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MAY 10, 2012

BLANCHARDSTOWN • BLAKESTOWN • HARTSTOWN • COOLMINE • TYRRELSTOWN • DUNBOYNE • CORDUFF • MULHUDDART • ONGAR

INSIDE: Local sports team pay a visit to a children’s hospital P2

TREATY: Senator Darragh O’Brien

on why FF wants a Yes vote See Page 6

Fair play to you: Top gardener shows support for local centre Dublin Feile: St Brigid’s claim Division 1 crown in epic showing Page 32

PICTURED at a recent garden fair in Huntstown Community Centre is award-winning Irish gardener, Peter Donnegan. The event was organised to raise funds for the centre.

Local garden centres and shops played their part in making the event a great success.

Pictured with Peter, are organisers Sharon Farrell, Sile Nicol and Bernie Kennefick.

Full Gallery next week

Basketball: Sports Club 15 in action in Div 2 play-off match Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Hansfield station closer to opening Tender process for access road gets under way

I LAURA WEBB

THE idle train station in Hansfield has moved closer to opening with Irish Rail starting the tender process for the construction of the access road which is expected to begin in August.

The state-of-the-art build-

ing has been unused since it was completed back in 2010 because an access road was not built. The final pieces are now coming together with the transfer of land for the road handed over to public ownership over the Easter holidays, and Irish Rail putting out the tender for its construction.

According to Fingal County Council construction is expected to begin in August and the contract for its construction is for six months.

Dublin West TD, Patrick Nulty (Lab), said the news is a “huge breakthrough” for the area which is “long overdue”.

Full Story on Page 7

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

COUNCIL: CONCERN AT POSSIBLE CLOSURE

CHARITY Local team pay a visit to children’s hospital

FCC ‘anxious’ about crossing FINGAL County Council (FCC) is “anxious” to retain pedestrian access at Porterstown level crossing and is looking at a pedestrian/cycling bridge as one suitable option.

Since the opening of Porterstown Link Road, FCC is now considering options regarding the Porterstown level crossing, which could include closing it to vehicular traffic. The road was officially opened on Monday, April 23.

In a report, a FCC spokesperson said Irish Rail was working with the National Transport Authority to upgrade the Maynooth line, which runs through Porterstown.

As part of the plan, it is proposed to close level crossings, where possible, for safety and operational efficiency.

However, the council says it is “anxious” to retain the level crossing at Porterstown for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the rail line to

access the nearby schools and playing fields in the area.

According to the spokesperson, the option to retain a pedestrian crossing is likely to require the closure of the road to vehicular traffic.

“At this time, proposed pedestrian/cyclist bridge options are being collated, with a view to putting them on display in the near future.

“Discussions regarding approvals and funding for works will begin shortly.

“In the interim, the need for some form of traffic management on the old Porterstown road will be addressed,” said the FCC spokesperson.

The report was issued at a recent Castleknock/ Mulhuddart Area Committee meeting, following a motion by Labour councillor, Michael O’Donovan, asking FCC management to report on whether the Porterstown level crossing would be closed to motor traffic.

Paul O’Toole and Stephen Mooney give a lift

Rhinos charge into Temple St E IGHT members of the Castleknock Collegebased Dublin Rhinos American Football Club recently paid a visit to the Children’s University Hospital in Temple Street. The team had raised money amongst their members to bring

toys to the playroom in the hospital, before being taken on a tour of the wards, with the children excited to see their visitors, who brought a bag of sweets from team sponsors Candylab to give to the children.

John Keegan, Oisin Russell-Conway and Paul O’Toole with a patient

The Rhinos players got to see up-close where their money will go, joining children in the play room

Paul O’Toole, Stephen Mooney and Sean Power share a joke

Shane Maguire, Sean Power, Oisin Russell-Conway and the Gazette’s Paul Hosford with the nurses of the Top Flat ward

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

EVENT Jobseekers flock to nationwide roadshow

Expert advice and tips on offer at Cpl job fair I LAURA WEBB

OVER 130 jobseekers benefited from expert advice and interview preparation tips when they took part in a free information event in Blanchardstown.

Hosted by Ireland’s largest human resource solution provider, Cpl, the event was part of the company’s nationwide jobseekers roadshow launched by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD. The event took place on April 30 at the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown. Those who attended received expert advice and interview tips from Cpl director, Peter Cosgrove.

According to Cosgrove, companies are recruiting. “Although

it’s a challenging time to be job seeking, up to 60% of Irish companies are recruiting and opportunities still exist for jobseekers, with particular demand for employees in sectors such as life sciences; engineering; social media; finance; healthcare; IT and gaming and for those with multilingual skills.”

At the launch of the national campaign, Minister Br uton TD said: “Employment is this Government’s top priority, and through the Action Plan for Jobs we are working day and night to ensure that everything possible is done to ensure that more jobs are created here.

“However, we must also ensure where vacancies exist, unem-

ployed people are in the best possible position to take them up. I am delighted to welcome this roadshow which will make a valuable contribution towards improving the prospects of unemployed people around the country.”

According to Cosgrove, the key to securing a job interview, and a position, is down to basic principles, often overlooked: Check your CV for mistakes – then check again; Do your homework – research the position and the company; Look outside the box – over 50% of jobs are not advertised, so use all contacts, friends and social networks to promote yourself; Interview Techniques – interviewers make their decision

COUNCIL: REPORT SAYS FACILITY IS SUITABLE

Purpose-built playground not on agenda I LAURA WEBB

Peter Cosgrove, Director of Cpl, with Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab) attending the event

within minutes of meeting a candidate based on four points, eye contact (or lack of it), how you present yourself, handshake, whether you smile or not.

Smiling in an interview shows a confident

and personable candidate. Remember to stay positive, Cosgrove says: “Attitude and personality are your biggest assets; Remember it’s your will, not your skill that will eventually get you the job you deserve.”

FINGAL County Council will not be following in the footsteps of Meath County Council by providing a purpose-built playground catering for children with special needs, as its playgrounds already have items accessible to children of all abilities.

A spokesperson for FCC reported that most of the play items in existing playgrounds should be accessible for all children, including those with special needs.

“Our existing playgrounds were constructed for the most part under the provisions of universal design, which entails ensuring that access and movement through the facilities are available to all.

“This is also true in

relation to the choice of the safety surface in the playgrounds.

“While it is acknowledged that it is not possible to ensure that all of the items of equipment are accessible to children of all abilities, it is true to say that there are many items fully accessible to all in each of the playgrounds in Dublin 15. In this way it is ensured that children of all abilities are catered for in each location,” the spokesperson added.

The report came following a motion by Fine Gael councillor, Kieran Dennison, asking management to consider providing a purpose-built playground in the area to cater for children with special needs, similar to that opened in Navan, County Meath in February this year.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

EVENT Fundraising for Crumlin children’s hospital

Locals give it their all for Tour de Fox

More Pie? The gang are reunited, but have they left the charm behind?’

M

I LAURA WEBB

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 24

The cycling group start their journey from Dublin 15

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SUPPORTERS were out in force on Sunday morning to wave off 60 locals cycling from Dublin 15 to Johnnie Fox’s in aid of Crumlin children’s hospital.

Residents from across Dublin 15 put their endurance to the test when they cycled up, and down hills, to make their way to Johnnie Fox’s in Glencullen, on top of the Dublin Mountains for charity.

The route, dubbed Tour de Fox, was tough according to organiser Brendan Maloney but everyone managed to get there in one piece.

“It went really well, no injuries, people were just wrecked by the end of it,” he said.

Blanchardstown gardai helped the convoy of cyclists get through traffic until Islandbridge in Inchicore, and from there, Terenure gardai helped them through to the end.

“The gardai were brilliant. They really helped us out.”

S u r p r i s i n g l y, t h e expected journey time of three hours to the finish line was an hour

less then they thought,” Maloney said.

“It was a great effort by everyone; it just couldn’t have gone any better. It took two hours, which we were so surprised with. I think the fact that we were constantly moving really helped – we were flying along.”

The cyclists are hoping to raise €10,000 through sponsorship.

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

‘It was such a great day out.

People are already looking at doing it again’ --------------------------

“We don’t have the final figures yet, I am hoping to get it within the week. People are still bringing sponsor cards in so we’ll wait and see.

We do hope to raise €10,000 but we would be happy with anything – any amount of funds goes a long way in a children’s hospital.”

Brendan and his friend Kevin O’Donovan were the brains behind the event.

W hen asked if he would consider mak-

ing it an annual event, Brendan said they were considering it.

“It was such a great day out. People are already looking at doing it again, asking about next year. So it might just end up being an annual thing.”

The biggest challenge for Brendan, and other cyclists agreed, was the hills in Stepaside.

“That was very hard to cycle through, but other than that, we managed fine. There was great support on the day with people coming out to the Bell on Sunday morning to wave us off; anyone who wanted to take part did. There was a good age group - people from all ages took part.”

Not only did the group have help from the local Garda station, but they were also supported by a local Order of Malta group.

“They followed us in an ambulance, and were there in case anyone needed them. We were delighted they came with us and on a voluntary basis too.”

The 60 cyclists wore high viz jackets with the words Kilometres for Kids on the back to help them stand out.

Musical society coffee morning THE Coolmine Musical Society is swapping the stage for a coffee shop when members host a bake sale in Blanchardstown this weekend.

Homemade cakes made by society members will be tempting taste-buds from 9.30am until 1pm on Sunday, May 13 at the coffee shop in St Brigid’s Community Centre in Blanchardstown Village.

All proceeds from the bake sale will go towards funding the society’s next musical production, Me and My Girl, at Draiocht from November 13 to 17.

Members of the society come from all across Dublin 15 including Blanchardstown and Castleknock.

The success of last year’s bake sale encouraged members to get back into the kitchen and bake some more.

Meanwhile, the society will head down to New Ross on May 20 to be part of the 2012 AIMS Choral Festival.

The society is up for one of the awards. The festival, now in its 28th year, is organised by the Association of Irish Musical Societies.

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

TREATY Pact ‘will not cure all our economic woes’

Voting Yes provides a more secure future

SENATOR DARRAGH O’BRIEN (FF) explains why his party believes the Stability Treaty will give Ireland more growth opportunities and employment THE vote on May 31 on the Stability Treaty is extremely important for Dublin, for Ireland and for Europe. The treaty sets out a new framework for countries so that the crisis of budget deficits and high debt can’t threaten the Eurozone in the future.

I will be honest and say that the treaty will not cure all our economic woes of today, but it will definitely allow Dublin and Ireland to have a more secure foundation

for our future. By voting yes, we will have access to the funds needed for our public services at a lower interest rate.

We will be sending a message that Irish people want to have a strong voice at the European table when growth opportunities and investment in job creation are being discussed. We need to maintain strong ties and influence in Europe and make sure our voices are heard and we will do this by voting Yes. There has been much

debate in my party about this treaty and what it means for Ireland and Europe.

At the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis, 50 years ago in 1962, Sean Lemass told delegates that the alternative to joining would be that “Ireland would be an isolated unit on the fringe of a dynamic European confederation”. The last thing Ireland needs to do today is to retreat to the fringes of Europe.

The European Union will play a central role in Ireland’s recovery.

That is why Fianna Fail is vigorously campaigning for a Yes vote. This fiscal crisis has been a crisis of globalisation. It has crossed borders and many other countries, not just Ireland, are facing unprecedented pressures in controlling budgets and raising the money to fund public services.

A crisis of this massive scale requires collaboration, co-operation and a joined up approach to achieving solutions amongst the countries of Europe.

Fianna Fail has consistently been calling for three principal issues to be addressed: changing the mandate of the European Central Bank; increasing the central funding of the EU; and federalising financial regulation.

If the euro is to be saved and if it is to retain democratic legitimacy, these measures must be taken up and Fianna Fail will continue to press this.

Many of the problems facing people in Ireland are shared by other countries. The budgets in capital cities around Europe, like Dublin, are under huge pressure. It makes sense, therefore, that the best way to tackle them is for countries to work together. This treaty reinforces the rules to make sure that budgets are better controlled so that major debt is avoided.

In return for agreeing these controls, countries will find it easier to raise money to fund public services, like the ones we benefit from in the city every day, our buses, gardai, schools and hospitals. It provides a more secure future for our country.

Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF): “EU will play central role in Ireland’s recovery”

In fact, had this new emergency funding system and other new policies been in place years ago Ireland would never have required a bail-out.

Its support programme is based entirely on targets that were already proposed by the then Irish government, and Ireland’s debt is due to top out at a level of less than that of Italy today or Greece after all their adjustments.

In the 2009, referendum on the revised Lisbon proposal, public support for a Yes vote

actually rose during the campaign. This was because we worked hard to bring a positive message directly to people.

That referendum changed the nature of EU debate in Ireland and this is what is reflected in the current large majority indicating an intention to vote Yes, including 70% of my party’s voters.

One of the key reasons for Ireland’s attractiveness is its export platform to the rest of the EU. Today nearly 100,000 people are directly employed in over 600

US firms in Ireland. US companies have a $190 billion cumulative stock of investments in Irishbased operations. I really believe that Ireland’s full and active membership in the EU is critical for stability and investment across Dublin.

I believe Dublin needs a strong Yes vote on May 31 to secure stability and economic recovery.

Darragh O’Brien Fianna Fail Senator for Dublin North and Seanad Spokesperson on Finance

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

FUNDRAISING Several events are planned to support local facility

Centre continues to be at heart of community MORE and more people are looking to their local community centre to work out, join social clubs or just to meet for lunch, and Huntstown Community Centre is showing how it can work.

The centre, which was established in 2001, is situated in the heart of

Huntstown and is used for various courses, classes and social meetings.

From dance to football, youth clubs to ladies club, yoga classes to karate, it has something for every age in the community.

Like many community centres, this centre relies heavily on fundraising

to keep running and this year the centre has organised several including a Special Occasions event on June 8.

“This event is aimed at putting people from the local community to work.

We are asking people to think about picking people from their local area to

do hair, make up for weddings and other special occasions,” centre manager, Chris Sullivan said.

“People will be showing off their trades on the day.

Anyone with a debs dress can donate. We will have flower girl dresses, communion dresses – something you might see now

could be used for next year’s communion girl – so think ahead. Everyone is looking to save a few bob and this would really help,” she continued.

This event is just one of several events planned for the community centre this year.

According to Chris,

the centre is “flying”, and is 90% booked out most weeknights.

The centre is now trying to get more clubs and organisations to use it during the day. “We are trying to get more daytime activities, and more men involved. We are looking into setting up a

bowls club for the older men and more classes are coming on stream.

It really is the hub of the community.”

The centre’s coffee shop is great value and the place to chat.

For further information on the centre, log onto www.huntstowncc.org

Rogue waste collectors warning FINGAL County Council has issued a warning to residents asking them to beware rogue waste collectors advertising to take away household items.

On the council’s website and facebook page, a spokesperson for the council is urging residents not to give any items to an unauthorised waste collector.

“If any flyer comes through your door advertising household waste collection you should know that all collectors must have a valid waste collection permit,” the council states.

According to the council, if anyone does give their household waste to an waste collector that has no license, residents can be fined or prosecuted for

The station has been lying idle in Hansfield since the building was completed back in 2010 because the access road was not built

TRANSPORT: IRISH RAIL STARTS ROAD TENDER PROCESS

Hansfield Station ‘breakthrough’ I LAURA WEBB

THE opening of Hansfield train station has taken a leap forward with Irish Rail beginning the tender process for the construction of the access road which is expected to begin in August.

The state-of-the-art train station has been lying idle in Hansfield since the building was completed back in 2010 because the access road was not built. Following months of talks between developers, Fingal County Council and Irish Rail, a resolution was reached last year. The transfer of land for the road was handed into public ownership over the Easter holidays.

Irish Rail has now put out the tender for its construction. According to Fingal County Council construction is expected to begin in August and the contract for its construction is for six months.

Speaking to the G a z e t t e t h i s we e k , Labour TD, Patrick Nulty, said it’s a “huge breakthrough” for the area.

“The community around Clonee and Ongar and the wider D15 area have canvassed long and hard to get this station open. It was quite a scandalous situation that so much tax-payers money was invested in the station that was lying idle. It is very welcome news for the community and when it does open

up it will have a huge domino effect in terms of improving public transport across the D15 area.

It is certainly great to see a breakthrough, which is long overdue.

“This is a very harsh lesson in what happens when you allow developer-led planning on infrastructure and vital community facilities.

The entire project was contingent on a non-stop growth in the housing bubble and I think there are very serious lessons to be learnt for planners in terms of how we deal with the infrastructure.

“What we have to do from now on is put our schools and our transport infrastructure in first into an area, particularly in the Ongar/

Clonee area – schools facilities, community facilities, train stations are only coming on stream long after people paid very large sums of money for their homes,” Deputy Nulty added.

Dublin West TD, and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar said Hansfield Station will finally be able to open to the public when the access road has been completed.

“This marks real progress for Hansfield Station, which cannot open for use until a proper access road has been put in place. I look forward to work starting on the road so that the station will finally be able to offer regular services to passengers,” said the Minister.

offences under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and/or Waste Management Act 1996.

An example of the unauthorised collector leaflet that is being posted through letterboxes in Fingal is given on the council’s Facebook page. It reads: “One free electrical recycling day – we accept any household items with a plug battery or engine”. It goes on to list what items will be collected: video players, microwaves, dishwashers, fluorescent tubes, televisions, dryers, cookers, freezers, IT equipment and many more.

Residents are being asked to report suspect collectors to FCC on freephone 1800 20 10 93.

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

EVENT Porterstown Scouts celebrate their 80th Anniversary

Marking a major milestone

ORTERSTOWN Scouts had plenty of reason to celebrate recently as they marked 80 years in scouting. The Castleknock Hotel was chosen for a special scouts ball where guests enjoyed a prosecco reception, a four-course meal, a band and a DJ. Parents showed their support for the group purchasing plenty of tickets for the event ensuring that the night was a great success.

A few lucky guests had an extra reason to be happy when they won some fantastic prizes in the raffle.

Overall the night was enjoyed by everyone who came to support a very worthwhile organisation.

P

Gillian Whooley, Debbie Halpenny and Gaye O’Brien. Pictures: Conor O Mearain

Sheila McLellan, Catherine Kearns and Marguerite Cathy Kelly and Ena Lynskey

Thompson

Monica Tyrell, Trish Coleman, Grainne McGonagle and Brenda Russell

Brian Harvey, Group Leader, Porterstown Scouts; Michael John Shinnick, chief scout, Aaron and Fiona Slater, Adrienne Christopher and David O’Brien

Scouting Ireland and Declan Heaney, Commissioner, Scouting Ireland

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

with a ball at the Castleknock Hotel

Colm and Bridget O’Neill, Eimear O’Neill and Keith Monks

Scout leaders, Paul Kelly, Orla Manscier, Michael Lawlor and Clare Egan

George and Sheila McLellan with Ena and Tim Lynskey

Brian and Karen Farrell with Breda and Brian Keane

Dave Birmingham, Gaye O’Brien, Debbie and Frank Halpenny

Jennifer Kavanagh, Sinead Cheevers, Yvonne Grimes and Fiona Barclay

Scout leaders, Aishling Teehan, Simon Toner, Claire Breen, Kate Cowan and Eanna Lynskey

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

EVENT 2012 Dublin Gala Rose Ball in the Carlton Hotel

David Farrell and Shauna Lawes

Setting the ball rolling

Eleanor Hession, Jennifer Ward, Nicola O’Donoghue and Sinead Grant

Alan McEvoy, Ellen OBrien, Carleen Stringer and Shane Collins

Darragh McGrath and Siobheal Nic Julie Beathie, Ciara Ross and Aoife McManus

Eochaidh, Rose of Dublin 2011

HE Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown hosted the 2012 Dublin Gala Rose Ball on April 27. The event was a great occasion for potential Dublin Roses to meet and greet guests and chat to former Dublin Roses.

There was plenty of excitement as the Roses themselves spoke about the forthcoming 2012 Dublin Rose of Tralee Selection which will also take place at the hotel from May 18 to May 20. Over the course of the event, all Dublin Rose contestants will enjoy a complimentary three-night stay including breakfast and dinner at the Carlton Hotel.

T

Peter Richardson, Christina Ryan, Ann Ryan and Thomas Ryan

Fionan Henry and Tara Talbot, Rose of Tralee 2011

Susan Dowdall, Sarah Fitzgerald and Grace Nixon, Mark Nixon and Mel O’Conghaile

Saoirse Bardin, Paige Bardin, Monijka Bardin, Mary Bardin and Shannon Bardin

Mark Dowdall

10 May 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 10 May 2012

GazetteContacts

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Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Mimi Murray email: mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day

Summer Wedding Open Day THE Castle Arch Hotel in Trim will host its Summer Wedding Open Day on Sunday, May 13, from 2 to 5pm.

The Castle Arch is one of the leading wedding venues in County Meath and this event will be one of their best open day’s with the hotel set up as it would be on the bride and groom’s special day.

Experience The management team have years of experience with weddings and will be on hand to guide you through the planning of your special day.

T heir hallmark is attention to detail at all times by experienced staff in the art of creating a perfect wedding.

The Castle Arch loves

weddings and this is obvious from the attentive service you receive from the initial enquiry through to departure the next morning after your perfect wedding.

The Emmet Suite is the hotel’s dedicated wedding suite and will be set up with beautiful chair covers and a choice of sashes, as well as luxurious floral arrangements on each table and a fairylight backdrop.

Civil wedding The hotel is also registered for civil wedding ceremonies and the Arch Suite will be decorated as it would be on the special day with linen chair covers, flowers and candles.

Contact the hotel directly for more information on packages.

Contact Ruth Traynor o n 0 4 6 - 9 4 31516 o r Ruth@cusackhotels. com

The Emmet Suite

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10 May 2012 GAZETTE 13

EVENT Charity lunch at Brasserie 15

Encouraging healthy eating

Bressie’s boost to mum’s support centre I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

HE has fast become a household name after judging, and mentoring the winning act of the Voice of Ireland, but his new found fame hasn’t inflated his ego, as he uses his celebrity status to fundraise for charity.

Earlier this year, Bressie, aka Niall Breslin, was named the ambassador of LARCC (Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre) a cancer support centre located just outside his hometown of Mullingar in Co Westmeath, where his mum, Mandy, is the director.

To help raise funds for the centre, he hosted a charity lunch in Brasserie 15 in Castleknock, Dublin 15 last week.

His best friend helped get the venue and he brought the entertainment, with thanks to his protegee, the Voice of Ireland winner, Pat Byrne.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, he talked about his involvement in the charity and what’s next for the singer/songwriter and producer.

Respected

“ I t ’s a ve r y we l l known national charity.

It is very well respected.

A lot of cancer charities deal with the physical aspect of cancer; this is looking more at the emotional and psychological aspect of it. It is a residential treatment centre where parents can go for a week with the family, and that

INITIATIVE: PROMOTING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Bressie with mum Mandy. Picture: Ania Sherlock

is unique – there is nowhere in the whole country where you can do that.

“The HSE has cut funding by 50-60% and a lot of people don’t realise there is an emotional side to cancer, so people don’t really dedicate money to it.

“There was no way I was going to let it lose out. I thought I could bring something to it, but then the show [The Voice] started and then I knew I could really bring something to it and it has.

“We are starting with

this event, and then there will be a big event in the summer and we are not talking about trying to keep one open, we are talking about opening others – that is where I am going with it,” he said.

Joining Bressie at the lunch was fellow Voice judge, Brian Kennedy, who said he was only too happy to be part of the charity event.

Although he won’t be on our screens every Sunday night with the Voice, Bressie is still ver y much involved

in it as he gets ready to work with his winning act Pat Byrne, and also help his other act, Conor Quinn.

“Pat hasn’t even got a day off yet. He asked about it, but I quickly told him – you’re in the music business now, there is no such thing,” he joked. “ We h ave s t a r t e d writing for the album for Pat. Then I will work with Conor and then work on my own. It’s a busy time.”

For further information on LARCC log onto www.larcc.ie

STUDENTS across the country will be kept busy throughout May as Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating Month challenges students to record their daily intake of potatoes, fruit and vegetables.

Launched in Family Farm, which was developed by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, Minister of State Shane McEntee (FG), was on hand to commence the monthlong initiative which will see students note their consumption of these foods in a special healthy eating diary as part of the overall Incredible Edibles initiative.

With childhood obesity levels in Ireland reaching epidemic proportions, Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles is a healthy eating initiative that encourages primary school children to eat more potatoes, fruit and vegetables. The project, now in its fourth year, is delivered by Agri Aware and is supported

by Bord Bia, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish horticulture industry.

The sponsors of the Incredible Edibles project will deliver healthy eating awareness activities, demonstrations and food tastings as part of Incredible

Edibles Healthy Eating month at Family Farm, Dublin Zoo during May. Students nationwide are collecting the Incredible Edibles tokens and/ or the Bord Bia Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables to win some amazing prizes for their class. The public are encouraged to help out by collecting the tokens and/or the Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables in support of their local schools participating in the project.

Speaking at the launch, Minister McEntee commented: “In light of the current levels of obesity, especially in our younger population, and the overall need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, I am very pleased that the Incredible Edibles has evolved to have a stronger emphasis on the need to increase consumption; I see Healthy Eating Month as a key part of this process.”

Encouraging a positive attitude to healthy eating, Bernard Donohue, chairman of Agri Aware, said: “Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating month is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate the importance of healthy eating to children.”

14 GAZETTE 10 May 2012

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Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: YOUR CAT’S DIET MAY NEED AN OVERHAUL AS SHE GETS OLDER

Helping kitty stay fit and healthy as she gets older H yes, it’s a cool for cats kinda time right now because it seems readers just can’t get enough of our feline friends… well, if your calls to the shelter are anything to go by.

So, this week, I

A

thought I’d continue my, ahem, CAT-alogue of kitty columns and delve a little into the world of the senior feline and her specific dietary needs and requirements.

You see as Kitty gets older, her nutritional needs will start to

change. She may have a slower metabolism and gain a few pounds, she may become less active and wish to stay indoors more therefore to help her stay fit and healthy into her senior years, you, as her parent, will need to give her diet an overhaul.

However, I must add, always check with your vet before you change your pet’s diet, especially if there are specific health problems that need to be addressed.

Levels of Activity Some cats go out and hunt and are pretty active, others are pampered and lie around the house all day.

It makes sense then that the less active Kitty may require 10% less maintenance energy.

T his is also quite dependent on the weather. For example, keeping the body warm or cooling it down will use up more energy, so keep in touch with your vet in the event the temperature plummets and the same goes if we ever manage to get a heatwave… although the latter hardly ever occurs in Ireland.

As your cat gets older, her nutritional needs will start to change

Health Status If Kitty’s had surgery or an illness, she may have increased nutritional requirements in order to help her heal. Again, keep in contact with your vet who will best advise regarding periods of illness and recovery.

Portion Control is Important Work with your vet to ascertain which senior cat food provides the best nutritional balance for Kitty. To help her maintain her recommended weight, measure out the portions as per manufacturer’s/veterinarian’s instructions.

Dividing the Spoils Usually it’s recommended you feed your cat two meals per day using portion control.

Divide the amount suggested as per your vet or food manufacturer advice and allocate them approximately eight hours apart.

As cats require taurine, (an amino acid important to maintain normal heart function, reproduction and vision) and… here’s a little tip; most mammals can make taurine, but cats can’t, it’s important to feed Kitty animal-based protein which means a meat-based diet in order

to meet her nutritional requirements.

Remember you may need to adjust intake according to your cat’s level of activity or your vet’s recommendations.

Temperature A senior cat’s sense of smell may diminish slightly, so try to offer her food at room temperature to make it easier for her to be attracted to the aroma.

Water Only Forget the saucer of milk, it’s bad for Kitty.

Cats cannot process enough lactase in order to break down lactose

in milk, therefore allowing Kitty to drink milk or milk-based products will cause her to vomit or experience diarrhoea.

Give water only and make sure you encourage her to drink it often, as some senior cats may be prone to medical problems such as urinary tract infections and an increased water intake may reduce the risk of this. It will also reduce the risk of dehydration.

So, following the all clear from your vet, make sure Kitty gets enough gentle exercise in the form of some play with toys or a little potter around the garden while you’re tending to the plants.

The above is written as a guideline only, so if you’ve got a senior cat, why not pop her along to your vet today for a quick check up because with his/her help, there’s no reason why you and Kitty can’t enjoy the golden years together and optimise her health and wellbeing.

For more information,

log onto www.dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

10 May 2012 GAZETTE 15

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GazetteGROWING GROWING

In association with

TASTE: NO NEED TO ROOT AROUND FOR A GREAT TREAT

Can’t beet this THIS month, we will be harvesting the first of our new-season beetroot.

Okay, so they will be no bigger than golf balls, and will have been grown in the polytunnel – but they will be all the tastier and more tender as a result.

I was turned off beetroot as a kid because the only way I ever saw it presented was pickled and floating in vinegar – fresh beetroot plucked straight from the soil and baked to retain all the goodness is a different matter: earthy, tender, wonderful and incredibly good for you.

Interesting to note that we also still have about half a dozen beetroot from last year in a box of sand in the shed – they were sown in July, lifted for storage in October,

and we’ve been eating a couple a week since. They have held up well.

They are an altogether hardier affair than the new season ones – about the size of large oranges, and not quite as tender, but they still taste pretty good and make a useful addition to salads (raw, grated).

To my mind, this brings home why beetroot is the perfect GIY crop – it can be difficult to source fresh in the supermarket, it’s easy to grow, doesn’t demand much space and, with a little planning, it can be enjoyed fresh all year round.

By the way, if you are heading to Bloom in the Phoenix Park (May 31 to June 4), come and visit us at the GIY Zone.

We will be showing people how to sow seeds and generally spreading GIY joy. We’re also aiming to break a Guinness World Record for the most people sowing seedlings at the one time, and creating a giant seedling mosaic!

Tip of the week: Best way to sow beetroot Beetroot likes a deep, sandy soil, manured the previous winter. Apply organic fertiliser about a week before sowing.

Germination is in about 10 days, and you will have roots to eat in about three months.

I always sow beetroot in module trays and then carefully transplant them about a month after sowing.

They should be planted four inches apart, in rows about 12 inches apart.

Bear in mind that a beetroot seed is actually a “cluster” of up to five seeds, so even if you sow just one seed, you may end up with a small cluster of plants – thin them out to just one seedling.

Sow every two weeks from April until July (for a continuous supply of young beets), although you can start even earlier (March) in a greenhouse or polytunnel.

Sow another batch in July, which will be ready to lift in October for winter storage.

Michael Kelly is a

freelance journalist, author and founder of GIY Ireland

Recipe of the Week BEETROOT, walnuts and goat’s cheese make ideal bedfellows for a salad. This delicious salad serves four.

Ingredients: • 12-15 baby beetroot • Two TBSP lemon juice • 80ml extra virgin olive oil • One TSP Dijon mustard • 70g baby spinach leaves and some small beetroot leaves • A bunch of flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped • 100g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled • 75g toasted walnuts TWIST off the leaves from the beetroot (don’t cut, this causes them to bleed), leaving about two inches

of stalk attached to the beet. Wash them well and pat dry. Place them in a tinfoil parcel, and bake in a hot (220C) oven for about 35-45 minutes.

They will be very tender when cooked – pierce with a knife to check. Take a beetroot and rinse under a cold tap (so you can handle it), then quickly remove the skin by rubbing with your fingers – if it is well cooked, it should come off easily.

Repeat with all the beetroot and cut them into quarters. Whisk the

lemon juice, olive oil and mustard together in a small bowl. Season to taste.

Place the spinach, beetroot leaves and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Add half the dressing and toss well.

Divide among four serving plates (or leave in the large bowl, if desired), then scatter with beetroot, goat’s cheese and toasted walnuts.

Garnish the salad with some parsley, drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire.

We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable.

Full clean driving license and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential. Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates.

If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

16 GAZETTE 10 May 2012

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY The essential

A designer gift from Lancome

LANCOME announces its June 2012 designer gift collaboration with luxury design house, Jenny Packham.

This is one of Lancome’s most exciting designer collaborations to date. The style of the make-up purse has a vintage feel to it, featuring romantic floral designs created exclusively by de Gournay for the Jenny Packham Lancome bag.

From June 2012, Lancome customers can own this unique bag by simply purchasing two Lancome products (one to be skincare) from a Lancome counter.

Available nationwide from June 8, 2012, whilst stocks last.

et’s face it, the sooner we go on holidays to catch a few rays from that shiny ball in the sky, known as THE SUN, the sooner faces will be smiling again.

The travel season is among us and Gazette Beauty is on a mini mission to give readers an idea of some of the essential products that should take up space in that 20kg bag.

Forget packing luggage to the brim with flip flops and sarongs, you know you won’t use, think about items that you can’t live without on a sun holiday.

Helping to take the stress out of travel this summer is Burt’s Bees and its mini kits.

The kits have mini-

L

Enjoy the summer holiday season but take care while in the sun with an appropriate sun screen to prevent burning

ature versions of all it’s full size favourites with Tips and Toes Kit, Head to Toe, Radiance Healthy Glow and the Essential Burt’s Bee Kit – our favourite.

This essential Burt’s Bee’s kit (€16.99) contains soap bark and chamomile deep cleansing cream, hand cream, nourishing milk and honey lotion, coconut foot cream and beeswax lip balm.

Of these, the lip balm is a must to keep with you at all times to avoid dry lips while sun bathing.

T he coconut foot cream gives great relief after a day’s walking, or a night’s dancing and the coconut scent boosts that happy holiday feeling – available at health

stores and pharmacies nationwide.

Take care while in the sun, and so it’s not unusual that we say sun factor is a MUST for everyone.

Don’t let skin burn – red is not a sun-kissed colour, it’s sun-kissed pain. Apply sun factor as often as you can.

If money doesn’t matter, Piz Buin is a favourite here as it is great for sensitive and dry skin, and works on building a glowing natural tan.

Saving pennies? Then try out Lidl’s very own range from Cien. The range is available in various sun protection factors to suit every need from factor 8 to factor 50, kids to adults, it has the lot.

Here’s something eve-

10 May 2012 GAZETTE 17

Edited by Laura Webb

products for a spell in the sun tecting hair from everyday wear and tear, a must when out and about this summer – Aussie hair products are available at Boots nationwide.

Rub away your stress and worries with the new Spa Collection Absolute Calm Massage Oil, €8/100ml from Marks & Spencer.

This non-greasy massage oil has been specially formulated with sweet almond oil to condition and nourish the skin whilst a soothing blend of essential oils of mandarin, chamomile and lavender help relax and unwind.

This is perfect for trying to unwind after a day sightseeing.

Also available in this range is the Spa Collection Absolute Calm Bath Essence, €5.50/300ml and Spa Collection Absolute Calm Pillow Mist, €5.50/50ml.

Now obviously we are not saying take all these essentials with you, because if you do, that 20kg will be full before you get a chance to put in any summer shorts, so just take in our advice and then find what best suits your top five travel essentials.

Help take the stress out of travel with Essential Burt’s Bees Kit

gazette

group

.com

Dead Sea Skin Magik Brushing Salts (€17.95).

This is a mix of Dead Sea salts and coconut oil, perfect for pre beach exfoliation and a great treatment for cellulite, also available at Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary.

Take care of your hair when away. The Aussie hair care range, not only smells fantastic but works wonders for dry/ damaged hair.

Tried and tested by Gazette beauties, the range recommended this summer is the Miracle Moist Range.

This range makes hair soft, shiny and fabulously conditioned.

It brings moisture to dry damaged hair, which is often a result of sun exposure.

Miracle Moist Shampoo is used to lock moisture in all day long.

After that, use Miracle Moist Conditioner for some serious moisturising. But the one thing we advise not to leave behind is its Miracle Hair Insurance.

This leave-in conditioner is a little miracle for detangling hair by conditioning and nourishing it, while also pro-

www.

ryone should know – sun protection factor (SPF) refers to how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned.

The higher the factor the longer you can stay out without burning. The Cien range is priced between €2.99 and €4.99.

Another essential is, of course, after sun. One suggestion from Gazette Beauty for a good after sun, essential for soothing is Green People After Sun (€15.99). This product is made with cooling peppermint and helps to maintain a healthy tan – available at Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary, Duke St, Dublin 2.

Travelling can take its toll on some stomachs and so a travel sickness preventative is worth bringing along, helping you enjoy your summer rather than loath it because of travel sickness.

Our recommendation is, also available from Nelson’s, is Travella, a homeopathic preparation to aid with symptoms of travel sickness, this costs €7.25.

Exfoliate before heading to the beach with

All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away Lidl’s very own range from Cien has factors to suit every need

18 GAZETTE 10 May 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods SHE’S been called one of the most controversial women in rock, and I think Courtney Love whole-heartedly deserves that crown.

Brawls, court cases, drugs...this woman has stared the usual rock cliches in the face (and in some cases, punched it), but only she could continue the on-again off-again relationship with her fella, 18 years after his death.

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994 and the rights to his image were in

the hands of his wife.

Although tumultuous, their relationship was one that seemed to survive all sorts of challenges...until Courtney needed a quick buck, it seems.

It’s emerged the Hole singer gave up her rights to Cobain’s name, likeness and appearance in exchange for €2.1m.

Surely, she wouldn’t be so shallow...

I hear you ask, where is she getting the money? Oh, that’d be from her teenage daughter, Frances Bean

Cobain’s, trust fund. So, Courtney gets the loan of a couple of million, but until she can pay it back, will no longer be head of the company that looks after the Cobain cashflow: Frances Bean is.

The 19-year-old is taking over her 47-year-old mother’s job and giving her a loan? Talk about role reversal.

In fairness to Courtney, she’s doing her best to earn a few quid in the meantime. Her first art show was launched in New York last week.

It featured drawings and lyrics by the Hole frontwoman and the piece de resistance: a designer gown which she claimed was to be worn to her marriage to Ed Norton that never happened.

Now, there’s a woman with an appropriate surname - what’s not to Love?

Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys had an influence on a generation of music fans

All our love and respect to the end I ROB HEIGH

WHEN it was announced last week that Beastie Boy Adam Yauch had died after a three-year battle against cancer, the wave of genuine shock and sadness that passed through the world of music was palpable.

Although the portents were not good when he was unable to attend the band’s induction to the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in April, there was still hope that this essential part of one of the most influential and beloved bands of the past three decades would beat the disease that afflicted him.

Yauch’s gravelly rasp counterpointed Diamond’s pally vibe and Horowitz’s amped craziness on the mic. Their skills combined to create a unique bouillabaisse – a Beastie Boys record was instantly recognisable, not only because of their rhyme styles, but because you felt that the way their personalities were right there on the track.

Every record, which never sold less than a

million copies on release, was a new adventure in sound – the Beasties took the influences of their world, mashing up Japanese pop, Jamaican dub, old-school hip-hop, soul and hard rock riffs and made something uniquely their ow n.

At the same time, they wrote some of the most memorable, quotable, referential and – don’t forget or underestimate this – fun rhymes in rap.

The fact that the band seemed like a band of brothers, transmitting a genuine enjoyment in what they did, never appearing po-faced or serious, even in the face of serious illness in the last three years, defines why the Beastie Boys meant so much to so many people. They loved what they did, and they wanted you to be a part of the party they fought for the right to throw.

You were invited, and welcome – the door was open and theirs was not a closed world of gangsta mores or outrageous bling that you had no access to.

They opened a whole new world of music to

this impressionable teen – the Beasties were the link to Run-DMC, to Public Enemy, to NWA, and on, and on… Not only to their contemporaries, but also to the artists they sampled on their tracks, too innumerable to mention, especially on their best album, Paul’s Boutique.

Creating some of the most memorable moments in music video history – Intergalactic, Body Movin’, So What’cha Want – was another of Yauch’s talents that was most immediately on display in the public domain, but his activism and charitable work for Tibetan freedom and the recovery of New York in the wake of 9/11 were other aspects of the work he did, which underlined his humanity and humanitarianism.

There has been nothing but the Beasties finest moments on the playlist since last Friday, and they will always be one of of my most dearly loved, and missed, musical heroes.

T hank you, Boys.

Thank you, Adam.

Namaste.

10 May 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Tracy Leonard, DAS Academy in Lucan and Rush

Helping people achieve their dreams

MORTGAGE RELIEF Q – We bought my first house in 2004, bought the second in 2010, as the family grew. We could not sell the first, as it was in negative equity and rented it out in 2010, losing the mortgage interest relief. Should we still qualify after recent changes ? The rent doesn’t cover the mortgage capital and interest repayments.

Colin – Terenure A - Measures brought into effect last Budget would have meant that, had you stayed in your first house, you would now be enjoying 30% mortgage interest relief until 2017 ! Unfortunately, moving meant that you lost out on being a first-time buyer and, therefore, precludes you from receiving the new life changes announced in the last Budget. At

INTERNATIONAL singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush, known as DAS Academy (Dancing, Acting, Singing Academy).

Tracy trained at the Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin and the Royal Academy of Music, London on its world renowned Musical Theatre Course and has worked professionally in Ireland, the UK and on a cruise ship as the main singer for Broadway style shows on the US high seas.

Tracy loves to perform on stage and has done so since a young age, she now wants to help new up-and-coming actors, singers and dancers achieve their dreams or even just enjoy it as something to help them gain more confidence in themselves in everyday life.

International singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush

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

A singer.

What was your first job?

Farmer’s daughter and then helping run a video shop when I was 15. I didn’t want to get muddy anymore!

soon as you started renting your former home.

There are so many people who were forced to rent out their homes because of their inability to maintain repayments, but did not stop the TRS. This could come back to haunt them. Presumably, you are also making the usual offsets against the rental income tax liability: • 75% of the mortgage interest • Service charges (including block insurance) • Repairs and maintenance • 12.5% of furniture and fixtures (keep receipts) for each of the first eight years • PRTB fees • Property management fees • Contents insurance if contents are your own The NPPR and household charges are not allowable for offsetting against your rental income tax

What part of your working day do you “delegate”?

I leave the dancing to Thomas…we work on production pieces together, but when it comes to choreography, I have a cuppa…

What sport do you follow?

I like rugby.

And your first pay check?

I remember wanting these runners and thought if I work for two weeks, I’ll be able to get them. It made me feel great to be able to get them myself.

What sport can you play?

I used to play camogie and Gaelic football, but now I just walk a lot and run around after my toddler…keeps me fit to say the least!

When did you start your present job?

August 2011 with the stage school and singing forever it seems. Before that for weddings, shows and events.

What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure?

I just love Sky Plus. I get to watch it all after baby is in bed and I can wind down with the soap stories, a nice cuppa and some choccy.

What is the best thing about your job?

The kids. Seeing them achieve a dance move they couldn’t do before or hitting a note that seemed out of reach, not being shy to read out or “act” in front of their peers.

least you stopped the TRS (tax relief at source) as

What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? Everything from Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes to Rhianna for DAS Academy classes.

Who do you follow on Twitter/ Facebook?

Just friends and family really, as my husband is American, so I keep in touch with all my friends and in-laws that way. It’s great for sharing photos and stories.

Describe your dream meal?

Cooked oysters and then a big, thick medium-rare steak and cheesy potatoes.

Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

On my son and my husband – online.

That way it’s a surprise when it arrives. I’m not a complete martyr though, I do get myself stuff too.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Mmm, let me think … about 40. BUT can’t wear half of the really high heels at the moment. I do intend wearing them again in the future, so refuse to throw them out (not sure if I’m in denial or not though!)

What was your worst holiday experience?

My last trip to California (where my husband is from). The holiday wasn’t the problem, the travel was! Dublin to London to San Franciso was so long and my son was only six months old at the time. He was great on the flights but I hate flying! So, while hubby and son snoozed away, I was envisioning all sorts of scary airplane movies!

Describe your dream holiday?

Me, hubby and son by a pool with a maid to do all the cooking and cleaning.

What would be your dream job?

Singing/acting a couple of days a week and teaching the DAS Academy kids a couple of days a week too – I have done both, but not together yet.

What do you plan to do when you retire?

IF I retire, which will probably only ever be part-time retirement, as I love singing, acting and teaching. I will travel, relax and spend time with my son and future children and me and my husband’s family.

liability.

As regards tax relief on your second home, the original allowance of seven years has now expired – the last two years being at 20% tax relief.

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

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

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CALL 60 10 240

20 GAZETTE 10 May 2012

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GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

New Astra lives RoadSigns Road Signs CORMAC CURTIS

Eircom calls on Kuga for its new fleet IRELAND’S leading telecom services provider, Eircom, has taken delivery of 20 new Ford Kuga Commercial vehicles for its national team of radio site engineers. The Kuga is powered by Ford’s efficient 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and has fourwheel drive capability, enabling the Eircom teams to gain easy access to off-road sites.

Michael Lynch, head of transport and logistics for Eircom, said: “Our teams need a tough, reliable vehicle in their daily work and the initial reaction to the new Kuga has been very positive. The Kuga has the right mix of style, versatility and toughness.”

Ford Ireland’s commercial vehicle sales and Marketing manager, Ciaran McMahon, said: “Our Kuga Commercial is the ideal stylish package for any business user who needs that little bit more muscle in their daily work. And with prices from €26,604, it truly is a great value package”.

Volkswagen claims number one spot VOLKSWAGEN Ireland has claimed the number 1 position in the Irish motor industry during April, with 867 registrations, a market share of 12.9%.

So far this year, Volkswagen has registered 6,513 vehicles representing a market share of 12.3%, up 0.5% (on 2011).

This performance places Volkswagen immediately behind Toyota, and suggests it is closing the gap.

Commenting on the figures, John Donegan, head of sales and marketing for Volkswagen Ireland said: “We are delighted with our performance during April and credit must go to our dealership network and their exceptional efforts.

“With a gap of just 200 registrations between Volkswagen Ireland and the top spot we will be doing our utmost to continue this strong performance in the second quarter of 2012 and maximise a strong order bank.”

Volkswagen Ireland’s strong performance is against the backdrop of an overall motoring industry that year to date is 7.2 % down on 2011 with April down 22% on April 2011.

EAR in, year out, car companies the world ove r t e a s e u s with incredible concept designs that they promise indicate the direction their latest models are following.

Unfortunately, year after year, what eventually rolls off the assembly line doesn’t quite live up to our, admittedly juvenile, expectations.

A certain part of every driver’s psyche (well, mine at least) wants to see a car that breaks the rules and doesn’t apologise for it.

I have an insatiable appetite for a car that has all the charm, character, looks and power of a James Bond villain, just in motoring form.

Something that really has a menacing personality.

So, when Opel released their concept images of the newest incarnation of the Astra GTC at the Paris Autoshow in 2010, not too many members of the motoring press held their breath in anticipation of the final product matching the beauty of the concept.

How wrong were we?

Very.

With the exception of the alloys and the racing seats featured in the pre-release images, the Opel Astra GTC is almost exactly as promised.

A s m a ny w i l l b e aware, the Astra hatchback has been held close to the hearts of many a young boy racer over the years.

And, as those boy racers have matured, Opel have kept a close eye on how the Astra has developed to match the needs and, indeed, the desires of their customers.

This time, though, the design team led by

Y

SPECS: OPEL ASTRA GTC 2.0-LITRE DIESEL SRI Engine: 2.0 CDTI Economy: 49.6mpg CO2 emissions: 127g Price: €27,995

Opel’s vice-president of design, Mark Adams, has produced something wonderful.

You simply can’t help but grin from ear to ear when you lay eyes on this car.

The contours appear to have been modelled on the lines in a speed tunnel, making the car’s profile similar to a cross section of an aeroplane’s wing.

This thing looks like it’s moving when it’s standing still.

External chrome has been kept to a stylish minimum – only appearing on the front grille and as a highlighting arc over the side windows.

The front lights have all the subtlety of a snarling panther, and, at night, the effect is exaggerated with some beautifully designed illumination.

Let’s just say you’ll notice this car from a mile off – and you will feel like giving it plenty of space and avoiding eye contact.

This Astra is also the first Opel coupe that offers an option of 20” alloy wheels the model I tested was sporting this option, and I couldn’t imagine the car without them.

The biggest issue for my kids is rear seats – do they have enough room, and can they buckle themselves in to their booster chairs?

In the Astra GTC, this was, surprisingly, absolutely no problem. Not only that, but, both kids could even flip the front seats for ward themselves to get out.

Practicality reaches further back in to the

The Astra GTC is well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the outside

car, as the boot provides between 380 and 1,165 litres of volume – over 200 litres more than some of the competition.

I was impressed with the high-quality materials that feature in all GTCs, and with the attractive chromeedged instruments in deep-set binnacles that give drivers clear and well laid-out information.

Standard on all GTCs are DAB stereo and USB functionality, while the SRi gets an onboard computer and leather-rimmed steering wheel.

My test car came in a beautifully striking Morello Red, and featured the

new premium leather trim, and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat.

I was relieved that the sports seats in this car were forgiving enough to allow me to drive in incredible comfort – which is not always the case with figure-hugging sports seats!

This car would not be complete without some serious performance ability – and the 2.0CDTi packs 165PS with an exceptionally strong 350Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm.

This helps it to a c h i e ve a 0 - 6 0 m p h time of just 8.4 seconds and 50-70mph in 6.4 seconds, together with a combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg

and emissions of just 127g/km.

In short, enough poke for some laugh-out-load fun on the road.

Driver comfort is further enhanced as the engine is bolted in position via hydraulicallydamped mountings that minimise vibration through the body structure. Opel’s Start/ Stop system is fitted to all 2.0-CDTi models as standard and works nicely.

So, there is a lot going on in the new Astra GTC, and it won me over quicker than it can reach 60mph.

It’s well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the outside!

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up to expectations

10 May 2012 GAZETTE 21

22 GAZETTE 10 May 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL

Edited by Mimi Murray

Enjoy non-stop Las Vegas casino action

Cancun is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Enjoy the crisp ocean air in Cape Cod

AMERICA: BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, FANTASTIC THEME PARKS AND CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Get away to the USA hether you’re looking to see the beauty of Cape Cod, get Mickey Mouse’s autograph, or chance your luck in the casinos, American Holidays have some great US offers at the moment.

W

Orlando and Clearwater Beach

Stay 10 nights at the 4-star Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando and four nights at the 4-star Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, with 14 nights car hire included, from only €1,049pp.

The Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando Hotel, located on Universal Boulevard, is just a quick walk from Orlando’s world-renowned International Drive. It offers an outdoor pool, fitness and business centres, and offers high-speed and wireless internet access.

Complimentary shuttles

whisk visitors from the hotel to SeaWorld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and the Disney and Universal Orlando theme parks.

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort stands on 10 acres of white-sand beach in Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, positioned adjacent to the resort, hosts nightly sunset celebrations.

The Show Queen Riverboat is docked two blocks from the hotel.

Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlando, 14 nights accommodation and 14 nights car hire with fully inclusive insurance.

Price based on two adults and two children sharing.

Boston and Cape Cod

Spend three nights in the 3-star Midtown Hotel Boston and four nights in the 3-star Cape Codder Resort and Spa Hyannis from only €1,219pp

Centrally located in downtown Boston, the Midtown Hotel blends comfort and convenience with affordability. This moderately priced hotel, nestling in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, puts the city at your doorstep.

Boston is an exciting city to visit and the Midtown Hotel is the place to stay.

At the award-winning Cape Codder Resort and Spa, enjoy the crisp ocean air and rolling sand dune scenery, providing numerous attractions, shopping and dining for its guests.

Comfortable lodgings and excellent restaurants are available as is fun for all the family in the complex’s amazing indoor wave pool.

Price includes: Return flights direct from Dublin to Boston with Aer Lingus, seven nights accommodation and four days car hire. Prices based on two adults sharing.

Orlando Stay and Western Caribbean Cruise

Stay five nights in the 3-star Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel and seven nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from only €1,329pp.

Take the family to Orlando this Christmas and stay in the Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel on the famous International Drive, within driving distance of Universal Orlando, Sea World, Walt Disney World Theme Parks and many other Orlando attractions. The hotel also provides a complimentary scheduled shuttle transportation service to each of these attractions.

The newly-enhanced Freedom of the Seas is a marvel of maritime engineering, packed with awesome innovations to stir your imagination. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theatre or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie

screen. Infuse colour into your cruise with the artworks of the BRITTO Gallery or with the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard.

Plus, enjoy all the revolutionary features Freedom of the Seas has always been known for - FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade, cantilevered whirlpools, mini-golf course, H2O Zone water park, and much more.

Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlando, five nights accommodation in Orlando, seven nights full-board cruise and taxes.

Excludes gratuities. Terms and conditions apply. Price based on two adults sharing.

Las Vegas and Cancun

Stay three nights in the 3-star Excalibur Hotel and seven nights in the 3-star Viva Wynham Maya in Cancun, Mexico from only €1,479pp.

Stay in royal accommodations in the Excalibur Hotel in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Excalibur offers everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel - from top-notch dining and entertainment, to non-stop Las Vegas casino action.

Surrounded by pristine beaches and submerged among coral reefs, the Viva Wynham Maya is enchanted by ancient Mayan ruins.

The all-inclusive resort experience shines with a seemingly endless array of exciting possibilities. Dine at one of seven restaurants, offering a tempting array of cuisines in a variety of beautiful settings.

Price includes: Return flights, internal flight, 10 nights accommodation and airport transfers in Cancun. Prices based on two adults sharing.

Call American Holidays to book on 01 6733800.

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT !

FOR ALL THE LATEST THEATRE, CINEMA, GAMING AND TECH NEWS

SEE THE GAZETTE

Seann William Scott and Jason Biggs explain to the rest of the gang what it felt like to have a career beyond the American Pie films. Out of shot, Chris Klein plots Rollerball 2.

This slice is stale Thirteen years after their first adventure, the American Pie gang are reunited, but they’ve left the charm behind I PAUL HOSFORD

AVENGERS Assemble may have announced the arrival of summer in cineplexes, but another reluctant team are coming together this week to fight off their own demons and play dress up.

Unfortunately for the cast of American Pie: Reunion, Joss Whedon didn’t work his magic on the fourth (or eighth, depending on whether you class direct to video sequels) instalment of the series.

Because, whereas the characters you know and love are back, they are basically the same people.

Sure, Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) are now parents of a two-year-old, Oz (Chris Klein) has become a sports caster with a blonde girlfriend ( 3 0 R o c k ’s K a t r i n a Bowden).

FILM OF THE WEEK: American Pie: Reunion ### (15) 113 mins Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg Starring: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Eugene Levy, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge

OUR VERDICT: ONLY nostalgia gets this film such a high score. A film without characters as warmly built and easily recognised may have dipped below three stars. That said, there are genuinely funny parts and some that are laced with the good-hearted sweetness that made the series so successful. It is definitely worth a watch, but not worth rushing to.

Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) has settled into the life of a househusband, Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is a welltravelled man of the world, Mena Suvari’s Heather is a doctor, Stif ler’s (Seann William Scott) still Stifler, and Tara Reid’s Vicky is... living in New York, which is all we learn, but that’s ok because her character was the worst.

So, 13 years after their graduation, the gang are back in town for a reunion and all ruminating on how their

lives haven’t gone as expected.

It’s an odd fit, trying to make a mid-life crisis comedy of a franchise that got famous for its unconventional use of baked goods.

So, we have the gang wistfully looking at the kids these days, wondering where their own youth has gone and alternately being their usual selves, which is the film’s biggest flaw.

Jim will have his customary mishap, Finch will become obsessive about a toilet, Oz and Heather will look at

each other doe-eyed, Stif ler will scam on younger girls and get the best lines, while Kevin and Vicky will continue to be massive, lumberingly unfunny, millstones around the neck of the franchise.

Directors Hur witz and Schlossberg created the Harold and Kumar series, itself a race-concious homage to American Pie, so you would feel that this project was right in their wheel-house.

Unfor tunately, the pair seem to have mistaken watching the first film for making the fourth.

Most of the jokes are callbacks to the original instalment, and nothing more than that.

The only character given room to grow is Jim’s Dad, played with typical dryness by Eugene Levy.

With his wife, Jim’s Mom, dead, his attempts

to get back into the dating game are peppered with brilliant Levy dialogue.

Of course, there is the inevitable meeting with Stifler’s Mom (Jennifer Coolidge) and the two play off each other magnificently.

But, this all feels like an afterthought. Like somewhere through filming, someone pointed out that Levy and Coolidge are two gifted comedians and the fans would probably like to see them get together.

The actors struggle manfully with the material and, to an extent, seeing characters that you have built a genuine affection for back on the screen isn’t the worst way to spend two hours, but that alone just isn’t enough.

This is why reunions are short-lived affairs; after the initial buzz of being back together, you realise why you left.

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Blackberry’s battle SHANE DILLON

IT’S not that long ago when the (then) ubiquitous Blackberry was half-jokingly referred to as the “Crackberry”, given its near-addictive hold over its owners, and their seemingly constant need to be toying with it, checking up on their emails.

Flash forward a few short years, and Blackberry’s maker, Research in Motion (RIM) faces terribly civilised barbarians at the gate, in the form of Apple and Samsung – but barbarians, nonetheless, threatening to hack and slash what remains of the Blackberry’s collapsed share of the mobile smartphone/ internet phone market.

In a bid to beat back its rivals’ ever-advancing pincer movements, RIM’s alchemists have emerged with the Blackberry 10 – an almost all-ornothing device that RIM hopes is the secret weapon it needs to guarantee its survival, or, at the very least, provide some market breathing space.

Of course, as an awful lot of current-gen Blackberry owners will tell you, there’s nothing very “wrong” with their devices – it’s just that the general expectation of the mass market for what their phones (at heart) can do has shifted, incrementally, with the public perception that, foot by foot, RIM has been left behind on the way to the all-conquering peak of

Research in Motion (RIM) chief, Thorsten Heins, unveils the Blackberry 10 (inset) at RIM’s annual BlackBerry World gathering in Orlando, last week

market dominance.

And so, the Blackberry 10 has a number of contemporary features, with de rigueur touchscreen helping to maximise a new OS aimed at keeping pace with its peers (assuming, of course, developers row in behind the new OS – given the

comparative paucity of Blackberry apps, they have to).

However, what’s most striking, from the prototype, is that the iconic ke y b o a r d h a s b e e n ditched, in line with modern smartphone stylings, helping to retool the Blackberry into a more

streamlined smartphone.

With shareholders fielding blows to stock values, profit warnings and its first quarterly loss, coupled with other woes, RIM’s bosses must be praying Blackberry 10 can beat back the hordes, or the Blackberry’s very future could be axed ...

Bytesandpieces Puppets string out a fun Fable FROM chicken-kicking to lute-playing, the Fable series of games has always had much more to do than merely saving the kingdom, for those looking for a dash of fun with their adventuring.

Now, building on the wellestablished world seen throughout the series, we’re presented with Fable Heroes, a not-entirely-obvious (but fun, nonetheless) title launching on XBox Live Arcade, priced 800 Microsoft points.

Adding to the rush of quality titles winging their way to Live Arcade, Fable Heroes sees bright, colourful and intensely competitive multiplayer action rolling out across the land of Albion, with puppet heroes joining forces to battle evil, level up their characters, unlock ever-greater weapons and powers and compete for gold rewards. As for any chicken-kicking – well, play the game to see ...

Anticipated with some puzzlement by the gaming press, the silly, cheeky and intense battles are lots of fun, presented with a gorgeous art style in the instantly memorable land of Albion. Boss battles, party games and side-scrolling action are certainly fun reasons to sally forth with your hero.

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26 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

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10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

WONDER WARD:

Portmarnock’s Ireland star on his hopes for Euro 2012: Page 29

GOLF: KELLOGG’S SKILLS COMPETITION TO TEST THE BEST OF COUNTRY’S GOLFERS

Challenge is set for Dublin’s golfing stars sport@gazettegroup.com

GOLFERS all over the city are being called upon to show their skills in a new initiative from the Golfing Union of Ireland and Kellogg’s.

The Kellogg’s NutriGrain Golf Skills Challenge competition, which is being run to mark a new partnership between the organisations, aims to find Ireland’s most skilled golfers.

There are seven skills involved in the challenge — driving, 135metre shot, pitching, up-and-down, bunker play, difficult lies and putting.

There will be a number of regional qualif ying events, from which qualifiers will progress to a national final.

These include qualifying events at Donabate Golf Club on Friday, June 22 and Hollystown Golf Club on Friday, August

10, prior to the national finat at the GUI National Golf Academy at Carton Demense.

Ireland rugby player and Kellogg NutriG r a i n a m b a s s a d o r, Rob Kearney, attended the launch of the new partnership at the GUI National Golf Academy, and said: “As a professional athlete, I fully appreciate the need to practise basic skills and drills day in, day out. If I could bring the disci-

Rob Kearney (right) with pro at the GUI Academy, Kenny Fahey, and Jim McNeill of Kellogg Ireland

pline and time I devote to r ugby to my golf game, I’m sure I could drop another few shots off my handicap.”

Speaking on behalf of the GUI National Golf Academy, Alan Kelly

said: “T he Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge presents golfers from around Ireland the opportunity to challenge themselves and really make all their practice pay off.

T he idea of skills challenge came about after we saw the reaction to our short game clinics over the last couple of years, and now we have the opportunity to establish the challenge

in golf clubs.”

The competition is open to all golfers over the age of 18, who have an official GUI or ILGU handicap. Online entry is available at w w w. learntogolf.ie.

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

GazetteSport Sport

Laura Byrne takes aim

Killester provided a testing opponent for Sports Club 15

Joanne Weller in action

Basketball Sports Club show their play-off skills S

PORTS Club 15 played out a lively division two play-off tie against Killester last Thursday night in Pobalscoil Iosolde, Palmerstown but ultimately missed out on the title on an 8-6 scoreline.

An excellent second quarter – with Joanne Weller, Julie Campbell and Laura Byrne all scoring baskets – had put Club 15 in the lead going into the second half.

But Killester bounced back with a couple of fine efforts – one in each of the third and fourth quarters – to swap the lead around.

It was Club 15’s very first year competing in Special Olympics’ basketball action and they acquitted themselves superbly over the season, reaching the play-off game after eight rounds of regular season matches.

The side was coached by Vicky Cahill and Derek Armstrong with the other team members being: Aisling O’Mahoney, Michelle McGeough, Lynn Armstrong, Edel Armstrong, Chloe McMullen and Alicia Powers.

Julie Carroll and Joanne Weller look on as Edel Armstrong drives for the basket. Pictures: Stephen Findlater

Julie Carroll looks for the pass

Sports Club 15 players discuss the next play

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

Green manifesto for Euro glory

FastSport

Stephen Ward is set to put a tough season behind him when he travels to Poland with Ireland for Euro 2012, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER AT TIMES, Stephen Ward has to pinch himself. His most vivid childhood memories were defined

by Ireland’s appearance in major international tournaments, but now he stands ready to take his European championships bow.

As a four-year-old, he remembers “causing carnage” at street parties in 1990. In 2002, his parents “allowed” him to skip a fifth-year engineering exam to watch Robbie Keane strike late for a 1-1 draw against Germany in the World Cup. Now, it is the Portmarnock man’s time to shine on the international stage.

Stephen Ward

Wolves’ relegation from the English Premier League means his focus is already firmly trained on Poland and, hopefully, Ukraine, with the time to create new memories on the agenda.

but I can still remember street parties, no cars and tables up the road. I knew something big was going on.

“From there, I remember where I was for all the games in 1994 and 2002.

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

‘There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you’

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

“Your best memories are when Ireland are in major tournaments,” he said at the launch of the FAI Summer Schools this week.

“I was only four in 1990

It’s a dream come true.

For kids growing up now, hopefully, this will be part of their memories and we can give them some of the highlights.”

Having such a carrot has offered some respite for Ward. He has played every minute of Wolves’ ultimately doomed campaign this term, one of the club’s top performers in an ultimately forgettable campaign.

Such setbacks, indeed, do not always lead to a loss of form. In 2002, Matt Holland bounced back from relegation with Ipswich to score for the Republic in their opening World Cup game against Cameroon.

It is an irony not lost on Ward when reminded of the stat: “I’d take that!

It’s not nice going as a relegated player.

“It’s been devastating, but the writing has been on the wall for a few weeks, so we’ve had a bit

of time to reflect on what has happened.”

Terr y Connor has offered Ward a chance to rest in recent weeks but is keen to finish off a complete season and build toward Poland.

It is quite the position to be in for the former Bohs’ man who opted to stay in Dublin at the start of his professional career rather than move across the water in his mid-teens, owing a lot to club mate, Kevin Doyle.

“I certainly don’t feel I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for the League of Ireland.

Opportunity “It definitely helped me grow up. Hand on heart, I don’t know how I would have reacted going away at 16, moving to an environment where everyone is trying to make it.

“Doyler opened a door for a lot of people with how easy he took to it in his first season. He keeps telling me I owe him! It is true, though.

“If he hadn’t gone over and done as well as he did, we wouldn’t have this opportunity. There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you.”

Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni was another to take a chance on Ward, and he has become a key player on the left in recent time.

So much so, he is now in a position to emulate the vintage of Jack Charlton’s 1-0 victory over Italy in 1994 – one Ward watched enthralled with 15 family members in his house.

“No one gave us a chance in that game, and no one will do that against Spain. I know it’s a different scale, but you look at what Chelsea did to Barcelona, it can happen – these teams can be beaten. In the last World Cup, Spain lost to Switzerland and went on to win it.

“They can slip up and, hopefully if they do, it will be against us. I think we can shock a lot of people.

Not many people will give us a chance of getting out of our group. I think that will suit us.

“We always seem to do well with an underdog tag. We’re going there with a world-class manager. Qualifying is down to him and the way he prepares us. Obviously there are better technical teams in the tournament – Spain and Italy are among the best teams in the world. But when it comes to 90 minutes, we can make it really tough for anyone.

“The first game will be vital but if we’re still in contention coming into the Italy game, we’ll have a great chance of progressing. After that, you just hope you can go as far as possible.”

GOAL calls on Transition students to get active TRANSITION year students throughout Dublin are being challenged to take on their teachers as part of a new annual multi-sport challenge taking place during May in aid of humanitarian agency, GOAL. Launched nationwide last week, the GOAL Sports Challenge provides all schoolchildren — from junior infants right up to Leaving Certificate level – with the opportunity to compete against each other in a wide range of popular sports and games.

The event is aimed at boosting fitness levels amongst children and teenagers, and raising money and awareness for some of GOAL’s programmes for vulnerable children throughout the developing world.

Teachers are also being encouraged to participate, by either taking part in as many events as they can, or by arranging and supervising games for the younger children.

“We expect the students versus the teachers event, in sports like rugby, soccer, Gaelic football or hurling to capture the imagination of most schools, but we have proposed a number of other games, such as skipping, hula-hoop rolling, long puck and long kick events, GOAL miles and relays as types of events that will suit boys and girls of all ages and fitness levels,” said GOAL’s development education officer, Maeve Seery.

“However, schools are more than welcome to come up with their own ideas, too.

“We have also suggested Friday, May 11, as a day to hold the GOAL Sports Challenge, but it may be easier for schools to run the event at another time, whether it is during a sports day, a lunch break, or even a PE class.”

Participating children and teachers are being encouraged to donate whatever they can afford towards GOAL. For more information, including tips and guidelines for individual games, students and teachers should log on to www.goal.ie, or call Maeve at GOAL on 01-2809 779.

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 May 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Lavery claims victory in Hammond road race COOLMINE man Philip Lavery claimed victory last week in impressive fashion in Roundwood as he took the main prize from the Noel and Kieran Hammond Memorial road race, organised by Orwell Wheelers cycling club.

It continued an excellent run of form for the 21-year-old Node 4 Giordana rider, who recently stormed home in the Peter Bidwell Memorial in Drogheda, having too much to spare over the chasing group to cross the line on his own.

He added the Hammond title a day later, beating a field of club, semi-professional and Irish pro riders. Nonetheless, it showed his top conditioning and that he avoided any trouble in what is a tricky course. He got in the breakaway group, a vital move in the ultimate run of things “The guys I was with, some of them are working a job but I would definitely respect them. They are capable of beating you, especially in a one-on-one situation.

“You look at, say, Greg Swinand who was in the break. He’s a very strong rider and he works and he has kids. If he gets out for three hours in a day he probably has to sacrifice something to be able to do that. If I go out for three hours I’m worried I didn’t do enough that day.”

“So being full time, I have to take on that kind of a race, take responsibility and obviously Connor [McConvey of An Post-Sean Kelly, also in the break] would be the same.”

It brought his tally to five wins in Ireland and one in Britain in the early stages of 2012 and it has set him up nicely for the year.

“This whole year has been about getting myself confident again and winning. Last year [when riding with An Post-Sean Kelly], I would go to the smaller races and not be focussed on winning. But now I’m determined to build up the confidence. And it’s about not being afraid to lose as well; to either a big rider or a county rider. I like to win races. It’s what I like the best about cycling.”

AFL: WEST DUBLIN SIDE REVERSE RECENT RUN WITH VICTORY

West Dublin Rhinos faced off against Dublin Dragons at ALSAA last weekend. Picture: Lynn Walsh

Rhinos bounce back to win sport@gazettegroup.com

THEY say that a win is a win.

And getting a win on the board, arresting a run of three losses on the bounce, will have come as a relief for the West Dublin Rhinos.

However, they made hard work of what many had thought would be a routine win over the Dublin Dragons at ALSAA at the weekend.

Once again, the Rhinos offence failed to fire, as their ferocious defence led the way to eke out an 8-6 win to put themselves back into the play-off hunt in the IAFL North.

T he game star ted brightly enough for the Rhinos, with penalties and some solid running putting them within 20 yards of a score. However, Stephen Macken found himself intercepted on the Dragons’ goal line.

With the defence taking the field with a long field to defend, the Rhinos rampaged, forcing false-start penalties and ferocious tackles, before an errant snap led to a safety, putting the Rhinos 2-0 up.

From there, the game entered a familiar pattern, with the Rhinos O starting and stopping, the D making big plays and

not allowing the Dragons an inch.

After a long drive, the Rhinos managed to punch the ball in late in the second quarter, with Robert Pops slaloming through the Dragons D before stretching out to pierce the goal line.

Pops played like a man possessed all day and his touchdown was reward for his effort.

A high snap meant the point after wasn’t kicked and the subsequent pass was dropped at the back of the endzone.

That left the Rhinos with an 8-0 at the break, and the Dragons still very much in the game.

On the first drive of the second half, Macken was picked off, leading to a six-point runback and the Dragons given a chance to tie the game.

The Rhinos D, as it would all day, stood firm and stopped the run, leaving the visitors just two points ahead.

That settled a pattern in the game, with the Rhinos trying to figure out ways to move the ball, while the Dragons were wondering what hit them.

Adam Skelly ripped a ball clean from a Dragon receiver, Dan Breslin picked off Murphy, Nick Newby stripped the ball

out to force a fumble and the Rhinos were getting production all over the D. However, a late deep pass left the Dragons with nothing but endzone, and a win, in front of them.

That was before a magnificent strip by Dan Breslin turned the ball over just 18 yards from the line.

The Rhinos were able to chew up some clock from there, but a late Dragons surge forced the Rhinos to give one last stand. That was achieved as Barry Bolton made a huge tackle to seal the win and keep the Rhinos hopes of the post-season alive.

Scoil Setanta draw with Drimnagh sport@gazettegroup.com

POBAIL Scoil Setanta played out an incredible tie with Drimnagh Castle in the Alf O’Connell League last week when the pair ended locked on 59 runs each from their allotted overs.

Amid damp outfield conditions in Porterstown Park, it was never likely to be a highscoring affair, but it did not deter Setanta from opting to bat first when they won the toss.

T heir opening batsmen

started well, setting up a good partnership before Drimnagh Castle’s bowlers then started to find their range with Luke Kelly taking three quick wickets, with Mehdi Hasan taking a catch and Ben Biju weighing in with a sharp stumping.

In the end, some great batting from Ahmed Fazal brought the total to 59 runs.

It looked a tricky, rather than imposing, target for Drimnagh to chase down but when Shahzaib Malik took two wickets in the first over, they were under serious pressure.

Kelly and Kevin George steadied the innings and allowed the runs to build. A couple of boundaries by Vaibhav Khatri made the target more realistic, but excellent bowling from Malik, Ahmed Fazal and Saud Qazi did not allow the visitors to ever get truly on top of the total.

It left Drimnagh needing eight runs in the final over, and they just managed to scramble level from the last ball, David Sajan hitting a single to tie the match up.

Kelly carried his bat for the

20 overs, clipping 17 to steady the ship and earn a share of the spoils.

10 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: THIRD NATIONAL TITLE IN A DECADE .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S PRIDE of place this week goes to our

executive will be double checking

U-14 A footballers who won the Divi-

all players have paid this week.

sion 1 Feile over the weekend.

The annual club golf classic takes

Well done also to our U-14B team

place in Royal Tara on May 25. Team

who just missed out on a semi-final

entry is €400, while tee boxes and

spot. Well done to all our U-14 A and

greens can be sponsored for €200

B players and mentors: You con-

or €100. For more information, con-

tinue to represent the club with

tact Phil on 086 773 3693.

pride.

Club Lotto is still € 15,000 and

Big week of adult hurling this week,

takes place in the Vineyard this

with our seniors, inters and juniors

Thursday. Our deepest sympa-

all in championship action.

thies are extended to the Clifford

Final call for club snooker tournament on our new full-sized table.

family on the sad passing of Paddy this week.

Text your name to 087 633 9238 to

New players are always welcome,

enter. First prize of €100, sponsored

please contact our club coach, Paul

by TalentBase.

on 087 915 4748.

Membership deadline for players has now passed. Members of the

Send your match repor ts and photos to info@stbrigidsgaa.com!

ST PEREGRINE’S Dublin manager Jim Gavin and team captain Kevin O’Brien with the All-Ireland trophy

Dublin secure AllIreland U-21 crown ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINAL Dublin Roscommon

2-12 0-11

I sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S Philly Ryan played his part for the Dublin U-21s when he helped Dublin to claim the county’s third Clark Cup with victory over Roscommon in Tullamore last Sunday, adding to the Sky Blues’ success at this level in 2003 and 2010.

The Dubs finished like a freight train to capture the title, with m a n a g e r J i m G av i n becoming the first Dublin manager to lead the county to two AllIreland glories, having managed the team in 2010.

Dublin led 1-5 to 0-6 at the interval thanks in part to the clinical accuracy of Paul Hudson. Indeed, it was the Thomas Davis sniper whose goal in added time in the first half that proved to be the

only major of the first half, after he skillfully jab-lifted the ball before rifling to the roof of the Roscommon net.

The goal arrived in the 32nd minute when John Kelly’s delivery was broken down by Ciaran Kilkenny, and Hudson showed terrific guile to find the net.

The Dubs could really have held a stronger advantage, but failed to convert possession into scores, and were guilty of not combining to telling effect up front as the Rossies dominated territory and possession for the first 30 minutes.

Roscommon threw caution to the wind after the restart and were rewarded with four points without reply as the lively Donie Smith (two), Cian Connolly and Colin Compton were all on target.

But when his side needed him most, Emmet O’Conghaile regained a foothold for

the Dubs at centrefield, while the introduction of Paddy O’Higgins, like nearly all the substitutions, helped to turn the balance of power the way of Gavin’s men in a frenetic second half.

At the back, the likes of team captain, Kevin O’Brien, and Sean George kept their opponents at bay with some heroic defending.

Now on the front foot, Dublin began to open up Roscommon with some direct running from the likes of Gary Sweeney and sub Harr y Dawson and, over the concluding ten minutes, Dublin hit 1-6 without reply as they turned on the turbo drive to finally shake off a very committed Roscommon side.

Ciaran Kilkenny put in an excellent last ten minutes, while centreback John Kelly’s points summed up the “never say die” attitude of the Dublin team as they

stretched themselves to the limit to capture victory.

Deep in injury time, Paul Mannion raised Dublin’s second green flag after being denied at the original attempt, to add All-Ireland glory to Dublin’s provincial success.

SCORERS: Dublin: P Hudson 1-4, C Kilkenny 0-4 (0-1f), P Mannion 1-0, P Ryan, J Kelly, G Seaver, H Dawson 0-1 each. Roscommon: D Smith 0- 4 (0-2f ), C Compton 0-3 (0-1f), D Keane, C Connolly 0-2 each.

DUBLIN - JB Carthy; S George, K O’Brien, M Concar, L Fletcher, J Kelly, J McCaffrey, E O’Conghaile, C Reddin, G Sweeney, D Byrne, M Schutte, P Hudson, P Ryan, C Kilkenny.

S u b s : P M a g u i re fo r Schutte (ht), G Seaver for Byrne (34), H Dawson for Ryan (41), P O’Higgins for Reddin (42), P Mannion for Hudson (58).

WELL done to our Feile boys team

from young and local band, Piosa

who battled hard last weekend,

Ceoil.

thanks to all the volunteers who

Tesco for Schools initiative is now

made the weekend such a success.

up and running; please see club-

Great win by our minor hurlers

house for details.

last Sunday morning. All the best to

Club shop vouchers are now avail-

Eric Lowndes on his recovery from

able. Details and contacts on the

injury. Senior ladies have their first

club website, cnp.ie, which will be

championship games away to Tho-

finished shortly.

mas Davis.

Congrats to Paul and Anne on their recent marriage.

Lotto: Jackpot was not won. Numbers drawn were 2,9, 20 and 22.

Next week’s jackpot is €2,800.

En ter t ainmen t this S atur da y

Follow us on Twitter @peregrinesgaa.

Bingo continues every Wednesday night in the clubhouse from 8.30pm and this week’s jackpot is €1,400.

Club monster draw has been put back until June 30.

WEESTMANSTOWN GAELS THE ladies led the way with a good win

Training for men’s teams is on Tues-

away to Naomh Mearnog in the cup

day night at 7pm, and the intermedi-

last Monday night, and followed up

ates have a challenge match away to

with a draw in the league at home to

Ballyboden this Thursday night at

Clan na Gael on Wednesday evening.

7.15pm.

The Ladies next Championship

The U-8 and U-9 Gaels hurlers won

fixture is at home to Ballinteer St

their respective fixtures v Cuala and

John’s, with training on Saturday

Ballinteer.

morning at 9am.

The Bank Holiday Feile weekend saw

The junior 1s championship fixture

the U-14 footballers win their group

with St James Gaels was rained off

but lose out to eventual divisional

and has been refixed for Tuesday,

winners, St Sylvester’s, in their

May 15, at 7pm.

semi-final.

The junior 2s lost to St Oliver Plun-

Many thanks to Feile Weekend

kett’s at home in their championship

organiser Colm McNichol and his

match last Thursday night.

team of volunteers.

CASTLEKNOCK WELL done to the adult C footballers

played very well and represented

on their championship win over St

the club very well in the Feile last

Maur’s.

weekend.

Our U-11 boys had great success on

Congratulations to Ciaran and the

Sunday last in the Dermot McNulty

U-21 Dubs on their All-Ireland win

Hurling Tournament.

on Sunday. Our Oiche Comhra has

Well done to all the U-14 boys who

started with great success.

ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

ROCKING RHINOS: Local gridiron team slay Dragons in IAFL North tie P30

MAKING MEMORIES: Ward spies potential Euro surprise package P29

GazetteSPORT

The victorious St Brigid’s footballers celebrate their success in the Dublin Feile Division 1 final at Parnell Park. Picture: Chris Lynam

MAY 10, 2012

Super Saints soar to football Feile Russell Park club produce five cracking wins to take the Dublin Feile na nGael football title in Parnell Park blanchardstownsport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S U-14 footballers saved their best for last as they powered to the Division 1 Feile Crown in Parnell Park last Sunday and will now go on to represent Dublin at All-Ireland medal.

Having topped their group on Saturday with wins over Ballyboden St Enda’s, Thomas Davis and Ballinteer St John’s they produced an excellent semi-final showing against Na Fianna.

Six unanswered points in the closing quarter saw the Russell Park win out 0-8 to 0-3, having trailed with ten minutes remaining.

But an inspirational long range free from Kevin Callaghan set the side up perfectly for a storming second late run with Mark Donnelly, George Mukete, Tiernan Glynn and Jack O’Neill helping to transform the tie.

It paired Brigid’s with St Sylvester’s – the other side in the competition with an unbeaten record – in what was something of a surprise

package, beating the fancied Na Fianna and Clontarf en route to the final.

But the Dublin 15 side was in irresistible form in the final, never trailing, as Johnny McGuirk put them in front with a goal in the opening minute from a free.

Syl’s battled well to level at 1-1 to 0-4 on the quarter hour but a power packed finish to the opening period saw Brigid’s end up 1-6 to 0-4 leaders at half-time.

Pressure Callaghan and O’Neill were covering a serious amount of ground in the middle third while Mark Donnelly and Michael Courtney were causing all sorts of problems.

McGuirk kept the scoreboard ticking over with some lovely frees. Both wing forwards Donnacha Ryan and Glynn were working their socks off as Sylvester’s found the pressure too intense.

In defence, Cian O’Sullivan held the middle well with Syl’s only playing five forwards.

He organised all around him to stop the quick breakout.

Malachy Tighe was immense in defence in his defensive and attacking duties. Jack Barr put in a dogged and determined display stopping all comers down his wing.

Darragh McKenna was brilliant again at full-back. No man could get any change out of him and he drove the team forward at several stages. David Hawkshaw, still only 12-yearsold was immense, his tackling and driving runs pushing the team forward.

The bench also had a telling effect as George Mukete proved unmarkable when entering the fray in the final.

The second half started in similar fashion to the end of the first as two points from Michael Courtney edged Brigid’s further ahead. A penalty in the 32nd minute from Mark Donnelly sealed the title by an impressive 2-10 to 0-5 victory.

The side are now looking forward to the National Feile in June.