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Football: St Brigid’s ready for Leinster test Page 31

Rate cut proposal Q LAURA WEBB

Rugby: Coolmine claim points in cold Page 30

December 15, 2011

A PROPOSAL to slash commercial rates in Fingal is set to top the agenda when councillors convene for a special budget meeting in County Hall next week.

Council management is recommending a cut in commercial rates as part of efforts to boost business within the county.

In a report issued to local politicians, FCC said that “in keeping with the policy of this council to keep

costs, and particularly commercial rates, for businesses in Fingal at the lowest possible level” they would be “recommending a reduction in the annual rate on valuation”.

Welcoming the move, Fine Gael Cllr Kieran Dennison said: “For companies looking to locate in Ireland next year they will find Fingal a very attractive location with rates likely to be 12.5% cheaper than South Dublin County Council and a whopping 18% cheaper than Dun LaoghaireRathdown.”

Festive fun: At annual Christmas Fair ST PATRICK’S National School in Diswellstown held their Christmas Fair recently, and Santa Claus took time out from his busy schedule to drop by. Pictured with Santa is

Ciara O’Hanlon, who was very well behaved all year.

The organisers would like to send out a big thank you to all who supported the event.

Full Gallery on Page 8

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

CHARITY: TRANSPORT ‘Shelters were part of maps submitted for QBC route’ CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER

€14,000 raised at parishes’ event Q LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

A MASSIVE €14,000 was raised by local residents for the Church of Ireland’s three parishes in Dublin 15, at a jam-packed annual Christmas Fair.

The proceeds raised will go towards the Church of Ireland parishes in Castleknock, Mulhuddart and Clonsilla.

The annual Christmas Fair took place on Saturday, December 3, at Castleknock Parish.

Enthusiastic volunteers manned the various stalls and stands, bringing in crowds from all over Dublin 15.

Everything from Christmas wreaths and table decorations to CDs, furniture and china were sold throughout the day.

The book stall and cake stall were the most popular, while Handbag Heaven, the Old Curiosity Shop and Bric-a-Brac also had their fair share of buyers.

The good-as-new clothing area, and toy section, were also a huge success.

The main attraction for children was, of course, Santa’s Grotto.

The funds raised from the fair will assist in the running of the three churches.

Rector, Rev Paul Houston, described the day as “a great community event, where everyone came together to achieve a terrific result.

“Thanks must go to all who took part, attended and supported the fair in any way,” he said.

Whitestown residents call for bus shelters Q LAURA WEBB

blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN 15 residents have launched a campaign seeking the construction of several bus shelters that, they say, were promised as part of the construction of a Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) along Blakestown Way. The Whitestown Estate Management residents group told The Gazette this week that

they were promised up to six bus shelters along Blakestown Way but, so far, they have got none.

A spokeswoman for the group said: “We are very disappointed that our correspondence with Dublin Bus management seems to have come to an abrupt end, with management ignoring recent communications from residents.”

Local Socialist Party councillor, Matt Waine, said: “This

is a quite ridiculous situation, and it is totally unacceptable that Dublin Bus should choose to ignore residents.

“Blakestown has a population of nearly 3,000 people, many of whom are reliant on public transport.

“In the maps submitted as part of the planning permission for the QBC, a number of bus shelters are clearly indicated.

“Dublin Bus’ excuse that they have run out of money is not

acceptable,” he said.

The councillor is now calling on local TD and Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, to deliver the shelters, and “to raise the issue with Dublin Bus and, together, to come up with a solution to the problem”.

When contacted by The Gazette, a spokesman for Minister Varadkar said: “The Minister has taken this matter up with Dublin Bus.” A spokesman for Dublin Bus

said Dublin Bus has been liaising with Fingal County Council, regarding the erection of a bus shelter at Blakestown Way. “Due to the economic downturn, the Strategic Planning Department’s bus shelter budget has been significantly reduced, but it is Dublin Bus’ intention to install a bus shelter on the Blakestown Way, opposite the Lidl, for inbound services, once funding becomes available,” said the spokesman.

TRAINING: ENCOURAGING FIGURES

Short-lived JobFit initiative hailed on its 54% success rate Q LAURA WEBB

blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

Making a splash: Dublin Santas help St Michael’s annual swim GIVEN the work that St Michael’s House provides across the city, including Blanchardstown and the wider Dublin 15 area, its Santa Swim 2011 attracted plenty of support.

Dublin footballers Paul Flynn, Brian Cullen and Mossy Quinn were among those looking to splash out and help support the annual fun fundraising swim, taking a quick break at the DCU

Sports Pool, Glasnevin, to say hello to five-year-old Sophie Curley.

Sophie, and the lads, had a great time at the event, which saw a range of Santas go to great lengths to support St Michael’s, and its work in the development and provision of communitybased services for people with an intellectual disability in Ireland.

MORE than half of those who took part in the JobFit initiative, which aimed to get jobseekers back to work or education, successfully obtained a job or continued on to further education, it has emerged.

Operating out of three centres in Dublin, including one in Blancharstown, the initiative had a time-specific period, in some cases lasting just six months.

But, despite its short life, new figures have revealed that of Rehab’s JobFit programme, 54% of those who availed of the service got a job, or progressed on to further education or training.

A total of 614 people who were unemployed enrolled in one of the three centres – the others included one in Tallaght and one in Smithfield – and outcomes of participants were tracked up to 31 October.

The programme was delivered by TBG Learning, in partnership with National Learning Network – both Rehab Group companies.

Commending the success of JobFit, Rehab Group chief executive, Angela Kerins, said: “The results of the JobFit programme really speak for themselves, and the positive feedback we received from participants and employers in Blanchardstown, Smithfield and Tallaght, and other areas, throughout the duration says even more.

Contribution “It is clear JobFit has made a real contribution to the need for people to up-skill and re-enter employment, whilst also offering excellent value for money,” she said.

“One of the most pleasing results is the fact that more than 50% of Dublin participants have secured jobs or gone on to further training, to date, and we believe that this will rise

in the coming weeks as we continue to monitor people’s progress, showing there are real opportunities available for people with the right skill-sets.

“Those who have gone on to secure employment are working in areas such as retail, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, care and security roles and more, as a result of honing and gaining new skills through the programme.

“With a clear track record of success and experience in the area, Rehab would welcome the opportunity to once again provide supports to people who are unemployed in enabling them get their lives back on track,” she said.

Modules offered as part of the programme included information technology skills, health and social care, consumer awareness, workplace safety, and food hygiene and manual handling, accredited by a range of bodies, including FETAC.

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

THEATRE New Year sees top names coming to D15

An action-packed season set to kick off at Draiocht Q LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

TOP comedian Jason Byrne and the popular Coolmine Musical Society are just two of the acts set to feature in Dublin 15 Theatre Draiocht’s line up in the New Year.

Details of its new season of events for the first four months of 2012 were announced by the theatre this week.

And, of course, the start to any NewYear wouldn’t be complete with the annual panto in January and, this year, it’s Coolmine Panto’s production of Snow White. Other local acts will include performances from the Coolmine Drama Circle and a musical evening from Coolmine Musical Society.

Meanwhile, the team at Draiocht has said it’s delighted to welcome back the Opera Theatre Company with their production of The Magic Flute and CoisCeim Dance Theatre with their production of Touch Me. Draiocht is known for its variety of acts and has always given people a good laugh with its com-

edy acts and next year is no different with acts such as David O’Doherty and Kevin McAleer returning to the Dublin 15 stage next year.

Theatre programmes will include work from Peter Sheridan, a dinner theatre piece of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Swimming at the Forty Foot, which tells the stories of people who swim at the Forty Foot in all weathers.

Another highlight is also sure to be the Irish debut of Sound Affairs Cardiff with the silent movie Salome accompanied by a live soundtrack in the main auditorium.

The children’s programme will also be packed to the brim with family days, workshops for schools, the D15 Youth Theatre and much more. There are also shows by Barnstorm Theatre Company and a dance piece for threesix-year-olds all the way from Italy, as part of the Spréacha 2012 programme, which will be spread out throughout the year in 2012.

Visual arts programme continues with Amharc Fhine Gall VIII, Caro-

Comedian Jason Byrne is just one of the acts set to perform at Draiocht in the New Year

line Donohue and Dave West. A number of Visual Arts Workshops have also been programmed.

The Theatre Artist in Residence programme with Liam Halligan is now in full swing with over 60 people participating, ranging in age from 18 to 84.

To help reduce prices,

the team at Draiocht is offering a new Early Bird offer on some of its 2012 shows, if booked before December 31, 2011.

Check http://www.draiocht.ie for further information on this.

For full information on the line-up for next year log onto www.draiocht. ie

Learning about animal care TEENS from the Animal Care group at Huntstown Community Youth Project paid a visit to the D15 Dog Grooming Centre to find out more about caring for animals recently.

The youth group, which was set up during the summer following the success of summer programme Animal Crackers, is aimed at encouraging young people to develop a career path in animal care.

Youth Officer JK Onwumereh described the group’s first trip to D15 Dog Grooming Centre in the Base Centre, Mulhuddart as very educational: “Mary Maples the friendly proprietress made the young people feel welcome. She gave the group practical tips on dog grooming using lucky Megan Doyles 18-month-old Harvey as a guinea pig. The lovely beagle was pampered but not actually groomed as there wasn’t enough time.

Darragh, Mary, “Harvey” Megan, Rebecca, Kelly and Lauren pictured on their visit to the D15 Dog Grooming Centre

“Mary informed the group that her job includes providing free health check and advice before actual grooming takes place. She said she would like to move to a bigger space as her clientele continues to grow. She offered to take on some of the young people on work experience should they be interested in dog grooming in the

future.

“With Christmas approaching we would like to thank the D15 Dog Grooming Centre for supplying tips that would make more dogs happy this Christmas,” he said.

The event was such a success that the teens asked JK to make arrangements to bring them back in the New Year.

COURTS Life in prison for Michaela murderer Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com

THE man charged with murdering 12-year-old schoolgirl Michaela Davis has been sentenced to life in prison.

Jonathon Byrne (20) of Lohunda Downs, Clonsilla pleaded guilty to her murder and was sentenced to the mandatory penalty of life imprisonment.

Michaela’s body was found on the banks of the royal canal just minutes from her home in The Village Porterstown, Clonsilla on August 28 last year.

Byrne admitted raping Michaela Davis twice before strangling her at the playing fields on Porterstown Road. He then dragged her body to the banks of the canal where it was later found.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

POLITICS In an exclusive interview with The Gazette, Patrick

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‘ I believe that the policy of austerity is not working – it is not helping to get our economy back on track, and it is not helping to get people back in work.

‘We need to reach targets, but I believe that the balance of cuts to front-line services, and cuts to people on low incomes, as against asking those who have the most to pay the most, was not correct.’

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Patrick Nulty

Labour’s Patrick Nulty, who is standing by his decision to vote against austerity measures in the budget

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‘I believe the austerity policy is not working’ Q LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

HE’S the rebel TD who dramatically voted against the coalition’s first Budget, but Patrick Nulty says he has no regrets for making a stand against measures that have targeted the most vulnerable members of society.

This week, in an exclusive interview with The Gazette, the 29-yearold, who was the newest Labour TD af ter being elected in Dublin West six weeks ago, also denied that he had deceived the electorate.

“I have been absolutely consistent at every stage of my activity in

politics, and I think I would be deceiving people if I didn’t stand up and speak out for what I believe in.

“I will work tirelessly on behalf of the people who elected me, and will continue to stand up, speak out and represent them for the ideals and ideas that I hold dear to me,” he said.

And, in spite of his expulsion from the Parliamentary Party, Nulty says he will remain an “ a c t i ve ” m e m b e r o f the Labour Party, both nationally and locally.

“I am fully committed to the aims, objectives and principles of the party, and I believe I have acted in accordance

with those principles,” he told The Gazette this week.

“I believe that the policy of austerity is not working – it is not helping to get our economy back on track, and it is not helping to get people back in work.

“The VAT increase, and the reduction in the capital expenditure programme, and the numbers which will be removed from front-line public services will actually lead to job losses in the economy next year.

“I believe what we need to do is to create jobs. The key point is that there are choices this country can make about how we fix our

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‘The VAT increase, and the reduction in the capital expenditure programme, and the numbers which will be removed from front-line public services will actually lead to job losses in the economy next year’ --------------------------------------------------------

Patrick Nulty

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economy.

“We can ask those who have wealth in our society to contribute more; we can use our national pension reserve fund to invest in equality and jobs; we can build our infrastructural projects and grow our way out of recession, and we

can also refuse to pay unsecured Anglo Irish bondholders in January, which would save this countr y a significant amount,” he said.

“We need to reach targets, but I believe that the balance of cuts to front-line services, and cuts to people on low

incomes, as against asking those who have the most to pay the most, was not correct,” said Nulty.

“The reduction in staff numbers in our health service is going to make the situation at Connolly Hospital extremely difficult.

“In the byelection, I made absolutely clear in public meetings, and my election literature, when asked what my position on Connolly Hospital was, that the beds needed to be reopened, and that there was no more scope for cuts, and we could not take any more pain in the health service – I stand over that commitment, publicly,”

he said.

Asked what reaction his constituency colleague, and Minister, Joan Burton had to his decision to vote against the Budget, Nulty said: “ I h ave t r e m e n d o u s respect for Joan, and I know both her, and Labour party ministers of Cabinet, fought very hard, and will continue to fight very hard.

“I will continue to work with Joan and the local Labour party in Dublin West.

“However, I could not support particular measures in this Budget, and I would hope everyone will respect that and understand my position.”

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

Nulty discusses why he voted against measures in the Budget

Where next for Labour’s Patrick Nulty?

Following newly-elected Labour TD Patrick Nulty’s decision to vote against the Budget, local representatives give their reaction to his decision, and say what his next move should be …

‘If Nulty’s sincere, we call on him to resign’ SOCIALIST Par ty Mulhuddart councillor Ruth Coppinger said Deputy Nulty’s decision reflected a growing shift against “austerity and Labour”, and that a new Left party was needed.

“His decision to vote against the Budget is a welcome blow to Labour ’s continuance of the disastrous bailout/austerity programme.

“The choice by Labour to attack the poor, rather than bondholders, is putting pressure on a section of backbenchers and shows the need for a new Left party,” she said.

“The swingeing cuts to health, education, the disabled, lone par-

Socialist councillor Ruth Coppinger

ents and part-time workers on social welfare was clearly too much for Deputy Nulty to stand over, despite an earlier commitment to always vote with Labour.

“This decision reflects the growing realisation among a majority in society that austerity won’t create jobs or bring economic recov-

ery, but adds to the crisis by killing demand, which the Socialist Party/ULA campaigned on in the by-election.

“If Deputy Nulty is sincere, we call on him to now resign from the Labour party and make a principled stand against austerity, and for the building of a new Left party in this country.”

COMING SOON IN YOUR GAZETTE...

Fianna Fail councillor David McGuinness

‘It is clear his election mandate was ill-gotten’ FIANNA Fail’s David McGuinness said the Dublin West TD has deceived his electorate, and should consider resigning his seat.

“Just over eight weeks ago, outside Roselawn Shopping Centre, Patrick Nulty adamantly told RTE Radio 1 listeners that he would always vote with the Labour party.

“He said he wanted to get into Leinster House to influence Government policy, and stand up for the people of Dublin West ... [but]

in Leinster House, he has reneged on his word, and I know that many people in Dublin 15 and Swords will be sore at his deception,” said Cllr McGuinness.

Fully aware “While I may agree with Patrick Nulty about many of the callous measures which Ministers Burton and Varadkar have ensured are included in the budget, he ran for election fully aware of the scale of the budgetary adjustments that were necessary, and the shape of

the measures likely.

“They were being well-flagged since early autumn.

“It is now clear that Patrick Nulty has received a mandate from the people on October 27 which is ill-gotten. I believe that he has deceived the people of Dublin West.

“It is on these grounds that I would now ask him to consider resigning the seat.

“If he then so wishes, he can run for the seat as an Independent,” said Cllr McGuinness.

‘He should resign, if his actions are to be taken seriously’ DUBLIN West Sinn Fein representative Paul Donnelly also called on Nulty to resign from the Labour party, following his vote against the budget.

“I welcome Patrick Nulty’s decision not to support the savage

budget being imposed on ordinary people.

“However, I am calling on him to go the full way, and resign from the Labour party, if his actions are to be taken seriously and not seen as a way to escape voting for this, and other

crippling budgets coming down the line in the next four years,” said Donnelly.

“There is an opportunity to build and grow a progressive Left alternative and I call on Nulty to join in the upcoming protests against this

unjust Government.

“Sinn Fein have shown that there is a better way, through making choices that create employment, help the old, the sick, the vulnerable, children and working people,” he said.

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6 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

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Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown

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ASTLEKNOCK Lions Club will be conducting their annual Christmas Food Appeal at Spar supermarket, Carpenterstown, and Spar supermarket. Castleknock, on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18.

The appeal was originally a food appeal, but, over the years, it has been found more practical – from a logistics point of view – to accept cash, which is then converted into food vouchers for the recipients.

All monies and foodstuffs collected are given over to the local St Vincent de Paul Society for distribution. So, if you help the Lions out with their appeal, you are helping the St Vincent de Paul.

The local Lions say they will never forget last year’s Christmas Appeal. They were out on the two coldest days of that terrible cold spell, that put us all off having a “White Christmas” for the foreseeable future.

The Lions say they are thankful for all the support they get from the local community, and remind us that every single cent they get goes to the charity – there are no expenses or management fees.

In another fundraising drive by the Castleknock Lions, Alan Halford presents Brother Kevin with a cheque for €6,000, proceeds of the recent Castleknock Lions Golf Classic in Westmanstown. This will aid the Penny Dinners scheme, that the Capuchin Order has in place to feed the homeless and needy.

St VdP increases its help for the ‘new poor’ L

AST Sunday, I was talking to Fr Eugene Kennedy after 11 o’clock Mass in the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Laurel Lodge.

The usual collection at all the Masses had been suspended this week, and substituted with a special diocesan collection for St Vincent de Paul.

During the course of his homily, Fr Eugene said that, [historically] St Vincent de Paul had no need to provide support to families in the immediate area since the early eighties.

This year, 137 families in the area require support from St Vincent de Paul.

The local team of St Vincent de Paul in Laurel Lodge consists of a president, secretary and treasurer, and six other members, meeting every second Monday evening in the church office at 7.30pm.

I put a few questions to Fr Eugene concerning the work of St Vincent de

Paul as to how the recession was affecting families, and how they were coping, and how the society was responding to their needs.

I asked him: “What area does the Laurel Lodge Conference of St Vincent de Paul cover?”

Fr Eugene said: “The area covered is Laurel Lodge, Carpenterstown and the greater Blanchardstown area.”

Me: “What are the most common problems that St Vincent de Paul find when dealing with applicants for their services?”

Fr Eugene: “Many people are finding it difficult to provide food and clothing for their family. In the struggle to pay their mortgage and rent, often times, there is not enough left for food.

“A lot of homes have to do without heating – they just can’t afford it.

“This is a major problem, particularly with the elderly and the very young, as hypothermia can have serious, even

fatal consequences.

“It is hard to believe that in the 21st century, people are at risk due to hunger and cold.

“Another problem is where people have had their electricity or gas cut off, or are about to have it cut off.

“Sometimes, these problems impact on normal family life, leading to pressure and stress, which can spiral downward to depression, alcoholism, marriage break-up and violence within the home.”

Me: “Has the Budget impacted much on families?”

An example Fr Eugene: “I’ll give you one example – St Vincent de Paul statistics show a family with three children are €88.25 a month worseoff since the Budget, when you take into account cuts on Children’s Allowance, heating, rent and so on.”

Me: “Would you have an idea how many families are being looked after [in

the area] by St Vincent de Paul, and what amounts of money are involved in helping local families?”

Fr Eugene: “There are 137 families on the books in this area, this Christmas. The Society visits 71 homes on a regular basis.

“They will deliver toys to 31 families [63 children]. The Society will provide this Christmas €13,000/€15,000 in food vouchers, with the object of these vouchers to free up cash flow to clear outstanding bills.

“The Society will also deliver hampers to 24 – 30 families.

“This year, St Vincent de Paul needs 38% more funds to alleviate distress than they did last year.

“This year they are calling to [support] the ‘new poor’ – people who were contributors, and now find themselves recipients.

“In some cases, both parents in the family home have lost their jobs, having been in long-term employment, and just cannot cope.”

This is a harrowing picture that Fr Eugene presents, and I believe that it is an absolute shame that Irish society is so unequal.

It seems to me that there are too many wealthy people making large profits, drawing huge pensions and salaries, without being asked to make a realistic contribution to the nation’s recovery, while the poor get poorer.

It is all the more ironic when it is likely that any recovery will favour the wealthy more than the poor.

There is a small ray of sunshine to report. Fr Eugene told me that, following a quick count of funds raised for St Vincent de Paul at all the Masses, that the figure was up a good bit on last year’s.

In fact, he was able to reveal that the figure was up by 18% – a big help to support others.

So, the spirit of generosity and giving is still there within the community.

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

INNOVATION Helping those with reading difficulties

Positions available

D15 firm wins award for Read Assist Q LAURA WEBB

A DUBLIN 15-based company has won a prestigious award for designing the Read Assist, a product designed to help people with dyslexia and reading difficulties become more confident readers.

The Read Assist has come a very long way from its first design, which was made from the side of a cereal box.

Creator Sheila Byrne, approached Spear Technologies, now Spear Product Design, based in Blanchardstown, with her first prototype and it quickly evolved into the design that is doing

extremely well in the market place, thanks to the Spear’s design team.

Spear Product Design was awarded with the Grand Prix award for its design of the Read Assist during the 13th IDI (Institute of Designers in Ireland) Awards ceremony held in Dublin recently.

The assist was created

by Sheila Byrne to help her daughter with mild dyslexia. Sheila realised at the age of six, that her daughter, Jenny was experiencing difficulties in focusing on one line when trying to read.

Through the years, her daughter experienced common difficulties

RTE and TV3 presenter Michael Haye presents Spear Product Design with their award for Read Assist, pictured left

experienced by people with dyslexia, the main one was the traditional presentation of school books being in black on white and focus on individual words and written material can result in a big blur – deeply frustrating the reader.

To help solve this issue

COUNCIL

Sheila built a simple prototype.

Honora Egan and Greg Tobin, of Spear Product Design, the recipients of the Grand Prix award said the Read Assist, is a fantastic innovation.

“Obviously it is a great honour to receive not only the award for prod-

uct design but for overall Grand Prix design winner, it is an amazing achievement. What makes Read Assist such a great product is not only the excellence in design but the packaging, branding and continuous product development. We worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was right and I think that really shines through in the product

which is available today,” Greg said.

“We received fantastic support from the Fingal County Enterprise Board down the years and this is as much a success for them as it is for us. This is a truly unique product, an Irish product designed by an Irish design team, Hopefully its success can be emulated across the country.”

FINGAL County Council currently has six positions available through the JobBridge programme and hopes to begin the interview process in the New Year.

When asked by Fine Gael councillor Kieran Dennison to report on the council’s use of the Work Placement Programme and JobBridge, the national internship, a spokesperson for FCC confirmed that it had six intern positions.

The intern positions are nine months in duration and currently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie.

“It is anticipated that the interviews for these positions will be held in the New Year. The positions available are: Marketing Specialist, Data Researcher and Social Needs Analyst, Economic Assistant, Social Media and Online Marketing Specialist, and Environmental Health Assistant (2 intern positions available).”

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

EVENT Diswellstown held an amazing annual Christmas fair

Locals group together for festive fun HERE was plenty of festive cheer at St Patrick’s National School Diswellstown recently when they held their annual Christmas Fair. Santa Calaus himself made an appearance to see all the little girls and boys, and to listen to their Christmas wishes.The event was greatly supported by the local community through donations as well as putting in time getting the hall ready, cooking, cleaning and turning up on the day. Local businesses were also on hand to support the event.

There were plenty of prizes on offer with a special raffle and lucky winners getting some early Christmas gifts. The organisers sent out a huge thank you to everyone who made the event a massive success.

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Marie Munster, Orla Murray, Trish Bohan and Paola Muredda. Picture: Conor O’Mearain

Harry Lewis and Santa

Venus, Diana and Jordan Rufai

Katie Fetherston, Kevin Boushel and Rebecca Wilson

Eileen Maddock, Liz Nagle, Gina and Sophie Brady

Aoibhin and David Richmond with their mother and Santa

Ciara O’Hanlon with Santa

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

EVENT Programme boosts students’ business minds

Students, Greta Jasudaite, Sophia Moroney, Sinéad Quinn, Killian Tol and Andrew Ennis meet with VEC officer Martin MacEntee, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Gerry McGuire, Oisin Geoghegan, Wesleigh O’ Hagan, Pictures: Joe Keogh

Sinéad Quinn and her teacher, Wesleigh O’Hagan

Greta Jasudaite, Martin MacEntee (VEC), Sinéad Quinn and Sophia Moroney

Students Killian Tol and Andrew Ennis pose with Oisin Geoghegan CEO of FCEB

Shay Kinsella, Simon Curmei, Adam Swan and Mark Debtuch

Young budding entrepreneurs HE Fingal Student Enterprise Programme enables more students than ever to set up and run their own student enterprises, with the support of the Fingal County Enterprise Board.

The programme runs from September to May every year and is supported by County Dublin VEC and Fingal County Council.

A total of 19 secondary schools and 10 primary schools from all over Fingal are

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taking part in the current programme, which involves over 1,800 budding entrepreneurs.

Students were pictured at the Fingal County Enterprise Board offices in Swords with Mayor Gerry McGuire, school teacher Wesleigh O’ Hagan and VEC representatives. All students had a great day, lots of personal advice and heaps of information was given on their possible business futures.

Aoife Tarleton, Benedicte Mputu, Mufaro Simango, Caroline Postnov and Raimonda Zalisauskaite

Aoife Tarleton from Luttrellstown Mufaro Simango and Raimonda Zalisauskaite

Community College

Jennifer O’ Dwyer, Shay Kinsella and Mark Debtuch with Mayor Gerry McGuire

15 December 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 15 December 2011 12 GAZETTE 15 December 2011

R1

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The only problem with resistance training is that, unlike the treadmill, which can be operated by even the most inexperienced gym goer, learning to lift weights safely and effectively

requires some professional training.

To get the best results from your g y m pro gramme, you need to target large muscle groups with compound exercises. T hese are exercises that use multiple muscle groups for effective fat burning.

Squats, deadlifts, pushups, bench press, dips, lunges, chin-ups, rows

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or pull downs are all examples of compound exercises.

D o n ’t w a s t e t i m e trying to spot reduce and lose abdominal fat by performing sit-ups because it can take you up to 30,000 sit-ups to burn a pound of fat!

There are less timec o n s u m i n g w ay s t o burn fat, you can do all the sit-ups you want and have strong abdominal muscles, but if they are covered in fat, nobody will ever see them.

Imperative

The muscles of the lower body; the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals are some of the biggest, so to burn fat it’s important to keep them in your workout.

It is imperative in any weight-training pro gramme that you train legs regularly. Working these muscles effectively will deliver noticeable results quickly.

Regular running or cycling will not produce the same results. The fact is that many professional runners and cyclists use resistance training to build these key muscles.

Aerobic training and resistance training use

For the most noticeable results in the shortest period of time, resistance training is the most beneficial form of exercise

very different energy systems giving completely different results.

The key to improving muscle tone is overload – this means the neuromuscular system must be challenged in each workout with a load it is not accustomed to. If you fail to increase the weight week by week, then your body has no reason to adapt and you will not see the results you deserve.

Once you have reached your peak

on your current programme, it is time to change. The body adapts to any stimulus when it is applied r e p e a t e d l y, s o y o u r gym programme must be changed frequently enough to elicit a physiological response.

If you do the same thing over and over, you cannot expect to see different results. If you stay on a single training plan for too long, then you are simply maintaining

your current level of fitness not advancing it.

Time to change if you want to see change!

DT Fitness is offering an amazing Christmas gift card offer to all readers of the Gazette: Buy a €100 gift card for only €80, and DT will give you another gift card for yourself worth €20 for free. So, this Christmas, treat a friend and treat yourself. That’s €40 discount for only €80 spend.

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

15 December 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY LOCAL Being a goddess during this very festive season Edited by Dawn Love

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ARTER Beauty in Blackrock is going for all-out goddess gorgeous for the festive season with an array of treatments designed to make sure you are at your most glamorous this December.

Their ultimate luxefor-less Prepare to Party 5-in-1treatment includes pedicure and manicure, spray tan, eye-lash extension and brow shape, which would normally cost €120, but is now a recessionista-approving €65.

The Prepare to Party treat fest begins with a foot-fixing pedi and an OPI polish of your choice to get your feet red-carpet ready. On to your mani next, and they promise to have your nails polished to perfection and pictureperfect. The Prepare to Party treatment continues with a spray tan that will take you from pale, to flesh-flashing bronzed,

using their signature spray tan or if preferred a Karora or Rock Star Tan. To complete your pamper perfection, they will then apply utterly fluttery, lash extensions, available in three lengths (short, medium or long) and then finally they will do an eyebrow shape to shape and upgrade your entire look.

Prepare to Party is €65. Carter Beauty is based at 40, Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin. wwwcarterbeauty.ie Tel: 01-2103624.

Resolution

It might seem a bit soon to be talking about New Year Resolutions with the festive season and parties well underway, but there’s nothing like a bit of forward planning.

Every year on January 1, millions of us begin the annual ritual of making a New Year’s Resolution.

Sales of chocolate and alcohol plummet, as we promise ourselves a new strict diet programme or an energetic gym schedule. However, most of us are ready to get back to our old ways by March.

Despite our best intentions, only one-in-10 of us will succeed in our resolutions.

So, why not make 2012 the year that you stick to your promises?

The Prepare to Party 5-in-1 treatment includes pedicure and manicure, spray tan, eye-lash extension and brow shape

Nelsons’ sell a range of natural products that are an ideal complement to a New Year Regime and we’ve checked out some of the best on offer.

Fitness fanatic

Setting yourself a new energetic gym regime after a few months, or even years, away from the gym will be an immediate shock to your body. Keep Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Cream in your gym bag, it is ideal post-workout.

Simply massage it in to help soothe those tender, aching muscles.

Increased endurance exercise can lead to

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reduced iron levels. If your athletic work-outs leave you with muscle fatigue and tiredness, it could be down to a lack of dietary iron. Top up your iron levels with Spatone, it is a 100% natural liquid iron supplement that is gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed. The easy storage sachets are perfect to pop into your gear bag while on the go.

Don’t give up giving up

Giving up smoking is one of the most popular resolutions that people make. However, it is an extremely hard one to stick to. Setting a realistic New Year’s Resolution will help you stay on the straight and narrow. New research has observed that chewing gum can help relieve anxiety, improve alertness and reduce stress.

Taking time out to chew a piece of gum, could help make a calmer, more relaxed you, helping you to stay on track to keeping your

Reduce stress with Rescue Chewing Gum

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Rescue Chewing Gum is flavoured with zesty natural orange and elderflower. The liquid centre contains four drops of the famous combination of five flower essences discovered by Dr Bach and used by millions around the world. Keep

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15 December 2011 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods WITH Christmas fast approaching December can be the month where Yuletide cheese takes over the airwaves and shop speakers while decent music gets pushed aside (although not on Nova!).

Don’t get me wrong, one of my many guilty pleasures is Christmas music, and I’m not ashamed to say it! Although I only mean the good stuff none of your Shakin’ Stevens. And if you think Christmas music is cheesier than a bucket of fondue, ask yourself why even the most credible of rockers have released Christmas tunes.

Ok, probably for the cash, but we can still appreciate it. If you haven’t already this season, dig out The Greedies: A Merry Jingle, Twisted Sister’s White Christmas and the oh-so kid-friendly Alice Cooper with Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

Another gem I discovered recently is a fantastic cover of a classic from Monaghan singer/songwriter, Ryan Sheridan, whose version of Walking In The Air is definitely worth a listen, with proceeds are going to the Make A Wish Ireland Charity.

She might sing in key but she needs to be locked up while it’s thrown away...Leona Lewis is to cover Nine Inch Nails’ spine-tingler, Hurt. I’m not one to ever turn up my nose at covers: the Johnny Cash version is hauntingly good. But after committing tune-icide on Snow Patrol’s Run and Oasis’ Stop Crying Your Heart Out, the X Factor winner obviously hasn’t heard of the phrase: if it ain’t broke – don’t break it.

Great to hear The Beastie Boys, The Small Faces, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Guns ‘n’ Roses are to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony happens in Cleveland next April. I wonder will Axl Rose show up on time?

Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM

New Hall of Fame-rs, the Beastie Boys

Competition: Win a festive bundle of musical magnificence THE lovely people at Warners Music have provided us with a great Christmas present for the winners of our festive competition. Copies of this week’s brilliant album, El Camino, alongside REM’s hits collection, Michael Buble’s excellent Christmas, and Katherine Jenkins’ Daydream, are the prizes for those who can answer this question: Who was in The A Team in 2011?

Send your answer to competition@gazettegroup. com, with the subject line “Christmas Music Comp”, before Friday, December 22, or log on to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gazettenewspapers, post your answer, like and share the Christmas post on your wall.

REVIEW: SEVEN’S THE LUCK NUMBER FOR OHIO ROCKERS

Black Keys hit the high road with El Camino Q ROB HEIGH

IT WAS only a few days ago that I was bemoaning the lack of a real stand-out rock and roll act in the current firmament, and then, like manna from heaven, along comes The Black Keys’ seventh album, El Camino.

The group, from Akron, Ohio, have been plying their trade since 2001, and have been slowly but surely coming into their own. Over the course of their last two albums, Attack and Release and Brothers, there has been a marked maturity andconfidence coming into their work, and El Camino sees the return of acclaimed uber-producer DangerMouse to the mixing desk to steer this record to the masses.

Without a doubt this is their most assured and strongest work to date, and some great stomping rock songs.

From the fuzz-faced Lonely Boy that opens El Camino, to the funky bass of Mind Eraser that closes it, there’s literally never a dull moment.

Dan Auerbach’s solid riffs and arrangements

The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have produced one of the best rock albums of 2011

take what would be a fairly formulaic set-up in lesser hands into another stratosphere entirely.

T he straight-up rock approch lifts for a moment at the start of Little Black Submarines, before it kicks into a higher gear in a dramatic move reminiscent of some of the stripped back and powerful moments on Nevermind where Kurt and Dave combined to epic effect.

The record is packed with those kinds

of breath-catching moments when the stardust gets sprinkled and you realise you’re in the presence of greatness - The Black Keys have been threatening to hit this kind of stride for their last few albums, and it’s such a pleasure to report that they are there.

It’s also great to see them strut their stuff on bigger platforms, with some fairly sizable arena shows on their calendar for early next year, as well as live appear-

ances on SNL and The Colbert Report that I hear tily recommend you seek out to see what these guys can do when they’re let loose in a live setting.

With there being, strictly speaking, two members of the band, singer and guitarist Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, there are inevitable comparisons with The White Stripes, but there is a more defiantly rock approach to The Black Keys’ music than the country and

blues influences that appeared through the Stripes’ catalogue - and it’s interesting to think that one of DangerMouse’s recent production gigs was alongside the Italian composer Daniele Luppi and Jack White on their cinematic Rome project.

Late in the year to be appearing in the best-of lists, El Camino deserves to be a wild-card entry to anyone’s record collection and a place in their hearts for the year to come.

15 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: PETS’ FEET CAN TAKE A BATTERING, HERE’S HOW TO KEEP THEM PROTECTED

Keeping your pet’s paws in tip-top shape E all know feet are made for walking and dogs’ and cats’ feet are no different; but did you know your pet’s paws are also made for protecting?

Yep, Fido’s pads are there to provide extra cushioning to help protect his bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather conditions, aid him while he’s walking on rough terrain and help protect tissue deep within his paw.

With all that hard work to do, it’s no wonder cats’ and dogs’ paws often take a bit of a battering.

So, if you love your pet and want to keep his paws in tip-top condition, take a look at my tips below.

Fido and Kitty will be ever so grateful.

W

Winter Woes Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause sores, infections and blistering to dogs’ and cats’ paws. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog and cat when he licks those paws.

After your pet has been outside, take a minute to wash his paws in warm water to rinse away any salt and chemical residue.

Foreign Objects Items such as pebbles, small shards of broken glass, pieces of ice and other debris can become lodged in your pet’s pads.

These can usually be removed safely and gently using a sterilised tweez-

ers. However, if in doubt, call your vet.

Get out the moisturiser Your pet’s paw pads can become cracked and dry.

Ask your vet to prescribe a veterinary moisturiser – do not use a human one – and massage into your pet’s paws.

Start by rubbing and massaging the veterinary moisturiser between the pads on the bottom of the paw and then move between each toe.

For dogs only, Vaseline is also a great barrier against salt so rub it onto his paws before each walk.

Cats may lick the Vaseline so you need to ask your vet if it is ok to use on cats or ask them what they would recommend as an alternative.

Doggy Exercise Your dog loves exercise but if you’re about to begin a new regime, start off slowly.

His paws may be sensitive, especially after a hard winter, and they can become chaffed or cracked; so take this into consideration before you bring him on long hikes

or runs.

Be conscious to avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking your dog.

Do keep this simple tip in mind — if you don’t like to walk barefoot on glass or other sharp objects, then neither will your dog.

Safety First It’s not unusual for dogs and cats to suffer cuts or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass, debris or other objects.

Wounds that are smaller than a half-inch in diameter can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, see the vet for immediate treatment.

Prevention To reduce the risk of injury, keep your garden clear of pointy bits and pieces.

Pamper With Pedicures Your dog’s nails should just about touch the ground when he walks.

If nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it’s time for a pedicure.

Ask your vet or groomer for advice about what type of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly.

Nail trimming takes particular skill because if you cut them too short you’ll cut into the quick or blood vessel and this is very painful for poor Fido.

If you’re not confident, (and this is one task I never undertake to do myself), have your vet/ groomer do it for you.

If you have a cat please check with your vet first before you attempt to trim any of her nails.

Cats naturally scratch their claws to keep them short so they generally do not need their claws trimmed. Your vet will give you the best advice about this, so please consult him/her.

Snip and Trim In order to avoid painful matting, trim your dog’s paw hair regularly with a specially designed trimming scissors.

This applies particularly to long-hair breeds.

Simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads.

Follow our tips to keep your pet’s paws in great condition

18 GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Skoda keeping their eye on n CORMAC CURTIS

IT SEEMS to me as though Skoda have decided on a market strategy that takes them in to battle on every front with all of the big names in the motoring industry.

Across their entire stable of models, drivers will find something new and exciting from the Volkswagen-owned marque.

From the all-round complete motoring package that is the Yeti, to the executive luxury of the Superb models, there is hardly a hole in the range that they haven’t plugged.

One segment of car sales that has been showing considerable growth in recent years, is that of the lean, environmentally

sound and fuel-efficient vehicle.

Instead of simply pushing out one flagship eco-machine like some brands, Skoda have introduced a set of advanced technological solutions designed to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions across their entire range.

With a green f leet that includes the Fabia, Octavia, Superb, Superb Combi and Yeti models, buyers have an exceptional choice.

I spent a week with the Fabia Greenline, and nearly fell out of my cot when I saw the estimated range for a tank of diesel would be in the region of 870km As with all the Greenline vehicles, the Fabia is powered by a direct-

injection turbo-charged diesel engine, in this case a 1.2TDI, 75bhp version.

The Fabia Greenline model is only available in one trim but, to be realistic, if you’re buying one of these cars, economy is the attraction, and the looks come second.

That’s not to say this car is without appeal in the aesthetics department.

It sports a tasty boot spoiler, 15” alloy wheels and fog lights.

The overall look from the outside is unmistakably Skoda, non-parallel lines and low-slung, which is something I have come to be quite fond of, to say the least.

Inside is a minimalist affair; the dash wouldn’t really inspire too much, and the seats certainly

lack the vibrant punch of those in the Fabia Monte Carlo – but more on that next week.

For the Greenline model, there is a clear

and bright set of dials, ESP, cr uise control, 60:40 split folding rear seats, eight-speaker sound system and electrically adjustable and

heated mirrors.

For city drivers, a key fuel-efficiency feature is the stop-start system.

When the car comes to a halt and is put into neu-

15 December 2011 GAZETTE 19

the ball with the Fabia Greenline --------------------------

‘The Fabia Greenline is only available in one trim but, to be realistic, if you’re buying one of these cars, economy is the attraction, the looks come second’

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

tral, the engine cuts out.

As soon as the clutch is depressed the engine restarts – saving plenty of idling on the daily commute.

It’s an unusual sensation when it first happens, but you soon get used to it.

For longer runs, thankfully, this feature can be

overrun with the flick of a switch behind the handbrake.

One small niggle I had was the lack of steering wheel controls…

even volume and station change buttons would be nice considering you’re being so good to the environment.

Speaking of environ-

ment, it’s worth mentioning that the Fabia Greenline falls into tax band A, which, since the recent budget, means you pay €160 in annual road tax.

The rated fuel consumption is 3.4l/100km and the emissions are 89g/ km.

Also helping to keep your fuel consumption down, is an indicator on the dash that clearly prompts you when you’re revving too much and should shift up.

One other little trick Skoda employ to keep the green halo unblemished, is they don’t include a spare wheel! Instead, you get a tyre repair kit and a compressor, which is sure to confuse the NCT centre when they go looking for it.

They also recycle energy from braking pressure back to the alternator to keep the battery toppedup and to run on-board electrical appliances.

Anyway, let’s talk drive

for a bit.

Just because this car offers incredible fuel economy and low emissions, it does not mean it takes a fortnight to get through the gears – 0-100km/h is 14.2 seconds and the top speed is 172 km/h.

To be fair, I spent a few days on the M1 and the N7 while I had this car, and while I may not have picked up any penalty points, I didn’t have any problem getting past traffic when I switched to the passing lane.

So, in short, this car has some good looks, it drives well and it will save you a packet on road tax and fuel - let’s face it, that ain’t ever going to get cheaper.

The Fabia Greenline costs €19,090.

20 GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY

CARRICKMINES: DETACHED FIVE-BEDROOM HOME FOR €1,250,000

Magnificent abode set loose in Dunluce

Some of the trees on offer at B&Q

DECORATIONS: ALL KINDS TO SUIT YOU

Tree-mendous value on your Yule trees

DNG Stillorgan are bringing Dunluce, Glenamuck Road in Carrickmines, a spacious, light-filled detached residence totalling C.4000 sq ft, standing on mature grounds approached via a sweeping gravelled driveway with mature trees and electric gates, to the market for an asking price of €1,250,000.

Dunluce is an exceptional property finished to exacting standards throughout.

Entered via a spacious reception hall with a gallery landing over and vaulted ceiling with atrium, there is

plenty of natural light.

The property offers excellent open-plan and interconnecting receptions, all with hardwood timber floors, and all with direct access to the gardens.

The kitchen has a fully tiled floor in the kitchen area and an attractive range of Siematic kitchen units with a large central island with granite worktops, as well as a built-in oven, hob and extractor and dishwasher, and there is space for American fridge-freezer. There is a garage which is currently used as a gym.

The dining room and family room has

B&Q are offering a wide range of top artificial trees this Christmas which provide no–mess, no-fuss options for those of us who can’t stand the constant hoovering and needle-strewn floors of a real tree.

You can buy one that’s traditional green, colourful, fibre-optic, pre-lit or pre-decorated, or even a pop-up tree that’s easy to store and bring out again next year, as good as new.

The range varies from a Fairytale 6ft predecorated, lit, pop-up Christmas Tree for €44.50 to a simple Eiger Tree, at 7ft 6ins for €56, and plenty more besides.

Find out more about Christmas at B&Q at www.diy.com/christmas

Dragon in the house: Kerr helps out at business event JILLIAN McGuirk and Sinead Beggan, of McGuirk Beggan Property, were delighted to welcome Dragons’ Den star and entrepreneur, Bobby Kerr, to their office on Whitehall Road, Terenure, to join them in hosting an evening for local businesses, promoting the importance of keeping it local in the community.

Speaking at the event, Sinead Beggan said: “The evening was a great success, we were thrilled with the response and turn-out of other business owners and feel encouraged that the community will pull together in the New Year to promote and refer business locally and create new opportunities for each other.”

Dunluce, Glenamuck Road, Dublin 18 is on the market for €1,250,000

a superb wrap-around L-shaped reception with velu x windows over, and attractive vaulted ceilings with inset lighting and twin porthole windows. It features hardwood floors and double doors from the dining area out to the garden. This reception has wall-to-wall glazing all overlooking the garden.

The bedroom accommodation is also very generous, with one dou-

ble bedroom downstairs which could also be used as an additional reception if preferred, and four further double rooms upstairs, all en suite.

The property is approached via a s we e p i n g g r ave l l e d driveway with electric gates and ample offstreet parking to the front. There are mature front, side and rear gardens with lawned areas and mature trees.

The location of Dun-

luce is also appealling, with the Luas at Carrickmines situated within a short stroll as is Carrickmines retail park.

The M11 / M50 is also on your doorstep and Kilternan, Cabinteely and Foxrock villages are also close by.

Viewing is by appointment only and can be arranged by contacting Steven Manek of DNG Stillorgan on 01 2832700.

15 December 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

RETAIL: POPULAR EATERIE MARKS A MILESTONE EVENT

Kindergarten classes take care of young skiers at Kilternan

Mark Kavanagh, founder, Captain Americas; Jim Fitzpatrick, artist; Captain America; Tom Haran and Ronnie Delany

Happy birthday ya’ll!

UBLIN’S favourite dinner-themed restaurant, Captain Americas on Grafton Street, took a night off last week when they let their hair down for a good old-fashioned 40th birthday party.

D

Captain America himself was on hand to keep the staff safe from harm, as they celebrated 40 successful years serving hungry diners their favourite American food.

The pary atmosphere was a hit with everyone

Rebecca and Ruth Lee congratulate Captain America on his birthday

Why not try skiing this Christmas?

THE ski resorts of Europe may be praying for snow, but Irish snow-sport enthusiasts don’t have to look any further than South County Dublin for the perfect skiing and snowboarding experience, with or without snow.

Facilities at Kilternan are second-to-none, and include four different slopes to suit a wide range of users.

The main slope is 180m long; the intermediate slope is 150m, and this summer the two smaller slopes were revamped with a new surface called Snowflex, and Travelator (Magic Carpet) Lifts were installed.

Snowflex, which is decribed as the nearest thing to snow, is a soft, user-friendly carpet-like material, that, combined with the Travelator Lifts, is especially suitable for beginners, but is also being very much enjoyed by freestyle skiers and boarders.

The Christmas season starts with Santa visiting the slopes on December 18 at 4.30pm.

At 3pm there will be a special

class for adults and children at a special price of €15, followed by Santa’s arrival.

Also, after Christmas, a special course of beginner and intermediate classes will run over four days (Tuesday, December 27 – Friday, December 30) at 3pm each day.

There will also be a beginner class each day for those who do not wish to do a full course. The classes are suitable for adults and children aged seven and over.

Practise sessions will also be available for competent skiers from 2.30pm - 5.30pm.

Located at Kilternan, the Ski Club of Ireland caters for all levels, from first-timers taking their first lesson to seasoned skiers and snow-boarders. All age groups are catered for and they even run a “Kindergarten” ski course for children aged four to seven.

For more information visit www.skiclub.ie, or our facebook page www.facebook. com/skiclubofireland or phone 01 295 5658.

Captain’s cake

Adrian and Ronan Lots of guests helped to celebrate the milestone

Murphy cheer the event

Part of the evening’s promotional material

The newly resurfaced slopes at Kilternan

22 GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Spending the holiday season with the stars Celebrate Chinese New Year in London this January

CELEBRATE Chinese New Year in London this January. The Year of the Dragon will be celebrated at various locations throughout the city on January 29.

The actual Chinese New Year day will fall on January 23, with the London celebrations taking place on January 29 in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue.

The action kicks off when the Chinese New Year Parade winds its way around Chinatown and the West End, before heading to Trafalgar Square where the main stage will come to life with dance, acrobatics and live music.

Shaftesbury Avenue will boast another live stage that will showcase the cultural talents of local community groups and schools. Visitors can also get up close and personal with the lion dancers who will be touring the streets of Chinatown. The entire area will be decked out with special decorations and market stalls, so don’t miss out on most spectacular event of the Chinese calendar.

Get there with BMI, British Midland International, who fly up to four times daily from Dublin to London Heathrow from €29 one way, including all taxes.

For more information go to www.flybmi.com or www.visitlondon.com.

The action will kick off with the Chinese New Year Parade

Emirates Airline gets set for launch of Dublin to Dubai route EMIRATES Airline is gearing up for the launch of its Dublin to Dubai route on January 9, 2012.

The airline will operate a daily service from January 9, which will leave Dublin at 12.55pm, arriving in Dubai at 00.25am the next day. The return flight will leave Dubai at 7.00am, arriving in Dublin at 11.30am. An Airbus A330-200 will be deployed on the route, offering First Class, Business Class and Economy Class.

Meanwhile the airline has announced 25 new jobs in Ireland and the opening of its first office in Dublin on Harcourt Road, Dublin 2.

The new recruits will be based at Emirates’ new Dublin office and at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2, where the airline will have a high-profile presence.

Meanwhile, one of Ireland’s foremost airline veterans has been appointed by Emirates to the role of Country Manager for Ireland. Margaret Shannon, the former Head of Sales for Aer Lingus and Regional Manager (Ireland) at KLM, has over 30 years’ experience in the travel industry.

WITH the festive season just around the corner, some of the world’s best-known celebrities will soon be jetting off to their favourite holiday hideaways.

For those of you who fancy living like the rich and famous this Christmas, Hotels.com has compiled a list of top festive hotspots in which you are at least guaranteed a celebrity sighting, if not a chance encounter under the mistletoe this Christmas.

In Whistler and Vancouver, Canada, you just might r un into Justin Timberlake, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson and Michael Buble.

Every year, many of our well-known and much-loved celebrities swap their cosy Christmas slippers for ski

boots, and take to the slopes of Whistler.

Some f lock to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, which is the perfect hideaway tucked at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain.

J u s t i n T i m b e r l a ke and ex-girlfriend Cameron Diaz have been spotted here on several occasions enjoying the Whistler slopes by day, and relaxing at one of the outdoor fire pits in the Fairmont’s Mallard Lounge by night.

Other celebrities who have been known to spend the Christmas on the Whistler slopes include Tom Cr uise, Kurt Russell and Mel Gibson.

Just 125km south of W histler is Vancouver, hometown of pop crooner Michael Buble.

Since they married

last year, Buble and his Argentinian wife, Luisana Lopilato, have spent Christmas here surrounded by friends and family, so make sure to keep an eye out for them if Vancouver is on your list this festive season.

Prices at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler star t from €229 per room on Hotels.com Look out for Harrison Ford, Nicolas Cage and Justin Bieber in St Lucia.

If you’re dreaming of a white-sand Christmas instead of a traditional white Christmas, the lush Caribbean Island of St Lucia is the perfect spot to escape to this Christmas.

A popular retreat for celebrities hoping to top up their tan, Harrison Ford and Nicolas

Cage both own luxurious holiday homes on the island.

Catch the Festival of Lights with its light sculptures and lantern contests in mid-December, the countr yside bonfires on Christmas Eve, or simply relax at The Ladera Resort Hotel with its amazing sea and rainforest views.

I f i t ’s a n a c t i o n packed holiday you’re after, why not try a spot of wakeboarding or jet skiing at the BodyHoliday leSport Resort.

Be warned, you may have to share the water with Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, both of whom have spent Christmas here frolicking in the sea.

Prices for this Christmas hotspot, Ladera Resort Hotel, start at €507 per room per night on Hotels.com.

However, if you’re looking to visit St Lucia on a smaller budget, visit Royal by Rex Resorts where prices start from €137 on Hotels.com.

In Barbados keep your eyes peeled for Rihanna, Simon Cowell or One Direction You don’t have to foot the steep bill at Sandy Lane in order to guarantee a celeb-sighting in Barbados.

Barbadian, Rihanna, spends her time relax-

The resort of Ladera on the

ing on the island during the busy holiday season so you could well find yourself dining in one of the islands fine restaurants alongside the pop sensation.

Of course, music mogul Simon Cowell is a regular here and frequently invites fellow celebrities to join him for the Christmas break.

It has been rumoured that he has promised X Factor group, One Direction, a trip to the island this year.

If that’s not enough, you may even bump in to Sting, or a member of the Beckham family, both of whom have been spotted here over the festive season.

Stay at the 4 -star Ocean Two Resort and Residence, where prices start from €307 on Hotels.com during the Christmas season.

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs A de-stressing massage is just the ticket

Castleknock Hotel has everything for your perfect Girls’ night out THE Girls’ Night out package at the Castleknock Hotel has all the elements needed to make a girly night a success - pampering, food, drink and a comfy bed at the end of it all.

The award-winning hotel spares nothing when it comes to making the night a success. Two spa treatments, which are included in the package, are the icing on the cake. A de-stressing massage and a mini manicure lasts roughly an hour, with the option to spend as long as you want in the relaxation room afterwards.

The open plan reception/bar area, allows for entertainment to be heard by all, but with well sound-proofed rooms there is no worry that Christmas party goers will disturb your sleep.

Why not spend some quality time stateside this Winter

island of St Lucia offers stunning views

FOR some winter fun, Stateside, check out the many offers GoHop.ie have to some of America’s favourite cities.

Save €60 per booking on a Las Vegas Winter trip from €639pps LAS Vegas is a city that barely needs an introduction, from its top-of-the-line resorts, shopping and dining to its exciting entertainment and nightlife, Las Vegas has earned its place as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.

This package includes return flights from Dublin to Las Vegas, five nights accommodation in the Excalibur Hotel on a room-only basis, based on two sharing and airline taxes. Prices are all subject to availability at time of confirmation. Hotel upgrades available.

Travel from January 1, 2012 to March 30, 2012 Ref No: H008-3523

For one week only get a New York Winter Break from €669pps THE original city that never sleeps, New York has something for people of all ages, from visiting the Empire State Building to a nice stroll in Central park. Go to the top of the Rock or skate at the Rockefeller centre. It’s all there to be taken in one big bite.

This package includes return direct flights from Dublin or Shannon to NYC, airline taxes, three nights hotel accommodation based on two sharing on a room-only basis. Prices are subject to change and availability at time of confirmation.

Travel to March 30, 2012 Ref No: H008-3429 Book your Stateside trip online at www.GoHop. ie or call 01-2412389 to book over the phone.

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Kings of Comedy

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, and The Pavilion is offering comedy fans a treat, as a trio of top comics – Barry Murphy, Joe Rooney and Kevin McAleer – are on hand to make you forget the season of good will, and delight in a season of top laughs and dreadful jokes (in the very best way, of course) instead. This Christmas, these three kings of Irish comedy can be enjoyed at 7.30pm on Sunday, December 18, with tickets costing €18.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Saveus Maveus and the Santa Claus Rescue WHEN Santa Claus goes missing just before Christmas, Dundrum children know that it’ll take quite a Dame to help save him – and there’s no Dame quite like aunty Saveus Maveus. Nasty Nickers has kidnapped Santa on Christmas Eve, so it’s Saveus Maveus to the rescue! There’s family fun to be had with this tough Dame, a villain to boo and hiss, and Santa to help save on Friday, December 16. For a range of show times and ticket prices, including for families and schools, see www.milltheatre.ie.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 New Dublin Voices CAROL singing is a firm part of the celebration of Christmas, and Blanchardstown theatre, Draiocht, has laid on a show to delight. New Dublin Voices, winner of RTE Lyric FM’s nationwide Choirs for Christmas competition, promise a show to remember, as the award-winning singers have lined up a range of delightful carols for all, with many traditional, some new, and old favourites with a new twist. Hear the choir sing at 3pm or 8pm on Saturday, December 17 in the Main Auditorium, with tickets costing €15/€10 conc/family of four: €40.

ALVIN (front, centre) has to rely on his friends when he, and they, are “chipwrecked” on a desert island after their luxury cruise goes wrong. Left alone by themselves, the chipmunks will have a challenge to survive ... still, perhaps the island’s occupant will be able to help ...

Fur-ly entertaining This latest offering in the Alvin series treads familiar ground, making it acceptable enough family fare – just Q KATE CROWLEY

IN MY time, I’ve seen all kinds of horrors.

Nicolas Cage comedies.

Clive Owen in a beret. A Madonna film (once).

Grim stuff, I can tell you – but nothing compared to the horror of Grafton Street a few weeks before Christmas.

I had a clear mission last weekend - to grab Mr Crowley’s Christmas present; something long and thin, that you can hold in your hand, and which could be quite useful during any rain.

(Yes, dear readers, that’s right – a sturdy stick, for him to clear out the gutters if they get clogged up with any soggy leaves.)

This proved somewhat more difficult than I thought, and as I stood there, listening to a fundraising choir singing Titanic’s, My Heart Will Go On, apart from thinking to myself: “But my goodness, I hope

FILM OF THE WEEK: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked +++ (G) 97 mins Director: Mike Mitchell Starring: Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, and several singing chipmunks

OUR VERDICT: THE latest in the Alvin series isn’t quite adrift in the ideas department, but this tale of a luxury family holiday gone wrong may not make a big splash with younger viewers. Still, as singing chipmunk films go, it’s not quite as bad as it could have been. While Alvin and friends end up lost on a desert island, the film retreads some very familiar ground ...

their song doesn’t”, my thoughts turned back to the movies, and to something that could give both of you, dear readers, a boost for Christmas.

Unfortunately, that something is another Alvin/chipmunks’ film (words which most adult readers will automatically associate with the soft ‘snick’ of cinema doors being locked behind them, trapping them inside for the next 90 minutes or so).

And so, with a heavy sigh that could compete with Vincent Browne

himself, let’s take a look at our latest chipmunkeying around with Alvin and friends. (See what I did there?)

I’m sure you all know perfectly well by now who Alvin and friends are, including their long-suffering human minder (owner?), Dave (Jason Lee), who, here, decides to head off on a luxury cruise with the chipmunks and, err, chipettes.

What could possibly go wrong? (I’ll give you a hint: it begins with “A”, and ends in “lvin”.)

Naturally, things don’t

quite go swimmingly once they’re all afloat, as, inevitably, the wascally wodents are soon in all sorts of trouble on the high seas, with Alvin threatening to sink their holiday spirits.

I see a couple of you checking your watches.

Okay, okay – yes, indeed, in a truly shocking and unexpected twist that isn’t in any way hinted at by the film’s trailers and promotional materials, Alvin and friends end up cast adrift from the cruise, winding up on a little island.

Why, they’ve been ...

CHIPwrecked, if you will! Ahem.

Alvin and friends must now rely on their wits, courage, and sparky musical abilities to survive, while Dave does his best to find them.

T he only familyfriendly problem is, the chipmunks soon find that they’re not alone on the island, where

someone who’s only had a basketball to talk to for years (no, not Tom Hanks) is very pleased to have new friends. A little too pleased...

And that’s yer lot.

Admittedly, it’s a somewhat brief summary, but this latest chimpunkery from Alvin and friends is yet another one of those films that’s all squeaky voices and musical interludes, and little substance, although small children are unlikely to notice that.

Many parents, and especially young children, will find it perfectly fine fare, as it follows the chimpunk formula to expected results.

Okay, it’s certainly not a Christmas cracker, but in the spirit of the season, I hereby pronounce Chipwrecked to be ... tolerable.

Happy Christmas, chipmunks everywhere!

And no more sequels, please!

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING

It’s a Grand ‘new’ release to look at SHANE DILLON

IT’S certainly been an interesting year given the number of “new” games being released, that are anything but.

We’ve seen anniversary editions of games being re-released, typically with a HD brush-up, and sometimes with all subsequent add-on maps and DLC packs, creating near definitive collectors’ editions of said titles.

Indeed, at the time of going to press, the news has finally been confirmed that the expected launch of Grand Theft Auto 3 (GTA3) for portable devices is set for Thursday, December 15.

So, if city-roaming open world “sandbox” titles are your thing, I dare say that you’ll find GTA3 on your online store, if you set aside your Gazette.

It’s not the “first” handheld edition of Grand Theft Auto, of course – years ago, I whiled away many an hour roaming around Liberty City on

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

It’s interesting that the 10 Year Anniversary edition of GTA3 will be out for a wide range of IOS- and Android-driven devices

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

my trusty old PSP, as well as other GTA locales – but it’s interesting that the 10 year Anniversary edition will be out there for a wide range of IOS- and Android-driven devices.

To be honest, at this stage GTA3 is something of a curate’s egg – excellent in parts, yet unappetising in others, having long since been superseded in gaming by subsequent iterations and rivals.

Still, although at ten years old GTA3 is something of a dinosaur, people love dinosaurs, and

gamers are likely to grab GTA3 for their ubiquitous phones/gaming devices.

I predict a lot of rapidly draining batteries in the near future.

As I said at the start, it’s been an interesting year, seeing the number of re-released editions of games.

While the Publishing and Cinema worlds have been at this for years – how many “special edition” DVDs do people own, with each new version simply bunging in an extra two minutes from the cutting room floor?

– it’s not something that happens very often in gaming.

Having already sold more than 114 million copies across its diverse franchise since the series emerged in 1997, I’m sure this version will add a healthy figure of several million more sales, although at this stage, it’s hard to think of gamers who don’t know the thoroughfares and back alleys of Liberty City like the

back of their hand.

However, apart from the financial sense for Rockstar Games to release this anniversary edition, it helps to reawaken interest in the company, given that it also recently announced Grand Theft Auto V. Gamers just can’t seem to get enough of the open world settings that Rockstar specialises in –mixed up with lashings and lashings of violence and adult language and humour, of course – but it’ll be interesting to see how GTA3 performs on its release.

In a similar vein, many will have noted Skyrim’s spectacular success at retail, showing beyond doubt that gamers have a great interest in open worlds beyond Rockstar’s gritty modern-day settings.

Only on release for a few weeks, Skyrim has already almost matched the total sales of its predecessor, The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, with its freeform gameplay across a half frozen fantasy set-

ting, slaying lots of rivals at retail.

I’ve stated before that lots of articles have been written in the mainstream press, both in culture and business sections, about the terrific sales of the rival war shooters, Battlefield and Call of Duty.

Still, while those two gaming giants continue taking pot shots at each other, the Nordic trappings of Skyrim’s dragonslaying Viking-esque hero has seen him march his way up the charts, seemingly invisible, while the press remain focused on the shooters.

It would not appear that a vaguely Viking hero and a modern-day gangster have anything in common, but at least they show that, although ten years apart, gamers still have a huge appetite for big, open worlds where they decide what to do, and when.

It’ll be interesting indeed to see how all this translates to GTA3’s sales on handhelds ...

Get Kinect-ed to this great competition prize HERE at The Gazette Group, we’ve teamed up with XBox to offer readers a great prize.

Following on from the recent launch of Kinect Sports 2 for Kinect for Xbox 360, five lucky readers can be in with a chance to win a copy of the games, Kinect Sports 1 and Kinect Sports 2.

Kinect Sports 2 expands on the Kinect Sports experience, using the Kinect sensor for the XBox 360, and its rare and big park games include six of the most popular and exciting sports – tennis, baseball, darts, golf, football and skiing.

To be in with a chance to win your copies, simply email The Gazette with the answer

to the following question: Which of the following sports can you play on Kinect Sports 2?

A. Darts B. Rugby C. Water Polo Email your answer to competition@gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Kinect”, before Friday, December 16.

All correct entries will be entered into a draw, and five winners will be selected at random to win one of the prizes, which will be posted out. For more information on Kinect Sports, see www.facebook.com/xboxie.

Five readers can win a copy of Kinect Sports 2, for the XBox 360

The mean streets of Liberty City are beckoning Dublin gamers with the release this week of Grand Theft Auto 3 on hand-held devices

GAZETTE

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

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15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

FAST FORE-WARD:

Cian Curley building on his debut season on the pro tour Page 29

SOCCER: CITY CHILDREN SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES WITH TOLKA PARK MATCH

Students have a heart for their charity efforts sport@gazettegroup.com

IRELAND goalkeeper Shay Given has given his support to 40 secondary school students from Dublin with their Have a Heart, Save a Life campaign.

The students aim is to fundraise enough money for life-saving e q u i p m e n t f o r t wo charities, Heart Children Ireland and Chain of Hope, Jamaica.

Last week saw the

students organise a celebrity charity football match at Shelbourne FC’s Tolka Park Stadium.

The students were joined by Air tricity League players, members of the Fair City cast, and FAI CEO John Delaney presented medals at the end of the match.

The students, through their Localise community programme, have been planning and

organizing this event for ten weeks. The FAI gave the students an Ireland jersey, signed by Irish team players, along with match tickets for an Ireland game of choice in 2012, including passes to meet players afterwards for auction prizes, and if people wish to donate or support the campaign in any way they can by visiting www.localise.ie/save-alife-campaign.aspx.

“We all like playing

The teams line up for the charity match at Tolka Park for the Have a Heart – Save a Life campaign

football and we wanted to help teenagers like ourselves, but who have problems with their hear ts. T he charity, Heart Children Ireland, is only across the road from our school,” said

one of the students.

Supporters The students are been suppor ted and mentored by the American Embassy in Dublin, the FAI and Dublin City

University.

“The idea is to encourage students to use their interest in spor ts to help other young people who are fighting heart disease and to make the point

that individuals from all walks of life can play a key role in helping others,” said John Hennessy-Niland, Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Dublin.

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Under-12 players Anda, Ella and Nanda with Sam

Sam and a super Santa supporter

Ken O’Shea, Eddie Martin and Grace O’Boyle

Ger Bradley, Gaels’ Club Person of the Year, and Michael Ahern, GPO

The big man arrives...

Sam and Santa

Gaels salute 2011 success with Santa ESTMANSTOWN Gaels’ Family Christmas party ended the 2011 season with a bang last week when the club celebrated the festive and the GAA season.

The club wish to thank Geraldine Culloty, Grace O’Boyle and the party team for another brilliantly organised event, and Brian Keville, Sam Maguire and, of course, Santa, whose presence made the party an occasion to remember. They also wish to pass on a big thank-you to all of the team mentors and their support teams, players and their families.

Westmanstown Gaels would like to wish Michael Ahern, the club GPO, for his efforts over the past 12 months and they wish him bon voyage as he is leaving to go to Singapore.

W

Smiles for Sam!

Gaels’ Under-16 league winners and championship finalists

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

in association with

Curley back in swing of things

Making his way in golf’s highly competitive pro ranks, Cian Curley tells STEPHEN FINDLATER he has the roadmap to a bright future in his second year

CIAN Curley is lining up a more consistent approach to 2012 as he embarks on his second year in the professional golfing ranks, seeking to climb the ladder from the Euro Pro-Tour and upwards to the European Tour.

A contemporary of Shane Lowry in numerous Irish and Leinster amateur sides, the Lucan man knows it is certainly attainable but his debut season in the paid ranks quickly taught him the margins for error are wafer-thin, a voyage of personal discovery.

“A little bit more reality sets in. I wouldn’t say I underestimated the standard but… I basically wasn’t good enough,” he told the Gazette.

“I was [good enough] when I was playing close to my best but, when you’re not, you still have to be good enough to compete. That was the thing for me. I was way

the years to come.

A fine sportsman, he previously represented Scoil Aine Naofa in the Cuman na mBunscol finals in Croke Park – in the same side as now-

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

‘It costs you €1,000 a week on tour. As a pro, you are your own business. If things aren’t working, you need to change them.

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

too inconsistent.”

It is a frank and honest assessment for the Newlands’ man who reckons the accumulation of learning experiences have given him the steel to challenge, not just at this level, but beyond in

Longford intercounty footballer Enda Williams – while also winning numerous soccer titles with Hillcrest.

He also lined out in Weston hockey club colours but golf soon took centre-stage, saying it

Driving on: Cian Curley has amended his swing for his second professional year

was “probably the sport I was best at, even though I would have like to have thought I was better at football.”

Admitting he has never had any interest in college courses, since 2004, it has been a cycle of working jobs throughout the winter to help optimise his game when the season swings into gear.

It saw him rise to the top of the amateur game in Ireland, before taking the next step and turning to the paid ranks and the Pro-Tour.

On his day in his first season, Curley recorded a series of 65 and 66s but the bad days saw 74 and 75-shot rounds.

With a large portion of the safety net that comes with the amateur life now gone, such results made Curley quickly realise his career was very much akin to being a sole trader.

“As a professional, you are your own business. If things aren’t working, you need to change them.

“The biggest thing was to change my coach. I came to the stage where it wasn’t working for me and you can see the inconsistency from the results. I didn’t know my swing. Towards the end of the season, I sat down and tried to figure out why. I came up with a number of things, and that’s what I’ve been working on.”

Now, he is using his

time out to focus on his career and rebuilding his backswing, changing some motor patterns he has been playing with for a number of years.

By comparison with his lead-in to the 2011 campaign, one mostly spent injured, he is also spending more time in the gym with a view to hitting the ground running. “ I ’m m a k i n g t h e improvements so I can go up a level. If you’re good enough, you’ll make the money and move on but it is incredibly tough. It costs us €1,000 a week to compete and because the money is so top heavy on the tour we play on.

“You’ve got to finish in the top five to break even every week. Between 150 and 160 play each week, so it’s tough to get up to the next level.

“But, with the work I’m doing now, I can definitely see myself being a multiple winner on the Euro Pro-Tour and then go to qualifying-school and move up. That’s the long-term goal at the end of next season, and it’s very attainable. I’m just trying to do the right things. I’ve got a clear picture of where I’m going and what I’m trying to do.

“I’m definitely good enough to compete. I haven’t thought too far ahead but that is what I’m focused on until February.”

FastSport Dublin players line out for the GAA GPA All-Stars BALLYBODEN St Enda’s Gary Maguire, Lucan Sarsfields’ Peter Kelly and Kilmacud Crokes’ Ryan O’Dwyer were among the 2011 GAA GPA All-Stars hurling tour team sponsored by Opel, that recently travelled to San Francisco to play a series of matched in the Golden Gate city.

The touring party consisted of players from the 2010 and 2011 All-Star hurling teams who played in the tour’s exhibition game under the guidance of team managers Liam Sheedy and Davy Fitzgerald.

The tour game took place at Treasure Island, the headquarters of San Francisco GAA, and was preceded by a special breakfast event, held in conjunction with Ireland Reaching Out, which aims to connect the Irish diaspora with the GAA’s growing international club network.

Waterford’s Shane Walsh led the scoring ranks for the 2011 hurling All-Stars as they edged out their 2011 counterparts by a single point. Walsh scored 1-5 for the 2010 squad as they beat the 2011 team, for whom Tipperary forward Lar Corbett scored three goals.

The final score was 2010 All Stars 3-24, 2011 All Stars 7-11.

Miles all over the city for GOAL charity THERE will be no less than 14 GOAL Miles taking place across Dublin over the festive period.

The GOAL Mile is held in villages, towns and cities all over Ireland every Christmas and is one of the country’s biggest and longestrunning annual fundraising events.

Among the venues for the Christmas Day GOAL Miles are Kilbogget Park, Killiney, from 11am to 12 noon; at Irishtown

Stadium from 10am to 12 noon; at Lucan Harriers from 10am to 12 noon; at Malahide Castle from 11am to 12 noon; at Eamonn Ceannt Park, Sundrive Park, Dublin 12, from 10.30am to 12 noon; and at The Pope’s Cross, Phoenix Park, from 10am to 12 noon.

The Mile will take place on St Stephen’s Day at Corkagh Pairc, Clondalkin, at 11am; at Wildgeese GAA pitch, Oldtown, at 12 noon; and at Porterstown Park from 11am to 1pm.

For more information, contact GOAL at 01 280 9 779, or on fundraising@ goal.ie.

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Proud dad: Brogan senior picks up Alan’s award DUBLIN sporting hero, All-Ireland star Alan Brogan, was one of two stars from the city honoured when eight Irish sport stars to win a Texaco Sportstars of the Year Award were announced last week.

Alan’s father, Bernard Brogan, himself a former Dublin football legend, accepting his son’s award from Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD. Cricketer Kevin O’Brien was the other Dub honoured.

RUGBY: COOLMINE WIN AWAY FROM HOME AGAIN IN LEAGUE

FAI Cup fortunes for Dublin 15 soccer sides VERONA’S reward for their superb win in Cork at Crofton Celtic is another lengthy away date as they were paired with Donegal’s Drumkeen United in the fourth round of the FAI Intermediate Cup. Their 2-1 success was the highlight for local sides in the third round of the competition but Phoenix and Dunboyne are still in with a chance of joining them in the next round and, with it, a place in the FAI Senior Cup draw.

Phoenix replay their tie with Firhouse Clover in the third round in IT Tallaght on Sunday morning at 11am hoping to secure a home date with surprise package Lucan United.

Lucan reside three divisions below the two Sunday Senior sides but have caused shocks against higher-tier opposition in each of their three rounds to date and are riding the crest of a wave, with former Shelbourne legend Mark Rutherford leading the troops.

Dunboyne have a second chance against the Kildrum Tigers but the long trek to Donegal could be a major hindrance for Vernon McAllorum’s emerging team.

The first meeting of the sides ended scoreless with Dunboyne having progressed this far with wins over Postal United and Glebe North.

It is just the second time they have gone this far in the competition and are seeking to reach the Senior Cup for the first time.

In the FAI Junior Cup, meanwhile, Mountview United’s run came to an end at the fifth-round stage as they were undone by Corrib Rangers 4-1.

The D15 side previously beat Ballyfermot United and Cherry Orchard in their best ever run in this competition and while they were ousted in this competition, they remain in the mix for three other titles in the AUL.

Coolmine travelled away from home again and registerd another vital Leinster League win against Dundalk last weekend

Cool’ win away in the cold LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 1A Dundalk Coolmine RFC

10 15

sport@gazettegroup.com

THE last league game of the year for Coolmines firsts last Saturday was another pivotal match at the midway stage of the competition.

Last year’s visit to Dundalk resulted in a defeat, however, the last encounter at home earlier in the season saw Coolmine having the edge.

T h e k i c k- o f f w a s delayed due to a frozen surface the match eventually started despite the failing light.

It was the visitors who started the stronger and, after multiple phases, Rob Kiersey went over for the first try of the game with only four minutes on the clock.

The conversion was missed, giving Coolmine a five-point lead.

Dundalk were quick to hit back after the restart, pressurising the Coolmine line. They were nearly allowed in at the right corner after 10 minutes, but a foot in touch provided a let-off for Coolmine.

Dundalk continued to have most of the possession and territory in the first half, but a com-

bination of handling errors and good defending kept the home side scoreless.

A 33-minute longrange penalty dropped just short of the mark for Coolmine, Eoin Carbury taking on the kicking duties for Donal Crotty as he received some attention on the sideline.

Coolmine began to come into the game in the second half, but Dundalk were first on the scoreboard with a penalty for not releasing, leaving only two points between the sides.

An intercept from

number 8, Liam McGrath, just outside his 22 left him the long run without any support to the opposition try line.

He was tackled just as he went over, but managed to touch down for Coolmine’s second try leaving the score at 3-10.

The light was beginning to fade fast and, with six minutes left, a cross-field kick from Coolmine failed to reach safe hands but winger Rory Farrell was quick to react putting boot to ball, gave chase, opting not to kick a second time and then scoop-

ing it up and going over Coolmine’s third.

It looked like this was the match decider but, in the last minute, a clever chip by the Dundalk centre pulled Coolmine’s lead back to five points which they managed to hold until the final whistle.

Meanwhile a narrow 14-15 point victory for Coolmine seconds puts them just two points behind league leaders, Newbridge. Two tries from Richie Armstrong helping them to the victory.

The thirds suffered a defeat away to Terenure on Saturday.

15 December 2011 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: FINAL AGAINST GARRYCASTLE NOW ON .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S ALL roads lead to Tullamore this

ballers and senior 2 footballers

Sunday where our senior football-

on their narrow defeats over the

ers face Garrycastle of Westmeath

weekend.

in the Leinster football final.

Throw-in is at 2pm.

The AGM has been rescheduled to Sunday, January 8.

Make sure you get your Santa

Thanks to everyone who contrib-

suits and club colours. Santa suits

uted to the SVP Christmas Food and

are only €4 in Penney’s; We need to

Toy Appeal.

get behind the lads.

A club bus (€ 15 return) will be going to Tullamore. Contact Noel on 087-772-0124 to book your spot.

Well done to the organisers of the kids Christmas party.

We have collected 220 old mobile phones so far. We need 30 more to

A night of celebration with Sam

get our new AED. No matter how old

Maguire and our Dublin players will

the phone is, please drop it into the

take place on Tuesday, December

club bar.

27.

This is a night not to be missed with live music, finger food,plenty of craic and the ideal opportunity to get photos with Sam. Hard luck to both our minor foot-

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

Club lot to t akes place in The Roselawn Inn this Thursday with a jackpot of €15,000.

ERIN GO BRAGH St Brigid’s senior footballers will face Garrycastle this weekend, with the All-Ireland semi in sight. PIcture: Chris Lynam

Brigid’s face day of destiny in Tullamore sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S are lining up a potential second Leinster senior club football championships title when they face Westmeath champions, Garrycastle, in O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday (2pm).

St Brigid’s, who won their first – and, so far, only – Leinster title in 2003 are attempting to maintain Dublin’s strong grip on the Leinster championship, with clubs from the capital having taken four of the last six titles.

That’s in marked contrast to Westmeath, who are still awaiting their first title, with just three prior final appearances, Garrycastle reaching the final two years ago only to fall at the hands of Portlaoise.

Coached by new Galway hurling manager, Anthony Cunningham, they will be hoping to finally end Westmeath’s

barren run in the Leinster championship, with Cunningham having already tasted provincial success, having guided St Brigid’s (Roscommon) to the Connacht title in 2006.

The vastly experienced Dessie Dolan is a key figure, while Doran Harte, James Dolan, Gary Dolan and former Westmeath star, David O’Shaughnessy, have impressed in the provincial competition to date.

St Brigid’s, jointly managed by former Meath star, Gerry McEntee and Mark Byrne, have inspirational performers in Barry Cahill, Paddy Andrews, Ken Darcy, Sean Murray and Philly Ryan as well as Laois star, John O’Loughlin.

For Cahill, it is an opportunity to taste the success he missed out on back in 2003, saying this week: “I missed the whole campaign with my cruciate when Brigid’s won

Leinster back in 2003, so it is great to be back there again.

“Garrycastle are going to be tough in the final.

They came out of Westmeath and have looked very good in the provincial campaign to date, so it will be 50-50 on the day.”

Meanwhile, he also acknowledged it could be a launch-pad for a couple of his clubmates to make their way into Pat Gilroy’s thinking for the 2012 campaign with training back in earnest in less than three weeks.

“I’m sure Pat is looking,” Cahill said. “He

wasn’t looking on last week because he was on a beach in the Cayman Islands.

“But I’m sure he has taken an interest in it and he will be back for the Leinster final, which I’m sure he’ll be at. There are plenty of lads outside the current squad who are capable of getting into it and I’m sure Pat will be looking to refresh things.”

St.Brigid’s (Roscommon) await the winners in the All-Ireland semifinal in February, opening up the intriguing possibility of a St Brigid’s v St Brigid’s clash.

WE ARE looking for adult football-

last Saturday.

ers and hurlers for the 2012 sea-

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 3,

son. Contact Cecil on 086 259 7789

8, 10 and 15. There was no Jackpot

or Donal on 086 380 1621.

winner. Next Friday’s Jackpot will

The footballer s’ presentation night which was postponed will be held early in the New Year. More information to follow.

be €3,200.

Draw to be held in The Paddocks, Littlepace.

To be in with a chance to win the

The new hurling team require a

jackpot, please return your com-

manager: Erin Go Bragh Div 9 Jun-

pleted lotto tickets to the box in the

ior Hurling team, Clonee, Dublin 15

Paddocks before 9pm this Friday.

welcome applicants for the position of manager for 2012 season.

It is so easy to forget to return your Lotto tickets, so why not sign

For more information, reply to:

up to the Annual Draw Membership.

John Kinsella, Secretary Erin Go

Contact JK on 086 818 4054 for more

Bragh, 086-8184054 or jkinsella150@

info.

hotmail.com.

Thanks to all who supported our juvenile section’s sponsored walk

Follow us on Facebook, twitter and our website www.eringobraghgaa.ie.

ST PEREGRINE’S THANKS to all members who attended

please contact Pat Duncan on 086

the Christmas fair at the weekend, a

300 4845.

great day had by all, and congratu-

Club lotto was not won; numbers

lations to all our juvenile award win-

drawn were 9, 13, 18 and 27. Next

ners which were also presented last

week’s jackpot is €3,200.

Saturday.

Any member not buying lotto tick-

Our annual Married v Singles match

ets visit CNP.ie and support your

will take place on St Stephen’s Day,

club, for only €2 a week and lotto is

meet at club at 11am.

also available to play on-lineusing

We are now recruiting managers

the link on the clubwebsite.

for the coming season for our AFL 6

The f ir st ever St Peregrine’s

and AFL 9 teams; if you are interest-

12-month calendar is now available,

ed please contact Frank Henry.

a steal for only €5 and selling very

If you or you know somebody wanting to play juvenile or adult camogie,

well, please see Lorraine O’Connor for details.

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32 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2011