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INSIDE: Opinion piece asks why are our TDs paid so highly? Page 10
Soccer: Phoenix mount epic comeback in Senior Cup Page 30
Hurling: St Brigid’s minors defeat Lucan in Russell Park Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
April 5, 2012
AWARDS: Blakestown students’ project captures a top prize See Page 3
Workers at Game must be paid – Higgins I LAURA WEBB
STAFF members at Game are entering the second week of a sit-in and vow to remain there until they get their entitlements following the closure of the retail giant. The sit-in began last week at stores across the country, including one in the Blanchardstown Centre, where 10 members of staff are protesting. Staff said they are angered
by the short notice given by the company, and redundancy arrangements. The 333 British stores have been bought, and will continue to operate, but 14 Irish stores are not included in the deal. Dublin West TD, Joe Higgins (SP), is calling on the Government to “intervene in the dispute to ensure that the Game worker’s pay entitlements are met”. Full Story on Page 4
Every little helps: Pair off to South Africa to help the needy DUBLIN 15 student Orla Brennan
(right), is planning a life-changing trip to South Africa to teach kids and help with community development. She says she is really looking forward to the volunteer work and
is willing to help out in any way she can. Pictured with Orla is her friend, Heather Purcell, who will accompany her on the trip. Full Story on Page 2
2 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012
EVENT Fr Peter McVerry Launches ITB Humanities Week VOLUNTEER: ORLA BRENNAN RAISING FUNDS TO HELP ABROAD
D 15 woman off to South Africa to help needy locals I LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
A Dublin 15 student is swapping her study books for a life-changing journey to South Africa to teach kids and help with community development. Orla Brennan is in her last year of college where she is studying Physical Education and Biology. T h e 2 7- y e a r- o l d hopes to become a teacher once finished at DCU, but before she settles down, she has volunteered to help at a school in Kayamandi in South Africa. She will go with her friend, Heather Purcell, and they will stay with a host family in the area. Together, they must raise €5,000 and as part of their fundraising efforts they hosted a race night last week in Kavanagh’s public house in Laurel Lodge. Speaking to the Gazette about the upcoming volunteer work, she said she is really looking forward to it. “We are willing to help out in any way we can. They have said they will try to give us PE and science, but we just want to help. “We do three days training in what we will be doing and they give us the syllabus for the first few days.
“Schools there need teachers and we are volunteering to help. I am finished college at the end of May. I thought about giving it a shot before going into the real world,” Orla said. The girls will be staying with a host family in the town, which, according to Orla, gives them a real insight into the community’s way of life and also brings employment to the area. “Staying with a host family gives employment to that family by letting us stay there.” Orla and Heather are due to fly out on June 3. The organisation they are volunteering for is SASTS – South African Students’ Travel Service, a not-for-profit student and youth travel organisation dedicated to providing high quality, affordable international educational and work exchange pro grammes to students and young people. Currently, SASTS work with up to 20 countries that send them young people they assist to find work or they place in social, educational or environmental projects in local communities where they volunteer for five to 33 weeks at a time. See www.sasts.org.za for more information.
Nadine Fowler, from Finglas, Emma Kennedy, from Swords and Aislinn Higgins, from Finglas
Having fun celebrating humanities H UMAN Rights campaigner, Fr Peter McVerry, was on hand to launch ITB Humanities Week 2012 recently. This three-day event commenced with a Grand Children’s Rights Parade. This colourful and vibrant parade made its way throughout the college with students and the staff in the Humanities Department taking part. The parade was followed by the official opening
Sofia Akpan, from Drogheda, Juan Fernandez and Ifeoma
of ITB Humanities Week in the Sports Hall by Fr McVerry. Other events included talks, plays, and an address by Minister of Social Protection, Joan Burton, TD. There was also display stands and workshops on campus every day from Social and Communication Development Year 2 Students, student competitions and loads more for everyone’s enjoyment.
Bernadine Brady, from Mullahoran
Human Rights campaigner, Fr
and Laura Curtis, from Donaghmede
Peter McVerry
Okolie fron Blanchardstown
Lisa McCann from Rathoath, Lynn Hamilton from Ballyboughal, Swords, Rakiya Okoro, from Tyrrelstown
and Aisling Carter, from Celbridge
5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3
SCHOOLS Enterprising idea bags award
Blakestown student Karolina Urbanaite with Minister Joan Burton (left), while students and teachers celebrate
Blakestown students
capture a top prize I LAURA WEBB
BLAKESTOWN Community School students are capturing their own memories with a student enterprise project that caught the eye of judges at the recent Fingal Students Enterprise Awards. Capture It is a student company run by eight students from Blakestown Community School with assistance from three teachers Ms. Curry, Ms. O’Riordain and Ms. Quinn. Dedicating all their spare time to the company, they have made an impressive €1,300 and are now award-winning students after being awarded the intermediate category winners at the 2012 Fingal Student Enterprise awards. They
will now go on to represent Fingal in the national finals at Croke Park this April. The company transforms people’s favourite pictures into a card, fridge magnet, key ring, calendar and more. Customers just email their picture to the students at blakestownenterprise@gmail.com and see their pictures come to life. The products can be viewed on their dedicated Facebook page – Capture It. Last week, the students were presented with a certificate for their achievement by local TD and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, during a special ceremony at the school. Speaking after the
event, Minister Burton said: “I am delighted that the students will go on to represent Fingal in the national finals in April. I was so impressed with what I saw. It was amazing. These kids from Ireland, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Nigeria were a tremendous group. They may have big business and artistic careers ahead of them. I think it is very important to encourage students to improve their entrepreneurial skills. I was also impressed that they raised €500 for Sparky the dog.” Sparky’s story is a charity that has over 6,000 followers worldwide on facebook. Through a special chip in service the students have sent products worldwide from USA to
Poland with all proceeds going through Sparky’s story to various animal foundations. Teacher Mary Quinn said: “It was a great day for the students to meet Minister Burton, who invited them into the Dail after the Easter Holidays - they are delighted. She presented the students with their Cert and viewed their project, saying they were an inspiration to their peers. “The school is over the moon for them. At the award ceremony, when their name was announced, our principal Eileen O’Connor described it as being ‘the closest feeling she would get to an Oscar nomination’.
4 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012
CLOSURE: ANGER OVER LOSS OF 121 JOBS
PROJECT Restoring walled gardens to their former glory
GAME staff continue their sit-in
I LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
STAFF at Game in Blanchardstown are continuing their sit-in, a week after the retail giant closed the doors at all its stores in the Republic. The sit-in began on Tuesday, March 27, at stores across the State, including Blanchardstown, where 10 members of staff remain behind closed doors in pursuit of redundancy entitlements. Other stores in Dublin taking part in the sit-in include Liffey Valley and Dundrum. The closures mean the loss of 121 jobs in the Republic. The news came after the group went into administration. Staff said they are angered by the short notice given by the company, and redundancy arrangements. Since last week, news broke that 333 British Game Stores across the UKwere sold to investment firm, OpCapita, but the 14 Irish stores are not included in the deal. A spokesman for the Game staff taking part in the sit-in, James Daly, of Mahon Point store
in Cork, said they met once with the company’s administrator, PWC, who reiterated they can’t pay redundancy and the Government will have to foot the bill. “We met them last Thursday; they said they were in no position to make a deal of any description, which is ridiculous considering the fact that stores are still open in the UK. Intervene
“We now are seeking a meeting with the Minister asking the department to intervene in the situation as well. That was the last communication we had with them. We will stay here for as long as we can,” James added. In a statement to the Gazette, PWC confirmed wages for the month of March 2012 will be paid and are making arrangements to process employee claims for statutory redundancy, minimum notice, arrears of holiday pay and any other entitlements, which are covered by the redundancy and insolvency payments scheme in the Department of Social Protection.
Cllr Michael O’Donovan with FCC officials John Harrington and Jimmy Connolly
Students start work on Shackleton Gardens HORTICULTURE students from Institute of Technology Blanchardstown have commenced work at the former Shackleton Gardens in order to restore the once famous walled gardens to their former glory. This could turn it into a major tourist attraction in the area with people coming from far and wide to view its rare species of plants. Fingal County Council had been in talks with ITB for some time to discuss a project with its horticulture students, to offer them some handson experience at the gardens. During a recent area committee meeting, Labour councillor Michael O’Donovan
asked management at FCC to report on the council’s interaction with the horticulture department at the local college regarding Shackleton Gardens, now known as the Beechpark walled gardens. In a report, a spokesperson for the council said there have been detailed discussions to provide practical experience to horticulture students in the restoration of the walled garden at Beechpark. According to the spokesperson, arrangements have been put in place, and the first group of students have commenced work in the gardens. The students are working with the council’s
senior horticulturist, John Harrington. Local volunteers from the area, who have horticulture experience, have also been sharing their expertise. Simmering
“This is very good news. It has been simmering since last year and it is great to see them on board and working in the gardens now to help accelerate the restoration of the gardens,” Cllr O’Donovan told the Gazette. “Our parks department have a very specific schedule of what to do, so it’s great to have skilled students be part of it. Great experience for them too,” he added. Fine Gael councillor Kieran Dennison said
the council has requested grant funding from the Department of Tourism. “I gather the gardens will be of international significance and it could be very important from a tourist point of view. People do travel across the world to see exceptional plants and that is what the team want to put back into the gardens, restore it with the rare plant species it was once famous for. There are exceptional plants being put in from all around the world.” According to Dennison, this is the finished piece of the puzzle for Beechpark, which already has allotments, a playground and football pitches for the community to enjoy. The council is
also looking into putting in a small coffee room near the garden, and is in talks with a local resident about it. “We don’t have anything like this on this side of the county. In Dublin North there is the Malahide Demesne so it will be great to have this here again,” Cllr Dennison added. The Victorian Walled Gardens at Beechpark were established by explorer, Ernest Shackleton. He sourced exotic plants from near and far, all over the world, during his years of travelling. The gardens were open to the public up until the late 1980’s. Once restoration is complete, the famous gardens will once again be open for all to see.
Opening of new all-weather pitch I LAURA WEBB
LOCAL sports clubs have received a welcome boost following the opening of the Hartstown Park all-weather pitch. Clubs such as Hartstown/ Huntstown FC, St Peregrine’s GA A club, FC Lokomotiv, Mountview United FC, Pinebrook Celtic FC and Whitestown United FC, who use the park, will now have access to the all-weather pitch. The full-sized pitch cost in the region of €507,000 with
€276,000 of it allocated by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to Fingal County Council. F l o o d l i g h t s h ave b e e n installed at the sporting facility, and it is weather-proof, which allows local clubs and schools to use it throughout the year, getting maximum use out of the much-needed facility. Attending the pitch’s official opening last week was Dublin West TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar (FG), with the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry
Maguire (Lab) and Fingal manger, David O’Connor. Speaking at the event, Minister Varadkar said: “Hartstown and Huntstown have lagged behind both new and more established parts of Dublin 15 when it comes to the provision of sporting facilities. “Hartstown Park is more than 20 years old but has no changing rooms, pavilion or playground. The provision of this all-weather pitch will help to redress that imbalance “I’m very happy to be here today at the opening of this
great facility. It’s always great to see funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport benefiting the community. I expect this new pitch to make a real difference to local clubs, schools and sports people.” Minister Varadkar continued: “It’s been clear for some time that there is a huge demand for this pitch, and there was a great response after the funding was first announced. It will be ideal for all kinds of sports including GAA, soccer, rugby, seven-aside games and fitness.”
5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 5
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NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: DEVELOPERS’ GIVEAWAY FOR GOVT
TRANSPORT
Real-time bus info stands placed THE roll out of real-time bus information stands in Dublin 15 is continuing, with 19 being placed around the area. On behalf of the N a t i o n a l Tr a n s p o r t Authority, Dublin City Council is rolling out the installation of realtime passenger information in the greater Dublin area. A total of 39 have been identified across Fingal with 19 located in the Castleknock/Mulhuddart area. No timescale has been put in place and a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said “work is ongoing”. “Each location requires its own individual electricity supply, the lead-in time can be significant and depends on the local conditions and availability for supply,” said the spokesperson
Free site offered for hospital I LAURA WEBB
news@gazettegroup.com
Cheque it out: Funding boost for Community Drugs’ Team HARTSTOWN Community Drugs’ Team was presented with a
cheque of €3,530 to fund their Drug-Free Day programme for six months for 12 participants. The local organisation was one of ten charities who received cheques totalling €38,000 from the eBay Inc Give Foundation. The charities are nominated by employees in both eBay and PayPal. Hartstown/Huntstown Community Drugs’ Team (HHCDT) works across the rehabilitation continuum of care, providing a range of practical supports and holistic services to people who are actively using drugs and who are experiencing associated problems as well as to their families.
THE Government has been offered a free eightacre site in Castleknock by a Dublin-based developer for the proposed National Children’s Hospital. Flynn and O’Flaherty has offered Minister for Health and Children, Dr James Reilly, and the Government, the free site located at the former Phoenix Park racecourse, which already has planning permission for up to nine-storey buildings. In a statement to the Gazette, the developers outlined why the site is an ideal location for the hospital, including access, as it is situated beside the N3, while the M50 is just minutes away. It is easily
accessed through public transport with a Quality Bus Corridor, served by eight bus routes, a railway station with 95 trains stopping daily and close to major hospitals across Dublin. The site is part of a much larger site zoned for development, with a significant quantum of development established by planning permission from An Bord Pleanala. The developers are confident that the hospital can be delivered by 2016 because planning permission is already in place, there are no impediments to construction and it is located away from any residential development. They also believe the hospital could be delivered at considerably less cost than its current price.
A spokesman for Flynn and O’Flaherty said: “The availability of a free site on established development land, with sufficient areas to facilitate economical construction, providing adequate car parking and space for future or parallel symbiotic development, not only makes the site ideal for development of the hospital, but will ensure the project, as a whole, offers significant value for money. “The site, if chosen, will have the capacity to develop a world-class National Children’s Hospital and will have the physical capacity to have in-patient and daycare beds with an emergency department, the operating theatres. The research laboratories and the learning facilities meet the world-class test.”
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5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 7
EVENT Family’s gratitude for father’s treatment
Fundraiser to say thank you to hospice I LAURA WEBB
WHEN a family member tells you they want to spend their last days in a hospice it can be a hard decision to support, but that can change quickly when you witness firsthand the amazing care staff and nurses provide for their patients. Marisa Macari and her family felt that way when their father, Peter Vecchio, made the difficult decision to go to a hospice. Peter was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer early last December. He already had throat cancer and had to have a tracheotomy. Initially he want-
ed to be at home, but as the illness progressed he chose to die in St Francis Hospice, Raheny. Now Marisa wants to say thank you by holding a fundraiser in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. “Myself and my family were very sceptical about that [going to a hospice] and very scared because we really didn’t comprehend the meaning of a hospice. Once in the hospice we found he was more relaxed, and they kept him so comfortable. The nurses and staff there couldn’t have done more while he was there,” Marisa told the Gazette. “I was so impressed
with what they do. You really don’t realise unless you have someone close to you there. The care, the compassion and respect the nurses had for my dad and family was truly amazing,” she said. Peter passed away on February 13, 2012, and, according to Marisa, the decision to spend his last days in the hospice was the right one. “It was the best decision for him. He was scared at home; in the hospice he felt secure and relaxed. He made the right decision.” When Marisa found out that the majority of funding for the St Francis Hospice in Raheny
Peter Vecchio and Marisa Macari
and Blanchardstown is through continued community fundraising, she knew she had to help and is hosting a fundraising night. “We want people to be aware of what is really involved in a hospice. You don’t realise that the hospice is mostly run by fundraising, charity work, by voluntary work.
“With the recession, the HSE has cut back on funding them, so it’s detrimental to raise money elsewhere. If we don’t help the hospice now, we could lose them and we don’t want to lose them,” she added. Marisa has organised a dinner dance in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown on April
23. Ticket holders will be treated to a four-course dinner followed by music and dancing. A speaker from the hospice will be there to talk about the work they do. This event is strictly cocktail wear and it starts at 7.30pm sharp. Tickets for the event can be purchased at Shamon Boutique on 8220588.
RADIO Phoenix turns the pages THE schedule for the Blanchardstow n Library Show broadcast has changed and is now broadcast bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings and with a repeat bi-weekly on Saturday. Last week, this paper reported that the library show is broadcast on Phoenix 92.5fm on a Friday. T his schedule has changed and the show is broadcast bi-weekly on Tuesday at 8.30pm with a repeat bi-weekly on Saturday at 6pm. For further information on the schedule time for Phoenix 92.5fm, check out www.phoenixfm.ie or find them on Twitter at 925_PhoenixFM or on Facebook at: http://w w w.facebook.com/PhoenixFM. Dublin You can call the station on 01-8227222 or email info@phoenixfm. ie.
8 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012
EVENT Mulhuddart National School enjoys
Turning a shade of green TUDENTS from Mulhuddart National School turned a shade of green recently to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The celebrations took place at the school on Friday, March 16 bringing an end to the school’s Seachtain na Gaeilge week of events. Students and staff members dressed in their best Irish colours to celebrate the annual day. Everyone took part in the special parade and later enjoyed a great Irish sing song, while others entertained with some ceili dancing. Each class produced their own piece of dancing. Students also learned Irish poems, which is all part of an ongoing programme to increase awareness of the Irish culture. Principal Martin Kavanagh said: “It was a brilliant day. The kids were asked to dress up in Irish colours that day. It was a very special occasion for us because it is the last St Patrick’s day we will have in this building (on Powerstown Road) because we are moving. We hope to move into our new school building beside Lidl in Tyrrelstown this September.” Mulhuddart National School is a growing school with approximately 360 children, aged between of 4-12, on the roll. For enrolment details contact the school on 8856015.
S
An Irish Cowgirl and an Irish Princess
Pupils P il dressed d d iin their h i best b IIrish i h colours l to celebrate St Patrick’s Day
a fun day
5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 9
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OPINION Bringing political pay level to real world
It’s time our TDs got Real Pay for their job AARON MCKENNA
WHEN Alexander the Great led his army across the ancient world, he ate when and what his soldiers ate, slept when they slept and led them from the front. When Leo the Lion, and his colleagues in Dail Eireann, travel to work they claim tax free expenses no ordinary person is allowed. The salaries paid to our politicians bear no relation to what similarly responsible individuals get in the real world. Compare the pay of a Government minister to that of your average company managing director: The minister earns 41% more. What does a minister, who
already has a professional staff of civil servants looking after the department, do that deserves that premium? TDs earn as much a s s e n i o r c o m p a ny directors, individuals with real commercial responsibilities. Most TDs show up in the Dail to vote as they’re told by party whips and mind the vote in their constituency. It may be mentioned that, in the private sector, bonuses are paid on top of basic pay. But bonuses are rarely paid when a company is in financial receivership, or while substantial cutbacks are being made. When our new Government came to power it reduced the pay of
ministers. Rather than a pay cut, this was less of a pay increase for those being promoted. The Taoiseach still earns more than the Prime Minister of Britain and a host of other leaders of nations far larger and less bust than Ireland. There have been many s i c ke n i n g m o m e n t s since the beginning of the crisis in 2008, but among the least edifying for our body politik was watching them fight for their own pay, expenses and pensions when Brian Lenihan proposed a change to the regime. Politicians were rubber stamping budgets that stripped SNAs from schools, pensions from blind people and
nurses from hospitals. But, at the first mention of vouched expenses or an attack on their salaries and pensions, the backs were up. Our new Government has not lifted a finger to the gravy train. The Taoiseach, Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Sector Expenditure and Reform, are among those who don’t provide receipts for their expenses. Revenue would treat any ordinar y person claiming expenses without receipts as a fraud, trying to hide income. Revenue also states that no person may receive tax-free expenses for travelling to their place of work. Dublin TDs receive
€12,000 a year to travel to Leinster House, conveniently located in Dublin 2. If you live in a suburb and commute to the city centre you might be paying over €1,000 a year for a tax-saver commuter ticket. Our local TDs claim that much every month. There are some, such as Joe Higgins, who say they only take the average wage. This is of no advantage to the taxpayer as they give the balance of their salary to spend campaigning for votes. These socialist fighters aren’t shy about taking expenses: Patrick Nulty was entitled to claim the moment he was elected. Joe Higgins got €24,500 in 2011. Ministers claim the major-
Aaron McKenna, organiser of the Real Pay Petition
ity of their expenses via their departments, but both Joan Burton and Leo Varadkar are claiming over €1,000 a month from the Dail as well. The proposal to reduce the pay of politicians is not based on a race to the bottom. This campaign is benchmarking politicians against real work done in the
real world. It’s time for politicians to take a fair share. If you agree, sign the petition: RealPay.ie Aaron McKenna is
the organiser of the Real Pay Petition. You can contact him via aaronmckenna.com, on 0858434246 or on twitter @ aaronmckenna
5 April 2012 GAZETTE 11
HEALTH Fundraiser for children
EASTER: LIDL IS TOP OF THE CHOCS
Citywest workers urged join fun event
Time for treats
MORE than 5,000 workers at the Citywest Business Campus will take to the streets in aid of Barretstown Children’s Camp. Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara was on hand to announce the launch of the first annual CityWest Fun Walk, which takes place on Friday, April 27, at 1pm at Browns Barn, Citywest. Barretstow n are encouraging all staff that work in Citywest and beyond to get out and walk, run or jog the route. Stephen Campbell, Citywest campus manager, is very excited about the upcoming fundraising event. “We are delighted to support this Citywest Campus Fun Walk in aid of Barretstown. We
Noah Quinn and Ronan O’Gara at the launch of the Citywest Fun Walk for Barretstown
are looking forward to seeing a large number of the campus community out on the day enjoying a walk around the landscaped areas of the cam-
pus,” he said. The route will begin at Brown’s Barn, then head over the N7 Bridge, through the campus and along the Luas line, back up the main road and will finish back at Brown’s Barn. To register, log on to www.citywestfunwalk. org. There will be an online €10 registration fee, and all proceeds will go to Barretstown. Registration commences on the day, from 12pm, and all participants will get a free t-shirt and goodie bag on the day. Barretstown is a Kildare-based camp uniquely designed for children who have been affected by a serious illness, primarily cancer, and their families. Barretstown works to assist in the cancer
recovery process through activity-based therapy. Each year, approximately 1,900 children come to Barretstown to take part in its programmes of therapeutic recreation. The programmes build confidence, trust and selfesteem.
Survival In Ireland, five children are diagnosed with cancer every week. Due to the everimproving treatment process, childhood cancer survival rates will have increased to 90% by the end of this decade. To register, log on to www.citywestfunwalk. org, or contact Ciara Smullen or Liz Denieffe at citywest@barretstown. org; telephone 045 864 115.
AFTER 40 days and 40 nights of desperately trying to keep the kids away from sweets, Lent is drawing to a close, and with that, the annual reward of an Easter egg feast. So, for anyone looking to stock up on delicious chocolate treats ,and even sweeter prices, it’s time to hop on down to Lidl, who have a whole range of sweet treats that won’t leave you hopping mad at the cost. They have lots of Easter goodies by Lidl’s delicious own brand, Favorina, to suit all tastes and budgets, including Favorina Chocolate Bunny or Chocolate Painted Bunny. For lots of little treats, go for a bag of goodies, like the Favorina crispy chocolate pralines– a firm favourite, thanks to their creamy and crisp fillings. So, hop along to Lidl to stock up on choco-
late and luxury food and drink items this Easter. For further information about Lidl’s Easter special offers, or to
locate your nearest Lidl store, log on to www. lidl.ie. Availablity is limited so shop early to avoid disappointment.
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GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE
Protect your cat from FIV HIS week I thought I’d write about a medical condition known as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV. Officially diagnosed back in 1986, FIV is commonly associated with cats, a condition that often scares the wits out of concerned pet parents. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d do a sort of FIV 101 for cat parents; just in case any readers had a kitty that’s recently been diagnosed.
T
Is FIV like HIV? It belongs in the same group as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, so it gets a lot of negative press and is often referred to as Feline Aids. Can I/the kids/my dog catch it from my
cat? No. It’s species specific. FIV cannot be transmitted to humans, or to any other animals, so please don’t stop giving your kitty love and attention just because she’s been diagnosed with the condition. How did my cat catch the virus? Ever heard of a cat fight? Well, that’s possibly how your kitty caught the virus. You see, the virus is present in the saliva and blood of infected cats, and although a very fragile virus, meaning it is unable to survive outside of the body making it difficult to pass from kitty to kitty; it can be passed through biting. If an infected cat bites an uninfected cat the virus is injected directly into the bloodstream of the
Older cats with FIV can be adopted, but it is wise to look after younger cats.
uninfected cat. However, if an uninfected cat bites an infected cat, the risk is lessened. Even though there is still the element of risk present. In this scenario, the virus is not directly injected straight into the blood stream… if that makes sense. The virus cannot be transmitted indirectly through food, feeding dishes, toys
or bedding, etc. Also, it’s worth knowing that there is no scientific proof the virus is passed through sexual contact but the male often grabs hold of the female’s neck with his teeth, puncturing the skin.
What are the signs of FIV? A blood test is needed
to ascertain infection so please do go to your vet who will best advise. However, raised lymph nodes, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, gum inflammation, eye and nose discharge, etc., are just some of the things to watch out for. Bear in mind that some of these conditions can occur in uninfected cats that’ve been fed an improper diet, so you see, the signs vary and only your vet can properly diagnose. It is worth remembering, the virus will deplete certain white blood cells in your kitty, making her more susceptible to other infections. I cannot stress enough that if in doubt, visit your vet.
What is an infected cat’s life expectancy? Infected cats usually
retain their strong immunity for years following infection and it’s usually some years later when the symptoms begin to show, and most of them can be treated quite easily with prescribed medication. So, don’t worry, it is not a death sentence and an infected kitty, once managed by a vet, can live a happy, healthy lifespan. In fact, did you know, your cat is more likely to die as a result of a road accident than to have her life ended as a result of FIV?
How do I protect my cat? You could keep her indoors but possibly a tad dramatic. We would recommend you spay/neuter as it reduces the need to fight and wander. Want to adopt a HIV
kitty? HIV cats find it difficult to find new homes but, remember, these kitties are normal pets who deserve to be loved and cherished as much as uninfected ones. If you can provide a home with an enclosed garden, or cat run, then why not call into your local rescue shelter and give a HIV cat a chance. All she needs is love, regular veterinary check-ups, up-to-date vaccinations and a proper diet that includes vitamin supplements to help build her immune system. The information is a guideline only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. For more information, contact your vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
5 April 2012 GAZETTE 15
GazetteFITNESS FITNESS
Brought to you by Derry Temple
A ray of sun can make you fitter SPRING is here and the sun has started to shine! This is the time to come out of hibernation and shake off the winter blues. Now that the clocks have gone forward, we have longer evenings with more activity time. You can expect better weather too, which should encourage you to get outside and get active. The biggest benefit of getting our activity outdoors is that we can also get some much-needed sunshine. Sunshine and exercise cause the body to produce feel-good betaendorphins and serotonin that simply cannot be obtained from food (no matter how much chocolate you eat!). The other important
benefit is, after a long dark winter, you may be deficient in vitamin D, “the sunshine vitamin”. Our body’s primary means of obtaining vitamin D is through sun exposure and, since Ireland is located in a northerly latitude, it does not receive enough sun to provide vitamin D for large periods of the year. In recent times, vitamin D has come to the forefront of the nutrition world because of the numerous health benefits that have been associated with it. While we can get good sources of vitamin D from fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna and also milk and eggs, the best source is natural UVB sunlight.
Vitamin D is crucial to the function and health of our bodies and low levels of vitamin D are implicated in several diseases. It has been historically proven and documented that adequate calcium intake can improve general bone health and decrease the risk of certain bone diseases that are more prevalent in later life. What many people don’t realise is that vitamin D is critical in the body’s ability to properly utilise calcium. Calcium absorption in the intestines actually requires vitamin D and, when its levels are deficient, calcium is not optimally absorbed even if there is enough of it in the diet.
personal trainer and pilates instructor
The keys to seeing signs of a stroke Taking in the sun isn’t just good for plants
If this is the case, then the body will mobilise calcium from the skeletal bones and release it into the bloodstream. This inevitably causes a loss of bone density and can lead to osteomalacia, osteopenia and, eventually, to osteoporosis. Bone health is an important health issue for people over 50 years of age and becomes an increasing concern as we age. Temple Training will
hold a free fat-loss workshop for Gazette readers on Tuesday, April 17 at 8pm in Le Cheile Community Centre, Donnycarney. This is an introduction to our “Body Design” course, which will empower you to “attain a lean body, healthy mind and an abundance of energy for life”. To secure your place simply e-mail us at info@templetrain ing and mention that you are a Gazette reader.
TEN THOUSAND Irish people have a stroke every year and around 2,000 of them die from stroke. The most common form of stroke occurs when the artery that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked causing a part of the brain to be damaged. FAST
A handy guide to identifying signs of a stroke is FAST. Facial weakness – can they smile? Arm weakness – can they raise both arms?
Speech – can they speak clearly and understand you? Time to call 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance. Speed
Speed is essential as stroke damages brain tissue. Two of the principal culprits that can lead to a blockage of the arteries are smoking and high cholesterol. You can have your c h o l e s t e r o l l e ve l checked at your local pharmacy or by your GP. With thanks to the staff of Lucan Village Pharmacy.
16 GAZETTE 5 April 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
Edited by Laura Webb
Dare to bare your legs with a number of great treatments T FELT like summer last week – that feels a long time ago, already – and, for ladies across Dublin thinking of baring their legs in a great summer dress, or shorts, they should make sure they look the part whenever the good weather returns. We don’t often get a chance to bare our legs in Dublin, but when we do, we like to take full advantage of the sun’s rays.
I
In this dreary town, we can often neglect our legs and leave them hiding behind skinny jeans or black tights Letting them breathe in the open air means making legs look supersmooth, and there is no better place to start than waxing. Gazette Beauty came across Wax in the City – a leading international waxing-only studio located in South William
Street. It opened last week and there is already a buzz about the top-quality treatments it supplies. Specialising in hair removing, it uses highquality natural beeswax, and skin is treated with Hamamelis water before and after hair removal. No wax strips are used, which makes it fast, gentle and leaving skin feeling smooth for two to four weeks.
Prepare to have perfect pins for summer – or any time of year – with a number of luscious leg beauty products
The wax used by Wax in the City is suitable for all hair removal, from face to toes, and is great for sensitive skin. Once the hair has been removed, keep your legs smooth and supple with a great moisturiser. One such product is Weleda’s Aloe Vera Body
Lotion. This product lightly moisturises and keeps the skin smooth. Ingredients such as organic jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil and organic shea butter support the skin’s moisture balance, and gives off an amazing aromatic smell. This product is avail-
able at Nourish health and beauty stores, and selected health stores and pharmacies nationwide. Once complete, sun worshippers can decide whether they want to go all natural with their bare legs, or add a bit of colour by using their favourite tan product. A good instant tan is Karora Instant Tan washoff (rrp €14.99). This tan is not only suitable for skin-bronzing legs, it can also be
used on the face and body. A great fau x glow helps to disguise cellulite and blemishes, and gives a fashionable tan that many have been already spotted with on the spring-summer catwalks. So, whenever it happens, with these great products and services you’ll be all set to pick out your favourite sun dress or shorts and show off those fab legs when the sun beams back.
Max Factor Miracle Touch CReamy Blush; €10.79
A Blush you’ll welcome to see on your glowing face CREATE a fresh face look by adding a pop of colour to your skin with MaxFactor’s very own creamy blush. MaxFactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush is designed to bring fresh dew to cheeks. It glides on easily, and leaves cheeks with a subtle hint of colour, ideal for a fresh spring/summer look. This cream blush is a softly pigmented, nongreasy creamy formula that transforms at the touch, blending easily and evenly over skin. The result is a sheer blush of colour across the cheeks, giving a fresh, natural glow, which can be built up easily for a more dramatic evening look. Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush is available nationwide in four shades – Soft Copper, Soft Murano, Soft Candy and Soft Pink – and are priced at €10.79 RRP each.
5 April 2012 GAZETTE 17
18 GAZETTE 5 April 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods A household charge for our homes, sky-rocketing petrol prices for our cars...and now our musical ears are getting a bashing. Sonisphere 2012 in the UK was billed to be the rockingest yet, with headliners Queen (with Adam Lambert) being joined by Kiss, Faith No More and The Darkness. Then last week, organisers literally pulled the plug saying the “challenging year was more difficult than anticipated”, which presumably translates to spiralling costs outweighing poor ticket sales. With Glastonbury on a year’s break and Oxegen taking a breather here, it’s a chilling thought that the future of the big music festival could be as unpredictable as an Irish summer. With more music being sold over cyberspace than in shops, is it possible that promoters in the already-strained music industry are bowing out of staging huge, outdoor gigs? Could we be telling our wide-eyed grandchildren legendary tales of overpriced burgers, wearing shorts in the rain and paying hundreds of Euro to sleep in a mucky field with thousands of fellow music fanatics - just for the love of music? I hope not, that’s something everyone should get to experience for themselves. Although we have to look at the plastic glass as being half full, 2012 does have Electric Picnic in Stradbally (The Cure, The Killers), the Rory GallagherTribute Festival in Ballyshannon (Horslips, Mick Taylor) and The Sea Sessions in Bundoran (Happy Mondays, Kaiser Chiefs) to name but a few. Or if a mucky field doesn’t do it for you, what about partying with some Easter bunnies on dry land? Listen to Radio Nova this week for your chance to win a trip to the Playboy Mansion’s Rock n Roll Fantasy Party with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in May. Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM
REVIEW: THREE DIVERSE RELEASES AHEAD OF THE BREAK
Magic number for preEaster goodies I ROB HEIGH
LIKE a candy store display, there are far too many goodies on offer in the music scene at the moment. So, which are the fun-filled Easter eggs and which are the empty vessels? First up is the return of trance-dance duo, Orbital, with their first album since 2004, Wonky. The record represents their first recorded work since their return to the live arena in 2009 after their retirement from the business after the Blue Album in 2004. Their revival showed how much they had been missed, as festival-goers and fans flocked to their appearances, and now, eight years since their last release, they have returned with Wonky. Orbital always demonstrated a more considered approach to their recorded output and live shows in comparison to the more Pavlovian mechanics of
stadium house acts like Chemical Brothers, and that’s a trend they continue on Wonky. There are some fine grooves on offer here, certainly, but they are inlaid within Orbital’s acid-inf lected melodies and electronic riffs that show old habits die hard — one foot remains in the chill-out space, one on the dancefloor, but the headlights are still firmly aimed at the stars. Next out of the shiny wrapper is Noctourniquet, the sixth album from The Mars Volta, the band, who rose from the ashes of one of the most influential and thrilling bands of the last 15 years, At The Drive In. With ATDI’s Omar and Cedric driving the creative agenda, and with the diversity of the ideas, soundscapes and melodies colliding, Noctourniquet is the sound of a million ideas colliding all at once. This isn’t rock as you
Orbital, Estelle and The Mars Volta make for an eclectic trio
know it, it’s not punk, it is completely its own beast and what a magnificent, prickly and involving beast it is. Listening to all of The Mars Volta’s records over the years has been a challenge, but an enduringly rewarding one for those who can stay the distance and appreciate the nuance and intelligence at play. There truly is very little out there that makes its mark on you like Mars Volta, and, given the time and the inclination, you will thoroughly
appreciate the craft at play in Noctourniquet. Finally, Estelle, the American Boy singer who has divided her time in recent years between Brooklyn and her home town of London, and has made some impressive appearances of recent times, showcasing her silky vocals with The Roots and John Legend at venues across America. All Of Me, her latest release, demonstrates all of the cross-Atlantic influences at play in her career, and is as smooth
a piece of pop-soul as you are likely to hear this year. It also features more mature and intelligent lyrics than this genre usually displays, with Estelle obvioulsy drawing on the personal and social consciousness displayed by the likes of The Roots in their music. This is a classy piece of work that demonstrates Estelle’s talents as a writer and as a savvy and adept listener to the trends and styles that best suit her skills
5 April 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Anthony Carmody, partner at Carmody Moran Solicitors
Taking stress out of Courts ANTHONY Carmody is a partner in Carmody Moran solicitors, one the fastest-growing legal firms in West Dublin. Having merged Carmody & Co with Moran Solicitors, the Carmody Moran mix is gaining a strong reputation. Anthony brings a wealth of expertise to the practice, having previously worked in one of the big top-10 Dublin law firms, as well as a niche defence law firm. Anthony was keen to establish a general legal practice specialising in the area of court disputes with Q: What was your first job? A: At 16 I ran away to sea and was a steward on the ferry to France
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: IR£71 per week Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: A steward on the ferry to France on a rough sailing… you can probably imagine the cleaning jobs
Q: When did you start your present job? A: I started my apprenticeship as a solicitor on February 5, 1996
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: When people have to access
the expertise to offer clients a cost-effective legal service that aims to simplify the traumatic experience of taking a case through the courts. This week, he spoke to the Gazette about the challenges his clients face. Anthony says he has “no typical day and feels strongly that he can help his clients by advocating on their behalf and advising them when tackling the challenges that result from road traffic accidents, employment claims, etc”. He says: “One
legal advice they can be often quite intimated, so when you get working with them and explain the process and seeing them relax working with me, that’s a great part of the job
Q: Have you ever achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: Setting up my own practice,
day I can be securing a client a divorce and the next day I’m in the High Court on a personal injury action.” He goes on to say: “The most rewarding part of my job is getting my clients the results they deserve and that, while I cannot turn back the clock for them, it is always great to obtain a just and fair outcome.” Carmody Moran solicitors have offices in Dublin 15 and Dublin 7. To find out more, visit www.carmodymoran.ie or telephone 01 827 2888.
Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on? A: I’m not a complete nerd Q: What sport do you follow? A: Rugby and soccer, in particular Sligo Rovers
Q: What sport can you play? A: I have played every sport going
which now employs six of us
and was equally useless at each one
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: Not anywhere near enough; I’m
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Smoking… if only I could turn
very hands-on in work
the clock back to 1989!
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: A few empty coffee cups
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: Continuing to build up our
practice that people come to when they wish to get solid, affordable and realistic legal advice and building on our reputation for putting clients first.
Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: Eurovision – it’s the worst and the best thing on TV
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Outdoors somewhere with my
Solicitor Anthony Carmody
Inc. back to work.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Bookshops or HMV Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Up in the mountains somewhere with my wife and baby son getting away from it all
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I don’t think that there is any-
wife, family and friends
thing else I would want to do or could do as well as what I’m doing,
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny, as I’d love to know
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: I don’t think that I will ever
what his plans are to get Ireland
retire
20 GAZETTE 5 April 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs New M-Class set for Irish release WITHIN the coming weeks, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the second of three new models planned for release in Ireland this year - their new third-generation M-Class sports utility vehicle. The M-Class links a strong off-road heritage to the comfort of a luxury premium saloon. In appearance, it has been given a more defined, forceful look with the introduction of new headlamps and grille and centrally mounted three-pointed star. Improvements include a more spacious and comfortable interior with more elbow room, a new dashboard and upholstery and a raft of standard and optional infotainment systems. The M-Class is powered by an all-new line-up of engines - one petrol and two diesel units. In Ireland, the version most likely to appeal is the 204bhp ML250 CDI BlueTEC 4-MATIC selling at €71,060 ex works with road tax of just €481. Notable features of the new M-Class include a new on/off road package that provides six transmission modes, depending on road conditions. Air suspension, anti roll stabilisation, adaptive damping that moves from firm to soft, electric steering and a tightest-in-its-segment turning circle combine to boost driving pleasure.
The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class
TomTom app hits tablets: TomTom has released an updated version of its WEBFLEET Mobile fleet management app, extending use to tablets and making fleet management more accessible for managers on the move. WEBFLEET® Mobile is designed to give businesses the flexibility needed to inform customers at all times and operate an efficient vehicle fleet and workforce. New functionality allows users to view details for all current
orders, manage workflow and meet service agreements. New jobs can be sent straight from the smart phone or tablet to a field workers’ TomTom PRO device, providing them with all critical information about the job. WEBFLEET Mobile displays an accurate time of arrival, which can be used to inform the customer. The new version also displays tracks for selected trips by date and vehicle. It is available in app stores for TomTom’s 15,000 business customers.
Done deal: Renault join Dubs for 2012 season DUBLIN football star, Bernard Brogan, is joined by local schoolkids Jack Murray, Roisin Gregory Cox, Mikey O’Driscoll and Molly Fitzgerald. The group got together this week to celebrate the launch of an official car partnership between Renault Ireland and the Dublin Gaelic Football Team. Renault will partner the All-Ireland Football Champions for 2012, a partnership that will see a number of players driving new Renault models. Players Denis Bastick, Kevin Nolan, Barry Cahill, Michael Dara
MacAuley, Eoghan O’Gara, Alan Brogan and Bernard Brogan took to the pitch at Parnell Park, home of the Dubs, with Renault managing director Eric Basset. Commenting on the deal, Mr Basset said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Dublin football team today and we believe it’s a great natural fit as we share the same values - hard work, performance, challenge, and dedication. In 2012 Renault and Dublin GAA will have to continue to perform based on the good 2011 results, so we’re in it together!”
Dublin fully charged for 2012 EV Summit DUBLIN is to host Fully Charged 2012,an international Electric Vehicle (EV) Summit that is taking place on July 11, 2012, in the Convention Centre. T h i s o n e - d ay E V conference and exhibition will bring together thought leaders and policy makers from Europe, US and China as well as other experts at the cutting edge of EV technology. International executives from IBM, Nissan, Renault, Siemens, International Energy Agency will share their knowledge, latest research results and expert views
about this dynamic and emerging industry. A panel discussion with those responsible for ecar programmes in Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and UK will provide delegates with an insight into the business models, consumer uptake and challenges of EV adoption. In addition, first year results from Green eMotion, the EU funded transport research project with a budget of €42 million, will be discussed. A range of electric cars and related EV products and solutions will be on display. A number of Irish
Dervla O’Flaherty, ESB ecars, and Reg Plunkett, owner of the 1899 Sperry Cleveland vintage electic car
small and medium enterprises, who have invested in developing a range of innovative products/ services for the EV market, will be showcased using the umbrella Ecar Ireland brand. These world-class solutions, supported by Enter-
prise Ireland, have been proven in the Irish market and are being actively marketed internationally. All participating exhibitors to date are listed at www.fullycharged2012. com/exhibition.html There will also be an Ecar Test Drive Zone,
whereby members of the public will also have the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles in Dublin city on the same day. Interested parties should register online @ www. fullycharged2012.com Fully Charged 2012 is a satellite event of the prestigious Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF 2012) which is one of the highlight events of Dublin, City of Science 2012. A discount delegate fee is offered to those who wish to attend both events. Registration for one or both of these events is available online: www. fullycharged2012.com.
5 April 2012 GAZETTE 21
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs
LONG-AWAITED KIA OPTIMA SET FOR ARRIVAL:
Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director, Ford Ireland, and Mark Anderson, director of Titanic 100 Cobh project, at the handover of two specially liveried Ford
Ford getting on board ORD Ireland has become a partner of the Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 centenary project, with the provision of a pair of specially liveried new Galaxy models that will be used during the yearlong commemoration. Cobh (or Queenstown as it was known then) was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic on April 11, 1912, when 123 passengers boarded the ship before it put out into
F
the Atlantic ocean. Three days later, the “unsinkable” ship sank following a collision with an iceberg in the north Atlantic.
Tragedy To commemorate the visit of the Titanic to Cobh and the terrible tragedy, the Titanic 100 Cobh project has been set up and will run a packed agenda of events throughout 2012. According to Marc Anderson, Director of the
Titanic 100 Cobh project: “Cobh will be buzzing during 2012 as we commemorate this important part of the town’s, and Cork harbour’s history. We are delighted with Ford’s support and, as the centenary date in April approaches, the two Galaxy vehicles will be very busy. But the activity doesn’t end there because, into the summer and beyond, our programme of events means that the cars will
be familiar sights on the roads around Cobh and its environs right until the end of the year.” Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland, said: “The Titanic is an important part of Cobh and Cork’s history so it is fitting for Ford, with our historical Cork roots, to be involved in the Titanic 100 Cobh project. In addition to providing these vehicles for use during the year, we are
also sponsoring a novel Titanic-themed short film competition for budding film-makers.”
Inspired Entitled 8 Minutes: The Ford Short Film Competition, Entrants are invited to produce an eight-minute short film inspired by one of the themes of Titanic. Twelve finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their work to the wider film industry and the gen-
eral public at a great family evening out at Fota House Cobh on Saturday June 9th. On the night, one overall winner will be chosen and will receive the use of a Ford Fiesta for a year, fully fuelled, taxed and insured. Visit w w w.8minutes.ie for more information. More information in relation to the Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 project and the range of events planned can be accessed at www.titanic100.ie.
Dublin winner in the latest The Care Trust fundraiser DEIRDRE Ni Dhonaill, of Rathfarnham, and Susan Banks, of Kilnamanagh, were each the lucky the winner of a Ford Fiesta in The Care Trust’s latest fundraising draw which, as Ireland’s biggest car giveaway, will see 36 cars up for grabs in 2012. Commenting on her win, Susan said: “I am really thrilled to win a Fiesta in The Care Trust draw - I really love the sporty look of the car. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me as I had been looking around to replace my eight-year-old car and now I can’t wait to get behind the wheel.”
Gaeilgeoir Deirdre was also delighted with the win: “Ta me an-sasta leis an Fiesta nua – is carr alainn e”. Deirdre’s sons will benefit from the win too as she will give them her old car now that she has a sparkling new Fiesta for herself.
Winners The Care Trust’s prize draws take place three times per month with all winners notified by post. For €3.50 per week / €15 per month, contributors are eligible for all draws. For more information, see www.thecaretrust.ie or phone (01) 200 0060.
Phil Reid, of The Care Trust, presents the keys for a new Fiesta to Susan Banks and Deirdre Ni Dhonaill, while Aidan Kane, of Rathfarnham Ford, looks on
THE Optima Kia’s long-awaited new D segment saloon will arrive in dealerships throughout Ireland in the coming two weeks. The Optima, which has won numerous design awards, is an all-new car from the ground up. Longer, lower, wider and with an extended wheelbase compared to previous D-segment offerings from Kia, the new sedan embodies what Kia’s chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”. Welcoming the announcement, Kia Motors Ireland MD James Brooks said: “Having being largely absent in recent years from this important segment of the market we are delighted to be back with this very attractive sedan.”
22 GAZETTE 5 April 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel A wonderful place to take a well-Erned relaxing trip Strokestown Park offers an Easter treat for families, with fun, eggs, music and puppets
VISIT Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon, this Easter Sunday and enjoy an action-packed day of Family Fun in the Park’s idyllic six-acre walled gardens. The Park will be open from 12 noon to 6pm on the day with a whole host of activities and entertainment available for children to enjoy. For an entry fee of just €10 per child (admission is free for adults accompanying children) guests can enjoy a great array of fun activities and entertainment, including live puppet shows which will be performed by Conor Lambert’s Custard Pie Puppet Company, face-painting, bouncing castles, craft workshops, which are being presented by the Eco Envolve Team and includes both individual and group craft activities. There will also be a live musical performance by Eileen O’Toole, an exciting Easter Egg Hunt and unlimited access to the Park’s stunning gardens The Strokestown Park Woodland Walk Cafe will be open all day on Easter Sunday and special lunch rates will be available, with separate menus for kiddies and adults, for just €5 and €10, respectively. Pre-booking is advisable, so secure your tickets today. Tickets are available online at www.strokestownpark.ie or by phone at 071 9633013.
Enjoy a relaxing weekend close to home with the Ballsbridge Hotel ENJOY your next weekend break in Dublin with a special offer package at Dublin’s Ballsbridge Hotel and Berkeley Court Hotel. Both will be offering phenomenal deals this spring to brighten your next Dublin excursion. The Dublin Sightseeing Package at Ballsbridge Hotel, starts at only €55 per person sharing, which includes an overnight stay and a delectable Full Irish Breakfast. Explore the many sights and attractions the city has to offer with tickets for the Dublin City Sightseeing tour also included. Packages are subject to availability so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. To make a booking visit www.ballsbridgehotel.com and www.berkeleycourthotel.com.
BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
THE Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen is a golfcentred hotel with full course and a training academy both designed by Nick Faldo. Perched on the edge of Lough Erne in Fermanagh, the hotel has an impressive pedigree, with the awards to match. Indeed, it was the first AA and Northern Ireland Tourist Board five-star hotel in Northern Ireland, and was awarded the title of Best Hotel at the 2011 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. T he beautiful setting and sumptuous hotel are not the most impressive things about the Lough Erne Resort, however. They are merely the surface layer of an exquisite resort. The golf course is now world-famous as it was Nick Faldo’s first Irish creation. The course is a real treat for avid golfers and non-golfers alike as it offers a real mix of golfing styles. It meanders around Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne and the holes vary from pine-lined and heathland. There are a lot of
water features on the course too, which only adds to its interest and diversity. Along with the magnificent views of the grand lake and the beautiful hotel, the experience of playing on the course is a multilayered sensory delight. Lough Erne Resort
guests and participates freely with whatever event is ongoing at the resort. Another very novel feature of the resort is the Faldo Academy. This is a state-of-theart facility for improving your golfing skills by practising with the assistance and guid-
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‘So, if you are a seasoned golfer, or a complete novice, the course and academy are a wonderful way to have great craic whilst improving or learning the game’
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won Golf Resor t of the Year from the Irish Golf Tourism Operators Association in 2010. T he Resor t effor tlessly marries old world charm and up-to-date luxury. It is set on its very own 600-acre penins u l a , b e t we e n C a s tle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, just outside Enniskillen.
A Master at work Rory McIlroy is the touring professional of Lough Erne resort and has a house on the course in the golfer’s village. When McIlroy visits the resort he often leads golf clinics for the
ance of the hotel’s resident golf pro, the expert Lynn McCool. Lynn had a highly successful amateur career and won many titles throughout Ireland. She then won a golf scholarship at the University of Hawaii before embarking on a four-year training programme at The Belfry. She is a very adept and straight-talking instructor and believes that keeping things simple is the best way to improve a golfer’s form. “Sir Nick Faldo was the most straightfor ward and simple instructor I’ve ever come
across and if you practise the stance, grip and swing I show you, you can play on any course in the world effectively,” she informed me before tee-off.
A Beginners look McCool is equally good at instr ucting beginners, of which I was one. She tells you in very basic terms and by showing you your alignment and swing on the s c r e e n , h ow e a s i l y you can improve your game. The Faldo Academy is an indoor structure that leads on to an outdoor green where your swing, trajectory, distance and other technical skills can be monitored and tracked by a computer programme and equipment housed in the academy. Lough Erne houses the first Faldo Academy in Europe and, according to the man himself, through these academies, “we aspire to achieve the very best in all that we do”. Revolutionary Lough Erne claims that the Faldo Academies have revolutionised the way in which golf instr uction and practise facilities are being viewed.
The beautiful jetty at
It has been designed with golfers in mind and all of the staff at the facility assist golfers to replicate the shots that they will experience on the golf course. So, if you are a seasoned golfer, or a complete novice, the course and academy are a wonderful way to have great craic whilst improving or learning the game. Another facility at the Lough Erne Resort is the Thai Spa. This spa and thermal suite offers a truly authentic experience in the art of relaxation and Thai massage. From the moment you enter the spa you are taken in hand and led through a series of relaxing experiences, from head massage to foot massage, and everything in between. I had the back, neck and shoulder massage
5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs
Killiney’s landmark Fitzpatrick Castle is fit for a King, and Queen, this Easter weekend
Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen at dusk is a highlight of any stay, as trips to the Catalina Restaurant (top) and infinity pool (bottom)
as well as the head massage. T he dexterity and power of the delicate Thai girl working on me was quite remarkable. She was a true master of the art of massage and I was very revived and relaxed on leaving the suite. Dinner was ser ved in the hotel’s Catalina Restaurant where the cuisine was of the highest quality. Ever y thing on the menu, from vegetarian meals to a seafood selection and fowl, like quail and duck, were locally sourced. All of the bread, too, which was some of the most exotic I’ve ever had, (curry for instance) we r e b a ke d o n t h e premises. I had the hake on a bed of lentils with a great sauce and the most debauched choc-
olate dessert of three different creative incarnations. In all the whole experience at the Lough Erne Resort was a very good one. The staff is highly attentive and accommodating and all of the facilities, from the golf course to the spa and the dining, was absolutely above par. Escape for an overnight retreat with dinner in the award-winning Catalina Restaurant, a restful night’s sleep followed by the very best of Irish breakfasts. For more information on this fabulous resort, log on to www.lougherneresort.comor call the reception on 048 6632 3230 The Lough Erne Spring retreat costs from £89.50 per person, based on two persons sharing.
WITH the Easter break fast approaching now is the time to think about booking a break with family or friends, and Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, have a great selection of great value packages now available with something to suit everyone. Enjoy an Easter break the whole family can enjoy with the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Family Package. The package includes a two-night break for up to a family of five with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening and a third night’s B&B absolutely free! Its also never been easier to entertain the children this Easter with Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel’s Kids Club, which will run Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 from 7pm to 10pm – perfect for giving mum and dad the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing dinner. On Easter Sunday morning, from 10.30am, a special Easter Egg Hunt will take place with the Easter Bunny leaving lots of delicious Easter eggs for children to find throughout the Castle. The Family package is available from just €205 per adult for a midweek break, and €240 per adult for a weekend break. Fancy an Easter break with friends? Then why not try the Spring Midweek Special from Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. From just €145 pps (based on two sharing) you can enjoy a twonight break with breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening of your choice and scrumptious afternoon tea for two as an extra treat for you to enjoy during your stay. Or why not enjoy a longer getaway with the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Spring 3 for 2 Offer. This package includes two nights B&B, with dinner one evening, complimentary wine and chocolates in your room to enjoy upon arrival and a third’s night stay with breakfast absolutely free. This great-value package is available for just €175pps for a mid-week break and €195pps for a weekend break (based on two sharing). All Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel guests can enjoy full use of the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities as well as free WIFI and car parking. To make a booking contact the reservations team on (01) 2305556 or email: reservations@fitzpatricks.com
24 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Baglady
FRANK McGuinness’s rarely-performed play has an extra poignancy in the current economic climate, given the social exclusion that some citizens continue to face. Here, True West, in association with Eska Riada, take a “baglady” (as memorably played by Maria McDermottroe) – someone you might walk past in the street – and reveal the person inside, stripping away the layers of alienation to find the isolated woman inside. Catch this moving play at 8pm on Thursday, April 5, with tickets costing €15/€13.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Faulty Towers Dining Experience DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s upcoming special Easter three-course meal at The Mill, with fine fare provided by Roly Saul’s restaurant. Basil, and his loving wife, Sybil, will be ably assisted by Manuel – one of Barcelona’s finest waiters – to ensure the evening runs perfectly smoothly, and without any possible chance of mishap or mayhem whatsoever. Your Fawlty evening can be enjoyed on Saturday, April 4, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 The Playboy of the Western World PRESENTED by Loose End Studio, and performed by the ITT Dublin Drama Society, the classic Irish play by JM Synge gets a fresh approach in this upcoming production. Still striking a contemporary note with modern audiences, the secrets of a small Mayo townland will be revealed when wedding plans are interrupted, as Christy Mahon’s arrival will upset Pegeen Mike’s plans ... Catch Playboy nightly at 8.15pm from Wednesday, April 11 to Saturday, April 14; tickets priced €10/€7 conc.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Easter Integrated Dance Project CROI Clan, a professional contemporary dance company based in Cork, invites both disabled and non-disabled dancers, aged between 13-18 years, to participate in this exciting and dynamic week-long project, which celebrates and encourages dance diversity. The week will conclude with a dance piece set in a professional show in Draiocht’s studio space. The free project will run from Tuesday, April 10 to Saturday, April 14. If interested to participate, email sarah@draiocht.ie or telephone 01 809 8029.
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It could be something of a tall order for Snow White to thwart Queen Clementianna’s plans to marry a rich young prince but, thanks to this rather unlikely band of brigands she falls in with in the forest, she’s ready to face the challenge
Not a Grimm story It’s Snow joke to say that director, Singh, has struck the right note with an upbeat reboot of the classic fairytale I KATE CROWLEY
UNFORTUNATELY, The Gazette does not employ yours truly as its political correspondant, meaning that, alas, my dear readers are spared my thoughts on a number of pressing issues of the day. Yes, that’s right, you’ll both have to only guess what I might have to say on such matters as the Mahon Report, Bertie, the €100 Household Charge, the Troika, and so on. Why, it’s all enough to make a gal wish for an escape into a fantasy land. And, oh, look, here comes one now! Presented in the cinema style du jour, Mirror Mirror is a reimagining, reboot (or rehash) of Grimm’s old tale, rejinked for modern audiences. (Yes, yes, very good – it’s Snow White’s tale, with added glitz, polished CG effects, knowing asides, and so on.)
FILM OF THE WEEK: Mirror Mirror #### (PG) 106 mins Director: Tarsem Singh Starring: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, blink-and-you’ll-miss-him Sean Bean, and seven rogues
OUR VERDICT: FORGET anything to do with whiney vampires, woeful werewolves and angsty moaning that would make Kevin The Teenager look good by comparison – this slice of pure fantasy is an amusing, upbeat slice of family fun, with Roberts’ gamely knowing portrayal of a youth- and beauty-obsessed queen adding another layer of deliciousness. For a fun, feisty fairytale, Mirror Mirror is certainly a film to reflect on ...
Not a million miles away from the classic fairytale, here, Snow White (Lily Collins) is a lovely lass, living in Ye Olde Kingdome under the tender, motherly ministrations of the Queen (Julia Roberts, right). That’s “tender” as in “pretty insecure and increasingly jealous of Snow, and ready to get rid of the girl once she’s old enough to scupper her plans to marry the next passing rich young prince and thus stabilise her broke kingdom’s finances and bag herself a toy-boy in the process,” folks.
Enter the Prince (Armie Hammer) who, as fairytale luck would have it, falls for the girl, not the queen. If Queenie’s going to have any chance of blagging her man – and his money – S n ow ’s gotta go, and so it’s not long before a certain someo n e ’s b e e n sent on a onew a y
trip to the forest, where people tend to have a habit of not returning from. Of course, as the tale is better known by another well-known title, rather than “SnowWhite and the Hungry Forest Monster that Ate her for Lunch”, Snow soon runs into a group of bandits, of sorts, who’re small in stature but can stand shoulder-toshoulder with any soldiers in the kingdom, such are their impressive fighting skills (and, err, occasional use of stilt-legs). Beautiful, feisty and strong-willed Snow (and, thank God, not oooh-angsty like too many young female leads have been in several films lately) enlists the help of her seven new friends to square up to
the tall order of reclaiming her rightful place in the kingdom, thwarting the Queen’s plans, and – duh – netting the Prince, and getting the fairytale ending that everyone expects. But the Queen may have other ideas, once she learns that Snow is still alive ... Camply colourful and upbeat, it’s a film that’s full of great design and striking vistas, with amusing turns from several of its leading and supporting stars, such as seasoned ham, Nathan Lane, while there’s a fun frisson to the Queen’s/Roberts’ obsession with fading beauty. Mirror, mirror, on the wall ... who’s the sharpest critic of all? What’s that you say? Meeee? Why, thank you! Upon reflection, there’ll be extra Pledge for you this week, my polished sidekick ...
Startled to learn Snow lives ... Queen Clementianna (Julia Roberts)
5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces True out-of-this world marketing
Whether standing at the gleaming entrance to the flagship store on Fifth Avenue (above), or passing by a billboard in a corner of Chinatown (right), Apple have significant branding around New York – a stark contrast to Dublin, where the company has little comparable presence. Pictures: Shane Dillon
A tale of two cities SHANE DILLON
THIS may sound like something of a grand statement, but I was at Apple’s flagship store on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, in Manhattan, just last week, as well as at a number of other key game and technology outlets all around the island. All just part of a routine holiday, but it was pretty interesting to note the very different approaches, and
interest in, gaming and tech between the two distant, and disparate, capital cities (on paper, at least, if not by legislation). Firstly, my condolences to the GAME staff at a number of locations around Dublin, given last week’s well-publicised abrupt closure of the Republic of Ireland wing of the games retailer. Although I’d written here previously about the ailing chain’s difficulties, it’s regrettable that what
many business, gaming and technology followers had half expected would indeed come to pass, and that the company would enter administration, with GAME’s outlets in the Republic being closed, while those in the North, and Britain, continued trading. Like other interested parties, I’d been on a deathwatch, of sorts, while in Manhattan, as gloomy business headlines indicated what was
Anotherweebyte... Feeling The Force of some great promotional ideass IN MY main piece, above, I briefly touched upon how games stores in Ireland never quite market themselves very well, by comparison to their peerss that I’ve seen elsewhere. However, games companies are much more savvy about great marketing, as Microsoft proved when it enlisted the intergalactic tin can hero, R2-D2 (with human friend, Craig Sutton) to help launch Kinect Star Wars in Ireland recently, which was released on April 3. nect title, which It was a great way to publicise the latest top Kinect is one of the year’s most anticipated titles for Kinect, XBox 360 and Star Wars fans alike, letting fans jump straight into the action, using Kinect to engage with the Star Wars universe in a wide variety of key settings, light sabres at the ready. It shouldn’t be hard to Force any Star Wars fan to pick this one up ...
coming, as looming rent payments, and other costs, seemed impossible for the chain to meet. What a contrast between the sight of nearly deserted games stores and technology sections in Dublin – for all retailers, I hasten to add – and that of the many such similar retailers in Manhattan. Eve n c o n s i d e r i n g the vast differences in economies in scale and populations, I saw much busier shops (or “stores”, for our American friends) around New York than to be seen here at home, or, indeed, in London, where I was also on a similar ITrrelated stroll around last weekend. w Back Stateside, and, whether in bustling flagw sship stores or much ssmaller independent rretailers, I was impressed by the engaging displays, b and a much better, handsa on approach to displayo iing the latest (and recent, iinteresting) titles than I have seen for several years here in Dublin. Even better, the swamp of second-hand titles –
which did much to add to GAME’s difficulties, as well as to HMV’s equally ailing section, in my opinion – was not as prevalant, giving a much wider range of recent stock . With GAME now gone, what does the future hold for games retailers in Ireland? If I were to shake a Magic 8-Ball app beside me, it would probably answer: “The future is unclear” ... With the loss of GAME in the Republic – with staff members’ sit-ins making news around the world, I noted, in the relevant gaming/tech press – there’s a sudden loss of a key games retailer, further reducing choice for Dublin (and Irish) consumers. Presumably, that’s good news for the few remaining chains and online distributors (major supermarkets still present extremely limited choice, so I discount them), but, given the stale state of the market, and how games are marketed in Dublin, at least, I hope they can continue playing ...
SPEAKING of marketing – well, it’s a fairly broad theme that I’ve chosen for this week’s page – Roxio, makers of the infamous Angry Birds series, came up with an out-of-this-world idea for the latest instalment in the smashhit franchise, Angry Birds Space. Seeing as this series is likely to send some readers into an angry rage, such is its love/hate appeal, rather than delve into the game – widely available at a unmber of sources, and which Roxio are hoping will make the franchise the first game series past the one-billion download mark, as it’s somewhere around 800 million, at present – I’ll just say that getting NASA astronaut Dave Pettit (above) to demonstrate the principles of Angry Birds – while in gravity-free orbit on board the International Space Station – was, perhaps, not Mankind’s greatest scientific moment, but a pretty fun way of looking into the principles of the series, as well as some inspired marketing. Dave’s scientific discussion of how angry birds could attack greedy green pigs, using the principles of velocity, can easily be found on YouTube.
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26 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012
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Acknowledgement of Paddy Mulholland (RIP) The Family of Paddy Mulholland (RIP) would like to thank everyone for their kindness & support during their loss. May he Rest in Peace. Always be in our thoughts. The months mind mass will be on Saturday, 14th April 2012 at 6pm, at St Philip The Apostle, Mountview. Refreshments will be served after the mass in Salmon’s Pub Mountview.
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GazetteSPORT
STARS FOR MARCH This month’s Dublin Sports Awards winners are announced: Page 29
CHARITY: IRISH CRICKETERS GIVE BACKING TO CAMARA’S 10K EVENT IN SANDYMOUNT
Batting for the betterment of Irish schools sport@gazettegroup.com
TWO members of Ireland’s World Cup cricket team, Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen, were on hand recently to support the launch of Camara Education’s 10K r un, which will take place along Sandymount Strand on Saturday, May 26. T h e a n n u a l c h a rity 10K Run, now in its third year will raise vital funds for Camara Edu-
cation’s Irish School’s Programme, which aims to supply 65 Irish schools with 1,300 computers and train 300 school teachers in ICT in 2012. Every €5 that is raised will help another child in a disadvantaged area gain access to ICT, making it easier for them to reach their employment potential and build a better future. The run is open to all ages and abilities and
you can walk, jog or run. The race will commence on the Promenade, Strand Road at 9am shar p, with the course stretching around Sean Moore Park and the Irishtown Nature Reserve providing scenic views of Dublin Bay for entrants. Camara Education is an Irish charity and social enterprise dedicated to using technology to deliver a more effective education to
Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen from the Irish cricket team, with Killian Byrne, launch the 10k race
disadvantaged children in Ireland, Africa and Jamaica. Camara Education’s CEO, John Fitzsimons said: “It’s a great opportunity to get some exercise and help Camara deliver e-learning opportunities to some of
the most disadvantaged schools in Ireland. “Last year’s event was a huge success, and we are on track again this year for a big turnout. It is geared toward everybody, young and old, and is a great family day out and also a good pre-
mini-marathon run.” Johnston added: “The education that Camara provide with the computers is of utmost priority. It’s an amazing job they do.” Along with trophies for the winners and gold medals for all, partici-
pants can also choose to fundraise for the event with prizes being awarded to the top ten fundraisers. Register now at www. camara.ie, and avail of the special early bird registration fee of €15 until April 11.
28 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport
Patrick Nulty TD and Cllr Kieran Dennison
Applause rang out as the ribbon was cut by Mayor Gerry Maguire
Minister Varadkar at the opening ceremony
New facilities Hartstown’s all-weather revolution L
AST week saw the official opening of the new Hartstown Park all-weather pitch, with the ceremony being conducted by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry Maguire and the Fingal County Manager, David O’Connor. Mayor Maguire said: “Sport has been at the heart of the community in Hartstown Park for over twenty years with huge demand for pitches, and the completion of Hartstown all-weather pitch is a major boost for sporting activities for the community and for the pupils of the surrounding schools.” The new pitch will be available for use by clubs in the locality, including Huntstown/ Hartstown FC, St Peregrines GAA Club, FC Lokomotiv and Mountview United FC.
Players from Huntstown/Hartstown FC eagerly awaited the opening. Pictures: Ania Sherlock
The dignitaries enjoying the sunshine at the opening
Many local clubs will have access to the new facilities
5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 29
in association with
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - MARCH WINNERS
FastSport
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
# STARof the MONTH
# TEAMof the MONTH
APRIL showers? Let’s hope not! But the stars continue to rain from the sky here in Dublin, and March’s winners are a soccer double-bill that shows the talent on offer across the city in the underage levels. Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the
DAN CASEY ST JOSEPH’S Boys’ Casey is a star on the rise, his talents having seen him appear in Irish colours on several occasions in recent months. His trip to Qatar to play against the ASPIRE academy in late 2011 was a gateway to him getting his first international call against Belgium in Killarney. His selection was vindicated when he took the captain’s armband in the first match, and scored goals in both ties.
COLAISTE PHADRAIG MARCH was a memorable month for the Colaiste Phadraig first-year team, which claimed not only the Umbro FAI Schools’ Leinster Cup title after defeating Chanel College, but also their league title with victory against the same opponents. Their cup success, a 2-1 win in Arklow, was a well-deserved one, and they now progress to the All-Ireland semifinals in May.
Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance to be one of our monthly stars. Contact us on 01 601 0240, or sport@gazettegroup.com, to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Ireland’s biggest kids’ race in Great Ireland Run THE SPAR Great Ireland Run, which will take place on Sunday, April 15, in Phoenix Park, will feature the largest-ever children’s run in Ireland. Over 1,100 children between the ages of five and 15 have already entered the MiniRun and Junior Run events. The Mini and Junior Runs take place over a flat 2.5km course, which uses the start and finish areas of the adult SPAR Great Ireland Run. An adult is allowed accompany a child running in the Mini Run. The Junior Run starts at 11.15am followed by the Mini Run at 11.30am. Entries for the Mini and Junior Runs are still open at www.greatirelandrun.org. Current Olympic champion at 5,000 and 10,000 metres, Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia, will lead off the main field in the SPAR Great Ireland Run at 1pm when up to 10,000 runners, joggers and walkers will enjoy the stunning beauty of the Phoenix Park as it celebrates its 350th birthday this year
30 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: LATE REVIVAL SEES SCRIBBLESTOWN SIDE PROGRESS
Coolmine travel to Thormond for blitz COOLMINE’S Mini section last week travelled to Limerick for a friendly tie against Munster side, Thormond RFC. Situated in Limerick city, the current AIL Division 2 side have a long and illustrious history in Limerick rugby going back to 1944, and count in their ranks current Ireland centre Keith Earls and his father, Ger. Thomond RFC were running a Munster Branch Scheduled Blitz, and were delighted to have Coolmine Under-9s join in. Twenty-six of the 29 minis from the Ashbrook club made the trip, and previously having fielded two sides at this level, the decision was made to field three teams in the blitz competition - the Blues, the Sharks and the Reds. Among the clubs attending the Blitz were Shannon RFC, a club who gave Irish rugby many current and past internationals, such as John Hayes. Also present on the day were west Limerick’s finest, Newcastle West. The Coolmine sides revelled in the challenge of taking on such illustrious clubs, and started the brightest of their peers, scoring frequently in what was a sun-drenched morning on the banks of the river Shannon. All games were played in great sprit but with a harder edge than the Coolmine kids were used to, but they knew they had the measure of the very well-drilled Limerick sides. Each of the three Coolmine teams played three games in succession and in ideal conditions, and every player made a big contribution to the Coolmine cause. Everyone gave their all and Coolmine ended up undefeated, scoring an impressive number of quality tries on their way to a fine set of results. The Coolmine’s Under-9 players can feel rightly proud of their achievements on a very successful day’s rugby in Limerick. The club wish to pass on their thanks to Thomond RFC, who hosted the event and provided refreshments for parents and kids afterwards, as well as to head coach, Declan Power, who organised an enjoyable morning’s rugby and ran the matches off in quick succession.
Phoenix’s John Brophy is congratulated after scoring the equaliser in the FAI Senior Cup against Lucan United
Phoenix blaze back to win FAI SENIOR CUP, ROUND 1 Phoenix Lucan United
4 3
I sport@gazettegroup.com
PHOENIX dug deep to produce a truly stunning comeback, coming from 3-0 down to snatch a breath-taking win at Scribblestown in the FAI Senior Cup. It was heartbreaking for Lucan United. They were in dreamland when Donal O’Donoghue’s brilliant free-kick, Sean Dunne’s roofed effort and a calm finish from League of Ireland legend Mark Rutherford put them three to the good by half-time. But they were sunk in
the wake of Simon Carroll’s red card seven minutes into the second half as Phoenix – three tiers higher in the Leinster Senior League roster – roared back into contention to dump them out of an FAI competition for the second time this term. John Brophy proved the hero, scoring twice coming off the bench in the closing eight minutes to complete a famous comeback. Such a situation looked a long way off after 45 minutes. For the most part, the ’Nix did the pressing, but struggled to get a clear view on goal, bar Keith Kennedy’s flash-
Bowled over: New season underway at Westmanstown THE green at Westmanstown Bowling
Club reopened for the new season last Sunday, an event that was celebrated by the unfurling of the club flag. Pictured enjoying the opening day are men’s captain, Joe Coghlan, president Adrian Darcy, and ladies’ captain, Marie Magner. Westmanstown Bowling Club has over 100 members and is always looking for new members. For more information, see www.westmanstownbowls.ie.
ing right-foot drive. Lucan went one up after O’Donoghue got the trajectory just right to bend a left-foot free-kick from 25 yards into the top left corner. The winger had clipped the bar in the Intermediate Cup fourth round six weeks ago with a similar effort, but it had the requisite curl to beat Tadgh Murphy. Conor Walsh created the second in brilliant fashion, keeping the ball just in play on the right sideline, beating three to get into the box. His shot was blocked by Ray Kearns but spun left to strike-partner Dunne who rocketed in off the under-
side of the bar. And in the 43rd minute, Lucan looked home free when Gary Lang’s freekick was dinked forward. It was never cleared, and Rutherford placed the breaking ball into the net. However, Lucan sat deeper and deeper in the second half and Phoenix pushed on, with Derek Swan to the fore. Conor Barco was called on to save brilliantly from Brian Kelly, but when Carroll was shown his second yellow, the space grew. The Lucan goal was finally breached when Sean Gleeson’s shot rebounded to Gareth Cooney who slotted home in the 62nd
minute. T he pressure was incessant, but it needed a moment of brilliance to close the gap further, and it came from Swan’s pinpoint cross, finding Keith Dawson whose first-time volley rocketed home. Lucan were wobbling badly and could not escape their half. The leveller came with eight minutes left, when Brophy rose highest to nod home another perfect cross. Three minutes later, he bent the winner around Barco, and Lucan were out on their feet. Harry Kenny’s men were left to celebrate a famous win.
5 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: IMPRESSIVE RESULTS ACROSS BOARD .
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S EASTER GAA Camps: Brigid’s Easter
or €100. For more information, con-
GAA Camps next week! Some limited
tact Phil on 0867733693.
places are still available. Contact
Club Lotto is still € 15,000 and
Paul on 0879154748 or see website
takes place in Russell Park this
for more details.
Thursday.
To p in t e r co un t y p l a ye r s a n d
Great league wins for five of our
coaches will be present, including
six adult mens’ football teams over
Noel McGrath (Tipperary), Philly
the weekend, reports on website.
McMahon (Dublin) and Colm Crowley (Dublin minor coach). Membership deadline has passed. Pla yers who haven’t paid their membership will not be allowed train or pla y until membership paid. The annual club Golf Classic takes place in Royal Tara on May 25. Team entry is €400, while tee boxes and greens can be sponsored by €200
Minor hurlers, junior ladies’ footballers, U-16 girls and camogie teams also recorded great wins. Great start for U-9s with a fourteam blitz on Sunday. New players are always welcome, please contact our club coach, Paul on 0879154748 or email info@stbrigidsgaa.com. Brigid’s-produced coaching DVD also now available from Paul.
ST PEREGRINE’S HAPPY Easter to all players, mentors and supporters. St Brigid’s minor hurlers were also in action and registered a fine win over Lucan Sarsfields
Fine showings for St Brigid’s footballers I sport@gazettegroup.com
ST BRIGID’S made light work of neighbours, St Oliver Plunkett’s in AFL1 last Saturday evening, in what was a replay of the 2012 championship final. Last November, the difference between the sides was a mere two points, but five months on since that mammoth battle, a staggering 20 points stood between the sides at the final whistle. With both sides missing four Dublin players, due to Dublin’s rescheduled NFL1 game against Mayo, it was Brigid’s who made lightest of the situation and within five minutes it was they who led by 2-0 to no score, with Odhran McCann and Eoin Maguire on target. Despite the best efforts of Gareth Smith and former Dublin star, Jason Sherlock, Brigid’s dominated the remainder of the half and went in 2-8 to 0-2 in front.
Brigid’s didn’t relent after the break, adding a further ten points with Ken Darcy, Lorcan McCarthy and Dave O’Connor all compounding a miserable day at the office for Mick Galvin’s men. In AFL3, St Brigid’s inter 1 footballers saw off the challenge of Lucan Sarsfields by 0-13 to 0-5 in the 12th Lock. Brigid’s were in control from the outset, and would have been out of sight at half-time were it not for some wasteful shooting — although points from Colm Doyle, Warren Finnegan and Paidi Kelly sealed victory in the second half. In AFL 4, Noel Cassidy’s men recorded their second win from three when they overcame Fingal Ravens by 0-13 to 0-8 in Russell Park, with Daniel O’Mahony, David Buckley and Paul Whitty all on the scoresheet. The result of the weekend, however, belonged
to Cormac Kelly’s junior A footballers who turned in a masterful performance to defeat the 2012 Junior A champions, Parnell’s, in AFL5. Conor Clavin was on top form from placed balls and 45s, while Dave Redmond had a fine game at full-back, scuppering any Parnell’s revival, and guiding Brigid’s to a 0-10 to 0-8 victory. In AFL 10, Lar Wade and Bren Farrell’s junior C footballers overcame table-toppers, Innisfails, in Balgriffin on Sunday afternoon to record their third win in the league. Mo s s i e a n d S e a n Sweeney were both in fine form throughout for Brigid’s, and their firsthalf scores saw the visitors lead 1-4 to 0-5 at the break. In Oisin Enright, Keith Coleman and Kenny O’Reilly, Brigid’s possessed a stubborn and resolute backline, a defence Innisfails could
not break down. This, along with late scores from player-manager Farrell, saw the visitors claim the spoils on a 1-10 to 0-7 scoreline. Meanwhile, in hurling, Brigid’s minor hurlers recorded an excellent one-point victory over Lucan in Division 1 of the Minor Hurling League. It was a game that swung one way and then the other, but the home side finished stronger and clinched victory with a Paul Winters’ point in the last minute. The visitors put on a fine show and had a single-point lead going into the last five minutes, but, with two minutes remaining, James O’Reilly passed to Winters for the equalising point to set up a grandstand finish. And it was Winters who won the subsequent puck-out, drove forward and scored what proved to be the winner with 60 seconds remaining.
Well done to Colm and James on Fingal’s win v Donegal and also to Eric Lowndes on his Leinster League triumph with Dubllin. Good league wins for our Senior and Junior A footballers. Well done to Brian Hughes on
There will be promotions and information days also set up, so please encourage all to get involved. Membership for the year is now due. Please make sure membership is paid as, if not paid by the end of this week, you cannot play or take part in matches.
launching his book, 16 Lives, Michael
Tesco for Schools initiative is now
Mallin, available in all good book-
up and running; please see club-
stores.
house for details.
Lot to wa s not won. Number s
Entertainment in the club this Sat-
drawn were 4, 9, 12, and 26. Next
urday from Flipside, and on Easter
week’s jackpot is €3,800.
Sunday from Kiara Dignam and Dar-
Brod club: Further to the initiative
ren, music from the 60s.
on RTE driven by Bernard Dunne, we
Club shop vouchers are now avail-
are encouraging all our members
able. Details and contacts on the
to register: https://login.rte.ie/
club website, CNP.ie, which will be
rtesso/signup/
finished shortly.
ERIN GO BRAGH IT WAS a busy weekend for Erin go Bragh with 16 matches last weekend, from U-8 to junior football. Pictures are on facebook and the results are available on our website.
Kinsella on 086 818 4054. Last week’s numbers drawn were 1, 25, 26 and 27. There was no Jackpot winner. Next week’s Jackpot is €4,700. Roster this week is as follows and
Our juvenile section are holding
please note it is on Thursday, April
a fundraising table quiz on Friday,
5 in The Vineyard: John Kinsella,
April 27 in the Paddocks from 8pm.
Pat Keenan, Tom Madigan, George
Cost: €40 per table of four.
Burke, Martin Carroll.
We would encourage all members
Annual membership is now over-
to support our weekly lotto tickets
due. Please contact Sinead at edge-
at €2 per ticket or three for €5.
lys@gmail.com for more informa-
This is a key fundraiser for this club. There are tickets behind the bar in the Paddocks, or contact John
tion. You can follow our Community on facebook, twitter and our website www.eringobraghgaa.ie.
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32 BLANCH GAZETTE 5 April 2012