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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Love and Fury staged at Blanchardstown library P10

Football: St Brigid’s reach the last four in Leinster Page 32

Sports Awards: November nominees are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

November 24, 2011

ON SONG: Local politicians join in on charity CD recording See Page 3

Mary is chosen to fill vacant seat Q LAURA WEBB

A DUBLIN 15 mother-oftwo has been selected by Labour Party members to fill the Fingal County Council seat left vacant following Patrick Nulty’s election to the Dail.

Mar y McCamley, who works in Connolly Hospital and is a long-time member of the Labour Party, said she was “delighted and thrilled” to have

been selected by the party at a selection convention in the Clonsilla Inn earlier this week.

“I can’t believe it. I am really honoured.”

Speaking to the Gazette, Deputy Nulty said: “I would like to congratulate and welcome Mary as the new councillor for the Mulhuddart Ward. She is a wonderful community activist and will be great representative for the ward.”

Plenty to be happy about: Enjoying graduating at ITB LYNN and Brody, from Blanchardstown, were among the hundreds who attended the recent graduation ceremony for students at The Institute of Technology Blanchardstown. The event was a very proud day for the

students who can be delighted with all they have achieved.

Dr Mary Meaney, President, ITB, was on hand to offer her congratulations.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

CONGRATULATIONS Local TDs wish new President well

A warm welcome to The Park Q JOAN BURTON, TD

MINISTER FOR SOCIAL PROTECTION

I WISH to extend my warmest congratulations to Michael D. Higgins, on his historic achievement on being elected to the office of President.

Michael D. Higgins is a man of conviction and great courage whom I have been proud to call a friend for many years. His victory in the Presidential election is the culmination of years of unparalleled commitment in championing the causes of marginalised people at both home and abroad.

Q PATRICK NULTY,

LABOUR TD FOR DUBLIN WEST

ON Friday, November 11, Michael D. Higgins was inaugurated as President of Ireland with a commitment to be a “President for all the people”. I believe President Higgins will honour that pledge over the next

In his acceptance speech he said: “We Irish are a creative, resourceful, talented and warm people, with a firm sense of common decency and justice.

Let us address the next seven years with hope and courage as we work together to build the future for our country – an Ireland we all feel part of, an Ireland we all feel proud of.”

I know that Michael D, along with his wife Sabina, and their family will represent the people of Dublin West and our nation with both dignity and honour.

Q LEO VARADKAR TD,

seven years.

The role of President is specifically defined. They must act as a guardian of our constitution and, where appropriate, refer legislation to the courts to determine its constitutionality. The President can also play a crucial role in supporting investment and job creation by strengthening diplomatic

HERE in Dublin 15 we feel a special affinity with the Aras and its occupant.

Although it’s actually in the neighbouring constituency of Dublin Central, the Phoenix Park feels part and parcel of our neighbourhood, and so does its principal tenant.

Michael D. Higgins has managed to emerge unscathed from an extraordinary election campaign. That in itself is no small achievement.

But he also made it over

the finishing line, and won a nation’s affections in the process.

He retained his dignity during the often heated, and sometimes bitter, election debates. All of the candidates received a warm and courteous reaction from members of the public during their election tours. But Michael D’s lifelong commitment to politics earned him an immediate respect, wherever he went.

As a Fine Gael Minister in the Government, and a long-standing member of the Party, I have very different opinions to Michael D in many areas.

We stand at opposite ends of the political spectrum.

But I have always admired and respected his honesty, his integrity, and his commitment.

As a result, when it became increasingly difficult during the election campaign to envisage a Fine Gael victory, I was the only Fine Gael Cabinet member to call on our voters to give their second preference vote to Michael D. I believe that call has been more than vindicated with the election result.

Congratulations Michael D, you will be an excellent President.

links with other countries. Our new President will carry out these tasks with dignity and skill.

However, I believe he will also lead by example in highlighting important aspects of Irish life, which have not received the attention they deserve.

Throughout his political career, Michael

D Higgins has been a champion for equality, democracy and community both at home and abroad.

I believe as President he will continue to highlight and showcase the fantastic work being done by carers, by volunteers and by community activists right across Ireland.

Michael D. Higgins argued strongly in his inauguration speech that the worth of a person was determined not by their wealth but by the content of their character.

That is a message that should spark a national discussion about how we shape a fairer, more caring, society in the future.

MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND SPORT

24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

EVENT Politicians make CD for Pieta House

Joan joins recording of charity song Q LAURA WEBB

LABOUR TD and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, joined Senators and TDs from across the political spectrum last week to record a CD in aid of suicide prevention charity, Pieta House, which it’s hoped will top the Christmas charts.

The Dublin West TD said she had been delighted to record the single, a take on Simon and Garfunkle’s, Bridge Over Troubled Water, which was the brainchild of Fine Gael’s Derek Keating who is a director of Pieta House.

Speaking to the Gazette, the Minister said

her singing voice was just good enough to support the chorus for the single.

“I am just in the sing-along, part of the choir; I am not a solo performer.

Myself and Simon Coveney, Michael Ring and Michael Kitt, the Leas Ceann Comhairle, we did our backing tape early yesterday morning (Thursday, November 17).

“We recorded it in Buswells Hotel. There was an initial recording of the choir last Saturday, but I was at another engagement and Simon was as well, so really we are the backing quartet,” she joked.

“The one thing that is amazing, is that there is

no doubt now, that the TD with the deepest voice in the Dail is Peter Matthews our banking expert,” she laughed.

“I may be able to speak, but I think my singing is strictly support chorus only. It’s all for Pieta House and we are hoping to have the Christmas number one. It really is a great cause. A service that helps people address issues around suicide are just enormously important because suicide leaves so many families bereft. I think it is a very important service and all the TDs who were asked are delighted to help.”

Recr uited to help with the single was Jim

Politicians are hoping the charity single will take the Christmas number 1 spot

Sheridan, musical director of The Late Late Show as musical director, and Dave Kearney, as producer.

Amongst those lending their vocal support to the single were the Lucan Gospel Singers and Dublin Gospel Choir, while those taking part from the political world includ-

ed Ministers of State Lucinda Creighton and Michael Ring and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

Also involved are Independent TDs Stephen Donnelly, Finian McGrath and Mick Wallace. While TDs include Fine Gael deputies Regina Doherty, Frank Feighan, Tony

McLaughlin, Terence Flanagan, Peter Mathews and Sinn Fein’s Padraig McLochlainn. Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy was joined by his Seanad colleague, Averil Power while Labour Senator Lorraine Higgins has also lent her support to the single, as has Independent Sen Eamonn Coghlan.

EPA

Waste oil warning THE Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], has warned people not to be tempted to recycle waste engine oil as fuel because it may harm their health.

The agency said that as Christmas approaches and the weather turns colder, garages may be tempted to recycle waste engine oil as fuel in their workshops.

However, this week, the EPA warned people in Fingal that the method is dangerous because waste oil is hazardous as it contains a large number of contaminants, some of which are known to be carcinogenic, and it must be either recycled in EPA licensed facilities or destroyed by burning at very high temperatures.

A Smart Garage Guide that promotes good environmental practice in garages, and provides information on how to comply with legislation, is available on the EPA website.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

COURTS: MURDER

Man pleads guilty A YOUNG man accused of murdering 12-yearold school girl Michaela Davis, has pleaded guilty to the charge and is to be sentenced in December.

The incident shocked the Dublin West community last year after her body was found on a bank of Royal Canal on August 28, 2010, just minutes from her home in The Village, Porterstown.

Jonathan Byrne (20), of Lohunda Dow ns, Clonsilla, appeared in court on Monday, November 21, and pleaded guilty to the murder of Michaela and to two other serious charges.

Byrne was remanded in custody for sentencing on December 12.

T he day af ter the 12-year-old’s body was found, Byrne presented himself to gardai and he has been in custody since.

FCC Council thanked for its ‘prompt response’

Cost of flooding is estimated at €210,000 Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

THE cost of October’s severe flash-flooding, which saw a torrential month’s worth of rainfall in just several hours, is set to cost Fingal County Council an estimated €210,000.

A massive operation, involving 52 members of staff, was rolled out by the council in response to the flooding, which occurred on the evening of Monday, October 24 and Tuesday, October 25.

In a report issued to local elected representatives, the council said that all suitable council equipment and machines were

also utilised on the night of October 24 and into the next morning.

In addition to this, seven additional jet vac machines were also hired.

The council said its outof-hours telephone service was overloaded with calls on the night and people had difficulties getting through because of the excessive number of calls. The emergency service was restored by 9pm, and the website and regular twitter feeds were updated by the communications officer during the night.

Meanwhile, approximately 3,000 sand bags were filled and des-

patched to various locations as calls came in and an additional 3,000 were filled and delivered on Tuesday, October 25.

Water services also monitored all foul and surface water pumping stations to ensure that they remained fully operational throughout the event. Only one of 64 pumping stations temporarily failed.

Local flooding in the Castleknock/Mulhuddart area reported to the council included: Strawberry Beds and Weirview Lucan, Mulhuddart Village, Blanchardstown Village area, Castleknock Road, pedestrian bridge over M50 at Blanchard-

A month’s worth of rain fall in just several hours causing chaos on the roads

stown, Roselawn Road, Clonsilla, Huntstown/ Hartstown, N3 at Goodwins, Grove Road, Luttrellstown Road, Powerstown Road, Blackcourt Road and Corduff shopping centres. The number of reported properties flooded, houses or commercial properties, in Castleknock/Mulhuddart area was one.

Speaking at the council meeting, Fine Gael’s Castleknock councillor Eithne Loftus thanked management and staff for the “prompt response” to flooded areas in Castle-

knock, but said regular gully checks need to take place.

“Difficulty accessing the emergency service is a very frustrating situation if someone is watching the water coming up their driveway and there is no way of preventing it from happening. We definitely need more cleaning of gullies, and where there are road works taking place, to make sure gullies are clean before workers leave the area they are working on. I think that was one of the problems that caused flooding in

my area.”

Meanwhile, Labour’s Peggy Hamill said severe flooding occurred near the Sandpit Cottages and asked if the council could look at what could have added to the flooding: “It was particularly bad on this occasion. I use the road all the time, but only people with high vehicles could get through.”

Fine Gael Cllr Kieran Dennison said anyone he was in touch with said they were “very happy with the prompt response” from the council.

24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

ITB Blanch IT encourages use of shuttle bus

Institute car park fees lead to chaos in estates Q LAURA WEBB

THE introduction of payand-display parking at the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown has turned car parking at surrounding estates and shopping centres into a “nightmare” for residents and is fast becoming a major safety concern.

A number of local residents have complained to the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown (ITB) about a surge in parking in the Corduff Grove, Sheephill and Corduff shopping centre since the college introduced pay-and-display on the campus car park on November 1.

The residents claim students, and even staff members, are parking cars in estates and at the local shopping centre’s car park to avoid paying the parking charge. Residents have also raised concerns about safety because of an increased number of cars parking in the area.

Speaking to the Gazette, local resident Clinton O’Beirne said: “It’s a complete nightmare. They are leaving the cars there in the morning, and coming back in the evening to get them. I live across from the shops and, last week, I couldn’t get into my garden because someone parked in front of my driveway.

“If there was an emergency it would be hard for an ambulance or fire brigade to get around. I have been in contact with the college, Fingal County Council and local coun-

cillors.

“There is a car park at St Patrick’s school and, when parents are trying to drop the kids off, there is no room for them to park because these cars are there all morning.

They don’t seem to care.

“When I contacted the college, they told me that there is a problem with parking space there and they are opening another car park in the college with an extra 50 spaces.

This is not the problem, the problem is people avoiding paying the charges. It doesn’t matter how many car parks you open, they still won’t want to pay for a parking permit,” he said.

When contacted by the Gazette, a spokesperson for Blanchardstown IT said the third-level institution had a number of alternative options to get to the college, which would stop people from parking in surrounding estates.

“There’s a free shuttle bus running 14 times a day from Coolmine Train station via the Shopping Centre and the National Aquatic Centre to ITB. “ We ’r e e n c o u r a g ing staff and students to use this free shuttle bus.

Many staff and students are using this service but, unfortunately, a small minority have decided to park in the local estates instead. We’ve had a very good relationship with all our neighbours over the years and we’ve asked drivers on a number of occasions to respect their rights by using the shuttle or walking rather than parking in their estates.”

W

Love and fury: Opening night draws plenty of praise

Car parking at surrounding estates and shopping centres a ‘nightmare’ due to new parking fees at ITB

GALLERIES PAGE 10

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

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EVENT Congratulations as the Institute of Technology

A proud day for students

HE Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) was delighted to welcome 560 students back on campus to graduate from their full, part-time and on-line courses recently.

Dr Mary Meaney, President, ITB, said of the graduation: “I wish to offer my congratulations to all our graduates today. I am particularly proud that such a diverse group of graduates, who have studied in a variety of modes, be it full-time, part-time or on-line, have been afforded the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications from ITB. I know that these qualifications will benefit each graduate both personally and professionally and wish them every success in their future careers.

While I recognise the immense challenges that face our new graduates I am confident that, in their own way, they will overcome these challenges and make excellent future leaders.�

T

Berni Howard, Castleknock, and Denise Duggan, Blanchardstown

Jarek Nieznanski, Offaly, Olivia Dunne, Blanchardstown and Slawomip Prokop, Santry. Pictures: Andres Poveda

Robert McCann, Blanchardstown; Kelly Ann Cunningham, Monaghan and Chris Smullen, Blanchardstown

24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

Blanchardstown classes of 2011 graduate

Emma Sterrit and Lindsey Murphy, Blanchardstown

Nicola McCann, Lucan, Dr Mary Meaney, President ITB and Jane McDonald, Kildare

Kerri Doyle and Jennifer Devitt, both from Zeinab Wasfy, Blanchardstown

Rachel Farrell, Malahide, Rachel Byrne, Clonee and Emma Canton, Lucan

Cuen, aged 3, and his mum Nienke Stevens from Finglas

Valerie and Nicola McGuirk, Blanchardstown

Blanchardstown

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

EVENT Love and Fury staged at Blanchardstown library

Jack Holmes and Geraldine Deegan

Director Paul Hayes and Fair City actor, David Heap. Pictures: Ania Sherlock

Performance draws heaps of praise HERE was plenty of excitement at Blanchardstown Library recently when theatre-goers turned up for the opening night of a production of the play, Love and Fury, by Jonathan Swift. Fair City’s David Heap was starring as Swift in the production and his

T

portrayal drew plenty of praise from the audience.

The play concentrates on the 1720s when Swift published some of his greatest work, including Gulliver’s Travels.

Swift is mourning the love of his life

Enid Bebbington, Michael Fluskey, Mary Ferris and Kevin Ferris

Glenda Browne and Helena Dalton

through poetry, prayer and elegy, while railing against bankers, society and even humanity.

The event certainly proved to be a memorable evening for all who attended. The play was directed by Paul Hayes.

Dorota Migocka

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 11

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GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Healthier way to takeaway food Q LEILA JOHARI

THIS month there is plenty of reality TV hitting our screens. Between the X Factor and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, there are several excuses to stay in and curl up on the couch, phone in hand, surrounded by dozens of takeaway menus.

Pizza, burgers, Indian, Thai or Chinese – the choice is endless! Takeaways are a convenient meal on a cold, dark winter’s night when the last thing you want to do

is go outside to shop for ingredients. What could be better than getting a hot meal delivered right to your doorstep that you can just throw in the bin afterwards?

No need to spend time cooking and cleaning up – imagine missing the latest performance!

Unfortunately, this is not beneficial to our health. These shows go on for weeks, so we must not make this a weekly habit! The question is how can we make these nights a little bit health-

ier, so we don’t have to feel guilty about making the delivery boy venture out in the rain? Here are some facts and tips on how to make your favourite takeaways more nutritious and take that guilt away.

Take this away for thought…

Every single person in the country eats one type of takeaway at least once a week In general, up to 60% of total calories from takeaway meals come from fat, with three quar-

ters of meals analysed over the recommended fat limits. Saturated fat and salt content is high.

Meals are short on a wide variety of nutrients such as fibre, vitamin C, E and the B group vitamins. In addition to the main meal, it is very tempting to order starters, side dishes and drinks. A milkshake, for example, can add up to 300 calories to your meal! Not to mention onion bhajis, samosas, chips and spring rolls, which are all deep-fried

Up to 60% of total calories from takeaway meals come from fat

and high in saturated fat.

Takeaway the Guilt

Pizza: Pizza can be r e a s o n a b l y h e a l t hy depending on which you choose and the size of the portion. Most pizza is high in cheese, which is high in fat, but also protein and calcium.

The carbohydrate base provides a good source of energy and the tomato sauce contains caro-

tenoids, such as lycopene-powerful phytochemicals that protect us against cell damage.

Avoid meat-based pizza and choose a vegetable pizza instead.

Burger in a bun with chips: Meat burgers in a bap are high in total fats, saturates and calories. Many are them are made with poor quality meat and topped with processed cheese, which is high in fat and

salt. Burgers are low in fibre and vitamin C and chips are deep-fried and high in fat. When ordering a burger, ensure that the meat is lean, preferably organic. Request a wholemeal bun if available and avoid cheese and mayonnaise, sticking with tomato relish and salad.

Chinese/Japanese: Chinese and Japanese takeaway choices can be one of the worst, as they are high in salt, fat and calories and can contain flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate and other additives. Higher fat dishes include sweet and sour pork in batter, duck dishes and special fried rice. For a lowerfat meal go for stir-fried vegetable dishes with lower fat protein such as chicken or beef in chilli sauce and choose plain, boiled rice or noodles.

Indian/Thai: Indian and Thai are one of the nation’s favourites and the spices used can provide many health benefits. However, all the meat, spices, onions and other vegetables are fried in oil, which later rises to the surface so the dishes are quite oily. When choosing curries, it is best to opt for tomato-based sauces rather than highfat sauces that contain coconut milk or cream such as “tikka-masala”.

Tandoori (dry) chicken with mango chutney or raita is a delicious meal and an excellent source of protein.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 13

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GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Look glowing this season IF YOU fancy a natural, bronzed glow this festive season, then check out He-Shi, the award-winning tanning range.

The premium tanning brand has three deluxe gift sets for the festive period.

For Christmas, HeShi has introduced the Liquid Mitt set (€26)

with the iconic He-Shi Express Liquid Tan in 150ml, along with a patented applicator tanning mitt from He-Shi – a perfect stocking filler for the tan enthusiast.

Meanwhile, the He-Shi Gold gift set was a favourite stocking filler last year, and is the ultimate for any tanning enthusiasts, as it

includes a range of delicious He-Shi products to achieve the ultimate golden tan.

This luxurious gift set includes the prestigious exfoliator (with scrumptious strawberry scent, to prepare skin ahead of tanning), the best-selling Express Liquid Tan, tanning mitt and souffle

moisturiser – three steps to an eviable glow this winter, and beautifully soft, moisturised and tanned skin, even if a sun holiday isn’t on the cards this Christmas.

This gift set is also a perfect little treat for yourself while you shop for others. The He-Shi Gold Gift Set is priced

at €37.50, with a value of €61.50.

Finally, the He-Shi One Day Bronzer gift set makes an ideal gift for any girl or guy interested in tanning.

Including He-Shi’s One Day Tan – an instant tan that offers a sophisticated and healthy glow – this gift set is the perfect Christmas gift for those in a hurry, or with lastminute parties to attend.

The product is also wash-off, so is ideal for an instant application, while the set also includes the He-Shi Multi-Fuzion Bronzer, a mosaic of bronzing powder mixed with a golden shimmering palette, to allow for contouring the face.

The He-Shi Bronzer Brush completes the set, and ensures all-night radiance is guaranteed at

One of a number of He-Shi tanning products which could make a wonderful Christmas gift this year

the swirl of your brush.

It’s ideal for indulging in a glamorous, tanned look, to sparkle at every party thoughout the season.

The He-Shi One Day Bronzer gift set is priced at €37.50, with a value of €52.50.

The He-Shi gift sets are

available now from leading department stores, as well as from selected salons and day spas nationwide.

For your nearest stockist of He-Shi, contact Euro Products at 0044 028 9044 9744, or see the website at www.europroducts.ie.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 15

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GazetteMUSIC MUSIC REVIEW: A SECOND ALBUM IN SIX MONTHS FROM THE LEGENDARY KATE BUSH

No words to say how good this is Q ROB HEIGH

Kate Bush’s 50 Words For Snow is a record that captures the season with ease

THERE are some artists you listen to at certain times in your life, and mean certain things to you. Some pass the years as constants, some you fall out of love with, some diminish their vibrancy as their output equates with diminishing returns, and some disappear to leave a sweet memory of brief but blazing impact.

And there are the rare few who stand all test of time. The ones who disappear for years on end but whose return is like the return of a comet - blazing, epic and anticipated like little else.

We have so far been blessed this year with one Kate Bush record,

although the revisiting of the Red Shoes and Sensual World albums on The Director’s Cut set in June might not entirely count as new, although it did showcase a more mature vocal style from Kate on songs that have become so beloved to her fans.

The arrival of 50 Words For Snow, however, is one of those comet-like events, an entirely new set of songs that were developed on the back of a creative rush that came after the Director’s Cut recordings.

Where previously there would have been potentially years, even decades, between the release of that record and this new one, the theme of winter that informs every track, as well as the immediacy that

shines through the recording, means that Christmas has come early.

Within seconds, those first four notes of the piano phrase at the start of Snowflake, catch your breath and capture you wholly for the next 65 minutes.

It’s a concept album of sorts, each song being in some way related to snow and winter, but that is merely a thread on which to hang themes that are familiar to fans, such as love, sensuality and motherhood, as well as Kate’s playful way with words and almost theatrical constructions in musical form, such as on the title track, which features the unique tones of Stephen Fry. As on Kate’s previous records, various guests

appear on the tracks, with the lead track, Snowflake mostly voiced by Kate’s son, Albert, while Elton John appears on Snowed In At Wheeler Street, and gives the kind of performance that you wish he would more often — utterly focused and intoning more than he has in decades - initially, I couldn’t believe it was Elton singing, he is that good.

Not one track is less than seven minutes long, and the detail and space they inhabit within this unconstrained structure means that the songs and the stories they tell live and breathe, and each one is no less than perfect.

Del Palmer’s recording has allowed an almost freejazz approach to emerge,

with wisps of strings or simply Kate’s expressive, unique voice and a piano, to say as much as the lyrics impart.

The white canvas of winter has been used here to paint song-stories that are more expressive, more emotional, and more brilliant than most artists achieve in their entire careers.

Kate Bush is like the character in Snowed In At Wheeler Street, the one who returns occasionally throughout time to set the life of the other protagonist alight with love and beauty and the experience of something magical.

That experience is what listening to this record is like, and that is why this is the best record you will hear this year.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: WHEN WINTER SETS IN WILDLIFE CAN SEEK SHELTER IN YOUR HOME

Keeping out our unwanted house guests IT pains me to admit it, but last weekend I morphed into the quintessential, frenzied, desperate housewife complete with rubber marigolds, old t-shirt and leggings and embarked on the seasonal ritual of what I call, winterising my home.

You see each winter I scrub, wash out, air, hoover, clear out, turn over and block up every square inch of my home, inside and out… whether it needs it or not.

I have to explain at this stage, ladies, that it’s not usual practice for me to do housework on a regular basis; I’d rather write a novel in the dust on my TV screen than run a cloth across it but there’s something about winter that brings out the Mar-

tha Stewart in me – without the criminal record I hasten to add.

Now as this ritual involves some deep cleaning and maintenance, poor old “he who must be obeyed” was dispatched outdoors in order to combine such exterior tasks as gutter cleaning and vine trimming with a comprehensive inspection list, (drawn up and laminated by me) to make sure he “prepared and winterised” our nest with a view to preventing our “wild” neighbours, from becoming unwanted house guests.

Let me explain.

When the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, wildlife, that often, through no fault of their own, have nowhere

Squirrels can damage your home

else to go, start to seek winter accommodation.

This usually means in your attic, under your decking, down your pipes, in wall nooks and crannies, or up your chimney.

So, with that in mind, here’s what happens in my household.

I’ll first make sure no animals are trapped inside and if any are, I

gently remove them and place them either in an area of my garden that’s already set aside for wildlife or rehabilitate them back to their natural habitat before I permanently seal any entries.

I also use binoculars to check the roofline or high up areas like the eaves, inspecting hallows and cracks large enough to

allow animals to enter; checking for loose tiles on the roof.

I then inspect those areas I don’t use regularly – attic, crawl spaces, etc., – checking for any signs of daylight. If you can see daylight, you have a cavity that requires filling.

R e m e m b e r, w h e n checking the attic, look out for animal droppings, signs of chewing and nesting materials and pay special attention to the intersection of the roof and the trim.

If there is evidence of any of the above, assume an animal is present and never seal a gap until you are one hundred per cent sure the animal has safely gone. Look behind radiators or anywhere that pipes enter the building

for potential entry points for wildlife.

Inspect the chimney to make sure it’s not home for any small animals or birds prior to lighting the fire and installing a safety guard. Hire a professional if you’re unsure how to do this. Trim branches away from the house to limit access for climbing wildlife.

Remember to clean up any debris left lying around the garden.

We adore all animals in our house, especially wildlife and enjoy nothing more than watching the birds feed and bathe from our homemade feeders.

The little squirrel I noticed in my garden recently was such a cutie, however, if she gets herself

trapped inside my walls via any loose roof tiles, digs her way through my attic and raises her furry family in the box where I keep my now vintage wedding dress, especially as I’ve just managed to evict my own human offspring, then I’m certain she’ll lose a bit of her rustic charm and appeal pretty quickly.

So, keep this thought in mind, prevention is the best and easiest solution.

However, you must make absolutely certain you do this humanely and compassionately. It is a criminal offence to hurt, injure or cause distress to any animal.

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

18 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

M50

MOTORING

RoadSigns Road Signs RENAULT’S ELECTRIC CHALLENGE RENAULT Ireland’s managing director, Eric Basset, has set a challenge for his dealer network and team that will see 1,000 Renault electric vehicles sold in Ireland next year.

The Renault boss, who has overseen the marque’s market share double since his arrival in Ireland in 2009, is confident that one in 10 Renault vehicles sold in 2012 will be electric.

He has also stood by his commitment to make electric vehicles affordable to all, and reminds those in any doubt that Ireland is leading the way in Europe for infrastructure and availability of electric vehicles.

The Renault Kangoo ZE was launched last week and is available to test drive at dealerships, priced from €16,400 incl. VRT ex VAT and including the Government grant of €3,800.

The new Kia Rio took home the The Continental Irish Car of the Year award for 2012 last week

King of the road 2012 After a week driving the new Kia Rio, CORMAC CURTIS could see why it took home the Continental Irish Car of the Year award IA are here to compete, no question. The new Rio has just been released to the Irish market and it must surely be making the suits in Toyota and Ford shift uncomfortably in their boardroom seats.

Even before this quality Korean brand caused an industry upset by taking home the 2012 Continental Car of the Year award last week, the Rio was turning heads.

The terrific looks, performance, spec and price of this car will impress even the most jaded petrol head.

This is a brand that is bringing some serious quality to their cars, and adding extras as standard with a smaller price tag than much of the competition.

For example – compared to the 1.3-litre VVT-i Toyota Yaris – the 1.25-litre Rio is not only 16cm longer, it comes in over €600 cheaper.

And then there’s the car’s green credentials.

K

SPECS: KIA RIO 1.25L Top speed: 172km/hr 0–100km/hr: 12.6 secs Economy: 5.1l/100km CO2 emissions: 119/km Annual Road Tax: €104 Price: From €15,295

The CO2 emissions for the Rio range start at just 85 g/km, putting the Rio EcoDynamics model ahead of all other B-segment vehicles currently on sale in Europe.

But let’s talk about this car in practical terms.

At first look, the Rio is a looker.

If you read through the company spin, they’ll tell you that their engineers and designers worked tirelessly to produce a car that “combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that also communicates Latin flair”…

Yeah, I don’t know what that means either.

But, what I do know is that this car looks damn good.

In this already-crowded segment, it is difficult for a car to look unique without appearing gimmicky. But the Rio has brought bags of character to the table, with styling all of its own, while at the same time adopting some classic rally-car accents.

The look of the front grille and bumper owes a lot to the body kits that adorned many of the modified boy-racer cars of recent years, but the batmanlike character of the headlight clusters elevates this front end to something far more attractive.

The low, chrome-rimmed fog lights on the EX model add a nice touch to the “air scoops” below the headlights.

The company likes to make some noise about how this version of the Rio is the same weight as its predecessor, even though it is longer, wider, lower and features a wheelbase extended by 70mm.

This may be true, and it cer-

tainly contributes to the very roomy interior in the front, rear and boot – but the new design makes you think that, if this car were in a wind tunnel, it wouldn’t cause so much as a ripple in the smoke lines.

It is an exercise in aerodynamics, that is, no doubt, key to keeping the fuel economy figures as low as possible.

I’m no speed freak behind the wheel, but I do like to have a little fun – and even this 1.25litre has all the performance need to put a smile on your face when the road is clear.

The five-speed gearbox in the car I tested was smooth, quick and definite, even though, I must admit, the clutch and accelerator pedals were a little uncertain and took some getting used to.

The overall interior of the car is another success for Kia. Even though the test car didn’t feature leather seats, the feeling in the driver’s seat was one of pampered comfort.

And the look and feel of the

dashboard doesn’t disappoint either.

It may be a small feature, but when you turn the key, the clean, bright dials light up and the various needles come alive by swiping all the way to the top and back before resting at their actual settings.

Like I said, it may be a small feature, but it made me smile every time I started the car, and it really shows the kind of attention to detail Kia are putting in to their latest models.

Finally, I must mention some of the standard safety equipment thrown in to the range.

This includes six airbags (front, side and curtain), ESC (electronic stability control), VSM (vehicle stability management), HAC (hill-start assist control) to prevent roll-back when moving off on gradients, and three-point seatbelts for five occupants.

So, on top of everything else, it looks as though the new Rio should score very well in the Euro NCAP tests.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CHURCHTOWN: THREE-BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED FOR €450,000

Family fare at Henley Park is a fantastic find MCGUIRK Beggan Property in Terenure are bringing 43 Henley Park, Churchtown, a threebedroom semi-detached family home with a private west-facing rear garden and quiet cul-de-sac location, to the market for €450,000 The property, which extends to 1,360 sq ft, been extended and also has the added benefit of a garage, offering ample potential to convert.

Nestled in a quiet and leafy cul-de-sac, the property is ideally located just off Churchtown Road Lower and only a short stroll from the LUAS. The accommodation comprises entrance porch with a tiled floor, a carpeted entrance hall with ample understair storage.

The living/dining room has an expansive layout, with a large picture frame window and interconnecting doors that provide the room with natural light.

It features two tilesurround fireplaces, and double sliding doors that allow access through to the family room, which overlooks the rear garden.

The kitchen features an array of fitted wall- and floor-level units, a built-in breakfast bar, lino flooring and tile splash back.

There is a utility room off the kitchen, which

Number 43, Henley Park is on the market for €450,000

features a tiled floor, sink unit and additional storage presses. It is plumbed for a washing machine and there are two separate accesses to the rear garden.

The bedrooms are all well-sized and feature carpeted flooring and fitted wardrobes.

The master bathroom comprises bath with electric shower, WHB, WC,

and is fully tiled.

Outside, the front garden is fully cobble-locked, so offers ample off-street parking, and it is shielded with mature shrubbery.

The rear garden measures 50ft in length, is walled and has a laid-in lawn. It is not overlooked so offers good privacy. The garden also enjoys an enviable westerly aspect, capturing all the afternoon and

evening sunshine.

This wonderful home is sure to attract strong interest so early viewing is highly recommended.

The property is available for viewing, which can be arranged through Sinead Beggan at McGuirk Beggan Property on 01 419 0600.

For more information, see www.mcguirkbeggan. ie.

CO MEATH: FIVE-BED DETACHED HOME FOR €349,950

A magnificent Manor CARTY Property Advisors are bringing No 32, Steeple Manor in Trim, a superbly designed five-bedroom detached residence perfectly positioned in a modern and much sought-after residential estate of fine detached homes, to the market for an asking price of €349,950.

This family home, which was constructed to a high standard, was extended in 2002.

The property, which has been stylishly decorated and maintained in meticulous condition throughout, benefits from a walled entrance with tarmac driveway, allowing

Number 32, Steeple Manor in Trim is on the market for €349,950

for off-street parking, as well as two side entrances to the professionally-landscaped garden, which features a decking area.

The accommodation comprises entry hall, living room, a study, kitchen, dining room, family room, TV room, utility room, as

well as five large bedrooms on the upper level, with the master bedroom featuring a walk-in wardrobe, en suite and study.

Two of the bedrooms share a Jack & Jill-style en suite facility, while the fourth bedroom has an en suite. There is also a large

family bathroom.

Properties at Steeple Manor were constructed approximately nine years ago of timber-frame construction, and the develpoment is situated beside Newtown. There is an excellent host of amenities and historical sites on is door step.

Viewing is highly recommended and can be arranged by contacting Carty Property Advisors on 04694 86860, or see www.carty.ie for more information.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

And now... it’s competition time LA Make-Up Academy offers world-class programmes spanning make-up, beauty therapy and fashion styling.

With studios in Dublin, London and Los Angeles, LA MakeUp offers truly unparalleled education taught by award-winning tutors who are leaders in the industry.

To celebrate the launch of LA’s ITEC Honours Beauty Therapy Course, LA Academy and Der-

malogica are giving readers the chance to win a year’s supply of Dermalogica products. To enter this amazing competition, all you have to do is ‘like’ the LA MakeUp Academy/Agency Facebook and answer a simple question in the competition tab to win.

Always ahead of the industry, LA Make-Up is the FIRST College in Ireland to offer this ITEC Honours Diploma in Beauty Therapy. This course has the

unique ability to train students as expert beauty therapists and high fashion make-up artists, with the added bonus of training in all the latest techniques in the industry. These include facial, electrical, body treatments and advanced skincare.

The beauty students are also trained to a Module 2 standard in make-up, which qualifies them as a professional bridal, catwalk and high fashion make-

up artist. Full and part-time beauty courses will commence January, 2012.

LA Make-Up also offers worldclass FETAC and ITEC accredited programmes. LA Make-Up graduates are now successfully working all over the world in locations such as London, New York and Los Angeles!

For more information visit www.lamakeupacademy.com or call 01 675 1999.

Interview: Lorraine O’Neill, founder and owner of LA Make-Up Academy

WHERE TO INVEST THE SAVINGS Q – I have c. €120,000 in savings and am “riskaverse” – being in my mid-sixties, caution is my middle name - can you advise me on where best to place this sum ? Catherine – Raheny Dublin 5 A – I would say over 95% of investors today irrespective of age would be risk-averse given what has happened in particular over the last five years.

However, as I have often stated, all investment is risk – the greater the return, the higher the risk – and when the stock market is involved, you have

Facing up to a challenge

to think long-term rather than trying to make the quick buck.

Your personal circumstances are going to dictate some of your investment decisions – your age, your family situation, current income levels and your personal goals.

In your mid-sixties now, you are going to be that little bit more cautious with your money than a midtwenties investor. Generally, the older you are, the more likely it is that you will keep your funds liquid – cash deposits, guaranteed short term investments. You also have a choice of investing in some

LORRAINE O’Neill is known both for her skills as a make-up artist and for her success developing businesses such as LA Make-Up Academy and the Irish Federation Of Make-Up Artists (IFMA).

She has worked as a make-up artist in London, Paris and Sydney as well as her native Dublin, and has travelled all over the world, to destinations as diverse as Africa and India. Highly respected by clients, photographers, stylists and fellow make-up artists, Lorraine established an early reputation for catching trends while warm and transforming them red hot onto the faces of Ireland’s top models. Her work has been featured in numerous titles,

including Image, Social & Personal, The RTE Guide, and she has appeared on TV programmes such as RTE 1’s Off the Rails.

Lorraine was aware that no facility existed in Ireland to provide top-tier training to make-up artists. Lorraine then began training make-up artists, engaging the services of other leading artists to provide high-quality tuition.

In 2005, she was keen to realise the full potential of her training business and she opened LA Make-Up Academy. To date, thousands of students have benefited from instruction from Ireland’s top make-up artists.

See www.lamakeupacademy.com for details.

alternative investments (eg art, philately, rock ‘n roll memorabilia, etc) or the stock market itself (Exchange Traded Funds – ETFs. the cheapest form of stock acquisition – managed funds, government bonds, commodities such as gold ) or even to use your money as seed capital for your own or a family member’s start up business. € 120,000 is a large sum and you should expect a return of c. € 4,000 NET in to your hand each year at the minimum.

All deposit takers regulated by the Financial Regulator carry a € 100,000 guarantee – even institutions like Investec and Nationwide UK are similarly covered by the UK Financial Regulatory Authority.

State savings ( the National Treasury Management Agency – a government body that manages An Post, Lorraine O’Neill, founder and owner of LA Make-Up

prize bonds, the two National Solidarity Bonds,

Academy

NAMA etc ) are deemed sovereign debt and have no limit – though some of the products have thresh-

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

A: A truck driver or a ballet dancer!

Q: What was your first job?

A: Picking potatoes age 11 in the farm next door....hard labour from my mother! It was strawberries the next summer but I kept eating them so they fired me

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: 20 pence per bag and I was rich!

olds.. e.g. Savings Bonds €120,000 per person – and no expiry date. As long as you believe the euro will

A: Seeing our students inspired and realising that their dream is coming true. Infectious.

Q: What about your job do you like least?

A: Wanting to run when I must walk

Q: What air carrier do you use?

A: Whoever will take me the furthest! Can’t beat BA for customer service and also Singapore for just about everything

Q: How many people do you speak with every day?

A: I work from London every

Q: What kind of car do you drive?

A: Jeep

second week so as many as will listen to me. When I’m in Dublin, my entire team daily at our check-in meeting bright and early

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

marathon running and my first squash game this weekend!

the most amazing handbags in the world

not fail, the government will not default, your money

Q: What is your favourite food and drink?

A: Love food, any food, unfor-

Q: How many pairs of shoes do

return on your money. The current best return on

you own?

a demand account (in today, out tomorrow where

A: Enough for my nickname to

you can email transfer instructions for same day

be Mrs. Marcos

value) is AIB Direct – now the Irish Banking Resolu-

tunately. Jameson

Q: How many times each week do you go to the ‘hole in the wall’?

A: Cards only, I don’t carry cash

Q: How many times each year do you shop for clothes?

A: I gladly see this as part of

tion Corporation - up to € 100,000 attracting 3.35%

Q: Where is your favourite

(net 2.4455%) They also offer the best 12 month

holiday destination?

fixed at 4.1% - email me for details. Be safe but

A: Safari in Africa

ensure good return.

Q: What other job in the whole world would you really like to have?

A: To work with the mentally handicapped

Q: Can you swim?

A: I can swim; however, appar-

my job, so lots - great career perk!

Q: When do you wish to retire?

A: A busy mind never retires

Q: What is the name of your

Q: What do you plan to do

ently I look like I’m drowning

favourite shop?

then?

Q: What is your favourite sport?

A: Kayaking around Dun

A: Run Lola Run in London

Laoghaire and Dalkey,

for beautiful clothes... and Lorna Fitzgerald in Dublin for

is safe and it is a question of receiving the best

A: I will do what I always do... appreciate every day that comes and live it to the full

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

146,000* PEOPLE IN DUBLIN READ OUR PAPERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

TO ADVERTISE CALL 60 10 240

22 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Enjoying a winter break in the south-west A great week on and off the slopes in the Frech Alps

BLACKROCK-BASED company, Highlife, is offering some decent ski packages this snow season.

There is no doubt that the right resort can mean the difference between a mediocre ski holiday and a refreshingly good one. Highlife has several destinations that will guarantee a great week both on and off the slopes.

They continue to focus solely on the French Alps because of the expansive, well-maintained ski areas and the superb infrastructure and facilities on offer.

With Morzine, Meribel and Val d’Isere, on offer, each boasts a great snow record and also offers a wide range of skiing terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Val D’Isere Val d’Isere has earned the reputation of being one of the greatest ski resorts in the world as a result of its sensational high-altitude skiing and chic village setting.

Linked with the neighbouring resort of Tignes to create L’Espace Killy, the combined ski area offers an astounding variety of terrain, both on- and off-piste, for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. It is no surprise that this resort has hosted Olympic and World Cup competitions.

Dating back to the 11th century, Val d’Isere still retains much of its traditional Savoyarde architecture and authentic village atmosphere.

The town is a shopper’s paradise, with upmarket boutiques and traditional French patisseries lining its sophisticated main street. Visitors are spoilt for choice by the resort’s renowned range of cafes, restaurants and apres ski bars. As many of the pistes come right into the centre of town, non-skiers can choose a sunny terrace to enjoy the fun from the comfort of a deck chair.

Ski area Val d’Isere offers a good range of nursery slopes as well as extensive skiing for intermediates. For more advanced skiers and snowboarders, the Espace Killy area is well-known for its challenging black runs and sensational off-piste skiing. From Val d’Isere, you are within easy skiing distance of the base of the Grand Motte, one of Europe’s largest pisted glaciers. At 3,400m, the glacier offers over 40km of huge, sweeping runs and breath-taking views out over the Alps.

Go to www.highlife.ie for more information.

NATALIE BURKE

I’M ashamed to admit that it’s not very often I get to enjoy a few days away in Ireland, so I can’t help overlooking just how much our country has to offer.

After taking up the opportunity for an early winter break in the wonderful west, however, it’s something I plan on doing again very soon.

The Malton Hotel (formerly the Great Southern Hotel) was our home for two nights in Killarney, and is located in the heart of the town just a minute from the train station.

The tall windows, marble columns and traditional furniture of the 150-year-old Victorian building were complemented by the contemporary-styled reception area and the staff were incredibly welcoming, warm and helpful.

We stayed in a Junior Suite in the West Wing of the main house, one of the hotel’s 171 guestrooms, which continued to boast its old-fashioned charm with high ceilings and Victorian-style interior.

The spacious suite was, unsurprisingly, spotless and had a second-floor view of the hotel gardens and a backdrop of the Kerry Mountains.

The hotel prides itself

on letting time slow down a little for its guests and I can promise the days we spent there seemed to last forever – in the best way possible.

How we managed to fit so much into one day I’ll never understand, but we did, while still finding time to relax, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, dinner and seeing the local sights.

Dinner on our first night was spent in the Garden Room Restaurant where we sat at a window overlooking the garden and ordered from the reasonable table d’hote menu,

continental and traditional Irish favourites were available as well as a choice of vanilla pancakes, French brioche toast and fish specials from the a la carte menu.

The amenities in the hotel included the relaxing P unchbowl Bar, where we enjoyed a predinner drink, the resident’s library and reading room, as well as its six acres of landscaped gardens.

The Health and Beauty Rooms offer a range of treatments but with a long to-do list, we could only pay a quick visit.

Despite the chang-

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

‘Driving along the N71, we took in some must-see spots on the way to the picturesque spot of Moll’s Gap, including Torc Waterfall, Avoca and Ladies’ View’ --------------------------------------------------------

which included a fourcourse dinner and a sorbet between courses.

The fried mozzarella, tomato and chickpea stew, and jumbo prawn cocktail with cucumber pearls, were enjoyed as starters while the fillet of Hereford beef and mushroom butter was definitely a favourite.

Breakfast was also served in the restaurant, where a buffet of both

ing rooms being a little small and slightly dated, the swimming pool was a good size and appeared very family-friendly.

Seeing the Sights We looked at some bargains at the K illarney Outlet Centre, which was right next door to the hotel, and took a wander through the town, discovering its many treasures, includ-

ing Quills’ fashion house and vintage store, Retro Rose Bazaar.

We found some of the best locally-sourced food products at The Markets on Old Milk Market Lane, and paused for tea at the century-old Miss Courtney’s Tearooms.

Driving along the N71, we took in some must-see spots on the way to the picturesque Moll’s Gap, including Torc Waterfall, Avoca and Ladies’ View.

Driving towards Kenmare, we paid a visit to Molly Gallivan’s traditional cottage and Lorges chocolatiers found along Glengarriff Road.

We enjoyed our second night’s dinner at The Smokehouse, a cosy restaurant with a laid back atmosphere, an open kitchen and a quirky menu.

Despite a limited dessert selection, a huge effort went into the freshness, quality and taste of the food where we enjoyed good wine, great service and a delicious meal.

Before heading home, we took a horse-drawn carriage through Killarney National Park with Killarney Jaunting Cars.

With five generations of the Tangney Family running the business, we took an informative and entertaining guided

The luxurious Malton

jaunt through the Parklands, past the Lakes of Killarney and on to Ross Castle.

Tours with Killarney Jaunting Cars are available all year round, with winter sleigh rides available during Christmas time.

Full-day tours and boat tours are also available and can be booked through your hotel or by visiting www.killarneyjauntingcars.com.

Two nights B&B plus one evening meal are available at The Malton, Killarney, at €159 pps at weekends, €139 during midweek.

The hotel is also offering great festive breaks for Christmas party nights, as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day packages and New Year’s Eve breaks.

For more information, visit www.themalton. com.

24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Visit Santa and his elves in Killarney this Christmas WITH so many festive treats happening in Killarney this Christmas, it’s no wonder Santa will be visiting his Secret Christmas Village during the month of December, and children will have the chance to visit and see his mischievous elves in action.

See Mrs Claus baking in her Gingerbread Kitchen, or the elves working hard in the Toy Makers’ Workshop.

Take a peek at Santa’s sleigh before Christmas Eve and see where the elves sleep at night in the Elf Dormitory.

Take a wander through Santa’s Farm Yard and see his reindeer in training. And, finally, meet the man himself and get your picture taken with Santa in his Holiday Cottage.

The Secret Christmas Village is open for visits from December 2 – 23.

Prices range from €15 per child or €50 for a family ticket (Two adults, three children).

Booking is essential and can be booked with local hotels or made at www.santasvillage.ie.

Hotel is located in the heart of Killarney and just a minute from the train station

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Alexej Gorlatch CONTINUING its eclectic range of superb music, the Dun Laoghaire theatre presents Alexej Gorlatch in concert. The young Ukranian pianist has collected a string of international awards, with his skills delighting listeners all around the world. His programme will include works by Beethoven and Chopin, with popular and challenging pieces to enthral all audiences. Alexej’s performance can be enjoyed at 8pm on Friday, November 25, with admission costing €17/€15.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Trading Faces ...

DUNDRUM theatregoers can be counted upon to give Adele King a warm welcome when she stars in Trading Faces... Or Who Gives A Tuck?, which follows a dowdy 50-something Dubliner who decides that cosmetic surgery is the answer to all her prayers for a new and exciting life ... but is it? Described as a hilarious and moving production, the production runs at 6pm and 8.30pm on Saturday, November 26, with admission costing €25/€20.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Paddy Cole PERENIALLY popular musician, Paddy Cole and his All Stars are ready to delight audiences with an eclectic evening of music, with everything from jazz, rock and roll, swing and sounds of the Sixties set to bring something for all tastes to the night’s entertainment. A legendary musician, Paddy has been delighting audiences for decades, and is all set to entertain on the night and, best of all, the night is a fundraiser, being held in aid of St Joseph’s Centre for the Visually Impaired – Ireland’s only centre for blind children.

The concert is at 8pm on Tuesday, November 29, with admission costing €22/€18 conc.

Peter Ward ( Daniel Craig), his wife, Libby (Rachel Weisz) and their daughters (Claire and Taylor Geare) seem to have a great life ... However, they soon begin to suspect there’s something unnerving about their seemingly perfect house – what is its mysterious past?

Building tensions ...

This tale of a house with a mysterious past is interesting, but it’s also unlikely to haunt viewers’ minds for very long Q KATE CROWLEY

ANOTHER day, another film, and another house of horrors for your consideration. (Speaking of which, dear readers, be grateful you’ve never seen home videos of Mr Crowley’s wedding dancing – or Dad-Dancing, as darling Crowleyetta bluntly puts it.)

Just what is it about mysterious old houses that directors seem to find so fascinating, in this case, Jim Sheridan?

I’ve yet to see something that’s truly horrifying – such as the desperate problem with pyrite foundations that so many Dublin householders, and our rural cousins, are facing – but the perils of swelling building materials don’t seem to interest directors quite as much as spooky goings-on in basements.

And so, plumbing the depths of an old formula, we arrive at this particular

FILM OF THE WEEK: Dream House ++ (15A) 91 mins Director: Jim Sheridan Starring: Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Two Cute Kids and A House’s Mysterious Secret

OUR VERDICT: HERE we go again – don’t go down into that cellar, or digging around into the past! It’s an interesting take on the haunted house formula, where the main figure is a haunted figure, in the psychological sense of the word. However, the film soon descends into standard shlock-horror routine, turning the film into something that you could just as easily pass, and carry on down the street ...

Dream House; the kind of place that Mr Blandings would steer well clear of (that’s a nod to our older readers, and hello there, mammy), yet which craggy Peter Ward (Craig), wife Libby (Weisz) and little girls are living in.

It’s the kind of cosy, comfortable house that we’re all so used to seeing in the movies – you know, happy children, plenty of space, nice furniture, aloof neighbours, mysterious figures standing around outside in the midnight snow, a gang of strangers in the basement – so far, this almost

sounds like the Crowley household at Christmas, but with somewhat less Dad-Dancing.

Still – and perhaps the preceding paragraph has tipped my hat at where review this is going – all is not well in the Ward house, as Peter and family are, shall we say, alarmed at the strange figures and goings on that are taking place around, and focused on, their dream house.

It’s soon clear that another family once lived there – but it’s a family that seems to have met an unfortunate end.

Once Peter starts to

look into the history of the house, and what may or may not have happened to the former occupants, it’s clear that it was anything but a dream house.

Err... I’m now at the point in this review where, if I was giving you the lowdown on a big ol’ boat, heading at a jaunty clip towards America in April, 1912, and what the sudden sighting of a chunk of ice might have meant for that titanic vessel, I’d have to either tell you a little too much about the film’s outcome, or totally change tack.

In other words, I’m stuck with what I’ll call “The Twist Is That Bruce Willis Is Already Dead In A Certain Film” syndrome, or TTITBWIADIACF, for short, and, here, there’s definitely a TTITBWIADIACF lurking just below the film’s surface, ready to spring several serious leaks in the Ward family’s lifestyle – or, more specifically, in

Peter’s very sanity.

Well folks, there ain’t no sanity clause that I can think of to exploit to avoid saying much more about the film without springing secrets that you don’t need to know just yet, so I’ll cut the plot summary there.

It’s an interesting twist on the haunted house formula, with the point here being that, rather than being a tale of a haunted place, perhaps there’s nothing more wretched than a haunted figure, with ghosts of the past lingering, half-felt on the edge of memory, with a doorframe, or a hallway, capable of springing an unexpected surprise.

Thanks to that earlier TTITBWIADIACF I mentioned – and that’s the last time I’ll wield that acronym, like a house brick – I can’t say much more, other than it’s an okay film, but can’t compete with the true horror that is Dad-Dancing ...

24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Months needed to truly explore Skyrim SHANE DILLON

IT’S been a very long time since I’ve found a game experience to be daunting, in the best sense of the word, but that’s the one word that kept coming to mind with the recent cross-platform release, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Despite its former, formidable popularity on older consoles and platforms, the roleplaying/ adventure genre has largely died away on modern consoles, save for continuing – if niche – popularity as, generally, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games, such as World of Warcraft.

However, although MMOs continue to enjoy significant success, and are very popular in other parts of the world, here, MMOs and their console counterparts are something of an acquired taste.

Still, Skyrim is a title that should easily wander its way up the charts as, despite seeing an awful lot of

media stories concentrating on the console “showdown” between the Battlefield and Call of Duty rival series, Skyrim’s pedigree makes it a significant contender for Game of the Year, regardless of the games’ platform it’s played upon.

But first, back to that particular word I picked out: daunting.

It really seems to be the most appropriate word for this title, as I can recall few other titles with the vast range of gameplay options, as well as the sheer size of the world, that Skyrim comes with.

In fact, the only other games that compare with it are its predecessors, as well as spiritual counterparts that were also developed by Bethesda – a games company that can truly lay claim to the title of “building worlds”.

Here, as with its broadly similar predecessors, the player finds themselves in a new land – new to them, but one that’s filled with a wide

Bytesandpieces Saying Halo to a big anniversary ALTHOUGH gamers are very used to seeing sequels churning out almost identical versions of the same title, where each sequel is barely an evolutionary step forward from its predecessor, it’s very unusual to see any title revisited.

However, that hasn’t stopped Microsoft from presenting Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, marking the ten-year anniversary of the iconic XBox title.

I’ll be reviewing that just-released title next week, as well as looking at how it’s been performing at various global markets.

The Halo series has been b one of the powerhouses of the XBox empire, on both hardware platforms, and a key title for Microsoft. The original Halo was a breath of fresh air in the First Person Shooter genre, and, coupled with some terrific enemy AI, made a major quality mark that even its sequels never quite matched.

To celebrate this key title’s anniversary, Microsoft have released the ten-year-old title again – but with a very interestingtwist ... Look out for that full review, next week.

Whether wandering over to one of the region’s towns, exploring mountain peaks, or finding abandoned ruins, Skyrim’s epic world is truly vast, and full of detail

variety of races, towns, ruins and history.

After choosing, and editing, a unique character type – such as, say, a character that’s particularly skilled at sneaking quietly, healing quickly and adept at one-handed combat – the player is free to wander the world.

And what a world it is, too. What initially may not look like a very large area, on the nicely-modelled map screen, turns out to be vast.

Walking for five or ten minutes towards a distant peak – only to realise you’ve barely moved across some foothills in an obscure corner of the map – make the world seem even more impressive, given the wealth of detail, random occurences, ruins and fortifications, changing weather and cycling days and

Want to craft a fireball-wielding ninja lizard mage? Each players’ character is truly their own.

nights experienced upon the way, coupled with chance encounters with friendly or hostile characters and wildlife.

Of course, there’s an overall story to follow – or to ignore. Don’t feel like talking to the Jarl (king) of a city, to get the next, crucial bit of information in the deepening plot? Then forget it, and simply pick a distant hill at random, and set off.

An almost equally involving adventure is likely to await, with odd characters, bandit attacks, and much more along the way, with every chance encounter, or player decision, affecting how your journey and character skills develop.

Frankly, after a lot of time spent plugging away at Skyrim – with several hours usually being enough to blitz through, and finish, most new releases – I’m well aware that I’ve only seen about 40% of locations on

the map – and that’s by almost totally ignoring events and characters met along the way.

Instead, rather than “playing” Skyrim, I’ve immersed myself into the adventure it offers, finding, noting, and then not even attempting a great many missions, diversions and opportunities along the way – and all this, within the same, half-discovered parts of the world. My world.

After all, despite Skyrim having a number of technical issues and occasionally jarring bugs, which the developer, Bethesda, is famous for in many of its games (with, at the time of writing, my most recent game save having simply vanished), it’s an outstanding title.

Occasionally gory, frequently chaotic, generally interesting and always involving, Skyrim’s epic nature make it a musthave title, offering months of gaming, not hours.

GAZETTE

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

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24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: ASHBROOK SIDE LOSING GROUND IN LEINSTER LEAGUE

A memorable season captured in colour ONE OF the most cherished sporting books of the year, A Season of Sundays, celebrates its 15th year of publication this year, and the latest instalment features a selection of images from Dublin’s in the collection.

Each year the book captures the very heart and soul of GAA life in Ireland, from the players and teams themselves to the officials, volunteers and supporters. The collection of images has been compiled by award-winning photographic agency, Sportsfile, and features captions from GAA Communications Manager, Alan Milton.

The book captures the spectacular journey that saw Dublin finally raise the Sam Maguire again after a 16-year wait, including the now famous Stephen Cluxton kick that sealed the win over Kerry on that memorable senior football final day at Croke Park.

The book’s creator, Ray McManus, said: “All of the talking points from another great season are relived in the book. From the worthy winners throughout the championships to the surprise packages, such as London’s great run in the football. It also looks at the less high-profile moments that capture the essence of Gaelic Games up and down the country.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana welcomed the publication of the latest instalment, saying: “The end of another GAA season would not be complete without A Season of Sundays. As ever, the memorable moments from what was another fascinating year are captured in glorious technicolour.”

A Season of Sundays 2011, sponsored by Ulster Bank, retails at €29.95 and is now available at bookstores nationwide and online at www. sportsfile.com.

Coolmine went in search of a third win in their Leinster League campaign, but were closed out by a resolute Tullamore team

Coolmine strike out LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 1A Coolmine Tullamore

10 27

sport@gazettegroup.com

COOLMINE’S first XV suffered a home defeat to Tullamore on Saturday with a late-night kick off under lights at Ashbrook.

A mild November evening greeted both players and supporters as they convened for this Leinster League tie, and conditions were perfect for the game, with no breeze favouring either side. But this was a crunch match for Coolmine, who were looking to improve their record in the league so far this season.

Their form has seen them register two wins, and come close on too many occasions for

their liking to claiming the spoils in matches that they have failed to close out in the dying moments.

Tullamore star ted the game at a blistering pace which they kept up for the first 40 minutes, putting the home side on the back foot, a position they were not to find a way out of until after the turn.

Three minutes into the game and the visitors got their first score from a penalty, when Coolmine were deemed to be offside from a clearance kick.

Two minutes later, and Tullamore were back into Coolmine territory, this time coming away with a converted try to stretch their lead out to ten points.

On the 21-minute

mark, Coolmine were unable to contain a driving maul and Tullamore managed to push over for their second try.

Coolmine lost a man to the sin bin minutes later, and Tullamore capitalised on the extra man by snatching a third try from the back of a scrum before the referee blew the halftime whistle.

Twenty points up, Tullamore were now pressing for the bonus point, and managed to secure it five minutes into the second half.

They did get a yellow card of their own three minutes later, but Coolmine were unable to pull any points back during the ten-minute period.

Soon after, scrum half

Liam Power managed to score Coolmine’s first try of the game.

The visitors then had a second man sent to the sin bin, and Coolmine began to pressurise the Tullamore defence on a more constant basis than they had throughout the match, but couldn’t breach it until the 38th minute with a Rob Savage try in the corner.

The final score ended with the scoreboard reading 10-27 in Tullamore’s favour.

Coolmine now travel to Monivea for the second round of the Junior AIL cup next Saturday, hoping to continue their good run of form in that tournament.

Other results Elsewhere, there

was better fortunes for the rest of Coolmine’s senior teams with the Under-21s beating De La Salle Palmerstown by 22 clear points to nil last Wednesday night in Ashbrook.

Last Friday, Coolm i n e ’s t h i r d s b e a t Clondalkin 9-6 at home.

Saturday saw their seconds hold on to their second-place spot in their league when they defeated Tullamore 13-10.

The score was 3-3 at half-time, and Tullamore pulled ahead with a try after 20 minutes, but, ten minutes later, David Stone replied with a Coolmine try.

A penalty minutes later converted by Eoin Carbur y secured the victory.

24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

in association with

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - NOVEMBER NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

Roche adds book award to list of achievements

MONTH

EAMON ZAYED

GARY THOMPSON

GLENN WHELAN

THE former Dundrum native and ex-Sporting Fingal star was named as the Airtricity’s Player of the Year this month after an heroic showing for Derry City, netting 22 goals for the Northern side in the process.

THE North Dublin star of the track has been marked as a possible F1 star of the future, and continues to impress with his progress on the Asian circuit, shining on the Japanese F3 championship over the last two years.

THE Clondalkin man’s presence as part of the Republic Of Ireland soccer team has been the sole constant of the campaign that ended this month with an aggregate win over Estonia to see Ireland reach Euro 2012.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS

ST BRIGID’S

ST SYLVESTER’S

THE 12th Lock side made Dublin history this month when they claimed the last of an impressive run of camogie titles at Parnell Park; the club’s ladies now own the Under13 to minors crowns in the county.

RUSSELL Park’s finest were on fine form to win the Dublin Senior Football championship title for the first time in eight years recently, and are impressing in their progress in the Leinster championship as well.

THE Malahide ladies once again proved their mettle on the field of play and reached the semi-final of the All-Ireland junior ladies’ football club championship, only to be denied a shot at the title by a determined Aherlow.

+ TEAMof the MONTH

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s November sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-

lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-

ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

Let us know!

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

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

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

DUNDRUM cyclist Nicolas Roche added another title to his already impressive string of achievements last week when his book, Inside The Peloton, was named as the Irish Sport Book of the Year at the at the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards at the RDS. Roche himself was in attendance, having got the permission of his Ag2r La Mondiale team to leave the team training camp at Montgenevre to come to see the award presented, missing two days of training in the process.

Roche beat the competition in the category from Tony McCoy, Paul Kimmage, Donncha O’Callaghan, Philip O’Connor and Ronnie Whelan to claim the prestigious prize.

The cyclist has had a more successful and promising winter this year, last year having been blighted by injury that hampered what surely would have been a more successful 2011 season in the saddle.

“Everything is fine so far,” Roche said last week. “I haven’t started hard yet, I am just taking it easy until this point. Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been great but I’ve got some training in anyway. I didn’t run this winter and have stayed clear of injury. I’m ready to step things up now.”

Get running to help reach GOAL’s 30th GOAL is asking people from all over Dublin to help them celebrate the 30th birthday of one of the country’s most popular annual fundraisers by organising a GOAL Mile somewhere in the county this Christmas.

Last year, GOAL Miles were scheduled to take place at thirteen

locations across Dublin, but with this being a special anniversary year for the event, GOAL is hoping that even more people will get involved across the county, and across the country in general.

If you would like to organise a Mile near you to assist GOAL’s various humanitarian programmes across the developing world, email Karen at koshea@goal.ie or call GOAL at 01 280 9779.

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Erins’ new stars: Littlepace’s EGB host ladies awards ERIN Go Bragh’s ladies section cel-

ebrated another great year last weekend with their 2011 awards ceremony.

On display were various shields and trophies won over the year, and all ages in the section were recognised and rewarded, from Under-10 to Under-15 level.

Pictured is the captain of EGB’s U-15 ladies, Erica Manning, receiving the most improved player from ladies’ secretary, John Whelan.

Dunboyne gym sets standard with Verve PAUL FOX, former Irish Open and Florida State Champion, has launched his Royal Grappling Academy at the Verve Gym in Dunboyne.

A purple belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Fox’s training regime has already picked up a lot of momentum in its first month, as many students have found themselves coming back after taking the initial free class.

“I’ve been getting some really good feedback and I can already see big improvements in the people who have been training consistently.

“We have students coming from Kildare, Dublin and Meath and we’re coming together in the Royal County to raise the bar in this country for BJJ and submission wrestling,” said Fox. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has recently been popularised by the success of the UFC company, the promotional leaders in the field of mixed martial arts. However, Jiu Jitsu focuses on the ground element of the sport and excludes any forms of striking (kicking and punching) with a greater emphasis on movement, positioning and technique.

Despite a common belief with all martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu not only teaches you how to defend yourself, but is known too for its ability to keep students in great shape by losing weight and gaining muscle. Other benefits include improved balance, agility and body control.

Fox, who also holds national qualifications in Pilates (Level 3) and Neuromuscular/Physical Therapy, commented on the diversity of students in his class: “We have all different types of people trying it out – women and men of all different shapes and sizes – and the atmosphere in the classes has been really vibrant,.

“You don’t need to get in shape before taking up a new sport, you can get in shape while you’re doing it. Jiu Jitsu is for everybody.

“Every week, the group are getting stronger and more capable. We’ve had a lot of people come in and give it a try, ” said Fox. Royal Grappling Academy runs every Wednesday night at Verve Gym (just over Eurospar) on Dunboyne Main Street at 8p.m. All new students can enjoy their first class for free, with all classes afterward costing €10 or €60 for seven classes. Contact Paul Fox on 086 840 818 or log on to royalgrapplingacademy.com.

RUGBY: WESTMANSTOWN REVERSE FOR FIRSTS AND SECONDS

Westmanstown Youths were on hand last weekend to welcome the Heineken Cup before the match against Skerries

Garda get a stern lesson LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 1A Garda RFC Skerries RFC

14 49

sport@gazettegroup.com

THE Heineken Cup made a surprise visit to West Dublin on Saturday as the boys of Westmanstown Youths took on a Skerries selection as the curtain-raiser to the afternoon clash of the adult sides.

The Westmanstown side, made up of ten- and 11-year-olds, proved to be the real stars of the afternoon, giving a hearty performance to take the spoils against their Skerries peers.

On a perfect day for

rugby, both teams gave a very spirited display to the parents and supporters present before the Leinster League Division 1A meeting of Garda RFC and Skerries RFC’s senior sides.

Indeed, the home support had hoped that the youngsters had set the tone for the afternoon, as the Garda first XV took to the field to face a Skerries outfit second only in the division table to a strong Newbridge side.

A shaky start, however, saw Garda facing a tenpoint deficit within ten minutes, when a try and penalty in quick succession gave the visitors an

early lead.

Garda steadied themselves, and a comeback reminiscent of last season, when Garda were defeated only once on their way to securing promotion to Division 1A, looked possible when prop Ben Silverlock touched down in the corner after sustained forward pressure.

Garda were dealt a blow inside the half hour with the loss of influential wing forward Rory Geelon to injury, and their woes were added to when slick movement from the Skerries backline outwitted the defensive line to grab a try in the corner three minutes before the

interval.

With Skerries in the ascendancy, a secondhalf comeback for Garda didn’t look on the cards, and the 13th minute proved to be their unlucky number when sustained Skerries pressure earned a well-worked touchdown.

With Skerries on the rampage, Garda were given a masterclass in offloading, the visitors scoring two tries in three minutes to leave the home side with an unassailable task.

Garda restored some pride with a well-worked try, but shoulder injuries to flanker Declan Brady and wing Kevin Dingley,

followed by two more tries from Skerries left the Westmanstown men with a result they’d rather forget.

In their equivalent tie, Garda’s second XV gave a superb second-half performance, but nonetheless lost out 39-50 in the end to their Skerries counterparts.

Westmanstown Youth RFC is based at Garda RFC, Westmanstown, Dublin 15, with training on Sunday mornings from 11am to 12:30pm. Check out westmanstownrfc. com or contact Damien Maher (Mini Rugby Coordinator) on 086-2458824 for further details.

24 November 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: LITTLEPACE SIDE DENIED THE TITLE

.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S WELL done to our senior footballers

Geraghty is coming to the club to

who beat Horeswood of Wexford to

fit/size people for gum shields.

reach the Leinster championship semi-finals.

This is a great opportunity to protect your teeth.

They now face Portlaoise in two

With more than € 55k already

weeks time in Parnell Park on

raised, we need a final push for the

December 4. The break will defi-

€100k target. We have collected 165

nitely be welcome. The support was

old mobile phones so far. We need 35

great last Sunday.

more to get our new AED. No matter

Remember to get your Santa suits for €4 in Penney’s in the Blanchardstown Centre for the next game.

Best of luck to our minor hurlers who face St Vincents this Sun in

how old the phone is please drop it into the club bar.

New opening hours for our new club shop: Friday from 7 to 8pm and Saturday from 10 to 11.30am.

their championship final. Throw-

Club lotto takes place in Russell

in at 11am in Pairc Nh Unnsion. Big

Park this Thursday with a jackpot

support needed.

of €15,000.

On Saturda y, from 10am to 12 noon, Dental Technologist Dave

Club AGM takes place on Sunday, December 4

ERIN GO BRAGH Erin Go Bragh had achieved a tremendous amount even before reaching the final in O’Toole Park

Brave Bragh bow out after great run JUNIOR D C’SHIP FINAL St Anne’s Erin G Bragh

3-12 0-7

sport@gazettegroup.com

A WILY and experienced St Anne’s outfit had too much for a brave Erin Go Bragh team in O’Toole Park recently when the Saints went marching off with the Junior championship title.

After a dramatic late victory against Wild Geese in the semi-final the previous week, when a last-gasp goal from Mick Burke proved decisive, the men in green failed to reach the same level of performance in the final.

Mick Moroney scored a nice point early on for Bragh, but ex-Dublin senior corner forward Alan McNally, operating on the edge of the square, popped over a quick reply for St Anne’s.

Ten minutes into the first half, Paul Nulty slotted over a free to put Bragh back in front but, once again, St Anne’s

answered with a free of their own.

Five minutes later disaster struck for Bragh when McNally pounced on a loose ball and laid it off inside to Daniel Allen, who finished into the net.

Paul Goodall replied with a point for Bragh, but the concession of that goal seemed to severely dent Bragh’s confidence.

Simple passes began to miss their target, and the experienced St Anne’s team rarely wasted possession.

The margin was increased by another three points 20 minutes in, when St Anne’s were awarded a penalty after a collision in the square, which was expertly dispatched by the most influential player on the pitch, the St Anne’s midfielder, Peter Brennan.

His surging runs from midfield were proving a constant threat to the Erin Go Bragh backline, and it was Brennan who

grabbed the final point of the half, leaving the scores at 2-4 to 0-3 at half time, in favour of the men from Bohernabreena.

Erin Go Bragh missed a golden chance to score a goal just before half time, and faced an uphill task in the second half, trailing by seven points.

Dan McDermott and Darren Flood were introduced at half-time in an attempt to try and wrestle back the initiative from St Anne’s in the second half but, unfortunately, were unable to change the complexion of the game.

St Anne’s continued to dominate in midfield, and it was almost as if they had an extra man around the middle, as the ball broke to them time and time again.

Brennan got an early score for St Anne’s and, from that moment on, they never looked like relinquishing their lead.

Dylan Stephens was moved out from the corner to try and help out

Mick Burke and Podge Evans in midfield, but when Allen swung over a point from the right-hand sideline and put St Anne’s 11 points up, Bragh knew the game was up.

Peter Brennan added his second goal after another lung-bursting run from midfield, and, despite a couple of late frees from Stephens and one from Goodall, St Anne’s knew they had done enough.

There is no doubt that this was a disappointing result for all connected with Erin Go Bragh, but the fact that promotion has been gained, and a championship final contested shows the unbelievable progress that has been made under the new management team this year. The support that the team received on Sunday was sensational, and with the experience of a first-ever final under this team’s belt, hopefully there will be plenty more in the future.

OUR ladies’ section celebrated

Our U-10 boys had their end-of-

another great year last Sunday

season party and went go-karting

with their 2011 awards ceremony.

in Navan. Thanks to Karl and Donal

On display were various shields and

for all their hard work this year.

trophies won over the years. Pho-

Our junior hurlers had their last

tos of the night are on Facebook,

match of the season against Wild

covering all ages from Under-10 to

Geese last Sunday. It has been a

Under-15s. Congratulations to all

tough year and they were unlucky

involved, and roll on next year.

not to have won with goals from

Our juvenile section ran a GAA

Paul Kelly and Pius O’Connell.

foundation course over the last few

2011 AGM - The Erin go Bragh

weeks. Due to the great response

executive would like to confirm

we will be running another one in

that only fully paid members can

early 2012. This is a key area that

attend this AGM. Nominations for

we need to focus on as the club

officership/executive positions and

grows. We need more parents

motions are now closed.

involved and no experience of GAA is necessary.

Lotto: Numbers last week were 4, 7, 10 and 11. No jackpot winner.

ST PEREGRINE’S THE club AGM is next Monday night at

club for only €2 a week. Lotto is also

8.30pm in the club hall. All members

available to play online using the link

are asked to attend.

on the club website.

Best of luck to our U-21 hurlers who

Thanks to all to helped with the bag-

take on Kevin’s in the U-21 first round

packing last weekend, a great effort

on Saturday at 2.30pm away.

by all.

Hard luck to our U-21 footballers

The f irst ever St Peregrine’s

who were beaten last Saturday in the

12-month calendar is now available,

championship.

a steal for only €5 and selling very

Club lotto was not won; numbers

well, please see Lorraine O’Connor for

drawn were 19, 23, 24 and 25. Next

details. Club shop vouchers are also

week’s jackpot is €2,600.

available.

Well done to Colin McEvoy, Gordon

Peregrine’s Christmas ball is on

Ward, the U-14s, and all involved in

December 3, and payments will be

climbing Croagh Patrick.

taken in the club from 12 to 4pm

Any member not buying lotto tickets should visit CNP.ie and support your

between now and the event , details and contacts on the club website.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

SHUT OUT: StBYPeregrine’s SCUTTLED SKERRIES: find their Garda path caught blockedby byvisitors inspiredinBallyboden Leinster League side P30 tie P30

NOVEMBER 24, 2011

DUBLIN SPORTS LONDON CALLINGSTARS Linda Bynrenominees November on a marathon mission announced P29 P29

GazetteSPORT

St Brigid’s Paddy Andrews was the hero of the hour when his intervention meant that the Russell Park men reached the semi-final. Picture: Chris Lynam

St Brigid’s leave it late to reach semi

Last-gasp revival sees Saints claim their place in the Leinster semi-final against Portlaoise in two weeks LEINSTER CLUB SFC QUARTER-FINAL St Brigid’s Horeswood STEPHEN FINDLATER blanchardstownsport@gazettegroup.com

1-20 3-8

ST BRIGID’S produced a scintillating late show to race into the Leinster SFC final as they recovered from a three-goal Horeswood spree in Parnell Park last Sunday.

Barry Cahill said afterwards that it was a burst built on the experience of a tumultuous campaign, playing six times in seven weeks, which has left them with a winning mentality and gave them the know-how to get over the line.

“Our first half was disappointing; their three goals were real killers, and something we’ll have to cut out in two weeks’ time. But, at half-time we had a good chat, and were determined to

push on in the second half. Like in previous games, against Ballymun, Kilmacud, we were down at half-time and finished very strong, and that stood to us again,” he said.

“It’s tough enough going. But we’ve probably used 25 players over the last few weeks, which shows we’ve a good squad, a good balance, and are not over-reliant on any individuals. And we’re still feeling pretty fresh.”

Those three goals had left Brigid’s in a strange position, the tally doubling the amount of majors the side had conceded en route through the Dublin and Leinster campaign to date.

Declan Murphy gave the Wexford champions a dream start when he raised the green flag in the fourth minute while the impressive David Shannon – he ended with 1-7 to his name – and PJ Banville both found routes past Shane Supple to hand Horeswood a lead at the break, netting the last two scores of the half, making it

3-2 to 0-8 But John O’Loughlin and Cahill had been holding their own in midfielf while Ken Darcy picked off plenty of ball in advanced positions to see the scoreboard tick over regularly, with Philly Ryan and Ken Kilmurray the main beneficiaries.

And as time wore on, the more the play belonged to the Russell Park men as their defence went on lock-down and the forwards up the ante.

Ryan added another couple to his tally to bring his total to 0-6 while Paddy Andrews gave his side an extra bit of insurance when he smashed home in the 56th minute to set up a Leinster semi-final date.

They have the rare luxury of a weekend off before facing Laois champions, Portlaoise, in a fortnight’s time with Parnell Park again the venue for the Leinster semi-final.