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January nu y 26, 2012

INSIDE: Start Your Own Business COMPASS: Your unmissable 8-page fever in Fingal P8 guide to travel in 2012 See pages 17-24

In safe hands: Local company scoops award BLANCHARDSTOWN-BASED

Hurling: Fingal flounder at first hurdle in Kehoe Cup Page 31

businessmen George Howlett and Philip Gillen have plenty of reasons to be looking happy as their company, Safefood 360, has scooped the Emerging Business Entrepreneur Award for their online food safety management business.

The duo will go on to contest the overall prize in 2012 in David Manley Emerging Enterprise Awards in February.

Full Story on Page 10

Swimming: Malone getting ready for the Olympic test Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: MOTORS ........................14 BUSINESS .................... 16 TRAVEL..........................17 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26 SPORT ...........................27

Memorable Monday as President visits Michael D gives Scoil Bhride pupils a big boost

Q LAURA WEBB

PUPILS in a Dublin 15 school had a Monday to remember when President, Michael D Higgins, paid them a special visit this week.

Over 600 students from Scoil Bhride Girls’ National School, Blanchardstown,

welcomed the newly-elected President to their school on Monday.

Fifth and sixth class students, who followed the presidential election very closely, had sent the President a card to congratulate him on his inauguration and invited him to the school. Much to

the delight of the pupils he accepted their invitation.

“He has a wonderful way of relating to young people He did a super job. He really was so gracious and lovely,” a delighted principal, Deirdre Kirwan, said.

Full Story on Page 4

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 January 2012

STUDY: ASSESSING THE FLOOD RISKS TO REGION

Dealing with flooding risk Q DAWN LOVE news@gazettegroup.com

A MAJOR public meeting aimed at highlighting a new study that deals with the assessment and sustainable management of flood risks to the Eastern Region, which includes the Greater Dublin Area, will take place this week.

The Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study, was commissioned in June 2011, and deals with the assessment and sustainable management of flood risk in the Eastern district. The study is part of a CFRAM programme being undertaken by the OPW in line with current national flood policy and the EU Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk. The programme requires that CFRAM studies be completed by the end of 2015.

With a land area of approximately 6,300 km2, the Eastern district accounts for one tenth of the land area of Ireland.

It is home to rich agricultural land, extensive coastline, the city of Dublin and the towns which form the Greater Dublin Area and commuter belt.

Around 1.6 million people, 40% of Ireland’s population, live in the Eastern district with the majority living in the Greater Dublin Area.

The district incorpo-

rates all or part of 12 local authority areas, including Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, and South Dublin. The main rivers in the district are the Liffey, Boyne, Nanny, Delvin, Vartry and Avoca rivers.

The Eastern CFRAM Study will examine all options to reduce flood risk.

There will be full consultation with individuals and organisations with an interest in flooding and related issues. Pending the completion of the study, the OPW said it will continue to work with the local authorities to identify and implement interim small-scale flood mitigation works in areas at risk from flooding.

The public open evening is open to anybody who would like to learn more or share their views and experiences in relation to flooding, flood risk and environmental considerations.

Members of the Eastern CFRAM study team will be available to answer questions and to discuss the study at the meeting, which takes place on Thursday, January 26 at 7pm in the Red Cow Moran Hotel on the Naas Road.

For further information contact Katie Murphy, Eastern CFRAM Study Communications Coordinator; 01 4882940; info@ eastcframstudy.ie; www. eastcframstudy.ie

EVENT First Golf classic at Castleknock Golf Club

Charity fundraiser for Connolly Hospital Q LAURA WEBB

GOLFING enthusiasts will be teeing off for a good cause when they take part in a charity fundraiser in aid of Connolly Hospital this April.

The Golf Classic is being organised by the Blanchardstown Hospital Society, the official fundraising body for Connolly Hospital, which was formed in

1997 as a limited company with charitable status. Over the past three years alone, the group has raised €35,000 for projects in different departments within the hospital, including services in radiology, cardiology and cancer.

This year, fundraising efforts are swinging in a different direction, with the group organising its first Golf Classic

on Friday, April 27 at Castleknock Golf Club.

Proceeds from this go to the Stroke Unit, Department of the Elderly at Connolly Hospital.

The society’s board is made up of professionals, both internal and external, who assist Connolly Hospital in directing, organising and implementing our fundraising activities.

The society aims to

inspire, enable fundraising and financial support from the community to develop facilities within Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown and promote exceptional patient care.

There are a number of options available for groups or individuals interested in taking part in the Golf Classic.

The account number for making sponsor-

ship is Blanchardstown Hospital Society Golf Classic, Account No. 02291104, AIB Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Any sponsorship will be acknowledged on all publicity associated with the golf classic.

Further information regarding the golf classic is available by calling Shay Smyth 087 3679377 or Gerry Devine 086 8226398.

The three-day Fingal Film Festival can be expected to yield a wide range of new films, documentaries, shorts and animations

ARTS: THREE-DAY EVENT TO CELEBRATE RANGE OF FILM WORKS

Big industry names to help upcoming Fingal Film Festival Q MIMI MURRAY

news@gazettegroup.com

THE first ever Fingal Film Festival (FFF) kicks off on Wednesday, March 21, in UCI Blanchardstown, with a list of big industry names set to lend a hand.

As 2012 begins, independent film-makers from all over the world will be submitting their new films, documentaries, shorts and animations in the hope of securing a screening in the festival.

Although this festival has an international appeal, the founders of FFF want to emphasise

that it will create a platform for Fingal film-makers, with the top award going to best Fingal newcomer director.

Over the festival’s three days, there will be a schedule of screenings taking place both in UCI Blanchardstown and at Draiocht theatre.

There will also be workshops in acting, directing, music composing and film producing by some of the worldleading names in the industry.

The names of the industry professionals delivering these master classes will be announced at www.fingalfilmfest.

com later this month.

C r e a t i ve d i r e c t o r, Dave Byrne, told The Gazette this week that he passionately believes Fingal needs to harness the emerging talent in the area and give young f i l m m a ke r s , a c t o r s , musicians and writers a voice.

He said: “It is important that this festival is not elitist, and the opportunity to showcase his or her work is afforded to everyone.

“Although the festival will have strict criteria in place for the standard of work that will be screened, people who do not succeed in hav-

ing their work screened will be able to learn and enhance their skills through a series of workshops that will be taking place over the three-day event.”

F i l m - m a ke r s w h o wish to submit material to the festival can do so now. The closing date for submissions will be Friday, February 10, at 5pm.

Details of where to submit can be found at www.fingalfilmfest.com.

An announcement of the successful submissions will be published on the website, and through social networking sites on Friday, February 17.

The selected filmmakers will be contacted directly prior to the announcements being made public. For further information, see www. fingalfilmfest.com.

The festival’s main sponsor is UCI Blanc h a r d s t ow n . O t h e r confirmed sponsors are Snap Blanchardstown, Fingal County Council and Lispopple Studios, with more sponsorships coming onstream in the coming weeks.

“It has been their generosity that has brought this festival to fruition,” said Liz Kenny, managing director of the festival.

26 January 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

EVENT Open day at the Draiocht Theatre

Fostering People, service manager, Lesley Dale

Agency is seeking new foster carers Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com

A NEW fostering agency is to hold an open day this week hoping to find new foster carers in the Dublin area.

Fostering People, will host the open day at the Draiocht Theatre in Blanchardstown.

The organisation says it’s hoping they will find new foster carers who can provide safe and stable homes for vulnerable children and young people living in care.

T h e e ve n t , w h i c h takes place on January 28 from 2pm until 5pm, will have agency members offering advice and information on the challenges and rewards

of being a foster carer.

Fostering People service manager, Lesley Dale said: “We hope that by hosting an open event, Fostering People will be able to increase the number of foster carers in Dublin and help give more children secure family homes.

“Qualities such as patience and commitment are what really count when it comes to being a foster carer, and I urge anyone who is interested to come along to our event for an informal chat to see whether fostering is for them.

“Our aim is to ensure the highest standards of care for foster children so that they can

Slight drop on Live Register Q LAURA WEBB

NEW figures released by the Central Statistics Office have shown that there was a slight drop in the number of people signing on in Blanchardstown at the end of 2011.

By the end of January 2011, 8,772 people were recorded on the live register in the Blanchardstown Social Welfare Office.

But by the end of 2011

this figure had dropped by 409. Jobless figures for Blanchardstown in the year 2011 averaged at 8,833.

The month with the highest unemployment figure was August with 9,141 registered.

The summer months were the worst for the area with 9,040 in June, 9,124 in July and 9,141 in August, while December was the lowest in 2011 with 8,363 people unemployed.

enjoy happy and fulfilling lives. In order to do this, we must find more foster families who can nurture and guide these youngsters on their journey into adulthood.”

Fostering People is a non-statutory fostering agency that acts at a local level and offers foster carers 24-hour professional support and ongoing training.

Fostering People in Ireland is a new fostering agency providing high-quality familybased placements for children in need of foster care.

The organisation has an established background in Britain delivering positive outcomes for a range of children

and young people. It is part of the Core Assets Group, which has over 17 years’ experience working with children and families around the world.

The agency welcomes applications from single, same sex, married and co-habiting couples from all ethnic backgrounds who are over 25.

For more information about becoming a foster care with Fostering People call freephone 1800 303 532 or visit the website www.fosteringpeople.ie Fostering People is based at 138A Slaney Close, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 January 2012

MEETING

Centre’s AGM LOCAL residents wishing to raise topics at the Castleknock Community Centre Association’s annual general meeting have until January 30 to lodge motions they want discussed.

The Castleknock Community Centre Association is a community partnership serving Ashleigh, Bramley, Carpenterstown Park, Laurel Lodge, Laverna and Oaktree.

The AGM will take place on Monday, February 13 at 8.30pm and will be held in Community Centre in Laurel Lodge.

Anyone interested in putting down a motion should submit it to the Secretary, Castleknock Community Centre Association, Laurel Lodge, Dublin 15 no later than 5pm on January 30.

For further information phone 01-8200968 or email castleknockcommunitycentre@gmail. com or check out www. castleknockcommunitycentre.ie

EVENT Local school welcomes very important guest

President gives school a Monday to remember Q LAURA WEBB

PUPILS in a Dublin 15 school had a Monday to remember when newly elected President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, paid them a special visit after he accepted their invitation to come to the school.

Over 600 students from Scoil Bhride Girls’ National School, Blanchardstown, welcomed the President to their school on Monday.

Fifth and sixth class students, who followed the presidential election very closely, had sent the President a card to congratulate him on his inauguration and invited

him to the school. Much to the delight of the pupils, he accepted.

The ninth President of Ireland was greeted by music and an array of Irish songs in the front hall, courtesy of the school’s talented pupils.

He was then led through the school corridors to see some of the students’ work on display. With 40 different nationalities represented at the school, President Higgins was also welcomed in 12 languages, followed by a dance display from different countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Principal Deirdre Kirwan

said she was “really pleased” with how the visit went and how the students received him.

“The children’s reception of him was really very good. He has a wonderful way of relating to young people. He spoke to them from the stage and you could literally hear a pin drop in a room of over 600 kids, ranging from four to aged 13 – they listened intensely. He did a super job. He really was so gracious and lovely.”

Creative

During his speech, the President spoke of the importance of being creative. “He said that it was great to see the creativity that was coming from the youngsters and that creativity fills you with hope, and he exhorted everybody to enjoy their lives whether it is learn-

The President, Michael D Higgins, addresses the pupils of Scoil Bhride Girls National School (right). A number of pupils dressed in their traditional wear to convey the 40 languages and cultures the school is home to (above). Pictures: Ania Sherlock

ing, studying, playing or whatever, that enjoyment was very important.

“He also made reference to the fact that, of his list of things that are very important, is equality and inclusion. He said it was great to see the work being done in schools in terms of students growing and learning together and that

was very important in our society because Irish society has always been known for its generosity and that it was great to see it happening in our schools.

“He also said friendship was very important and to be conscious of children who might be on their own and need friendship because it is

very important in everyone’s life.

“We have to thank the sixth-year students for his visit. He brought the card they sent him and he said that he was really impressed from the fact it represented all the different cultural backgrounds in the school.

It was a great day for the school,” she said.

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CARRY OUT: NATIONAL OFF-LICENCE AWARDS

DRAIOCHT

Students set for a show of talent

Top award for retailer Q LAURA WEBB

STUDENTS from Coolmine Community School will take centre stage at Dublin 15’s Draiocht Theatre later this month in their highly entertaining show, A Feast of Coolmine Talent.

The 2012 show will take place on Monday, January 30 and Tuesday, January 31 at Draiocht.

Abilities Audiences can get set to be amazed by the students’ musical, dance and dramatic abilities.

Now in its eleventh year, Coolmine Community School promises a night not to be missed.

This event takes place at 8pm with tickets costing €5 on Monday and €8 on Tuesday, and are available from Draiocht’s Box Office, not from the school.

New career: Blanchardstown company to reap rewards of Enterprise Ireland Programme BRIAN Nordon, from Dublin, is amongst 80 young graduates set to embark on new international careers with Enterprise Ireland’s Graduates 4 International Growth Programme. Brian will be sent on a 12-month overseas placement in Britain by his Blanchardstown parent company, Luzern Technology Solutions Ltd. Developed and delivered by Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, the programme places top-level graduates in export-led firms with markets across the globe. It is aimed at

developing firms’ export market development strategies and at the same time advancing graduates’ international business skills. This year, over 120 graduates have been placed with companies under this initiative. Pictured are: Brian Nordon with his parent company representative James Hancock (right) from Luzern Technology Solutions Ltd at a photo shoot with Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mr Richard Bruton TD (centre), as well as (left to right) Professor Tony Brabazon, Associate Dean, UCD Smurfit School, and CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Frank Ryan.

DUBLIN 15 Carry Out retailers have won a much-coveted award at the 2012 National OffLicence Awards.

Carry Out retailer, Kevin O’Brien, was triumphant in taking home the prestigious Responsible Trading Award at this year’s event which was held in King’s Inn, Dublin.

The new industry award ceremony was introduced this year by NoffLA to recognise the successful launch of its online module of Responsible Trading Certificate (RTC) programme. This programme was launched to enhance training for staff selling alcohol.

A thrilled O’Brien told the Gazette: “The staff and management at Carry Out Ashtown, Mulhuddart and Tyrrelstown, are

delighted with the award.

We are part of the local communities in these areas and it is important to us that we set the highest standards of responsibility with regard to selling alcohol. The Responsible Trading Certificate (RTC) programme gives us the tools to do this and we would like to thank NOffLA for the opportunity to participate and win this award.

“We would also like to call on the Government to ensure that alcohol is treated in a responsible manner by all retailers.

This can be achieved by implementing section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008, segregating alcohol from normal groceries in a mixed trading environment. Alcohol is a controlled substance and any purchase should be a conscious decision,” he said.

26 January 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

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WORKSHOPS: START YOUR OWN BUSINESS FEVER IN FINGAL

Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board

Workshops to assist new businesses Q MIMI MURRAY

OVER 100 new businesses are expected to be set up in Fingal by participants on the Start Your Own Business programme this year, creating hundreds of new jobs, both directly and indirectly.

T h a t ’s a c c o r d i n g to the Fingal County Enterprise Board, the state enterprise support agency that helps new start-ups get up and running and also helps existing businesses to grow.

The organisation announced details this week of new training programmes aimed at star t-up businesses, including the Start Your Own Business part-time course. Up to 80% of participants on this programme in the past have gone on to set up their own businesses.

Aimed directly at those about to start a business for the first time, the Start Your Own Business programme is run over 10 evening sessions at the Fingal Business Training Centre in Swords, over a five-week

period. To cope with expected demand, two programmes have been scheduled, which start on January 24 and on February 15.

Chances

To help increase the chances of business success for the new startups, participants on the programme are taught about effective business planning, finance, marketing, sales, legal issues and funding sources.

T he subsidised cost for all 10 workshops is €200, which includes materials and refreshments.

For people thinking of setting up a business, but are still unsure if they have a viable idea, the Enterprise Board is hosting an ideas generation workshop in Swords on January 31.

The morning seminar runs from 9.30am to 1pm and is completely free of charge.

“We’re predicting that at least 100 new businesses will be set up in Fingal by participants on this year’s Start Your Ow n Business pro gramme and each of

those businesses will need access to enterprise supports, delivered at a local level,” said Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board.

A new Fingal startup business, Agile Networks in Blanchardstown, recently received a substantial grant from Fingal County Enterprise Board, which secured seven high-value jobs. Agile Networks specialises in network integration and was formed in 2011, after the management buy-out of the Irish operations for Telindus. The new startup is already looking to expand its Fingal workforce in 2012.

Workshop

The Start Your Own Business programme and the Ideas Generation workshop can both be booked online through www.fingalceb. ie or by telephoning (01) - 8900 800. The Fingal Business Training Centre is based at the Fingal County Enterprise Board offices, just off Main Street in Swords village.

26 January 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

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www.gazette group.com

ENTERPRISE Enterprenurial skills rewarded

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

George Howlett and Philip Gillen, Safefood 360

Awards for food safety business Q LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

TWO Dublin businessmen have scooped the Emerging Business Entrepreneur Award for their online food safety management business, based in Blanchardstown.

The award-winning Safefood 360 is run by Malahide’s Philip Gillen and his business partner, Blanchardstown native, George Howlett.

The duo were recently announced the winner of the Business Category of the 2012 David Manley Emerging Business Entrepreneur Award.

Set up in April last year, the global online

food safety management software solution business will join two other finalists to contest the overall prize in 2012 David Manley Emerging Enterprise Awards, which carries a prize package of more than €100,000.

The award ceremony, which takes place on Thursday, February 2, will be presented by Norah Casey, of Dragon’s Den, and by Dr Chris Horn, chair of the panel of judges.

George told The Gazette this week: “In the US alone, millions of people become ill from bad food, with 300,000 of those requiring hospital care and resulting

in 5,000 fatalities.

“Our software enables food processing plants to set up, record, manage and report on all aspects of their food safety systems necessary to meet legal and commercial compliance requirements.”

Meanwhile, David added: “Safefood 360 has already generated huge interest worldwide, and is currently being trialled by more than 250 food plants in 52 countries on five continents.”

In their first year, the duo raised €750,000 in financial backing.

The David Manley Emerging Entrepreneur Award was established

in 2003, and nurtures the enterprising spirit in business, the arts and in the social community.

The overall winner will win mentoring and business advice, valued at €100,000, plus a financial grant of €10,000 in cash.

The other two category winners each receive €1,000. The €100,000 in mentoring is provided by leading experts in finance, law, accountancy, management consultancy, payroll and accounts software, corporate and brand identity and public relations.

Membership of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce is also included.

Maximise social media skills Q LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL-based businesses are being encouraged to take part in a free event that focuses on generating publicity through social media..

Getting PR Through Social Media will take

place on Tuesday, February 7 The event, organised

by Fingal County Enterprise Board through Fingal Business Network, is aimed at helping local business owners get the most out of the many social marketing tools.

Presented by Eoin

Kennedy, chair of the Irish Internet Association Social Media Working Group, the event will take place at the Clarion Hotel in Dublin Airport.

Kennedy, who is a lecturer in Digital Marketing, with 18 years’ experience in communications, will deliver guidelines on

how social media can be used for more effective business networking.

Further information is available from Fingal County Enterprise Board by telephoning 01 890 0800, e-mailing info@fingalceb.ie, or by visiting www.fingalceb. ie/fbn.

26 January 2012 GAZETTE 11

SOCIETY Annual contest calls for entrants

In search of leading social entrepreneurs Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN-based social entrepreneurs are being urged to apply for a 2012 awards programme that will see three such entrepreneurs get support funding, amounting to €600,000.

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland launched the 2012 awards programme this week, and is calling for applications from individuals in Dublin developing new, big ideas that will address the social and environmental challenges facing Ireland.

A total of €600,000 in funding and support will be presented to three award winners at the awards in October. On top of this, the awards will also support a further five individuals with €35,000, under the Social Entre-

James Whelton, from CoderDojo, was helped by Ben Mac Ionmhain and Laurita Maher Bordalo to launch the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland 2012 Awards Programme

preneurs Ireland Elevator Programme.

The call for applications is the start of an extensive eight-month consultation and engagement process that will lead to the award winners being announced in autumn.

Social entrepreneurs have until Thursday, February 16 to submit their application.

The selection process includes a “boot camp” in

March, where shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch their projects, leading to interviews from which eight finalists will be chosen.

The finalists will then take part in a three-month finalists’ programme, where they will receive some funding and support, prior to final selection of the 2012 award winners in October.

Since 2005, Social

Entrepreneurs Ireland has helped support 150 social entrepreneurs, directly investing more than €4 million to individuals.

These, in turn, have directly impacted more than 170,000 people, and created more than 800 employment opportunities.

Sean Coughlan, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland chief executive, said: “The main criteria is a passion for making a difference, thinking big and using business skills for social change.

“We believe that, together, we can change Ireland, and the impact of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland over the past seven years has proved that.”

For further details on the programme, or to apply, see: www.socialentrepreneurs.ie.

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GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

On the run with Continental CONTINENTAL Tyres, the European market leader in the car tyre segment, has used its tyre manufacturing expertise to help global running leaders, adidas, develop a new model of running shoes.

The manufacturer was approached by the leading sports brand’s innovation team to apply their resources and expertise to develop an outsole with a strong grip ideal for trail and outdoor sports shoes.

The trail shoes, called adidas Supernova Riot 3, feature Continental’s TM Traction Compound Technology – which allows sure grip on all surfaces and conditions. The latest running shoe model that is now available in both men and women’s styles, is the brand new adiSTAR Ride 3, the perfect trainer for urban environment. Further products - for outdoor and street running are in development.

The Supernova Riot and the adiSTAR Ride 3 are now available from the online adidas shop at www.adidas. ie.

Badged as an Acura in the US, Honda’s new NSX uses lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine

Honda’s New NSX Concept is unveiled AMERICAN Honda has unveiled the new NSX Concept, highlighting the design and technology direction for the nextgeneration supercar.

Badged as an Acura in the US, the new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed

by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio, but is developed for true sports driving enthusiasts throughout the world.

The dynamicallystyled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Honda. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX

Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SHAWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system.

Values

Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co, Ltd, who led the development of Honda’s first NSX supercar, explained the values of the new NSX. “Like the first NSX, we will again express highperformance through engineering efficiency.

In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX,

I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Utilising a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid allwheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous

AWD systems.

In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SHAWD system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with directinjection, works in concert with a dual-clutch transmission with builtin electric motor, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make the NSX the ultimate expression of “the synergy between man and machine,” added Ito. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

Designing vehicles for visually impaired FORD is using Cambridge University’s Vision and Hearing Impairment Simulator to help design its vehicles to meet the needs of people with age-related vision problems Ford has joined forces with Cambridge University to gain a better understanding of visual impairment issues that come with an aging society and to use digital tools to better design vehicles for those with vision problems

With age, the ability to see fine details deteriorates, as does the ability to see in the dark. This means many drivers can struggle to read the instrument cluster while driving, unless they have bifocal or varifocal glasses.

To respond to this growing problem, Ford has joined forces with a team of experts from the University of Cambridge’s Engineering Design Centre. The team has developed a Vision Impairment

Simulator to enable designers and engineers to gain a better understanding of the effects of a wide variety of visual impairments.

“It allows you to simulate visual impairments on any image. You load in an image, select a visual impairment and it lets you see the image as someone with that impairment would see it,” said Sam Waller, an inclusive design research associate at Cambridge, who developed the software.

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GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Graduates complete basic IT skills course MINISTER Pat Rabbitte, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, awarded certificates to the first group of successful BenefIT candidates last Friday, January 20.

The candidates had completed ICS Skills’ Get Ireland Online programme, under the BenefIT 3 scheme, which is grant-aided by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

As part of this, ICS Skills will ensure almost 5,000 people are provided with basic IT skills in 38 locations around Ireland.

Minister Rabbitte said:

Supported by AIB

Ger’s golden giveaway: A lucky winner

“I want to ensure that no one is left behind – that every citizen has the opportunity to embrace our increasingly digital world.”

Participants on the Get Ireland Online course are taught how to make use of the web, send email, use internet telephone services such as Skype, and do shopping and banking online during three twohour classes.

The training is especially suitable for senior citizens, unemployed people, disadvantaged groups and anyone lacking in basic ICT skills.

For further information on the programme, see www.getirelandonline.ie.

IT DIDN’T take Bulmers’ Doing Our Bit winner Ger Norris long to de-cider who to give away his winnings to, when he won €2,500 for a charity of his choice in Bulmers’ promotional campaign.

Ger nominated the St Vincent de Paul Society to be awarded €2,500, in addition to winning €2,500 for himself, after he found a “golden apple” in a promotional pack of Bulmers’ cans and longnecks.

As a total of 17 apple varieties go into making Bulmers’ Origincal Cider, the company has hidden 17 golden apples in these packs, with individuals, and community projects of their choice, set to benefit from the sweet initiative.

BANKING: ANNUAL AIB CONTEST

Picking photo award winner will be a snap JUDGING of the 2012 AIB Photojournalism Awards is under way, with almost 2,000 images submitted from 120 photographers from right around Ireland.

This is AIB’s tenth year sponsoring the competition, which recognises excellence in the field of photojournalism, and is open to all members of the Press Photographers’ Association of Ireland (PPAI).

This year’s expert panel of judges is chaired by former picture editor, Dermot O’Shea, and includes two multi-award winning photographers – Peter MacDiarmid, senior news photographer, Getty Images, and Eddie Mulholland, photographer, The Telegraph Group.

The nine award categories have been refreshed and, this year, prizes will be awarded in news, daily

life and people, sports action, sports non-action, portrait, nature and the environment, politics, arts and entertainment and reportage, as well as the overall title of 2012 AIB Photojournalist of the Year Award.

Brenda Moriarty, head of brand and corporate marketing, AIB, said: “AIB is delighted to sponsor the AIB Photojournalism Awards, and accompanying exhibition, for the tenth year.

“The competition creates a tremendous platform for the work of the PPAI to be seen by communities right around Ireland.

“We look forward to the exhibition of winning and highly-commended images, which will go on tour following the awards, visiting our branches and other selected venues.

“I would like to wish all

PPAI members the very best of luck in this year’s competition,” she said.

Michael Chester, president, PPAI, said: “The AIB Photojournalism Awards recognises excellence in our field, and showcases the work of Irish photojournalists.

“The PPAI is delighted to be in partnership with AIB, as its branch network allows the work of our members to be seen by wide-ranging communities in Ireland,” he said.

The winners of the 2012 AIB Photojournalism Awards will be announced at a ceremony in The Burlington Hotel on Friday, February 17.

The winning images will form the 2012 AIB Photojournalism Exhibition, which will tour selected AIB branches and other venues around the country throughout the year.

LONDON LUXURY P22

FAMILY FUN IN THE SUN P18

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VALENTINE’S BREAKS P24

WHERE in the WORLD THE WRITE GUIDE TO STOCKHOLM: THE Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is currently making a huge impact on movie fans all over the world and, now, it is making an even bigger impact in Stockholm.

The movie, based on the trilogy of books by Stieg Larsson, was shot in Stockholm, and many fans have started visiting the city to walk in the footsteps of the characters.

If you wish to explore the story settings on your own, and not by guided tour, pick up a Millenium Map at the City Museum, which lists all relevant addresses.

Stockholm City Museum’s popular and award-winning Stieg Larsson Millennium Tour has proved very popular with fans. The walking tour is full of factual information and intriguing stories that tie the real Stockholm with its fictional counterpart.

If you are an avid fan of the thriller series, then you may also like to take a private tour, which can be booked by emailing: bokning. stadsmuseum@stockholm.se.

SAS flies direct from Dublin to Stockholm, four times a week, from €85 one-way, including all taxes and charges.

Toronto has vibrant indigenous music scene, beautiful scenery, world-class museums, restaurants and architecture and a lot of sports

LONGITUDE 79° 24’ W | LATITUDE 43° 40’ N

Anything and everything you could want in Toronto Q PAUL HOSFORD

LOVE Toronto. It’s not a catchy phrase on (many) t-shirts, but it’s true. I have experienced a lot in my several visits – music festivals, scary amounts of snow, late-night, on-street discussions on the causes of homelessness with a Hasidic Jew in full Shabbath attire, and even being challenged to a fight by a lady drug-dealer (not me, technically, but a friend.)

With the full disclosure out of the

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way, you might ask what is the reason for this love?

There is everything that anyone could want in a major city – several music festivals all year round as well as a vibrant, indigenous music scene, beautiful scenery, an international film festival for star-spotters, world-class museums, restaurants and architecture, a well-laid out, easily walk able city with good public transport and a lot of sports.

To each of those ends, Toronto suits

me down to the ground.

In a hockey-mad town, in a hockeyobsessed country, Maple Leafs tickets are the Golden Fleece. Every one of their 41 home games sells out the 19,000-plus seats available and tickets are generally only available from scalpers who man the sidewalks outside Union Station, the central transport hub, which is cleverly located almost on top of the team’s Air Canada Centre.

Away from toothless men hitting

each other, the music and arts scene in Toronto is as vibrant as ever. The stunning Roy Thomson Hall is as good a venue for concerts and operas as there is, while the more contemporary venues, like El Mocambo, Lee’s Palace, The Opera House and the world-famous Horseshoe Tavern (which was the first stop on the Rolling Stones’ 1997 world tour) are alive nightly with the sounds of local and international music.

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LONGITUDE 37° 51’ N | LATITUDE 27° 15’ E

Kusadasi bound LAURA WEBB

MAKING my way to the airport on a rainy, dreary Sunday evening in Dublin, made the thoughts of staying in a sunny country for a week even more exciting.

The chartered Sky Airlines plane wasn’t as spacious as I had hoped, but the friendly staff and the free use of a pillow and blanket made the late night flight that little bit easier to handle.

Arriving in Bodrum Airport in Turkey in the middle of the night and having to get a two-hour bus journey to the resort didn’t go down well with my five-year-old son, but, thankfully, the handy portable DVD player was on hand with Toy Story 3 to keep him occupied, and I would suggest something like this in order to keep little ones occupied.

We stayed at the threestar Melissa Apartments, and, after a well-deserved nap, we were greeted by the Wings Abroad holiday rep, Sharon Byrne, who was a bundle of knowledge – telling us all we needed to know about our stay in Kusadasi.

Visitors to Kusadasi will have no excuse for just lounging around the pool, because there

is something different to do every day, from boat trips across the Aedeon Ocean, Turkish Baths, seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, or just enjoying the coastal view at the seafront.

My son, Dylan, and I treated ourselves to a trip to a Dolphin Show at Adaland Park, one of two water parks in Kusadasi.

Another day we went to Aquafantasy, which was recommended by Sharon for being the best for young kids. She wasn’t wrong. This water park had so many different activities for kids – if they aren’t big enough for the slides, they still had lots of pools and smaller slides to enjoy.

We walked around the town a lot and used the local bus service, which runs every five minutes, and runs on an honesty policy. You don’t have to pay straight away, and if you have an infant sitting on your lap, they usually go free.

The Melissa Apartment has everything you need for a sun holiday.

Entertainment is provided every night, and at the kiddie discos the younger ones are really taken care of. The room is basic and the complex is small, but the staff make everyone

Having some fun in the pool at Aquafantasy water park

feel welcome.

There are a few hidden costs that I was unaware of. When arriving at Bodrum airport you must pay €15 per person for a visa

The rooms at the Melissa Aparments in Kusadasi are small, but the facilities and friendly staff more than make up for it

to enter the country.

Another strange hidden cost was when we arrived at the Dolphin Show at Adaland Park, I was told that if I wanted to use my own camera to take pictures, I had to pay a further 10 Turkish Lira, crazy when you consider you will be the one paying for the print-outs.

As for the Airport’s crazy food prices – when we were waiting for our plane to Dublin at Bodrum, my thirsty five-yearold asked for a drink. Two cans of sprite cost me 23 Turkish Lira – the equivalent of €10; needless to say I made sure we drank every last drop.

Other than those couple of surprises, Kusadasi is quite cheap and a shop-

per’s dream for all those ‘genuine fake’ clothes, bags, shoes etc.

For a gateway in the Sun, Kusadasi ticks nearly every box.

The 3-star Melissa Apartments, on a selfcatering basis, costs from €369. This family-run complex, with its daytime activities and an Irish Style Pub, is suitable for both families and couples. Its central location and easy access to Ladies Beach, makes it an ideal base for those who want to be within walking distance of all of the amenities that Kusadasi has to offer.

Price includes seven nights accommodation, return flights and transfers.

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for family fun...

Fun at Aquafantasy, left, and, above, the three-star Melissa appartments

Sunset Beach Club – ideal for sun breaks THE Irish-owned Sunset Beach Club is located on the seafront of Benalmadena Costa on the Costa del Sol, and is easily accessible, being only 20 minutes from Malaga airport.

Ideal for a sunshine break, their one-bedroom apartments are perfect for couples or families of up to four, and offer the best of both worlds, combining apartmentstyle rooms with fourstar hotel services and facilities.

March, April and May are great months to enjoy the sunshine without the burn, and all the pleasures of the Costa del Sol and surrounding areas, without the crowds.

The on-site Golf and

Leisure Desk is also there to help you get the most out of your stay.

So, whether you are looking for somewhere to spend a few days lazing by the pool with a good book, play golf, or relax with family and friends, or perhaps an extended visit to explore the amazing sights of Andalucia, Sunset Beach Club provides the perfect base for your holiday.

During the Easter school holidays, separate activities are organised every day for five to 12-year-olds, teenagers and adults, making sure the whole family is entertained.

For more information, visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com.

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Exotic honeymoon options LAURA WEBB

AS EACH new generation ties the knot and enters the honeymoon market, they bring their own tastes and desires to travel.

Destinations, resorts, and activities that thrilled previous newly-wed couples may now be less appealing, or not as attainable due to political and economic reasons.

New trends and exotic destinations always emerge, offering Irish couples fresh opportunities

for fun and relaxation.

Honey mooning in European Union countries means shorter flight times, old world cultures, the euro and romantic cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Prague, Istanbul or Copenhagen, to name but a few.

Sunny Mediterranean beaches, great food and wine and an endless choice of hotels will suit any budget.

For many couples, Africa represents a dream honeymoon and a rea-

sonable exchange rate has made many previously expensive destinations, such as Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana, much more accessible.

Other hot destinations include Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Borneo, Brazil and Jordan. All offer unique and unforgettable honeymoons, and have never been more inspiring. So, before planning a honeymoon, talk to GoHop.ie and check out the latest ways to celebrate one.

More deals from GoHop …

Also in relation to Toronto and Malta, here are some special offers: CANADA: In every Canadian city, visitors are only steps from good food, great views, and a breath of nature’s fresh air. GoHop.ie are offering holidays to Toronto, flights and five nights, three-star hotel from €519.

For more North American offers, visit http://ibe.gohop.ie/offer/group-24 MALTA: Few European countries have such concentrated history, architecture and, yes, beaches in so tiny an area. GoHop.ie are offering holidays to Malta, flights and seven nights three-star hotels from €159.

For more Malta offers : http://ibe.gohop.ie/offer/group-9

The CN Tower (left) and Casa Loma, Canada’s famous castle, is complete with 98 rooms, secret passages, stately towers and estate gardens . It was the former estate of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Toronto financier.

LONGITUDE 79° 24’ W | LATITUDE 43° 40’ N

Anything and everything you could want in Toronto Continued from Page 17

For those looking to shop, the Eaton Centre marks the city’s centre point and comprises 330 stores, 160,000 square metres, two food courts and five floors. The centre is currently undergoing a $120 million revitalisation project that will see it upgraded and expanded by the end of 2012.

It contains the world’s largest Sears store, which is a haven for downtown shoppers, as well as the Canadian flagship store of H&M. To put in perspective the sheer size of the centre, each of its northernmost and southernmost points has a different subway station serving it (Dundas and Queen, respectively).

For those looking to hit the tourist trail, the CN Tower, once the largest

free-standing structure in the world, is worth every cent of the $30 admission, though, for the best value, I would highly recommend the CityPass ($66 available online at www. citypass.com or from any of the attractions).

The Pass will give you access to the CN Tower, the massive, impressive and, quite frankly excellent, Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre with it’s interactive learning exhibits, Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum.

The final two are simply unmissable. Casa Loma is a 1911“medieval” castle built on a hill above Toronto’s northside, in an area now known as The Annex.

Up to $3.5million was spent from 1911-14 in turning the site into a home fit for a king and queen, but it soon fell into

disrepair and was seized by the City of Toronto in 1937.

Its magnificence, its opulence and its sheer scale are breathtaking and, if you get a sunny day, the setting is spectacular, with gardens and views aplenty.

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a world-class museum with over six million items ranging from dinosaur fossils, mummies, world art and Canadian history in 40 galleries inside its

striking, but controversial, crystal entrance.

The redesigned entrance is a jarring addition to the Toronto skyline and is still much-talked about, even four years after the Daniel Libeskind design first opened.

All in all, the city is a diverse, thriving metropolis, with enough quiet spots, like the Toronto Islands, Trinity Bellwoods Park, High Park and nearby attractions, like Niagara Falls, to make it the complete city holiday.

There is definitely something for everyone in the city limits of Toronto

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Great deals at Holiday World Show LONGITUDE 51° 30’ N | LATITUDE 0° 10’ W WHETHER your dream holiday is the delights of Turkey, an African safari, the excitement of South America, the luxury of Dubai, the fun of the Mediterranean or the warm welcome of a home holiday, The Holiday World Show Dublin 2012 at the RDS Simmonscourt from Friday, January 27 to Sunday,

January 29 is the place to be.

The Holiday World Show will provide expert advice to those seeking a well-earned escape from reality, with “affordability” being the key word, and many great offers are available to purchase on the spot.

New this year is the Over-55s Holiday Show,

joining The Holiday World Show and The Caravan and Motorhome Show, offering three shows in one.

The format of the show gives visitors the opportunity to explore the globe under one roof – Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, The

Americas, Home Holidays, Cruise Lines and Ferries, alongside Adventure Travel.

Visitors will have the opportunity to talk faceto-face with many leading travel organisations, and can take advantage of some exclusive “showonly” offers. For further information, see www. holidayworldshow.com.

A luvverly excursion to London Q SHANE DILLON

LONDON retains a charm and character that make it a delightful destination for all visitors, allyear-round.

Joining some colleagues, I recently set off for a couple of days there, keen to see some new sights in a city that I know very well.

Taking my seat for a British Midland International (BMI) flight to Heathrow, there followed the smoothest flight of my life – honest – as well as the softest landing, and all on my very first BMI flight, marking a great, relaxed start to my trip.

BMI fly from Dublin to London Heathrow oneway, including all taxes and charges, from €28, which also includes a 20kg baggage allowance.

For further information, see www.flybmi.com.

Upon arrival, my colleagues and I were soon whisked away into the centre of London, courtesy of the swift Heathrow Express (Heathrow to Paddington in 15 minutes;

prices from £18, one-way; www.heathrowexpress. com), leaving us close to our luxurious hotel, The Cavendish London (81, Jermyn Street, St James’s, London SW1Y 6JF; www. thecavendishlondon. com; telephone 0044 20 7930 2111).

The Cavendish London’s superb location (just the shortest of hops from busy Piccadilly Circus) proved an excellent location to explore the city centre on foot, and it was great to be surrounded by historic Jermyn Street’s charming shopping arcades.

After checking in and unpacking in our welcoming executive rooms, my companions and I set off for Madame Tussauds (Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR; prices from £15; www.madametussauds.com).

You’ll forgive me for waxing lyrical, but the hit tourist attraction left us delighted, fascinated, amused and entertained.

Later that evening, we made our way to The Riding House Cafe (43 – 51

Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PQ; www.ridinghouse.co.uk) for a light evening meal – my generous portion of crumbling fish proved a great choice for my authentic fish and chips experience in London.

The night’s musical, Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP; prices from £20; see www.rockofagesmusical. co.uk) left a self-avowed musical-hating colleague singing a different tune the next morning, saying that Rock of Ages was “bloody brilliant” . Quite!

Finally, it was time to finish the day with cocktails, courtesy of the famous Mahiki Bar (1, Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4LD; www.mahiki.com).

Next morning, we strolled to nearby cheesemongers, Paxton and Whitfield (93, Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JE; www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk), originally established in 1742.

The store serves everyone, from Japanese

Helen Mirren was happy to see Shane at Madame Tussauds, left; Irish cheeses are also on sale at historic Paxton and Whitfield cheesemongers

26 January 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

A view of one of the luxuriously-appointed executive rooms at The Cavendish London

The Cavendish London is located Even January’s gloomy weather couldn’t dampen the stunning views

conveniently close to Jermyn Street’s

of London and her landmarks from the EDF Energy London Eye

neatly-presented arcades

tourists to celebrities (or celebri-cheese?), as well as many leading London hotels, exporting to clients and, of course, serving Buckingham Palace.

Next up, the Thames RIB Experience made quite a splash (Embank-

ment Pier, Victoria Embankment, Greater London, WC2N 6NU; prices from £32; www. thamesribexperience. com), where a brightyellow, inflatable speedboat boat soon took us on an exhilarating, white-

knuckle dash downstream.

Ditching our sea legs, we rejoined the landlubbers at Knightsbridge, joining diners at Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor Cafe (109 – 125 Knightsbridge; London SW1X 7RJ;

w w w.har vey nichols. com/fifth-floor-london), where afternoon tea awaited in the form of Picnic Chic tea and sandwiches (£18 per person).

Later that evening, we set off to Vinopolis (1, Bank End, London SE1

9BU; www.vinopolis. co.uk), a complex of venues dedicated to alcohol.

There, Brew Wharf (Brew Wharf Yard, Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD; www.brewwharf. com), our chosen restaurant, served up a delicious evening meal, leaving us ready for the “afters” – a beginner’s introduction to whiskey, courtesy of Tom Forrest, wine and spirit education manager.

Tom’s detailed whiskey-

tasting (www.vinopolis. co.uk/monthlyevents/ whisky_masterclass.php) presentation left us feeling like experts in The Whisky Exchange next door, where a vast selection of whiskies awaited.

Next morning, we walked over to the EDF Energy London Eye (County Hall, London SE1 7PB; prices from £17.01; www.londoneye. com), where the city, and her landmarks, were a

fine sight to behold, even on a January morning.

All that was left was a return to Heathrow, another painless BMI self-check-in, and a short while later, we were once again on board a surprisingly smooth flight, which concluded in Dublin with another soft landing.

Londoners may be annoyed with my mangled accent, but all in all, it turned out to be a luvverly trip to London ...

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Family fun with American Holidays THINKING of Florida for your family holiday this year? American Holidays has the best offers whether this is your first time to experience Orlando or you are a repeat guest. With the best hotels, resorts and apartments on offer, great holiday prices, and a huge number of attractions to choose from, Florida is a must for families, so be sure to check out the new Florida brochure or view online This year, Orlando is all about value and American Holidays have some of the best prices going.

Offers start from €595pp for 14 nights, three-star accommodation and flights ex Dublin, for family of four sharing. And when you book by January 31, you can book your Florida holiday for as little as €100pp deposit.

However, Florida is not all about family holidays – there are superb beach destinations such as Naples, St Pete’s / Clearwater and more.

There are two new Fly drives for those who are looking to hit the open road and experience what the USA has to offer such as: New England Explorer – starting and ending in Boston taking in the MidCoast of Maine, White and Green Mountains, as well as Connecticut River Valley, from €509pp (flights extra). Or maybe the Golden California Self-drive, beginning in San Francisco and taking in the famous landmarks of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Malibu, Los Angeles and Las Vegas from €599pp (flights extra).

To look at any of the new 2012 brochures, drop into your local travel agent for your copy, or request directly with American Holidays on 01 6733875.

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LONGITUDE 53° 00’ N | LATITUDE 80° 00’ W

Make this Valentine’s day a little bit special IT’S just around the corner, and it’s the best excuse of the year to get away for a special weekend... it’s Valentine’s Day! So, we have chosen some of the most unique and beautiful locations around the country, all of which are offering something a little different to steal away with your other half for a romantic weekend.

PICK N’ MIX AT THE THE 5-STAR G HOTEL

OVERLOOKING Lough Atalia on Galway Bay, a city break at the five-star g Hotel is the ideal getaway for Valentine’s weekend surrounded by absolute opulence and comfort.

Spend two nights with full Irish breakfast each morning, savour a special five-course Valentine’sthemed meal served in the intimate setting of Matz at the g restaurant, and all

from €245pps.

The g even has a pink room - one of the hotel’s signature lounges which is perfect to relax and enjoy one of the hotel’s special love potions cocktails.

To ensure your weekend of love is a bespoke occasion, pick and mix from a selection of treats to create that loving feeling, including ESPA bath oil selection €12; Strawberries dipped in chocolate, €16; Handmade chocolates: €16.00; Rose petal turndown with tea lights,€25; Buck’s Fizz cocktail breakfast, €28; Champagne, from €80 per bottle For further details visit www.theghotel.ie or call (091) 865200.

SPEND VALENTINES WITH ‘THE ONE’ AT NO. 1 PERY SQUARE, HOTEL AND SPA LIMERICK

CHECK into your opulent guest room where a bottle

of pink bubbly and homemade chocolates awaits you and your loved one on arrival.

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner on one night in the intimate surroundings of Brasserie One, overlooking the streetscapes of the Georgian Quarter of the city.

Cherish pure relaxation in the thermal suite followed by a taster treatment in The Spa @ No.1– Ireland’s largest organic urban retreat nestled underneath the .boutique hotel.

There is even a Private Spa Suite designed with total privacy and wellness for couples to enjoy together. As a special Valentine’s treat, couples can enjoy late check-out until 2pm, with the package priced from €169pps.

For further details visit www.oneperysquare.com or call (061) 402 402.

OUTDOOR FUN AND FINE CUISINE AT ASHFORD CASTLE

The comfortable and and friendly surroundings of Ballymaloe House

ENJOY a luxurious Valentine’s weekend in Ashford Castle Hotel where an array of outdoor activities can be enjoyed, and delicious cuisine prepared by award-winning chef, Stefan Matz, is on the menu.

One- and two-night packages are available.

For €247.50 per person,

Ashford Castle, top, Castle Leslie, above, and No 1 Pery Square, right right, are just ery Square three of the special places to spend Valentines

you can enjoy one night’s accommodation, full Irish breakfast, dinner in the renowned Geoorge V dining room, a dozen red roses and a bottle of chilled Gremillet Canteneur Champagne.

This is valid on February 14, 15 and 16.

Two nights’ package costs €395 per person, including all the extra treats and dinner on one night.

For more details call 094 954 6003 or go to www.ashford.ie.

A SPECIAL GETAWAY AT THE MAGICAL CASTLE LESLIE

ENJOY two nights accommodation in the stunning Castle Leslie estate with a romantic candlelit Valentine’s dinner on one evening of your choice in Snaffles restaurant along with a glass of bubbly.

Chocolates and a single red rose will await you in your bedroom and a delicious full Irish breakfast is served each morning.

Located in the castle, their heritage bedrooms

are steeped in history and are full of character and each boudoir has been restored with relaxation and privacy in mind.

Uniquely decorated and retaining their original features, the bedrooms and bathrooms are scattered with antiques, heirlooms and curios that have been lovingly collected throughout the centuries.

From €270 per person sharing, contact Castle Leslie on 047 88100.

SAY ‘I DO’ TO VALENTINE’S WEEKEND IN WESTPORT

BOASTING luxurious guestrooms with kingsize beds and jacuzzi bath as standard, intimate dining options in Restaurant Merlot and a range of glorious treatments in Spa Sula, the Westport Plaza, Co. Mayo, it’s the perfect retreat for couples.

Especially for Valentines weekend, the 4-Star Resort is offering a twonight break with breakfast each morning and an

evening meal on a night of your choice all from €149pps.

For further information, or bookings visit www. westportplazahotel.ie / +353 (0)98 51166.

BALLYMALOE HOUSE – THE PERFECT GETAWAY FOR VALENTINE’S

YOU can enjoy the comfortable and friendly surroundings of Ballymaloe House, take a stroll on the grounds, wander along their walking paths, passing the spring flowers in the woods or relax by an open fire.

The rate includes two nights’ bed and breakfast with a special dinner on Valentine’s night.

Included is a complimentary bottle of rose on arrival in your room and dinner is followed by music in the drawing room with Rory Allen and Friends.

From €230 per adult per for two nights includes bed and breakfast and two evening meals.

For more information call 021 4652531.

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GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929

Goldilocks and the Three Bears CONTINUING its commitment to a wide range of communityand family-friendly entertainment, the Pavilion presents a delightful presentation of the classic children’s tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. However, this tale is told from the bears’ point of view, as they try to deal with teenage tearaway, Goldilocks, and the worsening honey shortage ... Running from Thursday, January 26 to Saturday, January 28, at 7.30pm, with tickets priced €16/€12.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Ger Carey Live THE Mill Theatre is continuing its diverse range of shows, with the upcoming return of Ger Carey Live one to look out for. Ger’s show for teenagers, Stand-Up For Teenagers, is set to deliver a fascinating – and hilarious – insight into the difficulties and delights of being a teenager in Ireland today.

Although some years past his own teenage years, Ger’s shows promise to be hilariously insightful. Look out for his show on February 8, with tickets priced €10/€7.50.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Three Tenors

Matt King (George Clooney) has, in many ways, a dream life in Hawaii. However, with the pressures of looking after an important land deal for his extended family, and looking after his two children while his wife is in hospital, waves of problems begin to crash in around him ...

Should make waves This Hawaiian-set tale sees plenty of twists and turns as a family man faces all sorts of unwelcome pressures ...

Q KATE CROWLEY

PERHAPS Ye Olde Mayan that I wrote about a few weeks ago was right, given the claims that 2012 would mark the end of the world.

After all, it’s with more than a faint shudder that I note Clive Owen is back on our screens, followed closely by Nicolas Cage on the distant horizon.

Alas! Alarum! Seeing one of these guys charging into view is enough to spook even a stunning film reviewer such as, ahem, you know who, but two? It’s an omen!

Time to start building an emergency shelter out of discarded DVD cases, I think! That, or ignore the grim reality of a world that keeps giving Messrs Owen and Cage films to star in, and turn instead to a kind of paradise on Earth – Hawaii.

I’m probably now getting drowned out by enthusiastic cries of “The

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Descendants ++++ (15A) 111 mins Director: Alexander Payne Starring: George Clooney, Matthew Lillard, Patricia Hastie, Beau Bridges, Nick Krause, nobody nicknamed “Dog”

OUR VERDICT: A LIGHT-hearted film with moments of darkness, The Descendants is a reliable Clooney vehicle, seeing him deliver the complexities of character that he’s capable of away from his usual crowd pleasers.

Part drama, part shootin’-the-breeze fluffiness, there’s enough change in tone and direction to appeal to most audiences, and add a breezy start to the year’s films.

Bounty Hunnnnterrrr” by enthusiastic followers of certain aspects of modern Hawaiian (pop) culture, but, dear readers, this week I’d like to take you both to Hawaii with me to share a little of Gorgeous George Clooney’s life.

Or, rather, to call in on the life of Matt King (Clooney); a middle-aged Hawaiian running one of those megabucks set-ups that lots of people are relying on, thanks to his family’s wealth and landowning good fortune.

All Matt has to do is sign over the land he’s ultimately responsible for (as

one of The Descendants of the original landowners – geddit?), and lots of people will be rrrrrrich.

Of course, this doesn’t sound like that involving a plot ... so, moving things right along, his wife (Hastie) has one of those A Terrible Accident plotdevices that tend to crop up in films like this, leaving Matt in charge of their daughters while she’s in a coma ...

Under pressure to close the land deal, and dealing with a teenager daughter and her younger sister, Matt’s in a muddle in the middle of all this pressure,

with his cousin (Bridges) piling on ever more demands to sign ...

Sheesh. This sounds like a perfect time for Matt to discover – SpoilerAlert!

– that his wife was also having an affair, which, perhaps, he’d not exactly prevented, thanks to his detached ways.

Okay, you can all start reading again. (Yes, the both of yus.)

Matt’s life is a mess, with what seems in many ways to be an idyllic setting only serving to shine the Hawaiian sun on the problems he faces.

His family and legal pressures and duties are all indirectly linked to the state of his marriage, creating a clumsy relationship with his daughters, and meaning that this particular descendant is simply King of a whole lot of pressures. (Geddit? See what I did there?)

There must be some way that everything is connected, that Matt can

turn everything around to reach the happy Hawaii ending that everyone’s looking for. But what ...?

Hmmm ... it’s an interesting film, if not quite truly great, but then, just as it’s pretty difficult to find O**n and C**e starring in great films, it’s hard to find Clooney starring in a terrible one, and The Descendants is a bright enough way to get 2012 going.

It’s mostly interesting for the shades of grey in the characters – or, at least, as much grey as the Hawaiian sun permits – as we see nice people doing questionable things, and others who’re halfway jerks also being nice enough, instead of the usual clear heroes/villains that most films have.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a bunker to build from DVD cases, hopefully before O**n and C**e clip-clop into view with their latest offerings. Adieu ...

MUSIC fans will love The Three Tenors’ body of work when they take to the stage at Draiocht, ready to delight with a wide-ranging selection of songs. The trio – Declan Kelly, David Martin and Morgan Crowley – will cover everything from classic singers such as Sinatra and Elvis through to Simon and Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen and Joseph Locke.

Catch The Three Tenors on Friday, January 27 at 8pm, with tickets priced €27.50/€25 conc.

GAZETTE

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GazetteSPORT

HIGH STANDARD:

London beckons for Ava Hutchinson after epic Houston run Page 28

SOCCER: FAI LAUNCH ALL-IRELAND PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ COMPETITION FOR 2012

Five-a-side cup set to bring schools together sport@gazettegroup.com

ASPIRING Dublin schools’ soccer teams are being invited to take part in this year’s FAI Schools’ five-a-side competition.

FA I S c h o o l s a r e expecting over 15,400 children from ever y county in Ireland to compete in the event of 2012.

The games kick off in March and April, with Provincial Finals in May

and the National Finals concluding on June 7.

The winners from each county will go forward to their Provincial Finals and they then will battle it out at the National Finals.

The competition has been running since the mid 1990’s, the event is more popular than ever with nearly 1,000 schools currently involved.

There are five divisions to suit all school sizes, and a number of

teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body.

While FAI Schools encourage boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools. Last year, St Oliver Plunkett NS, Malahide, won the B Girls’ Schools category.

S e a n C a r r, FA I Schools chairman said: “The competition is growing at an incredible

The FAI Five-A-Side competition will see some 15,400 children across the country taking part

rate with the standard of football improving each year. We must pay tribute to the local teachers and competition organisers in ensuring the success of the competition each year.”

The growth of football across the country can be attributed to the FAI’s Regional Development Officers, who have been vital in increasing the number of schools playing the sport, and to

the dedication of local organisers who volunteer to run competitions.

To enter your school in the competition, contact the competition organiser in your locality. Details of the coun-

ty and regional finals currently taking place around the country can be viewed by clicking on www.faischools.ie or www.faischoolsdublin. com for further information.

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 January 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

in association with

Joy on the road as Ava makes grade

After disappointment in Dublin, Dundrum athlete AVA HUTCHINSON is revelling in the glow Verona target first-ever of qualification for the London Olympics 2012 FAI quarter-final place

VERONA are eyeing a first ever place in the quarter-finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup this weekend when they take on Drumkeen United on Sunday in Letterkenny.

It follows their ground-breaking victory in Cork against Crofton Celtic which before Christmas earned the double-bonus of a fourth-round date as well as entry in the FAI Senior Cup proper.

For manager Paul Cassidy, it represents new ground for his side but he believes the conditions are in place to give his side the best possible chance of making sure this is not the end of the journey.

“It probably will be the biggest game in the club’s history. When we beat Crofton, it got us into the first round of the FAI Senior Cup proper, so we’ve achieved that. If we are lucky enough to win in Donegal and make the Inter last eight, it would be a huge plus if we can do that, but it’s going to be very difficult. But we’re confident we can put a good show on.

“It’s great credit to the committee we have up in Verona, they’ve raised the money through local sponsors to put the players up in a hotel the night before to give them the best possible preparation and do it as professionally as we can to get the best result.”

Victory over Crofton was acheived in controversial circumstances, Verona surviving a pair of red cards, leaving Cassidy down a couple of men through suspension.

But two other suspensions have been served to see his side evening it out for the date after three draws to start 2012 in the LSL Sunday Senior 1 in preparation for the Drumkeen date.

“Form has been reasonably good. With suspensions, we have people coming back but two going out as well. But Stephen Deegan and Damian Brennan were both sent off down in Cork when we reached the fourth round. They are both suspended for the trip to Donegal but everyone else is back.

“It’s our first time reaching this stage of the intermediate so we’ve no history with Drumkeen at all. It’s the first time I’d heard of them but we have a report coming in on them this week so we should know a little bit about them. But we’ll worry more about ourselves than them – that’s generally the way we do it.”

MARATHON runners rarely describe what they do as fun. Tales abound of hitting the wall and hours toiled overcoming inner demons on the road.

Ava Hutchinson, though, cannot think of anything more enjoyable.

Her first effort at the distance ended in disappointment in Dublin last October. Running well on course for an Olympic qualifying time, cramps set in after eight miles, and became severe enough by the half-way point to leave her stretching against road-side kerbs.

The DSDAC runner ended five minutes outside the Olympic A standard. The result proved to spur her on and, last week, she made the qualifying time in Houston in brilliant fashion.

“I finished Dublin in two minds – I was devastated with the result but I did think about having

broken 2:42 with all those problems. I’m was adamant that if I could keep the body in control, then I could qualify,” she told GazetteSport.

Bouncing back, she approached last week’s Houston marathon with the same plan formulated by legendary coach, Ray

going to do it, you have to embrace being tired, the long miles, the bad weather.

“If you go into it with that attitude, you do get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It is hard, there’s no doubt. The training can be tedious with the repetition but there’s so much

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

‘The rewards of running a marathon are even better than on the track. It’s a different feeling to anything I’ve done before’

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

Treacy, her mentor and the head coach at Providence College in the US. He was the man to impress on Hutchinson the value of fun to cope with the most rigorous physical challenge in athletics during her formative training sessions.

“That was the first thing Ray said to me. If you’re

Ava Hutchinson in action for DSDAC

enjoyment to be had.

“I’ve always wanted to go up to marathon level, but didn’t know when the right time was. Obviously, this season is a great opportunity.

“The rewards are even better than on the track, and the feeling I had after the weekend was just so good. It’s a huge sense of achievement for anyone to finish a marathon. It’s a different feeling to anything I’ve experienced before.”

The 28-year-old’s step up to the iconic distance was always in her longterm plans, but was accelerated by Marathon Mission’s support. The Mission was formed in 2009 to raise Ireland’s performance in the 26-mile event and has since provided Hutchinson with the funding to travel to Providence for five weeks away from her Loughborough base in England.

Similarly, nutritionists, blood-testers and other

supports offered her the chance to commit quickly to the new regime, and it has borne instant fruit.

Learning the ropes came naturally after an international background in middle-distance and cross-country running.

Ava won her first halfmarathon in Waterford last September.

Dublin followed a month later, a painful experience that provided the vital lessons for her stunning fourth-place finish in Houston, running 2.35.33 in a remarkably consistent performance, passing halfway just past the one hour and 17 minute mark.

“I really enjoyed it. The actual atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. It was so much, the crowds were huge – I’d suggest if anyone was doing an American marathon, it is the one to do!

“We had a strict plan.

The first couple of miles were quite slow as I hadn’t much time to warm up.

“But then I got into a really nice rhythm, got a really good group of about six. For about 18 miles, I felt really good and thought, I shouldn’t have a problem here.

“From 20 on, I had a few issues with cramps in my calves but pretty much felt good the whole way.

It was a big relief coming down the home straight when I saw the clock.”

The success of Marathon Mission, however, means that while Hutchinson has gone well under the Olympic standard,

there is a possibility she could miss out on the Games.

Indeed, it may even be a full set of clubmates could steal her dream. Fellow DSDAC runner Linda Byrne won the national title in Dublin – albeit a minute slower – which could place her higher in the pecking order.

Gladys Ganiel finished eighth in Houston but intends another qualifying run in Rotterdam, while the experienced Maria McCambridge will have a go in Seville. It is a far cry from 2008 when just one B standard runner ran in Beijing.

It is a remarkable turnaround but one which lost out in the publicity stakes as Martin Fagan’s admission of taking EPO took the athletics limelight.

Hutchinson says it does not unduly affect her glee at running inside the qualification time, but hopes it will not cast a black cloud overwhat has been serious success for the women’s long-distance runners.

“There are so many aspects of it that are so sad. It’s sad for Irish athletics and sad for the athletic world as a whole.

There are two sides to it. It’s great that the drug testers are doing the job and the sport has been kept clean.

“I’ve met Martin but I wouldn’t know him well so I don’t know about his personal situation but you have to take each individual case as it is and it’s nothing else to do with any other Irish athlete.”

26 January 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 January 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SWIMMING: PARALYMPIC COACH DELIGHTED WITH PROGRESS

Making the Olympic grade Q sport@gazettegroup.com

Dublin supporting SOS with sponsor swap deal DUBLIN’S footballers and hurlers will wear the Suicide or Survive Charity (SOS) logo on their jerseys instead of regular sponsor Vodafone for their first league games next month.

The initiative was launched by Dublin stars Micheal Fitzsimons, Conal Keaney; CEO of SOS Caroline McGuigan; former WBA world champion Bernard Dunne and James McCarthy.

Vodafone and Dublin are asking customers across all networks to donate €2 to the SOS charity to help fund its ongoing work in the area of mental health. Subscribers can make the donation by texting the word ‘SOS’ to 50300.

PARALYMPIC swimming coach and GazetteSport star of the year nominee, David Malone, is in full flight this month ahead of the start of the qualifying competitions that will, hopefully, see at least six Irish swimmers travel to London for the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Speaking to GazetteSport last week, Malone explained the way that places will be awarded to Ireland’s athletes, with local swimmer James Scully set to be one of those in contention for a place.

“We are doing all we can to make sure everyone makes the standards for the London games.

“We are in the middle

of our own team qualilfication process. The athletes have to qualify between January 1 and mid-June. For the Paralympics, athletes are put into classifications, depending on their disability.

“Ireland will be awarded a number of slots for swimming, and for that, we have a qualification process internally with all of our athletes who have the qualifying standards for the different events.

“We will take the best athletes we have the standards for. Everyone is trying hard to get the times in between now and then.”

The first qualifying event is taking place on February 29 in the NAC, when the Swim Ireland

David Malone has high hopes ahead of the paralympic qualifying cycle

National Championships and Olympic qualifiers is to be held.

That will be the first meet of four that are designated qualification meets throughout the period to June, and there will be one more chance for the athletes to qualify

at a meet of their choosing.

“There is a meet every six weeks, and the athletes are aiming at taking part in two of the four events as part of their cycle of training and competition.

“We have high hopes

for qualification - James Scully is one of the hopefuls to go over, as well as Darragh McDonald, who won a silver in Beijing.

Bethany Firth in Downpatrick is hoping to go to her first games, and they are our three major hopefuls,” said Malone.

26 January 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: DCU STORM TO VICTORY IN KEHOE CUP .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S ST BRIGID’S would like to extend our

NHL League, Dublin SFC and U-21

deepest sympathies to the family

Leinster trophies will be present

of Ciaran Carr and the members of

on the night.

Round Towers (C) on Ciaran’s tragic passing this week.

Membership for 2012 is now due for all members and should be paid

Contributions loan scheme for our new state-of-the-art grass pitch are still needed. Application forms on website.

via the club website ASAP. Those

The club lotto resumes this Thurs-

who pay their membership will be

day in Russell Park; jackpot is still

automatically entered in a draw for

€15,000.

an IPod Touch.

Juvenile camogie training from U-8s upwards, continues every Tuesday from 7pm.

Juvenile handball training for all ages is on Wednesdays at 7.15pm.

A reminder that the club bar and hall are available for social functions. Contact Mick on 820 2484.

Please keep dropping in your old mobile phones behind the club bar for new AED.

Big Trad night with live music from

New players are always welcome

the Dublin City Folk Band this Friday

at the club, please contact our club

night. Entry €5. Finger food, draw

coach, Paul on 0879154748 or email

for premium tickets for Spring

info@stbrigidsgaa.com for more

Series as well as the Sam Maguire,

information.

ST PEREGRINE’S St Peregrine’s Colm Foley and Skerries Harps James O’Callaghan (below) were in action for Fingal

Students teach Fingal a hard lesson KEHOE CUP FIRST ROUND Fingal DCU

2-10 2-21

Q sport@gazettegroup.com

DESPITE Martin Ormond’s haul of 2-4, Fingal were dealt a sharp early lesson by a spritely DCU in the midst of preparations for the Colleges’ battles in the coming months.

As such, Willie Bourke’s side learned plenty of lessons about his side from their Kehoe Cup opener.

Once again, St Sylvester’s Ormond showed his ability from frees, thrashing to the net twice from distance, as he continued his form of 2011, but DCU counterpart Emmet Kent was showing similar deadeye accuracy in running up 0-11, nine from placed balls.

It meant that, barring Ormond’s tenthminute goal that made its way through a forest of defenders, DCU were

well clear for the most part. They notched the first four points of the tie and responded instantly to Fingal’s major when David Reidy wheeled away to the right to clip home a goal.

Two Kent frees and a ’65 helped extend the lead to eight points with St Peregrine’s man Colm Foley – a former Fingal player from two seasons ago – bustling his way to two scores, too, making it 1-8 to 1-0.

Sharper to the ball in each instance, Fingal were winning precious little ball, with the goal proving their only shot at the posts in the opening quarter, such was the one-way traffic.

Reidy also had an effort just pushed around the post into the side-netting by Chris Harford, as Quentin Lynch and JJ Lennon topped the midfield exchanges as Fingal found it tough to get Peter Daly – honoured

in midweek in the Nicky Rackard Championship Awards – involved in the corner.

A brief rally saw Graham Dillon clip over a nice score as did David Hattie to cut the halftime margin to seven points but DCU started the second half brightly again.

Six unanswered points removed any d o u b t w h i l e We s O’Brien’s 53rd-minute goal added an extra garnish as he thumped home unmarked after a tidy move down the right flank was squared

his way.

Kent hit four of the points with O’Brien and Lynch also weighing in.

Ormond replied three minutes later to bring the gap back down to 12 and Fingal did keep fighting to the end as another couple of frees and two points from Dillon saw the Lawless Park hosts finish the stronger.

They were aided by Aidan Moran’s dismissal, but they will be hoping for more competitive outings when the National Hurling league throws in.

SINCERE condolences to the McIn-

unemployed initiative this Thurs-

tosh family on the death of Jeff, and

day, please contact Ger Harford on

also the Patton family on the death

085 786 5756 for details.

of William. We are all thinking of you

Any member not buying lotto tick-

and your familes during this tough

ets, visit CNP.ie and support your

time.

club for only €2 a week. Lotto is also

Lot to wa s not won; number s drawn were 1, 3, 13 and 20. Next week’s jackpot is €4,000.

available to play online using the link on the club website.

F o u n d a t i o n aw a r d c o a c h i n g

Membership for the year is now

course in football continues this

due, membership open days are in

week in club at 10am. The nursery

the club this Saturday and Sunday,

is being re-launched, please see

please make sure membership is

clubhouse for details.

paid, as you cannot take the field without it being paid.

The Club are running a GAA for the

The f ir s t ever St Per e grine’s 12-month calendar is now available, only €5 and selling very well.

TYRRELSTOWN Training has moved to our new

munity, get fit and most of all have

facility in the Tyrrelstown Commu-

fun. For more information, please

nity Centre. This is located in the

contact Clare on 0834086173.

new Tyrrelstown Educate Together

Training for the senior team is now

school. The training times for the

back to three days a week. The times

Junior teams are as follows: Nurs-

are as follows: Tuesday and Thurs-

ery, U-7 and U-8, Wednesday from

day from 7 to 8pm at Tyrrelstown

6 to 7pm and Saturday from 10 to

Community Hall, Sunday from 11am

11am. U-9, U-11, Wednesday from 7

to 12 noon at Belgree pitch, Tyrrel-

to 8pm and Saturday from 11am to

stown. This will be be a big year for

12 noon. Please be advised that due

the senior team if last year is any-

to this training being indoors, train-

thing to go by. Why not come along,

ers must be worn.

meet new people and get fit in this

This is going to be a very busy year

rapidly-growing club.

for Tyrrelstown GAA, across all age

Tyrrelstown GAA club would like

groups. If you are available to men-

to announce a club lotto that they

tor a group, throw in a ball or even

will be running. This will take place

make the tea, we would like to hear

every Sunday in Jack O’ Neills pub

from you. This is a great opportunity

and the tickets cost just €2 for four

to give something back to the com-

numbers.

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

32 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 January 2012