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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Enjoying the introduction of a brand new store P2

April 26, 2012

OPEN DAY: At Powerstown Educate Together National School See Pages 8-9

Whole lotto luck: Conal claims his winnings Football: St Brigid’s prevail in championship derby encounter Page 31

Rugby: Garda secure AIL league title with victory Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

IT WAS a lucky day for local man Conal Gormley, from Clonsilla, when he won €34,800 on last Saturday’s National Lottery Winning Streak TV game show. At the presentation were: John Gilmore, ticket selling agent from Spar, Weaver’s Row, Clonsilla; Gerri Maye, game show host; Conal Gormley, winning participant; Peter Plunkett, Head of IT The National Lottery; Madeline Gilmore, also ticket selling agent from Spar, Weaver’s Row and Marty Whelan, game show host.

Charity devastated as thugs steal van Organiser appeals for assistance to get business back

I LAURA WEBB

A PLEA has been made for unwanted rails, stands, mannequins and hangers to help get a charity event back up and running after mindless thugs stole the van carrying stock needed to keep the event going.

The organiser of Swap Styles, Aoife Keogh, was left devastated after the white transit van used to carry the stock for the event was stolen last February. Two months on there is still no sign of the van.

“Everything from that event was in that van. The gardai

were contacted and I have contacted them again since, but it hasn’t been found.

“I’m devastated by it,” Aoife told the Gazette.

The incident has now put a halt on forthcoming events, which were to raise money for St Francis Hospice.

Full Story on Page 6

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012

VILLAGE: SERVICES

EVENT CompuB Blanchardstown holds its opening

‘Use vacant building’ THE former AIB building sitting in the heart of Blanchardstown Village should be given back to the community for use of vital services.

That’s according to L a b o u r T D, P a t r i c k Nulty.

Cuts The Dublin West TD said: “Many community organisations have received cuts to their grants affecting their ability to pay rents and there is huge pressure on them to pay the bills and continue to provide quality services.

“Vacant units at the heart of our community are not only an eyesore

but are also an appalling waste of decent buildings.

“The Blanchardstown Centre for the Unemployed and other Community Employ ment ty pe projects would be ideal candidates to move into this location.

“They would enhance Blanch village and be excellent neighbours for local businesses.

“In addition, it would save money for the taxpayer on rents.

“It is high time we started to develop innovative local solutions to our problems and utilising vacant space like the AIB Building,” he added.

Shane McCarthy; Cian Donohoe, assistant manager; Zoe Magliocco, supervisor; Andrea Molloy; Richard McNally, assistant manager; Vlad Sikora and Marcin Hierzejewski. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Introducing a brand new store T HERE was a keen sense of anticipation at the opening of the new CompuB store in the Blanchardstown Centre last weekend.

The store, which is a premium reseller for Apple products, enticed people from far and wide with

10% of all products on the day, leading to them selling out of a number of lines.

Visitors enjoyed chatting with the experienced Apple experts on the range of products available and the latest Apple products and accessories.

Barry with daughter Katelynn Doyle and John and Kevin Boyle

Ben Thompson checking out some of what was on offer in the store

Annette Davey, facilities manager, Blanchardstown Centre, and Zoe Magliocco, supervisor CompuB

Ger Manley, CompuB country manager, Annette Davey, facilities manager Blanchardstown Centre, Sam Walsh, Sonia Abdalhady, Atef Allam, Mostafa Soliman and Sorcha Sherlock

and Liam Donohoe, Apple country manager

26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

BAND Jezzebelle get set to impress locals

Katie Carpenter and Gary Burke

Putting some soul back into music I LAURA WEBB blanchardstown@gazettegroup.com

A DUBLIN couple are putting soul back into music with their band, Jezzebelle, a rhy thm and roots sound that is showcasing across Ireland.

Living in Blanchardstown, Katie Carpenter (27), originally from Tallaght, and Gary Burke (29), from Lucan, have been making music together since they met in Ballyfermot School of Rock eight years ago.

The band has released a number of albums, singles and EPs over the years, with the latest EP, Back to the Start, released on March 22.

Last week, the duo played an intimate gig in Bewley’s Theatre to mark the latest release.

They are also set to play Gibney’s in Malahide on April 30.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Katie said smaller venues work well for their rhythm and roots sound.

“Outdoor festivals a r e n ’t b u i l t f o r u s .

Acoustic sounds are better played in venues like Bewley’s Theatre

which holds about 50 people.”

W hen asked what genre would better suit their style of music, Katie said “acoustic rhythm and roots”.

“We usually play just the two of us – two vocals, a guitar and a stamp pedal. Sometimes we are joined by drum and bass players, which works well with our sound; it’s a lot of stamp and a great bit of energy.”

They cite their main influences as Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen.

The duo is now set to tour Ireland, following six months travelling across America and Canada.

“We try to do all our original music; we travel a lot and the plan is to tour up and down the country this year.

It’s busy.”

The name Jezzebelle was Gary’s idea, a name that Katie liked instantly.

“It was only af ter touring that I realised what it meant. But I like the stuff it [the name] brings up. It means roots and a bit wild, we

like what it stirs in people’s minds.”

What started out as a couple of friends loving the same music and interested in setting up a band, soon turned into a music love story – “the band came first and then we got together,” Katie laughed. “It works well for us because we travel

300 wds

a lot so we still get to see each other.”

For further information on Jezzebelle, or to hear their music, log onto w w w.jezebellemusic.com The website also lists upcoming gigs.

Jezzebelle’s official new EP - Back to the Start is available from iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic and Zune.

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THIEVES: BUSINESS IS RUINED AFTER THEFT

HUNTSTOWN

Garden Fair to raise funds for centre HUNTSTOWN Ladies’ Club is hosting a fundraising Garden Fair to raise money for the local community centre.

Radio and TV personality, Peter Donnegan, from the Sod Show, will make a guest appearance on the day to give advice and tips on growing your garden.

Local businesses have donated a range of plants and baskets to sell at the fair.

Proceeds from the fair will go back to the centre to help with the running of clubs, including the youth club.

The Garden Fair takes place from 7.30pm until 9.30pm on May 3 at Huntstown Community Centre.

Admittance for this event is €2.

Thugs steal charity van

We have a winner: Abbie’s art wins top prize in a colouring competition THE WOODIE’S DIY Child Celebrity winner is Abbie Flood, from Scoil Mhuire Senior National School in Blakestown Mulhuddart. She was the lucky winner of the “Be a Celebrity for a Day” Woodie’s DIY and Dulux Colouring Competition. There were thousands of entries from surrounding schools in the area, with the standard of entries so high that it was difficult for judges to pick a winner, but they were unanimous in picking Abbie.

Woodie’s have a great day lined up for Abbie and lots of prizes. Abbie will be picked up by chauffeur-driven car and will officially open the new store in Blanchardstown Retail Park. She also wins a computer for herself and one for her school plus numerous other prizes, including a €100 voucher for a bookshop, €50 voucher for a music store, €100 voucher for Woodie’s DIY, a cuddly toy Dulux Dog and a family pass for the cinema.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

MINDLESS thugs have left a charity event organiser without a business after stealing a white transit van that carried all the stock needed to run the event.

Aoife Keogh, of Swap Styles, a charity event that allows people to clear out wardrobes by swapping clothes, was left devastated after her van was stolen following the last event in the Grasshopper, Clonee in February. Two months on, and there is still no sign of the van.

“Everything from that event was in that van. The gardai were contacted, and I have contacted them again since, but it hasn’t been found. It has disappeared off the face of the earth,” Aoife told the Gazette.

The incident has now put a halt on forthcoming events, which were to

fundraise for St Francis Hospice in Dublin 15.

“Financially, I can’t set it up again. It is purely a charity event for the hospice. I’m devastated by it. I loved doing it and people were beginning to get a hold of what it was about. So many people are asking me when the shop is on again,” she told the Gazette.

Aoife is now hoping the generosity from local businesses can help her get the swap shop event back on track.

“I am hoping shop owners or investors, who think it’s a good idea, might donate unwanted rails, stands, mannequins or boxes of hangers - it would really help get it back up and running.”

To help, contact Aoife by logging onto www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/ SwapStyles.ie or email akswopshop@gmail.com

26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

TRANSPORT Vital land is signed over to Irish Rail

Train station opening gets back on track I LAURA WEBB

LAND for a much-needed access road to the idle train station at Hansfield has been signed over to Irish Rail.

During the Easter break, contracts were signed, transferring the land to Irish Rail. According to local councillor Kieran Dennison, this could see construction begin in the summer.

The state-of-the-art station has remained closed since construction on it was completed in 2010 because no access road was built. Negotiations between Fingal County Council, Irish Rail and two developers have

been ongoing, and were delayed because one of the two developers went into receivership last October.

News came this week that the land has finally been signed over to Irish Rail.

Welcoming the news, Fine Gael’s Kieran Dennison said: “I want to acknowledge the assistance of Minister Leo Varadkar who helped to bring the various parties together to achieve this deal on a very tight timetable. Fingal County Council, Iarnrod Eireann, The NR A, Kavanagh Fennell (the receivers of Manor Park Homes) and Menolly all worked very

hard to reach the agreement, which was signed on the Thursday before Easter.

“As well as the land for the access road, FCC bought 14.78 acres for primary and secondary school sites to provide for future needs in the Hansfield area. Blanchardstown West Educate Together, which is currently in pre-fabs at Castaheany, will be one of the schools to locate there. Councillors approved the transfer of the land to the Department of Education at the April council meeting for €275,000 per acre.

“The price for this land, at €4,064,500, is 40%

Local councillor, Kieran Dennison

lower than that paid for a similar size plot at Kellystown in 2010 to provide for Schoil Choilm and Luttrellstown Community College.

“There was an opportunity for the council to acquire the land at a much reduced market price to provide infrastructure up front, which

Commercial Feature

Innovation in eye care with Opticalrooms.com The latest technology is used like the Topcon 3D OCT-2000 and the Henson visual field analyser

OPTICALROOMS is a new optical service within the busy Meridian Clinic in Roselawn shopping centre. This service provides a comprehensive eye examination and to then facilitates people to purchase their glasses and contact lenses online.

They offer the tradition service also for people not interested in the online element.

The benefit is the huge savings to be found in their glasses and in all their optical products.

“Due to the fact we do not have all the expenses related to a store we have passed on the savings to our customers,” says Mr Stack the owner and

founder of Opticalrooms. com “All eye examinations include an assessment for Glaucoma, Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Cataract development. Our virtual store at www.OpticalRooms.com will have pre-populated information for each individual patient following their consultation. Here patients can view their prescription, what was recommended and order or repeat order glasses or contact lenses as they require.

“Using the latest technology and equipment on the market our non invasive imaging system produces images of the

eye from the layers of the cornea right back to the retina and the choroid body. In addition, we use an FDA approved Henson visual field analyser.

This has a multitude of visual field tests that allow early and accurate detection of glaucoma.

“It is fully compliant for the proposed RSA driving license requirements for both Group 1 and Group 2 applicants.

Mr Don Stack F.A.O.I. The founder Mr Don Stack F.A.O.I. is an Optometrist with over 20 years experience. He has been running his own Practices since 1994 and brings with him a wealth of

knowledge from his industry. I am excited about this new development in the eye care industry, the emphasis will be placed on the examination and the retail end will be offered at the minimal cost to the patient.

“Generally the eye exam is used as a means of getting people into the store for the purpose of purchasing glasses. By removing this incentive I feel people will choose the quality of the eye exam as their motivation”.

Visit Opticalrooms.com to make an appointment or visit them at The Meredian Clinic, Roselawn Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, 01 779 0999.

is something this new government is keen to do.

“Hansfield now has a brand new train station and school sites and is well able to accommodate new development in the area whenever that may be,” Cllr Dennison added.

Last week, the

Gazette reported that the tendering process to find a construction company to build the access road has been put on hold until An Bord Pleanala make a decision on its planning permission for a temporary car park.

A decision is due by the end of the month.

COUNCIL

Plan for new pitch PLANS for a new allweather pitch, beside Mountview Community Centre, have been welcomed this week by Fianna Fail councillor, David McGuinness.

Fingal County Council received the planning application for a new all-weather soccer pitch (100m x 64m) adjacent to the existing community campus, perimeter path and viewing area, as well as floodlighting.

Commenting on the application, councillor McGuinness said: “A particular congratulations needs to be extended to centre manager, Mick Harrop, and his staff for their persistence in bringing this project to planning stage.

“This facility will be a huge benefit to the local Mountview, Fortlawn and Lohunda communities who already have a state-of-the-art community campus on site.”

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012

EVENT Powerstown Educate Together National School

Open Day fun OWERSTOWN Educate Together National School held their official Open Day recently with local politicians and councillors, community groups, businesses and the Tyrrelstown/Mulhuddart Community invited to attend.

The event was a very enjoyable occasion with the Garda Band giving a special performance. There was also a puppet show, a magic show, a children’s disco and facepainting to entertain the boys and girls.

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Breda Clarke with her son

Sumithsa Basha, Shameesa Basha and Masub Basha. Pictures: James Devon

John and Sorcha Burke

Alex and Karina

The Minister for Social

Minister for Transport, Tourism and

Protection, Joan Burton

Sport, Leo Varadkar

Emily Logan and Helena Regan

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EVENT

Bavaria City Racing App launch campaign

Sandra Dodd, Brian Kiely and Ciara Hennessy

Appy time at a launch UBLIN’S D2 nightclub was the venue for a very glamorous launch of the Bavaria City Racing App for the Bavaria City Racing event, which will be held in June.

The event will feature five hours of nonstop motorsport action for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Dublin city centre.

Caterham F1 Team will line up alongside an ever-growing list of international and domestic motorsport talent that includes the Vodafone McLaren F1 team, the Aprilia Superbike team, the Motorbase British Touring Car team and the GP2 Teams.

Rebecca Tyrrell, Niamh Kavanagh, Emma Stafford, Adzee Merai, Megan Buggy and Brian Kiely. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Stewart Connolly with Adzee Merai

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Ciara McAlaree and Jayne Owens

Jack Tune, Ceoladh Pratt, Robert Rogers, Lisa Murphy and Daniel Lafferty

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 11

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SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

Getting into the spirit of things at a festival THE Spirit of Folk festival launched with a bang recently as festival goers, musicians and some famous faces flocked to Whelan’s of Camden Street, to celebrate the unique event.

TR AZ , Bunioscionn, T he Young Folk and The Hot Sprockets took to the stage with an attentive audience taking in the folky-inspired tunes ranging from traditional Irish to country rock.

Spirit of Folk, now in its second year, aims to create an event where lovers of folk, trad, bluegrass and country can come and revel in the best Ireland and Britain has to offer.

It doesn’t stop there, however, with living history, storytelling, archery, falconry, games, ancient druidic rituals, as well as a mind, body, soul area filling the grounds at Dunderry Park, County Meath, where it will be held from September 21 to 23.

As one punter put it: “If the quality of music tonight is anything to go by, the festival should be a stomper!”

Spirit of Folk early bird tickets are now on sale starting at just €65 for the weekend. See www.spiritoffok. com for more details.

A sweet move to raise funds A DUBLIN hairdresser is hoping to raise €10,000 for St Francis Hospice when it gives every penny made on May 13 to the charity.

Brown Sugar, on South William Street, in Dublin’s city centre, will open its doors on May

Kathryn Thomas, Emily Duffy and Natasha Duffy at the launch of the Spirit of Folk Festival held in Whelan’s on Wexford Street recently

13 to fundraise for the hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny.

The salon offers make-up and brow treatments, as well as the usual hair styling and pampering.

From 12pm until 5.30pm every cent made on the day will go to the hospice. To book an appointment at Brown Sugar book, Tel: 01-616 9967 or see brownsugar.ie.

St Francis Hospice provides palliative care for patients suffering from cancer and motor neurone disease.

Bressie boost for very good cause WATCH out, Bressie’s about, and he is coming to Castleknock to help raise money for a very good cause.

This May 3, the singer/songwrit-

er and Voice of Ireland judge, aka Niall Breslin, will lend his celebrity status to charity.

He is set to host a charity lunch at Brasserie 15 in Castleknock with all proceeds going to cancer support centre - Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre (LARCC).

He will be joined with special guests to host the event, which is offering a three-course meal with wine, plus some great entertaining.

The charity lunch takes place on May 3 at 1pm. Tickets cost €65 and are available by calling Brasserie 15 on 01-828580.

The LARCC Centre, Mullingar, gives support and holistic help to people living with cancer, providing a supportive environment where patients and family members can participate in their courses, obtain information and experience complementary therapies.

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GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH AT ALL TO KEEP YOUR PET CAT KEEN

Keeping your cat smiling ELL, well, well, who’d have thought there were so many lovely cat people out there and I’m delighted you’re all regular readers of my column.

I’d like to start this week by thanking you for your phone calls regarding my FIV piece; I’m so glad it was of help to you.

With that in mind, and since cats appear to be so popular, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s column to cat toys and cat play with an aim to help you make your home a more stimulating environment for Miss Kitty.

First of all let me say that, when it comes to self amusement, cats are experts and it doesn’t take much to keep them keen.

For example, if you have a balled up piece of paper or a little rubber ball you can flick, well Miss Kitty will be in puurrfect heaven just chasing and swatting it.

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When it comes to self amusement, cats are experts

In fact, the clever cat may actually like to play “fetch”, by placing an object in your lap, expecting you to throw if for her.

And, yep, I know, pets’ toys can be expensive; I’ve got dogs who have managed to shred every single “guaranteed unbreakable”, toy I’ve purchased, but with a cat it’s different; you don’t need to raid the piggy bank to keep her happy. Below are a few of my very simple, but doable, hints for playthings for you to make Miss Kitty Claws.

• An empty cardboard box is a great way for cats to investigate and play hide and seek. Or make a cat apartment by attaching boxes together and cutting out doors and windows.

• Make it a family affair and set the kids a project by getting them to make felt mice stuffed with catnip.

• Used paper towel, or toilet roll, tubes are great for Kitty to unwind.

• Paper bags are fab but

make sure you remove the handles. Never, ever use plastic bags, they are a suffocation risk and sometimes cats can chew and choke on the plastic.

• Plastic golf balls… you know the ones hubby uses for practise. Steal one from his stash and place it in a dry bath tub and let Kitty play.

• Cats love anything that moves so why not get a tub of bubbles and blow them through the air and let Kitty catch and burst them.

• Turn off the lights, get the torch out and play shadows on the wall by dangling cat toys back and forth encouraging your cat to leap up at the wall trying to catch her prey.

Keep it safe Cat-proof your home and keep objects, such as pins, needles, plastic bags, chewable items, elastic bands, including hair bobbins, paper clips, staples, dental floss, etc., out of reach of your cat.

Keep it interesting Like all good relationships it’s good to keep your playmate happy so, if Kitty has a favourite toy, keep it handy but do rotate the others in order to provide her with a bit of variety. You know, toys to roll, toys to pounce upon, toys to cuddle and toys to wrestle with. You could also try hiding a few and letting her find them.

Remember, play strengthens the bond between pet and parent, so make sure your toys are interactive.

Catnip First of all, what is catnip? It’s a type of herb, it’s perfectly safe, it’s a member of the mint family and it contains a chemical that, when crushed, gives off an odour that attracts cats. It’s worthwhile remembering that cats who have access to catnip on a regular basis tend to become bored with it; so get creative and rotate those toys.

Petting your cat We’ve discussed ways to entertain your cat but never underestimate the power of petting Miss Kitty. It’s beneficial for both pet and parent and for best results, pet her on the side of the head and, between the eyes and ears where her scent glands are located, that way she can deposit her special scent on your hand.

Remember the above are simply guidelines that I hope will improve your cat’s playtime and stimulate her mentally and physically, giving your feline hours of fun.

For more information, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

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GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY YSL’s bring a Touche of magic WITH celebrity fans such as Julia Roberts, Rhianna and Katy Perry, it’s no wonder Touche Eclat is still Yves Saint Laurent’s best seller 20 years after being released.

To celebrate this milestone, YSL has launched a collector’s edition of its Touche Eclat. The complexion enhancer is an essential tool for every make-up bag and is widely known as a magic wand. It places an invisible layer of light, erasing dark areas of fatigue, lines and hallows.

Yves Saint Laurent 20th Anniversary Collector Edition has a RRP of €35.

Light, luminate and lift-off for No7 new skincare range OSMETIC giant No7 is setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum for women aged 45 and over.

The serum was launched this week and, according to No7, it is proven to tackle three key signs of ageing for women aged 45 and over – lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven pigmentation.

“No7’s innovations are always developed having identified and understood women’s skincare needs and wants,” a spokesperson for No7 said. “These insights have made No7

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the leader in the antiageing category with products that work, to make women look and feel good.

“With proven solutions for women of all ages, No7 now has a range of serums which specifically address all three key signs of ageing.”

Boots experts consulted with leading scientists and dermatologists to understand pigmentation, the current solutions available and the emotional impact on women.

Dr Katherine Mulrooney, Cosmetic Dermatologist at The Clinic, Sandymount Green in Dublin said: “There is no doubt that skin

ageing has a significant effect on patients, particularly women.

“Signs of skin ageing tend to manifest in the 40-plus age group when patients present in my clinic with concerns about irregular skin tone, such as hyperpigmentation and age spots, broken veins, fine lines, wrinkles and dull, lax skin.

“Effective treatment options, such as IPL and FR AXEL Laser, chemical peels, and prescription creams are available. However, they require patient compliance during and after the treatments for long-term results.

“I would gladly welcome a specific, safe, at-

home skincare regime to tackle this problem,” said Dr Mulrooney.

To ensure the new ser um met the high standards women expect from No7, Boots experts worked with world leaders in antiageing to create the formulation.

No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum has been tested in over 20 studies, i n cl u d i n g a b r e a kthrough clinical trial, two supporting clinical trials and on over 1,200 women.

No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum (2 x 15ml) is available exclusively in Boots stores nationwide priced at €34.

No7 setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 17

Edited by Laura Webb

Armani arrives with burst of colour AZETTE Beauty is getting lippy this week, and is taking a look at Giorgio Armani Cosmetic’s new sheer rouge range.

More and more lips are being treated to great colour block this season, and Rouge d’Armani Sheers are keeping up with the trend with its a range of vibrant and stylish shades.

Three such colours delighting the palette include straight orange to pink-orange — Acid Tangerine 300, Tokyo Coral 301 and Orange Mutation 302.

Reds are available in Red Car pet 400, R ipe 401 and Scarlato 402, and there are three lively transparent pinks: Ecstasy 500, Vita 501, Blush 502, and

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our favourite, as well as three purple shades of variable intensity: Bitten 600, Tulipe Noire 601, Black Laquer 602.

The lipsticks are resistant to water and lock in hydration on the lip surface for over eight hours. With a creamy texture and feather y lightness, the new range acts as a great balm.

Linda Cantello, Armani’s cosmetic director said: “The Sheers are a revolutionary new lipstick hybrid. The vividness of lipstick with the translucency of a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm — colour like you’ve never seen before.”

Giorgio Armani Rouge Sheer range of lipsticks is available from Brown Thomas, Dublin, and Brow n Thomas, Cork, with a RRP of €26.

Maybeline launches new range of bronzers for summer market SUMMER has yet to come, so, in the meantime, staying a shade darker than milky is still a look we are trying to achieve, and with a little help of some feline inspired bronzers - it’s possible.

Although most of us are still covering up from arms to legs, faces and necklines are still on show. Looking at most Spring/ Summer catwalks they are simmering with spicy colours such as burnished gold, warm bronze and molten copper. Taking some inspiration from this trend, Maybelline has brought out a new feline inspired Dream Terra Sun Bronzer for a great golden, safari glow – even if we can’t make the real thing.

The Dream Terra Sun Bronzer is available in three shades – Light Bronze, Tiger and Golden. Test the shade before you purchase and chose the one that is closet to your skin tone to give it a healthy glow.

The Light Bronze and Tiger shades have a natural pinkness ideal for fair to medium complexions, while Golden is more copper, perfect for olive skin tones or as a blush for darker skin tones.

Megan Fox, the face of Giorgio Armani’s Beauty Visual Rouge d’Armani Sheers range

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GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

NEW BANDS: MICROSOFT AND MUZU PARTNER FOR CONTEST

Unsigned acts battle for ultimate prize I ROB HEIGH

EASTENDERS, Corrie, Fair City, you can keep ‘em. Their plot lines pale in comparison to the outrageous soap opera drama that surrounds Axl Rose.

The plot thickens as the Guns N’Roses frontman pens yet ANOTHER open letter following his refusal of the invitation and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Now he’s written an apology to the city of Cleveland for snubbing the prestigious ceremony but, in the same breath, says he doesn’t understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money. (There are those who wonder the same about you these days, Axl.) The G N’R lead singer also thanked those fans who are standing by him, but, funnily enough, he left out the people who did attend the gig when the rest of his band were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and who booed every time the word “Axl” was mentioned.

He ended the statement with this: “I once bought a homeless woman a slice of pizza who yelled at me she wanted soup. We got her the soup. You can get your own.”

Ehhh...so he’s not cooking for us any time soon?? I still have high hopes for The O2 gig with Thin Lizzy on May 17 — just bring your own soup.

WITH bands trying every way possible to break through and get the attention their music deserves, Microsoft and MUZU TV, in association with IMRO, are opening the doors for new unsigned bands to compete via online media and try to win the grand Unsigned and Online prize.

The initiative, which is designed to promote independent Irish music, challenges unsigned Dublin bands to creatively use a suite of Microsoft products, social networking and a smart online presence to promote their band, to rise up though the MUZU TV leader board and compete for the prize.

The band that secures the biggest online fan base at the end of the eight-week initiative will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Unsigned and Online competition. This band will win a prize that is designed to help them to bring their music to the masses, valued at over €10,000.

The prize consists of a digital marketing campaign for the band across the major Microsoft platforms, including Windows Live and

Banks can use their online savvy to land a digital marketing and promotional prize

MSN. They will also win an acoustic session in the MUZU TV studio, and a slot in the line-up at Dublin’s Academy, giving a real profile boost to the winning band.

Speaking at the launch, Orla Sheridan of Microsoft Ireland said: “Through our consumer research, and on the ground work in third level campuses across the country, we know that music is a passion and consumers are increasingly accessing it via digital channels.

“What is interesting is despite the fact that this audience is techno-

logically enabled, many have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved through technology and the web.

The truth is that musicians can now creatively script, shoot and edit a film-quality video and syndicate it to their community with just a few clicks.

“It is for that reason that we decided to partner with MUZU TV. We want to merge the best of what Microsoft technology offers with MUZU TV’s reach, capability and music expertise to create an initiative that will make a real differ-

ence to unsigned Irish bands and those who love up and coming music acts.”

Ciaran Bollard, CEO of MUZU TV added: “We are delighted to come together with Microsoft to provide an engaging platform for unsigned bands to get their music out there.

“Unsigned and Online will enable bands to explore new ground with their music and will help music lovers discover new bands.

“There are so many talented new Irish bands out there with little or no platform of support out-

side their city or town.

Microsoft and MUZU TV would like to begin to change that with an initiative that opens up the full potential and reach of the web to bands that want to embrace and explore it.”

For details on how to enter log onto www.facebook.com/unsignedandonline. The competition will close on June 13 when the top act on the MUZU TV leader board will be crowned the winner. Music lovers are invited to track the progress of their favourite band on www.muzu. tv/unsignedandonline.

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Niamh Bownes, Company Director, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Niamh’s rolling out the business plan NIAMH Bownes is happily continuing a longstanding family business association with Dun Laoghaire.

Combining being a busy mother of two small children and running her, and husband, Mark’s successful business, Carpet and Flooring Concepts, based at Number 95, Lower Georges Street, Niamh’s days are always busy.

Her preferred field of expertise is carpet colour and quality selection, having been a professional fashion buyer in her previous career, and utilising her eye for coordinating colours and textures.

She has also gained a professional knowledge of carpet, laminate and timber flooring, resulting in a formal, flooring consultant qualification.

Niamh and Mark pride themselves on maintaining excellent customer service, along with expert advice and fitting on all types of carpet and flooring, and Niamh is always looking for new, innovative flooring products.

She was thrilled to recently become Dun Laoghaire’s only stockist of Adore Touch luxury vinyl tiles, which are available in a selection of wood finishes along with its unique, patented Uniclic fitting system and 25-year guarantee.

Adore Touch is a wonderful addition to an already excellent product range, says Niamh.

Niamh Bownes, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Q: What was your first job?

A: Cutting my parents’ grass and ironing my dad’s shirts

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I could play them all, I am sure (ie: none at all)

Hmmm, should I admit that?

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2010

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: I think it’s Jedward . They

ter at them

A - It is really important to examine all the financial circumstances before locking away money erations include: - Rainy Day Fund - you should have circa three to six months’ net annual income in an accessible account for emergencies, sudden loss of income or that investment opportunity.

This € 10,000 might be best invested in a demand account (best currently is 3.25% - email me for details) if you do not have the required threshold for your RDF.

Age may be a factor - Age - a 60s investor will have different investment views than one in their 20s.

- Family - you might not realise the expensive years ahead of you if you have, or are, thinking of having children. Third-level costs for one child top €42,000 – and that is without fees (source: Bank of Ireland).

- Income - are you living within your means?

Perhaps you may be put on a short week or, worse, be made redundant.

- Investment types - There are many forms of investment, not all attributable to deposits. The rate of return is an important factor ... forestry can give up to 10% per annum, tax-free, but you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to realise it.

To be considered Gold, while expensive, is best as part of a portfolio of investments (they say 10% is the recommended percentage), and the stock market itself should be considered as a long-term investment.

Safety wise, you are well under the protection threshold of €100,000 per person for deposit takers in Ireland, and, as regards State savings (this includes National Savings Certificate – five

ing deposit takers; there is nothing better for this

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: None

and 50p a shirt

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

A: The measures – Mark is bet-

Any suggestions? John –Drumcondra

equivalent to 5.04% per annum from DIRT- deduct-

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?

A: Oh, it has to be Dr Phil ...

helping people to find what they want at the right price

don’t mind locking it away for up to five years.

years and six months, offering 21% tax-free and

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Five pounds for the grass,

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Dealing with the public, and

Q – I have €10,000 to invest from savings, and

that you may need sooner than you think. Consid-

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

A: Eddie Macken - showjumper

WHERE COULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO INVEST MY €10,000?

look a bit disorganised; I think they are clued in, and moving in the right direction.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: If you buy me one, I will tell you!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Carpet and Flooring Con-

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: I plead the fifth, and admit

cepts

nothing

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: “Adore touch, luxury vinyl

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Not really had a bad one –

tile now in store; patented click system for ease of fitting; no subfloor prep required!”

touch wood!

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: A quiet night out for two for Mark and I, and not having to worry about what time to be home for the babysitter

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Dame Edna Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On my children

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Disney world with the kids, or a safari

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I love what I do, and wouldn’t really want to change it

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: Travel, hire a motor bike and drive down Route 66

term), the protection comes in the form of sovereign debt – an unconditional direct obligation of the Government of Ireland.

Contact John with your money questions at

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

20 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

R1

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

Citroen readies a fresh new DS line FRENCH motor manufacturer, Citroen, has announced details of a move that the company describes as a fresh look at the Citroen DS line..

Marketed in parallel alongside Citroen’s main range, the company claims the DS line explores new automotive territory.

Just two years after its launch, the DS line – comprising the Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide.

The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroen has designed a new concept car, Numero 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.

A new take on the shooting-brake body style, Numero 9’s concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance – 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a “boost” function and 39g/km of CO2.

Designed in Paris, it is hoped that Numero 9 will open a new chapter in the styling of the DS line. Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with those of an estate, Numero 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels.

It also promises unique on-board comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants.

Numero 9 features new-generation microhybrid technology, designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required. When the driver requires speed and torque, a “boost” function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp).

Numero 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start.

When grip is lacking, the car switches to fourwheel drive mode, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, the driver can manually select 4WD mode.

The VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSI is described by our correspondent as “pretty, sleek and beautiful”, as well as “the return of something great”

So much more than simply aspirational CORMAC CURTIS

OME glorious sunshine decided to grace the skies a b ove D u b l i n just before Easter, and I was lucky enough to be test-driving the latest Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet at the time.

I couldn’t have asked for a better week to put this gorgeous little convertible through its paces.

Apart from the fact that my two young daughters actually squealed with delight at the idea of a car with no roof, I also got the chance to compare a very up-to-date version of a car I used to drive before it was discontinued a decade ago.

Far be it from me to second-guess our German automotive overlords, but the idea to call a “halt” to the production of the Golf convertible in 2002,

S

SPECS: VW GOLF CABRIOLET 1.2TSIY Engine: 1.2-litre TSI, 105BHP, six-speed manual gearbox Top speed: 188km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 11.7sec Economy: 5.7 ltr/100km CO2 emissions: 132g Road Tax Band: B Entry Price: €28,465 (to €34,700)

and to offer the Beetle convertible in its stead, seemed ludicrous to me back then.

But that’s what they did, and the soft-top Golf was shelved indefinitely.

It came as a pleasant surprise when VW announced at the 2011 Motor Show in Geneva that they were reintroducing the Cabrio, and I have been chomping at the bit for a chance to test one ever since.

As I mentioned, there is a little history between

myself and the Golf Cabrio.

Back in 1999, the future Mrs Cormac Curtis realised a dream come true – not only did she meet me in a cosy little pub in West Cork, but, that same year, she bought herself a brand-spanking new VW Golf Cabrio, in midnight blue with a black, manual soft-top roof.

For a certain generation, the Golf was the perfect car; the GTI version was the Holy Grail for young, petrol-headed males – but the convertible? Well, that was something very special.

So special, in fact, there was only one insurance company even willing to quote for such a farout automobile – but I digress.

In my world, this particular soft top was so special that it was even used as one of the wedding cars

on our wedding day.

My first opportunity to see the all-new model in the flesh was in a showroom window in Dublin 4, and, to be fair to VW, they couldn’t have hit the design nail more squarely on the head.

Being as unbiased as I can be expected to be, the new model is a masterclass in understated motoring elegance.

It is lower, and a good deal sleeker than its previous incarnation, with a selection of tasty alloys to chose from.

The car has all the elements from VW’s current style book, but it is put together in such a way that gives it a look and presence that is unmistakably Golf.

It is a classic example of an object that is greater than the sum of its parts.

No individual element grabs you; there aren’t

any “aggressive” design features; you will not find any “flowing yet contrasting visual statements” ... it is simply a beautifullydesigned car.

The interior, too, doesn’t go about trying to reinvent anything, either; there are dials and displays that you will find in other cars in VW’s stable, such as the Skoda Superb.

But everything just sits so well together that it really works.

The chunky steering wheel with stitched leather, the gearstick with stitched leather, the brushed steel accents almost everywhere ... all pretty standard ideas, but the balance is right, and comes together in a simple, understated and incredibly comfortable cabin.

The model I drove had leather and suede upholstery with red con-

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 21

R1

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

Motoring correspondent, Cormac Curtis, top, takes his daughters on a ride in the new VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSIy, a motor which, among several other points, he praised for its storage capacity (above)

trast stitching, as well as red mesh panels on the seats – which really gave the interior a little more punch.

I really, really want to say that the interior is stunning, but it falls a little short of that, which is a shame. You won’t get much change out of €29,000 for the entrylevel Golf Cabrio, and, for that money, a little more wow-factor in the cabin wouldn’t go astray.

What you do get for €28,465 is the 1.2-litre TSI engine, generating 105BHP, coupled to a sixspeed manual gearbox.

This is a nice combination with just enough oomph and, combined

with VW’s BlueMotion Technology, means pretty low running costs.

Back in the 1999 model, we had a thirsty 1.8-litre petrol engine that wasn’t even fuel-injected, which made for some pretty hairy moments trying to overtake tractors on West Cork roads.

The powered hood comes down with the touch of a button in about eight seconds (I didn’t use a stop watch, so that’s a rough count my kids gauged for me), and there are no latches or handles to twist and turn – so, top marks for the roof design.

We have established that the Golf is pretty, sleek and beautiful – but

can you live with it?

The target market for this car will be predominantly female, most likely with a few kids in tow, so it better have a practical side. And, believe it or not, it has.

In short, as we prepared for an Easter break out of town, I managed to get a bag of clothes, a camera bag, a box of food and drink, pillows, bed linen, a large toolbox, a car battery booster pack, a big bag of toilet rolls, a heavy coat, jackets, kids’ coats, two car seats, two kids, a huge bag of kids’ toys and myself all into the car, with just a little imagination.

Getting the kids in and out of the rear seats was a

doddle (even easier with the roof down), and the seats could tilt and slide with ease.

There are, of course, a dizzying array of options and specs associated with this car, but most of them won’t mean an awful lot to those who feel strongly enough about it to buy one.

The attraction here is the return of something great, something aspirational, something with motoring heritage that brings back memories of youth ... something you simply can’t pick out of the list of options.

Those who really want one will get one, and they won’t be disappointed.

A NEW study released by Ford shows that nearly half of European drivers admit they have read texts while driving – a highly-distracting habit that has been proven to contribute to traffic accidents.

The study was commissioned by Ford to underscore the safety issue as the company prepares to introduce its SYNC in-car connectivity system, which can read aloud incoming messages through a text-to-speech feature, and enables drivers to send a text reply by voice from a predetermined list of responses.

An average of 48% of motorists surveyed from Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia confessed to checking their texts while driving.

Despite the prevalence of the practise, drivers surveyed agreed overwhelmingly that reading texts on the move was dangerous. A total of 95% of drivers across the six countries agreed that texting affected driver ability and safety.

At least half of those surveyed in each country said they believed driver response was 50% slower when checking messages from a mobile phone.

Christof Kellerwessel, chief functional engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe said: “Smartphones have so quickly become an essential part of many people’s day that it’s hard to imagine life without them.

“However, text messages can be a distraction for drivers, so the benefit of a system that can read messages aloud from compatible smartphones is obvious.”

Ford SYNC will debut this summer on the allnew B-MAX and will roll out quickly to other vehicles in Ford’s line-up, including Focus and Kuga.

The text-to-speech feature on SYNC, powered

by Microsoft, retrieves messages using a simple voice command from Bluetooth-connected compatible smartphones.

SYNC also enables drivers to send a text reply from a predetermined list of responses, helping motorists to remain focused on driving while staying in touch with contacts. The responses include: “I love you”, “Send directions” and “See u in 10min”.

SYNC’s text-to-speech feature will be compatible with an increasing range of smartphones, thanks to Ford’s adoption of the emerging Message Access Profile standard (MAP) for Bluetooth device-to-device connectivity, which is already used by leading mobile device manufacturers including Blackberry producer Research In Motion.

More than four million Ford vehicles in the US already feature SYNC, and Ford anticipates 3.5 million new vehicles in Europe will be equipped with SYNC by 2015.

M

Ford study shows SHOP danger of car texts LOCALLY

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22 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Plenty of places to stay for May bank holiday A host of special offers available with Concorde Travel for a wellearned Springtime break

CONCORDE Travel have an array of special offers available for the next month, allowing those with a keen eye for a deal and some holidays coming up a luxurious break at a fraction of the cost. See www.concordetravel.ie

MADEIRA Spend springtime in beautiful Madeira.Depart on May 6 for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Dorisol Hotels, on a b&b basis, from only €640pp, the 4-star Lince Lido Hotel, on a b&b basis, from only €715pp or the 5-star Hotel Melia Madeira Mare, on a b&b basis, from only €800pp.

THE ALGARVE Depart from Knock on May 5, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Praia Sol Hotel, Vilamoura, on a b&b basis, from only €430pp.

SARDINIA Escape to Alghero’s Medieval town and enjoy the Italian way of life.

Depart on May 3, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 2-star Buganvillea Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from only €399pp, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Playa, on a b&b basis, from only €564pp or at the 4-star Hotel Punta Negra, on a b&b basis, from only €669pp MALTA Travel to the amazing island of Malta, and enjoy its great sights, history, delicious food and beautiful weather.

Depart on May 4, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the three-star plus Hotel Santana, on a b&b basis, from only €449pp or stay at the 4-star Hotel Dolmen, on a b&b basis, from only €589pp or for four nights, stay at the 4-star Hotel Marina at the Corinthia Beach Resort, on a b&b basis, in a sea view room, from only €549pp CROATIA Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of its marble streets, red roofs and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Depart on May 2, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Antuniska Apartments, based on two sharing a studio apartment from only €499 per person.

MIMI MURRAY

THE weather may have been bitterly cold over the last few weeks, but we are all holding out hope that summer will be in the air come this May bank holiday weekend.

With that thought in mind, there are plenty of places offering deals around the country.

Longueville House is offering one where children go free.

Stay for two nights and dine on one evening in their Presidents’ Restaurant.

Sit back and enjoy gourmet cooking by chef/proprietor, William O’Callaghan. Enhance your experience by tasting their new housebrewed premium cider, house-distilled brandy or delicious garden berry liqueurs – a true delight for all gourmands.

The offer is subject to availability, and dinner is served between 6:30 to 8:30pm, weekends.

Traditional Irish and Continental Buffet Breakfast is served each morning until 10.30am. A table D’hote menu is included on both evenings.

Up to two children, aged up to 13 years, go free in a family room, but meals are extra. The price is from €220 per person sharing. For bookings, email info@longuevillehouse.ie

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

‘Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next, why not enjoy a Wexford garden tour with Frances MacDonald at Marlfield House?

Check in on Sunday, May 6, and enjoy a stroll in the garden before a glass of wine and dinner with the other attendees.

Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden.

The following day, visit Frances’s own garden, The Bay Garden, and Springmount Garden Centre.

Marlfield House is now offering massage and facial treatments.

The package includes a glass of wine before dinner on Sunday; dinner on Sunday and Monday night; lunch on Monday, and lunch in Marlfield on Tuesday, as well as transport to the gardens and back to Marlfield.

The cost is €370 per person sharing; for full details, see www. marlfieldhouse.com.

Full bloom

Meanwhile, Rathsallagh House is in full bloom, and their thousands of mature trees are in full leaf, roses are in bloom, the lawns have been cut and the walled garden has come into its own.

Included in the Rathsallagh package is a discount voucher for the nearby Kildare Retail Village, and a gift certificate for Newbridge Silverware.

Available on May 5 and 6, as well as May 11 and 12, two nights cost from €190 per person sharing in a standard room.

This package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast. For further information, see www. rathsallagh.com.

Escape to the West this bank holiday and slow down with three night’s bed and breakfast at the Ice House Hotel, in Ballina.

Take a stroll on the beach with a complimentary picnic with wine.

Unwind with unlimited time in their thermal suite, including steam room, laconium and two outdoor hot tubs, and soak in a candlelit bubble bath.

Whet your appetite with a glass of bubbly on the terrace, followed by dinner on one evening from their 2AA Rosette A La Carte menu.

The price costs €325 per person sharing; for further details, see www. icehousehotel.ie.

Finally, also in the west, why not consider a twonight weekend break at Cashel House?

Experience the wonders of Connemara, including walking, riding, golfing, scenery and dining.

The package includes two nights’ accommodation, and breakfast, with dinner on one evening, and costs €185 per person sharing.

For further information, see www.cashelhouse-hotel.com/.

The idyllic setting is just

Longueville House

26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Passengers can relax and avail of the new choice of private lounges on the Stena Nordica as she undertakes the Dublin Port to Holyhead route

New suites designed to help the Nordica’s passengers cruise to Holyhead in luxurious comfort STENA Line has launched two private lounges on the Stena Nordica, which sails on its Dublin Port to Holyhead route.

One lounge accommodates up to two people and the second lounge holds up to four people.

Each lounge is equipped with luxury leather seating, a flatscreen 3D TV, a Playstation 3 console and games, as well as tea and Nescafe Espresso-making facilities.

In addition to this, passengers will also be able to take advantage of waiter service from Stena Plus.

Jamie Christon, Stena Line Dublin Port/Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead route director, believes the private lounges will appeal to all types of passengers, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure.

He says: “The two new cabins provide fantastic facilities for people wanting to relax in private.

a taste of the relaxation on offer at Marlfield House.

Cashel House

Space “They are perfect for people travelling on business, as they provide a quiet space to get work done and, with the Sky News channel available, passengers can keep track of what is happening around the world.

“The second cabin accommodates up to four people, and is perfect for families, as the children can be kept entertained with the TV and games console, and the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with the whole family arriving in Holyhead relaxed and ready for their onward journey.”

The Stena Nordica sails twice daily from Dublin Port, at 2.30am and 4pm, with return sailings from Holyhead at 8.20am and 9.30pm.

Prices start from €79 single for a car plus driver, and passengers can book the private lounges from only €30.

For further information, or to book, go to www.stenaline.ie, call Stena Line on 01 204 7777, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent.

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Faulty Towers Dining Experience

DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s three-course meal at The Pavilion theatre, with fine fare to savour. 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 nightly at 8pm from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Encore! Showtime 2012 THE stage is all set at The Mill for Encore! Showtime 2012, courtesy of the Encore! School of Performing Arts. This highly-polished production features a wide selection of work and shows from the school’s many talented young performers, running right through from Friday, April 27 to Saturday, May 5, and showcasing some of the students’ diverse and impressive skills in a number of performing arts discipline. For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Romeo & Juliet FEW will need an introduction to the tale of Romeo and Juliet, yet this startling production will thrill audiences, as Ballet Ireland is set to restage its hugely successful production of Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. With rave critic reviews, and a superb production, Shakespeare’s timeless tale will delight all at the 8pm shows at the Civic Theatre’s Main Auditorium, running from Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5, with admission costing €20/€16 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 I Hear You Calling Me A MUSICAL night of pure entertainment awaits at Draiocht, chronicling the extraordinary life story of the legendary Count John McCormack, and features such memorable numbers as Macushla, Because, Roses of Picardy, Somewhere a Voice is Calling and many more. Narrated by radio and TV presenter, Kevin Hough, and featuring Waterford tenor Frank Ryan as John McCormack, and Cork soprano Linda Kenny as Lily, the concert can be seen at 8pm on Friday, April 27, with tickets priced €20/€18.

If you ever wanted to see Titanic looking even-slightly-more-realistic than before - well, now’s your chance, given the special anniversary re-release of the film, with its 3D upgrade making a great difference to certain parts but nothing much, for most other parts

Sails along nicely Unlike the poor unfortunates aboard her decks, the film once again sails along smoothly enough to its tragic end I KATE CROWLEY

APPARENTLY, some readers didn’t quite care for my A-to-Z quickstep runthrough of the film, Gone, in my blink-andyou-missed-it review, last week.

However, if you missed it, just to recap what I said about that particularly one-star film: “With the police not believing a young woman’s story of her sister being kidnapped by a serial killer, just as he’d tried to kidnap and kill her earlier, she tracks him down, saves her sister, and kills him. The End.” There. That’s sunk that particular film plot in one easy go, saving you some of your precious euro in the process.

And, speaking of sinking, and of revealing film endings, that neatly takes me (via a slightly tasteless link) on to Titanic 3D, which was recently released in 3D. Which

FILM OF THE WEEK: Titanic ### (12A) 195 mins Director: James Cameron Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, James Warner, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill, Gloria Stuart, an iceberg

OUR VERDICT: FORGET the watery romance between Jack and Kate – once again, the star of the film is the Titanic herself, as she cruises along to her fate. The 3D effects go largely unnoticed (but pack a punch at some crucial moments), while the classy ship gets a classy cast, courtesy of the late Gloria Stuart and (still very alive) Bernard Hill. It’s Titanic – mostly as you’ve seen before – and still a pretty huge achievement.

explains the name.

It’s my solemn duty as a film reviewer (all right, all right, you can put down that hefty stick now, Gazette ed) to at least nod at such passing ships in the night, with Titanic being about the biggest bloody boat to splash by our screens in some time.

(With apologies to the recently-released film, Battleship.)

There’s not really very much that I can say about this, other than it’s Titanic back on our screens, but in 3D this time – and, hey! – that’s at least one more dimension than

it had, first time around (though, sadly, I’m afraid that the plot, characterisation, and so on are as rigidly two-dimensional as before).

So, once again, we get the doomed young lovers on board the doomed young ship, but now with some kind-of-a-bitdecent 3D effects tacked on.

Nothing too jazzy, mind, as they’re just boosting certain key shots in the film – anyone looking for Jack and Rose to start playing a game of frisbee in Steerage, say, will be sorely disap-

pointed.

So, yet again – and look away now, dear readers, if, somehow, as bizarrely unlikely as it sounds, you don’t know what happens to Jack, Rose, the Titanic, Billy Zane, the girl with the china doll, the drunk chef, the girl at the bow of the ship, the eel in the bathtub, et al – the Titanic sinks, and Celine Dion caterwauls at some length. In 3D. I can’t say that the 3D helps the film (not least as I’m not a fan of 3D effects anyway, as they tend to both dim and blur films, detracting from their visual impact), but, whatever about the adequate that’ll-do romance at the centre of the film, there’s no denying the real heart, and star, of the film – Titanic, herself.

The appeal, and attraction, of Titanic and her enduring, yet awful, legacy is effortlessly laid bare once again on the gleaming decks of the

ship, inviting audiences to stroll along through the lost world of 1912’s society and standards.

A century on from the tragedy itself, and whatever about the film’s weaknesses, today it’s hard not to return to Cameron’s Titanic one last time, 3D gimmick or not ...

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this review to the retiring chief sub of the Gazette, who swears blind that he remembers strolling about the promprom-promenade of the Titanic back in 19-niminy-two, but doesn’t quite convince whippersnappers such as yours truly.

However, this old tub respects that old sea salt, who’s prevented me on many an occasion from revealing here what I really think of Madonna’s acting ability, the everpresent threat of Steve Martin trying to return with a comedy, and much more – titanic achievements in themselves.

26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Has Web 3.0-oh, oh, oh already arrived?

SHANE DILLON

DEBATE is stirring over whether Web 3.0 is really here, or is on the way, and, indeed, whether Web 3.0 is something radically different from what we understand as the internet today, or represents a more subtle shift in how the internet will work.

Perhaps we should look at a very brief history of the internet (or, at least, what the terms Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 generally mean to people, today).

People from their mid-to-late-twenties and upwards will recall how Web 1.0 saw the first mass stirrings of the modern internet across the world, approximately 15 years ago (although the internet had existed in other forms for decades – but that’s a whole other kettle of fish).

Web 1.0, as “we” understood it, saw the inexorable rise of the internet

– a largely static experience of plain pages, basic design and minimal user interaction.

Flash for ward to approximately ten years ago, to the first evolutionary steps of Web 2.0, as new programming and design elements began to maximise the slow rise of broadband.

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, the rise of Google and PayPal, et al – all very much products defined by (or at least strengthened by) Web 2.0.

In its simplest terms, Web 2.0 has seen a vast divergence of what the internet “is”, how we interact with it, and how it’s delivered – the rise of the always-on, alwayswired world.

What, then, could be the next step forward into Web 3.0, and are we already reaching – or have we reached – this next great evolutionary stage in the internet?

FeelingtheForce WE HAD a great response to our recent Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360 competition, which saw five copies of the great new Kinect game up for grabs. In it, we asked you to tell us the correct answer to the following statement: Complete the following Kinect for Xbox 360 tagline: A. You are the boss B. You are the controller C. You are the best [The correct answer was B.]

China’s Great Firewall - designed to keep certain foreign influences and topics away from Chinese internet users, as well as to protect officially-sanctioned state views on the internet, and to block others - is but one “frontier feature” as the world moves towards Web 3.0: the next significant sea-level change for what the internet is, and how it may be used and accessed. Illustration: Shane Dillon

As ever, hindsight is 20:20 vision, and, while experts and the common man understand the stages of 1.0 and 2.0, nobody is entirely certain what 3.0 represents.

User-tailored While some think that Web 3.0 will be a more unique, user-tailored experience, drawing upon, and somehow collating the vast banks of data that most of us leave in clear trails around the internet to create individual-specific search,

Anotherweebyte...

Ceefax service joins the Dodo PIXEL lovers may have been crying into their cornflakes last week at the news of the long-expected death of Ceefax (or, for young readers: what the internet was before we had the internet, for millions of people across Britain and Ireland).

As a child of the 1970s and 80s, I vividly recall turning to Ceefax to look for information – only to find that the television had loaded, say, page 17 of 43, and I had to wait ten minutes for the page I wanted (usually, one that had just passed, such as page 16) to slowly loop its way around to being displayed again.

Happy days.

Now, after decades of presenting a wide variety of news and listings, presented in slow fashion, in giant, blocky letters and with basic pixel pictures, and all buried behind tv channels (and running as a forerunner to comparable systems, such as Aertel), the BBC has consigned Ceefax to history’s dustbin, joining the Dodo ...

data and product results, others think that Web 3.0 does not represent a new methodology in serving users but, rather, a fight back against what the internet stands for.

Perhaps Web 3.0 represents not something to drive the internet forward for individuals, but is (or will be), instead, an intellectual, political and economic battlefront for corporations and governments alike to skirmish over – all seeking to reshape, redefine and protect (or, in some cases, destroy) how and what people can access on the internet.

There’s already plenty of evidence of such attempts to ringfence and control the internet (as, indeed, there has been from day one), but never before has there been such a determined push by companies and corporations, in line with governments, to define, control and monitor what the internet is, and how users access it.

From China’s regular updates of The Great

Firewall to restrict what her citizens can access online, to Apple’s self-appointed definition of (and subsequent indirect censoring) of what it terms as “inappropriate” content, to continuing cyber skirmishes on a range of national security agencies’ fronts, it appears in several ways that the giddy days of free-for-all data are coming to an end.

And so, perhaps that’s what Web 3.0 represents – the evolution into a new, more refined (and defined) state of information access and flow, rather than how it’s delivered, as well as representing the rise of political, civil and intellectual battles for the right to access/ police data (depending on which “side” you’re more engaged with).

As we look back at these next stages in the internet’s development, let us hope that whatever changes are underway they don’t give us any regret, or reason to lament the rise of Web 3.0-oh-oh-oh …

Thank you to everyone who entered and, of course, congratulations to the five lucky winners, who were all selected at random after sending in the correct answer.

The winners are: Eileen O’Flaherty, Killaloe, Co Clare; Emer Breen, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Jennifer Beaton, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; Ciaran Roche, via email and Diarmuid McCourt, via email. A copy of Kinect Star Wars is being posted out to each winner.

Congratulations again, and keep an eye out for more great competitions in The Gazette!

GAZETTE

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012

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To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com PLANNING NOTICE

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Pat and Pauline Cassidy are applying for planning permission for a first floor extension over existing garage, new tiled roof over existing porch and all ancillary works at 15 Glenville Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The application may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, during it’s public opening hours, 9.30 - 16.30, Monday to Friday and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the application.

Mahmood Khan is applying for Planning Permission for the construction of a single storey extension at ground floor level to the rear elevation of 22 Blackwood Crescent, Ongar Chase, Ongar, Dublin 15.

To include internal alterations and all associated site works. In addition to the retention permission of 3 No existing roof windows to the front roof elevation and 4 No existing roof windows to the rear roof elevation all at second floor level. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Liam Boyle intends to apply for permission for a detached singlestorey garage at Seychelles, Castleknock Road, Dublin 15.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

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26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

APRIL ASPIRANTS Dublin Sport Awards nominees for the month announced: Page 29

WATER POLO: WORLD’S FINEST TEAMS COMING TO NAC TO PREPARE FOR LONDON 2012

International tournament comes to Dublin sport@gazettegroup.com

THE IRISH Water Polo Association is set to host a pre-Olympic men’s water polo tournament in Dublin, prior to the London Olympics at the National Aquatic Centre from July 5 to 8, which will feature the top four teams in the world as they prepare to challenge for gold in 2012.

Current Olympic champions, Hungary, will take part, as will current

European champions, Serbia, who won their title at the recent European Championships in the Netherlands. Also participating are Great Britain, Montenegro, and Croatia, with a final team to be added to the list, depending on the outcome of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

Water polo is the main sport and passion in a number of these countries, and with this being the last chance for the

teams to meet before London, as well as London being a sell-out, it is expected that the tournament will attract significant travelling support from all across the international water polo fraternity, as well as teams, delegates and referees as they get set for their turn in the pool in the Olympic Games.

Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring, who is also chairman of the London

The four best sides in the world are coming to Dublin for the pre-Olympic tournament

2012 Coordinating Committee, congratulated the Irish Water Polo Association in attracting such high-calibre Olympic teams for this tournament.

“This is another exam-

ple of Ireland benefiting directly from the Olympics and adds to the number of Olympic athletes from 13 countries who have already decided to train in Ireland ahead of the London Games.

This promises to be an exciting event,” said Minister Ring.

Tickets for the event are available from the event website, www.dublinwaterpolo2012.com.

Ticket prices range

from €4.50 for a child’s ticket, to €90 for a fourday pass, with €25 for a day pass. Matches take place daily in the early evening, with the addition of a morning session on Friday, July 6.

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: LADIES SET UP PROMOTION DECIDER THIS WEEKEND

GAA stars get on their bike for charity in Ras A HOST of top GAA stars, including All-Ireland winners Bernard Brogan and Barry Cahill, joined forces in Croke Park last week to launch the Race The Ras charity cycle event for 2012.

This is the second year of the race, which will see almost 150 amateur cyclists and a host of current and former GAA stars lining up to cycle across Ireland from May 20 to 27. All the money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Aware.

The amateur cyclists will start three hours ahead of the professionals taking part in the Ras each morning and will travel through 13 different counties, before arriving in Skerries on the final day.

Broadcasting legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh was on hand to help to launch the charity race. “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch Race The Ras, which we hope to be an even bigger success than last year. I would ask for those to donate, no matter how small, as it will make a huge difference to NBCRI and Aware.”

Chairman of Aware, David Carton, described this event as an important one for the organisation. “This is a nationwide event and depression is something which affects every community in Ireland. We hope people all over Ireland will support this event and the cyclists who are taking part. We wish them well. Money raised from this will help us to get more information and support to people who need it.”

To register for the cycle, please log on to http:// racetheras.com/event-registration/. With eight stages to choose from, cyclists can opt to do all eight stages or a single stage or opt for a combination of two or three stages.

Those wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.racetheras.com/donate.

The Garda RFC ladies’ team secured the league title this term with eight wins from eight outings. Picture: BIll Cooper

Garda take the league title WOMEN’S AIL DIVISION 2 Garda RFC Cavan RFC

44 0

I sport@gazettegroup.com

THE GARDA women’s rugby team capped what has been a fantastic season for them with an impressive victory over Cavan RFC at Westmanstown last Sunday to secure the Women’s All-Ireland League Division 2 North title.

Garda, coming into the tie with a 100% record in the league to date, having won all seven of their seven ties, needed the victory to see off the challenge of Belfast Harlequins, the only team in a position to spoil their title bid, and ensure a league title for two seasons running, having secured promotion from the Leinster League last year.

The Westmanstown ladies set to the task from the off, and were ahead inside ten minutes when a high tackle on wing Michelle Stafford yielded a penalty, with the resulting quick tap allowing No 8 Sharon Lynch to crash over for the opening score.

With the initial nerves settled, Garda took advantage of their territorial superiority and good link-up play from lineouts to yield tries for lock Lorna O’Connor and wing forward Fiona Morrison inside the half hour.

Wa v e s o f G a r d a attacks left the Breffni Belles unable to get out of their own half and, when their single foray into Garda territor y broke down, Michelle Stafford latched on to a wayward pass to score a breakaway try under

the uprights. Impressive kicking from out-half Chrissy Doyle left the half-time score at 27-0.

With the tie almost ove r a s a c o n t e s t , Garda’s intensity seemed to drop momentarily at the beginning of the second half, and a solo effort from the Cavan hooker almost yielded a score, but for a tremendous tackle from centre Alana Lowe.

Coach Ray Murphy reinvigorated the Garda juggernaut with the introduction of three substitutes, and fresh legs gave the desired effect, as captain Aine O’Sullivan drove over f o r t h e t o u c h d ow n shortly afterwards.

A good break from Sharon Ly nch pro vided the platform for a try clinically finished by substitute wing Louisa Healy and Healy

grabbed a second at the end, thanks to some excellent mauling from the Garda forwards.

Presenting the Acheson Cup, contested between the two clubs at various levels since 1991, incoming Garda Rugby Club president, Alfie Acheson, commended both teams on an entertaining contest and congratulated the Garda Ladies on a fantastic squad effort, which has seen the team rise from the

lower ranks of the Leinster League to the upper echelons of Women’s rugby on the island over the last few years.

Garda now go on to face the winners of Division 2 South, Tralee RFC, this Saturday, April 28, in Nenagh, with the winners being promoted to Women’s AIL Division 1 for the 2 01 2 / 2 013 s e a s o n , a prize that Garda’s ladies’ performances t h i s s e a s o n wo u l d merit.

26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

in association with

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

# STARof the

Basketball blitz at NBA in Community Games

MONTH

CIARAN KILKENNY

CAROLINE RYAN

SEAN MARI

CASTLEKNOCK’S prodigy continues to shine in the Dublin line-up, contributing vital scores and an on-field presence that has seen the U-21s into the All-Ireland final

GARDA’S cycling sensation claimed Ireland’s first elite world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897, winning bronze in Melbourne

MARI claimed Whitechurch BC’s first-ever male AllIreland title in the 27kg category at the National Stadium after a string of impressive performances

MALAHIDE CS

FOXROCK CABINTEELY

COLLINSTOWN PARK

AN all-ages golfing machine, Malahide calmly saw off the challenge of Kilkenny in the Irish Schools’ Matchplay competition this month

SOUTH COUNTY LADIES’ football is a hotbed of talent, as proved by the young Foxes annexing the Dublin Feile title, adding to titles at all levels

COLLINSTOWN Park came from behind to become Leinster champions when they got the better of O’Fiaich College in an eightgoal thriller

# TEAMof the MONTH

Super Olympians: Taylor backs Terenure run to aid SO athletes KATIE Taylor recently took time out from her

intensive preparation for the London Olympics to meet some members of the Special Olympic South Dublin Sports Club, as part of endorsement of the Terenure five-mile run on Sunday, May 13, which aims to raise €10,000 for Special Olympics. €5 of the entry fee goes direct to Special Olympics, and a big turn-out is expected. Those wishing to have an enjoyable run while helping athletes can register by logging on to www.terenure5mile.com

LAST week saw an action-packed feast of Community Games basketball when the preliminary rounds of boys and girls’ Under-13, and the finals of the boys’ Under-16 competitions took place at the Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The girls’ Under-13 took to the court last Monday, with teams from Donabate/Portrane, Malahide, St Jude’s, Drimnagh, Knocklyon, Ballyboughal and Clondalkin all looking to secure a place in the finals.

The teams were split into two groups, with a number of electrifying games being played with fine skills on display from all of the teams.

Malahide and Drimnagh emerged from group 1, while Clondalkin and Knocklyon emerged from group 2. Malahide will play Clondalkin in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-offs on May 12.

The boys’ Under-13s were in action last Tuesday, with seven teams taking to the court, with the teams matching each other pointfor-point and producing exciting games and results.

The final on May 12 will see Clondalkin play Malahide in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-off.

The boys’ Under-16 matches dominated proceedings last Wednesday night and, with only four teams entered, a round-robin system was played. Each team played three matches and medal placings were only decided by the results of the last two games such was the standard of the teams.

Gold medals went to Drimnagh, while Palmerstown took silver, Bronze medals went to Knockmitten and fourth-place medals went to Clondalkin.

May is set to be a busy time with competitions taking place in rugby, tag rugby, rounders, soccer, hurling and futsol. Entries are now being taken for these competitions.

Entry forms available from your local area secretary, or www.dublincommunitygames.ie.

For more information on competition entries, contact your local secretary, or Dublin Community Games Secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 872 8203, or check out www.dublincommunitygames.ie

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Flynn posts personal best in Fayetteville BLANCH athlete, David Flynn, produced a personal best last week at the Mount Sac relays in Fayetteville, backing up his ranking as the current number five in the NCAA. Competing in the vest of University of Arkansas, Flynn set the tone for his team’s performance as he contributed to the Razorbacks’ team efforts an eighth-place finish in the 3,000-metre steeplechase.

Running in the Olympic development section of the event, Flynn turned in a time of 8:49.20. The time is a slight improvement of his previous best of 8:49.24, run earlier this season at the Stanford Invitational. Flynn entered the weekend with the number five time in the US this year at this level of competition.

FACILITIES: NEW SPORTING AMENITIES FOR COMMUNITY

The dignitaries, including Fingal Mayor, Gerry McGuire and Minister Leo Varadkar, at the launch of the Tyrrelstown Community Centre

Tyrrelstown centre opens sport@gazettegroup.com

TYRRELSTOWN’S latest community facilities were officially handed over to the centre’s new management company by Fingal Mayor, Cllr Gerry McGuire and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD last week.

Speaking at the event, Mayor McGuire said: “Throughout my term as Mayor of Fingal, one of the most rewarding functions I have officiated at is the handover of a Community Centre to the people in the community.

“Tyrrelstown is not

the first of such, nor, I hope, will it be the last.

It becomes obvious with our changing economy and changing Ireland just how important it is for a local community to have a central, shared space to enjoy activities, hobbies, training or simply to meet their friends and neighbours.”

Fingal County Manager David O’Connor said: “Tyrrelstown Community Centre is the latest example of how effective collaborative planning across delivery agencies through the highly commended Fingal Schools Model can result in proper, useful and appropriate

facilities for a community, and can develop further into a hub of activity, engagement and general community spirit.”

The ceremony consisted of unveiling a commemorative plaque at the centre and the official key handover, with entertainment provided by a HipHop display and a sports conditioning demonstration by local children and young teenagers showing the centre facilities off to best advantage.

Facilities at Tyrrelstown Community Centre will include an afterschool childcare facility, meeting rooms of varying size, sports-changing

facilities, a 604sqm dance studio, karate, zumba and Bible reading group amongst other activities.

The general purpose hall is 597sqm with sprung floor and skyfold fully soundproofed wall and holds a capacity of up to 500 persons (standing).

For further information on Tyrrelstown Community Centre, contact Centre Manager Eileen Cormack on 01-827 4046.

Energised Hartstown CS and Blakestown CC were among the schools to take part in the Fingal County Council Sports Office Exercise: Energise activ-

ity day that took place in Sportslink last week.

Over 200 teenage girls from across Fingal County took part in the day with a wide range of activities ranging from Zumba to lacrosse on offer.

The Exercise:Energise Day is run in conjunction with the Exercise: Energise programme, an Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport after-school Initiative. The programme aims to change the way young girls perceive physical activity, and specifically targets inactive teenage girls in first and second year of postprimary school.

Lee and Crotty on Leinster panel sport@gazettegroup.com

COOLMINE’S Johnny Lee and Donal Crotty (right) have been included in the Leinster Juniors’ rugby panel, who will kick off this year’s interprovincial campaign when they take on their Munster counterparts at Edenderry RFC this Saturday (4pm).

Leinster then travel to Loughrea RFC on Saturday, May 5, to take on reigning champions, Connacht, before finishing with

Ulster away on Saturday, May 12 in Larne RFC. This year’s squad sees a big turnover of players, with a total of 20 uncapped players being selected for the series. Saturday’s fare at Edenderry RFC – which will mark the 100th game between the two provinces - coincides with Edenderry’s 60th anniversary celebrations, and it promises to be a great day out for all the family.

Also taking place in the club on the day will be an

army parachute display, as well as plenty of kids entertainment, including a bouncing castle, facepainting and train rides all star ting from 2pm onwards. The occasion is also an ideal end-of-season day out for youths and minis.

The day will be capped off by the Leinster Provincial Seconds Towns Cup final between Newbridge RFC and Tullow RFC, which will kick off at 6pm.

26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: LOCAL SIDES’ CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S THERE were great championship

28. Text your name to 087 633 9238 to

wins for our Inter 1s, Inter 2s, Junior

enter. First prize of €100, sponsored

Bs, Under-16 footballers and senior

by TalentBase.

footballers in AFL 1 over the weekend.

Membership deadline for players has now passed.

Adult hurling championships begin

The annual club golf classic takes

this week, fixtures on website along

place in Royal Tara on May 25. Team

with juvenile and ladies fixtures.

entry is €400, while tee boxes and

There were great wins for our adult

greens can be sponsored for €200

camogie teams, U-12s and U-13s

or €100. For more info contact Phil

hurlers, as well as our U-15 and U-14

on 0867733693.

footballers this week as well.

Club lotto is still €15,000 and takes

Congratulations to Laura Page

place in Myo’s this Friday. Well done

who won the overall skills competi-

to Philip Ryan and the Dublin U-21s

tion at the Dublin ladies’ Feile and to

on their great performance over

St Brigid’s NS who reached the Corn

Cork.

Marino final this week.

Club snooker tournament on our new full-sized table starts on April

New players are always welcome, please contact our club coach, Paul on 0879154748.

ST PEREGRINE’S St Brigid’s sprinted to victory in their junior C football championship encounter. Pictures: Chris Lynam

Derby delight for Brigid’s junior team JUNIOR C FOOTBALL St Brigid’s St Peregrine’s

1-11 0-6

I sport@gazettegroup.com

A STRONG first half display from St Brigid’s, when they built a strong half-time lead of 1-8 to 0-2, sealed the deal against local rivals, St Peregrine’s.

Captain Neil Plunkett hit the net with a neat finish after a through ball by John Dunning to open the scoring.

It wasn’t all one-way, though, with Peregrine’s having their fair share of possession around the middle third, but fine defensive displays from Fergus Delaney, Willie Tyrell and Ciaran Plunkett kept them at bay.

Further points from Brendan Dunning, a lovely 45’ from Mark McDaid and an inswinging point from Keith Fox had Brigid’s in the driving seat.

Peregrine’s came out a different side after the

break, with much more vigour, and they attacked with intent to dominate the opening 15 minutes of the half. However, but only registered three points due to some fine goalkeeping from Donal Donnelly.

Centre forward Fergal Counihan steadied the ship for Brigids with two lovely points; his point from the right wing a beauty.

At intermediate level, meanwhile, Brigid’s began their championship campaign in style, defeating Lucan 1-16 to 1-07 in Newcastle.

Despite the concession of an early penalty, Phil Kelly’s men responded well, with a surging run from wingback Shane O’Hara resulting in a fisted Paudie Kelly goal.

This score gave Brigid’s a lead they would hold until the final whistle, as the majestic kicking of Warren Finnegan edged them fur ther

ahead before the break.

Second-half points from Phil McEntee, Anto Briody and Dabhach Dinnen sealed their passage into round two, where they now face last year’s beaten finalists, Cuala, in two week’s time.

The club’s junior A footballers, though, bowed out against Bank of Ireland.

Having led most of the way, the concession of a penalty early in the second half turned the tide. A four-point deficit was transformed into a one-point lead.

In that same competi-

tion, St Oliver Plunkett’s picked up local bragging rights with a 0-17 to 2-7 victory over St Peregrine’s in another derby game, to take their place in the next round of the competition.

For the Blakestown men, it was a tough weekend, as they missed out in the Junior D campaign by three points.

Tyrrelstown got their Junior E championship campaign off to an emphatic start when they ran up a 3-8 to 0-2 victory against Croi Na Raofa in their first of three group games in the competition.

HARD luck to our junior teams in the

to register https://login.r te.ie/

championship last week.

rtesso/signup/

The senior footballers had a good

There will be promotions and

win, and well done to our senior

in fo r m ati o n d a ys a l s o s e t u p,

ladies football and camogie teams

so plea se encoura ge all to get

on wins last week.

involved.

Well done to the girls for doing so

Tesco for Schools initiative is now

well in the Feile, reaching the semi-

up and running; please see club-

finals, and also to Martha McNally

house for details.

for winning the Division 5 skills test.

Best of luck to our senior hurlers in their first championship game this Sunday at 11am on the main pitch.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 7, 11, and 23. Jackpot was €2,400.

Brod club: Further to the initiative on RTE driven by Bernard Dunne we are encourageing all our members

Club shop vouchers are now available. Details and contacts on the club website, cnp.ie, which will be finished shortly.

Follow us on Twitter @peregrinesgaa.

Bingo continues every Wednesday night in the clubhouse from 8.30pm and this week’s jackpot is €1,000.

Club monster draw has been put back until June 30.

TYRRELSTOWN THE training times for the junior

give something back to the communi-

teams are as follows: Nursery and

ty, get fit and most of all have fun. For

U-7s: Wednesday from 6 to 7pm and

more information on helping out, or

Saturdays from 10 to 11am at Tyrrel-

to register your child’s name please

stown Community Hall.

contact Clare on 083 408 6173.

U-8 and U-9s: Tuesdays from 6 to 7

Well done to the senior team on their

pm and Saturday from 10 to 11am at

championship win over the weekend.

Belgree pitch, Tyrrelstown.

They cruised past Proi Na Roifa, with

U-11s: Wednesdays from 6 to 7pm

an emphatic 3-7 to 3 points win. This

and Saturday from 10 to 11am at Bel-

was a great match, with the strength

gree pitch, Tyrrelstown.

and skill of Tyrrelstown excelling in

Please be advised that due to nursery and U-7 training being indoors, trainers must be worn.

the end. Well done, lads.

Training for the senior team takes place three days a week. The times

If you are available to mentor a

are as follows: Tuesday and Thurs-

group, throw in a ball, or even make

day from 7 to 8pm and Sunday from

the tea, we would like to hear from

11am to 12 noon at Belgree pitch, Tyr-

you. This is a great opportunity to

relstown.

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32 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012