiscus syriacus, bougainvillea and cascading geraniums. Cafe Luna delivers fine outdoor dining at its best. To try out a tranquil winetasting experience, a visit to Meridiana Wine Estate is per-
fect. Sitting on 47 acres of land with more than 90,000 vines, they produce “World Class Wines of Maltese Character”. The island of Gozo is just 25 minutes away from Cirkewwa in Malta by ferry, and the return trip costs only €4.65. The majority of the island’s inhabitants work in farming
and fishing as the island is smaller and more rural than Malta. The Ggantija Temple is a UNESCO protected world heritage site. It is made of large slabs of rock fitted together like a jigsaw, and is one of the oldest buildings in the world, dating from around 3,500BC.
A natural attraction is The Azure Window, which is a natural rock archway at the end of a cliff through which you can admire the dark blue sea. Ta Mena Wine Estate offers visitors a wine tasting experience under the Maltese sunshine. The Estate also offers accommodation, tours, local food and produce, and also caters for functions and weddings. For more information, visit www.tamena-gozo.com. In Mdina, the restaurant Ciappetti offers a peaceful atmosphere as you dine in the courtyard, under the shade of a variety of leaves and plants. In Vittoriosa, the Riviera Della Marina Restaurant allows you to dine at the waterfront overlooking countless numbers of yachts. On a hot sunny day, you can enjoy something light and refreshing, like a melon and parma ham salad. For more information about the Maltese islands, visit www. visitmalta.com
self-catering basis from €749pp based on four adults sharing. Italy: Depart on January 7 from Dublin and stay seven nights in the Livigno apartments on self-catering basis from €689pp based on three sharing Limited availability – call today to book. For other ski destinations, there is a three-day sale currently running with prices from €302, not including ski packs. Call Dairine McGarrity on 01 2915153 for more details, or visit www.travelcounsellors.ie/dairine.mcgarrity.
Enjoy an arty two-night break in Belfast AS PART of the 130th annual Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition a number of artists will arrive to the Ulster Museum to talk about their work. These free events include talks by Rosie McGurran, Mark Shields, Barbara Freeman, Hector McDonnell and Mick O’Dea. While visiting the museum why not turn your trip into a short break by taking advantage of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) special accommodation offer at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, with two nights’ accommodation, breakfast and one evening meal from £89pps. For further information
prise. 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, including the Ramada Encore in Belfast and Armagh City Hotel, and three days unlimited Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways travel. 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 Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com. *Subject to availability.
Spa offer in Galway THE FIVE-star g Hotel is celebrating its 6th birthday as Galway’s leading designer hotel with an irresistible offer. Book two consecutive nights to avail of their birthday rate, including full Irish breakfast and receive one pass per person to ESPA at the g’s glorious thermal suite. Cost is from €60 per person sharing per night. Offer is subject to availability on selected dates from Sunday to Thursday. Visit www.theghotel.ie
24 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Shipwrecked
IRELAND’s role as a landscape for a fugitive Spanish captain from a shipwrecked Armada galleon is explored in this innovative musical theatre event at The Pavilion theatre in Dun Laoghaire, which fuses Spanish music of the 16th century with Irish music of the same period, alongside instrumental and vocal music from Elizabethan England. An unforgettable night of music will feature more than a dash of improvised creativity, creating a shipwreck for the audience to linger around. Catch Shipwrecked on Thursday, October 20 at 8pm, with tickets costing €17/€15.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Magic of Take That
TAKE That fans are in for a treat when “the band” take to the stage in Dundrum, promosing to bring some of “their” best-known hits to south Dublin fans. All of their hits will be played, as the performers run through many of Take That’s repertoire – backed up tracks from a certain Mr Williams. So, for a Take That band you’ll be delighted by, you’re invited to let them entertain you on Sunday, October 23, at 8pm, with tickets costing €15.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way
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.
These two sleeping sisters are a picture of domestic bliss in Paranormal Activity 3 - until you learn that there’s nobody else in the room so who, or what, is casting that impossible shadow on the wall? All will be revealed, thanks to video cameras around their home ...
Not a haunting film This latest addition to the franchise doesn’t leave Kate spooked, but has a ghost of a chance at Dublin cinemas Q KATE CROWLEY
THERE are many things in life that scare me. The Eurozone-wide fiscal malaise. Mr Crowley‘s idea of a tidy kitchen. But the Paranormal Activity films? Ah, no, no. Seemingly cooked up by Hollywood execs who thought that mixing Most Haunted with Amityville would be box office gold – well, actually, the previous films in the series have done well enough, now that I think of it. Deciding that “actual found video footage” scenes would be a plausible, engaging way to make a thoroughly modern ghost story, the filmmakers certainly did their best to exorcise audiences’ minds with the previous films in the series. The plots have been similar enough, to a certain degree: Couple/ family move into a new place, only for things to go bump in the night. Cue
FILM OF THE WEEK: Paranormal Activity 3 +++ (15A) 84 mins Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman Starring: Christopher Nicholas Smith, Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden, Lauren Bittner, one determined spook
OUR VERDICT: POSSESSED with an interesting idea for a prequel, the third addition to the popular series is an improvement over its predecessors. Paranormal Activity 3 is a diverting enough romp through a haunted house tale, proving that, as always, if you live by yourself but hear scratching on the other side of a door – whether it’s an empty room or a wardrobe – don‘t open it…
the use of video cameras to record what’s going on all around the house/ apartment. Cue footage of doors shutting by themselves in empty rooms, furniture moving around, impossible shadows in rooms, eerie noises from the attic/basement, and much more … Oh, if only they’d moved into the house where Casper The Friendly Ghost lived! (Or unlived, if The Gazette subs will let that one pass.) With this well-established template to work from, and following a
recent trend for trilogies, the filmmakers have decided that the third film should be a prequel. Linking two of the chief protagonists from the first two films, the film jumps back to the late 1980s, when they were both children, and to the start of the “fun” that would follow them into their adulthood. Dad, Dennis (Christopher Smith) is a wedding videographer living with his wife and their two little girls in a suburban house. His job gives a very plausible way for the film
to be set up, as, intrigued by the strange things that begin to happen around the house (such as the “trick” of knocking on a wardrobe door, only to hear a knock back from the inside a moment later), Dennis sets up video cameras around the home. He uses his videographer skills to film and document the ordinary family’s life – and the extraordinary things that seem to be happening. Of course, the girls’ new imaginary friend that they seem able to see, and with whom they play the knock-knock game and more, soon decides to leave the grown-ups (and, presumably, the audience) increasingly spooked. It isn’t long before it’s throwing a supernatural strop around the house, targeting them and the Inevitable Spirit Expert Guy they call in (who, presumably, had better rates than the Ghostbusters).
Seemingly possessed (geddit?) by the spirit of Shaggy and Scooby Doo, it’s not long before the freaked-out family decide that home sweet home ain’t all it’s cracked up to be – but, in a turn of events that you don’t have to be Derek Acorah to predict, things don’t end well … Actually, I have to admit a grudging admiration for the prequel’s set-up, as using a videographer in this way adds a certain level of credibility that the other films lacked, and there are plenty of interesting scenes throughout. Of course, as someone who has to face my bathroom’s weighing scales on a regular basis, I’m made of sterner stuff than most, so it‘s not a film to spook me out. However, if you’re looking for a ghost story with a difference, this one should leave you feeling chilled – in an appropriately unnerved way …
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING A dead certain hit for Capcom – again SHANE DILLON
IN WHAT has turned into a curious case of almost “Zombie of the Week” reviews — perhaps ahead of the upcoming “Shooter of the Week” battles due between a number of well-known titles — there seem to have been a whole range of zombie-related titles shuffling into sight, and around the charts, in recent times. As much as gamers like zombies, I think we’ve had just about enough of them by now, in a genre which, much like its subject matter, simply won‘t die – rest assured that this is the last zombiethemed anything to shuffle onto these pages for some time to come. Still, I couldn’t let this title pass, as there’s an interesting story behind this occasionally darkhearted, yet over-the-top and slightly comic franchise. Capcom’s multi-platform title, Dead Rising: Off the Record, is the latest in a series of openworld survival horror titles, yet defined with comic moments and, in this case, sees the return of goofball photojournalist, Frank West. Following a substantial zombie outbreak some years ago, Frank initially roamed around a giant shopping mall, snooping and scooping the news as he uncovered what was happening, while at the same time trying to rescue and save survivors, and avoid becoming lunch, himself. Frank – a slightly out of shape, not especially heroic character – ran around using everything in the mall to stay alive, with the menace of being eaten by zombies being substantially lightened
Bytesandpieces Nintendo hoping for a Wii push PERHAPS in a bid to make up for the surprisingly disappointing sales of the 3DS, Nintendo are soon to launch a redesigned Wii console, with the console expected to hit retailers next month. Still performing solidly enough, despite a relative drought in original or must-have titles, the “new” Wii will be largely similar to the existing model, save for some hardware reconfigurations that most purchasers most likely won’t notice. I certainly hope that a new Wii can help put a fair wind back behind the company’s sales sails once again – but, please, no more Zumba games...
While an entirely new Wii console is on the way, a slightly redesigned version is also set for release
Frank West (above, and right) returns to the Dead Rising series for his latest adventure, which sees the wrestler-cum-photojournalist attempt to y uncover the truth behind some zombie-related activities across Fortune City
by, say, slapping them in the face with frying pans, dropping traffic cones over their heads, making them fall over on scattered marbles – pure Tom And Jerry stuff.
Enclosed setting The inevitable sequel, Dead Rising 2, saw a new protagonist with a different back story running around an enclosed Las Vegas-style setting, with “Fortune City” providing a much larger, yet similar, world in which to
rescue survivors, uncover a major plot, and stay alive. However, fans had been clamouring for the cult figure of Frank to return, and now, following a couple of spin-off digital download episodes (and even guest roles in a number of other Capcom games) he returns as the star in a cheekily rejigged version of the preceding title, which, now, takes place at the same time, yet in a different, standalone
fashion. Still with me? And so, although the title is still very much an adult game (as facing down thousands of zombies is, inevitably, going to be a messy task), fans and gamers will welcome the paunchy character’s return. The wisecracking hack’s gameplay style sees him photographing key points of interest to earn him major PP, or experience, points to help level up – an entertainingly fun activity.
Off the Record is of greatest interest as something that’s almost a carbon copy of its predecessor title. While standing on its own merits, it’s curious that we’re seeing such a rejigged title being released like this, almost as a twin of the earlier title. Still, given gamers’ interest in Frank, and in the particular style of this franchise, it’s likely to be a dead-certain hit for Capcom, again.
GAZETTE
26 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
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20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
BACK ON TRACK:
We catch up with former World Champ Bernard Dunne Page 29
MOTOR RACING: SWORDS DRIVER OPENS NEW CIRCUIT IN TAIWAN IN NEW F1 CAR
Thompson has the Formula for making history sport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS man Gar y Thompson helped to officially open Taiwan’s all-new Penbay International Circuit in spectacular style last weekend when he got behind the wheel of a two-seater Formula 1 car. The 19-year-old driver, who has spent the 2011 season contesting the Japanese Formula 3 championship, became the youngest Irishman
in history to drive a modern grand prix car, as well as the first from any nation to pilot one in Taiwan, after accepting an invitation to offer distinguished guests passenger rides at the 3.5km circuit’s opening. It was also an opportunity for Thompson to catch up with team personnel from KCMG who, having overseen his 2011 single-seater campaign, were now
sampling their first taste of running Formula 1 machinery. It was also a new experience for the thousands of fans in attendance, many of whom had never witnessed a grand prix car in the flesh before. This was just another day at the office for T hompson who, despite the wet conditions, enjoyed his time behind the wheel of the Minardi F1x2, which
Local driver, Gary Thompson, was the youngest ever Irish driver to race an F1 car in Taiwan
produces in excess of 700bhp thanks to its r a c e - d e r i ve d 3 - l i t r e Cosworth V10 engine. “The car has a lot of power which can be difficult to exploit in the wet, but I know the cir-
cuit and KCMG CEOs enjoyed the wheelspin regardless. I’ve been racing in Asia for the past three seasons, so to be the first person to drive a Formula 1 car in Taiwan is personally
extremely rewarding,” said Thompson. “Penbay International Circuit is a great venue with a lot of potential in a part of the world that is really beginning to embrace motor sport.
Everyone at the track did a fantastic job to get it up to standard in time for the event. You never know, I might be back here one day putting my local knowledge to good use!”
28 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: COOLMINE LOSE OUT TO PERENNIAL RIVALS AT HOME
St Peregrine’s G4M team. Picture GAA pics.com
Gaelic 4Mothers have a fantastic blitz day Coolmine RFC missed out on a chance to make up ground on league leaders, Newbridge, at Ashbrook last weekend
OVER 900 women took part in the Gaelic4Mothers and Others national blitz day in Portmarnock last Saturday. Gaelic4Mothers & Others is a national development initiative of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) which has taken Ireland by storm in the last few years. The central aim of the initiative is to provide all Irish women with a pathway to play ladies’ Gaelic regardless of their age or ability. It is a recreational and non-competitive form of ladies’ football which is open to any woman over 18 who is not currently playing adult competitive football with a club. Despite the name, women do not have to be a mother to participate. One of the key elements of Gaelic4Mothers & Others is the community support network that it creates for women and the positive physical and mental impact that it has on the day-to-day lives of participants. The National Blitz Day is the biggest day on the Gaelic4Mothers & Others calendar. This year, 74 teams participated which resulted in approximately 900 women getting their football boots on for the day. Teams came from every province in Ireland. Participants had a fantastic day of football and also enjoyed strolling around the exhibitor marquees. For more information in Gaelic4Mothers & Others visit www.ladiesgaelic.ie. The event coincided with the first day of National Mental Health week, which the Ladies Gaelic Football Association celebrated with the announcement of a new partnership with Mental Health Ireland. For more information, visit www. mentalhealth.ie.
A Newbridge too far LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 1A Coolmine RFC Newbridge RFC
9 12
sport@gazettegroup.com
RECENT encounters with Newbridge have always been crucial league deciders and again, Saturday’s match was a crucial topof-table clash between the first and third placed teams. But this time, Coolmine just failed to come away victors in another tight affair. It was all Newbridge for the opening 13 minutes as they dominated both territory and possession. Only a series of handling errors from the visitors kept the game scoreless. Coolmine eventually managed to break out of their own half after 15 minutes with a penalty kick into the corner. A short lineout ball was popped back to hooker
Sean Lee, who sniped down the tramlines. The pressure was awarded with a penalty, which was converted by Donal Crotty. Newbridge continued to dominate but failed to convert their dominance into points while the Ashbrook side continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over with their infrequent visits into the opposition half. An interception from Crotty left him threequarters of the pitch to run, but he was eventually taken down by two players, despite his jinking run into the corner. The support was slow to come and he was forced to try and hold the ball up, but was pushed into touch. Two more penalties from the boot of the outhalf left Coolmine going
into the break 9-0 ahead, totally against the run of play. Coolmine knew they would have to up their game in the second half, and they did manage to find another gear. Captain Brian Moran put in some big hits in the centre, but the crash ball failed to work, with handling conditions poor due to a constant downpour during the entire game. On the 16th minute, a kick to the corner was kept out of touch by Liam Power who managed to stay on his feet and out of touch, holding off two Newbridge players until support arrived. Six minutes later, an off-the-ball hit on Power saw the visitors lose a man to the sin bin. With the clock ticking away, it looked like Coolmine were going to hold out
and secure the victory, but a great individual try from the Newbridge winger put the visitor’s right back into the game. A relieving kick from Alan Cousins soon after gave Coolmine a platform to put the game out of the visitors’ reach, and a great take from Geoff Mullen in the lineout gave Coolmine the possession they needed. Fionn Lacy looked like he was about to break the gain line, but Newbridge regrouped and wrapped him up in the tackle, slowing the ball down and taking the sting out of the attack. A long-range penalty for Coolmine failed to find its target, and Newbridge managed to clear their lines despite the restart being knocked down. With the final minutes ticking away it looked like Coolmine were going to
hold out, but Newbridge had the last say, winning the foot race to a kickand-chase ball to touch down for their second try. Three points separated the sides and there the score was to remain despite Coolmine’s resolute efforts in the remaining two minutes. The result sees Newbridge leading the table with a comfortable gap now, but the precious losing bonus point keeps Coolmine in third place, sharing equal points with second-placed Skerries. Next Saturday is a big day for the club when they take on Tralee in the AIL Junior Cup. This is the club’s first-everAll Ireland League game, and kickoff is at 3pm in Ashbrook. The club are inviting all supports and friends to come along and support them on the day.
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 29
in association with
Forza Bernard! Back on track Former world champion Bernard Dunne is relishing using his new celebrity status to impart his knowledge to a new generation STEPPING away from the sport that has defined you for the majority of your life is never a simple thing, especially when you have reached the pinnacle of that sport and been the champion of the world. But for former superbantamweight world champion, Bernard Dunne, the new lease of life away from the ring is very much agreeing with him, and opening up a whole new career path for the Neilstown man. GazetteSport caught up with the champ as he prepared to get behind the wheel at Mondello Park when he took part in the launch of the new XBox 360 game, Forza
Motorsport 4. “One of the privileges of being retired now means that I get to enjoy the things I want to do. Kieran Donaghy and I are heading down there
assimilate the defeat by top contender Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, was the right one for him. “I’m adapting to life away from the fight game. Life is good and it has
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‘I want to get involved and do something that will influence kids for the better, give them some sort of belief in themselves’
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to play some games and maybe do some driving, so it’s another chance for a Dub to beat him today!” Dunne was also sure that his decision to retire, having taken time to
Formula 1 enthusiasts Kieran Donaghy, Kerry footballer, and Bernard Dunne, unveiled the latest installment of Forza Motorsport 4 at Mondello Park
changed, it was the right decision at the right time. And things are going well for me, I can’t complain. “I’ve not got back involved in boxing myself. My dad does a lot of coaching a couple of nights a week with the kids at Palmerstown, but I’m not rushing back into the sport. I’ll cover it for TV, but getting involved myself, other than getting training again soon, isn’t something that’ll happen overnight. I’m out of the ring long enough to know there’s no chance of a comeback!” Dunne is very much defined by the city he comes from, and his allegiance to the Neilstown area and Dublin as a whole is undeniable. He is also very much involved in using his celebrity for good, setting up bernarddunnecharities.com and adding his presence to raising monies for causes close to his heart in the city.
“I worked with Jimmy McGee last year, and this year we ran a soccer event and a gala dinner up at Citywest for Pieta House. That’s a charity close to ourselves in Lucan and close to myself. The basis of the event is to give them as much support as we can and give them as much awareness among the public as we can. “We had Packy Bonner, Paul McGrath, Ray Houghton and many more - Celtic’s Anthony Stokes took some time out to take part, and it was a brilliant day.” Always funny and ebullient, Dunne’s easy charm combined with his desire to give something back makes him an ideal person to appear in the media to promote causes and support young people, something that has led to an exciting upcoming project for the boxing hero. “I’ve been busy promoting things, public speaking and media work with radio and television. I’ve been working with RTE on a young people’s programme, on how to focus and push themselves, in order to achieve what they want to achieve, called Ultimate Street Challenge. “We took 10 teenagers from all over the country, set them up in Dublin, and I set them challenges they had to accomplish, whether they were physical, mental, working as a
team or working as individuals. It was about seeing how they adapted and how they applied themselves. There was a kid from Tallaght who takes place in the show - but you’ll need to wait until it’s on the air before you find out how they get on! “In the boxing club, my dad trains the kids, and he enjoys that a lot. For my dad, its’ about keeping the kids occupied, busy and off the street, as well as giving them something to work towards. “He’s teaching them as well how to behave, boxing instills that in kids. It gives them a discipline and a focus, as well as a belief that they can do something for themselves, that they can achieve, and that’s a part of what I brought to the TV show. “I’ve said for a long time now, that I do the media stuff, but there is a part of me that wants to get involved and do something that will influence kids for the better, give them some sort of belief in themselves. I’m just a kid from Neilstown made good, and if I can do it, then anyone can do it. “If you apply yourself and work hard, and never mind what anyone says about you or where you come from, if you believe in it and work had, things can really happen for you, and you can make what you want to achieve into a reality.”
FastSport
Egan to decide Olympic and World Series future NEILSTOWN hero Kenneth Egan may be fighting out of Germany in the next season of the World Series of Boxing, as he looks set to sign with the Leipzig Leopards after the collapse of the Miami Gallos franchise. With the next season of the WSB due to begin on November 11, Egan is expected to drop back down from heavyweight to the WSB light-heavy limit of 85kg for the new season. Egan’s decision is also contingent on his approach to qualification for the Olympic Games next year, following Joe Ward’s failure to qualify for London 2012 at the recent world championships. The light heavyweight berth is still vacant, and Egan has an opportunity to claim his place by claiming the senior title in the Irish National championships in April next year.
Celtic seeking new keeper Esker Celtic Over-35s are looking for a new goalkeeper. If you fancy having a laugh, and the occasional Saturday afternoon game of football, contact Ron on 087 974 8263, and for more information, see eskerceltic.ie.
Roche ends season on high NICOLAS Roche produced another excellent performance to add to his fine run of late season results in Gran Piemonte as he took fifth place, just
six days after winning stage three of the Tour of Beijing. The Dundrum man finished in the breakaway group of the 199km race, coming home in fifth in 14-rider sprint. Katusha’s Dani Moreno took the win from a high-quality group which included Paris-Tours winner Gerg van Avermaet and long-time Tour de France yellow jersey holder, Thomas Voeckler. Roche was the sole rider in the top places to have contested the Tour of Beijing, and provided another boost for Irish cycling ahead of the Tour of Lombardy.
30 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Bragh go upward: Junior side promoted ERIN Go Bragh’s footballers reg-
istered another milestone for the club last week when they defeated Clontarf to claim promotion to AFL Division 7. The match at St Anne’s Park saw the Littlepace men live up to their potential and score 6-10 to claim their place. Their next game is in the junior D championship quarter-finals against St Pat’s of Donabate.
Kenny manages Ireland to UEFA U-17 Elite place SOCCER: CASTLEKNOCK REGISTER NUMBER OF CUP VICTORIES PHOENIX manager Harry Kenny has led his other side, the Republic of Ireland U-17 women’s squad, to the elite phase of the UEFA European championships this week. The side picked up a 1-1 draw with Italy to close out their group on seven points, eliminating the Italians, who needed to win, and now all roads lead to the elite stage in 2012. Manager Kenny was clearly overjoyed with the players and their efforts. “It’s a fantastic achievement to get out of such a difficult group. “Everyone in the squad played their part in achieving this. I’m looking forward seeing who we get in the draw in Nyon in November.”
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.
Castleknock Celtic’s Shiviu Aghinitha completing his hat-trick against Esker Celtic in their DDSL Under-16’s Neville Cup match
Seventh heaven for Celtic sport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLEKNOCK Celtic ran out comprehensive winners in the first round of the DDSL Under-16 Neville Cup against Esker Celtic. The game’s opening phases were tight, with Esker first to strike on 15 minutes, but Castleknock were level almost immediately, before they upped the pace and scored three more times before half time. The Esker Celtic half time team talk could have had a different slant but for a superb save just before the break from the Castleknock keeper, Kyle
Patton. Esker opened the second half brightly and pulled a goal back that seemed to signal a resurgence. However, Castleknock took complete control and ran in three more goals before the finish, the highlight of which was Shiviu Aghinitha completing his hat-trick. This victory was very much a team effort, with all fifteen players used all playing their part to ensure that this was an excellent performance. Elsewhere, Celtic’s Under-11B DDSL team had a win away to a very strong Esker Celtic side.
The whole team showed great attitude, in particular Brian Dalton who capped his display with a hat-trick. Castleknock Celtic ran out 3-1 winners in the end to ensure that they maintain their league title credentials. There was a good win for Celtic’s Under10Es at home to Clonee United in Porterstown. Celtic fought every inch of the way and got their reward with a 4-2 victory, with goals from Sabdar Bhuiyan, Kacem Touihri, Kelvin Okiwa, and Syed Moin which sealed this cup win. With their manager taking a break at the
moment, Celtic’s Under12A team were doing him proud with a victory over Jobstown Celtic in Porterstown. Tony Kamara got the opener that put Celtic on their way, but Jobstown made Celtic fight all the way. Mark O’Connor got the second, but it was Diamantino Marcu who battled throughout the game and kept the midfield ticking. Deputy manager, Marius, was overall very pleased with the result but knows that there is room for improvement. Castleknock started well in their Under-13 Cup game against Home
Farm. Tenacious tackling by Kevin Udhin in midfield led to the opening goal for the home side scored after a mazy solo run by Tameem Chaal. Home Farm responded with an unstoppable longrange effort to equalise midway through the first half. As the match ebbed and flowed, Celtic’s midfielder Shane O’Brien produced yet another defence-splitting pass to set up speedy winger Andrew Murphy for Castleknock’s second goal. Home Farm pressed in the second half, but Cormac Downes scored the winner.
20 October 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: SAINTS DEMOLISHED BY BALLYBODEN
.
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S SAM MAGUIRE will come to the club nursery this Saturday from 9 to 11am. Make sure you get down there to get your photo taken. Scrap weekend will take place this
U-13 camogie reached the Div 1 final beating Vincent’s and face
ated. This is a great fundraising
Lucan in the final in the 12th Lock
opportunity.
on Sunday at 4pm.
Foundation and Level One coach-
U-16 camogie face Raheny in their
i n g co u r s e s w i l l t a ke p l a ce i n
semi on Tuesday at 6.45pm in Rus-
November. This is a great oppor-
sell Park.
for more info. Club night at the dogs will take
U-13A hurlers beat Erin’s Isle, and U-13B hurlers drew with St Per-
U-16 hurlers lost narrowly to Jude’s in their semi.
Ballyboden St Enda’s St Peregrine’s
2-19 0-4
sport@gazettegroup.com
READING too much into omens can be a risky business, but Ballyboden St Enda’s county success in the 2009 championship was kick-started by stunning thumping of St Peregrine’s in Parnell Park in the fourth round of the competition. They repeated the trick last Sunday, running up a huge 2-11 to no score lead by the break to announce themselves as serious contenders in 2011. First-half goals from Andrew Kerin and Declan O’Mahony set them on their way before emptying their bench in the second half, in which Peregrine’s eventually got on the board three quarters of the way in, to ironic applause from the main stand. They just could not match O’Mahony and Michael Darragh Macau-
in the spring. Boden must now face St Brigid’s in the quarter finals after they won the tie of the round with an 0-8 to 0-7 win over reigning champions Kilmacud Crokes in a repeat of the 2010 final. Tight throughout, Crokes led 0-4 to 0-2 at the break but Brigid’s pushed on in the second half and took the vital scores through Paddy Andrews, Ken Darcy and Mark Cahill. Dublin senior Sean Murray played a blinder in defence to nullify one
of the most potent attacking forces in the county, with Brian Kavanagh limited to just a free. Mark Vaughan did weigh in with five points but a key moment came when Shane Supple managed to block his goal-bound effort with a top reaction save while Barry O’Rorke was also denied by the former Ipswich Town man to keep Brigid’s in the game. John O’Loughlin got a key point just before the break and they bossed the second half to exact a sweet revenge.
Ladies minor footballers reached their final, beating St Anne’s.
Hard luck to our inter and senior their games.
ley in midfield, while Andy Kerin and the creative spark of Daniel Davey made it tough to get any momentum. For the Blakestown club, space and time were at a premium, with Robbie McCarthy’s usually accurate left boot hassled into three first-half wides from the few chances that came their way. The first goal came as early as the seventh minute from the penalty spot, and there was no turning back thereafter, Kerin slotting past Kieran Walsh’s best effort. Points were shared out before O’Mahony marauded forward to take in Bob Dwane’s long pass, and he found the net. Ciaran Murtagh finally broke his side’s duck, while Ciaran McGuinness also nabbed a pair, but they were scant consolation as their run came to a low-key end after picking up the big scalp of Lucan Sarsfields back
Minor footballers face Lucan on Sunday at 11am in the 12th Lock.
place this Friday in Harold’s Cross. 2 footballers who were edged out in
DUBLIN SFC ROUND 4
urday at 4.30pm in O’Toole Park.
items would be greatly appreci-
skills. Check out the club website
Peregrine’s grounded by impressive Enda’s
Senior footballers beat Crokes and now face Ballyboden next Sat-
Saturday and Sunday. Any old metal
tunity for mentors to pick up more
St Peregrine’s were no match for well-drilled Ballyboden St Enda’s at Parnell Park last week
Minor hurlers fought back brilliantly to beat Round Towers.
egrine’s. New opening hours for our new club shop are Friday 7 to 8pm and Saturday from 10 to 11.30am.
TYRRELSTOWN Well done to both the U-7 and U-8
Due to this we are always on the
teams who both had wins over the
lookout for mentors. It may be just
weekend. The U-7 team had a good
to throw a ball or even make the tea.
win over Erin Go Bragh. This was a
Come along and have some fun.
great game to watch and certainly
Well done to the senior team who
some up-and-coming GAA stars in
beat St Kevin’s/Killians in their
the making.
championship semi-f inal at the
The U-8 team had a winning mar-
weekend. This was a very tight game
gin of 22. The final score was Tyr-
with the stronger side winning
relstown 26, Erin Go Bragh 4. Also
out in the end. This was a gripping
well done to Paddy Cleary who got
match to watch, with some excel-
man-of-the-match for an excellent
lent football played by both teams.
performance.
The final score was St Kevin/Kil-
Training takes place for the Jun-
lian’s 2-5, Tyrrelstown 0-14. Thanks
iors every Thursday evening from
very much to all who came out to
6 O’ Clock on the pitch at Belgree.
support the team. There will be a
We play both Gaelic and hurling and
bus leaving from Tyrrelstown on
there has been a massive increase
the day of the final. This date is yet
in numbers in recent months.
to be confirmed.
ST PEREGRINE’S COMMISERATIONS to our senior
website. The club shop is open on
footballers and minor hurlers who
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
lost in championship action.
from 6 to 7pm and on Saturdays
Good win for our second team in the league. Club lotto was not won. Numbers drawn were 6, 17, 19 and 27. Next week’s jackpot is €4,600. Any member not buying lotto tickets should visit CNP.ie and support your club for only €2 a week. Lotto is also available to pla y online using the link on the club
from 10am to 12pm. Bingo is on every Wednesday night at 8.30pm. If anybody within the club would like to make a difference and join a committee, please see club website for details and contacts. Events coming up include the Penguin Ball and a night at the dogs see cnp.ie for details.
Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com
ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
SHUT OUT: St Peregrine’s find their path blocked by inspired Ballyboden side P30
OCTOBER 20, 2011
FORZA, BERNARD! Dunne on life after being the champ P29
ST BRIGID’S are hoping to learn the lessons from their 2010 Dublin senior football championship run, in which they fell just short of the ultimate prize. Manager Mark Byrne says that his side did not follow through from their semifinal victory last time around against a fancied Plunkett’s side, and it cost them dearly in the decider against Kilmacud Crokes. A measure of revenge was exacted last weekend against the reigning champions in a gritty 0-8 to 0-7 victory in the fourth round. But Byrne told GazetteSport that his side needs to follow that big victory with an equally big performance when they meet Ballyboden St Enda’s in Saturday’s quarter-final (O’Toole Park, 4.30pm). Speaking about the mood in the side, he said that no one is getting ahead of themselves at this stage. “It was good a performance, but the lads are fairly grounded. There was more a sense of satisfaction than euphoria.
“We learned from last year against Plunkett’s when we let the win go to our head and didn’t perform in the final. So we’re just sort of quietly satisfied. “We just felt we didn’t do ourselves justice then; too many players froze up and let the occasion get to them. We worked on it this year and, as a group, we are united, and there’s a great bit of spirit there. “Every one of the players is there to give 100pc for the good of the cause and not the individual. That’s really where we took it from the start of the year,” said Byrne. Speaking about the dangers of playing the 2009 champions, Byrne is aware of the strength of Michael Darragh Macauley and Declan O’Mahony, though the southside club will be without key men Conal Keaney and Darragh Nelson. “They’ve a very strong midfield, but so have we. With John O’Loughlin and the likes of either Barry Cahill or Cian Mullins in there, there will be four very good players in there and so, a lot will come down to breaking ball and who wants it to build a platform going forward.
St Brigid’s are looking forward to pushing on in the Dublin senior football championship following victory over Kilmacud Crokes last weekend
“It’s going to be just as hard, if not harder [than Crokes]. Boden are in the position we were in last weekend, with nothing to lose and everything to gain. We’re going in to the game as favourites and are expecting an epic battle against them, which we always get off them. “The games between us are always
nip-and-tuck, fast-paced games which go down to the last minute between us, and we’re expecting no different.” Kevin Bonner is the big loss on the injury front with a cruciate ailment which has seen him out for much of the season but, bar a few niggles, Brigid’s will hope to be playing close to a full deck.
gazette
group
.com
blanchardstownsport@gazettegroup.com
www.
Q STEPHEN FINDLATER
GazetteSPORT
Grounded Brigid’s into quarters
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